A Monthly Newsletter Volume XV, No. 8 August 27, 2015

Mark Your Calendars

The St. James vocal choir will resume rehearsals on Wednesday, September 9. We meet Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. in the in the sanctuary. New and returning choir members are welcome. Please join us! If you have any ques-tions, please contact Paulette Spoon at 845-3158 or e3pspoon@chorus.net.

September 2 Last Wednesday Evening Worship

Community Meal @ 5:30 pm

September 7 Labor Day

September 9 High School Breakfast begins

MS/HS Youth Group Kick-Off: 6:00-7:30

September 13 Bible Presentation to 3 year old students @ 9:00 am service

Sunday School/ Confirmation

Kick-Off Carnival: following the service: 10:00-11:00

7th and 8th grade Confirmation Dinner: 5:30-6:30

Confirmation Teacher training: 6:30-7:30

September 16 Children’s Choir 4-5pm

4th and 5th grade youth group 5:00-6:30

September 20 Two Sunday Worship services resume (8:30/10:45 am)

First day of Sunday school & Confirmation classes

New Usher & New Assisting Minister Training (9:45 am)

September 23 Middle School youth group 6:00-7:30

September 27 Mission trip Sunday (youth helping at both services)

September 30 High School youth group 6:00-7:30

October 4 Bible presentation to 3rd grade students

October 10 Oktoberfest 2015 — Polka Worship & Dinner Wednesday, September 2 at 5:30 pm*

Tuna Casserole, Salad, bread, Coffee,

Milk , Lemonade & Dessert

*Summer start time

Because of the Ironman event, scheduled for September 13th, we will ease into our Fall Worship Schedule. Here are the changes in times that you need to be aware of: The last Wednesday evening worship will be held on September 2. The Saturday Worship Service returns on September 12th at 5:00 pm. Sunday Worship on September 13th will once again be at 9am.

ST. JAMES EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Phone: 608.845.6922 www.stjamesverona.org Fax: 608.845.6903

SUMMER WORSHIP

Wednesday - 6:30 pm • Sunday - 9:00 am

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, — 8 am to 4 pm

Wednesday & Friday — 8 am to 12 noon

STAFF Kurt Billings, Pastor Cell: 235-8122 Peter Narum, Pastor Cell: 469-9625 Michelle Lichty Parish Administrator Emily Jeremiason Office Assistant Barb Roberts Office Assistant Kelly Rodger Youth Education Coordinator Paulette Spoon Adult Choir & Handbell Choir Susan Bubolz Youth Choir Director Marilyn Doerfer & Alex Ford Organists Rhonda Chalone Pianist Barb Rasmussen, R.N. Parish Nurse/Visitation Coord. Heather Pearl Director, St. James Preschool Amy Hampton, Holly Parker, St. James Preschool

Stacy Zimmerman & Lori Rudy

BOARD OF MINISTRY

David Polet, President 316-5519

Karen Breitnauer, Vice-President 848-8297

Kim Feller, Treasurer 845-6425

Sue Martin-Zernicke, Secretary 246-2025

Sheri Doyle 848-5466

Mark Giesfeldt 848-7162

Ed Kindschi 235-6975

Jon Schellpfeffer 845-9449

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDNT...

This year, the stewardship campaign coincides with the capital campaign for the building project. Many of you know that we have a very aggressive plan and we have had to scale back some of the design to get the estimated cost down to $3.5 million. Over the course of the campaign, you will be given more information on the design and other elements of the project, but I wanted to take a minute to provide a quick update. As you recall, the initial estimate came in at a level that we felt was untenable for our congregation. Working with Engberg-Anderson and Findorff, we have gotten the estimate into the $3.5 million range. To accomplish that, we had to make some changes to the design: - We reduced the size of the activity center and changed the construction.

- We are using more of the existing space to limit the amount of new construction. - We are moving the “bathtub” unit that was originally on the roof to the ground With all the changes we needed, we were still able to keep the essence of the project in place, the essence which reflected the work of the first facility taskforce: We are still incorporating the preschool into our church and creating more room for expansion: -We have additional spaces for the youth. We had to limit some of those spaces, but still have a number of places designed for engaging them.

Continued on p. 3

Building for God’s Tomorrow

The air is rife with anticipation, as it always is at the end of August. Kids have purchased new backpacks and folders in anticipation for the upcoming school year, the sun finds its way below the horizon a little earlier each night, and the mornings have a crispness that we have not experienced for months. Autumn is a season of anticipation and a season of new beginnings. While we often think about January in the light of new beginnings, Autumn holds that for us as well. Sunday school will be kicking off soon and we have just elected new members to the Congregational Council: Dennis Beres, Mary Burkhamer & Lee DeBaillie. Kim Feller & Sue Martin Zernicke were elected to a second term. This is also the traditional time in which we kick off our Stewardship campaign.

TREASURER’S REPORT

July 31, 2015 The 2015 Budget approved by the congregation at the semi-annual meeting on February 1, 2015 totals $546,375, which represents a 5% increase from 2014. $506,000 of the income budget is from Operating Envelopes and/or those contributions received through Electronic Funds Transfer. July, 2015 Attendance: 731 July, 2014 Attendance: 791 Increase (Decrease) from Budget July Receipts: Actual Budget Dollars Percent Total $35,058 $34,650 $408 1.2% Offering Envelopes $33,745 $32,500 $1,245 3.8% YTD Receipts Actual Budget Prior Year (P/Y) Total $285,401 $289,348 $270,283 Offering Envelopes $266,263 $267,250 $254,218 Increase (Decrease) from Budget Increase (Decrease) from P/Y YTD Receipts Dollars Percent Dollars Percent Total ($3,947) (1.4%) $15,118 5.6% Offering Envelopes ($988) (0.4%) $12,045 4.7% The following graph shows the Operating Envelope Receipts for 2015 in comparison to the Budget and the Prior Year:

From the Council President (continued from page 2) - We are still moving the kitchen and dining facilities upstairs and providing a larger narthex space for gathering. We believe that this latest iteration of the plan will allow us to grow in fellowship with one another and our community while remaining stewards of the financial gifts and situation of the congregation. We eagerly await for the beginning of the campaign with you and the new chapter in the history of St. James. —David Polet

YOUTH AND FAMILY

Sunday School & Confirmation Volunteers Needed St. James needs your help to run smooth Sunday School and Confirmation programs. Volunteering to help with Sunday School and Confirmation is not a huge time commitment, and is extremely rewarding. Volunteering ranges from teaching a lesson from a clearly outlined lesson plan, to leading the Sunday School opening time. Helping out in a classroom 2x a month, to making popcorn on theater days. None of the positions that require participation each week. You do not need a seminary degree to teach, you’ve got me for that…almost! The Sunday School and Confirmation lessons

come with clear plans, including background information, lesson set-up ideas, and even highlighted things to say and questions to ask. The main requirement for being a volunteer is flexibility and passion for teaching the young people of St. James the love of God! If interested in teaching or helping out in any capacity please contact Kelly Rodger. krodger@stjamesverona.org, or 608-845-6922 x223.

Sunday School and Confirmation Registration:

As summer so quickly comes to a close Sunday School and Confirmation registration is on the St. James Website . Informational brochures were mailed in early August with all the details for the youth programs at St. James. Sunday School is offered to youth 3 years old through 6th grade. Students in 7th and 8th grade are encouraged to participate in confirmation classes. Sunday School and Confirmation Kick-off Carnival:

Following 9:00 am worship on September 13, visit your child’s new Sunday School and/or Confirmation room. Meet teachers & participate in carnival activities. Youth Group at St. James!

Youth in 4th and 5th grade will meet the second Wednesday of each month. 5:00 pm—6:30 pm Youth in 6th,7th and 8th grade will meet on the third Wednesday of each month. 6:00 pm—7:30 pm Youth in High School will meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month. 6:00 pm—7:30 pm

Middle and High school youth groups will meet at St. James from 6:00-7:30 pm. The 4th and 5th grade youth group will meet at 5:00 pm, following the Children’s Choir practice and will go until 6:30 pm. There will be a meal followed by activities and discussions that will vary each month. The first Wednesday of each month will be Middle School and High School Youth Group activity night. This night we will meet at St. James and then go elsewhere for an activity. Some example activities: Laser Tag, Bowling, Corn Maze, Ice Skating, etc. Parents and volunteers will play an integral piece of this new Youth Group Plan, if you are interested in helping out with any one of these groups please contact Kelly Rodger. krodger@stjamesverona.org, or 608-845-6922 x223.

Faith Formation at St. James Sunday School: 8:30 am (following the Children’s Sermon): 3 years old through Pre-K 9:40 am: 3 years old through 6th grade Confirmation 9:40 am: Students are typically in 7th and 8th grade *The 9th grade confirmation students are confirmed on October 18th during the 10:45 am service. In the mail you should have received an informational brochure with a registration form inside. Please read the brochure as it is filled with important information and dates. Then fill out the registration form and return it by September 6th. The Sunday School and Confirmation brochures as well as registration forms are also in PDF form on the St. James website.

Last month St. James had another amazing turnout for Vacation Bible School. At VBS this year, we had an absolute blast learning how to conquer challenges with God’s mighty power! There were over 40 part ic ipants and about 20 volunteers who got in on the fun! The youth learned about God’s power by hearing stories from the Bible, by playing fun games and by doing exciting projects.

Everyone learned some catchy songs and motions! On Thursday, August 6th, nearly all of the VBS participants and families came back to St. James for a family dinner followed by a wonderful celebration that put on display all that the kids had learned throughout the week.

A Kitchen With A View by Letizia Mattiacci

Proceeds will benefit DAIS

In 2011, a group from St. James stayed with Letizia at her home in the beautiful Umbrian Countryside overlooking Assisi in Italy. After many years of teaching, she has finally published her cookbook A Kitchen With A View. Here is an excerpt from the cookbook: “Use good quality ingredients in simple combinations. Embrace the rhythm of the seasons. Respect the balance of flavors and textures.” Applying these principles to traditional, home-style Italian cooking, Letizia Mattiacci has created a collection of over 60 family-friendly recipes from her farmhouse kitchen in the Umbrian mountains above Assisi. Detailed guides to techniques, the quality and choice of ingredients, are sprinkled with stories on local customs and lessons from life. A Kitchen With A View, is a first-hand account of life in the kitchen of a modern Italian family and could hardly be more authentic. Recipes for classics like fettuccini with black truffle, join new interpretations of traditional dishes, such as the Pear-amisu. Letizia’s style of cooking is light, fresh and accessible to anyone who wishes to cook, and eat, like a true Italian. After years of experimenting with new and healthy ingredients, Letizia takes you step-by-step to learn how to make, among many delicious recipes, perfect wholegrain cappelletti, gluten-free fresh pasta and crunchy bruschetta bread. With beautiful photography of the Umbrian countryside and its enchanting hill-towns, A Kitchen With A View, will instantly transport you into the heart of rural Italy and its people. Thanks to a generous donation, all proceeds from the sale of A Kitchen With A View will go towards the Domestic Abuse Intervention Services. The cookbook is for sale at the Welcome Center for $30.

Sunday, October 11th at 5pm

We will discuss All the Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr. Marie Laure lives with her father in Paris within walking distance of the Museum of Natural History where he works as the master of the locks. When she is six, she goes blind, and her father builds her a model of their neighborhood, every house, every manhole, so she can memorize it with her fingers and navigate the real streets with her feet and cane. When the Germans occupy Paris in June of 1940, father and daughter flee to Saint-Malo on the Brittany coast, where Marie-Laure’s agoraphobic great uncle lives in a tall, narrow house by the sea wall. In another world in Germany, an orphan boy, Werner, grows up with his younger sister, Jutta, both enchanted by a crude radio Werner finds. He becomes a master at building and fixing radios, a talent that wins him a place at an elite and brutal military academy and, ultimately, makes him a highly specialized tracker of the Resistance. Werner travels through the heart of Hitler Youth to the far-flung outskirts of Russia, and finally into Saint-Malo, where his path converges with Marie-Laure’s. Doerr’s gorgeous combination of soaring imagination with observation is electric. Deftly interweaving the lives of multiple characters, Doerr illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. This book is for sale at the Welcome Center.

FROM THE PARISH NURSE...Barbara Rasmussen, RN.,CPN

Fall is the season of preparation. This is true with all of nature and is true with us as humans. We harvest our crops, get ready for the school year, and prepare for cold weather with home preparations and medical preparations too. The propensity of infectious diseases and our resistance is again tested with colder weather and our immunity. Vaccinations are important components of preparation. Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease. (WHO definition) There are different vaccines recommended for different ages from infants to seniors.

Some are recommended every fall and many clinics are available in the community or at pharmacies. Be sure to check with your health provider as to which vaccinations and boosters you and your family need to be in the best health possible. Be safe and healthy as we prepare for fall and winter.

We are open and available to you should you desire a visit from Kurt or Peter, our pastors, or Barb Rasmussen, our Parish Nurse. But please remember that HIPPA laws prevent hospitals from sharing your information with us. When hospitalized, it’s always helpful if you or a family member can notify the church if you have a need for a visit. You can also contact a hospital chaplain and they will contact us. If you are homebound and are in need of a visit, please call us. We are available to you!

Members of St. James will once again have the opportunity to collect school supplies. Why school supplies? To the chil-dren who receive School Kits, these supplies mean the difference between getting an education or not. Public school is usually free, but in the places where LWR works, even a few supplies, such as pens and paper, may be more than many families are able to afford. When parents can only afford to send one of their children to school, girls rarely get priority…yet the education level of mothers has the biggest impact on their child’s development. Your donations can be dropped off in the narthex area of church thru September 20, 2015. Please give only new items with no religious or patriotic symbols or messages. Questions can be directed to Sue Bubolz 608-558-6460 or sue-bubolz@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting this Mary Circle project. School Supply List 70-sheet notebooks of wide or college-ruled paper Unsharpened #2 pencils with eraser Manual pencil sharpeners Blunt end scissors Black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink) Box of 16 or 24 crayons 2.5” erasers 30-centimeter ruler or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other

September 13

B l o o d P r e s s u r e Checks are taken the second Sunday of each month at 10:15 am in the Church Office.

August is a busy time at preschool for the staff. We have been working hard getting prepared for the upcoming school year. Nametags are being hung, class lists are being made, and notes are being sent home. We can’t wait for the kiddos to arrive and to begin the year. All of our spots are filled and we currently have a waiting list. We have a total of 16 kids in Pre-K with Ms. Stacy Zimmerman and Ms. Lynn Hauski as teachers, 12 kids total in two different sections of Ms. Holly Parker’s 3 year old class and 5 kids in Ms. Lori Rudy’s 2 ½ class. I encourage church members to contact Heather to come see what happens at the preschool. We have an amazing program that a lot of families want to be a part of and we would love for you to see what the Preschool Ministry has to offer. You can call me at 845-6922 x235 or email me at sjp@stjamesverona.org to set up a time to come in.

Once again the preschool will be selling Bucky Books. They will be available for purchase at the Welcome Center starting September 1st to purchase for $35. The preschool receives $15 profit for each book sold!! You can also contact Heather at sjp@stjamesverona.org to pre-order or purchase a book. There are a lot of great coupons in the Bucky Books. In fact you will save more than $35 when using the book. Check one out to see all the savings! We will be having a fundraising night at Dairy Queen on October 7th from 4:00-7:00pm. 10% of all proceeds between 4:00 and 7:00 will go to the Preschool. Come enjoy dinner or dessert and support the preschool at the same time.

Wine in the Bible

Join Pastor Kurt for a new Bible Study on Wine In the Bible. Wine was an important part of the culture and faith in biblical times. Images and references to wine are found more than 300 times in the Bible. Both the Passover (the central festival of the Old Testament) and the Lord’s Supper (the central festival of the New Testament) utilizes God’s gift of wine. This Bible Study will dig deeper to understand the central messages conveyed through this important symbolic element. In addition, some wine tasting will also accompany the class. This Bible Study will meet 3 weeks on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Library starting September 22nd. A special event will be planned for the last class in October.

PARISH NOTES

427 South Main Street

Verona, WI 53593-1492

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

W e remember in our prayers — Members of St. James: Olga Ascher, Marlys Awes, Duane & Margaret Eliason,

Lauren Geier, Dale Hagen, Kirsten Hansen, Monica Pechan, Charles & Ruby Reuter, Kathy Steil, Dale Thompson, Marvin Thompson, and Chery Vroman. Friends of St. James: Kathy Angerman, Janet Earley, Eric Jelinek, Patty Oskorep, Heidi Peterson, Deb Rikli, Laura Schurman and Bev Thom. Relatives of Members: Helen Abplanalp (mother of Chuck Abplanalp), John Bittrich (father of Elise Taft), Anne Bloomer (Rob Frederick’s grandmother), Harry Chaudoir (father of Kate Pederson), Bob, Donna & Mark Evans (parents & brother of Cindy Waldbillig), Molly Fuglestad (sister-in-law of Erin Joanis), Janine Gerke (sister-in-law of Red & Diann Chapman), Brad Hafermann, (brother-in-law of Sandy Saether), Richard Johnson (father of Jeff Johnson), Hillary Knobloch (niece of Sandy Saether), Don Koch (brother of Cookie Thompson), Bob M. (father of Carol Ann McArdell), Ronald Malinowski (father of Barbara Thomas), Al Miller (brother-in-law of Cookie Thompson), Tom Miller (cousin of Helen Dignan), Leela Mitchum (niece of Mindy Storch), Sandy Opsal (daughter of Burnell & John Morton), Craig Parman (brother-in-law of Sandy Saether), Laurie Ronning (mother of Beth Jonjak), Erica S. (daughter of Carol Ann McArdell), Donald Smith (father of Mark Smith), Larry Vroman (brother of George Vroman), Mary Taft (mother of Nat Taft), Don Waalen (father of Karen Breitnauer), David Wallace (father of Sheri Doyle), Chris Watters (brother of Ben Watters), and George Welsh (father of Val Welsh).

In Residence: Four Winds - Lorraine Crownhart; Girlie’s Manor at

Ingleside - Duane Eliason; Heritage, Monona -Marlys & Vern Awes. Willow Pointe - Russell & Betty Burgenske, Margaret Hendrickson, Bob & Roberta Miller, Vera Schreiner and Marv & Cookie Thompson. Willow Pointe Memory Care - Doris Stuber.

S erving in the Military: Dan Sullivan, Adam Jeziorski, Casey Biggins, Neil

Funseth, Justin Holmes, Mark Nyhus, Ryan Nyhus, Adam Pechan, Casey Pulver, David Pulver, and Shandra Pulver.

C hristian Sympathy is extended to the family of Margaret & Duane

Eliason as they mourn the death of their son, Ronald.

S acrament of Holy Baptism: Cora Marie Marquardt, daughter of Daniel

& Ashley (Loberg) Marquardt on August 23, 2015 and Dylan John Pichler, son of Joseph & Erica (Cowan) Pichler, on August 23, 2015