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ST. STEPHENLUTHERAN CHURCH –
ELCASt. John/St. Stephen Lutheran Parish ELCA
PASTOR GAIL SOWELLJoint Mission Statement: Saints united to be the body of
Christ in the world, freed by grace to live faithfully, witness boldly, and serve joyfully.
424 N. 3rd Avenue, PO Box 95Edgar, WI 54426-0095
Telephone: 715-352-2491 (St. Stephen Office) 715-352-2492 (Pastor Gail Home/Cell/Emergency)
Church Web Site: www.ststephenedgar.com
OCTOBER Birthdays
02 Reiche Jill02 Zietlow Merlin06 Copeland Tami08 Zietlow Kristin08 Berg Tom
ST. STEPHEN – ELCAHonoring the Past – Welcoming the Future
2018 COUNCIL OFFICERSPresident Kathy Schreier 715-352-2392 [email protected]
Vice-President Vicki Maurer 715-574-0527 [email protected] Sherry Gayken 715-355-9039 [email protected] Rod Zietlow 715-370-7681 [email protected]
Financial Secretary Julie Haanstad 715-581-0308 [email protected] Clarence Werner
Mark SchreierDale Pilgrim
715-432-0997715-352-2392715-352-2968
Trustees David HarmDennis LangOpen Position
715-370-5463715-573-2974
Youth Liaison Volunteer Needed
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Parish Staff/Council Officers....................................1Contact Information..................................................1October Birthdays and Anniversaries........................2King Baptism/Thank You/Puerto Rico Raffle..........2Meetings/Bible Study/Council Officers....................3Bell Tower Update/Sunday School...........................3Adventures of Church Mice......................................3Pastor’s Ponderings...................................................4Women’s Bible Study/Quilting.................................5Music Notes/Bible Trivia/1st Annual Get-Away.......6Senior Day/Musical Ministries/Steam Show.............6All Saints’ Day/Crop Walk/Thanksgiving Eve.........7Community Dinners/Events......................................7Northwest Synod Events...........................................7October Calendar......................................................8
Sunday Worship time: Communion Worship @ 10:30 AMSunday School: Children excused for Sunday School
following Children’s Time (approx. 10:45 AM)October 14: BaptismOctober 28: Quarterly MeetingOctober 28: Reformation SundayBible Studies: 2nd & 4th Thursdays @ 6:00 PM
Women’s – 2nd Tuesday @ 1:00 PM
PARISH STAFFPastor
Gail SowellHome/Cell/Emergency
St. Stephen Office715-352-2492715-352-2491
Secretary Sherry [email protected]
715-355-9039
Outside Custodian Steve Doran 715-393-5080Inside Custodian Rachel Doran 715-393-5076
Organist Charlotte Otto 715-443-2007Handbell Director Marla Berg 715-302-4768
Altar Guild Millie BorchardtMarge Copeland
Deb Pilgrim
715-352-2451715-352-2977715-352-2621
Media Team
Dale Pilgrim, Mark Schreier, Vern Spaulding, Rod Zietlow, Kristin Zietlow, Mike Maurer, Sherry Gayken
09 Maurer Mollie13 Reiche Rebecca13 Werner Jennifer14 Riehle Christina14 Pilgrim Debbie16 Schulz Norma *16 Maurer Avery17 Mroczenski Katlynn20 Guralski Devin23 Gray Dick *25 Roddy Arlene
90/90+ BIRTHDAY CLUB: Norma Schulz will be 98 years young on October 16.
For cards and birthday wishes, her address is as follows:
NORMA SCHULZGARDENSIDE CROSSINGC/O MOUNT VIEW CARE CENTER2400 MARSHALL STWAUSAU, WI 54403-6738
FYI: DICK GRAY’s current address:
ROOM 111BAPPLEGATE TERRACE3001 WESTHILL DR.WAUSAU, WI 54401
OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES10/01 – Guralski, Roxi & Steve 10/02 – Riehle, Jill & Ron10/03 – Otto, Charlotte & Wilbur 10/05 – Holbach, Robin & Todd10/07 – Mroczenski, Tami & Larry10/10 – Karlen, Gloria & Jerry10/15 – Heiden, Mindy & Greg 10/17 – Werner, Alice & Clarence10/29 – Hein, Eryn & Steven
CONGRATULATIONS AND GOD’S BLESSINGS to Patrick and Katie King on the birth and baptism of their new precious daughter, Taylor Louise King.
Taylor was born July 25, 2018, and baptized at St. Stephen on Sunday, September 23, 2018, by Pastor Gail
Sowell (photo at right). Pictured above along with Pastor Gail are Taylor’s sponsors, Paul and Nickki Dombrock, and Katie, Patrick, and Baby Taylor.
We welcome Taylor into the St. Stephen family, and into the body of Christ and into the mission we share. Together we give thanks and praise to God.
for the many well wishes, cards, phone calls, thoughts and prayers during my recovery following my
recent fall. All were greatly appreciated. Marge Copeland
ST. JOHN/ST. STEPHEN RAFFLE FOR PUERTO RICO UPDATE – 500 tickets will be printed and available for members to sell soon - $20/each. The fundraiser is a straightforward money raffle: 1st prize - $1,000; 2nd prize - $500; 3rd-5th prize - $100; 6th-9th prize - $50. Puerto Rico is the recipient because of the enormous needs there following last year’s hurricane. We have an individual there, Pastor Lydia Morales Kuilan, who works with Lutheran Disaster Response. She was formerly the pastor of my Pastor Gail’s son’s godparents when they visited their mother in Puerto Rico.
ST. STEPHEN COUNCIL MEETING:Sunday, October 21 @ 9:00 AM
ST. STEPHEN QUARTERLY MEETING: Sunday, October 28th @ 9:15 AM
THANK YOU
2 ND AND 4 TH THURSDAY EVENINGS of each month at 6:00 PM at St. Stephen.
ALL ARE WELCOME !!
Members of the congregation are needed for positions of leadership on the Church Council for the next term.
Vice-President – a term of two years, automatically becoming the president at the end of the term of vice-president.
Treasurer – a term of three years and is eligible for three additional terms of office. (Eligible to serve no more than four full terms consecutively.)
DeaconTrustee
All elected deacons and trustees shall serve for a term of three years and can be re-elected for a second three-year term.
Nomination forms are in back along with the “nomination box.” Elections will take place at the Quarterly Meeting on October 28th … but nominations are needed NOW!
UPDATE ON BELL TOWER PROJECT – renovations to the bell tower, window wraps, facia and soffits, and tower speakers and sound system as approved at the April Quarterly Meeting will begin in October per AA Seamless.
SUNDAY SCHOOL resumed with Rally Sunday on Sunday, September 16th. Students are excused for Sunday School following the Children’s Time. Pictured above is the group from the first Sunday.
Volunteers are needed to teach on Sundays (materials available). A coordinator remains needed to oversee the Sunday School Program and, also, a coordinator is needed by November 1st to direct the Children’s Christmas Program in December (an idea is available).
If there are other ideas/suggestions for these Programs, or questions, contact Colleen Dvorak (715-571-8277) or Vicki Maurer (715-574-0527).
ADVENTURES OF THE CHURCH MICEFrederick here, from St. Stephen—THEY’RE BACK! The CHILDREN are back! It’s so much fun to be in worship when the kids are there! (even if we DO have to be more careful where we hide, some of them are very good at finding things, even little MICE. Not the I’M little….) (I really can’t help being so big-but there’s more of me to love!)
It’s tricky, though, getting downstairs after the Children’s Message, when all those little feet are tramping down the stairs. But it’s worth it because WE get to hear the lesson and share the crumbs that fall from the children’s hands. (Wasn’t there something a few weeks ago in the Gospel about crumbs and dogs? Oh my goodness gracious me, I hope there aren’t any DOGS coming to church now!).
PASTOR’S PONDERINGS – October, 2018
At the beginning of November, I’ll be serving as a Spiritual Director at another Via de Cristo. This is a lay-led spiritual renewal movement active throughout the Christian world (known by different names but with the same emphases) that seeks to strengthen faith and leadership for active members of congregations; most of our week-enders are Lutheran. Would you like to join us? There’s no cost to you except the time commitment. We’ll leave at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 1st, and return after 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 4th. If you’re at all interested, please talk to me about it! Applications need to be in by October 6 th, so give me a call on my cell phone (715-352-2492) soon!
I love my Via de Cristo week-ends! Clergy serve as spiritual directors; there are three pastors on each week-end, so I’m in close contact with my colleagues in ministry. But best of all, most of the week-end is conducted by lay people, those not ordained. It’s refreshing to see the deep faith and creative leadership of these women and men, and to be able to worship without always leading the service. I always return exhausted but energized!
In another vein, I’ve just finished a fascinating book by author Adam Hamilton. It’s called Half Truths: God Helps Those Who Help Themselves and Other Things the Bible Doesn’t Say. The chapter titles are the other “half truths” he deals with: Everything Happens for a Reason; God Helps Those Who Help Themselves; God Won’t Give You More Than You Can Handle; God Said It, I Believe It, That Settles It; Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin. This is the second book by Hamilton that I’ve read, and I have two more. I enjoy his straight-forward simplicity and creative insights. Let me know if you’d like to borrow this book or his others ( What the Bible Really Says; Moses, the Reluctant Prophet; The Creed).
Bible Study, Bible Study, Bible Study: it’s NOT where you come to show off your knowledge of the Bible—it’s for EVERYONE AND ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE. Please let me know when and where you’d like to have a Bible Study. I would willingly teach a study a day if people would attend. Come and learn more about how God reveals himself and his love in our scriptures. Come and learn how much God loves YOU!
Pastor Gail
JOINT WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY ST. STEPHEN AND ST. JOHN – is held the 2nd Tuesday of each month starting at 1:00 PM. The next Study is: Tuesday, October 9th – at St. John. For November and the
following winter months, Women’s Bible Study will be held at St. Stephen.
All women who are members of St. Stephen and St. John are members of the women’s group. All are WELCOME and encouraged to participate (along with family and friends).
UPCOMING BIBLE STUDIES
Turn, turn, turn: A time for faithful repentance
Most merciful God, we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves... (ELW, p. 95).
What does it mean to repent, and why do we do it? When many of us hear the word “repentance,” the first image that comes to mind is that of a self-appointed street prophet with a megaphone, proclaiming God’s judgment on passers-by. We picture fire-and-brimstone preachers warning of the end of the world or recall news stories of those who picket gatherings of different churches, parades and veterans’ funerals.
This fall’s Bible study from the Gather magazine, "Turn, turn, turn: A time for faithful repentance" by Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, focuses on the theme of "turning" in repentance. What does it mean to repent, and why is repentance important in the life of Christian faith? Repentance is one of the most powerful acts of a person or a church, making possible not only forgiveness but also reconciliation. This Bible study will explore how we as Lutheran Christians understand the role of repentance in our faith, especially as we understand God’s grace to be unearned and freely given.
In October we will focus on our relationships with others. If I could turn back time: Turning to others. When Zacchaeus met Jesus, he was moved to give away half of his wealth to the poor and to make amends with those he had defrauded. Why? In the Gospels, Jesus’ call to repentance is a call to turn back to the ways of God’s reign on earth: justice, peace and mercy for the neighbor and the community. What does repentance look like in our relationships?
BLANKET SUNDAY -- a long-standing tradition at St. Stephen – held Sunday, September 30th. The quilts over the pews are quilts which the St. Stephen quilters have made throughout the year.
Monetary donations will be accepted for Lutheran World Relief (LWR) throughout the month of October. A donation of only $5.00 (check or cash) helps LWR provide blankets for people who suffer from war or natural disasters all around the world. The blankets/quilts provide shelter, carry babies, hold personal belongings, serve as coats, and provide a warmer place to sleep. For only a $5.00 donation, you can help another human being in great need.
If by check, make your check payable to St. Stephen Lutheran Church Women and place in an envelope marked with a bold notation “BLANKETS.” If you wish to make a cash donation, also place in an envelope marked with a bold notation “BLANKETS.” These donations should be given to Sherry or placed in the collection plate clearly marked as above.
QUILT/BLANKET PACKING – Quilts and blankets for LWR will be packed on Tuesday, October 2nd, at 9:00 AM. Please let Jane Ross know if you will be able to help (strong, burly men are also needed to help pack and lift!!). The Wausau Area Ingathering is Saturday, October 6th, 8:00 AM - Noon, in Wausau.
QUILTING resumes on Thursday, October 4th, at St. Stephen at 1:00 PM, and continues the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month thru May. More willing hands are always needed. Sewing may also be done at home.
A beautiful quilt – hand-made by Marla Berg and Marsha Otto – was auctioned via “silent auction” – winning bid notified Sunday, September 30th. The amount received from the final bid will be donated to the Quilting Group for additional supplies to make additional quilts during the year for LWR.
MUSIC NOTES: Do you have a favorite hymn (or 2 or 3 or 10)? Write down the title and we’ll try to include it in a worship service in the next couple of months.
Would you like to sing or play special music on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? Let Pastor Gail know!
Also, St. John is still seeking a musician for worship to give Louann a break, or even an opportunity to step down. If you play keyboard or guitar, or if you know someone who might be interested, please let Pastor Gail know. Perfection is not required!
BIBLE TRIVIA FROM PASTOR GAIL: Last month I mentioned that the word adultery in the Bible almost always refers to idol worship, the worship of false gods.
Israel “committed adultery” with the gods of surrounding pagan nations, thus breaking the first commandment. In reading Ezekiel (my Old Testament—Hebrew Scripture—book) this month I was struck with the VERY graphic description of how God perceived Israel’s faithlessness. Take a few minutes to read Ezekiel 16. You may be surprised, as I was, that something like this is actually in the Bible!
FROM PASTOR GAIL:FIRST ANNUAL WOMEN’S GET-AWAY – FAITH, FELLOWSHIP, FOOD, FUN: Join in for the First Annual Women’s Get-Away Day on Wednesday, October 24 th , 1:00-6:00 PM (“Retreat” sounded too structured.). The day was chosen by the Women’s Bible Study group because they expressed interest in this activity. I realize those who are still working won’t be able to attend, but I promise to offer another “First Annual Saturday” escape if any of you would like it—let me know!
It’s going to include some Bible Study, some sharing of memories of growing up in (or out of) the faith, some snacks, some question-and-answer time, some prayers, and a closing supper (what would you like?) for which a donation would be appreciated. We can have a catered meal if you want to donate big-time, or pizza, subs, or take-out of your choice.
If you plan to attend, please sign up on the sheet in the back hallway. I (Pastor Gail) am really excited about doing this, and I hope you are too!
SENIOR DAY – sponsored the 3rd Wednesday of each month at St. Stephen from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Next date: October 17th.
Champion for the month of September was: Jane Ross
Join the group for some old-fashioned fun !! All area seniors are welcome !!!
ST. STEPHEN’S MUSICAL MINISTRIES – led by Vern Spaulding – are again playing/singing at area nursing homes/rehab facilities, to share God’s word. In September they were at Wausau Manor. On Thursday, October 25th PM, they will be traveling to Three Oaks in Marshfield. Please join the group if you like to sing (don’t have to be great at it!) and enjoy visiting with the residents.
THE SCOOP FROM THE STEAM SHOW 2018The 2018 Annual Steam Show has come and gone. Once again, we were victims of the weather with a washed-out Friday and Sunday afternoon but Saturday was a beautiful day! The weather doesn’t keep the die-hard steam engine fans away so we did sell ice cream those days just not what was expected.
This year we partnered with St John’s selling ice cream in their Youth Stand and also in their Corn Dog Stand and I would say it was very successful. Loads of fun was had and we got to know more people from our partner parish.
Thank you to Thrivent for supplying $250 start-up funds – used to purchase supplies for both the Ice Cream Stand and the Corn Dog Stand.
Big thanks go out to MaryAnn Aschbrenner, Kristin, Rod and Sue Zietlow, Rachel and Steve Doran, Mollie and Michael Maurer, Clarence Werner,
and Mark and Kathy Schreier, and Pastor Gail for working in both stands.
Plans are in the works for next year – so if you didn’t get a chance to help out in 2018, there will be opportunities in 2019. The proceeds will be split between the Crop Walk, the Circle of Joy, and possibly the Project Fund depending on the amounts.
ALL SAINTS’ DAY REMEMBRANCES – The congregation is again invited to submit names of loved ones they’ve lost and want remembered – any family member or friend who's ever died.
At the beginning of All Saints’ Day worship on November 4th, a candle will be lit for every name submitted. This is a beautiful and moving way to celebrate the light of lives now departed and make a lovely scene on the altar!
Memorials must be received by Sunday, October 28th
(slips available in back).
CROP HUNGER WALKS are community-wide events sponsored by Church World Service and organized by local congregations or groups to raise funds to end hunger at home and around the world. This year’s Wausau Crop Hunger Walk is Sunday, October 7th. Donations accepted at St. Stephen.
THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE –Wednesday evening,November 21st, at 7:00 PMat St. Stephen.
PANCAKE BRUNCH – St. John on N will host their Annual Potato and Buttermilk Pancake Brunch on Sunday, October 14th, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM. The Women of St. John will be selling homemade pies. Raffle baskets also available with ticket purchases.
ANNUAL ROAST BEEF HARVEST SUPPER – St. John (High Steeple) – Saturday, October 6th, 4:30 – 7:00 PM, in the church dining hall. Meals will be delivered; takeouts available. Call 715-352-2888 for more information.
GOLDEN LADLE SOUP CONTEST/CAKE BINGO – Sunday, October 14 – from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, at Stark’s Floral. Enter soups by 3:00 PM with list of ingredients. Admission: $8.00 in advance, $10.00 at-the-door; FREE if you bring a crockpot of soup to enter. Proceeds will go toward Edgar’s Holiday Parade on Sunday, November 4th, at 1:00 PM.
Contact Karen at 715-352-2577 to sign up and with any questions – also to volunteer for the Holiday Parade.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CATHOLIC CHURCH:
Baked Potato Bar – Wednesday, October 17th, serving 4:00 – 6:30 PM – Baked potatoes, numerous toppings, dessert, and beverages. Adults - $7.00; children under 12 - $4.00; age 4 and under – free. Carryouts available: 715-352-3111.
Annual Christmas Bazaar, fish and shrimp fry, bake sale, book fair, children’s only shop – Friday, November 16 th, 4:00-7:30 PM.
FREE COMMUNITY DINNER – at Hope Lutheran Church, F4356 STH 97, Edgar, the last Sundays of each month – serving from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. If you are seeking some assistance because the budget has run out before the month ends or are seeking fellowship with others, join in. Area veterans ae invited. Also added has been a small food pantry and a family friendly movie that will be shown at 7:00 PM. Everyone is welcome.
NORTHWEST SYNOD CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October 7 th Fall Bazaar -- Pleasant Valley Lutheran - Eleva, WIAnnual Fall Dinner – Balsam Lutheran ChurchOctober 10 th 4:00 -7:00 pmFall Supper – Immanuel - Emerald, WIOctober 13 th 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Lutefisk Dinner – Chetek Lutheran ChurchOctober 17 th 4:30-7:00 p.m.
Fall Supper and Bake Sale – Holy Cross - Glenwood CityMeatball Harvest Dinner 4:30 – 7:00 pmPeace Lutheran - Pigeon FallsOctober 19 th 4:30 – 7:00 pmKlub Supper, New Scandinavia - Dallas, WIOctober 20 th 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
Arts and Crafts Bazaar, Faith Lutheran-Balsam LakeOctober 24 th 4:30 – 7:00 pmMeatball/Lefse Harvest Dinner – Osseo Evangelical, Osseo
