“Think (Intently) On These Things” On the first Sunday in Lent, Jesus reminded us that we do not live on bread alone but on the Word of God. He is the bread of life and His Word satisfies our deepest needs. He also tells us He gives us living water and so I would ask you to imagine God’s Word, the Bible, being like a clear mountain stream of water. When you first look at it all you see is a stream of water. But if you stare into the water for a longer period of time you begin to notice that there are some fish in the water. If you keep on peering into it intently, you begin to see that there are also some colorful smooth stones at the bottom of the brook, and upon still more careful observation you notice that there is even a gold nugget among the smooth stones. Reading the Bible can be like that. I certainly don’t mean to imply that it’s not all plainly good upon the first reading of it, but there is something to be said for lingering over a passage for an extended period of time. In fact, if we read the same Bible passage over and over again for an entire week, we begin to see things there (gold nuggets, if you will) that we might not have seen at first. This being the case, I invite you to join me in reading and meditating on a brief portion of the Scriptures each week for the remainder of this Lenten season. As the old Lenten hymn puts it, “Jesus, I will ponder now on Your holy passion; with Your Spirit me endow for such mediation.” The passages we will meditate on relate to the various things that St. Paul says we should “think on” in Philippians 4:8. These things will also drive the focus of our midweek Lenten worship services, not only on Wednesday nights, but also on Maundy Thursday (3/28) and Good Friday (3/29), all at 7:00 pm. The tricky part is that because of the “round robin” preaching arrangement that we have this year, the order in which the topics appear in Philippians 4:8 is not the same order in which they will be featured in our Wednesday night worship here at St. Michael, but at this point in the season, it’s only different on 3/6. The whole thing is laid out for you in the table below, including who is preaching, what the topic and text are, as well as the corresponding brief section of Scripture that we are invited to meditate on. If you had not picked up on this idea before now and are therefore behind, don’t worry about it. Just pick it up wherever you like. There are no rules about these things as long as you’re finding gold. Thinking on these things with you,

Dates Preacher (Topic) Preaching Text Passage for Meditation

2/13 Rev. Dr. Paul Naumann (True) John 18:37-38 Psalm 51

2/20 Rev. David Sidwell (Right) Romans 3:23-26 I John 2:1-17

2/27 Mr. Jon Forster (Pure) I John 3:1-3 Psalm 119:1-16

3/6 Rev. Gary Siefert (Noble) I Corinthians 1:23-31 2 Timothy 2:11-26

3/13 Rev. David Sidwell (Lovely) Isaiah 53:2-5 Psalm 84

3/20 Rev. Gary Siefert (Admirable) I Peter 2:19-24 Luke 18:9-17

3/28 Rev. Dr. Naumann (Excellent) I Peter 2:9 2 Peter 1:1-11

3/29 Rev. Dr. Naumann (Praiseworthy) Psalm 18:3-7 I Corinthians 4:1-16

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P A G E 3 V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 3

National Lutheran Schools Week Celebration

At the end of January St. Michael Lutheran School and Christ for Kids Childcare celebrated National Lutheran Schools Week along with hundreds of Lutheran schools across the nation. This special week included a number of fun events for the students which culminated with the Family and Friends luncheon. This luncheon allowed students to invite grandparents, family friends, extended family, or neighbors to be guests for chapel service, for time spent together in the classroom doing fun activities, and finally for sharing a delicious lunch cooked by the PTL. For many of the guests, it had been many years since they were in an elementary classroom. While there were a number of students who did not have a special person that they could invite, they were still able to participate thanks to a number of SMLC members who were invited specifically to share that special day with them. One of the members in attendance, Carolyn Burns, shared some insights about her experiences at the Family and Friends luncheon which affirms this congregation’s main mission outreach: Today I experienced in person the advantages of St Michael Lutheran School. It was Family and Friends day. We had been invited to spend the morning in one of the classrooms and have lunch with the students, starting with chapel at 10 am. We each were designated a student to serve as our host. I was the guest of a 7th grade boy in Mrs. Lonc’s 7th/8th grade class.

We enjoyed being interviewed by our host student, and then in turn heard each classmate tell about their favorite subjects. I was impressed by the wide range of subject matter the 7th/8th grade class has been studying. These youth have developed poise and self-confidence in speaking and expressing their viewpoints in front of others. Tanzanian, Pakistani, Guatemalan, and Asian students are representative of the varied ethnicity found this year at St Michael Lutheran School. Mrs. Lonc the teacher read a letter from one of their classmates who is spending this semester with her parents on sabbatical in Derry, Ireland. The young lady spoke of the things she missed in the Irish schools: courtesy, honesty, integrity in both students and teachers - clean language, respect for elders, and a Christ-centered attitude. She said she missed her fellow students and her teacher, but knew she could get thru the year because she was coming back to them. It was a touching testimony of how deeply the bonds are made at SMLS.

Small class size, excellent teachers, varied resources, broad subject matter, diversity in ethnicity and income/social status, courtesy guided by Christian principles, and respect for life, are led by skilled, devoted teachers and all part of the SMLS picture. Mr. Johnson, Principal, is key to this being carried out -- consistently structured, but gracious - an ever present overseer and role model.

The SMLS Parents-Teacher League plans and hosts many social events such as Bingo Night in the fall, the Snow Ball dance in January, the Road Rally in the spring, Basketball Camp during the summer and Ski Club to which community families and youth participate. I experienced an Incubator, Safe Haven, agent of all things good for kids and their families at St. Michael Lutheran School.

Greg Johnson Principal

St. Michael Lutheran School

New Member Welcome Recap 2013

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

The SMLC LAMP outreach mission trip to Lac Brochet, Manitoba is creeping closer and the team is still looking for additional personnel to go. The LAMP team is especially putting the call out for men to volunteer to be part of the traveling team. This is definitely not a women’s only mission. So men (and women) please pray and see if God touches your heart to make the trip to share the gospel of our Lord Jesus to the Dene people in Northern Canada. For further information contact Dana Naumann at 383-1749.

LAMP

Recru

its

Easter Egg Hunt The SMLC Easter Egg Hunt will be held this year on March 30, 2013, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm. This event will lead right into the Saturday FUSE service. This event is especially fun for the children and is open to the community. There will be games, an egg hunt and the opportunity to share the Good News of our Savior’s Resurrection.

Currently there is a need for additional volunteers to help with set up, clean up, manning the games, etc. Also candy donations are welcome and greatly needed. Sign up sheets and candy drop off bins will be located in each Narthex. If you would like more information on the event or volunteering contact Kelly Docsa at 353-3823, or Kristin Watkins at 744-1413.

Upcoming Events

Mom to Mom Sale

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

March 9 - Mission U Ses-sion MU-203

March 16 - Annual Mom

to Mom Sale March 30 - Easter Egg

Hunt followed by FUSE

Mission U This session will truly exciting especially if you are into tech-nology. The final class in the Mission U series of classes will be the April session, MU-301, Christ Alone in a Coexist World. In this session we will examine the culture that defines present-day America. They will identify prevalent religious views present in the U.S. and become educated about them. Students will learn points of connection and apply unique conversation paths to-wards sharing the Gospel with relevance to people of today's culture.

Please consider attending one or both of these final sessions. It doesn’t matter whether you at-tended one of the earlier sessions or not. For more information see the Lutheran Hour Ministries Web-site, or contact the church office.

The final Mission U classes are fast approaching and will be held on March 9, 2013, and April 20, 2013 from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

The March class will be MU-203, Sharing the Gos-pel in the Digital Age. This session is designed for both the beginner and expert alike. Students will have the opportunity to explore the technology of today’s Social Media programming and explore how it offers opportunities to develop relationships and to share the Gospel that were previ-ously impossible.

Upcoming

The SMLS annual Mom to Mom Sale is going to be held this year on Saturday, March 16, 2013, and will be located throughout much of the church. The school PTL coordinates this effort where you can purchase gently used children and maternity clothes, toys and equipment.

It is going to be bigger and better this year, and all of the proceeds from the sellers will go back into the PTL for school programs. There will be buying, selling, refreshments, and fellowship going on making this a natural setting for sharing our faith. We will have many visitors to our church and school from the community that need to be welcomed during this large event. If you are a seller at the sale, or if you can come to help with the sale this will be a great opportunity to share both the love of Jesus and information on our church. If you have questions concerning the sale contact the school or church office.

Holy Week / Easter Look for the special invitation postcards available later this month in the narthex to invite your friends and neighbors to the Easter Egg Hunt, Holy Week Services & Easter Morning with Easter Breakfast. This is the highlight of our Church year! Please invite others to see why it is that you celebrate “He Is Risen”.

T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R P A G E 6

Concordia University Concert Band

Sunday, March 10 at 7pm Zion will host the Concordia University (Seward) concert band. We will be sending promotional material in the next week, but wanted to alert you both to the concert and the need for host families to house students after the concert. Students will be taken home at 8:30pm and returned to Zion the next morning at 8:30 as they will be travelling to Grand Rapids for their next concert. Each host family will be asked to host 2 or 3 students. Please consider helping and what a great way for your families to interact with some really great young adults. Let us know how many of your families might be willing to house students for the evening. Blessings! Pastor Tim Seeber Zion Lutheran / Kalamazoo

13TH ANNUAL WILD GAME POTLUCK Saturday, March 23, 2013 (5pm—9 pm)

Trinity Lutheran School Gym - located at 725 Pine Street, Paw Paw, MI

Keynote Speaker: Pastor Josh Odell from Journey Family Church—longline fur trapper Inviting all people of all ages (hunters and non-hunters) Free will offering to support Trinity Creation Education Center Bring a food dish to share (wild game, tame game, fruits, rolls, vegetables or dessert To register contact TCEC Director Jim Burns at 269 720.3282 or jimburns@core.com Bring your personal fur, fish and game trophies to display on our “Show-and-Tell Boards”. Share your digital photos of your recent hunting, fishing and / or trapping adventures by e-mailing them (captions included) to slideshow coordinator Josh Burns at jimburns@core.com.

Loss and Rejection

1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”

Last Thursday our Stephen Ministry group met for Continuation Education as we usually do. However, this meeting was open for all members of our Congregation.

For such a topic to be discussed on Valentine’s Day may seem a little odd but for anyone who has spent any holiday alone because they cannot be with the person they care for, it seemed to make a lot of sense. We started out with this list of situations that may cause the feeling of loss or rejection:

Hospitalization Childbirth Illness Guilt Separation/Divorce Amputation Mental Illness Grieving

Unwanted Pregnancies Empty Nest Loneliness Getting Married Moving New Church Nursing Home Home Bound Bereavement Losing a Job Single Parents Retirement Faith Strugglers Natural Disaster Rejection Unfaithfulness Death of Loved One Loss of Structure Feeling like a Failure

We also had two people who were willing to talk about the emotions they felt while experiencing a divorce and how the loss and rejection can be felt as soon as you realize that there is something wrong in your marriage.

What we discovered was the sooner someone seeks help from a caring Christian person who will listen to anything you have to say (as many times as you want to say it), and care for you without judgment, the better the outcome seemed to be.

For example, one of our speakers sought Christian help immediately. Because of this he is a stronger more forgiving individual. He is a strong spirit-filled Christian.

The other speaker had no one to talk to and held everything inside. She has not been able to forgive her spouse for betraying her and struggles even now with the guilt she feels for not bringing closure to that situation. She has also moved on and been blessed in her life with the Holy Spirit but struggles still with not having closure. It is so important to forgive in order to receive forgiveness in your own life.

Call a Stephen Minister as soon as the feelings of loss, rejection or guilt start to affect you. You will find a Christian person who doesn’t judge you but cares for you as a brother or sister as Christ would.

Affectionately, Virginia Hetrick

GALATIANS 6:2 “BEAR ONE ANOTHER’S BURDEN, AND SO FULFILL THE LAW OF CHRIST.”

P A G E 7 V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 3

P A G E 8 T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

Encourage One Another March 19 @ 7pm in Allan Hall

What encourages you? Is it a scripture verse, poem, song, book, something else? Join us in an evening of informal fellowship as we share the source of our solace and strength. Dana Naumann will review an important work by John Bevere, "The Bait of Satan". Pastor Naumann will lead a Bible study. Refreshments? Of Course!

Easter Blessing Baskets

We are preparing Easter Baskets for two St Michael Families. Your generous support enabled two additional families to experience the love of their St. Michael family during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Look for the poster in the south narthex. Last day to help is Sunday, March 24th. Thank You!

Be of Service to Our Neighbor Monday, April 15 7pm in Allan Hall

Henderson Castle Tour & Tea (100 Monroe Street, Kalamazoo, MI)

Sunday, May 5 at 3pm

Mark your calendar and make your reservations by April 28th to be feted at Kalamazoo’s own castle on Main Street Hill. Invite your girlfriends, daughters and grand-daughters. Tickets are $16.99 each. We will car pool from the church. Contact Arla Mayhew or Diane Goetz, if you would like to be picked up. Check the poster in the South Narthex for details.

Henderson

Castle Tea

We will be gathering supplies and assembling personal health kits. Join for Bible Study and

devotions. Refreshments served.

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 3 PA G E 9

Lutheran Women Missionary League Spring Rally Zion Lutheran Church, Marshall

April 13, 2013, 9:00-11:30 AM

Featured Speaker: Lutheran Bible Translator Missionary, Becky Grossmann

Nationally LWML is raising $97,344 in mite money to help the people of Africa hear God's Word in their own language through print and audio recordings.

Myra Gorentz Mites

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Month of February

February was all about Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). February 3rd was Recognition Sunday with guest speaker/ musician David Britton and the LWML display. Thank you to the greeters and ushers and others who wore purple ribbons in support of LWML worldwide mission work.

On Feb 18th, Women in Service Night, Carly Hatcher, Ann Arbor Director of Mission Opportunities Short Term (MOST) was our featured speaker. Carly's PowerPoint presentation explained the many opportunities for everyone to become a missionary on a limited trip to places like Nicaragua, Tanzania, and even Detroit. LWML Mites fund grants to support MOST missions. Myra Gorentz, president of the LWML Battle Creek Zone, gave the devotions and set up the eye glass washing station. We assembled witness necklaces that MOST volunteers will give to people on the mission trips as they share the Salvation Story and the truth of Christ's love for them. We welcomed guests from Redemption Lutheran in Marshall and Trinity Paw Paw.

June Kucks

CONGRATULATIONS

JOE AND ALICIA KEINATH

JACK JOSEPH KEINATH BORN FEBRUARY 14, 2013

WEIGHT: 7 LBS. 14 OZ.

LENGTH: 20 -1/2 ”

What’s Happening with St. Michael Junior & Senior Youth

TOOL TIME

The Jr Youth Group is going to Concordia University Ann Arbor on March 15-16 to participate in TOOL TIME. It is an annual event sponsored and organized by the

students at Concordia and specially geared for middle school students. The theme this year is Masterpiece and is based on Ephesians 2:8-10. We will depart

Friday evening and return Saturday evening. We hope all middle schoolers can make it.

High School students talk about all kinds of things with their friends. Even discussions of Jesus Christ and faith come up! However, these talks can be difficult and hard to know how to start or finish. As part of the youth group partnership with Kalamazoo Youth For Christ, the St Michael High School Youth have the opportunity to participate in the Youth For Christ 3Story program. 3Story teaches youth how to talk to their friends about Christ in a way that is natural and uses their own personality. All 8th grade and high school students will be invited to attend. We are finalizing dates for April and will get information out soon, watch your email!

Easter Breakfast!

The St Michael Youth Group is blest to host the Easter Breakfast on

Easter Sunday, March 31. We will begin serving food at 9 am and

continue until 10:30 am. Please join us in celebrating our risen Savior.

Communion Instruction

Pastor Naumann will lead instruction in the Lord’s Supper on Sunday afternoons March 10 and 17 from 4-6 pm. Confirmation students who have not previously

been instructed are welcome to attend. Eighth grade students who have not been instructed are required to attend. Students should attend both sessions

and bring along at least one parent.

Thank You!

The Youth Group would like to thank the congregation for their support of our Super

Bowl sub sandwich fundraiser and for attending the Pancake Supper. It is a blessing to us to serve the congregation and also to help fund our Servant Trip to New Jersey this summer.

Toby Mac RED

Winter Jam is back! The annual WinterJam concert tour will be in Grand Rapids on Sunday, March 24 with headliner Toby Mac. Tickets are only $10 at the door. Winter Jam is always an excellent concert with speakers and other attractions. We will meet at St Michael after church on Sunday afternoon and head up early in the afternoon to get in line. It is first come, first serve and we were one of the last couple hundred people to get in last year for SKILLET. Please let Jon Forster know if you would like to attend so that we can plan transportation.

Jr Youth Movie Night

Saturday evening, March 2 from 6 to 8:30 pm. We are watching Here Comes the Boom with Kevin James. All middle school students and friends are

welcome to join us in Allan Hall.

SKATING AND BURGERS

The High School Youth Group is going ice

skating at Millenium Park on Sunday evening March 3 followed by

dinner at 5Guys Burgers and Fries.

Cost is $4 per person.

Meet at church at regular youth group

time, 6-8 pm.

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Busloads of Students March with Students For Life of Michigan Against Abortion in

Washington, DC Over 100 of Michigan's most dedicated prolife student leaders pose outside their hotel in D.C.

Friends, There is nothing more motivational than seeing hundreds of thousands of youth gather from all corners of the country to be a witness against abortion. That is what 115 of Michigan's college students, representing 14 schools, witnessed when they traveled with Students for Life of Michigan (SFLM) to the 2013 March for Life last month. This year's National March for Life in Washington, DC was proof of the prolife movement's growing strength. Young people continue to represent a larger and larger portion of the March's attendance each year. Their unwavering dedication was made evident through the many hours they spent, joyfully standing in freezing weather and snow covered roads...not to mention the sacrifice they made to get all the way to D.C. amid busy class schedules and financial constraints. Students from Michigan returned home both prepared and motivated to change hearts and save lives on their campuses in the coming semesters. SFLM, and the students who traveled with us, attended the March for Life and the largest prolife youth conference in the world, enjoyed some free time in D.C., ironically stayed in a hotel across the street from Planned Parenthood's National Headquarters, and received awesome t-shirts to commemorate the trip. Thank you to the donors and supporters who helped make SFLM's 2013 March for Life trip a reality! We could not have had such a successful trip without your support. A special thanks goes out to our MFL Coordinator, Theresa Lytwyn (WMU), for organizing the trip.

SFLM MARCH FOR LIFE WMU 115 PROLIFE LEADERS IN WASHINGTON DC

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 3 PA G E 13

Carolyn Burns, Rev. Harrison, Maggie Karner, Bill Burns

LifeWalk 40th Anniversary

Roe vs Wade

“We Are a People of Joy over Life!”

President Matt Harrison’s opening words at the 2013 LCMS Life Conference 2013 the morning before the March for Life on Friday, January 24th.

T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R P A G E 1 4

A NEW YEAR, A NEW CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT!

You have the opportunity to bring your marriage back to life again like when you were first married. Lutheran Marriage Encounter is a Weekend designed to do just that. There are still openings available for the next Weekend scheduled for April 19-21, 2013 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. If that weekend doesn’t work for you, the next one will be September 27-29, 2013, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Here husbands and wives are given tools of communication that can RESTORE communication, REKINDLE romance and RENEW commitment. For more information or registration forms contact Fred & Barb Roush (517-852-0119) or call Brian & Donna Zelner at (269-226-4703). You may also register on-line at GodLovesMarriage.org. It is important to register at least four weeks prior to the Weekend date to guarantee a place on the Weekend.

Michigan District, LCMS presents . . .

Lutheran Adult Gathering October 11-13, 2013

Mackinac Island, Michigan

“R“ROOTEDOOTED ININ HHISIS PPRESENCERESENCE””

We invite you to join us for a weekend adventure of rejuvenation, relaxation, and fellowship while we explore how God uses us “like trees planted by streams of water” to spread His love and Gospel.

Conference Registration: $60 per person For more information, event details, and to register, visit www.michigandistrict.org/events/lag13 or call Christina Strobl at 888.225.2111 ext. 266. Registration fee does not include reservation costs.

Registration deadline August 15, 2013

PA G E 9 V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 2 PA G E 15

Letters to Edna Hello from Afghanistan, My name is MSG Tim Larrison and I am writing to thank you for the care package/Christmas card. I have been in the Army/Army Reserve for 24 years and this is my third deployment. I am currently deployed with the 303D Military Police company out of Jackson, Michigan. We have been in southern Afghanistan for 8 months and are preparing to go home. Unfortunately, we will miss Xmas but getting home will be nice at any time. My daughter, Katelyn, is 20 and is also in the company so we have spent the last 8 months together. I was also deployed last year with another unit and came back again to be with Katelyn and the 303D. We have been working with the Afghan police since we arrived in the country. They are improving and doing the best they can with the system. A few of our troops have been injured and sent home but everyone is okay. The 303D is a remote base and we are the only troops here so we have to take care of ourselves. We have cooks, mechanics, and medics assigned to the unit so we are pretty much self sustaining. I have gotten proficient at fixing toilets, water pumps, air conditioners, door locks, and just about anything else that needs repair. Since it is December, the weather is getting cooler, averaging 50-60 during the day and getting below freezing at night. It sure is a big difference than last summer when it was 120 everyday. It is the rainy season now and it has rained about every other day but we were here four months before it even sprinkled. We have a tent with computers, phones, and a TV for the troops. Most of us have laptops and watch movies on those. For physical fitness, we have a decent gym and cardio tent with treadmills, elipticals, and stair steppers. Besides working out and watching movies, Kate and I have been taking online classes. I am 4 classes short of a Master’s in Criminal Justice and Kate just started a business degree. Since we are in the Army Reserve, the classes are paid for through tuition assistance. I am a State Trooper at home and am anxious to get back to work. Kate works at the credit union and just bought a house (her mom actually did all the paperwork and moved her things in). She is excited to get home and see her house for the first time. The packages you sent were extremely well appreciated. Mail call is something that brightens everyone’s day. The packages are usually shared with all the troops and lately we have been giving candy out to the village children at the front gate. They don’t get candy and snacks like we are used to so anything is better than nothing. They really like pens, pencils, and crayons. I guess those are hard to get. We have gone out to the gate 3-4 times and now they know that the goodies are coming. It is nice to help the kids and it makes them more friendly towards the US. Thanks again for the support and it does make a difference to the Soldiers who are deployed. MSG Timothy Larrison

Dear Edna, Thank you so much for your card and care package. I actually got it the day before Thanksgiving, which was perfect timing! It made it more special. I always pass everything around to the soldiers. I love seeing their smiles, it makes everything even more worthwhile. Thank you for all you do to make sure we feel loved and unforgotten. You are truly an angel looking over us. Believe me words will never be able to express the gratitude I feel every time someone sends me a letter or card, or care package. It makes an unfamiliar land seem more like home especially with the holidays around the corner. Thank you again for all you do. It is hard to send pictures here due to opsec violations, but we do have a facebook page that we update with pics all the time. Go to 4-3 Air Defense Artillery and like us and you will be able to keep up with our battalion, and you will also receive those updates also. If you would like, you can write back, I always correspond with everyone who writes to me. I have saved every letter or card or drawing everyone has sent to me and will continue to. I cherish them! Very Respectfully, SGT Marmol, Laura

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Burnie Trimner Ethel Kocman Bud Leonard Lorene Fiebig

TV MINISTRY YOU CAN TRUST!

Charter Cable Channel 96 Access for Kalamazoo and Portage

30-Minute Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod worship service Produced by Lutherans for the homebound, hospitalized… Includes the Gospel, Epistle, and Sermon by LCMS pastors Music by choirs, soloists, and small groups Sun. at 4:00 pm; Mon. at 2:00 pm; Tues. at 3:00 pm; Wed. at 5:00 pm

Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. 5 Martin Luther Drive ^ Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996

“Worship for Shut-Ins” Summary Sheet March 3, 2013 – Luke 13:1-9 “Our Limited God” by Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Holy Cross Lutheran Church~Fort Wayne, IN God's patience is limited. Repentance is needed NOW. Our lives have an end date; God’s love does not. The cross shows just how far the limitless love of God goes in our lives.

March 10, 2013 – Luke 15:1-10 "Lost and Found" by Rev. Dr. Dan May, President-Indiana District, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Jesus comes to seek and save the lost. On our own we always get lost, but Jesus never gives up seeking the lost.

March 17, 2013 – Phil. 3:12-14 “Press On!” by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological Seminary~Fort Wayne, IN We realize we have not finished our spiritual race, and so have a godly dissatisfaction with our not yet being perfect. Therefore, we don't look back in a way detrimental to our pressing on. But we keep moving forward, pressing on, until we reach the finish line and receive the prize - perfection - by God's grace. March 24, 2013 – Luke 19:28-38 "Clarity for the Cross" by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church~Stroh, IN Are you clear about what your life is all about? Jesus was clear about who He was and what His life was all about. It was all about the cross. March 31, 2013 – Luke 24:1-12 "Christ Is Risen!” by Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church~New Haven, IN Christ is risen! This joyful proclamation of the greatest fact in the history of the world is what separates Christianity from all other religions. We believe in a loving God who became one of us to take upon Himself our sins and pay for them in full. His glorious resurrection is proof of His success. We shall now live with Him forever in the beauty and majesty of heaven.

V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 3 P A G E 1 7

WE LOVINGLY SERVE! THANK YOU to our BOARD OF YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY MEMBERS! Among the many things these people do are: involve the young people of the congregation in the work of Christ; provide for their spiritual growth and nurturing; promote genuine Christian fellowship for the young people; provide many spiritual and engaging events to keep them involved in the church. If you would like to share your gifts with our youth, contact Jon Forster at the church at 327-7832 or email him at jforster@mightymessengers.org.

St. Michael Needs:

People to straighten out the cards/envelopes/hymnals in the pews; sign up for one month at a time

Greeters for services Tellers for weekly counting of

the offerings CELL group leaders Lesson Readers for the Sunday

services Contact Jan Jett at the church office at 327-7832.

Many thanks to our church family for all your prayers, cards and support upon the loss of Steve's mom, Alberta, in January and Sandi's brother and sister‐in‐law, Tim and Lori Roe, on February 2. The love of friends, family and Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is getting us through this tough time.  The Champion Family‐‐Steve, Sandi, Matthew, and Philip  

Meals for College Students Thank you very much for the thoughtful loving gift of your food and service to the Western Michigan Students attending Lutheran worship at Solid Grounds: Bill and Carolyn Burns, Mike and Diane Goetz, Tom and Arla Mayhew, Wayne and Rika Noggle, and the Tomans, Glenns and Fosters. Pastor Mark at Solid Grounds

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

BASKETBALL FUN

Do you like playing basketball with friends? Well, we currently have a group of basketball players that meets every Wednesday at 8pm in the gym. It starts with a bible devotion and proceeds with lots of fun playing ball. If you are interested, come and join them. We are also considering starting another group for the slightly older crowd. If you have an interest in this, please contact Harold Karnes at 327-4809, and please do

not call after 8pm.

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 2

8/1/12-1/31/13

Church Revenue $358,663

School Revenue $342,171

Total Revenue $ 700,834

Total Expenses $ 639,582

Net Surplus (deficit) $ 61,252

Budget $ 675,277

Under/(Over) Budget $ 35,694

Avg. 2013 Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . 346

Special Offerings Since August 1, 2012:

Trust Fund $ 14,024

Church Worker Scholarship $ 385

LWR $ 965

Good Samaritan $ 6,291

Memorials $ 1,200

Covenant Sr. Program $ 880

Mortgage Reduction $ 25,983

Mission Forward $ 32,380

School Music $ 242

Tuition Assistance $ 14,166

School Improvements $ 25,824

Quilting $ 205

Sunday School $ 215

L.A.M.P. Mission Trip $ 580

P A G E 1 8

January Financials

Mission Forward Update

Total Committed: $668,614 Accumulative Receipts as of 2/24/13 Offerings: $625,869 Matching Funds: $39,706 Percent of Commitment Reached: 94% Mortgage Balance: $385,239

Campbell's® soups

Campbell’s® Select Harvest® soups

Campbell’s® Microwavable soups

Campbell's® tomato juice

SpaghettiOs® Pasta (Original & Meatball)

Campbell's® beans, gravies, & canned pasta

Prego® Italian sauces

Swanson® stocks, broths & canned poultry

V8® vegetable juices

V8 Splash® beverages

V8 Fusion® beverages

V8® soups

Campbell's® tomato juice

Pepperidge Farm® breads, cookies, & frozen products

Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® crackers

Campbell® Foodservice products

St. Michael School has collected many labels and box tops this year thanks to you. Thank you for your continued support. If you haven’t helped yet or you have more labels and box tops to give, drop them off in the South Narthex, the childcare center, or at the school office.

As far as box tops go, we have collected $1,471.50. This is almost to our goal of $1,766, so keep up the good work. We are doing great with labels for education too! We have collected 15,165 points, which is 165 points past our goal. With your points so far this year, you have help purchase walkie talkies for the school as well as other gym and art supplies.

Just a reminder, if you are turning in labels for education, I need the bar code to be whole or complete so that I can read it, and please cut the label as small as you can near the bar code. This makes packaging them so much easier. Also if you are turning in box tops, I must have ones that are NOT expired, the expiration date has to be visible, and any coupon box top certificates MUST be ORIGINALS not copies or expired. Thanks again to everyone who is earning us money and points! Dana Greenacre

P A G E 1 9 T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R

Saint Michael Lutheran Church and School 7211 Oakland Drive ✝ Portage, MI 49024-4151

(269) 327-7832 ✝ Fax: (269) 327-3148

website: www.mightymessengers.org E-mail: stmike@mightymessengers.org

Staff Members, Board Directors, and Other Leaders *Paid Positions

Senior Pastor * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann Office Hours: Tues-Fri. 9 am -12 noon E-mail Address: naumann@mightymessengers.org Director of Christian Education * . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon Forster Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs 9 am - 12 noon E-mail: jforster@mightymessengers.org Assistant Pastor *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Jason Toman Office Hours: Wed. Noon – 4:30 pm Church Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Beaubien, Marianne Wiersma Director of Ministry Operations * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Jett Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-3:00 pm School Principal/Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Johnson Saint Michael Lutheran School - Kindergarten Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brenda Heintz Saint Michael Lutheran School - First Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara Schubert Saint Michael Lutheran School - Second Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Annie Buchanan Saint Michael Lutheran School - Third Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Prentice Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fourth Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Lam Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fifth/Sixth Grade Teacher *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Manack Saint Michael Lutheran School - Seventh/Eighth Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Lonc Saint Michael Lutheran School - Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Robinson Christ for Kids Childcare Director * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Newkirk Technology Coordinator * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Williams Sextons* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Chapman, Bud Hetrick Stephen Ministry Leaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Conklin, Pastor & Dana Naumann, Arlan Wendzel and Virginia Hetrick Stephen Ministers . . . Zoe Miller, Jenny Wedel, Lynne Wendzel, Nonie Knight, Heather Bigelow, Ailene Buchtrup, Christine Boone, Bud Hetrick, Carolyn Freeman, Barbara Williams, Kelley Crawford, Mara Kudelski President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Hogue Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Heintz Board of Lay Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Conklin Sound & Lighting Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Prayer Ministry Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sandi Champion Financial Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad Hunter Newsletter/Bulletin Publications * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marianne Wiersma Board of Parish Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shannon Hogue Vacation Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorraine Dudash Board of Early Childhood & School Ministries Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Taylor Board of Evangelism and Missions Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dana Naumann Cradle Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Hunter Board of Parish Fellowship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant Women’s Fellowship Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June Kucks Board of Church Properties Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Howard McNees Board of CELL Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant Covenant Senior Day Program Board Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Kurlowicz Covenant Senior Day Program Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lauren Fitzmaurice Board of Stewardship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Chilcott Volunteer Ministry Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Board of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Krieger Senior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Burnett, Jerry Kuss, Emily Manack, Jon Forster Junior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Burnett, Jerry Kuss, Jon Forster

7211 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024

St Michael Lutheran Church

Church Phone: 269-3277832 School Phone: 269-327-0512 Fax: 327-3148 stmike@mightymessengers.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

KALAMAZOO, MI

PERMIT NO. 5

DATED MATERIAL

Our Mission at St. Michael Lutheran Church is to make disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ by building up one another in the faith and

reaching out to others with the Gospel.

We call this “Making Mighty Messengers for Christ.”

MARCH 6, 13, 20 — LENTEN SERVICE, 7PM MARCH 9 — MISSION U, 10AM—3PM “SHARING THE GOSPEL IN A DIGITAL AGE” MARCH 16 — MOM TO MOM SALE, 9AM—1PM MARCH 24 — PALM SUNDAY, 8:30AM & 11AM MARCH 28 — MAUNDY THURSDAY, 7PM SERVICE MARCH 29 — GOOD FRIDAY, 7PM SERVICE MARCH 30 — EASTER EGG HUNT, 3:30PM-5PM EASTER VIGIL, 5PM MARCH 31 — EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE, 7:30AM EASTER BREAKFAST, 9AM-10:30AM EASTER MORNING, 11:00AM

MARCH 2013