MAY POST
1992 found all of St. Mark’s involved in Bible studies. “Witness to the Word” and “Distinctive Lessons from Luke” led by Pastor Wiebel; “For the Broken-Hearted” led by Wendell Peterson and four Women’s weekday classes. A new duplicator was purchased for the office; a grand piano was a wonderful gift to our congregation and outside, trees and shrubs were planted.
Midweek 4th-8th graders sang at our Friendship Sunday services. Our Seasonal Choir sang occasionally during Lent, and we enjoyed a most successful Ice Cream Social.
In March, St. Mark’s enjoyed a “Variety Show” hosted by the youth. Skits, songs, jokes and other acts were presented by youth of all ages. The youth going to New Orleans presented a “Class Act” and funds raised from the tickets were split in half – to assist the youth attending the National Youth Gathering and for Camp Lutheran Camperships.
In May, the Jaeckel pipe organ was installed, and all the office and preschool equipment were moved into our new facilities.
June 7, 1992 – “Dedication Day.” The day began at the old church site on Strowbridge Street at 8:00am where we bid farewell to what was home for us for so many years by “Celebrating the Past.” Pastor’s Eggold and Mumm shared a message, the choir sang an anthem, and prayers were said before all processed to the new site. The “Laying of the Cornerstone” at the new facility was at 9:30 am followed by the “Service of Dedication.” At 2:00 pm we had a service of celebration based on “Building for the Future” with Rev. Arleigh Lutz as our speaker, special music was presented and all of St. Mark’s members were rededicated.
Pastor Eggold and Sue wrote, thanking us for including them in our celebration and saying, “We truly were impressed with the beauty and functional nature of your new facilities…it was a shot in the arm for me to see you, knowing a (St. Mark’s) family in Wausau, who still supports me.”
St. Mark’s said goodbye to Deaconess Dawn Hoy with heartfelt gratitude for her five years of leadership during which she brought “life” to many talents in musicians, singers, actors and more. Dawn said, “thank you for allowing me to serve in this corner of God’s Kingdom, I pray St. Mark’s continues to be divinely nudged.”
St. Mark’s “Cry Room” was introduced to all members. It was especially built for parents who worry that their child’s crying may create a disturbance during worship services. The best part is that, while worshiping in the Cry Room, you can see and hear all of the service.
The grand piano was dedicated featuring a concert by Dave & Barb Anderson, accompanied by pianist Cary Diesche. Following the celebration, a picnic was held on the church grounds.
September 13, 1992, Stephanie Wanish was installed as Minister of Education. She will also work with the Ministry and serve as Director of St. Mark’s Preschool.
A “rock-picking” party at the new site was held with volunteers picking and removing thousands of stones so the lawn could be planted. An in-ground sprinkler system was installed.
In October of 1992 the drive-through canopy was completed, again with volunteer labor and contribution. The parking lot was enlarged and lights installed. Readying the perimeter of the parking lot, paving the main entrance under the canopy and more relied on hours and hours of labor by many willing hands.
At a 6:30pm New Year’s Eve worship service, St. Mark’s family took time to truly say “thank you Lord” for all which was accomplished in the year 1992!
In 1993, a number of St. Mark’s members attended the Great Commission Convocation in Minneapolis, MN. We learned to “Shine Like Stars in the Universe, as you hold out the Word of life.” Philippians 2:15-16.
In 1994, we rejoiced with James & Debbie Walker at the birth of triplets, Abby Megan & Melanie. St. Mark’s first parsonage was sold to Pastor & Kathy Wiebel. A fund-raiser was held for stackable chairs and the Ladies’ Guild bought 6 tables at $1,680 for the Fellowship Hall.
St. Mark’s first “Missionfestival” was held in 1953 at the Riverside Park in Merrill, WI…followed by a number of festivals on the lawn of the school, in the Krenz’ Woods (with its beautiful gazebo) and recently at Marathon Park. All of these “festivals’ have been in God’s outdoor settings where we’ve continued to learn about our changeless Savior and our mission in this ever-changing world.
Mission projects in 1994 included “Neighbor’s Place,” prayers and assistance for Pastor Roschke, a Thanksgiving food collection and a fund to pave our entire parking lot.
Our women hosted an excellent convocation on “Issues Facing Women” and “Using God’s Gift” featuring Dr. Jean Garten.
St. Mark’s installed Pat Metter as Director of Music, organist and choir director. At this time, our membership was 713.
In 1995, St. Mark’s commissioned fifteen lay persons as Christ Care Group leaders. Their mission is to assist others to grow in relationship with each other and with God.
Rev. Arleigh Lutz was our guest speaker at all six midweek Lenten services, under the theme “O Savior, Precious Savior.” Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes were offered. Rev. Lutz also lead the adult & youth classes in the “Key Words for Lent from the Bible.”
From March 9-April 5, 1995, Karl Block joined 25 people from our N WI District LCMS on a “Mexico Mission Adventure” in Tijuana, Mexico. Their goal was to rehabilitate an abandoned orphanage to be used for Christian education purposes, assist in conducting a Vacation Bible School and provide for medical screenings. Karl said,” …this work in Tijuana will open doors to enable sharing with Good News of Jesus Christ in the area of the Divine Savior Church.” St. Mark’s members contributed building supplies for this mission.
St. Mark’s “55+” Members attended the N. WI District LCMS Adult Gathering under the theme “Fired for Fruitful Faith” and to celebrate “Life Together in Jesus’ Name.”
On June 28, 1995, Pastor Wiebel accepted a call to Peace Lutheran Church in Orlando, FL. Pastor Wiebel extended his stay at St. Mark’s until December. A farewell gift for the Wiebel’s was planned – as a token of appreciation. Each St. Mark’s member received a page from an album to fill in which ever way we desired. “Wiebel’s Memory Book” was then tearfully but thankfully presented to Pastor Jim & Kathy at a farewell luncheon on December 31st. In his farewell letter, Pastor Wiebel wrote “I thank my God for you every time I think of you; and every time I pray for you all, I pray with joy because of the way in which you helped me in my work of the Gospel, from the very first day until now.” (Philippians 1) May your Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd, equip you with everything good for doing His will and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.”
Rev. Arleigh Lutz served as interim Pastor until May 31, 1996. St. Mark’s joined our hearts and minds asking God to guide and direct the “Call Committee” to send us a faithful, loving Pastor to care and lead St. Mark’s in mission and ministry. A special “Prayer Candle” was placed on the Altar and lit every Sunday during the vacancy to remind us to pray for God’s guidance and blessing on our Call process.
On June 19, 1996, God answered our prayers. The Rev. Bruce Lamont of DePere WI accepted St. Mark’s call. “Thanks Be to God.” Pastor Lamont, in a letter, said: “In the spirit of Christian joy, after prayerful consideration, I accept your call to be Pastor at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Mardie and I are excited about joining you in partnership of the Gospel.”
On August 11, 1996, St. Mark’s held a festive, joyous Installation Service for Pastor Lamont. Many area Pastors attended, and Rev. Lutz served as the Officiant. Pastor Lamont sang a solo, “Hope Set High” and the choir sang “Love Grows Here.” A reception and dinner followed, bringing a close to a very special day. Pastor Lamont, his wife Mardie and daughters Sarah & Christine are building a new home on Osprey Drive.