Is it really possible that 3/4ths of our year is gone? As you travel through La Porte county, you can begin to see the trees changing and the corn and beans ripening in preparation for the harvest. Although it’s hard to think of autumn when the temperature continues to flirt with 90 degrees, we know soon the length of the day will shorten and the morning and evening will bring with it the refreshing chill that we’re so familiar with this time of year.

In a similar way, we are in the autumn of our spiritual life. How’s that you ask? Everyday we draw breath on God’s created earth, we are one day closer to the day when Jesus will return and restore the Kingdom to its’ perfect, sinless state. We too, are called, in these last days in which God speaks to us through his Son to the feast of the harvest of God. Through the gospel of Jesus, the Holy Spirit calls us to faith in our day. He calls us into the Kingdom, the body of those who name Jesus as Christ and Lord of their life. That is what we affirm when we confess in the creed “I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son our Lord.” In our Baptism, in our celebration of the Lord’s Supper, in our worship, in our statements of faith and in our deeds of faith in the world we proclaim that we belong to Christ and His kingdom.

With the understanding that we are in the autumn of this life in anticipation of the harvest of the saints, we ought to live a life of celebration! When the Scriptures describe the kingdom of God it most often uses the image of a feast or banquet; a celebration at the end of a laborious task, much like we might look at our Thanksgiving Day meal. The mood that is always conveyed is that of joy and celebration.

It might be beneficial for us to look at ourselves in this “autumn” of our lives in the kingdom. Are we living in the kingdom and acknowledging the presence and grace of God in this world and in our lives? Surely this should cause us to celebrate. Yet some people ask: what do you possibly have to celebrate in a world that continually reels from turmoil to catastrophe? From terrorist’s attacks to Katrina, we can’t seem to be able to live at peace in this Kingdom of God! All around us we see the devastation of suffering, starvation, inhumanity, political crises, energy crises, personal crises, financial crises, sickness, sorrow and death.

Well, here’s one reason to celebrate: this is still God’s world and he claims us as his own. There is cause to celebrate! Through Jesus, God calls us to his promises that “all things work together for good for those who love him!” Out of the worst of situations God can and will enable good to come. He promises that nothing can separate us from his love, no matter how terrible it is. He promises to forgive our sins. He promises us his love, which enables us to love one another, even after we have been wronged, victimized or made to suffer. He promises us victory over death, most comforting in the autumn of this world! And, as Christ has been raised from the dead, so shall we!

Dear friends, to live in the kingdom is to be called to celebrate this presence and grace of God. That’s why we gather in worship. Let our gathering not be out of obligation or habit. Let it not be to seek the favor of God or man. Let us worship because we have received the good news of God’s kingdom and we are compelled to celebrate it because our hearts are overflowing with joy, peace and hope. As autumn begins, may each day in your life be a cause to celebrate in Christ Jesus!

In service to you in Christ,

Pastor Young

The opening words of greeting of the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians says, “Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you. We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” I know I speak for Pastor Young when I would add my “Amen” to Paul’s words when thinking of our members at St. John’s.

The month of October will prove to be another busy month at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. Sunday School will kick into high gear; Pastor Young’s Discipleship class will conclude and we will look forward to welcoming new members to St. John’s. ISTEP tests will have been completed by our Day School children and they will be anxiously awaiting those few days of the Pastor-Teacher conference when they will have a couple days off school as well as days off for Parent-Teacher conferences. Those events are on one of my calendars.

Another calendar looks at the activities and emphases of the various fellowship groups and Circles at St. John’s. While the number of our Circles at St. John’s has declined over the years, we see the joy our women have as they get together each month for Bible study, a meal or refreshments, and recreation. There is a rumor going around that one of our circles claims to be the baddest bunko bunch. They can sure play a mean game of highly competitive bunko. While I can’t divulge which Circle claims bragging rights, I will admit our women do have a fine time of visiting and fellowship.

There is also the Progressive Dinner scheduled for October 14. Details and reservation information is found elsewhere in this newsletter, and I trust we will top our number of participants and hosts this Fall. What a beautiful opportunity to meet fellow members as well as to enjoy a delicious dinner!

As the month of October winds down, the Fall Festival climaxes many months of preparations for the dinner and craft exhibits. Of course, Reformation Sunday on October 30 celebrates God’s preservation of the truth of the Gospel through His servant, Martin Luther.

While all these fellowship and worship opportunities abound, we are mindful that all these good works abound because of the faith God instills in us of our Savior Jesus Christ. The labors of love are evident in the various ways our members serve one another as well as reach out to those in need beyond the walls of St. John’s. Over $500 was collected in a recent bake sale coordinated by Alyssa Rosselli and her mother Susan. Donations of baked goods filled the tables and after the last service that weekend, only a few muffins were left. And yet we know we will be called upon again to assist those in need. In the past, people were called upon to help prepare and serve food for funeral luncheons. My thanks goes to all those who do this labor of love for those mourning the loss of a loved one. It is truly a comfort to know that the family can be given a nice meal before heading home, without the tasks of arranging lunch.

Yes, our Circles and fellowship groups offer their labors of love, grounded in faith in Jesus Christ. These labors of love help sow seeds for the harvest. They add that personal contact to our commitment of monies for the programs and mission of St. John’s. But there is a third part of which Paul speaks when he adds, “your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” We keep on keeping on, not as to win some prize like in bunko, but knowing that our heavenly prize has already been won through Jesus’ death and resurrection. We keep on keeping on, knowing that our Lord will sustain us, even in the face of rising energy costs, to make those adjustments in our budgets to continue to support the work of the kingdom of God, to continue each week to faithfully attend worship to receive His grace and blessings, and to continue to be of service to those in need.

I echo Paul’s words: “I thank God for all of you, mentioning you in my prayers. I continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” May God so grant you His grace as you labor in love and sow seeds for His harvest!

Pastor Brauer

10/5 Muffins for moms 7:00 am

10/7 Gr. 4 trip to County Fair grounds

10/12 Symphony Concert

10/13 9:00 bus for 9:15 Gr. 1,3,8 at Boston...Eye screening

F.A.N. in cafeteria sponsored by Athletic Dept...game board night

10/14 Church Progressive Dinner

10/ 17-18 Teacher Conference in Indianapolis (Monday & Tuesday)

10/19 Donuts for dads 7:00

10/26 Wheel of Wisdom 1:15 P/T conferences 3-8:00

10/27 PT conferences as scheduled

Fall Festival

10/27-28 no bus

11/11 Book Fair-pick up on 11/21

3/28 06 STEVEN’S PUPPETS 1:00

1. Our first quarter chapel money will be sent to Lutheran World Relief to aid victims of the hurricane. We also are collecting loose change in a large bottle in the school office. This money will be sent along with our first quarter offerings. We will resume collections for China mission in second quarter...

2. Pizza Hut fund raisers continue on 9/21, 10/19,11/30. This money continues to be collected for the spring trip for 7/8th graders coming up in 2007.

3. Get the big picture! All the truths Paul has proclaimed carries marvelous implications...Read Ephesians chapter 4. If time is short...particularly read verses 17-32. The faculty reads through the Bible on a daily basis. We started reading at Genesis a few years ago...and now are in Ephesians...usually taking a chapter a day. This chapter which we read the other day...speaks volumes...

4. We are collecting funds to improve our school building heating and air conditioning system. HVAC stands for ....heating…

ventilation...air conditioning. If you are a Thrivent member...come to the school office to get a Thrivent form for matching funds. The trustees are working to find the best bids for hopeful replacement in June of 2006.

5. We also are in need of a new water fountain. A double connected high and low unit installed will run around $1000. If you are able to contribute to this cause...please contact Mr. Wippich at 362-6692. Currently grades 3-8 use the existing fountain which operates poorly from one side only. The other side does not function. These fountains have served us well ...since this building was built in 1968.

Pastor Brauer will begin a new Discipleship class during the Bible study time on Sunday, November 6. This class has two purposes: one, to give instruction to those who desire to become members of St. John’s, and two, to serve as a ‘refresher’ course in the teachings of the Christian Church, specifically the Lutheran Church. The Holy Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism are the two books used, (prospects will receive their own new copy) and handouts will facilitate class discussions. If it has been over three years since you ‘brushed up’ on your catechism, why not consider reviewing your catechism with us! If you know prospective members, why not invite them to join you as you and they together learn the eternal truths of God’s Holy Word! The course will conclude in January 2006, taking a ‘break’ for vacation times. If you have questions or would like to see the outline of the class, please contact Pastor Brauer.

It took God only seven days to complete creation and to rest. So far, it has taken us three weeks, and we haven’t rested yet! Come join Pastor Brauer for a walk-through the first book of the Bible as we learn the beginnings of life, sin, grace, and forgiveness. We meet from 10:30 am for one hour on Fridays in the Ladies’ Lounge. Bring your Bibles and bring a friend. This is a ‘drop-in’ class, meaning you can ‘drop-in’ without having to have been here the week before.

There is an urgent need for ushers during all services. Please prayerfully consider this need. If you are willing to commit to even once per month, please call Jim Peters at 393-3496.

52 children attended Rally Day and registered for Sunday School. Our offerings are going to another Sunday School on the Gulf Coast to help them restore their supplies.

We are in need of Christian Books and videos for children and book shelves for our future library.

The trustees are going to sell the oak cabinet

Located in the coat room, next to the working sacristy. We would like $450.00 for it. Contact Linda in the Church Office.

We also have a spinnet piano for sale, in good condition, for $500.00. See Matt or call the Church Office.

If you have never been to Branson for the Christmas shows, now is the time to treat yourself! We will be gone November 2-6, 5 days & 4 nights. The cost is $600 per person, double occupancy and $700

single occupancy. Price includes shows, transportation, meals, and baggage handling (1 piece). Make reservations with tour director, Eunice Wright at 219-362-7949.

A Lutheran Married Couples’ Retreat will be held October 29-30, 2005 at Adams Mark-Airport, Indianapolis. The theme of the retreat is from Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you.” For more information, there are pamphlets outside the Church Office.

Interested in knowing more about the teachings of the Lutheran Church? Need a review of your catechism? Do you know someone who wishes to become a member of St. John's Lutheran Church and School? Please mark your calendars for November 6 and join Pastor Brauer for our next Discipleship class. Prospective members along with ‘veteran’ members can learn and review the teachings of Luther’s Small Catechism in our weekly sessions that will run through January 2006. (Yes, that year will come quickly!) The class meets between services in the Ladies’ Lounge. Participants are invited to bring their Bibles and their friends. If you have your catechism, bring that, too, as it will serve as a way to refresh your understanding of the Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine.