St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
2011 10th Street South
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
June 2017 • Volume 46 • Number 6
www.stlukeslutheran.com
[email protected]
Grow, Serve, Reach-Out
Through Youth Ministry
The purpose of this article is not to be critical of any church youth ministry work. Helping youth start to
develop their faith is a very important calling. It is my view that it is important for all of us, (children, youth,
parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other adults) to be involved in helping the youth shape
their Christian beliefs and life style. Each of us should help our youth develop a belief system and a life style
that will encourage them to continue to grow in their faith, love, serving, and reaching out, beyond confirmation class, beyond high school, beyond college.
I am going to raise a few questions, give you some of my views, all with the hope that I can get a few people
to dialogue about youth ministry. In reality I would like to dialogue about all ministry.
Question 1: What is the purpose of youth ministry?
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Is it to entertain them so they come back to have more fun?
Is it to encourage children and teens to take a serious look at what it means to be a follower of Jesus?
Does a congregation have a special role to play in the formation of people’s beliefs and life style?
Should an adult youth worker be a person who is well liked (just one of the group) or a person who is
respected?
For the purpose of starting a dialogue I will give a few of my ideas. I believe that
while numbers are important, it is not the best measuring stick. I am looking for
children and youth to start a journey of being committed followers of Jesus. That journey will not end until they leave this earth. While on this earth many events will be
opportunities, such as relationships (good and not so good), health issues (good and
not so good), educational experiences (good and not so good), in other words every
situation in life offers opportunity to grow as a follower of Jesus. A congregation that
places a high priority on making disciples of Jesus Christ will have a higher percentage of their children and
youth growing up to be followers of Jesus. If a congregation believes that making disciples of Jesus Christ is
a life time commitment of every person, and a higher and higher number of adults commit themselves to
being followers of Jesus, then the children and youth will have good role models to show them what it means
to be a Christian in all situations.
As we continue to be concerned about our youth, let’s work together to be good role
models for them and to help them develop a
closer relationship with Jesus.
In Christ,
Deacon Jim
SERVE
Grow,
Serve, Reach
REACH
GROW
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Dear Christian Friends,
Diplomas… caps and gowns… and mortarboards! It’s the time for graduations!
This has special meaning to our family this year as Lesly graduates from Wisconsin Valley
Lutheran High School. She will begin the ESL (English as Second Language) program at UW-SP for the
summer. This will prepare her for college classes this fall. Graduation doesn’t simply mark the end of a
school career… it’s a step toward the future … of the successes yet to come. As Christians we know that
God has a purpose for our lives and He always wants the best for us. But it is not the degrees and awards that
show our success or greatness. We are reminded in 1Samuel 16:7, “The Lord does not look at the things man
looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
In the book Graduate to Greatness , author Andrew James made an acronym of the word greatness based
on scriptural principals. G=gratitude for all blessings, R=reliability in all circumstances, E=enthusiasm in all
opportunities, A=accountability in all relationships, T=tenacity in all challenges, N=nobleness in all ambitions, E=excellence in all endeavors, S=sensitivity to people, S=spirituality in all decisions. The key to greatness is character and true greatness does three things: it pleases God, it serves others, and it brings you joy.
Many of our youth have found joy in serving others. As I was preparing materials for our 10th Twin Cities Servant Event I was asked how many youth have attended these trips to the Twin Cities. The number is
36 youth and 9 adults have participated and some multiple times. May they always have that heart to serve.
We will honor St. Luke’s high school graduates in the June 3rd 6 p.m. service and June 4th 10:30 a.m.
service. We will also have a display in the narthex of pictures and bios of graduates who supply us with information. A list of graduates is on the youth page. If you know someone who is graduating from college or
high school, offer your congratulations . . . It’s cause for celebration! May all these young adults strive to
have hearts that please God.
Blessings on your summer,
Martha Strong, DCE
Feed My Starving
Sundays beginning June 4
Children Offering
A Praying Life , Connecting with
God in a Distracting World, by
Paul E Miller, in the Fellowship Hall
led by Martha Strong.
June 10 & 11
Twin Cities Mission Trip
As we head to the Twin Cities for our 10th anLet’s face it, prayer is hard! This is a study for any Chrisnual mission trip we will be packing food at
tian that wants to dig deeper into his/her prayer life. The
Feed My Starving Children a favorite activity
author, Paul E Miller, shares from his life experience and
on our trip. Each meal costs 22c , even small
brings prayer struggles and joys to life. There is a book that
change goes a long way. FMSC is 100% donor
you can read to be current on the lesson even if you are
funded. Thanks for helping save lives of chilaway for a Sunday. There is also a study guide for the 11
dren around the world.
weekly sessions. Book cost is $10.
The Belong Tour St. Paul, MN
Oct 20-21, 2017
BELONG is for every woman—for conservatives and liberals, young and old, married and
single, those who go to church and those who don’t, women of every background and race.
The Belong Team of speakers is - Jen Hatmaker, Shauna Niequist, Nichole Nordeman,
Melinda Doolittle and Deidra Riggs.
We still have 20 tickets with great premium seats. The conference is on Friday, 7 –10 p.m. & Saturday, 9:00
a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The cost is $50 for both days. Sign up with a $25 deposit or pay the whole amount at any
point. The balance is due Sept 20. It’s a great gift for a special woman in your life. Martha Strong is our group
leader and will also arrange a block of hotel rooms by the Mall of America for the event at an additional cost. We
carpool to the event. If you have questions call Martha at 715-572-4324.
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What’s on God’s Refrigerator Door?
If you are a parent or grandparent or even just an admirer of a young child, your refrigerator door may be the showcase of one or more paintings or drawings. To a visitor, that work of art may be just a mass of scribbles, but to the
one who loves the child it is a masterpiece. We love the gift because of the person who made it and gave it to us.
It is precious to us because it was a gift from the heart. The motive of the child was pure and loving.
Perhaps our gifts to God are similar. We’re such amateurs, such babies. God could accomplish His work so much
more efficiently by Himself. Our works, even if monumental by human standards, are just scribbles if God would
judge them in relation to His ability. Because He loves us, though—and loves us far more than a parent or grandparent loves a child—He looks at our works with eyes of love. He sees our hearts and knows we are motivated by love
and faith, and He is pleased. He is so pleased that, if He had a refrigerator, He’d use it to display our works done for
His glory.
God has given us gifts to use for this purpose—to glorify Him by serving others. In 1 Peter 4:10 we read: “Each one
should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
God has seen to it that each of us has something to offer. He gives us the privilege of serving and then provides all
that we need to do so.
Just as the budding art student improves with the help of a teacher and with appropriate
tools to create his work, so does God teach is through His Word how to fulfill our purpose
and how to improve our service. So also He gives gifts of time and money and talents and
then His Word and Sacrament to strengthen us for service.
The Church Office requests your help in keeping the calendar included with
the monthly newsletter accurate and up to date. If you are a director of a ministry, circle chairperson, music coordinator, Bible study leader, coordinator of
a church activity or event, etc. and desire that something is included on the
church calendar please call the church office or email the information to
[email protected]. Thank you!
Glory Ringers Info
PRESCHOOL FLOORING PROJECT
The St. Luke’s Glory Ringers hand bell choir will be
starting its summer rehearsals on June 15 from
6:00—7:15 p.m. We will continue on every odd numbered Thursday until September. We are going to
structure our rehearsals toward learning
some music theory and hand bell and
chime techniques. So if you are interested in becoming a hand bell player and
would like to know more about the music
and the art of playing the bells, please come and join
us, starting June 15 and learn more about the art
form, and you, too, may become a Glory Ringer. Anyone is welcome to attend.
St. Luke's Preschool/4K is in the process of updating
flooring in the 4 year old classroom. The plan is to
make half of the floor laminate, allowing for easier
clean-up in the snack, play-dough, and project area.
This project will be funded by the Preschool 45th
Anniversary Thank-offering, Preschool Capital Improvement Fund, and possibly by an Endowment
Fund grant (to be voted on at the Congregation
Meeting on May 31). As this is a large project, additional funds are still needed. Please consider a donation to the Preschool Capital Improvement Fund
to help offset the cost of the new floor. Thank you
for your generosity!
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DESTINY POINT
NEEDS YOUR HELP
VIDEO HELP NEEDED
St. Luke's has been
blessed to upgrade
our video equipment
in the past several
years. We are able
to provide Public
Access with our
10:30 church service, as well as offer the 10:30
service live-stream on the computer. Some of our
television viewers have requested a more traditional service occasionally, and we would like to honor
their request. Mike and Deb Hoier are very dedicated and available to record and stream the
service at 10:30, but cannot commit to another service at this time.
The Ministry of Social Concerns, through budget
and dedicated funds, has been providing monetary
gifts in support of Destiny Point Women’s Restoration for many years. As you probably have heard,
this program has been remodeling an older house in
Blenker that had been donated to them. This project has been long and costly. Most all of the work
has been done by volunteers although several jobs
had to be done by professionals and all has been
done through donations.
They need to finish this home so that they can move
in by this fall. There are many jobs yet to be done
such as insulating a garage, putting up a drop ceiling, installing drywall, installing doors and woodwork, sanding wood floors, general pick up and
cleaning, plus much more. There are jobs for
almost any skill level.
If you have interest in computers and/or video
equipment, and would like to serve our Lord and
His children by recording the Saturday evening
service on a part-time basis, please contact the
church office or Mike Hoier. Mike will provide all
training needed. Thank you for using your time and
talents for our Lord's kingdom!
Work crews gather at the site every Wednesday and
Saturday, 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. Someone is there
to give you a job, according to your ability.
St. Luke’s plans to host a work day or possibly days
in the coming months, but right now you can help
by gathering your family or friends and just go out
there to help. Whether its for two hours or all day,
whatever you do will make a positive impact on this
project getting done. THIS IS A PERFECT MISSION
TRIP IN OUR OWN BACK YARD TO PUT YOUR FAITH
INTO ACTION!!
GIVING OPTIONS
Last summer, St. Luke's expanded our giving options to include giving by text, a phone app, and
giving online. While these options were thought to
be a way to reach the younger generation, these
options have received very minimal response. As
this service is quite costly, St. Luke's Church Council
has decided not to continue with this service.
Right now they would really like to get the drop ceiling in. They have a retired contractor skilled in this
type of work who would be willing to come and
work with a group of volunteers to get this accomplished. If you would like to volunteer for this work,
please call Holly @ 715-421-5427 ASAP. This work
could be done on any day of the week as long as we
can work it out with the contractor.
St. Luke's still offers envelopes and Joyful Response
as giving options. Joyful Response is an automated
giving option where you can decide when and how
much to contribute directly from your bank
account. Please contact the church office if you
would like more information. We will also be
researching other giving options and will share information if other options become available.
To learn more about Destiny Point and their mission, go to https://destinypoint.net
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WOMEN’S MINISTRY NEWS
June: time for summer fun and family
adventures to begin! It is also when
some of the regular Bible studies and
Circle meetings take a break. But, there
are some great ways to stay involved
with your Lord and His work:
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Start an independent Bible study. There are some great books in the library.
Sign-up for daily devotions at www.lwml.org
Shop rummage sales for “fillers” (old blankets, mattress pads, or quilts) to be used to make new quilts by Dorcas
Circle.
Bring extra garden produce to share on the weekends.
Offer to help the Eve Circle as they tend to the Community gardens.
Prepare an extra jar or two of your favorite jam, jelly, salsa, etc for the Harvest Luncheon and Sale.
Join the Prayer Chain.
Offer to visit nursing home/assisted living residents with Sarah or Lydia Circle members. You will be glad you did!
Pray for the LWML as we meet in convention June 22-25 in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Spend time in prayer considering serving as an officer for Women’s Ministry. We are looking for nominations for Student Fund Treasurer, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vice President. Can you help? Please call Bonnie Grosskopf or Jody Cook
We also wish to thank all the women (and men) who helped with the Spring Luncheon and Bake Sale. Over 170
“hungry tummies” were filled and many happy customers went home with arms filled with home baked goods. The
best part of the event was Serving the Lord in Gladness.
For those who missed the Spring Tea on May 7th, a great time was had by all! Thank you to the hostess, speaker, and
especially the ladies who attended. (Ages: teens to teens times a few!) Plan to attend next year’s event.
June Funeral Committee: Julie Spice, Pam Denne’e, and Donna Verjinsky
Anna Circle
Wednesday, June 14, 1:00 p.m.
Bookstore Area
Dorcas Circle
Not meeting June, July or August
Elizabeth Circle
Thursday, June 8, 1:00 p.m.
Library
Eunice Circle
Tuesday, June 13, 1:00 p.m.
Renaissance
Eve Circle
Tuesday, June 20, 9:00 a.m.
Room 102
Lois Circle
Monday, June 12, 6:00 p.m.
Preschool area
Lydia Circle
Thursday, June 8, 12:00 p.m.
Miriam Circle
No Meetings in June, July or August
Priscilla Circle
Thursday, June 15, 2:30 p.m.
Office Lobby
Rebekah Circle
Thursday, June 22, 8:00 a.m.
Room 103
Sarah Circle
Thursday, June 8, 1:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 14, 2:00 p.m.—Birthday Bingo
Jean Buttke’s home
Strawberry Lane
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Room 105
The school year has ended and summer has begun!! The children and staff
wrapped up the school year with their closing programs and school picnics.
Forty-three families have been a part of the St. Luke’s Preschool family this
year. The families took part in Family Fun Night, Thanksgiving Feast, Parent
Socials, and daily classroom activities. It has been a great year.
Looking ahead, classes begin again on September 6. Be on the lookout for ways to help the preschool get off to a
great start. Donations of glue sticks, Kleenex, paper towel, napkins, latex free gloves, card stock, and colored paper
are just some of the items we use. There will be drop off locations near the church office and the preschool office in
August. Thank you for your continued support.
If you have not yet registered for the fall or if you know someone who would like to register, we have a few openings
left. Call or email soon as classes are filling up quickly. Contact Paula Heil at 715-423-5990 or
[email protected] to register! Forms are available online, in the church office, and in the preschool office.
Again I want to thank Amy Jansen, Shanna Kreutzer, Cathy McNett, Jeanette Hoffman, Lacey Peck, and Lois Circle for
investing in the preschool. You are all very much appreciated. We are all looking forward to the new school year in
the fall.
Have a great summer everyone!
Paula Heil, Director
SHARING THE GOSPEL
I once heard that when a person is filled with joy, they can get so excited that they simply need to share
that joy with someone else. That is how it can be with God’s love as well. In fact, there is a song that we
have sung many times right here at St. Luke’s that shares those exact words.
It goes like this: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those
around can warm up in the glowing. That’s how it is with God’s love, once
you’ve experienced it. You’ll spread His love to everyone. You’ll want to
pass it on.”
The song goes on in the third verse with these words: “I wish for you my
friend this happiness that I’ve found…The Lord of love has come to me, I
want to pass it on.”
There are many people that have not experienced God’s love. They don’t know about Matt 11: 28, 29. It
is here that Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take
my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your
soul.”
There are many ways that we can share God’s love after we ourselves have experienced it. There are
many unfilled ministries in our church. The Jail Ministry is in need of some more women for the months
of Aug. and Feb. Sunday School will need more helpers in the fall. God loves it when we come together
to worship and study His Word.
The song ends with the words. “I want the world to know the Lord of love has come to me, I want to
pass it on.” It is when we find this happiness in serving our Lord that we will experience God’s joy and
love. We will become so excited that we just have to pass it on. It is here where we will find that rest for
our soul.
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May God Keep Blessing You and May the Love You Have for Each Other Continue to Grow!
Happy Wedding Anniversary!
Le May, Ken & Carol
Young, Justin & Stephanie
Rieckenberg, Jeff & Deb
Denne'e, Roger & Pam
Hansmann, Albert & Jinalle
Anderson, Rich & Deborah
Doro, Cliff & Becky
Saeger, Myron & Bonnie
Hammitt, Michael & Trisha
Sanders, Michael & Amber
Andres, Andrew & Stephany
Cisewski, Mike & Michelle
Grube, Jeff & Karen
Higgins, John & Dawn
Martens, Jeffrey & Dawn
Yetter, Scott & Pamela
Hillstead, Jon & Diana
Kronstedt, Wayne & Barbara
Lubeck, Myron & Ramona
Marzofka, Patrick & Sherry
Schooley, James & Terri
Back, Thomas & Darlene
Huber, John & Julie
Call, James & Tami
Urban, David & Patti
Ellis, Quentin & Kristin
Johnson, Gregory & Deanna
Shaw, Gary & Pamela
Gross, George & Judy
June 1, 1957
June 1, 2013
June 2, 1984
June 3, 1994
June 3, 1967
June 5, 1976
June 5, 1971
June 5, 1971
June 6, 1997
June 6, 2015
June 7, 1997
June 7, 1997
June 7, 1975
June 7, 1969
June 7, 2014
June 7, 1997
June 8, 1968
June 8, 1957
June 9, 1962
June 10, 2000
June 10, 1995
June 11, 1966
June 11, 1966
June 12, 1993
June 13, 1992
June 15, 2002
June 15, 1985
June 15, 1985
June 16, 1962
60 yrs
4 yrs
33 yrs
23 yrs
50 yrs
41 yrs
46 yrs
46 yrs
20 yrs
2 yrs
20 yrs
20 yrs
42 yrs
48 yrs
3 yrs
20 yrs
49 yrs
60 yrs
55 yrs
17 yrs
22 yrs
51 yrs
51 yrs
24 yrs
25 yrs
15 yrs
32 yrs
32 yrs
55 yrs
Krause, Paul & Renae
Anderson, Carl & Bonnie
Grosskopf, Larry & Bonnie
Kronstedt, Keith & Kimberly
Romanski, Alex & Carol
Weiler, Cory & Tara
Djumadi, Jordan & Hilary
Dunn, Lawrence & Diane
Siekert, Daniel & Keri
Grimm, Eldon & Jean
Koch, Peter & Claudette
Schoff, Mark & Suzanne
Fine, David & Kimberly
Keepers, Cameron & Christina
Smallbrook, Roger & Lois
Hoffman, Keith & Brehnon
Pelot, Dennis & Penny
Olski, Al & Lorie
Malooly, Michael & Deborah
Ashbeck, Steve & Loraine
Henry, James & Debra
Mason, Jacob & Elisa
Winkler, Tom & Diane
Bauknecht, Mike & Debra
Henke, Paul & Amy
Hilke, Carl & Pamela
Kedrowski, Chet & Shirley
Ceplina, Bo & Sandra
Young, Patrick & Kim
June 16, 2000
June 17, 1967
June 17, 1978
June 17, 2000
June 17, 1961
June 17, 2006
June 18, 2016
June 18, 1994
June 18, 1993
June 19, 1971
June 19, 1964
June 19, 1999
June 20, 2015
June 20, 1985
June 20, 1949
June 24, 2006
June 24, 2005
June 25, 1982
June 27, 1981
June 28, 1980
June 28, 1975
June 28, 2014
June 28, 1980
June 29, 1991
June 29, 1991
June 29, 1985
June 29, 1963
June 30, 2007
June 30, 1984
17 yrs
50 yrs
39 yrs
17 yrs
56 yrs
11 yrs
1 yr
23 yrs
24 yrs
46 yrs
53 yrs
18 yrs
2 yrs
32 yrs
68 yrs
11 yrs
12 yrs
35 yrs
36 yrs
37 yrs
42 yrs
3 yrs
37 yrs
26 yrs
26 yrs
32 yrs
54 yrs
10 yrs
33 yrs
BOOKSTORE NEWS
STAMPS FOR MISSIONS
Right now is a good time to get your graduation
gifts. We have a variety of Bibles and protective
cases for them. Great gifts include Jesus Calling
books, devotionals and stylish cross necklaces.
We took 2 3/4 pounds of trimmed postage
stamps to the Spring Rally at St. Paul’s of Seneca
on April 22, 2017.
There are 2,400 stamps per pound so you have
saved 10,900 postage stamps in the last six
Don’t forget our single and boxed greeting cards months! Thanks to all who helped save so many
stamps, but we wish more would help
for every occasion.
MISSIONS this easy way.
The Bookstore will be open this summer. In the Please do not tear or cut the stamps too close.
event that it is not open on a particular Sunday, Leave at least 1/4 to 1/2 inch of the envelope
around the stamp or send the whole envelope
contact us anytime with your needs.
and we’ll trim.
Sally @ 715-869-2115 or Karen @ 715-423-1969
There is a drawer in the narthex and a basket in
the mail slots (lobby entry) for stamp collections.
Thank you for supporting the Bookstore!
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We Share our Christian Sympathy with the
Following Members & Friends of St. Luke’s
at Recent Personal Losses:
CARD MINISTRY
Mark your calendars. The card ministry group invites
you to attend an Open House from 9 - 11am on
Monday, June 19th.
Jeff Martens and family upon the death of his father
Elmer Martens.
Linda Reinolt and family upon the death of her
grandmother, Louise Harris
Join us as we color, cut, paste, and
stamp the greeting cards for
church. Come browse, or grab a
chair and join the fellowship with
assembling the cards. We would
love to show everyone what all goes into our ministry.
Dale Scheunemann and Emily Hanson and families
upon the death of their uncle Floyd Scheunemann.
BAPTISM
Kenley Rae Cook, daughter of Dustan Cook &
Stefanie Trevean was baptized on April 15.
Coffee and snacks will be provided by the group. We
look forward to seeing many of you. Mark your
calendars.
God's blessings to all!
MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITY
Peaceful Release and Transfer was granted to Brian
& Renee Fischer and their children Aria and Ashton.
NEW MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
To all members of St. Luke's - young, old, active,
inactive, healthy, sick, a "goer", one who is confined
CAMP LUTHER NEWS
at home, working, in service, at school, living away, or
in assisted living: your church cares for YOU and each
**2017 CAMP LUTHER GOLF
of you ae a very important part of our congregation!
CHALLENGE
It is important that we stay in touch, pray for, care
Join us for the 2017 Camp Luther Golf
for, and minister to each other as a family in Christ. A Challenge June 23 at 8:00 am at Rhinelander's Northwood
new ministry - A Voice of Caring - is beginning.
Golf Club. This is an outstanding event for men, women,
couples, and youth, with great prizes, great food, and great
Why?
fellowship. Our goal is to raise funds for Every Kid to
1. To strengthen our church family.
Camp. We look forward to another great event and hope
2. To encourage and/or help one another in time of
need.
to see you there!
3. To be sure we are there for one another.
**SUMMER MEDICS NEEDED!
4. To assist our overburdened pastors at this time.
The Camp Luther and Keweenaw Base Camp Volunteer
Medic Programs allow camp to provide better care for our
summer campers and meet state health care requirements.
Qualified individuals would include licensed physicians,
nurses, physician’s assistants, practical nurses, certified
trainers, EMT or paramedics, persons certified in emergency response or equivalent.
This is not a job but an act of caring. It's as easy as
calling home. Will you call one
person to check on a condition
or situation, a need, to encourage someone, or just be a
friend?
Volunteers are needed for each week of the summer. A job
description and detailed duty list will be provided prior to
arrival. Once on site, the Volunteer Medic will meet with
a number of the Camp Luther full-time staff for additional
training and information. For additional information, contact: Camp Luther, 1889 Koubenec Road, Three Lakes, WI
If yes, or for more information, please call the church
office, 715-423-5990, leave your name and phone
number, and someone will be in touch with you.
54562
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Jordan Falkosky
Cheryl Klingforth
Richard Schwalbach
Terry Wunrow
Jessie Alft
Sandra Ceplina
Sharon Koch
Rosemarie Loock
Rebecca Mueller
Pamela Shaw
Susan Swanson
Jim Tellekson
Bill Bowden
Janice Drescher
Brandon LeNoble
Malissa Shaw
JoAnn Wheelock
Abigail Yetter
Steven Dudley
Shanna Kreutzer
Sara Wood
Mariah Wussow
Lucille Dove
Kayden Edmundson
Lurline Getzloff
Scott Hellmich
Heather Henke
Becky Krenz
Marvene Subera
Richard Winget
Dean Krommenacker
Elisa Mason
Roma McClyman
Shirley Winegarden
Jacob File
Debbie Hagedorn
Brenda Henke
Garry Kronstedt
Kate McAllister
Matthew Reinolt
Chris St. Martin
Erin Touray
Trevor Vilbaum
Henley Woller
Beth Bonsack
Abigail Hammitt
Jonna Kronholm
Jeffrey Niemann
Sarah Arndt
Colin Grusczynski
Bill Ziel
Myles Bowden
Trentin Johnson
Brooke Lang
Whitley Lubeck
Esther Ogilvie
June 1
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Savannah Schmelzer
Luetta Ellie
Scott Kilponen
Dana Boettcher
Corde Doherty
Arnold Francis, Sr.
Jim Goodenough
Rowdy Jinsky
Alexander Spang
Donna Zunker
Jeff Guldan
Tiffany Huchthausen
Renae Krause
Brandon Kronstedt
Tristin Weigand
Kendall Green
Steven Keller
Jeremy Robaidek
Jody Cook
Betty Dawes
Caroline Komatz
Alyssa Olson-Schneider
Carol Romanski
Carol Schmelter
Ann Sculley
Dennis Utecht
Marion Wittenberg
John Hoelzlhammer
John Juenemann
Blake Kellerman
June Neitzel
Kelsey Brock
Cody Deranick
Victor Holtz
Ray Jacob
Warren Mertins
Jared Peters
Mikayla Robaidek
Dale Wunrow
Jordan Herman
James Johnston
Mary Le May
Dave Mancusi
Brooke Doescher
David Fink
Melinda Mock
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June 10
June 11
June 11
June 12
June 12
June 12
June 12
June 12
June 12
June 12
June 13
June 13
June 13
June 13
June 13
June 14
June 14
June 14
June 15
June 15
June 15
June 15
June 15
June 15
June 15
June 15
June 15
June 16
June 16
June 16
June 16
June 17
June 17
June 17
June 17
June 17
June 17
June 17
June 17
June 18
June 18
June 18
June 18
June 19
June 19
June 19
Dan Ellie
June 20
Roger Smallbrook
June 20
Aisha Young
June 20
Matthew Haferman June 21
Trisha Hammitt
June 21
Michelle Havel
June 21
John Klingforth
June 21
Kay Rieckenberg
June 21
Eleanor Sommerfeldt June 21
Madyson Allord
June 22
Raymond Anderson June 22
Karen Stainbrook
June 22
Kyle Walker
June 23
Jodi Weigand
June 23
Gary Bangstad
June 24
April Borski
June 24
Daniel Deitz
June 24
Ashlyn Wagner
June 24
Julie Zimmerman
June 24
Steve Bechard
June 25
Heidi Deppe
June 25
Sheryl Joosten
June 25
Carson Puckett
June 25
Kaleigh Spaulding
June 25
Eric Halbur
June 26
Victoria Henke
June 26
Tyler Hintz-Kehrberg June 26
Mark Lubeck
June 26
Steven Reinolt
June 26
Jennifer Calverley
June 27
Anna Greeno
June 27
Emma Ihrke
June 27
Kayla Kreutzer
June 27
Sharon Kreutzer
June 27
Laura Reichert
June 27
Erin Rieckenberg
June 27
Amber Schmelzer
June 27
Dylan Gambrell
June 28
Robert Garski
June 28
Laura Hagen
June 28
Hailey Rivard
June 28
Robert Wehland
June 28
Francine Erickson
June 29
Jill Hagen
June 29
Richard Merk
June 29
Karen Schiller
June 29
Gary Shaw
June 29
Dawn Van Duser
June 29
Peggy Walton
June 29
LaVerne Cherney
June 30
Susy Irwin
June 30
Alexis Johnson
June 30
Jerry Klingforth
June 30
Wyler Lubeck
June 30
David Urban
June 30
Check out the following books in your church library:
Every Good Thing—Claiming God’s Gift for You (Section 13) by Marilyn Morgan Helleberg
Every good thing you could ever want or need is already yours through God’s grace! With His rich extravagant, deep and many faceted grace came life-changing gifts that only our own pride and reluctance keep us
from accepting. But we can get rid of the barriers to God’s presence in our lives. And then we can experience His transforming grace in the gifts He has chosen for us.
We are Driven—The Compulsive Behaviors America Applauds (Section 13) by Dr. Robert Hemfelt, Dr. Frank
Minirth, Dr. Paul Meier
We live in a culture that is constantly chasing the false gods of materialism and achievement, says the Doctors. It’s no surprise that many people are facing depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and burnout. Our
everyday compulsion give us the false illusion that they can answer these needs, says the Doctors, but they
cannot. We are Driven shows you how to identify these needs and stop the compulsive drive to fill them. In
this book the Doctors suggest 10 touchstones for living a balanced life. A life in which these compulsions become positive attributes worthy of America’s applause.
The Seven Conflicts (Section 13) by Tim and Joy Downs
Security, Responsibilities, Openness, Loyalty, Caring, Connection, Order. This book will help you identify
where you and your mate stand in relation to each of them. This accessible, practical guide will enable you to
note your mates motives, put our differences in perspective, anticipate areas of disagreement, and learn to
live as committed partners.
My favorite is: “Where are your Visa receipts?” Her answer made perfect sense to me but doesn’t to her
husband. Check out the many other disagreements and to why they disagree.
Seven Snares of the Enemy—Breaking Free from the Devil’s Grip (Section 13) by Erin W. Lutzer
Prepare yourself to resist the Seven Inviting Temptations: Greed, Gambling, Alcoholism, Pornography, Sexual
Sins, Occultism, the Search for Pleasures. Learn why freedom from these sins is so difficult and how it can be
achieved. Understand how you can best help someone trapped by an ensnaring sin. Discover God’s answer
for us all, even those who have fallen the furthest. What can you do to make sure you don’t get snagged by
the snares of the enemy?
These books are in the “Featured Section” for the next month and then will be placed in Section 13 in
alphabetic order by author(s). Check out at least one of these excellent books soon.
General Church Mail
Deacon Jim Johnston
Martha Strong
Pastor Tim Wenger
Richard Casper
Anne Tietsort
Karen Bencke
Lisa Sommerfeldt
Paula Heil
Holly Johnson (newsletter items)
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
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Summer Office Hours
During the less busy months of summer, the
church office will be closing early beginning
the middle of June. Please try to conduct
any business you may have during the morning hours or before 1:00 p.m.—or make other
arrangements with the secretary. Thank you.
Excerpts from Church Council Meeting –May 16, 2017
NOTE: Complete minutes, financial and ministry reports are posted on the Congregation Bulletin Board in the Fellowship Hall. If you would like copies of any of the reports, please contact the church office.
Kevin Miller opened with prayer. Pastor Tim shared a devotion.
Items requiring Council attention:
 A motion carried to approve the April 11 meeting minutes.
Financial Secretary and Treasurer reports for April were reviewed. Income for April was up due to Easter.
 A motion carried to approve the Financial Secretary and Treasurer reports for April.
Pastor Tim reviewed the April Pastor’s report. He noted that the number of shut-in visits was not correct, but was not
able to verify the correct number. The Average Weekend Attendance for April 2017 information also is incorrect, it
should be 358, or 22% (these numbers do not include Easter services, those numbers are reflected elsewhere in the
report). Pastor Tim also shared that Pastor Mark Lewis is leading services on 3 Wednesdays per month, and two weekends per month. We are thankful for his assistance. A new adult class has started, approximately 20 invitations were
sent out, and four are participating in the class.
 A motion carried to accept the gains and losses from the April Pastor’s report.
Rev David Baker and family were able to spend the weekend of April 29 & 30 at St. Luke’s sharing about their mission
work in Mongolia. Rev. Baker contacted St. Luke’s with an opening in their schedule due to problems obtaining their
VISAs (this was after the last council meeting). The Ministry on Worship approved the expenses related to this visit,
but the Ministry on Missions would like to pay for all associated expenses and/or reimburse the accounts for previously paid expenses.
The Ministry on Missions makes the following requests to be paid from account 8265:
 $332.78 to reimburse Worship account 6870 for guest pastor fees and mileage for Rev. David Baker.
 $156.64 for motel room for the Baker family (bill pending).
 $286.65 for meal expenses for luncheon with Bakers ($64.57 to Bea Jaye Herman paid from account 6899,
$222.08 to Baker Street IGA – bill pending).
 $250.00 in support of Richard Uher, going to Honduras on a mission trip in July.
 A motion carried to approve the Missions requests as noted.
Sandra Green is interested in the Council Secretary position. We are thankful for her willingness to fill this position.
 A motion carried to approve Sandra Green to fill the position of Council Secretary for the remaining term (through
December of 2018).
Church Picnic:
The Ministry on Christian Education/Family Ministry has chosen Sunday, August 6, for the church picnic. The ministry
requested that there be only one service that day at 9:00 a.m. This will need to be approved by the Ministry on Worship. Pastor Tim shared that the weekend of August 6 is the kick off for Missions month, and that Pastor Andy Weden
has already been scheduled to preach at all services that weekend, as well as share the Bible study time between services. It was suggested that perhaps the church picnic could be held the weekend before as a kick off for VBS instead
of a wrap up event for VBS. The Ministry on Worship will discuss this at their next meeting and share information with
the Ministry on Christian Education.
Update on Call Committee:
Larry Nack is in the process of contacting the pastors on the list to set up interviews. A congregation meeting will be
called when the committee has decided on the candidate to present.
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Giving Options:
Last year, the council recommended that St. Luke’s contract with Pushpay to offer other giving options including giving
by text, a giving app, online giving, etc. Since this was put into effect, a total of $455.00 has been given through these
new options. The contract is scheduled to renew in early July at a cost of $2,947.00. Due to the large expense, council
recommends cancelling the contract. Those who have used this option will be contacted, and the congregation will be
notified. Other options for giving will be investigated, including the possibility of a QR code linked to a Paypal account.
Anne will research this option.
 A motion carried to cancel the account with Pushpay.
Gifts:
Two gifts totaling $1,100.00 were given to St. Luke’s at the end of 2016. Council had approved the purchase of printed
bulletin covers with some of the money. A balance of $631.00 remains from these gifts. Council was asked if there
were any upcoming projects which were in need of funding.
The Preschool is in considering replacing the flooring in the 4s classroom. The plan is to make half of the floor laminate, allowing for easier clean-up in the snack, play-dough, and project area. This project will be funded by the Preschool 45th Anniversary Thank-offering, Preschool Capital Improvement Fund, and possibly by an Endowment Fund
grant. As this is a large project, additional funds are still needed. At this time, only the laminate half of the flooring
replacement is being considered. The cost for this part of the project is $4,565.00. Other options were discussed, including informing the congregation of the need for additional funding. There may also be some other memorial funds
available to be applied toward the cost.
 A motion carried to designate the $631.00 towards the Preschool flooring project.
CPS Health Stewardship Reward:
St. Luke’s received $915.00 from Concordia Plan Services as a Health Stewardship Reward. This is based on participation in CPS in 2016. Council was asked to designate these funds.
 A motion carried to credit these funds to the General Budget account that paid the Concordia Plan expense.
Ministry on Worship recommendation for seeking a second Pastor:
In the February Ministry on Worship meeting, the following motion was made:
 Motion made, seconded and passed: Recommend to Church Council that we work concurrently on calling a Senior
Pastor and Associate Pastor and charge the Call Committee with this task.
This item has not been acted upon by the Church Council. The Ministry on Worship has asked that the council act on
this motion and move it forward to the congregation. This was first discussed in Worship as the Call process seems to
be taking a long time, and there is concern that we are wearing out Pastor Tim and Deacon Jim.
Discussion was held regarding whether it was possible to call an Associate Pastor while also seeking a Senior Pastor,
whether a Seminary graduate might be considered as Associate Pastor, the timing involved should a Seminary graduate
be considered, whether the current Call Committee would be charged with this Call process as well, and who would be
involved with developing the job description for the Associate Pastor. Some of these items will need to be investigated
and clarified with the Seminary and with our District President.
 A motion was made to proceed to file the necessary paperwork for a 2018 Seminary graduate to fill the Associate
Pastor position.
After more discussion, this motion was withdrawn.
 A motion carried to ask the congregation to establish a Call Committee to call an Associate Pastor which may include a 2018 Seminary graduate.
Security Updates:
St. Luke’s was blessed to have a security assessment of our building. Several areas were brought to our attention that
need updating or modification. Some of these areas are easily addressed, some are much more involved. Areas that
are easily addressed include:
 Locking doors – entry doors in the education building and door B by the office lobby will no longer be automatically
opened by the custodian in the morning. Education building doors will be opened prior to meetings held in the
classrooms, and the group leader is asked to lock the doors when the meeting is over. The secretary will open
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door B at the beginning of the workday.
Fire escape – the old entry door in the 1949 building is a more direct fire escape exit than the current route through
the education building. Property Care will work on making the necessary changes to have this door available as a
fire exit.
 Door J (the access door on the south west side of the narthex). This door is not monitored in any way, and leaves
the building open to intruders who would then have access to our youth and children, as well as the rest of our facility. As we strive to protect our members, especially those who are younger, this door will become an emergency
exit only door and will be unavailable for regular use beginning the weekend of June 10-11.
Other items for future consideration – building locks, Preschool accessibility from education building classrooms, and
additional security cameras.

Opportunities to Serve:
Open positions for the council include the directors of the Ministry on Discipleship and the Ministry on Youth.
Most ministries have openings for additional members.
Financial Review Committee:
Steve Bechard has agreed to be on this committee, Chuck Gibbons is seeking two more individuals to work with Steve.
This committee needs to be formed to review 2016 financial records.
Recording of Saturday evening service:
Some of our members have requested that we occasionally offer a service other than the Sunday 10:30 Praise service
for viewing on Public Access. Mike Hoier is willing to train others for recording the Saturday evening service. Information will be published requesting video assistance. Youth who are interested in computers and/or videotaping
would be a great asset to this area of ministry to our members.
May 31, 2017 Congregation Meeting:
Agenda items will include: approval of minutes; approval of 2017 Endowment Grants; Financial Update; Call Committee Update; Membership Action; recommendation from Church Council regarding call process for Associate Pastor. Copies of minutes and Endowment Grant requests will be available in the narthex and office lobby.
Support for Destiny Point:
The Ministry on Social Concerns has been involved over the past several years with Destiny Point, a Women’s Restoration home. Destiny Point has been gifted with a house in Blenker, however, the house needs quite a bit of work to be
ready for their use. Much of the work is being done by volunteers, and is taking quite a bit of time to complete. Social
Concerns will be meeting in coming weeks to determine how best to help with this project. It is hoped that several
work days can be scheduled over the summer to help complete the remodeling.

A motion carried to adjourn.
The meeting closed with round table prayer by council members.
RUBY’S PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION
If you have not yet checked out Ruby’s Pantry, now’s the time to start. This food distribution is held the
third Saturday of each month at the Boys & Girls Club, 501 17th Street So., Wisc. Rapids.
You receive an abundance of grocery items. Everyone who gets hungry qualifies! $20 cash donation requested. Registration is from 8:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.; distribution of food begins at 9:00 a.m. You are requested to bring your own boxes or baskets for food.
If you have questions regarding Ruby Pantry you can call Immanuel Lutheran School
@ 715-423-3260 or check out the website www.rubyspantry.org
Sharing the Love of Christ Through Food
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JUNE HELPERS TO WORSHIP
Elders:
Ushers:
6:00 Chuck Korn; 7:45 Richard Koch; 10:30 Scott Koch
6:00 Team 6—Ole Arneson, Gary Shaw, Lon Shaw, Pam Shaw
7:45 Team 12—Joe Hagen, Gordon Hansen, Dean Langholff, Donna Rasmussen
10:30 Team 18—Lester Elmer, Jean Elmer, Greg Ellious
Videographer: Mike Hoier
Reception Committee: June 4 & 11 – Donna Rasmussen/Emily Hansen; June 18 & 25—Karen Bencke/Becky Krenz
Pew Rack Maintenance: Jeff & Judy Niemann
Altar Guild: June 3/4 & 7: Bonnie Rendmeister & Connie Zwicke; June 10/11: Jenny Damrau & Amy Henke;
June 17/18 & 21: Jan Langholff; June 24/25: Bonnie Rendmeister
Saturday & Sunday, June 3 & 4, 2017
Acolyte:
6:00 Austin Spencer
Comm. Asst.: 6:00 Brian Strong
Readers:
6:00 Janet Wehland
Welcome Attnd: 6:00 Jan Deitz
Greeters:
6:00 Pam Shaw
Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Elder: Mike Trzinski
Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Elder: Dan Siekert
10:30 Kade Koski
10:30 Steve Pickett
10:30 Dave Urban
10:30 Pat Berg
10:30 Les & Jean Elmer
Welcome Attnd.: Donna Verjinsky
Second Sunday after Pentecost
7:45 Kylie Ellis
10:30 Peter Rucker
7:45 Jon Hillstead
7:45 Carol Weier
10:30 Michelle Smits
7:45 Donna Rasmussen
10:30 Katie Brandt
7:45 Peg Drollinger
10:30 Les & Jean Elmer
Mid-Week Worship
Acolyte: Michael Dieringer
Saturday & Sunday, June 24 & 25, 2017
Acolyte:
6:00 Amelia Gibbons
Comm. Asst.: 6:00 Brian Strong
Readers:
6:00 Brian Strong
Welcome Attnd: 6:00 Jerri Haferman
Greeters:
6:00 Pam Shaw
10:30 Kayla Kreutzer
10:30 Steve Pickett
10:30 Michelle Smits
10:30 Jean Elmer
10:30 Les Elmer
Welcome Attnd.: Pam Hilke
Holy Trinity
7:45 Kylie Kronstedt
7:45 Jon Hillstead
7:45 Nancy Koch
7:45 Emily Hansen
7:45 Pam Berndt
Mid-Week Worship
Acolyte: Devin Dahl
Saturday & Sunday, June 17 & 18, 2017
Acolyte:
6:00 Ben Hellmich
Comm. Asst.:
Readers:
6:00 Janet Wehland
Welcome Attnd: 6:00 Dave Urban
Greeters:
6:00 Pam Shaw
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
Elder: Scott Koch
The Day of Pentecost
Nicole Reinolt
Jon Hillstead
Carol Weier
Jan & Dean Langholff
Gordon/Emily Hansen
Mid-Week Worship
Acolyte: Noah Calverly
Saturday & Sunday, June 10 & 11, 2017
Acolyte:
6:00 Katherine Janicki
Comm. Asst.: 6:00 Brian Strong
Readers:
6:00 Brian Strong
Welcome Attnd: 6:00 Jerri Haferman
Greeters:
6:00 Pam Shaw
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Elder: Harvey Zwicke
7:45
7:45
7:45
7:45
7:45
Welcome Attnd.: Pam Hilke
Third Sunday after Pentecost
7:45 Mike Dieringer
10:30 Logan Anderson
10:30 Steve Pickett
7:45 Nancy Koch
10:30 Dave Urban
7:45 Mary Burmeister
10:30 Jean Elmer
7:45 Marie Austin
10:30 Les Elmer
Mid-Week Worship
Acolyte: Kylie Ellis
CONGREGATION MEETING -
Welcome Attnd.: Julie Spice
Wednesday, May 31, 7:00 p. m.
Your church council encourages all confirmed members of the congregation to attend the annual May meeting. Agenda items include Approval of Minutes, 2017 Endowment Grants, Financial Update, Call Update,
Membership Action, Authorization to establish a call committee for the purpose of calling an Associate Pastor. Come to Wednesday night service and then stay for the meeting.
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St. Luke’s Preschool & 4K Quarter Auction
Sunday, June 25 in St. Luke’s Gym
Preview of vendors will begin at Noon
Auction will begin at 1 p.m.
Come join us for an afternoon of fun to help support St. Luke's Preschool& 4K as we host a quarter auction.
What is a Quarter Auction? Bring a pocket full of quarts. You buy you’re a paddle for $5 which will include
lunch. Additional paddles are 2/$5. Each paddle has a number and that will be your bid number(s) for the
event. You will bid with quarters (less than 4 quarters) to try to win your favorite products from over 20 vendors. Each vendor such as Pampered Chef, Tupperware, and Kitcheneez will auction off 3 products. When you
see an item you want you hold your paddles in the air and drop 1 quarter per paddle in the bowl on your table;
if your number is called ...You WIN! The more paddles you have, more opportunities to win.
Example: Thirty-one will auction off a large utility tote (valued at $35) for one quarter. You will put your
quarter in the bowl and raise your paddle. If your paddle number is called you will win the tote for one quarter.
We will also have a silent auction with baskets/ items from the
vendors and area businesses. Proceeds from the paddle sales, soda sales and the silent auction will go to St. Luke's Preschool &
4K to support the general budget.
Come for some fun and Support the Children
Might Fortress
Flat Jesus 2017
You are invited to stop by the office and
pick up a “flat Jesus” to take with you
this summer. Snap a picture of Jesus
with you as you travel this summer.
Send the picture back to [email protected] or drop it in
the office. We will make a display of
where Jesus is traveling this summer. A
great reminder that Jesus is always with us.
Matthew 28:20
The Creation Museum
& Ark Encounter
Would you like to visit the Creation Museum in Kentucky?
The state-of-the-art 75000-square-foot Creation Museum brings the Bible to life, casting its characters and animals in dynamic form.
If you would be interested in a coach bus trip to the
museum contact Martha Strong (715-572-4324) as we
begin our planning
www.creationmuseum.org
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In Jesus the Victory is Won!
VBS 2017
Sun July 30 - Thurs Aug 3
Age 4 through 6th grade
6:00 - 8:15 p.m. at St. Luke’s
Class for 3 - 4 yr olds,
Mon– Thurs, 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Games, crafts, snacks, Bible lessons!!
Dinner 5 - 5:50 p.m. Mon-Thurs
Register at: 423-5990 or go to
https://vbsmate.com/events/
RapidsVBSTogether
Where you will find an online registration page
that makes it easy to sign up children, volunteer to
help or share the information with a friend.
Help Needed: Story Tellers, Snack leader,
Craft leader, Game leader, Class Helpers,
Registration people, music people,
and room decorators
Call Martha Strong 715-572-4324 St. Luke’s or
Tara Barrett 715-451-3387 at Immanuel Church