Entrusted with Responsibilities: Why We Include Our Children in Worship.

As you bring your child to receive the gift of baptism, you are entrusted with responsibilities: to live with them

among God’s faithful people, bring them to the word of God and the holy supper, teach them the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, the 10 Commandments, and nurture them in faith and prayer…(Holy Baptism, ELW p.228). This month we begin another fantastic year of Sunday School and Confirmation ministries together! This is the second year Sunday School will be held from 9-10am followed by our children joining us for worship at 10AM. For that hour, as an inter-generational family, we join week after week to hear God’s words of forgiveness, to sing praises to our God, to open God’s story, to pray for one another, to splash in a font and gather around Christ’s table, and to be sent out, richly blessed on our journey. Together we keep the baptismal promises we made together. Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.” Our God wants our children gathered together with the rest of God’s people. Our God is teaching us some very important lessons through our children. When a child greets you at our entrance, or gathers the nerve to read publicly from scripture, or meanders the aisle fussing, that child reminds us that we all come to this faith thing one step at a time, sometimes joyfully, sometimes nervously, and sometimes downright crabby. When we see and welcome our children leading parts of worship we are reminded that this is not a performance. This is worshiping our creator. This is standing naked in Eden with our very maker just as we are and it being wonderfully accepted. It is not only about what we get out of having our children in worship. More so, it’s about what we are called to give them in our worship together. How will our children learn to worship if they never see us doing it? How are we fulfilling our baptismal promises and responsibilities listed above, if our children are excluded from the worshiping community? How will they learn to

trust God beyond their Confirmation if we do a poor job of including them before they are 14? The studies are consistent in what they say. Many faith communities lament a loss of teens beyond confirmation. There is solid evidence that the number one predictor for retaining youth after confirmation is whether or not they consistently came to worship with their families as children. If children grow up watching mom and dad worshiping their God, then they will do that too. And the results are magnified for every additional inter-generational relationship a child has. If a teen worships with a 2 year old that idolizes them, the more likely that teen is to show up for that child. Or if 3-5 other caring adults model consistent worshiping behavior and take an interest in growing a relationship with a young person, that child is exponentially more likely to participate in the life of a congregation and attend worship after high school. The research agrees across the board that having children in worship is the best thing a faith community can do for its children (see additional resources). Some might wonder what exactly our kids could possible “get” out of an hour long worship service. Simply, they are not supposed to get it all. Our children are just beginners! Everything is over their head- but that doesn’t mean we don’t teach it! Look at how kids learn

the English language, or

get to know the story of Snow White after the millionth time you’ve watched it! Our children learn through exposure and doing. I’ve seen it! Our children know to put their hands together when they hear, “let us pray.” Our children smile as they hear me say over and over “this is Christ’s body given for you…” Our children draw pictures of Eucharist, and giggle and sing their own words to hymns. Our children are learning the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed, and our children know that in this holy place, they are loved by God and by each of you. Our children are being shaped by the best story ever told and it is because they are welcome and invited to do so. It is my hope that throughout our time together we are all growing in faith and falling more and more in love with our creator, God, and that our adoration and

St. John’s Lutheran Church Spring Valley, Wisconsin

EPISTLE

Setember 2016

affection of our God is noticed and learned by our children. Thanks be to God.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TOPIC OF CHILDREN IN WORSHIP, CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES:

1. “Should Children Sit Through Big Church” an interview with John Piper. http://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/should-children-sit-through-big-church2. “Which One of These Churches Really Loves Kids” by Jonathan Aigner on www.patheos.com/blogs3. “Why My Kids Weren’t at Kid’s Church” by Christina Embree. https://refocusministry.org/2016/02/01/why-my-kids-werent-at-kids-church/4. “Why We Don’t Have Children’s Church Anymore” https://breakingnewbread.wordpress.com/2014/10/29/why-we-dont-have-childrens-church-anymore/5. “The Church Sticking Together” by Kara Powell, Brad Griffin, and Cheryl Crawford. http://stickyfaith.org/articles/the-church-sticking-together6. “Do as I Say and as I Do: the Effects of Consistent Parental Beliefs and Behaviors upon Religious Transmission,” Sociology of Religion (2006) 67 (3): 313-329.7. “The No.1 Reason Teens Keep Faith as Young Adults” by David Briggs. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-briggs/the-no-1-reason-teens-kee_b_6067838.html

PASTOR AT CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 18-20! Pastor Annie will be out of the office following worship on September 18 through Tuesday, September 20. Call her cell phone with emergencies.

MONTHLY EPISTLE

Beginning with the October issue, St. John’s members will begin receiving the Epistle each month, via email. There will be a few hard copies available for pick up in the Narthex and as always, it will be available to view and download on the St. John’s website at svstjohns.org. All home bound members of St. John’s will still continue to receive a paper copy of the Epistle in the mail.

WOMEN OF ST. JOHN’S  All women of St. John’s are welcome

and encouraged to attend all scheduled events. 

• CIRCLE/BIBLE STUDY is Thursday, September 8, at 2:00 p.m.  Sylva Anderson will have devotions and Nina Larson will serve as hostess. Pastor Annie will lead our Bible Study.  • QUILTING will resume on September 1 and 15 in the Fellowship Hall.  • BINGO resumes on Tuesday, September 6, at 2:00 at the Spring Valley Health and Rehabilitation Center.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Women’s Bible Study will resume on Monday, September 14.

EDUCATION NEWS

“Sunday School Registration & Fruit of the

Spirit Festival” Join us Sept. 11 from 9-10AM for our annual Sunday School Rally Day! We are celebrating the fruits of the Spirit with lots of tasty treats, fun & games & crafts. Don’t miss out! You will also be able to register & meet some of the teachers & learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit. Some of the fun includes: rock painting, balloon darts, fruit loop jewelry & LOTS of fruity fun! The Fruits of the Spirit are: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Tenderness, Self-Control. Galations 5:22-23. There is a Sunday School registration form in this newsletter that you can fill out and return on Rally Day Sunday. Hope to see you there!

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS!

All students from pre-k to college are invited to bring their backpack to worship on Sunday, September 4, for a special “Blessing of the Backpacks!” We’ll celebrate how God makes our ordinary moments holy! Join us!

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORYBe Included! It is time to have our photos taken for a NEW Church Directory! Save the dates! Wednesday – Saturday October 5-8. Sign up at church (paper schedules will be available), or sign up online at St. John’s website at www.svstjohns.org or visit St. John’s facebook page at www.facebook.com/stjohnslutheranspringvalleywi We need your smiling face to make our family album complete!

KATIE ANDERSON

Follow Our YAGM's Blog! On August 14, we blessed and commissioned Katie Anderson for her year as a missionary with the Young Adults in Global Mission ministry of the ELCA. You can keep up with all Katie is experiencing and learning by following her blog!  http://thisroadthatwetravelyagm.blogspot.com.

NEW WORSHIP VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP!We have a new system for recruiting and assigning our Sunday Worship volunteers! Please stop by the table in the Narthex for opportunities to serve as greeter, usher, reader, coffee host, Communion Assistants, acolyte, and Altar Guild. We will offer sign-ups a quarter at a time and those unable to be here weekly to sign-up will still be given an opportunity to be assigned! We hope this system allows newer members, friends and returning visitors the opportunity to share your gifts! We also hope this might help with scheduling conflicts as you can select a convenient date for your whole family to serve together! Some acolyting will still be scheduled during the parent-student confirmation meeting on September 7, but those not yet in confirmation who have communed are invited to sign up too! Please make sure to check the box if you sign up for something you have not done yet! We’ll make sure you are contacted for training/shadowing!

NURSERY COORDINATOR & ATTENDANTS NEEDED!

You may have noticed ALL our little ones! With so many newly baptized babies and young families, our need for nursery attendants is significant! We are in need of 1-2 adults willing to serve as Nursery Coordinator(s). This includes scheduling volunteers to attend the nursery during worship and a few fellowship events annually, and maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the nursery on a schedule. Volunteers, age 13 and up, are also needed to attend the nursery during worship services. 2 volunteers are needed per Sunday, ideally. Confirmation youth may receive discipleship points for each time they serve, and may count up to 3 Sundays toward worship note for

the year as well! Contact the church office if you are willing to serve!

LAYETTE NEWSWe are looking for new or gently used garments for our layette mission project. We are in need of the following items:Sleepers or gowns without feet, dark colored hand towels, socks, bath size bars of soap still in wrapper (gentle soap, i.e. ivory, dove) lightweight cotton t-shirts, receiving blankets, jackets, sweaters or sweat shirts with hoods, diaper pins or large safety pins, cloth diapers. We are looking for sizes 6 to 24 months. If you are a knitter or can crochet, you might enjoy helping by making baby sweaters in any of the sizes listed above. We pray that you can help in this important project to keep God’s babies snug & warm. You may leave items at the church or contact the Layette Coordinator Serena Roen at 778-5788 if you have any questions.

THE SPRING VALLEY COMMUNITY FOOD

PANTRY

The food pantry is available to help anyone in need of food in our area & is open the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month from 10 – 11:30 am & 4:30 – 6 pm. Please call the food pantry at 715-778-5988 for more information. For immediate need, please call the Pierce County Food Pantry in Ellsworth at 715-273-2070. The food pantry is in need of volunteer drivers, stockers, cleaners & client help. If you are willing/able to help, please contact Pastor Annie! THANK YOU to all who have helped by contributing to this cause!

STATISTICAL INFORMATION Attendance: 2016 Event 2015 Aug 7 68 58 Aug 14 75 65

Aug 21 106 Baptism 80 Aug 28 not available 82 Giving General Open Plate Simply Giving Aug 7 $3,281 $32.00 $455 Aug 14 $1,910 $37.50 $130 Aug 21 $1,545 $32.00 $210 Aug 28 not avail not avail $120 Needed/week: $2,874.14 (2016) Total needed to date this month: $112,091.51 Total received to date this month: $99,636.48 Total budget: (2016) $149,454.92

Confirmation MinistryOur combined confirmation program with neighboring Gilman/Spring Lake

and Wilson Lutheran congregations will continue this fall! We will have some fun changes to the ministry this year! An Orientation Meeting for all students and parents will be from 6 to 7 pm on September 7th! Regular classes begin on Sept. 14th at 6 pm. at St. John’s. Snacks and fellowship begin at 5:45 pm.Confirmation sessions will be on Wednesday evenings, from 6pm to 7:30pm. This year will be different! Adult mentors are joining our ministry and we are using the Faith Inkubators curriculum! Students can gather at 5:45 for snacks and fellowship. We begin at 6 with a 15 minute opening, followed by a 30 minute large group lesson with all 7th and 8th grade students, and then a 30 minute small group time. We will end with a 5 minute wrap -up and sending blessing. Pastor Annie and Pastor Pete will team teach these lessons and all students will learn the same material. The theme this year will center on the Bible. Pastor Bob Dahm will lead our 9th grade youth in preparing for their Confirmation in October. All pastors will have time with their 9th grade youth each week as well! St. John’s 9th grade youth will celebrate Confirmation on Sunday, October 30th. As part of their baptismal promises, parents are entrusted with helping our students meet their confirmation expectations: to attend confirmation sessions, attend Sunday worship & submit worship notes, assist with acolyte duties, attend Lenten services, attend camp & retreats, and participate in

a life of discipleship in and outside of the congregation & submit discipleship notes- all as set out in the student guidelines. “so that your child may learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace.” ELW p. 227 Holy Baptism.

THANK YOU Spring Valley Drug Store for paint and supplies for the Education Building.

THANK YOU on behalf of Katie.After Katie arrived in Chicago, she learned of more people who have contributed to her “Young Adults in Global Mission” year. She is now in England, but wishes to thank all of you who have graciously donated to her mission work.Thank you so much! God Bless!Jon & Linda Anderson.

PASTORAL CARE NEEDS: REQUESTING A VISIT

You are welcome to request a pastoral care visit with me at any time! You can make your own personal request, or on behalf of a sister or brother in Christ of our community (members and friends of St. John’s!). I am blessed to visit you in the hospital, in your home, or my office. I do visits for all sorts of needs, including but not limited to: emotional distress/anxiety/depression; awaiting medical results; surgery and illness; birth of a new baby, cancer treatment, extended home-bound needs, and for end-of-life concerns/commendation of the dying/removal of life-support. We are blessed to have a loving and caring community, but there are times when I may not know you are in need, so please do not hesitate to call or have someone call for you, especially in an emergency!Cell: 309-781-0509. Thank you for letting me walk this holy ground with you, Pastor Annie.

THE GENEROSITY PROJECT!Join Pastor Annie and congregation leaders on Saturday, September 24 from 9am-1:30pm at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI for a lively day exploring attitudes and behaviors around faith, money, earning, spending, saving, and sharing. “Generations of Generosity” will explore how the whole church family can engage in generosity with one another! Child Care and lunch is included. Cost will be covered by St. John’s Stewardship Committee for up to 9 people! This is a GREAT opportunity for everyone and an extraordinary chance for families to learn about the intersection of money and faith together! Those who went last year had a great time and found it extremely valuable! We are hoping to send another cross-generational group this year! Let Pastor Annie know if you are interested by Wednesday, September 12.

NEED A PRAYER?

Call Beulah Thompson at 715-778-5542and our Prayer Chain will go into action!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED

The Spring Valley Food Pantry is collecting school supplies for patrons with school-age children. Items needed include, new or

gently used backpacks, pens, pencils, erasers, notebooks, folders, glue, rulers, safety scissors, markers (regular and/or Sharpies), Crayola crayons (other brands are not accepted by the schools), protractors and calculators. If you are able to help, please drop off supplies to the church marked Food Pantry School Supplies. Thank you for helping our kiddos return to school with the items that they need!

MISSION SCHOOL SUPPLY KITS

3 Afton Danielson5 Logan Brown5 Mitchell Thompson5 Jane Whirry8 Sydney Boyer8 Pat Gavic8 Minda Matthys9 Kate Cipriano9 Parker Cipriano9 Esther Gland10 Jim Olson 10 Brianna Wyss12 Tristan Boardman12 Justin Weber13 Elizabeth Anderson13 Jayden Roatch14 Justine Boardman14 Kayla Thompson14 Kendall Knegendorf..16 Tim Mathiesen17 Brennen Anderson17 Virginia Anderson

18 Devin Larson18 Tanner Mathiesen18 Grant Moore18 Duane Peterson18 Kaitlyn Schreiber19 Devon Johnson19 Trenton Larrieu21 Donna Borgschatz21 Joyce Brooke21 Adam Wyss22 John Gould22 Greyson Vorlicek24 Lane Esanbock 24 Alison VonHaden24 Dale Wikre25 Wyatt Smith26 Thatcher Walthall27 Tracy Miller28 Clara Gland29 Melanie Wentlandt30 Theresa Boardman30 Duane SchutzPlease let the office know if your name is not listed.

REMINDER: as you see the school supply sales, please remember our Mission school supply project. -4 - 70 count notebooks (8"x11") NO loose leaf paper -1 blunt scissors (embedded steel blades) -1 ruler (30cm and inches other side) -1 pencil sharpener -5 unsharpened # 2 pencils (secure with rubber band) -5 ball point pens (secure with rubber band) -1 eraser (approx. 2 1/2 inches)-1 box of 16 or 24 count crayons -shipping cost of $1.40 per kit (we will supply the 14"x17" cloth bag to ship them in) If you'd like to donate these items in honor/memory of a child, friend, or family member...please put their name with the school supplies and we will notate their/your name on a Mission School Kit Thank You poster.Thank YOU for supplying a child somewhere in our world with the tools to assist them in their learning.  We are so blessed. Let's pass on that blessing.

Nancy Cleveland, Chairperson

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

HIGH SCHOOL MISSION TRIP INTEREST MEETING! 

All current 8th- 12th grade youth and parents are invited

to attend 1 of 2 introductory interest and info meetings regarding a Summer 2017 Mission Trip! The trip will be open to members and friends. Locations,dates, type of mission work, cost, etc will be discussed! There are 2 options for meeting dates:1. Sunday, September 25 following worship at 11:15AM2. Wednesday, September 28 following Confirmation at 7:30PM. Adult leaders will be needed for the trip,so interested adults are also welcome even if youdon't have youth in the program! Hope to see you there! 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

REGISTRATIONST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 2016/2017

PARENT’S INFORMATIONLast Name First Name Address Home Phone Cell Phone For the convenience of notifying families regarding any Sunday School information/upcoming events, please provide your email address below. Email

4 Earl & Karen Gunderson 5 Bill & Luann Emerson6 Geoff & Lori Wells11 Byron & Sara Anderson11 Phil & Laura Hennemann11 Sara & Byron Anderson14 Ryan & Jessica Fritz14 Adam & Carrie Knegendorf15 Josh & Amy Nystrom20 Jeremy & Stacey Wildner21 Scott & Kathleen Brown25 Bob & Nancy Kinsman26 Ryan & Amanda Anderson27 Nathan & Lisa Nelson29 Jamie & Stacy Burr

By signing below, I give St. John’s permission to use photos, if any, of my child/children, to be posted on the church website, facebook page or any other church related publications.Signature ___________________________________________________________________________

STUDENT INFORMATIONChild 1Last Name First Name Date of Birth Grade Baptized: Y N Date (month/yr)Place of Baptism Child 2Last Name First Name Date of Birth Grade Baptized: Y N Date (month/yr)

Place of Baptism

Child 3Last Name First Name Date of Birth Grade Baptized: Y N Date (month/yr)Place of Baptism Child 4Last Name First Name Date of Birth Grade Baptized: Y N Date (month/yr)

Place of Baptism

Please Note: We invite and welcome ALL children to our Sunday School! If your child has special needs we ask you to meet with us before your child attends class so we can discuss how we can best meet the needs of your child and his/her classmates in the classroom setting. Please contact Dana Benson at 715-772-4977, Stacy Burr at 715-778-4547 or Lisa Smith at 715-772-4655 (leave a detailed message).Student name(s) Please complete the following questions, where appropriate. Thank You!

1. Please share information about any allergies your student has or any medication they are taking of which we need to be aware:

_____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Please share any educational, emotional or physical needs your student has that you would like to

share with us so we can better meet his or her needs:____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Please share any Custodial Rights concerning your student about which we should be aware:____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ Please return completed form to the church office or on Rally Day, September 11, 2016

WORSHIP VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE & VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDWe need your help. If you are able to volunteer for any position below that is blank, please

contact the church office. Thank You!

SEPTEMBERBread Baker – Susan Gregg

SEPTEMBER 4 WORSHIP SERVICEUSHERS: Shelby Crow & Rob PetersonHEAD USHER: Craigen Anderson

GREETERS: Pete & Barb EsanbockREADER/S: Kristin LarsonACOLYTES: Renata Sandve & Jessica Wildner

COFFEE HOSTS: Nina LarsonCOMM. ASSISTANTS: Nancy Cleveland & Amy CadyALTER GUILD: Lynda Johnson & Diane JohnsonSEPTEMBER 18 WORSHIP SERVICEUSHERS: Kim Brooke & Ben AndersonHEAD USHER: Bob HansonGREETERS: David & Darice ButtsREADER/S: Hawken BensonACOLYTES: Elijah Butts & Brody BurrCOFFEE HOSTS: Brenda Anderson & Ernest AndersonCOMM. ASSTS: Shelby Crow & Brenda AndersonALTER GUILD: Lynda Johnson & Diane Johnson

SEPTEMBER 11 WORSHIP SERVICEUSHERS: Jason & Max MatthysHEAD USHER: Bob KinsmanGREETERS: Jacob & Dana BensonREADER/S: Claire PommierACOLYTES: Sam & Hawken BensonCOFFEE HOSTS: Education CommitteeCOMM. ASSISTANTS: Marsha Brunkhorst ALTER GUILD: SEPTEMBER 25 WORSHIP SERVICEUSHERS: Marsha Brunkhorst & Shelby CrowHEAD USHER: Craigen AndersonGREETERS: John & Leanna LarsonREADER/S: Marsha BrunkhorstACOLYTES: Boen Stoiber Claire PommierCOFFEE HOSTS: Bill & Luann EmersonCOMM. ASSISTANTS: ALTER GUILD:

OCTOBERBread Baker – Amy Nystrom

OCTOBER 2 WORSHIP SERVICEUSHERS: HEAD USHER: Bob KinsmanGREETERS: Shelby CrowREADER/S: Sam BensonACOLYTES: Michael Bauer & Claire PommierCOFFEE HOSTS: Matthys FamilyCOMM. ASSISTANTS: ALTER GUILD: Marsha Brunkhorst & Kathy MillerOCTOBER 16 WORSHIP SERVICEUSHERS: Keith & Nina LarsonHEAD USHER: Craigen AndersonGREETERS: Matthys FamilyREADER/S:ACOLYTES: Maddie & Max MatthysCOFFEE HOSTS: COMM. ASSISTANTS: ALTER GUILD: Marsha Brunkhorst & Kathy Miller

OCTOBER 30 WORSHIP SERVICEUSHERS: HEAD USHER: Bob HansonGREETERS: READER/S: Darice ButtsACOLYTES: Elijah Butts & COFFEE HOSTS: Nina LarsonCOMM. ASSISTANTS: ALTER GUILD: Marsha Brunkhorst & Kathy MillerOCTOBER 9 WORSHIP SERVICEUSHERS: HEAD USHER: Bob HansonGREETERS: READER/S: Emma EsanbockACOLYTES: Michael Bauer & Claire PommierCOFFEE HOSTS: COMM. ASSISTANTS: ALTER GUILD:

OCTOBER 23 WORSHIP SERVICEUSHERS: HEAD USHER: Bob KinsmanGREETERS: READER/S: Darice ButtsACOLYTES: Elijah Butts COFFEE HOSTS: Nina LarsonCOMM. ASSISTANTS: ALTER GUILD:

SEPTEMBER 2016St. John’s Lutheran Church

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

Quilting Resumes 9AM

Choir Practice 7PM

2 3

416th Sunday After Pentecost

**Coffee/Fellowship Hour 9AM**Worship Service W/Holy Communion 10AM.

**Blessing of the Backpacks.

5

Labor Day

6St. Croix PastorsConf. 9:30-Noon

Bingo @ SVHRC 2PM

7

Confirmation Orientation Mtg. 6-7PM

8SV Ministerial Mtg. 11AM

Circle/Bible Study 2PM

Choir Practice 7PM

9 10

1117th Sunday After Pentecost

**Fruit of the Spirit” Rally Day 9-10AM**Coffee/Fellowship Hour 9AM**Worship Service W/Holy Communion 10AM.

12

Bible Study Resumes

13Worship Service @ SVHRC 10AM

Council Mtg. 7PM

14

Confirmation begins6-7:30PM

15

Quilting 9AM

Choir Practice 7PM

16

Spring Valley Dam Days 16-18th

17

1818th Sunday After Pentecost

**Coffee/Fellowship Hour 9AM**Sunday School 9AM**Worship Service W/Holy Communion 10AM.**Fall Pastor’s Ministry Retreat

19

Bible Study

20Epistle submissions due.

Pastor Annie returns from retreat.

21

Confirmation 6-7:30PM

22

Choir Practice 7PM

23

24Generosity Project 9:30-1PM. Immanual Lutheran Eau Claire (open to all)

2519th Sunday After Pentecost**Coffee/Fellowship Hour 9AM**Sunday School 9AM

26

Bible Study

27 28Confirmation 6-7:30PMMission trip mtg.

29

30

**Worship Service W/Holy Communion 10AM.**Mission trip meeting 11:15AM

following Confirmation.

Choir Practice 7PM