The Messenger

HOW DO YOU SAY THANK YOU?

Most of us know how to complain. We know how to gripe and speak up when things are not going our way or when we are experiencing problems and troubles. What do you do when things are going well? Do you just assume thats the way it should be and thats what I deserve? Or do you pause and thank the Lord God for his amazing blessings to you? Every day you and I have reasons to pause and thank the Lord for his amazing blessings to each of us personally. The Lord has given us life. He provides us with food, clothing and shelter. He has taken care of our greatest problem our problem of being imperfect and unholy. That failure to be perfect and holy results in guilt and shame. There is nothing that we can do to take care of this no matter how hard we try. The great news is that God has taken care of it for us. God sent his only Son Jesus Christ to handle our problems of sin and guilt. Jesus lived a sinless life for us and God credits Jesus perfection to us. Jesus endured the hell we deserve and God credits his punishment as our punishment. In love and mercy God has declared us not guilty. We are set free from sins chains. We have been released from sins eternal punishment. We are forgiven and we can live without fear and uncertainty. Then to top it all off, our gracious and kind God has given us the faith to believe and trust his promises. He continues to strengthen that faith as we read His Word and make use of his Sacraments. What a reason to say, THANK YOU!! You and I know who we are children of God. We know why we are here to serve our Lord and to help others. We know where we are going to live with the Lord in his heavenly kingdom. Our whole life is one of giving thanks to our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. How do you say thank you? We say it with our voices. We tell God as we speak to him. We tell the Lord as we sing our praises to him. We show our thankfulness in the offerings that we give to him. We demonstrate our appreciation in the works of service that we do for others. As 2013 draws to a close, we thank the Lord for the generosity of his people at St. Marks in the free will offerings that they have and continue to bring to spread this good news of what Jesus has done. We thank the Lord that we have not had to borrow a single cent this year to pay for the operations of our congregation. We pray that the Lord would continue to open the hearts of all of our members to give cheerfully and freely so that we do not have to borrow funds to operate as this year ends and in the New Year that lies before us. How do you say thank you? Our entire life is one of giving thanks in how we live, in how we serve and help others and in how we give to the Lord a portion of what he entrusts to our care to manage for him. Have a blessed Thanksgiving as you live a life of thankfulness. - Pastor Werner
Points of Interest x x x x x x New Bible Study Christmas Cards Giving Tree Mommy & Me Poinsettias Stewardship

November 2013

Pastors Message Financials The ROC/Worship Christian Doctrine Spanish Outreach Pastoral Acts Ladies Aid Scholarship Fund Memorials

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Financials - St. Marks Mission Statement

Page 2

The members of St. Marks Church contributed a total $172,539.34 in September including bequests. $92,994.23 was received for the general operating fund in September and the operating needs were $104,878.30 leaving a shortfall of $11,884.07. With the carryover balance from 2012 and the contributions to the debt reduction fund, no borrowing has been needed this year. $62,291.37 was received for the month of September toward our goals for missions, Lakeside, Property Maintenance, Debt reduction, Hispanic Outreach, and the ROC, The needs for our goals were $31,280.30. Contributions toward the goals were $31,011.07 above the needs. $17,253.74 was received toward Future Generations in September to pay for the school expansion and renovation. Needs were $18,560.00. Contributions were $1,306.26 below needs. Weekly contribution needs, for operation, is $27,200.00. $7,218.53 is needed weekly toward goals for Missions, Lakeside, Property Maintenance, Debt Reduction, Hispanic Outreach and the ROC. Submitted by, Larry Schuett, Treas.

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

Pebbles from the ROC - Worship Schedule Pebbles From the ROC...

Page 3

Please mark your calendars! A ROC 10TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE will be held on Sunday, December 8th from 12-3 P.M. All are invited. Along with great fellowship and food, we plan to show some videos of teen (past and present) interviews showing what they think of THE ROC. Another goal for our 10th Anniversary is for all of us to completely pay off ($13,000 remaining) the building and remodeling. Thank you so much for your constant support and gifts. THE ROC has been a wonderful mission for Christ, reaching out to thousands of teens, most of whom did not hear the Good News of free grace through our Savior, Christ Jesus. A Few More ROC Historical Facts: 2003, June Pastor Timothy Mueller, serving at that time as pastor of Immanuel in Medford, WI accepts the Call to be the director and pastor of the ROC 2003, August City Site Planning Review Committee accepts the ROC site plan for 321 S. Water Street (formerly A-Z Mill office building) 2003, September 8 Despite some opposition by neighbors, the City Planning Commission unanimously votes to give the ROC use of the 321 S. Water St. building 2003, September 28th, 2:00 P.M. Pastor/Director Muellers installation in the Luther Prep chapel - 250 attended 2003, December 3 - The ROC Opened 2004, January 24 The Grand Opening of the Watertown Recreation & Outreach Center (ROC) for Youth

Services This Month... Special services for the End Times Season the entire month October 30, November 2, 3 - Reformation: Revelation 14:6,7,13 The Eternal Gospel is Proclaimed November 6, 9, 10 - Autumn: Mission Festival: Mark 16:15 - Live the Great Commissions Pastor Pieter Reid preaches regarding Muslim outreach. November 13, 16, 17 - Last Judgment: Revelation 20:10-15 On Judgment Day, the Books Will Be Opened November 20, 23, 24 - Memorial: Revelation 22:12-19 Washed for the Tree of Life Wednesday, November 27 - 7:00 PM *** Thursday, November 28 - 7:30 & 9:00 AM Thanksgiving: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain

Christian Doctrine - Giving Tree - Messenger Christian Doctrine: Gods Attributes What is God like? Thats an important question for any of his creatures!and especially for us who love him. The answer is twofold. First of all, there are attributes of God which are unique to him: God is eternal, omniscient, omnipresent, & omnipotent (all knowing, present everywhere, and almighty, in that order). For proof, see Psalm 139. Gods unique attributes set him above humans, angels and demons (and Satan) alike. Angels are stronger than we are, but God is all powerful. Angels are faster than humans, but God is present everywhere. Angels are wiser than we, but God knows all things. We and angels, too, are eternal into the future. But God was also always in the past. The Lords unique characteristics are wonderful for his people. God knows our every need, and satisfies it. God is everywhere to benefit us. And he has all power to do so. The same characteristics, though, are terribly bad news for non-Christians. God is ever present, aware of all their sins, and able forever to punish them. God also has attributes he graciously shares with us.

Page 4

He is: The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished. (Exodus 34:6-7) God graciously shares those characteristics with us. As Gods chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love (Colossians 3:12-14)

The Christmas Giving Tree forms can be found in the Narthex, Church Office, and/or School Office. Please feel free to pick one up if your child/ren are in need of a gift this year. Forms are to be returned to the Church Office no later than FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15th. Please contact Jayne Raether at 261-0175 or Yvonne Habermann at 261-5844 if you have any questions.

To include an article or notice in The Messenger, drop off your information at the church office or e-mail to: messenger@smlcwatertown.com 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.

Spanish Outreach - Good News Lutheran Church Thank You - Christmas Cards

Page 5

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

Spanish Outreach... This past month our Spanish Language outreach went high tech (well, sort of). Pastor Walther began regular text messages in bulk to those in our Mexican church. (Pastor Dale has communicated more personally by text message for years now.) Attendance, which was good over the past year, has ticked up in the Mexican congregation. Things also continue to go well in the one-eighth of St. Marks School which dwells in Mexican homes. Interest in the school currently has Pastor Walther instructing families late in the afternoon on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. October had our Spanish Language congregation studying the First Table of the Ten Commandments. November will bring us to some of the early chapters of Actsand then to Thanksgiving. 6:30 PM, Sunday, November 24th will serve as setting for a special service of songs, sermon, and prayersfollowed by a Thanksgiving meal. Dont forget: Its your support your prayers and your offerings through which Christ accomplishes the amazing work above. Thanks!!! Members of St. Marks Lutheran Church, We thank you so much for your gift of over $2000 to Good News Lutheran in Mt. Horeb. We have designated these funds to offset the cost of our roadside sign (see above). Several thousand people see this sign every day and several worship guests have come simply by seeing the sign! Thanks again. May the Lord bless your generosity many times over to you. Enjoy the picture from our first service. We are averaging 30 people in worship each week, with new guests almost every single Sunday! Pastor Nathan Strutz P.S. We will soon begin calling a pastor to serve, thanks to a synod grant!

Christmas cards?! Already? Last years supply sold out quickly! Additional stock was ordered and is on hand! St. Marks Ladies Aid is selling Christmas cards again. The cost is $5.00 per box. They can be purchased at the Church Office during regular hours or on Sunday mornings in the Parish Center hallway from the Scrip volunteer.

Pastoral Acts/Membership Updates - Contacts

Page 6

Baptisms... Kendyll Rose Acevedo Kyler Jon Gaines Camden Nathan Scharrer Jaxson Isaiah URen Jaxon Jeffrey Fisher Connor Michael Ebert Cody Hawk Stiemke Funeral David Kassube

Birth 12-18-12 9-1-13 8-29-13 Affirmation 9-10-13 7-21-13 4-23-13 8-25-02

Baptism 10-4-13 10-5-13 8-30-13 10-6-12 10-12-13 10-12-13 10-26-13 10-27-13

Parents Morgan Acevedo Robert & Jamie (Haseleu) Gaines Nathan & Lindsey (Strohm) Scharrer Chad & Jolene (Manke) URen Jim Fisher Gavin Ebert Heather Yohn

Date of Death 9-25-13

Funeral 9-30-13

Membership: Confirmation: Amber Borchardt - Melissa Behm - Justin Buchanon-Moretti - Heather Fortmann - Dawn Olson - Darren Sontag - Cody Olson - Alicia Yager - Elijah Yager - Nathan & Crystal Loring - Rachel Hanson Transfers In: Derek Schultz & 2 children - Blain & Angie Parsons & 2 children - Rick & Julie Schmoldt Amanda Saeger - Amanda Webb & child Profession of Faith: Brent Kurtz - Derrick Borchardt - Robert Rupnow Transfers Out: Deb Rothe - Aaron Jensen - Rodney, Tanya, & Eric Bahr Released : Andrea Jansen - Jessica Butler Removed: Bryan Quinn - Devin Quinn - Justin Quinn - Tarah McDannald - Troy Rettschlag

Admin., Outreach/Discipleship - Pastor James Werner (262-8506) pastor.werner@smlcwatertown.com Education & Youth - Pastor Michael Jensen (262-8505) pastor.jensen@smlcwatertown.com Hispanic Outreach & Elders - Pastor Karl Walther (262-8504) pastor.walther@smlcwatertown.com Spanish Deacon - Dale Hella (285-6261) Church Administrative Assistant - Linda Stark (262-8500) church.secretary@smlcwatertown.com Church Accountant - Barb Bartz (262-8500 Ext. 224) barb.bartz@smlcwatertown.com Church/School Maint. Mgr. - A.J. Ritschke (262-8501 Ext. 304) ajritschke@gmail.com Christian Counselor - Ron Paynter (920-723-4283)

Ladies Aid - Mommy and Me Group - Meals-on-Wheels

Page 7

Ladies Aid This organization meets in the Parish Center on the first Thursday of the month, for lunch at 1 PM, followed by a program and business meeting. Join us on Thursday, November 7th, for a presentation by Ixonia Fire Chief, Matthew Petrie. St. Marks Kindergarteners and first graders will be joining the ladies. Some of the activities and interests of the Ladies Aid... Serves Funeral Luncheons & Annual Pre-Marriage Seminar Dinner Prepares & Serves Breakfast &/or Lunch for Visiting Choirs & Instrumentalists Invites Guest Speakers Enjoys Entertainment Learning through Pastoral Topics Supports the Capital Fund Campaign Sends Christmas Cards to Shut-ins & Military Prepares & Donates Lunch to the Watertown Free Clinic Volunteers Donates to Church Projects Theres a spot for you! 1st Thursday of the Month: September through May

St. Marks Mommy and Me Group 2nd Tuesday of the month New & starting soon November 12 9:00 -10:30 AM Parish Center: Room B1 Some months they might meet at an outdoor location, but will notify participants at least a month in advance if meeting elsewhere. Contact: Deborah Koeck debboelpeck@yahoo.com (920) 206-1711 ...or visit our Facebook page St. Mark's Mommy & Me Playgroup

Meals-on-Wheels St. Marks delivered meals the week of October 7-11. Thank you to our volunteers: Suzanne Herzog, Marie Dobbratz, Chris & Carol Demetropoulos, Harold Peckham, Don Kuester, Brian Ganser, Mark & Carol Meyer, Jerry & Debbie Peters, Gloria Anderson, Larry & Barb Feder, Joanne Hemker, Dorothy Dantuma, Joe & Gloria Jilek, Helen Zellmer, Dick & Sandy Kren, Bud & Ardis Nickels, & Larry & Mary Braunschweig. This was our first time for picking up the meals at Perkins Restaurant. It was interesting, but we worked through it. Many thanks to all of our volunteers! - Yvonne Habermann

Scholarship Fund Committee Info - Offerings - Thrivent Workshop

Page 8

Western Wisconsin District Ministerial Scholarship Fund Committee 35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, " The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."(Matt 9:35-38) The Western WI District Scholarship Committee has the privilege and honor of helping these future workers as they study and prepare for work in Gods harvest! On average, weve given around $10,000 in grants each year. We now have just over $12,000, thanks to the many gifts weve been receiving from congregations and individuals. We have 136 students from 7 different schools asking for our help. Thats 53 more than last year! A gift between now and November 9 (thats when we will meet to distribute our grants) would be greatly appreciated! Your gift can be sent to our treasurer, Mr. Zahn. His address is in the left column. Then, keep us in your prayers, that we may use your generous gifts to Gods glory and the good of his Church. On behalf of the students: THANK YOU!

Rev. Galen Riediger Chairman W2797 Buol Rd West Salem, WI 54669 (608) 786-1250 ext 113 (Office) (608) 786-4750 (Home) griediger@christstjohns.org Mr. Charles Zahn Treasurer P.O. Box 83 McGregor, IA 52517 (563) 873-2328 chaszahn@yahoo.com

Your Offerings Make a Difference... I was once visiting a young person who was in jail. He had attended Lakeside and he told me, Pastor, when I transferred to Lakeside they taught me that God has a purpose for you in whatever situation you may find yourself in. He then went on to relate to me how his first cell mate knew nothing about the Bible or Jesus Christ and he was able to tell him the truth of Gods love and forgiveness. Because he spent most of the night talking to this person, he was put in the hole. There he met a man who had read the Bible through four or more times and he had all kinds of questions and this person said to me, Pastor, I was able to explain many things to him and answer his questions. Even though he did not like where he was, he realized that God had a purpose for him and everything was working out for his good. Your support of primary and secondary Christian education does make a difference!

Social Security

Social Security Workshop... As a benefit to members of St. Marks, Thrivent Financial will be presenting a complimentary workshop on filing for social security retirement benefits. Covered topics will include when to apply, taxation of benefits, and the different filing strategies available to maximize your benefits. This workshop is targeted for people age 55 and up who are not yet receiving retirement benefits. It will be held in the St. Marks Parish Center on Wednesday November 20th, at 7:00 pm. To reserve a spot, call the local Thrivent office at 261-4661.

Memorials/Gifts - Text Messages - New Sunday Bible Study

Page 9

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: Leona Schuett Wayne & Nancy Lohr, Jim & Karen Huhn, Merla Stark, Merle Zastrow Armin Christian Earl & Sue Zubke, Ron & Millie Bohn, David & Carol May, Delbert & Dolores Maass, Steve & Sarah Nickels, Rose Borck, Shelly Crandall, Debbie Ziegel, Carol Crandall, Eric & Carol Schloesser, Mrs. Walter Stark, Keith & Rhonda Christian Sharon Hamann Ron & Joyce Zwieg David Kassube Ray & Erla Nickels, Norm & Sharon Melcher, Larry & Yvonne Schuett Lorraine Kuckkan Suzanne Herzog William & Margret Roos, Anita Radloff, Lorraine OBrien, Alice Fiele, Evelyn Patnode, & Palmer Roos Dorothy Dantuma Jeanne Thurow Jeff & Beth Leis & family, Margaret Bauman, Orvilla Duddeck, Luellis Meyer, Evelyn Schmoldt, Phyllis & Gale Preinfalk, Stan & Michelle Schmidt & Laura & Andrew, John & Bonnie Thurow Gifts Given in Celebration... Prof. James Thrams gave a gift to the church in celebration of his 85th birthday on September 24th. Wayne & Nancy Lohr gave a gift to the Good Samaritan Fund in celebration of their 58th wedding anniversary on October 15th.

Text Messages... We now text message members Christian encouragement a couple times a week. Would you like to receive those text messages? If so, please send cell phone numbers paired with their carriers (US Cellular, Verizon, Sprint Amazon, AT&T, TMobile, et cetera) to...
pastor.walther@smlcwatertown.com

Thanks for any help youre willing to give us! St. Marks Elders Board

We apologize for any names missing or misspelled.

Monday, November 11 To our Veterans... Thank you for your service!

New Sunday Bible Study In November and the first two Sundays in December the Sunday morning Bible study will use the new outreach video produced by our Synod, Come Follow Me. Members of the St. Marks Board of Outreach will conduct the study and discussion. Members will consider what does it mean to be a disciple and follower of Jesus. The video examines the life of the Apostle Peter. Classes are held every Sunday at 9 and 10:30 a.m. in room B-2 of the Parish Center. All are welcome and invited to attend.

2013 Christmas Flowers

Order Early this year
If you would like to help beautify our church for Christmas, please fill out and return this insert to the church office.

All orders are to be pre-paid and sent to the church office by Monday, Nov. 25th.

Poinsettias _______ Red _______ White

$18 $18

In Honor of: ________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

In Memory of: ______________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________

Given by: _____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ____________________________________
Please make checks payable to St. Marks Decorating Committee. If you have any questions, please call Becky at 261-8552. Flowers may be picked up Christmas Day after the last communion service. If you cannot come at that time, please make arrangements by calling the church office (262-8500). Otherwise, your plants will be used as decorations throughout the Christmas season.

Happy Thanksgiving!