St. Stephen’s Weekly News: Week of August 14, 2022

Welcome Visitors If you are visiting today, we welcome you in our Risen and Living Savior, Jesus!

• Please let us know you worshiped with us by introducing yourself to a Pastor and filling out a Connect Card and hand it to an usher, pastor, or place in the offering box. Thank you!
• If visiting, please don’t feel obligated to give an offering. St. Stephen’s members express thankfulness to God through their voluntary offerings which then support the congregation’s work.

Gift We acknowledge with thanks, a gift for the Restoration fund, given by Dorothy Helbing, in observance of her 100^th birthday on August 9, 2022.

Funeral Barbara Frankenstein was called home to heaven on August 7, 2022, age 83.  Funeral services were held August 12^th here at St. Stephen’s..

Memorials   In memory of Doris Leistico, a gift has been given to the Radio fund by family.  In memory of Roman “Brian” Weisensel, a gift has been given to the General fund from the Theresa Fire Department.  In memory of Mert Norenberg, a gift has been given to the School- Tuition Assistance fund by friends.

Radio Service: 9:30am on WBEV 95.3 FM
PLEASE NOTE: WBEV is changing from 1430 AM to 95.3 FM!
Sunday, August 14, 2022
Sermon: God Leads Us Into Battle
Hymns: CW93 (Red) 457, 413, 474, 596
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Sermon: God’s Teaching Styles
Hymns: TLH (Old)  16, 631, 630, 52

Bible Study

Sunday Bible Class  Please join us in our continuous study of, “The Life of Abraham”.  Abraham’s life was filled with highs and lows. At times Abraham wondered how God would fulfill his promises. God did not disappoint Abraham. God constantly repeated those promises to Abraham to strengthen his faith. Even though Abraham did not see fulfillment of all those promises during his life, his faith held to God’s Word. Come and join us for this opportunity to grow in our faith together. Families are welcome to attend!

School Supplies Donated school supplies are in the church fellowship area for any and all children of our congregation.  Supplies will be out the entire month of August or until gone.

Senior Choir 2022-2023  St. Stephen’s Senior Choir is about to begin another year of praising the Lord in song! Senior Choir is an opportunity for all confirmed members of our church who enjoy music to enjoy fellowship, sing beautiful choral music, and glorify our God. Senior Choir rehearses every Thursday during the school year from 7:30-8:45pm. Our first rehearsal is Thursday, August 25, at 7:30pm in the school Choir Room. If you want to participate in Senior Choir at any point this year but cannot make the first rehearsal, please contact Mr. Barnett at jbarnett@saintstephen.org or 262-234-2981. See you on August 25th!

A Taste of Hand Bell Choir On Wednesday, August 17 and August 24 at 7:00pm, we will be having a “Taste of Hand Bells.”  Anyone who might like to see what Hand Bells are about or are interested in joining, we would love to have you come on either or both of these dates.  The Hand Bell Choir will be starting practices later in September and we are in need of new members.  Experience is not needed as we would enjoy teaching you how to play the bells.  Our practices are Wednesday evenings at 7:15pm until about 8:30pm in the church balcony.  Please call Ranee Welch (920) 887-1624 by August 15 and leave a message if you are interested in knowing more or would like to join.

Church Picnic   Our church picnic August 28^th at Lakeview Park.  A NOON lunch has been planned with place settings, pulled pork, & beverages provided.  The picnic committee is asking families to please bring a dish to pass (appetizer, salad, or dessert).  Hope to see you and your family there!

WELS Wind Ensemble’s Summer Concert will be held this Sunday afternoon at 4:00 P.M in the Good Shepherd Fellowship Hall.  Come for music and fellowship!

July 24 Voters’ Meeting Summary Our Voters’ Assembly met July 24 and the following items were the major topics shared and adopted:

• Attempts to contact through letters (3) our members living far away have resulted in a few connecting with sister WELS churches and others being removed from our spiritual care.
• School enrollment for the coming school year appears to be around 101.
• Sanctuary Restoration Committee has met several times in the last 4 months and is considering “proposals” from 3-4 firms to serve as project manager of an anticipated restoration project.
• Financial Report showed a $57,000 deficit in our General Fund Income vs. Expenses. Future borrowing may be necessary.  Restoration Fund has a balance of about $285,000.
• Board of Property Maintenance reported that several important projects are on hold due to lack of funding:  school kitchen floor replacement; West parking lot / playground resurfacing; storm sewer repair at NW corner of school (as funding becomes available).
• Approval of Church Council recommendation that Pastor Heyer’s call be adjusted to part-time / semi-retired; 75% for remainder of 2022 beginning September 1, and 50% beginning 2023.

Our Response to God’s Grace in Christ:

Worship Participation

Thursday, August 4 –51          Friday, August 5 – 48

Sunday, August 7 – 102 + 98= 200              Total: 290

Thank Offerings Received:

We offer our gifts to our Savior God purely out of thanks for his grace.  Our gifts support the Gospel ministry we have planned. Here is some information on that support:

Calendar: 

Sunday, August 14

8:00 & 10:00am – Communion Worship

9:10am – Family Bible Study

9:30am – Radio Service, WBEV 95.3 FM

Tuesday, August 16

6:00pm- Church Council

Thursday, August 18

6:30pm –Worship

Friday, August 19

1:30pm –Worship

Sunday, August 21

8:00 & 10:00am –Worship

9:10am – Family Bible Study

9:30am – Radio Service, WBEV 95.3 FM