May 2018

St. Paul's Newsletter

Jesus: Giver of Bling “Be positive and good things will happen.” “Actualize your future by praying to Jesus; he promises to listen and bless us if we ask him as believers.” “If you don’t ask him, then the negative things you hope won’t happen will happen.” Our false teachings sniffer might smell these statements out when isolated, but try your smeller out with this: Your child has cancer. It is an aggressive cancer which is life threatening. There are treatment options, but no treatment is a guaranteed fix. Your child is dying. You pray, you ask for the miracle. You trust Jesus’ words, but…but your child doesn’t get better. Is it you? Is it because of your sins? Is it because you don’t really believe? Is it because you haven’t fully committed yourself to God? The reality of this situation is heartbreaking. We experience job loss, divorce, cancer, depression, and much more. Isn’t Jesus supposed to help us and give us all good things? Where are you Jesus? We believe in you, but now you don’t come through? Let’s identify another false Christ called, “Jesus the Giver of Bling.” This false christ is spoken of as a god who brings the blessings of heaven into this present world. It would be heaven already if there was no more sickness, depression, and failure. While we live our lives on this earth, our God does not promise deliverance from all the effects of sin. When prosperity, the American dream, the good life become our bench marks for God’s love upon us, we are making an idol. We are not worshipping the true Christ. The true God shows us what love is. It is found in Jesus the suffering servant who was betrayed,

suffered, condemned by unjust men, and finally who died under God’s wrath because of our sins. This is the cross of Christ which Jesus died upon so that our spiritual death would not happen. In his resurrection Jesus guarantees life after death now. Jesus promises he overcame this world and all evil, but he does not promise that we will live without the effects of sin in our lives. The “idol of Bling” is not foreign to the struggling heart. Hardship and loss are not God’s punishment, but are a time through which God will remind us he will work all things out for our good. (Romans 8:28) Our Lord Jesus is the Good Shepherd who will not allow hardships and trials to overcome us. He is always in control protecting. Remember too that our lives are not defined by the bling we have, but by the cross Jesus bore for us. Even when we suffer now it’s not worth comparing to our eternal joy. (Romans 8:18) Even with lifelong hardships, Jesus still loves us. If we wear glasses today, we will most likely wear them tomorrow. If we take medicine for a health condition, we most likely will take it tomorrow. If we have congestive heart failure today, we will most likely have it tomorrow. But… But we also have Jesus who promises that one day he will wipe every tear from our eyes. He will keep us from ever experiencing a disaster or problem or trouble ever again. In heaven. (Revelation 21:4,5) The real Jesus stands in heaven waiting for the Father’s word to come and take us to be with him.

EXAMINATION SERVICE - Friday, May 4 - 7:00 pm The following young people will be examined in the truths of God’s Holy Word on May 4: Jakson Cowles, Elijah Grams, Korbin Kulhman, Aidan Peacock, and Savannah Stackenwalt. Please keep these young people in your prayers as they prepare for their examination. All are welcome to attend. CONFIRMATION SERVICE - Sunday, May 6 - 8:00 am The young people, who are examined on May 4, will confess their faith and desire to become communicant members of our congregation on May 6, in the 8:00 service. Please keep these young people in your prayers as they promise to remain faithful to the Lord. Join us for a reception for our confirmands between services on May 6. ASCENSION SERVICE - Thursday, May 10 - 7:00 pm On Thursday, May 10, at 7:00 pm, we will celebrate the festival of the Ascension of Our Lord under the theme: Christ Reigns for His Church. The faculty will sing an anthem that evening.

In Our Prayers Mrs. Lila Bachman, who had surgery. Cooper Kress, who had surgery. Dennis Lorenzen, who had surgery. Monty Hume, Ashley Holloway’s dad, who had surgery. Mr. and Mrs. Dick Michel, who celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Mr. Leonard Bachman, who was hospitalized. Mr. A. Stahlecker, who has been released from the nursing home and moved back home. Shawn Hall and Mike Ryan, who have been deployed. The family of Monte Reiner, who was called home to the glory of heaven.

CALL NEWS Miss Emily Hunt has declined the call to be our Kindergarten teacher. Miss Vicki Humann has been called to serve as our Kindergarten teacher. Mrs. Nicole Maddox has accepted the call to serve as our Preschool Director (3/4 time). Mr. Gurgel has declined the call to serve as the 7th/8th grade teacher and principal of Lamb of God, West Allis, WI. Mr. Phil Miller has declined the call to serve as the 7th grade teacher and assistant principal at St. Mark, in Green Bay, WI.

THANK YOU Pastor and Mrs. Free would like to thank the congregation for funding their Seminary retreat entitled, “Finishing Strong.” It was very beneficial and enjoyable. God, in His grace, continue to bring blessings to this family of believers.

SUMMER EVENING WORSHIP The voters adopted the recommendation of the Council, by way of the Elders, to have our evening worship service on Saturday during the summer. The service will be at 5:30. That means there will be NO Monday night worship service this summer.

GAMES CLUB

Friday, May 18 - 7:00 The Games Club will meet Friday, May 18, at 7:00, at Dennis and Margie Karau’s house (15607 229th St., Box Elder). We will be playing Bingo. Bring your own drinks.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS Tuesday, May 8 - 7:00 pm We will close out our look at classroom management on Tuesday, May 8, at 7:00. All teachers are encouraged to attend.

Communion in May: The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays in May to

avoid a conflict with our Confirmation Service.

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Saturday, May 12 - 7:30 am

We will have one more Bible Class before our summer break. This month we will look at “The Crux of the Matter.” All men of the congregation are invited to attend on Saturday, May 12, at 7:30. Donuts and coffee will be provided.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Thursday, May 31 - 6:30 pm

The Women’s Bible Study will be held on Thursday, May 31, at 6:30. We will continue our look at Lady Like. We will be discussing the chapter “Whac-A-Mole.” A business meeting will be held after the Bible Study. All ladies are invited.

LADIES’ BOOK CLUB Thursday, May 3 - 5:30 pm

The Book Club will meet on Thursday, May 3, at 5:30. We will meet at the Colonial House. At this meeting, we will enjoy food and fellowship while discussing books for the fall. Please bring your book ideas. All ladies are welcome. If you plan to attend, contact Deb Morris (4848963) or Dawn Sanborn (390-0865).

MAY FREEWILL OFFERING Started in 1982, the WELS Historical Institute exists to preserve and present the history (God’s grace) of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The institute publishes two issues of the WELS Historical Institute Journal and newsletters each year. It includes researched articles interspersed with personal reminiscences and translations of old letters and documents. The synod archive is here to support your congregation by preserving and maintaining not only the synod history, but also the history of our WELS congregations with the help of your donated materials including: Church histories, Anniversary bulletins, Installation bulletins, Dedication service bulletins, and other materials related to your congregation’s history. Please mark your envelope accordingly or place it in the box on the back table. This offering is to be above and beyond our regular weekly or monthly offering.

HIT & CARDIO DANCE CLASS Saturday Mornings - 8:00 am All ladies of the congregation are welcome to join our group fitness class, an exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning, balance, dance, and strength training. The workout is easily modifiable and appeals to all ages and abilities. Class meets Saturday mornings at 8:00 in the gym. Please bring your own yoga mat and drumsticks. For questions speak with Robyn Johnson or AJ Hussman.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES SUMMER BIBLE CLASS Rev. Hussman will continue his study of the book of Romans on Sunday mornings during the summer. Rev. Free will conduct his Genesis class on Monday evenings at 6:45. A family Bible study, based on the book of Daniel, will be held in the Commons. This class invites the participants to read through the People's Bible Commentary on Daniel during the week and then come ready to talk about the section. You may take part in the class without reading the commentary. A sign-up sheet for the commentary ($20) is on the back table.

The following will be graduating from various high schools in the area: Marion Hohn, Jacob Lorenzen, Christian Nelson, Erin Peacock, Jackson Rogotske, Dillon Smith, and Sheldon Wagner. God go with these young people, guide and bless them in all they do.

SODAK May 9 @ 7:00 pm: Bocce Ball and Ice Cream We will go to Canyon Lake Park to play Bocce Ball and then have some ice cream. May 23 @ 7:00 pm: 8th Grade Welcome - The 8th graders of our church and school are invited to a gym night and welcome to SODAK. We will also say good-bye to our seniors.

JUNIOR YOUTH

Friday, May 11- 6:00 to 8:30 pm We will be having a special farewell to our 8th graders and a welcome to our 5th graders (who will be joining us next year) on Friday, May 11, from 6:00-8:30. We will have pizza and ice cream, a short service, and games in the gym. All children of our congregation, in grades 5-8, are invited to attend. Please bring $5 for pizza and drinks.

BINGO FOR BOOKS Friday, May 4 - 1:30 During the month of April, the students have been participating in a "Bingo for Books" reading program. The students earn bingo cards for every 5 hours they read at home. On Friday, May 4, the students will celebrate their hard work for the month and play bingo with the cards they earned. Ice cream will be served. All members of the congregation are invited to join us in the gymnasium! At 3:00, we will have a performance by our Destination Imagination Team, the Walking Tacos. They will be competing in nationals in Knoxville, TN, at the end of May. KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP Tuesday, May 8 - 8:15 to 11:30 am The Kindergarten class invites all Kindergarteners signed up for next school year to Kindergarten Roundup on Tuesday, May 8. They will get to experience a day of Kindergarten. Children should be dropped off at 8:15. If your child is in the preschool, they will switch to Kindergarten at that time. The children will be dismissed at 11:30 as the regular Kindergarten class goes to lunch and recess. ALL-SCHOOL TRACK MEET Friday, May 11 - 8:00 am Our school will be competing in a Christian track meet on May 11, beginning at 8:00. The track meet will be held at Rapid City Christian’s track. Please pack warm clothes, water, snacks, lunch, and sunscreen. All are welcome! LAST DAY OF SCHOOL Thursday, May 24 - Dismiss at 3:15 The last day of school is Thursday, May 24. Dismissal is at 3:15. Before/Aftercare will be provided.

KINDERGARTEN & 8TH GRADE GRADUATION Thursday, May 24 - 7:00 pm

A special graduation service for our 8th grade students will be held on May 24, at 7:00 pm. Our 8th grade graduates are: Jakson Cowles Elijah Grams Aidan Peacock The kindergarten students will also be receiving their “diplomas” at that time. Our Kindergarten students are: Molly Benda Eli Bowling Payson Boyles Stella Curtis Michael Farland Kaitlyn Jensen Henry Johnson Landon Malon Teegan Mehlhaff Parker Price Kenzlei Ryan Jordan Sjomeling Jia Yi Wang School awards will be given after the service. All are invited.

SUMMER MOVIES AT THE ELKS Our Friends of Christian Education (FCE) have punch cards available for movies at the Elks Theatre. The punch cards cost $10 for 14 different movies. Our school will receive 40% of the sales. The booklets are available in the school office. Write checks to the FCE. The movies are: Ninjago, Shrek, Paddington, Ferdinand, Leap, Flipper, Nut Job, Peter Rabbit, My Little Pony Movie, Early Man, The Indian in the Cupboard, Paddington 2, Nut Job 2, Sherlock Gnomes.

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MEMBERSHIP CHANGES Members Received By Adult Confirmation Sharon Braun Nick Brown By Profession of Faith Stephanie Brown (Jaydian, Joshua) Mr. and Mrs. Ben (Angie) Grams (Elijah, Seth, Isaiah), Tammy Jobgen By Transfer Sharon Jones from Christ the Lord, Clearwater, FL Stacy Miller from Apostles, Billings, MT Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan (Kerri) Hahm (Kalea, Everett) from Fount of Life, Colorado Springs, CO Members Lost By Transfer Mr. and Mrs. Byron (Nancy) Lowery to Cross of Christ, Portage, WI Mr. and Mrs. Jacob (Lacey) Rigge (Gabriel) to St. John’s, Wood Lake, MN Grace Ballieu to Northdale, Tampa, FL Mr. and Mrs. John (Mari) Denker to Hope, Spearfish, SD By Release Darla Spies COMMITTEE REPORTS Education Preschool Our summer program is full and has a long waiting list. Our fall program is already full for full-time students. There are a few morning preschool spots available. We could open more spots if we hire an afternoon assistant. School Projected enrollment for next year is 101-107. One of our Destination Imagination teams made it to nationals, which will be held in Knoxville, TN, at the end of May. Sunday School Average attendance this year is 30. This summer, we plan to have a 19-minute family Bible Study in the Commons. Evangelism The central task is developing a new and revised church and school website. A revised new member welcome is being considered.

Elders Pictures are being taken for the church pictorial directory. Much time was spent discussing our evening worship schedule with a recommendation to hold services on Saturday night during the summer and NOT have a Monday night service. Stewardship Church picnic plans are underway. It looks like it will be held at the conclusion of our VBS this year. Youth The committee is looking for new leaders and making plans for the future. Finance Mission offerings are up-to-date. Offerings are up this year compared to the same time last year. Pastor’s Report 307 visits were made in the 1st quarter; three infants were baptized and four funerals were conducted. Attendance year-to-date is 407 (393 in 2017). Attendance at special services is down by 31. Ten people are currently enrolled in Information Classes (membership classes). Additional classes include Jesus Cares (working with the mentally disabled), Somerset assisted living, and a Tuesday evening class at church “Praying Luther’s Small Catechism.” Seven new mission starts were authorized by the Board for Home Missions, one being Brandon, SD. Jim Weimer will be the delegate to our District Convention in June. There are currently 106 congregations that don’t have a pastor. World Missions is looking at a mission opportunity in Vietnam. Great Plains is looking at strong enrollment numbers for the next school year. OLD BUSINESS The Voters adopted the Council recommendation to continue with our Saturday night services during the summer. That means there will NOT be a Monday night service this summer.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE Monday, May 21 - 5:30 pm NEW BUSINESS

The worship committee meet on Monday, May 21, at 5:30, to discuss Summer worship and music purchase. We will also begin to look at the choir schedule for next year.

If Miss Humann does not accept the call to serve as our Kindergarten teacher, we will ask for an assignment from MLC; Mrs. Berg has been called to serve 3/4 time in our school, teaching math to grades 1-3, Christ light, and tutor; Mrs. Mergen has been called to serve as a 2nd lead teacher in our preschool less than 20 hours per week.

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~ DIRECTED GIFTS ~ A directed gift is a gift with a purpose. A donor often desires to direct his/her gift (given outside of regular offerings) to a specific fund or purpose. If you are interested in making a directed gift toward a specific fund or purpose, please speak with any of the pastors for suggestions and guidance on where gifts could best be used. Any gift given outside of the offering plate will be directed through the Gift Acceptance Policy to ensure that the gift and the purpose are compatible with the direction and goals of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. In addition to a list of on-going funds and projects approved by the Council, the Planned Giving Program administers four endowment/trust funds covering outreach, education, and capital expenses. They are available to accept contributions at any time. For further information, please contact Pastor Free, Pastor Berg, or Pastor Hussman at 342-8804, or Planned Giving Committee members Jackson Anderson 431-4188, Jennifer Konvalin 388-5352, or Denise Smith 3412502.

ST. PAUL’S ATTENDANCE

OUR STEWARDSHIP Month

Fiscal Year to Date

FYTD v Budget

Mar ‘18

Budget

Jul '17 - Mar ‘18

Budget

$ Over Budget

Offerings - General Fund

54,722

54,194

456,740

489,893

-33,153

Offerings - Missions

2,863

3,334

28,899

31,000

-2,101

Offerings - Debt Free

4,220

2,984

18,700

20,856

-2,156

Church All Other Income

-87,919

-90,478

-846,205

-814,049

-32,156

Total Church · Income

-26,114

-29,966

-341,865

-272,300

-69,565

Church Income

Mar 18 Mar 21 Lent Mar 25 Mar 29 M. Thurs. Mar 30 G. Friday Apr 01 Apr 08 Apr 15 Apr 22

472 221 442 222 264 598 384 429 415

(52%) (34%) (49%) (25%) (29%) (66%) (43%) (48%) (46%)

Sunday Avg. Special Avg.

457 236

(51%) (26%)

STEWARDSHIP Philippians 3:12-14: I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Kids are already itching to do something other than school! Parents too might be ready for a change in routine. Summer offers us just that. Summer offers us a chance to change and refocus other pursuits. If summer offers a chance to change routines, incorporate a time to prepare your heart for the goal of heaven. Try starting something new this summer by setting a goal to read through Psalms, Luke, Acts, and Romans. By doing this, we will enjoy the reason Jesus took hold of us. Enjoy the change. Enjoy the pursuit.