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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 53 September 2004
No. 8
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
FROM YOUR PASTOR, Ronald A. Brauer
Dear Fellow Redeemed!
Thank You! Thank you for your kind welcome for my family and me as we have
finished our move to La Porte and to St. John’s. The challenge now changes from
“What box do we put it in?” to “Into which box did we put it?” and “Where IS
that box?”
Thank you also for your willingness to welcome a new family to St. John’s
Lutheran Church and School. I beg your patience as I learn your names and family
connections, but that will come with time and repetition. I appreciate your
introducing yourselves to me as I get acquainted with you. As we are blessed to
welcome additional new members to St. John’s, I pray this practice will continue
as we bring more souls into the fellowship of God’s house.
I also have some “Please” petitions. Please remember your pastors in your
prayers. Satan works hard on us, distracting us from the real work of pointing
people to Jesus Christ as their only Savior from sin, death, and the devil’s
power. Please remember to read, mark, learn, and inwardly take to heart the Holy
Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation. You hear that Word
in worship, in Bible study, and in your personal and family devotions.
Please support the work of the church with your time, talents, treasures, and
the very tissue of your bodies as you first make yourselves a living sacrifice
to the Lord. Please take care of your bodies with regular rest, healthy diet
(or, if you don’t prefer this word, try ‘Food Management Plan’), and exercise
(pushing yourself from the table is a start, but jumping to conclusions is to be
avoided).
Please pray for your fellow members at St. John’s, even those whom you may
not know personally. The General Prayer in the Divine Service serves the Church
in that it brings before God’s throne of grace the thanksgivings and petitions
of His people for all kinds of conditions and needs. The worshipper then takes
those petitions and thanksgivings home and continues to pray for the Church. And
please make use of the weekly bulletins as they serve you in reminding you for
whom to pray as well as other helpful information.
And lastly, please call upon your pastors for any spiritual need. I speak for
Pastor Young as we are available for prayer before surgery, while hospitalized,
or undergoing treatment. This is one way we offer Pastoral Care for the members
at St. John’s.
May God bless you as you come to receive His good gifts and Spirit in worship
and express your faith in works of service!
Yours,
Pastor Ron Brauer
Matthew 11:28-30
Principal’s Report
Calendar Items:
9/6 No School-Labor Day
9/8-10 Grade 6-Camp Amigo
9/29 Picture Day
9/1-9/22 Innesbrook Fall Sale-Kick off at 10 AM on 9/1
9/20-9/30 Istep Testing
10/13 La Porte Symphony
10/14 Doug Larson in Concert at Chapel 8-9 AM
10/20 Wheel of Wisdom 1:15 PM
10/20 Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/21 No School-Parent/Teacher Conferences
10/22 No School
A Note from the Principal:
We begin another academic year (148th) here at St. John's Lutheran
School. By the Grace of God we continue to minister to the children and the
parents.
And that is what we are, a ministry, delivering the Good News of Salvation
through Jesus Christ. Our primary focus is centered on that belief, and of
course we teach beyond belief. We continue to instruct the academic
curriculum with Jesus Christ spread across the schedule.
We need your financial support to continue this ministry. This church,
which initiated this school ministry for the children of its members, continues
to wallow in a financial short fall. It is apparent that financial
support isn't something some want to engage in. People have their reasons
for not contributing, and some are legitimate, but, some are not. So,
let's take a look at the top ten reasons (in reverse order) not to contribute to
the educational ministry of St. John's Lutheran Church:
10. Just didn't make it to church this week end
9. My boat payment is due
8. My country club dues are due
7. I need to pay for that $30,000 truck
6. I am unhappy with the way the school operates
5. I am unhappy with the way the church operates
4. I don't care for the people we employ in this ministry
3. The money I give is never spent the way I want it to be spent
2. I am in control, after all, it is mine
1. I am not in step with the Spirit of God and giving of my time,
talents
and treasures
Not trying to be funny or sarcastic. I am only pointing out
that we all
have other situations that require money, some really neat and fun things, and
there is nothing wrong with that. The Lord gave us the money to support
His church and to live. Our priorities probably can become a bit tangled
from time to time however. We need to set aside our first fruits to God,
not the withered grass that falls to the ground. To those who already offer
their first fruits, you might want to stop reading, you already do your part and
probably more.
If I may offer an example on how to relieve our financial shortfall:
Just say for instance that this church has 300 families on the church roster. If
each family gives $5.00 more per week in the church offering plate, not per
person, but per family, we have collected $1500 more per week. If you take
that $1500 and multiply by 52 weeks in the year, we have collected another
$78,000 dollars which puts us fairly close to our annual short. ( Wow,
that is a hamburger lunch, just imagine if we made two lunches at home and gave
$10 more.) Per family, that would be an additional $260 dollars you
would be giving to the church. Not a whole lot of money for most of you.
Add that on to the educational fee you pay as tuition and it still doesn't
really come close to the amount of money it costs this church to educate a
child.
The number one reason to contribute to the Lord's work here is:
The Lord has given me everything I have, and He has blessed me to return a
portion of that back to him. The Lord's will be done, if He wants this ministry
to continue, it will.
Other notes:
1. Mr. Wippich is back at work and is still recovering from a severe burn he
received which became infected and landed him in the hospital in Minnesota for 7
days. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
2. Pizza Hut Fund Raisers continue to support our spring Mission trip to
Minneapolis: Dates are 9/20, 10/20, 11/17, 12/15, all Wednesdays.
Please continue to contribute to this worthy cause. Thanks.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
From the Board of Social Ministry:
The Board of Social Ministry is a “needs” based ministry supported by your
generous donations of money to the benevolent fund and food given to our food
pantry. Thank you one and all.
Our purpose is to:
1.) Help those in our congregation that have a need. Bearing that in
mind, in order for us to do this, we need to be made aware of that need.
Therefore, we are asking for your help. If you know of someone needing help,
please, let us know by contacting one of the board members, or one of our
Pastors.
2.) We hand out food baskets (in conjunction with the Men with a Mission)
to those in our congregation who are in need of some help on a temporary
basis.
3.) We give donations to several organizations in the community on a
yearly basis.
Thank you again for your support of this ministry.
. From the Board of Missions and Evangelism:
The board would like to welcome its newest member, David Hoeppner. David
joins the board along with Lora-Lee Snyder (Chairperson), Karen Ulmer
(Treasurer), Tracy Fronk (Secretary), Lesa Hill, and Robin Wippich.
Recently, the Board of Missions & Evangelism prepared and served food to
the community of La Porte at the Salvation Army soup kitchen. It was a rewarding
experience and we encourage other members to give it a try. The Board will also
be helping out with the upcoming Hog Roast and Outdoor service. We hope to see
you all there!
As a reminder, St. John's is currently supporting the following local
missions: The Women's Care Center of La Porte, Duneland Lutheran High School
based in Michigan City, and the Hispanic ministry of Tomas Agnon based in
Valparaiso. If you ever have questions regarding these missions, or would like
the Board to consider other missions, please talk to one of the board members.
Currently, the Board of Missions & Evangelism is meeting once of month on
a Saturday predetermined by the board members (we're a flexible group!). Our
next meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2004 at 10 AM in the Ladies Lounge.
Thank you all for your support!
From the Board of Stewardship:
"Maturing stewards strive for excellence in all they do and give!"
The Labor Day weekend is usually considered the end of summer. September is
that time of year when most congregations resume many of the ministry activities
that were put on hold or scaled back during the summer months. It's a time of
renewed efforts and events like Rally Day celebrations. It's also that time of
year when church members have more opportunities to put their time and talents
to work serving the Lord and his people. The stewardship of time and talent is
equally as important as the stewardship of financial resources. Maturing
stewards know that from experience and they strive for excellence in all they do
and give.
The giving of time and talents provides many blessings and benefits. The
total ministry of the congregation is enhanced as maturing stewards use their
time and talents for Sunday school, youth activities, church choirs, men's and
ladies' groups, leadership and officer positions, and a host of other
activities. In the process people are served and those involved in serving grow
in their Christian discipleship. It's a marvelous thing to see a church alive
with members using their gifts and talents in a free and generous way.
Maturing stewards are willing to take the first step and offer their time and
talents for service in the congregation. Wouldn't it be something if our pastors
and church leaders had to tell the members to stop offering their gifts because
more than enough had already been offered? One of the few times such a thing
happened was during the gathering of freewill offerings for the building of the
Old Testament tabernacle. Exodus 36:2-7 records that the people kept bringing
gifts for building the tabernacle until there were way more than enough. Moses
actually had to order the people to stop bringing more gifts for the project.
What a pleasant problem!
The reality in most congregations is that there are fewer volunteers than
needed, not more volunteers than needed. Wouldn't it be something if in this
congregation members would take the first step and offer their time and talents
for the work of building up the ministry of our congregation?
Could that actually happen, or is it only a pious dream? Where the Spirit of
God is at work you will also find people who are growing as stewards and looking
for opportunities to use their time and talents to make a difference. Ephesians
2:10 reminds us of the truth that "we are God's workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Maturing stewards recognize that truth and strive for excellence in all they do
and give…and together they make a difference!
From the Board of Parish Education:
Vacation Bible School took the young participants on a “Journey of a
Lifetime” with Jesus. We are so grateful to all who shared their time and
talents, especially to Susan Rosselli who wrote the program, organized the
crafts and activities, and challenged each of us to be with Jesus on our life’s
journey.
Sunday School will return to regular schedule on September 12, Rally
Day. Rhonda McConnell and all the Sunday School Staff are looking for ALL our
elementary/junior high school children to participate in this guided exploration
of faith in the God we worship. Afford our children every opportunity to grow in
faith. Dedication and rededication of the Sunday School Staff will also take
place on September 12.
Thank you to the young adults who “minded” the little ones during adult Bible
class this summer.
New Bible Classes: A special invitation to you and your friends.
“Come!”
Sundays, beginning September 12:
Discipleship Class with Pastor Brauer at 9:30 AM in the Music
Room for all interested in St. John’s membership or for those who wish to have
a refresher course in the study of “Luther’s Small Catechism.”
Adult Bible Class with Pastor Young at 9:30 AM in the cafeteria.
Wednesdays, beginning September 15:
Catechism Instruction with Pastor Young at 6:00 PM in the Ladies
Lounge for 7th and 8th grade students who are not enrolled at St. John’s
School.
Bible study “Living with Purpose” with Pastor Brauer at 6:00 PM in
the Music Room for parents of public school students who are attending the
Catechism class the same evening and for any other adults interested in
learning how to apply their Christian life to everyday living.
Continuing Bible Classes:
Wednesdays:
Men & Women with a Mission (6:30-8:00 AM-LL) is a Bible Study of
the texts that will be read in the Worship Services for the coming weekend.
It’s a great way to “jumpstart” your day (or finish your day if you work the
nightshift) with fellowship around the life-giving Word of God. It’s also a
good opportunity to follow Bible Study with our 8:10 AM School Chapel Service
in the Sanctuary.
Wednesday Warriors (10:30-11:45 AM-LL) is a study of a book of the
Bible, with table discussions to various subject matters uncovered in our
reading texts. We are currently studying the Letter to the Hebrews. This study
immediately follows our 10:00 AM Wednesday morning worship service in the
chapel.
Fridays:
Mothers and Others (8:15-10:00 AM-YR) is a Bible Study with a relaxed
atmosphere that encourages mothers of small children (and ANYONE) who often
can’t get to Bible Studies to bring the babies and toddlers to fellowship and
study topical events in the Bible.
Nursery Service:
During all regularly scheduled services at St. John’s, a caring and
conscientious adult is available in the Little Saints Sanctuary to care for your
child. The room is located at the northwest corner of the church lower level. It
is filled with fun toys and activities for your child on those occasions when he
or she just can’t sit still. The service is free and available to children up to
5 years old.—Please be sure to let the nursery worker know where you are seated
in church in case you are needed.
Fall Festival:
Mark your calendars for the annual Fall Festival. It will be held on
Thursday, October 21. There will be a craft sale from 10 AM-1 PM and a buffet
luncheon from 11 AM-1 PM. Watch for more details in your October newsletter.
College Addresses:
If your college student is not receiving our monthly newsletter, and you know
that they would like to, please contact the church office with address
information.
St. John’s Lutheran Church & School
111 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350
Church 219- 362-3726 (voice mail) School
219-362-6692
FAX 219-362-2237 TDD (for hearing impaired)
219-362-4742
Web site:www.stjohns-lpin.org E-mail:
stjohns@stjohns-lpin.org
Church Staff
Pastor—Rev. David M.Young, 219-324-9049
Pastor—Rev. Ronald A. Brauer, 219-362-4703
Secretary— Mrs. Linda Woodruff, 362-5770
e-mail- churchoffice@stjohns-lpin.org
Bookkeeper— Mrs. Wendy Husmann, 574-867-1202
Director of Music Ministries—Mr. Matt Nelson, 219-380-9030
Organist—Mrs. Susan Rosselli, 219- 324-8364
School Staff
School Principal—Mr. David Wippich, 219- 362-9288
Ms. Mary Fetters, Admin. Asst.;
Mrs. Rio Light, Daycare/ Pre-school;
Mrs. Karla Eigenmann, Kindergarten:
Mrs. Marlene Will, 1st Grade; Mrs. Beth Hoeppner, 2nd Grade;
Mrs. Lois Krider, 3rd Grade: Mrs. Jan Martinsen, 4th Grade;
Mr. David Hoeppner, 5th Grade: Mrs. Mindy Bremer, 6th Grade;
Miss Julie Stelter, 7th & 8th Grade
Congregation Officers & Board Chairmen:
President—Mr. James Foglesong., 219- 362-7994
Vice President—Mr. James Crum, 219- 324-2985
Treasurer—Mr. Dale Fischer, 219-369-1266
Assistant Treasurer—–Mr. Jeff Scherer, 219-362-5333
Secretary—Mrs. Penny Nelson, 219-362-7317
Elders—Mr. Ron Scherer, 219-326-1142
Trustees—Mr. Mark Hill, 219- 325-9031
School Board—Mrs. Janie Ulmer, 219-326-5914
Parish Education—Mrs. Trudy Roule, 219-362-7452
Parish Fellowship—Mrs. Jeanette Darby, 219-362-3891
Public Relations—Mrs. Delores Keller, 219-362-8778
Board of Missions & Evangelism—Mrs. Lora-Lee Snyder
219-369-9225
Social Ministry—Mrs. Sherrill Lee, 574- 654-7313
Stewardship—Mr. Bill Adams, 219-326-6498
Youth Board—Mrs. Dana Alexander, 219-324-4587
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