St. Stephen’s Weekly News: Week of October 25, 2020

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.
• 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.

Funeral Lorraine Frankenstein was called home to heaven on October 16, 2020, age 95.  A private family service to be held.  Donald Kern was called home to heaven on October 18, 2020, age 67.  A private family burial to be held.

Radio Service: 9:30am on AM 1430 WBEV
Sunday, October 25, 2020
Sermon: Our Refuge and Strength, Our Refreshing River, Our Calming Voice
Hymns: TLH 261, 262, 651, 266
Sunday, November 1, 2020
Sermon: Jesus Gives Hope to His Saints
Hymns: CW 376, 551, 215, 213

Video on Facebook and YouTube

Sunday worship will be streamed on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ststephensbd/) and YouTube. Go to www.ssbdwels.com and click on “YouTube” and select Worship, Devotions or Bible Study.

Bible Studies

• Fall Bible Study “Gospel of John”. We are continuing our in-depth study of the Gospel of John. To join us for in-person Bible class, join us Mondays at 7:00pm and Wednesdays at 11:00am. Streaming video isn’t working from the basement, but we are recording the Monday session and putting it on YouTube, Wednesdays at noon. An archive of classes including all the previous chapters are available on Youtube for those who want to review or who haven’t attended and want to catch up and join the study in person or online.

RaiderWatch  St. Stephen’s offers after-school care for all children who attend St. Stephen’s.  RaiderWatch runs from 3:30 to 5:50 every day school is in session.  This program offers quality after-school care with time for games, activities, and study.  If you have any questions or would like more information, email raiderwatch@saintstephen.org.

Marriage Moments is the title of a new series of videos prepared by WELS Commission on Discipleship.  Each week a new video comes out which briefly explores one marriage thought and then has one question or “exercise” –all in two minutes or less.  Professor Thomas Kock of our Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary hosts the videos.  It is hoped these can be valuable to our congregations’ married couples as God’s institution of marriage is under assault in our culture, and as every marriage has “its moments”.  For information or to subscribe, go to www.welscongregationalservices.net/marriage-moments

Thank You, Altar Guild!  Our current worship schedule and the every service celebration of Holy Communion has forced our Altar Guild to work “overtime”, setting up for and cleaning up after communion services.   They also keep the Communion candlesticks filled with oil and change the altar paraments when needed.  Thank you for the extra service!  Altar Guild has had several members “retire” over the last couple years, and is looking for new people able to serve.  It could be a great husband-wife opportunity for service!  Think about it, couples!   If interested or have questions, talk with Melody Scott (920-210-8560) or a Pastor.

District Elders meet this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. for spiritual growth and encouragement through Bible Study.  We’ll take another chapter of our Christian Citizenship study.  We’ll also be encouraged for making some encouragment contact with members in our districts.

Voters’ Assembly Extends Call at the meeting held last Sunday.  Mr. Andrew Van Weele, who serves at Friendswood (Houston), Texas has been called to serve us as School Principal and upper grades teacher of History/Geography.  Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance as he considers where he can best serve Jesus and His Church.  Also, pray for Mr. David Schulz, our Interim Principal, Upper Grade Math teacher, Choir Director and Head Organist as he deliberates the call he received last week to serve as Principal and Upper Grade Teacher at Petra Lutheran Church & School in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.

Membership Changes acted upon at the October Council Meeting:
New Members by Transfer
Dan & Merissa Woltman from Sola Fide, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Transferred to other WELS churches
Craig & Julie Straseske to St. Paul’s, Marshall, WI

Ken & Karen Gertsch to Good Shepherd, Beaver Dam

We welcome our new members into our Christian family.  May the Lord Jesus bless their membership in our midst.

Participation:Our Response to God’s Grace in Christ:

Thursday, October 15    50 + 23=73

Friday, October 16         22                             Total for weekend: 283

Sunday, October 18       37+67+39+45= 188

Calendar: 

Sunday, October 25

8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 am – Worship

9:30am – Radio Service, WBEV 1430

Monday, October 26

7:00pm – Bible Class

Tuesday, October 27

7:00pm – Radio Recording

Wednesday, October 28

11:00am – Bible Class

3:30pm – Public School

Catechism

6:30pm – Elders

Thursday, October 29

6:00 & 7:00pm – Worship

Friday, October 30

1:30pm – Worship

Sunday, November 1

 – Day Light Savings Ends

8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 am – Worship

9:30am – Radio Service, WBEV 1430