web viewsunday morningsugust): 8:30 am – worship at st. john elca. 10:00 am – c....
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ST. STEPHEN LUTHERAN CHURCH –
ELCASt. John/St. Stephen Lutheran Parish ELCA
Pastor Gail Sowell424 N 3rd Avenue, PO Box 95
Edgar, WI 54426-0095Telephone: 715-352-2491 (St. Stephen Office)
715-352-2492 (Pastor Gail Home/Cell/Emergency) 715-352-2524 (St. John Office)Church Web Site: www.ststephenedgar.com
AUGUST birthdays
01 Guralski Roy
ST. STEPHEN – ELCAHonoring the Past – Welcoming the Future
2017 COUNCIL OFFICERSPresident Kathy Schreier 715-352-2392 [email protected]
Vice-President Vicki Maurer 715-574-0527 [email protected] Sherry Gayken 715-355-9039 [email protected] Rod Zietlow 715-370-7681 [email protected]
Financial Secretary Kristin Schreier [email protected] Dale Pilgrim
Clarence WernerMark Schreier
715-352-2968715-432-0997715-352-2392 [email protected]
Trustees Vern SpauldingDavid HarmDennis Lang
715-680-0063715-370-5463715-573-2974
Youth Liaison Volunteer Needed
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Parish Staff/Council Officers..........................1Contact Information/Summer Worship...........1August Birthdays and Anniversaries...............2Thank You/College Recognitions...................2Summer Schedule/Upcoming Events..............2Pastor’s Ponderings.........................................3Church History/Sympathy...............................4Adventures of Church Mice............................4WELCA Triennial Gathering (Jane Ross)......5Senior Day/Miscellaneous Updates................5Miscellaneous Updates/Steam Show..............6Athens Old Timers Band.................................6Voices of Peace/ELM donations.....................6August Calendar..............................................7
SUNDAY MORNINGSugust): 8:30 AM – Worship at St. John ELCA10:00 AM – Communion Worship at St. Stephen
THURSDAY EVENINGS: 6:00 PM – Worship at St. Stephen ELCA
Joint Mission Statement: Saints united to be the body of Christ in the world, freed by grace to live faithfully, witness boldly, and serve joyfully.
PARISH STAFFPastor
Gail SowellHome/Cell/Emergency
St. Stephen OfficeSt. John Office
715-352-2492715-352-2491715-352-2524
Secretary Sherry [email protected]
m
715-355-9039
Outside Custodian Steve Doran 715-393-5080Inside Custodian Rachel Doran 715-393-5076
Organist Charlotte Otto 715-443-2007Handbell Director Marla Berg 715-302-4768
Altar Guild Millie Borchardt/Marge Copeland/Deb
Pilgrim
715-352-2451
Media
Team
Dale Pilgrim, Mark Schreier, Vern Spaulding, Rod Zietlow, Kristin Zietlow, Mike Maurer, Sherry Gayken
03 Pilgrim Dean09 Doran Steve10 Reif Vincent11 Rihn Zachariah14 Holte Beverly16 Guralski Travis16 Holte Carter23 Holte Jason24 Hein Eryn25 Borchardt Mildred26 Freese Jane26 Gayken Skip29 Copeland Larry, Sr.29 Pilgrim Dale
AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES08/17 – Freese, Terry & Tammy08/22 – Steinke, Jim & Deb08/26 – Kohel, Ben & Patty
$500 was received from the Edgar Jaycees for the St. Stephen Roof Fund.
CONGRATULATIONS to Kaitlyn Heiden, named to the honors list at Concordia University of Wisconsin for the spring 2017 semester. She is studying early childhood education. Students must earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher to be eligible for the honor.
Sydney Holbach graduated from UW-Platteville with a degree in forensic investigation.
Grace Colby graduated from UW-Eau Claire in May with a bachelor of science in chemistry with a business emphasis.
Carol Twerberg graduated from UW-Madison with a bachelor of science in horticulture.
SUNDAY
MORNINGS: 8:30 AM – Worship at St. John ELCA 10:00 AM – Communion Worship at St. Stephen
This summer the newly formed “St. John/St. Stephen Lutheran Parish (ELCA) in Edgar, Wisconsin, is expanding opportunities to worship and to learn.
WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY:“There is no dumb question asked”
6:00 PM every other week (at St. Stephen): (August 2, 16, 30)
THURSDAY EVENINGS: 6:00 PM – Worship at St. Stephen(A very informal service, without the structured liturgy – with appointed readings for the following Sunday, and instead of a sermon, Pastor Gail will talk about the texts and how they relate to each other, to the season of Pentecost, and to our daily lives. Musical volunteers are welcome – singing will be done!)
LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY (No Ladies’ Bible Study in August)
SENIOR DAY: Wednesday, August 16th @ 1:00 PMSeniors of the surrounding community are invited!!
Note: anyone and everyone is welcome at Bible studies and worship services!
ST. STEPHEN COUNCIL MEETINGS:Sunday, August 20th, @ 8:30 AMTuesday, September 19 (time to be announced)Starting in September meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings – enabling Pastor Gail to attend.
ST. STEPHEN QUARTERLY MEETING:Sunday, October 22nd @ 9:00 AM
UP COMING IMPORTANT DATES in September :
Sunday, September 10th – 125th Anniversary Celebration10:00 AM – Communion Worship11:30 AM – Chicken Dinner (advance reservations required)PM Activities “under the tent”
Sunday, September 17th @ 10:00 AM @ St. Stephen– both congregations will worship together – NW Synod Bishop Rick Hoyme will preach and fellowship with us.
PASTOR’S PONDERINGS FOR AUGUST, 2017
The top ten reasons to attend Bible Study at St. Stephen:10. It’s amazing how much people laugh, and sometimes how much they argue, loudly. 9. You get to know some of the ancestors of our faith, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 8. You learn that some Bible stories don’t seem to fit in with modern life. 7. You learn that some Bible stories DO fit in with modern life. 6. You might learn to distinguish between #8 and #7—and you might be surprised! 5. You learn that there really are no dumb questions; anything goes. (Anything!) 4. You get to know some more recent ancestors of our faith, like Peter, Paul, and John. 3. You learn the difference between the Hebrew scriptures (what we all the Old Testament) and the Christian scriptures (the New Testament), and you learn that you can’t understand our Christian faith, or Christ our Lord, without remembering he was a Jew. 2. You might find verses or stories that really speak to your heart or your faith. 1. You might find yourself transformed (Romans 12:2), if you let God work in your heart and mind.
I have to say that this Wednesday evening Bible Study has been the highlight of my week (okay, every other week) this summer. There’s no pressure at all to share or to participate; some people just listen, and that’s just fine!
The other “new thing” we’ve scheduled this summer is the Thursday evening service. It’s not for everyone; it’s casual, relaxed, with some discussion of the scripture texts for each week. Sometimes we sing contemporary songs with no accompaniment; sometimes we sing with Vern’s leadership on the guitar; sometimes we sing from the hymnal. There’s no bulletin, but the Bible texts are printed so everyone can follow along (they aren’t always from the NRSV, which is used at St. Stephen). Every service includes all the elements of Sunday worship: invocation, confession/absolution, children’s time (or at least activity), hymns, scripture readings, creed (sung), prayers, the Lord’s Prayer, benediction, and communion once a month. So far we’ve had as many as 22 and as few as 7. Some people come every Thursday; some of them also come on Sunday.
Both the Bible Study and the Thursday worship offer wonderful opportunities for fellowship within the Body of Christ (which is the Church, the people, the communion—“being together with”—of saints, the fellowship of believers).
More opportunities for fellowship are coming up: pie & ice cream at the Concert in the Park (August 3) – need pies and volunteer workers; for the Steam Show (August 25-27) each congregation needs volunteers at the food and ice cream stands); St. Stephen celebrates our 125 th anniversary on September 10th; and both congregations will worship together on September 17th, at 10:00 AM when Bishop Rick Hoyme will preach and fellowship with us.
So I beseech (NRSV word) and beg (NIV word) you all, join in these opportunities for fellowship with sisters and brothers in Christ! Make time to be with our Christian family! And be blessed!
ST. STEPHEN LUTHERAN CHURCH1892 – 2017 (125-Year Celebration: September 10th)
St. Stephen Lutheran Church as it was on April 2, 1967 – Edgar’s first house of worship, built in 1892-1893 – originally was a small frame church building, no tower, no bell. An addition, and the tower, were added 1914-1919.
Growth of the congregation made it obvious that a new and larger church building was needed. The groundbreaking exercises were conducted on June 4, 1949. The cornerstone was laid on September 10, 1950. On May 20, 1951, a beautiful new and bigger church was dedicated. In 1999 a new addition was completed, including a lift – making the church handicapped accessible.
Excerpts from: The Architect’s Story, Hugo Logemann, Milwaukee, WI, May, 1951: In the Bible we find many references to the building of a temple; in some instances there are rather detailed instructions as to materials and colors for more or less important fitments. But as to the temple itself one significant point seems clear, namely, the structure was an arrangement of areas or courts of varying importance. First, probably in most instances completely surrounding the whole, was an outer court, or Court of the Gentiles, open to all people; next came areas of increasingly exclusive and sacred import; only those of the faith could enter the Sacred Enclosure; beyond a certain limit no women were allowed; the men could to one space farther; then came a court of priests, preliminary to the Holy Place; finally, the Holy of Holies – and this could only be entered by the high priest and by him but one day in the year. Thus these olden temples were allegorical of the thought in those far-off days B.C, Before Christ. Today, the new St. Stephen Church follows the olden temples in that there are an outer court, (the Narthex); an inner court or Sacred Enclosure (the Nave); and last but not least, the Holy Place (the Chancel), – but throughout the whole there is an important difference, – one might, say there are no “keep out” signs anywhere. Still, even as of old, the building itself is an emblem, or, symbol of the constant striving of mankind ever onward and upward towards higher thought and nobler ideals. From The Pastor’s Message - Rev. H. F. Lichens May 20, 1951: Let us not forget the purpose of this house. It is to be in our midst a “house of God, a place where God’s honor dwelleth.” Jesus called the temple at Jerusalem His Father’s house and said of it “My house shall be called a house of prayer.” All this also should apply to this new Church of ours.”
Anniversary celebration: Sunday, September 10th:10:00 AM – Communion Worship11:30 AM – Chicken Dinner – $5.00 per person –
reservations required – due by August 15th
PM Activities – Music by Faith, Hope & Harmony, bouncy house, games, conversation and fellowship
OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Gerald “Jerry” Schreier. Survivors include his wife, Genevieve “Jenny,” and sons, Mark (Kathy), Steven, and James Schreier; and grandchildren, AJ and Kristin Schreier. Jerry was born September 11, 1941, and died unexpectedly Sunday, July 16, 2017. Services were held Saturday, July 22, 2017, at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon, Pastor Gail Sowell, officiant.
Adventures of the Church MiceOh my paws and whiskers! This is Miri, your St. Stephen Church Mouse, and I don’t know whether to be happy or horrified, tickled or terrified! There’s a new Church Mouse at St. Stephen! And he’s really big! His name is Frederick. (He’s so big he hardly looks like a mouse!) I think he’s safe, he’s a poet. There’s even a book about him, “Frederick” (by Leo Lionni). And there’s an odd story – no, not “odd,” it’s “God”! – as Marilyn would say. Pastor Gail was going through her book boxes last week and found this book that she bought at a bookstore a long time ago in Waupaca. And in the front was a note to a boy named “Frederick” from his parents Caryl and Julio – and Caryl and Julio are the godparents of Pastor Gail’s son Paul. (Marilyn, are you sure this isn’t odd??) Well, anyway, I guess this Frederick is safe enough that I don’t have to be scared.
Meanwhile, back at the church – oops, back at St. Stephen (because the “church” isn’t a building, it’s the PEOPLE) I’m supposed to let you all know that it’s your turn to leave messages for me in my backpack. If you see me lying around the sanctuary, write me a note and put me up on the handrail by the pulpit. Maybe Pastor Gail can help me read them all. Summer’s half gone already and there haven’t been a lot of children at worship, but if you see any, be sure to encourage them to write “Miri Mouse Messages!”
P.S. This is Tully. I think Miri’s been writing too many “adventures” and Twink and I haven’t had a chance to share OUR news. So in the next newsletter look for the latest from St. John!
TENTH TRIENNIAL GATHERING OF WOMEN OF THE ELCA – Jane Ross, Attendee
The theme for the 10th Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA was “ALL ANEW.” It was held
from July 13-16, 2017 in Minneapolis, MN, with 3,322 persons registered.
The opening day was getting acquainted with upcoming days’ schedules, leading into the opening worship at 4:00 PM, Bishop Elizbeth Eaton presiding, with a “Thankoffering Service” with Holy Communion, following reception, Bible Study with Kelly Fryer, offering a taste of the three sessions of our “Gather” summer sessions, “Saying Goodbye to Nice.”
On Friday the speaker challenged us, “with whom is God asking us to align today?” In whose corner are we being called to stand? Continue Bible Study with Kelly. My conclusion became: It’s better to do Good – than just be nice!
The Exhibit Hall was open various times each day, of which we could acquaint ourselves of services and programs available through all facets of the ELCA. One display was quilting – of interest to me. Another, “Bold Action-Bold Giving!” – through our service and giving how it can make a difference and create change.
Workshops ere offered of our choice. I attended “Five Gifts of Discipleship, Living Our Faith in Daily Life.” How do we live out these gifts? 1) To live among God’s people, worship, pray, love, forgive. 2) To hear God’s word, Lord’s Supper, as we take in love and forgiveness, we give love and forgiveness out in the world. 3) To proclaim the Good News, invite, tell, treat with respect, be civil to others. 4) Serve all people, following Jesus’ example, visit sick, feed hungry, help neighbor. 5) Strive for Justice and Peace, Pray, Advocate, forgive, respect everyone – Differences to be seen as a gift from God.
Saturday’s Bible Study, “Upending the Tables,” asking what counter-culture, justice making actions we are asked to make?
Final workshop, “Peace at the Last.” Should I talk about death? What should I pray? We are to bear witness to Jesus in the face of mortality.
Sunday Service of Holy Communion was served by Rev. Angela Khabeb, Pastor at Ascension Church in Waukesha, WI, having served in Africa in 2000 as first
African-American ELCA missionary. Dramatic Speaker!!
Offerings were divided as follows:¼ for PV for Phebe effort, bringing solar energy
to Phebe Hospital in rural Liberia;¼ for Cherish All Children, an ELCA-related
social ministry organization equipping congregations to prevent sexual exploitation of children;
and ½ for the ongoing churchwide ministries of Women of the ELCA.
I returned home, Inspired, Challenged, Renewed, and Energized (and exhausted) to make all anew !!
Submitted by: Jane Ross
SENIOR DAY – 3rd Wednesday of each month at St. Stephen from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.
Champion for the month of June was: Marilyn Spaulding.
and for the month of July: Jane Ross
Join in with the group for some old-fashioned fun !!All area seniors are welcome !!!
A WISCONSIN WOODCHUCKS game will be enjoyed again this year by 22 St. Stephen members and friends on August 11th. This year it will be a Friday night game with free hot dog, drink,
Woodchucks hat, entertainment and fireworks.
TEN MORE TABLES have arrived …thereby reaching the goal of twenty new tables available for funerals, potlucks, and other gatherings at St. Stephen. Thank you to Rachel Doran for her leadership in this project and all participants.
LADIES’ RESTROOM REMODELING will take place in August and should be completed by September 1 by Ray Krall Construction …one stall, painting, new flooring, ceiling, etc. Current downstairs men’s bathroom will become unisex bathroom with door lock.
ROOF PROJECT – vote was taken at the July 23rd
Quarterly Meeting to proceed with the St. Stephen Roof Project with B & B Contractors. Estimates will also be obtained for repair of the louvers and window casings.
YOKING OFFICIAL – with St. John as of July 1, 2017:St. John/St. Stephen Lutheran Parish ELCA, Edgar, Wisconsin.
Joint Mission Statement: Saints united to be the body of Christ in the world, freed by grace to live faithfully, witness boldly, and serve joyfully.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS – the new Constitution and By-Laws are being prepared. Vote on these will be taken at the October Quarterly Meeting.
A JOINT MISSION OR COOMMUNITY PROJECT – ideas should be brought to the Quarterly Meeting of a joint mission or community project for St. Stephen and St. John.
EDGAR SUMMER CONCERTS IN THE PARK – sponsored by the Edgar Fine Arts Association:
August 3 – KT Country **August 10 – Steve “Shoes” SchumackerAugust 17—Acoustic country by Rod Parsons
** The ladies of St. Stephen are sponsoring the pie & ice cream social for the Thursday, August 3rd concert. The sign-up sheet for home-made pies is in back (MANY-based on the number in attendance at the July 27 concert!) … along with the sign-up sheet for volunteer servers (needed about 6:00 PM on the 3rd).
THE 44TH ANNUAL ANTIQUE STEAM & GAS ENGINE SHOW is being held Friday, August 25th – Sunday, August 27th. Mark your calendars and sign up – volunteers for various shifts are needed to again serve ice cream from the St. Stephen booth. Contact Mark Schreier with any questions. Many hands make for light work and FUN!
LIVE FLOWERS – if anyone wishes to donate live flowers (NO artificial) or a plant at the base of the cross in front of church for a Sunday service, please feel welcome to do so. The Altar Guild will arrange them for the service. If you wish to offer them as a memorial,
please send Sherry an email or hand her a note the week before.
Athens Old Timers Band
Concerts on the Village SquareJoin the Athens Old Timers Band at the Athens Village Square starting at 7:30pm on Friday nights during the summer. They are celebrating 125 years (1892-2017) of playing traditional band music! The Athens Old Timers Band is a concert band made up of volunteers from the Athens, WI community. The concerts are free and open to the public!
You can also see and hear them in many local parades. Athens Fair Parade – Sunday, August 20th.
***************Two candidates for Athens Fair Queen: Shayla Schreiner, daughter of Mike and Tina Schreier; and Katlyn Schilling, daughter of Mark and Deb Schilling.
VOICES OF PEACE 13 th ANNUAL GOSPEL MUSIC FEST – Hilbert Civic Park, Hwy 657, Hilbert, WI – Friday, August 18 from 1:00 – 9:00 PM; and Saturday, August 19 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Country/Southern Gospel/Bluegrass. Free admission (free will offering – 100% given to bands) – Food available – No carry-ins – Nondenominational – bring lawn chairs & your family. Flyer on bulletin board in back. Speak with Mark Schreier for more information or call 920-756-3830 or 920-470-0423. Email: [email protected] / www.voicesofpeacemusic.net.
ELM REPAIR accepting donations of school supplies
through August 28 to be provided to needy students. r
AUGUST, 2017Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
6:00 PMBible Study
3
6:00 PMSummer Worship
7:00 PMConcert in Oak StreetPark ****Women of St. StephenServing pie & ice cream
4 5
6 9th Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 AM Communion Worship
7
Pastor Gail’sDay Off
8 9 10
6:00 PMSummerWorship
7:00 PMConcert in Oak Street Park
11
7:00 PMWisconsinWoodchucksGame
12
13 10th Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 AM Communion Worship
14
Pastor Gail’sDay Off
15 16
1:00 PMSenior Day
6:00 PMBible Study
17
6:00 PMSummerWorship
7:00 PMConcert in Oak StreetPark
18 19
20 11th Sunday after Pentecost
8:30 AM Council Meeting10:00 AM Communion Worship
1:00 PM Athens Fair Parade
21
Pastor Gail’sDay Off
22 23 24
6:00 PMSummerWorship
25 26
27 12th Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 AM Communion Worship
28
Pastor Gail’sDay Off
29 30
6:00 PMBible Study
31
6:00 PMSummerWorship
North Central Wisconsin Antique Steam and Gas Engine Show -- August 25 – 27
ST. STEPHEN ICE CREAM STAND
Antique Steam and Gas Engine Show – ST. STEPHEN ICE CREAM STAND
Athens Fair - August 18 – 20
Voices of Peace 12th Annual Gospel Music Fest – August 18 & 19