August 4 Weekly News

GOD'S BLESSINGS TO Clint & Penny Ahrmann and Karen McIntosh as they were baptized and confirmed during last Wednesday evening's worship.  Welcome to our White Creek family! 

 

MANY THANKS TO ALL who helped with/donated to last week's church picnic.  A special thanks to the Bartholomew County Pork Producers for the ham and Mike Musillami for the ice cream and toppings!

 

THANKS TO everyone for supporting the school scholarship fund.  If anyone would still like to make a donation to help our families who receive no congregational tuition support, they may do so at any time.

 

ANYONE INTERESTED in singing with the Lutheran Men's Chorus this upcoming season may contact Hersey Mangels (812-522-6926) or Roger Pollert (812-523-1496).

 

BRICKS:  Orders are now being taken for any new bricks to be laid around the church or in the memory garden.  Cost is $100 per brick.  Please contact Ernie & Donna Dettmer or Larry & Janice Claycamp if you would like to order.  Orders will be taken anytime through Labor Day.

 

THE PREGNANCY CARE CENTER is seeking volunteers to join the PCC Abstinence Education team, who are blessed to deliver life-changing information in school classrooms.  If you would like to consider becoming a Choose To Wait presenter, you may get more

 

information from Becky in the church office, or you may call Tracey Pike at the PCC at 812-378-4114.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Brian & Linda Jo Hauersperger on the birth of their daughter, HALEY KATE, last Tuesday.  Haley arrived weighing 7 lbs. 8 ozs. and measuring 19 1/2  ins.  Everyone is doing fine.  God's blessings to them!

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Matthew & Lorna Meyer on the birth of their daughter, THEA DARLEEN, last Tuesday.  Thea arrived weighing 10 lbs. 9 ozs. and measuring 20 ins.  They are all doing fine.  God's blessings to them!

 

PARENTS OF WCLS STUDENTS are reminded that school begins TOMORROW.  Chapel will be held at 8:30 AM.  Everyone is invited to join us for this service as we begin our new school year.

 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL will be hosting an alumni basketball game next Sunday, August 11, beginning at 2:00 PM in the TLHS gymnasium.  This will be an annual event each fall, and is a great opportunity to come out and enjoy some fellowship, a good meal, and some entertaining basketball games!  Cost to play (includes meal and t-shirt) is $20, cost for spectators (meal and t-shirt) is $10, and cost to just come (games and meal) is $5.

 

THE CONGREGATION IS INVITED TO the wedding of Sean Mensendiek & Alyssa Newland on Saturday, August 17, at 5:30 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Jonesville.  The reception will be immediately following at the Pavilion Building at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds.

 

FAMILY FUN-FEST RETREAT:  Looking for some "quality time" with your family?  Try one of Camp Lakeview's Family Fun-Fest Retreats on August 23-25 or August 30-September 1 (Labor Day weekend).  Get away with your entire family and end your summer together, making some lasting memories and growing closer to each other and to the Lord.  For more information, pick up a brochure in the narthex or contact the camp office at 812-342-4815 or lakeview@hsonline.net.

July 21 Weekly News

WELCOME TO Aaron & Sue Voelker and their sons, Noah and Nathan, to our White Creek family as they join us in church membership.  Offer your hand in friendship and get acquainted!  Noah and Nathan will be students at WCLS.

 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS are reminded to return their Ladies Aid Scholarship application to the church office by this Wednesday, July 24. 

 

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS will meet this evening at 5:30 PM at Bob Evans restaurant at West Hill for supper and will then return to the Fellowship Room for their monthly meeting and socializing.

 

AUGUST CALENDAR AND NEWS ITEMS need to be submitted to Becky by tomorrow.

 

LADIES AID MEMBERS are reminded of their workday/meeting this Wednesday, July 24, at 9:00 AM.  Mite Boxes will be received.

 

OUR WCLS TEACHERS will be rededicated (Mrs. Jack, also installed) during next Sunday's worship.

 

CHURCH PICNIC:  Our fourth annual church picnic will be held next Sunday, July 28, after the worship service.  Lunch will be served followed by games and visiting.  Here is a list of needs and reminders to help make this event another fun time for everyone:

·         Donations of hot dogs are requested.  Please let Becky know if you would be able to supply some.  They may be brought to the office any morning this week.

·         Everyone enjoys pie and ice cream, so let Becky know if you would be able to bring a pie/some pies.

·         Canopies and tents are needed again.  Let Becky know if you would be able to bring some.

·         Quilts, collections, hobbies will again be displayed in the gym.  Please bring those in Saturday morning 10:00 AM -12:00 noon.

·         Tractors, cars, trucks, etc. will be on display in the parking lot.  Those may be brought Saturday morning, 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon or on Sunday morning.

·         Everyone come in comfortable clothes and bring lawn chairs to enjoy this time of fun and fellowship!

 

SCHOLARSHIP FUND OFFERING:  Next Sunday, July 28, we celebrate the beginning of a new school year with the installation/rededication of White Creek’s teaching staff, and we come together in fellowship at our annual church picnic.  The Board of Education will have a free-will offering box at the picnic to receive funds for the school’s scholarship fund, with matching amounts to be provided by Thrivent.  These funds help school families who do not have congregational support meet the cost of tuition for their children to attend our school.  Your support is sincerely appreciated!

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS will meet for an executive meeting at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, July 31.  The regular monthly meeting will be held that same evening after worship (7:30 PM).

 

BASEBALL TICKETS:  Those who ordered tickets for the August 4 Cincinnati Reds/St. Louis Cardinals game may pick up those tickets in the church office.  Cost is $22.50/ticket - checks may be made payable to White Creek Lutheran School.

 

COACH NEEDED:  White Creek Lutheran School is in need of a coach for our girls A volleyball team.  If interested, please contact Mrs. Buss or AD Amy Sciano (342-0540).

 

Mother Church

St. John’s is often referred to as the Mother Church of Bartholomew County. She has earned this title in several different ways. First, Christ has called the church his Bride; this makes us think of the church as our mother, for it is in the church that we are baptized and born again to newness of life. Second, St. John’s was the first Lutheran church in our county and was responsible for planting many of the other Lutheran churches; the congregation is a mother in that she has ‘given birth’ to other congregations. Third, through the school St. John’s has been responsible for educating many generations and grounding them securely in the faith; like a good mother the church has faithfully nurtured the faith of the children that God has blessed her to have.

As St. John’s approaches her 175th anniversary, God continues to bless his bride with countless opportunities to mother his children. He continues to bless the work of her hands in the formation of young Christians who are taught to “fear, love, and trust in God above all things.” Through St. John’s continued work with the school, not only are our members blessed, but our ‘children’ have returned home; the very congregations that God planted through St. John’s are now sending their children to the school so that they too might receive a Lutheran education. As the Mother Church, our hearts swell will love and pride to see the family of God ‘coming home’ and working together to receive the gifts of God’s forgiveness and life through his Word and Sacraments.

As a mother, the church is all too familiar with the saying: “A mother’s work is never done.” As St. John’s has faithfully responded to God’s calling down through the years, God has given the congregation more and more work to do. At times the work at hand is somewhat overwhelming, but with God’s help the congregation has approached each new task with a mother’s determination and love. Sometimes it is hard to know where the resources and strength are going to come from, but God has already foreseen this difficulty and has given the church this encouragement in Philippians chapter one: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all - making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

In the past year our congregation has become a new type of mother. Last fall, Jacob Hercamp began the four year journey to become a pastor by entering Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne. This fall, James Rockhill will also begin his training at the same Seminary. These young men have a heart for the Word of God and for his people because of the faithful upbringing they have been given in their Mother Church. While Jacob is a natural-born son and product of our Lutheran school, James and his family transferred in from another church and have been adopted by our congregation. Both men are sons of this congregation by the grace of God and have been united to us through Christ Jesus. Both men are excited to serve the Lord, and like a proud mother, we are excited to see how the Lord will use them in the upcoming years!

I would like to take the opportunity that this newsletter affords to encourage you to consider what a blessing it is to be used by God as a Mother Church. God has faithfully worked through the willingness and generosity of the numerous generations here at St. John’s to nurture and provide for this congregation. Yet, this congregation didn’t just spring up from the ground of its own either. Even as St. John’s took up the task of educating children and planting churches, so it was that other congregations were being faithful mothers as well. Our congregation came into existence because another church brought our first members to faith in Christ Jesus. Our children have been educated by Lutheran school teachers because other congregations invested in helping them receive their education and sent them out into the world to do the work of Christ. Our congregation has received pastoral care for the past 173 years because our sister congregations of the Missouri Synod have vowed to use their resources to help form pastors so that they might be called to serve in local congregations.

Now, as we send two of our sons to Seminary, God is once again asking us to serve as a mother. He is asking that we would pray for and encourage these men as they step out in faith. Through the Synod and its Seminaries, God is also asking us to make a financial commitment to support them. Both men will be charged just under $30,000 per year for their tuition and fees alone (this doesn’t include room and board, health insurance, etc.). The Seminary is asking St. John’s if she would commit to supporting each man with a $4,200 per year congregational scholarship, as well as setting up a way for individuals to give gifts to a fund that will support the student’s other needs (food, insurance, etc.). This issue will be brought up at the next voter’s meeting, but in the meantime I ask that you would give this subject your prayer and consideration. I am excited to be serving alongside you all, and look forward to seeing the ways new and old that God will enable us to be one of his faithful Mother Churches!  

Pastor Cook

July 14 Weekly News

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS are reminded to return their Ladies Aid Scholarship application to the church office by Wednesday, July 24.  Those applications were mailed to  students this past week.

 

CHINESE OUTREACH:  Vicar Liwei Sui (Lee-way Sway) has been assigned to serve the Chinese in Columbus and Bloomington.  There is a great need in both cities to serve the Chinese, and many  congregations and individuals are supporting this outreach.  Everyone is cordially invited to attend the installation service for Vicar Sui next Saturday, July 20, at 4:30 PM at St. Paul, Clifty Lutheran Church.  Pastor Michael Paul of the Chinese   Lutheran congregation in Evansville will be the preacher.  The 45 minute service will be followed by a meal in the church fellowship room.  A free-will offering will be received to support this outreach. 

Special choir:  Anyone who would like to sing at the installation service is invited to come at 3:30 PM on July 20 to rehearse and then sing at the 4:30 PM service.

Please pray for this outreach that many Chinese in our area would hear and be blessed by the Gospel.

 

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS will meet next Sunday evening, July 21, at 5:30 PM at Bob Evans restaurant at West Hill for supper and will then return to the Fellowship Room for their monthly meeting and socializing.

 

CHURCH PICNIC:  Our annual church picnic will be held on Sunday, July 28, after the worship service.  Help is needed to plan this event.  Contact Pastor or Becky if you would be willing to help.

 

 

BASEBALL TICKETS:  Those who ordered tickets for the August 4 Cincinnati Reds/St. Louis Cardinals game may pick up those tickets in the church office.  Cost is $22.50/ticket - checks may be made payable to White Creek Lutheran School.

 

ANNIVERSARY DINNER:  The 45th Anniversary Dinner of the CrossLife Ministries/Lutheran Child and Family Services Auxiliary will be held tomorrow evening (Monday, July 15), beginning at 6:30 PM at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Dudleytown.  Everyone is invited to enjoy the evening of fellowship and become more familiar with the ministry to individuals, marriages, and families throughout Jackson and Bartholomew counties.  The guest speaker will be a representative from Provisions, Inc.  Plans for the Fall Luncheon and Bake Sale will be discussed.  Please bring a covered dish to share.  Drinks and anniversary cake will be provided.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Ryan & Emily (Kerkhof) Cremeans on the birth of their daughter, EVELYN KATHLEEN, this past Wednesday, July 10.  Evelyn arrived weighing 8 lbs. 8 ozs. and measuring 20 ins.  Everyone is doing fine.  God's blessings to them!

 

COACHES NEEDED:  White Creek Lutheran School is in need of a coach for our girls A volleyball team.  If interested, please contact Mrs. Buss or AD Amy Sciano (342-0540).  Trinity Lutheran High School is seeking candidates for head coach for the varsity boys' soccer program.  If interested, please bring a resume to the school by this Wednesday, July 17.

 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADERS will be hosting a Cheer Clinic for preschool (age 3) - Grade 6.  It will be held this Tuesday and Wednesday, July 16-17, from 4:00-6:00 PM at the TLHS gym.  Cost is $35/girl.  Please contact Sherry Schult for more information at 812-525-1011 or saschult@hotmail.com.

 

FITNESS CLASSES:  Contact Janet Morey (812-350-6238) to schedule a fitness class for your group at a time and location convenient for you.  Check the poster on the bulletin board in the front hall of school for more information.                                       

June 30 Weekly News

SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATIONS are now due so that planning can begin for the new Sunday School year.  If you have not yet completed a registration form for your child(ren), please do so today.  Forms are available in the narthex and may be given to James Rockhill or dropped off in the church office.  Registrations may also be completed online at www.whitecreek.org/sunday school.

 

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

 

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet THIS EVENING at 6:00 PM.

 

THE QUARTERLY VOTERS' MEETING will be held in the Fellowship Room after worship next Sunday, July 7.  All confirmed members of our congregation, 18 years and older, are encouraged to attend.

 

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS are reminded of their meeting this Wednesday after the evening worship.  Your attendance is very important!

 

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ITEMS need to be submitted to Becky by this Wednesday, please.

 

THE CHURCH OFFICE will be closed this Thursday in observance of the July 4th holiday.

 

MANY THANKS for the donations to the LWML Ingathering.  Jean Voelker was able to assemble several kits and take extra things with her to the convention.

 

BRICKS:  Orders are now being taken for any new bricks to be laid around the church or in the memory garden.  Cost is $100 per brick.  Please contact Ernie & Donna Dettmer or Larry & Janice Claycamp if you would like to order.  Orders will be taken anytime through Labor Day.

 

FOOD SERVICES DIRECTOR NEEDED:  Lakeview Ministries is in need of a food services coordinator.  This individual is responsible for planning menus and ordering and receiving food for all food service needs at Lakeview Ministries, including summer camp and the retreat seasons.  Being a part of the cooking staff is also desired.  Please contact Lance Onken via email at lconken@gmail.com or call 812-358-1999 if you are interested or would like more information.

 

COOKS NEEDED:  Lakeview Ministries is in need of cooks, mainly for weekend retreats.  This is a perfect opportunity for a retired individual or an individual desiring to supplement their income while being part of the Lakeview Ministry.  Work as little as one or two weekends a month, or more if desired.  Please contact Lance Onken via email at lconken@gmail.com or call 812-358-1999 if you are interested or would like more information.

Upholding Marriage: God’s Plan and Gift | LCMS News & Articles

Upholding Marriage: God’s Plan and Gift | LCMS News & Articles

June 23 Weekly News

MANY THANKS TO Pastor Phil Meadows for leading us in worship this morning.  Pastor Cook and family will be returning home Wednesday.

 

THANKS BE TO GOD that Jeff Vickous, who has been stationed in Kuwait, has arrived back in the United States and will be coming home around the first week of July.  Please stop by the table in the narthex this morning and sign a Welcome Home/Thank You For Your Service card for him.

 

PORTALS OF PRAYER devotions booklets for July-September are available in the narthex if you didn't get one last Sunday.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATIONS are now due so that planning can begin for the new Sunday School year.  If you have not yet completed a registration form for your child(ren), please do so today.  Forms are available in the narthex and may be given to James Rockhill or dropped off in the church office.  Registrations may also be completed online at www.whitecreek.org/sunday school.

 

AN LWML INGATHERING will be held at the National LWML Convention June 26 in Pittsburgh including the following items:  all sizes of quilts/blankets, wipes and disposable wipes; babies' kits (receiving blankets, preemie/newborn sleepers, onesies, outfits, and Christian storybook); men's kits (boxers, L-XXXL, t-shirts, L-XXXL, socks, Christian tract or Bible verse); bath kits (towel and washcloth, full size toothpaste and toothbrush, deodorant, bar soap, Christian tract or Bible verse); devotional kits (Bible-NIV or ESV, devotional, journal and pen).  A box is in our narthex to receive items.  Please have all items in by TODAY.  Questions??? See Jean Voelker.

 

JULY CALENDAR AND NEWS ITEMS should be submitted to Becky by TOMORROW.

 

LADIES AID MEMBERS are reminded of their meeting this Wednesday, June 23.  The workday will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by Bible study and the meeting at 11:00 AM.

 

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet next Sunday, June 30, at 6:00 PM.

 

"MANY THANKS TO Pastor Cook and members of the congregation for their prayers, cards, and visits.  I appreciate your many kindnesses." - Virginia Luckey

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Brad & Amanda Hoene as they begin their married life together.  May God grant them many happy years!

 

FOOD SERVICES DIRECTOR NEEDED:  Lakeview Ministries is in need of a food services coordinator.  This individual is responsible for planning menus and ordering and receiving food for all food service needs at Lakeview Ministries, including summer camp and the retreat seasons.  Being a part of the cooking staff is also desired.  Please contact Lance Onken via email at lconken@gmail.com or call 812-358-1999 if you are interested or would like more information.

 

COOKS NEEDED:  Lakeview Ministries is in need of cooks, mainly for weekend retreats.  This is a perfect opportunity for a retired individual or an individual desiring to supplement their income while being part of the Lakeview Ministry.  Work as little as one or two weekends a month, or more if desired.  Please contact Lance Onken via email at lconken@gmail.com or call 812-358-1999 if you are interested or would like more information.