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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 54 April 2005 No. 3
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
FROM PASTOR YOUNG:
He is risen! He is risen, indeed, alleluia! That impassioned cry that we
proclaimed on Easter morning still rings true, even as we have left the empty
tomb and our Easter festival and returned to our pace of life. My prayer is that
the fullness of Christ’s resurrection grace be ever before you as you return to
proclaim this message in your world! We begin our season of Easter with that
resurrection joy, even as we begin to take a necessary step for future ministry
of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School.
As most of you are aware, we are about to begin our Sustained Giving
Stewardship Emphasis program called “Sowing Seeds for the Harvest.” The purpose
of “Sowing Seeds for the Harvest” for St. John’s is to teach and practice
Biblical principles that will ensure that we can support, sustain and grow the
ministries that the Lord has called us to. When St. Johannes (St. John's) German
Evangelical Lutheran Church of La Porte was officially formed in July 1857 and
the Day School was started two months later, it was only by the abundance of
God’s blessings and the faithfulness of godly men and women who supported,
sustained and grew this congregation in faithful service over the past 148 years
that we have our church and school today. Yet, we are at a cross road of
evaluation for the future of St. John’s.
God gave a vision to this church 148 years ago, and that vision continues to
find its fulfillment in blessings to you and your children, your parents and
grandparents, just as it had been to the generations before them. Our Lord has
given us no indication that he is finished with our many ministries, yet we are
reminded that when we evaluate our future, it takes commitment and effort, mixed
with love, the Spirit’s guidance and wisdom, time, talent, treasure, and sweat
to remain faithful to our current and future responsibilities. We are blessed
that our “blood” need not be shed to fulfill God’s mission, for we know that the
blood of Christ is sufficient enough for God to sustain and grow His church.
We are ever mindful that it is GOD’S church and mission, and never ours. It
all starts with God, anyway. We are ever mindful that the first verse of Genesis
in Hebrew says: “In the beginning, God...” We are reminded about all that
we have: forgiveness, salvation and eternal life because “God so love the
world that HE GAVE…” We are ever mindful that God has called us to be
faithful over all that He has given us. For God gives, and our response to His
love is to respond in love.
The Scripture verses that will be associated with our “Sowing Seeds for the
Harvest” campaign is 2nd Corinthians 9:10-11 “Now
he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and
increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every
occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
You will hear more about the vision that we share at St. John’s over the next
few months. The future harvest for St. John’s begins where God begins; with His
word and His grace. May God lead and guide you with the seed of His Gospel, sown
in Baptism, nurtured in Worship and Harvested in service for Christ Jesus!
Yours in Christ,
From Pastor Brauer:
Spring Cleaning
One of the books I am reading is a collection of hymns written in the fourth
century by Ephrem the Syrian. He lived after the time of the Council of Nicea,
from which council the Nicene Creed was formulated and accepted as a statement
of faith. Ephrem was a hymn writer who composed many hymns about the Jesus. The
teachings of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection were constantly being
challenged during that time in the Early Church’s history. His hymns, and the
hymns and writings of other Church Fathers, would give witness to what Holy
Scriptures say about our only Savior, Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
One of St. Ephrem’s hymns has this line, “Let us thank Him Who took away the
curse by His thorns.” It brings to mind one other hymn with this line, “No more
let sin and sorrow grow, nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His
blessings flow Far as the curse is found” (LW 53:3). It’s one line from
“Joy to the World,” a song we sang at Christmas
time. (Okay, so you say, “Pastor Brauer, we’ve just celebrated Easter. Do you
have your seasons mixed up?”) Not really. “Joy to the World”
was inspired by Psalm 98, as well as what Christ came to do in His birth,
life, death, and resurrection.
Jesus came to clean. He came to remove the curse of the thorns.
If you haven’t already begun, you will soon begin spring cleaning. Yard work
especially comes to mind as we get out the rakes and clean out the winter debris
of leaves, wrappers, paper, and other unsightly garden refuse. We take our hoes
and break up the soil to allow the spring rain to penetrate the soil and give
water to the plants just beginning to emerge. New life springs forth and the
greenery warms our hearts and gladdens our spirits.
But imagine if you didn’t rake out that junk. Imaging thorns entwined around
your flowerbed and creeping ivy infecting your lawn. All summer long you would
have to either tolerate this mess or pick away at it, trying to keep up a
healthy lawn. And imagine if you never weeded that flowerbed! How unsightly it
would become in short order!
Any gardener would tell you that the weeds, thorns, and thistles would have
to be removed before the beauty of the garden can be seen. So it is in the life
of a Christian. The weeds of sin and the curse of the thorns have to be removed
before we are seen with the flowers of the beauty of God. Genesis 3 tells us of
the time when the ground was cursed and when thorns first came upon the earth to
remind us of our sinfulness. But Jesus came to take on the curse of those thorns
by wearing a crown of thorns in His Passion. He took our punishment and bore the
curse for us.
Now in this Easter season, we see the growth of His love in the lives of the
faithful, as the seed of the Gospel, having been planted and watered through the
preaching of His Word and by Baptism and the Holy Supper, takes root and
produces fruit pleasing to God. By His sacrificial death and His being raised to
life we are cleansed of all the thorns that would curse us. We have been given
our ‘spring cleaning’ and now grow in His grace as we are fed and nourished
through His Word and Sacraments.
True, while we live on this earth, we will experience sorrow and sin. But in
Christ, those sorrows and sins shall not grow. They are defeated through His
death on the cross and His glorious rising from the dead. That Gardener whom
Mary saw on Easter morning had removed the curse of the thorns (death) from the
garden (tomb) of our lives. Rather than live in the soil where we are choked by
the thorns of the cares of this world, by His Holy Spirit, we are transformed
(transplanted, if you will)
and now live for Him in His garden, the Church. By His cleaning and by His
power, our lives are freed of the thorns that entrap us.
The flowers we plant in our garden present their beauty to the whole earth,
just as the Christian presents the beauty of God’s love to those in this world.
By your baptism, you are part of God’s bouquet in His Church on earth. Continue,
therefore, to be planted and rooted in His love, by hearing His Word and
receiving His Sacrament, as you join your fellow members in the study of God’s
Word and the worship of His Name.
The Apostle Paul prayed, “…that [God] would grant you, according to the
riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the
inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you,
being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the
saints what is the width and length and depth and height–to know the love of
Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of
God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church
by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:16-21
NKJV
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
I. CALENDAR ITEMS:
4/4-4/8 Spring Break…no school
4/7-4/9 Lutheran Educational Association Convocation in Indy…
(7 teachers are attending this during their vacation time.)
4/13 Seniors Potluck...eat in classrooms
4/15 Fish Fry
4/22 PTL Dance 5:30-8:30 (Disco Theme)
GR 2 Field Museum 8-4:00
4/28 1/2 day-dismiss at 11:35
4/30 Academic Challenge
5/15-21 City Camping Mission trip to Minneapolis and Duluth,
Minnesota
II . Enrollment:
As of 3/3/05 is 166 …last year 168…year before 160
National Lutheran Schools Week was celebrated March 6-11 . We held a Health
Fair on 3/10 from 6:30-8:30 in the gym. You may have seen a picture of Zac Ulmer
tossing a Frisbee provided by the LaPorte Hospital Cardiac Care booth.
The faculty would like to thank the following people responsible for
sponsoring a luncheon and for organizing substitute teachers during the lunch:
Nicole Schuster, Annette Williams…The substitute workers were: Rhonda McConnell,
Annette, Andrea Back, Kristen Fleming, Nicole, Sonia Kidd, Kami Alexander, Vicki
Johnson, Julie Marie Gerick, Crystal Bublitz, Ellen Reed, Sue Chlebek, Angie
Woodcox, Matt Schuster, Charlie Baima, Cory Shoffner, Diane Wilczewski…
2. Pizza Hut Night … March 16. Your purchase provides a 20% kickback to fund
our mission trip coming up in May of 2005.
3. Mrs. Bremer and Student Council sold fleece vests and pullovers…sold 40+
items.
Math Contest was on 3/5/05. Our team consisted of the following students: Zac
Ulmer, RyanWaak, Jake Williams, Bekah Langham, Dave Brauer, Sami Williams,
Heather Macher, Anna Marie Gerick, Matthew Stearns, Zac Wisniewski, Nick
Wilczewski, Sky Shortt. Alternates are Kat Scherer and Jordan Fetters and Abby
Light. Results: Grade 5: Sky Shortt placed 6th…Nick Wilczewski placed
3rd…Grade 6: Annamarie Gerick placed 5th…Matthew Stearns
places 1st…Grade 7: Zac Ulmer placed 5th…Ryan Waak placed
4th…Our school placed 3rd out of 7 schools participating.
Thanks to Mindy Bremer, Janie Ulmer, Rick Shortt, Wayne Wilczewski, Laura
Stearns, Bob Gerick, Sandy Brauer, Deb Waak for either driving or assisting with
the event.
5. We wrote a check to the church for the following amount: $41,222.96 which
is a compilation from daycare funds, ed fee, SMART adm fee, full tuition, and ps/pk
tuition. Remember this is done at the beginning of the year and now to pay the
50/50 tuition amounts to the church general fund.
Ed Fee 12,971.38
Full tuition 16,784.92
PS/PK Tuition 4,531.13
Total $41,222.96
6. Mr. Wippich wrote a grant which allows 7 teachers to attend the upcoming
Lutheran Education Association Convocation in Indy during spring break. The
teachers attending the three day event are : Mr. Wippich, M. Bremer, D. Hoeppner,
J. Martinsen, B. Hoeppner, M. Will, R. Light. This will save the church
approximately $3,500 in registration, lodging, food and mileage money. We will
join 4000 Lutheran educators from across the country in worship and professional
development activities.
7. Budget concerns: Were you aware that as of 3/6/05, we are $55,900 behind
the budget in plate offerings at church? Remember this ministry, which includes
church, school, missions etc, requires around $18,000 per week to meet the
budget. Please do what you can to help. Recent giving has gone up to around
$15,000 from around $10,000. That is a good sign. Give from your first
fruits….support the Lord’s work here at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School
FROM MARK JERNDT
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Several months ago I wrote to you in the monthly newsletter of our church
that I had made application to Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne,
Indiana to study for the pastoral ministry. I had also informed you that there
is a selection process, and that one does not just go to the seminary because
“they” feel that is what they should do.
Since that time many of you have come forward with kind words of
encouragement. More importantly, you have indicated to both Diane and me, that
you would keep us in your prayers. For the prayers, for the words of
encouragement, for all the smiles and well wishes, I want to give you my
heartfelt thanks. There were also a few who’ve said in similar, but nevertheless
loving ways; “at your age (56), why now? In my conversations with you, it was
vital that I testify to you that the Lord works on His timeline. Even though, at
my age, one should realistically be looking towards retirement, I have felt the
gentle hand of God leading me in yet another direction.
On March 24, 2005, which was Maundy Thursday, the Board of Regents at the
Seminary in Ft. Wayne, met to make their selections of seminary students for the
next school year. Shortly after that meeting, I received a phone call from
Pastor Zimmerman informing me that I was among the chosen. Further to that, I
have been granted permission to go through their “Alternate Route” program. This
is two years of intense seminary vs. the normal three years. I will then do my
year of vicarage followed by graduation. After that, Diane and I will wait to
see where God’s hand will lead me, through a divine call, to serve our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. My studies begin on June 13.
In my letter to you of several months ago, I also wrote; “I’m excited about
the prospects, but would be remiss if I were not to tell you, that there is some
degree of fear”. From a human prospective, that is not totally inaccurate, but
God’s word reminds each of us; “I can do everything through Him who gives
me strength”. Philippians 4:13 The prophet Isaiah also provides these
important words; “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed,
for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my
righteous hand”. Isaiah 41:10
In Abraham Lincoln’s farewell address in Springfield, IL on February 11,1861,
he spoke these words which sums up my feelings very well; “My friends: No
one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting.
To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything”. I wish I
could embrace each of you, and many of you I will. For the others, these words
must suffice. Diane and I will certainly need your prayers in the months and
years ahead of us. I will always remember each of you. Bring joy to God by
continuing to remember and care for each other. May God’s grace and peace always
come to each of you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Mark Jerndt
3/25/05
ANNOUNCEMENTS
From Market Day: Profits have fallen this year, so we would like to
make you all aware that this Market Day effort conducted by the PTL needs to be
more profitable or we may have to discontinue the service. Profits from this
project are divided equally between the PTL, the Athletic Department and the
school General Fund. These funds have been a constant blessing to operations and
we hope to continue to have them. Please order generously in April and May to
stock up for the upcoming summer. Items are easily stored in the freezer.—–Paper
order forms are due by 4/14 to Annette Williams or in the Market Day mailbox in
the parking lot. The order deadline for on-line orders is 4/20 with pick up on
4/23 in the cafeteria from 9:30-10:30 AM. You may order on-line at
www.marketday.com account number is 6389. Thanks for utilizing this school
fundraiser.
- D. Wippich
PROGRESSIVE DINNER
APRIL 29, 2005
The plan, to date, for our next Progressive Dinner is:
All will meet in the school to enjoy appetizers.
From there, they travel to the “host family’s” home for the entrée for a
group of eight people.
Following the entrée, all will return to the school for dessert and
fellowship.
This is not a “couples only” gathering. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to
participate. The Board of Parish Fellowship will either assign or get volunteers
to make up groups of eight.
Please complete the following information to indicate your willingness to
participate and/or host a party of eight in your home for the entrée.
**********************************************
NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED:_________
___________________________________________
ADDRESS:____________________________________
PHONE:______________________________________
WILLING TO PARTICIPATE: yes ________no_______
WILLING TO HOST: yes_________ no________
Please return this form to church office or place in offering
COME TO THE FISH FRY...
Date: Friday, April 15
Time: 4-7:00 p.m.
Place: St. John’s Lutheran School Gymnasium
Tickets:
$6.50-Adult ($7.50 at door.)
$3.50-Children under age 12.
MENU: Alaskan Pollack (White Fish), Baked Potato OR Potato
Salad, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw w/Dinner Roll,
Refreshments (dessert available at extra cost) Carry-outs
Available!
St. John’s Lutheran Church/School 111 Kingsbury Avenue – La
Porte, IN (Church 362-3726…...School 362-6692)
Tickets are available at the Church Office or from Imogene Dahl
St. John’s Lutheran Church & School
111 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350
Church 219- 362-3726 School 219-362-6692
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- 362-7794
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. Linda Peters, 219-393-3496
Public Relations—Mrs. Dolores Keller, 219-362-8778
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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