First American Lutheran Church CHURCH OFFICE MANAGER

First American Lutheran Church
2015 Volume 12, Issue 1
First American Lutheran Church
Celebrating 141 Years in 2015
511 Madison Street
Oconto, WI 54153
TEL: 920-834-2460
E-Mail: falc@bayland.net
pastor@firstamericanlutheran.org
WEB: www.firstamericanlutheran.org
Pastor Mary after hours: (920) 671-4338
STAFF
Pastor:
Rev. Mary E. Zupansic
Office Manager:
Youth Minister:
Kelli Tiegs
Property Manager:
John Stamsta
Musicians:
Bonnie Schultz
Council President:
Jeff Werner
Treasurer:
Tammie McCarthy
Worship
September—May
Sundays—8:00 am & 10:15 am
Wednesday Chapel—7:00 pm
June—August
Sundays—9:00 am
Wednesday Chapel—6:00 pm
Christian Education
Wednesdays: Sept - May
Intergenerational Meal—5:20 pm
High Five, Confirmation,
Senior High Youth
5:50 pm—6:50 pm
OFFICE HOURS
Monday thru Friday
9:00 am—3:00 pm
Mission Statement
Because we are a part of the family of
God, saved by grace through our Lord
Jesus Christ, we are empowered by
God, to provide the means for Christian growth, and to equip the members, with the help of the Holy Spirit,
to be the heart, hands, and feet of
Jesus Christ in our daily lives.
January 2015
Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Happy New Year!
The new year brings with it an opportunity for us to consider how the past year went, and what we might hope
for in the new year. Some people make resolutions to do
all sorts of things—eating healthier and exercising are
among the top ‘resolutions’ folks often make. These are good and helpful goals.
However, I would like to offer us another set of goals to live in the new year.
Saint Paul wrote the following to the early Christian community at Philippi:
Finally, beloved whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep
on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in
me, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9
As we begin the year 2015, may we cling to the word of God and seek those
things worthy of praise!
God’s Peace,
Pastor Mary
CHURCH OFFICE MANAGER POSITION AVAILABLE
First American Lutheran Church is currently accepting applications for the position of Administrative Assistant.
General duties include word processing, data entry,
maintenance of congregational records, writing and layout
of church publications, including weekly bulletins and
monthly newsletter, managing information, coordinating
volunteers, directing mail, and problem solving. The Office
Manager also functions as the Financial Secretary and Secretary to the Pastor.
This position requires computer literacy with a minimum of five years’ experience with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn Church Windows management system. A calm and friendly presence with the ability to deal with challenging situations from time to time is required. This is a thirty hour a week position.
Resumes may be sent to:
First American Lutheran Church
511 Madison St., Oconto, WI 54153
ATTENTION: Pastor Mary E Zupansic
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Our High Five students rehearsed and presented an awesome Christmas program for their families and
friends under the direction of Paula Moe. Thank you to the teachers and parents who also helped to prepare
our children for such a wonderful program. A special recognition to Linda Welch and son, Balin for providing
the music for our program. Also, I’d like to thank Robin Fonder for making the cake for our event. Finally, we
ended the 2014 year with a movie and pizza night. After a two week break, we will resume class in 2015 on
January 7th. Also, during the month of January we will be collecting cans of soup for the annual “Souper
Bowl of Caring:” campaign. Watch for more information in the weekly announcements.
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Spirit Led, Spirit Shaped – A Journey Together
“What might God be up to in our synod?”
“Where might the Spirit be stirring our imaginations for ministry?”
Bishop Gerald Mansholt welcomes all rostered leaders, congregational members, youth and youth workers of the
Synod to gather for discernment of where the Spirit is Leading and Shaping Us to participate in God’s mission.
We are on this Journey Together! Ramie Bakken, Coordinator for Missional Leadership for Region 5, will lead us in
small group sessions by Dwelling in the Word, Listening and Praying Together and Asking.
The date for the Shawano Conference is set for January 31, 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The meeting will take place at Zion
Lutheran Church in Shawano. If you are interested in attending this session, talk to Pastor Mary. We would like to see
at least 2-3 FALC members attend along with Pastor!
SHY—SENIOR HIGH YOUTH
New Year's Blessings...From SHY!
I hope everyone had a great Christmas season.
S.H.Y. had such a wonderful time going to Sun Valley Home
here in Oconto, singing carols and spending time with the
folks. We will be going back! Planning a game or craft night,
hopefully getting some of the youth to sing or play music for
them, and just
spending some
quality time with
these great folks!
ATTENDANCE
WORSHIP
I'm looking forward to another great year with the youth
group. We are planning to have some winter outings with St.
John's and Good Sheppard. Also working on our 2nd annual
local mission trip, then of course 5 youth and I will be off to
Detroit for The National Youth Gathering! ~ Kelli Teigs
December 3, 2014 7pm
NA
December 7, 2014 8am & 10:15 am
74 & 77
December 10, 2014 7pm
NA
December 14, 2014 8am & 10:15am
70 & 44
December 17, 2013 7pm
21
December 21, 2014 10:am
99
December 24, 2014 3, 5, & 7:30pm
160, 172, 98
December 25, 2014 10am
22
December 28, 2014 10am
58
PASTORAL ACTS
BAPTISMS
Dec. 7th—Adilyn Lubus & Jeffery Derry Skarban
Children of Dustin Lubus and Amanda Derry
Dec. 1th—Allison Arlene
Daughter of Jordan Longsine & Amy Martin
FUNERALS
Dec. 12—Ralph J. Tiegs
Dec. 13—Gary Reed
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7th, 8th, & 9th GRADE CONFIRMATION CLASSES
7th Grade resumes class on January 7th with Cathie Connell as teacher. Students will begin a study of the
New Testament.
8th Grade continues their study of the Sacraments on January 7th with Mike Loomis as their teacher.
9th Grade Our next class originally scheduled for Sunday, January 11 is rescheduled for Sunday, January
18th. Reminder that students are expected to attend the 10:15 a.m. worship service on the 18th. Parents
are encouraged to attend with their child.
MINISTRY OF PROPERTY & GROUNDS
Property & Grounds Team Minutes from December 9th Meeting
Opened with prayer by Ron Frease
Present: Jeff Werner, Dick Jacquart, Jeremy Neta, Ron Frease, Pastor Mary
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Discussed the five year plan. Will post the plan in the and throughout the church and educational wing.
Work in the parsonage should be done by Christmas.
Discussed storage room and ladder in back of church.
Need to install railing in front of parsonage.
The light bulbs in church have been replaced.
There is wood on the parsonage property that can be taken by anyone who wants to pick it up.
No meeting in January
Happy Holidays, Ron Frease
MINISTRY OF CARE
Ministry of Care Team December Meeting Highlights—December 9, 2014
Present: Pastor Mary, Sue Jacquart, Richard Jacquart, Kathy Votava, Mike Loomis, Kelli Sikma & Suzy Wagnitz
Mentor Program – The confirmation mentor program is underway. All ninth grade confirmation students will
be receiving inspirational messages throughout the year with a reveal at their confirmation the Sunday after
Easter.
Men’s Bible Study – Dick and Mike reported the group is doing well. They are focusing on discussing the upcoming Gospel lesson for the week.
Home Communion – This program continues with a new Thursday worship at Sun Valley by Pastor Mary.
Baptism Baskets – Kathy needs children’s Bibles and other goodies to fill the baskets. Donations are welcome.
Meeting closed with prayer. Next meeting set for January 13, 2015 at 6:30.
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MINISTRY OF WORSHIP
Worship team items from Dec 9th meeting
Members present: Pastor Mary, Linda Welch, Beth Tachick, Helen Weber.
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Inventoried and prepared candles for Christmas service.
Decorations
st
 After Sunday service on the 21 take down Advent blue and put up Christmas Gold and White
th
Dec 28 one service at 10:00 a.m.
No Wednesday Chapel December 31st.
Next Meeting January 13th 7:00 PM
NEW ENVELOPES….
2015 OFFERING ENVELOPES are available NOW. (Your envelope #
remains the same). They may be picked up in the back of church.
BULLETIN SPONSORS
Each week we produce approximately 160 worship bulletins.
We need your help to cover the cost of preparing and printing
this worship resource. Please consider sponsoring a bulletin in
“honor of” or in “memory of” a loved one or special occasion.
Cost is $20.00 per Sunday and includes the Wednesday Chapel
bulletin. Payment may be made with your offering, please
note “for bulletins,” or stop by the church office.
**TIE DEADLINE**
The date for TIE articles to be submitted is the 21st of each month. If you
are able to have information into the office prior to the 21st it would be
much appreciated. Articles may be submitted via email. Thank you.
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Council Notes, December 16, 2014
Present: Berry, Carson, Connell, Evans, Heiser, Jacquart, Neta, Riley, Sikma, Werner, Pastor Mary and Treasurer McCarthy. Excused: Garrigan, Tachick.
The meeting was called to order at 6 p.m. by President Werner with devotions by Pastor.
There were no changes to the agenda.
M/S/C Carson, Riley to accept the minutes of the November 18, 2014 meeting as written.
Treasurer McCarthy reported that the church YTD income is at 82%, but all bills are paid.
M/S/C Jacquart, Sikma to accept the report. A report on the 2015 Budget was given.
Pastor’s Report: 1) The position for Office Manager/Financial Secretary has been posted in the Oconto Reporter and
Beacon and will run for two weeks; 2) All Teams/Leadership Retreat is in the planning stages; 3) “Spirit Led, Spirit
Shaped – A Journey Together,” a synod conference, is January 31 at Zion Lutheran Church in Shawano from 8:30 a.m. –
11:30 a.m.; 4) A schedule for all worship services from December 21 – January 11 were posted; 5) Nominating Committee met and developed a list of potential candidates for the open positions on council.
Ministry Team Reports: as noted in the TIE
Old Business: a) 2015 Budget – an error in Ministry Team Income was corrected. M/S/C Neta, Connell to approve the
2015 budget with the noted correction adjustment of bringing expenses into balance with income. (The vote was unanimous.) The 2015 Budget will be mailed out in the annual report;
b) Parsonage project is almost completed! More good news: the project came in $500.00 under budget!!; c) All Teams/
Leadership Retreat – after discussion, council decided that a date in late February or early March would work better
and will set a definite date at the January meeting.
New Business: a) Secretary hiring plan – the ad has been placed. Heiser will collect the resumes and consult with Carson and Werner. January 15 is the target date for the interviews. The interview team members are Carson, Connell,
Evans, Jacquart and Pastor. Berry will be an alternate; b) Annual Meeting plans – Sunday, January 25 there will be one
worship service at 10 a.m., with the meeting to follow at 11 a.m. After the meeting there will be a potluck dinner. M/S/
C Carson, Riley to approve the plan.
M/S/C Jacquart, Neta to move to closed session at 7:17 p.m. for a personnel update.
M/S/C Neta, Carson to move back to open session at 7:55 p.m.
Correspondence: A number of ELCA mailings were passed around for Council to look over. Mailings were noted and
tabled until the January meeting.
Publication Items: a) Please note two important meeting dates: the 2015 Budget Q & A Review will be Sunday, January
18 between worship services; the Annual Meeting will be Sunday, January 25 following the 10 a.m. worship service,
with a potluck dinner after; b) A heart felt thank you to Rueben Meisner for the beautiful crosses that he crafted and
donated to FALC; c) The Synod is presenting “Spirit Led, Spirit Shaped – A Journey Together” at Zion Lutheran Church in
Shawano on January 31 from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Please contact Pastor if you are interested in attending.
Next meeting is January 20, 2015 at 6 p.m.
M/S/C Sikma, Evans to adjourn at 8 p.m. with prayer.
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2 0 1 5 V O L U ME 1 2 , I S S U E 1
Sun
Mon
Wed
Tue
Thu
1
2
Office Closed
Office Closed
Pastor Mary will be on vacation Dec 30th—
Jan 13th. In case of Pastoral Emergency
please call Council President, Jeff Werner
@ 920-834-2454 or 920-373-7303.
4
10am Worship
11am Coffee Fellowship
1pm Girl Scouts
6:30pm Boy Scouts
11
5
6
8
7
10am AA Meeting
12
5:20pm High 5 Meal
5:50pm High 5 Class
7/8 confirmation
S.H.Y.
7pm Chapel
13
Sat
3
7pm AA Mtg
9am Sewing
Ministry
6:30pm Men’s
Bible Study
Fri
14
9
10
1:30pm HC @
Sun Valley
Assisted Living
7pm AA Mtg
15
16
17
10am AA Meeting
8am Worship w/ HC
9am Coffee Fellowship
10:15am Worship w/ HC
5pm Cub Scouts
6:30pm Boy Scouts
1pm Sarah Circle
7pm AA Mtg
6:30pm Ministry of
Care Meeting
7pm Ministry of
Worship Meeting
5:20pm High 5 Meal
5:50pm High 5 Class
7/8 confirmation
S.H.Y.
7pm Chapel
6pm Movie
Night
7pm AA Mtg
18
19
8am Worship w/ HC
9am Coffee Fellowship
9am Q&A Annual Budget
10:15am Worship w/ HC
11:30am 9th Grade
Confirmation Class
1pm Girl Scouts
6:30 pm Boy Scouts
Pastor’s Day Off
25
26
10am Worship w/ HC
11am Annual Meeting
Potluck to follow the
annual meeting!
6:30pm Men’s
Bible Study
7pm AA Mtg
Pastor’s Day Off
5pm Manna Meal
7pm AA Mtg
20
5:30 pm Executive
Council Meeting
6pm Council Meeting
27
21
TIE DEADLINE
22
10am AA Meeting
1:30pm Naomi Circle
5:20pm High 5 Meal
5:50pm High 5 Class
7/8 confirmation
S.H.Y.
7pm Omega Circle
7pm Chapel
28
23
24
7pm AA Mtg
29
30
10am AA Meeting
5:20pm High 5 Meal
5:50pm High 5 Class
7/8 confirmation
S.H.Y.
7pm Chapel
Ghdhsrts
31
31
7pm AA Mtg
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USHER CAPTAINS
January 4th
January 11th
January 18th
January 25th
10:00 am—Ron Freese
8:00 am—Jack & Phyllis Donlevy
10:15 am—Jeff & Kitty Werner
8:00 am—Paul & Linda Welch
10:15 am—Tim & Karen Cox
10:00 am—Don & Irene Nerenhausen
ACOLYTES
January 4th
January 7th
January 11th
January 14th
January 18th
January 21st
January 25th
January 28th
COMMUNION SET-UP & ASSIST
January 11
th
January 14th
January 18th
January 21nd
January 25th
January 28th
8:00 am—Jeremy & Ophelia Neta
10:15 am—Sandy Riley
7:00 pm—Sue Jacquart
8:00 am—Mary Heiser
10:15 am—Diane Motiff
7:00 pm—Kelly Sikma
10:00 am—John & Cindy Evans
7:00 pm—Cathie Connell
10:00 am—David Exworthy & Balin Welch
7:00 pm—Hayden Honish
8:00 am—Beth Gannigan & Justice Mitchell
10:15 am—Isabelle Tiegs &
Makayla DeGrave
7:00 pm—Connor Ebben
8:00 am—Brian Messenger &
Isabelle Straub
10:15 am—Collin Gegare &
Lauryn Nerenhausen
7:00 pm—Bryce Hosking
10:00 am—Mackenzie Honish & Beth
Gannigan
7:00 pm—Colin Ebben
LECTORS
January 4th
January 11th
January 18th
January 25th
10:00 am—Paul Welch
8:00 am—Robin Fonder
10:15 am—Charlotte Ihde
8:00 am—Mary Heiser
10:15 am—Don Nerenhausen
10:00 am—John Evans
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP
COMMUNION BREAD BAKERS
January 11th
February 8th
Suzie Wagnitz *Note change of date for January
Vonnie Shallow
CHANCEL HOST:
We are in need of a volunteer for the month of January. If interested in
learning more about Chancel Host duties or are interested in volunteering,
please talk to Pastor Mary.
MONEY COUNTERS:
John & Audrey Carson
MUSICIANS:
Bonnie Schultz
January 4th Volunteer Needed
January 11
Liz Duket and Friends
January 18th Volunteer Needed
For anyone interested in hosting our
Coffee Fellowship and not quite sure
what’s expected, there is a list in the
Kitchen (on the cabinet door) of suggestions of what to bring and how to
go about setting it up. If you have
questions you can contact any member
of the CARE Team or the church office.
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2 0 1 5 V O L U ME 1 2 , I S S U E 1
Blessings to all!
Please let us know if we have an incorrect date, or
have missed a date. If you have been missed or
printed incorrectly, please bring it to our attention so
we can correct our records.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
6th
7th
8th
10th
12th
14th
15th
16th
17th
18th
19th
21st
23rd
24th
25th
Bobby Jo Lipp, Scott Marquardt, Danielle Lubus
Leo Dumke
Zachary Marquardt
Terry Frease
Hunter Booth, Graedy Martin
James Garrigan
Leonard Schaut Sr., Douglas Exworthy,
Cameron Boucher
Carole Bartanen, Tom Olson, Maryah Weiler
Valerie Feldt
Dick Rogall
Autumn Magee
Adam Filz, Gage Bartlett, Sophia Moody
Ronald Filter
Sophia Lipp
Scott Miller, Jill Salacinski, Joey Tiegs Jr.
Bruce Bartanen, Kelli Tiegs, Devin Donlevy
Kamren Fuller
Brian VandenLangenberg, Marion Hartman
Scott Boucher
26th
27th
28th
29th
30th
31st
Sue Jacquart, Sarah Ackerman, Tara Knopf,
McKenna Garrigan, Katelyn Marquardt, Debbie
Larson
Mike Belongia
Joe Bailey
Kirsten Tesch
Julia Thompson, Gunder Thompson
Marilyn Hanson, Keegan Hirschfield
Please let us know if we have an incorrect date, or
have missed a date. If you have been missed or
printed incorrectly, please bring it to our attention so
we can correct our records.
PRAYERS
WE PRAY DAILY FOR THE FOLLOWING:
For Safety, Courage and Perseverance for those serving our Country: Michael Dorn, Derek Erickson (Afghanistan),
Brian Zenz (Iraq), Brandon Zielinski (Okinawa), Aaron Larson (Colorado), Jeremiah Dettman (Maryland), and Edward
Ellman (State-side).
For Help and Healing: Charmaine Behnke, Dan Votava and Marguerite Zupansic
*See Below
Homebound/Shut-In: Veiga DeBenedetto, Carroll Dumke, Eleanor Mraz, Marceil Schumacher, Fern Swaer, Marion
Hartman, Willie Wittkopf and Ruth Young.
If you would like to be added to the prayer list, know of someone serving in the military, or of someone who would like
to be prayed for, please call the office at 834-2460. Other than those in the military we will maintain people on the
prayer list for a two week period, unless notified otherwise. Please note—for privacy reasons, we must have an
individual’s permission to add their name. If your name is removed in error, please accept our apologies and contact
the office to let us know. Thank you.
FIRST AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH
Rev. Mary E. Zupansic, Pastor
E-mail: pastor@firstamericanlutheran.org
511 Madison Street Oconto, WI 54153
Phone: 920-834-2460 E-mail: falc@bayland.net
F I R S T A M E R I C A N L U T H E R A N C HU R C H
Nonprofit Org.
Carrier Route Presort
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 6
Oconto, Wisconsin
511 Madison Street
Oconto, WI 54153
Phone: 920-834-2460
E-mail: falc@bayland.net
Address Service Requested
January 2015
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
FOR JANUARY 2015
Due to holidays and other factors the worship schedule
for January is as follows:
Sunday, January 4
ONE service @ 10a.m.
Sunday, January 11
Return to two services—8a.m. & 10:15a.m.
Sunday, January 25
ONE service @ 10a.m.
Followed by Annual Meeting & Pot Luck
All other Sundays and Wednesdays in January are at the
regularly scheduled times.
*HIGH FIVE & 7/8TH GRADE CONFIRMATION RESUMES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7TH!
OFFICIAL NOTICE!
.
Q&A
January 18, 2015
Budget Question and Answer Session
Between 8am & 10:15am services.
Annual Meeting
January 25, 2015
One Service @ 10:00am
Potluck to follow the annual meeting.
Please bring a dish to pass.