News & info for the family of St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill

St. John Journal

A loving and welcoming family of faith, excited about what God has done (and continues to do!) for us

Volume 9, Number 1 January 2016

St John Lutheran Church is a congrega-tion of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran

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January 2016

Volume 9 Issue 1

St. John Journal

The deadline for the February newsletter is:

Monday January 18th

Submissions received after this date will be included if

time and space allow. If ma-terial is still relevant, late

submissions will be included in the next month’s newslet-

ter. Thank you!

And now he has made all of this plain to us by the ap-

pearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power

of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality

through the Good News. 2 Timothy 1:10

This January we honor the New Year and celebrate

Epiphany. The English word "Epiphany" comes from

the Greek word epiphaneia, which means "appearing"

or "revealing." Epiphany focuses on God’s revelation in

Jesus. Maybe the most appropriate question this New

Year is where do I see Jesus? I offer three important

questions for Epiphany:

1. How did you first come to see Jesus?

2. How do you see Jesus now?

3. How do you show Jesus?

This Epiphany, may these 3 questions be your resolu-

tion. May these questions be the light you bear in this

world. If you are in a dark season of your own, or know

someone who is, may these questions come as a gift and

a prayer that you will receive the light one needs. Pray

for me as I pray for you.

Grace & Peace,

Pr. Kyle

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

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READINGS FOR JANUARY

JAN. OLD TESTAMENT RESPONSIVE NEW TESTAMENT GOSPEL

3 ISAIAH 60:1-6 PSALM 71:1-7, 10-14

EPHESIANS 3:1-12 MATTHEW 2:1-12

10 ISAIAH 43:1-7 PSALM 29 ACTS 8:14-17 LUKE 3:15-17, 21-22

17 ISAIAH 62:1-5 PSALM 36:5-10

1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11

JOHN 2:1-11

24 NEHEMIAH 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

PSALM 19 1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-31a

LUKE 4:14-21

31 JEREMIAH 1:4-10 PSALM 71:1-6 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-13

LUKE 4:21-30

JAN. Acolyte (10:05AM) Layreader Flowers Given By

3 Riley Moehlmann Reagan Randermann

Sandy Ordner OPEN

10 Kaden Seeker Charles Gaskamp

Karen Rosenbaum OPEN

17 Haylie Tosta Connie Rohde

Jennifer Anderson Kory & Riley Moehlmann

24 Clay Boeker Delores Gaskamp John Haarmeyer

OPEN

31 Star Cavner Glenda Stegent Joseph Ordner

Trey & Cathy Boeker

Men in Mission

Next Event: Saturday, January 9th at 7:30AM Join them in The Activity Center for good fellowship, breakfast

and service to the St. John family!

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SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and has a

very blessed 2016! First, the children did an awesome job performing the

Christmas program! It is always a cute and very entertaining production and this

year did not disappoint! And lots of thank yous to give out: Stephanie Koehler

who was the mastermind and director behind the program; Mary Longhofer for

providing the music again this year; All the children and parents-we know it can

be a hassle to bring your kids to practice every week but it sure makes a differ-

ence and we appreciate those that made the effort; and those who helped stuff

the Christmas bags and who donated money or items toward the bags. All the

kids who come to St. John’s for a Christmas service get a bag and I know they

look forward to that each year!

On Saturday, December 12th the Sunday School kids got together and

sang Christmas carols at the Brenham State Supported Living Center. We then

came back and enjoyed lunch and a fun craft! Thank you to Jeannie Kroll and

Kelly Antkowiak for a fun day! A good time was had by all!

Before we start the new Sunday School year I must give a big THANK

YOU to outgoing superintendent, Stephanie Koehler. She did an awesome job in

2015! Also, welcome back to Kelly Antkowiak as Assistant SS Superintendent!

This is Kelly’s second time around and I am sure she will do a fabulous job once

again!

We will resume our Sunday School classes on January 10. Teachers-we

will begin with the lesson on Jesus’ Baptism. Teacher guides and lessons are in

the class rooms and you can find extra printables and crafts on the Spark web-

site. If you did not get the login info for that site please let me know! I am

looking forward to a great year!

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL JANUARY 3RD!

In His Name-

Anna Finke

Sunday School Superintendent

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WELCA BIBLE STUDY MEETING DATES

Tuesday, January 5 & 19 Rachel Circle 6:00 pm, Annex Thursday, January 7 Naomi Circle 10:00 am, Activity Center Sunday, January 10 Deborah Circle 5:00 pm, Parish Hall Thursday, January 14 Ladies Aid 2:00 pm, Activity Center

January Quilting Schedule

We will meet on January 19th and 26th. Hostesses are Mary Hill and Deanna Giese. We meet at 9AM to noon. Come join us for quilting, sewing and tying LWR quilts.

Soap Collection

The Women of St. John will be collecting bars of soap year round for Lutheran World Relief.

A collection basket will be located in the Narthex.

Senior Party Wednesday, January 6th

The seniors will be gathering in the Activity Center the first Wednesday of every month at 1:30PM-5:30PM.

Join them for games, fellowship, and light refreshments provided by the host!

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JANUARY 2015

Special Envelope: Lutheran Disaster Response

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Office Closed

2

3

8:00AM Holy Communion No Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

4 6PM Executive Committee

5 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

6:00PM Rachel

6

Senior Party at 1:30PM

7 10AM Naomi

Office Closed

8 Office Closed

9

7:30AM Men’s Breakfast

& Council Retreat

10 (Install new council members) 8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School

10:05AM Holy Communion 5:00PM Deborah Circle

11 6PM Council

12

9:30AM “Weekly Word”

13 14 2PM Ladies Aid Office Closed

15 Office Closed

16

17

8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

18 NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE

19 9:00AM Quilting 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

6:00PM Rachel

20

21 Office Closed

22 Office Closed

23

24 8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

25 26 9:00AM Quilting 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

27 28 Office Closed

29 Office Closed

30

31 8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 9:15AM Congregational Meeting 10:05AM Holy Communion

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COUNCIL Kenneth Seeker

Gil Janner

COMMUNION BREAD Marjorie Hohlt

SCREEN

Brandy Moehlmann

ALTAR PREPARATION

Mary Hill Betty Feldmann

FAMILY AID

Carolyn Kessel

MEMORIAL COMMITTEE

Deanna Giese Patty Schroeder

SANCTUARY PREP

Virginia Altman Cookie Engeling

CHURCH TELLERS

Melissa Lackey Connie Rohde

USHERS

Fred & Debra Westerfeld,

The Cavner Family

JANUARY 2015

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Office Closed

2

3

8:00AM Holy Communion No Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

4 6PM Executive Committee

5 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

6:00PM Rachel

6

Senior Party at 1:30PM

7 10AM Naomi

Office Closed

8 Office Closed

9

7:30AM Men’s Breakfast

& Council Retreat

10 (Install new council members) 8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School

10:05AM Holy Communion 5:00PM Deborah Circle

11 6PM Council

12

9:30AM “Weekly Word”

13 14 2PM Ladies Aid Office Closed

15 Office Closed

16

17

8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

18 NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE

19 9:00AM Quilting 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

6:00PM Rachel

20

21 Office Closed

22 Office Closed

23

24 8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 10:05AM Holy Communion

25 26 9:00AM Quilting 9:30AM “Weekly

Word”

27 28 Office Closed

29 Office Closed

30

31 8:00AM Holy Communion 9:00AM Sunday School 9:15AM Congregational Meeting 10:05AM Holy Communion

The 2016 Flower Chart has been posted in the annex. Please sign-up for your altar

flowers for next year!

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POINSETTIAS 2015

In Memory of… Donna Bentke Herman Bentke Jr.

Phyllis Bickham Ken Bickham

Kervin & Ruth Finke (2) Theo & Anna Rau

Gilbert & Erna Finke

Delores Gaskamp (2) Floyd Gaskamp

Tyler, Austin & Taylor Klatte Naomi Zopfi

Herbert Klatte

Allen & Arlie Parker (2) Derrel Boyd

Kenny Parker

Lydia Rust Barry Rust

Emery & Helen Schulze Allen Schulze

Gary Schulze & Linda Schulze Erwin & Evelyn Schulze

Delores Seeker (2) Gene Seeker

Harry & Janet Wehring Robert & Lena Finke

Jerry Finke

Fred & Debra Westerfeld (2) Burney & Sis Riechers

Fred & Lydia Westerfeld

Mark & Diana Williams Floyd Gaskamp

James & Florence Wolff (2) Alvin & Esther Schawe

Glenwood Schwartz

Elton Sr. & Agnes Anderson

Kristy Wolff Alvin & Esther Schawe

Given by… In Honor of… Charles & Deanna Giese Samantha, Savannah, Sierra & Tyler

Darrell, Gayle & Connor Himly (2) Kervin & Ruth Finke

Walter & Gloria Himly

Tyler, Austin & Taylor Klatte (2) Michael & Jan Anderson

Esther Mae Klatte

Howard & Mildred Kuecker Grandchildren-Lauren, Kailea & Colvin

Danney & Connie Rohde Grandchildren

Karen Tiller Lydia Rust

Mark & Diana Williams Delores Gaskamp

Kristy Wolff Burnie & Nellie Wolff

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Baptismal Anniversaries

1/01/1946 Allen Parker 1/01/1953 David Stegent 1/01/1959 Mark Williams 1/01/1970 Robert Fairlie 1/01/1979 Alexandra Warmke 1/02/1949 Judy Wagner 1/04/2004 Kayla Rosenbaum 1/05/1969 Lisa Chavelas 1/08/1950 John Haarmeyer 1/08/1956 Anne Merkel 1/08/1936 Myrtle Randermann 1/08/1995 Colby Seeker 1/09/2000 Kory Moehlmann 1/12/1986 Justin Reuter 1/13/1980 Trenton Kuecker 1/15/2012 Wyatt Davis

1/20/2002 Lea Alcala 1/21/1996 Hunter Seeker 1/24/1925 Pearlie Becker 1/24/1965 Mark Marburger 1/24/2010 Logan Boeker 1/26/1936 Dolores Seeker 1/26/1969 Sandra Tillman 1/27/1946 Carol Westerfeld 1/29/1970 Jerome Cavner 1/29/2012 Colt Kmiec 1/30/1983 Wayne Ehlert 1/30/1949 Charles Gaskamp 1/31/1960 Gayle Bednar 1/31/1988 Lauren Davis 1/31/1992 Garrett Schramme

1/01/2005 Ryan & Linda Tosta 1/13/2001 Lance & Shannon Altman 1/15/1983 Brian & Pam Knebel 1/17/1998 Mark & Karen Eckert

Wedding Anniversaries

Donations to Brookwood

Given by… In Memory of…

Ben & Carolyn Kessel Loved Ones

Andrew & Patty Schroeder Loved Ones

Al & Audrey Steinbach Loved Ones

David & Glenda Stegent Loved Ones

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Council Highlights The Church Council of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church met for its monthly meeting on December 14,

2015, at 6 pm in the Church Annex. Council President Jon Westerfeld called the meeting to order. Steve Skrla,

Cookie Engeling and Herbert Klatte were absent. Opened with a prayer by Pastor Kyle Merkle.

MSC to approve, the November minutes.

Old Business

Repair of the wind/storm damage received during the August 25th storm to the roof on the parsonage, church

and steeple is in progress.

MSC to approve the lay ministers: Mary (Cookie) Engeling, Karen Rosenbaum, Helen Schulze, Linda

Schulze, Delores Gaskamp, Carolyn Kessel with Gene Lake and Glenda Stegent as alternatives.

New Business

MSC to accept donation from Roland and Faye Kokemor to be used in our future music program.

MSC to approve Holy Communion to be served at each service beginning in the New Year, first service Janu-

ary 3, 2016.

Items for information:

The new council members will be installed on Sunday, January 10, 2016.

Council Retreat will be held Saturday, January 9, beginning at 7:30 am, joining the Men in Mission at breakfast

prior to the retreat.

Council Appreciation dinner will be held on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 6:30 pm.

Parish Education Report Jeannie Kroll

The children went Christmas Caroling on Saturday December, 12, to the Brenham Supported Living Center,

then returned to the church for crafts and lunch.

The Christmas Eve Children’s program will be 4:30 on December 24.

Youth Report Kenneth Seeker

The LYO participated in the Downtown Stroll with a lighted float in the parade on December 5th.

Evangelism Report Herbert Klatte

Good Neighbor Sunday/Thanksgiving turkey meal on Sunday, November 22, was a success feeding 131, with

25 plates delivered to our shut ins. Special thanks to all the families involved.

Property Report Steve Skrla

Water leak on the front of the property has been repaired.

Repaired the mailboxes out front that got damaged earlier in the week.

Pastor’s Report Pastor Kyle Merkle

Report as submitted.

MSC to accept all reports as given.

MSC to Adjourn. Holiday refreshments were served.

Now Serving Communion at Both Services At the December meeting, the Council Members of St. John approved Holy Communion to be served at each service beginning in January!

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REACHING YOUR CHURCH OFFICE By Phone: 979-836-8666

By E-mail: Rev. Kyle Merkle pastorkyle@stjohnprairiehill.org

Johanna Becker secretary@stjohnprairiehill.org

Website: www.stjohnprairiehill.org

By Mail: 6605 Old Independence Rd.

Brenham, TX, 77833

The church office is open from 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM Monday-Wednesday

Campus Ministry Sunday

By Pastor Mindy Roll, Lutheran Campus Pastor at Texas A&M and Blinn College

Howdy St John’s! On Sunday, January 31, get ready to have your pulpits Aggie-fied – it’s Campus Ministry

Sunday! As you may know, for the last three years now, Treehouse (the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Texas

A&M and Blinn College) has sent out students to our College Station and Brenham-area churches at the end of

January to share the good news of Jesus through the lens of the life-changing work of campus ministry. It’s a

nerve-racking, joy-filled, and FUN experience for students, and we are grateful for the warm welcome our

preachers always receive (especially at St John’s!). Thank you for loving these students so well.

So, what is campus ministry? This is the biggest question I get as a campus pastor, and I sum it up like this: it’s

the place where the questioning faith of adolescence begins to mature into the complex, deep faith of adulthood.

It’s the place where questions about what I believe transform into questions about how to live a life of compel-

ling discipleship. As such, Treehouse is about a few things: weekly Bible study where we come face-to-face with

an always-surprising God; weekly worship where we come face-to-face with a challenging, welcoming commu-

nity; and weekly service, where we come face-to-face with Jesus himself. These things together shape our stu-

dents into disciples who have so much to teach the rest of the church (for they have taught me much!).

And who exactly is coming? TWO phenomenal Treehouse students will be co-preaching at St John’s on Janu-

ary 31. Generally, we like to pair an older, more confident student with a younger or newer-to-faith student.

These pairs will have studied the text for several weeks, attended a preaching workshop, co-written a sermon

together, and will have had the sermon reviewed. Most pairs will be accompanied by one of our great board

members.

Wait! Are you a current student at A&M and Blinn or a soon-to-be freshman? We can’t wait to meet you!

Come introduce yourself to our preachers so we can get you connected to the ministry. Your life will never be

the same. We mean it.

Again, thank you people of St John’s for all of your support of this vital ministry. Your encouragement, generos-

ity, and prayers make a tremendous difference in the lives of so many students and young adults. This ministry

happens because of you, and we are grateful.

See you on January 31!

Pastor Mindy Roll & the students of Treehouse

Facebook – ELCA Campus Ministry of the Brazos Valley www.treehouseministries.com

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