1

(Continued on page 3)

St. John’s Lutheran Church

December 2015 Church Bell

Finding Christmas Peace

“…Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in

Christ Jesus…” –Philippians 4:4-7

Christmas is considered the time of “peace,” yet the search for peace can be an elusive thing for us. It seems everyone craves peace, but few seem to find it. Without Christ as our “Prince of Peace,” people will look in all sorts of places to feel “right” with the

world.

Some men, when they think of a “peaceful place,” look to authors like Henry David Thoreau who wrote “Life in the Woods.” Thoreau acquired some land on Walden Pond in Massachusetts and built a small cabin. There, he grew his own food and spent hours on simple observations, such as the changing colors on the lake at sunset or watching an owl blink his eyes. His most famous quote was, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music

which he hears, however measured or far away.”

Thoreau’s journey to this small cabin was not an easy one, for he was often at odds with those around him. He taught school, but was discontented and did not stay with that career. Once, he refused to pay a poll tax and spent time in jail. Critics of Thoreau hinted that Henry only obtained “peace” with “dirty” inherited money from

smoky factories.

Thoreau did have one thing right…there are those among us, we call them “Christians,” who truly hear that “distant drummer.” To find “peace” in this life, one has to listen to the words of Jesus to find it. In order to find true peace here on earth, a person has to

invite our Heavenly Father into their hearts and then follow Him.

From the Desk of Pastor Taylor

2

Newsletter Deadline:

Deadline for the December newsletter is Monday, December 14

Join the Newsletter Mailing Crew on Tuesday, December 22 at 9:00 am.

Bulletin Deadline: Every Tuesday at midnight

St. John’s Lutheran Church

302 NE 2nd Street Buffalo, MN 55313

Phone: 763-682-1883 Youth Line: 763-684-0460

Fax: 763-682-1936 Noah’s Ark Pre-School: 763-682-1368

info@stjohnsbuffalo.org Sharing a changeless Christ in a changing world.

www.stjohnsbuffalo.org Staff: Rev. Philip Meyer, Pastor pmeyer@stjohnsbuffalo.org 763-229-7101

Rev. Roger Klemz, Visitation Pastor 612-716-7612

Rev. Norm Hanan, Visitation Pastor 320-309-5904

Rev. Dave Taylor 763-370-2423, Visitation Pastor

Kelly Thole, DCE, Director of Family Ministry

kthole@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Chris Ryan, DCE, Director of Youth Ministry christophermryan2@gmail.com

Carla Myhre-Vogt, Office Administrator cvogt@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Beth Hane, Office Assistant bhane@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Noah’s Ark Preschool noahsark@gmail.com

Kyle & Elizabeth Bjork, Treasurers Kathryn Elsen, Financial Secretary financesec@stjohnsbuffalo.org Cheryl Olsen, Board Secretary

Worship Times: Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 am

Sunday’s Service Broadcast on KRWC 1360AM at 8:00 am

Of�ce Hours: M-F 8:30-4:30

Chairman of the Congregation August Mussell

Board of Elders elders@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Dave Haggerty, Head Elder Tracey Anderson

Derek Annis Kyle Bjork

Jack Harlan Peter March

Todd Peter Ryan Rutten

Tony Sabraski Mark Saunders

Board Chairs Altar Guild: Dorothy Bowman

Education: Open Evangelism: Roger Strege

Fellowship: Marti & Lee Ryan Kid’s Club: Ken and Amy Hill

Library: Shala Holm Memorial Endowment/Investment:

Janice Marschel Project Compassion: Sandi Baert

Sanctuary Decorating: Shala Holm Stewardship: Tim Vergin

Trustees: Stan Meyer Women in Mission: Pat Norine

Youth & Family Ministry: Kathryn Elsen

3

(Continued from page 1)

For, without Christ, where will you find such peace? Few can afford that special cabin by a lake. Even if you could buy such a cabin, there is still the matter of daily living expenses. Sometimes during Christmas, people often think of getting something that would make them happy and more at peace, such as an expensive gift. A person may even search other religions and philosophies for that peace, only

to be disappointed by some form of “works righteousness.”

Is it ok to sit by a lake once in a while to try to find that peace? The answer is “yes,” but at the same time consider who made that lake, or the food in the garden and even that owl in the tree. Truth is, Christ can give us peace in abundance right here and right now. That, in a sometimes crazy world, we know that the Creator of all things loves us.

The Bible tells us so!

Such is our Christmas message. That, in a strange place and time in history, God came to us for a little while in the form of baby. So innocent and sweet. Safe in His mother’s arms. Outside town, over shivering shepherds, the sky explodes with angels, singing that we are

at peace with Christ!

As Paul wrote in Colossians 3:12-15…”Therefore, as God’s chosen

people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,

kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and

forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive

as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which

binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in

your hearts…”

– Pastor Taylor

The church offices will be closed

over Christmas and during the week of New Year’s (Dec. 24-Jan.1). In case of emergency, you may call the

pastors on their cell phones: Pastor Meyer—763-229-7101 Pastor Klemz—612-716-7612 Pastor Taylor—763-370-2423 Pastor Hanan—320-309-5904

We wish you and your families a blessed Christmas!

4

St. John’s Annual

Christmas

Concert

St. John’s Lutheran Church Saturday, December 19, 2015

7:00 pm

5

Give the Gift of Life

Buffalo Community Blood Drive St. John’s Family Life Center

Monday, Dec. 7 1:00-7:00 PM

For appointments or info, visit www.redcrossblood.org , enter sponsor code: Buffalo MN or call 1-800-RED-CROSS

6

December

Ushers

8:00 Jan Larson Al Buskey Earl Graham Fred Bonk

10:30 Confirmation Kids

Audiovisual

The Team

Tim Berteau Emily Chapa Jon Chapa Conner Henning Jill Marketon Dylan Meyer Jesse Meyer Bill Morris Melissa Morris

Coffee Servers

12/6 12/13 12/20 12/27

Mary-Dorcas Circle Samantha Klatt Youth Open

St. John’s Wish List (updated) Organ Maintenance Fund: Received: $395.00 Hearing Impaired Devices: Received: $295.00 Life Center Cross Project: $8,276.00

Received: $7,500.00 Needed: $776.00 Handbell Cleaning & Refurbishment: $4,200.00

Received: $40.00 Needed: $4,160.00 Handbell Youth Robes: Needed: $1,800.00 Received: $450.00 Needed: $1,350.00

Coffee servers needed for January and February!

Holiday Cheer

Add to your Holiday blessings with the spirit of

PEP (People Enjoying People). PEP meets on the first and third Tuesdays of

every month in Room 104 across from Noah’s Ark

Preschool. We begin with a brief Bible study led by

Pastor Klemz followed by a variety of activities which may include joke telling, cards and games. In

December we meet on the 1st and 15th from 9-11:30am.

Bring your own beverage; come whenever you can; stay as long

as you want. There is no regular commitment. The more

the merrier.

7

Reserve your 2016 Dates for KRWC Broadcast Sponsorship!

Our 8:00 worship services are broadcast on radio station KRWC AM1360 for the benefit of those unable to attend church. Each broadcast costs us $150.00. There are three ways you keep this important ministry going:

• Contribute $150.00 to sponsor an entire broadcast for an available date of your choosing with a personal dedication announced on air.

• Contribute $75.00 for a 1/2 sponsorship of a Sunday that we choose. Your name will be mentioned.

• Contribute any amount of money toward the Broadcast Ministry Fund and we will use it as needed.

To be sure you get the date you want, call the office at 763-682-1883.

Acknowledging Memorials and Gifts

Recent memorials and gifts have been made toward the following:

Item In Memory/Honor Of

Wish List—Life Center Cross Project Dirk Zahler

St. John’s Sunday School June Endreson

Building Fund Gerald Salonek

Music Ministry June Endreson

Undesignated Memorial Fund Ruth Peavey

Youth Bell Robes

Handbell Storage Bags

Grateful thanks to all of you who have contributed.

Christmas Offering As previously approved by the congregation for 2015, our Christmas

Eve & Christmas Day offerings will be distributed as follows: 20% to each of the following: Love INC , Noah’s Ark Lutheran Mayer High, Christ Community-Watertown and St. James School - Howard Lake.

Please keep these schools and mission groups in your prayers and give as generously as you can. The needs and demands are ever increasing.

8

Birthdays Diana Ashwill 12/1 Jeremiah Bergin 12/1 Torri Erickson 12/1 Gary Schillinger 12/1 Drew Stender 12/1 Arvella Veches 12/1 Kora Lynn Dalchow 12/2 Russ Elletson 12/2 Nicolas Levin 12/2 Michael Miller 12/2 Bruce Ostenson 12/2 Matt Dokkebakken 12/3 Josh Erickson 12/3 Sherry Jakel 12/3 Judy Lardy 12/3 Sophia Roskowiak 12/3 Stacy Rutten 12/3 Betty Salonek 12/3 Marvel Korbel 12/4 Delanie LaFave 12/4 Kelly Pribyl 12/4 John Redepenning 12/4 Ron Tiemann 12/4 Lea Korbel 12/5 Hanni Lommel 12/5 Pastor Phil Meyer 12/5 Dave Waterhouse 12/5 Cayden Blackowiak 12/6 Jean Kubu 12/6 Terry Napper 12/6 Robert Sahli Jr. 12/6 Gerald Stoppelman 12/6 Jerald Veches 12/6 Robert Forcier 12/7 Conner Johnson 12/7 Mark Saunders 12/7 Autumn Schlink 12/7 Debbie Ebert 12/8 Gene Ebert 12/8 Nila Fenhaus 12/8 Christian Giles 12/8 Kristine Johnson 12/8 Maren Karstens 12/8 Gerald LaFave 12/8 Reese Larson 12/8 Bill Otten 12/8

Aiden Roskowiak 12/8 Lori Winterfeldt 12/8 Crystal Hill 12/9 Betsy Risk 12/9 Rebecca Runke 12/9 Sonia Runke 12/9 Denise Saunders 12/9 Sara Vergin 12/9 Jerome Winterfeldt 12/9 Thad Ashwill 12/10 Noah Johnson 12/10 Lucas Kennedy 12/10 Lacey Mader 12/10 Ellie Madsen 12/10 Phil Marx 12/10 Jonathan Wren 12/10 Ryan Mills 12/11 Jake Rand 12/11 Linda Rassat 12/11 Jon Rosine 12/11 Macy Vieths 12/11 Chloe Berg 12/12 Jenna Duske 12/12 Katee Hall 12/12 Daric Teske 12/12 Charlotte Torgerson 12/12 Abbey Bonk 12/13 Tonia Hewett 12/13 Troy Hoefling 12/13 Maudie Louisiana 12/13 Levin Ebert 12/14 Lucy Ebert 12/14 Zachary Fenhaus 12/14 Lisa Klatt 12/14 Daniel Korbel 12/14 Melissa Mack 12/14 Reese Peter 12/14 Scarlett Zobel 12/14 Jody Duske 12/15 Jack Harlan 12/15 Wanda Hopkins 12/15 Marie Lambrecht 12/15 Douglas Korbel 12/16 Renate Lautenshlager 12/16 Sarah Licht 12/16 Stan Meyer 12/16

9

Kenneth Spike 12/16 Joseph Svobodny 12/16 Jacqueline Thaemert 12/16 Bill Triplett 12/16 Allie Wingrove 12/16 Joseph Wingrove 12/16 Jonathan Chapa 12/17 Toni Clifton 12/17 Dylan Erickson 12/17 Fer Olaez 12/17 Kelly Thole 12/17 Jim Jorgenson 12/18 Angela Richter 12/18 Mark VanHorne 12/18 Gregg Beckman 12/20 Russell Bell 12/20 Kalab Bomstad 12/20 Debbie Henning 12/20 Eleanor Sheppard 12/20 Zachery Berg 12/21 Aaron Corey 12/21 Breah Dudley 12/21 Tracy Madsen 12/21 Anna Marquette 12/21 Cole Miller 12/21 Ralph Sotebeer 12/21 Frances Trattles 12/21 Karla Marquette 12/22 Dallas Perkins 12/22 LeeTi Spaude 12/22 Lonnie Thornton 12/22

Russell & Linda Sue Bell 12/5 Tom & Lauri Hayes 12/6 Sarah & Ryan Czanstkowski12/10 Alyson & Noel Gilder 12/12 Ron & Shelly Girard 12/12 Jim & Sharon Kaufman 12/17

Jerry & Laura Varner 12/18 Drew & Karly Holland 12/27 Talion & Sara Kubu 12/27 Mike & Emily Mueller 12/28 Jerry & Marsha Stech 12/29 Jim & Jean Redepenning 12/30

Emilee Topp 12/22 Emmy Meidinger 12/23 Annie Corey 12/24 Shawn Krohn 12/24 Jason Munger 12/24 Thomas Giles 12/25 Nathan Hopkins 12/25 Melba Louisiana 12/25 Travis Danielson 12/26 Matthew Ebert 12/26 Christopher Froberg 12/26 Pat Norine 12/26 Calvin Cummings 12/27 John Gaughan Jr. 12/27 Dan Green 12/27 Evelyn Lehmberg 12/27 Cheryl Olsen 12/27 Nathan Pierce 12/27 Kedrin Rumsch 12/27 Thomas Gaughan 12/28 Heath Schwanke 12/28 Joshua Gaughan 12/29 Eli Matsuda 12/29 Hunter Matsuda 12/29 Tiffany VanHorne 12/29 Alyana Feekes 12/30 Robin Wenger 12/30 Holly Bode 12/31 Amelia Robeck 12/31 Alison Stender 12/31 Olivia Taylor 12/31

Anniversaries

10

Noah’s Ark

December 2015 Preschool Christmas Program

Friday December 18th at 9:30am in the sanctuary. Please bring your preschoolers to the room

at 9:00am to get ready!

You’re invited to … Holiday Movie Night

December 4th 6:30–food, fun and festivities.

7:00pm– Movie begins featuring…

A free will offering will be taken

to support Noah’s Ark Preschool.

Put on your pajamas and come To celebrate the season!

What is happening this month? Our Bible theme this month is ...

Happy Birthday, Jesus! “Unto you is born...a Savior,

who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

Jesus Time this month is saying “Happy Birthday, Jesus!”

We will learn that our Savior is coming, hear about the angels and the shepherds, see that a star announced the Savior!

Dramatic Play in December is a Post Office. We will wrap gifts,

write cards, and send and deliver mail to all our

preschool friends! If you have any unused Christmas cards or

wrapping paper please send them our way!

Announcements NO SCHOOL December 21st – January 2nd. See you back on January 4-5!

11

Children & Family

Practices 9:30-11:30am

Saturdays,

Dec 5th,12,19th

(3yrs-K come 12th & 19th

only)

Christmas Program

Sunday, December 20th

at 10:30am in the Family

Life Center.

Questions? Call Kelly @

763-682-1883

Children’s Christmas Program

You Are Invited to….

12

Children & Family

You’re Invited…..

To rock your Christmas jammies!

HOLIDAY MOVIE NIGHT

Featuring: VeggieTales “Beauty and the Beet”

December 4th 6:30—Food, fun and

festivities.

7:00—Movie begins

A free-will offering will be taken to support

Noah’s Ark Preschool.

Put your pajamas on and celebrate the season with us!

13

Children & Family

First Faith Steps Class 9:30am—Dec. 6 & 13

A parent & child Sunday school class

for children birth—3years old. Join other parents as you and your child sing songs and

actively experience Bible stories. We hope to help you network with other parents, and equip

you with tools and tips to bring the faith home.

Call Kelly for info. 763-682-1883

Thank You to everyone who packed shoeboxes and volunteered for Operation Christmas Child.

This was another year of sharing a simple gift and making a huge difference! Thank you so much!

New to the Art Gallery this month…Noah’s Ark Preschool students. Come and get in the holiday spirit while you check out what our preschool has been hard at work creating! Find out about the artists and get a glimpse into our wonderful preschool. Join us to kick off the month during coffee hour December 6th.

14

Youth

Note: There will be NO Confirmation or Youth Group on Wednesday, December 23rd and December 30th, due to Christmas Break.

Youth Christmas Party!

December 16—7:00 PM

Come for a night of gifts, games, food, and fun! If you are interested in joining, please bring a present for our annual gift exchange. This present should be under $10.00 in value. Be sure to wear your ugliest Christmas sweater! For more information contact Chris!

15

Youth

Save Pop Cans for St. John’s Youth The St. John’s Youth are collecting pop cans to raise money for events throughout the year. If you drink pop, please save your cans for the St. John’s Youth. There is a trailer in our parking lot across from the sanctuary where you can

drop off your empty pop cans. Thank you for your support!

2016 Mission Trip Information

This year our Senior High Youth Group will be going to Fort Collins, CO for their mission trip! Anyone currently in 8th-12th grade can join us for what is sure to be a life-changing experience. On this trip we will serve the community of Fort Collins as well as spend time at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp. We will leave for Fort Collins on Friday, June 17th and return on Sunday, June 26th. If you are interested in signing up, please contact Chris for information regarding the cost, fundraisers, and available scholarships. Also check out Sky Ranch’s website:

skyranchcolorado.org

16

LWML/WIM/St. John’s Women Women in Mission News

As I write this article on November 17, we are three days past the 47th annual Country Fair. The talent, generosity, and teamwork that went into this successful event was exciting and impressive. St. John’s is filled with many generous hearts and kind spirits. Women in Mission and the Country Fair Committee are grateful for the assistance, as will be the recipients of the $10,000 in funds raised. One important component of The Country Fair is always homemade crafts. Many people spent hours making homemade crafts, and their handiwork is now all over, on peoples’ walls, adorning their trees, around their necks, etc. We can have pleasure knowing that these crafts were made from someone dedicated to Christ, focused on faith, and will ultimately make a difference in the lives of people who need us. Now people are preparing for Christmas. Just because Country Fair is over doesn’t mean crafting needs to be. LWML gives ideas at how to keep a faith-focus during this season, and they indicate crafting is one way to do it. Check out the LWML website or Pinterest for crafting and faith-focused Christmas ideas at www.lwml.org/program-helps-creative-crafts or www.pinterest.com/theLWML/. Thankfully in Buffalo we are able to hold concerts, services, events, volunteer in the name of Christ, and be on KRWC. Keeping Christ first during Christmas is getting harder, and people sometimes find themselves fighting for the right to worship Jesus’ birth. Overseas, Christians are being slaughtered. In the United States “Happy Holidays” has replaced “Merry Christmas.” When we need God most, people are pushing Him farther away. But He’s always there. Nearby Wadena, MN, experienced a recent blow. Madison-WI based atheist group Freedom from Religion demanded they either remove a popular Nativity scene from a city park or face a lawsuit. Despite resident objections, the intimidated Wadena City Council voted to sell the Nativity display to be placed on private land. However, losing their blessed Nativity scene has pulled Wadena residents together. Local stores ordered many new nativity scenes and sold them to people at great prices. They are popping up all over

17

town. Jesus has a bigger presence than ever, and people are celebrating a faith-focused Christmas. I recently viewed a Facebook page dedicated to Wadena nativity scenes. One Facebook comment in particular touched me. It reads “Just a couple weeks ago my 8 year old asked me if God hates anybody. I told him no. He said, I bet He hates the devil. I told him that I didn't think He did, but instead I bet God prays for the devil every day and all the people with hate in their hearts to let God and goodness into their life.” Who knows? Maybe someone from the Freedom from Religion organization will see this and they will trade in their Happy Holidays cards for Merry Christmas ones. We can pray. Women in Mission and St. John’s has done wonderful things for others. As people got ready for, and held, the 47th Country Fair, I often was reminded how blessed we are to have each other. It’s time for us more than ever to band together as a unified body. I hope our events, facilities, services, donations, and testimonies can be heard and felt by people all over. If some do have hate in their hearts, I pray as Christians and a vibrant church we can find ways to help them let God and goodness into their lives. There are many Bible verses that come to mind when considering events such as The Country Fair. One in particular stands out: “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

Submitted by Beth Husom, Women in Mission Vice-President

Holiday Schedule Mark your calendars…

♦ The Browns in Concert—Sunday, Dec. 13, 6:00 pm ♦ Noah’s Ark Preschool Christmas Program—Friday, Dec. 18,

9:30 am ♦ Christmas Choral Concert—Saturday, Dec. 19, 7:00 pm

(No Saturday evening worship service) ♦ Sunday School Christmas Program—Sunday, Dec. 20,

10:30 am ♦ Christmas Eve—Worship 5:00 (Family Service), 7:00 &

10:00 pm ♦ Christmas Day—Worship 10:00 am ♦ No Saturday evening worship December 26 ♦ New Year’s Eve Worship with Holy Communion—7:00 pm ♦ New Year’s Day Worship with Holy Communion—10:00 am

18

Quarterly Meeting Minutes—11/1/2015

11:30 Call to Order: Roger Strege (in for August Mussell) Opening Prayer: Pastor Meyer Review Agenda: Janice Marschel asked that the 2016 Mission Projects be added to New Business. Agenda approved, with addition, on a motion from Bill Cook seconded by Peter March. Pastor’s Report: Pastor Meyer spoke on the unique situation St. John’s is in once again keeping in mind that God knows the good for all of us. We have turned a few corners and Pastor feels that we are stepping up in amazing ways. We need to reaffirm that we have a vision and a purpose – the gospel needs to be preached and we are a part of making it happen – he quoted a favorite verse of Pastor Klemz – behold what love God has shown upon you and me. God has great things planned for this church, look at the children coming forward, the number of youth are growing as well so good decisions on leadership have been made in that direction. Due to his issues many changes have come relating to leadership and there are two resolutions leading to this, one to cover his future and a second for Pastor Taylor of which it has been an honor and a privilege to have in our midst. The future is certain God is already there. Hope is built on nothing less than Jesus! Children & Family Ministry / Noah’s Ark: Kelly Thole spoke on how Pastor Meyer led her somewhat into the theme of Sunday school this year “My hope is built on nothing less.” The congregation is the family of God and she thanks everyone for their faith, prayers, trust and opportunity to serve them. She is working hard to cross the generation gap and appreciates comments or questions from everyone. Help is needed in many directions and she will ask for more volunteers as things arise and move forward.

Please read her reports as there are many many things going on. Noah’s Ark has been exciting and word is going out through the community about it. They feel the extended day has been of great help with 12 children participating. The teachers are full of ideas and creativity and in December the children’s art will be displayed in the Library commons area outside of the library. Kelly gave an overview of where they are at with their license and mentioned they have had a consultant to advise them as the license will come up next year. A special THANK YOU is extended to the Trustees who have worked hard on projects and getting things updated for the school. Youth Ministry: Chris Ryan gave an overview of the written report mentioning that all things are back to business so to speak again such as Confirmation, Youth Group etc. He feels this is a good year so far being far more understanding of what is expected of him and what he can offer for programs. The youth group has upwards of 30 kids attending. Fundraising has started again for the mission trip. He is working on his Masters in Youth, Family, and Children Ministry. A youth board is in the making and as soon as a good time is found to meet that should be up and running. He too extends a special thank you to everyone for the prayers, volunteering and caring that has been expressed to him and commented on enjoying taking over the choir and the support he has been given there. ACTION ITEMS Secretary’s Report: Accepted on a motion from Janice Marschel seconded by Tim Vergin. Financial Secretary’s Report: No written report per Kathryn Elsen. Treasurer’s Report: Kyle Bjork went through some of the items for the last quarter. The

19

(Continued on page 23)

church has done a good job at keeping the budget in check even though expenses are up somewhat for the quarter. This is due to some programs starting up again for the season such as Sunday school and Noah’s Ark now being a part of the general funding. A motion to accept report was made by Tim Vergin seconded by Frank Korbel. Motion carried. General Fund Contributions and Expenses for Third Quarter July-Sept Contributions $128,590 Expenses 138,765 Net Increase (Decrease) (10,176) Budget: Kyle Bjork explained the increase in budget saying to keep in mind that this is the first year we will have Noah’s Ark in the budget. Also Chris Ryan is now a full time employee and there has been more pastoral support and increased office worker time which is now in the budget. The increase percentages have been small and Kyle said the boards have done a good job at keeping their budgets down. Discussion followed. Kyle also gave an explanation of the District assessment program which is every 3 years, an approx amount of 1 to 2 dollars is assessed the church per member which goes to the District for various expenses, 2016 is our year to be assessed. On a motion from Don seconded by Pat Norine the Budget for 2016 was approved. Elders Report: Dave Haggerty listed the received and removed members. RECEIVED: Chris Ryan, Johnathen Huffman, Isabel Huffman, Carol Sherrod, Dayna Teske, Daleney Teske, Daric Teske, Dave Teske, Dakota Teske, Emmalynn Abbott, Evyana Ebeling, Bryanna Laumann, Val Gabbert, Delores Rahrlien, Matthew Rigby, Peggy Rigby REMOVED: Jared Topp, Darlene Hicks, Jackie Korbel, Daniel Korbel, Alyce Gervais, Ruth Peavey, Beth Burda, Nancy Hartkopf, John Hartkopf On a motion from Chris Husom seconded by Bill Elletson changes were accepted.

Dave Haggerty once again confirmed we are all a part of this great body of God leaning on each other and the Board is there for everyone. The Call process is moving forward with a list of 28 names which has been gone through and narrowed to 8. The next step is to have background checks done and hopefully whittle the list to 3 where more in depth information will be forthcoming. Pastor Trask is assisting the board with questions or issues making sure they do the process correctly. The Call board consists of Bill Morris, Ryan Rutten, Dave Haggerty, Janice Marschel, Ryan & Holly Bode New Business:

Resolution One – Regarding Pastor Dave Taylor Whereas, Pastor Taylor has been serving St. John’s faithfully for the last few months as an emeritus or retired pastor. And, whereas, Pastor Taylor serves St. John’s as a “tent maker,” which means, on a volunteer basis, and, whereas, a pastor must be officially recognized by a congregation in order to serve, according to LCMS policy, be it resolved, that we thank God and Pastor Taylor for his service, and, be it resolved, that we the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Buffalo, Minnesota, recognize and formally approve Pastor David Taylor as a member of our ministry team, and, be it resolved, that Pastor Taylor be awarded all the rights and privileges of serving as an ordained pastor in our midst. Pastor Taylor spoke briefly on his appreciation of the opportunity. Money for mileage for the assisting Pastors was brought up and noted that there is money budgeted for that. There was a motion from Bill Cook seconded by Bill Morris to accept this resolution, motion carried.

20

Board Meeting Minutes—11/10/2015

6:30 P.M. Call to Order: August Mussell Opening Prayer: Chris Ryan Agenda: Approved on a motion from Roger Strege seconded by Stan Meyer Secretary’s Report: Approved on a motion from Stan Meyer seconded by Roger Strege Reports: Pastor’s Reports: None at this time (August will talk with Pastor’s about getting some type of report for meetings) Youth Ministry: Chris Ryan said the month has been very busy and good. Activities have all picked up and there has been good attendance. A bonfire/cookout night was held, Fear Factor night was great fun. The Mission Trip destination has been picked. It is Fort Collins, CO. They will be going to a camp in the woods with work and fun combined. This year they will have tools supplied at the site and fundraisers are starting to cover other expenses. Child & Family Ministry – Noah’s Ark: Kelly Thole gave an overview of the next up and coming project, Operation Christmas Child which will be held in the month of Nov. ending on the 23rd. The 3rd grade Bible presentation went well with very good participation from both students and parents. Noah’s Ark will be decorating the commons area outside of the Library for the month of Dec. Financial Report: Written report accepted on a motion from Roger Strege seconded by Janice Marschel. Treasurer’s Report: Written report to be approved at Dec. meeting. (No representative available). New Business: None at this time Old Business: Security System – system is up and running with just a few tweaks before it goes full run. They are looking into a second monitor for the Secretary’s desk to handle the security system. Power doors for bathrooms pulled off of Wish List. Call

Committee update – the committee started with 28 names, worked down to 16 then to 8. These last 8 were sent to Synod when questions and further information will be forth coming. Treasurer nominee update – Janice Marschel gave an overview of possibilities and has asked for a detailed list of duties from both Treasurer and Financial Sec. She will meet with these people and talk with others to gather any other information needed. A special meeting will be called with the Congregation before the deadline of Dec. 31st to get results and solutions. Elders: No representative or report. Trustees: Stan Meyer presented a motion to have individual boards make sure a representative and or report is present at all council meetings – this includes the pastoral area. Motion was seconded by Roger Strege, motion carried. Snow removal will be covered by Edward Arens when there are 2 or more inches with staff stepping in to clean walkways below that amount. It was noted that children size AED pads are now supplied. Evangelism: Roger Strege is working with Kelly Thole promoting Noah’s Ark. Updating and renewing the website. It was decided by the board to hand out a “Christmas gift” during the holidays. Stewardship: Tim Vergin talked about the letters that had been sent and that the board continues to work with results of them. Fellowship: No representative or report at this time. Women in Mission (LWML): Pat Norine reported that the weekend for Country Fair was arriving and to let the board know if there might be a Mission project anyone would like to see as part of the gifts that will be given from the profits made by the Fair. Library: No report at this time.

21

Project Compassion / Health Cabinet: Just a reminder of the Christmas bags that will be packed on Nov. 30th and everyone is welcome to help. Missions: Continue to do their good works. Decorating: Poinsettias will be used again this year for holiday decorating.

Other Business: None at this time. Closing Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer said in unison. Adjourn: Meeting adjourned by Roger Strege on a motion from Tim Vergin. Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Olsen

Resolution Two—Regarding Pastor Phil Meyer Whereas, Pastor Philip Meyer has served as our called shepherd for the last 3½ years, and, whereas, due to medical circumstances, he is no longer able to “officially” serve in that capacity because of long-term disability rules and requirements, and, whereas, Pastor Meyer has the desire to continue to serve on a volunteer basis at St. John’s and the leadership of St. John’s has supported and concurred on this matter, be it resolved, that we thank God and Pasor Meyer for his service, and, be it resolved, that we the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church, in Buffalo, Minnesota, recognize and formally approve Pastor Philip Meyer as a part of our ministry team, and, be it resolved, that Pastor Philip Meyer be awarded all the rights and privileges of serving as an ordained pastor in our midst. There was a motion from Tim Vergin seconded by Don to accept this resolution, motion carried. Mission Projects for 2016: Janice Marschel gave an overview of projects for the new year. On a motion from Dave Haggerty seconded by Tony Sebraske the mission projects for 2016 were approved. Old Business: Nominations for Board – President = Bill Morris accepted a nomination for this position on the grounds that it be called Chairman – so moved. Treasurer / Financial Secretary = no new nominations, discussion followed, options were expressed, an additional meeting will be called as this position needs to be filled by the end of the year. Head Elder = on a nomination from Tony

Sebraski Dave Haggerty will continue in the position. Head Trustee = still open with Stan Meyer considering one more year. On a motion from Dave Haggerty seconded by Bill Morris completed nominations were accepted. Motion carried. Trustees: Written report with Stan Meyer adding that the roof is completed and the final total found only approximately $900 due. Anonymous volunteers have offered to pick up the shortage. The Security system is in and being fine tuned. Evangelism: Written report. Pastor Meyer commented at this point how great a heart the congregation has with all that has been done and accomplished. He extended a personal thank you to Dave Haggerty, Stan Meyer and all those who have served for all the work they have done knowing that there will be another year of transition. Pastor Klemz also extended his personal thank you to everyone for all their goodness and hard works. Stewardship: Tim Vergin gave an overview of the written report. All other Boards = Missions, Memorials/Gifts, Building Finance, Fellowship, Lutheran Women in Mission, Project Compassion/Health Cabinet are written reports, adding from Project Compassion that on Nov 30 everyone is welcome to fill Christmas bags. Other Business: Nothing at this time. Closing Prayer: Pastor Meyer led us in singing Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow Adjourn: Roger Strege Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Olsen

Quarterly Voters Meeting Minutes—continued from page 21

22

Non-Profit

US Postage Paid

Buffalo, MN

Permit #33

Return Service Requested

Inside this I

ssue:

Christmas C

hoir Concer

t

p. 4

The Browns in

Concert

p. 5

Children

’s Chris

tmas Prog

ram

p. 11

Family Movie

Night

p. 12

St John’s Lutheran Church 302 2nd Street NE

Buffalo, MN 55313