My brothers and sisters in Christ, we who call Jesus “Lord” know that in Christianity, the cross takes its meaning from Him who died on it, Jesus Christ. The cross is the symbol “par excellence” of Christianity itself, as well as of Christ, our head. Early on in Christian history, the symbol of the cross displaced the fish as a symbol of Christ, though the fish seems to have had great popularity and continues to adorn the bumpers of cars in our country as a means of Christian witness. This is all the more remarkable since the cross, as an instrument of corporal punishment, was a symbol of dishonor in the Roman world from which it came.

Here at St. John’s, we utilize this haunting yet glorious symbol as a means of showing whom we belong to. We have a cross atop the highest point of our building and on the altar. It is embroidered on our altar paraments, symbolized in our banners, carved into our pews, altar, pulpit and lectern.

Just as we would not worship any “symbol,” “idol,” or “graven images,” neither do we worship our crosses. The image of the cross is not an object of veneration to be worshipped, but a graphic reminder of the fact that as Lutheran Christians “we preach Christ, and Him crucified” (1^st Corinthians 1:23). We are reminded in our worship that Jesus Christ was its resident, shedding His blood for the forgiveness of our sins. Often when we see depictions of Christ hanging on His cross, we might be led to think that Jesus was a feeble and helpless victim. Yes, He should have been crowned with a jeweled diadem instead of a crown of thorns. Yes, He should appear joyous and victorious instead of wounded, suffering, naked and dying. But don’t be deceived. As you look upon that suffering servant, never see it as a sign of a weak God. It is at that very moment, as our Lord looked to the heavens and cried out “It is finished” that God demonstrated his greatest strength and power! Imagine how powerful, strong and mighty you would have to be to forgive the unforgivable, love the unlovable. And to sacrifice your only child to do this. The body on the cross changed all of humanity from condemnation and torment to life eternal in glory!

God has given us this power by faith. We enjoy the strength of God as his redeemed children in Christ. We have been given the power to forgive the unforgivable, love the unlovable, and have the strength to believe God’s will is being done, even in the face of horror and tragedy.

It is my deepest hope that when you look upon the cross that you would remember that it was God’s only Son, Jesus Christ, who proceeded for us so that we could return to God. May the cross enhance your worship and remind you that you are His!

In Christ’s cross in your service,

Pastor Young

6 Faculty Meeting
11 Veteran’s Day at Civic: gr. 1-4, 9:00 leave at 8:30
18 Book Fair Begins
20 Game Night Sponsored by Athletics...6-8:00
24 Book Fair Ends

December Calendar:
7 Christmas Concert at the Civic
17 Christmas Program 7:00
18 PTL Craft Fair

Innisbrook Sale: We grossed $8,000 and netted $4,000 from our recent
sale. This money will be spent on new desks in the classrooms and may outfit grades 4-6. Thanks to everyone who purchased items.

Congratulations to the winners: 1st place, $50 to Jacob Senne-Holt (K), 2nd place $25.00 Rachel Hill (K), 3rd place $10.00 Brittany Scherer (8th). These three, Eric Eskridge (K) and Blaise Fetters (8), joined
Mrs. Eigenmann and Mr. Wippich for breakfast at Louie's. The top selling
classroom (K) won a pizza party for grossing $1809 in sales. The top
participating classroom (7) also won a pizza party. Students who sold 15 or more items received an ice cream treat.

Kroger/Al’s Certificates: We have netted over $3000 in profits in the year and a half we have conducted this fund raiser. Thanks to Sharon Butler who operated the program from the school. Those duties are now being taken over by Mary Fetters. Also, thanks to Dorothy Levandowski and Jan Kessler for selling certificates at the church. These profits go toward the technology fund. We are attempting to buy computers for the classroom...we need money to do that. Please come to the school office to purchase certificates or call in advance if you need significant amounts. We realize 5% on the dollar...so it takes a while to accumulate profit. We encourage our school parents to patronize this program. Thanks.

Pizza Hut night: The third Wednesday of each month through December
is Pizza Hut Fund Raiser Night. St. John's school receives 20% of all
pizzas purchased on these nights. Please express, upon making your
order, that your purchase is for St. John's Lutheran School. Proceeds from
this help fund the 7th/8th grade spring trips...the next of which is in
2005. The next dates are 10/15, 11/19, 12/17...something to eat after the
kid's Christmas program.…

Used printer cartridges: We just received a check for $27.00 for a
small box of used items. We just mailed off a rather large box that was
collected by the church office. We put a new box out there...we appreciate
your help. This money is placed in a fund allowing us to purchase special
event opportunities for the students.

Thrivent Gift Match Plus: Thrivent will match fifty cents on the dollar
up to $400 for members of Thrivent. Come to the school office for a
form and help St. John's receive matching funds. St. John's school takes
your check and sends the paper work to the company. They send the
matching check directly to the school office.

Boxtops and Campbell Soup labels: Please continue to deposit your box
tops and labels in the appropriate receptacles by the church office and the
school office. You may throw them all in the soup container and we will
sort later.

School Church Attendance: Our midterm percentage of attendance is at
77.55%. That's pretty good! Last year at this time our attendance was
68.33%. The year before that our attendance was 73.25%. The Lord will
continue to bless this school and church...please continue to come to God's
house of worship to hear and read the Word.

Chapel giving: Chapel giving is up from the last few years. We have
collected over $700 and have two more collections to take. Our goal was
to collect $700 for the Harbor Lights Mission in Minneapolis where the 7th and 8th grade classes did mission work last spring.

BAT class: Grade four and Mrs. Martinsen are being instructed in
Basic Aid Training...a first aid class. This class is taught through the
Red Cross affiliates. Our instructor is Jan Edquist.

.Enrollment: Our current enrollment is 170 compared to 154 at this
time in 2001 and 158 at this time is 2002.

Tuition Fees: The school recently wrote a check to the church for $46,867.88 which included education fees, full tuition, preschool tuition, and SMART administration fees collected. We also made a payment of daycare collections of $4,117.92. Total paid over to the church was $50,985.80.

My name is Lois Krider and I have had the privilege of teaching third grade here at St. John’s for almost ten years! Besides assisting with other yearly school projects, I have been one of the staff sponsors of the school newspaper, “School Daze”, overseeing the students who have a flair for writing. “School Daze” newspapers are published four times a year, so it is an after-school activity all year long. I graduated from Purdue University North Central in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education. I also received a kindergarten endorsement from Indiana University South Bend in 1992. I am licensed to teach kindergarten-sixth grade.

Third grade is considered to be a “transition year” for children, because all the skills that have been taught in kindergarten-second grade are applied in third grade. It is the first school year for the students to have their own assignment books, social studies books, science books, and Bibles. Mastering addition and subtraction facts is a goal, along with learning the multiplication facts and understanding division. Most of the children have mastered “how to” read, so now we delve into different types of reading materials and focus on the “meaning for reading”. Writing paragraphs and learning parts of speech are also a part of the third grade classroom’s curriculum.

We go on various field trips throughout the school year. We frequent the La Porte Public Library once a month. Luhr County Park is a favorite where we can do “pond studies” and learn about animal habitats and trees. Our first science project each year is to compile a leaf and seed collection. Last year was our first year in third grade to attend the “Harvest Fest” at the Indiana National Lakeshore, to step back in time and compare how the people used to grow and harvest food. We go to the South Bend Health Works! Museum after we learn about the human body. At the end of the year we go to Chicago Navy Pier, to the Chicago Children’s Museum and on a boat tour, which ties in with social studies and “communities”.

I moved to La Porte 15 years ago when Dave and I were married. My daughter, Jamie, also lives here in La Porte. Her children are also in St. John’s School this year! Between Dave and me, we have nine grandchildren, and we are thankful for each one of them….Grand-parenting is a blessed part of life!!! My favorite interests are reading, biking, walking, swimming, and spending time with family and friends. I exercise my

physical body daily, alternating lap swimming, biking, walking, and weights. More importantly, I exercise my spiritual body and spend time in the Word daily so I can remain steadfast in God; I desire to walk with Him throughout my day. He gives me strength to meet each day’s challenges. I treasure God’s guidance and wisdom for my life.

I love my job as third grade teacher here at St. John’s. Being a part of a child’s personal spiritual journey toward a relationship with Jesus Christ is truly an honor above all. We all try to follow Christ’s example....that’s a huge task, but my personal goal is to be a good example for our students. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I take my job of teaching very seriously. The children whom I teach are in my care, six hours a day, five days a week, nine months of the year. Their parents entrust their beloved children to me. I desire to touch each child’s life with the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for their future and throughout eternity!

Upcoming Events at St. John’s

November 14 is the next Fish Fry-4-7:00 p.m. Ticket prices will remain the same $6.00 advance and carry-out dinners; $6.50 at the door and children under 12, $3.50. Tickets may be purchased at the Church Office or from Dawn Crum at 324-2985. The help of many is needed to make this event a success. This is a congregational effort. Please call the church office if you can help the afternoon before in preparing or the night of the fish fry. The tasks are wrapping utensils in napkins; putting coleslaw and tartar sauce into serving cups; greeting guests, selling and taking tickets and directing diners to appropriate serving areas. We will also accept donations.

Pie Bakers are needed for the fish fry. Please bring pies to the cafeteria any time before 2 p.m. on that day or call Annette Williams at 326-8017.

On Sunday, November 2, 2003 at 4 p.m., you and your congregation are invited to attend the Concordia University, River Forest, Il. Kapelle Concert Choir as they present a program of hymns and sacred

music for the Reformation and All Saints festivals. The concert will be hosted by Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Monticello Park Drive, Valparaiso, In. The Kapelle Choir is the premier choral ensemble of the university. Chosen by audition, the 45 singers prepare a variety of music for local and national audiences, as well as world tours that include Finland, Russia and the Baltic States. A freewill offering will be received, and a reception will follow the concert. Faithfully yours in Christ, William Ickstadt, Director of Music.

A big thank you to all who made our Rally Day Picnic a big success. The variety of foods at the potluck dinner was great. Also, a big thank you to Thrivent donating the ice cream.

We thank all who participated in advertising in the Business Directory...It is being printed this month! Watch your bulletin.

The organ is currently under reconstruction! Thank and praise the Lord for the gifts he has given you personally as well as the church as a whole! Fabry Organ Co., the business doing the work, has graciously begun the work without receiving the full payment. But we are still in need of approximately $11,000.00. Your church needs you! I ask that you pray about making a contribution. .

We are planning a rededication service and recital for after the new year. We will finally be able to use the pipe organ as it was meant to be used! (to beautify our worship services) Until the work is completed, we will continue to use the keyboards from the transept. I also ask that you please remain out of the balcony. There are many pipes and other items that should not be touched. If you wish to see the process and stages of the work, there will be a video made! Thank you and God bless you!

Our 70^th annual Christmas Concert will be here before we know it! It is scheduled for Sunday, December 7 at 4:00 pm in the Civic Auditorium. Wow….that’s all that I have to say! We are going to perform a cantata titled “Christmas Is Jesus”. It is by far one of the best pieces of

music that has recently been published. We will also be using an orchestra for the performance of the cantata. Unfortunately, the orchestra will cost money. For many of the musicians that will be playing, this is how they make a living. The chorus, as you know, is a not-for-profit organization. We have asked many businesses in the La Porte area to help

cover the costs by sponsoring the instrumentalists. We would also like to ask you to do the same. The average cost of a musician is $100.00. If you would like to make a donation, please send it to the church office. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please call Matt Nelson at 362-7317 or 380-9030. We hope to see you ALL in the auditorium on Dec. 7^th. Bring a friend that needs to hear the true meaning of Christmas!

From the Herald-Argus "Stuffers":

The Herald-Argus stuffers are in need of workers for Mondays and Saturdays. Our summer helpers are returning to warmer climates! On Mondays we start at 6 a.m., but some workers come later at 7 a.m. On Saturdays we work 11 a.m.-1 p.m. If you can't help every Monday or every other Saturday, perhaps you could be on the "on call" list. The money we make goes to various church programs and to the general fund. For more information call Karen Piper at 362-8070.

Happy harvest time to all! Please check out the harvest of books we have at our adult library. Yes, you will find a book there that will lift your spirits and brighten your way for the next day. On the best sellers list at St. John's for the moment are: Luther's Small Catechism (new and revised), Luther- Biography of a Reformer and Concordia Self Study Bible. The office can help you get a copy of your own.

We are still searching for that bookworm that would like to come into the spotlight and be our librarian. Could it be that it is you? Think and pray about it...please.

Bring your own chair to Sunday morning Bible Class. Just kidding...The lunch room is quite crowded, but we can make room for you. Just follow the people with their Luther's Small Catechism in hand! Your spiritual health is directly connected to the Word. STAY HEALTHY! Seek out other Bible Classes if Sunday is not a good day for you.

Study and Topic      Day and Time      Place      Leader

Luther’s Small Catechism - Sunday 9:30 a.m. - Caf. - Pastor Young

LWML Bible Studies - Tuesday 9:00 a.m. - LL - M. Hahn

John - Tuesday 7:00 p.m. - LL - D. Moellman

“Men with a Mission”  - Wednesday 6:30 a.m.  - LL Pastor Young --This coming weekends’ Scripture Readings

Colossians - Wednesday 10:30 a.m. - LL - Pastor Young

“Mothers & Others" - Friday 8:15 a.m. - YR - Kathy Young D. Michaels

Grades 5-8 Bible Impact - Friday 2:35 p.m. - YR  - S. Foglesong

“Men with a Mission” - Saturday 8:00 a.m. - LL - B. Trowbridge --Wkly Script Readings

Greet, meet and thank our Sunday School Staff during a special Fellowship Coffee Event in the cafeteria on Sunday, October 26. They are special people, your presence at the event will brighten their day!

The Women’s Care Center (formerly The Pregnancy Assistance Center) will be holding an open house at the new facility at 512 Maple Avenue on October 29, from 5-6:30 p.m. This will give you the opportunity to meet some of the caring staff and see the spacious, homey place where women are given encouragement and help to save their babies lives!

Fall Bazaar at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denham, Indiana on Saturday, November 1 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Featuring a chicken and noodle dinner, crafts, baked goods and misc. ($6 for lunch).

Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 6 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Kouts, In. Bazaar items include: Christmas Tree Ornaments, needlework, ceramics, wreaths, floral arrangements, woodcrafts, pies, cakes, cookies and candy. Chili, BBQ, and Chicken Salad Sandwiches will be served all day.

Do You Remember When… (La Porte Newspaper Article)

St John’s Lutheran Church is credited with having the largest membership of any denomination in La Porte.  At present it has about 1,300 communicant members and 300 voting members.

Seating accommodations in the church will accommodate 900 persons, and the church is expected to be filled to overflowing when the Diamond Jubilee starts Sunday morning.

Technically, the 75th Anniversary of the church occurred on July 19 but because of the torrid weather at that time, a formal celebration was postponed until the forthcoming week.

The Jubilee celebration will begin with two divine services Sunday morning. The Rev. Manfred E. Reinke will deliver both sermons.

A German service will start at 9 o’clock and an English service at 10:45. On Sunday evening an English service in which the children of St. John’s Day school will participate will begin at 7:30. Prof. G. Christian Barth, president of Concordia Seminary of Milwaukee, will deliver the message at this service.

Invitations to attend the Jubilee have been mailed to every member ever confirmed at St. John’s who is still living. A large number of former La Porteans are expected for the celebration, inasmuch as the invitation committee is already in receipt of numerous replies that guests will be here from California, Florida and Oklahoma.

Concordia Publishing House offers an amazing deal on Bibles just in time for fall Bible studies, confirmation classes, Christmas gift-giving, and for starting the new year in the Word.

An order form is on the bulletin board in the school lobby to place your order or you may call Linda or Marilyn in the Church office at 362-3726. Different versions are available and are described in the letter on the bulletin board.

http://www.stjohns-lpin.org - copyright 2000-2010 - St. John's Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN. All rights reserved. Contact the church at: St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 111 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350, or call us at 219-362-3726.  For questions, updates or comments regarding this web site contact St. John's Web servant, debra@dreamercreative.com.

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