The Eagle - St. John`s Lutheran Church

The Eagle
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
February, 2015
"Building Momentum Together"
Lent begins
Ash Wednesday,
February 18th
Community Soup &
Sandwich meal @ 6:00pm
(with free-will offering)
Lenten Worship
@ 7:00pm
All are welcome to share in a meal and join us for worship on Wednesdays
during Lent. Please see the schedule below for when your grade and/or group is
scheduled to serve.
Lenten Soup & Sandwich Supper Serving/Donation Schedule:
Ash Wed. February 18th - 8th grade and 1st grade serve
February 25th - 7th and 2nd grade serve
March 4th - 5th and 3rd grade serve
March 11th - 6th and 4th grade serve
March 18th - Church Council & Summer Youth Gathering Participants serve
March 25th - High School 9-12th grade youth serve
(Turn page for more details on Lent services)
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Children, youth and their families have been asked to bring food and help serve and clean up at
the Lenten Suppers. If you have any questions, please contact Janis Judd at jjudd@sacsschools.org.
If you are interested in donating soup, contact Janis prior to the Wednesday night. Free-will offering
will be taken and proceeds will go towards children, youth and family ministries at St. John's, with
portions specifically supporting those going an ELCA summer camps, VBS and youth gathering trip.
Please bring:
• 1 loaf of sandwiches
• 1 pan of bars or cookies (1-2 dozen)
Please have the food at the church between 5 - 5:30 pm. Students and parents should plan to help
serve and clean up.
Transition Team: Congregation Feedback Opportunity
The Transition Team has been hard at work and now is the time to get feedback from you as members and
friends of this congregation. Everyone is invited to attend the following forums in the church basement during
the Sunday School hour.
 If you are not able to attend because of conflicts in your schedule, there will be 2 opportunities to join us
on Sunday, March 22 after the 10:45 service, and on Wednesday, March 18, at 6:00 pm., during the soup
supper.
February 1
“Self- Discovery” – How did we get to where we are today? What have we discovered about
ourselves? Who are the heroes and ghosts of the past?
February 8
“Demographics” – Who is St. John’s in mission both within the church and in the community?
What are the economic trends within and outside of congregation? How is the faith
community involved?
February 15 – No Meeting!
February 22 “Review of Constitution” – The constitution is the working document for the congregation. The
ELCA asks that we review our constitution every 2 years. Are there some needed changes?
Take a look at the governance of the council.
March 1
“Mission and Vision Statement” – Are we ready for a new mission statement? What are our
positives, prouds, growth areas, hope for the congregation as we move forward?
March 8
Revisit the Sunday morning worship schedule. How does this congregation minister? How do
we get involved?
March 15
What do you want in a pastor?
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Observations from Interim Senior Pastor (given at the annual meeting 1/25/15)
1. People really love and care for this community of faith.
2. It takes everyone to make things happen here. The leaders of the DST teams will work to invite
everyone to serve in some capacity in this place.
3. We can celebrate our members and friends. 1,000 may seem like a smaller number than the past
years, but we are no longer counting the worshippers at the prison, or those who come for funerals
and weddings, or Musicals With a Mission.
4. Also, you lost some members due to conflicts over the past few years. You will have a chance in the
next few weeks to name the issues that influenced how this congregation functions. We may talk
about things which you would rather not hear mentioned, but until they are acknowledged, they will
have a power over your ministry here.
5. Now we are discerning what our new normal is.
6. Which brings me to identity! Who we are in our present context, and what is God calling us to be in
the future?
7. There is much work to be done. People are anxious to call a new senior pastor. But a congregation
which has an understanding of its identity, core values, mission and ministry, will have an easier time
finding the right pastor to lead you.
8. Special THANK YOU’S!
a. Scott Wilts – Outgoing president for his leadership
b. Transition Team – who has met over the past couple of months doing research, documentation,
and study – You will hear more about their findings the next 6 or so Sundays!
c. Staff – Lois Petricka (custodian), Nancy Meyhoefer (office administrator), Scott Vaupel (music
coordinator), Sean Vander Veen (organist and pianist) and Pastor Linda. I am grateful for all of
their leadership and partnership in ministry. I also want to thank all of our volunteers – too many
to name!
I continue to ask for your prayers - that this interim time is blessed and that the Holy Spirit continues to lead
you where you need to go!
In Christ,
Pastor Christine
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ELCA Good Gifts
2014 Advent!
The congregation of St. John’s Lutheran Church supported the mission and ministry of ELCA Good Gifts this
past 2014 Advent season. The Sunday School students and families raised $250!!!! The ELCA Good Gifts
are a creative way to care for those around the world who live with hunger and poverty. With the farm yard
bank money raised St. John’s was able to purchase the following gifts:
1 Pig
1Goat
3 Packs of Chicks
1 Duck
5 Mosquito nets to protect against Malaria
1 Backpack stocked with food
4 Fruit-tree seedlings
1 School Supplies for a child
1 Clinic visit for a child
Your gift carries God's love to others, making a difference in their lives and in the world. All of your donations
support long-term, sustainable solutions that ensure that these good gifts last for more than a couple of days or
weeks. They keep on giving for years to come.
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Staff
The staff of St. John’s is here to serve you. Please don’t hesitate to contact the church office at 952-445-5666 if
you have any questions or concerns. If you are in need of pastoral care or have a pastoral emergency, please
call the church office and you will be directed to Pastor Christine or Pastor Linda.
Rev. Christine Wenzel, Interim Senior Pastor
Rev. Linda McPeak, Associate Pastor, Youth and Family Ministry
Nancy Meyhoefer, Office Administrator
Lois Petricka, Custodian
Sean Vander Veen, Worship Music Accompanist
Scott Vaupel, Worship Music Coordinator
pastorchristine@stjohns-shakopee.com
pastorlinda@stjohns-shakopee.com
info@stjohns-shakopee.com
ljpetrick@yahoo.com
vanderveen.sean@gmail.com
scott.vaupel@gmail.com
9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Monday through Thursday
Closed – Friday, Saturday and Sunday
SAVE THE DATE!
St. John’s Spring Social… is set for April 10th at Turtles in Shakopee! Please mark your calendar for the
event, and start gathering donations for the silent and live auctions. Stay tuned for further details – they will be
communicated soon!
Ushers wanted…please talk to any
one of them for more information.
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SENIOR MEETING TO DISCUSS FOSTER CARE IN SCOTT COUNTY
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 10 A.M.
Nancy Berndt will be our guest speaker at our next senior gathering at St. John’s. She
will speak about foster care in Scott County. We will learn about the need for foster care homes
and the challenges this presents for both foster children as well as the foster parents.
Nancy grew up on a farm near Montevideo. She attended her first twelve years of school
in Montevideo. She is a graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead. After college she started
her work at the CAP Agency in Shakopee. For the past eleven years she has worked as a social
worker placing foster children in homes in Scott County. She describes her work as being both
challenging and rewarding.
Nancy and her husband, Loren, and
their three children are members of
St. John’s. Their oldest daughter,
Allison, is a student at Moorhead
State University. Their second
daughter, Stephanie, is a student at
Bemidji State University. Their son,
Jacob, is in the 10th grade at
Shakopee High School.
As seniors we gather to learn and to share a time of fun and fellowship. Everyone is welcome
and you are encouraged to bring a friend. You need not be a member of St. John’s to attend.
Coffee and treats will be served. Our program starts at 10 a.m., but you are free to come early.
If you have questions, call Del Lind, 952-445-8401.
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Please see Pastor Linda with any questions.
February, 2015 Youth & Family Ministry Post
 I believe that Youth Ministry happens EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE and in EVERY RELATIONSHIP.
 I believe that youth ministry is GOOD NEWS open to every kid in our community and we are glad you
are here!
 I believe effective Youth Ministry is built around a YOUTH TEAM, to connect, be welcomed, and related
to in meaningful and significant ways.
 I believe in youth ministry that is growing in NUMBERS.
 I believe kids make time for what is MOST IMPORTANT.
 I believe kids will show up for WORSHIP and GOOD THEOLOGY.
 I believe good youth ministry is built around DEPTH and GRACE.
 I believe youth ministry is about BUILDING LEADERSHIP and DISCIPLESHIP.
 I believe kids learn from RELATIONAL MENTORS.
 I believe middle school/jr. high youth ministry needs really good HIGH
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP.
 I believe that creating a WEB OF SPIRITUAL RELATIONSHIPS is the primary
job for youth ministry.
 I believe PEER MINISTRY LEADERSHIP is essential.
 I believe in FAMILY MINISTRY that begins in the home.
 I believe solid Youth Ministry TAKES YEARS TO BUILD.
 I believe there is MONEY for youth ministry.
I give my deepest appreciation to the staff of St. John’s, the Youth Board members and other
youth ministry “friends”. People like; Deb Rubash, Janis Judd, Kelly Roe, Brooke Whaylen,
Leticia Castillo, Ben Herbel, Kayla Schmidt, Madi Wilts, Garrett Carlson, Rebecca McPeak,
Kari Vaupel, Carolyn Leppala, Karen Van Sickle and Tom McPeak. The confirmation small
group leaders: 7th graders – Jenn Eckers, Damen Schuler, Jody Hahn, Corey Pudwill, Amy
Schmidt. 8th graders – Sandy McCullough, Mike and Missy Shepard, Michelle Klippen, Chris
Younger, Kathy Larson, Megan Harrison. 9th graders – Melody Hime, Bonnie Doty, Kelly Roe.
Go Fish – Krista McGraw and Deb Rubash; the weekly Simple Supper leaders, Janis Judd,
DaWayne Gehrman and high school youth Jacob Berndt, who see that our youth and
families share a meal together each week. YOU make a difference in the faith relationships
they are building and nurturing, which are invaluable! I am extremely thankful for all of
them!
In Christ’s love and peace,
Pastor Linda
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January St. John’s Council Meeting Minutes
Subject to Council Approval
Council Members Present: Patti Hayer, Pastor Linda McPeak, Pastor Christine Wenzel, Eric Doty, Erik Allen,
Scott Wilts, Shelley Gehrman, Sara Carlson, Brooke Whaylen, Deb Rubash, Lauri Dahlberg, Janelle Fritz, Paul
Youngs
Council Members Absent: Jenny Pudwill
Meeting called to order: Scott Wilts@7:10
Old Business:
Sara Carlson/Lauri Dahlberg Motion to approve agenda: Carried
Deb Rubash/Sara Carlson Motion to approve December minutes: Carried
Deb Rubash/Sara Carlson Motion to approve treasurer's report: Carried
Treasurer reported giving was down $10,000.00 for December but we made up some with the musicals with a
mission contribution of $8,000.00 so we had a loss of $2,000.00.
Eric Doty/ Patti Hayer Motion to approve 2015 budget.
Annual meeting is this Sunday, January 25th at 10:45.
Discussion about Loaves& Fishes-- We are excused for the month of February, and hopefully we can get a
leader in place so we can resume in March. This is a great way to give back to the community if we can get
some volunteers to help with this.
New Business:
Sara Carlson-- the spring social is coming up on April 10th and will be held at Turtles.
Scott Wilts briefly discussed council hand off for Sunday if you could please bring your manuals for the next
person.
Motion to adjourn: Deb Rubash/ Lauri Dahlberg
Closed with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Patti Hayer, Council Secretary
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Happy New Years from your friends at SCA
Many exciting things have happened since we opened our doors on October 6th, 2014.
We entered into a lease as an outreach ministry with the parish of Saint Joachim & Anne securing our presence in the
community well into 2016.
Year to date, we have given out approximately 2,000 diapers, many cans of formula, strollers, a crib, and other infant care
items. We continue to have our free clothing tables out each night that we are open. It helps to fill those needs for many
families. A BIG “THANK YOU” to everyone for all of their donations, we couldn’t do it without you.
In October and December we partnered with Paul Breiter, of Cub Foods, and Mary Hernandez, from Esperanza, and held
a free food distribution. We gave out over 2000 lbs. of meat, along with eggs, laundry soap, bread, and toilet paper to over
250 families in a community effort to ease the burden for those with limited resources. Shakopee truly is an awesome
community.
The holiday season brought great cheer to SCA families and Loaves & Fishes guests. We had a few visits from jolly old
Saint Nick. Kids and adults alike could hardly wait to sit on Santa’s lap, have their picture taken, and share their Christmas
wishes. Living Joy (formally River of Joy) fulfilled some of those wishes with gift cards they handed out and their special
Christmas dinner. It was a great success as well, with over 260 people in attendance.
St. Michael’s church added us to their giving tree. Over 2000 diapers were collected, along with infant hygiene products,
clothing and toys. It is so amazing to see the reason for the season shine through.
St. John’s church holds a “Musical with a Mission” each year. This year SCA was their mission. We received a check for
$1,000, a true blessing. Thank you for making us your mission.
Again this year we held a basket raffle for our guests. We collected 51 baskets this year. The style and creativity that went
into making those baskets was amazing and heartwarming as well. You could see the love that went in to them. It would
be hard to list everyone who donated and I don’t want to leave anyone out. So “THANK YOU” to EVERYONE whom
helped to make this event possible. It made for a very happy holiday season for all.
A “THANK YOU” goes out to everyone whom donated toys to our program; we were able to provide gifts for 78 children
this holiday season. This was truly God at work. We would like to extend a “THANK YOU” to The Michalec family for
making the fireplace and decorating our Christmas corner; To Allina for the beautiful Christmas tree; The Menke family for
decorating our bulletin boards; and to all the volunteers whom spend their time making a difference. This end’s the
excitement for 2014.
Now on to what our goals and wishes are for the New Year. Our goals will always remain the same, to provide the basic
needs of nutrition & hygiene for children birth to five and their families with limited resources. Our wishes will change with
the seasons, as the need of every family does, but two things will remain the same. We will always need diaper donations
(sizes 3-5 are needed most) and the VERY REAL NEED for volunteers to work the diaper bank and to sort incoming
donations. As our client base grows, so does our need for volunteers. We are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from
3:00-6:30. So if you find yourself with an hour or two to spare please consider donating that time to SCA. I will have to
warn you, this experience will leave you feeling really good. As our letter comes to an end, please remember SCA is
funded by donations and run solely by volunteers. We hope this New Year will bring many new faces, not only in clients,
but in volunteers as well.
God Bless / Dios le Bendiga
Amy & Keith
2 Samuel 2.5 The Lord bless you for showing this kindness.
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FEBRUARY 2015
Sunday
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Monday
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Tuesday
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7:30 AM Worship
8:30 AM Worship &
Sande Baptism
9:40AM Transition
Feedback
9:40 AM Sunday School
9:40 AM Bible Study
9:45 AM St. John’s Choir
Rehearsal
10:45 AM Worship
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9
10
16
11
12
17
18
6
19
13
23
Saturday
7
24
25
6:00 PM Executive
Council Meeting
7:00 PM Church
Council Meeting
7:00 PM Annie
Rehearsals (please
check schedule)
6:00 PM Annie Rehearsals 7:00 PM AA*
(please check schedule)
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9:00 AM AA *
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8:30 AM Quilters
7:00 PM AA*
6:00 PM Simple Supper
6:30 PM Confirmation
6:30 PM Higher Ground
Rehearsal
6:30 PM Go Fish
6:30 PM Sr. High Study Hall
8:00 PM St. John’s Choir
Rehearsal
8:00 PM Annie Rehearsals
(please check schedule)
8:15 PM Sr. High Youth
Annie Rehearsals in
Afternoon (please check
schedule)
Annie Rehearsals in
Afternoon (please check
schedule)
Friday
9:00 AM AA *
10:00 AM St. John’s Seniors 7:00 PM AA*
6:00 PM Simple Supper
6:30 PM Confirmation
6:30 PM Higher Ground
Rehearsal
6:30 PM Go Fish
6:30 PM Sr. High Study Hall
7:00 PM Annie Rehearsals
(please check schedule)
8:00 PM St. John’s Choir
Rehearsal
8:15 PM Sr. High Youth
7:30 AM Worship
8:30 AM Worship
9:40 AM B.I.B.S.S.
9:40 AM Sunday School
9:40 AM Bible Study
9:45 AM St. John’s Choir
Rehearsal
7:30 AM Worship
8:30 AM Worship
9:40AM Transition
Feedback
9:40 AM Sunday School
9:40 AM Bible Study
10:45 AM Worship &
Hemphill Baptism
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6:00 PM Executive
Council Meeting
Annie Rehearsals in
Afternoon (please check
schedule)
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4
Thursday
10:00AM Senior Group
Gathering and Speaker
7:30 AM Worship
8:30 AM Worship
9:40AM Transition
Feedback
9:40 AM Sunday School
9:40 AM Bible Study
9:45 AM St. John’s Choir
Rehearsal
10:45 AM Worship
15
Wednesday
21
9:00 AM AA *
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9:00 AM AA *
6:00 PM Simple Supper
6:30 PM Confirmation
6:30 PM Higher Ground
Rehearsal
6:30 PM Go Fish
6:30 PM Sr. High Study Hall
8:00 PM St. John’s Choir
Rehearsal
8:15 PM Sr. High Youth
* - “AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution…”
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119 West Eighth Avenue
P.O. Box 178
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: 952-445-5666
www.stjohns-shakopee.com
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
PAID
Shakopee, MN
Permit No. 18
Address Service Requested
The Eagle is a publication of St. John’s
Lutheran Church. It is published
monthly and mailed to its members.
The Eagle welcomes news and
features from its readers. We reserve
the right to edit submitted material for
content and length. All newsletter
materials are due in the church office
on the 20th day of the month preceding
publication.
The Mission of St. John’s
Called as children of God
Comforted and Challenged by the Holy Spirit
Committed to serve Christ in the world
All addressing changes and mailing
inquiries should be directed to the
church office at 952-445-5666 or
info@stjohns-shakopee.com.
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