LAMPLIGHTER
Winter 2016
Long Range Planning: Listening Sessions and Next Steps by Kristi Meyer Since its founding in 1882, St. John’s Lutheran School has been committed to a dual focus of nurture and outreach. Because our school building is approaching capacity, the Long Range Planning Committee (LRPC) has been meeting throughout the summer and fall to brainstorm solutions to this need for increased space. In mid-September, the LRPC held three congregational listening sessions. Chairman Jon Johnson began by reporting on the committee’s work and assumptions regarding school enrollment and facility needs. Jon then asked for congregational feedback on the information provided and other issues related to potential school expansion. Several broad themes emerged throughout these listening sessions. Questions were raised regarding the current enrollment of St. John’s School and the potential for capping enrollment if facility needs are not addressed in the near future. Congregation members inquired if options beyond expansion or new construction had been considered. In particular, the potential for a dual campus was explored. Participants also discussed auxiliary facilities associated with increased school enrollment. More classrooms and more students creates a need for more gym space, more parking, more restrooms, and more administrative and office space and staff. Finally, a number of participants wondered about the timing of and funding for school expansion. With our current debt just under $1M, what does this mean for a future capital campaign?
As it continues its work, the LRPC assumes the following: • Based on past growth and a continued commitment to our educational ministry, it is reasonable to believe that St. John’s can become a school of 400 in the near future. • To accomplish such growth, expansion of some sort is necessary. • The role of the LRPC is to determine the plans and feasibility by any and all means possible to accomplish this vision. • Once that vision is presented to the congregation, the congregation will determine (through the use of a financial consulting firm) if and how much it can and will support. Related to the third point above, the LRPC will next determine plans and feasibility to accomplish a school of 400 students. “If we’re truly thinking long-range, we should be thinking in terms of providing a school for 400 and everything that encompasses,” says Pastor Joel Leyrer. “Our infrastructure was built for a school of 250, and there are ancillary needs besides just classrooms that will need to be addressed.” Look for more information from the LRPC and the Board of Stewardship as plans and feasibility are fleshed out. “The congregation can expect to be engaged throughout this process,” says Pastor Leyrer. “We recognize that this is not a committee decision. It will be a congregational decision.” Please keep all those associated with our school in your prayers as we continue train our children in the way they should go.
P a s t o r ’s C o r n e r
After the Election by Pastor Eric Schroeder As I write this, I’m not sure how things turn out this November. Clinton or Trump? I don’t know. If there was a challenge, a recount, or an appeal, maybe you don’t know yet either. But here’s what we do know. • God is still in charge. If God can use the leaders of pagan nations like Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and the Roman Empire, he can certainly use our president for his purposes. The man or woman in the office changes, but God forever remains on his heavenly throne. •
God wants us to submit to his representatives. Romans 13: 1 says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” None of us can say, “That’s not my president,” unless we move to another country.
in 1 Timothy 2:1-3, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.”
• The Christian Church will survive—and thrive— with God’s blessing as we carry out the Gospel Ministry of Jesus Christ. Politics may change, and culture with them, but we stand on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ. Consider the hymn stanza: The Church shall never perish. Her dear Lord to defend, To guide, sustain, and cherish, Is with her to the end. Though there be those that hate her and strive to see her fail, Against both foe and traitor she ever shall prevail. (CW 538:3)
• God wants us to pray for our leaders, whether we voted for them or not. It’s a tough job. Most of us wouldn’t want it. God says
In his perfect power and perfect love, our God remains immovable and unshaken, and we, his people, have the blessed privilege of carrying out his work. Even as presidents come and go, our Lord and Savior remains!
Memorials
In Memory of Ronnie Muehlenhardt (cousin) From Shirley Osgood (Lau/Tuition Assistance)
In Memory of Howard & David Baumann From Delores Baumann (Building Fund) In Memory of Wilma Frailing From John Frailing (Property Beautification) In Memory of Theodore & Viola Lau From Shirley Osgood (Lau/Tuition Assistance) In Memory of Verna Engel-Minzloff (former teacher) From Shirley Osgood (Building Fund) In Memory of Gary Volle From Miller Park Volunteers (Lau/Tuition Assistance) In Memory of Chris Hansen From Miller Park Volunteers (Lau/Tuition Assistance)
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Pastor’s Corner
In Memory of Norbert Sprengeler From Gerald & Janet Bergemann (Lau/Tuition Assistance) In Memory of Bob Bahr From John & Kris Schapekahm, Louise Saylor, James Minor, Delores Baumann, Arlene Baumann (to be designated) The family of Chris Hansen would like to thank the members of St. John’s for the tremendous outpouring of love, support, gifts, food, and hugs, that we received upon Chris’ passing. Once again we were reminded that the fellowship of believers, is truly a family.
Janice Hansen and family
Congregational Leadership Informational Series
Meet the Board: Board of Stewardship by Pastor Kyle Bitter Note: This is the second in a series of articles about congregational leadership. Each year, the congregation elects board members to serve in various aspects of congregational leadership, and this series will help readers understand the leadership structure of our congregation. This quarter’s edition profiles the responsibilities of the Board of Stewardship. The Board of Stewardship is entrusted with leading the congregation to be wise managers (stewards) of their God-given time, abilities, and financial resources. This Board works most closely with the senior pastor (Pastor Leyrer) to provide guidance to the congregation in carrying out faithful stewardship. When most people think of stewardship, their first thought is money, and one of the three members of the Board of Stewardship is responsible for giving guidance in this area. He works closely with the Board of Finance, especially in the annual budgeting process. This position is currently held by Brent Siegmund. Even though money is the first item that usually jumps to mind with the word stewardship, God has blessed his people with many gifts outside the world of finance. Christians want to put these numerous other gifts to use in the Lord’s kingdom too, and so another member of the Board of Stewardship oversees opportunities for members to put their talents to use. Jes Mariscal currently serves in this position and helps the church office maintain accurate records of member interests though the Service and Fellowship Information form and database. This information is used by many different church leaders and organizations to offer members opportunities to serve their Lord in ways they might find rewarding. The chairman of the Board of Stewardship is responsible for scheduling and running the board’s meetings. He also oversees and communicates the initiatives of the board to the Church Council and to the rest of the congregation. The current board chairman is Mark Meissner. Finally, the Committee on Planned Giving also reports to the Board of Stewardship. This committee works to provide members with the resources they need in order to make various kinds of planned gifts to the church. The current chairman of this committee is Adam Goede.
Planned Giving Save the Date! Sunday, November 27 Rick Kneser, a Christian giving counselor representing WELS Ministry of Christian Giving, will present a special “Guide to Financial and Spiritual Stewardship.” What do you have in mind for supporting the ministries of St. John’s and WELS now and in the future—and what is possible? Everyone’s financial situation is different, and it can change frequently, so come and learn what you can accomplish in a God-pleasing way with the resources he has made available to you and will provide to you in the future. Get your questions answered concerning estate planning and planned gifts for ministry.
Congregational Leadership Informational Series
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Board of Outreach
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. (Psalm 84:10) Picture this: there’s a light rain falling on a Sunday morning as you make your way into church. You cross the street and see a fellow St. John’s member come down the steps to meet you with an umbrella. He walks with you to the door where another member holds the door open. And everyone is smiling and even seems grateful to help out despite the rain. You forget about the frustrations you had earlier in the morning, the disappointments you already faced within two hours of being awake. You have a changed attitude toward your time in worship. You sing with more heart; you listen with more love. Your whole day is impacted in a very positive way. Sound far-fetched? It can happen.
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Board of Outreach
Derek Campbell
Not pictured: Dan Ebeling
Shem Biebert
Or imagine you’re a first-time visitor to St. John’s. You’ve checked out the website and decide to attend a Sunday service. You see people entering the main doors on Dewey Avenue and follow suit. You are greeted with friendly “Hellos” on the walk from the parking lot. The doors are held open for you and you are welcomed with
Notice any common themes with these scenarios? Greeters are everywhere and can be anyone. So what do you say? Would you like to be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord? You don’t have to be an official greeter to welcome someone to church, but when you are, you have the awesome chance to share God’s love with everyone who passes you by a simple smile and kind act. Who knows how that will change how they spend their time in worship? For more information on the greeter program updates, please contact Pastor Bitter at kyle.bitter@sjtosa.org or Derek Campbell at derekjcampbell23@gmail.com. If you’d like to become a greeter, get to know some new faces, and share some smiles, contact the church office at church@sjtosa.org. God bless your greeting.
Brett Taylor
by Derek Campbell
a sincere smile and a warm “Good morning.” Inside you are greeted by a pastor. By the time you get your bulletin and find a seat you’ve already been greeted three or four times. And what if those sitting around you all greet you as well? Whether you’re churched or unchurched, you can’t deny that there is great love and sincerity being demonstrated. You know most newcomers to a church make up their mind within 10 minutes whether they’ll attend again. You at least know you’ll be staying to hear the sermon.
Brian Graf
We Are All Greeters
Board of Discipleship
By Scripture Alone by Kristi Meyer “The true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.” On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed this thesis and 94 others to the Wittenberg Castle Church door. In 2017, Lutheran churches will celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. What better way is there to celebrate the Reformation than with a commitment to a key principle of Luther’s: “By Scripture Alone”? One of Luther’s great contributions was a translation of the Bible into German, the common language of the people. By translating the Bible, Luther put God’s Word back into the hands of a country starved for it.
Mike Swenson
It doesn’t matter whether you’ve read through the Bible a number of times before or haven’t ever made it all the way through. What matters is being in God’s Word on a daily basis, and this initiative is a way to make that commitment. “Isaiah 55 tells us that there’s no such thing as time wasted in the Word,” says Pastor Schroeder. Please consider embarking on this journey with us!
Michael Skocir
Brian Lampe
To assist our members with this commitment to studying God’s Word, St. John’s is launching a new Bible reading initiative starting on January 1, 2017. This initiative is based around F. LaGard Smith’s The Daily Bible, a unique chronological arrangement of the Scriptures (NIV11) divided into 365 daily Bible readings.
Mark Gaub
Adam Goede looks forward to starting The Daily Bible every year. “1 Peter 3:15 tells us to always be ready to give an answer. You can’t share God’s Word with people until you know it. Through The Daily Bible, you will see the full spectrum of God’s Word and be better prepared to answer questions.” To get started, purchase a copy of The Daily Bible, available at Amazon.com or Family Christian Bookstores. A team of St. John’s members will write daily Scriptural insights to provide accountability, encourage participation, and promote discussion. Visit www.sjtosa. org/ByScriptureAlone or www. facebook.com/ByScriptureAlone for more details on accessing these daily insights and connecting with others participating in the initiative.
In contrast, we have an almost overwhelming number of Bible translations available today. It can be difficult to decide on a translation or a study Bible. And once a Bible is chosen, it can be a struggle to make the time to read and grow in God’s Word daily.
Andrew DeLonge
Pastor Eric Schroeder is excited to spearhead this Bible reading program. “For some people, this might be the first time to read through the entire NIV11. Even if you have read through the Bible before, reading it in this way might provide new thoughts and insights.”
Board of Discipleship
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Board of Education
Inside the Beehive by Mary Gaub As a naturalist at the Wehr Nature Center, I often spend a few minutes looking out my window at our honey beehives. Even though I am not a trained bee keeper, I am fascinated by the tireless work of these creatures. The queen, the workers, and the drones all work together for the common goal of creating honey to ensure the health and welfare of the entire hive. I have had the privilege and blessing of being part of a beehive here at St. John’s for over 15 years: St. John’s Christian Education Society (CES). CES is vital in the life of our school. Made up of St. John’s School parents, CES serves our Lord by fostering strong relationships between our pastors, teachers, and families and aids the spiritual and physical growth of our school by providing events for fun, fellowship, and learning. Much like the bees in a hive, CES has an organizational structure which produces high quality events. It’s simply astonishing what this small group of Christians can accomplish. Each bee brings its own skills and strengths to the hive. Some CES members are leaders (we don’t have one queen like a hive but many) who help the whole group achieve goals by creating agendas, leading meetings, and chairing events. Other CES members are the “doers,” like the worker bees in a hive. They staff, publicize, communicate, encourage, and work tirelessly behind the scenes to make events run smoothly.
Discovery Day, parent speakers, our recent Germanfest celebration, Birthday Parties for Jesus, fundraising for charity, outreach activities, and more. The list is lengthy. But all these activities are united by their goal of building a strong, united family of Christ—a hive which operates seamlessly towards this goal. I would encourage any parent who has not been a part of this hive at St. John’s School to come and join. It is a wonderful way to meet other parents and support our school and each other. I have been blessed to make many wonderful friends through CES. And just like the honey beehive where some bees leave the hive to start new lives elsewhere, CES is always changing as children graduate and parents move on. New leaders and workers are always needed to replace the “graduating” ones. CES meets the second Sunday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Contact Tracey Lampe, CES Chairperson, for more information on how to become part of the hive at tracey@brookfielddentistry.com. Come and see what the buzz is all about.
Fall Festival 2016
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Board of Education
Troy Schulz
Adam Greggs
Not pictured: Pete Stauffer Dan Westfahl
Kevin Festerling
Over the years, CES has created many memorable and educational experiences for our school families:
Board of Education
School Events
Fall Sports (cross country, volleyball, and soccer), Fall Festival, and Bedtime Blessings
Board of Education
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Board of Elders
Worship Opportunities Promises Made November 27 – God’s Kingdom is coming December 4 – God’s Kingdom is worth waiting for December 11 – God’s Kingdom gives us strength and courage December 18 – God’s Kingdom will come through the child Immanuel
Christmas and New Years Services December 24 – Children’s Christmas Eve Service, 4:00 p.m. at WLHS December 24 – Lessons & Carols Service, 7:00 p.m. December 25 – Christmas Day worship, 8:00 & 10:30 a.m. December 31 – New Year’s Eve worship, 5:30 p.m. January 1 – New Year’s Day worship, 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.
Your Kingdom Come (Midweek Advent Services) Wednesdays at 3:30 & 6:45 p.m. November 30 – When God’s time is right November 7 – Prepare our hearts December 14 – As found in Jesus December 21 – special Koiné service
Promises in Action January 8 – The Savior rises and shines January 15 – The Savior is anointed January 22 – The Savior calls a people to himself January 29 – The Savior brings light to those in darkness
Membership Changes
RELEASED BY REQUEST Christine Beckman and Marie Tim & Jamie O’Connor and Jocelynne & Ellana
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Board of Elders
ASLEEP IN THE LORD Bob Bahr BAPTISMS Lilah Ruth Cinadr Theodosia Nordgaard Davis Eleanor Mae Deming Tatyana Ann Luedke Norah Lorraine Siever Sawyer Paul Sweet Emersen Katherine Thiele Zachary Thomas Wolf Pauly M. White
October 8, 2016
2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016
MARRIAGES Alayna Greenfield & Taylor Olson August 6, Ashley Kreuser & Josiah Stewart October 1, Brianne Kluge & Dan Hansen October 15, Jennifer Puente & Robert Multerer October 22, Nicole Bleecker & Adam Herbst November 5,
2016 2016 2016 2016 2016
Adam Sipe
August, 18 November 12, August 27, August 14, October 1, September 24 , November 6, July 27, August 27,
Jeff Scheibe
Kerry Kuehn
Not pictured: Mark Naumann
Jon Johnson
MEMBERS LEAVING BY TRANSFER Jason & Michelle Free to Christ the Lord, Brookfield, WI Michael & Carrie Henning and Mollie, Elijah, Jared & Lucie to Good Shepherd’s, West Allis, WI Kathryn Luebke and Josephine, Noelle, Annaliese & Isabella to St. Lucas, Milwaukee, WI Carissa Perez and James & Jrake Alvarez to Woodlawn, West Allis, WI Michael Puglisi to St. John, Baraboo, WI Paul Stamm to Ascension, Plymouth, MN Scott Zylka to St. Peter, Milwaukee, WI
Pastoral Acts
Dan Pollesch
NEW MEMBERS BY TRANSFER Chelsie Alf from Star of Bethlehem, New Berlin, WI Donald & Karen Beyer from St. John’s, Lannon, WI Jennifer Blasiola and Anna from Grace, Milwaukee, WI Kevin & Kristine Laufer and Jack, Sarah & Annika from Star of Bethlehem, New Berlin, WI Kyle Lentz from St. Marcus, Milwaukee, WI Nathanael & Georgia Ristow from Zion, Rhinelander, WI and St. Mark’s, Watertown, WI Aaron & Katy Schroeder and Ella, Eli & Emily from Trinity, Waukesha, WI Mandy Treder from Lord & Savior, Crystal Lake, IL Dan Wittig & Beth Wittig from Trinity, Waukesha, WI and Mount Calvary, Redding, CA