St. John's Lutheran - Happenings

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE 9am

2009-05-24T12:15:00.003-06:00

On Monday, May 25th, St. John’s Lutheran School and Preschool students are invited to walk or ride their bikes in the Memorial Day Parade down Washington Street in Grand Haven.

Students who would like to participate are asked to dress in red, white and blue (your St. John’s t-shirt would be great). Children riding their bikes can also festively decorate the bikes.

Please meet Mrs. Kooi or Mrs. Harvey west of 6th Street on Franklin at 9:00 a.m. Monday, May 25th. This will be the staging area.

Parents may park in the county lot by the courthouse or the city lot across the street, and please join in the Memorial Day festivities.

Parents who will be watching and not walking with us, please pick up your child/ren at the end of route at the Harborfront parking lot.

Comer here the Band

2009-03-05T20:25:00.000-06:00

The band from Lutheran High School North in Macomb, MI, will present a concert at St. John’s on Friday, March 6, at 7:00 p.m.

This is a great opportunity to invite your entire family to enjoy this concert with you. No tickets are needed; a free-will offering will be received.

Pastoral Musings

2009-03-05T20:20:00.001-06:00

With Ash Wednesday behind us, we have entered into the season of Lent. All month long we will step deeper into the season, the heart of God, the heart of the gospel message that God loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son up into death on a cross for us.

At the closing service of our February confirmation retreat, Pastor Hoyer (Grace Lutheran Church, Coopersville) told a story about a family that had to “give up” their son in order to save the world from a deadly plague. After the son died (because they had to use all of his blood to make the antidote), a memorial service was held in his honor, and some folks slept through it, and some didn’t even come because they decided to go to the lake instead, and some came with a pretentious smile and just pretended to care. If you were those parents would you want to jump up and say, “MY SON DIED! DON’T YOU CARE?” Is that what God has to say to us today? “MY SON DIED. DON’T YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I CARE?” Seeing it from God’s eyes and heart, hopefully, brings home why we hold extra worship services during Lent.

We have the opportunity to show the Father and His Son how much we appreciate His Son, how much we appreciate His sacrifice. It is part of our Lutheran heritage to gather for “extra” weekly worship services during the Lenten season, to stand before the cross for an extra hour every week and ponder our Lord’s love for us.

Won’t you join your fellow saints on Wednesdays from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.? This year’s mediations are based on the Lenten Hymn: “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded.”

Wed., (Mar. 4) “The Wound of Betrayal” Mt. 26:20-25
Wed., (Mar. 11) “The Wound of Apathy” Mt. 26:36-45
Wed., (Mar. 18) “The Wound of Denial” Mt. 26:69-75
Wed., (Mar. 25) “The Wound of Mockery” Mt. 27:27-31
Wed., (Apr. 1) “The Wound of Abandonment” Mt. 27:45-48

Maundy Thursday (Apr. 9 at 7:00 p.m.) “A Meal for the Wounded” Ex. 24:3-11

Good Friday (Apr. 10 at noon and 7:00 p.m.) “The Wounds that Heal” Is. 53:1-6

Holy Saturday (April 11) Our annual Easter Vigil reverse candle light service at 6:00 p.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Easter (April 12) “Son” rise worship at 7:00 a.m. with Holy Communion and at 10:30 a.m. Festival Worship with Holy Communion.

I look forward to worshiping with you at the foot of the cross.

Pastor Haupt

Voters Meeting – February 16 – 7:00 p.m.

2009-02-03T21:37:00.000-06:00

Voters Meeting – February 16 – 7:00 p.m (To be held in the Church Sanctuary)

When the voters meet on February 16, the Parish Planning Council has been charged by the previous Voters’ Assembly to come into that meeting with a plan of cost (staff) reduction.

We encourage everyone to attend this meeting so that questions can be asked and answered; concerns voiced; options explored and explained as to how our new ministry format will look, what it will take to make it work as best as possible, what it will mean for the remainder of the staff and the support that will be asked of the congregation. Your presence and prayers are requested. Your voice and vote counts and is needed.

PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN - OPEN HOUSE

2009-02-03T21:32:00.002-06:00

Tell your friends and Neighbors!

On Tuesday, February 9th from 6:30-7:30 pm, St. John’s Preschool and Kindergarten will be hosting an information meeting for the 2009-2010 school year. During the meeting you will be able to meet Mrs. Debbie Luytjes (Preschool Director) and Mrs. Connie Behm (Kindergarten teacher) and tour the classrooms.

Lent 2009

2009-02-03T21:30:00.000-06:00

It’s hard to believe but the season of Lent is right around the corner. Ash Wednesday is February 25th and we will begin to hold mid-week Lenten worship services that day at 7:00 p.m. We will begin our observance of Lent with the celebration of our Lord’s Supper and the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of those who desire this stark reminder of why our Lord had to come and go through all He did for us.

That’s why we gather for extra worship during these Lenten days. The themes for this year’s Lenten services derive from the great hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” (LSB 450).
We will look together at how our Savior was wounded for us – the part we play(ed) in wounding Him and our own wounds which need our Savior’s cleansing, healing touch. Join us at 7:00 p.m. every Wednesday from February 25th through April 1st for our Lenten Services and then set aside Holy Week to let our Lord remind you how He has made you whole and holy in His sight.
Ash Wednesday (February 25) “A Wounded Savior for a Wounded People”

Lent 2 (March 4) “The Wound of Betrayal”

Lent 3 (March 11) “The Wound of Apathy”

Lent 4 (March 18) “The Wound of Denial”

Lent 5 (March 25) “The Wound of Mockery”

Lent 6 (April 1) “The Wound of Abandonment”

Maundy Thursday (April 9) “A Meal for the Wounded” at 7:00 p.m. with Holy Communion

Good Friday (April 10) “The Wounds that Heal” at noon with Holy Communion and at 7:00 p.m. Tenebrae (the service of darkness)

Holy Saturday (April 11) Our annual Easter Vigil reverse candle light service at 6:00 p.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Easter (April 12) “Son” rise worship at 7:00 a.m. with Holy Communion and at 10:30 a.m. Festival Worship with Holy Communion.

Pumpkin Patch at St. John’s Lutheran

2008-10-10T19:50:00.002-06:00

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

2008-05-01T18:29:00.003-06:00

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?

2008-04-13T20:40:00.003-06:00

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

2008-03-12T18:31:00.002-06:00

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

2008-02-18T21:20:00.001-06:00

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

2008-02-02T12:49:00.000-06:00

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

2007-11-30T10:31:00.000-06:00

Get the Christmas Spirit by Attending the ...

Preschool Christmas Program - Dec. 18

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

Crop Walk 2007

2007-08-09T20:41:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-18T19:42:00.000-06:00

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:

2007-06-18T19:36:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-18T19:34:00.000-06:00

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

2007-06-05T20:18:00.000-06:00

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

2007-05-17T21:55:00.000-06:00

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

2007-04-26T07:18:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-03-05T20:53:00.000-06:00

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

2007-02-06T17:51:00.000-06:00

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

2007-01-11T18:56:00.000-06:00

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

2007-01-11T18:48:00.000-06:00

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

2006-12-18T19:46:00.000-06:00

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.