In this issue:

Pastor’s Letter 1

Vicar’s Letter 2

Serving the Lord This Month 3

CEL & Membership Report 4

Birthdays & LWML 5

Church News 6-12

Financial Secretary Report 13

Treasurer Report 14

Calendar 15

From Pastor’s Desk: Special points of interest:

Letters from church staff.

March Birthdays.

Blood drive information.

All upcoming events and activities that you won’t

want to miss!

St. John’s Lutheran Church of East Moline, IL March 2017 Volume 59 Issue 7

www.stjohnsem.org

Lent is more than just something you pick off the suit of the person in front of you at worship. The strange title for this part of the church is derived from old English, Dutch and German words that meant “spring season.” Lent, or quadragesima, has been around since the beginning of Christianity. It was especially useful as an intense period of catechesis in preparation for the Easter Vigil, as you will discover in Vicar’s article. Another aspect of Lent that was formalized by the end of the 4

th century was the observance of a forty day fast, which allowed one meal a day

and setting aside the consumption of meat. While forty is a significant number throughout the Bible, this period of fasting especially reminds us of Christ’s own self-denial in the wilderness. During that time He fasted for forty days, was tempted by the devil, and overcame that temptation for us. Especially important is His response to the devil, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matt. 4:4) This statement gets to the heart of our Lenten observance. It is a time of preparation for the passion and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. It is best used for setting aside the desires of the flesh and all the transient things that so easily distract us from the spiritual, eternal, and unseen things of God. Instead, our eyes, hearts and minds are set on Christ, as we commit ourselves to prayer, penitence, almsgiving, and self-denial. If you think that you would like to give something up for Lent this year I encourage you to consider something that will truly help you set your eyes on Jesus, the founder and

perfecter of your faith [Nt. Heb. 12:2]. Don’t just arbitrarily select something that will have little, or no, impact on your life and walk with Christ. Rather, choose something that is truly a sacrifice and a challenge to your everyday life. Choose something that will lead you to recommit yourself to the Lord and draw you closer to Him. Remember, also, that Lent is not only a time of giving something up but of giving and praying more, devoting more of yourself to God, and meditating more on Christ and His Word. As we begin our Lenten journey remember that we live in a world that does anything but encourage this type of lifestyle. Our society doesn’t ask us what we can give up to become more faithful Christians; it asks us “what else do we need to satisfy our own desires?” It’s a challenge, to say the least, but during this Lenten season let us spiritually, physically, and mentally prepare ourselves for Easter. Let us strive to share in His suffering, death, and life, so that our everyday lives might reflect the ultimate sacrifice of Christ’s passion and victory of His resurrection . Let us embrace the crosses of sacrifice and prayer and give up the things of this world that distract us from living a life worthy of our heavenward call in Christ. I encourage you, therefore, to use this Lenten season as a fresh opportunity to lay aside every weight, and sin that entangles, and run with endurance the race that is set before you. [Nt. Heb. 12:1] Peace in Christ, Pastor Umbarger

Page 2 March 2017

From Vicar Anderson

As we enter the season of Lent again, we are led into a period of preparation. The readings and sermons

will invite us to examine ourselves, recognize our sins, and repent of them. This same period of preparation

has been celebrated since very early in the life of the Church. In addition, catechetical preparation for Baptism

was the common practice during Lent. The forty day season was an intense period of learning the faith for

adults who had recently converted. It began with a ceremony on Ash Wednesday where each catechumen was

examined publicly, concerning both his faith and life. Throughout the forty days, there were daily three-hour

preparation sessions of teaching. In the forty days of Lent, catechumens went through the entire Bible. These

individuals would then receive Baptism on Easter morning before joining the rest of the congregation for the

reception of the Lord’s Supper.

This was not the end of the catechetical instruction for these new Christians. The Church taught then,

as it does now, that faithful members will continue in a lifelong study of God’s Word. Those who had been

baptized on Easter spent the week thereafter dedicated to daily instruction about the Sacraments and the re-

quirements of Christian living. We too must persist in learning the Word of God for our edification. It is espe-

cially important in this season of preparation, since God’s Word leads us both to a knowledge of our sins and a

knowledge of our Savior.

It would be a true disgrace if we viewed Confirmation as the end of our instruction in the Christian

faith. There are many Christians that stop coming to worship and Bible study after the Rite of Confirmation.

This practice essentially turns Confirmation into a graduation ceremony, complete with the gown, flowers, and

cake. Rather, Confirmation is not the end of a period of catechesis, but only the beginning. Christians will re-

main steadfast in their study of God’s Word throughout their earthly life. There is never a time when we can

say that we know it all, so there is always more to learn.

So, as this season of Lent begins anew, let us commit ourselves to the study of God’s Word. I encour-

age you to review your bulletin for all of the opportunities to be in worship and Bible study. Lent would also

be a wonderful time to review the basics of the Christian faith. If you or someone you know is interested in a

review of the teachings of the Lutheran Church, especially for the purpose of becoming members, please con-

tact Pastor and me. We would be more than happy to set up these classes during this season. Whichever study

you choose to attend, I pray that God’s Word would bear fruit in your life and give you strong and confident

faith until the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

~Vicar Ryan Anderson

WANTED! VOICES FOR GOOD FRIDAY!

We will once again be doing a dramatic reading of

the Gospel for our Good Friday service. Voice

actors are needed (male and female) and must be

available the two Sundays prior to Good Friday and

of course on Good Friday. No memorization re-

quired, just a voice and a willing spirit. See Vicar

Anderson or Ann Cobb if interested.

Page 3 The Informer

Ushers

Wed. March 1 Noon: Esther Cashion & Dennis Hurley 6:30pm : Vernon Sletten Sat., March 4: Vern Sletten, Duane Becker Greg Burke, & Fred Krack Sun., March 5: Larry Dodge, Bill Girard, Larry Hipple, Rod Hopkins & Larry Oltmann Wed. March 8: Vernon Sletten Sat., March 11: Vern Sletten, Duane Becker Greg Burke, & Fred Krack Sun., March 12: Larry Dodge, Bill Girard, Larry Hipple, Rod Hopkins & Larry Oltmann Wed. March 15: Vernon Sletten Sat., March 18: Vern Sletten, Duane Becker Greg Burke, & Fred Krack Sun., March 19: Larry Dodge, Bill Girard, Larry Hipple, Rod Hopkins & Larry Oltmann Wed. March 22:Vernon Sletten Sat., March 25: Vern Sletten, Duane Becker Greg Burke, & Fred Krack Sun. March 26: Larry Dodge, Bill Girard, Larry Hipple, Rod Hopkins & Larry Oltmann Wed. March 29: Vernon Sletten

_______________________

Greeters

Wed. March 1: Ann Engebrecht & Margie Schaefer Sat., March 4 : Greg burke & Gloria Burke Sun., March 5: Ann Engebrecht, Cora Whipple & Carole Vrban Wed. March 8: Ann Engebrecht & Margie Schaefer Sat., March 11: Greg Burke & Gloria Burke Sun., March 12: Barbara Honert, Lee Copeland & Betty Withrow Wed. March 15: Margie Schaefer Sat., March 18: Norm & Orene Antolik Sun., March 19: Lee Copeland, Lynn Suess & Ed Wachs Wed. March 22: Ann Engebrecht & Margie Schaefer Sat., March 25: Norm & Orene Antolik Sun., March 26: Dennis & Margie Schaefer & Marsha Boarts Wed. March 29: Ann Engebrecht & Margie Schaefer

Acolytes

Wed. 3/1: Adam Homan Sat. 3/4: Jonah Wilson Sun. 3/5: Noah Cobb Wed. 3/8: Alivia Voelkers Sat. 3/11: Kaylie Pena Sun. 3/12: Trevor Keogh Wed. 3/15: Rylee Sherwood Sat. 3/18: Mallory Hawkins Sun. 3/19: Owen Mattly Wed. 3/22: Ethan Sountris Sat. 3/25: Trevor Keogh Sun. 3/26: Adam Homann Wed. 3/29: Jonah Wilson

Serving the Lord This Month:

Altar Guild Dawn Antolik

Flo Moore Margie Schaefer

Eternal Candle March 5: Judy Belan - Tyler’s Baptismal Birthday March 12: Open March 19: Greg & Cindy Hart - Anniversary March 26: Scott & Stacey Reed - Elizabeth Antolik’s Baptismal Birthday

Flower Chart Since Ash Wednesday until Easter is a solemn time of contemplation and not a time of celebration, we will refrain from decorating the Chancel until Easter, at which time it will be decorated with Easter lilies.

Fellowship Callers March 5: John & Kay Iwen March 12: Charlie & Joan Britton March 19: Kevin Verschoore & Bali Guerrero March 26: Dave & Candace Sountris

Lenten Supper

March 1st: Bd. of Parish Ministry Serving: Lasagna March 8th: Bd. of Ed & Bd. of Evang. Serving: Sloppy Joes March 15th: Ladies Aid Serving: Ham & Turkey Sandwiches March 22nd: Bd. of Youth & Elders Serving: Tacos & Salad March 29th: Summer Bus Trip Serving: Spaghetti April 5th: Child’s World Serving: Baked Potato Bar

Page 4 March 2017

A C.E.L. Production

DATE THIS YEAR LAST YEAR SUN. SCHOOL RECEIVED

1/22/17 251 275 14 $4,919

1/29/17 207 223 14 $3,188

2/05/17 154 223 16 $11,116

2/12/17 224 230 14 $4,984

2/19/17 224 224 18 $5,465

Simply Giving Jan 2017 $3,265 Average monthly attendance of St. John’s Membership 36%

Weekly Attendance & Offerings

Membership Report

MEMBERSHIP REPORT February 2016

Change of address Transferred In Death

Anna Lyndsie McCoy Kathy Petosky Gene Miller 1/7/17

4721 8th Street, Apt. 11211 1189 25th Street funeral @ St. John’s 1/11/17

Moline, IL 61265 East Moline, IL 61244

Transfer Out

Pastor Paul Weber & Heather Weber to Faith Lutheran, Kewanee IL (the children are staying as members at St. John’s)

Corey Hanna as requested

Time keeps flying while we are having fun at preschool.

March brings us our spring break, and a NEW fundraiser.

We will be having an adults only (16+) painting night—

see page on Margaritas and Monet later in this informer.

We are also beginning to prepare for our annual FAMILY

FUN NIGHT, which will be held on April 28th from 6-

7:30. It is a carnival with games, bounce house, face

painting, a silent/hidden bid auction and concession stand for

dinner. Cost to get in is only one dollar and all games are free.

BUT, for our auction, we need donations, if you or your

business would like to donate something, see Ann, any and all

are welcome, including cash donations to “fill up” baskets.

Ann can be reached at the church office 792-0755 or

ann@stjohnsem.org

Page 5 The Informer

March 2 Susan Coon &Gabrielle May

March 3 Ruth Poole-Mayerhofer &

Earl Schaefer

March 5 Kaley Molander

March 7 Elizabeth Antolik, & Diana

Johnson

March 9 Robert Coon

March 10 Nikki Chellew & Brad

Heinecke

March 11 Blake Foehrkolb & BJ

Myers

March 14 June Sutton

March 15 Keri Pena

March 16 Kevin Rossmiller

March 19 Stacey Reed, & Elaine

Newman

March 20 Ryan Blaser

March 21 Carmae Kern

March 22 Chris Caldwell & Savanna

Kern

March 23 Susan Bowman & Janet

Wachs

March 25 Jackson Merritt, & Aaron

Peck

March 26 Jeff Belan,

March 28 Virgie Harris, Ronda Little

& Nancy Williams

March 29 Mary Ann Eckert, &

Megan Weathers

March 30 George Fellows &

Ruby Pancrazio

Birthdays

LWML .St. John’s LWML will meet on March 23 at 6:30 pm. The program will be making

Easter Cards for the shut-ins. Hostesses are Donna Hakeman and Joyce Hoffman. Devotions will be given by Ann Engebrecht. Project for the month is peanut butter for the food pantry,

LWML MEETING MINUTES St. John’s LWML meeting was held on January 26, 2017. President Marsha Boarts called the meeting to or-der in the name of the Triune God with 10 members present and 1 guest, Vicar Ryan Anderson. Our host-esses Margie Schaefer and Ann Engebrecht served dessert. Vicar Ryan Anderson led an LWML Bible Study, Heavenly Treasure – Our Number One Priority. The business meeting began with Mite box dedication #2 fol-lowed by the LWML Song. The Secretary’s and Treasure's reports were given. Marsha Boarts sent 5 cradle roll packets. Margie Schae-fer handed out prayer calendars and additional prayers were added.. The 2017 LWML booklets were handed out. President Marsha Boarts said we needed someone to audit the books. Judy Dugan said she would contact Brenda Roggendorf to see if she would do them. The following announcements were made. Marsha thanked hostesses Margie Schaefer and Ann Engebrecht.. Hostesses for February will be Ramona Oltmann and Diana Lackey. Ann Engebrecht will call in January for Sunday morning greeters in February. Next month’s program will feature speaker Shelley Moeller from Immanuel Lu-theran in Rock Island and currently the National LWML Vice President of Gospel Outreach. The meeting was adjourned with the League Pledge and The Lord’s Prayer.

Page 6 March 2017

Church News

Finance Update

There are still 2016 statements and 2017 enve-lopes on the table in the concourse Please pick yours ups ASAP. Thank You.

BLOOD DRIVE

St. John’s will be hosting a blood drive sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center on Saturday, March 11th from 8am—11:30am. A sign up sheet is on the Information Table. Appointments can be made online at www.bloodcenterimpact.org.

For questions or for more information call Marsha Boarts 309-792-2467

ALTAR GUILD CLEANING DAY April 8th Time 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Lots of Help is needed

A list of tasks will be on the back counter

Parish Ministry & Acts Of Charity

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

JUNE 12-16, 2017

We are in need of volunteers for all areas of VBS. VBS is tons of fun, we have all

the materials so it is a matter of finding the volunteers, setting up and running

registration and then on-site “put out fires” as they arise. No special training is

necessary! If you are interested or have questions, or are willing to volunteer in any

way for VBS contact Vicar Anderson or Ann Cobb ann@stjohnsem.org or the

church office 729-0755.

Service Opportunity

The Ladies of St. John’s will meet for

Lunch at 11:30 am at Deerfield Restaurant

or another restaurant (watch bulletin for

changes) on the following Thursdays:

March 30th, 2017

April 27th, 2017

May 25th, 2017

June 29th, 2017

July 287h, 2017

August 31st, 2017

September 28th, 2017

October 26th, 2017

November 30th, 2017

December 14th, 2017

All ladies are invited to attend!

St. John’s Thursday Luncheon Schedule

Church News

Page 7 The Informer

Stewardship Article

Lent is a season of repentant joy. There is joy in repentance because in repentance, God, through His Word,

turns us away from our sins — our failures of thought, word, and deed — to believe in the forgiveness and

new life He has accomplished for us in the death and resurrection of His Son. For our God is our Father, and

fathers discipline their children. He loves us enough to point out when and where we have erred, so that we are

not weighed down by false belief, despair, and other great shame or vice.

Thus we do well to listen to God’s Word, His own teaching, about giving. St. Paul exhorts: “Anyone who re-

ceives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor” (Gal 6:6). This means that the lo-

cal congregation is primary. In other words, everything else that we might give to during the year — laudable

and worthy charities — are to be on top of what we give to our local congregation. For the local congregation

is the place that serves us with the gifts of Christ’s death and resurrection. The local congregation is where our

spiritual needs are met when Christ’s atonement is preached, when the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed, when

we were baptized into the name of the Triune God, and when we partake of the body and blood of the risen

and living Lamb of God.

But how much are we to give to this local congregation? His instructions are these: to give regularly (1 Cor 6:1

–2), proportionally (1 Cor 16:1–2; 2 Cor 8:12), and generously (2 Cor 8:20) of our first fruits (Gen 4:4; Prov

3:9; Lev 27:30) with a spirit of eagerness (2 Cor 9:2), earnestness (2 Cor 8:7), cheerfulness (2 Cor 9:7), and

love (2 Cor 8:23).

Thus, giving to the church is not to be an afterthought, given after everything else is spent. In this way, it is

deliberate. We give it regularly, whenever we have income. We set it aside beforehand, before anything else is

spent. From those first fruits, we set aside a proportionate and generous amount. Ten percent was the standard

for the Israelites. Tithing was a command for them. St. Paul never mentions a tithe. Since a tithe was the bare

minimum for the people of Israel in the Old Testament, perhaps St. Paul had more in mind. That aside, how-

ever, ten percent is an easy way to figure out an amount. You simply move your weekly, bi-weekly, bi-

monthly, monthly, or yearly income one decimal point to the left. And that’s it. That’s what you put in the of-

fering plate to support your local congregation so that you may continue to be a hearer of God’s word by shar-

ing all good things with those who teach it to you.

And how are we to give it? We give it with eagerness and earnestness. We give it cheerfully and with love, not

out of compulsion. For through the preaching of the gospel and the administration of the sacraments, God has

made us His children, forgiven us all our sins, given us grace upon grace, promised us life everlasting with

Him in His kingdom, and filled us with His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit. This makes giving a joy. For it is more

blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

In repentant joy, then, do we hear God’s Word on giving, and we let that Word dwell in us richly. We let that

word wash over our ears and seep into our hearts, to turn us away from our own selfish desires and turned to-

ward Him in faith and love. We love the Lord and His Word. And we desire to do it. And when we have failed,

that Word reproves and corrects, forgives and consoles. It calls us back to Him who is our God, our Savior, our

Father.

Page 8 March 2017

.

Summer Bus Trip - Trivia Night Fundraiser

Friday, April 7

6:30pm Doors Open

7:00pm Trivia Begins

Join us for a fun evening of trivia to support those traveling to the Creation Museum and the

Ark Encounter this summer. Bake items, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages will be avail-

able. A silent auction will also take place.

Individuals and Teams of 8 SIGN UP in the concourse.

Each team will have 8 players for $80 (no more than 8 players, no less than $80)

Ten questions in ten rounds.

Winning team receives $160. Second place receives $80.

Brain power only! Cell phones, computers, dictionaries, etc will not be permitted.

Mulligan's (an automatic correct answer) and Doublers (doubles the number of questions

you got correct in one round) may be purchased before the game begins.

Trivia Volunteers, Bakers, and Silent Auction donors sign up in the concourse or see Amber

Mattly or Carrie Homann.

Church News

Page 9 The Informer

Church News

Page 10 March 2017

Church News

CROSSES

Pick one of the two designs and follow along as we paint,

enjoy a frosty cocktail or soft drink and nibble on chips,

salsa and guacamole.

Cost: $30.00

Must be 16 to attend, 21 to drink

See Ann with questions—register on the information table

or ask a classroom teacher.

Paint Night Fun-raiser for the

Center for Early Learning

Thursday, March 30

from 6:30-8:30

TREE

Lenten/Easter Schedule

Page 11 The Informer

NOTES FROM THE BALCONY

CALLING ALL ALTOS & TENORS The Adult Choir is in need of more Alto and Tenor voices. If

interested, the Choir meets on Wednesdays at 6:30pm in the balcony.

Church News

March 01 –

Noon & 6:30 pm

Ash Wed. “The Dust of Death”

Pastor Umbarger

March 08 – 6:30 pm Midweek 2 “Eve’s Curse”

Pastor Astrowski

Immanuel – Rock Island

March 15 – 6:30 pm Midweek 3 “Satan’s Curse”

Vicar Batchelder,

Holy Cross - Moline

March 22 – 6:30 pm Midweek 4 “Paradise Lost & Found”

Vicar Anderson

March 29 – 6:30 pm

April 05 – 6:30 pm

Midweek 5

Midweek 6

“Adam’s Curse”

Pastor Hagen

Trinity – Coal Valley

“Naked & Ashamed”

Pastor Wright,

Zion- East Moline

April 13–

Noon & 6:30 pm

Maundy Thursday “Eating of Death”

Pastor Umbarger

April 14 – 12:00-3:00 pm @ Zion –

Hampton Bluff

April 14 – 6:30 pm

Good Friday

-Tre Ore-

Good Friday

“Stations of the Cross”

Pastors & Vicars of Rock Island Circuit

“Two Good Trees”

Vicar Anderson

April 15/16 – 6:30 pm & 6:30 am Easter Vigil/Sunrise “Where Are You?”

Vicar Anderson

April 16 – 9:00 am Easter Festival “Sound of Fear-Sound of Joy”

Pastor Umbarger

Page 12 March 2017

Church News

Financial Secretary’s Report

Page 13 The Informer

Treasurer’s Report

Page 14 March 2017

WORSHIP SERVICES: Saturday — 6:30 p.m.

Sunday— 9:00 a.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL & BIBLE CLASS: Sunday — 10:15 a.m.

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP: Wednesday — 6:30 p.m.

Dinner Served— 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Worship Times

Inside our Sanctuary.

1450-30th Avenue

East Moline, IL 61244

Tel: 309-792-0755

Fax: 309-792-0776

E-mail: stjohnsem@sbcglobal.net

St. John’s

Lutheran Church

of East Moline,

Walking in the Light of Christ!

We’re On the Web!! www.stjohnsem.org