For those who have planted gardens, you may have already enjoyed some of the produce. Yes, it took some work tilling, planting, watering and weeding your garden, but now you are able to sit at your table and enjoy the first cuttings of lettuce or spinach, maybe a radish or green onion, and can only wait for the green beans, peppers, and tomatoes to develop and ripen. The wait is worth it knowing how good it will taste.

The Epistle Reading for the 5^th Sunday after Pentecost (July 1) has a similar theme—both of anticipating something good as well as about produce or fruit. “Walk in the Spirit,” the Apostle Paul encourages (Galatians 5:25). He writes from a perspective from a world that would forsake God and live in the horrid conditions of a sinful life. He lists some seventeen weeds of sin that have infested the world since the day Adam and Eve disobeyed God. A good, close look at our personal lives and we see that those infections have caused our body to become sick with sin to the point of eternal death.

But the Heavenly Physician comes with healing. He removed sin from our lives by taking on our punishment and death. In its place, He gives us the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation. What joy! What peace! What news to tell others!

That is the proclamation of St. John’s in her 150 years of history as a worshiping congregation here in La Porte. We celebrate that event this month with our special anniversary service on Sunday, July 15 at 10 A.M. Rev. Edward Meyer has been invited to preach that day. Following the worship is time for food and fellowship with the meal and a short program.

But what do we do after the celebration? Will we return to our old habits? Will we forget about celebrating until the 200^th anniversary—and how many of you will be around for THAT one? Or do we seriously take up the commission of Christ in preaching, teaching, baptizing, and making disciples? Sure, we celebrated and gave thanks to God for 150 years of grace, guidance, and gemütlichkeit, but then do we draw the covers over our heads and hide?

NO WAY!

“Tell everyone what He has done!” There is ONE MESSAGE: Christ—His Love is here for you. That is the focus of our faith. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Members of St. John’s know how life led by the Spirit is kept in balance, even when the world around them may seem to fall apart. Wouldn’t others like to know that same peace? You bet!

Our Mission is to tell the Good News. Our Evangelism is to know the language of Scripture to be able to give an explanation to the hope that is in us. Our Stewardship is protecting and caring for the faith God has graciously given us. Our Parish Education directs us to the Word in Bible study and regular devotions. That is there in the Word where the Holy Spirit guides us. He also nourishes us in the Sacrament. He equips us to face those challenges to our faith, both as individuals and collectively as the body of Christ in the one, true Christian Church. The fruit (and it is singular in the Greek!) of the Spirit, namely love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, is given us at our baptism, and continues to be fruit ‘in season’ and ‘out of season.’

Therefore, “Walk in the Spirit.” Be nourished in faith for deeds of love. Be ready to tell others of the joy you have in Christ.

Each July we celebrate the freedom that we enjoy as Americans. For example, we enjoy the freedom of religion. That is a great blessing but, unfortunately, many people live as though freedom of religion means “freedom from religion.” We know better. Freedom is not so much “from” as it is “for.” And freedom is a gift that comes at a great cost. We do well to remember as Americans that our freedom was gained originally and is still being defended by those who have put their lives on the line so that we might remain free.

It is a disgrace to enjoy our freedom without being thankful for the sacrifice that has made our freedom a reality. This is true not only of our freedom as Americans, but also of our freedom as Christians. We know that Jesus Christ shed His lifeblood as the sacrifice for our sins so that through faith in Him we have the forgiveness of sins which leads to real life and salvation. Our freedom from sin, death and everlasting condemnation is a gift—pure and simple. We could not earn it even if we had a thousand lifetimes to work for it. Only Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, could earn that freedom. And, thank God that His love for us was so great that He was willing to suffer all, even death, so that we might live in freedom, peace and hope.

Unfortunately, some Christians seem to live as if the freedom that Christ won for us is a “freedom from” rather than a “freedom for.” St. Paul spoke so eloquently against this false notion when he penned these words in Galatians 5:13-14: You, my brothers were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

The truth is, we have been freed from the desire to use all of life, including our gifts of time, talent and treasure, in a selfish way. As Christian stewards we recognize that God is the Owner of all things and we are managers. Good managers use that which belongs to the Owner according to His purposes. A Lutheran leader of the past century said it so well: “Christian stewardship is everything I do after I say I believe.”

May God help us, His freed people, to use all of life and life’s resources for His purposes. This is our proper response to the extravagant love and amazing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. To do any less is to deny who and Whose we are! —–“Maturing stewards do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do!”

8/9 2:00-6:30 PM Registration-Cafeteria

8/19 8:00 AM Teacher Rededication

9:15 Fellowship Coffee/Meet and Greet Teachers

8/20 7:55 AM FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL-DISMISS 11:30 AM

(SPECIAL LUNCH SCHEDULE FOR HALF DAYS)

9/26 Picture Day

11/19-20 Teacher Conference

3/25/08 1:00 PM STEVEN’S PUPPETS (Aladdin)

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III. Other Information

1. The school would like to thank everyone who donated to the Washington DC trip. The trip provided a wonderful educational opportunity for all who attended.

2. Special awards given at the award ceremony on 6/8/07

Above and Beyond Math Awards

Rocco Angone, Belle Schuster, Elin Boklund, Nathan Gerick, Zachary Robbins, David Cooley, Ellen Hough, Nick Wilczewski, Renate Wiltfong, Skyler Shortt

Ashley Neil, Sky Shortt, Renate Wiltfong, Nick Wilczewski, Kat Scherer

Belle Schuster, Elin Boklund, Allie Back, Alyssa Gerick, Haley Alexander, Taylor Baima, David Cooley, Nathan Gerick, Taylor Kneifel, Ellen Hough, Hannah Looney, Kerry Cooley

Josh Grant, Timothy Neary, Samantha Nickerson, Charlie Williams, Alexander Kelsy, Taylor Baima, Renate Wiltfong, Andrew Scherer

Hannah Sickmiller, Gene Eigenmann, Kate Ulmer, Storm Shortt, Ally Back, Cory Nehmelman, Ellen Hough, Kerry Cooley

1857, July 19: St. John’s Church is chartered as “A Christian Congregation of the Lutheran Confessions.” Mr. Frederick Tramm, a candidate of Theology, is elected chairman.

1857, July 26: Mr. Tramm is elected pastor.

1857, September: Opening of first day school at 308 “C” St. Both worship services and the teaching of day school were held in the same building at this address. Pastor Tramm was both the pastor and the day school teacher.

1859, February: 15 feet was added to the building for the day school.

1860, September 3: The congregation resolves to affiliate with the “Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri, Ohio and other States” (in 1947 this term was shortened to the present one of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod).

1863, February 26: A new brick church was built at the corner of Third and A St. (this is the building now housed by and used by the LaPorte Little Theater for its plays).

1863, June 1: Mr. E. Emmerich of Darmstadt, IL, is called as the first day school teacher.

1864, February 22: Dedication of the new church building at “A” and Third Sts.

1867: Pastor Tramm accepts a call to a congregation in Michigan. On July 10, Pastor G. Kuechle is installed as the pastor. On the same date, Mr. Julius Siegert was inducted as teacher of day school.

1869: Teacher Henry Hieronymous dies and is replaced by Mr. Christ Schmalzriedt.

1870, April 22: The congregation purchases a plot of land to be used as a cemetery for Missouri Synod members. It is located to the east of LaPorte High School’s Kiwanis Football stadium (the plot of land bordered by “C” St., “A” St., 7^th and 10^th Streets.

1871, March: Mr. Ernest Fickweiler accepts a call and becomes the 3^rd teacher for St. John’s School of 260 students.

1872: Pastor Kuechle accepts a call to Wisconsin. Pastoral duties are carried out by a theological student named Fred Lindeman. At this time 190 families belonged to St. John’s.

1873, February 7: Pastor Joseph F. Niethammer becomes the pastor.

1884: A Mr. Rumely (first name unknown) approached St. John’s trustees and was able to purchase some of the cemetery land (1/3 of the land) to be used by St. Joseph’s Catholic Church as a Catholic cemetery.

1886, November: Church building enlarged at a cost of $7,340.54.

1888, January: Louis Wuellner is installed as a fourth day school teacher.

1890, January: St. John’s congregation numbered 1,750 souls, including 1,130 communicants and 264 voting members. The day school had 327 students and 4 teachers.

1890, May 7: Pastor Niethammer dies and August 10, Pastor George Link, Jr. becomes the pastor.

1892: Pastor F. Reinhold Tramm returns to St. John’s as assistant to the Pastor.

1897: A small monthly parish paper was begun (it lasted for 23 years).

1901, April 26: Pastor George Link, Sr. (father of the local pastor) was called as assistant to his ailing son. On October 4, Pastor George Link, Jr., has to resign his pastoral office due to throat problems(I’ve been told that these problems prevented his preaching in an age when there was no amplified sound system to help the pastors be heard).

1903, October 25: A call is extended to Rev. Paul Eickstaedt. He

accepts the call and is installed on December 13. Pastor Tramm dies on October 26.

1904, March: The church constitution is changed. It is no longer required that the sermons be preached in German only!

1905, September: 8^th grade is added to the day school.

1907, July: Golden Anniversary celebration (50 years) is conducted.

1921: Congregation spent $76,000 for the erection of a Parish Hall at the corner of B and Third Streets

1930, January 20: Congregation decided to call an assistant pastor. On May 29, Pastor Eickstaedt dies.

1931, August: A call was extended to Rev. Manfred E. Reinke. He accepted and on Oct. 11, he was installed as the congregation’s pastor.

1932, April: Congregation purchases a new parsonage at 102 First St.(now a real estate office). This year the congregation celebrates its 75^th anniversary but because of the hot weather decides to hold the celebration in October when it’s cooler. The event is held from Oct. 9 through Oct. 16 and one of its guest speakers was Dr. Walter A. Maier (the first preacher and founder of The Lutheran Hour radio program that you can still hear today). As a side note, the celebration started with 2 church services on Sunday, Oct. 9 (a German service at 9 AM and an English service at 10:30 AM). A children’s service was held at 7:30 PM Sunday. On Tuesday, Oct 11, a special evening service was held for the Ladies Aid Society and the 10 different Circles. The big final service was held on Sunday, Oct.16, in the Civic Auditorium. This was a service conducted in both German and English. Rev. F.J. Lankeman (a vice president of the LCMS) gave the German sermon and Dr. W.A. Maier of The Lutheran Hour) gave the English sermon

1933: Walther League Chorus is organized.

1935: Old parsonage at 308 “C’ St. is sold for $2,000.

1938-1939: Voters’ meetings, Advent and Lenten services are being conducted in English.

1945: First lady teacher was hired to organize and teach Kindergarten. She was Mrs. C. Hahn.

1948, July 11: Weekly radio broadcasts are begun over WLOI of the congregation’s church services.

1949, July 11: Parent-Teacher League is organized in the church.

1951, February 25: German services are discontinued and Sunday burials are abolished.

1952: Resolved to build a new church building. On July 27, groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted for the start of construction.

1953: Parsonage on First St. was sold. On November 8 the old church building is sold to “LaPorte Little Theater Group.”

1954, May: Valedictory Service was held in the old church building. Dedication occurred at the new church building (where we are now). On July 6 the congregation approved the purchase of a public address system for the pastor.

1955: Ruth Hootman becomes church organist.

1957: Rev. Edward A. Meyer is called to serve as Assistant Pastor at St. John’s and accepts the call.

1959: Mr. Orv Ulmer joins the faculty at St. John’s School. On

September 15, the congregation approves the building of a new school

1960: Miss Monyean Hagenow is contracted as a day school teacher.

1963: Mr. Carl Garske leaves faculty. Mr. Dale Will and Mr. Lawrence Ellsworth join the faculty.

1964: Individual cups are introduced for communion. On November 29, early service time changed to 8:15AM with Sunday school at 9:15 AM

1966: Pastor Reinke semi-retires, Pastor Meyer becomes Associate Pastor. Pastor Meyer becomes the head pastor in November.

1967: Mr. Ulmer serves as interim principal after the release of Principal Roland Habanek.

1968: Sunday school time changed to 9:30AM. Mr. Florian Felts is called to fill the position of day school principal. Groundbreaking for the new school building was held on April 28. Rev. Richard Krenzke, assistant professor at Valparaiso University, begins assisting both pastors with confirmation classes and preaching of midweek services.

1969: Walter Burger, Walther League Chorus Director for 35 years, passes away and his son William Burger assumes leadership of the chorus. Mrs. Anton Hoeppner is hired as a part-time secretary of the school office. The church office is moved to the new school building and Mrs. Elmer Roempagel begins fulltime duties as the church secretary. Dedication of new school building is held on Sept. 21. School lunch program is started on Nov. 3. Pastor Reinke passes away on July 28.

1970: Pastor Robert Schroeter is hired to assist St. John’s part-time as Pastor Krenzke accepts a call in southern Illinois. Mrs. Carl Hahn retires as Kindergarten teacher and is replaced by Mrs. Paul Fenker. Thrift shop opens in the old school building at 3^rd and “A” Sts. The women of the congregation run this under the direction of Miss Adelheid Schumm.

1971: Mrs. Marlene Will is contracted to teach Kindergarten. Old Parish Hall is sold to the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Contemporary church services are held as an experiment. Pastor Thomas Mroch accepts the call as Assistant Pastor and is installed on June 30.

1972: Congregation members will be allowed to dance in the Youth Room. Examination of catechumens will be done in an informal setting in the evening. Church council recommends 12 contemporary services be held during 1973. Old school building is sold with a 2 year lease for 2 rooms to allow space for the Thrift Shop to operate.

1973: It was decided to no longer print individual contributions of members publicly. Elders recommend 12 contemporary services in 1974, all to be held at the 10:45AM service. Voted to retain our stand against lodge membership.

1974: Board of Trustees sign contract to build school gym but is postponed for one year due to a lack of contributions. Mrs. Hootman resigns as church organist. Mrs. Edwin (MaryAnn) Scholtz is named the new church organist. William Burger named Director of Music for the church and Dale Will named Director of Music for the school.

1975: On Mother’s Day children are permitted to accompany parents to communion rail. Mrs. Herbert Mantick is hired to replace Mrs. Anton Hoeppner as school secretary (Mrs. Hoeppner resigns from that position). Pastor Mroch accepts a call to Nebraska.

1976: Property purchased on “A” St. (across from the old church and school buildings) for the Thrift Shop. H.P. Demand hired to set up a fund drive for the building of the gym.

1977: Monthly Sunday evening services are started as an experiment. Pastor Junkin accepts call to be assistant pastor.

1978: WLOI agrees to air “The Lutheran Hour” on Sunday mornings as a public service. A shut-in tape ministry was started. Monthly Sunday evening services are dropped. Mrs. Roempagel retires as church secretary and is replaced by Miss Mary Felts.

1979: Special communion services for the elderly and handicapped began to be held 4 times per year in the school cafeteria. Pastor Junkin accepts a call to Portage, IN. Mr. David Schoop is assigned as a vicar to St. John’s. Groundbreaking ceremonies are conducted for the gym.

1980: New microphones and recording equipment are purchased for church. Rev. David Schoop accepts the call to St. John’s and is installed on June 15. Mrs. Eugene Dollberg is hired as a part-time Deaconess. Board of Parish Fellowship was established. Youth of high school age were representatives on all boards for the first time. A group to assist the bereaved was formed and named “Willing Servants.”

1981: Gym dedicated on Jan. 18. First Saturday church service is held on May 9. Mr. Dave Wippich is installed as the 5^th grade teacher on Sept. 20.

1982: Voters adopted “Lutheran Worship” hymnal (our blue books) for worship use. Pastor Schoop accepts call as co-pastor as of Jan. 1.

1983: Food pantry is opened by the Board of Social Ministry. Mr. Ronald Burger is inducted as day school principal. St. John’s, Trinity and Bethany sponsored joint activities in honor of the 500^th Anniversary of Martin Luther’s birth.

1984: Began use of Bible reading and Introit bulletin inserts. Mrs. Penny Nelson was given a call to our school to be the 3^rd grade teacher

1985: First Men’s Prayer Breakfast held. The old Lutheran Hymnal (the red book) is used during Saturday night services.

bereaved was formed and named “Willing Servants.”

1981: Gym dedicated on Jan. 18. First Saturday church service is held on May 9. Mr. Dave Wippich is installed as the 5^th grade teacher on Sept. 20.

1982: Voters adopted “Lutheran Worship” hymnal (our blue books) for worship use. Pastor Schoop accepts call as co-pastor as of Jan. 1.

1983: Food pantry is opened by the Board of Social Ministry. Mr. Ronald Burger is inducted as day school principal. St. John’s, Trinity and Bethany sponsored joint activities in honor of the 500^th Anniversary of Martin Luther’s birth.

1984: Began use of Bible reading and Introit bulletin inserts. Mrs. Penny Nelson was given a call to our school to be the 3^rd grade teacher

1985: First Men’s Prayer Breakfast held. The old Lutheran Hymnal (the red book) is used during Saturday night services.

1986: New playground equipment installed at school. Mr. Ronald Burger installed as school principal and 8^th grade teacher. It is decided that Fellowship pads will be placed in the pews and used starting in 1987. Pastor Meyer announces that he will retire at the end of the year.

1987: Mr. Ronald Burger resigns as principal. Mr. Hank Koehler becomes school principal. Pastor Schoop is called to become Administrative Pastor upon Pastor Meyer’s retirement. A retirement Open House is held in December for Pastor Meyer.

1988: Members begin to greet each other at the beginning of the service. Confirmation essays replace examination. Call committee formed to locate an associate pastor.

1989: Organ purchased for chapel. Pastor Richard Ungrodt is called and installed as Associate Pastor. Mrs. Monyean Hahn retires as teacher of St. John’s School. Vicar Charles Kieschnick is assigned to the School Board and the Board of Parish Education.

1990: Dedication of Gym wall mural, painted by Mr. Richard Ott. First Annual Outdoor Service and Church Picnic held on Rally Day Sunday.

1991: First Nominating Committee formed. Mrs. Karla Eigenmann to teach Jr. Kindergarten.

1992: Pastor Ungrodt’s title changed to Assistant Pastor. Mr. Daniel Levenhagen retires as Custodian of Cemetery Records and Mr. Calvin Wolfe takes his place.

1993: Rev. Donald Love accepts call to be Pastor of Youth, Singles and Young Adults. Principal and 6^th grade positions are made full-time positions. Mrs. Annelie Schoop retires as school secretary, Miss Imogene Dahl is hired.

1994: Mr. Hank Koehler resigns as school principal and is replaced by Mr. Dave Hinkle. Julie Stelter becomes the 4^th grade teacher and Lois Krider as 3^rd grade teacher. Pastor Love accepts call to Minnesota.

1996: Bookkeeper position formed for church. Mrs. Mindy Bremer is hired as Preschool Teacher.

1997: Mr. David Hinkle resigns as principal.

1998: Mrs. Mindy Bremer becomes school principal, Mary Rooney is school secretary. Rio Light hired as Pre-school teacher, Sally Fogelsong as 2^nd grade, Janis Martinsen as 4^th grade teacher and Julie Stelter as the 8^th grade teacher.

1999: 7^th grade teacher Mr. Orville Ulmer honored for 40 years of teaching at St. John’s. Position of Congregation Coordinator to work with volunteer organizations is established and Mrs. Debra Trowbridge is hired for the position.

2000: St. John’s begins use of Internet Website and use of e-mail. In June, Mr. Orville Ulmer retires as the 7^th grade teacher. In December, Pastor James Link is contracted as a part-time pastor of visitation.

Pastor Link accepts a call to Wisconsin and Pastor James Beversdorf is hired as part-time pastor of visitation. Pastor Schoop accepts a call to Iowa. Pastor Ungrodt accepts a call for Chaplaincy Ministry. Pastor Karl Koch is contracted as Interim Pastor. Mrs. Bremer leaves as principal and Mr. David Wippich becomes the school principal. Mr. Matt Nelson takes over the Music Department as Director Mr. Bill Burger leaves.

2002: A Call Committee is formed for the Administrative Pastor position. Church secretary Mary Felts resigns and Debra Trowbridge assumes the duties until one can be found. Imogene Dahl volunteers part-time as the Pastor’s secretary. Mrs. Mindy Bremer takes over teaching the 6^th grade class. In November, the Voters eliminate the position of the Congregation Coordinator.

2003: Mrs. Emily Miner begins work as church secretary. Mary Rooney resigns as school secretary and Mary Fetters is hired. David Hoeppner is hired as the 5^th grade school teacher and Beth Hoeppner as the 2^nd grade school teacher. Rev. David Young is called and installed as the Administrative Pastor on July 6. Mrs. Miner leaves for Florida and Marilyn Sawyer fills in part-time in the church office. At the 70^th Walther League Chorus Christmas Concert, Martin and Elenora Vollrath are honored for 70 years of participation. Jeanette Darby is honored for 69 years as a chorus member.

2004, Jan. 1: Mrs. Linda Woodruff is hired as the church secretary. On Jan 31, Rev. James Beversdorf is released from his contract as part-time pastor of visitation. In June, Rev. Ronald Brauer is called as Associate Pastor and is installed on June 27.

2005: In February the first LILY fundraising dinner/dance event is held to help support the church and school.

2006: The 73^rd Annual Walther League Chorus Christmas Concert is held in the church building of St. John’s instead of at the Civic Auditorium. The Chorus and the Concert are conducted under the direction of Mrs. Susan Rosselli who took over after the resignation of Mr. Matt Nelson. Mrs. Rosselli also had become the church’s new organist. Chorus Christmas Concert, Martin and Elenora Vollrath are honored for 70 years of participation. Jeanette Darby is honored for 69 years as a chorus member.

2004, Jan. 1: Mrs. Linda Woodruff is hired as the church secretary. On Jan 31, Rev. James Beversdorf is released from his contract as part-time pastor of visitation. In June, Rev. Ronald Brauer is called as Associate Pastor and is installed on June 27.

2005: In February the first LILY fundraising dinner/dance event is held to help support the church and school.

2006: The 73^rd Annual Walther League Chorus Christmas Concert is held in the church building of St. John’s instead of at the Civic Auditorium. The Chorus and the Concert are conducted under the direction of Mrs. Susan Rosselli.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in Convention: Please pray for our church body as our delegates meet in convention July 14-19, 2007 in Houston, Texas. Many issues are brought to the attention of the voting delegates and many reports about the spread of the Gospel are presented. Should you want to know daily events, please log on to www.lcms.org and click on “Convention” on the left side of the page. This will be updated each day.

Faith Based Tuition Reminder: A reminder for parents and children attending St. John’s Lutheran School that the tuition rate for January-June will be reflected by the attendance from July through December. As a help to track your family’s attendance, the church office will provide a ‘check list’ to log your weekly attendance. These sheets will be available in the narthex. We would also encourage children to sign their own names on the attendance pads (with parent’s supervision, and legibly to help our attendance posters).

Certificates Presented for Commendable Church Attendance: 35 children from St. John’s Lutheran School were awarded certificates on the closing day of school for Church attendance, having attended 85% or more during the school year. Those students were: Hannah Alexander, Karrine Alexander, Anna Foglesong, Amelia Kessler, Lillie Kessler, Linda Tharpe, Jason Bradburn, Noah Schuster, Zoe Surma, Emma Foglesong, Rachel Hill, Kate Ulmer, Brooke Baima, Sam Chlebek, Melanie McConnell, Storm Shortt, Charlie Williams, Haley Alexander, Alex Kelsey, Belle Schuster, Kelsey Vergin, Drake Vergin, Hannah Young, Taylor Baima, Cory Nehmelman, Elllen Hough, Victoria Kelsey, Shane Rogers, Sky Shortt, Hannah Looney, Andrew Scherer, Kathryn Scherer, Abigail D. Alexander, Karlie Alexander, Sarah Fronk. Congratulations! Blessings!

Prayer Vigil on Thursday, July 12: As we near the day of celebration for St. John’s Lutheran Church and School’s 150^th Anniversary, we are called to remember all that God has done. To give each member an opportunity to express their thanksgiving, as well as to pray for the needs of St. John’s as well as the Church at large, a Prayer Vigil is to be held on Thursday, July 12, from 4 pm until 10 pm. The Sanctuary will be open for time of prayer, and leaders will be invited to conduct half hour times for prayer and praise. Contact Pastor Brauer or Susan Rosselli if you are interested. There will also be some half hour time slots for simple, quiet meditation. An anniversary devotion booklet, with meditations on the stain glass windows of the church, will be available to those who attend.

150^th Anniversary Update—“Reaching UP—Reaching OUT”: You have already marked your calendars for the ONE worship service the weekend of July 15 at 10 A.M. You have already notified us of your reservation for the dinner following the service.

You have either contributed memorabilia or photos for use in the displays (let us thank you again!), or you have stopped by and studied them, commenting on the people you may remember.

You have either helped build or will see our FLOAT in the La Porte 4^th of July Parade, beginning at 10 A.M. this year.

You have considered your thank-offering gift, either to donate towards the Lutheran Service Book hymnal (the ‘Reaching UP’ part), or to Missions for church planting in the Indiana District (the reaching OUT part).

You have told your friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, or classmates about your involvement with St. John’s and have invited them to Bible class and Worship.

You have prayed for God’s grace to continue to bless St. John’s. You have renewed your resolve to pray for your fellow members and to be in faithful attendance and to contribute faithfully as God has so blessed you.

Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it? See you on the 15^th of July at 10 A.M.!

From the Activities Committee: Plan now for St. John’s Lutheran Church Annual Fall Festival October 18, 2007. The Bazaar will be from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Booth space for church organizations is free; church members is $10.00; and to general public, $15.00. For more information, please contact Karen or Judy.

The Festival Luncheon is from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. While Circle members are providing dishes for the luncheon, any member of the congregation wishing to bring a 13 x 9” dish of food is most welcome.

Festival ticket prices, in advance of the event, are $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under 12. Tickets purchased at the door will be $6.00 and $2.00 respectively. Tickets will be available soon.  If you have questions, please contact Marilyn Boardman.

From the Board of Parish Fellowship: Mark your calendar now for Sunday, August 26, 2007. Our Annual Outdoor Worship Service begins at 10:00 a.m. with the Family Picnic/Hog Roast at noon in the Gymnasium. Wendell Cooper, the gentleman who roasted pigs for our first hog roast will do the roasting again this year. Each family should bring one or two hot or cold side dishes of generous proportion and/or dessert to share. In addition, each family should provide its own table service. Games for children and adults are being planned with prizes for all the winners. Membership of the various Boards, Trustees and congregation are joining together to make this another enjoyable day of worship, food, fun and fellowship for our congregation.

Watch the weekly Worship Bulletins for updates.

Annual Planning Meeting: The annual planning breakfast is Saturday, August 11, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. in the cafeteria. The purpose is to plan and schedule activities for September 2007 though August 2008. All Boards and Circles should have a representative in attendance as well as any interested member of the congregation so their yearly planned activities are entered on the calendar, thus eliminating any conflicts when scheduling future church or school events. Please bring a breakfast dish to share. Beverages, plates and utensils will be provided.

From Shadetree Mechanics: Check Engine Light on? Brakes Squealing? Hearing odd noises from your car? Call us! Now that spring is sprung, and hopefully, everyone’s mowers are running, St.. John’s Shadetree Mechanics will start meeting again to dive into other projects you may have. Please contact Luke Vandercar or Jim Peters to discuss vehicle problems you may be having. We can help! We will meet at Roger Marvel’s house at 7:00 PM on Friday, July 7. All are invited.

Vacation Bible School: Plan now for VBS! This year, VBS will be held July 30-August 3, from 9-11 AM. (More information will follow.)  We need many volunteers to help with our VBS. If you would like to help, we need leaders, assistants, instructors for arts, crafts, and music. We also need snack providers and servers. If you can help in any way, please call Rhonda.

Contemporary Worship: Contemporary Worship Services will be starting in August and will be held the 1st and the 4th Saturdays of the month. (Tentative time and place will be at 4:30 PM in the school gymnasium.) This service will not replace any of our regularly scheduled worship services, but will be an additional opportunity to attend worship.

St. John’s Daycare is Now Open Year-Round: If you are interested in summer childcare, we are now offering it here at St. John’s! Please come to the school office or daycare room to fill out an information.. If you have any questions, call Julie Vergin, at the school office (362-6692).

We are also wanting to update our little fenced in playground that is used by the Pre-school/Pre-K classes and younger daycare children. We are looking for new or used outdoor play equipment and toys that are in good condition. If you have any items you would like to donate, please call Julie Vergin at the school, 362-6692.

http://www.stjohns-lpin.org - copyright 2000-2008 - St. John's Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN. All rights reserved. Contact the church at: St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 111 Kingsbury Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350, or call us at 219-362-3726.  For questions, updates or comments regarding this web site contact St. John's Web servant, debra@dreamercreative.com.

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