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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 56 September 2006
No. 8
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From Your Pastors
From Pastor Young:
Relationships. God intended for his creation to be communal (“it is not
good for man to be alone…” Gen. 2:18), and the only way to be communal is to
have relationships. In order to build a relationship, one must have an
association, connection, or affiliation with two or more people. Relationships
vary in differing levels of intimacy and sharing, implying the discovery or
establishment of common ground, and may be centered around something(s) shared
in common. Yes, it takes two or more to build a relationship; it can’t be
one-sided. Many believe that they have “relationships” with others, but in
essence, it is but one-sided. Which brings to mind the man who told his mother
that he could have any woman he pleased, but unfortunately, he didn’t please
any!
To build intimacy you must communicate; speaking and interacting with others
in search of that common ground. Dating, for example, is a practice of speaking,
courting, sharing and loving with the intent of preparation for marriage, the
most intimate and personal earthly relationship given to our humanity by God
(“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his
wife, and they will become one flesh” Gen. 2:24). Yet, nobody desires to
have a relationship with you more than your heavenly Father. Nobody desires to
be more intimate with you than our Creator who trumps all earthly intimacies by
providing eternal intimacy. He has done that through his Son, our Savior Jesus
Christ.
You see, God has initiated the relationship with us. He first communicated to
us through His recorded, prophetic Word, which creates and sustains life in us.
It is the living Word the Holy Spirit breathing life into a relationship with
his most treasured creation (“All Scripture is God-
breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in
righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good
work.” 1st Timothy 3:16-17).
God has made contact. We build our relationship by by communicating with Him
by that same Word of life. We hear it, learn it, mark it and inwardly digest it,
and that causes us to RESPOND. We respond in prayer, in acts of service and love
to Him. We respond by receiving what He is offering us. Today, that relationship
begins and ends with his Son Jesus (“In the past God spoke to our forefathers
through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days
he has spoken to us by his Son…” Hebrews 1:1-2a)
The best way to communicate, strengthen and build a relationship with God is
in worship. Worship is the two-way relationship between the Bridegroom Jesus and
His bride, the church. God communicates His love to us in Word and Sacraments
and we communicate our love for Him by receiving His means of grace and pouring
out our love in songs, hymns and prayers. God speaks; we respond. We speak; God
responds! Now that’s a relationship!
Don’t find yourself in a “one-sided relationship.” Desire the intimacy and
blessing of knowing Jesus personally by allowing yourself to participate in the
communal life of your worshipping congregation. May you come to intimately know
the joy of building this relationship and the eternal journey that it will
provide!
With you as One in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Young
From Pastor Brauer:
Put on the armor of God! We’re gearing up for holy war. Right here at the
corner of Kingsbury and Monroe!
Sound odd? In the news, we see soldiers wearing their Kevlar suits and
protective equipment, we have fortified our Humvees and improved our
surveillance of the enemy’s movements. We have phone-tapped, photographed from
satellites in space, and sent under cover agents to find out the plans of the
enemy. And it is not limited to Iraq, Lebanon, Afghanistan, or Korea. It happens
in Chicago, New York, London, Michigan City, and even on the church property.
But “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
Our war is not against an enemy we can see, but against which we don’t see.
And the danger is that we don’t know we’re assaulted or wounded until it is too
late. The physical threat and violence makes us shudder when we hear of a road
side bomb being detonated, or terrorists being arrested for a plot to destroy
planes, or drug deals happening in our neighborhood. But that’s nothing compared
to the REAL war we’re in.
Satan and all his followers would assault the Church of God on earth. He
would infiltrate its membership, look for traitors of the faith, give them new
orders, and send them out to destroy what God has redeemed. And that includes
even you!
Sounds pretty graphic, doesn’t it. Yet that very thing happens even at St.
John’s. That is why we are called to take up the armor of God. “Put on the
Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer,” the hymn goes. Our equipping of
the saints at St. John’s is done through Word and Sacrament. While God’s grace
through the washing at the font of Baptism and the feeding at the altar with the
Body of Blood of Christ initiates and sustains faith for the believer, it is
with the armor of God that the soldier of Christ is truly prepared.
And that preparation is seen in what God provides for us, namely His Holy
Word. “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil
comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything,
to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist,
with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with
the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take
up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of
the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of
prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for
all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:13-18)
Just having his weapon does not mean a soldier is ready for battle. He must
know how to use it. Training is necessary to effectively understand and know how
to use that weapon. The same is true for the Christian. Proper catechesis and
Bible study is necessary to equip the saints of God for their battles with the
influences of the devil, the world, and, yes, even the soldier’s own rebellious
heart.
Pogo’s famous line, “We have met the enemy, and they is us,” is so
true, especially in the Christian church. It is dangerous when a soldier becomes
a traitor. Instead of loading the cannon with praise and encouragement, that
cannon is pointed at fellow members and loaded with rumors, gossip, and
ill-will. That is why St. Paul urges us to be alert and always keep praying for
all the saints, to pray for our fellow members that they do not fall into the
devices of the devil. That is why we as your pastors encourage you to be in the
Word, to know what God says, and how He equips your faith to give answer to
those who would question you. That is why we have Bible study opportunities and
Sunday School and a Christian Day School to prepare us for this spiritual
battle.
Go to your recruiting office now—that’s a Bible study class or even the
Discipleship Class to refresh your knowledge of the teachings of the Church. Be
washed and fed in worship. Enlist your children in Sunday School. It’s not just
an army of one. “Like a mighty army, moves the Church of God.”
Troops organize for battle on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, Tuesday
evenings at 7 pm, Wednesdays at 6:30 am and 10:30 am, and Fridays at 10:30 am.
Bring your battle gear (see Ephesians 6:13-18 above) and bring a fellow
redeemed soldier. “Onward, Christian Soldier! With the cross of Jesus
going on before!”
Pastor Brauer
Matthew 11:28-30
Principal’s Report
From Mr. Wippich: ..
I. CALENDAR ITEMS:
8/30 PTL Open House 6:00 pm-CAF
Innisbrook Kickoff (PS-3rd 10:00 am, 4-8th 10:30 am)-GYM
9/27 Picture Day-Wednesday-MR
9/1-18 Innisbrook sale
9/18-29 Istep Testing
10/2-3 Teacher Conference INPEC
10/11 Symphony Concert-TBA
10/11 Muffins for Moms 7:00 am-CAF
10/12 Vision Screening (Gr. 1,3,5,8) 9:15 am-Boston/9:00 am-Bus 10/18
Assembly/Indiana Homeland Security Director
Dr. J. Eric Dietz 10:30 am-GYM
10/19 Parent Teacher Conferences 12:30-8:30 pm & No School
10/20 No School
10/25 Donuts for Dads 7:00 am-CAF
10/25 Wheel of Wisdom 10:00 am-GYM
11/13-17 Book Fair (Volunteer needed)
II. OTHER ITEMS:
1. The HVAC has been installed in the school. This marks the first time in
our history that classrooms have been air conditioned and vented. These new
units also heat the rooms in winter. All this was a necessary capital
improvement or we would have had 4 or 5 rooms not heated this winter due to
system deterioration since initial installation in 1968. We need your
donations….we are around $25,000 short of paying this project off. Please
donate to the Thrivent Gift Plus program where we can take your $600 gift and
turn it into $900…if we had 20 people able to do this yet in this 2006 year…we
would be close to completing the payments. Come see the principal for more
information and for Thrivent forms.
2. The school acquired official accreditation with the state of Indiana on
May 5, 2006, due to the efforts of the principal and his assistant.
3. Parents: Your and your child’s attendance from July through
4. December determines your tuition rate in January…attend 19 out of 27
week end services to reach the 70% mark…Faith Based Tuition
4. The school needs a volunteer to operate the Scholastic Book Fair coming
up in November…please see the principal about this.
5. Our school theme for the year is “Reach One More.” “Come, follow me,”
Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Mark 1:17 Our theme song
is “Go Light Your World,” by Chris Rice. This song will be used in the
first chapel of each month. You are invited to attend our chapel services at
8:05 am every Wednesday this year. You may contribute to our various offerings
as you are able:
First Quarter: Gloria Dei Hispanic Ministry
Second Quarter: Dunebrook
Third Quarter: Camp Lutherhaven Scholarships
Fourth Quarter: Michelle Hoeppner’s ministry work in China
6. As we begin our 149th year of day school operation…we reach to
year 150!…see posters by the classrooms marking our celebrations.
7. Teachers for the upcoming year: PK Karla Eigenmann, K-Sandy Bangs, 1st-Lois
Krider, 2nd-Beth Hoeppner, 3rd-Stephanie Kessler, 4th-Jan
Martinsen, 5th-David Hoeppner, 6th-Mindy Bremer, 7-8th-Julie
Stelter…Mr. Wippich is the principal and physical ed instructor for grades 3-8
8. Innisbrook sale profits this
year will help us provide various aides to some of our classrooms and continue
to help provide funds for classroom improvements. Please support our ministry by
participating in our sale…it runs from August 30-Sept. 18..Ellen Heidel is our
volunteer coordinator again this year….thanks Ellen!
9. Pizza Hut fundraisers: September 20,
October25, November 29, December 13 from 4-11:00 pm. This year you will need to
present the proper form at the counter or to the delivery person for us to
receive credit. These forms will be available in the school and will be attached
to the newsletters. We receive 20 % of the
profits. These profits will helps fund our next mission trip coming up in May of
2007.
10. We are still selling Smencils…a fragrant pencil for $1.00 in the school.
We have quite a few to sell yet…in 10 different aromas…to fund the mission
trip…they make great Christmas gifts for the grandkids! Come to the school
office and buy a whole container of 50 is you like.
Voters’ Assembly Meeting
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
August 2, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Foglesong. Pastor Young led
an opening devotion and prayer.
The minutes from the May 10, 2006 meeting were approved.
Old Business
None
Elections
Elections were moved to the Church Council report.
Pastor’s Reports
Pastor Young reported the following membership changes:
Arno and Jill Pressler and son Drew released to join Bethany
Mike Reaves released to join Bethany
Ben Edwards released to join Faith Baptist
Phyllis Bishop transferred to St. John’s from St. Paul Lutheran,
Chesterton
Scott and Stacy Tharp and family transferred to Trinity Lutheran, La
Porte
Marjorie Fiess transferred to St. John’s from Immanuel Lutheran, Terre
Haute, IN
A motion for approval of these membership changes was made by Ron Scherer.
The motion was seconded and approved.
Recent Official Acts included three weddings and one coming up; three
baptisms and one this weekend; and six funerals.
The following items were reported:
There has been completion of a new discipleship class, bringing in three
new adult members at the outdoor service.
When school begins, the pastors will be splitting up confirmation
instructions. Pastor Brauer will be assisting with the day school music
along with a student volunteer from Valparaiso University.
Pastor Young will be starting an after school Bible study, including a craft
and snack for children in grades 1-4 once a month and 5-6th grades
once a month.
Pastor Young will assume the responsibilities of youth director: Upcoming
activities scheduled include a car wash, Newsboys concert, outdoor service,
fellowship with the Burmese youth.
A new discipleship class will begin in September, led by Pastor Brauer.
Pastor Young will lead a study of the book of Job when Sunday School
resumes
Pastor Brauer reported the following:
Meetings have been held to coordinate activities and committees for the
150th anniversary celebration to be held next July 22.
A “car loading” conference is coming up in Carmel, IN for interested
members
The last Saturday in September there will be an introductory session of
the new Lutheran hymnal offered in Valparaiso
Principal’s Report (previous pages)
Mr. Wippich elaborated on his report. He also shared a letter he recently
sent to school families. It was announced that Stephanie Kessler will be
teaching in third grade and Karla Eigenmann will be part time in preschool.
Church Council
The following motions were presented:
That Brett Mueller be nominated for the Board of Trustees. Seconded and
passed.
That Kristi Georgi be paid $100 per month retroactive to January 1, 2006
for her work as youth director and this be continued until the time that she
resigns this position. Seconded and passed.
That suggestions for using Sowing the Seeds money will be submitted to
the Board of Stewardship. A representative from the Board of Stewardship
will then meet with the Trustees to review the suggestions and report back
to the Board of Stewardship who will then take recommendations to the Church
Council. The Church Council will then make the recommendations to the
Voters’ Assembly. However, the treasurer will be able to take withdrawals
from Sowing the Seeds if money is needed for salaries and benefits. Seconded
and passed.
Treasurer’s Report (available in church office)
Dale Fischer elaborated on the report.
He also reported the following regarding Sowing the Seeds:
$85,354.21 has been collected
Expenses have totaled $35,044.92
The balance with interest is $50,336.03
Available cash is $11,224.68 (money has been used for general operating
expenses)
New Business
None
Communications
August 12, 9 a.m. there will be a potluck breakfast for annual planning.
Announcements
None
Following the adjournment, the assembly joined hands and prayed The Lord’s
Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Penny Nelson, Secretary
Announcements
Attention All Who Love to Sing:
Dear choir members, (and potential choir members!)
I trust you have all had an enjoyable summer, it seems to have flown by for
me!
A new season is upon us, and it is a season that comes with some major
changes. By this time you all know that the Lord is leading our church through a
transitional period, that we have encountered some rough spots, and that while
we know He is in control, we may still feel some uncertainty and discomfort.
I am sure that at the same time, you are eager to continue your roles in
music ministry as the Lord leads, and that you look forward to the opportunities
that He will give us.
I will be directing the Walther League Chorus. The Christmas Concert this
year, (which has been scheduled for Friday evening, December 1) will, as most of
you are aware, be presented in the church. I am preparing a program that I
believe you will enjoy doing, that will be exciting and a little different than
anything we have done before, and that will bring the gospel of salvation to
those who come. I will be able to
share the details with you at our first rehearsal on Monday, September 11,
(the week after Labor Day) at 7:00 pm.
We will also continue to serve our congregation in worship, both as full
choir, and with solos and small groups.
Please come joyfully to the music room on Monday, September 11 at 7:00 pm as
we trust the Lord will bring us successfully through our challenges, and onto
the sure footing of what He has in store. Whether you have sung in the choir
before, or whether you are thinking of trying for the first time, I look forward
to seeing you! Blessings, Sue Rosselli
September 10, 2006:
September 10 is Rally Day, the first day of Sunday School following
summer break. All children of school age are invited and encouraged to attend.
Sunday School meets in the Church Lower Level at 9:25 am.
New Discipleship Classes also begin that day in the Ladies Lounge, with
Pastor Brauer, at 9:30 am. Anyone wishing to join the church, wanting to know
more about the Lutheran Church, or members desiring a “refresher” course, are
invited to attend.
At the same time, Pastor Young will be starting a new Bible Study in the
Cafeteria on the book of “Job”.
Everyone is invited to Fellowship Coffee immediately after the 8:00
am service, before attending Sunday School or the Bible Study of your choice.
Ushers and Recorders Needed:
We have an urgent need for ushers to assist with all services.
Please consider helping us out with this need during your “favorite” worship
service time. We also need recorders to tape the 8:00 am. worship
service for the radio broadcast. Training will be provided! Please call Jim
Peters at 393-3496 or the Church Office at 362-3726 for more information or to
volunteer.
Faith Based Tuition:
Please remember that a new attendance period in the Faith Based Tuition
Program has begun. Attendance taken from now through December will be used to
determine tuition rates for the semester beginning in January 2007. Parents,
please help us out by making sure that everyone in your family is listed
individually and legibly on the Fellowship Pad. Please use first and
last names, so that the attendance posters know who you are! Thank you.
From St. John’s Newspaper Committee:
The St John’s Newspaper Committee is now selling Al’s and
Kroger certificates in $20 and $10 denominations. We will accept cash and checks
made out to “St. John’s Newspaper Committee.” Only checks made out this way will
be accepted.
Certificates will be sold by Karen Piper 362-8070, Ellen Heidel 352-5694, and
Linda in the church office. Please contact Karen and Ellen to make arrangements
to get the certificates, or pick them up in the office.
Dorothy V. Levandoski has retired but is helping with her experience.
We have undertaken this for a money making project since we aren’t doing as
much paper stuffing as we used to. The profits from this endeavor will continue
to help our church and school.
News about Sunday School:
Rally Day is Sunday September 10th from 9:30 -10:00. We are having
a supply party (see list below). Ages 2 thru 8th grade are invited to
join Sunday school. Our normal Sunday school time is from 9:30-10:30, while
Mom’s and Dad’s are at Bible study.
We are also looking for a few more teacher/sub volunteers to help this year.
If you would like to get to know our younger children here at St. John’s, Sunday
school is the fun place to be. We have a full year of fun filled activities and
a new curriculum from Concordia.
We are all very excited and look forward to seeing all of St. John’s children
attend Sunday school this year. Here is the teacher line-up for 2006-2007 school
year.
2’s with parent –Stephanie Kessler 1st & 2nd– Erika Schroeder
Pre-School- Lesa Hill and Tracy Fronk 3rd & 4th– Debbie Smith
Kindergarten- Maria Surma 5th-8th- Rhonda McConnell
Wish list:
Markers Glue sticks Crayons Construction paper
White glue Glue dots Baby wipes Lunch bags
Small zip lock baggies
For more information contact Rhonda McConnell at 219-608-9599 or the church
office.
Public School 7th and 8th graders:
If you are planning to participate in Catechetical Classes leading to
church Confirmation, please notify the Church office so that you may receive a
letter with the guidelines of requirements and instruction for completing
Confirmation class successfully. Also, we need to know how many will be
participating so that the materials can be purchased
From the Officers of your Congregation
Financial Information for
June-July 2006
Expenses: June 2006 Amt
Wages $ 51,307.76
Benefits $ 11,373.17
Utilities $ 6,733.13
Janitorial Supplies $
520.90
Misc Exp. $ 6,501.10
Sub Total $
76,436.06
Income: Attendance Amt
6/4/2006 435 $ 16,071.80
6/11/2006 404 $ 12,617.73
6/18/2006 378 $ 13,916.74
6/25/2006 374 $ 10,306.10
Sub Total $
52,912.37
Loss in June $
(23,523.69)
Liquidated
From Investments
$ 50,000.00
Thrift Shop Giving $
10,000.00
Expenses: July 2006 Amt
Wages $ 47,846.07
Benefits $ 11,947.57
Utilities $ 5,864.04
Janitorial Supplies $
227.69
Misc Exp. $ 11,976.23
Sub Total $
77,861.60
Income: Attendance Amt
7/2/2006 433 $ 16,899.75
7/9/2006 374 $ 11,593.13
7/16/2006 410 $ 14,038.29
7/23/2006 367 $ 13,570.30
7/30/2006 366 $ 11,468.23
Sub Total $
67,569.70
Loss in July $
(10,291.90)
May the Lord guide and bless your time in worship
and may the Spirit touch your spirit to
attend and support this ministry each week. To meet the budget we need
$19,190.00 per week in collections.
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