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A Newsletter concerning the
Mission and Ministry
of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Porte, IN
Vol. 57 February 2008 No. 1
“As one family, we lovingly proclaim Jesus Christ.”
From Pastor Young:
“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ.”
This salutation that you hear before every sermon at St. John’s from the 1st
chapter of Ephesians is presented to you by your pastors in some form or another
to remind you that the message to be proclaimed is a message from God for your
good.
It has an order, though: grace, first, then peace. Peace is the product of
grace. No grace from God, no peace. This is the way our Father in heaven has
planned it for us, His people. First He desires to get us into a state of grace.
He does that by forgiving our sins and putting His blessing on us. He brings us
into fellowship with Himself, changes us into people of His Holy Spirit. Then,
no matter what happens, be it tragedy and calamity or jubilation and
celebration, we have peace.
We talk and pray for peace a lot, don’t we? We pray for peace in the world,
peace in our country and peace in our lives and the lives of our families. But
God reminds us that there can be no solid, substantial and lasting peace until
His grace has its way with us and makes it possible for us to live together in
peaceable relationships with each other. Sadly and disastrously, we seem to be
surrounded constantly by war and rumors of war.
We talk and pray about “personal peace.” We think “personal peace” means we
can live lives without ever being tried or tested; lives with conflict or even
temptation. But Christian peace, true Christian peace is that gift
from God that gives us quietness in the midst of noise; confidence in the midst
of the uncertainty; hope in the face of adversity.
Jesus is true Christian peace. Without Jesus, without His bitter sufferings
and death, we could never claim peace. Without His death on the cross, there
would be no resurrection from the dead. Without His resurrection, there would
only be death for you and me.
Lent leads us to this peace. While the season of Lent always seems to be a
“downer;” bleak and dreary in its tone and message, Lent recalls the sacrifice
God made for peace. Without Lent, there would be no Easter. And without Easter,
there would be no peace. “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ.” May your Lenten travels to the cross lead you to and
confirm in you the Grace and Peace of God that you have received through Christ
Jesus.
Blessings of Grace and Peace in Christ,
Pastor Young
From Pastor Brauer:
“God’s Loving Act of Righteousness Brings Life”
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us,
in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
(Romans 5:8)
This verse from the Epistle reading of February 10 gives clear focus for our
Lenten meditation. Yes, Lent begins early this year, due to the moveable feast
of Easter, determined by the first full moon after the spring equinox. (You’re
right; we pastors use some scientific knowledge to explain things!) So even as
we turn the calendar page from January to February, we see Lent begin so soon.
St. Paul gives focus to our Lord’s Passion in that the love God so has for
the world is seen on the cross upon which Christ died. That’s the good, saving
news of God! But we are painfully called to remember the reason that took Jesus
to the cross: we were sinners. And God didn’t wait until we stopped sinning to
effect our rescue. He rescued us while we were still in the act of sinning! How
unheard of for God to show such great mercy.
Usually parents wait until their youngster will stop whining and complaining
or disobeying before they are rewarded or given a treat. But God treats us
mortals differently. He knows that our hearts are inclined to do evil ever since
the day we were conceived. We do not have the fear, love, and trust in our heart
for God. Satan’s temptation of Adam and Eve brought ruin to God’s perfect
creation. God would not stand still or
simply shrug His shoulders, destroy the whole lot of us, and say, I’ll try
again.
No, He came down from heaven in the flesh of His Son Jesus and rescued us. We
learn more of all that God did as we study His Holy Word. Our Sunday School
children hear the message of Jesus’ love each week as they gather to sing their
songs, give their offerings, and pray. Their weekly lessons show ways to
remember God’s love throughout the week. Our Adult Bible classes also lead the
student of God’s Word to the mysteries of His love, and while we may not know or
comprehend how and why God loves us, we see the loving acts of righteousness
that God performs each day in our lives.
Perhaps that’s why your pastors are so urgent in encouraging St. John’s
members to be in the study of God’s Word. We view the beauty of what God has
done to make our salvation possible and complete. Your pastors want you to have
the joy of knowing personally what gifts God freely gives you in your baptism
and in the reception of Christ’s holy body and blood in the Sacrament of the
Altar. Those blessings give you life! It is training in righteousness for which
the Word of God is given (2 Timothy 3:16).
May you continually be filled with the breath of God as you read and study
His Holy Word. May you ponder anew what the Almighty can do—in YOU!
Pastor Ron Brauer
Matthew 11:28-30
Our Lenten Series This Year
This is a brief note to tell what St. John’s members will see in our
Wednesday Lenten series this year. While you will see your pastors conduct our
Ash Wednesday service on February 6, other pastors from the La Porte Circuit of
our Indiana District will later visit us with their messages based on the
Passion of Jesus Christ from the Evangelist St. John. While Pastor Brauer
preaches on the theme, “Suffered under Pontius Pilate,” other pastors will visit
our pulpit with their meditations. This pulpit exchange has taken place in the
past in various churches in our Synod, and this is a way for our members to
share in the unity of faith with our sister churches.
Each midweek service will be preceded with a “Soup and Something Supper”
beginning at 5:30 p.m. and finishing at 6:30 p.m. The call to worship gathers
all in the Sanctuary at 7 p.m. While the order of service will be similar each
week, the readings and the hymns will be specific to the pastors’ message.
Please give a hearty welcome as Rev. Tim Miller, Rev. Carl Fitchett, Rev. Kyle
Wright II, Rev. Joel Zipay, and Rev. Mel Meyer come to share their weekly
message.
That Word “Winkel”
You may see our pastors attending what is called the “Winkel” on the first
Mondays of the month. This is a German word meaning “Corner” and described where
pastors and theologians gather to discuss matters involving the study,
interpretation, and application of God’s Word and the Confessions of our
Lutheran Church. Today, pastors continue in that gathering, not so much in the
corner, but around a table to study and fellowship. St. John’s La Porte was
pleased to host the Winkel on January 7 with 15 of our Circuit pastors (La Porte
and South Bend Circuits) attending. Worship, Bible study, circuit business, and
a topical study, plus a delicious lunch prepared by our secretary staff (Linda
and Marilyn, as well as, Barb Swanson and Jo Borg) filled our day. We pastors
always appreciate your prayers in support of the proclamation of the Word and
the administration of the Sacraments.
Discipleship Class
Prospects for our next Discipleship class are being gathered for a class to
begin sometime in March. If you or someone you know who would be interested in
studying the basics of Christian doctrine and would like to become a member of
St. John's Lutheran Church, then please call the church office and be included
on the list. We will contact those who sign up to inform when and where this
class will begin and meet.
This class is always open to all members as well, serving as a way to
refresh their understanding of the catechism as well as to meet those new to St.
John’s. Please consider this as a way of in-reach for yourself and your
out-reach to family or friends who would like to know more about the Gospel of
Jesus Christ.
Message from The Board of Stewardship
February is the month when “Valentine’s Day” is celebrated and thus a month
in which we think of “love.” A few short weeks ago we celebrated Christmas—the
occasion that marked God’s great love gift to the world, His only-begotten Son.
Jesus came into our world as a servant and took upon Himself our human flesh and
form, as well as our sin, guilt and shame, and then offered His life as the
perfect sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the whole world. This act of
sacrificial love caused the hymn writer to pen these words: “What wondrous love
is this, O my soul, O my soul! What wondrous love is this, O my soul! What
wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the dreadful curse
for my soul, for my soul, to bear the dreadful curse for my soul!” (LSB,
543).
The truth is that the love of Jesus is far more wondrous than we can
ever describe or imagine, much less imitate and practice. The best that we can
do is respond to that wondrous love with our free and joyous stewardship. True
Christian stewardship is not something that we do because of laws, rules and
commands. True Christian stewardship is always a response to the love of God for
us. The Apostle John said it so well: “We love because He first loved us.”
So, during this month of February when “Valentine’s Day” reminds us of human
love, we do well to pause and reflect on the divine love of Jesus. By the power
and presence of the Holy Spirit we are equipped to show our love through deeds
and words that support and encourage.
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. Let your love show in your giving of time, talent and financial
resources to God’s glory and the expansion of His kingdom.
Principal’s Page
I. School Calendar Items:
2/1 Play for Pre-kindergarten-leave at 9:00 AM for a 9:30 AM show
2/2 King’s Kids sing at Saturday 4:30 PM Service
2/4 Grade 8- follow up registration at LPHS 9:45 AM
2/5 Grade 4-LIL FISH
2/7 Principal Conference-LL 9:00 AM
3/2 National Lutheran Schools Week begins with 10:45 AM Worship
3/4 Math Contest at Valparaiso-Tuesday of NLSW
II. Other items
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the computer fund drive. We have
successfully collected the $15,000 we were attempting to raise in the
“Computers by Christmas” fund drive, plus we
accumulated some additional funds. We are now engaged in the final stages
of ordering equipment and installing. The Lord has blessed the school through
His church and all the faithful parishioners who support this ministry.
2. Upcoming Basketball Tournaments:
February 9, 2008-4/6 Grade Tournament begins at 9:00 AM
St. John’s Girls vs. Immanuel of Valparaiso-9:00 AM
St. John’s Boys vs. St. Peter’s of North Judson-10:15 AM
February 16, 2008-6/8 Grade Tournament begins at 9:00 AM
St. John’s Girls vs. (To Be Announced)-9:00 AM
St. John’s Boys vs. Queen of All Saints-10:15 AM
Concessions will be available and there is a nominal entry fee. We appreciate
your continued support of our athletic program.
3. ISTEP Test results are in. Listed below are results from 2006, and below
them, results from 2007.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
From the Board of Parish Fellowship:
Anyone interested in joining the working Board of Parish
Fellowship? We could use a little help from our friends!
This working Board hosts most of the social events at St. John’s throughout
the year – the weekly Fellowship Coffee after the 8:00 a.m. worship service is
co-hosted by two members of the Board who prepare beverages and treats for the
enjoyment of our members during this fellowship period; we all participate in
the special food fests held the second Sunday of each month; plan and organize
the Every Member Sunday potluck held the last Sunday in January; prepare soup
and dessert for a light evening meal before worship services during the season
of Lent; planning teacher receptions; the Spring and Fall Progressive Dinners;
planning, organizing and coordinating with the other Boards the family
picnic/hog roast held in conjunction with St. John’s annual outdoor worship
service held in late August. Tired yet? There’s more: planning Pastor
Appreciation Day; last December following the Walther League Christmas Concert,
we prepared beverages, set up and hosted the reception. Every once in a while a
new function is added. In addition to the above, there is a Board meeting the
second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. held in the Ladies Lounge.
So, if you can spare time and talent for this busy, working Board, please
contact Marilyn Boardman or Marilyn Sawyer. Thank you.
Parish Fellowship-Upcoming Events:
February 10, 2008, is our Chocolate Fest during Fellowship Coffee hour. Enjoy
the special treats prepared by the Board members and in some cases, spouses. If
you have not attended one of these fests, please come – all children are welcome
before going to Sunday School and all adults before attending Bible study. A
$2.00 donation per family is requested to help defray the costs of supplies used
throughout the year as well as the hog roast.
The Lenten Soup Suppers start Wednesday, February 13 and each
Wednesday thereafter through March 12, 2008, at 5:30 p.m.; we’ll
serve until 6:15 p.m. We will not chase you out at 6:15, but we need time
to clean up after supper so we can go to the worship services too. This leaves
you time for fellowship. As usual there will be three choices of soup to choose
from, along with breads, crackers, fruit, dessert and beverages. This first
week, we’ll have Potato, Vegetable, and Chicken and Dumpling soups. A freewill
offering will be accepted.. See you all soon.
From the Newspaper Stuffers:
Since Lola Tarnow first organized the Newspaper Stuffers in October
of 1982, a lot of dedicated workers have helped on Mondays and Saturdays.
In 2001 Karen Piper, with the help of Ellen Heidel, continued to contact the
workers needed.
We want to honor Dorothy Levandoski who worked from August 1983 until
November 2007, when the stuffer job ended.
A total of $232,650 was made and disbursed to the church and school. We
helped with chairs, tables, computers, heating and air conditioning, missions,
Vacation Bible School, new lawn sign in front of the church, and the General
Fund, to name a few.
In order to continue helping the church and school, we are now selling Al’s
grocery certificates and Kroger grocery cards which are registered to St.
John’s.
I want to say “THANK YOU” to all who helped insert papers and to the people
who are buying grocery certificates and cards. Karen Piper
From the Willing Servants:
The Willing Servants (Funeral Dinner Committee) would like to thank all the
ladies who donated either food or help this past year. Without your help we
could not function at this “labor of love”. Due to a number of ladies having to
withdraw from our calling list, we are looking for new participants for
occasional donations of food or assistance. If interested, call either Jo Ann
Borg or Louise Mellenthin. Thank you!
Loving Jesus - The Many Languages of Praise!
Come and join us on February 17 at 6:30 P.M. in the gym
for a wonderful family evening sharing the love and praise of our Lord in many
languages and in many ways. Returning guests who were with us last year will be
Anthony Brewer and the Morning Star Choir, and Pastor Jim Keller and his Burmese
youth singers. This year we will also be blessed by offerings from Kat Peters
with Hispanic singers from Gloria Dei, some worship dancers, and an exciting
group of young people, the Michigan City Soul Steppers, who combine music,
Scripture and movement. Our own Walther League Chorus and some of our students
will sing as well, and we will all have opportunity to sing and pray together.
Refreshments and fellowship will follow. Bring some friends, meet some friends!
From the Altar Guild:
The next Altar Guild meeting will be a working meeting on February 14 at 9:00
AM
The next regular meeting will be March 5, immediately following the Lenten
Service. We are desperately in need of additional members. If anyone is
interested, please stay for our meeting.
I wish to thank the Altar Guild members that repaired hymnal markers on
January 10 & 19. Marilyn Boardman
From the Activities Committee:
The Activities Committee (Fall Festival), with help from the
Newspaper Stuffers, and money realized from the sale of old tables and chairs,
have purchased 12 banquet tables and one cart. Thanks to everyone that helped to
make this possible.
Dishes:
There are many unclaimed dishes in the Ladies Lounge. If you have
provided food for a church function recently, please check to see if you have
picked up your empty dish! Thank you.
From the Finance Committee:
Year-end statements for 2007 are now available in the Narthex, before
and after services, and in the church office Please pick them up as soon as
possible to check for any possible errors. The remainder of the 2008
contribution envelopes are available in the Narthex also.
2008 Lily Event:
Please think about being a volunteer for next year’s Lily Event.
Volunteer job descriptions are listed below. Volunteer job descriptions and sign
up sheets are on the bulletin board across from the church
office. We need your help! Please call Rhonda McConnell or any School Board
member with questions.
2008 LILY TASK LIST- VOLUNTEER INFORMATION
Site Coordinator – select and secure site for chosen date, get any
contacts and deposits arranged, work with site manager on food , drink and
linens, get volunteers for dessert, get volunteers to decorate, find
music – (DJ or live), sound system details, determine layout of site and
establish traffic flow, pay the bill after the event, coordinate clean-up.
Suggested parameters: must be a nice hall that accommodates a minimum of
350 people, work within a budget and theme that School Board defines, food
(other than dessert) must be professionally catered, décor must be tasteful and
elegant, must have live music to suit many tastes.
Auction Preparation Coordinator – secure a predetermined number of
auction items from individuals and businesses, document the donors information,
combine items and package them, prepare total and accurate item list and
description for program, prepare bid sheets including minimum bids and bidding
increments, deliver auction items to site, send thank you notes after event.
Suggested parameters – determine number of items, volunteer must know
how to use Microsoft – Word and Excel, ensure that documentation is complete
and packaging is attractive.
Auction Administration Coordinator - perform registration functions,
pre-prepare bidder numbers, set up auction items on site, orchestrate timing and
announcements for auction, secure a volunteer team for check-out process, close
tables, document and announce results, secure any items left by winners.
Suggested parameters – check out process must be well planned and
include the ability to process debit/credit cards.
Ticket Sales Coordinator – have tickets printed, distribute tickets,
develop system for tracking all tickets - sold and unsold, update committee on
sales progress, develop ticket sale promotions, develop distribution system for
donated tickets, turn funds into Treasurer.
Suggested parameters - minimum ticket price of $25.00 . Work with
Publicist to develop colors, type-set and theme on all printed materials.
Event Treasurer – collect, document, deposit and report to School
Board on all monies collected from event, cut checks for deposits, expenses.
Suggested parameters – use existing checking account, develop
spreadsheet to separate ticket sales, cash donations, and auction proceeds.
End report presented to the School Board 2 weeks after close of event.
Publicist - develop promotional plan, create flyers, programs,
invitations, develop ads and signage, solicit event coverage from local media,
develop corporate sponsorship program.
Suggested parameters- work with Ticket Sales Coordinator to
develop colors, type set and theme on all printed materials.
Lenten & Easter Services
Feb. 6………..Ash Wednesday……………. 7:00 PM *
Feb. 9/10……1st Sunday in Lent..…….…. .6:00 PM *
8:00 AM
10:45 AM *
Feb. 13……...Wed. Lenten Service………..7:00 PM
Guest Preacher, Rev. Carl Fitchett
Feb. 16/17….2nd Sunday in Lent……….…6:00 PM
8:00 AM *
10:45 AM
Feb. 20……...Wed. Lenten Service………. 7:00 PM
Guest Preacher, Rev. Joel Zipay
Feb. 23/24…..3rd Sunday in Lent..………...4:30 PM *
6:00 PM *
8:00 AM
10:45 AM *
Feb. 27……...Wed. Lenten Service………..7:00 PM
Guest Preacher, Rev. Kyle Wright II
Mar. 2/3 ……..4th Sunday in Lent..………...4:30 PM
6:00 PM
8:00 AM *
10:45 AM
Mar. 5………..Wed. Lenten Service……….7:00 PM
Guest Preacher, Rev. Mel Meyer
Mar. 8/9….…..5th Sunday in Lent……….…6:00 PM *
8:00 AM
10:45 AM *
Mar. 12……….Wed. Lenten Service………7:00 PM
Guest Preacher, Rev. Tim Miller
Mar. 15/16.…..Palm Sunday……….……….6:00 PM
8:00 AM
10:45 AM
Mar. 20……...Maundy Thursday…………...7:00 PM *
Mar. 21……...Good Friday………………...12:00 PM
7:00 PM
Mar. 23………Easter Sunday………………6:30 AM *
10:00 AM *
* Denotes Communion Services
(Member telephone numbers were omitted from the on-line
version.)
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