volume 57, issue 6 june 2019 - stjohnsmpls.org · 6/6/2019 · the messenger page 3 children,...

Volume 57, Issue 6 JUNE 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Annual Meeting/

Celebration of Ministries ... 1

June Sunday Mornings ....... 2

June Lectionary ................... 2

Bible Study & More ........... 2

CYF June/July Events ....... 3

ANNUAL REPORTS:

Administration .................... 4

Chi Rho Center ................... 5

CYF ...................................... 6

CAN ..................................... 7

Missionary Circle ................ 8

Prayer Ministries ................. 8

Foundation .......................... 9

Membership ...................... 10

Music Series ....................... 11

RIC ..................................... 12

Stewardship ....................... 13

Worship ............................. 14

About Our People ............ 15

June Celebrations.............. 15

Welcome Statement ......... 15

Office Information ........... 15

St. John’s Staff & Council 16

Mission-Vision-Values ..... 16

The Messenger

Sunday,

June 9

10:45 a.m.

Fellowship Hall

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

Nomination and Election of New Council Members

Three 3-year terms to be filled One 2-year term to be filled

Presentation of Reports and Celebration of Ministries

Update on Chart of Accounts & Financial Summary

As a gathered congregation, we welcome a newly baptized brother or sister with the words, “We welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God’s creative and redeeming word to all the world.” From then on, day by day, each of us grows by grace into that mission as a part of that body—-sometimes very slowly, sometimes in

great spurts, sometimes struggling for strength or even air, sometimes not sure who in the world we are supposed be growing up into! In the following pages, we can see something of how, by God’s grace and guidance, we of St. John’s continue to grow in our baptismal mission as members of this ministering body of Christ; something of what we’ve been able to accomplish this year in our church, community, and the world; and something of how we have loved one another. And...when you are at the communion rail sometime, take a moment to notice the remarkable gift beneath you, fashioned as a reminder of much that has shaped our mission as St. John’s. We carry on...a work in progress…splashed with love.

Ann Paulson, St. John’s Assistant for Ministry

Celebrate!

SUMMER WORSHIP 9:30 A.M.

BEGINNING JUNE 9

ANNUAL MEETING and

CELEBRATION of

MINISTRIES

Work in Progress

THE MESSENGER PAGE 2

JUNE

LECTIONARY

June 16 Holy Trinity

Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 Psalm 8

Romans 5:1-5 John 16:12-15

June 23 Pentecost 2

Isaiah 65:1-9

Psalm 22:19-28 Galatians 3:23-29

Luke 8:26-39

June 2 Easter 3

Acts 16:16-34 Psalm 97

Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21 John 17:20-26

HONORING OUR NEIGHBOR’S FAITH: A Lutheran Perspective on Faith Traditions in America is the resource for the next few sessions of ‘Bible Study & More’ with Pastor Mark and others on Thursday mornings. Hundreds of Christian denominations and dozens of non-Christian traditions have followers in the United States. How do we view this wide variety of beliefs and practices? How does the Lutheran tradition compare with others? All are welcome to come and explore key teachings, worship patterns and practices, and other aspects of main religious traditions in our country today. This month’s sessions will meet on June 6, 13 and 27 at 10:00 a.m. in St. John’s Lounge.

June 9 Day of Pentecost

Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

Romans 8:14-17 John 14:8-17 [25-27]

JUNE SUNDAY MORNINGS

June 30 Pentecost 3

1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21

Psalm 16 Galatians 5:1, 13-25

Luke 9:51-62

2 – 9:15 Last Day of Sunday School Party

(wear clothes and shoes for outside)

10:00 Worship — Celebrating Our Graduates; Baptism

11:00 Fellowship — Reception for Graduates

9 – Summer Sunday Schedule begins:

9:30 Worship — Baptism

10:30 Fellowship

10:45 Annual Congregational Meeting/

Celebration of Ministries

16 – 9:30 Worship —guest preacher

10:30 Fellowship

23 – 9:30 Worship —guest preacher

10:30 Fellowship

30 –10:00 Worship @ Lake Harriet Bandshell

St. John’s Lutheran w/St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Community

https://members.sundaysandseasons.com/Home/Index/2019-6-16/0






















CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY

June/July CYF Calendar

Sunday School Schedule: *For children K-5th grade — we meet Sundays at 9:15 a.m. on the top floor of the building Sunday, June 2 — Last Day of Sunday School Party! (Wear clothes and shoes for outside.) Graduation Recognition Sunday: Sunday, June 2 Help us celebrate our graduating high school and college seniors. We’ll recognize them during the service and have time to hear about the upcoming chapter of their lives at a casual reception during fellowship hour. Let Amy know if you’d like to help host the celebration! Summer Camp Opportunities: Come to the Chi Rho Center for a week this summer! Wayzata Community Church is hosting programming for all ages! Talk to Amy, or pick up a brochure in the Church Office.

Children: For campers entering grades 3-5 (4 days, 3 nights) Friday, July 5 – Monday, July 8 Session Fee: $455

Middle School: For campers entering grades 6-8 6 days and 5 nights Friday, June 28 – Wednesday, July 3 Session Fee: $575

High School: For campers entering grades 9-12 (7 days, 6 nights) Saturday June 8 – Friday, June 14 Friday, June 21 – Thursday, June 27 Session Fee: $653

All Church Camp: For all ages! 4 days and 3 nights Saturday, July 27 — Tuesday, July 30 Session Fee: $125 per adult, $100 per child, not to exceed $500 per family Children 3 and under are free

Stay tuned! September Friday Night Fun: Picnic in the Park Let’s gather together this September at a park for a picnic and an evening of outdoor activities! Interested in helping coordinate this event? Let Amy know!

VBS Day Camp—‘Come to the Table’

Summer is almost here, and that means it is almost time for VBS Day Camp! Several Minneapolis churches are working together to put on a week of programming at Bethel Lutheran Church, 4120 - 17th Ave. S, Monday, June 17 - Friday, June 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The camp is for students grades k-8. Cost is $30 per child, $60 max per family.

To register, go to http://oursavioursmpls.org/day-camp.html and click “Download the registration form as a PDF here.”

You’ll find more details about the camp and registration on the PDF form. [Who to contact for questions? Please send me (Amy) an email at [email protected], or give me a call (651-332-0300) with any questions!]

https://www.google.com/maps/place/4120+17th+Ave+S,+Minneapolis,+MN+55407/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x87f62870512ca195:0x35e9a44f1e403ef0?sa=X&ei=CAv_VJ6BEMayyASh4ICQCw&ved=0CB0Q8gEwAA

http://oursavioursmpls.org/day-camp.html


ADMINISTRATION

ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE

Annual Report of 2018-2019 Program Year

Committee Members: Sarah Tellijohn (President), Jennifer Burdick (Vice President), Susan Zabel (Treasurer),

Patrick Coveney (Secretary), Pastor Mark Tiede

Major Accomplishments:

2019 Budget Planning & Approval

Moved the church bookkeeping system to a new chart of accounts

Hired Amy Mihelich, Director of Youth & Family Ministry

Hired Ben Gebhardt, Weekend Custodian and Mill City Cleaners, evening custodial service

Supported the work of the Reconciling in Christ task force and adoption of the St. John’s RIC Welcome

Statement

Hosted a workshop for all St. John’s committees to focus on reframing ministry in the context of the

congregation’s newly adopted mission, vision and core values statements

Review & Approval of lease agreement between Wayzata Community Church and Chi Rho for summer

2019

Established the Chi Rho Vision Task Force for evaluating Wayzata Community Church-Chi Rho short

and long-term relationship

Established the Capital Improvement Prioritization & Planning Team (members still needed!)

Annual Performance Review for Pastor Mark Tiede (June 2019)

Purchased new church management software (Breeze)

Approved new copy machine lease/equipment, new telephone system, changed Internet service providers,

computer equipment upgrades (router, firewall, etc.)

In addition, the focus of the Administration Committee is to work with the staff of St. John’s Church, Child Care

& Chi Rho Center to regularly review financial statements and to provide guidance on personnel issues and other

administrative duties as they arise. The Committee meets once per month and plans the agenda for the monthly

Congregation Council meeting.

Goals for 2019-2020 Program Year:

Prioritize capital improvement projects and begin planning for possible capital campaign

Complete proposed bylaws revisions; hold congregational vote on revised constitution and bylaws

Launch electronic payment options for offering, child care tuition/fees

Complete insurance coverage review; adding cyber-liability coverage

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Tellijohn

Photos by Samuel Grace (thank you, Sam!)


CHI RHO CENTER

CHI RHO COMMITTEE


Through the year 2018 we had very similar numbers of recent years, around 1,500 guests with the

largest number during the Lake Association party for one day and Dinner, celebrating neighbors and

enjoying organized activities for all ages.

Other large groups were from Edina Cross Country for team camp, Girls Basketball for skills training

and events and Camp Tamarack's church group with a boys’ week and a girls’ week for activities and

chapel time in the evening, singing and doing skits.

All other groups consisted of family gatherings, weddings, church groups, teen recovery groups and

other smaller cross country teams.

Some weekends were filled through the off months with small church gathering groups, music medita-

tion and ladies groups.

The highlight of the year was getting to know and welcome Wayzata Community Church to the camp

for the months of June and July for 2019.

Camp says goodbye to Girls Basketball and Edina Cross Country, and all other groups were moved to

August.

June this year is the kickoff month for Wayzata Community Church and the adventures that await them

at their new home camp base!

Thank You,

David Helm

Manager, Chi Rho Center

5750 Porter Avenue

Annandale, Minnesota 55302

(320) 274-8307

The Chi Rho Committee: Dave Helm, Brad Nelson, Bob & Marlene Holden, Oly Stromberg, Jim & Dona Collins, Sara Marsh, Scott Belz, Grant Johnson, Loren Teig


CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY

CYF COMMITTEE


This has been a year of new life and energy at St. John’s, and the CYF Committee is no exception. We’ve

completely revitalized our programming to offer opportunities for fellowship and Christian education to our

congregation and community members. Some of those programs include:

Sunday Christian Education Programs:

Sunday School (Elementary Students)

Brunch and Bible Study (Middle and High School Students)

Adult Sunday School (Open to Everyone)

Community Outreach Programs:

Homework House (Tutoring for Middle and High School Students)

Inter-generational Events:

Friday Night Fun

Craft Night

Trunk-Or-Treat Halloween Party

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Movie Night

Yoga Night

Game Night

Other Events:

TRUST Youth (Middle and High School Students)

Christmas Program

Commencement Sunday

This is a year of growth for CYF, both in opportunities and numbers. We’ve seen growth in the number of

children attending Sunday school and nursery, and we have 100% participation in our high school programs.

Friday night fun has now become a part of our St. John’s culture, and with nearly 30 people attending each

event in the spring we cannot wait to continue it in the fall.

CYF Committee 2018-19: Amy Mihelich, St. John’s Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministry; Anne

Nervig; Elizabeth Roe; Tamara Gebhardt


COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD

CAN COMMITTEE


The Community And Neighborhood (CAN) Committee continues to focus on serving the hungry,

primarily youth at Justice Page Middle School. During the past year we also continued to participate in the

following activities: food shelf collections, financial contributions to ZOOM House, Loaves and Fishes at

St. Stephen’s and Wreath of Love gifts for Redeemer residents through TRUST, and contributions to

TRUST in the form of office rental space.

Highlights of the Justice Page Middle School program across the street from church:

- Provided food products in backpacks for 15 families each month

- Partnered with St. John’s Youth to furnish emergency clothing for Page students

- Partnered with ZOOM House to provide emergency furniture to Page family

- Provided pantry food for the Page School food shelf

- Partnered with St. John’s Child Care families to give additional bags of food and gift cards

for additional families during the winter break holiday season

- Reviewed this program in May with the Justice Page Social Workers and received

very positive feedback

This program will continue in 2019.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THESE PROGRAMS.

JOIN US, WE MEET SECOND SUNDAY OF THE MONTH AFTER CHURCH.

Current CAN committee members: Steve Dosdall, Mark and Tamara Gebhardt, Amanda Stagg,

Marlene Holden, Andy Tellijohn, Bea Hasselmann, Pastor Tiede, Elizabeth Roe


MISSIONARY CIRCLE 2018-2019

Missionary Circle currently has fourteen active members who meet eight times a year. We have speakers from Non-Profits in the area to explain their programs and how they interact with the community.

Over the last two years we have supported the following:

Ron and Bea Hasselmann (feeding the homeless) International Health Services (President Drew Mathew is the son of St. John’s member May Mathew) Chi Rho (scholarships) Items and Towels for men at the Salvation Army St. John’s Child Care Center (summer activities scholarships) TRUST (annual fund auction, Wreath of Love) Union Gospel Mission

Operation Bootstrap Africa (Lutheran girls’ school in Tanzania) - We sponsored, prepared and served a dinner supporting Operation Bootstrap Africa.

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (shelter for homeless men) Meals on Wheels - assembled 80 tray favors for Easter lunches LPGM—began sponsorships of 2 girls and 1 boy, boarding school students in the state of Tamilnadu in India

Missionary Circle funding comes from donations by members at monthly meetings, funds from St. John’s and designated funds (e.g. memorials).

Meeting Speakers Tina Shear – Child Care Center Nancy Biele – TRUST Director

Ann Paulson – St. John’s Office Assistant A written report from Operation Bootstrap Africa Dolly Spiller – OneSight Foundation Mark Tiede—Pastor; Lutheran Partners in Global Ministry

The Missionary Circle 2018-19: JoAnn Christoferson, chairman; Sonja Ashner, Louise Carlson, Deborah Dunham, Vicky Ercolani, Bea Hasselmann, Betty Johnson, Sharon Koschak, Diane Rooney, Marjorie Sethna, Betty Shannon, Elaine Taylor, Jeanne Tuvey

PRAYER CHAIN MINISTRY St. John’s Prayer Chain was reinstated 13 years ago, in September 2006. Since then, 336 people have been prayed for by members of the Prayer Chain, honoring all requests whether for St. John’s members, loved ones, friends, colleagues, etc. There are currently 15 prayers servants in the chain, and more are needed —both women and men! Anyone can pray; this is an intentional ministry with commitment to caring and confidentiality. If you would like to become part of this ministry of prayer, or wish to request prayer for yourself or anyone that you are aware of needing prayer, please contact Betty Shannon at 952-926-9691, or Pastor Mark.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY Prayer shawls have been knitted or crocheted by St. John’s volunteers for about 15 years. Prayers accompany the work of creating shawls to be given to people in serious need of comfort and healing. This year, 4 knitted prayer shawls, 4 baptismal blankets, and 3 hand-sewn, embroidered graduate’s blankets have been presented by St.

John’s. If you like to knit (or crochet) we could really use your help in this ministry. Please let Marlene Holden know and she will provide you with yarn and a pattern! Donations for purchase of yarn are also welcome. Be

prepared to bless and be blessed!


ST. JOHN’S FOUNDATION


St. John’s Foundation was established in 1982 to provide financial support to sustain and advance the ministries

of the Church. The Foundation receives and invests monetary gifts in Endowment Fund A of the Evangelical

Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Fund A’s assets are selected, where feasible, in accordance with criteria

of social responsibility that are consistent with the values and programs of the ELCA (ELCA Endowment Fund

Pooled Trust Fund A 4th Quarter 2018 Report).

As of December 31st, 2018, the market value of the Foundation investment was $1,234,073.84. That was down

from $1,393,696.51 at the close of 2017. Currently, net investment income from this fund is distributed quarterly

to the Church’s general fund. In 2018, the Foundation contributed $51,268.54 to St. John’s.

Over the past three years, the members of the Foundation Board have continued revisiting the Foundation’s

current bylaws. The board has decided to start using a portion of the net income to start a community grant

program. Details are not finalized, but the disbursements will be done in conjunction with the Community and

Neighborhood Committee and in keeping with the mission of the church. More details on that to come in the

near future.

The Foundation board thanks Ellen Dosdall for her leadership in recent years. Her term on the board ended in

2018. New member John Gerken recently agreed to serve a term on the board as Ellen’s replacement.

Current Foundation Board members:

Andy Tellijohn (2015)

Matthew Burdick (2015)

Julie Hurbanis (2017)

John Gerken (2019)

Pastor Mark Tiede


MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE


The membership committee has the responsibility of promoting membership growth, evangelism outreach, marketing & communications, hospitality, fellowship and adult education. Over the past year, the committee has focused on continuing our growth together, as well as welcoming hospitality. Highlights and events over the past year include:

St. John’s welcomed 6 new members into our congregation in 2018/19. New members have been given a plant during the worship service to commemorate their commitment with us to living faith boldly and growing together in service. The committee hosted new member receptions following worship to recognize new members.

Provided hospitality/welcome bags for the Chi Rho 135th Celebration in August

Coordinated and executed God’s Work. Our Hands, the ELCA’s day of service on Sunday, Sept. 9 with immense help and leadership from a variety of members. Tamara spear-headed the ZOOM House birthday bag supplies through a Thrivent Action Grant. Dustin led this activity. Elizabeth Roe led backpack food packing. Sam Grace led the Nicollet Avenue street clean-up activity. Andrew Berg took photos and created a social media post. Patrick & Leah Coveney, Matt & Jennifer Burdick, and Deborah Dunham led kitchen help for the luncheon. A total of approximately 25-30 people were involved in the activities, as well as took part in the luncheon. It was a successful, fun, beautiful day.

Hosted a Holiday potluck meal following the Children’s Christmas Pageant on Sunday, Dec. 16. Many volunteers pitched in to help in kitchen, make/serve coffee, clean-up. Thank you all!

Held St. John’s Cooks & Eats social event on Saturday, February 2. Huge thanks to Kaitlyn Johnson for leading the taco-making, and for those who attended this event.

Hosted the (mostly) annual St. John’s Chili Cook-Off on Sunday, February 10. We had 10 chili entrants, lots of friendly competition and tasting, and great helpers/servers in the kitchen. Money raised went to the Hasselmanns’ ministry of feeding the homeless. Bea Hasselmann was the winner! We will do this event again next winter.

We welcome any ideas you have to continue to make St. John’s a welcoming congregation and that embody our core values of worshiping, healing and serving. If you’d like to join the membership committee, have ideas for or assist in any of our events, please contact any of the members listed. Membership Committee: Andrew Berg, Leah Coveney, Pastor Mark Tiede, Jennifer Burdick (chair)

THE MESSENGER PAGE 1 1

MUSIC SERIES

MUSIC SERIES COMMITTEE

Annual Report of the 2018-2019 Program Year

MUSIC SERIES

MUSIC SERIES COMMITTEE

Annual Report of the 2018-2019 Program Year

Mission: To present great works of music to the neighborhood and community, performed well, at no

charge.

The St. John’s Music Series Committee is very thankful for your support of St. Johns Music Series (SJMS). SJMS hosted 3 concerts in the 2018-2019 season.

• Messiah – December 8 & 9 at 7 p.m. and 3 p.m. respectively

The 29th annual performance of Handel’s Messiah had over 700 in attendance. The performance has become a holiday tradition for many, and it is gratifying to see some of the same faces from year to year. Music Director Sam Grace directed the orchestra and Oratorio Chorus, along with this year’s soloists: Tracy Engelmann, soprano; Victoria Vargas, mezzo-soprano; Gary Ruschman, tenor and Justin Spenner, bass. After each performance, our audience was treated to a reception with home-made cookies and beverages.

• Bach and Rameau – September 30 at 11:45 a.m.

St. John’s Music Series and worship team presented Bach and Rameau, a morning of baroque music with period-style instruments featuring Seulgee Lee Nelson on harpsichord, SungAe Sone, traverse (baroque flute), and Julie Elhard, viola da gamba. The trio presented a preview of their recital during worship and a brief recital followed fellowship hour “Bach” up in the sanctuary.

• Spring Concert with Masses by Haydn and Mozart – May 12 at 3 p.m.

St. John’s Oratorio Chorus and Orchestra with special guests from the Metropolitan Men’s Chorus performed Joseph Haydn’s “Mass in G” (Nicolaimesse) and W.A. Mozart’s “Coronation Mass in C” on Sunday, May 12th under the direction of Sam Grace. Soloists were Regina Stroncek, soprano; Kristina Rodel Sorum, mezzo-soprano; James Pike, tenor; and Justin Spenner, bass. Also at the spring concert Solerna Winds performed “Quatour Concertant” by Francois-Rene Gebauer featuring Emma Plea, bassoon, Charlotte Bartholomew, flute, Megan Dvorak, oboe, Becky Jyrkas, horn, conducted by Samuel Grace. Attendees mingled with the chorus and soloists at a cheese and cracker reception following the performance.

SJMS committee thanks Connor Myhre for the beautiful program art and promotional materials. We would also like to thank the numerous people that assisted in concert rehearsals, set-up and tear-down, those that ushered, greeted, printed/assembled programs, provided day-care or janitorial services, supplied reception treats, and helped to host receptions after performances. We are so appreciative of all you have done to make the concerts successful. We could not have provided these concerts without your efforts.

The Spring Concert was recorded by Walt Boyd & All in the Couch recording engineers and the recording will be available to share.

We hope you have enjoyed the 2018 – 2019 season and hope you will attend our future events along with family and friends. The SJMS committee invites anyone interested in joining the committee to speak with a current member. We welcome new members, but also invite people to participate with a limited commitment.

The last Sunday for our excellent music director Samuel Grace will be July 21. He will begin a 3-year doctoral program in choral conducting at the Jacobs School of Music, University of Indiana, this fall. St. John’s has already formed a search committee for the difficult task of finding a new Director of Worship & Music Ministry. Members of the search committee are Steve Bubul, Vicky Ercolani, Mark Gebhardt, Ann Paulson, Sandy Rader, and Pastor Tiede. Please contact them if you wish more information.

Committee Members for the 2018 – 2019 season:

Steve Bubul, Vicky Ercolani, Samuel Grace, Kathy Sapp


RECONCILING IN CHRIST

RIC Task Force 2018-2019

St John's celebrates becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation this year! We voted to affirm our welcoming statement on January 26, 2019. Leading up to the vote, the RIC task force, which includes Anne Nervig, Jeanne Tuvey, Elizabeth Roe, Lori Johnson, Peder Flaten, and Kaitlyn & Isaac Johnson, held informational sessions, discussions, Bible studies and a panel presentation. These events gave people opportunities to learn more about what it means to be a Reconciling in Christ congregation, to ask questions and to engage in meaningful discussion about the church's role in welcoming all. Upcoming events this year include a PRIDE celebration on June 23rd and a book study in the fall.

The group of 6-8 St John’s members began meeting in January of 2018 with our focus on whether or not we as a congregation should move forward to become a Reconciling in Christ congregation. What this meant was to become intentional about being welcoming and inviting to members of the LGBTQ+ community. We researched how to go about it and began researching and planning activities. Mostly this began as an education for all of us. We conducted an adult forum in early April featuring a speaker from the Reconciling Works office, three Bible study sessions conducted by Pastor Mark, and a congregational survey to see what our congregation wanted or needed from us to get a better understanding of the process. At regular temple talks, we invited members with any concerns or questions to contact any of the committee members or Pastor Mark to address the issues. In September of 2018 we provided a panel discussion featuring pastors from congregations who had recently followed the same process we were in and became RIC congregations. This event was well received and a number of concerns were addressed. In October, Pastor Mark offered to meet with any who had concerns and provide them with information to answer their questions and concerns.

In December the committee drafted an initial Welcoming Statement and presented it to the church council. They offered some additional ideas which we brought back to our task force and revised in January 2019. We met to revise the statement, presented it to a forum for congregational input, took their ideas and again reworked the statement, presented it to the church council and held a special meeting following the annual congregational meeting in January, at which time the following statement was approved and the vote took place to make St. John’s a Reconciling in Christ congregation.

“St. John’s is a Reconciling in Christ congregation that celebrates and cares for all people. As followers of Christ, who calls us to reconciliation and wholeness through baptism, the members of St John’s Lutheran Church welcome all who are seeking God. We affirm that this reconciliation extends to people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community as well as those who may have been excluded because of other human distinctions.

We strive to live as a welcoming people in our life together and our outreach to the community. Our doors are open. Come as you are. You belong.”


STEWARDSHIP

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE


Your time and financial support fuel our

congregation to transform lives within and

outside the walls of St. John’s. 2019 marks

our highest pledges since 2011. Fifty-four

households pledged $137, 327. This is up

5% over 2018!

Count Amount Average

2019 54 $137,327 $2,543

2018 51 $127,588 $2,502

2017 45 $114,214 $2,538

2016 44 $106,750 $2,426

2015 55 $121,052 $2,201

2014 41 $85,852 $2,094

2013 50 $99,532 $1,991

2012 60 $120,126 $2,002

2011 73 $134,000 $1,836

Throughout the year we:

Strive to grow a culture of generosity

Update the St. John’s Ministry Directory with the assistance of Ann Paulson

Identify and recognize moments of generosity

Plan the stewardship campaign

Updated stewardship history:

Thank YOU for your many expressions of generosity: Monetary Giving – giving your resources to people or causes you want to see impacted. Service/Volunteering – helping others through volunteerism. Hospitality - openness, welcome, lack of judgement, kindness toward another. Gifts – nonfinancial presents: example: giving someone a book or buying a meal for someone. Emotional-Relational Support – “being there” for someone; compassionate listening, verbal encouragement and support. YOU are a vital member of the St. John’s family. Together we live faith boldly by God’s grace.

Your Stewardship Committee, Pastor Mark, Eric Willette, Andy Tellijohn, Tamara Gebhardt and Bonnie Conrad Sean Stagg and Susan Zabel, thank you for your recent leadership to develop electronic giving plans for church offering and for child care tuition payments. We express sincerest gratitude for the many years of leadership Eric Willette has given to the stewardship committee!

Welcoming Worshiping

Healing Serving

†


WORSHIP

WORSHIP COMMITTEE


Worship Committee Members: Anna Carlson, Deborah Dunham, Samuel Grace (Director of Worship & Music), Lori Johnson, Ann Paulson, and Marj Sethna In keeping with this program year’s focus on ‘Welcoming’ our committee planned and sponsored many activities to nurture the welcoming spirit of our congregation: Providing Hospitality

Our very first God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday was a hit. We will definitely need more help with trash pick-up next year if we do this again. Help with other committees made this experience a success. Assisted with planning midweek services during Advent and Lent. The new, earlier timeline seems to be working well. Our Advent midweek services focused on our four core values, and the worship was planned around each core value (eg: welcoming and our Advent “Greening” service). In Lent, we used five separate liturgies from Holden Prayer Around the Cross, which was one of our most popular sets of midweek services in recent memory. We are grateful for the positive turnout! A “Sunday School/Nursery” experience was also available for younger children. Sanctuary Spruce-Up happens bi-annually. We get a great turnout for this. People are very willing to help make our worship space tidy.

Extending Invitation This was our first year in decades that we have tried a 10 p.m. Christmas Eve worship service in addition to our 4 p.m. service. Worship was planned as an intimate experience in the chancel, and it was packed to the brim. 80+ attendees showed up and it pushed a new 5-year record for Christmas Eve worship. The same can be said for Easter. We had a 5-year record in attendance. Outdoor liturgical flags Outdoor worship services (on our own property, Chi Rho, and at Lake Harriet) Provided music in worship from regular ensembles and solo/duos: Peder Flaten, organ; Sam Grace, piano/viola; Ann Paulson, piano/organ; Marge Huseth, flute; Ron Hasselmann, trumpet; St. John’s Choir (bi-monthly); St. John’s Bells (monthly); and St. John’s Brass (monthly). Hosted outside musical groups during worship and concert events (Minneapolis Brass, Metropolitan Men’s Choir, and the St. John’s Music Series Programs). Summer worship will be at 9:30 a.m. beginning June 9 (with the exception of June 30). 10:00 a.m. worship will resume in September.

The Worship Committee is open to feedback from the rest of the congregation. If you have an observation or suggestion regarding worship, please feel free to approach one of our members or join us at one of our meetings. Next meeting: July 17, 2019 at 5:30 pm

Respectfully submitted, Samuel Grace (member)


About Our People...

We pray for:

Ones in need of healing, comfort, encouragement or sustaining care: † Mike Anderson, Amy Arens, Margery Arens, Jeff Carlson, Taichi Chen, Darrell & Barb Christoferson, Dona Collins, Dharampaul, Shirley Foerster, Nancy Hacker, Debra Jacobs, Anna Koosman, Sharon Kunz, Jane McDonald, Jane McNaughton, Violet Raymond, Sara May Reineke, Norleen Schmidt, Diane Shea, Susan Stagg, Rhonda Stanley, Oly Stromberg, Elaine Taylor, Margaret Thompson, Bruce Walker, and others held in our hearts and known by God.

Ones mourning loss: † Family and friends of Joe Gerken, including St. John’s members John and Jennifer Gerken, Violet and McKena. Joe passed away May 15, 2019. † Family and friends of St. John’s member Nancy Carlson, including husband Richard and sister-in-law Louise Carlson. Nancy’s memorial service was held on May 23, 2019 at St. John’s. † Family and friends of Mons Teig, brother of Loren Teig, consultant to our Chi Rho teams. Mons’ memorial service was held May 25 at Central Lutheran.

† St. John’s member Kay Scharf, whose sister, Aileen Morin, passed away in the last week of May. A memorial service will be held on June 3, 2019.

Ones newly married: † Bergit Nerheim and Kyle Mars, married at St. John’s on Sunday, May 26, 2019

St. John’s graduates: † Drew Eid, Eleanor Willette, and Emma Hurbanis from high school † Christian Belz from Concordia College, Moorhead

Please let the church office know if you would like to share information with the congregation.

Callers to St. John’s have the option to talk with or leave messages for individual staff, Child Care or Chi Rho by choosing one of these eight prompts:

1. Church Office/Ann Paulson 5. Joseph Sahai 2. Pastor Mark 6. Stacy Klucas, Bookkeeper 3. Sam Grace 7. Dave Helm, Chi Rho Manager 4. Amy Mihelich 8. Tina Shear, Child Care Director

Note: there have been some changes to the order of prompts now with our new phone system.

Happy Birthday!

1 Benjamin Gebhardt

6 Marlene Holden

10 Isaac Johnson

11 John Gerken

11 John Nordstrom

13 Beth Stromberg

15 Sandy Rader

16 Kathy Marsh

23 Kaitlyn Johnson

25 Zachary Stagg

30 Deborah Dunham

Samuel Nervig

Happy Anniversary!

3 Marge Huseth &

Brian Powers

10 Lori Johnson &

Mike Lee

25 Matthew & Jennifer

Burdick

Happy Fathers Day! June 16

If your birthdate and/or anniversary has been

inadvertently omitted or is incorrect, please forgive us, then call the church office

at 612-827-4406. Thank you!

St John’s is a Reconciling in Christ congregation that celebrates and cares for all people. As followers

of Christ, who calls us to reconciliation and wholeness through baptism, the members of St. John’s Lutheran Church welcome all who are seeking God. We affirm that this reconciliation extends to

people of all gender identities and sexual orientations. We welcome members of the LGBTQ+

community as well as those who may have been excluded because of other human distinctions. We

strive to live as a welcoming people in our life together and our outreach to the community. Our doors are open. Come as you are. You belong.

You can reach the church office at 612-827-4406 or [email protected] Email Pastor Mark at [email protected]

Information Church Office ..................... 612-827-4406 Church Office Fax ............ 612-827-0574 Child Care Center .............. 612-827-1237 Chi Rho Center .................. 320-274-8307 Church Office email: [email protected] Website: www.stjohnsmpls.org Facebook: .www.facebook.com/ StJohnsMpls

Parish Staff PASTOR Mark Tiede

DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP & MUSIC Samuel Grace

DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY Amy Mihelich

ASSISTANT FOR MINISTRY Ann Paulson

ORGANIST Peder Flaten

BOOKKEEPER Stacy Klucas

CUSTODIANS Joseph Sahai (day) Larry Fraser (summer Sundays/event) Mill City Cleaning (Child Care)

CHILD CARE CENTER DIRECTOR Tina Shear

CHI RHO CENTER MANAGER David Helm

Church Council Jennifer Burdick, Vice President Patrick Coveney, Secretary Jim Gambucci Bea Hasselmann Debra Jacobs Ann Paulson Oly Stromberg Sarah Tellijohn, President Eric Willette Susan Zabel, Treasurer

THE MESSENGER

St. John’s Lutheran Church 4842 Nicollet Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55419

St. John’s Lutheran Church A Reconciling in Christ (RIC) congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

Our Mission:

Fueled by Christ’s redeeming love, St. John’s is called into a joyful life of welcoming hospitality, grace-filled worship, transformational relationships, and Gospel-driven service in the world.

Our Core Values:

Welcoming Celebrating and caring for all people. Our doors are open.

You belong. Come as you are.

Worshiping Gathering together to joyfully thank God in prayer and praise for Jesus, who calls us, centers us, and sends us into the world. Healing Reflecting God’s unconditional grace and love by walking

together through the joys and pains of life.

Serving Gratefully responding to the needs of the world with the

abilities God has gifted us. Our Vision for the Future: A vibrant community living faith boldly

Summer Worship Hour 9:30 a.m. beginning June 9

Nursery care is provided.

Traditional worship that is joyful and welcoming to all.

ELCA Presiding Bishop: Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Minneapolis Area Synod Bishop: Bishop Ann Svennungsen

God’s Work—Our Hands

volume 57, issue 6 june 2019 - stjohnsmpls.org · 6/6/2019 · the messenger page 3 children,...

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