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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 56 February 2007 No. 1
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From Your Pastors
From Pastor Young
“Concordia” is the Latin word for “harmony,” and it literally means
“with one heart.” It is in “Concordia” that we prepare to celebrate the 150th
anniversary of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. Indeed, with one heart, a
heart of peace and harmony, we reflect on the 150 years of blessings that God
has bestowed upon our congregation and school.
We also reflect on the work that God has done through us in these blessed
years of grace. Thousands upon thousands who’ve made St. John’s their church and
school have heard the love of God found in Jesus! Thousands have received the
gifts of eternal life in the waters of baptism; thousands upon thousands have
received Christ in His body and blood in the blessed mystery of Holy Communion!
Thousands upon thousands have heard the word of God preached, taught and
proclaimed from altar and pulpit, confessed in songs and hymns and spiritual
songs, encased in a liturgy and hymnody that reflects a concordia not only in La
Porte, but throughout our synod and the nations!
With one heart, we invite you to participate in all the opportunities for
worship, fellowship and friendship that your church provides you. It is in the
midst of our concord that we live, move and have our being as a body of Christ.
It is in the midst of our concord that we grow our fellowship in preparation for
the next 150 years of blessings as we minister to each other in grace and love.
Look for the special events commemorating and celebrating our 150th
anniversary as you continue steadfast in the one true faith in worship, faith
and love.
May the God of peace dwell richly in your hearts, as St. John’s remains in
“Concordia.”
To God alone be the glory!
Pastor Young
From Pastor Brauer
“Blessings to the Poor”
The 6th Sunday after Epiphany’s Gospel reading in Luke 6 tells how
Jesus “lifted up His eyes toward His disciples…” (NKJV). Jesus’ words begin with
blessings on the poor. “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom
of God.” These words parallel the Beatitudes in Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount,
where in Luke’s Gospel they are part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain. Jesus would,
of course, preach the same message of truth and comfort throughout His ministry
to many people, much like Pastor Young and I will reuse similar words in our
sermons from time to time. (We may even borrow things from one another!)
At St. John’s Lutheran Church, beginning our celebration of 150 years of
God’s grace this year, we look at ways in which God has blessed the poor. The
poor, in this instance, is not referring to those who have no money, house, or
luxuries. The poor are those who are poor in spirit. They are the ones who are
made beggars, emptied of their desires of worldly things, and emptied of self.
The Law of God cuts the strings of possessions and desires and leaves the
repentant heart with nothing. The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ comes to them,
giving these empty souls the good things of the Kingdom of God: Forgiveness,
righteousness, life, salvation, joy, and peace. Thus filled, the faithful now
open their hands to give others that joy they have received.
That is part of what membership in the Church means today. It is how we at
St. John’s share the blessings our Savior Jesus has given us. That is the
function of our Social Ministries Board. Yes, they collect and organize our food
pantry and make other assistances to our members. Periodically we get calls for
other assistance, and under pastoral care these needs are addressed. But each
member shares in some way their gifts or talents with Social Ministries. Just as
Jesus lifted up His eyes, so we, are compelled in love to lift our eyes upon
those of our church when their needs are great.
I know of members who make the sacrifice of time and energy, as well as in
financial resources, to help a fellow member. A visit at the hospital or nursing
home, a card in the mail, a friendly phone call, help with yard work, fix a car,
move furniture, clean a garage or basement, paint, clean, run errands, prepare a
meal, get mail, take them to a doctor’s appointment, or give respite to a
caregiver. Do you see the eyes of Jesus looking up at their needs? Do you see
your eyes beholding your fellow members, and even your neighbors, in the same
way? Your compassion to fill the need and give assistance is your involvement in
Social Ministry. This is your expression of the Gospel to the members of the
Church. Remember St. Paul’s words, from Galatians 6:9-10: “And let us not grow
weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those
who are of the household of faith.”
We commend the members of our Social Ministry Board for their work among us.
May we be moved by Christ’s love to acts of compassion for the poor among us.
Jesus lifts His eyes, yes, the Lord lifts up His countenance upon you and gives
you peace! May you be a blessing to others!
Pastor Brauer
Matthew 11:28-30
Principal’s Report
From Mr. Wippich
2/3 6/8th Grade Basketball Tournament,
Girls at 9:00 am, Boys at 10:15 am
2/13 5-6th Grade math contest in Valparaiso
2/15 Half day in service—First Aid Certification
Spelling Bee practice in gym 9:30-10:45 am
Dismiss at 11:35 am
2/20 Faculty Bible Study with Pastor Brauer
2/22 District Spelling Bee at Kesling 6:00 pm
3/4 Worship Service for NLSW 10:45 am
3/5-9 National Lutheran Schools Week
3/7 STEVEN’S PUPPETS 1:00 pm
II. Enrollment, Preschool-8th Grade
January 2006: 152
January 2007: 139
III. Other items
1. National Lutheran Schools Week is coming up March 4-9 in the school.
Events being planned include Grandparents Day, Christian Singer David Britton,
Valparaiso Career Day for upper grades, and Multicultural Night. Stay tuned
for more information later.
ISTEP results are as follows...2005-06 results showed an 86%
passing mark in language from grades 3-8 and a 95% mark in math for grades
3-8. Grade 5 science showed a 92% passing mark, and science was a new test this
year for grade 7 with an 82% passing rate. For the second consecutive year we
scored a 100% passing score in grades 5-8 math! All grade 6 students passed all
tests for the second consecutive year, too!
Mrs. Martinsen has been nominated for consideration of inclusion into the
2006-07 Cambridge Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women Teacher in
Education.
We are still looking for any financial assistance to attend
Washington D.C. this spring. I have acquired some funds for our students and
need more donations to subsidize some shortfall for some students that cannot
afford this trip even with our fundraiser efforts. Please see me if you are able
to support a scholarship for this trip. Thrivent can be used with matching funds
for this event. If you would like to hire a 6-8th grade student to work around
the house or yard, please call Mr. Wippich at 362-6692, so we can set you up
with a worker.
Improving our technology offering to students is the next pursuit. We are in
need of funds to purchase a new computer lab system as many of our 7 year old
models have quit working. Any donations to the school may be made through the
Thrivent Gift Plus Matching Program...Example: 20 people making a gift of $600
will bring us 20 matching funds of $300. That would bring us $18,000, which is
enough to purchase new equipment. Please call the principal at 362-6692 if you
are able to make a donation to this project. Thank you for your help.
150th Anniversary Update
St. John’s Lutheran Church and School celebrate 150 years of God’s
grace this year. Our ‘Kick-Off’ on Sunday, January 28, 2007 unveiled some of our
plans as well as tell of some of the history behind St. John’s. We thank all who
came to join in the potluck meal as well as to stay for the short program. This
article gives some specifics as to what the 150th Anniversary
Committee and your pastors hope to accomplish this year.
The Anniversary Sunday is July 15, 2007, with ONE worship service that
weekend, followed by a dinner at noon. Specifics on the time and dinner
information will be forth coming, but we want our members and friends of St.
John’s to mark that date this summer. (County Fair begins the week following, so
don’t worry if you think there would be a conflict.)
Work will be done by a few of our committee members to put together
some remembrances of the past 150 years. This will include photos, articles, and
interviews of some of our ‘senior’ members who would be willing to share stories
and events of their past here at St. John’s. There is interest in entering a
float in the 4th of July parade, so if you want to get on that wagon
(pun intended) watch for details!
There are two projects that are being presented for your consideration
and participation. First, as St. John’s has been a worshiping congregation in La
Porte for 150 years and as The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has adopted the
Lutheran Service Book as her new hymnal, there has been interest
expressed to help fund the purchase of these new hymnals for our worship. While
the cost of the hymnals is $20, it is hoped that each family at St. John’s would
consider a thankoffering of such to help fill our hymn racks in celebration of
our anniversary.
Secondly, our outward mission project would be the
support of new churches in the Indiana District. In convention last year, the
Indiana District supported a resolution to start 10 new churches by 2009. Our
support by giving thankofferings to this endeavor, over and above our regular
mission offerings, would help this come to reality. These love offerings can be
made in celebration of birthdays, anniversaries, memorials, or for special gifts
received.
So we ask each member to prayerfully consider how you will help celebrate
God’s 150 years of grace to this congregation as well as His grace individually
to each member. May you continually be blessed by God who desires to bless you
with His grace now and always.
Bible Study Note: Pastor Young and Pastor Brauer will conduct a
‘workshop’ on the Lutheran Service Book, the new hymnal, on Sundays
February 18 and 25. We will meet in the chapel where a number of copies will be
available to view. (Yes, we may even sing some of the new hymns!)
What Happened? from Terry Scherer
What happened in 1857 that impacts us 150 years later?
In that year the city of La Porte’s population was estimated at between
7,000 and 8,000 people. Today La Porte has over 20,000 people within its city
limits.
In 1857 the La Port newspaper was called the La Porte Union. It was
published once a week and came out on Wednesday. It cost 15 cents a paper.
There was another newspaper published in La Porte, but this newspaper was
printed in the German language. It was called La Porte Anzeiger.
The Mayor was F. McCullom.
La Porte had a volunteer fire department. There were no city police as we
have today. Law enforcement was handled by a sheriff and a marshal.
There was no hospital in La Porte.
Travel was by railroad, horseback or by foot. There was a stagecoach that
ran from La Porte to Valparaiso. The stagecoach stopped once to change horses
in Westville.
Land sold from 2 to 3 dollars per acre
They were building a new jail in La Porte at a cost of $30,000.
Going back to the original question, 150 years ago a letter was sent to
Chicago, Illinois. The letter asked for a Lutheran pastor to come to La Porte
and help 14 families to worship. In 1857 there were no Lutheran congregations in
La Porte.
The letter was answered by Rev. Wunder. He would travel the 60 miles to
preach to and help these 14 families to worship as Lutherans.
There was no church building as we have today. Worship services were held in
the private home of Mr. August Backhaus.
As we continue through this year of 2007, we have much to reflect on and be
thankful to our Lord and Savior for. Especially for the way the Lord has blessed
and used our congregation for the past 150 years to work as His servants in
being a light to our community. May it continue to be so for another 150 years!
In the past 150 years of our congregation, what do you believe was the
smallest number of believers confirmed?...the largest? (Look for answer in
“Announcements”)
Announcements
Kroger and Al’s Certificates: The Newspaper Stuffers wish to thank
all who have participated in the Al’s and Kroger certificate endeavor. Some of
you have had a few questions about how the program works.
An explanation on Al’s Certificates: We purchase $1000.00 worth
of certificates for $950.00. When we sell them for the full $1000.00, a $50.00
profit is made. You receive full value on your certificate. For instance, on a
$20.00 certificate, if you spend less than $15, you will receive a register
receipt for the unused amount to use the next time you shop. If you spend
between $15 and $20, you will receive the unused amount in cash.
Update on the Kroger Card: You need to stop at the courtesy
desk before shopping to add money to your card, as it takes ten minutes for the
money to register in their system. By the time you get to the checkout, the
money will be on your card. If you go over the amount on your card, just finish
paying with cash or check so you do not have to stand and wait. Make sure to
always keep your card, as you may add money to it. Also, any money
left on the card always carries over to the next time you shop.
Once again, thank you for using the cards and certificates to do your grocery
shopping. Our profit is given to St. John’s General Fund so it can benefit our
church and school.
From the Trustees: The trustees would like to thank everyone who
served on a board or committee this past year, our church could not function
without willing volunteers. We ask that anyone not presently serving, please
return any keys you have to the church office. Thank You
From Sue Rosselli: Do you sing in the shower? In the car? With the
radio in the living room when nobody's home? That's wonderful, but we need you
HERE! Singing to the Lord is a wonderful and high calling- remember David?
Remember Asaph? They never missed a chance to sing to the Lord! Seriously, as
with all our ministries, when some retire their faithful service and others
begin service in other areas, new people are needed to continue the work that
the Lord started. We are especially in need of a FEW GOOD MEN, but all ladies
will also certainly be welcomed and appreciated. We meet on Mondays at 7:00 P.M.
in the Music Room of the school. We are beginning to practice for the seasons of
Lent and Easter, and for our 150th anniversary celebration. "Behold, My servants
shall sing for joy of heart. Isaiah 65:14.
From the Board of Parish Fellowship: Is anyone interested in serving
on the Board of Parish Fellowship? We would like to expand our membership—men or
women are welcome. Our activities are many and we need new members to help out.
Please contact Marilyn Boardman to volunteer your services.
The Lenten Soup Suppers will be served beginning February 28, at 5:30 pm.
Would a board, circle or individual/s like to participate? Dates available are
Wednesday evenings March 7, 14, 21 and 28. We want to keep the menu consistent,
and limited to soups, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids, crusty
breads, crackers and cookies or brownies. Please call Marilyn Boardman.
From the Willing Servants: The Willing Servants (Funeral Dinner
Committee) would like to thank all the ladies for their time and dishes of food,
so generously donated this past year. Unfortunately, our calling list is being
depleted, and we are always looking for new people to help. If you are currently
not on our Calling List and would like to help in this labor of love, please
call Jo Borg or Louise Mellenthin. Without your help we cannot function.
St. John’s Shadetree Mechanics for God: Are you a “Shadetree”
Mechanic for God? Are you interested in using your mechanical skills to serve
our congregation? Would you like to learn more about how stuff works? St. John’s
is going to be starting a new fellowship hour that will allow you to do these
things. We are interested in helping people get their “small engine” equipment
ready for spring, i.e. lawn mowers, weed eaters, roto-tillers, etc. We will also
do light work on vehicles, oil changes, brakes, tire rotation, etc. Our first
meeting is at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 1. Thereafter we will meet the
last Thursday of the month. We will meet at Jim Peters’ garage in Kingsbury. All
are invited, and feel free to bring your kids. We are looking for projects to
get our group started. Any member who has a project they would like help with
can contact Luke Vandercar or Jim Peters.
From the Finance Committee: Individual year-end financial statements
are ready and will be available in the church office for those wanting one.
Contact Linda Peters or Ron Scherer with any questions.
Contribution envelopes are still available for pick-up in the church
basement. Please note that your envelope number may have changed.
Pizza Coupons: The 6th-8th grade students are selling Papa John’s
Pizza coupons to help raise money for their class trip to Washington D.C. trip.
They will be for sale through February 9, and are available from any 6th-8th
grader or after church on Sundays.
From the Altar Guild: The Altar Guild will have a training session on
Saturday, February 10, at 9:00 am. This will be held in the church. We hope to
see each Altar Guild member attend with an interested guest. If you are
interested and would like further information, please call Marilyn Boardman.
Book of Concord: Anyone who ordered “Concordia The Lutheran
Confessions”, may pick it up in the Church Office. It has been on back-order
since last year.
(Trivia Answer: 3 in 1861 and 72 in 1932)
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