St. John s Journal CONFIRMATION - WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT

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1 St. John s Journal CONFIRMATION - WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT A M o n t h l y N e w s l e t t e r o f S t. J o h n ' s E va n g e l i c a l L u t h e r a n C h u r c h Volume, Issue 711 Court Street Pekin, Illinois Lord willing, the first Sunday of this month we will observe the rite of Confirmation for our eighth-grade Confirmation students. Since many of us have already participated in this rite ourselves, and others look forward to the day of their Confirmation, we would all do well to review what it is all about. First, a few reminders on what Confirmation is: The Confirmation rite itself is a sacred rite or ceremony of the church, preceded by a period of instruction in the basic articles of the Christian doctrine. This instruction, what we commonly call "Confirmation Class," is by far the most important part of Confirmation. For Christ Himself has commanded that we all become His disciples by being baptized and by being taught the things He taught His apostles. This is a blessing for us, for by His teaching we have knowledge of salvation in Jesus Christ and instruction for godly living. The actual Confirmation rite is also an opportunity for the confirmands to affirm publicly the blessings God bestowed on them in Holy Baptism. In Baptism the Lord worked forgiveness of sins, rescued them from death and the devil, and gave them eternal salvation. Now the confirmands acknowledge these gifts in the presence of God and His church. The rite also provides the confirmands opportunity once again to confess the Christian faith, the same faith they have been confessing all along whenever they speak the Apostles' Creed. At the same time they pledge publicly their solemn intention to continue steadfast in this Christian confession even unto death. The rite of Confirmation also includes the blessing of God's word and prayer. Traditionally, each confirmand has a Scripture passage assigned or selected for him - what we know as our "Confirmation verse." These verses customarily speak of God's great faithfulness, or exhort the Christian to abide in Christ. Confirmation also marks the beginning of communicant membership in the church. Having been instructed so that they are able to examine themselves properly for a beneficial reception of the Lord's Supper, the confirmands are invited and encouraged, indeed, they pledge to remain regularly communing members of the church. Now, a few reminders on what Confirmation is not: The rite itself is not a command of the Lord. The Bible makes no mention of any Confirmation ceremony whatsoever. Rather, we participate in the Confirmation rite as a matter of Christian freedom because we are convinced there are certain benefits in retaining this long standing Christian tradition. Confirmation is not, by our common Lutheran definition, a sacrament. We understand the sacraments to be church ceremonies that are instituted by Christ, that employ visible elements in connection with God's word, and that confer the forgiveness of sins. Confirmation was not instituted by Christ, it does not use any visible elements, and it does not distribute forgiveness. Therefore we do not regard it as a sacrament. Confirmation is not an "addition to" or a "completion or activation of" Holy Baptism. The promises God made us in Baptism are unilateral; He does it all! When God baptizes us into His name, the job is complete; there is nothing left to be added. Baptism stands on its own as the washing of regeneration, rich in grace, by which the Triune God offers, bestows, and seals His salvation unto us. continued on page 3 In our congregation, as in most Lutheran churches,

2 Pastor s message continued Finally - and this needs to be emphasized vigorously - Confirmation is not a "graduation" from Christian education. Tragically, however, all too many confirmed Lutherans have treated it as though it were. They discontinue any formal study of the Scriptures and Christian teaching. Some even stop coming to church altogether, which is the very thing they pledged they would never do! Far from being an end of Christian education, Confirmation marks the beginning of a new chapter in a Christian's life-long journey of growth in the knowledge of Christ. Now that the basic instructional foundation has been laid, God can build on it to bring the confirmed believer to greater Christian maturity. God bless our confirmands and all our confirmed members, giving all of us the strength to be faithful to our faithful God. - Pastor Bishop Christian Education Sunday School Perfect Attendance March 2014 Second Grade Zachary Webb Zachary Webb Fifth Grade Sydney Webb High School Noah Kesselmayer Naomi Niemann May 03 Jaylynn Fahnestock Lainey Jensen Cory Pfanz Julie Wagner May 07 Jordan Ferree Avery Miller Leon Tiona May 08 Janelle Hopping Tracy Glass May 09 Shanna Friedinger May 10 Elizabeth Ward Emily Ward Lori Fricke Schiavone May 11 Shirley Wendland May 12 Frank Meyer Jeremy Winstead May 13 Keith Gleason Diane Lee Nancy Swearingen Adeline Weyhrich May 14 Jacob Gould Dawn Hoerr Ann Wilson Pamela Woolsey May 16 Sheryll Hillman May 17 Evelyn Hodgkins Mary Sipka May 18 Dawn Breaden Renee Hayden Micaylan McDonald Marilyn Mason May 19 Lance Anderson Paula Jensen May 20 Matthew Buster May 21 Paul Widby May 22 Marcia Hubbs May 23 Wendy McDonald May 24 Deborah Lakamp Debra Pitchford May 25 Allison Gillespie Alexis Daniels May 27 Colleen Gardiner Jordan Jensen Amanda Webb May 01 Lyle Smith MAY BIRTHDAYS The Ascension of Our Lord May 29th Service: 7:00 p.m. with Holy Communion May 02 Jayson Memken 3

3 May Birthdays (Cont d) May 28 Barbara Rosa May 29 Dale Schott, Jr. Ruthanne Scott Kelley Ward May 30 Joel Bonnette Noah Dingerson Sharon Ives MAY ANNIVERSARIES May 04 Trent & Jamie Hoover May 06 Robert & Donna Hurst May 12 Verlyn & Cheryl Williams May 17 Leon & Eileen Tiona May 23 Steve & Jane Heberer May 26 Mark & Claudia Reeder Philip & Michelle Long May 28 Eric & Bobbie Jo Smith May 30 Rodney & Penny Bollinger Church Attendance Mar , services Mar , services Mar , services Sunday School Attendance Through Mar 2014: 791 Through Mar 2013: 711 Through Mar 2012: 823 Videographers May Jim Lonergan John Gillespie Worship Committee May Lisa Pool Elders Communion Assistance May 4 8:00 Tom Ivey 10:30 Dan Rees May 18 8:00 Randy Couch 10:30 Dan Rees May 04 PARISH NOTES Acolytes May 8:00 Olivia Driskell 10:30 Danielle Watson May 11 8:00 Quest Dobbelaire 10:30 Quinn Theleritis May 18 8:00 Robert Whitlatch 10:30 Olivia Theleritis May 25 8:00 Abi Dagit 10:30 Ethan Szadkowski May 29 7:00 Robert Whitlatch 4 Greeters May 4 8:00 a.m. Ray Barnes 10:30 a.m. Gene Woolsey May 11 8:00 a.m. Gus Knieriem 10:30 a.m. May 18 May 25 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Please take time to sign up to welcome our members and guests to our services. Thank you. 8:00 Gerold Bohannan Darrell Hansen Noah Kesselmayer Steven Kesselmayer Terry Norman Ushers May 10:30 Jacob Gould Ross Gould Ray Hall Howie Proehl THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO FURNISHED LILIES FOR EASTER Ken and Mary Beck Lois Becker Louise Brickner Dave and Nancy Drockelman John Durdle Michelle and Zach Ferguson Sandy Ferguson Valerie Ferguson Wilmadean Habberfield and Myrl Terviel Rodger Hoover Family in memory of Rodger Hoover Pastor Kesselmayer Mike and Jackie Nauth Bob and Maxine Oliverius Dee Rees Barb Theleritis Joyce Wertz and Family in memory of my husband, parents, and grandparents. My apology to Louise Brickner for putting wrong last name in bulletin. Sandy

4 TREASURER S REPORT March 2014 HI-LITES OF ST. JOHN S VOTERS ASSEMBLY April 14, 2014 March Y-T-D INCOME 39, , EXPENSES , INCOME-EXPENSES 7, , LIABILITIES Note Payable-HVAC/Roof Loan 0.00 Payroll Liabilities 1, Misc. LCMS Orgs Fund TOTAL LIABILITIES 1, CURRENT CHECKING & LINK MONEY MARKET General Fund (37,913.96) Good Shepherd 0.00 Educational Grant Fund Building Fund 1, Sunday School Fund 8, ACT Fund 0.00 Memorial Fund 41, Library Fund 0.00 TOTAL CHECKING & LINK MONEY MARKET CDs & Common Stock Educational Grant Fund CD #1 100, Educational Grant Fund CD #2 75, East Bluff Property Fund CD 104, Schwab Cash Account Cat Stock at FMV 45, Total CDs & Common Stock 326, TOTAL ASSETS: 339, Checking Account Balance 12, TOTAL 12, FUND BALANCE Funds to pay Note Payable 0.00 Net Income (loss) 6, Capital Accounts 331, TOTAL FUND BALANCE 338, TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE 339, President Ray Barnes called the meeting to order. A quorum was present. Pastor Bishop opened with devotions. A motion was made by Tom Ivey and seconded by Steve Depew to approve the Parish Report. There was one change to the March 10, 2014 minutes for the Board of Stewardship: Nothing to report as their next meeting is in May. The minutes from the March 10, 2014 Voters Meeting were approved as amended. Treasurer s Report Ron Reising presented the March 2014 Treasurer s Report. Howie Proehl made a motion to accept the report, which was seconded by Joe Schiavone. Motion carried. Board of Trustees Gary Pool reported that the kitchen nearest the gym has been undergoing a minor remodeling with a new tile floor installed costing $2,735, a new commercial refrigerator costing $3,000, and 8 feet of cabinets ordered to be installed after they are received for $1,794. Thanks to the ladies of the Bethlehem Society, Mrs. Marian Allen, and Mr. Gus Knieriem for covering the costs of this project. The painting of the gym is nearly complete with thanks to Mr. John Neumann for his help with this project. The Trustees will be posting a volunteer sign-up sheet for mowing around the church and parsonage this season and will greatly appreciate any help. The Trustees request that members contact one of their committee before purchasing and distributing lawn care products for the church to prevent doubling up on products. During the next few months the Trustees will be working to account for all the church keys and request everyone s patience as they follow up on their list of key holders. The Trustees have scheduled their next work day for May 17, and volunteers are welcome and encouraged for painting and cleaning projects both inside and outside the church. The Trustees request that everyone help the church conserve energy by having groups or committees shut off lights when leaving rooms. Board of Finance Nancy Drockelman reported that the Board of Finance held two meetings in the last month to discuss various options on financing major repairs and maintenance needs of the church. She also noted that the ACT Fund balance of $1,700 was transferred to the Youth Group for their projects. 5

5 that the ACT Fund balance of $1,700 was transferred to the Youth Group for their projects. Board of Elders Tom Ivey reported that the Elders met on March 31. A new Church Pictorial Directory is being planned through LifeTouch Photography with the tentative dates for photos October 21 to 28, Additional details will be presented next month. Pastor Bishop will be taking vacation on May 25 and June 8. Elders meetings are scheduled for the last Monday of the month unless it falls on a holiday. Board of Worship Nothing to report. Board of Christian Education The new televisions, mounting arms and a stand for the Sunday School classrooms are being scheduled for installation by the Trustees. Fifteen members of the youth group met on March 16 and put together and delivered 11 food baskets. There are two boxes of food left that will be donated to the upcoming food bank that the church is starting. There were two youth from St. John s that helped Ewe s Treasurers with the spring changeover. Four students signed up for the youth conference at Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln on April 26. repairs and maintenance needs of the church. With the help of the Long-Range Planning Committee, the Finance Committee, and a survey taken in 2011, the Trustees have narrowed a long list of projects and have received bids on their estimated costs. The repairs were noted in detail and discussed. It is required that the following motion be carried over to the next Voters Meeting. Gary Pool made a motion, seconded by Tom Ivey, that St. John s Lutheran Church secure a loan for $300,000 using the investments (CDs and the Vanguard account) as collateral to complete the repairs to the church including: 1. Repair and re-cement the stained glass windows and cover with new tempered glass; 2. Install new flooring throughout the church with a combination of carpet and commercial tile (all carpeted areas except the offices and library); 3. Major repair of the 1927 Hinners Organ; 4. Sanctuary lighting; 5. Clean, prepare, and paint the architectural stone detail around the church; and 6. A new phone system. Members are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with any of the Trustees. It should be noted that the proposed loan would be for 20 years with the monthly payment very slightly above the monthly payment that we had been making for the HVAC/Roofing loan (which is now paid off). The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lord s Prayer. GSLS is having a garage sale and craft show on May 17 th. Easter breakfast will be served next Sunday after the sunrise service with Gary Pool coordinating the breakfast and the youth group helping to serve during breakfast. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Ivey, Secretary NOTE: We will be discussing and voting on the major repairs and maintenance mentioned above (in bold) at our next Voters Assembly meeting, Monday, May 12th, at 7:00 p.m. Board of Stewardship Nothing to report as their next meeting is scheduled for May. Board of Evangelism Pastor Kesselmayer reported that DVDs of church services are still being delivered each week to the shut-ins and he is also calling on visitors attending our worship services. Gift bags with a Bible and refrigerator magnet will be given to the visitors. Pastor Bishop will be starting a new Adult Instruction class. Unfinished Business There was no unfinished business. New Business Gary Pool reported that over the past couple years the Trustees have been considering several of the major Peoria Area Lutherans for Life Once again Peoria Area Lutherans for Life is sponsoring a diaper shower on Mother s Day, May 11th. The object of this ingathering is to collect as many disposable diapers (infant or adult sizes) as we can and donate the diapers to a charitable organization. They will be given to agencies such as Women s Pregnancy Center, Esther House, Lutheran Hillside Village, etc. Last year our collection netted over 5,000 baby diapers, 350 adult diapers, and 1,500 baby wipes. Baby diapers and wipes were taken to Women s Pregnancy Center and adult diapers were given to Lutheran Hillside Village. 6

6 MAY LIBRARY CORNER by Eileen Tiona " Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress." Psalm 46:10-11 We have some new books in the library. The following 4 books were donated by Pastor Niemann. "Bring Them Back Alive" by Jose De Olivares. This book deals with helping teens get out and stay out of trouble. "The Myth of Separation, What is the correct relationship between Church and State" by David Barton. A revealing look at what the Founders and early Courts really said. "Sex, Lies, and High School" by Eva & Jessica Everson. What your teens are learning and aren't telling you. "Applied Theology for Youth Ministry Eutychus Youth" by John Oberdeck. This isn't a study in theology applied to adolescent psychology but rather, what Lutheran theology adds to the whole field of youth ministry that isn't found anywhere else. The following books were donated by myself. "Embers of Love" by Tracie Peterson "The Harvest of Grace" by Cindy Woodsmall. ELDERS Will meet on Monday, May 19th, at 7:00 p.m. FELLOWSHIP CLUB By Eileen Tiona St. Johns Fellowship Club will meet on May 17, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. for a picnic at the 4-H Shelter in Mineral Springs Park. Meat and drink will be furnished. Please bring a dish to pass and your own table service. Note: This is one week later than usual due to Mother's Day. Hope to see everyone there--this will be our last meeting until September. WOMEN S GUILD By Deb Lakamp The Ladies Guild will be hosting a "baby shower" on Thursday, May 22nd at 6:30 pm in the church basement. Please bring an unwrapped gift for a baby. All baby items will be donated to the Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center in Pekin. Suggested items: new or gently used baby clothes (sizes newborn through 4T), diapers & diaper wipes. Will ORGANIZATIONS The next work day will be Saturday, TRISTEES beginning at 8:00 a.m. We will be doing landscaping and yard work. All volunteers are more than welcome. STEWARDSHIP meet on Monday, May 12th, at 6:30 p.m. Ross Gould will be attending to discuss guidelines for the food pantry. May 17th Our hostesses for the evening are Deb Lakamp (chairperson) and Linda Turney. All ladies of the congregation are welcome to attend. ############################################ LUTHERAN WOMEN OF GREATER PEORIA will sponsor a Bake Sale on Friday, May 2nd at Lutheran Hillside Village. The proceeds of the sale will benefit the Benevolent Fund at Lutheran Hillside Village. We need bakers and buyers. All donations will be greatly appreciated. Baked goods may be dropped off at Lutheran Hillside Village front desk until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 1st. GREATER 7

7 UPCOMING EVENTS May 1st Summer Camp Discount The large discount for summer camp went away on April 1. However Camp CILCA board will offer a discount of $10 per week of camp for those registering by May 1. You can register on line at 222.cilca.org. May 2 4 Lumberjacks Wanted Camp CILCA We have a men s retreat planned for May 2-4 to be strengthened spiritually and physically. WE will be spending much time cutting up firewood for the summer camping season. Help is invited beginning Friday through Sunday morning. Let the camp know when you can come to help (camp@cilca.org or ). Food, lodging, Bible Study, and worship will be provided. May 4th St. John s Lutheran Church, Beardstown, IL Celebrating 100 years anniversary and renovations. We will celebrate the completion of our work during a special afternoon service at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow the service and historical items will be on display. May 10th Christ Lutheran Church will be holding the 42nd Annual ALL YOU CAN EAT Sausage, Pancake & Potato Pancake Supper on Saturday, May 10th from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. Cost is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 for students K-8 and family is $ Proceeds will go towards Vacation Bible School Program at Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Washington, IL ~ benefitting tornado relief. Christ Lutheran is located at 1311 S. Faraday, Peoria, Il. May 17th Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Training is being offered at Our Savior s Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL from 8:00 to 4:30 p.m. See bulletin board in Gym for more information and registration form. MAY 23rd Illinois Central College third and final matinee (1 hr.) features a tribute to America s greatest generation through sound and theatre as they present War Bonds: The Songs and Letters of World War II on May 23rd. This show features music and headline news from the period interspersed with actual personal letters from the front and stories from veterans, creating a sentimental and poignant living-history cabaret. Show is at 2:30. Full performance is at 7:30 p.m. MAY 25 - CILCA HOG ROAST Camp CILCA will hold its annual fundraiser on May 25. Serving will begin at 11:30 a.m. and conclude at 2:00 p.m. Suggested donation is $8 for adult and $5 for children. The menu will include barbeque pork sandwiches, vegetable, salad, homemade desserts, and drink. Worship service is 2:00 p.m. to induct the summer staff. Family activities are planned for the whole weekend. May 15 - Thursday - PTL Fine Arts Fair May 17 - Saturday - GSLS vendor & Garage Sale, 8:00 to 3:00 p.m. If you are interested in renting a space for our yard sale and vendor sale, please contact Reva Simpson at rsimpson@goodshepherdpekin.com or Nancy Brush at rbrush@goodshepherdpekin.com. Remember after your spring cleaning, save your gently used items for us and we will sell them for you! Don t forget to stop by and shop! All of the proceeds go toward our school s playground. May 19 - Monday - Sports Awards Night May 27 - Tuesday - Preschool Graduation 6:30 May 28 - Wednesday - Graduation 6:30/Graduation Dance May 29 - Thursday - Full day for K-7th will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran School June 22 to June 26 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. St. John s Pekin, Trinity Pekin, St. John s Sand Prairie with help from Good Shepherd Lutheran School are putting on a combined Vacation Bible School where kids can learn and play together on Gangway to Galilee. An Amazing Grace Adventure. Registration is open for children 3 years old through 8th grade. Volunteers are needed to make this effort successful! If you are interested in helping with this endeavor, please contact Jamie Sunday, June 22nd to the 26th, 6:00-8:30 p.m. GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL NEWSLETTER May 2014 May 30 - Friday - Last day; 11:30 Attached is the ABC s Days End of Year Countdown GSLS will be counting down the last days of school by assigning each day a letter. Enjoy the rest of the school year. 8

8 In Our Prayers If you know of anyone who needs to be added, please let the church office know. All our shut-ins Walt Dozard - GSLS student Nathan Barth - member of Armed Services Adam Jackson member of Armed Services (grand-nephew of Lila Lisenbee) Pastor Niemann Dale Schott Larry Massa - son of Helen Massa Lee Morgan Nelson Guengerich Lynda Adkins Brian Williamson Our Christian sympathy extends to Brett and Sarah (Moss) Huber on the death of their infant son, Letters of Thank You from The Gideons International for the special offerings collected in the amount of $ Funds will be used for the purchase and placement of 75 Bibles or 290 Testaments in Tazewell County, the State of Illinois and around the world. Lutheran Hillside Village for the give of $ The funds have been directed to our Endowment Fund to benefit our health center residents who can no longer afford to pay for their care. Confirmands Class of 2014 Abigail Grace Dagit Daughter of Daryl and Laura Dagit Born: November 30, 1999 Baptized: December 31, 1999 Quest Michael Dobbelaire Son of Daniel and Laura Dobbelaire Born: September 10, 1998 Baptized: December Olivia Dayle Theleritis Daughter of Jeff and Angela Theleritis Born: June 25, 2000 Baptized: September 3, 2000 Quinn Christopher Thomas Theleritis Son of Thomas and Erin Theleritis Born: September 21, 1999 Baptized: November 14, 1999 Danielle Rose Watson Daughter of Daniel and Michelle Watson Born: January 11, 2000 Baptized: February 13, 2000 Carl Robert Whitlatch, II Son of Carl Whitlatch and Megan Whitlatch Born: October 31, 1999 Baptized: February 25, 2000 Lutheran Heritage Foundation for the funds collected ($594.14) by our Sunday School Department for Mission Possible. Thank you, good people of St. John s, for joining us in this great mission venture to place God s Word, which will not return void, into the hands of people around the world. Lutheran Hour Ministries for our recent contribution toward the work of Lutheran Hour Ministries. YARD WORK A SIGN UP SHEET is posted in the Gym for those who would like to volunteer to help the Trustees with the mowing of the church and the parsonage. A big thank you for those who have helped in the past. Transferred To The Church Triumphant L. Louis Brickner January 11, 1924 March 30,

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10 Celebrate 100 years at Wrigley with fellow Lutherans from Central Illinois. CID Day at Wrigley is Saturday, May 3 at 12:05 pm. Tickets are $50 each. To order, Download the order form from and mail it in by this Monday April 28 to give time for the order to reach the office and for the tickets to be mailed to you. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Mohr at or gracestrasburg@ntscape.net. (Please note: you are responsible for arranging your own transportation to/from the ballgame.) Send in your order today! 11