St. John's Jubilee Booklet

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Regular Teachers

Mrs. Glen Stuve

Mrs. Azure Osborne

Mrs. Reuben Scholze

Miss Jodie Van Kirk

Miss Thelma Theiler

Substitute Teachers

Mrs. Bernard Seig

Miss Sherri Shirley

Secretary Miss Kathy Theiler

CHURCH SCHOOL

Superintendents

1950-1962 Emma Theiler

1962-1970 Ruth Gilroy

1970-1975 Janet Scholze

During the last 25 years, the attendance at St. John’s Church School averaged 60 to 65 with a high of 70 pupils. United Church of Christ curriculum is now being used.

Benevolence giving has been an important part of the church school. We have given to the Children’s Home, World Service, American Bible Society, Indian Mission, Fort Wayne Children’s Home and gifts of love to the church were for carpeting, organ, piano and children’s viewer.

We have had our Bible School for the last 25 summers using our own dedicated members to teach and carry on the work of our Lord. We have also maintained a church school Christmas program every year.

We want to share with you a hymn written by a former superintendent and teacher, Mrs. Ruth Gilroy, which won a first prize at the 40^th Stewardship Project of the Northwest Synod.

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God's Message (Tune: "Count Your Blessings")

Have you heard the message given from above?
Have you heard the mercy of the Father's love?
Hear God's Holy message, hear what God has done,
Hear and you will love Him and His Holy Son.

Chorus:
Hear God's message, hear of God above;
Learn God's message, learn about His Son;
Teach God's message, teach that God is Love;
Share God's holy message, it's for everyone.

Did you learn the message of the faith that won?
Are you telling others all about God's Son?
Learn God's holy message, learn it and repeat,
Learn and you will worship at the Master's feet.

Chorus

When it is God's Message you are called to teach
Then it means all mankind you must try to reach
Teach God's many children, teach them one and all
teach and you are answering your Father's call.

Chorus

You can share God's message as through you He lives
You can serve the Saviour with the faith He gives.
Share God's holy message, share the truth you know
Share and in God's favor you will surely grow.

Chorus

Emma Theiler

Mrs. Glen Stuve

THE CHOIR

The congregation is deeply appreciative of the devoted service of all who contributed to the ministry of Music. St. John's choirs have rendered outstanding service throughout the years. For several years. For several years we had senior, junior and cherub choirs, directed by Mrs. William Theiler after Mr. Creviston retired. Mrs. Daniel Simonson directed the cherub choir a few years during Rev. Hartman's ministry.

Several different years we have put on Cantatas at Christmas and Easter. We have given these at the Indian Mission Church out of Black River Falls, at nursing homes, etc. We have cooperated with the United Methodist churches of Humbird and Fairchild also for concerts.

The following organist have served: Emma Theiler, Susan Theiler, Diane Bryner Hayden, Maureen Laffe, Joan Boelcher Simonson, James Duerkop, Darlene Trachael, Mary Raith, Alton Duerkop and Nelda Stuve. When Emma Theiler, who had served as head organist and was presented with a lovely silver coffee carafe from the appreciative congregation. There will always be a feeling of love and gratitude as we remember the dedication of this beloved gifted Christian leader. Many of the former choir members trained by Emma now assist with lovely voices in the worship services. The piano and organ are fitting memorials to her years of faithful service.

We are fortunate to have as members of our congregation other accomplished organists. Mrs. Nelda Stuve served as organist with Emma Theiler as choir director, and Mrs. Susan Theiler as assistant organist 1970 - 1973. Since then, Nelda and Susan serve as organists and direct the combined adult and children's choir.

Junior Choir

Holly Trachsel, Jill Sieg, Stephanie Stuve, Paul Wallace, Susie Swindell, RaeAnn Scheel, Zona Scholze.

Mrs. Glen Stuve, Organist; Mrs. Dwane Parent, Mr. Reuben scholze, Mrs. Daniel Wallace, Miss Sandra Scholze, Mrs. Kally Theiler, assistant organist; Mrs. Elmer Duerkop, Mr. Asure Osburn, Rae Ann Scheel, Zona scholze, Sussie Swindell, Holly Trachsel, Mrs. Jim Trachse.

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Sixteen beautiful new robes, purchased with funds contributed by friends and members of the choir, now replace the maroon robes that had been in service for many years. Since 1969 the Music Committee has provided general guidance for the music program of the church. They have been active in assisting the organist and pastors in arrangements for special music for regular services and other events. This church is indeed fortunate in that there is much musical talent in its membership.

The congregation wishes to express appreciation to all who have shared in this ministry. We are aware that the choir enjoys singing to the glory of God, and are happy that their songs add a great deal to each church service.

ORGANIZATIONS

St. John’s continues to strive to provide means through which the membership may serve Christ in the church, the family and community.

The Church School, the Choir, the Youth Organization, the Women’s Guild, the Council and the Committees of the Council provide opportunities for leadership and service.

Youth Fellowship

Virgil Newell President; Boyd Trachsel Vice President; Jodie VanKirk Treasurer; Kelly VanKirk Secretary; Alyce Gearing Sponsors; Carl Kubaskie, Darlene Trachsel

YOUTH ORGANIZATION

“Those that He planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.”

During the last twenty-five years, it has been observed that the church youth group accepts Christian leadership when a real and vital interest in the individual and his problems are demonstrated. St. John’s Council has continued to appoint volunteer leaders as sponsors of the Youth Fellowship. Some of these are Mrs. Fred Hefty, Mr. And Mrs. Glenn Stuve, Alyce Gearing, Peter Botts, Mrs. Lyle Newell, Mrs. James Trachsel, and Carl Kubaskie. There are countless problems when the church, an accepted part of society’s establishment, endeavors to provide leadership for a group skeptical of the society created in and through those establishments.

The United Church of Christ’s Church School curriculum provides each student with many opportunities to make a personal commitment of their lives to Christ. Throughout the program, discipleship is stressed. As graduates of St. John’s Church School and the Confirmation Curriculum each student has a very good foundation in the Christian faith, and each student publicly accepts Christ as his personal Savior while taking his confirmation vows.

The United Church of Christ’s youth program curriculum materials have been set aside in favor of programs chosen by the group with a minimum of sponsor suggestions. The programs planned by members of the Youth Fellowship emphasize fellowship, entertainment and service activities. One of the most enjoyable programs was carried out under the pastorate of the Reverend Wayne Lura. A banquet kicked off the year’s program in the fall and another concluded the year in the spring. Camping, skating, snowmobile, and ball games were some of the activities. This group served Easter breakfast these last six years.

As members of the community and school programs, our students become involved in conflicting activities and ideologies. During high school days, a conflict of loyalties sometimes occur and values become confused. At times, the sponsors find their role difficult and frustrating while the youth groups feel neglected or even hostile. However, the youth years pass rapidly and we all rejoice to see them a few years later as young adults taking their places as responsible adult Christians in the communities where they eventually live.

THE WOMEN’S GUILD

During the quarter century, St. John’s Women’s Guild has continued as one of the church’s most supportive organizations. The Guild still operates under the original Guild Constitution. The Guild meets once each month. The program provides its members opportunities for Bible study, fellowship, participation in service activities and in many areas of the total church program.

The Guild accepts the responsibility of keeping the kitchen supplied with essential equipment and food for church get-togethers where food is served, such as: wedding receptions,

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