Sometime in July or August, St. John’s was visited by a prophet. A guest of someone using our facility carved these words into the wall of the bathroom stall in our men’s’ room as they were “moved” to vandalize our building: “Only the weak-minded believe in Jesus.” This man’s words are prophetic (let’s assume it was a man in the men’s room!), for if we weak-minded believers in Jesus Christ were to depend on our own “minds,” our own intellect or ability to reasonably understand how someone “superior” to us could do the things that Jesus did, we’d probably be able to convince ourselves that someone would really give a rat’s tail about something we carved into a toilet stall!

Although Martin Luther probably didn’t have to sand out blasphemous bathroom graffiti, he did spend some time dealing with apologetics, which is the defense against attacks on the Bible or on part of it, or a vindication of the divine authority of the Christian religion. While he assumed the existence of God (which even today many non-Christian seekers will also grant) Luther insisted on moving to the connecting link between earth and heaven, namely, at the point of his incarnation in his Son, Jesus. Luther writes:

Beloved, we believe not by our intellect, but with our spirit. We disassociate believing with “thinking” or “feeling.” If we were able to sit down and reasonably contemplate and intellectualize what it means to be a Christian, what it means to serve our Lord, we would indeed be our own “gods.” By this, I mean that if we were able to control our ability to believe and confess in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, than we could solve our personal problem, all the problems at St. John’s and even all the problems in the world!

Faith to believe in Jesus Christ is nothing more and nothing less than a gift from God! Yes, it can be “worked on” by hearing the Word of God and the Gospel. Yes, it can be nurtured and developed by attending worship and being served by the Creator. Yes, we can control how much and how very little we actually do to strengthen our faith in Jesus and service to one another. But only JESUS HIMSELF can provide you with access to cry out: “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?” For from him and through him and to him are all things.

To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:33-36).

Beloved, come and have your faith and resolve strengthened to carry on in this world as a weak-minded servant of Christ! Praise Him for all you have: your life, your body, your soul and your mind! Put your life in the hands of the One who “heart-washes” rather than “brain-washes” you into believing that Christ has died, Christ has risen and Christ will come again. Any other thought is just “stinkin’ thinkin’!”

Your joyful “weak-minded” servant in Christ Jesus,

[1] Parton, Craig A. The Defense Never Rests: A Lawyers Quest for the Gospel. (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2003), pg. 63.

One of the Old Testament readings coming in the month of September provides us with our Parish theme this month, “Seek the Lord.” Isaiah 55:6-9 (I invite you to look this up) connects well with Parish Education and the start of Sunday School on September 11, the beginning of Confirmation Instruction for our public school students on Wednesday, September 14, and the culmination of our “Sowing Seeds for the Harvest” Bible studies for the Adult class. We have a youth Bible class that will also start. That’s sort of the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the activities beginning at St. John’s in September, and while some things have been going on before, we highlight these this month, mindful of their importance.

“Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.” Only those with faith can seek the Lord. Without faith, we cannot please God; we can do nothing to draw us to believing in Jesus Christ. Only those with faith can call on God. The baptized call on God as “our Father” in the pray of the faithful, the Lord’s Prayer. How do we grow in our knowledge of this relationship? We grow in that knowledge through the study of God’s Word. From children just entering our Sunday School through the seniors who daily read, mark, learn, and inwardly take to heart those truths of God’s Word, all who come to study with their fellow members are like a search party, seeking to find what God would give His redeemed people.

Through regular weekly worship and the study of God’s Word we are made rich in every way for God’s purposes of providing service, direction, and fellowship for and with the members of St. John's Lutheran Church and School. It is sitting at the feet of our Savior like Mary did in Luke 10 where we receive those blessings in Word and Sacrament. It is from these that we receive strength to do God’s will, to resist the temptations of Satan, and are equipped to carry out the task of making disciples of all nations, even in the midst of rising gasoline prices, road construction, homework, and prolonged rainy weather.

Has it been a while since you have attended a Bible class? Feel uncomfortable that you are ignorant of the teachings of the Bible and don’t want others to know? Don’t know how to get started in Bible study? In my years of experience (and it begins with the 16 years or so of Bible class teaching prior to my seminary years) I have found that those who attend Bible class for the first time in many years (or even the very first time after their confirmation) they are blessed with a deeper understanding of

their relationship to their Savior and how all that is in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, all connect them with Jesus Christ. One elderly woman in particular that I remember never said a word in Bible class. When asked if she was getting anything out of it, she replied, “I enjoy it so much and simply take it all in.”

Another gentleman was heard to lament that he didn’t know his way around the Bible too well. I encouraged him to sit down with me privately in my office and I familiarized him with the different parts of the Scriptures. Today he is able to find his way to the references with less trouble, and enjoying his search of the Bible. As for the matter of how to get started: “Come.” It is in response to Jesus’ invitation to come to Him (remember, He spoke first, and faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ) and to receive His rest for your souls.

My encouragement to you today is to join that search party. Join your fellow members at St. John’s and be together in the study of God’s precious almighty saving Word. To those who regularly attend, may I suggest in widening the circle—invite others to join you. It is around the study of God’s Word where true fellowship is found and where we see the abundance of God’s mercy.

Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless the teaching of Your Holy Word. Bless our Sunday School teachers and helpers, our Bible class leaders, and all who take in hand Your Holy Word. Bless my reading and studying of the Bible with fellow members at St. John’s, and draw me to know more of Your great love for me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Pastor Brauer

1. Thank you to the Board of PARISH FELLOWSHIP for arranging a teacher appreciation greeting between services on 8/21. This was an opportunity to show appreciation for the teaching staff and especially to welcome Kristi Georgi into St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. Pantry items were given to Kristi to help her establish her new household. Kristi was officially installed into the teaching ministry on Saturday, 7/30/05, by Pastor David Young. Her parents and brother were in attendance as were several of her friends from Concordia at Austin. David and Robin Wippich hosted a celebratory party in their home in honor of Kristi following the service.

2. Pizza Hut Fund Raiser night continues: A new calendar of nights will be available shortly. The two most recent dates netted us $120.76 and $106.29 for our spring trip fund.

3. Thank you to Orv Ulmer who has been clearing the weeds along the fences at school and to Ron Boardman for his expert trimming of the bushes around the church and school. Also, thanks to Jack Williams for spraying the weeds on campus. Thank you for your time and expense incurred in helping to keep the grounds sharp.

4. Teacher years of service: Please note that Dave Hoeppner finished 35 years of service in the church. This past spring he was recognized by the District with a commemorative plaque. Also note other milestones of 15 years for Mrs. Eigenmann, 20 years for Miss Stelter, 25 years for Mr. Wippich and 40 years for Mrs. Will.

The meeting was called to order by chairman Jim Foglesong. Mark Jerndt presented the opening devotion.

The minutes of the May 18, 2005 were read and approved.

Old Business:

None

Pastor’s Report:

Pastor Young reviewed some of our church events, including:

Principal’s Report

Because the principal was on vacation, there was no verbal report. His written report is attached to these minutes.

Church Council Report

The following transfers out were reported: Scott Cenkush, Richard Finley, Charlotte Link and Karen Wingett.

Carol Spear will replace Deb Waak on the Board of Parish Fellowship.

Treasurers Report

Jeff Scherer reviewed the General Fund Report for January 1, 2005 to July 1, 2005. The previous year’s deficit of $27,529.50 was questioned. The Treasurer will review this figure and advise the accuracy at the next Voters’ Meeting.

New Business - None

The next Voters’ Meeting will be in November.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ron Scherer for Penny Nelson, Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS

19 members of St. John’s attended the First Annual St. John’s Planning meeting on Saturday, August 13. (Thank you for your participation—the breakfast goodies were delicious!) Plans were discussed and ideas shared for activities to direct and prepare for the coming year. Board chairmen of our church council should receive a calendar of activities as well as a note from Pastor Brauer regarding the fruits of this meeting. Not all regular meetings of boards, committees, and circles are included as these occur on their regular basis, but things like special worship services, children’s programs, fish fry dates, and the “LILY Event” are included. The chairmen are encouraged to keep these dates in mind for their meetings and promote them as plans unfold.

Under the banner of our “Sowing Seeds for the Harvest” we will highlight the purpose and work of the various boards and committees and Circles at St. John’s. The monthly newsletter, the one you’re holding in your hand right now, will feature how each group connects with the Scripture readings each month. Refer to Pastor Brauer’s article on “Seek the Lord” and the Parish Education board.

A copy of this calendar is available for your review in the church office.

A note for those attending the Mothers-and-Others Bible Study: The day has been shifted from Friday morning to Thursday morning. Please note this change. Pastor Young will conduct this class.

Pastor Brauer will start a Bible study from 10:30 am until 11:30 am beginning on Friday, September 16. The topic for this initial study will be on the book of Genesis. Creation, the Fall, the Flood, Tower of Babel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph in Egypt—all familiar stories, so this is a great way to ease into Bible study if it has been a while since you have attended. The class is intended to be a ‘drop in’ class, meaning you can drop in any time without having to have attended the previous week. There may be some events due to conferences, vacations, or funerals (should they occur) that will adjust this. Please consider this opportunity for getting together with others around the table of God’s word. Invite your friends to come with you. Then, after class, you’ll have time to run errands before going to lunch!

Thank you to those who during the past few months have given of their time and talent in maintaining the building and grounds here at St. John’s. Matt Nelson and Merlyn Jones, our custodial staff, have spent the major share of this summer in cleaning and waxing the floors of both school and church. If you haven’t been in the church basement in a while, stop by and see the difference. Thanks, Merlyn and Matt.

Another thank you goes to those who have and continue to serve in connection with our “Sowing Seeds for the Harvest” Stewardship program. Our Prayer Leaders for our Prayer Vigil are also included in this note of thanks. With the congregation event to come in late September, there

will be more projects to come, and your participation is welcomed. Thanks for your time and prayers.

There are other areas of service where you are encouraged to serve.

St. John’s Fall Bazaar and Luncheon will be held October 27, 2005. The Bazaar will start at 10:00 am and the Luncheon will be from 11:00 am-

1 pm. Mark your calendar, and ask a friend to come along. Tickets are on sale at the church office or from any Activities Committee member. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under 12 years of age.

For more information call Marilyn Boardman at 362-7256.

Would you like to sell your craft items at the Fall Bazaar and Luncheon on October 27, 2005? If you are a church member interested in having a booth, call Marilyn Boardman at 362-7256 for more information.

Thanks to all members active in the “Awareness” campaign in May and June. In July we had time to extend our prayer efforts, which had begun during the June “Prayer Week.” During August our prayer leaders have been busy recruiting members to participate in the “Prayer Event,” beginning Friday August 26 at 4:00 pm and concluding at 4:00 pm on August 27. A series of special Bible Studies, Sermons and Story Sharing will begin on August 28 and continue for four weekends.

Our Congregational Commitment Dinner will be held on Sunday September 25 for all members of the church. A “Children’s Event” will be held simultaneously for families. Invitations will be mailed to all members in early September, followed by a phone call to confirm reservations. Those unable to attend the dinner event will be contacted individually between September 26 and October 7. The “Commitment Dedication” will be Sunday October 9.

Please keep this campaign in your daily prayers.

Sustained Giving Stewardship Emphasis Director, Ron Scherer

Interested in helping with the cleaning and care of the altar and communion vessels? Please come to our Guest Meeting on Wednesday, September 14, at 7:00 pm in the school. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you may call Joan Scherer at 326-1142 for more information.

Reminder to Altar Guild members: Bring a guest!

Since we are participating in the “Neighbor to Neighbor” program with our new, La Porte, Sherwin-Williams Store (see below), they have invited our Youth Group to help in a free car wash for the community. It will be held at their store (1434 E. Lincolnway) on Saturday, September 10, from 11:00 am-3:00 pm. They will get to “show off” their new Power Washer and our Youth Group will get any freewill donations and will also receive $3 per car from Sherwin-Williams.—So, come on out for a free car wash and help our Youth Group earn money too!

Sherwin-Williams “Neighbor to Neighbor” Program: Discount cards from Sherwin-Williams are now in the church office, school entrance and the Narthex. If you think that you will be buying any paint or other supplies from them in the future, please pick up a free card. The cards are good for 20% off of all merchandise and 5% off of sale merchandise. Then, once a year our church receives a check for 3% of all purchases made by our members.

From the Evening Circle: Do you have a teapot you don’t use anymore, or have one on the back of a shelf that you’d forgotten about? Evening Circle is looking for some. If you’ve got one that you could live without, call Jan Malstaff at 362-9275, or Louise Mellenthin at 324-9257. We’ll even come and pick it up.

It isn’t too late to order your copy of

Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions A Reader’s Edition of the Book of Concord. “This edition of the Book of Concord is a new “reader friendly” version, offering an easier to read, modern English rendition of the Lutheran Confessions.” If you would like to see the book, there is a copy in the church office. If you would like to order one, please call the office. The price is $20.00 plus shipping.

From the Board of Parish Fellowship:

Keep your calendar open, our next Progressive Dinner will be Friday, October 14.

All will meet in the school to enjoy appetizers. From there, everyone travels to the “host family’s” home for the entrée for a group of eight people. (The Board of Parish Fellowship assigns groups of eight). 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.

Market Day has started again! Orders are due by Wednesday, September 14 at Noon. If you have any questions or would like to help, please contact Annette Williams at 326-8017. Order forms are available inside the school door.

HELP is needed preparing and serving Salvation Army Dinners. The dinners are served on the 3rd Friday of the month from 5-7 pm at the Salvation Army. We usually serve 30-40 needy people. If your organization can help with this outreach program, please contact the school office or Annette Williams at 326-8017. (Help is desperately needed for Sept.)