St. John's Lutheran - Happenings

Pumpkin Patch at St. John’s Lutheran

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:50:00 +0000

Bring your family, neighbors, and friends…
Get your supply of Indian corn, corn stalks, and much, much more.

Pumpkin Patch Hours
Monday – Friday, 2:30 pm – Dusk
Saturday, Sunday – 10:00 am – Dusk
Open October 11th – 30th

Pumpkins in all shapes and sizes…for all your needs!! Prices start as low as $.50 and are priced according to the size of the pumpkin that you pick out.

Proceeds will go towards Shaelin Hase (a baptized member of St. John’s) to help offset medical costs related to her cancer treatments. Shaelin is the loving daughter of Janalee M Holt and Justin L Holt of Twin Lake. Shaelin has been battling cancer since the age of 2 when she was diagnosed with a rare form of digestive cancer.

The 2008 Michigan District Ablaze! Torch Relay

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Fri, 02 May 2008 00:29:00 +0000

The 2008 Michigan District Ablaze! Torch Relay - "Coast to Coast" will take place June 11-20, as runners will go "Coast to Coast" across the great state of Michigan. This event is a great opportunity to share the Gospel with others. This year over 100 runners/walkers are expected to participate.

It comes through Grand Haven June 17th.

To Particpate - Click on the Map and or contact Patti Kooi.

What is a Stephen Minister?

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:40:00 +0000

A Stephen Minister is . . .

· a child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
· a caring Christian friend who really listens;
· a lay person who has received at least 50 hours of training in how to
provide distinctively Christian care.

A Stephen Minister is NOT . . .

· a counselor or therapist;
· a problem-solver;
· a casual visitor.

Stephen Ministry helps meet the needs of individuals of all ages who are...

· hospitalized;
· terminally ill;
· bereaved;
· in a job crisis;
· divorcing;
· in transition;
· disabled, homebound, lonely;
· in a spiritual/personal crisis; or looking for a caring Christian friend.

We are pleased to announce the addition of four new Stephen Ministers. Peggy Erhorn, Bob Carlson, Linda and Jerry Goresch have joined Donna Yost, Faye Hoffman and myself.
Currently we have two care receivers that are being ministered to by St. John’s Stephen Ministers and have facilitated the care of three others by local congregations that have Stephen Ministry programs.

Stephen Ministry meets twice a month. In the meetings we work together to provide supervision to the Stephen Ministers who have care receivers, and also offer continuing education. In order for a care receiver to truly open up and share there innermost thoughts and feelings, the caregiver must have the assurance that communication is confidential. Stephen Ministry is a Christ centered ministry where God is the cure giver and the Stephen Minister is the vessel of God’s love. Stephen Ministry is a powerful and personal ministry. Without the continued support of the pastors and the congregation we will not be able to sustain this caring ministry.

If you are interested in joining our team please contact any Stephen Minister. We are planning our next training session in the fall of 2008.

Yours In Christ,
Scott Liggett and Donna Yost

MINISTRY FAIR

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:31:00 +0000

Come join us for our annual Ministry Fair on Saturday, March 29th & Sunday, March 30th before and after church services (located in the gymnasium).

Visit the many booths and meet the Board of Directors and see what they are planning. Pop in with the Volunteer Board to see how you can use your gifts, talents and passions. There will be displays, music, videos, DVD’s, prizes, some treats and information for you to take home.

Special Church Services

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 03:20:00 +0000

Special Services

Ash Wednesday,

February 6, 7:00 p.m.
“The Pure and Holy Lamb of God”
(1 Peter 1:18-19)

Wednesday, February 13, 7:00 p.m.
“The Crucified Lamb of God”
(1 Corinthians 1:21-25)

Wednesday, February 20, 7:00 p.m.
“The Patient Lamb of God”
(1 Peter 2:21-24)

Wednesday, February 27, 7:00 p.m.
“The Lowly Lamb of God”
(Philippians 2:5-11)

Wednesday, March 5, 7:00 p.m.
“The Lamb of God Who Bears Our Sins Away”
(Genesis 22:7-8, 13-14; John 1:29)

Wednesday, March 12, 7:00 p.m.
“The Lamb of God Who Suffered Scorn” (Psalm 22:6-8)

Maundy Thursday, March 20, 7:00 p.m.
“The Lamb of God Who Has Mercy on Us”
(Exodus 12:1-7; 1 Corinthians 5:7b)

Good Friday, March 21,
12:00 Noon and 7:00 p.m.
“The Lamb of God Who Bore Our Shame” (Isaiah 53:1-7)

Holy Saturday, March 22,
6:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday, March 23,
7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Please Take a Short Survey to Help our School

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:49:00 +0000

Help us to improve our school:

If you have a child or children at St. John's School please take a moment and complete a brief survey Use Pin # 603903

Thank you.

Laura Harvey

Get The Chrismas Spirit

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 16:31:00 +0000

Get the Christmas Spirit by Attending the ...

Preschool Christmas Program - Dec. 18

School Christmas Program - Dec. 20th 7:00 pm

Crop Walk 2007

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 02:41:00 +0000

Join the fight against hunger

CROP Hunger Walk - Sunday, October 7, 2007.

Contact Tim or Tracy Wood at 847-0979, or see us in church

if you would like to participate.

Follow This Link to visit our team web page.

Don't Want to Walk, but still want to help ... then:

Make an Online Donation - Click Here

It's Fast, Easy, Safe, and you don't even need work up a sweat!

Bring Back the Sparkle in Your Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 01:42:00 +0000

Why not take a break from the daily routine that can really improve communication with your spouse and build the closeness and intimacy of your relationship?

A Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend gives you a chance to talk and listen to that special someone who loves you more than anyone else! A bonus is a weekend that you don’t have to cook, hassle the kids, or worry about the other distractions of daily living.

If that sounds good to you, register for the next weekend scheduled for September 28-30 at Camp Arcadia, Arcadia, Michigan. Register early—a place on the Weekend cannot be guaranteed after four weeks prior to the Weekend.

For additional information and brochures call (800) 235-1010 or talk to Dave & Martha Thomas, who attended the last one held April 20-22 in Kalamazoo.

Congratulations to our Graduates:

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 01:36:00 +0000

From West Michigan Christian – Nicholas Kohn

From Spring Lake – Heather Semkiw, Jennifer Wood

From Fruitport – Melanie Slack

From Central – Matthew Podein

From Grand Haven – Chelsea Boeve, Michelle Bramer, Amanda Dahlman, Scott Foster, Christopher Lyons, Sarah Michmerhuizen, Andrew Reinhardt, Cassandra Sanborn, Matt Skaio, Jessica Taylor, Austin Walton, Candice Wix

Our new Associate Pastor, Phillip DeVries

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 01:34:00 +0000

Sunday, July 8th with a 3:00 p.m.

Let's celebrate together the Ordination/Instillation of our new Associate Pastor, Phillip DeVries on Sunday, July 8th with a 3:00 p.m. worship service of Praise and Thanksgiving followed by a meal together to welcome him and his wife, Kristi, into our church family. Many service opportunities are available to help create our celebration meal. We will need people to worship with us, food preparers, food donations for salads, veggies, meat dishes, beverages, pies, and desserts. We will need people to use their creative touches to decorate and set up. Food servers, dishwashers, and clean-up helpers are greatly appreciated. Prayerfully consider these areas of service. Sign up on the poster in the Fellowship Hall or call Ruth Haupt (616) 846-7875 by Monday, June 18th. Thank you and God bless.

Pastoral Musings

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:18:00 +0000

Pastoral Musings

The Book of Proverbs says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” We also know from Scripture that it is dad who is told over and over again to do this training, especially when it comes to God and His ways. That’s backed up by all the studies which have found that dad has a lot more influence than mom. For example, if mom alone brings her children to church and Sunday school, about 15% of these kids will continue in the church when they’re grown up. But! If dad alone does that witnessing and follow through, that percentage rises to 55%. What a difference! Of course, both are best, for if mom and dad bring children to worship and Sunday school together and stay themselves that percentage rises to 85%. Your witness is important!

In that light we share the following in hopes of encouraging dads, moms and all adults to “hang in there” with missy and junior. It’ll pay earthly and eternal dividends.

Yours with Jesus,

Pastor Haupt

Pastoral Musings

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Fri, 18 May 2007 03:55:00 +0000

Pastoral Musings

Therefore since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God

through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by

faith into this grace in which we now stand. Romans 5:1,2

This month’s pastoral musings will be just that, bits and pieces

from here and there about this and that.

Sometimes, a phrase of Scripture strikes fire and creates a powerful image. Such a phrase for me is “into this grace in which we now stand.” The impression is a “space,” a “sphere,” “someplace safe, solid, secure.” That, thanks to Christ, is where we now stand before God, even as He “sits at the right hand of the Father.” His saving work is done. All is accomplished. He now rules all things for the benefit of us, His Church, His Body, those who are to represent Him, be His ambassadors, to the rest of the world.

Back to Paul’s image in Romans 5, God has carved out “space” for us; we have a “place to be.” It is a warm and friendly space, a grace place. It is a place of freedom and forgiveness. It is a safe place, a place of salvation. We are known and we know that we are known. (John 10) Better yet, being known, we are fully accepted. It is a “sphere,” a “realm” a “space” of grace. There need be no anxious fear. There is no need for masquerading; no need to keep up the front. We are who we are, and just as we are, God throws His arms around us (Luke 15) and loves us, warts and all.

We are entering that time of year when we are privileged to experience many guests amongst us over the weekend worship times. I hope they sense upon entering the sanctuary (and even the building) that they have entered “a grace place,” a space in which God’s grace holds sway, a free and friendly place where they can be.

The grace of God that creates the space is not mediated in a vacuum; it is made tangible through other persons. You create the space where grace becomes an experience. To convey grace by being gracious is a marvelous ministry, and we are called together in the Body of Christ to create the environment where the stranger senses a free and friendly space and experiences grace. Another name for it could be hospitality. Please note the root of that word: hospital. A place where wounds are dressed, hurts healed, ills addressed. A place where people get help and are made well. A grace place. The Church of Jesus Christ is to be a hospital for sinners, a place where our great physician, Jesus, can heal us of all our ills.

And now…for moms: How to keep them running smoothly!

Perhaps mothers should come with a maintenance agreement which provides for a complete overhaul every five years, three kids, or 300,000 miles, which ever comes first. See page two for several points which ought to be included…

Fuel: While most mothers will run indefinitely on hot coffee, pizza, and hamburgers, an occasional gourmet meal for two in elegant surroundings will add immeasurably to increased efficiency.

Motor: A mother’s motor is probably one of the most dependable anywhere. A mother can start and reach top speed from a prone position at a single cry from a sleeping child. To keep that motor at peak efficiency, regular breaks are recommended. A leisurely bath and nap every 1,000 miles, a babysitter every 10,000 miles, and a two week, live-in sitter every 100,000 miles will do wonders.

Battery: Batteries are not included and should be recharged regularly. Roses, candy, or other thoughtful and unexpected gifts often do the trick, along with hugs and kisses as well as words of appreciation and thanks.

Carburetor: When a mother’s carburetor floods, it should be treated immediately with Kleenex and a soft shoulder.

Brakes: Use brakes often and slow to a full stop frequently.

Chassis: A mother operates best when her chassis is properly maintained. Her wardrobe should be changed as needed. Regular exercise should be encouraged and provided for. A complete change of hairdo and make-up should be part of the regular maintenance schedule. When the chassis begins to sag, there are a number of possible remedies including walking and weight watchers.

Tune-ups: Mothers need regular tune-ups. Compliments are both the cheapest and most appreciated.

By following these simple instructions, the average mother should last a life-time, providing love and care to those who need her most. --- copied (to be shared).

Yours with Jesus,

Pastor Haupt

Mark Your Calendar

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:18:00 +0000

Lutheran Adult Gathering

The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island

October 12-14, 2007

The weekend is designed to give adults (single and married) the opportunity to hear from inspirational speakers, enjoy fellowship, recreation, and relaxation in a Christian atmosphere – surrounded by the grace, charm and majestic beauty of the The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island.

The weekend includes two multi-course banquets with cocktail hours preceding both. The food is outstanding, the accommodations and the service only as it can be provided by The Grand Hotel.

Gathering registration is $50.00 per person, $100.00 per couple. After June 1, registration increases to $65.00 per person and $130.00 per couple.

Room rates:
$755.00 per couple, double occupancy, 2 nights
$524.50 single occupancy, 2 nights
$330.00 per person, triple occupancy, 2 nights
$305.00 per person, quadruple occupancy, 2 nights
$280.00 per person, quintuple occupancy, 2 nights

If you wish to stay at the Grand Hotel on either Thursday, October 7 or Sunday, October 10, you may do so at a special gathering rate of $149.00 per room, double or single occupancy. See the church office for further details.

Spring Auction - Puttin' On the Ritz!

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 02:53:00 +0000

Tickets are now on sale in the school office for the annual Spring Auction (“Puttin’ on the Ritz” – to celebrate our Day School’s 60th Anniversary) Friday, March 23, at the Oakridge Golf Club.

Tickets are $25.00. Babysitting will be provided by the St. John's Youth Group at the church ($20/family). Be sure to join us for a truly enjoyable evening of fun, fellowship and stewardship in action. We need donations for children, men, and sports. Donations can be dropped off at the church or school office as soon as possible.

Photo Directory

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:51:00 +0000

It is time to place your order for the new 2007 Photo Directory. The cost for a Paper Booklet is $5.00 and $2.00 for the CD; being good stewards of our time, talent and treasures was a huge consideration. What a deal, it was quick to have your picture taken, no pressure from any salesman or company and now you can have your copy for this very low price that covers the materials for our own in-house printing. Our volunteers have done a great job and they are ready for you to have it in your homes to use as a tool in loving one another. Thank you each and every one who helped to make this possible.

Jesus, The Light

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:56:00 +0000

Are you waiting for something that seems to be too long coming? Maybe it’s a job promotion or a raise. Maybe it’s just employment of any kind! Perhaps you’ve been praying for someone’s salvation, and you don’t see any sign of God’s working in that person. It’s difficult to wait. People in Jesus’ day were waiting for a Messiah. It seemed to many that His coming was long overdue, but Paul writes in Galatians 4:4-5, “When the time had finally come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive full rights of sons.” Our waiting is over! The Light has come into the world!

Simeon was one who knew that “the time had finally come,” and “moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts” (Luke 2:27). There he saw the Child Whose parents brought him there to fulfill what the Law required of them. Simeon knew Jesus was the light. He proclaimed, “For my eyes have seen Your salvation…a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel” (Luke 2:30, 32)

Unfortunately, not all who were waiting for the Messiah recognized Him when He came. In John 1:4-5 we read, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” Still today the darkness misunderstands the Light. Yet He continues to shine, and, as He shines, He dispels darkness. And He calls upon us to shine also. Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, described a lamp that is put on the stand so that it lights up the whole house. Then He said, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

The only way to dispel darkness is to fill it with light. As disciples of Jesus Christ, it is our joyous task to be reflections of Christ’s light. So we are “prepared in season and out of season: [we] correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). We are always prepared “to give an answer to everyone who asks [us] to give the reason for the hope that [we] have.” And we do so “with gentleness and respect keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against [our] good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1Peter 3:15-16). In this way we proclaim that the waiting is over! Jesus, the Light, has come into the world!

That’s what Epiphany means and is all about – letting our light shine, sharing the good news of Jesus with Gentiles (those, not yet, part of the people of God), revealing God’s truths to a sin-darkened world lost without Him. May each of us “shine for Jesus” that St. John’s may truly be the Church Shining on the Hill!

Yours in Christ - Pastor Haupt

JUNIOR HIGH Lockin - Friday, Jan. 19th

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:48:00 +0000

JUNIOR HIGH LOCK-IN AT TRINITY LUTHERAN

Friday, January 19th beginning at 7:00 p.m. through Saturday, January 20 until 7:30 a.m. Cost is $5.00 and friends are invited but you must sign up by January 7th. You will need a registration form and a list of what to bring – you can grab those forms from the basement bulletin board.

Pirate Island - View the Photos

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 01:46:00 +0000

Pirate Island images have been uploaded to the sjcs.org website. You can access them by going to the day school site and then to news and then to events. Or you can just click here.

Day School Christmas Program

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 22:28:00 +0000

Light of the World - Day School Christmas Program

Mark your calendar for Thursday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. You do not have to have children in the program to be move into the Christmas spirit.

Throughout the school's Advent service, "Light of the World", a single burning candle symbolizes the light of Christ. This service combines original songs and familiar carols from around the world to tell the Christmas story. Through narration, drama and song the students will share how Jesus came to be the "Light of the World" over 2,000 years ago. The service begins with the story of creation, turns to the prophetic words of Isaiah and then recounts the events of Jesus' birth. Please join the student body of our school as they lift their voices in praise

Angel Tree

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 13:36:00 +0000

If you would like to help make a local child or adult’s Christmas brighter, please pick an angel off the Christmas tree in the Social Hall and return purchased items to the tree by December 17th. Please wrap your gifts and attach the angel to the outside to make it easier to match the gifts to the appropriate recipients. Your generosity is greatly appreciated – by both the recipient and St. John’s Social Ministry Board.

Babysitters Available While You Shop

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 03:36:00 +0000

Babysitters Available While You Shop:

Our senior youth will be available to babysit your children for you here at church while you do your Christmas shopping on Saturday, December 9 and Saturday, December 16. Monies earned will help pay for the 2007 Youth Gathering. Contact Gail Krohn at 844-6011 to schedule.

Food Collection for Thanksgiving and Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 10:39:00 +0000

There are people that need your help!

St. John’s Social Ministry Board will be preparing Thanksgiving Boxes and Christmas Boxes for area needy families. He is your chance to make a difference.

The items that we would like to receive are as follows:

- Bottled Juice
- Canned Potatoes
- Dry Cereal
- Boxed Stuffing
- Canned Cranberries
- Canned Green Beans & Corn
- Turkey gravy (canned or dry)
- Cake mixes and frosting
- Jell-O

Collection for Thanksgiving should be brought in by November 14th, and then will continue for Christmas thru December 17th.

Our hope is that people will respond by buying early and buying enough to contribute to both at the same time.

ALSO ---

Marion Zillions has donated a beautiful quit and has requested that aution it off to raise money for God’s Pantry.

You can see and bid on the the quilt in the social hall.

God Bless You!

St. John’s Social Ministry Board

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Sat, 16 Sep 2006 13:15:00 +0000

See You in Sunday School…

A member of St. John’s recently sent me this e-mail:

Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School. "Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his army build a pontoon bridge and all the people walked across safely. Then, he radioed headquarters for reinforcements. They sent bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved." "Now, Joey, is that really what your teacher taught you?" his mother asked. "Well, no, Mom. But, if I told it the way the teacher did, you'd never believe it!"

That is a great story and it provides a wonderful explanation as to why I am so looking forward to seeing you in Sunday School during these days that lie ahead. Every single one of us is privileged by the Lord here in this place to be given time and opportunity to study the living, breathing, active Word of God. What an awesome blessing the Lord gives to us in being able to hear His voice speak to us, to listen to His Word for us, to sense His presence near us, and to follow His leading through life to life eternal.

Each of those blessings God bestows as we study His Word. Jesus in John 15 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” That is an incredible promise from our Savior. Jesus promises us that with Him we can do all things as He gives us strength. Apart from Him we can do nothing.
I don’t know about you but I want to do something for the Lord. If that is to happen I have to find myself connected to the Vine—the Lord Jesus Christ. I urge you to do the same. I can truly tell you that your life will never be the same once you get into a weekly study of His Word.
Because all this is true, I trust that I will see you September 10th at 9:30 at our Rally Day celebration to be held in the school gym. Look for the “See You in Sunday School” balloons and come and see all of your opportunities for Bible study and Sunday School during this coming year. Enjoy some popcorn, listen to the Flames of Fire band, watch a DVD exploring our fall mission project to assist the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots, register your children for Sunday School and sign up for classes offered during the fall term here at St. John’s.
Let me close this article with one more great story…A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible; Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Rick was excited about the task -- but, he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Ricky was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."

While that is true—I urge you to make a weekly study of God’s Word part of your life this year so that your heart and your faith may always be able to confess, “surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Paster Baerwolf

Worship Schedule to Change in September

noreply@blogger.com (SJLCS Webmaster TDW) — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 01:33:00 +0000

At their July meeting, the Board of Elders in agreement with our pastors changed the times for our weekend worship services beginning September 3, 2006. The schedule will look like this:

Saturday evening contemporary 6:00 p.m.
Sunday morning traditional 8:15 a.m.
Sunday morning contemporary 10:30 a.m.

The obvious question is why—the following article helps to detail the reasons why such a change is needed:

We began by looking at the reality of worship attendance here at St. John’s. We no longer sense the need for three worship services on Sunday morning. While our Saturday evening worship numbers have remained steady, attendance at our early service on Sunday has decreased over the last few years so the decision was made to discontinue having the 8:00 a.m. worship service.

Next, we were left trying to create a Sunday morning worship schedule that serves these two primary objectives: reaching out to people who need to hear the precious message of Jesus Christ and His love for them as well as providing expanded opportunities for spiritual growth and development for all those who call St. John’s their church home.

We believe by talking to other congregations who have experienced similar challenges and by listening to the needs of our own members that this new worship schedule will allow us to be able to broadly appeal to those in our community with no church home—to those still searching for a relationship with our great and awesome God. That in the end is what the church of Jesus Christ is to be all about—reaching one more with the precious news of Jesus and His forgiveness won for us on Calvary’s cross.

Right now we are certain that some of you are scratching your head or banging your fist against a table wondering why we are making these changes and we need you to be aware that we do not do this hastily or on a whim—this decision comes after months of prayer and discussion among the pastors and Board of Elders as to how best we can share with people the Gospel message of the love of Christ. We know that any change—especially this large of a change—is bound to confuse and maybe even to upset some of our members. We beg and plead with you to not let this schedule change confuse and upset your relationship with the Lord and His Church.

The primary benefits of this worship schedule change are the following:

1) The Lord’s Supper will be celebrated at every worship service except for those surrounding a weekend of a fifth Sunday in a month.

2) Children’s messages will be offered at every worship service by pastors, or teachers or lay peopleSunday School and Youth and Adult Bible Studies will now have a 45 minute time slot instead of being crammed between services

3) Fellowship time before and after each service will be greatly increased allowing families to worship together and then to attend Sunday School and Bible classes together following the same schedule which should enhance the family friendly ministry objectives

4) Contemporary worship later in the morning will hopefully attract more young families to our congregation We ask that you continue to pray for your congregation during these challenging days that lie ahead. We know that any time something like this happens there are some who easily become discouraged and frustrated. We hold up before the congregation the words of the book of Hebrews where the inspired author says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Let us do just that as together we enter this new day here at St. John’s. With Faith On Fire for Christ and His Church together we can do His work here in this place as together we receive in worship His incredible gifts for us—His nurturing grace found in His Word, His life in Holy Baptism, His forgiveness in the Lord’s Supper, and His fellowship through the mutual support of brothers and sisters in Christ. Together by God’s grace He will continue to work through and in us as His kingdom here in this place.