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

June 4 Weekly News

TODAY’S ALTAR FLOWERS have been given by Leighton & Shelby Howe to the glory of God in thanksgiving and celebration of their marriage here last evening.  God’s blessings to them as they begin their married life together!

MANY THANKS TO Ed Kern for playing the organ for our worship this morning.

GOD’S BLESSINGS TO Joshua Hendricks, Melissa Lucas, and Michaela Peters as they are confirmed during today’s worship.  Take the opportunity to offer them your hand in friendship and welcome them to our White Creek Family!

EVERYONE IS INVITED to the Ordination service of Jacob Hercamp this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. here at St. John’s. A meal will be served in our school gym after the worship service.  All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

                 

SUMMER BIBLE STUDY:  Pastor Whitmore will be leading a Bible study beginning this Wednesday evening, June 7, at 6:00 p.m. As we open the Scriptures, we will be doing so 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 – hope to see you there!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:  Vacation Bible School, Mighty Fortress, will be held here at White Creek, beginning next Sunday, June 11, and continuing through Thursday, June 15, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. each evening for children PreK-6th grade.  A family cookout/pitch-in meal will be held on the last evening, June 15.  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 BOARD OF ELDERS AND THE CHURCH FOUNDATION will meet this Wednesday evening, June 7, after the worship service (8:00 p.m.).

FILL A BOTTLE. CHANGE A LIFE! The Baby Bottle Campaign will end on Father’s Day, June 18.  If you are filling a bottle, you may bring it to the narthex or the church office to be returned to Clarity.  Your giving will make a tremendous difference for pregnant women and for their children. 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 are being collected for “Gifts From the Heart” for the Albuquerque Christian Children, Care Net, Lutheran World Relief, and Ysleta Lutheran Mission.  Donations of $10 and $25 gift cards from Kmart, Walmart, Kohls, and JC Penney are requested.  Cards may be given to Jean Voelker by next Sunday, June 11.  Jean will be taking them with her to the LWML Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 22-25.

TELL YOUR FRIENDS!  White Creek Resale is coming this Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in our school gym.  Shop among almost 20 booths, find a bargain, and visit with your friends and neighbors!  Concessions will be available. Please join in a fun community event to benefit the Building Fund and other ministries of our church and school.  If anyone has any plastic shopping bags to use for the resale, please bring them to the narthex or give them to Becky in the office this week. If anyone wants to drop off donations on Friday, please text Katie Otte at 812-341-5333 to make arrangements. Any unsold items left after the resale will be available for free-will donations after church next Sunday.  Any items left after that will be donated to appropriate organizations.

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 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 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 June 18.  All proceeds from this food booth will support the Orphan Grain Train. 

HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF EVENTS RELATIVE TO THE REFORMATION:

1501 – Luther enters University of Erfurt (receives Master of Arts in philosophy, 1505)

1502 – Frederick the Wise, Elector of Saxony, founds University of Wittenberg

1505-Luther in thunderstorm, July 2; enters monastery, July 17

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:  Acts 2:1

“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.”                                     Pentecost is the Old Testament harvest festival – it happens around the time when the wheat and oats are ready to be brought in.  Of course, this was a picture and foreshadowing of the great harvest of humankind that God means to bring in through the preaching of His Word.  God gives the seed, and God brings about the harvest.  From first to last, in things temporal and things eternal, we stand only by His grace.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

May 28 Weekly News

WHAT WOULD MAKE SUMMER MORE COMPLETE?  More Bible study, of course!  With this in mind, Pastor Whitmore will be leading a Bible study on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m. starting June 7.  As we open the Scriptures, we will be doing so 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 – hope to see you there!

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

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:  Vacation Bible School, Mighty Fortress, will be held here at White Creek June 11-15, 6:00-8:00 p.m. each evening for children PreK-6th grade.  Please register online at vbsmate.com/whitecreekVBS by today.  Teachers and helpers are needed!  Contact Jessica Morphew at 812-343-9110 or by email at sundayschool@whitecreek.org or you may volunteer online at the VBS registration site if you would like to help with this part of our church’s ministry.  A family cookout/pitch-in meal will be held on the last evening, June 15.  Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be furnished-families are asked to bring a dish to share.  The children will present a short program.

EVERYONE IS INVITED to the Ordination service of Jacob Hercamp next Sunday, June 4, at 3:00 p.m. here at St. John’s. A meal will be served in our school gym after the worship service.  All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

THE CHURCH FOUNDATION will meet Wednesday evening, June 7, after the worship service (8:00 p.m.).

FILL A BOTTLE. CHANGE A LIFE! Did you know that when you give to the Baby Bottle Campaign you’re giving mothers support services that can last for years?  Besides offering pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and counseling, Clarity offers abortion recovery Bible study classes as well as sexual integrity presentations for students.  Help Clarity change lives and keep filling your baby bottle! (Campaign ends June 18.) 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 are being collected for “Gifts From the Heart” for the Albuquerque Christian Children, Care Net, Lutheran World Relief, and Ysleta Lutheran Mission.  Donations of $10 and $25 gift cards from Kmart, Walmart, Kohls, and JC Penney are requested.  Cards may be given to Jean Voelker by June 11.  Jean will be taking them with her to the LWML Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 22-25.

THE KINDERGARTEN SURVEY that was included in last week’s bulletin is 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.

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 June 14.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Brent & Charissa Reedy on the birth of their daughter, ADALYNN FAYE, on May 18.  Adalynn arrived weighing 7 lbs. 5 ozs. and measuring 19 ½ ins.  Everyone is doing fine.  God’s blessings to them!

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 June 18.  All proceeds from this food booth will support the Orphan Grain Train.  

WHITE CREEK RESALE:  White Creek Resale will be held   Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in our school gym.  Shop among almost 20 booths, find a bargain, and visit with your friends and neighbors!  Please join in a fun community event to benefit the Building Fund and other ministries of our church and school.

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:  Acts 1:11

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?  This Jesus, Who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.”  Christ has died.  Christ is risen.  Christ is ascended – and Christ will come again.  We live our lives in this world in the sure confidence of the world to come.  We live as people who know our Lord Jesus – and who know that He is coming back.  This makes all the difference in how we approach the things of this world.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

May 21 Weekly News

THE LAST DAY of Sunday School is today and will include an end-of-year celebration.  Classes will resume the Sunday after Labor Day, September 10.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY will continue yet next Sunday, May 28, so the Mormon study can be finished. 

WHAT WOULD MAKE SUMMER MORE COMPLETE?  More Bible study, of course!  With this in mind, Pastor Whitmore will be leading a Bible study on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:00 p.m. starting June 7.  As we open the Scriptures, we will be doing so 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 – hope to see you there!

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

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS will meet this evening at 5:30 p.m. at Papa’s Grill for supper and then return to the Fellowship Room for their monthly meeting and socializing.  Guests are always welcome!

JUNE 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, May 24, at 9:00 a.m.  Guests are always welcome!

EVERYONE IS INVITED to the graduation service for our WCLS eighth graders this Thursday, May 25, at 7:00 p.m.  The awards presentations and light refreshments will follow in the gym.

EVERYONE IS INVITED to celebrate the Trinity Lutheran High School graduating class of 2017 at the baccalaureate/graduation service next Saturday, May 27, at 10:00 a.m. in the Bollinger Athletic Complex.  At 42 students, this is the largest graduating class and brings the total alumni to 371.  Thank you for your prayers and support for these students through the past four years!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:  Vacation Bible School, Mighty Fortress, will be held here at White Creek June 11-15, 6:00-8:00 p.m. each evening for children PreK-6th grade.  Please register online at vbsmate.com/whitecreekVBS by next Sunday, May 28.  Teachers and helpers are needed!  Contact Jessica Morphew at 812-343-9110 or by email at sundayschool@whitecreek.org or you may volunteer online at the VBS registration site if you would like to help with this part of our church’s ministry.  A family cookout/pitch-in meal will be held on the last evening, June 15.  Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be furnished-families are asked to bring a dish to share.  The children will present a short program.

JACOB HERCAMP, upon completing the required courses of study at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, has received a divine call to serve as pastor at Saint Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in LaGrange, MO, and as such, will be ordained into the Office of the Holy Ministry here at Saint John’s on June 4 at 3:00 p.m.  A meal will be served in our school gym after the worship service.  All are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

FILL A BOTTLE. CHANGE A LIFE! Did you know that when you give to the Baby Bottle Campaign you’re giving mothers support services that can last for years?  Besides offering pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and counseling, Clarity offers classes for expectant moms to help them quit smoking, car seat classes, and safe place to sleep classes.  Help Clarity change lives and keep filling your baby bottle! (Campaign ends June 18.) 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 are being collected for “Gifts From the Heart” for the Albuquerque Christian Children, Care Net, Lutheran World Relief, and Ysleta Lutheran Mission.  Donations of $10 and $25 gift cards from Kmart, Walmart, Kohls, and JC Penney are requested.  Cards may be given to Jean Voelker by June 11.  Jean will be taking them with her to the LWML Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 22-25.

MANY THANKS TO those who came out to the Texas Roadhouse last Monday evening for White Creek Night.  The amount of $274.00 was put into our school’s scholarship fund from this fundraiser.

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 June 18.  All proceeds from this food booth will support the Orphan Grain Train.  

WHITE CREEK RESALE:  White Creek Resale will be held   Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in our school gym.  Shop among almost 20 booths and find a bargain!  Please join in a fun community event to benefit the Building Fund and other ministries of our church and school. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Trinity Lutheran High School for being the only high school in the state of Indiana to achieve a Four Star rating from the Indiana Department of Education this year!

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:  John 14:15

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus is clear:  our obedience to His Word comes from our love for Him.  But where does that love come from?  Jesus tells us that as well, “She was forgiven much, so she loved much.” Luke 7:47  Christ shows us His love and gives us the forgiveness of our sins – and this causes love to well up in us, which in turn causes us to keep the commandments of Jesus.  For after all, the summary of the Law is “Love.”

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T