St. John’s Connections - May 16, 2024 | |
Give Thanks and Put Faith into Action | |
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How should we respond to God’s love and His very presence? How should we give thanks for God’s promises past, present, and future? What is an appropriate offering to the Lord?
Your pastors and leaders invite every member to use the months of May and June as a special opportunity to rejoice, pray, and give thanks to God... to put faith into action as part of the body of Christ, His Church. Once again, this spring, you will see green envelopes in the pews for a St. John’s “Thank Offering”. Please join us in this holy time of giving thanks.
How are you doing thanking Jesus and supporting His Kingdom’s work through your sacrificial financial offerings to Him? As you review your giving, perhaps you are doing better than you thought possible. Praise God! Maybe you are a little behind... maybe a lot behind. Perhaps you haven’t made an offering at all yet this year. Wherever you find yourself, consider this your invitation and opportunity to give a Thank Offering. God tells us, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). God wants your heart. Your offerings are used by God to change hearts, including your own. Offerings are a joy... not an obligation. God doesn’t need them (He already owns everything), but you do (1 Thess. 5:16-18). Let’s come together as God’s dearly loved people and encourage one another in all His promises. Let us rejoice, pray, and give thanks!
Indeed, we rejoice and give thanks to God for you!
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Save the Date for the 2024 Women’s Retreat | This year's Women's Retreat is September 20-22 at Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Registration opens June 1 and closes on July 19. Mark your calendar. More information is coming soon! | |
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The 2024 St. John's Guide Book & Directory Has Been Printed!
Watch your mailbox for a copy of the 2024 St. John’s Guide Book & Directory. It should be arriving in the coming week!
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Mom Café Summer Park Days | |
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YOU are invited... moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles! Bring the kids and come meet at parks in our surrounding area. Connect with new friends or keep in touch with old ones, beat the heat at a splash pad, and watch your kids run off some of that summer energy! No need to register... just show up when it works for you.
2024 Summer Park Days Schedule
(10:00 am to 12:00 Noon)
June 13 - Ridge Run, West Bend (East Entrance)
June 27 - Quaas Creek Park, West Bend
July 11 - Slinger Splash Pad
July 25 - Quaas Creek Park, West Bend
August 8 - Regner Park, West Bend (Beach House Entrance)
August 22 - Centennial Park, Cedarburg
Questions? Call Molly Groth at (507) 382-5309 or email: Mlundberg82@yahoo.com
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View the Congregational Meeting Video
and Provide Feedback
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“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” - Proverbs 15:22
Have you ever wondered what God is trying to tell you?
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God used his Prophets to speak to believers and non-believers. The citizens of Nineveh had Jonah after he got the courage to speak God’s warning to them (Jonah 4). The exiled Israelites had Jeremiah convey His plans of prosperity and hope for His chosen people (Jeremiah 29:10). The church in Corinth had Paul to keep them from wandering from Jesus’ teaching (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
But today, God works in much more mysterious and sometimes less obvious ways. But what we do know is that when two or more are gathered, He is there, speaking through His people. The question is, are we listening?
On April 28, the Leadership Board presented the latest update on the 30 Year Master Plan, including possible updates to the church, school, and Faith Haven. And then we, the Leadership Board, listened. If you couldn’t make it, the good news is that we recorded that presentation, and we are giving you the opportunity to watch and share your thoughts.
Above is the link to the St. John’s YouTube channel to watch the presentation and then when you are done, below is a link to answer two questions. Where or not you realize it, your feedback is part of God’s plan for St. John’s.
Click Here to View and Answer Two Questions
In His Hands,
Mike Bryan
Leadership Board President
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Attend the Family Life Conference: Passing on the Faith | |
In an effort to strengthen family bonds and instill lasting values, the South Wisconsin District’s upcoming Family Life Conference under the theme “Passing on the Faith” aims to provide attendees with invaluable insights and resources.
On June 8, 2024 at Concordia University Wisconsin, the conference will feature keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Todd Biermann and several break-out sessions geared towards equipping families with the tools needed to navigate life’s challenges while staying grounded in their faith. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or guardian, this event offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow believers and reaffirm your commitment to fostering a strong faith-based foundation within your family.
The cost is only $5.00 per person. There is also a discounted group rate. Registration closes on May 20.
Learn more about the conference and register to attend at www.swd.lcms.org/FLC.
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It's Time to Register for Vacation Bible School
July 8 - 12 • 9 am - Noon • St. John's School
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Families! Children ages 3 years (and potty trained) through 5th grade are welcome to participate in St. John's annual Vacation Bible School (VBS). It is set to cast off on July 8-12! The theme this year is Scuba: Diving into Friendship with God. Grab your dive buddies for a whale of a good time! At Scuba, kids plunge into an undersea world brimming with colorful coral, flashy fish, and abundant life. Immersed in oceans of fun, kids discover God is a real friend who loves them forever.
PLEASE NOTE: ACTIVE offers a subscription for their services to individuals, which has a cost of $89.95. This will probably be a pop up after clicking submit on the initial payment. Please pay attention to your screen or you may select the opt in and be charged that fee, which is NOT ours.
Register for VBS
Sign Up to Volunteer at Vacation Bible School
Calling all VBS Volunteers! It’s that time of year again when we are in need of strong, amazing, sweet, sassy, loud, quiet, Jesus-loving volunteers. Do any of those descriptive words describe you? I’m sure at least one of them did, so jump on board and join the team of VBS Volunteers. We are gearing up for another week of fantastic fun this summer (July 8-12).
Volunteers meet in the school gym at 8:30 am every morning during the week of VBS, so that you are ready to welcome your crews or jump to the station you will be helping. You are typically finished serving for the day at 12:15 pm.
We will be building the main set on June 1 from 8:00 am -1:00 pm at Our Redeemer! If you have any questions, please contact me, Desiree Titus, at dtitus@stjohnswestbend.org and I would me more than happy to answer any of your questions.
Sign Up to Volunteer at VBS
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Connect at Upcoming St. John’s Events | |
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Join Our Pew Maintenance Team!
St. John’s is looking for someone to join our Pew Maintenance Team who could volunteer every other week on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday (preferred) mornings after 9:00 am for about 1-1 ½ hours working with another team member.
Pew maintenance includes putting in scribble sheets for our “littles”, replacing offering envelopes, making sure pencils are sharp, straightening position of hymnals and bibles, picking up any garbage, and checking the attendance pads.
If interested in volunteering, please contact Lori Yogerst. Call her at (262) 334-4901, ext. 310 or email her at lyogerst@stjohnswestbend.org
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Quilters
• Monday, May 20
• Starts at 9:30 am
• Lower Level/Fellowship Hall
Our team of quilters meet each Monday at 9:30 am in the lower fellowship hall to make quilts that are sent out to people in need around the world. Join any time!
For more information about the Quilters Ministry, please call the church office at (262) 334-4901 or email: stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org.
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Baptism Class
• Monday, May 20
• 6:30 pm
• Church Nursery
The class is led by Doug and Mel Raddemann. This course is for anyone looking to be baptized themselves or for any parent who would like his or her child baptized at St. John's. The class introduces what we believe and confess about the amazing gift that baptism is for individuals and families.
Please RSVP to the church office if you plan to attend by emailing: stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org or calling: (262) 334-4901.
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Women’s Book Club
Our Women’s Book Club typically meets the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm. Come to all of our book club meetings or just the ones that fit into your schedule. We do not have a regular meeting location, but enjoy the hospitality of hosting each other. Please watch for the locations of each get together as they become available.
May 21: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Science Fiction). We are meeting at Christa Markworth's house (1341 Evergreen Street, West Bend).
Please contact Cheryl Wipperfurth at cwipperfurth71@gmail.com or Leah Mussel at lmussell@sjswb.org with any questions.
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Youth Events
BASH - Nerf Wars at St. Paul Lutheran/Grafton
• Sunday, June 2
• 4:00 - 6:00 pm
• Meet & Pickup at St. Paul Lutheran School Gym
• Grades 4 - 6
• 3 Church Youth Groups Will Be Attending
• FREE BBQ Dinner!
• Alan Can Drive 7 Youth (Parents Will Need to Drive Others)
Please call or text Alan Lull at (262) 707-9198 with questions about any youth events.
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Ladies Aid Meeting
• Thursday, June 6
• Starts at Noon
• Church Lower Level
This is our picnic meeting. Please bring a main dish or salad. We will have devotions by Pastor David and a short meeting after. Following the meeting we will play bingo. Please bring a $2 prize.
The Ladies Aid actively serves by providing meals for families following funeral services. They monthly meet in the lower level fellowship hall for a time of food, fellowship, devotional time, and a variety of activities. Ladies can join at any time.
If you have questions, please call Joanne Johnson at (262) 707-0899.
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Please join St. John's PPO at the Tap Yard to celebrate the end of another wonderful school year. We will have yard games, popsicles and raffles for those in attendance. Plus, 20% of all proceeds between 12:00-3:00 pm will be donated to PPO. The Tap Yard / Ackerman’s Grove address is 4875 County Rd Z, West Bend. See you there! | |
Secure Your Child's Spot at Camp Invention | |
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Grades: 1st - 6th
Location: St. John's Lutheran School
Date: June 17-21, 2024
Time & Cost: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm ($270 Before Discount)
Camp Director: Marcia Milam, Email: mmilam@sjswb.org
If you are willing to help children attend Camp Invention, click here to donate.
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The Twelve Forty-Eight is a young adult ministry for those in their 20s and 30s in the Milwaukee area who want to connect with other young adults through a variety of different events and Bible study. We have Bible study every second Friday of the month as well as planned events once a month.
If you have any questions or want to be added to our email/message chain you can contact one of the leaders, Leah Mussell at lmussell@sjswb.org or email the 1248 Ministry at 1248ministry@gmail.com. We would love to have you join us!
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For more information, visit their website at lwlhs.com. | |
Live Uncommon. Discover CUW. | |
Do you feel God's Calling to Become a
Pastor or Deaconess?
Click Here to learn more.
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Reach in Prayer • St. John's App • Daily Devotions | |
For a Digital Copy of the Connections Booklet, Click Here. | | |
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Saturday Worship
• 6:00 PM - Traditional
Sunday Worship
• 8:00 AM (Traditional)
• 9:30 AM - Blended (In-Person and Livestream)
• 11:00 AM - Contemporary
Wednesday Day School Chapel
• 8:30 AM (In-Person and Livestream)
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809 South 6th Ave
West Bend, WI 53095
Church Office: 262-334-4901
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