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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 56 March 2007
No. 2
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From Your Pastors
From Pastor Young
Lent exists in our church year to help us dig down into “the recess of
our heart,” to find the closets of sin, evil and iniquity and to confess and
remove them from our lives. The season of Lent puts us on a path with our Lord
Jesus Christ as we follow Him to God’s bloody conclusion of penitence. We began
our journey of Lent Ash Wednesday donned in ashes and anointed with contrition
and remorse. Lent brings us to the cold reality of sin and the price God paid
for us to atone for our succumbing to the Evil One.
Specifically, Lent reminds us that there was more to the life of Jesus than
to make us “happy spirits” who hold high standards and morals. While the joy in
the forgiveness of our sins remains firm because of the Lord’s gifts in baptism,
the Suffering Servant has never been about us “feeling good” about ourselves, or
giving us control of the world we’re called to serve in. That would lead people
away from the purpose of the Incarnation, the purpose of the suffering, death
and ultimately, the resurrection. It would divert people from Judgment and
eternal life.
Jesus came to be God’s “Good News”-God’s Gospel, definitive proof that God
has come to us; a loving Father reaching down to help and hold His children in
the person of His own Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Jesus is God coming to us!
Fellow sinners, we don’t discover the Gospel: the Gospel discovers us! God
in Christ is the opposite of what people expect God to be. His glory is not
seen in His majesty or in His almighty power, but in His suffering and dying.
Jesus is the Son of God not because He did miracles and can make us feel like
dancing and singing, but because He died on the cross. Yes, His presence
encompassing our lives does make
us dance and sing, yet we can speak of God only when God reveals Himself
in Christ to whom the Holy Spirit bears witness in the means of grace.
Only God can create a clean heart in us. He can undo years and years of
wrong. The coming into being of a clean heart, activated by a new and right
(steadfast) spirit, requires the Word of the Creator.
Enter the Season of Lent. We’re called to remember our sins,
but also to remember that God’s forgotten them by the truth proclaimed in the
death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Anyone crushed by a guilt feeling or
tortured by an awakened conscience to sin can find relief and healing if he
approaches with a heart desiring to enter God’s world, not for God to enter
ours.
As we sweep out the closets of our hearts, we’re called to fill them with the
love, grace and the forgiveness of Jesus, who’s victory over sin, death and the
devil we flaunt, glorify and celebrate on Easter morning. We are called to
remember our sins, but also to remember that God’s forgotten them by the truth
proclaimed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. May your Lenten
journey begin in ashes and repentance, but be filled with assurance of
forgiveness and hope for God’s continual presence in your life!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Young
From Pastor Brauer
“Stand Firm in the Lord”
Lent has begun. As you read this newsletter, you will remember
seeing “Ash Wednesday” on the calendar from February 21. Yes, St. John’s will
have midweek Lenten services from now through the end of March on Wednesdays at
7 pm, with Soup and Something Suppers
beginning at 5:30 pm in the school’s cafeteria. Please come! Our theme this
year is “Sounds of the Passion,” listening to some of the sounds heard
during that last week before Jesus’ death on the cross.
During this season of Lent, as well as throughout our earthly pilgrimage, we
are encouraged to “Stand firm in the Lord.” This comes from Paul’s letter to the
Philippians which is read on the second
Sunday of Lent. The Gospel reading on the first Sunday of Lent traditionally
tells the story of Satan’s temptations to Jesus. “If you are the Son of God,
turn these stones into bread.” Jesus was hungry after His 40 days without food.
Satan would tempt Jesus to use His power and make food out of stone. But Jesus
would resist, countering Satan’s attack with the Word of God, “Man does not live
on bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4). Jesus would counter two
more temptations of Satan, and Satan would depart, only to come back at a more
opportune time.
But Satan would attack us any time. He would persuade us to join him and
become ‘enemies of the cross of Christ’ (Phil. 3:18). And we display our
allegiance to Satan with our behaviors of setting our minds on earthly things,
feeding the god of self, claiming glory in our shameful acts, and ultimately
destroy ourselves (3:19). Satan tried to do this to Jesus, but failed. He
attacks us, and regretfully we must admit he overpowers us. And the sad news is
that we join him with our flesh in the fight against what is good and righteous
in God’s sight. What are we to do?
Unfortunately, we can do nothing of ourselves against Satan’s attacks. God,
however, sees our bondage and comes down to rescue us in Christ. Jesus defeated
Satan by His death on the cross and by His resurrection from the dead. He
crushed Satan with His Word. Through Baptism and that Word He makes us His own.
Through His Holy Supper He feeds and nourishes us. His love would lead us on the
paths of righteousness for His name’s sake, leading us to where our true
citizenship is, namely heaven. The same Spirit who drove Jesus into the
wilderness after His baptism does the same to us after ours. He enables us to
‘stand firm in the Lord.’
During this season of Lent, may you continue to meditate on what God has done
in Christ Jesus to equip you to stand firm against Satan’s attacks. See Jesus
suffer and die for you and rise for you! See Jesus as He knows your weaknesses!
See Jesus’ love for you!
Pastor Ron Brauer
Matthew 11:28-30
Principal’s Report
From Mr. Wippich
3/4 Worship Service for NLSW-10:45 AM
3/5-9 National Lutheran Schools Week
3/15 Preschool/Pre-kindergarten Registration-Cafeteria-6:00 PM
3/20 Half day, dismiss-11:35 AM
3/21 Senior Potluck-eat in classroom
3/23 Spring Dance
3/27 STEVEN’S PUPPETS-1:00 PM
3/30 LITTLE FISH Grades 1 & 2
4/2-4/6 Spring Break
4/9 School Resumes
4/18 Spring Pictures 8:45 AM
5/16-19 Grades 6-8 to Washington D.C.
(So far, snow make up days will be 3/16, 4/9, 6/5, 6/7, 6/8)
II. Enrollment, Preschool-8th Grade
February 2006: 152
February 2007: 139
III. Other items
National Lutheran Schools Week Schedule March
4-March 9
Sunday-10:45 AM Worship Service
Tuesday-Career Day at Valparaiso, Grades 6-8
Wednesday-Student Council Community Snack Basket Delivery
Thursday-Grandparents’ Day, 7:00 AM-10:00 AM
Concert by David Britton
Thursday-Multicultural Fair from 6:00 PM-7:30 PM in the school.
Each class has been studying a country and will display their studies. We
welcome everyone to attend.
Friday- Teacher Luncheon in Ladies Lounge 11:00 AM
(Sponsored by the PTL)
St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church
Voter’s Assembly Meeting February 7, 2007
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Jim Foglesong. Pastor Brauer gave
an opening devotion and prayer.
The minutes of the November 8, 2006 meeting were approved as presented in the
December church newsletter.
There were no new voting members.
Elections:
The terms of both the vice president and the secretary expired at the
November 2006 meeting. Chairman Foglesong asked for nominations from the floor
for both positions. None were forthcoming. He asked that if anyone knows of
someone who might have interest or who might do a good job in these positions to
contact vice president Crum with those names.
Pastor’s report:
Pastor Brauer reported on events scheduled for the 150th
anniversary of the church, taking place in 2007.
The following transfers in were reported:
Scott & Teresa Sickmiller, Hanna, Brandon, Erica, Olivia
From Redeemer Lutheran Church Charleston WV
Joseph Villarreal from St. Paul Lutheran, Addison IL
It was moved and seconded to accept these transfers. The motion carried.
The following transfers out were reported:
Matt Nelson and son, Lora-Lee Snyder, Dorene Lloyd and children, Denise
Doig and son, Debra Bell and children, Jeff & Erika Smith and sons
Principal’s report:
Mr. Wippich discussed upcoming events at the school, the results of the
recent Istep tests, the spelling bee and the math contest. Mr. Wippich’s report
is attached and made a part of these minutes.
Church council:
The church council met on January 16, 2007. A quorum was not present, so an
official meeting was not held and no minutes were taken. Chairman Foglesong
urged those members of the church council to attend the meetings and fulfill the
obligation, which they agreed to by accepting membership on the church council.
Treasurer’s report:
Mr. Fischer presented a report for the year showing the activity in all funds
and a balance sheet showing assets and the various fund balances. It was moved
and seconded to accept the report as presented. After discussion the motion
carried. The treasurer’s report is attached.
Old business:
There was no old business.
New business:
Mr. Fischer moved that the constitution be amended to call for three voters
meetings per year to be held in March, July, November. There was a second. After
a brief discussion the motion carried.
NOTE: AFTER THE MEETING IT WAS REALIZED THAT PROPER NOTICE TO THE
CONGREGATION TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION HAD NOT BEEN GIVEN. THIS ACTION IS VOIDED
AT THIS TIME.
Communications and Announcements:
Several announcements were made regarding upcoming events.
Pastor Brauer lead a closing prayer, which included all participating in the
Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted:
James H. Foglesong
President
BITS AND PIECES OF 150 YEARS
from Terry Scherer
In continuation of our celebration of 150 years as a congregation, here are
some trivia questions to test and/or entertain you about the roots of our
congregation.
In the last newsletter we printed some information about the seeds of our
congregation. At first, worship was conducted in the private home of Mr. August
Backhaus. While this may have kick started things, worshipping didn’t remain in
his home. The brick church building on A Street wasn’t built until 1863. So,
where were worship services held from September 1857 until 1863?
ANSWER: A small wooden frame building at 308 “C” Street
became the church building.
This year we not only celebrate 150 years for our congregation but also our
day school celebrates 150 years. Our day school was organized and began teaching
students in September of 1857. Where were the first classes taught and whom did
the teaching staff consist of?
ANSWER: Our day school was taught at 308 “C” Street in the same building
that our congregation worshipped in. The teaching staff consisted of one person.
He was our congregation’s first own pastor (Pastor Frederick Reinhold Tramm).
While we know St. John’s today as St. John’s or officially as St. John’s
Evangelical Lutheran, this name wasn’t officially designated until 1860. What
name did our founders refer to our congregation as?
ANSWER: “A Christian Church of the Lutheran Confessions.”
While most of our day school classes back then were taught in English, 2 were
taught in German.
Can you guess what 2 classes were taught in German?
ANSWER: Religion class and German class (learning the German language).
It is interesting to note then that all worship services were conducted in
German along with the Voters’ Meetings.
Most everyone knows that when our congregation moved from the “A” Street
building to our present building, both church bells were moved also. There were
2 other items that were also moved from the old church building to our present
location. One you can see inside our school building and one you can see inside
our church building. Do you know what they are?
ANSWER: In the school building, one of the items you can see hanging in
the hallway just outside of the school cafeteria. It is a painting of our Lord
Jesus being ministered by an angel. This painting originally hung behind the
altar in the church building on “A” Street.
In our present church building, the second physical remembrance of the “A”
Street church building will be found in the chapel area. The altar table there
is decorated with carved images of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These
originally adorned the pulpit in the church building on “A” Street. There was a
fifth carving of Moses but it was damaged and so was not displayed.
I thought I’d close this with a couple of German phrases that were hung over
the altar in the old church building:
Lobet den Herrn in Seinem Heiligthum!
(Praise the Lord in His Sanctuary!)
Herr, bleibe bei uns! (Lord, abide with us!)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
150th Anniversary News
“Reaching Upward—Reaching Outward”
We can’t wait to get the winter snow melted, the green grass to appear, the
lawn and shrubs spruced up, and the grounds of church prepared for our 150th
Anniversary celebration! Remember to mark Sunday, July 15, as our BIG day
to celebrate. But before that takes place, there are several smaller activities
in the planning stages that are happening now to make our celebration complete.
Last month a few of those goals were introduced; this month you will note that
monthly displays are being set up on the table across from the church office,
showing different photos, memorabilia, and booklets from the past. While there
is a wealth of archived materials available, it is known that some members have
photos or other articles in which our archives would have an interest. Please
let Pastor Brauer know.
Our theme is “Reaching Upward—Reaching Outward.” As part of the
“Reaching Outward”, we consider our support of missions. As we progress into
this year, you are invited to consider a thank offering toward the support of
new churches in the Indiana District (above and beyond our regular mission
offering to our four designees: the Mission to the Burmese in Ft. Wayne,
Duneland Lutheran High School, Concordia Welfare Society in China, and Northwest
Indiana Hispanic Missions. Yes, there will be a test next week, so memorize
these answers!) Your gift could be given in memory of a loved one, in
thanksgiving for blessings received (birthday, wedding anniversary, job
promotion, health) or simply out of love.
For the “Reaching Upward,” we look at how St. John’s Lutheran Church has been
a worshiping church. To that end, we would invite you to consider supporting the
purchase of a copy of the Lutheran Service Book, The Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod’s new hymnal. $20 covers the cost of the hymnal with
shipping, and these also may be given in memory or thanksgiving or simply out of
love.
God has blessed St. John's Lutheran Church and School throughout these
past 150 years. As part of the church, you share in this celebration. Other
plans include construction of a memorial garden and entering a float in the 4th
of July Parade. Consider ways you can take an active part!
What’s This?
Starting in March, the half sheet inserts with the Propers for the day
will have a slightly different appearance. Oh, you will still see the Introit
Psalm, the Collect, and the Gradual as we have been accustomed to use them, as
well as the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel readings on the reverse. There is
even the Daily Devotional readings, suggesting Scripture readings to read the
Bible in one year.
The change will be the source of the readings, coming from the English
Standard Version (ESV), a recent translation of the Scriptures. In the past, the
readings were drawn from the New International Version (NIV). With the advent of
the Lutheran Service Book, a revised lectionary (system of Scripture
readings for each Sunday) has been introduced. To coordinate with these new
readings, and to allow us to print the number of inserts actually needed, you
will begin seeing a new format of readings. The Psalms in the Lutheran
Service Book are also drawn from the ESV. The Gloria Patri (“Glory be to the
Father…”) will be in bold print, allowing all to speak those words of
doxology at the conclusion of the Psalm.
When you arrive at church and prepare for worship, we encourage you to locate
the insert with the readings (a colored sheet) and place that sheet in the
hymnal at the appropriate page of the liturgy to be used. That way, when it
comes time to read the Introit or Gradual or follow the readings, you will have
that at hand. Then, take that sheet home so that during the week, you will have
that sheet to reread the lessons and the Collect and to follow the daily Bible
readings in your personal devotions. May your faith grow daily through this
devotional plan.
Tuesday Evening Bible Studies:
First Tuesday of the Month: March 6—“Elijah, the Prophet of God” continues at
7 pm in the Ladies Lounge.
Fourth Tuesday of the Month: February 27—“St. Matthias, Apostle”
March 27—“The Annunciation of our Lord”
Note: There will not be a “Tuesday Night” Bible study on April 3 as it will
be Holy Week.
Church Attendance Register:
Thank you to all who record your attendance each time you are at worship.
Please remember to indicate your worship and communion attendance as this helps
your pastors and elders in providing spiritual care. For parents of children in
our Day School, the weekly recording of you and your children’s names on the
attendance pads are the one way you let us know you have attended for the basis
of tuition.
Bake Sale:
The 6th, 7th and 8th grade students and their parents are sponsoring
a bake sale to help raise money for their Washington D. C. trip. The sale will
be held at the La Porte Savings Bank-Main Branch on Friday, March 2. If anyone
would like to make a donation or donate baked goods, they would be greatly
appreciated. Baked donations can be brought to the school on Thursday afternoon
(March 1) or Friday morning before school starts. Don’t forget to stop at the
bank and purchase something for the weekend too!
Easter Lilies:
It is time for us to start asking for donations for the Easter Lilies. We do
appreciate all your help in the past and pray that you will be so generous again
this year. The cost per lily is $10.00. You can make 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 lily. The lilies will be taken down
after the 2nd service on the Sunday following Easter – (April 15th.)
If you are going to take your lily, 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 donations to the flower fund.
From the Board of Parish Fellowship:
Before each Lenten Worship Service at 7:00 p.m., Lenten Soup Suppers will be
served beginning February 28 and continuing through
Lent on Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21, and 28 at 5:30 p.m. The menu consists of
a variety of soups, sandwiches provided by the Family Circle, crusty breads and
crackers with brownies and cookies for dessert.
March 11 Fellowship Coffee will feature a “Shamrock Fest.” Come, enjoy
something green and remain for Bible study with Pastor Young. Anyone wishing to
contribute a “green” treat should notify Marilyn Boardman at 362-7256 or Marilyn
Sawyer at 362-6069. A donation of $2.00 per family is welcome.
Spring will be upon us soon and that means Spring Progressive Dinner on April
20. The social hour begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Ladies Lounge with appetizers;
then dinner with a host family and return to the Ladies Lounge for dessert. We
need hosts and participants to make it an evening of fun, food, and fellowship.
Watch the weekly worship bulletins and April Newsletter for details and form to
complete and return by April 9, 2007.
From the Trustees:
As of January 1, 2007, the Board of Trustees have revised the policy
for private use of the buildings. Use of the building is strictly reserved for
members only, and the member using the building must remain on the premises at
all times. To help cover expenses for building use (utilities), there will now
be a rental fee and a refundable deposit. The following are the rental rates:
Church Weddings……$100.00
Cafeteria…………..…$150.00 ($75.00 refundable)
Gymnasium………….$150.00 ($75.00 refundable)
Ladies Lounge……….$ 80.00 ($40.00 refundable)
In addition, members are responsible for their own set up, tear down and
clean up. If you wish to have custodial help with any of the above, there is a
$20.00 per hour charge, with a 2 hour minimum. For questions or scheduling,
please contact the Church Office at 362-3726.
Adult Basketball:
Church members and parents of students are invited to join in some
basketball exercise, on Thursday evenings, beginning March 1, from 6:00 PM-8:00
PM. This is for men and women over age 21. Please leave the kids at home, this
is a chance to get away from the kids and have some fun! We will provide the
basketballs.
Lost and Found:
A pair of reading glasses was found in the pew near the
back of the nave. A “mother’s ring” was found several weeks ago, and smaller
items from various small children were left or dropped and turned in.
SCHEDULE OF LENTEN AND EASTER SERVICES
Wednesday, February 28--- Soup Supper 5:30 PM, Worship
7:00 PM
The Sounds of the Passion
“Clinking Coins”
Saturday, March 3--- Worship 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 4---2nd Sunday in Lent-Worship
8:00 AM, 10:45 AM
Wednesday, March 7---Soup Supper 5:30 PM, Worship 7:00
PM
The Sounds of the Passion
“Crying Tears”
Saturday, March 10---Worship 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 11-3rd Sunday in Lent-Worship
8:00 AM, 10:45 AM
Wednesday, March 14---Soup Supper 5:30 PM, Worship 7:00
PM
The Sounds of the Passion
“Tramping Feet”
Saturday, March 17---Worship 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 18---4th Sunday in
Lent-Worship 8:00 AM, 10:45 AM
Wednesday, March 21---Soup Supper 5:30 PM, Worship 7:00
PM
The Sounds of the Passion
“Crowing Rooster”
Saturday, March 24--- Worship 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 25---5th Sunday in
Lent-Worship 8:00 AM, 10:45 AM
Wednesday, March 28---Soup Supper 5:30 PM, Worship 7:00
PM
The Sounds of the Passion
“Shouting Mob”
Saturday, March 31--- Worship 7:00 PM
Sunday, April 1--- Palm Sunday-Worship 8:00 AM, 10:45
AM
Thursday, April 5--- Maundy Thursday-Worship 7:00 PM
Friday, April 6--- Good Friday, Worship 12:00 PM, 7:00
PM
Saturday, April 7--- Easter Vigil 7:00 PM
Sunday, April 8--- Easter Sunday-The Resurrection of
Our Lord
Worship 6:30 AM, 10:00 AM
Please join us for Easter Breakfast between Services!
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