St. John Eagle. June 4th 7th, :30 am Noon Ages 4 years through 4th Grade

Transcription

1 Y O U R S O U R C E O F S P I R I T U A L N O U R I S H M E N T Y O U R S O U L T H R O U G H T H E W O R D St. John Eagle 2012 June 4th 7th, :30 am Noon Ages 4 years through 4th Grade Staff and Special Events 2 Pastor Lesemann 3 Council Meeting & Stewardship 4-5 Voters Meeting Nominations 6-7 Bible Scramble/Happy Father s Day 8-9 VBS, Ladies Aid, and CFS News and Notes/Church Family Worship Assistants and Flowers 16

2 ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 402 Lake Ave, Storm Lake, IA. Phone: PASTOR: Rev. Bruce Lesemann Home: SECRETARY: Celeste Cummins STAFF MUSIC DIRECTOR: Suzanne Winterhof CUSTODIAN: Renae Norwood MONTHLY WORSHIP SCHEDULE Saturday Services Sunday Services 6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m Holy Communion Radio Broadcasts... 1st and 3rd Weekend 9:00 a.m. on 2nd Sunday of each month of each month KAYL 101.7FM. ADULT BIBLE CLASSES 10:15 A.M Lutheran Hour Ministries KAYL 8:00 a.m. Every Sunday In the Fireside Room, Led by V. Winterhof Be in the Word In the Library, Led by Pastor Lesemann S T. JOHN EA GLE 2

3 Message from Pastor Lesemann The Comfort of Pentecost We are now in the season of Pentecost. It is a season that completes the image of God as the Trinity. We know of God as the creator of our world. We know Christ as the Redeemer of this world. And in the Pentecost we know the Holy Spirit, sent by Jesus, to be the active comforter living in the world today! I say active because as a believer in Christ the Holy Spirit is working in YOU. He is your comforter! So with that in mind I ask you today, are you being comforted? In other words, where do you turn for true comfort or to help others find true comfort? Christ our Lord has a suggestion. As it says in John 14:26-27 (KJV), These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. As we all know there are times in our lives, for whatever reason, that we will find ourselves physically alone, either by our own choosing or by circumstances beyond our control. During those times we can take comfort in knowing that spiritually we are not alone. This is so important because the Holy Spirit connects us with the Father and the Son. He reminds us of the words and promises that have been given to us in God s Word. He reminds us that we can always count on God for help and comfort. As it says in Psalms 55:22, Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Or from Psalms 46:1, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Or in Hebrews 13:5 where it states, Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. Knowing that we are not alone means that when life seem to be beyond our control, in faith we can be Comforted as we go to God in prayer, as we seek His will and His answers in His Word and remember the true peace we have as forgiven children of God. My prayer for you today is that the Comforter will give you the strength, courage and comfort you need. And may He use you to share that comfort with those who try to live without it. In His grace, Pastor Bruce H. Lesemann 3

4 Parish Planning Council Meeting May 20, :15 am I. Pastor opened the meeting with devotions and prayer. II. Board of Evangelism Audrey Gutz On June 22, 2012, Carl Hanson, a missionary who we have sponsored, will be at Mission Central. Also, Evangelism will attend New Student days at BVU in August III. Board of Church Properties Dave Dose Looking at concerns around the altar. The status of the custodian was updated. Two fire extinguishers in the church will be replaced. The sidewalk in the back entrance will be replaced this summer. IV. Treasurer s Report Karen Fletcher The April bills were paid (and monthly payroll taxes deducted) leaving a balance of $1, in the bill payable account on April 30th. We are now almost done with May and the balance is $4, today ( ). We will need to pay out a few larger bills yet, but will have one deposit remaining also this month. Next month we will have quarterly obligations again which run several thousand dollars more than the monthly bills. The Thrivent fund balance is $10, at this time. The Capital Improvement Fund is $25, Summer building maintenance projects are started and the larger projects will soon need to be considered. Please consider making extra contributions to this needed cause. As you can see we are just keeping up. We thank you for your continued support summer attendance can create shortages. Please remember St. John as you enjoy your vacations and travel this summer. A detailed Quarterly report will be submitted as soon as possible for the July voters meeting considerations. Ascension offering envelopes are designated for Community Care. Many needy school children will be needing school supplies and warmer clothing in the fall. The stewardship committee felt this would be a good neighbor contribution. The Friendship Fund is very low in funds again. We continue to have members who need our help. 4

5 V. Board of Youth Jerry Johnson There will not be summer Sunday School. Vacation Bible School will be at St. John June 4-7, VI. Pastor s Report Pastor Lesemann There were four adult confirmations on May 20, There is some interest in supporting a Sudanese family in Sudan. More details to follow. VII. Executive Director Henry Hardt The voters meeting will be Sunday, July 8, 2012 at 11:15 a.m. in the church sanctuary. The next Parish Planning meeting will be Sunday, June 24, 2012 at 11:15 a.m. in the Fireside Room. VIII. The meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. It s graduation time and there is much emphasis on all the achievements of students. They are encouraged to aspire to fame, power, and wealth as they head off to college. A life of service and servanthood is contrary to what society promotes. Let us not forget a meaningful llife with Christ is possible if we do not put ourselves first and do not seek only goals the world will offer. In living a life of service, we give of ourselves without striving for financial rewards or glory. Unlike the praise we receive from God, wordly praise has no lasting value. Let s remind the young as well as ourselves to serve out of love for Christ and be worthy of His calling. 5

6 Publication of Nominating Committee s List of Officers and Administrative Boards for Election at the July 8, 2012 Voters Meeting Note: per the 1983 St. John Constitution, any communicant member of the congregation may submit to the [nominating] committee additional names for inclusion on the list... provided such names are submitted 10 days before the date of the July Voter s meeting. Please see Henry Hardt or Pastor Lesemann about the inclusion of any additional names. Executive Director - Henry Hardt Assistant Executive Director - Open Treasurer - Karen Fletcher Betty Ploeger Purchasing Agent - Bob Fletcher Congregation Secretary - Denise Betts Board of Lay Ministers Director - Open Assistant Director - Harlan Matasovsky 1. Vernon Winterhof 2. Jerry Johnson 3. Dan Coleman 4. Lloyd Bumann 5. Paul Chuol 6. Dale Phillips 7. Open 8. Open ** The list continues on the next page** 6

7 Board of Education Director - Open Members - Lori Dicks Deb Jesse Laurie Gaffney Open Board of Youth Director - Jerry Johnson Members - Open Board of Parish Relations Director - Open Members - Open Board of Church Properties (Trustees) Director - Harold Redenbaugh Members - Mike Overmohle Bob Fletcher Kevin Jesse Gordy Miller Dewey Betts Board of Stewardship Director - Karen Fletcher Members - Betty Ploeger Ladene Ponsor Diane Overmohle Celeste Cummins Board of Evangelism Director - Audrey Gutz Members - Dale Phillips Sheila Jesse Pastor Lesemann 7

8 Unscramble the letters in each puzzle to discover the Bible passage. Hint: They are based on the KJV. #1 - YM TRRNHEEB, UTONC TI LLA YOJ WNHE EY LLFA TONI VSRIED TTTSPONMIEA; WONNKIG TSIH, TTHA EHT YTRNIG FO YURO TIHFA WTROKHE TPNIEECA. UTB TLE TPNIEECA VHEA RHE TRPFEEC WROK, TTHA EY YMA EB TRPFEEC NDA TRNIEE, WTNNIGA TONNIHG. #2 - RONIGDCCA SA SIH VNIIED WRPOE THHA VNIGE UTON SU LLA TSNIHG TTHA TRPNIEA UTON EFIL NDA SSONLIGED, UTROHHG EHT WONLKGEED FO MIH TTHA THHA LLEDCA SU OT YROLG NDA VUTRIE: Solution to Bible Scramble: #1 - My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4 #2 - According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: II Peter 1:3 8

9 Happy Father s Day! By: Celeste Cummins Do you (or did you) appreciate your dad? Are you (or were you) truly grateful for him? I am glad to say that I am. I love my dad and I know he loves me. But, like all kids I don t think it started out that way. The events of August 17, 1989 changed all of that. I was 18 years old and that was the day my dad had a near fatal heart attack. From a medical perspective, he should not be alive; the fact that he still is alive is a miracle and a lesson to me. It was after that heart attack that I started to appreciate my dad, understand who he really was, what his traits and characteristics were, and how he was so much like his mother, the grandmother that I loved very much. I was so thankful to be able to get to know him, for my kids to be able to know him, and for us to have the extra time with him. The last time I was at my mom and dad s, dad was reading a book about the Psalms. He went back a few pages and as his voice quivered, he read me Psalm 90:10, The length of our days is seventy years or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. I don t think I will ever forget hearing my dad read me that verse for I could tell he was thinking of his own life and his inevitable flight into Heaven. Not every child gets the experience of knowing who their dad is and being able to spend time with him, as I have. Many kids today are growing up without their dads in their life. Some of you did, too, but for different reasons. For anyone who has not had their dad in their life, it can be very difficult, yet you can take comfort knowing that your other dad (your Heavenly Father) never leaves you. In fact, Psalm 68:5 tells us, A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. While you may not have had the opportunity to get to know your earthly father, you have a Heavenly Father who is always there for you and who wants you to get to know Him. June 19, 1910 was the first Father s Day. It was celebrated in Spokane, Washington because Sonona Dodd wanted to honor her dad who was a Civil War veteran. Sixtytwo years later, President Richard Nixon signed a law making Father s Day a permanent holiday (Thrivent magazine, Spring 2012, p.20). This year Father s Day is on June 17 th. Do you have any special Father s Day traditions in your family? If you don t, there s still time to start one! Since it s hot outside at that time of year, many families celebrate by grilling out, camping, or going to a baseball game. Or maybe you are not able to spend Father s Day with your dad. Maybe your earthly dad has already joined your other dad, your Heavenly Father. But if he is still here on earth, at least you can let him know he s on your mind and in your heart. I guess that s the whole point of this article just get out and join me in telling our dads, Happy Father s Day, Dad! I love you! 9

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11 Thoughts turned to mothers as the Ladies Aid met on May 2. Joann Oatman led devotions and then presented the program for the day. In preparation Joann had copied furnished pictures of mothers of the members, and we had fun trying to determine whose mother was pictured. It was evident some facial and body features were passed on to daughters (and granddaughters), but the discussion questions also revealed that many other values and traits are passed from generation to generation. At the request of the group, Joann created a bulletin board to share activities of the Ladies Aid including a tribute to mothers and pictures of the Zone Rally. Thirteen members answered roll call by sharing their Confirmation verse. It was interesting to note that some members had been given four Bible verses! President Donna Truelsen conducted the business meeting. She thanked the ladies for their participation in making the Zone LWML Rally so successful. A group of Iowa District West personnel is meeting at our church on May 19th, and the Ladies Aid has been asked to help serve the morning coffee and the noon meal; members volunteered to assist in the serving and furnishing food. The Christian Fellowship Society has made arrangements for the St. John Food Booth at the Star-Spangled Spectacular on the Fourth of July. The food booth gives the congregation a presence in the community, serves a public need, and the funds raised are used for congregational endeavors. In the past the money has assisted the youth program, provided for things the congregation has needed, provided funds for general church fund, and covers the cost of the Portals of Prayer ministry. Since ALL members of the congregation benefit, we ask that you consider helping. Maybe you can work in the stand for an hour or two; maybe you can man the grills. We also need donations of food items which are served in the booth. We can use people of all ages from 10 up. Watch the front entry table for further information. 11

12 HOSPITAL VISITS Have you ever wondered why a Pastor does not visit you when you are in the hospital? Perhaps, it s because he does not know you are there. Because of the HIPAA privacy laws passed in 1996, hospitals are greatly restricted in their ability to disclose patient information. Consequently, the pastor or church office may not be notified that a congregation member has been admitted to the hospital. In the event you are hospitalized, and you would like the pastor to know, you or a family member should inform the church office directly. THANK YOU from LCMS World Mission for the gift of $ to support Rev. Carl and Chen-Hsi Hanson. GOLF OUTING - The August 19th date is fast approaching for the 2012 Camp Okoboji 2nd Annual Golf Outing featuring more gifts, more prizes, more fun, and more fellowship! Watch for information and registration forms mailed to your church office and at campokoboji.org on our website. Save a spot by registering your foursome as soon as possible and plan for a fun-filled day with your fellow golfers! CHANGE OF DATE - The brunch planned by the Ladies' Aid for June 6 has been rescheduled to Wednesday morning, June 13, at 9:30 a.m. because of the conflict with VBS at our church. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend and hear what is being accomplished by LWML women. Florence Goldsmith is scheduled to lead devotions and Janet Glasgow, Maxine Schramm, and Donna Truelsen are in charge of arrangements. A brief program is planned. 12

13 MUSIC NOTES - During the summer months, the choir serves on a limited basis. Rehearsals are held on the Wednesday before the first Sunday of the month: May 30, June 27, and August 1. The choir will sing on the first and second Sunday of the month. This is a special opportunity for YOU to sing or play an instrument and furnish special music on the other Sundays. Please let Suzanne or the office know of your interest. OUR THANKS FOR YOUR HELP We can t say thanks often enough to everyone who has participated in our Sunday morning Coffee Hour already this year. It would not be possible to have this time of fellowship with coffee and treats were it not for the generous and willing hearts of so many of our members. In the first five months of this year, there have been over ninety individuals who have served or donated for this weekly event. The monies contributed are used to purchase coffee, juice, cookies, plates and cups, forks and spoons, and an occasional celebratory cake. The Parish Relations Board welcomes and appreciates your help every Sunday. If you haven t been contacted but would like to help/donate for Coffee Hour, please call Lois Lytle at MAY FLOWERS, and June flowers, and all the summer flowers will need a little help! If you would like to help water them one day a week, please contact Karen Fletcher ( or bkfletch50568@ncn.net). SORRY, WE RE CLOSED - The Church and office will be closed on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, OVER- SEAS FAMILY - Have you ever thought about sponsoring a family overseas? We have an opportunity to sponsor a family in Sudan. If you are interested, please contact Pastor for more information. 13

14 Marvin and Laura Bumann have been married and have been members of St. John for 58 years! They were married in August 1953 at Zion Lutheran, rural Storm Lake. They have 3 daughters, all who were Baptized, Confirmed, and married here at St. John. Roger and Linda Huse of Fort Dodge, Jay and Ladene Ponsor of Storm Lake, and Eric and Lynette Pearson of Fort Dodge. Marvin and Laura have 6 grandsons, 1 granddaughter, and 2 great grandsons. In 2000, they retired from farming and moved into town. Laura was a member of the Circle and now the Ladies Aid and also enjoys singing in the choir. They have both helped with VBS and as greeters. Marvin has been an usher and assists with office help. Thanks to Marv and Laura for their many faithful years at St. John! Another couple of familiar faces around St. John are Denise and Dewey Betts. Denise has been a lifelong Lutheran; Dewey became a member of St. John in They both love choir. Denise is the secretary of the parish planning council and on altar guild and Dewey is a trustee. In 2003 Denise retired from teaching 35 years of junior high and then senior high English. Dewey was in sales in auto departments and at Ferguson Wholesale until he retired in Many part-time jobs now keep them more than busy. Together the Bettses have four wonderful grown children, plus a son-in-law, two daughters-in-law, and nine precious grandchildren (25, 24, 18, 18, 16, 16, 12, 7, and 2). If you have a day, they ll happily tell you about all of them. Dewey and Denise are blessed, loved, forgiven, and saved by God and with His help living to His glory and to the service of others. We thank Dewey and Denise for helping at St. John! 14

15 Vernon and Suzanne Winterhof joined the St. John family following their marriage in August, Vernon grew up in the St. John, Alta, congregation, and Suzanne at Immanuel, Terril; both had been active in Walther League and church choirs. They met at a district Walther League event when Vernon was Storm Lake zone president, and Suzanne had just served as a Walther League Caravaner. Suzanne began playing for church services when she was thirteen, and while attending Buena Vista College assisted the St. John music program. She has played regularly for services here since 1958 and directed the choir since After working for Becker s Cabinet Mfg in Alta, Vernon assumed operation of the family farm. Suzanne taught school music at Quimby, Galva, and at Aurelia for 40 years. She also teaches private lessons. From their involvement in youth activities and music, they have continued to serve the Lord in various capacities; Bible Class and Sunday School, Christian Fellowship Society, church boards and committees, and LWML. The Winterhofs are active in community affairs. Vernon has provided leadership in Farm Bureau, dairy organizations, Hanover Historical Society, Cherokee County Legacy Foundation, County Extension Council, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative, and Iowa Rural Development Group. Suzanne has had leadership roles in professional music groups, 4-H, and dairy. Both have served as 4-H judges at the Iowa State Fair. Vernon s farm operation includes registered Guernsey cattle, and the family has shown at the Clay County Fair for 32 years and occasionally at the State Fair. Among the awards are a first-place animal at State Fair, Champions at the Clay County Fair and several Premier Breeder and Exhibitor banners. The Winterhofs have two daughters: Jeanette, married to Mark Hinkeldey, of Alta, and Janece, married to Craig Valentine, Fort Dodge. Renae and Marcus Hinkeldey are their grandchildren. We at St. John are very thankful for all the service Vernon and Suzanne provide to the community, but most importantly to their Lord. 15

16 LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD YOUR SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT FOR YOUR SOUL THROUGH THE WORD. 402 Lake Ave Storm Lake, Iowa Phone: To God be all the Glory. We re on the Web! Http: // Special Music You are invited to share your musical talents in our worship services here at St. John. The choir will r e h e a r s e W e d n e s d a y June 27th at 8:00 pm. Please join us! WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN US FOR WORSHIP! June Worship Assistants Altar Guild: Jan Magnussen and Dianne Johnson Greeters: Saturday Ron & Jerene Neir Sunday Ron & Linda Falck Bell Ringers: Saturday, 6:00 p.m. Henry Hardt Sunday, 9:00 a.m. Dave Stille Acolytes: Saturday, 6:00 p.m. Available Sunday, 9:00 a.m. Available The KAYL Broadcast for this month is sponsored by Bill and Vee Tutt. Altar Flowers 3 - In memory of Arlin Otto by Marj Otto & Family In celebration of Vee s birthday and Bill & Vee Tutt s anniversary (on 6/21) Bill & Vee Tutt 24 - In memory of Dad, Grampa, Great (Vincent Benna) from his family. 16