Announcements

 

The Epiphany of Our Lord

January 4, 2026

Happy New Year!

 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Pastor: Briton Nelson 

Organist: Kitty Bierstedt

Elder: Tony Hatten 

Head Usher: John Schutter 

Asst. Usher:  Ben Borchardt

Greeters Today:  Beth and Ben Borchardt

Greeters Next Week:  Barb Harms

 

Church Directories are now in your boxes for those who had their pictures taken. Be sure to pick it up!!

 

Portals of Prayer for January-March are now available on the table along the east wall

 

Greeters/Ushers List for 2026 is on the back table.  Please fill in when you would like to help.  Those not filled in will be assigned by me when I do the Annual Report in January.  Rosann Shipler, Sec.

 

Year-End Reports: The new year is here and if you are responsible for a report for the annual yearbook, please email it to the church at churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org immediately. Please contact the office with any questions.

Cancellations of Services at St. John’s a Flocknote message will be sent out by the Pastors/Elders by email or text to inform of the cancellation.  

 

Installation of all Officers will be held Sunday, January 11th.  

 

First Quarterly Council Meeting will be held Sunday, January 11 following the service.  The Voter’s Meeting is scheduled for January 18 following that service.

 

Special Thanks to the LYF Group and members for furnishing, cookies, making and distributing the Christmas plates to the  Shut-ins!!

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Need Prayer, Scripture, Communion, Absolution, or a listening ear? Feel free to call or text one of the pastors at the following numbers:  

·         Pastor Benjamin Dose cell: 712-790-0716 and his email is pastordose@trinityalgona.org 

·         Pastor Nelson cell: 608-415-8228 and pastor Nelson email: pastornelson@trinityalgona.org

 

Hospitalized?  If you or a loved one are hospitalized and would like a pastoral visit, please let us know!

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

Pledge to Pray for Our Troops - On the back table are cards for you to pick up and pray each day Psalm 91 for all Our troops and Our Nation.  This is a chance to pray with other Christians as we Band together to remember those who are serving. 

TLC Quilters Invite you to join them in the basement to help with their many projects on Tuesdays & Thursdays, anytime from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. No experience needed - just a willing heart!

Building Healthy Families: The beginning of a New Year can bring feelings of anticipation, excitement, and hope as we start with a clean slate, our resolutions to keep. Still looking for ideas that will bring new life to your New Year? How about one of these: read from Scripture 15 minutes every day; go to church every Sunday; set aside 20 minutes at the end of the day to pray; join a Bible Study group; memorize a new Bible verse each week. Don’t give up! It takes 6 weeks of doing something repeatedly to make it a habit. Happy & Blessed New Year to you and your family! Lutheran Family Service  www.LutheranFamilyService.org

Like the shepherds who traveled to Bethlehem in response to the Good News the angels brought, we have the greatest message to share. “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and  seen, as it had been told them” (Luke 2:20).

In the Christmas story, we are told that the Magi followed the brilliant star in the sky to find Jesus.  These noblemen were seeking the “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2).  The star led them to Bethlehem and “going into the house, they saw the child with His Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him.  Then, opening their treasures, they offered Him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh” (Matthew 2:11).  When the Magi entered the house and saw the baby Jesus, they immediately “bowed down and worshiped Him.”  Before they gave their gifts, they first showed their reverence.  In essence, they gave themselves.  Their hearts were filled with joy to be in the presence of the King.  After they had shown Jesus their adoration, they gave their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S        Today, January 4, 2026         8:15 am   Adult Class       8:30 am   Sunday School       9:30 am   Divine Service         Tuesday, January 6, 2026-      Pastor Nelson at Burt     Wednesday, January 7, 2026        6:00 pm   Catechesis Class      Thursday, January 8, 2026       Pastor Dose in Burt     Sunday, December 11, 2026       8:15 am    Adult Class       8:30 am    Sunday School       9:30 am    Divine Service     (Installation of Officers)     10:30 am    Council Meeting

 

 

 

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Burt, IA.

Phone: 515-924-3344

Email:  churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

 

 

Announcements

 

The First Sunday after Christmas

December 28, 2025

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

Pastor: Briton Nelson 

Organist: Marcia Hanna

Elder: Boyd Shipler 

Head Usher: John Schutter 

Asst. Usher:  Jeff Madsen

Greeters Today:  Boyd and Rosann Shipler

Greeters Next Week:  Ben and Beth Borchardt

 

Church Directories are now in your boxes for those who had their pictures taken. Be sure to pick it up!!

 

Portals of Prayer for January-March are now available on the table along the east wall

 

Greeters/Ushers List for 2026 is on the back table.  Please fill in when you would like to help.  Those not filled in will be assigned by me when I do the Annual Report in January.  Rosann Shipler, Sec.

 

Cancellations of Services etc at St. John’s a Flocknote message will be sent out by the Pastors by email or text.  

 

Installation of all Officers will be held Sunday, January 11th.  We will hold our first Quarterly Council Meeting on that same day following the service.

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Need Prayer, Scripture, Communion, Absolution, or a listening ear? Feel free to call or text one of the pastors at the following numbers:  

·         Pastor Benjamin Dose cell: 712-790-0716 and his email is pastordose@trinityalgona.org 

·         Pastor Nelson cell: 608-415-8228 and pastor Nelson email: pastornelson@trinityalgona.org

 

Hospitalized?  If you or a loved one are hospitalized and would like a pastoral visit, please let us know!

Year-End Reports: The end of the year will be here soon. If you’re responsible for a report for the annual yearbook, please email it to the church at churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org  Please contact the office with any questions.

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

Prayers for Robin Wildauer who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The family has returned to Indiana for her treatment. Missionary Pastor Micah Wilauer visited St. John’s and told of his work in Belize during our VBS a number of years ago. We sponsored him at that time. 

 

Pledge to Pray for Our Troops - On the back table are cards for you to pick up and pray each day Psalm 91 for all Our troops and Our Nation.  This is a chance to pray with other Christians as we Band together to remember those who are serving. 

TLC Quilters Invite you to join them in the basement to help with their many projects on Tuesdays & Thursdays, anytime from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. No experience needed - just a willing heart!

Building Healthy Families: It’s not too late! Your partnership in LFS’ life ministry of pregnancy counseling and adoption, grief support, marriage, family and mental health counseling for families and all pro-family, pro-marriage, pro-life, and pro-faith efforts provided without government funds (or strings) in your state is still needed - and still possible! Make a gift online TODAY through the Donate page on the LFS web site at www.LutheranFamilyService.org, by VENMO to @LutheranFamilyService, or by mail to LFS/Admin Office, 409 Kenyon Road, Suite C, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Thank you for your partnership all year, and especially today as we wrap up 2025 and look forward to what the New Year holds. From your brothers and sisters in Christ at LFS, a Blessed and Happy New Year! Lutheran Family Service  www.LutheranFamilyService.org

AS GOD’S STEWARDS, WE ARE TO LET THE LIGHT OF CHRIST SHINE THROUGH US SO THAT OTHERS SEE CHRIST IN US. 

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father Who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S        Today, December 28, 2025          No Adult Class and Sunday School       9:30 am   Divine Service         Thursday, January 1, 2026     New Years Day     Sunday, December 4,  2026       8:15 am    Adult Class       8:30 am    Sunday School       9:30 am   Divine Service

 

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Burt, IA.

Phone: 515-924-3344

Email:  churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

 

 

Announcements

 

The Fourth Sunday in Advent

December 21, 2025

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

Pastor: Ben Dose

Organist: Marcia Hanna 

Elder: Boyd Shipler 

Head Usher: John Schutter ~ Asst. Usher:  Jeff Madsen

Greeters Today:  David and Lisa Haase

Greeters Next Week:  Boyd and Rosann Shipler

 

Special Thanks to all who gave to the Food Pantry donation drive we held for the last few weeks.  We collected $420 to help others in need.

 

Church Directories are now in your boxes for those who had their pictures taken. Be sure to pick it up!!

 

Portals of Prayer for January-March are now available on the table along the east wall

 

Christmas Schedule for both churches is available on the back table.  Take one home with you!!

• Christmas Eve Children’s Program – Dec 24,  5:00 p.m.

• Christmas Day Service – Dec 25, 9:30 a.m.

 

Christmas Committee - If you would like to help with the expense of the candy bags or decorations for decorating the church you may put a special donation in the offering plate for that or contact Vickie Madsen.

 

Greeters/Ushers List for 2026 is on the back table.  Please fill in when you would like to help.  Those not filled in will be assigned by me when I do the Annual Report in January.  Rosann Shipler, Sec.

 

Cancellations of Services etc at St. John’s a Flocknote message will be sent out by the Pastors by email or text.  

 

To My Church Family:  Thank you to all for coming to my 90th Birthday Party, for all your well wishes, many cards and gifts. A special thank you to my family for making it a huge success. God truly has blessed me with this very special day.    Donna Haase

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Need Prayer, Scripture, Communion, Absolution, or a listening ear? Feel free to call or text one of the pastors at the following numbers:  

·         Pastor Benjamin Dose cell: 712-790-0716 and his email is pastordose@trinityalgona.org 

·         Pastor Nelson cell: 608-415-8228 and pastor Nelson email: pastornelson@trinityalgona.org

 

Hospitalized?  If you or a loved one are hospitalized and would like a pastoral visit, please let us know!

Check out the Card Rack!   Christmas cards are available!  Pay Rosann in the church office.

Year-End Reports: The end of the year will be here soon. If you’re responsible for a report for the annual yearbook, please email it to the church at churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org  Please contact the office with any questions.

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

Prayers for Robin Wildauer who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The family has returned to Indiana for her treatment. Missionary Pastor Micah Wilauer visited St. John’s and told of his work in Belize during our VBS a number of years ago. We sponsored him at that time. 

 

Pledge to Pray for Our Troops - On the back table are cards for you to pick up and pray each day Psalm 91 for all Our troops and Our Nation.  This is a chance to pray with other Christians as we Band together to remember those who are serving. 

Building Healthy Families: Here’s a simple yet challenging Christmas week question for your contemplation: How has the fact that Jesus was born over 2000 years ago impacted the life you’re living today? Read aloud the Luke 2 Christmas story together, ponder this question, and encourage your family members to share their answers. From the funny response of a preschooler, the shoulder shrug of a teenager, or the wise words shared by an older person, it will be interesting to see how each individual family member answers. Remember, even those who don’t answer are still listening! “She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 A Blessed Celebration of Jesus’ Birth to you from your partners at Lutheran Family Service! www.LutheranFamilyService.org

TLC Quilters Invite you to join them in the basement to help with their many projects on Tuesdays & Thursdays, anytime from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. No experience needed - just a willing heart!

 

DURING ADVENT, WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE OUR SAVIOR’S BIRTH AND HIS COMING AGAIN.

 “ ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘Who is and Who was and Who is to come, the Almighty’” (Revelation 1:8).

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S        Today, December 21 2025          8:15 am   Adult Bible Class       8:30 am   Children’s Program Practice       9:30 am   Divine Service        Wednesday, 24, 2025      5:00 pm   Children’s Christmas Eve Program          Thursday, December 25, 2025      9:30am    Christmas Day Service     Sunday, December 28, 2025       No Adult or Sunday School        9:30 am   Divine Service

 

 

 

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Burt, IA.

Phone: 515-924-3344

Email:  churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

 

 

Announcements

The Third Sunday in Advent

December 14, 2025

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

Pastor: Ben Dose

Organist: Kitty Bierstedt ~ Elder: Boyd Shipler 

Head Usher: John Schutter ~ Asst. Usher:  Jeff Madsen

Greeters Today:  Drew and Sierra Rasmussen & family

Greeters Next Week: David and Lisa Haase 

 

Special Thanks to all who gave to the Food Pantry donation drive we held for the last few weeks.  We collected $420 to help others in need.

 

Remember to pick up your Share the Blessing Letter and Giving envelopes from your bulletin boxes!  

 

Adopted Family for Christmas!!  This year we will be adopting 3 small families for Christmas. Today is the deadline at noon.  Deb will be wrapping and packing them up for delivery this afternoon.  Gift Cards of groceries and gas can be given to Doris Blocker (515-341-2881), Deb Steven (515-320-5010 .

  

Advent Midweek Services will be held here at St. John’s on Wednesday Evening December 17 at 6 p.m.  Catechesis classes will follow.

 

“Every Heart Prepare”  Devotional Books are available on the back table!  

 

Advent/Christmas Schedule for both churches is available on the back table.  Take one home with you!!

 

Christmas Committee - If you would like to help with the expense of the candy bags or decorations for decorating the church you may put a special donation in the offering plate for that or contact Vickie Madsen.

 

Greeters/Ushers List for 2026 is on the back table.  Please fill in when you would like to help.  Those not filled in will be assigned by me when I do the Annual Report in January.  Rosann Shipler, Sec.

 

Cancellations of Services etc at St. John’s a Flocknote message will be sent out by the Pastors by email or text.  

 

Shut-in Cookie/Goodie Plates - Volunteers needed to provide cookies/bars or goodies for the Shut-in plates that LYF Group will be assembling on Sunday after  church December 21. Contact Kelly Fitzgerald or Jessie Parsons if you are baking and can share a few extra cookies for the shut-ins. 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Need Prayer, Scripture, Communion, Absolution, or a listening ear? Feel free to call or text one of the pastors at the following numbers:  

·         Pastor Benjamin Dose cell: 712-790-0716 and his email is pastordose@trinityalgona.org 

·         Pastor Nelson cell: 608-415-8228 and pastor Nelson email: pastornelson@trinityalgona.org

 

Hospitalized?  If you or a loved one are hospitalized and would like a pastoral visit, please let us know!

Check out the Card Rack:   Christmas cards are now available!  Pay Rosann in the church office.

Year-End Reports: The end of the year will be here soon. If you’re responsible for a report for the annual yearbook, please email it to the church at churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org  Please contact the office with any questions.

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

Prayers for Robin Wildauer who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The family has returned to Indiana for her treatment. Missionary Pastor Micah Wilauer visited St. John’s and told of his work in Belize during our VBS a number of years ago. We sponsored him at that time. 

 

Pledge to Pray for Our Troops - On the back table are cards for you to pick up and pray each day Psalm 91 for all Our troops and Our Nation.  This is a chance to pray with other Christians as we Band together to remember those who are serving. 

Building Healthy Families: “Children are a gift from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.” Psalm 127:3   For over 124 years, Lutheran Family Service has connected children to parents through adoption and still serves families through this and a multitude of other ways, all consistent with the teachings of the LCMS church and without the interference of being tied to government funding. In thanksgiving to God for an important child or grandchild He has put in your life, celebrate the blessing of family with us this Christmas by making a gift in their honor or memory. Your gift in their honor will help a child, teen, or family in need of support this year. It’s easy and you can do it right now from your smart phone by VENMO to @LutheranFamilyService, make your gift online at the “donate” tab on our website, or send your gift by mail to LFS/Admin Office, 409 Kenyon Road, Suite C, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. On behalf of those we serve, we thank God for your partnership and generosity!

 

Women’s Bible Study at Trinity is held on Mondays at 7 & 9:30 a.m.  Please contact Jane (320-0490) or Cheryl (320-1288) 

 

TLC Quilters Invite you to join them in the basement to help with their many projects on Tuesdays & Thursdays, anytime from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. No experience needed - just a willing heart!

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

The City of Burt has recently installed a Food Lending Box for anyone in

need. Donations made will be kept in a stock pile to continue to keep the

Food Lending Box full for residents to utilize. This Food Box is located between the Library and Post Office. (Flyer posted on ramp board)

 

“Santa Day” in Burt will be held today, December 14 from 1-3 p.m. at the Burt Complex. Come enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and rides by the Burt Fire Department. A Cake Walk and Coloring Contest will be held by the Burt Bulletin.       

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S         Today, December 14, 2025          8:15 am   Adult Bible Class       8:30 am   Children’s Program Practice       9:30 am   Divine Service        Tuesday, December 16, 2025       Pastors Nelson at Burt     Wednesday, December 17, 2025      6:00 pm   Advent Service - Burt       6:30 pm   Catechesis Class     Thursday, December 18, 2025      Pastor Dose in Burt     Sunday, December 21, 2025       8:15 am   Adult Bible Class       8:30 am   Children’s Program Practice       9:30 am   Divine Service

 

 

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Burt, IA.

Phone: 515-924-3344

Email:  churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

 

 

Announcements

The Second Sunday in Advent

December 7, 2025

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Pastor: Briton Nelson

Organist: Marcia Hanna 

Elder: Boyd Shipler

Acolyte: Reyna & Alex Fitzgerald

Head Usher: John Schutter

Asst. Usher:  Jeff Madsen

Greeters Today:  Jeff and Brenda Schutjer

Greeters Next Week: Drew and Sierra Rasmussen & family

 

Special Thanks to all who helped give to the Food Pantry donation drive we held for the last few weeks.  We collected $420 to help others in need.

 

Remember to pick up your Share the Blessing Letter and Giving envelopes from your bulletin boxes!  

 

A Special Voter’s Meeting will be held after church today!  This is to vote on the 2026 Budget and the 2026 Slate of Officers.

 

Adopted Family for Christmas!!  This year we will be adopting 3 small families for Christmas. Deb Steven has volunteered to head this up! A list for the adopted families and their needs is provided on the table in the back. Gift Cards of groceries and gas can be given to Doris Blocker (515-341-2881), Deb Steven (515-320-5010 or leave that in the church office with Rosann. Please mark on your gift Family 1-2 or 3 so we know. The Deadline for these items will be December 14th at noon.

   

Advent Midweek Services will be held here at St. John’s on Wednesday Evenings: December 10, 17 at 6 p.m.  Catecheses classes will follow.

 

“Every Heart Prepare”  Devotional Books are available on the back table!  

 

Advent/Christmas Schedule for both churches is available on the back table.  Take one home with you!!

 

Christmas Committee - If you would like to help with the expense of the candy bags or decorations for decorating the church you may put a special donation in the offering plate for that or contact Vickie Madsen.

 

Greeters/Ushers List for 2026 is on the back table.  Please fill in when you would like to help.  Those not filled in will be assigned by me when I do the Annual Report in January.  Rosann Shipler, Sec.

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Need Prayer, Scripture, Communion, Absolution, or a listening ear? Feel free to call or text one of the pastors at the following numbers:  

·         Pastor Benjamin Dose cell: 712-790-0716 and his email is pastordose@trinityalgona.org 

·         Pastor Nelson cell: 608-415-8228 and pastor Nelson email: pastornelson@trinityalgona.org

 

Hospitalized?  If you or a loved one are hospitalized and would like a pastoral visit, please let us know!

Check out the Card Rack cards, sympathy, birthday, get well etc.  Christmas cards will be coming soon!

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

Prayers for Robin Wildauer who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The family has returned to Indiana for her treatment.  Pastor Micah Wilauer visited St. John’s and told of his work in Belize during our VBS a number of years ago. We sponsored him at that time. They  will return to Belize as soon as the Lord allows. In the meantime he will continue to teach online classes with our seminary in Santiago, Dominican Republic while Robin is being treated in the US. 

 

Pledge to Pray for Our Troops - On the back table are cards for you to pick up and pray each day Psalm 91 for all Our troops and Our Nation.  This is a chance to pray with other Christians as we Band together to remember those who are serving. 

TLC Quilters Invite you to join them in the basement to help with their many projects on Tuesdays & Thursdays, anytime from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. No experience needed - just a willing heart!

 

Women’s Bible Study at Trinity is held on Mondays at 7 & 9:30 a.m.  Please contact Jane (320-0490) or Cheryl (320-1288) 

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Hospice of the Heartland!  You are invited to attend Hospice of the Heartland’s Annual Lights of Life” Ceremony that will be held today  at 1 p.m. at Kossuth Regional Health Center, Algona. Forms are available along the east wall with all the information. Pastor Dose will be leading the ceremony.

 

Library Christmas Open House will be held on Wednesday, December 10 from 1-5 p.m.  Come in see what is happening at your Burt Library and enjoy refreshments!  

 

The City of Burt has recently installed a Food Lending Box for anyone in

need. Donations made will be kept in a stock pile to continue to keep the

Food Lending Box full for residents to utilize. This Food Box is located between the Library and Post Office. (Flyer posted on ramp board)

 

“Santa Day” in Burt will be held on Sunday, December 14th from 1-3 p.m. at the Burt Complex. Come enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and rides by the Burt Fire Department. A Cake Walk and Coloring Contest will be held by the Burt Bulletin *Note this is on Sunday!

 

Building Healthy Families: Trauma, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, or family conflict negatively impact many people, including those within our church fellowship today. When it does, we are often left searching for answers without knowing where to find help, especially help that will share and incorporate the important tenants of our Lutheran Christian faith. Lutheran Family Service offers professional mental health counseling with master’s prepared and licensed therapists who share your faith and world view, now available to all regardless of location through telehealth. Call us…it’s why we’re here! Lutheran Family Service www.LutheranFamilyService.org 

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S        Today, December 7, 2025          8:15 am   Adult Bible Class       8:30 am   Children’s Program Practice       9:30 am   Divine Service    10:30 am   Voter’s Meeting to Approve 2026 Budget/Officers       Tuesday, December 9, 2025       Pastors at Winkle – Our Saviors, Swea City     Wednesday, December 10, 2025      6:00 pm   Advent Service - Burt       6:30 pm   Catechesis Class     Thursday, December 11, 2025      Pastor Dose in Burt      Sunday, December 14, 2025       8:15 am   Adult Bible Class       8:30 am   Children’s Program Practice       9:30 am   Divine Service

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Burt, IA.

Phone: 515-924-3344

Email:  churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org