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St. Martin Lutheran Church

St. Martin Newsletter

Senior Pastor – Christian Burg Associate Pastor – Brian Weber

Principal- Mark Moran Phone 715-823-6538

From Our Senior Pastor

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. (Colossians 1:18) Why Go to Church?

As a child, I would often ask my parents, “Why go to church?” I grew up in a suburban neighborhood where few of my neighbors went to church on a regular basis. My friends would be running around the neighborhood playing while I sat in the car waiting to be taken to a place where I would have to be on my best behavior and interact with people who were generally much older than I was. Why bother?

Aren’t there better things to do than worship? We could volunteer at a food bank, build houses for the homeless, or just relax. Of these three things, you can guess which one most non-church goers really do (even though they may not admit it).

Even if you are one of the few who are volunteering on Sunday, there are some good reasons to take time to worship. In worship, God gives us what we need: his Word and his body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. If you can go a week without sin (you can’t), then you might not need to hear that your sins are forgiven again but because we sin every day, we need to have a special time of the week to hear that we are released from the guilt of sin. Worship is about what God gives us and he promises to give it to us where his Word is preached, his Sacraments are given, and the Scriptures are publicly read by the pastor (cf. 1 Timothy 4:13), in other words, in public worship.

In Colossians, St. Paul tells us that

Christ must be preeminent. That means he must be first, middle and last. All worship centers around him. We cannot elevate another cause, no matter how noble, above him. When that happens, it is called idolatry. While serving others is good, we must remember that Jesus taught us first to love God with all our heart and then to love our neighbor. Part of showing that we love God is to get up and go to Church. Anyone can say that they love God but love is an action, not just a feeling.

These are personal reasons to go to Church but another important reason is for the sake of your neighbors. Do your neighbors have faith in Christ? How good are you at building them up in their faith? Or do you just ignore the topic? Church is a training center for those who will take the Gospel to those who have not heard it, in the workplace, in the public schools, in the shopping centers, at the athletic fields, etc. Furthermore, we support missions to help those who have not heard the Gospel. Some of them might be close to home such as a preschool child from an unchurched family that is hearing about Jesus for the first time in our school or Early Childhood Learning Center. Other missions extend around the globe by what we give to district and synod.

This newsletter format doesn’t allow me to continue much longer but it is safe to say that there are many more reasons one could have to support attending worship services. So let me conclude with Hebrews 10:24:

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

May 2018

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From Our Associate Pastor

How Healthy is Your Prayer Life? What do you pray for? Have you ever sat back and considered the things you pray about – what you really truly pray about? Meal-time prayers and bed-time prayers you’ve prayed every day since a kid are good! Keep it up, don’t quit! Thinking beyond those for a moment, what else do you pray for? Not the things you hear about then say “I’ll pray for you” only to forget about it when you take the time to pray. How often do you pray the Lord’s Prayer? It should be in the mix of your daily prayers, too. When was the last time you opened your Small Catechism to open your heart & mind to the matters included in such a rich & simple prayer? Have you ever read the Large Catechism, especially on the Lord’s Prayer to deepen your prayer life?

What do you pray for? Going beyond the typical prayers you’ve learned by rote, what are you asking of God? When it is you in a given situation and feel the need to pray and think up the words to pray, what do you ask of the Lord? It’s been my experience in talking with folks that many people will mostly pray for the needs of the body: for no more snow, for healing, for physical safety – especially when danger draws close, for hurting to stop, for a sports team to win, for green lights or no ticket as you speed down the road, or for any number of things that last but a moment. And as we pray to God in all matters, these sorts of things are also good habits to help grow our prayer life.

Many of those little situations in life also give us cause to rejoice in thanksgiving! But to whom does your thanks go? Many are thankful but forget the source to whom our gratitude is deserved. Spouses, children, neighbors, clerks, and such are all worthy of our thanks for the help, comfort, aid, and services they provide for us. Such loving service also stems from the source of all love and

service: the Lord! Yet even in our thanks, the temporal “1st Article” gifts are still the beginnings of our prayer life.

These moments are fleeting; they come and go. They are certainly occasions for our talking with God. But if a conversation with a stranger or passing acquaintance where you talk about the weather, matters of creation, and stuff that is “a chasing after the wind” is the extent of your prayer life, then there is much room for your prayer life to grow deeper and healthier.

Many Christians are spiritually malnourished as they suffer from a lack of Scriptures. As you hear & read the Scriptures, there are revealed a host of other matters that also need your prayers. God speaks to us by His Word. Our word back to God is called “prayer”. A healthy Christian will need to be steeped and rooted in both parts of this spiritual conversation. Otherwise you’re left with a one sided monologue with your voice equated as divine truth in the quietness of personal spirituality. Without God’s Word, there is no depth or substance to your prayers. God’s word guides & teaches, informs & comforts, it corrects & redirects us to better engage the fallen world. Being nourished & strengthened by God’s Word, we are a healthier Christian who will explore the multitude of prayers leading into and out of the “one thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple (Psalm 27:4).”

Abide in God’s Word. With His Word on your heart and mind, there is sure to always be a prayer waiting upon your lips. Talk with God

as you get to know Him better through His Word. As you know Him better, your relationship & prayer life will both be healthier – now and always!

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL: Pursuing the pages of a Focus on the Family magazine, I came across this great article about helping our children to learn generosity. This reminded me of the great role-models I learned from. One of those men being my father-in-law, the late Rev. Ferdinand Timler. I pray you enjoy it.

Modelling a generous spirit If we want our children to walk in "paths of righteousness," they need us to first lead the way. And to lead well, we ourselves need to stop and ask for directions every now and then. It’s a good idea to regularly examine our own witness by getting alone with the Lord and asking Him some hard questions – questions like What’s my example really teaching my children about generosity? Or Why do I struggle to be generous? Is it fear? Is it really true that I don’t have time for good works? Wait for His answer. It’s sure to be revealing. To help our kids, perhaps it’s time to loosen up about "giving back to the Lord." On the whole, we tend to be pretty secretive about our giving, "not letting our left hand know what our right hand is doing" (Matthew 6:1-4). But surely our kids belong in our inner circle when it comes to our investments in the kingdom. They can learn a lot. Wendy Kittlitz, Focus on the Family Canada’s VP of counselling, advises parents "When you are doing something for the Lord, it’s okay to tell your kids why you are doing it." The goal is not to boast about your kindness, but to invite your children to follow your example. Kittlitz adds, "Recently, I was cooking a meal for a family who were hurting. It’s something I love to do, to offer hospitality. I took my girls along to help deliver it, using it as a teachable moment to show that we can do simple things to serve others." One of the easiest ways to model a spirit of generosity is to unseal the family ledger. Without needing to be too specific, here’s a simple way to give your children a basic understanding of how much you give financially, and why: Make a cake that represents your last pay check, or last year’s income. Cut a portion that represents how much you gave back to God, and discuss with your kids why you chose those charities, and what the charities do with the money.

Have fun trying some of these great ideas with your kids, and enjoy the cake. I hope it's chocolate.

In Christ,

Mr. Moran

Principal

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Travis Eanone Caleb Schauder

Dylan Mueller Joseph B. Reese

Nicole Machmueller Reese Nathan Rye Joshua Schroeder

50+ANNIVERSARIES 1 ~ Leslie & Phyllis Nachtrab 18 ~ Hugo & Beverly Graper Jr. 20 ~ Robert & Faye Schmoll 21 ~ Leland & Nora Krueger 75+ BIRTHDAYS 3 ~ Betty Heideman 3 ~ Helen Mehlberg 6 ~ Richard Steenbock 16 ~ Elaine Wisnefske 23 ~ Marie Ferg 25 ~ Meta Krueger 27 ~ Myrtle Kirchner 30 ~ Dennis Handrich 30 ~ Robert Higgins

Sleeping Mat Ministry

Mondays 2:00pm

In the Fellowship Hall

May 6th Benjamin Theodore Behnke

Braiden James Behnke Caleb Dennis Christopherson

Kylie Marie Clinton Josephine Brooke Colla

Tyler Thomas Ferg Ryan Lee Genskow

Joseph Daniel Klemp Breana Noelle Malueg Kimberly Rose Miller Nathan James Schley

Kaylee Elizabeth Schroeder

CHURCH SINGING SCHEDULE 2018 ~ May 6 10:30 am Confirmation Class

May 10 7:00 pm Joint Choir at Christus May 13 10:30 am SOJ-Praise Team May 20 8:00 am Choir May 27 8:00 am Choir June 3 8:00 am Grade 8 June 3 10:30 am High School Seniors June 17 10:30 am SOJ Praise Team July 15 10:30 am SOJ Praise Team

Pray for Our Friends and Family in the Service

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The Ladies Sewing Bee WILL NOT be having

a Rummage Sale this spring. They will continue to take donations of fabric, thread

yarn, and bedding such as sheets and pillowcases, etc. Those items may be brought to the church office or you may call

715-823-3478 or 715-823-4220 for pickup. Thank you to all those who have donated items this past year!

THE SUNDAY RADIO BROADCAST

Live at 8:00am weekly on WJMQ FM (92.3). Recognize an anniversary, birthday or

remember a loved one: by sponsoring a radio broadcast.

Cost for the broadcast is $100.00. Available dates: May 6, 13 & 27th.

June 3, 10, 17 & 24.

WEEKLY BULLETIN Sponsorship is $30.00

Available dates: May 6, 13 & 27th. June 3, 10, 17 & 24.

Seated Communion Service The second Thursday of the Month

Thursday, May 10th @ 1:00pm

Cancer Support will meet on,

Thursday, May 10th @ Mathew’s @11:30am

Call Eva Novak with any questions

@ 715-823-4879

Community Meal

Served every Thursday@ Christ Congregational Church

5:30-6:00pm Call Doris @ 823-5438 for information

St. Martin is serving on May 3rd.

Pastoral Acts Baptism 4/2 ~ need to fill

Burials 4/3 ~ Elmer Verch 4/14 ~ Bryan Sperberg

Sunday Morning Fellowship

May 6 ~ Evangelism 13 ~School Board 20 ~ Stewardship 27 ~ Trustees

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The Month of May

2 @ 7:00 pm ~ Carol Steenbock & Carla Wengelski

Confirmation Sunday

6 @ 8:00 am ~ Carol Steenbock & Carla Wengelski

10:30 am ~ Jean Handrich & Kay Mitchell

16 @ 7:00 pm ~ Carol Steenbock & Carla Wengelski

20 @ 8:00 am ~ Carol Steenbock & Carla Wengelski

10:30 am ~ Jean Handrich & Kay Mitchell

23 @ 7:00 pm ~ Jean Handrich & Kay Mitchell

27 @ 8:00 am ~ Carol Steenbock & Carla Wengelski

10:30 am ~ Jean Handrich & Kay Mitchell

30 @ 7:00 pm ~ Carol Steenbock & Carla Wengelski

St. Martin Board Chairs

For issues or concerns, contact the respective Chair person.

Board of Lay Ministry *Larry Mehlberg………823-4036

Board of Evangelism *Duane Reetz..............823-2806

School Board *Blair Sawall…….823-5620

Parish Education *Mary Beth Kuester.....823-5133

Trustees *Larry Czarnecki.….823-4071

Youth * Dennis Federwitz…..823-2787

Stewardship *Kayla Behnke............715-857-6579

Congregation President *DuWayne Federwitz.......823-3280

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Charitable Contributions – the effects of 2018 new tax laws. Thrivent Financial has agreed to put on a relatively short program on Thursday, May 31st @6:30 p. m in the Fellowship Hall that will answer many questions that have resulted in giving to “charitable organizations” because of the changes brought about by the new tax law changes that go in effect in 2018. This will give you a chance to see by examples as to things you might be able to do and still benefit with a tax deduction. This session will address a lot of items from IRA’ S once you turn 70 years of age to just simply monthly giving. There is no charge or pre-registration. Finally, no products will be sold. You are more then welcome to bring a friend. Thrivent Action Teams – please note that anyone applying for these funds to commence an event, you have to go on line and request the funds at least 40 days prior to the date of your event. Also, you as a Thrivent member can assist anther individual who is not a Thrivent member apply. However, under your name you are limited to 2 requests per year for a qualifying event.

Thank you to Carol Eanone and Mary Beth Kuester for all their hard work and dedication this Sunday school year. Sunday school for this school year ended on April 29th, 2018. Looking forward to seeing all the kids in the fall again!!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL~2018

Monday July 30th through Thursday August 2nd, 2018 PRE-REGISTRATION is now open for the children of St Martin. Registration forms are now available on the Bulletin Boards by the Fellowship Hall and Early Childhood Learning Center, in the Narthex and outside the church office. Activities will include crafts, Christian stories, games, snacks and music.

Splash Canyon – God’s promise on Life’s Wild Ride will be the morning-only program, for all children ages 3 years old and up through Seventh grade. 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

We are looking for VOLUNTEERS. Do you like to make kids smile? That’s all it takes. We have plenty of activities – crafts, storytelling, snacks and games – we can find a way to use your talents. If you can help out any of the four mornings, even if only for an hour or two, please contact Carol or Mary Beth. For any questions, contact Carol Eanone at 920-850-0282 or cle64@frontiernet.net or Mary Beth Kuester at 715-823-5133 or mbkuester@charter.net Stewardship Devotion

Thrivent Choice Dollars -$2214.00 Received by directed dollars from Gerald Bohlman, Ilene Bohlman, Doris Camann, Kenneth Gehrt, Jr., Vickie Gehrt, Bert Krueger, Verdell Krueger, Connie Lambert, John Lambert, Kay Liebergen, Kay Mitchell, Nancy Mueller, Orville Noak, Thomas Bartelme, Shirley Hein, Bonnie Justman, David Lucht, Thomas Mack & Cole Steinke.

Thank you very much for your generosity! Thank you! Check with your Thrivent agent that St. Martin’s is the recurring beneficiary of your Thrivent Choice Dollars.

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Our Father in heaven sent His Son, Jesus, to be our savior. His atoning sacrifice is the firstfruits of all the dead, a pleasing aroma to His Father – and ours – so that His perfect life and death count for all who believe in Him.

He claimed us as His own children in Holy Baptism. He sustains and strengthens our faith with His Holy Word and His Body and Blood. As new creatures, who have put on Christ, we bear good fruit. We do the good works prepared for us, which He makes known to us in His Word.

By faith then, trusting in the Word of God, we do what he says because He does not lie and always keeps His promises. For “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Heb. 11:6).

And so the Lord promises: “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine” (Prov. 3:9-10).

How do we honor the Lord with the wealth that God has given us in His generosity? By giving it generously to those whom the Lord has called us to love and support: your family, your society, and your church. And His promise is that in so doing, you will never lack.

I can almost hear it now: “But that’s from the Old Testament!” But our Lord Jesus Himself gives us similar promises in the New Testament. He says, at the conclusion of the parable of the talents, “For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance” (Matt. 25:29).

And then at the end of the parable of the dishonest manager, he says: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Luke 16:10–13).

And in His sermon on the mount, he says: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19–21). We have become conditioned against these promises because of their misuse by the peddlers of the prosperity gospel – the guys on TV who say you get rich by putting God in your debt. And thus, we miss out on the fact that God does reward temporal faithfulness in temporal matters with temporal blessings.

It’s no quid pro quo. It’s all from God’s grace, His fatherly divine goodness and mercy. But those Bible passages just quoted do in fact say what they say! It’s not the Old Testament’s problem. It’s ours. It is almost as if we have become so jaded against this that we think it a virtue to be stingy with our offerings.

But our Father in heaven still loves to bless those who bless others. He loves to give to those who give freely and generously. In fact, he challenges us to challenge Him: “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need” (Mal. 3:10).

And so, while we don’t give so that we would get, we do receive from the Lord in order to give, and He will bless your giving with more receiving. For “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things” (Rom. 8:32)?

Blessings on your Stewardship Journey!

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LWML MISSION GRANT Lutheran Children’s Books for Families Worldwide

LUTHERAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION $100,000

“But Jesus called them to Him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:16 The Lutheran Heritage Foundation (LHF) has found that there are not enough Lutheran children’s books written in their own language for children in Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, China, and Mongolia. Unfulfilled requests for children’s books are received by LHF each year. Christian parents want to teach their children about the Lord Jesus. Lutheran churches, missionaries, and new Christian families around the world will be provided with Bible story books, translated into their languages that teach children about Jesus.

Mission Mite Boxes available in the Office ----------------------------------------- Are You Interested? MISSION TRIP TO MOST MINISTRIES ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN July 16 – 19 2018, possible dates meet the staff at MOST, find out more about its mission and ministry, and tour the facility. Volunteer by processing eyeglasses through the many different steps to get them ready for on-field distribution....And help volunteer at the Luke 52 Project in Detroit (VBS). If interested for more information, sign sheet at MOST MINISTRIES Eyeglass Collection Box in the Office

OFFICE SUMMER HOURS: Starting June 11th -August 10th office hours will be 8:00 am – Noon, Monday thru Friday.

CLOSING OFFICE FOR FLOOR WAXING AND DEEP CLEANING JULY 2nd -8th, 2018.

SUMMER SCRIP HOURS: NO SCRIP SOLD ON TUESDAYS, Mondays 9:00 am – 11:00 am, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9:00 am -11:00 am, ONLY during Office Summer Hours.