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St. John ’s Lutheran Church Newsletter Messenger
November 2017 Rev. William Odermann
Have you remembered St. John’s in your will? 8 Fifth Street SW, P.O. Box 403 Phone: 563-‐568-‐3623 [email protected] Waukon, IA 52172-‐0403 Fax: 563-‐568-‐3922 www.stjohnswaukon.net
The Dynamics of Change Change can be challenging for a congregation, let alone people! Sociologists have long been baffled at the extraordinary resistance many people have toward change. However, the fear of change is often stronger than the change itself. This fear of change is popularly referred to as "the tyranny of the familiar." It is precisely what turns Christians into "old wineskins." New wine is still expanding, and an old wineskin is one that is too rigid and inflexible to hold new wine. Sometimes, we need to see change as a ‘God-thing,’ as the following passage illustrates: “Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed. Therefore, behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles” (Jeremiah 48:11-12). The Moabites were so resistant to change that the Lord had to tip over their vessels and shatter their jars. The way that wine was purified in ancient times was to let it sit in a vessel until the impurities settled to the bottom, and then it was poured into a new vessel. It would next be allowed to sit again until the remaining impurities had settled, and then it would get poured into another vessel. Therefore, each time it had been poured into a new vessel it would be more pure. This is also a way that the Lord uses to work the impurities out of our lives—He takes us through changes. It is comforting to know that the Lord never changes. However, if we are going to be like Him, most of us still have a lot of changing to do! Until we are like Him and doing the works that He did, we are not through with the process yet. Therefore, we can expect a lifetime of changing. One of the ways that the Lord keeps us flexible is to "pour us into a new vessel" whenever we start becoming too comfortable and resistant to change. We may think that the shocking changes that come into our lives are the result of the devil's attack, but even if they are, the Lord had to allow them, so we can assume that we need them. Many of these changes are possibly even the answer to our prayers to Him by not allowing us to become old wineskins. If we would remain open to the changes He wants to bring into our lives without resisting them, including the new things He is doing that we may not understand yet, we probably would not have to endure nearly the amount of shaking that we end up having to go through. If we are wise we will learn to embrace change as the great opportunity for spiritual growth that it is. Usually when we are resistant to change it is because we are placing our security in our environment instead of in the Lord.
Pastor William Odermann
Community Allamakee County 4-‐H is hosting a Soup Supper and Silent Auction on Sunday, November 5th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Fairgrounds Pavilion.
Tickets are available at the door for $8.00 Children age 4 and under are free. Proceeds from this event will benefit the local 4-‐H program.
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Sunday School Important Sunday School Information Greetings Families. The holiday season is right around the corner! Please be aware of the following important dates: Sunday, November 26th – No Sunday School, Happy Thanksgiving Sundays, December 3rd & 10th at 9:30 am – Christmas Program Practice Saturday, December 16th at 9:30 am – Christmas Program Practice Sunday, December 17th at 9:30 am – Christmas Program Practice Sunday, December 24th & 31st – No Sunday School, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
St. John ’s Volunteer Duty List Date Service Greeters Readers Comm. Asst. Comm. Prep. Acolytes Ushers
November 5 8:30 E Bill & Becky Roe Karen Soper Ron & Linda Jan Pfiffner Grace Solberg (8:30) Dennis &
Linda DeBuhr Matt &
Brandon Teslow
(10:45)
Dan & Lori Treangen
Chuck Larson Karlton Gruel
All Saints’ Day
W Geralyn Smith/Susan Freese
Dahlstrom Bev Haas
Colinda Roderick
10:45 E Brock & Kasey Iverson Jill Kistler Kasey Iverson Erika & Jillian Jenna Fish W Steve & Sheryl Evanson Fish
November 12 8:30 E Jed & Jen Hemann Kris Rausch Braden W Dave & Wendy Sanderson Hemann 10:45 E Joe & Sarah Christen Vickie Elly Christen W Jon & Gloria Payne Larson
November 19 8:30 E Lee & Rachel Moser Ann Tharin & Bailey Benson
Karen Stamper
Ron & Linda Dahlstrom
Hailey Houg W Tom & Bev Leiran Hagensick
10:45 E Harlan & Carole Yohe Linda Groe Jon Payne Kevin & Kristin Stinn
Marin Marti W Lyle & Brenda Kurth
November 22 7:30 PM E Ron & Linda Dahlstrom Sue Bieber Chris Stuckman Lori Hesse Drew Stock Ron & Nancy Brandt Thanksgiving Eve W
November 26 8:30 E Leone McKee/Genny Rice Bev Haas Hannah Teslow W Bob Joachim/Kathy Hay 10:45 E Corb & Arica Grimstad Chuck Lucas Walby W Steve & Natasha Wilkes Larson
To Receive the Word… Sunday morning worship services are broadcast on a local radio station. Dial in 103.5 FM (KNEI) at 8:30 am or log into www.kneiradio.com to worship with St. John’s.
You may receive the newsletter via email! Contact the church office if you would like to be added to the list.
Find St. John’s on the web at www.stjohnswaukon.net or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stjohnswaukon.
Radio Ministry St. John’s Radio Ministry broadcasts the 8:30 am Sunday worship service on KNEI. Donations from individuals have paid for the majority of the services and continue to come in. The cost for each broadcast is $165, but gifts of smaller donations are also accepted and put into the Trust Fund to cover costs. We thank all who give to this program. November 5th – Given by an Anonymous Donor, thank you for your support.
November 12th -‐
November 19th -‐
November 26th -‐ Given in memory of Lud & Olga Larson and Joyce & Dean Sperry from Jeff & Jennifer (Sperry) Camp (listeners from Park City, Utah).
Coffee Hour The Board of Education’s Coffee & Treats Hour this month will be held on Sunday, November 26th at 9:30 am in the Lounge. Everyone is welcome.
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November Activities Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 6:15 pm – Youth Bells
7:15 pm – Confirmation Instruction 7:15 pm – Senior Bells 8:15 pm – Senior Choir
3:30 pm – Eceumenical Children’s Choir Rehearsal
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 All Saints’ Sunday First Communion 8:30 & 10:45 am – Worship w/ Holy Communion 9:30 am – Sunday School, Rt. 3, Wk. 1 7:00 pm – Ecumenical Choir Rehearsal
6:15 pm – Youth Bells 7:15 pm – Confirmation Instruction 7:15 pm – Senior Bells 8:15 pm – Senior Choir
3:30 pm – Eceumenical Children’s Choir Rehearsal
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 8:30 & 10:45 am – Worship Services 9:30 am – Sunday School, Rt. 3, Wk. 2 9:30 am – Thanksgiving Coffee 1:30 pm – Children’s Choir sings at Christmas Tree Fantasy 7:00 pm – Ecumenical Choir Rehearsal
CIRCLES 9:00 am – Sarah, Joan Moody’s 1:30 pm – Rachel, FH 1:30 pm – Mary, Royal Rm. 7:00 pm – Dorcas, Royal Rm.
9 am to 5 pm – WIC 6:15 pm – Youth Bells 7:15 pm – Confirmation Instruction 7:15 pm – Senior Bells 8:15 pm – Senior Choir
8:30 am to 4 pm -‐ WIC3:30 pm – Eceumenical Children’s Choir Rehearsal
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 8:30 & 10:45 am – Worship w/ Holy Communion 9:30 am – Sunday School, Rt. 3, Wk. 3 6:00 pm – Senior Bells 7:00 pm – Ecumenical Choir Rehearsal
7:00 pm – Bd. of Trustees Meeting, Lounge
3:30 pm – Children’s Ecumenical Choir Rehearsal Newsletter Deadline!
6:15 pm – Youth Bells 7:30 pm – Thanksgiving Eve Service w/ Commnion
Thanksgiving Day!
26 27 28 29 30 31 8:30 & 10:45 am – Worship Services 9:30 am – Sunday School, Rt. 3, Wk. 4 7:00 pm – Ecumenical Choir Rehearsal
9:00 am – Assemble Newsletter 6:15 pm – Youth Bells 7:15 pm – Confirmation Instruction 7:15 pm – Senior Bells 8:15 pm – Senior Choir
3:30 pm – Eceumenical Children’s Choir Rehearsal
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Christmas Tree Fantasy Friday, Nov. 10th 5:00 to 8:00 pm – Tingle & Mingle Saturday, Nov. 11th 12:00 pm – Noon Fantasy Luncheon 2:00 to 5:00 pm – Treats & Cider 7:00 pm – Wine, Cheese & Desserts Sunday, Nov. 12th 11:00 am to 4:00 pm – Treats & Cider 11:00 am to 1:00 pm – Pictures with Santa Monday, Nov. 13th 12:00 pm – Noon Fantasy Luncheon 2:00 to 7:00 pm – Treats & Cider
Hymns for November at St. John ’s Sunday, November 5th – All Saint’s Sunday For All the Saints No. 422
First Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm: 34:1-10, 22 Second Lesson: 1 John 3:1-3 Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
You Are the Way No. 758 Communion: 423, 425 O God, Our Help In Ages Past No. 632 Sunday, November 12th God of Grace and God of Glory No. 705
First Lesson: Amos 5:18-24 Psalm: 70 Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13
O Day of Peace No. 711 Let Justice Flow Like Streams No. 717 Sunday, November 19th Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation No. 645
First Lesson: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Psalm: 90:1-12 Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30
Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ No. 674 Communion: 785, 789 Oh, Happy Day When We Shall Stand No. 441 Wednesday, November 22nd Come, Ye Thankful People, Come No. 693
First Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:7-18 Psalm: 65 Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Gospel: Matthew Luke 17:11-19
Sing to the Lord of Harvest No. 694 Communion: 870, 879 Now Thank We All Our God No. 839 Sunday, November 26th Crown Him With Many Crowns No. 855
First Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm: 95:1-7a Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23 Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46
The Head That Once Was Crowned No. 432 Jesus Shall Reign No. 434
Music Ministry The next four weeks will go by in a hurry and then it is Advent already. Many musical activities and rehearsals will take place during this time. Be sure to get your tickets for the Waukon High School musical STATE FAIR directed by Sarah Palmer and presented Thursday, November 2, and Saturday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m. There is a matinee on Sunday, November 5, at 1:00 p.m. in the WHS auditorium. Several of our St. John’s youth will be participating in the musical. Congratulations to Bailey Sherman who was one of three students who auditioned for All-State Opus Chorus. Three students auditioned, and all of them were selected to perform in the chorus at ISU in Ames on November 16. Along with Bailey, we congratulate Sarah Palmer, Middle and High School Choir Director, for also having three additional students who were selected for the High School All-State Chorus, which will perform on Saturday, November 18. The Children’s Choir under the direction of Vickie Larson will be singing for the Christmas Tree Fantasy on Sunday afternoon, November 12. Everyone is invited to enjoy this holiday event and to enjoy our children’s presentation. Please observe and note the November calendar in the Messenger regarding rehearsal schedules during Thanksgiving week including the Thanksgiving Eve Service at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22. James Bieber, Organist/Director of Music
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Children ’s Choir The Children’s Choir will be singing at the Christmas Tree Fantasy on Sunday, November 12th at 1:30 pm. They will be singing Christmas songs for about 25 minutes. This is at the Pavilion at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds. This is a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas Season!
Vickie Larson Children’s Choir Director
Military News Keep all military personnel safe as they protect our world. We also remember those who are in the reserves and are ready to protect at anytime, either overseas or in this country protecting people from natural and manmade disasters. Please to continue to pray for our military personnel, their families, and all the nations and peoples struggling to work towards peace. Our St. John’s Military Family: Rhesa Ashbacher Rachel (Wandling) Holland Peter Bieber James Johnson Tracy Blake Taylor O’Connell Darren Buege Craig Rosendahl James Collins Kelly Schulte Steve Dahlstrom Sr. Heath Smith Kirk Deal Jeff Stangeland Luke Deal JR TeKippe Missy DeJesus Jamie Tielbar Matthew Dodge Jason Timler Russell Ellingson Josh Tweedy Gabe Feuerhelm Jesse Wandling Austin Hansen Kasey Wandling Devon Henning Ryan Wandling Marv Hill
Seminarian Corner Grace and peace are yours from the triune God, Another month has passed of seminary life. It seems to go faster and faster with each passing day. This month in my Global Church in Motion class we have been talking a lot about God’s mission and our outreach as a church as a whole. We discussed how the word ‘outreach’ has come to have a negative connotation attached to it. We seem to define it as us (the church) trying to fix them (the ‘outsiders’, ‘poor’ etc.). While this is important ministry it is also important to remember we are all God’s people. Our outreach should be more of God’s mission in the world, rather than our (the church) mission to others. In class we specifically talked about outreach and how it correlates to immigrants and refugees in today’s world. On October 16-‐17th Wartburg Theological Seminary hosted Refugees and Reformation: Strengthening Community Support for Immigrants and Refugees. While I did not have the opportunity to attend the sessions, we did discuss the key take aways of the event. I think my professor, Dr. Kris Stache put it best, “As we listen to the stories of immigrants who traveled to a place where they had hope, every one of them talked about losing everything except their faith. In the midst of these stories we heard story after story of hope. It is our call to walk with them (accompaniment) not to fix them. Talking with someone means we are willing to be transformed by our relationship with them.” In the coming months, especially with the holidays coming around, it is important to take a moment to listen. Listen to the stories of these people who in the past we might have tried to ‘fix’. Listen to them and hear them. In this day let’s try to focus on listening to understand instead of listening to respond. For more resources and to see how the ELCA is working to accompany immigrants/refugees please visit elca.org/our-‐work Peace, Coco Lyons
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Holiday Food Baskets During this season of thanks it is especially appropriate that we offer our gratitude through actions. St. John’s will be delivering food baskets of non-‐perishable food and paper products to congregational families. Gifts may be put in the shopping cart in the coatroom and money donations can be left in the church office. Thank you for sharing with others during this holiday season. Thank you to Bev and Earl Haas for purchasing products, packing baskets, and delivering the gifts. Your Ministry is appreciated.
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November Birthday and Anniversary Calendar Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 Bradley Groe Steve
Wiedner Bill Halvorson Marian Heike Fred Oelberg Joseph & Sarah Jackson Lee & Rachel Moser
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Jerry Johanningmeier
Dan Treangen
Ken Beardmore Brennen Frick
Steve Alden Bob Dotseth Gary Houg
Kathy Hay Debra Pladsen Dennis Smith Holly Smith
Cody Cook John O’Neill
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Stacy Beardmore Gary & Marlene Houg
Linda Hawbaker Russell Meyer George Pickett Sheryl Young
Madeline Davis Cheryl Triggs
Pam Dundee Linda DeBuhr Emma Palmer Eric Palmer McKinley Rostvold Wylo Wagner
Aaron Sorum Clay Rathbone
Heidi Dougherty Jacob Dougherty Kristen Freier Adalyn Leiran Renee Martin
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 David DeJesus Brenda Dougherty Kimberly Johanningmeier Delilah Jones Benton Stamper Annette Stock
Corbett Grimstad Alex Marti
Mason Jones Mya Jones Clay Rathbone
Stephen Schroeder
Bruce Barr Marian Bauercamper James Lomen
Larry Dundee
26 27 28 29 30 31 Sarah Christen Braden Hemann Vickie Larson John Miller Rose Snitker Thomas & Sandy Fink
Scott Decker Jean Stone Tharin & Bailey Benson
Isabella Gordon Bernard Kolsrud Jennifer Smith
Bradley Yohe Rhonda & Bruce Barr JoAnn & Mark Sherman
Betty White
THANKSGIVING COFFEE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12th,
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Both men and women invited to enjoy a variety of happenings including the
Sunday School children singing, delicious treats, an interesting program, etc.
St. John ’s Women Serving and Socializing
Our women will observe THANKOFFERING SUNDAY at both the 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12. Women at our Circle meetings throughout the year are encouraged to have a container at home where they save any amount of money giving thanks for their situations in life. This money is then gathered in November and sent on to the WELCA central office to be used to aid other women in need of education and training so they may work toward a better life and way of living for themselves and their families. All of St. John’s women may contribute to the Thankoffering Offering on November 12 whether or not they have attended regular Circle meetings during the year. We thank everyone for this caring for others who truly appreciate this help. We will also have a THANKSGIVING COFFEE on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, between services from 9:30 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Both men and women are invited to attend to enjoy delicious muffins, breads, and coffee while the Sunday School children entertain us with songs. The 2018 WELCA Executive Board will also be installed, the Distribution of our Fall Salad Luncheon Proceeds will be presented, and a fun and interesting program (you may even play a part in it) for all will be presented. Please plan on attending. At the time of this writing, our 51 quilts have not yet been distributed nor have our Personal Care Kits been totaled. We hope you enjoy seeing some of our quilts displayed in the narthex so you can appreciate even more the work of our women making these special items for others to cuddle with no matter where those in need are located. We will have a full report in December informing you how all of our quilts and kits have been disbursed. We hope everyone will be able to attend our Thanksgiving Eve Services on Wednesday, November 22, in preparation for Thanksgiving Day observance. May we all be truly thankful for being able to thank God for the privilege of worshiping together and also spending time with family and friends in thanks for the tradition of observing Thanksgiving and its historical Christian meaning for us. Please pray for peace, for the safety of our military men and women, for people suffering from natural disasters all over our world, and for Christians everywhere. Thank you for MAKING TIME and TAKING TIME for our privileges and responsibilities at St. John’s.
Sue Bieber, President
Sarah Circle meets at 9:15 am with Hostess Joan Moody in her home. The Lesson Leader is Gloria Payne. Rachel Circle meets at 1:30 pm for a potluck lunch in the Fellowship Hall. The Lesson will be done together. Mary Circle meets at 1:30 pm in the Royal Room for a potluck lunch. The Lesson will be done together. Dorcas Circle meets at 7:00 pm in the Royal Room. The Lesson Leader is Linda Groe.
Circle Meetings Tuesday, November 14th
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LYO Kickoff Event ….. and finally!
St. John 's Lutheran Church NON-‐PROFIT ORG. 8 Fifth Street SW, P.O. Box 403 U.S. POSTAGE PAID Waukon, IA 52172-‐0403 WAUKON, IA 52172 PERMIT NO. 67 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
What ’s Inside? Page 2: Volunteers, Radio, Board of Ed Page 3: Activities Calendar Page 4: Music Page 5: Seminarian, Food Baskets, Military Page 6: Birthdays & Anniversaries Page 7: Women, Thanksgiving Coffee
15 youth attended the LYO Kickoff Event on October 15th. They traveled to the Vertical Jump Park in Dubuque where they spent a couple of hours at the park and then to Happy Joe's for pizza. Coco Lyons joined the group to talk about her experiences at prior ELCA Youth Gatherings and what they could expect if they attended next year's gathering. Thank you to Coco Lyons for meeting with our LYO and thank you to the drivers that helped take our group on this event!