ANNUAL REPORT 2016 - Star of Bethlehem · PDF filePresident [email protected]...

ANNUAL REPORT 2016

364 DAYS OF THANKSGIVING

STAR OF BETHLEHEM EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH

NEW BERLIN, WISCONSIN

Star of Bethlehem Ev. Lutheran Church (WELS)

3700 South Casper Drive New Berlin, Wisconsin 53151

Church Phone (262) 786-2900

School Phone (262) 786-2901

CHURCH COUNCIL

Pastor John Gawrisch Aaron Betry (262) 786-6473 Financial Secretary

[email protected] (414) 550-4631 [email protected] Pastor Jonathan Nitz (262) 786-1595 Rich Raether

[email protected] Treasurer (262) 894-5022 Pastor Jacob Schwartz [email protected] (262) 505-4272

[email protected] Jason Goede Board of Education Chairman Timothy Mueller (414) 690-9350 Principal [email protected] (608) 567-9909 [email protected] Larry Schaefer Board of Trustees Chairman Gene Szaj (262) 679-1801 President [email protected] (262) 814-0346 [email protected] Doug Frievalt Outreach Committee Chairman Mark Gerhard (414) 502-2835 Secretary [email protected] (262) 754-1452 [email protected] Curtis Leppanen Stewardship Committee Chairman Paul Voss (414) 731-3149 Board of Elders Chairman [email protected] (262) 309-2690 [email protected]

Sincere thanks to all of the people listed on the pages that follow, who help in so many ways to serve our Lord and to make Star of Bethlehem Church and School what it is! Your help has been greatly appreciated! Your Christian service and generous support will be needed in the future, just as you have faithfully rendered it in the past. Sincere thanks for all of your time, talents and ongoing efforts.

mailto:[email protected]













BOARDS & COMMITTEES BOARD OF ELDERS AUDIO VISUAL SECRETARIAL SUPPPORT Paul Voss, Chairman Joel Aldinger, Coordinator Jodi Wandschneider Cody Fitzwilliams Julie Robles

Tom Geske ALTAR COMMITTEE Alicia Kobishop

Brian Gulrud Marilyn Armstrong Wendy Schoeneck Tom Luepke Pat Corner

Kris Olson Debbie Stelzner BOARD OF EDUCATION Chad Burow Nancy Sudfeld Jason Goede, Charimann Steve Pielmeier Chuck & Sherry Wichmann Chad Biesterfeld Brad Reinhardt Dan Knoll

Blair Schaper CHURCH DECORATING Bradon Mattox

Gibby Loberg Vicky Alf Dan Ott Betsy Kenyon Brad Wetzel

SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Brad Reinhardt, Chairman ALTAR FLOWERS DAY SCHOOL FACULTY Joanne Colasacco Carol Wendt Michelle Yass, Preschool Director Wendy Gawrisch Terry Bergum Jenny Treuden, Preschool Barbara Goldsmith Nancy Albrecht Kristine Witt, Preschool Cheryl Reinhardt Heidi Biesterfeld Rebekah Daley, Preschool Aide Pastor Nitz Lisa Pesick, Preschool Aide

Bob Stark BAPTISMAL NAPKINS Michele Eschenbacher, ELC

Linda Nimmer Jenni Sundby, ELC

BIBLE STUDY SET UP Jessica Novotny, Kindergarten

Wendy Gawrisch STAR NEWSLETTER Betty Bilitz, 1st Grade

Rhonda & Wally Werner Janice Peltzer Denise Bloomquist, 2nd

Grade Heather Gagnon, 3

rd Grade

WORSHIP COMMITTEE FRIENDSHIP REGISTERS Becky Aldinger, 4th Grade

Brad Abel, Chairman Nancy Albrecht Dan Larabee, 5th Grade

Steve Pielmeier, Elders Rep. Pat Corner Shawn Riesop, 6th Grade

Becky Aldinger, Worship Music Coordinator Doris Lunow Heidi Biesterfeld, 7th Grade

Joel Aldinger Karen Westphal Timothy Mueller, Principal/Grade 8 Susan Abel Erin Schwartz, English/Writing/Spelling

Pastor Gawrisch CRADLE ROLL

Brian Gulrud Amy Goede HOME & SCHOOL ASSOC. Pastor Nitz Dan Neuwirth, President

Ben Nolte OUTREACH COMMITTEE Kelly Curtis, Secretary-Treasurer

Doug Frievalt, Chairman Stefanie Herbert, Activity Coordinator

ORGANISTS Jonathon Lindloff Suzanne Walter, Fundraising Coordinator

Becky Aldinger Karen McAdams

Juanita Becker Norma Osterndorf STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE Betty Bilitz Pastor NItz Curtis Leppanen, Chairman Denise Bloomquist Tracy Reichardt Vicky Alf Jan Fleming Barb Tesch Marc Meyer Charles Habeck Pastor Gawrisch

Phil Roever TEEN BIBLE CLASS Suzanne Walter

Pastor Nitz

CHOIRS Senior Vicar Schwartz

Becky Aldinger, Mixed Choir, Praise Band,

Brass, Jubilation Choir CONCESSION STAND

Jan Fleming, Handbells J.A.M. Jessica Novotny

Chip Tesch, Men’s Choir Christine Schnabl Michelle Yass Michele Eschenbacher

HEAD USHER Michelle Olson

Tom Geske Jamie Olson Tom Luepke Barb Reneau

BOARD OF TRUSTEES FINANCE COMMITTEE TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE Larry Schaefer, Chariman Cal Patterson, Chairman Diane Amby Dave McAdams Aaron Betry Don Amby Joshua Nitz Steve Henke Ryan Frank Mike Reneau Larry Jakubowski Robert June Larry Schaefer, Jr. Ryan Olson Rob June Eric Westin Glenn Reinhardt Dan Larabee Jim Zaborowski Nancie Urban Tim Mueller Rich Raether Kris Olson

LAWN CARE Rich Raether

Steve Pielmeier STAR CARES FUND Chip Tesch

Ben Pielmeier Ken Imig Mike Walter Bill Wandschneider Tom Geske

Tom Luepke CALLED WORKER CARE FLOWER BEDS Gene Szaj Dave Kenyon, Chairman

Bob Dummer Jesse Treuden Randy Alf Pastor Gawrisch Vicky Alf

CHURCH SIGN Joanne Colasacco

Jim & Shelly Garbe COUNTING COMMITTEE Tanya Gerhard

Linda Abel Ken Imig

SNOW REMOVAL Don Achatz Cheryl Imig

Andy Kasten Christen Austad Betsy Kenyon Cody Dieter Jason Bartelt Stephanie Neuwirth Brian Gulrud Eric Curtis Wendy Schoeneck Larry Schaefer Sr. Kelly Curtis Nancie Urban Larry Schaefer Jr. Bob Dummer

Julie Henke MEMBER CONNECTIONS FOOD COMMITTEE Steve Henke Karen Westphal

Nancy Dernbach, Co-Chair Kirt Miller Carole Luepke

Jan Fleming, Co-Chair Mike Olson Tom Luepke Vicky Alf Kent Oren Nan Szaj Kathy Achatz Glenn Reinhardt Gene Szaj Nancy Albrecht Linda Smith Ed Tippelt Karen Hanson Jan Tippelt

LaVerne Oberneder PARISH NURSING Brad Purpus

Joy Patterson Donald Nimmer, MD, Coordinator Stephanie Purpus Nancy Salentine Susan Abel, RN Mya Sparacino Nan Szaj Kathy Achatz, RN Deb Linsmeyer Jan Tippelt Heather Austad, RN Betty Bilitz Stephanie Neuwirth, MD Kristin Magner

STRATEGIC PLANNING Nancie Urban, RN Dave Kenyon

Dave Schoeneck, Chairman Rachel Wittig-Oman, RN Betsy Kenyon Pastor Gawrisch Rhonda Werner, RN Paul Voss Pastor NItz Megan Wetzel, RN Randy Alf Pastor Schwartz Sandra Zaborowski, MA Vicky Alf Tim Mueller

Randy Alf LINDEN GROVE VOLUNTEERS TOMORROW’S CHOICE Ed Carow Nancy Albrecht Michelle Garbe Dave Rodgers Cindy Breber Vicky Alf Phil Roever Pat Corner

Lee Westphal LaVerne Oberneder WISCONSIN LUTHERAN H.S. Gene Szaj Steve Henke

LIBRARY COMMITTEE Dan Larabee

Kathi Jakubowski, Chair Mike Olson Jan Fleming Pastor Nitz

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Dear members of our Star of Bethlehem family; Greetings in our generous God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! In Psalm 100, the unknown psalmist considers it a wonderful privilege to worship God in his house. He is mindful of his sinful unworthiness, and the fact that he doesn’t deserve to set foot in such a holy and awesome place. But he has a Savior who has cleansed his hands and his feet from all sin, and enabled him to go through those doors of his church and enter the sanctuary of God’s house with thanksgiving in his heart and praise on his lips every time he has the opportunity to do so. Now nothing in the whole world could keep him away from worshipping the Lord in his house together with his people! The psalmist knows full well that this grateful worship here on earth is just a sampling of the far greater thanksgiving and endless praises that we will joyously bring before our Savior’s throne in God’s glorious house in heaven forever. There we will join all those who have known God’s undeserved love and experienced his faithfulness throughout every generation of history; past, present and future. That is why we are happy to worship our God regularly in his house together with his people whenever we have the opportunity to do so. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. We have had the special blessing and privilege of worshiping our saving God in his house for another 365 days. We have been the recipients of God’s faith-creating and faith-strengthening Word and Sacraments for another year. We have enjoyed receiving the encouragement from those who worshiped with us and, in many cases, overcame obstacles and jostled schedules in order to do so. We have grown in our knowledge of God’s Word and appreciation for his grace by journeying again from the manger to the cross and to the empty tomb. We have rejoiced in the fact that our Savior lived, died and rose again! How meaningless and hopeless our lives would be without Christmas and Easter. We have been blessed by the Holy Spirit, as we returned to Jerusalem for Pentecost and realized the significance of each Sunday after Pentecost all the way to End Times; including Reformation, Last Judgment, Saints Triumphant and closing the Church Year with Christ the King. Sandwiched in between those weekends, and certainly not overlooked or taken for granted, is our joyous celebration of Thanksgiving. Far more than just one day each year in November, our Thanksgiving Day worship is the launching pad for a whole year of thanksliving for all of the undeserved blessings we have received from our gracious Lord for our bodies and souls for another 365 days.

Our stewardship emphasis for this year was entitled, 364 Days of Thanksgiving. It reminded us of how we can be thankful everyday for the blessings God gives us. The three-week emphasis with special Services, Bible Classes, and an opportunity to plan our individual giving for the coming year was on November 6, 13 and 20. Similar to the very abundant way in which God blessed your planned, percentage, cheerful and generous offering commitments last year for the work of his kingdom, you were invited to evaluate your resources and to plan your giving again for 2017. You were reminded to return your commitments to Star of Bethlehem. Your commitments were then placed on the altar, because our giving is an important part of our worship, remained sealed, and were returned to you at the conclusion of our stewardship emphasis. A unique part of the 364 Days of Thanksgiving program was a book by author Pastor Andrew C. Schroer and published by Northwestern Publishing House by that same title. This devotional book was also a journal, in which you were invited to write down a different blessing from the Lord for each of the next 364 days. Many of our members are still in the midst of that challenge. You could certainly do that with your own notebook at home, if you wanted to still attempt to start recording a different blessing everyday for the next 364 days. May God enable each one of us to grow in our ability to recognize and to appreciate God’s abundant blessings during the next 364 days. May our gratitude for God’s greatest gifts, a Savior from sin and the certain hope of eternal life, move us all to return our generous and proportionate offerings to him during the next 364 days for the extension of his kingdom. May the Holy Spirit move us all to faithfully utilize the privilege of coming to his house and join our hearts and voices with our brothers and sisters in Christ with gratitude each week during the next 364 days for his countless blessings. May God bless each one of you and our congregation during the next 364 days of thanksgiving throughout 2017. What really could ever keep you away from worshiping our God together with his people in God’s house? May we rededicate ourselves in this new year of God’s grace to the commitment expressed by the psalmist with overwhelming gratitude and unrestrained joy.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Psalm 100:4-5

Highlights of 2016

From Christ to Constantine Bible Class by President Ken Fisher of WLHS begins on Jan. 10

Living Generously Celebration Services on Jan. 16-18

Annual Voters’ Meeting on Jan. 26

Biblical Buzzwords Bible Class begins on Feb. 7

Ash Wednesday on Feb. 10

Lenten Series Ironies of the Passion shared by area WELS Pastors

Lenten Meals served on Feb. 10, 24 and March 9

Examination Service on March 13

Bowling/Silent Auction Event on March 13

Easter for Kids on March 19

Palm Sunday / Confirmation on March 20 (Fix Your Eyes on Jesus)

Maundy Thursday Communion Service on March 24 (1st Communion for Confirmands)

Good Friday Worship Services on March 25 (Enhanced by Adult Mixed Choir)

Easter Services on March 27 at 7:00 & 9:30 a.m.

Easter Breakfast served between Services on March 27

Reclaiming Our Lutheran Devotional Heritage Bible Class begins on April 3

Voters Meeting on April 24 (Member Connections Team and Called Worker Care Team approved)

Social Dinner at The Machine Shed on April 24

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words Bible Class led by Steve Zellmer of WLHS on May 1

Ascension Day Service on May 5

Star 5K Walk or Run on May 7

Grandparents’ Day on May 12

Family Night on May 12

Work Day on May 14

MLC Call Day and Graduation of Kayla Schoeneck on May 14 (Called to Onalaska Lutheran High School)

Door Collection for Sharing His Mission (Aleks Abel, James Metz and Ryan Wenzel to Tucson, AZ)

Lutheran Elementary School’s Closing and Graduation Service on May 26

School Picnic on May 27

Southeastern Wisconsin District Convention on June 14-15 at WLC

Door Collection for Camp Phillip on June 19

Door Collection for Kayla Schoeneck on July 17 (Godspeed)

Summer Bible Camp July 18-22 (Camp Phillip provided Counselors)

Voters’ Meeting on July 24 (Approval of new Organizational Structure and call a Senior Vicar from WLS)

Church Picnic on July 31 at Calhoun Park

Men’s Softball wins Division on Aug. 9

Denise Bloomquist installed as 2nd Grade Teacher and Assistant Athletic Director and John Schwartz installed as Senior Vicar on Aug. 21

Lutheran Elementary School’s Opening Service on Aug. 24

Senior Picnic on Aug. 31

Mark Ricke Bible Class begins “Water and the Word” on Sept. 11 and following

Open Forums on Sept. 26 and 29 (Proposed Constitution and Bylaws)

Pastor Jacob Schwartz installed as an Associate Pastor on Oct. 23 (Outreach, Youth and Family Ministry) with a reception after the Service

Voters’ Meeting on Oct. 25

Adult Bible Class on Civil Government on Oct. 9 and following

Reformation Services on Oct. 29-31 (Pastor Schwartz’s first sermons)

Area Reformation Service at Carroll University on Oct. 30

364 Days of Thanksgiving Stewardship emphasis on Nov. 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21 coupled with Bible Classes with the same themes on those weekends

Chili Cookoff and Silent Auction for Star Cares Fund on Nov. 6

Thanksgiving Services on Nov. 23-24

Adult Bible Class Your Questions Please began on Nov. 27

Advent by Candlelight on Nov. 27

Midweek Advent Services begin on Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and 14 (The Messiah in the Psalms)

Decorating for Christmas Season on Dec. 2 (New Christmas tree and other decorations purchased plus new MICs for the church purchased)

Preschool Christmas Service and Reception on Dec. 17

Choral/Instrumental Christmas Concert and Reception on Dec. 18

Linden Grove Health Care Center Christmas Service and Gift Distribution on Dec. 21

Christmas Eve Services by Star of Bethlehem children on Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Dec. 24 (College men served as readers)

Christmas Day Service on Dec. 25 (Elders served as readers)

New Year’s Eve Communion Services (Senior Vicar Schwartz preached)

Membership Changes

Received into Membership –

By Transfer –

DAVID and KAREN LINDEMANN

JOSEPH and NOELLE HILLE and their children, Noah and Ava

STEPHEN and JENNIFER SUNDBY and their son, Blake

MITCHELL and TZVIA SPRINGER

CHRISTOPHER RUE

LUKE and HEATHER LIPERT and their daughters, Kendra, and Brie

CODY ALF

TIMOTHY FILTER

ELOUISE ZORN

WALLY and LOIS PARKER

MICHAEL and JEANETTE EMMRICH, and their children, BRIANNA, ABIGAIL and Tyler

DENISE BLOOMQUIST and her children; ABIGAIL, MADELINE and Jack

JACOB and AMY HEINITZ and their children; Carter, Kaylee, and Kendall

ASHLEY GEBREYESUS and her daughter; Eleni

JOHN and ERIN SCHWARTZ

JULIE ROBLES

PASTOR JACOB and JAMIE SCHWARTZ and their children; Peyton, Josiah, Noah and Penelope

By Rite of Holy Baptism –

Kelsey Burge – January 9

Lucas Reedy – April 2

Lexi Lipert – May 1

Maggy Metzger – May 22

Revel Chasco – June 24 (Affirmation on September 11)

Jameson Dieter – July 24

Joshua Faherty – August 7

Easton Kohls – September 25

Kenna Juul – October 2

Ace Lesperance – October 9

Eloise Purpose – October 14

Owen Springer – October 30

Irelyn Nissan – November 2

Brielle Nissan – November 2

Dalton Brasted – November 12

Abigail Hartung – November 12

Grace Hartung – November 12

Nola Busch – November 28

Beau Busch – November 28

Aiden Juern – December 4

Adalyn Tobiasz – December 11

Jonah Schwartz – December 15

By Rite of Confirmation, Adult –

CINDY BREBER – January 25

LUKAS BONUS – May 7

MICHELLE PACE – August 29

MISTY MARVIN – August 29 (her children Austin & Callia also come under our spiritual care)

By Rite of Confirmation, Child –

Connor Athas-Wischki

Kennedy Jeske

Cole Kriefall

Jackson Laufer

Anna Makinen

Maria Pesick

Abigail Schmidtke

Madelyn Smith

Maxwell Yass.

By Profession of Faith –

CHRISTOPHER BREBER and his children, Morgan and Alaina

JILL MAGILL and her sons, Wyatt and Carter

JULIE PALNAU

NICOLE BRASTED and her son, Tristen

BRIDGETTE RUMLER

Released from Membership –

Transferred –

KARAH PARBS

CORINNE ZURAD

ADAM HERBST

JUDY SLEIDER

WOOD and SHARON WINSLOW

ANTHONY and DANA ROESSEL and their sons, William and Luke

PHIL and AMY CAIN and their children, Ethan and Macy Jean

LISA GRIMMER and her daughter, ALYSSA

KEVIN and KRISTINE LAUFER and their children; JACKSON, Annika, and Sarah

PHIL and TAMARA SCHMIDTKE and their children; ABIGAIL and Daniel

JOSHUA WIECHMANN

JILL NOWAKOWSKI

CHELSIE ALF

KAYLA EISENMANN

NIKITA SKAER

Released –

JEFF BIALOSZYNSKI

JOHN ILLEMANN and his son, ERIC

ERIN TISCHER

RON and ROSANNE PEZZE and their family; RON Jr., GINA and SOPHIA

BRANDON OHM

DONALD PERKINS

Removed –

GREG and MARILYN CHICONAS and their daughter, REBECCA

ALLAN and TAMMY BEIERLIE, and their children, Brandon and Samantha

VINCENT and ANNETTE TYLKE; SYDNEY, ZACHARY, JERALISE, and JULIA

Gone to be with the Lord –

VIOLA JAKUBOWSKI – February 19

GERTRUDE OAKES – March 18

CHERYL ILLEMANN – June 8

CHRISTOPHER KORDUCKI – September 5

Jason Radish – September 5

VAL SCHNEIDER – September 16

GEORGIA STAMM – November 25

Weddings –

Christopher Rue and Alyssa Bauer– January 23

Lucas Papenfuss and Susan Deprey – May 29

Robert Schaefer and Michelle Roehl – June 11

Bret Scaer and Nikita Parmann – June 17

Austin Eisenmann and Kayla Schoeneck – July 9

Chase Robles and Julie Favorite – August 13

Charlie Ebert and Hannah Samuel – August 19

Timothy Filter and Chelsea Witt – September 10

Andrew Rumler and Bridgette Unger – September 17

Hector Torres and Lynn Mioskowski – December 31

Membership at Star of Bethlehem at the end of 2016 was

944 Communicants and 1,267 Souls Previous year 937 Communicants and 1,227 Souls

President’s Message

Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your

hand. Isaiah 64:8

The beginning of a new year presents a wonderful opportunity to review, and reflect upon, the year just ended. So, with that said, let me ask the obvious question: What were we able to accomplish in the year just ended? In last year’s Annual Report, a number of ministry goals (which were originally established a few years’ prior) were discussed. Among those mentioned included:

Implement an assimilation program for those coming into our fellowship

Continue to incorporate ways to be more “visitor and member-friendly”

Increase involvement of members in leadership and supporting roles in church & school programs

Call a third pastor whose primary focus is on outreach, youth and family ministry

Increase compensation for Star staff to Synod Salary Code

Assess and define organizational roles and structure of our ministry while encouraging and supporting one another in carrying out our mission

So, here’s my year-end 2016 assessment - Implement an assimilation program for those coming into our fellowship – The Member Connections Team began their work last summer – have you seen their name tags, identifying them as a member of this Team? Their mission statement is to:

“Provide some initial basic support to our newer members and their families. We do this by providing encouragement in their faith life, and also by providing a personal connection to a

member of the Member Connections Team – and ultimately to other members of Star as well.”

Their work is sort of low-key, done quietly, but nevertheless very important, especially if you’re a newer member, looking to make social connections to your fellow members. The Team members can also provide very practical information on all sorts of things, ranging from who to talk to about areas of ministry all the way to answering questions regarding the practical aspects of church membership. If you have an interest in serving on this Team, please contact Vicky Alf (chairperson) or Randy Alf (co-chair). Continue to incorporate ways to be more “visitor and member-friendly” – This is a broad area. It could be argued that the Member Connections Team has some responsibilities in this area – but that’s also true of the Fellowship Team Leader (and the coordinators that serve under this Team), too. More can probably be done this year so we’ll get to it – especially as the new organizational structure gets up and running. Although not listed above, a Called Worker Care Team also began their work mid-summer. Their mission statement says:

“God himself invites us to minister to those who serve us in the public ministry. To this end, the mission of the Star of Bethlehem Called Worker and Staff Care team is to support and encourage

our called/lay workers and their families.”

This is another Team that works quietly in the background, visiting with our called workers and their families to find out how things are going, where further support might be needed, issues or concerns they might have, etc. If you would like more information about this Team’s work, please contact the chairperson, Dave Kenyon, for more information. Increase involvement of members in leadership and supporting roles in church & school programs

& Assess and define organizational roles and structure of our ministry while encouraging and supporting one another in carrying out our mission – I view these two ministry goals as being interdependent upon each other so I’ve listed them both here together. As this is being written, we’re on the cusp of implementing a new Star of Bethlehem Constitution and Bylaws that will support the new organizational structure that has been previously approved by the Voters. The WELS considers Star of Bethlehem to be a “large” church and, as such, encourages those churches to consider reviewing their governing documents that better reflect their changed status. My notes from the Strategic Planning Committee go back to at least April 2013, so this effort has been done very carefully. Call a third pastor whose primary focus is on outreach, youth and family ministry – Mission accomplished! This ministry goal has been on our short list for a number of years, and finally, we were able to call Pastor Jacob Schwartz in August. Thanks be to our gracious Lord for providing yet another shepherd to oversee His flock! Increase compensation for Star staff to Synod Salary Code – Another ministry goal that, I believe, we can “check-off” as being accomplished. Of course, we all understand that as our church and school continues to grow, we will probably continue to face financial challenges just about each and every year. But we also understand the biblical encouragement “The worker deserves his wages.” (1 Timothy 5:18 NIV) In last year’s report, I mentioned that “A new, exciting development: Initiating a facility planning strategy to meet the needs of our growing school and church ministries.” – It hasn’t been broadly shared, but, for the last few months, a “Facilities Planning Committee” has been meeting regularly, doing the initial “spade work” to study what the future needs of the church and school may look like. Their work is almost complete so a report will be forthcoming shortly. We’ll have more to share in the near future. Finally, a few meandering thoughts: An item that should be mentioned at this time concerns our Sunday School program. In the opinion of your church leaders, this important program needs a re-freshening. Initial work is being planned to address what needs to be changed to better encourage our youth to participate in this most important aspect of their Christian understanding of our Lord’s redemptive grace. More will be shared over the next few months. As I’m sure you’re aware, the 40th anniversary of our school and the 50th anniversary of our church will be celebrated in 2017 during the weekend of August 19th and August 20th. We’re doing it in a ‘big’ way with many activities and a catered brunch being served on that Sunday. Please, if you haven’t already, mark your calendars for this landmark event in the history of Star of Bethlehem. One of the areas that I would like to see strengthened has to do with our weekly church and bible study attendance. Over the last few years we’ve hovered around 39% - 40% church attendance which equates to about 500 people in church over a typical 4-services per week schedule.

Meanwhile, 2016 Sunday adult bible study attendance has ranged between a low of 53 (10/30/16) to as high as 103 (9/11/16). Work is being done to see where improvement – and encouragement – can be implemented. I’ve been privileged to serve as your church president for the last two years. As you might expect, there have been ups and downs over those couple of years but I remain impressed with the tremendous time and efforts exhibited by those that serve on the many boards and committees, task forces, ad hoc meetings and similar groupings that meet spontaneously to “get things done.” That’s truly inspiring to me personally! If you’re interested in getting a bit more involved here at Star, please let me know! I look forward to continuing to serve you in 2017.

- Gene Szaj

Worship Music Coordinator

As Worship Music Coordinator, I have the privilege of working with many different musical groups at Star and organizing selections of music for them. Our goal with each of these musical groups is to praise our Lord while enhancing our worship services. We are blessed with many talented singers and instrumentalists, but we would love to have more! If you are interested in joining us please don’t hesitant. Contact the director or just come to the next scheduled rehearsal. Adult mixed choir - This group meets Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. We keep rehearsals to one hour in length, as we know our members have a lot going on each week. This choir prepares anthems for worship and usually sings once a month. Four part music is sung in this choir. In addition to preparing our anthems, this hour provides fellowship with other members. The director is Becky Aldinger. Men’s choir - This choir does not meet on a weekly basis, but rather meets for the weeks before they are scheduled to sing. Look for bulletin announcements regarding upcoming rehearsals. The director is Chip Tesch. Praise Band - This group adds variety to our worship by preparing anthems of a more contemporary nature. This group typically sings once a month during the school year. Rehearsals are held the two weeks before each singing date. This group includes guitarists, bass players, keyboardists, drummers, and vocalists. Contact: Becky Aldinger Jubilation Choir –This is intended for interested students of our grade school, grades 4-8. This group meets each Wednesday from 2:30 – 3:00 pm. The children prepare anthems and typically sing once a month. Handbell choir – This ensemble meets Tuesdays from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. This group is under the direction of Jan Fleming. Their music enhances our worship services about once a month. They are always looking for more ringers. If you cannot commit to every Tuesday, perhaps you could be added to a substitutes list and fill in for others as needed. In addition to the choirs there are also many instrumentalists who enhance our worship on a weekly basis. We are blessed with many talented players of brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments. A goal is to include everyone who has this musical ability in our groups. If you know how to play an instrument, please consider joining us. We are always excited to have a

new member join our list of instrumentalists. We will work with you to have you play material that you are comfortable with. An organist schedule is created on a quarterly basis. Thank you to all who have played organ or used your abilities to accompany singing groups over the past year. If you have the ability to play organ or piano and would like to be involved, please contact Becky Aldinger or another instrumentalist. As I look back over the past year there were many worship highlights for me including singing Easter praises to our resurrected Savior, celebrating his Ascension into heaven, and joining members at the manger bed to celebrate the birth of our Savior. As we look to the coming year there is much to look forward to. We will have many opportunities to praise our Lord through song. We have several special events being planned including a celebration service for our 50th anniversary. May God bless our worship throughout the coming year and in the years to come! Respectfully submitted, Becky Aldinger, Worship Music Coordinator

Worship Committee The Worship Committee would like to thank all those who contribute to enhancing our worship services each week: Pastors, our Worship Music Coordinator, organists and pianists, those who put the bulletins together, choirs, instrumentalists, greeters, ushers, the sound board crew, altar guild, decorators, cleaners and trustees. Thank you all for your time enhancing the worship at Star of Bethlehem. There are many ways to get involved and we currently have service opportunities on the usher teams, sound board crew and greeters. The choir can always use more voices and there are opportunities to join the various instrumental ensembles as well. Special thanks to the Schoenecks for updating the video camera system. It will not only be appreciated by those recording special occasions, but enhance the worship experience each and every week for those making use of our service recordings because they are unable to attend services in person. Special thanks to the Kenyons as well for providing a new rug for under the sound board area. Upgrades were also made in 2016 to the microphone system used by the pastors and a new Christmas tree was purchased. Thank you to those who put much time and effort into receiving quotes, reviewing options, etc. to bring these projects to fruition. Joel Aldinger in particular has donated many hours over the years overseeing the details of the technology used in our services. Thank you Joel. Looking forward to 2017 and beyond, we have been asked as a congregation to take part in the testing of materials being considered for use in the synod's new hymnal. We will be looking for feedback on those items when they are used in the services. I would also call everyone's attention to the fact that on March 31st we will be hosting the MLC College Choir. If you enjoy choral music set the date aside - you will not want to miss this. There will also be a sign-up for host families when the time gets nearer. There will be 60+ students to house for the night, so please consider

hosting 2 or 4 students. I have been on similar tours in the past and it doesn't take much - a couch, an air mattress, maybe a few pizza rolls and they'll be happy. Respectfully Submitted, Brad Abel Chairman

Star of Bethlehem Teen Ministry The Teen Ministry is still small, but it is happily serving those teens who want to take advantage of it. The Teen Ministry has widened its focus to also include 7th&8th graders starting with the month of August. A Bible Study geared towards teens was offered whenever the adults had Bible Study during Sunday morning. Besides a weekly study in God’s Word, the Teen Ministry hosted several events for the teens. In February, the teens played adaptive sports. In July, two of our teens attended the Synod-wide Youth Rally. There was an open gym in September. The teens enjoyed a night at Linder’s farm in October. In November, the teens enthusiastically helped some elderly members with raking leaves. The teen group is growing, but it is not at a level of healthy participation. The teen events are well attended, but not the weekly Bible Studies. This is not just a teen issue, but a culture issue. Bible Study is not mandatory, but neither is dessert after dinner. No one would pass up dessert, and yet many pass up spending extra time in God’s Word on Sunday morning in the form of a Bible Study with their church family. I encourage the WHOLE FAMILY to please take full advantage of Sunday morning Bible Studies that are offered to grow in your faith. Respectfully reported, Vicar John Schwartz

Jesus and Me (J.A.M.) “Praise God from whom all blessings flow...” The opportunity has been provided to the lambs of this flock to sit at the feet of their Good Shepherd. And according to God’s promise, the Word that they heard does not return to him without accomplishing its purpose. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” After a number of years as coordinator for “Jesus And Me,” Michelle Olson has stepped down from that role to pursue other opportunities to serve. We thank God for the spiritual gifts that Michelle—and many other weekly volunteers—have used to build up our children’s faith in the Savior. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…” Attendance at J.A.M. has declined over the years. As a result, a survey was conducted toward the end of last school year. With the results of that survey in mind, plans are being made to revamp the “Jesus And Me” program with the hope of greater use by the families of the congregation. Willing hands and happy hearts—and of course God’s blessings on our efforts—will be needed to make a thriving J.A.M. program a reality. Respectfully Submitted, Pastor Nitz

Outreach Team The Outreach Team is excited to have Pastor Schwartz on-board and to be able to focus more attention on equipping all of us to be Christ’s witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We were encouraged by the positive response, once again, to the involvement of Camp Philip with our Summer Bible Camp in 2016. While this has been a move in the right direction over these past two years, other avenues for making the 2017 Summer Camp even better will most likely be explored. Efforts are being made (and a few donations have been received) towards an outdoor LED church sign to help promote our ministries to those driving by our church. Further work will need to be done in the coming year to, God-willing, make such a project a reality. The Welcome Center in the church gathering area is mostly complete. We thank all those whose donations and work made that possible. Several of the outreach efforts we have used regularly in the past have seen a decline in attendance. All such events will be reviewed and decisions will be made as to how we might best move forward and share the Gospel. Your suggestion, and especially your assistance, is always welcomed. It is our job to help you reach out to your friends, relatives, acquaintances and neighbors with the Good News of Jesus. If you would like to get more involved with Outreach, please contact Pastor Schwartz or the Outreach Team Lead. A new individual will be taking over that position in the near future.

Respectfully submitted, Doug Freivalt, outgoing Outreach chairman

Elders Dear members of Star o Bethlehem, what a gracious God we have! Here are a few of the highlights of God’s blessings in 2016:1) Star of Bethlehem’s membership grew from 1232 to 1263 souls; 2) Sunday’s Spiritual Growth attendance averaged more than 75 adults each week; 3) average weekly worship attendance increased from 486 in 2015 to 491 worshippers each week in 2016; 4) after years of praying and planning, we were blessed to add a third pastor (Pastor Jacob Schwartz); and most importantly, 5) God’s saving Gospel was faithfully proclaimed through Spiritual Growth opportunities, in boards and committees, school classrooms during the week, and in both word and song during weekend services. We give praise and thanks to our heavenly Father for all the blessings that he has given to this congregation in 2016. In that same prayer, we ask that he bless the efforts which the Spiritual Care Team (Elders) seeks to undertake moving into 2017: 1) renewed commitment to Spiritual Growth – especially a close evaluation of those Spiritual Growth opportunities for the youth and teens of our congregation; 2) a continued encouragement to all of our members to receive the Means of Grace through Word and Sacrament on a weekly basis – I personally would love to see our average weekly attendance up to 45% or even 50% (from 39%); and 3) a continued effort at in-reach by reaching out to those whose absence from worship has been noted.

As we seek to carry out and complete these goals, we also ask for your support:

Join us for our Spiritual Growth hour between Sunday services! What better way to strengthen

your faith while also getting to know your fellow members better?!

While you’re attending our Spiritual Growth hour, bring your children and teens to J.A.M and

Teen Study as well. What a wonderful way to teach our children the importance of being

lifelong students of God’s Word!

If you’re not already attending worship on a frequent basis each month, please prayerfully

consider what is holding you back. Is there anything better than starting your week by hearing

God’s promise of grace upon sinners through his Son’s death and resurrection?

If you are already attending worship on a regular basis, please encourage others you know

here at Star of Bethlehem to make weekly attendance at worship a priority.

Sign the Friendship Registers each week. The Spiritual Care Team will be modifying the way

that these registers are used, helping us to better fulfill the duty we’ve been elected to do –

supporting our pastors in the spiritual care of the members of Star of Bethlehem.

The blessings in 2016 were wonderful, and we thank God for all he gave to us in 2016. We have his promises that he will bless us in 2017 as well – through his Word and Sacraments, through each other, with his grace. While we may not know how those blessings will be showered upon us, we still move forward with our ministry goals in this new year confident that the work we do in his name will be a blessing. In Christ’s service with each one of you, Paul Voss (Chairman, Board of Elders)

Member Connections Team Member Connections team member continue to welcome new members via phone call or face to face contact. It was decided that members of the connection team should wear nametags identifying themselves during church services. Actions taken:

1. 10 black nametags were ordered from Geiger Awards in Waukesha. 2. More members were added to the team. 3. 7 more nametags were ordered for the new members. 4. 4 red nametags were ordered for the pastors and vicar. 5. Receipt and reimbursement form was handed in to the treasurer.

Respectfully submitted, Vicky Alf

Star of Bethlehem Lutheran School As preparations have begun to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our school, we once again praise and thank God for the continuing opportunities he brings to share the Law and Gospel with our little lambs. We can be confident in knowing that the Holy Spirit is working in the hearts of these children, and that parents and our staff of teachers and volunteers are working hand in hand to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). Soli Deo Gloria! This year we were given the opportunity to share our school with the WELSSA Accreditation Committee. This team of WELS called workers and lay members came in October to review and renew our accreditation. Star of Bethlehem was awarded Exemplary Status from this committee, receiving one of the highest scores in the history of the WELSSA process. However, short and long-term plans are already being made to strengthen the educating taking place. Star of Bethlehem School continues to see growth. This year we have enrolled a record number of preschool students, including a new all-day 4K program. In 2017 we will expand to include an all-day 3K program as well. Our K-8 enrollment continues to grow as well, with record enrollment expected in the 2017-18 school year. With this growth comes many challenges, as both our faculty and our facility has been stretched to its limit. The time has come to turn our principal into a full-time administrator and to add a vice-principal to our faculty. Work has also begun on evaluating our facility to determine the spacial needs of our church and school and a reasonable timeframe in which we can expand to meet these needs. Both of these actions will allow us to further expand in God’s calling to “go and make disciples of all” (Mt. 28:19). Star of Bethlehem has been blessed in many other ways, some of which are listed below. As you read each line, please know that nearly all of them required the time and talents of many to be possible. Sincere gratitude to all those who have given to make each of these things happen.

Mrs. Heidi Biesterfeld accepted our call to become a full-time teacher in our upper grades.

Mrs. Denise Bloomquist accepted our call to teach 2nd grade and serve as assistant Athletic Director.

Mrs. Erin Schwartz accepted our one-year call to continue as a part-time teacher in the upper grades.

Mrs. Alissa Rue became our new Extended Care Director.

Mrs. Jodi Wandschneider became our Office Manager.

Mrs. Julie Robles joined our administrative staff.

The Early Learning Center was launched for the 2016-17 school year, providing all-day instruction and care for 4K students. This program will be expanded to include 3K students in 2017-18.

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a standardized test that was launched this year within grades K-8. It replaced Terra Nova in order to provide more timely data and the ability to measure progress throughout the school year. The first time testing the students every grade in every subject area averaged a higher school than the national average.

Our science classroom has been remodeled to accommodate the Project Lead the Way curriculum. Standing desks with computer stations have been added to complement the classroom instruction. Project Lead the Way will also be implemented in K-5 which means the curriculum will span all grades.

The technology used in our building continues to grow. We have approximately 50 iPads within the building allowing a 1:1 ratio in grades 2-4 with grades 2 and 3 sharing a cart. Students in 7th and 8th graders are issued Chromebooks to use at school. The Computer Lab continues to see regular use within our Technology curriculum.

Two new scoreboards were installed in our gym. A divider curtain was also installed, thus allowing for uses by multiple groups at the same time. The gym floor was also refinished.

Star installed a 5’ fence around the softball diamond. A majority of the cost was paid by the New Berlin Magic softball club, with school funds covering the remaining cost. A sign identifying the ball field as ours and some planting was also installed along the fence.

The 5th Annual 5K Run/Walk was held in May, with the proceeds going towards the scoreboard project. In the future HSA will take over this event with the intent of expanding and bringing in more of the community.

The K-12 partnership between Star of Bethlehem and Wisconsin Lutheran High School was strengthened through several visits and activities (held at both Star and WISCO).

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the Board of Education, Jason Goede, BoE Chairman

Called Worker Care Committee

2016 saw the formation of the Called Worker Care Committee at Star of Bethlehem. The CWCC is designed around the WELS Special Ministries 2016 study materials “Care to Care” pamphlet and DVD. The committee began meeting in the Spring to put together an operating charter that would serve to guide the committee on how to best serve our called workers and key extended staff members. At the core of our committee’s culture is that we are there for our staff with complete confidentiality. Members of the CWCC began conducting individual personal meetings with all of our Star of Bethlehem staff in October. The committee is at this time going to be conducting an anonymous survey of our staff in January/February 2017. The current members of the team are: Randy Alf Vicky Alf Joanne Colasacco Tanya Gerhardt Ken Imig Cheryl Imig Dave Kenyon Betsy Kenyon Stephanie Neuwirth Wendy Schoeneck Nancie Urban Respectfully submitted, Dave Kenyon Chairman, Called Worker Care Committee

Stewardship Report 2016 Social Dinner – The dinner was attended by about 78 members, 29 of which were new

members to Star. There were about new members present. The cost to Stewardship was

about $565 including the purchase of a cake. This was another enjoyable evening for

fellowship among Star members. If possible it would be nice to get more attending. A

special thanks to Suzanne Walter and those that helped her watch the kids who were

supervised at the church.

Church Picnic – The weather was very nice for the church picnic on July 31st. Unfortunately it was only attended by about 60 people. It seems to have been timed poorly as many seemed to have been on vacation. Due to the 50th anniversary happening next year we will be looking at whether it is a good idea to have both events. If we do there will need to be adequate timing between them. It is also likely we would try to have the picnic at the church itself.

Blood Drive – There was a blood drive held at Star on August 10th. Chili Cook Off and Silent Auction – Turn out was pretty good for this first time event on

November 6th, possibly around 60 or so people. There were 11 chili participants. The cook off and the auction brought in over $1000. We would like to thank all of those who participated in the chili cook off, and donated items to the silent auction. Special thanks to those who helped setup and take down the tables and chairs in the gym. I would also like to thank Suzanne Walter and Marc Meyer for helping collect donations for the event. This event is being strongly considered again for next year.

Member Directory – We have begun to have pictures taken for the directory being put out this

year. We plan to add future dates in February in order to help get more people in for pictures. We plan to add a couple days at a time as future times begin to fill up. The goal is to get to at least 200 sessions in for pictures, although getting everyone in would be even better. We are still looking into what is needed for submitting previously taken photos. We will be looking for volunteers to help put together the directory, and work on its formatting and presentation.

Martin Luther College Performance – The choir at Martin Luther College will be performing at

Star on March 31st, 2017. We would like to get the word out to other churches to let people know about the event. We will be looking for members to help host some of the performers.

2017 Social Dinner – The current planning is for the event to occur on April 30th at 6 PM. This

date needs to be confirmed with the Machine Shed along with the price for the current year. We plan to try to have childcare at Star and will need volunteers.

Additional Sub Committee Comments Ad Hoc Stewardship – The momentum from the ’10 for 10’ campaign has continued into this year.

Thanks to the blessings of our God and the quality work this committee put into doing this campaign well its effects are still going strong. The momentum did dwindle some, and the committee put on a smaller campaign for the past year focused on 365 Days of Thanksgiving. Despite some challenges with the calendar God did allow us to meet the aggressive budget we set.

Food Committee Update – Thank you to the committee for all the members of this team for helping with the planning and execution of several luncheons for funerals. They were also responsible for Easter Breakfast, two Lenten meals, and the reception for Pastor Schwartz. The committee also replaced two unusable roasters with new ones during the past year.

Library Committee Update – Plans to have an electronic catalogue system set up next year. Due

to amount of use the church sees it is really hard to maintain good access to the material. When possible try to make sure tables and chairs are put away so access can be maintained to the books.

Parish Nurses Update – Will be conducting blood pressure checks in the copy room in the future,

due to Pastor Schwartz needing the office they had been using.

Ad Hoc Stewardship Committee

The ad hoc Stewardship Committee conducted a financial stewardship program this past fall entitled 364 Days of Thanksgiving. We are pleased to hereby summarize the results of this effort. The 364 Days of Thanksgiving program was conducted over three week-ends starting Nov. 5 and ending Nov. 21, 2016. The effort included three sermon themes entitled, “Uncommon Mercy Leads to Uncommon Gratitude”, “Overwhelming Gratitude Leads to Overwhelming Generosity”, and “Thankfulness Leads to Faithfulness”. The effort also included an encouragement to our members to strengthen their relationship with their loving God. Members were asked to fill out a Planning Card which offered options for contact with God’s Word through planned Bible study and Worship. The Card also encouraged God’s people to review their thankfulness to God’s grace in their offerings of time, talents and treasure. Eighty-seven giving units thoughtfully and prayerfully responded by having their Planning Cards placed on our church altar. We also offered members the opportunity to purchase a Thanksgiving Journal entitled “364 Days of Thanksgiving.” The hardcover book enables the reader to journal every day of the year and record items to be thankful for. Over 40 copies were purchased. As a result of the 364 Days of Thanksgiving program, the ad hoc Stewardship committee makes the following observations and recommendations:

1. Above all we should praise God. He indeed is faithful. His Word does not return to Him void. It is effective and does accomplish what He purposes. God’s faithful people respond to God’s Word. Many members participated and responded to our effort.

2. As a result of Star members responding to God’s generosity to us, Star of Bethlehem ended 2016 with our contributions exceeding our actual expenditures by $9,505. The actual percentage increase in our budget from 2015 to 2016 was 7.6%, a significant increase. Yet the ministry of Star of Bethlehem to reach out with God’s saving Word continues because of the faithful commitment of Star members. We again praise God, to Him be the glory.

3. That church leaders should continue to emphasize spiritual growth as its primary goal

annually. Spiritual growth only comes through contact with God’s Word in worship and Bible study. All church leaders should set the example through faithful, regular worship

attendance and attendance at group Bible study – for their personal benefit and the benefit of others. A strong personal relationship with our Savior comes before a fruit of faith – thankful giving.

Our congregation has much to be thankful for and we should be encouraged as we look forward to the opportunities and challenges of 2017.

Respectfully submitted, Lee Westphal

Strategic Planning Committee

The primary efforts of the SPC involved finalizing a new ministry organizational chart, position descriptions for the new organizational structure, new bylaws and a revised constitution. The ministry organizational chart was approved by the voters. The bylaws and constitution were discussed by members at open forums and forwarded to the WELS district Constitution Committee – Pastor Steve Lange is Chairman of this committee. The district Constitution Committee approved the revised constitution and bylaws in December of 2016. The timeline is set to approve the bylaws at the January 2017 voters meeting and approve the constitution at the next regularly scheduled voters meeting, after the January meeting. Other items on the SPC priority list for 2016:

Increasing our worship and Bible study participation

Calling a third Pastor

Developing a financial stewardship plan

Establishing a facility planning strategy for our growing ministries Continuing with you to spread the Gospel in New Berlin David Schoeneck, Strategic Planning Committee Chairman

Technology Committee

The Technology Committee in continuing to work on improving our facilities in support of the

mission of the school and the church. The major projects:

Modify and upgrade the wireless network to support MAP testing in the school. The MAP

test is a widely used test to evaluate the academic achievements of our students.

Provision and deploy a computer to run the new display monitors in the Narthex.

Deploy replacement computers for the school and church. We received a generous

donation of enough computers to replace every machine in the church and school.

Every computer is identical which greatly simplifies support and enables a much

faster response to “Trouble Tickets”

A major project that has been initiated is researching a replacement phone system. The current

system has been in use for many years and is starting to show problems in reliability and

supportability. There are a number of issues that are being considered:

A new phone system should use current technology. This affects the ability to

procure replacement parts and obtain support. Traditional phone lines or analog

lines are being replaced by internet based services. Analog lines are projected to

increase in price as fewer and fewer customers maintain this service.

Modern, IP based phones will save a significant amount of money and time in

providing the IT infrastructure for any future expansion plans. IP based phones

carry their signal over data lines shared with computers instead of requiring

separate wires. In the last major expansion of the wired network during the

construction of the new sanctuary, approximately half the cable installed was

dedicated phone wire. Telephone grade cable is not suitable for computer data

transmission.

Support for traditional phone lines is being phased out by the local carrier. A

modern phone system that can receive a dial tone over the internet will save the

church and school as rates are lower, many more service options are available,

and there are numerous companies competing to offer this service.

The new phone system is being designed to remain operational during a power

failure. By careful design and configuration of the phone system, we will be able

to maintain connectivity through a combination of wired and wireless internet

connections and back-up power supplies.

Any expansion of the system, such as adding another telephone, would be

simplified. No new wiring would be required as the telephones operate on the

existing data network. The Technology Committee has this expertise in-house

and would not need to rely on outside vendors.

When prospective members first contact us, the quality of the phone service is a large part of the

first impression. A dropped call, or winding up in phone menu limbo does not present an accurate

picture of the great things happening at Star of Bethlehem. The phone system upgrade will

provide more reliable and economical service than we currently have.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert June

Trustees I have been blessed to be able to use my time and talents to serve the Lord by helping to maintain these wonderful blessings that we have here in New Berlin. Star of Bethlehem church, school and parsonage, blessings that He has bestowed on us as a congregation, are the Lord’s and He has entrusted us with taking care of and maintaining them. I say helping because I am just one person. There are numerous people who are involved, ranging from someone who does something once in a year to people who are up here on a regular basis to everyone in between. All are taking care of God’s house and properties. All are part of the overall plan of being able to show our love for the Lord. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Mt 5:16. Taking care of the Lord’s house is just one of countless ways to serve Him. You are very much appreciated for whatever help you are able to offer. Together we are able to accomplish many things. Thanks be to God!

There are numerous things that just need to be maintained on a regular or scheduled basis. Then there are items that may need upgrading or fixing in the near future. And finally there are the items that require immediate attention. If you have an interest or desire to help in any of these areas please let myself or someone from the board or church office know. Sometimes it is just an extra set of helping hands that is needed. Sometimes it is just paperwork, phone calls or meeting someone. There are many ways of helping to serve our Lord. Work that has been done during the year include maintaining the lights, HVAC systems, plumbing, elevator, electrical, roof, sewer, sprinkler system/fire alarms and safety issues, cleaning, lawn maintenance, snow plowing, salting, landscaping, and more. Major items of note are tiling Betty’s classroom, installing electric for the gym divider and the scoreboards, fixing numerous leaks on the roofs, gradually changing over to LED lighting, wood chips for the new ball diamond, and a new water heater. I would like to give special thanks to the following, My fellow board members. Steve and Ben Pielmeier for their continuous work on cutting and trimming our grass. Bob Dummer for his ongoing efforts in landscaping and maintaining it. Larry Schaefer Jr, Brian Gulrud, and Cody for helping me out with snow plowing. Andy Kasten for salting the parking lot when needed. Glen Schmidt for all the work he does on our HVAC systems. Andy Smith for electrical work. Thanks to all who helped on workdays that we have had at Star, to those that helped when called upon, and to those that have just done things without even being asked and I may not even know about. THANK-YOU ALL! It is wonderful to work with all of you here! Finally, a special thank-you to Dave and Jamie Rodgers for donating a brand new zero turn lawn mower at Christmas to help reduce the amount of time spent cutting the grass here. I know that our lawn care team is eagerly looking forward to that this spring. Respectfully submitted, Larry Schaefer Trustee Chairman

Food Committee

The Food Committee is responsible for a variety of activities. We planned and served two of the three Lenten meals that were enjoyed by about 100 people at each. The 8th grade class organized a third Lenten meal and were able to raise money for a class

gift for their efforts. We also planned and served Easter breakfast for about 200 attendees. We planned and served cake and dessert receptions after two installation services. In August, we welcomed Vicar John Schwartz and 2nd grade teacher Denise Bloomquist. In October, Pastor Jacob Schwartz and his family were welcomed. About 180 to 200 people attended these events. In December, we held our annual cookie reception after the Christmas Choral Concert. About 150 attended. Our committee is available to families who would like a lunch or dessert reception after a funeral. We helped two families this year by providing food and desserts and a time to visit. Thank you to the many volunteers who help with set-up, serving, clean-up and bringing food when asked. Food Committee members: Kathy Achatz, Nancy Albrecht, Vicky Alf, Nancy Dernbach, Jan Fleming, Karen Hanson, LaVerne Oberneder, Joy Patterson, Nancy Salentine, Nan Szaj, Jan Tippelt. Submitted by Nancy Dernbach

Parish Nursing

Blood Pressure Ministry Blood pressure screenings continued to take place on the third Sunday of the month, between church services. Members who screened high (i.e., Stage I, II, or III hypertension) were counseled by Parish Nursing according to American Heart Association Guidelines. In addition to the actual blood pressure check, the RNs provided the clients with information and consultation on a variety of topics such as: risk factors for cardiovascular disease, hypertension medications, heart arrhythmias, heart healthy lifestyle changes, and diabetes management. First Aid Kits Parish Nursing continues to maintain the first aid supply cabinet, located in the Parish Nursing office, for the church and school first aid kits. The AED is monitored and maintained Education for School Children and Faculty Education about adolescent developmental changes was provided to the 5th and 6th grade children in the annual Growth and Development. This class presents information from a Christian perspective about the physical and emotional changes associated with adolescence, physical care of the body and mutual respect of peers. Other Duties Parish Nurses continue to provide health-related pamphlets and booklets in our tract rack and on our information table in the narthex hallway. Healthy snacks and gift bags were provided for the Star 5K run/walk and church picnic. In addition, Parish Nurses and other Health Care Professionals continued to write monthly informational articles in both the church and school newsletters. Respectfully submitted, Donald Nimmer

Church Library Committee members are: Kathi Jakubowski, Chair, and Jan Fleming. The Star Church Library collection has grown to 1,927 books, videos, and CDs as of the end of 2016. Materials added in 2016 were either purchased from Northwestern Publishing House or donated by members of Star. We thank everyone who donated quality Christian-based materials to enhance our library collection. A challenge this year has been sharing the library space with the school extended learning program. We rearranged some of the collection, to make it easier to access materials. As part of our annual inventory of the collection, items were deselected that were out of date, damaged, or seldom used. Notices were sent to members with overdue items. We are thankful that many of the items were returned or replaced. We are working to reorganize and refresh the collection to continue to encourage use by our members and their families. We continue to maintain our membership in the WELS-Church Librarians Organization. Thank you to all the members of Star of Bethlehem who make the Library a success, through their donation of materials, or by their use of the collection. Respectfully submitted, Kathi Jakubowski, Chair

Linden Grove Health Care Service Volunteers

Every Wednesday throughout the year, we conduct Worship Services at the Linden Grove Health Care Center here in New Berlin at 9:30 a.m. The Services are conducted in the 2nd Floor Cafeteria, where space is made available to us. About 50 worshipers attend our services on a regular basis. The Services are a half-hour version of our weekend Services here at Star of Bethlehem. Work begins at 9:00 a.m. and is generally finished by 10:15 a.m. If you would like to get involved, just come to the lobby at Linden Grove Health Care Center on any Wednesday morning. We will be happy to show you what you can do. Each week we have 3-4 volunteers from our church who assist the residents by bringing them to the worship area in the elevators from the 1st Floor to the 2nd Floor. We couldn’t conduct these Services without their help. Our volunteers have gotten very close to the residents and enjoy spending time with one another. The Linden Grove staff is also very helpful in encouraging the residents to attend our Services. They realize the importance of God’s Word in the lives of these senior members of our community. Some of them stay for the Service, too! Other relatives of the residents are also quite frequently in attendance. Our Christmas Service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 21. The congregation once again provided a very generous supply of wonderful gifts for the residents. They are deeply appreciative for this demonstration of Christian love for these sometimes forgotten citizens.

The staff of Linden Grove is also very appreciated and deeply touched by your generosity. We hope to do it again next year! Respectfully submitted, Pastor Gawrisch

Star Seniors

Our senior members held meetings and various activities throughout 2016. They usually meet during the last week of each month, Aug. – May. Our meetings usually include a supper before a presentation, topic or service project. All senior members, 55 and over, are welcome to come to any or all of the meetings and activities, along with drivers, spouses and guests. We enjoy one another’s company and support each other during our various circumstances. It is a good group of great people, and we invite and encourage you to join us at any time. Please watch the church bulletin, newsletter and calendar for meeting times and activities. These are just some of the meetings and activities that we have done throughout the year.

January Mary Poppins at Wisconsin Lutheran High School

February Brookfield Square Mall for Supper and Exercise (Find the sign game)

April Prism Concert and Jason’s Deli for Supper

May Service project for Church Picnic and Culver’s Night for H.S.A.

August Senior Picnic (50 in attendance)

September Trip to Ireland presentation by our senior members who toured Ireland

October Anne of Green Gables at WLHS and Jason’s Deli

November Potluck Supper and Meet Pastor Schwartz quiz

December Chili/Pie Supper with children’s Christmas Eve treats as service project

Many of our senior members provide other means of valuable service and support for our church and school in many ways. May the Lord grant you many more years of good health and much joy in serving our Lord! Please ask if you have some time and energy to share. We thank all of our senior members for all of your faithful service! Respectfully submitted, Pastor Gawrisch

Men’s Basketball Our men’s basketball league runs from the first Sunday in December through the middle of March. The league consists of 13 teams. The teams are from our Metropolitan area WELS Churches. Our team from Star of Bethlehem has always been very competitive, and usually finishes toward the top of the standings. This year’s team has 2 wins and 2

losses at an early stage of this season. The league has quality referees and many of our young people from our church are hired to work the scoreboard and scorebook. Our league is very much respected throughout our area for its high standards of Christian behavior and its quality level of competition for men’s basketball. Each game is opened with prayer. It is encouraged and assumed that these men attend their own churches for Worship before coming to play on Sunday afternoons. The Star Men’s Basketball League is a great opportunity to keep our young WELS men connected to their churches. It also is a great opportunity for them to encourage their friends to take a Bible Information Course at their own congregation if they are not already WELS members. Around 200 young men participate in our league each weekend, and look forward to spending their Sunday afternoons at Star of Bethlehem. Sincere thanks to Star of Bethlehem congregation for hosting the basketball league again this year. Our league’s teams are extremely grateful! Good luck, Star men, on the remainder of the season. Our team usually plays at 6:00 p.m. each week. Fan support is certainly welcomed! Respectfully submitted, Pastor Gawrisch / League Director

Men's Softball Our Star of Bethlehem men’s softball team participates in a league conducted by the City of New Berlin Parks and Recreation Department. The team has been a part of this Tuesday Night League for many years. We enjoyed another successful season. Our softball team won our division this season against tough competition. Due to our finish, we were invited to participate in the City Tournament of Champions at the end of the season. We played 2 games, winning the first, and coming up short on the scoreboard in the second game of this single-elimination tournament. Our team is limited to 20 players by city regulations. All players must be 18 years of age or older. The signup for summer men’s softball is in late February. Games have been starting the last week of April and continue to the middle of August. Watch the church bulletin or the newsletter for information regarding our men’s softball team. Your team has always done a good job of representing our church and our Savior well in the community through this program. Sincere thanks to all of the players for upholding that outstanding tradition! Respectfully submitted, Pastor Gawrisch / Coordinator

Star of Bethlehem Bowling The Star of Bethlehem Bowling League has been going for a number of years now. The purpose of this league is to promote fellowship with other members of Star of Bethlehem in a casual setting, and to provide an opportunity to invite others to get to know Star of Bethlehem in a non-threatening environment. In this current season (September 2016 thru March 2017) we have five teams that bowl Sunday early evenings twice a month. We are always happy to have new people join the league. If you are interested, please send an email to [email protected]. Respectfully submitted, Pastor Nitz

Dartball Star of Bethlehem again participated in the WELS Dartball League. This league was formed in 1969 by local WELS congregations to give church members a chance to socialize and compete against other teams in the southern half of the greater Milwaukee area. Star has two teams in the seven-team league, which plays on Thursday nights from September through February. It was another successful year for the teams, as the Blue team finished in 2nd place (bringing home a trophy for the fourth time in the six years the team has been a part of the league), and the White team finished in 4th place. Andy Smith (Star Blue) led the league in RBIs and finished in the top 10 in batting average. Steve Spridco and Jason Goede (both of Star Blue) also finished in the top 10 in average. Congregation members interested in joining the teams should watch for information in early September. Respectfully submitted, Jason Goede

Build Partners Investment Program

This program is commonly referred to as the member loan program. In recent years the program created an opportunity for Star of Bethlehem members to invest funds with Star at an interest rate lower than the interest rate Star was paying on its Thrivent mortgage loan. The Thrivent higher interest rate loan was retired in 2013 leaving Star’s remaining debt owed only to its own members. Members investing in the program earn interest of 2% on savings certificates, 3% on one year loan certificates and 3.5% to 4.5% on three and five year loan certificates. As a result of this successful program our interest rate on all outstanding debt has been reduced from over 6% in 2009 to less than 3.4% in 2016. The lower interest rate will ultimately reduce our debt amortization period. The General Fund is required to make the congregational debt service payments. Payments are made directly on all monthly mortgage payments due and the additional monthly debt service payment is used to pay interest due on member certificates and make repayments on outstanding certificates when sufficient funds are available. A liquidity reserve is maintained for the certificates so that in the event of an emergency, members can get their investments back early. It is estimated that it will take another 13 years with the General Fund making the $160,000 annual debt service payment to fully retire all debt. At December 31, 2016 the program included the following balances:


Star of Bethlehem Ev. Lutheran Church

Endowment Fund Report

December 31, 2016

Retained Retained Endowment

Income Principal Gifts Total

Beginning of Year Endowment Balances 349.88$ 13,095.95$ 108,854.44$ 122,300.27$

Endowment Gifts - -

Distributions (349.88) - (349.88)

Income for the year (60%/40%) 963.31 642.21 1,605.52

Change in value of investments (60%/40%) 2,695.20 4,714.77 7,409.97

End of Year Endowment Balances 3,658.51$ 18,452.93$ 108,854.44$ 130,965.88$

Target Actual %

Investments: Targets Amounts Amounts of Total

Equities: 55.0% 72,031.23$

WELS Equity Investment Fund 75,298.31$ 57.5%

Fixed Income: 40.0% 52,386.35$

Star One Year 3% Loan Certificate Due 12/31 52,637.76$ 40.2%

Cash Equivalents: 5.0% 6,548.29$

Star 2% Savings Certificate 3,029.81$ 2.3%

130,965.88$ 130,965.88$ 100.0%

One Year Savings

WELS Equity Investment Fund Certificate Certificate Total

per Share Shares Cost Market

12/31/2015 Initial Investment 324.74 209.0558 71,641.66$ 67,888.34$ 51,100.55$ 3,311.38$ 122,300.27$

1/2/2016 Dividend/Interest 316.26 1.603 507.12 507.12

1/31/2016 Change in value (4,370.92) 5.62$

2/28/2016 Change in value (232.05) 5.27

3/31/2016 Change in value 4,786.55 5.64


4/30/2016 Change in value 513.74 5.47

5/31/2016 Change in value 695.52 5.66

6/30/2016 Change in value (452.94) 5.49


7/31/2016 Change in value 5.68


9/30/2016 Dividend/Interest

9/30/2016 Change in value 4,802.85 5.52

10/24/2016 Withdrawal (349.88)




12/31/2016 Change in value 856.87 1,537.21 6.32

355.88 211.5848 72,452.01$ 75,298.31$ 52,637.76$ 3,029.81$ 130,965.88$

Star Savings Certificates $ 155,570 Star Loan Certificates 1,460,314 Star Mortgage Certificates 93,139 Total Star Certificates $ 1,709,023 Checking Account and Money Market 94,011 Net Loans Outstanding

$ 1,615,012

Respectfully submitted, Glenn Reinhardt Finance Committee

Endowment Fund

The Endowment Fund had a solid year in 2016, driven mainly by the performance of the WELS Equity Fund. In July Vanguard Institutional Advisory Services was retained as an investment consultant for the WELS Investment Funds. As a result the Equity Fund is comprised entirely of Vanguard mutual funds. The other two funds in the portfolio are the Star of Bethlehem 3% One Year Loan Certificate and the Star of Bethlehem 2% Savings Certificate.

Star of Bethlehem Ev. Lutheran Church

Endowment Fund Report

December 31, 2016

Retained Retained Endowment

Income Principal Gifts Total

Beginning of Year Endowment Balances 349.88$ 13,095.95$ 108,854.44$ 122,300.27$

Endowment Gifts - -

Distributions (349.88) - (349.88)

Income for the year (60%/40%) 963.31 642.21 1,605.52

Change in value of investments (60%/40%) 2,695.20 4,714.77 7,409.97

End of Year Endowment Balances 3,658.51$ 18,452.93$ 108,854.44$ 130,965.88$

Target Actual %

Investments: Targets Amounts Amounts of Total

Equities: 55.0% 72,031.23$

WELS Equity Investment Fund 75,298.31$ 57.5%

Fixed Income: 40.0% 52,386.35$

Star One Year 3% Loan Certificate Due 12/31 52,637.76$ 40.2%

Cash Equivalents: 5.0% 6,548.29$

Star 2% Savings Certificate 3,029.81$ 2.3%

130,965.88$ 130,965.88$ 100.0%

One Year Savings

WELS Equity Investment Fund Certificate Certificate Total

per Share Shares Cost Market

12/31/2015 Initial Investment 324.74 209.0558 71,641.66$ 67,888.34$ 51,100.55$ 3,311.38$ 122,300.27$


1/31/2016 Change in value (4,370.92) 5.62$

2/28/2016 Change in value (232.05) 5.27

3/31/2016 Change in value 4,786.55 5.64


4/30/2016 Change in value 513.74 5.47

5/31/2016 Change in value 695.52 5.66

6/30/2016 Change in value (452.94) 5.49





9/30/2016 Change in value 4,802.85 5.52

10/24/2016 Withdrawal (349.88)




12/31/2016 Change in value 856.87 1,537.21 6.32

355.88 211.5848 72,452.01$ 75,298.31$ 52,637.76$ 3,029.81$ 130,965.88$

FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REPORT

“As he looked up, Jesus saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. ‘I tell you the truth,’ he said ‘this poor

widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.’” (Luke 21:1-5)

SUMMARY OF CONTRIBUTIONS AND RECEIPTS

2016 2015

Mission Plan Receipts:

Member Offerings 1,029,916$ 8.6% 948,114$ 4.4%

Tuition - Member 156,857 145,717

Tuition - Non-member 97,607 103,135

Tuition - Preschool 96,845 85,978

Tuition - Extended Care 21,746 12,461

Other Gifts and Interest 20,292 16,892

Transfers 29,501 49,542

Total Mission Plan Receipts 1,452,764 6.7% 1,361,839 12.1%

Other Contributions:

Tuition Assistance Fund 5,736 3,683

Star Cares Fund 2,838 3,892

Memorials 13,710 16,557

Music 240 825

Debt Retirement 1,500 26,700

Miscellaneous 18,153 14,198 Parsonage Sale Proceeds - 204,542

Total Other Contributions 42,177 270,397

Total Contributions & Receipts 1,494,941$ 1,632,236$

Star’s Mission Plan in 2016 included a 7.6% increase in member offerings. Actual member offerings increased 8.6%, resulting in a member offering surplus of $9,505. The impact of 2015’s “Living Generously” campaign carried over into 2016 with a steadier, higher level of giving on a month to month basis partially offset with a lower holiday season spike than experienced in prior years. Total tuition increased by 7.4% and exceeded budget by $14,890 or 4.2%. Other gifts exceeded budget by $3,842. Our members also actively supported many non-budgeted areas as detailed above. We are truly blessed for all the gifts to the various funds supported by our congregation. We have been richly blessed during another challenging year. Praise the Lord for his bountiful goodness! We pray for the Lord’s blessings and your continuing financial support as we strive to achieve our 2017 mission plan supporting the work we do at Star of Bethlehem and the equally important work we support through our commitment to affiliated mission agencies. Respectfully submitted, Aaron Betry Financial Secretary

Index

Church Council 2 Boards & Committee Members 3-4

Pastoral Report 5-6 Highlights from the Year 7-8

Membership Statistics 9-12 President’s Message 13-15

Worship Music Coordinator 15-16 Worship Committee 16-17

Teen Ministry 17 Jesus and Me (J.A.M) 17

Outreach Team 18 Elders 18-19

Member Connections Team 19

School Report 20-21 Called Worker Care Committee 21

Stewardship Report 22-23 Ad Hoc Stewardship Committee 23-24

Strategic Planning Committee 24 Technology Committee 24-25

Trustees 25-26

Food Committee 26-27 Parish Nursing 27

Church Library 28 Linden Grove Health Care Volunteers 28-29

Star Seniors 29 Men’s Basketball 29-30

Men’s Softball 30 Star Bowling 31

Dartball 31

Build Partners Investment Program 31-32 Endowment Fund 32-33

Financial Secretary’s Report 33-34 Statement of Operations 35-36

Savings Account Balances 37-38 Index 39

ANNUAL REPORT 2016 - Star of Bethlehem · PDF filePresident [email protected]...

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Transcript of ANNUAL REPORT 2016 - Star of Bethlehem · PDF filePresident [email protected]...