From our Pastor

 

WITNESS


MERCY


LIFE TOGETHER + IN CHRIST,

FOR THE CHURCH AND THE WORLD.

WITNESS, MERCY, LIFE TOGETHER describes what the Church does in this world while living under the shadow of Jesus’ cross. The Word and the Sacraments bear witness to Jesus Christ (1 John 5:7-8). The sent ones, such as John the Baptist and the apostles, testified to Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:7, 15, 29). We as individual Christians also bear witness to Jesus today.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus showed compassion on people in need (Mark 6:34). Jesus came not to be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45). When Jesus saw people hungry or sick, He fed and healed them, and even raised them from the dead. Jesus served and had mercy on those in need.

Just before He was handed over to be crucified, Jesus prayed that the Church might be one (John 17:11, 21, 23). Jesus desires His Church to have fellowship, or life together, as one people before His Father, just as He and the Father are one. Indeed, by the Spirit’s power through the Word, God has called us into the fellowship of His Son (1 Cor. 1:9). From the Gospels, we see that Jesus’ work is to bear witness, to show mercy, and to share His divine life together with His people. In a similar way, the Church, as the Bride of Christ, engages in WITNESS, MERCY, LIFE TOGETHER.

As Pastor of St. John Lutheran Church it has been a privilege and a joy to share this theme at my "Night with Pastor" engagements. I have led 13 sessions with our congregational members in their homes or at church. They have been very rewarding for me personally as I continue to learn about the past, present and future hopes of those I serve.

One of the items that was shared with the groups was their interest in various Bible studies. I hope to glean that information and utilize it for future studies. I am praying that those who have not had the chance to come to one of the evenings would let me know so we can set up more "Nights." It is my desire to get to meet every member of St. John.

Whether you have had the opportunity to attend or not I want to inform all our members that I will have a Bible study based on the theme WITNESS, MERCY, LIFE TOGETHER on Sunday mornings, beginning on September 11. There will be approximately five sessions and they will be held in the Youth room downstairs. The study will begin at 10:30a.m. Plan on attending as we grow together in Jesus.

May our Lord bless our witness, mercy, and fellowship in the community to which He has placed us!
In HIS service,
Pastor Mueller +
"For I resolved to know nothing while with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:2)

 

Please remember in your prayers: Pastor Mangold; John Warden, under hospice care; Marilyn Fabera; Susan Laurent, on list for lung transplant; Robert Laurent, receiving treatment for cancer; Lori Korbas with Torticollis;  protection, recovery and comfort for all our service people and their families. May the hand of God protect them and bring them safely home; hope and help for the jobless; hope, help and safety for people facing devastation around the world, throughout the United States, and in our state of Wisconsin; Don McKenna, with kidney failure, on dialysis, also diabetes, COPD, and now internal bleeding; our Nicole Piontek with osteosarcoma; our Gladys Ward; healing for Theresa Neddo; Lloyd Anderson with cancer; Arnie Grobe; a friend, Norma Pawlak with stomach cancer; Erma Zipperer, sister of our Don Franzen with breast and esophagus cancer, now close to death; Erin Hill; Rocky Ponton with lymphoma; Great-grand kids to Evelyn Riedel, Kayla and Ryan, are home and we  pray they keep their weight and health up; our Bill Schultz with colon cancer; 5 year old Logan of Wabeno diagnosed with osteosarcoma; our Cliff Marshall; a friend, Brian Wall with a cancerous tumor in his head; healing for our LaVerne Trewyn; Jan Wichman with pancreatic cancer; Jim Herb with cancer; healing for Pat Kurtz; Ed Rose, dealing with the loss of his wife Kathy who passed away a year ago August; healing for Marvin Heisler; special prayers for Sande’s son; our Bill Seeber with cancer; healing for our Don Dobbe; Molly and Abby Gryboski with juvenile diabetes; healing for Joyce Hanmann; Helen Linssen, our Gary’s Mom, now finished with treatments; a friend, Dick Jorgenson on chemo, also with additional health problems; a prayer for all in caregiving roles; prayers for all those addicted to substance abuse and their families and loved ones; Wynne Estreen now by son Gregg’s; Juanita Ness, hospitalized with leukemia. Juanita’s husband, Glen Ness, experiencing complications with his diabetes; Terry Bodoh in stage 4 of prostate cancer; Darlene Swed, in tenth of 12 week session of chemo. Also set-up and consultation at Mayo for bone marrow transplant; Connie Rinehart, Evelyn‘s sister-in-law, having tests; healing for Mike Flynn; Joyce Vreeke, recovering from surgery; Joyce’s sister Darlene also needs our prayers. She fell and broke her back in 2 places. Please include her in your prayers; our Morris Whiting, having complications following surgery; our Jeannine Recknagel, recovering from knee replacement surgery; Pastor Don Sprengler‘s back is feeling a little better; our friend and mother-in-law to our Deb Markusen, Sylvia Markusen in need of prayers at this time;

 

Evelyn Rinehart thanks everyone for their prayers. She’s feeling much better. Thank you all for making the difference!

 

Sue Duka thanks everyone for all the prayers. She’s feeling much better and won’t need surgery!J

 

Dan Schmidt thanks all for prayers. He’s doing much better and almost healed! Thank you St. John!

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THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTNERSHIP IN MINISTRY

            The morning of April 21, 1988 I picked up the phone to call Pastor Behling. It was Decision Day, the deadline that I set for answering the call of God’s people at St. John to be their first Director of Christian Education. 

            Even as I dialed I didn’t know what decision to make. Weeks of prayer including a warm reception when I visited here earlier in April, a walk on the beach at Ocean City, MD, and several days of personal calls from friends urging me to remain at Holy Cross, Greenbelt (“It’s too cold in the big cheese state”) hadn’t helped me make up my mind. When Pastor Behling answered with, “God’s peace and joy,”  I immediately said, “I’m going to accept the call.”

            So started my blessed time with you and a direction in my life and ministry that I know God planned. I’ve had the chance to work with four very faithful men of God as your pastors. We’ve seen and experienced much together:joys, sorrows,celebrations, and challenges. Many young Christians have grown up here, learned of Christ, His Word, His love, His peace.  Many folks have gone to glory, some much too soon in our human way of thinking. I met my dear wife here and have seen my God-given family grow and

prosper.

            The job description of a DCE is to help develop and expand ministry in a congregation,

to involve members and encourage them to serve the Lord and spread the good news of  Jesus.  So many have responded to the opportunities to assist in ministry that it would take several pages to name them all. Ministries such as Youth, Sunday School, VBS,

Choir and various music ensembles, the Pantry, the Thrift Store, and the Christian Volunteers all developed through the power of the Spirit working through us.

            Now what?  Retire?  What does that mean?  It means I become like one of you---and that’s a step up!   I get to keep on having fun doing God’s work without the daily pressures of “have to.” I can volunteer for things and once in a while say “I can’t make it that day.” I can participate in ministries like the Pantry and not be responsible to get it all done, but split up those jobs and duties amongst able and willing volunteers. 

Now my wages come from pension, part-time jobs, and Uncle Sam.

 

I will be keeping the professional job as music director of the congregation and can give it more time and energy. The new organ should be a great addition to our worship life. I look forward to continuing to serve and praise the Lord Who gives us life here and eternally. In Christ,  Scott Wycherley, DCE

 

WHERE AND TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?…….

            Well, to Christ, of course, Who has the words of eternal life. He has also provided us with the gifts of the Spirit. He has called us as a kingdom of priests

to encourage and minister to one another.  While we are giving up a professional church work position as of Scott’s retirement, we are gaining opportunities for

lay persons to serve. Some specific plans have been made for leadership, but there are still opportunities for members of St. John to step forward.

YOUTH MINISTRY – Terri and Tim Brauer have cheerfully consented to coordinate and lead this important ministry of the church. They will be looking for the help of youth, parents, and adult volunteers.   

SUNDAY SCHOOL – For four years now, the job of Superintendent has been ably done by Sue Gavin.  She is the one to go to if you have questions about the education programs for our children or if you’d like

to help as a teacher or aide.

BIBLE CLASS – Wednesday morning Breakfast Bible will be moderated by members of the class on a rotating basis. Pastor and Scott will still participate

and be available as resource persons. Pastor Mueller will continue as teacher for the regular adult Bible classes and Benny Benham is coordinator for the

Men’s Class which meets the first and third Thursdays at 7pm.

FOOD PANTRY -  On  Monday, September 26, at 6:30 pm the Christian Food Pantry will have its annual meeting to select a board of directors and officers.

The new administrative structure of the Pantry was presented at the last voters’ meeting and is available from Scott and published on the pantry page of the

church website.

WEBSITE – A volunteer is needed to post the daily news blog. Talk to Benny Benham or Pastor if interested in doing that. This would be a rotating job

amongst volunteers and not a lifetime appointment.

CHRISTIAN FOOD PANTRY RUNNING LOW

            The Christian Food Pantry in Townsend, housed at St. John Lutheran, has found itself short of stock and funds at mid-summer. Normally able to provide each family with a food voucher of five dollars per family member,  these vouchers needed to

be cut 50% in August.  

       Funds donated to the CFP also buy food items from discount food stores and local grocery stores who run sales. There is very little overhead as the facilities at St. John are provided at no charge and all the work is done by volunteers.

     While it’s normal to have a low balance this time of year before the generous holiday season starts, this year is particularly low, necessitating cut backs.

Tax deductible cash donations may be sent to Christian Food Pantry,

PO Box 78, Townsend, WI  54175. 

Thank you for your help.

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LA DONNA GATLIN CONCERT

            Sunday, September 25, 7 pm, La Donna Gatlin will be in concert at Wabeno High School sponsored by Forest Larger Parish (Presbyterian). Also appearing on the program are God’s Guys from St. John joining with the Northwoods Gospel Quartet, and the Praise Band and puppet troupe from Forest Larger Parish. There is no charge for the program; a freewill offering will be taken.  For information call 715-473-3603.

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“BIG JUNGLE ADVENTURE” WAS VBS THEME AUG 15 – 19

It was a WILD WEEK, straight out of the jungle to St. John Lutheran Church! There were about 36 followers of Jesus, not counting leaders and helpers! We had a terrific week and now we will thank all those who made this week a success. Thank you to Pastor Steve Mueller for his time during each days opening and closing. We also thank him for the adult Bible study both morning and night during VBS week(Tues.-Fri.).

We thank our Lord for all our little pre-school Rubys and the adults and helpers to guide their little souls. Thank you Mrs. Lora Yahr, Mrs. Rhonda Kroll and helpers Alissa Gil, Jake Kroll and Ashlyn Hooper.

 

Grade 1 held the Kikis and along with them, leaders Tanner Exferd and Max Diamond

 

Grades 2 & 3 were the Flashes with leaders Suzannah Diamond and Sam Exferd. Also Cheyenne Clements on Thursday.

 

Grades 4, 5 + 6 were Bobos and Humphreys with leaders Brandon Dehne and Bill Schmidt

 

Bible Study with Mr. Scott P. Wycherley and Mrs. JoAnn Streck

 

Games with Mr. Cliff Streck and helpers Shawn Hackbarth, Autumn Coopman, and Travis Bowman

 

Arts & Crafts with Mrs. Cathy Lundgren and Mrs. April Koepp. Ryan Brauer and Jodee Lee-Photograhers

 

Kitchen Magicians- Chief Cook and Bottle Washers-Mr. Ray Wittenkeller, Mrs. Diane Coopman, Mrs Bridget Fuller, and Helper Justin Dehne

 

Musicians Vicke Pintsch, Suzannah Diamond, Scott Wycherley, and Sam Exferd

 

Thank you to all for your service to the Lord. Seems we just got going into full swing and the end was here for this year! Thank the Lord Sunday School will be starting shortly!

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ALTAR GUILD NEWS

            Our Fall meeting is set for Monday, September 12 at 4pm cleaning and 5pm meeting. Please join us. We are still looking for those who have a way with and enjoy working with plants/flowers and making banners, etc. Don’t be shy, guys can help too.

                To donate flowers throughout the year, there is a flower chart at the front entrance of church by the guestbook. If you wish to donate flowers, please write your name, occasion or in memory of who, and the date you will be furnishing flowers for the altar of our Lord. Order your arrangement or plant from the florist of your choice. We have listed, for your convenience, local florists on the wall next to the chart. You can have them delivered or you can bring your selection to church before Saturday night service. Give the florist Linda’s cell #715-850-0274 so she can let them in if no one is at church. Linda usually checks the chart on Tuesdays for the coming weekend. We always welcome floral arrangements or plants for the altar of our Lord no higher than 18 inches (so Pastor can see us and vice versa).Thanks.

ALTAR GUILD SCHEDULE 2011

JAN  SAT  CHERYL HACKBARTH

          SUN   MARIE MARTIN          

FEB  SAT   KAREN SEEBER          

          SUN  TRINA DINKELMAN   

MAR SAT  SUE EICHINGER          

           SUN  LORI  PAULSON +       

                    GEORGIA WILSON     

APR   SAT  JEAN GREENWOOD   

           SUN  PAT & GARY LAACK 

MAY  SAT  PEGGY BARTELS        

           SUN  HELEN EXFERD          

JUN   SAT  LYNETTE BENHAM    

           SUN  TRUDY LINSSEN         

JUL   SAT  LINDA ARENTZ            

           SUN  DONNA LIMBERG       

AUG  SAT   SUE GAVIN +                

                    SUE EICHINGER         

           SUN  BRIDGET FULLER +   

                    LORI+GEORGIA          

SEPT SAT  LINDA  ARENTZ+         

                    LYNETTE BENHAM    

           SUN  CARMEN EHLERS+     

                    DIANE FRANZ             

OCT  SAT MERLYNNE LAVIGNE+

                     SUE EICHINGER         

           SUN   EVIE PARKER                       

NOV  SAT     NANCY ERLER          

           SUN     DORIS WHITING      

DEC  SAT  KAREN HABERSTEIN 

          SUN     JUDY WANNER         

SUB LIST

JANET OPIELA                     

CATHY LUNDGREN                     

KAREN ADERHOLDT        (Cathy+Karen ONLY IN SUMMER MONTHS AND DOESN’T INTERFERE WITH VBS.

Respectfully submitted by: Sue Eichinger, Altar Guild president.

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LADIES AID NEWS

Ladies Aid Meeting  July 12,2011

            Jan Peil called meeting to order shortly after 1 pm with 13 members and 1 guest, Laura present.  Jan read an article entitled “I Believe” stating the beliefs we should all have.

            After saying the meal prayer we all enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Linda, Helen and Lois.  Thank you ladies.

            No devotion was given as Jill was absent.

            Lynette read the minutes from our June meeting and told of correspondence.

Kathy J gave the treasurer’s report.

            Lynette gave the project compassion report in Kathy Moerman’s absence.  In June, a total of  27 cards were sent for thinking of you, sympathy, get well, encouragement and hope, and birthdays.

            Old Business—Discussed upcoming bazaar on 10-8-2011 and will advertise for men’s things to be donated.

            No new business.

            Mission Sewing to be held July 11th and 18th and August 8th and 16th.

            Hostesses for August will be Kathy Moerman and Gert Dobbe.

            LaVerne Trewyn was our only birthday lady for July.

            Oral thank yous were received from Evelyn Rinehart, Evelyn Riedel and Mary Jane Erdman to her daughter.

            Next meeting to be held on August 9, 2011 at 1 pm. We closed with prayer and doxology.

Respectfully Submitted,  Lynette Shaffer

                             ****

Ladies Aid Meeting  August 9, 2011

            Jan Peil called meeting to order shortly after 1 pm with 11 members and 2 guests –Laura Tilbury and Caroline Polster – present.  Jan read an article entitled ‘Always Pick Up Pennies’ as the inscription on them is ‘In God we Trust’—a good reminder anytime.

            After saying the meal prayer we all enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by Kathy Moerman and Gert Dobbe. Thank you ladies.

            In Jill’s absence a devotion was given by Emi regarding a young boy with cancer and his thoughts and concerns.

            Lynette read the minutes from our July meeting and told of correspondence.

            In Kathy Jesinski’s absence Jan gave the treasurer’s report.

            Kathy Moerman gave the project compassion report for July.

            Old Business   Bazaar on 10-8-2011  Jan asked if ok to use existing flyers to advertise bazaar--all agreed that would work well.  Jan also had a cost listing for bakery and this was reviewed by several members and felt there wasn’t any need to change any of the prices.  Helen volunteered to make coffee and Lois will be a cashier at the bazaar.  We will set up for the bazaar on 10-6-11 and take down on 10-10-11.  Jan threw out a suggestion that if you were unable to bake for the bazaar, maybe you could consider giving a cash donation instead.

New Business  The LWML rally will be in Polar on Tuesday 9-20-11 with registration between 8:30 and 9 am.  A noon luncheon will be served.  A donation of paper products or canned goods is encouraged.  At the meeting Kathy J, Lorrie, Lynette, Gert, Jan , Mary Jane, Evelyn and Lou indicated they were planning to attend.  The cost to each attendee for the rally is $5.00.  Jan also mentioned that new officers for LWML will be voted on at the convention next year if anyone is interested in any of the positions.  Our LWML weekend is October 1 and 2—will take signups at the next ladies aid meeting for participation in the church service that weekend.

            Jan asked if the Ladies Aid would be interested in making a donation to the Christian Volunteers Caring fund.  After discussion, a motion was made by Sue and seconded by Mary Jane to donate $500 at this time to this fund.  Also to include this group in our listing of mission donations for our budget.

            Jan also mentioned that Mission Sewing has announced that they want to be their own entity and thus will set up an account to handle donations for their group. After discussion, a motion was made by Evelyn and seconded by Mary Jane to forward Thrivent contribution total  for this year to the mission sewing group.

            Sue asked if a representative from Ladies Aid had been chosen to be on the planning committee for the church renovations.  After discussion, Sue volunteered to be the Ladies Aid representative.

            Hostesses for September will be Emi and Lorry.

            We celebrated 3 birthdays in August—Helen, Lois and Jan.

            Our next meeting will be September 13, 2011 at 1 pm. We closed with prayer and doxology.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lynette Shaffer

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EVANGELISM/FELLOWSHIP NEWS

Thank you everyone for the support you’ve shown your Evangelism/Fellowship Committees by making a dessert, salad, bean dish, joining the ’Fryers Club’, and/or attending our Fantastic Friday Fish Fry! You all are the reason they have become so popular and are such a success! A great delicious time was had by all. Thank you.

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Hayride at Dave & Wendy Tuckers!!!

Bring a Goodie to pass, Your Lawnchair, Your Family and Friends and Join in the Fun!!!

September 17, 2011

Following Saturday’s Church Service

Bonfire!!! Singing!!! Fellowship!!!

Don’t Miss It!J

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ST. JOHN MISSION SEWING NEWS

As of July 18, 2011, Mission Sewing became an entity. We are known as St. John Mission Sewing. An account has been set up at Citizen’s Bank. Anyone who wishes to donate to our account, please do so. We certainly will appreciate that. The money will strictly be used for battings and sewing supplies. Thank you, St. John Mission Sewing.

            We were informed that more quilts were needed not only for disasters in the U. S., but also around the world. We have lots of tops and backs, but need help to put them together. So--if you can tie a knot, please join us the second and/or third Monday of each month at 9am. We would love to have you.

Respectfully submitted by Darlene LaBombard

-Coordinator

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St. John Christian Volunteers

…if there are some light chores that might be difficult or challenging for you to perform, please do not hesitate to give us a call.....we are here to serve the members of our church family...call Kathy at 715 276 3443 or Linda at the church office at 715 276-7214...a word to Pastor Steve or Scott would work too!!!!! Thessalonians 5:11....Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.....just as in fact you are doing.

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THIS   ‘N   THAT

Thank you for allowing us to use your yard and restrooms over the 4th of July. Our families from camp had a great time playing games and watching fireworks. Thanks again for your generosity! Take Care, Rob Kathsack YMCA Camp Nan A Bo Sho

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Found--a Timex watch. If you lost yours, call Linda and tell her. 715-276-7214

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Our Richard Pintsch went to see Gladys Ward and Opal Sarge in Green Bay. They are both doing fine and LOVE getting letters. Addresses are on the Angel Board. He said Gladys is really easy to find. Only about 2 blocks off Oneida. Thanks for the news Richard!

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To my brothers and sisters in Christ of St. John,

            Words could never express my gratitude I have for each and every one of you for your amazing generosity. It’s been only three weeks since Jeff’s devotion on humility at Thursday morning Bible Class. I stood up and voiced my desperate need for help that day and this morning I took a long, beautiful shower in my new bathroom. It is overwhelming to physically see how our Lord works in and through us. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

            I know it took a lot of organizational skills to get the project off the ground and to completion. I was pretty much confused and in awe all through it. But our Christian Volunteers members, our leader Kathy Moerman, Elder Dick Popp, friend and sister in Christ, Nancy Erler, our project manager Cliff Aderholdt, our experts Cliff again, Mike Lintner, Gary Laack, Norb Flynn, Pastor Mueller, Anna Arentz, Dave and Wendy Tucker, George Arentz, and all the silent angels, who, through their generous offerings, made it all happen, my heartfelt thanks. I know I’m probably forgetting some names and I’m so sorry, but as I said, I was pretty much confused and in awe all through it.

            The most magnificent thing that happened throughout this project, is the help and response the Lord is allowing to others who also have a great need and nowhere to go. Praise the Lord for His mercies and love He has for us! I am honored and thank the Lord that He has used me to start such a needed outreach within our family of God. I am truly blessed to be a member of this congregation, and still thrilled to be in the office, at your service.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Linda Arentz

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Thanksgiving is only a couple months away. At our last meeting, we decided on a menu. We will be making all the food at church except the pies. Anyone who would like to help or donate any food to our Thanksgiving meal, please contact Lynn 715-850-0835 or Sue 715-276-3801. We already have a head start as we have received several donations! Thank you very much!

Submitted Sue Eichinger

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SAVE THIS DATE- - - SEPTEMBER 25!!!!

Scott Wycherley will be retiring from full time DCE ministry at St. John on Oct. 1st, 2011. Please reserve Sunday, September 25th to join fellow members in wishing him a great, deserved retirement. Join us for social hour following our Sunday service. A Potluck Dinner will be enjoyed at 11:30 a.m. followed by a short program. (Packer's don't play till 3:15 p.m. that day!)

If anyone has pictures, stories to share, please contact anyone from the Evangelism/Fellowship Committee or Dick Popp.

And don't worry folks, Scott will continue to be our Music Director, couldn't get along without him!!

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Women of Faith Weekend September 30-October 1,  at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. There are 14 women from St. John-Townsend planning to go. We thank everyone for helping us on our journey! Those who bought bakery, prayed for us, or held special, positive thoughts for us, Thank you!

C.A.R.E. Club will meet September 8

The C.A.R.E. Club September meeting is set for 2:00 p.m. on Thursday the 8th at the Lakewood Town Hall/Community Center on North Rd. The group is for all caregivers who would like to learn, share and support fellow caregivers. For more information call Kathy at 715-276-7088 or Dawn at 715-276-1680.

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The Christian Thrift Store in Wabeno is looking for a volunteer interested in the Receiving Department. This person must be available during the winter months, willing to learn store procedures, and able to lift boxes and larger items. Responsibilities will include quality checking, packaging, and pricing all Home D’ecor, Nick-Knack, Kitchen, and Misc. items sold in the store. Anyone interested in volunteering for this position should call the thrift store manager, Sue Kaufman, 715-473-6509.

            Christian Thrift Store is also looking for a volunteer interested in Bed & Bath and Craft items. This person must be available during the winter months, willing to learn store procedures, and able to lift large blankets and comforters. Responsibilities will include quality checking, sizing, packaging, pricing and stocking all bed & bath and craft items sold in the store. Anyone interested in volunteering for this position should call the thrift store and speak to Sue Kaufman.             ****

Dig into the Word! Wednesday mornings at 6:45am, Thursdays at 10am, And men every first and third Thursday of the month at 7pm. Come, meet up with your friends, study the Word, enjoy the fellowship, and perhaps a fresh cup of coffee (breakfast on Wednesdays)!

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We are looking for any deployed military people from our area that would like to receive a care package and correspondence from home. Please bring their address to the office or contact 715-276-7313or e-mail lrrunge@centurytel.net Thank you.

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SCRABBLE CLUB meets at church on Thursdays at 11:45am.  If you enjoy this game or just want to come for the fellowship, call Scott at 276-3920.

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NOSAPP (Northern Oconto Substance Abuse Prevention Partnership),  meeting 6pm on September 19, at Riverview Town Hall. Please try to attend. This group is made up of concerned citizens who seek to fight the influence of drugs and alcohol on our youth. Questions may be addressed to Scott at 276-3920.

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We are having an “Every Kid to Camp” Ministry Auction on Saturday, September 24, in Wausau. All the money raised will be used to send 3rd-8th grade boys and girls, who have never been to Camp Luther for a summer camp experience, to a free week. Our purpose in sending kids to camp is to help them build a stronger foundation of faith in Jesus Christ…one kid at a time! Peace and Joy, in Christ, Lee A. Belmas

Director, “Every Kid To Camp” Ministry

I forgot to put the times for the auction.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for silent auction. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment during dinner. Silent auction closes at 8 p.m. Live auction begins at 8:15 p.m. Closing at 9:15 p.m.

Corrections made in the schedule below.

Formal invitations will be in the mail this week to all congregations in the district. Here’s the inside scoop for those who would like to print this in their bulletins/newsletters/announcements:

What: Silent and Live auction for the “Every Kid to Camp” ministry

When: Saturday, September 24, 2011

Where: Rose Garden, Wausau, WI

Who: Anyone who would like to attend

Cost: $25/person or $200/table of 8 (includes dinner/entertainment/auction)

Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment during dinner. Silent auction closes at 8 p.m. Live auction begins at 8:15 p.m. Closing at 9:15 p.m.

Register: Call or write Sandi at the District Office: sandy@nwdlcms.org or 715-845-8241, ext. 23.

Why: To help kids build a stronger foundation of faith in Jesus Christ through a summer camp experience at Camp Luther

Help: Help us reach our goal of $100,000. If you can’t make the auction, help us reach our goal with a gift of any size.

Thanks for all you are doing to help us promote this event. It is greatly appreciated. May God richly bless you and keep you in His grace! Together in His service,

Lee A. Belmas, Assistant to the President

"Every Kid to Camp"/Family/Care/Ministerial Health

North Wisconsin District-LCMS

3101 Seymour Lane

Wausau, WI 54401

715-845-8241, ext. 16

lee@nwdlcms.org

www.nwdlcms.org

 

Regular invititations for the auction will be in the mail in August...one per congregation. What would be neat is an informal in-gathering (free-will offering) a Sunday or two prior to the event....September 10 or 17. The auction is the 24th. Every congregation could be involved in helping us reach our goal of sending 288 kids to camp (our goal is to raise $100,000). Please pray about it and do what you can to get the word out. If you are able to hold a free-will auction, please let me know how much is collected so we can have the totals for the night of the auction. What a blessing to help kids build a stronger foundation of faith in Jesus Christ. God bless your efforts.

God's richest blessings to you, your family and the congregation you have been called to serve.

In Christ, Lee <><

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Bulletin Bloopers OOPS!

We will meet as a property committee on Wednesday at 7am. Hope to see you on Tuesday!

The early bird gets the worm--or maybe the best donuts?

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R EC I P E                  LUSCIOUS LEMON

       O                                 COOKIES          

       R                          1 lemon cake mix  (the  kind  

       N      with pudding in the mix.)                       

       E                           1 egg          

       R                          8 oz. container Cool Whip

            Mix together. Preheat oven to 350. Line

Baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop by tsp. rolled in powdered sugar on parchment paper.  

Bake at 350 for 8 minutes. Enjoy.    

                                         ****

 

JSEPTEMBER HAPPY BIRTHDAYSJ

9/1  Amy (Martin) Richard

9/3  Jeanne Downer

9/9  Wendy Tucker

9/9  Gary Linssen

9/10 Sean Aderholdt

9/12 Jon Rusch

9/13 Joe Kroll

9/15 Gail Merrill

9/16 Bryon Ashbeck

9/17 Marilyn Karow

9/19 Ruth Olson

9/19 Adam Gill

9/19 Ron Runge

9/20 Morris Whiting

9/28 Bill Schultz

JSEPTEMBER HAPPY ANNIVERSARIESJ

9/6 Kevin & Jill Marshall

9/13 Cliff & Jean Marshall

9/15 Ron & Lorry Runge

9/16 Jim & Gail  Merrill

9/20 Loren & Virginia Nelson

9/25 Cliff & JoAnn Streck

9/27 Ray & Sue Gavin

9/28 Willie & Jodi Harris

JSEPTEMBER HAPPY BAPTISM BIRTHDAYSJ

9/?/1947 Lynn Schmidt

9/?/1921  Ed Downer

9/1/1985  Aleshia Missall

9/1/1987  Amy Richard

9/1/1991  Joe VandeHei

9/1/1991  Angela VandeHei

9/3/1944  Barb Hungerford

9/5/1987  Dustin Lundgren

9/5/1944 Evelyn Rinehart

9/5/2009  Andy Marsh

9/8/1952  Mary Orley

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JON THE LIGHTER SIDEJ

The Lord’s Baseball Game

            Freddy and the Lord stood by to observe a baseball game. The Lord’s team was playing Satan’s team.

            The Lord’s team was at bat, the score was tied zero to zero, and it was the bottom of the 9th inning with two outs. They continued to watch as a batter stepped up to the plate named ‘Love.’ Love swung at the first pitch and hit a single, because ‘Love never fails.’

            The next batter was named Faith, who also got a single because Faith works with Love. The next batter was named Godly Wisdom. Satan wound up and threw the first pitch. Godly Wisdom looked it over and let it pass: Ball one. Three more pitches and Godly Wisdom walked because he never swings at what Satan throws.

            The bases were now loaded. The Lord then turned to Freddy and told him He was now going to bring in His star player. Up to the plate stepped Grace. Freddy said, ‘He sure doesn’t look like much!’

            Satan’s whole team relaxed when they saw Grace. Thinking he had won the game, Satan wound up and fired his first pitch. To the shock of everyone, Grace hit the ball harder than anyone had ever seen! But Satan was not worried; his center fielder let very few get by. He went up for the ball, but it went right through his glove, hit him on the head and sent him crashing on the ground; the roaring crowd went wild as the ball continued over the fence…for a home run! The Lord’s team won!

            The Lord then asked Freddy if he knew why Love, Faith and Godly Wisdom could get on base but couldn’t win the game. Freddy answered that he didn’t know why. The Lord explained, ‘If your love, faith and wisdom had won the game, you would think you had done it by yourself. Love, Faith and Wisdom will get you on base but only My Grace can get you Home.

 

‘For by Grace are you saved, it is a gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.’

Ephesians 2:8-9

‘For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.’ Psalm 84:11

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Porch Prayer

            There was a little old lady, who every morning stepped onto her front porch, raised her arms to the sky and shouted “Praise the Lord!”

            One day an atheist moved into the house next door. He became irritated at the little old lady. Every morning he’d step onto his front porch after her yell and yell “There is no Lord!”

            Time passed with the two of them carrying on this way every morning.

            One morning in the middle of winter, the little old lady stepped onto her front porch and shouted, “Praise the Lord! Please Lord, I have no food and I am starving, provide for me, oh, Lord!”

            The next morning she stepped out onto her porch and there were two huge bags of  groceries sitting there. “Praise the Lord!” she cried out. “He has provided groceries  for me!”

            The neighbor jumped out of a snow bank and shouted, “There is no Lord! I bought those groceries!!”

            To which the little old lady threw her arms in the air and shouted “Praise the Lord! He has provided me with groceries and made the devil pay for them!”

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            There’s a story about a women’s circle at a United Methodist Church that collected clothes for a widow and her three young daughters. The mother said they needed clothes so that they could dress nicely to attend worship services.

            The women’s group collected the clothes and gave them to the family. But on the next Sunday, the mother and girls didn’t show up at church. One of the circle members went to the family’s home to find out why they hadn’t come. The mother said that she was very thankful for the pretty clothes. In fact, she said, “When we put them on we looked so good, we decided to go to  the  Lutheran church.”

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*POINTS TO PONDER*

A Prayer In Remembrance of  9/11/01

O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home!

   We bring before you our sad memories of our fellow citizens who lost their lives during the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Although it’s been 10 years, we are yet pained when we consider lives ended by the heartlessness of those who believed they were achieving good, when unspeakable evil was the end result.

   Our hearts still cry when we recall the countless families who lost loved ones. Blessed Lord, please grant them an extra portion of your grace and comfort so they may find solace in their sorrow, alleviation in their distress, and light in their darkness. Enable us as citizens of our homeland to rededicate ourselves to supporting one another in concern and love. Stir us awake that we may offer help for the helpless, assurance for those who are losing hope, consolation for those who mourn and fair play for those who suffer injustice.

   Prevent us, O Lord, from calling America “one nation under God,” and then do little to make it so. Thank you, blessed Redeemer, for hearing our prayer, for without that assurance, we would be hopeless indeed. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

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Teaching is Caring

   It’s been said that public school teachers don’t teach values. The truth is that more public school teachers teach in Sunday school than do people from any other profession.

   Using examples and patient guidance, most regular school teachers treat their students with love, respect and appreciation. Many teachers help students from poor homes get money for school supplies, find nicer clothes for them and make sure they have something nutritional to eat.

   Last year, the average school teacher spent over $500 for student necessities, workbooks, gym clothes, special needs and supplies. Yet teaching is one of the poorest paid professions in our nation.

   Think about those teachers who teach children who don’t know English. Consider the teachers who patiently strive to educate children who are mentally or socially challenged. In America there are some two million children who fall into one or several categories that hamper their learning: homeless, poverty-stricken, unwanted, unloved, abused or hungry. What future might such children have without the patience and guidance of concerned teachers? Often a child’s only hope comes from a caring public school teacher. A large percentage of such teachers are likely to be involved in their church. Their loving and dedicated service is surely pleasing to God. It should be to us as well.                                 

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Advice from a Loving Pastor

  A young woman was troubled about all the problems in the world, and by other problems involving family members and friends. She wondered what she could do to help solve as many of the problems as possible. She asked her pastor for advice. He wrote her an insightful letter, a small portion of which follows:

  “Life is difficult. It is sometimes like a mindless boot camp. We seem to be  rehearsing for something that is beyond our present knowing. We come from a  beginning that we cannot remember, and we move toward a destiny that we cannot see. Only imagination, faith and a friend here or there give us the strength to go on.

  “When Jesus said that we would always have trouble

in this world, he added an encouraging word that we should never forget: ‘Take courage, I have overcome the world.’

  “I cannot fix you. You cannot fix you. Do not put your ultimate faith in me, or in yourself, or in any human being. Trust the Lord of the Harvest. He will fix you when he comes.”--from a letter by Dr. Thomas Lane Butts

Right click on the page below if you wish to print it out to work the puzzle.