Weekend Worship - Jesus Is the Good Shepherd

Scripture Readings: 1 John 3:16-24, John 10:11-18.

“I Shall Not Want” (Psalm 23:1) ~ What is it we want for? What does the human heart desire vs. what we really need? We want all kinds of things, but Jesus, our Good Shepherd, knows what His flock (His Church) really needs: His goodness (love) and His mercy (forgiveness) forever! God fulfilled everything we truly need in the gift of His Son. By faith, Jesus promises to give us all that we will ever want as He shepherds us into His heavenly presence now and eternally: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the House of the LORD forever.” (Psalm 23:8)

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(Livestream available at 9:30 AM Sunday Service)

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Sign Up for the Bible Journaling Workshop

Saturday, May 4 • 9:00-11:00 am • Lower Level

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things…” ~ Philippians 4:8

Do you ever find your mind wandering when you read? How many of you have picked up a book (think light fiction, nothing requiring a ton of brain power), read three pages, and then realized you have no idea what you just read? I do this all the time, and that’s when I’m trying to read for fun! Sometimes I just have too much on my mind to focus on the words on the page.

When I’m reading fiction, it doesn’t really matter how much I retain from each page as long as I get the gist of the plot line. But what about reading for retention or reading that requires some intentionality? What about when I’m trying to devote myself to the Word of God, when I’m trying to meditate on what is true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely? If I’m being honest, sometimes that is hard! I try to focus, I try to retain, I try to learn and grown…but sometimes the words on the page get jumbled up with the rest of the chaos in my mind and I come away from my “devotion time” not always sure of what I’ve just read.

So how do I truly meditate on the Word of God? How do I still my mind enough for His Word to sink in?”

First, I make sure I’m in it consistently. The more I read, the more I absorb. The Bible isn’t a book to be read once and then checked off “the list of things to read in my life.” It’s the living and active Word of God that has something new for me each time I pick it up!

Second, I take the pressure off myself by realizing that God’s living and active Word is at work in my life by the power of His Spirit every time I read it, regardless of how focused my mind is. If my mind wanders, that’s OK. His Word is still at work in ways that are beyond my ability to comprehend.

Finally, I take advantage of a practice called “Bible Journaling” to help me still my heart and mind while I mediate on His Word. Bible journaling is the prayerful practice of pausing to reflect on a verse or section of Scripture, a devotion, or even notes taken from a sermon or a retreat.

Rather than just opening my Bible and reading for the sake of reading, I limit myself to a portion of Scripture and do three things:

1. I ask, “what does this passage say?” and try to summarize it in a few sentences. 
2. I ask, “what might God be telling me in this passage?” and look for practical applications. Is He teaching me to trust His timing? Demonstrating His sovereignty? Convicting me and calling me to repentance? Comforting me in my sorrows? 
3. I pray over what I’ve read and what God might be telling me.

Bible journaling looks different for everyone.There’s no one right way to do it, but this is the process that works for me. As I do those three things, sometimes I draw and doodle in the margins. Sometimes I write out my prayers. Sometimes I add in my sermon notes or notes I took on a retreat that relate to a particular passage. Sometimes I color in pre-drawn Bible images or bookmarks that I’ve found online that relate to that section of Scripture. It just depends on the day.

Ladies, if you’d like to learn more about this practice or discover what your “journaling style” is, we would love to have you join our women’s ministry for a Bible Journaling Workshop on Saturday, May 4 from 9-11 am in the Lower Level. Bekah (Karolus) Lukas will be joining us to walk through the “why” behind journaling and some of the creative ways you can engage in the practice. Bring your Bible and $10, and we will provide the remainder of the supplies along with some delicious treats!

Blessings to each of you as you meditate on the things that are true, honorable, just, pure, and lovely.

Rachel Morton

Assistant Worship Director



Sign Up for Bible Journaling

If you have questions, please contact Becky Fleischmann by emailing deanbeckyf@gmail.com.

TODAY! Learn About Our Confirmation Process

April 21 at 12:15 pm in the Gathering Space

Are you are a parent of a child who is, or soon will be, mature enough to begin confirmation conversations? Are you a teen or adult wondering about confirming your faith? Join us on April 21 at 12:15 pm in the Gathering Space to hear more about our process.

Whatever your situation, there can be many questions to answer; questions like: How do you get started? How does the St. John’s confirmation process work? What’s needed to begin? What’s confirmation actually about? What if my kids go to St. John’s School? What if they don’t? Which Pastor will help me with confirmation? What about Promises of Grace?

To help you answer these and other questions, the pastors of St. John’s invite you to attend a Confirmation Orientation Meeting, where Pastor Stephen Reynolds will talk about the process in a relaxed atmosphere that invites open discussion. The goal will be to equip our people with an understanding of what to expect from the conversations as a family, and how to prepare for it.

As school schedules come to a close, the summer is a great time to begin confirmation confirmations! Delicious cookies will also be provided to help you think of great questions.

If you can’t make it to the orientation, or would prefer to speak one-on-one with a pastor, please give the church office a call (262) 334-4901 and we’ll see how we can walk together with you to support your household of faith.

Parents Night Out

Friday, April 26 • 6:00-8:00 pm

Parents, when was the last time you were able to have a date night? When was the last time you made time to relax? We are here to help! On Friday, April 26 the ECC is opening its doors, inviting your children to play and explore from 6:00-8:00 pm, while you enjoy a night out!

We welcome children ages 6 weeks old through 3rd grade. Please make sure to fill out the online form through the St. John's Newsletter or App to reserve your child's spot by Wednesday, April 24th. We fill up fast! Space is limited and registration is accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Sign up opens Thursday, April 18. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Desiree Titus at dtitus@stjohnswestbend.org or (262) 429-1061, ext. 508.

Sign Up for Parents Night Out

Movie Nights! Experience the Chosen at St. John’s.

Friday, April 26 & May 3 • 6:00-8:30 pm

Come and See Foundation has recently provided the opportunity for FREE showings of The Chosen Season 4 with a goal of reaching a billion people. They hope people will come to know and love Jesus more through this relational film of Jesus walk on earth. Dallas Jenkins, creator of The Chosen, believes Season 4 is the best and most deep, spiritually and emotionally, season yet.

The original short film, The Shepherd, was released in Dallas Jenkins home church, and he is very excited you have the opportunity to engage with season 4 in a church setting. St. John’s Church will kick off The Chosen Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2 on Friday, April 26 at 6:00 pm in the church sanctuary. Doors open at 5:30 pm. This is a FREE movie night opportunity, so tell your family and friends and encourage them to come!

FREE refreshments will also be served! To help us plan accordingly, please RSVP via the google doc sign-up sheet. The event is FREE, but we do ask that you RSVP so we know how much popcorn to make! We look forward to providing this opportunity for people to gather socially, engaging in the story of Jesus!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Episodes 3 & 4 have been released, and we will be hosting another FREE movie night on Friday, May 3, at 6:00 pm in the church sanctuary! Additional FREE movie nights will be announced as Episodes 5-8 are released. Please sign up using the links below.

RSVP to Watch the Chosen on April 26

RSVP to Watch the Chosen on May 3

Attend the Congregational Meeting

April 28 at 12:15 pm in the Lower Level

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The Leadership Board is excited to share with you the next phase of our journey in discerning where God is leading St. John's next. After our last Congregational Meeting on February 4, we requested more information about:

• School infrastructure needs
• Church infrastructure needs
• Faith Haven infrastructure needs
• Lay leader development
• School, size and scope

We are excited to announce that more information has been gathered and now is the time to share that information with you!

The Leadership Board and Pastoral Team request that you join us on April 28 at 12:15 pm in the Lower Level. 

We will be presenting what we have learned over the past 3 months regarding possible:

• Improvements and vision about the school
• Updates at the church
• Changes to the many properties we have here at St. John’s

In addition, we want your feedback, so come prepared to listen, learn and share your thoughts! We will have breakout discussions in the lower level.

April 28 Meeting Agenda

February 4 Meeting Minutes

God's Blessings,

Mike Bryan 

Leadership Board President

Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra to Perform at St. John's

Sunday, May 5 • 3:00 pm • Sanctuary

The Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra (MMO) plays music arranged for 1st and 2nd mandolin, mandola, mando-cello, guitar, flute, mando-bass, percussion and voice. The MMO was organized in Milwaukee in 1900 and has been in continuous operation in Milwaukee since that time.

Led by Music Director Rene Izquierdo, the MMO's repertoire centers on the best in traditional American mandolin orchestra music (waltzes, tangos, marches and polkas) plus light classical, modern, Italian and Latin numbers. They regularly perform their unique repertoire at music festivals and concert halls around Wisconsin and occasionally outside the State of Wisconsin.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience an authentic mandolin orchestra – at St. John's West Bend. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $18 by scanning the QR Code or by visiting their website: bit.ly/mmo-spring-2024. Tickets cost $20 at the door. Enjoy these amazing performers at St. John's on May 5!

Register for the 2024 Men's Retreat

May 17-19, 2024 • Camp Luther

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

It's Time to Register for Vacation Bible School

Get a $10 Discount if You Register in April

Families! Children ages 3 years (and potty trained) through 5th grade are welcome to participate in St. John's annual Vacation Bible School (VBS). It is set to cast off on July 8-12! The theme this year is Scuba: Diving into Friendship with God. Grab your dive buddies for a whale of a good time! At Scuba, kids plunge into an undersea world brimming with colorful coral, flashy fish, and abundant life. Immersed in oceans of fun, kids discover God is a real friend who loves them forever.

VBS Online Registration opened April 1! Receive a $10 discount if you register during the month of April by using the code: EarlyBird10. Click the link below to register your child or children.

PLEASE NOTE: ACTIVE offers a subscription for their services to individuals, which has a cost of $89.95. This will probably be a pop up after clicking submit on the initial payment. Please pay attention to your screen or you may select the opt in and be charged that fee, which is NOT ours.

Register for VBS

Sign Up to Volunteer at Vacation Bible School

Calling all VBS Volunteers! It’s that time of year again when we are in need of strong, amazing, sweet, sassy, loud, quiet, Jesus-loving volunteers. Do any of those descriptive words describe you? I’m sure at least one of them did, so jump on board and join the team of VBS Volunteers. We are gearing up for another week of fantastic fun this summer (July 8-12). 

Volunteers meet in the school gym at 8:30 am every morning during the week of VBS, so that you are ready to welcome your crews or jump to the station you will be helping. You are typically finished serving for the day at 12:15 pm. 

We will be building the main set on June 1 from 8:00 am -1:00 pm at Our Redeemer! If you have any questions, please contact me, Desiree Titus, at dtitus@stjohnswestbend.org and I would me more than happy to answer any of your questions.

Sign Up to Volunteer at VBS

Join Us This Sunday for Discipleship Hour

At 9:25 am Through May 5

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 Speaking the Truth: What Do We Have to Say? We meet in the lower level of the church at 9:30 am. Come early for fellowship and refreshments.

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

TODAY! Just Laugh Improv Youth Event

Join us for fun, family friendly comedy. St. John’s West Bend is hosting a Just Laugh Improv Youth Event on Sunday, April 21 from 3:00-5:00 pm for Grades 6 and up. High school students will lead the improv teams. There will be time for devotion and audience participation will be encouraged.

• Sunday, April 21

• 3:00 - 5:00 pm

• Grade 6 and up

• At St. John's Church

• Refreshments Provided

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

Quilters

• Monday, April 22 

• 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.

Sister to Sister Bible Study

• Monday Nights:

• Monday, April 22, 29 & May 6

• 6:30 - 8:00 pm

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

Wednesday Mornings:

• Wednesday, April 24

• 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

Thank you for celebrating our 60th Anniversary with us and thank you for completing 190 Teacher Kits for Orphan Grain Train!

LWML - Zone 5 Spring Rally

• Saturday, April 27 

• Starts at 9:00 am

• First Immanuel Cedarburg

Next Meeting at St. John's: May 13 at 6 pm

In you are interested in joining LWML or have questions, contact Pam Muther by calling (262) 338-9435 or emailing her at pjmuther@yahoo.com.

Faith Haven Team Meeting

• Wednesday, May 1 

• 6 pm

• Church Nursery

We are looking for members who enjoy the outdoors and would like to be a part of an active group at St. John's. We will go over the plans for the 2024 season. Come with your thoughts and ideas for Faith Haven. We are looking forward to seeing you there! 

If you have any questions, please contact Tom Bruce (262-297-2587) or Brett Bergquist (262-305-3994).

Mom Café

• Thursday, May 2

• 8:00 - 9:30 am

• Church Gathering Space

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 (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, May 2 

• Starts at Noon

• 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.

Women's Ministry Bible Journaling Workshop with Pie!

• Saturday, May 4

• 9:00 - 11:00 am

• Lower Level

Join St. John's Women’s Ministry for a Bible Journaling Workshop and pie! Bekah (Karolus) Lukas will be leading our event. Please bring $10 that morning to cover the cost of supplies. Thank you!

If you have questions, please contact Becky Fleischmann by emailing deanbeckyf@gmail.com.

Bible Journaling Sign Up

All Pro Dad

• Monday, May 8

• 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 May is Integrity. Sign up by scanning the QR Code or click link below.

Click Here to Learn More and Sign Up

Youth Events

BASH - Mess Night!

• Friday, May 17

• 3:00 - 5:30 pm

• At St. John's Church

• Cost $5

• Bring Extra Clothes and a Towel

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 questions about any youth events.

Baptism Class

• Monday, May 20

• 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.

May 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 May 2024

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.

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.

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.

In the Hospital: Elmyra Martin

Members in Treatment, at Home, or Recovering: Jeff Guth, Laurel Meincke, Elmyra Martin, Roger Moritz, Roland Weisser, Tom Miller, Terry Soper, Adrian Buntrock, Mary Biegler, Judy Dricken, Tim Drover, Mary Ann Gierach, Roger Berth, Cathie Schuler, Bruce Biendarra, Ken Endlich, Monica Wunder, Joel Clausen, Kathryn Benner, Gladys Hron, Carla Kinkel, Marcy Donaldson.

Non-Members: Cheri Fleer & John Kumblalek (Friends of Biendarra family), Shane Nault (Grandson of Mike & Carmen Kuntz).

Click Here for Events Calendar PDF

Saturday Worship

6:00 PM - Traditional

Sunday Worship & Discipleship Hour (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