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St. John’s Lutheran Church

February 2015 Church Bell From the desk of Pastor Meyer

Sometimes “Thank You” Just Doesn’t Express It All

My family and I are humbled to be a part of this loving, generous family we call St. John’s; and to begin this month’s article I want to express our deep gratitude to all of you, who have cared for us so deeply, and, over the Christmastide, gifted us in so many ways. From the many meals from the FEET

Home School group to the incredible number of goodies and treats; from the gifts of financial support and gift cards to the hands-on help that we received at our home, thank you. I’m not sure that that sentence says enough, as we found ourselves overwhelmed so often by your generosity. When God builds a family, He truly builds a family, and as I said, we are so glad to be a part of this family. Now, by the time that this edition of the newsletter hits your hands, we will have had our Annual Voter’s Meeting on January 25th. I am writing this before that meeting, so at this point do not know what has taken place on all subjects, but can speak to the proposal that was put forward regarding my future at St. John’s. As we handed out the meeting packets early, I have already been asked several ques-tions, and thought it appropriate to attempt to answer some of those questions in this newsletter as well. • My physical body is deteriorating – there is no arguing that, and

for those of you who have been regular in worship over the last 8 months, you have witnessed it. Every activity that I participate in takes me longer to recover from, and I cannot work with the same speed that I once could.

• I am going to shifting to what is called “long-term disability.” In as brief a nutshell as possible, at this point:

a. I am not retiring, nor leaving St. John’s. b. I am going to continue to serve God and you as much as

God gives me the strength. c. My role is going to be to continue to preach and teach as

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Newsletter Deadline:

Deadline for the March newsletter is Monday, February 16.

Join the Newsletter Mailing Crew on Tuesday, February 24, at 9:00 am.

Bulletin Deadline: Every Tuesday at midnight

St. John’s Lutheran Church

302 NE 2nd Street Buffalo, MN 55313

Phone: 763-682-1883 Youth Line: 763-684-0460

Fax: 763-682-1936 Noah’s Ark Pre-School: 763-682-1368

info@stjohnsbuffalo.org Sharing a changeless Christ in a changing world.

www.stjohnsbuffalo.org

Staff: Rev. Philip Meyer, Pastor pmeyer@stjohnsbuffalo.org 763-229-7101

Rev. Roger Klemz, Visitation Pastor 612-716-7612

Rev. Norm Hanan, Visitation Pastor 320-309-5904

Rev. Dave Taylor 763-370-2423

Kelly Thole, DCE, Director of Family Ministry

kthole@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Chris Ryan, DCE Intern christophermryan2@gmail.com

Carla Myhre-Vogt, Office Administrator cvogt@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Beth Hane, Office Assistant bhane@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Nicky Haskins, Noah’s Ark Preschool noahsark@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Kyle & Elizabeth Bjork, Treasurers Kathryn Elsen, Financial Secretary financesec@stjohnsbuffalo.org Cheryl Olsen, Board Secretary Gary Schillinger, Music Director

Worship Times: Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 am

Sunday’s Service Broadcast on KRWC 1360AM at 8:00 am

Of�ce Hours: M-F 8:30-4:30

Chairman of the Congregation August Mussell

Board of Elders elders@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Dave Haggerty, Head Elder Tracey Anderson

Derek Annis Jack Harlan

Peter March Ryan Rutten

Tony Sabraski Mark Saunders

Board Chairs Altar Guild: Dorothy Bowman

Education: Open Evangelism: Roger Strege

Fellowship: Marti & Lee Ryan Kid’s Club: Ken and Amy Hill

Library: Shala Holm Memorial Endowment/Investment:

Janice Marschel Project Compassion: Sandi Baert

Sanctuary Decorating: Shala Holm Stewardship: Tim Vergin

Trustees: Stan Meyer Women in Mission: Open

Youth & Family Ministry: Kathryn Elsen

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often as I am able, and to continue to provide direction, vision and leadership to the staff and leadership of our family. With the assistance of the other pastors we have on staff and the DCE’s that are capable and focused, I believe this is the best approach, at least for now.

d. Yes, there will come a time down the road in which this will need to be revisited.

• From a financial/stewardship perspective, the majority of my salary will begin to be paid by my long-term insurance policy. St. John’s will continue to cover my benefit package and a small por-tion of my salary as I continue to work.

I thank you for the honor of serving as your pastor. I believe that God is blessing St. John’s with a wave of excitement and growth be-cause you are Being the Church that He has called and created you to be. Keep it up, and keep the faith! Shine as His lights in this dark-ened world and invite those you know to “Come and See” what God is doing! His presence makes a difference!

In His Service, Pastor Phil Meyer

New Member Orientation Saturday, February 7

10:00am-1:00pm For any and all who have been thinking about or have decided to join St. John’s, this orientation will give broad-stroke information about what St. John’s has to offer as well as specifics about the LCMS Lutheran Church. Those joining will be welcomed into membership at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on February 8. If you have any questions, please call the Church Office at 682-1883.

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New Art Display in February—

Knitting for Others Group See the beautiful prayer shawls knitted by the Knitting for Others Group. Knitting for Others meets at St. John's the first Wednesday of the month 9:30 am in the East Narthex. This group

works on projects for outreach. Come and learn and share! New knitters welcome! For more information, contact Pat Norine at 763-682-3606.

Meet the knitters on February 8. They’ll be serving the Sun-day morning coffee in the Library Gathering Area.

(A new home was found for 224 of our “blue hymnals” at Zion Lutheran in Fremont, WI. The following note comes from the pastor there.) Dear St. John’s Lutheran Church,

Thank you so much for the Lutheran Worship hymnals. Most of our present hymnals have tape along the bindings because of many years of use. However, now we will be able to replace them with the hymnals we received from you. Thank you again for your generous gift during this season of Advent as we prepare for the celebration of our Lord’s birth on Christmas. Pastor Doug Reinders, Zion Lutheran Church, Fremont, WI

PROJECT CONNECT MINISTRY Take some time to check out the Project Connect booklet ministry program of Lutheran Hour Ministries available in the Narthex. This ministry provides us with additional means of guidance and support with a wide variety of topics, offering booklets that connect God's Word to real-life issues.

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E-News

If you would like to receive this news-letter by email

rather than snail mail, send an email to info@stjohnsbuffalo.org. You’ll get the news faster plus save the church some money in postage and printing. We’ll send the newsletter as a PDF Document which downloads quicker and opens automatically in Adobe Reader. Most computers already have Adobe Reader, but if you do not, call the church office.

January

Ushers

8:00 Earl Dierks Brad Hoseck Scott Spadgenske

10:30 Jon Boonstra Robin Kohn Confirmation Kids

Audiovisual

The Team

Tim Berteau Emily Chapa Jon Chapa Conner Henning Jill Marketon Dylan Meyer Jesse Meyer Bill Morris Melissa Morris

Coffee Servers

2/1 2/8 2/15 2/22

Noah’s Ark Mary Circle Samantha Klatt Youth

Kindness abounds at PEP (People Enjoying People). PEP meets on the first and third Tuesdays of every

month in Room 104 across from Noah’s Ark Preschool. We begin with a brief Bible study led by Pastor Klemz followed by a variety of activities which may include joke telling, cards and games. In February we meet on the 3rd and 17th from 9-11:30am. Bring your own beverage; come whenever you can; stay as long as you want. There is no regular commitment. The more the merrier.

We’re All Heart

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Children & Family

Children's Book Drive Help us restock our nursery and preschool with gently used or new Christian children's books for ages infant to 5 years. Whether your books are gently used or new, all are welcomed to help fill our shelves. Collection boxes are located outside the sanctuary and Church Office. Donations are accepted February 8th-22nd. Have questions? Contact Kelly @ 763-684-0460

Teach Me to Pray February 8th, 15th & 22nd

9:30 AM-10:10AM (after Sunday school opening)

Calling all kindergartners and their

parents or grandparents! Join us for

three Sundays of a fun, interactive and

creative class on how to pray with and

for your child now and as they

grow! Kids and parents alike will get a hands-on chance

to try out different ways to talk to God through music,

crafts, games and many resources! This class will take

the place of Sunday school lessons during these

Sundays! Questions or need more info, please contact

Kelly at 763-684-0460 or kthole@stjohnsbuffalo.org

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Birthdays Dallas Klatt 2/1 Dolores Puffer 2/1 Gerald Root 2/1 Bryan Sandau 2/1 Danielle Stevens 2/1 Beth Burda 2/2 Jerald Ferdig 2/2 Anthony Hicks 2/2 Amy Johnson 2/2 Nathan Klatt 2/2 Rachel Schmidt 2/2 Ryan Ebeling 2/3 Benjamin Henson 2/3 Jayde Hoppe 2/3 John Kock 2/3 Tyler Korbel 2/3 Emily Mueller 2/3 Lori Pierce 2/3 Shannon Valley 2/3 Cassandra Zaffke 2/3 Andy Crone 2/4 Chad Dillerud 2/4 Austin Imholte 2/4 Amy Klemz 2/4 Sullivan Marx 2/4 Raef Rutten 2/4 Kris Brockopp 2/5 Gary DeMarais 2/5 Lake Groenke 2/5 Brandi Korbel 2/5 Marie Marquette 2/5 Nick Spadgenske 2/5 Jordayn Spike 2/5 Chad Stoppelman 2/5 Danielle Weller 2/5 Alex Lundquist 2/6 KaCee McKenzie 2/6 Lori Steinhibel 2/6 Tim Berteau 2/7 Ruth Bonk 2/7 Timothy Endreson 2/7 Kayla Erickson 2/7 RaeAnn Lilleskov 2/7

Jennifer Saunders 2/7 Duane Bodin 2/8 Alexander Charlson 2/8 MacKenzie Forcier 2/8 Gary Hafften 2/8 Leslie Geary 2/9 Nikolas Gentz 2/9 Zackery Groshens 2/9 Brian Kenmir 2/9 Patricia Levin 2/9 Myron Marquette 2/9 Maya Bolduan 2/10 Eric Ebeling 2/10 Curt Johanson 2/10 Nancy Yonak 2/10 Shayla Hamann 2/11 Hanna Klatt 2/11 Kendall Korbel 2/11 Stacy Bursch 2/12 Abbey Davidson 2/12 Nancy Hartkopf 2/12 Diana Korpela 2/12 Austin Schleif 2/12 Carol Schleif 2/12 Donna Bodin 2/13 Debra Krohn 2/13 Mary Jo Lambert 2/13 John Chapman 2/14 Jodi Graves 2/14 Brian Anderson 2/15 Edwin Dilley 2/15 Emmett Elletson 2/15 Nora Klaers 2/15 Braxten Mader 2/15 Julia Peter 2/15 Marti Ryan 2/15 Devon Smith 2/15 Alyxis Strzyzewski 2/15 John Berg 2/16 Sarah Hoppe 2/16 Nolan Jasper 2/16 Tiffany Pulvermacher 2/16 Bruce Schulze 2/16

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Melissa Stachowski 2/16 Bailey Anderson 2/17 Mark Bjork 2/18 Ronald Enter 2/18 Rita Holland 2/18 Kaylie McManus 2/18 Adeline Neutz 2/18 Donald Streich 2/18 Earl Uecker 2/18 Mason Holland 2/19 Jackson Miller 2/19 Travis Pierce 2/19 Dawn Weis 2/19 Joanne Brunskill 2/20 Jeff Erickson 2/20 Douglas Froberg 2/20 Becky Selvig 2/20 Nicholas McAlpine 2/21 Dennis Peavey 2/21 Emily Personius 2/21 Cole Schillinger 2/21 Samatha Ternes 2/21 Saylor VanLith 2/21 Loren Becker 2/22 Gary Bonk 2/22 Ema Crone 2/22 Genelle Gregorich 2/22 Matthew Larson 2/22 Marilyn Sotebeer 2/22

Alise & Marvin Zachman 2/1 John & Ginger Klatt 2/2 Don & Lisa Abresch 2/5 Marlis & Lawrence Thomsen 2/5 Morry & Nila Ellis 2/7 Julie & Kevin Fussy 2/8 Brian & Jessica Anderson 2/9 Gene & Debbie Ebert 2/12 Wanda & Roger Maresh 2/13

Orlan & Luella Krohn 2/14 Todd & Karie Peter 2/14 Stacy & Terry Bursch 2/16 Dave & Kathy Waterhouse 2/16 Pam & Mike Mensinger 2/18 Gary & Becky Randt 2/21 Aaron & Nicole Beckman 2/29

Anna Baumgard 2/23 Miles Johnston 2/23 Jed Larson 2/23 Tyler Burg 2/24 Robert Ferdig 2/24 Craig Groenke 2/24 Jackie Ross 2/24 Bill Henson 2/25 Aaron Naser 2/25 Joyce Stecker 2/25 Kari Triplett 2/25 Michael Endreson 2/26 Riecker Handt 2/26 Ryan Saunders 2/26 Cali Annis 2/27 Adrian Graves 2/27 Dan Hewett 2/27 Shirley Holland 2/27 Samantha Klatt 2/27 Blake Miller 2/27 Steven S. Miller 2/27 Breanna Burt 2/28 Adam Duske 2/28 Matthew Jeske 2/28 Shannon Krohn 2/28 Marah Moy 2/28 Randy Otten 2/28 Dylan Triplett 2/28

Anniversaries

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Noah’s Ark

February 2015 Jesus said, “Learn from Me.”

Matthew 11:29 At Noah’s Ark, February is all about how Jesus is our good friend, and how we are good friends too!

In the classroom and at chapel we will hear how Jesus blesses children, and all about friendship, forgiveness, and how we talk with Jesus and our friends.

NOW ENROLLING FOR 2015-2016!

Visit our OPEN HOUSE on

Sunday, February 22nd , 9:00am-11:00am

or Tuesday, March 3rd, 5-7 pm

What we offer:

• A safe, caring, faith-filled cli-mate where children can grow and learn

• Quality, committed, Christian teachers

• 25 years of experience! • Technology experiences in the

classroom, including use of a Smart board

• Theme-based learning and a strong Christian curriculum; we also offer handwriting, math, language and literacy curricula

...And so much more!

If you are interested in finding out more about Noah’s Ark or

enrolling for the fall, come and check us out!

For more information call 763-682-1368 or check out

www.stjohnsbuffalo.org.

Noah’s Ark Preschool is celebrating

“I Love to Read” month!

We will be celebrating our favorite authors, like Eric Carle, Laura Numeroff, Max

Lucado and many more! During this month, we will have a campsite in our dramatic play area where we can read under the stars, rest in the tent, and sit by the campfire with our friends. We want to invite YOU to share your favorite children’s book or story with us in February. Call or stop by to set up a day and time. We would LOVE to have you visit our room and read us a book!

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Kid Connection

Kid Connection Childcare Hours Sundays 9:00-11:00am

Wednesdays 6:30pm-8:15pm

(During Lent—4:30pm-8:00pm)

There is No Cost! Open to ages infant– 4th grade!

February 4th & 11th

Kid Connection Presents…

Come join us as we visit Jesus home town and hear sto-ries from his childhood from his mother Mary. Find out what it might have been like when Jesus was a boy. At hometown Nazareth your kids will hear bible truths in a

big way! Each evening will include… music, games, crafts and so

much more! This program is open to kids

preschool–4th grade. Kids will learn what it was like for Jesus

to be a kid...just like them!

For more information please call Kelly @ 763-684-0460

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Youth

Parents’ Night Out! (Sr. High Youth Fundraiser)

When: Saturday, February 14th Where: St. John’s Lutheran Church Who: Birth-4th grade Time: 5:30pm-8:30pm

Cost: $9.00 per child / $20 max per family (All proceeds will go to this year’s Group Mission Trip!)

Need a night out with your valentine? Go on a date, Go shopping, Go have fun! We will watch your kids! Kids will enjoy games, music, crafts and snacks. We do ask that kids eat dinner before arriving! Please RSVP to: christophermryan2@gmail.com or 612-704-5255 with… � Child’s name � Age � Special Needs/allergies � Parent Contact # ...And any questions!

CYBER EVENT @ SKY ZONE INDOOR TRAMPOLINE PARK! On February 20th if you are in confirmation you have a great chance to earn a CYBER point and have fun at the same time! We will be going to Sky Zone Indoor

Trampoline Park in Plymouth. The cost of the event is only $10.00 and includes approximately 4 hours at Sky Zone. We leave for Sky Zone at 6:00 PM and arrive back at St. John’s at 11:00 PM. Be sure to wear gym clothes and eat before you arrive. You must sign up by February 18th and fill out a Sky Zone waiver. If you have any questions, contact Chris Ryan at (612)

704-5255.

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Youth

Youth Fundraiser

Pizza Ranch Monday, February 2, 2015

5:30-8:00pm Location: Monticello

Do you like Pizza? Well who doesn’t? Come and support St. John’s Youth by filling your belly with cheesy goodness. St. Johns’ youth attending this year’s mission trip will be helping clean up and serve at Pizza Ranch in Monticello. In return, a portion of the revenue for the night and all tips will go to support the youth. So call your friends, bring the fami-ly, and thanks for your support!

Lenten Suppers Just a reminder….Lenten suppers will be starting on

Ash Wednesday, February 18th, and will occur every

Wednesday starting at 5:30 for the entirety of the

Lenten season. These dinners are a great opportunity

to keep in fellowship with the members of St. John’s as well as

an opportunity to support the Senior Youth Group, as all the

funds raised will be going to support the 2015 Senior Youth

mission trip to Waterloo, Iowa. We hope to see you there!

Confirmation Time Change During Lent

Confirmation will meet from 6:00-7:00 PM during Lent, February 18-March 25

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ST. JOHN’S WISH LIST

The following is an on-going wish list. If you

would like to make a donation at any time, it

would be greatly appreciated! Please be

sure to make a notation on the memo line of

your check where you would like your gift to be designated.

WISH LIST AREAS

Hearing Impaired Devices

Life Center Cross Project

Organ Maintenance Fund

ONGOING AREAS

Noah’s Ark

St. John’s Building Fund

Women in Mission (LWML)

KRWC Radio Ministry

St. John’s Sunday School

Music/Choirs

Kid Connection Childcare

Youth Programs

Computers/Technology

Six LCEF scholarships, each in the amount of $1,000, will be awarded to six graduating high school seniors or current full-time post-secondary students at an accredited institution with at least one year of courses remaining. Candidates must also be members of a congregation belonging to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod located in one of the following LCMS districts: Iowa East, Iowa West, Minnesota North, Minnesota South, North Dakota, North Wisconsin or South Wisconsin. The application deadline is February 28, 2015.

Learn more and apply online at lcefuppermidwest.org/scholarships.

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~Thank you St. John’s for helping me pursue my college career at Concordia, St. Paul, as I follow the path God has made for me. Rachel Thaemert

~St. John’s, I just wanted to express my gratitude for the generous scholarship check. I appreciate all you have done for me as I have grown up in this church, especially supporting my college education. Thank you! Rebekah Bjork

~St. John’s Lutheran Church Scholarship Committee, I would like to thank you for granting me the gift of an academic scholarship for the 2014-15 school year. College presents many difficult obstacles, with the financial aspect being one of them. I greatly appreciate that the church has made it possible for students like myself to receive financial assistance while pursuing a college degree. I would also like to thank you for all of the other support I have received from the church throughout the years. I would not be who I am today if it were not for the opportunities available at St. John’s. I am currently studying chemistry at Concordia University-Wisconsin while exploring the possibilities of going on to either graduate school for chemistry or pharmacy school. The financial gift, as well as prayers and moral support, have and will continue to help make all of this possible. Once again, thank you for everything the church has done for me. I greatly appreciate it. God bless, Mark Bjork

~St. John’s Lutheran Church, I want to personally thank you for the generous scholarship to help further my education this year. I am very grateful for this and appreciate it. Eli Etzel

~St. John’s Lutheran Church, I would like to thank you for blessing me with the Lutheran Education Scholarship. I am grateful to be a part of St. John’s and to have your support behind me as I complete my college career and anticipate graduation in May of 2015. Thank you, Calleigh Forcier

~Dear St. John’s Congregation, Thank you so much for the blessing of a scholarship for this school year. The generous support in both prayers and encouragement is greatly appreciated as I finish my last semester at Concordia-Nebraska. God’s richest blessings, Rachel Mussell

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Women In Mission At our January meeting, St. John’s Women in Mission members discussed the unknowns, excitements, needs, and challenges for 2015. Focusing on the excitements—the upcoming Country Fair, the people and organizations who will be helped by donations, learning and growth that occurs by being involved with short and long term projects, and fellowship with other women are definitely our most fun topics of conversation. However; it’s also vital to discuss the unknowns and challenges St. John’s Women in Mission will face in 2015. We are challenged with a steady stream of external organizations and people asking for assistance. We are challenged with setting up and running the annual Country Fair in November. We are chal-lenged with attending conventions. We are also challenged with developing exciting programs, events, projects, and meeting needs of members. Who watches “Blue Bloods,” my favorite Friday night TV show? It’s also on Netflix. Tom Selleck plays Frank Reagan, the Irish Catholic NYC Police Commissioner. In one episode the NYC Police Chaplain told Commissioner Reagan that police officers used to line up to speak with him, but today cops with troubles look elsewhere for help. This show resonated. Life is filled with challenges, unknowns, and needs. Many look outside of church to find solutions to prob-lems. But participating in church events and groups can be a boost to our wellbeing, help overcome personal challenges, and meet our needs. Working alongside Christian women aiming to make a positive difference is exciting. Sharing talents, getting together, helping oth-ers, and building relationships are great ways to increase personal excitement, self-esteem and a sense of community. Joining Women in Mission can literally make dark days brighter and happy days even happier. In 2015, if you are a woman looking for something in 2015, look to Women in Mission. We need you to ensure our

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves

has been born of God and knows God.” ~ 1 John 4:7

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Serve the Lord with gladness!

Reserve your 2015 Dates for KRWC Broadcast Sponsorship!

Our 8:00 worship services are broadcast on radio station KRWC AM1360 for the benefit of those unable to attend church. Each broadcast costs us $150.00. There are three ways you keep this important ministry going:

• Contribute $150.00 to sponsor an entire broadcast for an available date of your choosing with a personal dedication announced on air.

• Contribute $75.00 for a 1/2 sponsorship of a Sunday that we pick. Your name will be mentioned.

• Contribute any amount of money toward the Broadcast Ministry Fund and we will use it as needed.

To be sure you get the date you want, call the office at 763-682-1883.

resources and time are well spent, and as many people can be helped as possible. Please attend meetings, and if possible, volunteer for events. Contact the church office to find out how you can make some new friends through Women in Mission. Beth Husom, Secretary

St. John’s Sewing Circle—Quilts Sold and Donated

• Country Fair: quilted—1; tied—21; baby—18; lap—4; • Dakota Boys Ranch: 2 quilts • Sharing & Caring Hands: 6 quilts; 6 pillowcases; comforter;

sweatshirt; coveralls • Lutheran Island Camp • Family Fun Fest • Amy Zitzloff—Quilt • Jessica Napper—1 bib; 1 baby quilt; 1 prayer book

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6:30 P.M. Call to Order: August Mussell Opening Prayer: Pastor Meyer Agenda Review: Approved on a motion from Janice Marschel. Secretary’s Report: Report approved on motion from Kyle Bjork seconded by Kathryn Elsen. REPORTS: Pastor’s Report: Pastor Meyer gave an overview of the letter he had created for the Church Bell, emphasizing on the title “New Year Brings Possibilities”. He spoke on the future for a DCE and considering what it takes to make a proper call giving highlights on our intern Chris Ryan and how he is doing. With deadlines, reports, and financial issues to be considered it will be covered at the Quarterly meeting. Something else to be looked at is the future of Noah’s Ark and the need to change how we view and manage it. With our intentional shift to developing a better infra structure starting with Kelly Thole introducing classes such as First Steps and Sticky Faith we hope to develop a broader scope of intentional process to connect people and develop relationships – “Being the Church”. Pastor Taylor will hold an Adult Catechism class in January. Discussion followed. Youth Ministry – Child & Family Ministry: Chris Ryan feels he is hitting his stride though still an intern. Nov 14th found about 40 youth at Fun Night, a servant event – delivering gift bags for Project Compassion to shut-ins, a

progressive dinner, gals and guys nights celebrating Thanksgiving, babysitting fundraisers for the mission trip. The Bible study in Jan. will come from a book out of the Sticky Faith Curriculum. Kathryn Elsen noted there will be a Mission trip meeting on Jan. 14th at 6:00 pm for parents. Kelly Thole said the Sticky Faith study was a success and is now looking at a class that will encompass everyone concerned with children and growing them up in their Faith. She was excited to report the District collected just under 10,000 boxes for Operation Christmas Child, thank you to everyone who helped contribute to this. Parents Night Nov. 19th had a great speaker Craig McCourt talking about living Gods commandments. The Children’s Christmas program will be on Dec. 21st. Thank you to Chris Ryan for playing piano for this. Christmas Eve will see a little bit different service at 5:00. It will be kid friendly with a Family focus. There will be pictures and music and some things that are not usually done. She also wanted to add another highlight that Caryn Pederson our former office assistant who is now working for Samaritans Purse will be going right to Afghanistan and experiencing first hand the giving of the shoe boxes. Financial Secretary & Treasurers Reports: Kyle Bjork said Nov. saw an increase in contributions but we are finding ourselves a little under

Board Meeting Minutes—12/16/2014

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budget, gave an overview of finishing out the year. General Fund Contributions and Expenses for November Contributions $39,162 Expenses 33,493 Net Increase (Decrease) 5,669 Kathryn Elsen reported that new envelopes are coming and will be out the 21st in the Narthex. Noon on the 30th is the year end deadline for contributions. She will be in the church office Tues from 8 to Noon. Reports were accepted on a motion from Dave Haggerty seconded by Janice Marschel. New Business: The meeting dates for 2015 There was a change in the Quarterly meetings moving to the 4th Sunday of their month. Council/Board Meetings: January 13 July 14 February 10 August 11 March 10 September 15 April 14 October 13 May 12 November 10 June 9 December 15 Old Business: None at this time. BOARD & COMMITTEE REPORTS: Elders: Dave Haggerty said 3 members of the board will be ending their terms with the board; new people are being looked at. The board continues to work closely with Pastor Meyer on how he is doing and what needs should be met. They continue to use Be the Church as their guideline and continue to look for ways to connect with the congregation. Trustees: A repair man was found for the organ. A list of contractors is being created to have better access

if one is needed. The coffee pot off the kitchen is being checked due to a leak. Needs are being met and work continues on. Evangelism: Their work continues. Stewardship: Letter in Church Bell Fellowship: Speaking for Marti Ryan Janice Marschel said the Doo Wop play at Plymouth Playhouse has been canceled. There was a great turn out for the Sweet Water Concert. It was decided that the Annual meeting in January would be a potluck. Women in Mission (LWML): Pat Norine spoke on the distributions of the Mission monies. Mary Bremmer has joined the Women’s board. Library: Cookie fundraiser Dec. 21st. Noah’s Ark: Covered previously. Project Compassion/Health Cabinet: Distributed gift bags to shut-ins with the help of the Youth. Missions: Janice Marschel commented that we were fortunate to find two homes for our old hymnals. Decorating: Busy with preparing the church for the holidays. Other Business: Kelly Thole presented thank you notes to be signed to have ready for all the kind works that continue to be done. Stan Meyer mentioned that we need to remember to close all inside double doors due to codes. Closing Prayer: Pastor Meyer Adjourn: August Mussell adjourned on a motion from Kyle Bjork seconded by Kathryn Elsen. Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Olsen

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6:30 p.m. Call to Order: August Mussell Opening Prayer: Kelly Thole Agenda: Agenda was approved on a motion from Janice Marschel seconded by Roger Strege. Secretary’s Report: Motion made to approve report by Stan Meyer, seconded by Janice Marschel. Reports: Pastor’s Reports: Pastor Meyer gave an overview of what will be coming up at the Quarterly meeting. Two resolutions need to be addressed, 1 – the placement of Chris Ryan and 2 – the status change of Rev. Phil Meyer. He commented on three things that can be done with Chris 1 – Do nothing and hire no one 2- Extend a letter of intent which would have to be done at this time to fit Concordia’s rules 3 – Create a call committee and seek another worker. The consensuses of Kelly, Pastor and the Board of Elders is that Chris is a great fit, continues to grow, has a lot of vision but we as a congregation need to make the final decision. Pastor’s status would be changed by putting him on long term disability. Insurance companies and the Synod have been spoken to. On a motion from Stan Meyer seconded by Roger Strege the church board agreed to accept the resolutions with some minor verbiage changes by August Mussell, this will then move onto the Quarterly. Pastor commented in his usual casual way, people have come out of the wood to help. God has so blessed all of us here at St John’s. Pastor commented that worship plans have been laid out through Easter and some good things will be coming up with all four Pastors taking part.

Some questions continue one being that the end of the radio service is being missed. Some times the service is to long. Another being the greeting is hard when families have settled their kids and then have to stand again. Always remember the Elders and Pastor’s are here to hear your concerns and questions in anyway shape or form and they will do their best to work with them. Youth Ministry: Chris Ryan said even though the cold weather interfered with some activities he continues to be excited about what is coming up. A Bible Study – “Can I Ask That?” has started and already finds the kids full of questions. There will be a Mission Trip meeting on Jan. 14th. The trip will be July 19 – 25 and a lot is coming up for fund raisers the first being Feb. 2nd at Pizza Ranch. Confirmation kids will be going to Feed My Starving Children Jan. 19th. There will be a lock on Jan. 23rd for the senior youth. Chris commented he will be gone from Jan. 25 – 28 for a required trip to Concordia. Child & Family Ministry: Kelly Thole asked for feedback of ideas concerning the Christmas programs. The congregation seemed to really like the children’s program and how it was presented. Also the change in the Christmas Eve service at 5:00 was well accepted. If you have some thoughts or ideas for next year please let her know. The Little Lutheran Bag for kids has been redone and we now have a changing station in the nursery and a place for moms to feed their children or just have some quiet time. In the near future you will also see directions telling people how to get to the nursery, placed in the pews.

Board Meeting Minutes—1/13/2015

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As Kelly is now working with Noah’s Ark she presented their status. She passed out a Financial Overview and discussed where the school had been and where they are now and what is needed to move forward. Noah’s Ark is asking that St. John’s renew their support and interest and to help financially. This would lead to St. John’s claiming it as their preschool and mission field. They know they have to increase enrollment for more funds to come in and are looking at advertising and enhancing the school with new programs to be competitive with others which leads to more funding. Hosanna is still part of the school but is struggling. They will do what they can. So Kelly asks that you put thought and prayer to a solution so that we can take steps to move forward. Financial / Treasurer’s Reports: Paper report, no members in attendance. Report will be voted on at Feb. meeting. New Business: August Mussell gave overview on the 2016 Synod Convention. It was confirmed that Pastor Meyer and Dave Haggerty (Head Elder) will attend. It was also confirmed that the 2 Resolutions and Noah’s Ark would be on the Quarterly agenda. Old Business: None at this time. Board & Committee Reports: Elders: Pastor Meyer spoke for Dave Haggerty mentioning that 3 delegates have moved off the board. Six letters have gone out to prospective members. Pastor mentioned there will be a new member service on Feb 8th and at that time new officers will be installed. Trustees: Stan Meyer said they have

asked for quotes for a water softener which will be paid for by a donation from Thrivent. Security issues are being discussed. Papers stored in mechanical rooms are being placed in safer areas. Evangelism: Roger Strege continues to look for support projects. New large chip clips have been ordered which will be given out at Easter. T- shirts were ordered and will be shared with Chris for the kids to wear when doing service projects such as the fundraiser at Pizza Ranch. He continues to work on the website and is more than happy to work with Kelly in promoting Noah’s Ark. Stewardship: No report at this time. Fellowship: Marti Ryan said the picnic in the park has been booked for July 26th. She is also looking into dates for us to sponsor a concert in the park. The Polka service is also being considered. Women In Mission (LWML): Written report – no representative. Library: No report at this time. Noah’s Ark: Previously reported on. Project Compassion / Health Cabinet: Will be meeting soon to work on valentines to send out. Missions: No update at this time. Decorating: No report at this time. Other Business: None at this time. Closing Prayer: Pastor Meyer Meeting adjourned by August Mussell on a motion from Roger Strege seconded by Janice Marschel. Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Olsen

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Non-Profit

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Buffalo, MN

Permit #33

Return Service Requested

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New Member Orien

tation

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Children’s Bo

ok Drive

p. 7

Parents’ N

ight Out

p. 12

Pizza Ranch Fundraise

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St John’s Lutheran Church 302 2nd Street NE

Buffalo, MN 55313