A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 57 April 2008 No. 3
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From Pastor Brauer:
“Christ Suffered for You to Give You an Example”
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an
example, that you should follow in His steps” 1 Peter 2:21.
This is part of the Epistle for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, the same Sunday often called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Just as a shepherd gathers the sheep into one flock, so Christ gathers the baptized into His
Holy Christian Church. You are part of that Church! And as followers of the Good
Shepherd, we know His example for godly living.
We follow as the faithful in the footsteps of the Shepherd. Where will He
lead us? As our Shepherd King, He leads us besides the still waters, through the
valley of the shadow of death and ultimately to where the sheep will dwell in
safety in the house of the Lord. Along that way, we will come in contact with
others who do not know or follow our Good Shepherd Jesus Christ. Jesus would
have them follow Him, too, so they are part of His one flock.
Sounds like mission work, doesn’t it? And that it is! We are comfortable in
knowing that we are Jesus’ lambs and sheep, basking in the care this Good
Shepherd affords us. We like it. We receive comfort and by His care our souls
and our joy are restored.
But this Shepherd King leads us to do His will. He gives us examples. We read
the Scriptures and are shown how Jesus had compassion on all people. The burden
we bear is showing love to others. What better way to show love is to tell them
of the love Jesus has for them!
Our Youth at St. John’s are hungry for someone to show them examples on how
to serve Jesus. You saw how many of them helped with the delicious Easter breakfast we all enjoyed on Easter Sunday! While there were
many parents who got this organized, the children were shown the example of how
to do those acts of service that are so necessary in the Church today. Many, I
suppose, will also assist in the Fish Fry coming on April 25th (Don’t
forget your tickets!) They, like Martha, were busy serving tables.
But there is also the need to be like Mary, to sit at the Savior’s feet and
learn of Him. It’s a both-and. We need to be like Mary, worshipping God and
studying His Word—AND—we need to serve others as Martha did. Yet we know what
portion will never be taken away!
Soon we will head into warmer weather, and our activities may lead us beyond
the walls and halls of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. School will still
be in session, but our weekends may see temptations to seek other pastures than
to be in God’s House. Here we are called to remember the evangelist’s words from the Epistle text of that same
Sunday as above, where the believers “continued steadfastly in the
apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers”
(Acts 2:42).
The Good Shepherd has given us His example, both of service to others and
worship of God. May we be granted grace and wisdom to pass along that
Christ-like example to our Youth, where they learn godly habits of worship and
service. And, to you Youth who read this, (and parents, be sure to share this
with them after you have read this!) take up the example Jesus gives you, to sit at His feet and learn of Him as well as to
love your neighbor. And loving your neighbor means telling him and her about the
love Jesus has for them!
Pastor Brauer
Matthew 11:28-30
SSAC
The recent visit of the “Strengthening Schools and Churches” was conducted over the last weekend of March. Many thanks to those who
participated in the various focus groups who were interviewed. While the
information provided by these LC—MS Education Executives will need to be
reviewed and digested, it is our hope and prayer that their visit will give us
at St. John’s an insight to our strengths, our needs, and our abilities. More will be coming in the next month as to what can, should, and
will be done.
Our Apologies!!!
Our humble apology for the confusion that occurred over the Saturday service
on March 22. While the newsletter went to press prior to our pastoral transition, the determination was made shortly after to focus that
weekend’s services to Easter Sunday. But there was indication on last month’s
calendar that there was to be a service on the 22nd. We are sorry for
the mix-up.
Also, please note that the ‘contemporary services’ that had been held on
selected Saturdays at 4:30 P.M. will no longer be conducted at this time.
Instead, children’s messages will be occasionally given during the month at
non-communion services.
A Word about Sound
Since the installation of our new microphones in the sanctuary, our technical crew has been busy adjusting the volumes and levels to bring the
best amplification for voice and music. Over that time, other technicians have been brought in to evaluate our situation. Now that we have
a handle on this, we are able to make the best use of our sound system. However, there is evidence that once we get the levels adjusted to
where we need them, ‘gremlins’ come in overnight and disturb the settings, making it necessary to readjust all the volumes before each service.
Please remember the following instructions: “Das Machine ist nicht für die
Fingerpoken und Mittengrabben.” In other words, “Kindly leave it alone.” With
our thanks for your cooperation!
Missions! The Word of the Day…
While there are many programs for Evangelism and Missions in the church
today, our focus is not so much on program as it is process. That process does
not happen overnight or over a month’s time. It is a process that takes time and
takes the dedicated participation of all who are called by the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. IN-REACH is the process of learning to know your faith and share your
faith. OUT-REACH is taking that faith with you as you visit with others outside
the Church. We plant and water the seed; the Holy Spirit gives the increase, be it 100-fold, 60-fold, or
30-fold. But we have to pick up our bag of seeds and learn how to scatter them!
This is the challenge for revitalizing our Missions and Evangelism. It’s not
so much a ‘Board’ that does that work, but each member of the Body of Christ as
they receive the commission to go and tell others the good news of Jesus. The
Board simply facilitates that work.
The Church, and specifically St. John's Lutheran Church, will need members.
We need to start now. Confucius say: “Dig the well before you thirst.” Taking
this bit of human advice into the Church, we need to start drawing others into
the church before we need them. Your love for your Savior compels you to not
only pray for God’s Spirit to empower His Church to spread the Word, but to empower YOU to share the love
of Jesus with those who either do not know the Savior or with those who have no
Church home.
Watch the bulletin for further information about Witnessing Groups,
Evangelism, and Missions. May God grant you the grace to respond as Isaiah when
hearing the Gospel call, “Here am I; send me!”
Excuse the Dust!
The construction on Monroe Street resumed just before Easter, and will
continue to see the intersection of Monroe and Kingsbury blocked at least
through April. Please take alternate routes when coming to church and school
and enter through the Kingsbury Avenue entrance. Once the construction at this intersection is complete, construction will head further north through the summer until the various utilities are installed and the roadbed prepared for the final surface coat. Once complete, then all of Monroe will be blacktopped,
providing smooth roads from two different directions to lead worshippers to St. John's Lutheran Church. (And that’s our tax dollars at
work—it won’t cost us a dime, save for a little inconvenience.)
Message from The Board of Stewardship
“The Color Green”
April is that time of year where in most parts of our country
the color green starts showing up in yards, gardens, orchards and fields. The color green in nature is another reminder of the goodness of
God in providing for the physical needs of all His creatures. The
color green also reminds us that God keeps His promises, such as this one
recorded in Genesis 8:22 (NIV): “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and
harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”
God also made this promise of His goodness to the children of
Israel as they were in the process of moving into the Promised Land: “If you
follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in
its season, and the ground will yield its crops and the trees of the field their
fruit. Your threshing will continue until grape harvest and the grape harvest
will continue until planting, and you will eat all the food you want and live
safely in your land.” (Leviticus 26:3-5 NIV)
God is so good that He also provides for the physical needs
of those who do not believe in or worship Him as the only true God. Dr. Martin
Luther reminded us of this when he explained the petition “Give us this day our
daily bread” in this way: “God gives daily bread indeed without our prayer,
also to all the wicked, but we pray in this petition that He would lead us to
know it and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.”
In Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV) we read these words: “As the rain
and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the
earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and
bread for the eater, so is My word that goes out from My mouth: It will
not return to Me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the
purpose for which I sent it.”
This passage reminds us as God’s people that our God is both
good and gracious. We see His goodness in meeting all our physical needs
but we see His grace (undeserved love) in supplying all our spiritual
needs. The Holy Spirit uses the reading, studying, preaching and teaching of
God’s word to bring sinners to repentance and empower them to become the
children of God. Children of God are His stewards who use everything at their
disposal for God’s purposes. God’s stewards, like green plants, receive the
necessary nourishment to grow in their faith and in producing good works, such
as giving generously of the financial resources, time and unique abilities.
May all of us as God’s redeemed stewards, like plants on the
earth, bud, blossom, mature and produce good fruit (words and actions) that
brings glory to our good and gracious God and blessings to His people.
Principal’s Page
I. School Calendar Items:
3/29-4/1 SSAC visit (Strengthening Schools and Congregations)
4/3 Grade 3, Health Works-9:30 AM-2:00 PM
4/7-11 Spring break
4/15 April School Board Meeting
4/16 Spring Picture Day
4/18 Spring Dance 6-9:00 PM-Gym
4/19 Small group sings 6:00 PM-Church
4/22 Grade 4, Chicago Trip 7:30 AM-4:45 PM
4/27 King’s Kids sing 8:00 AM-Church
4/30 Grade 4, Wax Museum 9:45-10:30 AM and 12:45-1:30 PM
5/1 Grade 2, Chicago Field Museum 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
5/2 We do have bus service this day
5/3 Academic Bowl 8:00 AM-12:00 PM
5/4 Confirmation 10:45 AM-Church
5/9 Midterm reports
Lily Event at Silver Palace 6:00 PM
5/13 LIL FISH 10:30-11:30 AM-Gym
5/16 Spring Play-Gym
5/20 Grade 4, Swamp Stomp 8:00 AM-2:00 PM
5/21 Grades 2 & 3 Sing at Senior Lunch
5/25 Christus Chorus sing 8:00 AM-Church
5/26 Memorial day-no school
5/30 PK and K Graduation 6:30 PM-Gym
To Dave and Maria Surma, Sue Chlebek, Sharon Starr for
painting the computer lab and library.
To Jennifer Parrette for organizing the Carson Day Event
To Nathan Alexander for installing new lights in the bathrooms.
To Nathan, Josh, Zachary and Ben Alexander for extensive work in the
computer lab.
To David Surma for ordering computer equipment and
coordinating the lab set up.
To Julie Stelter and the athletic department for donating their Market
Day share for 2 months to the computer lab fund.
To Rhonda McConnell, Annette Williams, Nicole Schuster, Matt Schuster,
Jennifer Parrette, Stephanie Oswald, Julie
Sinclair, Kami Alexander, Heather Alexander, Julie Grant,
Lisa Hurst, Teresa Sickmiller, Tina Stence, Andrea Back,
Cory Shoffner for serving as substitute teachers and staff during
the National Lutheran Schools Week teacher/staff luncheon.
8. To Michelle Walker for giving expert massages to the faculty and staff
on Teacher Appreciation Day
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Gift Certificate Information:
Thanks to all who are purchasing Al’s certificates and Kroger cards to
support our church. Just a note: The name “Barney’s” on Al’s certificates refers to their store in New Buffalo. Our certificates are not redeemable at the I Street grocery store by the same name which is a privately owned business. We hope this clears up any confusion.
Certificates and cards are available the 1st and 2nd Sundays at 9AM in the
school hallway, and almost every Sunday in the narthex before the 2nd service.
From Shadetree Mechanics:
Beginning on April 3 at 7:00 PM, Shadetree will start meeting again to work
on spring projects. We meet the first and third Thursday of the month. If you have a project for us to work on, please call Jim Peters or
Luke Vandercar. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome too! For more
details, please call Jim or Luke.
Fish Fry:
Our first fish fry of the year is being sponsored by the congregation,
directed by Dawn Crum. She along with numerous volunteers are planning the fish
fry, Friday, April 25 between 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. We are looking for sponsors to
offset the cost, and our goal is as follows:
15 sponsors who donate $100.00 each for a box of fish, will receive 4 free dinner tickets.
15 sponsors who donate $50.00 each to help provide potatoes, baked beans,
and miscellaneous items, will receive 2 free
dinner tickets.
If you can help with a donation or services, please contact Linda in the
Church Office at 362-3726 or Cindy in the School Office at 362-6692.
We will also need pies for dessert. Anyone wishing to donate pies should have
them at the school gymnasium by 4 p.m. the day of the fish fry. Please call
Annette Williams at 326-8017 with any questions. Thank you in advance for your
support!
Tickets are available in both offices and from Board members. If you have any
questions, please call Imogene Dahl at 324-6668. Tickets are $8.00 for adults
and $5.00 for children under 12. Proceeds will be divided between the Church
Door Fund and Roof Repair Fund. For this reason, all volunteers must purchase
and turn in a fish fry ticket for their meal.
LWML News:
The Kankakee Valley Zone’s Spring Rally will be held on Sunday, April 20, at
St Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac, Indiana. Registration will be held 1-1:30 PM (CDT). The theme is “Build Your Foundation on this Rock.” The speaker will be
Concordia Seminary Student, Mark Fakih. Come hear how Mark, who is from the
country of Lebanon, came to know Christ and enter into the ministry of our Lord. There will be a short Bible Study by Pastor Joel Zipay.
All Lutheran women of the Kankakee Valley Zone are welcome to attend
business meeting, and light refreshments served by the ladies of St. Luke’s. Bring a friend or a car load! All Lutheran women of the Kankakee
Valley Zone are welcome to attend
From the Thrift Shop:
Our Thrift Shop is in need of workers, as well as men to open and close the
building and take on a few extra duties. Our Thrift Shop has been an asset to
the community and our church for nearly 38 years, and has had many dedicated
workers making it successful. If you can volunteer three hours a week, or open
and close for a week or two, please contact Mary Jo Uebele at 362-2538 or Ron or
Marilyn Boardman at 362-7256. We will be happy to explain our needs and train
you. Thank you for your consideration. Mary Jo
LILY Event news:
We are looking for auction items for this year’s LILY Event. Anyone wishing
to donate auction items or give a monetary donation, please contact Jesica
Watson at 369-8198.
This year the LILY Event will be May 9, from 6:00 PM-12:00 AM at the Silver
Palace. The theme is “Spring Fling,” and tickets are available now at the
church, school and bookkeepers offices and are $25 each. In addition to auction
items, this year, door awards will be awarded throughout the evening. Please
help us support our school and have a fun evening out! We would also appreciate
it if you would fill out the survey on page 12 of this newsletter. Thank you!
Recycling:
The next can collection date coincides with the May Market Day. Save your pop
cans, steel cans and scrap metal to turn in between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, May 24. The last can collection netted $133.65 for the Church Door Fund.
From Camp Lutherhaven:
Tired of the snow, ice, and cold weather? Start thinking of summer by
checking out what Camp Lutherhaven has in store! The 59th season of outdoor ministries includes many exciting programs for family,
children and youth. We want to spend time with YOU! Camp programs are available
for K-12 grade as well as family programs. Register online today at
www.lutherhaven.org or find out more information by calling 260-636-7101.
Spring 2008—Progressive Dinner/PTL Spring Dance
The Board of Parish Fellowship is having its Spring Progressive Dinner Friday, April 18, 2008; and, it coincides with the PTL Spring Dance.
Participating adults will meet in the Ladies Lounge at 6:00 p.m. for hors d’oeuvres.
At 6:45 p.m., we and/or parents of children attending the dance will
"journey through the hallway" to the school cafeteria or go to the homes of 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 or
serve it at home. The host arranges with other members of the group to
provide the appetizer, salad, rolls, butter and dessert. Each host
entertaining in the school cafeteria 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 go
to the Clarence Spear home for dessert and more fellowship.
This is always an enjoyable evening, and not a "couples only" gathering. The
Board will group together a mixture of old friends with a chance to meet and
make new friends. Families with pre-school aged children are encouraged to
attend even though the children cannot attend the dance. Evening care will be
provided by competent young ladies.
Please complete the following to indicate your willingness to attend and/or
host a party of eight in the school cafeteria or in your home for the entree.
*****************************************************
PLEASE LIST BELOW NAMES OF ADULTS WITHOUT CHILDREN AND/OR NAMES OF SCHOOL
PARENTS PLANNNG TO DINE. PLEASE LIST NAMES AND AGES OF YOUR PRE-SCHOOL
CHILDREN IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRESSIVE DINNER.
_______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TELEPHONE: ___________WILLING TO HOST YES:______
(Hosting opportunities are open to all.)
Please return this form to the church office or place it in the offering
plate no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2008. If you have any questions,
please call Marilyn Sawyer at 362-6069 or Barbara Swanson at 362-4762.
From the Board of Parish Fellowship:
We extend a big thank you to everyone who came to our Lenten Soup Suppers.
Thanks to all who prepared soups, sandwiches, breads and desserts. We hope you
enjoyed the meals. With many hands to help clean up after the suppers, we were
able to get to church on time.
Sunday, April 13, Fellowship Coffee Hour will feature a "Pineapple Fest."
Those of you who dearly love pineapple and even those of you who may not
should come to enjoy a pineapple treat with coffee, juice and water. Children
always find a treat they like too. Enjoy this fellowship time with your bothers
and sisters in Christ before Bible study and Sunday School. A donation of $2 .00
per family is welcome to defray the cost of beverages, supplies and the family
picnic/hog roast.
Our Spring 2008 Progressive Dinner will be Friday, April 18, beginning at
6:00 p.m. This event coincides with the PTL Spring Dance – same date, time, and
place. We’ll accommodate all who are interested in participating; however, we’ll
need to plan very carefully. See the one-page flyer in this newsletter for
full details and participation form. It must be completed and turned in to the
church office no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2008. If you have any
questions, please call Marilyn Sawyer at 362-6069 or Barbara Swanson at
362-4762. Come and enjoy an evening of food, fellowship and fun. See you there!
Computer Lab Update:
Volunteers have been working diligently in the computer lab, getting ready
for students and teachers. A special thanks to Nate Alexander, Ben Alexander,
Dave Surma, Josh Alexander, Zack Alexander, Sharon Starr, Sue Chlebek, and
Heather Alexander for their efforts in construction, wiring, woodworking, painting, decorating and sharing many
other talents! The Computer Lab Open House will coincide with the Fish Fry on
Friday, April 25. Be sure to stop in between 4 PM and 7 PM to see what a
wonderful new lab the students will be using, thanks to the generous
contributions from the members of the church and school.
2008 LILY Event
“Spring Fling”
In an effort to include as many congregants as possible, we
desperately need your input! Maybe you are a LILY regular; maybe this will be
your first year. The LILY Event Committee works hard to coordinate an evening of
fun and fellowship, while fundraising for one of our greatest causes…our youth!
The proceeds of the LILY Event go to assist in day-to-day operation of both the
church and school. The event has gone full circle from a formal to semi-formal
to casual…it’s time we hear from you what you want. Please take a
moment to let us know your thoughts. Let’s share an evening of fellowship and
fun together, while supporting a great cause. Feel free to place completed
forms in a box located in the Narthex of the church marked LILY forms. Questions
or comments? Please feel free to give me a call! In order to consider you
thoughts, we need the forms completed no later than April 6th.
Lori Foglesong (219) 324-8061
I look forward to seeing you all there!
________________________________________________
What did you like about past LILY Events? ______________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
What would you like to see changed?__________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Suggestions for improvement? _______________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
How many LILY Events have you attended? _____________
Do you plan to attend this year’s event? ________________
If no, please explain. _______________________________
THANK YOU!
