LAMPLIGHTER
Fall 2015
The Privilege of Participation by Pastor Joel Leyrer
Because God continues to bless our church and school with internal and external growth, last spring we held an open forum to discuss the possibility of expanding our facilities. Preliminary renderings and cost estimates were shared based on plans developed through a long range planning committee. In the end we concluded that we could make no further decisions without further feedback and conversation. In a separate e-mail with a link to a survey or online through the church web site, we will communicate how we intend to solicit this feedback and have these conversations. Regardless of what we ultimately choose to do as a congregation, discussions of this nature provide us with a renewed opportunity to consider what God’s Word has to say on the subject of stewardship and the blessed privilege of our participation in supporting Kingdom work. To this end, the following thoughts were shared in the sermon preached on the Seventh Commandment, “You shall not steal,” as part of this past summer’s sermon series on the Ten Commandments. Perhaps the place to start our discussion on this commandment is by stating two basic Bible principles about the things we have (and which we often refer to as “our own”).
Biblical principle #1: God is the owner of all things. Everything we have comes from him. This means that we are but stewards or managers of the many possessions God in his grace has entrusted to us. While none of us disputes that, if we are honest we’d all agree it is quite easy to slip into the belief that what we have is the result of our own hard work or careful planning or wise investment. And it must be said that to some degree this is true. We are to use the talents and opportunities the Lord has given us. We could certainly cite Scriptural references that encourage hard work and wise planning and condemn laziness or the expectation that God should simply drop things into our laps. Nevertheless, the bottom line remains: God is the owner of all things. Everything we have comes from him. Or, as the inspired author James tells us: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights . . .” In whatever way the Lord chooses to bless us—whether it is with the ability to work or the reception of gifts or inheritance— the common denominator for all that we have is God. Why is it important to remind ourselves of this truth? Because when we do, we are less inclined to get all wrapped up in our personal possessions, more grateful to God for what we have, more confident that God will always provide for us the things we need, and more generous in the way in which we use the possessions God has given us.
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P r i v i l e g e o f Pa r t i c i p a t i o n , c o n t i n u e d Biblical principle #2: As managers of what he has given us, the Lord expects us to use our possessions in a wise and Godpleasing manner. As we page through Scripture, we come across four specific areas where God expects wise, prudent and direct use of the material blessings he has given us. The first three areas are our families, those truly in need, and the government. The fourth and final area is providing for the work of the church. It is far more fitting to speak of this not in terms of an obligation, but of a privilege. It is a privilege because God, in an exhibition of pure grace and mercy, has called us to be his own. He forgave us our sins and made us heirs of salvation through the life, death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ.
And if asked, “How generous are we to be?”, we can answer with another question: How generous has God been to us? Whatever direction we decide as a congregation to take in the future: Brothers, sisters, let us gladly give to God our all, our best Service hearty, thorough, honest, with a living love impressed. All our duty, all our striving, all our times to him belong Praise him, then, with true devotion; come before him with a song. (CW 484)
MSI GENERAL CORPORATION P.O. BOX. 7 OCONOMOWOC, WI 53066 262.367.3661 FAX. 262.367.2764
SINGLE SOURCE RESPONSIBILITY TM
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Architect’s renderings and blueprint for St. John’s proposed entryway remodeling
ENGINEERS
As to practical guidelines on how to go about this, here’s how the Apostle Paul instructed the first century Christians in Corinth: “On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income . . .” From this we learn the timeless truth that Christian giving is to be 1) each individual’s responsibility, 2) planned, 3) regular, and d) proportionate.
MANAGERS
Furthermore, through the work of the Holy Spirit he has given us the gift of faith so we understand everything Jesus did and continues to do for us. Because of this, we know the answers to the big questions in life that so many are searching for. We know who we are and what we are and where we are going because of Jesus Christ. To spread this glorious gospel message is the privileged work of the church. And we are the church.
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P r iv i l e g e o f Pa r t i c i p a t i o n LOWER FLOOR PLAN
PROJECT NAME
ST. JOHN'S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH
UPPER FLOOR PLAN
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STREET ADDRESS
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Pa s t o r ’s C o r n e r
Being a Christian in Our Congregation: Part I—Worship by Pastor Eric Schroeder Note: This is the first in a series of articles adapted from a recent Bible Study at St. John’s. The Board of Elders requested that the material be shared with the entire congregation. A Christian is nothing like Christ . . . a Christian has been made to be like Christ . . . a Christian still strives daily to be like Christ. Depending on how we look at ourselves, all of the previous statements are proven true in God’s Word. We need God’s commandments to show us the sin that separates us from him and from one another. We need the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ to be refreshed with full forgiveness. We need the Holy Spirit to empower us for a life that glorifies our Savior God. Out of all the things we do every week, there is only one activity that intentionally and essentially brings us closer to God: our contact with God’s Word and Sacraments (known as the Means of Grace). A later installment in the series will point to our individual opportunities to meet God daily in his Word. But for now, let’s focus on where our minds first take us when we think of being part of a church. We call it corporate worship, because we come together as one body under one head, Jesus Christ. More commonly, we refer to it as “going to church.” Why do we do what we do in church? First of all, we seek the Means of Grace, recognizing that God has promised to work in our lives through his Word and the Sacraments—it’s a promise he cannot break. We listen, we sing, and we speak. We aim our thoughts and minds at what God has revealed to save and strengthen us. Surrounding these pillars of water, word, and supper, we pray for ourselves and others, we bring our offerings as a response to God’s grace, and we leave sealed with God’s blessing. Some elements of worship are centuries old, and some are newer, but each one is meant to connect us to our Lord and deepen our relationship with him. Will you ensure that worship has its rightful place of priority in your life as a Christian?
Pastoral Acts BAPTISMS Jackson Jacob Kaun Madison Pearl Wetzel Isla Lydia Raychel Emery Caitlyn Finnigan Nora Jean Sankey Kurt David Icenogle, Jr. Elsa Charlotte Icenogle Ellyson Grace Brinkman
Sunday, May 17 Saturday, June 6 Sunday, June 7 Sunday, June 28 Friday, July 3 Sunday, July 26 Sunday, July 26 Wednesday, August 12
MARRIAGES Amy Zemplinski and David Carlson Sara Lovelace and Todd Strauss Alaina Treichel and John Poppe Jessica Reddy and Jon Leyrer
Saturday, May 30 Friday, July 3 Friday, July 10 Saturday, July 18
ASLEEP IN THE LORD Mrs. Phyllis Ristow Mr. Richard (Dick) Henne
Sunday, July 5 Wednesday, August 19
Thank you Dear members of St. John’s, Thank you for your thoughtful and generous donations to New Beginnings. Our mothers and babies will appreciate it more than you know. Blessings to you all, The Staff at New Beginnings
Dear Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, As I reflect on my ministry here, I am thankful for the supportive church members, school parents, and fellow faculty members who helped me grow during these past seven years. The growth in the school music program is proof of that support. I pray God continues to bless St. John’s as he sees fit that the ministry may grow even more at St. John’s. I would like to extend a special thank you to those of you who gave me cards and gifts of well wishes as I leave St. John’s to begin a new chapter in service to our Lord. In Christ, Greta L. Scharp Pa s t o r ’s C o r n e r
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PATHWAYS 2 015 F a l l Bi bl e Studi es SUNDAY MORNING • 9:15 Large Group Bible Study Fellowship Hall
Small Group Bible Study School Lecture Room
The Life of Abraham Prof. Bill Tackmier September 20 – October 25
Astronomy, the Church, and the Calendar Dr. Kerry Kuehn September 20 – October 25
Abraham, who lived 2,000 years before Jesus, is in many ways similar to us, who live 2,000 years after Jesus. He experienced many of the same issues, doubts, fears, and challenges that we do and was sustained by many of the same promises of a Savior that we rely on. This study will focus on the book of Genesis, chapters 12-25.
Manual for a Meaningful Life: A Study of Ecclesiastes Pastor Joel Leyrer November 8 – December 20 (except Nov. 29)
Generally considered to be the verbally inspired writing of wise King Solomon composed at the end of his life, the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes is reflective in character, brutally honest in its questioning, and ultimately satisfying in the conclusions it draws. This timely and practical Bible study provides answers for anyone who has ever wrestled with making sense out of life in general, or theirs in particular.
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Fa l l Pa t h way s B i b l e S t u d i e s
Did you know that until the 19th century, the church was the single largest supporter of astronomical research? Or that astronomy played an important part in the educational system of the Lutheran reformers during the 16th century? In this six-week bible class, we will explore the relationship between astronomy and the church—and how Christians have wrestled with astronomical problems from ancient to modern times.
The Christian and Government: Living Your American Citizenship as a Heavenly Citizen Prof. Joel Otto November 8 – December 20 (except Nov. 29)
As Christians we have a dual citizenship, but our heavenly citizenship determines how we live out our lives as American citizens. This Bible study will explore biblical principles and examples, examine statements from the Lutheran Confessions and examples from church history, and discuss applications specific to our American context.
Bible Information Class Begins September 20 St. Matthew’s Room • 9:15
A.M.
Invite your friends and neighbors! Come and review the basics of Christianity! 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. Please note there will also be some week-night evening classes.
Sunday School Ages 3-grade 7 School classrooms at 9:15 A.M. Teen Ministry School Conference Room Sundays at 9:15 A.M. Teens in grades 8-11 are invited to join us for life-changing studies that refresh, challenge, and grow your faith. We will present practical Gospel truths that you can apply to your everyday life. Get connected with other teens as we study God’s Word together and build a community of faith, nurturing one another in the love of Christ. Pizza, beverages, snacks, and sweet treats will be available.
Men’s Breakfast Bible Study City Market (8725 W. North Ave.) Self-led • Tuesdays at 6:30 A.M. Come join your brothers in Christ for fellowship, food and study at City Market. We are currently studying Paul’s two letters to the Thessalonians. These letters encourage believers in their struggles and give them direction in godly living while instructing them in various Bible teachings. Newcomers are always welcome. Please contact Jon Johnson at jon8011@yahoo.com or 414-476-4946 with questions.
R.I.B.S. (Renewed & Inspired By our Savior) Self-led • Begins September 9 Fellowship Hall Wednesdays at 8:30 A.M. Led by women, for women. We welcome you to pick up a copy of Divine Design: 40 Days of Spiritual Makeover by Sharla Fritz. Fellowship begins at 8:00 a.m. and childcare is available. For more information, please contact Monica Gnat at 414-774 6180 or monicagnat@sbcglobal.net.
A Study in Romans Pastor Eric Schroeder St. Matthew’s Room Thursdays at 10:30 A.M. Martin Luther had this to say regarding St. Paul’s letter to the Romans: “This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is purest Gospel. It is well worth a Christian’s while not only to memorize it word for word but also to occupy himself with it daily, as though it were the daily bread of the soul.” All are welcome and invited; coffee will be provided.
Chinese Ministry Pastor Joshua Yu • Saturday night 7:00 p.m. Worship in Mandarin Chinese 7:00 p.m. Children’s Bible class 8:00 p.m. Bible study, fellowship, and gym time Invite your friends to come and learn the basics of Christianity, taught in Mandarin Chinese and English. Through a discussion oriented study of the Bible, participants will discover how they fit into God’s plan of salvation. All materials will be provided.
Grill Kings (meets monthly) Self-led • 4:30 P.M. Check News & Notes or the narthex bulletin board for location and days. Grill Kings is a group for men of all ages and backgrounds to come together to enjoy fellowship and growing in the Lord. Our topical discussions are backed up by scripture passages on our signature bookmark Bible study. Your fears can rest at the foot of the cross of Christ; you will be safe and accepted as we journey together through the Gospel message of Jesus! We then fire up the grill and do what men love to do, eat meat. Fa l l Pa t h way s B i b l e S t u d i e s
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Board of Education
The Treasure of Christian Education by Kevin Festerling
It was a fairly clear sign that my wife Lisa and I had officially moved beyond the “footloose & carefree” years of our marriage when she saw our toddlers running around the house and asked, “Kevin, where do you think we should send our kids to school?”
In retrospect, I recall my sheepish rebuttal to my wife’s idea to send our kids to a WELS school: I don’t know if we can afford it. In Matthew 13:44, Jesus shares a simple parable that summarizes the scenario my wife and I encountered five years ago, as we wondered if St. John’s would be worth the investment for our children’s education. “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” For Lisa and me, that field is St. John’s, where the free treasure of salvation in Christ is taught to our kids on a daily basis. This treasure is celebrated, memorized, practiced, and shared generously with the students and their families. We are thrilled to see how God led us to St. John’s, where our son and daughter daily bring home evidence of God’s treasure for their lives! Lisa and I also joyfully share that treasure through our service to Sunday School and the Board of Education.
Initially, I wanted to send our kids to the Wauwatosa public schools. Our tax dollars support these schools and our kids would learn how to wear their Christian faith in public from an early age.
Thank you to the St. John’s faculty, pastors, and church members for your partnership in delivering this treasure to our family!
Lisa, on the other hand, wanted to send our kids to a WELS school. She had noticed that my family and most of my closest friends attended WELS grade schools. She saw that our faith was real for us. Scripture passages and Bible stories had been memorized at an early age and were always on the tip of our tongues. Lisa wanted our children to have that too.
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Board of Education
Troy Schulz
Kevin Festerling
Andrew Duncan
Not pictured: Dan Westfahl
David Close
Like other marriage debates between Lisa and me, she was completely right. Five years after enrolling at St. John’s, Morgan and Sawyer absolutely love their classes and teachers. When Lisa and I remember to include an after-dinner devotion or bedtime Jesus story, Morgan and Sawyer are excited to finish our sentences, correct the accuracy of our abridged children’s Bible lesson, or connect to the lesson with . . . ”Yeah! Yeah! That’s what Mrs. Stein says, too!” or “Hey! Mrs. Campbell taught us this already!”
Board of Education
More Than “Just on Sunday” by Kristi Meyer
“Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. She is a mistress and governess of those human emotions . . . what more effective means than music could you find?” Worship services conducted at St. John’s exemplify this quote from Martin Luther, where dedicated musicians enhance each service with their musical offerings. But for the past nine years, St. John’s strong tradition of musical excellence is also seen in its Third Thursday Noontime concert series. Lynn Kozlowski began the Third Thursday concert series in April 2006. The 1968 Casavant pipe organ had been taken apart, cleaned, revoiced, and placed on a movable platform. What better way to celebrate these accomplishments than with a rededication concert? While planning the rededication concert, Kozlowski thought it was a shame for the organ to only be used on Sundays and special occasions. “That organ should be heard more often,” she says. “I wanted the organ— such a fine organ—to be heard more than just on Sunday.” And so the Third Thursday concert series was born. This past May marked the 75th concert held at St. John’s. With the concerts, Kozlowski strives to bring together both sacred and secular music. Regardless of the music chosen, the goal is always the same. “I want to leave [the audience] happy at the end.” The program notes produced by Kozlowski are a staple of each concert. Typically 6-8 pages in length, these notes provide background and information on each of the concert pieces. “People really like [the notes]— they are a fun way to educate the audience on the music being played that day.” Concerts are held at 12:15 p.m. the third Thursday of each month (September through May) and last approximately 45 minutes. Kozlowski encourages audience members of all ages to attend. “This is a great outing for seniors . . . and children are also welcome to come. They can see how the organ works.” Stop in and experience one of these musical delights for yourself!
Meet New Teachers at St. John’s by Angela Ebeling
Mrs. Michelle Free Third graders at St. John’s Lutheran School will have a new face at the head of their classroom this year. Mrs. Michelle (Hintz) Free is a 2012 graduate of Martin Luther College. At MLC, she received her bachelor’s Mrs. Free degree in elementary education with a science emphasis area. She was first called to teach 2nd grade at the WELS school on the island of Antigua. After serving one year in Antigua, she was called to Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw where she taught geometry, supervised the dormitory, and coached for two years. Michelle was born in Aurora, Ill., and she and her family have also lived in Peoria, Ill. and Franklin, Tenn. She married Jason Free in August. They will be living in Mequon while Jason finishes his final year at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Some of Michelle’s hobbies are playing piano, baking, running, and playing tennis. One of her favorite places to visit are lighthouses. She says it’s especially fun when you are allowed to go inside and climb to the top. Mr. Andrew Duncan St. John’s Lutheran School strives to educate and meet the needs of each individual student enrolled. In order to continually improve upon this mission, this year St. John’s called Mr. Andrew Duncan to serve full-time Mr. Duncan in the role of special education teacher. Andrew was born and raised in Milwaukee and attended Atonement Lutheran School and Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Andrew, his wife Angela, and their children AJ (2nd grade) and Asher (K5) reside in Pewaukee. Andrew brings a wealth of educational and teaching experience to his new position at St. John’s. He received his bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Wisconsin Lutheran College. Andrew holds two masters degrees from Cardinal Stritch University in Special Education and Educational Leadership. He also has 15 years of teaching experience, serving as a cross-categorical special education teacher in the Milwaukee Public School system. Please welcome Andrew and Michelle and keep them in your prayers as they begin their service at St. John’s.
Board of Education
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Board of Outreach These children experienced Illumine with the smiling faces of the teen volunteers from St. John’s who served as the primary teachers for Science Camp. When all was said and done, both congregations benefitted greatly from this partnership. As a new WELS mission, Illumine doesn’t yet have the volunteer power to facilitate Science Camp. Without the help of the St. John’s teens and the generosity of the congregation in funding this trip, this outreach effort would have been impossible. And for teens who have spent their whole childhood in a large Midwest congregation, the mission setting of Illumine was eye-opening.
by Pastor Kyle Bitter
On Saturday, July 11, twenty-six teens and six chaperones from St. John’s, Wauwatosa piled into three large white vans and left Wisconsin. Sixteen hours and nearly a thousand miles later, the three vehicle caravan rolled into the parking lot at Illumine Church in Rock Hill, South Carolina. From outward appearances, one would be hard pressed to find two congregations that are more different. Illumine has roughly 30 members. St. John’s in Wauwatosa has about 1,300. Illumine has existed for just over two years, St. John’s for more than 125. Illumine worships in a former gym/night club/youth center repurposed for worship, education, and community service. St. John’s worships in the historic stone fortress on the corner of Harwood and Dewey. Illumine’s music comes from piano, guitars, and light percussion, St. John’s primarily uses the organ and classical instruments. And yet, despite all these apparent differences, the common faith shared by the members of Illumine and St. John’s opened the door for a wonderful mission opportunity this summer.
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Brian Graf
Kevin Fedewa
Twenty-five children from the Rock Hill community attended Science Camp at Illumine—a Vacation Bible School based on the amazing animals God has created. The vast majority of these children were new contacts who had never been to this young mission congregation before.
Teen volunteer Kenzie Pollesch described the trip this way: “The experience was amazing. I got to see all these little kids get excited about doing projects, eat flavored bugs, and hear about our Lord! It was truly overwhelming knowing that my efforts were being used for something that is so important, and I could teach about God while having a blast!” McKenna Godager added, “Going on this mission trip not only inspired me to reach out to the community and the world around me, but also to surround myself with fun Christian friends.” Even though it was a youth focused mission trip, chaperones found the experience to be a blessing too. Maya Romboy commented, “Overall this was a fantastic opportunity to grow in fellowship with the youth of the congregation. Aiding in the outreach of such a newly established congregation was both Each day of Science Camp rewarding and educational. included a session of science experiments. The trip exceeded all expectations, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and education, bonding with new and existing friends, and a whole lot of FUN for all ages!!”
Eric Henne
Change Your World Mission Trip 2015
Board of Discipleship
Read More About It . . . Learn more about your Lutheran heritage.
by Julie Wietzke St. John’s Library is full of books that will help you grow in your faith and in your understanding of the Bible. Check out these ideas to stimulate your religious reading this fall.
Prepare for the Reformation celebration by learning more about Martin Luther and his teachings. Discover more about the life and times of Luther: Martin Luther: Reformer by Armin Schuetze; Luther: Biography of a Reformer by Frederick Nohl; and Here I Stand; A Life of Martin Luther by Roland Bainton.
Dig deeper into upcoming Bible study topics.
Several topics for this fall’s Bible studies lend themselves to additional reading opportunities.
Prof. Bill Tackmier will be tackling the topic of Abraham and is recommending that members read Genesis from the People’s Bible as part of their weekly devotions while attending the class.
Revisit the foundation of Luther’s message in Wayne Mueller’s Justification: How God Forgives, another volume in the People’s Bible Teaching series. Then dig deeper into the doctrines that are distinctively Lutheran in This We Believe: A Statement of Belief of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
Mike Swenson
Pastor Leyrer will be looking at the book of Ecclesiastes in November. Besides reviewing the People’s Bible Ecclesiastes, he suggests reading Spirituality of the Cross by Gene Vieth, which emphasizes the topic of vocation.
Examine the history of WELS and its place in Lutheranism today: Our Church: Its Life and Mission by Elmer Kiessling, and WELS & Other Lutherans, 2nd ed., by John Brug.
Mike Soldner
Brian Lampe
Adam Goede
Prof. Joel Otto, who will be presenting on the Christian and government starting in November, recommends reading Civil Government: God’s Other Kingdom by Daniel Deutschlander. “This book goes into greater detail and provides additional biblical and historical examples on the issues of church-state relations and the role of the Christian in government and politics,” says Otto. This book is part of the People’s Bible Teachings series, which covers other topics like Baptism, the Holy Spirit, and the end times.
Not pictured: Mark Gaub
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Board of Elders MEMBERS LEAVING
Membership Changes
TRANSFERRED TO SISTER CONGREGATIONS Mr. Scott Binner to Trinity, Waukesha, WI Mr. and Mrs. Ryan (Gianina) Blank and Uriah DornBrook to Crown of Life, Hubertus, WI Miss Elizabeth Boeldt to Centennial, Milwaukee, WI Ms. Eve Goede and Ethan & Braden Sprengel to David’s Star, Jackson, WI Mr. and Mrs. Justin (Cindy) Gut and Alexander & Liam to Trinity, Waukesha, WI Mr. Benjamin Hillesheim to St. John’s, Milwaukee, WI Mrs. Janet Hoerres to Christ, Pewaukee, WI Mr. Will Krause and Ben Krause to Immanuel, Medford, WI Mr. and Mrs. Eric (Karen) Lueck and Kyler, Dylan & Ryan to St. John, Lannon, WI Mr. and Mrs. Paul (Sarah) Mleziva and Alexander & Charlotte to Morning Star, Jackson, WI Mr. and Mr.s Daniel (Greta) Scharp and Matthew & Jacob to Mt. Calvary, Waukesha, WI Mr. and Mrs. Todd (Cara) Ziesemer and Madelyn & Mason to Bethlehem, Menomonee Falls, WI
NEW MEMBERS BY TRANSFER Mr. Craig Doan & Nathaniel, Garrett & Collin from St. Paul’s, Ixonia, WI Ms. Carissa Perez and son, James Alvarez from Woodlawn, West Allis, WI Mr. Quinten Petersen from Our Redeemer, Madison, WI Mrs. Emily Raychel and Sebastian & Isla from St. Marcus, Milwaukee, WI Mr. and Mrs. Steven (Elizabeth) Robinson and Nathaniel & Alana from Good Shepherd, West Allis Mr. Thomas Suess from St. Matthew’s, Milwaukee, WI BY ADULT CONFIRMATION Mrs. Cinthia Carrillo-Satermo (& Brianna) Mr. and Mrs. Kurt (Lesley) Icenogle Ms. Andrea Torrez CONFIRMATION CLASS Miss Kayla Conaway
RELEASED BY REQUEST Ms. Amanda Hensley Mr. Thomas Hoffman Mr. David Volle
BY PROFESSION OF FAITH Mrs. Jennifer Hedrick Mrs. Amanda Schneiker and Hailey & Brady
Pictorial Directory Sign-up
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Adam Sipe
Jeff Schibe
Dan Pollesch
John Peterman
Not pictured: Kerry Kuehn
Jon Johnson
St. John’s is planning an updated pictorial directory for 2016. We need your help to make the new edition a success by having your photo taken for the directory. Photos will be taken October 20-24 and October 27-31. Sign-up for a your photo seesion on the sheets available in the narthex or online. Links to online registration or information about nearby locations on different days can be found at www.stjtosa.org.
Board of Stewardship/Finance
Financial Peace University by Mark Naumann and Larry Totsky
As you may have heard, St. John’s is hosting another Financial Peace University course beginning Thursday, September 17. Financial Peace University (FPU) is a program developed by nationally recognized financial advisor Dave Ramsey. The program emphasizes God’s ways of handling money. Through videos, class discussions and interactive small group discussions, FPU presents practical steps to get from where you are to where you’ve dreamed you could be. This plan will show you how to eliminate debt, manage your money, spend and save wisely, and much more! There is perhaps no better time for you to set forth a financial plan that is based on how God wants you to handle the financial blessings he sends your way. Many St. John’s members and non-members have taken this course over the past several years and have found it to be very beneficial. (The average family attending this course saves $2,700 and reduces their debt by $5,300 within the first 90 days.)
Memorials
In Memory of Gerald Johanning From Pamela Schiefelbein, Barbara Weihing,Duane & Barbara Schlomer, David & Rita Allerheiligen, Arlene Baumann, Delores Baumann, Jerry & Jan Bergemann, Michael & Marlene Cox, Lisa Eggebrecht, Dorothy Felsing, Donald & Opal Hackbarth, Peter & Lorrie Hansen, St. John’s Altar Guild, Friends in Fellowship, Janet Hollatz, Greg & Carla Martin, Louise Saylor, Michael & Suzanne Swenson, Dean & Shirley Smith, Sue Smith (for organ repair); from Edward Herwig (Lau Tuition Assistance); from William & Beverly Braun, Barbara Bergquist (for choir music); from Paula Rauth (for handbell music); from Robert & JoAnn Schoeneck (for Altar Guild) In Memory of Martha Ellenberger From John Ellenberger (Easter Festival & building fund) From Dan & Lori Meiers (for organ repair)
In Memory of Pastor Harold Hagedorn From Delores Schmeling, (for roof repair); from Arlene Baumann (for organ repair); from Sue Johanning, Michael & Marlene Cox, Louise Saylor, Jerry & Jan Bergemann, Delores Baumann (to be designated) In Memory of Jack Schmeling From Delores Schmeling (for Lau Tuition Assistance) In Memory of Robert & Delores Hahn From Paul & Annette Birkholz (for roof repair) In Memory of Shannon Krause From Delores Baumann, Arlene Baumann, Louise Saylor, Doris Krause (to be designated) In Memory of Harriet Boerneke From Calvin and Lynn Kozlowski (for organ music)
Todd Ziesemer
In Memory of Barbara Mary Browning From John & Kristine Schapekahm (to be designated)
Brian Roser
Dan Meiers
To get more of a flavor for what’s covered in each week of this course, please visit www.daveramsey.com/fpu/ home/. You can register for the fall class online through St. John’s web site home page at www.stjtosa.org. Please feel free to contact Mark Naumann (mnaumann@wi.rr.com or 414-453-7781) or Larry Totsky (lawrence.totsky@cpa.com or 262-252-3676) with any questions.
In Memory of Joyce Roethke From Carol Hanson (for Chinese Ministry)
In Memory of Alfrieda Meiers From Dan & Lori Meiers (for roof repair)
Jes Mariscal
This fall, FPU classes will meet on Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. for nine consecutive weeks. We hope you will be able to join others in attending our upcoming course. Please note there is a $93 fee to cover the cost of materials. “Scholarships” are available for members who may need assistance to partially defray the cost.
Not pictured: Mark Meissner
Board of Stewardship/Finance
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Executive Board
Worship Opportunities
CHOIR M EMBERS
Unity Sunday – September 13 at 9:00 a.m., in the school gym
Take up the Savior’s call: • With courageous faith – September 20 • With humility – September 27 • As a team – October 4 • For your family – October 11 • With contentment – October 18
All voices a re needed to congre lead
gation in the the singing of hy psalms, and m n s , liturgy, as w e praise our and proclaim L ord God’s Word to the congre gation. St. John’s a dult choir w ill have its fi rehearsal o rst n We d n e s d ay, Septem at 7:00 p.m b er 2, . in the churc h balcony. No RSVP ne eded, just sh ow up for re hearsal!
Mission Festival – November 1 Rev. Kent Reeder, Illumine Church Rock Hill, S.C. Using • • •
what you have: To reach the lost – November 8 To express your faith – November 15 To serve the Kingdom – November 22
W E D N E S DAY S
7:00 P.M.
AT
Reformation – October 25
Unity Sunday, September 13 • 9:00 a.m., in the school gym
THE
NOW YOU ARE
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AND EACH ONE OF YOU IS A PART OF IT
T S I HR
One of the great blessings of St. John’s is the unity of faith shared by its members. But it is easy to take this unity of faith for granted. With numerous opportunities for worship each weekend, St. John’s members are naturally divided by the worship service they attend. To remind us of the unity we share in Christ, St. John’s will once again celebrate Unity Sunday on Sunday, September 13 at 9:00 a.m. in the school gymnasium. Unity Sunday provides a unique opportunity for all members of St. John’s to gather together in a single worship service. We rejoice in the unity we share as a congregation and as members of the body of Christ. Please join us for worship!
1 Corinthians 12:27
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Executive Board
Pastor Yu
Pastor Schroeder
Pastor Leyrer
Pastor Bitter
Scott Uecker
Brian Treichel
Larry Totsky
Not pictured: Michael Henning Jeff Quint
Bill Dittman
Pa s t o r a l S t a f f