bring changes to our committee structure. I invite you to come to a special congregational meeting on November 12th to learn more, and ask for your vote of approval.

The Holidays are right around the corner. Be sure to mark December 10th on your calendar. You don’t want to miss our

annual Christmas Cantata, which this year will be a lessons-and-carols

service. We gather after the late worship service for a congregational meal in the Family Life Center. Finally, since Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, we’ll have one “Sunday” service

at 9:00am in the Sanctuary, and three “Christmas Eve”

services at 5pm, 7pm, and pm.

November is a good month for giving thanks. We give thanks to God for the loved ones He’s given, give thanks to God for our family and nation, give thanks to God with our offering, and thanks to God for the people He’s bringing to Boerne.

Pastor Eric Waters

MESSENGER315 Rosewood Ave., Boerne TX 78006

830-249-3651www.stjohnlutheran.com

the

November 2017 • Volume 88-11

Stay Connected

Council Contacts

PresidentSkip Stefansen - 818-324-1510

Vice-PresidentScott Kramer - 512-914-3121

SecretarySharon Pace - 210-279-8685

TreasurerSherry Speir - 210-710-7724

Administration ChairBrad Morrison - 210-380-5843

Children’s Ministry ChairDebbie Jordan - 210-325-5873

Congregational Care ChairVi Depriest - 210-347-1476

Congregational LifeBob Rogers - 210-296-7820

Youth Ministry ChairBrandon Ross - 210-215-8062

WorshipShay Knippa - 830-522-1884

Stewardship ChairKyle Gass - 210-355-5567

Outreach ChairBob Moriarty - 830-368-5048

PropertyWalter Stroman - 210-912-8453

Mission ChairSara Moldenhauer - 210-219-3031

Youth MembersBrooks Klutts and Claire Lowrie

Pastors can be reached at830-249-3651

Pastor Eric WatersPastor Mariola Bergquist

From the Pastor’s Pen

All Saints’ Sunday is coming right up, November 5th. We will remember those who have died this past year and are now with Jesus, lifting up their names and giving thanks for their lives.

We give thanks to God as a nation on November 23rd, Thanksgiving Day, and will gather as a church for ourThanksgiving Eve worship service on Wednesday, November 22nd in the Historic Chapel.

One of the ways we give thanks to God is by giving back a portion of what He has given us. That will be the focus of a stewardship mini-series called “Treasure Test.” God calls us to trust Him with our finance, even inviting us “test me in this!” (Malachi 3:10). We’ll take Him up on his offer as we lay our giving pledges before Him on Consecration Sunday, November 19th.

Many young families are moving into Boerne, and we have a plan to reach them for Jesus and bring them into our church. That plan revolves around a new Family Ministry model, which will

First Fruits“…. 8 So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. 9 He brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey; 10 and now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, LORD, have given me.” Place the basket before the LORD your God and bow down before him. 11 Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things theLORD your God has given to you and your household. Deuteronomy 26: 8-11

As the Israelites were about to settle into the promised land after wondering in the desert for 40 years after leaving Egypt, God gave instructions - through Moses - on how to live. These ranged from the Ten Commandments, to the foods that OK to eat, to instructions on how to settle disputes. Not wanting the Israelites to forget what God had done for them, specific instructions were given to bring the firstfruits to the Lord as an

offering. Recognition is given that they are really bringing back to God what He first gave them. Afterwards they were to rejoice in all the good things that God had given them - not be regretful that the best of what they had was given away.

We are called to do the same today. Joy-fully give back to God what is truly His. The best of what we have in appreciation for all the blessings that He has given us.

November 19 is Consecration Sunday. On this day we will offer our tithe commitments to the Lord for 2018. Please spend time in prayer to seek how the Lord calls you to give of yourself.

Your Brother in ChristKyle Gass, ChairSt John Lutheran Stewardship Committee

MonthlyOperating

IncomeJanuary

$128,517

$116,162

$113,882

$79,577

2017

2016

2015

2014

February

$88,428

$83,342

$78,825

$80,376

March

$82,191

$83,889

$97,094

$91,001

April

$106,327

$73,044

$88,662

$83,972

May

$89,970

$80,790

$85,710

$69,069

June

$82,431

$72,368

$78,144

$85,906

July

$103,660

$81,646

$76,808

$71,314

August

$94,282

$87,909

$108,019

$93,774

September

$70,448

$83,790

$69,963

October

$91,671

$76,649

$72,021

November

$135,927

$98,797

$97,063

December

$162,050

$169,592

$181,124

$878,487

$749,598

$810,934

$724,952

ThroughAugust

INCOME COMPARISON

AverageWeeklyWorship

January

380

421

380

439

2017

2016

2015

2014

February

411

386

403

419

March

414

477

390

419

April

462

370

521

509

May

389

341

370

420

June

373

376

464

381

July

353

357

309

378

August

352

420

367

378

September

383

349

392

October

375

347

398

November

359

364

383

December

527

463

425

385

392

395

415

AverageYTD

ATTENDANCE COMPARISON

A Note on Stewardship

$102,681

329

ONLINE GIVINGWe offer electronic giving as a way to automate your regular weekly offering. Electronic giving offers convenience for our congregation members.

Direct Debit Giving is used to automatically transfer funds from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account.

Credit & Debit Card Giving allows you to make offerings automatically on a pre-determined schedule using a credit or debit card.

Online Giving allows you to go to www.stjohnlutheran.com at any time to set up an automatic donation plan, change your donation plan, make a one-time donation or view your online donation history. As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving. Additional information is available online or in the church office.

ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE OF ELECTRONIC GIVING

Check our website: www.stjohnlutheran.com for more information and to start giving online!

“God Talk” Room 119: We talk about God - His character and His promises - as He is revealed through the Bible and manifested in Jesus Christ. Led by Peggy Hoppes

“Logos” Room 118: Studying “The Life of Martin Luther. An Historical Journey and Bible Study”. This study isn written in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. It takes us through the circumstances and events of the life of Martin Luther as it reflects on the biblical themes underlying the Lutheran Ref-ormation. Led by Richard Wagner

“Seekers” Room 216: “Graying in Grace: Assisting adults in clinging to the faithful promises of God and ‘Walking alongside’ those who want to grow”. Led by Lanne Brehmer

“The Bible in a Year” Room 217. Led by Patsy Shields

“Faith Steps” Room 215: “Four Portraits, One Jesus” by Mark Strauss, a study of the Gospels. Led by George Klein

“Christianity and the Controversies”Do you enjoy discussing relevant ideas and topics? Are you looking for ways to apply your Christian faith in the modern world?

Each week, we discuss how the Bible relates to a variety of historical and current modern issues. Past topics include free speech, public prayer, the Inquisition, capitalism, music, war, and slavery.

This class meets in the sanctuary immediately following the early service. Led by TJ Bazzoon

Sunday School Classes - 9:15 am - 10:15 am

PRECEPT BIBLE STUDY CLASS

Thursdays at 9:15–11:15 am

Studying the Book of GenesisLed by Pastor Mariola Bergquist

Women of the Word (W.O.W.)BIBLE STUDY CLASSWednesdays at 9:00–10:30 am

‘Entrusted’, a study of the book of TimothyLed by Michelle Waters

Mens’ BreakfastEvery other Tuesday 6:30 am

“Master Builders Bible For Men” is the foundation for discussion topicsContact the Church Office for dates

Alpha Class

Alpha is an 11 week course focusing on life’s major questions: Is there more to life than this? Who is Jesus and why did he have to die? Is the Bible reliable?

Wednesday Evenings Dinner at 6 pm, Discussions at 6:30pm

Led by Pastor Eric Waters

Monday Night GroupMondays at 7:00-8:30 pm

“The Daily Bible’Led by Matt Olson • ALL ARE WELCOME

Ladies’ Bible Study Mens’ Bible Study

Free Daily Scripture and Prayer Resources for the Home www.holyfamilytime.com

Strengthen Your Marriage, Your Parenting or Your Grand parenting skills as we learn from Luther & Katie how this is one of, if not the MOST Important vocations & callings of God!

January 7 – February 11: Holy Families Study: “In the Luther Household”

A 6 session series on the biblical Lutheran understanding of the vocation of marriage and family, this intermediate-level Bible study will address biblical texts and theological themes, featuring anecdotes and writings from Martin and Katie Luther as case-study examples. Please sign-up at the Information Desk so that the right number of materials can be ordered. Cost $6

Reformation Announcement: Holy Family Time

ADULT Faith Formation News

HappyHearts

November 8thIntergenerational Game Nightin the Family Life Center6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Middle School & High Schoolers will join with the Happy Hearts onWednesday, November 8th for some intergenerational fun! Bring your favorite card, board or dominoes game and lets play!

S3HEEP: students, seeking & serving HIM everywhere, everyday, passionately

Mark your Calendars for these Events!

Matt Olson, Youth DirectorEmail: matt@stjohnlutheran.com •

Cell: 830-388-1550

Sundays in November Wednesdays in November

9am Breakfast in Luther Hall9:30am Feeding Time Classes

Middle SchoolersThis month students will be finishing up their Confirmation Study on the Lord’s Prayer

9th & 10th Graders:Bible Study on the Gospel of St. John

11th & 12th Graders:Apologetics 101: Why WeBelieve What We Believe

November 15thOperation Christmas Childin the Family Life Center6:30 – 7:30pm.

Families & small groups will be encouraged to put the finishing touches on their Christmas Box for a child somewhere around the world. Together we will pray over these gifts and celebrate as we share the good news of Christ’s love. Pick-up a box at St. John’s information desk or round up your own and fill it. Go to: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/ All boxes due by Noon Monday, November 20th here at St. John.

November 1st Dinner & A Movie:5:45 pm Meal6:15 p.m. Movie in Galaxy TheaterDone by 8:30 p.m.

Open to all ages, but the movie is PG-13.

November 8thIntergenerational Game Nightin the Family Life Center.

6:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Middle School & High Schoolers will join with the Happy Hearts - formerly known as the LARKS! Bring your favorite card, board or dominoes game and lets play!

First Communion Preparation for 5th graders and parent/s will be Sun-days, February 18, 25 & March 4. These classes will be for students and parents from 9:30 – 10:20 a.m. First Communion celebration will be at the late services on March 4th.

February 23-25 - Quakein San Antonio for Middle & High School. It’s time to sign up for early bird regis-tration. Go to St. John’s website to get the form. Return it to the church office along with $45 to reserve your spot. To see some more details, go to: http://quakeevent.com/events/sanantonio/ The theme is OVERCOME! (John 16:33) But please don’t register online. We will do that together as a group. Thanks!

OVERFLOW (6th - 12th Graders)Pause, Play and Pray

4:30 pm – “Hang-Out” & Homework at the Shepherd House5:45 pm – Meals are served in Family Life Center6:30 pm – Fellowship or Service (Devotions are on Fellowship Nights at 7:10 pm)7:30 pm –Done 7:30 – 8:00 pm – s3Heep dawgs - student leadership meeting at the Historic Chapel round table

Wednesdays Schedule:

November 1st - Special Event:“Luther” the movieNovember 8 - Special Event: Game Night with Happy HeartsNovember 15 - Special Service Night: Operation Christmas Child BoxesNovember 22: NO Overflow due to Thanksgiving breakNovember 29: Fellowship & Devotions

s3Heepministry

Youth Faith Formation Updates

Sundays in November Wednesdays in November

Parents’

out!Friday, November 17, 2017 • 6pm - 10pm

$10/child $30 max/familyDinner included! Nursery through Age 12

CONTACT: tiffanyjureczki@hotmail.com

This month students will be exploring the Parables: Gems of the Kingdom. By rotating through a different station each week, children will begin to ponder the meanings of these unique teachings of Jesus.

Also this month, Christmas carols will be practiced at opening time (9:15 a.m.) so students can lead in the Call to Worship this Advent season. The Children will prepare for participation in December 17th’s late services. 9:00 a.m. Breakfast in Luther Hall9:15 a.m. Christmas Carol Rehearsal9:30 a.m. Rotational Class time

Wednesdays Schedule:Be ready to run, play, bake, paint, and create...you name it! It will be a surprise each week, so be ready to go with running shoes and clothes that are okay to get dirty!

6:00 p.m. Meal in the Family Life Center with one’s family.6:30 p.m. Surprise event! Meet at Luther Hall. 7:30 p.m. Done

November 1st:A movie will be shown in small dining rm.November 8 - Mystery Night: Be prepared for anything!November 15 - Special Service Night: Operation Christmas Child BoxesNovember 22: NO Wednesday Night Children’s EventsNovember 29 - Mystery Night: Be prepared for anything!

SundayNovember 12th, 2017after the late services in the

Sanctuary.

Meeting is to consider changes to the bylaws for a proposed Family Ministry

Committee

Children’s Faith Formation

Important Announcements

Night

SpecialCongregational

Meeting

Blood Drive

November 12th8am-12pm

Sign up on November 5th in the Gathering Place.

WorshipCommittee

Announcement

The Worship Committee is the Committee of the Month in the

Narthex for the month of November.

Stop by any Sunday in November and see what this committee has

going on and how you can help and get involved!

LAMBS3: learning and memorizing Bible stories & songs, and how to serve

It’s that time of year again!Annual Turkey Project - Wednesday, November 22nd

Come to the Narthex on Sunday, November the 12th between the Early and Late Services or after the Late Service to donate money so that we can provide complete Turkey Dinners for those in need here in Boerne.

“Christian Men of Boerne” is a group of men from various churches here in Boerne that gather on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to prepare 400 Turkey Dinners for the needy in Boerne. A group of men from St. John have participated for the last 16 years and are excited about participating again this year.

We will be collecting money from the congregation to purchase the turkeys, canned goods, pies, rolls, cooking oil, charcoal, and other supplies for the men of St. John to use. It takes a total of $45 to purchase the materials and food for each meal and we are asking for $25 donations to help purchase the 60 meals that St. John has committed to. If you would like to donate, please make your check out to St. John and put “Turkey Project” in the memo section. We pray that you will find it in your heart to contribute to this great ministry project. Please note that any excess dollars collected will be given to the Tuesday Morning Men’s Group for a project of their choosing. For more information, please contact Bart Graves.

Opportunities to Serve

The SonShine Teams are being developed to create a warm and welcoming environment for our guests and members of St. John Lutheran Church. Our goal is to make everyone who attends our Sunday worship services feel like “guests,” not “visitors.” Visitors just stop by; guests we prepare for. We want everyone to feel like we’ve been expecting them and are happy to see them from the moment they walk in the door.

We want everyone who comes to St. John to be: Greeted – welcomed with a warm smile and handshake Directed – directed and escorted to where they need to go Treated – with good coffee and abundant cookies/donuts Seated – welcomed into Sanctuary or Family Life Center by Ushers

To accomplish these activities, we will assign SonShine Teams for the Early and Late Services. There will be several teams and each team member will be asked to serve 2-3 times per calendar quarter. Each team will consist of a Lobby Captain, 2 Greeters for the Main (East) Entrance Doors, 2 Greeters for the West Entrance Doors and 1 person at the Information Desk (Late Service Teams only).

Your service as a SonShine Team member will contribute greatly to our mission of making everyone who comes to our worship services feel like the “most special guest” of the day.

Find more information on our website: www.stjohnlutheran.com. To volunteer, please contact Sara Moldenhauer at: jrmoldenhauer@sbcglobal.net.

Make The Holidays

Brighter For A Child This Christmas

Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas. Share Christ’s love by sponsoring an Upbring – Foster in Texas child through our Angel Tree program this year. Sunday, November 5, through Sunday, December 3.Sponsoring a foster child is fun and easy:

1. Pick an Angel from the tree. Each Angel includes a first name, gender, age and short wish list.

2. Purchase gifts. The suggested amount to spend per child is $40.

3. No later than Sunday December 3, please bring the unwrapped gift to the Angel Tree with the Angel tag attached to the gift.

4. Christmas Party. Gifts will be distributed in December during a local party for the foster children and their families.

5. Please pray for the children. Through Angel Tree, your simple act of love will give joy to children who might otherwise have little to celebrate. Pray that God will open your heart to their needs and that these children may live out the true meaning of Christmas.

Pastor Mariola BergquistEmail: pastormariola@stjohnlutheran.com

Nursing Home Visits: Cibolo House –2nd Tuesday of the month

Care Choice and Town and Country –2nd Wednesday of the month

Cibolo Creek – 4th Wednesday of the month

Homebound Visits:Tuesdays: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Wednesdays: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th

Worship services: Menger House3rd Sunday of the month at 3:30 p.m.

Honoring our Senior Members (80+) With Birthdays In October

If you are turning 80 or are already 80+ and you do not see your birthday please, contact the church office.

Visitation MINISTRY

Senior Member BIRTHDAYS

Jimmie AdamDon BarnesHelen Clouse

Nancy FelpsAnita HerbstClara Knoll

Joyce RustFrances Schulte

NOVEMBERSaturdayFridayWednesdayMonday ThursdayTuesdaySunday

10

17

24

9

4

16

23

8

3

15

22

7

2

14

21

6

1

13

20

30

5

12

19

29282726

11

18

25

8am & 10:30am All Saints Sunday8am Sunday Services9:15am Sunday School9:15am Next Step Class10:30am Worship Service10:30am Praise Worship in the Family Life Center6pm Dominoes

9am Quilting Group3pm Hermann Sons Dance Classes - LH 6:30pm Property Meeting7pm Al-Anon7pm Mens’ Bible Study

9am Quilting Group12pm Book Reveiw3pm Hermann Sons Dance Classes - LH 6:30pm Property Meeting7pm Al-Anon7pm Mens’ Bible Study

6:30am Men’s Breakfast& Bible Study10am Alamo HospiceBereavement12pm Painting w/Roberta Buckles6pm American Heritage Girls6:30pm Congregational Care Committee6:30pm Worship Committee

10am Alamo HospiceBereavement12pm Painting w/RobertaBuckles6pm American Heritage Girls6:30pm Congregational Care6:30pm Worship Committee

9am Bible StudyFellowship Team9am W.O.W Women ofthe Word6pm Family Fellowship Night6pm Game Night-Happy Hearts & Youth Overflow6:30pm Alpha6:30pm Choir Practice

9am Bible StudyFellowship Team9am W.O.W Women ofthe Word6pm Family Fellowship Night6:30pm All Saints Day Dinner& Movie - Galaxy Theater6:30pm Alpha6:30pm Choir Practice

9:15am Precept12pm Lunch Bunch3pm Hermann SonsDance Classes6:30pm Finance CommitteeMeeting 7pm Al-Anon7pm Handbell Practice

9:15am Precept7pm Al-Anon7pm Handbell Practice

9:15am Precept3pm Hermann Sons Dance Classes - LH 7pm Al-Anon7pm Handbell Practice

Hill Country CaresCounseling9am Fabulous Folders7pm Women’s Bible Study Field Trip

Hill Country CaresCounseling9am Fabulous Folders6pm Christian Women Job Corps Graduation

8am Women’s Bible Study Field Trip

Shoebox Collection -Operation Christmas Child 8am Sunday Services9:15am Sunday School10:30am Worship Service10:30am Praise Worship Serv11:30am Special Congrega-tional Meeting12pm Youth Committee Mtg.

Shoebox Collection -Operation Christmas Child 9am Quilting Group3pm Hermann Sons Dance Classes7pm Al-Anon7pm Mens’ Bible Study

Shoebox Collection -Operation Christmas Child 10am Alamo Hospice Bereave12pm Painting w/Roberta Buckles5pm Historical Society Meeting6pm American Heritage Girls6pm Mission Committee6:30pm Congregational Life7pm Outreach Committee Mtg.

Shoebox Collection -Operation Christmas Child 9am Bible Study Fellowship9am W.O.W Women of the Word11am Kendall Co. Women’s Shelter6pm Family Fellowship Night6:30pm Alpha6:30pm Choir Practice

Shoebox Collection -Operation Christmas Child 9:15am Precept9:30 Days for Girls 3pm Hermann Sons Dance Classes 6:30pm Eat Out Group7pm Al-Anon7pm Handbell Practice

Shoebox Collection -Operation Christmas Child Hill Country CaresCounseling9am Fabulous Folders6pm Parents Night Out

ShoeboxCollection -OperationChristmas Child

Shoebox Collection -Operation Christmas Child 8am Sunday Services9:15am Sunday School10:30am Worship Service10:30am Praise Worship Serv6pm Hand & Foot

Last Day for Dropoff - Shoebox Collection -Operation Christmas Child 11:30am Men’s Lunch at Mamacitas3pm Hermann Sons Dance Classes - LH 7pm Al-Anon7pm Mens’ Bible Study

6:30am Men’s Breakfast& Bible Study10am Alamo HospiceBereavement12pm Around the Bend Sewing Group12pm Painting w/Roberta Buckles6:45pm Council Meeting

9am Bible StudyFellowship Team9am W.O.W Women ofthe Word6:30pm Choir Practice6:30 Evening Service

9am Bible StudyFellowship Team9am W.O.W Women ofthe Word6pm Family Fellowship Night6pm Alpha6:30pm Choir Practice

Thanksgiving Day Church Office Closed

8am Sunday Services9:15am Sunday School9:15am Next Step Class10:30am Worship Service10:30am Praise Worship in the Family Life Center6pm Hand & Foot

3pm Hermann SonsDance Classes - LH 7pm Al-Anon7pm Mens’ Bible Study

10am Alamo HospiceBereavement12pm Painting w/Roberta Buckles

Church News & Upcoming Events

NON-PROFITORGANIZATIONU.S. Postage PaidBoerne, TX 78006Permit #7

St. John Lutheran Church315 E. RosewoodP.O. Box 1081Boerne, TX 78006Return Service Requested

the MESSENGER Newsletter

Acolytes

Assisting Ministers

Assisting - Praise

Lector Readers

Bread Servers

Wine Servers

Altar Guild

Flowers

Ushers

Doris Beath

Matt Olson

Scott Kramer

Frank Bush

Rod Huber

Susan Huber

Marjorie Brune

Debbie Holman

Kyle Gass

Amber Gass

Ray Pace

Sharon Pace

Rene Perez

Lise Perez

Patsy BrehmerCarrie Tyner

Jimmie Adam &Kathryn Hurst Families

Randy Evans Team

Rex RiveraBllie BowenGabe Cook

Michael Hoeppner

Matt Olson

Caitlin Ruck

Lois Ruck

Mark Alberthal

Marissa Klein

Brandt Klutts

Terry Herrmann

Mindi Acord

Patsy BrehmerCarrie Tyner

Kay Rutherford - AltarRachel & Ron Edwards - Pulpit

Randy Evans Team

Jake PearsonWill Pearson

Pastor Waters

Michelle Waters

Ron Kalmbach

Sherry Speir

Bob Brakey

Sheryl Brakey

James Lowrie

Sherri Lowrie

Brandon Ross

Sherry Ross

Patsy BrehmerCarrie Tyner

-------------

Randy Evans Team

Rex Rivera

James Meckel

Matt Olson

Wanda McCarthy

Sherri Lowrie

Wanda McCarthy

Cindy Moltz

Dennis Ruck

Lois Ruck

Lem Sinclair

Patsy BrehmerCarrie Tyner

Alexis Markert &Perry Crombie

Randy Evans Team

8:00

10:30

10:30

10:30

10:30

10:30

8:00

8:00

10:30

8:00

10:30

8:00

8:00

OCTOBER November 5 November 12 November 19 November 26

Sophia BaldwinLogan KleinMallory KleinElle Nicholson

Jaclyn PurchatzkeSerena Ross

Trevor AgarwalHayden AllenGeorgia BusbeeRex Rivera

Trevor AgarwalSam Waters

Barnie Gavin Bruce Hoppes Bart Graves Chuck Baldwin

Evin & Pat King Evin & Pat King Evin & Pat KingEvin & Pat King

Tom Hardin Team Tom Hardin Team Tom Hardin Team Tom Hardin Team

Ken Hilleman

Reidun HillemanDon Rogers

Lil Rogers