The Messenger

January 2013
Points of Interest 2013 Envelopes Bethlehem Star... Cemetery Board Membership Class Thrivent Grant Brewer Volunteers

Will This Be the Year?

God said through the Prophet Jeremiah: I will pronounce my judgments on my people, because of their wickedness in forsaking me (Je 1:16). The USA has been blessed by God as much as any nation since ancient Israel. Our liberties have been unmatched, and our prosperity is unparalleled in human history. to do work for us. We lie and slander to get our way. We drive ourselves deeper into unpayable debt. We have mocked marriage. We have murdered a million babies a year. We let no one tell us anything, even if we owe it to them, and even if they are right. Our only interest in Gods Word is to deny it. We consider it trivial to take Gods name in vain. And we have feared our money, loved our pleasure, and trusted our government to take care of us, above all things. But you will be okay! God promises you: I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more (Je 31:34). Jesus entered this world, two thousand thirteen years ago (give or take), to forgive you. He gives to his every believer paradise, peace, and everything he needs, now and always. You have his promise, and it endures forever. So, in Christs name: Happy New Year! Because of Jesus, 2013 cant help being a blessed one for you and for me. - Pastor Walther

Pastors Message Financials ROC/Voters Mtg. Doctrine Review Spanish Outreach Pastoral Acts Good Samaritans Memorials Worship

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But we have rebelled against God and trashed his gifts! Where do we even begin to enumerate the examples? We deserve damnation for this! And America may, in We dont want to work; fact, crash in the Year of we want everybody else Our Lord 2013.

The Calendar As essential part of our lives is the calendar. It provides us with a perspective in our relationship to our past, present and future. It helps us to plan our share of the accomplishment of Gods purpose. It is a way of recording significant occasions, such as birthdays and important family events. It enables us to have uniform observance of cultural tradition and religious festivals. It is a daily companion, on the desk or on the wall, giving us a pattern by which to weave the fabric of our personalities.

Financials - Messenger Info

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November 2012 Financial Summary: The members of St. Marks Church contributed $140,594.59 in November. $93,515.49 was received for the general operating fund in November and the operating needs were $108,897.91, leaving a deficit of $15,382.42. Approximately two-thirds of our operating budget is used by the school ministry, and the other third is used for church operations. About 80% of the general operating fund pays our workers, the remaining 20% covers utilities, insurance, paper, printing, postage, books, and several ministerial programs such as Bible Studies. $22,648.35 was received toward our goals for missions, Lakeside, property maintenance, debt reduction, Hispanic Outreach, and the ROC, but the needs for our goals were $36,574.90. Contributions toward the goals were $13,926.55 below the needs. $24,430.75 was received toward Future Generations, the capital fund campaign, to pay for the school expansion and renovation. The monthly payment is $17,760. Through the first eleven months of this year we have a $221,249.45 operating deficit, the capitol fund has collected $36,249.95 more than needed, and goals for missions, Lakeside, property maintenance, debt reduction, Hispanic Outreach, and the ROC are $133,933.71 behind plan.

To include an article or notice in The Messenger, drop off your information at the church office or e-mail to: messenger@smlcwatertown.org The Messenger Deadline is the 15th of the month. Information received AFTER that date is NOT guaranteed inclusion. KEEP ALL ARTICLES BRIEF : A PARAGRAPH OR TWO - NO page-long articles! Articles, notices, etc., are only printed once - unless otherwise requested, and all articles are subject to modification by the editor. Special requests will be taken into consideration, however please understand that for various reasons and space, your request may not be honored.

Pebbles from the ROC - December Voters Meeting Update - Cemetery Board Pebbles From the ROC...

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John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. Nothing but the best for the Son of God. That is what the wise men brought for the baby Jesus and that is what Mary also brought to her Lord and Savior. The lesson of Christ and Marys gift was visually taught one evening at THE ROC when Janine Petri, a ROC volunteer, dressed up as Mary and, holding a pint of nard, went around THE ROC taking the teens back in time. Our prayer is always that the teens, like Mary, trust and believe in their Savior Jesus and give Him nothing but the best. On Monday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m., EVERYONE is invited to THE ROC for our ANNUAL Watertown Recreation &Outreach Center for Youth (THE ROC) MEETING. At the meeting, we will give thanks to God for the many teens who have heard the Gospel of Christ at THE ROC over the NINE YEARS it has been open. The doors of THE ROC were opened on December 3rd, 2003. We transported twenty-six teens from THE ROC to our Live Nativity at St. Lukes. What a blessing to have so many unchurched teens hear about their Savior in such a unique way. The teens were deeply touched by the birth of their Savior. We invite EVERYONE to stop in at the ROC anytime to visit and/or check out our volunteer program. We are always in need of more volunteers.

December Voters Meeting Outcome At the meeting on December 17th, the following men were elected to serve Gods saints at St. Marks: Treasurer Larry Schuett; Board of Elders: Steve Fehrman, Harold Peckham, & Randy Tourbier; Board of Outreach: John Deglow, Carl Hochmuth, & Tim Wrobel; Lakeside General Board: Brad Steffen. We thank those who have served and thank these men for their willingness to serve their Savior in these important positions. In order to balance our work plan for 2013, the following positions were eliminated: one teaching position in the school and the Minister of Music. The half-time janitor position for the church and parish center was reduced to quarter time. Since we have two vacancies in the school right now, one position will not be filled. Our Minister of Music will be called to fill the other vacancy in the school. Because Gods people have responded and offerings have increased, we were not forced to eliminate about seven positions as previously thought. These changes will not be implemented until July 1st. We pray that God will continue to move the saints at St. Marks to give generously and cheerfully so that no other positions will have to be eliminated in the New Year.

2013 Lutheran Cem etery Association Board Members... President: Donald Bohn Vice -President: Frank Wegner Treasurer: Larry Braunschweig Secretary: Ray Nickels Board Member: Albert Oestreich
Board Member: Daniel Oestreich Sexton: Donald Borchardt

To purchase a cemetery lot or columbarium ( niche), please contact Don Borchardt To purchase a cemetery lot or columbarium (or niche), please contact Don Borchardt To purchase a cemetery lot or columbarium (or niche), please contact Don Borchardt at home: (920) 261-6843 or cell: (920) 988 -5773 for an appointment.

Doctrine Review - 2013 Envelopes A Little Review of Doctrine: Essence of Holy Communion differentiates Lutheran Christians from others. Reformed Christians insist that only bread and some sort of grape liquid are present in Holy Communion. Therefore, they tend not to treasure the sacrament as we do. Roman Catholic Christians assert that only Christs body and blood are present in Lords Supper. Their emphasis has sometimes led them to fear this sacrament. In contrast, we acknowledge 1. bread (invariably unleavened, as was the bread that Jesus used), 2. the fruit of the vine (invariably fermented grape wine, like Jesus em-

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ployedthough we also offer this with the alcohol content removed), 3. the body of Christ, 4. the blood of Christ. That Christs body and blood are present in the sacrament is clear from Jesus words: This is my body; This is my blood (Matthew 26:26,28). The Apostle Paul also testifies: Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? (1 Corinthians 10:16) Finally, its those words and these truths that cause us to marvel at Christs great love, by which he unites himself to us in Holy Communion.

Its the most important meal you ever eat. In many ways it is at the center of the churchs activity. In it you meet Jesus Christ face to face. So: What exactly is Holy Communion? Well, most simply stated: Holy Communion consists in bread, the fruit of the vine, and the body and blood of our Lord. Its a simple point. Interestingly, this very point also firmly

2013 Offering Envelopes The 2013 offering envelopes are ready and may be picked up in the multipurpose room of the Parish Center. Those who have children in St. Marks School, your envelopes were sent home with your oldest child before Thanksgiving. If you would like to receive offering envelopes and have not been issued any, please contact our church office at 262-8500. We thank God for the generous offerings of Gods people and the cheerful and thankful attitude that the saints at St. Marks show as they bring their gifts to their Savior.

Spanish Outreach - Stewardship - Mission Statement

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The Work of Our Pastors & Others: Baptisms at Saint Marks?

Spanish Outreach... Navidad (the celebration of Christmas) took place in the Spanish Language on Sunday, December 23rd. A crowd attended the services of songs and sermon and praise and prayer. Many enjoyed the fiesta (our traditional Christmas party afterwards)with piata and treats provided by a generous anonymous donor. Many of the students from Spanish Language homes who attend our school and they number in the thirties took part in the Christmas Eve Services of St. Marks School on the evening of December 24th. Pastor Dale has graciously handled two recent services, so that Pastor Walther and family could visit Vicar Walther and wife in Oregon. The Spanish Language students and parents say a loud: Gracias!thanking La Seor Ristow for her service to them and to St. Marks School. Video augmented selections from El Evangelio segn San Lucas (St. Lukes Gospel) provide our focus for worship during the early part of this new year. Please pray for our outreachand if you are led to do so, help pay for it, as well. (You may make your contributions to Hispanic Outreach in our offering envelopes).

Stewardship Anecdote
What hidden ministry does your offering support? Twice through the catechism Twice through all the memory work 70 sermon reviews 140 Bible stories 210 chapters of the Bible 840 minutes of Bible video Thats the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which your offerings are supportingjust for the 6th & 7th grade middle school catechism students. (That doesnt count all the proclamation of the Gospel in 8th grade, or over at our school, or in Sunday School and even all of that only counts our children!) In honor of Jesus, and in keeping with the Spirits rich blessings to you: Keep rendering your cheerful and generous offerings in 2013.

St. Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church Our Mission To serve all people in Gods world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of Holy Scripture. Our Objectives 1. To proclaim Law and Gospel 2. To strengthen believers through the means of grace 3. To equip believers in sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others 4. To provide a Christian Day School

Meetings for Depressed - Good Samaritans

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Meetings for Depressed Meetings for depressed persons for the better part of a year. These have gone well. The sessions offer some extra support for those suffering from depression or bipolar disorder. The meetings have enabled people to talk freely, and to form something of a network of encouragement. And they have served as another opportunity for the proclamation of Jesus our Savior. To start 2013, we are standardizing the schedule for the meetings and making them a bit more frequent, in hopes of helping even more. Sessions will take place on the final Thursday night of every monthstarting Thursday, January 31st, from 7 PM to 8 PM, downstairs in Room B-1 of the Parish Center. Anyone is invited. The lead encouragers, if you will, are Helen Zellmer (helenz@charter.net, 920-941-1040) and Pastor Walther (pastor.walther@smlcwatertown.com, 920-262-8504). For more information, contact either of them.

Good Samaritans Receive Grant from Thrivent The Good Samaritans received a $5,000 grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to assist people in our community who are in need. We were also informed that every gift given to the Good Samaritan Fund from November 14, 2012 to March 31, 2013 will be matched 50-cents on the dollar up to an additional $5,000. For those who purchased gift cards from the Giving Tree, we will receive 50-cents for every dollar spent. For those who purchase Scrip, we will receive 50-cents for every dollar spent. The offering to the Good Samaritans on the Midweek Advent envelope for December 12th gave us 50-cents for every dollar donated, as did the proceeds from the Midweek Advent Supper on December 5 th. Special gifts given to the Good Samaritans during the next four months will be matched. This money is used to help pay rent and utility bills, and purchases gas cards and food cards to those in need.

Memorials

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Memorials for St. Marks Church, School, Missions, School Building Fund, the ROC, St. Marks Scholarship Fund, etc. These memorials have been given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of the following: Valerie Mueller Ron & Joyce Zwieg Willard Ninmann Paul, Mardelle, & Bethany Schuett Esther Platz Margaret Woelffer Shirley Retzlaff Alice Zietlow, Norman & Coralli Grirep Arthur Ritschke Alice Zietlow, Pat & Sandy Rowoldt, Sharon Buedler, Charles & Julie Higgins, Eric & Carol Schloesser, Larry & Yvonne Schuett, Rob & Kristin Wolter & children, Donald & Arlene Grulke, Tony & Renee Messerschmidt & family, Pam & Bruce Christian David Schellinger Kevin & Kristi Zubke Judith Schmidt Dorothy Zubke Norma Schultz Ray & Erla Nickels, Ron & Marliss Steindorf David Schumann Ann Olsen, Martha Cooper, Ken & Dolly Wetzel, Jerold & Leah Mullane, Shawn & Julie Krueger, Elaine Kirst, Marialyce Wackett, Brent & Lois Schmidt, Charlotte Ford, Lee & Lyleth Gjovik, John & Johanna Chworowsky, Audrey Wolter, Donna Peterson, Ardis Kelling, Terry & Beth Lundsten, Jerry & Betty Lillge, friends & family Darlene Seeber Bruce Christian, Steve & Nancy West, James & Ruth Burgess Don & Irene Shepherd, Ronald D. Shepherd, and Karen (Shepherd) Schoening Gordon & Shirley Kuester, Jamie & Cindy Kuester, Deanna Oestreicher, Amber Gerstner, Harry & Shirley Shepherd, Donna & Jim Sargent, Chris & Jennifer Sargent, Sarah Sargent, Rick & Kelly Miller, Tracy & Darrin Paul, Peggy Good, Mike & Terry Haugen John Stueber AJ & Rhonda Ritschke, Kevin & Kristi Zubke, Earl & Sue Zubke, Ken Hemker, Cathie King Ardelle Suhr Alice Zietlow, Ron & Joyce Zwieg, Family & Friends Hillary Timm-Enriquez Ruby Klockow August Wittnebel Kevin & Susan Zoellick Clarence Zietlow Alice Zietlow

William Beerbohm, Jr. Donald & Arlene Grulke, Daryl & Deb Hundt John Erickson AJ & Rhonda Ritschke Verna Heine Dorothy Zubke Irene Hinzmann Caroline Arndt, Gertrude Zubke, Robert & Dianne Hamann, Glenn & Merrilee Kaulitz, Thomas & Kelly Stade, Robert & Marianne Hafenstein, Daniel & Suzanne Roth, Wm. & Mary Schultz, Mary Lou Treptow, John & Mary Neupert, G. Dixon & Connie Telfer, Michael & Kristine Jaeger, David & Valerie Zubke Patricia Johnson Wesley Altweis Don & Phillip King Cathie King Pastor Richard Mueller Richard & Sandy Kren, Joanne Hemker, Brett Brauer, Barbara Roesslein, James & Karen Huhn, Marie Dobbratz, Roy & Betty Zastrow, Wm. & Ruth Hein, Daniel & Sandie Dittmann, Charles Schranz, Jerry & Joanne Brandt, Grant Genz, Mary Witte, Eric & Carol Schloesser, Alice Fuchs, Louis & Ora Kuckkan

We apologize for names missing or misspelled.

Worship Services - The Bethlehem Star - Brewer Concession Volunteer Info

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January 9, 12, 13 Baptism: Ephesians 4:1-6 Our Baptism Makes Christians One Body New Member Welcome @ 9 AM Sun January 16, 19, 20 Epiphany 3: John 1:35-42 Compelling Words. Compelling Man. January 23, 26, 27 Epiphany 4: John 2:1-11 John Reports Jesus First Miracle

The Bethlehem Star Rev. Norman Schell, a retired WELS pastor, will give two presentations in the church on the Bethlehem Star at St. Marks on January 15th.

The first presentation will begin at 1:30 PM, with the second starting at 7:00 PM. Using Biblical text and NASAs Celestial Navigation Computer, he will take us on a journey to Persia, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. We will look at the Magi, Zorastrian Astrology, calendar issues, and planetary conjunctions.

Brewer Concessions A 6:30 PM meeting is scheduled on Tuesday, January 8th, in the Parish Center multi-purpose room regarding the Brewer Concession Volunteer Program. If interested in volunteering for the 2013 Brewers season, questions will be answered, information provided, and preparations begun for the upcoming season. This will include signing up for training, choosing games, etc. All volunteers must be 18 or older. Contacts: Melissa Salmon: 920-988-6088 or starz535@yahoo.com Megan Klingbiel: 920-988-8363 or mklingbeil_69@hotmail.com

January 2013- St. Marks Ev. Lutheran Church Calendar

215 N. 6th Street, Watertown, WI 53094 Phone (920)-262-8500
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri December 2011- St. Marks Ev. Lutheran Church CalendarSat
Resumes 5 215 N. 6th Street, 1 New Years 2 CHURCH OFFICE 3 Phone (920)-262-8500 Watertown, WI 53094 SchoolPatrol (MP) 4 Day 6AM Dawn CLOSED

9AM Church Service

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED

10AM Golden Living 2:30 Highland House 7PM Church Service

1PM Ladies Aid (MP)

6PM Church Service

6 Church Services
7:30, 9:00 & 10:45AM 9AM /10:30AM Bible Study (B2) 9AM Installation of Bds & Officers 9AM Kids 4 Christ 6:30PM Spanish Ser.

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6PM Praise Singers 7PM Adult Handbells
7PM Womens Bible Study(B3)

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7:50AM Pastors Bd 12:10 Lets Do Lunch (MP) 7PM AA Mtg B1

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10:15 Marquardt Manor 2:30 Johnson Arms 3:45 Gr. 6-7 Catechism 7PM Church Service

10
9AM/4PM Bible Class 10:30AM Zinzendorf 6PM Ladies Choir 6:45PM Chorale 8PM Mens Choir

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12
6PM Church Service

7PM Leadership Bible Study (B2) 8PM Standing Bds

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Church Services 7:30, 9:00 & 10:45AM 9AM New Member Welcome 9AM Kids 4 Christ 9AM/10:30AM Bible Study (B2) 6:30PM Spanish Ser.

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9AM Central Conference Mtg. @ LPS 9:50AM WHS C2 6PM Praise Singers 7PM Adult Handbells 7PM Ministry Council

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12:10 Lets Do Lunch (MP) 7PM AA Mtg B1 1:30/7PM Presentation on The Bethlehem Star by Rev. Norman Schell (in church)

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10AM Golden Living 3:45 Gr. 6-7 Catechism 7PM Church Service

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6AM Dawn Patrol (MP) 9AM /4PM Bible Class 6PM Ladies Choir 6:30PM PreK & Kindergarten Info Mtg. (Schl) 6:45PM Chorale 8PM Mens Choir

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19
6PM Church Service

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Church Services 7:30, 9:00 & 10:45AM 9AM Kids 4 Christ 9AM/10:30AM Bible Study (B2) 6:30PM Spanish Ser.

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11:30AM School Dismissal

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12:10 Lets Do Lunch (MP) 7PM AA Mtg B1

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10:15 Marquardt Manor 3:45 Gr. 6-7 Catechism 7PM Church Service

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9AM/4PM Bible Class 10:30AM Zinzendorf 6PM Ladies Choir 6:45PM Chorale 8PM Mens Choir

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26
6PM Contemporary Church Service

6PM Praise Singers

7PM Womens Bible Study(B3)

7PM Adult Handbells

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Church Services 7:30, 9:00 & 10:45AM 9AM/10:30AM Bible Study (B2) 6:30PM Spanish Ser.

28 9:50AM WHS C

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12:10 Lets Do Lunch (MP) 7PM AA Mtg B1

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10AM Golden Living 3:45 Gr. 6-7 Catechism 7PM Bible Info Class 7PM Church Service

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9AM/4PM Bible Class 6PM Ladies Choir 6:45PM Chorale 7PM Depression Mtg. (B1) 8PM Mens Choir

6PM Praise Singers 6:30PM Members Visiting Members (B2) 7PM Adult Handbells 7PM Caregivers Support Group (MP)

2013 2011