ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH
(The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod)
Alma, Kansas
A family united by faith in Christ gathering around God's Word and Sacraments.
To reach out in Christ-like concern and Christ-borne love to each other and to those without Christ!
ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Reports from Auxiliary Organizations
PARISH NURSE MINISTRY
The parish nurses of St. John Lutheran Church are called by God to provide care to the sick and to the support of health and well-being. We are dedicated to the health and wellness of our congregation and surrounding communities in order to be in full service to our Lord. Our mission is to support and promote Christ-centered health and wellness of body, mind, and spirit through congregational health ministries.
The functions of parish nursing include:
1. Education in programs promoting wellness and health for all ages within the congregation.
2. Consultation with church staff, organizations, the school, community resources, etc. on health issues that relate to the wellness of
the whole person.
3. Personal health counseling upon request or referral within areas of professional competence.
4. Provide health information and health care resources appropriate to the needs of the congregation.
5. Advocate to facilitate access to adequate health care for all, especially for the medically under-insured and the indigent members
of the congregation.
6. Promote Christian lifestyle in the membership of the congregation.
7. Recruit and organize volunteers into care-giving situations.
8. Provide home visitation upon request to support fellow members in the witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and adoption of
healthy lifestyle behaviors.
9. Recognize the healing resources of various health agencies in the area and refer members to them as appropriate.
10. Monitor the physical, mental, emotional, and relational health of the membership of the congregation and make suggestions
or appropriate referrals where areas of need or improvement are identified.
11. Intentionally monitor and support the accessibility of worship, fellowship, and educational facilities for those who are
physically handicapped.
As the congregation looks forward in the journey or Re:Vitality, it is the intention of the parish nurses to seek ways in which to incorporate these functions more visibly to church and school staff, and the congregation. As parish nurses, we love because he first loved us, 1John 4:19. So then, by the grace of God we strive to continue to find ways to support our Christian brothers and sisters in love and service to Christ by promoting healthy lifestyles and bringing an awareness of health-related opportunities to this congregation.
During the past year, parish nurses serving St. John were Janet Wertzberger, RN and Elaine Becker, RN. Both nurses continue to maintain current registered nurse licenses and current education in the field of training. Both nurses have extensive backgrounds in corporate and community nursing settings. Janet attended the National Parish Nursing Conference in Mequon, WI in May. A variety of topics were presented by parish nurses in areas such as home care, first aid for VBS, diabetes care, and living wills. Janet also participated in the quarterly Parish Nurse meetings in Topeka, and toured four long-term care facilities to learn about services provided within each facility. A stipend was received from Lutheran Parish Nurse International to support the registration at the national conference and a gift from the SJL Friendship Circle was given to support the mileage and lodging to attend the conference. All other expenses incurred during the year were paid for by the parish nurses because there is no financial support in the church budget for health care services.
Parish nurses provided month blood pressure and personal health counseling sessions after church on the second Sunday of the month and upon request through out 2025. Although the number of individuals participating in the sessions was minimal, a few life-saving referrals were made to appropriate entities. Health-related news articles were also published in the church newsletter. The parish nurses provided Christ-centered compassion and support in coordinating funeral dinners, sewing quilt tops for missions, Christmas caroling for shut-ins, visiting with families about options for continued care inside and outside of the home, and participating in Bible studies and book studies.
The Parish Nurses of St. John are participating in the congregation’s Re:Vitality discussions to further education the congregation in the purpose of the ministry and to support the church in moving forward to engage its members and the community in the ministry of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The field of parish nursing is open to registered nurses who are called by the Gospel to grow in Christ.
As parish nurses, we ask for your prayers of support for the ministry and your participation in the opportunities ahead in 2026. May God grant us the knowledge and wisdom to use our gifts and talents wisely.
In Service to Our Risen Savior,
Janet Wertzberger, RN
Parish Nurse
ALTAR GUILD
Altar Guild members are an integral part of the St. John family. They serve the Lord by making sure that the altar and sanctuary are in readiness for all who gather around the Word and Sacraments at all regular and special worship services. Duties include preparing the altar for the Lord’s Supper and the additional tasks of preparing for baptisms, funerals, and weddings. Other duties include keeping oil in all the candles, setting out flowers when they are available, changing the paraments, and hanging appropriate banners for the day or the season.
Thank you to the individuals and families who have made the altar more beautiful with the placement of flowers in memory of loved ones or in thankfulness for the blessings in their lives. If you are planning to put flowers on the altar, please check in the storage room behind the sacristy to see if there are vases that you would like to use.
In 2026, we welcome Karen Herren, Kathy Schultz, and Dawn Yonke to our altar guild team. Kelsey Stamm has moved to a new role this year. Instead of helping with a specific month, she has agreed to decorate the church for Easter.
Many thanks go to Sandy Altevogt who for many years has embroidered the baptismal napkin remembrances and Karen Wright, Wright Liquor, who donates the communion wine. Also thanks to members in our congregation who donated their time and talents to make our sanctuary more beautiful. Lynette Phillips has shared her talents with us as she made and donated another banner.
Thanks to Cheryl Buttenhoff who provides support to Altar Guild. She orders needed items and keeps us informed about baptisms, weddings, and funerals.
Thank you to all who are willing to "Serve the Lord with Gladness" in 2026.
January Carla Johnson, Deanna Moege, and Dawn Yonke
February Judy Pedicord and Cindy Smith
March Elaine Becker and Gayle Grimm
April Carol Peterson and Trish Ringel
May Carmen Altevogt and Sandy Altevogt
June Janet Wertzberger and Kathy Schultz
July Kim Diehl and Melissa Theel
August Marilyn Garrison and Diana Rubottom
September Kara Mayer, Heather Orton and Janelle Schultz
October Cheryl Buttenhoff and Becky Frank
November Ashton Torrey and Darcy Torrey
December Kathy Cox, Debbie MacGregor, and Karen Herren
Lenten: Whitney Howard and Nicole Savage
Easter: Kelsey Stamm
Chairman: Pam Stuewe
God Bless the work of the Altar Guild!
In Service to God,Chairman, Pam Stuewe
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
The mission of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is to assist each woman of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is equipped to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world. St. John Lutheran Church has an LWML Friendship Circle organization that meets regularly to connect with fellow Christian women, study God’s Word, and use the gifts and talents He has given us to be of service to others.
Our meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. Each meeting is opened by reciting the LWML pledge and the US and Christian flag pledges. It is followed by a devotion, singing of a hymn, and participating in a Bible study that is either led by a member or Pastor. A business meeting is held and then closed with prayer. Friendship Circle members participate in our Kansas District LWML activities, including the spring and fall zone rallies hosted by societies in our zone. We support Mite box collections that support mission projects throughout the world, and members attend district and national LWML conventions. On months that have a fifth Sunday, we participate in “Noisy Sunday” where members and the congregation give coins to support the district and national LWML mission projects.
Members of LWML organize funeral luncheons to support families who have lost loved ones. They served a Lenten meal, and served the Wabaunsee County employee's holiday meal. Members also donated to the Community Thanksgiving neam and hosted a Christmas brunch.
A Day of Prayer service was held on March 8, 2025.
Members attended the spring Manhattan Zone LWML Manhattan event at Clark'sCreek and the fall zone event in McFarland, and Janet Wertzberger attended the Parish Nurse convention.
Several members attended the National LWML convention in Omaha, Nebraska. The theme was "Growing in God's Grace.
Monetary support was given for our adopted Lutheran education student, Rachel Ada.
The group monetarily lends support to community causes: Wabaunsee High School after prom, FCCLA, and the community Thanksgiving dinner.
One hundred quilts were pieced, tied, and donated to Orphan Grain Train. Quilts were also tied and given as gifts to confirmands.
Poinsettias were purchased and given to shut-ins at Christmas time.
The 2026 elected officers: President – Debbie MacGregor, Vice-President – Janet Wertzberger; Secretary – Sandra Altevogt, and Treasurer – Joyce Diehl.
Submitted by: Sandra Altevogt, Secretary
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE TREASURER'S REPORT
Beginning Balance 1/1/2025 $1,514.17
Receipts: $9,832.18
Disbursements $6,362.60
Balance 12/31/2025 $3,469.58
Joyce Diehl, Treasurer
TEENS FOR CHRIST REPORT
2025 year in review
Teens for Christ youth group is led by Kim Diehl and Kathy Cox with the addition of Mindy Miller. The treasurer is Jacob Debler. Active member attendance January to May was 10 and September to December was 8. Events and Meetings
January-no meeting
February-Super Bpwl Sub Sandwich fundraiser with assistance from Karen Wright. Thank you, Karen!
March-Taco, popcorn bar, and movie night at Kim's house. We watched 40: The Temptation of Christ.
April-Scavenger Hunt at Kim's house with banana splits BYOB (Bring Your Own Banana)
May-No meeting
June-Fare-well to seniors lunch at El Corral Mexican Restaurant. Good luch to Abby MacGregor, Dalton Debler, and Izzy Wright in all your
future endeavors! Community mission activity at The Heritage Home making 4th of July door hangers with the residents. We also toured
the facility.
July and August-No meeting
September-We had a meeting with devotion and activity on Proverbs 3:5-6
October-Sunday School picnic at Phillip Theel's. Pumpkin carving, fishing, corn hole, horseshoes, and archery enjoyed by all. Thank you,
Phillip for inviting us!
November-Collection of donated items for Operation Christmas Child began. The packing event was held on November 19th with the
confirmation class and their mentors along with a taco meal. Ninety boxes were packed and prayed over. The congregation prayed over
the boxes during worship before they were delivered. Our boxes were delivered to Mexico along with gospel material and missionaries to
teach the Word of Christ. Thank you to our congregation and community for the outpouring of items and monetary donations! Mindy Miller
joined us as a co-leader. Kathy and Mindy are wonderful blessings!
December-5th Quarter event held at St. John Lutheran School following the first home basketball game on Friday, December 5th. This was
open to the community for all 6th-12th grade. We had 50 youth join us for 9-square in the Air, gaga ball, basketball, other games, devotion,
a popcorn bar along with door prizes from Stop 2 Shop and Mel's Coffee Shop.
Financial Overview
Income: Our primary sources of income this year included:
Donations and allocated budgeted amount-thank you!
Fundraising Events: Super Bowl Sub Sandwiches $857
Outflow: Our expenditure was as follows:
El Corral lunch for senior fare-well and craft supplies for the Heritage Home project - $209.82
9-Square in the Air - $900
Karsten Breiner Fund - $50
Taco meat for Operation Christmas Child packing party - $203
Ending checking balance for 2025 = $3,246.64
Challenges Faced and Future Goals
Our main challenge is working around our members other activities to find time for meetings and events.2025 visions and outlook:
1. Adding delivery to Super Bowl Sub Sandwich fundraiser.
2. Adding activities for 6th-8th graders to build on our future membership.
3. Operation Christmas Child collections throughout the year and possible fundraiser.
4. More 5th Quarter events with location at WHS with FCA to allow more area for activities.
5. April 17-18 Middle School Huddle in Junction City
6. Community mission (currently undecided)
7. Homecoming float
Our goal is to continue to build our relationship with Christ, walk in His ways with global and community work, and spread The Word with hopes of expanding our membership.
Respectively submitted with God’s Blessings,
Kim Diehl
PARENT-TEACHER LEAGUE
2025 - 2026 Officers
President: Stephanie Maike
Vice-President: Mariah Walsh
Secretary: Samantha Henderson
Treasurer: Valerie Wright
Member-at-Large: Lacy Dudek
No written report of activities was submitted. Financials follow.
Why send your child to a Lutheran school? Lutheran schools:
• Are driven by a commitment to the Gospel and focused on a mission of bringing hope and healing to students and families.
• Are governed by board members who clearly understand their roles and focus on the vision and board policies that effectively
govern the operation of the school.
• Meet or exceed state and national academic standards at all grade levels.
• Have educators who model visionary leadership. They practice stewardship of resources, build up others and empathize with others.
• Have educators who model servant leadership. Do those served grow as persons; do they, while being served, become healthier,
wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? (Robert Greenleaf)
• Have educators who model spiritual leadership. They study God's Word, share their personal faith story, apply Law and Gospel
appropriately, exhibit a passion for ministry, act courageously, equip God's people for service, care for others, demonstrate integrity,
and pray.
ST. JOHN LUTHERAN PTL TREASURER’S REPORT 2025
8/1/2022 - 7/31/2023 8/1/2023 - 7/31/2024 8/1/2025 - 7/31/26
Budget Actual Budget Actual Budget Actual
Income:
Alpine Farms $860.75 $0.00 $0.00
Amazon Smile $79.01 $0.00 $0.00
Auction $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Box Tops $47.00 $59.80 $30.70
Coke Rewards $55.40 $0.00 $0.00
Concession Stand $0.00 $228.04 $0.00
Dillons Community Rewards $653.12 $228.04 $340.41
Field Day (incl. shirts) $757.50 $0.00 $0.00
Fireworks ($780.00) $4,190.24 $3,501.98
Flower Sales $1,546.12 $2,048.36 $437.96)
Garage Sale $0.00 $3,199.20 $2,854.50
Gift Cards (Scrips) $464.71 $753.64 $908.64
Interest $243.19 $326.03 ($523.26)
Kleinhenn Sales $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Match Day Event $12,168.88 $11,536.23 $0.00
Lenten/Advent Meal $374.00 $441.10 $0.00
Pork Chop Supper $2,979.98 $6,239.60 $6,667.12
Total Income $19,449.46 $27,696.51 $13,372.13
