St. Mark Church and. School Newsletter. May Inside this issue:

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1 May 2018 St. Mark Church and Special points of interest: WELS News School Newsletter The Galloping Mustang Hope "Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death." - Hebrews 11:19 Inside this issue: Hope 1 This We Believe/ Through My Bible in This Month in God s Word/ Birthdays WELS News 4 The Galloping Mustang May Calendar 2018 May Duties We are always amazed at stories of people who seemingly come back from the dead. Folks that were without a heartbeat for 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes. We can't imagine coming back from something like that. We know that death is final. So when any kind of story comes out like this we are blown away (and hopefully, give praise to our amazing God). Everyone is enthralled by the thought of a resurrection. That's why they come up in stories, in the movies and on TV. It just doesn't make any sense. Our sense of wonderment is peaked. We want to believe that something like this could happen, because it brings such joy to our hearts. I can't imagine how Abraham came up with a thought like this. As far as we know, there was never an instance of anyone being brought back from the dead. (The Bible doesn't tell about any resurrection until much later with Elijah and Elisha.) But somehow, when faced with the prospect of having to sacrifice his own son for the LORD, Abraham came up with this idea. Some might opine that this was the desperate thought of a desperate man. This was all he could come up with when faced with such a dreadful situation. But the real answer is that Abraham was a man of faith who knew the heart of the LORD. He knew of the promises that his God had made. He knew that he was a God of love and forgiveness. He knew that nothing was outside of his power to do. So he used his Spirit-filled reason to conclude that this was what the LORD would do: Allow his son's death to have Abraham exercise his faith and show his love and obedience; then, raise that son to life and still keep his promise of a Messiah to come from his line. That's remarkable, when you think about it. I would expect most others to crash and burn when faced with such dire circumstances. I wonder if Abraham ever thought about just running away from the LORD at a time like this. But he didn't, living by his faith that his God was amazing and full of love. Many would think that the idea of us being raised from the dead someday is ridiculous. Many would think that hoping in such a miracle is a fool's errand. But our hope in our own resurrection from the dead is the height of wisdom and the depth of knowledge, for it comes from the Spirit of our God. We do not hope in our wishes and fancies. We hope in the word and promises of our Almighty God. We hope in the impossible, for nothing is impossible with God. We have the sure hope of our everlasting life because it has been promised to us by our Lord and Savior, and nothing will change this truth.

2 This We Believe Q: A: We believe that individuals are free to make their own decisions concerning matters that are neither forbidden nor commanded by God s Word (adiaphora). People must be careful, however, that their use of tis freedom does not cause others to sin. What does it mean to be careful about using our Christian freedom? The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 14:13 why we should be careful about using our freedom: Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother s way. For example, I may be able to make use of alcohol without stumbling to the abuse of drunkenness. But there may be a fellow Christian for whom taking even one alcoholic beverage would mean not stopping until he or she was drunk, plunging his or her life back into alcoholism. When I am with that fellow Christian, it would be unloving abuse of my freedom to exercise my ability to use alcohol when that may be an overwhelming temptation to my brother or sister to abuse it. His or her well-being is far more important at that moment than having an alcoholic beverage. My freedom to drink may encourage the downward spiral of alcoholism. My abuse of my freedom may send my brother or sister in faith on a course that jeopardizes his or her faith. Through my Bible in 3 years This Bible reading series is designed to take only a few minutes each day. If you haven t started in January, that s okay. Feel free to jump in and start in the middle of a year. This same Bible reading structure is found in the Forward in Christ. To help you through your Bible study, consider this anecdote: Peter the Barber once asked Martin Luther how he, an ordinary kind of guy, could read the Bible with profit. Luther answered: 1.What does God tell me here? 2.What makes me glad? 3.What makes me sad? 4.What do I want to pray for: Try it in your Bible reading! May 1. Jeremiah Jeremiah 49: Jeremiah 49:34-50:46 4. Jeremiah 51: Jeremiah 51:59-52:34 6. Lamentations 1 7. Lamentations 2 8. Lamentations 3 9. Lamentations Lamentations Philippians 1: Philippians 1: Philippians 1:27-2: Philippians 2: Philippians 3: Philippians 3: Philippians Ezekiel Ezekiel 2:1-3: Ezekiel 3:22-5: Ezekiel 6,7 22. Ezekiel Ezekiel 9, Ezekiel Ezekiel 12, Ezekiel 14, Ezekiel Ezekiel Ezekiel 18, Ezekiel 20: Ezekiel 20:45-21:32 Page 2

3 This Month in God s Word May 6th - Enmity is Defeated Acts 9:36-42; 1 John 4:1-11; John 15:9-17 Voters Meeting May 13th - The World is Defeated Acts 1:15-26; Acts 7:54-60; John 17:11b-19 Bible Class - The Tabernacle May 20th - Breath of the Spirit Ezekiel 37:1-14; Acts 2:1-21; John 14:25-27 Bible Class - The Priesthood May 27th - Kingdom of the Trinity Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans 8:14-17; John 3:1-17 Bible Class - Sacrifices May Birthdays 1 Caitlyn Hawkins 1 Vernon Hermann 1 James Schroeder 3 Gary Mundt 4 Maclain Randazzo 6 Ashley Hussman 8 McKenzie Beach 9 Emma Schroeder 9 Carolyn Schwede 9 Jesse Theiler 11 Dawson Dorn 12 Tyson Westphal 16 Alexis Page 18 LuAnn Wattles 18 Ben Wiles 21 Paul Dinges 21 Nathan House 21 Noelle Vogel 22 Mason Fury 24 Mark Stamps 25 Tia Kumwenda 28 Kathy Holm 29 Morgan Richert 30 Kristen Kramer A Happy and Blessed Birthday to you All! Page 3

4 Changes At Northwestern Publishing House Last week Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) announced that it will be closing its Milwaukee retail store in October. While it s sad to say goodbye to this brick and mortar store that served thousands of WELS members over the years, we can be thankful that the scripturally sound books and church resources will still be available to purchase online at nph.net. It was becoming increasingly evident that our publishing house was being affected the same way so many other Christian bookstores, and retailers in general, have been more and more people are making their purchases online. In response to the challenging realities they face, Northwestern Publishing House had to make some difficult decisions with the objective of exercising good stewardship of its limited resources. NPH remains committed to its mission of developing biblically sound, Christ-centered, and trustworthy resources and will continue to publish new books, music, and other materials for our pastors, teachers, and WELS members. Last year, NPH launched a newly redesigned website that makes it easier to search for and find the books and products you value. If you haven t done so lately, I d encourage you to visit nph.net to see all it has to offer. Synodical Council spring meeting recap Through March, congregational offerings are down slightly from the previous year, but the picture will become clearer in May after Lent and Easter offerings have all been received. Due to higher enrollment, lower expenses, and blessings on the new Congregational Partnership Grant program, Martin Luther College is projecting a surplus of $600,000 compared with a deficit of $600,000, which had been anticipated. The Synodical Council (SC) reviewed a report from Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS) that outlined financial challenges resulting from lower than planned enrollment, lower gift totals, and several accounting errors that were discovered during the transition between business managers. The SC Executive Committee will be working with the new president of MLS, its governing board, and the Board for Ministerial Education to address these financial challenges. The SC deferred consideration of several capital improvement projects planned as a part of the MLS Foundation s recent capital campaign until the financial challenges are addressed. Significant savings were realized due to the 2016 decision to self-insure a portion of the health care costs of synodical workers. These savings were returned to the ministerial education schools, areas of ministry, and departments. The SC expressed its thanks to the board and administration of Northwestern Publishing House (NPH) in the way it implemented recently announced changes to NPH operations. The SC agreed on how the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in the synod s compensation plan will be applied. To prevent sudden decreases in compensation and levels of compensation that would fall below the salaries listed on the salary schedules, the SC determined that 1) all synodical workers will receive no less than the numbers set forth in the salary matrix approved by the synod in convention; 2) the actual salary for a called position will be based on what the calling body has established as its applicable COLA for all workers at that institution; 3) salaries will be adjusted annually only if COLA increases from the previous year; and 4) exceptions to these policies for synodical workers can be granted in unusual cases by the synod president. The Executive Committee of the SC will continue to analyze how these policies will play out in actual practice prior to implementation on July 1, Salary matrices and a web-based called worker compensation calculator tool is available at wels.net/cwcompcalc. Paul Holzhueter and Mr. Warren Ehlke each completed 12 years of faithful service as Synodical Council lay representatives of their districts. We thank them for their service. Serving in Christ, President Mark Schroeder Page 4

5 May 2018 stmarkmustangs.org St. Mark Lutheran School The Galloping Mustang Drivers Needed for Science Camp We are looking for drivers for our two field trips during science camp. We are looking for eight drivers for each of those days. The times would be 9:30 am-12:00 pm each trip. Here are the dates and trips: Tuesday, May 29th: Pioneers Park Friday, June 1st: 1011 News If you are willing, please contact Mr. Drews. You may even get a camp T- shirt for your services. Let us know! School Year Theme From the Principal s Desk A Prayer for Graduates Dear Lord, You have brought me to this goal of my formal education. Today, as I receive my diploma I thank You for the support of my parents during the past, for my teachers, and for all who helped me along the way. Although I began my schooling with high ideals, I was often overwhelmed by volume of materials and subject matter of the courses. Sometimes I felt that I was not allowed to think for myself. Plans were made for me by my parents and teachers. Society with its demands and people by their words have confused me. I confess also that there were days when my faith and my confidence in You were shaken. Your Word has consistently been my guide and help. Through it Your Holy Spirit stabilized me and gave me the faith, strength, and ability to carry on and to reach the goal of graduation. For all this, I thank You, Lord! Now as I face the future, grant me a keen sense of responsibility and calling in life. Assure me again of Your guidance and blessing for the days ahead. In all that I do, O God, help me to glorify Your name; through Christ, my Lord. Amen. Page 5 Page 5

6 Eighth Grade Exit Interviews God has blessed us with another successful year here at St. Mark Lutheran School. On Wednesday, May 9th, we will graduate three young people who have completed their work at St. Mark. They will be missed. We ask God to bless them in their future studies and future endeavors! Here is each of their final interviews from St. Mark Lutheran School: Name: Makena Colson Future Career Path: I have interest in animation, but being a lawyer has recently peaked my interest. What are you looking forward to at your new high school?: I can t wait for more sports opportunities. Favorite Verse & Why?: Romans 8:1. We are safe in Christ. We need not be afraid. Most Treasured Memories at St. Mark Lutheran School: I really loved any car trip. So many stories were retold on long car rides. Extended field trips were such a blessing. Advice to the younger students at St. Mark Lutheran School: Have fun at recess and lunch, but remember to try your best at everything. Branch out. I found it fun to be friends with everyone in my class. If something is challenging at first, don t be afraid to ask questions. Name: Molly Wilkinson Future Career Path: Welder What are you looking forward to at your new high school?: All the people to meet and hang out with. Favorite Verse & Why?: Psalm 27:1. It is my confirmation verse. Most Treasured Memory at St. Mark Lutheran School: Hanging out with my friends Advice to the younger students at St. Mark Lutheran School: Keep looking on the bright side of things and don t listen to those who dislike you. Worry about yourself and your homework! Page 6

7 Name: Eddie Walters Future Career Path: To be determined; I am not sure yet. What are you looking forward to at your new high school?: Learning new things Favorite Verse & Why?: Psalm 23:4. It reminds me that God gives me all I need to survive. Most Treasured Memories at St. Mark Lutheran School: South Dakota Trip Advice to the younger students at St. Mark Lutheran School: Stay in school, because school is cool! Echoes of the Hammer Review What a night! As we entered St. Mark Lutheran School, the anticipation of the blind silent auction and excitement over the fire pit raffle was almost palpable. There were smiles all around. After our wallets were emptied and our sweet-tooths satisfied, all patrons found their seats and packed our theater. We watched as our student body took us through the life and faith of Martin Luther through Echoes of the Hammer. We saw how Luther as a troubled student became a monk. Through encouragement and the study of God s Word, Luther discovered that all people are saved through God s grace alone. Nailing the Ninety-Five Theses changed everything in Germany. The echoes of his hammer led him to defend his faith before Emperor Charles V. Luther firmly held to his convictions that he must stand on the solid ground of Scripture. Through the remainder of his life he continued to share the truths of God s Word with others and connect people to their Savior. As we all reflect on Luther s life, let us also stand firmly on the truths of God s Word alone. As the curtain fell on another year, it was wonderful to see how much each child had grown in their roles in each drama production. Awesome work! To God alone be the glory! Page 7

8 Preliminary School Calendar August September October Day off School Special Event, Activity, or Important Date January February March November December April May Page 8

9 St. Mark Lutheran Church 3930 S. 19th Street, Lincoln, NE (402) May 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat April 29, 2018 Open Forum 9:20 am 6 8:00 am 10:30 am Worship with Lord s Supper 9:20 am Voters Meeting & Sunday School 13 8:00 am & 10:30 am Worship Service 9:20 am Bible Class & Sunday School 20 8:00 am 10:30 am Worship with Lord s Supper 9:20 am Bible Class & Sunday School 27 8:00 am & 10:30 am Worship Service 9:20 am Bible Class & Sunday School 7:00 pm Worship Service 7 7:00 pm Worship with Lord s Supper 14 7:00 pm Worship Service 21 7:00 pm Worship with Lord s Supper 1 6:30 pm Church Council Meeting 28 Memorial Day 29 7:00 pm Worship Service 2 6:00 pm Catechism 8 9 6:00 pm Catechism 7:00 pm St. Mark School Graduation :00 pm Catechism 3 6:30 am Bible Study 6:00 pm Ladies Aid at The Green Gateau 10 6:30 am Bible Study 7:00 pm Ascension Service at Mt. Olive 17 6:30 am Bible Study :30 am Bible Study :30 am Bible Study 4 Mowing: R. Gartzke 11 Mowing: L. Hans Last Day of School Noon Dismissal 18 Mowing: B. Marker 25 Mowing: N. Workentine June 1, 2018 Mowing: D. Duffield 8 am 12 pm, May 29 June 1 Science Camp at St. Mark (3rd 8th Grades) 5 Church Cleaning; Se. 1 Beach Sec. 2 Zielinski Sec. 3 Dahlke 12 Church Cleaning: Sec. 1 Bork Sec. 2 Baumann Sec. 3 D. Gartzke 19 Church Cleaning: Sec. 1 Colson Sec. 2 P. Dinges Sec. 3 Dorn 26 Church Cleaning: Sec. 1 Green Sec. 2 Fanning Sec. 3 Fury June 2, 2018 Sec. 1 Gottier Sec. 2 Hussman

10 St. Mark Church: (402) S. 19th Street, Lincoln, NE St. Mark School: (402) S. 19 th Street, Lincoln, NE Elders Officer Family Nurture: Jarod Wilkinson President: Ben Schroeder Adult Nurture: Bryan Hodges Vice President: Rainer Gartzke Outreach: Tyson Martin Secretary: Craig Goodrich Support: Blake Baumann School: Curt Jamison Church / School Staff Worship: James Mullen Pastor: Joel Vogel Teacher/Principal: Jeremiah Drews Teacher: Jocelyn Vogel Teacher: Stephanie Peitsmeyer Administrative Assistant: Carolyn Schwede May Duties Elders: Blake Baumann, Jarod Wilkinson Greeters: DeAnna Fanning (E), Pam Bork (L) Bulletin Folders: Lori Meyer Usher: Noel Lee, Detlef Gartzke (E), Jeff Schmidt, Tom Bork (L) Finance Committee: Rich & Bev Randazzo Communion Ware Cleaners:1 st Sue Soyk (E), Elder (L) 3 rd Noel & Elfi Lee (E) Joan Mundt (L) Shut Ins: Elfi Lee St. Mark Sunday School Teachers Pre School: Marlys Parde Lower grades: 1 & 2 Mandy Krushenisky / Sue & Katey Rehm Grades: 3 4 Mel Soyk Grades: 5 6 Ashley Hussman Teens: DeAnna Fanning Sunday School for the Summer Months Starts on June 3, 2018 at 10:15 am Page 10