“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

4th Edition – Friday, March 20, 2026

Built Up in His Love

St. John’s has been impactful to our family in many ways. My husband, Jeremy, attended St. John’s School which greatly impacted his character, development and faith. Along with being grounded in faith at home, it was at St. John’s—the principals, teachers, pastors and friends—that influenced and supported him in growing into the man he is today. 

There was no doubt in Jeremy’s mind that our oldest, Sebastian, would attend St. John’s. Sebastian attended St. John’s K-8 which gave him a solid foundation rooted in God’s grace. There was an 11 year gap between Sebastian and our next child. When Brody and Eden were born, we were led down a path to St. John’s once again. We were blessed by the opportunity for them to attend Circle of Friends daycare, being supported by faithful childcare providers who loved them just as much as we did. As a parent, seeing how God was at work through loving and supportive staff, pastors and families gave us confidence in our decision to have Brody and Eden also attend St. John’s school. Over the years, we witnessed God at work not only in the education they all received, but also through relationships and life experiences with friends and their parents, teachers, coaches, youth group, chapel services and other extra curriculars. Jeremy and I now have a 10 year old grandson baptized at St. John’s and attending 4th grade in the school. Our three children and grandson have been built up in love through the people God surrounds them with at St. John’s, and I will be forever grateful. 

The Built on the Rock campaign is important to me because of the blessing that St. John’s has been to our family and the community. Being able to join the St. John’s staff has also enriched my life in many ways. What stands out most is seeing God at work within the walls. Every day I see teachers sharing Jesus’ love with little children. I hear children joyfully singing about Jesus and learning about forgiveness. Partnering with parents and witnessing families grow stronger in faith makes this campaign so important, considering all the children and families that might also be built up in His love through St. John’s school. 

As I reflect on how God planted a seed many years ago to first build a church, then a school, and an early childhood center, I am so thankful for the people He chose for His mission back then. The people didn’t know us, but God knew. They followed His call and He led them to step out in faith…for us! Now we have opportunity to trust and follow Him just the same to bless the generations to come.

Blessings,

Nicole Janisse

Director of Children’s Ministry

Children Joyfully Gave at Chapel

Yesterday at chapel, the children of St. John's School and Early Childhood Center brought forward their commitments for Built on the Rock. I was personally touched by the generosity of EVERY child as they boldly stepped forward with their banks and commitment cards, joyfully giving what they had collected over the past month. I witnessed joy in every gift no matter what the size! It was very overwhelming to see the work of the spirit in and through these children and the gifts they brought forward. A total of 67 commitment cards were received and $4,486.53 was collected in cash and coins from the banks! Plus, an additional $1,000.00 was gifted to the Built on the Rock campaign from the St. John's Lutheran Junior Honor Association.

PRAISE GOD for the gift of $5,486.53 that was collected this morning through the children at St. John's School and Early Childhood Center. A video will be shown this weekend at all worship services of the children bringing forward their commitments. May the Lord continue to work in and through each of them through ALL of life as they live to love and serve Him as their Lord and Savior! 

Cheryl Rudolf

Connections Coordinator

Bring Your Commitment Card This Weekend

Saturday, March 21 & Sunday, March 22

Every household is invited to bring their completed commitment card to any of the worship services on March 21 or 22 and offer it to the Lord as an act of worship. This is not about equal gifts, but equal sacrifice — each of us responding faithfully as God leads. Commitment cards and envelopes for privacy are found in Built on the Rock packets. There will also be commitment cards in the church pews. If you are unable to attend worship on March 21 or 22, please return your commitment card to the church office in advance so it can be included.

Attend the Voters’ Meeting

Wednesday, March 25 • 6:45 PM in the Sanctuary

Don't forget! The Built on the Rock Voters’ Meeting is on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:45 pm in the Sanctuary right after the 6 PM Lenten service. In this meeting we will share a few updates and then roll right into the Leadership Board’s proposal for the congregation to consider, discuss and ultimately vote on regarding the Built on the Rock Ministry Expansion Campaign. 

Due to the timing of Holy Week and Spring Break, we had to move this meeting to a mid week vote. To encourage as many members to attend, we are offering the following:

1) Child Care - For those needing it, we will provide child care during the meeting.

2) Pick Up and Drop Off - For those who prefer not to drive at night, we will have a team of drivers available to pick up and drop off for the meeting. Please contact the church office if you need a ride (262-334-4901). 

3) YouTube Live Stream - We will live stream this event. We can take questions during the event, however, for your vote to count, in person attendance is needed. 

We look forward to seeing you on March 25 at 6:45 PM! 

Blessings,

Mike Bryan

Leadership Board President 

March 25 Meeting Agenda

January 18 Meeting Minutes

Photo Gallery

If you have questions about the campaign, email Steve Kaphingst (Campaign Director) at skaph1@yahoo.com, call Pastor Jeff Hesse at (262) 334-4901, ext. 319, call the church office at (262) 334-4901 or email the church office at stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org.