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quires perseverance, humility,
and a gracious, forgiving spirit.
This is also why marriage
scares us, these are challeng-
ing things.
Many people get into their
marriage and when it becomes
less than ideal they think, “I
married the wrong person, this
is too hard.” Biblically speaking
we could say that we all marry
the wrong person because eve-
ry person is an imper-
fect sinner. So, you
don’t need a new mar-
riage, you need a new
perspective on mar-
riage. Too often we
can make our marriag-
es spouse-centered.
This means that we
take all our cues from
what the other person
is doing. If your spouse
is grouchy today then
you become grouchy. If
they are in a generous mood
then so are you. A better model
for marriage is to strive for a
God-centered relationship. Tak-
ing our cues from the spirit of
God then we have reason to be
generous even if our spouse
might be grouchy today. The key
shift is to not spend your time
I would like to help you have a
great marriage. As I write this in
late March we are just finishing
a class called Sacred Marriage.
We have been watching a video
course by Gary Thomas, author
of the book Sacred Marriage.
Here I want to share with you
some of Gary’s ideas. I think he
is really unto something im-
portant. Perhaps his
most important theme
is to invite us to con-
sider marriage as
God’s own creation.
God made it, not just
to give us happiness
and fulfillment. God
had a purpose in
mind. Marriage is not
just a romantic pur-
suit, it is a spiritual
journey taken togeth-
er. The purpose of mar-
riage is not just to make us hap-
py, it is to make us holy. This is
the very reason why many peo-
ple find marriage to be harder
and more challenging then they
had imagined. Living in the
close intimacy of marriage ex-
poses our sinfulness and no
one likes that. But this is God’s
plan. Marriage forces us to grow
in godly character. It re-
St. John’s Lutheran Church
April 2013 Church Bell From Pastor Disney
(Continued on page 3)
“Marriage
is not just a
romantic
pursuit, it
is a spiritual
journey
taken
together”
2
St. John’s Lutheran Church
302 NE 2nd Street
PO Box 238
Buffalo, MN 55313
Phone: 763-682-1883
Youth Line: 763-684-0460
Fax: 763-682-1936
Noah’s Ark Pre-School: 763-682-1368
Newsletter Deadline: Deadline for the May newsletter is Monday, April 22
Join the Newsletter Mailing Crew on Tuesday, April 30 at 9:00 am.
Bulletin Deadline: Every Tuesday at midnight
Staff: Rev. James Disney, Senior Pastor
Rev. Philip Meyer, Associate Pastor
763-229-7101
Kelly Thole, DCE, Youth Director
Teresa Berg, Office Administrator
Carla Myhre-Vogt, Office Assistant
Dan & Jackie Korbel, Custodians
Nicky Haskins, Noah’s Ark Preschool
Kyle & Elizabeth Bjork, Treasurers
Kathryn Elsen, Financial Secretary
Cheryl Olsen, Board Secretary
Gary Schillinger, Music Director
Worship Times: Saturday 5:00 pm
Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 am
Sunday’s Service Radio Broadcast on
KRWC 1360AM at 8:00 am
Office Hours: M-F 8:30-4:30
Chairman of the Congregation August Mussell
Board of Elders [email protected]
Nyles Gentz, Head Elder
Gregg Beckman
Gary Bonk
Greg Buttenhoff
Dave Haggerty
Jack Harlan
Jory Louisiana
Richard Marquette
Bruce Rosine
Ryan Rutten
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: Open
Trustees: Brad Hoseck
Women in Mission: Chris Husom
Worship: Pastor Disney
Youth & Family Ministry: Open
3
hoping and waiting for your
spouse to be different. Instead
spend your time working on re-
fining yourself.
This means marriage is sup-
posed to feel challenging. If you
feel that in your marriage it
does not mean that something
is wrong, it means the opposite,
something is right. Too often
when a couple feels that the
relationship is hard they then
back away from each other
looking for neutral safe ground.
But if both people can embrace
the challenge marriage can be-
come something incredibly
meaningful: two sinners work-
ing together toward godly virtue.
Today many young couples
feel enormous pressure to be
perfect, but that is not realistic.
Marriage is best built on God’s
incredible love for what is im-
perfect. Jesus was willing to be
totally sacrificial for us in all our
imperfection. That is real love.
That is what we strive for in
marriage. Gary Thomas offers
us a powerful image. Think of
God as your father-in-law. God
is very possessive of his son or
daughter. God the father-in-law
might say to you, “I know he/
she is not perfect, but please
he/she needs someone to love
them.”
Another interesting thing that
Gary notes is that marriages
today are lasting longer than
they ever have before. People
are living longer. This makes it
more important then ever to
see the big picture. Challenges
once overcome together create
a sacred history that is cause
for later celebration. Studies
now show that marriages that
last past the 35th anniversary
typically report a greater level of
satisfaction than was felt as
newlyweds. Our culture seems
to celebrate the quick blaze of
romantic love. But it turns out
that marriage is really about
growing old together. Marriage
takes perseverance, which is
also one of the primary charac-
teristics of faith in God. Gary
Thomas is telling us that these
two things are interlinked be-
cause God made marriage for
us as a way in which we would
be drawn toward the divine
mystery of God himself.
I hope that this helps you a bit
in your marriage. Beginning
April 7th, I will be leading a class
called “Staying in Love” with
Andy Stanley (see page 14 for
more information). I hope you
will join me upstairs in the con-
ference room above the Family
Life Center at 9:15.
God bless your marriage.
Pastor Disney
(Continued from page 1)
Quarterly Voters’ Meeting For April will be April 21 at
9:15 am. Quarterly Reports are due April 8.
4
From the desk of Pastor Meyer
Part III of Series:
Why Do We Do It?
“The Church” On March 9th, my close
friend Mike was found dead in
his apartment in Pocatello,
Idaho. He was 62, not a
believer, but my wife and
children and I considered him a
part of our family. He had
driven the truck with our
belongings from Idaho to
Buffalo, and I have been deeply
saddened by this since I heard
the news.
When a loved one is gone, it
is normal for mortals to think of
things immortal, and as I
considered what to share with
you this month in this series I
have been writing, it seemed
fitting to step back and
consider “why does the Church
even exist?” Now, it is
important to distinguish
between the Church with a
capital “C,” and our church,
called St. John’s. When we
speak the words of the creed,
“and I believe in one holy,
Christian and apostolic church,”
we are speaking about
something much greater than
our local congregation. God
has chosen to work through His
Church on earth, as He directs
us in Matthew 28, to “Go, and
make disciples of all nations.”
That is a tremendous calling,
and it is humbling to think that
God would
choose to
work through
that which He
created.
Nevertheless,
that is what
the Bible teaches us, and that
Church-at-Large is made up of
thousands of congregations.
St. John’s is one of those.
One of the things that
astounds me are a couple of
numbers that were shared with
me before I came to be with
you; and, I have heard them at
meetings since my arrival: St
John’s has over 1800 people
on its membership roster, and
yet, the worship attendance
averages just shy of 400 each
week. Too be fair, there are
many who are unable to be with
us for various reasons and,
there are many who come
sporadically. Both of those
truths affect our worship
average. Nevertheless, it would
be fair to say that there is high
level of inactivity.
The earliest description of
the Church is found in Acts,
chapter two, where we are told:
“And they devoted themselves
to the apostles' teaching and
the fellowship, to the breaking
of bread and the prayers. And
awe came upon every soul, and
many wonders and signs were
(Continued on page 5)
5
being done through the
apostles. And all who believed
were together and had all
things in common. And they
were selling their possessions
and belongings and distributing
the proceeds to all, as any had
need. And day by day,
attending the temple together
and breaking bread in their
homes, they received their food
with glad and generous hearts,
praising God and having favor
with all the people. And the
Lord added to their number day
by day those who were being
saved.”
It appears from this reading
that the last verse is directly
related to the first one – that
the level of devotion to those
things crucial was blessed by
God. Those things crucial were:
a)the Word, b)the Fellowship of
their Congregation, c)Dining
Together, and d)Prayer. What
do we ‘devote’ to as a family?
What do you ‘devote’ to as an
individual member of this
family? Are we ‘devoted’ to the
same things? These are
questions that rise up in my
mind.
I would like to consider
encouraging you this month, as
I reflect on the loss of my friend
who, as I said, was not a
believer, that there is nothing
more important than the
relationship that God desires
with each and every one that
He has created. That
relationship needs to be
nourished, nurtured, and fed. It
is through His Word and
Sacraments that He feeds,
grows, and strengthens his
family.
Are we devoted to that?
(Continued from page 4)
St. John’s Quilt Group Makes Quilt of Memories
Michelle Mackenthun re-
cently inquired if the sewing
circle would make a quilt from
her late mother’s clothing. Her
mother was fond of humming-
birds and a devout Christian.
There was enough “squares” to
make two queen-sized quilts.
One was a hummingbird theme,
with a Tangram bird block, and
the other quilt had a cross
down the middle.
Both quilts were definitely a
“labor of joy.”
6
Serving in April
Ushers
8:00 Jim Schleif
Bill Elletson
Brian Jans
Mark Ordorff
Andrew Mussell
10:30 Mike Bertsch
Willis Miller
Confirmation Kids
Audiovisual
The
Team
Tim Berteau
Ron Girard
Suzie Meier
Colin Meier
Bill Morris
Melissa Morris
Coffee Servers
4/7
4/14
4/21
4/28
Youth
Please sign up to take
a turn. Thanks!
Dave Haggerty
612-309-6609
[email protected] Aaron Beckman
763-232-4416
[email protected] Gregg Beckman
952-261-8192
Gary Bonk 763-682-3449 Greg Buttenhoff
763-682-3657
Nyles Gentz 612-240-3980
Jack Harlan 763-242-8708
Jory Louisiana 763-286-6537
Richard Marquette
763-682-3011
Ryan Rutten 651-283-2552
NOTICE TO THRIVENT
MEMBERS: (Revision) Thrivent Choice Dollars assign-
ment procedures have
changed. Charitable rewards are
earned quarterly. To best insure
St. John’s Lutheran receives your
earned dollars, you should con-
tact Thrivent
QUARTERLY, April 20, July 20,
October 20 & January 20th each
year. You can do so using Direct
Choice Dollars online @
www.thrivent.com/choicedollars
or call 800-THRIVENT (800-847-
4836) and state "Thrivent
Choice." Once you contact them
to assign your dollars, they will
send you a quarterly e-mail re-
minder. We will also remind you
each quarter from St. John’s. In
2012, St. John’s received
$17,574.00 in Thrivent Choice
Dollars and distributed funds to
many Church, mission, and
community-related projects.
Your Elders are here for you. Please feel free to contact any of
them at any time with concerns you may have:
7
Date: Saturday, April 20th Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: St. John’s Lutheran Church — Life Center Tickets: $10 Advance/$15 At Door
Tickets available at St. John’s Church Office and Setterberg Jewelers (Downtown Buffalo)
Highlights of England and Scotland Tour Join Rev. Clifford Winter and wife Lois on a Christian tour of England and
Scotland Oct. 31–Nov. 10, 2013. Enjoy Christian fellowship & devotions
in addition to visiting London, Stonehenge and more. The $3072 price
includes roundtrip air from Chicago, first-class hotels, professional guide,
15 meals, deluxe coach, taxes, and fuel surcharge. For a brochure, call
316-942-5811 or email [email protected]. Rev. Winter is a retired
LCMS pastor and missionary, and resides in Wichita, KS.
8
Women In Mission
St. John’s will host the Litchfield
Zone Rally on Thursday, April
25th. Registration starts at 6:00
and the program will begin at
6:30. We’re excited to have Pro-
fessor Dale Trapp from Concordia
University St. Paul as our guest
speaker. He will share “The Star
of Bethlehem: what it was and
what it is,” presentation with us.
Everyone is invited. The presenta-
tion will be in the Family Life Cen-
ter with dessert to follow in the
Fellowship Hall. Cost for LWML
members is $5.00, and guests
get in free.
We have a number of Gifts from
the Heart requests which will be
taken to the National Convention
in Pittsburg in June. Here is the
list: Quilts/Blankets – New, adult
and baby sizes (pack in heavy
duty plastic bag) Diapers – Size:
preemies, 3, and 4, and Wipes.
Kits – All donations are to be new
and regular size. Please pack kit
items in a clear plastic zip lock
bag (2 gallon size works well).
Keep donation items in original
wrapping.
BABY KIT: Receiving blankets,
Sleepers – preemie/newborn,
Onesies – preemie/newborns
Outfits – preemie/newborn, One
Christian tract or Bible verse
(inside the bag).
MEN’S KIT: Men’s boxers (L –
XXXL), Men’s T-shirts (L – XXXL),
Men’s socks One Christian tract
or Bible verse (inside the bag).
BATH KIT: Bath towel and wash-
cloth, Full size toothpaste, Tooth-
brush, Women’s or men’s deo-
dorant, Bath/Bar soap, One
Christian tract or Bible verse
(inside the bag).
DEVOTIONAL KIT: Bible, Journal,
Devotional booklet and pen.
You can bring your gifts to the
rally or leave them in the purple
box in the Narthex through
April 25th.
The 35th Biennial LWML Conven-
tion will be held June 27-30,
2013 in Pittsburgh, PA. The
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
2 Corinthians 5:20
9
E-News If you would like to receive this newsletter by email
rather than snail mail, send us an email at
[email protected]. You’ll get the news faster, plus
save the church money in postage and printing. We’ll send the
newsletter to you as a PDF.
theme is "Quenched! by the Wa-
ter" and is based on the Scrip-
ture Verse: [Jesus said:] “… but
whoever drinks of the water that
I will give him will never be thirsty
again. The water that I will give
him will become in him a spring
of water welling up to eternal
life” (John 4:14). Check out
www.lwml.org, or call Chris at
763-682-3997 for more infor-
mation or to let us know if you
are interested in going.
The MN South District LWML
Women’s Retreat, “Everything
Under Heaven” will be held July
25-27 at Gustavus Aldophus in
St. Peter. Look at
www.mnslwml.org for more de-
tails. Registration deadline is July
11th.
Parents, please check out all the
fun offerings at Camp Omega.
Our group pays half the camper-
ship fees for our youth who at-
tend. Their website: is
www.campomega.org.
We are looking for a team to
head the 45th Annual Country
Fair for Missions November 9th.
We have experienced people,
and detailed records to help you
every step of the way. Prayerfully
consider being part of this im-
portant project. The funds we
raise benefits many missions
and other worthy projects.
Please fill a Mite Box for mis-
sions. Pick up and read The Lu-
theran Woman’s Quarterly and
Women on a Mission. Attend our
meetings and Bible studies. Join
us for activities, such as quilting
in the sewing room every Tues-
day afternoon. We welcome your
ideas and input. Thank you!
Upcoming Events:
April 4th: Board Meeting at 6:00,
Bible Study at 6:45, in the
upper level boardroom of the
Family Life Center.
April 25th: Spring Rally, “Star of
Bethlehem” in the Family Life
Center at 6:30. Registration
starts at 6:00. Cost for mem-
bers: $5.00. No charge for
guests.
May: No Board Meeting.
June 27-30: 35th Biennial LWML
Convention in Pittsburg, PA.
July 25-27: MN South District
LWML Women’s Retreat,
“Everything Under Heaven”
at Gustavus Aldophus in St.
Peter. Registration deadline
is July 11th.
10
Youth & Family Ministry
You are Invited
St. John’s
First Faith Steps
Class Who: Parents and children
Birth– 3 years old.
When: Sunday April 7th,
14th, 21st & 28th
Time: 9:15 -10:00 am
( Sunday school hour)
Where: St. John’s Nursery
What: First Faith Steps is
A parent & child Sunday school
class designed for children from
birth – age 3. Expecting parents
and grandparents are welcome
too!
Class begins as a large group
and then parents separate for a
special talk time, while kids are
being entertained by special
adult and teenage helpers.
Mark
Your
Calendar
When: April 21st
Special Guest
Speaker: Marilyn Sharpe
As part of the First Faith Steps
class we are excited to be
visited by Marilyn Sharpe. As
a Certified Family Life Educator,
Marilyn has been a parent
educator for 34 years,
committed to helping parents
become the best and most
effective they can be.
She teaches parents to
celebrate their strengths, give
and receive support, and glean
wisdom from other parents.
Marilyn helps faith parents and
congregations work together to
pass on faith and values to the
children we all cherish.
To learn more about Marilyn and
her ministry join us on
April 21st or check out
marilynsharpeministries.com
11
Youth & Family Ministry
Church Wish List Items Total Still Needed
Library Gathering Tables & Chairs $2,000 $440
NEW Cribs for Nursery $600 $400
Ongoing Wish List Areas
Lutheran Service Book Building Fund
Computer Upgrades Music/Choirs
KRWC Radio Ministry Youth Programs
Sunday School Program Kid's Club
Lutheran Women's Mission League
All 8th
graders are
required to attend so
that everyone is prepared
for Confirmation Sunday.
We will be creating a class
project to be used on
Confirmation Sunday,
working on our verses
and statements of faith
for the big day.
Questions? Contact Kelly
@ 763-684-0460.
Confirmation
Retreat
April 19 — 20
@ 4 pm
12
STAYING IN LOVE Begins: April 7th
These four sessions will give
you important ideas and practi-
cal tips for making your love re-
lationship work.
Grounded in God’s Word,
Stanley gives us a simple plan
that you can easily apply to your
marriage.
Pastor Disney will facilitate this
group, come and join us in the
conference room on the second
floor of the Family Life Center.
St. John's is participating in
Compassion Sunday, April 20-
21. This national event helps us
grow in our understanding of
God's very special love for the
poor. It's an opportunity for
each of us to intervene in the
life of at least one child in pov-
erty. For more information, con-
tact Bruce and Sheree Rosine
at 320-963-6625, visit compas-
sionsunday.com, or
“Any fool can fall in love, but it takes a plan to stay in love.”
— Andy Stanley
Lutheran Women in Mission: Pat
Norine setting in for Chris Husom
reported that we will host the Spring
Rally on April 25th. The speaker will
be Dave Trapp and it will be open to
the whole family. More on this pro-
gram will be forthcoming.
Library: The board is happy to say,
thanks to the generosity of many
people, we have purchased 3 tables
and 12 chairs to be placed in the
gathering area outside of the Library.
We feel that the Book/Bible Study
3:16 has been extremely well re-
ceived and will look to the future to
do something similar again.
Noah’s Ark: Pastor Meyer has met
with Pastor Jarvis from Hosanna to
discuss this program. There was
discussion on reformulating the
needs and Pastor Meyer will contin-
ue to work with Hosanna and Nicky
Haskins in this direction.
Project Compassion /Health Cabi-
net:
Meeting March 12th.
Missions: No changes or news at
this time.
Decorating: The board had requests
out for Easter flowers and is getting
the ready for the new season.
Other Business: Pastor Meyer in-
quired about attending a Pastors
Conference in May. There are funds
in place for things such as this. 72
Partners will have new information
forthcoming in April.
Closing Prayer: Pastor Meyer
Adjourn: Meeting adjourned by Au-
gust Mussell on a motion from Roger
Strege seconded by Kyle Bjork.
Respectfully submitted by Cheryl
Olsen
(Board Meeting Minutes con’t from pg 19)
13
Reserve your 2013 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.
Acknowledging Recent Memorials and Gifts
Donor
Memory/
Honor of Item Anonymous Lutheran Service Book
Paul Henning Computer
Ken & Sue Schleif Library Furniture
Jim & Shala Holm Library Furniture Ken & Sue Schleif
St. John's Wish List - Library Furniture
Dwayne & Delores Puffer LeRoy Kreitlow St. John's Building Fund Stan & Clarine Meyer LeRoy Kreitlow St. John's Building Fund
Thank You — To All My St. John’s Family With love and gratitude to each of you for all your concerns, prayers,
phone calls and cards. I thank you all. A special thank you to Pastor Meyer and
Pastor Disney for their support and prayers. You are All a great help in getting
me through this difficult time and keeping me strong.
I am still under doctor’s care and will have radiation and chemotherapy
for at least the next four weeks for my lung cancer. I also want to express my
continued thanks to all the people who have volunteered to get me to my
treatments five days a week.
God Bless You all. Thank You — You are so appreciated!
Diana Engler
14
Birthdays Dustin Bomstad 4/1
Matthew Schleif 4/1
Lyle Smith 4/1
Kevin Westphal 4/1
Roger Bonk 4/2
Finnegan DeWitte 4/2
Elnor Doherty 4/2
Ashley Fieldseth 4/2
Helen Klemz 4/2
Tyler Malo 4/2
Travis Stock 4/2
Laura Stoppelman 4/2
Pam Johnson 4/3
Bruce Rosine 4/3
Anna Svobodny 4/3
Alise Zachman 4/3
Dennis Zitzloff 4/3
Jonathan Holland 4/4
Todd Peter 4/4
Beverly Stoppelman 4/4
Josh Erdman 4/5
Jeremy Gatz 4/5
Nicole Potter 4/5
Katye Schillinger 4/5
Kaleb Wald 4/5
Christy Warne 4/5
Noah Bolduan 4/6
Lexi Callicott 4/6
Don Lardy 4/6
Ron Lohse 4/6
Dawson VanLith 4/6
Dylan Dokkebakken 4/7
Ryan Hall 4/7
Adam Klatt 4/7
Clinton Lambert 4/7
David Randel 4/7
Erin Rudenick 4/7
Shirley Granger 4/8
Wayne Ruckle 4/8
Alan Wessels 4/8
Brandon Anderson 4/9
Joshua Fussy 4/9
Kaelan Lanie 4/9
Anita McManus 4/9
Annabelle Anderson 4/10
Kaitylnn Blake 4/10
Max Callicott 4/10
Tabitha Clermont 4/10
Boe Gregorich 4/10
Sydney Louisiana 4/10
Janet Uhde 4/10
Ardys Buskey 4/11
Stephanie Lindsley 4/11
Anna Reedy 4/11
Liliana Topel 4/11
Kristen Weller 4/11
Megan Zumach 4/11
Taden Erdmann 4/12
Joshua Froberg 4/12
Richard Lusti 4/12
Brittney Lyzhoft 4/12
Danielle Moeller 4/12
Joseph Napper 4/12
Darby Rutten 4/12
Mayella Yonak 4/12
David Haggerty 4/13
John Klatt 4/13
Madalyn Oberg 4/13
Aaron Reese 4/13
Olivia Weller 4/13
Scott Kaufman 4/14
Robert Kuhlmann 4/14
Sara Napper 4/14
Kathy O’Neil 4/15
Chris Varner 4/15
Carol Vergin 4/15
Gabriel Bursch 4/17
Kris Harlan 4/17
Jeff Stoll 4/17
April Zea 4/17
Tristan Zitzloff 4/17
Amber Jeske 4/18
Tammie Korbel 4/18
Roxanne Miller 4/18
Gina Robeck 4/18
Aaron Beckman 4/19
15
Anniversaries
Michelle Elletson 4/19
Anna Kubu 4/20
Kaeley Degn 4/21
Jeremy Dixon 4/21
Aaron Forsythe 4/21
Denise Hicks 4/21
Grant Krohn 4/21
Lorrie Lepinski 4/21
Connie Rodosovich 4/21
Brady Weis 4/21
Rebecca Commerford 4/22
Liam Erkens 4/22
Richard Haas 4/22
Michael Lambrecht 4/22
Donna Marschel 4/22
Micah Stoppelman 4/22
Winston Workman 4/22
Raymond Brecht 4/23
Steven Gaughan 4/23
Karie Giebenhain 4/23
April Happe 4/23
Noah Karels 4/23
Todd Kennedy 4/23
Troy Meidinger 4/23
Kelly Peterson 4/23
Isabelle Stoppelman 4/23
Tasha Jurgens 4/24
Ronald Bruhn 4/25
Dawson Gearey 4/25
Lexi Hanson 4/25
Ernest Marquette 4/25
Tristen Rauschendorfer 4/25
Jonnie Forcier 4/26
Shane Loberg 4/26
DeJay McKenzie 4/26
Amanda Ross 4/26
Sarah Ross 4/26
Tom Stoppelman 4/26
Donald Bursch 4/27
Kathy Jewett 4/27
Avery Robeck 4/27
Lorelei Whitney 4/27
Amanda Annen 4/28
Terry Haas 4/28
Scott Jensen 4/28
Alec Louisiana 4/28
Nissa Munger 4/28
Christian Padgett 4/28
Dean Roskowiak 4/28
Kimarie Tacke 4/28
Teagan Johnson 4/29
Carter Miller 4/29
Tim Rajewsky 4/29
Meagan Arntson 4/30
Earl Dierks 4/30
Melissa Luoma 4/30
Matthew Wald 4/30
Todd & Jennifer Kennedy 4/2
Ryan & Hally Hughes 4/6
Richard & Linda Ordorff 4/7
Berenice & Art Jurgens 4/8
Ron & Darlene Lohse 4/8
Jory & Susan Louisiana 4/8
Rev. Phil & Vanessa Meyer 4/8
Emmy & Ron Meidinger 4/9
Gene & Lori Schimmele 4/9
Donna & David Marschel 4/10
Greg & Jody Duske 4/11
Elnor & Francis Doherty 4/12
John & Annette Berg 4/13
Sarah & Joe Hamann 4/15
Jill & Curt VanLith 4/16
Luke & Leandra Korbel 4/17
Lori & Paul McLellan 4/20
Steve & Crystal Stelton 4/20
Chris & Melissa Varner 4/20
Denise & Donald Nelson 4/21
Russell & LeighAnn Stoppelman 4/23
Tracey & Heather Anderson 4/24
Michael & Jill Marty 4/24
Paul & Debbie Henning 4/25
Brian & Terri Kenmir 4/25
Troy & Kristin Hoefling 4/26
Gina & Jason Robeck 4/26
Dave & Loni Breckenridge 4/27
Jim & Char Jorgenson 4/27
16
Board Meeting Minutes—
Call to Order: August Mussell
Opening Prayer: Pastor Disney
Agenda: Agenda reviewed and ac-
cepted on a motion from Janice Mar-
schel seconded by Roger Strege
Secretary’s Report: A motion to ac-
cept was made by Kyle Bjork second-
ed by Janice Marschel
REPORTS:
Pastor’s Reports: Pastor Disney dis-
cussed his written report. Some pro-
jects will start after Easter such as a
Time, Talent and Treasure Board,
possibly a Single Parent support
group and Step-Family Support
group and a Divorce Support Group
are all being thought of. Upon the
end of his Marriage class he will have
another marriage themed class
called “Staying in Love”. He also
talked about and included the para-
ble on his report, Luke 16: 19-31 The
Rich Man and Lazarus.
Pastor Meyer went over his written
report containing his visits, meetings,
preaching and teaching activities etc.
He also reported he has been asked
to be on the director board at Camp
Omega and will possibly serve as
staff chaplain for a week this sum-
mer. He is very excited with the 3:16
bible class which is going very well.
Youth & Family Ministry/Education:
Kelly Thole reported that the Brett
Meyers event went well. She is doing
a class for the high school seniors
and their parents called Transitions.
The 30 Hour Famine was well at-
tended with upwards of 125 people
coming from all through out the com-
munity. Confirmation is coming up.
Family Bowling is March 17th. First
Faith Steps which covers from birth
to preschool will be in April. On East-
er Sunday breakfast will be served.
Kelly discussed with the board about
possibly changing this breakfast to
Palm Sunday next year.
Baby Bundles were completed by
the Sunday school and they are now
working on Birthday Bags.
Treasurers Report: Kyle Bjork ex-
plained the time of year seems to
warrant lower contributions explain-
ing the decrease at this time. There
is still about $50,000 of general
funds just sitting in the savings ac-
count to gain better interest. In gen-
eral it was a pretty quiet month. Kyle
spoke on the possibility of using un-
designated funds to purchase a sore-
ly needed computer. Discussion on
the Sunday school funds and balanc-
ing the budget followed. Pastor Dis-
ney said he is working on getting a
group for the Stewardship area.
General Fund Contributions and Ex-
penses for February
Contributions $30,105
Expenses 35,916
Net Increase
(Decrease) (5,811)
A motion to accept report was
made by Cheryl Olsen seconded by
Dave Haggerty. Motion carried.
New Business: Pastor Meyer gave an
explanation of the need for an updat-
ed computer. Roger Strege made a
motion to purchase a computer up to
$600 out of the undesignated funds.
The motion was seconded by Janice
Marschel. Motion carried. Pastor Mey-
er will be responsible for the pur-
chase. It was also decided to move
the money left from the table and
chair fund and folding machine fund
17
to the undesignated area as these
items have been purchased.
It was brought to the board’s atten-
tion that during the time Kelly Thole
will be out on maternity leave some
type of assistance or help will be
needed due to the fact she will be
missing the youth trip, VBS, begin-
ning of Confirmation class for this
year and the beginning of the Sun-
day school year an approximate time
of 26 weeks. Discussion followed
with several solutions and ideas.
Janice Marschel mentioned that it
might be possible to use Thrivant
funds therefore the church’s budget
would not be affected if there were
costs involved. A solution will be pre-
sented at the Quarterly meeting.
Old Business: General discussion
about tuitions for Christian schools.
Elders: Dave Haggerty commented
on the excellent attendance of the
meetings by the Elders. The board is
working on being a better connection
to and for the church. They will serve
at the Lenten dinner on March 20th.
Their goal is to make St. John’s even
better then it is. The board also dis-
cussed some solutions for Kelly’s
workload when she is on maternity
leave.
Trustees: Brad Hoseck gave an
overview of his report. Charter Com-
munications is working on the new
computer installation. There still
seems to be some problem with the
alarm system as it has gone off again
but they are few and far between. A
new snow remover had to be con-
tracted as Josh Bonk is working out
of state. AED’s have problems and
are being replaced. Some frozen
lines have caused issues and will
have to wait for the spring thaw but
have been taken care off to the best
of the board’s abilities. There was a
leak in the Library heating but Dan
Korbel has taken care of that. Thank
you again Dan.
Thank you to Fred Bonk and Gary
Bonk who graciously moved the piles
of snow. Actually a HUGE THANK
YOU to all the unseen people who
work continually at getting our
church back on track time after time.
Worship: Pastor Disney said there
have been good comments on the
Wed. night services for Lent. The
board continues to explore new ways
to make each service have its own
individuality.
Evangelism: Roger Strege was hap-
py to report that after many starts
and stops the web site if finally com-
ing into place. Ideas are in place and
individuals are working on it. Teresa
Berg is working closely with the
Chamber of Commerce to keep our
contact flowing with them. The Fami-
ly Fun Fest will officially be held with
Rally Day. With funds from Thrivant
the board is looking at St John’s
sponsoring Music in the Park night
this summer.
Stewardship: Being worked on but
no updates at this time.
Fellowship: Marti Ryan reported the
Potluck went well with approximately
160 people in attendance. Having
sandwiches brought in was well ac-
cepted and the board has talked
about using these at other gather-
ings. April 20th the Ball Brothers will
hold another concert here. The board
is also looking at more games and
things of interest such as a bounce
house at the picnic in July.
(Continued on page 14)
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