LAMPLIGHTER Spring 2020
New Goals, Same Mission by Pastor Joel Leyrer The following is a condensed version of the “State of the Parish” report presented at our annual Mission and Ministry Sunday this past January 26. The various Boards reflected on 2019 blessings and outlined 2020 goals and plans. For more information and the entire “State of the Parish” presentation, please visit www.sjtosa.org/StateoftheParish In 2019, the Executive Board looked to the future of St. John’s through the purchase of a second Dewey Avenue property and the adoption of the Strategic Plan by the voters’ assembly. This focus on the future continues in 2020 with goals of resolving our need for additional parking and planning for a potential capital campaign to fund much-needed church fellowship space and school expansion. Through “Family Reunion” weekend and regular phone calls to members who have not been attending worship, member and called worker care was a 2019 priority of the Board of Elders. In 2020, this work will continue through personal contact with long-term inactive members. As outlined in the Strategic Plan, the Board of Elders will intentionally view these members as an evangelism field worthy of the same attention given to prospects.
The Board of Education facilitated and oversaw an extensive self-study in preparation for our March 2020 school accreditation visit. Within this self-study are recommendations for continuous school improvement that the Board of Education will look to prioritize and implement in 2020. Along with these school improvements, on-boarding and orientation for our new principal are a topic of discussion, as is continued thanksgiving that we are now in our 10th year of proclaiming Christ across the globe through Pastor Yu’s development of our school international program. Through “By Scripture Alone,” (our daily Bible reading program now entering its fourth year) and a number of well-received Sunday morning Bible studies, the Board of Discipleship continued to encourage St. John’s members to engage in personal and corporate Bible study. This encouragement can also be seen in the creation of Sermon Study Growth Groups, a pilot program for small group in-home Bible study that kicked off in February 2020. The Board of Outreach sought to broaden the tools at their disposal in their continued quest to reach out to the unchurched in our community. Attendance at the WELS School of Outreach provided renewed encouragement and fresh ideas in these outreach efforts. As detailed in the Strategic Plan, the Board of Outreach will strive to continued on page 2 . . .
P a s t o r ’s C o r n e r
Our Father’s Approval by Pastor Kyle Bitter Once there was a boy who desperately wanted his father’s approval, and he dedicated his life to obtaining it! Good behavior, good grades, lots of extra-curricular activities—he did all the right things as a child, as a teen. He grew up to be a well-rounded adult and enjoyed a successful career. It was good. It was very good! But it wasn’t good enough. That picture could describe your relationship with your heavenly Father, whose approval you need to get into heaven. It plays out in life too. Perhaps you’ve found yourself making godly choices because it seems like that has to be worth something, even though you know better theologically. Perhaps you take on extra responsibility, not because you want to serve, but because a little voice in the back of your mind tells you that you can stand out from the crowd and earn God’s favor! Perhaps you even serve in the church in some way partly because it seems like something that would make God a little more pleased with you! It’s good. It’s very good! But sadly, it’s just not good enough. At his baptism, Jesus told John, “It is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). And that’s what Jesus had dedicated his life to in every single way! Jesus perfectly earned his Father’s favor—through the growth of childhood, through the tumult of the teenage years, and through his time as a young adult. He never made one mistake, never had a single wicked thought or one unkind word. Perfectly God-pleasing. Perfectly righteous. Every single time. And he did it for you. Starting with the celebration of Jesus’ baptism when he stepped out into the public eye and continuing through his public ministry, our celebration of the Epiphany season showed us with greater and greater clarity what this Savior does for us to earn God’s favor. What’s more, each step he takes into the public eye is a step closer to the cross, the grave, the empty tomb. Each step brings Jesus closer to completing his work of earing God’s favor for you. The best part of it all? It worked! God approved of what he saw from Jesus. “A voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’ “ (Matthew 3:17). Those are wonderful words for us, because no matter what is going on in your life, your Father in heaven approves of you, because Jesus is your Savior and you are his child—baptized into his name! It’s just as if God turns to you and says, “You are my child, whom I love; with you I am well pleased!”
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Pastor’s Corner
. . . continued from front page equip members for participation in evangelism by promoting and encouraging member involvement in outreach events in the year to come. In an effort to reinforce the idea that stewardship is more than simply the giving of money, the Board of Stewardship revised our yearly giving pledge process. Rather than returning pledge cards, members were asked to make a personal commitment to worship attendance, communion attendance, and corporate and personal Bible study in addition to their level of financial support. In an effort to continue to assist members in this area, the Board of Stewardship will explore the use of the WELS “10 for 10” stewardship program in 2020. After many years of faithful service, it was finally time for our venerable church boiler to be retired. In 2019, our Properties Coordinator coordinated the installation of a new double-boiler system that is much more reliable and energy efficient. Additional Livestream capabilities were also added, allowing our Sunday morning large-group Bible studies to be broadcast in the same way as our worship services. The Board of Finance presented a detailed report on the congregation’s financial status. Although we did not meet our goal of paying off our mortgage debt in 2019, we made significant progress and are looking to hold a mortgage burning ceremony sometime in 2020. Our recently adopted Strategic Plan (available at www.sjtosa.org/MissionVision) contains many new goals and ministry initiatives. Some of these goals are detailed above; others are still in the planning stages. Our mission statement, however, remains the same: “As God’s people gathered together at St. John’s, we live to declare the praises of our Savior God who called us out of the darkness of sin into the light of his grace.” May God continue to look with favor on St. John’s and bless our efforts to serve him as we seek to spread the good news of his gospel to a broken and hurting world around us.
Board of Elders
Call Lists: Unpacking the Logistics by Kristi Meyer current congregation. If a pastor declines a call, he has a reprieve of six months before he is eligible for another call. Teachers can be called from October 15 – April 15. They are eligible for a call in their third year of service at their current school, and they can receive two calls during a school year. There are exceptions, such as pastors serving in a teaching role at an area Lutheran high school, but these exceptions are somewhat rare.
Note: this article is the second in a series on the call process. October 15. November 26. January 7. February 11. Four St. John’s call meetings, four principal calls issued. In the first article in this series, the process of compiling a slate of candidates—a call list—for a pastor or teacher call was discussed. Why does that call list sometimes contain one or more names that are the same from month to month? And once a call list is compiled, what happens next? In order to understand why a pastor or teacher might appear on subsequent call lists, it’s important to remember how a call list is compiled. After a self-assessment by the calling body, the district president compiles a call list of candidates whose gifts and abilities appear to match the needs of the calling body and who are eligible for a call. If a candidate is still eligible for a call when the next call list is requested, he or she may be placed on the call list again.
“A candidate may appear on subsequent call lists because they remain eligible for a call and they remain qualified for that particular call.” — Pastor Joel Leyrer
After eligibility has been determined and a call list has been compiled, the calling congregation holds a voters’ meeting. At St. John’s, all members—both male and female—are welcome to attend this meeting and share their opinions and perspective. However, as with other matters brought before the voters’ assembly, only confirmed males may vote to issue a call. At the call meeting, the pastor, principal, or district representative highlights experience, interests, and self-assessed gifts for each candidate that are relevant to the needs of the calling congregation. At St. John’s, attendees are also encouraged to share personal knowledge of any of the candidates on the call list. After this, a vote is held—possibly more than one depending on the closeness of the first vote. Once a candidate is chosen, the vote is made unanimous so as to convey the unity of the calling body. After a call is issued, a representative from the calling congregation (generally the pastor or principal) makes phone contact with the individual receiving the call. Because a call packet with detailed information will soon be sent to the newly called pastor or teacher, this conversation is often relatively short. Once this conversation ends and the packet arrives, the real work of deliberating between two divine calls now begins.
Next time: What happens during the deliberation process? What is helpful—and not helpful— advice and counsel for someone deliberating a call? How can you support and encourage a St. John’s
The criteria for determining call eligibility differs for pastors and teachers. Pastors can be called anytime and are eligible for a call after four years of service at their
pastor or teacher who is deliberating a call?
Board of Elders
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Board of Education
Privileged With God’s Gift of Music by Kerry Ognenoff
“There is nothing I would rather do than make music to the glory of God with his precious children.” — Miss Mandy Treder
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Board of Education
Kerry Kuehn
Not pictured: Dan Young
Casey Holtz
Once a month the Junior Choir helps lead worship music at St. John’s. They also participate in the Junior Choir Festival with other WLHS federation schools every other year. Additional performances include Third Thursday
Above all, each year, Miss Treder’s goal is to teach the Junior Choir students to use their God-given talents to praise the Lord. Students also learn to worship well and to take on the role of worship leaders—a skill that will serve them well into adulthood. Junior Choir aids the students’ growth as musicians, and through this growth, students are able to serve God and the congregation with their time and talents. Students enjoy participating in Junior Choir, both socially and spiritually. Brody Ban, a 7th grader, says “singing songs that praise God” is his favorite part of junior choir. Lily Stauffer, a 6th grader, says she enjoys, “singing about God.” And Anna Ognenoff, another 6th grader, says, “singing with friends” is her favorite part. These opportunities for praise align with the school’s mission to prepare students for a lifelong relationship with Christ and to proclaim the Gospel message. Miss Treder’s favorite part of leading Junior Choir is the kids. “I love hearing their stories, watching their expressions, and hearing them grow—from the first time we sing a piece to the time we sing it as a finished product. We are a team. A special team privileged with God’s great gift of music, and we get to share his Word through our songs.”
Troy Schulz
Miss Treder spends the summer carefully choosing music based on the year’s planned church services, hymns and readings. She pays special attention to the range of music best suited for the skill level and voice range of 11-14 year-olds. The changing voices of pre-adolescents can pose a challenge—one that Miss Treder embraces with enthusiasm.
Concerts at St. John’s and other synodical and community events such as teachers’ conference and handbell festival. Several Junior Choir members have even successfully auditioned for the WELS National Conference on Worship, Music and the Arts.
Jon Phillips
Two to three times each week, the sweet sound of children praising God through song wafts through the lower level of school as the Junior Choir gathers to rehearse. Junior Choir, an extracurricular group made up of forty-six 5th-8th graders, dedicates about an hour each week to learning and practicing their music. Miss Mandy Treder, the director of the Junior Choir, leads the kids through various warmups to prepare their voices for rehearsing. With just 20 minutes available for each practice, the kids get straight to work as they arrive in the lecture hall.
Board of Education
School Events Girls A team basketball wins Lakeside Lutheran Tournament, Boys A basketball & Boys B basketball teams, National Physical Fitness & Presidential Physical Award winners, teen lock-in, and Girl Pioneers district bowling outing
Board of Education
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Board of Discipleship
Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society by Barbara J. Weihing
The LWMS’s mission statement identifies it as “women dedicated to serving Jesus by increasing awareness of, interest in, and support of the mission outreach of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.” Each year, LWMS selects one home and one world mission project to receive 100% of the offerings given by individuals, congregations and circuits. Projects not selected each receive ½ of the year’s Convention worship offerings. Past projects supported missions in Antigua, Canada, United States, Japan, Africa, and Mexico. The operational costs of LWMS are supported by the annual dues of member congregations, Working Fund contributions, special gifts and memorials. The first convention with 256 attendees was held June 27, 1964 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Winona, MN. Annual one-day conventions were held thereafter, hosted by various churches. Today, location is national with attendance exceeding 1000 at the 3-day event. Each convention offers the opportunity to meet other mission-minded WELS women (and family) for worship, fellowship, workshops, mission speakers and entertainment. Attendees comment that conventions are “inspiring and wonderful,” “an awesome week & blessing to be able to attend,” and “an enriching organization that brings women together to focus on the Gospel work.” The 57th Convention will be held June 25-28, 2020 in Athens, Georgia.
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Board of Discipleship
Jon Johnson
Kevin Festerling
What are circuit rallies? 836 congregations are divided into 60 circuits across the United States and Canada. St. John’s belongs to the Milwaukee Metro-South circuit. The circuit rally is held the last Saturday morning in April and October and features an opening service, followed by Bible study, a mission speaker, and a brief business
meeting. Past mission speakers included campus ministry, Outreach in Vietnam and Ministry in Latin and South America. The 2020 Spring Rally will be held Saturday morning, April 25, at Woodlawn Lutheran Church in West Allis. The work of LWMS is urgent. Each day we have the opportunity to give someone the greatest gift, the gift of God’s Word, with the message of their Savior.
Memorials In Memory of Delores Schmeling From Dean & Shirley Smith, John Frailing, Louise Saylor, Michael & Marlene Cox, Edward Herwig, Jerry & Jan Bergemann, Robert & Lisa Schmeling (Lau/Tuition Fund), Drex & Charlotte Hansen (debt reduction), Delores Baumann, and Pete & Lorrie Hansen (We Give Thee But Thine Own) In Memory of Joy Chasty From Sue Johanning (debt reduction) In Memory of Angie & John Ailey From Bruce & Kary Ailey (children’s choir) In Memory of Raymond Johnson From John Frailing (Lau/Tuition Fund) In Memory of Lawrence & Adelia Birmingham From Ernest & Darleen Tarmann (debt reduction) In Memory of Raymond Johnson (father of Jon Johnson) From Daniel & Susan Eick, and Jon & Kelly Johnson (Lau/Tuition Fund)
Matt Pastorek
What is the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS)? I, along with members of St. John’s, join the LWMS representatives each spring and fall to support world-wide mission projects with our contributions.
Communication Committee
Tell Me a Story . . . by Kristi Meyer There’s something magical about a good story. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, past or present, here at home or halfway around the world, we all love a well-told story. Part of my role as Communications Coordinator is to tell stories about the ministry initiatives being carried out at St. John’s Lutheran Church, School, and Childcare, and we’ve developed two new communications vehicles to share those stories with you. The St. John’s Spotlight, a quarterly video update highlighting the various groups carrying out our shared mission, will stories from both sides of the street—from church, school, and childcare. We’ll also provide a financial update on how your gifts and offerings are being used to support these groups and events. Through these videos, we hope to better publicize the many amazing activities being carried out at St. John’s. By now, you might have noticed that the front page of the News & Notes has a slightly different look the first weekend of each month. Dubbed the “Good Things” format, this tweak follows a 3-2-1 format: three good things that will happen, two good things that happened, and one good thing that you might not know about. Through this intentional highlighting of “good things,” we hope to make you more aware of the work being done by our Boards, the events and activities happening at St. John’s, and the volunteer opportunities available for you as you seek to serve your congregation and your Savior. Each edition of the Lamplighter will also feature a “Good Things” section. “Tell me a story . . .” is a common request from young children. The St. John’s Spotlight and the “Good Things” lists are our new communications initiatives for fulfilling that same request. As we move forward with these new communication vehicles, I’d love for you to reach out to me (kristi.meyer@sjtosa.org) with your feedback and story ideas!
“Good Things” at St. John’s Three Good Things That Will Happen 1. Our principal, Mr. Scott Uecker, will retire from the teaching ministry. Mr Uecker came to St. John’s in August 2001 and has shepherded our school through a new building, multiple accreditations, and an international student program. Well done, good and faithful servant! 2. Our teachers Mr. Dave and Mrs. Dana Leyrer will celebrate 25 years in the ministry. Mr. Leyrer has served at St. John’s since 1995 and Mrs. Leyrer since 2000. We pray for continued blessings on your ministry at St. John’s! 3. Our school will host its first ever spring concert on Thursday, April 16 at 6:30 p.m. Organized by Miss Mandy Treder and featuring St. John’s choir, band, and handbell students, this concert is a wonderful opportunity for our students to share their musical talents. Please plan to attend!
Two Good Things That Happened 1. From the end of September through the beginning of November 2019, our pastors performed eight infant and child baptisms. What an amazing blessing and display of God’s power! 2. We debuted the St. John’s Spotlight. Keep an eye out for future editions (to be shown after worship services) as we continue to tell stories of our shared St. John’s ministry!
One Good Thing That You Might Not Know About 1. Three St. John’s pastors, one called worker, and four lay leaders attended the Lutheran Leadership Conference in Chicago. All are looking forward to sharing and implementing what they learned as we continually strive to enhance ministry at St. John’s. Communication Committee
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Board of Elders
Worship Opportunities
Membership Changes
The Battle for Your Soul February 26 – Return to the Lord (Ash Wednesday, 3:30 & 6:45 p.m.) March 1 – Victory Over the Devil March 8 – Victory by Faith March 15 – Victory Over Blindness March 22 – Victory Over Selfishness March 29 – Victory Over Sin and Death April 5 – Victory Through Suffering (Palm Sunday) April 9 – The Victory Celebration (Maundy Thursday, 3:30 & 6:45 p.m.) April 10 – The Victory Is Complete (Good Friday, 1:00 p.m.)
NEW MEMBERS BY TRANSFER Brian Eft from Heritage, Lindenhurst, IL Matthew Hobler from Salem, Milwaukee, WI Jim & Janet Winterle from Living Water, Wind Lake, WI Charles & Patricia Wrucke from Holy Trinity, Okauchee, WI MEMBERS LEAVING BY TRANSFER Rolf & Cindy Aldinger to St. John’s, Mukwonago, WI Darren & Kelsie Festerling, Wallace & Fletcher to Christ the Lord, Brookfield, WI Brian & Tracey Lampe to Victory of the Lamb, Franklin, WI Lindsey Lampe to Victory of the Lamb, Franklin, WI Karen Mielke to Illumine, Rock Hill, SC Mark & Diane Rosenberg to Victory of the Lamb, Franklin, WI Sharon VanderVeen to Amazing Love, Frankfort, IL
Midweek Lent Services: The Son of God Goes Forth to War Wednesdays at 3:30 & 6:45 p.m. March 4 – Hidden Warrior March 11 – Reconnaissance Report: Know Your Enemy March 18 – The Warrior Rejected by Many Followers March 25 – Skirmishes April 1 – The Warrior Faces Satan’s Ally – the World
Pastoral Acts
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Board of Elders
MARRIAGE Brian Groth & Alexi Walters-Ketchum
November 23, 2019
ASLEEP IN THE LORD Elaine Fruth Mary Beth Whritenour Gordon Matz
December 4, 2019 December 19, 2019 January 3, 2020
Brian Treichel
December 11, 2019
John Peterman
Greg Martin
Dave Close
Not pictured: Terry Paul
Bill Braun
Easter Season Our Redeemer Lives! He Lives . . . April 12 – To Take Us From Death to Life (Easter Sunday) April 19 – To Give Us Proof and Peace April 26 – To Restore Our Hope May 3 – To Be Our Good Shepherd May 10 – To Be the Only Way to Heaven May 17 – To Call Us to Live For Him May 21 – To Rule All Things (Ascension, 6:45 p.m.) May 24 – To Give Us the Expectation of Glory
BAPTISMS Jack Meckstroth