A Newsletter concerning the MISSION & MINISTRY of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church
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VOLUME XLIX LA PORTE, INDIANA / March 2001 No. 2
LOOK WHAT GOD HAS DONE!
Sometimes we don’t pay attention to what God is doing for us in our lives or in our church. In the past few months, we were reminded that God is working and that He is blessing our congregation in ways which are unexpected.
First, you may remember that we had a hail storm in 2000 which affected many roofs in La Porte. This also affected the roof on our school so that when the rains came, the roof began to leak. We knew that in a minimum of five years we were probably going to have to replace that roof at a cost of over $200,000.00 The trustees were already putting together plans as to how to raise the money to do this necessary work. Then came the Lord’s hail. As a result, the insurance company has paid for a new roof and for painting the ceilings throughout the building. The Lord in action!
Then, we also knew that the school’s heating system needed upgrading. Part of that process would be updating or replacing the boilers in the school. Then Weil-McLain offered us a new boiler in exchange for one of the old ones which they wanted for testing purposes. Again, the Lord at work!
Other examples could also be given as to how God has blessed us without our knowing it or acknowledging it. Is it any wonder that we stand in awe of our God and His constant blessings. How much He cares for us even though we are sometimes selfish and uncaring toward Him. Thanks be to
God for His love and care!!
FROM THE VOTERS
A special Voters’ Meeting was held on Feb. 7 in the school Cafeteria. The meeting was opened by President Bill Trowbridge at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Schoop offered the opening prayer. Since this was a special meeting, no reports or minutes were given. The following membership changes were reported by Pastor Schoop:
Transfers were sent for Mr. & Mrs. Michael Flaugher and Mike to Immanuel Luth. Church in Youngstown, OH; removed at their own request were Mr. & Mrs. Robert Pavey; Mr. & Mrs. Richard Garrison and David Garrison were reinstated; received by Confession of Faith were Mrs. Cornelia Brokaw and Mrs. Ruby Stephenson; and transfers were received for Mr. & Mrs. Chris(Tracy) Fronk from Immanuel Luth. Church in Michigan City.
The Church Council made the following motions:
1) To amend Article VI, Section B, Part 9 to change the membership on the Board of Public Relations from 3 to 6 adult members. This was seconded and approved.
2) To amend Article VI, Section B, part 10 to change the membership on the Youth Board from 3 to 6 adult members. This was seconded and approved.
3) To nominate Dr. Alvin Barry as President of the Missouri Synod and the Rev. Daniel Preus as First Vice- President. This was seconded and approved.
4) To raise the Education Fee paid by all students at St. John’s School to $450 for the 2001-02 school year. This was seconded and approved.
5) To discontinue the one half tuition for other Lutheran students in our school. This was seconded and approved.
Pastor Schoop then discussed some matters concerning his Call to Calvary Luth. Church in Sioux City, IA. Following the discussion, President Trowbridge gave the voters some insight into the workings of the voters and the proper way to voice concerns. The meeting adjourned at 7:21 p.m. and was closed with prayer led by Pastor Ungrodt.
PASTOR SCHOOP’S CALL
Pastor Schoop has received a Call to be Senior Pastor at Calvary Luth. Church in Sioux City, IA. He went out there for the weekend of Feb. 9-11 to talk with the people and hear their plans for ministry. Please keep him and Annelie in your prayers during this time of decision.
WALTHER LEAGUE CHORUS ON TV
Yes, you read it right! Our very own Walther League Chorus was invited to tape an appearance on the Public Television station WNIT "Open Studio" program in Elkhart, IN, on Feb. 10. They will be a part of the "In Harmony" section of the broadcast (shown in the last hour of the program) to be aired on Sunday, Mar. 11, from 12-3:00 p.m. on cable channel 61 and regular TV channel 34. The program that day will be featuring La Porte County. This was a wonderful opportunity to spread God’s Word in music throughout northern Indiana! Be sure to set your VCR–you won’t want to miss this broadcast!! Item of Interest: While the chorus was waiting to tape their portion of the program, the musical band appearing before them included Jeanette Darby’s son, Grant, playing the drums. Watch for him, too!
TRUST IN THE LORD–
HE WORKS IT OUT!
In early January, Mary Ann Scholz informed me she was planning to retire from her organist and accompanist duties at St. John’s Church as of June 30, 2001. Her reason for retiring is that the stress is adding to her health problems. She has been church organist and accompanist for the Walther League Chorus for 28 years!
The same week Mary Ann talked to me, Mrs. Susan Rosselli called the Church Office asking if we needed an organist/choir director. Upon receiving her resume, interviewing her, and hearing her play I knew she would certainly qualify to replace Mary Ann. Susan has a Master’s Degree in Piano and a BA in Music Education. Her resume includes organist at several Lutheran churches, voice training, vocal coaching, and experience as an accompanist for choirs, ballet companies, and theatre. I presented her name to the Church Council and they approved hiring her as organist and accompanist.
I will continue to play the organ on a regular basis as in the past.
Since we have several months before she is "on board full time," we are using this time for her to become familiar with our worship services and accompanying the chorus. The Lord has blessed us with another very talented Christian lady. When you trust in the Lord, He works it out!!
More information will be forthcoming on Mary Ann’s Retirement Celebration. We are very grateful for the many years of faithful service to the Lord through her music ministry at St. John’s Church/School. She has touched many lives with her music!!
William R. Burger
Director of Music
DUNELAND LUTH. HIGH SCHOOL
Duneland Lutheran High School is taking registration for its second school year. Praise the Lord!! Duneland offers a college preparatory curriculum for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Classes meet at Immanuel Luth. Church in Michigan City. Contact the Principal, Mr. Bruce Danfelser (219-872-4419), Ruth Radke, or Debra Trowbridge for more information.
WHAT’S NEW AT SUNDAY SCHOOL
This month is "Let’s Go Fishin’ Month." Since this is such a popular topic and one worth repeating...let’s go fishin’!
Each time a child brings a visitor to Sunday School, we’ll let the fisherman and the "fish" go fishing in our candy fish bowl. The fisherman who catches (brings to Sunday School) the most fish will receive a special prize! Let’s all try our best to be good fishermen for Jesus! There’s a whole "school" of fish out there that are just waiting to be caught! And He said unto them, "Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men." (Matt. 4:19)
Our special guest during "Have a Heart for the Voice of the Martyrs" month was Mr. Robert Brock from Bremen, IN. He gave an interesting presentation to our Sunday School and Pastor Schoop’s Sunday Bible Class. We saw some very sad pictures of boys and girls who were burned out of their homes and persecuted in other ways, due to their faith in Jesus. How thankful we should be that even though we may be teased for believing in Jesus, we have never had to experience the terrible consequences that the people in the Sudan have faced. Mr. Brock brought along a "life pack" which was really a large bucket with a lid. Inside were various items including some cups, bowls, a pan and other very basic necessities. These packs are given to the refugees. As of this writing, we do not know how much money was collected. A report will be given in the church bulletin. Thanks to all who gave from their heart! All of the money collected, along with our entire month’s offerings and door offerings, was sent directly to the Voice of the Martyrs mission! We also collected blankets for the Blankets of Love program sponsored by V.O.M.
Perfect attendance for January went to: Caleb Bublitz, Ashlynn Smith, Rachel Alexander, Brooke Baima, Storm Shortt, Jenna Marie Kalsow, Alexander Kelsey, Taylor Baima, Emily Barnhart, Zachary Robbins, Jordan Smith, Sam Bublitz, Victoria Kelsey, Andrew Schuelke, Sky Shortt, Kathryn Scherer, Steven Smith, Nathan Alexander, Jacob Barnhart, Andrew Scherer, Gus Radke, Brittany Scherer, and Aubrey Barnhart. These faithful students received Jesus Loves Me kickballs. Congratulations!
Staff Spotlight...
This month we are featuring Miss Ashley Snyder who teaches our Nursery Class and her sister, Miss Libby Snyder, who assists her.
Ashley - Miss Snyder is single and enjoys her hobbies which include riding her horse and working at Mancinos. Her favorite restaurants are Olive Garden and Hacienda. A Bible verse that is special to her is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." Ashley has been working with our Sunday School for six years and says the best part about Sunday School is "working with all the little children."
Libby - Miss Snyder is also single and very busy! Her hobbies include LPHS poms, horses, and working at the Maple City Animal Hospital. Her favorite food is lasagna. I Corinthians 13:4-7 is her special Bible verse, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." Libby has been active with our Sunday School for the last five years. She feels the best part of working with Sunday School is "all the friendly faces and working with such wonderful kids!"
We are so glad to have these young ladies working for Jesus by teaching His little ones...thanks Ashley and Libby!!
Thanks to Mrs. Julie Ryan for her work in the Craft Corner in February. The children made pretty Valentine gifts under her direction.
GOOD NEWS ABOUT FOOD
Preceding each of the Lenten Services on Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28, and Apr. 4, the Youth Group will serve a supper in the school Cafeteria. The suppers will begin at 5:30 p.m and end at 6:30 p.m. The tentative menu plan is:
Mar. 7 - Spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, cake
Mar. 14 - Pizza, salad, cookies...$1 per slice of pizza, 50 cents for bowl of self-serve salad
Mar. 21 - Lasagna, garlic bread, salad, cake
Mar. 28 - Pizza, salad, cookies...$1 per
slice of pizza, 50 cents for bowl of self-serve salad
Apr. 4 - Ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, applesauce, cake
The proceeds from these suppers will help with the Youth Mission Trip this summer.
When cost not specified, freewill donations will be accepted.
SCHOOL NEWS
District Spelling Bee
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District Spelling Bee on Feb. 22 at Kesling
Middle School. The top three spellers from each grade division at St. John’s were: Josh Douglas, Noelle Wallin, Emily Krentz, Amy Schulz, Blaise Fetters, Lindsey Zeller, David Tucker, Skyler Tucker, and Stephanie Kalsow. The alternates were Zachary Ulmer, Katie Mannia, and Amanda Martinez.
Open House
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House will be held on Thursday, Mar. 15, at 7:00 p.m. in the school Cafeteria. This meeting will be for parents of children who will be enrolling in our Kindergarten and Preschool programs for the 2000-01school year.
Replacement Needed
We are looking for a replacement for Mrs. Dawn Crum as our Market Day Fundraiser Coordinator beginning the 2001-02 school year.
If interested in coordinating this monthly program that funds our P.T.L., Athletic Program, and general office expenses, contact the School Office (362-6692).
Enrollment Information
The school will mail home enrollment information for the 2001-02 school year the first week in March. Information will be sent to all families who currently have children attending our school. If your child does not presently attend St. John’s but you would like enrollment information, please contact the School Office.
National Luth. Schools Week
N.L.S.W. will be celebrated Sunday, Mar. 4, through Friday, Mar. 10, at St. John’s School along with Lutheran schools nation-wide. Thousands of children, families, teachers, and congregations will be celebrating the love of God demonstrated through the blessings of Lutheran schools. The theme for the week is Lutheran schools "Shine Like Stars–Through Loving!"
Playground Fundraiser
The School Board and La Porte County Lutheran Brotherhood Branch 8313 will sponsor a Playground Fundraiser of Nelson’s Port-a-Pit Chicken on Sunday, Mar. 4, from 11:30-2:30 p.m. in the church parking lot. Pre-sale tickets are $3.75 per half chicken–price increases to $4.00 the day of sale. For ticket information, contact Annette Williams (326-8017).
REPORT OF FINANCE SECRETARY FOR JANUARY
2000 2001
Attendance - 1,989 Attendance - 1,833
General Fund receipts - $64,918.78 General Fund receipts - $39,982.80
Mission Fund receipts - $ 2,241.00 Mission Fund receipts - $ 4,868.00
Church Budget Year to Date for 2001:
General Fund (short)...($27,869.09)
Mission Fund (short)... $ 3,329.52
MARCH AT ST. JOHN'S
Mar. 3-4 "The Source of Our Love" (I John 4:17-21)
Special Music: 7:00/8:00-Matt Nelson 10:45: Day School–National Luth. Schools Week
Mar. 7(Lent) "Satan Wants Jesus to Die" (Matthew 4:1-11)
Special Music: David Wippich
Mar. 10-11 "Stand Firm in the Lord" (Philippians 3:17-4:1)
Special Music: 7:00/8:00-Jeanette Darby 10:45-Walther League Chorus
Mar. 14(Lent) "Barabbas Wants Jesus to Die" (Mark 15:6-15)
Special Music: Gr. 1-4
Mar. 17-18 "The Call" (Exodus 3:1-8a,10-15)
Special Music: 7:00/10:45-Renny Rutz/Mary Felts 8:00-School Chorus/Jubilant Handbells
Mar. 21(Lent) "The High Priest Wants Jesus to Die" (John 18:12-14)
Special Music: Kathy Page
Mar. 24-25(Prayer & Praise) "The Prodigal Father" (Luke 15:1-3,11-32)
Special Music: All Services-Mixed Quartet 10:45-Walther League Chorus
Mar. 28(Lent) "Pilate Wants Jesus to Die" (John 19:10-16)
Special Music: School Chorus
NEWS FROM OUR BOARDS/GROUPS:
Missions & Evangelism
a. Received following message from one of our Missions churches.
"Dear Members, Just a quick note at this time to say thank you for the continued blessings from St. John’s. On Jan. 24, we received four adults by Adult Confirmation. All these children of God were not attending any church. We rejoice that God has called them into active fellowship with our Lord Jesus! Yours in Christ, Deacon
Wayne M. Pask, Crown of Life Ev. Lutheran Church, Frankfort, IN"
We are making a difference! Please continue to support our Missions with a glad and caring heart!
b. The Pregnancy Assistance Center (PAC) is currently looking for a part-time Office Manager. Salary is based on 15 hours per week. Candidate must be pro-life and willing to work with clients and volunteers. Knowledge of Windows 98, Excel, and Word helpful. For application, call 324-4646. Also, the center needs diapers, book shelves, VCR(new or used), hampers, maternity clothes. Items may be left in the box at the Welcome Center in the church Narthex.
L.W.M.L.
a. The Bake Sale was a success. We will be able to donate $20 to the Vacation Bible School program.
b. Our next meeting is Wednesday, Mar. 21, at 2:00 p.m. in the school Ladies’ Lounge.
Newspaper Stuffers Committee
a. Due to Lola Tarnow’s illness, Karen Piper will oversee the committee. To volunteer, call 362-8070.
b. Last year we earned $12,970 which was divided as follows:
$8,870-General Fund, $3,000-Missions, $700-Johnson & Schuelke Mission Trips, $200- School, $100-Vacation Bible School, $100-Banner material.
c. We stuff every Monday at 6:00 a.m. You may also come at 7-7:30 a.m. We can have unlimited number of helpers on Mondays. On Saturdays we are limited to 14 people. We start at 11:00 a.m. until approx. 1:00 p.m. Our next Saturdays are Mar. 11 & 24. Due to sickness, vacations, and other things we always need help. Please come if you can help!
