A Newsletter concerning the MISSION
& MINISTRY of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church
________________________________________________________________
VOLUME XLVIII LA PORTE, INDIANA /
October, 2000 No. 9
THE RISE IN FALL
Maybe you have noticed that there is an increase in activity
when fall arrives on the church scene. It is almost as if the
church went on vacation in July and August, begins to wake up in
September, and is ready to be awake and alive at least until
Christmas. Fall always seems to be the beginning of all kinds of
new things and a renewal of old things. The Walther League Chorus
begins rehearsals and sings, once again, in church. Likewise, the
school begins its activities for a new school year including
academics, sports, and singing. There is a new wave of hopes and
dreams for this time of year that will carry into year 2001 at
least until Easter.
Of course, this is not the way it really is. Hopefully, no one
was sleeping all through the summer. Worship and Sunday School
continued along with Bible Study, which are the heart of the
church's activity. Shut-ins were visited, weddings and funerals
happened, and counseling and other activities went on. Even
though the Outdoor Service was held indoors this year, there
still was that festive, picnic spirit in the actions and
attitudes of those present!
Yes, summer is over (officially on Sept. 22). So let's be
thinking positive and trusting the Lord as He leads and guides us
into this new fall season. Let's be celebrating as we worship and
gather as God's people in fellowship, study, and prayer.
FIRST COMMUNION CLASS
There will be a First Communion Class for all children of 5th
Grade age who have not taken this class before and are not yet
confirmed. It will be held on Sundays, Oct. 1 and 8, at 2:00 p.m.
in the school Music Room.
Those completing this class, will be able to commune before
Confirmation. Letters will be sent out to 5th Grade
students in our records, but all children in Gr. 5-8 are welcome
to attend. There is no fee for this class. However, a parent or
guardian must attend with each child. If you have any questions,
please contact Pastor Schoop (office/362-3726 or home/393-5038).
CONCORDIA-ANN ARBOR, MI
Concordia College in Ann Arbor, MI, is excited to announce
"Senior Day" for high school seniors on Oct. 5, from 9-3:00
p.m. This is a great opportunity to sample life on Concordia's
Christian campus. You will have an opportunity to sit in on a
class, attend Spirit Break, taste our food, tour the campus, and
hear about extracurricular activities. If you want to register or
need more information, call the Office of Admission 1-800-253-0680.
FALL FESTIVAL TIME!
It's Fall Festival time!! Come to the festival and check out
all the craft booths from 9-1:00 p.m. in the school Gymnasium. A
Luncheon will be served from 11-1:00 p.m. in the Cafeteria.
Ticket price for the Luncheon is $4-Adult and $2-Children under
age 12. They are available from circle members and the Church
Office.
Booth spaces are available for organizations/individuals. To
reserve your space, contact Jeanette Darby (362-3891).
LUTHERAN WITNESS ORDERS
It is time again to place your order for "The Lutheran
Witness." This synodical periodical is published monthly and
contains updated news from our Indiana District. To renew your
subscription or place an order for the first time, turn in your
name/address with $10 to the Church Office. You may also place
your order in one of the pew envelopes and mark if for "Lutheran
Witness Order." Deadline is Friday, Oct. 13!
LAY READER PROGRAM
Would you like to become a Lay Reader at St. John's Church? Are
you interested in reading Scripture during our worship services?
If your answer is "Yes" to both of these questions-this
article is for you!
The first step to become a Lay Reader is to fill out the Lay
Reader sign-up sheet located at the church exits. Mrs. Mary Ann
Scholz, our Lay Reader Coordinator, will add that information to
her files. If you forget to sign-up, call Mary Ann (362-5172) and
give her the necessary information.
Pastor Schoop likes to meet with current and new Lay Readers
as we begin a new season of reading. Therefore, a group meeting
is scheduled in the fall. During that meeting, he leads us in a
devotion and give us words of encouragement. Each new reader
receives a booklet with instructions and suggestions we discuss
and clarify. Questions are welcome at this time, also. The final
portion of the meeting is for readers who would like to practice
standing at the lectern and reading Scripture.
If you think you would like to be a Lay Reader, but are a bit
unsure about it, please contact Mary Ann to learn more about the
program!
WHAT'S NEW AT SUNDAY SCHOOL
The leaves are starting to turn...our minds are turning to
fall! When you think of this beautiful season, what comes to
mind? Perhaps one or more of these: apple picking time,
breathtaking foliage displays, hayrides, harvest, Halloween. In A.D.
800 the Roman Catholic Church tried to "Christianize"
the pagan festival of the dead, better known as Halloween or
"All Hallow's Eve," by moving "All Saints Day"
from May to November 1. The "new day" was to replace
the pagan vigil of the dead called, "All Hallow's Day."
Which do we celebrate most noticeably today- Halloween or All
Saints Day? At a time in our society when there is much focus on
violence, abuse and the occult, at Sunday School we hope to bring
a healthy alternative to a holiday that does not honor Jesus
Christ. Watch the bulletin for our Halloween alternative!
During our openings in the month of October, we will also be
discussing the wildly popular and controversial Harry Potter
books and exactly what is the matter with Harry! We will
carefully read through God's Word and discover that wizards,
sorcery, and the like really have no place in a Christian's life.
Jesus wants us to fill our hearts and minds with things that are
lovely, pure, and of a good report! (Philip. 4:8) We
welcome parents and grandparents to join us for our openings held
from 9:30-9:45 a.m. each Sunday in the church basement.
Those students with perfect attendance for August were: Abbey
Lloyd, Mary Elizabeth Lloyd, Lindsey Hull, Emily Barnhart,
Brittney Ryan, Ryan Searing, Nathan Alexander, Ashley Alexander,
Aubrey Barnhart, Jacob Barnhart, Shannon Bradburn, Chris Calkins,
Kayla Calkins, Allison Frye, Hillary Frye, Tim Frye, Larry
Keller, Victoria Kelsey, Pauly Lloyd, Andrew Schuelke, and
Brianna Searing. Each child received a glider with a Christian
message!
We extend special thanks to Mrs. Dana Alexander for organizing
our recent Rally Day "God's Talent Show." The winners
were:
Instrumental... 1st- Kathryn Scherer, 2nd-
Brittney Scherer, 3rd -Andrew Scherer; Vocalist... 1st
- Trio of Samantha Moncada, Nicole Scherer, and Taylor Diestler,
2nd - Quartet of Nathan Alexander, Sam Bublitz, Caleb
Bublitz, and Andrew Scherer, 3rd - Duet Ashley
Alexander and Stephanie Radke; Skit...1st - Kimberly
Snyder and Emily Gardner, 2nd - Various artists, 3rdwinners
- Brooke, Taylor and Charles Baima.
Congratulations to all of the talented winners and all who
participated! It was great to see everyone enjoying and
displaying the talents God has given us! Special thanks to our
Judges, Mrs. Mary Ann Scholtz and Mr. Terry Page.
We are so thankful for the Lord providing us a full teaching
staff this fall! Praise the Lord!! The following people are
serving our Lord by teaching/helping:
2 yr. olds & Parent Class - Mrs. Lorri
Feldt, Mrs. Christel Bublitz, Assist.
Nursery - Miss Ashley Snyder, Miss Libby Snyder, Assist.
Kdg. - Mrs. Melody Povlock, Mrs. Teresa Stayback, Assist.-Miss
Krystal Burke, Mr. Jimmy Burke
1st Gr. - Mrs. Dana Alexander
2nd Gr. - M/M Terry Scherer
3rd - 4th - M/M Michael Lemke
5th - 6th - Mr. Dennis Proud
7th - 8th - Mrs. Felicia Menear
9th - 12th - Mr. Mark Bublitz
Cradle Roll - Miss Rosemary Woodcox
Treasurer - Mrs. Lora-Lee Snyder
Pianist - Mr. Martin Vollrath
Attend.Sec. - Mrs. Cheri Schuelke
Craft Corner - Mrs. Julie Ryan
Superintendant - Mrs. Melody Povlock
Assist.Superintendant - Mrs. Cheri Schuelke
For more information on enrolling your child in our Sunday
School program, or if you know of some one who would like to
visit, call Mrs. Povlock (325-3049).
SCHOOL NEWS
Muffins for Moms
The P.T.L. will sponsor Muffins for Moms on Wednesday, Oct. 18,
from 7-7:45 a.m. in the school Cafeteria. Mothers, grandmothers,
special friends, or a relative of students are invited to share a
fellowship breakfast of muffins, fruit, milk, juice, and coffee.
Reservation forms will be sent home with the school Newsletter
the first week in October. You may also contact the School Office
(362-6692) to make your reservation.
Fundraiser
Our school will being the Innisbrook Gift Wrap/Gift Items
Fundraiser from Oct. 2-Oct. 13. Profits will go towards the
purchase of student desks and upgrading classroom maps. Items can
be ordered from students or at the School Office. The gift wrap
is a great buy at $7 per roll (we earn 50% on each roll purchased)
and wraps 14 large-sized boxes! Orders will arrive the week
before Thanksgiving. Fundraiser items are on display in the case
by the Congregation Coordinator's Office in the school!
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 25,
from 3-8:00 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 26, from 9-3:00 p.m. School
will not be in session on Oct. 26-27.
Campbell's Labels
Did you know St. John's School participates in the Campbell's
Labels for Education Program? The program is an easy way to earn
educational materials for our school. Just save the labels from
Campbell's soups, Pepperidge Farm bread, cookies and Goldfish
crackers, V-8 and tomato juices, Franco-American Spaghetti O's,
Prego Sauces, and Swanson broth. Simply remove the label and
place in the large cardboard Campbell Soup can by the entrance to
the school. Help turn labels into educational materials for St.
John's Lutheran School!!
School Assembly
The Wheel of Wisdom will visit our school on Oct. 23 at 1:00 p.m.
This game show type of assembly promotes awareness of drug
education. All are welcome to attend!
Children's Concert
Students in Kdg.-Gr. 6 will attend the 2000 Children's Concert
on Wednesday, Oct. 11, sponsored by the La Porte Symphony
Orchestra.
NEWS FROM OUR BOARDS
Parish Education:
a. We are in the process of opening up a Resource Center where
items may be purchased by the congregation. Fenker's Furniture
Store and Debra Trowbridge have donated cabinets that the
merchandise may be displayed in.
b. If enough interest is shown, a Thursday evening Bible Class
will be offered with Pastor Schoop as the leader.
c. Since there was no cost for postage for the V.B.S. mission
kits, the V.B.S. offerings will be given to the Board of Missions
and Evangelism to purchase JESUS Videos. We thank UPS for sending
these kits free of charge!
d. Suppers 8 is still in full swing and a suggestion has been
made to try a Family Suppers 8. This is being looked into.
Contact Person: Ricky Shortt (324-6288)
Missions & Evangelism:
a. Project JESUS Videos October in full swing. Distribution
set for Oct. 22. Some videos will be in Spanish this year. A few
will be set aside for the Pregnancy Assistance Center. We will
also try to collect donated baby/maternity items for the Center.
b. We are continuing the Scripture cards available in the
church, ordering and organizing brochure/tract racks in the
church, and hope to order another batch of name badges in
November.
c. We are looking for ideas for the "Welcome Wagon"
tote bags gift items and information about St. John's church/school.
They will be distributed with the help of the county program and/or
on our own.
d. We are working on our sponsorship program for new members.
e. We are looking for a new home for the old red hymnals.
f. Discussions continue for a Hispanic Ministry program. We
need lots of volunteers to help with this when we get it off the
ground! Step one will be English tutoring.
g. Possible annual events: receptions for adult confirmands
twice a year, new member dinner in April or May.
Contact Person: Ellie Heidel (326-1866)
REPORT OF FINANCE SECRETARY FOR
SEPTEMBER
1999 Attendance - 2,099
2000 Attendance - 1,645
1999 General Fund receipts - $107,671.70
2000 General Fund receipts - $60,510.82
1999 Mission Fund receipts - $ 399.00
2000 Mission Fund receipts - $ 374.00
Church Budget Year to Date for 2000:
General Fund (short)...($189,056.13)
Mission Fund (short)...($ 1,957.70)
OCTOBER AT ST. JOHN'S
Sept. 30-Oct. 1 "Every Good and Perfect Gift"
(James 1:17-27) Special Music: 8:00-Walther League Chorus/Jubilant
Handbell Choir
Oct. 7-8 "God's Servant" (Isaiah 50:4-10)
Oct. 14-15 "Quarrels and Fights" (James 3:16-4:6)
Special Music: 8:00-Walther League Chorus
Oct. 15(Shut-in Service) "Who Is Jesus?" (Mark
9:30-37)
Oct. 21-22 Special Music: 8:00-Gr. 1-4
Oct. 28-29(Reformation) "How to Be Free" (John
8:31-36) Special Music: 8:00/10:45-Walther League Chorus/Jubilant
Handbell Choir
FROM St. John's Congregation Coordinator for October 2000:
Please let me know how I can help! I am available to
try to help your group or organization with any stumbling blocks
that are preventing you from accomplishing your mission project
goals.
If you would like more information on the activities
listed, or would like help, please contact me at (219) 362-3726,
or e-mail me at stjohnsarc@csinet.net.
More information on St. John's activities is also available
through our St. John's Web Site, at www.STJOHNS-LPIN.org,
under "What's New?" and "Calendar of Events".
Yours in the JOY of the Lord! - Debra Trowbridge
Elementary Youth /Family Events
We have a special four-week event planned for parents and
their children. The event is two hours long and takes place on
one Saturday and one Sunday in the months of October &
November. Each event is sponsored by a different youth
oriented organization at St. John's. All ages are invited, and
the Junior High and Senior High youth will be invited to help as
assistants in the games & activities for the children.
The schedule for each event will be as follows: For
the first fifteen minutes refreshments and an opening
devotion and song with all together in the School Music Room.
For the next hour and a half, the parents will separate to
attend a four-part parenting video series called "Parenting
from the Heart". Discussion among the parents will
follow and the leader will be from one of the youth activities at
St. John's to answer questions.
The children will watch a Bible story based video together
for a half hour, then separate into three groups for games &
activities (Pre-school, Grades Kindergarten to Grade 2, and
Grades 3 to 5). For the last fifteen minutes, all will
come together again for a final song and closing prayer in the
Music Room.
The dates and times of the events will be:
(1) Saturday, October 21, from 9:30am to 11:30am,
sponsored by the Youth Board, and St. John's Lutheran Hour
Ministries group. The special video for children will be
Lutheran Hour Ministries "Puzzle Club Pet-Napping Mystery",
with a Bible lesson theme of "Acceptance".
(2) Sunday, October 29, from 1pm to 3pm,
sponsored by the Sunday School. While parents are attending
their video services and discussion, the children will watch a
video and participate in a "Reformation Day Party".
(3) Sunday, November 12 from 1 to 3pm,
sponsored by the Jr. & Sr. Youth Groups (Activities to be
announced (TBA)).
(4) Saturday, November 18 from 9:30am to 11:30am
sponsored by the Day School (TBA).
If you would like more information, or you are interested in
helping any of these days, please contact the Congregation
Coordinator.
The Youth Board would also like to know if there are
any parents interested in developing a regular Elementary Youth
program for 2001. If you are willing to help with occasional
Elementary Youth events in the future, please contact Julie
Childress at 785-4232 or the Congregation Coordinator.
Junior High Youth
The following events are available for any Junior High age
youth on Sundays at 6pm:
-Sun, Oct 8 - Regular Activities & Devotion
-Sun, Oct 22 - Regular Activities & Devotion
-Sun, Oct 29 - T-N-T (Teen Non-Traditional) Worship Service
(in the Chapel)
-Fri-Sun, Nov 3-4 - "Acquire the Fire" Trip
-Sun, Nov 19 - Regular Activities & Devotion
-Sun, Nov 26 - T-N-T Worship Service (Chapel)
-Sun, Dec. 10 - Regular Activities & Devotion
- Sun, Dec. 31 - T-N-T / NY Overnight Lock-in
If you are interested in helping the Jr. High Youth, contact
Leader Scott Childress at 362-7170.
Thursday Night Adult Bible Study
We are checking to see if there is enough interest to form a
Thursday Night Adult Bible Study with Pastor Schoop. The
Bible Study would begin at 7pm at the School building, and
parents would share costs of a baby-sitter at St. John's during
that time. If you are interested in either the Bible-study or
Bible-study with baby-sitter, contact the Congregation
Coordinator.
