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St. John’s Lutheran Church

November 2011 Church BellFrom Pastor Disney

Some things can not be im-proved upon. This year we aredoing something different in 5th

and 6th Grade ConfirmationClass. I have invited the parentsto come in with their studentsto learn together. This makes somuch sense I don’t know whywe didn’t think of it sooner.Martin Luther understood this500 hundred years ago. Whenhe wrote his Small Cate-chism Luther was tryingto create somethingthat would help everyfamily to learn and growin their faith together.The very essence of theChristian faith was beingreformed and changed in thatmoment in history.

Up until then everyone as-sumed that their relationshipwith God was establishedthrough the church they be-longed to. Martin Luther andthe new Protestants now had anew way to see this. God canhave a relationship with each ofus as an individual.

The implications of this ideawere many. One of them was a

new responsibility on each indi-vidual to nurture and maintainthe health of his faith in God.Luther’s new Catechism turnedout to be the perfect tool to aidin the exploration of this newresponsibility. The book hasprayers to frame the daily walkof the Christian soul. Lutherprovided a six point frameworkfor understanding the Bible. Allthis could now sit on the diningroom table of every home.

So where is your Cate-chism? I am sure manyof you received onewhen you were con-firmed. It is the perfectcompanion in any sortof daily ritual of devo-

tion. Read a little of the Cate-chism each day and you will betreated to an overarching tourof every major part of the Chris-tian faith in a short time. It canbe especially useful in helpingto pass the faith down from onegeneration to the next in yourhome. Fold some of the cate-chism into a nightly ritual. Turnto it at meal time and it will helpyou pray and learn and grow asa family.

Where isyour

Catechism?

(Continued on page 3)

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St. John’s Lutheran Church302 NE 2nd Street

PO Box 238Buffalo, MN 55313

Phone: 763-682-1883Youth Line: 763-684-0460

Fax: 763-682-1936Noah’s Ark Pre-School: 763-682-1368

info@stjohnsbuffalo.orgwww.stjohnsbuffalo.org

Newsletter Deadline:Deadline for the December newsletter is Monday, November 14th.

Join the Newsletter Mailing Crew on Tuesday, November 22nd at 9:00 am.

Bulletin Deadline: Tuesday at midnight

Staff:Rev. James Disney, Senior Pastor

jdisney@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Kelly Thole, DCE, Youth Directorkohland@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Zoe Eckblad, Office Administratorzeckblad@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Carla Myhre-Vogt, Office Assistantcvogt@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Dan & Jackie Korbel, Custodianskorbel@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Nicky Haskins, Noah’s Ark Preschoolnoahsark@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Jim Chapa, TreasurerMary Peterson, Financial SecretaryCheryl Olsen, Board SecretaryGary Schillinger, Music Director

Worship Times:Saturday 7:00 pm on 11/5

5:00 pm beginning 11/12Sunday 8:00 & 10:30 am

Sunday’s Service Radio Broadcast onKRWC 1360 AM at 8:00 am

Office Hours:M-F 8:30-4:30

Chairman of the CongregationStan Meyer

Board of Elderselders@stjohnsbuffalo.org

Nyles Gentz, Head ElderGregg BeckmanGreg Buttenhoff

Dave Haggerty Dan Husom

Troy LanieJory Louisiana

Richard MarquetteBruce Rosine

Board ChairsAltar Guild: Dorothy Bowman

Education: Open Evangelism: Roger Strege

Fellowship: Marti & Lee Ryan Kid’s Club: Ken and Amy Hill

Library: Shala Holm Memorial Endowment/Investment:

Janice Marschel Project Compassion: Sandi Baert

Sanctuary Decorating: Shala Holm Stewardship: Open

Trustees: Brad Hoseck Women in Mission: Chris Husom

Worship: Pastor DisneyYouth & Family Ministry: Open

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Some things can not be im-proved on. One of the eventualeffects of the Reformation isthe temptation to take the indi-vidualized part of the faith toexcess. With the Internet, radio,TV, and a host of other sourcesit can be easy to convince your-self that you don’t need an ac-tual church. Some things cer-tainly have changed but therewill never be a substitute forstanding in the presence of Godwith other Christians by yourside. Jesus came down fromheaven in the flesh to makeGod’s love real. Our faith ismeant to be lived out in theflesh not just in the mind. TheChristian faith is about lovingGod and loving the things andpeople that God loves. Being apart of the church will always bea vital part of that.

In particular I want to ask someof you to rethink your decisionto bring your children to Sunday

School but to not come to wor-ship. That is just not right. That’slike showing your child a pictureof a hammer or wrench butnever putting one in their handand showing them how to use it.Your children will not live trans-formed lives if you essentiallyteach them that Christianity isjust for children. They need tosee you living it out. They needto see you confessing your sinsand saying the Creed right be-side them in worship. If you arenot living a life transformed byGod’s love it may be becauseyou harbor the idea that know-ing about God is enough. Haveyou stepped beyond knowingGod to actually loving God withyour heart, mind, and soul asJesus teaches?

Promise me that you will pull outthat dusty Catechism and thinkabout some of these issues andhow they affect you and the peo-ple that you love.

God’s Blessing, Pastor Disney

(Continued from page 1)

4th Monday PrayerOn the 4th Monday of each month we will have thesanctuary prepared for a period of personal prayerand meditation between 3:00 and 6:30 pm. In No-vember it will be on the 28th. Soft music will be play-ing and the candles will be lit. Come and go as you

wish. Stay as long as you want.

We will conclude each time at 6:30 pm with a service of Scripturereadings and prayer. We hope you will take advantage of this specialtime for resting with God and leaning on Him with your prayers.

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You are invited to a

Fall Harvest/Thanksgiving DinnerSunday, November 20th at 11:30 am

In the Fellowship Hall

Come and enjoy a delicious Thanks-giving Dinner. There will be turkey,

dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, cranberry sauce,rolls, cupcakes and beverages. The dinneris free, but a free-will offering will betaken to offset the cost of the food. Thisdinner is also open to the community sobe sure to welcome visitors to our church.

The Story

Getting to the Heart of God’s Story, an Adult BibleStudy, is offered each Sunday at 9:15 in the Fellow-ship Hall. This experience will draw you into the BigStory of what God is doing in His Word, and how itchanges the story of our lives today and forever.

It’s a hit!It’s fun!

It’s creative!

Glue, Glitter, and Beads - Oh My! Thank you tothose who have been coming to the "Country Fair

Project Nights" each Tuesday at 6:30 pm. We will continue to meeton Tuesdays until Country Fair. Meet in the Fellowship Hall here atchurch . Bring ideas for projects, work on a project supplied, or justcome for the fellowship. You won't want to miss it! See you there!

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Book Club News

We will be meeting on Tuesday, November 1st at7:00 pm to discuss Life Interrupted: Navigating theUnexpected by Priscilla Shirer. The book is avail-able in the library for $13.00 or at a book store.

Interruptions are aggravating. Sometimes infuriat-ing. They make us want to tell people what we thinkof them. But how we handle interruptions actually tell us more aboutourselves. The prophet Jonah's existence was interrupted by a call ofGod that would require a complete change of life. And it scared himenough to make him run in the opposite direction. Yet, what seemedto him to be an unnecessary and useless interruption was really anopportunity for Jonah to be involved in something the likes of whichthe Old Testament world had never seen before. This interruptionwas really a divine intervention and it held more adventure and pos-sibility than he could have ever imagined. We, like Jonah, tend to runfrom interruptions. When major pains and minor problems cause ahiccup in our carefully calculated plans and goals we head in theopposite direction. Who knows what we might be missing by runningfrom what could very well be God’s means of steering us towardsthe most magnificent outcome of our lives. Jonah could tell us astory or two. So could you. And so does popular conference speakerand author Priscilla Shirer in this very personal account of opportuni-ties lost and lessons learned—and the amazing freedom and fulfill-ment that comes from going with God even when He's going againstyour grain.

The Love of Friends

Nothing is better than spending time with lov-ing, Christian people and that’s what we do inPEP (People Enjoying People). PEP meets onthe first and third Tuesdays of every month in Room 104 acrossfrom Noah’s Ark Preschool. We begin with a brief Bible study led byPastor Klemz followed by a variety of activities which may includejoke telling, cards and games. In November we meet on the 1st and15th from 9:00 am to 11:30. Bring your own beverage; come when-ever you can; stay as long as you want. There is no regular commit-ment. The more the merrier.

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Serving in November

Ushers8:00 Dave Randel

Fred BonkBill CookTim Rajewsky

10:30 Richard Mar-quetteJim HolmDave HaggertyConfirmation Kids

Nursery Volunteers11/6 9:00

10:15Morynn MarxKris Brockopp

11/13 9:0010:15

Jennifer KlattAdrienne Murray

11/20 9:0010:15

Morynn MarxKristine Johnson

11/27 9:0010:15

Adrienne MurrayNissa Munger

Audio Visual11/511/6

7:008:0010:30

11/1211/13

5:008:0010:30

11/1911/20

5:008:0010:30

11/2611/27

5:008:0010:30

Coffee Servers11/611/1311/2011/27

The Klatts

Alpha

Saturday ServiceTime Change

With the end of DaylightSaving Time, the Satur-day Service will changeto 5:00 pm beginning onSaturday November 12th.

Heading Southfor the Winter?

If you give us your tempo-rary address and phonenumber, along with thedates you will be away, wecan be sure you continueto receive mailings fromSt. John’s. It’ll be nice tobe connected with what’sgoing on at home.

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Memorials and Gifts for OctoberDonor Memory or Honor of: Item:Janice Marschel Dale & Karen Jans Anniv Library FurnitureJanice Marschel Dale Peterson Library FurnitureJan & Lib Larson Irma Streiff St. John's Choir

Special Thanksgiving Offering

As previously approved by the congregation for 2011, our desig-nated Thanksgiving offerings will go to Lutheran Hour Minis-tries. Lutheran Hour Ministries is a Christian outreach ministry sup-porting churches worldwide. LHM produces Christian radio and TVprogramming for broadcast, as well as Internet and print communi-cations, dramas, music, and outreach materials, to reachunchurched people in the United States and more than 30 othercountries. LHM's flagship program, The Lutheran Hour, airs weekly at6:05 a.m. on WCCO Radio 830 and KRWC 1360 at 7:30 a.m.

Reserve your 2012 dates for KRWC sponsorship!

Our 8:00 worship services are broadcast on radiostation KRWC AM1360 for the benefit of those unable to attendchurch. Each broadcast costs us $150.00. There are three ways youkeep this important ministry going:

Contribute $150.00 to sponsor an entire broadcast for an avail-able date of your choosing with a personal dedication announcedon air.Contribute $75.00 for a 1/2 sponsorship of a Sunday that wepick. Your name will be mentioned.Contribute any amount of money toward the Broadcast MinistryFund and we will use it as needed.

To be sure you get the date you want, call the church office now at763-682-1883.

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Women In Mission

Thanks to everyone who helped with LWML Sunday--reading thescriptures, ushering, getting things set up, running the LWML video,helping at the display table. We sincerely appreciate your help.

Our 43rd Annual Country Fair for Missions is here! It’s Saturday, No-vember 12th, from 8 am to 1:00 pm in the Family Life Center, theFellowship Hall, and the connecting corridor. We welcome all dona-tions: crafted items--wood, sewn, painted, knitted, crocheted--gardenproduce, home-canned goods, holiday decorations, baked items.We’ll have knitted mittens, hats, and scarves to hang on our gifttree. We’ll also have handmade quilts, Christmas cookies, a silentauction, attic treasures, and a children’s area.

Plan to shop and eat at the fair. There is a quiche brunch, ChowMein dinner, Tacos, and BBQs. Come for brunch and stay for lunch.We appreciate your prayers and welcome your help. Contact PatNorine or Chris Husom with any questions or suggestions.

A Few Reminders:We’ll be putting homemade candy containers together on Thursday,the 10th at 7:00. If you can make a batch, please bring it to thechurch kitchen that afternoon. And if you can help assembly the con-tainers, that would be a great help.

We’ll set up for the fair all day Friday, the 11th. You may bring yourdonations in any time that day. Workers can bring either a sacklunch, or a potluck dish to share for our noon meal. Let Pat Norine orChris Husom know if you can volunteer to help either Thursday, Fri-day or Saturday.

“My fleshand my heartmay fail,but Godis the strengthof my heartand my portionforever.”Psalm 73:26

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On the morning of the fair, we’re asking all workers to gather at 7:45in the Family Life Center for prayer, asking God to bless this missionproject.

On Sunday, November 20th at 9:15 we’ll have a meeting to decideon the disbursements for the Country Fair funds. Anyone who has amission request should plan to be there. We’ll meet in the East Nar-thex.

Our Thanksgiving In-Gathering to benefit the Buffalo Food Shelf isSunday, November 20th through Sunday November 27th. Leave yourgifts in the Narthex, or in the box by the church office. Thank you!

You are invited to our annual Christmas Party on Thursday, Decem-ber 1st at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall. It’s open to everyone in thecongregation. Our guest speaker is storyteller Pati Kachel presentingher inspiring program, “Christmas Presence”, with music, poems,and stories. For more on Pati, look at www.theparablefund.org. Ele-gant Entrees is catering the meal of Sirloin beef tips with meltingonions served on egg noodles, green beans, salad, and dessert.Cost is $8.50. If you can’t come for the meal, please come for theprogram at 7:15.

Each Tuesday afternoon you have the opportunity to work on quiltsand other projects in the Sewing Room, off the Fellowship Hall. Youare welcome to come whenever you can.

Let us know of mission needs. Take a mite box and fill it for our mis-sion projects. Please join us for our business meeting, monthly Biblestudy or for any of our projects as we Serve the Lord With Gladness!

Upcoming Events:Thursday, November 3rd: Business Meeting at 6:00, Bible Study,“Up Close and Personal--Encounters with Jesus,” at 6:30, in the up-per level boardroom in the Family Life Center.Thursday, November 10th: Candy box assembly for Country Fair at7:00 in the kitchen.Friday, November 11th: Set up day for the Country Fair, starting at9:00 am.Saturday, November 12h: 41st Annual Country Fair for Missions from8 am to 1 pm.Sunday, November 20th: Meeting to decide on project disbursementof Country Fair funds at 9:15.Sunday, November 20th through Sunday November 27th : Thanksgiv-ing In-Gathering to benefit the Buffalo Food Shelf.Thursday, December 1st: Annual Christmas Party, beginning at 6:30.

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Calling all Youth, Kids and Adults!!!Join in and be apart of our Congregation-wide Mission Project!

Operation Christmas Child!Deadline November 13th

Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to chil-dren in desperate situations around the world throughgift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’slove. Since 1993, more than 61 million shoe boxes havebeen packed, shipped, and delivered across the globe.

Here’s how it Works…1. Pick up a shoebox at St. John’s or find one of your own(standard size, please). You can also use a small plastic con-tainer. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required.Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’sage category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Labels are available at church with theshoeboxes. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label tothe top of your box.

3. Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. A listof items is also available to pick up. Here are a few suggestions…TOYS : small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, etc.SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons, etc.HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrush, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb.OTHER: Hard candy (please double bag all candy), T-shirts, sunglasses,

hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)A PERSONAL NOTE: In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to

the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If youinclude your name and address, the child may write back.)

4. The Sunday School Children’s offerings will be used to pay the ship-ping costs. If you wish, you may donate $7 to cover the shipping of yourbox. Write your check to “Samaritan’s Purse” (note “OCC” on memo line)and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box.

5. Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at churchno later than November 13th.

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A Simple Sandwich

Join us Sunday, November 6th at 9:10 am to help theSunday school students assemble sandwiches forthe homeless through the organization 363.org. 363is a grass roots organization built on anonymous do-nations of time, talent and treasures. The organization takes thesandwiches donated and hands them out to the homeless. Every-one is invited to help make this offering mission project s suc-cess. Come and join us between services and help us show howGod can do great things through us with a simple sandwich.

Operation Christmas Child Drop Off SiteThis year St. John’s has been asked by Operation Christmas Child to be ashoebox drop off site for Buffalo and the surrounding communities. Duringthe week of November 14th-21st, St. John’s will be open limited hours forfamilies, other churches, and people of the community to bring in their shoe-box gifts.

This is an opportunity for St. John’s to share the gospel and open its doorsand invite others to check us out. But we can’t do this without yourhelp. We are looking for volunteers to help at the drop off site during theweek. As a volunteer you are a host of St. John’s by welcoming those whocome through our doors to drop off boxes, keeping a count of boxes collectedand more. The job is simple and a short term commitment. Maybe yourfamily wants to volunteer for a few hours, there is no age limit, maybe you arepart of a group who wants to do their part or maybe you are an individualwith a heart for service. Everyone is welcome! The shifts are listed below,come for a couple of hours or stay for the day. All help is needed. If youwant to know more or want to sign up, contact Kelly @ 763-684-0460.

Monday 14th 4:00pm-7:00pmTuesday 15th 4:00pm-7:00pmWednesday 16th 3:00pm-6:00pmThursday 17th 4:00-7:00pmFriday 18th 4:00pm-7:00pmSaturday 19th 10:00am-4:00pmSunday 20th 9:30-3:30pmMonday 21st 10:00am-1:00pm

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Youth & Family Ministry

Snow Days!Wednesday, November 30th

@ 6:30pm

The second session of Kids Club will begin on November 30th

from 6:30- 8:00pm. The weather outside might be frightfull but inside we are having a blast. Mostsnow days maybe filled with building forts,snow angels and snow ball fights, but thesesnow days will last long after the snowmelts. Join us as we hear the Christmasstory and the coming of our Savior Jesus.Through music, fun and games, kids get to seethe impact Jesus’ birth had on the world—andhow his ministry gives hope and a promise ofeternal life to those who believe.

Christmas ProgramPractice

December 3rd, 10th & 17th from 9:30 to 11:30am

Students 3 years through 4th grade will work together withtheir class to practice their parts, make props and help get ready

for our program on December 18th during the 10:30 service.Need more info? Contact Kelly @ 763-684-0460.

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Bringing Scripture To LifeA Workshop for Those who Read Scripture Aloud

Saturday, November 19th9:00 am to Noon

For All Current Scripture Readers - Keep Honing Your Skills!For All Who Plan to Be a Reader

For Anyone Who Likes Spending Time with Scripture

Presented by Actor and Playwright Mark Rosenwinkel(Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Guthrie Theater,

Mixed Blood Theater, Concordia U., St. Paul) and Pastor David Buuck of Minnetonka

To Register contact 320-395-2811 or stpeterslp@gmail.comThe workshop is sponsored by St. Peter Lutheran, St. Paul’s

Lutheran, Bethel Lutheran and Prairie Community of Lester Prairie,and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Plato

Hope Retreat DayDealing with Loss

November 10th

9:00 – 3:00 pm

Christ the King Retreat Center on Buffalo Lake621 First Avenue South in Buffalo

For more information or to register call 763-682-1394or go to www.kingshouse.com.

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Birthdays

Catherine Hafften 11/1Alexis Lomax 11/1Gwen Luce 11/1Aaron Radtke 11/1Kayla Schimmele 11/1Trace Anderson 11/2Jarrod Bonk 11/2James Chapa 11/2Nyles Gentz 11/2Loggan Handt 11/2Emily Korbel 11/2McKenzie Cramer 11/3Maxine Jensen 11/3Rachel Keyes 11/3Jason Klatt 11/3Ted Klemz 11/3Patricia Regentz 11/3Lillian Anderson 11/4Gail Runke 11/4Lee Ryan 11/5Charles Schoen 11/5Janet Arnold 11/6Sue Jeske 11/6Kevin Ordorff 11/6Briana Thedens 11/6Henry DeBoer 11/7Celeste Graham 11/7Doug Hafften 11/7Joshua Hopkins 11/7Tiffany Jeske 11/7Debra Marty 11/7LeeAnn Skoriuckow 11/7Lisa Walters 11/7Lucille Ordorff 11/8James Peavey 11/8Melissa Ungaro 11/8Susan Louisiana 11/9Steve Stelton 11/9Kyle Wald 11/9Carol Berg 11/10John Bjork 11/10Sharon Dierks 11/10Tony Sabraski 11/10

Gary Randt 11/11Kellen Warne 11/11Annette Berg 11/12Diana Engler 11/12Cole Lambrecht 11/12Ethan Arnold 11/13Samantha Beckman 11/13Michael Degn 11/13Greg Giebenhain 11/13Michael Hatling 11/13Gene Lambert 11/13Tom Reineccius 11/13Timothy Vergin 11/13Lila Wright 11/13Taylor Dixon 11/14Christian Giles 11/14Jason Jorgenson 11/14Bill Schmidt 11/14Eric Bergman 11/15Bill Cook 11/15Reinhardt Goerke Jr. 11/15Becky Mills 11/15Andrew Wagner 11/15Henry Forcier 11/16Britni Klatt 11/16Kari Klatt 11/16Paris Steinmetz 11/16Mee Joo Wachter 11/16Ben Barney 11/17Pat Baumgard 11/17Ryan Bonk 11/17Michael DeBoer 11/17Jason Warne 11/17Alison Dykhuizen 11/18Taylor Gearey 11/18Darlene Hicks 11/18Allen Buskey 11/19Jessica Giles 11/19Audrey Green 11/19Marissa Huikko 11/19Marion Lacina 11/19Jason Lemke 11/19Julia Martinson 11/19

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Anniversaries

Keith & Sally Lemke 11/2Jill & Gary Marketon 11/2Ralph & Marilyn Sotebeer 11/2Doug & Judy Hanson 11/3Gerald & Judy LaFave 11/3Deann & Randy Shupe 11/5Earl & Karen Uecker 11/5Thomas & Pixie Elletson 11/6Greg & Celeste Graham 11/7Tony & Theresa Sabraski 11/7Matthew & Bonnie Jeske 11/8Nyles & Helane Gentz 11/9Jean & Gene Kubu 11/9Erna & Henry Steenerson 11/11

Debbie & Paul Thomas 11/15Jodi & Steve Lachermeier 11/17Mike & Tammy Bertsch 11/18Woodrow & Kari Klatt 11/18Steve & Carla Vogt 11/19Christopher & Kara Froberg 11/21James & Rosemarie Workman 11/22Brad & Sandy Arntson 11/24Cory & Jen Hilk 11/25Marlene & Gregory Rudenick 11/26Joe & Molly Schillinger 11/26John & Toni Kock 11/27Robert & Judy Lacina Jr. 11/28Anne & Matt Tscholl 11/30

Laura Martinson 11/19Debra Ordorff 11/19Ruth Peavey 11/19Marvin Streich 11/19Ann Wertish 11/19LaRee Reese 11/20Eric Workman 11/20James Workman 11/20Jennifer Haag 11/21Taran Hagan 11/21Alex Leuer 11/21Donna Meidinger 11/21Debbie Reineccius 11/21Keith Thibodeau 11/21Taylor Workman 11/21Heather Anderson 11/22Nicole Beckman 11/22Krista Graf 11/22Lyla Schwalbe 11/22Waldo Solberg 11/22Arnold Spike 11/22Tyler Peterson 11/23Sirena Powell 11/23Sarah Stech 11/23Diane Veches 11/23Madison Willprecht 11/23Owen Czanstkowski 11/24Audrey Mainquist 11/24Eric Mietz 11/24

Nicole Berg 11/25Eric Bixby 11/25Lee Dalchow 11/25Sharon Kaufman 11/25Farin Klatt 11/25Traci Lee 11/25Cole Loberg 11/25Laura Mackenthun 11/25Lauren Meidinger 11/25Zara Sahli 11/25Fred Bonk 11/26Kianna Hamann 11/26Edward Louisiana 11/26Pauline Thaemert 11/26Mitchell Fehn 11/27Harold Clifton Jr. 11/28Sayward Hayes 11/28Karen Jans 11/28Luella Krohn 11/28Skyler Valley 11/28Erin Crone 11/29Kitte Klatt 11/29Zachary Ordorff 11/29Sheree Rosine 11/29Anne Tscholl 11/29Nicole Lanie 11/30Will Selvig 11/30Marsha Stech 11/30Mark Thomson 11/30

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Call to Order: Stan MeyerOpening Prayer: Pastor DisneyReview Agenda and Approve Secre-tary’s Report: Agenda reviewed and amotion to accept Secretary’s report wasmade by Roger Strege and seconded byChris Husom. Motion carried.Reports:Pastor’s Report: Pastor Disney spokeon how excited he is about the new 5th

and 6th grade Confirmation programbeing very well accepted and finds theparents are committing to learn with theirchildren. The Adult Bible Study is veryinteresting and commented that onecould jump in anytime and find it so. Hewould like to see the Church Board at-tending. He had a recommendation thatduring Lent the worship times should betweaked to 4:30 and 7:15.The Radio Ministry is very valuable andhe feels that we should work with thisand build on the program by extendinginvitations to join us in church and com-menting on what we have to offer, web-sites, newsletters, possibly add a bene-diction.Youth & Family Ministry: Kelly Tholereported that they are working with the3rd graders on the Bible Basics class.The bibles will be presented on Oct 23rd.Oct 26th is the Kids club family eventcalled Slime Time. There will be food –fun – games- and learning about Godslove for them. Operation Christmas Childkickoff is Oct 30th with Nov 13 being St.John’s collection time. Nov 4th thru the21st will be collection time for the sur-rounding churches and individuals todrop off their shoeboxes at St. John’swhich has been made the main collec-tion site for this year. Anyone who is

interested in volunteering to help duringthe 14th thru 21st can call Kelly or signup in the church or talk to a Libraryboard member. Nov 6th the Sundayschool kids will be making sandwicheswith materials purchased from theirofferings. If you would like to volunteerto help Kelly would welcome you.These sandwiches will then go to thehomeless in the Twin Cities.Financial Secretary and Treasurer’sReports: Jim Chapa gave some of theHighlights for Sept. We continue tocome in under budget. The Buildingfund continues to be short but monieshave been moved from the Accumu-lated Interest in the Savings Accountand from Rent. Suggestions will bebrought up at the Quarterly meeting ashow this could be handled such asrefinancing. It will also be brought to avote if the Congregation would like theWish List money that is in excess tojust be moved to other Wish List items.Contributions and Expenses for Sep-tember:Contributions $28,434Expenses 25,766Net Increase (Decrease) 2,669Old Business: No advancement on theStewardship Board The Call Process, meetings are beingheld and what results are ready at thattime will be reported at the Quarterlymeeting.Subjects for the Quarterly meeting werediscussed including officer elections.No New Business at this time.Board & Committee Reports:Elders: The Elders will start Oct 1st

going with Pastor to visit members ofthe church. A person will read re-

Board Meeting Minutes—10/10/2011

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sponses during the radio hour so thatpeople can hear these clearer. ThreeElders are needed to join the board soinquires are now going out.Trustees: Brad Hoseck had written re-port and commented on a few of theitems. Blinds for the Life Center are upwith the exception of two that had incor-rect lengths, this is being fixed. Snowremoval will again be done by Josh Bonkwho will clear the parking lots. The side-walk clearing position is pending. Thework on the Alarm system is being ad-dressed. There was discussion on get-ting a part time maintenance person andhow it would fit into the budget. They arelooking at gutters for the Family LifeCenter.Worship: Pastor Disney was sad toreport that the Contemporary Group thatwas lined up to play music at the 10:30service has suffered some illness andloss and at this point will not be able tofunction. Again a call goes out to anyoneinterested in playing please contact Pas-tor Disney.Evangelism: Roger Strege reported thatthe Family Fun Fest was a great daywith beautiful weather and a good timehad by all. Overall everything was up byabout 10% except for the Raffle tickets.The two bands worked well and theWagon Wheelers have all ready commit-ted to next year. The board will look intomore games next year and the car showwill be canceled. With expenses de-ducted there was approximately $1400to the good. Next years date has alreadybeen picked, Sept 22nd.Fellowship: Marti Ryan reported that 24people were on the Cruise. 18 peopleare signed up for the Play – ChurchBasement Ladies – Oct 16th. The boardwill help serve at the Capital CampaignCelebration Dinner Oct 30th. The board

is also looking at forming an entertain-ment group which will come under Fel-lowship but work on more of the activi-ties. On Dec 4th the Jars will be at St.John’s presenting a show called FaithJourney.Education: Kelly Thole just mentionedthat the kids will be making sandwichesNov. 6th and anyone who would like tohelp is more than welcome.Lutheran Women in Mission: Chris Hu-som highlighted her written report withcommenting on the Country Fair plans,everyone should come. Dec. 1st will bethe Christmas Party and again everyoneis welcome. There will be food catered in,fellowship, and a speaker. The board isalso working with Sisters in Spirit.Library: The board has agreed to workwith Kelly on the Operation ChristmasChild program. The book for the BookClub in Nov. is Life Interrupted - Navigat-ing the Unexpected by Priscilla Shirer.Noah’s Ark: No report at this time.Project Compassion / Health Cabinet:They will meet on Oct 18th anyone iswelcome to join to continue the outreachto those who may not be able to attendchurch or are ill or would just like to knowsomeone cares.Missions: Their work continues and areport will be made at the Quarterlymeeting.Decorating: Their work continues withChristmas the next decorating projectthat is being discussed.Don’t forget the Capital Campaign dinneron Oct. 30, the meal is being donatedand is catered in.Closing Prayer: Pastor DisneyMeeting adjourned on a motion fromRoger Strege seconded by Chris Husom.Respectfully submitted byCheryl Olsen, Board Secretary

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Body Parts1 Corinthians 12:12 - For as the body is oneand has many members, but all the membersof that one body, being many, are one body,so also is Christ, There is to be a great unity in the diver-sity that is called the Body of Christ. Theremay be differing personalities, cultures, andtraditions; nevertheless, there will be a unityof Spirit, love, and purpose if the Body isfocused on Christ. Whenever Christ is thefocus of a church, that church will never ar-gue about the color of carpeting, the style ofmusic, nor any other self-centered opinions,because all of these things can become self-centered opinions only. A local Body or Con-gregation can only move forward as one, ifthe head of that Body or Congregation isChrist. Like the human body, we are able todiscern the health of the Church by its joyand peace. A healthy body grows, gives,serves, and joyfully worships. Nevertheless,if just one part of the body is disgruntled orsin-sick, the whole body will suffer. There-fore, let us pray for one another, love oneanother, and truly be one Body in Christ. Ifthe Parts are healthy, the body is healthy. Let us go about our tasks at hand withJoy and to the Glory of God.Opening: Stan Meyer Prayer: Pastor DisneyAgenda Reviewed: Motion was made byWillis Miller to accept agenda, seconded byMarlis Thomsen. Motion carried.Pastor’s Report: Pastor Disney spoke on atalk he had with another Minister concerningattendance and how the church as a wholehas suffered, noting that churches fromacross the Nation are seeing changes. Hesees our church body continuing to grow inour faith and conviction consistently gather-ing. Invite your family and friends to join youand thank you for carrying the message out.Pastor would love to see a return of the dayswhen a hundred people would attend theBible study. The one he is offering on Sun-day mornings is one of the best he has seenand extends an invitation to jump in any Sun-day. We can as members of this church cre-ate momentum. We are the corner stone andcan make the church what we would want itto be.

Saturday nights stay about the same inattendance but he found that eight newpeople attended the last service. The timewill change back to 5:00 when daylightsavings time arrives. Pastor commented heis thankful for all who attend.Youth and Family Ministry: Written report.The youth continue with a full schedule.Action Items:Secretary’s Report: Lynnette Smith madea motion to accept report which was sec-onded by Dave Haggerty. Motion carried.Treasurer’s Report: Jim Chapa reviewedthe Highlights for the Third Quarter. Wecontinue to stay in budget on all non passthrough items but found July and Augustdown with no good explanation. One over-age of budget was unexpected Van ex-penses which were covered by dedicatedsavings account funds. The Building Fundcontinues to fall short so money from“accumulated interest and rent are beingtransferred to cover the payments. A mo-tion to move and use undesignated fundsand certificates of deposit to get throughthe end of the year was made by Bill Cookand seconded by Lynnette Smith. Motioncarried. There was discussion on refinanc-ing the loan which would cost about $500and save approximately $1100 a month inthe loan payment. A motion to move for-ward with the refinancing was made by EdDilly and seconded by Greg Beckman.Motion carried. Jim will move the moneyleft from completed Wish List items to otheritems on the Wish List. Motion to acceptreport was made by Pat Norine and sec-onded by Carl Bowman. Motion carried.Financial Report: Jim Chapa commentedon Mary Peterson’s written report and tonote how their reports tie out.Jim Chapa gave an overview of the 2012Budget (written report) with a reduction inthe General Fund. Discussion followed onsome of the items, One Call now being aonce a month expense, Benefits and Com-pensations increased - salaries restored totheir 2009 level and insurance increases. Amotion was made by Jan Larson to acceptthe 2012 budget. Motion was seconded byAaron Beckman, motion carried.

Quarterly Voters’ Meeting Minutes—10/16/2011

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General Contributions and Expenses forQuarter: Contributions $87,236 Expenses 77,385 Net Increase (Decrease) 9,851Discussion on the job that Kelly Thole ourDCE is doing brought forth a motion fromEldon Peterson which was seconded byLori Mussell to give Kelly a 3% increase.Motion passed.Stan Meyer extended a thank you to JimChapa, Jennifer Green and Mary Petersonfor all their hard work.New Business:Election of officers: Richard Marquettenominated Nyles Gentz to continue ashead elder and Ed Dilly nominated BradHoseck to continue as head trustee. On amotion from Jim Chapa nominationspassed.2012 Mission Projects: Pat Norine gavean explanation of the 2012 Mission Pro-jects. A motion was made and carried toaccept as indicated on the written report.Old Business:Survey Assessment Update: Stan Meyerreported the Survey Assessment group iscontinuing to sort through information toput together recommendations for what St.John’s might need using the guide lines ofthe Purpose set up by the Church.Financial Campaign Update: Bill Cookspoke on some numbers that would workfor the campaign such as if 100 familieseach gave only $10 more a month. StanMeyer commented that the group felt itwas wise not to hire a financial personwhich would save considerable money. BillCook said there will be a Kick Off dinnerOctober 30 for the Campaign, with fooddonated and catered in.Board and Committee Reports, writtenand oral:Elders: Richard Marquette filling in forNyles Gentz reported our - Receivedmembers for the Quarter were – ConnerNovacek, Grady Allerson, Cassidy Cum-mings, Braden Schleif, Jayce Bode – Re-moved members were – Kevin Schmidt,Katherine Schmidt, Amelia Schmidt, An-drew Schmidt, Irma Streiff, Justin Bonk,Austin Bonk, Cody Bonk, Benjamin Bonk,Cooper Bonk. Motion to accept changeswas made and passed. Highlights were

the fact Elders are reading lessons atservices, they continue to work with Pas-tor Disney on visitations, the missionstatement of St. John’s is being reviewed,a health insurance package was workedon, staff salaries were discussed andapproved, and it was noted 3 Elders areneeded and the board is contacting mem-bers in this regard.Trustees: Written report. A thank youwas extended to Brad Hoseck for thegood job he does.Worship: Covered under Pastor Disney’sreport.Due to time issues the Evangelism - Me-morial/Gifts – Missions – Building Fi-nance – Lutheran Women in Mission –Project Compassion/Health Cabinet –Decorating Boards reports are all foundin the written packet.Library: Shala Holm spoke about Opera-tion Christmas Child of which the board isworking with Kelly. St John’s has beenasked to be the drop off for the shoeboxes from the community and otherchurches. Volunteers are needed to com-plete this project which will go from Nov14 the Nov 21. The kick off for OperationChristmas Child will be Oct 30. Informa-tion and a sign up sheet will be availablein the Narthex on Sundays or call thechurch, talk to Kelly or the Library com-mittee Prayerfully consider helping withthis project as a group, as an individual,as a family.Fellowship: Bill Cook officially turnedover the leadership of the board to co-chairs Marti & Lee Ryan.Comments on the Family Fun Fest weremade and again this year it was a suc-cess and plans for next year are alreadybeing made. A date has already been setfor Sept 22nd.Pat Norine asked to remember the Coun-try Fair which is coming up fast in Nov.and that Tuesday nights there is a craftnight which anyone is welcome to partici-pate in to create things for the Fair.Motion to adjourn meeting was made bythe Larson’s, motion carried.Closing Prayer: Pastor DisneyRespectfully submitted by Cheryl Olsen,Board Secretary

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