2015 EPISTLEPage 1
Pastors MessagePage 1Birthdays/Anniversaries Page 4
WELCANewsPage 2VolunteersPage 5
Council Mtg. MinutesPage 3CalendarPage 6
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Come, hurry and run, you speedy feet, reach the cavern which conceals Jesus! Laughter and merriment accompanies our hearts, since our Savior is risen again.
These words are the beginning to Johann Sabastian Bach’s Easter Oratorio. The first version of the work was completed as a cantata for Easter Sunday in Leipzig, Germany, on April 1, 1725. The original title was Kommt, gehet und eilet, which means come, go there, and hurry!
That original title fascinated me, so with a little research, I learned that the word gehet can mean to go and stay at a certain position or situation. In this piece, Bach writes about the two Marys, Peter, and John hastening to the tomb of Jesus on Easter morning, and finding it empty. Perhaps Bach is implying that these disciples were to go to the empty tomb and stay, not so much at the tomb, but in the situation that was now apparent. The situation is this: a world in which Jesus Christ is triumphantly raised from the dead. Bach writes in a duet between Peter and Mary Magdalene:
We are delighted that our Jesus lives again,and our hearts, which first dissolved and floated in grief, forget the pain and imagine songs of joy; for our Savior lives again.
As we celebrate Easter this year, let us sing along and strive to live in ways that show that we are delighted that our Jesus lives again. May we gehet and stay in that situation, that place where we know that Jesus is alive and that our futures are securely cradled in his loving, nail-scarred hands.
One of the most significant things Jesus said on Easter was to go and tell others about his new life, so that they may have new life in him, too. I believe that’s our most important work – to tell others about Jesus’ gifts of the forgiveness, grace, and mercy. This is more vital than anything else; more than building an inspiring sanctuary, crafting a sweet mission statement, creating a workable constitution, or following human rules that omit following Jesus.
Easter reminds us that Jesus says, “Follow me, and invite others to follow me, too.” That’s what it means to “be Christian.” That’s what it means to live for Christ. That’s what it means if we proclaim:
We are delighted that our Jesus lives again,
and our hearts, which first dissolved and floated in grief, forget the pain and imagine songs of joy; for our Savior lives again.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, may the Spirit of the Living God well in you richly as you seek to follow Jesus. Blessed Easter!
Pastor Bob
holy week schedule
Maundy Thursday, April 2: Worship service with First Holy Communion at 7pm.
Good Friday, April 18:Worship service at St. John’s at 5:30pm.
Easter Sunday, April 20: Traditional worship service with Holy Communion, 10am.
Maundy Thursday
On April 2nd, 13 of St. John’s youth will celebrate their First Communion. They are Claire Anderson, Hawken Benson, Logan Brown, Ryan Burr, Elijah Butts, Blayne Gregg, Xen Larson, Connor Lynum, Charlie Maier, Max Matthys, Lily Palmer, Dyzek Roen, and Max Schmitt. We welcome these young people to the Lord’s Table so that they may be forgiven of sin, and strengthened in faith toward God and in love toward others.
BLOOD DRIVE
April 28th – 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
at St. John’s Lutheran Church
Volunteers Needed
Please Contact Michelle Larson
At 715-307-1884
CALL PROCESS UPDATE
On April 15, 2015 at 7pm, John Sutherland (from the Synod Office) will be here to review the Mission Site Profile with St. John’s Congregation. All are invited to attend.
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Library Review
“Seasons Under Heaven”
By Beverly LaHaye and Terri Blackstock
A child’s life-threatening illness affects a whole neighborhood. Marriages are tested and mended, hearts broken, hopes resurrected, dreams released and reformed, values and futures shaped, and faith rekindled or found for the first time. Bonds of friendship are formed as lives connect in ways only God can arrange.
Lynda Johnson,
Librarian
Women of St. John’s
Submitted by Nina Larson
All women of St. John’s are welcome and encouraged to attend all scheduled events.
- WELCA MORNING OF RENEWAL will be on Saturday, April 11, at Trinity Lutheran in Hammond. Registration, coffee and refreshments begin at 8:15. The theme for the morning is “Getting to the Heart of the Matter” and will focus on our companion synod, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malawi. John Sutherland, Assistant to the Bishop and the companion synod coordinator will be speaking.
- Circle/Bible Study will be on April 9, at 2:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Beulah Thompson will have devotions and Mary Hampton will serve as hostess. Pastor Bob will continue our Bible Study on the book of John chapters 18-21.
- Business meeting
- Altar Care guidelines were presented. Some additions were made. These will be posted behind the Altar.
- We will ask Donna about sending areminder post card to those assigned to Altar Care.
- Discussed 125thanniversary celebration. The following suggestions were made:
- Invite past Pastors
- Keep lunch simple
- Invite Bishop or representative from the Synod.
- Special music, skits.
•Quilting will take place on the first and third Thursdays from 9:00 to 12:00.
•Bingo will be on Tuesday, April 7, at 2:00 at the SVHRC at 2:00.
ST. JOHN’S L.E.D. FUNDRAISER
St. John’s Trustees are trying to raise $9,000 to buy L.E.D. lights to replace all the church lighting. Replacing our current lights with L.E.D. lights would save significant amounts of money every year. We would recoup the $9,000 in less than 5 years. Donations may be left in the church office. Please make checks payable to St. John’s Building Fund.
VBS
Spring Valley Vacation Bible School has been set for June 7th – 11th!
Coordinators have met with reps from local churches and are busy planning this year’s VBS. The major concern right now is to enlist volunteers. If you are interested, contact Missy Hague at (715)778-4318 or .
VBS Sunday at all area churches will be May 3rd. Donations for VBS will be collected and registration forms will be sent home.
TRANSITION TASK FORCE
Saying farewell to our Pastor and beginning the search for a new call can be challenging, uncertain and downright scary. The Transition Task Force is available to answer questions, help you understand the process and ease your fears as they gather information to complete the Ministry Site Profile to enable us to call a new Pastor. The Transition Task Force contact information is:
Karen Gunderson: (715)495-3155;
Jake Benson: (715)279-2787;
Nina Larson: (715)778-4509;
Minda Matthys: (715)778-5825;
WITH MUCH
THANKS AND APPRECIATION…
- Thank you to everyone who donated food items, helped set-up, serve and clean-up for the Palm Sunday Brunch.
- Thank you to the Esanbocks for providing coffee to St. John’s all these years.
Thank you for the donation to the Building Fund in memory of Dale Overland given by Joyce Brooke.
Thank you for the donations to the Memorial Fund in memory of Dale Overland given by Paul Cudd, Pamela Stuttgen, Duayne Larson, Jon & Linda Anderson, Orville Mathison, Jan Gunderson, Thomas & Elizabeth Gunderson, Mary Hampton, Keith & Nina Larson, Mike & Chris Fitzgarrell, Tom & Arla Sorenson, Walt & Sue Gregory, Bob & Diane Doheny and Bud Wimmer & Karen Keck.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
March 10, 2015
Those present: Pastor Bob Friese; Phil Hennemann (President); Barb Esanbock (Secretary); Minda Matthys(Stewardship); Nancy Cleveland (Worship); Kate Crogan (Education); Jenny Stoiber (Deacons); Jay Arneson (Trustees);Nina Larson, Stacey Wildner & Karen Gunderson representing Transition Task Force; John Sutherland from the Synodoffice.
Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by Phil Hennemann at 7:01 p.m.
Opening Prayer: Opening prayer and Communion led by Pastor Bob.
Approval of Agenda: Motion by Nancy Cleveland, second by Barb Esanbock, to move the call process up on the agendato accommodate our guests. Motion carried.
Call Process: John Sutherland from the Synod office reviewed the call process with us. The transition task force (NinaLarson, Stacey Wildner, Karen Gunderson, Minda Matthys & Jake Benson) will begin the process by compiling input fromthe congregation for a ministry site profile. Once the profile is complete, it will be available for the congregation to reviewbefore being submitted to the Synod and the call committee will then take over. The Synod will look at the needs of St.John’s as indicated in the profile and match us with candidates; interviews can then be set up with prospective pastors.
President’s Report: Phil’s list of tentative members for the Call Committee was discussed.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Bob spoke with a young couple who would like to be married at St. John’s; they are notmembers; however, have connections to Spring Valley.
Secretary’s Report: Motion by Jay Arneson, second by Nancy Cleveland to approve the February Council report. Motioncarried.
Treasurer’s Report: Motion by Jay Arneson, second by Kate Crogan to approve the report. Motion carried.
Approval of Bills: After discussion, motion by Minda Matthys, second by Jay Arneson to approve the bills as presented.Motion carried.
Committee Reports:
- Education: Kate reported that the kids will be singing in church. The committee will be having a bake sale on Palm Sunday.
- Trustees: The trustees are recommending a $1.00 per hour wage increase for Jean Blegen and Donna Borgschatz effective 1/1/15. Motion by Kate Crogan, second by Jenny Stoiber to approve the wage increase. Motion carried. Jay updated us on the conversion to LED lights; the update should be done before Easter. The dimmer panel went down; a loner panel will be used in the meantime, at an estimated cost of $600 - $900.
- Mission Endowment: Missy Mathiesen has withdrawn from the committee.
- Stewardship: Nothing to report.
- Deacons: In addition to serving at Lenten services, the committee is working on the 125th Anniversary.
- Social Concerns: The Red Cross will hold a blood drive at St. John’s on April 28th from 11 to 6.
- Worship: The committee met with Pastor Bob and planned services up through April.
New Business:
- Church Keys: Donna is attempting to get keys back from people who no longer need them.
- Committee Members: Motion by Jay Arneson, second by Jenny Stoiber to approve Minda’s recommendation of Darice Butts for the Stewardship committee; motion carried. Motion by Nancy Cleveland, second by Barb Esanbock to approve Jenny’s recommendation of Nina Larson for the Deacons; motion carried. Motion by Jay Arneson, second by Minda Matthys to approve Kate’s recommendation of Laura Hennemann for the Education Committee; motion carried.
- Committee Meeting Dates: The Education committee meets on the second Sunday of each month; Deacons the 3rd Sunday; Trustees every Thursday morning; Worship and Stewardship varies.
- Copier Replacement: Donna is checking into purchase versus lease. We will likely need to replace during the 4th quarter of the year. St. John’s will be responsible for ½ and Gilman and Spring Lake ½. There was discussion on mailing the Epistle; this was tabled for next meeting.
Next Meeting: Scheduled for April 14, 2015
Adjourn: Motion by Nancy Cleveland, second by Minda Matthys to adjourn at 9:20 p.m. Motion carried. We closed withthe Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted: Barb Esanbock, Secretary
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Attendance: 20152014
March 1143118
March 8119104
March 15110105
March 22123125
Giving:GeneralOpen Simply
Plate Giving
March 1$2,726$64 $300
March 8$3,513$46 $70
March 15$2,180$31 $65
March22$1,528$37.50 $70
Needed/week: $2,953.22 (2015)
Total needed to date this month: $38,391.86
Total received to date this month: $26,639.05
Total budget: (2015) $153,567.27
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU!
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1 - Linda Traynor
2 – Ella Esanbock
3 - Ary Arneson
Kirsten Gilbertson
4 – Joshua Wells
5 - Cindy Brorson
Jolene Debold
Mariah Olson
6 - Robert Gilbertson
7 - Cristina Kinkel
8 – Nicholas Brown
9 - Wanda Blaedorn
Christa Brorson
10 - Jay Arneson
10 - Gregg Kado
11 – Lester Walsingham
12 - Brad Hughes
Amy Nystrom
13 – Rosella Walsingham
14 – Nora Gregg
15 –Scott Burr
Boen Stoiber
Trygve Turner
16 –Luann Kirby
Gwynn Brooke Lacy
Elizabeth Lee
18 - Cyrus Anderson
Therese Black
19 - Payton Meyers
20 –Phil Hennemann
Ella Huepfel
21 –Kaye Gavic
22 – Brody Gregg
Laurie Kreibich
24 – Charles Lacy
25 – Josh Nystrom
William Schmitt
26 - Tony Roatch
27 – Bill Klanderman
28 - Charles Miller
29 –Kristen Peabody
Kaden Walthall
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10 - Gordon & Irene Anderson
14 – Tim & Tracey Boardman
25 – Jeff & Linda Hines
26 – Rob & Amaris Moore
27 – Brian & Melissa Blegen
28 – Bill & Rakhima Sandve
Food Pantry Donations
Please remember Spring Valley Area Food Pantry, who has seen increased usage, can always use the following items:
- Cereal
- Paper products
- Cleaning supplies
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste
- Personal care products
NEED A PRAYER?
Need A Prayer? Call Beulah Thompson at 778-5542 and our Prayer Chain will go into action!
BE SAFE – BE SEEN
When it comes to being on the road: being seen is a big advantage. So please remember to turn your headlights on anytime visibility is less than ideal (i.e.: at dusk, at dawn & when windshield wipers are required). If walking, jogging, bicycling or riding horse on the roadways please remember to wear something to make yourself visible to motorists.
The Spring Valley
Community Food Pantry –
The Spring Valley Food pantry is available to help anyone in need of food in our area. If you know of a neighbor who could benefit from this assistance, you may obtain help on their behalf, keeping this information confidential.
Freezers and a refrigerator are available if you have items to donate requiring this. THANK YOU to all who have helped by contributing to this cause!
The Food Pantry is open the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 10 – 11:30 am and from 4:30 – 6 pm.
The phone number for the Spring Valley Community Food Pantry is 778-5988. For immediate need, please call the Pierce County Food Pantry in Ellsworth at 715-273-2070. They are open Monday thru Friday from 9:30 am to noon and Wednesday from 4-6 pm.
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VOLUNTEERS
If this schedule does not work for you, please notify the church office of changes. Thank you!
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April
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Ushers
2 – (1st Comm) Jake & Sam
Benson
3 – (Good Friday)
5 – Kim Brooke & Ben Anderson
12 – Marsha Brunkhorst & Shelby Crow
19 – Bob Hanson & Jim Green
26 – Jeffrey Johnson & Duane
Peterson
Head Usher
5 – Craigen Anderson
12 – Bob Kinsman
19 – Bob Hanson
26 – Craigen Anderson
Greeters
2 – (1st Comm) Richard & Lynda
Johnson
3 – (Good Friday)
5 – Duane & Renae Peterson
12 – Lori & Josh Wells
19 – Frank & Stacy Thompson Family
26 – Matthys Family
Communion Assistants
2 – (1st Comm) Kelly Schreiber &
Stacey Wildner
5 – Katie Manor & Kathy Miller
19 – Judy Larrieu & Missy Mathiesen
Readers
2 – (1st Comm) Dana Benson
3 – (Good Friday)
5 – Lori Peterson
12 – Tonya Maier
19 – Tessa Cipriano
26 – Katie Anderson
Acolytes
2 – (1st Comm) Madison Maier &
Ben Anderson
3 – (Good Friday)
5 – Dakota Brooke & Wylie Brooke
12 – Maddy Matthys & Sina Nystrom
19 – Michael Bauer & Sam Benson
26 – Renata Sandve & Tanner Sands
Coffee Servers
2 –
5 – Sandy & Taylor Lee
12 – Cathee Quist & Mattea Roen
19 – Keith & Nina Larson
26 – Mary Hampton & Pat Gavic
Nursery Workers
5 –
12 -
19 –
26 –
Communion Set-up/clean-up
Judy Larrieu, Stacey Wildner, Jenna Wildner
Communion Bread Making
Lisa Smith
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May
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Ushers
3 – Scott Klug & Judy Larrieu
10– Rick & Patti Gould
17 –Kasey Roatch & Ed Raehsler
24– Leanna & Zacc Larson
31 – Dana & Hawken Benson
Head Usher
3 – Bob Kinsman
10 – Bob Hanson
17 – Craigen Anderson
24 – Bob Kinsman
31 – Bob Hanson
Greeters
3 – Greg & Terri Trealoff
10 – Byron Anderson Family
17 – Earl & Karen Gunderson
24 – Bob & Pam Hanson
31 – Virgil & Bev Lueth
Communion Assistants
3 – Amy Cady & Nancy Cleveland
17 – Kevin Anderson & Pam Hanson
Readers
3 – Darice Butts
10 – Emma Esanbock
17 – Madison Maier
24 – Greg Schmitt
31 –Sam Benson
Acolytes
3 – Quinn Anderson & Clara Gland
10 – Logan Brown & Jack Brown
17 – Eli Butts & Lauren Peabody
24 – Blayne Gregg & Michael Bauer
31 –Claire Anderson & Ben Anderson
Coffee Servers
3 – Matthys Family
10 – Ann Green
17 – Education Committee
24 – Cindy, Christa & Ellen Brorson
31 –Shelby Crow & Connie Crownhart
Nursery Workers
3 –
10 –
17 –
24 –
31 -
Communion Set-Up/Clean up
Mary Hampton & Jane Whirry & Theresa Boardman
Communion Bread Making
Minda Matthys
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ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCHApril 2015 / Saturday / 4 / 11
Morning of Renewal, Trinity Lutheran, Hammond / 18 / 25
Friday / 3
Good Friday
Worship service at 5:30pm / 10 / 17 / 24
Thursday / 2
Maundy Thursday
Quilting, 9 - noon
Worship service with 1st Holy Communion, 7pm / 9
SV Ministerial mtg.
WELCA, 2pm
Choir practice, 7pm / 16
Quilting, 9 – noon / 23
Red Cross Blood Drive / 30
Wednesday / 1 / 8
Confirmation class, 6-7:30pm / 15
Mission Site Profile Review, 7pm
Confirmation class, 6-7:30pm / 22
Confirmation class, 6-7:30pm / 29
Confirmation class, 6-7:30pm
Tuesday / 7
St. Croix Pastors Conference mtg. at Ezekiel, River Falls
BINGO at SVHRC, 2pm / 14
Council mtg., 7pm / 21 / 28
Monday / 6
Bible Study, 4-5pm / 13
Bible Study, 4-5pm / 20
Bible Study, 4-5pm / 27
Bible Study, 4-5pm
Sunday / 5
Easter Sunday
Fellowship Hour – 9 am
Worship w/Holy Communion, 10 amNo Sunday School / 12
2nd Sunday of Easter
Fellowship Hour – 9 am
Worship Service – 10 am
Sunday School – 10 am
Education Committee meeting after worship / 19
3rd Sunday of Easter
Fellowship Hour – 9 am
Worship w/Holy Communion, 10 am
Sunday School – 10 am
Deacons meeting after worship / 26
4thSunday of Easter
Fellowship Hour – 9 am
Worship Service– 10 am
Sunday School – 10 am