The Messenger
August 2008
New Organist/Music Director
By the leading of the Holy Spirit and with God’s blessings, we are elated to announce the hiring of our new Organist/Music Director, Emily Woock. Emily will not only be playing the organ but also directing all choirs including the Hand Bell choir. She will be responsible for the music at all worship services.
Emily comes from a family of church musicians; her parents are both organists and choir directors. She has been raised in the Missouri Synod Lutheran church and is steeped in classical sacred music traditions.
As a recent graduate of Concordia University, River Forest, IL, Emily received a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Church Music. While attending Concordia she was a part time music director including organ, worship planning, organizing a new adult choir and working with pre-school and Sunday School children.
Emily has been accepted into the prestigious Masters of Sacred Music program at Notre Dame University. Starting this fall she will be a full time student as well as a part time staff person with St. John’s church.
The depth of Emily’s faith impressed all of us on the Music Search Committee. Prayer is an important point of reference to Emily in making life’s decisions. She relies on God to guide and direct her. This reliance on God is what we believe allowed the Holy Spirit to guide her to St. John’s.
Emily will be leading music in worship on August 3rd at both 8 and 10 a.m. services. There will be a welcoming reception for Emily after both services, in the church parlor for the early service and the fellowship hall after the late service.
As always we encourage your enthusiastic welcome of Emily as she joins us in the ministry of Jesus Christ in this congregation.
In Christ’s Service, The Music Search Committee
“BLUE JEAN” GIVEAWAY
Our Women’s Bible Study is planning a Back To School Blue Jeans Give Away for the community before school starts and they hope other churches associated with the Michigan City Ministerial Alliance will lend their support. St. John’s is the collection center for the blue jeans which is set up in the hall as you enter the Narthex. The blue jeans can be new or used. If used, we ask that they would be washed, labeled with a size (if you know the size) and gently warn. The jeans can be for boy or girl, child or teen and all sizes are needed. No size will be too small or too big. The jeans will need to be turned in no later then Sunday, August 3rd and they will be distributed on Saturday, August 9th at Revival Center Church of God at 938 W. 8th St. here in Michigan City. A free, light breakfast will also be provided. We would love to have everyone participate in this project – either by donating a pair of jeans or if you prefer, you can make a financial donation and the Women’s Study group will do the shopping for you. If making a donation by check, please be sure to indicate on your check that it is for the “Jeans Giveaway.”
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR
THE HANGING OF THE GREENS
Sunday, November 23rd
after 10:00 a.m. worship
You are invited to The Hanging of the Greens, which is a great way to start the Advent Season! This is a fun time for people of all ages, children, youth and adults. Lots of trees go up, greens and wreaths are hung, and different decorations grace our building. This year we are asking everyone to come to the Fellowship Hall following the 10:00 a.m. service. We’ll share a meal and enjoy decorating the church together. There will be a sign-up sheet for families and friends to decorate one of the trees. We have plenty of decorations, but you can always bring some more if you wish!
P R A Y E R C O N C E R N S
Nursing Home Residents
Arbors of Michigan City
Martha Koehler
Frances Marks
Jeanette Peters
Elsie Wilke
Ramona Zahrndt
Brentwood Assisted Living Community
Marena Sunderland
Life Care Center of Michigan City
Leona Brown
Hamilton Grove Retirement Community
Mildred M. Hanson
AUGUST Communion AND OFFERING
Our monthly Communion will be on Sunday, August 3rd. Our Communion servers will be Dave Allison, Jack Fischbacher, Debbie Hilberg, Cal Jingst, Betty Johnson, Mike & Judy Kerestury and Bob & Lois Rumsey.
Our Communion offering will go to our Home Benevolence Account here at St. John’s. This account is established to financially assist non-members within our community and those individuals or families passing through our community in times of emergencies.
Noisy Offering
August has 5 Sundays and that means it's time to start saving your loose change for our Noisy Offering which will take place on Sunday, August 31st. The offering will be collected after the 8:00 a.m. service and during the children's sermon at the 10:00 service. The coins collected will be used in our children's Sunday School program.
SUMMER OFFICE SCHEDULE
The church office will be closed on Wednesdays through August 27. Our regular hours - 9a.m. - 3 p.m. will continue to apply to Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday. Have a great summer!
PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION
St. John’s Preschool is now taking registrations for the 2008-2009 school year. Applications are available from the church office.
CEMETERY PLOT AVAILABLE
The best reasonable offer for 2 grave sites, 1 marker and 1 vase at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens will be considered (acceptable bidding will begin at $1,500). Please contact Bob Rumsey 872-2149 or the church office 872-9121.
UNITED CHURCH FOUNDATION
ENDOWMENT FUND 6-30-2008
Units Unit Price Book Value Market Value
7766.92 7.9163 $57,515.44 $61,485.29
Many thanks to all individuals who have invested in this fund over the years. It was started in the 4th quarter of 1997 with an investment of $1,500.00. God’s blessings to all.
In Christian Love, Bob Rumsey
PASTOR VICTORIA UBBEN UPDATE
Victoria has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for cancer. Her tumor has shrunk to the size of a pea. No other cancer has been found elsewhere in her body. The chemotherapy has done its job and she is going to recover from these massive doses before beginning radiation treatments.
She thanks you all for your love and support and most of all for your prayers.
More details are posted on the main bulletin board.
ST. JOHN’S BIBLE PRINTS EXHIBIT
Lubeznik Center for the Arts
101 West 2nd St., Michigan City, IN
Hours: Tue.-Fri. 10-5, Sat. & Sun. 11-4
July 12—August 30
At the dawn of the twenty-first century, Saint John's Abbey and University seek to ignite the spiritual imagination of believers throughout the world by commissioning a work of art that illuminates the Word of God for a new millennium. The Saint John's Bible will be the first commissioned handwritten, monumental, illuminated Bible in the modern era.
When completed in 2009, all the books of the Old and New Testaments will be presented in seven large scale volumes, and they will have a permanent home at Saint John's Abbey and University in Collegeville, Minnesota. The Saint John's Bible is incorporating many of the characteristics of its medieval predecessors: it is being written on vellum, using quills, natural handmade inks, hand ground pigments and gild such as gold leaf, silver leaf and platinum. And yet, it is employing the modern, English translation the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) as well as contemporary scripts and illumination. It truly is a Bible for our times.
Thank You, Al’s Valueland
A letter of thanks has been sent to Al’s for their generous donation of supplies that tremendously helped reduce the expenses for our Fish Fry. They graciously donated paper towels, plates, utensils, vinegar, oil, celery seed, bread, coffee, lemon juice, ketchup, sandwich bags and various size containers for our carry out service. If you have an opportunity, please acknowledge their generosity to our church and support them by shopping at one of the Al’s stores whenever possible.
What Do You Get?
What do you get when you cross 389 pounds of fish, 250 pounds of potato salad, 150 pounds of coleslaw, 35 loaves of bread, 704 servings of lemonade, 150 cups of coffee, and smiles, too many to count? Answer…a successful Fish Fry! We could not have done it without the wonderful help of so many – thanks to everyone who volunteered their time, the financial support, sugar for the coleslaw, the tickets and those delicious pies. See You Friday, June 12, 2009!
Fish Fry Facts
We served 484 guests in the Fellowship Hall, sold 16 family buckets and 61 dinners through our carry out service and sold 468 pieces of pie/cake. Our income was $4970.00 and our expenses were $2464.59 for a profit of $2505.41.
Profits From The Fish Fry
Crosscurrent Ministry and the Social and Learning Institute For The Disadvantaged, both located here in Michigan City, will each received $500.00 from our Fish Fry Profits. The balance of $1505.41 went to our Parking Lot Fund.
Feed The Hungry
Not only did we feed those who attended our Fish Fry but we were also able to help in our community. Coleslaw, potato salad and bread were given to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for the Michigan City Soup Kitchen. We were also able to supply our Missions Committee with the same supplies for the Habitat for Humanity lunch they sponsored. This goes right along with our mission statement – “Love The Lord, Share The Faith, Serve All People.”
LET’S GO M. A.D.
Come and experience how YOU can make a difference for the kingdom of God. Share this unique experience and bring a friend.
Classes are on Tuesdays through September 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. here at St. John’s. Contact Pastor Fine today or call 872-9121.
IT’S FREE
At the Michigan City Skate Park
On Saturday, August 9th, Good News, a Christ-centered group of local evangelical Christians, will sponsor: Live Music Refreshments Crafts
Games & Prizes Free Throw Shootout
Come and join the fun - It’s Free!!!
FREE FOR THE TAKING
T-120 VHS TAPES
The tapes are available in the church library, so bring bags/boxes to stock up for your future recording. Each tape has been used only twice for the recording of Sunday worship services. They are in excellent condition and there are many of them to share.
ST. JOHN’S FALL FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 27 & 28
Last year the Christian Nurture Committee, with the help of many in the congregation, held a successful Fall Festival. Our profit this year will again be used for our camperships and other creative ways to extend Christian Nurture to benefit areas not specifically budgeted by the church. God inspired ideas are always welcome!
The most ambitious part of the Festival is the Nelson’s Port-A-Pit Chicken sales for Saturday, September 27th. Tickets to sell or purchase will be mailed to you early this month. If someone doesn’t receive tickets or is able to sell more than received, they will be available from me or the church office. I’ve been assured the Port-A-Pit chicken is as good after freezing and reheating later. Purchasing and donating the chicken would be a wonderful mission project. I will be looking for help on Saturday, September 27, for our semicircular “drive through.”
On both days we will be selling baked goods, and fall craft items and donated produce. Saturday, the 27th, is also the last day of the Fall Rummage Sale. This event may bring additional people to our Festival. Let’s do our best to make this a banner year!
God bless you,
Greg Kearney - 872-5366
P. S. Please don’t refrain from calling late or leaving a message on my answering machine. I will be teaching and coaching in the fall.
2008 Fish Fry Volunteers
Chair Couples: Jim & Connie Robinson, Mike & Debbie Dill
Host & Hostess: Pastor Bill & Sarah Fine
Fish Breaders: Les Ast, Team Captain - Bob Burkhart, Tom Corzan, Hank Crama, Dale Schultz, Bob Trella, Bud White, Roger Wilke and “Honorary Taste Tester” Don Otto.
Beverages: Esther Schlegelmilch & Judy Kerestury, Team Captains - Jane & Peter Bishop, Lora Dietz, Anthony Holt, Marilyn Hupertz, Jane McEwan, Phyllis Nowatzke, Emogene Otto, Allyson Richards, Hanna, Joyce & Kathy Westphal and Gracie Zemrowski.
Kitchen: Connie Robinson, Team Captain - Leni Barugh, Kirk Bos, Cindy Corzan, Emma Jean Kinsey, Jenni & Chris Kaufman, and Nancy Knapp.
Dining Room: Elaine Burkhart, Team Captain - Erica Bailey, Gail Bos, Betty Bowlby, Lynda Ferry, Shelby Fredenburg, April, Karen & Rachel Lawrenz, Sue Lied, Brittany Lykins, Barbara Macalka, Pat Maddox, Joey & Sue Novak, Jean Squires, Joan Staffel and Dolores Van Ulzen.
Carry Out: Debbie Dill, Team Captain - Sue Contri, Cal Jingst, Dawn & Larry Sadenwater, Allen & Doreen Zepik.
Fish Servers: Kent Lange, Team Captain - Arnold Bos, Bob Burkhart, Brian Dombrowsky, Greg Kearney, Mike Kerestury, Dee Ana & Mark Reichmuth, Phil Smith and Eric & Gary Wagenblast.
Traffic Control: Kirk Bos, Team Captain - John Bauer, Tom Ferry and Otto Schroeder.
Ticket Sales: Tom Cipares, Team Captain - Jeanne & Laura Bennett, Sandy Cipares, Cindy Corzan, Ed Dashbach, Jerry Knapp, Greg Levendoski and Susan Swistek.
Cut & Sell Pies: Lois Rumsey, Elsie Mae White & Jan Trella, Team Captains - Betty Bauer, Jane Bishop, Ruth Deutscher, Alice Flotow, Emma Jean Kinsey, April & Rachel Lawrenz, Phyllis Nowatzke, Evelyn Peo, Betty Wilke, Pam Zemrowski and “The Pie Man,” Dr. Craig McEwan.
Publicity: Debbie Dill
Coleslaw Chefs: Sandy Cook, Team Captain - Dave Blackie, Dick Cook, Debbie Dill, Phyllis Nowatzke, Debby & Allison Richards, Esther Schlegelmilch, Jan Trella and Joyce Westphal.
Table Usher: Dick Cook
Set Up/Take Down: Jim Robinson & Mike Dill, Team Leaders - Lest Ast, Hank Crama, Greg Levendoski, Dale Schultz, Rich Sparks, Joann & Joe Tanski, Bob Trella, Roger Wilke, our custodian Roger Wingard, and a cast of thousands who stayed to help.
We certainly hope we haven’t missed anyone in this list of volunteers. If we have, please accept our apologies. All of you played an important part in the success of the Fish Fry with many of you helping out in more than one area. We couldn’t have done it without your assistance and support.
In Christian Friendship, Jim & Connie Robinson and Mike & Debbie Dill
STEWARDSHIP
GIVERS – TAKERS - KEEPERS
“Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38
Giving is an attitude. It is a way of life. Some people are givers – others takers – and some are keepers. Whether we give of our money, time, talents, or love, as Jesus reminds us, “Give and it will be given to you.”
Money was the theme or in some way entered into the majority of the sermons and addresses of Jesus. One verse out of every six in Matthew, Mark, and Luke is on this subject. At least twelve of Jesus’ thirty-eight parables deal with the right or wrong use of money.
It has been said that if any Christian tithes, five surprises will take place in their lives:
1. The amount of money he has for the Lord’s work.
2. The deepening of his spiritual life.
3. The ease in meeting his own obligations.
4. The preparation this gives to be a faithful and wise steward of the
nine-tenths that remains.
5. For not adopting the plan sooner.
Prayer, “Dear God, please help me to be a giver, first to you and then to others – and never just a taker or a keeper. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
References: Dr. Menninger – Menninger Clinic
A Tithing Church – Charlie W. Shedd
Luke 6:38
In Christian Love, Bob Rumsey