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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!


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Board for Lay Ministry Members

Bryan Meyer Chairman 608-372-7967 [email protected]

Keith Schedler Vice-Chairman 608-343-6787 [email protected]

Kevin Kilsdonk Secretary 920-203-1947 [email protected]

Ryan Brookman Elder-Ministry of Finance 608-344-0040 [email protected]

Pat Mulrain Elder-Ministry of Worship 608-387-9287 [email protected]

Bill Rogge Elder-Min/Spiritual Growth 608-372-7630 [email protected]

Robert Gerke Elder-Min/Encouragement 608-487-1170 [email protected]

Ryan Franks Elder-Ministry of Outreach 414-533-0915 [email protected]

John DaSilva Elder-Ministry of Education 608-347-2287 [email protected]

Gary Pingel Elder-Ministry of Property 608-343-9917 [email protected]

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


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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


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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.


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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.


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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


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Journey to Bethlehem


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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


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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


Pack Shut-in Cookie Bags | 9 am | Church fellowship hall


Sunday, December 15

Jesus Cares | Living Christmas Card | 10:10 am



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


Christmas Day Festival Worship | 9 am

Tuesday, December 31

New Year’s Eve Worship | 7 pm


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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!


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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.


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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!


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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


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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 | [email protected]

School | 608-372-4542 | [email protected]

http://www.stpaultomah.org

Documents

Upcoming Events Schedule · used the Internet, you likely have heard Google mentioned in an advertisement or ... you want to get on our mailing list or if your address has changed