St. John Lutheran Ministries
Church - 675-3155/ School - 675-3605/
Childcare -675-4039
Battle Creek, Nebraska
Newsletter March 2017
Connecting People in the Heart of Jesus
This Salutary Gift
“We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift…” So begins one of
the collects or prayers we use on occasion after receiving Christ’s body and blood. What does ‘salutary’ mean?
Salutary: adjective: producing good effects, beneficial. This gift of God in the Lord’s Supper, is most certainly a
salutary, that is a beneficial gift. Sometimes we need reminding of just how precious and beneficial this blessed gift
is. This Lenten season, we examine this salutary gift.
The chief blessing of the Lord’s Supper is made clear by the words of Christ’s institution: “Given and shed for
you for the forgiveness of sins.” The forgiveness of sins, won for us on Calvary and offered in the Sacrament of our
Lord’s body and blood truly makes this blessed Supper a “salutary gift.” While the chief blessing and benefit of the
Lord’s Supper is the forgiveness of sins, there are several different images and metaphors used by Holy Scripture to
highlight the blessings of the Lord’s Supper, many of which are reflected in our hymns.
Consider the following examples: In Stephen Starke’s hymn “The Tree of Life,” the Lord’s crucified body and
blood are depicted as a life-giving fruit that flows from the tree of the cross. “For all who trust and will believe,
Salvation’s living fruit receive. And of this fruit so pure and sweet The Lord invites the world to eat, To find within
this cross of wood The tree of life with ev’ry good” (LSB 561:4). This fruit is contrasted with the fruit that Adam and
Eve ate in the Garden of Eden, bringing the world into sin and ruin. For the sacramentally minded Christian, it is not
difficult to connect this “pure and sweet” fruit with what is received, eaten, and drunk in Holy Communion.
Another benefit of the Lord’s Supper is its nourishing power. Martin Luther in the Large Catechism calls the
Lord’s Supper a “food of souls, which nourishes and strengthens the new man” (Part 5, par. 23). For this reason,
several hymns appropriately refer to the Lord’s Supper as “bread from heaven” or “living bread.” Stanza 1 of LSB
hymn 625 naturally reflects this: “Lord Jesus Christ, life-giving bread, May I in grace possess You. Let me with holy
food be fed, In hunger I address You.” These words remind the communicant who hungers and thirsts for
righteousness that God has lovingly prepared for him in the Sacrament a nourishing meal to strengthen him in his
lifelong journey towards the promised land of heaven.
Drawing upon the scriptural themes of healing, some of our hymns depict the Lord’s Supper as a healing balm
or medicine. A classic example of this is David W. Rogner’s hymn “Jesus Comes Today With Healing” (LSB 620).
Stanza one emphasizes the healing benefits of Christ’s body and blood: “Jesus comes today with healing, Knocking
at my door, appealing, Off’ring pardon, grace, and peace. He Himself makes preparation, And I hear His invitation:
“Come and taste the blessed feast.” Christians who are suffering from bodily ailments may take comfort in considering the Lord’s Supper as a healing medicine, seeing that the complete healing of their bodies in the resurrection
begins now with the healing of the soul in the Sacrament of the Altar.
More examples will be developed throughout the course of this Lenten series. The goal of this series is to set
before our eyes the many blessings and benefits of the Lord’s Supper, chief among which is the forgiveness of sins.
Our hymns help us in this regard by making connections that we might not otherwise make. They draw upon the
themes of Holy Scripture and teach us to appreciate the full range of blessings that are present when the faithful
are gathered around the life-giving, nourishing, and salutary gift of our Lord’s holy body and precious blood.
Rev. B.J. Fouts
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St. John Ministries
Bible Study Opportunity. The beautiful gift of God's love given and poured
out for us to eat and to drink, this salutary gift, is the Lenten theme this year.
In addition to devotionals, and midweek services we are looking for 5-6
families to open their homes to host a weekly Bible Study. All materials
provided. (All you have to do is open your home and get everyone on the
right page.) Please speak to Pastor Fouts to be a part of this opportunity.
(We would especially like people from a variety of age groups and
locations.)
Meals are again served this year before each service, starting at 5:30 pm to
just before 7:00 pm.
To better accommodate the residents of Community Pride the Pastors will be
holding services the 2nd Wednesday, and the 4th Thursday of every month at
10:00 am. Due to Ash Wednesday on March 1st they will hold services on that
day with no service March 8th.
If you would like to help us decorate our Chancel with Easter Lilies for
Easter. Please place $9.00 in a marked envelope with the name of the
loved one noted and drop it off at the church office or in the collection
plate. Make checks payable to the Altar Guild.
The Ladies of Altar
Guild are always
looking for new
members. If you
would like to join this
time honored
tradition of women
serving the house of
the Lord. Call Carol
Nelson at 675-6865
The Easter season is masked with several legends and folklores about the lily
and its religious significance. Easter Lily is the traditional flower of Easter and
is highly regarded as a joyful symbol of elegance, beauty, spirituality, hope,
and life. In Christendom the lily has come to symbolize the resurrection of
Jesus because of its delicacy of form and its snow white color , which adds
elegance, grace and fragrance to millions of homes and churches during the
spring time.
The bulb of these flowers buried in the ground represents the tomb of Jesus
and the glorious white trumpet-like fragrant flowers which grow from the
bulbs symbolize His life after death. The snowy white color stands for the
purity of the Divine Savior and the joy of the resurrection while the trumpet
shape signifies Gabriel's trumpet call to rebirth and new life.
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MARCH BIRTHDAYS
1 Breanna Fernau
1 Reagan Lewis
2 Brad Prauner
2 Jeanne Prauner
2 Valissa Tegeler
2 Adelinn Lyon
3 Lynette Straka
4 Crayton Marty
4 Larry Schick
5 Bart Fouts
5 Landon Bierman
6 Tammi Barry
6 Fred Dederman
6 Justin Uecker
7 Musy Kilonzo
7 Nic Schott
8 Presley Bierman
8 Nichole Lauritsen
8 Donna Rodekohr
9 Jeanie Barry
9 Ginger Howser
9 Jessica Fouts
9 Richard Kleider
10 Troy Kramer
10 Russ Tiedtke
11 Dan Preusker
11 Emilee Straka
11 Jeff Tiedtke
20 Laura Thomas
20 Brian Unkel
21 Julie Moenning
21 Kendra Praeuner
21 Diane Stoural
22 James Jurchen
22 Natasha Dahlberg
22 Patty Renner
22 Sara Harbottle
22 Megan Lutt
22 Roger Nicolay
22 Alexandra Schmidt
22 Jaylinn Schmidt
22 Sarah Harbottle
23 Gracie Hitz
23 Wayne Praeuner
24 Marisa Brauer
24 Michaela Brauer
24 Ron Haase
25 Theresa Acklie
25 Kally Praeuner
25 Jolynn Schaffer
26 Suzanne Buckendahl
26 Dwight Praeuner
27 Kirbi Alberts
27 Gary Borgelt
27 Doris Dederman
27 Elijah McKeown
11 John Werner
11 Mya Zohner
12 Don Bauermeister
12 Olivia Anderson
13 Neal Acklie
13 Jordan Eckert
13 Araina Schaffer*
14 Bob Mullner
14 Emma Trowbridge
15 Brian Anderson
15 Jane Brandstetter
15 Marcia Heller
15 Anthony Preusker
16 Ty Hitz
16 Conner Kramer
16 Lori Smith
16 Britlee Wragge
17 Abigail Eckert
18 Randy Howser
18 Matt Jones
19 Nadine Peters
19 Janet Ernst
19 Karla French
19 Barry Ponton
19 Deon Praeuner
19 Ben Wolken
19 Erin Wragge
20 A.J Hawthorne
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28 Sharon Bierman
28 Karon Jansen
28 Carol Praeuner
28 Nadine Wacker
29 Boston Reeves
29 Hannah Uecker
29 Taylor Hagemeyer
29 Paul Hrabanek
29 Gabriel Sovereign
30 Jessica Anderson
30 Dave Hrabanek
30 Marvin Praeuner
30 Coleman Vavra
31 Jim McCart
31 Rich Otjen
31 Vickie Rodekohr
31 Randy Sellin
31 Donna Smith
St. John Ministries Ladies Aid
The January Ladies Aid Meeting was called to order by Co-Chairman Sarah Tillman. We opened
with prayer and Sarah read devotions from the LWML "Happy Notes". We welcomed Carrie Knull
and Jessica Fouts as new members and are delighted to have them as members. The benefit for
our school teacher, Mrs. Bryant, was discussed. Sarah encouraged members to donate bars for
the benefit and also baked goods for the bake sale. Sarah brought up the topic of aid members
calling on elderly home bound members. This will be discussed at future meetings. The subject of
installing a dishwasher in our church kitchen was presented. Janice Aldag will chair a committee
consisting of Linda Seiler, LaDonna Roewert, Shirley Staver, Susie Carson and Pat Seelmeyer. A
request was received from Lutheran Bible Translators for an annual donation. We approved a $40
donation. Mites were collected as Joan Otjen read "Bread of Life" comparing our prayer life to types
of bread. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. Our meetings are held at 1:30 on
the last Thursday of the month and we welcome guests anytime.
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Who might this fun group be?
The Ladies of St. John LWML and
volunteers of St. John pitching in at
the Orphan Grain Train. This group is
so much more than just a monthly
meeting. Join them in love and
laughter as they show Christ’s love in
so many ways.
Join in on the fun and fellowship packing and sorting clothes for this
outreach ministry every first Friday on the month at 10:00 am. All
are welcome!
Cheesy Ham & Hash browns for Breakfast or Side Dish
1 32 oz. pkg frozen hash browns
8 oz. cooked diced ham
3 cans condensed cream of potato soup
1 16 oz. sour cream
2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 1/2 c grated Parmesan Cheese
Preheat oven to 375 lightly grease a 9x13in baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix hash browns, ham, sour cream, potato soup, Cheddar cheese. Spread evenly in prepared pan
and top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 1hr or until
bubbly and lightly brown. Serve while warm.
Youth and Family Ministry
Lent Devotions and Activities
Lent is the 40-day period during which we reflect on our sinful nature and our need for our Savior,
Jesus. There are devotion booklets and coloring pages available in the Narthex to go along with the
midweek lent message series. All are encouraged to attend these services on Wednesday evenings
at 7:00. Midweek services typically are about 30-40 minutes in length with a meal served at 5:30.
LIGHT Youth will be serving chili and cinnamon rolls on March 1st Ash Wednesday.
Mark your calendars...Sunday School Children K-4th will be
singing on Palm Sunday April 9th at the 10:30 service.
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Created by God, Built for a purpose
is this year’s theme for 2017 Vacation Bible School!
Mark your calendars for a VBS! Sunday , June 4—
Thursday, June 8th is the official VBS week. VBS activities
will be held at St. John school with meals at the church.
Students age 3—entering 6th grade are eligible to register.
This year our VBS leader will be Kelsey Schnoor and she is
already busy looking for volunteers, if you would like to
join in on the fun, her number is 402-992-0269. Watch for
future information about registration and how you can be
a part of this fun filled week!!
It’s never to late to join us for
Sunday School, every week at
9:15am at St. John school.
Already going? Invite a friend to
hear about Jesus and share the
good news!
LIGHT YOUTH ACTIVITIES FOR
MARCH
Thank you to everyone who
supported us by buying Super
Bowl Subs. We appreciate your
encouragement in our
activities. Also thank you to the
parents and everyone who
helped put it together.
Pancake Feed
The first Sunday of the
month—March 5th—is the
annual youth Pancake Feed.
We serve from about 10:30am1:00pm in the Parish Hall.
Pancakes Eggs , sausage & juice
will be served.
Ash Wednesday & Lenten Meals
Youth serve three of the six Lenten meals,
including the Ash Wednesday meal on March 1st.
Meals are served starting at 5:30.
Wednesday Night LIGHT March 8th meet in the
Parish Hall for the meal, then to the Lent service at
7:00 and concluding with a short devotion in the
Youth room after the service.
Sunday morning bible study at 9:15 in the Youth
Room.
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Lutheran High Northeast
Lutheran High Scholarships Dinner is scheduled for Sunday, March 19, 2017. Guest Speaker
this year is Rev. Gregory Seltz of the Lutheran Hour. This is a fund raising event for tuition
assistance for LHNE students. Reservations for this event are required. Please contact Fred
Aufdembrink at Lutheran High Northeast for more information. You can call him at
402-379-3040 or email at [email protected]. Deadline is Friday March 3.
For more information on any Lutheran High activity or to see a complete calendar, please visit our
website www.lhne.org
St John Lutheran School
On March 1st St. John enrollment opens to the general public. Early
enrollment helps with our budget and planning process. If you
know of families who may be interested in a Christ-centered
education for their children, please encourage them to contact the
school office by calling 402-675-3605.
Facebook.com/
stjohnbcschool
“If the snow makes your fingers too cold, quit throwing snowballs.” He didn’t listen. Nor did he
listen when I warned that clomping through the puddles of snow slush would make his pants an arctic
popsicle. Nor did he listen, when I warned that the ditch deep with wet winter slush would fill his boots
and make the jaunt home equal to a barefooted trek through a treacherous tundra.
It can be hard to let you children make bad choices. Our “Love and Logic” conference a few
weeks ago would say “let them make mistakes while the stakes are low.” Allow them to feel the natural
consequences of their actions and learn to reason, and to listen.
I didn’t warn to be mean or to put a boundary on his level of fun. I knew that stomping in the
slop would bring amusement… I get it… but I also knew the walk home would be terrible if he made that
choice.
Sometimes our own shortsightedness can resemble that of a 6-year-old in slush puddles. It
looks fun, we dive in, and later reap the consequences. Our God warns out of love. He knows the longterm outcome. So often, we view Him as a fun-hater when in reality, He gives us the law out of love.
Avery felt the consequences of him actions. The bitter-cold won, and he was left with tears
streaming as he didn’t know how to make it home. The law loves, but the Gospel saves. I made sure he
understood why he was in the mess he was before throwing him over my shoulder and carrying him
home.
How lucky we are, that though we are daily paralyzed by sin and become unable to get out, that
Jesus washes us clean, and our loving Father promises to carry us home.
Growing Together in Christ,
Mr. Onnen
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Children’s Scholarship Applications. Every year, The Children’s Scholarship
Fund of Omaha (CSF) provides scholarships for St. John families. Scholarships
are distributed based on financial need. The last day for applications to be
accepted is Friday, April 28th, late entries are not accepted.
“Come and see what
God has done; His
awesome in His deeds
toward the children of
Man.” Psalm 66:5
Feeling Blessed? Each year, the St. John / Lawson Walz Scholarship is exhausted as we seek to scholarship families in financial need. The 2017-18 school year
will likely be no different. If you feel as though St. John School has blessed you,
and you would like to share that gift with others who may not otherwise have
the opportunity, ask how you can contribute to the scholarship fund.
Celebration!!
Ash Wednesday is March 1st
Mr. Steven Whitney has accepted
our call to be the Director of Worship
& Music at St. John. His role in the school,
beginning in the 2017-18 school year, will include
teaching music to our Preschool-8th grade, leading
the Christmas Service, Musicals, and music for
chapel. Mr. Whitney is a talented individual with a
fun personality that will bring JOY through music
to our students. Praise the Lord!
Join us for worship! School Chapel, 8:30am Evening
Service, 7:00pm
What happens at Ash Wednesday?
You’ll see people come up front to get ashes put on
their foreheads in the sign of a cross. Where do we get
the ashes? We burn last year’s palm branches from
Palm Sunday.
Saying Goodbye
Miss Mary has informed us that she will
be resigning from the duties of our school librarian
due to various health and personal reasons. Miss
Mary has blessed us tremendously over the last
several years. She has related well with our
students, began our book fair, saw us through a
building project where she helped to raise most of
the funding for the library shelves, and has been a
grandma figure to our students. Her love of
reading and enthusiasm for books has been
contagious for our students. Praise God for
providing us with such a tremendous Librarian. Please keep Miss Mary in your prayers as she
transitions out from this position. Her last week
will be the week of March 19th.
Why do we put ashes on our heads?
Usually when someone gets dirty they realize that they
need water to get clean. The ashes that are put on our
foreheads in the shape of cross remind us of our dirty
sins that were piled on Jesus when he died on the cross
for us. The ash cross on our forehead also reminds us
of the first time the sign of the cross was made on our
bodies at Holy Baptism. There, in the water of our
baptism, we were washed clean with the blood of
Jesus, and the dirt of our sins was washed away
forever. The ashes of Ash Wednesday can help to
remind us of all of this.
For Parents:
At home after the service, when your children are
washing the ashes off, remind them once again that we
are washed clean of sin because of our baptism. Jesus
did all of this for us through His death on the cross
which we prepare for during Lent. Ash Wednesday is
the beginning of this time of preparation.
Wanted: Librarian
If you have a tremendous passion for
books and children, and would be
interested in working part-time (2-days per week),
please contact the school office.
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January 23, 2017 Church Council
The meeting was called to order at 8:05p.m. by chairman Larry Moenning. He led devotion and prayer.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved as printed.
Treasurer’s report: In reference to the Love Deeply and Widely building campaign, Judy Warneke reported a bill of
$17,133.25 to BC Builders will be paid without the need to borrow. The final bill will be $79,519.80. Cupboards
and shelving that were added after the plan was approved were donated by BC Builders in the amount of
$29,829.88. The endowment funds for 2016 disbursements are –church $6,700.54; School $2,198.63; Scholarship
$1,838.08. Jim Ridder moved to accept the report. Second by Randy Sellin. Carried.
Elders-Jim Ridder reported transfers in: Rev. Bart J. & Jessica Fouts & Hannah, Nathanael, Abigail, Elizabeth from
Trinity, Hebron, NE.; Casey (Peterson) Heller from Mount Olive Lutheran Norfolk. Released were: Kathryn, Troy,
Jordyn, Joey & Dylan Masilko to St. Mary’s Catholic Church David City, NE. Other items of discussion included the
candidate for music director visited the congregation. Letters sent to inactive members had a positive effect. Endowment recommendation from Elders is for 6 audio devices for the hearing impaired. A stipend for the music
coordinator was approved. Scholarship endowment suggestion is for St. John tuition assistance. Starting July 1,
Gary Volk will serve as elder chair, Neal Acklie as vice chair, Jeff Suckstorff as secretary.
Trustees by Matthew Geyer- estimates for carpet for the ramp, cry room and entry, and carpet selection were
brought to the council. The council will honor the decision made by the trustees. The money for this project is
from the Carol Grant memorial. Use of the gym floor for hockey and scooters will be on a trial basis for one
month.
Parochial Ed report by Nick Onnen was on the new fiscal year, Wendall Lewis will chair with Derek Zohner as secretary. Dedication, tours and the move into the renovated facilities all went smoothly. Three new students were
added to K-8 and preschool at semester. School endowment wishes are toward scholarships for St. John students.
Parish Ed will meet later this week.
Stewardship report by Jason Schmidt- Financial Peace University has 9 units taking the class. Stewardship is looking into St. John website being set up to accept donations toward the building campaign, and possibly direct deposit for congregational giving.
Evangelism report by Pastor Wright- Make up days for Life Touch photos for the directory will be added to the
August dates. A Lenten meal will be served by the committee. The first Tuesday in March a bloodmobile will be at
the church. Child care report by Mike Goodwater- Everything has been moved to the renovated area and all
equipment is working well. Infant care should be full by August.
New Business- All committees are to be seeking candidates for nominations. The next council meeting will be
February 20. A 6pm meal will be served and followed by an all ministry planning discussion.
Troy Kramer moved to adjourn. Randy Sellin seconded. Meeting adjourned. Pastor Fouts led us in prayer.
Karen Grant, secretary
March 12th
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Connecting people in the heart of Jesus. Serving the Lord’s House in March 2017
If you are unable to serve, please find a substitute and call the church office (675-3155) to correct the
bulletin.
Date
Time
Greeters
Wed Mar 1
Sat Mar 4
Sun Mar 5
7:00
5:00
8:00
10:30
Scott Lyons
Don Bauermeisters
Bruce Grants
Wed Mar 8
Sat. Mar 11
Sun. Mar 12
7:00
5:00
8:00
10:30
Ralph Glandts
Paul Sandalls
Barry Pontons
Wed Mar 15
Sat. Mar 18
Sun. Mar 19
7:00
5:00
8:00
10:30
Ron Herberts
Curt Wragges
Dennis Aldags
Wed Mar 22
Sat. Mar 25
Sun. Mar 26
7:00
5:00
8:00
10:30
Wed Mar 29
7:00
Rex Volks
Terry Carsons
Mike Goodwaters
Sat 5:00 Barrett Griffith
Readers
Elders
Ushers
Aldag
Kramer/Suckstorf
Acklie/Suckstorf
Nicolay/Kramer
Volk/Praeuner
Borchers
Volk
Borchers
Fleer
Volk/Praeuner
Acklie/Suckstorf
Nicolay/Borgelt
Volk /Praeuner
Wolf
Volk
Howser
Wolf
**************
Volk
Schick
Wrights
Nicolay/Ridder
Acklie/Sellin
Borgelt/Praeuner
Volk/Kramer
Acklie/Sellin
Sellin/Suckstorf
Kramer/Borgelt
Volk/Praeuner
Fleer
Volk
Borchers
Fleer
Borchers
Volk
Howser
Finkral
**************
Volk
Z & B Zohner
Andersons
*************
Volk
Howser
Finkrals
Kramer/Suckstorf
Fleer
***************
Oldehoeft
Aldag
Oldehoeft
Aldag
Sunday 8:00 Ryan Zohner
Sound Booth
**************
Volk
Howser
Stoural
10:30 Dylan & Ty Hitz
Midweek Service: Tucker Kirby
Lent Meal & Offering
Ash Wednesday March 1
Offering : Concordia Church Workers Scholarship
LIGHT: Chili Soup & Cinnamon Roll
Lenten II March 8th
Offering: Glenn C. Bauman Scholarship
Ladies Aid: Mexibuger & Potato Salad
Lenten III March 15
Offering : Lutherans For Life
Elders: Stuffed Pork Chop, Potato & Veggie
Lenten IV March 22
Offering: Lutheran World Relief
LIGHT: TBA
Lenten V March 29
Offering: Lutheran Family Services & Camp Luther
Evangelism: TBA
Lenten VI April 5
Offering: Lutheran High Scholarship
LIGHT: TBA
Maundy Thursday April 13
Offering: Orphan Grain Train
No Meal
Good Friday April 14
Offering: Local Humanitarian Aid
No Meal
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