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 and Goals of the Church's Boards
BOARD OF ELDERS
At the January meeting, we began by electing a Chair, Don Frank, and a secretary, Ken Smith. We also welcomed a new Elder, Don Zerbe.
We continue to go through our devotional book, the Lutheran Difference. We set up communion assistants and Ray Howard is the Elder for baptisms.
We also continued to work with Jones Audio on the sound and video systems upgrade.
We continue to pray and discuss those with spiritual concerns.
We held a dinner and reception for new members and confirmands.
We began to go through a Synod program called Re:Vitality by doing a CADDS (Congregational Assessment Development Decline Status) assessment for our congregation.
We continue to lift up and pray for our sister congregations in our circuit, District, and Synod.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” Jude 24 and 25.
In His Service,
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Board of Trustees have accomplished the following projects this year for church, cemetery, parsonage, and school.
Church
• Fixed front entrance door.
• New church treasurer appointed.
• Conversations with Pastor about starting a memorial fund for future stained glass window repair.
• Scott Hoefer boarded up the window and will repair the stained glass window replicating work done on the Catholic church
windows.
• Ongoing projects:
o Refurbishing the front stained glass window. August is the probable finish date. Cost will be donor funded.
Cemetery
• Fixed fence.
• Mowing and weed eating duties arranged to be completed by Paul Savage and Jared Schultz. Arrangement to continue in
2026.
• Replaced towel dispensers.
• Replaced carpet in Mrs. Howard's classroom with linoleum.
•Changed emergency light battery in the enterance.
• Changed light in the corridor (ongoing issues, so will need further work).
• Gym floor refinished.
• Green house installed with storage for a newly acquired snowblower.
• New doors installed on the west side of school.
Parsonage
• No issues or work needed this year.
“And whatever you do, in work or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
Respectfully submitted with God's blessings,
James Diehl, and Randy Meseke
BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP
Gifts of Grace
3For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think
with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4For as in one body we have many
members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually
members one of another. 6Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who
contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. 
Romans 12:3-8 (ESV)
Romans 12:3-8 (ESV) St John has been blessed by God with all the members that compose a body. These members have God-given gifts and talents that allow the congregation to live and thrive in the community and to function in concert with all the church on earth.
The Board of Stewardship has, among its tasks, to: discover and enlist talents within the congregation to extend ministry; inform the congregation of opportunities and needs for support of ministries locally, regionally and globally; and prepare a financial plan for consideration and adoption by the voters’ assembly.
Throughout 2025, the Board shared financial information with the congregation on a regular basis through the bulletin and newsletter. There was concern from congregation leaders and members that the net cash flow was substantially negative, placing the congregation on an unsustainable course. Ultimately, as shown in the annual treasurer’s report, weekly contributions and other general receipts totaled nearly $560,000 and disbursements were nearly $628,000, resulting in an operating deficit of nearly $68,000. In the fall, a debt reduction fund drive produced nearly $42,000, which reduced the size of the pending deficit. As shown in the treasurer’s report, the church has a number of targeted and designated funds. During the course of 2025, approximately $91,000 was borrowed from these funds to cover current expenses and $68,000 was paid back to these funds, resulting in an outstanding loan balance from these ‘designated’ accounts of $23,000 to cover operations during 2025.
St John benefits from many memorial contributions. During 2025, gifts totaling nearly $92,000 memorializing fifteen individuals, were received. While these memorials are not direct additions to the general budget, quite often they are designated to address specific needs of the church and school. Examples include the audio/video system in the sanctuary, streaming equipment, and capital improvement projects.
Late in the year, St John embarked on a plan for reflection, self-study and revitalization, RE:Vitality. Surveys were conducted and tabulated, the outcomes showing that we see our congregation as mature, and potentially declining in some ways. Subsequently, we have had workshops to examine further the gifts, opportunities and challenges that lie before us as members and as a congregation. Everyone is encouraged to participate in these workshops and any other associated activities as we seek to revitalize St John. In parallel, Bible studies and book studies are focusing on Spiritual growth and stewardship, both individually and as a community. Shortly, the book study group will read “Faithful, Hopeful and Bold; encouragement for the church” by Rev Lee Hagan, former Missouri district president. All are encouraged to participate in these faith-building activities.
Many challenges lie ahead and we are often concerned with financial challenges. A number of persons made special ‘debt reduction’ contributions in 2025 and have indicated that additional funds may be contributed in the coming year, which is good. The Kansas Lutheran Schools Scholarship Foundation provides an excellent mechanism for members (and other contributors) to simultaneously address their Kansas tax liability while enhancing contributions to support St John Lutheran church and school. The Stewardship Board will work to show members how to enhance support of the church and school without additional costs to the donor, through this tax incentive program. Additionally, the Stewardship Board is working to identify other mechanisms that might enhance or leverage support, as well.
Ultimately, every person must examine how they have been gifted to serve as a member of our church body. We see from Romans 12 (above), I Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4 that members of the body are endowed by God with distinct Spiritual gifts – some are public and some are private, but all build up the body. Each member is encouraged to use their God-given gifts to the fullest. Among the gifts listed are charity (contributing), administration, evangelism, serving, healing, teaching, preaching and showing mercy. Certainly, we are all equipped to serve one another and the body of all believers with the gifts God has showered on us. Some are better equipped to serve the body through caring, serving or evangelism while others are better equipped to support the church body through finance and administration. Currently, a large portion of contributions supporting ministry at St John are made by a relatively small proportion of our members – twenty-five envelope numbers account for half of all contributions. We are thankful for these gifts, but it is not sufficient to carry out the stated goals of the congregation. Sixty percent (60%) of the envelope numbers account for less than 1% of all donations. As we consider the financial position of the congregation and the ministries that we have prioritized, we must consider how each of these ministries can be supported. Additional funds are needed. Thus, the Board of Stewardship encourages all members to engage in the many activities of our church and school, especially regular worship and Bible study, to reflect on the vitality of our congregation, and to support the mission activities within and around St John.
Post script: The Stewardship Board extends hearty thanks to Diana Rubottom for more than two decades of continuous service to the congregation as its treasurer. Moving forward, we will certainly call on her institutional knowledge and memory. THANKS!
In His service,
Your Stewardship Board, Judy Peddicord, Bruce Schultz, and Dawn Yonke
Financial Secretary, Ryan Theel
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
The Board wa busy planning and overseeing Christian education for our congregation. Here are the highlights of our year.
- Confirmands continued to have their mentor program, meeting monthly during Wednesday confirmation classes. Kath Cox coordinates the mentor program.
- VBS was once again a huge success, and was held May 26th and 27tht. We had 108 kids and over 23 adult volunteers!
Chelsie Platz was the durector,
- Phillip Theel, our Sunday School Superintendent, reported an average of 25-30 kids and adults attending Sunday School.
- Teens for Christ had a busy year, thanks to the efforts of Kim Diehl and Kathy Cox. The teens did community service projects,
held meetings, carved pumpkins at the Sunday School picnic, and boxed items for Operation Christmas Child.
- An acolyte "Group Me' app was formed to keep communication open between confirmands and their parents, to ensure that
acolyte duties are covered each church service.
We will continue to look for creative ways to reach our congregation through Christian education.
The 2025 Board of Christian Education
Heather Orton, Kara Mayer, Cheryl Buttenhoff, Kathy Cox, Rachel Manor,
Phillip Theel, Harmon Butler and Pastor Grimm
SUNDAY SCHOOL
We started the year with five names on the roll, and ended the year with eleven. That is double what we had. That sets up a challenge for this year.
The Easter egg activities went well; we didn’t get an exact count on the attendance but somewhere around 45-50. They were invited to find an egg with their name on it and eggs for Grandma, Grandpa, and an egg for a friend. Then they were to try different activities: Easter egg putt-putt, egg toss, egg race, egg push/roll using a board, and egg carry on a spoon in their mouth.
The egg is a very good symbol for Easter. When it is first laid, it is perfect. Then sin hits it, and it is broken beyond human repair. The egg, when hatched, brings forth new life. This reminds us that when Jesus came forth out of the tomb, He brought new life for all.
We had our work planned out for us by making displays of the crucifixion and the resurrection which were put on display in the entryway at church. We are looking for object lessons to help the students think about what Jesus did to save us from eternal death. The object lessons give a more hands-on learning.
In October, my family and I hosted a Sunday School picnic at the pond in our pasture. There were 35 in attendance. They were invited to participate in activities like corn hole, archery, and carving pumpkins. There was a campfire for roasting hot dogs and making smores. A few tried fishing, and several students caught their first fish.
I am thankful for the dedication of the teachers: Lisa Thompson, Traci Dickens, Kathy Hendricks, and Cheryl Buttenhoff. I am also thankful for the helpers throughout the year: Pastor Grimm, Dennis Theel, Randy Meseke, Perry Piper Kevin and Kameron Moege, McKinley Miller, Caden Yonke, Mindy Miller, Corey Thompson, Aaron Dickens, and Abby MacGregor. THANK YOU for your help!
May we all work Together in Serving God,
Phillip Theel, Sunday School Superintendent
ADULT BIBLE CLASSES
Bible Classes were conducted on Sunday mornings. Jim MacGregor led sessions on the demonic influences in the world and the miracles of Jesus. Rev. Grimm led one adult Membership Class. He taught on Thursday mornings as we studied the Gospel of John. Sunday morning in the new series for Sunday morning study. A book study is held Thursday evenings twice per month in member’s homes.
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!” 2 Peter 3:18
Pastor Grimm
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
St. John Lutheran Church had another successful year with 77 children from ages three through eleven learning about Jesus. Thirty-one junior high and high school students accompanied the children in the race for faith. Twenty-three adults guided the learning and care of these participants. Memory verses were for all:
Day 1- Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Day 2- 1 Corinthians 9:25 – “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it
to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
A huge thank you goes out to the congregation members who provided supplies, food, and money. Without you, this wouldn’t be possible.
Pastor Grimm
SAINT JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL BOAARD - CANENDAR YEAR 2025
The mission of St. John Lutheran School is to provide a foundation in Jesus Christ and to develop the God-given talents of learning.
We are so blessed! As we wrap up an exciting, though sometimes tumultuous year, we believe the School is better positioned for the future now than it has been at any point in recent memory. None of it would be possible without your prayers, encouragement, and support – time, talents, and gifts – and those of friends at Trinity, Mt. Calvary, and many other congregations. We are excited about the future, but a quick look back …
• Enrolled 60 students, our highest enrollment in many years; for the first time, we had to develop a waiting list for Kindergarten
• We hired a part-time aide, Mrs. Anita Hurla, giving our teachers time to focus on one-on-one student encounters and planning
time
• We improved safety, investing in a new camera and new locks, and completed a code footprint, securing State Fire Marshal
approval to expand to 75 students
• With the help of our teammates - the LPTL and the Alma Area Foundation - we upgraded our classroom computers and tablets
and bought a greenhouse
• We expanded our revenue streams, increasing our participation in tax credit programs and continuing participation in the Alma
Area Foundation Match Day
And of course, we said goodbye to Harmon Butler and welcomed an Interim Principal, Mindy Miller. Transitions are always a challenge, and we had several this year, but in the end, the School change will make us stronger. The Board is tremendously proud of our faculty and staff, especially the way they came together late in the year. We owe a special debt of gratitude to Mr. Altevogt, who stepped in not once, but twice, this year.
Please keep our students, families, and the faculty and staff in your prayers!
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6.
Jim MacGregor, Chairman and Members of the School Board
