The Messenger

Longing for Lent

Points of Interest Camp Wyalusing Cleaning Help Germany Trip Good Samaritans Hospital Visits Worship Schedule

March 2014

Anxious for Lent? Oh, dont get me wrong, Epiphany is great. Our faith in Christ has again been strengthened as we have looked at the ministry of Jesus which reveals this double truth: The Son of Mary is the Son of God. The Messiah of the Jews is the Savior of all. Still, all through February Ive found myself longing for Lent. Maybe its this long, cold, snowy winter weve been having. It has us all looking for any sign of spring, and the coming of Lent does mean that spring is on its way. Maybe its just that Lent usually begins in February so my mental calendar keeps telling me it should be here by now. But, Easter is quite late this year (April 20). So while Ash Wednesday is now just ahead (March 5), its been a long time coming. Longing for Lent? That still might sound a little strange. Our schedules are tight, and into those already tight schedules Lent packs extra worship. Who longs for more in the schedule? And, those Lenten hymns? Well, nobodys ever accused them of being overly cheery. Then theres those Lenten subjects that humans are ever trying to put out of their minds: sin, suffering, darkness, and death. Longing for Lent? As strange as it might seem, I do. I do long for it for in Lent God always amazes me from start to finish. In Lent I am always amazed at the Spirits gracious power at St. Marks. His Word goes out calling thousands of His people out of the darkness of this world and the overwhelming schedules of their daily lives. As He calls, the Spirit gathers, and from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday His children gather to gaze upon nothing else but their Savior and His cross. Amazing! Its further amazing because from the very start Lent declares a message nobody

Pastors Message Financials The ROC Christian Doctrine Spanish Outreach Pastoral Acts Ladies Aid Memorials Elders Easter Flowers

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wants to hear. For who likes to hear, For dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return? Who likes to be reminded of ashes to ashes, dust to dust? We live in a society that celebrates strength, vitality, and the triumphs of the human spirit. But on Ash Wednesday, in what is opposed to everything in our society, we gather to confess our absolute weakness and the futility of our own efforts. Turning from ourselves, all eyes turn to Jesus. In Him there is glory even in the ashes: He remembers that we are but dust (Psalm 103:14). And, Since the children have flesh and blood, Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy Him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil-- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:14,15). For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22). Amazing! Perhaps this longing for Lent is a longing to sing those catchy, upbeat Lenten hymns. Not really. Lenten hymns are not upbeat. Their tunes are not trivial for neither are our sins. With these songs there is not a trace of the worldly advice to Put on a happy face and The sun will come up tomorrow. Rather, their melodies invoke a different mood, one that reaches deep down into our souls. They bring forth the hurt we often hide, hurt that only finds its healing in Christ. With these hymns we contemplate the depth of our sins and the depth of our Fathers love, a love that moved Him to sacrifice His one and only Son for us. No, I dont imagine many Lenten hymns would be chosen for a Sunday favorite-hymn-sing- along. Still, they serve their purpose: with tune and text they remind us to despair of ourselves and throw ourselves totally, completely upon the mercy and merits of Jesus. In a world Continued on Page 3...

Financials - St. Marks Mission Statement

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Financials Income

2013Actual $1,229,745.46 2013 Actual $1,123,257.29 2,964.74 4,565.96 26,510.83 7,843.44 53,580.06 122,189.85 1,340,912.17 111,166.71

Comparison Actual 2012 $1,277,450.89 2012 Actual $1,222,663.10 1,181.45 3,737.79 29,392.63 8,498.41 64,975.35 116,786.61 1,447,235.34 Received 62,168.14 197,596.88 61,036.96 20,033.00 115,136.98 Larry Schuett, Treasurer 2013 Budget $1,154,532.64 2,456.00 6,943.68 26,656.10 8,725.00 85,235.00 129,000.00 1,413,548.42

Expenses Pastoral Ministry Adult Discipleship Youth Ministry Outreach Elders School Operation Church Operation Total Expenses Shortfall for 2013

Goals Goal Property Maintenance 30,000.00 Debt Retirement 100,000.00 Lakeside Operating 70,000.00 ROC 28,431.72 Synod/Missions 125,000.00

For a complete copy of St. Marks 2013 Financials, contact the Church Office.

Lent begins Ash Wednesday - March 5

St. Marks Evangelical Lutheran Church Our Mission To serve all people in Gods world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the basis of Holy Scripture. Our Objectives 1. To proclaim Law and Gospel 2. To strengthen believers through the means of grace 3. To equip believers in sharing the Gospel of Jesus with others 4. To provide a Christian Day School

Pebbles from the ROC - Pastors Article continued - Contacts

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Pebbles From the ROC... As we watched the winter Olympics recently, we might have thought about such a Bible passage as, I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7) Our Lord, through the apostle Paul, reminds us that the greatest race of all is the life we have in Christ. To finish the race, an Olympian needs to keep focused on the finish line. As Gods people we also need to stay focused on the finish line being with Christ, our Savior, in heaven. Oh, how we want someday to receive that gift of grace, the Crown of Righteousness. Such a lesson is shared with the ROC teens when, for example, we play a game a pool with them or play a game of ping pong. Stay focused and finish! We need some help. If there is anyone who is able to volunteer to do just the employee tax withholding and reporting for THE ROC, it would be greatly appreciated. Since our treasurer is also a volunteer, we are hoping to divide some of the responsibilities. If you are able to help, please contact Don Bartz (920-261-1319 or debartz@charter.net) or Pastor Mueller (920-206-9581 or wttnroc@sbcglobal.net). Thank you so much. FUTURE ROC EVENTS: Please volunteer to help. Thanks! Date to be determined - Brat Fry at Pick 'N Save Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 3 pm ROC Golf Outing Thursday - Saturday, July 17, 18, 19, 2014 ROC Rummage Sale Date to be determined - Glenns Brat Stand

Pastor Jensens Article - Continued from Page 1... ...that has made happiness its god, Lenten hymns are not happy. They bring us back to true reality. Those hymns turn us from happiness as a feeling obtained by human pursuits to a Savior who, despite the sadness of our sinful condition, has obtained for us not a fleeting feeling, but a real eternity of joy with Him. Amazing! May God bless your Lenten season richly as you turn your eyes to Christ and Christ alone! Christs servant to you, Pastor Jensen

Admin., Outreach/Discipleship - Pastor James Werner (262-8506) pastor.werner@smlcwatertown.com Education & Youth - Pastor Michael Jensen (262-8505) pastor.jensen@smlcwatertown.com Hispanic Outreach & Elders - Pastor Karl Walther (262-8504) pastor.walther@smlcwatertown.com Spanish Deacon - Dale Hella (285-6261) Church Administrative Assistant - Linda Stark (262-8500) church.secretary@smlcwatertown.com Church Accountant - Barb Bartz (262-8500 Ext. 224) barb.bartz@smlcwatertown.com Church/School Maint. Mgr. - A.J. Ritschke (262-8501 Ext. 304) ajritschke@gmail.com Christian Counselor - Ron Paynter (920-723-4283)

Christian Doctrine - Cookbooks - Messenger Christian Doctrine: Angels (Good & Evil) Our sinful nature is prone to assign a wrong value to angels. A few people overvalue them, by adoring angels rather than the God who sent them. More likely, we hardly give them a thought. So, what does the Bible tell us about angels? God made angels sometime during the six days of creation. God makes his angels winds, his servants flames of fire (Hebrews 1:7). So, they are spirits, not humans with both body and soul. Angels are also very numerous. John references many angels, number thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand (Revelation 5:11). Angels know more than we do, but not nearly what our allknowing God knows. They are more powerful than we, but not nearly almighty like God. Angels are quicker than webut still occupy only one place at one time, unlike God who fills all things. They are not subject to death as we are, but also have not existed forever, as does God. God created angels to be messengers of his love to human beings. In fact, angel means messenger. Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14) Unfortunately, not all angels remained faithful to the Lord. The devil (accuser) aka Satan (enemy) rebelled against God.

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The Lord has eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41). Meantime, these demons trouble and tempt us on earth: The devil leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. (Revelation 12:9) Thankfully, our Savior Jesus will soon crush Satan under your feet (Romans 16:20). In fact, he already has: by virtue of his resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:57). And now: He will command angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:11). With them we sing the praise of our Savior: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise! (Revelation 5:12)

Cookbooks Have Arrived! The St. Marks Ladies Aid Cookbook is now available. Books can be purchased through the Church Office or by contacting either Arlene Krause (261-9140) or Bethel Schmidt (261-2270). The cookbooks will also be available at various times between church services and at Wednesday night Lenten suppers. Cost: $15 - Profits will go toward replacing the carpeting in the Parish Center dining room. Checks should be written to St. Marks Ladies Aid.

To include an article or notice in The Messenger, drop off your information at the church office or e-mail to: messenger@smlcwatertown.com The Messenger Deadline is the 15th of the month. Information received AFTER that date is NOT guaranteed inclusion. KEEP ALL ARTICLES BRIEF: A PARAGRAPH OR TWO - NO page-long articles! Articles, notices, etc., are only printed once - unless otherwise requested, and all articles are subject to modification by the editor. Special requests will be taken into consideration, however please understand that for various reasons and space, your request may not be honored.

Spanish Outreach - Hospital Visits Spanish Outreach... The Work of Our Pastors & Others: Baptisms at Saint Marks? Christ himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:14). That passage describes the unity of Jew and Gentile in the New Testament Churcha unity effected by Christs death, which nullified the provisions of the Old Testament Law.

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Still, you might be forgiven if the above passage reminded you of our outreach to Spanish speaking people. At St. Marks School, students from Anglo families and students from Mexican families are all simply students and fellow Christians-- unhyphenated. (Check out the way everyone accepts one another!) Its the same at church. (Just check out our church directory!) It means that the Holy Spirit has come a long way in us and through us. Praised be His name! Through him we have -- whether Mexican or American one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:5-6). Attendance has been great at both church and school. Our study of the Gospel according to St. John will bring us the Lenten message this coming month. Abel & Mayra and family have now joined us; Blanca and family are well on their way toward doing so. Also, Pastor Dale never breaks stride in his faithful service to our people. Dont forget: Its your support your prayers and your offerings through which Christ accomplishes the work above. Thanks!!!

Your Pastors Want to Serve You at the Hospital When you are hospitalized, your pastors want to visit you. However, they need your help to do so. If your hospitalization takes place at Watertown Memorial, PLEASE BE SURE TO ANSWER YES WHEN THEY ASK IF YOU WANT YOUR CLERGY TO VISIT. That way your name will make it on St. Marks list for visitation. Generally speaking...Mondays: Pastor Werner - Wednesdays: Pastor Walther - Fridays: Pastor Jensen If hospitalization takes place outside of Watertown: please let one of the pastors knoweven in advance, if it is a scheduled surgery. The best way to inform the pastors is to hand one of them a note ahead of time or to phone and leave a message for them. Its especially helpful to let Pastor Werner know about your out-of-town hospital stay, because making those visits lies in his area of ministry. If you happen to be staying at a hospital in Madison, we can also refer WELS chaplain Ken Wenzel to you. In time of emergency or as death is quickly drawing near: the telephone is your best avenue to reach a pastor. If a desperate time of need for your loved one happens to strike during the daytime on a weekday, call the church office. Somebody there will contact one of the pastors for you. If it falls after hours, call one of the pastors at home, and keep calling homes until you encounter one of them. Your pastors want to be there for you! Also, the whole congregation is happy to pray on your behalf when you are ill. Whether youre in the hospital or not, simply let one of the pastors know youd like a prayer for you in church. He will relay your need to whichever one of the pastors is preaching for the weekend. That pastor will write you into his prayers.

Pastoral Acts/Membership Updates - Worship Services Baptisms... Theodore Mitchell Behm Reed Henry Deglow Tyler Charles Merkt Devon Ross Lawrence Funerals Helen Cassidy Delbert Westenberg John Kasten Betty Zastrow Walter Stark Judith Kugler Birth 1-3-14 1-1-14 8-6-03 6-25-13 Baptism Parents 2-2-14 Mitchell & Rochelle (Schlender) Behm 2-15-14 Robert & Heidi (Holl) Deglow 2-22-14 Megan (Reynard) Lawrence 2-22-14 Nicholas & Megan (Reynard) Lawrence Funeral 1-27-14 1-30-14 2-20-14 2-27-14 2-27-14 2-28-14

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Date of Death 1-23-14 1-24-14 2-16-14 2-22-14 2-23-14 2-23-14

Membership: Transfer In: Robert Haley Transfer Out: Nicole Ninmann & 2 children Removed: Dan Bartlett, Paul Begovatz, Suzanne Blaszak, David Boese, Steven & Nicole Wildes & 2 children Profession of Faith: Sherry Andrea

Welcome!

Worship This Month... Weekend services are... 6:00 PM Saturdays 7:30, 9:00, & 10:45 AM Sundays Midweek Lenten Wednesday services 8:30 AM, 3:30 PM, & 7:00 PM Wednesday, Saturday, & Sunday, February 26, March 1 & 2: Transfiguration: 2 Kings 2:11-12 Elijahs Last Appearance before Christs Transfiguration Wednesday, March 5 Ash Wednesday: Psalm 143:1-4,7-10 No One Living Is Righteous Before God Saturday & Sunday, March 8 & 9 Lent 1: John 18:1-11 The Time Has Come

Wednesday, March 12 Lenten Midweek 2: Revelation 2:1-7 Revelations Letters: Repent! Ephesus Saturday & Sunday, March 15 & 16 Lent 2: John 18:12-14,19-24 Passion in John: Jesus before Annas Wednesday, March 19 Lenten Midweek 3: Revelation 2:8-17 ComfortEncouragementWarnings Saturday & Sunday, March 22 & 23 Lent 3: John 18:28-38 Passion in John: King of Truth before Pilate Wednesday, March 26 Lenten Midweek 4: Revelation 2:18-29 Revelations Letters: Repent! Thyatira Saturday & Sunday, March 29 & 30 Lent 4: John 19:7-16 Crucify the King!

Bible Study - Good Samaritan - Travel - Ladies Aid - Camp

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Sunday Bible Studies We thank God for the many people that he has brought to St. Marks who have the gift of teaching and who have consented to conduct one of our Sunday Bible studies in the second semester. Sunday Bible studies are held in room B-2 of the Parish Center every Sunday at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. We encourage more of our members to take advantage of this opportunity in the New Year to gather with fellow believers to study and discuss the Word of our God. March 2-23 Psalms of Lent & Easter March 30-April 13 Creation vs. Evolution May 4, 18, 25 TBA May 11 TBA Rev. Kurt Lueneburg Mr. Jon Nelson Rev. Tim Mueller TBA

Good Samaritan Opportunity The Good Samaritan Group is looking for a Co-Coordinator to help with organizing the various activities the group does on a yearly basis. Those include the Bread & Roses meals that St. Marks serves once every four months, the Soup & Sandwich meals for Lent and Advent, the Fall Festival and the Giving Tree. These are all fun activities that dont take up that much time, but its always nice to have an extra helping hand. Please contact Kathi Strohbusch at (920) 988-7769, Pastor Werner or the Church Office if interested or with any questions you might have. If you enjoy helping people and having fun while doing it, this may be the perfect opportunity for

Visit Germany... You are invited to join a Sept 1, 2014, 10 day tour of Germany, highlighting the places of the Reformation which celebrates its 500th Anniversary in 2017. Beat the crowds, and maybe the prices, by going now. In addition to the places of the Reformation, (Eisleben, Eisenach, Erfurt, Wartburg, Worms and Wittenberg), you will also visit Munich, Oberammergau, Rothenburg, Berlin and more. The tour will be hosted by retired pastor Eugene Kock, who will be making his 9th tour there. For more information, contact pastorkock@yahoo.com or phone 608-318-1079. Large discounts are offered for early enrollments.

Ladies Aid Join us in the Parish Center dining room on Thursday, March 6th for lunch at 1 PM. Stacy Schroeder, an officer from the Watertown Police Department will provide the program. A business meeting and installation of officers will follow.

Camp Wyalusing Camp will run from July 13-18, 2014. Camp Wyalusing is run solely by WELS members for the purpose of sharing God's word with children ages 8-14 (going into 9th grade) at Wyalusing State Park one week each Summer. If you have any questions, please contact our director, Pastor Paul Vander Galien at pvgandy@netscape.net or 920-927-5353.

Memorials - Mommy & Me Play Group

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Memorials for St. Marks Church, School, Missions, School Building Fund, the ROC, St. Marks Scholarship Fund, etc. These memorials have been given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of the following:
Sandra Thompson Jeanne Wille Antje Braatz Ed & Sue Hahn, Glen & Di Lohr Darlene Buss AJ & Rhonda Ritschke & family, Donald & Arlene Grulke, Tony & Renee Messerschmidt, Alice Zietlow Ruth Dede Andrew & Lynette Friedl Elizabeth Betty Hall Renee Wickert, Butch & Joan Rickerman, Florence, Sharon, & Diane Buedler, Merla Stark, Diane Schultz, Rhonda Reith, Bob & Bev Webster, Howard Reith, Helen & Lester Rose, Ruth Schwartz, Pat Appenfeldt, Bonnie Beerbohm, Violet & Shelly Hamlin, Ginny Wollin, Sydelle MacKay, Jim & Darcy Moyer Gordon Jacobs Merle Zastrow, Cathie King, Erich & Helen Zellmer, Glen & Di Lohr LaVerna Pahl Paul & Mardelle Schuett, Michael & Beverly Schilling Rev. Ron Uhlhorn St. Marks Ladies Aid, James & Linda White, AJ & Rhonda Ritschke, Bernice Zimmerman, Josephine Kaul, George Enderle, Ken & Dolly Wetzel, Dennis & Becky Manke, Glen & Di Lohr, Marie Dobbratz, Hugo & Janelle Nickels, Jan Tomhave, Doris Buchta, Charles & Mary Hell, Dick & Sandy Kren, David & Betty Reul, Ed & Sue Hahn, Rev. & Mrs. Brett Brauer, Sandy Haseleu, Robert & Marian Heese Delbert Westenberg Yvonne Habermann, Marlin & Lorraine Kube, Lisa & Bob Condon, Margie Eickelberg, Dale & Susan Bergman, Kay Uhlhorn, Harvey & Jean Ziemer, Jim & Arlene Krause, Larry & Dorothy Bischoff, Bob & Bonnie Sell, Len & Mary Scharf, Wayne & Joanne May, Pastor & Mrs. Myron Kell, Sandra Radloff, Jim & Sharon Greenwald, Shirley Platz, Rev. & Mrs. James Werner, Phyllis Duddeck, Jan Tomhave, St. Marks Ladies Aid, Roy & Betty Zastrow, Gloria Helstad, Loretta Westenberg, Dennis & Jenifer Oechsner, John & Claudine Lehman, Andrea Yoss, Gary, Bethel & Jon Schmidt, Brian & Jodi Box, Gary & Agnus Tetzlaff, Ray & Diane Rumler, Steve & Lois Stock, Lonnie Bonlender, Harry & Jan Ruehlow, Diane Lund, Allen & Lois Krause, William & Joyce Nass, Louise Baumgart, Nancy Haines, Tom & Lorraine Kohn, Kevin Lund & Family, Ralph & Mary Westenberg, Michael Gunn, Dale & Joan Hella, Steve & DeeDee Mumford, David Huber, Richard & Sue Walter, Joel & Jackie Welke, Terry & Teresa Triana, Henry Guell, Dean & Sue Schnuckel, Carol & Mike Hooper, Carol Wollin, Arlene Frelk, Shirley Haines, Bob & Nancy Roe Luella Wolter Shawn & Marcie Wolter, Michael & Beverly Schilling, Mr. & Mrs. Dale Bergmann

Gifts given to church or school... Janelle Arndt gave a gift to the church in memory of her grandfather, Robert Arndt. Alice Zietlow sponsored the bulletins in memory of her husband, Clarence Zietlow, who passed away 10 years ago on February 17th.

We apologize for any names missing or misspelled.

St. Marks Mommy and Me Group 2nd Tuesday of the month 9:30 -11:00 AM

Parish Center: Room B1

Some months they might meet at an outdoor location, but will notify participants at least a month in advance if meeting elsewhere. Contact: Deborah Koeck: debbiekoeck@yahoo.com (920) 206-1711 ...or visit our Facebook page St. Mark's Mommy & Me Playgroup

Elders -Thoughts on Easter - Lakeside Contact Info - Volunteer Opportunity

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Elders Work: Review & Preview The Elders Board rejoices to report to you the following developments . 1. For the past nine years, members of St. Marks have labored to create a congregational atmosphere in which each soul is encouraged regularly to worship. We have employed personal visits, personal phone calls, personal mail, notes in the newsletter, and bulk e-mails by the hundreds of thousands toward this effort. For six years, St. Marks pastors

have personally visited members age twenty-eight and older whom we have rarely seen in worship. The Holy Spirit has graciously crowned all our efforts with success: What were once more than half a thousand able-bodied, local members who never worshipped with us now number less than seventy-five who have not worshipped with us fairly recently. 2. No longer listed as members are those for whom we have no address, nor those who have lived out of our area for a number of years. We have done our best to track these down and relay them to a nearby WELS church. Lacking such a church, we serve them at a distance as best we can. Nine years ago, people were listed as members in

half the states of our nation. By Gods grace, we now do a better job of trying genuinely to get these souls served. 3. This past year, with encouragement from the elders board, Pastor Walther began regularly text messaging more than four hundred of our members. Often Mondays text offers personal application of a verse from Scripture, Wednesdays message offers a prayer, and Fridays text message encourages worship. The elders board would like to express St. Marks continued need for an individual to more vigorously reach those in their twenties. For this and all our efforts, the elders board petitions your prayers on its behalf.

What do you think? As we look ahead, consider a few thoughts on Easter Easter means hope prevails over despair. Let us never live another day as if He were dead! Easter is the feast of freedom from death. Easter means to live in the light of the resurrection.

Lakeside Lutheran High School For the latest happenings at LLHS, visit the website at www.llhs.org. Read or download the info!

Help Needed... We are still in need of a few additional volunteers to help with vacuuming the church and Parish Center on Monday mornings. If you are able to help, please contact Tim Fredrick at 261-8566 or tfredrick@netwurx.net or AJ Ritschke at 390-0167 or ajritschke@gmail.com.

Easter Flowers - Easter Breakfast

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2014 Easter Flowers

If you would like to help beautify our church for Easter, please fill out and return this form to the Church Office with payment by April 1st.

_______ Easter Lily _______ Daisy Mum (Spring colors) _______ Daffodils _______ Hyacinth (Spring colors) _______ Tulips (Spring colors)
(Please Print)

$15 $15 $15 $15 $15

In Honor Of: In Memory Of:

Given By:
Phone Number:
All orders are to be pre-paid and sent to the church office by Tuesday, April 1st. Please make checks payable to St. Marks Decorating Committee. Flowers may be picked up after communion (noon) on Easter Sunday. If you cannot come at that time, please make arrangements with the Church Office, otherwise your plants will be used as decorations for the Easter season. Thank You! If you have any questions, please contact Becky at 261-8552

EASTER BREAKFAST St. Marks Boy Pioneers will be serving Easter Breakfast from 6:30-10:30 AM back in the Parish Center dining room. A free will offering will be taken. Half of the proceeds from this event will be given to the Ladies Aid to put towards replacing the Parish Center Dining Room carpet. The menu will include scrambled eggs with ham, coffee cake, hard rolls, hard boiled eggs, cheese, coffee, milk and orange juice. The Ladies Aid Cookbooks will be available for purchase at the Easter Breakfast at a cost of $15 each.

The Lion's Roar Newsletter Messenger Edition March 2014

SCHOOL YEAR THEME 2013-2014
JESUS: Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

General News Blessings Abound

What can you say about St. Marks school? It is a school where Gods Word is taught every day to all of the students! It is a school where Jesus loves is present in the classrooms, hallways, playground and lunchroom! It is a school where the teachers are all Gospel Ministers and conduct themselves with the love of Christ! It is a school where 262 children attend each and every day! It is a school where sins are committed and forgiven for Jesus sake! It is a school where the curriculum prepares the children for lives of service for Jesus in the world! It is a school that is ALL ABOUT JESUS every day! IT IS A CHRISTIAN SCHOOL OF THE WELS and IT IS VERY BLESSED BY JESUS EVERY DAY! **************************************************************************************************

Mr. Schramms Call

Mr. Schramm has received a Divine Call to serve as principal and teacher from a WELS congregation in Elkhorn, WI. That means that Mr. Schramm now holds two different calls - His call to St. Marks and his call to Elkhorn. Mr. Schramm now needs to consider the needs in both congregations and then prayerfully consider where the Lord needs him to serve. You need to be part of that process by speaking to Mr. Schramm about his duties here at St. Marks. The voters meeting on Monday night, February 24th, will take time to discuss this with Mr. Schramm as well. All are invited to the Open Meeting portion of our voters meeting to discuss the call with Mr. Schramm. Please remember Mr. Schramm and his family in your prayers. **************************************************************************************************

Spring Break March 17-21

St. Marks School will take Spring break along with Luther Prep School and Lakeside Lutheran School the week of March 17-21. Often we are asked why we do not take Spring Break with the Watertown Public Schools. We do not take our break when Watertown Public does because Watertown Public always has their spring break during Holy Week. For us, as Lutheran Christians, Holy Week is a week of many church service of which the children participate in. If we were off Holy Week it could cause many different complications with our worship with our families; therefore, we try to blend our break with our two Lutheran High Schools in our area. If you need more information about our Spring break, please contact Mr. Uttech at the school office. **************************************************************************************************

Book Fair News

Parents: please note that more information on our upcoming book fair will be sent out soon!! Be sure to ask your children in PreK and kindergarten about their wonderful poster artwork for our fair decorating. Author previews have been distributed to all of the teachers to review and share with their students. I still need a couple more volunteers to fill for the 11:00 am to 12:00 pm time slots on Monday the 10th and Wednesday the 12th as well as Monday night from 6:-8:00 pm during the academic fair. All help is greatly appreciated!! Thank you to all who have already volunteered to make our book fair at great success!!! D. Bushie **************************************************************************************************

Grandparents Day
The kitchen will be having a Grandparents day once a month for each class. The Grandparents are invited to come and eat with their grandchildren. The cost is $3.25 per person and if you plan on coming, please make reservations with the office or kitchen so we could have an idea of a count. We will be having Grandparents Day for the 2nd Grade (Miss Hafemeisters Room) on March 13th. Miss Hafemeisters class eats at 12:05 P.M. We would love to have many grandparents join us that day.

**************************************************************************************************

School Building Campaign

The students brought home information about the new school building campaign last week. The students are asked to use their milk carton banks and save their coins in those banks for the building fund. The coin dump will take place in church on Sunday, April 13th which is Palm Sunday. Please encourage and assist your children with this congregational effort to help pay off the loan on our new school facility. If you have any questions, please contact your childs teacher. May the Lord richly bless our efforts for this important project. ************************************************************************************************** The snowy weather last Monday postponed the voters meeting until this Monday, February 24th. All fathers who are members of St. Marks are requested to attend the important voters meeting on Monday night at 7:00 P.M. in the Parish Center. This is the annual meeting for our congregation. It does not get more important than that. Please find an hour and a half to spare this Monday and please, please, attend this very important meeting. If, as a father, you do not take the time to come no other fathers will come either. Please set the trend and attend this important meeting. See you Monday night, February 247h at 7:00 P.M. **************************************************************************************************

Voters Meeting - Rescheduled

Academic Fair Science Social Studies - Art

Please note that the academic fair is set for Monday, March 10th at 6:30 P.M. All parents and relatives are invited to view the work of the students that evening. We pray that many will take the time to support the students in their work by viewing their projects. See you on Monday, March 10th. **************************************************************************************************

No School March 7th

This year the Watertown Public School system has taken March 7th off as a teacher development day. Therefore there is no school for the St. Marks or the Watertown Public Schools. Please plan accordingly. The teachers will be working at school that day on curriculum development. There is no school for St. Marks that day. Please mark your calendars. **************************************************************************************************

Pre-K and Kindergarten for the 2013-2014 School Year

If you are planning on enrolling your child in pre-k or Kindergarten for the 2014-2015 school year, please drop off the registration form at the school office as soon as possible. The number of enrollments determines what kind of classroom set up is needed for the children so the sooner we know the better for planning. If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please contact either Mr. Uttech or Mr. Schramm by calling 920-262-8501. If you know of a family in our church or a family looking for a church home please encourage them to get in contact with us. We are here to serve our members and any and all families that have an interest in St. Marks Church and school. **************************************************************************************************

Alpha Life Center

Alpha Life Center honors local student winners of essay contest Several area students received recognition and prizes for their winning entries in the 11th annual "God Gave Us Life" contest, sponsored by the Alpha Life Resource Center and the Tri-County chapter of Christian Life Resources. The winners were honored at the chapter's annual meeting held at Luther Prep in Watertown the end of January. The contest was open to students in area WELS churches and schools. Kindergarten through second grade students participated by drawing a picture on a life-related theme. Grades 3-8 wrote essays on the topic How do I explain or show my blessings to others? Taylor Zache is one of the winners! Taylor is a student in 7th grade at St. Marks and she is in Mr. Korths English class. Thank You for participating Taylor! The winners were in the Watertown newspaper and received gift certificates to Northwestern Publishing House **************************************************************************************************

St. Mark's Ev. Lutheran Church and School

Thank You, St. Marks Members, for Your Support of Christian Education!

March 2014- St. Marks Ev. Lutheran Church Calendar

215 N. 6th Street, Watertown, WI
Sun

53094 Phone (920)-262-8500

Thu Fri
th

December 2011Mon Tue

36PM Sch. Min. Bd.
7PM Praise Singers 7PM Adult Handbells 7PM Womens Bible Study (B3) 7PM Leadership Bible Study (School) 8PM Standing Bds 12:10 Lets Do Lunch (PC) 7PM AA Mtg (B3)

Wed

Sat
Capital Fund Kickoff 6PM Church Service

LENTEN SOUP & SANDWICH SUPPERS ON WEDNESDAYS: Starting on ASH WEDNESDAY, March 5 , 4:30-6:30PM - either in the Parish Center or School Commons watch your church bulletin for each weeks menu and location.

Transfiguration Church Services 7:30, 9:00 & 10:45AM Capital Fund Kickoff 9/10:30AM Bible Study 9AM Kids 4 Christ 6:30PM Spanish Service

5 ASH WEDNESDAY
Church Services at 8:30A, 3:30 & 7PM

6
6AM Dawn Patrol (MP) 9AM/4PM Bible Class 1PM Ladies Aid (MP) 7PM Chorale

NO SCHOOL

8
6PM Church Service

10AM Golden Living 2:30 Highland House 3:45 Gr. 6-7 Catechism 4:30-6:30 Lenten Meal 7PM Bible Info Class

Daylight Savings Time Begins Church Services 7:30, 9:00 & 10:45AM 9/10:30AM Bible Study 9AM Kids 4 Christ 2PM LPS Concert 6:30PM Spanish Service Church Services 7:30, 9:00 & 10:45AM 9/10:30AM Bible Study 9AM Kids 4 Christ 6:30PM Spanish Service

10 9:50AM WHS C

11

7PM Praise Singers 7PM Adult Handbells 6:30PM Academic Fair at School 7PM Ministry Council

12:10 Lets Do Lunch (PC) 2-9PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 7PM AA Mtg (B3)

12 Church Services at 13
8:30A, 3:30 & 7PM

14
Noon-7PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr.

15
9AM-4PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 6PM Church Service

Scholastic Bookfair at School through Thursday

10:15AM Marquardt 2-9PM: Pictures 2:30PM Johnson Arms 3:45 Gr. 6-7 Catechism 4:30-6:30 Lenten Meal 7PM Bible Info Class
8:30A, 3:30 & 7PM

9AM /4PM Bible Class 10:30AM Zinzendorf 2-9PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 7PM Chorale

16

17 10A-Noon Circuit 18 12:10 Lets Do

Mtg.@ St.Johns/ Jefferson 7PM Praise Singers 7PM Adult Handbells 7PM Womens Bible Study (B3) Lunch (PC) 1:30 PM OWLS Mtg. At St. Pauls/Ixonia 2-9PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 7PM AA Mtg (B3)

19 Church Services at 20
10AM Golden Living 2-9PM: Church Pictures in B1 & B2 4:30-6:30 Lenten Meal in Parish Center
NO SCHOOL SPRING BREAK

21
Noon-7PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr.

22
9AM-4PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 6PM Church Service

6AM Dawn Patrol (MP) 2-9PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 7PM Chorale

Church Services 7:30, 9:00 & 10:45AM

Steeplechase Brass Plays

23

24
9:50AM WHS C2 7PM Praise Singers 7PM Adult Handbells 7PM Caregivers Support Group (B2)

25
12:10 Lets Do Lunch (PC) 2-9PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 7PM AA Mtg (B3)

26 Church Services at 27
8:30A, 3:30 & 7PM

28
Noon-7PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr.

29
9AM-4PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 6PM Contemporary Church Service

9AM Pre-Communion Welcome 10:15AM: Capital Fund Large Group Mtg. (MP) 6:30PM Spanish Service Church Services 7:30, 9:00 & 10:45AM 10:15AM: Capital Fund Large Group Mtg. (MP) 6:30PM Spanish Service

10:15AM Marquardt 2-9PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 3:45 Gr. 6-7 Catechism 4:30-6:30 Lenten Meal 7PM Bible Info Class

9AM /4PM Bible Class 10:30AM Zinzendorf 2-9PM: Church Pictures in Parish Ctr. 7PM Chorale

30

31
7PM Praise Singers 7PM Adult Handbells 7PM Quiz Pastor (MP)

St. Marks
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 2
Worship 7:30; 9:00; 10:45am A Boys BB Tournament St. Pauls Ixonia BOSM 5pm

March 2014
Thursday Friday Saturday 1
A Boys BB Tournament St. Pauls Ixonia Worship 6pm

3
Booster Mtg. 6:30pm

Watertown 9 .A.M.

Chapel 8:10am Ash Wednesday Worship 8:30am, 3:30pm, 7pm Grades 7&8 Sing @ 8:30am and 3:30pm Midterm Grades 5-8

6
Academic Fair Judging & Set Up 1:00pm LPS Grade School Musical Matinee @ 9:30am NO SCHOOL

7
Worship 6pm

9
Worship 7:30; 9:00; 10:45am LPS Sacred Song Concert @2pm

10
St. Marks Book Fair CWLPC Meeting 1pm @ St. Matts Janesville Church Council 7pm Academic Fair Open House 6:30pm St. Marks Book Fair

11

Chapel 8:10am 12 St. Marks Book Fair Lent Worship 8:30am, 3:30pm, 7pm Alpha Choir Sings @ 8:30am and 3:30pm

13
St. Marks Book Fair Lions Pride A.M. Easter Cards

14
Worship 6pm

15

16
Worship 7:30; 9:00; 10:45am NO SCHOOL Spring Break

17
NO SCHOOL Spring Break

18

19
NO SCHOOL Spring Break Lent Worship 8:30am, 3:30pm, 7pm NO SCHOOL Spring Break

20
NO SCHOOL Spring Break

21
Worship 6pm

22

23
Worship 7:30; 9:00; 10:45am Pre-Communion Welcome 9am Faculty Meeting 3:30-4:30pm

24

25

Chapel 8:10am 26 Lent Worship 8:30am, 3:30pm, 7pm Picnic Committee 6:30pm

27
rd

28
End of 3 Quarter 44 days Jump Rope For Heart

29
LPS Testing for future 9th graders 9am Worship 6pm

30
Worship 7:30; 9:00; 10:45am Grades 3&4 Sing @ 10:45am

31