We had over 80 students participate in The Amazing Praise Band. Each day, they made their own instruments like tambourines and shakers. Many songs were sung. Some of the students even formed a group consisting of a guitar, trumpet, piano, clarinets and many others.
Milestones – A Mother/Daughter retreat for 5th, 6th, 7th, grade girls and their mothers took place on Saturday, May 21, 2022. The theme was “God’s Design for His Daughters.” At this day retreat, the girls focused on where their value and worth come from, and how they can continue to grow into the woman God wants them to be. The moms/daughters also did a trust walk, were the girls learned how trust is a part of faithfulness. At the retreat these young women learned that a woman of God is cherished by God, pure in Jesus, and faithful to the end.
Rise Up with Jesus event took place on April 9, 2022. This event led groups of children and adults through an Easter experience where they played game and experienced the events of the Easter story. There was a photo booth, snacks, activities, and all kinds of ways for the families to experiencing the Easter story in a new and fun way! It was an event enjoyed by all that attended!
The Chili Cook-Off, Bean Bag Tournament and Lunch held on Sunday, March 13, 2022 was a great success. About fifty people enjoy the meal served byt the Youth Group and their parents with twenty-eight participating in the bean bag tournament and ten entries in the chili-cook off. Special thanks to the Elders and Christian Service Committee for organizing this event. We also thank the Youth Group and their parents for serving the meal! It was enjoyed by all!
2021 Activities
SUNDAY SCHOOL 2020-2021 was certainly a challenge with COVID guidelines. The Sunday School meet in the fellowship as a large group. We are so grateful to the handful of people who worked diligently in Sunday School during this year of COVID-19: Jennifer Reed, David and Emily Fritsch, Pat Dahl, Cara Rentz, Rick Reed, and Becky Fredricksen. They were assisted by parents who lent their time and hands as needed. Pastor Fritsch, Pastor Justin and Dave Erickson each took a month in 2021 to lead the sessions.
2021 Vacation Bible School theme was “Team Jesus.” A total of 91 students attended throughout the week learning what it is like to be God’s Champions by running with their faith, lifting the weight of others, exercising forgiveness, listening to the coach and training for more athletes. VBS is always an exciting time at St. John’s!
St. John’s Fall Festival was held on Saturday, October 16, 2021. Crafts, games, snacks, Bible storytelling by Pastor Justin and a costume contest was enjoyed by all that attended. We thank the Christian Outreach committee and all the volunteers that helped out at the Fall Festival. A great community event! Happy fall y’all!
The women’s Advent by Candlelight was held on December 5. There were 40 women who had a delightful time enjoying delicious food on beautifully decorated tables with entertainment from inspirational speaker, Tina Haroldson. A special appreciation goes to Dave, Monica & Ben Erickson and Gary Betcher who helped serve and to our table hosts: April, Kay, Monica, Katrina and Melinda. It was wonderful to enjoy this event again this year!
2020 Activities
Mugs & Muffins social event, hosted by the Ladies Aid, on Saturday, January 11, 2020 was enjoyed by 48 women from St. John’s and the surrounding churches. It was an opportunity for women to get together, share with one another and make new friends. It was a delightful time!
The Chili Cook-Off, Bean Bag Tournament and Lunch held on Sunday, January 26, 2020 was a great success. About eighty people attended the lunch with forty participating in the bean bag tournament and seven entries in the chili-cook off. Special thanks to the Elders and Christian Service Committee for organizing this event. It was enjoyed by all!
A SALT (Step Ahead Learning and Tutoring) family supper was held on Wednesday, January 29, 2020. Over 50 people enjoyed a delicious spaghetti supper. The meal was held in celebration of the end of the first half of the school year. SALT is our Wednesday tutoring program for students in first and second grade. We are grateful to all the tutors who make it possible for us to offer this community program. The program focuses not only on academics but on friendship and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
CONFIRMATION was celebrated the weekend of October 1 and 4, 2020 at all three worship services. Eight young people completed the instructional course: Cooper John Horn, Ella Rae Ann Krahn, Lindsey Jo Rentz, Bo Ryan Boettcher, Alyssa Jean-LaVonne Miller, Megan Tamara Myhrvold, Natalie Marie Goetsch, Haley Ann Laures. We pray the good Lord to keep these young people strong and steadfast in faith, receiving His grace unto life everlasting.
2019 Activities
Pastor Justin Kumfer was installed as our Associate Pastor on Sunday, July 21, 2019. After the service everyone enjoyed a delicious pork chop supper amid the fellowship of new and old friends. We thank God for the blessings of the day and for bringing the Kumfer family to our community.
VBS 2019 was held July 29 to August 2. It was a great success! A total of 121 students attended our One of a Kind Zoo. By focusing on various animals who did miraculous things as recorded in the Bible (a snake and a donkey that talked, a great fish who swallowed a man, hungry lions that did not eat, and a Lamb who died and rose again) the children learned the precious Gospel of Jesus—which is their life and their salvation!
The JOY Group made a trip to Meyer’s Gladiolus Farm on Sunday, August 18, 2019. The group learned about hybridizing, growing, and showing gladiolus. We also were amazed at how many places and patients the Meyers give free gladiolus each week. It was a most enjoyable day!
A Welcome and Pantry Shower for Katrina Kumfer was hosted by the Ladies Aid on September 14, 2019. A delicious brunch and fellowship was enjoyed as the women of St. John’s got to know Katrina and welcome her to our community.
Table or Treat was held on Saturday, October 26, 2019. About 170 children plus parents and grandparents attended. They thoroughly enjoyed the treats, crafts and the opportunity to visit. Special thanks to the members of the Christian Outreach committee for organizing this event and to all the members who decorated tables and gave out treats!
Thank you to everyone who attended the Advent by Candlelight event on December 1, 2019. Sixty-five women had a delightful time enjoying delicious food on beautifully decorated tables with entertainment from Marette Jorgenson an amazing pianist / humorist. Special appreciation goes to Dave & Monica Erickson and Gary Betcher who decorated and helped serve and to our table hosts: Arleen, Charlotte, Myrna, Kim, Diane, Marlys, Emily, Kathy and April!
Our annual Songs of the Season celebration was held on December 4, 2019. We thank the many members who sang or played instrumental songs of the Advent/Christmas season. It was a wonderful way to focus this holiday season on Christ the Lord born in Bethlehem.
During Advent the Sunday School students proclaimed Jesus! On December 11, 2019 the 7/8 grade students participated in the service titled Happy Holidays. On December 18 the Preschool – 6th grade students joined in the service called, To Christ, Creator, Savior, King.
The Men’s Group, JOY Group (those 60 and over) and other St. John’s members went Christmas caroling on Sunday, December 15, 2019. They visited the Stewartville Care Center as well as a number of homes in Stewartville. After caroling, the group returned to church for chili and desserts. It was an enjoyable evening for everyone.
