January 2015

Special points of interest:

WELS News

The Galloping Mustang

Inside this issue:

WELS News 2

This We Believe 3

Through My Bible in

3 years

This Month in God’s

Word/ Birthdays/

Anniversary

4

The Galloping Mus-

tang

5-8

NELHS 9

Jan. Calendar 2015

Jan. Duties

11

12

St. Mark Church and

School Newsletter Hebrews 13:8

"JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER."

Looking back in review at the year 2014, we witnessed many changes. On the international scene,

we observed an old superpower (Russia) bully a neighboring state. We saw riots in our nation

because of a Grand Jury decision that was not popular with some of the populace. In our own

state we saw what will amount to a change of leadership with outgoing and incoming governors.

Here at St. Mark, we witnessed the departure of a dearly loved pastor and anticipate the arrival of

a new one. We saw families grow and expand via marriage and birth. We observed some dear

souls depart and join their Savior. New members came into our fellowship and some old ones

transferred out or left our fellowship.

We also experienced personal changes in 2014. Some of us experienced physical changes: a new

hair style, different hair color (the graying of a few hairs), less hair, new glasses, new fillings in our

teeth or a different set of teeth altogether. Some of us have relocated; some have changed jobs.

We have all gone through spiritual changes growing closer to our Lord or falling further away

from our Lord via spiritual decline.

There are a whole lot of changes going on and not one of us has been untouched by change.

That’s why it’s nice to know that in this World of change, in which nothing seems to stay the

same, there are several things which do not change. One of them is our Savior Jesus Christ and

another one is the Word of our God which tells us all about Him.

God's Word remains the same. Jesus reminds us of this when he says, "Heaven and earth will pass

away but my Word will never pass away." The Word of God still condemns sin and calls sinners

to repent. It still points out our failures and our need to change-lest we be punished eternally. It

also still offers comfort and peace and joy for those willing to abandon their sinfulness, who turn in

trust to the Lord.

Christ’s love and forgiveness is also changeless. In Malachi 3:6 we hear: “I the LORD do not

change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” We who find ourselves in the posi-

tion of being the “spiritual descendants” of the first recipients of that message draw great encour-

agement and comfort in knowing that our God is still willing to forgive…and forget-for the sake of

Christ Jesus.

Christ doesn’t change. He is willing to accept and provide for us what we most need in this world:

a change of status before God through faith in Him. He is the same humble Savior Who did not

come to condemn but to give His sinless life as a ransom for many. He is still there guiding and

directing us through His Word. He is still present in the body and blood we receive in the sacra-

ment which assure us of our forgiveness and empower us to make changes in our lives to better

conform to God’s will.

As we stand on the brink of yet another New Year, it's very easy to feel intimidated. We don't know what the New Year has in store but we do know there will be change involved. We can and

will proceed with confidence however as we remember: In our changing world we have a change-

less Savior. The Lord be with you this New Year and always!

In the January issue, Forward in Christ (FIC) magazine

is debuting a new column devoted to parenting topics.

Titled Heart to heart: Parent conversations, the new

column is designed to have the feel of a conversation

between parents. Each month one topic will be dis-

cussed by a diverse group of parents.

"The idea isn't for these parents to give readers the

'right answer' to the topic," says Nicole Balza, FIC's

staff editor of the column and mother to three. "After all,

how many parenting topics really have one right an-

swer? Instead, the column will explore multiple facets of

the topic and give examples of how parents have han-

dled this topic in the past—with both good and bad re-

sults."

More than anything, Balza says that the editors want this column to be an honest forum for Christian parents to build each other up and support each other. An im-portant component of that support will be the opportu-nity for readers to join the conversation online. Visitwww.wels.net/forwardinchrist and look for the link to the Heart to heart site. Read uncut versions of the articles, learn more about the authors, and share your thoughts and reactions.

The first topic discussed in Heart to heart is how fami-

lies are adjusting to life in the digital age. January’s writ-

ers tackle iPad use, texting, and digital multitasking.

Learn how three WELS families are dealing with our

world’s digital distractions—and hear some of their tips

for keeping technology in check so that it’s a blessing

for families.

Looking for other great articles to help you in your daily

walk of faith? Go to www.nph.net/fic to subscribe

to Forward in Christ.

Divine Word, Plover, Wis.,

serves the University of

Wisconsin-Stevens Point

campus ministry. Every

Thursday, 20 to 25 stu-

dents meet to study God's

Word and to share in a

meal prepared by volun-

teers from the congregation.

But the congregation has decided to take its campus

ministry efforts further. With financial support from the

WELS Campus Ministry Committee, Divine Word

plans to call a second pastor to serve not only the

campus, but eventually the Stevens Point community.

The goal is that a second pastor will be able to offer

more fellowship opportunities and spiritual guidance as

well build stronger relationships with the students.

Campus ministry has been an important ministry to

Divine Word, as it offers nearby college students a

church home and the opportunity to continue building

their relationship with God, explains Mr. Scott Dimler,

congregation president. He says, “In order to have any

successful program that we do at Divine Word, the

congregation has to be not only supportive with volun-

teering their time and talents, but also it is an important

part of our ministry, so we do have budget money set

aside each year to support it.”

Rev. Ken Brokmeier, chairman of the WELS Campus

Ministry Committee, says, “If a congregation is inter-

ested, the Campus Ministry Committee is happy to try

to partner with local congregations to get something

going.” Brokmeier says the Campus Ministry Commit-

tee has funds available to help congregations get a

campus ministry off the ground and is able to provide

guidance on operating a campus ministry program and

how the congregation can get involved.

Casey Urbanek, a student at UW-Stevens Point, says,

“Being able to meet with other students who share a

faith with me and being able to study God's Word with

them is truly a blessing. Campus ministry provides an

opportunity for me to step away from all the stress and

challenges of college life and focus on my relationship

with God while growing in faith with other students.”

To sign up with Campus Ministry and get Forward in

Christ magazine and Meditations mailed to you for

free, visit www.wels.net/campus-ministry.

WELS News

Reaching Students With Campus Ministry

Page 2

FIC DEBUTS PARENTING COLUMN

Page 3

We believe that at the moment of death, the souls of those who believe in Christ go immediately to be

with the Lord in the joy of heaven because of the atoning work of Christ (Luke 23:43). The souls of

those who do not believe in Christ go to an eternity of misery in hell (Luke 16:22-24).

This We Believe: Justification by Grace Through Faith

If souls go immediately to heaven or hell at the moment of death, what is the purpose of judgment

day?

Judgment day is not for God’s benefit, as if on that day God will decide for the first time what he’s going to

do with all people for eternity. For all those who already died, that part of judgment will have already been

determined. Judgment day will make God’s judgment public and evident to all humanity of all time. All will

understand that God’s judgments are just and merciful. In addition, Jesus will publicly commend his believ-

ers for the works they did in his name while denouncing the unbelievers for their failure to live for him.

For those souls who are already in heaven and hell before judgment day, the only thing that will change is

that they will continue there forever as soul and body.

A:

Q:

Through my Bible in 3 years

This Bible reading series is designed to

take only a few minutes each day. If you

haven’t started in January, that’s okay.

Feel free to jump in and start in the mid-

dle of a year. This same Bible reading

structure is found in the Northwestern

Lutheran.

To help you through your Bible study,

consider this anecdote: Peter the Barber

once asked Martin Luther how he, an

ordinary kind of guy, could read the Bible

with profit. Luther answered:

1.What does God tell me here?

2.What makes me glad?

3.What makes me sad?

4.What do I want to pray for:

Try it in your Bible reading!

December

1. 1 Corinthians 5, 6

2. 1 Cor. 7

3. I Cor. 8, 9

4. 1 Cor. 10:1-11:1

5. I Cor. 11:2-34

6. I Cor. 12

7. I Cor. 13

8. I Cor. 14

9. I Cor. 15:1-34

10. 1 Cor. 15:35-58

11. I Cor. 16

12. Psalm 30

13. Psalm 31

14. Psalm 32

15. Psalm 33

16. Psalm 34

17. Psalm 35

18. Psalm 36

19. Psalm 37:1-20

20. Psalm 37:21-40

21. Psalm 38

22. Psalm 39

23. Psalm 40:1-10

24. Psalm 40:11-17

25. Psalm 41

26. 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

27. 2 Cor. 1:12-22

28. 2 Cor. 1:23-2:17

29. 2 Cor. 3:1-4:6

30. 2 Cor. 4:7-5:10

31. 2 Cor. 5:11-6:10

January 4 —Christmas 2

A Question of Origins

Micah 5:2-5a; Hebrews 2:10-18

Sermon: John 7:40-43

January 11—Epiphany

Identity Crisis

Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts 16:25-34

Sermon: Mark 1:4-11

Bible Class—The Foundations-Psalm 11:3

January 18—Epiphany 2

Called to Serve

Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Sermon: John 1:43-51

Bible Class—The Foundations-Psalm 11:3

January 25—Epiphany 3

Readings: 1 Kings 19:19-21; Acts 13:1-5

Sermon: Mark 1:14-20

Bible Class—The Foundations-Psalm 11:3

****************************************************

Wedding Anniversary

Harold & Verna Rank

60th Anniversary—January 1

David & Alice Remmers

40th Anniversary—January 11

May God Continue to Bless you in Your Marriage!

This Month in God’s Word

Page 4

January Birthdays!

A Happy and Blessed

Birthday to you All!

1– Ben Riegsecker

3– Kristine Dorn

4– Lydia Drews

5– Gary Spring

8– Ellie Shidler

10– Jeff Schmidt

14– Chelsea Beach

17– Melissa Stamps

17– Trenton Steinbach

19– Jeremiah Drews

20– Meredith Hawkins

21– Katey Rehm

22– Bill Ellsworth

24– Harold Rank

25– Jacob Ripa

27– Beth Bergmeier

A Happy and Blessed

Birthday to you All!

Page 5

The Festival of Epiphany centers the attention

of Christendom upon one of the most fascinating

events in human history.

Wise Men, somewhere in the Orient, scan the

evening sky and with the trained eyes of science dis-

cover an unusual star. With the eyes of faith, they

recognize in it the message from God that the long-

promised Messiah has come.

A long journey through dreary desert and

populous areas leads to the crib of Jesus. Physical

eyes behold a child in humble surroundings, de-

pendent upon the loving care of His mother. The

God-given sight of faith sees in Him the only-

begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and

pays deep homage to Him.

Many today stress the eyes of science at the

expense of faith. They measure Jesus the same they

measure things and people otherwise coming under

their observation. As a result they reduce the im-

measurable One to another human being, better and

greater than others, but still only a human being.

The eyes of faith behold in Jesus the answer to

the cry of the sin-burdened heart—God’s own Son,

who was made flesh in order that He, as our Substi-

tute, might fulfill the Law, which we have broken,

and pay the full penalty for our sins on the cross.

“Eyes That See”

January 2015 www.stmarkles.org jeremiah.drews@stmarklincoln.org

From the Principal’s Desk

St. Mark Lutheran School

The Galloping Mustang

BINGO! St. Mark Lutheran School

will host its second “Mustang Bingo

Bash” on Friday, January 23rd,

from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Bingo Cards

are $0.50 buy-in per card. The pro-

ceeds for the Bingo Night will go to-

wards the “St. Mark Lutheran School

Wish List.” Snacks and drinks will

be provided by the St. Mark PTO. If

you love to dot those “Bingo” cards,

then come support the education at

your school!

“Mustang Bingo Bash”

Mark Your Calendars:

Play Night & Silent Auction

March 27th, 2015

“The Unprincess”

Page 6

“Lutheran Schools Week”

The first “Lutheran Schools Week” will take place from Sun-

day, February 22nd through Sunday, March 1st. We will

have special activities during the course of the week including a

spelling bee, school spirit dress-up days, muffins with our

moms, donuts with our dads, and many more activities. St.

Mark Lutheran School will also be participating in a ‘Penny War

“Revolution in Lone Star Country”

A couple years ago, Mrs. Van Egmond and Mr.

Drews took a class offered by Martin Luther Col-

lege on “Authentic Assessment,” which is a tool

that can assess student learning in other ways

than what a test can assess. Mr. Drews chose to

assess his U.S. History students by having them

write a newspaper article on the Texas Revolution.

Here was the scenario:

You are a newspaper reporter from Boston, Massachusetts. You have heard

strange tales of a “Republic of Texas” and their revolution from Mexico. Your

newspaper editor is sending you to the Republic of Texas to learn the reason

why Americans settled in Texas, why Texas declared independence from Mexi-

co, and how these “Texans” won their revolution.

Enjoy reading the U.S. History class’s work on their newspaper articles entitled,

“Revolution in Lone Star Country.”

St. Mark Lutheran School will be hosting the third annual Cake Chal-

lenge. This competition is open to St. Mark school families, members

of St. Mark and Mt. Olive, and friends of St. Mark Lutheran School.

The challenge will take place at St. Mark Lutheran School on Friday,

February 20th at 7:00 p.m. The Cake Challenge will be divided into

two divisions (Preschool-8th & High School-Adult). Prizes will be

awarded to the most creative cake and best tasting cake in each divi-

sion. Registration forms can be found in the Church foyer. Contact

Mr. Drews for more information. May the best cake baker win!!

“4th Annual St. Mark Cake Challenge”

Page 7

Revolution in Lone Star Country

By Makena Colson, 5th Grade

Hello Texas! My name is Reporter Makena and today, I will be talking about all about the

ruckus that has been happening in Texas, also known as the Texas Revolution. Here we go! It

all started when Mexico started allowing American citizens into Texas to populate the new

area. Then, the Texans got angry with the Mexicans. One reason why is because Mexico

banned any more immigration to Texas from the United States. Another reason why is because

the taxes were raised and the tariffs were raised on items shipped from the United States. They

were angered when they couldn’t have slaves. But, they usually ignored these laws. For these

reasons, the Texans declared independence. Skipping to the part where the battle of the Alamo

took place. The Texans were angered when the Mexican army destroyed The Alamo. Skipping

to the part when the Texans, captured Santa Anna. Santa Anna was careless while his army

was resting and was ambushed by Texans shouting”

Remember the Alamo!” Santa Anna was captured and brought to Houston and was

forced to give Texas its freedom!! Well, that about wraps my report. Maybe I will do something

like this in the future. Until then, I will see you all later! Bye!!!!

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Revolution in Lone Star Country

By Molly Wilkinson, 5th Grade

Howdy there welcome to Texas! It’s pretty wild out here. The reason why settlers came to

Texas is because after the Mexicans settled in Texas, the Mexicans let Americans know that

they can come to Texas. The Americans wanted to settle in Texas because they could grow

good crops and could raise cattle. But we raised the taxes too high and the Mexicans didn’t

want taxes that high so they did not appreciate the Americans. So they kicked the Americans

out of Texas.

Then the Alamo came shouting REMEMBER THE ALAMO! In 1820 the Revolution

started and when men brought their families the men were killed but the women and children

were not killed to tell the Americans not to come. In 1846 Santa Anna was captured and killed

and the Mexicans were sent back to Mexico and Texas became an independent nation. America

accepted Texas into the Union years later.

Page 8

Revolution in Lone Star Country

By Ethan Riegsecker, 6th Grade

Hi! I’m here in Texas to report about the Texas Revolution. The reason why people settled in Texas in the first place is because Mexico couldn’t afford an army. So they said that settlers should form militias to fight the outlaws and Indians.

The reason why Texas revolted is because they weren’t happy with the law. Then Mexico tried to remove the artillery from Gonzales, Texas. The Texans decided to break

off and legalize slavery. The reason why Texas won their revolution is because at the battle of San Jacinto

while Mexico was resting Texas swarmed their camp and destroyed Mexico’s army. After the battle Santa Anna was captured and forced to sign a treaty.

———————————————————————————————————————————

—-

Revolution in Lone Star Country By Melody Tustin, 6th Grade

On March 2nd, 1836, Texans declared their new republic and made the constitution for

Texas, and modeled it after the U.S., making slavery legal. The Texans declared their in-

dependence because they wanted to keep their slaves and didn’t like Mexican rulers.

The Texans actions angered the president of Mexico, Santa Anna. He began to assemble

troops to stop the rebellion. The Texans fought off the Mexicans for months under the

command of William Travis. A small force under his command took the town of San An-

tonio. The Alamo became an important sight for the Texas Revolution. Volunteers from

the U.S. including Davy Crockett, Colonel Jim, and Bowie joined t

he Alamo’s defenses. The rebels numbering fewer than 200 stalled the Mexican army for

almost 2 weeks, through February 23- March 6, 1836. They used enemy lines saying

that they would either win or die. On March 6th, 1836 the Mexican army attacked, de-

spite heavy losses they killed in the Alamo’s defenses but let the woman and children

go. Santa Anna then chased the Texans to San Jacinto River. In the afternoon of April

21, 1836 Houston’s troops swarmed the camp while they were resting, shouting

“Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” In the battle of San Jacinto, Texans captured

Santa Anna, forcing him to sign a treaty giving the Texans their independence.

Page 9

Nebraska Lutheran Math Students Earn 2nd Place at the UNL Math Day Competition

Nineteen math students from NELHS participated in the 25th annual UNL Math Day competition on Thursday,

November 20th. More than 1500 students from 105 high schools from across the state participated in this

competition.

In the PROBE written exam competition, the students from Nebraska Lutheran finished in second place in Class

V. Their performance on this test also put them in 24th place among all of the schools in the competition.

Junior, Heidi (Ying) He, earned 31st place overall—an outstanding performance.

The Nebraska Lutheran students also finished in the top six in the Math Bowl competition, finishing with a 3-2

record. Members of the Math Bowl team include Morgan Seaberg, Heidi He, Anna Wobser, Melissa

Richert, Taylor Richert and Mandy Abernathy. We thank God for the success that he granted us and giving us

The opportunity to use our gifts to His glory!

_____________________________________________________________

I Don’t Mind That Your Ugly

Thanks to a dedicated and talented cast and crew, the Nebraska Lutheran one act team saw greater success

than anticipated and brought home a lot of hardware. The cast showed tremendous talent and continued to

improve their skills throughout the season. Each cast member received recognition at some point throughout

The season. Those awards are listed below:

Senior Kalynne Brauer—Outstanding Performance, Pawnee City and District; Energizer Bunny Award for ou

standing energy onstage, Pawnee City; Best Supporting Actress, Conference. Freshman Austin Dodson

Outstanding Performance, Pawnee City and District; Best Supporting Actor, Pawnee City. Senior Melanie

Dodson—Outstanding Performance, Pawnee City. Sophomore Sami Edens—Outstanding Performance, Pawnee

City and District. Senior Ben Hudson—Outstanding Performance, Pawnee City and District. Sophomore Brooke

Malchow—Outstanding Performance, Pawnee City and District; Best Actress, Conference. Senior Melissa

Richert—Outstanding Performance, Pawnee City and District. Senior Morgan Seaberg—Outstanding Perfor

ance, Pawnee City and District; Best Actor, Pawnee City and Conference. Sophomore Trevor Wiles—Outstanding

Performance, Pawnee City and District.

The cast and crew would like to especially thank Mrs. Monica Haakenson for painting the backdrop for the

stage, Mrs. Crystal Seaberg for planning and providing costumes and other stage properties, and Mrs. Jennifer

Otte for directing. Their contributions were essential to making this a successful season.

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Greeters: Dwayne & Dorothy Burianek

Usher: Rich Beltz, Tom Bork

Bulletin Folders: Rainer Gartzke

Finance Committee: Paul & Karen Dinges

Shut ins: Kim Kumwenda

Communion Ware Cleaners: Mark & Carolyn Schwede 1st Lisa Duffield 3rd

St. Mark Sunday School Teachers

Pre School Marlys Parde

Lower grades: 1 & 2 Mandy Krushenisky / Susan & Katey Rehm

Middle grades: 3 & 4 Mel Soyk

Upper grades: Jean Riegsecker

January Duties

Page 12

Church Staff

Vacancy Pastor: Timothy Kemnitz 402-440-8145

pastor@mtolivewels.org

Principal/Teacher: Jeremiah Drews 402-480-1940

jeremiah.drews@stmarklincoln.org

Teacher: Eva Van Egmond 920-210-9813

pamperem@gmail.com

Administrative Assistant: Carolyn Schwede

carolyn.schwede@stmarklincoln.org

Elders

Family Nurture: Nathan Workentine 402-217-4362

Adult Nurture: David Remmers 402-421-6388

Outreach: Jarod Wilkinson 402-617-3815

Support:: Ben Schroeder 402-947-1554

School: Jeff Schmidt 402-310-8975

Worship: Gus Stamps 402-217-2602

Officers

President:: Larry Hans 402-489-3787

Vice President: Mark Schwede 402-438-1377

Secretary: Tim Hans 402-430-9448 3930 S. 19th Street,

Lincoln, NE 68502

Phone: 402-423--497

E-mail:

info@stmarklincoln.org

St. Mark Lutheran Church & School