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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 56 June 2006
No. 6
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From Your Pastors
From Pastor Young
Why do you come to church? That seems like a legitimate question to ask
anyone. As a pastor, I’d like to hear you say “I NEED to go to church! I
wouldn’t be able to do anything else the rest of the week if I didn’t!” I do
hope that as you see your life in Christ attached to the Vine at St. John’s, you
see your need not as an obligation to the Law of God; as if an angry cosmic
grandpa is going to spank you if you don’t obey. I hope you see coming to
worship as God sees it; as a response to Christ’s Gospel call to feed,
strengthen and prepare you for the world in which you are to engage in.
I believe that this healthy attitude; what we might call the proper
distinction between Law and Gospel, is also important in understanding what
happens in worship. It is the place where we hear about theology. The
word “theology” comes from two Greek words- Theos, which means “God,” and
logos, which means “word.” Theology is simply “God words!”
Worship is the place where we hear and receive those “God words” which are
the vine of our attachment to Jesus Christ. His “God words” are forever true:
“I am the Vine; you are the branches” and “Apart from Me you can do
nothing” (John 15:5). Christian theology is hearing and proclaiming the good
news about Jesus Christ! Yet, the Bible, the book of “God words,” tells us not
to be satisfied with a “taste” from the fruit of the vine, but to hunger for
good, wholesome, solid food. “Grow in the grace and knowledge…” (2nd
Peter 3:18). In other words, we are to gorge ourselves in “God words;” the Holy
Bible, and to continue our understanding and reflection on the person and work
of Jesus Christ and all that the Word of God teaches us.
Hence, the Gospel-oriented “need” to come to church and worship so that you
can hear and feel and taste these “God Words” that pronounce that while you sin
and live in a sin-soaked world, God has cleansed your sin by the Cross of Jesus
Christ. “Church” is the place where you receive-not earn or deserve-this
grace freely in the forgiving, cleansing presence of God. You, me, everybody
“NEEDS” this coming to church if we are to live lives of peace.
Summer is the time when vacations, weather and family often take away from
what we “need.” Please, for your own sake, find time to fulfill your need for
worship. As you prepare for the blessing that await you this summer, please keep
these needs of your church in your prayers:
-Your pastors and their families, our principal and teaching staff and all
other co-workers in the Gospel, paid and volunteer, as well as our school
families, children and parents
-The financial burden that summer lays on our church budget
-Those struggling with serious spiritual issues because of illness, injury or
crisis
-Our LCMS President and Vice Presidents, our seminaries, and missionaries
-National and world political leaders, military personnel, especially those
on active duty as well as police, fire and emergency response personnel
-Those whose needs are known and unknown.
Yours in Christ’s service,
Pastor Young
From Pastor Brauer
Confessing the Faith
Attention Teenagers: Grab this newsletter and read it first before it gets
tucked in with the rest of the day’s mail. You’ll see why later!
June 2006 is a month of important Church festivals. This month, we celebrate
Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. On the last Sunday of this month, we will observe
the 476th anniversary of the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession.
This Confession of the Lutheran Church to Prince Charles V in Germany is likened
to the delivery of the Declaration of Independence to King George III of
England. On June 25, we
will celebrate the Presentation of the Augsburg Confession, remembering God’s
grace and providence to His Church since 1530.
The first three Articles (there are 28 in all) talk about God, Original Sin,
and The Son of God. The writers of the Augsburg Confession believed that if they
didn’t get these three straight from the beginning, nothing else would matter.
But today, we believe, teach, and confess that God is one divine essence in
three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe, teach, and confess that
since the fall of Adam and Eve, all people are conceived and born in sin. We
believe, teach, and confess that the Son of God became man, was born of the
virgin Mary, and that the two natures, divine and human, are so inseparably
united in one person that there is one Christ, true God and true man, who was
truly born, was crucified, died, and was buried in order to be a sacrifice not
only for original sin but also for all other sins and to propitiate (make total
satisfaction for) God’s wrath.
That is true for all who would know God. This is the catholic or universal
faith. It is that faith which we confess in the three Creeds—The Apostles’
Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creed, the longer creed that
professes the doctrine of the Trinity and affirms Jesus Christ as true God and
true man. It is this creed we use on Trinity Sunday.
Pentecost—Trinity Sunday—Augsburg Confession—All these are opportunities to
confess the faith. Why all this confession of faith? Some places of worship do
not use any of the historic creeds. But The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as
well as most Orthodox (right teaching) Churches do confess the historic creeds.
Why? Because that is what Holy Scripture teaches. Our creeds, written by man,
are words the Church has used since their reception that proclaims the biblical
truth of what that Church believes, teaches, and confesses.
To the youth reading this today, the seeds of the Gospel have been planted in
your heart and have begun faith since the day you were baptized. You were taught
about Jesus Christ and were led to confess His saving name. You know the message
of salvation to be proclaimed in Jesus’ name to be the true Word of God. The
Augsburg Confession teaches that. Try to imagine this church without the
connection to the historic Christian Church. Would your faith be the same as
those who confess Jesus Christ as the only way to eternal salvation? Of course,
the Word of God would affirm the faith begun in you through Jesus Christ. But
God also blesses you with His Church to connect you with other believers who
also confess these same truths. They learned Luther’s Small Catechism too. That
book, plus the Augsburg Confession, are parts of a larger work,
the Book of Concord, which your pastors at St. John's Lutheran Church
uphold and confess.
To the youth reading this today, you were invited to read this newsletter
before it got lost in the shuffle. That’s why you were encouraged to grab this
first. Now, share this newsletter with the others in your household. Remember
also to be in the Word and to abide in the truth of that Word, for Jesus is the
Way, the Truth, and the Life. Remain faithful unto death, for Jesus will give
you the crown of life. Believe in your heart and confess with your lips that
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and you will be saved. Join with
other youth here at St. John’s to be like Barnabas and encourage others in their
faith as you with them joyfully confess Jesus your only Savior. Grow in His
grace daily!
Pastor Brauer
Matthew 11:28-30
Indiana District in Convention
The 18th Convention of the Indiana District of The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod will be conducted June 22-23, 2006, in Fort Wayne,
Indiana. Representatives from churches in Indiana as well as parts of Kentucky
will meet to act on various resolutions and circuit redistricting, and to hear
various reports of the mission and work of the Indiana District. The Rev. Dr.
Charles Gieschen, who taught both Pastors Young and Brauer their Summer Greek
back in 1998, is the convention essayist. A memorial service will also be
conducted at the historic downtown St. Paul Lutheran Church on that Friday
morning. At the time of the printing of this newsletter, a lay delegate from St.
John's Lutheran Church is still needed. Please remember to pray for St. John's
Lutheran Church and for the work of the Indiana District and The Missouri Synod,
that the Lord’s name is hallowed, His kingdom come, and that His will be done.
From Pastor Brauer
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
I. CALENDAR ITEMS:
6/1 Grade 2-field trip to the airport
6/2 Grade 3-field trip, Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Graduation-7:00 pm
in the Gym
6/3 Grade 8 Graduation-1:00 pm in the Church
6/4 Honor Mrs. Will on her retirement-4-7:00 pm in the Gym
6/5 No school-teacher workday
6/6 Awards, Closing Service, Dismiss 11:30 am, Picnic
Fox Park
6/7-6/9 TEACHER IN SERVICE DAYS
CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATIONS
6/12-16 Science Camp/Grades 1& 2-Church Basement
6/19-23 Science Camp/Grades 3 & 4-Church Basement
Enrollment…147
We would like to thank Matt Nelson and Beth Hoeppner for all the time spent
producing the recent spring musical…we collected $710.36 for the music
department.
2. Please notice that there is a chart in the church Narthex and in the
school hallway depicting how much money we need to collect to finish paying for
the school Heating, Venting, and Air project. The total bill is around $80,000
and we have collected around $60,000 primarily through private donations. The
school children are collecting money in chapel this 4th quarter to go
to that project which begins on June 7. Any donations from any parishioners
would be greatly appreciated. If you are a Thrivent member, make your donation
through that vehicle so we can receive matching funds. Thanks for your support
to this necessary capital improvement.
3. Faith Based Tuition is in effect to determine tuition payments for
our school families. The parent and child need to come to worship 9 out of the
13 week ends from April through June to qualify for the church member tuition
rate. Families who do not meet that 70% rate will be charged either a partial
member rate or a full tuition rate which are both significantly higher than the
church member rate. This will be reassessed at the semester. This plan was
developed by the School Board and will be in effect from April 1,, 2006 and
forward. Be advised that this type of program does not put the solitary focus on
funds, but focuses on getting families to come to church regularly
and receive the spiritual benefits of God. In fact, the Bible provides direct
and specific ideas about how to raise godly children. Parents are to provide
primary spiritual training…see Deut 1: 31; 6:4-9; 11: 18-21; Ps. 78: 5-8; Luke
8:39; Eph 6:4…Parents should provide spiritual training to instill a passion to
love, obey, and serve God… see Matt 10:37; 12: 48-50; 1 Tim 4:7; 2 Tim. 3:15-17.
Also, from George Barna’s book entitled…”Transforming Children into Spir tual
Champions”…we see that the father is charged with passing on the spiritual
blessing to the children. That duty is a serious transfer of God’s blessing upon
the family and cannot be received through any other means or persons…Gen. 27; 2
Sam. 6:20; 1 Chron. 16:43. We encourage all members of the congregation to pray
for the fathers and the mothers of our church families that they may be lifted
by the Holy Spirit to successfully perform the duties God has placed on them.
4. Students in grades 6 and 7 are selling Smencils…Gourmet
scented pencils to help fund their upcoming Mission Trip in the spring of 2007.
Pizza Hut fund raisers will be scheduled through the summer and will be
announced at a later date.
5. Curriculum Enhancement: The Board of Ed. Has hired Maria Surma to
teach science in grades 1-2 next school year…Maria will also be conducting
Science Camp this summer with profits divided between her and our science
department. This camp is available for $100 to first come first serve students
enrolled here at St. John’s.
6. Congratulations to Sarah Childress for being the recipient of the
St. John’s Lutheran School PTL and Board of Education Scholarship this year. Mr.
Wippich presented this scholarship to Sarah on May 10, 2006 at the annual LPHS
Scholarship Awards night.
7. In closing, Robin and I would like to express our thanks to the
people in the school and congregation for their prayers and thoughts on behalf
of the passing of Robin’s mother, Carol Louise Meyers. She passed to heaven on
Sunday, April 30 and was interred at the Riverside Military Cemetery on May 4,
2006.
Special Notice:
The Board of Education and Board of Parish Fellowship will be honoring Mrs.
Will on Sunday, 6/4/06, for her 37 years of dedicated service to Christ in this
place. Mrs. Will is retiring after this school year. We invite you to attend
this retirement celebration in the gym from 4-7:00 pm.
Voters’ Assembly Meeting
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
May 10, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Foglesong. Pastor Brauer led
an opening devotion based on Psalm 23.
The minutes from the February 8, 2006 meeting were approved.
Old Business
None
Elections
Jim Crum made a motion to nominate Patty Pavlak, Rhonda McConnell, and Susan
Chlebek to fill the School Board vacancies. The motion was seconded and passed.
Pastor’s Reports
Pastor Brauer elaborated on the report that is attached to these minutes.
This report noted the following:
· Start of Discipleship Classes
· Ascension Day Service
· VBS
· 150th Anniversary celebration
· Annual planning meeting
· District Convention
· Spring Pastors’ Conference
· Possible hymn sing evenings
· Fund raisers
· Prayer vigil to support missions
· Volunteers for the Thrift Shop are needed
Principal’s Report
Mr. Wippich was not present. A written report is attached to these minutes. A
question was asked about the pay for the science teacher that has been hired.
The school board replied that she is being paid with money from a special fund
given to the school.
Church Council
No report
Treasurer’s Report
Jeff Scherer reported that the HVAC fund as of April 23, has $60,707.04.
Sowing The Seeds has brought in $73,338.00. There is a balance of $38,293.08
after expenses. Money was spent on the program itself, the dinner, postage,
mailings, and letterhead. The Board of Stewardship is responsible for making
recommendations for the use of this money. He then elaborated on the attached
report.
Special Committee
Ron Scherer asked for more volunteers to help with the 150th
anniversary celebration. An plea will be put in the bulletin and newsletter.
New Business
Kristi Georgi reported that about 24 youth meet every other Wednesday for
Bible study and devotions and to make plans for weekend events. The recent
Easter breakfast profited about $580. This will be put towards a fund for
attending the LCMS Youth Gathering in 2007. The youth have cleaned up the youth
room. They are going to Camp Lutherhaven over Memorial Day weekend to help get
the grounds ready for summer camps.
Beth Hoeppner commended Ms. Georgi for her work and Dave Hoeppner asked when
Ms. Georgi will begin getting paid for her youth responsibilities. This was a
verbal promise that was made to her by Pastor Young. Linda Woodruff reported
that Pastor Young has written letter to board of trustees asking for this money
to come from Sowing the Seeds. A motion was made by Dorothy V. Levandoski and
seconded by Dave Hoeppner that the issue of compensating her be done as soon as
possible. The motion carried.
Communications
None
Announcements
None
Pastor Brauer led a brief closing based on Corinthians.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Nelson, Secretary
ANNOUNCEMENTS
From the Sunday School:
Sunday School class is now out for the summer break; we will resume in
September. Thanks to all parents for your dedication in bringing your children
to Sunday School each week.
All members of the congregation are invited to the Sunday School Potluck and
Fun Fair on Sunday, June 4, after the 10:45 service! Hamburgers, hotdog and
drinks will be provided, just bring a dish to share and table service.
If you have volunteered to bring baked goods for the Cake Walk, please bring
items on the day of the Fun Fair. Toys for the Toy Raffle can be brought to the
Church Office by Wednesday, May 31. We still need volunteers for the games and
activities—high school students and college students home for break—we could use
your help! Please contact Maria Surma (324-9711) or any Sunday School teacher if
you have any questions.
From the Day School:
This summer, St. John’s School is offering two science enrichment classes for
the children of the school and congregation. The camps will be taught by Maria
Surma, former high school science teacher and current instructors of science
education at Purdue University North Central. The camps will run June 12-23, M-F
from 9 am-12 noon in the church basement. “Animals Around the World”, will be
featured the first week, June 12-16, for students entering grades 1 and 2 in the
fall, and “Science Explorations” will fill the second week, June 19-23, for
students entering grades 3-5. Hands-on science activities , games, crafts,
snacks, and more will fill each day. Cost per student is $100, with discounts
for additional siblings. Enrollment is limited to 12 students each week, and
there are a few openings left in each class. Registration forms are in the
School and Church Office, and payment must be made at registration. If you have
any questions, please call Maria Surma (324-9711).
From the Board of Parish Fellowship:
On Sunday June 4, the School Board and Board of Parish Fellowship will be
honoring Mrs. Marlene Will for her 40 years as a Lutheran School Teacher
with a Retirement Open House between 4:00 and 7:00 pm in the school gymnasium.
Beginning at 4:00 pm, special
recognition, gifts and awards will be presented to her. Please join us in
thanking her for her many years of service and to give her a great send-off on
the beginning of her new life of retirement.
A basket for retirement gift cards will be available at the Open house.
On Sunday, June 11, it will be Strawberry Shortcake Day. The Board of
Parish Fellowship will prepare and serve this seasonal treat between services
during Fellowship Coffee. A $2.00 donation per family is requested to defray
costs of the upcoming annual Hog Roast/Family Picnic which will be Sunday,
August 27, 2006. Mark your calendars now!
From the Board of Social Ministry:
Thank you for your continued support of the food pantry. We are able, with
your help, to continue to furnish several families food baskets each month. We
really need paper products and canned fruit. Anything you can donate will be
greatly appreciated. Thank you and God's blessings.
The Board of Social Ministry
Annual Parking Lot & Church/School Rummage Sale:
Start making plans now for the Annual Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, June 17
from 8 am–1 pm. For $7 you may rent a space to sell your garage sale items,
crafts, plants, etc. Space rental proceeds go for advertising and to the church
and school. You keep the profits from selling your wares!
An added feature this year will be a St. John’s Church/School Rummage Sale
held outdoors at the same time as the parking lot sale. We need your help with
this. Please look through your closets and basements for any items you could
donate to the rummage sale. Proceeds from this sale will be shared equally
between the church and school. We are looking for clean, sellable items that can
be carried by one person—please, NO LARGE FURNITURE, LARGE APPLIANCES, and NO
CLOTHING! Most importantly, bring your donations to the school after
school is out for the summer (June 7-16). With your help, this can become an
annual project to help your church and school.
Any group or class interested in selling refreshments at this sale, for their
own profit, please call Ellen Heidel at 362-5694 for more information.
Vacation Bible School:
Our Summer Vacation Bible School dates have been announced. Mark your
calendars for the last week of July, July 24-28. Workers, assistants,
crew leaders, refreshment makers and other helpers are being recruited; if you
would like to help or wish to make a contribution to help defray expenses,
please stop by or call the Church Office 362-3726. Begin telling your neighbors
about our VBS and invite them to come!
Annual Planning Meeting in August:
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, August 12 starting at 9 A.M. and
help us plan for 2006-2007 as a Church. Everyone in the congregation is invited
to participate, and we ask at least one representative from each board,
committee, circle, or group at St. John's Lutheran Church and School to be
present. We will look at our future plans, especially as we make plans to
celebrate St. John’s 150 Anniversary! We will begin with a ‘Breakfast Brunch Pot
Luck,’ a time to gather around a meal of breakfast delights. Please start
thinking of that recipe for a breakfast casserole or baked goods to share. After
Bible study we will take a look at each month and coordinate plans. Hopefully
by August each board, committee, circle, and organization at St. John’s will
have an idea of activities that will come so that plans may come together. If
you have questions, please ask Pastor Brauer.
A Note from Your Offering Envelopes:
Remember me? I’m your servant who takes your offering to church when you
attend. You faithfully bring me to the House of God to worship your Savior. Lots
of work continues during the summer months as the bills and salaries need to be
paid. Mission work also continues. Your faithful contribution enables your
church officers to do the work God has set before you. God continues to provide
you with health and strength and all that is needed to support you in life. He
even puts into your pocketbook what He uses to further His kingdom. Your task is
to bring it to Him in your offering. May God so bless you more as you serve Him
in His righteousness!
News from the Elders:
The Elders have divided our congregation into twelve geographic
Districts, each with about fifty families. Members will be receiving letters
indicating the district in which they reside, and their Elder’s name and phone
number. Please contact them with any of your church concerns.
The Elders and their districts are:
Elder District #
Terry Page 1
Jim Woodruff 2
Dave Surma 3
Roger Schuster 4
John Schulz 5
Mark Jerndt 6
Ron Scherer 7
Jim Sherwood 8
Dean Ebbott 9
Jim Peters 10
Paul Tibbs 11
Greg McConnell 12
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