Maryann and I have experienced the wonderful comfort of the Holy Spirit through many of you during these days of our grief. Maryann’s father had a stroke on December 28^th. We had a great Christmas together and a nice meal in a Faribault restaurant on the 27^th. How important those things seem to us now! After the stroke he was cared for by highly skilled people at District One Hospital in Faribault, St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, and St. Lucas Care Center in Faribault. When he finally succumbed to the ravages of that stroke on January 27th we marveled that he died on their 66^th wedding anniversary! I have observed the wonder of love that holds a family together and I am so thankful for it.

We know that God works through us. God gets things done through us like feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, and caring for those who grieve. Many of you came to the funeral home for the visitation or to the funeral itself. Our families and friends were impressed that the people of St. John care so much and everyone was so pleased to meet you. You, along with all of those who cared for Maryann’s dad, have been instruments of God’s holy comfort. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. While our hearts are sad and broken, we are filled with the love of God that has come to us through you. Thank you!

I am looking for someone who is willing to take over the job of coordinating the lunches after funerals. Alice Lehman has been faithfully doing this for years. She’s asked that we find a replacement for her. She’s willing to “show you the ropes.” Two people or even two couples could share this responsibility. Would you please contact me if you’re willing to help with this important ministry?

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 23^rd. Our tradition has been to gather for supper starting at 5 pm, and then to worship at 6:30 pm. I will be preparing a Lenten series for the Wednesday services on the topic of Holy Communion. Let us walk together on this journey through Lent as we follow Jesus to the cross and the empty tomb.

With deep gratitude, I wish God’s blessings upon all of you.

In His Service

Pastor Bob Kaul

Leighton August Olson was baptized on Sunday, Jan. 15. Leighton was born November 28, 2011 to Mitch and Jodie Olson. His sponsors are Marnie Korlath and Meagan Olson.

Hunter James Roneker was baptized on Sunday, Jan. 15. Hunter was born October 11, 2011 to Laura Bartyzal and Mark Roneker. Sponsors are Dennis Bartyzal, Jr., Tabatha Roneker and Byron Lamphere.

God’s blessings to William, Anna, Leighton, Hunter and their families.

February Worship Helpers

Readers
February 5 Don Marcussen
February 12 Kathy Peterson
February 19 Tammie Pan
February 22 Marilyn Richter (Ash Wednesday)
February 26 Jesse Skluzacek

If you are unable to help on the day assigned, please EXCHANGE with someone else and call the church office at 364-5002.

Thank you for your help!

Thank you for your cooperation

Financial Corner
General Fund - December 2011

Receipt             $ 17,307.79              $ 146,911.65

Expenses          $ 12,204.19              $ 151,709.89

Cash Flow        $ 5,103.60                $ (4,798.24)

Church Council Meeting
January 17, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.

In Attendance: John Krautkremer (2013), Steve Pan (2013), Dan Hardel (2014), Rhonda Solberg (2015), John Grimm (2015) and Pastor Robert Kaul

Opened with devotion by Pastor Kaul

President’s Report: Nothing to report

Vice President’s Report: Nothing to report.

Secretary’s Report: No corrections or additions.

Treasurer’s Report: Steve made a motion to make the Scholarship Fund $1,000.00 and add the Scholarship Fund to the annual budget, seconded by Dan. Treasurer's report reviewed with Kay. Motion made by John G. to approve the Treasurer’s Report, Steve seconded.

Old Business:

A. Can Recycling – The can trailer is full. Paul Busch will haul trailer and proceeds will reimburse Pastor for the cement work at the parsonage. The next trailer full is designated to the Food Self.

B. Head Ushers

January – Diane DeWitte

February – Rhonda Solberg

March – John Grimm

April – Dan Hardel

New Business:

A. Fundraisers – Nothing happening at this time.

B. Pastor will research contracts and job descriptions for Church employees.

C. Need to talk to Dave Anderson regarding the Church’s WEB site. Many thanks to Gail Skluzacek for her work on this site.

D. A new funeral reception coordinator is needed. Please talk to Pastor regarding needs. Many thanks to Alice Lehman for the great job and dedication to this position.

E. Set March 1, 2012 as the date for a Council Workshop-8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to discuss processes for policy and procedures.

F. Confirmation: pastor introduced a new process that will be introduced soon.

Committee Reports:

A. Worship & Music Committee: Pastor Reported

1. As Head Ushers, if we have an extra usher that is not busy, send them to the front door to greet people there. That was well received during the 150^th celebration, particularly with visitors who are not familiar with the building.

2. Pastor Rendahl was available to cover the services on the weekend of the November 26^th and 27^th when Pastor Bob was gone.

B. Congregational Life and Growth: Rhonda Nothing to report

C. Board of Education: Pastor reported

1. Sunday School is going well.

2. Confirmation has been a struggle. There are just too many kids and they are all very active. Paige has sat in on a couple sessions. Rhonda will sit in this week.

3. Adult Education – Pastor is offering an adult class Monday evening and Thursday at noon. He is looking for some options to continue with after the Lutheranism unit is finished.

D. Youth Board: Steve & Paige

1. Christmas caroling was December 18^th. The weather was great. 12 youth attended and they were able to travel via hay wagon. May want to consider visiting some of our shut-ins next year.

2. The last Cinnamon Roll Sunday proceeds went to the Tiede family. We raised about $185!

3. We currently have 7 kids attending the National ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans next summer. An estimated total cost per person is about $865. The envelope fundraiser is underway at the bottom of the stairway. We still need a female chaperone. There will be devotional gatherings for the kids to help prepare them for what they will be experiencing down there. They will be riding the bus with Waseca and Le Center youth.

4. There will be a pancake breakfast on Sunday, Feb 5. This will be another fundraiser for the ELCA Gathering youth.

5. Youth Board is also selling coffee from European Roasterie to help raise funds for these kids.

6. 5 St. John youth served the Mason’s Supper on January 14^th for a stipend.

7. The Mount Kato ski trip was Sunday. This was for Junior and Senior Leagues. We brought 21 people down there.

8. We are planning to go swimming during open swim on Sunday, Jan 29^th for all leagues.

9. Also on Jan 29^th, there will be an informational meeting for parents and kids interested in information on Camp Omega.

10. Valentine Sweetheart Supper is Sunday, Feb 12^th.

11. Broomball is set for Sunday, Feb 19^th. This will be for Senior Leaguers. We will again see if any Holy Redeemer kids want to join us.

12. Youth Board always looking to recruit new members! Heather Petersen has joined us!

13. Next meeting scheduled for Feb 19^th.

E. Facility Management: Steve & John

1. Roof – $100,000 was the approved project amount for the church roof. This figure does not include the completed parsonage roof which was originally in the approved amount. We currently are sitting with $29,640. We want to have 70% in the bank before we proceed.

2. Dave Scheffert got an estimate to fix the broken windows in front of the stained glass windows. $1,877 will be the cost to complete this. American Glass and Mirror has completed this project.

3. Parsonage Kitchen upgrade is progressing.

4. Pastor and Roman went through the church finding things that need fixing. Many of these projects could be completed in a single day. New kickboards, cabinet doors, gutters and bell oiling are needed.

5. A couple of the light weight white tables for the Fellowship Hall will be donated so we don’t have to carry from upstairs. We could use a couple smaller ones for the Sunday School as well. This will help when having to transfer the heavy banquet tables up and down stairways.

F. Church and Society: Rhonda

1. “Souper Bowl” Sunday there will be a collection of soup for the local Food Shelf.

G. Fellowship: Paige

1. The Half Price Ski trip has been set for Sunday, March 11^th. The cost will be $9 for ski lift and $8.50 for ski or board rental. Watch for details on the Youth bulletin board.

H. Vision Committee: Dan No Report

I. Stewardship Committee: John G.

Working on new ideas

Pastors Report:

Pastor reviewed his new process for home telephone calls, home visits to the members of the congregation and a new pictorial directory.

Next meeting: Wednesday, February 21st, 2011, at 6:30 p.m.

John K. moved to adjourn. Rhonda seconded.

Ended with Lord’s Prayer

Submitted by Paige Nordling and Rhonda Solberg

The meeting was called to order by President, John Krautkremer.

President John Krautkremer presented Diane DeWitte, John Grimm and Troy Domine as Church Council members that had been appointed during 2011 to replace outgoing members. Kathy Westerman made a motion that the new members be approved. Dave Scheffert seconded that motion.

The proposed budget for 2011 was presented to the congregation in the Annual Report. Additions and changes were discussed. Carol Kiekow made a motion to approve the proposed budget and Berlin Tieg seconded that motion.

Pastor Robert Kaul spoke a little about his first year at St. John and thanked the staff and the congregation for their support. He mentioned the upcoming Synod convention where we are allowed two delegates not including himself.

Charles Richter made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Berlin Tieg seconded that motion. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted,

Paige Nordling

The church and parsonage are in need of new roofs. The estimated cost of the projects is $115,000. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Amount raised to date, $48,335.55.

Clip form and either place in offering or drop off at the church office.

Name_______________________________________________________________

Donation to Roof Project $______________________________________________

February Music Notes
February 5 Women’s Choir will sing “With Every Breath”

February 12 Sunday School children will sing “God Made Me” and “Praise Him, Praise Him”

February 19  Rock’n the Church Choir will sing “Miracles”

February 22 (Ash Wednesday) Bells of St. John will ring “There is a Redeemer”

February 26 Bells of St. John will ring “I Know Whom I Have Believed”

Kathy Heyda

Music Director

Another way to get the newsletter is to go on our website at www.montgomerymnelcalutherans.org

If interested in receiving your newsletter by e-mail or if you want to use our website and no longer need a copy mailed to you, just notify the church office.

stjohnelca@frontier.com

ST. JOHN YOUTH
Fat-O-Rama

Pastor Bob has kicked off a unique fundraiser for the youth attending the ELCA Youth Gathering next July. It is called Fat-O-Rama and involved pledging donations per pound lost between now and Easter Sunday. Pastor has agreed to lead the charge and be a “Big Loser” having the youth attending the ELCA Gathering help collect pledges on Pastor Bob’s behalf. If there is anyone else that is eager for some motivation to lose the holiday weight and also help collect money towards the trip, they can pick up a form at the youth bulletin board to collect their own pledges. We of course will not be holding an official weigh in but will be recording starting and ending weights on the honor system. A great way to get healthier and raise some money towards this spiritual trip to New Orleans. If you have questions about this fund raiser, please contact Emily Hoefs or Pastor Bob.

Spaghetti Supper

Annual Sweetheart Spaghetti Supper will be held on Sunday, February 12^th, 4:00-6:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. Ages 10 and up: $8.00, Ages 5-9: $4.00, Ages 4 and under: free. We will be serving: spaghetti, garlic bread, salad bar, dessert, and beverage. New this year: A Valentine’s Silent Auction. All proceeds will benefit Little League youth and help them to attend summer church camps. Please mark your calendars to come enjoy a delicious dinner and support the youth of St. John.

Broomball

Junior and Senior League (grades 6-12) Broomball Event on February 19th, 3:30 p.m. meet at the ice rick by the school. Feel free to invite your friends along as well.

Coffee Sales

The Youth Board will be selling coffee from European Roasterie during coffee hours throughout the winter and spring. Breakfast blend will be available in regular and decaf at a cost of $9.00 per bag. All funds raised will go towards the trip for our youth to attend the ELCA Gathering in July.

Ski Trip

Second trip to Mount Kato for half priced skiing will take place on Sunday, March 11^th in the afternoon. Please sign up on the Youth Bulletin Board to be sure we have enough for the discounted group rate. Cost is $17.50 for lift ticket and rental. Meet at the church at 1:00 p.m. to caravan to the slopes together.

Cell Phones

Please donate your old phone to the Luther Leagues. We send in the old phones to a recycling program and receive money in return. These funds help keep the events held at St. John Lutheran inexpensive and open to everyone.

Envelope Fundraiser

The envelope fundraiser will continue until all the envelopes on the bulletin board are cleared. This fundraiser will assist with the cost to transport and house the 9 St. John members who will be attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans in July 2012. If you are able to help with a donation, please remove the envelope of the denomination you choose, sign the back, and return it to the church office or offering plate with the noted donation amount. Thank you for your support of this fantastic experience for our youth.

Pancake Breakfast

The Men of the Church will be holding a pancake breakfast on Sunday, Feb. 5th, 7:30-12:00 noon to benefit the youth attending the ELCA Gathering. Included in meal: pancakes, sausage, fruit and beverage. Adults $8, Youth (ages 6-12) $4, Ages 5 and under—Free.

Puffin Pastries

Pastry Puffin sales will begin in February. These delicious flaky pastries will again be sold as a fundraiser for youth in all leagues (grades 3-12). Cost is $11 per package for this easy to make freezer to oven product (no thawing required). Many delicious flavors including: Cinnamon, Cream Cheese, Strawberry-Cream, Blueberry-Cream, Apple, Caramel, Mozzarella, and Nacho. Orders are due no later than Sunday, February 26^th.

Food Collection

During the month of March, St. John will be collecting non-perishable food donations to be contributed to our local food shelf. As part of the congregation wide effort, we will be collecting during Sunday School as well. We have set a goal of collecting 200 items – please help us in reaching this goal and helping to teach your children about the gift of food and how to be generous with what the Lord has given us.

Youth Board Meeting

Do you have any questions or comments for the Youth Board? Join us at our next Youth Board meeting on Sunday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Room of the Church Basement.

Snow Policy
In case of inclement weather the church closure policy will be as follows:

The Pastor and Church Council President or Vice President will make the decision if a church service will be cancelled. Notifications will be posted on the front door, KCHK Radio-1350 AM will be contacted, and there will be a message put on voicemail at church.

Our Mission Statement
As children of God, we are a family  living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ  through worship, fellowship, and service