Revelations Newsletter | January 2014
Special Events
January 1
St John Office
Closed
January 5
Junior High Youth
Group
January 6
Epiphany
January 13
Well Seasoned
Group
January 18
Market Day
January 19
Junior High Youth
Group
January 31
Book Fair Set Up
A New Year…Start It Right!
As the calendar page turns and the number on top changes, it gives us a mixture of emotions. There is always the sense of anticipation. What will this New Year bring? For our
family it will bring both a Confirmation and a graduation. Now there’s some anticipation!
I know that your family will have the same anticipations as well.
But as we reflect on the past year, we also know that there were plenty of times when our
anticipation was met with a response that was less than what we expected. This is true for
all of us! There were the unexpected medical situations that cause worry. There were the
unexpected expenses that threw the financial equilibrium of the family off for a time.
There were those people in your lives that you offended and perhaps have even separated
them from you. For some of you, death was unexpected and unwelcome visitor. With this
reality in mind, we really need to temper the anticipation for the New Year with the reality
that it will not play out 100% the way we would want.
So what then should we do? Should we be irrationally exuberant, thinking that this New
Year will bring only puppies and rainbows? Or should we be melancholy and spend the
entire year waiting for the other, unexpected and unwelcome shoe to drop?
NO! This is not what the Lord calls us to. He calls us to a living, active hope in His Word
and Promise. We have just celebrated the arrival of our Lord Jesus into the world at
Christmas. This was the Lord keeping His promise to us! He will keep every promise!
That means His promise never to leave or forsake you! This New Year is another New
Year of His blessing.
This means we need to start it right. The only way to start it right is to turn our back on the
bitterness and sin of the past. We will be doing that as a congregation as we start a new
Sunday Morning Bible Study on January 12. “Blessed Are the Peacemakers” is the title of
this study. We will be looking at what the Bible says about Reconciliation and Forgiveness between brothers and sisters in Christ. There isn’t any one of us here at St. John who
doesn’t need either a refresher or new learning on this incredibly important topic. Please
make plans to be a part of this study! If you are an elected leader, it is critical you are
there. If you are spouse, parent or child, it is critical you be there. If, as Pastor, I have offended you, it is critical that you are there. It is critical because reconciliation is the mark
of forgiveness. This is what we have been called to by our Lord. That is what the cross is
all about! Please be there!
As we start this New Year with reconciliation we are living in the way of Christ. This is
something that will prepare us to face both our anticipation and regret with God’s gracious
presence and help. It promises to be a great year!
Blessings!
Pastor Meador
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Contact Us
Senior Pastor
Rev. Nathan Meador
[email protected]
H: (920) 449-5252
C: (920) 838-4709
Associate Pastor
Rev. John Schultz
[email protected]
C: (618) 972-3914
School Principal
Tim Gieschen
[email protected]
C: (313) 623-6807
Visitation Pastor
Rev. Thomas Burton
H: (920) 893-8271
Music Minister
Timothy Huebschman
[email protected]
Marriage Ministry
Donn Davis
[email protected]
C: (920) 980-1025
Church Secretary
Sharon Mohs
[email protected]
School Secretary
Diane Adams
[email protected]
Business Manager
Robin Lemkuil
[email protected]
Custodian
Hugh Hollister
[email protected]
Tree of Life Retreat Center
(920) 526-3120
[email protected]
CHURCH CALENDAR
Over the last few months, the Church and School Offices
have been working hard on implementing a new calendar
program. In the past, at least 5 different calendars were used
to schedule and manage all of the Church and School events.
With the new calendar program, now all SJL events can be
viewed and managed on one calendar. While most of our
church family will not notice any change, we give thanks for
the ability to simplify and to work more efficiently. We give
thanks for Sharon Mohs, Diane Adams and Robin Lemkuil
who have worked hard (even during stressful times) to implement, manage and assist in event planning.
Please Note: All SJL events should be on the calendar. If you
or your group is having a meeting or an event, the Church
and School Office must know about it. Please contact the Office, so that your event is scheduled and that the location is
reserved.
NEW START TIME FOR BIBLE CLASS & SUNDAY
SCHOOL
Starting in January, Adult Bible Class & Sunday School will
be offered each Sunday from 9:30-10:15 AM. A new start
time for Christian Education is necessary so that worship services may remain meaningful and Christ centered and so that
our Sunday School Staff do not leave worship services early
and rush to their classrooms because there are children waiting unattended for Sunday School to start.
In the time between the end of early service and the beginning
of Sunday School (9:30 AM), please remain with your children and join in conversation and fellowship with your church
family. For more information, please contact one of the pastors.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Join us again in the New Year as we build relationships, have
fun, weekly study, and grow in His Word! Sunday School is
for all children 3K - 8th Grade. During the school year, we
meet in the school classrooms from 9:30-10:15 AM.
There will be NO Sunday School on February 2nd. During
the normal Sunday School Time (9:30-10:15 AM) we invite
you and your family to walk through the Gym and interact
with students from St. John Lutheran School. Students will be
presenting their "Discovery Days Projects" - the projects will
be interactive and for all ages. Join us as we foster and build
connections within our community.
Deadline to Submit Articles: Noon on the 15th of the month
Email Articles to: [email protected]
Newsletter Assembly: Last Tuesday of the Month, 1:00 PM
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Baptisms
Gifts & Memorials
Capital Improvement: This fund is used for general
Keegan Nicholas Noster,
child of
Nicholas and Jennifer Noster.
Keegan was baptized on
November 23, 2013.
building projects and maintenance in keeping the building updated and presentable.
School: This fund is used for general school needs including student assistance, resources for classrooms,
technology, student programs and teacher education
programs.
Ministries: This fund supports the ministries of St.
John Congregation including Music, Marriage, Mission
trips, Crossing Hearts, Altar Guild, Sunday School, Benevolence programs and public relations.
 Roger & Vivian Greisch in celebration of their

November Birthdays!
David & Barbara Karsten in celebration of
their anniversary.
Tree of Life Retreat Center: This fund supports the
Tree of Life Retreat Center programs, ministries and
maintenance of the property.
Debt Reduction: This fund accelerates the reduction
of overall church and school indebtedness.
Kaida Nicole Galloway and Seth Myles Galloway
They were baptized on November 23, 2013
Children of Gabriel and Jamie Galloway
General Operations: This fund shall support the general operations of the Church and School.
 William and Elizabeth Lagacy in celebration of
William Eggebeen, Veteran
Endowment Fund: This fund shall provide a perpetual source of income to benefit Education, Youth, &
Capital Projects.
Deaths
Verna V. Ehlenbeck 11/14/13
Lukas Alan Krueger
Lukas is the child of Shawn and Bonnie Krueger
Lukas was baptized on July 22, 2013
and reaffirmation on December 8, 2013
Eugene C. Adams 11/17/13
Page 4
Mrs. Konz’s 3rd grade class was invited to decorate one
of the many Christmas trees that adorned Sheboygan
Historical Museum over the holiday season. They
chose the theme to be “Colors of Christmas”. They
spent an art class creating ornaments in all the “colors
of Faith” and added sparkle to make the true meaning of
Christmas really shine for all the visitors of the museum
to see over the holiday season. Red represents the blood
Jesus shed for us; Purple represents the crown of life;
Black represents our sins; White represents the cleansing of our sins; Blue represents the baptism that identifies us with Jesus; Green represents the new life we
have in Jesus. The class was honored to have their artwork created Christmas tree represent St. John Lutheran
at the museum.
Over 75 students, grandmas, sisters
and moms gathered for muffins before school. PTO sponsored the
event to recognize the wonderful
women of SJL.
St John chartered a troop of American Heritage Girls in October of 2013. American Heritage Girls or AHG
is a scouting group for girls that emphasizes character development in young women by embracing Christian
values and encouraging family involvement.
AHG WI 1427 (SJL’s troop) would like to thank the family of St John for supporting us by purchasing
cookie dough and allowing us to use the school’s kitchen and cafeteria. Special thanks to Cheryl & Steve
Steinhardt, Kara Abraham, Erin Hoffman and all the moms, dads, grandmas, aunts, and other family and
friends for your help in the kitchen.
American Heritage Girls WI 1427 currently meets on Tuesdays right after school and is open to all girls
aged 5—18. For more information contact one of
the board members: Mandy Berres at [email protected] Amy Guse at [email protected] Shelly Hendrickson at
[email protected] or Niki
Steinhardt at [email protected]
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Congratulations to our Geography Bee champions
5/6th grade: Elizabeth Montaba and 7/8th grade: Brenden Ashe
Pizza Sale - Feb. 15
It's time for the annual SJL pizza sale. We thank the community, the
congregation, and the parents and friends of St. John for helping sell,
make, deliver, and eat pizza in the past and ask for your support again
this year. Contact any SJL school family or the church office to place
your order. Important Pizza Sale Dates...Thursday, January 23rd
Pizza Orders Due, Friday, February 14th & Saturday, February 15th
Pizza making and Saturday February 15th Pizza Pick Up 10am-1pm.
The SJL Junior Lego Team participated in a lego event at Marquette University. The SJL Kindergarten through 3rd graders won the best teamwork award. Thanks to Amanda Farr for
coaching the team!
Page 6
The SJL Girls A basketball team after winning the championship of 36th Annual Plymouth Invitational Girls
Basketball Tournament held Dec 12-14 at St. John. Pictured are: (kneeling L to R) Jessica Leider, Vanessa
Baker, Holly Oberriech, Lauren Pritzlaff, Lizzy Matz. (Standing L to R) Asst. Coach Gary Pritzlaff, Head
Coach Brad Steinhardt, Bethany Meador, Dacota Wiegert, Alyssa Grande, Halie Wagner, Madisyn Wiegert,
Asst. Coach Missy Kohlman.
Families with young children are invited
to attend the SJL Early Childhood Open
House to tour the 3K, 4K, Kindergarten,
and Day Care rooms and to meet our
teaching staff on Sunday January 19
from 11:30am-1:00pm.
Page 7
WELCOME TABLE
Our SJL family prepares, serves, joins in fellowship, and cleans-up meals for the Welcome Table. Our
family provides a resource to our Plymouth community - food and fellowship - to those are in
need. The Welcome Table serves meals at Redeemer Lutheran Church, every Tuesday night, for 40-75
people. This is a great way to serve and to live out your faith.
SJL's Upcoming Dates:
March 4, 2014
April 29, 2014
May 27, 2014
October 28, 2014
December 30, 2014
If you would like to learn more about the Welcome Table or serve those in need, please contact Pastor
Schultz ([email protected]).
PASTOR'S INFORMATION CLASS/NEW MEMBER CLASS
We will begin a new seven week class in January. The same class will be offered twice a week to best fit
into your schedule. The classes will meet on Sunday mornings (9:30-10:15 AM) and on Thursday nights
(6:30-7:30 PM). The first classes will start on Sunday January 12 and Thursday January 16. The classes
will cover such topics as, "The Bible", "The Ten Commandments", "Holy Baptism", "Holy Communion", and more. Feel free to invite your family and friends! Whether you are new to St. John or have been
here for years, join us for refreshment through the Word and relationship building. Contact the Church
Office for more information or to register.
JR. HIGH YOUTH GROUP (6TH, 7TH & 8TH GRADE)
Upcoming Activities: January 5 - Christmas Caroling, Hot Chocolate, & Cookies! Dress Warm!; January
19 - Outside Games! Dress Warm!; February 23 - Winter Olympic Games!
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDIES
Study God's Word in a small group setting. Every Wednesday, we gather to read through portions of the
Bible, reflect on His desires and work, talk about what is going in our lives, and join in prayer. You are
always invited and are encouraged to come!
Morning Life with God - Wednesdays in the Fellowship Hall - 7:30-8:30 AM
Night Life with God - Wednesdays in the Fellowship Hall - 7:00-8:00 PM
Both Bible Classes cover the same topic each week. Currently we are studying the book of 1 Samuel
where we read and learn about Israel, Samuel, Saul, David and many others who have lived their lives
trusting in their God.
VBS IS COMING SOON!
The dates for Vacation Bible School (VBS) are June 23-27, 2014. St. John is looking for 2
-3 more people to serve on the VBS Committee. VBS Committee members meet with
Pastor Schultz to brainstorm and help plan for snacks, crafts, games, and daily activities
for the week of VBS. We plan to meet 5-6 times - We will meet at your convenience and
schedule. Please contact Pastor Schultz if you are interested
([email protected]). We look forward to another successful week of VBS
where we teach and share the love of Jesus to others!
Page 8
Project Angel Hugs is starting the big Valentine Drive. Last year 34,000 Valentines were processed through Project Angel Hugs. Cards were received from Germany, South Africa, Australia, the Philippines, Japan and many other countries. Cards can be store bought, computer generated, handmade, cutout hearts on
paper plates, you name it!! Do not put the cards in envelopes because they need to
be sorted. Sign your name or organization, city and state. Kids love to see where
their mail comes from....and so do the volunteers who do the sorting. Put cards in a
box or shipping envelope and send them to Project Angel Hugs (307 E. Mill Street,
Suite 1, Plymouth, WI 53073) or drop them off at the Project Angel Hugs office.
Deadline for them to reach the office is January 18, 2014. Thank you for your help.
The PTO would like to
thank Palo Popcorn and Jim
& June Chisholm for their
generous donation of popcorn which was used to fill
the Christmas goodie bags
for the students.
THANK YOU!
Thank you for all of the Christmas
cards, baked goods, warm thoughts and
gifts. We appreciate all of your continued love and support to our family. We
hope that you had a wonderful Christmas! God's richest blessings in the new
year! We have a great God who continues to bless our whole SJL family!
- Pastor John, Sarah, Miriam & Rebecca
Schultz
Page 9
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH RETREAT
Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but through me.”
This is most certainly true! Really? How can I be so sure that the Christian faith is really true?
How can I speak of the reality of this truth to my family and friends? How do I live the Christian faith in a world that is increasingly hostile to it? Pastor Peter Bender will answer these and
many more of your questions as we look at the rich gifts that God has given to us in His Holy
Word and Luther’s Small Catechism.
Join Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sheboygan, Wisconsin for our 7th annual retreat.
Pastor Peter Bender of Peace Lutheran Church and Concordia Catechetical Academy in Sussex,
Wisconsin will serve as our main teacher.
When: February 14-16, 2014
Where: Trinity Lutheran Church - Sheboygan, WI
Church Office: (920) 458-8246
Rev. John Berg: [email protected]
Cost: $60 per person: 1/1/13 - 1/31/14
$70 per person: after 1/31/14
RSVP: via online registration at www.higherthings.org/retreats/registrations
or email Sandra Ostapowich
Higher Things Retreat Coordinator
[email protected]
A number of years ago, when my mother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer, I discovered a pattern for a prayer shawl. On the surface it looked
like a regular shawl, but as I knitted the shawl, I prayed for my mother-in
-law. I prayed for healing and also for strength, courage and peace. I
gave the prayer shawl to her when she started chemotherapy so that it
would keep her warm when she was going through treatments. She used it frequently both at home and
during her treatments. When she went into the hospital and later the nursing home, she had it with her all
the time. She said that she could feel the strength of the prayers wrapped around her with the shawl.
I started the prayer shawl ministry with the help of my daughter, Jessica, so that we could share this blessing with others who were sick or troubled. The response has been wonderful. We have about 20 crafters
who have knitted and crocheted about 75 prayer shawls. There are only 3 left at this time. We are in need
of more! We are looking for people to knit and crochet the prayer shawls. The pattern is simple, so you
don’t have to be an expert to complete them. We will provide you with the pattern, you complete the
shawl and return it to the church office and we will distribute it to someone in need. If you have a shawl
pattern of your own, you are welcome to make it and turn it in to the office. Please remember to pray for
the shawl recipient as you make it.
Don’t knit or crochet? The church office will be accepting financial donations to defray the cost of yarn.
Simply indicate “Prayer Shawl” on the envelope.
We are also looking for people who would benefit from receiving a prayer shawl. If you know of someone, someone who is sick, or troubled or in need of comfort, please contact the church office or Kendra
Ford. Thank you to all those who have supported the Prayer Shawl Ministry in the past and we hope to
continue to thrive in the coming years.
Kendra Ford
528-7060
[email protected]
Page 11
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Cheer On Lutheran High!
Friday January 24 is the "St. John Lutheran Night" at Lutheran High. We
encourage you to come, support, and
cheer on the Lutheran High boys basketball teams. Lutheran High will play
against Elkhart Lake. Also, on this night, admission
will be free to all St. John Lutheran members and
the congregation members will be recognized as
well. Freshman Boys - 4:30 PM; JV - 5:50 PM; Varsity - 7:30 PM. We hope to see you at the game!
Thrivent Members - Don't forget to
designate your Thrivent Choice
dollars. Thrivent Choice dollars can
be sent to charitable organizations
of your choice, including St. John
Lutheran! Go to
www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice
or call 1-800-847-4836 (choose
Thrivent Choice when prompted).
Thrivent Choice dollars are
awarded based on the Thrivent
products held.
Newsletter Sponsors
Archangels - $1000
Schneider Funeral Home and Life Tributes
Jason and Angela Schneider
Zimmermann Printing
David Zimmermann and Family
Cherubim - $750
Seraphim - $600
Robert and Judy Johanning
Authorities - $150
MacGillis Insurance Agency Brian MacGillis
Brian and Libby MacGillis
Marvin and Donna Mae Cain
Mighty Angels - $100
Aldag Honold Mechanical, Inc.
K W Electric
Piggly Wiggly
Tangles Hair Salon
Roger and Vivian Greisch
Dwayne and Michelle Hendrickson
Gary and Eileen Wightman
Thrones - $500
Powers - $300
David E. Andrews Law Office, S.C.
David and Tammy Andrews
Mike Burkhardt Ford
Holden and Hahn S.C.
Richard and Dou May Hahn
Joe Van Horn Chevrolet Inc.
M.J. Manufacturing, Inc.
John and Dawn Mueller
Meyer Motors Inc.
Sargento Foods Inc.
20/20 Visions LLC
Rulers - $200
Sun Graphics
Lorraine Doebert
Mary Jones
Living Creatures - $50
Haucke Plumbing
Deicher Construction Co., Inc.
Thomas and Carrie Rooker
H. Lulloff & Son, Inc.
McKenzie Financial Services, LLC
Randy Prange Excavating, LLC
Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services
Adela Hueppchen
Gerald and Barbara Wimmler
In Loving Memory of Jim Bordeau
If you would like to be a Newsletter sponsor,
please contact the Church Office.
We encourage you to support the newsletter.
Members are listed in italics.
NON-PROFIT ORG.
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222 N. Stafford Street | Plymouth, WI 53073
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
TO:
St. John Lutheran Church & School
222 N. Stafford Street
Plymouth, WI 53073
Church Office: (920) 893-3071
School Office: (920) 893-5114
Fax: (920) 892-2845
Website: stjohnplymouth.com
Email: [email protected]
Worship Services
Saturday – 4:30 PM
Sunday – 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM
Monday – 6:30 PM
Sunday School
Sunday – 9:30 AM
Adult Bible Class
Sunday – 9:30 AM
Senior Pastor
Rev. Nathan Meador
Associate Pastor
Rev. John Schultz
School Principal
Mr. Tim Gieschen
Bringing the love of Christ to the unsaved, nurturing the saved, and living in service to Him!