Connections E-Newsletter - April 8, 2021
Revised Worship Procedures

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we bask in the light of the resurrection and rejoice in the hope that we have in Christ, we’d like to share the next set of worship protocols in light of the recent State Supreme Court decision concerning the mask mandate.

1.     Masks will continue to be encouraged during all worship services.
2.     The balcony will be a mask required section for all worship services.
3.     Those involved in leadership will wear masks whenever they are in close proximity to others
(Communion Distribution, etc.)
4.     Worshippers will be able to seat themselves wherever they deem appropriate.
5.     Communion distribution will return to a continuous line format.
6.     The greeting & sharing of the peacetime will return as worshippers see fit.

All of this is subject to change based on the changing environment we are in. We ask that you respect your fellow brothers and sisters’ boundaries and concerns in Christ with all of these protocols. Some will be more comfortable than others. Some will shake hands while others will not. As members of the same body, please treat your fellow worshippers as ones for whom Christ died and was raised as we “seek to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

The Pastoral Team and Worship Ministry 
St. John’s Teachers Reach “Milestones”
 
God continues to bless families through St. John’s Educational Ministries. St. John’s School and Early Childhood Center are blessed through the dedication of all our teachers. We wanted to share with you some wonderful milestones for several teachers called to serve at St. John’s as rostered church workers in the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LC-MS). On Wednesday, March 24th, the South Wisconsin District of the LC-MS recognized the following teachers as they reached the following “milestone” anniversaries as Commissioned Ministers of the Gospel:

St. John’s Elementary/Middle School
·       Abby Johnson, 3rd Grade Teacher: 5 years
Abby is a former South Wisconsin District Teacher of the Year and a Kohl’s Fellow. She continually innovates in her classroom with new teaching techniques and integration of subject matter.
·       Sarah Schultz, Middle School Math Teacher: 10 years
Sarah is the current South Wisconsin District Teacher of the Year and a Kohl’s Fellow. Sarah treasures relationships with students and families and is a national speaker for Dignity Revolution, which equips students to engage in positive relationships and interactions with their peers.
·       Melissa Raddemann, Kindergarten Teacher: 15 years
Mel is a beloved Kindergarten teacher – one of the first faces students and parents see as they begin their journey at St. John’s. Melissa is student-focused and heads up our National Lutheran Schools Week celebration.
·       Penny Van Dellen, 2nd Grade Teacher: 20 years
Penny returned to the classroom this year after serving in a former congregation as Family Life Director. Her passion for leading families to a closer relationship with Christ is recognized by families and colleagues alike.
·       Jim Van Dellen, Administrator: 30 years
Jim is in his first year as School Administrator at St. John’s, and he has done an exceptional job leading and serving in a particularly challenging time. Jim is a teacher at heart and loves to share the Gospel of Jesus anywhere and anyplace. He has a heart for families and their Households of Faith. This includes the staff that God has entrusted to him. God has indeed blessed and expanded His Kingdom through Jim’s 30 years of faithful service.

St. John’s Early Childhood Center (ECC)
·       Stacey Briskie, PreK3 Classroom: 5 years
Stacey is a PreK3 co-lead teacher, and her gentle demeanor is a reason the three-year-olds transition so well to structure in the classroom. Her love and acceptance of all children show through the instant connection she makes with them. Stacey guides students through their developmental and social growth and values, creating trusting parent relationships.

·       Dawn Steger, PreK4(am) Classroom: 20 years
Dawn is in her fifth year of teaching at St. John’s in our PreK4(am) class. She came to St. John’s with a desire to teach young ones academically but more importantly about Jesus. Her love for Christ shows through her interactions with the children. Dawn prepares students to reach their full potential and has a heart for connecting students and families to continue Christian education at St John’s. 

We praise God for the opportunity that all of our teachers and staff have as they Connect, Care and Share the love of Christ with students and their families every day.

To God be the Glory!!

Pastor Jeff Hesse                                           Jim Van Dellen                                 Nicole Janisse
Pastor – Administration/Share                   School Administrator                     ECC Administrator
Have you felt like you have been living in exile for the past year? It was wonderful to see many more people in worship this past Easter Weekend! Our spirits were lifted as we sang praises to our risen Savior in the company of the larger Household of Faith that is St. John’s. Led by the Spirit to boldly proclaim together the words of the Apostles Creed is a special gift because God has given us these words to speak together . . . again.
 
In Old Testament times, Israel ignored the Lord to serve other gods, and eventually, God led them away into exile so they might call on Him, be dependent on Him and return to Him. In these days of pandemic, it is easy to make excuses and find that we, too, are tempted to ignore the Lord and take Him for granted. Don’t risk exile! Return to worship, to God’s gifts of Word and Sacrament, and to the fellowship of St. John’s Household of Faith.
 
The St. John’s Foundation is here to help you and your household grow in faith and manage all of life’s gifts out of trust and dependence on the Lord. Future generations connected to you depend on the spiritual conversations and decisions going on in your household today. 
 
Contact Pastor Jeff Hesse at St. John’s Church at (262) 334-4901 / Jeff.Hesse15@gmail.com or Craig Toerpe, Gift Planning Counselor of the LCMS Foundation at (262) 707-3005 / craig.toerpe@lfnd.org to advance and support your Household of Faith.
2021 Men's Retreat - ReUp

We are back and ready to re-engage with you. 2020 was a year that challenged all of us. Whether it was physically, emotionally, or spiritually, this last year, was one many would like to forget. As we reflect on 2020, we are reminded of the one who is in control. God is God, and we are not. We are calling all men of St. John’s to ReUp their commitment to the Lord. An opportunity to reconnect with guys, re-establish our foundation in our faith and to be reminded of the great love our Father has for us.
    
The prefix “Re” means “again” or “back to the original place.” The theme “ReUp'' is not a question for us to consider. It is a reminder of our Confirmation in Faith; who we are and what it means to live our life as a Christian. Gentlemen, whether you have attended in the past or are considering attending for the first time, prayerfully consider joining us this year. It will prove to be a weekend that you won’t regret.
  
Pack your duffle, a coffee mug and Bible. This is going to be an impactful experience that will reinforce your faith, reunite you with your brothers in Christ, and reaffirm your faith in our Father. Men: It’s time to ReUp! 

Register HERE
Connecting, Caring, and Sharing in Christ
Come join the Campus Care Team at St. John’s!

St. John’s has a full-time position available for the right team member to help keep our beautiful campus clean and well maintained inside and outside. St. John’s is a robust Lutheran Christian ministry with a highly reputable Elementary/Middle School (K-8th grade) and Early Childhood Center (Infant-K4). Experience in cleaning/light maintenance is preferred, but not a requirement. The successful candidate will have a great work ethic, be on-time, exhibit a good attitude and have a desire to become part of the team. We will train. This is an hourly position with wages based upon experience and skills.

St. John’s offers excellent health and retirement benefits that include vacation, retirement plan (403-b), pension plan, health insurance, LTD/STD, and other benefits.

If interested in interviewing for this position, please contact:

Janet Hatland
Director of Campus Care
St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church
809 S. 6th Ave., West Bend, WI 53095

262-334-4901 ext.316
jhatland@stjohnswestbend.org

Our New Guide Book & Directory is Here!

Check your mailbox for our new 2021 St. John's Guide Book & Directory. It should be arriving in the coming week!

The Advertisers helped provide this service at NO cost to our congregation. We encourage you to think of them in the future as your needs arise.
School Town Hall, 4/20/21, 6:30 PM, Church Sanctuary

The Parent Partnership Organization invites you to attend our school town hall. Mr. Jim Van Dellen will present on the year in review, a look ahead to the 2021-22 school year, and answer questions. Your family is encouraged to send at least one parent for this event. Due to protocols, child care will not be provided.

Please RSVP HERE

Have a question? Click HERE to complete the form for your question to be answered.
Email Camp Director Marcia Milam for any questions or to apply for a scholarship at mmilam@sjswb.org.

Register HERE.
It's Good to be Together in the Lord
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel HERE!
View our Livestream HERE!
Our Wednesday night discipleship hour will resume next week at 6 pm in the sanctuary. We’ll be diving into “Re-connecting in a post-pandemic world” and consider what it means to live out our vision statement as disciples wherever the Lord has placed us! Join us in the sanctuary or via Livestream! 
Discipleship in as many places as possible.
Faithful Disciples, Academic Excellence, Christian Leaders
St. John’s Early Childhood Center is hiring! Part-time or Full-time positions are available. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the St. John’s Early Childhood Center at ecc@stjohnswestbend.org or 262-429-1061 ext 501.
Click HERE to Register
Contact St. John's Elementary & Middle School for Enrollment Options: 262-334-3077 or email school@stjohnswestbend.org.
Contact St. John's Early Childhood Center for Enrollment Options: 262-429-1061 or email ecc@stjohnswestbend.org.
Partner Ministries
Living Word Youth Summer Camps

Are you looking forward to summer? We sure are...which is why we are excited to announce our 2021 Living Word Youth Summer Camps! For more information regarding camp offerings and online registration, visit www.lwlhs.com/camps. Discounts are available for attending multiple camps and we offer sports, music, art, and more, so spend your summer with us!
Living Word Jr Wolves Football Program

The Living Word Jr. Wolves Football Program is offering 2021-2022 5/6th Graders Flag Football and 7th/8th-grade Tackle Football. Each team will practice 2-3 nights per week with games in SE Wisconsin. The season runs August-October. For more information, visit www.lwlhs.com/jrwolves.
SWD Student Financial Aid

Students attending a Concordia University or Seminary, preparing for full-time church work in the LCMS (pastor, teacher, DCE, DCO, DCM, deaconess, DFLM, DPM) and are a member of a congregation in the South Wisconsin District - LCMS are eligible to apply for financial assistance from SWD. For more information and the two applications required to be considered for Financial Aid, visit the SWD website – swd.lcms.org – under Resources. The deadline is May 15.
Contact the office to learn how to join the Living Word Luther High School family.
 
Click HERE to sign-up!
Contact the Enrollment Office to learn how to join the CUW family.
 
Click HERE to sign-up!


Do you feel God's Calling to Become a
Pastor or Deaconess?    

Click HERE to learn more. 
Reach in Prayer, St. John's App, Daily Devotions
For a Digital Copy of the Connections Booklet, click HERE.
Saturday
6:00 PM Traditional
 
Sunday
8:00 AM Traditional
9:30 AM Blended (In-Person and Livestream)
11:00 AM Contemporary
809 South 6th Ave
West Bend, WI 53095
Church Office: 262-334-4901