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St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
DEC 2019 NEWSLETTER
VISIT US ONLINE stpaultomah.org
Inside This Issue
C19 ......................................... 2
Volunteering ...................... 2
LWMS News ....................... 4
Basket Weaving ................ 5
New Pastor News ............. 6
Share the Blessings ......... 8
Upcoming Events ............. 9
School News .................... 10
Luther High News ......... 12
Anniversaries ................. 13
Upcoming Events
Schedule Church Christmas
Tree Decorating
Sun., Dec. 1
Advent by Candlelight
Sun., Dec. 1 | 4 pm
Journey to Bethlehem
Sat., December 7
3:30 pm—7:30 pm
Please check page 8 for
more events...
Google, the Gospel and Christmas
Almost everyone has used the search engine Google. Even if you have never used the Internet, you likely have heard Google mentioned in an advertisement or news program and have an idea that it is a resource used via the Internet to find information. Google has become a main resource to assist people to find every-thing from a medical diagnosis to a romance. It is likely that some people use it to find sources of information for their spiritual or religion questions, too.
What happens when you enter the phrase “tell me about God” in Google? When I entered that phrase the first two options on my screen were advertise-ments to draw me in. Sound familiar? When was the last time you did anything via the Internet and did not have to put up with advertisements? If you were try-ing to access “free” content, you probably were bombarded by many video com-mercials or other visual advertisements of products or services you might “like.”
People are bombarded with holiday music, holiday decorations and holiday themes of all kinds during this time of year. Which message will get through to those who may not know why baby Jesus came to earth? How will they sort through it all to find the true reason for Christmas? That message is conveyed best from one person to another.
Chances are you communicate with many people every day in various ways, including the multiple Internet platforms. Take advantage of all your opportuni-ties to let people know about what Jesus has done for them. He came to earth as a baby and grew into a man who died for the sins of the whole world. Because God “would have all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:4)
When people Google God, what do they find? Try it for yourself and see what they see. Keep that in mind the next time you get a chance to talk face-to-face or over social media to a friend or acquaintance about God, Christmas, Jesus, or any aspect of spiritual or religious beliefs. Try seeing it from their point of view and it will help you present the Gospel to them in a relatable way.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV): “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
Happy Googling and Merry Christmas!
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
2
Board for Lay Ministry Members
Bryan Meyer Chairman 608-372-7967 bbmeyer@charter.net
Keith Schedler Vice-Chairman 608-343-6787 keith@donsplumbingtomah.com
Kevin Kilsdonk Secretary 920-203-1947 krkilsdonk@gmail.com
Ryan Brookman Elder-Ministry of Finance 608-344-0040 brookman13@centurytel.net
Pat Mulrain Elder-Ministry of Worship 608-387-9287 mulrain54@gmail.com
Bill Rogge Elder-Min/Spiritual Growth 608-372-7630 ckrogge@hotmail.com
Robert Gerke Elder-Min/Encouragement 608-487-1170 rbrtgerke@yahoo.com
Ryan Franks Elder-Ministry of Outreach 414-533-0915 rkfranks@hotmail.com
John DaSilva Elder-Ministry of Education 608-347-2287 jdasilva1989@yahoo.com
Gary Pingel Elder-Ministry of Property 608-343-9917 garping91756@gmail.com
Be Part of C19
One million souls. That is the goal. To share the gospel with one million souls prior to and on Christmas Eve. That goal is part of WELS Congregational Services’ C19 program. Yes, 1,000,000 is a big number. Yet, that is the goal—to share the gospel with one million souls prior to and on Christmas Eve 2019. The only way that goal is reached is if the army of saints that is the WELS works together. Each member, young and old, needs to embrace
the privilege and responsibility of sharing Christ with unchurched friends, relatives, and neighbors. A simple way to do that—invite them to come with you to your congregation’s Christmas Eve wor-ship service. Christmas Eve has surpassed Easter as the worship service that unchurched individu-als are most likely to attend. A recent survey found that 80% of unchurched adults would seriously consider accepting an invitation, extended by a friend, to attend a Christmas Eve service.
C19 is short for “Christmas 2019” and is a program produced by WELS Congregational Services to help our churches and members undertake this effort.
OPPORTUNITIES TO DO GOD’S WORK AT ST. PAUL
Many members have made generous donations for special items over and above their regular
weekly offerings. For these special gifts, we give glory to God. Please consider the items and pro-
jects listed below when considering special gifts to the Lord for the work of his kingdom here at
St. Paul Lutheran.
1) Handbell refurbishing ($3,000)
2) Offering baskets ($350)
The following are ongoing efforts and represent vital needs for many of our members:
1) St. Paul Student Assistance Fund 3) Broadcast Fund
2) Luther High School Student Assistance Fund
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
3
Newsletter Mailing
St Paul publishes a newsletter filled with important information every month and mails it out to
our members. It has come to our attention that some of our members are NOT receiving a news-
letter. We are truly sorry if you have been overlooked. Please contact Sarah at the church office if
you want to get on our mailing list or if your address has changed. We are also able to email the
newsletter to you if you so choose. Thank you.
A Volunteer Is Love in Motion
Opportunities to volunteer and give of yourself here at St Paul have increased. We are currently
looking to fill two positions: Member of a funeral serving team and Kitchen Coordinator. Both of
these positions are workers behind the scenes who give a few hours a month, but are vital to the
smooth operation of the fellowship activities we provide. A member of a funeral serving team will
be called about every fifth funeral to help set up the lunch. The Kitchen Coordinator periodically
surveys the kitchen to assure that it is organized and stocked with needed supplies. Who of us has
not attended a funeral luncheon or fellowship meal at our church? These activities do not “just
happen” but are the result of many hands working together. Please, if you are able to be one of
those hands call Sarah at the church office for more information.
November ministrations: Baptism: Shayla Kathryn Meyer Transfer from us: Elizabeth Brohaugh to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Onalaska, WI
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
4
LWMS newsletter report for December 2019
How appropriate it was to have our Mission Festival so close to Thanksgiving
because WELS has SO much to be thankful for. Who could have ever imagined a few years ago that WELS would be given permission by communist Viet Nam
to build a Lutheran seminary in Hanoi. But, as Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.”
The Mission Festival held November 17 was an uplifting and educational
event. Guest speaker Pastor Prange talked about the history of our involve-ment with the Hmong Fellowship Church (HFC) in Viet Nam. You could definitely see the hand of
God in everything that happened, beginning in the 1970’s when a member of a WELS church in Kansas City gave his seat to a Hmong visitor during a crowded church service. That visitor became
a WELS pastor and began posting his sermons in the Hmong language on the internet. A pastor of
the (HFC) in rural Viet Nam started to read these sermons and wanted to know more. This request led to our Pastoral Studies Institute translating our service and educational material into Hmong,
visits to Viet Nam to train HFC pastors and eventually receiving permission from the Vietnamese government to build a WELS theological training facility in Hanoi. And, who knows where all of
this will lead? Pastor Prange explained, that because the Hmong people do not have a country of their own, they live in settlements around the world. Our involvement in Viet Nam could provide
world-wide mission opportunities to those living in these settlements. And to think that all of this started when someone welcomed a stranger into his church family.
This should serve as an example to each one of us. You never know where an act of kindness, a
welcoming gesture, a word of encouragement, an invitation to a church service or a declaration of
God’s love to someone will lead. But you don’t need to know that. All that is required of us Chris-tians is that we continuously plant the seed and water it and God will give the increase.
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
5
Basket Weaving
On Saturday November 16, St. Paul WINGS welcomed local basket weaving instructor, Rose Berry,
to show us how to make a basket. A group of 18 ladies attended. We learned that basket weaving is
something that is found in every nationality across the globe. Even monkeys have the skill set to
weave together something that will allow them to carry things from place to place. Rose provided
patient instruction and all the needed supplies for us to make personalized baskets. How interest-
ing it was to see all the different designs and colors we all came up with! A free will donation was
collected that Rose will forward to a non-profit organization and allow 8 children in Uganda, Africa
to attend school for one year. Everyone who attended said it was interesting, fun, and that they
would like to see more of this type of activity. The next WINGS meeting is scheduled for January 12,
2020 and anyone interested in organizing another fellowship activity is invited to bring ideas.
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
6
Christmas Caroling at Liberty Village
Join the Elizabeth Circle for Christmas caroling
at Liberty Village on Monday evening, December
9th at 6:15 pm. Additional people are needed to
sing and greet the residents. The carolers will
gather at 6:00 pm by the first floor dining area.
Shut-In Cookie Bags
We’re planning to put together Christmas
cookie bags for our home-bound members on
Wednesday, December 11th at 9:00 am. If you
are able, you are asked to make a donation of
one to two dozen cookies and bring them to the
church kitchen that morning. Any type of cookie
or treat will be accepted and appreciated!
Jesus Cares Living Christmas Card
Bring the true meaning of Christmas to your
life by viewing the Living Nativity scene on Sun-
day morning, December 15th at 10:10 am in the
church narthex. Participants of the Jesus Cares
group will be dressed in various roles as they
focus on the birth of Jesus.
Advent Fellowship Meal—one date left!
We plan to have a fellowship meal between
Advent services on Wednesdays. Only one date
is left: Wednesday, December 18. If you or your
organization would be interested in sponsoring
a meal, please contact the church office. To God
be the glory this Christmas season!
If you would like to purchase your own copy
of the Wartburg Project’s
Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version
(the translation we have adopted for use in our church & school)
please see the display, samples and sign up sheet in the narthex
Hardcover Edition: $18 (25% volume discount)
Gift Edition:$60 (black bonded leather)
Deadline to order: December 8th
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
7
Journey to Bethlehem
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
8
December 2019 Shut-In List
A Touch of Home: Marcella Austin, Mary Hoffman, Elaine Miller
Close To Home: Ron Schulz
Liberty Village: Mary Graf, Ray Marten, Elizabeth Salzwedel, Cathy Sachse,
Patricia Peters, Cleo Lenz, Bev Gerke, Vera Kuehl, Norma Bernhardt, Alice Bartels
Morrow Home: Joanne Peth, Harverd Wagner, Geraldine Brieske, Dorothy Gerke
Rolling Hills: Eric Bernhardt, Edna Eckelberg, Gene Pedersen
Tomah Rehab Center: Ida Chase, Norel Quist
Heritage Manor: Ruth Sommerfield
Please keep our shut-ins and homebound members in your thoughts and prayers as we
begin this holiday season. Their hearts are always warmed by those who greet them at
Christmas. Below is a list of our members who are at home or living with family. Addresses
may be obtained by calling the church office at 372-2347.
Geraldine Brandau Duane Lauersdorf
Jeanette Cox Helen Lawrence
Harris & Alice Dahle Muriel McKinley
Claude & Inez Davis Duane Prise
Fritz & Zetta Fredrickson Inez Raabe
Marcella Fritz Darlene Trowbridge
Bob Habelman Fern Williams
Lois Harvey Phyllis Zillmer
Bob & Judy Helming
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
9
DATES TO REMEMBER IN DECEMBER
Sunday, December 1
Church & Christmas Tree Decorating | after second service
Advent by Candlelight | 4 pm | Church fellowship hall
A special evening for women to celebrate the Advent season.
Wednesday, December 4
Midweek Advent 1 Worship | 3:30 & 7 pm | Meal between services
Saturday, December 7
Journey to Bethlehem | 3:30-7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 11
Pack Shut-in Cookie Bags | 9 am | Church fellowship hall
Midweek Advent 2 Worship | 3:30 & 7 pm | Meal between services
Sunday, December 15
Jesus Cares | Living Christmas Card | 10:10 am
Wednesday, December 18
Midweek Advent 2 Worship | 3:30 & 7 pm | Meal between services
School Christmas Open House | Between services
Tuesday, December 24
Christmas Eve Children’s Services | 4 & 6 pm | “See What Great Love”
Candlelight Service | 9 pm
Wednesday, December 25
Christmas Day Festival Worship | 9 am
Tuesday, December 31
New Year’s Eve Worship | 7 pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
10
Grade 2:
The 2nd graders have been busy learning about Jo-
seph and Moses and how God had plans for their
lives. We are looking forward to making a crockpot
apple crisp for math so we can practice measur-
ing. We've been studying famous inventors and had
fun testing our paper airplanes when we studied the
Wright Brothers. We just started our Rocks and Min-
erals unit in science and enjoyed examining the beau-
tiful minerals in God's creation. And we are beginning
to work on our Christmas Service parts, too! We pray
you have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me. Psalm 25:4-5a
Kindergarten:
The kindergarten class got to participate in the sec-
ond Viking Group activities. Viking Group is an event
that the school has several times a year. Students
from each class get put on teams that are mixed with
students from other classrooms. These events pro-
mote the school community and give leadership roles
for the older students, while the younger students get
to learn from other kids. This month, the students
wrote thank you cards to veterans in honor of Veter-
ans Day. The students were able to show their thank-
fulness to the veterans and they were able to share
Bible passages on these cards. The kindergarten class
enjoys taking part in Viking Groups!
Grades 3-4:
Grades 3-4 have both been working on writing com-
plete paragraphs. The topics have included favorite
foods, sports, and places to visit. We are also working
on our keyboarding skills by using the web-
site, typing.com. We have begun learning our parts for
the Christmas Eve service. We will continue to learn
songs and recitations to help proclaim the birth of
Jesus.
Grade 1:
We've had a quick November. The first graders have
been busy learning about Joseph and Moses, memo-
rizing lots of new addition and subtraction facts, and
reading more and more fun stories! In science, they
got to learn about the sun, Earth, and water. At the
end of the month, they learned all about the first
Thanksgiving, as well as Pilgrim and Wampanoag life
long ago. We're looking forward to working on the
Christmas Eve service and making Christmas art pro-
jects and decorations!
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
11
Grades 5-6:
The next few weeks will be busy ones in the 5-6 room.
We've started our preparations for the Christmas Eve
services and look forward to being the messengers of
God's great news for the congregation!
We've been privileged to have Jacole Welch helping us
out as a 5-8 classroom aide for the past few weeks.
She's been a welcome addition to our afternoons, and
we're thankful to have her with us.
We enjoyed a visit from Mr. Byus and assorted St. Paul
alumni from Luther High last week. The students had
the chance to ask some questions about the high
school and have a conversation about the possibility
of secondary Christian education. Financial
information folders for Luther High are available in
the school office.
Grades 7-8: Mrs. Neumann
The 7th-8th graders have been hard at work this past
month. We’ve had a few changes to our schedule
again. We welcomed Ms. Jacole Welch as our
teacher’s aide. She has been a tremendous help to
students and teachers in the upper grades. We are
studying Newton’s Laws of Motion in Science. We
just finished up a unit on diagramming sentences in
English. We are reviewing and learning new
formulas in our various Math classes. We’ve also
begun work on the Christmas service. The days are
flying by as we continue to study and use our God-
given gifts and abilities! Happy Thanksgiving from
the 7th-8th graders!
Preschool:
The preschool class has an exciting month. They en-
joyed learning how God helped David defeat Goliath
and save the three men in the fiery furnace. We are
now finally learning how God kept His promise by
sending Jesus into the world! We also have our songs
almost ready for our Christmas service on Dec. 22nd
at 10:30. We are looking forward to singing about the
birth of our Savior! We had a special week in Novem-
ber where 3 of our Military dads came and showed us
some of their military items/clothes. Thank you to
everyone who is serving and has served in the mili-
tary to help keep us free!
Other School News:
Our basketball season is well underway - please take
a look at the athletic calendar and stop in to see the
St. Paul Vikings! Many thanks to all who volunteer to
make our home games run smoothly.
St. Paul School Open House
Wednesday, December 18th
4:30 pm—6:30 pm
Everyone is invited to see the decorated class-rooms and the Christmas decorations made by
the students.
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
12
A Christmas Greeting to you from the Pastor,
Board for Lay Ministry Members, School
Faculty, Church and School Staff and Their
Families:
All of your co-workers here at St. Paul join
you in giving thanks to the Lord as we hear
the Good News of our Savior born in
Bethlehem.
We thank you for all the love and acts of
kindness you have shown us throughout the
year. May God bless you and your families
at this special Christmas season and may
he bless our work together in the New Year!
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
13
12-02-17 Benjamin & Nicole Raboine 2
12-06-86 Scott & Stephanie Brookman 33
12-08-90 William & Cindy Rogge 29
12-11-76 Richard & Mary Gerke 43
12-14-68 James & Carol Blado 51
12-19-03 Ryan & Karissa Franks 16
12-20-75 Randie & Pamela Johns 44
12-21-68 Carrol & Mary Wallerman 51
12-23-72 Ted & Wanda Schleicher 47
12-26-08 Troy & Xandria Boettcher 11
12-27-81 Leon & Pauline Clark 38
12-27-53 Harris & Alice Dahle 66
12-27-02 Chad & Audrey Marti 17
12-29-01 Nicholas & Nicole Raabe 18
12-30-67 Richard & Marcia Anger 52
12-30-06 Richard & Michelle Kuehl 13
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School Newsletter December 2019
14
Non-profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Tomah, WI
Permit 22
DECEMBER 2019 NEWSLETTER
St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church
525 Superior Avenue
Tomah, Wisconsin 54660
www.stpaultomah.org
“Return Service Requested”
Our Mission Statement
We, the disciples of Christ from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Tomah, Wisconsin, do hereby announce and proclaim that it is our intention and purpose in this world to share the Word of God, especially the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with all people, as commanded by and with the help of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Worship Services
Sundays | 8:00 & 10:30 AM
Thursdays | 7:00 PM
Information
Church | 608-372-2347 | stpaultomahchurch@gmail.com
School | 608-372-4542 | stpaultomahschool@gmail.com
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