November

I was indeed blessed to attend the

Lutheran Congregations in Mission

for Christ Assembly in Dearborn,

Michigan in October. The theme

was 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. The phrase

that caught us all was —“see that we

also excel in this grace of giving.”

The main speaker was Chuck Bent-

ley, CEO of Crown Financial Minis-

tries. In his ministry, he produces a

daily national radio program that is

heard on Christian stations across the

world. He has produced movies, Bi-

ble studies and helpful media tools

to encourage stewardship of time,

2014

The Voice

Be thankful unto Him and bless

His name. For the Lord is good;

His mercy is everlasting. Psalm

100:4,5 (KJV)

There are times when we feel close

to God, are absolutely sure of God's

plan for our lives and know we are

doing His will. At other times, we

may feel far from the Lord of the

Universe. Cancer, death of a loved

one, fear of the unknown or other

situations may cause us to have fear

and doubt.

One of my professors once said,

"You can't have fear and thankful-

ness in your heart at the same time.”

Either you will give into fear and

follow a downward spiral of despair,

or you will choose to take every

thought captive to Christ and re-

member Philippians 4:4 (RSV),

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again

I will say, Rejoice." Christ's perfect

love casts out all fear.

One of our members shared a story

with me that I would like to share

with you to illustrate this point. A

rural pastor was concerned that a

member was not worshiping. The

older member had lost his wife to

cancer several months earlier and

had been angry with God and any-

one who represented God, even the

pastor. The pastor prayed about the

situation and asked to visit the mem-

ber several times but was never giv-

en permission to visit.

piece of wood, which had burned the

brightest when on top of the pile,

was smoldering and going out as it

was separated from the logs beneath

it.

For another ten minutes, not a word

was spoken. The man and the pastor

sat in cold silence watching darkness

fill the room and felt the cold crowd

in around them. Suddenly, the pas-

tor got up again, picked up the large

log with the tongs, and placed it

back on the top of the fire. Almost

instantaneously the room was filled

with light again. The big, black,

smoldering log came back to life

with reds and yellows, and the thick

black smoke disappeared as the heat

of the fire filled the room and the

hearts of both men.

For a final ten minutes both men

watched and prayed in silence, real-

izing that in the midst of things we

can't understand God is still God and

He is good and His mercy endures

forever. Finally the pastor stood up

to go, and the man clutched his hand

and said, "Thanks for the fiery ser-

mon pastor. I will be back to church

on Sunday."

Well said! I thank God for each one

of you who brighten the darkness

and warm the fellowship at St.

John’s. We need you! I need you!

God needs you to be the body of

Christ with skin on in this place.

Happy Thanksgiving! Pastor Ed

BE THANKFUL UNTO HIM One snowy evening on his way home

from a hospital visit, the pastor drove

to the north side of town to stop in

and see this elderly man. With fear

and trepidation, the pastor rang the

doorbell and prayed. He rang the bell

again and was greeted by a sleepy

looking man wrapped in a blanket.

Without a

word the

man re-

turned to

his rocking

chair in

front of a

small fire-

place. The

pastor no-

ticed how

cool the

house was,

so he left his coat on and proceeded to

sit in the other well-worn rocker next

to the fire, no doubt where the love of

the man’s life had sat for over 50

years. Both men stared at the fire.

The thick, dry oak was burning

brightly in the darkness of the house.

For ten minutes not a word was spo-

ken. Suddenly, the pastor stood up,

picked up the tongs used to position

the chunks of wood in the fireplace

and removed the biggest, brightest

piece of fuel that was on the top of the

man's log cabin type fire. Slowly the

room started to darken as the mighty

piece of oak wood went from red, yel-

low and blue to smoke and ash. The

Tending the flock over 100 years

The Voice Page 2

WE WISH EACH ONE OF YOU A BLESSED DAY AND PRAY THAT GOD

WILL BLESS YOU THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

NOVEMBER WILLING WORKERS FOR CHRIST

8 AM SERVICES

GREETERS 8 AM

02 DeWaine & Joyce Hischer

09 Warren & Gloria Westlund

16 Mel & Erma White

23 Duane & Nancy Nelson

30 Cliff & Barb Holcomb

READERS 8 AM

02 Linda Miller

09

16 Anne Schiller

23 Kathy Spiczka

30 Linda Miller

USHERS 8 AM

02

09 Gloria Stephens

16

23 Dave & Vickey Nelson

30

LAY-SHEPHERDS 8 AM

02 Linnea Kment

09 Corky Peterson

16 Barb Peterson

23 Linnea Kment

30

9:30 SERVICES

GREETERS 9:30 AM

02

09 The Andreotti Family

16 Eric & Cyndie Dahlstrom

23 The Weekes Family

30 The Wolfe Family

USHERS 9:30 AM

02 Deb Anderson & Shelly R.

09

16 Tyler & Theo Patrin

23

30 Shelly Renspe & Deb A.

LAY-SHEPHERDS 9:30 AM

02 Deb Anderson

09 Bea Palmer

16 Deb Stenberg

23 Evelyn Dockham

30 Deb Anderson

FELLOWSHIP HOST

02

09

16 Evelyn Dockham

23 Worship & Music Cupcake Sale

30

10:45 AM SERVICES

GREETERS 10:45 AM

02

09 Dave & Vickey Nelson

16

23 Krier Family

30 Joan Kaiser

READERS 10:45 AM

02 Anne Schiller

09 Teddy Abress

16 Joanne Wheatley

23 Joan Kaiser

30 Connie Johnson

USHERS 10:45 AM

02

09

16

23

30

LAY-SHEPHERDS 10:45 AM

02 Bea Palmer

09 Evelyn Dockham

16 Joanne Wheatley

23 Joan Kaiser

30 Connie Johnson

The Voice Page 3

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation classes continue each

Wednesday, 6:30 - 8:00 PM for all

students in grades 7-9. Class dates

for the month of November are as

follows: November 5, 12 and 19.

There will be no class on November

26 due to the Thanksgiving service at

7 PM, which also marks the begin-

ning of the Advent season. Wednes-

day Advent services on December 3,

10 & 17 (at 6:30 PM) are required for

confirmation students. Confirmation

classes will resume after Christmas on

Wednesday, January 7.

Faith, Fun,

Family & Friends is

for children in first

through sixth grades.

Families are encour-

aged to attend together. Children

three years old through kindergarten

are also welcome if a parent accom-

panies them. On the third Sunday

of every month we go on a field trip

to a fun and exciting place.

We are looking forward to our trip

on November 16 to the Children’s

Museum in St. Paul.

The bus will leave

St. John’s at 12:00

PM and return at

5:00 PM. The cost

is $5.00 per person or $3.00 with a

donation of 2 canned food items for

the food shelf. Chaperones, 18

years and older, are free.

This includes transportation and a

treat on the way home. Please eat

beforehand or bring a bag lunch to

eat on the way. Permission slips

will be sent home with the children

at Sunday School and Faithweavers,

and are available in the narthex. If

you would like to chaperone this, or

any of our 4F events, please call the

office at 651-462-5115.

FAITHWEAVERS

K-6th grade youth en-

joy singing, memory

work, games and snacks at

this Wednesday evening Bi-

ble study. Come and see how much

fun is possible from 6:30-8:00 PM.

This month Faithweavers will be meet-

ing on November 5, 12 and 19.

Faithweavers will then resume on Jan-

uary 7, following the Advent and

Christmas season.

YOUTH

CHOIR

The Youth Choir

practices on

Wednesday eve-

nings from 6:00 -

6:30 PM. This

schedule does continue through Ad-

vent, with the exception of Wednes-

day November 26, which is our

Thanksgiving Service. The Youth

Choir is open to all children kinder-

garten through the 6th grade. It’s

never too late to sign up, so come

and "Make A Joyful Noise Unto The

Lord!"

YOUTH SLEEP OUT

Join the youth on November 30 for a

“Sleep Out For the Homeless” fund-

raiser. Bring your sleeping bag and

a pillow and help bring awareness of

the homeless in our community. For

more information or to donate, con-

tact Kathy Spiczka at 612-309-7176.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

FOOD DRIVE

November is our Annual Food Drive

Month to support the local food

shelf. Please consider bringing a

non-perishable food item to share

with those in our community who

are struggling. There will be a table

in the narthex all month to collect

donations.

THANK YOU, RENEE

For several years, Renee Talvite

has helped coordinate the 4Fs

events. Now we need someone

new to step forward to work with

Pastor Ed and our secretary to en-

sure fantastic events for our youth.

Interested? Please call the office.

BELLS NOUVEAU

There’s still time to

join our newest and

greatest bell choir,

designed for all kids

grade 4 and above!

We meet Wednesdays from 6-6:30

(yes this is the only time commit-

ment!) and we still have bells availa-

ble. We are starting at the very be-

ginning, so if you are a 4th grader or

above, and want to join us (bell ex-

perience is not necessary!!) please

feel free!! We do request that par-

ents of 4th-6th graders attend. You

don’t have to play; just sit and ob-

serve. If you have questions feel

free to contact Vickey Nelson, Bell

choir director Vick-

ey1709@hotmail.com or 651-462-

The Voice Page 4

ALL

SAINTS’

DAY

Our All Saints’ Day Service will be

held on Sunday, November 2. Join

us as we remember those who have

gone on before us.

With the assistance of the Bell

Choir, we will be honoring the

saints of our congregation, both liv-

ing and dead.

THE END OF DAYLIGHT

SAVINGS TIME

Fall is here, the

leaves are dropping

and it’s time to re-

set your clocks!

Don’t forget to turn them back one

hour on November 2, or be pre-

pared to meet new people from a

different service.

ELVIS IS IN THE

BUILDING!

Join us at 3:00 PM

on Sunday, Novem-

ber 23, for a live

concert with Steve

and Tommy Marcio.

Gospel and secular

music will fill this inspiring after-

noon. Admission is $10 / person

and is a fundraiser for St. John’s.

For more information, please call

Nancy Nelson at: 651-257-1859.

Tickets now on sale!

BUILDING SECURITY

Effective January 1, 2015 all access

codes in the building will be

changed. A list of codes and person-

nel with access will be maintained in

the church office. Too many people,

including children have access.

Please keep the codes private.

THE CUPCAKES

ARE COMING!

The 2nd annual Hunka

Hunka cupcake sale

will be held Sunday

November 23. Last year we had

AMAZING donations of fun cup-

cakes; Peanut Butter and Jelly, Ba-

nana Flip, Snicker Bar. This year

we would like to see even more cup-

cakes and flavors! You can get ide-

as on the internet (look them up on

pinterist, websites for box mixes, or

just type in “Fun cupcake flavors” in

google). Box mixes have fun flavors

now also, or you may have an old

family favorite you’d like to

share. We request that the cupcakes

all be full-size and in cupcake liners.

Fun decorated frosting is nice, but

not necessary. We did have requests

last year for gluten free and sugar

free cupcakes, so if you can make

any of these they would be greatly

appreciated. We will again have a

packet on the table out front with

cupcake ideas, but we encourage you

to use your imagination. Please drop

cupcakes off Saturday, November 22

from 10AM -4 PM. Cupcakes will

sell for $.75 each or 6 for $4. Pro-

ceeds will go towards purchasing

acoustical tile for the narthex. If you

have questions contact Vickey Nel-

son at 651-462-1709 or vick-

ey1709@hotmail.com. Please invite

all of your friends to attend this

wonderful event. Remember, cup-

cakes are great for Thanksgiving

desserts, and most freeze very

well!!

BOATS, BABIES AND BINGO!

Join us on All Saints’ Day, Sunday,

November 2. We have a great

lineup of events you won’t want to

miss, starting with our special Re-

membrance Services. To cap off the

day, all of the Boats you’ve been

eyeing in the parking lot will go on

sale, and starting at 9:00 AM is our

2nd Baby Clothes Give Away to

help out young families. If you

know of someone who could use

new and slightly used clean clothes,

send them here on 11/2. If that isn’t

enough to tempt you, there will also

be Bingo from 12—3 PM! Cards

are $.50 each or 3 cards for $1.00.

NOVEMBER MISSION

For several years our youth have

gone horseback riding at Changing

Gaits, a Christian equine ministry in

Brook Park, MN This program us-

es horses to help young adults deal

with all sorts of addictions. For just

$25 per month, we can help feed

and care for one horse. Please con-

sider donating to help them help

others. Our goal is to raise $300!

ST. JOHN’S

CRAFT FAIR

Back by popular de-

mand, a craft and

vendor fair will be held at St.

John’s on November 15, from 9

AM - 3 PM. We have over 30

crafters and vendors presenting

their wares, so please stop by and

make sure to tell all your friends

and family! It’s a great time to

take care of your Christmas Shop-

ping!

FAITH AND FAMILY NIGHT CONTINUES

Join us throughout November as we continue our special faith nights for

families. A meal is served from 6 - 6:30 PM, followed by a special service/

Bible study. Topics include Acts II, with a special presentation by Rev.

Kevin McClure, The Forgotten God and Dream Interpretation.

The Voice Page 5

A SNEAK PEEK OF WHAT’S UP AND COMING A SNEAK PEEK OF WHAT’S UP AND COMING A SNEAK PEEK OF WHAT’S UP AND COMING

IN DECEMBERIN DECEMBERIN DECEMBER

CRAFT & BAKE SALE

The Stewardship Committee will be

holding its annual Craft & Bake Sale

on Sunday, December 14.

This event has always been an im-

portant fundraiser for St. John’s and

your support will be a true blessing.

Do you knit or crochet? Do wood-

crafts or sewing? Make homemade

soaps? Your talents can be a bless-

ing for all of our congregation. Craft

donations should be submitted by

Saturday, December 13.

FRUIT BASKETS

Once again the Reach

Youth will be making

fruit baskets for Christmas. Watch

for the sign-up sheet in the narthex

to place your order. What a deli-

cious way to support our youth!

ANNUAL SUNDAY SCHOOL

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

The Sunday School Christmas Pro-

gram is scheduled for Sunday, De-

cember 14 at the 10:45 Service. Re-

hearsal will be on Saturday, Decem-

ber 13 at 9:00 AM. All Sunday

School students will be participat-

ing.

CHRISTMAS GIVING

The Christian Outreach

Committee will have the

Christmas tree up on November 9.

Please take an ornament, purchase

the gift, return it unwrapped, and

place it under the tree with the or-

nament attached. Gifts will be ac-

cepted until December 15. They

will then be distributed to families

in need to make their Christmas spe-

cial and filled with love.

ADVENT 2014

The season of Advent is a time of

anticipating the birth of our Lord.

Advent means “coming.” The

Lord has come to save His people.

Advent Services will be held each

Wednesday at 4:00 and 6:30 PM,

beginning on Wednesday, Decem-

ber 3. The Advent meals will be

served from 5:00 - 6:15 PM. Due

to a late Thanksgiving date, there

will only be three Advent meals

this year: December 3, 10 and 17.

Our themes will be Fasting, Alms

giving and Prayer. Please come!

DECEMBER MISSION

Again this year we collect offer-

ings for “Food for the Poor.”

Take home a starfish box and fill

it up in Jesus’ name. A speaker

from FFP will be with us on Sun-

day, December 6.

NEEDING A SOUPER CONGREGATION!

Phyllys Hargarten has volunteered to head up and prepare the soups for our

Advent Soup & Sandwich meals, but she can’t do it all alone!

Volunteers are needed to help set up and clean up. Please consider donating

an hour or two to help keep this wonderful tradition alive. There is a volun-

teer sign up sheet on the What’s Happening Table. Set

up volunteers should arrive by 4:00 PM, and clean up

volunteers should arrive by 5:30 PM.

We encourage everyone to come and share in the food

and fellowship each Wednesday during Advent from

4:45 to 6:15 PM.

L.A. PRESCHOOL PRESENTS

The Little Angel Preschool Christ-

mas program is scheduled for Sun-

day, December 14 at 4 PM. Come

see what Christmas is really all about

with our littlest angels.

ALL CHOIR CONCERT

Join us on Sunday, December 21,

for our annual celebration of Christ-

mas. The choirs will preform sa-

cred music at all three morning ser-

vices. Please come and enjoy the

sounds of the season.

THANKSGIVING BASKETS

Christian Outreach is busy preparing

20 food baskets for those in need. If

you know of a family who could use

a meal, please call Pastor Ed.

The Voice Page 6

St John's Lutheran Church Financial Report

September 2014

Budget Offerings (5 Sundays) $14,000.00 Actual Offerings Received $10,297.00 Offering Budget Shortage ($ 3,703.00)

Office Expense $ 0.0 Postage $ 0.0 Phone $ 140.00

Worship Supplies $ 13.00 Confirmation $ 14.00 Advertising/Evangelism $ 58.00 Payroll Services Fee $ 45.00 Insurance Bldg/Liability $ 491.34 Administrative Expenses $ 742.00

Repairs - Maintenance $ 0.00 Custodial Supplies / Paper Supplies $ 63.00 Excel Electric $ 414.00 Excel Gas $ 70.00 City Water & Trash $ 187.00 Business Auto Insurance $ 23.00 Building Expenses $ 747.00 Employee Salaries $ 9,559.00 Work Comp Ins $ 107.00 Total Expenses $11,165.00

End of Month Total ($ 868.00) (offerings minus expenses) Check Book Balance $ 9,233.66 Liabilities ($ 6,250.00) Actual Cash Balance $ 2,983.66 Dedicated Accounts Balance: $20,337.89 Shortfall to Date ($17,354.23) If you have any questions regarding this report, please call Patha Vue, Treasurer 651-464-4582 Thank you!

The Voice Page 7

The Voice of St. John’s St John’s Lutheran Church

P. O. Box 308

31075 Genesis Ave.

Stacy, MN 55079

Return Service Requested

Inside This Issue:

Be Thankful Unto Him

All Saints’ Day

Advent Season

Church Office: 651-462-5115 Pastor Ed Wheatley Home: 651-462-5060 Cell 651-248-3469 Pastor Mary Ellen Steinkraus Cell: 651-815-3633

Non-Profit Organization

Postage Paid, Permit #3

Stacy, MN 55079

Phone: 462 5115

BAPTISMS

We join with parents Erik

Peterson & Tori John &

godparents Dawn & Donny

John in the joy of baptizing

Isabella Marie, and with

parents Alex Lehner &

Lacey Rousseau & godparents Ashlee

John & Marcus Thieling in the joy of

baptizing Savannah Marie, and with

parents Brock Lawrence & Brittany

Hanson and godparents Jacob & Am-

ber Steiner in the joy of baptizing

Harley Matthew.

Through Holy Baptism, God claims

each of us as a child of his own.

BIBLE STUDY

The Bible Study with Pastor Ed will

meet the first and fourth Wednes-

days of November at 10 AM. On

Wednesday, November 5, the study

will be on Daniel 8-10. On Wednes-

day, November 26, we will finish

studying the book of Daniel. Bible

Study will resume in January.

THANKSGIVING SERVICE

Join us for a special Thanksgiving

Service at 7:00 PM on November

26. Now, more than ever, let us re-

member to give thanks to our Lord

and Savior for the blessings in our

lives. The Senior Choir will be sing-

ing at this service.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

OUR NEW CONFIRMANDS

Confirmation is the process whereby

we raise up the next generation of

leaders in our congregation. Please

join us in congratulating our newest

full voting members:

Kaeyl Downey, Jade Horsfall, An-

drew Frost, Colin Jaworski, Taylor

Perro, Emerald Seeling, Cody

Segelstrom, Christina Studt, Court-

ney Weekes, and Amber Wolfe.

110 YEARS & COUNTING

It’s time to show off those great Anniversary shirts on All Saints’ Day, No-

vember 2. Remember to wear yours at our special remembrance services.

If you haven’t picked yours up yet, shirts are still available and will be on

sale that day.