The year 2017 marks the international observance of the 500th anniversary
of the Reformation. In honor of that anniversary, our Lenten series is
built around Luther’s Small Catechism. The Small Catechism was designed
as a teaching tool of the faith, not just within the church but in the home.
Luther intended for the home to be the place where faith was first shared
and taught. To that end he created the Small Catechism- a simple
explanation of the Ten Commandments, the Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, and the sacraments.
He included basic prayers for morning and evening and suggested ways to worship, praise and
revere God during each part of our day.
During our Wednesday’s in Lent, we will explore the Small Catechism and rediscover its
meaning for today. Join us Wednesdays at Noon or 7:00 pm.
Lenten Devotional - Free Indeed
February 26
Chili Cook-Off
March 1
Pick up a copy of this year’s Lenten Devotional Free Indeed. The devotional brings Luther’s
Small Catechism into your home or devotional time during this year of observing 500 years of
reformation. Each day features a reading from the catechism accompanied by an evocative
image, a quotation to ponder, a reflection, and a prayer. The writers bring their unique voices
and wisdom to reflect on Luther’s teachings on the basics of the Christian faith and practice.
April 9
Palm Sunday
April 16
Easter Sunday
February 26 at Noon
Its the most wonderful time of the year
With the bowls cling and clanking
and everyone telling you to try the best chili of the year
Its the most wonderful time of the year.
The annual St. James Chili Cook Off will be held Sunday, February 26th from Noon - 2:00
pm. The cost will be $5 per person at the door with all proceeds going to the St. James Youth
Ministries. Included in the cost, you will get a bowl of chili, all the toppings to go with it,
cornbread, dessert and a drink. Then you’ll be able to sample the contestants chili and vote
for your favorite.
So come on out February 26th and enjoy the best chili in town, some great music, laughter
and conversation amongst friends, all while benefiting the youth of St. James! For more
information, contact Rob Frederick, Chili Master, Chili Hall of Fame inductee #5150 at 8458661 or [email protected]
A Monthly Newsletter
Ash Wednesday
Noon & 7:00 pm
worship
Volume XVII, No. 2
Building Project
Long-term
Financing
Congregational
Vote
Mark your calendars:
March 19 @ 9:40 am.
February 2017
FROM THE PASTOR...
Reformation 500 and Lent
It has been 500 years since Martin
Luther nailed his 95 thesis to the
door of the Castle Church in
Wittenberg Germany, ushering in the
Reformation. Scholars tell us that
Luther never intended to break up
the church, he only intended to
reform it. Although there were a
number of points which Luther
wanted to discuss (95 to be exact)
chief among them was the doctrine of
Justification. The understanding that
we are justified by faith, as Luther
would later say, is the doctrine by
which the Church stands or falls.
And now, all these years later, there is
wide acceptance of this article of
faith.
This year during lent we will revisit
much of Luther’s writings and
thoughts on the Christian faith. We
will look at what Luther said about
grace, faith and the life of a
Christian. We will also look at the
context in which Luther made his
remarks, and now, 500 years later
what has changed and what has stayed
the same. Of all the things Luther
said about the Church, perhaps one of
the most valuable was this: Ecclesia
semper reformanda est.
Roughly
translated, this statement means: The
church is never “reformed”, but always
in the process of being reformed. In
the dynamic, fast- paced world in
which we live, structures are often in
need of being evaluated to determine
their effectiveness. What is more, what
we focus on has a profound impact on
how we live our lives. For Luther, it
was justification by faith, because
there was too emphasis on works and
a misunderstanding that you could
literally buy your way into heaven.
That is not the central issue for
Christians today.
For many
Christians today, it is understanding
what it means to believe in God in the
midst of a pluralistic and secular
society. That is something Luther and
his reformation colleagues did not
need to deal with, and yet it is one of
our central issues today.
Join us on our Lenten journey, as we
look back on 500 years of the
Reformation, and as we look at what
it means to be a Christian in the
world today. We will gain clarity and
instight from Luther’s writings, as well
as strength and encouragement for
our own life and faith.
Blessings on your Lenten Journey,
Pastor Kurt
ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Phone: 608.845.6922
www.stjamesverona.org
Fax: 608.845.6903
WORSHIP
Saturday - 5:00 pm
• Sunday - 8:30 & 10:45 am
OFFICE HOURS
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday— 8 am to 4 pm
Wednesday — 8 am to 12 noon
STAFF
Kurt Billings, Pastor
Cell: 235-8122
Peter Narum, Pastor
Cell: 469-9625
Michelle Lichty
Parish Administrator
Emily Jeremiason
Office Assistant
Barb Roberts
Office Assistant
Paulette Spoon
Adult Choir & Handbell Choir
Susan Bubolz
Youth Choir Director
Rhonda Chalone Marilyn Doerfer,
Alex Ford & Jim Erickson
Accompanists
Barb Rasmussen, R.N.
Parish Nurse/Visitation Coord.
Heather Pearl
Director, St. James Preschool
Lynn Hauski, Holly Parker,
Lori Rudy & Stacy Zimmerman
St. James Preschool
BOARD OF MINISTRY
Karen Breitnauer, President
Elise Taft, Vice-President
Kim Feller, Treasurer
Sue Martin-Zernicke, Secretary
Dennis Beres
Lee DeBaillie
Jim Rognstad
Jill Sommers
John Walker
848-8297
437-7954
845-6425
246-2025
845-9305
848-1012
497-1132
845-2693
845-8732
TREASURER’S REPORT
The 2017 Operating Budget approved by the congregation at the semi-annual meeting on February 5, 2015 totals
$555,000, which represents a 4.7% increase from 2016 receipts and a 1.3% decrease from the 2016 Budget. For the 2017
Budget, $533,000 of the income budget is from Operating Envelopes and/or those contributions received through
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
January/YTD Receipts
Total
Offering Envelopes/EFT
Actual
$35,998
$34,759
Budget
$39,000
$38,000
January/YTD Receipts
Total
Offering Envelopes/EFT
Increase (Decrease) from Budget
Dollars
Percent
($3,005)
(7.7%)
($3,241)
(8.5%)
Prior Year (P/Y)
$35,328
$33,620
Increase (Decrease) from P/Y
Dollars
Percent
$668
2%
$1,139
3.4%
The following graph shows the Operating Envelope/EFT Receipts for 2017 in comparison to the Budget and the Prior
Year:
BUILDING FOR GOD’S TOMORROW CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Pledges total $1,435,000 towards the Capital Campaign goal of $1,500,000. The estimated
project cost is $3.5 million with up to $2.0 million financed as long-term debt. When
construction is finished as planned in 2018, the debt reduction phase of the Capital Campaign
will start in order to significantly pay down on the mortgage within the first three to five years
after construction is completed.
Pledge dollars received to date as part of the three-year pledge campaign total $849,478 as
summarized below:
With the building project beginning this spring, our St. James staff is moving their office space to prepare for the
renovation and expansion. The Pastors’ offices, Conference Room, and office staff, plus copy/workroom will be moved by
the end of March. Temporary offices will be located on the lower level south side of the building. Once construction
begins, our main office door will be on the South side of the building accessible from the parking lot although the elevator
will remain in use at all times during construction. Due to the move, two current Sunday School classrooms will be
moved to the partitioned area behind the wall in the Fellowship Hall. The old theater has been converted to a large
storage space.
The Library and Nursery will be maintained in their current state through the end of this year’s Sunday School session.
Stay tuned for more details. Construction is scheduled to begin in April.
UPCOMING EVENTS...
Sunday, February 26th at 5:00 pm
Ordinary Grace, by William Kent Krueger.
New Bremen, Minnesota, 1961. The Twins were playing their debut season, ice-cold root beers
were at Halderson’s Drug Store soda counter, and Hot Stuff comic books were a mainstay on
every barbershop magazine rack. It was a time of innocence and hope for a country with a new,
young president. But for thirteen-year-old Frank Drum it was a summer in which death
assumed many forms. When tragedy unexpectedly comes to call on his family, Frank finds
himself thrust into an adult world full of secrets, lies, adultery, and betrayal.
On the surface, Ordinary Grace is the story of the murder of a beautiful young woman, a
beloved daughter and sister. At heart, it’s the story of what that tragedy does to a boy, his
family, and ultimately the fabric of the small town in which he lives. Told from Frank’s
perspective forty years after that fateful summer, it is an unforgettable novel about discovering
the terrible price of wisdom and the enduring grace of God.
March 1st, 2017 at 6:00 pm
Join us this month for fellowship and dinner at the Community Meal. We are serving Tater Tot Casserole, Salad, Bread,
Brownies for dessert and Milk, Coffee and Lemonade. Take a break from cooking! All are Welcome.
The Men's Bible Study will be meeting at St. James on Monday, March 20th, at 6:30 pm. We will be continuing the study
of Pressure Points by Chip Henderson, focusing on the book of James. All men are welcome to attend. Contact Rob
Frederick for further information.
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY
What a wonderful time we had decorating cookies,
playing games, making cards and enjoying fellowship
at the Family Friendship Party! Thank you to all who
came and/or donated supplies. Over 60 colorful
and creative cards were delivered to the homebound
members of our congregation as a way to share and
spread Jesus’ love!
Coming up in Sunday School…
March 5th
Lent 1 Lesson: The First Sin Genesis 3:1-24
March 12th
Lent 2 Lesson: Abram’s Call Genesis 12:1-9
March 19th
Lent 3 Lesson: Woman at the Well John 4:5-42
March 26th
*All Sunday School Movie Day
Questions about Sunday School or interested in volunteering?
Contact Holly Parker at [email protected]
First Communion
All Third Grade students are invited to participate in First Communion Instruction! This is a
very exciting time in the 3rd grade student’s life. There will be two First Communion Classes,
both of which should be attended by the student and a parent. First Communion Bread baking will be a take-home
project this year with details following soon.
Sundays, April 2 & April 9 at 9:40 am: First Communion Classes
Thursday, April 13th at 7:00 pm: First Communion Service
*If your child is not in the Third Grade but you feel that he/she is ready for their First Communion, please contact Pastor
Kurt Billings at [email protected].
March 15 @ 6:00 pm
Grades 4 — 8
In February, youth in grades 4-8 joined together to share
a delicious appetizer meal, played games and created
beautiful cross paintings for the nursing home.
We hope you can join us for our next gathering:
March 15th 6:00 pm — 7:30pm featuring a St. Patrick’s
Day Potato Bar, fun games, activities and conversation
and a short devotion.
Q ue st i on s? C on t act C i n d i S ta mp f l i
[email protected] or Jill Sommers
[email protected]
at
at
Due to construction, VBS will not be offered at St. James this summer. Many other local and area
churches also offer great VBS programs. Please contact Holly Parker at [email protected] if you
would like assistance finding one.
Like “Youth Ministry at St. James” on Facebook to receive the updates, reminders, and lots of great pictures.
It’s a fun way to keep track of the many ways our kids are receiving, growing, and giving here at St. James.
FROM THE PARISH NURSE...Barbara Rasmussen, RN.,CPN
Kidney Facts: One in three American adults are at high risk for
developing kidney disease today. High blood pressure, diabetes, a family
history of kidney failure and being over 60 are major risk factors for
developing kidney disease. One in nine American adults has kidney
disease --- and most don’t know it! Early detection and treatment can slow
or prevent the progression of kidney disease. Kidney disease risk can be
reduced by controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, quitting smoking,
regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive use
of pain medications.
March 12
Blood Pressure Checks
are taken the second
Sunday of each month
at 9:40 am in the
Church Office.
The National Kidney Foundation is calling on all Americans to take five healthy steps for their kidneys:
Get Tested. Ask your doctor for an ACR urine test or a GFR blood test annually if you have diabetes, high blood
pressure, are over age 60, or have a family history of kidney failure.
Reduce NSAIDS. Over the counter pain medicines, such as (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can harm your
kidneys). Reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never go over the recommended dosage.
Cut the Processed Foods. They can be a significant source of sodium, nitrates and phosphates, and have been linked
to cancer, heart disease and kidney disease.
Exercise Regularly. Regular exercise will keep your bones, muscles, blood vessels, heart and kidneys healthy. Activity
for at least 30 minutes daily can also help you control blood pressure and lower blood sugar, which is vital to
kidney health.
Control Blood Pressure and Diabetes. High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of kidney disease and
kidney failure. Managing both can slow the progression of kidney disease.
To locate a KEEP Healthy screening near you, or to learn more about the kidneys and risk factors for kidney disease, visit
www.kidney.org/KEEPHealthy.
God’s Blessings,
Barbara RN, Parish Nurse
Turn your thoughts toward knitting or crocheting prayer shawls and you will contribute to a very rewarding outreach
ministry at St. James. The shawls are prayerfully made and bring comfort by wrapping the recipient in the warmth and
hugs of those prayers. The shawls and a prayer card are given to parishioners and others who have a special need for prayer
due to illness, surgery, a life changing event or trauma, death of a loved one and various other reasons. A white baptismal
prayer shawl and prayer card is given to each baby at their baptism.
Prayer shawl workshops are held the first and third Wednesday of every month from 9:00 am — 11:00 am in one of the
class rooms at the Sow’s Ear, 125 S. Main Street, Verona. After our opening prayer we spend time chatting and knitting
or crocheting over tea or coffee. New participants are always welcome and there is yarn available for your use in the church
office. February Prayer Shawl Workshop dates are the 1st and 15th.
If you have questions about this ministry please contact Judy Fetherston at 845-6086.
Upcoming Fundraiser
Plan to dine out at Sugar River Pizza on Tuesday, February 21st ! Ten
percent of the proceeds from the day will benefit the St. James Preschool!
The kids are going to be doing a Read-a-Thon the month of March. If you
would like to pledge money or donate to our Read-a-Thon, you can contact
Heather at [email protected].
In February, we had pajama week and ended the week
with a Pancake/Pajama party in the church basement.
This is always a favorite event of our kiddos. The kids got
to design their own pajamas, build with blocks, make
pancake batter, play on our scooters, read in forts, watch
bedtime movies, and eat pancakes that some of our
parents cooked. We all had a great time!
In Pre-K the children are finishing up their Buildings
unit. They have been busy using temporary mortar to
build with real mini bricks.
W
PARISH NOTES
e remember in our prayers — Members of St. James:
Robin Clisso, Laurie Hambrecht, Kirsten Hansen,
Cheryl Latsch, Lynn Marquardt, Marie Parnow, Don Patch,
Carol Path, Monica Pechan, Maureen Rand, Charles & Ruby Reuter,
Franklin Schwenn, Amanda Spencer, Dodie Syvrud, Dale Thompson &
David Thompson. Friends of St. James: Eric Jelinek, Linda Kelly, Mark,
Jennifer, & Laura Schurman. Relatives of Members: Helen Abplanalp
(mother of Chuck Abplanalp), Tom & Gretchen Biggins (cousins of Elise
Taft), John Bittrich (father of Elise Taft), Anne Bloomer (Rob Frederick’s
grandmother), Genevieve Fleury (grandmother of Mike Piché), Brad
Hafermann, (brother-in-law of Sandy Saether), Hillary Knobloch (niece of
Sandy Saether), Don Koch (brother of Cookie Thompson), Al Miller
(brother-in-law of Cookie Thompson), Sally Mueller (sister of Susan
Mueller), Hank Murphy (great nephew of Jim & Mindy Storch), Ruth
Olson (sister-in-law of Judy Dettwiler), Craig Parman (brother-in-law of
Sandy Saether), Norman Schroeder (brother of Marilyn LeMoine), Don
Waalen (father of Karen Breitnauer), David Wallace (father of Sheri
Doyle), Chris Watters (brother of Ben Watters), and Julie Wiegel (cousin
of Barb Rasmussen).
Ernest Stuber, Marvin & Cookie
Thompson; Oakwood West—Adeline
Otterness and Lorine Kahl. St. Mary’s
Care Center — Olga Ascher and Bill
Gilbert.
Willow Pointe - Betty
Burgenske.
Willow Pointe Memory
Care Dodie Syvrud.
S
erving in the Military: Rob Heitz,
Hannah Tordoff, Bryan Tordoff, Dan
Sullivan, Adam Jeziorski, Casey Biggins,
Mark Nyhus, Ryan Nyhus, Adam Pechan,
Casey Pulver, David Pulver, and Shandra
Pulver.
C
hristian Sympathy is extended to
the family of Heidi Peterson as they
mourn her death.
In Residence: Four Winds - Robert & Roberta Miller, Dona Nyhus, and
Maureen Rand; Girlie’s Manor at Ingleside - Duane Eliason; Noel Manor
— Lorraine Crownhart, Dale & Audrey Hagen, Margaret Hendrickson,
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
427 South Main Street
Verona, WI 53593-1492