The Interpreter SU aint nited Stephens Church of Christ · The InterpreterSaint Stephens United...

E-MAIL USReverend Kyle Carnes

Reverend Missy Holdorf

Tina L. Scott-Bus. Manager

Kelly Hutchison-Assistant

The Interpreter

INSIDE THIS ISSUEChristmas Eve

Offering2

Jessi’s Wish 2

United Church Camps 2

Scrip 3

Christmas Services 4

Service Time Changes 4

2017 Envelopes 4

Feed Your Spirit 5

Breaking Bread 5

Christmas Spirit Hams 7

Poinsettias 8

January Calendar 9

January Birthdays 10

Memorials 10

Giving Tree Update 11

Weekly Calendar 12

LINK UPUCC

WI Conference

NW Association

December 21, 2016

No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you’re welcome here.

Office Hours: Mon-Wed 8-4:30 | Thurs 8-3| Fri 8-4 Rev. Kyle Carnes, Senior Minister | Rev. Missy Holdorf, Associate Minister

The Interpreter Saint Stephens United Church of Christ

903 E 2nd St Merrill WI 54452

Office: 715-536-7322

Pastoral Care Needs:715.575.3191

CHRISTMAS IS HERE

Well, I’m sure that it’s somewhat wishful thinking that this week will be relaxing for everyone. But even though it’s strange to have Christmas on a Sunday, the blessing is that for families who have irregular work schedules, more people get to be with family and friends when Christmas is on a Sunday. I’m grateful that more of you will get time with your families because of where Christmas falls in the week.

Whatever your plans, I pray that there might be joy. I’m aware of the families that have lost someone this year, and it can be difficult for Christmas to be joyful in the midst of grief. I encourage you to tell stories. Don’t shy away from the grief, tears, or laughter. Tell stories about the one you love, who has died. Remember their story, and in their absence, be reminded of their presence. We have a Blue Christmas Worship on Wednesday of this week for just this reason. And for anyone else who simply finds it difficult to be joyful this season, you are in our prayers.

I’m aware this year, as well, of all the folks who struggle with Christmas because money is tight or housing is inadequate. Our church did a lot for the Christmas Spirit program this year, and I’m reminded of both generosity and the deep need for it. If you are struggling with basic needs this Christmas, you have our prayers, and we want to help you get what you need. Come by the office and we’ll make sure you get connected. As Christians, we are asked to go beyond charity, but called to generosity as a way of life. Generosity has the power to change the world. Not because of what we give, but because of its power to break through our ideas of scarcity and cynicism. Generosity creates space for hope and healing.

This Christmas Eve, for the second year in a row, we will give away our entire offering from all three services. We will have paid all of our regular bills again this year, so our Church Council unanimously voted to make Christmas Eve about extravagant generosity. We will give to two organizations and the first is Jessi’s Wish. This is an organization started in memory of Jessi Alft, a member of Saint Stephens UCC, who died from cancer. Jessi’s Wish is a non-profit set up for the sole purpose of helping families battling cancer to pay some bills. It is still relatively new and, hopefully, our contribution on Christmas Eve will help this organization grow so that it will be around for years to come.

The other half of our offering will support the fabulous outdoor ministry through our denomination here in Wisconsin. We have a camp in Ripon, Pilgrim Center, and a camp closer to us in St. Germain called Moon Beach. Saint Stephens has a long history of supporting our wider ministry and our camps in particular. We have youth who attend these camps every year, and we hope this offering we will be one step toward renewing our relationship with these wonderful camps. I attended summer camp as a kid, and camp provides a powerful place of healing, self-determination, and community, unlike almost any other experience as a youth or an adult. We are excited to do something for this wonderful partner in ministry this Christmas.

I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday night as we again celebrate our Candlelight Christmas Eve at 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 11:00 PM. Come and remember our story again where love wins. Be reminded of God’s love. Be encouraged to find hope for this world. And remember that joy, in this life -- even through all tragedy and heartache -- joy is still possible. Come and bring friends, bring family, and have them experience Saint Stephens for the first time, or once again, and have them see for themselves that something is happening here and it’s for good. It is my privilege to be your pastor.

Merry Christmas! Kyle

December 21, 2016THE INTERPRETER Saint STEPHENS

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUTJESSI’S WISH

Jessi’s Wish was started as a memorial to honor the wish of an amazing woman. Jessi Alft was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 32. After surgeries, chemo, and radiation, she was declared cancer free! However, in 2009, her cancer had returned and had metastasized to her liver. Sadly, Jessi lost her battle with cancer in 2014 at the age of 39.

Jessi never gave up hope and always had a positive attitude. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She went thru chemo treatments 3 out of 4 weeks a month for 5 years while continuing to work full time to support herself and her son.

Something Jessi often talked about was that she did not feel there was enough monetary support for families while they were fighting cancer. Her wish had always been to help families affected by cancer while they were fighting this disease, and that is how Jessi’s Wish was born. Jessi’s Wish was established in the fall of 2014. Its sole purpose is to raise money to be given to local families whose lives are being affected by cancer. Jessi’s Wish is a recognized non-profit organization,and all of the money raised goes to help local families. We have a yearly benefit and smaller fund raisers throughout the year to help raise money to help those in need. So far, Jessi’s Wish has helped 28 families with a total of almost $30,000 and is still going strong! A Jessi’s Wish Scholarship was also created with the first $1,000 award going to a student who graduated with the class of 2016.

To nominate someone who is dealing with cancer for assistance from Jessi’s Wish, contact Becky Roberts at [email protected] or Johnille Alft at [email protected]. Please include the name of the person who has cancer, and a contact name and telephone number. Potential recipients are reviewed and considered at

Christmas Eve Generosity!This year the Church Council has decided to again give away our Christmas Eve offering, to move forward in a spirit of great generosity and love. As with last year, we want to trust that each of us does our part to faithfully fund the work and ministry of the church during the year, so the Christmas Eve Offering should be about Christmas ... and giving ... and love, and not about the bills we pay.

So the offering received at all three Christmas Eve services will be given away ... entirely. This year, two worthy causes will be the recipients of your Christmas Eve generosity: Jessi’s Wish and United Church Camps. Half of the money collected at all of the Christmas Eve services will go to each. Learn more about these two causes here.

UNITED CHURCH CAMPS ... BECAUSE “OUTDOOR MINISTRY MATTERS”United Church Camps, Inc. - the Outdoor Ministry Program of the Wisconsin Conference United Church of Christ at Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center - has been welcoming new members to its communities each year. Moon Beach and Pilgrim Center have hosted more than 20,000 campers since 2004 and provides a place apart from the sometimes rough-and-tumble world ... a place for life-changing experiences in sanctuaries both indoor and out where they can relax, rejuvenate, and express their faith in tangible ways.

While many campers are members of UCC churches across Wisconsin, many also come from out of state or attend other churches. Some particpants attend no church

but find that the community and sanctuary offered there is an entry poing to feed their spiritual needs.

In recent years, United Church Camps has expanded its programming and partnerships to include exciting programs like Camp AweSum ... camps that serve families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorders and Muscular Dystrophy, among others. Camps operate year-round, providing opportunities for ministry and respite.



HO HO ... HOLD ON! ARE YOU BUYING CHRISTMAS GIFTS WITHOUT SCRIP?Have you been Christmas shopping? Are you using Scrip? If not, how come? Did you know that the church gets a percentage back (i.e., FREE MONEY) whenever you use Scrip for your purchases? AND Scrip is now available both at the back of church after services on Sunday AND in the church office Monday through Friday during normal office hours. So you can stop to purchase Scrip whenever it is most convenient for you ... even right before you head out shopping!

We carry LOTS of different vendors’ Scrip in stock, and we can also do special orders for participating vendors’ Scrip we may not stock regularly if you have a special request.

Scrip cards also make wonderful gifts! We now carry many Scrip cards in smaller denominations for stocking stuffers, as well! Take a peek! Scrip has something for everyone.

So pick up Scrip for all your Christmas shopping needs! And let your Christmas “gifting” become a gift of free money to Saint Stephens at the same time.

Ho Ho Ho!Don’t Forget Scrip

for yourChristmas Shopping!

SCRIP CARDSTOCKING STUFFERS!

Scrip cards now available in smaller denominations ...

perfect for stocking stuffers!

Applebee’s $10.00Barnes & Noble $5.00 and $10.00Bath & Body Works $10.00Starbucks $5.00Target $10.00Walmart $10.00

NOTE: The above cards are only available for a limited time and in limited quantities.

Small denomination Scrip cards regulary in stock:Arby’s $10.00 Culvers $10.00Eagles Club $10.00 Hardees $10.00McDonald’s $10.00 Los Mezcales $10.00Pizza Hut $10.00 Subway $10.00Taco Bell $10.00 Burger King $10.00Dairy Queen $10.00

Ed & Sharon’s $10.00Clark’s Cup & Cone $10.00First Street Coffee Station $5.00 and $10.00Friendship House $10.00Pine Ridge Restaurant $10.00Starbucks $5.00 and $10.00Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe $5.00 and $10.00

2017 CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERSDo you know who your Church Council members are? This list can help you get to know them! Bill McIntyre Terry Krueger Kristine Bowe Tyler Drake Kevin Golisch Jennifer Oestreich Kent Reinhardt Sara Zastrow Cliff Williams Michelle Roberge Beth Houle Marge JohnsonClergy: Rev. Kyle Carnes



NOTE: There will be NO Sunday School on Sunday, December 25 (Christmas Day) and Sunday, January 1 (New Year’s Day).

SUNDAY SCHOOLNOTES

CHRISTMAS NURSERYNursery care is available for Christmas Eve worship, at 4:00 and 7:00 PM. Nursery will not be offered at 11:00 PM. Nursery will also be available for the Blue Christmas Worship on Wednesday, December 21, at 5:45 PM

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPA weekly grief support group will meet at Trinity Lutheran Church, 107 N. State Street, Merrill, beginning Thursday, January 5, 2017, from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. To register, call 715.536.5482 www.griefshare.org

HOLIDAY OFFICE NOTESThe Interpreter will NOT be published the week between Christmas and New Year’s.

The Office will be CLOSED on the following dates to allow our staff to enjoy the holidays at home with their families:

Friday, December 23, 2016Monday, December 26, 2016Friday, December 30, 2016Monday, January 2, 2017

2017 CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES AVAILABLEBoxes of contribution envelopes for 2017 are now available. If you would like a box, please stop by the Scrip table after worship services or stop in the office during the week. We’re doing things a little differently this year, as we’ve been throwing out too many envelopes in recent years. We also recognize that many individuals who opt to give electronically may no longer need paper envelopes.

If you have any questions, please call Tina in the office.

Please write the amount of your donation on the outside of your envelope. It makes things easier for the counters! Thank you!

SERVICE TIME CHANGESThere will be no Wednesday evening worship on December 28 or January 4. Wednesday evening worship will resume January 11.

On December 25 and January 1, there will be 9:00 AM worship only. 10:30 AM worship will resume January 8.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”

- Luke 2:10-12



CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP: December 24 at 4:00, 7:00 & 11:00 PMTHIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25: Christmas Day Worship at 9:00 AM Only - No Sunday School

DINNER @ FIVE Every Monday at 5:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall NOTE: THERE WILL BE NO WEDNESDAY EVENING WORSHIP December 28 or January 4

NEW YEAR’S DAY: Worship at 9:00 AM Only (No Sunday School)

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEED YOUR SPIRIT . . .Too Busy for That

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work.’” - Luke 13:31-32

As good excuses go, hearing that someone wants you dead ranks right up there at the top.

When Jesus gets tipped off to Herod’s plan for him, everyone expects him to take off running. But he doesn’t. Instead he tells them to tell that “fox” Herod that he’s got more important things to do.

“Listen, I’ve got demons and cures here . . . come back in three days”.

Jesus is good at reminding us not to let the things that want to, literally and figuratively, dictate how we use our time. And that’s a great reminder around Christmastime.

Every year, in every church I have served, at least one faithful church member comes to me to let me know they won’t be at Christmas Eve worship.

“Going out of town this year?” I ask.

“No, just way too much to do,” they respond.

They then proceed to tell me about how many family members are coming, about the big turkey they are cooking the next day, about the presents waiting to be wrapped, and about how stressed out they are about all of it. They’d love to be at Christmas Eve worship, they tell me, but they don’t feel like they can take the time.

“Come anyway,” I say. Come, first, because your house guests will understand, and maybe even want to join you. And, if they don’t understand, well then, they can just deal with getting their turkey an hour later the next day. You’re here every Sunday morning, so I know this matters to you, and going to worship God on one of the holiest nights of the church year is not an act of selfishness.

If Jesus could make Herod wait, you can make your brother-in-law, and every other old fox you know, wait too. Stick a bow on the hard-to-wrap present. Take the elaborate Christmas Eve party down a few notches. Because you are way too busy welcoming Emmanuel, God-with-us.

Prayer

God-with-us, help us to never be too busy for you (even if it means Christmas dinner is late). Amen.

By Emily C. Heath

“BREAKING BREAD”Saint Stephens will be sponsoring “Breaking Bread” (the community dinner) on January 19 from 4:30 - 6:00 PM. We have sponsored this event for several years. It is open to the public free of charge, and is held once a month at the Eagles Club. Many other area churches and civic groups also take turns sponsoring a Breaking Bread meal.This event requires volunteers to make it a success, and we need your help with pre-event set up, working in the kitchen, serving food/beverages, and clean up afterward. We also provide dessert, so if you like to bake, donations of bars and cookies are greatly appreciated.

The menu we will provide is: hot turkey/gravy sandwiches or hot turkey/gravy over mashed potatoes, green beans, beverages, and dessert. Please watch for the signup sheet in the Kuck Lounge in early January and sign up to help!



GIVING PLUS 1Already donations are beginning to come in with an extra dollar “attached” over and above the normal donation amount a parishioner might put in for their weekly giving amount. This is awesome! That is entirely the intent of this initiative ... to add $1 each week to what you would normally give for your weekly offering. That by doing so, you would increase your personal annual giving by $1 per week ... less than a good cup of coffee, so hardly to be missed ... for a total of just $52 more per year ... but that together the impact this will have will be tremendous.

For some of you who haven’t given at all, that would mean putting $1 in an envelope each week. Just a simple dollar per week. It’s all we’re asking.

Simple. Easy. Powerful when we all do it.

That’s what the deck of cards is for. 52 cards in a deck, one for each week, for your weekly reminder to do this one little extra thing.

We’re getting excited to see donations coming in amounts like for $21, $41, $61, and $101. Go ahead! Start now! Get excited for stewardship with us!

Stay tuned for an evening in January when we’ll explore Indian culture and history, making connections and deepening our understanding. By the way, if you’re a planner, like me, you’ll want to know we’ll be booking next years trip very soon.

- Kelly Wallace

P.S. At this time of year, the Oglagla Lakota Oyate on the Pine Ridge Reservation depend on Re-Member for even more assistance ... with bare necessities like firewood, propane, and electricity, as well as coats, boots, and bedding. Can you help? Earmark your donations for Re-Member Winter Needs and put it into the collection basket, and we’ll be sure to pass it along to help this community weather the winter!

The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program for the 2016-2017 heating year is accepting applications and is scheduled to run until May 15, 2017. Call

715.539.1344 to make an appointment. Eligibility is based on household size and gross income in the three months prior to the month of application.

DINNER @ FIVE NEEDS DONATIONSDinner @ Five could use a financial boost and we are hoping you can help. Whether it’s $5 or $50, if you can earmark a bit this month (or perhaps every month) to help with this ministry, it would be greatly appreciated. Simply mark an envelope with the words “Dinner @ Five donation” and drop it into the collection plate or take it to the church office. If you put your envelope number on your donation, it will appear on your contribution statement as a tax-deductible contribution.

“Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.” - Luke 2:4-5

Blood Donors from St. Stephens in October.

Thank you for giving the gift of life!

Joel Wendt Virgil BaumgartMarge Fehrmann Kevin Golisch Karen Abraham Susan GrefeJeff Kanitz Dennis RistauJoan Schiller Cliff WilliamsJeffrey D. Anderson Philip KnospeJeff Kraft Sue Kraft Peggy Trantow Mary Kasper



SNOW REMOVAL THIS WINTERSnow removal for our sidewalks during the week and also on Sundays will be covered under our contract with Snow Tracks. They have handled our snow removal for the past few years and have willingly added sidewalks to our contract. There are also a few parishioners who have volunteered to supplement the professional snow removal in case of emergency or heavy snow fall. If you are also available to help on Sunday mornings by occassionally picking up a shovel or spreading some salt, please speak with Rev. Carnes or Dan Pick so that we know we can count on you!

At 5 PM Monday

Beef Barley Soup Hot Veggie

Dessert and Beverages

OPEN SPONSORSHIP DATES

Flowers Sign up in Office

January 1, 8, 15, 29 February 5, 12, 19, 26

Radio NOTE: We are checking about radio broadcast

options for 2017 due to the sale of the Merrill radio station and subsequent programming changes.

Coffee Hour January 1, 15, 22

Stop in the church office to pick up some Scrip before you head out shopping! We now have

MANY vendors’ Scrip here in stock.

CAN YOU DONATE THE COST OF A HAM?This year the Christmas Spirit Program is hoping to provide every family served by the program with all of the basics to have a delicious Christmas dinner with their family, to truly have a wonderful Christmas experience with their families. Various churches and organizations have agreed to provide different components of the dinner, and Saint Stephens has agreed to provide the funds to purchase hams for every family.

We anticipate there will be approximately 250 families, and hams typically cost between $15 and $20 each. Our goal is $3,750 for the purchase of these hams. Thus far we have collected $1,670 so we still need to raise $2,080 more for hams.

Can you donate $15 or $20 to help purchase a ham for a family in need to have their own complete Christmas dinner this year?

Donations for hams can be placed into a plain envelope and dropped off in the office or put into the collection. Simply write “Christmas Hams” on your envelope and include your name and/or giving number to receive credit for your donation on your Contribution Statement. Thank you!

Remember: SCRIP costs you NOTHING to use in place of cash!

PINE CREST WORSHIPThe December Pine Crest worship sevice will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 22. Members scheduled to assist residents to the service are Deloris Bauman, Renee Williams, and Penny Hommerding. Rev. Kyle Carnes will lead the worship service and Darlene Johnson is the pianist.



COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER RECAPThanksgiving Dinner 2016 was hosted by Saint Stephens. We had 17 volunteers on Wednesday to prep food and set up the hall, and 23 volunteers to help on Thursday with greeting, filling carry out containers, serving, and clean up. We received many donations of food here at Saint Stephens to help us with the meal, and Christ Methodist Church also helped us with food donations and volunteer help.

Church Mutual made a donation for the turkeys, Piggly Wiggly roasted the turkeys, Russ Davis donated potatoes, and Dave’s County Market donated one of the four sheets of bars plus gave us a great deal on 30 dozen dinner rolls.

The day before Thanksgiving, I was given a slip from the Enrichment Center that we would be putting together 163 carry out containers and serving 59 in house guests. We ended up putting together 190 carry outs and served 76 in house guests.

We had to purchase some additional items for the meal and ended up with a total donation of $978. We donated $355 to Saint Stephens, $250 to Christ Methodist, and $373 to the Enrichment Center. I hope everyone that helped felt as fulfilled as I did when everything was done. What a great way to spend Thanksgiving Day!

Thank you to Linda & Bryan Plautz; Marlene & Bill Krueger; Penny Hommerding; Kelly, Scott and Scotty Wallace; Pat Schulz; Jennifer Porath; Nancy Reinhardt-Porath; Pastor Kyle Carnes; Buzz & Marge Fehrmann; Leesa Roth; Bill & Paula McIntyre, Lydia & Wesley; Debbie & Stan Seeger; Joanne Wengeler; Dan & Becky Krause; Jim & Barb Koch; Amy Buck; Dr. Mark & Dr. Barb Crapster-Pregont; Hana Howe; Rick, Kristy & Alex Neumann; Kay & Paul Walkowicz and Bailee, Emma, Rhyleigh and Kenyon Golisch.

The Enrichment Center donated a handmade quilt to Saint Stephens to give away to a needy family, and Pastor Kyle Carnes will give the quilt to a family who needs it.

- Cheryl Buck

POINSETTIASThanks to everyone who brought poinsettias to decorate our church space this Christmas season! Many of the poinsettias were in memory or in honor of loved ones as follows:

In memory of Jeannette Erdmann and Gerald Schmid from Dave & Emily SchwartzmanIn memory of Alver & Helen Sholund from Pat Schulz & Gary Sholund, Sr.In memory of Ellis & Alice Sholund from Pat Schulz & Gary Sholund, Sr.From Cathy & Corey DornbrackIn memory of my husband, Dan Catlin, from Diana CatlinIn memory of Dad and Grandpa, Dan Catlin, from Jay, Danny, Melissa, Tyler, Jacob, Alyssa & JaxonIn memory of loved ones from the Mike Heuser FamilyIn memory of Loretta & Edward and Dillon Cannon from Lorri, Levy, and Dusty VandreIn memory of Vernon Heuser from Audrey HeuserIn memory of Nancy Henrich from the family of George Henrich, Sr.In memory of Bill Storm from Family & FriendsIn memory of Dad from Chris & Heidi StevensIn memory of husband, Kenwood, from Eunice SchubertIn memory of husband, Kermit, from Barbara GolischIn memory of our granddaughter, Madison Seeger, from Stan & Debra SeegerIn memory of Lloyd Buck, Sr., from Dave & Cheryl BuckIn memory of Terry Alft from Judy AlftIn memory of Carl Frick from Lissette FrickIn memory of William & Lauretta Zemke from Dan & Patsy PickIn memory of our grandparents, John & Mary Herdt and Marvin & Verna Koeher, from Wendel & Debbie Mathis and Family, Brian & Terri Haufe and Family, and Todd HerdtIn memory of our parents, Raymond & Betty Herdt, from Wendel & Debbie Mathis and Family, Brian & Terri Haufe and Family, and Todd HerdtIn honor of our wedding anniversary from Arlo & Eunice BerndtIn memory of Great Grandpa Leo from Tricia, Luke & LillyIn memory of Laura Ann Kunkel from Mike & Sue KunkelIn loving memory of my wife, Linda Perry, at Christmas from Randy Perry

Dear Cheryl & All Volunteers, What a wonderful Thanksgiving Day we had for our community! You all did a fantastic job of organizing this event! This program would not be possible without all of the caring people like you! Thanks to all for your hard work. We appreciate you! God Bless,

- Tammie & Lorri, Merrill Area Community Enrichment Center

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We want to acknowledge and celebrate your special days, and we’re starting with

birthdays! Send your church friends birthday wishes, whether in person, via email, or by

sending one of those wonderful cards you can hold in your hands by mail!

January 24 Beverly ZabawaJanuary 25 Shelly BurnettJanuary 25 Kenyon GolischJanuary 25 Rosezanna PierceJanuary 25 Brandon RadkeJanuary 26 John ChristoplisJanuary 26 Billie Jo GraapJanuary 26 Richard GrefeJanuary 26 Lisa KrauseJanuary 26 Terry ZastrowJanuary 27 Charles Graap IIIJanuary 27 Shelby GrefeJanuary 27 Bruce PetermanJanuary 27 Gorgette SampoJanuary 27 Mary WalshJanuary 28 Alex GoetschJanuary 28 Nancy StrandJanuary 29 Amy GehrkeJanuary 29 Thomas GraapJanuary 29 Naomi GrovenburgJanuary 29 Alex GrulingJanuary 29 Jerry LyonJanuary 29 Lora Jean OslageJanuary 30 Tony BorelliJanuary 30 Faye BraatzJanuary 30 Ashley HamelundJanuary 30 Lydia McIntyreJanuary 31 George Henrich, Sr.January 31 Barbara Iwen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

January 1 Nicholas AndersonJanuary 1 David JabasJanuary 1 Tyler SchwartzJanuary 1 Sara StevensonJanuary 2 Robert PlautzJanuary 3 Makenzie BadeauJanuary 3 Tenley BadeauJanuary 3 Patricia CottrellJanuary 3 Scott KrauseJanuary 3 Hailee LapsenbergJanuary 4 Courtney BennishJanuary 4 Michael HommerdingJanuary 4 Susan WendtJanuary 5 Michaela HansonJanuary 5 Darcia HoppJanuary 5 Brenda RoweJanuary 5 Walter WolffJanuary 6 Kraig HanigJanuary 7 Thomas DotterJanuary 8 Mary FalkJanuary 8 Amy GoetschJanuary 8 Justin WickeJanuary 9 Michael BadeauJanuary 9 Bonnie JabasJanuary 9 Thomas RadloffJanuary 9 Nicole SeidlerJanuary 10 Debra BorelliJanuary 10 Harlan FauschJanuary 10 Michael KunkelJanuary 10 Rebecca TeskeJanuary 11 Kendra CallahanJanuary 11 Toni PetersonJanuary 11 Amy RajekJanuary 12 Judy AyerJanuary 12 Janella RiceJanuary 12 Mike ZiemkeJanuary 13 Garrett Dinges

January 13 Mitchell FinneganJanuary 13 Joan HartsonJanuary 13 Bailey IwenJanuary 13 Jason KienbaumJanuary 13 Madeline RodemeierJanuary 14 Scott BlaubachJanuary 14 Phyllis WendlandJanuary 15 Beth HeckendorfJanuary 15 Wayne KruegerJanuary 15 Garry OlsonJanuary 16 Heather BadeauJanuary 16 Andrew LauJanuary 16 Lance NowakJanuary 16 Damien ParkerJanuary 17 Jaron AllenJanuary 17 Nancy FrischJanuary 17 Cindy MeltonJanuary 18 Lawrence BienfangJanuary 18 Kristine BoweJanuary 18 Todd HerdtJanuary 18 Matthew KruegerJanuary 19 Tanner DuweJanuary 19 Kyle MohrJanuary 19 Gary SchwartzJanuary 21 Angela HinnerJanuary 21 Dorothy RadkeJanuary 21 Tamara StenderJanuary 22 Lynn DreikosenJanuary 22 Jeffrey KraftJanuary 22 Lorraine KuohujokiJanuary 22 Jean MeyerJanuary 22 Kayla SabatkeJanuary 23 Abner GremlerJanuary 23 Riley HoeftJanuary 23 Allen MussellJanuary 24 Joyce LitkeJanuary 24 Bryant NatzkeJanuary 24 Jacob Schnabl



Memorials will be printed with the dollar figures shown unless otherwise specified.

Memorial $50.00 in honor of Sharon Detert at Christmas from Dave & Joy Meyer $100.00 in remembrance of our father and mother, Alfred & Elaine Boetcher, at Christmas from Dave & Joy Meyer $50.00 in honor of Linda Plautz at Christmas from Dave & Joy Meyer $20.00 in memory of Bill Storm from Jerry & Carol Plautz $25.00 in memory of Mike Mosser from Jerry & Carol Plautz $25.00 in memory of our grandson, Derck Leavitt, from Edward & Carol Leavitt $25.00 in memory of Bill Storm from Jeff & Darlene Hanig $200.00 in memory of Delilah & Elmer Krause from Jerry & Elmira Krause $25.00 in memory of Joan Muschinske from John & Nancy Stephenson $100.00 in memory of our parents, Ray & Phyllis Schlueter and Roger & Darlene Welk, at Christmas from Randy & Vivian Schlueter $50.00 in memory of Frank Ziemke for Christmas from his wife, Shirley Ziemke $50.00 in memory of my mom, Judith Rowe, from Janie Rowe $100.00 in memory of my wife, Judith Rowe, from Eugene Rowe $25.00 in honor of Rev. Missy on her new journey from Jeff & Sue Kraft

Choir & Music $20.00 in memory of Bill Storm from Bob & Eppie Gruling

Organ $25.00 in honor of the Carnes Family on their new addition from Randy Perry $500.00 in memory of Carol’s parents, Selma & George Henrich, from Carol & Bill Weber $25.00 in memory of loved ones at Christmas from Donald & Mary Ann Forster $20.00 in memory of Bill Storm from Linda & Bryan Plautz $10.00 in memory of Eleanor Koelsch from Carlos & Dorothy Berndt $25.00 in memory of Warren Latzig, Sr., from Sheryl Knospe $25.00 in memory of Bill Storm from Rev. Dale & Jackie Kuck $50.00 in memory of my husband, Lloyd Buck, Sr., for Christmas from Ruck Buck

New Roof $20.00 in memory of Bill Storm from Mike & Sue Kunkel $100.00 in memory of Family & Friends for Christmas from Norm & Alice Ziemke $40.00 in memory of Lylas & Bernice Berndt from Dennis & Sharon Woller

MEMORIALS

Christmas Spirit Giving TreeThank you to everyone who participated in the Christmas Spirit Giving Tree, taking tags from the area trees and purchasing gifts for children whose families are experiencing financial hardships this year. While you may not get to see the smiles personally, know that there will be many, many smiles and tears of joy for 50 children this Christmas because of you and your generosity.

Don’t forget to stop after church or stop by the office to buy Scrip for all your Christmas shopping and regular shopping needs this week! Wether it is clothes, toys, gas, baking supplies, or the

trimmings for Christmas dinner, Scrip can help you get it all!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve

Worship at 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM & 11:00 PM: “Santa Kneeling at the Manger” (Led by the People)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day

Worship at 9:00 AM Only “Lessons and Carols”

Musician for all services: Darlene Johnson

Coffee Hour is unsponsored at the time of publishing.

Radio Ministry for the Christmas Eve service is in memory of Leo Fehlberg “Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa” from Sandy & Scott Gipple. Radio Ministry for the

Christmas Day service is in memory of Warren Latzig from Lois Latzig.

Altar flowers for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are in memory of Ted Reinhardt for his December 23 birthday from his family.

For subscriptions, removals or changes of address: 715-536-7322 or [email protected] PROVIDES THE BEST SERVICE.

WEEKLY CALENDARMONDAY, DECEMBER 26 Office Closed 5:00 Dinner @ Five

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 No Evening Worship 6:30 Narcotics Anonymous (Open Meeting)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 5:00 Aerobics

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 Office Closed

MONDAY, JANUARY 2 Office Closed

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 6:00 Zumba

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 9:30 Former PALS Exercise Group No Evening Worship 6:30 Narcotics Anonymous (Open Meeting)

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Pastoral Care Telephone Number: 715.575.3191.

Please add this number to the contacts in your cell phone or keep with your other important or emergency telephone numbers.

Food Pantry Sunday is coming up fast ... Don’t forget to pick up your

blue bags this weekend and to bring your food pantry offerings next

weekend.

The Interpreter SU aint nited Stephens Church of Christ · The InterpreterSaint Stephens United...

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