Connections in Christ
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Connections in Christ “Saved by Grace - Led by the Spirit - Called to Serve” A monthly publication from St. John’s Lutheran Church January 2021 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5 Dear Friends in Christ, These words from the beginning of John’s Gospel always catch me. In fact, my mind immediately wanders to images of light penetrating the darkness. I think of carrying a flashlight when camping to get around the campsite. I think of the LLBean headlight my husband wears as he grills in the darkness. I think of the candle I light every day which captures my heart. I think of wood burning in a fireplace or firepit. The darkness is broken with light. On a trip in Eastern Europe visiting in monasteries that have survived for hundreds of years in spite of wars and famines and plagues and so many challenges, I bought a candle holder with this saying on it, “Better to light one small candle than cause the darkness.” We are in the days following the shortest daylight or longest night. Now each day there is just a bit more light heading into the light of summer. In fact, in Norway they call the day after the winter solstice the first day of summer….nice!! This past year which has been filled with so much to perplex (remember this is my word for the year) us. There have been times when making the right, safe, and most wise choice has been difficult to determine. All we can do is do the right thing in this moment, on this day. The irony is not lost on me that this was the year the “Bethlehem” star was visible, provided it was not hiding under clouds. This is the first time in 800 years Jupiter and Saturn appear as one star. Some are speculating this is the star the magi from the east followed to find Jesus. This “star” will not appear this close again until 2080. We, at St. John’s, have a new cross/star as a focal point for the outdoor worship space. The lights of this star now center us as we worship together outdoors. Thank you Michal Berens-VanHeest for sharing your artistic vision and skill! Your gift is amazing!!! We are people of the light…the light of Christ Jesus…who comes to be one of us, who comes to bring light into the darkness, who comes to teach us how to live and love. May we all discover anew this light that fills us so that we can begin to diminish the darkness of the world. Blessings, Pr. Naomi
Transcript of Connections in Christ
Connections in Christ “Saved by Grace - Led by the Spirit -
Called to Serve”
A monthly publication from St. John’s Lutheran Church
January 2021
The light shines in the darkness, and
the darkness did not overcome it. John 1:5
Dear Friends in Christ, These words from the beginning of John’s Gospel always catch me. In fact, my mind immediately wanders to images of light penetrating the darkness. I think of carrying a flashlight when camping to get around the campsite. I think of the LLBean headlight my husband wears as he grills in the darkness. I think of the candle I light every day which captures my heart. I think of wood burning in a fireplace or firepit. The darkness is broken with light. On a trip in Eastern Europe visiting in monasteries that have survived for hundreds of years in spite of wars and famines and plagues and so many challenges, I bought a candle holder with this saying on it, “Better to light one small candle than cause the darkness.” We are in the days following the shortest daylight or longest night. Now each day there is just a bit more light heading into the light of summer. In fact, in Norway they call the day after the winter solstice the first day of summer….nice!! This past year which has been filled with so much to perplex (remember this is my word for the year) us. There have been times when making the right, safe, and most wise choice has been difficult to determine. All we can do is do the right thing in this moment, on this day. The irony is not lost on me that this was the year the “Bethlehem” star was visible, provided it was not hiding under clouds. This is the first time in 800 years Jupiter and Saturn appear as one star. Some are speculating this is the star the magi from the east followed to find Jesus. This “star” will not appear this close again until 2080. We, at St. John’s, have a new cross/star as a focal point for the outdoor worship space. The lights of this star now center us as we worship together outdoors. Thank you Michal Berens-VanHeest for sharing your artistic vision and skill! Your gift is amazing!!! We are people of the light…the light of Christ Jesus…who comes to be one of us, who comes to bring light into the darkness, who comes to teach us how to live and love. May we all discover anew this light that fills us so that we can begin to diminish the darkness of the world. Blessings, Pr. Naomi
Continued...
"The Cross at the Center of the Star Shone Brightly on Christmas Eve"
It shone brightly in the night sky on Christmas Eve, and will continue to shine throughout January, and possibly into the Spring (it has yet to be determined when the lights will be shut off). With many prayers, helping hands, hearts warming, and generous support, the cross and star came together just in time for the Christmas Eve worship services around the firepit in the outdoor worship center. This meaningful work
added beauty and awe to the night sky and was admired by all who came to experience the live nativity, sing carols, and hear the story of Christ's birth at one of the four services that evening. Total attendance among the four services was approximately 175 people, which was astonishing for as cold as it was outside, there were single-digit wind chills. Even though the 'cattle *(cow) were lowing' in their crib, that crib didn't last long, as Savannah, the cow, tried taking it down the hill with her and begrudgingly had to be wrangled back into her trailer where she could then 'low' from afar. Pippa, the fainting goat, was more accustomed to just 'hanging out' on a leash and was a lively addition to the nativity scene, eating lots of treats and hay that were fed to her by the children. Many thanks are due to all those that helped make this unique experience happen for Christmas Eve, 2020, at St. John's, especially to Kevin and Keely Oppermann for coordinating the volunteers for the nativity scene, and providing the animals and hay, and to Michael Berens-VanHeest, the artist and creator of the Cross at the Center of the Star. The cross was graciously funded by the generous donation of the memorial/endowment in memory of Pauline Champion, the mother of Ann Benedict, Gwen Lister, and Mary Gerth. Thank you all for your generous donation of time, talent, and treasure, making for a memorable Christmas Eve from near and afar, providing a fun and unique opportunity to connect and celebrate Christ being born into human flesh. Thank you also to those who were able to brave the cold to join in the celebration.
A big thank you to the Nativity Scene Participants: Liam, Odin and Ainsley Oppermann, Elyse and Nora Johnson, Harper and Grant Carr, Liam and Madeline Nott
Many, many thanks to the Cross at the Center of the Star Builders and Helpers, who gave their time, tools, and talent: Michael Berens-VanHeest, Cal Gilbertson, Dan Cobb, Grant Carr, Larry Ladell, Ondra Williams, Chris Staveness
Happy New Year! May 2021 shine brightly while centered around Christ, who gives us unconditional love and acceptance in our brokenness.
~Ondra Williams, Director of Worship and Music
Join in on the building of the cross and Christmas Eve Services on the next pages
Ondra and Pastor Naomi prior to Christmas Eve Worship services
Pictures provided by
Ondra Williams, Michael Berens-VanHeest, Barbara Newhouse and Laura McGoveran
January 1, Friday Church office is closed Happy New Year
January 2, Saturday 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM Blood Drive
January 3, Monday 9:00 AM Online Worship 10:00 AM Outdoor Worship Experience
January 4, Tuesday 6:00 PM Personnel Meeting 6:30 PM Property Team Meeting
January 5, Tuesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Oregon/Brooklyn Food Pantry 10:30 AM Worship Planning Meeting 11:00 AM Staff Meeting (Friendship Room)
January 8, Friday Church Office is Closed
January 10, Sunday 9:00 AM Online Worship 10:00 AM Outdoor Worship Experience 6:30 PM 9th Grade Confirmation Class (Online)
January 11, Monday 6:00 PM Joint Finance Meeting 7:30 PM Communications Team Meeting (Epiphany)
January 12, Tuesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Oregon/Brooklyn Food Pantry 10:30 AM Worship Planning Meeting 11:00 AM Staff Meeting (Friendship Room) 2:00 PM Chow and How Team (Gathering Area) 6:30 PM Worship Team Meeting (Friendship)
January 13, Wednesday 6:00 PM 7th Grade Confirmation Class (Online) 7:30 PM 8th Grade Confirmation Class (Online)
January 15, Friday Church Office is Closed
January 17, Sunday 9:00 AM Online Worship 10:00 AM Outdoor Worship Experience 6:30 PM 9th Grade Confirmation Class (Online)
January 18, Monday 6:30 PM Finance Team Meeting (Fireside) 7:30 PM Executive Team Meeting (Gathering Area)
January 19, Tuesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Oregon/Brooklyn Food Pantry 10:30 AM Worship Planning Meeting 11:00 AM Staff Meeting (Friendship Room) 1:00 PM Altar Guild
January 20, Wednesday Newsletter Articles due by end of day 6:00 PM 7th Grade Confirmation Class (Online) 7:30 PM 8th Grade Confirmation Class (Online)
January 22, Friday Church Office is Closed
January 24, Sunday 9:00 AM Online Worship 10:00 AM Outdoor Worship Experience 6:30 PM 9th Grade Confirmation Class (Online)
January 25, Monday 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Council Meeting (Fireside Room)
January 26, Tuesday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Oregon/Brooklyn Food Pantry 10:30 AM Worship Planning Meeting 11:00 AM Staff Meeting (Friendship Room)
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January 27, Wednesday 6:00 PM 7th Grade Confirmation Class (Online) 7:30 PM 8th Grade Confirmation Class (Online)
January 29, Friday Church Office is Closed
January 31, Sunday 9:00 AM Online Worship 10:00 AM Outdoor Worship Experience
January Readings
Sunday January 3 Epiphany of Our Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7,10-14 Ephesian 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12
Sunday January 10
Baptism of Our Lord
Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11
Sunday January 17 Second Sunday after
Epiphany
1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20] Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 I Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51
Sunday, January 24 Third Sunday after
Epiphany
Jonah 3:1-5,10 Psalm 62:5-12
1Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
Sunday, January 24 Fourth Sunday after
Epiphany
Deuteronomy18:15-20 Psalm 111
1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28
Summary November 2020 2020 2020 2020 2019
Church: Actual Actual Budget 100% % of Budget Difference Actual
Operating Income $ 34,411.69 $ 429,649.06 $613,962.15 69.98% $ (184,313.09) $502,106.68
Operating Expenses $ 32,625.47 $ 464,574.25 $613,962.15 75.67% $ (149,387.90) $535,672.69
Net Income (Net Loss) $ 1,786.22 $ (34,925.19) $ - $ (34,925.19) ($33,566.01)
Capital Campaign: Bal 12/31/19 $207,037.39
CC-Income $ 12,470.30 $ 165,765.94 Income $ 165,765.94
CC-Expenses $ 115,333.06 $ 466,631.57 Expense $466,631.57
Net Income (Net Loss) $(102,862.76) $ (300,865.63) Bal 11/30/20 ($93,828.24)
November had 2 payrolls and 4 weekends of income. November church expenses are greater than income by $1,786.22; YTD expenses are greater than income by ($34,925.19)
NOVEMBER 2020 FINANCIAL REPORT TO THE CONGREGATION
The deadline for the Annual Report articles is January 18. Please email them to Laura at [email protected]
The small Christ in Our Homes devotional books have arrived at church. They are in the rack in the Gathering Area or outside in the mailbox by the office doors.
Happy Birthday!
May God go with you shining your way with blessings of wisdom and
understanding.
1/1 Mark Horstmann, Ardella Olson
1/2 David Huston
1/3 Alex Jordan, Melani Barnidge, Gary Hermanson
1/7 Jeanette Forman, Audrey Appel
1/8 Meredith Thiede
1/9 Hadley Stang, Howard Ace, Ken Mittelsteadt
1/10 Tavia Christensen, Madeline Morhoff, Cindy Wangen, Allen Riese
1/12 Tammy Adler, Jane Kerscher
1/14 Peyton Cate. Sarah Hinkle
1/16 Reese Younggren, John Schuepbach
1/17 Steven Massey, Lauralyn Klarich
1/18 Eliot Bergeland
1/19 Sara Plachetta, Ondra Williams, Robert Brookbank, Ralph Novotny
1/20 Roger Christensen
1/21 Laura Kronser, Cris Stang
1/23 Carson Nott, Kay Huppeler
1/24 Cooper Malcore. Marion Tucker, Lolita Coughlin, Coralie Smith, Sheila Andersen
1/25 Jeremy Smith, Brian Borden
1/26 Jason Hill, Randi MacLeod, Donna Dary
1/27 Hudson Hinkle, Dash Lederer, Everly Lederer
Baptismal Anniversaries
Marked and sealed with the cross of Christ forever!
1/1 Doretta Umnuhs, Norris Breitbach, Janice Lawry, David Richardson, Allen Siedschlag, Kathy Bartz, Jeffrey Kronser, Dean Olson, James Wendt, Lori Andersen, Dana Olson, Andrew Jenkins, Laura Kronser, Sonny MacLeod, Bob Cedar, John P. Coughlin, Deanne Stoffels, Lisa Christensen, David Baldus, William Hendrickson, Taya Christensen, Jennifer Anderson, Isaac Lindert, Clayton Schulz, Walter Olander
1/2 Pat Knipfer, Gary Andersen
1/3 Kathryn Jolivette
1/4 Tom Mueller
1/5 Laurie LaPlante
1/7 Tom Day
1/8 LeRoy Binger, Jackson Lederer
1/9 Sam Immenschuh
1/10 Kris Torpy
1/11 Joan Combs, Grace Christensen, Jessica Forster
1/12 Liesel Odden
1/14 Ilah Breitbach, David Hammersley, Kenneth Haugen
1/18 Ethan Johnson, Zachary Palzkill
1/20 Elyse Johnson, Nora Johnson
1/21 Kent Christensen, Erin Jenkins
1/23 Jeanette Forman, Howard Ace, Brad Maerz
1/24 Ken Mittelsteadt
1/25 Kim Smith , Madelyn Adler, Orson Zuhlke
1/28 Bill Urban, Odin Oppermann
1/31 Mark Larson, Kathy Stensaas
Altar Flowers: January 10- Ken & Nell Mittelsteadt in memory of our parents January 17– David Lund and family in memory of Welma January 24– John and Barb Carter in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary January 31—Altar Guild in honor of Pastor Naomi and the St. John’s staff in appreciation of their leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic
Serving in January:
Altar Care: Nell Mittelsteadt, Sandi Linstroth, Brenda Cuta
Organist/Pianist: Ondra Williams
Spirit Singer (Saturday 5:00 PM): Dennis Josi
Soulvation Members: Doug Kohls, Shane Dammen, Aaron Johnson, Sheryl Lindmeier, Laura
Nott, Scott Bourie, Michael Berens-VanHeest, Ondra Williams
Audio Visual Operators: David Klarich, Carson Nott, Gage Klarich and Odessa Klarich
Chancel Choir Members: Rachel Berens-VanHeest, Kay Bliefernicht, Jean Brown, Dan Cobb,
Sherryl Cobb, John Cuta, Sara Fishwild, Sarah Johnson, Pierre LaPlante, Doug Schuette, Allen Siedschlag, Ann Starr, Jessica Theisen
Chime Choir: Fern Binger, Maureen Braatz, Jean Brown, Sara Fishwild, Kathy Hansen, Kathy
Larson, Brenda Outhouse, Pam Parsons, Coralie Smith, Ann Starr, Laura Berg
St. John’s
Prayer Chain Did you know that when you have a prayer request you can call or email the prayer chain? Then the prayers will be sent on their way with many praying for you! Prayers are not made public in the newsletter or during Worship unless permission is received. To let the prayer chain know of your prayer, contact:
• Rose Lehnherr at 835-5300, [email protected]
• Fern Binger at 455-8021, [email protected]
• Laura McGoveran in the church office at 291-4311 or [email protected]
Active Duty Military
Personnel Second Lieutenant Eric Christensen (grandson of Roger and Barb Christensen) CM2 Jacob Gothard (grandson of Sandra Linstroth) Staff Sergeant Curtis Hanna (grandson of Carol Hanna) Airman Keean Paltz (son of Ron and Teri Paltz)
Homebound Frieda Bachim, Norma Jenkins, Myrtle Lundey, Beverly Reindahl, Ruth Yaun, Sheila Andersen Other Facilities: Shirley Miller (Kettle Park Senior Living) Fred & Gladys Sage (Skaalen Heights Senior Home) Darlene Dorn (Skaalen Home), Ken Hagemann (Main Street Corners); Joyce Kienast (Willow Point, Verona),
Beatrice Larsen (Oakwood Village, Madison), Alice Nason (Elmcroft, Madison)
Prayer Request for:
Rich Knipfer with Hospice Care at home. Roger, Sally Bertelson’s
brother, who is receiveing great medical care through radiation and chemotherapy for his cancer.
“Saved by Grace - Led by the Spirit - Called to Serve”
For your Information:
ST. JOHN’S PHONE: (608) 291-4311
Emergency Contact:
Pastor Naomi Garber Cell Phone: 701.388.4788
E-MAIL:
Pastor [email protected]
We are St. John’s! St. John’s has the best of both worlds. Established and time-honored traditions that bind us together, and the contemporary, welcoming atmosphere many people are looking for in today’s churches. Our mission is simple: Saved by Grace - Led by the Spirit - Called to Serve. As grace filled and Spirit led people, we love God through weekly worship and through loving service of our neighbor. If you are interested in learning more about St. John’s or in becoming a member, please contact the church office or visit the Welcome Center to learn more.
Publication “Connections in Christ” is published monthly. Deadline for article submissions is the 20
th of the previous month.
Church Services All Worship Services are online, on Facebook and YouTube, at 9:00AM. You can also view the service on local cable, Sunday at 9:00AM. The Outdoor Worship Experience is being extended until we can meet indoors. Join in at 10:00A.M. at the Worship Center by the fire pit.
Address
625 E. Netherwood St. Oregon, WI 53575
Office Hours 8:00AM -4:00 PM Monday-Thursday Website:
http://stjohnsoregonwis.org Public Facebook Page:
facebook.com/groups/stjohnsoregonwi Facebook Group for the Members of St. John’s: facebook.com/groups/stjohnsoregonwi YouTube Channel:
youtube.com/c/stjohnslutheranchurchoregonwi Twitter: Twitter.com/stjohnsoregonwi Instagram: Instagram.com/sthonsoregonwi Questions? Contact Sheryl Lindmeier at: [email protected]
