What’s New?

On November 3, 2018, the St. Stephen’s Church Women had their annual Cookie Sale at the Stephenson High School as part of the Holiday Festival. Thank you to all who donated and participated. Click here to view photo gallery

Gethsemane held its 17th annual sauerkraut dinner on Thursday, October 17, 2018. So many members contributed food and time, all the way back to last fall when the cabbage was processed. Thanks to everyone who contributed and participated! Contributions go to local charities. Click here to view photo gallery

On October 19, 2018, at 6:30 PM, Jessica Falk, Swedish musician, singer, and songwriter, performed a concert at St. Stephen’s Church for the community. She sang and played her songs with accompaniment, and witnessed her faith with the introductions. It was an inspiring and spiritual uplifting evening, followed by a fellowship time with refreshments. Click here to view photo gallery

On September 30, the school supplies collected by St. Stephen’s members were blessed during the Children’s Sermon by supply pastor, Doug Shoen. A welcome surprise…… attending that fifth Sunday parish joint service were our former pastor, Cori Johnson, her husband, Todd Parsons, and baby Mary Alice. Click here to view photo gallery

On September 23, 1:00 PM, Wendy and Wally Majkrzak hosted the annual hayride at their farm home.  It was an interesting tour, delayed by a stalled tractor out on the country lanes, but deftly handled by driver/owner Wally to overcome and continue with the event.  The 30 participants arrived back hungry and enjoyed the campfire and hot dog pot luck meal. Click here to view photo gallery

On September 16th 2018, the new processional cross was used and dedicated at the 10:30 service. Given in memory of long-time St. Stephen’s member, Elaine Berglin, by her family. Click here to view photo gallery

Gethsemane Lutheran Church’s Baked Potato Buffet – Wednesday, September 13, 2018 was the first Baked Potato Buffet organized by Gethsemane Lutheran Church’s Social Ministry Committee. We hear on the news how one major health crisis can send a family into catastrophic debt and in recent months, the need for a fund by which our church can attempt to help members with catastrophic medical bills has become very apparent. For this reason, we set out to create and build a fund by which to fulfill this mission. The next step was to determine an unusual fundraiser that hasn’t been done before and yet was achievable. The committee received an idea for a Baked Potato Buffet. The plans were set in motion to organize this unusual dining experience. With the generous support of Gethsemane’s Lutheran Church’s members, food items were donated, the Fellowship hall was set for event and many hands in the kitchen and serving line fed the masses, and THRIVENT provided seed money for items that needed to be purchased. Turnout was better than hoped, the choices were thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Many people said “I don’t know where to start” when they started down the buffet line. Organizers are very satisfied with the turnout and support of our new ministry and to all who helped in any way, THANK YOU! Click here to view photo gallery

A worship service of HOLDEN EVENING PRAYER was celebrated at Darrell and Christine Havelka’s home on August 13 with members from Gethsemane, St. Stephens, friends and family in attendance with Rev. Scott Ehle presiding. Ruth Thoune read the lessons and read a devotion. Worshippers shared The Lord’s Supper during the outdoor service.
Sara’s new companion puppy, Ollie, received a special blessing as he begins his life with his forever home.
A root beer float fellowship social followed worship.. 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.