July 2017 - Constant Contactfiles.constantcontact.com/69db566b001/b33c60c5... · many activities to...
Transcript of July 2017 - Constant Contactfiles.constantcontact.com/69db566b001/b33c60c5... · many activities to...
1
Barking Dogs
Lee Kricher, author of For A New Generation: A Practical
Guide for Revitalizing the Church (Zondervan © 2016),
shares a crazy story about a pastor of a small church
who took his dog with him to church every week. The
dog would lie down in front of the podium and
frequently bark during the service. The regular
attendees got used to having the beloved pet in
church, but a visitor mentioned to the pastor that the
barking dog was a distraction. The pastor told the
visitor, “My dog is my best friend and he stays even if
that means you don’t.” It’s no wonder that church
failed to grow.
Every church has things that distract members and
visitors from the church’s mission. Churches
sometimes need to eliminate things — even good
things — to be able to focus limited time and energy
on the most important things. This is touchy business
because dogs are beloved creatures, part of the family.
Most of us have become so accustomed to the barking
dogs that we don’t even notice their presence; but as
soon as someone suggests getting rid of them, we get
upset or even angry.
We all know that there are times in our lives when we
need to eliminate good things – even things that we
like – from our schedules so that we can focus our
time and energy on the most important things. The
same principle is true for churches.
In an article posted on the Lewis Center for Church
Leadership website (https://
www.churchleadership.com/leading-ideas/church-
barking-dogs/), Pastor Kricher writes: “think of your
church as a hot-air balloon. Some programs, ministries,
and practices are like bags of sand that will have to be
jettisoned if you are ever going to soar.”
The writer of Hebrews speaks wisely about laying
aside distractions: “Let us throw off everything that
hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews
12:1). We can understand how sinful things can be a
distraction — sin
entangles us and
keeps us from running
the race that God has
marked out for us.
But discerning when
good things have
become a distraction
is far more difficult.
What are the barking dogs at our church? What are
the sand bags that need to be dumped? What are
some of the programs, ministries or practices that
have run their course? What are the distractions that
we need to throw off so that we can focus our time,
energy and resources on the things that will directly
fulfill God’s vision for our church and have an impact
on our ability to reach the next generation?
I do want to hear from you. Email me, write me a
note or letter, text me, message me, call me. We are
in this together. So, let’s be honest and deal with the
barking dogs so that we can be a church that is
reaching others with the love of Jesus.
Pastor Rebekah
connect
July 2017
2
Worship Times 8:00 am Sunday @ Spencer
10:00 am Sunday @ Spencer
9:00 am beginning May 28
11:00 am Sunday@ Riplinger
Church Office B3750 State Hwy 13
Spencer, WI 54479
715-659-5158
Website: www.stjohnsspencer.com
Pastor Rev. Rebekah Tarras
Email: [email protected]
Office: 715-659-5158
Cell: 715-897-5393
Secretary: Jenny Nieman
Office Hours: 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Office: 715-659-5158
Mission Statement (Spencer) LIVE Daily in God’s grace
GROW in our discipleship
SHARE Christ with all
Communication
Deadlines Help us keep people informed
by submitting your information
to the church office before the
following deadlines:
• Weekly e-mail:
Tuesday 9 am
Sunday bulletin
Thursdays 9 am
Monthly Newsletter:
20th of each month
500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION
The year 2017 marks the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. There are
resources and events to commemorate the Anniversary available on the ELCA’s
website (www.elca.org) or on our Synod’s website (www.nwswi.org). Another
resource you can take a look at is a website called Select Learning. The produce
“Reformation Minutes”. They are posted every Monday and Friday at noon.
These Reformation Minutes are an easy way to help you prepare to remember
the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation this fall. You can also follow Select
Learning on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/selectlearning.org/
What is Select Learning? Select Learning is a website that provides access to quality theological learning
experiences for personal, congregational and professional learning. Using
outstanding seminary and college instructors and ministry practitioners, Select
Learning combines high quality DVD-based video courses, customized study
materials, proven textbooks, and online learning to create effective and flexible
theological exploration opportunities. Select Learning is a member of the Lay
School for Ministry Network of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA).
About Select Learning Select Learning has been providing faith-based learning resources since 1984.
Since its beginning, we have made some of the finest teachers of the church
available to pastors and leaders of congregational ministries. Our courses are
also being used in congregational learning programs for young adults and adults.
People want to make a difference in their world. Our resources can help you
put faith into practice in your life.
Opportunities are available on DVDs that are accompanied by re-printable study
guides. The DVDs and study guides are being used by thousands of volunteer
teachers in thousands of congregational settings.
Learners can also participate in regularly scheduled online courses. These
courses combine the use of presentations on DVD and interaction with a group
of online learners. All online courses are led by trained course facilitators.
3
Worship
Sunday Readings
July 2 Turning Point: 180 Degress
Part 3
Luke 10:25-37
July 9
Ecclesiastes 7:1-4
Funerals or Parties
July 16 STAND when things change
Daniel 1
July 23 STAND when you’re asked
to do the impossible
Daniel 2
July 30 STAND when the heat is on
Daniel 3
August 6
STAND in the midst of
immorality
Daniel 5
August 13
STAND when you are
persecuted
Daniel 6
New sermon series begins July 16
“STAND no matter what”
There are lots of things in life that are tough to stand. Sometimes, it’s a food
that does not agree with our palate. Other times, the situation is more
serious, like when we have to deal with a person whose personality and belief
system directly conflicts with our personality and belief system. In this series,
we take a look at stories from the book of Daniel and learn that no matter
what difficult circumstance life throws our way, we can stand with Christ’s
strength!
Worship Planning Team Did you know there is a worship planning team that works together with
pastor and the Worship Director to plan our worship services and
coordinate all of the details that go into planning and leading worship? Did
you know that this team is open to anyone? Are you interested in helping
with some of the behind the scenes details and offering input on our worship
services? Then we’ve got room for you on the team. The next meeting is
Monday, July 17 at 5:30 pm.
Spencerama worship service June 11
4
Spencer Attendance 8:00 am
May 7 34
May 14 65
May 21 39
10:00 am
May 7 46
May 14 89
May 21 39
9:00 am
May 28 48
June 4 107
June 11 125
(at Spencerama)
June 18 55
June 25 87
Don’t get bored this summer! Take a look
at all of the resources that are available on
Right Now Media. Don’t forget you can
access it on your phones, ipads,
computers, etc. Check it out!
Vacation Bible School Thank you to everyone who donated food items to help feed the kids at the factory,
donated money toward the cost of VBS or gave money as scholarships for those in
need. 36 kids spent the week hearing how God has built them for a purpose and how
incredibly much he loves them. Thru their offerings the kids and their families raised
$58.27 for Void Filling Empowerment mission from Spencer.
Thank you to: Rich & Kelly Wilke for all of their hard work putting together the
incredible stage set and other decorations for our Maker Fun Factory; to all the crew
leaders for their leadership and time sharing the love of Jesus with the kids: Bristol Engevold, Elisha Blanchard, Tony
Bauer, Malachai Anderson, Penni Cloud, Kaitlyn Schmidt, Julie Van Ark, & Josie Tremelling; the assistant crew
leaders for all of their help and knowledge of VBS for the crew leaders: Ethan Cloud, Savana Weyer, Kyler
Hardrath, and Theresa Knecht; to our station leaders for their prep work and their willingness to share their faith
and fun with the kids: Blake Engevold, Kristy Kieffer and Nathan Kieffer, Rich Wilke, Amanda Knecht, Lydia Nieman
and Camryn Cook AND last but not least to our VBS supper cook, Judy Berger for all of her fabulous cooking!
Bible Camp There is still time to go to camp! Soon the summer will be ending and the kids will be
heading back to school, but before that happens, send them to camp! They will be able
to see old friends, meet new ones, learn about Jesus and so much more! There are
many activities to participate in: swimming, archery, canoeing, kayaking, crafts, ropes
courses and cookouts. Near the middle of July, there are a few exciting opportunities
that you can be part of including: Adventure at the Woods, Boundary Water Canoe, Senior High Camp, Trading
Space and a Lake Superior Kayak Trip. Camp brochure are at church or register online: www.lutherpark.org.
St. John’s, Spencer strongly encourages participation in Bible Camp because we know that through holy play and
intentional time with God Bible Camp makes a huge impact in the faith journey of those who attend. That’s why St.
John’s pays a portion of the cost. We don’t want cost to be a barrier to Bible Camp. Questions talk with Jenny
Nieman.
Faith Development
5
Social Concerns
Coins Clinking for a Cause at Spencer Thank you for your generosity as we gather coins every Sunday to split between World
Hunger and Clark County Transitions Shelter. July will be the last month, so far we
collected about $175. One more month to bring in your change. Let's make it the best
month ever! The children will be collecting the coin offerings in metal buckets. Let the “clinking”
begin!
Sharing with Our Neighbors in Need We have received a special request form the Spencer's Kids Group. See the list below any assistance you can
provide will be greatly appreciated. Items may be drop off at church, please label them SKG.
We waited until printing time to receive a list from Spencer Kid’s Group, it wasn’t available, so please watch
the Sunday announcement sheets and the weekly email for the list of items Spencer Kid’s Group is
requesting.
Fellowship & Care
Spencerama Pulled Pork Dinner Thank you to everyone who helped plan the dinner,
helped out during the dinner or prayed for this
opportunity. We served approximately 225 people and
raised approximately $1100.
We prepared 120 lbs of pork and 3 cases of coleslaw
for this dinner! Again thank you to everyone!
Join Mikayla Kopp for a Death Café "At a Death Cafe people drink tea, eat cake and
discuss death. Our aim is to increase awareness of
death to help people make the most of their (finite)
lives."
While talking about death can be scary and
uncomfortable, it is an important topic to discuss.
Come and gather to talk about this topic through an
open conversation directed by the issues the
participants bring. Come with questions, comments,
and whatever you'd like to talk about surrounding
death, dying, and end of life issues. Wednesday, July 12
at 10 AM and/or 6:30 PM.
6
Buildings and Grounds
Lawn Mowing Sign Up Volunteers are needed to mow the lawn this summer. If you would be willing to
mow, sign up online: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a094eacac22aa8-lawn1.
Paper copy is also on the bulletin board.
New Property Team The Property Team will work together with the Buildings and Grounds
Director to ensure a safe and well-maintained facility. This team will meet
quarterly and as needed to coordinate the care, maintenance and
improvement of the church’s facilities and grounds. If you would be willing
to serve on the property team, the first meeting will be on Monday, July 10
at 7 pm. Questions? Talk to David Knecht.
Thank you to our Custodians Bruce and Janine Luepke have submitted their resignation as custodians effective
June 30, 2017. We would like to give a big THANK YOU for their faithful
service the past several years.
During the month of July, Cheryl Bruesewitz and Mikayla Kopp will take care of
the weekly cleanings. Beginning in August, a local cleaning company will be
handling the weekly cleaning of the church. The council will evaluate after three months to make sure this is
working out.
Office Helpers Needed Jenny will be on the mission trip and out of the
office July 22-30. We are looking for folks to sit
in the office for either a morning shift or after-
noon shift each day of that week. If you are
available please talk to Jenny to fill in.
7
Serving Schedule
Date Reader Acolyte Communion Counters
Sun,
July 2
Dave
Newman
Elsa Schuette Brenda Newman
Gail Burns
Sun,
July 9
Lois Block Trevor Ertl Jane Meacham
Joy Miller
Sun,
July 16
Sherry Schmutzler Levi Dommer Joan Miller Wayne Hendrickson
John Meacham
Sun,
July 23
Bob Burns Iva Schuette Tom Dommer
Sherry Schmutzler
Sun,
July 30
Brenda Newman Dallas Dommer Jody Viegut
Sue Wallace
Riplinger
Riplinger WELCA WELCA met June 1 with five members present.
Pastor Rebekah led Bible study.
Secretary and treasurer’s reports were read and approved.
No old or new business.
There will not be a meeting in July.
Potluck lunch was served.
Ila Meacham, secretary
July Communion
Sunday Due to Pastor being gone
on July 9 for her stepson’s
wedding, communion in July
will on the 3rd Sunday of
the month, July 16.
Quarterly Meeting The July Quarterly Meeting will be July 23
following worship.
May 7 28
May 14 35
May 21 32
May 28 19
June 4 37 June 11 125
(at Spencerama)
June 18 30
June 25 15
Riplinger Attendance
8
Spencer Council Meeting Minutes
May 21, 2017
Present: Cindy Weiler, Nadine Willett, Jenny Nieman, ,
Pastor Rebekah Tarras, Heather Vogel, Jody
Scidmore, Glenda Fellenz, David Knecht Absent: Teri Schorer Janell Kopp, and Roxie
Wetterau.
Call to Order : At 6:02 pm by chair Jody Scidmore
Prayer: Led by Pastor Rebekah
Secretary Report: MSA by Jenny Nieman and Cindy
Weiler to approve April 23, 2017 council minutes
Treasurer Report: reviewed April 2017 treasurer’s
report with Pastor in Roxie’s absence.
Worship:
1. Special music on June 4 with Suzanne and Larry
McKeef. Spencerama worship will be at Spencer
Park on June 11, 8:30 am. Breaking Chains will lead
music. Pastor Rebekah and Mikayla Kopp will be
doing the service.
Faith Development:
1. Sunday school: Last day of Sunday school is May 21.
Thank you gifts will be given to teachers. Parents
and teachers will evaluate our Sunday school
program.
2. Cross Training: Last night of Cross Training is May
10. Jenny & Pastor met with Small Group leaders
for feedback from the small groups. There will be
some changes made for next fall. Planning to take a
group of people to a one day workshop for
congregations in Minneapolis next fall.
3. Vacation Bible School theme: Maker Fun Factory:
Created by God; built for a purpose will be held
June 18-22. Online registration is open and on our
website. $10 per child. Mission for VBS will be Void
Filling Empowerment Jean Ngwire will come June
18, 6 pm to share about this mission and also about
their upcoming trip to Kenya and Uganda.
4. Bible Camp: seven kids/youth are registered for
Bible Camp.
5. Adults: Crossways has finished the two year study.
Wednesday morning study will finish their current
study and break for the summer. Where Moms
Connect is wrapping up for the school year.
Stewardship Financial Peace University is being
scheduled for this fall, will need to find a leader by
July. Church appreciation cards with small candy
treat delivered in mailboxes. Save the date: God’s
Work Our Hands Sunday (suggested Sept. 10).
Social Concerns
1. Coins Clinking for a Cause: Children will be
collecting coins on Sundays through the month of
July proceeds to be split between our mission focus
of World Hunger and Transitions Recovery Home
in Clark County.
2. Fair Trade coffee sales will be discontinued, due to
diminished sales. Orders may continue for church
hospitality and kitchen use.
Fellowship & Care
1. Help is needed to work at pork dinner at
Spencerama Revival.
Building & Grounds
1. St. Grubby’s is June 4 after worship until noon.
Garage roof has been repaired. Estimates are being
done on repairing the cross. New soap dispensers
were installed. Furnace needs to be repaired.
Outdoor work needs to be done.
Pastor Shared April 2017 report with us. Baptisms:
Reed Mueller (Riplinger), Paisley Wiernik, Cohley Vogel, Cadence Opsal and Constance Opsal.
Affirmation of Baptism: Maria Gartner, Shelbi Hoefs
and Holly Bauer.
Chair: No report.
Unfinished Business
1. Council members that visited Central Lutheran
Church in Chippewa Falls shred their thoughts
about their visit.
New Business: Worked on Action Steps– Planning for
the Future.
Next Meeting: Wednesday, June 14, 6:30 pm.
Closing prayer: Led council in The Lord’s Prayer.
Adjourn: at 8:14 pm. MSA by Cindy Weiler and Jenny
Nieman.
9
1 Glenda Fellenz
2 Heidi Shupe
3 Carter Griepentrog 4 Marilyn Bruger
Luanne Schwarze 5 Jordan Block
Allie Delo
Pam Hardrath
Reed Mueller 6 Stacy Henaman
Clark Reynolds
Sharon Schiszik
Jackie Soback
7 Kinsley Kalepp 8 Dawn Buse
Darlene Dommer
9 Joan Bruss
Jenny Nieman
Natalie Seefeld 11 Cailee Clements
Cheryl Gallion Velma Hera
Hazel Seeman 12 Dani Soback
Jeremy Vogel 13 Dennis Kopp
Emily Weiler 14 Tony Cloud
Gary Grieser
Josh Reynolds 15 Bob Burns
Jenny Reynolds
Carol Sandley 17 Nancy Halverson
Lucas Kilty 20 Wayne Hendrickson Jr.
Vanessa Stroetz 22 Ariana Krueger
Neil Schauer
23 Iva Schuette
24 Tom Dommer 25 Joyce Block
Aidan Griepentrog 26 Brooklyn Riehle
Jody Scidmore 28 Ed Bruger
Brady Kalepp
29 Jenna Zahn 30 Judi Andrew
Morgan Elsinger
Chris Schauer
July Birthdays & Anniversaries
2 Harold & Maryann Boyer 23 yrs
9 Amanda & Tim Gronski 7 yrs
12 Scott & Heidi Shupe 14 yrs
13 Joe & Betty Muehlbauer 30 yrs
15 Pastor & Jeff Tarras 12 yrs
19 Dana & Aaron Egner 14 yrs
23 Tom & Rhonda Marcott 34 yrs
25 Dave & Barb Strupp 25 yrs
Anniversaries
If your birthday or anniversary is missing, please contact the church office.
9:00 am Sunday, July 2
Sunday, July 9
Sunday, July 16
Sunday, July 23
Sunday, July 30
Greeter Bob & Glenda Fellenz Betty Muehlbauer Ashley Schalow Kristy Kieffer Larry & Julie VanArk
Technology Roxie Wetterau Nadine Willett Pam Kilty Tyler Klement Tanika Reckner
Sound Bruce Luepke Brandon Kopp Jody Scidmore Jody Scidmore Randi Thomspon
Ushers Gail Jicinsky
Gavid Kilty
Travis Hardrath
Dennis Kopp
Alec Cook
Dennis Kopp
Jesse Klement
Tyson Klement
Bruce Luepke
Janine Luepke
Reader Cindy Weiler Janell Kopp Jim Christopherson Wayne Hagen Jerry Marden
Communion Assistants
Amanda Gronski Janine Luepke
Kelly Lawrence
David Knecht Amy Weber
Teri Schorer
Cindy Weiler Penni Cloud
Jan Ammons
Jody Scidmore Inez Fosberg
Dennis Kopp
Assisting Minister Janell Kopp Penni Cloud Jenny Nieman Brandon Kopp Cindy Weiler
Acolyte Carson Kilty Sam Soback Aidan Griepentrog Blake Engevold Brooke Suckow
Basket bearer Abby Wilke Dani Soback Braden Kieffer Savana Weyer
Hospitality Aliyah Anderson Jesse Klement Lori Cook Kristy Kieffer Jenny Nieman
Communion Set up: Teri Schorer Bread baker: Janell Kopp
Spencer July Serving Schedule
10
2017 July Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
25 9:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Worship at
Riplinger
26 27 5:00 PM COME
28 29 30 1 8:00 AM - 12:00
PM Council
Retreat
2 9:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Worship at
Riplinger
3 4 Church office closed Happy 4th!
5 Pastor on vacation
6 Pastor on
vacation
7 Pastor on vacation
8 Cross
Generational
Event in
Clintonville
Pastor on
vacation
9 Pastor on vacation
9:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Worship at
Riplinger
10 Pastor on
vacation
11 Pastor on vacation
12 10:00 AM Death Cafe
6:30 PM Death Cafe
13 14 15 8:00 AM Stamp
class
16 9:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Worship at
Riplinger
6:00 PM Council meeting
17 5:30 PM
Worship
Planning Team
Meeting
18 19 20 21 22 Anniversary
Party
6:00 AM Mission
Trip Group
23 Mission Trip Group in NY
9:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Worship at
Riplinger
11:45 AM Riplinger
Quarterly Meeting
24 Mission Trip
Group in NY
25 Mission Trip
Group in NY
5:00 PM COME
26 Mission Trip Group in
NY
27 Mission Trip
Group in NY
28 Mission Trip
Group in NY
29 8:00 AM - 12:00
PM Bridal
Shower
decorating
30 Mission Trip Group
returns home
9:00 AM Worship
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Mat-
ter Bridal Shower
11:00 AM Worship at
Riplinger
31 7:00 PM Turkey
Dinner Planning
Meeting
1 2 3 1:00 PM
Riplinger WELCA
4 5
Save the Date for our Fall Dinner Sunday, October 29, 2017 held at
Spencer. This is a joint effort between St. John’s Spencer and St. John’s
Riplinger. It will be a turkey feast with plenty of opportunities for you to
be involved. All proceeds will be split equally between the two churches.
The next planning meeting is Monday, July 31 at 7 pm.