“In Christ Alone We Stand”On July 13th, 13 youth and 4 adults from St. John’s will be boarding a bus headed for New Orleans, LA, for the 2016 LCMS National Youth Gathering. Every three years, since 1980, thousands of Lutheran youth have gathered together to celebrate Jesus and grow in their faith. During the 5-day event, we will spend time in God’s Word, worship, service, and fellowship with over 25,000 Lutheran youth from around the country—and even from around the world! (And

yes, there will be a little bit of fun and play, too)!I attended my first NYG in 2001 (also in New Orleans). I will admit I don’t remember a whole lot about the worship, Bible studies, and speakers at that NYG. But growing up in a tiny town of a whopping 250 people with a church that had about a dozen “active” youth and being the only LCMS Lutheran in my close circle of friends, (which they referred to as the “mean” Lutheran church), I often felt like I was one of only a small handful of people my age that took what the Bible said seriously. So the thing that made the greatest impression on me was coming together with that many young people all in one place who believed what I believed about Jesus and the Bible. Even though I was attending an LCMS college at the time, for the first time I really came to realize that I wasn’t the only one out there my age that cared about my faith and just how much we are in this together through faith in Christ alone.The Rev. Dr. Joel D. Lehenbauer, writes in one of the 2016 NYG Bible studies:

Life gets very complicated sometimes and it’s easy to get pretty confused about what may seem to be unlimited theories and philosophies and religions that promise to provide answers and solutions to life’s problems. It helps to remember that according to the Bible, there are really only two ways to live your life and tell your “story”: either a true way that is centered in Jesus Christ alone … or a false way that is centered in your sinful and delusional desire to be your own “savior.”

We get so bombarded by the messages of the world through politicians, television, music, and social media telling us that the solution to our problems is to be our own savior—that we have learn to live and fend for yourself and stand on your own two feet—that I can do this on my own and I don’t need your help.But the apostle Paul writes to the Philippians and to us, “For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21). Through faith in Christ, we are all wrapped up into His body—baptized into His death and resurrection that gives us a life forgiven and free to serve one another with one another. On our own, life is hard, but in Christ Alone, we have a solid foundation on which to stand, as the Gathering theme song by Keith and Kristyn Getty reminds us:

In Christ alone, my hope is foundHe is my light, my strength, my song…

My comforter, my all in allHere in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ AlonePastor Steve

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THOSE WHO SERVEELDERS July 3 (8 a.m.) Jim Kinsley(10:30 a.m.) Doug AuchJuly 10 (8 a.m.) P.R. Olson(10:30 a.m.) Scott PospishilJuly 17 (8 a.m.) (10:30 a.m.) Mark RutterJuly 24 (8 a.m.) Jim Kinsley(10:30 a.m.) Roger AmanJuly 31 (8 a.m.) (10:30 a.m.) Jim Kinsley, Roger AmanACOLYTES July 3 (8 a.m.) Keaton List, Thea Chance(10:30 a.m.) Charles Foote, Zara BitsosJuly 10 (8 a.m.) Jared Cutler, Garrett Cutler(10:30 a.m.) Ben Rumsey, Cole RumseyJuly 17 (8 a.m.) Alexander Nockels, Paul Koenigs(10:30 a.m.) Kylie Auch, Jenna DiedeJuly 24 (8 a.m.) Brooke Goeden, Thomas Honeywell(10:30 a.m.) Erin Knight, Emerson McClureJuly 31 (8 a.m.) Brennan Pipes, Austin Radack(10:30 a.m.) Kylie Roth, Ethan RussawGREETERS July 3, 20168 a.m.  Front: Ken & Lonnie RemingtonSE entrance: Don and Marlys List10:30 a.m.   Front:  Roger & Cheryl GreggSE Entrance: Wanda DolejsiJuly 10, 20168 a.m.   Front: Elmer & Iona FischerSE Entrance:  Linda and Duane Bair10:30 a.m.  Front: Neil & Trish RoskelandSE Entrance: Dan & Jackie ThompsonJuly 17, 20168 a.m.  Front:  Max Stepp SE Entrance:  Evan & Carol Borchard10:30 a.m.  Front:  Karen & K.C. RogatSE Entrance:  Tim and Rita ButlerJuly 24, 20168 a.m.  Front:  Norbert & Diane RothSE Entrance: George & Lisa Williams10:30 a.m.  Front: The Dan Altman FamilySE Entrance: Betty KucaJuly 31, 20168 a.m.  Front: Mark & Donna YonkeSE Entrance: Addie Zeeb Yonke10:30 a.m.  Front: Joyce BrunkenSE Entrance: Linda DavisORGANISTS July 3 – Dianne DiekmannJuly 10 – Shelley HeilJuly 17 – Dianne Diekmann (8 a.m.;)July 24 – Shelley Heil (10:30 a.m.)July 31 – Donna Knodel

ALTAR GUILDJULY 2016 COMMUNION SET UP

July 3 8:00 Ron EnsenbachJuly 10 10:30 Joe and Laurie LaBarge

July 17 8:00 Susan BuxcelJuly 24 10:30 Joe and Laurie LaBargeJuly 31 8:00 Duane and Linda Bair

10:30 Duane and Linda Bair

JULY 2016 COMMUNION CLEAN UPJuly 3 8:00 Ron Ensenbach. & Sherry

ThalerJuly 10 10:30 Joe & Laurie LaBargeJuly 17 8:00 Susan BuxcelJuly 24 10:30 Joe & Laurie LaBargeJuly 31 8:00 Duane and Linda Bair

10:30 Chuck & Ruth Walburg

USHERS (8 a.m.) Norbert Roth (c), Diana Roth, David Wright, Ila Wright

(10:30 a.m.) NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME

LWML HAPPENINGSJULY

Dealing with the Shock of DeathThe news is full of tragic shootings, bomb blasts and other works of evil. I found this Mustard Seed Devotion from the Mustard Seed Packet, “In Times of Need”, to share with you.And there followed [Jesus] a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him (Luke 23:27).As Jesus was being led away to be crucified, the community was in shock. Mourning and lamenting ensued. From triumph to tragedy, He was being led out of the city to die. Things had changed so quickly.When news breaks of unexpected, often tragic, deaths in a community, the shock spreads rapidly. The lives of police officers, firefighters, public officials, even innocent children can be ended suddenly while going about their daily routines. Communities are shaken to the core in the wake of such deadly tragedies.Coping with tragic community deaths is difficult. But Jesus understands such circumstances. He walked in them. He died for them. In the midst of mourning and lamenting He brings hope and consolation. St. Peter reminds us, Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1Peter 5:7 NIV). Tragic times call for transcending faith in Jesus who overcame death so we can spend eternity with Him.We pray: O Lord, help me to cope with death and tragedy in my community, looking to You for hope and consolation because You

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went the way of the cross for me and for my salvation. In Your holy name. Amen.May your hearts and minds be filled with God’s peace as only He can give.President PattiTaken from “In Times of Need”   Mustard Seed Devotions, written by Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, and Rev. Kris Whitby.

LWML Circle news – Dorcas circle will meet on Thurs. July

7th for our summer outing. Rachel Circle will not meet in July Ruth Circle will meet at St. John’s July

21st at 1 p.m. Hostess will be Betty Frohreich.

Anna Circle – Please watch the bulletin for information.

ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCHCOUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

JUNE 14th, 2016.

Present: President – Matt Stone; Pastor Steve; Secretary – Janice Stone; Financial Secretary - Roger Gregg; Elders– John Marquardt, Doug Auch and P.R. Olson; Trustee – Dave Thompson; Human Care – Shellee Heinemeyer; Evangelism – Fonda Lacey; Preschool – Susan Buxcel; Matt Stone called the meeting to order and Pastor Steve led the council in devotion and prayer. Motion to accept the May 10th, 2016 minutes, made by John Marquardt, second by Rich Dolejsi, motion carried. Motion to approve attached Treasurer's report, made by Roger Gregg, second by John Marquardt, motion carried.

As of April 30th, 2016 YTD

Actual Operating Income $50,940.54 $244,433.39

Actual Operating Expense $ 64,616.00 $285,328.15

Actual Net Income/(Loss) YTD

- $3,675.46 - $40,894.76

Motion to approve Financial Secretaries Report, made by Dave Thompson, second by Doug Auch, motion carried.Motion to approve the check register and hold the mortgage payment till the due date at the end of the month, made Roger Gregg, second by Shellee Heinemeyer, motion carried.

Elders Report: We met and discussed what we now need to do, in light of the absence of our DCE. We are looking into options moving forward short term. We would like, along with the Pastors, to visit with a young woman from Sioux Falls to see if there is any interest in helping the pastors with some of our programs. We would also ask if Suzanna Kinsley would be interested in a few hours a week to help with upcoming events, such as VBS. We would also like approval to begin a call committee to research what personnel St. Johns would benefit the most from.Motion to proceed in exploring available options and develop a call committee to explore the needs of St. Johns to determine the replacement of a full time church worker, made by John Marquardt, second by Dave Thompson, motion carried.Motion to approve membership changes (attached), made by John Marquardt, second by Shellee Heinemeyer, Motion carried.Education Report: End of the year picnic for our Sunday School teachers went well, and we are needing to find more teachers for next year. Zingers are meeting tonight for a camping adventure. We have started recruiting for VBS.Evangelism Report: We are gathering ideas for the Riverboat parade and will play off the theme with " How Salvation was won". We are sending off members on the mission trip, and we are looking at budgeting for the coming year.Preschool Report: We have two aid positions open and will be advertising in the bulletin for a couple of weeks and the newspaper. If you know of anyone who would be interested, please send them our way.Human Care Committee: We met this evening prior to the council meeting. We will be asking the congregation to be involved in VBS by bringing cereal boxed to be donated to the contact center, as well as food items needed for the sack pack program; such as peanut butter, ramen noodles, bowls of easy mac and

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fruit cups. We reviewed an application and approved, plus Shellee will discuss with designated elders for approval.Pastor Steve's Report: Luther Tour is open for registration. This will be a 12-day tour from May 22nd to June 2nd, 2017. Cost will be approximately $3998 per person and is all inclusive (except one meal a day). I will be attending the NYG as one adult has determined they can't make the trip. My vacation dates are May 23rd-25th, and June 30th – July 9th.Old Business: Change in the fiscal year to match with our preschool year to allow for easier budgeting. We may also need to look at changing the annual meeting dates to fall in line with our by-laws. Matt will do some further research and present at the next voters meeting.New Business: Motion to provide a free will donation for Amy Weyers, made by Dave Thompson, second by Shellee Heinemeyer, amended by John Marquardt to reflect an individual who would collect funds and a deadline to end the donations, accepted by Dave Thompson and Shellee Heinemeyer, motion carries. Motion to move funds from capital reserve to the general fund to cover costs of a new water heater in the amount of $3,354.00, made by John Marquardt, second by P. R. Olson, motion carries.Motion to proceed with the recommendations approved by voters proposed by the safety and security committee, including; monitors for the office, FOB for the west doors, panic button and intercom system, to be funded by the Schaefer account, made by John Marquardt, second by Doug Auch, motion carries.Motion to approve a request from the endowment fund, from the preschool, for tuition assistance, made by Dave Thompson, second by Doug Auch, motion carriesMotion that we allow addictions groups to use the Luther Lounge, made by P. R. Olson, second by Dave Thompson, amended by John Marquardt to reflect

until we have our use policy in writing, amendment accepted by P.R. Olson and Dave Thompson, motion carries.Motion to adjourn made by Shellee Heinemeyer, second by Dave Thompson, motion carries.Council closed with the Lord's Prayer.Minutes reviewed but not approved by council.Janice Stone, Secretary

Pastor Dave's reportI'm currently at my last annual training and I wish thank St. John's for all their support through the years. There will be an official retirement ceremony on June 23rd at 4 p.m. Anyone is invited to attend. On July 3rd in between the services we are providing cake as a thank you to the church

With recent events at St. John we will be shorthanded for a while. To help meet the challenge we as pastors will be seeking help from many and I would encourage all the committees to use the time &talents sheets to get extra folks to assist us during this time.

Summer is here! The Ice Cream Social is near! St. John’s Ice Cream Social is

set for Wednesday, July 20th from 4-7 p.m. Proceeds will go towards the LWML Scholarship

fund to give financial aid to students entering into church work. The

committee is asking for your talents, time and treasures with cash donations, providing cakes or pies, making taverns, working in the kitchen or dining area, and/or cleaning up at the conclusion of the social. Signup sheets are found in the Gathering Area. Join the fun and fellowship!

The Committee

Thank You to all who sent cards, phone calls, and warm wishes on our 60th wedding

anniversary. Cliff and Darlene Gullikson

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ST. JOHN’S TREASURER’S REPORTYTD Profit and Loss as of 5/31/16

Income $244,433.39Expense $285,328.15Net Income -$40,894.76

Mortgage Payment - $4,705Mortgage Maturity Date September, 2018Mortgage Balance as of 5/31/16 $117,695.70

Thank you for the birthday cards and well wishes I received for my 80th birthday.

God bless you! Ken Blumer

MEMBERSHIP CHANGESSINCE ELDERS’ MEETING

MAY 2016GAINS IN MEMBERSHIPBAPTISM

Rylan Tyler James Rabbass, infant son of Jourdan and Lindsey (nee Kuehler) Rabbass, born August 7, 2015 and received through baptism May 29, 2016

Owen Joseph LaCroix, infant son of Neal and Christina (nee Kaiser) LaCroix, born March 10, 2016 and received through baptism June 5, 2016

BY TRANSFER Mark & Elizabeth Krepel, and

confirmed children Christopher, Brittney, and Amy from First Trinity Lutheran Church of Bloomfield, NE

BY JUNIOR CONFIRMATION Keith William Schenkel, confirmed

April 24th at Blessed Redeemer Lutheran Church of Brandon, SD

LOSSES IN MEMBERSHIPBY DEATH Ward (Butch) Domogalski who passed

away May 8, 2016 and received Christian burial through St. John’s May 11, 2016

John (Jack) Graham who passed away May 19th and received Christian burial through St. John’s May 26, 2016

Agnes M. Dannenbring, who passed away May 22nd and received Christian burial through St. John’s June 3rd

Membership was:Baptized membership – 1386

Communicant Membership – 1079Membership Now Stands at:

Baptized membership – 1390Communicant Membership

– 1082The Human Care Committee is requesting the congregation to be involved in VBS by considering to donate cereal

for the Contact Center as well as food items needed for the sack pack program such as peanut butter, ramen noodles, bowls of easy mac and fruit cups.

TINY TIDINGS We are looking ahead to the 2016-2017 school year. Please prayerfully consider sending your preschooler to

St. John’s. We love spending each day that God gives to us with your little one. You can visit our website at www.stjpreschool . org to download your enrollment form, or call the church office at 665-7337. If you are interested in a personal tour, we will be happy to meet with you and show you around! Classes are starting to fill, and we wouldn’t want you to miss the opportunity to give your preschooler a start on their educational journey. We are offering an “ALL DAY” M-F Pre-K Session, half day M-F PRE-K PM Session, and M/W or T/TH AM 3 yr. old Session. Mrs. StevensThank you to all who   participated in our photography event for our new directory.   We collected 130 pounds of food which was donated to the Contact Center.  We are hoping to have 1-2 additional photography days this summer for those people who couldn't schedule this time. 

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Keep watching the bulletin for those dates.

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