St. John ’s Lutheran Church Newsletter Messenger

November 2017 Rev. William Odermann

Have you remembered St. John’s in your will? 8  Fifth  Street  SW,  P.O.  Box  403   Phone:  563-­‐568-­‐3623   stjohnswaukon@gmail.com  Waukon,  IA  52172-­‐0403   Fax:  563-­‐568-­‐3922   www.stjohnswaukon.net  

The Dynamics of Change Change can be challenging for a congregation, let alone people! Sociologists have long been baffled at the extraordinary resistance many people have toward change. However, the fear of change is often stronger than the change itself. This fear of change is popularly referred to as "the tyranny of the familiar." It is precisely what turns Christians into "old wineskins." New wine is still expanding, and an old wineskin is one that is too rigid and inflexible to hold new wine. Sometimes, we need to see change as a ‘God-thing,’ as the following passage illustrates: “Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed. Therefore, behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will send unto him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles” (Jeremiah 48:11-12). The Moabites were so resistant to change that the Lord had to tip over their vessels and shatter their jars. The way that wine was purified in ancient times was to let it sit in a vessel until the impurities settled to the bottom, and then it was poured into a new vessel. It would next be allowed to sit again until the remaining impurities had settled, and then it would get poured into another vessel. Therefore, each time it had been poured into a new vessel it would be more pure. This is also a way that the Lord uses to work the impurities out of our lives—He takes us through changes. It is comforting to know that the Lord never changes. However, if we are going to be like Him, most of us still have a lot of changing to do! Until we are like Him and doing the works that He did, we are not through with the process yet. Therefore, we can expect a lifetime of changing. One of the ways that the Lord keeps us flexible is to "pour us into a new vessel" whenever we start becoming too comfortable and resistant to change. We may think that the shocking changes that come into our lives are the result of the devil's attack, but even if they are, the Lord had to allow them, so we can assume that we need them. Many of these changes are possibly even the answer to our prayers to Him by not allowing us to become old wineskins. If we would remain open to the changes He wants to bring into our lives without resisting them, including the new things He is doing that we may not understand yet, we probably would not have to endure nearly the amount of shaking that we end up having to go through. If we are wise we will learn to embrace change as the great opportunity for spiritual growth that it is. Usually when we are resistant to change it is because we are placing our security in our environment instead of in the Lord.

Pastor William Odermann

Community Allamakee   County   4-­‐H   is   hosting   a   Soup   Supper  and  Silent  Auction  on  Sunday,  November  5th  from  4:00   to   8:00   pm   at   the   Fairgrounds   Pavilion.  

Tickets   are   available   at   the   door   for  $8.00  Children   age  4   and  under   are  free.   Proceeds   from   this   event   will  benefit  the  local  4-­‐H  program.  

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Sunday School Important Sunday School Information Greetings Families. The holiday season is right around the corner! Please be aware of the following important dates: Sunday, November 26th – No Sunday School, Happy Thanksgiving Sundays, December 3rd & 10th at 9:30 am – Christmas Program Practice Saturday, December 16th at 9:30 am – Christmas Program Practice Sunday, December 17th at 9:30 am – Christmas Program Practice Sunday, December 24th & 31st – No Sunday School, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

St. John ’s Volunteer Duty List Date Service Greeters Readers Comm. Asst. Comm. Prep. Acolytes Ushers

November 5 8:30 E Bill & Becky Roe Karen Soper Ron & Linda Jan Pfiffner Grace Solberg (8:30) Dennis &

Linda DeBuhr Matt &

Brandon Teslow

(10:45)

Dan & Lori Treangen

Chuck Larson Karlton Gruel

All Saints’ Day

W Geralyn Smith/Susan Freese

Dahlstrom Bev Haas

Colinda Roderick

10:45 E Brock & Kasey Iverson Jill Kistler Kasey Iverson Erika & Jillian Jenna Fish W Steve & Sheryl Evanson Fish

November 12 8:30 E Jed & Jen Hemann Kris Rausch Braden W Dave & Wendy Sanderson Hemann 10:45 E Joe & Sarah Christen Vickie Elly Christen W Jon & Gloria Payne Larson

November 19 8:30 E Lee & Rachel Moser Ann Tharin & Bailey Benson

Karen Stamper

Ron & Linda Dahlstrom

Hailey Houg W Tom & Bev Leiran Hagensick

10:45 E Harlan & Carole Yohe Linda Groe Jon Payne Kevin & Kristin Stinn

Marin Marti W Lyle & Brenda Kurth

November 22 7:30 PM E Ron & Linda Dahlstrom Sue Bieber Chris Stuckman Lori Hesse Drew Stock Ron & Nancy Brandt Thanksgiving Eve W

November 26 8:30 E Leone McKee/Genny Rice Bev Haas Hannah Teslow W Bob Joachim/Kathy Hay 10:45 E Corb & Arica Grimstad Chuck Lucas Walby W Steve & Natasha Wilkes Larson

To Receive the Word… Sunday  morning  worship  services  are  broadcast  on  a  local  radio  station.  Dial   in  103.5  FM  (KNEI)  at   8:30   am   or   log   into   www.kneiradio.com   to  worship  with  St.  John’s.  

You   may   receive   the   newsletter   via   email!  Contact  the  church  office   if  you  would  like  to  be  added  to  the  list.  

Find   St.   John’s   on   the   web   at  www.stjohnswaukon.net   or   on   Facebook   at  www.facebook.com/stjohnswaukon.  

Radio Ministry St.   John’s   Radio   Ministry  broadcasts  the  8:30  am  Sunday  worship   service   on   KNEI.  Donations   from   individuals  have   paid   for   the   majority   of  the   services   and   continue   to  come   in.   The   cost   for   each  broadcast   is   $165,   but   gifts   of   smaller   donations  are  also  accepted  and  put   into   the  Trust  Fund   to  cover   costs.   We   thank   all   who   give   to   this  program.    November   5th   –   Given   by   an   Anonymous   Donor,  thank  you  for  your  support.        

November  12th  -­‐        

November  19th  -­‐        

November  26th   -­‐  Given   in  memory  of  Lud  &  Olga  Larson   and   Joyce   &   Dean   Sperry   from   Jeff   &  Jennifer   (Sperry)  Camp  (listeners   from  Park  City,  Utah).  

Coffee Hour The   Board   of   Education’s  Coffee   &   Treats   Hour   this  month  will  be  held  on  Sunday,  November   26th   at   9:30   am   in  the   Lounge.   Everyone   is  welcome.  

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November Activities Calendar Sunday   Monday   Tuesday   Wednesday   Thursday   Friday   Saturday  

      1   2   3   4         6:15  pm  –  Youth  Bells  

7:15  pm  –  Confirmation  Instruction  7:15  pm  –  Senior  Bells  8:15  pm  –  Senior  Choir  

3:30  pm  –  Eceumenical  Children’s  Choir  Rehearsal  

   

5   6   7   8   9   10   11  All  Saints’  Sunday  First  Communion  8:30  &  10:45  am  –  Worship  w/    Holy  Communion  9:30  am  –  Sunday  School,  Rt.  3,  Wk.  1  7:00  pm  –  Ecumenical  Choir  Rehearsal  

    6:15  pm  –  Youth  Bells  7:15  pm  –  Confirmation  Instruction  7:15  pm  –  Senior  Bells  8:15  pm  –  Senior  Choir  

3:30  pm  –  Eceumenical  Children’s  Choir  Rehearsal  

 

12   13   14   15   16   17   18  8:30  &  10:45  am  –  Worship  Services  9:30  am  –  Sunday  School,  Rt.  3,  Wk.  2  9:30  am  –  Thanksgiving  Coffee  1:30  pm  –  Children’s  Choir  sings  at  Christmas  Tree  Fantasy  7:00  pm  –  Ecumenical  Choir  Rehearsal  

  CIRCLES  9:00  am  –  Sarah,  Joan  Moody’s  1:30  pm  –  Rachel,  FH  1:30  pm  –  Mary,  Royal  Rm.  7:00  pm  –  Dorcas,  Royal  Rm.  

9  am  to  5  pm  –  WIC  6:15  pm  –  Youth  Bells  7:15  pm  –  Confirmation  Instruction  7:15  pm  –  Senior  Bells  8:15  pm  –  Senior  Choir  

8:30  am  to  4  pm  -­‐  WIC3:30  pm  –  Eceumenical  Children’s  Choir  Rehearsal  

 

19   20   21   22   23   24   25  8:30  &  10:45  am  –  Worship  w/    Holy  Communion  9:30  am  –  Sunday  School,  Rt.  3,  Wk.  3  6:00  pm  –  Senior  Bells  7:00  pm  –  Ecumenical  Choir  Rehearsal  

7:00  pm  –  Bd.  of  Trustees  Meeting,  Lounge      

3:30  pm  –  Children’s  Ecumenical  Choir  Rehearsal    Newsletter  Deadline!  

6:15  pm  –  Youth  Bells  7:30  pm  –  Thanksgiving  Eve  Service  w/  Commnion  

Thanksgiving  Day!  

 

26   27   28   29   30   31    8:30  &  10:45  am  –  Worship  Services  9:30  am  –  Sunday  School,  Rt.  3,  Wk.  4  7:00  pm  –  Ecumenical  Choir  Rehearsal  

    9:00  am  –  Assemble  Newsletter  6:15  pm  –  Youth  Bells  7:15  pm  –  Confirmation  Instruction  7:15  pm  –  Senior  Bells  8:15  pm  –  Senior  Choir  

3:30  pm  –  Eceumenical  Children’s  Choir  Rehearsal  

 

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Christmas Tree Fantasy  Friday,  Nov.  10th  5:00  to  8:00  pm  –  Tingle  &  Mingle    Saturday,  Nov.  11th  12:00  pm  –  Noon  Fantasy  Luncheon  2:00  to  5:00  pm  –  Treats  &  Cider  7:00  pm  –  Wine,  Cheese  &  Desserts    Sunday,  Nov.  12th  11:00  am  to  4:00  pm  –  Treats  &  Cider  11:00  am  to  1:00  pm  –  Pictures  with  Santa    Monday,  Nov.  13th  12:00  pm  –  Noon  Fantasy  Luncheon  2:00  to  7:00  pm  –  Treats  &  Cider  

   

Hymns for November at St. John ’s Sunday, November 5th – All Saint’s Sunday For All the Saints No. 422

First Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm: 34:1-10, 22 Second Lesson: 1 John 3:1-3 Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

You Are the Way No. 758 Communion: 423, 425 O God, Our Help In Ages Past No. 632 Sunday, November 12th God of Grace and God of Glory No. 705

First Lesson: Amos 5:18-24 Psalm: 70 Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Gospel: Matthew 25:1-13

O Day of Peace No. 711 Let Justice Flow Like Streams No. 717 Sunday, November 19th Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation No. 645

First Lesson: Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18 Psalm: 90:1-12 Second Lesson: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Gospel: Matthew 25:14-30

Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ No. 674 Communion: 785, 789 Oh, Happy Day When We Shall Stand No. 441 Wednesday, November 22nd Come, Ye Thankful People, Come No. 693

First Lesson: Deuteronomy 8:7-18 Psalm: 65 Second Lesson: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Gospel: Matthew Luke 17:11-19

Sing to the Lord of Harvest No. 694 Communion: 870, 879 Now Thank We All Our God No. 839 Sunday, November 26th Crown Him With Many Crowns No. 855

First Lesson: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalm: 95:1-7a Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:15-23 Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

The Head That Once Was Crowned No. 432 Jesus Shall Reign No. 434

Music Ministry The next four weeks will go by in a hurry and then it is Advent already. Many musical activities and rehearsals will take place during this time. Be sure to get your tickets for the Waukon High School musical STATE FAIR directed by Sarah Palmer and presented Thursday, November 2, and Saturday, November 4, at 7:00 p.m. There is a matinee on Sunday, November 5, at 1:00 p.m. in the WHS auditorium. Several of our St. John’s youth will be participating in the musical. Congratulations to Bailey Sherman who was one of three students who auditioned for All-State Opus Chorus. Three students auditioned, and all of them were selected to perform in the chorus at ISU in Ames on November 16. Along with Bailey, we congratulate Sarah Palmer, Middle and High School Choir Director, for also having three additional students who were selected for the High School All-State Chorus, which will perform on Saturday, November 18. The Children’s Choir under the direction of Vickie Larson will be singing for the Christmas Tree Fantasy on Sunday afternoon, November 12. Everyone is invited to enjoy this holiday event and to enjoy our children’s presentation. Please observe and note the November calendar in the Messenger regarding rehearsal schedules during Thanksgiving week including the Thanksgiving Eve Service at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22. James Bieber, Organist/Director of Music  

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Children ’s Choir The   Children’s   Choir   will   be   singing   at   the  Christmas   Tree   Fantasy   on   Sunday,   November  12th   at   1:30   pm.   They  will   be   singing   Christmas  songs  for  about  25  minutes.  This  is  at  the  Pavilion  at   the   Allamakee   County   Fairgrounds.   This   is   a  wonderful  way  to  kick  off  the  Christmas  Season!  

Vickie  Larson  Children’s  Choir  Director  

Military News Keep   all   military   personnel   safe   as   they   protect  our  world.  We   also   remember   those  who   are   in  the  reserves  and  are  ready  to  protect  at  anytime,  either   overseas   or   in   this   country   protecting  people   from   natural   and   manmade   disasters.  Please   to   continue   to   pray   for   our   military  personnel,   their   families,   and  all   the   nations   and   peoples  struggling   to   work   towards  peace.  Our  St.  John’s  Military  Family:  Rhesa  Ashbacher   Rachel  (Wandling)  Holland  Peter  Bieber     James  Johnson  Tracy  Blake     Taylor  O’Connell  Darren  Buege     Craig  Rosendahl  James  Collins     Kelly  Schulte  Steve  Dahlstrom  Sr.   Heath  Smith  Kirk  Deal     Jeff  Stangeland  Luke  Deal       JR  TeKippe  Missy  DeJesus   Jamie  Tielbar  Matthew  Dodge   Jason  Timler  Russell  Ellingson   Josh  Tweedy  Gabe  Feuerhelm   Jesse  Wandling  Austin  Hansen   Kasey  Wandling  Devon  Henning   Ryan  Wandling  Marv  Hill  

Seminarian Corner  Grace   and  peace   are   yours   from   the   triune  God,  Another   month   has   passed   of   seminary   life.   It  seems   to   go   faster   and   faster  with   each   passing  day.   This  month   in  my  Global   Church   in  Motion  class   we   have   been   talking   a   lot   about   God’s  mission  and  our  outreach  as  a  church  as  a  whole.      We  discussed  how  the  word  ‘outreach’  has  come  to  have  a  negative  connotation  attached  to  it.  We  seem  to  define   it  as  us   (the  church)   trying   to   fix  them   (the   ‘outsiders’,   ‘poor’   etc.).   While   this   is  important   ministry   it   is   also   important   to  remember  we  are  all  God’s  people.  Our  outreach  should   be   more   of   God’s   mission   in   the   world,  rather  than  our  (the  church)  mission  to  others.      In  class  we  specifically  talked  about  outreach  and  how   it   correlates   to   immigrants   and   refugees   in  today’s   world.   On   October   16-­‐17th   Wartburg  Theological   Seminary   hosted   Refugees   and  Reformation:   Strengthening   Community   Support  for  Immigrants  and  Refugees.  While  I  did  not  have  the   opportunity   to   attend   the   sessions,   we   did  discuss  the  key  take  aways  of  the  event.    I   think  my  professor,  Dr.  Kris  Stache  put   it  best,  “As   we   listen   to   the   stories   of   immigrants   who  traveled   to   a   place   where   they   had   hope,   every  one   of   them   talked   about   losing   everything  except  their  faith.  In  the  midst  of  these  stories  we  heard   story   after   story   of   hope.   It   is   our   call   to  walk  with  them  (accompaniment)  not  to  fix  them.  Talking  with  someone  means  we  are  willing  to  be  transformed  by  our  relationship  with  them.”      In   the   coming   months,   especially   with   the  holidays  coming  around,  it  is  important  to  take  a  moment   to   listen.   Listen   to   the   stories   of   these  people   who   in   the   past   we   might   have   tried   to  ‘fix’.   Listen   to   them   and   hear   them.   In   this   day  let’s   try   to   focus   on   listening   to   understand  instead  of  listening  to  respond.      For  more   resources   and   to   see  how   the  ELCA   is  working   to   accompany   immigrants/refugees  please  visit  elca.org/our-­‐work    Peace,  Coco  Lyons  

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Holiday Food Baskets During   this   season   of   thanks   it   is   especially  appropriate   that   we   offer   our   gratitude   through  actions.  St.   John’s  will  be  delivering   food  baskets  of   non-­‐perishable   food   and   paper   products   to  congregational   families.   Gifts   may   be   put   in   the  shopping   cart   in   the   coatroom   and   money  donations  can  be   left   in   the  church  office.  Thank  you   for   sharing   with   others   during   this   holiday  season.    Thank   you   to   Bev   and   Earl   Haas   for   purchasing  products,   packing   baskets,   and   delivering   the  gifts.  Your  Ministry  is  appreciated.  

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November Birthday and Anniversary Calendar Sunday   Monday   Tuesday   Wednesday   Thursday   Friday   Saturday  

      1   2   3   4         Bradley  Groe     Steve  

Wiedner  Bill  Halvorson  Marian  Heike  Fred  Oelberg    Joseph  &  Sarah  Jackson  Lee  &  Rachel  Moser  

5   6   7   8   9   10   11  Jerry  Johanningmeier  

Dan  Treangen    

Ken  Beardmore  Brennen  Frick  

  Steve  Alden  Bob  Dotseth  Gary  Houg  

Kathy  Hay  Debra  Pladsen  Dennis  Smith  Holly  Smith  

Cody  Cook  John  O’Neill  

12   13   14   15   16   17   18  Stacy  Beardmore    Gary  &  Marlene  Houg  

Linda  Hawbaker  Russell  Meyer  George  Pickett  Sheryl  Young  

Madeline  Davis  Cheryl  Triggs  

Pam  Dundee   Linda  DeBuhr  Emma  Palmer  Eric  Palmer  McKinley  Rostvold  Wylo  Wagner  

Aaron  Sorum    Clay  Rathbone  

Heidi  Dougherty  Jacob  Dougherty  Kristen  Freier  Adalyn  Leiran  Renee  Martin  

19   20   21   22   23   24   25  David  DeJesus  Brenda  Dougherty  Kimberly  Johanningmeier  Delilah  Jones  Benton  Stamper  Annette  Stock  

Corbett  Grimstad  Alex  Marti  

Mason  Jones  Mya  Jones  Clay  Rathbone  

Stephen  Schroeder  

Bruce  Barr  Marian  Bauercamper  James  Lomen  

  Larry  Dundee  

26   27   28   29   30   31    Sarah  Christen  Braden  Hemann  Vickie  Larson  John  Miller  Rose  Snitker    Thomas  &  Sandy  Fink  

Scott  Decker  Jean  Stone    Tharin  &  Bailey  Benson  

Isabella  Gordon  Bernard  Kolsrud  Jennifer  Smith  

Bradley  Yohe    Rhonda  &  Bruce  Barr  JoAnn  &  Mark  Sherman  

Betty  White      

 

THANKSGIVING COFFEE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12th,

9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Both men and women invited to enjoy a variety of happenings including the

Sunday School children singing, delicious treats, an interesting program, etc.

St. John ’s Women Serving and Socializing

Our women will observe THANKOFFERING SUNDAY at both the 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12. Women at our Circle meetings throughout the year are encouraged to have a container at home where they save any amount of money giving thanks for their situations in life. This money is then gathered in November and sent on to the WELCA central office to be used to aid other women in need of education and training so they may work toward a better life and way of living for themselves and their families. All of St. John’s women may contribute to the Thankoffering Offering on November 12 whether or not they have attended regular Circle meetings during the year. We thank everyone for this caring for others who truly appreciate this help. We will also have a THANKSGIVING COFFEE on SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, between services from 9:30 a.m. to 10:35 a.m. Both men and women are invited to attend to enjoy delicious muffins, breads, and coffee while the Sunday School children entertain us with songs. The 2018 WELCA Executive Board will also be installed, the Distribution of our Fall Salad Luncheon Proceeds will be presented, and a fun and interesting program (you may even play a part in it) for all will be presented. Please plan on attending. At the time of this writing, our 51 quilts have not yet been distributed nor have our Personal Care Kits been totaled. We hope you enjoy seeing some of our quilts displayed in the narthex so you can appreciate even more the work of our women making these special items for others to cuddle with no matter where those in need are located. We will have a full report in December informing you how all of our quilts and kits have been disbursed. We hope everyone will be able to attend our Thanksgiving Eve Services on Wednesday, November 22, in preparation for Thanksgiving Day observance. May we all be truly thankful for being able to thank God for the privilege of worshiping together and also spending time with family and friends in thanks for the tradition of observing Thanksgiving and its historical Christian meaning for us. Please pray for peace, for the safety of our military men and women, for people suffering from natural disasters all over our world, and for Christians everywhere. Thank you for MAKING TIME and TAKING TIME for our privileges and responsibilities at St. John’s.

Sue Bieber, President

Sarah  Circle  meets  at  9:15  am  with  Hostess  Joan  Moody   in  her  home.  The  Lesson  Leader   is  Gloria  Payne.    Rachel   Circle   meets   at   1:30   pm   for   a   potluck  lunch   in   the   Fellowship  Hall.   The   Lesson  will   be  done  together.    Mary  Circle  meets  at  1:30  pm  in  the  Royal  Room  for   a   potluck   lunch.   The   Lesson   will   be   done  together.    Dorcas   Circle   meets   at   7:00   pm   in   the   Royal  Room.  The  Lesson  Leader  is  Linda  Groe.  

Circle Meetings Tuesday,  November  14th  

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LYO Kickoff Event ….. and finally!

St. John 's Lutheran Church   NON-­‐PROFIT  ORG.  8  Fifth  Street  SW,  P.O.  Box  403   U.S.  POSTAGE  PAID  Waukon,  IA  52172-­‐0403   WAUKON,  IA  52172     PERMIT  NO.  67  RETURN  SERVICE  REQUESTED      

What ’s Inside? Page  2:  Volunteers,  Radio,  Board  of  Ed    Page  3:  Activities  Calendar  Page  4:  Music  Page  5:  Seminarian,  Food  Baskets,  Military  Page  6:  Birthdays  &  Anniversaries  Page  7:  Women,  Thanksgiving  Coffee  

15 youth attended the LYO Kickoff Event on October 15th. They traveled to the Vertical Jump Park in Dubuque where they spent a couple of hours at the park and then to Happy Joe's for pizza. Coco Lyons joined the group to talk about her experiences at prior ELCA Youth Gatherings and what they could expect if they attended next year's gathering. Thank you to Coco Lyons for meeting with our LYO and thank you to the drivers that helped take our group on this event!