St. John’s is a Christian Church
We believe and teach the three historic statements of the Christian faith – the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian creeds, which clarify that God is Triune: three equal yet distinct persons that are one deity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe and teach that Jesus Christ is God the Son from all eternity who took on human nature in his birth at Bethlehem, and that human beings are saved solely by faith in him and his perfect life and atoning death for sin.
St. John’s is a Lutheran Church
We emphasize the three great truths of the Reformation. . .
By Grace Alone
We are forgiven and saved solely as a result of God’s undeserved love, for the sake of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection for us. There is nothing human beings can or must do to contribute to their salvation.
Through Faith Alone
All that Jesus did to restore us to a right relationship with God is ours personally through faith in Jesus. The Holy Spirit creates and confirms in us this faith or trust in Jesus solely through the Gospel, in Scripture and in the Sacraments.
On the Basis of Scripture
Alone Christian truth and life are established solely by the 66 books of the Bible, God’s word-for-word revelation, inspired by the Holy Spirit and without error.
St. John’s is an Evangelical Church
That word “evangelical” means that we are all about the Gospel – the “good news” that God’s love, forgiveness, and everlasting life are his free gift to sinners for the sake of Jesus Christ. The Gospel shapes our message, our mission, and the character of our life together in Christ’s Church.
St. John’s is a Confessional Church
Because they are a correct presentation of God’s Word, we consistently and without compromise teach the doctrines set forth in the catechism and confessions of the Lutheran Church – the Book of Concord.
Looking for some more in-depth information, look here:
www.wels.net/about-wels/
www.whataboutjesus.com
Get into God’s word!
Bible study opportunities Emmanuel & St. John’s Lutheran churches
The words of Amos, one of the shepherds of Tekoa . . .Amos 1:1a Amos was a layman, a typical Israelite, a shepherd, a fig picker. But God had different plans for him. As a layman, head to Bible Study both for yourself and the good of others! And in the study of the Word, God will make you ready for whatever opportunities He grants you!
Sunday school at St. John’s Begins on September 13th.
Sunday Worship
Emmanuel 8:00am and St. John’s 10:00am
August 30, 2026
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
UNEXPECTED TRUTHS CROSS COMES BEFORE CROWN
Worship Leader: Vacancy Pastor Bruce Hanneman
Accompanist: Mrs. Donna Kuenn
This Week of August 30- September 6
Monday 31st: Choir Practice at St. John’s, 6:00pm
Thursday 3rd: Ladies Aid Dessert and Meeting at St. John’s,
Friday 4th: No School
Looking ahead:
Labor Day Monday September 7th. (No School Friday Sept. 4th or Monday Sept. 7th)
Sunday School begins Sept. 13th
CALA, LL and Sunday School Singing Schedule:
9/13/26 CALA & LL at Pastor Westra’s Installation Service
9/27/26 CALA & LL at Montello/Sunday School at Montello
GriefShare Begins at St. John’s on Thursday, September 17 at 6:00pm, and meeting on the following Thursdays. GriefShare is a 13-week course. If you want to join, or have any questions, please text or call our GreifShare facilitator, Mark Emond at 608-697-1600.
Newly Elected Officers at St. John’s
At the last meeting of the church council, Jon Vote and Jamie Stelter were elected as president and vice president of St. John’s. Congratulations to both. Pray for them and give them your support in the coming year. Other current council members are Aaron Wachholz, Jake Jaster, Chad Hunter, Matt Kath, Jeff Reimer (treasurer), James Wachholz (secretary) and a CALA board representative.
Area WELS Seniors Area seniors are invited to St. Stephen’s in Fall River on Tuesday, September 8th. We will meet in the church basement for a potluck meal at noon. After the dinner and devotion, we will have a presentation on “The terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001.” After the talk, people can recall their memories of that day. This month marks the 25th Anniversary. “Where were you that day?” All are welcome! Bring a friend!
A BRAND-NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL YEAR begins September 13! Assisting parents in their God-given responsibility of training their children in the Lord is a JOY for our Sunday School staff! In this sin-scared world, shouldn’t we take every opportunity to help our children build a firm spiritual foundation? Why not use Sunday School as one of those opportunities to help your child(ren) grow, and at the same time grow in your own faith by attending Sunday morning Adult Bible Class. Sunday School has open doors . . . open enrollment . . . no registration necessary . . . members & non-members . . . public school & day school … and a special invitation to our current Little Lamb students . . . ALL ARE WELCOME . . . starting at age 3. Students are encouraged “to be an Andrew” and bring a friend!
Installation of Pastor Charles Westra
Sunday, September 13th at 2:00PM
Installation Sunday is fast approaching! All members and friends of Emmanuel and St. John’s will want to be here for this historical day as we begin to write a new chapter in the history of our parish! Let’s give a warm welcome to the Westra’s, their family and friends, as well as clergy and guests from neighboring congregations who will join us … Vacancy Pastor Bruce Hanneman will serve as worship leader. Pastor Matthew Crass, president of Luther Prep School in Watertown, and close friend Pastor Westra, will be the festival preacher. President of our Northern Wisconsin District, Pastor Kevin Westra will read the Rite of Installation. He also happens to be the brother of our pastor-elect…. Robert Mateske, a 1965 graduate of our school, will serve as organist. Our choir will sing (see below) and our school faculty will be preparing our school children to sing as well.
An Installation Choir will be part of the afternoon installation worship. Our Emmanuel/St. John’s choir members will sing and they want to invite all past choir members and anyone who likes to sing to join the choir in this one-time worship. Our rehearsals will be on Monday Aug. 31st at 6:00pm at St. John’s. If you cannot make the rehearsals, copies of the music can be available for personal/home practice.
A Post-Worship informal reception is being planned to follow the installation worship and will be held in the Linkway/Gym area. *** Members are being asked to provide desserts. *** Also, helpers are being sought to help carry and set up tables and chairs on Saturday morning the 12th beginning at 9:00AM.
Welcome Gifts for the Westra’s
A gift basket has been put out at both churches for those who would like to welcome Pastor and Deb Westra in a tangible way. Cards expressing support and God’s blessings are welcomed as are monetary gifts or various gift cards. Please pray for and support the Westra’s as they make the transition to their new life among us, our parish, and our community. The gift basket will be out today and gifts can also be left at the church office after today.