A Monthly Newsletter Volume XVII, No. 10 December 2017

December 17

8:30 am Children’s Christmas Pageant followed by refreshments. All are welcome.

Please note that there will be no communion at this service.

Saturday, December 23

No Worship Service

December 24—4 Advent

9:00 am Traditional Worship

December 24—Christmas Eve

3:00 pm Family Worship

5:00 pm Candlelight Worship

7 :00 pm Candlelight Worship

11:00 pm Candlelight Worship

December 25—Christmas Day

10:00 am Festival Worship

Saturday, December 30

5:00 pm Worship

Sunday, December 31

9:00 am Worship

Saturday, December 16, at 5:00 pm

The annual St. James Christmas concert, Carols and Dessert, will take place on Saturday, December 16, at 5:00 pm, in the St. James sanctuary. Celebrate the Advent and Christmas season by joining us for a musical program of vocal and hand bell choirs, youth ensembles, instrumentalists, and audience carols. Sing and listen to familiar carols such as Angels from the Realms of Glory, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, and Away in a Manger. Enjoy arrangements of contemporary and less familiar seasonal songs such as Breath of Heaven and On This Still and Silent Night. And be sure to stay after the concert for fellowship and dessert. We hope you can join us. Bring a friend!

ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Phone: 608.845.6922 www.stjamesverona.org Fax: 608.845.6903

WORSHIP

Saturday - 5:00 pm • Sunday - 8:30 am & 10:45 am

OFFICE HOURS Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday — 8 am to 4 pm

Wednesday — 8 am to 12 noon

STAFF Kurt Billings, Pastor Cell: 235-8122 Peter Narum, Pastor Cell: 469-9625 Michelle Lichty Parish Administrator Emily Jeremiason Office Assistant Barb Roberts Office Assistant Holly Parker Sunday School Director Paulette Spoon Adult Choir & Handbell Choir Susan Bubolz Youth Choir Director Rhonda Chalone, Alex Ford & Jim Erickson Accompanists Barb Rasmussen, R.N. Parish Nurse/Visitation Coord. Heather Pearl Director, St. James Preschool Lynn Hauski, Holly Parker,

Lori Rudy & Stacy Zimmerman St. James Preschool

BOARD OF MINISTRY

Karen Breitnauer, President 848-8297

Elise Taft, Vice-President 437-7954

Mark Krebsbach, Treasurer 438-6424

Sue Martin-Zernicke, Secretary 246-2025

Dennis Beres 845-9305

Jeff Duesterbeck 381-9567

Jim Rognstad 497-1132

Jill Sommers 845-2693

John Walker 845-8732

FROM THE PASTOR ... I recently read with interest an article* about a pastor who responded to new members of his congregation who said they didn’t celebrate Christmas. This was not because they weren’t Christian, but because they f e l t C h r i s t m a s w a s t o o commercialized, and many of the traditions had little to do with the poor Christ-child.

Every year, as Advent approaches, we revisit this issue of “keeping Christ in Christmas,” rushing too quickly to Christmas, and whether or not Advent as a season is relevant any more.

I think the tension is good, if not inevitable. But we do need to be vigilant and keep alive our spiritual senses during “the holidays” that can pull us away from the deeper gifts of the season. Think of it as “breathing underwater,” where you are invited to

dive down — away from the craziness of this time and into the quiet and restful places of hope, prayer, and reflection.

Each Advent season I hold in my heart the French Philosopher/Mystic Simone Weil’s (1909-43) bold notion that Waiting patiently in expectation is the foundation of the spiritual life.

Waiting seems so passive — especially in a time when we’re caught up in so much busyness and servants of our to-do lists, not to mention the small screens in our hands. But I think she’s right — a patient, expectant waiting puts us in the right place, a foundational place. It’s a place to breathe, to receive.

Personally, I don’t think there’s so much a “war on Christmas,” but it is so easy to forget what Christmas really is. Think of the world Robert

Southwell (1561-95) wrote in his poem, “New Heaven, New War”:

This little babe, so few days old, Is come to rifle Satan’s fold; All hell doth at his presence quake. Though he himself for cold do shake, For in this weak unarmèd wise The gates of hell he will surprise.

This weak, small, defenseless child is our hope, who comes to fight for us not with guns or swords, but with a love willing to suffer. This is a story worth clinging to, and worth celebrating. Our traditions may help, but they can also be too much of a good thing. Times for simplicity and generosity — and simple waiting — are as much signs of the season as Christmas trees, carols and cookies.

Let us remember that, ultimately, Christmas is not about what we do or don’t do. Christmas is about a gift given to us, breaking into a world

where those in power are bent on keeping it (sound familiar?), where love comes to overcome the the violence of sin, and the sin of violence. God’s light enters our darkness, again and again, revealing to us a God who so loved the world that we have the only gift we truly need: Jesus.

May your Advent preparations and Christmas celebrations focus in the One who is our Hope, our Light, and our Salvation.

—Pastor Peter

*https://www.christiancentury.org/article/first-person/why-my-church-stopped-decking-halls

by Deb Fritsch

Each day I try to take a moment to focus on the things I am grateful for in life. Some days this is much easier than others, but even on tough days I make an effort.

I started this habit, I think, years ago when I read that Oprah Winfrey kept a gratitude journal. I loved the idea and it came naturally to me as I love to collect journals, too.

Just recently I read something about gratitude that really caught my attention:

“Expressing gratitude is a lot like flossing your teeth – we all know we should do it every day, but how many of us actually do it consciously and consistently?”

One study says that more than two-thirds of us don’t do it, usually because we are too stressed out or busy – and sometimes we take our blessings for granted, although we don’t mean to.

Why is this important? Countless studies have shown that people who express gratitude daily:

Are happier

Feel less stress and negativity

Enjoy better relationships

Are more successful

May even be wealthier!

All of that sounds great to me. So in thinking about how to grow in gratitude, the Thanksgiving season and all that I am blessed with, I decided to commit to 365 Days of Growing in Gratitude, which I started on Sunday, November 19.

I’m asking my husband, Bill, and anyone who would like, to help me stay accountable to this commitment. So if you see me at St. James please mention it to me. It’s important to me to do this (and I figure a lot easier than flossing my teeth several times a day).

Thank you – I’m grateful to be Growing in Gratitude and grateful for the community of St James.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer’s Report for the period ending October 31, 2017 Respectfully Submitted by Mark Krebsbach, Board Appointed Treasurer

General Fund The 2017 General Fund Budget approved by the congregation at the semi-annual meeting on February 5, 2017 totals $555,000, which represents a 4.7% increase from 2016 receipts and a 1.3% decrease from the 2016 Budget. For the 2017 Budget, $533,000 of the income budget is from Operating Envelopes and/or those contributions received through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). YTD Receipts Actual Budget Prior Year (P/Y) Total $401,722 $420,500 $406,093 Offering Envelopes $383,676 $405,000 $383,027 Increase (Decrease) from Budget Increase (Decrease) from P/Y YTD Receipts Dollars Percent Dollars Percent Total ($18,778) (4.5%) ($4,371) (0.01%) Offering Envelopes ($21,324) (5.3%) $ 649 0.001% October, 2017 Attendance: 1,537 YTD October, 2017 Attendance: 11,934 October, 2016 Attendance: 1,494 YTD October, 2016 Attendance: 11,930 The following graph shows the Operating Envelope Receipts/EFT for 2017 in comparison to the Budget and the Prior Year: Total receipts for YTD period ending October 31, 2017 are $401,722 compared to a budget of $420,500 which results in 4.5% behind the YTD budget. Total receipts at this time last year were $406,093 for a decrease YTD of ($4,371), which is .01% behind the prior year. Because expenses are running favorable to budget by $46,352 at the October 31, 2017 point in the year, we are not experiencing a significant short-fall to the YTD net result as of October 31, 2017. If we had a Children’s Youth & Family Ministry Director in place at this time, given the current offerings, we would be significantly behind plan. Please prayerfully consider an increase to your General Fund giving this year so that our fiscal goals are achieved and our ministry programs are maintained.

Building Fund Pledges as of June 30, 2017 total $1,465,000 towards the Capital Campaign goal of $1,500,000. The estimated project cost is $3.5 million with up to $2.1 million to be financed as long-term debt. When construction is finished as planned in 2018, the debt reduction phase of the Capital Campaign will start in order to significantly pay down on the mortgage within the first three to five years after construction is completed.

The following shows the Capital Campaign results as of October 31, 2017: Goal $1,500,000 Pledges $1,465,000 Received to Date $1,063,777 Building Fund Balance, December 31, 2016: $663,231 Plus: 2017 Contributions 236,468 Plus: 2017 Interest Income 619 Less: 2017 Construction Costs Paid (818,766) Plus: Mortgage reimbursed from General Fund 38,610 Building Fund Cash Balance, Oct. 31, 2017: $120,162

Thank you for your financial support of both the St. James General Fund and the Building Fund.

We extend a gracious thank you to all of our members for their generosity. We ask that you continue to return your 2018 pledge cards. You may bring them in, mail them to St. James or put them in the offering plate during worship. Thank you!

ALL THINGS YOUTH & FAMILY

Sunday School kids enjoyed a movie and craft on Reformation Sunday and even got to wear their pajamas!

Making cup lanterns and pinch pot oil lamps was a fun way to learn about watching for Jesus and letting our light shine!

Advent Workshops December 3rd & 10th at 8:30 & 9:40am

In place of regular Sunday School, children and their families are invited to come to he Fellowship Hall to create props for the pageant and enjoy games together. (Families of 8:30 Sunday School kids are welcome to stay for the 9:40 workshop if they'd like to worship at 8:30.)

2017 Pop Up Christmas Pageant December 17th at 8:30am

We are excited to present a fun, lively and interactive pageant again this year! Sunday School children and their families will be creating props during Advent Workshops on December 3rd & 10th. On December 17th, all those attending the 8:30 am service can pick a prop and become part of the pageant. Stick around after the pageant for refreshments and fellowship!

Please Note:

December 24th & December 31st - No Sunday School or Confirmation.

January 7th - Sunday School & Confirmation Resume

December Youth Group will meet on Wednesday, December 20 from 6:00 pm — 7:30 pm. Fourth through eighth graders are encouraged to come enjoy dinner, crafts, games and fun. Questions? Please contact Cindi Stampfli at cindistampfli@gmail.com or Jill Sommers at jill@jsommersfinancial.com.

Sunday, January 14th

When Breath Becomes Air, by Paul Kalanithi

At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade’s worth of training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. One day he was a doctor treating the dying, and the next he was a patient struggling to live. And just like that, the future he and his wife had imagined evaporated. When Breath Becomes Air chronicles Kalanithi’s transformation from a naïve medical student “possessed,” as he wrote, “by the question of what, given that all organisms die, makes a virtuous and meaningful life” into a neurosurgeon at Stanford working in the brain, the most critical place for human identity, and finally into a patient and new father confronting his own mortality.

What makes life worth living in the face of death? What do you do when the future, no longer a ladder toward your goals in life, flattens out into a perpetual present? What does it mean to have a child, to nurture a new life as another fades away? These are some of the questions Kalanithi wrestles with in this profoundly moving, exquisitely observed memoir.

When Breath Becomes Air is an unforgettable, life-affirming reflection on the challenge of facing death and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a brilliant writer who became both. The book is available at the Welcome Center for $15.00

Congratulations to Holden Latsch, Cade Miller, Jordyn Thomas, Greta Boehm, and Kendall Hazen. They completed two years of study, 10 hours of Community Service and participated in worship several times during the last 2.5 years. These five wonderful young people Affirmed their Baptismal promise on October 22, 2017.

Happy Thanksgiving St James!

This time of year is always one of reflection, and as I gear up for the holiday season, I like to pause and take stock of where I am, what I’m doing. In my work, what I am always so thankful for are the great partnerships I have in the faith community. I have an especially warm place in my heart for St James, as it was my “work home” for many years!

I wanted to send you all an update on a family that St James gathered around, and supported, back in the fall of 2014. I was working with a young single mother of four children, and the family had been homeless for many years. The mom was working hard to regain housing stability, and with advocacy and the support of the Verona community, she eventually was accepted into a lovely apartment. At the time of move-in, she had nothing. Your church helped sponsor all of her new move-in needs, and with a list of index cards in the narthex, it seemed everyone grabbed one and pitched in. I was flooded with new towels, pillows, bedding sets, laundry soap, cleaning and household supplies…pots and pans, dishes, silverware… everything that we asked for and needed. The family moved in and was able to quickly make themselves a home.

I feel like oftentimes, people help in such ways, and they don’t always get to hear the outcome of that help...so I am writing to give you an update on this one. With the support that this family received, they lived happily at this apartment for three years. It’s now the beginning of their fourth year, and they moved into a new apartment just down the street, in the same neighborhood, receiving a glowing reference from the landlord. The kids have been in the same schools since 2014: they had never had such stability before. Mom became employed as a caregiver with an agency that provides care for people with disabilities, and is able to support people right there in her neighborhood. She has maintained that same job since 2014 as well.

I just wanted to share a little glimpse of how the kindness and generosity you give so positively impacted a family’s future. Thank you for being a wonderful partner in supporting area families. Happy holiday season to all!

The new coin counting machine at the Cross Plains bank got quite a workout! Through your generosity, a total of $1,338.28 was collected in the gray wheelbarrow in the narthex and the little red wheelbarrow in the Sunday School area. Wow! With matching funds of $661.72 from Thrivent, we were able to donate $2000 to the ELCA Lutheran Disaster Response for Hurricane Relief. One hundred percent of your donations will go toward recovery efforts in areas affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. Thank you!

St. James donated and delivered more than 150 food bags and $1,850 for turkeys to the food pantry of BPNN (Badger Prairie Needs Network) on Sunday, November 12. Through your generosity, area families will receive food contributions for their Thanksgiving meal. Thank you!

WAYS TO SERVE

Members and friends of St. James are invited to help adorn our chancel area with poinsettias for Christmas or to make a special donation to the Pastor’s Fund (monies used to assist those in need). The plants are $15.00. Donations to the Pastor’s Fund may be made in any amount. Forms are available at church or you may call the office to request one. Please make your selection by December 17th for inclusion in the Christmas bulletin.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

While most of us enjoy the holiday season, we have to be aware of the stress it can cause. The rush of parties, gift shopping, and decorating can be overwhelming! Here are some tips for overcoming stress and depression at the Holidays.

1. Keep realistic expectations. Expect your family to be the same as they’ve always been—both good and bad. If they have always been one way, don’t expect a big change just because it’s the holiday season.

2. Learn to say NO. To decrease holiday stress, prioritize your time, money, and energy.

3. Laugh. Laughter lowers stress hormones and improves blood flow, which increases your energy levels. The more energy you have, the less likely you’ll be to be overwhelmed.

4. Stay spiritually grounded. Stay in touch with God. Take time to breathe deeply and say a prayer and reflect on this season of your life. Remember,” The Reason for the Season,” is the birth of Jesus.

5. Get enough sleep. The more rested you are, the less stressful it’ll be to cope with the holidays.

6. Start new traditions. Don’t be afraid or too rigid to be able to explore new traditions. New location for the big dinners, a change in the menu.

7. Get enough sunlight and exercise. Vitamin D and melatonin are both stimulated by sunlight, and they both play roles in improving mood and facilitating sleep. Sunlight will help reduce your holiday stress and improve your mood.

8. Limit your alcohol intake. Excessive drinking affects your physical, emotional, and spiritual health and it can increase holiday stress and depression.

9. Delegate responsibilities. Ask everyone to help out in some way. The more support you have, the less to worry about including financially. Don’t pay for everything. Others will feel more part of the celebration and you can have more time to relax and enjoy it.

10. Keep your eating habits healthy. Holiday eating is stressing you out and the holiday stress is making you eat! Be selective and ration yourself.

Have a happy, stress free, healthy holiday season! Keep your eyes on the most wonderful Christmas present ever, an everlasting life through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

God’s Blessings,

Barb Rasmussen, R.N., Parish Nurse

Due to the C o n s t r u c t i o n , there will be no blood pressure checks at St. James in December. We apologize for any inconvenience.

FROM THE PARISH NURSE...Barbara Rasmussen, RN.,CPN

Fall Bake Sale: The Fall Bake Sale was held on November 18 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. We thank all who baked and attended. Together we were able to raise more than $2,100. We also received $800 in matching funds from Thrivent. This great result will help us to fund our many service projects and other causes that serve women and families.

More about Lutheran World Relief: Our Circles and Quilting Group contribute annually to the Lutheran World Relief efforts. The quilts, school kits and health kits that we assemble contribute to a world-wide effort that serves more than 700,000 people in 19 countries. Our contributions were delivered to the regional collection box car in early October. Thank you to everyone who contributes to this important project.

Circle Spotlight: Chloe Circle

This month and in coming months, we want to provide information about the various Circles at St. James. “Circles” are groups of women that vary in age and focus. New members are always welcome.

This month we focus on Chloe Circle. Chloe Circle meets once a month on Thursday evenings at members’ homes. Chloe Circle focuses on service projects, including helping a local family during the Christmas season, putting together and mailing care packages to military members from our church community, hosting the July birthday party for the residents of Four Winds Manor and Lodge, baking lefse for the annual St. James Bake Sale, and assisting Mary Circle with the Christmas Bags for the Badger Prairie Needs Network project. Chloe Circle also hosts the Palm Sunday breakfast at St. James and plants and maintains the flowers by our church sign. Participating in Chloe Circle offers a wonderful opportunity to join in fellowship and service with other women of St. James. The current chair of Chloe Circle is Paulette Spoon. If you would be interested in joining Chloe Circle or getting more information, please contact Paulette at spoonp@charter.net

Café is a free monthly online magazine for women whether or not they identify as Lutheran. It explores topics that are relevant to women and how faith relates to these issues. Many use it to learn more about what the Lutheran Church has to say about issues and to start discussions with friends or classmates. See more at www.boldcafe.org.

St. James Women’s Retreat

Save the date! The St. James Women’s Retreat will be held April 7-8, 2018 at Holy Wisdom Monastery in Middleton, WI. We are at the very beginning stages of planning the Retreat. If you are interested in joining the committee to help with planning, please contact Bobbie Wang, Retreat Coordinator @ bwang799@gmail.com.

Bobbie Wang – Chair, Women of St. James Board

THE WOMEN OF ST. JAMES

Delicious Bake Sale items

Members making lefse for the Bake Sale

To celebrate Halloween this year we did Trunk-or-Treat at night on 10/30. We had over 30 cars handing out candy and over 60 kids (students and their siblings). Even though it was cold families had fun decorating their cars, passing out treats and kids had fun going around filling their bags with a lot of treats.

Bucky Book Update:

Thank you to everyone who purchased a Bucky Book from the Preschool. We made a profit of $1005! Please keep us in mind next year as we plan on selling them again.

Save the date:

On Thursday, January 18th, Sugar River Pizza is having a fundraiser day for the St. James Preschool! Come and enjoy their delicious food knowing that the Preschool will receive a percentage of their profits for the entire day!

Pre-K went on a field trip to Fischerdale Holsteins Dairy Farm in Verona. While on the farm, the kids learned all the worthy details of milking a cow and were also able to feed the cows their corn and grain mixture!

Chris Hauski, a Madison Firefighter, came into school to teach the kids all about fire safety. Ms. Holly even got to dress up in his fireman suit!

Making Pumpkin Pie Slime was a bit hit this past month! They were able to make it in the classroom and take some home to share!

PARISH NOTES

427 South Main Street

Verona, WI 53593-1492

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

W e remember in our prayers — Members of St. James: Marilyn Doerfer, Laurie Hambrecht, Kevin Henry, Lester

Luehring, Monica Pechan, Hayley Rahn, Charles & Ruby Reuter, Jim Schumann, Dodie Syvrud, and Dale Thompson. Friends of St. James: Eric Jelinek, Mark, Jennifer, Laura Schurman, and Jim Zwettler. Relatives of Members: Helen Abplanalp (mother of Chuck Abplanalp), Carl Baxter (son of Nancy & Blake Baxter) John Bittrich (father of Elise Taft), Sheryl Duenkel (Aunt of Sasha Kowalski), Fred & Marlene Favor (parents of Julie Farmer), Genevieve Fleury (grandmother of Mike Piché), Brad Haferman (brother-in-law of Sandy Saether), Patrick Hayden (son of Mark & Bonnie Hayden), Steve K. (Uncle of Brett Weiss), Hillary Knobloch (niece of Sandy Saether), Don Koch (brother of Cookie Thompson), Al Miller (brother-in-law of Cookie Thompson), Joyce Moen (mother of Susan Bubolz), Sally Mueller (sister of Susan Mueller), Hank Murphy (great nephew of Jim & Mindy Storch), Norman Schroeder (brother of Marilyn LeMoine), Don Waalen (father of Karen Breitnauer), and Julie Wiegel (cousin of Barb Rasmussen).

In Residence: Four Winds - Robert & Roberta Miller, and Dona Nyhus; Inglewood - Duane Eliason. Girlies Manor - Margaret Eliason. Noel Manor—Dick Doerfer, Dale & Audrey Hagen, Margaret Hendrickson, Maureen Rand, Chuck & Marilyn Roum, Jim & Ginny Schumann, Ernest Stuber, Bob Syvrud, Marvin & Cookie Thompson; Oakwood West — Lorine Kahl. St. Mary’s Care Center - Olga Ascher and Bill Gilbert.

Willow Pointe - Betty Burgenske. Willow Pointe Memory Care - Dodie Syvrud.

S erving in the Military: Evan Spoon, Scott Halstead, Rob Heitz, Hannah

Tordoff, Bryan Tordoff, Dan Sullivan, Adam Jeziorski, Casey Biggins, Mark Nyhus, Ryan Nyhus, Adam Pechan, Casey Pulver, David Pulver, and Shandra Pulver.

S acrament of Christian Baptism: Vercil Hazel Wilson, daughter of

Colin & Joy (Petry) Wilson on November 5, 2017; and Ava Mila Hendricks, daughter of Jeremiah & Teagan (Olness) Hendricks on November 19, 2017.