The Light of St. John s September, 2015

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2 The Light of St. John s September, 2015 Life has a habit of taking us by surprise. Events catch us off guard and send us reeling. It might be a traffic accident, injury, unexpected or prolonged health problem, family stress, or a job layoff. These are some of the high-stress events that can shake us to our core. The danger is that these things can put us into panic mode and cause us to respond poorly. When we are in panic mode, we don t think clearly and we make irresponsible remarks without thinking. Harm is sometime done in relationships that is not quickly undone. Even worse the same events can shake our theological footing. When we get into panic mode, we begin to question our faith and doubt God. We may withdraw from Christian friends or stop attending church altogether. Further, we may blame God for what is happening in our lives. One of the most important things that we can learn from God s word, though, is that the people whose life stories we know from the Bible are not just figures in stained-glass windows. They were real flesh-and-blood people like you and me. God s people in the Bible lived through many crisis situations. The Apostle Paul, for example, lived through a shipwreck, imprisonment, health problems, and even had a thorn in his side that would never go away. But God s people in the Bible always emerged from crisis situations in victory mode because they never lost their faith that God was with them in every situation and would ultimately lead them through every crisis. If we could look into heaven at those bitter junctures of life, our hearts would be reassured. Looking into God's face, we would discover there is no sweat on his upper lip. Even if we are shocked and disoriented, God is not. Oh, his lip might be quivering with compassion for our pain, but he is sovereign over the universe, and nothing catches him by surprise. God knows precisely how to get us through the most harrowing life crises. The sounds of an angry mob, a whip ripping into bare flesh, and a hammer driving nails into hands and feet were overwhelming sounds until the tomb was found empty. The same power that raised Jesus then sustains us now. So, when you feel you are about to lose it, visualize God's upper lip. Trust his promises. Know you are not alone. Wait patiently for the victory. Terry Moon

3 Serving September 2015 Kitchen: Loretta Laffere Altar: Marvin & Loretta Laffere Ushers: Justin Kalisek Marvin and Loretta Laffere Donna & Roy Havemann FLOWERS 6 th Loretta Laferre (Birthday) 13 th Len and Lynda Kubiak 20 th Myra Kindt Keith and Judy Ahrens (anniversary) 27 th Shirley Kristof Dates Open For Flowers October 4th November 29th Please pray for the our soldiers, shut-in, the lonely, and those in need of healing; Kim Cededla and Baby Jake Brandon Cedidla, Don Groce, JoAnn Schultz, Mavis Suehs, Mathis, Steven Morton, Glenn Seibert, Lance Bullard, Jill Seibert, Amy Maloney, Fontaine Wilhelm, MaeDel Cowan, Sharon Beseda, Alex Balido, Lisa Kieke McGinney, Frank and Mary Roberts, Cynthia Kazmir, Billy and Barbara Savage, Marj Stoudt, Helen Maker, Connie Medley, Mrs. Matthew, Jenny Kubiak, Vivian and Walter Schumacher, and the families of Edgar Wiederhold, Ruth Peters, Raymond B. Dockery, Jr. and the families of recent acts of violence. I would like to thank Pastor Terry, my family, and friends at St. John's Lutheran Church for your thoughtfulness, your support and the many prayers said on my behalf while battling myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Thank you St. John's Lutheran Church! I want to thank my sister Shirley for donating her healthy stem cells for me! She underwent a long process to have them harvested and became quiet ill in doing so. Midmorning, on March 18, 2015, my nurse brought in an IV bag and hung it on the IV pole. I watched Shirley's extracted stem cells coming on or after the IV bag, as they traveled through clear tubing that brought the cells into my bloodstream. I was delighted and amazed watching the cells bouncing up and down with vigor as they hastily flowed, as if they were marching. They were like an army on a mission. Thank you Shirley! I want to thank Frank for handling my business matters and backing Shirley up during the many days she was gone from home to care for me. Thank you Frank! As I continue the process of recovering from the devastating disease, I am reminded of the power that our awesome Heavenly Father has as He receives the petition of prayers we sent to Him. Sometimes healing is not instant but a gradual process. I look forward to days ahead with hopes of complete and perfect health and my life back on track with wonderful blessing from God above. Thank you Heavenly Father! Amen and Hallelujah! Sharon Beseda Dear God, You chose to give Baby Jake to the Cedidla family. He is now in the care of dedicated nurses and doctors, but his true healing can come only through you. Please wrap your protective arms around him and bestow your healing blessings on him that he may grow and develop into a full term baby and glorify you in this world. Please hear our daily prayers. We ask that you give his family strength to bear this challenge. Open our eyes, ears, and hearts, Lord, so that we fulfill our calling to be faithful to you and show your love to this world. In Jesus name we ask. Amen.

4 ADVENT EXTRAVAGANZA Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 14 th, 6:00 PM. St. John s Ladies Group has started the planning process to sponsor an Advent Extravaganza. This event is designed as a Ladies Night Out. It is a chance to spend a delightful evening viewing beautiful theme-decorated tables, enjoy good food and fellowship and prepare your heart for the coming season. The committee is recruiting hostesses for this event. Hostess responsibilities are: Decorate a table with a theme that will tie into the Advent or Christmas season Invite family and friends to sit at your table Provide 1 dozen sandwiches and 1 dessert Provide 1 door prize for guests at your table Optional provide a small party favor for your table guests Share the story of your table theme that night with everyone There are no fees or charges to either the hostess or guests. Most often there are two people who go together as hostess and work together to create the theme and decorations. Contact one of the following to sign up as a hostess: Debby Schumacher, Joyce Krenek, Marsha Kocurek, Michelle Blackmon, Lynda Leo, More information and details in October Newsletter

5 Blessing of the Backpacks August 16, 2015 Some days, so much stuff will fill these backpacks that the student may find it difficult to walk. Other days, they will be light and nearly empty. But on each and every day, these backpacks represent work required of the students gathered here. And, as in every aspect of our life, we ask for God s Blessings and especially for the students as they start a new school year. Ladies Salad Supper Thanks to everyone who made the Ladies' Salad Supper a success. The evening was filled with fellowship and great food! We look forward to seeing all the ladies again next year.

6 CELEBRATING 105 YEARS St. John s Lutheran Church was formally organized on June 26, 1910 God has richly blessed the congregation of St. John s Lutheran Church of Deanville for the last 105 years. We pray that he will continue to shower his astounding, amazing grace on our congregation, giving us many more years of faithful and loving service to His people, in His Holy Name. St. John s Lutheran was transformed into SonTreasure Island on August 7th, 8th, and 9th. St. John s was blessed with 50+ children who had great time singing, creating crafts, and playing games while they discovered the greatest treasure of all God s Love 1 Corinthians 13 Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. Thanks to the many volunteers who gave of their time, money, and energy before and during VBS. The children did an awesome presentation of songs during the August 9th worship service. It was an fantastic week-end that ended with a swimming party that was enjoyed by all who attended. One of the mission projects at VBS was for the children to make a cards. The cards were put into a brown bag that the children decorated with crayons. Snacks were placed in the bags and delivered to the Caldwell Senior Citizen Center on Thursday, August 20th. Thanks to Charlotte, Delayna, Darlene Hold, and Morgan Becka for delivering the bags and bringing a smile to the Senior Citizens. Another mission project was the children making a tied fleece blanket. Thanks to Katherine Korth for preparing the fleece for the children to tie to complete the blanket. The blanket will be sent to Lutheran World Relief. A bar code will allow St. John s to track the blanket to know its final destination. Thanks to everyone who brought school supplies. Two boxes of supplies were donated to the Stuff the Bus event!!

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9 Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Edgar Louis Wiederhold March 24, August 20, 2015 Funeral services for Edgar Wiederhold, 98 of Giddings, are were scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at St. John Lutheran Church in Dime Box, Texas with Rev. Roger Millheim officiating. Burial followed immediately in the St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation was held on Saturday, August 22, 2015 from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday, August 23, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The Wiederhold family were to be present for visitation Saturday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Edgar Louis Wiederhold was born near Deanville, Texas on March 24, He was the third of twelve children born to Robert and Alma (Klagmann) Wiederhold. He was brought into God s Kingdom through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on December 16, 1917 at the home of his parents. Pastor Marcus Baudler, Evangelical Lutheran Pastor from Caldwell, Texas performed the rite. He confirmed his faith in Jesus his Savior at St. John Lutheran Church in Deanville, Texas with Pastor W. A. Mueller on July 16, Edgar grew up during the depression and learned the value of hard work to support such a large family of which he was a part. He never lost that work ethic. When President Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corp. Edgar joined. He participated in the work around the Lake Travis area from October 1939 March Before the U.S. joined in the War in Europe in December of 1941, Edgar had been inducted into the army on July 10, Edgar fought in these battles and campaigns during the war: Sicily, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, Southern France, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received six campaign medals. He also received the Bronze Star for removing road blocks while under fire, allowing the U.S. infantry to advance in Southern France. Edgar never talked about his war experiences when his sons were growing up, but after he entered the nursing home in 2008, he began to relate many stories about the war. After returning home from the war, Edgar married Ruby Lee Grundmann on July 22, 1946 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church in Giddings. The ceremony was performed by Pastor S.T. Schroeder. To this union were born two sons, Jack in 1948 and Kenneth in Edgar supported his family by operating meat markets in Dime Box and Lexington. He later worked for City Meat Market in Giddings and also the State School in Giddings. He retired in Edgar greatly enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a super Papa and Pappy to them. Edgar entered into eternal rest with his Savior on the morning of August 20, He reached the age of 98 years, 4 months and 27 days. He always said the Lord had given him a blessed life. Edgar was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Alma (Klagmann) Wiederhold; his wife Ruby Lee Wiederhold; brothers Albert (and wife Milady), Lee Roy (and wife Evelyn), Marlin, and Ervin Wiederhold; sisters Viola (and husband Gerhard Kissman), Alene (and husband James Cottrell), and Joyce Zwernemann and brother-in-law Leroy Zwernemann. He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Timothy Mark Wiederhold. Edgar is survived by his son Jack and wife Marian of Serbin and Kenneth and wife Lynette, of Serbin. He is also survived by his grandchildren Nathan and wife Lydia of San Antonio, Rachel Sherrerd and husband William of New Braunfels, Jan Wiederhold of Houston and Troy Wiederhold of Serbin. His greatgrandchildren surviving him are Hannah and Meredith Sherrerd of New Braunfels and Amelia and Samuel Wiederhold of San Antonio. Surviving also are brothers Wilburn Wiederhold of Giddings, Robert Wiederhold and wife Alice of Caldwell, and J. C. Wiederhold and wife Dorothy of Dime Box, one sister, Lavern Zwernemann of Georgetown and two sisters-in-law, Mildred Wiederhold of Caldwell and Ruth Wiederhold of New Braunfels. Also one brother-in-law Fred Zwernemann of Dime Box. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Nathan Wiederhold, Troy Wiederhold, William Sherrerd, Dwayne Wiederhold, Preston Kissman, and Lee Roy Wiederhold, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers were Bill Wiederhold, Larry Reeves, Otto Wiederhold, Douglas Wiederhold, Jimmy Wiederhold, Terrance Cottrell, Freddy Zwernemann, Michael Wiederhold, Farrell Zwernemann, Glenn Zwernemann, and Mark Zwernemann. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Dime Box St. John Cemetery Fund, St. John Lutheran Church or to a charity of your choice. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 6:25

10 Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to the family of Ruth Gladys Peters May 18, August 23, 2015 Ruth Peters, 91, of Lyons went to her heavenly home on Sunday, August 23, She was born on May 18, 1924 in Birch, TX. Visitation is set for Friday, August 28, 2015 at Strickland Funeral home in Somerville, Texas from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Prayer service will be held at 7pm. Grave site service is set for Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m. at Evangelical United Church of Christ Cemetery in Birch. Ruth was a wonderful woman who never met a stranger, only a friend she hadn't seen before. She was a loving mother and grandmother who was adored by her family. Her loss will be felt by everyone who knew her, since knowing her was to love her. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Peters, parents, Fritz Drahem, Minnie Schrader Drahem, daughter, Dorothy Groce, brother, Fred Drahem and sister, Mildred Gaas. She is survived by her son, Elroy Peters Lyons, Texas, daughter in law, Julia Peters, daughters, Gladys Glover of Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, Karen Wilcox and husband Glenn of Lyons, Texas, sisters, Florene Boscarino of Tomball and Barbara Matus and husband Jodie of Caldwell, sister-in-law, Vilma Drahem, grandchildren, William Glover, Sharyne and Kevin Pitmon, Robert and Belem Wilcox, Lylian Peters, Konrad Peters, Sheila and Chris Cox, great-grandchildren, Breauna Glover, Chase Pitmon, Allison Pitmon, Tyler Wilcox, Yeremi Trujillo, Brooklyn Cox, Samantha Cox and great-great granddaughter, Arabella Mendiola. Pallbearers are William Glover, Robert Wilcox, Konrad Peters, Kevin Pitmon, Gene Chmelar and Mark Matus. In lieu of flowers the family ask that a donation be made in her name to Hospice Brazos Valley or the Lyons Evangelical United Church of Christ. MEMORIALS GIVEN To ST. JOHN' S LUHERAN CHURCH of Charles Smith Given By: Donnie & Beverly Blinka Betty Brinkman Mildred Miman Garnett & Mary Gerdes Len & Lynda Kubiak Sammy Bird Mae Del Cowen Tom & Joyce Krenek Allen, Charlotte & Delayna Hold Walter & Vivian Schumacher Marvin & Loretta Laffere Jim & Jeanette Peed Katherine Korth Keith & Judy Ahrens Thank you for the lovely prayer shawl you sent to Charles at the hospital. May God bless all of you for our kindness. Sincerely, Barbara Smith Scott, Julie, Riley Allie, Grayson Smith Tami, Aaron Kyllan, Malcolm Wallace

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