2014 Winter Lamplighter

St. John’s

LAMPLIGHTER Fall/Winter 2014

A New Look To Communications

by Pastor Kyle Bitter Where do you go for your news?

Websites? Blogs? TV? Newspapers?

Magazines? E-mails from friends?

Facebook? All of the above? Some have dubbed our era in history the “Information Age.” That’s probably appropriate, given that a quick internet search can provide far more information on just about any topic than anyone could possibly remember.

As a congregation, the Information Age provides us with many opportunities to communicate the good news about what Jesus has done for us as recorded in the Bible, and also what Jesus is accomplishing through us as members of a Christian congregation.

How can we, as a congregation, make the best possible use of all the venues for sharing Jesus and his work in our times? St. John’s leadership established a Communications Committee under the Board

1

of Outreach to address those very questions. Whether our members and those in our community prefer to receive information in print or online, in an envelope delivered to the mailbox or an email delivered to a phone, we hope to provide everyone with current information on ministry initiatives, schedules for worship and Bible study opportunities, and invitations to fellowship events.

Here are a few initiatives from the Communications Committee that you should know: • The Lamplighter newsletter has been revised to a quarterly publication designed to share big-picture ministry initiatives at St. John’s. This first edition has been snail mailed and e-mailed to every address we have on file.

If you prefer to receive only e-mail, please contact the church office. If you didn’t receive a digital edition and want to, please contact the church

office to make sure your e-mail

address is up to date.

• The weekly e-news serves as an information hub for news items.

Included in the e-news is a worship preview as well as the three most important announcements which are also highlighted on the Sunday PowerPoint as well. Links to News and Notes, schedules, and the church calendar are attached to the e-news too. News and Notes and calendars are available on paper after worship services for those who prefer that option.

If you are not receiving the e-news and would like to, please contact the church office.

The Information Age has given us great opportunities as a congregation to share information with our membership and our community in efficient and convenient ways. May God continue to bless our efforts to use these opportunities in his service.

Board of Discipleship

Upcoming Bible Study Focuses on Christian Literature

by Julie Wietzke

A Treasure Trove of Spiritual Resources

by Julie Wietzke

Religious reading is an integral part of a Christian’s life.

To highlight its importance, the first large group Bible study for 2015 will be on the topic: “Books that should be in every Christian’s library.”

One of the true hidden gems at St. John’s is our library. Filled with more than 1,500 items—including books, CDs, and DVDs—St. John’s library offers members the opportunity to grow in their faith and their understanding of the Bible and other religious topics.

Pastor Kyle Bitter will be looking at five different books during this six-week study starting January 4. “We will be having a Bible study on a given topic and using material from the books as discussion starters or as ways of illustrating points,” he says.

“St. John’s library is a treasure trove of spiritual resources.

If you hear of a Christian book that sounds interesting to you, take a look at our library—we probably have it,” says St. John’s member Adam Goede.

The books that will be featured include:

“I regularly use it to grab a People’s Bible commentary or a topical book for personal reading, and to let my kids pick out videos and devotional books,” says Goede.

Checking out books from St. John’s library is easy. On the sign-out sheet, simply write down your name, the book’s author and title, and the four-digit number found on the barcode inside the back cover. You can check out books for four weeks.

2

Mark Otto

Adam Goede

Have questions about the library? E-mail library@sjtosa.org or call the church office. Watch for library updates and book suggestions in upcoming issues of Lamplighter.

V Forgive Us Our Sins by Scott Barefoot V Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis V Theology of the Cross by Daniel Deutschlander V Prodigal God by Tim Keller V Hammer of God by Bo Giertz

“I tried to pick some timely, almost controversial, topics as well as basic, foundational Christian topics presented in a new way,” says Bitter.

Bitter says that he spends about an hour a day in religious reading—25 minutes in the Bible, 20 to 30 minutes in a religious book, and 10 minutes reviewing doctrinal notes.

He tries to read first thing when he gets into the office in the morning—even before opening his e-mail. “If you spend a full 25 minutes in Bible reading a day, you’ll be surprised at how much Bible territory you can cover,” says Bitter.

“You can easily read the entire Bible in a year.”

Reading other religious books besides the Bible, he says, often can offer different perspectives. “You’ll see the same passages and the same stories but maybe in a way you haven’t thought of before.”

All five books being featured in this upcoming Bible study are available in St. John’s library.

Mike Soldner

Recently moved to a new location in the lower level across from the nursery, the library holds Bible commentaries, doctrinal and devotional books, books on Christian living, books explaining other religions, Christian fiction, and the latest WELS magazines. Many of Northwestern Publishing House’s latest releases as well as many religious classics are available to check out, along with books and DVDs for younger children.

Board of Stewardship/Finance

Of primary importance is continuing our ministry at its current level through our operating Thee But budget/ministry plan. This past Thine fiscal year ended June 30, 2014.

Our offerings were less than our ministry expenses, resulting in an income statement that came up $31,000 short. Nevertheless, we were able to cover this shortfall (deficit) through the use of some “rainy day” funds.

Workable this year, but not a strategy we can count on.

We Gi e

Own

Consequently, the first of two stewardship goals for 2015: Increase our general fund offerings by 6%. This would allow us to end the next fiscal year in the black and ensure the Gospel ministry at St. John’s will continue at its present level.

Of equal importance is paying down the debt we incurred when we built our new school facility and made a number of other improvements to our campus beginning in the early 2000s. In future years, this same fund could be used to pursue the facility enhancements proposed by the Long Range Planning committee.

Brian Roser

Mark Maurice

Jes Mariscal

So, the second of our two stewardship goals for 2015: Commit an additional $500,000 to capital funds under the theme: “We Give Thee But Thine Own.” This would allow us to make “double payments” on our existing loan, and also set aside $100,000 for ongoing and unplanned maintenance issues.

Please refer to the stewardship mailing you received a few weeks ago for more information about participating financially in our ministry partnership at St. John’s.

5

In-person

Ways

Online Giving

to Give

Bank Auto Withdrawal

Bank Payee

Mail

Did you know?

St. John’s member Jeff Quint recently was featured in a Northwestern Publishing House video. Jeff regularly reads the People’s Bible, commentaries on each book of the Bible published by NPH. Watch the video at www.nph.net/nphvideo. And check out the People’s Bible series in the church library.

Todd Ziesemer

Because it is such a fitting reminder of a basic Christian truth, the opening line of this hymn will serve as the theme for our stewardship emphasis this coming year. There are two areas in particular we wish to address this year.

“We give thee but thine own.” God’s people at St. John’s have willingly and cheerfully embraced this truth throughout our 130+ year history. Through the Gospel motivated gifts of past and present members—given freely and generously— the Lord has allowed us to flourish as a congregation. Pray that through us the blessings of the past roll seamlessly into the future.

Larry Totsky

We Give Thee But Thine Own

3

Board of Education St. John’s New School Year Underway

by Principal Scott Uecker

In addition to the school children and staff, we also have a childcare that is directed by Mrs. LeighAnn Treichel. She is assisted by Mrs. Kelly Johnson, Mrs. Corrine Paul and a number of part-time instructors. During the afternoon, they care for many of our school children and some children not yet in our school, usually about 70-90 students.

During the year, we will be evaluating our school for the accreditation process of our synod (WELSSA) and of the Wisconsin Independent and Religious Schools Association (WRISA). Board members, faculty, parents and former students will assess our program by looking at 15 standards of successful schools. The process will culminate with a site visit from the WELSSA and WRISA agencies in April.

4

Kevin Festerling

Not pictured: David Close

Andrew Duncan

Currently we are beginning our preparations for Christmas.

This year the preschool and kindergarten children will celebrate with a service on December 20, at 9:30 a.m. and grades 1-8 will lead the worship service on December 24, at 4:00 p.m. Both of these services will gather hundreds of our members, parents, grandparents

St. John’s school children participated in a special evening fellowship opportunity called Bedtime Blessings on Wednesday, October 29, which involved story time and Bible lessons while in their pajamas.

and extended family to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

We hope you will have the opportunity to join us!

In January, we hope to begin the process of adding a 1st grade teacher to our staff. We expect to have over 30 children in that grade and we have classes following that indicate the need for additional staffing will continue to grow. Please look for more information in the future to follow this effort.

Also in January we will begin the process of enrolling new students in preschool and kindergarten. Enrollment information will go out to our families and area WELS churches to invite them to consider the opportunities for Christian education at St. John’s. This is always an exciting time as we look to build classes for the future.

Next year’s incoming class will graduate from our school in 2025!

Brent Sigmund

This August we opened our school to 269 students in classes K3 to 8th grade. Our largest classroom is the 1st grade with 27 students. Our largest class is the K4 class of 34 students in the two classrooms taught by Mrs. Naomi Stein and Mrs. Leslie Campbell. We have three Mrs. Campbell’s on our staff this year, Mrs. Julie Campbell (an aid), Mrs. Leslie Campbell (K4) and Mrs. Alicia Campbell (second grade), our newest teacher. Our school has 10 full time teachers and four half-time teachers. Our teachers are assisted by four aids.

Teaching Anniversary Thank Yous

2014-15 St. John’s School Teachers

Thank you so much for putting together the service and reception for our teaching anniversaries.

What a blessing! It was so nice to gather with friends and family to give thanks. May God continue to bless Christian education in our midst.

Dave & Rita Allerheiligen

Mr. Scott Uecker Principal, Grade 8

Mrs. Christine Rindfleisch Grade 7

Mr. David Leyrer Athletic Director, Grade 6

Mr. Michael Henning Assistant Principal, Grade 5

Mr. David Allerheiligen Grade 4, Computer Science

Mrs. Greta Scharp Grade 3, Music, Jr. Choir Director

Mrs. Alicia Campbell Grade 2

Mrs. Terry Buske Grade 1

Mrs. Dana Leyrer Grade K5

Mrs. Naomi Stein Grade K4

Mrs. Leslie Campbell Grade K4

Mrs. Carrie Henning Grade K3

Thank you to all of the families who made Sunday’s celebration so wonderful. It has certainly been a blessing to be a part of the lives of so many children during these past 25 years of teaching.

The handwritten cards from St. John’s students were very, very special. A special thank-you to St. John’s staff for all of their time and effort in organizing such a meaningful anniversary reception.

It has also been a blessing to work with all of you.

Naomi Stein I want to express my thanks to you for hosting the recent celebration of 40 years of service to the church of my Lord Jesus Christ. Since 2001, I have been privileged to offer that service here at St. John’s. My service here has provided many satisfying, happy moments for me. For those moments, and the celebration of 40 years, I thank you.

Scott Uecker

Mrs. Rita Allerheiligen Grade K5

5

Board of Outreach

Member Testimonial

by Derek Campbell

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Bible studies and snacks, knowing that our members have access to applicable topics taught by the best instructors.

I’ve also been blessed to help with our new youth group ministry and am looking forward to its growth.

My wife, Alicia, our kids (Arya, 5 ½ and Kellen, 4), and I transferred to St. John’s in 2012. Arya was close to starting school and we’d heard great things about St. John’s.

But we were also looking for a church home. Not having grown up in a home of faith, I had little experience in what made a good church home or what I was looking for.

I considered Christ-centered sermons, a place to help me grow my faith through structured worship and guidance, opportunities to use my gifts, and feeling connected with fellow worshippers (a sense of community).

There was no shortage of opportunities to get involved and we knew if St. John’s was to be our church home, we needed to put ourselves out there. We signed up to be greeters, which placed us in the path of other members—literally. We then signed up to do snacks for Bible study, introducing me to members of the Adult Discipleship Committee. I expressed a passion and interest in Bible classes and was thrilled when they asked me to join. I have enjoyed helping organize St. John’s

The more I prayed about and followed through with how to use my gifts for God’s glory, the more he blessed my opportunities at St. John’s, home, and beyond.

As Christians, we know the joy received from living a Christ-centered life, but it’s another thing to do it, and we all need help and encouragement with that. St. John’s has provided me and my family that help through its pastors, people, and programs. It truly feels more and more like a community and not simply a Sunday gathering place.

Teaching Opportunity in East Asia

by Kevin Fedewa

6

International students at Wisco

Memorials

Micheal Skocir

In Memory of Katie (Bartkahn) Zauner November 13, from Betty Seidel to General Fund

Kurt Kolander

Kevin Fedewa

Eric Henne

We are looking for a number of teachers for a new high school in East Asia. This special high school prepares freshmen and sophomore high school students to complete their junior and senior years at American schools like Wisco and Luther Prep, in Watertown. These teaching positions include lodging, food, and a generous salary. If you or anyone you know is interested in a unique opportunity to serve abroad and would like to hear more, please contact Kevin Fedewa at kevin.fedewa@gmail.com.

Executive Board

by Mark Naumann

The Executive Board is responsible for executing the policies approved by the voters as well as overall long range planning of the affairs of the congregation.

Long Range Planning The Lord continues to bless St. John’s with growth in many areas: membership, worship and Bible study attendance, and school enrollment to name a few.

To serve this growing membership in the ways outlined in the congregation’s Mission/Vision document, the Board engaged Jon Johnson to lead a Long Range Planning Task Force to develop options for the congregation to fulfill the goals laid out in the Mission/Vision document. Major initiatives recommended by this task force include: school expansion, narthex expansion, and parking. The task force

Office Staffing After serving our congregation for almost 30 years, Lois Artlip announced her retirement. The board commissioned a group consisting of Pastor Leyrer, Brad Naumann, Christine Dittman, Larry Totsky, and Mark Naumann to review the position descriptions of the office assistant and office manager and revise as needed to improve efficiency of our devoted office staff at the school and church.

After a series of interviews, we were fortunate to hire Sharon Kieselhorst as our new Office Manager.

Bylaws Revision The Bylaws of the congregation no longer reflected current operations of the various boards and committees

Thank You From Lois Arlip

Thanks . . . for the lovely clock. It is a very special reminder of St. John’s and you, dear people.

Thank you . . . Thank you . . .

Thanks . . . for allowing me to labor for you and for the Kingdom for 29 years, 8 months and 5 days. It was a humbling experience and truly a work of love.

Until we all meet again.

Lois Artlip

and were in need of revision. The boards provided input on the revisions.

The revised copy was distributed to the congregation and input was received. We now have an updated set of Bylaws that were approved by the voters on September 2. These accurately reflect current functionality and processes.

2015 Spring Pathways Bible Studies Large Group: Christian Literature Pastor Kyle Bitter

Jan. 4-Feb. 15

A Study in 1 Corinthians Mr. Al Greschner Mar. 1-Mar. 29 Being a Christian in Our Congregation Pastor Eric Schroeder Apr. 12-May 17

Small Group: Maximum Impact: A Formula for Changing the World Rev. James Buske Jan. 4-18 The Marks of a Heathy Christian Church Rev. Ron Heins Feb. 1-15 The Lord’s Supper Rev. Dale Baumler

Mar. 1-29

Creation, Evolution, and the Relevance of Genesis Mr. William Krause Apr. 12-May 17

Bible Information Class:

New Bible Information Class Pastoral staff Begins Jan. 4

Pastor Schroeder

Pastor Leyrer

Thanks . . . for the many cards, gifts and the heart warming, touching thoughts and wishes expressed to me upon my retirement. Some made me cry, some made me laugh, some made me remember (glad and sad) and some surprised me by what you remembered and shared. All were much appreciated.

Pastor Bitter

delivered their report to the congregation on September 2. These proposals will require more discussion and review until a plan is agreed upon.

Pastor Yu

Executive Board Update

Not pictured: Mark Naumann Brian Treichel Jeff Quint Larry Totsky

7

Board of Elders

NEW MEMBERS

BY TRANSFER Dr. & Mrs Casey (Amanda) Holtz & Jacob & Adelyn from Grace, downtown Ms. Brianne Kluge from St. Paul’s, Slinger, Wis. Mr. & Mrs. Greg (Stephanie) Lamas and Simon & Adelaide from King of Kings, Garden Grove, Cal.

Ms. Johanna Sehloff from Mt. Olive, Mankato, Minn.

Mr. & Mrs. Peter (Amy) Stauffer & Lily & Stella

Mrs. Wendy Hernandez to St. Mark’s, Watertown, Wis. Mr. Christopher Lambrecht to Christ the Lord, Brookfield, Wis.

BY PROFESSION OF FAITH Mrs. Mara Morita & son, Ryan

BAPTISMS Kaitlyn Milroy, baptized 10/12/14 Aubrey Simon, baptized 11/5/14 Erin Siever, baptized 11/15/14 Dayanara Chavez, baptized 11/8/14

MEMBERS LEAVING TRANSFERRED TO SISTER CONGREGATIONS Mr. and Mrs. Jesse (Rebecca) Beier & Joshua to Good Shepherd, West Bend, Wis.

Worship With Us! Advent 2014:

Sundays: He Comes!

F November 30: Advent 1 He comes: To destroy and to save

F December 7: Advent 2 He comes: As long foretold

F December 14: Advent 3 He comes: But not as expected

F December 21: Advent 4 He comes: Be ready to receive him Wednesday Midweek Services:

F December 3: Midweek 1

F December 10: Midweek 2

F December17: Midweek 3: Koiné

Dan Pollesch

Tom Eddinger

F December 24: Christmas Eve Welcome the newborn king!

F December 25: Christmas Day Welcome God in human form!

F December 28: 1st Sunday after Christmas: Welcome God’s miracle revealed to YOU!

8

Epiphany 2015:

Series 1: Secrets of the Savior F January 4: Epiphany Festival

A secret hidden in plain sight F January 11: Baptism of our Lord

A secret revealed in baptism F January 18: Epiphany 2

A secret calling by the Word

Series 2: Why follow Jesus’ call?

F January 25: Epiphany 3

Because he is all we need

(Mission and Ministry Sunday) F February 1: Epiphany 4

Because he defeats Satan’s

dissent F February 8: Epiphany 5

Because he calls us personally F February 15: Transfiguration

Because we have seen his glory

Christmas 2014: Welcome, Jesus!

Not pictured: John Peterman Jon Johnson Kerry Kuehn

ASLEEP IN THE LORD Roy Feezor, 10/12/14 Carole Dresang, 11/19/14

Jeff Scheibe

Latest Membership Changes