St. John’s UCC
July Newsletter
Monroe WI
Worship Services
8:00am and 9:00am at St. John’s
9:00am Faith Zone Summer Worship Option
in the Christian Education Wing
9:00am Nursery in the
Christian Education Wing
10:30am Worship at
St. Clare Friedensheim Chapel
Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:00am – 4:00pm
Friday: 8am - Noon
Need to be in touch
Senior Minister Rev. Todd Hackman
[email protected]
Interim Associate Minister Rev. Tiff Bates
[email protected]
Director of Music/organist Robert Haigler
[email protected]
Faith Zone Director Gary Neuenschwander
[email protected]
Christian Education Program Administrator
Val Blum [email protected]
Accounting and Business Manager
Judy Hale [email protected]
Office Administrator Yvonne Tornow
[email protected]
Hospital: If you or a loved one is admitted to the
hospital, please contact the church office
(325-2165). This will insure your pastoral care
needs are met in a timely manner.
Come Experience God
in the Beauty
of the Great Outdoors.
You are invited to join the fun at St. John’s Camp
Creation
August 12-14
9 – 12 noon
Intended for grades K-8,
Older youth may volunteer as counselors.
Drop off and pick up at each specific location.
Cost: $15 includes a Camp Creation T-shirt,
snacks and supplies.
Register: Go to the St. John’s web site
www.stjohnsuccmonroe.org click on Camp
Creation and it will prompt you to register or
telephone the church office at 325-2165.
Deadline: July 29
Camp Creation Agenda
Day One: Kiwanis Youth Cabin
Nature hikes
Bird and plant identification
Games – Campfire - Crafts
Day Two: Rieder’s Farm
Tour the farm
Pet and feed small animals including
fainting goats
Hayride - Games
Day Three: Twining Park
Face painting - Puppet making
Disc Golf - Water balloons
Playground - Crafts
Stewardship Report
May Offering
$22,154.01
May Expense
$33,958.10
Senior High Youth Fellowship
Year to Date Offering
$126,766.45
Year to Date Expense
$175,820.91
“Five Practices
of Fruitful Congregations”
Radical Hospitality. Passionate Worship. Intentional
Faith Development. Risk-taking Mission and
Service. Extravagant Generosity. These “Five
Practices of Fruitful Congregations” are the time
tested, theologically sound, and effective means
congregations use to fulfill their mission with
excellence and faithfulness to the glory of God.
These practices stir the church to unexpected
renewal and expanded vision. Fruitful
congregations are called to change the world, not
just to keep the doors open and maintain the rolls.
God is at work through congregations to transform
lives.
Hopefully the idea of these Five Practices is not
new to you any longer. They have been lifted up as
a vision at St. John’s UCC to guide us in our
ministries. Here’s an update: the Church Council
each received a copy of the book and immersed
themselves in the ideas during their retreat back in
February. The respective committees responsible
for each of the “Five Practices” have been
introduced to the ideas specific to their ministries.
Each group is to create a new ministry, practice, or
vision based on their particular practice. There is
some good work already progressing with this.
But the vision of the “Five Practices” is not just
work for committees to be busy with. It is for each
member to adopt as their own. Consider your
practice of Radical Hospitality – have you invited
someone to worship lately? Do you support the St.
John’s ministry with Extravagant Generosity? On
any given Sunday, are you Passionate as you
worship?
This is your invitation to bring your best to the
vision to be a part of a Fruitful Congregation that is
St. John’s United Church of Christ.
Peace,
Pastor Todd
Heads to New Orleans
On July 11th, 4 adult leaders and 11 youth will set
out to New Orleans, Louisiana for a week of
mission work. Participants serve in a variety of
ways during a Youthworks mission trip. Students
may spend all week at one service site or switch
between sites during the week. Examples of service
sites that your students may participate in are Kids
Club and Work Projects. Kids Club is a hands-on
program led by your youth offering high-energy
games, crafts, skits, songs and interactive lessons all
designed to help kids learn about Jesus. Work
projects may include painting houses, performing
minor home repair, cleaning up debris, volunteering
in community gardens or other projects in the
community. Youth arrive with a willing and flexible
spirit and they are all blessings to the community
and people in need. If you would like to learn more
about the Youthworks organization and the work
they do, please visit their website:
www.youthworks.com.
The theme for our week of service this summer is –
Upside Down Kingdom: Hope for what is coming.
Be part of what is here. And expect the unexpected.
Welcome to the Upside-Down Kingdom. “Your
kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is
in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10) The youth will be
having daily devotions and worship time focused on
this theme.
Lastly, the Senior High Youth and Leaders would
like to thank all who have volunteered, supported,
or donated to our fundraisers this past year! We
greatly appreciate all the support of our Summer
Work Trip. For updates and photos captured during
our trip July 11 -18th, check out St. John’s UCC
facebook page. Please keep us in your prayers for a
safe journey and a successful, spiritual trip.
“They answered Joshua, ‘We will do whatever you
command us, and we will go wherever you send
us.’” Joshua 1:16
Youth Ministry
With the completion of the 2015 Mission Trip to
New Orleans in July, Allison Phillips will conclude
her tenure as Youth Director of St. John’s UCC.
Altogether, Allison has spent six years in the youth
ministry with us. Her work has included continuing
the tradition of summer youth trips, weekly
fellowship gatherings, and multiple fund raising
efforts including the famous Baked Potato supper.
Allison says, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time
as senior high youth director and have been blessed
by the support of all the members.” We offer our
gratitude for her service and best wishes for Allison
in her future endeavors.
St. John’s UCC is excited
to announce Kimberly
Wilhite will become the
Youth Director beginning
August 1st. Kim has been a
member of St. John’s for
over ten years. During this
time she has been involved
in many church activities
including volunteering with
the youth group, teaching
in the Faith Zone, working in the nursery, serving in
the kitchen, and volunteering as an usher and
communion server. Kim is looking forward to
sharing her passion for the church with the youth. “I
understand the importance of creating an
environment for our youth members to be excited to
come to church and willing to participate in church
functions.” Welcome aboard, Kim!
Golf Outing
Anyone interested (Men,
Women or Teens) in St. John's
UCC Golf Outing please sign
up by July 26. The golf
outing information is;
Location: Wolf Hollow at Lena, IL
Date:
August 22, 2015
Time:
7:30am Registration and 8:00am
shot gun start
Cost:
$45.00 to $47.00 per person
(depends on cost of prizes)
Includes 18 holes of Golf &
1/2 Golf Cart
Contact: Pete Koch @ (608) 558-5411
This outing is a scramble (Best Ball) and you may
build a foursome or just sign up as a single and we
will build a team with you. If you are a single, the
sooner you sign up, we can start working on a team
for you. Come join in the fellowship and fun.
Confirmation Class of 2016
If you have an eighth grader and didn’t receive a
letter and registration form we extend an invitation
for your eighth grader to be a member of the
Confirmation Class of 2016. Please telephone the
church office 608.325.2165 or stop by the church
office to pick up this important information. We are
planning and organizing our next Confirmation
Class and we need to know how many to plan for.
Thank you.
Worship in the Park
On Sunday, August 16, our 9:00am worship
service will be held at the Twining Park Band
shell. This promises to be a special service with
music being provided by Pam Wyss and her
daughters and Tiff Bates and his family and other
special music being planned.
A fellowship time will be held after the
service. Feel free to bring lawn chairs or blankets…
and bring a friend as well.
This will be the only worship service on August
16-there will be no 8:00 or 10:30am services. In
case of rain, worship will be held in the Sanctuary.
Hope to see everyone there!!
th
Save –the –Date
October 4 St. Johns United Church of Christ, in
collaboration with other local churches and the
World Church Organization, will host a CROP
Hunger Walk. CROP Hunger Walks allow
communities to come together in a fun and healthy
way to raise funds and awareness for the growing
problem of hunger around the world. The CROP
Hunger Walk will consist of a 3 mile route around
Monroe with an optional 1 mile ‘short walk’ and
with fun facts and educational information dotted
along the way, the CROP Hunger Walk is a great
way to be active, stay informed and make an
impact. Partial proceeds will go to Green County
Food Pantry and to hungry families around the
globe. For more information on how you can get
involved contact Janelle Massey at
[email protected]. Together we will
make a difference.
Announcement
Books that you wish to donate to the church library
should be left at the office for approval before they
can be put in the library. Library Committee
Scrip
Want to help St. John’s financially? Buying Scrip
cards will do it! How would you like to help boost
our church budget with very little effort? Of course
we all want this and that is why we urge YOU to
become involved in our Scrip program. All you
need to do is purchase Scrip/gift cards either in the
office during the week or in the Library after the 8
and 9am services on Sunday mornings. These are
the very cards one finds in all stores offering gift
cards, but the advantage is that YOUR church will
financially benefit. Please make that extra effort to
buy your gift cards here at St. John’s. We THANK
YOU for your support.
Attention anyone with a July birthday. If you
would like a chance to win a $10 Scrip card and you
have a July birthday, place your name in the basket
in the Library Sundays after the 8 & 9am services.
The drawing will take place on August 2nd.
“Adopt a Bill”
Another way to help St. John’s financially. Located
on the bulletin boards by the library, in Fellowship
Hall, and at the entrance of the Christian Education
Wing, you will find a series of cards stapled to the
“Adopt a Bill” explanation sheet. These cards
represent many everyday expenses and future bills
that we have at St. John’s. Please remember any
amount you contribute to any bill is a great help to
St. John’s finances.
Thank you to
Shelley Muranyi for adopting Grandfather
clock repairs, youth work trip scholarship,
and das wunderbus.
The Armstrongs for adopting aprons, paint
markers, iTunes card and toys for the Faith
Zone.
Gary & Rhonda Rufenacht for adopting
utilities.
Joel & Sam Dutenhoefer for adopting
utilities, building repairs, and devotionals.
Annette & Dan Stormont, Jean & Bill Wyss,
Sarah & Mark Witke for adopting the Cantata.
Missions St. John’s Supports
Family Promise
During the week of June 14th -21st St. John’s hosted
four families made up of five adults and four
children, ages 2, 4, 5, and 8.
Thank you to all the faithful volunteers who have
helped with each hosting, everything went well.
From set up to take down, you did it all and I am
ever so grateful.
I am truly indebted to our St. Victor “buddies”,
especially coordinator, Kay Urban. She took over
and with her dedicated volunteers did double and
triple duty. They served 3 dinners meals, the
Saturday breakfast, and stayed over six nights!
Our next hosting will be the week of September
20th-27th. Please St. John’s members take a look at
your calendar and plan to volunteer your time that
week. Hopefully, I will be completely recovered by
then. Once again, thank you for all your help and
support of the Family Promise mission.
Melva and Henry Tschanz,
St. John’s Coordinators
Second Harvest Food Pantry
The Second Harvest Food Pantry comes to the St.
Vincent de Paul store the 3rd Thursday of each
month; the next visit is Aug. 20th. You need a
voucher to receive food so call the store for details.
If you could use extra food at this time, you are
encouraged to participate in this free distribution.
Green County Food Pantry
In the month of May the Food Pantry serviced 136
families or clients. Out of those
136 families there were 348
children. They also received 12
new clients. Our church gave
the food pantry 251 pounds
of food for the month of May.
The food is greatly appreciated. In July let's all
donate cans of fruit or bags of flour or sugar. There
is such a need for these items and our church is
known for our generosity so let's keep up the good
work.
Thank You!
A time of outreach. The following members/friends
of St. John’s volunteered to help at the June, Second
Harvest Food Pantry: Bev Blumer, Chris Sachs,
Shirley and Al Buri, Dar Schwarzenberger, Ken
Schindler, Donna Amacher, Ann Prophett, Cindy
Zimmerman, Sue Armstrong, Henry Tschanz,
Shirley Schindler, Keith Ginner and Gloria Rieder.
We appreciate the time you gave to distribute food
to members of our community.
Thank you! We appreciate the opportunity you
gave us as delegates to attend the annual Wisconsin
onference meeting at the Green Lake Conference
Center, June 11-14. The workshops, worship and
music were excellent. It was also refreshing to hear
about the efforts toward which the UCC is working;
Courage in the Struggle, was the conference theme.
Ann Prophett and Gloria Rieder
St. John’s Prayer Tree
When experiencing difficult times, St.
John’s Prayer Tree members encourage
you to telephone or email your request
to one of the following leaders of a
branch with your prayer requests. The
requests are confidential and are only passed on to
our branch. Written requests may be placed in a
locked box in the narthex of the church.
July 5 Denise Riese 325.2691
[email protected]
July 12 Kathy Bartel at 325.1068
[email protected]
July 19 Kris Winkler 325.9326
[email protected]
July 26 Gloria Rieder 325.6854
[email protected]
Church Records
Weddings
June 6 Jeremy Tiffany and Rianna Christen
June 13 Jonathan Elmer and Acacia Crube
June 20 Cory Kundert and Dana Gempeler
June 27 Keith Webster and Haley Trumpy
This is a picture of the Communion table at the
Wisconsin Conference Annual Meeting at Pilgrim
Center.
Thank you to everyone who brought food, sent
cards or called after my fall and during my recovery
from a broken ankle. Your kindness, and
thoughtfulness were truly appreciated.
Melva Tschanz
Baptized
Hannah Ruby Keepers, daughter of Jed Keepers
and Angela Erickson
Ana Renae Francois, daughter of Daniel Francois
and Erin Blumer Francois
Our sympathy to the family and friends of
Erma Klassy
Greg Boeck
Iona Ott
Edward McArdle
Memorials given to St. John’s
In Loving Memory of
Erma Klassy from
Dar Schwarzenberger
Helen Locher for Music
Gloria Rieder
Henry & Melva Tschanz
Edith Leuenberger
Lois Olson
Don Olin from
Dar Schwarzenberger
Memorials cont.
Ethel Binger from
Delores Balsley
Family & Friends
Greg Boeck from
Gloria Rieder
Henry & Melva Tschanz
Jim & Cathy Crubaugh
Kay Reichert
Henry & Melva Tschanz
Jane Paradowski
Erna Maske
Jack Oostdik & Rosemary Forcade
Ed McArdle from
Family & Friends for Music
Kevin & Kris Winkler for Music
Tim & Deb Newman
Amy Schwartz
Judy & Allen Frazier
Rosemarie Krupke
Edna Schuetz from
Family & Friends
Donald Van Wagenen from
Family & Friends
Monetary Gift was given to St. John’s
In Honor of
Mike and Kay Heath from
Ann Prophett
July Birthdays
To make our special birthday list you will need to
reach the young age of 75. The names with the * are
members who have reached the young age of 90
and ** members who have reached 100 or more.
1 Eldora Kundert
2 Shirley Buri
3 Margie Schilt
6 Jane Swenson
7 Edith Leuenberger*
8 Frieda Hale
8 Ruby Radke
12 Betty Vetterli
14 Harold Neuenschwander
15 Arnold Stalder
18 Bill Hubbard
20 Hedy Swiggum*
22 Belva Zwygart*
23 Athleen Schenk
23 Colleen Schulthess
24 Robert Halsted
24 Lois Heinzelman
25 Harley Kundert
25 Gloria Rufener
26 Esther Elmer*
27 Ila Duerst
27 Frances Wells
28 Charles Ingold
30 Rosemarie Krupke
July Anniversaries
This anniversary list consists of church members
celebrating at least 50 years of marriage and more.
Our Congratulations
July 3 Stewart and Christie Strait
July 10 Kenneth and Donna Kundert
July 23 John and Betty Daehlin
July 31 Bob and Nancy Faith
Those Serving at
St. Clare Friedensheim Chapel
July 5 Harlow and Ila Duerst, Hedy Wuetrich
July 12 Elton and Darlyne Segner
July 19 Royletta Moon
July 26
August 2 Barbara French, Carla Hartwig,
Jane Paradowski
Those Serving at St. John’s
July 5 8:00am
Communion Team 6: Dennis and Debra
Stoneback, Christine Beer, Jennifer Kramer, Virgil
and Carol Leopold, Peggy Meier, Marlea Steiner,
Ryan Stoneback, Michael and Angie Werth, Kevin
and Kris Winkler
July 5 9:00am
Usher Team 2: Henry and Melva Tschanz, Lee
Binkley, Dave Engerman, Gene Hilfiker, Roger and
Donna Hoesly, Helen Miller
Communion Team 7: Bryan and Sharon Buri, Jim
Glessner, Randall Ninmer, Daniel Rieder, Gloria
Rieder, Athleen Schenk, David and Holly Schmid,
Shawn Steinmann, Henry Tschanz
July 12 9:00am
Usher Team 3: David and Holly Schmid, Bryan
Buri, Jim and Jessica Riese, Walter Rufener,
William Schmid, Kevin and Kris Winkler
July 19 9:00am
Usher Team 4: David Wartenweiler, Brian and
Donna Geissbuhler, Daniel Hager, Richard Hager,
Ross Hamilton, Gerald Karlen, Frederick Kelley,
Kenneth Klassey, Jeffrey and Kathy Rufer
July 26 9:00am
Usher Team 5: Troy and Paula Ludwig, George
and Barbara Cromwell, Wendy Ellingson,
Darrell and Margo Indergand, Lois Kaster, Mitchell
Quade
August 2 8:00am
Communion Team 8: Joseph and Jackie Kundert,
Ramsey Benkert, Rita Benkert, David and Mary
Deininger, Chanda Deprez, Wendy Ellingson,
Rosemary Forcade, Jack Oostdik, Traci Pickett,
Jodee Stamm
August 2 9:00am
Usher Team 6: Charles Koch, David L. Deininger,
Keith Ginner, Steven Koch, Donald Rothenbach,
Donald Steiner, David Wald, Fritz and Rose
Wenger,
Communion Team 9: Brian and Donna
Geissbuhler, Randy and Sue Armstrong, Marlene
Bergemann, Ann Bush, Barbara French, Dave and
Lana Haffele, Walter Rufener, William Schmid,
Mark Steinmann
July Calendar
The July events that happen regularly on the
following days:
Sundays
6:00pm AA
Tuesdays
7:30pm Harmony every other Tuesday
Wednesdays
1:00pm Sewing Ladies
Thursdays
8:00pm AA
Other important events
Friday, July 3
Church Office Closed
Tuesday, July 7
3:45pm Orion
Wednesday, July 8 7:00pm Church Council
Tuesday, July 14
1:30pm Parish Visitors
Thursday, July 23
6:00pm Finance Committee
Tuesday, July 28
7:00pm Property Committee
Wednesday, July 29 10am Worship at the
Monroe Manor and then
worship at Astor
Life isn’t about how to
survive the storm,
but how to dance in the rain
Community Events
This beautiful creature welcomed guests to St.
John's one day last week after landing (and
spending considerable time) on one of the posts by
the covered drive. The staff has been told it is a
Lunar Moth. Take time to read about a Lunar Moth
it is a very interesting creature.
Breast Cancer Survivor Group
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
and their Parish Nurse Program
are beginning a new monthly
breast cancer survivor group for
anyone who has had breast cancer.
You are Invited to an Open House
at St Andrew’s Episcopal Church located at
2810 6th Street, on Wednesday, July 1st at
6pm-7:30pm (A light dinner will be served).
Please Join Us
More information is available by calling Betty Jo
Chessel at 608-214-8166, or Kris Wisnefske, RN
Parish Nurse at 608-558-7686. This group is open
to the public and all are invited to come and learn
more.
Washington Church Music Festival
Rain or Shine
July 4th 11am to 4pm
Food available all day
First Band at noon
Music by:
Greg Wild with Lonnie Wild and friends (variety)
Carl Hanson (Gospel Group Rockford)
Keith Zweifel with Bill Gempler, Gary Hendrickson
and Mark Gruenenfelder
Beal Street with Randy Schneeberger (Dixieland)
Admission: $5 suggested donation
Food: Taste of Washington
Quilt Raffle
On July 4, 1876 a celebration was held on the new
foundation of Washington Church including Music
and Food. Over the years this tradition has
continued with Washington’s reputation for good
music and good food. Directions from Monticello to
Washington Reformation Church. Take County C
west. Go 5miles, turn left on Church Road.
Oakley United Methodist Church
Ice Cream Social
Thursday, July 16
4:30-7:30pm
Adults $6
Kids 10 and under $4
Menu: Barbecue and Hot Dogs
Baked beans
Potato Salad and Fruit Salad
Cake, Pie and Ice Cream
Lemonade and Ice Tea
Oakley Union Church is located at W2388 Gerber
Road, (corner of Gerber and Union Roads), Juda
WI Bank & Trust
6th Annual Brat Day Fundraiser
July 24th
to benefit Family Promise
Serving begins at 11am until 2pm or until gone.
Loaves and Fishes: The next free community meal,
Loaves and Fishes, will be Sunday, July 26th at
4:00pm -6:00pm at the Grace Lutheran Church.
Always the fourth Sunday, always at Grace
Lutheran Church and always no charge, and always
everyone is welcome.
F.A.I.T.H. Fighting Addiction: It Takes Help
5K Run/2 mile Walk
Saturday, August 29
7:30am Registration and Packet Pick-up
9:00am Race Time
Entry Fee: Adult $25
Student (high school and younger)$15.
Includes race t-shirt and bag.
Registration form and payment must be received by
August 16th to guarantee your shirt
Prices go up August 17th so register early.
The race will start and finish at the Monroe Clinic
All proceeds will benefit the Substance Abuse
Program of Green County Human Services check
out race details at:
www.faithgreencounty.wix.com/addictionawareness
questions contact Jackie at 608.328.2832
More Step Pictures