Sunday Connections - March 17, 2024 | |
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Click Here for the Worship Livestream!
(Livestream available at 9:30 AM Sunday Service)
Record Your Online Worship Attendance Here. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Here!
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In the Master Narrative today, the “Parable of the Prodigal Son” focuses on the Father. Our Heavenly Father restores us through His Son, Jesus, so we are not lost, but found! He calls us to repentance, battling our sinful will (which is common to all humankind), and asking us to seek His holy and perfect will (which is the uncommon and unconditional forgiveness and love of our Father). There is a great celebration in heaven awaiting all who come to the Father for forgiveness in the perfection of Christ, our Brother, who didn’t hold the Father’s love against us, but paid the price for us! Get used to being Different...you are found in Christ!
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Experiencing the Goodness of God | |
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Greetings in the Goodness of God!
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!” (Psalm 34:8a) was the verse for this year’s St. John’s Couples Retreat at the Inn on Woodlake in Kohler, Wisconsin over the weekend of March 1-3. Indeed, God is good…all the time! With all the terrible things going on in the world, the brokenness that we all experience in us and around us, and the craziness of life that often distracts us from rest and renewal in marriage, we were blessed to dive deeper into God’s goodness. 29 couples (six were new to the Couples Retreat) gathered in God’s goodness to grow in faith, worship, rest, renew, explore, and have some laughs together as couples.
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Friday night started with an evening reception that included cocktails and fellowship time in the hotel’s Atrium. As the people of St. John’s love to do, much Connecting, Caring and Sharing in Christ was happening! The Friday Night Welcome Activity was a Food Tasting Event where one couple from each of six Breakout Groups were “nominated” as blindfolded contestants to Taste & See various food items and identify them. It’s amazing to see the variations of taste…when you can’t see!
Friday ended and Saturday morning began with intimate worship services as God drew us in to remind us of His love and prepare us as couples. On Saturday, Rev. Dr. Dan Paavola helped couples dive deeper into the Word…exploring God’s goodness. As Dr. Paavola always does, he weaved wonderful stories of family life: his mom and dad, his own marriage (to his beloved, Holly), cookbooks, spices, ropes, crosses, and recipes. Dr. Paavola helped us explore God’s goodness in the beauty, the differences, and the journey of marriage, all redeemed by Christ’s work on the cross. After a great lunch from the hotel, couples had free time to renew, explore the Kohler/Sheboygan area, and grab dinner at some great restaurants. Some couples even reconnected back at the hotel to play games. More tasting and seeing the goodness of God!
Sunday began with breakfast and Sunday worship. Pastor Hesse helped tie the weekend together with the message “Taste & SEE…to Taste & BE the Goodness of God” before couples journeyed home to reengage life in God’s promises.
Please join us in thanking our good and gracious Lord for His gift of marriage and His work in drawing St. John’s couples together in His love over this special weekend!
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Camp Invention Returns the Week of June 17-21 | |
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My passion is to help children explore their imagination in creative ways and work together to help our world be a better place. In partnership with National Inventors Hall of Fame® (NIHF), going on 11 years, I am blessed to be the local Director of Camp Invention®. Over these past 10 years, St. John’s has provided this unique STEM camp to include students from West Bend and surrounding communities from over 8 different schools and have recruited both middle school and high school students to be leadership interns - helping to be mentors and leaders along with our amazing instructors, volunteers, and director team. Personally, my favorite part is seeing many of our past participants of Camp Invention grow up to be leaders in our community and even enter the science, technology, engineering, and teaching fields.
Thanks to awesome reviews from parents, teachers and — most importantly — campers, Camp Invention® returns to St. John’s Lutheran School the week of June 17-21, 2024 with an all-new program! Kids in grades 1st-6th grade will team up for exciting STEM challenges, like designing a light-up ball game, starring in a prototyping game show and more!
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Spots are filling up, so click here to register today!
Use promo code SUM25 by 3/27 to save $25.
My goal is to provide the opportunity to attend camp to as many children in our community as possible. I recognize that many students in our community cannot afford the program fees and could miss out on this amazing enrichment opportunity. I am humbly asking you to join me, if you are able, in helping more children have the opportunity to attend Camp Invention. Your donation will provide Camp Invention to underserved children in our community. Our goal is to support 20+ campers who otherwise would not be able to attend.
If you are willing/able to join me in helping children attend Camp Invention, click here to donate.
If you have any questions, please contact Marcia Milam at mmilam@sjswb.org
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! You are much needed and appreciated!
Joyfully Serving,
Marcia Milam, CI Director
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Join us at worship services this weekend as we welcome new members and confirmands. Congratulations and welcome to the St. John's family! | |
Sign Up for Our Annual Easter Egg Hunt | |
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The St. John’s family has been hosting our Annual Easter Egg Hunt for many years. This community event is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to gather at St. John’s for a morning filled with fun, fellowship, and of course finding EASTER EGGS! It may still be chilly that Saturday so bring a coat and gloves along with your Easter Basket. If it rains, we will be doing the hunt inside! Children ages 1 year through 10 years are welcome to participate. Join us on Saturday, March 23 beginning at 9 am. To sign up, please use the link below!
Sign Up for the Easter Egg Hunt
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Registration is now open for the 2024 St. John’s Men’s Retreat, May 17-19, 2024!
Our retreat theme is “On Purpose, For Purpose”. Drawing from Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Join us at Camp Luther in Three Lakes, Wisconsin to dive into the ideas of God's purpose and your purpose in His plan. We have a great weekend of fun and discipleship in the works! You already know you want to go, so what’s the point in waiting?! Get registered today!
Register for the 2024 Men's Retreat
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Engage in important and hopeful dialogue with fellow Christians about living in a time and place that is foreign to us as we Get Used to Being Different.
Adult Discipleship Hour (DH): We will be discussing Holy Week. We meet in the lower level of the church at 9:25 am.
Middle School DH: Meets in the Social Studies room on the 2nd floor of the school.
Kid's DH Ages 3*-5th Grade: It’s a wonderful opportunity for the kids to connect, care, and share in Christ together with old and new friends! Children ages 3-5th grade will learn through age appropriate lessons with fantastic teachers. Drop off for them will be in the ECC K3/K4 AM Classroom, the last classroom upstairs. *Children must be potty trained. If your 3-year-old is not potty trained, we have child care.
Child Care for Ages Infant-3 Years Old: Child care is in the ECC 2-year-old classroom.
Sign Up Your Child for Kid's Discipleship Hour
+++PLEASE NOTE: DH will be on hold March 24 and March 31 for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, but will resume on April 7.+++
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Connect at Upcoming St. John's Events | |
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LWML Collecting Teacher Kits
Please Drop Off Supplies on March 17
The St. John’s LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) and the students at St. John’s West Bend School have joined together to collect Teacher Kits for Orphan Grain Train (OGT). Teachers in some countries do not have the basic supplies they need to adequately teach students. The Teacher Kits not only provide essential teaching supplies, they allow teachers to focus more on their students.
Each donation changes lives and provides hope to teachers and children in need around the world. The love of Jesus Christ is shared with each kit packaged. Each Teacher Kit will be cherished and greatly appreciated. Look for the LWML display in the church Gathering Space.
Teacher Kit Supply List
In you have questions, contact Pam Muther by calling (262) 338-9435 or emailing her at pjmuther@yahoo.com.
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Help Beautify the Church for Easter
Purchase a lily, daffodil, or tulip for $12 to help beautify the church for Easter Sunday. You can pay by credit/debit card online (link available AFTER submitting order), by cash, or by check (please make checks payable to St. John's Altar Guild).
The availability of different flowers are limited. The option to order plants will be removed from the form when they are sold out.
If you would like to place your order through the Google Form using the link below or the St. John's App and do NOT have an email address, please use rmorton@stjohnswestbend.org.
Orders are due by Monday, March 25.
Plants can be picked up at church after the 11 am Easter Service (March 31) or donated to one of our shut-ins.
If you have any questions, please contact Rachel Morton at (262) 334-4901 ext 327 or rmorton@stjohnswestbend.org
Order An Easter Flower Here
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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. All skill levels are encouraged to join us.
To get on the Futsal Text Alert List, please text Molly Herbolsheimer at (414) 350-9451.
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Youth Events
All Youth Bible Study - Parables of Jesus
• Sunday, March 17
• 6:30 - 8:00 pm
• At Alan's (1821 Jefferson St, West Bend)
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)
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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 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.
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Baptism Class
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.
• Monday, March 18
• 6:30 pm
• Church Nursery
Please RSVP to the church office if you plan to attend by emailing: stjohns@stjohnswestbend.org or calling: (262) 334-4901.
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March 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 March - May 2024
NEW BOOK AND NEW MEETING LOCATION FOR 3/19!
March 19: What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon (Historical Fiction). We are meeting at Georgia Robedeau's house (5296 Juniper Lane, West Bend).
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.
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Mom Café
• Thursday, March 21
• 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!
The 6-week study, M is for Mama, started March 7. 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 (March 21, 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.
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Sister to Sister Bible Study
Monday Nights (2nd, 4th & 5th Monday of the Month):
• March 25
• 6:30 - 8:00 pm
• Meets at Becky Fleischmann's House this week - 2331 Park Avenue, West Bend
Wednesday Mornings:
• March 20
• 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
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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.
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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.
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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
Save $25 with Code: FUN25 at INVENT.ORG/CAMP (Offer expires March 27, 2024)
If you are willing to help children attend Camp Invention, click here to donate.
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Prayers of Comfort for Melisa Gmirek and family at Tom's passing and recent funeral on March 14. Prayers of comfort for the family of Denny Oechsner, student at Living Word Lutheran High School, who tragically passed away on March 14. His parents, Bryan and Heather, are teachers at LW.
Prayers of Thanksgiving for the faith of the New Members and Confirmands joining membership at St. John's this weekend.
Members in the Hospital: Tom Miller and Jack Muryn
Members in Treatment, at Home, or Recovering: Terry Soper, Adrian Buntrock, Barbara Leininger, Jeff Guth, Jean Phillip, Mary Biegler, Char Otto, Judy Dricken, Tim Drover, Mary Ann Gierach, Roger Berth, Cathie Schuler, Bruce Biendarra, Ken Endlich, Monica Wunder, Joel Clausen, Kathryn Benner, Gladys Hron, Barbara Moritz, Carla Kinkel, Delores Fischer, Marcy Donaldson.
Non-Members: Franklin Keller (Father of Julie Keller), Cheri Fleer, John Kumbalek (Friends of the Biendarra Family), Shane Nault (Grandson of Mike & Carmen Kuntz), Viola Bradshaw.
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Reach in Prayer • St. John's App • Daily Devotions | |
For a Digital Copy of the Connections Booklet, Click Here.
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MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP
3:30 & 6:00 PM Traditional
(Livestream at 6:00 PM)
SATURDAY WORSHIP
6:00 PM Traditional
SUNDAY WORSHIP & DH
8:00 AM Traditional
9:25 AM Adult Discipleship Hour (Lower Level)
Middle School DH (2nd Floor School)
Kids DH (2nd Floor ECC)
9:30 AM Blended (In-Person and Livestream)
11:00 AM Contemporary
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809 South 6th Ave
West Bend, WI 53095
Church Office: 262-334-4901
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