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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 52 March 2003
No. 2
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“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From Pastor Koch:
As we begin our Lenten journey, here is some information about the season of
Lent.
Church Year - The season of Lent begins Ash Wednesday
and continues for 40 days, ending on the eve of Easter. The exact date of
Ash Wednesday is set according to the date of Easter, which changes every year.
Meaning - Lent began s a time of preparation and
instruction for those who were going to be baptized on Easter Eve.
Eventually, Lent was a time set aside for all Christ's followers to show their
devotion to God by fasting and worshipping more often. Today, Lent is
often observed as a time for us to examine our lives and strengthen our faith as
we prepare for Easter.
Colors - The color of Ash Wednesday is black for the
color of Ashes, or purple, the color of penitence (which means to be sorry for
sins.) The color of the Lenten season is purple.
Symbols - Lenten symbols include various crosses, the
crown of thorns, the nails used to put Jesus to death, and the lamb of
God, a symbol for the crucified Christ.
In Conclusion - Here is a favorite Lenten hymn of
Pastor Beversdorf. Please use it as a beginning devotion for Lent.
Jesus, I will Ponder Now
(Text composed by Sigismund von Birken (text)
Melchoir Vulpius (tune)
Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy Passion;
With your Spirit me endow, for such meditation.
Grant that I, in love and faith, may the image cherish
Of your suffering pain, and death that I may not perish.
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From The Worship Committee…
Lent 2003 Theme - The Intimate Christ
“How Personal Is Your Relationship With Jesus?”
The stress will be on one’s personal relationship with Jesus, as seen through
the following incidents in the Gospel of John.
March 12th: Nicodemus at night: John 3:1-21
Isn’t it about time that your faith was seen in the daylight? Will you come
to Jesus because He is the light of the world? Will you be born again in Him
through water and the Spirit?
March 19th; The Samaritan Woman at the Well: John 4:1-42
Do you realize how much Jesus knows about you - and still loves and redeems
you? Will you rejoice in His “conversation” with you and tell others about it?
Will others be brought into a personal relationship with Jesus through your
witnesses?
March 26th: Jesus Gives Sight to a Blind Man: John 9:1-41
Do you understand that the entire world, including you, is blind to the
things of God? Has Jesus given you eyes to see and a heart to believe? Is Jesus
the “Lord” of your life?
April 2nd: Jesus Raises Lazarus: John 11:1-44
Has Jesus come to raise you to new life? Do you know that you will never die
but have eternal life in Him? Have the grave clothes of sin and death been
“unwrapped from around you?”
April 9th: Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet: John 13:1-17
Has Jesus washed your feet? Has his servanthood so touched your life that you
are ready to serve others, to imitate him? Do you know how clean Jesus has made
you by his servanthood? Do you know how he has chosen you?
"How Personal Is Your Relationship with One Another"
The issue of unity has been lifted up before the church. It is always
proper for such matters to be considered. What is important at this time
is that we call upon the Lord Jesus to build the unity that he alone can bring
to us. We will do that in several ways.
By Fellowship
We will offer a soup super at 5:30pm on the Wednesdays of Lent from March 12
through April 9.
By Learning Jesus Passion for Us
Before our Lenten worship we will offer a brief Bible study on the Passion
of Jesus.
By Our Prayer Song at Worship
Refrain: The closer I am to Jesus, the closer I am to you.
The closer I am to Jesus, He brings me close in love to you.
When we stray apart, we lose the very heart
of everything that Jesus mean to us.
And the farther that we stray, our hearts turn cold and gray
and move us farther out from Him.
(Refrain)
I do not now what caused, the distance between us,
It seems to have come by its power in life.
I know that Satan works, to lead us into strife,
To move us farther out from Him.
(Refrain)
The best thing I can do, is not to think of you,
but turn to Jesus for the help I
need.
I know what I must do, to give my heart to you,
It must be His alone to lead to you.
(Refrain)
So let us each intend, our total life to spend,
that we may go within His sphere of
love.
For everything we need, to share between us all,
must come when He reigns here within
us all.
Early Communion Saturday Instructions:
March 8, 15, 29, and April 5th: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Children age 10 and above may receive instruction for early communion.
Exceptions on the exact age can be made by consultation with Pastor Koch.
One parent is required to be present for each class session. The
lessons are structured for parental involvement. Early communion is
offered under the assumption that the parents supervise the child's
participation in the sacrament. First Communion will take place on Maundy
Thursday, April 17 at 7pm.
HOLY WEEK ACTIVITIES
You are encouraged to mark your calendars for the following special worship
services:
Palm Sunday, April 12-13
Special music and liturgies at all
services.
Passover Meal, April 16 (Wednesday)
A repeat of last year's meal and
liturgy. Bring guests.
Maundy Thursday, April 17
First communion for children.
Good Friday April 18
A special commemoration of our Lord's
sacrifice for us.
Easter Vigil, April 19 (Saturday Evening)
The ancient vigil, with baptisms of
new members.
Easter Sunday, April 20
Our traditional celebrations at 6:30
and 10:30 a.m.
Breakfast to be served between
services.
MARCH WORSHIP INFORMATION
March 2 - Eighth Sunday after Epiphany - "Teach Us to Pray" Luke 11:1-13
- Pastor Dubbelde of Indiana District LCMS preacher
Sat, March 1 - Traditional Worship Service - 7pm
Sun, March 2 - Traditional Worship Service - 8am - Communion
- National Lutheran Schools Service - 10:45 am
March 5 - Ash Wednesday - "DO IT NOW!" - 2 Corinthians 5:20b - 6:2
Service starts at 7 p.m.
March 9 - First Sunday of Lent - "Isaac, a 'Type' of the Sacrifice of the
Only Son" - Genesis 22:1-18
Sat, March 8 - Traditional Worship Service with Communion - 7pm
Sun, March 9 - Traditional Worship Service - 8 am
- Celebration Service - 10:45 am - Communion (Music led by the St. John's Praise
Team)
- Handicapped Accessible Service - 2:30pm - Communion
March 16 - Second Sunday in Lent - "How the
Old Testament points to Jesus" - Romans 10 - - Rev. Ivan Peterson, Apple of His
Eye, Mission to Jews
Sat, March 15 - Traditional Worship Service - 7 pm
Sun, March 16 - Traditional Worship Service - 8 am - Communion
- Celebration Worship Service - 10:45 am (Music led by the St. John’s Praise
Team)
March 23 - Third Sunday in Lent - "Moses, a
'Type" of the Redeemer and Lord" - Exodus 20:1-17
Sat., March 22 - Traditional Worship Service with Communion- 7 pm
Sun, March 23 - Traditional Worship Service - 8 am
- Celebration Worship Service - 10:45 am - Communion (Music led by the St.
John’s Praise Team)
March 30 - Fourth Sunday in Lent - "The
Bronze Snake on a Pole, a 'Type' of the Crucified Savior" - Numbers 21:4-9
Sat., March 29 - Traditional Worship Service - 7 pm
Sun, March 30 - Traditional Worship Service - 8 am
- Celebration Worship Service - 10:45 am (Music led by the St. John’s Praise
Team)
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Voter's Meeting
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
February 5, 2003
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From the President of the Congregation...
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From Pastor Gaddini...
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From the School Principal…
Calendar of Events:
3/2 National Lutheran School Week begins with our worship service at 10:45.
Pastor Dubblede is speaking.
3/7 Dave Britton…a song writer and singer of contemporary religious music
will present a show in the gym from 1-2:15. All church and school families
welcome to attend.
3/18 Spring Fest Grades K-5
3/25 - Steven's Puppets 10am
4/7 - 4/11 Spring Break
5/3 Academic Bowl NW Lutheran Schools St. John's Invitational Event
Current Enrollment:
We currently have 162 children enrolled in St. John’s
School from preschool through grade 8. That is two more than the last
report.
Other Notes:
1. Pizza Hut Fundraiser nights
will be the
3rd Wednesday of
every month
throughout the 2003 calendar year. Be sure to fill out the
appropriate certificate and give it to the driver or counter help. If you do not
have a slip make sure to tell them it is for St. John’s and that will suffice.
Proceeds are 20% of every dollar spent on pizza or gift certificates. Proceeds
fund our spring excursions for grades 7 and 8. Next: 3/19, 4/16, 5/21, 6/18,
7/16
2. Student Council cookbooks
may be ordered at the church/ school office or from council members.
We also sent home an order form attached to the newsletter on 2/14/03...Please
make checks payable to St. John's School. The cost is $10.00 per book.
No limit.
3. For your information: The school collects and
pays over to the church around $90,000 in tuition and daycare payments
throughout the school year. Add the $32,000 the SMART tuition plan
collects and pays the church and you see the school parents paying around
$120,000 in tuition and daycare fees
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From Pastor Jim Beversdorf
Reminder about Handicap Accessible Services
Everyone, including all St. John’s members, are invited to our monthly
HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE WORSHIP SERVICES held on the Second Sunday of the month,
beginning at 2:30 p.m., in the school cafeteria. Our next services are scheduled
for February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, etc. Bring a friend. Thanks, Pastor
Jim.
Reminder about receiving Holy Communion
If you are not able to attend worship at St John’s, and would like to receive
Holy Communion, please phone the church office at 362-3726 and leave your
request for Pastor Jim.
Reminder about Portals of Prayer
If you would like a LARGE PRINT Portals of Prayer devotional book and have
not received one, please phone the church office at 362-3726 and leave your
request for Pastor Jim.
Reminder about being admitted to a hospital
If you are admitted to a hospital and you want the church to know and the
Pastor to be informed, be sure to identify yourself as a member of St. John’s
Lutheran in LaPorte and say “yes” to informing the pastor.
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From the Director of Music Ministries…
LENTEN DRAMAS PLANNED
The Lenten season is quickly falling upon those involved in
planning worship, and Holy Week will be here before we know it. The worship
committee is planning a dramatic series for the services of Holy Week. We would
like to create a realistic backdrop that reveals what Christ and those around
Him experienced long ago. Therefore, we are in need of anyone interested in
acting, stage work, lights, and/or sound. We will need up to twenty people to
fill these positions. I urge you to pray and think about how moving these dramas
could be, and how you may be able to assist the Holy Spirit in sending a
precious message. If you are at all interested, or have any questions, please
call Matt Nelson at (219) 362-7317.
WALTHER LEAGUE CHORUS CDs AND TAPES AVAILABLE
The Walther League Chorus is taking orders for the CDs and
cassette tapes of the 2003 Christmas Concert. CDs are $7 and cassettes are $5.
The deadline for orders is February 15. You can place an order at the church
office or by calling Matt Nelson at (219) 362-7317
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From our Seniors’ Committee
Senior Potluck
February 19, 11:30 in the cafeteria
Hope to see you there!
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From Our Boards & Committees…
FINANCE SECRETARIES
FINANCE SECRETARY’S REPORT FOR DECEMBER
2001 Total Attendance - 3,238 2002 Total Attendance - 2,720
2001 General Fund-$81,786.71 2002 General Fund-$84,793.08
2001 Building Fund—N/A 2002 Building Fund—$2,318.00
2001 Mission Fund - $1,833.00 2002 Mission Fund—$1,604.00
2001 Scholarship Fund-$1,210.00 2002 Scholarship
Fund-$1,504.30
HEAD TELLER
CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES
We have reduced the number of church contribution envelopes
purchased for 2003. As a result, many members will receive new envelope numbers
for 2003. We have placed the new envelope boxes in the church basement for
pick-up. If you have any questions, contact Head Teller, Ron Scherer, at
326-1142 or call the Church Office at 219-362-3726.
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ELDERS
Donations for Poinsettias 2002
Thank you to all of the following people and organizations who helped
beautify our Church during Christmas with donations toward the purchase of the
poinsettias. And a special thanks to Mike and Joanne Lisak for the 10 they
donated. We really appreciate all of you!
1. The Newspaper Stuffers
2. Circle 6
3. Circle 7
4. Evening Circle
5. The Thrift Shop
6. Newspaper Stuffers
7. Circle 4
8. Circle 8
9. The Ladies Aid
10. Dorothy Levandoski
11. Jim & Dawn Crum and family– in memory of their grandparents
12. Mike & Joanne Lisak
13. Ellie Heidel
14. Dorothy Diedrich
15. Bob & Dolores Keller
16. Jim & Linda Peters
17. Roger & Pauletta Schuster
18. Roy & Lois Scott
19. Mark & Diane Jerndt
20. Dorothy V. Levandoski
21. Ruth Stassel
22. Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd Schuster
23. Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Malstaff
24. Mr. & Mrs. Larry Daniels
25. Ruth Poyer – in memory of her husband, Steve
26. Florence Freeland – in memory of her mother Martha Zirzow
27. Maxine Paine
28. Kenneth Hanson
29. Mr. & Mrs. Gilderoy Strauss
30. Mr. & Mrs. Dave Jelke & Ryan and Helen L Smith – in memory of father &
husband Roy V. Smith
31. Mr. & Mrs. Roland Hamilton – in loving memory of Carrie Hamilton,
daughter and Roy Smith, father
32. Glenn Ott Family – in memory of Mavis Ott, wife and mother
33. Helen Steen – in memory of husband Russell, son Douglas, and daughter,
Patricia
34. Edward Baldridge – in memory of his wife, Antoinette
35. Mr. & Mrs. Charles A. Baima & Family and Ms. Debbie Mansfield & family–
in memory of brother Anthony J. Rose & twin sisters Lisa and Lottie Rose
36. Dionne Wisniewski & Zachery
37. James & Julie Burke
38. Krystle Burke
39. Dorothy Moellman
40. Mr. & Mrs. John Rose, III
BOARD OF ELDERS DISTRICT ASSIGNMENTS
The following is a list of Elders and the districts which they serve. Your
district number is printed in the label attached to your church envelope box.
District Elder Phone
1 Leonard Gonzales
2 Mark Jerndt
3 Paul Tibbs
4 Roger Schuster
5 John Schulz
6 Ron Scherer
7 Ed Brettin, Jr
8 Barry Siddall
9 Curt Passafume
10 Dave Surma
11 Paul Shelby
12 Nolan Presley
13 Jon Ulmer
14 Dean Ebbott
15 Bob Snyder
16 Jim Sherwood
17 Jim Woodruff
18 Bill Trowbridge
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!
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MISSIONS & EVANGELISM
NEW DISCIPLESHIP CLASS STARTED
The Board of Missions and Evangelism would like to urge our
members to participate in the Discipleship classes -- it began on Wednesday,
January 22, and will continue for six weeks. 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!
PREGNANCY ASSISTANCE CENTER NEWS
Winter Wish List: Enfamil Powder, disinfectant spray,
blank video tapes for ultrasounds, paper towels, envelopes, bottled water,
post-it notes, copy paper, stamps and scotch tape refills. If you have any of
these items available, contact the Pregnancy Assistance Center in La Porte or
Monyean Hahn.
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PARISH EDUCATION
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEEDS
We are in need of a new Sunday School 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 .
ST. JOHN'S BIBLE STUDIES
Sunday - 9:30 a.m. -Cafeteria - Adult Bible Study - Rev. Karl Koch
-Music Room - Men in the Church - Bill Trowbridge
-Ladies Lounge - From Guest to Disciple - Terry Page - Church Basement -
Sunday School for Children 2 to 18 (Led by Sunday School teachers)
Sunday - 6-8 p.m. - Youth Bible
Study- St. John’s Youth
Tuesdays - 9 a.m. - Ladies Lounge - The Book of Acts (Led by Monyean Hahn)
Tuesdays - 7 p.m. -Ladies Lounge - Psalms: Conversations with God (Led by
Dorothy Moellman)
Thursdays - 6:30 pm -Cafeteria - The Gospel of John - Rev. Karl Koch
Saturday - 5:45 pm -Cafeteria - The Gospel of John Part 1
4th Saturday monthly - 6 p.m. - Ladies Lounge - Genesis (With
Interpreter for the Deaf Rev. Jerry Munz)
(Call for dates)- Music Room - English/ Spanish Bible Study (Led by Debra
Trowbridge)
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PARISH FELLOWSHIP
CONGREGATIONAL FREE NIGHT AT THE YMCA
The Board of Parish Fellowship is sponsoring a night at the
La Porte YMCA on Saturday, March 1, 2003. Mark your calendar and come enjoy the
pool, basketball courts, and all the fun. Be on the lookout for sign-up sheets
in the back of the church soon.
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.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
Keep watching your bulletins in February, as hopefully the
new pictorial directory will arrive. To members who had their picture taken--it
will be free. To those who were unable to book appointments, extra copes of the
directory will be available for $5 each. If interested, call to order one at the
Church Office. Thanks to all who participated or helped on this project.
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES
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 A M
* “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)”. For more information on Lutheran Hour
Ministries programs contact St. John’s Ambassador, Debra Trowbridge at
bdtrowbridge@hotmail.com.
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SOCIAL MINISTRY
Food baskets are delivered to St. John’s needy families monthly. If you know
a member in need, call Sherrill Lee or Kathy Page .
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SCHOOL BOARD
St. John’s School Board will sponsor a Family Night consisting of a spaghetti
supper and a magic show. The date is set for Friday, February 28. Dinner will be
served from 4 to 6:30 pm at the cost of $5 adults and $3 school children. The
magic show will be presented by Matt Kalita and will start promptly at 7 pm, in
the school gym. Tickets are $2 for adults and $1 for school age children. For
tickets and information, contact the school office.
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JUST FOR FUN
What my mother taught me:
1. My mother taught me to appreciate a job well done. “If you’re going to
kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
2. My mother taught me religion. “You better pray that comes out of the
carpet.”
3. My mother taught me about logic. “Because I said so, that’s why.”
4. My mother taught me more logic. “If you fall out of that swing and break
your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”
5. My mother taught me about foresight. “Make sure you wear clean underwear,
in case you’re in an accident.”
(NOTE: Telephone numbers have been left off the on-line newsletter.
If you need to get a hold of one of these people, contact the
church office at 219-362-3726.)
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