2015 EPISTLE Page 1Pastors Message Page 1 Birthdays/Anniversaries Page 5Holiday Events Page 3 Volunteers Page 6Council Mtg. Minutes Page 4 Calendar Page 7

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,Light four candles to watch for Messiah: let the

light banish darkness! He is coming, tell the glad tidings. Let your lights be shining! ELW 240

Grace and peace to you this Advent! We enter this Advent differently than in past years. I write this article in the wake of the terrorist attacks across our globe and the instantaneous response of fear bubbling up from the media, politicians, my own friends and acquaintances, and even my family. A pit in my stomach grew as I heard the news. It didn’t develop out of fear for my safety, but out of concern that all the Syrian refugees would now automatically be type-cast as terrorists. It also grew out of the fear that we would allow hatred and darkness to claim our world. I was afraid that death and destruction would get the final word and that fear, rather than hope, would guide our policies and actions. If you are like me at all, you have been bombarded with the opinions of those around you. Sometimes we can be a people who, when left to our own devices, live into fear and hopelessness.

That is why I was struck by the timing of the massacre. Just before Thanksgiving, right as Christians around the world will begin to prepare for the Christ child this Advent, a message of death and darkness would attempt to penetrate the world so pervasively. Yet, in the coming weeks we will dare to proclaim a more accurate truth in our world! As Christians we gather around God’s word and meal to proclaim a faith in a hope so brilliant that it shines into even the darkest corners of our world. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but have eternal life.” God sent his son into the world in order that it might be saved. From the beginning God brings us good gifts of life, love, and light. The Gospel of John reminds us from the very beginning that God is life and the light for all the people. God is the light that shines in the darkness and the darkness did not and will not overcome it! This is our hope. This is our faith.

At Baptism we were claimed by our God and anointed into a life where we were not

promised things would be easy. We were not promised protection and we were definitely not promised self-preservation. Instead, we received a guarantee that life would in fact be challenging. We were promised that we would be called to loudly and faithfully proclaim God’s love for the world even in the face of tragedy, terror, and even death. We were commissioned to bear the burdens of one another and to live sacrificially. We were united to Christ’s death and resurrection and raised to be a beacon of a better story for our world! The message the world so desperately needs is marked on each of your foreheads. You are a child of the Resurrection! You are a child of the light and you are empowered by God to shine that light before others, boldly, so that they might see your good works, your good news, and see the face of God!

This Advent we wait in expectant HOPE, not fear, of the one who comes to us in the least expected way- as a child seeking refuge in order to bear the salvation of all of creation. God breaks into our world through flesh and blood to remind us that God comes close to us in the face of darkness and fear and transforms the whole world through light and hope. The Christ child reminds us that God uses the things of this world-us-our own flesh and blood- to bear the message of redemption, wholeness, and eternal life. Let your lights be shining! Pastor Annie

Please join us forthe St. John’s Men’s 15th Annual

Chili and Oyster Stew Supper

Thursday, December 3rd

4:30 pm – 8:00 pm @ St. John’s Lutheran, Spring Valley

Meal includes:Oyster Stew, Chili,

rolls,bars and beveragesFree will offeringBake and Craft Sal e

Quilt RaffleSponsored by the WELCA

OFFERING ENVELOPESThe offering envelopes for 2016 are available in the Narthex. Please pick yours up on the way out of church.

LIBRARY REVIEW“Times and Seasons”

By Beverly Lattaye &Terri Blackstock

When Mark Flaherty is arrested for selling drugs, the tightly knit group of friends in Cedar Circle came together in a strong show of mutual care and support. Through the hands and hearts of this loving community, God moves to ease the heartache of the Flaherty family.

Lynda Johnson,Librarian

LIBRARY DONATIONRose Holerud, formerly of Spring Valley, has kindly donated forty-five Guidepost hard cover books to our church library. These

books, “Tales From Grace Chapel Inn”, are stories about sisters Jane, Alice, and Louise, who run a bed and breakfast together.Please visit our library and take advantage of these books and many others. They are great reading material.Thank you to Rose Holerud for her donated books. They are greatly appreciated.

WITH MUCH

THANKS AND APPRECIATION… Thanks to our former pastors who came to help

us celebrate our 125th anniversary!Th

ank you for the donation to the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Howard Murphy given by Richard & Lynda Johnson.

Thank you for the donation to the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Ed Hanson given by Richard & Lynda Johnson.Thank you for the donation to the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Bill Crownhart given by Richard & Lynda Johnson.

Thank you for the donation to the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Adeline Langer given by Richard & Lynda Johnson.Thank you for the donation to the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Richard Larson given by Richard & Lynda Johnson.Thank you for the donation to the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Robert Weber given by Richard & Lynda Johnson.Thank you for the donation to the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Janet Leinke given by Richard & Lynda Johnson.Thank you for the donation to the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Lyness Anderson given by Keith & Nina Larson.

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDWe still need volunteers for the Christmas Eve & Christmas Day worship services as follows:

Dec. 24, 4 pm – 1 usher and special music. Dec. 24, 10 pm – 1 usher, 2 acolytes, 5

readers and special music. Dec. 25, 10 am – 1 acolyte, 2 communion

assistants, and special music.If you are able to help, please let the church office know as soon as possible.

WOMEN OF ST. JOHN’SSubmitted by Nina Larson

All women of St. John’s are welcome and encouraged to attend all scheduled events.

CIRCLE/BIBLE STUDY will not be held in December. We will meet again on January 14, at 2:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Beulah Thompson will have devotions and Joyce Brooke will serve as hostess. Pastor Annie will lead our Bible study on Mark 1: 16-45.

QUILTING will not be held in December. We will resume quilting in January on the first and third Thursdays from 9:00-12:00.

BINGO will be on December 1, at 2:00 at the Spring Valley Health Care Center.

QUILT RAFFLE AND BAKE/CRAFT SALE will be on December 3, along with the Chili/Oyster Stew supper. Bake/Craft items should be at the church by 4:00 on December 3.

POINSETTIAS will be delivered to shut-ins and health care residents during the first week of December.

CRAFTERS AND BAKERS WE NEED YOUR SKILLS. We hope many of you are planning to donate crafts of all kinds as well as baked goods for our annual sale held along with the Chili/Oyster stew supper on Thursday, December 3. We appreciate any and all of your contributions. Please have items to church by 4:00 on that day.

PASTOR ANNIE'S OFFICE HOURS* Monday - 9:30am-12:30pm Tuesday - 1pm-4pm Wednesday - 9:30am-12:30pm; 3-8pm Thursday - 10am - 2pm Friday – day off

*Other times may include meetings, visitations, etc., but please call for any additional appointment times outside of these listed hours.

COMMUNION BREAD BAKERS NEEDEDWe are looking for volunteers to bake communion bread. Volunteers are responsible for baking the bread for 1 month out of the year. You will be given the recipe. Please contact the church office at 778-5935 if you are able to help.

ST. JOHN’S CHRISTMAS SERVICESChristmas Eve Services at:

4:00 p.m. with Holy Communion 10:00 p.m. Candlelight Service with Holy

CommunionChristmas Day Service at 10:00 a.m. with Holy Communion

SV COMMUNITY CHOIR CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Adult Community Choir & Children’s Choir will present “Silver and Gold” on Dec. 5th at 7:00 pm & Dec. 6th at 2 pm. Both performances are at the Spring Valley Stagehands

Theatre. Tickets available online (www.svstagehands.org) or at the door.

SPRING VALLEY SCHOOL’S HOLIDAY

CONCERTSThe Spring Valley School’s will present their Holiday concerts as follows:

Elementary – Dec. 9th, 1 pm

MS/HS– Dec. 15th, 6:30 pm

CHRISTMAS COOKIE SALESpring Lake Lutheran Church will be having their Christmas cookie sale on Saturday, December 5th starting at

9am. Let us do your Christmas baking for you! Fill a box with homemade cookies, candy, and Norwegian goodies of your choice.

SPRING VALLEY HEALTH CARE CENTER EVENTS

28 th Annual Holiday Bazaar - Craft items, holiday decorations and baked goods will be available at the Holiday Bazaar on December 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. All proceeds will go to the Resident Council.

Lighting of the Circle of Love Wreaths – The wreaths will be lit on December 5 at approximately 4:30 pm at the Spring Valley Health and Rehab Center. There will be a short program and Christmas carols.

Volunteer Christmas Breakfast Brunch – Spring Valley Health and Rehab Center invites all those who have helped by volunteering in any way to attend their Volunteer Christmas Breakfast Brunch on Saturday, December 12 from 9 – 10:30 am. Please rsvp by December 10 to Renee Tatzel, Activity Director at 778-5545, ext. 239.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

Order your poinsettias to share with St. John’s for Christmas again this year in honor or memory of a friend or loved one by using the form found on the oak cabinet in the Narthex. The cost of each poinsettia is $9. Orders are due December 20.

Page 6ST. JOHN’S NEW FACEBOOK PAGE

Please Like Us On Facebook! St. John's now has a "NEW" facebook page. You can find us at:

St. John's Lutheran Church, Spring Valley, WIThe new page is listed as a "Church/Religious Organization" You may notice that there is an old page for our church that is listed as "Community". We are working to have that page removed & are sorry for any confusion.We invite you to follow us on our new page and stay up to date on church announcements, events & much more. We will also continue to add photos regularly so please check back often!If anyone has any photos or information about an event at St. John's that they would like to share, please send that info to Connie Mann at mannrc@yahoo.com

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS We are looking for volunteers to help

students learn their parts for the Christmas Program and to assist with costume assembly. Volunteers are needed on December 6, 13, 20 during Sunday school at 9:00am. If you can help, please contact Kate Crogan at 778-4705 or just come during Sunday School

The Christmas program will be presented on December 20 during worship.

There will be no Sunday School on December 27 or January 3, 2016. Have a great Christmas and blessed New Year. Sunday School will resume on January 10, 2016.

THANK YOU to everyone who took part in decorating the church on the Hanging of the Greens Sunday. Whether you shook out tree branches, hung ornaments, sang Christmas songs or brought soup, sandwiches, desserts, or beverages for the Soup and Sandwich meal. Thank

You for being a part of our church family.

WESTCAP AREA FAMILY GIFTSSocial Concerns is participating in the West Cap Program this year. This year, West Cap is especially looking for socks, underwear, t-shirts and sweatshirts for boys and girls of all ages. They are also looking for winter clothing. Please return items by Sunday, December 13.If you would like to do something on your own, you can:

Drop off new unwrapped toys or winter clothing at 525 2nd St., Glenwood City

Mail in a monetary donation to PO Box 308, Glenwood City, WI 54013

Call in and ask how you can help at 800-606-9227 or 715-265-4271

Email your interest in helping out to westcap@wcap.org

Social Concerns

Page 7St. John’s Lutheran Church

Council MeetingNovember 10, 2015

Belonging to Christ, we are a family of faith, Encouraging spiritual growth

and Connecting others to lasting hope.Those present: Phil Hennemann (President), Barb Esanbock (Secretary), Minda Matthys (Stewardship), Kate Crogan (Education), Nancy Cleveland (Worship), Jay Arneson (Trustee), Marsha Brunkhorst (Financial Secretary)Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by Phil Hennemann at 7:05 p.m.Opening Prayer: By Council membersApproval of Agenda: Motion by Minda Matthys, second by Barb Esanbock, to table Luther Point discussion. Motion carried.President’s Report: Nothing new to report.Pastor’s Report: Pastor Annie’s written report was reviewed. Hours that the church is open and staffed were discussed.Secretary’s Report: Motion by Nancy Cleveland, second by Jay Arneson, to approve the minutes. Motion carried.Treasurer’s Report: Reports were reviewed and discussed. Motion by Marsha Brunkhorst, second by Minda Matthys, to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.Review of Bills: Bills were reviewed; no further discussion.Committee Reports:

Stewardship: The Generosity Tree will continue through November. The committee will be meeting with Pastor Annie when she returns. Minda discussed the Generosity Project she attended.

Deacons: Thank you to all who attended Pastor Annie’s Bridal Shower. A family movie night is being planned for January.

Trustees: Bird holes are being patched, outside lights worked on and furnace filters changed.

Education: We discussed the Sunday School wish list and Confirmation.

Worship: Church decorating will occur after service on November 22nd, following a soup and sandwich lunch. A Blue Christmas Service will be held at 5pm on December 13th for those in the community who experience difficulties during the Christmas season. The framing of Tom Gunderson’s church paintings should be done by Thanksgiving.

Social Concerns: Currently working on Operation Christmas Child. The structure of the Social Concerns committee was discussed and will be reviewed and discussed further.

Old Business: Audio Visual Update: The updated proposal

is $5,365; we will vote on this at next meeting.

Luther Point Funding: Tabled until next meeting.

Page 8New Business:

2016 Budget: Committees should get their proposed 2016 budgets done and submitted by December 3rd.

Annual Reports: Reports are due by January 10, 2016.

Nominating Committee: The nominating committee has been activated. Members are Kristin Larson, Shelby Crow,

Katie Anderson, Katie Manor. 2 more members are needed; suggestions were given and Phil will contact them.

Next Meeting: Scheduled for December 8, 2015, 7pmAdjourn: Motion by Nancy Cleveland, second by Jay Arneson, to adjourn at 8:56 p.m. Motion carried.We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.Respectfully submitted: Barb Esanbock, Secretary

STATISTICAL INFORMATIONAttendance: 2015 2014 November 1 117 134 November 8 95 100 (2015 supply pastor)November 15 116 126November 22 103 109 Giving: General Open Simply

Plate GivingNovember 1 $3,052 $140 $355

November 8 $2,038 $68.50 $15November 15 $1,285 $25.50 $120November 22 $2,197 $34 $105Needed/week: $2,953.22 (2015)Total needed to date this month: $138,801.34Total received to date this month: $112,745.51Total budget: (2015) $153,567.27

MISSION ENDOWMWENT FUNDThis year, St. John’s Mission Endowment Committee was able to send a gift to Henrytown Church in Canton, Minnesota in response to a fire destroying their church. They also awarded scholarships to 2 St. John’s graduating seniors. These gifts were made possible because of donations to the Mission Endowment Fund. During this “gift giving” season, please consider a gift to the Mission Endowment Fund.

CHRISTMAS JOYSomehow, not only for Christmas,

But all the long year through,The joy that you give to others

Is the joy that comes back to you.And the more you spend in blessing

The poor and lonely and sad,The more your heart’s possessing

Returns to make you glad.-John Greenleaf Winter

1 - Scott Klug 4 – Wylie Brooke

Connie Mann 5 - Grace Anderson 6 - Joyce Schutz 7 - Aaron Morrow 8 - Ryan Danielson

Mary NelsonStephanie Thompson

10 - Amy Howe11 - Blayne Gregg

Diane Johnson

12 – Barbara AndersonMorgan KivelNina LarsonTayson Schlegel

14 - Pamela HansonAmanda Hines

16 – Samuell Schmitt17 – Sheldon O’Keefe18 – Dylan Borgschatz

Roland Larson21 – William Anderson

Sarah AndersonHenry Pommier

23 - Michael Meyers

24 – Jesse BoardmanNick Klug

25 – Sydney Kivel26 - Bailey Manor

Beulah Thompson27 – Amanda Anderson

Jordan Doornink28 - Kaitlyn Matthys29 - Mitchell Anderson

Kendra Tanberg30 – Hawken Benson Charlotte Debold31 - Avery Crow

Dakota Kidd

7 – Charles & Gwynn Lacy 8 – Dan & Ann Larson22 – Chuck & Jan Brictson29 – Jacob & Dana Benson Scott & Kathy Klug

Page 9Nick & Lora Palmer

30 - Phillip & Dawn Davis

Spring Valley Area Food PantryThe holidays are an especially busy time for the food pantry. Remember that all churches are responsible for stocking the food pantry during the holiday season.

Donations may be left in the basket in the Narthex at St. John’s.Suggested donations for the SV Food Pantry are: pasta and sauce, peanut butter, jelly, crackers (graham, saltine, etc.), hot & cold cereals, “just add water” mixes, pancake syrup, pasta salad mixes, soups, canned entrees, canned meats, rice-a-roni, catsup, mustard, treat items, snack size fruit cups, canned fruits, fruit juice, non-refrigerated pudding cups, baked beans, canned vegetables, personalcare, items, cleaning products, paper products, packaged dinners (macaroni and cheese, tuna/hamburger helper, etc)

Spring Valley Community Food PantryThe Spring Valley Food pantry is available to help anyone in need of food in our area. If you know of a neighbor who could benefit from this assistance, you may obtain help on their behalf, keeping this information confidential.Freezers and a refrigerator are available if you have items to donate requiring this. THANK YOU to all who have helped by contributing to this cause!The Food Pantry is open the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 10 – 11:30 am and from 4:30 – 6 pm.The phone number for the Spring Valley Community Food Pantry is 778-5988. For immediate need, please call the Pierce County Food Pantry in Ellsworth at 715-273-2070. They are open Monday thru Friday from 9:30 am to noon and Wednesday from 4-6 pm.

Need A Prayer? Call Beulah Thompson at 778-5542 and our Prayer Chain will go into action!

Page 10

VOLUNTEERSIf this schedule does not work for you, please try to switch with someone and notify the church office

of changes. Thank you!

DecemberUshers

6 – Jeff Johnson & 13 – Jason Matthys & Jeanne Niccum 20 – Kevin & Val Anderson 24 – 4pm – Jeff Johnson & 24 – 10pm – Jeff Johnson & 25 – Keith & Nina Larson 27 – Rob & Lori Peterson

Head Ushers 6 – Bob Kinsman 13 – Bob Hanson 20 – Craigen Anderson27 – Bob Kinsman

Greeters 6 – Shelby Crow & Nancy Cleveland 13 – Larry & Laurie Kreibich 20 – Pete & Barb Esanbock 24 – 4pm: Mary Hampton & 24 – 10pm: Virgil & Bev Lueth 25 – Hennemann Family 27 – Phil & Laura Hennemann

Communion Assistants 6 – Bob & Nancy Kinsman 24 – 4pm – Marsha Brunkhorst & Kathy Miller 24 – 10pm: Nancy Cleveland & Katie Manor 25 –

Readers 6 – Claire Pommier 13 – Darice Butts 24 – 4pm: Chuck Brictson, Marsha Brunkhorst, Claire Pommier, Beulah Thompson, Tonya Maier, Madison Maier, Dana Benson, Stacy Burr 24 – 10pm: Chuck Brictson, Nancy Cleveland, Beverly Lueth 25 – Earl Gunderson 27 – Madison Maier

Acolytes 6 – Maddie Matthys & Max Matthys 13 – Jessica Wildner & Renata Sandve 20 – Pierce Burr & 24 – 4pm – Sam Benson & Hawken Benson 24 – 10pm 25 – Clara Gland & 27 – Boen Stoiber & Max Schmitt

Coffee Servers 6 – Reese & Laurie Keehr 13 – Cindy, Christa, Ellen Brorson 20 – Education Committee 27 – Jeremy & Stacy Wildner

Nursery Workers 6 – 13 – 20 – 27 –

Bread Baking

Communion Set-Up/Clean-upKathy Klug & Wendy Arneson

January

Ushers 3 – Bob & Nancy Kinsman 10 – Jake & Sam Benson 17 – Kim Brooke & Ben Anderson 24 – Marsha Brunkhorst & Shelby Crow 31 – David & Elijah Butts

Head Ushers 3 – Bob Hanson 10 – Craigen Anderson 17 – Bob Kinsman 24 – Bob Hanson 31 – Craigen Anderson

Greeters 3 – Jean Blegen & Beulah Thompson 10 – Duane & Renae Peterson 17 – Lori & Josh Wells 24 – Matthys Family 31 – Byron Anderson Family

Communion Assistants 3 – Nancy Cleveland & Amy Cady 17 – Kevin Anderson & Kristin Larson

Readers 3 – Greg Schmitt 10 – Sam Benson 17 – Ben Anderson 24 – Marsh Brunkhorst 31 – Grace Anderson

Acolytes 3 – Jack Brown & Xen Larson 10 – Blayne Gregg & Elijah Butts 17 – Grace Danielson & Lily Palmer 24 – Nolan Stans & Tanner Sands 31 – Ella & Emma Esanbock

Coffee Servers 3 – Richard & Lynda Johnson 10 – Phil & Laura Hennemann 17 – Larry & Laurie Kreibich 24 – Judy Larrieu & Stacy Burr 31 – Sandy & Taylor Lee

Nursery Workers 3 – 10 – 17 – 24 – 31 -

January Communion Set-Up / Clean up

Serena Roen

Communion Bread MakingTiffany Gregg

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