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ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)

WE ENVISION A WORLD FED AND LED BY GOD

"“FED AND LED BY GOD, WE LIVE AS A NEIGHBOR IN THE

WEST CENTRAL COMMUNITY, THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE,

AND ALL THE WORLD.”

729 W WASHINGTON BLVD. FORT WAYNE, IN 46802

PHONE 260.426.5751 FAX 260.420.9158

WEB SITE: WWW.STJOHNLUTH.COM

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CHURCH OFFICE NEWS

From the Pastor’s Desk Page 3

Prayer Concerns Page 4

Sermon Series: Questions From God Page 5

Quarterly Affirmation of Baptisms Page 6

Learning Opportunities on Thursdays at Noon/Catechism Classes Resume/Thinking

of Joining St John’s?/Prayer Chain

Page 7

SAFE at Home News Page 8

All Church Worship and Picnic (At the Cemetery) Page 9

Caught on Camera Around Church Pages 10-11

Our Newsletter is Available Online and Via Email/Thank Yous Page 11

September Calendar and Opportunities for Service Page 14

APE Update Page 15

Stewardship Page 20

Stephen Ministry News Page 21

September Baptism and Wedding Anniversaries Page 22

CONGREGATION

Financial Secretary Page 11

General Fund Summary Page 16

MISCELLANEOUS

Bowling for Wellspring/West Central Home & Garden Tour/LWR Quilts Page 6

Johnny Appleseed Festival/Thrivent Chapter News Page 20

LLV Auxiliary Card Party and News Page 21

CLHS News/Indiana Kentucky Newsletter Page 22

Summary of August Congregation Council Pages 17-18

Worship and Music News Page 19

Cemetery News Page 21

Church Directory Changes/Milestones/Membership Information Form Page 23

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“GOT QUESTIONS?” I’m sure you do. Have questions, that is. Questions about what you’ll wear today, where you’ll go or what you’ll have for lunch, what you need to do today, etc., etc. And then there are the deeper questions, the questions that get more to the heart of who we are as human beings. Who am I? Why am I here? The late Dallas Willard, a philosopher, Christian thinker and disciple of Jesus, suggests four great ques-tions of life every human being ought to ask:

1. What is reality? 2. Who is blessed (or, Who has the good life?) 3. Who is really a good person? 4. How do you become a really good person?

How would you answer these questions? If you want to know how Dallas answered them, go to the St. John Facebook page and look for a link to an article where Dallas’ answers are shared.

In the midst of all these questions, did you know that Jesus had questions, too? Certainly, in the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly before his arrest, trial and crucifixion, he questioned his heavenly Father as to whether or not there was any other way to accomplish his Father’s will. Besides this powerful question of identity and purpose, Jesus over 300 questions—and those are just the ones recorded in the four Gos-pels!

Msgr. Charles Pope, following in the footsteps of Bishop John Marshall twenty years previous, has iden-tified 100 of these ‘Jesus Questions’ as worth our time and consideration in answering. Again, the entire list is found in a link on our Facebook page, but here are the first 5, starting with Matthew’s Gospel—

5 (of 100) Questions that Jesus asked and YOU must answer: 1. And if you greet your brethren only, what is unusual about that? Do not the unbelievers do the same?

(Matt 5:47) 2. Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your lifespan? Matt 6:27 3. Why are you anxious about clothes? Matt 6:28 4. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye yet fail to perceive the wooden beam in your

own eye? (Matt 7:2) 5. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? (Matt 7:16)

This month, on Wednesday evenings and Sundays at 11:00 am, we will be starting a sermon series enti-tled, “Questions FROM God,” where we look more closely at some of the 307 questions Jesus is record-ed as asking in the Bible. See elsewhere in this newsletter for more details. In the meantime . . . keep asking—and wrestling with—the questions!

In His Grip, Pastor Paul

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PRAYER CONCERNS

We invite you to share your prayer concerns by calling the church office, 426.5751, or by filling out a green Prayer Request

Card (found in the pew-card holder) and giving it to an usher, placing it in the offering plate or by placing it on the desk in

the church office. Please indicate what you would like listed for prayers if you would like it to be listed. If you or a family

member goes into the hospital, please call the church office so we are made aware of it as the privacy laws for hospitals do

not always allow them to notify us thanks.

All Serving in Law Enforcement (safety &

protection)

Connie Ault (health concerns)

Aiden Bearman (kidney transplant 7/15)

Jane Christensen (melanoma on a leg)

Rafael Colon (cancer)

Katherine Donohue (health concerns) Emily Jovevski (cancer)

Thank You for raising up the next group of Sunday School Teachers to love and instruct our children in Jesus’ name The family of Keith Kirbach Alan Lawler (Throat Cancer/Mel’s son)

Terrie Mays (lung cancer)

Lori Mitchell Steve & Donna Riethmiller (strength, hope,

healing) Mikel Robbins (healing)

Steve Robinson (cancer/Dennis’ brother)

Bonnie Shurboff (healing)

Ron Stabler (healing)

Jamie Stumpf (liver cancer)

Braden Susnik (recovering from brain injury)

The family of Ray Squire Leilani Tsintsaroff (cancer)

CONTINUING CONCERNS: Pastor Amy and Family Barb Braun (health concerns)

Sarah Braun Clarence & Linda Bush (health concerns/

Vickie Brown’s parents)

The Cobb Family The Golden Family Jeremy Gray David E. Jackson

Dori Knoch (strength to cope) Gene Knoch (healing/strength to

serve) Jennifer Koppelmann (health con-

cerns/Gregg’s sister-in-law)

Rose Ellen Marquart Abigail Offhaus (healing)

Carolyn Richardson (health concerns)

Mikel Robbins (health concerns) Paul & MaryAnn Schoenemann Andrew Shelton and Family

Eric Shimp Brad Stoffer (leukemia) Carol VanCamp (healing from lung cancer/Lisa

Burris’ mother) Ginger Weiksnar (head trauma/Heather’ Off-

haus’ cousin)

MISSION /MINISTRY CONCERNS:

S.A.F.E. (Staff & Students) Jane and Clyde Vanworth (Safety in the Mission

Field/Julia Rieck’s sister)

THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY: Drew Brown (Navy/nephew of Milt & Vickie)

Vince Cutino (Fort Stewart, GA/nephew of Fran

Gull) Leah Theobald (Navy Reserve/San Diego, CA) Cody Gull (Army/Fort Campbell, KY)

Steve Hartman (National Guard) Matt McGahey (Fort Collins, CO) David Niblick David Offhaus (nephew of Pastor Paul)

John Strait (Germany) Aaron (relative of the Cobb/Johnson family who

is serving)

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SERMON SERIES: QUESTIONS FROM GOD So often we find ourselves focusing on getting the right answer. Answers abound—especially today, in the age of smartphones and instant answers, even to the most mundane and trivial of questions. But what about the questions? Could a good question actually be better than a good answer?

For six weeks, beginning September 16/20 at both Wednesday evening and Sunday 11:00 a.m. worship, we will be exploring some very good questions, indeed. In particular, they are drawn from the 307 questions the Bible records Jesus asking. We’ll also consider carefully the 8 questions Jesus actually answered, of the 183 the Bible records him being asked. Here are the details:

Sept 9/13 – Introducing the Questions Sept 16/20 – Questions about Worry Sept 23/27 – Questions about Longing Sept 30/Oct 4 – A Question about Identity Oct 7/11 – A Question about Your Neighbors Oct 14/18 – 8 Questions Jesus Answers Oct 21/25 – Questions from the Resurrected One Oct 28 (Wed eve only) – Questions about Healing

Good answers are one thing. Good questions—ones that get you thinking about what really matters in life and faith—are at another level entirely. Jesus, himself a rabbi and a master teacher, knew this. As Frederick Buechner writes, “Jesus asks provocative questions to evoke new understandings and change lives.”

This fall, come immerse yourself in the questions of Jesus.

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WELLSPRING BOWLATHON THIS MONTH!

St. John has fielded teams in the past for this fun event, including a youth team. For more information on forming a team, or to find a team to sponsor, go to www.welspringbowlathon.com.

WEST CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD

HOME & GARDEN TOUR SEPT 12-13 Our neighborhood’s annual home and garden tour is coming up Saturday, September 12th and Sun-day, September 13th. There is also an Arts Fest. Details can be found at http://www.westcentralneighborhood.org/hg-tour/ if you’d like to support our neighbors in West Central—not to mention seeing some truly won-derful homes!

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF QUILTS:

We will be tying them on Thurs., Sept. 17 in Rm 105. I will have them ready about 9 am and hopefully we can get them done by 11:45 so we can be out of the way for the next group to use that room. Anyone interested can just show up. Bring your own scissors, thimbles, and or large needles if you have them. There will be 8 or 9 to do. Thanks Martha Lawler

QUARTERLY AFFIRMATION

OF BAPTISM On September 27th during worship we will be celebrating all those who are re-membering their baptisms during the third quarter (July-August-September) of 2015. We do this with an Affirmation of Bap-tism service after the sermon (or after the service at 11). If that includes you or someone in your family, please plan on coming forward when invited to join in the celebration of God’s gift of Holy Baptism, through which faith, the Holy Spirit and so many other gifts are given! Thanks to Susie Manier, Bev Murphy, Linda McGahey and Cindy Witters for coordinating this quarterly opportunity!

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LEARNING OPPORTUNITY ON

THURSDAYS AT NOON St. John’s “Brown Bag Bible Study” will be starting a new topic this month, after finishing Francis Chan’s ‘BASIC’ series on the character-istics of the Church in the Book of Acts during the month of August. Any and all folk are wel-come to gather in Room 105 on Thursday, Sep-

tember 10th at noon—with or without a brown bag (or any bag) lunch, when the new topic will start. See the Weekly for details on the topic. You’re also welcome to come September 3rd, when Tony Shelton will be our guest facilitator while Pastor Paul is on vacation. Questions? Contact Pastor Paul (260-426-5751, x101).

THINKING OF JOINING ST. JOHN’S

COMMUNITY OF

BELOVED DISCIPLES? St. John’s next New Member Orientation will be held on Sunday, October 11th, from noon to 5:30 p.m. in Room 105. We’ll start with lunch, fol-lowed by “Knowing and Showing God’s Love,” a course intended for anyone who wants to grow in their understanding and practice of the Christian faith in general, and as a follower of Jesus at and around St. John in particular. Those non-members attending the orientation will be invited to join St. John on Sunday, October

18th during the 11:00 a.m. worship, following a brief introduction and welcome with congregation-al leaders at 10:15 a.m. in Room 101. If you’re interested in attending this orientation, please reg-ister your interest with Jamie Robbins in the church office (426-5751).

CATECHISM CLASSES RESUME

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH If you have (or are!) a young person in grades 7th or 8th this fall, please know that catechism classes begin Saturday, September 12th with a youth AND parent/guardian initial meeting. Generally speaking, catechism, which comes from a Greek word meaning, “to teach orally,” covers a two year period of learning about the Christian faith that culminates with Confirma-tion (or Affirmation of Faith), an opportunity for each young person to acknowledge publicly her or his faith / trust / belief in God. Here at St. John we also call our catechism students “DoJiTs,” an abbreviation of endearment that stands for Disciples of Jesus in Training. We will be gathering in the sanctuary at 9:00 a.m. for a youth AND parent orientation. We will finish by 11:30 a.m. Kids, come dressed to peel apples—because that is part of what we’ll be doing for some of that morning! (Parents and other family members are welcome to help, too, or return to pick up their kids at 11:30.)

PRAYER CHAIN St. John sponsors a prayer chain that regularly keeps members, rel-atives, friends and all those in our thoughts in prayer. Martha Weber coordinates this ministry. Re-quests for prayer can be phoned or emailed to Jamie in the office (260-426-5751). Please also indicate when doing so if your prayer should be included among those re-questing prayers in the church worship brochure on Sunday morning.

Lord, listen to your children praying . . . send your

Spirit to this place . . . Lord, listen to your chil-

dren praying . . . send us love, send us power,

send us grace . . .

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“SAFE AT HOME” – SMITH ACADEMY FOR EXCELLENCE NEWS Smith Academy for Excellence (aka SAFE), St. John’s adopted school (grades 2-12, currently) that meets in our building, kicked off its 2015-2016 school year Monday, August 10, after a voluntary prayer gather-ing the day before led by School Leader Corey Smith. This all male school welcomes all, but especially at risk young men—in fact, for many, this school represents their last chance to succeed in school before dropping out entirely. When asked what sort of needs they have that we at St. John might help meet, we heard the following:

• School Supplies! Donations of loose-leaf notebook paper, pencils, stick pens, and folders are ALL appreciated. Look for a labeled grocery cart in the Narthex (lobby), or just drop them by the office.

• Mentoring! Anytime during the school day or during their extended learning time, SAFE wel-comes St. John members and friends to work 1:1 with a student.

• Lunch Buddies! Lunchtime is 11:15 – 12:00 p.m. every day, Monday-Friday. The students sit together at tables by grade (2nd – 12th), so you could adopt a table one day a week (or more!), or float around from table to table. Pastor Paul has done this in the past and was warmly received.

For either of the two on site serving opportunities above, contact the school office at 579-6939 to learn more. And please—no matter what—keep these young men (and staff) in your prayers! Thank you.

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ALL CHURCH WORSHIP AND PICNIC (AT THE CEMETERY)

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Every now and then it’s great getting together as ONE CHURCH. While it’s impossible to do that with the entire Church Universal (at least not until Jesus returns!), here at St. John at least we can. Mark your calendars now for Sunday, September 13th, when we will have

ONE WORSHIP as ONE CHURCH at 10:00 a.m. that morning,

followed by

ONE PICNIC! Yum! All of this will take place once again on the restful, beautiful grounds of our cemetery, located along Engle Road west of Bluffton Road. St. John will be providing the meat, buns and beverages (coffee and some sort of lemonade/orange drink). Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share along the following lines:

• Do you usually sit on the Lectern (left) side of the church? Bring a Side Dish

• Do you usually sit on the Pulpit (right) side of the church? Bring a Dessert

• Do you have no clue what we mean by the above statements (or is there a standard ‘favorite dish’ you usually bring to this type of gathering)? Bring whatever you want ;-)

See you at the cemetery September 13th! By the way, this is a GREAT opportunity to invite a family member or friend, or even a fellow St. John member who hasn’t been to worship for a while, to come with you. This is one very concrete way we can live as a neighbor (our mission statement) and be fed by God (our vision statement)—AND one another!

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CAUGHT ON CAMERA AROUND CHURCH

While the above picture wasn’t actually taken at St. John, since it includes several ‘regulars’ at Well-spring, it serves as a reminder that the Wellspring Kids Nights are returning September 15th (walking tacos for dinner!)—watch the Weekly for details. It also features neighbor Keith Kirbach (on the right in a plaid shirt), one of our Wednesday evening regulars who, sadly, passed away in August. Rest in peace, Keith—and thanks be to God for the sure and certain hope of resurrection!

Please continue to pray for ALL of our Fort Wayne area schools, including staff, stu-dents and families, as they continue to learn build up mo-mentum over the course of the school year. Thank you!

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CAUGHT ON CAMERAAROUND

CHURCH CONTINUED...

Congratulations and God’s blessings upon little Celeste Kathleen Steed, baptized into the fami-ly and mission of God here at St. John on Sun-day, August 23rd at the 9:00 a.m. service! God grant her parents, Ryan and Jennifer, wisdom and joy as they love on their daughter and raise her in the Christian faith.

OUR NEWSLETTER IS AVAILABLE

ONLINE -- AND VIA EMAIL For several years now, recent copies of St. John’s entire newsletter has been posted as a PDF file on our website (www.stjohnluth.com). Members and those wanting to learn more about St. John may read not just excerpts but the entire newsletter as it now appears in print and is distributed to members and friends of St. John. This improves our ability to inform the public of our ministries here at St. John. The ability to do this comes primarily through the work of newsletter editor, Jamie Rob-bins. Thanks, Jamie!

Recently we have also begun emailing the news-letter to those who have subscribed to our Google Groups account. If you have not been receiving these emails but would like to, email Jamie in the office (sjluth@stjohnluth.com) and she will add your address.

If you’re ever submitting information to the news-letter, please note: What is published in the news-letter is also published on the website. Logistical-ly, it just is not feasible to review and then censor the website form of the newsletter. Therefore, “if in doubt, leave it out!”

THANK YOUS

• Than you to Tony Shelton who had a Thrivent Action Team event on July 29 for Wednesday Meals, and Kathi Likeness-Myers also had one August 26.

• Thanks to Donna Weber for all the great work she does at the cemetery along with her ceme-tery board crew!

• Wellspring Interfaith Social Services is appre-ciative of St John Lutheran Church’s dona-tion. As directed, the donation will go to the support of our Food Bank where it is needed the most.

MEMORIALS In Memory of Mary Ann Schoenemann, for the General Fund Carl & Lois Messerschmidt NOISY OFFERINGS In July, we raised $229.06 for the Clean Water Fund of Lutheran World Relief. Thank you, all! For September, we'll be collecting for the Indiana-Kentucky Synod's College Campus Ministries.

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Sun Mon Tue

1 All Day - Applebee’s Dining to Donate

6 15th Sunday after Pentecost

9:00 am—Worship Service w/Holy Communion 10:15 am—Adult Forum (gym) 11:00 am—Non-Traditional Worship Service w/Holy Communion 11:45 am - 4th Annual RLC Mud Olympics @ Resur-rection Lutheran Church

7 Church Office Closed 7:30 pm—11 am Worship Prac-tice (Sanctuary)

LABOR DAY

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13 16th Sunday after Pentecost

10 am - ONE Worship as ONE Church @ St John Cemetery 11 am - Church Picnic @ St John Cemetery

14 6:15 pm - Handbell Rehearsal (balcony) 7:30 pm—11 am Worship Prac-tice (Sanctuary)

15 10 am-Super Seniors (Rm 105) 6 pm - Wellspring Youth Dinner (gym/kitchen) 6:45 pm - Bible Study @ The Walda’s House

20 17th Sunday after Pentecost

9:00 am—Worship Service w/Holy Communion 10:15 am—Adult Forum (gym) 11:00 am—Non-Traditional Worship Service w/Holy Communion 10 am-5 pm - Johnny Appleseed Festival

21 6:15 pm - Handbell Rehearsal (balcony) 7:30 pm—11 am Worship Prac-tice (Sanctuary)

22 3 PM—OCTOBER NEWS-LETTER DEADLINE

27 18th Sunday after Pentecost

Affirmation of Baptisms (3rd Qtr.)

9:00 am—Worship Service w/Holy Communion 10:15 am—Adult Forum (gym) 11:00 am—Non-Traditional Worship Service w/Holy Communion

28 6:15 pm - Handbell Rehearsal (balcony) 7:30 pm—11 am Worship Prac-tice (Sanctuary)

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SEPTEMBER 2015

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Wed Thu Fri Sat

2 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (Rm 105) 12 pm - Staff Mtg. (church office) 5 pm - Wednesday Water Giveaway 5:15/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Worship Service

3 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 12 pm - Brown Bag Bible Study (Rm 105) 6 pm - Flute Choir Rehearsal

4 Pastor Paul’s Day Off

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9 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (Rm 105) 5:15/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Worship Service

10 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 12 pm - Brown Bag Bible Study (Rm 105) 6 pm - Flute Choir Rehearsal

11 Pastor Paul’s Day Off

12 9 am-4 pm - Rodewald Reun-ion (gym/kitchen) 9-11:30 am - Catechism Ori-entation (Sanctuary)

16 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (Rm 105) 11:30 am/12 pm-Staff Mtg./Lunch 5:15/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Worship Service 7:15 - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105)

17 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 9 am - LWR Quilt Tying (Rm 105) 12 pm - Brown Bag Bible Study (Rm 105) 5:30 pm - WAM Mtg. (Rm 105) 6 pm - Flute Choir Rehearsal 7 pm - Congregation Council Mtg. (Narthex)

18 Pastor Paul’s Day Off

19 10 am-6 pm - Johnny Apple-seed Festival

23 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (Rm 105) 5:15/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Worship Service 7:15 - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105)

24 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 12 pm - Brown Bag Bible Study (Rm 105) 6 pm - Flute Choir Rehearsal

25 Pastor Paul’s Day Off

26 9-11:30 am - Catechism (youth room)

30 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (Rm 105) 5:15/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Worship Service 7:15 - Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105)

St. John Lutheran Church (ELCA)

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SEPTEMBER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE DEACON— Milt Brown USHERS— Greg Robbins, Bill Broyles WED. DEACON & USHERS: Gloria & Richard Brown, Gary Gilliom

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 - 15TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

ASSISTING MINISTER - Linda McGahey GREETERS - Tina Thompson, Sue Kienzle COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Pam Bessey, Gloria Brown, Bonnie Shurboff, Julie Walda ACOLYTE- Evan Walda ALTAR GUILD - Gloria Brown ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Dorthy Epple, Lois Hoelle SCRIP TABLE - Dianne Pierce COFFEE HOUR TREATS - Cheryl Kienzle WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Lois Hoelle

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 - 16TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (ONE SERVICE @ 10 AM @ ST JOHN CEMETERY)

ASSISTING MINISTER - Steve Rieck GREETERS - Chris & Julie Walda, Danielle Geels COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Cheryl Kienzle, Bev & Tim Murphy, Julia Rieck ACOLYTE - ALTAR GUILD - Gloria Brown 11 AM PRAISE TEAM– Jay Heare, Heather Offhaus, Pete Newcomb COUNTERS - Dorthy Epple, Lois Hoelle SCRIP TABLE - Julia Rieck

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 - 17TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

ASSISTING MINISTER - Danielle Brown GREETERS - Julie Constant, Jan Rodewald COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Julie Constant, Jodi Inge, Jamie Robbins, Jan Rodewald ACOLYTE - Lucas Austin ALTAR GUILD - Sue Kienzle, Cheryl Kienzle ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Steve Rieck, Julie Robinson SCRIP TABLE - Vickie Brown COFFEE HOUR TREATS - Steve & Julia Rieck WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Greg Hevel

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 - 18TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

ASSISTING MINISTER - Deb Waybright GREETERS - Ruth Miers, Ann Arnold COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Julie Hollis, Linda McGahey, Dianne Pierce, Dennis Robinson ACOLYTE - Connor Paxton ALTAR GUILD - Sue Kienzle, Cheryl Kienzle ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Julie Walda, Julie Robinson SCRIP TABLE - Jamie Robbins COFFEE HOUR TREATS - Cindy Witters WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Windy Cobb

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APE UPDATE

APE participants experience an “Ole Roll” group hug at the end of their gathering

26 people (including seven Council members) gathered at Wellspring on Saturday, August 8th to chart out St. John’s course for the coming year. Pastor Sarah Robinson shared some of her experiences serving in a neighborhood church in transition, as younger individuals and families move into the area after older community members pass away. A key question: how might God be calling YOU to con-nect in community with your neighbors around you? After Pastor Sarah’s inspiring words, the bulk of our time involved working hard on discussing and planning our ministries over the coming year, all of which will be reflected in the 2016 Ministry Plan that will be presented to the Congregation Council for approval at its September meeting, then to the con-gregation at its December meeting. Thank you to all who created space in their lives to be present and participate in this important process!

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SUMMARY OF AUGUST 20, 2015 CONGREGATION COUNCIL

OF ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

The regularly scheduled meeting of Congregation Council was called to order at 7:01 pm by chair, Gregg Koppelmann. The following members were present; Ann Arnold, Bob Bosserman, Jane Gresh-

am, Lois Hoelle, Terry Kienzle, Gregg Koppelmann, Pastor Offhaus, John Platt and Chris Walda. Ex-cused was Greg Hevel. Absent was Fran Gull. Secretary's report—a draft of July minutes had been e-mailed before the meeting and a written copy was presented. Motion to approve also seconded. Motion carried. Treasurer's report—Written report for July was distributed. Envelope giving is down about $3000. We have received a check from SAFE for July and August rent. Motion made and seconded to accept treasurer's report. Motion carried. Committee reports

♦ Cemetery—no report given ♦ CARE—written report was presented to council by Tony Shelton. Total phone calls are 125,

total visits 91 (hospital, communion, Wednesday night). ♦ Property committee—Outdoor areas looking much better thanks to Brad Hollis. A new work

plan with Neighborhood Code Enforcement has been signed. This is to fix the south wall on A-1 building (1006 Broadway) by February 14, 2016.

♦ Tomko Estate Task Force—still waiting on estimates from committees. Gregg is looking for the policy on gifts to the congregation.

Pastor's report—no report. Old Business

♦ Lease with SAFE—there will be no partnership with Boys and Girls Club. So far, 90 students are enrolled. SAFE has agreed to pay an extra $100 per month for each student over population of 110. SAFE is exploring relocating the end of December. Lease is from July 1, 2015 to De-cember 31, 2015.

♦ Parish Education Committee—met twice. Ten people were invited to participate and seven are active. Collaboration is emerging. Also exploring ideas such as dismissing children from ser-vice early.

♦ Tuition Policy (TSP)—Currently 3 students at Concordia High School and 4 students in Ele-mentary. We are not currently paying the full amount. Suggestion for school year 2016-2017 to eliminate K-8 program. Current policy says students must be a member for one year after Au-gust 1. Motion made that the 7 students already eligible for tuition assistance continue to re-ceive it, seconded. Motion carried.

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New Business ♦ Neighborhood Code Enforcement—Pete Newcomb trimmed the electrical wire that was dan-

gling. We have a new work improvement plan that must be completed by February 14, 2016. Chris Walda is gathering estimates.

♦ Nursing Services Program—committee is being formed to explore healthy life style. ♦ Pipe Organ repair—Written proposal distributed. $350 of repair has been completed but still

need $2100. Worship and Music is willing to contribute some from scrip money. There is still $1200 in the budget for repair. To finance purchase of zembelstern, suggestion to use a combi-nation of memorials and scrip. This is all repair and is not any renovation. We will still need $100,000-$125,000 to pay for renovation.

♦ 2015 APE report—had a good turnout on Saturday, August 8. Two dozen program sheets were submitted. Pastor will type the results for 2016 Ministry Plan and email to council for review and approval and council will then put forward at congregation meeting for approval.

♦ Congregation Meeting will be Monday, December 7, 2015. Nominations committee will begin working on a slate of candidates.

♦ Wednesday night dinners—Allen County Board of Health received a complaint of under cooked hamburger patty so an inspection was done. We need a license and paperwork is being completed. Fire Department also needs to inspect the outdoor grill.

♦ Insurance Policy—Lois Hoelle has a proposal from an agent locally to offer better coverage than we currently have. Savings of around $3000 a year. She is also checking with Finance committee.

♦ Copy Machine—Lanier MPC 5503 copier is going to be leased from Office Concepts. Machine is able to do everything that was on the list. And we are saving over $100/month.

♦ Church Picnic is Sunday, September 13. There will be one service. Lois Hoelle and Ann Arnold are getting started on it.

♦ Brad Hollis reimbursement—Motion made, seconded and approved to reimburse Brad Hollis's expenses for brick.

♦ Railing for altar area—Property team will explore where railing is that had previously been in altar area.

♦ 2016 draft of budget was presented by Lois Hoelle. Council is asked to review by September meeting.

Good & Welfare—Invitation for any council to become a docent for Pastor Offhaus home at the Harri-son Hill open house. Seven homes and three businesses are on the tour. Motion made, seconded and carried to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 pm. Minutes taken by Jane Gresham, secretary.

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WORSHIP AND MUSIC NEWS

Holy Communion: 9:00 AM

We have been using a new setting (“Now the Feast and Celebration) of the Communion Liturgy since May 31st. Some changes will be coming up soon. Please note the following: As of the Sunday after Labor Day we will be shift-ing to ELW Setting 10 through Christ the King Sunday. During Advent (Starting on November 29th) we will change to ELW setting 4 and continue through the Epiphany season.

Organ Maintenance and Repair As many of you may know, our pipe organ needs maintenance from time to time. This includes tuning and minor repairs. Recently during two periods of repair work on the ceiling of our sanctuary, it was necessary to temporarily remove many pipes to allow scaffolding to be erected for the repairs. Since this was being done we took the opportunity to clean the top of some of the wind chests, repair the swell shutters and adjust some of the pipes. Over upcoming months we will be undertaking additional cleaning on the swell and pedal divisions. All of this is routine work that needs to be done every so of-ten. At this point in time we are looking toward some additional major work that will keep our organ in good playing condition for the long term. This instrument has served us well since 1969 – as a high quality instrument, and if well maintained, will serve for many years to come. The additional repairs and changes being considered include, at this time, digitalizing the console (the “command center” of an organ) and replacing some pipes. We Are Going to Get a “Zimbelstern”!

What in the world is a “zimbelstern”? Basically a zimbelstern is a small musical in-strument consisting of a set high pitched bells that are played at random to go along with organ music. They are activated by a switch or a “stop” located on the organ con-sole. A typical zimbelstern looks like the illustration shown here though they do come with various designs and timbres. On some organs an actual star rotates as the bells rotate…thus “cymbal” (zimbel) “star” (stern). In our case the instrument will proba-

bly be placed behind the pipes on the left side of the balcony in the same area that the chimes are locat-ed. Members of the congregation are invited to contribute toward this purchase which will cost approxi-mately $800, with the distinct possibility of matching funds (details forthcoming). Contributions can be made “in honor of” or as memorials.

Coming Events Sunday, November 29 – The First Sunday in Advent Friday, December 11 @ 11:45 AM – Advent Hymn Sing Sunday, December 13 @ 4:00 PM – The Joy of Christmas Friday, March 11 @ 11:45 AM – Lent Hymn Sing Friday, May 6 @ 11:45 AM – Spring Hymn Sing

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JOHNNY APPLESEED FESTIVAL

It’s that time of year again! The 41st annual Johnny Appleseed Festival is just around the corner! Dates and times of the festival are:

Saturday, September 19th 10 AM-6 PM Sunday, September 20th 10 AM- 5 PM

Once again, we will be making and selling apple pies at the festival. This is a big job with big rewards! If you’ve already been contacted to help - great! If you haven’t, please consider do-nating a few (or more than a few!) hours to help with the preparation, baking, delivery, or setting up and working the booth at the Festival. Clean-ing up after each kitchen session is over is also a big job! Contact Pete Newcomb (219.204.1863) & keep watching the an-nouncements, the Weekly, and your Newsletter for updates!

THRIVENT CHAPTER NEWS

Thrivent Chapters in this area are to be in existence until April 2016. All officers will stay the same. Thrivent Chapters will not receive any grant dollars for the partial year. We do not know who, if anyone, will be on the regional board. In order to access grant dollars Thrivent Action Teams were created. If you are not a current Thrivent member and would like to be please contact our representa-tive Tony Nelson at 260-402-6283. It takes a mini-mum investment of $1,000 if you are still working and $2,000 if you are retired. You do not need to share your personal financial information to pur-chase a minimum investment. Most investments qualify you to be able to access grant dollars from the Thrivent Action Team program. Qualified Thrivent members can request up to two $250 grants per year. That is $500 per year. Thank you to all who have requested these grants and to all of those who will be doing so in the future.

STEWARDSHIP

In the article, How Much Is Enough?, editor Cath-erine Malotky, we look at the 5 stewardship prin-ciples. 1. Gratitude as one's basic approach to

life. All stewardship begins in gratitude to God as the Giver of life, salvation, and health.

2. Stewardship is counter-cultural. From an early age we have been socialized to measure our worth according to our possessions and our security according to our financial hold-ings. It requires much spiritual strength and the support of a counter-cultural community of faith to resist the lure of measuring one's life according to one's possessions and finan-cial holdings.

3. Stewardship entails a life of care for our

neighbor. The Gospel sets us free from the preoccupation with whether we have done enough to deserve God's love. It sets us free for sharing God's love with others. Who is our neighbor? Our neighbors include the members of our family, our friends, our col-leagues at work, and those impoverished in our local communities and across the pond.

4. Stewardship involves care for God's crea-

tion. Christians have understood themselves as having control over rather than stewards of creation. God has dominion over the earth. God created the earth. Jesus invited his followers to live at peace with other crea-tures and plants. The extent of environmental degradation in the world we now live in makes stewardship of God's creation a priority for Christian stewards.

5. Tithing as a spiritual discipline. The value of tithing is in claiming it as a freely chosen spiritual discipline to assist the steward in worshipping God above all things. We should choose to make our giving decision first, then arrange the rest of life from there. In this way tithing is not imposed from without but rather elected from within.

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LUTHERAN LIFE VILLAGES

AUXILIARY We need to supply 8 birthday cakes for the residents on Tues., Sept. 8. Please call Martha (432-4919) if you want to bake one. Our next meeting is Wed., Oct. 7 @ 1:30 pm. The program is about the Allen County Public Library and the resources available there. This should be interesting. New members are desired and guests are welcome. The Fall Fling Card Party is Thurs., Sept. 10 at 7 pm. This is a good time for fun, fellowship, and whatever game you play with your friends. I have tickets at $5. each. On Sunday, Nov. 1, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Auxiliary by attending church and enjoying lunch at LLV on Anthony Blvd. Friday, Oct 2 is the Oktoberfest from 4-7 pm. There will be more information in the weekly.

Lutheran Life Villages invites you

to attend:

THE FALL FLING CARD PARTY This fundraising event is brought to you by Lu-theran Life Villages Auxiliary and will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 7 pm. Eve-ryone is welcome! Tickets are $5 and refresh-ments will be provided. Join us for food, fun, and fellowship at Lutheran Life Villages at 6723 S Anthony Blvd. in the Independent Living - Heritage Room.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

NEWS

“One of the things we learned during Stephen Minister training was how and when to pray with our care receivers. Improvised praying (as I call it) made me

very nervous at first—even though I do improvisa-tional acting! But I’ve found that when I do pray with a care receiver, I can feel God saying to me “Relax!” and the words just seem to flow. I never thought I could pray aloud like this, but now I feel very comfortable doing it.” “A byproduct of being a Stephen Minister is that my faith has deepened. I talk to God all the time and constantly see Him at work in my life.” For more information on how you can experience God’s calling more fully in your life, contact: To-ny Shelton at 426-5751

Margaret | Hollywood

Voiceover Actress CEMETERY NEWS I want to thank those who are helping with the picnic at the cemetery on Septem-ber 13th! As before, I will make every effort to tape off areas where we don’t want people to park/play. Please be aware that parking is limited. Look for a sign that says “Parking here.” Thanks for your understanding!!

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INDIANA KENTUCKY

NEWSLETTER

Access the IN-KY Newslet-ter on our church website go to www.stjohnluth.com and click on the News/Events Link to see this newsletter. If you do not have internet access and wish to have this mailed to you, please call the church office (426.5751) and I will put you on a month-ly mailing list for that too!

CLHS NEWS

To access news for Concordia Lutheran High School go to www.stjohnluth.com and click on the News/Events

Link to see this news. If you do not have internet access and would like this information mailed to you, please call the church office (426.5751) and I will put you on a monthly mailing list.

SEPTEMBER

WEDDING

ANNIVERSARIES

06: Keith & Susan Jewell - 09 09: Melvin & Martha Lawler - 37 11: Bradley & Julie Hollis - 61 12: Chris & Julie Walda - 23 15: Aaron & Ann Arnold - 53 19: Greg & Jamie Robbins - 28 Ronald & Jessica Branch - 06 22: Mike & Linda McGahey - 36 29: Dick & Gloria Brown - 59

SEPTEMBER

BAPTISM

ANNIVERSARIES

01: Luz Marks, Joshua Springer 06: Sue Kienzle 07: Julia Rieck 10: Cleveland Inge 12: William Butler 13: Carol Platt 14: Richard Trautman 17: Carol McLaughlin 18: Amanda Holley 19: Brian Braun 21: Kathleen Felger 25: Frances Gull 26: Edward Flaugh, Amanda Nelson 28: Matthew Witters

Please let me know if I missed you or have a wrong date for you for Baptism or Wedding anniver-saries!

Thanks, your Parish Secretary, Jamie Robbins (426.5751)

May the Lord continue to bless these marriages!

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MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

CHANGE/CORRECTION FORM

NAME:__________________________________________________

ADDRESS:_______________________________________________

CITY:_______________________STATE:_______ZIP:____________

PHONE:_________________________________________________

EFFECTIVE DATE:________________________________________

This Membership Form may be mailed or left in the church office

CHURCH DIRECTORY CHANGES

Please make the following changes in your own personal Church Directories:

ADDRESS/PHONE ADDITIONS/UPDATES/CORRECTIONS:

The new 2015 Directory is done and a PDF copy was emailed but there are also hard copies availa-ble at the Welcome Center in the Narthex. Call the office if you would like one mailed to you.

MILESTONES

Baptism: Celeste Kathleen Steed - 8/23/15

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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: M-F—8:00 AM – 3:00 PM PASTOR ...................................... REV. PAUL OFFHAUS - PASTORPAUL@STJOHNLUTH.COM CHAIR OF THE CONGREGATION ....... MR. GREGG KOPPELMANN - GLKOP@COMCAST.COM CARING MINISTRIES ................ MR. TONY SHELTON - TONYSHELTON@STJOHNLUTH.COM ORGANIST ......................... MR. MARTIN P. GIGLER - MARTIN.GIGLER@STJOHNLUTH.COM DIRECTOR OF MUSIC ............................ MR. JAY HEARE - JAY.HEARE@STJOHNLUTH.COM CHURCH SECRETARY .......................... MRS. JAMIE ROBBINS - SJLUTH@STJOHNLUTH.COM CUSTODIAN ............................................... MS TINA THOMPSON- TINA@STJOHNLUTH.COM

ST JOHN EV LUTHERAN CHURCH 729 W WASHINGTON BLVD FORT WAYNE IN 46802

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID FORT WAYNE IN

PERMIT #966