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ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Bennington, NE 68007
This year Kingdom Quest Sunday School is...
Jumping With Joy to
Learn About God!
Rally Sunday
is September 9th
9:30 to 10:45
Register your child for Sunday school
(ages 3 thru 6th grade)
September
2012
Building on
the Legacy
First Day of
Pre-school
September 4 & 5
FALL WORSHIP HOURS BEGIN
8:30am Liturgical Worship
11:00am Contemporary
NOTICE OF SPECIAL
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Date: Sunday, September 9, 2012
Time: Following 11:00am worship service
Note: The service will conclude no later than 11:45am. A
bounce house and other supervised activities will be offered for the
children after the service and during the meeting. We will enjoy
grilled hotdogs and hamburgers, and the congregational meeting
will start no later than 12:15pm.
Purpose: To vote on establishing a permanent “Director of
Children’s and Youth Ministry” position at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran
Church.
Financial Peace
University
Kick-Off Meeting
Tues., Sept. 11
6:30pm
Jr. Choir Begins
Wed., Sept. 12
6:30pm
Confirmation/
BYGs Begins
Wed., Sept. 12
6:30pm
New Member
Classes
Sunday, Sept. 23 & 30
9:45am
5th Quarters
Fridays, Sept. 21 & 28
Thru the Windows
Page 2
Pastor Stein Shares
Learning from the Spirit
The book of Revelation begins with God giving prophecies to seven local congregations.
These prophecies are brutally honest: The Holy Spirit is pointing out where the congregation
needs to grow and improve. One congregation receives no criticism – the congregation in
Philadelphia (not PA, but ancient Greece). It was a congregation that suffered under serious
persecution, but remained strong in confessing and living out its faith. I want to learn from
this congregation.
“These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of
David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one
can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and
have not denied my name. I will make those who are of the synagogue of
Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make
them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved
you. Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep
you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the
inhabitants of the earth” (Rev. 3:7-10).
Here are some lessons that I think apply directly to St. John’s:
a) Don’t let your own little strength distract you from what God wants to do.
God will give you the strength to accomplish what he has called you to
accomplish. Don’t use your own limited strength as an excuse for not doing
God’s work.
b) Seize opportunities! Opportunities are God given and not the result of luck
or fate. If God gives you an open door, walk through it and don’t wonder
what is behind it. You will figure that out soon enough. To see which doors
God has opened you may have to knock at several (try out different things),
but once a door opened, walk through it with excitement and enthusiasm.
c) Profess your faith! It is about God. God seeks faithfulness, not flash!
Regardless how unpopular it makes you, regardless how much people
belittle you or think you are strange: Stand up for your faith! God will
reward your faithfulness!
d) God knows your deeds – God knows your faithfulness. No one might
notice, and no one might give you credit for what you have done. People
may think you are doing nothing. Even the smallest of your deeds of
faithfulness is noticed by God!
e) God deals with those who work against you! You don’t need to waste your
time and poison your soul with longing for revenge or getting even. Your
enemies are in God’s hands, and he will deal with them. You make sure you
keep your heart fixed on God!
God has blessed St. John’s with numerous open doors. Sometimes they are scary. We wonder
if the opportunity is not too much for us. If God opens a door for us, we can trust that he will
provide for what we need in order to fulfill the potential of the opportunity.
www.stjohnsbennington.org
Pastor Andreas Stein
September 2012
Page 3
Birthday & Anniversary Celebrations
Music Ministry
I know I’m not the only one wondering
where summer went at this point in the year!!
Vacations are over, school has begun, our hectic
schedule begins/continues with a new set of
“to do” lists, i.e. soccer practice, after school
meetings, football games, etc.
And how do we as Christians stay centered,
focused and relatively in control of our
own time? Pastor’s sermon on Aug. 19 was
especially timely making us think about HOW
we spend the 24 hours allotted to each of us
daily, WHAT we spend our time doing, and
how our PRIORITIES are reflected in our time
management or mismanagement. With all that
to think about, we again would love to have you
spend some time this season with us in the music
ministry at St. John’s!
And so we begin a new season at St. John’s!
With so many wonderful programs here, I’m
just going to remind you of all of the “musical”
opportunities we have for you.
Chancel Choir season has begun.
Rehearsals are every Wednesday evening from
7-8 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The Chancel Choir
sings at the Liturgical service each Sunday and
at most special services. Come join the choir –
call Kerry Greunke if interested.
Exultation, our resident praise band,
practices year round on Wednesday evenings,
now from 8-9 p.m. We lead the Contemporary
services at 11 a.m. each Sunday as well as some
special services. We are always looking for
more singers (male variety especially!!!!), band
members – i.e. guitar, bass, drummers, and
anyone who would like to be more involved in
planning our services. Please, please call me if
you are interested or if you know of someone
who might be!
Jr. Praise Band began practice on
August 29 and will meet weekly on Wednesdays
at 6 p.m. We also help lead the Confirmation
Opening at 6:30 pm each week. Jr. Praise Band
plays at the 11 am service at least once a month
– probably the 3rd Sunday this year. Call me if
you want to join us!!!
Jr. Choir, under the direction of Julie
Rothermund and Chris Tomjack, will again meet
each Wednesday from 6:30- 7:15 p.m. beginning
on Sept. 12. They will sing twice a month, once
at the early service and once at the late service.
All children, grades 2-5, are welcome. We’d love
to have you. We have some really fun music
planned for this year!
We have lots of opportunities, so
please come join us – it will be
worth your time!
Submitted by Jan Braden, Director of Music
Outreach Ministry
Reaching Out, Through Outreach Ministry
The Healthy by Design program continues with the following schedule:
H FIT (Faith Intensity Training) MWF 5:30am and 8:15am
H LIFT (Low Impact Fitness Training) MWF 9:00am
H Practicing Grace (yoga-style) Tuesday at 5:30am
H Yoga Tuesday and Thursdays at 9:00am
Thru the Windows
Page 4
St. John’s Women in Action
Coming Events Join Us in Bible Study!
All Women are Welcome!
Faith Circle Bible Study
Fair Trade Sales
September 9th
in the Narthex between services
Coffee, Tea, Cocoa, Hot Chocolate,
Nuts & Chocolate Bars
September 11 at 1:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Lesson Leader – Delores Thorell
Refreshments – Jeri Petznick
Autumn Renewal 2012
Pray the Devil Back to Hell
September 15
Lord of Love Lutheran Church
10405 Fort St., Omaha
Come view and discuss Pray the
Devil Back to Hell… Be inspired…
Be uplifted… and most of all, be
motivated.
It is the amazing story of a small band
of Liberian women who come together
in the midst of a bloody civil war and
lead the way to win a long awaited
peace for their shattered country in
2003.
This award winning film documents
how thousands of women, ordinary
mothers grandmothers, aunts and
daughters came together to pray for
peace. They staged a silent protest
outside the Presidential Palace
demanding an end to the country’s
civil war. It is a compelling testimony
of how grass roots activism can alter
the history of nations.
Rejoice Circle Bible Study
September 17 at 7:00 p.m.
at the Lighthouse
Lesson/Refreshments – Karen Anderson
Busy Women’s Bible Study
for time and place contact
[email protected]
Young Women of the ELCA
BE BOLD!
Check out this website!
www.boldcafe.org
www.twitter.com/Womenofthe ELCA
http://blogs.elca.org/women
Café is a free, monthly on-line magazine for
young women 18 to 35 years old and is offered by
Women of the ELCA. Women of all ages are reading it!
Café stands for
Community, Advocacy, Faith, & Enlightenment
We will also view and listen to a
moving speech by Leymah Gbowee,
recent Nobel Peace Prize winner. Her
speech was delivered to the Women of
the ELCA at the triennial convention
in Spokane, WA in July, 2011.
What a day it will be!
Music, Message, Mission,
Friends, Food & Fun.
Don’t miss it!
www.stjohnsbennington.org
September 2012
Page 5
St. John’s Women in Action
Prayer
Shawl
Ministry
Love to Crochet
or Knit?
St. John’s Women in Action are beginning a
Prayer Shawl Ministry. A newspaper article
on the Women in Action bulletin board tells
about how this ministry serves those in
hospitals, in hospice or anyone in need of
such a gift. If you crochet or knit, consider
sharing your gift in this ministry. Patterns
and Prayers may be found on the Women in
Action bulletin board in the hallway to the
fellowship hall. Completed shawls may be
left in the church office.
Fabric & Personal
Care Kits
St. John’s Women in Action are
collecting items for Lutheran
World Relief Fabric Kits and
Personal Care Kits. Your donated
items may be left in the box in the
Narthex.
Items needed for Fabric Kits:
HOOKS
&
NEEDLES
(Crocheting &
Knitting)
Thursdays, September 6th and 20th
1-3 PM at the Lighthouse.
Friendship and Fellowship. Come check us out! The
coffee pot is always on! Beginners welcome. We need all
skill levels. This ministry is to make prayer shawls and
hats/scarves for the Christmas Giving Tree.
Questions: call Sharon Newman 402-571-6791
General all-purpose thread in neutral
colors or matching fabric.
2 pieces: 2 ¼ yards of 50” fabric
2 pieces: 3 yards of 44” fabric
2 pieces: 4 yards of 36” fabric
These should be cotton or cotton
blends. Knits or polyester are not
accepted.
Items needed for
Personal Care Kits:
1 dark color bath size towel
2 bath size soaps
1 adult size toothbrush
1 comb
1 nail clipper
Thru the Windows
Page 6
Men’s Ministry
To all men of STJLC, the Bennington community, and
ANY man who would like to learn more about the Bible
and The Religions and Cults of the World:
We invite all of you to join friends and neighbors in the Bible Study
and Christian Education gatherings at 7:30 to 9:00 AM, every 3rd
Saturday. Dates for September are the 8th & 29th.
We are in the process of studying and discussing 1st and 2nd
TIMOTHY and the book of TITUS. These “Books” are Letters
written by the Apostle Paul in the years 60 to 75 AD.
In our Christian Education Series we are continuing with the study
of World Religions and Cults. Great enjoyment and a much clearer
understanding in learning about others! Currently, Judaism is our
studied religion which will be followed by Islam.
Don’t hesitate, come on in! The coffee pot is always on, plus we have
very fresh donuts from “The Professor”!
Where: The Lighthouse next door to St. John’s at 322 North Molley St.
in Bennington. Hope to see you soon!
Submitted by Dick Fritz
Liturgical Worship Team Notes
The Liturgical Worship Team, formerly known
as Traditional Worship Team, met on Monday,
August 13th. Here is a synopsis of what we
discussed:
• On Rally Sunday, September 9, we will
switch to using Setting 3. We hope to begin
using the screens at that time, depending on
whether we can find someone to run them.
• For World Communion Sunday,
October 7, we will show flags and sing
hymns from other countries. We will again
ask people to read the lessons in other
languages and we will serve ethnic snacks
between services.
• On Reformation Sunday we will be sure
to choose reformation hymns and we
will serve communion, even
though it is not usually served
on the fourth Sunday at the
Liturgical Service. We will put
up the red pennants and ask the
congregation to wear red for that
service.
• We will conduct Advent midweek services
again this year, using the Holden Evening
Prayer. The exact time will be coordinated
with the Confirmation program.
www.stjohnsbennington.org
September 2012
Page 7
Quilters in Action
A LEADER WHO SERVES
OR A SERVANT WHO LEADS
“But I have prayed for you, Simon,
that your faith may not fail. And
when you have turned back,
strengthen your brothers.” (Luke
22:31 NIV)
When Jesus tells Peter he’s prayed
for him, he explains this specific
prayer was because “Satan has
asked to sift all you as wheat.
Now, to me, it begs the question:
Lord, did you have to say “yes”?
There may be days when you wonder if God is letting
Satan sift you. But, if that is true, we can choose to
believe God is still in control and that his presence
inside us is greater than the one who is in the world
(1 John 4:4).
A sifting brings glory to God, such as when Job still
praised his maker, even when everything seemed lost
and even his wife was telling to give up on God.
In August, we had a most fulfilling time serving
God with making quilts, sorting and packing quilts.
The quilting servants are as follows:
Delores Thorell
Addie Backhuus
Betty Deardoff
Lorene Andersen
Mary Weberg
Arlene Youmans
Norma Collins
Doris Gottsch
Emily Laake
Karen Arp
Sharon Liesche
Justine Brown
and Carol Iltzsch.
• We completed: 55 premie pads, 4 tied baby quilts,
and 13 full size quilts.
• We sorted and packed: 21 quilts for the Homeless
Veterans; 63 infant caps, 21 baby quilts, and 75
premie pads.
• For Lutheran World Relief we packed 15 quilts.
A sifting also probes your weaknesses, revealing where
you’re still thinking, “I can.” A good swift sift will
push you to “I can’t, but God can.”
• For the Open Door Mission, we packed and
delivered: 21 full size quilts, 1 box of 20 T-shirts,
and 1 bag of toys for the Lydia House.
In allowing you to be sifted, God is scraping away all
the distraction and things that might hinder you from
fulfilling your purpose.
• For the Life Care Center in Elkhorn we packed 4
full size quilts.
The way that Jesus tells Peter about the sifting has
always held a special meaning to me. Jesus didn’t
just say, “Get ready for a whirlwind of hurt! I know
you’re going to let me down.” Instead, Jesus points to
the future: Peter would survive the sifting. He would
return humbled, but stronger, with the purpose of
strengthening his brothers. In a sense, “When you turn
back from your turning back, you’ll be a servant who
leads.”
September Quilting Days
September 10 9:00am (all day)
September 11 9:00am (half-day)
• We gifted a “Prayer Quilt” to Deb Misfeldts’
Uncle Larry Redel, who has recently had a
serious heart attack and has been blessed with a
miraculous recovery.
• We are gifting: prayer shawls to LaFern Dierks
and to Nadine Frost.
Lord, thank you for all your blessings to the
Quilters. We wouldn’t be able to complete and do
the work we do without your help. Thank you to all
for the donations of fabric, sheets, pillowcases and
all items we use in our mission of making quilts.
Please bless all that help us to make the items
we do so we may continue to serve you and your
children.
Thru the Windows
Page 8
Keni Thomas Event
Thank You Volunteers for making
the Keni Thomas
August Event a Huge Success!!!
www.Stjohnsbennington.org
September 2012
Page 9
Joys
& Concerns
July 29
Altar flowers were given in honor and celebration of
Delores Thorell’s 85th Birthday on August 5th, by
her 6 children and their families.
Children’s bulletins were given by Delores Thorell’s
11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchilden in honor of
her 85th birthday.
August 5
Lilyan Helen Frost was received into God’s Holy
Kingdom through the washing of Holy Baptism at the
10:30am service. Lilyan was born April 26, 2012 and
is the daughter of Anthony “Tony” & Danielle Frost.
Lilyan’s sponsors are Chris & Katie Circo and
William & Angela Rodgers.
Altar flowers were given in honor of Lilyan Helen
Frost’s baptism by her parents, Tony and Danielle
Frost.
August 12
The rose on the altar was given in celebration of the
August 5 birth of Hanna Sophia Sukraw by her
grandparents Fred & Cyndee Barnhard and Ken &
Miriam Sukraw.
Hanna weighed 8lbs and was 20 inches long. She is
the daughter of Mark & Angela Sukraw. Hanna is
also welcomed home by sister Katherine, age 3 and
brother Elijah, age 1.
Haddie Mae Tingelhoff was received into God’s
Holy Kingdom through the washing of Holy Baptism
at the 8:30am service. Haddie was born February 24,
2012 and is the daughter of Scott & Lisa Tingelhoff.
Haddie’s sponsors are Keith & Heather Bird.
Kaitlyn Marie Farnum was received into God’s
Holy Kingdom through the washing of Holy Baptism
this morning at the 10:30am service. Kaitlyn was
born June 25, 2012 and is the daughter of Corey &
Heidi Farnum. Kaitlyn’s sponsors are Brad & Erin
Huisman. August 19
Altar flowers were given in honor of Dale Mohr’s
80th Birthday by his children Van and Nancy Mohr
and Ken and Sue Wright. Also, by his grandchildren
Cody and Mandy Henrickson, Mallory and Jacob
Mohr and CJ Wright
Thea Lynn Gross was received into God’s Holy
Kingdom through the washing of Holy Baptism at the
10:30am service. Thea was born August 1, 2011 and is the daughter of Lisa Muhleka and Andrew Gross.
Thea’s sponsors are TJ Muhleka and Tisa Kruse.
Jason Reid Muhleka was received into God’s Holy
Kingdom through the washing of Holy Baptism at the
10:30am service. Jason was born July 2, 2012 and is
the son of Lisa Muhleka and Andrew Gross. Jason’s
sponsors are Lindsay and Mike Schellhardt.
Thank Yous
Thank you Andrew Mattson for serving as our past
TTWs newsletter editor!!!!
Thank you to Jennifer Moody who is stepping in
to the newsletter role beginning with this September
edition. Articles for the newsletter can continued to
be e-mailed to [email protected]
Thank you all for your part in making my 80th
birthday celebration a great day to remember!
Joann Warrick
Heartfelt gratitude to those of you who
celebrated my birthday by sending cards,
extending best wishes, returning thanks to
God, and coming to the open house. God has
showered blessings on me through you.
Bernetta Schroeder
Thank you to all who have been sharing your
fresh garden products on Sunday mornings.
If you have extra or would like to enjoy these
products, please stop by to see what is available
in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday mornings.
Thru the Windows
Page 10
Lighthouse coffee Shoppe
St. John’s Lighthouse
Coffee Shoppe is open
Tuesdays & Thursdays
9am to 4pm
Available for your pleasure are:
Specialty teas, a variety of regular &
decaffeinated coffees, including
cappuccino and cafe lattes.
Cold beverages now available.
Delicious baked goods to go with
your beverage choice.
Satisfy
Your
Craving!
Come to the
Lighthouse Coffee
Shoppe on Thursday
September 20th from
9:00 am to 4:00 pm and
enjoy a slice of delicious
homemade pie. We are
using fresh peaches
and apples from the
Lighthouse trees. A variety
of pie, coffee and tea will
be served. Lighthouse Happenings
A Hawaiian Party was held on July
26th with 31 in attendance. Guests
were greeted with a Hawaiian lei and
enjoyed the island decor and music.
Especially those inflated palm trees
that were a lot of fun blowing up.
The fruit kabobs, pineapple and
mandarin orange cake and parasoltopped punch were a big hit. Thanks
to all who came to share in the fun.
A retirement celebration in honor
of Janie Frahm was held on July
24th, hosted by Maureen Proksil.
Good eats and treats were enjoyed
along with great conversation and reminiscing. Special guests
were Janie’s family, Paul Bacino and former co-workers from
Dr. Bacino’s office. We are looking forward to Janie using her
talents and skills by joining us as a volunteer.
The Jack and Jill Tea Party was a fun-filled event held on
August 7th. The children were taught proper table etiquette
and were tested on their knowledge of several nursery rhymes.
They also enjoyed various outdoors games using clothes pins,
balls and rings. Everyone got to choose a prize to take home.
The children were all so well behaved and looked adorable all
dressed up for a party. Thanks to parents and grandparents for
sharing them with us. On August 14th, Pastor Stein thought he was attending a
meeting at the Lighthouse. He was greeted by several members
of St. John’s singing happy birthday. He was pleasantly
surprised and said it was much more enjoyable than a meeting.
Coffee, egg casserole, muffins, and great conversation were
enjoyed.
A Divorce Care Reunion was held on the evening of August
14th. A Potluck dinner was shared by former attendees of the
Divorce Care sessions. They enjoyed seeing each other and
learning how everyone had been able to move ahead with their
lives. All agreed attending the classes were very important in
getting through the tough times and making a new and better
life for themselves.
www.Stjohnsbennington.org
September 2012
Page 11
Kingdom Quest
This year Kingdom Quest Sunday School is...
Jumping With Joy to
Learn About God!!!
Rally Sunday is September 9th
@ 9:30am
This is the day to register your child/children for Kingdom Quest
(Located in the basement of the church where Sunday school takes place weekly)
Kingdom Quest Sunday School is really looking
forward to another year of teaching your child/
children the lessons of God and his Kingdom.
We have some lovely volunteers who put their
heart and soul into teaching your children
weekly. You will notice what your child/
children learn just by listening and asking them
questions about their lessons every Sunday.
We hope you will enjoy this year as much as we
look forward to teaching your child/children.
If at any time you feel like being part of our
Sunday School team, please contact Brenda
Teller [email protected] or 402-963-0503,
she would love to hear from you! You can also
keep updated with current happenings by
logging on to www.stjohnsbennington.org
Kid’s Kingdom Preschool News
Preschool Resumes September 4, 2012
The Preschool Board would like to inform
you that Nicki Nutter has resigned as
Director of Preschool. Nicki has decided to
take a teaching position closer to her home
in Gretna. We thank her for her service to
Kid’s Kingdom Preschool.
Kid’s Kingdom Preschool would like
to announce that Nicole Cloudt will be
our new Director of Preschool. Nicole
is married to Jason Cloudt and has two
children, Nora 8 years old and Judson
who is 4 years old. Nora did come to Kid’s
Kingdom Preschool and Judson is now
attending the Preschool.
We have 64 children enrolled at this time.
We have for the 3 years old a Monday/
Wednesday am classes, Tuesday/Thursday
am classes, a Tuesday/Thursday pm
classes, and have added a Friday am class
for parents that would like to send there
older 3’s to a 3 day program. We offer
the 4 year olds a Monday/ Wednesday/
Friday am and pm classes. The 5 year
olds we offer Monday thru Friday in the
afternoons.
This year we also have two more new staff
members. Kim Mitchell will be teaching
a 4 year old class on Monday/Wednesday/
Friday and Jacquie Dugan will be teaching
the K-Prep class. Returning is Mindi
Gansebom as a 4 year old teacher for
mornings and afternoons. Hilary Cemer
will again teach all the 3 year old classes.
Elizabeth Pooley will also return as the
Para for the Preschool.
We are still taking registrations if you
know of anyone looking for a Preschool.
The Kid’s Kingdom Preschool Board is
very grateful for our new team of staff
and appreciate how everyone has been so
helpful in this transition. We are excited
about the upcoming year and know that
God has great plans for our Preschool.
Respectfully
Janie Frost, Chairman of Kid’s Kingdom
Preschool
Thru the Windows
Page 12
Youth Ministry
What is the BYG Deal?
Well JESUS is of course!!!
Confirmation and BYGs 2012/2013
The Numbers
• 6th Grade – 11
• 7th Grade – 17
• 8th Grade – 6
• 9th Grade – 12
• 10th Grade – 16
• 11th Grade – 14
• 12th Grade – 10
The People
Confirmation Small Group Guides
Kelly Witt, Shelly Christensen, Mark
Carl, Carol DiMauro, Angie KnutsonSmith, Dick Flynn, Julie Coe, Heather
Goertz and Jane Frost
6th Grade Confirmation Leader
Mary Carol Junker
Confirmation Coordinator
Eileen Baker
BYGs Leaders
TBD
Interim Youth Director
Di Loptin
Youth Ministry Board
Di Loptin, Eileen Baker, Debbie
Depperman, Angie Menard and Fritz
Vannornam
5th
Quarter
2012/2013 Confirmation
Requirements
• Attendance – 25 worship services per year.
(6th, 7th and 8th)
• Must attend ALL Lenten services.
(6th, 7th and 8th)
• Worship Notes from Sunday worship
services.
• 6th (10 worship notes) – 7th (15 worship
notes) – 8th (20 worship notes)
• Acolyte Duties - 3 Sundays (6th, 7th and 8th)
• Usher and/or Greeting Duties – 1 Sunday
(6th, 7th and 8th)
• Retreats and Recharges
• Camp Okoboji (6th) – Urban Plunge (7th)
• Service Projects • TBD each year.
Please mark your calendars for the
upcoming 5th Quarters!!
• September 21st & September 28th
• October 12th
Join us immediately following the Badger Football Games until
11:00pm for pizza, pop, candy, bonfires and fun!!
We are also accepting donations of pop, water and candy for these
events. We serve approximately 100-125 Jr. High and High School
youth on these evenings, so your donations are greatly appreciated!
September 2012
Page 13
Youth Ministry
Sky Ranch Colorado – BYG’s Summer Trip
What an amazing week we had discovering
God’s AMAZING Everyday Grace while on the
mountaintops of Colorado!! It was a week filled
with DEVO’s (devotions) on the trails and while
stargazing in the evenings! We were not sure if
we would be able to go on this trip due to the
Colorado fires this summer, but God had a plan
and we made it! During our time in Colorado
He showed us that His grace is as radical as the
forest fires – if we share this Amazing Grace it
can consume us and create new life where there
was none! I just want to thank St. John’s for all
the support of our fundraisers and for your many
prayers along the way. Thank you also to the
Wheels 4 Christ for letting us drive the bus for our
trip! Thank you to my parent volunteers – Cindy
Giebelhausen and David Sandstedt! We had an
amazing time!
Please stop by the youth office and see the
pictures of our trip!
Also, please continue to keep Sky Ranch in your
prayers as they continue to clean up and repair the
damage caused by the fires!
Finding God’s Everyday Grace!
www.Stjohnsbennington.org
Di Loptin
Thru the Windows
Page 14
Church Council
The Church Council met on August 14, 2012
Keni Thomas Concert Event – coming together
nicely
Church Camp Scholarships
• Scholarship fund running out of money
• That fund is used to pay ½ of kids tuition for
Camp Okoboji or Carol Joy Holling. Because
of increased camp costs and an increase in the
number of kids attending, the fund is being
depleted.
• We discussed if only $100/kid be allowed
until the money runs out or continue as is.
Church Staff
Church Pastor
Office Administrator
Interim Youth Director
Organist
Director of Music
Chancel Choir Director
Pre-school Director
Bookkeeper
Custodians
Pre-school Teachers
Pre-School Administrative
Assistant
Rev. Andreas Stein
Debbie Misfeldt
Di Loptin
Connie Dunn
Jan Braden
Kerry Greunke
Nicole Cloudt
Gail Pfahl
Tom & Cindy Koziol
Hilary Cemer
Jacquie Dugan
Mindi Gansebom
Kim Mitchell
Elizabeth Pooley
It will be communicated to the initial
contributor of the scholarship fund and to the
congregation.
**Moved that we change the contribution to camp
scholarships to $100/person. Seconded.
Preschool
Nicki Nutter resigned effective July 30, 2012.
Nicole Cloudt will be our new pre-school director.
Focus Ministry
Congregational Meeting will be held Sept 9th
(Rally Sunday) following the 11:00am Worship
Service.
Church Council
Deb Almquist
Chris Tomjack
Scott Pierson
David Sandstedt, Jr.
Jan Braden
Matt Geiseman
Emily Laaker
Stacy Laue
Mary Pat Schmidt
Tricia Schneider
Marisa Tomjack
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Special Funds Treasurer
Youth Representative
www.Stjohnsbennington.org
Church Office
Hours, Due Dates & Such
Please help our office to be as
efficient and helpful as possible by
keeping the following in mind:
Monthly Publication –
Thru the Windows
The due date for information for
the monthly newsletter “Thru the
Windows” is the 15th of each
month. Any articles or information
after that date will not be included.
Please submit all articles to the editor
at [email protected]
Office Hours
Monday through Friday are 8:00 am
to 4:00 pm. The church staff meets
at 10:00 am on Mondays. Usually
volunteers answer the phones during
that time. If not, the phone will go
to voicemail. Occasionally, the staff
will have lunch offsite on Tuesdays,
so please call before coming to make
sure we are here. If you need access
to the church at other times, please
call and we will work with you to
make arrangements.
Voice Mail & Email
All voicemail & email messages
will be answered as soon as possible.
Messages left after 4:00 pm on
Friday will be returned on the next
business day.
www.Stjohnsbennington.org
September 2012
Page 15
Financial Statement
ST JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
FINANCE REPORT
Contributions to General Fund and Mission Share
May
June
July Total YTD
$31,607.53
$19,480.70
$27,512.44
$180,884.27
Expenses – Less Non-Budgeted Items
May
June
July
Total YTD
$25,898.09
$23,066.31
$25,351.89
$180,303.11
May
$26,610.68
Budget 2012
June
July
$26,610.68
$26,610.68
Total YTD
$186,274.76
Giving Testimonial
About 6 or 7 years ago, we were involved in a small group
Bible study at our old church with a few other couples.
The church was going through a stewardship campaign,
and they encouraged small groups like ours to take part
in a Bible study focused on tithing. Our family had always
given an offering to the church, but we never thought we
could give “the full tithe” of 10%. Like the other couples
in our group, we were young parents who saw more bills,
needs, and wants than we had money to spend. We were
wrong. That 6 week study changed our lives forever.
Shortly after starting the study, we realized that God
wants cheerful givers, so we prayed that God would make
us into that. We prayed a lot that God would not only have
a plan for us but that he would open our eyes so we could
see his plan. This was the most important thing we did.
Shortly after the study ended, our lives had major changes
that really allowed us to give back to God like we wanted
to give.
Everything we have comes from God. He asks for 10%,
and he lets us keep nine times that amount. Despite how
simple it sounds, we really struggled with the idea of
giving away 10% of our income because it seemed like
so much money, but a friend of ours clung to the words
of God in Malachi 3:8-12. This particular portion has
always stayed with us: “Bring the whole tithe into the
storehouse… Test me in this, and see if I will not open the
floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that
you will not have room enough for it.” Our friend said that
there is no other place in the Bible where God says you
can challenge Him (“Test me in this”), so we did. After
much prayer, we made the leap into tithing, with cheerful
hearts, and we challenged God to pour out His blessings
on our family. He has.
One area where we still struggle is when we see people
blessed financially who are not faithful to God. On one
hand, we see our sacrifice, and then we see their reward
seems so much higher without the sacrifice. What we’ve
come to realize is that God doesn’t say that only the
faithful will have financial blessings. What he says is
that all who are faithful will be blessed. It’s a matter of
certainty. Some people choose to take their chances, but
we’ve chosen to put our faith in God. We know we will be
blessed. Those blessings don’t always come as the bottom
line on a financial statement, but God blesses in wonderful
ways. He blesses by extending the life of an appliance or
by preventing an expensive repair that is long overdue.
Over time, we’ve really grown to enjoy seeing the new
ways that God finds to bless us.
Is our life free of financial concerns? No. However, the
blessings so greatly outnumber the struggles that we know
it is God’s hand at work everyday in our lives.
Sincerely,
Matt & Holly Ferguson
Thru the Windows
Page 16
Upcoming Events
& Community News
Looking For Old Photos &
Landowner History for Bennington
NEW MEMBER CLASSES
Pastor Andreas will be leading a
series of new member classes on
Sunday, September 16 and 23 at
9:45am in the Conference Room.
New members will be received into
membership at the 11:00am worship
service on September 23.
If you are interested in becoming
a new member, please check the
Attendance Registration pew pad or
call the church office at 238-2483.
The Bennington Historical Society is looking for old photos (1880’s
to 1960’s) and Title Abstract History as a project for Bennington’s
125th Anniversary. We are searching for photographs of the business
districts, old businesses and organizations (sports teams, civic groups,
churches, etc.); especially if their names are known. Old title abstracts
will allow us to determine the ownership of businesses and homes
for research and tracking purposes. Your photographs and/or title
abstract information may be the ‘missing piece’ of someone’s search
for their relatives.
Photographs and abstracts will be scanned and returned to
owners unharmed. Help the Bennington Historical Society save our
community history! Please contact Diane Warrick (402-393-2382) or
Linda Mueller (402-614-7509).
New DivorceCare Session
has started. If you know
someone who is dealing
with the hurt of separation or divorce, please encourage
them to come to St. John’s support group. Please join us
on Tuesday evenings at 6:30pm at the Lighthouse Coffee
Shoppe.
Call Mary Pat Schmidt at 402-238-2453 if you have any
questions or you can e-mail her at [email protected].
The Church Mouse
scurries around St.
John’s and notices
those who have put
in an act of good
works or service
for our Lord, which
may not always be
noticed. Our church is full of wonderful
members who help others and the church
mouse likes to bring that to our attention
so we can express a warm THANKS.
Let us know who has helped. Email your
special thanks to Jennifer Moody at
[email protected].
Dave Ramsey Financial Peace
Kick-Off Meeting
Tuesday, Sept. 11, 6:30 PM
St. John’s Fellowship Hall
• Preview the program
• Purchase materials
• 11 kits are available
(apply for scholarships)
• Decide class dates and times
For more Info: Call Julie at 402203-2649
or email [email protected]
Jean Biesendorfer, former
secretary, long time member of
St. John’s, who just celebrated her
91st birthday is captured in a photo
by Norma Collins as she donates
a hand crocheted prayer shawl
to the newly formed Hooks and
Needles Ministry. Others who knit
or crochet, even though they may
be home bound or have limited
mobility are encouraged to donate
prayer shawls, hats or scarves for the
Christmas Giving Tree. Questions:
call Sharon Newman 402-571-6791
September
1 Aaron 2012
Schmidt
3
Kristin Sass
Mallory Ferguson
4 Kathy Coe
Payge Ehrp
5 Shelby Sass
Alicia Burgers
6 Donald Mahoney (81)
1 Leonard
Aaron Schmidt
Meador
3
Kristin
Sass
8 Adam Iltzsch
Mallory
Ferguson
Amy
Iltzsch
4 Zach
Kathy
Coe
Westfall
PaygeWitte
Ehrp
Daniel
5 Alycia
Shelby
Sass
Miller
Alicia
Burgers
9 Mary
Kuhl
6 Tyler
Donald
Mahoney (81)
Mohr
Leonard
Mark Sass Meador
8 Cody
Adam
Iltzsch
Henrickson
Amy
Iltzsch
10 Dale Smith
Zach Westfall
Westfall
Robin
Daniel
Witte
Chad
Krejci
AlyciaAlmquist
Miller
11 Debbie
9 Paige
MaryDepperman
Kuhl
Tyler
ShannonMohr
Eggink
Mark Sass
Whitney
Fagan
CodyReddick
Henrickson
12 Cheri
10
Dale
Smith
13 Marilee Braesch
Robin Heise
Westfall
Marvin
Chad
Krejci
Tom
Koziol
11 Avery
Debbie
Almquist
Mohr
Paige
Depperman
14 Wes
Andersen
Shannon
Eggink
Hunter
Musel
Whitney
Fagan
Nick Hanish
Cheri Reddick
1512MaryPat
Schmidt
13
Marilee
Braesch
16 Kellen Krivohlavek
Marvin
Heise
17 Nic Laue
Tom Koziol
18 Rhonda
Logeman
AveryPagel
Mohr
19 Dallas
Wes Andersen
2014 Alyjah
Miller
Hunter
Musel
21 Dylan
Renter
Nick
Hanish
Brenda DeLancy
15 Dorothy
MaryPatMohr
Schmidt
(82)
16
Kellen
Krivohlavek
22 Joyce Graybill (80)
17 Vernon
Nic Laue
Kuhl
18 Bob
Rhonda
Logeman
Dornacker
(89)
Dallas
Pagel
2319 Dale
Eurek
20 Jodi
Alyjah
Miller
Pooley
21 Lori
Dylan
Renter
Scott
BrendaSass
DeLancy
Brayden
Dorothy
Jacob Lage Mohr (82)
22 Joyce Graybill (80)
Vernon Kuhl
Bob Dornacker (89)
23 Dale Eurek
Jodi Pooley
Lori Scott
Brayden Sass
Jacob Lage
24 Eileen Baker
25 Jeremy Kruse
Sandra Showers
Louise Voss (92)
Angie Sukraw
Katie Iltzsch
Annabelle Cemer
26 Lil Smith
24 Miriam
Eileen Sukraw
Baker
25 Leanna
JeremyFlynn
Kruse
Sandra
Showers
27 Jane Frost
Louise
Voss
(92)
Betty
Mohr
(82)
Angie Sukraw
Matthew
Mueller
Katie Iltzsch
Heather
Goertz
Annabelle
Cemer
28 Samuel
Giebelhausen
26 Virginia
Lil Smith
Willats (83)
Miriam
Sukraw
Evan
Gliwa
Leanna
Flynn
29 Layne Laaker
27 Merle
Jane Frost
Nelson
Betty Mohr
(82)
Freddie
Schroeder
Matthew
30 Josh
Frost Mueller
Heather
Goertz
Kaitlin
Carl
28 Samuel Giebelhausen
Virginia Willats (83)
Evan Gliwa
29 Layne Laaker
Merle Nelson
Freddie Schroeder
30 Josh Frost
Kaitlin Carl
Page 17
Anniversary
Celebrations
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Thank you
Vic and Deb Sass
for sponsoring the
September cards in
honor of your
40thth Wedding
Anniversary on
Thank you
September 2.
Vic and Deb Sass
Congratulations!
for sponsoring the
September cards in
honor of your
40thth Wedding
Anniversary on
September 2.
Congratulations!
1
Dale & Tonya Eurek
Gerald & Maxine McMurphy (56)
Rev. John & Joan Pierson (56)
Vic & Deb Sass (40)
Kyle & Lisa Kramer
Jacob & Tracy Lage
3 Mick & Myrna Nelson (57)
4 Jim & Leola Bonge
Dale &
& Adrienne
Tonya Eurek
101 Bruce
Larsen
Gerald&&Joan
Maxine
McMurphy (56)
11 David
Havekost
Rev. &
John
& Joan
Pierson (56)
20 Wally
Karen
Boever
Vic
&
Deb
Sass
(40)
22 Harvey & Mary Jensen (67)
Kyle &
& Cindy
Lisa Kramer
23 Lonny
Japp
Jacob
&
TracySass
Lage
24 Brent & Kristin
Mick
& Myrna
Nelson (57)
263 Bob
& Donna
Schmidt
Jim &
& Mandy
Leola Bonge
304 Cody
Henrickson
10 Bruce & Adrienne Larsen
11 David & Joan Havekost
20 Wally & Karen Boever
22 Harvey & Mary Jensen (67)
23 Lonny & Cindy Japp
24 Brent & Kristin Sass
26 Bob & Donna Schmidt
30 Cody & Mandy Henrickson
Anniversary
Celebrations
Card Ministry
So you say it’s your Birthday?
How about those homemade
cards that you will be receiving
in your home mailbox this year?
The Social Ministry Team
believes Card
that relationships
Ministry are
key to the outreach ministries of
St.
John’s
you to
So you
sayand
it’s wants
your Birthday?
know
we are
here
for you.
Howthat
about
those
homemade
On
your
birthday,
cards
that
you willand
be special
receiving
occasions,
you mailbox
should receive
a
in your home
this year?
personalized
note fromTeam
us!
The Social Ministry
believes that relationships are
If key
youto
would
like to be
a sponsorof
the outreach
ministries
please
contact
the
church
office
St. John’s and wants you
to
for
more
details.
know that we are here for you.
On your birthday, and special
occasions, you should receive a
personalized note from us!
If you would like to be a sponsor
please contact the church office
for more details.
www.Stjohnsbennington.org
Page 18
Thru the Windows
Service Schedule
www.Stjohnsbennington.org
September 2012
Page 19
September Calendar
St John’s Lutheran Church
322 North Molley Street
Bennington, NE 68007
Reverand Andreas Stein
402-238-2483 (Church)
402-238-3398 (Fax)
www.stjohnsbennington.org
stjohnsoffc.msn.com
St. John’s Lutheran Church
“The Place to Be”
Fall Worship Schedule
Begins September 9, 2012
Liturgical Service-8:30am
Kingdom Quest Sunday School-9:30am
Coffee Fellowship-9:30am
Contemporary Worship-11:00am