2005 March

A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN

Vol. 54 March 2005 No. 2

“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”

From Pastor Young:

If you have not attended church lately, the worship in our Lenten journey has been “graced” or “obstructed” by one big, ugly cross in our sanctuary. Traditionally, this cross was only dragged into the sanctuary on the back of your pastors or attendants on Good Friday, the last day of Lent. This season, it has been a fixture since Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.

Believe it or not, we have displayed this “eyesore” to enrich your worship and to cultivate your reflection upon this cross and what Christ did for you. The starkness, the gravity and magnitude of what was really accomplished for us by the crucifixion of Christ Jesus is laid bare before you in this demonstration each weekend and each mid-week Lenten service.

Or should I say “attempt” to display; for only the physical witnesses to the real gruesome event on Golgotha could have ever seen the shame, humility and agony that Jesus suffered at the hands of His executioners. And while Christ’s’ execution may have been conducted by the detail of Roman soldiers commissioned to flog, torture, torment, and eventually nail Him to the cross, the real executioner was our sin.

It was sin that nailed our Lord to the cross; your sin, my sin, the sins of the world. It was our alienation from God in our thought, our words and our deeds that required this execution of the Son of God to take place. To help you contemplate on the depths of our sin, we asked you to write down on paper the things that have kept you from the grace of God in your life and nail them to the cross set before you.

How humbling and perhaps humiliating it was for us to write down on that purple piece of paper our sin or sins that we struggle with. How shameful or embarrassed we may have felt as we walked forward with our little “ash crosses” upon our forehead, before the gazing eyes of the congregation, as we nailed them to that cross in our sanctuary. But the purpose was not to humiliate or shame anyone.

The purpose of this request was to lead you to put aside your sin, to see it as God sees it: as an offense to His holiness and a barrier between you and Him. But by symbolically nailing it to that cross, you would also see that God now sees those sins, those stumbling blocks or obstacles to God’s riches and glory in the way he sees them through the cross. He now sees your sins as being “nailed to the cross” by His Son Jesus.

Those sins have been removed from you! The death and the return to “ashes and dust” no longer hold victory over you! As St. Paul wrote: “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” (Colossians 2:13-15)

There is no access to the glory unless we see ourselves as God sees us; through that big, ugly cross. May your journey this Lententide bring you to the richness and fullness of joy at the empty tomb this Easter morning!

Your brother in the Cross,
Pastor Young

From Pastor Brauer:

“It was inconvenient. It was bothersome. The flowers were pretty and all, but I hope they’re put in a different place next time. That whole cross thing is just, well, out-of-place with the rest of the church.”

Perhaps you saw it when worshiping the weekend of the Second Sunday in Lent. Or perhaps the slippery weather that fell the morning of February 20^th kept you from attending that day’s worship service and you weren’t blessed to ‘see this thing which has come to pass.’ It was seeing the large cross, set where the center handrails normally are placed. Flowers from a recent funeral were placed at the foot of the cross to adorn the sanctuary. Those who communed found it a little difficult to get up and especially down the steps after receiving Christ’s body and blood. The flowers seemed to be in the way and prevented people from using the cross as they went down the three steps.

As I thought about this, I realized the great teaching moment we all experienced. We are reminded of the Theology of the Cross as this cross stands visibly before us in our sanctuary this Lententide. We remember the sufferings, punishment, and cruel death our Savior Jesus Christ accomplished for us on that cross in order to atone for all our sins. While people clamored for a miracle from the cross, Jesus willingly and patiently bore the pain of death for us in our place. Instead of the flowers, there were the taunts and jeers of the crowd calling for Jesus to come down from that cross.

But once the suffering for our sins was complete, we heard, “It is finished,” spoken from that cross. Then after His Sabbath Day’s rest in the tomb, Jesus rose from the dead. By His resurrection we now have life. Easter Sunday breaks forth in joy that awakens the heart with gladness.

As you have also attended the Divine Service, you have heard these words of the Gradual: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, scorning its shame…” Jesus endured that cross for YOU. In the time of death and as we descend to our graves, we reach for the cross to comfort and strengthen us, trusting that as we have been baptized into Christ’s death, we will also rise like His resurrection. The trouble with a theology of glory (wanting the best without the suffering) is that it gets in the way of the cross, much like those flowers. It’s foolishness in the world’s eyes. But to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

It is in humbleness that we kneel at the cross, knowing it was our sins that nailed Jesus to that cross. It is with restored joy that we go and love and serve God and our neighbors with His blessings, encouraging one another all the more as we see the day of the Lord approaching. May God bless your Lenten meditations as you ponder the passion and death of our Lord. May God fill you with Easter joy as your heart and faith hears, “Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”

Worship and Your Child:

Many have asked your pastors how their children can be more involved in the worship services of St. John’s. All of us who are parents have experienced the same desire for our worship experience, especially when our children are younger, energetic and perhaps “restless” in the pews. Many apologize to us for their children’s behavior or outbursts during worship. Sadly, even more decide that it’s easier to avoid it altogether and stop attending worship until they believe their children are older, better behaved or able to understand the “church experience.”

First of all, there is no need to apologize to your pastors for any of this! We, too, have been in your shoes, have crunched Cheerios under foot, and have wrestled with restless children. It does get less hectic!

Second, don’t let anyone else make you feel that your children are “unwelcome.” It might feel like it, but the truth of the matter is most people around you are not bothered as much by the sounds of younger children as you might believe. You are just more sensitive to it.

And finally, DO NOT AVOID COMING TO WORSHIP BECAUSE OF THESE REASONS! We encourage all families of young children to continue worshipping regardless of your perceived distractions. We assure you, we can preach louder than any screaming child.

In the February letter of the “LCMS Children's Ministry-Net,” Pastor Ted

Andrada from Messiah Lutheran, in Boerne, Texas shares these tips that we hope you’ll find as helpful ways to involve your children in the worship and understanding of their church experience:

“Here are some ways that children at young ages can be taught ways to become involved in worship. Appropriate behavior and participation doesn’t just happen; it’s learned-step by step. Some of these ideas will work, some not for any given child. Keep trying, building upon the child’s successes.”

· Discuss what you see as appropriate behavior in church with your child before church begins. Talk about what is allowed and what is not! Emphasize what is important behavior to you.
· Help your child prepare the offering money on Saturday.

· Help your child lay out special clothes for church on Saturday.

· Help your child prepare a quiet “church bag” that includes a children’s Bible, soft animals and other quiet items.

· Get a drink and visit the restroom before entering the sanctuary.

· Remember to separate siblings if necessary.

· When your children are no longer infants, consider having your family sit closer up front so they may see better.

· Point out the colors, pictures and symbols seen in the church. Play “I spy” with your child before church begins and explain what they see.

· Have your young child hum or sing “la,la,la” with you to the tune of the hymns and liturgy.

· Involve your children with children’s choir and Sunday school.

· Make church a warm, loving place to be. Encourage children to share “God’s peace” with those around them.

· Help your child to start listening for key words in the sermon like “Jesus.” This is a good way to sharpen listening skills.

· When it’s time to pray, help your child fold her hands and bow her head. Tell her it’s time to talk to Jesus. After a few times you’ll say “it’s prayer time” and she will know what to do.

· Ask your child to remember one thing about the worship service to discuss on the way home.

· Lead family devotions at dinner using a children’s devotional book.

· Write names of friends, family and teachers on Popsicle sticks and place them in a cup on the table. Let each child draw one name and pray for them out loud at the end of the meal.

· Pray “The Lord’s Prayer” at bedtime with your child along with their regular bedtime prayers. Then, when they hear it in the worship service they will want to participate.

”Clearly defining and talking about expected behaviors in worship helps our children understand their boundaries, which gives them a greater level of comfort in their surroundings. Finally, pray that God will bless your children spiritually. Pray for spiritual blessing more than anything else. Nurturing your child’s relationship with God has eternal consequences.”

We hope this helps you in your worship life and in the worship life of your children!

Your servants in Christ,

Pastor Young Pastor Brauer

Principal’s Report

Mission Statement: The Mission of St. John’s Lutheran School is to joyfully celebrate the good news of Salvation through Jesus Christ.

I. CALENDAR ITEMS:

3/3 Gr 4 to Armory for Ag days

3/4 Gr 4 Little Fish Club Health/Fitness

3/5 Math contest Valpo

3/6 Opening service 10:45 NLSW

3/7-11 NLSW

3/7 12:30 Volleyball

3/9 Opportunity to Community Cookie Drop/Student Council

3/10 6:30-8:30 Health Fair in Gym…No admittance fee…

3/11 Faculty Luncheon supplied by PTL 11:00-12:30

3/14 No school…Snow make up day

3/16 1/2 day in service teacher development…buses and dismissal at 11:35

3/16 Pizza Hut 4-11

3/18 End of 3^rd Quarter and gr 1 to Maple Syrup at Chellberg Farm

3/22 Steven’s Puppets 1:00 Beauty and the Beast in the gym

3/24 Report cards due out

3/25 Good Friday…no school

4/4-4/8 Spring Break

II . Enrollment as of 2/18/05 in PS –8 is 167 compared to 168 at this time last year..

III. Other notes

The LILY event was a smash hit as the Silver Palace was filled to near capacity on 2/11/05. A number of community people attended in support of our school…especially, teachers in the public system were present to show their support, as were various business people from the community. We thank the Board of Education ( Janie Ulmer, Rick Shortt, Andrea Back, Julie Sinclair, Dionne Wisniewski, Cory Shoffner, Terry Scherer, Julia Rogers, Steve Kalsow) for taking the initiative to sponsor such an event and make a positive effort to raise funds to support St. John’s Lutheran Church in its ministry called St. John’s Lutheran School. We hope to make this an annual event and hope to see more congregational people in attendance in the future. The dinner was great, the band was easy listening and the fellowship with friends who support the church and

school was what we needed. Thank you to all congregation

members who supported this event with donations, ticket purchases and prayer. More details will be available in the next newsletter.

2. National Lutheran Schools Week will be celebrated March 6-11 with the NLSW church service being conducted on 3/6/05 @ 10:45. We will hold a Health Fair on 3/10 from 6:30-8:30 in the gym. We encourage your attendance and participation in this open house event. Other events are listed in the calendar portion of this newsletter article.

3. We thank everyone who purchased or donated to the Super Bowl Sub fundraiser event. We especially thank Dionne Wisniewski for initiating this event and Steve Kalsow, Rick Shortt and Janie Ulmer for sandwich construction. Profits from this will support the eventual purchase of new basketball uniforms.

Thank you to all the basketball coaches who donated 100’s of hours coaching their teams: Rick King, Jon Ulmer, Rhonda and Greg McConnell, Dwayne Rogers, Dionne Wisniewski. St. John’s appreciates your enthusiastic support.

Congratulations to the girls’ 5^th/6^th grade team and to coach David Hoeppner for successfully navigating through an undefeated 12-0 season! Way to go Eagles! You may have seen the article in the 2/17/05 Herald Argus…

ISTEP RESULTS: Language: 4^th-70% pass, 5^th-94% pass, 7^th-100% pass, Math: 4^th 80% pass, 5^th-75% pass, 7^th-93% pass Science: 5^th-81% pass. These numbers are at or exceed state averages. See the Herald Argus on 2/17 and 2/18 for more information…

7. Preschool and Kindergarten registration will be Tuesday, 3/15 from 6-7:00 in the cafeteria. Your preschool child must have turned 3 by July 1 and be bathroom trained…Pk-age 4 by July 1…K-age 5 by July 1. Please bring birth certificates, social security cards, and all immunizations, as these items are all necessary to enrollment.

Voters’ Assembly Meeting Minutes

St. John’s Evangelical Church

February 2, 2995

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Foglesong and Pastor Young led the assembly in a brief devotion and opening prayer.

The minutes from the November 3, 2004 meeting were read and approved.

Mary Ann Fischer, Carol Jean Spear, and Clarence Paul Spear were received as new voting members.

Old Business: None

Pastors’ Reports

Principal’s Report:

In addition, Mr. Wippich reported that Michelle Hoeppner led a chapel for the children and they collected $2100 for her mission efforts in China.

Mr Wippich answered questions concerning how money raised in the Lily project will be used.

Church Council:

The following changes in membership have been approved by the Church Council:

Transfers in: Rick and Kathy Gesse and children Nathan, Stephanie, and Andrew from Trinity Lutheran in La Porte; and Carol and Clarence Spear from Trinity Lutheran, Berrien Springs, Michigan

Received by adult confirmation: Russell Spreeman, Ian Riley, Mike and Kristen Fleming, Sonia Kidd, Roger Searing, William May Jr., Susan May, Christopher Barth, Leann Hasselfeldt, and Missy Loomis.

Members transferred out: Robert and Judy Wallin and children Frank and Noelle to Trinity Lutheran, La Porte.

Removed at their own request: Shannon Barnhart, Timothy Rademacher, Nicholas Rissler, Ethan Loberg, and the Knopp family.

The following motion was presented: That St. John’s enter into an agreement with Capital Funding Services of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, at a cost of $31,000 for the purpose of leading St. John’s in a sustained giving stewardship emphasis program developed by Capital Funding Services for St. John’s congregation. A second was heard. Bill Adams led the discussion on the motion. The motion passed 33-14 vote.

Treasurers Report:

Dale Fischer reported that $126,773.17 has been raised for the heating system, leaving $13,790.83 yet to be collected for this project.

Dale Fischer presented the report. A motion to approve was withheld until the financial books are brought fully up to date.

New Business: None

Communications: None

Announcements:

The next Voters’ Assembly meeting will be May 4.

A motion was made, seconded and passed to adjourn.

Pastor Brauer led a brief closing based on the 40th day after Christmas, the presentation of Jesus to the temple.

Respectfully submitted,

Penny Nelson, Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS

From Duneland Lutheran High School:

Lutheran High School of Northwest Indiana, Inc. needs your help! We are also known as Duneland Lutheran High School. The school in its fifth year has grown from 10 students to 28 this year.

Growth is good but means change. DLHS has undertaken a major financial feasibility study and we need your help. Property is being considered for purchase with an existing facility that can be utilized for classroom space.

A special Information Forum is scheduled for Tuesday March 1^st at 7:00 pm. Other Forums are scheduled between as follows;

March 3^rd at 7:00 pm – St. Paul (Michigan City)

March 4^th at 7:00 pm – Bethlehem Lutheran (Chesterton)

March 10^th at 7:00 pm – Immanuel (Valparaiso)

Invitations and additional information will arrive by mail soon. If you possibly can, please attend one of the forums. Your input is important.

Finally, surveys will be mailed to you about March 21. Please take the time to read, answer and return your survey by March 31. This is very important to the future of DLHS. We must know what the people of Porter and La Porte counties think regarding our Lutheran High School in Northwest Indiana. We thank you all for your support of our fine school and look forward to receiving many completed surveys.

Also, volunteers are needed for making telephone contacts of our members regarding Duneland Lutheran High School. Please consider today how your service can mean much to Lutheran education in La Porte

County. Contact Pastor Brauer and let him know that you will be willing to make phone calls on their behalf. Thanks again.

Duneland Lutheran High School – Board of Directors

From the Board of Trustees:

The Board of Trustees would like to extend a great amount of appreciation to the entire staff of volunteers at St. John’s Thrift Shop. Their valuable time and efforts, along with the donations and support from many people, has successfully raised over $44,000 for the year of 2004. Thanks again to the following people:

Marge Barnhart Mary Jo Uebele Carol Strauss

Margaret Boardman Louise Yozman Lorraine Stupar

Marilyn Boardman Gloria Arndt Dorothy Spreeman

Marcie Breese Natalie Bloomquest Barb Swanson

Rosalie Brettin Sandy Brauer Ann Schuster

Harriet Buss Marge Chmelowiec Roselyn Schulz

Lorna Connelly Jan Daniels Judy Schreiber

Jeannette Darby Peg Droege Dorothy Salzwedel

Lois Diedrich Annie Fischer Mildred Roempagel

Sandy Draves Louanna Gourley Ruth Poyer

Mae Ebeling Elaine Heidel Maxine Paine

Joanne Ellinger Marilyn Hill Maxine Ott

Verna Fischer Edie Hoeppner Helen Smith

Florence Freeland Donna Homann Wilmetta Spier

Arlene Hacker Betty Jerndt Jeanette Vail

Monyean Hahn Lois Johnson Eleanora Vollrath

Ellen Heidel Louise Kegebein Sherry Waters

Lorraine Holloway Edna Kelsey Nancy Winn

Norma Howell Marilee Mantick Dorothy Wolfe

Doris Hucksted Louise Mellenthin Lois Scott

Mary Jones Deana Murray Mary Helen Schultz

Dorothy Kalsow Dorothy Nicholson Ruth Ogle

Dolores Keller Marian Passafume Elly Kruger Linda Peters Dorothy V. Levandoski Karen Piper

Dorothy E. Levandoski Dorothy Schroeder Cheri Lockhart

Arnieta Struss Rod Heidel Ron Boardman

John Compton Dr. Bob Kelsey Wilbur Deiters

Gil Strauss Martin Schroeder Grant Breseke

Wayne Ellinger

More from the Trustees:

The trustees are planning a “spring cleaning” in the church on Saturday, March 5, from 7 AM-12 PM. If you would like to help or get more information, contact Mark Hill at 325-9031

The trustees are also planning a Fish Fry for April 15. Proceeds from the Fish Fry will go toward the Heating & Cooling Fund. For tickets or information contact any trustee or Imogene Dahl at 324-6668.

From St. John’s Seniors:

Join the Fun: We will miss sharing your joy on one of our fun tours if you do not make an early reservation.

YOU MUST HAVE A PAID RESERVATION OR DEPOSIT IN ORDER TO GUARANTEE YOUR SEAT.

APRIL 14: Jolson and Company (Musical) A celebration of the “World’s Greatest Entertainer”. At the Theater at the Center in

Munster, Indiana. Cost of the trip is $63.00 per person.

MAY 11-15: Memphis, Tennessee; Hot Springs and Little Rock, Arkansas: The first day we will travel to Memphis to visit the Elvis Presley Complex at Graceland. Then, on to Little Rock and Hot Springs National Park and the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. Cost of the 5 days and 4 nights is $525 double occupancy per person and $625 single occupancy per person.

NOVEMBER 2-6: Branson: For an Ozark Mountain Christmas, it’s the celebration of the season. You won’t find anyplace on earth like it. Take a break from the holiday rush for a fun filled trip. 6 Shows-Dalena Ditto Variety Show, Shoji Tabuchi Show (Shoji is acclaimed as one of the greatest entertainers in the world). Mickey Gilley, Branson Showboat for a holiday cruise on Table Rock Lake, elegant meal plus a world class show. Waltzing Waters, the only show in the world of it’s kind and Christmas on Broadway. $600 double occupancy per person

$700 single occupancy per person

DECEMBER 1: Musical “Call Me Madam”, at Drury Lane at Oak Brook Terrace. This heartwarming musical stars Chicago’s favorite Alene Robertson and includes memorable Irving Berlin’s tunes “It’s a Lovely Day”, “You’re Just in Love” and “Something to Dance About”. Cost $57 per person.

Tours include round trip transportation, meals, entertainment, driver’s tip, baggage handling (1 piece) on the overnighters.

For complete details and reservations, contact tour director Eunice Wright at 362-7947.

Lenten Soup Suppers:

Once again, the Board of Parish Fellowship with the help of our 7th and 8th grade students and the youth group will be serving Lenten soup suppers. The suppers will begin at 5:30 pm in St. John’s Lutheran School cafeteria each Wednesday during Lent — February 16, 23, March 2, 9 and 16. The menu includes soup, sandwiches, crackers, dessert and beverages..

Come, join us weekly for good food and fellowship prior to the 7 pm Lenten service. Your body will be fed nutritiously and spiritually. Bring a friend. A free-will donation will be accepted. Proceeds will go toward the Youth Group Servant Event at Camp Lutherhaven.

Women’s Care Center: The Women’s Care Center is in great need of disposable diapers (especially sizes 4 and 5), baby wipes, baby blankets, bassinettes, paper towels, Enfamil Formula, and $10 Walmart Gift Cards. Items can be dropped off in the box outside the church office, or at the Women’s Care Center at 902 Michigan Ave.

Heating & Cooling Fundraisers: It’s official, the Losing Yucky Fat Fundraiser was a success! Pastor Young has lost 31 pounds! God’s Blessings to all of you who made pledges to support the Youth Group and Pastor Young in this fundraising project. When all pledges are in, $2211.00 will have been raised for the Heating & Cooling Fund. Please make your checks out to St John’s Church (HVAC in the memo). You can mail your check to the church office or drop it off in the office. You can also put it in the collection plate in an envelope marked LYF. Once again, thank you for your participation.

Last Saturday we raised $147 on soda can recycling. We will have another recycle day on June 18. This will also be our last market day until fall, and it is also the date of our parking lot sale. Keep saving those cans, they really help. We only need $10,000 to reach our goal!

From Our Music Director: There is interest in forming a new hand bell choir. If you would be interested in having fun and fellowship as well as helping to provide beautiful music for our Worship Services, please contact Matt Nelson at 380-9030 or the church office. You need to have some music reading abilities.

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. Delores 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

http://www.stjohns-lpin.org - copyright 2000-2008 - 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.