2010 Annual Report

Invite and connect t. ohn’s people to God and one an- S J other through evangelical Christ’s lutheran love church

2010 Our hope is that, Annual as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of

Report activity among you will

greatly expand.

—2 Corinthians 10:15 (NIV) 2 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

 Reports from Ministry Staff St. John’s Church Council Senior Pastor...... 3 Executive Committee Associate Pastor of Worship Arts and Missions...... 4 President...... Dan Lammers Associate Pastor of Family Ministries and Adult Discipleship...... 5 Vice President...... Bob Hinshaw Associate Pastor of Member Care and Senior Ministries...... 6 Secretary...... David Johnson Junior High Ministry...... 7 Treasurer...... Chuck Hurliman Joy Zone Children’s Ministries...... 8 Senior High Youth Ministry...... 9 Ministry Teams and Liaisons DinnerTime...... 10 Adult Discipleship...... Ann Stemm 2010 Reports Children’s Ministry...... Ray Dostal  Church Council and Committees Finance...... Chuck Hurliman Congregational Council...... 11 Global & Local Missions....Lois Brucker Columbarium Association...... 11 Junior High...... Lori Laughlin Nominating Committee...... 12 Member Care...... Bob Fisher Personnel Committee...... 12 Outreach...... Dixie Brandenburg Parish Life...... Sara White  Ministry Teams Property...... Chris Landstrom Adult Education...... 13 Stewardship...... Don Peterson Finance...... 13 Worship Arts...... Karen Terry Member Care...... 13 Young Adult & Senior High...... Susan Parish Life...... 14 Temple Property...... 14 Open Door Missions...... 15 Social Action...... 16 Stewardship...... 16 Worship Arts...... 17

 Fellowship and Activity Groups Kaffehuset...... 18 St. John’s Women...... 18

 Pre-School Noah’s Ark...... 19

 Finances St. John’s Charitable Trust...... 20 Budget and Finances...... 20 2010 Budget Expenditures...... 21 Proposed 2011 Budget...... 22

 Facility Planning Facility Project Financial Summary...... 23

 Membership Summary for 2010...... 24 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 3

Pastor Knight W. Wells

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Since we will still be living in the community for a portion Since this will be my “final report” to the congregation and of the year, it will be very important that you do not request me the final Annual Meeting before my retirement on June 30, 2011, to preside at funerals, weddings, baptisms, etc., or to become the format of this Senior Pastor Report will take a bit of a dif- involved in the ministry issues of the congregation. For any ferent flavor than in years past. As always, I am grateful for the pastoral act, you will have the support and expertise of your continued supporteport of the peoplefrom of St. the John’s Seniorand specifically Pastor of new senior pastor as well as your current, excellent pastoral our Congregation Council, staff and other leaders of St. John’s staff to do the pastoral care ministries of the church. Your new for the way they have begun the transition process of senior senior pastor, as well as the current pastoral staff, will have my leadership. As I conclude my call as your senior pastor, I am complete support. especially thankful to the whole congregation for allowing me We have many friends in the congregation and those to serve in this role for these past 15+ years. relationships will continue. However, please do not embarrass When we arrived in Bloomington in February 1996, I recall yourself or us by asking me to become involved in any areas it was a very cold and windy moving day. I can remember the of ministry that might jeopardize the pastoral relationship of moving van driving onto the ice-covered backyard at our newly your new senior pastor! This is a very important issue for me purchased home at 3302 Brittany Circle. But the warmth of our as a retiring pastor. I hope and pray that you will understand reception, and the wonderful welcoming spirit of this congrega- how important this is in order to maintain the viability of a tion quickly took away all of the frigid February air in Illinois. new pastoral team. Through the years, Susan and I have deeply appreciated the St. John’s has been a gift to us as I have come to love this privilege of being in ministry with you. church and the people. We have many wonderful memories and As the search for a new senior pastor is now in process experiences that are all part of the special relationship between and the work of the newly appointed Transition Committee pastor and people. My prayer is that this congregation will grow continues in the coming months, there will certainly be some and flourish in the years ahead . . . that the membership will grow changes ahead. But God always provides what is needed to build . . . that worship participation will grow . . . that our involvement the church. I trust in that promise for this congregation, just in mission (global and local) will grow . . . that discipleship and as I have trusted in that promise throughout my ministry on a learning will expand . . . that ministry areas for families, small personal as well as a professional level. groups, young adults and support groups will be even stronger St. John’s is in a very strong position as a congregation. and more impacting. Our facilities are excellent and provide wonderful opportunities St. John’s continues as a leading congregation in our synod for new ministries as well as the continuation of our current and a “mentor congregation.” That means we have gifts in ministry programs. Our financial position remains solid, in ministry that we can share with other congregations that will spite of a weakened economy over the past several years. Your build up their ministries. But our ministry together, as St. John’s stewardship response has maintained the stability of this church Lutheran Church, must always be for the glory of God. That has Rand I know it will continue in the years ahead. been our heritage and our congregational mission continues One of my personal ministry goals was to be able to leave into the future . . . Invite and Connect People to God and One the congregation in a better place than I found it through God’s Another Through Christ’s Love. help and direction. I hope you feel that is the case. As we trust in the Lord, the Lord always provides what we need the most! Your brother in Christ, Last May, in our visioning session, I shared with our council, staff and ministry leaders that with the completion of our facility project, St. John’s would now need to put its efforts into the areas of ministry programming and staffing for the coming Knight W. Wells years. 2011 promises to be an exciting new chapter in the life of St. John’s. With new opportunities, new personalities and new ministries that will be uncovered, the future looks positive and optimistic for this congregation. As my retirement approaches, Susan and I are very sensitive to the boundary issues that come from a “retired pastor” status and what my role will be as one who is no longer a member of the congregation. Please remember these “boundaries” for the future. 4 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Pastor Elyse Nelson Winger

In addition to preaching, teaching, pastoral care, supervision, Community Service and Leadership administration, and worship planning and leadership, highlights • Continue to serve, now as Vice-Chair elect, on the of ministry for me during 2010 have included: Delegate Executive Committee of the Delegate Church • Preparing children and families for baptism, and presid- Association at Advocate Bromenn Hospital. ing at severaleport weddings from of both the church Associate members and Pastor,• Joined Worship the Governing Arts Board of andthe Community Mission Cancer family. Center in August 2010. • Transitioning to a new Sunday morning schedule as of • Elected to serve as Alumnae President of my class at September 2010, following forums, a congregational Wellesley College. Term runs through 2015. worship survey, ministry teams discussion, and council decision. Increased adult discipleship offerings and the bringing together of Traditional worship services are Thank yous highlights of this new schedule. • A large part-time staff of church musicians serves throughout St. John’s. Thanks to Diane Russell, Carol • A Vision Zambia trip in October with Laurie Helms and Churukian, Beth Brown, Kendy Schroeder, Jackie Rem- Jan Pritts where we visited New Horizons Ministries and mers, Marilyn Lowe, Lisa Landstrom, Joanne Weed, Deb initiated friendship with the congregations and leaders of Aldred, and Katie Grogg for their committed and excel- the ELC-Zambia. lent work with ensembles and choirs at St. John’s. • Leading Friday Evening Faith Club through Spring 2010. • Thanks to all who serve on the Worship Arts Team and • Taking a pre-Lenten spiritual and study retreat at St. service-specific planning teams and to all those who Mary’s Monastery in Rock Island, IL. coordinate weekly participation in worship ministry— • Facilitating the entrance into synod candidacy/ordination ushers, communion assistants, musicians, slide creators, process for Daniel Morris and Laurie Helms. and many more. • Thanks especially to Tanja Mahner, Lee Hulsether, and Synod and Churchwide Service Sandy Stewart for their “over and above” work in facilitat- • As of June 2010, I am serving as one of two “Partners in ing and preparing for weekly worship. Evangelical Worship” for the CSIS. This ELCA church- • Thanks to all who serve on Social Action and Open Door wide program is designed to equip pastors and church Mission—St. John’s expression of local and global mis- musicians for ongoing worship renewal in the church. I sion. Our work together on behalf of God’s mission is so attended a conference in Houston in June and have been important, and it is growing! working with the Synod worship subcommittee. More information will be forthcoming with resource sharing Pastor Elyse Nelson Winger Rin 2011. • Led planning of CSIS Synod Assembly Festival Worship for the third year. • Contracted to become a regular columnist for Lutheran Woman Today, a national magazine with circulation of 85,000. I will share a monthly column with a fellow pastor entitled “Family Matters,” focused on faith and parenting. ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 5

Pastor David Bruner

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is hon- • Speaking of Bible study, another highlight was our two orable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever sermon series in 2010 on the book of Exodus and N.T. is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any Wright’s ‘Surprised by Hope.’ I helped create the sermon excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, series topics and Scripture references, and (with the Adult think about these things. Keep on doing the things Discipleship Team’s help) made books available to the that you haveeport learned andfrom received theand heard Associate and Pastor,congregation. IFamily was delighted atMinistries how well the topics & seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. themes of Exodus dovetailed with the 40 days of Lent, and —Philippians 4.8-9 particularly with the themes of Holy Week. Wright’s book and Adult Discipleship offered a challenging and learned perspective on the sig- Paul urges us to think about the good things—the things that nificance of heaven and new creation in the Christian life. are pure, pleasing, commendable, and praiseworthy. There are In addition, I’m delighted to announce that our Lenten many things at St. John’s that fall into those categories, and one sermon series for 2011 is the book Real Faith, Real Life of the pleasures of my job is being around them so often. by Pastor Mike Foss. Pastor Foss’ book guides the reader Some of the things that I kept in my mind in 2010 were . . . through six practices that help deepen faith in daily life: • My supervision and coordination of the Family Minis- prayer, worship, Scripture reading, service, relationships, tries Team at St. John’s (Rob Gieraltowski, Julie Holliday, and giving. Look for it this year! Cheryl Park, and Steve Terry). It’s been a pleasure to • I continued to engage in the usual wide variety of pastoral work with this team of experienced, dedicated servants. duties. I preached regularly in 2010 and continue to be We met together regularly as a group and one-on-one to very grateful for the access to the pulpit I have here. It is check in, talk shop, and support and pray for one another. always a joy to assist with leading worship, preaching wed- In addition, our main task in 2010 was fleshing out our ding sermons, and an honor to be present at the funeral vision for empowering parents to pass faith in Jesus onto or graveside service of a departed one. I also performed a new generation. We think we’ve got an exciting vision hospital calls two days a week, and ministering to mem- for youth and family ministry at St. John’s—and new ways bers of St. John’s in this moment of vulnerability remains to ‘take faith home’ in 2011. a rare privilege and honor as well. • In addition, it’s been a joy to be a part of the Adult Dis- • Finally, 2010 was a year of transitions at St. John’s. Terry cipleship Ministry Team in 2010. We welcomed a few Stombaugh recently announced his planned retirement new members (Paul Crownhart, Vivian Downing, and at the end of January 2011. I couldn’t be more grateful for Julie Van Dolah) in addition to our experienced crew of Terry’s diligent and faithful work as Director of Church stalwarts (Lisa Banasik, Eff and Anita Embree, Ed Embree, Operations here at St. John’s. In addition, as you all know, Cindy Musick, and Ann Stemm). The goal of the team Pastor Wells announced his retirement in 2011. While it Ris to provide opportunities for spiritual growth at St. won’t be easy to see him go, either, I’m grateful for the John’s, and we were pleased to do so a number of times wise and thoughtful ways Pastor Wells has planned his throughout the year. We offered two spiritual gifts classes transition. Not every congregation gets to say goodbye to during the year to help members connect with a ministry their pastor this way. It’s been very special to watch this that gives them life. The results have been positive so far, transition process unfold; I participated in the transition and we look forward to expanding and deepening this process with Holy Cow! consulting and appreciated their effort. In addition, we expanded our offerings of Sunday insight into who we are as a congregation. In this time of morning adult discipleship classes by adding a class at transition, I am also particularly grateful for the dedicated 9:15am as well as one at 10:30am. 2010 featured an at- laypersons that are largely steering the transition process tractive mix of Bible study (‘Exodus,’ ‘Luke,’ and others), at this time—the Personnel Committee, the Transition practical advice on relationships and family life (‘Caring Team, and the Call Committee. Thanks to all of you! for Your Aging Parents,’ ‘Parenting with Love & Logic,’), and other topics (faith and reason, Christian faith and the Finally, thanks to you, the members of St. John’s! You called environment, and on and on). Our small group ministry me to St. John’s, welcomed me, supported me, and have been continued to move forward this year as well with two new a blessing to my ministry here since day one. It truly is a joy to groups added and existing ones continuing to meet and be your pastor. Keep me in your prayers as I keep you in mine, deepen relationships. Finally, we’re looking forward to a and may the ‘God of peace’ be with us both in 2011! major event on spiritual growth in February 2011 called ‘The Heart of the Matter’—watch for it! Pastor David Bruner 6 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Pastor James E. Reents

This was the year of the Gospel of Luke. A theme of Luke is that I also make hospital calls on Thursday; preside at worship, “Jesus Christ came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) funerals and weddings and teach adult forums from time to That is my goal in my responsibilities as visitation pastor and time. member care pastor. Member Care responsibilities include the Parish Life and This is my first full year of working part-time. It is won- Member Care ministry teams. derful, allowing timeeport for family,from biking the and reading.Associate My main Pastor,My work Member days are Wednesday Care and Thursdayand Seniorand delivering responsibilities are to distribute Holy Communion to those bulletins to the nursing homes on Friday. I also enjoy volunteer- who are home bound and leading the Seniors’ Bible Study on ing at Clare House and Habitat. Thursday mornings.Ministries I find the work of both of them to be very In this time of transition, I am very grateful for the guidance satisfying. given by Pastor Wells over the years. May Knight and Susan We average 25 at the Seniors’ Bible Study with honest and have an enjoyable retirement. lively discussions. Topics this year have included the following: Old Testament Bible History, studying the Sunday scriptures Peace, lessons, Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright and “Good God Pastor James E. Reents Questions” by Luther Seminary professors. The re-modeled Fellowship Hall is a big help especially since we use the screen most weeks. Thank you.

R ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 7

Rob Gieraltowski

And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, • Genesis averaged around 20 youth and adults experi- and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has encing object lessons, Christian music videos, a mission life; whoever does not have the Son of God does theme and more. The 2009–2010 “class” raised over $400 not have life. for children in Ecuador and the goal for the 2010–2011 1 John 5:11–12 (NRSV) school year is set for $450. Both Genesis and iWORD eport from the Junior High Ministrieshave contributed to this special cause. I have many odd things in my office, a virtual museum of the • Two retreats at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center unusual. Many of these unique objects were given to me but (LOMC) were held in the spring and fall. In the spring, the occasionally I find something that “fits” the collection. One of group enjoyed the music and ministry of Daniel’s Window my newest acquisitions is a colorful plastic cheeseburger with who led us in the Word through music and spoken word. a pair of leaves sprouting out from the top. (I told you before . . This fall, a small group experienced a tremendous time with . unusual.) If that isn’t cool enough . . . move the cute sandwich Peder Eide, a Lutheran singer-songwriter-speaker. These into sunlight and step back! Yes, it’s not just a cheeseburger trips were an awesome way to shine in the Son’s light! plant, it’s a solar cheeseburger plant. Crazy isn’t it? Once in the sun, the little leaves flop up and down just loving all the sun it • Two summer camps were held propelling us into the light can get. Once it gets dark the leaves stop moving and the plastic as we crawled in caves (with headlamps!) and served many cheeseburger just stays still. in need. Cave Camp journeyed underground in Missouri What if we were in the SON all the time? What if we lived for its 13th trip and took a look at being “theobites” and our lives fully soaking up Christ’s love? Junior High Ministry how we can strive to live our entire lives in Christ. SALT at St. John’s exists to help sixth through eighth graders see the had a great group of youth serving on a farm, re-building light of Christ in their lives and in others’ lives. The cheeseburger a dam, and enjoying the ministry of LOMC. A great sum- plant is OK on its own but connect it with the sun and Oh My mer of faith-filled adventure. Goodness! How amazing to see it come alive! Christ desires the • The Money Matters Event was held in early November and same for us. One of our eighth graders, Matt Martell, wrote on helped families start conversations about how we use what Facebook (about our Thrive program), “we don’t just live, we God has given us. Special thanks to Thrivent Financial thrive!” You got it Matt, we don’t just live as Christians; that’s for sponsoring and leading the event for families. not how God sees our relationships. Instead He has big plans for us, plans for us to thrive and prosper in our faith. • The Junior High Ministry Team met to discuss the new worship schedule, the new facilities, planning a Money Here’s a recap of how our Jr. High Ministry thrived in faith for 2010: Matters Event with Thrivent, family ministry, and birthed a Thrive Challenge to encourage further faith growth in • The Thrive program had 14 small groups with at least 2 our Thrive small groups. This is a great group of parents adult Guides giving us over 125 youth, adults and church that care deeply about youth growing in Christ’s light! Rstaff actively engaged in praying, serving, studying, listen- ing, working together, learning about Lutheran beliefs, • New Junior High Room! Many thanks to the congrega- talking, hanging out, worshipping, and thriving in God’s tion for providing us with a new, clean, updated, versatile grace on Wednesday evenings. and exciting space in which to hold ministry programs and events. So many people helped turn our new facil- • A few groups have begun to go beyond the Wednesday ity from a dream into a faith-filled reality. Since June we evening Thrive program and have kept prayer journals, have continued to enjoy everything from new furniture, helped clean up a playground, and reached out to group great technology, creative design elements and more as members in need. we grow in faith. This space is a unique and special place • We supported one of our own in prayer and other support for our junior-highers to be cradled in faith. when Andrew Ponce (7th grader) was diagnosed and treated for a brain tumor. Thanks be to God he is almost On a personal note, it was especially meaningful to cel- fully recovered! ebrate over 15 years of service at St. John’s. After arriving in September 1993 as a youth ministry intern, I continue to enjoy • iWORD had around 8 youth and adults actively study- finding Christ’s “Sonlight” still shining bright today, and I’m ing God’s Word on Sunday mornings (twice per month). sure for many more years to come! St. John’s is blessed to help The group has enjoyed studying Nehemiah (2009–2010) 6–8th graders thrive in their faith and be exposed to the power and the Life of Christ (2010–2011). A great time to pour of the SON! ourselves into deeper study and prayer. Rob Gieraltowski Director for Junior High Ministries 8 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Julie Holliday

My heart is full as I see the many blessings we have in the Joy Orphanage in Lusaka, Zambia. Zone each week. We are blessed beyond measure with amazing • Lenten Food Drive last year collected 3114 items for the volunteers. Every week they graciously take up the challenge Clare House, a local food pantry. to connect with our children and share the heart of Jesus. We • 36 children participated in First Communion Week in are blessed at St. John’s with fantastic families that want to grow June. Deb Aldred and Steven Gregory do an outstand- in their faith. eport from Joy Zone Ministries ing job of coordinating this very special week for the 4th graders. You may notice an abundance of ORANGE in the Joy Zone hallways this year. We are very excited about the new ORANGE • We sailed the High Seas with 150 children for VBS in initiative! Red + Yellow = ORANGE. July. We had over 75 amazing volunteers work together to make this awesome week come together. Mary Wiese Red (the love of family) + Yellow (the light of the church) = did an unbelievable job again in transforming St. John’s powerful transformation with her decorating skills. Did you know that the average church has about • Festival of Faith at the BPCA in August welcomed back 40 hours a year to influence the faith life of a child? Did The Zoo Crew face painters again along with several fun you know parents have over 3000 hours a year with their children’s activities. Kathy Olson and Susan Temple are child? Wow! Think of what can happen when we leverage the Joy Zone representatives that organize this event. the time that both the church and parents are spending with each child! • Rally Day was here before we knew it with 274 children registered for our Joy Zone Sunday programming. Many ORANGE is about coming together parents attended the Parent Rally in the Fellowship Hall to find out more about the new ORANGE initiative. • Supporting each other. • September marked the first trip by Joy Zone Mission/Out- • Elevating what each child is learning on Sunday through- reach Coordinator, Laurie Helms to the New Horizon’s out the week. Orphanage in Lusaka, Zambia, Africa. Joy Zone offerings • Finding “something” (which will look different for each help to support the orphanage. Laurie gave a wonderful person and family) more each family can do or share each presentation upon her return to the first–fifth graders and week. their parents. The children made African drums to collect • Equipping parents to know how and when to interact their loose change in until we start our Bee the Change with their child. collection in 2011. • Encouraging parents to have fun transferring faith to their • In September, 35 third graders received the new Spark child. Bible from St. John’s. Pastor Elyse led the interactive My Bible class for the children and their parents. RThis strategy is cross generational—so THINK ORANGE if you are a grandparent, mentor, or any significant role model Looking forward to 2011, the Joy Zone Children’s Ministry in the life of a child. Team continues to focus on how we can become more ORANGE and equip parents to be the primary faith influencers for their In 2010, the Joy Zone Children’s Ministries continued many children. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to co-sponsor successful programs: an exciting event with three area churches in February 2011 • January marked our Second Annual ConSpire (Connect called the “Empowered Parenting Conference.” and Inspire) Event. This event involves the collaboration of the Children’s Ministry Team, parent volunteers, Joy Grace and peace, Zone leaders, and High School students. An excellent day Julie Holliday of team building and volunteer appreciation. Director of Joy Zone Children’s Ministries • Bee the Change weekend was unbelievably successful with $2214.78 in loose change collected for the New Horizon ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 9

Steve Terry

Regular Components: North Carolina for our Work Camp Mission. We did CHAOS [Claiming Him As Our Savior!] meets Wednesdays home repair including fixing porches, roofs, painting from 6:45 to 8:30pm and building fences. Nightly devotions and worship • Attendance has been from 35 to 45 with Ruthanne Aves, were powerful and regular time for our group to gather Steve Aves, Cindy Musick and Samantha Pierz assisting. nightly contributed to a strong sense of fellowship and • Topics eportinclude Homelessness,from Senior Sin & Forgiveness, High MinistriesChurch identity. Prayer, Who is Jesus, Music In Today’s Culture, and Work Camp 2011—July 10-16 at Grand Rapids, Michigan Service In Our Church and Our World. We also have • We will be taking 55 youth and 12 adults this year been using a BIBLE Series from Max Lucado, “Life Les- to Grand Rapids, Michigan in summer 2011. The sons,” mainly working with the books of Thessalonians list is already full, and we are starting a waiting list. and Romans. This number was reduced to make the group slightly • 30 minute shared prayer at the end of the evening. smaller and more manageable. Other mission op- Summer CHAOS at Underwood Park from 6:00 to 8:00pm portunities have been added to enhance a variety of • Meet at a local park for recreation. mission experiences. • Volleyball, ultimate frisbee, whiffle ball and lots of Nazareth Farm—May & January, Appalachian Mission, WV snacks • Appalachian Mission trip which offers a more intense, • Fellowship and shared prayer at the end. personal, and intimate service ministry opportunity. • Program goes year-round for regular contact with youth. • Six college students went the week of May 16–22, 2010 L.I.G.H.T. [Living In God’s House Together] meets the 2nd and another seven college students from the congrega- Sunday night of the month at 6:00pm tion went the week of January 2–8, 2011. • L.I.G.H.T. has been alternating between L.I.G.H.T. Fel- • This is a remarkable week of real service to the poor of lowship which meets once a month for an in-depth bible Appalachia. It is set up as a retreat week with prayer, study led by a pastor with food and refreshments. This community and sacrifice as the focus around the ser- has been very successful with great participation and vice ministries done. enthusiasm from the teens. The usual attendance is 25. Leadership Lab—July 2010 • L.I.G.H.T. Worship has met during Lent, Advent and • A four-day Leadership in Ministry Workshop was the Sponsor Appreciation Dinner. held at Augustana College. Four youth and one adult • Now the service is putting an emphasis on Youth— represented St. John’s. junior high, senior high and college youth along with • Brett Eckdahl was the only teen participating this their families. year. He came back and spoke to the teens and will • The attendance has increased to an average of 75 a be promoting the Leadership Lab to guarantee more Rworship service, and the energy has been reestablished. participation in the summer of 2011. Ministry Teams Youth Ministry Cornerstones Senior High Ministry Team Prayer • Consists of 10 adults helping to form and implement • Shared Prayer—Wednesday nights at CHAOS programs in youth ministry. This team also coordinates • LIGHT Worship—Sunday night 6:00pm most special activities such as The Homeless Night • Advent & Lent Wednesday Night Worship—Youth are Fundraiser, Senior Breakfast, and the Work Camp participating in the liturgical worship of the church Sponsor Appreciation Dinner. during special seasons. Youth Ministry Board Service • Is made up of 14 high school youth from each class. • Work Camp 2010—June (see above for description) They meet monthly to plan and discuss monthly fel- • Easter Egg Hunt—Annual event for the children of the lowship or service events, CHAOS and L.I.G.H.T. and Church. 40 high school youth and adult volunteers put other youth ministry issues. They are planning fellow- on a wonderful event for the children and families of ship events and now running CHAOS once a month. St. John’s. • Church Festival—Games for the kids—The high school Mission Immersion Experiences youth helped with many of the service activities for the Work Camp 2010—China Grove, North Carolina festival along with the children’s games. • In 2010, 55 youth and 12 adults went to China Grove, • Homeless Overnight—There were 51 youth participating in staying overnight outside on Church grounds 10 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

to raise awareness and money for the homeless, and • CHAOS—Wednesday and L.I.G.H.T. we raised over $1100 for Habitat for Humanity. • Extreme Faith—Sunday Morning Bible Study • Nazareth Farm—May 2010 and January 2011. • L.I.G.H.T.—Fellowship & Worship • Trunk or Treat—Sr. High put together a safe alternative • Retreats for the Youth Ministry Board and the Teen Halloween event this year. Over 90 children took part. Community • Rake & Run—28 youth and adults raked the yards of 7 church families leaving a prayer in their wake. The Senior High Program has continued to grow. Over 135 • Water Project—$62 was raised during Advent for different high school youth have participated in some kind of World Vision. The money will be used to build a well program in the year 2010. The new Senior High Youth Room for a village and to provide water sanitation tablets for contributed to a growth in participation and opportunities for safe, clean drinking water. the youth to gather and be in community. This room is won- • Tie Blankets for the Homeless—57 tie blankets were derful and the teens have taken ownership of this space. They made and donated to Safe Harbor for the homeless gather on Sunday mornings for Extreme Faith, and we have and needy. had numerous social gatherings for fellowship including movie Community Fellowship nights and our Christmas party. • Ski Trip to Sundown in Dubuque, Iowa The culture of youth ministry has become much more • Youth Ministry Board Fellowship Events spiritual and welcoming. The community of teens have grown • Lock-Ins—two lock-ins took place during 2010. and are evangelizing to their friends and guests that visit the • College Night—Thursday nights during the summer church. There is a very strong group of teen leaders who run up to ten college students would participate in our many of the programs and also mentor those in need. We con- College Program. We would meet in the Senior High tinue to do good ministry and establish a strong, faith-filled, Youth Room and would have fellowship and prayer. welcoming community. Cindy Musick helped run this program. Faith Formation Steve Terry Director of Senior High Youth Ministry

Cheryl Park

Let the little children come to me; do not stop Volunteers & Staff them; for it is such as these that the kingdom of A big thank you to the many staff and volunteers who help to God belongs. make DinnerTime possible. Mark 10:14b Dinner/Family time requires: • 10–12 preparation volunteers each week Our Mission eport from Dinner Time Ministry• All families who help clean up each week DinnerTime exists to connect children, youth and adults, to • Dinner Dean Emcees each week help them grow in their faith and to build a “Family In Christ.” • Game Prep Each Week • Kitchen Coordinator Our Weekly Program Format • Slide Prep • Table Parents that sit with the kids’ tables DinnerTime is a ministry of relationships through the sharing • Everyone who comes and eats and shares in Fellowship of a meal and family time. with others in God’s Family here at St. John’s. We would not have DinnerTime without the assistance of Dinner/Family time— all who help each week. Thank you so much for all you do for Purpose: Knowing God’s Family—A nutritious meal is shared our St. John’s family. along with a group activity where all members of our St. John’s Family have fun together. This year’s themes included Hats DinnerTime is a great way to begin Wednesday Evenings Off To Jesus (Crazy Hat Night), Weird Hair Night, Blue is as we gather before going to age-based ministry to complete our Cool (Advent) and many more. There are 24 tables of young church family night; Choirs (3yrs to 5th Grade), Thrive (6th–8th and not-so-young eating together as a family (approximately Grades), CHAOS (9th–12th Grades), Wednesday Warriors (Joy 175–185 per week). God’s definition of family = noun, one or Zone Parent Helpers) more people gathered in My name. • • • • • Enrollment Therefore encourage one another and build up each The 2010–2011 enrollment is 192 from 53 families. other, as indeed you are doing. R 1Thes. 5:11 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 11

c 2010 Congregational c Columbarium Association d Council d Our Memorial Gardens [Columbarium Courtyard] provide a beautiful place for our Cross and Chest niches. We thank those Three new Council members, Chris Landstrom, Karen Terry, who helped care for these gardens in 2010. If others would like and Sara White beganeports their ofCouncil the service Congregational in January 2010. toCouncil help us, we would and appreciate Committees your assistance. For anyone Three members, Fred Peterson, Pat Weed, and Paul deDianous, who may be interested in reserving a niche or volunteering, will be completing their term on Council in January 2011. We please contact Vernon Veal or any association board member. thank them for their dedicated service. Elected in August of 2010 This year we have put five years of financial records in to take their places and begin service in January 2011 are Susan QuickBooks Online. A St. John’s volunteer, Marilyn Walker, Temple, Lori Laughlin, and Bob Fisher. We welcome them and accepted this challenge and successfully input our information look forward to working together with them. into QuickBooks. Thank you, Marilyn, for your many hours After much effort by a Council Constitutional Review Com- put into this project. mittee, compliance and other changes to St. John’s Constitution Members of the Columbarium Association Board of were made and approved by congregational vote during the Directors in 2010 were: Bud Davis, Sharon Prescott, Vernon Annual Meeting in January 2010. Veal, Don Gordon, Karen Timmerman, Pastor Wells, Sandy A major area of focus and effort for the council this year Ginther, Ann Stemm, Sue Stombaugh, with Terry Stombaugh was the construction progress of the new ministry and educa- as staff liaison. Additional details will be given at the January tion spaces made possible by the A Church Alive! building Association Annual Meeting. campaign. The new and remodeled spaces were occupied, dedicated, and in use for the fall semester of our family, youth Chart below gives details for the 468 niche spaces existing in and adult education activities. our Memorial Gardens. Pastor Wells announced his intended retirement, effective June 30, 2011, and council has been heavily engaged in the Niches process to transition from his leadership to that of a new Senior Total Companion Crosses...... 60 Pastor to be called in 2011. To aid us making this transition as Companion Crosses reserved (all)...... 60 quickly and smoothly as possible, Council retained Holy Cow! Consulting, to help develop the plan. As part of their methodol- Total Single Crosses...... 60 ogy, they surveyed the congregation and staff and interviewed Single Crosses reserved...... 15 the program and office staff. In November, the Council accepted Single Crosses available...... 45 43 transition task recommendations generated from St. John’s input to these processes. Total Companion Chest...... 144 RCurrently, a Call Committee and a Transition Team have Companion Chest reserved...... 14 been formed including members of the congregation and Coun- Companion Chest available...... 130 cil. They, along with the Personnel Committee, have begun the process of analyzing and executing the plan. As with the recent Vern Veal building project, a multi-media communication plan is being developed to keep the congregation up to date as we progress. The Council would like to thank the congregation for its flexibility and willingness to engage with church leadership through the various forums and surveys, as we look to make changes in our worship and ministries to keep them vibrant and to keep us an inviting, connecting, A Church Alive! This information will help to move us forward as a congregation as we feel called by the Spirit. It has been my pleasure to serve as President again this year. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to all the members of Council, the Pastors, staff, and congregation for a great year of ministry in 2010. God’s blessings to you all in 2011!

Dan Lammers, President 12 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT c Nominating Committee d c Personnel Committee d The Nominating Committee for 2010 successfully completed Our church constitution establishes a Personnel Committee to the Church Council election and the Charitable Trust nominees. advise the Congregational Council and the Senior Pastor on Thank you to the Nominating Committee members for personnel matters. The Congregation Council President chairs their work and support, attending meetings, calling members the committee. of the congregation, publicity, and the actual election. The Current members of the Personnel Committee include: Bob members of the nominating committee were: Joelyn Kelly, Fisher, Rob Moser, Bob O’Dell, Dan Lammers, Shari Buckellew, Penny Rathbun, Steve Pruett, Steve Aves, Norma Fagerland and Pastor Knight Wells. Terry Stombaugh, Director of Church and Kelly Heim. Operations, is an ex officio member. The 2011 Church Council candidates were Brent Ander- Since the Constitution does not allow a council member, son, Aaron Ching, Ray Dostal, Bob Fisher, Bob Hinshaw, Lori other than the President, to be part of the Personnel Com- Laughlin, Susan Temple and Randy Tomic. Elected to 3-year mittee, Bob Fisher will complete his service on the Personnel terms were Ray Dostal, Bob Fisher, Bob Hinshaw, Lori Laughlin Committee at the close of the Annual Congregation Meeting and Susan Temple. on January 30, 2011. Bob was elected to serve a 3-year term on Charitable Trust nominees for 2011 are Brent Anderson council in August and begins his official term at the close of the and John Gordon. They will be voted on at the annual meeting Annual Meeting. We thank Bob for his years of service as part of in January 2011. the Personnel Committee. He will be replaced by Vernon Veal. Nominees for the 2011 Nominating Committee are Toria Some actions of the Personnel Committee this year includ- Whiteside and Susan Magnuson. By Constitution Provision ed discussion and approval of salary and benefit adjustments for C13.02, the Council President Dan Lammers has appointed 2010; administration and results of the 2010 Employee Opinion outgoing Council Member Pat Weed as a Nominating Commit- Survey, and an updating of St. John’s Employee Manual. tee member. Additional members from last year serving their In October/November, the Personnel Committee began second year are Steve Aves, Norma Fagerland and Kelly Heim. reviewing recommendations made by Holy Cow! Consulting designed to make our pastoral, program and support staffs more efficient and productive. By improving the workload balance among staff and making modifications in the supervision and reporting arrangements, efficiency should be enhanced. Modifications in our organizational structure and staffing will help to cut our personnel costs and also provide St. John’s with needed staff to lead and enhance ministry in the year ahead as we prepare for a change in senior pastoral leadership in 2011. Thank you to the members of the Personnel Committee for their many hours of dedicated service this year.

Dan Lammers, Chair ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 13

c Adult Discipleship d c Finance d It’s been a productive year for the Adult Discipleship Ministry The Finance Ministry Team met regularly during 2010 to dis- Team! The goal of the team is to provide opportunities for cuss financial, budgetary and expense management matters spiritual growth at St. John’s, and we were pleased to do so a pertaining to St. John’s. Throughout the year we reviewed the number of times eportsthroughout from the year. the Ministry Teamsmonthly financial statements and made recommendations to Council on financial issues. • We expanded our offerings of Sunday morning adult The Finance Ministry Team drafted a preliminary budget discipleship classes by adding a class at 9:15am as well as for 2011 and provided it to the Stewardship Team for their use one at 10:30am. 2010 featured an attractive mix of topics. in the Fall Campaign. The budget was also forwarded to the o There were several Bible study opportunities featur- Council for its approval, and approval of the budget will be ing the ELCA’s Book of Faith series—‘Exodus,’ ‘Luke,’ voted on at the January 30, 2011 annual congregation meeting. ‘John,’ ‘Ephesians,’ and others. Thanks to the members of the Finance Team: Tom Shadid, o There was practical advice on relationships and family Chairperson, Brad Barclay, Paul Johnson, Greg Koester, Steve life—‘Caring for your Aging Parents,’ ‘Parenting with Pruett, Mary Ann Webb, Terry Stombaugh, Director of Church Love & Logic.’ Operations, and Chuck Hurliman, Treasurer and Council liaison o There were classes on theological topics—‘Faith and for their time and dedication in 2011. Reason,’ ‘Earthkeeping: the Christian faith and the Environment,’ ‘What Do Lutherans Believe About Baptism?’, and others. c Member Care d o And there were plain ol’ interesting discussions— Our purpose is to serve and nurture St. John’s members, both Rabbi Paul Kaplan on ‘the Christmas Dilemma in the in everyday service and at times of particular need. Through Jewish Community,’ ‘Helicopter Parenting,’ ‘Reverb: serving others, we serve the Lord. We attempt to accomplish Exploring the Intersection of Rock Music and our our goal through nine ministries. Christian Faith,’ and others. Care Givers meet twice a month to send notes and cards to • In addition, under the leadership of Vivian Downing, we those who are ill or need support. Gudrun Dunt is the offered two spiritual gifts discovery classes during the coordinator. year. The goal of these classes is to help members discover and articulate their own spiritual gifts and connect with Home Communion, coordinated by Pastor Reents, enlists a ministry that gives them life. The results have been members to take Holy Communion monthly to those Rpositive so far, and we look forward to expanding and who cannot attend church. deepening this effort. The Prayer Chain, directed by Margene Taylor, responds to • We welcomed a few new members (Paul Crownhart, requests for prayer. Vivian Downing, and Julie Van Dolah) in addition to our experienced crew of stalwarts: Lisa Banasik, Eff and Anita Telecare, led by Linda Patterson, is a telephone ministry Embree, Ed Embree, Cindy Musick, and Ann Stemm. We with the goal of contacting each family at home annu- are thankful for the good work of each and every member ally. This allows pastors and staff to become aware of life of the committee. changes in the congregation or to respond to requests for information. • We’re also thankful for the many members of St. John’s who helped teach or lead a class in 2010: Rev. Harold New Baby Meals, under the direction of Lois and Arlene Skillrud, Stewart Winger, Laurie Helms, Jan Pritts, Bob Brucker, provides a meal for families with new babies. Fisher, Paul Crownhart, Tom Clemens, Wendy Iverson Food is prepared and delivered by volunteers soon after and Becki Wood, and Ted and Mpale Silkiluwasha. Thank the baby comes home. you! Sunday Drivers, under the direction of Charles Young, • Finally, we’re looking forward to a major event on spiritual provides transportation to the 10:15am Sunday morning growth in February 2011 called ‘The Heart of the Mat- service for members who otherwise would be unable to ter’—watch for it! attend. We look forward to a successful 2011! 14 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

Blood Pressure Screening is done the first Sunday of every February and the “Looking to the Future Event” in May. As the month on the balcony. It is also done the fourth Saturday church began the process of a senior pastor transition following of every month at the Saturday Evening Service. the announcement of Pastor Wells retirement, the committee had an opportunity to meet with Carolyn Weese, Holy Cow! Faith in Action, directed by Tim Terry, provides trans- consultant to discuss the workings of this ministry team. portation to doctor appointments, drug store, grocery Parish Life looks forward to an exciting 2011 as St. John’s store and other places for those who have no means of prepares to say farewell to Pastor Knight Wells and welcomes transportation. a new senior pastor. We invite anyone in the congregation who has an interest in fellowship to join the Parish Life Team. We Grief Support meets monthly with Pastor Reents to provide meet regularly on the second Thursday of the month at 4:30pm. support for those who have lost a loved one and are hav- ing a difficult time. Russ Higgins, Council Liaison Body, Mind and Spirit is timely medical information submit- ted as articles by Laura Baue for publication in The Eagle. c Property d Along with the many members of these individual min- The purpose of the Property Ministry Team is to oversee the istries, the Member Care Ministry Team members are: Arlene maintenance and protection of all property of the congrega- Brucker, Linda Click, John and Kelly Delaney, Vicky Kramer, tion, to take care that it is kept in good repair, and to maintain Patrick Weed (Council Liaison), and Margene Taylor (team a safe environment. Maintenance of the church is an ongoing leader). Gudrun Dunt is our staff representative. We invite need. The ministry team welcomes volunteer efforts at any time. anyone interested to join one of our areas of service. Please feel free to contact Roger Swaner or Chris Landstrom to volunteer your time and skills. Margene Taylor, Member Care The following are some of the endeavors of the Property Ministry Team during 2010: c Parish Life d • Replacement of leaking skylight in Sanctuary • Removal of rotting decorative panels on peak of sanctuary The Parish Life Ministry Team of St. John’s Lutheran Church roof. coordinates opportunities for relationship building and for • Preparation of the 2011 Property Budget growth and development of the parish family by overseeing the various fellowship groups within the congregation. • Spring and Fall grounds cleanup Parish Life was able to coordinate two ordination recep- • Updated exterior signs to reflect service time changes. tions in 2010. The year began with an ordination reception for • Investigation of roof leaks over administrative office with Pastor David Bruner, called to serve as Associate Pastor of Adult replacement targeted for Spring 2011. Discipleship and Family Ministries. Pastor Bruner was ordained • General maintenance and repair of building and grounds at St. John’s on January 10, 2010. In September, Pastor Jim Da- including painting, lights and new carpet for three ad- vis, a son of the congregation, was also ordained at the church. ministrative office areas. Parish Life coordinated several long time and popular congregational events including the Easter Brunch, Festival of Thank you to the Property Ministry Team members for Faith and Heritage Sunday. These were wonderful opportuni- their time, leadership and volunteer efforts. Thank you to ties for the congregation to gather in Christian fellowship and the Noah’s Ark staff and Board members who upgraded and celebration. maintained the flower bed near their entrance. Thank you to The committee also helped with the Grand Opening event Tom and Barb Anderson and Becky Burkhart for repairing the for the newly constructed Junior High, Senior High, and Nurs- concrete block wall along the Noah’s Ark entrance and provid- ery areas of the church as well as providing receptions following ing new planting. music series concerts in April and September. The year 2010 also found members of Parish Life participat- Team members are: Louis Blank, Jim Click, Lynn Spaid, Randy ing in a couple of key learning and team building opportunities Tomic, Jeff Vallender, Greg Vogel, Matt Aldeman, Justin Bellas. including the Staff/Council Retreat with Pastor Mike Foss in ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 15

c d were also able to spend time with Juliet Chilengi and the girls Open Door Missions of the New Horizons Ministries Orphanage, who have received The purpose of Open Door Missions (ODM) is to share the gos- support from Joy Zone contributions for several years. pel through mission and service beyond our local community. The trip resulted in warm new relationships and many Our goal is to involve every member of St. John’s in mission ideas for future partnership between St. John’s and the ELC- through prayer, provision, or participation. Zambia congregations, as well as continuation of the “Children to Children Ministry” between St. John’s Joy Zone children Men’s Fellowship Breakfast and the orphans at New Horizons Ministries. Watch for the announcement of new and exciting things to come in 2011. In April 2010, the second annual Men’s Breakfast was held. The speaker was Steve Schmidt, director of Love Packages in Operation Christmas Child Butler, Illinois. In November, 169 gift-filled shoeboxes were collected, 40 of Ecuador 2010 Mission Trip these from Joy Zone. This project is run in partnership with Sa- maritan’s Purse, which delivers millions of these shoebox gifts to In July, a team of 18, including 5 teens, traveled to Huigra, needy children around the world, along with a gospel message. Ecuador, located in a western valley of the Andes Mountains. St. John’s members contributed over $15,600 to fund a church Love Packages building for a congregation in Huigra. Much of this money had been wired ahead so that local church members were able Throughout 2010, a total of 11 volunteers brought over 740 to do most of the construction before the team arrived. Team pounds of Christian material and 145 bibles to Love Packages in members worked all week side-by-side with the Huigra resi- Butler, IL, where they worked to sort, package and load material dents to finish laying up blocks, complete the roof, construct onto containers to be shipped to countries all over the world the bathrooms and paint the church. where bibles and teaching material are scarce. We have been Other team members ran a daily Bible School, and the teens a part of this ministry since 2006. It was decided that trips to ran a sports camp. Others accompanied Dr. Manuel Avila to lo- Love Packages will be suspended for 2011. cal villages to provide primary health care. They also distributed large numbers of shoes, clothing and other necessities donated Aluminum Cans and Cell Phone Recycling by St. John’s. In addition, the team had the opportunity to visit In 2010, approximately $500 was collected from the recycling two of its previous mission sites, Nuevo Esperanza and Aypud. of aluminum cans and cell phones. Cans are deposited in a They were pleased to observe that both villages have continued container near the garage and cell phones are brought to the to move forward and improve both the spiritual and the physical church office. aspects of their villages as a result of St. John’s mission outreach. The Huigra congregation showed their gratitude with a Missionary Support—Patricia Bentsen, Madagascar feast and locally-made gifts for the team. In 2010, St. John’s continued its ELCA Covenant Agreement with missionary Patricia Bentsen, who has served more than Aypud School Fund 30 years in our sister synod, Madagascar. Patricia assisted the For the past two years, the families of Aypud, Ecuador have not Malagasy Lutheran Church Health Department with many had sufficient funds to provide books, supplies and transporta- projects and ministries, worked with student nurses, and visited tion for their 60 school-age children who must attend school in rural health clinics and prisons. She sent us devotions that were a town down the mountain. However, the Ecuador teams, along shared with the congregation. This was our last year to support with help from the Genesis group, supplied the needed funds Patricia as she is retiring from this ministry at the end of the year. to purchase the books and supplies in the amount of $1,800 for the 60 children. Missionary Support—Dr. Manuel Avila, Ecuador Dr. Manuel Avila has devoted his life to helping the poor in Vision Zambia 2010 Ecuador. It is through his leadership that St. John’s has been In September, Pr. Elyse Nelson Winger, Jan Pritts and Laurie able to send mission teams to Ecuador for the past four years. Helms traveled to Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, to explore As his mission work has grown, Dr. Manuel has had to give up a relationship between St. John’s and the ELC-Zambia congrega- his private practice. Open Door Missions provided monetary tions there and to further our relationship with New Horizons support to Dr. Manuel in 2010 in the amount of $3,600. Ministries Orphanage. They visited congregations and attended services with ELCA missionary Pr. Arden Strasser, who is work- Connie Moll ing with the small, poor congregations and their ministers. They 16 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

c d Western Avenue Community Center Social Action • A relationship was established with Western Avenue Community Center (WACC). Blood Drives • A food drive was held in the spring and the food delivered • Successful drives were held in April and November. to WACC. • Lynn Carpenter, Blood Drive Chair, was a guest at our • SAM members presented a poverty simulation for 7th November team meeting. grade Thrive members at the WACC.

Festival of Faith There were many other activities under the Social Action • Sue Stroyan-Bennett represented Social Action Ministry umbrella in 2010, but the above were the primary focus of our (SAM) on the planning team for Festival of Faith (FoF). team. We will continue our charge in 2011 and hope to add a few people to our SAM team and bring more people into social Habitat for Humanity ministry in 2011. • St. John’s volunteers worked as partners with other volunteers on multiple Saturdays through the summer and fall to build a home for the Shannon Flies family. c Stewardship d • Marvin Rasch took the leadership position for this ministry. We believe that stewardship is partnership with Christ, through Hopedale Growing Project the Holy Spirit, in fulfilling the purposes of God in the world. • St. John’s partnered with farmers and the Mennonite The Stewardship Ministry Team is responsible for promot- church in Hopedale to produce a crop that was sold with ing the annual stewardship program, inviting all members to the proceeds going to Resources Food Bank with the end make regular financial gifts in support of the ministries of St. benefactor being a village in Zambia. John’s, as well as encouraging members to volunteer and par- • St. John’s Thanksgiving offering was targeted for the ticipate in ministries at St. Johns. During 2010, our activities Hopedale Growing Project. centered on the following:

Lutheran World Relief 2010 Faithful Living, Faithful Giving • St. John’s served as an in-gathering location in October. Our committee coordinated the fall stewardship campaign • St. John’s contributed 767 health kits, 581 school kits and with the purpose of inviting all members of the congregation to 282 quilts. All were above the targeted goal. pledge their financial support and to connect to the ministries of St. Johns. Safe Harbor • Served our 6 regularly scheduled meals. Mailings/Communications • Added three extra dates for 2010 which we have success- The Stewardship Ministry Team coordinates what is known as fully completed. the “Pink Envelope Mailing,” the monthly stewardship mailing to all St. John’s members. Members of the Stewardship Team, Social Action Ministry Team Church Council, ministry teams, have all participated in writ- • New team members were added. ing an article this year. The articles offer awareness, motivation, • More people became involved for the first time in one encouragement, and hope. Thank you to all who have written of the ministries while experienced members remained an article this year. active. Many thanks to all of the team members who worked to • The team has a renewed focus on what we should con- support our stewardship efforts this year: Dave Johnson, Don centrate on. Peterson, Bill Shepherd, Dale Durchholz, Roger Frederick, Roger Hellman, Chris Magnusson and Pastor Knight Wells. Storybook Prison Ministry • Somewhere between 800 and 1,000 books were presented Russ Mueller, Team Leader to LSSI for this ministry. • Some members visited one of the prisons served by Sto- rybook. ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 17

c d • The creation of a Drama Ministry Team which has re- Worship Arts sulted in creative worship elements for COJ and SES, The Worship Arts Ministry Team (WAMT) is composed of the including original and published dramatic scenes meant Associate Pastor for Worship Arts, music staff and lay members to deepen the worship experience. from all worship services. Our mission is to support and stew- • A strong St. John’s Music Series, whose concerts have ard the worship life of St. John’s congregation. Worship Arts consistently welcomed non-members into the church for is the “umbrella” team that equips and supports the following wonderful music and hospitality. volunteer worship ministries for each service: acolytes, choirs and bands, communion preparation and assistants, worship • Sharing of ensembles across our worship services. For planning teams, dramatic and visual arts, lectors and readers, example, the Handbell Choir and St. John’s Choir have linen and parament care, ushers, and St. John’s Music Series. offered music at all services in 2010. Many St. John’s members lead these individual ministries and • Renewing Holy Week services, including the addition of communicate with the team as needed. a Good Friday worship service at Community of Joy and The WAMT team also partners with pastoral and music a re-imagined Easter Vigil service. staff to plan special services and seasonal events including, but not limited to: Festival of Faith, Confirmation, First Com- • A second annual Christmas Cantata including all chil- munion, Heritage Sunday, Midweek Advent and Lent services, dren’s choirs. and Holy Week, Easter, and Christmas worship. • Enriching Christmas Eve worship, including the addition of a Family Choir at 4:00pm Traditional service, and a Highlights for 2010 included: smaller, more intimate 11:00pm worship service led by SES band members. • Supporting and facilitating congregational conversation about our Sunday morning worship schedule, culminat- • Ongoing welcome of new musicians into the COJ and ing in a council decision to revise our schedule as of SES bands, as well as the St. John’s Choir. September 2010. • New leaders and participants for volunteer ministries, • Researching, and then commissioning, new communion such as ushering, acolyting and COJ slide creation. ware for all worship services that provides a divided chal- ice for wine and grape juice. Gluten-free communion also became available at all SES and COJ services. 18 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

c Kaffehuset d c St. John's Women d Kaffehuset—the Swedish word for coffeehouse—began in the All the women of St. John’s are members of the Women of the fall of 1992, and is now in its 18th year of operation. It was Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Women’s Min- started and continues to provide a place where members and istry Brochure is available at the Welcome Centers. Our annual nonmembers of St.eports John’s can from gather forthe refreshments, Fellowship fellow- Groupsdirectory booklet and is Activitiesalso made available upon request. For a ship, education and entertainment. The group meets in the detailed offering of our programs, budget and other informa- Fellowship Hall on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am with the tion, please refer to these sources. formal program beginning at 10:30am during the fall, winter There are four circles, Abigail, Elizabeth, Rachel and Sarah, and spring months. Average attendance is 50 per week. A wide that meet once a month for Bible study, fellowship and service. variety of programs are presented that include music or pre- The Mom’s Bible Study Group meets each week for bible study, sentations and discussions on a variety of subjects. There is no fellowship, and service. age limitation on attendees, and you are invited to attend any The Spring and Fall events are held to bring all St. John’s Wednesday, regularly, or any Wednesday where the program women together for fellowship, education and fun. In April, is of interest to you. The scheduled program for each week in Alice Craig of Tremont, IL presented a program about her spe- listed in the Weekly News. cial artwork and an inspirational message about being the best women we can be. In October, attendees heard the St. John’s Bell Don Gordon Choir perform and also learn about the history of the group and information about the bells, music and other details involved in playing in the choir. St. John’s women gather together for Lutheran World Re- lief projects such as Quilters Group, and sewing school bags, gathering health and school supplies and packing. We support many projects such as: local and global LWR Ministry; seminary students; NE Conference of WELCA; CSIS Synod WELCA; Ju- nior and Senior High Camp projects; LOVE Packages; Ecuador Mission Trip; and Adopt-a-Platoon project.

We invite all women of St. John’s to participate in all the activities of St. John’s Women’s Ministries. R Pat Pulokas, President ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 19

Wendy Iverson

c Noah's Ark Preschool d Noah’s Ark Pre-K5s During this sixth year of Pre-K5s there have been many exciting events for the children, such as a city bus ride to Watterson 2010–2011 Board of Directors Towers, building at Lowe’s, and a play about three little pigs. Echo Tinglestadeport...... from Noah’s ArkPresident PreschoolA family event of building benches was another huge success. Sandy Petersen ...... President Elect Carol Hoeniges...... Treasurer Noah’s Ark Pre-K4s Steve Crader...... Secretary The 4-year-old children invited parents to a Mexican fiesta, went on numerous field trips around the community, and Jenni Hively, Jill Waddell, Joan Higgins, Kim Mays, Pam requested family and friends to attend a special Gathering in Larson, Cathy Anderson, Deb Kennamann, and Thomas November that included a short play about a little old lady who Hartless wasn’t afraid of anything. Their family event in October about Stranger Danger and Good Touch/Bad Touch was well received Noah’s Ark Staff by parents and children alike. Wendy Iverson...... Director/3s Teacher Becki Wood...... 4s & 5s Teacher Noah’s Ark 3s Kathy Harcharik...... 4s Teacher The 3-year-old children had a great time exercising with fami- Megan Thoennes...... 4s Teacher lies in February, put on an adorable Pet Parade for family and friends, visited Normal Public Library, and Ray Ropp’s Dairy Sherri Bertolet...... 2s & 3s Teacher Farm. The fall brought an opportunity to visit Rader’s Pumpkin Abby Dunt...... 3s Teacher Farm, explore animals of the forest at the Miller Park Zoo, and Johnna McDonnell...... 4s Assistant a special program at our Gathering in November. Kalpana Bandela...... 2s & 3s Assistant Ayna Mekuria...... 3s & 4s Assistant Noah’s Ark 2s Our first school year with 2-year-olds in the program has been Our first year with new programming very successful! The children have adjusted to coming to school a couple days a week without a parent close at hand. They have New programming has been a great draw for Noah’s Ark. We grown so much, learning to take turns, use their words, singing have been able to offer, for the first time, a five-day program for songs, counting, and self control. Pre-K4s and Pre-K5s, a three-day 3s program and a new 2s program. With so many options we are able to reach many families Noah’s Ark Parents Rof the St. John’s Lutheran Church family and the community. Noah’s Ark parents enhance our program by planning holiday Fund-raising parties, assisting teachers with special projects, contributing time at fund-raisers, giving generous donations to the preschool Noah’s Ark was blessed financially this year through our fund- in honor of the teachers, and extend words of encouragement raising. We had a successful Original Artwork fundraiser this and appreciation to the staff. fall within the preschool. The children made great works of art that were turned into magnets and orders for special gifts. In Noah’s Ark Preschool has been part of the Outreach Ministry March, we had a fabulous turnout for the Annual Noah’s Ark Program of St. John’s for 35 years. Because of the partnership Pig Out Pancake Breakfast. With Jill Waddell and Jenni Hively and the support of the church, we have been able to offer a heading up the event, the day was a fabulous success. wonderful early childhood experience to hundreds of children The children of Noah’s Ark Preschool were able to raise of our church and community. $2,000 for St. Jude’s Children Hospital at their Trike-A-Thon in April, held in the church parking lot. 20 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

c St. John’s Charitable Trust d c Budget and Finances d $350 thousand and $20 thousand! The Trust value is $350k We thank all who support St. John’s wide variety of church and and annual distribution is approximately $20,000. The Trust community activities through contributions to the operating provides an opportunity for giving and support for St. John’s budget and A Church Alive! Capital Campaign. ministries. eport of Finances Our Legacy Society recognizes those who donated to 2010 the Charitable Trust and those whose plans include the same 2010 contributions are projected to be $1,700,000. This would through their estate. The Society has fifty plus members and we represent a slight decrease from 2009 ($1,728,000) contribu- look forward to adding many more. You and your family may tions. wish to discuss and put plans into place to do it. Please contact Although contributions to the operating fund decreased us if we can assist in any way. in 2010, we received an additional $500,000 in contributions We are thankful for all the gifts given to the Trust over its to the Capital Campaign. thirty years. We look forward to continual growth over the years 2010 expenses are projected to be $1,700,000. This would ahead. Distributions have helped college students, seminarians, result in a break even point for 2010. community needs and church ministries over the years. The board appreciates being able to help others in this way each 2011 year. We thank you. Our appreciation to everyone who has made plans to sup- The 2011 operating budget assumes a net loss of $45,000 based port St. John’s through Charitable Trust giving and hope others on projected contributions of $1,670,000, and expenditures of will join you. Please contact the church office or any Trustee $1,715,000. We will closely monitor receipts and expenditures with any questions. during 2011 and make necessary adjustments during the year. The operating budget assumes debt service of $204,000. The nine 2010 Trust board members overseeing the receiving, We continue to encourage members to sign up for the Sim- investing and distribution of the monies involved are: Chris ply Giving program. This automatic funds transfer eliminates Magnuson, Jim Click, Darrell Hartweg, Bob Denny, John Gor- the need for check writing, and provides more consistent cash don, Brian Hulsether, Dan Lammers, Tom Shadid and Pastor flow to help meet operating expenses. Knight Wells assisted by Terry Stombaugh and Vern Veal. Thank you for your service. Pledge Information Operating Dollars Year Number of Pledges Pledged R 2005...... 530...... $1,412,000 2006...... 522...... 1,390,432 2007...... 539...... 1,470,000 2008...... 525...... 1,485,000 2009...... 535...... 1,550,000 2010...... 520...... 1,530,000 2011...... 530...... 1,550,000

Contribution Projections for 2011 Pledges...... $1,550,000 Other receipts...... $120,000 Total Projected...... $1,670,000 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 21 c 2011 Budget Expenditures d

H G Expense in Department Thousands F A Salaries...... $775 E B Benefits...... $240 C Mortgage Payments...... $204 A D D Benevolences...... $150 E Facility & Grounds...... $127 F Program Ministries...... $89 C G Utilities...... $87 B H Office Admin...... $43 22 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

c Proposed 2011 Budget d

Proposed $(000) 2008 2009 2010 2011 Actual Actual Budget Budget Contributions...... $1,776...... $1,727...... $1,730...... $1,670

Projected Expenditures Benevolences...... $153...... $156...... $156...... $150 Program Ministries...... 74...... 78...... 92...... 89 Salaries...... 710...... 772...... 808...... 775 Benefits...... 239...... 242...... 257...... 240 Building/Maintenance/Office...... 244...... 264...... 260...... 257 Special Projects...... 44...... 15...... 0...... 0 Project and Benevolence Subtotal...... $1,464...... $1,527...... $1,573 ...... $1,511

Old Mortgage Payments...... 233 New Budget Facility Mortgage...... 0...... 204...... 192...... 180 Major Repairs (Roof) Loan...... 24 Total Expenditures...... $1,697...... $1,731...... $1,765...... $1,715 Net Income/Expense...... $79...... $(4)...... $(35)...... $(45)

Transition Cost...... (25) Receipts from Special Appeal—Transition...... 25

ACTUAL PROJECTED Summary Of Debt (000)...... 12/31/08...... 12/31/09...... 12/31/10...... 12/31/11 Facility Construction First Mortgage...... $212...... $1,350...... $1,500...... $1,200 Second Mortgage (Roof)...... 175 Facility Planning...... $165...... 0...... 0...... 0 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT 23 c Facility Project Financial Summary for 2010 d

Facility Project Costs Project approval at January 2009 Congregation Meeting...... $3,300,000 Borrowing authorization...... $3,000,000 Approved construction bid with Felmley-Dickerson Co...... $2,459,200 Change orders...... $83,196 Adjusted construction costs...... $2,542,396 Non construction costs (architects, fund raising, asbestos removal, etc.)...... $520,000 Total Cost...... $3,062,396

Dollar savings compared to project approval...... $237,604 Percent savings...... 7.2%

Capital Campaign and Financing A Church Alive! pledges (412 as of December 31, 2010)...... $1,813,872 Contributions received (as of November 30, 2010)...... $1,182,000 Long term debt (as of December 31, 2010)...... $1,500,000

Notes— • The long term debt is being financed over 12 years. • The interest rates can vary from 4.5%–6% over 4 years. • Annual payments are $180,000. • Additional funds received in the third year of the Capital Campaign, and funds from debt reduction can be applied to the principal balance.

Cumulative Interest Expense on loans from July 2009 thru December 2010 Total...... $67,000. 24 ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH—2010 ANNUAL REPORT

c Membership Summary for 2010 d Baptized Members At End of 2010...... 2630 Confirmed Membership at End of 2010...... 2010 Baptized Members (Un-confirmed)...... 602 Non-baptized Member Children...... 18

Members Received 2010 Baptism Children (15 and Under)...... 25 Baptism Adult (16 and Up)...... 0 Affirmation of Faith...... 28 Request for Reinstatement...... 12 Transfer...... 40 TOTAL...... 105

Members Removed 2010 Death...... 13 Transfer...... 12 Other (Personal Request, Council Removal, Stat. Adjust.)...... 9 TOTAL...... 34

Net Membership Gain...... 71

Average Attendance At Weekly Programs Adult Bible Studies/Forums...... 49 Children’s Choirs...... 41 DinnerTime...... 159 Joy Zone...... 128 Thrive...... 108 Jr. High (Genesis/IWORD)...... 31 Kaffehuset...... 49 Sr. High (Extreme Faith)...... 15 Sr. High (Chaos)...... 35 Worship...... 748

Additional Information: Approximate Number of Adults Participating in Small Groups...... 200 Number of Adults Participating in Discovering St. John’s...... 52 Member Funerals...... 13 Non-Member Funeral...... 1 Weddings...... 10 Confirmation...... 40