August 2013 Volume 53, No. 8

THE MIGHTY MESSENGER

“All Over the World”

With the summer often comes vacations and travels, sometimes to far away places. Facebook gives us the travelog of our friends as they tour the country or even go overseas. A number of people close to me have been to Europe this summer, cruising the Rhine, touring Rome, etc. Others have been out west to the Rockies, some out to Arizona or down to Florida, and all have found, as the Disney ride puts it, that it really is “a small world after all.” Once again in this month of August, five of our ladies (Dana Naumann, Mary Kruger, Jan Jett, Carolyn Hornev, and Jofen Han) will be traveling about 2,000 miles north to live for a week among the Dene people of Lac Brochet, Manitoba, Canada. This will be the third year that we have sent a team there to put on a Vacation Bible School for the children and to minister to this first nations community. Our faithfulness in returning each summer speaks volumes to them of the genuineness of our love and the sincerity of our message. We hope to hear in this month of August a report from POBLO (The People of the Book Lutheran Outreach) as they bring the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ to Arab and Indian people who have immigrated to this country, especially in Michigan and Wisconsin (where the sainted Rev. Roger Heintz was very instrumental in the success of this new mission venture). POBLO is also doing tremendous work of training pastors and starting mission churches in northern India, an area that is predominately Muslim and where previously few inroads for the Christian faith have been made. On the third weekend in August Rev. Mark Couch of “Solid Grounds” will share what God has been doing through our LCMS campus ministry at Western Michigan University. Pastor Mark not only is ministering to a number of students, but also putting them to work in ministry as mentors to children at Tree of Life Christian School in the Edison neighborhood of Kalamazoo, and taking them on mission trips, including relief and clean up efforts in Moore, Oklahoma after the devastating tornado destruction of this past spring. Many from our own youth group here at St. Michael now know first hand the joy and challenge of ministering to people recovering from storm damage as they worked with those who endured superstorm Sandy and who daily deal with the on-going challenges of urban life in Newark, New Jersey. We will see pictures and hear stories from the youth and their adult leaders during the donut hour on August 25. Having gone on several domestic mission trips now, our Board of Youth Ministry has begun to plan for an overseas mission trip for the youth next summer, possibly to Belize. All this reminds me of what St. Paul said in our Epistle reading a few weeks ago: “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth” (Colossians 1:6). Yes, for the last two thousands years, disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ have heeded His command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), and to be His “witnesses. . . even to the uttermost parts of the earth” (Acts 1:8), telling people everywhere of the life changing impact of His saving death and resurrection for our eternal salvation. We pray for God’s traveling mercy to be upon all who are in the air, or on the land and sea, this summer, and that their experiences would not only be good for them and their family, but also for the extension of Christ’s global Kingdom. For truly “God our Savior (is) the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” (Psalm 65:5).

 

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P A G E 3 V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 8

St. Michael Lutheran School Education with Christ

at the Heart 7211 Oakland Drive

Portage, MI 49024

St. Michael Lutheran School, the only Christian school in Portage, is now enrolling for the 2013/2014 school year. St. Michael offers Christ-centered, quality academic programs for grades Kindergarten through 8th. In addition, St. Michael offers computer, art, gym, music, band, and Spanish along with after school enrichment classes and no-cut sports. The program is open to all. Tuition Assistance is available for those who qualify. Would you like more information? Talk with Principal Johnson, call 327-0512, or visit www.stmikeschool.org.

Christ for Kids Childcare

Christ for Kids offers Christ-centered preschool classes with convenient wrap around childcare for children as young as 2 1/2. Programs offer low student/teacher ratios with child initiated learning to promote spiritual, social, emotional and cognitive growth. Christ for Kids offers year around, full-time childcare, Monday through Friday from 6:30 am—6:00 pm. Talk with Principal Johnson, CFK Director Emily Newkirk, call 327-0512 or 327-4889 to learn more about our programs.

St. Michael’s 2nd Annual Cheer Camp

Do you want to show your Jesus Spirit? Come join us for the 2nd Annual Cheer camp 2013 hosted by St. Michael. The camp is open to all kids age K-8th grade on Aug. 14th & 16th by local cheer expert Kassandra Meyer. Learn jumps, hand stands, chants and the how to show your Jesus spirit! Please contact the school office for further details. Hurry to sign up as this 2-day camp fills up quickly. This event is a great outreach for us so please bring a friend. If interested please send JulLea Stolsky an email at jstolsky@gmail.com or call 269-544-0230.

BASKETBALL CAMP August 5th thru 8th, 8am—5pm August 9th, 8am—3pm

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

2013 Jesus Loves Kzoo: A Successful Outreach!

This was an amazing outreach for St. Michael this year. St. Michael joined 50 other churches in bringing food, fun, fellowship, & prayer into numerous parts of Kalamazoo and even Portage this year. A special thank you goes to Carol Eaton who is our point person and clearly loves this outreach. This is the 7th year for Jesus Loves Kzoo and the 3rd year for St. Michael to participate. There is nothing that builds up the body of Christ like sharing His love. St. Michael volunteers were involved in children’s games and activities and also hit the streets as street ministers. Pulling a

cooler with iced water and freeze pops the Street Ministers would engage in conversation anyone who they would encounter as they walked through the neighborhood. By giving a cup of cool water this also gives them the opportunity to ask them if they have anything they would like prayer for. These requests are written down for further prayer, but the group also has the opportunity to circle around and pray for the person’s request. The reception to these small gifts of love are enormous as people often open up and share some of their deep pain and express great thankfulness for what the group is willing to do. May God continue to grow this outreach not only through the summer but also throughout the year and may St. Michael’s involvement continue to grow, that we may be part of this powerful impact on our community.

Upcoming Events

MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

Evangelism Notes 2013 LAMP UPDATE

“The 2013 LAMP Team leaves for Lac Brochet on August 2. We will arrive on August 3 in Lac Brochet, begin meeting and reconnecting with the children and set up for the VBS. We will attend the church service on Sunday morning and finish our preparations for the VBS. VBS will run from August 5-9. If you would like to receive updates and prayer requests from the team while they are gone give your email address or box number to the church office to be added to the list. There is a table set up in the north narthex with devotionals that you can use while the team is in Lac Brochet (we are using the same devo-tional for the week). Also on the table is a sheet that outlines our activities for each day in Lac Brochet.

Our prayer requests include:

Reconnection with the community – adults and children

Adult helpers to assist with the VBS

Use all of the interactions that we have with the community members as opportunities to share the love of Christ.

We will return to Kalamazoo on Sunday evening, August 11. The Team will present the outcome of the trip at all services on September 28/29. Thank you for all of your prayers and support!!! Praise God also for the $3,000 grant received from the Croft Ministries Fund for the LAMP Mission Trip – God is so good!!!”

August 4: Prayer Walk for the Kalamazoo and Calhoun County Fairs.

August 2 - 11: LAMP Team trip to Lac Brochet

August 5 - 10: Kalamazoo County Fair

August 10-11: POBLO Sunday with Pastor Khurram Kahn

August 11 - 17: Calhoun County Fair

August 17-18 : “Solid Grounds” WMU Campus Ministry Sunday with Rev. Mark Couch

Upcoming Events Opportunities for Evangelism at County Fairs “It is time to pray, plan, and staff our evangelism booths at the Kalamazoo County Fair (August 5-10) and Calhoun County Fair (August 11-17) to share what Jesus Christ has done for us! We will again be praying for God to provide churches to sponsor the booths by helping with any of these:

Prayer: the ESSENTIAL work

Booth workers: recruiting and/or training (or we will train)

Funding: financial needs will be communicated

Follow up or discipleship: as God leads

If you or anyone you know would be interested in the Van Buren County Fair (July 15-20), or the Luce West Mackinac County Fair (in the U.P.) August 21-25, please let me know immediately.

The Prayer Walk for all fairs will be at the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds on Sunday, August 4 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Links to all information, BOOTH SCHEDULES, and sign up pages will be sent by e-mail and posted online.

“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (Matthew 9:37)

“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” (Mark 16:15)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations …” (Matthew 28:19)”

The 2013 LAMP Team!

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Board of Stewardship Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: I am blessed with the honor of sharing good news concerning God’s goodness and provision related to SMLC/SMLS finances. As of June 30, 2013, our Working Cash Balance is $189,938, and our August 2013 Working Cash Balance Projection is $114,937. This is after increasing our Cash Reserve Requirement for Operations from $25,000 to $50,000. God has exceeded our financial expectations! On July 11, 2013 the Finance Committee agreed that we are ready to sow excess cash on or before September 15, 2013 in accordance with the Faith Budget. The Finance Committee determined that the Starting Working Cash Balance in September 2013 should be at least $25,000; thus, based on our June 30, 2013 Working Cash Balance, $89,937 is available to sow. On April 23, 2013 the Parish Planning Council (PPC) reviewed and rank ordered the 2013 Faith Budget and agreed to sow $31,745 as follows:

$14,000 to adjust SMLS teacher compensation adjustment for FY 2013. $8,245 to the Board of Youth for their 2014 Foreign Mission trip. $5,000 into information and technology replacements and upgrades $4,500 into updating the South Narthex and Allan Hallway.

The Finance Committee recommended and the PPC concurred that $5,000 should also be placed into the Good Samaritan Fund as this money is such a big support to some of our members, and too often there are no funds available when a member is in need.

The remainder of $53,192 (as adjusted by July and August results) will be sown in November 2013. The Finance Committee invites the Congregation to prayerfully consider what God’s will is concerning how to sow in November and encourages you to share this with the SMLC leadership (PPC, Board Directors, and Staff). The PPC, with the assistance of the Finance Committee, will develop a formal process to receive and prayerfully consider your input. As we officially enter into the FY 2014 planning process (Thematic Goal and Budget), we (the Congregation, PPC, various Boards & Ministries, Staff, SMLS families, etc.) should remember God’s goodness and treat it as a season of praise and thanksgiving and a time to earnestly place our trust in God and seek His will for SMLC. I lovingly encourage SMLC/SMLS to recognize and review how God has moved our individual hearts and exceeded our financial expectations. Praise God for His faithfulness and goodness! God’s Peace, Mark K. Chilcott Director, Board of Stewardship

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UUNSURENSURE FFOOTINGOOTING

Recently I read an article titled “Unsure Footing” from the Lutheran Hour Ministries. This article talked about a husband and wife who were traveling across a bridge when the second half of the bridge disappeared in a puff of smoke. Apparently, a truck had hit one of the overhead girders on the bridge weakening the structure enough to make it unstable and the bridge collapsed from under the couple.

An expression that many of us have used to describe a totally negative and unexpected event is “then the bottom just seemed to drop out from underneath me.” Most of the time, we mean it figuratively not for real.

I believe that most of us will encounter times when we are on unsafe and unsure footing, when it seems the bottom has dropped out from under us. Like the arrival of a painful or terminal illness, the betrayal of a friend, the loss of a job or loved one…any of these can make us feel like the earth is failing and falling away.

At a time like that the most common thing to do would be to find something to hold on to. Don’t hang onto whatever is causing you sadness or hurt because that will just drag you down with it.

The best thing to do is to ask the Holy Spirit to uphold you with your faith in the Savior. Hold on to the Lord who has promised to be with you in difficulty; has promised He and you can carry any problem which comes your way; has promised to take you through your problem or take you away from that problem.

That’s what King David did: “I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God”….Psalm 40:1-3a

When you need a helping hand to keep you out of the pit, please call a Stephen Minister. We are here to listen to you with a caring, Christian attitude.

God’s Blessings,

Virginia

Virbhtr@gmail.com

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

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP BOARD MEETING MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2013

6:30 PM @ CULVERS (ON S. WESTNEDGE)

If you are interested in joining our board, becoming a volunteer or have suggestions for programs, please join us to begin the 2013-14 season of events. - June Kucks

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

Bingo & BBQ Sunday, August 11 3-5 pm, Allan Hall

EVERYONE IS CORDIALLY WELCOME TO ENJOY AN AFTERNOON OF HOT BINGO GAMES AND COLD LEMONADE. BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIEND FOR A SUMMER GATHERING—RAIN OR SHINE. (A SIGN-UP SHEET IS LOCATED IN THE SOUTH NARTHEX.)

BBQ FIXINGS, TABLE SERVICE AND BEVERAGE FURNISHED. SALADS AND DESSERTS ALWAYS APPRECIATED.

BRING A WRAPPED WHITE ELEPHANT TO ADD TO THE PRIZE TABLE THERE WILL BE GIFT CERTIFICATE PRIZES

P A G E 9 V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 8

Lutheran World Relief In-Gathering

As we get ready to prepare kits for Lutheran World Relief (LWR), donations of the following items are still needed.

12” Rulers Round Tipped Scissors

70-80 page 81/2” x11” Spiral Notebooks Combs

Nail Clippers 0-2 Toddler T-Shirts

Bath Towels (gently used is acceptable) Bed Sheets (for quilts)

Items may be placed in the chest in the south narthex.

Please contact Michele Ryan at 649-1387 with questions.

PROMISE KEEPERS August 23-24, 2013

Location: Holiday Inn 12812 Harper Village Driven, Battle Creek MI 49014 Schedule: August 23, Friday -Doors open 5pm—Program 6pm—10 pm August 24, Saturday—Doors open 8am—Program 9a-4pm Speakers: Jeremy Camp, Worship Brad Stine, Comedian Larry Acosta, A Band of Brothers — Unity Rick Rigsby, Defending the Homefront — Family Dan Seaborn, Winning the Battle Within — Purity Sam Rodriguez, Waking the Warrior—Masculinity Derwin Gray, The Epic Battle of the Heart — Salvation Raleigh Washington, The Warriors Weapon — Hear & Obey God’s Word The tickets are $49/each.  If you are interested, please contact Pastor Naumann 

naumann@mightymessengers.org 

P A G E 1 0 T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R

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

Youth Group Sponsored Blood Drive Michigan Blood is the sole supplier of blood for Bronson and Borgess Hospitals in our community. They are having a blood drive at St Michael on Wednesday, July 31 from 2-7 pm. You can sign up for a time to donate in the South Narthex and you will not have to wait in line on the 31st. The Youth Group will receive a $10 donation from Michigan Blood for each person that attempts to give. Join the youth group is raising some money and helping our community.

High School Youth Servant Trip The High School Youth spent a week serving a tough neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey. There were many people anxious to hear the good news of Jesus Christ as the youth knocked on over 400 residences, visited over 100 business, had prayer requests from 70 people and identified 12 men and women of peace from the neighborhood that would support and help with ministry and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. We also had a Saturday morning VBS with members of the church and some local children. Many people told the youth to keep up the good work and to continue to be blessing others. But God also blessed us and helped grow our faith, to trust in God’s power and to gain in leadership ability and strength. Thank you for all of the prayers and support.

JR YOUTH WATER BALLOON FIGHT The Jr Youth had a good old fashioned water balloon

fight at church. We got soaked and enjoyed some milkshakes on a hot night!

Jr YOUTH Backyard Movie Night

Friday, August 2. We will have movies and camp overnight with

smores and outdoor fun.

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 8 PA G E 11

Starting Sunday, August 4th thru Saturday, August 10th - the Senior Youth Group at St. Michael Lutheran Church will be having a fund-raiser thru FIVE BELOW! It’s SIMPLE ☺. All you have to do is:

1. Select a FIVE BELOW store to shop at – there are two (2) convenient

locations:

a. Westnedge, in Portage (next to Five Guys Burger & Fries) b. West Main, in Kalamazoo (near Hobby Lobby)

2. Hand in the inserted flier when you check-out. 3. Then,10% of your purchases will go towards the Senior Youth Group &

their next event/trip.

What a great way to stock up on end of summer items, back-to-school supplies, stocking stuffers, etc. while supporting the Senior Youth Group! To view some of these great items, go to http://www.fivebelow.com now. ***Please make sure that the flier you select is associated with the store location that you plan to shop at (i.e. West Main - or - Westnedge.)*** - Dana Evans

A LIGHTENING ROD OF BIBLICAL TRUTH …

Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, Illinois. Teachings include: The Philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, The Movie "Man of Steel," The Supreme Court & Same-Sex Marriage, The Prophet Isaiah and more. You can listen at your convenience at www.issuesetc.org. Linked from the same site is the " Lutheran Music for the World" or go to http://lutheranpublicradio.org/ for continuous classical Lutheran music without interruption. Priceless! Precious! - Carolyn Burns

St. Michael Lutheran School

7211 Oakland Dr Portage, MI 49024

Church Phone: 269-327-7832

School Phone: 269-327-0512

www.mightymessengers.org

stmike@mightymessengers.org

Please return registration & payment to: St. Michael Lutheran School

7211 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024

Registration Deadline is September 16, 2013

Sponsor a hole for $100 and receive prominent advertisement at a tee and at the luncheon.

$80 per person for 18 holes with a power cart

4 person team scramble (men or women)

Awards, lunch, and prizes Saturday, September 28, 2013 9:00 am (Shotgun)

Co-ed Team Scramble (See back for registration)

S t . M i c h a e l L u t h e r a n S c h o o l

“Mighty Angels” Annual Golf Outing

Karl Mueller Scholarship Open

29795 Heritage Ln, Paw Paw MI

Registration Time 8 : 0 0 A M

Opening Prayer and Directions 8 : 4 5 A M

“Shotgun” Start 9 : 0 0 A M

Luncheon 2 . 0 0 P M

Schedule

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Name(s):

DAVE RAMSEY’S FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY We at St. Michael are privileged to be one of a handful of Lutheran Churches that is Piloting the Financial Peace University through a new partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Dave Ramsey. What is it? Financial Peace University is an educational “program that teaches you

how to beat debt, build wealth and give like never before!” Who is it for? Anyone who wants to be a good steward of God’s money and to

control your finances instead of allowing them to control you. When is it? Starting Sunday, September 15, 2013, it will run for 9 consecutive

Sundays. Class time will be from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. What does it cost? $89.00 per family plus $6.00 shipping, which provides class

materials and membership. Where can I register or find out more? Contact the church office or register on line

at www.daveramsey.com.

Starts September 15

P A G E 1 3 V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 8

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

Dear Friends of St. Michael Lutheran Church, For over twenty years it has been our joy and privilege to serve our Lord among you as members of the St. Michael congregation. During this time we have made many friends and we have experienced much together as God has blessed and enriched the ministry at St. Michael. And you have been such a blessing to us in so many ways that space does not allow even partial listing of the blessing and gifts we have received from you! It is therefore with mixed feelings that we leave this congregation to join Andrew and Anna, our oldest son and his wife, and our two grandchildren in Indianapolis, Indiana. We thank God that He has provided a new church home for us at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lawrence, IN, where Anna’s father serves as senior pastor. And although we feel quite welcomed here already, nothing will ever compare to the love and care that you have given to us for so many years. Time and circumstances did not allow us to say a proper “good-bye” to many of you, nor to thank you for years of your friendship and love. Please accept our apology, and know that you have left an indelible mark on our hearts that will last forever. Your friends in Christ, Dave and Michele Stachel P.S. Our new address is 563 Flint Boulevard, Fortville, IN 46040. Our home phone number is (269) 324-0817.

Many thanks to all of you who offered up your prayers, time, talents, and generous donations for the 2013 Jesus Loves KZOO and Portage mission. Heather and Cora Bigelow Carolyn Burns Mark and Janet Chilcott Michael and Wiatt Edick Todd, Alice and John Foster Lonnie and Paula Glenn, Leyna and Landon Kirsten and Skylar Reeves Reverend Paul and Dana Naumann Scott, Hannah, and Maddie Watkins - Carol Eaton

Thank Yous  The Rosentrader family will be moving to Italy this fall. We thank Rena for her many years of service in leading the Altar Guild for St. Michael. Mary Wietzke and Linda Fry have agreed to take over as the co-chair of this group. You may contact either of them if you would like to know more about the Altar Guild and would like to work with this wonderful group of ladies.

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Maxine Mary, Flower Fairy thanks you for the party in honor of her Golden Anniversary of Flower Worship. I treasure the comments written in the margin of my picture. Many have been offered in person during these years and that makes this worship worthwhile. Jerry and I transferred from Immanuel in May 1963 when St. Michael was finding volunteers for the offices. When I asked if I could make flower arrangements for the last Sunday Pastor Poerschke was in the pulpit someone handed me the carrier with inserts and that position was ours. Who else had the gardens for flowers and plants? There was no written description so we added Easter plants, Baptism

planters, Confirmation decorations and more from Easter until Advent with Baptisms all year. On June 18, 2007 I lost my partner, Gerald A. June. The following Sunday, June 24, was his birthday. The most difficult bouquets I’ve done. With the aid of my garden and transport friends I’ve reached the Daisy Crown day in Jerry’s beautiful month of June. Now the challenge is to find how many more years this volunteer office has the same Flower Fairy. Thank you also for co-sponsoring “Jerry’s Garden on the Hill.” Maxine June

Dear St. Michael Quilters, Thank you so much for your donations of beautiful lap robes to the residents of Tendercare Portage. We appreciate your thoughtfulness. The residents are always happy to receive lap robs like you made. May God continue to bless all of you as you serve Him and think of others. Gratefully, Mary Halisek - Activities Assistant

Thank You From Vacation Bible School To the 160+ VBS volunteers, THANK YOU! Thank you to the following people as well: Paul Taylor and Serina Toman (Music/Opening/Closing), guides and assistant guides (60 adults and teens), Greg Johnson and Wendy Johnson (games), Jon Forster, Alice Foster, Paula Glenn, Carolyn Freeman, Matt Freeman, Mark Chilcott, Wendy Johnson (Bible lesson), Susan Singer and Cindy Forster (Crafts), Jan Chilcott and Jan Jett (registration), Sarah Dudash, Nathan Dudash, and Matthew Wright (drama set, decorations, tracings, drawings), Jan Chilcott, Mary Wright, Nathan Dudash, Sarah Dudash, and Lorraine Dudash (planning), Julie Prentice (snacks), Lorraine Dudash, Jan Jett and the drama team (Drama), the congregation (snack and monetary donations), St. Michael Lutheran School (bulletin board paper and snack donations), and everyone who helped from home or at church (tasks, decorations). We enjoyed another Christ-centered, fun-filled week because of God’s blessings and your time and talents. We hope to see you next year from June 23 through June 27 (9 am to 12 pm) for another exciting week focused on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thank you to the congregation for the gift you gave me during the celebration service for VBS. I so enjoy working with all of you and love the reunion we have each year with new events and exciting stories regarding the impact VBS has on people of all ages. It is an honor to serve with you and grow in our relationship with Christ together. Hopefully we shall meet again next year for more experiences and memories.

--Lorraine Dudash

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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”

August 4, 2013 – Luke 12:13-21 “What Is Important?” by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur, IN Man's sinful nature is rooted in selfishness. Because of this, people have trouble with covetousness; they persistently desire more and more "things" even when they have enough. Jesus tells a parable of a man who committed such a sin, and He then admonishes us not to lay up treasure for self, but to be rich toward God. This wealth toward God happens only in Christ. August 11, 2013 – Genesis 15:1-6 “Holy Identity Theft” by Rev. Matt Hoffmann, St. Andrews Lutheran Church~Park Ridge, IL We have a hope in Christ that surpasses any circumstance, any sin, any challenge. God changes our hopelessness into real and eternal hope!

August 18, 2013 – Hebrews 11:17-31; 12:1-3 “For the Joy” by Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church~New Haven, IN Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, endured the cross because of the joy that was set before Him. That joy, was knowing that we (you) would join Him in heaven. August 25, 2013 "Enrolled in Heaven” by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological Seminary~Fort Wayne, IN As believers in Christ, we are enrolled in heaven. This means for us certain realities. Specifically, this involves our membership in the Christian Church, our worshipping God as do the angels; and our fellowship with Christ.

V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 8 P A G E 1 7

WE LOVINGLY SERVE! THANK YOU to our ALTAR GUILD! Every week these servants of God prepare the altar for worship. They place the candles, communion wine and cups, and paraments on the altar for use. They make sure vestments and linens are clean and change banners as appropriate. If you would like to participate by serving in this way, contact Mary Wietzke at 623-3609 or Linda Fry at 324-1059.

St. Michael Needs: Altar Guild Members Adult Sunday School

Facilitators Sunday School Teachers Board of Properties members Lectors for Sunday Services

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

LETTERS TO EDNA Dear Edna, Thank you so much for the care package and the kind letter. All of the boys were very grateful for the snacks, a sweet taste of home indeed. Everything else has been put to good use. To answer your question we are out of Owasso MI. And it is uplifting to know there are such avid supporters still out there for us so long into this conflict. You too will be in our prayers. Thank you again from all of us here in Afghanistan. Sincerely P.S. Cliff bars and drink mix are great, but any small taste of home is comforting.

Hello Edna, Thank you very much for the note and care package you sent us. It was truly appreciated by all of us. A few updates...we have a big project happening beginning of next month, 8 people are leaving to a very remote place called Oecussi. Please, keep them in your prayers. It’s kinda dangerous because of the location. If something bad happens they will have to be Medivac via helicopter and it might take a while. But the people really need our help there. No battalion or other country’s forces ever tried to help them due to logistic issues and of course, health issues as well. I guess we will be the 1st military to ever help that place. Besides that, everything is fine here. We are just looking forward to going back home. We are scheduled to leave beginning August. Hope all is well with you and your family. Thank you again for all you do for our deployed units. God bless you! Your Seabee, Patricia

Ms. Fry, Thank you for sending yet another care package and for the note with your thoughts and prayers! It was a very touching note that I have also posted for others to see. It is definitely a sacrifice to be out here serving our country but we do it and we do it well. You sent a lot of various items and we are very appreciative of the time you took to send them to us. I want to personally thank you on behalf of the others for sending us the various items from the candy/gum to the toiletries. We will be leaving here in the early part of August so I doubt there will be enough time for you to send us something else especially since this letter will probably get to you in about two weeks from when I mailed it since the mail only comes and leaves here three times a week. Again, I want to say Thank You. We really appreciate you taking the time to send us all the care packages. It is people like you that make America so great. God bless you and the United States of America! Respectfully, Charles Maes

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 8

8/1/12-6/30/13

Church Revenue $664,783

School Revenue $648,678

Total Revenue $1,313,461

Total Expenses $1,152,874

Net Surplus (deficit) $ 161,587

Budget $1,226,241

Under/(Over) Budget $ 73,366

Avg. 2013 Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . 372

Special Offerings Since August 1, 2012:

Trust Fund $ 17,884

Church Worker Scholarship $ 435

LWR $ 1,440

Good Samaritan $ 8,610

Memorials $ 2,625

Covenant Sr. Program $ 1,220

Building Contingency $ 12,000

Mortgage Reduction $ 35,955

Mission Forward $ 40,231

School Music $ 245

Tuition Assistance $ 24,688

School Improvements $ 46,913

Quilting $ 355

Sunday School $ 305

L.A.M.P. Mission Trip $ 11,327

P A G E 1 8

June Financials

Mission Forward Update

Total Committed: $668,614 Accumulative Receipts as of 7/21/13 Offerings: $633,310 Percent of Commitment Reached: 95% Matching Funds: $41,530 Mortgage Balance: $336,414.

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.

We have collected 14,100 labels. With your help we are able to purchase items for our school.

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! Carol Eaton

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 * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan 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 McNees, Mara Kudelski President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Conklin Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Heintz Board of Lay Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Kuhlman 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Sullivan / Chris Stolsky Board of Evangelism and Missions Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lindsey Luma 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.”

AUGUST 2013 AUGUST 8-9 — LEADERSHIP SUMMIT AUGUST 10-11 — POBLO SUNDAY - PASTOR KHURRAM KAHN

AUGUST 11 — WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP BINGO & BBQ. 3-5PM (AH) AUGUST 17-18 — “SOLID GROUNDS” CAMPUS MINISTRY SUNDAY - REV. MARK COUCH AUGUST 23-24 — PROMISE KEEPERS (HOLIDAY INN, BATTLE CREEK MI) AUGUST 25 — YOUTH MISSION TRIP REPORT (DURING DONUT HOUR)