Post on 07-Dec-2021
April, 2021 Immanuel Lutheran Church, School and Child Care Center
604 S Chestnut Ave., Marshfield, WI Website: immanuelmarshfield.org
Diploma of Vocation Part 1
Soon Immanuel will be considering candidates to call as the next pastor. One of the things
that goes into the calling of the pastor is the Diploma of Vocation, otherwise known as the
“Call Document.” This document is signed on behalf of the congregation and the pastor
who accepts the solemn call to serve at Immanuel Lutheran Church, School, and Child
Care. The Diploma of Vocation sets in place the primary agreement between congrega-
tion and pastor. This month we consider the responsibilities of the pastor.
In the name of the Triune God and by His authority, in order that we might carry out His
mission to the world, we hereby authorize and obligate you:
To administer to us the Word of God in its full truth and purity as contained in the Sacred
Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments and as set forth in the confessional writings
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as found in the Book of Concord;
To administer the holy sacraments in accordance with their divine institution;
To demonstrate the mind and spirit of Christ as your serve the members of this congre-
gation and equip them for Christ’s mission to seek and save the lost;
To equip and enable the members of the congregation to serve one another and those
outside the fellowship of the congregation;
To perform the functions of a pastor in an evangelical manner; to aid, counsel, and
guide members of all ages and social conditions; to visit the sick and the dying; to
admonish the indifferent and erring; to support the members of the congregation as
they extend that evangelical ministry to others;
To guard and promote faithfully the spiritual welfare of the members of this congrega-
tion, in particular to see to the instruction of the catechumens, both children and
adults, in the Word and prepare them for communicant membership in the church;
To guide the congregation in the divinely ordained discipline of the church according
to the Word of God and to assist and lead the members of the congregation in
practicing the forgiven life with one another;
To promote and guide the mission activity of the congregation as it is related to the
local community and endeavors of the Synod and its Districts, in particular to train
workers and guide them in evangelism and to enlist the support of the congregation
for mission work; (Continued on Page 2)
Diploma of Vocation Part 1 (Continued)
To serve as a resource and guide for members of the congregation as they participate in the
ministry of Christian education, and to train parents to teach the Christian faith to their
children;
To assist the congregation in adopting administrative policies and procedures that will help it
carry out the mission of a Christian congregation;
To serve the congregation as an example of Christian conduct; to endeavor earnestly to live
in Christian unity with the members of the congregation, fellow workers, and sister congre-
gations in the Synod; and by the grace of God to do everything possible for the edifica-
tion of the congregation and the upbuilding of the Church in Christ.
In these eleven points the pastor is authorized and obligated by you to administer Word and
Sacrament according to the Sacred Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
The pastor is to enable and equip you to seek and save the lost, serve one another and those
outside the congregation. Notice that the pastor is not the sole person in doing these things.
The pastor is to guard and promote the spiritual welfare of the congregation by preparing
children and adults in the Word of God and preparing them to receive the Lord’s Supper.
The pastor is to guide the congregation in church discipline and relating to one another as
forgiven sinners.
The pastor is to be a guide and resource in promoting evangelism and outreach, Christian
education, and administration to carry out Christ’s mission.
These are not things that the pastor does in a vacuum. The pastor is always guided by the
Scriptures and the mission Christ has given to his church on earth. That mission is spelled out by
our Lord:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that
everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be
fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus
it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that
repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations,
beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the
promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on
high” (Luke 24:44-49).
These are not things that the pastor does in a vacuum. He equips and guides you as members of
the church to carry out the mission Christ sets before us.
Next month we look at what the congregation agrees to with the called pastor.
In Christ’s service, Pastor Mark
April, 2021 Page 3
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Please prayerfully consider the answers to the questions on this survey. We know some of these
questions require some time and thought to consider, but we need input from everyone to
conduct a successful pastoral call. Thank you for your patience as we work through this process.
Please pray for wisdom and discernment for all leaders of the congregation. Please also pray for
the man God already knows will be our next pastor. All surveys are due in the church office by
April 14th at the close of business.
In Christ,
Immanuel Call Committee
Congregational Goals
What is the purpose of Immanuel Lutheran, Marshfield?
List at least 3 areas where the congregation is strong.
List any new opportunities ,or activities, that our church should try starting.
What can Immanuel do better?
What are two things that you believe your congregation needs more than anything else
right now, to be most effective?
Page 4 April, 2021
Pastoral Expectations
We recognize that the following may be very difficult to do, but we hope this description
will be helpful to you. Please try to rank the following pastoral functions according to what
you feel is the order of importance for your parish. Please rate each item with a number
from 1 to 10, with a 1 rating meaning “of no importance,” and a 10 rating meaning of
utmost importance. A description of each ministry area is listed on page 5 of the REJOICE.
What do you believe are the most important characteristics for a pastor to have?
(example: patience)
What things do you think are most necessary for maintaining good relationships between
pastor and people?
Do you believe that the congregation is sensitive to the pastor’s need for “private
time?” (For prayer, study, family, recreation.)
What should the Pastoral role be in the School/Child care center?
Singles ministry
Older adult ministry
Family ministry
Ministry to inactives
Small group ministries
Assimilation of new members
Lay leadership development
Personal witnessing
Counseling
Preaching content
Preaching delivery
Teaching ability
Worship
Stewardship
Sick & shut-in visitation
Children’s ministry
School ministry
Child care ministry
Youth ministry
PROFILE DEFINITIONS for the Pastoral Survey CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Relates well to children, and communicates effectively with them. Has a high regard for the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and other children’s ministries in the congregation.
YOUTH MINISTRY: Has an interest in and skill for working with young people. Understands that young people are also the church and works to equip them with God’s Word, saving faith, and the ability to live the Christian life. Is patient with youth, and understands the special challenges that they face.
YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY: Works well with this age group (18 – 30), and is sensitive to their special perspective on things and the needs in their lives.
SINGLES MINISTRY: Is comfortable and able to work with single adults and is sensitive to their special challenges and circumstances in the world. He understands that they do not at times fit into social structure that caters to couples and families.
OLDER ADULT MINISTRY: Has an interest in and skill for working with older adults. Is sensitive to their needs, willing to listen to their concerns, and gentle and patient with them in their weaknesses. Is faithful and conscientious in providing Word and Sacrament ministry to the shut-ins.
FAMILY MINISTRY: Is sensitive to the needs of families, is helpful in bringing biblical truth to bear on such issues as parenting, discipline in the family, and special issues arising in single parent families.
MINISTRY TO INACTIVES: Is concerned about members who are not active in the parish, visits in their homes, and works at bringing them back into the active life and service of the congregation.
SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES: Works well with small groups, such as Bible study groups, peer groups, special interest groups, and the like. He understands small group dynamics, and can identify and train small group leaders.
ASSIMILATION OF NEW MEMBERS: Is good at nurturing new members and helping them feel at home in the congregation. He assists the new members in becoming active and contributing members of the parish. He is sensitive to the special needs of people who are new to a congregation.
LAY LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Is capable of identifying people with good leadership qualities and then training and encouraging these people to assume leadership roles in the parish. Works at equipping people to carry out duties and responsibilities in the congrega-tion.
PERSONAL WITNESSING: Has a genuine concern for the lost, and conveys that concern to the people of the parish. Makes evangel-ism calls and encourages and trains the congregation to do the same. In his personal life he is an example of a good witness to the Gos-pel of Jesus Christ.
COUNSELING: Is open and accessible as a pastoral counselor to God’s people with God’s Word, but clearly understands his limits in terms of needs outside of the spiritual realm. Knows when he can help, and when he should refer to others. Carefully keeps all informa-tion in regard to counseling confidential. Is a good listener, is not judgmental, and uses God’s Word appropriately.
PREACHING CONTENT: Understands that preaching is more than a presentation of biblical narrative and Confessional soundness, but must communicate and proclaim Law and Gospel. Knows that preaching which edifies is presenting Law and Gospel in such a way that even a child can understand it. Makes the Gospel prominent in preaching, but preaches the whole Word of God with faithfulness. Makes clear application of the Word of God to lives of the people of the congregation. Is faithful to the Scriptures and Confessions in his sermons.
PREACHING DELIVERY: Preaches in a manner that makes the sermon interesting and understandable. Preaches with confidence and with a passion for the Word of God and for the people that God has placed in his care. Preaches in an engaging manner using good communication skills, and makes good use of illustrations.
TEACHING ABILITY: Understands that teaching is more than lecturing, and uses methods appropriate to his hearers, whether children or adults. Works to present material so that people grow in knowledge, attitude, and skill in regard to the Christian faith and life. Works to train teachers in the parish so that others in Sunday School classes or Bible classes may assist him in his work of teaching God’s Word in the congregation.
WORSHIP: Understands the nature of worship and leads the congregation in worship on a regular basis, and in appropriate manner and form. Carefully prepares for each worship service, and leads the congregation in understanding that in true Christian worship, that God is present in His Word and Sacraments and through these means of grace is delivering to His people the gifts that He has for them in Jesus Christ. He teaches and encourages the people to attend the worship services in God’s House faithfully, and works hard to make each service spiritually rich and nourishing.
STEWARDSHIP: Teaches God’s people the biblical principles of Christian stewardship, and models those principles in his own life. Works to help the people understand and practice what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
VISITATION (SICK AND SHUT-IN, OUTREACH, AND HOME): Understands that personal contact with members of the congregation and prospective members is very important. Makes visits to the homes of the people of the congregation, and also maintains a posture of availability to members who want to come and visit with him. Reaches out to people and is accessible to all, and is sensitive to the needs of the sick and shut-in. Gives high priority to individual soul care.
SCHOOL MINISTRY: Understands that personal contact with students, staff and school famil ies is very important. Partici-pates in outreach to students and school famil ies in and out of the classroom. Provides pastoral counsel to pr incipal and teaching staff as needed. Leads school chapel in rotat ion with other area pastors. Promotes the school when appropriate.
CHILD CARE MINISTRY: Understands that personal contact with students, staff and child care famil ies is very important. Part icipates in outreach to child care famil ies in and out of the classroom. Provides pastoral counsel to pr incipal and child care staff as needed.
April, 2021 Page 6
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL
604 South Chestnut Avenue, Marshfield, WI 54449
Phone (715) 384-5121
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Rejoice is published by Immanuel Lutheran Church,
Marshfield, WI to inform the congregation of
upcoming events as well as to promote Christian love,
fellowship and understanding.
PASTORS:
Rev. Mark Wilkens
Rev. Donn Radde-Visitation Pastor
SCHOOL FACULTY:
Dr. Karen Bahn – Principal, (715) 384-7968
7 & 8 Grade Teacher & 5-6 Health
Stephanie Wolf —7 & 8 grades’
Literature & Social Studies;
Rebecca Belt—Grades 3—8 Art
Renee Hammond—Grades 5—6
Courtney Gable—Grade 4
Lori Steingraber – Grade 3/School Music
Jill Helgerson – Grade 2
Brenda Kuhnau– Grade 1
Lindsay Meyer– Kindergarten
Renee Griepentrog —4K T,Th
Becky Weber—Computer/4K M,W,F
Jamie Henderson—P.E.
Dr. Karen Bahn—5-8 Spanish
Charles Jennings—Athletic Director
Diane Zimmermann — Nutrition Services
Lynn Hutchinson — Nutrition Services Assistant
CHILD CARE STAFF:
Brooke Draves, Child Care Supervisor
Sheena Brunzo
Taylor Furgason
Jordyn Helgerson
Lynn Hutchinson
Makenna Johnson
Jeanine Kaszuba
Lindsay Nack
Emma Tarter
Christine Yang
OFFICE STAFF:
Christine Garbisch—Business Manager
Heidi Schwanz—Administrative Assistant
Elected Board Members Randy McLellan—President
JJ Jensen—Vice President
Sarah Venzke—Secretary
Board of Education:
Kimberly Bernarde, Holly Klumb, Megan Korntvedt,
Hannah Barth, Amanda Sessions
Board of Elders:
Steve Steingraber, John Hart, John Scheppa, Sr.,
Glen Buth, Brian Mortvedt,
Board of Administration:
Corey Kuhnau, Linda Hart, Dustin Henderson,
Jake Bernarde, Rachelle Meyer,
Immanuel Lutheran School is now enrolling
3P, 4K & Kindergarten through 8th Grade
A small school with a big heart!
Sharing the love of Jesus everyday!
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL NEWS April 2021
We are in the final quarter of the 2020-2021 school year. The year has certainly gone by quickly, but we still have important events happening. There will be no school on Good Friday or Easter Monday. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 6th. Achievement testing is set for the week of April 12-16. Testing allows us to measure the academic growth of our students throughout the school year. Our students historically score highly on these tests. We are thank-ful to offer such a great Christian education here at Immanuel! Our annual Scholastic Book Fair will be the week of achievement testing. Stay tuned for more information coming on the book fair. Mid-quarter will fall on April 23rd Mid-quarter reports will be live on Fast Direct on that day. We are enrolling students for the 2021-2022 school year. If you are interested in our quality, Christian edu-cation, please stop by the office for information or give us a call. We would be happy to serve you and your children here at Immanuel Lutheran School. May God bless you all during this wonderful Easter season! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! In Christ, Dr. Karen Bahn, Principal
Immanuel Lutheran
Scholastic Book Fair
April 10-April 18, 2021
Transfer Membership to Immanuel Lindsay Meyer
From St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, LCMS Reedsburg, WI
Dennis Plemon
From Peace Lutheran Church, LCMS
Eau Claire, WI
Mission Statement "Immanuel Lutheran Church, School and Child Care Center:
Reaching out to all people, teaching and sharing God’s gift of Jesus Christ, with the values of
empowering, equipping and encouraging all the saints.”
FaceBook Live during Worship Service times.
Parking Lot Worship Sunday 9am,
On 98.1FM
View Sunday worship services on
Charter/Spectrum Cable Digital 989 :
Wed. 7am Fri. 3am & 11am Sun. 6pm
Midweek/special services are broadcast on
channel 990. Maundy Thurs.: 4/7-11:00am;4/9-7:00am;4/11-4pm
Good Friday: 4/7-12:00pm; 4/9-8:30am; 4/11-5:00pm
Immanuel Worship Broadcast
Page 7 April, 2021
“Sunday School” Saturdays at 4:00pm There will be no Saturday School on Easter
weekend. Join us April 10, 17 & 24th!
High School Bible Study on Wednesdays
at 7:15-8:00pm
The Elders voted at our March Elders meeting to try out a temporary test of a Sunday evening
5pm Contemporary service from Memorial Day to Labor Day in summer 2021. There would be no
Saturday 5pm service during this period.
We have several reasons for this summer trial. First, this would help families make it to a ser-
vice returning from weekend trips. Secondly, this change would help with special events like
weddings or other church school/events. Finally, This would put the service back on one unifying
day, the Sabbath. It could be that the time between services becomes a time of connection for
the whole church, with the potential for events and outreach that we haven't even thought of
yet.
We will re-evaluate the service at the first Elders meeting in July and would appreciate
your comments going forward. We currently do not foresee this to be a permanent year long
change and will see how this new service time is received this summer in our annual planning.
Our next Elders meeting will be on Tuesday, May 11th at 6:30 pm.
We as elders do realize this is a pretty big departure from what we as Immanuel have tradition-
ally done in the past. There have been so many changes in 2020 that this may seem like another
in a litany of lifestyle changes. I choose to believe that with all the humbling we have endured
for a little while this year, we are ready for growth. We are Immanuel.
Peace in Christ, Steven Steingraber , Chair, Board of Elders 715-281-0085
Immanuel Lutheran Child Care Center is
now enrolling for Summer Care 2021.
Immanuel Lutheran Child Care Center is
hiring!
If you or someone you know is looking to fill
some hours and loves kids, please fill out an
application, available in the church office.
THRIVENT CHOICE FUNDS FOR March $ 506.00
Page 8 April, 2021
PASTOR WILKENS HOUSING
Steve & Lori Steingraber
Patty Farnsworth
PORTALS OF PRAYER Doreen Fuller
Len Kleinschmidt
BAPTISM FAITH CHEST
Chandra Barrett
HEATING & BUILDING UPDATES
John & Linda Hart
Len Kleinschmidt
CAMERA MINISTRY
Patty Farnsworth
Bertha Bucknell
Bernice Neumann
Brad Neumann
SPECIAL OFFERINGS SPECIAL OFFERINGS SPECIAL OFFERINGS RECEIVED THROUGH RECEIVED THROUGH RECEIVED THROUGH MAR. 29th, 2021: MAR. 29th, 2021: MAR. 29th, 2021: (Please note on offering envelope which project you choose to sponsor)
RED LETTER CHALLENGE
Randy & Darlene McLellan
Steve & Lori Steingraber
QUILTERS Carol Luepke
TUITION ASSISTANCE Wayne & Barb Coblentz
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL
In memory
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
In memory
Immanuel Lutheran
604 S Chestnut Ave
Marshfield, WI 54449
Immanuel Lutheran
604 S Chestnut Ave
Marshfield, WI 54449
Immanuel Lutheran
604 S Chestnut Ave
Marshfield, WI 54449
Housing for Pastor Mark Wilkens
Immanuel Family,
We have been blessed for the school year to have a member provide temporary housing to Pastor Mark in a cabin that was not being used in the off-season over the winter. This has been a tremendous savings to Immanuel.
We have found reasonable housing in an apartment. The cost of the apartment is over and above Pastor’s normal pay. (His normal pay goes to support his fam-ily home in Sheboygan.) The cost of this apartment is $400/month.
Please prayerfully consider contributing to the cost of Pastor’s apartment.
In Christ, Steven Steingraber Chair, Board of Elders 715-281-0085
The Annual voters Assembly is set For June 6, 2021. The Nomination Committee is being assembled. The boards can submit names of members up for reelection. I am accepting volunteers for the Nomination Committee and the Constitutional/Bi-Law Review Committee. Review Committee input is desired and will be accepted through the E-Mail process. Thank You. May the peace of our redeeming Savior comfort you. Randy McLellan President 715-207-9933 Cell 715-389-2775 Home mclellansr222@gmail.com
Annual Voter’s Meeting
Immanuel Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML, collect their coins each month to support local, regional, national and international missions. This calendar is a tool you can use for yourself and your family to reflect on every day and also collect your coins for donation to good causes. At the end of the month, please do any of the following with your Mites: drop it off to the office, mail it in or place in envelope in offering plate labelled for LWML. Thank you!
Easter greetings to all from LWML Nine members joined in the phone meeting in March.
Please consider joining us for our April Meeting at 6:30pm on April 13th.
There will be no Salad Luncheon this year.
Easter, Confirmation and Graduation cards are available in the office.
Dial 1-312-626-6799 Enter Meeting ID: 868 9569 6950 Enter Passcode: 879887
If you would like to participate, and are not sure how to dial in, please let Eva Scheppa know. Lutheran Women in Mission