Farewell
There, I’ve said it, as indeed it needs to be said.  After more that twelve and a half years at St. John, I am moving on and you are also moving on.  That is part of life and also part of the life we have shared here.

I know that the word farewell is usually thought of as a sad word, an emotional word, a word we try to avoid.  There certainly is an element of that at a parting of the ways.  There is a sense of regret; a wistfulness about a change that is coming and about all those years of shared experiences.  I feel that certainly and many of you have been nice enough to say the same thing.  And yet, I hope that the tone of these remaining weeks will not degenerate into a wash of sentimentality.  I think it is important to get back to that word, farewell.  The unrepentant English major in me wants to get to the root of words.  Farewell is a compound word—two distinct words joined together.  The word fare we don’t use much, but it carries the sense of getting along, of surviving.  Well I don’t have to explain; we use it every day.  So put together they actually say get along well, do well, live well.  That is kind of a nice thought and a very pleasant wish.

I know we have those feeling for one another.  So many of you have wished me well in my retirement and have even given me advice about how to make the most of the years ahead.  That has been much appreciated!  I hope you also know that I wish only the best for this very special congregation.  There is such strength here; so much potential.  I know that the next chapter in your communal life will be a good one.  The time comes when change is a very positive thing.  It will be good to have a new pastoral presence here; someone who is not me.  No two of us are alike.  Whoever follows will not be me and that is a good thing.  He or she will come with unique gifts and talents and perspectives.  You will move into new areas, try new things, reap the benefits of a fresh vision.  And you will fare well.  I am confident of that.

The time is coming for me to step back.  That will not be so easy for me as I am very attached to so many people; and yet, for the health of the congregation, I know it is necessary.  So if I am removed, it is not for lack of affection.  I have bonds with so many of you that will never be dissolved.  But know this well, St. John and its wonderful people will always be in my heart.  So fare well, live well, rejoice and give thanks.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers. 

Pastor Rendahl

Pastor Rendahl

Kaydence Kay Kerber was baptized on Sunday, February 21.  Kaydence was born November 23, 2009 to Crystal Kukacka and Daniel Kerber.  Kaydence’s sponsors are Cassie Hummel and Travis Wilk. 

Levi Joshua Kuchinka was baptized on Sat., February 27.  Levi was born November 2, 2009 to Josh and Sara Kuchinka.  Levi’s sponsors are Mike and Heather Soucheray and Nick and Jenni Bruers.

God’s blessings to Wyatt, Kaydence, Levi and their families. 

March Worship Helpers

Readers
March 7  Lisa Hoefs

March 14  Kathy Derhaag

March 21  Cindy Westerhouse

March 28  Ashlea Pan

March 14  Jim & Linda Bachman, Don Marcussen and Dick Milinkovich

March 21  Jim & Silvana Blum, Peggy Hentges and Ralph Hendrickson

March 28  Mark & May Brahs, Jim Heyda and Irene Jindra

March 14  Kacie Connelly & Nicole Smith

March 21  Abby Roemhildt & Danielle Glende

March 28  Allison Washa & Danielle Glende

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

General Fund - January 2010

                           January             Year to Date

Receipt          $ 11,447.45                  $11,447.45

Expenses      $ 12,952.77                    $12,952.77

Cash Flow    $  (1,505.32)                 $ (1,505.32)

February 17 (Ash Wednesday) – Women’s Choir will sing “God Loved the World”.

February 21 – Rock’n the Church will continue singing about people of great faith from the Bible.  This month they sing “To the Promised Land We Go” telling the story of Moses. 

February 28 – Bells of St. John will ring “Gift of Finest Wheat”.

Kathy Heyda, Music Director

Attendance:  Pastor Rendahl, Steve Pan (2013), Jessica Westerman (2011), Jacque Hartwig (2012), Curt Gilbertson (2011), Dale Korbel (2011), John Krautkremer (2013), Pat Toth (2012), Rhonda Solberg (2013), Paige Nordling (2012)  Guest: Kathy Heyda

Pastor led the devotions and followed with the opening prayer.

Secretary Report:  No report.

Treasurer Report:  Jessica moved to accept report and Jacque seconded.

Vice President:  No report.

Pastor Rendahl’s Report:  Lent starts tomorrow, theme of Lent is light.

Old Business:

       A.    Can Recycling - Jacque moved and Paige seconded that the next can load will go for the landscaping supplies.

       B.    Fundraisers - Emergency Days, June 25, 4:30 p.m. - close

Paige is getting a new contact number for the Schwans man to see about getting the ice cream and freezer.  We will   need lights for our stand.

       C.  Head Ushers:

  March - Steve Pan                 June - Pat Toth                                  October - Curt Gilbertson

  April - Jacque Hartwig          July/August - Rhonda Solberg          November - Dale Korbel

  May - Paige Nordling                  September - Steve Pan                  December - John Krautkremer

New Business:

       A.  Kathy Heyda came and spoke about Music duties and things that might be needed for budgetary items in future.    Had a list of special music - Women’s choir -1st Sunday, Sunday School -2nd Sunday, Rock’n the Church -3rd  Sunday, Bell Choir -4th Sunday.  Also have special music on significant Sundays like holidays and church holidays. She has currently 25 different duties as organist and music director.

  Organ tuner comes 2 times a year, charges around $200 a session.

  Bells get refurbished every 10 years.

  Possibly look at music sharing with bigger churches.

  Talked about the new Red Hymnals purchase - prices with engraving for the 150th anniversary will be revisited in September.

  Jim Reeder may come back to look at adjusting microphones/sound system and Kathy will meet with him. 

  Sound box no longer available for our Organ - possible issue if it ever breaks.

  Kathy will be gone Feb. 27 & 28.  Mary Jakes is going to direct Bells and Diane Stouffer will be playing the organ.

  Also discussed Christmas Eve service cancellation and budget cuts.

       B.  Next Council Meeting - March 16 at :45 p.m.

       C.  Synod Meeting - March 9 at 6:30 p.m.  Pastor Exit Interview meeting.

Committee Reports

       A.  Worship and Music Committee:  Jessica

  No update (Kathy Heyda was guest speaker)

       B.  Congregational Life and Growth:  Rhonda

  Met this last Sunday to plan Pastor’s going away service.

       C.  Education:  Pastor

  Confirmation-Current class will go to Lenten Services

       D.  Youth Board:  Steve & Paige

  1.  Ski trip in February was a success.

  2.  Feed my Starving Children - 22 people went and packed 11,880 meals, enough to feed 33 children for a year. 

  3.  Junior League Lock-In to be held March 19.

  4.  Easter Egg Basket stuffing March 21 at 1:00 p.m.

  5.  April 11 - Youth Service.

  6.  Broom Ball will be held February 21, 2:00 p.m. at Montgomery rink.

  7.  Spaghetti Supper - 130 people attended, raised around $500.

  8.  Cinnamon Roll Sunday - March 14 and April 11.

  9.  Senior League events - looking at Habitat for Humanity and Sakatah camping.

  10. Spring Hanging Baskets will be an upcoming fundraiser. 

E.  Facility Management:  Dale, Curt and Pat

  1.  Steeple Painting - need to wait for the man with the boom truck.  Approximately $2,000 (160 ft boom        needed).  This will be included with the roofing project.

  2.  Stained glass - protective glass window.

  3.  Landscaping to be completed this spring.

  4.  South window sill.

  5.  Review roof estimates from Westerman Lumber

       a.  Steel on everything including parsonage and garage - total cost $128,000 (45 year warranty)  The steeple tower will be steal with asphalt overlay.

       b.  Steel on church ONLY and asphalt on parsonage and garage -  total cost $110,000.

       c.  Steel only on steeple and asphalt on everything else including parsonage and garage - total cost $74,000.

          *  Jacque moved that we accept plan b. with the exceptions that we DO NOT re-shingle the garage and that we   add $5,000 to the total to include any overrun that might occur, bringing the total project cost to $115,000.    Project would begin in spring of 2011.  Jessica seconded.

          *  There will be a Congregational meeting on March 14 to accept project.  Notices will be sent out in the Feb. 28,   March 7 and March 14 bulletins as well as the March newsletter.

  6.  West stained glass windows, last big window - will be contacted to take and refurbish.

  7.  Parsonage plumbing/north roof leak.

       F.  Church and Society:  Rhonda

  1.  Food Shelf Collection - Matching funds available in March.

  2.  Daffodil Days will happen in March.  $10 a bunch.

       G.  Vision Committee:  Jacque

  1. 150th Anniversary for St. John in the year 2011.

      a.  Next meeting will be held on February 21.

      b.  Pre-purchase crystal ornaments and/or glasses with church painted on through the Czech gift shop.

      c.  Scrapbook

      d.  Visionary committee is looking for members and meetings-recruiting members.

      e.  Hard cover book.

      f.  Add to the quilt.

       H.  Fellowship Committee:  Paige and Jessica

  1.  Ski trip planned for March 14

  2.  April 11 game night/potluck.

  3.  Next meeting March 28 after Palm Sunday service.

Ended with the Lord’s Prayer

Paige moved to adjourn.  Rhonda seconded.

Daffodil Days
Help support the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days, March 15 - March 21.  Flowers are $10 a bunch and will be available for purchase after church Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 15.  Daffodils will also be sold on Thursday, March 18 at Fred’s IGA 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Frandsen Bank and Trust 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and Cornerstone Bank 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.  For more information, contact Mary Brahs at 364-8058.

The Board of Church in Society

The Montgomery Area Food Shelf is in need of Ramen noodles, canned soups (especially cream of mushroom and tomato), boxed meals (example: Hamburger Helper, Mac & Cheese), Jell-O, pudding, shampoo, bar soap and dish soap.  Your tax-deductible donations of cash are always welcome.  Make checks payable to Montgomery Food Shelf and drop in the offering plate.  The Food Shelf no longer needs plastic bags or bottles.

Remember the hungry during out March Campaign.

March 14 - The Sunday School children will sing   “Kids of the Kingdom” and “Happy All the Time”

March 21 - Rock’n the Church will continue sing-  ing about people of great faith from the Bible.  This month they sing “An Attitude   of Assurance” telling the story of David.

March 21 - 11:00 a.m. Musical Tribute for Pastor Rendahl’s Farewell/Retirement Reception.

March 28 (Palm Sunday) - Bells of St. John will ring “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”.

First Communion classes will begin on March 7 during the Sunday School hour.  First Communion will be Maundy Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m.

First Communion classes will begin on March 7 during the Sunday School hour.  First Communion will be Maundy Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Given by_________________________________________________________________________________

In honor/memory of_________________________________________________________________________

ST. JOHN YOUTH
 

Ski Trip...2nd change ski trip to Mount Kato sponsored by the Fellowship Committee will be on Sun., March 14.  Meet at the church by 1:00 p.m.  Cost: ski or snowboard rental $8, lift ticket $8.  Must have 15 people for group rate.  Tubing, must have additional 10 people for group rate.

You MUST contact Paige Nordling at 364-5428 or 612 756-2385 prior to event.  We need to know how many people are going.  This event is open to the entire congregation. 

Spaghetti Supper...The Sweetheart Dinner was a great success.  Approximately 133 were served a delicious meal.  Thank you to all the youth members and their parents that helped set-up before the dinner, donated food items, brought card tables and worked in the kitchen.  You all helped make the dinner a success!!  All youth that worked earned money to be used for youth events or camp.

Lock-In...A Junior League lock-in will be held Friday, March 19, 3:00 p.m. to midnight.  Open to youth grades 6-8.  Sign up on the youth bulletin board.    Additional parent volunteers  would be greatly appreciated.  if you are able to help with this event, contact Paige Nordling 364-5428.

All League Easter Event...An all league Easter event to be held in March.  Watch for details in the bulletin.  We plan to fill Easter baskets for shut-in members of the congregation and do some fun egg hunting in the church and outside, weather permitting

Youth Service...The Senior League will be participating in a Youth Service on Sunday, April 11.  Please contact Doreen Marcussen if you are interested in helping (507 721-0883).  Stay tuned for the practice schedule as the date approaches.

Upcoming Fundraiser...All leagues will be able to sell wave petunia hanging baskets this spring.  Flower order forms will be given to youth on Sunday, March 28 so you will have the opportunity to sell over the Easter holiday.  Baskets will be blooming and ready to deliver just  before Mother’s Day.  

Scholarship...Scholarship applications for graduating seniors will be available in the church office starting Sunday, March 28 (Palm Sunday).  Please complete and return them to the church office by Sunday, May 2.

Youth Board Meeting...The next Youth Board meeting is scheduled for Friday, March 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the youth room.

Cell Phones  Do you have an old cell phone you’re not using? Please Recycle!  Drop off in box by the church office.  This will be a continuing fundraiser for the St. John Youth Leagues.

Linda Bachman is putting together a photo scrap book to be presented to Pastor on Sunday, March 21.  She is looking for photos of events Pastor has done at St. John.  Example:  Baptisms, Marriages, Confirmation, Social Events.  If you want to donate photos, please get them to Linda Bachman by Wednesday, March 17.  You can contact Linda at 364-8768.

Kay Busch/Pastor Retirement Gift

609 Forest Green Circle

New Prague, MN  56071