Join Us for Worship-January 1, 2023

 

Please join us for Worship, Sunday, January 1, 2023, at 9:30 am.

Pastor Otto's message will from Hebrews 13:8,

"Jesus is the only thing that never changes."

There is no Bible study this week but will resume January 8th. 

 

 

 

St. John Christmas Services

 

Christmas Eve Service,

Saturday, December 24th, at 4:00 pm.

 

Christmas Day Service

Sunday, December 25th, at 9:30 am.

Please join us as we celebrate our Dear Savior's birth!

 

Blue Christmas-A Candlelight Prayer Service

 Blue Christmas: A Candlelight Prayer Service

December 21, 2022 | 7:00 pm

New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church | Shoreview, MN

180 County Road F West

A Season of Hope - A Time for Healing

It's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas can be a difficult season for many - maybe for you or someone you know. Come, and join others to hear a message of light and hope. Receive support and comfort through this time of darkness, grief, or separation.

Join Us for Worship-December 18, 2022

 

Please join us for Worship this Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18, at 9:30 am.

We welcome Pastor Dave Huebner who along with Pastor Otto will share God's Word with us.

Pastor Huebner's sermon message will be from Matthew 1.

"The Wonderful Names of the Christchild" 

There will be no Bible study this Sunday. 

SCLA Christmas Concert

The SCLA high school choral and band students present a Christmas concert, Come and Behold Him, on Friday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. It will also be livestreamed here.

Watch the middle school Christmas Concert from Tuesday here.

Luncheon for Barbara Gilbert

The luncheon will follow in the Fellowship Hall after Barbara's service on Monday, December 12th. The family has asked if you are able to provide a dessert it would be greatly appreciated. You may contact Rhonda Evgen at 651-208-4642 to let her know what you will be bringing. Thank you. 

Join Us for Worship this Advent Season-December 11, 2022

 

Please join us for Worship at St. John, this 3rd Sunday of Advent, December 11, at 9:30 am.

We welcome Professor Aaron Robinson in sharing God's Word with us along with Pastor Otto. 

Professor Robinson's message will be from Isaiah 35.

"Be patient and trust in the Lord!"

Adult and Teen Bible study follow our service. 

Funeral for St. John member Barbara Gilbert

Barbara Gilbert was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday this past week. Her Christian Funeral will be held at St. John, Monday, December 12th, 2022. Visitation is at 10:00 am, Service at 11:00 am, and Luncheon is to follow. Internment will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Mahtomedi at approximately 2:00 pm.

 

Join Us for Worship this Advent Season-December 4, 2022

 

Please join us this Second Sunday of Advent, December 4, 2022, at 9:30 am.

"Jesus Came with a Purpose"

Pastor Otto's Message will be from Isaiah 11 & Matthew 3.

Adult and Teen Bible Study follow worship. 

HELP IS NEEDED FOR ST. JOHN WINTER WARM-UP

On Saturday, December 17 from 1 to 3 p.m., we will be opening our doors to the community to enjoy hot cocoa, games, cookie decorating, and a winter coat if they need one. Volunteers are needed to help welcome visitors, decorate cookies with the children, serve drinks, or just be a friendly face. Also, we will need UNDECORATED Christmas cutout cookies (think gingerbread men, trees, bells, and stars) for children to decorate. If you are willing to volunteer or bake cookies, please contact Jim Julian (651-453-1545 or jjulian01@msn.com).

 

Join Us for Worship-November 27, 2022

 

Please join us for Worship, this Sunday, November 27, 2022, 

at 9:30 am, the First Sunday of Advent.  

"Let's Get Ready! Jesus is coming!

Pastor Otto's message will be from Roman's 13.

There is an Adult and Teen Bible Study that follows. 

Please Join Us for Worship , Thanksgiving Eve-November 23, 2022

 

"Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving"        

Please join us for Worship, on Thanksgiving Eve, 

Wednesday, November 23, at 6:30 pm.

Pastor Otto's message will be from Philippians 4,

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength!"

SCLA Job Opening - Custodian/Maintenance (Days, Full-time)

St. Croix Lutheran Academy has an immediate opening to fill a full-time maintenance position. The anticipated schedule is Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Competitive wages and benefits based upon qualifications and experience. Learn more at StCroixLutheran.org/jobs or send a letter of interest and/or a resume to Lori Kowitz @ LKowitz@StCroixLutheran.org.

Join Us for Worship-November 20, 2022

 Please join us for Worship Sunday, November 20th, at 9:30 am.

We welcome Pastor Dave Huebner, who joins Pastor Otto in

sharing the message of Christ the King.

Adult and Teen Bible Study follow worship. 

Come help decorate St. John/Immanuel Hmong for the Christmas season!

 

 Who?  All St. John and Immanuel Hmong.

                         When?  Saturday, November 26th beginning at 2:00 p.m.

       What to Bring?  Yourself, family, and friends - 

                              all decorations are provided.

                         Pizza, beverages, and fellowship to follow the decorating!

 

Thank you to All Veterans!

 

Support SCLA-Give to the Max!

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, Give to the Max provides a unique opportunity to send a special gift to support the next generation of Christian leaders and St. Croix Lutheran Academy programs!

Give to the Max Day is Thursday, November 17. Please consider a gift to the new football/soccer/track scoreboard, campus security enhancements, or tuition assistance. With your generosity, the scoreboard, electric gate, and license plate reader projects will be completed during the summer of 2023.

All gifts made now through November 17- up to $10,000 - will be matched by a generous donor! Contributions from friends like you help students attend SCLA, improve our facilities, and truly make a difference in the lives of students. Your gifts and continued support ensure a solid foundation that is needed now more than ever.

Give Now

SCLA - Festival of Seasons Craft Sale & Fundraiser

 Festival of Seasons Craft Sale & Fundraiser

Saturday, November 12th, 2022

9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Free Admission and Parking

SCLA

1200 Oakdale Ave., West St Paul

Join Us For Worship-November 13, 2022

 

Please join us for Worship, Sunday, November 13, at 9:30 am.

We welcome Professor Aaron Robinson, who will join Pastor Otto in sharing God's Word.

The sermon message is taken from 2 Thessalonians 5.

"Judgment Day Will Be a Day of Rejoicing!"

Adult and Teen Bible Studies follow at 10:45 am. 

Join Us for Thanksgiving Worship Service

 

Join us at St. John for a Thanksgiving Worship Service,

Wednesday, November 23rd, at 6:30 pm.

SCLA Mattress Fundraiser

                                                                    

Promo Video

 SCLA Fundraiser

The Mattress Sale Fundraiser is coming up soon!
Could you help spread the word?

On Saturday, November 12, 2022, SCLA is pleased to host a one-of-a-kind fundraising event from 10:00-5:00. Proceeds will go toward updated lockers for hallways 1 and 2.

• Mattresses are brand name
• Mattresses priced up to 50% less than retail
• If students refer a sale, they get a gift card
• Putting on this sale costs SCLA nothing, but can raise thousands!

Even if you don't need a mattress,
could you help spread the word? 

Winter Coat Drive at St. John

Throughout the month of November, there will be a winter coat drive at St. John. If you would like to donate a new or gently used coat, please bring it to church and there will be a drop box for you to place it. Both adult and children sizes would be welcomed. Also, new mittens or gloves will be accepted as well. Our hope is to distribute the coats to our neighbors in need through CLUES or New Day. Thank you.

 

 

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 6th.

Be sure to set your clocks back 1 hour!

 

Join Us for Worship-November 6, 2022

 Please join us at St. John for Worship this Sunday, November 6th, at 9:30 am.

Pastor Otto's message is from Isaiah 65.

"I can't wait to get there!"

There will be an Adult and a Teen Bible Study at 10:45 am.

Join Us for Worship-October 30th, 2022

 

Please join us for Worship, Sunday, October 30th, at 9:30 am.

Reformation Day!

Pastor Otto's message is taken from John 8.

FREE!! - through the WORD!

Stay for Bible Study and refreshments.

Everyone is welcome!

SCLA-Homestay Famlies Needed

Homestay families are needed for international students who will not be traveling home from 
Saturday, December 17 through Sunday, January 1.

Homestay families provide a private room, bedding, meals, access to bathroom and laundry facilities, and transportation for the visiting student. A $600 stipend is granted for hosting. Background checks will be required and provided by SCLA.

This is an excellent opportunity to share family traditions and make Christmas brighter during a sometimes lonely time.

Sign up online. Thank you for considering, and please contact me with any questions.

Tamara Julian

Dormitory Student Advisor

St. Croix Lutheran Academy

Office - (651) 455-1521 ext. 1118

TJulian@StCroixLutheran.org

SCLA Alumni Meet-Up

 

Marjorie Johnson-Full Obituary

 

Marjorie L. Johnson (nee Lavoie), 90, of Oakdale passed away peacefully,
surrounded by family, on October 17, 2022.
Marjorie was born on May 24, 1932 to Mark and Emma Lavoie at home in Burchard, MN. She grew up on the family farm outside Tyler, MN. After graduating in 1950 from
Tyler High School, she worked at the local café and then Brentwood Eggs.
In 1956 Marjorie married George E. Johnson. They settled in Oakdale, MN in 1959 and raised four children, Jorie, Evy, Vicky and Rodney.
Marjorie was a talented seamstress, making clothing for herself and family. She was a talented homemaker. She worked several part time jobs including at Montgomery Wards and Video Ventures. In the 1990’s Marjorie and George owned and managed
LaVoie’s Kaffee coffee shop in Oakdale.
Marjorie loved travel. She traveled the world with George and sometimes family, seeing Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Italy, Germany, and Hawaii just to name a few places.
She was also interested in genealogy– doing research and keeping records on the
Lavoie and Kronke families.
Marjorie was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Paul
and head of the Ladies Aid for many years.
As the Johnson family grew, Marjorie loved taking care of us all,
especially babysitting her grandchildren.
Our family sends gratitude to the caregivers at Woodbury Estates and
Prelude Homes and Services.
Preceded in death by husband, George; parents, Mark and Emma; brother Donald, grandsons Adam and Joshua.
Survived by daughters, Jorie (Keith) Miller, Evy Snyder and Vicky Johnson;
son, Rodney (Megan) Johnson; 8 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister Gertrude.
 

Marjorie Johnson's Funeral Luncheon

There will be a luncheon following Marjorie Johnson's funeral service at St. John, on Monday, 

October 24th. If you would be able to provide a salad, dessert, or veggie tray, please contact 

Rhonda Evgen to let her know. Rhonda can be reached at 651-208-4642.  Thank you. 

Join Us for Worship-October 23, 2022

 

Please join us at St. John for Worship on Sunday, October 23rd, at 9:30 am.

Pastor Otto's message will be from Psalm 85.

"God's Commandments"

Stay for Bible Study and refreshments. 

Everyone is welcome!

Obituary-Member Marjorie Johnson

Age 90 of Oakdale Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Oct. 17, 2022. Visitation 2-5 PM Sunday, Oct. 23rd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. 

Funeral Service 11 AM Monday, Oct. 24th, at St. John Lutheran Church, 765 Margaret St., St. Paul. Visitation is 10-11 AM prior to the service at church. Graveside Service 12 Noon Tuesday, Oct. 25th, at St. Peter's Cemetery, Balaton, MN. Full notice Sunday. www.robertsfuneralandcremation.com

Trunk or Treat - Sponsored by Immanuel Hmong

 

Sunday, October 30th, from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm.

(backfield of St. John/Immanuel Hmong)

If you wish to decorate your car and participate along with Immanuel Hmong,

 there is a sign-up on the table as you leave church.

Come and bring the kids for an enjoyable afternoon.

The restoring of God's saving truth through the Reformation!

A special opportunity 

AREA REFORMATION SERVICE:

Redeemer Lutheran Church

9200 Elm Creek Blvd.

Maple Grove

Sunday, October 30th, at 4:00 p.m.

featuring choirs, Reformation Brass, and handbells

Notes from Your St. John Council

                         

OCTOBER, 2022

1.     St. John / San Juan / Immanuel Hmong new digital sign is about ready for submission and should be installed in March or April.

2.     Much time was spent discussing the many major repairs and projects necessary on our aging property. A crisis was avoiding when repairs were made in the boiler room.

3.     New appliances have been installed in the parsonage kitchen; again, badly needed.

4.     Our sermons are being livestreamed on our Facebook page for those who cannot attend worship in person.

5.     Our tech committee is working on developing a new web site for St. John that will be more useful along with several other efforts with social media. They are always looking for input and ideas says, Steve Ross, committee head.

6.     With Pastor Hennig taking his call, Jenny Otto has been asked to take over his wife, Karen’s, work in New Day ministry. She, along with Pastor, will be running the program along with our volunteers. (See pastor’s report.)

7.     We will have a 6:30 Thanksgiving service on Wednesday evening at 6:30 November23 and a 4:00 pm Christmas Eve service at St. John.

8.     Immanuel Hmong is featuring a Trunk or Treat on Halloween out on the athletic field,

St. John members are invited to participate. A sign-up sheet is provided for those interested.

9.     To further relieve Pastor Otto so that he can focus more on Hispanic outreach, we are inquiring again about a part-time pastor to assist him. We are also seeking to have a guest preacher twice a month until and if a pastor is available.

 

Church council:

•             Jeff Abrahamson, Chmn.

•             Brandon Wales, vice chmn.

•             Alan Salchow, secretary

•             Mike Tholl, Trustees

•             Jim Connolly, treasurer

            •             Jim Julian, Christian life

•             Tom Koepsell, elder

 

Join Us for Worship-October 16, 2022

 

Please join us at St. John Lutheran for Worship, Sunday, October 16th, at 9:30 am.

We welcome Professor Aaron Robinson as our guest preacher.

His message will be from Genesis 32.

Stay for refreshments and Bible Study.

Everyone is welcome!

Join Us for Worship-October 9, 2022

 

Please join us for Worship, on October 9, 2022, at 9:30 am.

Pastor Otto's message will from Genesis 8,

"Why Should I Make Offerings a Priority?"

Stay for refreshments and Bible study.

SCLA Homecoming Week

 It's Homecoming Week at SCLA! We hope to see you on Friday, October 7!
Join us at 5:30, rain or shine, at the alumni tent for a social hour with free pizza and Killebrew Root Beer! Make sure to pick up your free alumni t-shirt (or wear yours from last year) and get free admission to the football game vs. Spectrum.
RSVP for the alumni tent here to help us with numbers for food.
At the end of the 1st quarter, we will recognize all eight State football teams in SCLA history ('06, '11, '12, '13, '14, '15, '16, '17). Catch up with former classmates and coaches in the alumni tent before the game!

Parade 5:00 p.m.
Alumni Tent 5:30- 7:00 p.m.
Football Game vs. Spectrum 7:00 p.m.

SCLA Run the Ravine 5K

This 5K on Saturday, October 8 is one of two SCLA Activities Department fundraisers. It is hosted by SCLA and is a professionally timed event. Learn more and sign up at StCroixLutheran.org/5k.

Your involvement is needed! Not interested in running but want to help? 

Sign up here to volunteer or provide supplies (granola bars, water, and fruit snacks).

Hope to see you there!

Phil Bunkowske

Activities Director, SCLA

Join Us For Worship-October 2, 2022

 

Please join us for Worship, Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 9:30 am.

Pastor Otto's message will be from 1 Chronicles 29,

"Hey, who gets the credit?!?"

Stay for refreshments and Bible Study.

Notes from St. John Council - September 2022

 

September, 2022

 

Another lengthy but joy-filled meeting was held on Tuesday, September 13 as we considered the work or gracious Lord has given us to do.

1.      Our participation in Fiesta Latina was an enjoyable experience as we were able to share information about Jesus and our church with a very large number of people. Well over 100 Spanish Bibles were given away. Pastor has a sizeable number of prospect names for us to connect with.

2.      An update of our by-laws is in progress. They have become quite outdated over the years as our ministry and community has changed and with the closing of our school.

3.      Brandon Wales has accepted the appointment to the position of vice-president vacated by Jeff Abrahamson. We appreciate his willingness to serve and pray he will be blessed and a blessing to St. John and its ministry.

4.      We now have a technology team that is working to update and improve our use of technology to enhance our ministry. This is enhancing our use of our web site, Facebook, and possible other social media. Watch for developments!

5.      Removal of some of the pews in church is being planned and scheduled. This will accommodate such things as the Hmong worship band and handicap access. Persons interested in helping – especially those with stronger backs than some of the council member and trustees – should contact Mike Tholl.

6.      Though we have called Pastor Otto for Hispanic outreach, he is our pastor and he desires to get to know all our members and serve their needs. (Our homebound folks have already expressed their appreciation for that.) We recognize the Lord’s delay in providing a parttime pastor as, perhaps, a way of facilitating this work, getting Pastor to be an integral part of the St. John family. (You have maybe noticed that happening quite rapidly.)

7.      A monthly elders meeting has now resumed in which pastor and elder can address the spiritual needs of God’s children here at St. John.

8.      The council is considering was of preserving the historical records that were gathered and displayed for our 150^th anniversary by Kathy Otto.

9.      See more detail on Pastor’s report and the Trustees report from Mike Tholl.

                                                                                                     Church council:

·        Jeff Abrahamson, Chmn.

·        Brandon Wales, vice chmn.

·        Alan Salchow, secretary

·        Mike Tholl, Trustees

·        Jim Connolly, treasurer

·        Jim Julian, Christian life

·        Tom Koepsell, elder

Join us for Worship-September 25, 2022

Please join us for Worship, Sunday, September 25th, at 9:30 am.

We welcome guest preacher Pastor Dave Huebner, who serves at SCLA.

Pastor's message will be from Proverbs 9.

"Grow in Spiritual Wisdom"

Stay for refreshments and Bible Study at 10:45 am. 

 

Join Us For Worship - September 18, 2022

Please join us for Worship this Sunday, September 18th, at 9:30 am.

Pastor Otto's Message will be from Genesis 14.

"A Financial Seminar for Christians!"

Stay for refreshments and Bible Study at 10:45 am. 

SCLA Run the Ravine 5K - HUGE DISCOUNT!

                             The inaugural Run the Ravine 5K is Sat, Oct 8 from 10:00a-12:30p.

This important Activities Department fundraiser

provides much-needed funds to support all SCLA activities.

We REALLY want you there (and your team), so we're SLICING the price!

Watch Video and Register Here

Fall Sports Night-SCLA

Grades school kids (K-8) and their families get free admission to all Mon, Sep 19 home sporting events. Free rally towels for kids!

4:00: JV Football - Stadium

4:15: C-Team Volleyball - Gym

5:15: JV Volleyball - Gym

6:30: Varsity Volleyball - Gym

7:00: Varsity Girls Soccer - Stadium

ICE CREAM SOCIAL, HOT DOGS & GAME NIGHT

    

                                           

ICE CREAM SOCIAL & GAME NIGHT — Join us for an evening of games, hot dogs,

ice cream, and snacks in the lower fellowship hall at St. John on Saturday, 

September 17, 5:30 pm. Bring your favorite indoor or outdoor games and your 

sweet tooth!  See you there! If you are interested in helping prior to the event, contact 

Jim Julian (jjulian01@msn.com)

 

Join Us For Worship-September 11, 2022

 Please join us for Worship, Sunday, September 11, 2022, at 9:30 am.

 We welcome Professor Aaron Robinson as our guest preacher.

Professor Robinson's message will be from Luke 15, The Parable of the Lost Sheep,

and The Parable of the Lost Coin.

Bible Study resumes on the Book of Revelation at 10:45 am.

SCLA Homecoming! October 7, 2022

 

Hey Alumni!

Come back to SCLA for homecoming on Friday, October 7! 

Enjoy the parade featuring the band, royalty, international students, and class banners. Then join us at 5:30 at the alumni tent for a social hour with free pizza and Killebrew Root Beer! Make sure to pick up your free alumni t-shirt (or wear yours from last year) and get free admission to the football game vs. Spectrum.
RSVP for the alumni tent here to help us with numbers for food.

At the end of the 1st quarter, we will recognize all eight State football teams in SCLA history ('06, '11, '12, '13, '14, '15, '16, '17). Catch up with former classmates and coaches in the alumni tent before the game!

Parade 5:00 p.m.
Alumni Tent 5:30 p.m.
Football Game vs. Spectrum 7:00 p.m.

RSVP for the Alumni Tent