2023 Spring Lamplighter

LAMPLIGHTER

Faithfully Carrying Us Through Change

by Pastor Joel Leyrer

2022 was a year of change for St. John’s, and it looks to be the same for 2023. Nevertheless, we take comfort in the certainty of God’s promise to be with us and bless us. As is our annual practice, we celebrated these blessings on our annual Mission and Ministry Sunday. Highlights from our “State of the Parish” presentation follow; the entire presentation can be viewed at sjtosa.org/StateoftheParish.

Both the Executive Board and Board of Elders focused on pastoral staffing in 2022. We said farewell to Pastor Kyle Bitter in April and welcomed Pastor Joel Schwartz in December. This emphasis will continue in 2023 as both of these boards evaluate pastoral ministry and define pastoral responsibilities in view of my retirement this June.

The Board of Education also dealt with staffing in 2022 due to Renee Pastorek and Dave Leyrer accepting calls to Fox Valley and Kettle Moraine Lutheran High Schools, respectively. In addition to seeking to fill our school staffing needs in 2023, the Board of Education will also implement the Wisconsin and Milwaukee Parental Choice programs at St. John’s.

Fellowship was a theme for the Board of Discipleship in 2022 with increased participation in Growth Groups and our inaugural congregational golf outing. 2023 marks the 7th year for “By Scripture Alone,” the St. John’s daily

Bible reading program—a program going in a new direction this year through the use of the devotional book To Live with Christ by Bo Giertz.

A sermon podcast (sjtosa.org/SermonPodcast) and a Christmas advertising campaign helped the Board of Outreach reach beyond the walls of St. John’s in 2022. The Board of Outreach looks to continue fostering this outward-focused mindset in 2023 as they encourage members to see evangelism as a personal and urgent mission from our Savior.

In 2022, the Board of Stewardship provided assistance for St. John’s members to develop or review their estate plans. In 2023 the Board of Stewardship will once again offer this assistance as a service to the congregation, together with education and encouragement for members to use their God-given gifts in ministry efforts at St. John’s.

There were no major projects for our Properties Coordinator in 2022, but numerous facility repairs, maintenance projects, and upgrades still kept him busy. Deferred maintenance projects will be a focus in 2023 as a part of our campus expansion project.

New initiatives implemented by our Communications Coordinator in 2022 included redesigned worship service folders and News & Notes and an expansion of the St. John’s social media presence to Instagram

Partners in Outreach

by Pastor Joel Schwartz

Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Lutheran Leadership Conference in Chicago, IL, with eight other St. John’s leaders. One quote from a keynote speaker stuck with me. He said, “The first 10 years of your ministry will be about you. The next 10 years will be about the people you serve. The last 25 years will be to God’s glory. The faster you get to the latter—serving to God’s glory—the more you will enjoy ministry.”

I wonder if this isn’t true for every Christian on their journey through life. The sooner we see our lives as lives lived to the glory of God, the more we will enjoy our Christian journey through life. Not everyone is a called public minister, but all are priests, ministers in God’s kingdom. The apostle Peter reminds us, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). Each Christian has a different calling, but all Christians are called to offer up prayers and praises together with their works of love toward their neighbor. In doing so, we declare God’s praises and live to his glory.

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(instagram.com/SJTosa). In partnership with Cornerstone Stewardship Ministry, communication with our members during the Declaring His Praises capital campaign will be a significant undertaking in 2023.

Related to this, Declaring His Praises campaign chair Mark Naumann gave an update on this stewardship initiative. A campaign goal of $2.5M (or more) over three years may seem ambitious, but we are confident it is attainable as we as a family of believers come together united in the understanding that the proposed expansion will glorify God and further our ability to do Gospel ministry. Upcoming aspects of the campaign include leadership workshops at the end of February, small group presentations in the middle of March, and a six-week worship emphasis from February 26 through April 2. Please keep this campaign in your prayers as it continues to unfold, and watch for much more information coming soon.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). We thank God for the gifts he has richly poured out on St. John’s and move forward into this next year trusting he will faithfully carry us through these changes as he has always done in the past.

Memorials

In fact, the only good gifts we can give are gifts we have received from God. We listen to the gospel. We receive the gifts God gives in the Sacrament. This is the fuel God uses to strengthen our faith and our love for others. Then, outreach spills over from what happens in worship on Sunday morning into our daily lives. God uses what happens at the altar, from the pulpit, in Bible study, and changes hearts and lives all week long.

As the hymn writer says, “We all are called to service, to witness in God’s name. Our ministries are different; our purpose is the same . . . ” ( Christian Worship ’93 566, stanza 2).

Outreach is nothing more than the church in motion living out our daily callings in love. I hope and pray you will partner in our Savior’s mission by going out from worship each week to declare God’s praises.

In Memory of John and Angie Lynn Ailey

From Bruce & Kary Ailey (Jr. Choir)

In Memory of Jeffrey Euler (brother of Jeanne Lehninger)

From Cal & Lynn Kozlowski (building fund)

In Memory of Charles Wrucke

From Jesus & Susan Mariscal and Patricia Wrucke (building fund)

First we receive God’s good gifts, then we joyfully give to others what we have received.

St. John’s Member Spotlight—the Hobler Family

by Kerry Ognenoff

The St. John’s Member Spotlight is a space in each issue of the Lamplighter to share a little more about some of our members of St. John’s.

Matt and Kathy Hobler, along with their four children (Stephen, Evelyn, Michael and Clara) are long-time members of St. John’s Church, and all four children are current students at St. John’s School. Kathy formerly taught the K3/K4 Sunday School class and currently serves on the Christian Education Society (CES) at school. Matt serves on the Board of Outreach at church and is the assistant coach for the 5th grade B2 basketball team.

Evelyn is in 4th grade and is the proud guinea pig mom of Gus and Scruffs. She is a lover of the arts: music, dancing, tumbling and the school’s art club. Michael, in 2nd grade, is known to re-enact Star Wars fight scenes and has often been seen sparring outside with sticks against an imaginary opponent. Their youngest, Clara, in K5, is not one to be lost in the shuffle. She makes her voice heard and is learning to write, dance, and play piano.

Matt is a client services manager at Zenith America where, according to the kids, he “sends emails all day.” Kathy has been a Special Ed teacher for Milwaukee Public Schools since 2009. She enjoys baking, especially with her kids. After the kids go to bed, Matt and Kathy can be found playing their favorite game, Scrabble. Matt even proposed using a mini Scrabble board and his dog, Abby (who carried the ring across a field on her collar).

Stephen, the oldest Hobler child, is in 5th grade. He loves running on the school’s cross country team and building with Legos, playing outside and plotting Nerf battles.

Matt and Kathy have remained long-time members. They noticed the many families with young children being welcomed and encouraged to attend and knew that community would welcome them with open arms when they decided to start a family. The Hoblers also appreciated the school that would meet their kids’ spiritual needs on a daily basis.

The midweek Advent and Lent services followed by dinner in the fellowship hall are Hobler family favorites. “The opportunity to worship with so many students followed by fellowship with family and friends is such a blessing!” said Kathy. Camping is another favorite family pastime. They love swimming, hiking, enjoying family time, sleeping under the stars, and marveling at God’s creation.

The Hoblers look forward to the future of St. John’s with excitement. Kathy says, “We are excited to see the interest and growth in the Early Learning Center programs at St. Johns. We look forward to St. John’s providing an exceptional Christ-centered education for students for years to come.”

“We observed that [St. John’s] was a great church and community to not only grow in our faith, but for a future family to also grow in faith.” — Kathy Hobler

Kathy and Matt Hobler with their four children

Making and Enriching Connections

by Kerry Ognenoff

Serving ice cream at back to school night; organizing and running games or crafts at Fall Festival; pampering our teachers during teacher appreciation week; and coordinating Discovery Day (a day-long high interest day for our students)—these are just a few of the events and activities organized and run by the Christian Education Committee (CES) throughout the year at St. John’s School. CES is made up of parent volunteers who serve in order to enrich the connection between families and faculty at St. John’s through events and fellowship opportunities.

allow for the important connection between families and school faculty members. “Planning an event and then seeing the kids’ faces light up as they participate in that event gives me great pride and joy,” says Jenny Lindert, the current CES committee chair.

The CES committee meets for about an hour each month, and although activity planning features prominently, these meetings also serve as a time of fellowship for those in attendance. Jenny Lindert initially joined CES because, “CES has enabled me to get to know more parents and students, and to give back to my church and school in a positive manner.”

CES organizes and executes many of the fun family events at St. John’s, like Back to School Night, Fall Festival, school Christmas decorations, spirit days and weeks, the Daddy Daughter Dance, Mother/Son Game Night, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Discovery Day. Spread out through the calendar year, these events provide families an opportunity to gather, have fun, and get to know each other at St. John’s. They also

CES works to promote school pride and foster a sense of community among school families, the congregation, faculty, and pastors. Dana Leyrer, the school faculty advisor on the CES committee, serves as the liaison between CES and the teachers of St. John’s. “This dedicated group selflessly volunteers their time to support both our kids and faculty,” says Dana. Opportunities to participate in CES range from being on the planning committee to setting up and running events to helping with one game or activity. Many of the CES committee members are moms (with a few dads joining in on occasion), who enjoy each other’s company as they plan and execute the various events throughout the year. Volunteers are welcome to participate as much as they like— contributing time and talents as best suits their families.

Greg Beyer, chair | Nick Cutting | Luke Sankey | Pat Stolzman | Jason Weinrich Board of Education

For information on upcoming CES events or for volunteer opportunities, please watch the News & Notes and the Crusader Chronicle.

School Events

K2 & K4 classrooms, boys B1 basketball celebrates undefeated season and tournament win, and Move-Up Day: students moved up one classroom to meet their teacher and see their classroom for next year

“Good Things” at St. John’s

Three Good Things That Will Happen

1. We’ll follow the steps of Jesus on his Lenten journey to the cross. May these 40 days of Lent be a time to reflect on your Savior’s love for you, and may you give of your time, talents, and treasures in a faith-filled response to that love.

2. Things will be full steam ahead for Declaring His Praises, our capital campaign for our campus expansion project. For more information on the campaign and what you can do, see pgs. 6 & 7.

3. We’ll continue to work with our school families on the Wisconsin and Milwaukee Parental Choice programs. We’re thankful that our voters approved participation in these programs, and we pray our participation will make Christian education more affordable for those families who qualify.

Two Good Things That Happened

1. We held an open house for our Early Learning Center. With expansion coming again next year (adding a second K3 classroom), we’re actively looking for WELS members 18 years of age or older to help us staff our ELC. Please contact Miss Wendland (rachel.wendland@sjtosa.org) if you or someone you know is interested.

2. Our grade school students celebrated our Savior’s birth in a unique way: with a Christmas cantata for their Christmas Eve service. Much time and energy went into preparing, and we are thankful for our dedicated school faculty members who made this worship service possible!

One Good Thing That You Might Not Know About

1. In place of our midweek Lent service on March 22, we’ll welcome the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary chorus for an evening concert. What a blessing it is to be able to hear these future pastors sing our Savior’s praises!

A Spiritual Issue First

by Kristi Meyer

“All the church ever talks about is money.” It’s a common church stereotype, and it might feel that way at St. John’s right now with our campus expansion project and capital campaign. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, Declaring His Praises does have a goal of raising $2.5M (or more)—but that’s far from the only goal.

The Declaring His Praises campaign theme comes from 1 Peter 2:9, where the Apostle Peter first tells us who we are: a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession. Peter then follows this up with our calling: to declare the praises of God. “At the base of this building initiative effort is the desire to glorify God through expanding our Gospel ministry,” explains Pastor Joel Leyrer. “In other words, we seek to declare his praises both within our community and before a watching world.”

Church-wide growth isn’t the only goal of this campaign, though. There’s also a goal of personal growth for each and every member of St. John’s—a goal shared by Jeff Davis, our campaign consultant and the president of Cornerstone Stewardship Ministry. “A Gospel-based fund appeal is all about raising the hearts of God’s people,” says Jeff. “The means by which we raise hearts is through the Word of God. When the hearts of God’s people are raised, only wonderful and amazing things follow!”

To that end, an intentional focus on spiritual growth will be a key part of this campaign—and Pastor Leyrer sees the season of Lent as a perfect time for that focus. “Lent is dedicated to remembering what Jesus underwent for us and the sacrifice he willingly made so we might live with him forever,” he says. “While Christ’s generosity toward us can never be matched, Lent is an appropriate time to consider our response to this wondrous love.” In addition to thoughts and prayers incorporated into our Lenten worship services, resources will also be provided for in-home use. Through these special devotions and prayers, you are encouraged to reflect on the grace God has shown to you and then consider your response to this grace. Mark Naumann, the Declaring His Praises

Emphasis Director, sees this reflection as a key facet in a God-pleasing attitude of stewardship. “God has provided all of our earthly needs, and we have learned that our giving should be proportional, planned, and cheerful,” explains Mark. “When considering the blessings God has showered on us, our giving should be a joyful response to his love for us.”

When I stop and intentionally think about how God has blessed me, I come up with a list so long that it takes my breath away. I’m sure the same is true for you. Such a list merits thanks and praise to a gracious God— thanks and praise that can result in monetary offerings. But in the end, “Stewardship appeals are a spiritual issue first and a thank offering second,” says Jeff.

Over the next six weeks, we’ll keep that spiritual issue front and center, and we ask that you do the same. During this Lenten season, reflect on the many blessings God has shown to you. Then, if you are willing, please consider showing your gratitude for these blessings through a campaign contribution.

How Can You Get Involved?

Offer prayers of thanksgiving to God for the many ministry opportunities he places before us. Then pray boldly and confidently that God will bless our campaign by allowing to expand our campus and engage in the joyful task of Declaring His Praises.

STAY CONNECTED

As mentioned on Mission & Ministry Sunday, a number of workshops and small-group presentations are planned for late February through mid-March. At these presentations, we will explain more about the campaign, our campus expansion plans, and other opportunities for giving. We hope and pray that every St. John’s member attends one of these presentations to educate themselves on the campaign.

PRAY

Called to Use Our Gifts

Board of Stewardship

What have I been blessed with?

Perhaps you or your family has been blessed financially? What should I do? Obviously, the answer to this question is going to be about stewardship. The Stewardship Committee has a relationship with SFC Estate Planning to provide St. John’s members with a resource to create a plan or review your current plan. This helps prevent confusion for family members when a loved one dies. It also helps members who would like to leave a legacy to support future ministry.

“But mom,” the little voice asked me. “What should I do?” Whether you’re a small child fighting boredom, a senior in high school choosing a college, or a full-fledged adult making choices for your family, it’s common to ask for help. Many times a little self-reflection goes a long way.

VOLUNTEER

Our Leadership Team structure evenly distributes the work so that no one is overtasked, and so members are needed to serve on various Leadership Teams throughout this campaign. All St. John’s members are asked to look for opportunities to serve. You do not need to wait to be invited to serve—please contact Mark Naumann at (414) 331-0725 or mnaumann@wi.rr.com for information on team roles and responsibilities. If you are asked to serve, please accept the invitation!

JOYFULLY RESPOND

Everyone will have the opportunity to prayerfully consider a gift. During the coming weeks, many giving ideas and options will be shared. Our approach to giving is always Gospel based—a heartfelt and willing response flowing from God’s grace.

Board of Stewardship

The Stewardship Committee is also looking to help with people in a more immediate way. Thanks to electronic giving, members have multiple avenues to give weekly or monthly offerings. The committee is also exploring other opportunities to give.

What is my calling?

In addition to the offerings we give, we have each been given a calling. For some of us, that is a “real” call, such as our teachers and pastors. But I’m always reminded of the hymn “Hark, the Voice of Jesus Crying” when it lists different ways we can serve. If you can’t preach like Paul, you can still tell others about Jesus. Maybe your calling is to “lead the little children to the Savior’s waiting arms.” If you can’t be a “watchman” on the front line, maybe you can be “like faithful Aaron, holding up the prophet’s hands.”

Take a look at your strengths and ask yourself, “How can I help ministry at St. John’s?” Can you assist with clerical duties? Can you help with nursery, Sunday School or Pioneers? Can you make meals or pull weeds? Can you write letters encouraging shut-ins or people going through medical treatments?

Mark Naumann, chair | Lyle Haferman | Phil Hansen | Jody Schmidt

Watch out for more information on volunteer opportunities in the future and check the board in the narthex for immediate needs at church.

Board of Elders

Worship Opportunities

Sundays in Lent

Our Greatest Needs

February 22 – A Wholly Humbled Heart (Ash Wednesday)

February 26 – A Champion for the Undefeated

March 5 – A Gift for the World

March 12 – Water for the Thirsty

March 19 – Sight for the Blind

March 26 – Life for the Dead

Midweek Lent Services

His Final Steps

Wednesdays, March 1-29

3:30 & 6:45 p.m.

Holy Week

April 2 – A Greater Type of King (Palm Sunday)

April 6 – Blessed Communion (Maundy Thursday)

April 7 – The Perfect Sacrifice (Good Friday)

Membership Changes

NEW MEMBERS

BY TRANSFER

Mirko & Diane Buzdum from Grace, Milwaukee, WI

Jim & Mary Fravert from Christ, Pewaukee, WI

Jesse & Valerie Gospodarek, Regan, Finley & Declan from St. Jacobi, Greenfield, WI

Alyssa Harris, Benson Montejano from St. John’s, Milwaukee, WI

Thomas Nelson from Resurrection, Aurora, IL

Joel & Bethany Schwartz, Elise, Tyler & Natalie from Peace, Trinity, FL

Luke & Jacob Stellick from Resurrection, Aurora, IL

BY ADULT CONFIRMATION

Joe Newbauer

BY PROFESSION OF FAITH

Tim Pagel

Sundays of Easter

He Lives

April 9 – To Take Me from Death to Life (Easter Sunday)

April 16 – To Give Me Proof and Peace

April 23 – To Restore My Hope

April 30 – To Be My Good Shepherd

May 7 – To Be the Only Way to Heaven

May 14 – To Call Me to Live for Him

May 18 – To Rule All Things for the Church (Ascension)

May 21 – To Give Me Eager Expectation of Glory

MEMBERS LEAVING

BY TRANSFER

Kyle Bitter to St. Luke, Watertown, WI

Emily Foy, Bennett & Elliott to Mt. Calvary, Waukesha, WI

Anna Johnson to Christ, Pewaukee, WI

Tim & Katie Lesperance, Eleanor to St. Paul, Green Bay, WI

Mark & Mary-Jane Maurice to St. John’s, New Ulm, MN

Chris McGrath, Nolan to Christ, Big Bend, WI

Betty Seidel to Shepherd of the Hills, West Bend, WI

Pastoral Acts

BAPTISM

Elsie Mae Gretebeck

Willow Brooke Billings

Joseph William Newbauer

Sullivan James Newbauer

Juniper Quinn Johnston

Finn Walter Leverence

Nolan Duke Mancl

MARRIAGES

Nate Bruckschen & Emily Gapinski

October 15, 2022

October 16, 2022

December 3, 2022

December 3, 2022

December 26, 2022

January 15, 2023

January 28, 2023

December 3, 2022

Board of Elders

Brian Treichel, chair | Dave Allerheiligen | John Peterman | John Schapekahm | Mike Schneider | Jeff Sitz

Board of Elders