Spencer - For the month of August we are in need of door openers/greeters, ushers, sound/tech and a communion assistant each week. If you are available and willing to serve, please sign up here. Or call Pastor Rebekah at715/897-5393.

Riplinger - A new serving schedule of those who are willing to serve right now has been made for August and September. Copies have been put in your church mailboxes.

Normally the August newsletter brings a lot of information about plans for the fall including JAM, Cross Training, LIVE, and upcoming adult study opportunities. We would be recruiting teachers for JAM, and small group leaders for Cross Training and LIVE. However, at this point in time, with all the uncertainty around COVID-19, school plans and our church staffing still up in the air, we do not have plans in place. We are monitoring the public health recommendations, surveying our families, and exploring options for how best to connect with our kids, and families safely. If you have suggestions, concerns or recommendations, please please please communicate those with Pastor Rebekah.

St. John's scrip program has been going strong throughout the past few months. To practice social distancing we will not be setting up a scrip table, however individuals may still order scrip cards. Paper order forms may be found in the brochure rack. Orders will be collected on the first and third Sundays.

On hand I have Amazon ($25), Bath & Body Works ($10), Claire's ($10), Dunhams ($25), Festival Foods ($25, $50, $100) Fleet Farm ($25), iTunes ($15), JoAnn Fabric ($25), Kohl's ($25), Menards ($25), Target ($10, $25) Walgreeens ($25), Walmart ($25), Applebees ($25), Arby's ($10), Buffalo Wild Wings ($25), Burger King ($10), Dairy Queen ($10), Dunkin Donuts ($10), Hardees ($10), Papa Murphy's ($10), Pizza Hut ($10), Pizza Ranch ($10), Red Robin ($25), Subway ($10), Starbucks ($5), Taco Bell ($10), Texas Roadhouse ($25), Cenex ($100), Kwik Trip ($25, $50, $100).

You are more than welcome to call Pam at 715-5-07-0549 for immediate pick up at my home, 213462 State Highway 13, Spencer. Thank-you for your continued support of the Scrip program. If you know of someone who could use a financial helping hand, contact Pastor Rebekah.  

We have not officially hosted any ARK (Acts of Random Kindness) this year. But what if we each individually did something for someone else in our community? Maybe a neighbor needs their gutters cleaned out? Or maybe you could provide a meal(s) for someone? What if you paid it forward when shopping at Kwik Trip and bought someone’s coffee? Maybe there is a larger need and you could find a couple other people to help you? We are still the church. What can we do to be the hands and feet of Christ serving others in our community so that we can “Share Christ will all?” I’d love to hear how you are doing Acts of Random Kindness.

This month is the 16 ^th anniversary of COME. The Community Outreach Meal for Everyone began back in August of 2006. The original purpose of the meal is “to serve nutritious, hot meals to anyone who chooses to attend. The meals are intended to feed bodies with good food and souls with hospitality and community.” This summer, for the safety of our guests and volunteers, the meals are being served as take out meals.

Financial donations are not taken at the meal so that those who can’t afford it do not feel obligated to pay. If someone wants to make a financial contribution it may be mailed to the church office attention COME. The meal is supported primarily by the members of St. John’s Lutheran Church with donations from the Spencer United Methodist Church, the Spencer Fire Department, the Lions Club as well as other individuals and organizations. A huge thank you to everyone who helps make this ministry possible!

Debbie Roth (Jesse Klement’s mom) continued healing from knee surgery and spirits lifted

 

Those under hospice care:

Woody Schmutlzer

Evelyn Lynn

 

Those with cancer including:

Herman Ackman, Judi Andrew, Linda Bauer, Keith Borchardt, Steve Dawson, Dean Hanson, Amanda Hatton, Sue Johnson, Mark Kilty, Michelle Oelke, Kathy Pieper, Brian Reise, Tom Steiner, Barb Wachsmuth, Mark Zimmerman,

 

Those who are homebound or in care facilities including:

Cyndi Ackerman, Alice Brandt, Darlene Dommer, Grace Maines, Linda Marchinek, Jean Mellenthin, Pat Miller, Dorothy Neuman, LaVilla Schilling, Earl Schiszik, Dennis Seefeld

 

Ongoing Health Concerns: Lois Block, Dick Berger, Todd Frahm, Audrey Heldt, Audrey Helsten, Michael Howe, Jodi Krause, Betty Muehlbauer, Phyllis Premau, Dylan Rottscheit, Tammi Schiferl, Joanne Seefeld, Jon Soderberg, Jean Steiner, Darin Thompson, Francis Wash, Michael Weigel, Lenore Williams, Richard Zugier,

 

Military: Tyler Klement, Leah Nieman, Travis Weiler

 

If you have any updates on these prayer requests or any additional prayer concerns, please email Pastor Rebekah

Sometimes we don't know the impact we have

We received the following note at the church office along with a generous donation from someone who lives outside our area but has been watching the online worship services.

Hello Pastor Rebekah,

I have enjoyed listening to your video presentations each week and hope they continue for a long time to come (though hopefully not due to a pandemic). Please see that this donation is directed toward any expenses associated with your online ministry.

Sincerely,

KV

Marriage: Kaleb and Alicia (Endreas) Herman, July 11

Death: Duane Meacham, June 12