Sunday Connections - July 2, 2023 |
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(Livestream available at 9:30 AM Sunday Service)
Record Your Online Worship Attendance Here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Here!
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Weekend Worship - Jesus Christ, God's Only Son, Our Lord
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As we transition out of the first article of the creed, we turn our attention to “Jesus Christ, [God's] only Son, our Lord.” The primary truth of Jesus is that He is the Son of God. All other conversation and understandings of who Jesus is and what He is doing both begin and end with this truth: He is “His Son, our Lord.” |
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Re-creation in Worship...Every Time!
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St. John’s weekend worship services offer a variety of service styles throughout the summer. Summer in Wisconsin comes with new and often long awaited opportunities of recreation. In the same way, as followers of Jesus we commit ourselves to regular worship so we can continue to experience God’s work of re-creation through His Word and Gifts.
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Saturday 6 pm Evening Services throughout the summer will include a hymn sing and the liturgy of Evening Prayer on non-communion weekends.
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Sunday 8 am Traditional Services will continue in their liturgical forms and also include a hymn sing on non-communion weekends.
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Sunday 9:30 am Blended Services will follow a similar liturgical form as 8 am, but be led primarily in music by our Worship Team.
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Sunday 11 am Contemporary Services will offer a different service order and will continue to be led by our Worship Team. The service order may change weekly, while continuing to hold up God’s Word and the important experience we have as His people in prayer, song, and the reception of His sacraments. Even so, one of the noticed changes is that often the service will only run about 45 minutes.
Who knows, maybe your household will be blessed to gather at the 11 am service, knowing God’s word and grace will be fresh on your mind and heart as you move quickly into your Sunday afternoon’s activities? Maybe you’ve even noticed this timing change already over the last couple of weeks of worship? Maybe the 9:30 am service time will continue to be your family's preference, and you can commit to it weekly? Or, maybe the beauty of a Saturday Evening Prayer service, the 8 am Traditional, the joy of a Hymn Sing and the sounds of our organ will draw you to worship each week?
Either way, and every time, it is good to be together in the Lord. And, to know we have a faithful God who is faithful in His work of re-creation in worship, both this summer and always!
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St. John’s Women’s Book Club
Please join us for fellowship each month as we have the opportunity to share and talk about the books we read and love! 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 August 2023 - May 2024:
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August 22: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (Historical Fiction)
The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France–a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.
Meeting location: Home of Marge Ruprecht (1912 Frontier Ct, West Bend)
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September 19: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (Mystery)
Owen Michaels is about to be arrested for securities fraud when he vanishes, leaving his new wife Hannah in charge of his teenage daughter, Bailey. When Hannah tries to track him down, she learns that “Owen Michaels” has never existed. She's been married to the guy a whole year, and she doesn't even know his real name.
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October 17: Miracles from Heaven by Christy Wilson Beam (Non-fiction/Biography)
In a remarkable true story of faith and blessings, a mother tells of her sickly young daughter, how she survived a dangerous accident, her visit to Heaven and the inexplicable disappearance of the symptoms of her chronic disease.
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December 5: A Christmas Memory by Richard Paul Evans (Historical/Christian Fiction)
In A Christmas Memory, Richard Paul Evans (#1 New York Times bestselling author and the “King of Christmas fiction”) delves deep into his childhood memories to take readers back to an age when his world felt like it was falling apart, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, the light of hope can still shine.
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January 16: Emma by Jane Austen (Fiction/Romance)
Emma, fourth novel by Jane Austen, published in three volumes in 1815. Set in Highbury, England, in the early 19th century, the novel centers on Emma Woodhouse, a precocious young woman whose misplaced confidence in her matchmaking abilities occasions several romantic misadventures.
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January 19: Movie night! We'll enjoy dinner and a movie as we watch the movie, Emma. Hosted at the home of Penny Van Dellen.
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February 20: A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin (Christian Romance)
Will a chance meeting in a time of war change her life forever?
Never pretty enough to please her gorgeous mother, Allie will do anything to gain her approval – even marry a man she doesn't love. While Allie has nearly resigned herself to that fate, Lt. Walter Novak – fearless in the cockpit but hopeless with women – takes his last furlough at home in California before being shipped overseas.
Walt and Allie meet and begin a correspondence that will change their lives. As letters fly between Walt's muddy bomber base in England and Allie's mansion in an orange grove, their friendship binds them together. But can they untangle the secrets, commitments, and expectations that keep them apart?
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March 19: Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden (Historical Fiction)
Memoirs of a Geisha is a historical fiction novel by American author Arthur Golden, published in 1997. The novel, told in first person perspective, tells the story of Nitta Sayuri and the many trials she faces on the path to becoming and working as a geisha in Kyoto, Japan, before, during and after World War II.
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April 16: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (Self-Help)
Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany one rainy afternoon in the unlikeliest of places: a city bus. “The days are long, but the years are short,” she realized. “Time is passing, and I’m not focusing enough on the things that really matter.” In that moment, she decided to dedicate a year to her happiness project.
In this lively and compelling account, Rubin chronicles her adventures during the twelve months she spent test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier. Among other things, she found that novelty and challenge are powerful sources of happiness; that money can help buy happiness, when spent wisely; that outer order contributes to inner calm; and that the very smallest of changes can make the biggest difference.
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May 21: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Science Fiction)
Miranda’s disbelief turns to fear in a split second when a meteor knocks the moon closer to the earth. How should her family prepare for the future when worldwide tsunamis wipe out the coasts, earthquakes rock the continents, and volcanic ash blocks out the sun? As summer turns to Arctic winter, Miranda, her two brothers, and their mother retreat to the unexpected safe haven of their sunroom, where they subsist on stockpiled food and limited water in the warmth of a wood-burning stove.
Told in journal entries, this is the heart-pounding story of Miranda’s struggle to hold on to the most important resource of all – hope – in an increasingly desperate and unfamiliar world.
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Register for the 2023 Women's Retreat Today
September 22-24 • Green Lake Conference Center • Register Before July 19
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It’s that time of year again, ladies…it’s time to think about September and our time away on Women’s Retreat!
Registration is officially open from now until July 19. We will be back up at the Green Lake Conference Center September 22-24 with our speaker Amy Meyer. This year we will be talking about how we are each uniquely and wonderfully “Placed With a Purpose.”
God intentionally made us, gifted us, and placed us in this time and place for a reason! It can be difficult, though, to know where we fit, where we should serve, and how best to use the time we have been given. Sometimes we doubt whether we have anything to offer and if what we do is making any difference at all. But God’s Word says we are each a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and we have been placed with a purpose.
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At this retreat we will discover more about our unique Personalities, Learn about our spiritual gifts, take a look at our Abilities, and see how all of those Connect to our passions and reflect the Experiences that have shaped us (PLACE). We will have time for personal reflection and taking assessments, as well as small group discussion and sharing. This will be a highly engaging and interactive retreat and you will come away with a plan to live out your purpose where God has PLACEd you. We will also take time in an optional breakout session to work on some Bible journaling.
As Paul reminded those in the church at Ephesus, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ~ Ephesians 2:10 NLT
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Our lives have purpose and meaning. We are a highly valued part of God’s creation. The role we play in our churches, families, and communities matter to more people than we realize. We were made for great things. We were also made to be together. So come and join us on this retreat for a time of renewal and restoration, a time of growing and learning together, and a time of encouraging one another to see the ways we have been “Placed With a Purpose.”
If you have any questions at all, would like help finding a roommate, or need to talk about financial assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to me by phone (262-334-4901, ext 327) or email (rmorton@stjohnswestbend.org). I would love to take you out for coffee and talk about how we can help get you to this retreat!
Blessings,
Rachel Morton
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VBS Needs Volunteers: Especially Crew Leaders & Aides! |
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It’s that time of year again when I am in need of strong, amazing, sweet, sassy, loud, quiet, Jesus-loving volunteers. Do any of those descriptive words describe you? I’m sure at least one of them did, so jump on board and join the team of VBS Volunteers.
We are gearing up for another week of fantastic fun this summer (July 10-14). Volunteers meet in the school gym by 8:30 am every morning during the week of VBS, so that you are ready to welcome your crews or jump to the station you will be helping. You are typically finished serving for the day by 12:15 pm. Be a part of something Stellar this summer: Volunteer for VBS!
If you have any questions, please contact Desiree Titus at dtitus@stjohnswestbend.org. Desiree is more than happy to answer any of your questions.
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BASH (4th - 7th Grade)
• July 9: 3:00 - 5:00 pm at Alan's.
• July 10-14: VBS at St. John's School.
• August 2: 6:00 - 8:00 pm BBQ at Alan's.
• August 13: 2:00 - 4:00 pm at Alan's.
ROCK (8th - 12th Grade)
• July 9: 6:00 - 9:00 pm at St. John's.
• July 10-14: VBS at St. John's School.
• July 23-31: Colorado Mission Trip - Helping the Hurting.
• August 13: 4:00 - 8:00 pm Sunday Restart at St. John's.
If you have questions or are interested in any of these youth events, please call or text Alan Lull at (262) 707-9198. Alan's address is 1821 Jefferson St., West Bend.
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Connecting, Caring, and Sharing in Christ |
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Empty Nesters Chinooks Game
The July Empty Nesters outing is right around the corner! Join your fellow Empty Nesters on July 6 for a baseball game featuring the Lakeshore Chinooks on the beautiful campus of Concordia University Wisconsin.We will be part of a special group with VIP seating on the outfield patio. Your ticket includes a wonderful all you can eat buffet and two drinks, all for $40 per person. Gates open by 5:30 with the game at 6:30. Come early and enjoy a walk along the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
To reserve your tickets, please drop off a check at the St. John's church office, made out to “Concordia”, no later than Friday, June 30. Your tickets will be available at the game at a Concordia table.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
(Dates are being finalized)
• August – Music on Main
• September – Cedarburg Wine Tasting and Lunch
• October – Potluck and Comfort Dog Ministry
• November – Nativity Set Tour and Shady Lane Nursery Trains
Empty Nesters is a welcoming group of St. John’s members and friends who are typically age 50 years or more. Join us throughout the year as your schedule allows and meet other Christians who love the Lord. St. John’s members and friends are all welcome. Questions? Contact Joanie Peterson at 262-442-4102.
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Summer Soccer at St. John's
Do you love to play soccer? Join us on Sundays from 4:30-6 pm on the field next to St. John's School playground (Sonshine Community Park). We'll have a BBQ after soccer on the second Sunday each month.
Adults and junior high (and older) are allowed with a parent present. Shin guards are highly suggested.
Questions? Text Molly at (414) 350-9451 to get on the weekly text list.
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Summer Park Days
Hosted by Mom Cafe
Moms, dads, and kids are welcome to come meet at parks around our area. Meet new friends or keep in touch with old ones, beat the heat at splash pads, and watch your kids run off some of that summer energy!
No need to register! Just show up when it works for you.
We will meet at 10 am on most Thursdays from June 8 to August 17.
Questions? Call Molly Groth at (507) 382-5309 or email her:
Summer Park Days Schedule:
July 13 – Fireman’s Park Annex and splash pad in Slinger
July 20 – Regner Park in West Bend
July 27 – Riverside Park in West Bend
Aug 3 – Regner Park in West Bend
August 10 – Hickory Park and splash pad in Jackson
August 17 – Kiwanis Park in Kewaskum
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St. John's Youth Are Looking For Work!
Spring is here along with spring cleaning, yard work, house repairs, and renovation projects. Our St. John's youth are ready to help!
If you have projects in mind, contact Alan Lull at (262) 707-9198 to see if our St. John's youth can help.
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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, July 17
• 6:30 pm
• Church Nursery
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Early Childhood and School Ministries |
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Registration for Summer Sports Camps Is Open! |
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Summer will be here soon, so now is the time to plan for Summer Sports Camps. Scan the QR Code above or Register Here. We have basketball, volleyball, and soccer camps for children in Grades 1-8. |
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Prayers
Members in the Hospital: Janet Jeziorski, Mary Ann Gierach
Members in Treatment, at Home, or Recovering: David Sitzberger, Vicki Potter, Randy Mueller, Jack Muryn, Tom Gmirek, Tootie Bath, Mary Ann Anderson, John Held, Char Otto, Ruth Ann Scheunemann, Roger Berth, Marilyn Holmquist, Cathie Schuler, Mary Ann Buckley, Bruce Biendarra, Ken Endlich, Monica Wunder, Melede Meinzen, Joel Clausen, Armand Miller, Adrian Buntrock, Katherine Benner, Gladys Hron, Barbara Moritz, Carla Kinkel, Delores Fischer, James Zimbal, Lloyd Prost, Marcy Donaldson, Mary Plaskey, Nancie Purskey, Sandy Lovato, and Gene Biegler.
Non-Members: Isaiah Demers, Franklin Keller (Father of Julie Keller), Cheri Fleer and Jeff Lee (Friends of the Biendarra Family), John Kumbalek (Friend of the Biendarra Family), Barbara Black (Daughter of Jean Black), and Shane Nault (Grandson of Mike and Carmen Kuntz).
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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 AM Discipleship Hour (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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