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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 54 December 2005 /
January 2006 No. 10
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
FROM PASTOR YOUNG:
What a splendid time of the year Advent/Christmas and Epiphany is! These
three seasons in our church year remind us of the promise of God being
fulfilled, the birth of the promise and the opportunity to proclaim that God
does indeed fulfill all that he promises! We find that fulfillment in Jesus,
“the author and perfecter of our faith” who as we prepare to celebrate His first
coming, reminds us that while He will be coming soon, we have a task at hand to
get the Gospel message to “all nations,” beginning with our own family, friends,
co-workers and neighbors.
In my devotional time, I came across this summation of Advent, Christmas and
Epiphany in St. Paul’s address to the Colossians. Paul addressed the promise
celebrated in the season of Advent in these verses: “For he has rescued us
from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he
loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
(1:13-14)”
The message of the promise and hope of Christmas is found in the next verses:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For
by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were
created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold
together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning
and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the
supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and
through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or
things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
(1:15-20)
Finally, Paul concludes with our task as Christians to evangelize those lost
by providing us with this promise to proclaim during the season of the Epiphany:
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of
your evil behavior. But now he has
reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in
his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your
faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.
(1:21-23)”
As the Advent watch begins again, do not become troubled or anxious by the
time frame of the coming of God’s promises. It is only by coming first to
Bethlehem that we can move on to Jerusalem, Calvary, and the cross. It is at the
cross that our faith is realized, and the benefits of Christ’s birth, life,
death and resurrection are fulfilled.
May your season of Advent in preparation of Christmas is filled with the joy
of the Lord and the birth of your Savior.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Young
From Pastor Brauer
“Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her
heart.”
Luke 2:19
Consider all that Mary pondered: A young woman, promised to Joseph in
marriage, yet pregnant with a child; traveling the three day trip of just over
60 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem at the directive of the hated Roman
government; less than desirable lodging accommodations; and intruding shepherds
coming after a personal time of child-birth. She would also recall nine months
prior that visit from the angel Gabriel, then her visit to Elizabeth and the
birth of Jesus’ forerunner, John the Baptizer.
All these things—and more!
Her song, recorded in Luke 1:46-55, is called “The Magnificat” and has its
parallel in another woman’s song, one who longed for a child. Hannah’s song is
recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. “My heart rejoices in the Lord,” she
sang. Mary echoes, “My soul magnified the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God,
my Savior.” Place these two songs side by side and you will see the parallels.
As you prepare for the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ, you will
find many portions of Scripture that are put side by side. Old Testament
prophecies are laid beside the New Testament fulfillment, wrapped together in
swaddling cloths of Holy Writ and laid in the manger of God’s Word. We see these
prophecies and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
This month our emphasis is on personal devotions. With our “Sowing Seeds for
the Harvest,” it is a blessing to know that it is God who sows the seed of His
saving and edifying Word into our hearts. He expects a harvest, for as the
prophet Isaiah writes, “As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and
do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is My Word that
goes out from My mouth: It will not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what
I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:10-11).
God sent His only-begotten Son, Jesus, into the world to save the world. We
celebrate this rescue from sin, death, and the power of the devil as we have
special worship services during December. Yet the reading of God’s Word is what
the faithful do as they “sit at home and when [they] walk along the road,
when [they] lie down and when [they] get up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). Pondering
God’s Word is what we continuously do as we know that when we search the
Scriptures, we will have eternal life in Jesus Christ.
The marketplace of the world competes for your spending dollar. Just look at
the advertising that is seen in the newspapers, television, radio, and even in
your mailbox and emails. The world would also desire you to speak its empty and
profane language. God would have you speak the sweet language of Scripture,
those words that bring forgiveness of sins, hope, love, and peace. What better
way than to learn the language of that which produces joy in the heart of a
believer! God invites you to daily hear and learn His Word through personal
devotions.
In addition to the quarterly devotional “Portals of Prayer” or “My
Devotions,” there is another resource that is distributed each week in the
Sunday bulletin. On the half-sheet insert with the Introit, Collect, and
Scripture readings, there is a Lectionary plan that assists you in reading
through the Bible in one year. The reading of the Introit Psalmody and the
Collect would accompany your faithful reading each day to help you learn that
language. Granted, some portions of Scripture may be difficult to understand. It
is in those times that we do as Martin Luther suggests, namely to give praise to
God for His Word and proceed.
As a family, you can gather around the “Family Altar” of devotions, with
Scripture readings and prayers when the whole family is gathered. It takes time
and practice to make this a healthy habit. One person may read
the Scriptures, another reads the devotional booklet, an a third person reads
the prayer.
We do not know the needs of our faith in the days and weeks ahead, but God
does. He puts into our hands that grace that we need to draw upon in times of
doubt, depression, desperation, or even death as He gives us His Holy
Scriptures. Mary didn’t know what demands would be placed on her faith, but as
we read the Gospels, we find Mary continuing to ponder all these things of her
Son. The seeds of God’s Word took root in her heart as it does for you. May you
make your way to Bethlehem, the “House of Bread,” this Advent and Christmas
season, and continue to ponder anew what the Almighty can do to you, for you,
and through you as you ponder on His Word, the Bread of Life, Jesus!
Principal's Report
I. Calendar
12/1 Civic rehearsal: King’s Kids 7-7:30 pm, Christus Chorus: 7-8 pm
No basketball
12/2 Grade 3: Librarian-here
12/4 Concert at Civic 5:00 pm, all Choirs report at 3:00 pm
12/5 Salvation Army Bell Ringing 3-8:00 pm
12/14 Eat in classroom
Children’s Christmas Program 6:30 pm in Gym
12/15 Eat in classroom
PTL Craft Fair (volunteers needed-call School Office)
12/16 Morning Movie
Classroom Parties
12/19 Christmas Vacation
1/2 School resumes
2/23 District Spelling Bee at Kesling
3/5 National Lutheran School’s Week
3/16 County Spelling Bee in Michigan City
Pre-school/Kindergarten Registration 6:00 pm
3/28 Steven’s Puppets 1:00 pm
II. Other Items:
Thank you from the school children, the Board of Education and the
Trustees to the following benefactors who funded the
purchase and installation of our new drinking fountains:
Karen Adams, Jon Ulmer and family, Steve Kalsow and family, Matt Schuster
and family, Bryon Eigenmann and family.
2. We need volunteers to prepare, serve, and clean up at the
Salvation Army on the 3rd Friday of each month.
December-Beta Sigma Phi
January-4th Grade Girls-Andrea Back
February-Beta Sigma Phi
March-Family Circle
April-Beta Sigma Phi
Please call Annette Williams or the school office to help in May, June or
July. We strongly encourage church groups and boards to sponsor a day.
Thanks.
3. Please continue to purchase Al and Kroger Certificates. Profits go
to the Tech. Fund and are at $5700. You can purchase them in the school
office or from Dorothy Levandoski.
4. We are accepting donations to help defray the cost of a new HVAC
system in the school building and church office. We have collected around
$20,000 to date in the school funds. These funds will be turned over to the
church when the project begins. Use your Thrivent account to get matching
funds. Forms are available in the school office.
5. Mission Trip fund raisers for the spring 2007 trip have begun.
Contact Renee Scherer for information regarding our current fundraiser. The
6th & 7th graders are selling oranges and gift baskets until December 11.
Sun Harvest, from Florida, will be our
supplier. The items will be shipped directly to your house or to any
address supplied. The orders will be ready for Christmas. See brochures in
the back of the church or see any 6th & 7th graders for more information.
6. The Children’s Christmas Program will be at the Advent
Service on December 14, at 6:30 pm, in the Gym. Please join the children
as they praise the Christ child in their presentation entitled, "Focus on
Jesus”.
Church attendance and giving:
Date Church
School Giving
11/12-13 404
65% $12,385.30
We need $18,000 to fund the church and school on a weekly basis.
Of the above mentioned amount, over $2000 of that is “Sewing Seeds” money.
The weather has become seasonal, actually, at this writing, a little colder
than seasonal. The turkey is being prepared for feasting, the leaves quickly
turned and fell, we give thanks for the many blessings that our maker has sent
our way. We are content with that, or are we? Contentment by definition is “to
be at peace.” The inability to maintain the budget speaks of a lack of
contentment. There is always something out there that we want, and sometimes
need. We all have real need of things like clothes, food, shelter, medical and
car expenses, etc., that detract from our giving back to God. If you have
budgeted an amount to be given back to God, that comes first. We cannot continue
to just throw in the last few bucks in our pocket. The Lord will bless this
place if the people give of their first fruits. The Lord offers the peace and
contentment you seek, here at the school and here at the church. Please attend
vigorously, worship vigorously, give vigorously. I have said before if every
family gives $5.00 more per week (records indicate that we have almost 600
families in this church), take that number times $5.00 and we get $3000 per
week, times 52 weeks = $156,000! Five bucks a week more than you give now, and
the necessary funds of support are in place to keep this place moving forward in
Christ.
Voters’ Assembly Meeting
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, November 2, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Foglesong.
Pastor Brauer led the assembly in a brief devotion based on Revelations
Chapter 22.
The minutes from the November 3, 2005 meeting were read and approved.
Kristi Georgi was received as a new voting member.
Election
· Sue Chlebek was elected to serve on the School Board.
· Mark Foglesong, Matt Schuster, and Jon Ulmer were elected to
serve as Trustees. Mark will fill the 1-year vacancy left by Don Kessler.
Old Business
None
Pastors’ Reports
Pastor Young was not present.
Pastor Brauer’s presented his report
Principal’s Report
Mr. Wippich’s report is elsewhere in this publication.
In addition Mr. Wippich reviewed the School Financial Report is also
attached.
Church Council
The following transfers out were announced:
· Barbara Harrold to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Ocala, FL
· Jamie, Danette, Jared, and Abbey Michaels to St. John’s, Wanatah
· Matthew, Valerie, Celia, and Madeline Ebbott to St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church, Evansville, IN
· Laurel Rameier to Trinity Lutheran, LaPorte
· Jennifer Sardeson to Trinity Lutheran, LaPorte
· Douglas and Emily Hilgendorf to Bethel Lutheran, Gurnee, IL
· Donald R. and Janet L. Kessler to Faith Lutheran, Bloomington,
IN
A motion was made and seconded to accept the Spending Plan for 2006. Scott
Tharp went over the proposal and answered questions.
A motion was made by Dale Fischer to amend the budget by deleting the
benefits that the head cook receives ($772.75). A second was heard. The motion
to amend failed.
Scott Tharp moved that the Spending Plan be amended by changing to the
“Church’s Plan” for retirement benefits. This would be an increase of
approximately $1900 in the budget. A second was heard. The motion to amend
passed. The motion to accept the Spending Plan as amended passed.
Treasurer’s Report
It was noted that the following motion made by Dale Fischer at the May 18,
2005 Voters’ Meeting couldn’t be carried out because there was no fund: “to
transfer $140,564 from the Heating and Air Conditioning Fund to the General
Fund.”
Dale Fisher reviewed the written report attached to these minutes.
New Business
None
Communications
None
Announcements
Matt Nelson announced that tickets are on sale for the annual Christmas
Concert to be held on December 4, in conjunction with the People for
Preservations Candlelight Tour. The concert will be at 5:00 p.m. this year.
Pastor Brauer led a brief closing based on All Saints’ Day.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Nelson, Secretary
ANNOUNCEMENTS
From Your Pastors:
Words often come short at describing the gratitude in our hearts for your
kind words of encouragement, thanks, and appreciation. We continually give
thanks to God for all His blessings to St. John’s, and pray His grace and
blessings to come to each of you in the New Year ahead. We are truly humbled by
your gracious acts of love. Thank you all!
Pastor Young and Pastor Brauer and their families
Every Member Sunday:
Mark your calendar for January 29, 2006, to be part of Every Member Sunday at
St. John's Lutheran Church. While we encourage everyone to be in weekly worship,
this one Sunday will serve as a renewal of everyone’s membership at St. John’s.
This recommitment to our membership is patterned after our confirmation vows.
This day is a perfect time as there are no football games to rush and watch, the
Christmas cookies are all eaten and you need a fresh dessert, it’s a long
Epiphany season and we will all enjoy this midwinter break.
We will also receive into membership those who complete the Discipleship
class and desire to become members. At noon, we will have a congregational pot
luck dinner. Please join your fellow members in this time of recommitment, food,
and fellowship.
Lost and Found Items:
From time to time, various items are found in church after worship, left on
coat racks, or dropped somewhere. These items usually are turned in to the
church office. If you are missing an earring, pin, or other item, check with us
to see if it has been found. It is also possible that some items are
accidentally taken home. One item that was reported missing was a woman’s black
sweater. If you should find that in your closet, please return it. We thank you
for exercising Christian stewardship in loving concern for your fellow members.
From the Financial Team:
Since the December 31, 2005 (New Year’s Eve) church donation envelopes will
be counted and deposited on January 3, 2006, they will be included in the 2006
contribution totals. Members need to submit contributions before December 26,
2005 to be counted with their 2005 totals. 2005 individual total contribution
reports will be available for pick up in the Narthex starting on January 14,
2006.
In 2006 we will be keeping our records of financial contributions on the
computer. This has been done in the past by Posters, who have volunteered many
hours of their time and talent. Our Posters are: Larry Heidel, Dorothy V.
Levandoski, Dorothy E. Levandoski, Carol Strauss, Corinne Kalsow and Linda
Peters. Our many thanks and deepest appreciation for these and the many other
previous Posters who have faithfully served our church. Our thanks also go to
those who count our weekly contributions: John Compton, Charlie Link, Jim
Peters, Harold Schroeder, Jim Sherwood and substitutes Chuck Dickman and Wilbur
Deiters.
Boxes of 2006 contribution envelopes are now available for pick up in the
church basement. Please note, most members will have new numbers in 2006. Thank
you. Linda Peters, Financial Secretary
Ron Scherer, Head Teller
From the Board of Parish Fellowship:
Our "festive" fellowship coffee hours have really been successful in terms of
food and fellowship. However, we would really like to see more members attending
Bible Study to become enriched with God's word. Come, join us this week and
every week thereafter -- become a regular attendee.
Plan now for the "Cranberry Fest" December 11 between services. If you would
like to donate a cranberry treat, please contact Linda Peters at 393-3496 or
Marilyn Sawyer at 362-6069. A suggested donation of $2.00 per family will help
defray the cost of the Outdoor Service and Hog Roast/Family Picnic for 2006.
January 29, 2006, has been designated as "Every Member Sunday
Therefore, we a planning a noon family potluck following the 10:45
a.m. service. So, bring your favorite casserole, salad, or dessert dish to
share along with table service for your family. Beverages will be provided. Come
for a time of food, fun and fellowship.
Poinsettias-Christmas is coming!
It is already time to start thinking about Christmas decorations. We, the
Altar Guild, are requesting a $10 donation per poinsettia plant. You can make
your checks payable to St. John’s Flower Fund and drop it (or cash) off at the
church office or hand it to Kathy Page, Joan Scherer or Sherrill Lee. Also,
please let us know at that time if you want the plant or not. Anyone who does
want the plant will need to pick it up after the second service on Sunday,
January 1st. Thank you for your continued support.
Advent Devotional:
New devotionals for Advent are available in the Narthex. “A Message of
Hope-Proclaiming the Promise” have been donated to us by Lutheran Hour
Ministries.
Help Needed:
The Altar Guild and the Board of Elders have decided that Thursday, December
15, will be the evening to decorate the church for Christmas. Anyone who is able
to help, please show up in the church at 7:00 pm.
Pew Pouches:
The Pew Pouches have been refilled with Arch books that reflect the Advent,
Christmas and Epiphany seasons. If your children read all the Old Testament
books during the past few months, then they will want to get a Pew Pouch with a
different book in the weeks ahead. Thanks to the Fifth Grade for repairing and
refilling these Pew Pouches each week.
Mission Trip Fundraiser:
The 6th and 7th graders will be selling oranges and gift baskets until
December 11. Sun Harvest, from Florida, will be our supplier. The items will be
shipped directly to your house, or to any address supplied. The orders will be
ready for Christmas. These would make great gifts for family and friends. Please
contact any one of St. John’s 6th or 7th
graders for more information, or call Renee Scherer at 325-8831.
“Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions”:
Due to continued interest, we will be sending in another order for this “easy
reader” version of the “Book of Concord.” If you are interested in
purchasing a copy, please let the Church Office know by December 15. We will
place the order on December 16. The price is $20 per copy. Please call the
Church Office if you have any questions.
From the Activities Committee:
The Fall Festival & Bazaar made a net profit of $1758.50, which will go to
the St. John’s School HVAC Fund. We will also receive a supplement from Thrivent
in the near future. Thanks to everyone who made this possible.
Rag Rugs:
Circle 7 has blue jean or polyester rag rugs for sale in a variety of sizes
and colors. For more information, call Ina Mae Diederich at 324-3513 or any
Circle 7 member.
Urgently Needed:
We have an urgent need for someone to provide child care between services on
Sunday mornings. There are several parents of children, that are too young to
attend Sunday School, who would like to attend Adult Bible Study. If you would
like to help out, please call the church office.
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Please note the following service times as you prepare for
worship this month:
Wednesday evening Advent services:
November 30, December 7 and 21 at 7 pm.
Theme: “Mary and Joseph: The Model for Marriage”
Wednesday, December 14 at 6:30 pm (note time) is the Day
School’s presentation of the Christmas message to be held in the School
gymnasium (note location).
Christmas Eve, December 24: Family worship at 4 pm and Candlelight
service at 10:30 pm, with choral concert beginning at 10 pm.
Christmas Day, December 25: ONE service at 10:00 am with Holy
Communion
New Years’ Eve, December 31: regular worship at 7 pm with Holy
Communion
New Years’ Day, January 1: ONE serve at 10:00 am with Holy Communion.
(There will be different sermons for these services.)
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