December 7 Weekly News

THE ADVENT SEASON continues today as we light the second candle on the Advent wreath, the candle of peace or preparation.  Peace is one of God's gifts to us.  John the Baptist told the people of Israel to repent, to find peace with God.   As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ ”  Luke 3:4-6

 

OUR SECOND MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP will be held this Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM.  The Senior High Youth will be serving a chili/baked potato supper before worship, beginning at 5:45 PM. 

 

THE DECEMBER VOTERS' MEETING will be held THIS EVENING at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Room to approve the slate of candidates for 2015 church offices.  All confirmed members of our congregation, 18 years and older, are urged to attend.

 

CHURCH DIRECTORY: Portrait sittings will be this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Questions???  Please contact Beth Burbrink (812-343-2856). Please note that persons bringing nonperishable food items to the portrait sitting will receive an additional $5.00 off any order.  All items will be donated to Love Chapel.

 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS:  Persons who would like to place poinsettias on the Altar for the Christmas season are asked to contact Karen Schlehuser (342-6140).  Flowers may be purchased individually or ordered through Karen.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING:  If you would like to go Christmas caroling to the nursing homes and to some of our shut-ins, meet at the Fellowship Room next Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM.  After caroling, refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Room.  Questions???  Contact Mary Anne Schneider (812-521-2984).

 

CHRISTMAS PRE-SERVICE MUSIC:  Anyone interested in performing a musical number (instrumental or vocal) prior to the start of the Children's Christmas Eve Service is asked to send an email to sundayschool@whitecreek.org.

 

CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY:  Our Youth will be delivering Christmas cards locally NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, for 25 cents/card.  A drop box is in the narthex.

 

CHRISTMAS EVE TREATS:  Donations for the children's Christmas Eve candy treats may be given to Joan Otte or the ushers or elder on duty.

 

ANNIVERSARY BANNER:  The anniversary committee is asking each family to bring 3 swatches of fabric to be used on an anniversary banner.  Needed are red, green, and brown 3"x3" cotton or cotton blend swatches (any shade of these colors is fine).  Solid colors, small prints, checks, or plaids are fine, just so the main color is green, brown, or red.  Please put your swatches in an envelope with your name on it and place it in the tote in the narthex by December 31.  Thanks!

 

PHONE NUMBERS:  If you have recently changed phone numbers or given up your home phone and are just using a cell phone, please give that information to Becky so records can be updated for our upcoming church directory.  Thanks!

 

2015 LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  If anyone would like to order a copy of The Lutheran Annual, please contact Becky in the church office.  Cost is $26.99.

 

ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS are available for sale in the school.  Cost is $12 each.  The anniversary committee is also taking pre-orders for a commemorative plate featuring a color photograph of the church, along with the anniversary theme.  If 144 plates are pre-ordered, the cost would be $20 each.

 

MANY THANKS to all who supported/helped with the Orphan Grain Train Dinner held here at St. John's in November.  Envelopes are available in the narthex if you would still like to make a donation to the Orphan Grain Train organization.

 

PRINCE OF PEACE Lutheran Church, Martinsville, will host its second annual Bethlehem Walk this Friday, December 12, from 7:00-10:00 PM.  Tickets are free and will be issued in 20 minute increments.  Call the church at 1-765-342-2004 or email at popchurchlcms@hotmail.com to reserve tickets.

November 30 Weekly News

THE ADVENT SEASON begins today.  Advent means "coming" as we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth.  The first candle lit on the Advent wreath is the Candle of Hope.  We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises He has made to us.  Our hope comes from God.  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."  Romans 15:13

 

OUR FIRST MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP will be held this Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  As part of his Senior project, Evan Otte will be sponsoring a baked spaghetti/lasagna supper before worship, beginning at 5:45 PM.  Evan will be raising funds to purchase materials to build a new stable for our church's Nativity display.

 

PLEASE RETURN YOUR Time and Talent Survey TODAY if you have not already done so.  Becky will begin compiling the names so the new volunteer lists are completed to begin the new year.

 

BAKE SALE:  As part of her Senior project, Libby Hatton will be sponsoring a Bake Sale TODAY after worship to raise funds to provide meals at the Love Chapel on December 17 for those in need.  Check in the front hall of the school for some delicious goodies!

 

THE CHURCH COUNCIL will meet this Wednesday evening, December 3, after worship.  All members are urged to attend.

 

THE DECEMBER VOTERS' MEETING will be held next Sunday evening, December 7, at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Room to approve the slate of candidates for 2015 church offices.  All confirmed members of our congregation, 18 years and older, are urged to attend.

 

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

 

CHURCH DIRECTORY: Hosts are needed to help sign in people when pictures are taken for the church directory.  If you would be able to help with this, please contact Beth Burbrink (812-343-2856).  Also, please note that persons bringing nonperishable food items to the portrait sitting will receive an additional $5.00 off any order.

 

PHONE NUMBERS:  If you have recently changed phone numbers or given up your home phone and are just using a cell phone, please give that information to Becky so records can be updated for our upcoming church directory.  Thanks!

 

2015 LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  If anyone would like to order a copy of The Lutheran Annual, please contact Becky in the church office.  Cost is $26.99.

 

ANNIVERSARY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS will be available for sale, beginning today, in the school.  Cost is $12 each.  The anniversary committee will also be taking pre-orders for a commemorative plate featuring a color photograph of the church, along with the anniversary theme.  If 144 plates are pre-ordered, the cost would be $20 each.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Tyler & Beth Meyer on the birth of their daughter, GWYNETH MARIE, on November 20.  Gwyneth arrived weighing 7 lbs. 3 ozs. and measuring 19.5 ins.  Everyone is doing fine - God's blessings to them!

 

ST. PETER, WAYMANSVILLE, will host their Living Nativity this Friday, December 5, from 6:00-8:30 PM.  King James, the camel, will be making a return appearance along with many of his animal friends.  Free cookies, cocoa and coffee will be served in the Parish Hall.  Everyone invited.

 

A TACO SUPPER,  sponsored by the Trinity boys' basketball team, will be held before the game with Salem next Saturday, December 6, from 5:00-6:30 PM in the school cafeteria.  Tickets may be purchased from any team member or at the dinner.  The tickets are $5 each and include a taco salad or two hot dogs, dessert, and a beverage.

 

PRINCE OF PEACE Lutheran Church, Martinsville, will host its second annual Bethlehem Walk on Friday, December 12, from 7:00-10:00 PM.  Tickets are free and will be issued in 20 minute increments.  Call the church at 1-765-342-2004 or email at popchurchlcms@hotmail.com to reserve tickets.

November 23 Weekly News

TODAY WE REJOICE WITH Travis & Cara Eckelman as they bring their daughter, MORGAN LEE ECKELMAN, to be baptized.  Morgan's sponsors are her uncles, Clinton Bullock and Mark Meyer.  God's blessings to you, Morgan!

 

TIME & TALENT SURVEYS and A Plan for Giving worksheet are available in the narthex if you have not yet received one.  Please prayerfully consider how you can be of service here in our congregation and financially help further the work of God's Kingdom here at St. John's.  You may return your completed Time & Talent Surveys to the container provided in the narthex or give them to Becky in the church office.  We would like to have all surveys in by the end of November.

 

CHURCH DIRECTORY: Hosts are needed to help sign in people when pictures are taken for the church directory.  If you would be able to help with this, please contact Beth Burbrink (812-343-2856).

 

PHONE NUMBERS:  If you have recently changed phone numbers or given up your home phone and are just using a cell phone, please give that information to Becky so records can be updated for our upcoming church directory.  Thanks!

 

DECEMBER CALENDAR AND NEWS ITEMS and items for next Sunday's bulletin need to be given to Becky by TOMORROW.  The church office will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP with Holy Communion will begin this Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM.  Non-perishable food items will be received to be taken to the local food pantry.

 

BUILDING FUND UPDATE:  Pledge donations for our Arise and Build building program now total $331,090.  All praise to God!

"TO THE MEMBERS OF ST. JOHN'S: After prayerful consideration, I am pleased to accept the call as teacher to White Creek Lutheran School.  It has been my joy to have taught here for the last fifteen years.  Now, after completing my religious studies, I look forward to continue to teach at White Creek Lutheran School as a called teacher.  My prayer is that God would continue to bless my work at White Creek and that my position would be used to glorify Him.  God's blessings," - Michelle Barnett  (Mrs. Barnett will be installed during the worship service on Sunday, December 14.)

 

"MANY THANKS TO Pastor Cook and my church family for all the words of comfort given to me at the passing of my brother, Tom Gay.  I am truly blessed!" - Jean Meyer

 

"SINCERE THANKS TO the 6th grade class of White Creek Lutheran School for their visit to the Lutheran Home this past Tuesday.  We certainly enjoyed the singing, visiting, and craft project they did with us and the other residents!  We were blessed by their visit!" - Tillie Bode and Don & Wilma Voelker

 

TILLIE BODE has moved into the assisted living section of LCH.  Her address is 1503 S. Walnut St., Apt. 501, Seymour, IN  47274.

 

BAKE SALE:  As part of her Senior project, Libby Hatton will be sponsoring a Bake Sale next Sunday after worship to raise funds to provide meals at the Love Chapel on December 17 for those in need.  Check in the front hall of the school for some delicious goodies next Sunday!

 

CRAFT FESTIVAL:  The 12th Annual Trinity Lutheran Winter Wonderland Art & Craft Festival will be held next Saturday, November 29, from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM.  Baked goods and lunch will be provided by the Junior Class.  All booths are filled so there will be a good variety of items available.  The Lutheran Community Home will be giving $15 flu shots in the gymnasium's foyer at this event.  Everyone invited!

 

ST. PETER, WAYMANSVILLE, will host their Living Nativity on Friday, December 5, from 6:00-8:30 PM.  King James, the camel, will be making a return appearance along with many of his animal friends.  Free cookies, cocoa and coffee will be served in the Parish Hall.  Everyone invited.

 

A TACO SUPPER,  sponsored by the Trinity boys' basketball team, will be held before the game with Salem on Saturday, December 6, from 5:00-6:30 PM in the school cafeteria.  Tickets may be purchased from any team member or at the dinner.  The tickets are $5 each and include a taco salad or two hot dogs, dessert, and a beverage.

 

PRINCE OF PEACE Lutheran Church, Martinsville, will host its second annual Bethlehem Walk on Friday, December 12, from 7:00-10:00 PM.  Tickets are free and will be issued in 20 minute increments.  Call the church at 1-765-342-2004 or email at popchurchlcms@hotmail.com to reserve tickets.

November 16 Weekly News

 

TODAY WE REJOICE WITH Rick & Jessica Morphew as they bring their son, RYAN JOSEPH MORPHEW, to be baptized.  Ryan's sponsors are his uncle, John Morphew, and family friends, Craig & Sarah Moore.  God's blessings to you, Ryan!

 

TIME & TALENT SURVEYS and A Plan for Giving worksheet are available in the narthex if you have not yet received one.  Please prayerfully consider how you can be of service here in our congregation and financially help further the work of God's Kingdom here at St. John's.  You may return your completed Time & Talent Surveys to the container provided in the narthex or give them to Becky in the church office.

 

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to sign up to schedule family pictures for the church directory.  Hosts are needed to help sign in people when pictures are taken.  If you would be able to help with this, please contact Beth Burbrink (812-343-2856).

 

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS will meet TODAY at 5:30 PM at Bob Evans Restaurant for supper and then return to the Fellowship Room for their monthly meeting and socializing.

 

YOUTH GROUPS will meet tonight at 7 PM.

 

2014 PLEDGE:  Several people have requested an update for their school expansion pledge for 2014.  At this time, if you would like an update, please feel free to contact our Building Fund treasurer, Janet Morey, at j.a.morey@icloud.com or 812-350-6238.

 

PHONE NUMBERS:  If you have recently changed phone numbers or given up your home phone and just using a cell phone, please give that information to Becky so records can be updated for our upcoming church directory.  Thanks!

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet this Wednesday after worship (7:30 PM).

 

"THANKS TO PASTOR COOK AND FRIENDS for the prayers, cards, food, and support at the passing of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dorothy Condra. We appreciate your many kindnesses." - The Condra Family

 

"MANY THANKS to all for the prayers and cards as I continue my battle with cancer.  Please continue to pray for me as I face surgery this coming Friday." - Joan Hercamp

 

THE INDIANA BRANCH of the Orphan Grain Train thanks you for your generous support of our capital campaign project.  The total pledges after the Asking Events are now more than $360,000.  As a result of the success of the Asking Events, the Board is moving forward with the remodeling of the warehouse.  If you were unable to attend an Asking Event, but would like to support this project, pledge cards can be found in the narthex.  If you would like more information about this project, please contact Orphan Grain Train Secretary Marge Lazzell at amlazzell@att.net.

 

CROSSLIFE MINISTRIES AUXILIARY will meet tomorrow, Monday, November 17, at 7 PM at CrossLife Ministries office located at 1505 S. Walnut St., Seymour.  Members from Immanuel, Redeemer, and Jonesville will serve as hosts.  The agenda will include election and installation of officers and distribution of funds raised from the Fall Luncheon and Bake Sale.  All are invited to enjoy the evening of fellowship and become more familiar with the ministry serving individuals, marriages, and families throughout Jackson and Bartholomew counties.

 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL invites students and families to an open house this Friday, November 21, from 4:00-6:00 PM.  All interested eighth grade students will also receive a $75 voucher that helps cover registration costs at Trinity for the 2015-2016 school year.  Please enter through the commons.

 

AN ORGAN RECITAL will be presented by Katie Timm, doctoral organ student at IU Jacobs School of Music, this Friday, November 21, at 7:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clifty.  Everyone is invited.  Admission is free.

 

DEPOSITS OF $106.00, $594.00, and $105.00 have been made to the church, school, and Foundation accounts on behalf of the Thrivent Financial Choice program by the directed choice dollars of the following:  Bettie Burbrink, Mark & Jan Buss, Ernie Dettmer, Ken Dettmer, Doyce & Becky Eckelman, Kathy Kerkhof, Sharon Kinsey, Keith & Amy Mensendiek, Kay Niemoeller, Lindsay Paluch, Abby Schroer, Linda Schroer, and Lou &  Jean Voelker.

 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL is seeking applicants for a part-time maintenance person to work evenings starting immediately.  If interested, please contact principal, Daniel Sievert at 812-524-8547.

November 9 Weekly News

TODAY'S ALTAR FLOWERS have been given by Vivian Luenebrink, Annette Purdue & family, Tony Luenebrink & family, and April May & family in loving memory of Jerry Luenebrink, who went to his heavenly home 12 years ago today and by Dave & Cheryl Mensendiek in thanksgiving and celebration of their 46th wedding anniversary today.  May God grant you many more happy years together, Dave & Cheryl!

 

TIME & TALENT SURVEYS and A Plan For Giving worksheet are being handed out today.  Please prayerfully consider how you can be of service here in our congregation and financially help further the work of God's Kingdom here at St. John's.  Please return your completed Time & Talent Surveys to the container provided in the narthex or give them to Becky in the church office.

 

SCHEDULING for taking family pictures for the church directory will be done after worship TODAY, and next Sunday, November 16.  Check the sign-up tables in the narthex.  Questions???  Contact Beth Burbrink (812-343-2856).

 

THE FOUNDATION BOARD will meet in the sanctuary TODAY after worship.

 

THE ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN luncheon and program will be held here TODAY, with serving to begin at 11:30 AM (meal being provided).  Come and enjoy a delicious meal and learn about the important help the local Orphan Grain Train gives to those in need.

 

AN ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE continues yet today.  A trailer is parked on the church/school grounds to receive items.  Thanks for your support of this project, sponsored by our school's parent organization, the WCA.

 

LADIES AID MEMBERS are reminded to RSVP to Jean Voelker or Kathryn Taulman today for this Wednesday's 11:00 AM holiday party at Stahl's Cafe, Brownstown.

 

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS will meet next Sunday at 5:30 PM for supper and then return to the Fellowship Room for their monthly meeting and socializing.

 

2014 PLEDGE:  Several people have requested an update for their school expansion pledge for 2014.  At this time, if you would like an update, please feel free to contact our Building Fund treasurer, Janet Morey, at j.a.morey@icloud.com or 812-350-6238.

 

A VETERAN'S DAY PROGRAM will be held here at White Creek this Tuesday, November 11, at 9:30 AM in our gym.  All are invited to this program which will feature a slide show of veterans and active military service people related to our congregation and school students.

 

"MANY THANKS TO all for the prayers and cards, with a special thanks to Pastor Cook for his support and to those who donated to and /or helped with the funeral dinner.  Your kindnesses are deeply appreciated." - The family of Delbert Kinsey

 

PHONE NUMBERS:  If you have recently changed phone numbers or given up your home phone and just using a cell phone, please give that information to Becky so records can be updated for our upcoming church directory.  Thanks!

 

THOSE WINNING gift cards in last Sunday's Thrivent election drawing include Mallory Meyer (grand prize), Debbie Schroer, Janet Morey, Donna Dettmer, Doyce Eckelman, Evan Otte, Emila Fowler, Rachel Kidd, John Schroer, Brian Purdue, and Paul Otte.  If you  have not yet received your gift card, please see Jan Buss.

 

TICKETS FOR our school's Basket Bingo Night this coming Friday, November 14, are available from any WCLS student or through the school office.  Cost is $20/ticket.

 

EMILY COOK'S new devotional book, Between Seasons, devotions for those who wait for Spring, is now available for purchase in the church office for $7.00.

 

EMMANUEL, DUDLEYTOWN, will be holding their annual Harvest Festival Supper & Bazaar today from 3:30-7:00 PM.  A free-will donation will be received with Thrivent matching funds.  Everyone invited.

 

AN ORGAN RECITAL will be presented by Katie Timm, doctoral organ student at IU Jacobs School of Music, on Friday, November 21, at 7:30 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Clifty.  Everyone is invited.  Admission is free.

 

BUTTER BRAID/CHEESECAKE orders are being taken through Wednesday this week.  Order forms are available in the narthex or call Becky in the church office if interested in ordering.

November 2 Weekly News

PERSONS ARE REMINDED that their 2014 pledge to our "Arise and Build" building program was due by October 31.  Pledge envelopes are available in the narthex.

 

GROUP PICTURES for our upcoming church directory will be taken after worship TODAY with the following schedule:  Board of Elders, Church Council, Board of Education, Church Trustees, Ushers, Altar Guild, Beautification.  Youth groups will be taken at their meeting.

 

SCHEDULING for taking family pictures for the church directory will be done after worship TODAY, and November 9, and 16.  Check the sign-up tables in the narthex.  Questions???  Contact Beth Burbrink (812-343-2856).

 

THRIVENT ELECTIONS will be held TODAY before and after church.  Please check in the narthex.  Those voting will be entered in a drawing for gift cards.

 

THE FOUNDATION BOARD will meet in the sanctuary next Sunday, November 9, after worship.

 

THE ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN luncheon and program will be held here at White Creek next Sunday, November 9, with serving to begin at 11:30 AM (meal being provided).  Our congregation is partnering with the congregations of Faith, St. Paul's, Jonesville, and St. Peter, Waymansville, to sponsor this event to help support the work of our local Orphan Grain Train branch.  Come and enjoy a delicious meal and learn about the important help the local Orphan Grain Train give to those in need.

 

AN ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE will be held next weekend, Friday-Sunday.  A trailer will be parked on the church/school grounds to receive items.  Thanks for your support of this project, sponsored by our school's parent organization, the WCA.

 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL will host its fourth annual Veteran's Day Program on Monday, November 10, to honor the men and women who faithfully served our nation.  The program will begin at 10:00 AM and conclude by 11:00 AM, followed by a reception for guests and veterans.  Pastor Cook will be the keynote speaker, and the Trinity choir and band will perform a variety of patriotic songs throughout the program.  Everyone is welcome.

 

A VETERAN'S DAY PROGRAM will be held here at White Creek on Tuesday, November 11, at 9:30 AM.  All are invited to this program which will feature a slide show of veterans and active military service people related to our congregation and school students.  Anyone who would like to contribute a picture for this slide presentation is asked to bring it to the church office this week.  Please include name, branch of service, and years of service.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO Travis & Cara Eckelman on the birth of their daughter, MORGAN LEE, this past Wednesday, October 29.  Morgan arrived weighing 6 lbs. 14 ozs. and measuring 19 ins.  Everyone is doing fine.  God's blessings to them!

 

TICKETS FOR our school's Basket Bingo Night November 14 are available from any WCLS student or through the school office.  Cost is $20/ticket.

 

EMILY COOK'S new devotional book, Between Seasons, devotions for those who wait for Spring, is now available for purchase in the church office for $7.00.

 

THE TRINITY FFA FRUIT SALE is in progress until this Friday, November 7.  Orders may be placed from any Trinity student or through the Trinity school office (812-522-8547).

 

SUPPER/BAZAAR:  St. John's, Sauers, will be holding their Annual Ham & Turkey Supper and Ladies Aid Bazaar this evening from 4:00-7:00 PM.  Carry-outs will be available.  A free-will offering will be received.  Everyone invited.

 

ST. PAUL'S, BORCHERS, will sponsor their annual Harvest Supper & Bazaar this Friday, November 7, from 4:00-7:00 PM  A free-will offering will be received.  Everyone invited.

 

EMMANUEL, DUDLEYTOWN, will be holding their annual Harvest Festival Supper & Bazaar next Sunday, November 9, from 3:30-7:00 PM.  A free-will donation will be received with Thrivent matching funds.  Everyone invited.