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Saint John Lutheran Church
Bellevue, Iowa
A Congregation of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Growing and responding
Every Day as disciples of Jesus
July 2015
2015 YOUTH MISSION TRIP
MILWAUKEE, WI
On July 12, six youth and three adults will embark on a week
long mission trip to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They will be joining
other youth and adults who will be serving one of the most segregated and underprivileged communities in the nation. This community has the highest teen pregnancy rate and highest unemployment rate for African American males. It is the fourth poorest
city in the country.
Next Step Ministries will be coordinating our activities. This is
the same organization who coordinated our 2012 mission trip to
Joplin, MO. Our time will be filled with working on a restoration
project during the day, and worshiping in the evening.
This will be the 8th year that our youth (8th grade confirmation class) have gone on a mission trip. The mission trip is an
important part of our confirmation ministry. It is a time for us to
get away from our comfort zone and to make a difference in the
lives of others. Many who have participated in the past have said
that the mission trip was a life changing experience and a time to
become closer to God.
We want to thank every one who have supported the Lenten
Soup Suppers, and the Omelet breakfast. These events provide
the vast majority of financial support for our mission trips.
Students participating in this year’s trip are: Toby Giesemann,
Kyle Guenther, Skyler Michels, Sierra Nemmers, Andrew Penniston, and Jack Sieverding. The adult leaders are: Mike Dempewolf, Stephanie Penniston, and Pastor Paul
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Proverbs 10:12
Love Overcomes Hatred
The people of Charleston, SC especially
the members of Emanuel A.M.E congregation
have proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ to our nation in the
aftermath of the mass killing that happened in their church.
Unlike other communities who erupted in riots, the people of
Charleston remained peaceful.
Yes, they have heard the words of Jesus—the same words
we have heard to love and forgive our enemies. Besides hearing
these words, they put them into action. They were determined
not to let acts of hatred win out and rule over them. They were
determined to have love overcome hatred.
We know that acts of hatred is rooted in one’s prejudices. I
remember participating in a racism workshop while I was at the
seminary. One of many things I recall was the statement made
by the presenter, “We all have our prejudices.” I was offended
at first because I believed that I was free of any prejudicial
thoughts. I didn’t dislike African Americans. I didn’t see myself
as a sexist male. I don’t have any issue with gays and lesbians.
The more I listened and thought about it, the more I became confident that the majority of us have prejudicial thoughts. For most
people they remain quietly tucked away and not acted upon.
For others, those prejudicial thoughts are verbalized and at times
acted out in their behavior toward others.
So how do we deal with our prejudices? Simply by showing
and sharing our love—the love of Christ to all people.
This past week we had two baptisms. During the rite of baptism, we presented a lit candle and repeat the words of Jesus,
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may
see your good works and give glory to your Father in
heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) The people of Charleston let their lights
shine—that is, they let their love shine so that all might give God
the glory.
Yes, love overcomes prejudices and hatred. Will you let the
love of Christ shine in you? Let’s make a difference in our world!
Pastor Paul
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LOOK WHO’S HAVING A BIRTHDAY...
Adrianna Budde-Heiar ......... 7/1
Judy Pooler .......................... 7/4
Ryan Ernst ........................... 7/5
Paul Gammelin .................... 7/5
Teagan Humphrey ............... 7/5
Deb Sieverding .................... 7/5
Brooke Johnson ................... 7/6
Karen Goepfert .................... 7/7
Gavin Keane ........................ 7/8
Linda Ries ............................ 7/8
Dennis Feil ......................... 7/11
Steve Brinker ..................... 7/12
Luke Giesemann................ 7/12
Kamron Wilson .................. 7/13
Gavin Schroeder ................ 7/14
Corey Christianson ............ 7/15
George Schlecht ................ 7/16
Janell Yaddof ..................... 7/18
Wendy Casel ..................... 7/19
Paige Mohr ........................ 7/19
Kylie Jess .......................... 7/20
Heather Koeller .................. 7/20
Beth Rogge ........................ 7/20
Devon Sieverding .............. 7/20
Raquel Clausen ................. 7/21
Jacob Ohlert ...................... 7/21
Tyrel Schroeder ................. 7/21
Mike Dempewolf ................ 7/21
Hunter Merrick ................... 7/22
Tana Herrig ........................ 7/23
Desiree Budde ................... 7/24
Sue Hayward ..................... 7/25
Nicholas Dempewolf .......... 7/27
Sam Iosbaker..................... 7/28
Cindy Putman .................... 7/30
Wyatt Scheckel .................. 7/30
Members Celebrating
Their 90+ Birthday!
Arlene Rowe
July 9
Lorraine Kuhl
July 22
Celebrating
their 80+ Birthday!
Ike Keil
July 3
Roger Keil
July 14
Bud Knake
July 20
Arlene Keil
July 23
George Wagner
July 29
We apologize for any errors or omissions. If you notice any mistakes,
please contact the church office.
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PASTORAL ACTS
Funeral—June 22
Alverna (Sanders) Keil
Baptism—June 27
Keeley Ryan Clausen
Parents:
Kyle & Raquel (Keeley) Clausen
Baptism—June 28
Reese June Schwartz
Parents:
Bradley & Tanna (Fuller) Schwartz
Funeral—June 29
Eleanor (Hueneke) Griebel
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Memorials & Gifts Received
In Memory of
Rev. Emmett T. Busch
Memorial Fund
Judy (Dagitz) Yeager
Ark Fund
Vacation Bible School
Mona Niemann
Memorial Fund
Alverna Keil
Memorial Fund
Television Ministry Fund
Ark
Scholarship Fund
MEMORIAL SERVICE
The family of
Bill Rieckens
would like to invite everyone to a memorial service
Saturday, July 25 at 1:00 at the Saint John Retreat Center.
There will be a potluck lunch following the service.
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REGISTER YOUR CHILD NOW!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - 2015
SUNDAY, JULY 19 THROUGH
THURSDAY, JULY 23
AT SAINT JOHN LUTHERAN
It is not too late to register your
child for Vacation Bible School.
VBS is for all youth age 4 through
those going into Grade 6. It is open to all children in the Bellevue community or for your grandchildren. This year VBS will be
held at the First Presbyterian Church. VBS starts at 5:00 pm
with a meal and ends at 8:00 p.m. You can register your child
by:
1. on-line (going to www.saingjohnlutheran.net)
2. completing a Registration form ( at the church ) or
3. calling Saint John ’ s office ( 872-5849 )
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
In the past years, we have had over
100 children each year attending VBS. To
make this ministry successful we need individuals to help in various ways. We need
adults, high school, 7th & 8th graders to be group leaders. Call
the church office today and say “Yes, I want to help with VBS.”
VBS will be July 19-23 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
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Supporting VBS
Over the years we have received support from many generous
people. Once again we are asking for your support. If you would
like to give a cash donation, simply put your gift in an envelope
and mark it “VBS.”
In July, we will be placing a list of food items needed in back
of the church and also on our TV channel.
CHILDREN ARE WELCOME TO RECEIVE
HOLY COMMUNION
Jesus said, “Let the children come unto me.” Jesus’ invitation
reminds us that he wanted everyone, including children to be included.
At Saint John the sacrament of Holy
Communion is available to all who believe
in our Lord Jesus Christ, regardless of
church membership or age.
What this means is that there is no
minimum age for a child to receive communion at Saint John. Receiving communion is not based on one’s understanding of the sacrament,
but rather one’s faith in the gift that Christ offers us.
If a child is expressing their desire to commune, we believe
that the Spirit of God is working within the child, and that the child
is ready to commune.
Parents who would like to have their child receive communion
need to indicate this desire to Pastor Paul. Pastor Paul will have
a brief conversation with the child. Normally, this conversation
happens after or before the worship service.
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MEN’S BREAKFAST HELPS SUPPORT
“WATER WELL” PROJECT
On Sunday morning, June
14 the Men’s Ministry
served a breakfast of eggs,
pancakes, and sausage before the worship service at
our Retreat Center. The
breakfast was free and
those who gathered to the
wonderful meal were invited
to give a donation to the
“ELCA Water Well” project.
The donations given were
over $200.00. There were
over 30 who enjoyed the
breakfast. The men want to
thank everyone who ate and
gave a donation.
The next Men’s Ministry gathering will be held on
Wednesday, July 8 at 6:30 at the Retreat Center. The
gathering brings with a meal. All men are welcome.
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2015 Water Well Project
Only $425 Left To
Reach our Goal
$2500
$ 2,075
6/15
$1,747
5/26
$787
4/17
After the breakfast served by the men
on June and with the donations placed in
the water jug, we are so close to providing our second water
well in two years.
As of June 15, we
have received a total
of $2,075. .
If you want
to
make a donation
with a check, place
it in an envelope and
mark it “Water Well” or you can put dollars in the water jug as you come to worship.
Clean water is one of the most powerful ways to make change in the
world. With each working well, or
spring box, as many as 500 families
gain access to clean, safe drinking
water. Imagine the impact! Entire families have safe water to drink. Sanitation
improves. Everyone is healthier and
stronger. And best of all, women and
children who once spent several hours
each day fetching water can reallocate
their time to school, work and family.
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Women’s Ministry
We invite all women to participate
In one of our circles and benefit from our
Bible studies and fellowship.
RACHEL CIRCLE: Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 am
at ‘The Happy Bean’
REBECCA CIRCLE: No meeting
ELIZABETH CIRCLE: Thursday, July 16 at 7:00 pm
Bible Study: Judy Pooler
Hostesses: Eunice Schladetzky
Janice Keil
WELCA NEWS
Hazy Lazy Days of summer are here. Or, is it monsoon
season? This is the perfect time to say “Thank You” to
all who so generously donated mittens, hats and clothes
for our school children this winter. How fun it was to find
packages of clothing to deliver to the school!
The WELCA will be hosting a social gathering including
Bingo at Sunrise Villa on Monday, July 20, at 1:30 pm.
All women are encouraged to participate. Refreshments
will be served. If you have any questions you can call
Bea Hansen 872-5739 Hope to see you.
Don’t forget CWF will be in September. Watch for further information.
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WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
OFFERINGS
Saturday, May 30 ........................ 33
Sunday, May 31 .......................... 70
Saturday, June 6......................... 39
Sunday, June 7 ........................... 70
Saturday, June 13 ....................... 68
Sunday, June 14 ......................... 44
Saturday, June 20 ....................... 39
Sunday, June 21 ......................... 74
$3,383.00
$2,067.00
$2,984.00
$1,333.00
TREASURER’S REPORT
Balance on 5/28/15
Income
Offerings
Interest from Brandt CD
Gifts & Misc. Income
Funeral
Rickert Lodge Rental
Non-budget Income
Expenses
Budgeted Expense
Non-budgeted Expense
Balance on 5/26/15
$3,022.91
$9,882.00
251.65
.52
$100.00
300.00
$465.00
($11,977.71)
($465.00)
$1,579.37
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Saint John Council Minutes
June 16, 2015
Present - Chris Iosbaker, Gary Feuerbach, Pastor Paul, Judy
Graham, Ann Skoff, Craig Sieverding, Barry Nudd Absent Karen Brown
Called to order by President Gary Feuerbach at 6:00 pm.
Opening Devotion & Prayer led by Pastor Paul.
Agenda - MSC to approve.
Council Minutes - MSC to approve council minutes of 5/19/15.
Reports - MSC to accept the May Financial Reports.
Correspondence - None
OLD BUSINESS Lodge Roof Update - The roof replacement has been completed.
Air Conditioning Unit at Parsonage - Kieffer Plumbing & Heating
has ordered a new unit and will install it when it arrives.
NEW BUSINESS EWALU - MSC to approve the payment of $2081.07 to Camp
EWALU. This is money that the campers earned from fund raising events and donations.
Trust Fund Disbursement - MSC to direct the Trust Fund Committee to release $18,460.00 from the Trust Fund/Wiegert Estate.
This money will be used to pay for the lodge roof replacement, as
approved at the Special Congregational Meeting on August 3,
2014.
OTHER BUSINESS - The council will not meet in July unless
something comes up that warrants a meeting.
MSC to adjourn at 6:17 pm. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Skoff, Council Secretary
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