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The big celebration is at our doorstep, so to speak. Easter is the #1 Festival of the Christian Church. If Jesus had not been raised from the dead, we wouldn’t be having this big celebration. We’d have nothing to celebrate: no restored relationship with God, no hope, no faith, no life beyond the grave, “no nothing.” There would be no Christian Church, no St. Michael congregation. Nothing! St. Paul said it best: “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith … your faith is futile; you are still in your sins … and those who have fallen asleep (died) are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all people” (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17-19). On the other hand, he also wrote: “But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died” (1 Corinthians 15:20 NLT). We have something great to celebrate—something that changes everything—life, death, everything! And remember, Easter isn’t just a one-day deal. Every Sunday is a “little Resurrection.” Once a week we gather, and in one way or another, it’s because of Easter. For that matter, every day is different. It’s better! It’s filled with hope—a sure and certain hope. Easter has changed everything! Can you think of anything, especially in your life, that’s not affected? I didn’t think so. As we mark time during this season, we don’t say, “The first or second or third Sunday after Easter.” We talk about the second or third Sunday of Easter. Make sense? We actually count/label every Sunday linked to Easter explicitly by name. Ah, but don’t forget! First comes Holy Week, especially our remembrance and celebration of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The festival of the Resurrection of our Lord becomes especially meaningful in light of these observances. We can remember the very difficult times for Jesus because we know the end of the story, so let’s not skip recounting the events of these two days. During the Easter season our weekend messages will focus on what happened after Easter, namely Jesus’ post-Resurrection appearances. Liturgically, we only do a bit of that, but we’ll use the whole season to look at lots of those appearances and see how each connects to our everyday life. Pentecost comes in May, and the plan is to dive into the book of Acts, which narrates what happened after Easter and after Jesus went back home to his Father. The story of how Christianity unfolded speaks loudly to us today, so we’ll learn a lot. Lord God, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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NEWS FROM PASTOR SHAWN

Easter Invitation Often times, we overlook opportunities to invite our neighbors to connect to Jesus. Easter is a great time to invite your neighbor to experience a morning filled with music, grace, and community. But how do I do that?

The first part of any invitation comes from listening. The weather is getting warmer, so if you are like me, you may notice your neighbors outside walking, playing, or just sitting on the porch. Ask how they have been doing in the midst of COVID. Listen.

Usually, those conversations come to a point of lacking community or feeling like there is no hope...here is the invitational part of the conversation. You can reply with, "This Sunday our church is talking about Hope. Would you like to join our family in hearing about it? We are planning on going to service at (7, 9, or 11a) or you can watch the service live on YouTube at 9a."

Having seen pictures of Jesus' love for us has helped us realize that love is meant to be shared with the world around us. Easter is a great opportunity to share love, forgiveness, and the hope we have in the risen Christ.

Confirmation This year, we have 28 eighth grade confirmands who have been participating in the St. Michael confirmation process for the last three years and are nearing their time of celebration.

Over the next month, these 28 young men and women will be giving confirmation testimonies, speaking with elders, and learning more about our communion practices. Please keep them in your prayers leading up to the time they will publically confess what they believe together on May 2 at our 10:45a worship service.

Camp Lutherhaven Go on an expedition this summer at Camp Lutherhaven! Join other kids for a trip across the lake in a canoe, test

your aim at archery, or take a hike through the woods. Whatever you hope to try or explore, you will be sure to

experience a ton of fun at Camp Lutherhaven this summer! With youth programs for K-12, family programs, and

servant events for grades 8-12, you can come and enjoy all that Lutherhaven offers. Register online today

at www.lutherhaven.org or call for more information at 260-636-7101. Check out the website to also see how

Camp Lutherhaven has been impacted by and is responding to COVID-19.

CAMP LUTHERHAVEN WEEKEND- APRIL 17/18 We are excited to welcome Camp Lutherhaven staff to our services the weekend of April 17/18. Feel free to wear your Camp Lutherhaven attire as we learn more about participating and supporting this awesome ministry!

NEW BIBLE STUDY—APRIL 11/18/ 25 with Jacob Pennekamp Connecting the Generations to Jesus – Building Assets in Our Families

As Jesus gave the Great Commission to “make disciples” in Matthew 28, the church can recognize that God

designed an intergenerational family unit as centers for evangelism and discipleship. In this 3-week study we

will explore how the church can encourage building assets in families (40 developmental assets, Search Institute)

that promote faithfulness for generations.

This is not a Bible study for parents alone. This will be an intergenerational study to encourage discussion on

how the church, the body of believers, can better connect people to Jesus through families.

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NEWS FROM STEPHANIE

Music Musings The devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and all their glory. And he said to him, "All these I will give you, if you fall down and worship me." Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'" Then the devil left him and behold, angels came and ministered to Jesus (Matthew 4:8-11).

The hour is coming and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).

Satan hates it when we worship God. Why? Our thoughts and hearts are focused on our Redeemer, Jesus, instead of Satan's distractions. As we acknowledge God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as the only God that deserves our praise, Satan's hold on us is diminished. Ha! Even more reason to spend time in praise, study, and worship of our LORD! Take that Satan.

SMLC ACADEMY NEWS THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Annual Academy Spaghetti Fundraiser! Thanks to your generosity, we will be able to continue to offer scholarships in the coming year. Many of our teachers will continue lessons through the

summer, so it is not too late to sign up! You can register at https://academy.stmfw.org/

Join us for Orchestra confirmation rehearsals Do you play a woodwind, brass, string or percussion instrument? We would love to have you join the St. Michael

orchestra as we prepare for our festive Confirmation service on May 2 at 10:45a. Rehearsals will be in the

sanctuary at 6:00p on Thursday, April 15 and 22, and at 7:00p on Wednesday, April 28, with the choir. Contact

our worship director, Stephanie Maxson at stephanie@stmfw.org for a set of music.

Choir rehearsals continue through Wednesday, May 19 We have entered into the final stretch of our choir season and would love to have you join us as we prepare for

weekend services (including Confirmation) and work on music we will sing over the summer.

The (SATB) Adult Choir will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 7:00p-8:00p in the sanctuary through May 19.

The Men’s Choir (TTBB) will meet at 6:30p on Wednesday April 21, May 5, and May 19.

The Women’s Choir (SSAA) will meet at 6:30p on Wednesday April 14, April 28, and May 12.

April 3

No service

April 10

Life Song

April 17

King’s Strings

April 24

Life Song

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LWML THREE ZONE RALLY: “SING TO THE LORD, BLESS HIS NAME” Psalm 96:2 Saturday, April 10 / St. Peter Lutheran Church, Huntington / Registration & Breakfast 8:30a / Registration

Fee: $6.00 Speaker: Natalie Reynolds, Music & Art Teacher at Lutheran South Unity School, Fort Wayne /

Offerings benefit the musical instrument purchase and maintenance of LSUS Music Program

Nursery and face masks provided

If you plan to attend, please contact Tina at 432-2033 ASAP

THE LWML INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION June 24-27 / Lexington, Kentucky / "Running the Race...Looking to Jesus" from Hebrews 12:1-2

If interested in attending this, contact Mary Nichols at 450-0025.

BELONG

GAP MINISTRY GAP members, Ed Treace, Adam Hahn and Carolyn Doell, will be available on April 17/18 after the worship services

in the conference room. If you would like to pray with someone over the phone or by video chat, please call the church office to make arrangements.

BOOK CLUB Book club will meet the fourth Thursday of the

month, April 22, in the conference room. We’ll

discuss the books that everyone found

interesting and enjoyable while enduring covid

precautions. Bring your list to share!

COFFEE BREAK

Women connecting over coffee and God’s Word Women of all ages are invited on Wednesday, April 14/28, from 9:15a–10:45a in Luther Hall. Contact Janet Olson for details!

MONTHLY PRAYER LIST Join us in praying for our members and friends.

Pick up your copy of the monthly prayer list at

the Information Desk or call the church office for

a copy.

BLESS

REDEMPTION HOUSE We are cautiously taking a monthly meal to each Redemption House location (Wayne Street - April 11 and May 2; Fairfield Avenue - April 25 and May 16) and enjoying our visits with them at a distance. If you would like to help, please call Linda Chapman at 417-3052 or Candi Luchnenko at 302-2909.

BAPTISM BIRTHDAYS

Please celebrate these children with us on April 17/18: Maddy and William Biggs; Conor Burgess; Nathaniel Heilman; Max Henry; Hunter, Lennon and Sullivan Smith

EASTER NURSERY SPACE

St. Michael loves having families in

worship! If you have young children, we

encourage you to grab one of the pre-

school bags from the shelf by the church

office. For those with kids who need

space to move around, we will also be

showing the service on the screen in

Luther Hall during our Easter services.

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ESM / PRESCHOOL NEWS

April 12-16 - Preschool classes will celebrate the Week of the Young Child with the following Themed Days:

Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family, Faith, Fun Friday

April Bible Lessons: Easter– Jesus Is Risen! and Ascension

Science Focus: 3-4 year old children study Pond Life and the Life Cycle of a Frog

4-5 year old children study Plants and the Life Cycle of a Butterfly

ESM is an exciting place for children to grow and learn! At Emmanuel-St. Michael Preschool, children play, learn, and actively explore God's world under the guidance

of caring, dedicated teachers who daily model and teach Christian values. A positive start to school begins with

a strong partnership between parents and teachers. At ESM, we value that partnership providing education for

life and faith for eternity. If you are interested in learning more about our preschool programs, please contact

Jennifer Ackmann at 422-6712 or at jackmann@esmeagles.com.

ESM PRESCHOOL IS HIRING Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School is searching for qualified candidates to fill a lead teacher position in our

Preschool Program.

Preschool Lead Teacher – Bachelor’s Degree in Education or related field, Early Childhood experience preferred,

member of Emmanuel or St. Michael Lutheran Church. Application forms are available in either of our school

offices. Any questions about positions can be directed to Jennifer Ackmann by email jackmann@esmeagles.com

or by calling the school at 260.422.6712.

Extended Care Help Needed for 2021-2022

Our Getz Road Campus is looking to hire several extended care workers for next school year. Morning and

afternoon shifts are available! Please contact Mrs. Latin at klatin@esmeagles.com or 459-1616 to get more

information!

FAMILY SUNDAY SCHOOL / YOUTH

Our new and exciting theme for spring is God’s Unbroken Promises! We will meet on April 11, 18, 25, May 9, and May 16 to finish out the year!

YOUTH NIGHT—April 18

MIDDLE SCHOOL 4:00p- 6:00 HIGH SCHOOL 6:00-8:00p

VBS save the dates for July 26-30!

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FINANCIAL UPDATE

Automated Giving St. Michael offers electronic giving for members who want to have offerings transferred electronically to the church’s account. Visit our website and click on “Online Giving.” A presentation to walk you through signing up has been posted on the giving page of stmfw.org.

Cemetery Lots Available Over the years, St. Michael has been blessed to receive cemetery lots as donations. The church does not

have any use for these lots, and we are unable to sell them back to the cemeteries. The lots are located at

Covington Memorial Gardens and Greenlawn Cemetery. The lots will be sold at a 50% discount to anyone

interested. The funds from the sale of these lots will go in a designated account to assist members of our

church who are struggling to pay for funeral arrangements. Following is a description of the spaces available.

You may purchase any number of lots. For further information, please contact Dan Smith at 260-437-1447

Covington Memorial: Four adjacent spaces in Garden of Good Shepherd, cemetery price $1,799,

our offering price $899/lot. Four adjacent spaces in Garden of Last Supper, cemetery price $2,599,

our offering price $1,299/lot. There is a transfer fee of $295 charged by the cemetery.

Greenlawn: One space in Garden of Allegiance, cemetery price $3,495, our offering price $1,699.

Also, transfer fee of $150. (option for additional spaces at regular price.)

Please understand that these prices are for the lots alone.

ST. MICHAEL IS HIRING!

St. Michael has two part-time positions available:

Sound Technician: Practice with the praise teams on Tuesday evenings from 7:00p-8:30p, mix the

sound and verify the words on the screens are accurate. We are looking for one to two people to fill

this position.

Worship Tech Coordinator: Coordinate technology coverage for worship services; train volunteers;

and ensure quality of worship services (in-person and online).

If you are interested in finding out more about these positions, email Tammy at tammy@stmfw.org.

FEBRUARY 2021 January to February 2020 February 2020

Offerings & Other Income $102,552 $271,153 $133,679

Ministry Expenses $103,812 $210,660 $121,189

Income over Expenses ($1,260.24) $60,493 $12,489

Future Expansion $3,535 $4,355

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LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES Available today from Lutheran Hour Ministries:

virtual conversations hosted on Thred.org with LHM staff for those seeking

answers to spiritual questions

daily devotions via an app

streamed LHM Radio messages via the SENTradio

rich array of downloadable online Bible studies and webinars by way of LHM Learn

pastoral resources that extend across a gamut from to catechism lessons to an archive of sermons

The Lutheran Hour, connecting millions of listeners to Jesus for over 90 years

Tap the array of free resources from Lutheran Hour Ministries for your blessing and the blessing of others. You

can visit LHM.org to discover more. Lutheran Hour Ministries depends on our support, so please prayerfully

consider a gift to make these and still more blessings available for the future. Rick Hoffmann – LHM Ambassador

The birds are chirping and the daffodils have started to bloom, and we need your help! Volunteers aren’t currently allowed into our buildings, but we would love to welcome those that are willing and able to volunteer outdoors at one of our campuses. Spring cleaning and landscaping needs include sweeping, picking up debris, weeding, mulching, and trimming. If you or a group are interested in volunteering, please contact Maggie Emenhiser at 447-0800 x 2121 or memenhiser@lutheranlifevillages.org.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

EQUIPPING THE SAINTS... In Ephesians 4, Paul talks about pastors and other leaders as gifts God has given the church "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Stephen Ministry has given us an organized way to equip those gifted for caring ministry so that they can build up the body of Christ by providing Christian care and support to those experiencing a difficult time. If you would like more information on our Stephen Ministry, please Call Linda Kraus at 446-4347.

“Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8b

“For as the soil makes the sprout come up and a garden cases seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness and praise spring up before all nations.” Isaiah 61:11

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J.O.Y. GROUP seeking new leader

A note from Linda Lewis, JOY Group Leader

I have been involved with the Just Older Youth (J.O.Y.) program since its beginning. I began when I was a Stephen

Minister and was allowed to work with several aging seniors of our church and help with what they were facing

in their daily lives. I was young (mid 50’s) and would have preferred being with people of that age or younger,

but God had other plans and brought me an understanding and love for this older generation. I found that

community and interaction with others was a life necessity that many lacked. Thanks to the help of the Stephen

Ministry, we were able to survey members in their mid 60’s and older. We then started a program that we would

invite “seniors” to come to different functions. It worked…like all of God’s plans. They came, we celebrated, we

prayed, we sang, we traveled, and oh, we usually ate. A great committee perpetuated this, and no one had to

work too hard behind the scenes.

Why am I telling all of this to you? The answer is: WE NEED HELP! Our original committee is aging, and we need

new blood. I personally have health issues that are requiring that I leave the helm. God brought this J.O.Y. into

St. Michael, God has grown us to a group that has filled many needs, and we know God will find good caretakers

for J.O.Y.’s future. Please pray with us on this!! Brainstorm with your friends! I am sure that God has someone

in mind to answer this need. Is it you? Call or email me at clewis11@msn.com.

This is important especially after the last year of solitude for so many. We need to reach out!

Join us for a Zoom J.O.Y. gathering on the second and fourth Tuesday (April 13/27) at 10:00a. Pastor Shawn will lead a devotion followed by a time for questions and closing with prayer. Contact Pastor Shawn for more J.O.Y. information.

J.O.Y. GROUP picnic on May 20. SAVE THE DATE!

I want to thank those who sent expressions of care and concern in the way of cards, texts and emails during my recent hospital stays and heart procedures. Thank you also for the prayers said on my behalf for healing and a return to good health. I am so grateful for all of you. God is Good!!

Blessings, Linda Kraus Many thanks to my Prayer Warriors of St Michael for all the prayerful support, cards, emails, phone calls, and texts during my recent major surgery and my ongoing recovery here at home. I am deeply touched by your loving support! The body of Christ is like a bank. Most of the time we are investing, but there are times when we need to draw out of the account. To be held up by another is a gift, enabling the fuller expression of God's Love in Christ (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Thank you, my St. Michael family!

Joel Esslinger

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CLHS

Summer Camps and Classes Concordia hosts a number of summer camps and academic programs for students of all ages. Camps range from sports to computers to band and drama. There's something for everyone! Camps are open in June and July.

If you're looking to get ahead on your classes, sign up for one of our academic programs. Classes are available onsite or online. Students from all schools in grades 8-12 are welcome! There are two sessions: Session 1 is June 14 - July 2; Session 2 is July 12 - July 30.

We are offering an online registration and payment system for all of our summer camps and classes through CampBrain. To register your child, click on the CampBrain link found at www.clhscadets.com/summer. From there, you will be directed to log into your account or to set up a new account to register for summer camps or classes. Payment is due at the time of registration. Many camps offer a t-shirt to campers, included in their registration fees. The registration deadline to be guaranteed a t-shirt is May 14.

Apply now for admission Application Fee waived Spread the word! If you have an incoming 9th grader or a transfer student, let them know to use code "cadets" to waive the $35 application fee. Enter the code in the "For Office Use" box. We are excited to meet all of our new Cadets! Apply online at www.clhscadets.com/apply.

An Atheist’s View on Life

I will live my life according to these beliefs God does not exist

It is just foolish to think That there is a God with a cosmic plan

That an all-powerful God brings redemption and healing to the pain and suffering in the world Is a comforting thought, however

It Is only wishful thinking

People can do as they please without eternal consequences The idea that

I am deserving of Hell Because of sin

Is a lie meant to make me a slave to those in power “The more you have, the happier you will be”

Our existence has no grand meaning or purpose In a world with no God

There is freedom to be who I want to be But with God

Everything is fine It is ridiculous to think

I am lost and in need of saving

A Christian’s View on Life (Now read this from bottom to top, beginning with "I am lost....")

Author Unknown

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Serving in April 2021

APRIL WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

John and Laura Elmer 4/2 27 years Ricky and Heidi Marks 4/2 39 years Matt and Melyssa Lennington 4/4 23 years Chon and Sharon Michael 4/4 23 years Charles and LouAnn Presti 4/11 34 years Ben and Adrienne Moeller 4/12 7 years Dan and Brenda Mauricio 4/13 25 years Curt and Stephanie Graber 4/15 32 years Ted and Brenda Hathaway 4/16 44 years Jim and Olga Mendenhall 4/18 12 years

COVID MASK RECOMMENDATION

In the event that Allen County turns from yellow to BLUE on the COVID map and remains

BLUE for two weeks, masks may be removed when seated in the sanctuary.

Note the door signage and parish notes for changes to the policy.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN ST. MICHAEL? Call the church office at 432-2033 or Pastor Shawn for more information!

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING—Sunday, April 25, at 6:00p Join us in the sanctuary or by livestream at stmfw.org

THE CALL PROCESS

Thank you for participating in the survey and listening events regarding our new Senior Pastor! The Call

Committee is moving forward with patience and endurance (see the theme in Hebrews 12:1 and Joshua 1:9) in

seeking God’s will for St. Michael. If you have names of LCMS pastors that you would like to submit to the Call

Committee for consideration, please send those names to DeeDee Beights at callcommittee@stmfw.org or

call/text a Call Committee member of your choice by April 5. Please also include the name and location of the

congregation they are currently serving. As always, continue to pray for our Call Committee and the whole St.

Michael family as we move forward in the call process!

Title Dates Saturday Sunday

8:00 10:45

Altar Guild April Carol Olry, Judy Piper, Sherry Buuck, April Cohen

Elders April Tom Latin John Hein Harry Jones

Acolytes April 1 Carson Nix, Elizabeth Ruch, Camille Bartel

April 2 Emma and Elijah Latin

April 4 Harrison McLain/Katherine Farber, Patrick LaLonde, Olivia Fry, Madilyn McDonald/Nolan Nutter, Emma and Caitlyn Stir

10/11 Andrew Hammond, Taylor Klein Caroline Stock Nolan Nutter, Cole Ruch

17/18 Addison Stalter, Emma Latin Jacob Levitt, Aiden Lyttle Hunter Panning, Parker Evans 24/25 Patrick Lalonde, Taylor Klein Caroline Stock, Gus Allyn Joey Beights

Randy and Lois Squire 4/18 6 years Daniel and Catherine Busse 4/19 35 years Jon and Tina Conrad 4/20 8 years Timothy and Lisa Klein 4/20 14 years Paul and Mae Rogers 4/20 53 years Mark and Cindy Kaszowski 4/21 42 years Kent and Amy Litchin 4/23 33 years Dave and Sandy Hopper 4/24 18 years Kent and Karen Baker 4/26 46 years Doug and Lori Inman 4/28 4 years