1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
The Messenger
OCTOBER 2014
INSIDE THIS EDITION
2 >In Community Is Strength
>WELCA Circles
3 >Branches News Briefs
>Branches T-Shirts
4 >Sampler Saturday At Nachusa
5 >Affirmed
>2015 Youth Gathering
6 >160th Anniversary News
7 >Caring Questions
8 >Flu Clinic
>October Handbells
>Council Highlights
>Chili Fundraiser
>Free Concert
>All Saints Breakfast
>Bring Winter Wear
>Exploring Worship
9 >Birthdays & Anniversaries
10 >Saying Thanks
11 >Nurse Notes
12 >Finance Report
>Direct Deposit
13 >Rock With Seniors
14 >Who’s Who At St. John’s
>Mission & Values
>Parish Register
15 >September Calendar
>160th Anniversary Blessings
CONTACT US!
703 Third Avenue
Sterling, IL 61081
815.625.2634
office@stjohnsonthird.org
stjohnssterling.org
facebook.com/SterlingStJohns
twitter.com/SterlingStJohns
youtube.com/StJohnsSterlingIL
“
Jesus answered; “Love the Lord your God with all
your heart, and with all your soul and with all your
strength and with all your mind, and ‘Love your
neighbor as yourself.’” ~ Luke 10:27
Thoughts From The
Pastor’s Study
I
f you are reading this as one who is not normally
to be found at worship on Sunday or Wednesday,
I surely pray that God’s Holy Spirit touches
Pastor Mark
you this month. Please find on page 2 of this month’s
Messenger a wonderful story about a pastor visiting an Oehlert
absent parishioner, and how our worship “fire” only
burns brightest when we are together. As Pastor Lilian Daniel is fond of
saying and reports in her book, “When Spiritual But Not Religious is
Not Enough”: “Anyone can find God in nature, in a beautiful sunrise or
sunset or in the silence, splendor and beauty of the woods or next to a
lake. Do those who do not attend church think that Christians are blind?
Christians also enjoy nature and find beauty and meaning in doing as
Jesus tells us to do and did; go away by yourself to rest. The truth is, we
are meant to come together as Church where we are most human, with
all of our human tendencies — frailties, remarkable joys and concerns
being shared. Nowhere else does this happen. Here, on the Lord’s day
is the body of Christ, gathered in the ancient practice of praising God in
worship.” I ask you: “Why would you not respond to God’s incredible
grace by showing up in church?”
Here is our October schedule for spiritual growth:
• Bible study continues as we “grow in God’s grace,” Sunday,
October 5th and 12th, immediately following worship.
• Sunday, October 19th is the Sunday we respond to what God
has given us first: ourselves, our time and our possessions.
We will respond at worship that day to God’s grace, through
responses that directly deliver Christ’s message of hope and love
in the ministries of St. John’s. Pray about your response!
continued on page 2 >
ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STERLING, ILLINOIS
In Community Is Strength
> continued from page 1
• Affirmation of Faith: Sunday, October 26th
is the day we anticipate five of our young
members publically professing their faith.
• Caring Questions is a four-week study of
conversations crucial to everyone’s life. Here
is the content:
• October 26th: Before the Emergency What Health Decisions Do I Want/Need to
Make? The focus will be on determining
what medical interventions you would or
would not like done to you in the case of
your inability to make those decisions.
Guest speaker will be Deb Keaschall from
CGH. Deb will educate us on how to
legally make these decisions.
• November 2nd: What is Palliative Care?
What is Hospice? Guest Speaker will be
Rock River Valley Hospice staff. Content
here includes learning about comfort care
and resources to allow a “good death.”
• November 9th: After I Am Gone Part One
- Funerals and memorial services. Guest
Speaker will be from Schilling Funeral
Home. What happens at a funeral home?
What do I have to decide? Why plan a
memorial service in advance?
• November 16th: After I Am Gone Part 2 Leaving a Legacy. What will my footprint
show in terms of the life I lived on earth?
What are my passions and how can I
make a difference in the faith life of those,
(including family and neighbors) who are
coming after me? Guest speakers will be
provided by the St. John’s Endowment
team.
>
A pastor heard that one of his parishioners
was going about announcing to one and all
that he would no longer attend church services.
This rebellious parishioner was advancing the
familiar argument that he could communicate
with God just as easily out in the fields with
nature as his setting for worship. One winter
evening, the pastor called on this reluctant
member of his flock for a friendly visit. The
two men sat before the fireplace making small
talk, but studiously avoiding the issue of church
attendance. After a while, the pastor took the
tongs from the rack next to the fireplace and
pulled a single coal from the fire. He placed
the glowing ember on the hearth. As the two
watched in silence, the coal quickly ceased
burning and turned an ashen gray, while the
other coals in the fire continued to burn brightly.
The pastor’s silent message was not lost on the
parishioner. After a long pause, he turned to the
pastor and said, “I’ll be back at services next
Sunday.”
~ From The Sower’s Seeds, copyright 1990 by
Brian Cavanaugh, T.O.R.
I thank each of you for your concerted efforts to
live a life of faith in this our day and time. I pray
you will take full advantage of our schedule by
making every effort to be together as God’s people.
If you are here, you know how faith burns so much
more brightly because we are together. If you have
been absent; this is your invitation to “fire up!” It
is never too late to start a new and good habit! n
Grace and peace,
~ Pastor Mark
ADAM’S RIB 6:30pm Thursday,
October 9th
MORNING CIRCLE 9am
Thursday, October 16th
PAGE 2
THE MESSENGER • OCTOBER 2014
Branches News Briefs
Youth and Family Ministries of St. John’s and St. Paul Lutheran Churches
S
eventh- and eighth-grade Confirmation
Camp was September 26-28 at Lutheran
Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) in
Oregon. The students who attended had a great
weekend! More details to come in next month’s
newsletter.
Confirmation Class
Confirmation class continues meeting from 7 to
8:30 pm Wednesdays at St. John’s Lutheran Church
in the Luther Chapel.
Freshmen (or third-year students) continue
meeting for preparation for Affirmation of Baptism
on October 1st, 8th and 15th at St. John’s from 7 to
8:30pm.
We will have a Confirmation student and family
T-Shirts! T-Shirts!
Get Your T-Shirts!
W
e are selling Branches Youth and
Family ministries T-shirts, available
in all sizes! Shirts are bright blue with
the Branches youth ministries
logo representing
our partnership in
ministry, designed
by our youth.
Check out the
picture. T-shirts
are $5 each ($7
for 2X or larger).
T-shirt order forms are
available in the church
office. Checks should
be made payable to
St. John’s Lutheran
Church.
dinner in honor of our 2014 confirmands from
Immanuel, St. Paul and St. John’s on Sunday,
October 19th at 6pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church
in Rock Falls. Please return your dinner reservation
form and payment to the church office by October
8th. Confirmands attend free of charge; the cost is
$10 for each additional family member.
Confirmation Sunday is October 26th. All
forms and class information are available on the
Confirmation class website: http://stjohnssterling.
herewestandconfirmation.org.
Confirmation families are encouraged to register
an account on the website to stay connected to
announcements and class content. If you have
questions about the website, please contact Gerad.
continued on page 4 >
BRANCHES T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
Name_____________________________
Phone_____________________________
QuantitySubtotal
Small
__________ x $5 = _ _________
Medium __________ x $5 = _ _________
Large
__________ x $5 = _ _________
XL
__________ x $5 = _ _________
XXL
__________ x $7 = _ _________
XXXL __________ x $7 = _ _________
Totals
#_________ $_ ________
T-shirt orders and payment should be turned into
the church office. Checks should be made payable
to “St. John’s Lutheran Church.”
<
PAGE 3
ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STERLING, ILLINOIS
> continued from page 3
The seventh- and eighth-grade class will be
visiting Temple Sholom in Sterling on October 22nd
and Christmas shopping for LSSI Holiday Hope
Chest for the Nachusa Home on November 12th.
TGIF
High school Teens Gathered In Faith will meet
the third Wednesday night of the month (most of
the time). In October we will meet on the second
Wednesday, October 8th, at St. John’s for some
special activities. Tenth- through 12th-grade students
will be given special instructions for our activities
for the night. In November we will also meet on
the second Wednesday of the month, November
12th, to go Christmas shopping for the Nachusa
Home Holiday Hope Chest. This is in addition to the
families to whom our congregations choose to give.
We have special funds to use; however, hopefully our
students and families will consider giving money of
their own to contribute to our shopping for youth at
the Nachusa Home.
Youth & Family Ministries Team
YFMT will meet on Tuesday, October 14th at
5pm at St. John’s. If anyone would like to come
for the meeting, let Gerad know. The team would
like to hear your ideas and get to know you! On the
team: Paul and Susan Over, Marisa Perales, Teresa
Gierhart, Pastor Mark Oehlert from St. John’s,
Eileen Wolber, Brian Lobdell, Pastor Brandon
Nelson from St. Paul and Gerad Von Holten. The
team regularly meets the second Tuesday of the
month at 5pm (alternating churches).
Junior/Senior High Sunday School
Every Sunday is Youth Sunday! Seventh- through
12th-grade students, please know that we are having
class every Sunday (except Christmas break and
Easter) throughout the school year. When we have a
church breakfast or special event, we will not have a
lesson, but please come. You are always welcome to
our youth rooms!
Youth Rooms Wish Lists
St. John’s: Coffee machine String lights
Paint Walls
Big rug
St. Paul:
Coffee machine
String lights
Paint Walls
WiFi
Nursery Assistance
We are looking for volunteer high school students
to help in both church nurseries. Please check with
our Sunday school staff and church offices to find
out how you can serve our children!
2015 Wisconsin Dells Quake
The 2015 Junior High Quake in Wisconsin Dells
is Friday-Sunday, March 20-22, 2015. St. Paul,
St. John’s and Immanuel junior high students are
invited. If you are a sophomore, junior or senior
and are interested in going as a youth leader (Junior
Guide), please talk to Gerad Von Holten. Adult
chaperones/drivers are needed. More details about
registration and cost to come. For more information
about Quakes, visit www.youthencounter.org and
talk to Gerad.
Sampler Saturday At Nachusa Home
A
re you interested in mission work but would prefer not to travel out of town for a week? You are
invited to come to Nachusa Youth Home on Saturday, October 4th at 9am.The Nachusa Home is at
1261 Illinois Route 38 in Nachusa. We will be met my Kevin Wolfe, head keeper of the facility, who
will share with us how things work at Nachusa. Come prepared for a half day of work by dressing for outdoor
weather and work that day. The follow-up Saturday will be two weeks later, October 18th, with an all-day work
camp. All skill levels are needed! Questions? Call Kirsten Cavanaugh at (815) 288-3091 or Pastor Mark. n
>
PAGE 4
Affirmed
Confirmation Sunday Is October 26th
S
hould I say “Congratulations” to our
students who will affirm their baptism
on October 26? Or should I be saying
something closer to “Thank you for saying
‘YES!’ to Jesus and by doing so glorifying our
God!”? If anyone deserves a
“congratulations,” it’s our parents
who have committed to the
baptismal promises they made
at their child’s baptism. To you
parents I say, “Well done, good
and faithful servants of God.”
Gerad
Confirmation, or Affirmation of
Von Holten
Baptism, is not to be confused
with “graduation,” which tends
to have a meaning of “completion” attached to it.
Confirmation is more of a stepping stone on your
journey to maturing in your faith.
Now that you have begun this new journey in
faith, continue to say yes to Sunday school on
Sunday mornings, say yes to high school youth
events and activities. Say yes to praying with and
for your family and friends, for the church and all of
creation … every day! Say yes to going deeper into
God’s word. Say yes to finding Jesus in worship like
never before!
In closing, you are God’s beloved children. God
has created you for the purpose of carrying and
sharing his love. Remember to stay connected to
God, so that you will be able to fulfill that purpose.
What better way to keep that connection than
through your family and with your church. Finally, I
say “Thank you 2014 Confirmation students! I can’t
wait for us to go even higher together in our service
to God!” Jacob Beyer, Carter O’Brien, Rebecca
Waite, Sarah Gierhart, Madeline LeFevre, Allison
Stewart, Noah Tupper and Kyle Winebrenner,
and the students from Immanuel: Thank you for
teaching me, and for blessing me!
~ Gerad Von Holten, Director of Youth and
Family Ministries
THE MESSENGER • OCTOBER 2014
Youth Gathering
Registration Officially Open!
Students in grades 8-12: If you are interested
in attending the 2015 Youth Gathering in
Detroit, please complete the medical release/
registration forms, and turn them and the $75
deposit in to the church office ASAP! Forms
were mailed to all high
school families at the
end of August. If you
need a registration
form, call, text or e-mail
Gerad or pick one up at
church.
Sign up for the
Gathering updates by
e-mail by visiting www.
elca.org/gathering. You can also follow the
Gathering Facebook page by liking “ELCA
Youth Gathering.” So far we have 15 high
school students planning to attend. This is a
life-changing event and opportunity! I hope
you will prayerfully consider participating next
July.
Fundraisers
Youth Selling “KAWOS” Cloths: The high
school students attending the 2015 Detroit
gathering are selling cleaning cloths that do not
require any chemicals for cleaning. KAWOS
stands for Kleans Anything WithOut Streaks.
They are for sale for $5 each. Cloths are
available for purchase at both the St. John’s
and St. Paul offices during the week and from
any of the youth going to Detroit.
Aluminum Can Days: Bring your
aluminum cans to worship any Sunday at St.
John’s and St. Paul. Marked receptacles will
be placed at the church entrances on the first
Sunday of each month for your convenience.
Cans will be recycled for cash and will help
offset costs for the youth gathering.
<
PAGE 5
ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STERLING, ILLINOIS
160th Celebrations & Projects
Your Favorite Recipes Needed
W
e have been asking for your favorite
quotes, Bible verses, prayers, etc., and
even your favorite food recipes, for our
“Recipes for Spiritual Wellness” booklet for several
months. We have not had a good response to this, so
we want to encourage all of you to participate. The
deadline is November 1st. Put your contributions in
Carla’s mailbox in the church library, mail them to the
church or put them in the offering plate.
the event will be available early
in October as we will need to
have reservations for the event. Please watch bulletin
inserts, the projection screen and announcements in
worship as plans for this event unfold.
Monthly Special Event: Oktoberfest
It’s the year of our 160th Anniversary, so
let’s celebrate Martin Luther and his German
heritage. After church on Sunday, October 19th,
the 160th Anniversary Committee will be hosting
Oktoberfest. You guessed it: brats, sauerkraut,
German potato salad, German chocolate cake and root
beer. There will also be Halloween fun for our young
folks and those who are young at heart.
Special Offering: Home of Hope
Commemorative Ornament
The Planning Committee has worked with a vendor
to design and produce an ornament to commemorate
our 160th Anniversary. The ornaments will be
available in October, will be a wonderful addition to
any Christmas tree and would make wonderful gifts.
This is not a fundraiser, so have priced the ornaments
at $7 to cover our design, production and shipping
costs. Display stands will be available at an additional
cost of $3. The front and back of the three inch
ceramic disk are decorated as illustrated above.
Crosses To Be Blessed By Bishop
Bishop Gary Wollersheim will join us for worship
of Sunday, November 23rd. Planning is well under
way for this day of celebration and sharing. We will
gather in the Fellowship Hall for dinner after worship.
This time together will include blessing the crosses
that have been added to the Wall of Crosses since the
wall was initially blessed in February. We also hope
to fill the sanctuary and take another congregational
photo on that day. Please put this on your calendar and
plan to be here for worship and dinner. Sign-ups for
>
PAGE 6
Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center is a notfor-profit organization that offers support, wellness,
educational and referral services at no cost to cancer
patients, survivors and caregivers. The center is
located between Sterling and Dixon on Route 2.
Quarterly Service Project: Gift Bags
Our 160th Anniversary Celebration has included
quarterly service projects: painting at Self Help,
Nelson roadside cleanup and National Night Out
event at Propheter Park.
Our project for the fourth quarter will actually be
completed around Christmas. We will be putting gift
bags together for all of our nursing home and shutin folks. We will be making some of the items, and
will purchase small items that will be useful, as well
as gift bags and cards. Our intention is to include
one of the commemorative ornaments that is being
produced for our anniversary celebration. We would
like to ask for monetary donations to help support
this project. Please place donations in the offering
and mark it for Shut-in Christmas Project. As the time
approaches, we may be asking for homemade cookies,
and we may need help delivering the goodies! n
THE MESSENGER • OCTOBER 2014
Caring Questions
Sunday Mornings
th
October 26 , November 2nd, 9th and 16th.
An open seminar series to address important
health care questions, answering concerns
every human being will have at one time or
another.
With guest speakers and plenty of Q & A time. Get your questions answered!
October 26: Deb Keaschall from CGH - Medical care decisions and how to clearly
inform doctors and loved ones of our decisions, including legal questions.
November 2: What is Palliative Care? Comfort Care? Hospice? When would one call
for this type of assistance?
November 9: After I Am Gone Part One - Funerals and Memorial Services. Why
planning ahead is important. Guest speaker: John Schilling
November 16: After I Am Gone Part Two - Leaving a Legacy. What will your
“footprint” be from the time you spent on earth. How can you affect those who will
come after you in terms of a ministry?
St. John Lutheran Church
703 3rd Avenue
Seminars begin immediately following
worship about 10:30 A.M.
www.stjohnssterling.org
815.625.2634
<
PAGE 7
ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STERLING, ILLINOIS
Flu Clinic
A
flu clinic is planned for 9am-noon Sunday,
October 12th. The cost is $20, and
Medicare or insurance will be accepted. n
October Handbells B
ell ringers: October’s session rehearses
Tuesdays, the 7th, 14th and 21st. We
play for worship October 26th. Please
contact Dawn Zeigler by Monday, October 6th and
say you’ll ring! Call (815) 632-3366 (home) or
(815) 275-3775 (cell). Students in 6th grade and
older are invited to learn and grow with the group.
Plus, please note that sessions stand alone! We will
rehearse only the music we are playing next. n
Council Highlights
A
t their September meeting, the church
council voted to add wordage to the
Endowment paragraph of the church
Constitution, as well as to add Purposes. It was
noted that it is time for an annual review and
update of the membership roster. Some members
of the council will be looking at the house directly
across from Pastor Mark’s office. The house is for
sale, and council members are curious if it would
connect the St. John’s parking lot next to it and the
small triangle property we own on the other side of
Third Avenue. The next meeting is at 6pm Tuesday,
October 21st. n
Chili Fundraiser
A
dam’s Rib will be selling containers
of their tasty chili for the third year.
Containers in a variety of sizes and prices
will be available after worship from 10:30-11:30am
November 9th and 16th. Proceeds benefit the Self
Help Riverview Haven Group Home. n
>
PAGE 8
Free Concert
C
ity of God is hosting a FREE concert,
“Restart 2014” on Saturday, October 25th
from 5-7pm at City of God, 530 W. Route
30, Rock Falls. The event features Mike Swag, H.
Street, Sonia, Miracle Leach, CYIC Dance Team and
more. All ages are invited. For more information,
contact Michael Harts, Youth Minister, at (563) 9408869 or restartconcerts@gmail.com. You can also
reach City of God at (815) 716-8057. n
All Saints Breakfast
A
dam’s Rib Circle will host the annual
All Saints Breakfast after service on
November 2nd. A free-will offering will
be accepted. Join us for great food and fellowship! n
Bring Winter Wear
T
he Social Ministries Team is collecting
scarves, hats and mittens for Rocky Boy
during October, November and the first
week of December. The tree will be up in the East
Room for donations until December 7th. Members
of the team are willing to do the shopping for you!
Monetary donations may be put in an envelope
marked Mitten Tree and placed in the offering plate.
Thanks to the congregation for their continued
support of the Social Ministries Team’s projects! n
Exploring Worship
O
n October 12th and November 2nd,
Erik Boehmke and Gerad Von Holten
will be coordinating music for worship.
Rehearsals will be October 9th and 30th from
6-7pm in the church sanctuary. Music will be
available at rehearsal night. For more details, please
call or text Gerad Von Holten at (815) 590-0006 or
e-mail geradvonholten@gmail.com. n
THE MESSENGER • OCTOBER 2014
October Birthdays & Anniversaries
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
1
>Tom Breed
>Matt & Suzy
Stanley
5
6
7
8
THU
2
>Jessica Allen
>Janelle Henry
9
FRI
3
SAT
4
>Marcia Keime
>Isabella Gaffey
>Beverly
Kobbeman*
>Shawna &
Steven Kester
10
11
>Julie McCord
>Dianne Sands
>James
Eshelman
>Sarah Geesey*
>Walter
Arthurs*
>Betty
Dickinson
>Gary &
Amanda Smith
>Eugene &
Sarah LeFevre
>Lois Anderson- >Brenda Sisson
Rowzee
>William &
Erica Grim
>Pat Mangler*
>Linda Geil
>Stanley
>Sharon Schmitt
Rasmussen
>Lisa Steinke
>Leonard &
Marilyn Prew
>Virgle & Karen
Onnen
12
13
14
15
17
>Treaven Barron >Oris DePuy
>Gaea Fielding
>Carl Nelson*
>Timothy Baer
>Edwin Schmitt
>Margaret
>Orla Rowland* >Kennedie
Huber
>Charles Steinke Vilmont
>Jennifer
>Paul & Kristi
Vasquez
Wolfe
>Leonard &
Brenda Turner
>Michael &
Kathleen
Schmidt
>John & Jeanine
Hay*
>Jill Leesman
>Matthew Miller
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
>Ruth Ramirez
>Gerald Baker
>Alice Buyers*
>Ruth Dietz*
>Aislinn
O’Connell
>Joe Perales
>Carla Haubrich
>Julie Johnson
>Corey Judd
>Audrey
Maxson
>Matthew Stretz
>Neil & Julie
Cooperrider
>Karsyn Goss
>Patrice
Redfield
>Emily Taylor
>Jill Norman
>Joyce Preston
>Shari Baker
>Gloria Heuck
>Leo Patterson
26
27
28
29
30
31
>Arnold Berzins
>Rita Babin*
>Melissa
>Alyssa Henson
>Kelly Granzow
Goodwin
>Noah Rucker
*Indicates 80-plus-year birthdays and 50-plus-year anniversaries.
16
18
>Barbara
O’Brien
<
PAGE 9
ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STERLING, ILLINOIS
SAYING
THANKS
We would like to say thank you to Pastor Mark
and Pastor Leo for their visits and prayers during our
husband/father Charles Eads’ extended illness. We
would like to thank the church family for all of
your prayers during Chuck’s illness and after his
passing. Thank you to the funeral committee for
the wonderful meal and to all who helped serve the
meal. A special thank you to Pastor Mark, Kerensa,
and Tim for the beautiful memorial service. ~ Verna Eads, Dan Eads, Deborah and Norbert
Pempe and family
Dear Members of St. John’s Lutheran Church,
Thank you for your monetary contribution of
$573 to the YWCA of the Sauk Valley’s Domestic
Violence Program. Over the past several years,
domestic violence programs throughout the state
have experienced budget cuts. Nevertheless, we
are still dedicated to providing quality services to
survivors of domestic violence, and your support is
very important to us.
During fiscal year 2013, the YWCA Domestic
Violence Program provided services to 548
survivors and 211 child witnesses of domestic
violence. We provided 7,703 hours of service to
clients and sheltered 84 victims and children for a
total of 2,506 nights of shelter. We took 1,627 calls
to our 24-hour hotline and assisted survivors of
domestic violence with 246 orders of protection.
Your assistance is essential in the work we do,
and we are grateful for your continued support of the
Domestic Violence Program.
Sincerely,
~ Addie G. Chattic, Crisis Services Coordinator,
YWCA Domestic Violence Program
To Rev. Mark Oehlert & Church Family,
Thank you for letting us use your church
fellowship hall. We had a beautiful gathering. Dru
was such a blessing to our church.
~ City of God
>
PAGE 10
Dear Friends,
Thank you very much for your generous donation
of $627 to Self Help. As St. John’s celebrates its
160th anniversary, we at Self Help are celebrating
our 50th anniversary. Starting in the basement of the
Rock Falls Presbyterian Church with five persons
with physical disabilities building bird houses, we
now serve 298 individuals with disabilities in our
99,000-square-foot building. Our 50th anniversary
motto is “Celebrating Our Past, Shaping our
Future.”
The members of St. John’s have played a part in
our successful past, and you are continuing your
support and helping us to shape our future. For the
role that you have played and continue to play we
give God thanks. Your financial support, attendance
at pancake breakfasts, donations to our new resale
shop Stage Two, activities provided for our group
homes by the Confirmation classes and Adam’s
Rib’s involvement with Riverview are all blessings
to us, and we send to you heartfelt thanks.
Thank you again for including us in your 160th
celebration. May God continue to bless you and
Self Help as we serve those with disabilities.
Sincerely,
~ Carla Haubrich, Executive Director, Self Help
Enterprises
Thank you for your caring support through the
Lutheran Disaster Response. Together we provide
immediate support as well as partnership for the
long term.
In peace,
~ Janet, Lutheran Disaster Response
Friends at St. John’s,
How can I say thank you enough? Your support
of the Project Respond Humanitarian Aid Drive
to assist at-risk children in Romania is very much
needed and appreciated! I cannot begin to describe
to you the IMPACT your support will have on those
children God has entrusted to us! Thanks! Together,
WE ARE changing the World!
God Bless,
~ Tim Oloffson, Another Child Foundation
THE MESSENGER • OCTOBER 2014
Good Neighbor Emergency Center gratefully
acknowledges your recent contribution of $2,000.
We sincerely appreciate your interest and support
of Good Neighbor. Your generosity allows us to
continue to help those in our community who are in
need of a helping hand. May God bless you in all
your endeavors.
Yours in Christ,
~ Harold P. Dale, Treasurer, Good Neighbor
Emergency Center
Dear members of St. John’s Lutheran congregation,
WeCAN, the Whiteside County Community Action
Network, and all its respective park coordinators that
helped put on the National Night Out community
event, wish to thank you for coming out again and
sponsoring National Night Out at Propheter Park. We
really appreciate your support.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime
and drug prevention awareness, generate support
for an participation in local anti-crime programs,
strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community
partnerships, and to send a message to criminals
letting them know that neighborhoods are organizing
and fighting back.
Once again, there were six parks that held the
event along with many businesses, other churches and
organizations that sponsored National Night Out. We
were lucky and privileged to have you join us. Like
many other area program, it takes many resources to
bring neighborhoods and the community together.
Your participation helped make this event possible.
Again, thank you for your generosity. St. John’s
Lutheran Church ROCKS!!!
~ Maureen Frankfother
To St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church,
The Sauk Valley Foodbank would like to thank you
for your generous donation of $410.52.
It was very difficult in the year 2013 to keep up
with the need because of less money and available
food. Year 2014 hasn’t been any easier with the
instability of the economy and so few jobs available
in this area. Your money along with other donations
will help to pay for the last semi that cost $12,963.04
The kind people of these communities have made a
considerable difference in the lives of the unfortunate
this year.
In the year 2013, over 61,000 people have been
helped by our area pantries and organizations.
This has caused a strain on our area churches and
organizations to meet the need of the unfortunate in
our communities.
Thank you for your kindness,
~ Carol Siefken, Executive Director, Sauk Valley
Foodbank
NURSENOTES
T
Cocoa’s Super Powers
he cocoa found in some of your favorite
desserts contains many super powers that can
help improve your health, inside and out.
Cocoa contains flavonoids, a chemical found
naturally in plants, which help fight a wide array
of diseases. Get all the benefits of flavonoids by
buying dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa.
High blood pressure can be combated with
a daily dose of cocoa. We now know that the
flavonols found in cocoa can thin blood and relax
blood vessels.
Cocoa contains antioxidants that work toward
repairing damaged skin. Next time you are giving
yourself a manicure, use a homemade cocoa lotion.
When you’re feeling down, sometimes there’s
nothing better than eating chocolate. In fact,
cocoa contains hundreds of compounds that boost
endorphins and serotonin, two of the best-known
chemicals that are responsible for making us feel
happy. n
~ Dr. Oz; Submitted by Vera McCormick, Parish
Nurse
<
PAGE 11
ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STERLING, ILLINOIS
Finance Report Through August 31st
This report reflects all contributions received and expenses paid from January 1 through August 31, 2014.
Gifts Received for General Ministry
$161,547.67
General ministry expenses
$216,410.28
Net Income
$(54,862,61)
Endowments, Memorials and Other Designated Gifts
(Designated gifts cannot be used for general ministry purposes)
Endowment Receipts
Behrens Endowment
$45,846.96
Memorial Receipts
J. Warren (Youth Ministry)
$100.00 B. Betts (Undesignated)
$50.00
F. Merlak (Undesignated)
$350.00 A. Heuck (Designated Other)
$2,470.00
J. Hopkins (Undesignated)
$60.00 V. Reed (Undesignated)
$900.00
B. Carl (Worship & Music)
$1,072.00 L. Doty (Altar Linens)
$625.00
V. Johnson (Undesignated)
$50.00
Bequest Receipts
Charles Behrens
$66,235.37 J. Harting
$50,000.00
Thrivent Choice Receipts
$3,119.00
Transfers from Endowments into the General Fund
Directory of Ministry Development
$4,097.00 Monthly Special Offerings
$2,000.00
General Expenses
$40,000.00 Benevolence (per Endowment)
$2,000.00
Memorial Special Project Payments
Kitchen Items (E. Schwab)
$418.00 Altar Flowers (D. Duhm)
$646.00
Photo Stand (Haverland)
$1,095.00 Speakers in Youth Room (Hammer)
$272.00
Music Instruments (Hammelman)
$614.00 Projector for Youth Room (A. Davis)
$1,526.00
Altar Linens (Doty)
$387.00 Lawn Items (Hopkins)
$61.00
Bequest Distributions
Tri-Church Activities
$10,000.00 Taste & See
$750
Snowplowing
$1,000.00 Nicor Gas Expenses for January
$2,000
HVAC Work in Basement
$9,296.00 LSSI Fundraiser
$750
Building Reserve Fund
$50,000.00 Benevolence
$10,000.00
Sound System
$15,028.00
If you have any questions or would like more information about this report, please contact members of the
Finance Team or the Church Office. Thank you for your gifts to the Glory of God and St. John’s ministries! n
Direct Deposit
D
irect deposit is simple and flexible.
It allows automatic deductions from
your checking or savings account to
the church general checking account. Deductions
>
PAGE 12
can be weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly; you
decide. All funds will be accounted for on your
contribution statement. You can stop or change
deductions at any time. You don’t have to change
banks or open another account. Interested? Contact
the office for the necessary forms. n
1ST MONDAY
Rock With Seniors
COMMUNITY WORSHIP,
TREATS & FELLOWSHIP
AT 1:30PM THE FIRST
MONDAY OF THE MONTH
AT IMMANUEL LUTHERAN
CHURCH, ROCK FALLS
BY
VIDED
O
R
P
HE
ON
RTATI NDS, OR T
O
P
S
TRAN AND FRIE Y SENIOR
Y
T
FAMIL IDE COUN ILS, CALL
S
S!
A
E
WHIT ; FOR DET CHURCHE
E
ER
CENT THE THRE
F
ANY O
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Pastor Henrietta Milner
501 Eighth Avenue
Rock Falls, Illinois 61071
815.625.3575
immanuelrockfalls.org
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Pastor Mark Oehlert
703 Third Avenue
Sterling, Illinois 61081
815.625.2634
stjohnssterling.org
2014 SCHE
DUL
 MAY 5 E
 JUNE 2
 JULY 7
 AUGUST 4
 SEPTEMB
ER 8
OCTOBER
6
NOVEMBE
R3
DECEMBE
R1
Bridging
the
ROCK
TRI-CHURCH MINISTRIES OF THE
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
NORTHERN ILLINOIS SYNOD
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Interim Pastor Vicki Sauter
1701 Sixteenth Avenue
Sterling, Illinois 61081
815.625.3069
stpaulsterling.com
ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, STERLING, ILLINOIS
Who’s Who At St. John’s
PERSONNEL
MINISTRY TEAMS
Pastor
> Rev. Mark Oehlert
On Call/
Visitation Pastor
> Rev. Leo Patterson
Director of Youth
& Family Ministries
> Gerad Von Holten
Director of
Ministry Develpment
> Brenda Sisson
Missionary to Tanzania
> Randall & Carol Stubbs
Minister of Music
> Erik Boehmke
Praise Sunday Director
> Julie McCord
Office Manager
> Nina Peters
Systems Administrator
> Andrew Stutzke
Bell Choir Director
> Dawn Zeigler
Newsletter Editor
> Stahr Design
Custodians
> Alex Ramirez
> Diana Wolf
Christian Education
> Gayle Kellogg
CONGREGATIONAL
COUNCIL
Parish Nurse/Wellness
> Vera McCormick
> Carla Haubrich,
President
> Lois Anderson-Rowzee,
Vice President
> Nancy Breed,
Treasurer
> Teri Jennings, Secretary
> Sandy Feather
> Gayle Kellogg
> Tom Leesman
> Ed Loos
> Stan Rasmussen
> Ken Smith
> Doug Zientara
>
PAGE 14
Congregational Life
> Vacant
Endowment
> Rhonda Stutzke
> Mike Doughty
> Larry Cooper
> Lois Rowzee
> Dwight Oltmanns
Evangelism
> Vacant
Social Ministry
> Sandy Wolfe
> Barb Smith
> Druann Bushman
> Vera McCormick
> Joyce Preston
> Karen Wolfe
> Teresa Gierhart
> Tammy Stewart
> Elaine Winebrenner
Stewardship
> Tom Leesman
> Sandy Feather
> Pastor Mark Oehlert
Finance
> Nancy Breed
> Druann Bushman
> Mike Doughty
> Charles Steinke
Our Mission
Memorial
> Vera McCormick
> Carl Nelson
> Carla Haubrich
> Brian Luebke
> Nancy Rasmussen
Value Statements
Personnel
> Lois Rowzee
> Doug Zientara
> Denise Norman
Property
> Ken Smith
> Doug Zientara
> Art Frey
> Tom Leesman
Worship Arts
> Pastor Mark Oehlert
> Carla Haubrich
> Erik Boehmke
WorshipTech
> Charlene O’Connell
> Aislinn O’Connell
> Kellen O’Connell
> Devin O’Connell
> Anita Carl
> Dan Eads
> Brice Taylor
Members of St. John’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church are
CALLED into God’s world,
CLAIMED by God and His people, and
SENT to share our faith.
We will accomplish our Mission and Vision with FAITH.
Faith is the foundation of our church.
Actions guide our work in the community.
Invite all to share in our Family of Faith.
Trust in the Lord.
Healthy and growing.
Parish
Register
Change of Address > None
Deaths > None
Weddings > None
Members Received > None
Members Removed/Transferred > None
Upcoming Staff Birthdays > Julie McCord 10/5;
Brenda Sisson 10/9; Pastor Leo 10/25
SJLC Activities ~ October 2014
Sun
Mon
Wednesday night Taste
& See Ministry Nights
include:
5:15-Meal
6:15-Worship
7:00-Learning
SOCIAL MINISTRIES
TEAM COLLECTING
SCARVES, HATS AND
MITTENS THROUGH
DECEMBER 7TH.
5
6
ALUMINUM CAN DAY
9:30-Worship
10:45-Sunday School
10:45-Giving study
1:30-Rock with Seniors
(Immanuel)
6:00-Menz Group II
(Larry Cooper’s)
6:30-Christian Ed mtg
Tue
Wed
Thu
1
2
5:15-Taste & See
Ministry Night
7:00-Confirmand prep
7:00-Confirmation
10:00-LSSI meeting
6:00-Disaster
Response meeting
7:00-Al-Anon
7
8
9
9:00-Staff meeting
7:00-Bell choir
CONFIRMAND
DINNER RSVPs DUE
9:00-Central Conf Mtg
5:15-Taste & See
Ministry Night
7:00-Confirmand prep
7:00-TGIF
7:00-Confirmation
9:30-160th meeting
12:00-Caregiver
Luncheon
6:00-Exploring
Worship Through
Music Rehearsal
6:30pm-Morning Circle
7:00-Al-Anon
Fri
3
Sat
4
9:00-Nachusa Home
Work Day
2:00-Grim/Kester
wedding
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
9:00-Flu Clinic
9:30-Worship
10:45-Sunday School
10:45-Giving study
5:30-Bridging the Rock
6:00-Social Ministries
meeting
9:00-Staff meeting
5:00-YFMT meeting
6:45-Worship Arts mtg
7:00-Bell choir
7:00-Finance meeting
7:00-Men in Mission
1:30-Parkway
2:30-Heritage Woods
3:30-Good Neighbors
5:15-Taste & See
Ministry Night
7:00-Confirmand prep
7:00-Confirmation
7:00-TGIF
9:00-Morning Circle
2:30-Coventry
3:30-Sterling Pavilion
7:00-Al-Anon
6:30pm-Movie Night
9:00-Sister to Sister
Bible Study
9:00-Nachusa Home
Work Day
19
20
21
22
23
COMMITMENT DAY
FISH COLLECTION
9:30-Worship
10:30-Oktoberfest/
Polka Mass
10:45-Sunday School
6:00-Confirmand
Dinner (Immanuel)
5:30-Exec meeting
9:00-Staff meeting
11:30-Book Club
(Wagon Wheel)
2:00-Good Neighbors
meeting
6:00-Council meeting
6:00-Grief Group
7:00-Bell choir
5:15-Taste & See
Ministry Night
7:00-Confirmation
(Temple Sholom visit)
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE
12:00-Caregiver
Luncheon
7:00-Al-Anon
26
27
28
29
30
9:00-Staff meeting
9:00-Newsletter
Assembly
5:15-Taste & See
Ministry Night
7:00-Confirmation
7:00-Al-Anon
6:00-Exploring
Worship Through
Music Rehearsal
REFORMATION DAY
CONFIRMATION DAY
9:30-Worship
10:45-Sunday School
10:45-Life Planning
Workshop
24
25
Altar Guild
Carla Haubrich (fill);
Art & Dottie Frey
Assisting Ministers
10/5-Shawn Wolfe
10/12-Marisa Perales
10/19-Chris Rucker
10/26-Denise Carl
Blessings for October
10/5-Adam’s Rib
10/12-Police,
Police Chaplains, &
Firefighters
10/19-Stewardship
10/26-Confirmands
Special Offering
Home of Hope
Cancer Wellness
Center (see page 6
for details)
Special Event
Oktoberfest (see
page 6 for details)
31
YOUR SPIRITUAL
WELLNESS RECIPES
ARE NEEDED BY
NOV. 1ST!
SEE PAGE 6 FOR
DETAILS.
Quarterly
Special Project
Christmas Gift Bags
(see page 6 for
details)
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
703 THIRD AVENUE
STERLING, IL 61081
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
STERLING, IL
PERMIT NO. 218
The Messenger is a monthly publication
of St. John’s Lutheran Church, a church
of the Northern Illinois Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Join us for worship at 9:30am Sundays
and 6:15pm Wednesdays.
If you would prefer to receive The
Messenger via e-mail, contact the church
office at office@stjohnsonthird.org.
PLEASE PRAY ABOUT YOUR RESPONSE.
OCTOBER 19TH, 2014 IS
COMMITMENT SUNDAY