The Giving Tree and Ongoing Local Ministries

This past Christmas, St. John’s was over the top in generous giving. We gathered over 350 gifts and gift cards for people in need in West Bend and the surrounding area. We are living out our mission statement of Connecting, Caring and Sharing in Christ! Praise God and thank you!

Here are some of the places the Giving Tree Gifts went to:

Habitat for Humanity / Restore

Mission Statement: Habitat for Humanity of Washington and Dodge Counties is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry creating and maintaining affordable housing through partnerships to positively impact individuals, families, our community, and the environment. Since 1998, they have built 26 homes for families in need. Their partnership with the homeowner continues after the family moves in. They help the new homeowners by providing useful supplies needed inside and outside the house. Through the Giving Tree donations, St. John’s gave garden and outside tools to each of the homeowners to help them keep these homes beautiful with well maintained yards. The Quilters of St. John’s gave each family a quilt to remind them that we are here to help keep them warm inside and out. Praise God and thank you to those who donated and to the dozens of people that created the beautiful quilts.

Pastor Gui / The International Lutheran Church of Zion

Originally from the Congo, Pastor Gui trained to become a Lutheran pastor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He leads the French-African worship at Benediction Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Through St. John’s Giving Tree donations, 120 families from Pastor Gui’s congregation received coats, gloves, hats, and warm clothes. We have supported this ministry over the past 15 years and Pastor Gui’s congregation will continue to be an ongoing ministry for St. John’s.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission

Milwaukee Rescue Mission (MRM) provides services such as basic needs, recovery, Christ-centered education, and community resources to those in who need them. Through the Giving Tree, St. John’s provided donations to MRM. For many years, adults and youth from our congregation have helped prepare and serve lunches and dinners for the homeless. Last year, MRM served more than 293,000 meals. Several St. John’s members donated their time to help educate those who wanted to better themselves. Last quarter, students from St. John’s School gathered supplies for “Birthday Boxes” and then donated the kits to the kids who stay at MRM. MRM is an ongoing ministry for St. John’s. We are serving dinner to the homeless on Wednesday, January 24 and serving lunch on Saturday, February 24 and Saturday, March 9. Join us!

The Threshold Incorporated

The Threshold Incorporated is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that provides programs and services to children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's, dementia and developmental delays in Washington County, WI and surrounding areas. They offer programming options for people of all ages, from Birth through Retirement. Their day program in West Bend cares for over 80 people with special needs. Over the next couple of years, youth and adults from St. John’s will have the opportunity to care for the Threshold staff with light lunches/donuts twice a month as well as help care for those who utilize their services. Please pray for this ministry. The Threshold is also an ongoing ministry for St. John’s.

Other St. John's Ministries to Pray for:

• Mom Café has 20+ moms that meet every other Thursday morning. Their focus is sharing Christ, mom-to-mom support, fellowship, and discussing parenting tips to help care for their families.

• All Pro Dad meets monthly to engage fathers with their kids. Currently 35 dads are involved.

• Sister to Sister meets regularly in two different locations to build up ladies through Bible study and fellowship. There are over 40 women involved. Praise God!

• Seed of Hope: This is a local Crisis Pregnancy Center that cares for young women that need guidance with their unborn child as well as walking with them during the 1st year of their child’s life.

All of these areas of ministries are ongoing, so look for opportunities to serve. If you have questions, please call the Church Office at (262) 334-4901 or email stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org. View the St. John’s E-newsletters and App for upcoming events related to these St. John’s ministries. To sign up for either, visit the St. John's website.

2024 St. John's Couples Retreat

Registration Due January 31

Remember the most beautiful, fragrant, and tasty meal that you’ve ever had (or imagined) with your spouse. Think of the setting. Maybe it’s on a beach. Maybe it’s in a park on a blanket. Perhaps this meal is in a cozy room surrounded by a glowing fire and decorations. Maybe it’s a quiet place where life’s disruptions (yes, even technology) have faded away. Maybe the meal is in a simpler setting, a place of comfort that just feels like home where you feel secure, free of doubt, and can just be yourself with your spouse.

How did your senses come alive? What are all the little details that make this beautiful meal so amazing? What creativity and effort went into it?

Indeed, these amazing experiences and intricate details are filled with the wonders of God’s love and provision. In many ways, this beautiful meal you remember (or imagine) is a lot like what God wants for you and your spouse as you Savior the Flavor of Marriage.

The truth is all marriages have these moments in some way, and they are amazing! But we also know they are short-lived. We all know the reality that all marriages are marred by sin. Sin turns relationships into flavors, fragrances, and visuals that we don’t want to experience. But we do. God has a better way. His way… His love. “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Psalm 34:8a)

If you’re looking for some time away with your spouse, while still having some fun growing and connecting with other faithful couples, the 2024 St. John’s Couple’s Retreat is the place to be! This amazing weekend of friendship and fun is coming the weekend of March 1-3 to a new location… The Inn on Woodlake in Kohler, Wisconsin. This weekend is designed for you to rest, learn, laugh, and prioritize your marriage as God leads you on your journey as a couple.

The cost is $475, spots are limited (30 rooms have been reserved). To learn more and make your reservation (first-come, first-served) please click on the links below.

Jesus is preparing yet another beautiful, amazing meal for you. Come, Taste… and See!

St. John’s Couple’s Retreat Committee

View the 2024 Couples Retreat Brochure

Register for the 2024 Couples Retreat

Winter Discipleship Hour: Living as Exiles

Discipleship Hour continues for the next couple of weeks discussing the End Times and Living as Exiles with hope. If you were stuck shoveling snow and unable to make it last week, the video link below is a great way to catch up on what was covered!

Adult DH: Meets in the lower level of the church. Everything begins at 9:30 am.

Middle School DH: Meets in the Social Studies room on the 2nd floor of the school.

Kid's DH Ages 3*-5th Grade: It’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids to connect, care, and share in Christ together with old and new friends! Children ages 3-5th grade will learn through age appropriate lessons with fantastic teachers! Drop-off for them will be in the ECC K3/K4 AM Classroom, the last classroom upstairs. *Children must be potty trained. If your 3-year-old is not potty trained, we have child care.

Child Care for Ages Infant-3 Years Old: Child care is in the ECC 2-year-old classroom.

Sign Up Your Child for Kid's Discipleship Hour

Winter Mom Café

• Starts Thursday, February 1 

• 8:00 - 9:30 am

• Church Gathering Space

Our Winter 2024 Mom Café offers an opportunity for two book studies. On February 1 and 15, we'll dig into The Case for Easter. Lee Strobel looks at the story of Jesus’ resurrection and reveals how we can know that it actually took place. Lee discusses how all the facts point to the conclusion that led him from atheism to Christianity: Jesus was the Son of God who conquered the grave!

Starting March 7 is a 6-week study, M is for Mama. Mama of ten, Abbie Halberstadt helps women humbly and gracefully rise to the high calling of motherhood without settling for mediocrity or losing their minds in the process. M is for Mama offers advice, encouragement, and scripturally sound strategies seasoned with a little bit of humor to help you embrace the challenge of biblical motherhood and raise your children with love and wisdom. 

Mom Café meets every other Thursday (February 1 & 15, March 7 & 21, April 4 & 18, May 2 & 16) from 8:00 to 9:30 am in the church gathering space. The connections made at Mom Café have been a blessing to many moms and there is always room for you to join us! Sign up below and enjoy mother-to-mother support, faith-filled conversations, fellowship, food, and FREE childcare. Space is limited for childcare, so sign up early.

Sign Up for the Winter 2024 Mom Cafe

January/February Youth Events

BASH & ROCK Camp Luther Weekend

• Friday, January 19 - Sunday, January 21

• Call Alan for details

• Meet at St. John's Church

BASH & ROCK Milwaukee Rescue Mission

• Wednesday, January 24

• 4:00 - 7:00 pm (Serving Dinner)

• Meet at St. John's Church

Concordia University Fun Day

• Saturday, February 3

• 1:00 - 6:00 pm

• Basketball TBD

BASH Photo Bomb (Video Scavenger Hunt)

• Friday, February 9

• 3:00 - 5:30 pm

• Meet at St. John's Church

BASH & ROCK Milwaukee Rescue Mission

• Saturday, February 24

• 10:00 am - 1:00 pm (Serving Lunch)

• Meet at St. John's Church

Attention ROCK (Grades 8-12):

You're invited to help with BASH (Grades 4-7)!

Contact Alan if you are interested.

Mission Trip to Nashville

• June 15 - 21, 2024

• Youth in Grades 7 and up

• At least 3 adults needed

Nashville Mission Trip Information

Please call or text Alan Lull at (262) 707-9198 with questions about any youth events.

Women’s Ministry Brunch & Craft

• Saturday, January 20

• 9:00 - 11:00 am

• Lower Level Fellowship Hall

The St. John's Women's Ministry is hosting a brunch on January 20. Enjoy great food, fellowship and a Paper Quilling Craft. Plus, find out what their plans are for spring events. Cost is $5 per person. Please sign up below.

Questions? Contact Becky at deanbeckyf@gmail.com or (262) 388-6048.

Sign Up for Brunch and Craft

Milwaukee Rescue Mission

Wednesday, January 24 - Serving Dinner

We'll leave St. John's church at 4:00 pm, return at 7:00 pm.

Saturday, February 24 - Serving Lunch

We'll leave St. John's church at 9:30 am, return at 1:00 pm.

Saturday, March 9 - Serving Lunch

We'll leave St. John's church at 9:30 am, return at 1:00 pm.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission can only take groups of 10 people. Servers must be old enough to be able to help and serve food for 2 hours.

Please call or text Alan Lull at (262) 707-9198 to reserve a spot.

February Ladies Aid Meeting

• Thursday, February 1 

• Lunch at noon, short meeting to follow

• Church Lower Level

Please bring your $5 membership dues.

The Ladies Aid actively serves by providing meals for families following funeral services. They monthly meet in the lower level fellowship hall for a time of food, fellowship, devotional time, and a variety of activities.

In you are interested in joining Ladies Aid or have questions, call Joanne Johnson at (262) 707-0899.

Sister to Sister Bible Study

2nd, 4th & 5th (if there is one) Mondays of the Month:

• Starts February 12

• 6:30 - 8:00 pm

• Meet at Penny Van Dellen's House

Wednesday Mornings:

• Starts in February

• 9:00 - 10:30 am

• Church Nursery

If you have questions, please email Penny Van Dellen at pvandellen@sjswb.org or email Denise Siebel at blessedonwheels@gmail.com

Baptism Class

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.

• Monday, February 19

• 6:30 pm

• Church Nursery

Please RSVP to the church office if you plan to attend by emailing: stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org or calling: (262) 334-4901.

February Book Club

Our Women's Book Club typically meets the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm. Come to all of our book club meetings or just the ones that fit into your schedule. We do not have a regular meeting location, but enjoy the hospitality of hosting each other. Please watch for the locations of each get together as they become available.

Book Club List for Feb 2023 - May 2024

***January 19: Movie night has been canceled. We will reschedule when the weather is warmer.***

February 20: A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin (Christian Romance)

March 19: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (Fiction)

April 16: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (Self-Help)

May 21: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Science Fiction)



Please contact Cheryl Wipperfurth at cwipperfurth71@gmail.com or Leah Mussel at lmussell@sjswb.org with any questions.

Click Here to subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Click Here to view our Livestream

Visit our website: www.stjohnswestbend.org

The Twelve Forty-Eight is a young adult ministry for those in their 20s and 30s in the Milwaukee area who want to connect with other young adults through a variety of different events and Bible study. We have Bible study every second Friday of the month as well as planned events once a month. We have several upcoming events we'd love to have you join:  

• Friday, February 9 - Bible Study

• Saturday, February 17 - Ice Skating at the Pettit Ice Center

If you have any questions or want to be added to our email/message chain you can contact one of the leaders, Leah Mussell at lmussell@sjswb.org or email the 1248 Ministry at 1248ministry@gmail.com. We would love to have you join us!

Youth Sport Nights

Join us at our annual Youth Nights at LW basketball games this season! Open to all K-8th graders in the area, this is a fun night to cheer the T-Wolves to victory! Please RSVP at www.lwlhs.com/events.

• Boys game -- Tuesday, January 9 at 5:45pm (JV) and 7:15pm (Varsity)
• Girls game -- Thursday, February 1 at 5:45pm (JV) and 7:15pm (Varsity)

If you're on our Jr Wolves basketball teams, we will take a picture after the game with the varsity team. Then, afterwards, kids will have a chance to get autographs from the varsity players!

For a Digital Copy of the Connections Booklet, Click Here.

Saturday

6:00 PM Traditional

Sunday

8:00 AM Traditional

9:25 AM Discipleship Hour (Resumes January 7 in the Lower Level)

9:30 AM Blended (In-Person and Livestream)

11:00 AM Contemporary