St. John s Journal FROM DEATH TO LIFE. May, A Monthly Newsletter of St. John s Evangelical Lutheran Church

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1 May, 2017 A Monthly Newsletter of St. John s Evangelical Lutheran Church 711 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois stjohnsec@grics.net (309) As we look forward to Holy Week this month, we are mindful that, among other things, it is a journey from death to life. In our hearing of the Scriptures we follow our Lord Jesus from the Garden, where He is betrayed; to the judgment hall, where He endures an unjust hearing, scourging, mocking, and beating; to Golgotha, where He is crucified and dies; and to the tomb, where He is laid to rest in the cold grip of death. But death could not hold Him! Its grim grip was not strong enough. Through our ears we journey to that same tomb on the third day and find that our Lord has risen from the dead and exited the tomb! Jesus Christ has journeyed from death to life! As His disciples, we follow Him. Our daily experience as Christians is a journey from death to life. The apostle Paul speaks of this in the appointed Epistle for Easter Sunday this year, Colossians 3:1-4. He tells us of the death part when he writes, For you have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (3:3) In our Baptism we died with Christ died to sin. So now, as Christians, we, whose lives are intimately connected to His, no longer desire to live in sin. We desire to walk in newness of life. This is why the apostle continues in verse 5, Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly (sinful) nature. Paul tells us of the life part when he writes, If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (3:1) Since we have received new spiritual life in Christ, we seek to set our thoughts, words, and actions on heavenly, Christ-like things things that befit the living. This is what we confess in our Small Catechism, where Luther explains the significance of baptizing with water: It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. Our experience as disciples of Jesus is to be a daily journey from death to life through repentance from the old dead ways of the sinful flesh to the new living ways of God. In this same text from Colossians the apostle Paul also reminds us of our ultimate journey from death to life. He writes at verse 4, When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. This, of course, refers to the day of His second coming, the day of the great resurrection of all the dead. For the large majority of Christians, Christ will appear on that day after they have already died after their bodies have experienced physical death. Yet on that day, all who have died in the Lord, trusting in Jesus for their salvation, will be raised bodily from the dead to appear with Him in glorious, everlasting life! What a journey from death to life that will be! And this wondrous journey is guaranteed for all His believers by Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection! May the Lord strengthen you all in this journey, during Holy Week and throughout your days, that we may join Him in the everlasting life of the glorious world to come! - Pastor Bishop St. John s Journal FROM DEATH TO LIFE Volume 43, Issue 5

2 Christian Education Sunday School Perfect Attendance March 2017 May 01 Lyle Smith May 02 Jayson Memken May 03 Jaylynn Fahnestock Lainey Jensen Cory Pfanz Julie Wagner May 07 Jordan Snoble Avery Miller Leon Tiona May 08 Janelle Hopping Tracy Glass May 09 Shana Calhoun Shanna Friedinger Pre-School Zander Hopping May 10 Elizabeth Ward Emily Ward Lori Fricke Schiavone May 11 Shirley Wendland May 12 Jeremy Winstead MAY BIRTHDAYS 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 Mary Sipka LeeAnn Walsh May 18 Dawn Breaden Renee Hayden Micaylan McDonald Marilyn Mason May 19 Lance Anderson Paula Jensen May 20 Matthew Buster Paul Widby May 22 Marcia Hubbs May 23 Wendy McDonald May 24 Deborah Lakamp Debra Pitchford May 25 Alexis Daniels Allison Gillespie May 26 Cailin Wilson May 27 Melissa Flatley Colleen Gardiner Jordan Jensen Amanda Webb May 28 Barbara Rosa May 29 Dale Schott, Jr. Ruthanne Scott Kelley Ward May 30 Joel Bonnette Noah Dingerson Sharon Ives MAY ANNIVERSARIES May 2 Clarence & Bernice Mack 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 30 Rodney & Penny Bollinger

3 PARISH NOTES Church Attendance Mar services Mar , services Mar , services Sunday School Attendance Through Mar 2017: 745 Through Mar 2016: 709 Through Mar 2015: 740 Videographers May Jon Bolt Worship Committee May Jon Bolt Elders Communion Assistance May 7 8:00 a.m. Dave Drockelman 10:30 a.m. Dan Rees 8:00 a.m. Joe Szadkowski 10:30 a.m. Rod Bollinger Acolytes May May 7 8:00 a.m. Sydney Webb 10:30 a.m. Audrey Driskell May 14 8:00 a.m. Kethry Whitlatch 10:30 a.m. Cooper Theleritis 8:00 a.m. Lainey Jensen 10:30 a.m. Daden Ruder May 25 7:00 p.m. Zane Dobbelaire May 28 8:00 a.m. Zane Dobbelaire 10:30 a.m. Cailin Wilson Greeters May 7 8:00 a.m. Delores Rees 10:30 a.m. Carol Long May 14 8:00 a.m. Jerry & Caralee Bohannan 10:30 a.m. Jim & Joyce Lonergan 8:00 a.m. Don & Valerie Dobbelaire 10:30 a.m. Rev. Bruce & Deb Lakamp May 28 8:00 a.m. Tisha Daniels 10:30 a.m. Steve & Mary Depew Ushers May 8:00 Jerry Bohannan Darrell Hansen Noah Kesselmayer Steven Kesselmayer Terry Norman 10:30 Jacob Gould Ross Gould Mike Nauth Howie Proehl THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD The Festival falls on Thursday, May 25, this year. We observe it in a service of Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m. This year we direct our attention especially to ongoing presence and activity of our ascended Lord Jesus, particularly through his word. TREASURER S REPORT March 2016 March Y-T-D INCOME 26, , EXPENSES 31, , INCOME- EXPENSES (5,136.91) (24,350.15) LIABILITIES Note Payable 135, Payroll Liabilities 2, Misc LCMS Orgs Fund TOTAL LIABILITIES 137, General Fund (53,727.31) Schwab Cash Account 0.02 Cat Stock at FMV 74, Pekin Life Ins. Stock 10, General Fund Total 31, Ed Grant Fund Checking 4, Ed Grant Fund CD #1 102, Ed Grant Fund #2-Vanguard 67, Educational Fund Total 174, East Bluff Property-Vanguard 92, East Bluff Property Fund CD 106, East Bluff Property Fund 199, Building Fund Checking 27, S.S. Fund Checking 9, Memorial Fund Checking 32, TOTAL ASSETS $474, Checking Account Balance 20, FUND BALANCE Building Improvements (299,680.34) Net Income (Loss) (23,640.88) Capital Accounts 660, TOTAL FUND BALANCE, 345, TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE $474, FINANCIAL SECRETARIES ARE NEEDED to help count money received during the services. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office at THANK YOU 3

4 HI-LITES OF ST. JOHN S VOTERS ASSEMBLY April 10, 2017 President Tom Ivey called the meeting to order. A quorum was present. Pastor Bishop opened with devotions. The Youth group hosted a Lenten Supper on March 22 and raised $160. Board of Worship Nothing to report. Board of Evangelism No report. A motion by Ray Barnes, seconded by Daryl Dagit, was made to approve the February 2017 Parish Report motion carried. A motion by Dave Drockelman, seconded by Bob Oliverius, was made to approve March 2017 Parish Report motion carried. A motion by Randy Couch, seconded by Bob Oliverius, was made to approve the February 2017 Minutes motion carried. The March 13, 2017 Minutes were approved as written. Treasurer s Report Nancy Drockelman presented the February 2017 Treasurer s Report. Dave Drockelman moved, seconded by Ray Barnes, to approve the February 2017 Treasurer s Report motion carried. Nancy then presented the March 2017 Treasurer s Report. Bob Oliverius moved, seconded by Dave Kesselmayer, to approved the March 2017 Treasurer s Report. Board of Trustees Dave Kesselmayer reported that the elevator inspection has been completed. A clean-up day is scheduled for Saturday, April 22 at 8:00 a.m. Approximately $600 has been donated towards the church s landscaping projects. Thanks to all who have contributed. Thanks to Terry and Linda Norman for donating a sofa and love seat for the Youth Room. Board of Elders Dave Drockelman reported that Confirmation will be held on May 2, 2017 for teens, and the Adult Confirmation will be held on. Board of Finance This Board met recently and discussed investments, tracking expenses against budget, a draft of an Endowment Fund, and an unbudgeted item to be discussed under New Business. Board of Christian Education John Gillespie reported that a quorum was not present at the most recent Board meeting, and no business was conducted. The upcoming Easter breakfast will be the youth activity for April with set-up at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 15th. Sunday School attendance varies, but is doing well week. Board of Stewardship This Board distributed 7 boxes of food and purchased 7spiral hams recently. The next distribution will be the week after Easter. A board member is still needed. Long Range Planning Committee This Committee will meet after the Voter s Meeting tonight. Educational Grant Fund Committee No report. East Bluff Property Committee No report. Constitutional Review Committee No report. Unfinished Business Volunteers to assist as Financial Secretaries are still needed. New Business Dave Drockelman stated that there are currently 1,100 to 1,200 members currently on St. John s roster. The Elders are contacting members who have been in church sometime in the last two years, but not regularly. Dave distributed a job description for a Membership Secretary that would work very closely with the Pastor and the Church Secretary for approximately 10 hours per week for two years. The scope of this position would be to contact inactive members so that the Elders and Pastors may visit them as appropriate, with the primary goal of restoring them to regular church attendance, and the secondary goal of removing them from membership when necessary. Total costs for this position would be $18,000 to $20,000. Dave s motion to approve this position was laid over until next month. Pat Proehl inquired as to why we did not have palms for Palm Sunday. Pastor stated that it was an oversight in ordering the palms and we can continue this tradition in the future. Pat also inquired as to whether a committee could be formed to organize donuts being served every Sunday between Early Service and Bible/Sunday School classes. Pat will draft a note to be included in the Bulletin to determine if there are any volunteers for this committee. A motion was made by Bob Oliverius, seconded by Ron Reising, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. Cheryl Ivey Secretary 4

5 Transferred To The Church Triumphant Marian F. Gettman December 23, 1927 April 13, 2017 ( 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 I haven t any new books to report on this month, but you are welcome to come into the library and check out all the other wonderful books that are available for your enjoyment. ORGANIZATIONS FELLOWSHIP CLUB By Veva Martin St. John s Fellowship Club will meet at the home of Darrell and Donna Hansen at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 14 for a brunch. If you haven t signed up to bring something, please call Donna at to find out what is still needed for the brunch. Please plan to attend as this is our last get together until September. I m sure you will enjoy the great food. WOMEN S GUILD The By Jackie Nauth next meet- ing of the St. John Ladies Guild will be held on Thursday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. We will be collecting laundry products (laundry detergent, fabric softener, or dryer sheets) for the Carol House of Hope in Pekin. Our hostesses for the evening will be Linda Turney (chairperson) and Barb Theleritis. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend. YOUTH GROUP Clean Up Day, 2017 Spring Received thank you notes from the following: Concordia Seminary, St. Louis Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Concordia Seminary, Fort Wayne Lutheran Heritage Foundation The Youth Group will do yard work, window washing, or other chores for seniors or other members of the congregation who could use our help. Contact Pastor Bishop if you would like the Youth Group to help out around your home. After we re done, we will come back to the church for pizza. 5

6 Lutheran Women of Greater Peoria will sponsor a Bake Sale at Lutheran Hillside Village on Friday, May 5 from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the main lobby. Join us for some homemade treats and a cup of coffee. The residents and staff will welcome new faces. If you have never been to 6901 North Galena Road, Peoria, feel free to stop by. A tour can be probably be arranged. Do you like to bake? Would you be interested in doing some baking for an upcoming bake sale on May 5 at Lutheran Hillside Village. Donations can be brought to LHV s front desk prior to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4. Proceeds will benefit the Benevolent Fund. If you have questions, please contact Redeemer member Pat Likeness. likenra1935@gmail.com or (309) All donations are greatly appreciated. ******************************** SIX FLAGS TRIP: Our Youth Gr oup is again sponsoring a trip to Six Flags Great American, Gurnee (Chicago) for all youth and families of the congregation. The trip is scheduled for Saturday, June 10. Cost is $15 for youth; $30 for adults. Reservation and payment is due on or before June 5. Contact Paula Jensen at CONGRATUATIONS TO ALL OUR EIGHTH GRADE, HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE GRADU- GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL NEWSLETTER May 2016 May 6 th - ½ Day with Pre-K out at 12 Noon and K-8 th 12:30 p.m.. May 12 th - PTL Meeting & Fine Arts 6:30 p.m.. May 16 th - Sports Banquet 6-8 p.m.. May 17 th - School Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m.. May 18 th - Spring Piano Recital at 7 p.m.. May 24 th - Pre-K Graduation at 6:30 p.m.. May 25 th - Last day of school Early 11:30 a.m.. May 25 th - 8 th Grade 6:30 p.m. The Graduation Dance will follow. Confirmands Class of 2017 Avery Leigh Theleritis Daughter of Thomas & Erin Theleritis Born: August 8, 2002 Baptized: September 29, 2002 Joseph Michael Canterbury Son of Tammy Dennison Born: December 6, 1999 Baptized: March, 2000 Please SAVE THE DATE for this year's Vacation Bible School, Mighty Fortress In Jesus, the Victory is Won!" which will be held 6:00-8:30 p.m. each evening beginning Sunday, June 4 through Thursday, June 8 at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. ATES. WE NEED AND LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS and are asking YOU to prayerfully consider volunteering your time and talents. If you would like to help with this event, please contact Jamie Emma Rose Marie Canterbury Daughter of Tammy Dennison Born: February 13, 2001 Baptized: April 2001 Peoria Area - Lutherans for Life Once again Peoria Area Lutherans for Life is sponsoring a diaper shower on Mother s Day., May 8. 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 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. Drop box will be on the stage in the gym. 6

7 Annual Hog Roast Camp CILCA will hold its annual Hog Roast on Sunday, May 29. The menu includes pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, and desserts. The day begins with worship at 10:30 a.m. Lunch is served from 11:30-2: 30. Adults are $8, children ages 4-12 are $5, children 3 and under are free. Join us for a weekend of camping, swimming, campfire devotions, and more. Check out cilca.org for more information. In Our Prayers If you know of anyone who needs to be added, please let the church office know. All our shut-ins Griffin Glass serving in the U.S. Navy Adam Jackson member of Armed Services (grand-nephew of Lila Lisenbee) Pastor Niemann Dale Schott Stan Ehmke Shannon Stocke Vanessa Bjorling Joyce Wertz Jacob Holloway Ed Knussman Marilyn Mason Laverne Brown Mark Reeder Donna Pool 7