LAMPLIGHTER Summer 2021
Using Resources to Glorify God by Jen Wolf Although the phrase “death and taxes” is often said with a smirk, neither is particularly funny. If you’ve ever had to manage the headache that comes with closing accounts, distributing funds, and paying bills and taxes after a loved one dies, you know that it’s really not a laughing matter. Thankfully, there is a way to make this process easier for family and friends left behind. The WELS Ministry of Christian Giving has counselors on hand to help guide WELS members through the planning process. This helps individuals or couples navigate all the parts of making a will, planning your estate, making financial arrangements for a special-needs family member, and all the tax implications that could arise. Bonus: working with a Christian Giving Counselor has no fee no matter how many times you meet with them. “By connecting people to these counselors, the Board of Stewardship has two goals. First, we want to help St. John’s members have peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out when God calls you home,” says Mark Naumann, Board of Stewardship chairman, regarding the workshop St. John’s hosted in January 2021. “Second, we’d like to educate people on the possible ways that St. John’s could be a part of an estate plan in order to grow the endowment fund to support future ministry.” Recently, St. John’s was able to celebrate its mortgage burning and purchase property with gifts from two individuals through gifts of stock and a life insurance
policy. In some cases, individuals let the pastors know that a gift is planned; other times, our pastors have been unaware of a gift until after a member passes. Christian Giving Counselors can help you from the start or review what you may already have in place. Rick Kneser, the regional counselor for St. John’s members, says, “We help families and individuals identify areas that need attention to take care of themselves and their children. After that, we can help find opportunities to use the resources they’ve been blessed with to glorify God, either at their home congregation or possibly synod-wide.” Mark also pointed out that just as we tithe and plan for what we can give to church in our weekly or monthly offerings, we can plan for future giving. “Once your loved ones are taken care of, there may be a percentage of your legacy that could be assigned to building the church in the future.” “Ultimately, we want to remove hurdles and fears that our members may have when looking ahead,” Mark said. “This resource, the Ministry of Christian Giving, is a tremendous blessing that’s available at any time.” For assistance in creating your own financial plan, contact regional WELS Christian Giving Counselor Rick Kneser at rick.kneser@wels.net or 262-305-7688.
Pastor’s Corner
Are You Ready? by Pastor Kyle Bitter “Are you ready?” That’s the question I asked our confirmands to consider at the start of my Confirmation sermon. Are you ready to take responsibility for your own faith life? Are you ready to face the attacks of the devil that come with increasing frequency and intensity as life progresses? It’s a daunting question for confirmed adults to think about too. How can one possibly be ready for all the curveballs life could throw your way? If you spend enough time thinking about all the things you’d need to prepare for, it’s enough to paralyze you with inaction! The good news for all of us is that God is always ready to help his children. Whether it’s a young confirmand learning to take charge of his own spiritual life and navigate the sometimes turbulent waters of high school, or a newly married couple starting off on the adventure of parenthood, or an older widow trying to figure out life without her husband, God is ready even when his people are not. That’s the way it has always been. A quick look back at history shows that God was ready before the world was even created. From eternity he made his plans to save his children from sin. The Bible chronicles the story of God carrying out that plan. He spent centuries putting in to place the ideal circumstances for Jesus to come. Then God gave up his one and only Son, condemning him to death on the cross as punishment for sins he didn’t commit. He raised Jesus from the dead, demonstrating once and for all that the price for sin was paid. But even then, the plan was not finished. God continued to work things out through the centuries looking ahead to the day and the way that he would bring each one of us to know our Savior!
God has been ready for you from eternity.
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Pastor’s Corner
It’s God who makes you ready for life. Paul reminded his young co-worker Timothy: “Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14-17). Are you ready? On your own, this might be a challenging question. But as a child of God who has been equipped with the word of God and who is accompanied by the almighty God himself, there’s nothing to fear. You are ready, because God is ready and he’s by your side.
Memorials In Memory of Lillian Gerlach From Brian & Clare Cleary, Opal Hackbarth, Matthew & Jennifer Bahr (new hymnal project), and William & Beverly Braun (choir music) In Memory of Dorothy Felsing From Janet Hollatz (new hymnal project) In Memory of Roberta Hahn From Paul & Annette Birkholz (school gift/memorial) In Memory of Lois Lennox (Lorna Leyrer’s mother) From Cal & Lynn Kozlowski, Arlene Baumann, Daniel & Susan Eick, Michael & Marlene Cox, Greg & Carla Martin, Brian & Clare Cleary, William & Christine Dittman (AV improvements), Delores Baumann, Louise Saylor (Rooted & Mowing), and Jeffrey & Karen Sitz (childcare wishlist) In Memory of Elaine Schneider From Michael & Susan Schneider (AV improvements) In Memory of Drex Hansen From Brian & Clare Cleary, and William & Christine Dittman (AV improvements)
Board of Elders
Answering Difficult Questions by Pastor Eric Schroeder
What does the biblical concept of “helper” in Genesis 2:18 entail? Why isn’t being called a “helper” degrading to women?
I’ll admit that I’ve never heard a young person say, “I want to be a helper when I grow up.” If we take the word or phrase out of context, it certainly could seem like calling Eve Adam’s helper makes her sound like an assistant or even a servant. It’s always important to keep Scripture passages in their context and search for help elsewhere in the Bible if we are going to understand what is said.
what is needed by, lacking in, or beneficial to” the one who needs help. That’s what Eve did for Adam in God’s perfect design, and it’s what God does for us as our Father, Preserver, and Savior.
Isn’t it interesting that as God was creating a perfect world, there was one instance where he said something wasn’t right? “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). How did God perfect creation? By making a female as a counterpart, companion, and wife for Adam; God used Adam’s rib to create the woman who would be the mother of all the living. In that perfect creation, Eve never felt any dissatisfaction with her role, because Adam treasured her as his perfect pairing, “bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23). After she was taken from Adam’s body, they were united once again as one flesh, establishing a pattern precisely in line with God’s will for every marriage that would follow.
My help comes from the L ORD , the Maker
Undoubtedly, when sin entered humanity—and, by extension, all of creation—that perfect pattern became an unreachable goal in every marriage between sinful people. Still, the same Hebrew word shows up several more times in the pages of the Old Testament. What’s fascinating, though, is that the overwhelming majority of times that “helper” is used (ezer in Hebrew, pronounced ay-zer, for those who are interested in such things), it refers to none other than God himself— fulfilling the definition of the word as “one who provides
“I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). Perhaps the most well-known instance is Psalm 121. God inspired the psalmist to call him the “help” (in Hebrew it’s the same word, ezer, as Genesis 2), and there is nothing degrading about valuing God so highly that we depend on him for what only he can provide. In fact, it has to be the opposite, doesn’t it? In the end, remember who came up with the first descriptive word for women. It wasn’t an oppressive man or a chauvinistic buffoon who came up with the idea of Eve as Adam’s “helper” (or the word translated as such). “Helper” was a word spoken by a loving Creator who already had a plan from eternity to save mankind through the sacrifice of his one and only Son. He is also the one who is honored to be addressed with the very same title. Want to read more about God’s perfect design for males and females? Watch the News & Notes for more information about a devotional series on that topic coming this summer from WELS Women’s Ministry.
Board of Elders
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Executive Board
Shifted Timing, Same Goals by Kristi Meyer It’s been awhile since you’ve heard from the Long-Range Planning Committee (LRPC). Although there isn’t much new information to report due to the reasons listed below, the committee remains active and is working behind the scenes. Here’s a quick snapshot of where things stand: • Our timing has shifted. The pandemic has affected virtually every aspect of life, and this particular area of our congregational life is no exception. At the moment, LRPC is waiting for more information on several fronts, including the use of properties that we own as well as properties that might become available in the future. • At the same time, our ministry goals haven’t changed. Expanded space for parking, growing our Early Learning Center, and enhancing our church narthex and restrooms remain important priorities for St. John’s. However, it makes more sense to wait on the information referenced above rather than draw up two – or three – sets of plans that might need to change. Keep an eye out for more information from LRPC as various pieces of the picture continue to come into focus. In particular, keep the committee and the ministry of St. John’s in your prayers as we await the Lord’s will while trusting that his timing is always perfect.
Thank You from the MLC Teacher Track with Jake Leyrer Hello St. John’s from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota! Firstly, I want to thank each and every one of you for all that you have done for me over the past years. Specifically, thank you for helping me with scholarship grant fundings this past year in assisting my college Jake Leyrer with payments. We all know that mom, Dana paying for schooling is always expensive and time consuming, so I am extremely grateful for your generosity and kindness. Secondly, I figured I would share more about me, why I decided to pursue being a called worker, and what my experiences have been like so far so that you know your money was put to good use! St. John’s has always had a huge impact on my life with caring teachers, great students, strong leaders, and the welcoming environment as a whole.
You all have had some sort of influence on me as I grew up which ultimately has led me here in pursuing a secondary mathematics education. Although this year has been like none other with crazy protocols and rules here due to the COVID-19 pandemic, my time spent so far has been filled with great memories, amazing new and old friends, and of course, lots of studying and school work. You’ll be happy to know that everyone here is excited about their future ministry and really has a passion for spreading the gospel message to all.
Executive Board Jeff Scheibe, president Pete Hansen, vice president Mike Swenson, secretary Brent Siegmund, treasurer
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Executive Board
Once again, I would like to say thank you for your encouragement, influence, and fundings because they all have been extremely important and notable to me. I would like to conclude by encouraging you to continue to give these important funds to incoming and existing students to MLC. Your gifts are not taken for granted and can really impact a student’s decision along with providing a desire and passion to give back.
Executive Board
Thank You from the MLC Pastor Track with Zach Kopplin
Zach Kopplin
Hello! My name is Zach Kopplin. Currently, I attend Martin Luther College (MLC), our WELS college of ministry, in New Ulm, Minnesota, where I am studying to be a pastor. I am a senior at MLC, and I will graduate in May 2022. So far, my studies have been going great! In the pre-seminary program at MLC, there is a lot of language study. We study Greek, the original language of the New Testament, and Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament.
Also, at MLC I am a part of the football team where we compete in Division III of the NCAA. On the football field, my position is at wide receiver, and my jersey number is 84, in case you ever decide to tune in to one of our games via live stream online. In 2018 and 2019, we won our conference championship and qualified to compete in the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our 2020 season was canceled. However, thanks be to God, my team and I were given the opportunity to play a shortened season this spring which we are currently in. Then, God willing, we will be able to play a full season next fall in 2021! When I am not going to class, doing homework, or involved in some type of football activity, I am usually working on campus in the school’s fitness center, where I supervise those working out and clean equipment. Also, I occasionally help live stream MLC volleyball and basketball games, either working the camera or commentating the games. Otherwise, in my free time, you will find me working out, spending time with my friends, or relaxing in my dorm room. My day-to-day life on campus at MLC is certainly always busy, but I do enjoy what I am doing here, even when the languages might get the best of me. Nonetheless, the focus at MLC is to prepare for ministry and be servant leaders in the church. For those who may not know, St. John’s is a part of a grant program through MLC where each year, St. John’s gives a certain amount of money to its members who attend MLC. In addition to that, each year MLC sets aside a day in May called MLC Day and fundraises for their students. Then, MLC takes all the money raised that day and uses it to help students pay for college next year by matching the grants that each church around the world grants to its members who attend MLC. So for that, I would like to say thank you to the church and members of St. John’s. I appreciate all the love and support that I have received from St. John’s over the years. St. John’s is always in my prayers and will always have a significant role and impact on my life because without your support and God’s help, I may not be where I am today.
Executive Board
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Board of Education
Teaching Our Littlest Lambs by Kerry Ognenoff
Naomi Stein with husband, Ken
Drawn to teaching by her love of children, Naomi Stein has served at St. John’s since 1975 in a variety of roles. Most notably, she has taught various grade levels and helped grow the school’s 4K program to what it is today. In May 2021, after more than 29 years of teaching, Mrs. Stein plans to retire.
Some of Mrs. Stein’s favorite memories of teaching 4K at St. John’s include annual field trips to the pumpkin patch (rain or shine!), walking with her class to the grocery store to buy fruits and vegetables for gift baskets for shut-ins, Christmas and Easter programs and feasts in the Fellowship Hall, and touring with the kids’ Christmas program to Wisconsin Lutheran College and some years up to seven locations. When teaching the children the letters of the alphabet, one of Mrs. Stein’s favorite projects is the volcano experiment for the letter V. She also loves reminiscing about Corduroy, the traveling bear. Students would take turns bringing Corduroy home for a week and would return him with a journal and pictures of their adventures together.
Mrs. Stein graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in early childhood education and received her first call to St. John’s Lutheran School to teach first and second grade. Soon after she began teaching, she met her future husband, Ken, at a wedding reception in September. They were engaged that Christmas and married in June 1976. After taking some time off to have her own children, Mrs. Stein continued her work at St. John’s as an educator in various roles, including substitute teacher, teacher’s aide, and teaching third and fifth grade classes. In 1996, St. John’s called her to start the preschool which was held in the Fellowship Hall at church until the current school was built in 2003.
Field trips to the pumpkin patch and Christmas programs are some of Mrs. Stein’s favorite memories.
When Mrs. Stein retires this June, she and her husband, Ken, who has helped build bookshelves and repair many things in Mrs. Stein’s classroom, will have been married for 45 years. They share five children, seven grandchildren, and a love of the Packers and Brewers. She plans to spend time fishing, baking, taking train rides with her husband, and spending lots of time with her grandchildren.
Stein children and spouses
Board of Education Casey Holtz, chair
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Kerry Kuehn
Board of Education
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Jon Phillips
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Troy Schulz
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Dan Young
Communications Committee
“Good Things” at St. John’s Three Good Things That Will Happen
Stein grandchildren
Mrs. Stein, who deeply loves her students and all of the people at St. John’s, said, “God gives us this privilege of teaching his little ones, I feel very honored and it’s hard to give this up. Jesus is with them wherever they go, whatever they do. I hope they remember they are never alone. They always have a friend in Jesus.” Undoubtedly, God’s littlest lambs at St. John’s have been greatly blessed by Mrs. Stein and her passion and dedication to teaching them about our Savior. The families and members of St. John’s truly appreciate Mrs. Stein and her service and wish her all the best.
1. We will celebrate the end of the school year and our 8th grade graduates. In August, our school year held so many uncertainties, and we are incredibly thankful that we were able to have school in-person all year. 2. We will begin our summer sermon series. This summer, we will focus on the Psalms – beautiful songs of Scripture that capture the prayer and praises of those believers who have gone before us. Please join us starting on June 6! 3. Our teens will travel to Living Promise Lutheran Church in Morristown, TN, for our annual mission trip. This ten-year-old congregation recently purchased land, built their own building, and will be hosting Science Camp this summer.
Two Good Things That Happened 1. We upgraded our AV system. Our old system – which was approximately 10 years old – has been replaced by new cameras in the sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. We continue to have both members and guests worshiping with us virtually, and these new upgrades will allow us to better spread the gospel beyond the four walls of St. John’s. 2. We resumed the celebration of the Lord’s Supper during our worship services. As we evaluate our COVID protocols, we rejoice that celebrating the Lord’s Supper during our worship services is another step along the road to normalcy.
One Good Thing That You Might Not Know About 1. Our Early Learning Center has their own Facebook page. We are privileged to share Jesus with our very youngest students through our K2, K3, and K4 programs. Check out www.facebook.com/sjtosaelc for pictures and updates!
Communications Committee
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Board of Elders
2021 8th Grade Confirmation Class Back row: Pastor Bitter, Camden Theesfeld, Henry Szymanski, Brody Ban, Morgan Festerling, Max Glaeske, Emma Trotter Middle row: Pastor Schroeder, Collin Neumann, Lauren Wigley, Sydney Vitangcol, Donavin Sorattanasoun, Nathan Close, Ryan Leyrer Front row: Pastor Leyrer, Amos Ebeling, Megan Dvorachek, Sofia Schroeder, Madison Binner, Brady Zimmer, Cavanaugh Sipe
Membership Changes
Pastoral Acts
NEW MEMBERS CONFIRMATION CLASS
BAPTISMS Clyde Scott Rivers Raya Lynne Zeitler
Confirmands listed in italics will become members of Grace Lutheran Church, Milwaukee
February 21, 2021 March 20, 2021
MARRIAGE Michael Leyrer & Ashley Schmidt
Brody Ban Sofia Schroeder Madison Binner Cavanaugh Sipe Nathan Close Donavin Sorattanasoun Megan Dvorachek Henry Szymanski Amos Ebeling Camden Theesfeld Morgan Festerling Emma Trotter Maximilian Glaeske Sydney Vitangcol Ryan Leyrer Lauren Wigley Collin Neumann Brady Zimmer
January 23, 2021
ASLEEP IN THE LORD Philip G. Jackson
Summer Sermon Series
BY PROFESSION OF FAITH Kathryn Hoffman
The Psalms are some of the most beautiful sections of the Bible. Ranging from the prayers of God’s people lifted up in times of struggle to their praises and thanksgiving offered up in times of joy, these poetic songs capture the many different facets in the daily life of a child of God. Beginning on June 6, our summer sermon series will give us the chance to meditate on these timeless Songs of Scripture and ponder our relationship with God through the prayers and praises of those who have gone before.
MEMBERS LEAVING BY TRANSFER Jackie Balistreri to St. John’s-Oakwood, Oak Creek, WI Kristine Groening to Bethany, Manitowoc, WI Karen Meier to Bethlehem, Menomonee Falls, WI Laura Peterson, Apollonia to St. John’s, Newburg, WI Evan Willick to St. Paul, New Ulm, MN
Board of Elders Greg Martin, chair
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Bill Braun
Board of Elders
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David Close
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Terry Paul
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John Peterman
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Brian Treichel