St. John's Lutheran - Happenings

Date Night July 20

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Married Life team is
hosting the next Date Night on
Friday, July 20, at 5:30 p.m., at
Pottawattomie Park in GH
Township. We’ll supply the
burgers/hot dogs, lemonade
and soda for this FREE potluck
picnic – we ask that you bring
either a side dish, salad, or
dessert. This event is for married
or engaged couples of all
ages. Please invite your friends
to join us—the more, the
merrier! For more info or to let
us know you’ll be there,
contact the Emingers at (616)
847-1332 or the Aspinalls at
stuart.aspinall@gmail.com.

Journey to Bethlehem Needs YOU!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:29:00 +0000

Imagine making the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem as Mary and Joseph did for the purpose of the census. You’ll step back in time to a living, interactive re-creation of the town as it appeared over 2000 years ago - right down the hill in Duncan Woods. On your outdoor guided journey, you’ll encounter shepherds, magi, townspeople, livestock, and the imposing Roman army. You’ll visit the Inn and be pointed in the direction of the stable and the MOST PRECIOUS gift of Christmas - the Christ Child. This Christmas the churches of the Tri-Cities will present this journey for the entire family. Please prayerfully consider lending your time and talent to make this happen so others can experience the wonder of this glorious night.
July 14-15 we’ll view a short presentation on this project and you’ll have an opportunity to volunteer and learn more about what is needed in the following areas: outdoor set construction; costumes; public relations, animal acquisition/keepers; drama/cast; hospitality; camp fire and torch monitors; child care; food prep; greeters/guest registration; transportation/parking. For more info, contact Ronda Chapman at (616) 847-8736 or rgchapman81@hotmail.com.
St John's Board of Evangelism

Vacation Bible School July 9 - 12

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:23:00 +0000

Vacation Bible School starts this week, July 9 -12, from 5:30 to 8:20 p.m.
This year's theme, AMAZING DESERT JOURNEY, has at the center of each lesson our Heavenly Father's gracious gift of salvation through our Savior Jesus Christ. Our children, their friends and neighbors are invited to COME AND HEAR the accounts from the Scripture of God's forgiveness, mercy, and salvation.

Everday Evangelism

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 03:29:00 +0000

As I was growing up, I saw my father go through the same routine every year from mid-May to early June. Once the soil of his garden was of the right consistency through being turned over with a shovel or Roto-tilled, my father gathered up his wooden stakes and ball of twine. At one end of the garden, the first stake went into the ground. The twine was tied to this stake and then stretched to the other end of the garden, there to be secured tightly onto another stake. Next my father took a rod and, using the twine as a guide, made a straight furrow between the two stakes. Out of his pocket came a seed packet. The seeds were dropped into the furrow with careful spacing, then lightly covered with soil. Finally, they were given a dose of water from his sprinkling can. This was repeated for several rows. Then he waited, and started checking for tiny shoots to emerge from the soil after several days. In some years the germination was excellent. In some years it was poor.
Our calling to spread the good news of the Gospel is much like the gardening experience. St. Paul used this agricultural analogy in 1 Corinthians 3: 4-9. Through our witnessing, in whatever form it might be, we, as Paul did, plant the seeds in our listeners’ hearts and minds. Paul, in his letter, also mentioned the work of Apollos (not the Roman god--see Acts 18: 24-28) as someone who “watered” the seed. All of us have a role in witnessing, but Paul was quick to point out that with the seeds planted and watered it was God that “made it grow.” We are God’s servants. We don’t want followers of us; we seek followers of Christ. The testimony we provide is not by our own “perfection,” for we often stray from the straight and narrow path of the furrow. Instead, God reveals HHimself through us by His love and patience in forgiving us! What a privilege it is be God’s fellow workers, God’s field, and His building (1 Cor. 3: 9).
Randy Cooper, Evangelism Committee

Vacation Bible School is Coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 03:22:00 +0000

“Train up a child in the way he should go even when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
(Proverbs 22:6)
It's time to put VBS 2012 in your heart & prayers and on your calendar. This year's theme AMAZING DESERT JOURNEY has at the center of each lesson our Heavenly Father's gracious gift of salvation through our Savior Jesus Christ. Our children, their friends and neighbors are invited to COME AND HEAR the accounts from the Scripture of God's forgiveness, mercy, and salvation. The children will relate the Bible truths to their own life of faith.

These treasures will be offered Monday, July 9 through Thursday, July 12 evenings. More details will be shared in June weekend bulletins and the July Newsletter. We look to the Lord to bring children and servants as we gather in the evenings on Monday, July 9 – Thursday, July 12. We are building a team for registration, story telling, craft creating, song leading, food sharing, and worship leading. We are asking the congregation for their prayers in our behalf and for this area of ministry. Anyone interested in joining the VBS Team contact Amy Kelly at amyruthkelly@hotmail.com or Ruth Haupt at hauptruth@hotmail.com or (616) 846-7875.
VBS SCHEDULE: July 9 – 12, 5:30 to 8:15 p.m. Dinner for the children will start at 5:30 p.m. Our evening opening worship will start at 6:00 p.m. Closing devotions with parents will start at 8:00 p.m. and end by 8:15 p.m.

A Must See Movie for All Dads

noreply@blogger.com (Tim Wood) — Fri, 11 May 2012 16:15:00 +0000

St. John's Lutheran Church and School
is pleased to present Courageous, the new movie about fatherhood.

The movie is free and will be presented on

May 19 at 7pm
at Lakeshore Middle School in Grand Haven.

St. John’s Lutheran Encourages a Stronger Role for Fathers

Keeping true to their mission to build a foundation of Christian faith at church, school and home, St. John’s Lutheran Church has purchased a license to show and share the newly released Courageous movie at Lakeshore Middle School on Saturday May 19, at 7pm. The movie is free to the public and no donations will be accepted. Free childcare will be provided at the church, one block away at 527 Taylor Avenue.

Developed by creators of Fireproof, the movie Courageous focuses on fatherhood. It is an action-filled tale that follows four police officers as they face the dangers of police-work and the daily challenges of fatherhood. Like most typical fathers, they are confident in their profession, but less so at home when dealing with their children, especially teenagers. Viewers will find themselves laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes that long to be dads that make a lifelong impact on their children.

Faith at Church and at Home

According to St. John’s Lutheran Church Pastor Dieter Haupt, “The church has a biblical directive to support parents, and fathers in particular. It is our hope that fathers and other heads of households turn their home into the spiritual nurturing place that God intends for it to be. And this movie fits right in with our Faith at Home focus.”

Eric Shake, a St. John’s Lutheran member and father of two said, “Purchasing and sharing the Courageous movie with the community was an easy decision. I was blown away when I saw this movie. It reminded me that my kids need me to take a more active role in our faith. I think that every dad should see it.”

Courageous is not a children’s movie. Rated PG-13, there is no harsh language or sexual themes, however, there are a few violent scenes, particularly one where a child is taken hostage at gunpoint. Courageous is a very emotional story geared specifically towards dads. Movie critic Kam Williams of NewsBlaze calls Courageous “… a moving, modern parable not to be missed … excellent - 4 stars.” CinemaScore gave it a rare A+ rating.

St. John’s Lutheran Churchand School has served the Grand Haven, Tri-Cities area for over 146 years. It is located at 527 Taylor Avenue. It is a part of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) which has 6,150 congregations world-wide. St. John's Lutheran Church and School seeks to be a "family friendly" congregation wherein families of all shapes and sizes feel comfortable and cared for.Lakeshore Middle School is located at 900 Cutler Street in Grand haven, one block away from St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Consider joining a Courageous Bible Study at St. John’s Lutheran Church, at 527 Taylor Ave.

You need not be a St. John's member - Everyone is welcome.

Choose your meeting day and time -

Sunday 9:30am, 4pm, 7pm

Sunday (Singles only) 9:30am

Tuesday - 7pm

Wednesday - 9:30am (Women only)

Wednesday - 7pm

Thursday - 7pm

Saturday - 7pm

For assistance: email - elders@sjlcs.org

Scholastic Book Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:33:00 +0000

Join us in the School library for a special sale April 24-27. Purchase a book and get the second one FREE!

Youth Paintball Event

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:28:00 +0000

We will meet at church on May 6 at 11:30am (return by 4:00pm) and travel to Colors Paintball in Fremont, MI. Cost is $20 and includes lunch. Deadline to sign up is April 29. Call Sheri Sanborn at 846-6807 for more info.

St. John's Students 4th Annual Talent Show

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:21:00 +0000

is Friday May 11 at 7:30pm in St. John's Multipurpose Room. Don't miss this opportunity for family-filled, pure ENTERTAINMENT! Refreshments to follow. Please join us for a great evening highlighting the talents of our St. John's students.

COURAGEOUS Campaign is coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 01:12:00 +0000

Starting in May, St. John’s will be launching a four week campaign theme called COURAGEOUS. The campaign is based off of the 2011 movie COURAGEOUS. The movie follows the lives of four law enforcement officers who willingly stand up to the worst the streets have to offer. In their personal lives they struggle to serve and protect those most dear to them. Scripture tells us that Joshua committed his house to serving the Lord (But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15). He issued a courageous call, took a courageous stand, and set a courageous example for future generations. Now it’s our turn! St. John’s is committed to providing tools for our families to grow in their Faith at Home. This campaign will give families the tools necessary to be COURAGEOUS. This campaign will include showing the movie to our church, school and community families, a 4-week sermon series, church wide 4-week Bible Study, and additional small groups for 4 weeks. Please consider participating in one of the many 4-week Bible Studies. We are looking for volunteers to be part of the campaign team and for people to host a small group. If you are interested in this short term volunteer opportunity please contact Craig Kaschube at ckaschube@sjlcs.org.

Mid-Week Lenten Messages

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:58:00 +0000

Instead of giving up something for Lent this year, why not take something up? Lent is a great time to initiate extra spiritual discipleship such as prayer, devotions, meditation, time set aside to be with our Lord, ponder upon His passion, worship His holy name. We invite you to take up worship this year both on the weekends and Wednesday evenings. Mid-week Lenten services this year will focus on the words Jesus spoke from the cross while enduring for us what we should rightly have to endure because of our sin. Join us for “Words that last FOREVER!” every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.:  Ash Wednesday, February 22 “Forgive!” with communion  Wednesday, February 29 “Paradise”  Wednesday, March 7 “Behold!”  Wednesday, March 14 “Forsaken!”  Wednesday, March 21 “Thirst!”  Wednesday, March 28 “Finished!”

Everyday Evangelism

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:42:00 +0000

2012 will be a year for stories. There will, of course, be numerous stories in the news—local, national, and world events. Personal stories will also abound, especially in the political arena. This being a presidential election year, both major parties will be in overdrive getting out the stories of their candidates. At the national conventions this summer look for lavish productions on big screens. If someone asked you what is your story, what would you say? You might not know where to begin, but then gain your footing by explaining where you were born. Other details might include how many siblings you have, your current marital status, and what you do for a living. There is nothing wrong with all of this, but I’m going to challenge you to tell a different story. In 1873, more than a century before YouTube and Facebook, American hymn-writer Fanny J. Crosby wrote the lyrics “This is my story, this is my song. . .” The words are part of the chorus of the popular hymn “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine”. To hear this hymn, click here. Crosby wrote almost 9000 hymns, and set a goal of winning a million people to Christ through her hymns. Whenever she wrote a hymn she prayed it would bring men and women to Christ. The “story” (see Hebrews 10: 22) that inspired her to write “Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine” is our story, too. So let me ask again, “What is your story?” I know what my story is. Randy Cooper, Evangelism Committee Renzie@aol.com

Mama's Market

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:39:00 +0000

Mama’s Market is Sat., Feb. 25, 9:00am-2:00pm. If you have a lot of clothing & toys in “excellent” condition, consider renting a booth at Mama’s Market to sell them. Booths are $25 (bring your own tables; chairs are provided). Items limited to high quality maternity, infant and children’s items only (clothing, toys, furniture, books, games, etc). “Large Items” staging area available for $1 parking fee for each item. Sellers allowed to shop before the sale opens to the public. Contact Courtney Ransford at (616) 638-3653 or sjl.mamasmarket@gmail.com for registration form and for more info.

MI District Apologetics Conference February 25

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:35:00 +0000

Where: Holy Cross in Jenison, MI. Theme Verse: “Be strong in the Lord…Put on the armor; be prepared to give an answer” Ephesians 6:10-18. What an amazing opportunity right in our own back yard. This is a one-day conference for youth, congregation members and church workers so lets get as many there as possible. Cost is $20/Adults, $15 students (scholarships available) and includes breakfast, lunch and conference booklet. Register online here. Need a ride? See sign up sheet in Social Hall.

Marriage Ministry

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:33:00 +0000

Here is a great chance to make a difference: The Marriage Ministry Team, part of the Faith At Home Team, is expanding its outreach. We’re looking for two or three married couples to help plan events and select resources to promote great Christian marriages. We base our curriculum on God’s plan for marriage, with respect for husbands and love for wives. We are especially interested in gaining perspective from couples with school-age children and couples with grandchildren. If you want more information, please email Stuart & Heather Aspinall at stuart.aspinall@gmail.com or Jeff & Becky Eminger at eminger@chartermi.net. At St. John’s, we’re building marriages that will last forever! Would you like to give the Marriage Ministry Team a piece of your mind? We have just the way to do it. You can complete a short survey by clicking here. Complete the survey, and let us know just what you like, don’t like, and want to see in this Faith At Home ministry that focuses on married couples. Don’t forget to answer the question about pizza! We may even give a prize or two for the best/funniest answer!

Marriage Ministry Date Night

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 21:06:00 +0000

FIREPROOF: The Movie, September 9th

At work, inside burning buildings, Capt. Caleb Holt
lives by the old firefighter's adage: Never leave
your partner behind. At home, in the cooling
embers of his marriage, he lives by his own rules. Is
it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to
rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is about to face his
toughest job ever ... rescuing his wife's heart.

On September 9 at 7:00 p.m., please join the St.
John’s Marriage Ministry team for our fourth date
night featuring the movie FIREPROOF. The next
movie from Sherwood Pictures and Provident Films
has audiences laughing, crying, and on the edges
of their seats as they are drawn into the world of a
firefighter, his wife ... and a marriage worth
rescuing.

This event is free but we will be accepting a free
will offering. Childcare will also be provided.
Watch the theatrical trailer at www.FireprooftheMovie.com

Shool Walk-a-thon

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 21:03:00 +0000

We will be holding a school-wide Walk-A-Thon
Friday, September 23rd, 2011 (Rain Date: Friday,
September 30th) where teachers and students will
be walking for two hours straight! We are doing this
to raise much needed money for our school.
Please sponsor our students and teachers by
sending a tax deductible check (of any amount)
payable to “St. John’s Lutheran School” and send
it in by Friday, October 7th, 2011. This event is
sponsored by Thrivent Financial.

School News

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:55:00 +0000

St. John’s Daycare opened on August 22 for its
sixth year. We encourage anyone who is
interested in daycare in a Christian environment
to call the school office for more information (616)
842-0260. St. John’s Preschool,

There is a Preschool Open House on Tuesday,
September 6 at 6:30 p.m. St. John’s Preschool
begins on September 12. This year we have 48
preschoolers divided into three classes. Each class
has a teacher and an assistant. Kim Ryske teaches
the Tuesday, Thursday class and Debbie Luytjes
teaches Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Sherry
Lyons is the assistant for all three classes. The
children come from our church family and
different areas throughout the community. In
September we will be learning about each other
and how to get along in our new environment.
Preschool has openings for this year in the three
year old class. For more information on the
preschool call Debbie Luytjes at (616) 842-0260 ext.
119 or dluytjes@sjlcs.org. St. John’s Day School

St. John’s Lutheran Day School is excited to start
the 2011-2012 school year! We are happy to
announce a 20% increase in enrollment! We thank
God for that Blessing and for the continued
support of our congregation! St. John’s Lutheran
Day School starts on September 6th. As always,
OUR MISSION is to assist and support parents
in providing a Christ centered education that will
equip God's children to faithfully serve as witnessing
Christians and productive citizens. If you have any
questions concerning the school or would like to tour the
school please feel free to contact Laura Harvey at
(616) 842-0260, ext. 121 or lharvey@sjlcs.org.

Jellation Ringers

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:50:00 +0000

Is there music buried in your heart? JuBELLation
Ringers would love to help you express it. Learning
to play handbells or handchimes comes rather
easily. We usually don't count higher than 4
sometimes up to 6. JuBELLation Ringers could use
several more ringers this season. If you would like
to try your hands at it, please join us on Wednesday.
September 7 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the church
balcony. I would appreciate hearing from you
ahead of time so I could prepare music for you.
Please call me, Director Ruth Haupt at (616) 846-
7875 or email me at hauptruth@hotmail.com.

Junior Confirmation

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:43:00 +0000

Junior Confirmation starts up again on
Wednesday, September 21 and is led by Pastor
Haupt, Craig Kaschube, and Eileen Ritter. Classes
run from 6:30-7:45 p.m. with Junior Rock following
while parents are taught the next week’s lesson
which they will share with their children at home.
There will be a parent meeting on Wednesday,
September 7 at 6:30 p.m. to hand out materials,
discuss the confirmation process and answer any
questions there may be. We’ll have you out by
7:00 p.m. so that you can attend the Youth Board
meeting with parents as well.
The confirmation retreat on baptism will be held at
Camp Concordia on September 23/24, a Friday
night through Saturday event costing $35.00 at
which attendance is necessary for confirmation.
We will leave from church at 5:30 p.m.
Music News
JuBELLation Ringers

Sunday School News

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:38:00 +0000

We’re still looking for a Sunday
School Superintendent. If God is
tapping you on the heart, please
talk with pastor, Wayne Kohn,
Parish Ed. Board director, or Kim
Tullock, our past superintendent.
We need a part time or full time
Sunday School Teacher for 5th
grade and PreK/Kindergarten.
Rally Day is Sunday, September 11,
9:30-10:15 a.m. in the gym. We will
also have Sunday School that day
during late service at approximately
11:15 a.m. (after sermon). Cookies
are needed for Rally Day (NO NUTS
please).

Energize your spiritual condition

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 17:27:00 +0000

Board of Parish Education

As summer begins to fade and a new academic
year challenges us, it gives us time to pause
and contemplate our spiritual condition. The
Parish Board of Ed invites you to consider
the ways thatyou might enhance and energize
your spiritual condition with regular study
of God’s Word. Our Church library has a vast
array of materials for individual study and
even several group studies that remain timeless.
Please browse through and check them out. We
also invite you to attend one of the many
studies that are held during the week
such as Crossways and Men’s Bible study on
Tuesday evenings, the Ladies study on
Wednesday mornings, and the various studies
throughout the year on Sunday mornings. Regular
study of God’s Word can enhance and enrich your
life in a closer relationship with our Lord and
Savior.

This month I share with you a piece that I ran
across just by browsing through some Spiritual
literature. A Prayer to Guide Life is from Arch-
bishop Oscar Romero as he calls us to step back
and take a long view. God give you wisdom and
perspective as you step into His Word.
Wayne Kohn, Board Director wdjnd@comcast.net

Sunday School News

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 01:35:00 +0000

Sunday School News

We’re still looking for a Sunday
School Superintendent. If God is
tapping you on the heart, please
talk with pastor, Wayne Kohn,
Parish Ed. Board director, or Kim
Tullock, our past superintendent.

We need a part time or full time
Sunday School Teacher for 5th
grade and PreK/Kindergarten.
Rally Day is Sunday, September 11,
9:30-10:15 a.m.in the gym. We will
also have Sunday School that day
during late service at approximately
11:15 a.m. (after sermon). Cookies
are needed for Rally
Day (NO NUTS please).

Brush with Kindness

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 01:27:00 +0000

Board of Evangelism
“A Brush with Kindness”
Your Board of Evangelism is encouraging support
for a local activity that is part of Habitat for
Humanity. It is called “A Brush with Kindness”.
This organization coordinates local, short term
service opportunities such as painting a home,
raking leaves, or other projects a homeowner may
not be physically capable of doing for themselves.
We do not yet have dates for these service
activities, but please watch the weekly church
bulletin for upcoming projects and dates, expected
to occur in September and October. There are also
expected to be opportunities for group work at
the current Habitat Home build site, we will
advertise those dates as we get them as well. If
helping with projects such as these is of interest to
you, please sign up on the Evangelism Bulletin
Board located in the social hall. We will be sure to
contact you with dates and details.
Let’s continue to strive to be Christ’s hands and
feet – Loving others as He first loved us.
— From your Evangelism Board

Board of Parish Education

noreply@blogger.com (Irene HR) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 01:20:00 +0000

As summer begins to fade and a new academic
year challenges us, it gives us time to pause and
contemplate our spiritual condition. The Parish
Board of Ed invites you to consider the ways that
you might enhance and energize your spiritual
condition with regular study of God’s Word.
Our Church library has a vast array of materials for
individual study and even several group studies
that remain timeless. Please browse through and
check them out. We also invite you to attend one
of the many studies that are held during the week
such as Crossways and Men’s Bible study on
Tuesday evenings, the Ladies study on Wednesday
mornings, and the various studies throughout the
year on Sunday mornings. Regular study of God’s
Word can enhance and enrich your life in a closer
relationship with our Lord and Savior.
This month I share with you a piece that I ran
across just by browsing through some Spiritual
literature. A Prayer to Guide Life is from Archbishop
Oscar Romero as he calls us to step back and take
a long view. God give you wisdom and
perspective as you step into His Word.
Wayne Kohn, Board Director wdjnd@comcast.net