God’s New Year’s Resolutionstjohnsbaraboo.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Jan-2017...2017/01/01  · IN THE CENTER RING January, 2016 God’s New Year’s Resolution “And surely

IN THE CENTER RING January, 2016

God’s New Year’s Resolution

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

-- Matthew 28:20 It’s a new year, but you knew that already. Did you make a resolution this year? If you did, you are in good company. Statistics tell us that every year about 40% of people in the United States make a resolution to do something in the new year. Quit smoking, eat healthier, exercise more, spend more time with family, be a better spouse, a better parent, a better employee; these are all common resolutions. Statistics also tell us that each year only 8% of people have success keeping their resolution.

Why is it that we are so good at making resolutions, but so bad at keeping them? We’re human. And that means we are sinful. Changing anything isn’t easy, and changing ourselves that is the more difficult yet (even if we know the changes are necessary and will be beneficial).

I heard the story of an elderly gentleman who moved into an assisted living facility after his wife passed away. Over time he became close friends with a woman who had been widowed and decided to ask her to be his wife and so one night he did. The next morning, he woke up and remembered asking her if she would marry him, but he couldn’t remember what her answer was. So, kind of embarrassed, he went back to her and said, “I proposed to you last night, but can’t remember if you said, ‘yes’ or ‘no.’” She said, “I’m sure glad you came back, I remembered saying yes, but couldn’t remember who asked me.”

The point is that it is really easy to forget about the resolutions and commitments that we make.

Would it surprise you to hear that human beings aren’t the only ones who make resolutions? God does too! Surprised? You shouldn’t be. You shouldn’t be surprised either that whatever God resolves to do he always does. Perfectly. 100% of the time. He doesn’t have to spend a whole lot of time either wondering what he should resolve to do each year because his resolutions are always the same. They’ve never changed; they never will. His resolutions are wrapped up in all of his promises to us. Promises like: “Surely I am with you always to the very end of the age,” (Matthew 28:20).

What does God have planned exactly for us at St. John’s in the coming year? Big changes? Perhaps. Little ones? Maybe those too. Dear Christian, know that whatever may come, God’s resolve to be with us and to work things out for the good of his church and this church will never fail.

May God continue to bless you and yours in 2017!

- Pastor Nick Maglietto

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In the Center Ring

is a monthly publication of St. John’s Lutheran Church

Baraboo, Wisconsin

Church Office 355-3870 [email protected]

School Office 355-3860 [email protected]

Rev. Nicholas C. Maglietto Principal Craig Breitkreutz

Church office 355-3870 School office 355-3860

January Special Envelopes

Family Assistance

St. John’s Media Ministry

Balance 23-Nov-2016 $5,846.67 Contributions $2,336.00 Disbursements

WRPQ $1,050.00 Radio Phone Line $ 15.00

Balance 19-Dec-2016 $7,117.67

Statistics as of December 22, 2016

Confirmed members 937 Baptized members U 224 Total members 1,161

“Mysterious Marriage” Bible Class

The next four-week Interactive Faith online Bible study, Mysterious Marriage, will begin Wednesday, February 1, 2017. Rev. Randy Hunter, St Andrew Middleton, will lead a study on enriching marriages each Wednesday at 6 pm through Wednesday February 22. Couples will have the opportunity to build their marriage on the gospel of Jesus through the study as they examine how the gospel gives you the power to be married and how marriage gives you a way to show the gospel.

Everyone is welcome to join us and take down the Christmas Trees – Tues. January 10, 4-6 pm

Congregational Voters Meeting Rescheduled

Sunday January 8 at 10:30 am Our next congregational meeting is a very important one; we will be electing officers, councilmen, school board members and finance team (counters), If you are willing to serve in any of these positions, please consider doing so. The church needs your time and talent. Please contact the church office (355-3870) if you would like more information about any of these positions. Please come to the meeting!

2016 Financial Giving

The 2016 finance books closed on December 31st. Any contributions received or postmarked after December 31st are recorded as 2017 giving. Your 2016 financial statements will NOT be mailed, but may be picked up at the end of January 2017.

Please pick up your 2017 envelope boxes from the porch if you haven’t already done so.

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ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Church Council Minutes December 13, 2016

Present: President-Jeff Thieding, Secretary-Marty Brey, Outreach-Tim Kiefer, Fellowship-Tom Tiedt, Worship-Dave Grant, Board of Education-Martin Strobel, Stewardship-Brent Bailey, Spiritual-Will Underwood, Pastor- Maglietto, Education-Eric Durkee, and Principal-Craig Breitkreutz, Property-Bill Giese. Opening Prayer and Devotion – Pastor. Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Financial Items – Review & Approval of November Financials – Thieding. To date we are -$28,378 short of planned budget. Motion carried. Old Business – Giving & Tuition vs Budget & Expenses 2016/2017 – Update & Forecast – Thieding. Based on what we see from the giving trend we will be -$35,000 short of our budget by June 30, 2017. For the next church year 2017/2018 we should consider reducing our budget to the average giving from the past three years. Discussion & Action on School Board Recommendations on Staffing 2017/2018 New Business – Membership Changes (transfers, releases, general membership matters, etc.) – Pastor. Acceptance Richard and Lindsey Stevens (Francesca, Emily and Clementine) from Peace Lutheran Church, Hayward WI. Transfers: Louise Crisman to St. Paul, North Freedom WI. Motion carried.

Justin Siegler – Call Received – All. Council members asked to include Justin’s call in their prayers. Discussion on Church Attendance Requirement to Receive “Member” Student Rates – Thieding. Discussed what to do with members who get reduced tuition rates for students yet do not attend church or rarely attend church. We cannot make people come to church. The Holy Spirit needs to work in the heart of those members to motivate them to come. If someone from congregation has an idea they should talk to Jeff Thieding. Review & Discussion on Letter Council Received from District President Jensen. Closed discussion among council members. Elder Report Action Items Any Action Items that need Council discussion and approval – Property – Condensate Tank at School. Condensate tank for the boiler needs to be replaced. If the tank fails school will need to be closed due to the heating system not able to operate without tank. Property will gather more information on cost and how quickly it can be replaced. The school was built in the 1950’s so we are starting to see more and more issues with the building. A new school would resolve many structural and HVAC issues but a new school would require members to commit an even larger amount of money to the church and school. For the past 25 years they have not supported a budget so asking for support of a new school will not happen. Adjournment (10:00 p.m.) – Principal Breitkreutz closed with blessing. Respectfully submitted. Marty Brey Secretary

Christmas Flowers 2016

In honor of: Our Children, Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren by Anees & Margo Hemaidan Given in loving memory of: Raleigh F. Prothero by Betty E. Prothero Bob & Helen Isenberg by Margaret Halvensleben Kay Pierce by the Pierce Family (2 plants) Jim Quandt by Gert Quandt & Family Parents, Vern & Edna Hanson by Ron & Dixie Marquardt Parents, Ralph & Helen Marquardt by Ron & Dixie Marquardt Frank and Irma Riley by daughters, Bonnie, Nancy, Janell and Sharyn Parents, Art & Dorothy Schubring by the Schubring Children Jacob and Josh Pinion by Tom, Tamie, Andrew & Michaela Pinion Lenora Bochler, Margaret & Wolf Bochler by Mark, Bryan & Ken Bochler John & Christine Terpstra, Anna & Joseph Terpstra by Dan & Jan Terpstra & Family August & Arthur Jungerman by Dan & Jan Terpstra & Family Our Dad, Clifford Klemm and Our Grandparents by Timm, Tana and Riply Klemm Logan Klemm by Ron, Josh & Luke Lestikow Logan Timothy Klemm by Dad, Mom and Riply Logan Klemm by Grandma and Grandpa Cox Jim Schulze by Parents, Jon and Karen St. John’s Flower Committee (2)

Church Trees & Mary Martha Circle Chrismon Tree Given in loving memory of:

Parents, Edward and Irma Lange and Clyde and Virginia Dohner by Jim and Suzanne Dohner; Jess and Ellie Dohner; Elizabeth and Davidson; and Brian and Jennifer Albrecht, Jackob, Lukas and Katelynn.

Donations to the Media Ministry Fund In honor of: Helen Wick by Susan & Daniel Sprecher & Family Given in loving memory of: Our Loving Dad and Mom, LaVern and Elnora Schultz, by Connie Mae and Kathy Schultz Our Loving Grandparents, William and Lydia Kuball by Connie Mae and Kathy Schultz Virginia Klemm by Virgil Klemm Sr.

Daniel Licht by Judy, Andy, Kari, Mike, Aiden & Taylor Walter Ruda by Selma Ruda Beverly Brey & Donny Strack by Martin and Sue Brey Our Families by Eugene and Martha Phelps Alfred Lehman by Lolita Lehman Loved Ones by John and Barb Earl MacArthur & Dorothea Lange by Richard & Lexie Buelow Loved Ones by Don Schaefer Janette Gurgel by Martin Gurgel Jim Quandt by Gert Quandt & family Kathy Jauch by Phil Jauch Clarence Wick by Susan & Daniel Sprecher & Family Chris and Rose Jauch by Phil Jauch Eugene Deich by Ione Deich Bill and Chris Luethy by Lois Luethy Virginia Klemm & Shirley Beardsley by Ethlyn Klemm Fred Krueger by Gerry and Tina Krueger Our Parents Ed & Betty Borski and Donald & Lorraine Rogers by Don & Jean Rogers Our sister, Judy Rogers Kaczynski by Don & Jean Rogers Boyd Cuff by Marilyn Cuff & Family Rudy Jr., Rudy III, & Mark Peterson by Judy Peterson Delores Brandt & JoNelle Marquardt by Melvin Brandt & Family Our Parents, Ernie & Dorothy and Fred & Martha by Gaylon and Shirley Steinhorst Arthur Puttkamer by LaVon Puttkamer Roger Bildsten by Allison and Bob Jauch & Family Chris & Rose Jauch by Allison and Bob Jauch & Family Mom & Dad, Amanda & Emil DeBeck, and Loved Ones, by Marilyn Cuff & Family Grandparents, Stanley and Carrie Hanson by Ron and Dixie Marquardt Grandparents, Emil and Amanda DeBeck by Ron and Dixie Marquardt Grandparents, Howard and Celia Marquardt by Ron and Dixie Marquardt Our parents, Ruth & Herman Kapelka and Agnes & George Vertein by Kenneth & LaVeta Vertein Clarence Harmel by Clara Harmel, Linda & Lee Peterson, Robert Harmel and Connie & Rodger Dale Steve Luther, Donna Green, & Grandparents by the Green Family Ed & Lorna Brecka by Nancy Jenewein Barbara Nimmow by Sig Nimmow Tony and Doris Brecka by Nancy Jenewein Al Jenewein by Nancy Jenewein David Seymour by Betty Seymour Marge Vomhof by Pastor Erv Vomhof Don Kasten by Mary Kasten Arthur & Dorothy Schubring by their Family

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St. John’s Lutheran School News

CHRISTMAS BREAK: School was dismissed

at 12:00 on Friday, December 23. Classes

will resume on Wednesday, January 4.

CHILDCARE CLOSED: Childcare will be

closed between Christmas and New Year’s

. Childcare WILL BE OPEN Monday,

January 2nd and Tuesday, January 3rd.

(There is NO school the 2nd & 3rd.

BAD WEATHER - CLOSINGS & DELAYS:

Please watch Channel NBC 15 for school

closings/delays. We will most likely follow

the Baraboo Schools when closed or delayed

but will use our discretion on closing/delays

even if public schools are on. So please

watch NBC 15! Any questions, please call

school! Thanks!

BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADING:

Basketball season is underway! Our

cheerleaders cheer for the boys games. We

have a 5th - 8th boys team and 5th & 6th

and 7th & 8th girls teams. Their schedule is

posted on the school website or you can call

the school for game dates and times!

BASKETBALL AND CHEER PHOTOS:

Photos will be taken on January 10. Be sure

to bring your uniforms.

SPORTS FEE DUE NOW!! If your student

is playing basketball or cheering, there is a

$25 sport fee for each sport due now.

THE LITTLE MERMAID: Try-outs for the

different characters of the "Little

Mermaid" are under way! There will be some

call backs and character parts handed out

after Christmas Break! Mark your calendars

for May 19 & 20, 2017 at the Al Ringling

Theatre!

SCRIP: Scrip is sold on Monday and

Wednesday and Friday mornings (7:45-

8:00 a.m.) and Friday afternoons at 3:00

by the office at school. SCRIP is also sold

each Sunday at church after worship.

Remember we place the order every other

week. Once the order is placed, it will be

received 2-3 days later.

TUITION ASSISTANCE: Please consider

a donation to the Tuition Assistance Fund.

This is a supplemental fund available to St.

John’s member families who seek assistance

paying their children’s school tuition. If you

would like to donate to Tuition Assistance,

please stop at church or include a donation

with your offering. Thank you for your

support.

Thank You

I want to thank everyone for your prayers, cards, visits and gifts. This was a traumatic time for me and whenever I felt blue and close to tears, a visit from one of you would help put things back in perspective. I’ll be here for some time yet. My new cell phone number is my old home number, 356-4789. Thank you all and God Bless.

Jean Smith

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From the Church Library

What in the World Is Going On? by David C. Thompson

Written by a professor from Bethany College,

“What in the World is Going on?” makes the case

for the importance of being familiar with

different worldviews. He says we can better

judge what’s false and understand better the

Christian worldview. The Christian/Lutheran

view is reviewed and compared with Darwinism,

secular Humanism, paganism and other beliefs.

The Unfinished Gift

by Dan Walsh

Christmas 1943 finds 7-year old Patrick Collins

struggling through his mother’s death and his

soldier-father’s absence. Patrick must live for a

time with his grandpa, who he has never met.

Patrick’s faith in the Lord, as well as love and

forgiveness work to reunite the family.

Church Library Used Book & Video Sale

The annual Used Book & Video Sale

will occur during Lent on the Library Level.

Please bring your gently-used books, videos,

DVDs, etc. to the library before Ash Wednesday

(Feb. 10). Stop by again during Lent and make a

goodwill offering for whatever you decide to

take home.

Thank You

A special than you to all who remembered us

at this holiday time with your cards, gifts,

and prayers. We appreciate each and every

one. We thank God for the opportunity and

privilege to serve as your pastors.

Pastor Nick Maglietto and Pastor Erv Vomhof

READ THROUGH YOUR BIBLE IN THREE YEARS

January 2017

January 1 Revelation 3:1-6

January 2 Revelation 3:7-13

January 3 Revelation 3:14-22

January 4 Revelation 4

January 5 Revelation 5

January 6 Revelation 6

January 7 Revelation 7

January 8 Revelation 8

January 9 Revelation 9

January 10 Revelation 10

January 11 Revelation 11:1-14

January 12 Revelation 11:15-19

January 13 Revelation 12:1-9

January 14 Revelation 12:10-13:1

January 15 Revelation 13:2-10

January 16 Revelation 13:11-18

January 17 Revelation 14:1-5

January 18 Revelation 14:6-13

January 19 Revelation 14:14-20

January 20 Revelation 15

January 21 Revelation 16

January 22 Revelation 17

January 23 Revelation 18:1-20

January 24 Revelation 18:21-19:10

January 25 Revelation 19:11-21

January 26 Revelation 20:1-10

January 27 Revelation 20:11-15

January 28 Revelation 21:1-8

January 29 Revelation 21:9-21

January 30 Revelation 21:22-22:5

January 31 Revelation 22:6-21

Baraboo Food Pantry

January

Canned Chili & Stew

February

Soups and Crackers

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364 Days of Thanksgiving

If you purchased a copy of 364 Days of

Thanksgiving and have started reading and

journaling some of your 364 reasons to be thankful,

you realize what a treat this devotional book can be.

Over the course of the next year in the Newsletter

you will find 2 new sections. One called MY

FAVORITE 7. I’ll pick 7 from my monthly list to

share with you. One called YOUR FAVORITE 7.

This will be 7 blessings from your list. So, if you’d

like to share some of your monthly favorites with

me via email or a short note hand-delivered or

mailed, I’ll do my best to include them in the

newsletter. My hope is that as we all become more

aware of the blessings God has given to us and

share them with one another, we will be

overflowing with thankfulness to God and to one

another. Happy reading and journaling.

Volunteer Opportunities

Greeters

Please consider becoming a Greeter and welcome those attending Sunday services. You will make visitors feel at home and that we are glad to have them worship with us.

Monday Meadows Evangelist Could you share your faith with others occasionally by volunteering to help us provide the services at St. Clare Meadows on Monday nights? We need more volunteers to help show the video of Sunday’s service and help get patients from and back to their rooms. It takes about 90 minutes. If you are interested in helping with this outreach program, please contact the church office (355-3870).

Pathways to Christ

Sisters in Christ, please join us for the 17th Pathways to Christ Retreat on March 10-12 at LaSure’s Banquet Hall in Oshkosh. The 2017 theme is taken from Proverbs 14:30 “A Heart at Peace Gives Life to the Body.” On Friday night, we will begin the retreat with a Forgiveness Workshop: Conflict vs. Peace. On Saturday, Kenneth Kramer will share insights and tools from his book, A Heart at Peace: Biblical Strategies for Christians in Conflict, “which equips readers to view conflict from a biblical perspective, providing the antidote for the deadly poison that conflict injects into our relationships. The solid and direct law-and-gospel narrative in its pages helps the reader relate the content to real life and deal with this destructive, damaging force.” Sound intriguing? Come and find out how to address conflict head-on. Also, on Saturday, Amber Albee Swenson will continue our theme focusing on the need and healing effects of forgiveness. On Sunday, Pastor Leon Ehlert will share with us a Bible Study and then lead us in worship. Additional information along with registration forms can be downloaded from our website: http://pathwaystochrist.org. There are also registration forms on bulletin boards in narthex and downstairs hallway.

Note: A Heart at Peace (book featured above) was used for Sunday Bible study at St John’s last winter so this is a great chance to review it.

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Men of His Word Conference

February 11th

Be Strong and Courageous - 2017 Men of His Word Conference: Have you seen the news lately? It’s crazy out there. The world attacks our Christian values from every direction on a daily basis. To counter these attacks, the MOHW (Men of His Word) Conference uses God’s Word to empower and equip men to carry out their God-given mission in their homes, churches, communities and the world with the theme, “BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS.” Whether you attend for the keynote speaker (Pastor Mike Novotny from The Core in Appleton), the relevant, thought-provoking sessions (20 to choose from) or the worship experience with 600 other men (with Koine’, the worship band), God’s Word will speak to you. The 8th annual MOHW Conference will be held at the Oshkosh Best Western Premier Waterfront Convention Center on Saturday, February 11, 2017. Additional details and online registration are available at www.menofhisword,org for the first 650 men ($40 by January 29th; $50 from January 30th - February 5th). Please join us for a day in God’s Word that you will not soon forget! Note: Registration materials are also on bulletin boards in narthex and downstairs hallway.

Coming Soon! Ironmen of Wisconsin

March 25th

Several hundred men from all over southern

WISCONSIN GATHER EACH YEAR TO HEAR

God’s Word aimed right at them! Hear Pastors

Tim Soukup, Tony Schultz, Dave Arndt, and

Wayne Shevey remind us It will be held at St.

Paul’s Lutheran School in Ioxnia, WI, from 9

am – 2 pm, March 25. Registration details will

be available soon.

WELS MISSIONS IN NEPAL Until recently, Nepal was the only officially Hindu country in the world. WELS outreach with the gospel is accomplished through training of workers, a Scripture Learning Program and humanitarian aid. The Lord continues to bless these programs. Currently, more than 100 individuals are being trained to proclaim the gospel. To date, 28,576 persons have been enrolled in the Scripture Learning Program. Humanitarian aid has made it possible to conduct free medical clinics that serve as a bridge to distribute Christian literature. Workshops and shipments of Luther’s Catechism in Nepali continue. The leaders of the church put a great amount of effort into translating the catechism. The Scripture Learning Program, theological training and publications have helped many small Christian churches become confessional Lutheran churches. Materials are being published to share with Tibetan refugees along the border and already some of the refugees have converted to Christianity.

Nepal Statistics

Baptized national members 3,800 Worship groups 38 Bible study groups 65 Bible Institute students 100 Evangelists 13 National vicars 25 Served by humanitarian aid 15,000 Served through literature distribution 69,814

2016 2015 Difference 2016 2015 DifferenceOperating Revenues

Church Revenues$46,279 $61,073 ‐$14,795 Weekly Receipts $228,786 $228,680 $106

0 0 $0 Donations & Memorials 0 0 03,307 1,922 1,385 All Other 3,760 2,677 1,083

$49,586 $62,995 ‐$13,410 Church Revenues $232,546 $231,357 $1,189

$19,775 $13,269 $6,506 School Revenues $106,832 $102,718 $4,114$3,584 $6,074 ‐$2,490 Day Care Revenues $19,461 $23,952 ‐$4,492

$72,945 $82,339 ‐$9,394 Total Operating Revenues $358,839 $358,027 $812

Operating Expenses

Church Expenses$8,859 $12,160 ‐$3,301 Wages & Benefits $50,088 $63,900 ‐$13,8121,930 2,207 ‐$277 Utilities & Maintenance 7,400 10,585 ‐3,1853,750 3,750 $0 Synod Subscription 18,750 18,750 03,209 3,778 ‐569 All Other 18,218 17,804 413

$17,748 $21,894 ‐$4,146 Total Church Expenses $94,456 $111,040 ‐$16,584

School Expenses$43,347 $45,157 ‐$1,810 Wages & Benefits $226,012 $219,042 $6,970

2,253 2,150 103 Utilities & Maintenance 13,725 16,174 ‐2,4491,345 1,332 13 All Other Expenses 13,597 13,047 551

$46,944 $48,638 ‐$1,694 Total School Expenses $253,334 $248,262 $5,071

$2,179 $4,159 ‐$1,980 Day Care Expenses $11,480 $21,337 ‐$9,858

$66,871 $74,692 ‐$7,821 Total Operating Expenses $359,269 $380,640 ‐$21,371

$6,074 $7,647 ‐$1,573 Net Operating Gain or (loss) ‐$430 ‐$22,612 $22,183

‐$473 $0 ‐$473 GTF Transfer to Operations $7,409 $7,792 ‐$383

AssetsChecking Account @ BNB $19,046 $11,876

MM1 @ BNBGTF Undesignated $0 $1,647Captial Improvement Fund $130 $6,263Called Worker Fund $16,601 $9,548Total MM1 @ BNB $16,731 $17,458

MM2 @ BNBChurch Projects $289 $15,808School Projects $4,024 $10,403Scholarship Projects $4,496 $2,959Total MM2 @ BNB $8,809 $29,170

Endowment @ ICF $268,548 $249,481Eschenbach Fund @ ICF $206,315 $201,473Investments‐Bequests $1,206 $12,011

St. John's Lutheran ChurchOperating Statements

For the one month and five months ending November 30, 2016 and 2015Month of November Fiscal Year to Date

Balance

Month of November 2016 Fiscal Year-to-Date (11/30/2016)

Total Budgeted Expenses 75,380 Total Budgeted Expenses 390,502

Total Actual Expenses 66,871 Total Actual Expenses 370,060

Budgeted Giving (4 week month) 52,620 Budgeted Giving 267,389

Actual Giving* 49,586 Actual Giving* 232,546

Difference between actual and budgeted giving -3,034 Difference between actual and budgeted giving -34,843

School & Childcare Revenues 23,359 School & Childcare Revenues 126,293

Net operating gain or loss in expenses 6,074 Net operating gain or loss in expenses -11,221

(Actual giving + Sch & Child revenues - Actual expenses) (Actual giving + Sch & Child revenues - Actual expenses)

* Actual Giving does not include School & Childcare revenues

Simplified Financial Report for November 2016