Epistle
St. John’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church
S 520 Church Ave.
P.O. Box 336
Spring Valley, Wisconsin 54767
Annual Meeting
Date: Sunday, January 30, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Place: St. John’s Fellowship Hall
All members are encouraged to attend.
Potluck lunch will be served.
St. Johns Lutheran Church, ELCA
778-5935
Office email: svstjelca@svtel.net
Pastor Erin email: pastorerinnelson@gmail.com
website: www.svstjohns.org
Fellowship Hour – 9:00 a.m.
Sunday Worship Service – 10:00 a.m.
Sunday School – 10:00 a.m.
Erin Nelson, Pastor
All are welcome to hear the word of God!
Pastoral Acts for December
Funerals
The funeral for Doris Raasch was on December 22, 2010.
January Book Club
The January Book Club will meet on Saturday, January 8th at 10am in St. John’s Fellowship Hall. January’s book will be “City of Thieves” by David Benioff. In World War 2 Leningrad, a young Jewish man is found outside the ghetto. The Russian Army commander he is brought to gives him a choice; either go to prison or find 12 eggs in under a week and bring them back to Leningrad. With his choice made, the young man begins the wildest ride of his life.
St. John’s Lutheran Church,
Thank you so much for the adorable
shawl and hat that was made for
Samuel. We really appreciate your kindness and prayers.
Love,
Ryan, Sharla, Michael, Jameson & Samuel Bauer
Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Wisconsin will be held on:
Date: Sunday, January 30, 2011
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Place: St. John’s Fellowship Hall
There are important decisions to make! All members are encouraged to attend.
Potluck lunch will be served.
Library Review
“A Legacy for Shannon”
By Ina Murray
Shannon lives with the feeling that something is missing in her life.
As a child, Shannon was sent to live with her aunts. She lost all contact with her father and the church.
Shannon moves back to her childhood home with her husband and son. As she goes through family memorabilia, she finds what has been missing in her life for so many years.
Lynda Johnson,
Librarian
Decorating St. John’s
A huge thank you to Terri Trealoff for the beautifully
decorated entryway displays she did for the Christmas
season! Not only did she do a display for Christmas,
but Terri does the entryway displays all year long.
Thank you for always making sure St. John’s looks
warm, welcoming and beautiful!
Family Movie Night
St. John’s Education Committee is proud to present January Family Movie Night. January is long, cold and grim! Come to St. John’s every Sunday night in January at 5:30pm to watch a family movie with us. All ages are welcome and feel free to bring friends. This is a free event.
Movie Schedule:
¨ January 2nd: “Toy Story 3” – A story of what happens to a band of toys when Andy, their owner, grows up. Animated, rated G, 2010.
¨ January 9th: “Swiss Family Robinson” – The story of a family shipwrecked on an abandoned island, forced to build a tree house to survive. Live Action, rated G, 1960.
¨ January 16th: “Despicable Me”.
¨ January 23rd: “Marmaduke”.
¨ January 30th: “The Karate Kid”.
December Building Fund
Building Fund contributions in December to date total $176. Thank you to all who contributed!
JANUARY EDUCATION NEWS
I am currently reading a book called Unchristian: What a new generation really thinks about Christianity…and why it matters. This book provides useful insight to what many are thinking. I am writing out what is written on the inside jacket of the book.
“The New Testament writer Paul told the first century Christians: “You yourselves are our letter…known and read by everybody.” (2Corinthians 3:2 NIV)
When a person “reads” your life, what does it say? What does your faith look like to outsiders?
A major new research project, unveiled for the first time in this book, describes the increasingly negative reputation of Christians, especially among young Americans.
The research shows that Christians are best known for what they are against. They are perceived as being judgmental, antihomosexual, and too political. And young people are quick to point out they believe that Christianity is no longer as Jesus intended. It is un Christian.
It shouldn’t be this way
What Christians believe may not be popular, but Paul also advised the first believers to “live wisely among those who are not Christians” and to “let your conversation be gracious and effective.” (Colossians 4:5-6 NLT)
In this eye-opening book, David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons – along with more than two dozen leading voices within Chrisitanity – unpack the major criticisms leveled against Christians. Understand why those negative images exist and how you can best represent Jesus to your friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
Your life is an open book. Is it unChristian?”
Sunday School News
Sunday School resumes on January 2nd. The puppets are here and we are very excited to start using them to bring home the message that is being conveyed.
Education Committee News
We will be having our meeting on January 2nd at 11:15 in the church library.
I pray everyone has a blessed New Year filled with health and happiness.
Serena Roen, Head of Education
Women of St. John’s
Submitted by Nina Larson
All women of St. John’s are welcome and encouraged to attend all scheduled events.
• Circle/Bible Study will be held on Thursday, January 13, at 2:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Elsie Arneson will serve as hostess and Beulah Thompson will have devotions. Bible study will be led by Pastor Erin. Focus will be on Genesis, Chapters 24 and 27.
• Bingo will be on Tuesday, January 4, at the SVHCC.
• Quilting will resume on January 6, from 9:00-12:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Coffee will be on around 10:00. Join us for quilting or coffee or both. We always welcome more workers.
RESULTS OF CRAFT/BAKE SALE
AND QUILT and TABLECLOTH RAFFLE
The winner of the quilt raffle was Joyce Brooke; the winner of the tablecloth was Nina Larson. Congratulations ladies! We took in $190, which will be divided equally between the free clinics in River Falls and Menomonie.
Thank you to everyone who donated crafts or baked goods to our sale. Thank you also to those of you who worked and/or purchased items. Our total receipts were $450. This money was donated to Our Neighbors Place (homeless shelter in River Falls)
BIBLE STUDY/BOOK CLUB
Bible Study will start up again on Monday, January 10, at 4:00 in the Fellowship Hall. We will be starting a new series and welcome new members.
Prayer Partner Luncheon
The Prayer Partner Luncheon is planned for Sunday, February 6th following the worship service. Sign-up slips will be available in the Narthex on the two Sundays leading up to February 6th. Partners from 2010 will be revealed and new partners will be drawn at the lunch. Anyone is welcome to come to the lunch whether they are involved in Prayer Partners or not.
Thank you for the donations to the Build the Minister fund in memory of Lavon Keehr given by Pearl Ducklow, Lucille Olstad, Bill & Jill Klanderman, Ken & Myrtle Pechuman, LeRoy & Marion Odalen, Ralph & Pat Gavic, Richard & Lynda Johnson and Katie & Joe Manor Family.
Thank you for the donation to the Build the Minister fund in memory of Alois Ducklow given by Pearl Ducklow.
Thank you for the donation to the Build the Minister fund in memory of Al Ducklow, Jr. given by Richard & Lynda Johnson.
Thank you for the donation to the Build the Minister fund in memory of Diz Pede given by Richard & Lynda Johnson.
Thank you for the donations to the Build the Minister fund in memory of Carol Voelker given by Richard & Lynda Johnson and Pearl Ducklow.
Thank you for the donation to the Sunday School fund in memory of Lavon Keehr given by Lois Anderson.
Thank you for the donation to the Memorial Fund in memory of Rex Stockman given by Stockman Farm Supply.
Thank you for the donation to the Build the Minister fund in memory of Dorothy Gatzman given by LeRoy & Marion Odalen.
Thank you for the donations to the Mission Endowment fund in memory of Lavon Keehr given by Lori Peterson and Jon Anderson.
Thank you for the donation to the Building Fund in memory of Lavon Keehr given by Paul & Deborah Norrie and Don & Diane Gavic.
Thank you for the donation to the Sunday School fund in memory of Lavon Keehr given by Betty Helgeson.
Thank you for the donation to the Memorial Fund in memory of Howard & Thora Kay given by Mary Heisler.
Offering Envelopes
The offering envelopes for 2011 are now available in the Narthex. Please pick yours up on the way out of church. Thank you! Note: your envelope number may have changed, we reassigned in alphabetical order.
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Attendance: 2010 2009
Nov. 28 152 187
Dec. 5 175 252
Dec. 12 43 133
Dec. 19 179 240
Dec. 24 (4pm) 147 144
(10pm) 87 53
Dec. 25 53 32
Dec. 26 62 78
# Members contributed:
Nov. 28 54
Dec. 5 53
Dec. 12 13
Dec. 19 56
Dec. 26 21
Giving: General Open Simply
Plate Giving
Nov. 28 $1,942 $177 $70
Dec. 5 $3,245 $87 $795
Dec. 12 $881 $55.80 $115
Dec. 19 $2,147 $231.55 $1020
Dec. 24/25 $3,459 $450 $15
Dec. 26 $1,210 $121
Needed/week: $2,667.66
Total needed to date this month: $138,718.18
Total received to date this month: $139,412.17
Total budget: (2010) $138,718.18
Gifts Given In Honor
Thank you for the donation to the Build the Minister fund in honor of Bill Klanderman given by Greg, Barb, Amy and Andrew Klanderman.
Thank you for the donation to the Memorial Fund in honor of Gen Wenum given by John & Sherry Wenum.
Dear Friends at St. John’s,
Thank you so much for your continued support of my call to Luther Seminary. Your financial gifts and prayers give me strength and means to complete my M.A. in Aging and Health Ministries which will allow me to work in Pastoral Care when my studies are completed. I am currently a full-time senior and will begin my “fieldwork” in January. I am anxiously awaiting the next step! Thank you again!
May the Peace of Christ be with you all,
Laura Ramlow
St. John‘s Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
Sunday, December 14, 2010
Belonging to Christ, we are a family of faith, Encouraging spiritual growth and Connecting others to lasting hope.
Those present: Pastor Erin Nelson, Bob Kinsman (Vice President), Barb Esanbock (Secretary), Kathy Klug (Treasurer), Jon Anderson (Financial Secretary), Bill Klanderman (Stewardship), Anne Green (Deacons), John Overland (Trustees), Serena Roen (Education), Nina Larson (Worship), Pam Hanson (Social Concerns), Jill Klanderman
Call to Order: Meeting called to order by Vice President Bob Kinsman at 7:05 pm.
Opening Prayer: Pastor Erin led us in devotions from the book of Mark.
Approval of Agenda: Changes were made to the agenda. Serena Roen moved, Pam Hanson seconded, to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Secretary’s Report: The Secretary’s report was approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy reviewed the report. There was discussion on various budgeted items, including cleaning and the dumpster.
Approval of Bills: Bill Klanderman moved, Jon Anderson seconded, to approve the bills. Motion carried.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor Erin handed out a copy of her November activities.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
¨ Stewardship Committee Report: Bill handed out a written timeline of events for the Stewardship Committee. He also discussed the Stewardship Drive and potential new members for the committee.
¨ Deacons Report: Ann updated us on the Deacons Committee; they will now have scheduled meetings for the 2nd Sunday of each month; they will be meeting to plan out the events for the upcoming year, they are looking for new members; the Annual Meeting will include a potluck dinner.
¨ Trustees Report: Light bulbs and tile were discussed.
¨ Education Committee Report: Serena noted that the committee met on December 5th and they now have new members; they will be meeting the 1st Sunday of each month. The Sunday School program will be December 19th. There will be a free family movie night each Sunday in January. The budget was discussed.
¨ Social Concerns Report: St. John’s Social Concerns met with representatives from Gilman and Spring Lake to discuss planning future activities together. Pam Hanson moved, Bill Klanderman seconded, to add Linda Anderson to the committee. Motion carried.
¨ Church Directory: Jill Klanderman stated that approximately 110 families had photos taken for the directory, which will hopefully be done by the end of January.
OLD BUSINESS:
1.Sustainable Practices Purchasing Guide: There was some discussion on the sustainable practices purchasing guide which was put into the epistle for review and feedback from the Congregation. As there was some positive feedback from the Congregation and no negative feedback, Jon Anderson moved, Serena Roen seconded, to adopt the guide. After further discussion and one Council member apposed, motion carried.
2.Annual Report and Budget: It was discussed that each committee needs to submit an annual report for 2010 and an annual budget for 2011. Due to time constrictions for getting reports and budgets done in time, it was suggested that the annual meeting be moved to January 30th. Bob Kinsman moved to change the meeting date to January 30, 2010, Pam Hanson seconded. Motion carried.
3.Web Cam Purchase: Tabled until next meeting.
4.Activate Nominating Committee: The nominating committee for the 2011 St. John’s Council was activated.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Mutual Ministry Report: Jill Klanderman presented information on the Mutual Ministry Committee and some of the proposals they have discussed.
2. New Member Approvals: Jon Anderson moved, John Overland seconded, to approve new members as follows: Jerry Nelson; Doug, Gabe, Bjorn and Zen Larson; Leslie and James Jackson and Lacey Mickelson; Jeff Thompson; Charles Wallace Lacy. Motion carried.
3. Office Computers: Tabled until January meeting.
4. Sound System Team Update: Tabled until January meeting.
5. Emergency Closing: Jon Anderson moved, Serena Roen seconded, to add the following to the Continuing Resolutions:
6. “In the event of an emergency situation, the Congregational President and Vice President (if unavailable, other Executive Officers), in consultation with the Pastor, shall decide to close St. John’s to specified worship services and church activities.
Next Meeting: Budget Meeting Tuesday, January 4th, 2011 at 7pm. Regular Council Meeting Tuesday, January 11th, 2011 at 7pm.
Adjourn: Meeting was adjourned by Bob Kinsman at 9:07 pm. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted: Barb Esanbock, Secretary.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Chuck & Jan Brictson 1 Red Poinsettia On occasion of their 50th Anniversary.
1 White Poinsettia
Elna Cady 1 Red Poinsettia In Memory of Allen Cady, Joana Madson and Alma Stefon
Cleveland Family 1 Red Poinsettia In memory of Ron Cleveland
Mary Gavic 1 Red Poinsettia In memory of Bob Gavic
Rick & Patti Gould 1 Red Poinsettia In honor of our children, Alyssa & Rex
Blayne & Brody Gregg 1 Red Poinsettia In honor of Great Grandma Pearl Ducklow
Russ Gunvalson 1 Red Poinsettia In honor of Idelle Gunvalson
1 White Poinsettia In memory of Chris & Gurina Gunvalson
1 White Poinsettia In memory of Casper & Evelyn Larson
Ada Hughes Family 1 Red Poinsettia In Memory of Tom & Craig Hughes
1 Red Poinsettia In Memory of Arthur & Marie Brooke, John and Byron Brooke
Mary & Jeffrey Johnson Poinsettia In memory of Ruth Johnson, Rory Johnson, and Orville & Donald Lien
On occasion of Christmas
Richard & Lynda Johnson 1 Red Poinsettia In Memory of Rory
Ross & Beth Keehr 1 Red Poinsettia Gift to the Church
Bill & Jill Klanderman 2 White Poinsettias In memory of Helen & Floyd Gavic and Stella & Harland Weghorn
2 Red Poinsettias In honor of Pat & Ralph Gavic, our children and grandchildren
Helen Lorentson 1 Red Poinsettia In Memory of Wayne Lorentson
Floy Miley 1 Red Poinsettia In memory of Pat Miley
Bud & Marion Odalen 1 Red Poinsettia In Memory of Ellie Kado
Mary Louise &Craig Olson 2 White Poinsettias In Memory of Harold and Louise Olson
Prayer Partner 1 Red Poinsettia In honor of Beulah Thompson’s birthday.
Greg & TerriTrealoff 1 White Poinsettia In Memory of Orville Trealoff and Gary Pedersen
Dennis & Suzanne Whirry 1 Red Poinsettia In Memory of Richard & Delores Hague, Lynette & George Whirry
1 Red Poinsettia In Honor of Ethel Whirry, Russell Hague, our children, grandchildren
and families
Althea Wood 1 Red Poinsettia In honor of our Savior’s birth
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
The following people “adopted” the new Chrismons for St. John’s Christmas tree.
Lois Anderson 1 Ornament In memory of Stan Anderson
Sylva Anderson 1 Ornament In memory of Allen Anderson
Ary & Elsie Arneson 2 Ornaments In honor of our children and Grandchildren
Joan Arneson 1 Ornament In memory of her parents
Wendy & Jay Arneson 2 Ornaments
Taylor Bille 1 Ornament In memory of Janet Hetzel
Joyce Brook 1 Ornament In memory of Calvin Brooke
Jamie, Stacy, Pierce 1 Ornament In memory of Craig Schlosser
& Brody Burr
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS
The following people “adopted” the new Chrismons for St. John’s Christmas tree.
Shelby Crow 1 Ornament In memory of Melvin & Signa Place
Pearl Ducklow 1 Ornament In honor of her grandkids
Pete & Barb Esanbock 4 Ornaments In honor of Ashley, Isaac, Emma & Ella
Joyce Garfield 1 Ornament In memory of Howard Garfield
Pat Gavic 2 Ornaments In honor of her kids and grandkids
1 Ornament In memory of parents
Ann Green 2 Ornaments In honor of June & Dick Langer and Molly & Sam Green
Brent & Tiffany Gregg 1 Ornament In honor of Blayne & Brody
Hugh & Mary Hampton 1 Ornament In honor of their grandkids
Paula Hampton 1 Ornament In honor of Hugh & Mary Hampton
Dave & Arlys Hoveland 1 Ornament In honor of grandchildren: Matty, Max and Kaitlen
Leslie Jackson 2 Ornaments In memory of Scott Sharratt
Lynda Johnson 1 Ornament In memory of Rory Johnson
1 Ornament
Mary & Jeffrey Johnson 1 Ornament In memory of Ruth Johnson and Rory Johnson
Bob & Nancy Kinsman 1 Ornament In memory of Donald & Audrey Kinsman and in honor of Charlie &
Marie Christensen
1 Ornament In honor of Pastor Erin & Mitch Nelson
1 Ornament In honor of Josiah Koskie
Jill & Bill Klanderman 4 Ornaments In honor of Amy, Andrew, Jacob & Sophia
Gwynn & Skip Lacy 1 Ornament In memory of Calvin Brooke
Judy Larrieu 1 Ornament In memory of Gladys Gilbertson
Keith & Nina Larson 2 Ornaments
Devin, Zacc & Gaige Larson 1 Ornament In memory of Rita Larson
Bev & Virgil Lueth 1 Ornament In memory of their parents and in Honor of Bev’s mother
Myrtle Pechuman 1 Ornament In memory of Alvin Anderson
Helen & Glenn Sandve 2 Ornaments In honor of our children and Grandchildren
Amber Schoeder 1 Ornament In memory of Dan Black “Gramps”
Stacy Schultz 1 Ornament In honor of sons Wyatt & Jaxon
Elliot Tanberg 2 Ornaments In honor of Grandma Resh
In honor of Grandma & Grandpa Larson
Beulah Thompson 1 Ornament In memory of Lavon Keehr
Lori Wells 1 Ornament In memory of Cassie Wells
Michelle Wyss & Doug Larson 1 Ornament In honor of their kids
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL OF YOU!
1 – Sam Anderson
2 – Nicole Cady
Shirley Holerud
3 – Amber Cleveland
4 – Linda Crandall
5 – Elias Koch
7 – Rhonda VonHaden
9 – Serena Roen
10 – Susan Gregg
11 – Laura Hennemann
12 – Brian Blegen
Jeanne Niccum
14 – Bruce VonHaden
15 – Anna DuMond
Danika Schmitt
16 – Courtney Anderson
Amy Cady
Brooke Powell
17 – Lois Anderson
18 – Elna Cady
Keygan Sands
19 – Tammy Gregg
21 – Ann Green
21 – Lauren Trealoff
23 – Nicholas Roland
24 – Beverly Lueth
25 – Nancy Cleveland
Matthew Pommier
26 – Jacob Freese
27 – Corey Blaedorn
Tara Johnson
29 – Gretchen Cipriano
Joan Wikre
4 – Richard & Lynda Johnson
5 – Kevin & Donna Borgschatz
11 – Mike & Heidi Jacobson
20 – Jacob & Lindsey Koskie
24 – Sylvan & Sharon Johnson
Need A Prayer?
Need A Prayer? Call Beulah Thompson at 778-5542 and our Prayer Chain will go into action!
Spring Valley Area Food Pantry
St. John’s is responsible for donations to the Spring Valley Area Food Pantry during the month of January. Please bring food items to church with you this month and place them in the green bucket in the Narthex. Thank you for your support.
Spring Valley Community Food Pantry
The Spring Valley Food pantry is available to help anyone in need of food in our area. If you know of a neighbor who could benefit from this assistance, you may obtain help on their behalf, keeping this information confidential.
Freezers and a refrigerator are available if you have items to donate requiring this. THANK YOU to all who have helped by contributing to this cause!
The Food Pantry is open the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 10 – 11:30 am and from 4:30 – 6 pm.
The phone number for the Spring Valley Community Food Pantry is 778-5988. For immediate need, please call the Food Pantry and leave your name and telephone number. Messages are checked daily and phone calls will be returned as soon as possible.
VOLUNTEERS
If this schedule does not work for you, or you are willing to help with the openings, please call the church office at 778-5935. Thank you
January
Ushers
2 – Rick & Patti Gould
9 – Ron Cipriano & Jon Tanberg
16 – Ken Lasure & Jim Green
23 – Judy Larrieu & Herman Gilbertson
30 – Kennard & Myrtle Pechuman
Head Ushers
2 – Richard Johnson
9 – Bob Kinsman
16 – Bob Hanson
23 – Richard Johnson
30 – Bob Kinsman
Greeters
2 – Joan Arneson & Emily Hampton
9 – Robert & Pam Hanson
16 – Ann Green & Sylva Anderson
23 – Jason & Minda Matthys
30 – Pete & Barb Esanbock Family
Communion Assistants
2 – Nancy Cleveland & Elsie Arneson
16 – Judith Genz & Judy Larrieu
Readers
2 – Rick Gould
9 – Jon Tanberg
16 – Beulah Thompson
23 – Marsha Brunkhorst
30 – Jon Anderson
Acolytes
2 – Bailey Manor & Brandi Johnson
9 – Patrick Cipriano & Craig Cormican
16 – Sam Green & Lucas Olson
23 – Jacob Howe & Tyler Larson
30 – Isaac Esanbock & Devin Larson
Coffee Servers
2 – Pete & Barb Esanbock
9 – Scott & Kathy Klug
16 – Jim & Michelle Johnson Family
23 – Glenn & Helen Sandve
30 – Pat Gavic & Jill Klanderman
Nursery Workers
2 –
9 –
16 –
23 –
30 –
Communion Set-Up/Clean-up
Elsie Arneson & Serena Roen
If you are willing to help with the openings, please call the church office at 778-5935. Thank you
February
Ushers
6 – Ed Raehsler & Gerald Hueftle
13 – Joan Arneson & Shelby Crow
20 – Reece & Laurie Keehr
27 – Rob & Lori Peterson
Head Ushers
6 – Bob Hanson
13 – Richard Johnson
20 – Bob Kinsman
27 – Bob Hanson
Greeters
6 – Byron & Sarah Anderson
13 – Ernest & Frances Anderson
20 – Ary & Elsie Arneson
27 – Irene Anderson & Jean Blegen
Communion Assistants
6 – Kevin Anderson & Pearl Ducklow
20 – Bob & Nancy Kinsman
Readers
6 – Glenn Sandve
13 – Gretchen Cipriano
20 – Michelle Johnson
27 – Rob Peterson
Acolytes
6 – Justine Boardman & Ellen Brorson
13 – Devon Johnson & Isaac Esanbock
20 – Grace Anderson & Bailey Larson
27 – Jacob Howe & Tyler Larson
Coffee Servers
6 – Trealoff Family
13 – Cindy & Rachel Brorson
20 – Jay & Wendy Arneson
27 – Shelby Crow & Pearl Ducklow
Nursery Workers
6 –
13 –
20 –
27 –
Communion Set-Up/Clean up
Terri Trealoff & Melanie Wentlandt