St. John Lutheran Church September 2016
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Church Office: 563-242-5588
Pastor Dan Pool: 321-6757, home
e-mail:
Web Site:
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Preschool News
St. John Preschool will open its doors on September 6 at 8:45 a.m. There are still openings available and it is not too late to register! Contact the church office, 242-5588, for more information.
This is the 45th consecutive year we have shared the love of Jesus with young children! For many of our preschool students, learning about God’s great love for each of them is only a continuation of what they have been taught in their homes by loving parents. For other students, this will be the first time they have ever heard of Jesus and his love.
Please remember our staff, Cindy Sperry and Gina Andresen, and the children of St. John Preschool in your prayers as they begin another school year with Jesus at the center of all they do and learn.
Lutheran Questions and Answers
In September, I am beginning a short sermon series called Lutheran Questions and Answers. In this series, I want to ask some fundamental questions about what we believe. And then I would like to talk about how Lutherans respond to these questions.
When I say I am looking for Lutheran answers, I really just mean that we are going to search the Scriptures for our answers. This is the true Lutheran approach to answering questions of the faith. But I also believe that there is a great deal of confusion today about these particular questions.
During St. Paul’s missionary journeys, we find that the Jews in Berea responded to what they heard from St. Paul with godly wisdom. They used the Scriptures as their gauge for truth. “They received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”
I would like to invite you to come and do the same with us. Let me encourage you to be in Church. Summer is drawing to an end. Construction woes are starting to get resolved. Let me encourage you to be here, and be eager and teachable. Learn and grow in what you know and what you can communicate to others about what we believe, teach, and confess.
September 4: What Is the Central Message of the Church?
September 11: How Do We Stay Saved?
September 18: What is Predestination?
September 25: What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
Pastor
Pastor Pool’s Sunday Bible Study
Habakkuk: When God Seems Unfair
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Habakkuk offers us great insight into some probing questions. How can a good and all-powerful God allow the existence of evil? Does God treat you fairly? Do you struggle with all of the unfortunate things that have happened to you? Join us for our Bible study based on the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. Habakkuk asks our questions. And God answers.
September 4: Habakkuk 2:1-5: The Righteous Shall Live
September 11: Habakkuk 2:6-14: Woe to the Evil
September 18: Habakkuk 2:15-20: The Cup of the Lord
September 25: Habakkuk 3:1-6: A Prayer of Habakkuk
Lifetouch Photo Directory
We are doing a new picture directory! We have done our photo sessions already. If you missed out, email Pastor at by September 3 with the picture that you would like to submit for the directory.
Pastors’ Conference
Pastor will be in St. Louis at the Concordia Seminary Theological Symposium, September 19-21.
Lutheranism 101
Are you interested in becoming a member at St. John? Do you have a friend who would like to know more about what it means to be Lutheran? Are you able to tell people what you believe and why you believe? Pastor Pool is offering a new basics of the faith class on Wednesday nights beginning September 14 at 6:00 p.m. in classroom 1. The class typically lasts about 10-12 weeks and is offered at no charge. Please contact the office at 242-5588 to register.
Higher Things
Higher Things is our annual youth conference and next summer it will take place in Valparaiso, Indiana on July 25-28, 2017. Registration begins in October. But will you let Pastor know right away if you plan to attend? The Church will help raise funds for the conference again this year. Confirmed youth and college students are welcome to attend.
Check It Out
In Our Church Library
We have 6 new fiction books, donated by Howard Paysen. The titles are:
Missing Pages by Vera Dodge
By the Book by Carolyn Greene
Rewriting History by Vera Dodge
Poetry in Motion by Kristin Eckhardt
Disappearing Acts by Kelly Ann Riley
A Book by Its Cover by Elizabeth Adams
Stop by and visit the library. There are many books and other media available for all ages. If you have any requests, please let us know and we will try to help you.
The Sunday School classes will have a party with refreshments and will move up to the next grade level on September 4.
Our Sunday School and Bible Classes meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Following is a list of the rooms, teachers, and grades meeting for Sunday School and Bible Class:
Christian Education Building
Room 1 – Kurt Flathers, Adult Bible Study
Room 2 – Ross Eberhart & Sallie Pool, grades 6-12
Room 4 – Janice Wheelock & Jackie Kammerer, grades 3-5
Room 5 – Tara Sirna & Angie Stewart, grades 1-2
Room 9 – Sheryl Jindrich, preschool & kindergarten
Church Fellowship Hall
Pastor Pool’s Bible Study – Habakkuk: When God Seems Unfair
Administrative Staff
Superintendent – Ross Eberhart
Devotion Leader – Sheryl Jindrich
Attendance – Donna Crockett, Kathy Schrader, Marianne
Wenzel, & Janice Wheelock
Adult Choir
All high school students, college students, and adults are welcome to join us for the 2016-2017 choir season. Rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary and last about an hour. We normally sing on three Sundays out of the month at late service and one Sunday out of the month at early service. We welcome new voices!!
Choir is back in Session
COME & JOIN
What: Youth Choir
Who: Children in grades 2-8
When: Wednesdays from 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Beginning September 7
Where: Church Sanctuary
Why: Youth Choir gathers to sing praises to God!
Any questions? Call Deanna Petersen @ 563-243-6618
See you at choir!
Youth Catechesis
Youth Catechesis begins on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7:15 p.m. There will be a parent and student meeting in the fellowship hall from 7:15 - 7:45 p.m. and then the students will have class from 7:45 – 8:45 p.m. Youth Catechesis will meet each Wednesday from 7:15 – 8:45 p.m. September – April, except when the public school schedules vacation or closes school because of bad weather. If you have any questions please call the church office, 242-5588.
College Students
Parents of college students are asked to give a note to Angie Stewart or to call the church office, 242-5588, with their student’s address. Students will be added to our mailing list and will receive the monthly newsletter.
Nursery Volunteers
The nursery volunteer schedule for October 2016-September 2017 is currently being updated. If you would like to volunteer please call the church office, 242-5588, so we can add you to the rotation. All previous volunteers will be added to the schedule unless you request to be removed.
Ladies Aid
Ladies Aid will have a catered luncheon at noon on September 2 for members and guests. It will be catered by Corner Deli and the cost per person is $9.00. Please contact Claudia Schenk, 259-0901, to let her know if you will be attending. A short business meeting will be held and “dirty bingo” will be played. Please bring a white elephant gift to use as a prize.
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the Fall Rally at Trinity on Saturday, October 8.
Ladies’ Evening Bible Study
Ladies Evening Bible Study will meet on September 6 and 20 at 7:00 p.m. All women are welcome to join us!
Mary Martha
The Mary Martha Anniversary Dinner will be on Tuesday, September 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The dinner will include salads, sandwiches, and dessert.
Quilts for Lutheran World Relief
All ladies are invited to the Quilting Bee, which meets on Thursday, September 15 at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Board of Elders
The Board of Elders will meet on Monday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Board of Education
The Board of Education will meet on Monday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m.
Board of Evangelism
The Board of Evangelism will meet on Tuesday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Board of Stewardship
The Board of Stewardship will meet on Wednesday, September 21 at 6:00 p.m.
Voters’ Assembly
Our Voters’ Assembly will meet on Monday, September 26 at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to the Voters’ Assembly. Come and get involved in the work of the Church.
Labor Day
Please note that the Church Office will be closed on September 5, Labor Day.
Food Pantry Collection September 4
Donations of nonperishable food items, paper, and soap products may be brought to the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, September 4, for the food pantry collection at the Victory Center. These items will be distributed to the unemployed of the community.
Private Communion Calls
Pastor Pool now makes his visits to those in nursing homes throughout the month. Those at home who would like to receive a communion visit are asked to call Pastor anytime at the church office, 242-5588, to schedule a convenient time.
September Birthdays & Anniversaries
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!
Happy Birthday to:
Arlene Lahann, who will be 93 on Sept. 9.
Jody Lueders, who will be 83 on Sept. 16.
Caroline Andresen, who will be 90 on Sept. 17.
Alice Koenes, who will be 86 on Sept.18.
Arline Matzen, who will be 88 on Sept. 24.
Lila Krueger, who will be 89 on Sept. 27.
Happy Anniversary to:
Loren & Peggy Andresen, 40th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 3.
Jay & Margie Mueller, 15th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 8.
Marty & Bri Bovis, 10th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 9.
Cal & Cindy Swanson, 35th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 12.
Dale & Lynn Schroeder, 15th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 22.
Jim & Robin Kroymann, 40th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 25.
We list birthdays 80 and above and anniversaries for year one and every five years thereafter unless we receive a request not to do so.
THOSE WHO SERVE IN SEPTEMBER
Early
Elders: Rick Eizenga
Jim Schnitzmeyer
Ushers: Jay Mueller
Brian Wall
Calvin Lange
Wesley Melchin
Nursery Attendants (Late)
4 – Sheryl Jindrich
11 – Kristi LaShelle
18 – Pete & Tara Sirna
25 – Heather Becker
Recording
4 – Darlene Paysen
11 – Paul Wenzel
18 – Darlene Paysen
25 – Paul Wenzel
Late
Elders: David Becker
Tom Hardersen
Ushers: Wayne Becker
Marty Bovis
Keith Doucette
Rod Simpson
Acolyte Schedule
4-Early – Elder
4-Late – Elder
11-Early – Elder
11-Late –Elder
18-Early – Elder
18-Late – Elder
25-Early – Elder
25-Late – Elder