A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 56 September 2007 No. 7
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From Pastor Young:
God makes a lot of promises to us in the Gospel. Wouldn’t it be great
to share these promises with others and have them “received?” When Jesus sent
His disciples out, He said in Mark 6:11: "If any place will not welcome you
or listen to you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave as a testimony
against them." Think that through. The first job given to the disciples was
to be welcomed. How can you gain a hearing for the saving words of the Gospel if
that person doesn't welcome your presence?
Someone has said, "Don't tell me what a friend I have in Jesus until I see
what a friend I have in you." There's something else. The Bible reports the
disciples "went out and preached that people should repent" (Mark 6:12).
That passage does not say they went out and told about Jesus. I’m sure they did
talk about Jesus. After all, Jesus had sent them on this mission. The passage,
however, says they talked about repentance.
Now, repentance has two parts. The first is to acknowledge sincerely our
sins. When you befriend someone, when you show you care, you'll hear about their
hurts and problems, as well as sharing your own. In talking about problems, it's
easy to say the obvious-that this is a broken world, and we are all hurting
because of it. And each of us, in our own way, has contributed to this
brokenness and hurt. In “church speak,” we're talking about sin. That's the
first part of repentance.
The second part and the best part is Jesus. In the brokenness of our lives, in
our sin, God has given a rescuer, a helper, a deliverer. In “church speak:” a
Savior. Romans 5:8 says, "Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
This demonstrates God's love for us" (Romans 5:8). That's what the disciples
talked about when they went out, repentance.
It wasn't a 30-second political spot for Jesus. It was a caring talk about
God's help for us in our sins.
I speak often of the importance of hearing God’s Word. I do because I want
you to believe the promises that God has made for your lives! I want you to know
these promises, so that you can live lives of victory and peace in this world. I
encourage you to come to know your Savior Jesus Christ by coming to church,
attending Sunday School,
participating in the church activities and events, and fellowshipping with
your brothers and sisters here at St. John’s.
May we be both “hearers” and “doers” of God’s Word! Seek his wisdom in faith
through the Scriptures, as you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Young
From Pastor Brauer:
“Seeking the Lost”
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” St. Paul writes
these words in 1 Timothy 1:15, part of the Epistle lesson for the weekend of
September 16. Jesus came to save sinners. He came to seek the lost. The parables
of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin point to the one message that the lost
cannot find themselves. Someone else must seek them and rescue them from the
dangers in which they lie. And sometimes those who are lost do not even know the
dangers they are in.
Those who are lost do not often realize they are lost, for they have not had
the true Word of God proclaimed to them. “Jesus came to save sinners.” The
questions immediately asked are: “Am I a sinner? Do I need saving?”
Yes, to both! So it is true with your neighbor down the street, the worker in
the cubicle next to yours, and the student who sits near you. We all are sinners
as Holy Scripture declares. We all need rescuing from sin, death, and the power
of the devil.
We, having been called by the Holy Gospel and brought to repentance and
faith, know the blessings of God’s love. We know the cost of Jesus’ suffering
and death on the cross. We have the forgiveness of our sins through Jesus’ shed
blood on the cross. We have the joy of salvation and the promise of heaven.
Would that neighbor, coworker, and student also desire these same blessings?
Are they in need of a Savior from sin, death, and the power of the devil?
Yes, to both! And there are many people in the La Porte area who do not know
or confess Jesus Christ as their only Lord and Savior. Many do not have a church
home. That is evident in the low worship attendance and declining church
membership in this community. This is where the members of St. John’s Lutheran
Church and School have opportunity to make that proclamation of Jesus’ love
known.
Through our Missions and Evangelism, we are given the tools to take the
Gospel to all creation. And our challenge as a congregation this year is to
strengthen our mission and evangelism identity. This goal is placed before each
member of St. John’s as we begin this planning year (September to August). Will
this take place over night? No. It will take the concerted effort of dedicated
and passionate members for the lost in our midst. It will take some training to
be prepared to make visits on those in our community. It may take some time, but
the time is now!
If you serve or have served on our Missions and Evangelism board, my thanks
to you for what you do and have done. Your contributions to this important work
of the Church are greatly appreciated. May God bless you as you continue to
serve! Many of you may do the work of an evangelist without realizing it. Your
being in regular worship is a witness to your faith in Christ. You may help your
neighbor who is in need and befriend him with the Gospel. That’s evangelism in
its simplest form.
We will look to strengthen our mission and evangelism identity in the months
ahead to ‘seek the lost’ and join in that greater church work. May God’s Holy
Spirit compel you to have a heart for missions and assist your fellow members at
St. John’s in this important work!
Pastor Ron Brauer
Matthew 11:28-30
September normally marks the return to the full range of mission and ministry
activities in congregations. Schools have started again, vacations are largely
over and it’s time to resume normal congregational activities. “Rally Day” is
one of the events that often takes place in September. “Rally Day” provides an
encouragement to move forward as God’s people, regardless of age. So, why not a
“Rally Day” for Christian stewards?
Christian stewardship is not like a hundred yard dash. It’s more like a
marathon. Good marathon runners have learned to cope with the grueling aspects
of the course. They know that sudden bursts followed by periodic let-ups will
not win a marathon. If you are going to be successful in a marathon, you must
realize that you are in it for the long haul. It takes persistence and
perseverance. So does living the Christian life.
Christian stewardship is the free and joyous activity of the child of God and
God’s family, the church, in managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s
purposes. There is no higher calling in life than to be maturing Christian
stewards who do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence
in all they do.
September, the beginning of a new year of ministry, is a great time to
re-dedicate ourselves to using all that we are and have (talents, abilities,
money, opportunities) to make a difference in the kingdom of God. And, as St.
Paul reminded us in Galatians 6:10, let’s start right where we are with those
closest to us and then keep on going from there.
Isn’t it an exciting thought to know that the world can be a better place
because we are here?
From Mr. Wippich
I. School Calendar Items:
IV. We offer our thanks to God for His Grace on our church and school
these 150 years. The school theme for this year is; ”His Love is Eternal” (taken
from Psalm 136). Please read that Psalm and keep it in your heart throughout the
year.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School needs you! Sunday School Rally Day is September
9th, and your help is needed. Full-time, part-time and substitute teachers are
needed for all grade levels. Anyone high school age or older is eligible to
teach. Classroom helpers are also needed. This year we are also looking for
people that would be interested in helping with the opening (first 10 minutes of
together time). The opening would include a brief object lesson related to the
topic of the day. Materials will be provided to anyone willing to donate their
time/talents.
Finally, donations of non-perishable snacks as well as monetary donations to
assist with the purchase of Sunday School materials is appreciated. If you are
able to help in any of these areas, please contact Tracy Fronk. No experience is
needed to be a teacher and the rewards from the kids are awesome!
“Parenting with Purpose” Ever wonder what is available to help
parents in ‘bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord?’ “Parenting with Purpose” is a six-week course designed to assist parents
in communication skills and fostering connections in the family. Whether your
child has just escaped the playpen or is ready for driver’s education, this
course is for you.
Using video interaction, this Bible study looks at ways to improve parents’
communication skills. Facilitated by Pastor Brauer, this course will run the
last three Wednesday evenings in September and first three Wednesday evenings in
October from 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. in the school’s cafeteria. There is no cost,
however, to provide each participant with materials, please call the church
office (362-3726) to register. (Day School parents will be given information and
registration forms in the school news.) This will be open to the community.
So please mark your calendars for September 12, 19, and 26, and October 3,
10, and 17 for “Parenting with Purpose.”
150th Anniversary Committee Meeting: Members of the 150th
Anniversary Committee meeting are called to gather for a ‘debriefing’ meeting on
Thursday, September 20, at 7 P.M. in the Ladies Lounge. The purpose of this
meeting is to review the events of our celebration and to sew up any loose ends.
The last ‘project’ of the Committee is to complete an Anniversary DVD.
Sufficient information, pictures, video and other materials are available; we
need to put it all together and make production of the DVD. If interested in
helping, contact Pastor Brauer or come to this meeting.
Catechism and Discipleship Classes:
7th & 8th Grade Classes: All 7th and 8th grade students who do not
attend St. John’s Day School, but who wish to become confirmed members of the
church are invited and encouraged to attend these classes. Classes will begin on
Wednesday evening, September 12, at 6:00 PM in the Ladies Lounge. They are being
led by Pastor Young and last for one hour. If you would like to sign up, or have
any questions, please call the church office at 362-3726.
Adult Discipleship Class to Start September 16: Pastor Brauer will
conduct a Discipleship Class, an adult information class that leads to church
membership at St. John’s as a communicant member. This course will run weekly
until the end of November, where, at the 10:45 am service that day, those
completing the course and desiring to become members will be received through
the Rite of Adult Confirmation. If you are interested in this class, or, if,
like others at St. John’s, would like a ‘refresher course’ on the Catechism,
please call the church office and register. There is no cost.
Sing unto the Lord a new song! In September, comes the new beginning
of Walther League Chorus rehearsals. We practice on Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in
the school music room, and will begin on September 10th, the week after Labor
Day. We welcome you ALL to sing with us. If you used to be in chorus, maybe this
is your time to return. If you have never sung with us, try it. You'll like it!
We minister to our congregation in regular worship, to the community in our
Christmas concert, and to one another as family as we work together. Come as you
are - Just bring your voice and your love of the Lord!
From the Newspaper Committee: Thank you to all who have purchased
Kroger cards or Al’s grocery certificates. With your help, $1,700 was raised for
our church and school in 1 year! We hope you will continue using these cards and
certificates to reach a new goal of $3,000 by next year! We would like to see
more of you participate in this fundraiser and try using a card or certificate
to see how easy it is. We buy the certificates at a discount so when you get a
$20 certificate, you receive the full value in groceries and we make a 5%
profit. Certificates and cards are available in the church office or from Karen
Piper, Ellen Heidel and Alyce Compton. If you have questions or suggestions on
how we could serve you better, call Karen.
From the Board of Parish Fellowship: Pastor Appreciation Day is
Sunday, October 14, 2007. We will honor our pastors during Fellowship Coffee
Hour (also our Apple Fest) after the 8:00 AM worship service in the school
cafeteria. We invite you to come and express your appreciation for their
tireless dedication to this congregation.
The Board of Parish Fellowship is planning its Fall Progressive Dinner
Friday, October 12, 2007. Please see page 11 of this newsletter for more
information (there’s a “NEW twist”) and a reservation form.
Sunday School Teachers’ Workshop Coming September 22: Sunday School
teachers, and others who work with children, youth workers, and even those who
home school, are invited to attend a free (don’t you just love that word!)
Sunday School Workshop on Saturday, September 22, from 9:30 – 11:30 am in
Chesterton at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. This workshop is conducted by Dr. Dave
Ebeling from the Indiana District Office. “See How They Learn” is the title of
this workshop that offers a variety of ways to instruct children in teaching the
Bible stories.
If you are interested in carpooling, contact Pastor Brauer. If you are
willing to drive, let him know as well. We will need to know who is attending by
Sunday, September 16, in order to prepare materials.
From the Activities Committee: The Annual Fall Festival will be held
Thursday, October 18, 2007, in St. John’s Lutheran School. The Bazaar,
featuring handcrafted items and baked goods, will begin at 9:00 AM and the
luncheon begins at 11:00 AM, serving hot and cold food prepared by the members
of St. John’s. Both events are being held through 1:00 PM
Tickets are available from Imogene Dahl and Committee members at $5.00 for
adults and $2.00 for children under 12. Ticket prices at the door will be $6.00
and $2.00 respectively. Questions about tickets may be directed to Imogene at
324-6668.
Circle members will be preparing hot and cold dishes as well as desserts for
the luncheon. Any other members of the congregation wishing to prepare a hot or
cold dish or a dessert may do so. We would appreciate the donation.
The Committee has gift baskets featuring Tea, Picnic/Wine, Baby, Bath/Body,
Kids’ Activities and Christmas. The baskets will be shown, tickets sold for the
baskets and the Bazaar on August 26 at the Family Picnic; showings October 6 at
the La Porte Farmers’ Market and October 12 at the La Porte Savings Bank will
feature a Bake Sale also. Baskets will be awarded during the Fall Festival.
Booth space is available to church organizations, individual members, or
outside vendors. For more information on booths, see page 10 of this newsletter
or call Karen or Judy.
Any questions regarding the Bazaar, contact Marilyn.
Would YOU Consider Serving?
Question: How do you eat an elephant?
Answer: One bite at a time.
Some tasks seem large and overwhelming. Take leading a church, for example.
There are so many things to consider in the operations here at St. John’s. But
they come in manageable ‘bites.’ That is true about the work your officers
perform on your behalf in our Church Council.
Those who have served in the offices of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and
Secretary have completed their terms of service. These positions are or will
become vacant at the end of this year. You may receive that ‘tap on the
shoulder’ to consider serving as one of these officers. Please give it prayerful
thought and say ‘Yes’ when asked.
The next Church Council Meeting will be Tuesday, October 23, and the next
Voters Meeting will be Wednesday, November 7.
Lutheran Laymen’s’ League Toy Collection: The local LLL is again
having their Toy collection for underprivileged children in Appalachia this
Fall. New or gently used toys and games will be accepted. A box will be set out
by the Church office and in the Church basement to receive your donations.
Please look for further information in the church bulletins on what articles of
toys and games needed. Donations will be received until the middle of
October. If you wish to make a cash donation, please make your check payable
to the Lutheran Laymen’s League (memo: Toy Collection) and bring it to the
church office. (Cash donations will help defray the cost of transporting the
toys to their collection and distribution points.) We had a great response to
this last year. Can we count on you to help out this year? Thanks for your
thoughtfulness and donations!
Also, the Indiana LLL will be meeting on Saturday, October 13 in Kokomo,
Indiana, to help plan for next summer’s convention in Lexington, Kentucky. If
interested in attending, contact Pastor Brauer for more information.
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
BOOTH APPLICATION
OCTOBER 18, 2007—9:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.
CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS BOOTH SPACE FREE
INDIVIDUAL CHURCH MEMBERS $10.00
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
KAREN at 362-8070 or JUDY at 362-6390
OR DROP OFF THIS FORM AT THE CHURCH OFFICE
NAME ___________________________________
PHONE __________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS __________________
_________________________________________
Fall 2007
Progressive Dinner
The Board of Parish Fellowship is having its Fall Progressive
Dinner Friday, October 12, 2007.
We will meet in the Ladies Lounge at 6:00 p.m. for hors
d’oeuvres.
We have a "new twist" this fall. At 6:45 p.m., we will
"journey through the hallway" to the school cafeteria with the host families for
the entree for groups of eight people. The host may choose whatever he/she
wishes to prepare and bring it to the school cafeteria. The host
arranges with other members of the group to provide the
appetizer, salad, rolls, butter and dessert. Each host will have a table for
his/her guests; and, table service will be provided.
Depending on the number of guests, we will either stay in the
cafeteria or return to the Ladies Lounge for dessert and more fellowship.
This is always an enjoyable evening, and not a "couples only"
gathering. Groups will consist of a mixture of old friends with a chance to meet
and make new friends.
Please complete the following to indicate your willingness to
attend and/or host a party of eight in the school cafeteria for the entree.
*******************************************************
NAMES OF INDIVIDUALS PLANNING TO ATTEND:
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
TELEPHONE:___________________________________________
WILLING TO HOST: YES______
Please return this form to the church office or place in the
offering plate no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, October 8.
Thanks…
Hearty thanks and commendations go to…
