“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25)

3rd Edition – Friday, March 13, 2026

God Is at Work Through Us

Over the past several weeks I’ve had the privilege of having many conversations with my brothers and sisters in Christ here at St. John’s. I cannot begin to tell you how encouraging these moments have been. Time and again I have witnessed a deep love for the Lord and a sincere passion for sharing God’s Word with others. It is truly a blessing to serve in a congregation where that spirit is so evident.

As we near the crescendo of our Built on the Rock Ministry Expansion Campaign and approach Commitment Weekend, I want you to know that I am seeing great things happening all around us. God is already at work through His people.

I encourage you to prayerfully consider how you might jump on board and go all in. This is about more than a financial commitment. It is about giving your heart to the mission and ministry God has placed before us.

Imagine a few years from now: children learning about Christ in new classrooms, students growing through expanded educational opportunities, and more athletic and performing arts events bringing families and the community onto our campus. Picture the impact that will have on the next generation.

Then imagine looking back and realizing that God worked through each of us to make it happen. What an incredible honor that will be.

Let us continue to pray, trust, and step forward together in faith as God builds His future through the people of St. John’s.

In Christ, 

Steve Kaphingst

Campaign Director

More Space Would Be Music to Our Ears

Every Tuesday, I take 15 minutes of my planning time to set up all of the chairs and music stands on the stage for our band rehearsals. Since the stage is used as the scoring table for athletic events, the stage must be cleared after my rehearsals. With the addition of a larger gym, the stage would be able to stay set up for rehearsals and performances, allowing me to use my planning time more efficiently. Also, the music room would move into one of the new larger classrooms. Currently, the music room is one of the smallest classrooms in the school. If the music room moves to one of the new classrooms, the larger space would allow instruments to remain set up for classroom activities. The addition of this learning space would be a blessing for many school children.

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;

break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,

with the lyre and the sound of melody!

With trumpets and the sound of the horn

make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!”

~ Psalm 98: 4-6 (ESV)

Joyfully serving,

Esther Hesse

Music Teacher

Next Weekend is Commitment Weekend

Saturday, March 21 & Sunday, March 22

Every household is invited to bring their completed commitment card to any of the worship services on March 21 or 22 and offer it to the Lord as an act of worship. This is not about equal gifts, but equal sacrifice — each of us responding faithfully as God leads. Commitment cards and envelopes for privacy are found in Built on the Rock packets. There will also be commitment cards in the church pews.

Together, our commitments will provide the foundation needed to move forward confidently in this ministry expansion. If you are unable to attend worship on March 21 or 22, please return your commitment card to the church office in advance so it can be included.

YOU’RE INVITED: Commitment Celebration at the Columbian

Sunday, March 22 • Doors open at Noon • Lunch at 1 PM

Please RSVP by This Sunday, March 15!

We will gather for our Commitment Celebration on Sunday, March 22 at The Columbian. Doors open at 12:00 PM and Lunch will be served at 1:00 PM. We have prayed together and walked together and on March 22, we will rejoice together. Whatever God provides is worth celebrating!

At this special event, we will announce the total amount committed and give thanks for God’s provision and the generosity of His people. This will be a joyful time of gratitude, fellowship, and anticipation for what comes next.

Due to space capacity, attendance is limited to adults / heads of households. We plan to host a separate ground-breaking celebration at Sonshine Community Park for all families to attend later in the summer. RSVP by March 15 using the link below or call the church office: (262) 334-4901.

Click Here to RSVP for the Commitment Celebration

Attend the Voters’ Meeting

Wednesday, March 25 • 6:45 PM in the Sanctuary

The Leadership Board is excited to invite you to our Voters’ Meeting for Built on the Rock on Wednesday, March 25 at 6:45 pm in the Sanctuary right after the 6 PM Lenten service. In this meeting we will share a few updates and then roll right into the Leadership Board’s proposal for the congregation to consider, discuss and ultimately vote on regarding the Built on the Rock Ministry Expansion Campaign. 

Due to the timing of Holy Week and Spring Break, we had to move this meeting to a mid week vote. To encourage as many members to attend, we are offering the following:

1) Child Care - For those needing it, we will provide child care during the meeting.

2) Pick Up and Drop Off - For those who prefer not to drive at night, we will have a team of drivers available to pick up and drop off for the meeting. Please contact the church office if you need a ride (262-334-4901). 

3) YouTube Live Stream - We will live stream this event. We can take questions during the event, however, for your vote to count, in person attendance is needed. 

We look forward to seeing you on March 25 at 6:45 PM! 

Blessings,

Mike Bryan

Leadership Board President 

March 25 Meeting Agenda

January 18 Meeting Minutes

Last Chance to Sign Up to Attend a Cottage Meeting

What is your St. John’s story? Did you go to St. John’s School? Cottage meetings are small groups that meet for about 90-minutes and are hosted by congregation members. Share why you love St. John’s, participate in a devotional, discuss what draws families to St. John’s School, share your St. John’s story, and learn more about the process for commitments, plus enjoy refreshments and fellowship.

These Cottage Meeting Dates and Times are Available:

• Saturday, March 14 (4:00 - 5:30 pm) in the Church Fellowship Hall

• Sunday, March 15 (12:15 - 1:45 pm) in the Church Fellowship Hall

• Wednesday, March 18 (1:30 - 3:00 pm) in the Church Gathering Space

• Wednesday, March 18 (6:00 - 7:30 pm) at Church Member’s Home

• Thursday, March 19 (7:00-8:30 pm) at Church Member’s Home

Click Here to Sign Up for a Cottage Meeting

If you have questions or would like to call to sign up to attend a Cottage Meeting, please contact our Visitation Leaders:

• Cheryl Rudolf: 262-334-4901 (ext. 308) or crudolf@stjohnswestbend.org
• Julie Buss: 262-483-5288 or juliebuss64@gmail.com

Prayers from Students

Student Art

PLEASE NOTE: The cross craft project featured at the top of this newsletter was created by the children and staff at the Early Childhood Center to show their support for the Built on the Rock Ministry Expansion Campaign. 

The footprints were created by the infants. The handprints were created by the 1-year-olds. The rocks were painted by the 2-year-olds through K4.

If you have questions about the campaign, email Steve Kaphingst (Campaign Director) at skaph1@yahoo.com, call Pastor Jeff Hesse at (262) 334-4901, ext. 319, call the church office at (262) 334-4901 or email the church office at stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org.