Thank You Sunday School Teachers

A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped with Sunday School this last school year.  We appreciate all you have done, all the time and effort you gave, to teach the young ones about their Savior!  Thank you!

This past school year we had a great crew of kids who came to Sunday School, and even sang a few songs in church. The kids searched for hidden eggs, learned Bible passages, and learned more about their Savior. Our church family is so grateful for the Sunday School teachers, helpers, and leaders for all they have done!

Confirmation 2025

On April 27th a young confirmand publicly confessed his faith and fellowship with our church.  He has completed Catechism class with Pastor and has a deeper understanding of what the Scriptures say.  Congratulations and God’s Blessings to you, Tysen!

Holy Week 2025

Join us for the heart of the Christian church year! Celebrate Holy Week with us. Each service is special and unique. Journey with us to the cross where we see our sin carried by our Savior. Witness God forsaken by God with the sacrifice of ages. Then celebrate Christ victorious! We would love for you to join your voices with ours as we proclaim and praise the undeserved love God shows us!

Sunday, April 13th

9am Sunday of the Passion Service with Palm procession

Thursday, April 17th

7pm Holy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion

Friday, April 18th

1pm  Worship at the Cross

7pm  Tenebrae, Service of Darkness

Sunday, April 20th

7am  Early Morning Hymn Sing Service

7:45am  Easter Breakfast

9am  Easter Festival Service

WELS Connection: March 2025

In October of 2024, we were blessed to have someone from the WELS Connection Team come and record for the March 2025 WELS Connection episode. The episode featured an interview with Pastor Rothfuss and his parents discussing how encouragements helped him pursue serving as a Pastor. Our synod has a shortage of Called Workers and lay leaders. It is important for us to remember and realize that encouraging and supporting the next generations to consider serving the church is something simple we can do now, and it is essential. About those who have the gifts to serve the church, Pastor Rothfuss says “I think it is the responsibility of everyone in a congregation, and really in our synod to encourage those people.” Our Pastor did not grow up in a family of Called Workers, which made the encouragement he received all the more important.

Thank you Pastor Rothfuss for sharing your story! Thank you Rusty and Cathy, his family, those at St. John’s Bay City, MLS, and everyone else who encouraged Caleb to serve as our Pastor! We are thankful to have him as our Pastor!

Pastor's Wife Appreciation

On March 30th the congregation gave Amanda an arrangement of flowers as a token of our appreciation for her and for all she does for our church family. We are so blessed to have her as part of our church.

Winter Weather 3/30/2025

They say spring is here, but winter keeps trying to make a comeback. The forecast for Sunday March 30th is that there will be icy roads and dangerous travel conditions in our area. Please be safe! If you don’t come to the service, know that it will be livestreamed . You can watch it on either Facebook or Youtube live at 9am or later.

YouTube

Facebook

Church Council 2025

At our January Voter Meeting, there were several changes made to our Church Council. Firstly, we changed the Evangelism Coordinator, Youth Coordinator, and Education Coordinator to be non-Council positions. The impact of this change will make serving in these roles more accessible. These roles can be filled by any member, they do not need to attend the quarterly Council meetings, and the minimum term length is one year. These changes will allow potential leaders to be that position and try it out before they commit to serving longer (Council positions have a 3 year term length). Since they are not required for the Council meetings, this removes another obstacle that prevents some from serving. These positions are appointed by the Elders and will work with both the Elders and Pastor as they carry out their duties.

During the meeting we also took nominations and elected several new positions. Below is the list of our Church Council for 2025.

President Tom G  

Vice President Aaron W

Secretary Glenn M

Treasurer Chuck S

Elder Austin R, Bob P, Jon L

Trustee Kelly Z, Nick B, Rob V

Pastor Pastor Caleb Rothfuss

Open Forum and Annual Meeting

Plan on attending our annual Voter Meeting on Sunday, January 26, 2025. This meeting starts with an open forum so that we can discuss any topics or concerns we have as a church family. Then the Voter Meeting takes place, during which a lot of important information will be shared. See you there!

New Year's Eve 2024

As we close out 2024 we can look back on this year with thanksgiving. For our church family we remember the gift of new (used) pews and the diligent work many did to repurpose them for our sanctuary. We remember the work we have done with Grace Sugar Bush, especially the summer camp we held together. We celebrate the milestone of our Pastor’s 200th sermon and we remember all the wonderful worship opportunities we had this past year.

We invite you to join us on New Year’s Eve at 7pm for a unique worship opportunity. End this year in the Word and prepare yourself for 2025 with Holy Communion.

Christmas 2024

"Let us not give up meeting together... let us encourage one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching"

Hebrews 10:25

Christmas is such a special time for Christians for many reasons, including that it is a time when we gather and encourage one another in faith.  We know the great, paramount, eternal implications of that Nativity scene.  We understand why a great company of angels came to proclaim our Savior's birth.  We know why this celebration is so great!  As you consider your holiday schedule, plan on joining us here so that we can be encouraged by one another as we gather by the manger. 

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 22nd at 9am

Come and see what the kids have been preparing!  The Sunday School children will help with the service in many ways including with some songs they have been working on.  Come and join us for this, and don’t forget to thank the kids for all of their work in sharing God’s Word!

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Christmas Eve

Tuesday, December 24th at 1pm

Join us for an afternoon in the Word.  Let us share in the joy of the shepherds as they first heard the divine message.  This service has some strong Christmas hymns and treasured readings.  The choir has prepared a special piece for this service.

Tuesday, December 24th at 8pm

Come to our special candlelight service!  We’ll celebrate Christmas through readings and carols. We’ve planned some beloved hymns for this service that reflect the true joy and message of Christ’s coming. Carols by candlelight is such a special thing, and this year we will have enough candles for everyone!  We will even have some battery operated candles for kids. 

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Christmas Day

Wednesday, December 25th at 9am

Celebrate God’s gift to His fallen creation!  Christ took on flesh to be the sacrifice that makes us right with God!  Moses once asked the Great I Am to show him His glory.  God could not let sinful eyes see His face because God is holy… that same God was veiled in flesh in that manger.  True God yet true man!  This service will feature many beloved Christmas hymns we haven’t sung this season.  

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The First Sunday After Christmas

Sunday, December 29th at 9am

Our normal worship service will consider Christ as the young boy going to His Father’s house.  I just wanted to make sure it was on our little calendar here.  

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New Year's Eve

Tuesday, December 31st at 7pm

Prepare for the new year with the Word.  New Years is always a good time to reflect on the last year and really where we are in our life (from our perspective).  This year on New Year’s Eve we will consider Hebrews 11, a chapter some call the “Hall of Fame” of faith.  No matter where you are in your life, there is a character, a real person redeemed by God, in this chapter who you can relate to and be encouraged by!  And as your life changes, other heroes of faith will resonate with you.  Join us as we consider these heroes of faith and God's grand plans.  During the service we will also celebrate Holy Communion.  As the hymn says, “Rejoice! Rejoice! With thanks embrace, another year of grace!”