October 22 Weekly News

WE REJOICE WITH Dalton & Hannah Thompson as they bring their son, MAVERICK SCOTT, to be baptized.  Maverick’s sponsors are his uncles, Sean Mensendiek and Kaleb Thompson.  God’s blessings to you, Maverick!

PIE SUNDAY: Pie sheets are being handed to all worshipers today.  Please complete this pie sheet (you may also color it if you like!) and return it so it can be posted on the windows in the narthex.  A Christian Growth Card is also being given to each family of our congregation and is intended to help each family sit down and consider what gifts God has given to them and what they are doing with those gifts.  These will then be put into sealed envelopes to be put in a basket in the church on November 12.  Next year they will be mailed back to each family so that each family can see how they did with the goals that they set. 

SHARE YOUR GERMAN/LUTHERAN HERITAGE:  As part of our 500th Anniversary of the Reformation celebration, we would like to have on display items related to our German/Lutheran heritage - German baptismal, wedding, and confirmation certificates, old photos, German books, German Bibles and hymnals, and anything relating to the past.  If you have something that you would like to share, please contact Jean Voelker, Janeen Blomenberg, or Becky THIS WEEK for information cards to go with your items.

PASTOR WHITMORE will be attending the Indiana District Pastors’ Conference in Indianapolis Monday-Wednesday this week

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

LADIES AID will meet this Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. for Bible study and their monthly meeting.  Guests are always welcome!

BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet this Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE there will be NO Sunday School and Adult Bible Study next Sunday due to the special Reformation activities planned.  Check out the Reformation Celebration invitation included with today’s bulletin.

BUILDING FUND ENVELOPES are available in the narthex for your remaining pledge/contribution to our “Arise and Build” school expansion project.

“THERE ARE MANY times that we are humbled by the way that the love of God shows itself in our lives through others.  My family and I have been both humbled and grateful for the many blessings that so many of you have showered on us since we have been here at White Creek – for the fruit, the meat, the baby gifts, the cassock and cross, but especially the love that we have known from all of you since we have been here – thank you and God’s blessings as we continue to await the coming of our Lord in His splendor.”  In Christ – Pastor Whitmore & Family

“MANY THANKS TO our church family for all the thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement given to us before and after Claire’s recent surgery.  With all the prayers, Claire is well on the road to recovery!  God’s blessings to all!”  Love from Kevin, Rachel, Claire, and CJ Kidd.

EVERYONE IS INVITED to the wedding of Claire Perry and Derek Wessel here at St. John’s next Saturday, October 28, at 4:30 p.m. and to the reception following at Chateau de Pique, Seymour.

“LEGACY OF FAITH” is the theme for the 13^th Annual Lakeview Dinner Auction, which will be held on Saturday, November 18, at the Primo Banquet Hall & Conference Center in Indianapolis.  Tickets are $50/person or a table of 8 for $400.  Contact the camp office at 812-342-4815 to get information on how to get half price tickets!  All proceeds benefit God’s work being done at Lakeview Ministries.  For more information, call the camp office or email office@lakeviewministries.com.

GERMAN HERITAGE EVENT:  Guest speaker, Ken Selking, will give two presentations about Pastor Wyneken on Sunday, November 12, at St. Paul, Clifty.  Wyneken was a Lutheran pastor in Germany who came to America in 1838 to serve people on the frontier (Indiana).  Mr. Selking will be dressed in period clothing to tell the story of this pioneer religious leader.  He will also talk about the spiritual life of the early German immigrants.  There will be a church service at 8:00 a.m., followed by a coffee hour and the presentation beginning at 9:30 a.m.  The second service will begin at 10:45 a.m., followed by the Girl Scout Chili Cook-off/Lunch at 12:00.  A second presentation will begin at 1:30 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to come for all or part of the day.  Mr. Selking is president of the Friends of Wyneken.  This committee of members of the Indiana German Heritage Society was formed in 2004 to preserve the home of Pastor Wyneken, located near Decatur, Indiana, which will be used as an Educational Center to promote the area’s German-American heritage.  More information can be found at their website, FriendsofWyneken.org.

PASTOR WHITMORE’S SERMONS are now posted on our church’s website, www.whitecreek.org.  Please feel free to share!

PIRATES OF PENZANCE will be held at Trinity on November 2, 3, 4, and 5 at 7:00 p.m., with an additional performance on Sunday, the 5^th, at 3:00 p.m.  Tickets are $10/person and may be purchased through the Trinity office.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the 2018 Trinity Auction to be held on Saturday, February 24, at Trinity Lutheran High School.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    Matt. 22:21              

“Then he said to them, ‘Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’”  So what is Jesus saying?  Doesn’t everything belong to God?  Yes – and God has a place for everything.  Some of what He gives us goes to Caesar.  Some must come back to the work of His Church.  And some goes to support the families He has given us.  All belongs to God – and He has work for us to do with what He has given us in the Home, in the Church, and in Society.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

October 15 Weekly News

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND ADULT BIBLE STUDY meet after church – children gather in the Fellowship Room for opening and adults meet in the school cafeteria.  All are invited to come and share in the study of God’s Word!

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS (guests always welcome!) will meet this evening at 5:30 p.m. at the St. Peter, Waymansville, Fish Fry for supper and will then return to the Fellowship Room to play cards.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND our goal of paying off the school expansion loan this month.  Building Fund envelopes are available in the narthex for your remaining pledge/contribution.

“EACH ONE must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)  Here Saint Paul is describing what our giving should and should not be.  With this in mind, the Saint John's Stewardship Committee will be handing out commitment sheets to each family of our congregation.  These sheets are intended to help each family sit down and consider what gifts that God has given to them and what they are doing with those gifts.  The head of each household is asked to sit and  discuss with their family how they see their giving in the next year so that our giving won't be reluctant or under compulsion, but cheerful as we consider all that God has given to us.  The envelopes will then be put in a basket in the church on November 12.  No one at the church will look at them, but next year they will be mailed back to each family so that each family can see how they did with the goals that they set.  We will say more about this project next week.  Until then, God's blessings as you hold on to the true treasure that is stored for you in heaven.

WORSHIP, a play, food, fun and a photo booth – how do these fit together?  Find out for yourself when you join in the celebration of the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation on October 29^th.  The day will start at 9:00 a.m. with a Reformation Reenactment by out junior high students, followed by worship at 10:00 a.m.  After church, we will enjoy a meal of brats, pork burgers, hot dogs (this will be furnished) and your favorite (German) side dish that you bring to share.  Drinks and tableware will also be provided.  After lunch, there will be a Reformation Walk and a variety of games, crafts, and activities for younger children and their parents, while the older children and adults can enjoy Reformation Bingo, compete in a Bible Smuggling contest or Racing for Life, pose for a Reformation photo shoot, or reminisce over items related to our heritage.  Come and enjoy the day with your White Creek family!

SHARE YOUR GERMAN/LUTHERAN HERITAGE:  As part of our 500th Anniversary of the Reformation celebration, we would like to have on display items related to our German/Lutheran heritage - German baptismal, wedding, and confirmation certificates, old photos, German books, German Bibles and hymnals, and anything relating to the past.  If you have something that you would like to share, please contact Jean Voelker, Janeen Blomenberg, or Becky for information cards to go with your items.

LWML ZONE FALL RALLY:  Showing Mercy Near and Far is the theme of the LWML Fall Rally to be held at Grace, Columbus, next Saturday, October 21, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  The program will feature Gene Ernst, manager of the local Orphan Grain Train, followed by a workshop to assemble cleaning buckets for that organization. The following donations are being collected for this workshop:    **1 large sponge    **1 roll paper towels    **2 gallons liquid cleaner 

(Mr. Clean, Pine Sol, Lysol)  **1 powder cleaner (Comet, Ajax)   **1 pair kitchen latex gloves 

**1 broom **1 mop                                        

The Orphan Grain Train is also receiving hygiene items: soap, wash cloth, toothbrush and paste, shampoo, deodorant, tissue packets all wrapped up in a large bath towel and secured with two heavy rubber bands.  All items may be brought to the narthex by this Wednesday.

A REFORMATION ORGAN CONCERT will be held this Friday, October 20, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul, Clifty.  Dr. John Allegar, Education Coordinator for the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, will perform music inspired by the German Reformation, works by Bach, Cherwein, Buxtehude, Seigart, Mendelssohn, Luther and Lovelace. Everyone is cordially invited.

FISH FRY:  St. Peter, Waymansville, Adult Fellowship will hold its Annual Fish Fry this evening from 4:00-7:00 p.m.   Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide supplemental funds.  Everyone invited.

PIRATES OF PENZANCE will be held at Trinity on November 2, 3, 4, and 5 at 7:00 p.m., with an additional performance on Sunday, the 5^th, at 3:00 p.m.  Tickets are $10/person and may be purchased through the Trinity office.

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL is sponsoring a donation drawing, Tickets for Textbooks.  For every $20 donated, a ticket will be placed in a drawing for one of three items – a 2018 Ranger Polaris XP 900 EPS, a Tikka T3K Hunter .308 caliber rifle, or an LG 55” Ultra HD 4K Smart HDTV.  Donate $100 and get 6 tickets (buy 5, get 1 free).  See our Trinity representatives, Sue Voelker or Tom Schroer, to make your donation or check at any of Trinity’s upcoming sporting events.  The drawing will be held at the home boys’ basketball game on Friday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m.

DEPOSITS OF $362.00 (church), $402.00 (school), and $297.00 (foundation) have been make on behalf of Thrivent Financial’s Thrivent Choice Program by the directed choice dollars of Dale & Bettie Burbrink, Mark & Jan Buss, Ernie & Donna Dettmer, Keith Hercamp, Jean Jack, Linda Reedy, and Brian Schultz.

EVERYONE IS INVITED to the wedding of Claire Perry and Derek Wessel here at St. John’s on Saturday, October 28, at 4:30 p.m. and to the reception following at Chateau de Pique, Seymour.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    Matt. 22:5              

“But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business.”  The invitation to join God in His feast and in His work is easily ignored.  The rest of life seems so much more pressing, and we always think that there will be another time when we can catch back up with God.  But what joys are we missing when we set aside God’s invitation to join Him in His plans and purposes?  What inheritance are we trading for the world’s bowl of pottage?

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

October 8 Weekly News

THE BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP will meet this Tuesday, October 10, at 6:30 p.m.

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS (guests always welcome!) will meet next Sunday, October 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the St. Peter, Waymansville, Fish Fry for supper and will then return to the Fellowship Room to play cards.

YOUTH GROUPS will meet next Sunday, October 15, at 7:00 p.m.

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND our goal of paying off the school expansion loan this month.  As of September 15, the bank account balance of the Building Fund was $10,021.71.  The loan payoff is now $42,300.00.  To reach our goal, we need to raise $32,278.29 by the end of October.  Building Fund envelopes are available in the narthex for your remaining pledge/contribution. – Phil Burbrink, Building Fund Treasurer 

“EACH ONE must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)  Here Saint Paul is describing what our giving should and should not be.  With this in mind, the Saint John's Stewardship Committee will be handing out commitment sheets to each family of our congregation.  These sheets are intended to help each family sit down and consider what gifts that God has given to them and what they are doing with those gifts.  The head of each household is asked to sit and  discuss with their family how they see their giving in the next year so that our giving won't be reluctant or under compulsion, but cheerful as we consider all that God has given to us.  The envelopes will then be put in a basket in the church on November 12.  No one at the church will look at them, but next year they will be mailed back to each family so that each family can see how they did with the goals that they set.  We will say more about this project next week.  Until then, God's blessings as you hold on to the true treasure that is stored for you in heaven.

IF YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN your Reformation Theses items or donation for shipping, please turn that in to the church office as soon as possible.

WHITE CREEK will celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation with a day of worship, food and fun on October 29.  The day will start at 9:00 a.m. with a Reformation Reenactment by our junior high students.  This will be followed by a worship service with Holy Communion at 10:00 a.m.  After church, we will join together for a meal.  Brats, pork burgers, and hot dogs and ice tea and lemonade, as well as tableware will be provided.  Please bring your favorite (German) side dish or dessert to share.  After we eat, there will be games and activities for all ages to participate in or watch!  There will also be special displays of items related to our German and Lutheran heritage.

SHARE YOUR GERMAN/LUTHERAN HERITAGE:  As part of our 500th Anniversary of the Reformation celebration, we would like to have on display items related to our German/Lutheran heritage - German baptismal, wedding, and confirmation certificates, old photos, German books, German Bibles and hymnals, and anything relating to the past.  If you have something that you would like to share, please contact Jean Voelker, Janeen Blomenberg, or Becky for information cards to go with your items.

LWML ZONE FALL RALLY:  Showing Mercy Near and Far is the theme of the LWML Fall Rally to be held at Grace, Columbus, October 21, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  The program will feature Gene Ernst, manager of the local Orphan Grain Train, followed by a workshop to assemble cleaning buckets for that organization.                                 

The following donations are being collected for this workshop: **1 large sponge    **1 roll paper towels    **2 gallons liquid cleaner Mr. Clean, Pine Sol, Lysol)  **1 powder cleaner (Comet, Ajax)     **1 pair kitchen latex gloves **1 broom **1 mop                                                                         

The Orphan Grain Train is also receiving hygiene items: soap, wash cloth, toothbrush and paste, shampoo, deodorant, tissue packets all wrapped up in a large bath towel and secured with two heavy rubber bands.  All items may be brought to the narthex.

EVERYONE IS INVITED to celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation at St. Paul, Clifty, on Saturday, October 28.  The Communion service will begin at 2:30 p.m. with Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, President of the Concordia University System preaching.  Many activities are planned following the service from 4:00-6:30 p.m., including a meal, a Reformation Walk where you can meet Martin & Katherine Luther and other key figures of the Reformation, a hymn festival, and crafts for children.  In addition, Hackman’s Farm Market across the road from the church will offer hayrides, a corn maze, petting zoo, and other activities for families.  In order to prepare enough food, please RSVP by Monday, October 23, at 812-376-6504 or by email at secretary@stpaulcolumbus.org.  If you would like to participate in the worship choir, please contact Dan Mau at 812-603-8960.

A REFORMATION ORGAN CONCERT will be held on Friday, October 20, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul, Clifty.  Dr. John Allegar, Education Coordinator for the Indianapolis Chapter of the American Guild of Organists, will perform music inspired by the German Reformation, works by Bach, Cherwein, Buxtehude, Seigart, Mendelssohn, Luther and Lovelace. Everyone is cordially invited.

REFORMATION CONCERT:  The Columbus IN Philharmonic will perform a Reformation Concert on Saturday, October 28, at 7:30 p.m. at the Columbus North High School auditorium and again on Sunday, October 29, at 3:00 p.m.  The first half of the concert will include choral music including “A Mighty Fortress” and the second part of the concert will be the symphony’s performance of Mendelssohn’s “The Reformation.”  A special “Lutheran Rate” for Sunday’s performance is $20 for adults (normally $40) and $5 for students.  This discounted rate is available through this Tuesday, October 10.  To purchase tickets for the Saturday or Sunday performance, call the Philharmonic office at 812-376-2638.

FISH FRY:  St. Peter, Waymansville, Adult Fellowship will hold its Annual Fish Fry next Sunday, October 15, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.   Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide supplemental funds.  Everyone invited.

AHOY MATEY!  The Drama and Music Departments at Trinity Lutheran High School invite you to attend Trinity’s fall musical, Pirates of Penzance.  The performances will be held on November 2, 3, 4, and 5 at 7:00 p.m., with an additional performance on Sunday, the 5^th, at 3:00 p.m.  Tickets are $10/person and may be purchased through the Trinity office.

THE CHURCH OFFICE will have flexible hours this week during fall break.  Call before you come to make sure someone is in!

October 1 Weekly News

TODAY WE CELEBRATE and pray for the ministry of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League as Christian women continue to live out their lives in active mission ministries and support missions around the world through their gifts of mites, tithes, offerings, and tireless service. May we all Be Ready to Confess! faithfully and boldly of Christ’s redemptive work for us and for all the world.

TODAY’S ALTAR FLOWERS have been given by Tim & Judy Hoene in thanksgiving for their marriage and the blessings of their children and grandchildren.  God’s blessings to you, Tim & Judy!

A SPECIAL THANK-YOU to Jean Voelker, Janeen Blomenberg, and members of Jean Jack’s Bible study for the Reformation banners.  Five of the banners are the five solas, Sola Scriptura (scripture alone), Sola Fide (faith alone), Sola Gratia (grace alone), Solus Christus (Christ alone), and Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God alone).  The Five Solas are five Latin phrases that emerged during the Reformation to summarize the Reformers’ theological convictions about the essentials of Christianity.  The sixth banner is the LCMS logo commemorating the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation:  It’s Still All About Jesus.

PLEASE BE REMINDED that all Reformation Theses items for the Orphan Grain Train School Backpack Project need to be by TODAY.  A box is in the narthex to receive these items.

YOUTH GROUPS will meet this evening at 7:00 p.m.

THE BOARD OF ELDERS will meet this Wednesday evening after worship.

THE FOUNDATION will meet next Sunday, October 8, after worship.

THE QUARTERLY VOTERS’ MEETING will be held next Sunday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m.  All confirmed members of our congregation, 18 years and older, are encouraged to attend.

BUILDING FUND UPDATE:  The congregation set the goal of paying off the school expansion loan in October, 2017.  As of September 15, the bank account balance of the Building Fund was $10,021.71.  The loan payoff is now $42,300.00.  To reach our goal, we need to raise $32,278.29 by the end of October.  Building Fund envelopes are available in the narthex for your remaining pledge/contribution. – Phil Burbrink, Building Fund Treasurer    

SHARE YOUR GERMAN/LUTHERAN HERITAGE:  As part of our 500th Anniversary of the Reformation celebration, we would like to have on display items related to our German/Lutheran heritage - German baptismal, wedding, and confirmation certificates, old photos, German books, German Bibles and hymnals, and anything relating to the past.  If you have something that you would like to share, please contact Jean Voelker, Janeen Blomenberg, or Becky for information cards to go with your items. 

LWML ZONE FALL RALLY:  Showing Mercy Near and Far is the theme of the LWML Fall Rally to be held at Grace, Columbus, October 21, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  The program will feature Gene Ernst, manager of the local Orphan Grain Train, followed by a workshop to assemble cleaning buckets for that organization. The following donations are being collected for this workshop:                      **1 large sponge    **1 roll paper towels    **2 gallons liquid cleaner 

(Mr. Clean, Pine Sol, Lysol)       **1 powder cleaner (Comet, Ajax)        **1 pair kitchen latex gloves **1 broom      **1 mop   

The Orphan Grain Train is also receiving hygiene items: soap, wash cloth, toothbrush and paste, shampoo, deodorant, tissue packets all wrapped up in a large bath towel and secured with two heavy rubber bands.  All items may be brought to the narthex.

OPEN HOUSE: Trinity Lutheran High School invites students and their families to an open house today 2:00-4:00 p.m.  Please enter through the commons. All interested eighth grade students in attendance will receive a $75 voucher that covers registration costs at Trinity for the 2018-2019 school year.

OCTOBERFEST will be held today at Faith Lutheran Church, 2200 S. High St., Bloomington, noon-3:00 p.m., celebrating the Lutheran Reformation’s 500th anniversary with food, live music, and demonstrations of German life.  Kids will help build a large-scale castle from boxes.  Everyone invited to join them!

ST. JOHN’S, SAUERS, Men’s Club is sponsoring a Soup & Sandwich Supper and Bazaar today from 4:00-7:00 p.m.  Carry-outs are available.  Everyone invited.

                 

MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS (MOPS) would like to invite all mothers to their meeting this Friday, October 6, from 8:45-10:45 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Seymour.  Sandy Franke will be speaking on the topic, “Prioritize Your Life.:  Childcare is provided as well as a light breakfast.  Please email mops@zionseymour.org to register.

FISH FRY:  St. Peter, Waymansville, Adult Fellowship will hold its Annual Fish Fry on Sunday, October 15, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.   Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide supplemental funds.  Everyone invited.

LAKEVIEW MINISTRIES will hold its 13th Annual Dinner Auction on Saturday, November 18, at the Primo Banquet Hall in Indianapolis.  If you have new items, collectables, antiques, goods or services, handicraft items, monetary donations, or even a week at your time-share that you would like to donate to this auction, please contact Dave Vandercar at 812-498-4742.   All donations are tax-deductible, and all proceeds benefit the work of God at Lakeview Ministries.

HISTORICAL EVENT RELATIVE TO THE REFORMATION:  1517 – Pope Leo X declares indulgence for rebuilding of St. Peter’s

·         Luther nails Ninety-Five Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg on October 31.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    Matt. 21:26              

“But if we say, ‘From man,’ we are afraid of the crowd…”  Foolish Pharisees!  They fear men more than they fear God, and so they miss out on the great blessing of knowing Jesus and His love.  All our sins are like this: we fear something more than we fear God.  And how foolish that is!  Just think of the blessings we miss out on whenever we place our fear or trust in something other than God.       

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

September 24 Weekly News

PORTALS OF PRAYER devotional books for Oct.-Dec. are available in the narthex.

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

THE QUARTERLY VOTERS’ MEETING will be held Sunday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m.  All confirmed members of our congregation, 18 years and older, are encouraged to attend.

LWML SUNDAY, will be observed next Sunday.  Since 1942, the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League has affirmed each woman’s identity as a child of God and her relationship with Jesus Christ, encouraging and equipping Christian women to live out their lives in active mission ministries, and to support missions around the world through their sacrificial gifts of mites, tithes, offerings, and tireless service.  Now is our time to Be Ready to Confess! Faithfully and boldly of Christ’s redemptive work for us and for all the world.

YOUTH GROUPS will meet next Sunday at 7:00 p.m.

THE FOUNDATION will meet after worship on Sunday, October 8.

PLEASE BE REMINDED that all Reformation Theses items for the Orphan Grain Train School Backpack Project need to be in by next Sunday, October 1.  A box is in the narthex to receive these items.

THE SGO INFORMATIONAL MEETING  will be held at Trinity Lutheran High School this Tuesday, September 26, at 6:30 p.m.  Learn how you can help our Lutheran Schools and reduce your state income taxes. 

ON BEHALF of the students from St. John’s, White Creek, Lutheran Church who attend Trinity Lutheran High School, THANK YOU immensely for all the gracious support you have given us through prayers and financial contributions.  Trinity gives us the opportunity to not only grow mentally as we study academics, but also spiritually as we study the Christian faith.  Your support has played a major role in our growth and maturity into Christian leaders.  May God bless you all! – David Probst, TLHS Development Director

OPEN HOUSE: Trinity Lutheran High School invites students and their families to an open house next Sunday, October 1, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.  Please enter through the commons. All interested eighth grade students in attendance will receive a $75 voucher that covers registration costs at Trinity for the 2018-2019 school year.

MANY THANKS from Ryan & Emily (Kerkhof) Cremeans for all the thoughts and prayers for their newborn son, LUKE EZRA, as he arrived about 5 weeks early and had to remain in the hospital for several days.  Luke has been able to go home and is doing well.  He arrived on September 15, weighing 7 lbs. 5 ozs. and measuring 21 ins.  God’s blessings to them and prayers for continuing health and strength for Luke!

REMINDER TO ETHNIC EXPO BOOTH WORKERS:  White Creek’s shift at the host country’s booth is on Friday, October 13, from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Thank you to those who agreed to help.  Please wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to enjoy the smells of authentic German bratwurst, sauerkraut, and German potato salad!

LAKEVIEW MINISTRIES will hold its 13th Annual Dinner Auction on Saturday, November 18, at the Primo Banquet Hall in Indianapolis.  If you have new items, collectables, antiques, goods or services, handicraft items, monetary donations, or even a week at your time-share that you would like to donate to this auction, please contact Dave Vandercar at 812-498-4742.   All donations are tax-deductible, and all proceeds benefit the work of God at Lakeview Ministries.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    Matt. 20:9              

“And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius.”  Behold the generosity of God!  He gives out of His grace, not what we deserve to receive.  Living a godly life means living in imitation of God – and surely one of the foundations of God’s being is His generosity.        

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

September 17 Weekly News

TODAY’S ALTAR FLOWERS  have been given  by Eric & Melissa

Otte to the glory of God in thanksgiving and celebration of their marriage last evening.  May God bless them with many happy years together!

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSROOM UPDATES: Pre-school – Still meeting in the kindergarten room; K-6^th grade – Meet in the fellowship room for opening; 7^th-8^th grade – Still meeting in the 5^th grade room;

High school, adult Bible study – Meeting in the cafeteria (following video, high school to Mrs. Jack’s room for discussion)

PORTALS OF PRAYER devotional books for October-December will be available from the ushers after worship today.

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

MEET MARTIN LUTHER NIGHT:  The Senior League will be meeting this evening at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Room and invite the congregation to join them for a light meal followed by a video recording of Rev. Paul Schwartzkopf, a former member of St. Peter’s, Columbus, giving a presentation of impersonating Martin Luther in first person dialog.  Following this viewing, the rest of the evening will be spent playing euchre.  Please RSVP to Glen & Wanda Meyer (812-522-8688) THIS MORNING if you would still like to be included.

YOUTH GROUPS will meet this evening at 7:00 p.m.

THE CHURCH  COUNCIL will meet this Tuesday, September 19, at 7:30 p.m.  All council members are urged to attend.

PLEASE BE REMINDED that all Reformation Theses items for the Orphan Grain Train School Backpack Project need to be in by Sunday, October 1.  A box is in the narthex to receive these items.

THE GREATEST SPECTACLE IN DONATING:  Please note today’s insert about the SGO informational meeting at Trinity Lutheran High School on Tuesday, September 26. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Dalton & Hannah Thompson on the birth of their son, MAVERICK SCOTT THOMPSON on September 12.  Maverick arrived weighing 7 lbs. 13 ozs. and measuring 21 ins.  All are doing fine – God’s blessings to them!

CONGRATULATION TO Tyler & Beth Meyer on the birth of their daughter, KATHRYN NICOLE MEYER on September 12.  Kathryn arrived weighing 6 lbs. 14 ozs.  Everyone is doing fine – God’s blessings to them!

MANY THANKS TO all who helped make a successful Smorgasbord: noodle makers, bread breakers, food peelers and choppers, cookers, food preparers and servers, cleaner-uppers!  It took the help of all to get the job done!

DISHES FROM THE SMORGASBORD are on the table in the Fellowship Room – please pick up today.

DEPOSITS OF $66.00 (church) and $215 (school) have been made on behalf of Thrivent Financial’s Thrivent Choice Program by the Directed Choice Dollars of Nathan & Jenny Eckelman, Robert Dale Sims, James & Charlotte Voelker.

BIBLE SALE: Concordia Publishing House’s Bible sale runs through September 30.  New and most popular Bibles and companion books are offered up to 33% off.  Check out cph.org/biblesale or see Becky in the church office if interested in ordering.

CLARITY OPEN HOUSE:  Clarity Pregnancy Services will hold an Open House this Tuesday, September 19, at The Commons (300 Washington St., Columbus) from 5:00-7:30 p.m.  Come and learn more about the ministry of Clarity and the impact your           partnership has made on our communities!  Tables will be set up, highlighting each aspect of the ministry of Clarity to help you learn more about this organization.  For more details, call 1-866-510-5067.

WOMEN’S RETREAT:  For only $95, spend a beautiful fall weekend at camp with ladies of all ages at Lakeview Ministries Women’s Retreat September 29 -  October 1. Hear from speaker Phyllis Wallace as she shares how to Pause to catch your breath, Pause to catch your balance, and Pause to catch a peek at God’s plan for the only You there will ever be! Make beautiful crafts, sing around a fire, go on an adventure, enjoy a message, or simply take a nap and relax.  Leave encouraged by new friendships, laughter, rest, and words of truth and love.  Come by yourself or with friends and know that you will finish the weekend with a new-found sense of joy and encouragement!  For more details and to register, go to www.camplakeview.com/womensretreat. 

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    Romans 14:7              

“For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.”  E just don’t belong to ourselves: we belong first of all to God and through Him we belong to our neighbors.  We are here to serve God in our service to one another.  God has called you to this service through your vocation: as a Christian you serve others in the church; as a neighbor you serve others in society; and as a son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, you serve your family.        

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

September 10 Weekly News

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL YEAR begins today at 10:15 a.m. (10:30 on communion Sundays).  The Adult Bible Study (including the high school students) will be looking at the life of Martin Luther and the reason behind the Reformation by viewing the video series put out by Lutheran Hour Ministries.  Sunday School children will meet in the following rooms:  Preschool-PreK: kindergarten room; K-6^th grade: 1^st grade room; 7^th-8^th grade: 5^th grade room; high school: fellowship room and then 2^nd grade room for discussion.  Teachers are still needed!  Please contact Jessica Morphew.

THE BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP will meet this Tuesday, September 12, at 6:30 p.m.

GUILD MEMBERS are reminded of their meeting this Tuesday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m.  Guests are always welcome!

BIBLE STUDY:  Jean Jack’s Bible Study, “Four Parables of Jesus,” will begin this Wednesday, September 13, at 5:00 PM and continue every Wednesday for eight sessions.  This course will help you understand the meaning of these parables for the people who first heard them and how they still apply to us today.  Contact Mrs. Jack (714-768-5731) or Becky in the office if you would like to attend.

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet this Thursday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m.

MEET MARTIN LUTHER NIGHT:  The Senior League will be meeting next Sunday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Room and would like to extend an invitation to the congregation to join them for a light meal followed by a video recording of Rev. Paul Schwartzkopf, a former member of St. Peter’s, Columbus, giving a presentation of impersonating Martin Luther in first person dialog, dressed as a 15^th century monk, covering Luther’s personal views of the events of his life.  Following this viewing, the rest of the evening will be spent playing euchre.  Please RSVP to Glen & Wanda Meyer (812-522-8688) or to Becky in the church office (812-342-3516) by this Friday, September 15, so adequate preparations can be made.

YOUTH GROUPS will meet next Sunday evening, September 17, at 7:00 p.m.

MANY THANKS TO those who supported the Aluminum Can Drive last weekend.

THE WOODEN CROSS in the school front entrance is the original cross that stood above the school’s 1955 bell tower.  It has been refurbished, and Luther’s seal has been added to its center.        It is such a blessing to have this cross back as a reminder of God’s faithfulness!

THE GREATEST SPECTACLE IN DONATING:  Learn how you can help our Lutheran Schools and reduce your state income taxes by receiving a tax credit of 50% of your donation!  Come to this informational meeting at Trinity Lutheran High School on Tuesday, September 26.  Please RSVP to 812-522-3180 by September 20.  Soup and sandwiches will be provided at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation following at 7:00 p.m. Learn more at LutheranSGO.org/donate or call 260-203-4509.

OPEN HOUSE:  Trinity Lutheran High School invites students and their families to an open house next Saturday, September 16, from 8:00-10:00 a.m.  All interested eighth grade students in attendance will receive a $75 voucher that covers registration costs at Trinity for the 2018-2019 school year.  Please enter through the gymnasium.

THE CONGREGATION IS INVITED to the wedding of Melissa Lucas and Eric Otte next Saturday, September 16, at 4:30 p.m. here at St. John’s and to the reception following at the Pavilion at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds.

SAVINGS FOR YOU!  It is time for the Trinity High School Resale Shop, The Cougar’s Den, at 201 W. Second St., Seymour, to change merchandise from summer to fall.  Summer clothing items will be ½ price September 5-16!  The shop will be closed September 18-20, but will reopen September 21-23 for an Open House with fall merchandise.  Come in and check it out and/or check their Facebook page.

DISHWASHER AVAILABLE:  A Champion 208/220 volt dishwasher that was used in our school kitchen is available to anyone interested.  New pump motor and door seals – first come, first serve for a free-will donation.  Contact the church office if interested.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:                      Matthew 18:4              

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  What does it mean to have childlike faith?  Certainly Jesus does not want us to have a faith that is childish: we are not called to ignorance or silliness.  Rather, we are called to trust the way a child trusts: with complete confidence in the Father.  We show that confidence in our lives when we follow His directives for our life: Father knows best, so we’ll take His advice!        

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T