1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

Saint John Lutheran Church
Bellevue, Iowa
A Congregation of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Growing and responding
every day as disciples of Jesus
FEBRUARY 2015
FORMER PASTOR DIES
The Reverend Emmett Busch died on January 14, 2015. He served our congregation
from 1967 through 1992 which was the second longest pastoral tenure over our 150
years. Along with serving as pastor, he
served on the fire department, drove bus for
the school, and was involved with other community organizations.
May God bring comfort and peace to Eilene and the other
family members.
ANNUAL
MEETING
On Sunday, January
25 we held our Annual Meeting at
11:30. A lunch of
chili was served
prior to the meeting.
At this meeting, the members affirmed the calling of Gary Feuerbach, Karen Brown, and Craig Sieverding to serve on the council
for a two-year term. After the meeting, the council selected Gary
Feuerbach to serve as President, Judy Graham as Vice President, and Barry Nudd as Treasurer.
Annual Meeting continued on page 2
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(Annual Meeting continue from page 1)
OTHER ACTION TAKEN BY THE VOTING MEMBERS:
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Deb Giesemann, Michele Sieverding, and Janice Keil were
approved to serve on the 2015 Nominating Committee.
Jon and Peggy Thoms were selected to approved as our voting delegates to the 2015 Synod Assembly in Des Moines
Jim Eggers, Roger Schladetzky, Lorrie Both, Karen Osar,
Todd Giesemann, and Mark Guenther were approved to
serve on the Cemetery Committee
Jon Thoms was approved to serve on the Trust Committee
for a two-year term, and the council was given the approval to
select a replacement for Willard Felderman who did not want
to seek another three-year term
The recommended changes to Saint John Trust were approved by a unanimous vote. These changes included a reorganization of funds to help make reporting clearer. The
monies in the Endowed Ministry Fund—Internship will now be
in the Undesignated Fund. Along with the reorganizations,
limits were set on how the monies can be withdrawn in any
given year.
Approved 7% support to the Synod Support for 2015 of the
offerings received, and returning to 10% for 2016
Approved the 2015 Mission Budget of $153,651 with an anticipated income of $148,986 which leaves a deficit of $4,665.
Approved the council to request up to $5,000 from the Trust
to cover any deficit for 2015.
There were forty one voting members who attended this meeting.
We want to thank them for participating in this important event of
our church.
At the close of the meeting the members shared their appreciation to all the council for their faithful service this past year. Deb
Giesemann was recognized for her two years of serving (this
past year as Vice President). Mark Guenther was recognized
was his four years of serving, with the past two years as President.
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PASTORAL ACTS & RITE OF PASSAGE
BAPTIZED
Beckett Will Ries
December 27, 2014
Parents: Chris & Trista (Kemp) Ries
BAPTIZED
Kylee Jae Jess
January 4, 2015
Parents: Scott & Ashlee (Hughes) Jess
Memorials & Gifts Received
In Memory of Irene Wyatt
Saint John—Non-designated
In Memory of Elmer Schlecht’s
January 3rd Birthday
Saint John—Non-designated
In Memory of Roger W. Sunleaf
Saint John Music & Organ Fund
In Memory of Chuck Schroeder
Saint John—Non-designated
In Memory of Rev. Emmett T. Busch
Saint John Scholarship Fund
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RECEIVING NEW MEMBERS
On January 24 and 25 we received seven participating partners
as new members. We give thanks to God bringing the following
to our church family.
Kay Ann Schroeder, and the Kirk Family: Cash,
Maci, Jeremy & Cassie, and Jack
Kyle & Raquel Clausen, and Dennis Schlarrmann
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LOOK WHO’S HAVING A BIRTHDAY...
John Hinke.................... 2/3
Tanner Michels ............. 2/3
Nancy Mickelson........... 2/3
Brent Chambers............ 2/3
Eli Portz ........................ 2/7
Harold Bowman ............ 2/8
Steve Hachmann .......... 2/8
Michele Sieverding ....... 2/8
Kempton Sikkema......... 2/8
Beth Norpel................. 2/10
Cheryl Budde .............. 2/11
Jamison Spann ........... 2/11
Andrew Penniston....... 2/12
Jean Wand ................. 2/12
Rebecca Anderson ..... 2/13
Shianne Merrick .......... 2/14
Aaron Hinke ................ 2/15
Terry Long .................. 2/15
Hannah Braet ............. 2/16
Dave Valant ................ 2/16
Lisa Dixon ................... 2/19
Kadence Michels ........ 2/19
Doug Still .................... 2/19
Justin Bevan ............... 2/21
Ben Lawrence ............. 2/22
Rikki Santiago............. 2/22
Lucy Zeimet ................ 2/22
Karen Osar ................. 2/23
Janell Daugherty ......... 2/24
David Sunleaf ............. 2/24
Brandon Blake ............ 2/27
Madonna Rieckens ..... 2/27
Linda Nudd ................. 2/28
Members
Celebrating
their 80+ Birthday
Doris Michaelson
February 1
Celebrating His
90th Birthday!
Bill George
February 17
We apologize for any errors or omissions.
If you notice any mistakes, please contact the
church office.
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The Season of Lent
Begins February 18
The season of Lent begins on Ash
Wednesday and concludes at the Great
Vigil of Easter. The are forty days in this
season and Sundays are not included in
the count because every Sunday is to be
considered a joyful celebration of Jesus' resurrection. Though not
biblically supported, the observance of Lent has been a long
standing tradition in the Christian Church. It is thought that the
tradition of the 40 days recalls the 40 days Jesus spent in the
wilderness, fasting and being tempted by Satan (Matthew 4:111).
Lent is considered a time of penance and discipline. Because
of Lent's penitential nature, worship tends to be more solemn,
and purple is the liturgical color of the season. Some congregations remove flowers from the worship space, and for many,
songs of praise that express joy like the Gospel acclamation
"Alleluia" are omitted until Easter.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. On this day, Christians focus on their sinfulness and the necessity of Christ's suffering and death to insure their salvation. Ashes are referred to
many times in the Old Testament as signs of sorrow, mourning,
humility, and repentance. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are used
to remind people of their mortality -- that "you are dust, and to
dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19). The Sunday of the Passion or Palm Sunday begins the last week of Lent, known as
Holy Week. During this holiest time of the church year, the worship services relive the final week of our Lord's human life. Holy
Week includes Maundy Thursday, when Christians observe
Christ's "Last Supper" -- the institution of the Sacrament of Holy
Communion -- and the mandate to serve one another in love.
Good Friday commemorates the imprisonment, trial and death by
crucifixion of Jesus.
Lent culminates on Saturday evening of Holy Week in the
Great Vigil of Easter, when some Christians gather in darkness,
light new fire, and celebrate the fulfillment of the Old Testament
prophecies in the resurrection of Christ.
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Wednesday Evening Lenten Services
4:00 or 6:15
Questioned For
Christ
This year’s midweek Lenten theme is
“Questioned for Christ.” Beginning
with Ash Wednesday, we will focus
weekly on an individual or two who
are questioned concerning their relationship to Jesus.
Each week the interrogation of those
familiar involved with Christ’s passion
will lead us to ponder the question concerning our relationship
with Christ.
Ash Wednesday - Feb 18
QUESTION OF COST
March 11
QUESTION OF INNOCENCE
February 25
QUESTION OF PRIORITIES
March 18
QUESTION OF SACRIFICE
March 4
QUESTION OF CONVICTION
March 25
QUESTION OF AUTHORITY
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LENTEN SOUP
SUPPERS
BEGINS
FEBRUARY 18
ASH WEDNESDAY
AND CONTINUES
THROUGH
MARCH 25
SERVING BEGINS
FOLLOWING THE
4:00 SERVICE.
SERVING
CONCLUDES
AT 5:45
Every Wednesday during Lent we
will be serving homemade soup,
bread, dessert, and beverage. The
suggested donation for this meal is
only $3.00.
The proceeds from the soup suppers will support our youth in their
mission trip (90%) and ELCA World
Hunger (10%).
Soup Makers and
Dessert Makers Needed
Soups: If you would like to make a soup
for one of the Lenten suppers, there is
a sign up sheet at the back of the
church. Each week we try to have two
kinds of soup. Each soup maker
would be responsible for making one
full 18 qt. roaster. The cost of the
soup can be donated or reimbursed.
Desserts: We also like to provide desserts at our suppers. If you
are willing to make a dessert that will serve approx. 15 people,
please sign up at the back of the church.
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ARK Food Donations Needed
In order to provide weekly snacks for
the Ark students and helpers, we are in
need of the following food items:
Frosting
Rice Krispies
Salty Snacks
(pretzels, fritos, etc.)
Marshmallows
Sugar
Store Bought Cookies
Cash to purchase fresh milk or fruit.
If you are able to donate one or two of the above items, please
leave them in the church office or in the kitchen.
WELCA Circles
We invite all women to participate in one of
our circles and benefit from our
Bible studies and fellowship.
REBECCA CIRCLE: Tuesday, February 17 @ 7:00
Bible Study: Linda Ries Hostess: Janell Daugherty
ELIZABETH CIRCLE: No Meeting
RACHEL CIRCLE: Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30 pm
“Redeeming Love” pgs. 101-200
Hostess: Deb Sieverding
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RE-TURNING:
A LENTEN
RETREAT
FOR WOMEN
Presented by
Pastor Shannon Witt
Begin the season of Lent
by Returning to the woman
you were created to be!
How old were you when
you forgot how amazing you
are? The time of Lent is traditionally a time of repentance,
a time to turn back toward
God. What if
this season of Lent you included taking time to be
thankful for the ways that
God made you uniquely
and wonderfully YOU?
During this retreat, you
will be given opportunities to
hear and tell stories, explore
your creative gifts, prepare
and eat delicious food, and to
consider how God is continuing to create new life in you.
Knowing how busy
women are today, there are
multiple ways you can join in
this retreat. You can come
for the whole experience, or
join in during times that work
for you. If you live close to
Bellevue and would rather
not spend the night, that is
fine, too.
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When: February 20-21, 2015
Where: St. John Retreat
Center, Rickert Lodge
Time: 3:30pm Friday to
11:00am Saturday OR at any
time during time breaks shown
in the agenda.
Cost: $50 for entire retreat including two meals, art supplies,
materials, OR $40 if not staying
over night, OR $25 One day
only
Bring: Bedding, change of
clothes (no showers)
SCHEDULE: FRIDAY
3:30-5:30pm Session 1
5:30-6:00 Break
6:00-7:00 Supper
7-7:30 Break
7:30-9:00 Session 2
9:15--Movie/snacks/sleep/etc.
11:00 Lights out
SATURDAY
7:00-8:00am Coffee/
conversation/walk, etc.
8:30-9:00 Breakfast
9:15-10:30 Session 3
10:30-11 Closing Worship
To register or inquire
Call: 563-542-6080
email:
[email protected]
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
Weekly Offerings
(To General Fund)
Saturday, January 3 ................49
Sunday, January 4 ..................62
Saturday, January 10 ..............41
Sunday, January 11 ................89
Saturday, January 17 ..............33
Sunday, January 19 ................78
Saturday, January 24 ..............43
Sunday, January 25 ................81
$3,554.10
$1,425.00
$4,010.00
$1,187.33
TREASURER’S REPORT
General Fund Balance—12/29/14
Income:
General Offerings
Building Use
Rickert Lodge Rental
Interest & Misc. Income
Non-budgeted Income
Expenses:
Budgeted Expenses
Non-budgeted Expenses
General Fund Balance—1/28/15
$8,870.06
10,246.43
25.00
125.00
.92
545.00
(15,509.94)
( 434.10)
$3,885.24
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Saint John Council Minutes
January 6, 2015
Present - Judy Graham, Pastor Paul, Gary Feuerbach, Deb Giesemann, Barry Nudd, Ann Skoff, Mark Guenther, Chris Iosbaker
Called to order by President Mark Guenther at 6:38 pm.
Opening Prayer led by Pastor Paul.
Agenda - MSC to approve.
Council Minutes - MSC to approve council minutes of 12/16/14.
Reports - MSC to accept the December Financial Reports.
Correspondence •Horizon Lanes sent a financial gift to Saint John, which was
put into the General Fund
•ELCA Good Gifts sent a letter thanking Saint John for the
$2500 donation to the Water Well Project.
•Wartburg College sent a letter informing Saint John that Joel
Geier of Preston was this year’s recipient of the Saint John Endowed Scholarship.
•Luther College sent a letter informing Saint John that Laura
Thoms of Bellevue was this year’s recipient of the Saint John
Endowed Scholarship.
OLD BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS Annual Congregational Meeting - MSC to approve the Agenda
for the meeting. MSC to approve the Proposed Recommendations, to be presented at the Annual Meeting. MSC to approve
the Proposed 2015 Budget, to be presented at the Annual Meeting.
MSC to adjourn at 7:37 pm. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Skoff, Council Secretary
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