june 2020 newsletter · 2020-05-31 · 1 june 2020 newsletter gra “good.” then he grabbed a...
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June 2020 Newsletter
THE BIG ROCKS
One day, an expert in time
management was speaking to a
group of business students and to
drive home a point used an
illustration those students will never forget. As he
stood in front of the group of high-powered over-
achievers he said, “Okay, time for a quiz,” and he
pulled out a one-gallon mason jar and set it on the
table in front of him.
He also produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and
carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.
When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks
would fit inside, he asked, “Is the jar full?” Everyone
in the class yelled, “Yes.” The time management
expert replied, “Really?” He reached under the table
and pulled out a bucket of gravel. He dumped some
gravel in and shook the jar allowing pieces of gravel
to work themselves down into the spaces between the
big rocks.
He then asked the group once more, “Is the jar full
now?” By this time the class was on to him. “Probably
not,” one of them answered. “Good!” he replied. He
reached under the table and brought out a bucket of
sand. He started dumping the sand in the jar and it
went into all of the spaces left between the rocks and
the gravel.
Once more he asked the question, “Is this jar full
now?” “No!” the class shouted. Once again he said,
“Good.” Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and
began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim.
Then he looked at the class and asked, “What is the
point of this illustration?” One eager beaver raised his
hand and said, “The point is, no matter how full your
schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit
some more things in it!”
“No,” the speaker replied, “that’s not the point. The
truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don’t put the
big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.”
Pastor Tim Glende
(920)284-9147
Pastor Jim Fleming
(920)419-1757
Pastor Bill Monday
(920)939-5799
Pastor Michael Ewart
(920) 878-2899
Pastor Mike Novotny (The CORE)
(920) 716-7912
Tom Dietzler, Director of Operations
(920) 419-1010
Phil Punzel, School Principal
(920) 419-8278
Jonathan Favorite, Worship Coordinator
(602) 377-2423
Jarrod Pfarr, Director of Youth Development
(916) 742-3104
Maria Keuschel, Ministry Engagement Coordinator
(920) 609-7218
Website: 922ministries.com
Phil Punzel, Principal
(920)419-8278
Office – (920)739-2009
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From time-to-time, each of us as Christians
can benefit from an honest inventory: What
are the “BIG ROCKS” in my life? Are they all in the
jar? Time for my children invested in learning about
their Savior.
Time for the adults to grow in their
understanding of the Word, and gain
encouragement & direction from God for life’s
challenges. As a church, we offer Bible Reading plans
and Growth Groups – along with other opportunities.
Time for God in our daily routine: talking
about him in our homes, praying and reading
devotions as a family.
Time for gathering together around the
Word. As a church we offer Sunday morning
worship services on YouTube and FaceBook and
Thursday evening worship.
So many things clamor for our time and attention.
Let’s encourage one another to not forget to… put
the BIG ROCKS in first.
“These words are written that you may believe that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by
believing you may have life in his name.” “Grow in
the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever!
Amen.” (John 20:31; 2 Peter 3:18)
Pastor Jim Fleming
“Weakest Link”
Dates: June 7th - July 26
Series Summary: Few people take up more pages of
the Bible than Moses. The man God used to rescue
his people. The prophet who first held the Ten
Commandments in his hands. Yet Moses was not as
strong as one might think. He was vulnerable,
compulsive, timid, untrusting, and, at times, angry.
This series introduces us to Moses, the friend of God,
who relied on the strength of God to overcome his
weakness and reminds us that our strong God can do
Great things despite our weaknesses.
Week #1 - A Baby in a Basket (Exodus 1:1-2:10)
Week #2 - The Great I AM (Exodus 3:1-14)
Week #3 - Let My People Go
(Exodus 5-12 selected sections)
Week #4 - Stuck Without God (Exodus 13:17-15:21)
Week #5 - Breaking Point (Exodus 17-18)
Week #6 - 10 Commandments, 1 Calf
(Exodus 20, 32)
Week #7 - A Glimpse of Glory (Exodus 33:12-34:7)
Week #8 - The End & The Beginning (Deuteronomy 34)
Worship Wednesday – Live
Streamed at 6:30 pm
During the time we were being
asked to be “safer at home”, we
have been streaming an extra
worship and praise opportunity
on Wednesday nights. We have had a great response
over as our members have gathered an extra time
during the week. We will have one last Worship
Wednesday on June 3rd - it will be streamed and also
be open to our members as our plan laid out. We
have enjoyed offering these and are thinking about
ways that we might offer this at different times in the
future. Lastly, a special thanks goes out to all
those involved who helped make it possible - the
band and the crew behind the scenes especially.
The CORE (Thompson Center) Update Here are some highlights of what has transpired over
the last month - biggest of which is the renovation is
moving ahead at full speed!
1) Renovation is going great - the steel is going in,
the front is opened up! We are still on schedule right
now to be done in early August.
2) We are under budget at this point - which is great
news! Thanks to all of the volunteers and members
who have helped make this possible.
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3) Future volunteer opportunities - we are hoping that
in the next few months we can get volunteers back in
to help with things while still practicing social
distancing as required. Watch your email and social
media for times and dates when it will be needed.
Thanks for all of your prayers and support! Begin with
thanking God for this new opportunity, the blessings
that he has given our church, wisdom and blessings as
we go forward, and that the workers stay healthy
during the Coronavirus pandemic and are able to
continue working.
The Annual Spring Food Drive June 14th
.
This drive will help to stock the shelves through the
summer months. The following are some especially
needed items for June: Cereal (we need on average
between 150-175 boxes per month), cookies,
crackers, boxed potatoes, canned fruits, Mac &
Cheese and Hamburger Helpers, toilet paper and
paper towel, pancake mix and syrup, tomato and
chicken soups, all canned meats, peanut butter,
and healthy snacks.
Please bring your pantry items and monetary donations
to the office between 8:00 and 3:00 pm Monday-
Friday or to the church kitchen. Monetary donations
can also be placed in the box on the counter in the
church kitchen. These are used to purchase gift cards to
be given to families to purchase perishable items.
Please make your checks payable to:
Apple Valley Food Pantry.
The pantry thanks you for the amazing gifts for the
pantry that were received over the past couple of
months! We have been overwhelmed by your
generosity to the response of our needs to assist
those using our pantry. Your love and compassion to
help us during this difficult time have eased our
concerns at this time because the need is always
going to be there to assist others who need it the
most. God certainly does provide for his people
through your acts of Christian love and kindness.
Every little thing you do to support the pantry is
appreciated by all of us and those whom we
serve. Thank you and God bless.
Sunday’s 10:15 - 11:15 am – May 31 – Sept. 13
The Prophets and Kings of Israel
How do you look at the leaders of our world? Do
you ever question why God would allow them to be
in that position? That was true for the nation of
Israel. There were some great kings who served God
faithfully and his people. There were other kings
that were down right wicked and led the people
astray. That's why God sent his prophets to share
his word. Most of the time, they were ignored.
This Bible study takes us on a tour on some parts of
the historical books of the Bible. "History repeats
itself." There's much we can apply to our leadership
and culture today. This Bible study will be offered
by Google Meet.
Wednesday’s at 10:00 – 11:00 am – 6/3 – 7/22
God's Favorite Songs
Did you know God has a list of favorite praise
songs? The artist who wrote them is the Holy
Spirit. Where is this list? We call it the Book of
Psalms. A man named Martin Luther called this book,
"The Bible inside the Bible" because it touches on all
areas of the believer's life. We'll take a look at eight
different Psalms and see how and why God loves
them so much. And "Yes." We'll see how the Holy
Spirit touches our lives through them too. This Bible
study will be offered by Google Meet.
Sign-up for these studies at 922church.com/groups.
Willing to help out at the
Thompson Center (The CORE)?
Please go to
www.922church.com/TCremodel
or email Leslye Ulman at
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MEDITATIONS & FORWARD IN CHRIST
The latest editions of “Meditations" & "Forward in
Christ" are available for you at the Welcome Center
or office. A digital copy is available to download at:
https://online.nph.net/free-resources. June will be
the final month that the free digital copy will be
available. These are great personal resources for
spiritual growth, containing devotional content and
practical advice for Christian living.
Special birthday wishes to the following
members who are 70+ years this month!!
Ron Peters (06/09)
Bob Sengstock (06/09)
John Ewart (06/10)
Jean Rahmlow (06/12)
Diane Peters (06/13)
Gene Peters (06/13)
Margie Kussow (06/13)
Judy Siewert (06/14)
Renate Ash (06/15)
Tom Kussow (06/18)
Paul Krueger (06/21)
Sharane Wiedenhoeft (06/23)
Marian Balck (06/25)
Nora Herman (06/30)
Card Making Ministry
This ministry will be on hiatus for the
summer. Contact Luella Kietz at
(920) 731-1650 with any questions.
Ladies Quilting Ministry
This ministry will be on hiatus for the
summer. Please contact Karen Peters at
739-2924 with any questions.
First and foremost, a tremendous thank you to all
who take the time to serve at both of our campuses!
Each role is integral in helping to make our regular
services happen each week.
As we are moving forward with phasing in our
Services, be assured that your role as a Serve Team
member is more important than ever.
Please continue to look for further communications
on how we plan to proceed in relaunching our Serve
Teams, as well as, opportunities for those of you who
feel comfortable and are willing to serve in your
regular capacity or possibly a new one.
In spite of the long break where we have not been
able to meet, we are more aware than ever what a
great blessing our church has in each person who
serves here.
By Faith,
Maria Keuschel
Ministry Engagement Coordinator
[email protected] / 920-609-7218.
9th Annual “Swing for Success”
Golf Outing – June 6, 2020
Irish Waters Golf Club –
Freedom
If still interested in donating a prize, please contact
Tom Dietzler at (920)419-1010 or
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#922giveschallenge
The Community Blood Center will have their Blood
Mobile at St. Peter. Sign up by calling 1-800-280-4102
or online at www.save3lives.org - use the sponsor
code A299.
From Bob & Joan Clausnitzer:
We would like to thank our
wonderful church family for
all the great cards and prayers
that everyone has sent on
behalf of the passing of Bob's
mother. It really means a lot
to have such a great church
family. Thank you very
much.
In April, the Caring & Sharing Ministry
of 922 Ministries sent out a
homemade card, made by our card
making ladies, along with a small
book from Time of Grace (written by
Pastor Mike Novotny) to all our Doctors, Firefighters,
First Responders, Law Enforcement Officers and
Nurses. We once again thank all of these people for
all they do to keep us safe in our community. We
apologize if you are in one of these professions and
you did not receive one of these gifts. We went off
the names of all our members that have filled out their
profile sheets in the past and have told us their
profession. Please call the office at 920-739-2009 or
contact [email protected] to let us
know if we have missed you. We would like to make
sure we have our records correct moving forward.
SCRIP SALES
Until further notice, SCRIP will be sold on Friday’s
from 8:00 am – 11:00 am starting on Friday June 5th
through the end of June. Rules as follows:
One buyer in the office at a time.
Anyone waiting in line must wait outside the
office and cannot enter until the previous person
has left the office.
6 feet must be maintained between those waiting.
Please feel free to contact Rhonda Van Vreede at:
[email protected] or call at:
920-740-3428, if you have any questions or
concerns.
Annual Congregation Meeting
June 22nd
, 6:30 pm
(Virtual) Vacation Bible School
July 13 – 16, 2020
12:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Look for more information coming in June.
Live Streaming Worship Times
Sunday’s 9:00 am, 3:30 & 5:30 pm
Wednesday’s at 6:30 pm (June 3rd last one)
Search 922 Ministries on Facebook or YouTube
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Outdoor Thursday Services
for this Summer
Every year during the summer
months we have a few outdoor
worship services on Thursday nights.
These are the dates that we are
planning on for this summer: June 18th, July 2
nd,
July 30th and August 13
th. These will be held in the
area outside the main entrance into the school
building (door #1). Watch the monthly newsletter
calendars this summer to make sure they have not
changed. As is always the case, keep an eye on the
weather report and bring your lawn chair and/or
a blanket to sit on, if you are able.
St. Peter Lutheran campus office operations:
Starting in June, the office will be operating at our
normal summer hours: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Monday
thru Friday until the beginning of the 2020-21 school
year.
For general questions: call (920) 739-2009
School related questions: Michelle Tellock
or Gloria Plamann
School Choice related questions: Sharon Talbot
Scrip related questions: Rhonda Van Vreede
Church and financial related questions:
Rhonda Dietzler – [email protected]
Building and operations related questions:
Tom Dietzler - [email protected]
NOTE: If you have an email address and have not
been receiving Pastor Michael’s daily email updates
or would like the Daily Prayer sent to your email,
please email [email protected] to
confirm we have your email address in our system.
For a complete broadcast schedule, visit
timeofgrace.org/waystowatch or call the Time of
Grace office at 800.661.3311. Here are some times
that may work for you.
Over the Air—Local Channels
WGBA–Sunday, 6:30 a.m.
National Cable and Satellite Channels
Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN)--Thursdays at 3:30pm
The Cowboy Channel (Family Net) Sunday 8:00 a.m.
Am. Forces Network (AFN) – Spectrum, 7:00 am Sunday
Gregg Mattek (President)
Doug Dahm (Vice President)
Brian Hoppe (Secretary)
Craig Schultz (Treasurer)
Joel Weeks (Evangelism)
Dave Flunker (Elders)
Shaun Paluch (Board of Education)
Please note that we invite people to speak with
any of these men listed above if you have
any questions at any time.
PLEASE NOTE
If you would like a monthly newsletter mailed
to you, please contact the office or email Gloria
Phase 1 of Gathering Again
When the “Safer at Home” Order was overturned and the City of Appleton and Outagamie County orders were
lifted, our staff and leaders have had on-going discussions about when we will once again have in person worship
services at St. Peter. We have discussed the guiding principles and goals that we have, what the guidelines will be
for when we worship again, and also the timeline and plan for worshiping again. On Monday, at our weekly staff
meeting and also at our monthly 922 leaders meeting, we finalized our 922 plan to begin gathering again. That
detailed plan is included in the newsletter and will also be posted on the website on the COVID-19 page.
Please take the time to read through all of it! It highlights both the guidelines we will be following for re-opening
at church, a little bit of what you can expect when you get back, and finally, Phase 1 of our 922 Gather again
plan. We know that some of you are eager to get back to church and we also know that others are not ready yet
and still feel safer at home and we respect both of those positions. If you are not ready to come back when we
begin gathering again - that is ok! One of our guiding principles is to live stream services going forward so that
you can still gather at home as we have done since the end of March. Whatever your personal choice is, our staff
will continue to use our time, energy and resources including technology to serve you and your family and help
keep you rooted. That comes with one big encouragement - love each other and pray for a spirit of unity with
each other and for our church. We know that our members all have different opinions, feelings, and emotions
about going back to worship and what it should look like because our staff does as well. At the end of the day,
we know that this is the case and we cannot have a perfect plan that will meet everyone’s needs or desires. But,
we can love each other! So please believe the best about our leaders decisions about your fellow members choices
and opinions as we go forward and phase in our plan.
Here are the highlights of our guidelines and plan to begin Gathering again at both of our campuses (again read
through the entire document for all of the guidelines and worship phase in plan).
1) Social Distancing will be practiced - When we begin gathering again we will follow the CDC guidelines of social
distancing (6 ft.). This means that the number of people who can be in the worship space at a given time will be
limited. At the St. Peter campus, that means people will be seated in every other pew, and 6 feet from any other
members in your pew. At the CORE, the same will be true as several rows will not be able to be used. Initially
this means that we will probably be at about 25% capacity at best - 125-150 at St. Peter and 75 at The CORE.
Both campuses also have overflow areas so we know as we go forward we can increase this number but over the
first few weeks, we want to phase this in.
2) Sign-up will be required - Initially to help us practice social distancing and help keep people physically safe, we
will require sign-ups for all in person services. Every week on Wednesday, we will send out a link via e-mail (for
those who don’t have e-mail they can make a reservation by calling the office). Please discuss attending with your
family before committing and only sign-up if you truly plan on coming so that those who desire to attend a
worship service in church can do so.
3) Masks - We know this is a question many people have and will impact some people’s decision on coming or
not. Here is the specific guideline our leaders have chosen in regards to this as it is found in the document: "Masks
are welcome, but will not be required. The "CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings
where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in
areas of significant community-based transmission.” Our staff, like you, will be making personal decisions about this.”
4) Our regular worship schedule will resume the Week of June 1-7! Beginning with one final Worship Wednesday
(which will be done live) we will resume to our regular worship schedule at both campuses on the weekend of
June 7th. All of the services will have a limited seating capacity to practice social distancing and sign-up will be
required. Please remember that services will feel different and gathering will look different - no coffee, no bulletins
(bulletin folders won’t be needed), no handshakes, wiping down and cleaning major touch points between
services, etc.
Worship Schedule The Week of June 1-7
St Peter Campus: Worship Wednesday, June 3 @ 6:30 pm, Thursday @ 6:30 pm, and Sunday @ 7:30, 9:00 and
10:30 am.
CORE Campus: Sunday @ 3:30 & 5:30 pm
5) Communion will return at St. Peter on June 28th. Which will also be done in a way that practices social
distancing.
6) Things are going to be fluid and this plan is subject to (and going to) change - We will do our best to
communicate with you what we learn as we go forward and what changes will be made. We also know we need
to be ready to adapt and change, and perhaps pivot quickly as this plays out. So please be ready for this to happen.
7) Some final reminders - If you or anyone in your family are displaying COVID-19 symptoms, please do not come
to church. If you are in any of the at risk categories, please be wise in making your decision to come. When you
come, please do your best to stay 6 ft. away from others and enter and leave church in a timely manner.
The entire plan and our guidelines for reopening have been looked at by our leaders and members of our church
who work in the medical field and we believe it is a good plan and first step as we phase things in over these next
6 weeks to help keep you spiritually strong and God willing physically safe. Please take the time to read and re-
read the plan over the next few days. We are looking forward to seeing you again in person and gathering - but
please do so in a timetable that you and your family are comfortable. Keep watching the live streams if you feel
it is the best option for you, but please do stay rooted as we can gather both in person or through technology. If
you have any questions, please reach out to any of our leaders or staff. Have a great rest of the week.
Pastor Tim Glende
Safe & Strong — An Updated 922 Ministries Plan for COVID-19
WHEN WILL WE GATHER ON CAMPUS FOR WORSHIP AGAIN? The short answer is: Soon, and in phases. While restrictions on gatherings have decreased this past week, the number of new cases of COVID-19 in Wisconsin has continued to increase. As has been the case since the beginning of this pandemic, information changes rapidly, which makes long-term planning difficult. At this point, we will not return to our regular worship schedule until June 7th, at the earliest. Until then online worship will continue to be offered as it has been and that will continue after as well. In addition to that, our phase in plan over the next few weeks we will offer viewing parties at both campuses on Sundays where you can watch these service in person and with others. This will allow us to get ready for the weekend of June 7th and allow us to get a better understanding of our worship spaces for proper social distancing and implement our other guidelines on a smaller scale. The worship plan and our 922 phased in approach is explained below.
922 GUIDING PRINCIPLES BEING USED TO MAKE DECISIONS• We want to help keep you spiritually rooted - Throughout history, God’s people have gathered in a wide
variety of places and ways to worship God. The Israelites worshipped in a moveable tent. The Early Church worshipped in people’s homes. Paul and Silas worshipped in a jail cell. About 300 years after Jesus’ ascension is when Christian worship first started to look similar to what we have today. During the pandemic, we have continued gathering together online. Yes - it’s not the same as gathering in person. Yes - we have missed our friends and long for the Sacrament. Thankfully, we have been able to leverage technology and social media to help you stay rooted and Gather! As we phase things in and go forward, we will continue to make this goal a top priority at 922 Ministries whether you feel safer at home or long to gather in person.
• We want to help keep our 922 family & and community physically safe - There are countless viruses and flus. What makes this particular virus so challenging is that it silently incubates and spreads without symptoms for weeks, continues to morph in unexpected ways, and is especially dangerous to those who are considered “at- risk.” And, of course, there is no vaccine just yet. How we deal with this risk may change from week-to-week, but it’s right to take it seriously. Making our campuses as safe as possible from this virus is a top priority for our staff because we know it is concern that our members have.
• We want to love one another - Should I wear a mask in public? Should everyone be required to wear masks? Should our buildings be open with no restrictions? Should we sing or not? It’s ok if others know where you stand on these issues. But it’s more important that you are known as someone who is full of love. “People will know you are my disciples if you love one another,” Jesus said. Whenever we get to the end of this, I pray people say of us, “They are obviously Christian friends. Jesus unites them, and nothing else divides them.”
• We will offer both in-person AND online worship options for the foreseeable future - We have learned that what we did in a room of a few hundred on a Sunday morning doesn’t always translate well when people are watching in their living room. We changed our online stream to a more produced, personal gathering that makes better connection online possible. We’ve learned that some people REALLY like what we're doing online and some actually prefer it! We also know that many of you REALLY miss gathering in person and absolutely prefer it! We will be opening our doors and once again have live services but we also want to make our online offering the best it can be. This will take additional time and effort from our staff because on-line viewers might be as large as our in-person attendance for a while as we move forward.
• We will continue to listen to the guidance of our elected officials and medical experts - If we have learned anything during this time it is this - things change quickly and it is a very fluid situation. As we implement our plan for worship and gathering again, we will continue to listen to the advice of our synod’s leaders, have conversations with the other pastors in our area (especially our circuit), follow the guidelines implemented by our local and state government if so directed, and continue to listen to the advice of local and national medical experts.
922 GUIDELINES FOR RESTARTING WORSHIP
General Information • We will practice proper social distancing (6 ft.) and sanitation according to CDC guidelines.• Online worship will continue even after all gathering restrictions have been lifted. • We will take a phased in approach to worship over the next six weeks - from what we offer to the
number of offerings, from when we will offer communion and how we can best offer it.• This is a fluid situation, which is something all of us need to remember. Things might change quickly
because of the virus or we might change things because it is best for 922 and in keeping with our guiding principles.
Encouragements • Make worship decisions based on your own comfort level while also respecting the decisions of others. • Those who have any COVID-19 symptoms should stay home. People with the following symptoms
may have COVID-19: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.
• Those at high risk of serious illness or in the at-risk category are encouraged to stay home. • Masks are welcome, but will not be required. The "CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in
public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.” Our staff, like you, will be making personal decisions about this.
• Those who are unable or uncomfortable attending in person worship at this time are encouraged to worship online at home with absolutely no guilt.
Worship Expectations
• The worship space may be altered to encourage appropriate social distancing. • Your first weekend back will be different - it’s going to feel different, look different, sound different. We
will not be able to replicate what we were doing back on March 8th right away.Cleanliness
• High-contact surfaces (like pews and door handles) will be disinfected after every service. • A deeper cleaning will be done in the church, lobby, and bathrooms after each weekend. Members are
encouraged to not use the parents room and bathrooms if at all possible.• Coffee will not be served during the weekend when we do open and for the immediate future. • Hymnals, connection cards, and pens will be removed from the pews. • Service folders will not be handed out; the screens will be used to guide all attendees through worship.
Online check-in will be encouraged.• Offerings may be given online or deposited in the designated baskets in the church & lobby. • Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the building.
Before and After Worship • Shaking hands and extended visiting with others is strongly discouraged. • Doors in the lobby and worship space will remain open, while access past the offices will be restricted. • Pastors, greeters and ushers will be present in the lobby to provide guidance with these new procedures.
Holy Communion • It will be distributed differently in order to allow for appropriate social distancing. More detailed
instructions will be given prior to any celebrations during worship.• We will resume our communion celebrations at the end of June - between services @ The CORE on
June 21 and in services @ St. Peter on weekend of June 28th.
922 GATHERING AGAIN - PHASE 1
Weekend of May 24• Worship will be recorded and streamed Sunday at these times on all 4 channels;
• 7:30 am - Traditional music• 9:00 am & 3:30 pm - Contemporary music
• Members will be able to VIEW the recorded service and worship in person at either campus @ 9 am• Sign-up required - if you can’t sign-up on line please call to reserve your spot (739-2009)• Space will be limited (25% capacity)
Week of May 25 - 31• Worship Wednesday will be streamed @ 6:30 pm• Worship will be recorded and streamed Sunday at these times on all 4 channels;
• 7:30 am - Traditional music• 9:00 am & 3:30 pm - Contemporary music
• Members will be able to VIEW the following services and worship in person if they so desire;• St. Peter: 9:00 am (Contemporary music)• CORE: 3:30 pm • Sign-up required - if you can’t sign-up on line please call to reserve your spot (739-2009)• Space is limited
Week of June 1-7• Worship Wednesday on June 4 - live @ St. Peter at 6:30 pm
• Space is limited• Sign-up required - if you can’t sign-up on line please call to reserve your spot (739-2009)
• Worship will be held at it’s regular days and times;• SPL campus - Thursday @ 6:30 pm, Sunday @ 7:30, 9, and 10:30 am• CORE campus - Sunday @ 3:30 & 5:30 pm• Space is limited (25% capacity in worship space & overflow)• Sign-up required
• Members will be able to VIEW the following services live on-line;• 9 am - St. Peter • 3:30 & 5:30 pm - The CORE
• No Communion at either campus
June 8 - end of the month• Worship will be held at it’s regular days and times;
• Space is limited (25% capacity in worship space & overflow)• Sign-up required - if you can’t sign-up on line please call to reserve your spot (739-2009)• SPL campus - Thursday @ 6:30 pm, Sunday @ 7:30, 9, and 10:30 am• CORE campus - Sunday @ 3:30 & 5:30 pm
• Members will be able to VIEW the following services live on-line;• 9 am - St. Peter• 3:30 & 5:30 pm - The CORE
• Communion will be reintroduced• 3rd Sunday of the month @ The CORE between services • Last Sunday of the month @ SPL during the service
Phase 2: July 2020 - ????• TBD - based the following; a) where things stand with COVID-19, and b) how things went at each
campus
THANK YOU! Theresa Kramer - St. Peter Lutheran School says good-bye to Theresa Kramer who taught
second grade for the past eight years. Theresa has enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh as a
full-time student. She is pursuing a master’s degree in counseling. May the Lord bless Theresa’s work at
UWO.
Enrollment for the 2020-21 School Year - St. Peter Lutheran School continues to enroll students in 5K-8th
grade for the 2020-21 school year. Families that are interested in learning more about our school should
contact Principal Phil Punzel at [email protected] or at 920-419-8278 to schedule a time
for a school tour.
Summer Professional Growth for St. Peter Lutheran School Staff - Over the summer months, your
teaching staff will participate in several professional growth activities. For the 2020-21 school year, our
teachers will continue to use FOSS kits to carry out our science curriculum. Teachers will receive training
on how to use these kits. This summer the teachers at St. Peter along with teachers from other FVL
Schools partners will receive professional development on how to use different technology tools for
distant and virtual learning.
Tuition Assistance - Currently, over $37,000 will be given to families for the 2020-21 school year for
tuition assistance. Additional tuition assistance will be needed for families. People that are interested in
making a gift to our tuition assistance fund can contact Principal Phil Punzel at
[email protected] or at 920-419-8278.
Former Student Teachers at St. Peter Receive Teaching Assignments - The following graduates from
Martin Luther College who served as student teachers at St. Peter received their teaching assignments.
Martha Balge will teach at Michigan Lutheran Seminary in Saginaw, Michigan. Betsy Hahm will teach 5th
and 6th grade at Risen Savior Christian Academy in Pooler, Georgia. Katlynn Tindall will teach 3
rd-5
th
grade at St. John Lutheran School in Montello, Wisconsin. Katherine Van Alstine will teach mathematics
at Illinois Lutheran High School in Crete, Illinois.
Thank you for your support and prayers for St. Peter Lutheran Early Childhood Ministry Center and
School. It is a privilege to assist parents in providing a Christ-centered education for children.
Phil Punzel, Principal
ST. PETER LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Bible Class Schedule SCHOOL NEWS
JUNE 2020
Assisting Parents in Providing an Exceptional Christ-centered Education!
Who’s Your Marriage and Family Lifeguard?
Lori and I just finished up a session with our marriage counselor. Yeah, you heard that right. Marriage
counseling. In fact, we’ve been intensely working on our marriage since last November. I share that because
counseling is not a bad thing. And, also, it’s not only for couples struggling.
By God’s grace, my wife and I were just blessed to celebrate our 20th anniversary last summer and as part of this
celebration we decided to do something special for our married life. Instead of adopting the attitude, “We’ve
made it 20 years. We know what we’re doing. We can take it easy…” we thought, “We’ve made it 20 years, let’s
make the next 20 even better than the first,” if God would so grant us the time. And you know what? We don’t
regret it. Even more, we’re not too proud to be open about it and even share.
If you haven’t had any marriage counseling, I’d encourage you to do it, whether struggling or excelling. Lori and
I have grown so much for putting ourselves in a position to be coached and counseled. We have received
encouraging confirmation for what we’ve been doing well, and we have been given greater tools of understanding
and insight on how to make our marriage even better, whether in our communicating, conflict resolving, or
growing in companionship.
Now, the practical encouragement to you, a great metaphor for what we’ve experienced in our married life which
we believe all married couples would be blessed to recognize. And, bonus, it’s at no cost to you! I always like free
things!
It’s an illustration of sorts, a metaphor for marriage and family, if you will. With the advent of summer, we may
be inclined to take our families swimming. Of course, what do you look for when it comes to inviting your family
into the water, especially if you have little ones? You want to make sure it’s a safe place. You especially want to
make sure there’s a lifeguard on hand in case you or a loved one find yourself in over your head, struggling to
stay afloat.
Lifeguards. They’re trained to see things we rarely notice as dangerous or threatening because we don’t have their
training. They’re quick to blow the whistle whenever kids are dunking each other, running on slick surfaces,
goofing around on the diving board, or risking themselves in the deep end. They’re constantly counting heads
and looking for signs of struggle. And when they see it, they immediately take action and nip problems in the bud
before they become catastrophic, before they kill. But not only that, good lifeguards teach, train, and make more
people respectful of the water so they can enjoy it without any of the dreadful consequences.
What’s your lifeguard for your marriage and family? Are you simply going by instinct? Are you banking on the
idea that your spouse will always be loveable and never get dunked by disappointment? Are you counting on
your patience to match the endurance of an Olympic swimmer? Do you believe the undercurrents of hurt,
bitterness, and resentment will never carry your union or family down to the depths? What measures, what tools,
have you intentionally put in place to protect what is central to who you are and to your children, your marriage
and family? Who do you turn to for training to get the most out of your marriage and family, to see the dangerous
far in advance and to capitalize on the blessings unseen?
There’s really only one lifeguard you can count on. Jesus – through his precious
Word. Not only will he be able to rescue your marital union should it ever go under,
but even better, he can save you the grief of having it ever go under. Listening to his
Word can guard you the moment anything risky or dangerous is at play around the
water. In fact, the more you’re in the Word and living by it as a family, as a married
couple, the more guarded you’ll become and the less you’ll even be aware of how
Youth and Family Ministry
JUNE 2020
much can go wrong with your marriage and family. You can get to a point where you tell your counselor, after
20 years of marriage, “We’ve been blessed. We haven’t had and don’t really have any marital problems,” and it
can be the truth. To which a godly counselor will respond, “I beg to disagree. You’ve had plenty of problems,
but God’s Word has served you well. You have attacked those problems before they even became an issue,
through humility, self-sacrifice, confession, and absolution.” And together everyone will nod their head in
agreement. Praise be to God.
How true that is. How many problems has the Lord solved for married couples who are so entrenched in his
Word that they don’t even recognize it? How many successful marriages among God’s people are successful
because of Him and His infinite love and wisdom which he so humbly imparts to his people through his Words
and Sacraments? What a Lifeguard! Why not make sure He’s on hand in everything you do with your spouse and
for your family? Because without him, we only venture into deep waters foolishly, and there’s no one to blow
the whistle before we do, or rescue us when it’s too late. Honestly, if I did not have the Lord to rescue me, guide,
and train me and cover over a multitude of sins, I would not have a beautiful marriage. If it depended on me, I
know my marriage would be over. Plain and simple.
Another added benefit – this is in regard to my children: When you have the Lifeguard of your marriage on hand
through his Word and through godly counselors, you get the added benefit of training your children how to live,
love, marry, and raise their own children. You end up directly training them how to swim for themselves through
your words and, more so, in your modeling, avoiding the dangers all around. This too the Lord does when you
intentionally seek him and invite him to safeguard your marriage, family, and life. It’s how he designed the family
and reaches a “thousand generations of those who love him” while allowing the sins of the fathers to be visited
upon the children to the 3rd and 4
th generations who swim without Him. (Deuteronomy 5:9-10)
So, I’d encourage you and your families to follow my model. In saying that, believe me, I am not being arrogant
or prideful or suggesting that I’m holier-than-others. By no means are we perfect, in fact, by suggesting such a
model to seek counseling, we are actually admitting our desperate need for grace and to be guarded by God’s
Word in everything, not at all leaning on our own understanding. It’s those who refuse such counsel, such
intentionality, that actually boast in their refusal of not needing God to guard and protect the most valuable things
they’ve been given – marriage, family, and life itself.
God bless! Be guarded and enjoy the water that is marriage and family as God so designed!
Pastor Bill Monday
Pastor of Family and Outreach
Director of Operations Report – June, 2020
Current Issues:
1) I want to begin by saying how impressed I am with how our staff has conducted themselves during this time. We
have all seen the blessings of the talented people who bring us our worship services every week. I believe that
we have distinguished ourselves in the online worship area as few other churches can offer the quality of
worship that 922 Ministries has. Our office staff has especially distinguished themselves by keeping everything
running smoothly. We have been able to achieve the correct balance of having some office/on site presence,
while still doing an outstanding amount of work remotely. There has been no drop-off of effort or quality of
work provided, and Rhonda has done a great job of keeping everyone engaged and keeping everything
operating smoothly.
2) A large portion of my time is looking into recommendations about what it will take to open our facilities again.
We want to provide the best experience possible, with taking everything into account as far as precautions and
safety are concerned. Our main focus right now is gathering for worship again and opening our Early Childhood
Ministry for the summer.
3) Through the Payment Protection Plan (PPP), we received enough money to cover four pay periods, which took
us through Friday, May 22. We are working on observing all the requirements necessary for documentation. We
have found out that the Small Business Administration is setting a very low bar for the forgiveness of these
loans, basically saying that they aren’t going to audit any of the loans that were processed that were for less
than $2,000,000 – because of lack of resources to do so, and the belief that everyone in that category was
probably seeking the liquidity to keep people on the payroll, as the plan was intended.
4) We are managing the payments for all the construction work that is going on at 820 W. College. It would be
important to emphasize to people that anything that we can continue to pay from “Greater Things” is money
that doesn’t have to be borrowed. We need to keep a pool of money for things that shouldn’t be financed, such
as FFE. Normally, only permanent fixtures and other things that are permanent become part of the loan, so we
need a good pool of money to pay for furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
5) NOTE: We have installed a mail slot in northeast corner of the main office. Any communication, offering
envelope or very small package can be deposited into the slot and it will go directly into a box in the office.
Please use this instead of placing things in the mailbox – as that is intended SOLELY for US Post Office business.
6) The 9th Annual “Swing for Success” golf outing will be held at Irish Waters Golf Course in Freedom on June 6 as
originally scheduled. Rhonda and I and Sue and Gary Thoma are working closely with Mark Becker at the golf
course to make sure that we can provide a safe and healthy experience for everyone, while also doing our
utmost to provide a fun day of golf and fellowship for everyone. If you have a team or would like to play, please
contact me at (920) 419-1010; we are accepting sponsorships and gifts for prizes as well. All proceeds this year
will go to our Good Samaritan fund, to provide aid and support to anyone who is seeing economic challenges
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other issues:
7) LifeLine Screening has canceled their event here at St. Peter that was scheduled for May 27.
8) Just before the WI Supreme Court overruled the “Safer at Home” policy, we canceled the New Member
Welcome at the Timber Rattlers game scheduled for June 3, due to uncertainty about what kinds of activities
were going to be allowed.
9) We have submitted our paperwork to have the remaining loan on the St. Peter campus re-amortized. We will
begin making reduced payments beginning July 1.
10) We submitted the paperwork for our tax-exempt status for the current CORE campus on Franklin Street.
Tom Dietzler
The CORE Newsletter - JUNE 2020 A Simple Approach To Deeper Bible Study
I’ve heard it many times as a pastor. “I know I should be reading my Bible more, but when I do, I feel like I’m not getting a lot out of it.”
Journaling: Just like taking notes during a class helps you retain what you’re taught, so does writing things down as you read the Bible. In a notebook or on your computer or device, take some brief notes about what you are reading. The following is based on a technique Martin Luther taught. The four icons can become shorthand in your journal… or even in the pages of your Bible!
Key passage / idea / thought
See if you can find something interesting, memorable, new, or thought- provoking. Be aware of that lightbulb going off in your head! Then commit it to memory. Take it with you, recalling or applying it periodically throughout the day
Sad / shame / regret/ frustration
Find something in the reading that identifies or addresses sin or its consequences. If the verses only seem to speak of something positive or happy, imagine the opposite. What would contrast that situation? What are you led to confess?
Happy / good news / thankful / praise / promises
Look for God’s love, assurance, blessings, or promises. If the verse is negative or sad, imagine the opposite, and how God fixes what’s broken. What is there to rejoice about? To thank God for? What can
you find that reminds you of Jesus?
Prayers
Based on the content of the verses you read and the reflections above, what is God prompting you to pray about? If you connect what you pray to what you read, your prayers will never get monotonous or repetitive. Confess, thank & praise, make requests, and pray for others.
- Pastor Michael Ewart
The CORE 222 W. Franklin Street; Appleton, WI 54911 922church.com
St. Peter Lutheran Church
June 2020
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Board of Education
Meeting—6:00 pm
2
Bible Class – 6:30 pm
(online)
3
Bible Class – 10 am
(online)
Wednesday Worship –
6:30 pm
Christian Recovery –
6:30 pm
4
Worship – 6:30 pm
5
Wedding Rehearsal
6
Krautkramer/Mader
Wedding – 1 pm
Golf Outing – Irish
Waters Golf Cllub
7 Worship – 7:30; 9 &
10:30am
Bible Class -10:15 am
(online)
CORE – 3:30 & 5:30 pm
8 9 Bible Class – 6:30 pm
(online)
10 Bible Class – 10 am
(online)
Christian Recovery –
6:30 pm
11
Worship – 6:30 pm
12 13
Men’s Open Gym –
7:15 am
14 Worship – 7:30; 9 &
10:30am Bible Class -10:15 am
(online)
CORE – 3:30 & 5:30 pm
Blood Drive @ St. Peter
10:30 am – 3 pm
15
922 Ministries
Leadership Mtg. –
6:30 pm
16 Bible Class – 6:30 pm
(online)
17 Bible Class – 10 am
(online)
Christian Recovery –
6:30 pm
18
Worship – 6:30 pm
(Outdoor)
19 20 Men’s Open Gym –
7:15 am
21 Worship – 7:30; 9 &
10:30am
Bible Class -10:15 am
(online)
CORE – 3:30 & 5:30 pm
22
Congregation Mtg. –
6:30 pm @ St. Peter
23 Bible Class – 6:30 pm
(online)
24 Bible Class – 10 am
(online)
Christian Recovery –
6:30 pm
25
Worship – 6:30 pm
26 27 Men’s Open Gym –
7:15 am
28 Worship w/Lord’s
Supper – 7:30; 9 &
10:30am
Bible Class -10:15 am
(online)
CORE – 3:30 & 5:30 pm
29 30