From the Desk of Pastor Ekstrand…

229 S. First St, PO Box 234 Email: prshadmin@gmail.com Pearl City, IL 61062 www.stjohnspearlcity.org 815-443-2215

December 2017

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

What's in a name? For some people, the choosing of a name is very important. For others, it

doesn't seem to mean so much.

Sometimes, names mean something. Sometimes, they lose their meaning. One of the bloodiest

battles of the Civil War was fought in a place called “Shiloh,” a name based on the Hebrew

word Shalom, which means “peace.” Such a strange place to shed so much blood!

And when we choose names for children, we don’t choose them as much for their meaning

these days, but often more because we like the sound of them. I’m sure that no one ever named

someone “Calvin” because the name means “little bald one.” I’m sure no one ever named

someone “Cameron” because the name means “crooked nose.” I’m sure that no one ever

named someone “Kennedy” because the name means “ugly head.” And I’m sure no one ever

named someone “Campbell” because the name means “crooked mouth.” Indeed, we don’t

choose names as much anymore because of what they mean.

In the Bible, the choosing of a name is not just important, it means everything. The name is as

important as the person who receives the name. Biblically, a person's name represented their

character. Your name is synonymous with who you are.

The best illustration of the importance of a name in the Bible is the third commandment, "You

shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain..." God is Holy, and therefore God's Name

is Holy. God is so Holy that no human eye can see the Lord and live – to misuse God's name is

to blaspheme God. When the ancient scribes penned the name of God, they went through ritual

cleansing before and after the writing.

A name in the Bible tells much about who and what a person is, and biblical names are

frequently changed to match who a person is. God changed Abram's name to Abraham, which

means "the father of many." Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter, meaning "rocky."

Long before Jesus was even born, the prophet Isaiah spoke these words: "For unto us a child is

born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will

be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Is. 9:6) And

after Jesus was born, we hear, “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the

Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the

womb.” (Luke 2:21)

The name of Jesus means “God saves.” But it also means so much more.

First of all, the name of Jesus tells us that from before the beginning of time, he was destined to

come into the world as Messiah – the One who would bring reconciliation between God and

God’s people. Jesus is the One who saves. Paul writes, "All who call upon the name of the

Lord shall be saved.” (Rom. 10:13)

Second of all, the name of Jesus is powerful. In the gospel of John, Jesus said, "If you ask

anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14) When Christians conclude their prayers, they

often say, "In Jesus name we pray." It is the power of Christ that helps us through our most

broken times. St. Paul writes, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Phil.

14:13)

Thirdly, the name of Jesus heals. When Peter and John saw a crippled man begging at one of

the gates of Jerusalem, Peter said, '...In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk." The name of

Jesus is spoken over the bed of a sick sister or brother, proclaimed at the funeral of a dear

loved one, and praised in times of joy.

Finally, in the name of Jesus Christ we find our purpose. Jesus said his disciples, "As the Father

has sent Me, so send I you." We are sent to serve in the name of Jesus. St. Paul urges us by

saying, "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Col.

3:17)

What’s in a name? When we do anything here among our congregation, we are doing it in

Jesus’ name. And therefore, as a result, anything we do either under the roof of St. John’s

Lutheran Church or beyond, among our brothers and sisters in Christ, and anywhere we are

doing it in Jesus’ name. We do it in love.

Christ,

Pastor Ekstrand

MEN’S BREAKFAST Wednesday, December 6 at 7:30 am at

BROTHERS INNFAMILY RESTAURANT, 103 IL-64, Lanark, IL

Feel welcome to join Pastor Ekstrand for a time of food, fellowship and casual conversation in the midst of another busy week!

Pastor-Led Bible Studies at St. John’s

MONDAY EVENINGS at 7:00 pm * “The Gospel of John” The first three Gospels are regarded as “synoptic,” that is, there is a similarity about them and they share many roots. However, the Gospel of St. John came from a completely different oral tradition and brings out many insights into our

Lord’s earthly ministry that we do not see in the other three. . We conclude by 8:00 pm. Bring your Bible and a friend!

THURSDAY MORNINGS at 9:30 am * “St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans” Of all the churches to whom St. Paul wrote epistles, the Church in Rome was the only one which he had not personally established. This congregation’s location in the very seat of an empire which persecuted the early Church raised gives

rise to some fascinating insights into our faith even today. Much of Martin Luther’s theological development was

nourished by the words of this epistle. We conclude by 10:30 am. Bring your Bible and a friend!

Bibles for 3-Year-Olds and 6th Graders December 17, 2017

Again, it is that time of year when our Christian Education Committee and Fellowship Club

will be awarding New Revised Standard Version Bibles to our 6th graders. Our Christian

Education Committee has also chosen to award Children’s Bibles to 3-year-olds.

We are also aware that some who are 7th grade and up were not awarded these NRSV Bibles from our

Fellowship Club. If your child 6th grade and up has not yet received one, please alert Pastor Ekstrand by

December 5. These will be distributed at the December 17th service along with the children’s Christmas

Program.

Sunday School Offering Emphasis

November and December

BIBLES FOR THE GROWING CHURCH St. John’s Kids Share the Good News! New, growing Lutheran churches around the world need Bibles in their own lan-

guage to preach, teach, study, and share in God’s promise of steadfast love!

Our Sunday School children are invited to contribute their Sunday School Offerings through the end of the year toward providing the printed word of Scripture to many and various places all over the world via the Global Ministries of ELCA Global Church Sponsorship. Thanks in advance to all of our great kids!

FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES &

FIRST COMMUNION SUNDAY Baptized members 4

th Grade and up

Classes: Sunday, January 14 & 21; 11:00 am-noon

First Communion Sunday: Sunday, January 28; 9:00 am Non-communing members from 4th Grade and up are invited to gather with Pastor Ekstrand on January 14 & 21 to explore what it means to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the amazing grace conveyed to us through the Body and Blood of Christ. We will meet in the Nave immediately after the Sunday School/Educational Hour. Participation in BOTH ses-sions are required for inclusion at First Communion. If you have a difficulty with attending any of the sched-uled class dates (participation in the class setting is preferable to individual instruction), please contact Pastor Ekstrand as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements. A sign-up sheet will be posted on one of the Nar-thex bulletin boards. First Communion will be received on Sunday, January 28, 2018.

Jack and Jodi Revels attend Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Weslaco, Texas during their

winters in Texas. They say hello to their Pearl City church family and we miss ya’ll.

Visited Another Church . . .

Luther’s Small Catechism This year marks the 500

th anniversary of the Reformation. There will be numerous activities

planned by the ELCA throughout this year. Many in our congregation went through Luther’s Small Catechism for their confirmation. A few copies are available at the St. John’s office for $1.25

From the Worship & Music Committee . . .

From the Women’s Gathering. . .

The Joy Choir will rehearse on Thursday, December 7th & 14th. The Joy Choir

will sing and play bells on December 10th. Their short rehearsal on December 14th will be followed by their Christmas Party in Luther Hall. No rehearsal on

December 21st or 28th. Rehearsal will resume on January 4th.

Joy Choir News. .

Prayer Concerns (October 29-November 19, 2017): Jerilyn Strohecker, Brinkley Knoup, JoAnn Dahlman, Caleb Clausen, Bob Lyvers, Craig Brinkmeier, Edith Wohlford, Shaun Otto, Chris Tippet, Laura Lee Larson, Mae & Al Smith, Wendy Holmes, Baby Matilda, Caleb Robert Hershey, Jerry Anderson, Audrey & Asa Wilcox, Lucille Carpenter, Wanda Franzer, Bob Hastings, Bob Asche, Kenny Neebel, Janice Younkus, Zack Toepfer, Ann Smith, Collins Kempel, Lois Hillmer, Gina Hockman, Hannah Shellhause, Raymond Frary, Autumn Gray, Sarah Jane Myers and April Eberle.

The family and friends of Hunter Lincoln, Marge Kounkel, Pat Mailand, Austin Shellhause, Sue Finley, Don Diestelmeier, Kay Reding, Leroy Eherdt, Leland Wenzel, Gerry Koertner, Charles Smith, Stuart Daws, Vernon Kelly, Drew Crase, Greg Woods, Richard Spangler, Steve Kampmeier, Elaine Thomas, Ray Spielman, Less Graham, Mary Brinkmeier Baysinger, Carol Tessendorf, Betty Enright, Ron Eytcheson, Elaine Gallentine, Joel Kaufman and Charlotte Flack.

The Women’s Gathering is collecting donations for three needy families in the Pearl City

School District for gift cards for Christmas gifts. Donations will be collected before and

after church on Nov. 19, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10, or drop off at the church office by Dec.

10. We are collecting for 17 people (two families have 6 members each and the other

family has five individuals). Thank you for your donations to help others.

Christmas Decorating and Oyster and Chili Lunch: All are invited (and needed) to help decorate

the Church for the Christmas Season on Sunday, December 3, 2017, following the worship service. After decorating (approx. 11:30) the Fellowship Club will be serving a Chili and Oyster Lunch with ham salad and egg salad sandwiches. There is no charge for lunch, but a free will donation would be appreciated. We encourage you to sign-up on the sheet on the Bulletin Board, but is not required. Please join us for a great time decorating for the Christmas season.

From the Fellowship Club and Worship & Music Committee . . .

Poinsettia Garden: The Poinsettia Garden will be during the Dec. 24th worship

service at 9 am. We would appreciate if you could leave your poinsettia until after the worship

services on Christmas Eve. Please sign-up by Dec. 17 if you would like to bring or purchase a

poinsettia in honor or in memory of someone. Devoe Floral will deliver poinsettias to the

church for $10.00 ea. (includes tax) for a single plant with ribbon and foil. Please give a check made out to

Devoe Floral to the church office by Dec. 17. Colors include Red, White, Burgundy and Pink.

From the Office . . . Annual Book and Meeting: The Annual Meeting of the St. John’s Congregation will be held on Sunday,

January 28th immediately following worship. All reports are due to the office by January 3rd for inclusion in

the Annual Book. Annual books will be assembled on January 18th.

Women’s Gathering Ministries . .

Notes from the Women’s Gathering:

Women’s Gathering (WG) “BAKE SALE”

It was a great success!!!

“Thank you” to all the women that made & donated their bake sale items or gave a monetary donation. We had a wonderful variety of goodies – YUM! “Thank you” to all who supported (WG) by purchasing the goodies or also giving monetary donations. Without all of you the monies to be donated to St. John’s Current Fund would not be possible. *$889.75 were raised for the Current Fund.

A special thank you to the committee & helpers: April Eberle, Kris Eden, Janet Ferguson, Sharon Knoup, Kathy Larson & Lynda Palmer.

The Women's Gathering is selling 100% cotton dish cloths. They come in bundles of 4 and in various colors. Cost is $5 per bundle of 4. These will make a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone who does dishes! Contact Lori

Kempel.

November 29, Bus Trip and dinner at Palace Theatre at Wisconsin Dells to see "Christmas at the Palace". The bus will leave at 8:30 a.m. and return about 7:00 p.m. If you would liked to be picked up in Freeport, we will stop at the Lincoln Mall about 8:45 but be sure to let Karen Bremmer know who wants to meet the bus there. At this time the bus is full, but contact Karen Bremmer to be put on the waiting list if you are interested. Water and a small snack will be provided on the return trip.

Woman's Gathering will be collecting monetary donations to help families in the school district with food and gifts for the holiday season. They appreciate your giving spirit. More information to follow.

December 3, 10 a.m. Prayer Shawl Outreach. There is a need for crochet and knitted shawls. The yarn will be provided. If you would like to learn how to do either or both of these talents check with Lynda Palmer.

December 12, 6:30 p.m. Christmas Potluck for all the women of the church. There will be a white elephant gift exchange. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board for a variety of food dishes.

Starting the EMAIL Prayer Chain: To start the email prayer chain, contact Karen Bremmer at (815 443 2478 or

815 821 4698) or email at rkbremmer@gmail.com You may also contact the church office at 815 443-2215

(please leave a message as they are checked after hours, etc.) or email at prshadmin@gmail.com. You may also

contact Leann Heimerdinger at (815-443-2191) or cell at (815-541-3081) or email at jamleading@gmail.com. If

you are not receiving the Prayer Chain email and would like to be included, please contact the church office.

December Collection Item: The Women’s Gathering is collecting a specific item each month for the Pearl City Food Pantry. The donation item for December is Canned Meats. Please bring canned chicken, tuna, etc., with you to worship and/or Women’s Gathering events. The Women’s Gathering is always collecting baby wipes for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. All items may be placed in the bins in the Narthex.

Mexican Train Dominoes: We plan to play Mexican Train Dominoes on the first Tuesday of the month at 9

am. Invite a friend and join us on Tuesday, December 5th from 9-Noon in Luther Hall. All are invited. You

don’t have to know how to play to join in on the fun!

From the Director of Youth Ministries . . .

S.P.O.T.S. Christmas Party December 10th

11am-1pm

Thank you…. The youth and parents going to Houston this coming summer would like to thank Tammy

Stephan for her guidance and supplies in helping us make the signs we sold at the Craft &

Vendor Fair. It was a lot of fun and we look forward to making more of them with you!! We also

appreciate you helping out with the youth groups while Chris Knoup is with Brinkley while she

recuperates from her surgery.

Get your Christmas cards

ready!! The youth will be delivering

Christmas cards in the Pearl

City community Sunday,

December 3rd.

Please note we only deliver the cards

within walking distance from the church…

so in town cards only.

S.P.L.A.T. Annual Cookie Plates

Sunday, December 10

Sunday, December 17 (Both Sundays after Worship)

Did you miss out on the Craft & Vendor Fair? Well the youth go-

ing to Houston will have more items available after church on the

following dates:

December 3 December 10 December 17

Thank you for your support!!

#HOUSTONSQUAD

Genesis

Christmas Party

Sunday, January 7th

7-9pm

5th Quarter

Christmas Party

December 17

5:30-7:30

From the Calendar Committee . . . Fundraiser Report: Calendar sales are still being accepted until the end of the year. There are nearly 300 calendars still to be sold. There will be committee members at a table in Luther Hall after services each Sunday to accept money, unsold calendars, and drawing stubs from the back of each sold calendar. Remind prospective buyers that their calendar stub remains in the drawing for 52 weeks. Even if they receive the weekly $200, their stub goes back into the drawing. That gives them at least a 1 in 20 chance to win.

All calendars must be accounted for so please drop off or mail back any unsold calendars. The breakeven point has been reached so each calendar sold now nets the Current Fund $30.00. Let us all go back to work on this fundraiser. Some members are giving calendars as gifts.

Special Note: A member of St. John’s wants to boost calendar sales. They will match every calendar taken from our reserve stock and sell for the next 3 Sundays. So, when 1 calendar is sold from our reserve stock, a second matching calendar will be purchased. St. John’s will receive the proceeds from 2 calendars for every 1 sold from our reserve stock.

Grace Meal News. . . The November Community Grace Meal: Rich and MaryAnn Kliman would like to thank all those who helped and supported us in preparing and serving the November grace meal. We are so blessed to have such a great church "family". It made our job so much easier. We hope everyone enjoyed the meal that they prepared for you.

142 meals were prepared. The youth delivered 49 meals, 47 dined in Luther Hall, 32 additional carry-outs and 14 meals were given to FACC shelter. Thank you to all those who helped: Rich & Mary Ann Kliman, Lois Hunsaker, Dennis Kruse, Butch & Carol Garnhart, Nancy Trampel, Marge Roiland, Keith & Doris Kness and Jamie, Kendra, & Laura Melville. Drivers were Beth Schneider with Jorja & Jordan Johnson, Rollin Nelson & Connor Boop and Kathy Williams, Linda Albright, Ben & Ilaynna Crabtree.

From the Stewardship Committee . . .

From the Social Ministry Committee . . . Harvest Home Collection: Thank you so much for all the donations to the Harvest Home Collection. Approximately 90 bags were delivered to the Pearl City Food Pantry by the Genesis youth on Sunday, November 12.

The Mitten Tree: The Social Ministry Committee once again is asking you to bring new mittens, gloves and hats for the Mitten Tree. Items may be brought on Sundays beginning November 26th through December. All Mittens, hats, scarves and gloves will be given to the Pearl City School for children of all ages in need. Thank you!

Won’t you share your time and talents with St. John’s? We ask each

individual that participates in the St. John’s community to complete a time and

talent sheet. They are available in print (Narthex) or online at

StJohnsPearlCity.org. Please complete online or return a printed copy to the

office by December 3rd. Extra Time and Talent sheets are available by the office.

This year’s Christmas program will be “A Christ Filled Christmas.” This year, in order to stream

line the practice process, we will be having our practices in place of Sunday School. We will practice on the following dates.

December 3 December 10 Dress Rehearsal will be on Saturday December 16th at 9:00 am. This program will be preformed on Sunday December 17th during regular worship.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the people on the Christmas Program Committee.

Sincerely, Claire Brinkmeier- 815-291-4751 Deb Bremmer- 815-541-7025 Karen Bremmer- 815-443-2478/ 815-821-4698 Ann DeZell- 815-238

Good News Sunday School Schedule for November. . .

Teachers: Leann and Gwen Heimerdinger

December 3 Christmas Program Practice

December 10 Christmas Program Practice

December 17 Nativity

December 24 & 31 No Sunday School

From the Christmas Program Committee. . .

Sunday School Teachers are needed through May.

Please check the schedule on the bulletin board and

sign-up today.

A Thank You from the family of Brinkley Knoup:

We are forever grateful for your kindness, no matter how you have touched our

lives.

The Knoups’

FYI: Brinkley has resumed going to school half days three weeks post surgery.

Thank you . . .

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

(Holy Communion)

5pm & 9pm

Join us at St. John’s for Christmas Celebrations!

Christmas Day Morning (Holy Communion)

9 am

St. John’s Grace Meal Please join us for St. John’s monthly Grace Meal on the 3rd Sunday of

each month at noon. Not only is this a wonderful time for fellowship for

those who dine in but also a time to reach out to our community with

deliveries. If you know of anyone in our community that would like to join

us then please invite them to dine with us! If there is someone that can’t

attend but would benefit from a meal please let me know so that I may

add them to our deliveries. Please pray about helping prepare a meal for the 2018 sign-up

sheet has been posted in the narthex. This does not need to be an elaborate meal and you can

be reimbursed for the food you prepare. Ask a few friends to join in the preparation!

Any questions please contact Beth Schneider (815)541-5919 or by email

youthdir.stjohns@gmail.com

Serve One Another in Love….Galatians 5:13

Dec. 24 at 5 pm: Crucifer: Conor DeZell, Bible Bearer: Brianna Stager, Torch Bearers: Ben Bremmer and

Cody Pitts

Dec. 24 at 9 pm: Crucifer: Cheyenne Handsaker, Bible Bearer: Jordan Johnson, Torch Bearers: Levi Sheffey

and Jaden Robinson

Organist: Karen Bremmer Counters: Ron Bremmer, Kelly Lawler, Megan Lawler

Duties of the Church for December

December Birthdays

Date Greeters Ushers Lector Comm. Asst. Acolyte

Dec. 3 Jim & Pam Richards Keith & Doris

Kness Kris Eden

Carrie Hass

Jane Boop Levi Sheffey

Dec. 10 Brian & Rhonda

Brudi Family

Scott & Marlyse

Johnson Family Dennis Downs

Michele Schiess

Chris Kempel Jordan Johnson

Dec. 17 Mark & Jamie

Melville Family

Lee & Stacey

Block Beth Schneider

Kim Williams

Keith Kness Jaden Robinson

Dec. 24

9 am

Gordon & Carol

Garnhart

Fred & Earlene

Domberger Ron DePrisco

Lee Harbison

Beth Schneider Xander Gray

Dec. 24

5 pm

Larry & Kathy

Albrecht Family

Kris & Marion

Eden Kris Eden

Erica Albrecht

Kathy Albrecth

See

processional

below

Dec. 24

9 pm

Jim & Leann

Heimerdinger Family

Stan & April

Eberle Joel Kempel

Lori Kempel

Ron Bremmer

See

processional

below

Dec. 31 Mike & Ann DeZell

Family

Larry & Kathy

Albrecht Family Chad Bremmer

Kenner

Brinkmeier

2 Kari Mitchell 3 Marlyse Johnson Carter Brudi 7 Abbey Goldsmith 8 Richard Ferguson Heather Erbsen

9 Linda Crackenberger Ann Frey Connor Boop 10 Jordy McPeek 11 Kendra Melville 13 Scott Johnson Ethan Bremmer 16 Carol Garnhart

19 Joan Klatt 20 Keith Albers 21 Gertrude Heimerdinger 22 Kilynn Perdue 27 Dailynn Kittoe 30 Beth Wilhelm Conor DeZell

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

November 26

9 am Worship

10:15 am Sunday School

10:15 am Confirmation

27

3:30 pm Girl

Scouts

6 pm Girl Scouts

7 pm Bible Study

28

6:30 pm Al-Anon

29

8:30 am: Women’s

Gathering Bus Trip

30

9:30 am Bible Study

December 1

Pastor’s Day

Off

2

Luther Hall

used for Lunch

Prep.

3

9 am Worship

10 am Prayer Shawl Ministry

10:15 am Sunday School

10:15 am Confirmation

6 pm 5th Quarter

7:30 pm Genesis

4

7 pm 4-H

7 pm Bible Study

5 9 am: Mexican

Train Dominoes

6:30 pm Al-Anon

6

7:30 am Men’s

Breakfast

5:30 pm Christian

Education Meeting

6:30 pm Chancel

Choir Rehearsal

7

9:30 am Bible Study

10:30 am Worship &

Music Committee

Meeting

3:15 pm Joy Choir

Rehearsal

8

Pastor’s Day

Off

9 9 am SPLAT prep cookie plates

10

SCRIP Orders Due

9 am Worship Service

10:15 am Property Committee Meeting

10:15 am Sunday School

10:15 am Confirmation

11 am SPOTS

6 pm 4-H

6 pm 5th Quarter

7:30 pm Genesis

11

3:30 pm Girl

Scouts

6 pm Girl Scouts

7 pm Bible Study

12

6:30 pm Women’s Gathering Christmas

Potluck

6:30 pm Al-Anon

13

6:30 pm Chancel

Choir Rehearsal

14

9:30 am Bible Study

3:15 pm Joy Choir

Rehearsal &

Christmas Party

15

Pastor’s Day

Off

16

9 am SPLAT prep cookie

plates

9 am Christmas Program

Rehearsal

Luther Hall

used for Grace

Meal Prep

17

9 am Worship Service

10:15 am Sunday School

10:15 am Confirmation

10:15 am Stewardship & Outreach

Committee Meetings

10:15 am Memorial & Finance

Committee Meeting

11 am SPLAT Youth to Deliver Grace

Meals

Noon: Community Grace Meal

6 pm 5th Quarter

7:30 pm Genesis

18

19

6:30 pm Al-Anon

20

January Newsletter

Deadline

7 pm Council

Meeting

21

22

Pastor’s Day

Off

23

24

9 am Worship

5 pm Christmas Eve Worship

9 pm Christmas Eve Worship

25

9 am Christmas

Day Worship

26

6:30 pm Al-Anon

27

6:30 pm Chancel

Choir Rehearsal

28

29 30

31

9 am Worship

December 2017 See an updated and complete calendar throughout the month at www.stjohnspearlcity.org

Pearl City Food Pantry Needs . . .

The Pearl City Food Pantry is in need of all items. However, consider items pertinent to the fall season and cooking meals at home. It’s not too far away to be thinking of items for holiday meals or baking.

If you would like to donate items from your garden or bread, please deliver items directly to the food pantry on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month between 8:45 and 9:15 am. All non perishable food items may be brought to St. John’s or delivered directly to the food pantry on the 1st Saturday of the month between 9 and 11 am.

Merry Christmas

Office Closed