Post on 30-Mar-2018
The Messenger (a monthly publication)
February 2015
This is my last newsletter
article to you treasured
children of God. It has
been an honor and a
privilege to serve you and
God in the capacity as your president.
It was quite an experience! I’ve had
many years on council as an at-large
member or as chair of some committee
or another. I’ve never had the position
of president. I now know the work that
is required. It was challenging and
enjoyable. From putting out little
‘fires’ to signing call papers for Pastor
Erik. Thank you for this growing
opportunity. My heartfelt gratitude and
now understanding of all our past
presidents and the work they did during
their time in the ‘hot seat’.
It is the middle of January as I write
this article and I, along with many
others, am getting ready for the annual
meeting. This takes a lot of
preparation from office staff and
anyone else who has a part in
presenting the activities and financial
status of the church to the
congregation. Your new president
took over the leadership role at the
close of the Annual Meeting and she
has stepped into a new experience and
will learn as she goes. I will help her
as much as I can. A side note: I am out
of commission for awhile as I recover
from surgery. Please pray for my
husband. I am going to get very bored
and that makes me cranky!!
There have been three meetings,
including a council meeting, that have
been trying to settle on a vision for St.
John’s. To realize a vision we need to
have a goal. The result of the first
(three hours!) meeting was a goal of
‘recruitment and retention of members
and volunteers’. This was brought to
council and after much discussion the
same goal was agreed upon. Same
result for the third meeting with other
invited members of the congregation.
So now we concentrate on the ‘how’.
This is a church of 1000 members and
we have a PAID staff of 5. Hm-m-m.
Kinda lopsided. That is why we need
members of the congregation to step up
and serve God and the church.
Matthew 9:37 says “ The harvest is
plentiful but the workers are few”. So
true!! We have a core group of people
who do the work now but, they are
getting tired. Pastor Erik and I have
compiled a booklet of the different
Ministry Teams and Standing
Committees. Please read through it
and find a place where you fit. I hope
you place your church near, if not at,
the top of your priority list. We are not
asking you to serve forever and a day.
Just until it no longer gives you joy to
serve in that capacity. That may be
two months or two years. Happy
serving!
The Lord bless you and keep you,
the Lord make his face to shine upon
you and be gracious unto you, the
Lord turn his face toward you and
give you peace.
Barb M.
Calendar of Events
Feb. 6 - Sweetheart’s Dinner
12 - Eventide Service
18 - Ash Wednesday
Mar. 4 - Ave Maria Service
8 - Ave Maria Service
21 - German Supper
29 - Palm Sunday
February 17
Souper Bowl of Caring
February 1st 11:30 to
12:30
There will be a
Free will offering
Bring a non-perishable
food item
2
Faith Practices Take Practice
Lent begins on February 18th this year.
Lent is a time to pay particular attention to
the way our faith lives and our capacity to
practice our faith are working together. The
overall theme of the season of Lent is to “return to the
LORD your God.” This year, our readings from the Old
Testament during Lent lift up the various covenants that
God has made with us. We hear the story of Abraham
and Sarah, of Moses on Mt. Sinai, of the healing power
of the cross, among others. We do not “do” Lent to pass
the time until Easter. We live through Lent and
experience the presence of God in our lives, calling us
back into relationship in a particular way.
Popular piety often leads people to give up
something for Lent. Self discipline and a reminder that
God is in control are good things. But this year, I
encourage everyone to rethink the purpose of Lent: to
hear anew the promises of the covenants that God has
made with us. Adopt a faith practice that will challenge
you to grow in your faith. That could be in the realm of
Worship, or a Discussion Group, participating in a daily
devotional, or a bible study. Embrace the opportunities
that are available to expand your faith life into a new
area, or to deepen your appreciation of a familiar one.
Look for a master schedule of all of the Lenten
opportunities as a bulletin insert in February and on the
website. There will also be sign-up sheets for Discussion
Groups posted in the Narthex and online. Lent is a time
of repentance and renewal in the church. We enter this
season with the expectation that God meets us there and
walks with us through these forty days.
Pr. Erik Council Highlights
The Worship team is looking into the possibility of forming
some smaller seasonal teams to help plan worship services
for the different seasons. The hope is to get more volunteers
if the time commitment is shorter.
Levi Klose did some work in the Sunday school rooms in
Fellowship Hall for his Eagle Scout project. Everything is
complete and the rooms look great.
Council has decided to start advertising for a new Choir
Director as Paige will be done in May. At this time it was
decided to look for a Choir Director and not a Minister of
Music.
A survey was handed out to 25 people at the 9am and
10:45am worship services one Sunday in December. Pastor
Erik shared the results of the 9am survey, the 10:45am results
should be done in the near future. The survey focused on:
variety of hymns, preference for prelude/postlude, perception
of choir frequency, sermon location preference and
communion distribution preference.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Paulson, secretary
Lenten Suppers 6:15pm
(following worship)
Lenten suppers are being organized by
Jamie Dallmann, JoAnn Deede, Sharon
Dockter, Lila Stokkeland, Shirley Unverferth and Gerry
Perleberg. Join us for a meal each Wednesday after Lenten
services. Please post menu schedule for future reference.
Lenten Supper Menu – 2015
Ash Wednesday-February 18 (Sharon & Shirley)
Knoephla Soup, Egg salad sandwiches/buns
February 25 (JoAnn)
Chicken Tortilla Soup, BBQ’s, Potato Chips,
Build-a-sandwich w/home-baked bread
March 4 (Gerry)
BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Frog-eye salad, Potato Chips,
Relish Tray
March 11 (Lila & Jamie)
Fish Chowder, Chili, Build-a sandwich w/home-baked bread
March 18 (Sharon & Shirley)
Macaroni/hamburger hotdish, Corn, Garlic Bread
March 25 (JoAnn)
Sausage-sauerkraut hotdish, Chicken hotdish, dinner rolls
All of the above meals served with beverages and dessert
(menus may be subject to change). Free-will offering.
Attend the Child in Our Hands Fundraiser
Sweetheart’s Dinner
Friday, February 6th
See page 8 for more details
3
Sabbatical Notes from Pr. Suzi-
I have started and restarted this article about 30 times. It is so hard for me to even start to put into words a summary
of this sabbatical. So first, I guess I really should start with a big thank you! Thanks you for this gift of time for me to
renew, refresh, reimagine and simply relax. This will be a quick summary of my time away, in later February or early
March I will be submitting of formal report to the council and I hope each month this coming year I will write an
article that will expand on this summary. I've heard a few questions again and again...here are the answers:
Q: Did you get to go somewhere warm? ( yes, it must be winter in ND)
A: yes, I did. I enjoyed a cruise in the western Caribbean, a week at a retreat center in Phoenix, Arizona and some time in the
Orlando area. Other traveling I have yet to do (not so warm) is to Detroit, MI. This trip will be to the annual conference I attend
called the Extravaganza. I know this will be a great way to continue/conclude the sabbatical time.
Q: Did you get to spend time with family?
A: yes, quite a lot actually. I am very blessed to have the chance to spend thanksgiving and Christmas with my family. My
home base during most of this sabbatical was my brother and sister-in-laws home in Minneapolis. I have very much enjoyed
getting to know my 2.5 year old niece on a new level and was able to be there to care for her when her baby sister was born in mid
-December. The amount of joy this has brought me can not be described.
Q: What have you learned while on sabbatical?
A: this is the question that I could filled up pages writing about (which will come with my formal report). Here are a few key
learning moments I have had:
first, I can finally understand what it truly means to take a 2.5 year old to worship by yourself,
second, retreating to Arizona in January is soothing for the mind, body and soul,
third, I have done lots of thinking about the books I have read and in the end most of my answers cannot be found without being in
conversation with the people of St. John's,
fourth, I have learned from all the conversations I have had with various leaders that the words community and relationship are
key to who we are as God's people.
Q: What books/topics have your read about?
A: my goal was to read seven books while on sabbatical, and as of writing this in mid-January I have finished 6 and have
started the 7th. Here is a quick recap of the book and the wonderings I have because of reading:
children's ministry--are we teaching our children and youth about Jesus or are we showing them Jesus
Habitat for humanity--how are we living out the theology of the hammer? How can we work alongside people to show them the
gospel rather than just tell them?
Social Media--this book will take much more unpacking but I am pondering what is our Big Idea (or purpose) and now are we
communicating this to all generations?
Welcoming--how can the current members grow in their faith because of the presence of newcomers?
Portable Faith--how to live in the kingdom of God knowing it extends far beyond the four walls of our building
Rethinking faith in the digital age-- the church of Christ has journeyed through many different eras, how are we doing at living
into the era we find ourselves in?
Each of these books will be unpacked further in my formal report and do hope each will foster conversation with different ministry
teams and leadership. If any of the topics above peak your interest I would love to have more conversation with you.
Q: have you missed the people of St. John's and Jamestown?
A: YES. I am grateful for the support to be away, but I have thought about everyone often. As I get back into the swing of
life in Jamestown I want to hear your stories, I want to know how your life has changed over the past 14 weeks.
I hope this brief summary has started to let you know what I have been up to the last 14 weeks. I know that as I transition back to
life in full time ministry I will continue to need your support and prayers. This time of renewal has given me a new sense of call
and has offered a time for me to reflect and ponder, pray and play. I also know that a lot of what I have been thinking about will
need much more time and conversation to truly see the fruits of this thought. I look forward to being with all of you again and
having your join me as I continue to reflect, ponder, pray and play.
Pr. Suzi
Note: We welcome Pr. Suzi back in worship at both services on February 8th
4
S T E W A R D S H I P
In Memory of: Given by:
Sanctuary Refurbishment
Walter Remmick Margie Schrenk
Florence Goehner
Alvin Peterson Florence Goehner
Mert Schulz’s Grandson Grace Walz
Vince Gregor Grace Walz
Marge Lange
Florence Goehner
Daniel & Sharon Dockter
Charles & Connie Wells
Margie Schrenk
Mark & Bonnie Ukestad
Shirley Unverferth
Don & Marilyn Ekre
Gerhardt & Gayl Lange
Betty Frigen
General Fund
Vince Gregor Gavin & Rhonda Kutz
Lay Sacramentarians
Walter Remmick Grace Walz
Media Legacy Fund
Vince Gregor James & Jan Thompson
In Honor of: Given by:
Sanctuary Refurbishment
Lois Knudson Grace Walz
In Thankfulness of many
Blessings Gerhardt & Gayl Lange
MEDICAL GIFT ASSISTANCE
St. John’s has been blessed once again with a financial
gift designated specifically to help people with their
medical needs, such as ongoing cancer treatments. Do
you or someone you know have a medical need that
requires travel, overnight stays or treatments? This gift
is not just for members of St. John’s but for anyone in
and around the Jamestown area. What a wonderful
opportunity for St. John’s to help those in need. This gift
is designed to help the people of our community offset
medical expenses and transportation costs while they are
seeking medical treatment. If you know someone that
has a medical need please call Bonnie Ukestad, Business
Manager at the church office 252-1198 or email
bonnie@st-johnslutheran.org
By Bonnie Ukestad, Business Manager
Has This Ever Happened to You?
The ushers come forward to begin the Offertory col-
lection process. You lean over and ask your spouse
if she has the envelope? She replies that she left it
on the table for you to put in your pock-
et. Ooops! No envelope to give this week! In the
rush of getting off to church, we all forget the enve-
lope once in a while. Check out an easier way to
give. It’s simple! It’s safe! And it keeps God at the
top of your giving list!
Giving Greener
Are you trying to cut down on the paper you
use? Is the check you write to St. John’s one of the
few checks that you write anymore? You can give
greener by using our Simply Giving Program. Call
Bonnie Ukestad, Business Manager and ask for a
Simply Giving Form. You can set up the amount
that you would like to give on a schedule that meets
your needs and you never have to worry about writ-
ing another check, forgetting your envelope, or hav-
ing cash in your wallet. St. John’s greatly appreci-
ates all those who choose to give in this manner as
it helps us maintain a consistent cash flow and pay
all of our bills in a timely manner.
Special Thanks to Our Electronic Givers
St. John’s Lutheran would like to thank the families
who are currently giving electronically. You may not
see these fellow parishioners place an envelope in
the basket every week, but their consistent giving
does not go unnoticed. Each month we receive a
steady and predictable stream of income from those
donors who have made the commitment to give to
God first by having a designated contribution auto-
matically transferred to St. John’s through our elec-
tronic Simply Giving Program. If you would like to
learn more about this easy, safe and secure way of
giving, please contact Bonnie Ukestad, Business
Manager 252-1198 or bonnie@st-johnslutheran.org.
5
Greetings and God’s Blessings to All!
Noah’s Ark Nursery welcomed a couple new teachers this
past month. We are happy to have them join our room.
Our babies have been busy as well. We had one make her
way to the toddler room, she was ready for her new
adventure but we sure miss her in here everyday. Our little
one is growing stronger and stronger each day, she is
rolling over by herself before we know it she will be sitting
all by herself. Our other two are zipping all over the room.
They keep very busy and love to help any way they can.
We also had 2 new babies start. We are happy to have
them; it is nice to have some boys after we have had all
girls in the room for so long.
God’s Little Lambs we busy with many projects this
month. They colored, painted, etc. They are so proud of
their masterpieces when they are all finished. Now that the
weather has gotten a little nicer outside we have been
getting out for walks and time on the playground. The
fresh air is so nice, even if we are out for only a short time.
In the Caring Cross there has been a lot happening. They
had many activities such as painting with shaving cream,
footprint snowmen, pictures, and painting just to name a
few. They have also been getting some outside time in as
well with the nicer days. The kids enjoy taking the walking
rope for walks or just some time to run on the playground.
If the weather has been too yucky they have used
Fellowship Hall to play some games or exercise time to
help run off some energy.
Promise Land Preschool held their program for their
parents before the Christmas break. All of the groups did a
wonderful job; they worked hard to learn their songs and
the actions to their songs as well. They also caroled at a
couple of the nursing homes in town practicing their songs.
They also did their angel tree project. Out of all our
preschool sessions we raised enough money to purchase
gifts for 6 children in Jamestown. We are so blessed with
such wonderful giving families. The afternoon group spent
an afternoon with the youth group making sugar cookies
and fluffy reindeer tails. They really enjoy the time they
have with the “big kids,” I think the big kids enjoyed their
time just as much when you watch them all interacting
together.
Sarah Lacher, Director
February 18th Ash Wednesday Service
12:15 pm - Imposition of Ashes
5:30 pm - Communion with imposition of Ashes
Lent Wednesday Worship at 5:30pm
-The Great Covenants-
During Lent this year, Wednesday worship will lift up and
focus on the gifts of God’s covenants with us throughout our
faith story.
Feb 25 - Abraham and Sarah – Our Faith Ancestors
Mar 4 - Gift of Law – God’s Good Fences
Mar 11 - Look and Live - Healing Service
Mar 18 - New Covenant - Foot washing Mar 25 - Baptismal Covenant – Baptismal Remembrance
Ecumenical Lent Worship Services
11:45 am Soup & Sandwiches 12:15pm Worship
Feb. 25 - St John's Lutheran Topic:
Blessed are the poor in spirit and
those who mourn
March 4 - AMV Topic: Blessed
are the Meek
March 11 - Trinity Lutheran Topic: Blessed are
the Hungry--Followed by the JMA meeting
March 18 - Victory Lutheran Topic: Blessed are
the Merciful
March 25 - UCC Topic: Blessed are the Pure of
Heart
April 3 Good Friday - St. Paul's Methodist on the
topic: Blessed are the Peacemakers and those who
are persecuted for Jesus' sake.
6
Thanks to Our Volunteers
Ushers: Jer ry & Lorene Iverson, Darrell & Jeanne
Rosemore, Walter Klundt, Bob & Arlene Bitterman, Glenn
Johnson, David Gasal, Jim Walters, Lloyd Landscoot, Rod
Monson, John Gerdes, Jim & Paulette Ritter
Lay Liturgists: Sandy Franke, Gavin Kutz, Char lie Wells
Readers: Sandy Franke, Felicia Sargeant, Cindy Wolff,
Anjie Horn, Gavin Kutz, Jim Ritter, Ashley Roeske, Gerry
Perleberg
Communion Assistants: Car l Franke, Scott Franke, Anjie
Horn, Ashley Roeske, Tara Kapp, Gavin & Rhonda Kutz, Lois
Knudson, Jim Ritter, Shelly Moltzen, Connie Wells,
Art & Gerry Perleberg
Greeters: Melvin & Pauline Roemmich, Leah Mitchell,
John & Cindy Kleven, Pam Golde, Jeff & Gail Falck, Alden &
DeLanda Kollman, Mary Himmerich
Projection Screen Operators: Cindy Willey, Char
Perleberg, Glen Striefel, Ken Gumke, Frank Perleberg,
Nathan Askew
Fellowship/Coffee Hour Servers: Co-op Chair
persons: Marge Schrenk and Lorene Iverson, Council
Van Drivers: Dan Dockter , Tom Ender le, John
Kleven, Howard Weispfenning, Jr.
2014/2015 Radio Sponsorship
February 1 Myron & LaDona Tarno
8 Gerhardt & Gayl Lange
15 Melva Oak
22 Denise Steele
March 1 Ken & Pam Daugs
8 Jerry & Darlene Michel
15 Grace Walz & Marion Drenth
22 Julie Schulz
29 Meinhardt & Juanita Veil
(St. John’s 9:00 am worship service is broadcast Sunday morning
over KSJB radio (600) or computer www.KSJBam.com.)
2014/2015 Altar Flower Sponsorship
February 1 Tom & Joan Enderle
8 Darwin & Pauline Roeske
15 Melva Oak
22 Denise Steele
March 1 June Batsch
8 Ken & Pam Daugs
15
22 Julie Schulz
29 June Batsch
Ministry Acts
Weddings
None
Funerals
January 3 Vincent Gregor
10 James Greenstein
Baptisms
January 4 Ada Lynn Joy Gartner
18 Ellie Adelyne Paulson
Disciples sent out to make a difference in God’s name &
Contributions to God’s mission:
Date Attendance Total Offering
Dec. 3(Midweek) 77 $ 525.40
7 294 $ 12,695.50
10(Midweek) 99 $ 668.00
14 325 $ 8,670.00
17(Midweek) 84 $ 711.00
21 228 $ 12,841.00
24 527 $ 5,850.75
25 50 $ 780.00
28 160 $ 96,294.00
31 0 $ 0.00
______________________________________
Total $ 49,035.65
General Fund $ 36,795.65
Designated Funds $ 12,240.00
Total $ 49,035.65
Promissory Note Payoff (thru the end of Dec.) : $17,857.37
Acolytes: Kayla Reimers, Emily Sargeant, Hannah
Sjostrom, Dawson Mee, Macy Steele, Kylie Herman, Andrew
Walz, Paris Eslick
2015 Coffee Hour Sponsorship
Do you enjoy Fellowship/Coffee
Hour in between Worship Services?
Thank you to the Co-op Chairs for hosting the
1st and 3rd Sunday of the month.
All the other Sunday’s of the month
are in need of sponsorship. Please
call Ashley Roeske to Sponsor a
Coffee Hour at 269-1385.
7
These are the remaining 2015
radio broadcast and altar
flower sponsorships dates. The
cost is $20 for altar flowers and
$165 for the radio broadcast. It is a nice
way to honor or memorialize a loved one.
Contact Brenda at the church office for
more information at 252-1198 or email at
brendap@st-johnslutheran.org
Altar Flowers
Mar.15
Announcing: Annual German Supper
Saturday, March 21, 2015
4:30 - 6:30 pm
We are preparing for German Supper 2015! The
date is set for March 21st. We are anticipating a
wonderful night of good food and good
fellowship! As always, we will need your help to
make this a success. We are asking for donations
of groceries or financial support for purchasing
the groceries, as well as help with the preparation.
Listed below are items needed for the supper so if
you are willing to donate items (or a portion of
the item), please check the appropriate box and
return form to church office:
1 cans fruit fresh
2 cans cooking spray
10 pounds raw rice (not Minute rice)
5 pounds yellow onions
2 cans coffee
Lemonade mix to make 10 gallons
2 - 64 oz. cans of tomato sauce
3 - 50 oz. cans of tomato soup
6 - 1 gallon cans of sauerkraut
3 gallons of whole milk
4 gallons of 2% milk
8 pounds stick butter
8 German chocolate cakes
5 jelly roll pans of Kuchen Bars
30 loaves of homemade bread
5 lbs. of carrots
4 stalks celery
3 - 16 oz. jars chicken soup base
2 bottles of dish soap
500 Napkins
500 Styrofoam cups, serving plates, soup
bowls
80 pounds Stan’s Super Value Breakfast
Sausage (in Wishek)
50 pounds ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
Financial support to cover the cost of the
meat
Name________________________________
Phone #______________________________
Have you ever wanted to send a card or note to
someone going through grieving the death of a
loved one but weren’t able to find just the right
words? Our “Care Notes” are back and located
on the East wall of the narthex (next to the cry
room). These are small pamphlets that cover a
lot of different kinds of grief. They are free
for you to take and use as you wish. This is one
of the ministries sponsored by St. John’s
Touched By An Angel group. They may be just
the right thing to include with a sympathy card
or to give to someone going through a very
difficult time. Check it out today!
Care Notes
Coming Soon...Lent Book Study!
Do you like to read? Do you just read when you
have to?
Either way you will enjoy the book we will be
reading for our Lent Book Study this year. I
promise you will enjoy it and it won’t feel like
homework!
More information will be
coming
Pr. Suzi
8
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 1
Jamestown, ND
58401
Worship Services
Sundays
~ 9:00 am
~ 10:45 am
Wednesdays
~ 5:30 pm
Holy Communion
All Worship Services
Church Office 701-252-1198
Fax 701-252-0731
Preschool/Child Care 701-252-1903 Website: www.st-johnslutheran.org
Email: stjohns@st-johnslutheran.org
STAFF OF
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN
Senior Pastor Erik Weber
Associate Pastor Suzanne Orlopp
Business Manager Bonnie Ukestad
Admin. Secretary Brenda Pigors
Custodian Frank Perleberg
Child In Our Hands
Director
Sarah Lacher
Choir Director
Paige Meyer
Choir Accompanist
Rachel Shannon
Organists/Pianists Claudia Wolf
Rachel Shannon
St. John’s Lutheran Church
424 First Avenue South
PO Box 1309
Jamestown, ND 58402-1309
Change Service Requested
Sweetheart’s Dinner
Cost: $15.00 per ticket (per person) (Limited amount of tickets available)
Friday, February 6th 5:30pm & 7:00pm
Fellowship Hall St. John’s Lutheran Church
Enjoy a romantic meal without children.
Let us serve you: Lasagna Rolls or Smothered Chicken on Rice
along with Salad, Vegetable, Beverage and Dessert.
To purchase tickets please contact a Child Care Center Parent, Governing Board Member or stop in the Preschool Office.
Sarah Lacher, Director 252-1903
Fundraiser for Child In Our Hands