LAMPLIGHTER Summer 2020
Two Important Passages; Two Important Lessons by Pastor Joel Leyrer Introductory note: I am writing this article on the Saturday after Easter, so consider it timestamped and reflective of the facts as of April 18, 2020. Earlier this week, our Governor extended the safer-at-home restrictions to May 26, which sets the final weekend in May as the earliest possibility for resuming corporate worship in our church building. But we all know the difference between possibilities and probabilities. Bottom line: by the time you actually read this article, things may be entirely different. Two of the most quoted and comforting passages in Scripture are Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28. It’s not hard to understand why. The first is the promise that God always has a beneficial plan for us; the second is the promise that God can and will use times and events we would never choose for ourselves to deepen our relationship with him and others. Both these passages have special meaning at the present time. There are many lessons God may be teaching us through this time of pandemic, and they are as individualized as we are. Nevertheless, allow me to suggest a couple in particular that have application for us all. The first is the vital importance of Christian connectedness and fellowship as members of this congregation. “Brothers and sisters.” “Children of God.” “Family of believers.” “Household of faith.” There is a reason why God (our “heavenly Father”) chooses words and phrases like these to describe his church. We are a family of believers
known as St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, united in and through Christ to and with each other through the bond of a shared faith. Although we cannot physically be together in church, we are grateful that, in a certain sense, we can still worship together through our online services. But it’s not the same. One of the things we miss the most is not being able to physically greet, visit, and see each other in worship and Bible study. And while we pray for a return to normalcy soon, each week we can’t be together increases the value we place on being part of this family of believers. Absence indeed makes the heart grow fonder, does it not? A second lesson is a heightened awareness of our own personal responsibility for cultivating and strengthening our spiritual lives. A little cartoon making its way around social media pictures a confrontation between God and the devil. The devil said, “With COVID-19 I closed your churches,” to which God replied: “On the contrary. I just opened one in every home.” Well said. Not being able to get to church reminds us that we are the church, wherever we may be. When will we be able to see each other and worship together? That’s in God’s hands. But as we wait, we take comfort in God’s plans and his outworking in our lives, knowing that “nothing separates us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
P a s t o r ’s C o r n e r
The Christian and Politics: Putting Church Back into the State by Pastor Eric Schroeder In an election year, we expect some uncertainty. Current events have only magnified the importance of wisdom among our leaders—these men and women who will write and enforce policy to handle emergencies, keep the peace in society, and wage war when necessary. What is a Christian’s place in politics? We are used to the separation of church and state, and that idea has its place. However, I’d suggest that as we aim to live as Christ’s disciples in an election year, the first goal is to put church back into our dealings with the state. Let me explain . . . Wise biblical teachers may often speak of the two kingdoms: church and state, civil righteousness and divine righteousness, the realm of reason and the realm of the gospel—all of these are useful distinctions. We take great pains to describe how the means and the goals of each are not the same, nor should they intermingle, lest either institution go beyond its scope and miss its divinely assigned purpose. Permit me to suggest, however, that we must be careful in how we live out the relationship between—or the separation of—church and state. The temptation for those who are passionate about politics is to enter the fray and set aside the greater principles as we engage.
Memorials In Memory of Roberta Hahn From Paul & Annette Birkholz (school gifts & memorials) In Memory of Madeline Grace Zimmer From Donald & Kris Zimmer (school gifts & memorials) In Memory of Helen Albrecht From Mark & Mary Jane Maurice, Jeffrey & Karen Sitz (undesignated), and Cal & Lynn Kozlowski (choir)
Sharp disagreement (even for good moral reasons) might seem to call for personal attacks against candidates or fellow voters whom we oppose. Distrust for elected officials might be used as an excuse for slander, disrespect, and ridicule. Corruption might seem to call for rebellion and lawlessness in extreme cases. This is where we remember God’s law (especially the 4th commandment) and enjoy true freedom as God’s forgiveness heals, comforts, and motivates us to love God and our neighbor, with a special emphasis on good citizenship. We dare not set aside either our faith or its fruits as we step into the realm of the state; instead, we model our discipleship to Christ and love for our fellow citizens as we enter the political arena. Our eternal standing as children of God gives us the greatest reason to be salt and light in a world of darkness.
For biblical encouragement, see Romans 13, 1 Peter 2, and especially 1 Timothy 2, where we are reminded that praying for our leaders can have a direct impact on our opportunities for preaching the gospel. It is with much appreciation we write these words of thanks. Thank you for the many who attended our 25th teaching anniversary celebration. We were very touched by your kind words and enjoyed sharing memories with those we got to visit with that day. Also, to the many people who expressed their thoughts in cards, well wishes, and gifts we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. The people of St. John’s helped us learn as we were first-time teachers, watched our family grow (we finally did make it back to the front of church), guided and nourished our children, and supported us through good and tough times. We are so thankful for our time here and look forward to serving our God with you in this ministry.
Dave and Dana Leyrer 2
Pastor’s Corner
Board of Elders
The Blessing of Technology – Livestream by Jen Wolf year ago, you could start viewing the adult Bible study in the Fellowship Hall online with an average of 20-30 views per week, now there’s nearly anywhere from 80-190.
Sunday services are now averaging 475 views, midweek Lenten services had well over 300, and the two Easter services had over 1,100 views combined. When I was first asked to write an article about how Livestream and the audio/visual system at church could be a blessing to our congregation, I was simply thinking about how nice it was to watch church at home when you’re sick or traveling. And then a global pandemic hit and we were all suddenly dependent on technology operated by the few staff and volunteers allowed to be in church. Our current circumstance gives a whole new meaning to “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am with them” (Matthew 18:20). Early Christians met in homes with only letters from the apostles. Early pioneers on the Great Plains living miles apart from their nearest neighbor spent their Sundays at home with Bibles and memorized hymns. We have Livestream thanks to some very forward thinking church members. Before 2012, anyone who was unable to attend church could read the sermon notes the next week or listen to the church service recorded on cassette tape. Yes, you read that right. Cassette tape. Since installing a basic camera system, pieces were added here and there with the first Livestream in the Fall of 2012. The original purpose of all this new technology was to provide people a way to attend church when they couldn’t, as well as, enhance the experience of those attending.
Personally, I couldn’t make it through the first Sunday without a few tears. Many have said they miss the fellowship and communion, the loud swell of voices singing and sitting next to one another. On the other hand, I liked that we could never be late because you can start worship at any time. Plus, when my children ask a question or point out that “I know that guy” (Moses) at their top volume, it’s nice to answer them or explain a point that the pastor is making. As weird as it is for us at home, I can only imagine what it’s like for our pastors to speak to a practically empty church. We can see them, but they can’t see us. Can’t see our reactions. Can’t hear our voices singing, responding, and praying along with them. Can’t provide communion. Can’t offer the blessing before we leave as one to enter the mission field. If you haven’t added them to your prayers yet, now would be a good time. You can watch and rewatch the service if needed. You can watch alone or with your family. You can share the link with others near and far. Maybe this experience will be a new way to invite others to church? Who knows what a blessing this technology will turn out to be. I think the only way to tell is when we’re able to worship together again in our beautiful church. Then we can go back to the original intent of St. John’s Livestream. Won’t that be a blessing?
According to Dan Schmal, “Our weekly services average over 100 views each week with some services up to 200 or more views. This likely involves many more since services are often watched by more than a single individual.” Before the Safer at Home order, the highest online attendance was on March 15 with 319 views. About one Board of Elders
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Board of Education
Making a Big Impact by Kerry Ognenoff
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Board of Education
Kerry Kuehn
Not pictured: Dan Young
Casey Holtz
Mr. Uecker’s graduation from (D)MLC in 1974
“I have enjoyed my time together with so many students. My favorite memories will be having the variety of every day— preschool kids greet me as I enter a classroom, and then I get to go into an upper grade classroom for a whole different kind of time together with classroom banter. Every day is new and different.” — Mr. Scott Uecker Both Mr. and Mrs. Uecker retired from teaching in May 2020. Together they will enjoy traveling to some of their “bucket list” destinations, including Amsterdam, Switzerland, and Germany. They also plan to spend Christmas watching their grandson in his Christmas program. Mr. Uecker will continue his life-long support of education by helping seminary students on their catechism curriculum. He will also continue to participate in accreditation visits for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and hopes to enjoy a few rounds of golf with his two grandsons as well. Mr. Uecker holds many fond memories of the hundreds of students he has impacted over the course of his teaching career. His hope is that “they see the Bible speaks to them every day about their life. I hope they see history as being relevant to understanding what is happening to them in the present.”
Troy Schulz
At an early age, Mr. Uecker learned that Christian teachers make a big impact on their students, and he wanted to contribute to that difference for students himself. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in education from (Dr.) Martin Luther College (DMLC). Mr. Uecker was assigned to be the new principal at Zion in Toledo, Ohio, where he taught upper grades, coached sports, and supervised Sunday School and the federal lunch program. While there, he earned his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Toledo University.
After six years in Toledo, Mr. Uecker was called to Trinity in Waukesha, where he served as their principal for 21 years. He then was called to St. John’s in 2001, where he taught history and religion to the upper graders and interacted with all students as principal. He has many favorite memories of teaching at St. John’s.
Jon Phillips
Famous around school for loving and supporting his fellow teachers and staff, for his willingness to help fix just about anything, for his love of the Milwaukee Brewers, and for his passion for traveling the world (and his many fantastic stories from doing so), Scott Uecker has retired after Mr. Scott Uecker 46 years of service in the teaching ministry. Mr. Uecker’s love for his students, teachers, and the ministry shone in his dedication sharing the message of God’s love with his many students.
Board of Education
St. John Teacher Quotes With the switch to online teaching and learning, we asked our St. John’s teachers to share their opportunities, challenges, and what they most miss about seeing their students in person. The quotes below have been edited for space. To read the full quotes from our teachers, visit www.sjtosa.org/OnlineLearning.
It is challenging to differentiate and meet the needs of each child from a distance. At the same time, it is a joy to connect to our students each day, to be able to continue to share God’s Word and God’s love with them, and “see” and “hear” them through pictures and videos. – Mandy Treder As a teacher, I have missed seeing my kids, singing songs with them and all the hugs! As a teacher who is also a parent, I have witnessed great joy in my kids. The joy that lights up on my kids’ faces when they watch their teachers is just amazing. – Leslie Campbell I enjoy the flexibility that teaching online offers. I can work through my own children’s work with them in the morning, and in the afternoon and evenings I can plan and record my own lessons. I will often look at photos of my students before I record a lesson. I can’t wait to give all my students a great big hug and teach them God’s Word face to face! – Renee Pastorek I have really enjoyed the challenge of using technology to deliver my lessons, and it’s fun to see the creative ways my students respond. I can’t wait to be face to face with my students again so that we can sit in a circle, pray together, and enjoy all of the social aspects of school that can’t be captured online. – Lisa Festerling
I feel like I am definitely growing my skills in technology – I’m curious to see if any of my videos could win me an Oscar for screenwriting, directing, and acting J I have always said that we have super supportive parents at St. John’s. They have really taken on this challenge and are being great partners. – Terry Buske Since we can’t be together, it’s really nice to see and hear my students when they share pictures and videos of their work. – Carrie Henning I am thankful that even in this crazy time, our Lord still provides a way for us to let our lights shine in the lives of our students to hear his Word, learn academically, and be gainfully employed with an abundance of work while so many are left without jobs. – Keith Hackbarth The fact that we HAD to do this, and figure it out in a short amount of time, forced me way out of my “technical comfort zone.” I will enjoy doing some of these things in our normal school routine to connect what the kids are learning to the families I work with. I miss our day-to-day interaction: little ones are always excited to share and I miss hearing the simple things that bring such joy to their life. – Dana Leyrer While I’ve enjoyed teaching my students how to use some new technology and learning myself, I miss the in-person teaching and interaction with the children. Students are unable to see or hear my enthusiasm. There are no gestures, facial expressions, or even my (bad) jokes to maintain attention and keep learning fun. They miss out on the camaraderie with their classmates. – Brett Kriese
There are so many ways that learning has changed and no way to separate the positive and the negative. I believe the use of technology allows us to continue to instruct but without personal interactions the instruction is less effective. I miss the daily time together around God’s Word and around each other. – Scott Uecker I would like to say thank you to all the parents for their support and feedback. I truly miss all the children’s smiles and laughter. – Naomi Stein
Board of Education
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Board of Discipleship
What I Most Appreciate . . . During this time of being physically apart, we asked our members to share what they most appreciate about St. John’s. We received many more quotes than we can include here! To rest the rest – and to share your quote – visit www.sjtosa.org/MostAppreciate.
St. John’s commitment to serving both its members AND the community is part of what makes me most appreciate calling SJTosa my church family. The focus on reaching people in the community with the gospel message is what initially drew me to join St. John’s and continues to still invigorate me as a member today. – Angela Ebeling
St. John’s is like an extended family, each member with their own goals, successes and struggles. But while we are all individuals, we all commune together with a common understanding that God is in control of it all. That comes through in the sermons, in our classrooms, and in our homes. I can be at peace knowing that my children are in the very best hands, learning about a God who will always be there for them. – Jason Fritz
What I appreciate most about St. John’s is the variety of ways that our pastors develop relationships and connect with our kids outside of church. Whether it’s Pastor Schroeder and Pastor Bitter’s presence at school where they’re checking in with kids informally or teaching catechism classes, or Pastor Bitter serving as the cross country coach and coordinating teen programming, these interactions have presented the opportunity for my children to form meaningful relationships with and be mentored by our pastors. – Wendy Close
What I most appreciate about St. John’s is the solid preaching. I come from another denomination; the preaching is what first attracted me to St. John’s and keeps me fed each and every Sunday. I always look forward to what I will learn from the sermon because our pastors do such a wonderful job of making it apply directly to me and my life. – Monica Gnat The thing I most appreciate about St. John’s is the fact that I can enjoy camaraderie and fellowship while listening to God’s Word. There are so many talented and knowledgeable individuals at St. John’s that not only contribute and encourage each other to dive deeper into the Word of God, but are also there to just be your friend. – Jessie Gromacki
What I most appreciate about St. John’s are all the unique people who provide a Christian example. I find myself especially appreciative when someone who has provided me with such an example to follow finishes their race and is called home to heaven. – Adam Sipe
I love that St. John’s is such a loving, supportive family to each other. Spiritual encouragement abounds both in person and from a distance. That is one of the biggest blessings to our family from St. John’s. – Kerry Ognenoff
Our pastoral staff and their spiritual leadership during the good and challenging times of life. I have made life-long friends at St. John’s through our elementary school. – Sue Eick
Board of Discipleship
Matt Pastorek
I appreciate, and am grateful for, the Christian fellowship and many friendships with people who support each other in a shared faith. – Gayle Totsky
Jon Johnson
I most appreciate the preaching of the Word of God, which sustains us. Also we are blessed with caring people of the church, who generously offer help to those who need it. – Janet Hollatz
Kevin Festerling
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While there is so much to appreciate about St. John’s, the thing that immediately comes to mind is the steady shepherding of our flock by our dedicated school faculty and our pastors, who teach and preach the pure Word of God to our school children and congregation. I also appreciate the importance placed on Bible study and the many and varied opportunities we have to participate! – Carla Martin
Board of Elders
Always a Good Process by Kristi Meyer
The deliberation process usually begins with gathering as much information as possible about the new call. Pastor Eric Schroeder explains: “I always try to get a somewhat objective picture of what ministry would be like in the new situation.” This usually involves talking to the pastors, teachers, and leadership at the new church or school and understanding their ministry needs and wants. “Usually a new call comes with a fairly generic nebulous title,” says Pastor Kyle Bitter. “What exactly do they mean by that title? What do they see as the scope and focus of that ministry?” On the flip side, the deliberation process also involves evaluating one’s current ministry. Input and feedback – especially from fellow partners in ministry – is beneficial in this evaluation.
Greg Martin
Dave Close
Bill Braun
“Sometimes people tell me things that I hadn’t really thought about before. That’s helpful feedback when I’m considering how my abilities are being used.” — Miss Mandy Treder
But in the end, deliberating a call isn’t the same as making a decision on whether to accept a new job. It’s not about location or salary or benefits. It’s not about whether the new call appears to be a “step up” or a promotion from one’s current call. It’s not about the perks that a new call might bring. “It just comes down to where I feel I can best serve,” says Mandy Treder. Pastor Schroeder agrees: “It’s about where I think I can serve with the limited perspective I have and the added perspective that other people have shared.” As difficult as deliberating a new call can be, it’s also worthwhile and fulfilling. It’s a time for called workers to look anew at how God is using them in their current ministry and what additional or different opportunities might exist in their potential new ministry. “Deliberating a call reminds me that this isn’t just a routine or tasks, but that God is using me to make an impact on ministry and people’s lives,” says Pastor Schroeder. “In that sense, there’s never a wasted call – it’s always a good process.”
Next time: What is helpful – and not helpful – advice and counsel for someone deliberating a call? How can you support and encourage a St. John’s pastor or teacher who is deliberating a call?
Brian Treichel
“This past week, I received a divine call to serve at . . . please keep me in your prayers as I deliberate.” At St. John’s, we’ve heard these words read from the lectern often over the past couple of years. It’s important to note that deliberating a call looks different for every pastor, teacher, and staff minister, but there are some commonalities as well. What exactly is involved in the deliberation process, and how does a called worker ultimately decide whether to accept or return a newly received call?
And ultimately, that’s really the deciding factor for every called worker in deliberating a call: where can God best use my gifts and talents in service to his kingdom? There are certainly other considerations, such as location, family circumstances, real estate implications, etc. Timing is often a factor as well: perhaps there are time-sensitive programs and initiatives going on “here” or “there” that are taken into consideration. Or perhaps a call seems like it could be a good fit, but this simply isn’t the time to make a move.
John Peterman
Note: this article is the third in a series on the call process
Not pictured: Terry Paul
Board of Elders
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Board of Elders Membership Changes NEW MEMBERS BY TRANSFER Alek Glish from St. Paul, Cudahy, WI Cassidy Halama from St. John’s, Lannon, WI Joshua Leverence from Star of Bethlehem, New Berlin, WI Elise Leverence from Christ, Pewaukee, WI Kyle McBee from Zion, Monroe, MI
Three Good Things That Will Happen
BY PROFESSION OF FAITH Jiajun (James) Ji MEMBERS LEAVING BY TRANSFER Ryan Lussky to St. Paul’s, Onalaska, WI Anthony Pappalardo to St. Marcus, Milwaukee, WI Drew Konkol to St. Marcus, Milwaukee, WI Nathaniel & Kayla Waggoner to St. James, Milwaukee, WI RELEASED BY REQUEST Craig & Julie Kuehl
Pastoral Acts BAPTISMS Abigail Skocir Weston Papenfuss Ella Herbst Henry Miller
February 23, 2020 March 1, 2020 March 8, 2020 March 15, 2020
MARRIAGE Dominic Boettcher & Mary Hansen February 22, 2020 ASLEEP IN THE LORD Helen Albrecht Drexel Hansen
March 21, 2020 April 7, 2020
Worship Opportunities Summer Sermon Series (starting June 7) The Apostles’ Creed We recite it often in church. Our St. John’s students memorize it in school. Those of us participating in “By Scripture Alone” this year are working through it in more detail as we read Luther’s Small Catechism. This sermon series will focus on the themes of who God is, what he did, and what he does as viewed through the lens of the Apostles’ Creed. Please join us for worship!
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Board of Elders
“Good Things” at St. John’s 1. We will come together and worship physically as a St. John’s family of believers. Although we don’t yet know when this will happen, we do know that we will be together in church again someday – hopefully soon! 2. We will celebrate confirmation. Tentatively, confirmation will be held Saturday, July 18, but that is subject to change. Regardless of the date, we look forward to seeing these young Christians profess their faith and become adult members of St. John’s. 3. Our students and teachers will see each other again. We also don’t know when this will happen, but we are hopeful that school can open as usual in the fall. What a joyful first day of school that will be!
Two Good Things That Happened 1. We celebrated the resurrection of our Savior from the dead on Easter morning. Easter may have looked different for us this year, but the certainty of the message remained the same. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! 2. Our online worship services exploded in reach and views. Through Facebook advertising and word of mouth, we are reaching people virtually who may never have entered St. John’s physically. What an amazing opportunity in this time of uncertainty!
One Good Thing That You Might Not Know About 1. We hosted a blood drive in mid-April, and almost everyone who donated was a community member not associated with St. John’s. We are thankful that we can let our light shine to those around us!