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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 51 June 2002
No. 5
_________________________________________________________________
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From the Pastor & Staff—
The following is a devotion from the book “Each Day with
Jesus” (by Rudolph F. Norden: copyright 1994 by Concordia Publishing House).
It speaks well on what we are going through right now at St. John’s — how to
handle church discipline, forgiveness and love for one another Christ’s way:
How and When of Christian Forgiveness
“If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could
stand? But with You there is forgiveness; therefore You are feared.” - Psalm
130: 3-4
While visiting the United States in 1959, the Russian
Communist leader Nikita Khrushchev said in a speech in San Francisco,
“Christian teaching tells us to be forgiving to others if they understand that
they have trespassed.” For a professed atheist, this was a remarkable
statement! He made a point many of us overlook: only those who recognize
their wrongdoing are to be forgiven.
The word “repentance” covers this point. To repent means to
be contrite & sorrowful for sins committed, and then to trust God’s forgiveness
for the sake of Jesus Christ, who died for sin. God does not throw His love &
forgiveness at people. It goes only to those who own up to their sinfulness
and look to God for help. As God forgives, so we are to forgive those who
trespass against us. None of us wants to hold a grudge; it hurts us more than
the person against whom it is directed. Also, a grudge makes it all but
impossible to obtain God’s forgiveness. That’s why Jesus taught us to pray:
“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
When it comes to forgiving the neighbor—the brother or
sister—a mutual basis ought to exist. Erring brothers or sisters are not apt
to change their ways unless they recognize their errors. To gloss over their
sins by offering them unasked-for forgiveness does not lead to repentance.
Instead, Jesus said, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him
his fault, just between the two of you” (Matt. 18:15). It is not showing love
to smother others with forgiveness when they don’t want it. Khrushchev was
right: Forgive others “if they understand that they have trespassed.” Then, “Be
kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ
God forgave you” (Eph. 4:32).
How wonderful is forgiveness when there is a mutual basis for
it!
From the School Principal …
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
5/28 GR 8 CLASS TRIP TO INDIANA BEACH
5/28 GR 5 DARE GRADUATION - LAPORTE HIGH SCHOOL
AUDITORIUM
5/31 K GRADUATION-7 pm
6/4 SCHOOL IN SESSION
6/5 NO SCHOOL-INSERVICE
6/6 12:30 DISMISSAL-NO BUS...LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
1-4 PM FACULTY MEETING
6/7 9AM-3PM FACULTY MEETING
6/8 8th GR GRADUATION 7:00 SERVICE - RECEPTION
FOLLOWS
6/11 SCHOOL BOARD
6/18 ACCREDITATION MEETING, VALPO
8/8,9 FACULTY SEMINAR “DISCIPLINE WITH PURPOSE”
CURRENT ENROLLMENT: AS OF 5/8/02
PS 10 3rd 16
Pre-K AM 16 4th 18
PK PM 10 5th 11
Kindergarten 10 6th 12
1st 14 7th 10
2nd 19 8th 9
TOTAL 155
SCHOOL NEWS:
St. John’s Lutheran School Board and Parent-Teacher League
have presented two scholarships to graduating seniors from La Porte High
School at the Local Scholarship Award Program. Recipients of the scholarship
must meet the following criteria: be an 8th Grade graduate of St. John’s
Lutheran School, a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, maintain a 3.0 GPA
during high school, and be active in community service and extracurricular
activities. This year’s winners were Chet Mueller and Jake Erne.
Congratulations to these fine students!
Profits from the recent Book Fair allowed teachers to
select $80 worth of books for their classroom libraries. A big thanks to Kim
Ferrell for orchestrating the event this year!
St. John’s sponsored the first Academic Bowl for 4th &
5th grade students. Nine teams of 5 students competed in six categories of
questions:
-2-
Math, Bible, Science, Geography, Sports, and Substance Abuse.
The goals of the competition were to provide an opportunity for students to use
their acquired knowledge in a fun way, to be positively reinforced for working
cooperatively, and to have fellowship with other Christian students.
Winning first place was Trinity Lutheran School of Crown
Point, second place St. Peter Lutheran from North Judson, and third place
Immanuel Lutheran of Valparaiso. The other schools participating were St. Paul’s
Lutheran School in Munster and the host school, St. John’s.
A Quiz Master machine was purchased for this event
through a grant from Support Our Youth and the efforts of Jan Martinsen,
our 4th grade teacher. Our 6th grade teacher Cheryl Hoard helped organize
the event, and competition assistance was provided by Janie Ulmer, Danielle and
Karla Eigenmann, Wayne Wilczewski, Sally Foglesong, Chad Hoard, Lois Krider and
Dave Wippich. Parents donated desserts.
At this year’s annual Math Competition, St. John’s
finished in second place. Individual honors were as follows: Gr 8 Jessica
Shelby, 5th place; Gr 7 Amy Schulz, 4th place; Gr 6 Blaise Fetters, 5th place /
Erin Rissler, 4th place/ Caitlin Wippich, 1st place.
The 8th grade class participated in the Mentor Program
at LPHS. Our students joined high school students to attend class and lunch with
them, and received a building tour. Thanks to Dawn Crum for informing us
about this program!
Once a month St. John’s Lutheran School offers the
opportunity for parents, friends, and congregation members to purchase items
from Market Day. All Market Day profits benefit our Athletic Dept.,
Parent-Teacher League events, and general School Office expenses (like postage,
supplies, and service repairs). From September through April our profits for the
2001-02 school year have totaled $1,760.34.
The faculty of St. John’s Lutheran School has evaluated
textbooks to establish a recommendation for language textbook adoption
for the 2002-2003 school year. A recommendation will be given to the School
Board at their next meeting.
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From the Sunday School Superintendent…
WHAT’S NEW AT SUNDAY SCHOOL…
We’re beginning the climb up FAITH MOUNTAIN! The tour guides
have been preparing, the path has been cleared, and we’re on our way! We’re
EXTREMELY excited about our new EXTREME ADVENTURE!
This faith-building summer session begins Sunday, June 16,
and runs through Sunday, September 8. Children age 3 through 12th grade are
most welcome to join us...you’ll be glad you did!
PLEASE NOTE...Parents: Please bring your children ages
3-6th grade to sing Sunday June 9 at the 10:45 a.m. service. We need all
those little voices to help get out Jesus’ message of love and hope.
In May, our mission focus was on “Lima (beans) for the Lord!”
Since some of our youth will be working in Lima, Peru this summer with Teen
Mania Ministries, we felt led to give them a helping hand. For each quarter that
students brought in, they were given a lima bean to put in our collection jar.
When the jar is filled, they will receive an ice cream party as a “thank you”
for their help! We hope this fun and challenging project will inspire our
children to be life-long supporters of God’s work!
Those with perfect attendance for the month of April were
as follows: Amelia Kessler, Lillie Kessler, Jeremy Berker, Brandon Gropp, Lexie
Adams, Caleb Bublitz, Austin Gropp, Madeline Livinghouse, Brooke Baima, Tyler
Berker, Storm Shortt, Rachel Hill, Susan Feldt, Jenna Marie Kalsow, Alexander
Kelsey, Morgan Livinghouse, Taylor Baima, Emily Barnhart, Zachary Robbins,
Brittney Ryan, Sam Bublitz, Victoria Kelsey, Shane Rogers, Sky Shortt, Paul
Lloyd, Tom Feldt, Kathryn Scherer, Andrew Scherer, Jacob Barnhart, Larry Keller,
Alyssa Rosselli, and Brittany Scherer. Congratulations kids! (and parents!)
We’re so happy that you’ve made Sunday School a priority on Sunday morning! Each
child with perfect attendance received a wooden fish necklace with Jesus printed
on it. Let’s be fishers of men!
Don’t forget...the LaPorte Co. Fair is just around the
corner! We plan to be showing the love of Jesus to every child (and big person)
that stops by our fishing pond. If you would like to help us with this outreach
by volunteering 2 hrs. to man the fishing pond, please call Melody Povlock at
324-3049. (There are chairs available for sitting.) Once again, we will be part
of the Lutheran Laymen League booth. Stop by and see us!
We would like to welcome Tony Neumann to our Sunday School
staff. He is assisting Mrs. Alexander in the first grade. Tony is single and
enjoys Tae Kwondo as a hobby. His favorite restaurant is Redamaks. A Bible verse
that is special to Tony is Genesis 1:1 which reads “In the beginning God created
the heavens and the earth.” Tony has been helping for 5 months and says the
thing he likes best about working with our Sunday School is the kids! Welcome
aboard Tony! May God bless your work with His children.
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From Our Boards & Committees…
(Information for organizations is listed under the Board that
is responsible for their oversight, & through which they would report to the
Church Council & Voter’s Assembly. Other than this oversight, organizations run
independently from boards.)
VOTER’S ASSEMBLY MEETING
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church - May 8, 2002
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Chuck Link, Jr. Mark Jerndt led a
devotion based on Jeremiah 33:1-3.
Minutes from the regular meeting of November 7 and the special meeting of
February 7 were read and approved.
The following new members were presented and taken into voting membership:
Terry Scherer, Dean Ebbott, Ruth Ebbott, Jon Farrell, Dolores Wiltfong, and
Margaret Shelby.
Candidates for the office of School Board were presented by Vice President
Jim Crum. They were: Janie Ulmer, Ricky Shortt, Andrea Back, and Jon Farrell. It
was moved, seconded, and passed that nominations be closed. Leaving the School
Board at this time are Scott Childress and Dave Wisniewski. Janie Ulmer is
running as an incumbent. A ballot vote was taken. Janie Ulmer, Ricky Shortt, and
Jon Farrell were elected. Their term in office will begin in July.
There was no old business.
Pastor’s report
Pastor Koch reported that the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund allowed for his and
others’ attendance at a recent workshop dealing with church development.
He announced names of those transferring into our congregation.
Pastor spoke on the issue of women’s suffrage in the church,
(report attached) emphasizing that the calling of a pastor should always be
unanimous among the voters.
The trustees have asked Pastor Koch to take a special interest in stewardship
planning and he is taking on this challenge. He needs a work force of about 20
people. Members may express their interest in participating on a sign-up sheet.
Fourteen youth were recently confirmed into our church.
Pastor Koch asked that members bring concerns about any issues or
announcements directly to the Pastor or church office to avoid driving wedges in
our fellowship.
Church Council Report
It was moved, seconded, and passed that we accept the following transfers
into our congregation:
Natalie Diane Bloomquist from Luther Memorial Lutheran Church in Gleason,
Wisconsin
Richard and Judy Hollers from The Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Lorenz
in Frankenmuth, MI
Jamie and Danette Michaels and their children Abbie and Jared from St.
John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wanatah, IN
Arlene Woods and Mr. Robert and Jeffrey Riley from Hope Lutheran Church in
Virginia Beach, VA
Mr. Wilbur Ray Stoewer from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Michigan City, IN
A motion was made, seconded, and passed that Mr. Jeff Smith be received as a
member by instruction and Holy Baptism.
The following removals were announced:
Kristin Wrobleski, nee Eidam has been removed by her own request (she is
now a member of a Catholic church)
Larry, Linda, and Jill Nulf have been removed by their own request (they
have joined Countryside Christian Church)
Morris Aplin has been removed by his own request (he has joined Mill Creek
Baptist Church)
A motion was made and seconded to hire Matt Nelson as Director of Music
Ministry at St. John’s to be paid 50% of the base plus years of experience
multiplier, which for this year (2002) would be $11,127.00. During the
discussion a question was raised regarding position and years of experience.
Mark Jerndt commented that the rate is based on comparable salaries form the
area. Matt’s experience multiplier is based on 1 year of experience. The motion
passed unanimously.
A motion was made and seconded to extend a call to Mindy Bremer to teach at
St. John’s Lutheran School at an annual salary of $39,056.01, plus benefits.
A motion was made and seconded to amend the original motion by changing the
salary to $33,383.07. Scott Childress explained that Mrs. Bremer has a
Bachelor’s Degree rather than a Master’s Degree, thus necessitating the change.
The motion to amend was passed. During the discussion, Mr. Wippich assured his
full support of Mrs. Bremer.
The motion passed unanimously.
It was moved that we eliminate from our constitution (page 8) the following
found in Article IV – Membership, Section C. – Voting Membership, Number 3 –
Restrictions, which reads as follows: Women voters cannot exercise the vote in
matters of calling, oversight, and removal of pastors and called teachers or in
matters relating to membership changes such as transfers, Confessions of Faith,
excommunications, or removals from the congregation. This will effectively
grant full voting rights for all people who are approved voters.
**This motion was being presented only, and must be approved at the next
meeting of the Voter’s Assembly, as it is a change in the Constitution.
Scott Childress made a motion that Article V, Section B “Right of Calling” be
added to the original motion. This was seconded and passed.
Treasurer’s Report
The treasurer’s report was given by Jeff Scherer and is attached to these
minutes. The following notes regarding the report were made:
We have under spent the budget in the general operating fund.
The publicity fund is part of the worship expense. It is not a line item
Trustees approve payment of monthly bills and also receive statements of
expenses and monthly reports from boards and committees. They are in the
process of talking to those who have overspent their budget. This has been
neglected because of treasurer reports not having been available during the
recent transition period.
Textron stock was divided and used to purchase Public Storage stock.
By the November meeting, reports will be available through September to aid
in setting the next annual budget
The treasurers were commended for all the work they’ve done
Special Committees Reports
Call Committee
Chuck Link, Jr. reported that information has been sent to Ft. Wayne and we
now must wait to hear back from them.
Building Committee
On the last Thursday of each month informational meetings will continue to be
held. Drawings are completed and ready to go out to bid. A loan application has
been submitted to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. The congregation has
already approved an amount up to $950,000 for this project. We will be borrowing
about $500,000. A special church council meeting and voters’ meeting will be
held when the bids come back.
Members were reminded of an August 11, 1999 motion which stated: The
Voters support from beginning to completion, Project 2000, Phase 1. An
amendment which stated financing be secured for the project before any
expenditures are made for engineering or architectural fees was defeated at that
time.
Phase 1 includes: addition of a welcome center, a 3-stop elevator, 2
handi-
capped accessible restrooms on either side of the main entry, relocation of
the men’s restroom on the lower level, air conditioning for the church nave as
well as new sanctuary lighting, adding a platform at the lower level for
handicapped accessibility, redirecting water runoff from the church roof, and
upgrading the electrical service from 200 to 600 amps.
Pastor Koch expressed his belief that we need to “raise the church, raise the
people, raise the funds.”
It was pointed out that the reason the original motion has not been acted on
until this time is because of the problems with the gym roof that has been
litigated and the problems with the school roof leaking and needing immediate
attention.
Principal’s Report
(moved to this portion of the meeting because of the late arrival of Mr.
Wippich) Mr. Wippich elaborated on items in the written report (attached).
New Business
Eunice Wright made a motion that Charles Link Jr., as president of this
congregation, call a meeting between the Board of Trustees and the Stewardship
Board to review the present budget. That the president of the Board of Elders
and School Board also be in attendance with one other member from their boards
who has management and financial background. We ask the corporate treasurer be
in attendance. Without question Alan Childress should attend this meeting as he
has the knowledge of the present budget for 2002.
The motion was seconded.
Following a discussion, Scott Childress moved to amend the original motion
stating that two representatives from the boards be in attendance at this
meeting rather than the presidents. The motion to amend was seconded and passed.
A motion was made and seconded to table the motion. A standing vote was taken
with 33 voting yes and 31 no. The motion to table was passed.
Communications
It was pointed out that tabled motions from previous meetings need to be
brought up during old business. Tabled motions can be made as new motions.
Minutes, including all motions are printed in the newsletter.
Scott Childress was commended for his service on the School Board.
Matt Nelson was applauded as the Music Director.
A motion to adjourn was seconded and passed.
The meeting was closed with prayer by P. Koch.
Respectfully submitted, Penny
Nelson, Secretary
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CHURCH COUNCIL
CALL COMMITTEE
The Call Committee has sent in the required information to
the Indiana District LCMS. We are awaiting their reply with referrals of Pastors
open to a call before we can continue.
NEXT MEETING
The next regular meeting of the Church Council is scheduled
for Tuesday, July 23, 2002. All boards should have minutes from their
meetings for the second quarter of the year turned into the Church Office by
Monday, July 22. Also, all motions should be in writing and presented to the
chair at the time the motion is made.
FINANCE SECRETARY’S MAY 2002 REPORT
2001 Total Attendance — 3,267
2002 Total Attendance - 2,676
2001 General Fund - $70,002.73
2002 General Fund - 48,000.39
2001 Building Fund—N/A
2002 Building Fund—$1,564.00
2001 Mission Fund— $1,780.00
2002 Mission Fund— 1,636.85
2001 Scholarship Fund - $670.00
2002 Scholarship Fund - $786.00
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ELDERS
MUSIC DEPARTMENT FISH FRY
The Fish Fry was a great success! We served a total of 376 people at the
door and had 105 carry-outs. Total income was $2,846.45, and after expenses
a total of $1,241.37 was put into the Piano Fund. A big thank you to Fish
Fry coordinators Dawn Crum & Paul Tibbs, and all the many people who helped make
it a success!
DEAF MINISTRY
The next worship service that will have an interpreter for
the deaf will be held Saturday, June 8 at 7 p.m.
The next Bible study for the deaf will be held on
Saturday, June 22, at 6 p.m. Both hearing and non-hearing people are invited
to attend. We are currently studying the book of Genesis.
USHERS
We are in need of more ushers for all worship services.
You may choose how often you serve, and training is available. For more
information, contact Ed Brettin 778- 9602 or Jim Peters at 393-3496.
ALTAR GUILD
Are you aware that the flower fund is a special fund used only for the
purchase of flowers for our church for each weekend? We are in need of
sponsors and/or donations. The circles and organizations contribute every
year, which gives us a big boost and takes care of many Sundays. We all thank
them very much. We also have many people that sponsor a vase or two for a
special occasion or remembrance in their lives. We sincerely thank them too.
But, we need to make you aware that this does not cover the whole year.
Therefore there will be times we will not have flowers, for lack of funds.
Won’t you make it a point to make a donation, once in a while, to help with
this church project? Any amount will be appreciated. Just make your check
payable to St. Johns Flower Fund. Thank you!
The Altar Guild is looking for new members. This is another great way
to be involved in your church, and it does not require a lot of time or
meetings. For more information, please contact Judy Schreiber at 362-6390.
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MISSIONS & EVANGELISM
NEW MEMBER POTLUCK
Thank you to all who attended the New Member Potluck. Our new members were
very appreciative and everyone enjoyed great food and conversation. A
special thank you to all the ladies circles; we just could not do this without
your help.
PREGNANCY ASSISTANCE CENTER
Praise the Lord for two babies who will be given life because of
Pregnancy Assistance Center (P.A.C.) efforts! One will be raised by its own
mother who decided against abortion, and the other will be adopted.
P.A.C. needs include: summer maternity clothing, diapers (any size),
rolls of postage stamps, white copy paper, Enfamil powder formula and strollers
(new or used).
DUNELAND LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL
Registration for the 2002-2003 school year is now being accepted. DLHS
will offer classes for freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Families desiring financial assistance should have the necessary forms filled
out by June 30, 2002. If you have a student interested in attending Duneland,
he/she may shadow one of the current students for a day. Arrangements may be
made by contacting Mrs. Laurie Rockensuess, Principal, at 219/874-5103.
The students, faculty, and families enjoyed the end of the year party on
June 1st at Mini Mountain Campground. We thank God for our second successful
year.
DLHS students will be holding car washes during the summer to earn
money for the athletic department and student activities. The first car wash is
June 15 from 9:00-1:00 p.m. at the Michigan City Walmart. July 13 and August 10
are other car wash dates. A yard sale will be held August 3 at Ann Ponders, 107
Leeds Ave., Michigan City. Donations of sale items may be left at the school --
1237 E. Coolspring Ave.
The chemistry wish list includes $1700 for chemicals, $8000 for safety
supplies, $3000 for equipment. Donations may be made to Duneland Lutheran High
School.
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PARISH FELLOWSHIP
ST. JOHN’S SENIORS
The next Senior Potluck will take place on Wednesday, June
19,
at 11:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria. All seniors are
welcome to attend!
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PARISH EDUCATION
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
This year “mosey” on up to the Circle of Friends Ranch
for more fun than you can shake a stick at! That’s right, we’re “headin’ on out”
to the ranch for this summer’s VBS. While discovering five sites on the
ranch, we will learn about Jesus from those who knew Him best, His
friends. See how knowing Jesus changed their lives and can change your life. So,
saddle up, because it’s time to move out! Mark your calendars for July 29 -
August 2, 2002. If you would like to offer your services
for help please contact Susan Rosselli (324-8364) or Michael Lemke
(324-7289) for elementary ages, and Kelly Owens (778-2772) or Brenda
Hall (326-5185) for pre-school ages .
BIBLE STUDY UPDATES
Beginning June 2, a new Bible class called “See Through
the Scriptures” will begin in the school cafeteria Sunday mornings at
9:30 a.m. This program was written by Dr. Harry Wendt, author of the materials
of Crossways International. The focus is on getting to know the Bible’s
message and meaning through a survey of the history and teachings of the Bible.
The cost of materials for this course is $12. Materials will
be provided for those who cannot afford to pay this fee. This course will
continue through August 25th. This course may also be taught at other times,
or other courses may be taught this summer, if there is a request to do so.
For more information, contact Pastor Koch.
Other Bible Study Opportunities:
Sunday at 9:30 a.m. - Children’s Sunday School - Church Basement
Sunday at 6 p.m. - Youth Group Bible Study & Activity - Youth Room
Tuesday at 9 a.m. - “Lutheran Women’s Quarterly” - Ladies
Lounge
Tuesday at 7 p.m. - “Odyssey of St. Paul - Ladies Lounge by
Dorothy
Moellman (through the end of June)
4th Saturday of the month at 6 p.m. - “Genesis” - by
Interpreter for the
Deaf, Rev. Jerry Munz of Indianapolis
If you are not currently in a Bible Study, let us help you
get connected to one! For more details on any of these Bible Studies, contact
the Congregation Coordinator, a Pastor, or Christel Bublitz, chairman of the
Board of Parish Education. by calling 362-3726.
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PUBLIC RELATIONS
BOARD MEMBERS NEEDED
The Board of Public Relations is in need of more board
members. We would like to work on a pictorial directory for this fall/winter
to tie in with Project 2000 and Beyond. We need more members before we can
begin. We have several other public relations projects that we need more people
to help with. If you are interested in more information on what this board
does, please contact chairman Delores Keller, secretary Peggy Droege, or
Nominating Committee chairman, Jim Crum.
NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION
Thanks to you who volunteered to pick up your copy of the
newsletter at Church. They will be available on the counter in the Welcome
Center on the last Sunday of the month or from the church office, and in the
Narthex brochure rack thereafter. Anyone else willing to pick up your Newsletter
and help us save on mailing costs, please sign up on a clip board in the
church Welcome Center or at the church office. Please also give us your
e-mail address if you are interested in receiving the newsletter or other
periodic information by e-mail. If you have any questions or suggestions
regarding the operation of this program, contact Ellie Heidel at 326-1866 or Deb
Trowbridge through the church office.
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STEWARDSHIP
The Board of Stewardship is forming a G.R.O.W. Group -
God’s Riches: Our Work. We believe Christian
stewardship is the free and joyous activity of the child of God and God’s
people, the Church, in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s
purposes. We are looking for members who can be involved on a bi-weekly
basis. If you are interested in learning more, contact Board of Stewardship
chairman, Dwayne Rogers, at 219-362-0412, or leave your name with the church
office at 219-362-3726.
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TRUSTEES
PROJECT 2000 & BEYOND
The next congregational information meeting on “Project 2000
and Beyond” takes place on Thursday, June 27 at 7 p.m. in the church
building. The Board of Trustees will have monthly meetings throughout this
process to keep members informed. If you want to know what is going on and have
input, please attend these meetings!
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Items of Interest…
THANK YOU FROM THE FAMILY OF JIMMY BURKE
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for
the wonderful words of comfort, support and prayers that has truly helped us
during this difficult time. Your love and generosity to the church, youth
group, and Sunday School is not only a tribute to Jimmy, but magnificent praise
to our Lord!
As we move forward with our lives of service to God, please
remember in your prayers our young people who are ministering daily in our
schools,
Sunday Schools, and the community across the nation. They are
spreading the Word, reaching others who do not know our wonderful Lord & Savior.
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A.A.L. SUMMER FESTIVAL (PARKING LOT SALE )
The annual A.A. L. Summer Festival (Parking Lot Sale) will be
held Saturday, June 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rental spaces are $5 each.
To reserve a space, see Imogene Dahl (324-6668) or call the Church Office.
St. John’s Youth will sell Bar-B-Q Chicken at a booth near
the Highway 4 (Monroe Street) entrance. Profits will go toward their summer
mission trip. For more information call Cheri Schuelke at 325-8247, or watch the
bulletins for updates.
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NEWS FROM THE CAMEROON
We received this e-mail from Pastor Agbor Enou Aaron.
He was visiting La Porte, Washington D.C. and other areas to learn more about
AIDS prevention & treatment, and working on ways to get help for his people:
Pastor Koch - Greetings from Washington, D.C. I
arrived safely and am preparing to fly on May 14 to Cameroon by Air France. May
I thank you for your kind help to me since I arrived in La Porte. God bless you
richly...Greet your Assistant Pastor, the Congregation and the Men’s Fellowship.
Tell them to be strong in the Lord and to pray for us in Cameroon. I
shall write when I arrive home. God bless you richly. - Bishop Agbor
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Worship Schedule for June…
Second Sunday After Pentecost - “Intention” - Deut.
11: 18-21, 26-28
Sat, June 1 7 p.m. - Regular Worship Service
Sun, June 2 8 a.m. -Communion Service
10:45 a.m. - Regular Worship Service
Third Sunday After Pentecost - “Inspiration” - Romans
4: 18-25
Sat, June 8 7 p.m. - Communion Service with Interpreter for
the Deaf
Sun, June 9 8 a.m. - Regular Worship
10:45 a.m. - Communion Worship Service (Special Music: Sunday
School Children)
Fourth Sunday After Pentecost - “ Instruction” -
Matthew 9:35 - 10:8
Sat, June 15 7 p.m. - Regular Worship Service
Sun, June 16 8 a.m. - Communion Service
10:45 a.m. - Regular Worship Service
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost - “Involvement” - Matthew
10:24-33
Sat, June 22 7 p.m. - Communion Worship Service
Sun, June 23 8 a.m. - Regular Worship Service
10:45 a.m. - Communion Worship Service -14-
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost -“Knowing Who We Are”-
Romans 6:1b-11
Sat, June 29 7 p.m. - Communion Worship Service
Sun, June 30 8 a.m. - Regular Worship Service
10:45 a.m. - Communion Worship Service
6 p.m. - T-N-T Worship (Teen Non-Traditional)
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Indiana District LCMS News…
Hispanic Ministries, workers and friends are invitied to ENCUENTRO ´02
in Indianapolis, Indiana August 10-13, 2002. Dr.Samuel Solivan,Theology
professor at the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico will speak about
Hispanic leadership development in the US. Lutheran Hour Ministries (Cristo Para
Todas las Naciones) will present an evangelistic tool to reach the growing
Hispanic population ." If you are interested in more information, contact
Debra Trowbridge through the church office.
Indiana District Jr. High Youth Rally northern dates will be Saturday,
September 14 - Sunday, September 15 at Camp Lutherhaven. Theme will be
"This Changes Everything" Ephesians 2:1-10. Cost: $40 per person, includes
housing, meals, and T-shirt. Watch for information to be mailed!
LOOKING FOR HELP in reaching out to your community? The Indiana District
Evangelism Task Force is sponsoring a district-wide conference on Saturday,
September 14, 2002 at Trinity Lutheran Church [8540 E. 16th Street,
Indianapolis] with 8:30 a.m. registration, 9:00 a.m. devotion, concludes at 3:30
p.m. Special guest speaker, President of the LCMS, Dr. Gerald Kieschnick, will
speak on "Personal Evangelism." For more information on the other sectional
topics to be presented, contact the church office. $3 noon luncheon [cash
only] will be offered but there will be no cost involved in the conference
itself. Advanced registration is encouraged by email at nancy.hoffman@in.lcms.org
or 1-800-837-1145, ext 208, or the church office.
INDIANA DISTRICT YOUTH GATHERING - November 8-10, 2002 at The Radisson
Hotel, Indianapolis. The 2002 Theme is: "FOCUS" based on Hebrew 12:1-3. More
information will be sent to the congregations soon!
MODELED STEWARDSHIP LIVING is a seminar that is being arranged by the
Indiana District Stewardship Task Force. The seminar will be held at various
sites this summer and will feature the Rev. Richard Kurth, pastor of Messiah
Lutheran Church at Eagle Creek, Indianapolis. Dates and sites will be selected
by the end of May. Contact the church office to participate.
St. John’s Lutheran Church & School
111 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350
Church—(219) 362-3726 (voice mail) School
(219)362-6692 (voice mail)
FAX—(219) 362-2237 TDD (for hearing impaired) (219)
362-4742
Web site: www.stjohns-lpin.org
General E-mail Box: stjohns@stjohns-lpin.org
Church Staff
Intentional Interim Pastor—Rev. Karl Koch - (574) 876-9848
(cell)
Visitation Pastor—Rev. James Beversdorf - (219) 465-3921
(home)
Congregation Coordinator—Mrs. Debra Trowbridge - (574)
654-7815 (h)
Director of Music Ministry—Mr. Matt Nelson - (219) 362-7317
(home)
Organist—Mrs. Susan Rosselli - (219) 324-8364 (home)
Head Custodian—Mr. Barry Siddall - (219) 325-2956 (pager)
School Staff
School Principal—Mr. David Wippich (219) 362-9288 (home)
Ms. Mary Rooney (Admin. Asst.), Mrs. Rio Light (Daycare/ Pre-school),Mrs.
Karla Eigenmann (Kindergarten), Mrs. Marlene Will (1st Grade), Mrs. Sally
Foglesong (2nd Grade), Mrs. Lois Krider (3rd Grade), Mrs. Jan Martinsen (4th
Grade), Mrs. Jennifer Vant’hof (5th Grade), Mrs. Cheryl Hoard (6th Grade), Mr.
Steve Parry (7th Grade), Miss Julie Stelter (8th Grade).
Congregation Officers & Board Chairmen:
President—Mr. Chuck Link, Jr.—(219) 326-1069
Vice President—Mr. James Crum—(219) 324-2985
Treasurer—Mr. Jeff Scherer—(219) 362-5333
Secretary—Mrs. Penny Nelson—(219) 362-7317
Elders—Mr. Mark Jerndt—(219) 326-1177
Trustees—Mr. Paul Shelby—(219) 369-1363
School Board—Mr. Scott Childress—(219) 362-7170
Missions & Evangelism—Elyse Heidel—(219) 326-1866
Parish Education—Mrs. Christel Bublitz—(219) 325-0831
Parish Fellowship—Mrs. Jeanette Darby—(219) 362-3891
Public Relations—Mrs. Delores Keller - (219) 362-8778
Social Ministry—Mrs. Nancy Winn—(219) 324-9221
Stewardship—Mr. Dwayne Rogers— (219) 362-0412
Youth Board—Mrs. Julie Childress—(219) 785-4232
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