LAMPLIGHTER Fall 2018
Long Range Planning: Mission Minded by Kristi Meyer In its current form, the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) has existed at St. John’s since May 2016. St. John’s members might wonder what the committee has done in those two years. No building expansion plans have been presented to the congregation for approval. No timeline for breaking ground or completion of construction has been shared. No financial commitments have been requested. Although it may look like the work of the LRPC has stalled, nothing could be further from the truth. In Fall 2017, the LRPC hosted several congregational listening sessions. These listening sessions served a dual purpose: to gather feedback from congregation members and to remind members why potential facility expansion is being discussed. “The main reason to be thinking about long range planning is to re-energize our spirit of mission mindedness,” says Pastor Joel Leyrer. “We wish to continually reach out to the community with the gospel message of Jesus Christ.” To that end, the LRPC used feedback from the listening sessions to prioritize needs for space at both church and school. At the June voters’ meeting, committee chairman Jon Johnson presented potential conceptual architectural drawings. These drawings reflect a desire to consider both our church and school ministries when planning for future expansion. At church, there is insufficient after-service gathering space in the narthex. In addition, the restroom facilities are in need of expansion and updating, and office space for our current pastoral and administrative staff is being stretched beyond its capacity. Although these needs might seem low on the priority list, Pastor Leyrer believes
they are crucial to our ministry. “Increased fellowship space would allow us to cultivate a stronger sense of family and community among us. That’s why we’re looking at reconfiguring our existing narthex as well as updating and expanding our restrooms.” Across the street, a lack of space due to current school enrollments and a desire to expand our childcare are two of the main factors shaping our school expansion plans. “When we built our school facility, we intentionally built it to reach out to the community,” explains Pastor Leyrer. “We would again like to have the space and opportunity to reach out with Christ to those at a tender age.” Expansion would provide the space needed in childcare to accommodate more families who may be searching for a church home. In line with this overall emphasis, one exciting new initiative kicks off this fall. Mrs. Carrie Henning, our K3 teacher, is beginning a Mornings with Mommy program (sjtosa.org/ MorningswithMommy). This program offers age appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Mornings with Mommy is being held in the current K3 classroom, but a dedicated space would likely allow this program to grow and extend its reach further than currently possible. The LRPC will share further information with the congregation this fall. Look for an update on Unity Sunday, and watch for announcements of additional listening sessions this upcoming semester. Through the support of the congregation, we look forward to continuing our ministry mindset at St. John’s and using all our resources to spread the gospel message to those around us.
P a s t o r ’s C o r n e r
Pastor Leyrer Celebrates 20 Years in the Ministry On August 9, 1998, Pastor Joel Leyrer was installed at St. John’s. Because this summer marks 20 years of ministry for Pastor Leyrer at St. John’s, the Communications Committee asked him to look back on those 20 years of ministry in this installment of the Pastor’s Corner. We are grateful to Pastor Leyrer for sharing his reflections and invite you to join us in giving thanks for his ministry—past, present, and future—at St. John’s. and our youngest was entering second grade. In the two decades since, we’ve watched each of them “grow up” and transition through the various stages of life into adulthood. Our family has also increased through their marriages, and Lorna and I have been blessed to enter the hallowed rank of grandparents.
Among the points made by the Apostle Paul to the people of Athens is that God alone directs our steps and determines when and where we will live (Acts 17:26). Pastors probably know that as well as anyone. After 17 years of ministry in three different locations, 20 years ago God determined that the Leyrer family would call Wauwatosa our home and St. John’s our congregation. We’ve been here ever since. And we’ve been blessed beyond measure. On a personal level, twenty years encompasses a host of life changes for our family. When we first arrived, the oldest of our five children was just beginning college
On a ministry level, twenty years is a collage of congregational events and changes. But most of all, it represents being with God’s people at various stages in their lives. Baptisms. Confirmations. Graduations. Weddings. Hospital visits. Christian victory services. Happy times. Sad times. The blessing of being involved in the spiritual life cycle of God’s people at St. John’s for twenty years is, by far, that for which Lorna and I are most grateful. The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus observed that no person steps in the same river twice, because it is never the same river and they are never the same person. Anyone reflecting on a personal passage of time of any length understands that. Time marches on, and changes in both our lives and our circumstances are constant. And yet, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). For the twenty years of his changeless grace and the promise of living in it for all eternity—to God alone the glory.
Congregational Memories from Pastor Leyrer’s Ministry In addition to asking Pastor Leyrer to look back on his 20 years of ministry at St. John’s the Communications Committee also invited current and former St. John’s members to share their thoughts, stories, and memories of Pastor Leyrer and his St. John’s ministry. We had a wonderful response and received many more quotes than we have space for here! To read the rest, visit www.sjtosa.org/AnniversaryQuotes. I always look forward to seeing Pastor Leyrer in the narthex on Sunday morning. His calm demeanor and gentle smile set the tone for the morning. And, I wait for a bit of wit to delight me. When he preaches, I know I will hear the true word of God, both law and gospel. We are truly blessed to have this man of God serving our congregation.—Yvonne Quint
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Pastor’s Corner
When [my son] Aidan was still alive, he used to call Pastor Leyrer God. When Aidan died I said to Pastor: “Wouldn’t it be something if when Aidan arrived in Heaven he discovered God looks like you?” To which Pastor Leyrer replied: “I sure hope not.” J —Carol (Willick) Stearns continued on page 3
P a s t o r ’s C o r n e r I go “way back.” Jim and I were members here at St. John’s when Pastor Leyrer accepted the congregation’s call, coming from the church in Jim’s hometown of Sleepy Eye, MN. I have many wonderful memories of great sermons and Bible classes. Pastor Leyrer had a special senior citizen Bible class which met each week at Harwood Place. Under his leadership we had great memorable discussions among many dear senior friends, most of whom are now in heaven with the Lord. Pastor Leyrer’s fun sense of dry humor always added a special light touch to our serious discussions. I treasure these wonderful memories. —Helen Albrecht [referring to the number of calls St. John’s extended in the late 1990s before Pastor Leyrer accepted the call to St. John’s]: In the NFL draft, there have been some outstanding players drafted as the 21st to 24th choice. Among them are Lynn Swan, Andre Rison, Michael Oher, and of course Aaron Rodgers! Pastor Leyrer is the best 22nd choice St. John’s has ever made!—Lyle Haferman Janice and I are no longer members of St. John, having moved to California upon my retirement from the Seminary in 2004. But I do have one very vivid memory of Pastor Leyrer. In what he knew was our final Easter at St. John’s, he invited me to preach for the Easter Festival services. Easter may well be a pastor’s favorite Sunday to preach in the whole year. Pastors are not likely to give up the pulpit on that day. That’s why, in all my 20 years at the Seminary, I had not had the opportunity to preach on Easter Sunday. Then Pastor Leyrer asked me, “Would you like to preach?” I jumped at the chance and will always remember Pastor Leyrer’s kindness in asking me to do this.—Pastor David Valleskey The summer that Pastor Leyrer came to St. John’s, I was a college student and was helping to organize Vacation Bible School. My very first memory of Pastor Leyrer—and what he has termed “possibly his first official pastoral act at St. John’s”—was him emerging out of a paper mache log cabin in the Fellowship Hall dressed as Davy Crockett. He has since commented that he was simultaneously wondering what he had gotten himself into by accepting the call to St. John’s. —Kristi Meyer
Pastor Leyrer often led faculty Bible studies. One particular day, he spoke these words, “Your call is a privilege. A gift from God. Though your ministry may change over time, always complete it with joy and gratitude, because God has called you for this purpose.” I have carried his words with me since that day, and am grateful for the reminder. —Becky Lindenberg Pastor Leyrer, Dave and I have been truly blessed to work side by side with you for 20 years here at St. John’s. You have led us through many Bible classes at church and in faculty studies. You have kept us rooted in his Word for many years and we have been so blessed by your guidance. Lorna, you have become more like family to us and been our “go to” as we raised our kids. From throwing our first baby shower at church to being there as they graduate from high school, we have been so touched by your care. And Chris . . . just what would Coach do without your basketball help? We do enjoy that you love the sport and our Crusaders! From all six of these Leyrers to you Leyrers . . . Thank you for all you have done here and may we have many more years to do his work together. —Dave & Dana, Hannah, Jake, Emily & Ryan Leyrer Small things do not go unnoticed by Pastor Leyrer. His gift for observation has led to conversations and sermons connecting God’s message of love, forgiveness and grace to whatever is going on in our life. God’s blessings as you continue serving him at St. John’s! —Debbie & Ray Stamm Pastor Leyrer is one of the best readers of Scripture I have ever heard. I could listen to him read the Bible all day long! Something I love about Pastor Leyrer is his ever calm, pastoral leadership. He has been a great, great blessing to St. John’s. One of my favorite Pastor Leyrer quotes is something he always says at a funeral, which is so true: “We all take our turn at the front of the church.”—Carla Martin There were some difficult times that Pastor has been there for us, and one thing I distinctly remember him saying was to take things “one day at a time.” —Jeff Scheibe
Pastor’s Corner
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Board of Education
Sharing God’s Blessings by Kristi Meyer
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Board of Education
Jon Phillips
Kerry Kuehn
Adam Greggs
Lau Fund contributors recognize the value of Christian education and are grateful to be able to support this education for others. “There was a time in our lives when we needed the Lau Fund to provide our children with a Christian education,” says one St. John’s couple. “We are so thankful that we received the help we did, and now it is our turn to help other families who might need it.” Another couple initially thought about sending their
School tuition covers 1/3 of the cost to educate a child at St. John’s. Congregational support covers the remaining 2/3. The congregation’s support of Christian education extends beyond the Lau Fund. School tuition only covers about 1/3 of the cost of educating a child, with the remaining 2/3 of the cost paid by the congregation. “In essence, all of our school families are receiving tuition assistance because of the way our congregation supports ministry,” says Pastor Eric Schroeder. “In those cases where there’s still a gap between what people can afford to pay and what the tuition cost is, it’s such a blessing to be able to close that gap through the generosity of God’s people.” By God’s grace, St. John’s offers a quality Christian education to our young people. This quality Christian education wouldn’t be possible without the support of the congregation—both through weekly offerings and through special gifts to the Lau Fund. If you’d like more information on the Lau Fund, please contact the church office.
Pete Stauffer
The Lau Fund was created in the late 1990s to provide tuition assistance for students attending St. John’s, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, or Wisconsin Lutheran College. “The Lau Fund began as a tribute to Mr. Theodore Lau, who was principal of our grade school for a long time [1951-1976],” says one St. John’s member who regularly contributes to the fund. “How fitting that this fund promotes and supports a Christian education for students in Mr. Lau’s memory.” Another St. John’s member and contributor to the Lau Fund is equally thankful for Mr. Lau’s leadership: “I knew Principal Lau personally while he was in charge of guiding many young Christians—including my own children—through St. John’s school. On his departure to be with Jesus, the Lau Fund was established to provide a Christian education for those who could not otherwise afford it.”
children to public school because of the cost of tuition. “However, now we are financially stable enough not only to pay for their tuition, but have extra money to contribute to other families who don’t have the financial resources. Isn’t it great when you put your trust in God, he not only provides, but also allows you to share in his blessings?”
Troy Schulz
The school year started just a few weeks ago, but school preparation began long before that. For some St. John’s families, back to school also brings tuition payments that stretch these families beyond their current financial means. Thankfully, because of the generosity of congregation members, help is available through the Lau Fund.
Board of Outreach
St. John’s Welcomes New Staff by Angela Ebeling
Patty Schwabe
Christina Wilke
Childcare Director
Piano Teacher
Ben Haferman
Kurt Handeland
Dan Ebeling
Patty enjoys leisurely nature walks, singing in the Zumba class at the WAC, browsing for books at the library, camping with her family, and attending musicals (if you have extra tickets to the PAC let her know!). Her favorite song is “This is Me” from the movie Greatest Showman on Earth. They have a pet rabbit Ozzie and a small orchard that her husband enjoys tending. As the director of the St. John’s childcare she plans to put a strong emphasis on enjoying the outdoors, exposing the students to good literature, and play. Patty is extremely excited to share her love for Jesus with the students this year.
Christina was born in Manitowoc, but shortly after that her family moved to Overland Park, Kansas. However, she spent the majority of her childhood growing up in New Ulm, MN, so that is where she considers home. Her parents are both called workers and she is extremely close to her three sisters. Christina attended Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm and obtained her undergraduate degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While living in Austin she taught early childhood at the school that is connected with the church. Not surprisingly, music has always been a huge part of Christina’s life. She has been playing both violin and piano since she was 4 years old—almost 20 years! Her hobbies include working out, going to concerts and sporting events, cooking and baking, playing the piano and violin, spending time with family, and watching movies. Her favorite movie is Toy Story. St. John’s is thankful to Christina for teaching our students piano this coming year. Say hi to her when you have a chance!
Brett Taylor
Patty has lived and taught in Chicago (teaching early childhood at St. Andrew’s), Japan (teaching missionary children), Ireland, Australia, and Calvary, Thiensville, WI. Her career then took a 20 year path in inner city teaching, including supervising teachers and being a reading specialist. She has been married to husband Paul for 20 years and they have two daughters—Madelyn, who attends the University of Minnesota’s nursing school, and Miriam, who is a senior at Menomonee Falls High School.
Christina Wilke is excited to be giving piano lessons at St. John’s this coming school year. She and her husband, Craig, moved back to Wisconsin from Austin, TX in August after his vicar year at Holy Word Lutheran Church. They will be living in Mequon this year while her husband finishes his final year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary.
Jim Schneiker
St. John’s welcomes Patty Schwabe as the new childcare director this year. Patty is a Milwaukee native and, although she has lived in many places throughout the world over the course of her life, is living once again in Menomonee Falls. She graduated from DMLC (Dr. Martin Luther College) in New Ulm, MN and her first call was to Redding, CA (where the Carr wildfire occurred this summer).
Board of Outreach
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Board of Outreach
Mission Trip: Demonstrating Faith, Love, and Kindness by Chloe Todor This year’s mission trip was very eventful, and it all started early Saturday morning with a long 16 hour road trip to Illumine Church in Rock Hill, SC. Sunday morning, arriving for church services, Pastor Reeder and the church members greeted us with open arms. That night we enjoyed a bonfire at a member’s house, played games and ate s’mores. Chloe Todor (pictured left) with fellow St. John’s student volunteers on the South Carolina mission trip.
Here is a look into what goes into a day at science camp. Every morning, chores are first on the list with a devotion afterwards led by Pastor Reeder. Soon a rush of little kids come in to listen to Pastor Reeder, dressed up like an astronaut, who introduces the topic of the day with his handy sidekick Lumo the robot. Groups then separate, heading to different stations, experimenting, making rockets and a sun out of art supplies, playing a fun games outdoors, and devouring all kinds of delicious intergalactic snack foods. The groups come together at the end of each day for a final review and song time. After camp, the St. John’s teens and chaperones had time to have some fun relaxing at the pool, the lake, tubing down the river and riding roller coasters at Carowinds Amusement Park. We were blessed with two other opportunities to demonstrate our faith, love, and kindness by canvassing for a new church starting in Huntersville, NC and by finding and playing games with a larger than expected turnout of families coming to the Ice Cream Social put on at Illumine. The night that a lot of us teens put time and effort into is the talent show and video competition. Andy Strautmann sung an amazing rendition of Uptown Girl by Billy Joel, winning the talent show. There were also videos such as America’s Next Superstar and the Bachelor, to name a few. There was not a dry eye in the house that night from so much laughing! After all the fun we had it was time to head back. We stopped at Looking Glass Falls sliding rock, a natural slide down a huge rock formation on our way to Cincinnati, our place to rest for the night on the drive home. I don’t think I could ever thank the host families and the church members enough for what they did for us: giving us a place to stay and great food to eat! We are truly blessed with the friendships that we have made while we have been down there, and they will always be in our prayers.
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Board of Outreach
Board of Outreach
The Best Week of the Year by Evan Willick July 6-14, 2019. Mark your calendars—it’s the best week of the year (aka mission trip week 2019). Our dear old St. John’s has been putting on mission trips for the past 4 years, and my brother Christian and I have been mission trip participants since the very beginning. We would recommend them to anyone we meet! Going to South Carolina or Canada for a little over a week for a little over $100 is not only a great opportunity to see more of the world and meet new people, but it also has proven to be the most rewarding experience of my life. As a future teacher I am unbelievably happy for this experience. I think it gives a lot of practical insight as far as working with groups of kids and parents, which is hard to get in another setting. The mission trip I took part in this year was a weeklong trip to Mississauga, Ontario, Canada to help coach Cross of Life’s annual kids’ soccer camp. The kids look forward to camp all year, and we even met a few kids who came from as far as Hong Kong. They come back every year because they love the camp so much, and hearing that these kids come so far every year just for a week of soccer absolutely astonished me. It shows how important these types of camps are to these people! Some of these families come from halfway across the world to hear the message of God’s grace and play a game with other people who share in that faith. And to be able to serve in that role, to spend time with these children on the soccer field, and to share that life-giving, all-important message of Jesus’ love with their families, that is a truly humbling and fulfilling experience.
Evan Willick leads a drill at Cross of Life’s soccer camp in Ontario.
To all the youth of St. John’s, as well as everyone else, mark your calendars for July 6-14, 2019! The best week of 2019 will be July 6-14 for St. John’s and in turn for the people we encounter. It’s only possible because of the young volunteers who give of their time for this week, because of the thoughts, prayers and offerings of our brothers and sisters at St. John’s and around the world, and because of the grace of our loving God who gives us the time and opportunity to serve him and be thoroughly enriched in this way.
Board of Outreach
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Board of Stewardship
Planned Gifts Impact St. John’s Ministry by Adam Goede
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Board of Stewardship
Mark Meissner
Jes Mariscal
Adam Goede
Stewardship
St. John’s has also received numerous smaller planned gifts throughout its history that have helped us respond to sudden needs that were outside of the budget. According to Pastor Leyrer, these gifts were just as critical. “Gifts left to the church, regardless of the amount, are used thoughtfully, carefully—and gratefully—to continue a high level of gospel ministry here at St. John’s.”
that supports the congregation by distributing a portion of the fund each year. The endowment is currently at $175,000 and the latest distribution, made in June, was $6,083. Consider a planned gift to the endowment to impact St. John’s ministry for years to come.
D If you are over 70.5 years of age with an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you can make a charitable distribution to St. John’s tax-free (federal and state). Consider directing IRA distributions to church to save on taxes, then using the cash you would have given for other needs. Pastor Leyrer encourages planned giving as “another opportunity to ensure that which is so important to us now”—proclaiming Christ through the various ministries of our congregation—“will be available and important to future generations.” Learn more about planned giving options at wels.net/ foundation. If you are interested in arranging a gift to St. John’s or another WELS ministry, please talk to Adam Goede or another member of the Board of Stewardship.
Dan Schmal
In 2009, Dolores Bothe, a member at St. John’s for only a short time after moving to Harwood Place, left an unexpected gift of $400,000 to the church through her will. Her gift eventually helped the congregation proceed in calling a discipleship pastor. “When we look back on these two significant gifts,” says Pastor Leyrer, “they had a major and direct impact on the ministry here at St. John’s.”
Properties
Previous planned gifts were similarly impactful in our church’s history. Back in the early 2000s, as the congregation planned to build a new school, an estate gift of $450,000 from the Frey family was announced on the day of the voters’ meeting that gave final approval to the project. It was an initial gift upon which members could build.
Did you know? D St. John’s has an endowment fund
Mark Rhyner
Recently, we were reminded of the blessing of planned gifts for St. John’s ministry when long-time member Alida Feind went to be with Jesus in November 2017. Alida had served her Savior in every aspect of congregational life and was very supportive of our church and school. She wanted to ensure this work would continue after she went to heaven, so she arranged to leave more than half her estate to St. John’s. With the ministry we are doing— and looking to do—at St. John’s, her gift came at an opportune time.
Board of Discipleship
PATHWAYS 2018 Fa l l Bi bl e St ud i es SUNDAY MORNINGS at 9 : 15 A.M.
Thursday Morning Bible Study • Fellowship Hall
Large Group Bible Study • Fellowship Hall
Bible Parables and Word Pictures Pastor Eric Schroeder Thursday mornings at 10:30 A.M. beginning September 13
Times of Trial . . . Times of Opportunity Chaplain Steven Stern September 16 – October 28 (except October 7) At some point in time every one of us has been with a friend or a family member who is in the midst of a trial in their life. They may have just lost a loved one. What do we say? What do we do? Where do we start in trying to be helpful to them? Using various scriptures, role plays, and looking at themes that might arise in people’s hearts in their times of trial, this Bible study will find something that will give you the confidence to reach out to those who are hurting.
Small Group Bible Study • School Lecture Room A Survey of Christian Hymnody Dr. William Braun September 16 – October 21 (except October 7) This class will trace the development of hymns in service of the church. We will begin with Pre-Reformation and Reformation traditions in Europe, and continue with British and American contributions. The basic purpose of this class is to better understand and appreciate the long tradition of congregational hymn singing.
In this class, we will gather around God’s Word with a focused look at the way Jesus teaches truth. We will seek to understand and appreciate God’s word communicated through everyday illustrations, some of which we know well in our modern lives, and some others that might need some cultural insight in order to grasp.
RIBS (Renewed & Inspired by Our Savior) Women’s Bible Study • Fellowship Hall Living by the Book Wednesday mornings from 8:30-10:00 A.M. beginning September 5 Using inductive study techniques, Living by the Book by Howard Hendricks and William Hendricks creates the opportunity to grow in faith and knowledge through short, practical exercises and complete studies of the books of Ruth and James. It will make the Bible more accessible to you than you ever thought possible. Contact Monica Gnat at 414-774 6180 or monicagnat@sbcglobal.net for more information. Book and workbook will be used.
Bible Information Class • St. Mark’s Room The Wonders of God Pastoral Staff This course provides a general overview of the Bible, touches upon every major Christian doctrine, and supplies a solid understanding of what we confess and believe as a confessional Lutheran Church. Since it provides the foundation for a deeper relationship with God, we encourage both members and non-members to attend.
MISSION FESTIVAL BIBLE CLASS • OCTOBER 7
Men’s Bible Study • City Market (8700 W. Watertown Plank Rd. #2) 1 Corinthians Wednesday mornings at 6:30 A.M. Join us as we discuss topics such as: church unity, holiness, freedom, worship and resurrection hope. These are some of the essential teachings of our Christian faith. Newcomers are always welcome. Please contact Jon Johnson (jon8011@yahoo.com) with questions.
Board of Discipleship
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Board of Finance
Meet the Board: Board of Finance By Matt Totsky Think about all the things you have to pay for in your everyday life: water and electric bills, groceries, car and mortgage payments—the list goes on and on. Do you have a budget for the year that you try to adhere to? Does one member of your household have primary responsibility for making sure that you’re living within your means? Here at St. John’s, we need to cover many of the same expenses on an ongoing basis, and those responsibilities are handled by the Board of Finance. The Board of Finance meets monthly to review and discuss the financial condition of our congregation and ensure that we are on track to meet the fiscal year budget that was voted on and approved by our members. The board is comprised of the chairman (Matt Totsky), the church’s treasurer (Brent Siegmund), the church’s vice president (Dennis Maurer), a secretary (Aaron Schroeder), and a representative from the Board of Stewardship (Mark Meissner). Principal Scott Uecker also attends the meetings to keep the board apprised of any and all financial situations related to the school. The most involved monthly meetings for the board occur in spring. Our congregation operates on a fiscal year that runs from July 1 through June 30, so typically around March we begin to budget in earnest for the upcoming fiscal year. This involves taking into account a variety of factors and speaking with numerous people throughout
the church. Based on giving to date for the current year as well as pledges from the commitment cards you fill out in the fall (you did fill your commitment card out, right?) and projections for school enrollment, we start with a rough idea of the amount of income we will have for the coming year. Then we take a hard look at the expenses that need to be covered by those assets. Salaries for called and hourly workers, utilities, supplies, repairs and improvements, and the expenses of all the other boards are funded through your generous gifts and tuition payments. Even though the preparation and monitoring of the annual budget constitutes the majority of the board’s activities, there are other responsibilities as well. Any non-budgetary items that arise throughout the year must be reviewed and dealt with appropriately. This could be gifts received, unexpected expenses, or other unique financial situations. The mission of our church is carried out by many dedicated servants to our Lord. However, their work cannot be achieved without the faithful administration of the monetary gifts God has bestowed on our congregation. Please continue to keep the Board of Finance in your prayers as we support the expansion of our Savior’s kingdom.
Memorials In Memory of Jack and Michael Schmeling From Delores Schmeling (Lau/Tuition Fund) In Memory of Alfrieda Meiers From Dan & Lori Meiers (general fund) In Memory of Martha Ellenberger From Dan & Lori Meiers (general fund) In Memory of Kenneth Leverence From Carol Willick (general fund) In Memory of Carl Meiers From Dan & Lori Meiers (Finish Strong) In Memory of John Ellenberger From Dan & Lori Meiers (Finish Strong) In Memory of Richard Gerst From Jeff & Karen Sitz (wish list) In Memory of Geneva Braun From Cal & Lynn Kozlowski, Michael & Marlene Cox (choir music) In Memory of Le Ann Johanning From Lee Abraham (choir ministry), Robert & Jo Ann Schoeneck (altar guild), Michael & Marlene Cox (choir music)
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Board of Finance
In Memory of Chris Hansen From Jeff & Susan Scheibe (youth ministry) In Memory of Alice Sebald From Jeff & Yvonne Quint (general fund), Hannah Braun, William & Bev Braun, Barb Bergquist (choir music), Marshall & Barbara Scheibe Lawrence & Gayle Totsky, Dan & Mary Schmal, Shirley Osgood (Lau/Tuition Fund), Lee Abraham, Peter & Lorrie Hansen (Grade 1 wish list), Donald Sebald, Greg & Carla Martin, Mark & Mary Gaub, Barbara Weihing, Drex & Charlotte Hansen, John & Kris Schapekahm, Janet Hollatz, Louise Saylor, Paula Rauth, Jerry & Janet Bergemann, Jeff & Karen Sitz, Ruth Sitz, Mary Rindfleisch, Michael & Marlene Cox, Delores Baumann, Arlene Baumann (We Give Thee But Thine Own), Donald Sebald (choir fund) In Memory of Wilma Frailing (mother) From John Frailing (properties & landscaping) In Memory of Theodore Lau (father) From Shirley Osgood (Lau/Tuition Fund) In honor of their 50th wedding anniversary, new baby grand piano for church from Cal & Lynn Kozlowski
Board of Elders
Adult Choir: Singing Praises to the Lord by Jessie Gromacki Can you imagine a church service without music? I cannot; God has always blessed me with the special privilege of music in my church life. St. John’s is especially blessed not only with talented musicians and singers, but with musical leadership as well. In Romans 12:6-8, Paul writes “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach, if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” St. John’s adult choir provides an outlet to sing praises to the Lord. When our Lord and Savior gives us a gift, like singing, he expects us to use it for the good of others. Singing has never been a “job” or something I am guilted into doing. It is an expression of the joy of faith he has given me. Through singing in choir, I am able to share his word with fellow believers and possibly with someone who has yet to come to faith. I asked a few of my fellow choir members why they sing in choir and their answers were similar to mine. Becky Rehborg said, “Singing in choir is a great way to enhance worship for our congregation members and to use my talents to praise the Lord.” Ed Miller said, “It’s a chance to serve, to share a talent, to inspire others.” Our choral director, Dr. William Braun, echoes similar sentiments, “I sing in choir because it is a way to proclaim the Gospel and to praise God. I also get a chance to use my God given talents and because it is great fun.”
Does one have to be extremely talented in singing to worship through music? Not at all. God’s Word has numerous accounts of lay people praising him through song. In Exodus 15, we hear the song of Moses and Miriam as God’s people praise the Lord for bringing them out of Egypt. In 2 Samuel 6, we hear how King David not only sang but also danced before the Lord when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. Ephesians 5:19 sums it up nicely, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.” Singing is a beautiful expression of one’s faith, and you do not need to be a professional to do it. If you are looking for an outlet to express the joy of your faith, why not start with your local church choir?
Adult choir is open to all members of the congregation. The choir rehearses Wednesday nights at 7:00 p.m. in the balcony of the church and sings September through May. Board of Elders
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Board of Elders
Worship Opportunities September 9 – Unity Sunday Take Up the Savior’s Call September 16 – With Courageous Faith September 23 – With Humility September 30 – Together October 7 – As a Family (Mission Festival) with Pastor Kent Reeder October 14 – With Contentment October 21 – With Ambition
Membership Changes
November 4 – To Celebrate Those Who Have Gone Before November 11 – To Reach the Lost November 18 – To Express Your Faith November 25 – To Serve the Kingdom
NEW MEMBERS BY TRANSFER David & Jenni Vrana and Xander from Woodlawn, West Allis, WI Gavin Vrana from Woodlawn, West Allis, WI Loni Gromacki from David’s Star, Jackson, WI Molly Plocher from Grace, St. Joseph, MI Laurie Burghardt & Christina and Olivia from Emmanuel, New London, WI Michael Arroyo and Kennedy from St. Paul’s, Franklin, WI
Pastoral Acts
ADULT CONFIRMATION John Stearns
ASLEEP IN THE LORD Alice M. Sebald
July 23, 2018
BAPTISMS CHILDREN Mingze Li Xiaoyan Li Jaxon Michael Berens Meric Alvin Courtier Izabella Willow Weyer Dane Sorenson Burkard Elsie Lynn Meckstroth Finley Jane Schapekahm Madelyn Marie Herbst Kenley Brynn Brown Maxwell Gage Wood ADULTS Junhui Li Juan She
Board of Elders
June 9, 2108 June 16, 2018 August 10, 2018
Jes Mariscal
Mark Maurice
David Close
2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2108 2018 2018
May 19, 2018 May 19, 2018
MARRIAGE Kayla Miller & John Cardoza Emily Woldt & Ryan Lussky Carol Willick & John Stearns
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May 19, May 19, May 20, June 2, June 3, June 11, June 29, July 22, July 29, August 19, August 19,
MEMBERS LEAVING BY TRANSFER Dave & Karee Hahm and Hudson, Bennett & Haydn to St. Matthew’s, Oconomowoc, WI Tom Palubecki to Abiding Word, Milwaukee, WI Dan & Debbie Pollesch to Our Savior, Phillips, WI Mackenzie Pollesch to Our Savior, Phillips, WI Caleb Pollesch to Our Savior, Phillips, WI Chris & Brenda Jashinsky and Aliyah & Mason to St. Marcus, Milwaukee Ryan & Jennifer Mattek and Avrilynn & Ethan to St. Marcus, Milwaukee Erin Towey and Ian to Christ The Lord, Brookfield, WI Kurt & Amber Kolander and Rowen, Levi & Molly to Good Shepherd, West Bend, WI Kevin Raasch to Grace, Milwaukee, WI Tim Anderson and Rhys & Torin to St. Matthew’s, Oconomowoc, WI Jake & Rachel Brohn to The Springs, Sparks, NV Amanda (Wilson) Johnson to St. Paul, Howard’s Grove, WI Rob & Lisa Rouse and Hayden, Collin & Luella to Christ The Lord, Brookfield, WI Megan Wilson to St. James, Milwaukee, WI
Adam Sipe
Use Your Time
John Peterman
October 28 – Reformation: Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone