“A New Life!” Ole was working in his yard when his dog came up to him with a dead rabbit in his mouth. Ole recognized the rabbit as his neighbor’s pet rabbit. Ole panicked and thought “My dog killed their rabbit!” Ole took the rabbit cleaned it off and then climbed the fence and placed the rabbit in the cage thinking, “Maybe they will just think it died naturally.” He went back to his yard work until the neighbor returned home. Soon Ole heard screaming in the backyard. He went to the fence and said, “What’s the problem?” The neighbor screamed, “Our rabbit is dead! Our rabbit is dead!” Ole started to apologize by saying, “I’m sorry your rabbit died” But the neighbor interrupted him and screamed. “You don’t understand my rabbit died two days ago and we buried it, but now it’s back!”Normally when something dies and is buried it stays buried, that’s the normal way things work.

But the message of Easter changes the way we look at death and life. Last month we celebrated the Easter message with an outdoor sunrise service at the local cemetery. Some might think a graveyard is a strange place for a church service but the Easter story begins in a graveyard. At the empty tomb the women find an angel who declares that Jesus who was crucified for our sins is now alive. He has risen. The empty tomb shows that Christ’s resurrection guarantees His payment for our sin, and His promise of eternal life to all who trust in him as their Savior. This is the key teaching of the Christian faith.

Because of Christ God forgives all our sins and they are gone! As God’s word declares “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34) In Jesus our sins were nailed to the cross. Jesus paid the price, and we are forgiven of all our sins. St. Paul put it this way, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

This newness of life means we are not only forgiven by Christ, but we have the power to live as God’s people, and that includes the power to forgive others. God’s word teaches “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us: (Ephesians 4:32-5:2)

Instead of living with our past sins, we are forgiven and have a new life in Christ. That forgiveness changes our daily lives. How wonderful it would be if we would forgive others as God in Christ has forgiven us. Instead of being bitter and resentful or holding on to grudges, why not forgive and move on. Sadly, many folks struggle to forgive. As a country song goes, “We bury the hatchet but leave the handle sticking out!” We struggle to forgive, but by remembering how God gave His Only Son to be our Savior, and that through Christ God forgive us all our sins then we can by God’s power strive to do the same with others.

One great place to start is within one’s own family. Imagine what the world would be like if husbands and wives learned to forgive one another; children forgiving parents and parents forgiving their children, sisters and brothers forgiving one another and even in-laws learning to forgive each other. Truly this world would be a better place if we learned to bury the old hurts at the foot of the cross, and rise up in the new life we have as God’s people!God’s Peace in Christ!Pastor Dave

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THOSE WHOSERVE

ELDERSApr. 3 (8:00 A.M. w/comm) Matt Rumsey, Kevin Schulz (10:30 A.M. )Scott PospishilApr. 10 (8:00 A.M.) Kevin Schulz (10:30 A.M. w/comm.) Doug Auch, Mark RutterApr. 17 (8:00 A.M. w/comm) Jim Kinsley, P.R. Olson (10:30 A.M.) Apr. 24 (8:00 A.M.) Doug Auch (10:30 A.M. w/communion) Al Ulmer, Roger

Aman

ACOLYTESApr. 3 (8 A.M.) Jared Cutler, Garrett Cutler (10:30 A.M.) Nykki Husman, Hailey JohnsonApr. 10 (8 a.m.) William Plath, Lilly Thoms(10:30 A.M.) Grace Goeden, Kiefer HysellApr. 17 (8 A.M.) Gavin Kafka, Keaton List(10:30 A.M.) Zachary McKee, Ella MulderApr. 24 (8 A.M.) Joshua Saylor, Emma Schott(10:30 A.M.) Zara Bitsos, Thea ChanceALTAR GUILDParments & Flowers Corrine Casey

COMMUNION SETUPApril 3 - 8:00 a.m. Susan BuxcelApril 10 - 10:30 a.m.  Ron EnsenbachApril 17 - 8:00 a.m. Duane and Linda BairApril 24 - 10:30 a.m. Joe and Laure LaBarge

COMMUNION CLEAN-UPApril 3 - 8:00 a.m.  Susan BuxcelApril 10 - 10:30 a.m.  Ron Ensenbach & Sherry ThalerApril 17 - 8:00 a.m. Duane and Linda BairApril 24 - 10:30 a.m. Chuck and Ruth Walberg

USHERS  8:00 a.m. Ken Remington (c), Lonnie Remington     Matt Stone, Gabe Stone10:30 a.m. Scott Keiser, Joel Merkwan

Steve Neumann, Terry BitsosGREETERSApril 3rd8 a.m. Front: Dean & Donna Schoenfelder          SE entrance: Adeline Zeeb & Betty Kirchner10:30 a.m.  Front:  Tammy & Rich Dolejsi     SE Entrance: Ray HaarApril 108 a.m.   Front: Jerry & Dianne Diekmann    SE Entrance:  Harold & A.J. Olson10:30 a.m.  Front:  Connie Husman & family    SE entrance: Kelly Sparks & Alanna Roberson

April 17th. - all services will be done by Stephen ministers

April 248 a.m.   Front: Norbert & Diana Roth       SE entrance: Duane & Linda Bair10:30 a.m.  Front: Doug, Jeanne & Ava Haar      SE Entrance:  Lyla Hirsch

ORGANISTSApr. 3 (both) Donna KnodelApr. 10 (both) Shelley HeilApril 17 (8:00 A.M.) Sheila PetersonApril 24 (10:30 A.M.) Dianne Diekmann

Miss Leading Has Spring in Her Step

Spring brings new life and new beginnings. The earth itself comes back from winter’s dormancy in the

season we call spring. Yay! This year, the first day of spring is also Palm Sunday. What an appropriate beginning to Holy Week, celebrating our new life in Christ’s resurrection from the dead! In His death and rising, we are assured of our own eternal life after death. On Palm Sunday we sing the ancient song “Hosanna in the Highest!” as we welcome new life to the earth and salvation for our souls.

Also, making her LWML debut this spring is Miss Leading! She has been introduced on the LWML website and through social media. Maybe you’ve met her already. A purple (to the core) LWML leader who may speak your language as she relates to leadership challenges and snafus. She’s all about engaging, encouraging, equipping and enjoying leaders in the LWML (and future leaders too.)

Ms L, as we endearingly call her, will be featured in each quarterly Follow the Leader (http://www.lwml.org/developing-leaders) newsletter. She’ll also pop up in other media so be on the lookout for her. She’s new this spring, fresh and ready to serve the Lord with gladness!

Nancy KohrsLeader Development Committee Chairman Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

CIRCLE NEWSAnna Circle now meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. In April, this will be April 14th. No other information is available at this time.Dorcas Circle: meets Thursday, April 7th at 2 p.m. Hostess and Topic Leader is Dee Erickson.Rachel Circle will meet on Monday, April 3rd at 6:00 pm at the church. Hostess and Topic Leader are Dorothea Merrill and Bonnie Pinkelman.

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Ruth Circle: Will meet on April 21st at 1 p.m. at the church. Hostess is Lois Anderson.Did you know…. the LWML here at St. John’s uses the proceeds from the Ice Cream Social to give scholarships to members of our congregation going into full time church work. If finances permit, we also try to give scholarship to Seminary students from South Dakota. These are just a few examples of our mission dollars at work in our own congregation and state. We have received thank you’s from scholarship recipients. These are available for viewing on the LWML bulletin board in the gathering area.Thank you to all the LWML ladies who helped serve the Lenten Supper. Each one played a valuable part from bringing and preparing the food to serving and clean up. Also thank you to all who came to eat, enjoy, and fellowship with others. The ladies of the LWML considered it a real mission opportunity to serve our church family and hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did. A huge thank you to Gary and Andy Gates for making the spaghetti sauce and getting it ready to serve before they left on their trip to London. Another huge shout out to Mickey and Jay Wadkins and Dee Erickson for stepping up and doing all the last minute preparation on Wednesday when I took the very last minute opportunity to leave for Denver to see my children and grandchildren. When D.W. first said to pack a bag we are leaving for Denver tonight, I said I couldn’t go because I had to do the supper. He replied “you are not the only one in that organization that can do that supper.” Oh what wise words I need to remember that God empowers each of us to do His will, and only through Him alone am I able to do anything…much less everything. A lesson in true humility.Nancy Duhachek, President of St. John’s LWML

St. John’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes for February 9th, 2016.

Present: President – Matt Stone; Pastor Steve; Pastor Dave; DCE –

Brian Weyers; Secretary – Janice Stone; Stewardship – Rich Dolejsi; Treasurer – Todd Chance; Financial Secretary-- Roger Gregg; Elders– Doug Auch; Trustee – Dave Thompson; Human Care – Patty Gramkow; Education – Lori Santos; Evangelism – Fonda Lacey; Preschool – Susan BuxcelMatt Stone called the meeting to order and Pastor Dave led the council in devotion and prayer.

Motion to accept the February 9th, 2016 minutes, made by Dave Thompson, second by Rich Dolejsi, motion carried. Motion to approve attached Treasurer's report, made by Roger Gregg, second by Doug Auch, motion carried.

As of February 29th, 2016

YTD

Actual Operating Income

$45,214.55 $105,480.04

Actual Operating Expense

$51,549.88 $ 98,496.18

Actual Net Income/(Loss) YTD

$(6,335.33) $ 6,983.86

Motion to approve Financial Secretaries Report made by Doug Auch, second by Dave Thompson, motion carried.Motion to approve the check register made Dave Thompson, second by Doug Auch, motion carried. Trustees Report: The committee came up with a nine item project list for the church. The three priority needs at this time are adding hot spots to improve Wi-Fi reception in the church, replacing the main office computer, and removal of six stumps on the church property. Costs associated, would be, $250.00 for Wi-Fi improvement, $830.00 for office computer upgrade, and $795.00 for stump removal which includes clean-up of chips and fill in of holes. There is a memorial fund to by trees and we would be able to purchase two trees to put in along the east side of the church parking lot. Motion to approve the Wi-Fi improvement, office computer upgrade, and stump removal made by Roger Gregg, second by Rich Dolejsi, motion carried.There is also a need to have someone officially trained with the HVAC system computer. There is a class coming up that Dave Thompson is willing to attend. Dave would be officially trained and would be able to train others at the church how to run the system. The cost of the class is $1395.00.

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Motion to approve $1395.00 to send Dave Thompson to classes to be officially trained on the HVAC system, made by Doug Auch, second by Fonda Lacey, motion carried.There was a concern that we did not have enough insurance to cover the replacement of the church electric sign. Dave Thompson will look into that concern.Elders Report: We had our elder's retreat last weekend and it went well. Motion to approve membership changes (attached), made by Rich Dolejsi, second by Lori Santos, Motion carried.Stewardship Report: We are looking for people to help with the new pictorial directory. Online giving is going well and we are working on promotion of the service. We did some brainstorming for new ideas.

Education Report: The high school youth will be serving the Easter breakfast and we are planning a group Sunday school for elementary students on Easter Sunday. The Sunday school students will be helping with the services on Mother's Day. Sunday school giving is going towards the mission Water Wells. We have picked the program, Expedition Norway, for VBS, which will be held June 24th- 27th. Youth events coming up will be an archery Shamrock shootout for the Zingers. We are looking for a popcorn machine to purchase for events at St. John's. Rich Dolejsi may have one at no cost so they will work together to see if this is a possibility.Evangelism Report: The mission trip will have fifteen individuals going this year to Jamaica, June 21st - 28th. We will be having a new member welcome on April 3rd.Human Care: We have one more E.R.T.H. group meeting at St. Johns March 12th. We have one application for help from the human care fund.Preschool Report: We have 53 children signed up for the coming school year,

and have eight volunteers to help with the lunch hour meal for the all-day preschool program. We are looking to hire an additional person to help with the Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon class, for a total of nine hours. Parent teacher’s conferences went well and parents filled out surveys that help with the accreditation progress.Pastor Dave's Report: (attached) I want to thank you all for your faithful service and ministry to our Lord and to the members of St. John's. The circuit meeting was held here with the district president and executive secretary. The district has eight calls for candidates at seminary and it looks like they will all be filled. We discussed encouraging congregations to look for ways of demonstrating mercy to other in community. One example was a servant Sunday at Faith Lutheran in Sioux Falls, where members went out to do acts of mercy, such as wash windows at gas stations, provide coins at laundromats, and clean up litter along roads, etc. We will be attending district pastor and church workers conference in Brookings, SD, April 4th & 5th. April 6th marks the next session of discipleship classes for the 4th, 5th& 7th grades. I have started a new adult bible study on Sunday, called Crisis 101. Pastor Steve's Report: We have 15 students who will be receiving communion on March 13th. I am looking into the possibility of a Luther tour for 2017. The time and talent lists are printed off and will be put into your committee boxes.DCE Brian Weyers Report: (attached) Lent devotions are going very well. We've been having around 30-40 people stay through to the devotion, which has been great. I have a DCE meeting in Sioux Falls this Thursday morning. National Youth Gathering prep Is getting going and will be having some meetings coming up as well as getting stuff ready with the district.

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Old Business: Copies of invoices for your respective committee are now being place in your box. It was decided that the Tuesday before the council meeting will be the cutoff day for payment requests.The employee handbook revision is complete. Motion to approve the changes to the handbook made by Dave Thompson, second by Rich Dolejsi, motion carries.New Business: Council agreed to proceed with the donation to the Sharp Ministry as directed in the budget voted by the members. As custodian Tammy Rabbass has decided to work 20 hours or less, Sherry List has agreed to work up to ten hours to help with the preschool classrooms and fill in when Tammy is gone. Between the two, this will not exceed the hours approved by the voters.Motion to approve Sherry List as a part time employee, made by Dave Thompson, second by Doug Auch, motion carriedMotion to collect a special offering after services in May, for the Synod convention, made by Dave Thompson, second by Rich Dolejsi, motion carried.Motion to adjourn made by Roger Gregg, second by Rich Dolejsi, motion carried.

Council closed with the Lord's Prayer.Janice Stone, SecretaryMinutes reviewed but not approved by council.

YTD Profit and Loss as of 2/29/2016

Income $105,480.04Expenses

$98,496.18

Net Income

$6,983.86

Mortgage paymentMortgage Balance

as of 2/29/2016

$ 4,705.00$129,995.04

Mortgage Maturity DateSept. 1, 2018

MEMBERSHIP CHANGESSINCE ELDERS’ MEETING

FEBRUARY 2016

GAINS IN MEMBERSHIPBAPTISM

Mila LaCroix Olson, infant daughter of Tanner and Lisa (nee LaCroix) Olson, born January 9, 2016 and received through baptism March 6, 2016

BY AFFIRMED FAITH Marlin LaCroix Laurie LaCroix

LOSSES IN MEMBERSHIPBY DEATH Gloria Lacey, who passed away

February 27th and whose funeral was February 29th.

Membership was:Baptized membership – 1373

Communicant Membership – 1074Membership Now Stands at:Baptized membership – 1375

Communicant Membership – 1075

NEW MEMBER

WELCOMEA New Member Welcome will be held on Sunday, April 3rd. New Members will be

brought in at either service that day. New Members, come and be our guests at a reception in your honor at 9:15 a.m. in the Gathering Area on that day. Current members please come and help us welcome our new brothers and sisters in Christ and make them feel a real part of our St. John’s Family. The New Member Orientation will take place on Thursday, March 31st at 7 p.m.

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TINY TIDINGSThis month we asked the preschoolers what they like to do outside for fun in the spring. This is how they

replied;T/TH Am Mrs. HaggeJada-play tag with my brotherBrynley-play music & sing loud in the car with my dadWesley-riding bikeMemphis-play with my jeepAva-go on the slidesBentley E.-swingAudrina-ride my bike at homeEmelia-runDaisy-play hide-n-seekAllison-play with the sand toysHayes-play baseball

T/TH Am Mrs. StevensNiles-absentAdelyn-swing on my tire swingIsaac-play in the sandboxEllyana-play on the slidesJazlin-play on the swing set & feed the horsesBrennan-play on the swingsDrake-help dad pick up the yardKendall W. - help dad pick flowers for mommyJosie-ride my bikeJax-ride my bikeSkylar- I like to ride my bike

MWF Mrs. HaggeMolly-see the baby animalsHope-garden with my dadWilla-play with my cousinsTrevor-play with my sister and my Jack Rabbit footballColin-play with my trucksColton-play with mom’s dogLogan-hoola hoop with my sistersEthan-ride my bikeMargaret-garden with mom and dad

MWF Mrs. StevensChelsea-swing on my tree houseVincent-play on my swing setHenry-ride my bikeEliza-play with my brotherHarper-play with my sisterSaige-play on my swing set with daddyPierce- ride my big wheel

Abbey-ride in my toy car and spin on my tire swingJasmine-ride my bikeLandry-play on the swingsReihgan-play in the backyard

Pre-K Mrs. HaggeJordyn-pick flowersJayden-go for a walkClaire M.-kickball tournamentBella-hoola hoopIsabelle-plant a gardenClaire F.-play on the swing setBentley-play soccer with my brotherBrooke-swingingSeth-play on the play structureJarrett-play with my snakeKensi-swing

Pre-K Mrs. Stevens

Madilyn-do handstandsIsaac-feed the cowsBrooklyn-play with my dogNaomi-roller skateAnna-ride my bikeLauren-ride my bike and play with my brotherLaney-blow bubblesKellen- lay on the grassKendall-ride my new bike

Youth EventsDiscipleship: Discipleship classes will resume and finish up in April. Each Wednesday of the month there will be the classes for the 4th and the 6th/7th graders. These will be the last classes of this education year.  

Life-Size Monopoly: Attention 6th-8th graders!  We will be having an event for your grades on April 10th from 12-3p.m. During that time, we will be playing a life-size version of Monopoly! Big board, giant dice, and you get to be the pieces. Come out

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“We believe that Jesus died and rose again.”

1 Thessalonians 4:14

and join in the fun! Lunch will be provided and there is no cost, just bring yourself!

High School Lite: High School Lite will be meeting each Wednesday in April from 7:30-9PM. We will be finishing up the book of James and moving onto another subject to study.

You are invited to join me, a native of Israel, born in Nazareth on a Journey to the Holy Land–Israel for an experience of a lifetime September 19-October 1...walk where Jesus walked...where every page of the Bible is seen in its original context alive...cruise the Sea of Galilee...climb the Mount of Olives and view the Old City of Jerusalem...visit Tabgha, scene of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes...the Mount of Beatitudes, site of the Sermon on the Mount and where Jesus chose His Twelve Apostles...walk the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher...stroll in the Garden of Gethsemane...visit Bethlehem...the Church of the Nativity and much more

What to expect: During this 13-day tour, you will experience the sounds, smells and sights of two civilizations the old and the new. You will stand at the cross roads of history and feel the vibrant influence of how this land shapes all other lands.

We will do more than just visit sights. We will go off the beaten path and have personal and daily devotions. The Bible will be our map and guide. Experience the Holy Land–a place like no other. Please join me on this blessed adventure

The price is $3,990.00 includes: air fare from Minneapolis to Tel Aviv and back to Minneapolis, hotel accommodations (for double occupancy) tips, entry fees and all meals.

For further information, contact:Pastor Nabil Nour46448 263rd St.Hartford, SD 57033605-526-3571 (O)605-201-6998 (Cell)preachermanfootwasher@gmail.com

Thank you to the compassionate members

of St. John’s for the prayers, support, cards, and any other

expressions of kindness and sympathy to our family at the earthly loss of our father, father-in-law and grandfather, Robert Auch.  He will be greatly missed,

but our loss is Robert's heavenly gain!  To Christ be the glory!  Again, thank you!  God's richest blessings to you all! Douglas, Lynette & Zachary AuchMarcus, Crystal & Isaac Snearley

Music NotesHe is Risen! He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia! Here are some upcoming music dates to make note of:

April 10th - Handbells at 8:00 a.m. and Jubilation Choir at 10:30 a.m. April 17th - Jubilation choir at 8:00 a.m. April 24th – Handbells at 10:30 a.m.Musically yours,Hannah Weispfennig

Dear Sunday Greeters:Many THANKS for volunteering to

be Sunday greeters! It helps so much! It seems greeters for the 8 a.m. Services often sign up, but we don’t have many VOLUNTEERS for the 10:30 service. Please consider greeting on a Sunday. It is a great way to serve the Lord as well as a way to greet your FRIENDS at St. John’s. Thanks for your help!Blessings! Lyla Hirsch

2016 LWML Prayer Service“Wanted: Workers in God’s Harvest Field”

THURSDAY, APRIL 7TH7:00 a.m.in the church sanctuary

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The 2016 LWML Prayer Service expands on the themes of “Sow ● Nourish ● Reap” from the Des Moines LWML Convention. Whether it is the thousands of acres farmed in Iowa and other states, our own backyard, or the field our Heavenly Father allows us to tend and nourish with and through His means of grace, this service offers a time of worship revolving around the various tools needed to bring about a bountiful harvest.  

The service offers opportunities for:

singing;

learning a little bit about farming practices through the ages;

Confession and Absolution;

very small group discussion; and

prayer.  

Please join us for this special service of prayer, praise, and song. There will be an interesting ending to this service!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR ROLLS AND COFFEE FOLLOWING THE SERVICE

Yankton Zone Spring Christian Growth Workshop

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"The Church as the Body of Christ”-based on Ephesians 5

April 23, 2016at Zion Lutheran Church

Hurley, SDPresenter: Rev. Jesse Davis

Registration: 9:00 a.m.Opening:9:30 a.m.

Rev. Davis Presentation: 9:45 a.m.Short meeting 11:30 a.m.

closing & prayerw/ Lunch to follow

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