A Newsletter concerning the MISSION & MINISTRY
of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church
________________________________________________________________
VOLUME XLVIII LA PORTE, INDIANA / September, 2000 No.
8
IT'S SEPTEMBER AGAIN!
I know it's hard to believe, but summer is almost over! School
has already begun and it's almost Labor Day, which is always the
traditional end of summer. What did you do with your summer? I
hope you had some time for vacation, especially if you have
children. I know that you took care of all those summer chores-the
lawn, the garden, painting, repairing, etc. Summer can be really
busy. It always goes by quickly.
I also hope that during summer you took time for your Lord.
This summer has not been excessively hot as some past summers
have been-so the church building wasn't really that warm (except
in the Chancel area, of course). Church attendance was actually
somewhat better than in past years. My prayer is that as we come
into the fall, it will improve as more and more of God's people
take time to hear His Word and receive His grace in Communion.
Together, remember, we are the body of Christ. The more parts of
His body that are united together in worship, Word and Sacrament,
the more joy there will be and the more empowered we will all be
for the work He gives us to do!
So start the fall with an earnest prayer for God to fill each
of you with the desire to be active in His worship and work.
Together we can carry out His Great Commission to reach the world
for Him!!
FROM THE VOTERS
The third quarterly Voters' Meeting of St. John's Church met
in the Chapel on Aug. 2. The meeting was called to order by Vice-President
Edward Brettin, Jr. Devotions were given by Pastor Schoop, based
on Exodus. The minutes of the May 14 meeting were read and accepted. Cory Shoffner was
accepted as a new voting member. An election was held for a
replacement School Board member, with two candidates on the slate-Lori
Bagley and Cory Shoffner. (It was announced later that Cory
Shoffner was elected.) There was no Old Business. Pastor Schoop
reported the following membership changes: Removed by their own
request were Mrs. Thomas Hertges, Mrs. Doreen Brettin, Mrs.
Johnnie Darnell, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kegebein, Mr. Reginald
Wise II, Mr. William Sass; transfers were sent for Mr. Dean Hess
to Trinity Luth. Church in Lake Placid, FL and Mr. & Mrs.
James Reed to Mt. Pisgah Luth. Church in Hendersonville, NC;
received by Confession of Faith was Mrs. Rick (Elizabeth) Dekker.
The school principal, who was at a conference, presented a
written report.
The Church Council made the following motions:
1) To approve the rules for the school Cafeteria and Ladies'
Lounge. These rules were accepted.
2) To approve having general donation envelopes in the church
pews. This was approved.
3) To approve the recommendation from the Staff Care Committee
regarding honoring anniversaries for paid staff. After much
discussion, this was approved.
4) To approve the recommendation from the Staff Care Committee
regarding honoring anniversaries for volunteers. After much
discussion, this was also approved.
5) To approve having the decisions of the Voters' Assembly be
kept in a binder in the Church Office for access to everyone.
This was approved.
The Treasurer, Jeffrey Scherer, reported several balance
changes and a deficit in the General Fund of $186,921.32 for 2000.
There was no New Business. There were several announcements:
a) Brett Schuelke will give a talk in the church services Aug.
12-13 about his Missionary Trip to Nepal.
b) There will be a meeting with Lutheran Church Extension Fund
to help St. John's with a Stewardship Program. Any members are
welcome to come on Aug. 29 at 7:00 p.m.
c) There will be a Church Picnic on Aug. 5 at 11:00 a.m. at
Kesling Park.
d) There will be a congregational Work Day on Aug. 19 from 8-12:00
noon to paint the trimwork on the school, continuing into the
next week if needed.
The meeting adjourned and closed with prayer, led by Pastor
Ungrodt, and the singing of the Doxology.
HOLYWORD STUDIOS-
"V.B.S. PRAISE LIST"
All praise and glory to our faithful, Heavenly Father for the
delightful week we all had at Vacation Bible School's "HolyWord
Studios." What an impact God made on the hearts and lives of
the children, teens, and adults alike! Each day was centered
around the fact that God loves us, God cares for us, God protects
us, God saves us, and God is always with us. The following is a
list of praise for prayer that God heard and answered throughout
our preparation and the actual week of V.B.S.
Praise Him For....
+ completely providing for the expenses for V.B.S. through
members and organizations generous donations both monetary and
material.
+ generous donations made by local businesses to offset our
cost for snacks and the rental of the cotton candyand popcorn
machines.
+ the rain that was predicted every day of V.B.S. was held off
to spare our outdoor games and cardboard limo propped outside.
+ providing such an enthusiastic, energetic staff to teach and
guide the children.
+ providing all the behind-the-scenes volunteers for set-up,
clean-up, clerical help, picture-taking, etc.
+ sending us 135 children-59 of which were Preschool/Kindergarten
age.
+ the moms that so willingly stayed to be extra helping hands.
+ the great-grandmother, Bertha Schoof, who jumped right in to
help Diane Wilczewski and Julie Ryan with the fast and furious
pace of the Snack Dept.
+ the smoothness with which every teacher ran their class in
spite of the fire alarm going off from our smoking popcorn
machine-oops!
+ protecting each child.
+ for touching the hearts of children and parents to bring in
over 600 items to assemble 122 relief kits for poverty-stricken
children overseas.
+ the sense of humor of the mom who said, "You know your
child is having fun at V.B.S. when he is sent home in 'stitches.'"
Actually, a steri- strip was able to be used...another praise!!
+ for one new student who made a final decision to sign up for
St. John's Lutheran School after attending our V.B.S.
+ for the eight unchurched families that attended.
+ for the 135 disciples that were made to further the cause of
Christ through awesome V.B.S. music! (Two songs were straight
Bible verses set to music.)
What a privilege it was to obediently serve God for all of us
at HolyWord Studios! Many thanks for your prayers and support!!
Serving Christ Together,
Christel Bublitz
V.B.S. Director
REHEARSALS RESUME
It is almost time for rehearsals to resume for our Walther
League Chorus. If you have the talent for singing and are looking
for a lively, "vocal" group of Christians to spend your
Monday evenings with, then come to our rehearsals from 7-9:00 p.m.
in the school Music Room!
Our first rehearsal is Monday, Aug. 28. You will be amazed how
fast time goes when you're praising God through song with a fun,
dedicated group of fellow Christian singers. Please seek the
Lord's guidance as you consider joining the chorus. Our talented
Director, Bill Burger, would love to talk with you about the
chorus and our exciting Music Ministry Program here at St. John's
Church. He can be reached at 362-5292. We look forward to seeing
you on Aug. 28!!
OUTDOOR SERVICE &
PICNIC
Sunday, Sept. 10, is the date for the annual Outdoor Service
and Picnic at St. John's Church. Sunday School will be held from
9-10:30 a.m. for the children's Talent Show and Rally Day. Adult
Bible Classes will be held at 9:30 a.m. THERE WILL BE NO
8:00 A.M. SERVICE THAT SUNDAY, but there will be a
Communion Service on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 7:00 p.m.
Following the Outdoor Service, there will be a Potluck Picnic
held in the school Cafeteria. Each family is asked to bring a
covered dish or two to share, as well as your own table service.
Barbecues will be provided. The Walther League Chorus will supply
refreshments and the A.A.L.
Branch 317 will supply ice cream cones! Children's games/Adult
activities, including volleyball sponsored by the Youth Group,
will be held after the Picnic.
Some seating will be provided. However, you are welcome to
bring lawn chairs or blankets on which to sit. We urge you to
come with your family and bring your friends to this Praise &
Fellowship Event!!
JESUS VIDEO CONTINUED
The Board of Missions and Evangelism is once again asking you
to share our faith in Jesus via a JESUS video distribution this
year. Can you think of a better way to celebrate the millennium!
Your contributions will be collected in September (no price
increase-$7 per video). You may place your donations (marked
JESUS Video) in the offering plate at church, leave it at the
Church Office, or hand it to a board member. Prayerfully consider
this opportunity to witness. Pray for God's blessing for this
project, too. Distribution will be in October.
We received a handful of responses from our 1999 JESUS Video
Project...individuals were appreciative of the message, wish to
share it with others! One church member will use it in his own
Sunday School! We would love to have many recipients come to
worship with us here at St. John's, but our primary purpose is to
lead people to Jesus wherever they may be. Pray that these video
tapes may continue to find their way into homes and hearts that
need to find Jesus, our Savior and Lord.
SCHOOL NEWS
Call Declined
Mr. David Wippich, our 5th Grade teacher, has
declined a Call from Bethlehem Luth. Church in St. Paul, MN to
teach 7th Grade at East St. Paul Luth. School
Association. We rejoice that the Lord has led Mr. Wippich to
continue his ministry here at St. John's Church/School.
New 7th
Grade Teacher
Mr. Stephen Parry will be our new 7th Grade teacher
beginning this 2000-01 school year. Mr. Parry graduated from
Concordia Univ. in River Forest, IL in 1990 and Western Illinois
Univ. in 1994. He served St. Paul's Luth. School in Fulda, MN as
7th/8th Grade teacher and principal from 1997 until
the present. His interests include music and technology. Steve's
wife, Jennifer, is employed as a pharmacist with Osco's in
Mishawaka. They are the proud parents of a son, Joshua. Please
introduce yourself to the Parry family as we welcome them into
our Church Family!
Technology Plan Phase I
The first phase of our Technology Plan for St. John's School,
is almost in its final stages. Twenty iMac computers, network
cards, two printers, staff development, and estimated wiring
costs will total approximately $27,397.60. A school fundraiser,
undesignated Memorial gifts given to the school, and the A.A.L.
Gift-Matching Program sponsored in December 1999 will cover the
total cost of Phase I in our Technology Plan. Praise God!!
P.T.L.
The Parent Teacher League of our school will sponsor an Ice
Cream Social/Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 27, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
School families and members of the congregation are invited to
attend!
CALLING ALL BELL RINGERS
Our Jubilant Handbell Choir is excited and ready to begin the
fall season of rehearsals and ringing in our worship services!
However, we need a few more handbell ringers to make our choir
complete. If you can read music and would like to try ringing, we
would love to have an instruction session with you and see if you
have a musical talent for handbells. We're sure you'll enjoy
being a part of this fun, dedicated group of bell ringers! For
more information, contact the Church Office (362-3726) as soon as
possible!
WHAT'S NEW AT SUNDAY SCHOOL
We are very excited about our Rally Day "God's Talent
Show" to be held Sunday, Sept. 10, from 9-10:30 a.m. Shine
your light for God's glory! All children and their families are
invited to participate as individuals in the following categories:
Instrumental, Skit(story), Vocal(song), Recitation(poem),
Christian comedy. Come and see what talents god has given us!
RULES: *One entry in one category per person (parents with more
than one child may help with each child or the family may do a
performance together as one entry)...
*Performance should be no longer than 3 minutes.
*Parent should sign and return application sheet by Sept. 3 (forms
available from Mrs. Povlock or on Sunday mornings in the church
basement).
*Decision of the judges is final.
*Material should be Christian material in good taste.
PRIZES: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
prize overall, based on creativity, enthusiasm, and presentation!
Everyone participating in the contest will receive a memento. You
are also invited to St. John's Outdoor Service-the Sunday School
will be singing-and the Church Picnic, both following the Talent
Show.
We thank the Lord most faithful, for bringing all the children
and visitors to Sunday School this summer so faithfully. WOW! We
had prayed to not lose heart if the attendance was low...we never
had to worry about it! Each week we had anywhere from "very
good" to "GREAT" attendance. The following
children had PERFECT attendance: (June) Rachel Alexander, Samuel
Feldt, Brooke Baima, Lindsey Hull, Jenna Marie Kalsow, Alexander
Kelsey, Abbey Lloyd, Mary Elizabeth Lloyd, Kyle Spear, Taylor
Baima, Katrina Games, Brittney Ryan, Matthew Hewitt, Victoria
Kelsey, Andrew Schuelke, Zachary Adams, Lauren Spear, Jacob
Adams; (July) Brooke Baima, Lindsey Hull, Evan King, Abbey Lloyd,
Kyle Spear, Taylor Baima, Marissa King, Brittney Ryan, Nathan
Alexander, Ashley Alexander, Pauly Lloyd, Brittany Scherer,
Andrew Scherer, Kathryn Scherer, Sky Shortt, Colin Spear, Eddie
Hammond(summer visitor). Congratulations to these faithful
children and their families!
The children really seemed to enjoy learning about Joshua and
"digging" into God's Word this summer, finding out each
week how God lovingly, yet sometimes sternly, led His Israelite
children through many trying experiences. We hopefully will
continue "digging" into God's Word on a daily basis now
that we have gotten more familiar with it. The Nursery and
Preschool classes were combined this summer. They learned a lot
about Moses through their "hands on" approach.
FAIR BOOTH UPDATE: This year the Lord blessed Fair Week with
extraordinary, good weather and fabulous attendance! We had over
650 fishermen stop by our booth. A new record! Each received a
reminder (small toy) of Jesus' love. A special thanks to everyone
who manned the booth this year...we couldn't have done it without
you!
L.W.M.L.
In the past, St. John's L.W.M.L. (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) has been able to pay for
the L.W.M.L. Quarterly publication. However, this year the price
has doubled and we are asking for donations to help cover the
cost of this worthwhile reading material. In the fall issue of
the Quarterly, a donation envelope will be included which can be
put in one of the L.W.M.L. boxes located at the church exits or
turned in at the Church Office. We appreciate any assistance you
can give!
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 2:00
p.m. in the school Ladies' Lounge. Our guest speaker will be Dee
Furr. We hope many ladies in the congregation will attend and
bring your friends, too!
UPCOMING TRIPS
Travel with St. John's Seniors on Sept. 21-23 to the "Cranberry
Festival" in Tomah, WI. Two tickets are available at $290
each. Also, we have planned a Day Trip on Oct. 7 to Michigan for
a matinee performance of "Nifty Over Fifty," a song/dance
and comedy offering good, clean humor. Cost is $50 per person.
Our final trip for this year is Nov. 30-Dec. 1 to Peoria, IL for
"Festival of Lights." Price is $195 per person. All
meals, transportation, and entertainment included. For
reservations or more information, call Tour Director, Eunice
Wright (362-7947).
THANKS!
The Pregnancy Assistance Center thanks all who have been
supportive with prayers and donations. At this time, the center
is in need of the following items:
1. Diapers, wipes, other new baby items.
2. Used clothing...baby clothes up to size 4T and maternity
clothing (garage sale leftovers are appreciated).
3. Many clients have older children who need school supplies
which clients can earn through the Care Closet.
4. One client is looking for a triplet stroller.
5. Several clients need full-size blankets.
Please take all donations to the center located at 906
Michigan Ave. or call 324-4646.
ITEMS OF INTEREST
The Activities Committee will have a meeting on Monday, Sept.
11, at 1:15 p.m. in the school Ladies' Lounge. Representatives
from all organizations are encouraged to attend!
The Seniors Group will have a Potluck Lunch/meeting on
Wednesday, Sept. 20, at 11:30 a.m. in the school Cafeteria. We
invite all senior citizens to join us. Please bring a dish to
share and your own table service.
REPORT OF FINANCE SECRETARY FOR AUGUST
1999
Attendance - 1,522
General Fund receipts - $55,319.03
Mission Fund receipts - $ 2,945.75
2000
Attendance - 2,021
General Fund receipts - $57,005.93
Mission Fund receipts - $ 5,617.00
Church Budget Year to Date for 2000:
General Fund (short)...($180,879.23)
Mission Fund (short)...($ 793.22)
SEPTEMBER AT ST. JOHN'S
Sept. 2-3 "Time to Give Up?" (I Kings 19:4-8)
Sept. 9-10 (Outdoor Service-10:45 a.m.- NO 8:00 A.M.
SERVICE)(Sunday School Rally Day-9-10:30 a.m.)"Always
Giving Thanks" (Eph. 5:20) Special Music: 10:45-Sunday
School Children
Sept. 16-17 "How a Marriage Works" (Eph. 5:21-31)
Special Music: 8:00-Walther League Chorus
Sept. 24-25(Time/Talent/Treasures Weekend) "Are You
Prepared?" (Eph. 6:10-20)
FROM THE CONGREGATION COORDINATOR
We have completed Church/ School business
cards (general), maps & Sunday School brochures! If
you could use any of these items, contact me at (219)362-3726, or
stjohnsarc@csinet.net, or through the St. John's Web Site at www.STJOHNS-LPIN.org. Yours in the JOY of the Lord! - Debra
Trowbridge
Duneland Lutheran High School
Praise the Lord! Opening day for Duneland
Lutheran High School was Thursday, August 24, 2000! A big
thank you to all of you who offered prayers and/or monetary
support! We still need your prayers, as we continue the Lord's
work.
The Dedication Service for Duneland Lutheran
High School will be held on Sunday, September 17 at 3P.M. at
Immanuel Lutheran Church, at Coolspring and Woodland Avenue, in
Michigan City. Everyone is invited! A reception will follow
the service. You may meet Board members, faculty and students,
and take a tour of the facilities at that time.
If you wish to learn more about how you can
help in this mission project, contact the Lutheran High
School Association Board chairman, Ruth Radke, at (219) 879-4185
or Principal, Bruce Danfelser, at (219) 872-4419.
Board of Stewardship
The Board of Stewardship will be conducting Time-Talents-Treasurers
Sunday on Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24. A
Time Talents-Treasures inventory sheet is enclosed with the
Newsletter.
Please pray about the gifts and talents the
Lord has given you. Then fill out this form and bring it with you
to Time-Talents-Treasures Sunday. If you will not be in
attendance, you may turn your sheet in to the Congregation
Coordinator or the Church Office.
The information will be compiled and you may
receive a call from the Congregation Coordinator confirming your
interests and time availabilities. Boards, Committees and
Organizations within the church will be notified of your specific
interest, and they will follow-up sometime this fall to let
you know what kinds of activities they have available to make use
of your talents.
Please let us know what times are best for you
to volunteer. The number of commitments you accept once you
have received information from these groups is between you and
the Lord, based on your available time and circumstances. Even
the smallest talent has its place in the Lord's kingdom - you are
all part of the body! If you have any questions, please
contact me.
Lutheran Hour Ministries
If you have supported the Lutheran Laymen's
League (LLL) and it's outreach program, Lutheran Hour Ministries
(LHM), in any way this past year, we want to thank you! It is
because of your help during fiscal 1999-2000, that over one
million people worldwide contacted LHM for free Christian
resources and spiritual support. Over 100,000 individuals were
put in touch with churches in the U.S.A. and worldwide
through the Response Center and the 52 ministry centers around
the world.
Your donations have made a difference
locally at St. John's LHM IN Zone 6 Branch #101 with the Project
Connect rack of information booklets in the Church Narthex and
School Building, and broadcast of "The Lutheran Hour"
on WLOI radio, and "On Main Street" on La Porte TV
Cable Channel #46.
We would like to honor our sponsors &
donors with a Lutheran Hour Ministries Sponsor Appreciation
Dinner on Friday, September 22, 2000 at 6pm in St. John's
cafeteria. Guest speaker at the dinner will be the son of the
first Lutheran Hour speaker, Dr. Walter A. Maier, II.
Other banquets will be held at St. Peter, North
Judson on Saturday, September 23 at 6pm and Concordia, Hammond on
Sunday, September 24 at 3:30pm if you are unable to make Friday's
dinner.
Anyone who has donated to Lutheran Hour
Ministries, or has an interest in learning more about how they
can support Lutheran Hour Ministries is invited to attend.
The dinner is free, provided by Zones 5 & 6 of LHM. A
freewill donation toward our expenses will be received at each
location.
The dinner at St. John's will include baked
chicken, baked potatoes with sour cream, green beans with bacon
& onion, salad, roll and apple slices will be prepared by the
ladies of Circle #8.
If you are interested in attending, please
contact me (your St. John's LHM representative), or fill out the
insert in the bulletin on Sunday, September 17. (That is
Lutheran Media Outreach Sunday.) Return the form in the
collection plate or to the Church Office, so we know how much
food to prepare.
St. John's School Alumni Association
Persons interested in helping with collection
of information to start a St. John's School Alumni Association
are still needed. The list of alumni is progressing, but help
is still needed in tracking down current mail and e-mail
addresses of Alumni so we can send out an informational
newsletter periodically, and start occasional reunions.
If you would like to help with this project or
just have alumni addresses, please let me know. Thanks! - Debra
.
