Easter Egg Hunt Well Attended Despite Snow

In Wisconsin, you definitely don't know what the weather will be like. So, it wasn't a surprise when it snowed the Friday before this year's Easter Egg Hunt. Since we had snow on the ground, we hosted our Easter Egg Hunt inside. Even with the snow and cold temperatures outside, we had 98 kids participate! Thank you to Pastor Nieman for his devotion. Thank you also to everyone who helped stuff over 2,500 eggs and to those volunteers who hid them for the kids to find. Families had fun connecting, caring and sharing during this Easter celebration.

Praying everyone has a blessed Easter!

Desiree Titus

St. John's Children's Ministry Director

Register for the 2024 Men's Retreat

May 17-19, 2024

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ~ Romans 8:28

We have a God of purpose. No, not porpoise, as in the marine animal… (but He created that with purpose too.) Purpose as in function, direction, meaning, intention. God has worked and is still working with purpose, and you have a role in His grand plan.

If someone on the street calls you a “tool”, you’re probably not too excited about it. However, if you consider that idea from your perspective of faith, with God as the Master Craftsman, it may be the right description. Consider the tools you’re familiar with; each designed and made with a specific purpose in mind. Furthermore, not only have they been forged or assembled with purpose, they have also been deployed to accomplish a job. To do work; “called according to His purpose.”

We’re talking about work at a retreat?! Well, kinda. The reason we retreat is so that we can also return. Return with purpose. Return with a renewed understanding of how God is at work in and around you. Don’t worry, we will certainly have time to laugh, relax, and recreate. But we will also dig into God’s Word so that, by His Grace, we can grow in our understanding of Him who works “On Purpose, For Purpose”.

View the Men's Retreat Brochure

Register for the 2024 Men's Retreat

Kammerchor Choir to Perform at St. John’s on April 6

Concert is Saturday, April 6 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary

Kammerchor (German for “chamber choir”) is an auditioned mixed voice ensemble of approximately 40 singers, which sings a wide variety of choral literature from the Renaissance to the present, including concert pieces, anthems, spirituals, and hymns. As a touring ensemble, Kammerchor has sung in worship and concert virtually all over the continental USA, several times to Canada, and overseas to locations as varied as Brazil, China, and several locations in Europe. Appearances range from local churches to tour sites to major on-campus performances such as Christmas at Concordia. Kammerchor has provided recorded music for broadcasts of The Lutheran Hour, the radio ministry of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League, and for Worship for Shut-Ins.

Kammerchor is under the direction of Dr. Alexa Doebele. Dr. Doebele is a professor of music and director of choral activities at CUW. She conducts Kammerchor, Selah, and the Chapel Choir, in addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in music education, conducting, and choral literature. She is a frequent clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, and is active as an editor of choral music. Dr. Doebele is also active as both a solo and choral singer, having appeared with the Milwaukee Chamber Choir, Vox Antiqua, the Milwaukee Choral Artists, the Colorado Conductors’ Chorus, the Ars Nova Singers, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, the Boulder Chorale, the Littleton Chorale, and the Colorado Symphony Chorus.

Experience the Chosen!

The St. John's Connections Task Force is excited to host a FREE movie night of The Chosen Season Four, Episodes 1 & 2. RSVP is not required, but your response will help us plan for the FREE refreshments. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Movie time is from 6:00-8:30 pm. Spread the news and invite family and friends!

RSVP to Watch the Chosen

Welcome New St. John's Members!

Confirmation of Faith:

Logan Forler 

Gabe Lambrecht 

Elias Raddeman 

Talan Schepp 

Eva Schloemer 

Michaela Sitzberger 

Transfers & Profession of Faith: 

Matt & Lauralie Benidt (Myles, Alaina, Emilia)

Wayne & Jayne Bernhardt

Julie Ebenhoe (Ethan, Rebecca)

Rick & Denise Flanagan (Brett, Alyssa, Colton)

Joshua Hauser

Ann Holleback

Ray & Penni Johnson

Austin & Monica Luedtke (Wade, Lila)

Jeremy & Allison Neerhof 

Robin Noyes 

Richard Patterson

Zach and Kendra Rechcygl (Kane)

Jim & Ellen Roerdink

Scott & Jenny Schepp

Dennis Scherwinski

Drew & Adrienne Setzer (Felix, Vincent)

Charlene Voelker

Dean Voelker

Zachary Voigt

Tyler & Gabby Walker (Owen)

PLEASE NOTE: DH will not meet on Easter Sunday, but will resume on April 7.

Quilters

• Please Note: There is No Meeting on April 1

• Next Meeting is Monday, April 8 

• Starts at 9:30 am

• Church Lower Level/Fellowship Hall

Our team of quilters meet each Monday at 9:30 am in the lower fellowship hall to make quilts that are sent out to people in need around the world.

For more information about the Quilters Ministry, please call the church office at (262) 334-4901 or email: stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org.

Mom Café

• Thursday, April 4 

• 8:00 - 9:30 am

• Church Gathering Space

Our Winter 2024 Mom Café offers an opportunity for two book studies. On February 1 and 15, we dug into The Case for Easter. Lee Strobel looks at the story of Jesus’ resurrection and reveals how we can know that it actually took place. Lee discusses how all the facts point to the conclusion that led him from atheism to Christianity: Jesus was the Son of God who conquered the grave!

Starting March 7 is a 6-week study, M is for Mama. Mama of ten, Abbie Halberstadt helps women humbly and gracefully rise to the high calling of motherhood without settling for mediocrity or losing their minds in the process. M is for Mama offers advice, encouragement, and scripturally sound strategies seasoned with a little bit of humor to help you embrace the challenge of biblical motherhood and raise your children with love and wisdom. 

Mom Café meets every other Thursday (April 4 & 18, May 2 & 16) from 8:00 to 9:30 am in the church gathering space. The connections made at Mom Café have been a blessing to many moms. Enjoy mother-to-mother support, faith-filled conversations, fellowship, food, and FREE childcare. Space is limited for childcare.

Ladies Aid Meeting

• Thursday, April 4 

• Starts at Noon

• Church Lower Level

Lunch will be served at noon followed by devotions by Pastor David. A short meeting will follow. Anyone interested in joining us is welcome!

The Ladies Aid actively serves by providing meals for families following funeral services. They monthly meet in the lower level fellowship hall for a time of food, fellowship, devotional time, and a variety of activities.

If you have questions, please call Joanne Johnson at (262) 707-0899.

Sister to Sister Bible Study

• Monday Nights (2nd, 4th & 5th Monday of the Month):

• Monday, April 8

• 6:30 - 8:00 pm

• Meet at Penny Van Dellen's House - 940 Schloemer Dr, West Bend

Wednesday Mornings:

• Wednesday, April 3

• 9:00 - 10:30 am

• Church Nursery

Angie Smith's video series and book, Matchless: The Life and Love of Jesus, will be discussed. Books are available for $16. Enjoy Bible study and fellowship with your sisters in Christ.

If you have questions, please email Penny Van Dellen at pvandellen@sjswb.org or email Denise Siebel at blessedonwheels@gmail.com

Winter Futsal

Futsal is simply indoor soccer. So if you love soccer, join us in the school gym on Sundays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Adults and high school students are welcome to join us. All skill levels are encouraged to join us.

To get on the Futsal Text Alert List, please text Molly Herbolsheimer at (414) 350-9451.

Youth Events

BASH - Hunger Games - Group Hide and Seek

• Friday, April 5

• 3:00 - 5:30 pm

• At St. John's Church

All Youth Bible Study - Parables of Jesus

• Sunday, April 7

• 6:30 - 8:00 pm

• At Alan's (1821 Jefferson St, West Bend)

All Youth Bible Study - Parables of Jesus

• Sunday, April 14

• 6:30 - 8:00 pm

• At Alan's (1821 Jefferson St, West Bend)

BASH - CARCADE

• Friday, April 19

• 3:00 - 5:30 pm

• At St. John's Church

• Drivers Needed

• Cost $20

JUST LAUGH IMPROV

• Sunday, April 21

• 3:00 - 5:00 pm

• Grade 6 and up

• At St. John's Church

Register for the Just Laugh Improv Youth Event

Attention ROCK (Grades 8-12):

You're invited to help with BASH (Grades 4-7)!

Contact Alan if you are interested.

Please call or text Alan Lull at (262) 707-9198 with questions about any youth events.

All Pro Dad

• Monday, April 10

• 6:30 pm

• Church Nursery

All Pro Dad Chapters provide an opportunity for dads to spend quality time with their children that will strengthen their relationship. For one hour each month you'll get to join other dads and kids for a fun, memory-making event. Enjoy a FREE breakfast with your kids while connecting through conversation around a specific monthly topic! Our topic for April is Forgiveness. Sign up by scanning the QR Code or click link below.



Click Here to Learn More and Sign Up

April Meeting Flyer

Baptism Class

• Monday, April 15

• 6:30 pm

• Church Nursery

The class is led by Doug and Mel Raddemann. This course is for anyone looking to be baptized themselves or for any parent who would like his or her child baptized at St. John's. The class introduces what we believe and confess about the amazing gift that baptism is for individuals and families.

Please RSVP to the church office if you plan to attend by emailing: stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org or calling: (262) 334-4901.

April Book Club

Our Women's Book Club typically meets the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm. Come to all of our book club meetings or just the ones that fit into your schedule. We do not have a regular meeting location, but enjoy the hospitality of hosting each other. Please watch for the locations of each get together as they become available.

Book Club List for April - May 2024

NEW BOOK AND NEW MEETING LOCATION FOR 3/19!

April 16: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin (Self-Help). We are meeting at Amanda Thumann's house (4300 Finbars Road, Saukville).

May 21: Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (Science Fiction). We are meeting at Christa Markworth's house (1341 Evergreen Street, West Bend).



Please contact Cheryl Wipperfurth at cwipperfurth71@gmail.com or Leah Mussel at lmussell@sjswb.org with any questions.

Youth Mission Trip to Nashville

• June 15 - 21, 2024

• Youth in Grades 7 and Up

• At least 3 Adults Needed

• Cost $290

• Friends are Welcome!

Join Alan for a 7 day mission trip to Nashville, TN. Click on the link below for more information.

Nashville Mission Trip Information

Please call or text Alan Lull at (262) 707-9198 with any questions.

Click Here to subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Click Here to view our Livestream

Visit our website: www.stjohnswestbend.org

Secure Your Child's Spot at Camp Invention

Grades: 1st - 6th

Location: St. John's Lutheran School

Date: June 17-21, 2024

Time & Cost: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm ($270 Before Discount)

Camp Director: Marcia Milam, Email: mmilam@sjswb.org

Register at INVENT.ORG/CAMP

If you are willing to help children attend Camp Invention, click here to donate.

The Twelve Forty-Eight is a young adult ministry for those in their 20s and 30s in the Milwaukee area who want to connect with other young adults through a variety of different events and Bible study. We have Bible study every second Friday of the month as well as planned events once a month.

If you have any questions or want to be added to our email/message chain you can contact one of the leaders, Leah Mussell at lmussell@sjswb.org or email the 1248 Ministry at 1248ministry@gmail.com. We would love to have you join us!

For more information, visit their website at lwlhs.com.

For a Digital Copy of the Connections Booklet, Click Here.

Click Here for Events Calendar PDF

Saturday

6:00 PM Traditional

Sunday

8:00 AM Traditional

9:30 AM Blended (In-Person and Livestream)

11:00 AM Contemporary