1. education
2. school

Our Stewardship For: Feb. 25, 28 & March 1, 2015
Church and Communion Attendance:
Church
Comm.
Wed 2:15p---255
6:30p 83
Saturday--549
303
8:00--120
99
10:30–
150
Our Gifts to God:
MAR 1, 2015
MAR To Date Giving
MAR Monthly Budget Needs
OPPORTUNITIES
For the Week of March 8, 2015
For the Family of God at St Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, School and Day Care
210 South Ringold Street Janesville WI 53545-5199; (608) 754-4471
www.StPaulsJanesville.com
$20,857.50
$20,857.50
$94,650.00
Please Note: ALL above figures include only Unified Giving, Loose Cash, General Fund
Giving and Special Envelopes (i.e.-Lent; Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). These figures do not
include any tuition amounts or monies designated for special purposes (i.e.-missions, alms,
school, school library, school music programs, hymnals, endowment fund; capital
improvement, etc.) The above figure also includes donations given through the Simply Giving
automatic, electronic fund transfer system.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Daniel J. Decker, Pastor
[email protected]
322-5839
Kevin J. Hendrikson, Principal
[email protected]
754-4471 ext. 203
Jared Stiek, Dir. of Parish Music [email protected]
754-4471 ext. 232
John Mueller, DCE-Youth
[email protected]
754-4471 ext. 202
Marybeth Madsen, DCE Intern
[email protected]
754-4471 ext. 205
Jeff Schnell, Business Manager
[email protected]
920-723-7221
Children’s Activity Bags Available to Use During the Worship Service: Each bag contains
a book, stuffed animal, and crayons. If you have forgotten your own items to keep your child
quietly active during the service, grab a bag from the crying room in the back of the church.
After the service please return the bag and all its contents back to the crying room.
Mission Dimes: Loose dimes in the offering plate are divided equally between Bethesda
Lutheran Home, Lutheran Bible Translators, and the LCMS Mission in the Dominican
Republic. Coins for Christ: Loose quarters, nickels and pennies in the offering plate are used
for special mission projects.
Have you been to our website? For those with internet access,
www.StPaulsJanesville.com is the place to go for information on all of the activities of
the congregation. Under the “News” tab you will find copies of the weekly “Opportunities”,
“Taking Faith Home” and the monthly “News N Notes” Newsletter. (This information can
also be found on the Home page along the left-hand side under the “Announcements”
heading.) Under the “School” tab you will find a link to the “Principal’s Pads”.
Parking Lot Fund Update: $76,923 (as of Feb. 28, 2015): Our church parking lot will be in
need of major work within the next three to five years. Estimates are that the cost could be up
to $500,000. In order to prepare for this major expenditure, the Parking Lot Fund has been set
up. This fund will be used exclusively for the replacement of the parking lot and all donations
to this fund will be kept in a separate bank account so as to not intermingle with our normal
operating funds. Please consider contributing to this fund as you are able. Thank you!
Listen to God’s Word online at www.StPaulsJanesville.com! On our main page you will
find links under “Latest Sermon Audio” on the right hand side of the page. Or go to the
Church Tab and you’ll find a link (on the left hand side of the page) to “Sermon Audio.”
Don’t Have Internet Access? We also have sermon audio available on CD. Simply contact
the church office (754-4471 ext. 200) for more information.
Opportunities for Special Gifts/Memorials—Thank you!
Andy & Angie Ellefson gave a gift for St. Paul’s Family Tuition Assistance Fund in memory
of Mary Schulze’s father and Tammi Johnson’s father; David & Karen Sue Murdy gave an
undesignated gift in memory of Renae Frisque’s mother; Wes & Nel Crosby gave a gift to the
Parking Lot fund in celebration of Nel’s 90th birthday on February 18.
Lenten Worship Schedule: Join us for our Lenten worship services on Wednesdays, March
11 through March 25, at 2:15p and 6:30p. You are invited to join us as we reflect on our
Lord’s great love for us.
Join Us for A Lenten Supper! St. Paul’s Organizations would also like to invite you to join
us for a Lenten Supper prior to each evening’s worship service. The meal is served in
Fellowship Hall (the church basement) from 5-6p. There is no cost for the meal. Instead a
free-will offering is taken. Your donations help provide funds for a variety of projects by our
groups.
Our Church Calendar for the week of March 8, 2015
Opportunities to Remember Others In Prayer
Sunday: LWML Mite Box Sunday; Daylight Savings Time—Set clocks back one hour; Wor.8a; Sunday School/Bible Study/Joyful Noise-9:15a; Contemporary Comm. Wor.-10:30a;
Adult Confirmation-3p; Public School Confirmation-4:30p; Jr. High Youth Group-6p.
Monday: Moms In Prayer-7:45a; Church Council-6:30p.
Tuesday: Bible Study-9:30a; Aaron’s Hands-2p; Love & Logic-6:30p; 4H-6:30p; Men’s
Basketball-8:30p.
Wednesday: Women’s Study: Prayer-9:30a; Lenten Wor-2:15p; Lenten Supper--5p; Lenten
Wor.-6:30p; Contemp. Rehearsal-7:30p.
Thursday: Breakfast Bible Study-6:30a; NO Thursday worship.
Saturday: Mom’s Study—Charming B’s in Milton-9a; Contemporary Wor.-6p.
Next Sunday: Comm. Wor.-8a; Sunday School/Bible Study/Joyful Noise-9:15a;
Contemporary Wor.-10:30a; Adult Confirmation-3p; Public School Confirmation-4:30p; Jr.
High Youth Group-6p.
Altar Flowers: The Altar Guild would like to remind you that during the season of Lent
flowers are not placed on the altar. Instead we place the Crucifix that stood on the altar of the
old church building on Academy Street on our altar here, to remind us of the suffering our
Lord did for us.
Pray for Us Missionary Calendar Available! You are invited to pick up the most recent
prayer calendar, showing prayer requests submitted to LCMS World Mission by our coworkers in the Lord’s Mission around the world. They are available in the back of church.
Worship Folders: The folders today are given by Tom & Dianne Moore in celebration of
their 30th wedding anniversary on March 16. Thank you and blessings to you, Tom & Dianne!
If you’d like to sponsor the worship folders, simply call Stacey in the Church Office (7544471) to reserve your date. The cost is $50.00. Available dates are: March 29; April 5, 12, 26;
May 3, 10, 17, 24. Thank you.
Hospitalized: Please remember, if you want a pastor to visit you when you are hospitalized,
you or a family member or friend will have to notify the pastors or the church office directly at
754-4471 ext. 200 and let them know which hospital you are in. Thank you. At Mercy-Sandra
Albrecht and Gary Schultes. Please remember them, and all who are ill, in your prayers.
Aarons' Hands is an informal prayer group that meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings
of the month, from 2 to 3 p.m. in the School Conference room. The group lifts up in prayer the
specific requests of missionaries. Everyone is Welcome – just bring a prayerful heart.
Moms In Prayer meets Mondays from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the Boy Scout Room of the school.
This group is not just for Moms—dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles and anyone who would
like to pray for our school, teachers, students, and staff are welcome to join! We meet every
Monday that school is in session. For more details, contact Lisa Stanton at 608-563-0203.
Opportunities to Be in God’s Word: Weekly Bible Studies
SUNDAYS AT 9:15A :
Fellowship Hall ................................................................................ Ezekiel with Pastor Daniel Decker
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY AT 9:30A :
Fellowship Hall ................................... The Six Chief Doctrines of the Bible with Pastor Daniel Decker
WEDNESDAYS AT 9:30A: ................................................................................................................ Prayer
Fellowship Hall .................................................................................. with Ione Erlien (608-754-6976)
SECOND & FOURTH WEDNESDAYS AT 7:30P at Mocha Moments ............................... Men’sBible Study
Mocha Moments—1121 Center Ave., Janesville ..............................with Bret Rusert (608-756-0399)
THURSDAY BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY AT 6:30A
Fellowship Hall .................................................. “Lutheranism 101” with David Jass (608-755-0564)
NO Class on March 19 or April 2
EVERY OTHER SATURDAY A T 1P—CONTACT ELIZABETH DECKER FOR MEETING SCHEDULE
Back Porch Bible Study with Elizabeth Decker, 4242 Saratoga Dr, Janesville WI; (618-973-5791)
SECOND & FOURTH SATURDAYS AT 9A at Charming B’s. ......................................... Mom’s Bible Study
Charming B’s Coffee Shop—819 E High, Milton ...................... with Angie Ellefson (608-868-2415)
Thank You---I received so many nice cards and warm wishes for my birthday. Thank you and
God Bless, Everybody! ------Nel Crosby
NO THURSDAY EVENING WORSHIP SERVICES DURING LENT. This is a reminder
that the Thursday evening worship services will be suspended during Lent.
NO AFTERNOON COMMUNION IN MARCH.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Mite Box Sunday Is the Second Sunday of Each Month
It is our opportunity to bring our mites to church
and place in the large Mite Box as we leave the sanctuary.
Journey to the Cross: Families with children in Pre-K4 through 5th grade are invited to
participate in Journey to the Cross every Wednesday in Lent at 5:30p. This “Journey” will
help them better understand the events of the last week of Jesus’ life. Please make plans to
attend with your family.
The Church Council meets on the second Monday of each month. The next meeting is
March 9, 2015, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room of School. All congregation members
are welcome to attend Church Council meetings. Minutes of the approved Church Council
meetings are also available for review from the Church Office or a copy will be mailed to you
upon request. 2014-15 Council Members are: Brian Laatsch, Chairperson, 608-314-0825; Karl
Miller, 608-754-1508; Mark Toberman, 608-876-6646; Cindy Ward, Vice Chair 608-7581220; Kathy Zakarias, Secretary, 815-519-2181; John Iverson, 608-554-9230; Brett Rusert,
608-756-0399; Ralph Bock, Treasurer, 608-449-1460; Bridget Lindau, 608-290-1460.
Thursday Morning Breakfast Bible Study Continues with Lutheranism 101. We meet in
Fellowship Hall (the church basement) at 6:30a for breakfast and discussion. You are
welcome to join us as we continue taking a closer look at our Lutheran faith. Please Note:
There will be NO class on March 19 or April 2.
New “Art of Living by Faith” Class set to begin on Sunday, March 8, 2015, from 3 to 4:30p
in the school conference room. This is an adult confirmation course on the Bible-based
teachings of the Lutheran Church. If you are wishing to join St. Paul’s congregation, this is the
class for you. For more information, please contact Pastor Dan Decker at 608-754-4471 ext.
201; 608-322-5839 or [email protected].
Lutheran Women in Mission will assemble treat boxes for homebound members on
Tuesday, March 17 at 1:30p in Fellowship Hall (the church basement). All ages are invited to
join us! We are also asking for LWML members to bring a package of toilet paper. St. Paul’s
members are welcome to contribute also. The toilet paper will be given to the House of Mercy
Homeless Shelter, who are in immediate need of this item. There is a box in Fellowship Hall
for your donations. Thank you!
Women of the Congregation Sign Up Now for “Coffee Time” on Saturday, April 25 from
9a to 2p. Our annual Women’s Retreat will take place in St. Paul’s Fellowship Hall (the
church basement). The cost is only $10 and includes breakfast and lunch. The breakout
sessions offered are “Stephen Ministry”, “Depression in the life of a Christian”; “Give it to
God or Bang your Head on the Table---It’s Your Call”; “Bible Study, Where do I start?”;
“Perk Me Up”; or “Organizing the Faith”. And especially for middle and high school girls:
“Christian Relationships: Grounded in Christ.” For details, please see the registration form in
this issue of Opportunities; the March issue of News N Notes or online on our website:
www.StPaulsJanesville.com (look for Women’s Ministry under the Church tab). If you have
additional
questions
or
concerns,
please
contact
Marybeth
Madsen
at
[email protected] or 608-754-4471 ext. 205.
The Latest Issue of St. Paul’s “Principal’s Pad” is available for pick-up in the Narthex
(back of church).
Calling All Thrivent Members! If you’re a Thrivent Financial member, you can lead a
Thrivent Action Team, to bring people together for a one-time project to help others in the
community. Thrivent will provide $250 per project in seed money. (Our recent Veteran’s
Dinner and Sunday School Linus blanket project are two examples of outreach projects that
would qualify for the $250 seed money.) We are currently looking for Thrivent members
willing to partner with our mission teams to sponsor upcoming projects. If you would be
willing
to
help,
please
contact
Jeff
Schnell
(920-723-7221
or
[email protected]) or Stacey in the Church Office (608-754-4471 ext, 200 or
[email protected]). Thank you.
Thrivent Action Team Needs Help! Tom & Cheryl Skelly are heading up a Thrivent
Action Team to paint and update two resident rooms at the House of Mercy. Do you like to
paint? Could you sew some simple curtains? Please contact Cheryl at 608-322-1536 or email
[email protected]. We hope to paint March 30 & 31. Also Needed: two gently used
chest of drawers (no wider than 36”) with strong, functional drawers. Thank you!
Sound Board Operators Needed: Do you like listening to music? Please consider serving
our congregation by operating the sound board for the Worship Team. Operators are needed
for Saturday 6p or Sunday 10:30a services, twice a month. Rehearsals are one hour before
each service. Training regarding use of the soundboard will be provided. Contact Marty
Pateros at 608-449 6871 or [email protected] for more information. Thank you!
Rock County Council on Aging is offering these educational workshops: Stepping On is a
class designed to build confidence and reduce falls. Simple and fun balance and strength
training, with local guest speakers here to provide information on exercise, vision, safety,
nutrition and medications. Cost is $10. Seven weekly classes for two hours meeting May 1 to
June 19, at 10a at St. Mary’s Hospital, 3400 E Racine St, Janesville.
Healthy Eating for Successful Living in Older Adults is a program designed for the
older person who would like to learn more about nutrition and how lifestyle changes can
promote better health. Learn about heart and bone healthy foods, healthy cooking,
understanding food labels, identifying nutrition food choices, portion controls, how to
overcome food cravings and much more. There is no cost to this class. Six weekly classes for
two hours meeting April 10 to May 15, at 9:30a at Riverview Heights Apartments, 930 N
Washington, Janesville. TO REGISTER OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 608-758-8455.
Holiday Gift and Craft Show is set for Saturday, November 7th from 9a to 3p. We’re
looking for Vendors! Do you (or someone you know) have items to sell? Applications for
space at our craft fair can be obtained by contacting Janie Apfel at 608-931-4854 or email
[email protected]. We’re also looking for help in running the “food court”. In the past
we have offered lunch and a bake sale. We are seeking someone to assist in this area. Please
contact Janie Apfel for more information. Thank you!
Praise Team is looking for additional guitar players and drummers for the Saturday
night and Sunday morning (10:30a) contemporary services. We rehearse at 6:30p on
Wednesdays and one hour before each service. You do not need to commit to playing every
weekend. We are looking for a back up drummer for Saturday and Sunday; we need a back up
bass player on Saturdays and a regular bass player on Sundays; we need a back up electric
guitarist for Saturdays and a regular electric guitarist on Sundays; and we are looking for back
up acoustic guitarists for both services. If you are interested, or would like more information,
please contact Cindy Perkins at 608-295-0868 or [email protected]. Thank you!
SUNDAYS AT 9:15A to 10:15A—KINGDOM QUEST SUNDAY SCHOOL. Our Sunday
School classes are open to all children ages two years through 8th grade. (Two and three year
old students must have a parent with them). We meet in the school gym for opening and then
head down to our classrooms to meet our teachers.
SUNDAYS AT 9:15A: Jr. High Grapple for 7th & 8th Grade Students! Come grapple with
the real questions you’re asking – join us for Grapple each Sunday from 9:15am-10:15am. It’s
NOT Sunday school – it’s so much more. You don’t want to miss the fun! Contact Heather or
Mike Sullivan at (608) 758-4526 for more info.
YOUTH GROUP OPPORTUNITIES & CALENDAR
Junior High (grades 6-8) Youth Nights will be Sundays from 6 to 7:30p
Senior High (grades 9-12) Youth Nights will be Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30p
Our Youth Group is Open to ALL students in 6th to 12th grades. Friends are welcome, too!
Sun., March 8 from 6 to 7:30p: Jr. High Youth meeting in Youth Room.
Sun., March 15 from 6 to 7:30p: Jr. High Youth meeting in Youth Room.
Sun., March 29 from 6 to 7:30p: Jr. High Youth meeting in Youth Room.
Youth Quake—March 20 - 22: The next Youth Quake is coming up fast! This is a
transformational weekend for grades 6 to 8 where they will have time to think about what their
faith means to them. The Quake will be held at the Wilderness in Wisconsin Dells. The cost is
$200. If you would like to attend, please sign up on the sheet outside of the Youth Room or let
John Mueller know (you can email him at [email protected]).
Snack Food Needed: Youth Group is now seeking snack food donations for Sunday night
meetings. Donations of chips, cookies, pretzels, juices, etc. would be greatly appreciated!
Bring them to the Youth Room (basement of school) or place on the ledge in Fellowship Hall
(where the stage used to be)–be sure to mark your donation “Youth Group”. Thank you!
Coffee with a Lutheran Flavor: St. Paul’s Ladies’ Aid is still selling the organic and fairly
traded coffees from the Equal Exchange/LWR Coffee Project. This coffee is delicious and
requires less coffee to brew a pot. Regular coffee is $6.00 per bag. Flavored (caramel toffee,
French vanilla) is $6.75 per bag. Decaf Coffee is $7.00 per bag. For more information contact
Sue Arnold at 884-4940 or Judy Perleberg at 756-5156 or purchase on the last Sunday of the
month between services in Fellowship Hall.
ECHO News:
www.echojanesville.org
 Bi-Weekly ECHO Count:
 ECHO Needs: Pork N Beans; Peanut Butter & Jelly; Soups and Crackers; Mac N
Cheese; Spaghetti noodles and sauce; Spaghetti O’s; canned meats; deodorant;
toothbrushes and toothpaste; dry laundry soap; toilet paper; diapers (sizes 4 to 6) and
shampoo. Bring your gifts with you to worship and place them in the barrels marked
“ECHO” that you find in the back of church (the Narthex) or in Fellowship Hall (the
church basement).
Opportunities at Sister Congregtations:
Chili Supper at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 207 E High St, Edgerton, on Sunday, March 15,
2015 from 4 to 6p. Serving Chili, lettuce salad, bread and cake. Cost: Adults ---$7, children
ages 6 to 12--$5, those age 5 and under eat free. Proceeds will be donated to a Youth
Scholarship Fund for Camp LuWiSoMo.