Connections E-Newsletter - March 17, 2022 |
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Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tried you in the furnace of affliction.
- Isaiah 48:10 ESV
Wow… what a verse! Who would have thought that God would use a verse like this to help spur on such wonderful connections and conversations at a boutique Irish Hotel in a quaint little town in the far northwest corner of Illinois? Once again, God blessed St. John’s Retreat Ministries with an opportunity for couples to Connect, Care, and Share in Christ. We had a ton of fun and free time, resting in a relaxed atmosphere and growing in God’s Word. God’s Spirit led us in this journey and couples were blessed!
About one-third of the 27 couples who participated in the retreat were first-timers (which is about normal). Couples of all ages were blessed by the weekend, sharing their experiences, and making new friends. On Friday night, couples were greeted with a gift bag (including a beautiful devotional book) and enjoyed delicious food and libations. We participated in a leprechaun led version of The Newlywed Game and gathered together in worship. Later, some couples enjoyed the Irish Pub at the hotel and an Irish band.
On Saturday, we began the day with worship and then journeyed into the scriptures. Pastor Hesse led us through a Bible Study session that included three small-group breakout conversations. We talked about wrestling with God’s will (which is always best for us, yet is not always easy, or fun). God is always at work, and He indeed refines us and tries (forges) our faith so we Re-Find Him…His presence, His eternal promises, and His amazing love. Saturday afternoon was free time as couples took the opportunity to slow down and just be together. Some couples shopped in downtown Galena, toured the home of Ulysses S. Grant, napped, went for a swim, relaxed in the hot tub, enjoyed a local wine bar, or grabbed a nice lunch or dinner. Later Saturday night, couples had a blast playing games or enjoying an Irish beer while listening to more music at the pub.
Sunday was a blessed time of worship as we were led by the Worship Team, praising God through the retreat theme song “Another in the Fire”. The sermon was entitled “I Will” which proclaimed what God’s will accomplishes for all who trust in Jesus, even (and especially) in the struggles and traumas of life. After some goodbyes, St. John’s couples hit the road to re-enter the places God has called them… Forged and Re-Find!
The Couples Retreat Committee is already looking ahead to next year’s retreat! Thank you, Lord!
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As you may have already noticed, utility work has closed a portion of 5th Avenue on the east side of St. John’s Campus. This work is a precursor to a larger project that will replace the storm sewer on 5th Avenue that will take place this spring and summer. As we receive more information from the City of West Bend and from the contractor performing the work, we will pass along this information and how operations at St. John’s will be affected. Above all, we will strive to provide the safest experience both for members of our community here at St. John’s, but also for those performing the work.
For those with children enrolled in St. John’s School or Early Childhood Center, please look for specific communication from those ministries in the near future regarding how operations will be modified while 5th Avenue is closed.
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Welcome New St. John's Members! |
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Join us in celebrating 26 new members formally welcomed to the
St. John's family throughout worship last weekend.
Membership Through Confirmation:
Vincent Davies
Sandi Long
Andrew & Stephanie Ludin (Addison & Collin)
Luke Nichols
Tyler Pedracine
Alex Rudolf
Membership Through Transfer or Profession of Faith:
Trevor & Anjel Bertel
Louise Blum
Justin & Jacqui Gumtow (Maria)
Spencer Hikade
Christine Leimkuehler
Steve & Dawn Malone
Danny Malone
Deb Metz
Ronald & Diane Newell
Marissa Pedracine
Jim & Krista Radewahn
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Connecting, Caring, and Sharing in Christ |
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Purchase a lily for $10 to help beautiful the church for Easter Sunday. You can order by using the envelopes in the Connections Rack and pay by cash or check (please make checks payable to the St. John's Altar Guild). You can also order through the St. John's App or click link below to pay with cash, check or credit/debit card (link available AFTER submitting order).
If you would like to place your order through the App and do not have an email address, please use the St. John's address: [email protected].
Orders are due by Friday, April 8th.
Plants can be picked up at church after the 11 AM Easter Service or donated to one of our shut-ins.
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Imagine life without...underwear. Thousands of men, women, and children in India, Latvia, Liberia, Nicaragua, and other countries (including the U.S.) do not have underwear or socks. With only the shirt on their backs since the day of their destitution, it’s difficult for them to obtain good clothes, not to mention underwear.
This project is sponsored by LWML (Lutheran Women in Mission) and the children of St. John’s Lutheran School who are collecting socks. Please open your hearts to these mission efforts and look for the Undie Sunday display and the purple mite boxes in the gathering space.
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Women of all ages, married and single, are invited to join us on an eight-week journey through the Song of Songs to draw us near to God and His Word. As we read Altogether Beautiful by Heidi Goehmann, we will explore what it means to be fiercely loved and called beautiful by the God of the universe.
The Monday Session is March 7 - May 9 and meets from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at 940 Schloemer Ave., West Bend.
The Wednesday Session is March 9 - May 11 and meets from 8 - 9:30 a.m. in the Church Gathering Space.
The cost of the book is $14.00. If interested, email Denise Seibel: [email protected] or call her: (262) 412-0941.
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The St. John’s family has been hosting this community event for years. Our annual Easter Egg Hunt is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to gather at St. John’s for a morning filled with fun, fellowship, and of course EASTER EGGS! It may still be chilly that Saturday, so bring a coat and gloves along with your Easter Basket. Children ages 1-10 years are welcome to participate. Join us on Saturday, April 9 beginning at 9 am in the St. John's school gym. If it rains, we will be hosting the event inside the school. To sign up, please use the link below.
If you would like to donate candy for the eggs, please drop these donations off at the ECC, school, or church offices by April 1.
Our Easter Egg Stuffing will be on April 2 from 12:00-2:00 pm. Check your calendar and see if you can join us in the ECC Resource Room. Send Desiree Titus a message at [email protected] to let her know who will attend, so she can buy enough food for lunch. See you there!
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Evening Schedule: 6 pm Appetizers & Drinks, 7 pm Welcome & Dinner, 8 pm Formal Program. R.S.V.P. by Friday, April 22. Event is for ages 18+. Space is limited.
Come to the Better Together St. John's Foundation Dinner. R.S.V.P. Here.
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It's Good to be Together in the Lord |
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The next Baptism Class is Monday, March 21 at 6:30 pm in the church nursery. The class is led by Doug and Mel Raddemann. This course is for anyone looking to be baptized themselves or for any parent who would like his or her child baptized at St. John's. The class introduces what we believe and confess about the amazing gift that baptism is for individuals and families.
Please RSVP to the church office if you plan on attending at
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All of the ministries at St. John's continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic as we seek to faithfully carry out our mission. Regarding in-person worship, we would like to remind you of the following protocols:
- Masks continue to be welcomed and encouraged during worship
- The balcony continues to be reserved for mask wearers only at all worship services.
- You are free to greet one another in whatever manner you feel most comfortable-Shaking hands, waving, or a simple kind "Hello!" are all ways to acknowledge your brothers and sisters in Christ.
- The offering will continue to be collected via the box in the narthex or via the St. John's app.
- Worship will continue to be livestreamed on all of our platforms and archived on our Youtube page for those who would prefer to worship at home during this time.
Please continue to pray for an end to this pandemic and for all affected!
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Discipleship in as Many Places as Possible. |
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Support our National Youth Gathering Attendees:
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More Men's Retreat information coming soon! |
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Faithful Disciples, Academic Excellence, Christian Leaders |
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Location: St. John's Lutheran School 899 South 6th Avenue, West Bend, WI 53095
Date: June 20 - 24, 2022
Time & Cost: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM | $245 (before discount)
Extended Day Hours Available: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM | Additional $80
Camp Director: Marcia Milam
Camp Invention is for children entering grades 1st-6th. Secure your child's spot today!
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St. John’s Early Childhood Center is hiring! Part-time and Full-time positions are available.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the St. John’s Early Childhood Center at [email protected] or 262-429-1061 ext. 501.
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Contact St. John's Elementary & Middle School for Enrollment Options: 262-334-3077 or email [email protected].
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Contact the office to learn how to join the Living Word Luther High School family.
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Contact the Enrollment Office to learn how to join the CUW family.
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Do you feel God's Calling to Become a
Pastor or Deaconess?
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Reach in Prayer, St. John's App, Daily Devotions |
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For a Digital Copy of the Connections Booklet, Click Here.
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Saturday
6:00 PM Traditional
Sunday
8:00 AM Traditional
9:25 Discipleship Hour in the Gym (ON HOLD)
11:00 AM Contemporary
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809 South 6th Ave
West Bend, WI 53095
Church Office: 262-334-4901
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