St. John Lutheran Ministries From Pastor Moreno

St. John Lutheran Ministries
Church - 675-3155/ School - 675-3605/
Childcare -675-4039
Battle Creek, Nebraska
Connecting People in the Heart of Jesus
August Newsletter 2016
From Pastor Moreno
Weddings
Chris Barry &
Chanda Goedken
were United in
Holy
Matrimony on
Saturday July 23,
here at St John.
Ryan Heller &
Kelsey Peterson were
united in Holy
Matrimony on
Saturday July 30 ,
here at St John.
9 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock
and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one
who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Saints at St John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek, God has answered your
prayers! It is a time for rejoicing!! Pastor BJ Fouts has accepted the call to serve
as your Senior Pastor!! This has been a challenging time for all, and you are to be
commended for your unflagging efforts during this vacancy!
God has answered your prayers. But He is still waiting…waiting to hear more
from you. God is not a magical genie who limits you to three “wishes”. He is your
Father, and urges you to bring every care and concern to Him. As Pastor Luther
teaches us:
God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father, and we are His true
children, so that we may with all boldness and confidence ask Him as dear
children ask their dear father. (The Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer, Luther’s
Small Catechism)
So, rejoice in this answered prayer! And - continue to pray! Pray for your new
pastor and his family! Pray for the ministry of the school and child care! Pray for
the town of Battle Creek. Your Father invites you!
Delilah Dorothy
Johnson was called to
her eternal home on
Sunday July 10th.
Her funeral was here
at St. John.
In His Service, and yours…
Francis Charles
Zimmerman was
taken to his eternal
home on July 14th
His funeral was at St
John, Norfolk Ne.
Installation Service for Pastor Fouts as our Senior Pastor will be held on
Pastor Moreno
August 14th at 3:00pm. Area Pastors and District President Snow will be in
attendance to welcome and bless Pastor Fouts. Coffee and bars will be served
afterwards. Pastor Fouts first service will be August 20/21st.
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Baptisms
Calla Evelyn Wolf
daughter of Jim & Erin Wolff was baptized on Sunday July 3rd.
Sponsors are Trevor & Kacie Dredla
Amos Larry Lewis
Son of Wendell & Mandy Lewis was
baptized on Sunday July 17th.
Sponsors are Dan & Kimmie Masters
St John is looking for someone to play the keyboard
for our Contemporary Services. If you or someone you
know would be interested please call the church office
402-675-3155. Contemporary Services will be held the 2nd
and 4th Sundays with all Traditional on the 1st 3rd and 5th
Sundays.
When giving towards the Love Deeply & Widely Campaign
and church or missions and using 1 check for all donations,
please make a note in the memo part of the check as to how
much to each item. Thank You!
Zibella Elise Forsythe
Daughter of Tim & Natalie Forsythe
was baptized on Saturday July 30th.
Sponsors are Nicholas & Rachel
Schott & Skye Aldag.
Love Deeply & Widely
Committed/ Received: $333,373
Need: $166,627
Ladies Aid News
The June 30th Ladies Aid Meeting was called to order with prayer by Vice President Suzanne
Buckendahl in the absence of president Mary Vakoc. She read a poem left by Mary entitled “When
Pastor Stops By for a Visit" which got out meeting off to a humorous start. The bible study on
Proverbs 20 was led by Janice Aldag. Proverbs 20 covers many practical matters, but most importantly addresses the attitude of the heart. In particular it points out the necessity of a pure
heart and shows us the only source of righteousness-our Lord Himself. As we read each verse, the
meaning and how it relates to our lives was discussed. The entire book of Proverbs, written by
Solomon, holds treasurers of wisdom and knowledge. LWML convention was held at Lutheran
High Northeast on June 17 & 18. Sarah Tillman attended from our Ladies Aid as the Young
Woman Representative and reported on some of the young women's activities Jan Glandt
reported on the activities of each day which included speakers, auction of homemade items all
made in shades of purple, the color of LWML, Rock-a-Thon, and youth activities. A highlight of the
convention, especially for us, was the involvement Pastor Snow on Saturday. Gary Thiese, from
Mission Central, gave a moving talk on "The Time is Now" telling us to share God's word with
everyone we come in contact with. Representatives attending from our Ladies Aid, in addition to
Jan and Sarah, included Shirley Staver, Linda Seiler and Janice Aldag. The meeting continued with
nursing home visit reports by Joan Otjen, Sarah Tillman and Ann Grant. Tilly Bauer, Loreen Glandt
and Alice Smith will conduct nursing home visits on July 14th new business consisted of the
Bloodmobile to be held July 19 at St. John Fellowship. Suzanne asked for volunteers to bring bars
and sandwiches. The August meeting will be held at Community Pride Care Center for lunch at
12:00. The September meeting will be held at the Battle Creek library due to fact that childcare
will be moving into our fellowship hall on August 1 and will also occupy the room used for our
meetings. Lunch was served by Linda Seiler and LaDonna Roewert.
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Ladies Aid Recipe of the Month
Submitted by Janice Aldag
Lemon Love Notes
MIX and pat in 9x13 pan: 1 cup butter or margarine,
2 cups flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Bake in 350
degree oven for 15 minutes.
MIX 1/4 cup lemon juice, grated rind of 1 lemon,
4 beaten eggs, 1/4 cup flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 t. baking powder. Pour on just baked crust.
Return to oven 25-30 minutes. COOL!
FROSTING: 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1 t. vanilla flavoring, 1 t. almond flavoring, 3 t. milk, 2 T. butter.
Mix well and spread over cooled bars.
BAKE AND ENJOY! (Can use Real Lemon in place of lemon and lemon rind.)
August
Birthdays
1 Brynn Hamer
1 Jim Hardt
1 Phillip Kirby
1 Brandon Schurman
1 Braylon Werner
1 MJ Wragge
2 Tyler Bayne
2 Lily Bernhardt
2 Justine Finkral
3 Ruth Masters
3 Jed Prauner
3 Jerry Prauner
3 Melanie Smith
3 Nick Sovereign
4 Lillian Bierman
4 Sarah Jurchen
4 Brenda Lauritsen
4 Loretta Praeuner
4 Dennis Schurman
4 Elighric Smith
5 Josh Eckert
5 Jennifer Schaffer
6 Lowell Bayne
6 Pam Henrickson
6 Paul Sandall
6 Brad Uecker
7 Stone Kraft
7 Patty Prauner
7 Paige Schulte
7 Morgan Sunderman
8 Brian Jansen
8 Elijah Kilonzo
8 MackenzieMcDonald
8 Micah Prauner
8 Fred Tiedgen
8 J.D. Volk
8 Rod Zohner
8 Mackoy Volk
9 Belinda Praeuner
9 Mildred Praeuner
9 Zach Ridder
10 Karlie Alder
10 Matthew Bowder
10 Troy Broders
10 Ruth Dickmeyer
10 Brock Heggemeyer
10 Athena Martin
10 Demetri Martin
10 Marv Nathan
11 Melissa Fryer
11 Terry Smith
12 Lynn Klug
12 Terry O'Banion
12 Braeden Schlote
13 Shirley Pochop
13 Callie Zohner
14 Pam Barry
14 Terry Boecker
14 Ron Potter
15 Alison Korth
16 Tyler Frederick
16 Bill Zohner
17 Stacey Larson
17 Morgan Reitz
18 Teresa Daum
18 Deb Eckert
18 Michael Fleer
18 Daisie Huttmann
18 Jodi Erickson
18 Ben Snow
18 Chad Wright
19 Wiley Anderson
19 Marty Eckert
19 Suzanne Fuhrer
19 Bev Klein
19 Brenna Wilson
20 Shelby Obst
20 Jim Prauner
20 Derek Retzlaff
20 Matthew Unkel
21 Matt Geyer
21 Erin Porter
21 Nancy Reeves
21 Jared Schnoor
21 Keira Voelker
22 Cohen Schnoor
22 Linda Lehmann
22 Dana Serres
22 Tim Wragge
24 Glen Acklie
24 Louise Barry
24 Tillie Bauer
24 Derek Broders
24 Stephanie Carlson
24 Steve Otjen
25 Dylan Hitz
25 Brandon McLean
25 Nate Test
25 Ally Volk
26 Ray Bierman
26 Hope Klug
26 Becky Ridder
26 Roger Spulak
26 Jake Werner
27 Damian Parker
27 Carma Anderson
27 Kathy Bierman
27 Candace Nicolay
27 Dave Reitz
27 Nicolas Schaffer
27 Stephen Schaffer
27 Debbi Schulte
28 Leon Boecker
28 Rhonda Praeuner
28 Mike Seelmeyer
29 Terry Aldag
29 Lynn Finkral
29 Kelly Volk
29 Zach Westerman
29 Justin Zila
29 Justin Zohner
30 Jenny Anderson
30 Brenna Kuk
30 Mary Nicolay
30 Scott Seelmeyer
31 Todd Hitz
31 Kenny Volk
Pastor Fouts last service in Hebron is Sunday August 7th. The Elders are asking for help with moving
them on Aug 8/9. We have acquired two U-Haul trucks and we are looking for anyone with an enclosed
trailer to help. We also need people to help carry boxes and load trailers in Hebron on the 8th, and to help
unload in Battle Creek on the 9th. Call Terry Aldag for more information, 402-680-0392. Lets all pitch in as
the family of St. John and welcome them into their new home!
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Lutheran High News: The Chapel theme for the 2016-17 school year is United in Christ,
taken from Phil. 2:1-2 - “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any
participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same
mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
The 20th Annual Beef Blast fundraising event is coming soon! Sunday, August 28 is the
date. Beef Blast has a new starting time – 10:30 am! The silent auction will begin at 10:30 am
and run until 1:30 pm; our picnic style meal will begin serving at 11:00 am and will continue
serving until 2:00 pm; and the live auction will begin at 2:00 pm. In addition, we will have
bounce houses and fun activities for the children.
One of the headline auction items this year for Beef Blast is a Husker Suite Experience
donated by Joe Ricketts and the Ricketts family. This will include 4 suite tickets to the October
22 game with Purdue; a pre-game tailgate; commemorative book and tickets to remember the
amazing views and unique experience while cheering on the Huskers!
This item, along with many more, will provide a great and fun fundraising event for the
Lutheran High family!
Twinkle, twinkle little star how I wonder what you are.
Up above the diamond high,
Like a star above the sky,
A-B-C-D-E-F-G … Dad I need help”
My two-year-old tried “putting his baby” to sleep in the middle of the afternoon. He needed
my help to remember the words to Twinkle, twinkle. Ironically, as I sang with him, he knew every
word. He didn’t stumble, he wasn’t a half-step behind waiting for my words, he knew every one.
When he sang alone, he got lost. When I sang with, he was a pro.
We, too, “know the words,” yet so often, still get tripped up. We’ve been taught how to live
and know what God expects, but still are in daily need of reflection and repentance for deviating
from His will. As sinners, the struggle is real. However, God has gifted us with a “body of believers” to help admonish and guide us on our journey.
Praise God for our church where we can gather to worship and also have community with
like-minded believers. Praise God for our childcare and school where we can not only teach and
train up our children, but also grow with them in their faith, and “sing along” with them on their journey. Finally, praise God that our salvation isn’t dependent upon our ability to perform, but on
Christ’s perfection!
Growing Together in Christ,
Mr. Onnen
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St John School Pool Party, August 14th at 6:00.
Opening Chapel August 16th at 6:30.
First Day of School August 17th Dismiss at 12:00.
St. John Council Minutes
Continuation of Voters Meeting
June 29, 2016
Chairman Bruce Grant called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Pastor Wright opened the meeting with prayer.
Roll call was taken. Chairman Grant reopened the budget discussion from the voters meeting on June 13, 2016.
The budget being presented today is significantly lower than the budget discussed previously. Many sources
contributed to the decrease in the budget: do not re-hire a DCE, a childcare position will go from full-time to
part-time, the full-time school aide will be replaced with 2 part-time aides, hire a less expensive pre-school
teacher and school income will increase with more students enrolled. The Stewardship team would like begin
thinking about the future of the church and asks each board to begin long term budget planning, 1 year, 5
years, and 10 years out. May it be noted that $20,000 was borrowed this week increasing the total debt to
$140,000 and we have borrowed $85,000 this fiscal year. Janice Aldag moved to approve the new budget, Rex
Volk seconded the motion and the motion passed by a ballot vote of 31 yes and 4 no.
The elders have requested the church services return to 5 pm on Saturday and 10:30 am on Sunday. This
change will be published for two weeks and then become official.
Pastor Fouts visited last Saturday. The call committee requests to amend the compensation package to be comparable to his current position. He will be mentoring more than four people. Lawren Miller moved to accept the
amendment in the compensation package for Pastor Fouts, Neil Acklie seconded the motion and the motion
carried.
Nick Onnen gave a building committee update. Hornboecker, from York, will move the modular classroom as
one piece the second week in July. A decision will be made by then about the plumbing for the facility and the
cost should be below $27,000.
Stacey Aldag thanked Bruce Grant for his leadership this year as Council Chairman. Neil Acklie moved to adjourn the meeting, Lindsey Schmitz seconded and the motion carried. Pastor Wright closed the meeting with
prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Stacey Aldag
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Church Council July 18, 2016
The July 18, 2016 Church council was called to order by Chairman Larry Moenning. Devotions and prayer
followed. Minutes were approved as printed.
Treasurer report by Judy Warneke: will have to borrow an additional $20,000.00 on July 19 to cover general
expenses. In special funds the 26th of each month we will receive a bill for Love Deeply and Widely
campaign, due the 10th of the following month. Jim ridder moved to accept treasurer’s report with Randy
Sellin second. Carried.
Elder Report given by Terry Aldag shows a transfer in of Leah Sunderman from Redeemer Lutheran Church,
Convoy, Ohio. Terry Aldag moved to accept transfer. Second by Randy Sellin. Carried. The elders have
reviewed Pastor Wrights’ Wedding manual. It was decided to wait until Pastor Fouts arrives and has a
chance to look it over before it is adopted by council. Moving Dates are August 8 and 9 for Pastor Fouts.
Options were discussed with it being decided to ask for congregational volunteers to help with moving.
Committee members for 2016 : Worship- Rodney Nicolay-Jeff Suckstorff-Gary Volk, Small groups-Gary
Borgelt-Dave Praeuner- Neal Acklie, Member Care- Randy Sellin-Troy Kramer-Jim Ridder. The elders requested to see monthly a list of employees and their hours. Elders approved paying $25.00 circuit fee.
Trustees by Matthew Geyer. They signed the corporate resolution, plan to spray parsonage for bugs, paint
steps, general cleanup and continue bat control.
Parochial Ed by Justin Eckert. School handbook was approved. Hired part time music teacher affiliated with
Lutheran high Northeast. Nicholas Onnen reported the portable classroom should be moved in by July 26.
July 27 and 28 is when Childcare will move into the parish hall. $2,700.00 was made at the Golf outing.
There is $8,583 in the account currently.
Shelly Borchers reported for Parish Ed- Currently there are 3 members. Sunday School is slated to begin
September 11. Pastor Wright is looking for someone to teach 5th and 6th grade confirmation.
Childcare report by Stephanie McDonald. Employee’s payroll info was given to the board members which
consists of Bob Buckendahl, Mike Goodwater, Randy Sunderman, Christy Schmidt, Sheri Kirby and Deb
Borgelt. The board wants installation of staff in the near future. Step 2 of quality in complete. They are
working on goal setting for the handbook. The wall stud signing in the remodel area was a success.
Evangelism report. Deanna Anderson said the committee is tossing around ideas with nothing concrete to
report at this time.
Jason Schmidt reported for Stewardship. He thanked all for working through the budget. The 5 and 10 year
financial planning should be beneficial for annual planning. Consecration ideas were reviewed but tabled
until Pastor Fouts arrives. Jim Ridder moved to accept Stewardships suggestion of the $10,588.00 from the
Ruby Porath estate being used for debt reduction. Second Neal Acklie. Carried.
Terry Aldag moved to adjourn, Second by Randy Sellin. Nicholas Onnen closed with prayer.
Karen Grant, Secretary
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Connecting people in the heart of Jesus. Serving the Lord’s House in
August 2016
If you are unable to serve, please find a substitute and call the church office (675-3155)
to correct the bulletin.
Date
Time
Sat. Aug 6
Sun. Aug 7
5:00
8:00
10:30
Ralph Glandts
Don Bauermeisters
Volk/Praeuner
Sat. Aug 13
Sun.Aug 14
5:00
8:00
10:30
Rich Seelmeyers
Paul Sandalls
Barry Pontons
Sat. Aug 20
Sun.Aug 21
5:00
8:00
10:30
Louis Biermans
Ron Herberts
Randy Sundermans
5:00
8:00
10:30
Randy Praeuners
Terry Carsons
Dennis Aldags
Sat Aug 27
Sun Aug 28
Greeters
Readers
Elders
H Oldehoeft
S Aldag
H Oldehoeft
S Aldag
S Aldag
Ushers
Sound
Volk
Howser
Stoural
Acklie/Suckstorf
Nicolay/Borgelt
Volk/Praeuner
Volk
Howser
Wolf
Acklie/Sellin
Suckstorf/Borgelt
Volk/Kramer
Volk
Borchers
Finkral
Volk
Griffith
Ruge
Acklie/Sellin
Nicolay/Praeuner
Volk/ Kramer
Volk
Howser
Wolf
Volk
Howser
Wright
Suckstorf/Sellin
Nicolay/Borgelt
Kramer/Praeuner
Volk
Borchers
Finkral
Volk
Schick
Stoural
Evangelism Collection for August
Evangelism will be collecting items for St. John School in August.
Some of the items needed are:
Dry Erase markers (any color)
White paper lunch sacks
Markers
Ticonderoga brand pencils
Glue sticks
Ziploc bags (various sizes)
Spoons/forks
Coffee
Cotton balls
Brown sack lunch bags for art projects
3 prong folders with pockets
Cheap paper plates for art projects
Shaving Cream (students write in it with their fingers for
kinesthetic learning)
Styrofoam or clear plastic cups for drinks and projects
Due to the Childcare moving into the Parish Hall, please drop your items off at the school or
church office.
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