What’s new?

On Sunday, July 16th, St. Stephen’s Church had ” Christmas in July” at the church service. It featured Christmas Scripture readings and singing Christmas carols. It was well attended by 63 people, and Pr. Cori Johnson’s last day with us. Click here to view photo gallery

On Saturday, July 15th, at 5:00 PM, a Going-Away Party/Potluck Dinner was held at St. Stephen’s Church in honor of Pr. Cori Johnson and her husband Todd. Her last day at St. Stephen’s and Gethsemane Churches is July 16th. It was well attended with 89 people. We will miss them, and ask God’s Blessings on them. Click here to view photo gallery

On June 4, 2017,  Pentecost Sunday, Isabella Mack made her Affirmation of Baptism, Confirmation, at St. Stephen’s Church.  A special cake was served at coffee time before the service, and she received gifts.  Click here to view photo gallery

Sunday, April 30th was Youth Sunday for the Parish Service at St. Stephen Church.  The Confirmation kids wrote and gave the children’s and regular sermons, and served at the service ushering, acolyting, assisting with Communion, and lectoring.  A representative from the Gideons also gave a Temple Talk. Click here to view photo gallery

On Saturday, April 15th, there was an Easter event for the kids at St. Stephen’s Church, followed by a lunch. Click here to view photo gallery

Jean Voellker was honored at coffee time on March 26th for her 80th birthday on March 30.  Happy Birthday, Jean, and God Bless You! Click here to view photo gallery

On March 19th, Bishop Tom Skrenes preached the sermons at Gethsemane and St. Stephen Churches.  A pot luck meal was served at St. Stephen’s following their service. Click here to view photo gallery

2016 Adopt A Family Project

This year’s project was a variation on our traditional angel tree. The change was small, but significant. We adopted one family rather than many children from multiple families. The families’ needs were simple but basic. They needed winter clothes because they just moved from California.

Members from Gethsemane and St. Stephens eagerly signed up for and purchased gifts for the 2 teen age girls. Gifts for their Dad appeared also even though he asked for nothing for himself.

In addition to gifts, we also provided the “fixins” (and a few recipes) for their holiday dinner. The food provided ranged from potatoes, butter, salt, seasonings, homemade pumpkin pie, cranberries, butter, jello, canned vegetables, dinner rolls, eggs, home canned pickles and beets, sweet potatoes just to name some of the items provided.

Social Ministry purchased the turkey and a few extra items to fill out the menu.

Transformational Ministry prepared a gift of pocket prayer shawls, devotional materials and a new bible for the family as well as an invitation to join us for worship.

In preparation for delivery of the gifts and food, Pastor Cori blessed everyting during regular worship.

Christian generosity clothed and fed our family and we showered them with God’s love!!!!

I met and visited with the Dad for a little while before Christmas. I shared our worship schedule and invited them to join us for worship. Before we parted, we held hands, prayed and hugged each other. He was moved by the generosity and love shown to them.

2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

 

On December 18th, Gethsemane Sunday School Children presented their Christmas Program during morning church services.  Cast & Crew: Narrator’s & Stage Crew: Ally Schultz & Ivy Schultz, Mary: Sara Havelka, Joseph: Colin Christophersen, Gabriel: Darrell Havelka, Elizabeth: Chelsea Christophersen, Angels: Eva Schultz, Chelsea Christophersen, Ally & Ivy Schultz, Scarlett Hanson, Sherpherds: Todd Parsons, Andy Forray, Bot Jarnutowski and Jim Koldos, Villagers: Eva Schultz, Tena Roubal, Todd Parsons, Andy Forray, Bob Jarnutowski, Jim Koldos and Scarlett Hanson. Assistant Directors: Christine & Darrell Havelka Stage Props: Sunday School Kids, Power Point & Music: Wendy Hanson. The play was written and directed by Sandy Gill. Click here to view photo gallery

 

On December 18th, the St. Stephen’s Sunday School children presented their Christmas Program during the church service. Coffee time was hosted by the Sunday School before the service. Click here to view photo gallery

 

On December 10th at 10:00 AM, volunteers met at St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church for “Hanging of the Greens”–Christmas decorating.  Two trees were put up and other decorating and chores done.  A lunch for 21 was served after the work was completed. Click here to view photo gallery

 

Stewardship Sunday was November 6th, culminating a program with two temple talks on previous Sundays and pledge cards given out.  A meal was served after the Nov. 6 service with 39 participating. Click here to view photo gallery

 

On November 5th, the St. Stephen’s Church women had their annual Christmas cookie sale at the Stephenson High School, part of  Stephenson’s Holiday Festival.  Cookie and goody donations were turned in and packaged on Friday in preparation for the event on Saturday. Click here to view photo gallery

 

On October 2, 1:00 PM, Wally and Wendy Majkrzak hosted an hayride and hot dog potluck lunch at their farm home.  Thirty adults and kids took the ride in 2 wagons.  The kids played games, played in the new elevated playhouse, and on the trampoline–sometimes joined by Pr. Cori.  A bonfire was also enjoyed on the beautiful autumn day. Click here to view photo gallery

 

 

Food Pantry Sunday- Last Sunday of Each Month – Please bring your items to the worship service and place them in the “Golden Basket”.  If you would like to make a monetary donation, please make the check payable to the church you are attending and place it in envelope and mark it “Food Pantry” and place it in the offering plate.