· Drop in attendance. If we look at
these numbers from a year ago, our pews have seen 2692 less. If these
individuals averaged $100.00 per year in giving, we would have collected an
additional $269,200.00. Thus, I would not need to address this problem.
· Holding back on contributions. I’ve
been told that there is a group of individuals in the congregation who are
not happy the way the congregation is being run by their elected officials
or the staff. If this is true, I feel very sorry for those individuals who
want to use their monetary contributions to hurt or cripple our efforts at
St. Johns. One day, we all will have to answer for our actions while on this
earth. God has commanded us to go out and spread the Gospel, to worship Him
regularly, to bring the little children to Him teaching the Law and the
Gospel. However, to be successful with what He expects from us, we need to
support our synodically trained staff along with the facilities and supplies
needed to help this cause. Would you not agree that we exist because of
God’s Great Commission?
· Stewardship at an all time low.
Stewardship covers three areas, time, talent and treasures. At one time,
volunteers handled several support positions in the church. People have
stopped coming forward to give of their
time for the work of the church.
Thus, to continue at our present level of operations we have been forced
to compensate others by placing them on the payroll. Also in the past,
we have had individuals donate their special skills or craftsmanship to
help repair or improve our facilities or properties. However, we are
starting to find this help to be few and far between. Thus, it costs us
to seek outside help.
· Lack of commitment. Many
families have used our day school. I’m very confident when I say that
many were not able to contribute to what it actually cost for their
child’s education and also their support of the church at the same time.
It has been customary in the past for families, whose children have
graduated from St. Johns, to continue their financial support as others
had done for them. However, we are finding families leaving with the
child out the back door never to be seen again unless they need the
church for their convenience such as a wedding or a funeral.
· Rising cost. The financial
operation of the church and school have the same problems you experience
in your financial life. Everything has a price. Energy costs have risen
along with other utilities. Keeping a quality staff and attempting to
fairly compensate them has come with a price. Our aging facilities are
starting to catch up with us. We have inherited fairly new facilities,
however, things do not stay new forever. To walk into a building that is
dry and comfortable or attempt to read with adequate lighting or to have
an adequate place to assemble comes with a price.
So what is some of the solutions? Let
me list some that I have heard by many of our members.
· Close the school. What an easy
solution. Anyone can look at the budget and see the school uses up much
of our financial resources. Or maybe we can eliminate the top three
grades, for the numbers of students are low at this time. But can we
justify this reasoning biblically? Can we find in the scriptures a
passage or verse that would give us comfort, as this congregation would
make such a decision? If on the day or night when this congregation
would pass such a motion at a Voters’ Assembly meeting, and by chance
Jesus Christ himself would appear before us, could any of us stand up to
him and explain our actions as a congregation? This is one time I do not
cherish or want to be the spokesperson for this congregation. And I
think we should take a long look at our past, the history of this
congregation. Our ancestors have given us what we have today. Back in
1857, the founding members felt it was important to open a school at the
same time the church was organized. By 1890, school enrollment grew to
327. They must have been doing something right! So why can’t we….
today’s congregation. Would it not be a major disappointment to those
who have gone before us, if we decided not to support this 145-year-old
mission?
· Cut back on expenses. At this
time a committee consisting of representatives from the elders, school
board, trustees, stewardship, the treasurer, the vice president and
myself have spent the last few weeks addressing this problem. Many long
hours have been spent trying to keep this congregation financially
solvent. This has been made extremely difficult due to the declining
contributions. -2-
· Filling the administrative
pastor position. As I have been reporting, the Call Committee is
aggressively interviewing candidates. As of this coming Wednesday, we
will have interviewed six candidates. Five of these have occurred in a
week’s time period. We are hoping to present a slate of names to the
Church Council before Thanksgiving.
· Trim the roster. We have been
carrying inactive members for years. Some have left the area with no
forwarding address; others have drifted away with no concern about their
spiritual health. We are not doing these people any favors by keeping
their names on the books. Printing annual envelopes which many do not
pick up, and mailing materials to people who have no interest in reading
them costs the church money. Many of these members want the church here
for their convenience but want to do little or nothing to help support
it.
· Volunteering of your time. This
congregation needs its members to step up and take their turn serving.
Many times we have to call on the same people who have been gracious
with their time because many want to step back and not be
inconvenienced. Many members do not want to give up an evening or so, to
help keep this congregation operating. Because of these attitudes,
others have to pick up the slack and give up more of their time. Were
you aware that it takes over 160 members to fill the volunteering
positions on the 2002 officers, boards and committees? This does not
include the additional people needed to usher, ladies alter guild and
other circles whose main drive is to make the mission at St. John’s
happen. Why not help to solve the problem instead of being part of the
problem.
· A congregation with a sincere,
positive attitude and direction. This congregation is capable of doing
anything it puts its mind to. A good example was be raising the needed
funds to repair the organ. We need this positive attitude to turn this
congregation around and back on track.
· To the men of the congregation.
It is time to step up and do your part! You have a responsibility in
this congregation to be elders of the church. Only you can serve in this
capacity. It is sad to see eight positions which could not be filled. It
is your responsibility to be the spiritual leaders and disciplinarians
of the congregation. There are other positions you could fill.
If we do not see a dramatic increase
in weekly contributions, I fear major cuts in our services will take place.
If history repeats itself, once we cut back we will be hard pressed to get
them back. Remember, at one time we had three pastors and we’ve supported
vicars in the past, too. When these vacancies occur, we will need volunteer
help to maintain the current services we all take for granted.
History will judge this congregation’s
performance and how well we handle this crisis. Many times people will look
at their leader and judge his or her successes or failures at a time like we
are experiencing. As your elected president, I’m only as good as the people
who surround me. Granted, I have boards and the Church Council, but YOU are
the ones who I look up to for help. If I do not receive your immediate help
in the areas I have mentioned, then I, too, will be come frustrated and
discouraged. This will make my job extremely difficult and that should not
be the case.
I bring these major problems before you because we
need to address then immediately. I am pleading with you to give this your
undivided attention, thoughts and prayers. We need your help. Remember, this
is our congregation and our very gracious Father has given everything we
have to us. He expects us to continue His work in La Porte and to pass the
torch on to the next generation.
In closing I would like to use Luke 12:48(b), “From
everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one
who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
***************************
From The Worship Committee…
November Worship
Service Information:
(All sermons by Rev. Karl Koch unless otherwise noted.)
All Saints Day - “When We Forget God” - Haggai
1:1-11
Sat, Nov. 2 - Blended Worship Service - 7 pm
Sun, Nov. 3 - Traditional Worship Service - 8 am -
Communion
(Music by Walther League Chorus)
- Modern Worship Service - 10:45 am - in Church
(Music led by the St. John’s Praise Team)
(Special Music by Christus Chorus)
Third-Last Sunday in the Church Year —
“Preparing for
the Lord’s Return” - 1
Thessalonians 3:11-13
Sat, Nov. 9 - Blended Worship Service - 7 pm -
Communion
Sun, Nov. 10 - Traditional Worship Service - 8 am
- Modern Worship Service - 10:45 am - Communion
(Music led by the St. John’s Praise Team) - in Church
- Handicapped Accessible Service - 2:30 pm - Communion
Second-Last Sunday in the Church Year -
“Power for the
Day of Judgment” - 1
Thessalonians 1:3-10
Sat, Nov. 16—Blended Worship Service - 7 pm -
Sun, Nov. 17 - Traditional Worship Service - 8 am -
Communion
(Music by Walther League Chorus)
- Modern Worship Service - 10:45 am - in Church
(Music led by the St. John’s Praise Team)
Sunday of the Fulfillment - “What is God’s Goal in All
This?” - Isaiah 65:17-28
Sat., Nov. 23—Blended Worship Service - 7 pm -
Communion
Sun, Nov. 24—Traditional Worship Service - 8 am
- Modern Worship Service - 10:45 am - Communion
(Music led by the St. John’s Praise Team) - in Church
Thanksgiving Worship Service
Wed., Nov. 27—Thanksgiving Worship - 7 pm (Rev. Karl
Koch)
(Music by Walther League Chorus)
Thurs, Nov. 28—Thanksgiving Worship - 9 am (Guest
preacher)
***************************
From the School Principal…
CALENDAR ITEMS:
11/1 Movie party for box top kids, perfect school and
perfect church and honor students in grd 5-8
Fish fry in evening
11/11 Veterans day at Civic 9:30
11/16 YMCA family swim 5-7:00
11/18 Book fair begins
11/19 Gr 4-6 to Chicago Science Museum
11/25 Book fair ends
12/18 School Christmas program 7:00 pm
12/19 Craft fair date
SCHOOL NEWS:
1. Smart ADM fees $1,260.00
Full Tuition $17,075.00
Ed Fee Member $19,731.30
PS/PK $8,170.00
Total $46,236.30
Last Year $42,052.00
2. Current enrollment at of 10/16/02
is 160 PS through GR 8. At this time last year the enrollment was 158.
3. Innisbrook fund-raiser coordinated by Jean King and
her daughter Mary Fetters brought in over $4000 of profits. These profits
are designated for the Art, Music, and technology funds. The top five
sellers: Kali Light, Racheal Alexander, Kent Whorwell, Melany Gotsis and
Austin Gropp will go out to breakfast with the principal. The top selling
classroom is grade 7. They will receive two pizza parties for top sell and
participation. Any student selling 15 items or more will receive an ice
cream treat.
We are participating in Pizza Hut fund-raiser program
which garners
20% from proceeds on designated
evenings. The next two nights will be 11/19 & 12/17. This program will be
run year round as a perpetual income source for our every other year 7th
and 8th grade spring excursion.
5. Thank you to all volunteers who
helped renovate the playground and rejuvenate the front of the school. Your
selfless contributions of Time, talents and treasures are appreciated.
Special thanks to Annette Williams for organizing the playground day and to
Lori Foglesong for organizing the school beautification project.
6. Please send box tops with your
child or grandchild or bring them to the school office. These box top
coupons pertain to General Mills products. These coupons are worth 10 cents
each. Our goal is to collect 2000 during the kick off period. We appreciate
your contributions. The top participating classroom will receive a movie day
on Nov 1.
7. Grds 4-8 will attend the Veteran’s
day service 11/11 at the Civic at 9:30
8. Proceeds from the Student Council
sponsored Bowl-a-Thon were $530.00 sent to the Life Care Center in Michigan
City to help purchase a lift van.
9. Continue to pray for Mrs. Hoard and
her husband Chad during her pregnancy disability. She is in Good spirits and
is waiting patiently.
DEVOTIONS:
The faculty is currently reading in
Exodus during devotions. We plan to work through the Bible from the
beginning to the end. Question of the week from Exodus 30-31...What was the
purpose of the Sabbath? The Sabbath, the seventh day of each week, was
observed as a day of rest. It was a gift from God. The Sabbath looked back
to the beginning of the world as God rested after finishing His work of
creation. Jesus is the one who invited us into the Sabbath-rest He Himself
has prepared by His own death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our
sins. We rest in Him, confident that He has made us His own Holy people.
Righteousness is God’s gift to us.
***************************
From the Director of Music Ministries…
ORGAN REPAIR FUND
Many thank to all of you who came
through with donations for the pipe organ! We now have enough money raised
to do all the needed repairs to the organ. If you would like more
information on the repair project, contact Director of Music Ministries,
Matt Nelson, at 219-362-7317.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The Walther League Chorus Annual
Christmas Concert at the La Porte Civic Auditorium will be held on
Sunday, December 8th at 4 p.m.. Tickets are now on sale through the
Church Office, Walther League Chorus members, School Chorus members,
Fenker’s Furniture, the New Covenant and Temple News Agency.
Concert conductor is Mr. Matthew
Nelson, accompanied by pianist, Mrs. Susan Rosselli. Featured choral
groups will be the Walther League Chorus, directed by Mr. Matthew
Nelson, the School’s Christus Chorus (Grades 5-8), directed by Mrs. Susan
Rosselli, and the School’s King’s Kids Chorus (Grades 1-4), directed by Mrs.
Sally Foglesong.
Tickets are $4 adults, $3 Seniors and
$2 for students. Children under 2 years are free. Tickets are $1.00 more at
the door. Participants will be given “participant tickets” to get into the
Auditorium - everyone must have a ticket to get in this year.
The theme this year is “The Three
Trees”, and will focus on the Gospel message. For more information, call the
Church Office at 219-362-3726.
***************************
From Our Boards & Committees…
VOTER’S ASSEMBLY
NEXT VOTER’S MEETING
The next regular meeting of the
Voter’s Assembly will be Wednesday, November 6, at 7 p.m. in the School
Cafeteria. Any confirmed St. John’s members who are over the age of 18
years who wish to be a voting member, should read the Constitution and
By-Laws and attend this meeting to become a voting member. All voting
members should be in attendance at this important meeting.
CHURCH COUNCIL
MOTIONS APPROVED
The Church Council approved the
following people for Board positions currently open:
Elders-Dean
Ebbott, Len Gonzales, Barry Siddall, Dave Surma, Nolan Presley
Parish Education
- Don Cooley
Parish Fellowship - Dawn
Crum
Youth Board
- Dana Alexander, Dave Looney
Positions that will take effect as of
January 1st:
Social Ministry
- Sherrill Lee, Kathy Page
Positions that must be elected in at
the Nov. 6th Voter’s meeting:
Trustees
- Scott Tharp, Dave Snyder, Matt Schuster, Walter
Kegebein
Here are some of the major motions
that will be going before the Voters at their meeting on Wednesday, November
6th:
A motion to increase the School
Education Fee by $50.00 ($450 to $500) for the 2003-2004 School Year.
A motion to increase the
Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten fee by $25.00 per year.
A motion to hold
Contemporary Services in the Church at all 10:45 a.m. services on a
permanent basis, or until such time as we have the resources to do 2
services (one in the church & one in the gym.)
A motion to remove two pews
from the front of the church on the lectern side to make room for Praise
Team Instruments and equipment for the 10:45 a.m. Worship service.
(5) A motion to form a special fund
for preventative maintenance of the church organ.
(6) A motion to approve a spending
plan that includes:
eliminating the position of
Congregation Coordinator and one part-time maintenance position,
cuts Synod support by $10,000 (but allows monthly offerings), cuts
property maintenance by $18,000, removes all board budgets except for
Church advertising, removes Pastor’s Discretionary fund, increases staff
benefits & increases utilities and insurance, increases our special
ministries (Deaf, Hispanic, Lutheran Hour), decreases staff car
reimbursement & conference expenses & increases Bible Studies materials
budget.
*************************
FINANCE SECRETARIES
FINANCE SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER:
(The higher numbers are in bold,
showing giving is up in 2002)
2001 Total Attendance - 2,626
2002 Total Attendance - 2,014
2001 General Fund-$41,785.54 2002 General
Fund-$44,932.97
2001 Building Fund—N/A 2002 Building Fund—$1,348.00
2001 Mission Fund - $301.00 2002 Mission Fund—$115.00
2001 Scholarship Fd-$1,451.00 2002 Scholarship Fd-$1,467.30
***************************
CALL COMMITTEE
GUEST PASTOR CANDIDATE
The Call committee has been
interviewing many candidates in the last month. One of the candidates the
Call Committee is considering will be the guest preacher on Sunday, November
17 at the 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services. Watch the bulletin for more
information.
*************************
STAFF CARE COMMITTEE
THANKS-GIVING CELEBRATION
We, the Staff Care Committee are inviting everyone who is
currently or has ever volunteered for anything at St. John’s to come and be
honored by your fellow Church Family for all of your hard work and
dedication to our Church and School. We will be gathering in the
Cafeteria on Sunday, November 10th from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for fellowship
and refreshments. Won’t you join us and please wear your name tag? (We
will have paper ones on hand.)
Make no mistake, we give God all the glory and honor
for you and your service, but we also sincerely thank each and every one
of you for giving of your time and talents to our Church and School. Our
gracious Lord has richly blessed this congregation with so many willing
workers!
In His Love, Staff Care Committee
*************************
ELDERS
HEARING IMPAIRED MINISTRY
St. John’s offers worship and Bible study for Hearing
Impaired members of our congregation and the surrounding communities. On the
2nd Saturday of each month we have a CITI (Church Interpreter
Training Institute at Ft. Wayne Seminary) certified Interpreter for the Deaf
signing at the 7 p.m. worship service.
On the 4th Saturday of each month at 6 p.m. we have a
Bible Study with an Interpreter for the Hearing Impaired in
the School Ladies Lounge. Both hearing and Deaf members
are invited to attend this study by Indiana Missionary for the Deaf, Rev.
Jerry Munz. We are currently studying the book of Genesis. Our group size
is now up to an average of 7 to 8 participants! PRAISE THE LORD for the
growth of this ministry!
For more information on these ministry programs,
or to volunteer to help, contact Congregation Coordinator, Debra Trowbridge,
at (219) 362-3726, or e-mail debratrowbridge@stjohns-lpin.org.
***************************
MISSIONS & EVANGELISM
ADOPT-A-SOLDIER
Since continued war in the Middle East seems very likely,
the Board of Missions & Evangelism would like to “enlist” some “prayer
warriors” of our own. If any of you have a friend or loved one serving in
the military, especially those who have or will see combat, please submit
their names to the church office or any board member.
We would like to post their names and , if possible,
their addresses, so that everyone can adopt a soldier to pray
for daily. You may also want to send them encouraging cards, letters, or
gifts to let them know they are remembered and appreciated and that God is
watching over them.
JESUS VIDEOS CAMPAIGN
We are still in need of contributions to purchase Jesus
Videos. For only $7.00, you can bring the Good News of Jesus into
someone’s home.
If you would like to donate towards this effort either
monetarily or with your time, please contact Tracy Fronk by calling
574-654-3957, or email hoosierbuck@aol.com.
Contributions may also be placed in the Sunday offering
by using the special “Jesus Video” envelope, the weekly contributions
envelope, or a pew envelope marked “Jesus Videos”. Thank you!
-10-
VISITOR RESPONSE CARDS
Please notice that there are post-cards available in the
church narthex and in the pews along with the regular pew pad attendance
sheets. These were designed for our visitors to fill out and return
either in church the day of their visit, or they can mail them back to
us.
If you know there is a visitor seated near you during a
worship service, please encourage him/her to fill out the card. Visitors
have a reason for coming, and we want to help them with whatever need they
may have, or just plain get to know them better. Everyone’s
participation in making our visitors feel welcome and important to us is
needed!
NEW DISCIPLESHIP CLASS
The Board of Missions and Evangelism would like to
urge our members to participate in the Discipleship classes currently being
held on Thursday nights at 7:00 p.m. Your presence is an encouragement
to these potential new members who need this time to form new friendships
and a sense of belonging in this congregation.
Even if you can’t attend every class, please find
the time to come as often as you can. This is an important opportunity to
witness and help our church grow!
***************************
PARISH EDUCATION
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEEDS
We are in need a new Sunday School Superintendent,
as current Superintendent Melody Povlock would like to teach and be an
assistant to the new superintendent. We believe a man would be best suited
for the position. Please pray about this!
If you feel called to lead the children of St. John’s in this way, or
know someone we should contact, please contact Christel Bublitz at
219-325-0831.
St. John’s Bible Studies
Sunday - 9:30 a.m. - Cafeteria - Adult Bible Study
- Led by Rev. Karl Koch
- Ladies Lounge - Adult Bible Study
- Led by Bill Trowbridge)
- Church Basement - Sunday School for Children 2
to 18 (Led by Sunday School teachers)
Sunday - 6-8 p.m. - (Call 325-8247 for location) -
Youth Bible
Study - Led by St. John’s Youth
Tuesdays - 9 a.m.
- Ladies Lounge - Women’s Bible Study
(Led by Monyean Hahn)
Tuesdays - 7 p.m. - Ladies Lounge - Adult Bible Study
(Led by Dorothy Moellman)
Saturdays as announced - Music Room - English/ Spanish
Bible
Study (Led by Debra Trowbridge)
4th Saturday monthly - 6 p.m. - Ladies Lounge -
Genesis
(With Interpreter for the Deaf Rev. Jerry Munz)
(There will be no Bible Study in December)
***************************
PARISH FELLOWSHIP
AEROBICS CLASS
The Step Aerobics class is doing Step-Aerobics at St.
John’s on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings! Julie Sinclair is the
aerobics instructor. These classes are for men and women. They
include a warm-up, a cardio portion, strength training, abs, and cool down.
All fitness levels will be able to participate, but plan to sweat! (Showers
will be available.) Bring clean gym shoes and comfortable clothes. The
class takes place Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, starting promptly at
5:30 p.m. and ending by 6:30 p.m. For more information, contact Julie at
(219)326-0585 or sinergy@csinet.net.
ST. JOHN’S SENIORS
The scheduled date for the Senior’s Potluck this
month is Wednesday November 13 at 11:30 a.m. in the School Cafeteria.
All Seniors in the congregation are invited to attend - you don’t need to
wait to be asked! If you would like more information, contact Martin
Vollrath at 219-324-7537.
CONGREGATIONAL NIGHT AT THE YMCA
The Board of Parish Fellowship is sponsoring a night at
the La Porte YMCA on Saturday, March 1st. Mark your calendar and watch for
more details in upcoming Newsletters!
***************************
PUBLIC RELATIONS
CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
The 2003 St. John’s Pictorial Directory is nearly done!
We are in the process of finishing the final layout. We plan to have the
book done in time to hand out directories right after the first of the year.
LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES PMT
St. John’s Lutheran Hour Ministries group helped to
sponsor a Parish Media Team Event Level One for the La Porte area on
Saturday, October 26 (probably at the Ramada Inn, La Porte. A total of
25 people attended from area congregations, including 11 from St. John’s.
Among those atending from St. John’s were members of the Youth Board and
Youth Groups who wish to begin work on a Youth Newsletter. All were very
pleased with the information they learned.
A Parish Media Team Event Level Two is being planned as a
follow up in the Spring. If you are interested in participating, contact
St. John’s Lutheran Hour Ministries Ambassador Debra Trowbridge at
219-362-3726 or debratrowbridge@stjohns-lpin.org.
St. John’s Lutheran Hour Ministries Group sponsors the
following Lutheran Hour Ministries Programs in our area:
“Woman to Woman” - Sundays at 7:30 a.m. on
WLOI 1540 AM
* “The Lutheran Hour” - Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
on WLOI 1540 AM
(right before St. John’s Worship Service Broadcast at
11 a.m.)
* “On Main Street” - Sundays at Noon on La
Porte Cable Ch. 43
Project Connect booklets (racks in the Narthex and
School)
If you would like to donate toward the continuance
of these important outreach ministries, please use a pew envelope and
mark it “St. John’s Lutheran Hour Ministries (or LHM)”.
***************************
SCHOOL BOARD
BOXTOPS 4 EDUCATION
Did you know there is a way to give money to the school
just by using everyday products, like cereal, cake mixes, and bread dough?
It’s called “Boxtops 4 Education”. On hundreds of items found in your
grocery store, there is the Boxtops for Education symbol. All you have
to do is cut it out and drop it in the box in the School Office, or
send it to school with your child. The school earns 10 cents for every box
top. Last year we earned over $300! Our goal this year is to double
that number. We are having an all school contest, so start clipping those
coupons!
PIZZA HUT “FUN”DRAISER
In an effort to establish a perpetual fund raiser for
future Grade 7 & 8 spring school excursions...whether to Washington D.C.
or to some other venue, St. John’s Lutheran School will be participating
in the Pizza Hut “Fun”draiser Program. This program will begin shortly and
hopefully will be entrenched as a year round, year to year, fund generator
activity specific to the aforementioned excursions for as long as Pizza
Hut Incorporated offers the program.
Here is how it works:
St. John’s Lutheran School is signed up with the
company.
Order pizza as a take out or delivery on the
designated days at the designated times between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Of course, if we ever get another sit down Pizza Hut in La Porte, there
would be another option.
(3) This only applies to Pizza Huts in the City of
La Porte...with the phone number 362-3000 for ordering.
(4) Complete the coupon
(on the goldenrod sheets
available in the School Building or Narthex of the Church.) Hand it to
the Pizza Hut employee at the time of your purchase and make sure they
attach your information ticket with a stapler to your receipt before they
put it away in their drawer.
(5) St. John’s Lutheran School will receive 20% of
all purchases excluding tax.
The next “Fun”draiser dates for this
year are: Tuesday, November 19 and Tuesday, December 17 (Each from
4 to 11 p.m.)
***************************
SOCIAL MINISTRY
Food baskets are delivered to St. John’s needy families
monthly.
If you know a member in
need, call Nancy Winn (324-9221), Rich or Renee Rutz (362-7896), Deanna
Murray (362-8084), or Suzanne Howell (326-8694).
***************************
STEWARDSHIP
The G.R.O.W. Group is continuing it’s Stewardship
Education Program. You will be receiving more informational mailings from
them this month. Loyalty Sunday will be held November 2nd & 3rd.
***************************
YOUTH BOARD
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH ADVISORS
St. John’s Youth Board is now taking applications
for Junior High Youth Advisors. Applicants must be communicant members
of St. John’s, 21 years of age or older. Assistant Youth Leaders may be 18
years of age or older. For more information, contact Youth Board Chairman,
Julie Childress, at (219) 785-4232.
***************************
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:stjohns@stjohns-lpin.org
Church Staff
Intentional Interim Pastor—Rev. Karl Koch - (574) 876-9848
(cell)
or email: pastorkoch@stjohns-lpin.org
Visitation Pastor—Rev. James Beversdorf - (219) 465-3921
(home)
or email: pastorjim@stjohns-lpin.org
Congregation Coordinator & Interim Office Manager—Mrs.
Debra Trowbridge - (574) 654-7815 (home) or debratrowbridge@stjohns-lpin.org
Volunteer Pastors’ Secretary - Imogene Dahl - (219)
324-6668
Bookkeeper & Interim Office Assistant - Mrs. Stacy Tharp
Director of Music Ministries—Mr. Matt Nelson - (219)
362-7317 (home)
Organist—Mrs. Susan Rosselli - (219) 324-8364 (home)
Head Custodian—Mr. Barry Siddall - (219) 325-2956 (pager)
Assistant Custodian - Mrs. Joanne Lisak
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 Van’t Hof
(5th Grade),
Mrs. Mindy Bremer (6th Grade), Mrs. Cheryl Hoard (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—Mrs. Annette Williams - (219)326-8017
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— unlisted
Youth Board—Mrs. Julie Childress—(219) 785-4232
