St. John’s Lutheran Church

Spencer, Clark Co., Wisconsin

1878 – 1978

Contributed by Jean Dahl & transcribed by Tanya Paschke

St John’s Lutheran Walther League was organized in 1935, however very little was recorded of their early activities. During the vacancy of 1968, the Walther League was inactive. Then in September an organizational meeting was held and the young people from St. John’s, Riplinger, and St. John’s, Spencer merged.

In 1970 the youth group changed their name to the present name, St. John’s Youth Fellowship since they no longer belonged to the International Walther League. A new constitution was drawn up and signed by all members.

The first winter retreat was held in February of 1969 at Greystone Lodge in Rhinelander. Beginning in 1970 and continuing until 1973 the summer retreats were held at Lester Bruesewitz’s cottage. Since 1975, both the summer and winter retreats are held at Alma Ault’s cottage at Crivitz. Prior to each retreat a theme for Bible study is decided and we spend 2 1/2 to 3 hours each day studying the Bible and having devotions. A prayer vigil is also held and each person prays by himself for two % hour sessions. This continues for 24 hours and is climaxed by a communion service. Every member shares the cooking and clean-up chores.

For several years the group distributed Christmas seals and collected the money for the Wheatridge Foundation. During the Christmas season the youth group goes caroling to the homes of the elderly and shut-ins. For several years we also decorated the trees in both churches.

We send birthday cards to members of our congregation who are sixty-five years and older. We initiate the new confirmands, go on hayrides, bowl, hold bake sales, serve a chili dinner, and various other activities. Although we have a lot of fun, the main purpose of our meetings twice a month and our two retreats annually is to grow spiritually through Christian fellowship and studying God’s Word.

ST. JOHN’S YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Row 1: Cindy Seefeld, Dawn Neumann, Shelly Neumann, Joy Miller, Lynette Wachholz, Lori Stoetz

Row 2: Paula Neumann, Terry Marten, Craig Neumann, Wayne Vaughan, Greg Seefeld, Dean Toltzman, Jesse Miller

Players at Stratford Circuit Volleyball games. Who won?

Initiation into the youth group

Janell, Cindy, and Penny practicing for Confirmation night.

Practicing? Lynette, Steve, Doug, and Jeff.

Bible Study at Retreat

Shoestring Race