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February 2020
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
[Jesus said to his disciples,] “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he it is that bears
much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 13:5)
I thought about the above verse from John’s Gospel, when I recently read a series of reflections from Cynthia
E. Cowen. Cowen writes:
Hanging around the vineyard one bright, sunny day, a variety of grape bunches held a discussion on the pro-
spect of their futures.
''There are many options open to each of us,'' began one plump, red grape. ''I plan on offering my juices for
quenching the thirst of many.'' ''Well, I don't relish having MY juices squeezed out that way,'' a modest, young,
green grape replied. ''It's much too painful. I'd rather expose myself to the sun and become a raisin.''
''Bother, bother, bother ...'' chimed in a bunch of immature clusters hanging around the fringe of the arbor.
''We don't plan on contributing anything to this vineyard. We've decided to sink our roots into different soil.
When the vinedresser takes one bite of our fruit, he'll know that our sourness won't be of much good. We'll show
him that we're not to be shoved around. What about you?'' they asked turning to the best grape bunch in the
vineyard.
Slowly and deliberately, these mature grapes replied, ''What a privilege it has been to have our soil toiled and
fertilized. The sun and rain have done their best to ripen us so we could produce the best for the Caretaker. So,
we'll choose to offer ourselves up to the winepress.''
''But the pain involved in being squeezed out like that!'' the little raisins whined. ''And the length of time
you have to just sit around and ferment. It takes longer to become wine than juice. Besides that, you lose your
identity. Why would you choose that?''
''The Caretaker wants us to be all we can be, the best. How else do we respond but by willingly giving up
ourselves to be just that.''
Cowen makes the point that some Christians are willing to endure a little pain and suffering in their lives.
Willing to be squeezed out, but not to endure years of fermentation, they become grape juice. Others don’t
want to even be squeezed, so they cut themselves off from the vine and they dry up. And still others choose to
be disobedient to the Caretaker and sink their roots into different soil. Their juice begins to sour, and they have
nothing to contribute to the Kingdom. Still, there are those who stay connected to the vine, showing apprecia-
tion to the Caretaker, who tends and nurtures them through times of plenty and times of need. Knowing the
love and care of God, these mature Christians willingly abide to the end and bear much fruit.
This is our calling, to stay connected to the true vine of Christ. When we are willing to give up
our wants and desires to do the will of God, we become a source of comfort and encouragement
to many. This year, let us resolve to cling to the one true vine even more closely, “for apart from
[Christ] we can do nothing.”
Servants together,
Pastor Bob
The Messenger
Mission of the Month Spotlight
Since 1882, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) has empowered com-munities to better their health and well being. Inspired by Christ, we help improve the lives of those we serve. Our history began when Pastor E.J. Homme opened a home for orphaned children in Witten-berg, Wisconsin.
Today, LSS is one of the largest and most experienced health and human services organizations in the Midwest. Our services extend across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, helping people all along the lifespan with services as essential as housing and life-changing as adoption.
Read more about our organization and the programs and services we offer to build healthy communi-ties filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve below.
Our Mission Act compassionately. Serve humbly. Lead courageously.
Our Vision Healthy communities filled with people using their
God-given gifts to serve.
Our Values
Compassion We believe each individual's situation is unique and personal. By accompanying them on their journey, we’re better able to show love, dignity and respect.
Co-Creation We believe we are stronger working together. We combine our unique gifts with those of others to serve a greater good, strengthening the whole community as a result.
Courage We believe leadership takes courage. We explore options that challenge the status quo and better en-able us to assist others in reaching their objectives.
Change We believe curiosity helps us to find better ways to make an impact. We make change possible by
Information above taken from https://www.lsswis.org/LSS/About-LSS
Linwood Place, A Ministry of Fox Valley Lutheran Homes Currently Accepting Applications for New Tenants
Are you interested in living at Linwood Place? It is never too early to have your name placed on our waiting list. Please contact us for information and to schedule a tour by calling 920-734-7225 or by emailing our Building Manager Brian Krauss ([email protected]) or Executive Director Lynn Ann Clausing Rusch ([email protected]). We are a non-sectarian project. Persons 62 and over of any race, color, creed, religion, national origin or sex are welcome.
Items Needed For Food Pantry, Collected 1st Sunday of the Month:
Soup Paper towels
Pasta Dish Soap
Tuna Spam/Canned Chili
Toilet Paper* Canned Soups
Kleenex Laundry detergent
Bottled juice Baked beans
The next Social Ministry
Meeting will be Monday,
February 10th at 6:30 P.M.
in the library at St. Mark’s.
M O S E S M E S S A G E A Sunday School Update
We are still working on How to Use the Bible and Books of the Bible. On Sunday, February 16th we will have a Winter Fun Day during Sunday School time. The students will be singing in church on Sunday, February 16th. Just a reminder that there will be no Sunday School on Sunday, March 1st.
With God's Blessings, Gwen Hoehne, Superintendent
“Facing Bullying Through Faith & Music”
March 21, 2020 at Prince of Peace Appleton
8:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M
Keynote Speakers Frankie Moscato
17-year-old singer/songwriter
Cindy Czarnik Neimeyer MS-Mental Health Specialist at Catalpa Health
$15 per adult, $10 per youth Includes Lunch
You do not have to be a member of the W-ELCA to attend this event. Contact Olivia in the church office at 725-2828 for registration information.
St. Timothy Lutheran Church Players Presents:
Children of Eden
Fri, March 20th & 27th at 7:00 P.M.
Sat, March 21st & 28th at 7:00 P.M.
Sun, March 22nd and 29th at 6:00 P.M.
DOORS OPEN ONE HOUR BEFORE SHOW
No Admission; Free Will Offering
St. Timothy Lutheran Church | 473 Seventh Street Menasha, WI (Across from Menasha High School)
ST. MARK’S CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES
December 19, 2019
Meeting was called to order at 6:31 P. M. by President Laurie Olson.
Roll Call: Members Present: Jane Arps, Eric Blank, Judy Hellman, Sharyn Gawlick, Bruce Grundman, Mary Jane Hartley, Don-na Joachim, Pennie Linna, Laurie Olson, Nancy Rose, Jeff Tharp, Phyllis Ziemke and Pastor Bob. Members Excused: Linda Rose Members Unexcused: None Guest: None
Devotions: Phyllis Ziemke did a reading from Acts 13, verse 32 “Gifts of Good News. Judy Hellman will do devotions next month. January Calendar was passed around for any changes/additions.
Approval of Minutes for the November 21st, 2019 meeting. MSC by Pastor Bob/Jeff Tharp with two corrections:{1} Under Unfinished Business #4, It should read A cordless is set up to be used in the Fellowship Hall. {2} The meeting was adjourned by Eric Blank/Judy Hellman.
Thank You Cards – Donna Joachim was thanked for her work on the Basket Raffle. Everyone was thanked for their help to make Community Christmas Giving a success.
Financial Report: 1. Current Budget balance is $24.517.75. 2. Building Improvement is $2,670.82. 3. November’s giving was $12,352.98 – Spending was $13,061.32. 4. Giving needs to be around $3,500.00 to $4,000.00 per Sunday to meet spending. MSC by Jeff Tharp/Phyllis Ziemke.
Pastor’s Report 1. Made home visits and hospital visits as needed. 2. Continue to meet monthly with St. Mark’s committees as needed. 3. Held a Thanksgiving Worship Service with a pie and ice cream social. 3. Helped out decorating the church for Christmas. 4. Along with other members of St. Mark’s, hosted a synodical meeting. The meeting was in preparation for churches who are inviting members from partner-ship congregation from South Africa in June of 2020. 5. Attended Community Table at St. Paul’s Church. 6. Helped to organize and host the Senior Christmas Party at St. Mark’s with the Confirmation students and parents. A Special Thank You to Laurie Wilkinson for helping to organize this event and to the Thrivent Action Team for the gift of money to purchase food and small gifts 7. Met with the family of Beverly Guyant in preparation for Bev’s funeral service which will be held at Westgor’s Funeral Home in Neenah. 8. Mary Jane Hartley, Laurie Olson, and I met with Chris Schumacher, a Thrivent representative to discuss options for investing funds on reserve in St. Mark’s bank account. 9. Upcoming vacation 12/30/2019 to 1/05/2020. MSC Jane Arps/Nancy Rose.
Committee Reports: Christian Education: 1. Christmas Program- Everything is set for the program. We will practice on Saturday, December 7th @ 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.
Through
DECEMBER 2019
Given: $21,600.95 Spent: $18,495.30
2. Fellowship on December 8th – Christian Education will do the fellowship that day. Will make punch to serve. Parents and Teachers will supply the cookies. 3. We will fill Christmas Bags on Saturday, December 7th at 9:00 a.m. 4. December 15th will be a fun day for Sunday School. Will play Bingo, color cards and have a special snack. 5. No Sunday School on December 22nd and 29th. 6. “Are You My Neighbor” starts out the rotation, January 5th with a movie. 7. We are changing the next rotation from “Colors of the Church Year” to “How to use your Bible.” Donna will do a different rotation with the younger group.
Connection: No Report.
Endowment: No Report.
Finance/Stewardship: 1. Recommends moving Christmas Lights money of $1,525.36 and Air Conditioning Fund of $520.00 into current giving. {More to follow under New Business.} 2. 2020 Staff Wage Adjustments- Office Secretary 1.6% increase, Cleaning Services 1.6% increase, and Pastor a 2% increase. {More to follow under New Business.} 3. Recommend investing $100,000 with the ELCA Mission Investment Fund. {More to follow under New Business.}
Memorial: No Report.
Property: 1. Discussed new floor in the Fellowship Hall . 2. Discussed vent not working in women’s bathroom. 3. We put heat tape on the North side car port gutters. 4. Discussed setting up Fellowship Hall for the Children’s Christmas Program.
Social Ministry: 1. Food Pantry is doing well. 2. Discussed Christmas Giving. 3. Discussed who should receive cookie tins. Cookie Tins will be filled on Sunday, Dec. 15th, so they are ready for anyone that is in church that day. We also discussed the ones that will receive blankets.
Worship and Music: No Report.
Youth: No Report.
Partnership Committee: No Report.
Committee Reports MSC by Jeff Tharp/Nancy Rose.
Unfinished Business: 1. The web site is nearing completion. Hoping to have it up and running by the first of the year.
New Business: 1. From Finance/Stewardship Report #1- Discussed moving the balance from Christmas Lights of $1,525.36 and Air Conditioning Fund of $520.00. After much discussion MSC by Pastor Bob/Phyllis Ziemke to place these two amounts in the Building Improvement Account. 2. From Finance/Stewardship Report #3 – Discussed {1} Investing $50,000 from Keith Niemuth’s Trust Fund for a 2 year term at a fixed rate of 2.13%, and then an additional {2} Investing $35,000 from Keith Niemuth’s Trust Fund along with $15,000 from an Anonymous Bequest totaling $50,000 for a 3 year term at 2.47%. Following a discussion on this and comparing it to other options MSC by Bruce Grundman/Judy Hellman to invest the two different amounts listed above in the total amount of $100,000 with ELCA Mission Investment Fund.
3. Church Windows Support Benefits Soft Wear Package is up for renewal. This has been a wonderful support to the office staff as they work to update all the programs on the computer. The cost is $121 for 6 months or $230 for a full year. We will leave the decision up to Olivia as to whether we go with the 6 or 12 month option. MSC by Pastor Bob/Pennie Linna. This will be paid for from the Technology Account. 4. From Finance/Stewardship Report #2 – 2020 Staff Wage Adjustments – Finance/Stewardship is recommending a 1.6 % increase for Office Secretary. This would increase her wage from $13.50 per hour to $13.72 for an increase of $197 per year for a 2020 total of $12,482. Cleaning Service would increase 1.6% for an increase of $106 per year for a 2020 total of $6,781. After discussing this MSC by Phyllis Ziemke/Nancy Rose to approve these two increases. {At this time Pastor Bob was excused from the meeting.} We then went on to discuss Pastor Bob’s wages. Finance/Stewardship recommendations are a 2% increase for a 2020 total of $41,781. After council discussed this we decided. MSC by Jeff Tharp/Judy Hellman to go with the Synod recommendation of 2.9% increase for a 2020 total of $41,432.
MSC by Nancy Rose/Sharyn Gawlick to adjourn at 7.39 P.M.
We closed with the Lord’s Prayer
Next meeting is January 16th, 2020 at 6:30 P.M.
Submitted by Donna Joachim
Please keep the following
people in your thoughts
and prayers this month:
Victor & Doris Gilbert,
Jane Hartley, Pat Wenzel,
Darlene Bilstad, and
Kathryn, friend of Sherri
Denney.
Community Table Tue, Feb 11th at 11:30 A.M.
Community Table is held at St. Paul Lutheran Church each Tuesday and Saturday at 11:30 A.M. St. Mark’s Church provides the meal every second Tuesday of the month. If you would like to help at Community Table, see Phyllis Ziemke for more information.
Don’t Forget! Church Potluck
& Annual Meeting
This Sunday, February 2nd, 2020
Do we have your email address?
Please send an e-mail to
so we can update our
church records.
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
140 S. Green Bay Road
Neenah WI 54956
St. Mark’s Office & Leadership Email Addresses St. Mark’s office: [email protected] Pastor Bob’s e-mail is still: [email protected] Mary Jane Hartley’s e-mail is now: [email protected]
2020 A big thank you to our
newsletter editor, Judy
Griswold-Fowler for
editing and proofreading
this month’s “Messenger.”
Help us save on postage by signing up to receive the monthly
“Messenger” newsletter via email. Already on our mailing list? Call
Olivia in the church office at 725-2828 to be removed from our
mailing list if you are able to pick up a copy at church. Copies of the
newsletter are available next to the bulletins in the
Narthex or on our website at www.stmarksneenah.org.
