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1 S T. J O H N E V A N G E L I C A L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H P E K I N, I L L I N O I S V O L U M E 4 1, I S S U E 2 S T. J O H N S J O U R N A L F E B R U A R Y Our Monthly Newsletter (309) stjohnsec@grics.net From the Pastor... LENT: TIME FOR DEVOTION IN OUR LORD'S PASSION Ash Wednesday is February 18. Again this year we will conduct special services on the Wednesday evenings in Lent, in large part for devotion in our Lord's passion. These Lenten mid-week services provide us opportunity to listen to the reading of Jesus' passion from one of the four Gospels (this year, Mark), to reflect on His passion and its blessings for us in the sermon and hymns, and to respond to His passion with petitions and with prayers of thanksgiving. But why pay all this attention to the passion of our Lord Jesus? What is so significant about His sufferings and death that causes us to hear this story year after year? Why do we set aside one evening each week for six weeks to ponder in depth that one week (and, mostly, that one day!) in the life of our Savior? Here are two general answers. First, we devote this attention to the passion of our Lord Jesus, because that is what God does in the Holy Scriptures! The Gospels in particular, and the Bible books more generally, direct our thoughts to the sufferings of the Savior. The Old Testament Scriptures predict, foreshadow, and anticipate the passion of the coming Christ. The New Testament Scriptures describe, proclaim, and reflect on the passion of the Christ who has come. story that the Holy Spirit led all four Evangelists to devote major portions of their writings to the events of that one week. In Matthew about 35% of the book is devoted to the passion week; in Mark about 38%; in Luke about 25%; and in John about 38%. Considering that the story of Jesus spans fully 3 years in Mark, over 30 years in Matthew and Luke, and all the ages from eternity in John, the fact that the Evangelists give such attention to that single week is nothing less than extraordinary! Clearly the Holy Spirit wishes us to regard the passion of Jesus Christ as very important indeed! Second, and this is really an extension of the first answer, we devote great attention to the passion of our Lord Jesus because of why it is so very important. The Spirit of Christ led the Gospel writers to emphasize the passion of Christ because it is the heart of His work for the salvation of the world! He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 Jesus suffered outside the gate to make the people holy through His own blood. Hebrews 13:12 Christ died for our sins once for all, the Righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. 1 Peter 3:18 Since the passion of the Lord Jesus brings us peace and healing, makes us holy, and brings us to God, it is entirely proper and beneficial for us to listen carefully to the reading of His passion and meditate on it with our fellow believers in these special Wednesday services. This is what these Lenten mid-week service are set aside for. This is our unique opportunity for this type of sacred devotion. May the Lord Jesus bless us all this Lent in our devotion together in His passion! - Pastor Bishop In fact, the teachings and works of Jesus in the days from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem through His death and resurrection are so momentous in His

2 Christian Education Sunday School Perfect Attendance December 2014 Kindergarten Briella Hoover Third Grade Zachary Webb High School Katie Bollinger Feb 01 FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Joseph Hillman Edward Hodgkins Vincent Thomason Feb 02 Nathan Barth Katie Bollinger Edward Gaitros David Justi Stephen Webb Feb 04 Gayle Gettman Ryan Hansen Feb 06 Richard Jarvis Feb 07 Jamie Hoover Feb 08 Emma Jones Feb 09 Loretta Newman R. Michael Thompson Feb 10 Sarah Huber Sandra Morgan Candice Swift Barbara Theleritis Feb 11 Katherine King Feb 12 Viola Deppert Feb 13 Charles Diemer Carrie Schmidgall Feb 14 Steven Depew Belinda Frankel Barbara Thompson Feb 15 Nola Berger Ruth Keil Lori Sego Feb 16 Jean Matthews Karen McCammon Patricia Proehl Feb 17 George Andrae Feb 18 Michael Becker Shantel Childs Jeremy Garmon Emma Hicks Rosemary Peacock Barry Pool Gregory Swibold Feb 20 Dean Cooper Marcille Frevert Shirley Williamson Feb 21 Kylee Alexander Stanley Ehmke Ronald Garber Feb 22 Susan Waddell Feb 23 Alison Burris Feb 24 Vernice Funk David Sego Feb 25 Tyler Widby Feb 26 LeaAnn Becker Feb 28 Carl Beale Ava Friedinger Sandra Gay Carl Whitlatch Rose Marie Williamson Feb 29/Mar 01 Carol Becker THE LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE is seeking to have representation from all eligible committees and organizations. The Long Range Planning Committee consists of the following: the Chairman or another designated representative from the Boards of Elders, Trustees, Worship, Christian Education, Evangelism, Stewardship, Finance, the Pastor and one representative from each organization in the congregation. The organizations include groups such as the Guild, Fellowship, Educational Grant fund committee, and the Youth Group. Per the Constitution of the church, the Long Range Planning Committee shall coordinate the activities of the all groups, officers and boards to assure that all groups are working in harmony to further the purposes of the congregation. We look forward to everyone joining us at the next meeting. It is scheduled to take place after the Voter s assembly meeting on Monday, February 9 th. We are looking for good conversation and encourage all groups be represented. 3

3 FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES Feb 01 John & Allison Gillespie Feb 02 Gerald & Paula Norman Feb 07 Donald & Marjorie Schoedel Feb 14 Thomas & Cheryl Ivey James & Julie Widby Barry & Katherine Wright Feb 20 Pastor Glenn & Laura Niemann PARISH NOTES Church Attendance Attend. No. of Services Dec Dec Dec Sunday School Attendance Videographers Naomi Niemann Worship Committee Lisa Pool Acolytes Feb 01 8:00 Audrey Driskell 10:30 Ethan Szadkowski Feb 08 8:00 Olivia Driskell 10:30 Caitlyn Scalf Feb 15 8:00 Zane Dobbelaire 10:30 Nick Fornoff Feb 18 7:00 Olivia Driskell Feb 22 8:00 Sydney Webb 10:30 Avery theleritis Feb 25 7:00 Nick Fornoff ****************************** A big thank you to all our Service Volunteers. We appreciate the time and dedication you give to our Church community. ############################### SANCTUARY CHOIR Practice is on Wednesday Evening at 6:15 p.m. During Lenten Season, practice is at 6:00 p.m. The Choir will sing February 8 at the 10:30 a.m. service. February 15 at the 8:00 a.m. service February 22 at the 10:30 a.m. service Bells of St. John s practice every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. During Lenten Season, practice is at 7:45 p.m. They will play at the 8:00 a.m. service on February 15. February Ushers 8:00 February Ushers 10:30 Gerold Bohannan Evan Bryan Zach Ferguson 8:00 a.m. John Fuelberth 10:30 a.m. Darrell Gerold Bohannan Hansen Ross Ross Gould Gould Nicholas Darrell Hansen Jacob Jacob Gould Kesselmayer Steven Kesselmayer Ray Ray Hall Steven Noah Kesselmayer Kesselmayer Wayne Mike Nauth Liescheidt Terry Norman Terry Norman Cody Howie Watson Proehl Vincent Tennell February Greeters Feb :00 Gus Leon Knieriem & Eileen Tiona 10:30 Daryl Curt & Pam Lori Woolsey Dagit Feb :00 Dave Donna && Nancy Darrell Drockelman Hansen 10:30 Jim & Joyce Lonergan Feb :00 Don Dave & Valerie Nancy Dobbelaire Drockelman 10:30 Walt & Carol Long Feb :00 Ken Jerry & Mary Caralee Beck Bohannan 10:30 Please consider being a greeter at our 10:30 a.m. service to greet members and guest as they attend worship. TREASURER S Thank you. REPORT DECEMBER, 2010 December Y-T-D Communion Assistance INCOME 65, , Feb 01 8:00 a.m. Dan Rees EXPENSE 34, , :30 a.m. Steve Depew INCOME- 30, , EXPENSE Feb 15 8:00 a.m. Tom Ivey 10:30 a.m. Randy Couch LIABILITIES Note Payable HVAC/Roof Loan The next TRUSTEES 58, Payroll Liabilities WORK DAY is Saturday, February 14th 59, at 1, Total Liabilities 8:00 a.m. 4

4 TREASURER S REPORT December 2014 December Y-T-D INCOME $ 51, $457, EXPENSES $ 29, $342, INCOME- EXPENSES $ 21, $114, LIABILITIES Note Payable $235, Payroll Liabilities $ 1, Misc LCMS Orgs Fund $ TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 4, Current Checking & Link Money Market General Fund $(22,896.43) Educational Grant Fund $ (1,069.84) Building Fund $ 77, Sunday School $ 8, Memorial Fund $ 47, TOTAL CHECKING & LINK MONEY MARKET $109, CDs & Common Stock Educational Grant Fund CD #1 $101, Educational Grant Fund CD #2 Vanguard $ 76, East Bluff Property Fund CD $105, Cat Stock at FMV $ 42, GAP Stock at FMV $ 10, Total CDs & Common Stock $337, TOTAL ASSETS $447, Checking Account Balance $109, TOTAL $109, FUND BALANCE Funds to Pay Note Payable $(235,717.07) Net Income (Loss) $ 114, Capital Accounts $ 331, TOTAL FUND BALANCE $ 210, TOTAL LIABILITIES & FUND BALANCE $ 447, HI-LITES OF ST. JOHN S VOTERS ASSEMBLY January 12, 2015 President Ray Barnes called the meeting to order. A quorum was present. Pastor Bishop opened with devotions. The December 2014 Parish Report required no action. The minutes from the December 8, 2014 Voters Meeting were approved as published. Treasurer s Report Ron Reising presented the December 2014 Treasurer s Report. Bob Oliverius moved to accept the report, seconded by Daryl Dagit -- motion carried. Board of Trustees Gary Pool thanked Vince Tennell for serving on the Board of Trustees for the last three years and welcomed Ross Gould as a new Trustee. The 2015 officers are Aaron Miller, Secretary; Dave Kesselmayer, Co- Chairman; and Gary Pool, Chairman. A check for $3, was received from Weyhrich Farms for the 2014 season. A lease and service agreement with R.K. Dixon for a new Samsung printer was approved for a monthly cost of $335. Steger s Furniture will continue to lease the Bristow Building for 2015 and will re-open in the spring under the new name of Steger s Clearance Outlet. Anyone who is interested in purchasing the old sanctuary lights should contact one of the Trustees as the remaining lights will be offered to the public for sale. The status on the renovation and repairs include: The new floor installation has been completed. The rehab of the 1927 Hinners pipe organ is nearly completed and was used extensively for the Jan 11 Epiphany service. Final adjustments to the reed pipes, installing the rebuilt harp section and installing the acoustic cloth covering will be completed in the coming weeks. Willet Hauser Architectural Glass Co. continues work on installing new storm coverings for the sanctuary windows, with most of the aluminum framework installed and installation of new tempered glass to follow. The new phone system has been installed. The new lights for the side aisles in the sanctuary have been delivered and will be installed this week. The plaster repairs and new paint in the narthex should be completed in the next couple weeks. Buzard Pipe Organ Co. has given the trustees a proposal to make a couple additions to the new rebuilt organ. Six individual pew cushions have been ordered. Gary encouraged everyone who would like to input whether or not to purchase new cushions for the sanctuary to bring their thoughts to a future Voter s Meeting. The lowest estimate for new cushions is $9,500. 5

5 Thanks to the Trustees and all who have helped in any way with the projects and repairs, and the Trustees would especially like to thank Mrs. Pam Woolsey for her help with the interior decorating. Board of Finance Nancy Drockelman will remain Secretary to the Board of Finance, and Daryl Dagit will remain as Chairman. Nancy will join the Education Grant Fund Committee as well. Board of Elders Dan Rees will be the Chairman of the Elders, Randy Couch, Vice-Chairman, and Tom Ivey will be the Secretary. Dan thanked Ross Gould for his service for the last six years, and welcomed Dave Drockelman to the Elders. Elders are continuing to make contact with members who have not been in church attendance over the last two months, making sure everything is ok, and encouraging their attendance. The church directories should arrive by early March. The Elders continue to work on a food bank and others ways to support the needy in our church and in the community. Board of Worship No report. Board of Christian Education Linda Norman reported that 21 students participated in the children s Christmas program. The youth made and distributed 22 boxes of food to 10 families in our church. Dan Dobbelaire is coaching the basketball team with 15 players from the three Lutheran churches. The Sunday School attendance is increasing. Board of Stewardship The Stewardship Committee will meet in February to discuss a possible fund raiser for GSLS, a campaign for the renovation project, and the possibility of a food pantry. Board of Evangelism The committee has not selected their new chairman. Thanks to those who participated in the Epiphany Service as there was a lot of positive feedback on the beautiful music played on the newly renovated organ. Approximately 125 people were in attendance. Long Range Planning Committee This committee is meeting directly after the Voter s Meeting tonight. Educational Grant Fund Committee This committee is meeting the end of this month. Unfinished Business The Valet Service has been well received and appreciated. There is a need for one or two more men to assist with this service. Anyone that can be of assistance should contact Gary Pool or one of the Trustees. New Business A motion was made by Gary Pool and seconded by Howie Proehl to recommend Pastor Mark Miller for District President of CID motion carried. A motion was made by Bob Oliverius and seconded by Darrell Hansen to recommend Ray Barnes for the Circuit Forum to be held on January 25 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in East Peoria motion carried. The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Ivey Secretary ****************************************** Library Corner By Eileen Tiona " He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing." Jephaniah 3:17 We have 5 new books in the library for your enjoyment. The first 3 were donated by Iris Gaitros and written by Donna VanLiere. Christmas Shoes is a tale of our shared humanity, is a universal story of the deeper meaning of serendipity and of how a power greater than ourselves can shape, and even save, our lives. The Christmas Blessing is an inspiring story about hope existing in the darkest places, and how love is always the greatest gift of all. The Christmas Hope is the story of a little girl who needs a home, the couple who takes her in, and a doctor who fulfills a last Christmas wish. The 4th book Amish White Christmas Pie was written by Wanda Brunstetter and donated by Velma Widby. Karen Yoder can't break through the barrier her fiance has suddenly constructed around his heart. When she seeks the advice of an old boyfriend, Will becomes upset. Is there a chance there won't be a December wedding after all. The 5th book Emma, A Widow Among the Amish was written by Ervin R. Stutzman, and donated by Wilmadean Habberfield. This book tells a story of a woman who rears six children in the aftermath of her entrepreneurial husband's tragic death following significant business failures. Thank you to Iris, Velma, and Wilmadean for your donations. Please come in and check out these new books and all the other wonderful books that are available. 6

6 you understand Paul s message about God s purpose for your life. This is also ORGANIZATIONS a great book for Bible study. You ll enjoy this lively book with its to-the-point cartoons. Chosen-The FELLOWSHIP Story of God and CLUB His People by Daniel Simundson by Eileen Tiona Silent September by Joyce Landorf. This is the personal journal of faith and pain. Joyce Landorf if known nationwide St. John's Fellowship as a uniquely Club gifted will Christian meet on communicator February 7, 2015 who is at able the Church to convey at 6:30 biblical for principals a game night. with reverence, Please try humor, to attend compassion this is always and conviction. a fun night of fellowship. Hope to see you there. Thank If there you, are Pastor any new Kesselmayer. church member who would like to join We re us please here to try serve to come you with on February the latest 7th. Christian books. ORGANIZATIONS WOMEN S GUILD By Deb Lakamp The next meeting of the Ladies Guild will be held on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00 pm in the church basement. The Serving Committee will be Deb Lakamp and Rhonda Lappie. FELLOWSHIP CLUB BY Veva Martin Please bring an offering of paper products (kleenex, toilet tissue, paper towels) for our ongoing mission project, "Carol House of Hope". We invite and encourage all women of our congregation to attend and be a part of our mission work - all to the glory of God. YOUTH GROUP Will meet on Sunday, February 15, at 4:00 p.m. to play volleyball and have chili dogs plus ice cream sundae bar. WOMEN S GUILD Bring a friend or two to join in the fellowship. By Phyllis Beer St. John s would like to say thank you to the individual who gave another $50,000 to help with our renovations. Also thank you to Herrmine Williams for her $100 donation to the organ fund. We also say thank you to all those individuals who have given extra funds to the Building Fund this past year. Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) Workshops for 2015 Saturday, February 7, St. John s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church, Green Valley. Saturday, April 18, Immanuel Lutheran Church (Student Center), Macomb. Saturday, May 2, Trinity Lutheran Church, Taylorville. These workshops are led by Randy Wolf, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altamont; and Stephen Born, St. John Lutheran Church, Decatur. Registration information is in the church office and also available on the CID Website 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 Forces Adam Jackson member of Armed Forces (grand -nephew of Lila Lisenbee) Griffin Glass serving in the U.S. Navy Pastor Niemann Larry Massa - son of Helen Massa Lee Morgan Dale Schott Jeanne Andersen (sister of Ruthanne Scott) Pastor Bishop WOODCUTTERS RETREAT - FEB : Each year Camp CILCA has a retreat when men can gather to clear out some fallen trees and prepare firewood for the coming camping season and be strengthened in their walk with the Lord. Come join us on Friday night (after 6:30 pm) or even just for Saturday. We will be staying in the Christian Growth Center. The suggested donation is $25 for housing, meals, and snacks. We begin with registration on Friday night at 7:00 pm and conclude at 11 am on Sunday morning. Please call and let us know if you will be coming (Camp or Pastor Dave

7 GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN SCHOOL FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER Auction Announcement: Tickets to attend Good Shepherd's 9th Annual Benefit Auction, "A Fiesta for Ewe!", on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at the Par-A-Dice Hotel Ballroom are on sale now. Tickets are $45 per person, and only 440 tickets will be sold. Please check the SCRIP tables at the churches or ask at the school's office for a form to make your reservation. For reservation questions, call Ann Fuelberth at Our menu has been finalized, and we are happy to announce the TWO dinner selections which will be offered. FIRST SE- LECTION: Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Mashed Potatoes, Fiesta Corn. SECOND SELECTION: Southwest Chicken Breast with Black Bean & Corn Salsa on the side, Mashed Potatoes, Fiesta Corn. BOTH of these dinners will include Salad, Rolls, Chocolate Fudge Cake or Strawberry Cheesecake, Iced tea, and Coffee. As in the previous years, we have Table Sponsorships available for our Live Auction--$200, Silent Auction--$100, and Dinner--$50. These sponsorship ads are great ways for businesses to advertise and support our auction! Please talk to any Auction Committee member if you have questions. Snow Days: If you are not sure if school will be cancelled because of the weather you can go to ciproud.com, cinewsnow.com, and goodshepherdpe-kin.com. These are the first three sites I put cancellation information on. I will also send out a School Reach message (voice and text). If you did not receive a School Reach message on January 7 and 8th, please let the office know so we can update your contact information. Snow days are determined by District 108. Most of the time we will follow what they decide since they provide our bussing. If all of District 108 is out, then most likely we will be out as well. We do have the option to cancel school even if District 108 is not out so please look for Good Shepherd on the websites or a School Reach message. Basketball Games: Please check the school s web-site for dates and times of upcoming basketball games and come out and support our teams. Dining Out: Watch for our next dining out date and place. 8