Good News Saint John Lutheran Church — Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Stamina

September 2016

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23

To know me is to know I love mornings.

Sure, I have a hard time getting out of bed while it’s still dark outside, but as soon as the skies begin to brighten, there is something in that morning light that practically calls me forth from slumber. I love to linger in the mornings, enjoying the quite of the day.

Things are going to get pretty crazy this month of September at church. (I know. They’ve actually been way more crazy busy than is healthy and sane.) Morning person or not, this busyness soon takes its toll on our enthusiasm, gentleness, and stamina. We end up worn out and tired from doing good things. That’s a peculiar reward of people together on mission.

I’m refreshed by the above words from the LORD through the prophet Jeremiah, recorded in the book of Lamentations. Here’s a book acknowledging the grief, woe, and despair of God’s people. The feeling like you’ve been completely run over by life. Or the life you’ve known has been stolen from you by floodwaters. Or the most important ones in your life are now separated from you, perhaps unreachable.

Jeremiah wants to strengthen the hearts and minds of a downtrodden, exhausted people. But how to do it? God strengthens us with his mercy, new every morning like the dew upon the grass, or like the rising sun, shining bright. Who would have thought that *mercy* would be the way to sustain a people’s stamina!

But so it is. If we would be sustained in these busy, chaotic, pressing times, then it must be, indeed can only be, by the great faithfulness of God’s mercy, morning by morning.

“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.”

– Lamentations 3:24

– John Eric Karle Exploring. Equipping. Encouraging. Ephesians 4:11-16

Love. Like. Jesus. + Hope for the City.

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WHAT IS OKTOBERFEST?

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival held yearly in Munich, Germany. It began in 1810 when Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig married Theresa of Saxony. The townsfolk held a party in a large field outside the city to celebrate and it was so popular they held it again a year later. The same field has hosted the festival ever since and came to be named “Theresienwiese” or “Theresa’s Meadow” in English. The rest, as they say, is history. It is, without a doubt, the largest festival in the world. It regularly draws over six million people through its 16 day run.

For many people, the only reason for the festival is beer, but drinking is not the only thing to do at Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest grounds are over 100 acres and host a dazzling array of “bier” tents, food stands, carnival rides, games and more. Many families enjoy taking the children to Oktoberfest and, in fact, Tuesdays at the festival are family days with reduced food, beer and ride prices.

That is the background for the festival we at Saint John celebrate. However, our emphasis is not on beer but rather on mission work and spreading the love of Jesus throughout Hattiesburg and the world beyond. Our festival is held on the first Saturday in October which this year is October 1

st. It is a lot of work and

requires all hands on deck. If you have not been contacted about working for Oktoberfest, please speak to Mark Keyl, call the church office, or sign up on the lists when they appear. We always need help preparing the food, baking for the delicatessen or donating items for the silent auction, setting up and cleaning up. There is a spot for your talent!

OKTOBERFEST AT SAINT JOHN HATTIESBURG THE USM CONNECTION

The story about how the Oktoberfest started at Saint John as a congregational potluck is quite well known. A conversation with former pastor of St. John, Rudy Schaser, took the story back a bit further.

The very first year Dr. Roger Johnson, Professor of German at USM, asked if he could bring his German Club students over to a German-roots place to celebrate Oktoberfest. The elders at Saint John gave quick, easy approval.

About 20-30 students, plus interested Saint John folks, showed up at the old fellow-ship hall. Dr. Johnson and Saint John members brought German foods for the occasion. German songs were sung and speaking German was practiced. Everyone had a wonderful time and they agreed it was something to be continued. The next year, a congregational potluck Oktoberfest was celebrated.

Since then, Oktoberfest at Saint John has grown to an annual first-Saturday-in-October event. Over 1200 plates of brats, kraut and German potato salad are served to the Pine Belt Community. Profits from Oktoberfest support approximately ten charities in the Hattiesburg area and around the world—Cambodia, Madagascar, Philippines, Ethiopia and beyond.

Have you decided where you will serve this year? There is a place for everyone. If you are not certain where you are needed, speak with Mark Kyle (601-466-0200) or Warner Boortz (601-310-1844).

Oktoberfest Opportunities Planning is underway for Saint John's 38

th annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday

October 1, 2016. This is the primary fundraiser for money allocated for missions annually.

The entire congregation gets involved in the effort. Seasoned members, as well as new members are welcome to pitch in. We have a baked goods Deli, where we sell Ger-man bread, Stollen (a German sweet bead), and other baked goods. We are looking for individuals that enjoy baking, especially bread, to assist in this effort. If you bake or are willing to learn the art, please contact Mark Keyl at 601-466-0200, Darlene or Warner Boortz at 601-310-1844, or leave your name with the church office.

We also have opportunities for individuals to "learn the ropes" in individual areas of preparation. If you want to work with an individual in a specific area, please contact the folks above and we will get you connected. It is a great time to meet new people, enjoy good fellowship, and enjoy the Lutheran tradition of eating when we come together in God’s service. Should you like to join us, the next committee meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, June 10

th, 2016.

The History of our OKTOBERFEST Our Saint John Oktoberfest began as a congregational potluck 38 years ago. Friends

were invited and after a couple of years it was opened to the public. We now serve nearly 1400 plates of German potato salad, sauerkraut, and brats or wieners. Home-made German and traditional mustard, breads, and desserts will be sold in our Delicatessen. We also sell homemade crafts in our Craft Room. In order to make this event a success, we need lots of donations and help from our congregation and friends. The proceeds from this event are used to fulfill our mission goal as a congregation. We support many local and some overseas organizations. Mark the week of September 25 on your calendar as there are preparation activities every day! Please get involved and find out what great friends you have here at Saint John.

OKTOBERFEST SILENT AUCTION We need items for the silent auction. The best sellers are cool art ....NICE jewelry ,

Oktoberfest themed items, the hand made furniture and the BEST sellers are for food… from stores or restaurants. If people have a place they frequent, they can probably get gift cards gratis.

As in previous years we will need donations for the following: Deli Room — Make baked items such as: sweet & yeast breads, cakes,

bars and cookies. Contact: Donna Blair at 601-550-3760.

Craft Room — Homemade crafts such as jewelry, woodwork, art, etc. Contact: Joyce Coll at 601-467-1651 or Brenda Hesselgrave at 601-270-9460.

Vintage Room – Quality resale items. Contact: Joyce Coll at 601-467-1651.

Silent Auction – Donated or solicited items. Contact: Pat Potesta at 601-297-2704.

OKTOBERFEST QUILT RAFFLE TICKETS - $2 each All of our congregation should have received an envelope with a packet of 10 Quilt

Raffle Tickets in their foyer mailbox. The price of each ticket is $2 each. These tickets are used to raffle the Stained Glass Quilt made by the Kaffee Klatsch Ladies. The funds raised are used for special projects here at Saint John. Please help us by selling your tickets and collecting $2 donation for each ticket. To turn in your ticket stubs & money, or to get more tickets, please see Darlene Boortz (601-310-1844), Debbie Frederick (601-268-9879), or Phyllis Guysinger (601-549-4194). Thank you for your help, -The Kaffee Klatsch Ladies

Oktoberfest German Mustard — If you are interested in purchasing a half-pint or pint at $4 or $7, please contact Darlene Boortz at 601-310-1844 or the church office before September 23

rd and we will reserve your purchase.

OKTOBERFEST - Save the dates!

Bakers Needed! Oktoberfest needs bakers to make items for the Deli. If you are interested in learning how to bake or already know how to bake breads, please contact Lorhetta Lawrence at 601-467-4561 or Susan Perkins at 601-433-0894.

DATE LEADER JOB START TIME PEOPLE

SUN,

SEP. 11

CUT BUTTER/SOUR CREAM/

EGG MIX 12 NOON

10

MON,

SEP. 12

DARLEANE

BOORTZ

MAKE STRUDELS 8:30AM

18

SUN,

SEP. 25

CUT/FRY 160# BACON 12 NOON

15

MON,

SEP. 26

MAKE 62 GALLONS SAUERKRAUT 8:30AM 20

TUES,

SEP. 27

COOK/PEEL 700# POTATOES,

MAKE POTATO SALAD 8:30AM 25

FRI,

SEP. 30

DARLENE AND

WARNER BOORTZ

BAKE STRUDELS/ SET UP &

DECORATE 8:30AM 5

SAT,

OCT. 1

OKTOBERFEST 10AM

11AM – 4PM

70

SUN,

OCT. 2

CLEAN UP 10

The Edward Street Fellowship Food Center is a Christian Organization formed in 1979

to assist the hungry in our community. St. John Lutheran Church collects non-

perishable food items on most Sundays to support this effort. On the second Sunday of each month, we collect food items for the

Breadbasket Organization - another Christian effort to help the hungry in

Hattiesburg. Please continue to bring your donations for these two worthy

organizations. Thank you!

EDWARD STREET FELLOWSHIP

FOOD CENTER

Date Acolyte Ushers

September 4 Ethan Noffke Warner Boortz

Jerry Frederick

September 11 Gabriel Wastvedt Wayland Johnson

Terry Lovdahl

September 18 Ethan Noffke Bill Coll

Charles Snyder

September 25 Gabriel Wastvedt Mark Keyl

Shelley Songy

Serving in September

Pastor

John Karle

Elder Nancy Kaul

Music Director

Jason Sims

Altar Care Team Jane Kersh and

Christina Thornhill

I hope this newsletter article is helpful for you, it was for me. If you enjoy, ask me where I got it, and you too can find daily motivation for your Christian walk.

Leaders are readers. Everyone wants to follow a leader who is informed and wise, but nobody wants to follow a leader who is a know-it-all. There is a substantial distinction between the two types. Wise leaders know that they can learn from others. The know-it-alls think that there is nothing that others can add to their vast storehouse of knowledge.

Effective leaders are anxious to gain insights from other sources. This usually means reading books and articles on the subjects that are relevant to their responsibili-ties. The Bible is the best book for this purpose. It deals with the dynamics of per-sonal relationships, and that is what leadership is all about. If you are in a position of responsibility, (and we all are), make the Bible your leadership manual.

“Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed.” Joshua 1:8 - Dennis Smith

Saint John Hattiesburg 70th Anniversary

November 12-13, 2016

Saturday Evening, Nov. 12th — Anniversary Banquet

Sunday Morning, Nov. 13th — Reception and Festival Worship

70th

Anniversary: For All the Saints Project

The accompanying picture shows the front chancel wall at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The figures painted on the walls to the left and right of the altar depict the communion of saints looking in on the work God is doing among his people. On the day of this picture, it’s a wedding. Other days it’s worship, baptism, communion, confession and absolution.

We’d like to do something like this at Saint John Hattiesburg in celebration of All Saints’ Sunday (November 6

th) and our 70

th

Anniversary (November 13th). What we

have in mind is placing pictures or other representations on the walls of our sanc-tuary for the first three Sundays of No-vember. We’d like the help of all present and former members of the congregation in this.

Here’s what we’re asking: Between September 1

st and November

1st you would bring in pictures

of any family or friends who have worshiped in this space who are now with the Lord. We’re particularly interested in those who have been baptized at this font and those who have communed at this table. Please be sure to provide the person’s name in the picture and your name. We intend to scan the photo to the computer and then return the photo promptly. Later we will print and arrange the photos on the walls.

Here’s what the scriptures say about these things: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

From the Altar Guild

Voices from the Altar Guild Regarding Altar Care, it is the one thing that I have always loved about “serving” the Lord

in His house of worship. It is amazing to me how much God loves us that He sent His only beloved Son to suffer and die for our sins.

I began serving on the Altar Committee soon after our family joined Good Shepherd

Lutheran in 1968. At that time, the LWML took care of the Altar (supervised by the elders). The women completed many of the usual tasks - washing communion ware, cleaning and ironing the fair linens, baking communion bread, making and hanging banners, embroidering baptismal napkins, filling candles, cleaning and polishing the pews in the sanctuary, etc. The women did not prepare the elements (this was completed by the elders). During the next twenty-five years of serving and chairing this committee, I felt very thankful for the blessings I received. It is a privilege to know that He uses us to even make the worship time a blessing for our souls. This feeling is still with me to this day here at Saint John Lutheran - I love to show my love for my Savior in whatever way He gifts me. Praise God!

In Service to the Lord, Shirley Thone

Annual Meeting - Mark your calendars: The next Altar Guild meeting will be held Saturday, September 10 at 10:00. We will meet

in the Sanctuary. Our main business will be to set up the schedule for 2017. We will discuss changes to procedures made during the past year and talk about the future of the Altar Guild. If you cannot attend, please contact me with your preferred schedule options. Bring a friend! New members are always welcome. Please make every effort to attend.

Chris Thornhill

Altar Guild Chair 601-55-1050

ckthornhill@gmail.com

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

UNTIL NEXT TIME . . . Serve the Lord with Gladness!!!

-Shirley Thone President LWML

On Sunday, August 7th, LWML MITES collected $55.62. Thank you for your continued

prayers and support of the Gulf States District and International Mission Projects selected in Convention. MITES will be collected next on Sunday, September 4

th.

On Sunday, September 4th (Labor Day weekend), the LWML will hold its first Business

meeting since the summer break. Immediately following the worship service, a light lunch will be provided for all members, families, and friends. All women are welcome and invited! This is an opportunity to join in the fellowship, grow in your faith by serving the Lord, and sharing the joy of being with your sisters in Christ.

Year 2016 marks ten years since the re-organization of the LWML here at Saint John. On December 3, 2006, over 25 women met for this purpose. A revised Constitution was created from the original one found from 1971 (in pieces), and was adopted by those present at this meeting. We began a new journey here at Saint John - after fourteen years of being inactive.

Thinking back on some memories during these years - I want to share some with you. During the early years, the members sponsored two "Valentine Dinner" fundraisers for the Shasers "With God's Little Ones". These were evenings of good food, fun and fellowship for couples. Also, in the early years, the members sponsored several "Mother-Daughter Night Out" catered dinners with a program geared for a special evening of fun and fellowship for women. For the past three years, LWML has sponsored the "Cinco de Mayo" Fundraiser Potlucks for the Edwards Street Fellowship Food Center -with emphasis on helping feed the hungry in our community. Also, there were "Summer" luncheons, annual Christmas Party with "Dirty" Santa, and many other activities to assist women in our community. This year our group had the privilege of serving on the District Convention Committee for the Gulf States District Convention held in Gulfport. What a joy!!! There is nothing like being with women from all over serving and sharing the Gospel. I could go on and on, but my wish is that every women here at Saint John would come and join in serving the Lord in this place.

Coming this Fall, LWML Sunday. Members will celebrate this special day by participating in worship service and telling the "story" of the Mission of LWML.

On Monday, September 12th, LWML will provide lunch for the OKTOBERFEST work day of

making the Apple Strudels. If you can help, please come to the meeting or call me.

Due to Oktoberfest, there will be no LWML Meeting in October.

Coming . . . Saturday, October 22nd

, the Magnolia Fall Zone Rally will be held at the Church of the Pines in Waveland. I hope that we can get a good group to join in this day of fellowship with our "sisters" in Christ. Watch for more details on this event.

Children’s Ministry Local Training—Digging Deeper with Jesus will be hosted by First United Methodist Church in Pascagoula on Saturday, October 8th 9am-12:30pm. This will be a great event full of learning and information that will benefit anyone in children’s ministry from nursery to youth. If you would like to be a part of the Saint John group to go to this event, please contact the office before Sunday, September 18th. We'd like for all those involved in children's ministry to make a road trip out of this. To show our support, the congregation will pay for half of the $40 registration cost and buy your lunch that day. There are other training opportunities this fall, but we've identified this one as the best match, all things considered.

Building Fund Changes — On July 31st, congregation president

Bill Coll announced changes to the way we're paying our 2010 renovation mortgage.

Through this July our practice has been to pay the required $1743 payment from our gen-

eral budget offerings, and any amount given specifically to the building fund was used

above that amount to pay down the principle. On account of general fund offering short-

falls then amounting to about $10,000, the Church Council at its July meeting voted to

continue to pay the required minimum payment, but to first use the funds given specifical-

ly to the building fund the previous month, and make up any needed difference up to

$1743 from the general budget offerings. You may rest assured that all designated gifts

for the building fund are being promptly used for that purpose. Thank you for your con-

sideration of this matter and your generous response, for the good of the ministry we're a

part of at Saint John Hattiesburg, and for the kingdom hope we bring to the City.

Junior High Southern District Youth Gathering — The theme is: "Men in Black: Rated R for

Reconciliation" based on 1 John 4:4-6. The gathering is Friday night through Sunday noon,

November 11-13 at the beautiful Twin Lakes Camp and Conference Center.

LWML MITES will be collected SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th

. Thank you for your support of

the Mission Projects of the Gulf States and National LWML.

LWML Business Meeting — SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th

immediately after worship, a light lunch

will be provided in the fellowship hall for all members, families, and friends. Everyone is

welcome and invited to attend!

BROs — BROs will meet at T-Bones on Saturday, September 3rd

at 8:07am for breakfast

followed by a tour of “Homes of Hope”.

Why Come to Group Bible Study? - Welcoming environment - Faith intersects with life

- Conversational approach - Level-playing field

Our Bible Study Takeaway Guarantee: Those who even marginally prepare and participate will take away more strength of faith and boldness in loving than before.

"The Acts of the Apostles” is Sundays at 9:15am.

— Community Activities —

Downtown Summer Tunes — Join Saint John Hattiesburg at the Downtown Summer Tunes on Saturday, September 10th beginning at 7pm for live music in Town Square Park. Food and beverages may be purchased from on-site venders or you may bring your own.

Lighting Longleaf 5K Glow Run — begins at the Southern Miss Gateway at 7:30 pm on Thursday, September 15

th and continues down the Longleaf Trace. Registration is $25 and

all proceeds help purchase lights for the new extension of the Longleaf Trace. You can find more information at runsignup.com.

Louisiana Flood Response GATHER— New toys for young children. Collection box in the foyer.

GIVE — Special offering today and Sept. 4th. Make checks payable to Saint John Lutheran Church. Use the special manila envelopes provided. Give for disaster relief

online via the link on our new church website www.saintjohnhattiesburg.com. GO — Recruit friends and register online 24 hours in advance via the link

provided on our new church website. THRIVENT MEMBERS — Increase the good you can do via an Action Team.

See John Karle for details.

Saint John Hattiesburg 70th Anniversary November 12-13, 2016

Saturday Evening, Nov. 12th — Anniversary Banquet

Sunday Morning, Nov. 13th — Reception and Festival Worship

Help us assemble an invitation list. Use the blue cards.

70th

Anniversary: Help Invite Former Members

We’d like your help to assemble an invitation list of

former members of the congregation. Our first

notification deadline is September 11th Please use the

blue cards. The more, the merrier! Thanks!

Ellen Heck

Brenda Ogle

Mary Cubley

Love. Like. Jesus.

+ Hope for the City +

Saint John Lutheran Church

2001 Hardy Street

Hattiesburg MS 39401

Telephone: 601.583.4898

Website: www.saintjohnhattiesburg.com

Email: stjohnlutheranchurch@gmail.com

Like Us on Facebook: USM Campus Mission

Like Us on Facebook: Oktoberfest Hattiesburg

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Like Us on Facebook: Longleaf Heights Neighborhood Association

Birthdays in September

Lisa Case, 9/1 Doris Canfield, 9/2 Tori Powe, 9/3

Carolyn Rueh, 9/5 Zaylee McMichael, 9/6 Logan Lovdahl, 9/7

Reagan Lowry, 9/7 Barbara Hughes, 9/10 Laura Johnson, 9/14

Brandon Kirkley, 9/15 Maurice Gault, 9/18 Jeremy Noffke, 9/18

Scott Chaney, 9/19 David Myers, 9/23 Zaylin Powe, 9/24

Jennifer Blair, 9/28 Andrew Johnson, 9/29 Desiree Lowry, 9/30

Anniversaries in September

Jerry and Helga Herrington, 53 years 9/18 Mark and Barbara Keyl, 39 years 9/3