St. John's Sunday Connections Newsletter

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Sunday Connections - May 21, 2023

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Weekend Worship - Ascension

Scripture Readings: Acts 1:1-11, Ephesians 1:15-23, Luke 24:44-53

The Ascension of Jesus was a promise and a hope for His disciples then, and it still is for us now. At His ascension, our Lord promised to send His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit to be with them at all times. At His ascension, the promise was made that He would return: "And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, 'Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.'" (Acts 1:10-11)

Christ has ascended into heaven, and we know and trust His promise to return. We pray "Come quickly, Lord Jesus" while we await that glorious day! Christ is risen, Christ is ascended, and Christ is coming soon! Alleluia!

An Update from Our St. John's Leadership Board

Back in March, the Leadership Board started its Connecting Phase of discerning God’s will for St. John’s, within the next steps of our 30 year Campus Master Plan. During that meeting, the Leadership Board asked three questions of our membership, what does St. John’s do well, what can St. John’s improve upon/opportunities in ministry, and how can we better serve the needs in our community? We received some really good feedback from that meeting.

The next step of this journey was connecting with those who serve or participate in ministry here at St. John’s which includes those on staff in the school, the ECC, the church, and the numerous other ministries throughout St. John’s. That’s where we are today. We have strategically chosen over 30 ministries that constitute roughly 80% of those who serve or participate in some form of ministry. Our goal is to have connected with all 30 plus ministries before summer starts as the propensity to vacation between Memorial Day and Labor Day here in Wisconsin makes connecting much more difficult. We are well into this step of the process.

The Leadership Board will also be planning several opportunities for members who may have missed out on one of the connecting sessions to attend an open forum setting, as it is important to us to give everyone an opportunity to answer these critical questions. As one last connecting step, the Leadership Board will also be reaching out to our community leaders to see how St. John’s can be a better partner in West Bend and Washington County.

The Leadership Board will then take all of this feedback, distill it down to larger themes and present our findings back to the Congregation at the end of September during our Congregational Meeting.

If you haven’t connected with the Leadership Board with your thoughts, please reach out to the Leadership Board (mtbryan1436@gmail.com), contact the church office or watch for the open forum announcements. Be sure to come and connect!

Blessings,

Mike Bryan

President

St. John’s West Bend Leadership Board

Living Word High School Students Lend a Hand at Faith Haven

On Thursday, May 11, students from Living Word High School gathered at Faith Haven for a devotion before beginning various service projects. The students assisted Faith Haven Ministry Team Members in removing debris from the trails, hauled dirt to help restore part of the dam at the reflection pond, and cleared areas at the three crosses.

This is the third year that Living Word students have volunteered at Faith Haven. Their contribution amounts to over two hundred hours in volunteer time. Thank you Living Word High School students!

Living Word High School Students Lend a Hand at Faith Haven

It was a blessing being able to offer Parent's Night Out to St. John's families on Friday, April 28. Eighteen families signed-up. Twelve volunteers help watch, play with, and lead activities with 41 children. Their ages ranged from infants to 3rd graders.

We received a lot of positive feedback from the parents who enjoyed their night out. One mom said "I'm glad St. John's offers this because I know my children are in good hands and I don't have to worry about them!" Another couple was very thankful to be able to get out because they have no one to watch their kids otherwise. We hope to offer another Parent's Night Out in Fall. Stay tuned!

LJHA Serves the Community with Puppy Chow!

St. John’s Middle School is blessed with the opportunity to have a chapter of the Lutheran Junior Honor Association this year. The LJHA recognizes students who exhibit the qualities of leadership, service, scholarship and discipleship. There are currently 15 sixth through eighth grade students who are members that serve and represent our school and community. As part of their membership, students are responsible for leading their own service projects.

Last week the members made puppy chow and packaged over 200 bags to show their appreciation of our West Bend community leaders at City Hall. Students walked to City Hall on Monday to make their delivery. Julie in administration, gave the students a short tour of the building and students were able to pass out some of the bags to the staff. LJHA members then went around the corner to the police department where officers Robbie and Dan were thrilled to accept the rest of the bags to share with their fellow officers.

As our LJHA program continues to grow, look for more involvement by these amazing young people!

¡GRACIAS! ¡GRACIAS! ¡GRACIAS!

Our Go Green for Casa Guadalupe service project ended on Friday, May 12 and our students went BIG!Our final contribution for the project was $1,468. ¡Asombrosos (amazing)! Thank you for continuing to support our school service projects and their missions!

Give Thanks and Put Faith into Action

God’s dearly loved people of St. John’s,

How should we respond to God’s love and His very presence? How should we give thanks for God’s promises past, present, and future? What is an appropriate offering to the Lord?

Your pastors and leaders invite every member to use the months of May and June as a special opportunity to rejoice, pray, and give thanks to God… to put faith into action as part of the body of Christ, His Church. Once again, this spring, you will see green envelopes in the pews for a St. John’s “Thank Offering”. Please join us in this holy time of giving thanks.

How are you doing thanking Jesus and supporting His Kingdom’s work through your sacrificial financial offerings to Him? As you review your giving, perhaps you are doing better than you thought possible. Praise God! Maybe you are a little behind… maybe a lot behind. Perhaps you haven’t made an offering at all yet this year. Wherever you find yourself, consider this your invitation and opportunity to give a Thank Offering. God tells us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:7) God wants your heart. Your offerings are used by God to change hearts, including your own. Offerings are a joy… not an obligation. God doesn’t need them (He already owns everything), but you do.

Scripture is clear – all of life is an offering in faith – your time, your talents, and your financial gifts that resources God’s Church (His people) where the Good News of forgiveness and eternal life is heard and received. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess. 5:16-18) Let’s come together as God’s dearly loved people and encourage one another in all His promises. Let us rejoice, pray, and give thanks!

Indeed, we rejoice and give thanks to God for you!

Join the Empty Nesters at the Living Word Fine Arts Festival

Please join your fellow Empty Nesters and enjoy the music and arts at our Living Word Lutheran High School.

Living Word's Fine Arts Festival is on Sunday, May 21.

• 2:00 pm Choir Concert

• Art Show Between Concerts

• 4:30 pm Band Concert

Come for one, two, or all three segments. Help support our Lutheran high school and the many St. John’s students who participate in the arts. No reservations needed, simply come and look for others from St. John’s. Please contact Living Word Lutheran High School if you questions about the event.

Upcoming Empty Nesters Events

(Dates still being finalized)

• May – Fine Arts Festival at Living Word Lutheran High School

• June – Cookout

• July – Chinooks Game at CUW

• 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.

If you have any questions, please contact Joanie or Roy Peterson at (262) 442-4102 or joanie.a.peterson@gmail.com

Do You Know Someone Who Could Use a Home Cooked Meal?

St. John’s Meal Ministry is eager to help anyone who finds themselves in a short-term situation where they cannot easily provide a meal for themselves or their family. (i.e. during or after a hospital stay, new baby, after a funeral, etc.) Meals are prepared directly for the members of one household.

If you would like to know more, or if you know of someone in need, please call the church office at (262) 334-4901 and we can assist you.

Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble Concert at St. John's

Friday, June 2 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

St. John’s will once again be hosting the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble for a concert on Friday, June 2 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. This concert is free. There will be a free-will donation collected at the concert intermission.

Over the past 20 years, the Milwaukee Handbell Ensemble (MHE) has gained wide popularity in our community and beyond. MHE is an auditioned community handbell ensemble under the direction of Kaethe Grabenhofer with fourteen ringers who play 73 handbells and 73 hand chimes.

Within these 20 years, MHE has become known for amazing memorized performances, for premiering new arrangements of popular music, as well as being the recording choir for AGEHR Publishing. They have been guest performers with the Midwest Vocal Express, Bel Canto Chorus, Present Music, and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. In fact, MHE has performed five times with MSO under conductors Doc Severinsen, Stuart Chafetz, Jeff Tyzik, and Andreas Delfs. What a blessing to be able to host such a phenomenal group of musicians!

UPDATE: Our School's 150th Anniversary Celebration

Wednesday, May 24 • 4:30 to 7:30 pm • Sonshine Community Park

The St. Johns Church and School Family is gearing up for a fun night celebrating the 150th Anniversary of our School. Over 2,000 children have been part of our School Family learning and sharing “HIStory” and we would like to take a moment to celebrate all the blessings God has provided us through the years!

The celebration will take place on May 24 right here at St. John’s School in our Sonshine Community Park from 4:30-7:30 pm. Come anytime you are free during that time! The school will be open from 4:30-6:00 and we encourage you to walk the halls and view the artwork and messages our current students created in honor of the celebration.

Additional Celebration Activities:

Food Truck Vendors (at cost to those who wish to purchase)
Cake/Refreshments (free)
Bounce House (free)
Balloon Artist (free)
Face Painting (free)
Temporary Tattoos (free)
50/50 Locker Fundraiser Raffle - $2/ticket or 20 for $20
Concert by current St. John’s Grades 1st - 5th Grade Students at 6:15 pm
Dedication of Buddy Bench for Playground (sponsored by PPO) at 6:30 pm

Come join us in this momentous fellowship opportunity. To help us plan for appropriate numbers, please register for the event using the link below.

Volunteers Needed! If you or your ministry group are interested in helping with the event, please contact the St. John’s Parent Partnership Organization (PPO) at ppo@sjswb.org.

Women's Retreat 2023: Save the Date!

September 22-24, 2023 • Green Lake Conference Center

Meet our 2023 Women's Retreat speaker, Amy Meyer: Amy lives in Madison, Wisconsin with her husband, Jeff, who serves as Lead Pastor at the Church. Amy is on staff as Connecting Lifestyles Coordinator, helping people connect to small groups, discipling relationships and using their gifts to serve.

Amy has a speaking ministry which has allowed her to present on a variety of topics to various women’s groups in the United States and internationally. (amymeyer.org) Amy also provides coaching - helping people get from where they are to where they would like to be with focussed support. She is the author of Snapshots and Stories Increasing Awareness of God’s Faithfulness Through the Practice of Journaling.

Perhaps her greatest joy, in addition to being Jeff’s wife and partner in ministry, is being Mom to Kyla, Kacie, Abbey, and Alli and Mimi to their 5 grandchildren.

Upcoming Missions Events

2023 MISSION TRIPS

June 23-26: St. Cloud, MN (Helping Human Trafficking Victims)
July 23-31: Colorado

2024 MISSION TRIPS

January: Helping Orphans in India
Spring Break: Yuma, Arizona

If you have questions or are interested in any of these youth or missions opportunities, please call or text Alan Lull at (262) 707-9198.

Attention families! Children ages 3 years (and potty trained) through 5th grade are welcome to attend 2023 St. John’s Annual Vacation Bible School (VBS). It is set to blast off on July 10-14! The theme this year is Stellar: Shine Jesus' Light… join us as we launch an out-of-this-world adventure that’s light years of faith-building fun. Through the opening skits, songs, Bible verses, Bible stories, crafts, games and even snacks, we will shine Jesus’ light to the world. Bring a friend and join us.

VBS Online Registration opens April 1. Receive a $10 discount if you register during the month of April by using the code: APRIL10.

Calling All VBS Volunteers!

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.

Connecting, Caring, and Sharing in Christ

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.

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, May 22

• 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.

Women's Book Club for May

We will be discussing the book, Wonder, by R.J. Palacio (this is actually a book for an adolescent audience - but a GREAT book for adults too!). Enjoy great conversation and fellowship. Bring a friend!

• Tuesday, May 23

• 6:30 - 8:00 pm

• Christa Markworth's Home (1341 Evergreen Street, WB)

Questions? Email Penny Van Dellen:

pvandellen@sjswb.org.

What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?

Our Winter 2023 session is designed to be used in conjunction with The Chosen, the groundbreaking streaming television series about the life of Jesus. Each session works in tandem with an episode from the show, bringing the Old and New Testaments to life in a fresh way. During this session, we will be going through The Chosen: Season 1 - Bible Study.

• Thursday, May 25 (Final meeting for this session)

• 8:00-10:00 am

• St. John's Church Gathering Space

Call the church office if you have questions: (262) 334-4901.

June Ladies Aid Picnic Meeting

Ladies Aid will meet Thursday, June 1. Picnic lunch at noon. Please bring a luncheon dish to pass and a $2 Bingo prize unwrapped. Devotions by Pastor David.

• Thursday, June 1

• Lunch at Noon

• Devotions by Pastor David

Anyone interested in joining Ladies Aid are welcome. Our mission is to serve grieving families by providing food and Christian fellowship following funeral services.

If you need to sign up or have questions, call Joanne Johnson at (262) 707-0899.

Early Childhood and School Ministries

Registration for Summer Sports Camps Is Open!

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.

Your Child Will Make New Discoveries at Camp Invention

June 19-23, 2023 • St. John's School • Register Today!

Register your child @CampInvention, where kids are encouraged to think creatively to solve problems through hands-on fun. The skills gained at camp can help your child to one day determine ways to reduce landfill waste or remove pollution from the ocean! Camp will run the week of June 19-23 at St. John’s Lutheran School, West Bend and you can save $15 with code SUM15!

Any questions or scholarship needs, contact Marcia Milam, Director, at mmilam@sjswb.org

Previous Worship

St. John's West Bend - Weekend Worship - 05/14/2023

Prayers

Prayer of Thanks

Prayer of thanks for 61 years of marriage for Ken and Joyce Endlich on May 19 and 25 years of marriage for Mike and Tonja Bryan on May 16. We thank God for favoring them with the love that comes from Christ. May God bless them and all marriages.

Members in Treatment, at Home, or Recovering: Char Otto, Ruth Ann Scheunemann, Roger Berth, Marilyn Holmquist, Mary Ann Anderson, Randy Mueller, 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), Ruth Schultz (Mother of Sarah Schultz), Barbara Black (Daughter of Jean Black), and Shane Nault (Grandson of Mike and Carmen Kuntz), Jason, Cole, Michela, Damianus.