512 McClellan Street Wausau, WI 54403-4882 Phone: 715-845-7858 Website: www.sslcwausau.com

Email address: info@sslcwausau.com

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Deadlines: Bulletin: Wednesday by 8:00 a.m. Newsletter: 3rd Thursday of the month. Livestream: You can watch us on Sunday at 9 a.m. at www.livestream.com/sslc. Office Closed: Good Friday, April 14th Easter Monday, April 17th

The newsletter of St. Stephen Lutheran Church

DATE: APRIL 2017 Volume 148 • Issue 148

FROM OUR PASTOR 2

Spring is here! And with it we are reminded of the promise that from death comes life. So much of the landscape at this time of the year still looks dreary--drab grays and browns cloak our trees and fields and lawns. But if we look closely, life has already begun to show its face. Green blades of grass, the beginnings of tulips, the buds of future leaves just beginning to grow are peeking out of the blandness of winter and the remains of death, or at least what appears to be dead. Even in the middle of winter, life survives and waits for its chance to rise from again. We are in the middle of Lent. It is a time when we are marked with ashes that remind us of the death that awaits us. We are reminded of the sin and pain that surrounds us; indeed to which we even contribute. But we already have the glimmerings of Easter and the promises of forgiveness and of life emerging from the tomb like those green blades of grass that have waited through the long winter as seeds ready to spring forth with new life. What are the dead areas of your life that are waiting to shed their cover of grays and blossom with new life and new growth? How is the Holy Spirit nurturing your faith in the midst of death and encouraging you to grow? What at St. Stephen is dying so that something new may be coaxed into life? Or better yet, what has been hibernating in your life, in this church, that is waiting for sun and encouragement to stretch forth and become something wonderful? The cycle of life that we experience in Spring points to God who is always creating and redeeming and equipping us, constantly bringing life out of death, and light from darkness. As the sun shines more each day; as our fields are filled with new lambs and calves and foals; as our children and grandchildren get another year older; as we as a church continue to engage in God’s mission, may we be renewed by this promise of continued life in Christ. A Blessing of Fields and Gardens Let us bless God, the creator of all things. God has given us the earth to cultivate, so that we might receive the bounty of its fruits. Just as the rain falls from heaven and waters the earth, bringing forth vegetation, so God’s word will flourish and will not return empty. Blessings this Spring as you share the good news of Jesus Christ and the life you have found in him! May your witness bear fruit as Christ brings life from death. Peace,

Pastor Jen

MINISTRY FAIR/NAOMI NEWS 3

Have you ever wondered what committees do? What other groups meet at St. Stephen?

Want to know more about the committees and groups? We would like to provide you with

an opportunity to find out!

On Sunday, April 23rd, following our worship service, we will be holding a Ministry Fair.

Our committees and various groups will be available to talk to you.

We are asking each committee and each group to put together a display with pictures and a

description of the activities in which they are involved. This will be an excellent opportunity

to learn more, and to celebrate the work that is happening here at St. Stephen and in the

community. It will also be an excellent time to look more deeply into the possible service

opportunities available to you.

How is God calling you to use your gifts in service of God’s mission? Let’s find out as we

continue on together this year!

A Community Poverty Simulation will be held on Thursday, April 6th from 4:30pm until 7:30pm at G.D. Jones Elementary School gymnasium, 1018 South 12th Avenue, Wausau. The Poverty Simulation provides people from all backgrounds an opportunity to walk in the shoes of a low-income family for a few short hours. For more information, call 1-608-960-0697 or email: naomi4justice@yahoo.com.

ANNIVERSARIES & BIRTHDAYS 4

Birthday Blessings The following people are celebrating April Birthdays.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

April 1st April 14th Arleen Shipway Emmalyn Grau April 4th Sophia Leiseth LeAnn Mickelson Ellen Zimmel April 5th April 15th Russell Barttelt Donald Seymour Bonnie Pils April 18th April 8th JJ Deffner Florence Beese April 19th Cathy Teske Diane Waldinger April 9th April 20th Dick Holster Chuck Deffner April 10th April 22nd Bill Brandimore Thomas Eiden Roxanne Christian Lydia Lenoble April 11th April 23rd Brad Zarda Diana Schalow April 12th April 25th John Bandock Dustin Wierzba Hailey Koehler April 26th April 13th Pamela Otradovec Clara Grizzell Everett Schmidt, Jr. Hayden Korpela April 29th Sandy Oestreich Linda Dustan Mark Wiskow April 30th Emma Dahle

Anniversaries The following couples are celebrating April Wedding Anniversaries.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

April 6th Jeffrey & Mary Blomquist April 7th Ron & Dawn Felch April 9th Mark & Denise Wiskow April 16th John & Cathy Teske April 30th Gary & Nan Froseth

Funerals

“...in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life through our Lord Jesus Christ, we commend to almighty God...”

Irene Ninnemann February 20, 2017

Baptism “...child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.”

Isaac Terrance Fischer March 12, 2017

CONGREGATION NOTES 5

Church Rummage Sale Our 3rd Annual Church Rummage Sale, sponsored by Stephen’s Angels, will be held on Saturday, April 29th from 8am until 3pm and Sunday, April 30th from 8am until noon. We are accepting gently used clothing, household items, kitchen utensils/dishes, pots/pans, books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, blankets, sheets, towels, purses, jewelry, seasonal decorations, lamps, and of course, knick-knacks. Please do not bring in any furniture items, TVs, microwaves, or exercise equipment. You can drop off items downstairs by the elevator. We will be working periodically on pricing through the month of April. If you have questions, please contact Sarah Lonsdorf or Nancy Henke.

Community Dinner St. Stephen Lutheran Church will be hosting a Community Dinner on Sunday, April 9th from 4pm to 5:10pm. The dinner is held at First Presbyterian Church and is FREE to anyone in the community. If you would like to help, please call Linda Salzman at 715-551-2259. We can use help with cooking, serving, set-up, and clean-up. Thank you!

Easter Breakfast Donations Are you able to help with donation of food items for Easter Breakfast? If so, there is a sign up sheet on the counter in the reception area.

SCRIP Sales Schedule April 2nd, 9th, & 23rd, and May 7th & 21st.

Souper Bowl of Caring Results Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Wausau is this year’s Souper Bowl of Caring winner! Second place, Bethany Aniwa, 3rd St. Stephen Edgar, 4th Mount Calvary Rothschild, and tied for 5th place First English and St. Stephen Wausau. This year our efforts amounted to $10,589 and 3133 food items for a grand total of 13,722 dollars/food items. Thank you to everybody who donated. The money and food items collected at St. Stephen have been donated to The Neighbors’ Place.

Stations of the Cross On Monday, April 10th, the Downtown Churches will be holding Stations of the Cross. Each church involved will have a brief reading or meditation on walking this path with Jesus. The evening will begin at 6pm at St. Stephen Lutheran Church and will conclude at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. Participants may walk, wheel, or drive from church to church.

Thank You Thank you everybody who donated or purchased baked goods for the Bake Sale that was held to raise money for the ESCW Lay School of Ministry. We were able to raise $279. Also, thank you to Stephen’s Angels who donated $100 and the Trust Fund who donated $500.

Young at Heart Young at Heart will meet Tuesday, April 11th at noon for a potluck luncheon.

Benevolence Through your support of St. Stephen in the month of February 2017, we were able to contribute to the following ministries: Missionary Support $318 National & Synod Support $717 Lutheran World Relief $96 World Hunger $96 The Neighbors’ Place $127 Crossways Camping Ministries $239 Total Giving for February $1,593. This is the first month of our unified budget in which we give ten percent (10%) of our current expense receipts and loose plate o f fe r i ng s fo r benevo l en ce . The above amounts are based on 10% of the income of $15,925 for February.

St. Stephen Family Checkbook For the month of February 2017 and the year to date the St. Stephen family checkbook looked like this: February 1—28, 2017 What we received...............$20,522. What we spent....................($24,774.) Our balance.........................($ 4,252.) January 1— February 28, 2017 What we received............$43,834. What we spent.................($54,296.) Our balance......................($10,462.)

WELCA NEWS 6

Committed to mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.

APRIL CALENDAR:

Wednesday, April 12th On Wednesday, April 12th, we will have a Bible Study beginning at 1pm in the Conference Room.

Saturday, April 22nd On Saturday, April 22nd, the Women’s Spring Event will be held at St. John Lutheran ELCA Town of Maine, located at 5304 North 44th Avenue, Wausau. The schedule is as follows: 8:00 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. — Registration and Continental Breakfast 8:45 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. — Business Session presented by Ruth Nelson Lau 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. — Rev. Dr. Niveen Sarras / Topic: Improbable Journey 10:30 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. — Break 10:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. — Communion Service led by Pastor Nancy Richmond 11:45 a.m. — Lunch The fee is $13 per person. Joanne Lewitzke is handling reservations for our entire group. If you want to attend, put Joanne’s name on the outside of an envelope, along with your name and payment on the inside; then place it in the WELCA mailbox by the receptionist desk. Checks should be made payable to “St. Stephen WELCA”. The deadline is 10:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, April 2nd.

On the day of the Spring Event, please bring an in-kind gift of shampoo, bar soap, or hand lotion for the Neighbors’ Place in Wausau. The Neighbors’ Place is a homegrown community center providing a hand up to residents of Marathon County and the surrounding communities.

MAY CALENDAR:

Wednesday, May 10th On Wednesday, May 10th, we will have a Bible Study beginning at 1pm in the Conference Room.

FROM OUR YOUTH COORDINATOR 7

Our 2017 mission trip will be Saturday, Saturday, July 29th thru Saturday, August 6th. We are going with Peace Lutheran, Rosendale Youth. We will be working with Youth Works at their New Orleans site. We will be taking the Amtrak train from Milwaukee and arrive in New Orleans, Sunday, July 30th. We will be renting a van in New Orleans. During the day, we will be working Monday thru Thursday with children’s programs or working with seniors or adults with special needs. Evenings we have the chance to experience even more of New Orleans culture, history, and people as we explore the French Quarter, tour the Lower 9th Ward, attend a local church service, and have a community cookout. We will leave New Orleans, Friday morning.

There are spots for 2 High School Youth, so you will need to sign up right away. Registered to go so far are: Emma Dahle, Hannah den Otter, Ethan Holster, Kaleb Holster, Hailey Koehler, and Kaitlyn Koehler. Cost is $300. If you have any questions, you can contact Schmidty at 715 573-7691.

Schmidty

Schmidty ~ Youth Coordinator / Phone: 715-573-7691 / Email: ESchmidtyJr@aol.com

The article below was written by one of our members, Diane Krueger, who belongs to our Women’s Quilting Group. They meet every Thursday morning from 8:30am until noon, September thru May. Diane’s article was published in the April 2017 issue of Gather Magazine. Some of the women from the group are pictured above. From left to right are: Phyliss Ament, Ruth Grell, Norma Bandock, Diane Krueger, Cher Lonsdorf, Darlene Yolitz, Sharon Dabler, Florence Beese, Pastor Jen, Caroline Ninnemann, and Irene Schoepke.

Quilting at St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Wausau, Wisconsin is almost like a family affair. The participants know each other well. Many are long-time (or life-time) members of our church. As we quilt, we talk and laugh, becoming friends in the process. This year, at our Lutheran World Relief Work Day, members reminisced about the past. When our group first started, they were both amazed and proud to have made 100 quilts a year. Years later, they reached 200 – thinking there was no way they could ever top that! But lo and behold, 300 became the norm! Then 350. Last year we made 412 – a record we thought we’d never break. This year, we made a whopping 457! How did that happen, we say to ourselves? We’re really not sure. All we know is we have a very dedicated group of women, and a Lord who is working through us.

CHILI COOK-OFF PICTURES 8

CONGRATULATIONS TO SETH WISKOW, this year’s winner of the Chili

Cook-Off. We had 9 different chili recipes to taste, ranging from mild to

very spicy. Seth’s recipe was very spicy and contained hamburger, chili

beans, tomatoes, six different peppers, onions, chili powder, oregano, basil,

salt, pepper, secret spices and lots of LOVE! Around 60 people turned out

to sample all of the chili recipes and vote for their favorite. We raised $190,

which will go toward the Roof and Valley Fund. Thank you to all of the chili

makers, dessert bakers, and people who donated all of the extras to top the

chili with.

EASTER LILY ORDER FORM 9

COUNCIL MINUTES ~ MARCH 13, 2017 10

Present: Darrin Koehler, Lloyd Zimmel, Randy Van Natta, Sarah Lonsdorf, Sue Holster, Nancy Prigge, Nelda Hettinga, Ron Felch, Dawn Felch, and Pastor Jen.

The meeting began at 6:33pm with the opening devotion by Lloyd Zimmel. A motion was made and approved to accept the Council Minutes from the February 13, 2017 meeting.

Pastor’s Report: For Ash Wednesday, 150 clay crosses were created to share with the members as a tool for meditation and study during our Lenten journeys. They were also delivered to our shut-ins.

President’s Report: The Council Retreat held at Open Door was well attended with much discussion and learning. During the Sunday service, a good will donation for Open Door accumulated $150. We are all encouraged to invite family and friends to attend upcoming breakfasts and fellowship during this Lenten season.

Treasurer’s Report: For the month of February we are below the budgeted amount for expenses.

Committee Reports: Approved. Synopsis as follows: Education/Youth: Two youth members are attending Confirmation Camp at Imago Dei. The youth group has begun raising funds for their July mission trip to New Orleans. Four members attended the Synod Junior High Youth Gathering on February 18 th & 19th in Appleton. Easter Breakfast will be sponsored by the youth (April 16th at 8am). Property: A picture was taken of the water damage in the organ pipe area. Plastic will not be applied to the top of the pipes. A new lock will be put on the elevator door. The garbage disposal needs to be fixed. Property will sponsor a Potato Pancake Breakfast on Palm Sunday (April 9th from 9:30am-noon). Social Concerns/Stewardship: Community Dinner on Sunday, April 9th. Linda Salzman is planning the dinner and will have more information forthcoming. Main goal of these joined committees is to continue our church’s outreach program. Trust Fund: Currently the Seidel-Meyer Pastoral Ministry Scholarship has a book value of $43,298. Monetary assistance has been requested for the youth mission trip. The Trust Fund Report was approved by Council. Worship: Maundy Thursday will include foot washing. A crown of thorns will be presented at the end of this service. Worship will be overseeing the children’s activity bags. Old Business

Little Scholars – February and March rent has been paid along with an extra $500.

Constitution – Please review. No changes currently.

Organ Repair Update – Waiting for the repairman to contact us with more specifics.

Historical Records – Continue to be collected

Project List – Boiler, to get a long term plan in place after the next inspection. Office equipment, it has been suggested that we hire a professional to go through our building and then give us suggestions on how to improve our internet functions.

Pastor will contact someone from Mission Fund who will then tour our building and point out areas that we could change to become more welcoming. This is a free service.

L.A.R.P. Group – Their insurance forms have been received. They are enjoying the use of our auditorium.

New Business

Ministry Fair – Poster boards showing the different committees, groups, and people spreading our ministry will be on display Sunday, April 23rd. Stewardship Committee will organize.

Stations of the Cross – Monday, April 10th at 6 pm. Our church will be the first on the tour. Worship Committee and Pastor will organize.

Historical Building Open House – May 13th from 10am-4pm. Darrin will organize church representatives to be present throughout.

Getting the Word Out – Lloyd investigated the cost of using City Pages and will inquire about their advertising for Holy Week.

Living River – They will not do a church service. Inquiring about an hour long concert.

Donation of Items – When items are given to the church, it has been requested that the process include Council approval.

Wednesday Suppers during Lent – Each group should use the designated donation envelope to indicate where they would like the money to go. Council has decided to donate their proceeds to Faith in Action. Stephen’s Angels put the money they received into their fund.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:05pm with the Lord’s Prayer.

Our next meeting date is Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at 6:30pm (note day change), with the opening devotions from Sarah Lonsdorf.

Respectfully submitted, Sarah Lonsdorf – Council Secretary

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 11

W h a t ’ s I n s i d e . . .

From Our Pastor..............................2

Ministry Fair/NAOMI News...........3

Anniversaries & Birthdays..............4

Congregation Notes........................5

WELCA News...................................6

From Our Youth Coordinator.........7

Chili Cook-Off Pictures...................8

Easter Lily Order Form...................9

Council Minutes..............................10

Calendar of Events.......................11

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