1 What happens at someone’s funeral service is a continuation of what occurred at their baptism. this. The conversation moved toward Henry’s baptism and the moments in which he con- fessed a yearning for God. As I open my well used folder, there underneath the layers of scotch tape are the words: “Receive the sign of the holy cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.” Paul explains the significance of this ancient ritu- al when he said, “don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore bur- ied with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” There in the bright sunlight bouncing off the snow all around Tom’s grave I read more words from Paul. “This is the truth about the resurrection of the dead: Christ has been raised from death as the guar- antee that those who sleep in Last week I found myself standing outside in the snow with a small brown faux leather folder with metallic gold cor- ners. It was all that I had to cope with the moment at hand, the committal service of Thom- as Loberg at Lakeview Ceme- tery. I have been using this fold- er for a long time. Inside there are the words spoken at two events: baptisms and funerals. It wasn’t until I was walking away from Tom’s coffin that I realized I held in my hand a great theological truth. What happens at someone’s funeral service is a con- tinuation of what oc- curred at their baptism. Tom Loberg was just 51. At his death I was still thinking about the sud- den passing of my wife’s nephew who was just 29. We had just been in Hou- ston a week before. Henry had been steadily putting the pieces of his life together. The picture was starting to form of who this young man was going to be. But then the shock, it was over al- ready, he was gone. His imme- diate family was desperately grasping for ways to cope with St. John’s Lutheran Church February 2013 Church From Pastor Disney (Continued on page 3)
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St. John’s Lutheran Church Church...ston a week before. Henry had been steadily putting the pieces of his life together. The picture was starting to form of who this young man was
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Tickets: Adults (18 & over) - $7 Children 7 and up - $5
Children 6 and under – Free (Family cap of $20)
Tickets available at church office Proceeds go toward St. John’s Youth Trip
to San Antonio
Transitions—How to Make Faith Stick After High School
February 10—24 9:15 am (Sunday School Hour)
We invite high school seniors and
their parents to talk about what comes next af-ter high school—work, college, military, the un-known? The future can be scary, and it is a struggle for many students to figure out how their faith looks in the midst of the changes. Join us as we look at what parents, students, and the church can do to help their faith stick.
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Youth & Family Ministry
Attention 8th-12th graders!
March 8
Come and join fellow youth at St. Johns for a High school Fun Night
with a twist! You try to go without food for 30 Hours! Plus you’re encouraged to challenge friends and family to sponsor you For every hour you go without food, . All the money raised will go to help feed hungry children through World Vision! Students will be breaking the fast on Friday at midnight.
This event includes… Live Music Games Open GYM Service projects and devotion focused around
how children each day go without food!
Want to know more? Have questions? Contact Kelly and yet your fundraiser packet
@ 763-684-0460.
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Mark your calendars for July 1st - 5th for the 2013
LCMS National Youth Gathering in San Antonio. This
event is open to youth grades 9th - 12th, college
students and adults. Join us for a fun packed week
of meeting people from across the country coming
together to serve, learn, love and worship our
Great God!. To sign up, please contact Kelly.
Generate money for
St. John’s Youth without
spending a dime. Search the web with www.goodsearch.com and every time you do,
St. John’s Youth will receive a penny. GoodSearch gives 50% of
their earnings from advertising to charities. Just go to
www.goodsearch.com and enter “St. Johns Buffalo Church.”
Then add GoodSearch to your toolbar. Thanks!
Youth & Family Ministry
Are You Expecting?
St. John’s Cradle Roll Committee has materials for parents of new-
borns with suggestions and resources to help them with their child’s
spiritual growth from birth to age three. The materials in-
clude a Growth Calendar, several books, an audiocassette
and newsletters that will be delivered on a regular basis
throughout your child’s first three years. We’d like to send
the first newsletter, The Miracle of Birth, before the arrival
of your child. So, if you are expecting, please call or e-mail your
name, address and phone number to Theresa at 763-682-6305,
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
When someone makes a plea, or a general re-quest for some help, do you say to yourself, “If she asks me in person, I’ll say ‘yes’?” Or maybe it’s, “I’ve never done anything like that before, I’m not qualified.” Or, “I wonder what all is in-volved?” Or, “I don’t have time.” I’ve thought each of those things at different times when I’ve been asked to serve in various ways. Then I ask myself, “How important is it, in the scheme of life? What does God want me to do?” I often think of the 107 year old mother of a man I know. She has since died, but when she was well over 100, she increased her volunteer work at church because she felt badly she could no longer give as much money as she had previously given. Wow.
One of the faithful members of our church told me she works on a project every day for the annual Country Fair for Missions. Wow again.
An hour of volunteer service a week may not be much of a time sacrifice to you or to me, but to the person or group who is re-ceiving the benefit of your efforts, it can have great impact.
Please prayerfully consider sharing your time and talents with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, our Women in Mission here at St, John’s. We need board members, a team to head our 45th Country Fair, help to serve at funerals, help to clean the kitchen. Please say yes to one or more of these areas of need. We will help you, walk beside you, each step of the way.
At our January planning meeting, we decided to eliminate some of the monthly meetings this year. We’ll meet in February
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(because we are the hosts for the Litchfield Zone Spring Rally), April, June, September, October, and November. So there will be no scheduled meetings for March, May, July, August, or December.
There will be a Zone Board meeting at St. John’s on Monday, February 25th at 6:30 for business and to plan the spring rally which we will host in either March or April. Let us know of any ideas you might have for that.
Each Tuesday afternoon you are invited to work on quilts and other projects in the Sewing Room, off the Fellowship Hall. Feel free to come whenever you can.
Let us know of mission needs. Take a mite box and fill it for our mission projects. They are in the Narthex, or in the Fellowship Hall, next to the Kitchen. Check out the Lutheran Women’s Quarterly, also available in the Fellowship Hall or Narthex. Please join us for our business meeting, Bible study or for any of our projects as we Serve the Lord With Gladness!
Upcoming Events: Thursday, February 7th: Business Meeting at 6:00, Bible Study at 6:45. We meet in the upper level boardroom in the Family Life Center. Monday, February 25th: Zone Board meeting at 6:30. March: No business meeting or Bible Study.
Dear St. John’s Lutheran Church, I cannot fully express the
amount of gratitude I feel for being awarded scholarship funds from
St. John’s Lutheran Church. Being a college student, money is obvi-
ously tight, and the scholarship helps immensely. This award helps
me continue to attend the Lutheran college I'm currently at and con-
tinue to walk with the Lord. Thank you for this generous award.
~Tucker Vogt
I want to sincerely thank you for your donation of $1,925 from
your Christmas offerings to Missions. Your contribution is very much
appreciated. Gifts such as yours make this ministry possible. May
God continue to bless your ministry as well. ~Jeff Boehlke, Principal,
Christ Community Lutheran School
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Board Meeting Minutes—1/14/2013
Call to Order: August Mussell Opening Prayer: Pastor Disney Agenda: Agenda approved on a motion from Dave Haggerty seconded by Jim Chapa. Secretary’s Report: Report approved on a motion from Roger Strege seconded by Brad Hoseck. Reports: Pastor Disney - reported he is able to get out on visits more often now due to Pastor Meyer assisting. He gave an overview of his statistical report com-menting that there has been quite a span between funerals, nothing since August. The attendance was good for Christmas. The search for an Office Administrator is still on with resumes still coming in. Pastor Meyer – reflected on his time here. He is getting out with visitations, he has started working with the Elders, looking to possibly partnering with Pro-ject Compassion, talking with Pastor Disney on future worship programs and projects and how they can supplement and add to them, experimenting with sermon preparation. Shortly he will re-turn to Idaho to bring his wife and the rest of their belongings back. All in all he is very excited to be a part of St. John’s. Youth & Family Ministry / Education: Kelly Thole met with college students for a breakfast at Perkins. It was a good time to keep in touch and get caught up. She spoke on the fundraisers coming up to help with the group going on the Mis-sion trip this year. The first one is at the Pizza Ranch in Monticello on Jan. 28. In Feb. Lenten suppers will start with the kids doing the clean up and serving. A portion of these proceeds and any tips will go to this year’s trip. Also in Feb. an illusionist (BAM Magic) will entertain and
share the gospel talking about how God performs miracles and amazing things. There will also be a Marriage Milestone Feb 17th. The offering for Jan and Feb from the Children will help to create Baby Bundles for new babies and moth-ers who may be in need. Financial Sec & Treasurers Reports: Jim Chapa commented on the paper report noting that Dec. was a 5 week month thus ending the year with 53 weeks of donations. Receipts exceeded expenses due to this week amount and some timing differences. We ended over budget in some areas due to hiring a new Pastor but year to date amounts are under budget. A few unbudgeted ex-penses such as moving expenses might spill over into 2013 and Synod fees have yet to be put in. Jim commented that as he has completed his term new persons will be voted for in Jan. Jennifer Green will do payroll. Mary Peterson has stepped down from Financial Secretary, a volunteer position, and Kathryn Elsen has volunteered to fill this. Signers will also have to be voted on at the Quarterly meeting. Contribution and Expenses for December Contributions $45,567 Expenses 30,712 Net Increase (Decrease) 14,856 A motion to accept Jim’s report was made by Dave Haggerty, seconded by Roger Strege. Motion carried. New Business: Calendar set for the New Year. Office Administrator position and new Treasurer covered in previous areas. 72 Partner program = Dave Haggerty reported the second part will start in Feb when Bruce Manzey will return and programs will be held during that first week ending on Sat. the 9th with
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a canvassing project with gifts created by our Sunday school students to be handed out. More information will follow at a later date. BOARD AND COMMITTTEE REPORTS: Elders: Dave Haggerty gave highlights of the written report. The Vision and Mission statement and Job Descriptions will be ready for the Quarterly meeting. He touched on how the Elders will be more in touch with their position and will take a more in depth look at how to do this. They will all, along with the Pastors be attending classes, which they are all looking forward to on a Friday and Satur-day at Concordia created just for this. There will be and installation of officers on Jan. 27th. Dave commented that he feels very blessed to be serving with the Elders. Trustees: Brad Hoseck is very happy to report the Alarm issue has been solved. A roof leak in entry is being checked. Ice dams are being checked as being previ-ous problem causes. There was a large increase in the city water which leads to a leaking toilet which was then fixed by Brad. A new internet service will be in-stalled after cost effective research was completed. Worship: Pastors working in this area with new ideas and input. Evangelism: Roger Strege said the board will help assemble the bags with the 72 canvassing project. He ordered a kit for Outreach which also fits in with the 72 program. It will be evaluated and checked to see how it can be incorpo-rated to work with St. John’s. The web site is slow in coming along but with the new vision and mission it has worked well to incorporate this as the site is developed. Susie Meier continues to work with it.
Stewardship: No activity. Fellowship: Marti Ryan reported the date had been set for the Picnic – July 28th 2013. Education: covered under Youth. Lutheran Women in Mission: Pat Norine commented on the changes being made with only 5 meetings being held this year. The board is working on programs and changing format. The Zone meeting will be held here in Feb. Country Fair will stay as is. The women are also hosting the Spring Rally in April. Library: The board continues its good works. Noah’s Ark: Continues its good work. Project Compassion / Health Cabinet: They will meet Jan 22nd to address Val-entines. Richard Marquette will attend as a representative from the Elders. Pat Norine extends as invitation for everyone to be a part of this and if a prayer shawl is needed just pick one up with a cross and notify her or let her know if there is a need and she will extend the gift to the person. Missions: Pat Norine notified the board that this is the last year ABLAZE will be donated to. Love Inc. will also need to be budgeted in another area. Help is also needed for the breakfast we serve with Love Inc. in Feb. Contact the church or Dan Korbel. Decorating: Shala Holm said help is needed and would like someone to come in with new ideas. No Other Business. Closing Prayer: Pastor Meyer Meeting adjourned by August Mussell with a motion from Roger Strege, seconded by Dave Haggerty. Respectfully submitted, Cheryl Olsen
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Annual Meeting Minutes—1/20/2013
Call to Order: August Mussell, President Opening Prayer: Pastor Meyer Agenda: Reviewed and accepted on a motion. Secretary’s report: Reviewed and accept-ed on a motion from Janice Marschel se-conded by Richard Marquette. Financial Secretary / Treasurer’s reports: Jim Chapa gave an overview of written reports explaining how there were 53 weeks in 2012 creating an increase in the quarter even though for the year we are slightly less then 2011. Budget variances were created by timing differences and the hiring and moving of a new pastor. The Capital Campaign needs to get started and though Bill Cook is stepping down from leading if someone is interested in taking that position Bill will stay on to help, please contact Bill if you can help in this area. Mary Petersons Financial report ties out with Treasurers report. Reports were ac-cepted on a motion made from Bill Cook seconded by Carl Bowman, motion carried. Jim Chapa made a motion to amend budg-et to cover moving expenses incurred in 2013. Motion was seconded by Jed Larson and carried. A motion to accept Elizabeth Bjork as Treasurer was made by August Mussell and seconded by Chris Husom – motion carried. Jennifer Green will do payroll only. Mary Peterson has stepped down as Financial Secretary and Kathryn Elsen has volunteered to step into that position. A motion to approve August Mussell, Kyle Bjork, Elizabeth Bjork and Kathryn Elsen as a signer on all KleinBank accounts was made by Jim Chapa and seconded by Frank Korbel, motion carried. A motion was made by Kathy Klemz to approve Kyle Bjork, Elizabeth Bjork and August Mussell as signers on all Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) and Thrivent accounts, seconded by Jim Chapa, motion carried.
General Fund Contributions and Expenses for Quarter: Contributions $111,637 Expenses 95,137 Net Increase (Decrease) 16,500 August Mussell and the Congregation extend a huge thank you to Jim for a job well done. Pastor’s Reports: Pastor Disney gave highlights of his written report saying that for the fourth year in a row there have been approximately 35 baptisms and feels this is good cause for the growing future and for the teachers to be ready. He also mentioned that since August until now there had been no funer-als. This was the longest stretch of time that he can remember, he hopes everyone stays well. It has been 21 months since Pastor Bode has left and he extended a big thank you for sticking with him. Both Pastor and Pastor Meyer are working together on the Sat. night service. With our new vision and mission statement our church will be about “Sharing a changeless Christ in a changing world” this is a part of what the 72 Partner program has started this for us. Pastor Meyer continues to adjust, no re-port at this time. Youth and Family Ministry / Education: Kelly Thole had written report but com-mented that she is excited to work with our Vision and Mission and is incorporating the ideas with the fact we are all a family, a family of Christ. So the future will see things working with this “intergeneration” idea. The youth are beginning their fund-raising for the summer Mission Trip and will work at the Pizza Ranch in Monticello. Everyone is invited to come as a portion of the profits and the tips will go to the kids. Kelly also shared with us the fact her and her husband are expecting a child this summer.
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Action Items: Elders: Aaron Beckman reported Dave Haggerty has become the new Head Elder. The Elders are taking steps to become more involved and active with the Congre-gation. They have started praying with the Pastors prior to the 8 AM service. In Jan. all Elders and Pastors will attend a training program. They have almost completed the work on Job Descriptions. Members received – Gail Bakeberg, Lind-sey Johnson, Ian Lommel, Asher Bjorklund, Philip Meyer, Vanessa Meyer, Jesse Meyer, Dylan Meyer, Lucy Ebert, Levin Ebert, Lauren Erdman, Rylan Nieskens. Members removed – Kevin Finke, Trina Mastley. A motion to accept member changes was made by Jim Chapa, seconded by Kathy Klemz, motion carried. Old Business: Bill Cook is stepping down as head of Capital Campaign help is need-ed in this area. Please prayerfully consider this as the commitment needs to continue. Janice Marschel gave an update on the 72 Program. The program began in Oct with Bruce Manzey leading. Bruce will return in Feb. to continue with training which we will cap with a canvassing project on Feb 9th. We have created a new Mission state-ment. “Sharing a changeless Christ in a changing world”. A motion to accept this new statement was made by Roger Strege seconded by Chris Husom. Motion carried. Trustees: Written report with Brad Hoseck reporting some new updates such as the alarm issue has finally been fixed with Dan Korbel finding a repair person who discov-ered a bad wire involved with the magnetic doors needed to be replaced. Life Center door was fixed by Russell’s, there is now a motion light installed in the store room off the kitchen which will automatically turn on and off.
Worship: Printed report. Evangelism: Printed report. Missions: Printed report. Love Inc. Printed report. Stewardship: Janice Marschel commented that there is $63,000 in the Memorial En-dowment Account that can be used for property or any needs by the Congrega-tion. Scholarship funds are again available for college, high school, and elementary students. Four have applied for college funds. Also under Building Finance Janice re-ported we are now under the 2 million mark. Fellowship: Printed report. Lutheran Women in Mission: Printed re-port with Chris Husom commenting on how things are changing in this area with fewer meetings and new ideas. The Country Fair went well with no leader but they are still looking for one. The board is also looking for new members. We will host the Spring Rally in April. Project Compassion / Health Cabinet: Printed report. Noah’s Ark: Printed report. Decorating: Printed report. Other Business: August Mussell said Bill Elletson and Dan Korbel had made a sec-ond trip to Idaho to help Pastor Meyer move his final items. There will be a Pot Luck in Feb to celebrate having Pastor Meyer and family join St. John’s. Eldon Peterson reminded us Lent sup-pers will soon be starting and help is al-ways needed to make the main portion of the meal and donations of cookies, bars, etc. will be deeply appreciated. A motion to adjourn was made by Earl Dierks seconded by Bill Cook. Motion carried. Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Olsen