July 23 Weekly News

AUGUST CALENDAR AND NEWS ITEMS need to be given to Becky by TOMORROW.

LADIES AID MEMBERS are reminded of their Bible study and meeting this Wednesday, July 26, at 9:00 a.m.  Guests are always welcome!

WCLS REGISTRATION: School registration for students in grades 3-8 will be held this Friday, July 28, from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 5:30-7:00 p.m.  Families are reminded that Mrs. Sons will not be present during the morning time due to a prior commitment, so if you would like to meet her, please plan on attending during the evening time.  Students in grades K-2 and all new students are being visited by their teachers.

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO the concert, Pray About Everything, featuring Guy Penrod at the First Baptist Church in Seymour on Sunday, August 6, at 6:30 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m.  Tickets are $20/person and are available online at itickets.com or by calling the First Baptist Church office at 812-522-1909.  Guy was the lead singer for the Gaither Vocal Band for many years. 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Work day to clean up the church/school grounds will be held Saturday, August 12. At 8:00 a.m.  Bring your rakes, trimmers, shovels, and lots of energy to spruce up around the church and school.  Rain date will be August 19.

SEVERAL AREA CHURCHES have recently suffered acts of vandalism.  If you are out and about, please keep an eye out for anything unusual around our church and school property.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:   Romans 8:18

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”  It is very easy to get caught up in the present and lose track of our ultimate destiny in the Kingdom of God.  St. Paul encourages us to keep eternity in mind.  This certainly has an application to our support for the Gospel – if we keep our focus on “the glory to be revealed” we will see our tithes and offerings in a new light.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

July 16 Weekly News

                

MANY THANKS TO Rev. Greg Cynova for leading us in worship this morning.  Pastor Whitmore will be returning from vacation this Friday, July 21.

THERE WILL BE NO Bible Study this Wednesday, July 19, as Pastor Whitmore is on vacation.

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS are reminded they will meet this evening at Bob Evans restaurant at 5:30 p.m. for supper and will then return to the Fellowship Room for their monthly meeting and socializing.  Guests are always welcome!

THE ANNIVERSARY DINNER of the CrossLife Ministries Auxiliary will be held tomorrow evening, Monday, July 17, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Dudleytown.  All are invited to enjoy the evening of fellowship and become more familiar with this ministry to individuals, marriages, and families throughout Jackson and Bartholomew counties.  Please bring a covered dish to share.  Drinks and anniversary cake will be provided.

A BENEFIT CONCERT for Our Hospice of South Central Indiana will be held at St. Paul, Clifty, this Friday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m.  Robin Gratz will be the organist.  A free-will offering will be received for Hospice.  Everyone is invited.

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED:  Trinity Lutheran high School has been welcoming more international students to the community, and we are in need of host families for at least 4 students this upcoming year.  Places are needed for girls from China, Vietnam, and Germany, and a boy from South Korea.  The visiting student provides a monthly stipend to families for help with food and transportation costs while here.  Please contact Ben Stellwagen (812-524-8547 or bstellwagen@trinitycougars.org) for more information.  Please give prayerful consideration to hosting one of these students and, as a result, help share the Gospel with the community abroad!

SEVERAL AREA CHURCHES have recently suffered acts of vandalism.  If you are out and about, please keep an eye out for anything unusual around our church and school property.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:   Romans 8:12

“So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.”  We owe the flesh, the world, and the devil nothing at all.  We are not debtors to these enemies: we are freed by the blood of Christ.  We are joyful servants in Christ’s kingdom – servants that He calls friends.  We share our Lord’s plans and purposes – and this gives direction and purpose to our lives.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

July 9 Weekly News

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ITEMS need to be given to Becky by TOMORROW.

PASTOR WHITMORE & FAMILY will be leaving on vacation this Thursday, July 13, and will return on Friday, July 21.  If pastoral care is needed during this time, please contact one of our elders, Ben Peters, Paul Otte, or Rex Enzinger.  Rev. Greg Cynova, a retired pastor from Fort Wayne, now living in Franklin, will lead us in worship next Sunday and Wednesday, July 19.

THERE WILL BE NO Bible Study on Wednesday, July 19, as Pastor Whitmore will be on vacation.

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS are reminded they will meet next Sunday evening,  July 16,  at 5:30 p.m. for supper and will then return to the Fellowship Room for their monthly meeting and socializing.  Guests are always welcome!

A CD RELEASE Praise and Worship Celebration will be held at Ogilville Christian Church this evening at 6:30 p.m. With a lot of help and participation from drummer, Greg Hercamp, the worship team at OCC has recorded a CD.  This celebration will include lots of worship in song and sharing about the making of the CD.  Cupcakes and ice cream will follow.  Everyone is invited to join them!

THE ANNIVERSARY DINNER of the CrossLife Ministries Auxiliary will be held on Monday, July 17, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Dudleytown.  All are invited to enjoy the evening of fellowship and become more familiar with this ministry to individuals, marriages, and families throughout Jackson and Bartholomew counties.  Please bring a covered dish to share.  Drinks and anniversary cake will be provided.

A BENEFIT CONCERT for Our Hospice of South Central Indiana will be held at St. Paul, Clifty, on Friday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m.  Robin Gratz will be the organist.  A free-will offering will be received for Hospice.  Everyone is invited.

HOST FAMILIES NEEDED:  Trinity Lutheran high School has been welcoming more international students to the community, and we are in need of host families for at least 4 students this upcoming year.  Places are needed for girls from China, Vietnam, and Germany, and a boy from South Korea.  The visiting student provides a monthly stipend to families for help with food and transportation costs while here.  Please contact Ben Stellwagen (812-524-8547 or bstellwagen@trinitycougars.org) for more information.  Please give prayerful consideration to hosting one of these students and, as a result, help share the Gospel with the community abroad!

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:   Matthew 11:28

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Jesus has come to do the work so that we might have rest from burdens and labors we are not capable of bearing.  He frees us from sin, death, and the demands of the Law.  In that peace and rest of Jesus we find a new purpose – His light yoke which is no burden to bear, but a joy!

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

July 2 Weekly News

WE REJOICE WITH Brent & Charissa Reedy, as they bring their daughter, ADALYNN FAYE, to be baptized this morning.  God’s blessings to you, Adalynn!

WE INCLUDE prayers today for the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces in remembering the men and women of our armed forces and the chaplains who bring them the changeless Gospel message in a challenging and dangerous world.  Please note today’s insert.

THE QUARTERLY VOTERS’ MEETING will be held this morning after worship.  All confirmed members of our congregation, 18 years and older, are encouraged to attend.

THE ELDERS will meet this Wednesday, July 5, after worship.

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet this Thursday, July 6, at 5:30 p.m.

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ITEMS need to be given to Becky by Monday, July 10.

JOIN US in giving thanks that God has provided us with a teacher for next year following Mr. Noelker’s announcement that he has accepted a call to Michigan.  Mrs. Jessica (Rieckers) Sons will be teaching departmentalized social studies and science for our upper graders and serving as sixth grade homeroom teacher.  Mrs. Sons has a degree in history, is a member at St. John’s, Sauers, and is active in 4-H.  We welcome her and include her and all of our staff as they prepare for the new school year.

KINDERGARTEN SURVEY:  As a follow-up to the suggestion left for the Board of Education to consider 5-day kindergarten, a survey was requested of the congregation over the past few weeks.  These are the results: 21 in favor of 5-day kindergarten, 9 against, and 1 undecided.  These results lead the Board to continue to look at the various aspects of this situation, and in the future more input may be requested of St. John’s members.

BRICKS for our sidewalk and Memorial Garden may be ordered anytime from now through Labor Day.  Cost is $100/brick.  Contact Ernie & Donna Dettmer or Larry & Janice Claycamp to order.

A CD RELEASE Praise and Worship Celebration will be held at Ogilville Christian Church on Sunday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. With a lot of help and participation from drummer, Greg Hercamp, the worship team at OCC has recorded a CD.  This celebration will include lots of worship in song and sharing about the making of the CD.  Cupcakes and ice cream will follow.  Everyone is invited to join them!

THE ANNIVERSARY DINNER of the CrossLife Ministries Auxiliary will be held on Monday, July 17, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Dudleytown.  All are invited to enjoy the evening of fellowship and become more familiar with this ministry to individuals, marriages, and families throughout Jackson and Bartholomew counties.  Please bring a covered dish to share.  Drinks and anniversary cake will be provided.

HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF EVENTS RELATIVE TO THE REFORMATION:

1506 – Luther takes final vows as Augustinian Monk, autumn

1507 – Luther ordained priest at Erfurt Cathedral, April 3

1509 – John Calvin born in Noyon, France, July 10

·         Luther obtains Bachelor of Theology degree, March 9; returns to Erfurt

·         Henry VIII becomes king of England

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:   Matthew 10:42

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”  The tithes and offerings you give to the Lord’s work in His church go to supporting all manner of discipleship: they provide for a minister of the Gospel to preach, teach, and conduct the Sacraments; they provide for our missionaries and ministries of mercy here and abroad; and they make sure that the folks in your area have a place to go to worship the Lord.  The Lord is pleased with this work – and He wants to bless you through supporting it.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

June 25 Weekly News

PORTALS OF PRAYER devotional books for July-September are available in the narthex if you did not receive one last week.  Large print are also available.

JULY CALENDAR AND NEWS will be available from the ushers after today’s worship.

THE QUARTERLY VOTERS’ MEETING will be held next Sunday, July 2, after worship.

LADIES AID MEMBERS are reminded that they will NOT meet this Wednesday, but will meet this Thursday, June 29, at 9:00 a.m. at the Orphan Grain Train warehouse in Jonesville to help sort items.  Guests are welcome to join them – they will lunch at The Brick afterwards!

POSITION AVAILABLE:  Mr. Jay Noelker has accepted a call to a school in Michigan.  We wish him God’s blessings as he makes this change.  White Creek Lutheran School is accepting applications for a social studies/science teacher for the middle and upper grades for the 2017-2018 school year.  Questions and resumes may be directed to the school office.

KINDERGARTEN SURVEY:  As a follow-up to the suggestion left for the Board of Education to consider 5-day kindergarten, a survey was requested of the congregation over the past few weeks.  These are the results: 21 in favor of 5-day kindergarten, 9 against, and 1 undecided.  These results lead the Board to continue to look at the various aspects of this situation, and in the future, more input may be requested of St. John’s members.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Rev. Jacob & Emily Hercamp on the birth of their daughter, ELLA MARGRETE HERCAMP, this past Tuesday, June 20.  Ella arrived weighing 7 lbs. 5 ozs. and measuring 20 ins.  Everyone is doing fine – God’s blessings to them!

FOSTER FAMILIES like you are needed for youth in our community!  Answer the call and offer a safe and welcoming home to a child in our community.  Call 812-376-9361 or email  www.IN.gov/dcs/foster to learn how you can become certified to be a foster parent today.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:   Romans 6:13

“Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.”  Everything we have – even our own existence, our very selves – is a gift from God to be used for His purposes.  God has called you to be His own and has given you tasks to perform in home, church, and society.  How will you serve Him today?

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

June 18 Weekly News

TODAY’S ALTAR FLOWERS have been given by the family of Don Linnemeier in loving memory of him as he passed to his heavenly home 40 years ago this Thursday, June 22.

PORTALS OF PRAYER devotional books will be available from the ushers after today’s worship.  Large print are also available.

JULY CALENDAR AND NEWS ITEMS need to be given to Becky by tomorrow.

FILL A BOTTLE. CHANGE A LIFE!  Did you bring your baby bottle back?  The Baby Bottle Campaign ends today, and we’re collecting the bottles to give them back to Clarity Pregnancy Center so your change can start changing lives! If you forgot to bring it today, you can return it to Becky in the church office by this Wednesday. 

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet this Tuesday, June 20, at 5:30 p.m.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS are reminded of their meeting this Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

IN CELEBRATION of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation, White Creek is joining the other Columbus Lutheran churches in hosting a German food booth at this year’s Ethnic Expo.  We are putting together a 10 member team of White Creek volunteers to work the booth on Friday, October 13, from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to grill brats, take orders, plate food, take money, or be a “go for.”  If you would like this opportunity to be a part of the Expo action and see lots of people, please let Jean Voelker, Janeen Blomenberg, or Becky know by today.  All proceeds from this food booth will support the Orphan Grain Train.

To the members of St. John’s:

Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus! I desire to thank all of you who were in attendance to witness my ordination. It was a special honor to come home to the church where I was baptized and confirmed and then be ordained and consecrated to serve as a Pastor in the LCMS. Thank you for your continued prayers and other gifts throughout my time of formation before and during seminary, for me and my growing family. I ask that you keep us all in your prayers as we move to St. Peter’s, La Grange, MO, to serve the saints there. I cannot say thanks enough for all that you as a congregation have done for me throughout my life. “May the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20-21

In Christ,

Rev. Jacob Hercamp and Family

A HUGE THANK-YOU to everyone who helped and participated in the White Creek Resale!  The donated item sale area, vendor fees, beach ball sales, and table tithes brought our total contribution to the building fund to a wonderful $1,050.00!  We hope to repeat this fun event in the future!

FOSTER FAMILIES like you are needed for youth in our community!  Answer the call and offer a safe and welcoming home to a child in our community.  Call 812-376-9361 or email  www.IN.gov/dcs/foster to learn how you can become certified to be a foster parent today.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:   Romans 5:8

“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  God did not wait for mankind to make the first move.  He did not wait for Adam and Eve to come looking for Him – but He went and found them.  And while we were still sinners, still enemies of God, still set against Him, He sent His Son Jesus to suffer, die, and rise for us.  God was moved by His own love and generosity and kindness.  We now seek to grow up into His image as loving, generous, and kind sons and daughters of the Heavenly Father.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

June 11 Weekly News

THE STAFF OF the Indiana District meets for prayer and Bible Study on Monday mornings.  At this time, they pray for the congregations and schools of the district.  This week our congregation will be in their prayers.  Continue to remember them in your prayers as they carry out the work of the Kingdom.

SUMMER BIBLE STUDY:  Pastor Whitmore continues to lead the Bible study on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. before worship studying the Scriptures along-side the book, “Tortured for Christ,” which is a first-hand account of Rev. Richard Wurmbrand and his experiences of being tortured for his faith in Jesus.  All are welcome to attend!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:  Vacation Bible School, Mighty Fortress, begins this evening through Thursday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for children PreK-6th grade.  A family cookout/pitch-in meal will be held on Thursday evening.  Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be furnished-families are asked to bring a dish to share.  The children will present a short program.

THE STEWARDSHIP MEETING will be held this Tuesday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m.

FILL A BOTTLE. CHANGE A LIFE!  Still have your baby bottle for Clarity’s Baby Bottle Campaign?  It’s not too late to see your change change lives through their ministry. Bottles may be brought to the narthex or the church office.  Every filled baby bottle is a gift that helps to save a life.  Join in and make a difference, one life at a time.

GIFT CARDS for “Gifts From the Heart” for the Albuquerque Christian Children, Care Net, Lutheran World Relief, and Ysleta Lutheran Mission may be given to Jean Voelker yet TODAY.  Jean will be taking them with her to the LWML Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 22-25.

BRICKS for our sidewalk and Memorial Garden may be ordered anytime from now through Labor Day.  Cost is $100/brick.  Contact Ernie & Donna Dettmer or Larry & Janice Claycamp to order.

COPIES OF the kindergarten survey are available in the narthex for those who have not yet had a chance to respond.  Please note that this is just a survey to seek interest, opinions and input from the congregation.  Responses may be dropped in the box provided in the narthex by this Thursday, June 15.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  White Creek Lutheran School is accepting applications for the position of teaching assistant.  The position is part-time and will involve working with students from grades K-6 (possibly grades K-8).  Please send your resume to the school office by this Wednesday, June 14.

IN CELEBRATION of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation, White Creek is joining the other Columbus Lutheran churches in hosting a German food booth at this year’s Ethnic Expo.  We are putting together a 10 member team of White Creek volunteers to work the booth on Friday, October 13, from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. to grill brats, take orders, plate food, take money, or be a “go for.”  If you would like this opportunity to be a part of the Expo action and see lots of people, please let Jean Voelker, Janeen Blomenberg, or Becky know by next Sunday, June 18.  All proceeds from this food booth will support the Orphan Grain Train.

CHURCH NURSERY:  As we teach our children what it means to worship God and be respectful to those who have gathered to receive His blessings, it is understood that some Sundays will be more trying than others.  What can we say?  They are learning.  For those Sundays when things are more trying, the narthex and the kindergarten room (which is through the doors of the school and to the right at the end of the hall) are available for those who would like to use them.  Please feel free to ask the elder or usher for assistance, if needed.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Matt. 28:19-20

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” 

Behold the threefold name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  This is the name we are baptized into.  We have been made a part of God’s family.  And so we are now called to live lives that are in harmony with our new family: we are to be godly, to live in God’s image.  As God is loving and kind and generous – so we are called to be.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T