A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 56 December 2007 and January 2008 No. 10
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From Pastor Young:
The season of Advent is upon us! Even as we prepare ourselves for Christ and
His second coming in these last days, the celebration of His first entrance into
our world is a high feast to commemorate! During these days leading up to
Christmas, our world is bombarded with music, perhaps more than at any other
time of the year.
Surprisingly, much of the music is about our coming Savior, Jesus Christ. Go
into grocery stores, offices, restaurants, and even taverns, and you’ll hear
music about the Christ Child. Go into shopping malls and you’ll even hear
nonbelievers singing, “Joy to the World” or "Christ the Savior is born." You
might even be able to find a public school allowing sacred music about Jesus
Christ to be sung by their choirs.
For disciples of Jesus, this is the only time of the year when we have the
license to carry the message of Christ to a secular, multi-religious, and vastly
confused culture. It’s the only time of the year when it is socially acceptable
to hear, hum and even sing familiar songs about the Savior who’s come and is
coming again.
With this opportunity at hand, imagine if each of us reading this newsletter
used this opportunity to share the message of Jesus with just ONE person who
does not know the love of God born into flesh and placed in a manger. With the
chance to share the Gospel without the usual affliction, awkwardness, and
cultural barriers, imagine if you personally were able to reveal Jesus and what
He’s done to just ONE hungry, naked, imprisoned soul! If only you could allow
yourself to be God’s messenger of reconciliation to just ONE friend, co-worker,
neighbor or classmate, what an impact you could make for the Kingdom of God!
You have many opportunities this month around St. John’s, beginning with our
Walther League Concert on Sunday, December 2nd. Our School Christmas
Program on Wednesday evening December 19th might be your chance to
bring God’s message of Christmas to those who neither
know it nor believe it. And of course, each weekend there are convenient
opportunities to hear and introduce Jesus to others in our worship services.
Yes, we will sing, speak and shout about God’s love this month!
During these weeks leading up to the celebration of Christ’s birth, may that
song of peace and hope take root in our hearts this Advent as we praise God for
His unspeakable Gift: the Gift who personally visits us as God’s own people, the
Gift who shines into the darkness of our sins to bring the light and love of
God, and the Gift who guides us into the path of His perfect peace. Merry
Advent!
In the Savior’s love,
Pastor Young
From Pastor Brauer:
No Lion. Or should I say ‘No lying.’ But according to the Isaiah text for the
Third Sunday in Advent it is “No Lion.”
“No lion shall be there, (that is, on the highway called the Way of Holiness)
nor shall any ravenous beast come upon it—they shall not be found there. But the
redeemed shall walk there” (Isaiah 35:9). The predatory animals will not lurk in
the shadows or hide behind rocks or trees along the path of the righteous.
That’s the picture of restoration the prophet Isaiah paints for us as we prepare
our hearts for celebrating the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Awake—Rejoice—Be Patient! The Lord IS Coming!” That is our theme this month
of December as we look at ways as members of the body of Christ to prepare our
hearts for Jesus’ coming. Personal and family devotion time is one way this can
be done. We gather for corporate worship each Lord’s Day, yet we are encouraged
as Psalm 1 teaches, to “meditate on the law (all the teachings) of God day
and night.”
How does one start having personal or family devotions? What are ways to
establish the Family Altar in our homes? One way is with the aid of a devotional
book. Portals of Prayer is a quarterly devotional that consists of a
Scripture reading, a short meditation, and a prayer. This can be expanded to
include the family as there is a worship guide in the front of the devotion. My
parents used to spend time together at the kitchen table with their Portals
of Prayer, their Bible, and another prayer book and take turns; one reading
the Scripture reading, the other reading the devotion, then they would read a
prayer or two to conclude their devotion time. That is how they established
their ‘Family Altar.’ Before he died, my father said, “It’s those daily
devotions that help me through the day and sustained me in my illness.”
Others may use a lectionary plan, where they read a portion of the Bible, one
book at a time. The weekly inserts in our bulletins provide a lectionary plan,
and along side that, the Introit Psalm, the Collect and the readings can be
reread throughout the week. Other devotional books can be used as well, such as
those who ordered a copy of Luther’s Reading the Psalms. May God bless
your reading of that book!
Family devotions for parents and children are also available with the My
Devotions, which is available each quarter, and there are other books, such
as Little Visits with Jesus, and the like. ‘Families that pray together
stay together.’
Perhaps you have yet to begin a personal or family devotional plan. Make it
your ‘New Years’ Resolution’ to begin today. Be assured daily through the
reading and meditating on God’s Word that there are no lions along the path of
righteousness, and that when you hear that one lion roar, seeking someone to
devour, you can resist him, being firm in your faith (1 Peter 5:8-9).
May God’s everlasting joy be upon you as you prepare for our Lord’s coming!
Pastor Ron Brauer
Matthew 11:28-30
AND, not to be forgotten, remember this month’s newsletter serves you for
January, also. Don’t let this issue get swept up with the greeting cards, but
place this for reference where you put all those important papers!—RB
How Can I Do More Things for the Church?
I was recently asked that question and pondered on it for a while, then
decided to answer it briefly in this newsletter. With the members of St. John’s
Lutheran Church and School, there are a number of things that go on month by
month. It is part of what we do as the fellowship of believers here. It flows
from the Epistle text for January 20, “God is faithful, by whom you were called
into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Consider the times we gather for functions at St. John’s: Every Member Sunday
and Pot Luck dinner and hymn sing; Fish Fry events;
Grounds clean-up work days; Progressive Dinners; Outdoor service and Hog
Roast and Church Picnic; Christmas decorating; Walther League Chorus
Concerts—more to add but you get the idea.
Add to that list things that are done each week: Ushering, Altar Guild,
woman’s Circles, Church cleaning—soon you realize that there are plenty of
places people can take part in the work that goes on.
And, add to this is the work that is done by our Parish Fellowship Board.
They host the refreshments between services on Sunday morning; you can help them
with that, as well as being involved in their monthly activities. They also plan
the Progressive Dinners in the fall and spring, as well as other gatherings here
at St. John’s. “Many hands make light work” is a saying that goes without
explanation. As you hear of ways to work with God’s people at St. John’s through
these events, may your hands join others, not only to pray, praise, and give
thanks, but also to join in the work as we celebrate Christ’s gifts to us.
God has blessed you with your body and soul, eyes, ears, and all your
members, your reason and all your senses. By baptism He grants you His holy
Church, the fellowship of the saints on earth. By grace He saved you, and by
that grace He enables you to serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence,
and blessedness. May God continue to bless you in 2008!—RB
Every Member Sunday — Pot Luck Dinner
Paul Gerhardt Hymn Sing
Mark your calendars and plan on attending our “Every Member Sunday” the
weekend of January 26-27, 2008, when we urge all our members to be in attendance
that weekend. It will be a time to renew our commitment of membership at St.
John’s and renew our confirmation vows. Following the 10:45 A.M. service at noon
there will be a pot luck dinner to gather and fellowship with each other.
Following the dinner at 1:30, we will be invited to the Chapel for a Paul
Gerhardt Hymn Sing.
Do you know who Paul Gerhardt was? He was born on March 12, 1607, and the
Church celebrates his 400th birthday this year. Next to Martin
Luther, Paul Gerhardt was the second most prolific Lutheran hymn writer of all
time. You probably know a number of his hymns, and yet don’t realize it. “O
Lord, How Shall I Meet You” is one Advent hymn that we will soon sing again. But
add to this other well-known hymns he wrote such as “O Sacred Head Now Wounded,”
“Awake, My Heart, with Gladness,” and “Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing.”
Please mark your calendar for that day of renewal, fellowship, and singing!
Other churches in our circuit will be invited to join us that day!
Message from The Board of Stewardship
“God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son that whosoever
believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“God is love” is the way the Apostle John describes God in 1 John
4:16. In the five chapters of his first letter St. John, by inspiration of the
Holy Spirit, wrote eloquently about our God of love. And how does God show his
love? He shows his love by giving! “God so loved the world that he gave…”
is the Biblical expression of how God really shows his love.
The good news is that God loves the unlovable! He did not love the world
because it was deserving of his love. Because of sin, the world of men was
broken and stained by sin and all its consequences. Yet God loved his fallen
world and was determined that sin, death and the devil would not have the last
word! Likewise, God does not love us because we are so deserving of his love.
The truth is quite the opposite! We are sinners and have been from before birth.
Each day we confirm that truth with our sinful thoughts, words and actions. And
yet God loves us. In fact, He loves us so much that he made that first Christmas
so special—he sent his only-begotten Son into our world to be our Savior.
Christmas had its beginning with the love of God. And that love was shown in
“giving.” Christmas is a celebration of God’s great gift of a
Savior. Perhaps that is why we also celebrate Christmas by giving.
After all, because of Christ Jesus, we are the children of God. St. John said
that so well in the opening words of his third chapter: “How great is the
love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!” Children bear the resemblance of their parents
in looks and actions. In the same way we as God’s children are also to bear the
family resemblance.
We love because God first loved us! We give because God has first given to
us! So this Christmas as we give and receive gifts may we be reminded of the
great love and gift of God in a Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. We can also give
ourselves another gift by reading and reflecting on the five chapters of St.
John’s first letter.
Merry Christmas! May the love of God shine upon us and may we reflect that
love back to him and to one another as we freely and generously give to support
the work of his kingdom and bring joy to others. In that way we demonstrate that
we really are the children of God.
Voter’s Assembly Meeting—November 7, 2007
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Foglesong. Pastor Young
opened with a devotion and prayer.
Minutes from May 9, 2007 were approved as printed in the newsletter.
Kami Alexander and Francine Kalita were welcomed as new voting members.
Elections:
President- Bill Adams
Vice President-
Secretary- Rhonda McConnell
Pastors Report:
Pastor Brauer reported that they had performed 19 Baptisms, 15 Funerals, 3
Weddings, 1 Affirmation of Faith and 1 Peaceful Release of Membership.
Principals Report:
Mr. Wippich was not present due to classes he is attending to obtain his
Administrators License. (See report on page 8 of this newsletter).
Church Council Report:
Linda Woodruff was acting secretary at that meeting; she made a motion to
accept the 2008 Spending Plan to be presented by Trustees Chairman, Jon Ulmer.
There was a 2nd and discussion began.
Before the budget was discussed, Jon noted that the can drive/scrap metal
brought $171.00, dead tree branches have been trimmed and suggested removal of 2
trees before more extensive damage is done. Longer screws were placed in the
church doors as a temporary fix until funds are raised for new doors. Monroe
Street is at a much higher level than before due to the road construction which
will cause a water problem at our entrance. Contractors will place asphalt in
our entrance and swale so that water will run into a dry well. Shrubs along
Monroe Street will be removed to complete the above mentioned work.
Dave Hoeppner made a motion that the budget be amended so that Pastor Young
not be given this years proposed increment and that the Elders develop a plan to
bring him into compliance with the church salary schedule, this plan should
never take his salary below the salary that was stated on his Call Document, 2nd
by Rod Heidel. Discussion, motion amended by Rod Heidel. 1st Amended
motion- check back in the minutes from that time and see if the issue was fixed
at that time and abide to what was agreed upon at that time, 2nd by
Linda Woodruff. Show of hands- motion passed.
Dale Fisher made a 2nd Amendment to state-look into the minutes
and if nothing is recorded then we will go back to the original motion made by
Dave Hoeppner, 2nd by Wendy Husmann. Show of hands-motion stands
amended and passed.
Luke Vandercar made a motion to move $10,000 back into line item 5 (Synodical
Support), 2nd by Josh Alexander. Motion carried.
Vote on motion to accept 2008 Spending Plan- show of hands, motion passed.
Linda Woodruff made a motion to continue the Saturday night services at 6PM,
2nd Dale Fisher. Discussion, show of hands, motion passed.
Treasures Report: (See report in this newsletter).
Old Business: Nothing reported.
New Business: Nothing reported.
Communications: Pastor Brauer mentioned that Duneland Lutheran High
School has moved from their old site to a new building downtown Michigan City.
There are about 60 attending the DLHS this year. They are still planning to
build a new HS in the Westville area sometime in the future.
Annette Williams reported that the Book Fair is open and that anyone can come
and purchase books.
Nichole Schuster mentioned the campaign for “Computers by Christmas” for the
school computer lab. The PTL is taking donations, selling cook-books and there
are also coupon books available in the school office.
Announcements: Wendy Husmann made a motion to put the budget in the
newsletter so that everyone knows the status of our Spending Plan, 2nd
by Josh Alexander adding to also send it in the school newsletter. Motion
passed.
Motion to Adjourn: Motion to adjourn made by Dale Fisher, 2nd
by Mark Hill. Motion passed.
Devotions: Pastor Young joined everyone together, held hands and everyone
prayed the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully Submitted,
Rhonda McConnell
Secretary
Principal’s Page
I
. School Calendar Items:
11/25 Concert practice 2:30..CC 2:45-3:30 KK 2:30-3:15
11/27 Mobile Ed...Mark Twain 1:15
11/29 Phirefighter PHil 10:00 in gym
11/30 Friday...Concert Practice 7:00...Fish Fry 4:30-7:00...Music Class
12/2 Concert at 3:00
12/3 Bells at Post Office.. need some more ringers
12/7 Gr 4 LCSWCD
12/14 MUSIC CLASS
12/19 Christmas Program 6:30 in gym
12/21 Craft fair until 1:15...Parties from that point
1/21 Martin Luther King Day...Mobile Ed presents: MLK 9:30 assembly
II. Other items:
All A’s:
Gr. 8: Sky Shortt, Nick Wilczewski, and Renate Wiltfong
Honors :
Gr. 5: Johannah Kalita, Storm Shortt, Charles Williams
Gr. 6: Ali Back, Alyssa Gerick, Courtney Meyer, Belle Schuster, Mackenzie
Yoder
Gr. 7: Ashley Neil
Gr. 8: Ellen Hough
Honorable Mention:
Gr. 5: Kaela Stence, Sam Chlebek, Kayla Glassman, Chase Swanson, Brooke Baima,
Cassandra Nickerson
Gr. 6: Haley Alexander, Kelsey Vergin
Gr. 7: Taylor Baima, David Cooley
Gr. 8: Taylor Kneifel, Shane Rogers, Brody Shoffner
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Do You Hear Music in The Air?
The time is coming for our Christmas Concert! Mark your calendars for SUNDAY,
DECEMBER 2 at 3:00 PM in the church. The Walther League Chorus, King's Kids,
Christus Chorus and our soloists and instrumentalists are preparing a joyful
celebration in song for you. You will be filled and surrounded by the love of
Jesus as our theme, "Clothed in the Righteousness of Christ" unfolds. This year,
you and anyone you bring are all invited to join us in the school cafeteria for
refreshments and fellowship following the concert. There are no tickets to
purchase, the concert is free! Thank you! Sue Rosselli
Poinsettias:
It is time for us to start asking for donations for the poinsettias.
We do appreciate al your help in the past and pray that you will be so generous
again this year. The cost per poinsettia is $12.00 this year. You can give your
donation to the Church Office, Marilyn Boardman, Mary Jo Uebele, or Sherrill
Lee. Please let us know at that time if you will be picking up your
poinsettia. The poinsettias will be taken down after the 2nd service on the
Sunday, December 30. If you are going to take your poinsettia, please be there
to pick it up at that time. If not for yourself, maybe you know someone who
would really appreciate a flower and a visit from you. Thank you again for your
donation to the Flower Fund.
From the Family Circle:
They’re here! St. John’s cookbooks are now available for purchase at
a cost of $13.00 each. Checks can be made payable to “Family Circle.” You can
get yours in the Narthex after each Sunday service or from the church office.
These would also make a unique and special gift for Christmas. Proceeds will go
toward the purchase of new computers for our day school students as well as
redecorating the bride’s room in the church. If you have any questions, please
contact Kami Alexander. Thank you!
Computers by Christmas: (See Insert)
As many are aware, the school’s computer lab is in dire need of
upgrading. A committee has been formed to evaluate the teachers’ and students’
needs, and those needs have determined how the new lab will be equipped.
Approximately $15,000 will be raised to establish a new lab which includes
computers, printers, and a multimedia station. The goal is to raise the money by
Christmas, so that to start the new year, students will be able to use a top
notch computer lab!
There are many ways to help!
All proceeds from the Scrip gift card program for this year, as well as the
Carson Community Days coupon book sales will be directed into the Computer Fund.
St. John’s PTL has pledged $4,000 to start this campaign. Monetary donations are
gratefully accepted! Please make checks payable to “St. John’s Lutheran PTL,”
and in the memo section write “Computer Fund.”
Let’s work together to give St. John’s students a Christmas gift that will
last for years to come! Please contact Nicole Schuster or Maria Surma for any
questions regarding this effort.
From the Board of Parish Fellowship:
You will find a wonderful array of homemade Christmas Cookies at Fellowship
Coffee Sunday, December 9, 2007 in the school cafeteria. Come, enjoy the
fellowship and Bible study.
January 13, 2008 features a “Surprise” at Fellowship Coffee. You must attend
to find out what the secret ingredient is in every treat.
The “Every Member Sunday” potluck is Sunday, January 27, 2008. A new feature
is planned — a hymn fest, singing the music of Paul Gerhardt, at approximately
1:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Plan on worship at 10:45 a.m., attend the potluck
dinner in the gym and the hymn fest in the Chapel.
Your ticket to get in is bring a hot or cold dish of generous proportions to
share. Bring table service for your family. Beverages will be provided. As
usual, you may bring your dishes to the school kitchen before the worship
service. Do not bring any serving utensils. Please pick up your dishes from the
serving tables as you leave. Other Missouri Synod Churches will be invited to
attend the festivities.
From the Thrift Shop:
We have a continuing need of volunteers for our Thrift Shop. Our
shifts are from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM or from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday through
Saturday. If you could spare as little as 3 hours per month, or 6 if you’re
willing, we would certainly appreciate your help. It can be an interesting time
to be out and meeting other people, and at the same time of great benefit to our
congregation. Please give it some serious consideration! Call Arlene Hacker if
you are willing to help. We’ll be so happy to have you join us.
Can Recycling Day:
Imogene Dahl encourages all to please keep saving cans and scrap metal. Our
next recycle day will be February 23. For safety reasons, please do not bring
cans and scrap until the day of, or the afternoon before the recycle day.
From the Newspaper Committee:
The Newspaper Committee has a good supply of Al’s certificates/Kroger
cards. These are great for purchasing all of your Christmas food items , and
make good gifts as well! You may purchase them in the church office, or from
Karen Piper, Ellen Heidel and Alyce Compton. Thank you for supporting the church
and school through this project. Feel free to stop in with questions that you
may have, or call Karen or Ellen.
Help local children give gifts to their families this Christmas.
Did you clean out your closet to make room for the winter coats and now you
don't know what to do with everything that was in there? Each December the
children at the Gloria Dei tutoring program practice math and "buy"
things for their families for Christmas in a "store" that is full of donated
items. Each child makes a list of her family members, and gets a gift for each
one, then wraps it. If you would like to contribute to this fun project, bring
your items to Heritage Lutheran Church, Valparaiso (308 N Washington) on Tuesday
or Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 PM during our regular tutoring time. All types
of items are welcome: toys, clothing (for men and women), decorations, jewelry,
books, food (canned, please). The "store" is December 18th, so please donate by
the 13th.
Important Dates to remember for Sunday School:
Sunday, December 16th – Sunday School Sings at 10:45 Service
Sunday, December 23rd – Movie: The Toy that Saved Christmas
(No Lessons)
Sunday, December 30th – No Sunday School
Sunday, January 6th – No Sunday School
Sunday School Resumes, Sunday, January 13th
Other news: From now until December 23rd, Sunday School is
collecting non-perishable food for the St. John’s food pantry. The class that
brings in the most food items will win a special treat!
From Shadetree Mechanics:
In December, the Shadetree Mechanics will begin meeting on the first and
third Thursdays of each month. Anyone in the congregation who enjoys the
challenge of fixing things is welcome to attend. For more details, call Luke
Vandercar or Jim Peters. If you have a project for them to work on, please call
Luke or Jim.
All Boards Meeting:
On January 7, is the organizational meeting for all boards. All board
members, new and old, are encouraged to attend. We will hear from our new
Congregational President, Bill Adams, and then break up into individual board
meetings. During these meetings, meeting schedules will be decided and board
officers will be chosen. Please attend this important meeting at 7:00 PM in the
cafeteria.
