Sunday Connections - September 3, 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 - Being His Disciple...What Does This Cost?
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After St. Peter confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, our Lord “began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Matt. 16:21). Upon hearing this “theology of the cross,” Simon Peter stumbled into a satanic “theology of glory.” But the glory of God is revealed in the Passion and cross of His incarnate Son. The faithful prophets, such as Jeremiah, suffered persecution and rejection in anticipation of Jesus’ cross. Yet the Lord did not abandon them; He remembered them, and He was with them to deliver them (Jer. 15:15–20). By His cross, Jesus has redeemed the world, and in His resurrection, He has vindicated all who trust in Him. Thus, the Christian life is a discipleship of self-sacrificing love. Since Christ Jesus has reconciled us to God, we “live peaceably with all”(Rom. 12:18). By the certainty of His cross and resurrection, we “rejoice in hope,” and we are “patient in tribulation” and “constant in prayer”(Rom. 12:12). |
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Put Me In Coach - Overtime |
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Men of St. John’s, “Get in the Game!” You are invited to join Dr. Dan Paavola, a beloved guest preacher for St. John’s, and an excellent teacher, who will lead us in a discussion on how we should live our lives as Christians, within all the noise and distractions of the world.
This event is open to all the guys of St. John’s (middle school and older). Childcare (and food) will be provided for all the kiddos, but you must RSVP, so we have enough hands to take care of them. Cost is $20 per person. Children in child care are free. The Lord is calling you from the bench…you have a spot on His team…time to play!
When: Saturday, September 23 from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
Where: St. John's School Gym
How Much: $20 (Can be paid online when you register)
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Fall 2023 Discipleship Hour for the Whole Family |
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• Sunday, September 10
• 9:25 - 10:30 am
• Church Lower Level (Adults)
• Kid's (Upstairs ECC)
• Middle School (School Room 212)
• High School (School Room 213)
As we proceed under the banner of “Getting Used to Being Different”, we are going to take up various “Hot Topics” that you all are bumping into every day. We’ll dive into God’s word and discuss issues such as sexuality, identity, the relationship of science and the scriptures, critical race theory, and some other hot topics that seem to be on the forefront of every conversation. Incidentally, in reviewing some of the feedback all of our various ministries provided to the Leadership Board, these are the very things many in the congregation wanted some guidance on – here is that opportunity for you to engage God’s word and hear what He has to say!
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Middle School and High School Discipleship Hour
With the new Ministry Year comes a new opportunity for our Middle School aged students. Join us each week at 9:25 AM for an opportunity to explore the answers to some of the most important questions facing young disciples today. We will be using Brad Alles’ book, Life’s Big Questions, God’s Big Answers, to explore questions like:
• If someone asked you why you are a Christian, what would you say?
• What is a worldview?
• Does evolution explain the world?
• Is the Bible true?
We will meet in room 212 in the school building from 9:25-10:30 AM on Sunday mornings. Classes will be facilitated by some of our school staff and, perhaps, even a surprise guest! We look forward to spending time digging into God’s word!
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High School aged students will discuss "Hot Topics", such as:
• World view: Can we all believe what we want?
• Creation vs. evolution: Are we from pond scum?
• LGBTQ+ sex-love-life: Right or wrong?
• Jesus: Lord and Savior or only a "Good Luck Charm"?
• Where is God in America's problems?
• Critical Race Theory: Is CRT in our school and culture?
We will see what the Bible says and how we can talk to others who do not believe in the Bible or Jesus. It will be fun and real. We want to hear what you have to say about these emotional topics. We will have great food and drinks. Meet in room 213 at the school.
Call, text, or email Alan Lull if you plan to attend the high school sessions, so he knows how much food to bring! Call or text: 262-707-9198 or email: alull@stjohnswestbend.org
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Fall 2023 Kids’ Discipleship Hour |
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Kids' Discipleship Hour is starting Sunday, September 10 at 9:25 am. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids to connect, care, and share in Christ together with old and new friends! There is child care for children ages infant-2 years old in the ECC 2 year old classroom. 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. Sign up with the link below for your children to attend.
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Volunteers Needed for Kids’ Discipleship Hour |
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We are also looking for volunteers, adults and as youth as young at 5th grade. If you enjoy sharing God's word with children, then come join us for Kids’ Discipleship Hour. Your commitment can be every week, twice a month, or even at least once a month. We provide child care for children ages infant-2 years old in the ECC 2 year old classroom. We teach age appropriate lessons for children ages 3-5th grade in the ECC K3/K4 AM Classroom/Activity Room! If interested in volunteering, please sign up with the link below! If you have any questions, please contact Desiree Titus at dtitus@stjohnswestbend.org.
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Promises of Grace Fall 2023 |
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If you have been worshipping with us recently or expressed an interest in membership at St. John’s, we would like to invite you to join us for Promises of Grace (POG). This nine-week class, taught by our Pastors, is designed to help those new to St. John’s learn more about what we believe and confess. While the class is particularly helpful for those who may be considering church membership, it is open to anyone who desires a review of our foundational teachings and growth in discipleship.
Our next nine-week class begins Sunday, September 10, and continues through Sunday, November 5. This class will take place during our 9:30 am Discipleship Hour in the ECC Resource Room. For those unable to attend Sunday sessions, we offer the same class each Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm in the lower-level fellowship hall at church. The first Wednesday class, which is a repeat of each Sunday class, begins on September 13. The classes meet for an hour each week.
• Sunday POG Class: During Discipleship Hour from 9:30-10:30 am in the ECC Resource Room.
• Wednesday POG Class: In the evening from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Lower-Level Fellowship Hall at church.
As of today, childcare will be available Sunday mornings for children ages 6 weeks to 2 years old in our Early Childhood Center. For children ages 3 and up, they can participate in our Children’s Discipleship Hour in the upper level of the Early Childhood Center.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! New Member Orientation is Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 9:30 am -10:30 am in the church Lower-Level Fellowship Hall.
New Member Weekend is Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 6:00 pm & Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 8:00, 9:30, or 11:00 am (All new members will be welcomed at the worship service of their choice.)
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Join the Empty Nesters for a Winery Tour and Lunch
The Empty Nesters are planning to meet at the Cedar Creek Winery on Saturday, September 23 at 10:45 am for our tour and three wine tasting samples. Following the tour we will head next door to The Anvil for lunch. Weather permitting, we will be able to eat outside on their beautiful patio overlooking Cedar Creek.
The cost for the winery tour and tasting is $20 and includes the tip. The cost for lunch will be based on your menu selection. They will be able to provide separate checks for couples or individuals.
You are welcome to join us for the winery tour and tasting, lunch, both, or either. Following lunch, enjoy a stroll down the streets of Cedarburg as we look forward to fall.
Reservations are required for the tour and/or the lunch. Please make checks for the tour payable to Joanie Peterson and drop them off at the church office no later than September 10.
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Empty Nesters Upcoming Events
(Dates are being finalized)
• 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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Connect at Upcoming St. John's Events |
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September Ladies Aid Meeting
• Thursday, September 7
• Lunch at Noon
• Followed by 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.
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Mom Café: Parenting the Love and Logic Way
• Sept. 7 & 21, Oct. 5 & 19, Nov. 2 & 16, Dec. 7, and Dec. 14 (Christmas Party)
• 8:00-10:00 am
• St. John's Church Gathering Space
This fall, St. John's Mom Café is happy to bring back Love and Logic. Love and Logic is a Christian based child discipline program that focuses on teaching your kids how to make good decisions and learn from their mistakes through natural consequences. And all of this can be done while keeping parents calm! Our certified facilitator is Angela Batterman.
Mom Café provides a time and space for moms of all ages to connect with each other; to seek God; and to learn and support each other in the challenges of being a mother. You can always expect to find hot coffee, lots of food, and mother-to-mother support. The connections made have been a blessing to many moms and there is always room for you to join us! At Mom Café you will enjoy faith, fellowship, food, and FREE childcare (space is limited).
Questions? Contact the Church Office (262) 334-4901.
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Women's Ministry Painting Night
• Friday, September 8
• 6:00 - 8:00 pm
• Church Lower Level
Ladies! Join us for a night of fellowship, snacks, wine, and painting. Debbie Ludin will guide us as we paint a pumpkin scene on an 11 x 14 inch canvas. The cost is only $10. Please pay on Friday night. We will meet in the church lower level. Sign up below.
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September LWML Meeting
• Monday, September 11
• 6:30 - 8:00 pm
• Church Lower Level
Join us as we support mission work here at home and around the world! We will reflect with “What’s Your Why?” and spread God’s Word via Little Free Libraries. We will host the Fall Rally in October. Come. Be a part of Lutheran Women in Mission!
Please support our LWML SWD Mission Grants through your mite boxes! See the grant thermometer for SWD 2022-2024 here:
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Upcoming Youth Events
BWW Packers Game:
• Sunday, September 10
• 3:30 - 6:00 pm
• Free Food and Drink
• Meet at St. John's Church
Brewers Game:
• Sunday, September 17
• 12:30 - 4:00 pm
• Includes Tailgating and a Ticket
• Meet at St. John's Church at Noon
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Adult Open Soccer
September and October
Join us on Sundays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm on the St. John's soccer field next to the school playground (Sonshine Community Park).
Open to junior high and older during the outdoor season. Shin guards and water are highly suggested.
Questions? Text Molly at (414) 350-9451 to get on the weekly text list.
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Sister to Sister Bible Study
Monday Nights:
• 2nd and 4th Mondays (New Schedule)
• 6:30 - 8:00 pm
• Meet at Penny Van Dellen's House
• Starts September 11
Wednesday Mornings:
• 9:00 - 10:30 am
• Meet in the Church Gathering Space
• Starts September 13
St. John's Sister to Sister Bible Study will be reading and discussing the book, The Women of the Bible Speak, by Shannon Bream. Books will be available for purchase at each first session on September 11 and 13 for $15.
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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, September 18
• 6:30 pm
• Church Nursery
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Join the New Wind Ensemble
St. John’s Worship Ministry is excited to start a new musical group for those who have gifts and experience playing wind ensemble instruments. This group will serve and lead in the Lord’s Service through special music and meet for weekly rehearsals to prepare together. Rehearsals will be on Thursday evenings, with the hope of starting at the end of September.
If you have experience and interest in playing your piccolo, flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, trombone, baritone, euphonium, or tuba in and for worship, please reach out to Dave Wells. Dave will be directing this group and has 12 years of experience directing high school bands, directed the Marine Symphonic Band, is a member of the Kettle Moraine Symphony, and is an active member of the St. John’s Worship Teams.
We look forward to growing this group, and as a Worship Ministry, continuing to serve, to lead, and to worship in His Service. Please contact Dave Wells at illinidave@gmail.com or (262) 305-7300
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September 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
September 19: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (Mystery). Meeting place to be determined. Meeting at the home of Leah Mussell, 828 S. 6th Avenue, West Bend.
October 17: Miracles from Heaven by Christy Wilson Beam (Non-fiction/Biography). Meeting at the home of Amanda Thumann. 4300 Saint Finbars Rd., Saukville.
December 5: A Christmas Memory by Richard Paul Evans (Historical/Christian Fiction)
January 16: Emma by Jane Austen (Fiction/Romance)
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.
February 20: A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin (Christian Romance)
April 16: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (Self-Help)
May 21: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Science Fiction)
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Early Childhood and School Ministries |
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Flowers on the altar are from Ken Barrett in memory of his late wife, Mary, for their 57th wedding anniversary on September 3rd.
Prayers of Thanks
Prayer of thanks for 52 years of marriage for Bill and Carol Bremser on September 9t. 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: Kathleen Demmon. Armand Miller, Sue Kruse, Barb Leininger, Mike Kuntz, Mary Ann Gierach, Vicki Potter, Randy Mueller, Jack Muryn, Tom Gmirek, 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: Griffin (Infant Grandson of Mike and Linda Benson), Angela, James and Jesse, (Family of Sandy Bowlin), Penny (Niece of Carmen Kuntz), 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), Viola Bradshaw.
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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 (Resumes September 10 - Lower Level)
9:25 AM Kids' Discipleship Hour (Resumes September 10 - ECC)
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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