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ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)

WE ENVISION A WORLD FED AND LED BY GOD

"FED AND LED BY GOD, WE LIVE AS A NEIGHBOR IN THE WEST

CENTRAL COMMUNITY, THE CITY OF FORT WAYNE, AND ALL

THE WORLD."

729 W WASHINGTON BLVD.

FORT WAYNE, IN 46802

PHONE 260.426.5751

FAX 260.420.9158

WEB SITE: WWW.STJOHNLUTH.COM

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

CHURCH OFFICE NEWS

From the Pastor’s Desk Pages 3, 4

Office Holiday Schedule/Advent Coin Folders Page 4

Wednesday Evening Advent Worship Schedule Page 5

Prayer Concerns Page 6

Prayer Chain/Time to Invite Friends and Family to Church Page 7

Thinking of Joining St John?/Wednesday Evening Update/Newsletter Online/

Affirmation of Baptism

Page 9

Christmas Eve Services at St John Page 10

Snow Cancellation Policy/Epiphany Service of Healing Page 10

Congregation Council and Staff Party/Here, Piggy Piggy Page 11

December 2014 Calendar and Worship Service Opportunities Pages 12-14

Advent Conspiracy & Small Groups Page 17

Caught on Camera Around Church Pages 19-21

December Baptism & Wedding Anniversaries Page 22

Church Directory Changes/Milestones/Membership Information Change Form Page 23

CONGREGATION

Cemetery News Page 7

Financial Secretary News Page 8

2014 Annual Congregational Meeting Page 10

General Fund Summary Page 15

Congregation Council Minutes Pages 16, 17

MISCELLANEOUS

Blue Christmas Service Page 4

Thank Yous/Christmas Caroling to Shut-Ins Page 11

One Body Business Connection/Poinsettias for Christmas/Joy of Christmas Page 18

Advent/Christmas Hymn Sing Page 21

Kids Night Page 22

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“I’M A LOVER, NOT A FIGHTER” Some of us who are of a certain age will well remember a certain someone, characterized by a white glove (on just one hand) and sweet moonwalk, among other things, saying those words to Paul McCartney on “The Girl Is Mine,” a song the two of them jointly recorded for an album by the name of . . . Thriller. (Cue the flood of decades’ old memories.) American Pop Culture aside, you might also speak of being a lover, not a hater, or a lover loving freely, not one who coerces others to do what one wants by hanging the threat of punishment over them. Kelly Fryer, the author of the book the Thursday Brown Bag Bible Study has been reading together, as a few thoughts on this latter idea: . . . God’s love . . . makes all the difference for people, [not the threat of hell and punishment for not

believing.] Not the law. Not a list of rules you better follow or else. Not whacking people upside

the head with a Bible. . . . people aren’t really changed by rulebooks or lectures or laws. You know

that. Can YOU honestly say that your life is different because somebody beat you over the head with

a Bible or scared you half to death?

Kelly Fryer, Reclaiming the “L” Word: Renewing the Church from Its Lutheran Core, pg. 54-5 We are entering that which arguably could be called the Season of Love—images of people beating others over the head with shopping bags as they fight and push through the holiday masses notwith-standing. While far too many people—including I would suggest far too many Christ-followers!—have fallen victim to the mass commercialism and consumer mentality that pervades the final months of the year, Advent and Christmas are more appropriately about that four letter word that can trans-form cold and callous hearts still today: L-O-V-E. The love of a Creator God who chose, once upon a time, to enter into his creation in a vulnerable, humble baby, through a poor (but faith-filled) fami-ly, placed not in a palace but in a smelly feeding box, proclaimed not among the mighty but among a stinky, disreputable bunch of shepherds. From that moment so long ago, a river of love began flow-ing that to this day has yet to be stopped—although plenty have tried.

Love is like a river

Flowing down from the Giver of life

We drink from the water

And our thirst is no longer denied

You gotta give it away

As we live

Moving side by side

May we learn to give

Learn to sacrifice

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There was a man who walked on water

He came to set the people free

He was the ultimate example

Of what love can truly be

'Cause His love was His life

And He gave it away

You gotta give it away

“Give It Away” by Michael W. Smith

This month, go against the flow of a society that would tell you Christmas is all about buying or receiv-ing the perfect gift—with the emphasis on buying. Dial it back a notch—or twenty—and recalibrate your heart, mind and life to the Season of Love. At St. John one way you can do this is to join the con-spiracy—the Advent Conspiracy, where we will be considering four distinct ways to do just that. Look for info elsewhere in this newsletter. And please . . . join us.

In His Grip, Pastor Paul

ADVENT COIN FOLDERS

REMINDER

Thanks to all those who have picked up Ad-vent coin folders from the Welcome Center in the Narthex. This year all of the coin folder money will be used to provide piglets to fami-lies in need, through the ELCA Good Gifts program. See elsewhere in this newsletter for more info on the pig program. Thank you!

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE On Sunday, December 21st at 6:00 p.m., come2go ministries on Baker Street (across from Parkview Field) will be offering their An-nual Blue Christmas Service to the wider com-munity. Designed for people suffering with pain, loss, isolation and grief in the Advent and Christmas season. As Nancy Townely says, “On this night, or anytime this service is presented, we remember those for whom the holidays are not joyful; they are lonely, in mourning, feeling

alienated and cast apart from family celebra-tions; they are experiencing depression and sad-

ness and yet are often compelled to ‘put on a happy face’ for others, denying their true feel-ings.” Join with your brothers and sisters at Come2Go and the wider community for this powerful ser-vice of hope and remembrance.

OFFICE CLOSED FOR THE

HOLIDAYS

The church office will be closed three consecu-tive days, Christmas Eve through the day after Christmas, December 24-26. It will be open again on Monday, December 28. The office will also be closed three consecutive days at the end of the month, New Year’s Eve through the day after New Year’s Day, December 31 through January 2. It will be open again on Monday, January 5. Please plan accordingly—thank you for your understanding, as our staff members enjoy a much-deserved break!

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2014 WEDNESDAY EVENING ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICE SCHEDULE

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – a warm, tasty meal served for all 6:15 – 6:30 p.m. – Christmas hymn sing led by Martin Gigler

6:30 p.m. – casual worship All are encouraged to make space for these times of worship and preparation for Christ’s coming, beginning December 4th. Perhaps you could see it as a time to counter the countless, constant “Christmas Consumerism” cries. We will be following the theme, “O Come, Let Us Adore Him,” with individual weekly themes as indicated below. In addition, each evening will include a candle lighting litany along with singing “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Here are the specific dates and topics: Wednesday, December 3 Bible Reading: John 1:1-3 Theme: Creator of All Description: Jesus Christ, involved in all of creation, yet coming to save creation as a tiny baby. Wednesday, December 10 Bible Reading: John 1:4-5 Theme: Light in the Darkness Description: Jesus Christ, the Light who brings light amongst the darkness of sin and death. Wednesday, December 17 Bible Reading: John 1:17 Theme: Grace and Truth Description: Jesus Christ, bringer not of the Law, but rather of grace and truth. Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve worship opportunities at 4:00 / 7:00 p.m. See elsewhere for details! Come join us!

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PRAYER CONCERNS

We invite you to share your prayer concerns by calling the church office, 426.5751, or by filling out a green Prayer Request Card (found in the

pew-card holder) and giving it to an usher, placing it in the offering plate or by placing it on the desk in the church office. Please indicate what

you would like listed for prayers if you would like it to be listed. If you or a family member goes into the hospital, please call the church office so

we are made aware of it as the privacy laws for hospitals do not always allow them to notify us thanks.

Aubree Ann (health concerns)

Pastor Amy and Family Shelley Bellenger Catherine Bennett (healing)

Barb Braun (health concerns)

Mike Gilstrap (healing/heart)

Rev. Vern Graham (healing)

Sherri Hatmaker (healing)

William (Brandy) Henninger (cancer/Nancy’s

nephew)

Julie Hosler (healing/cancer)

Emily Jovevski (cancer)

Thomas Koppelmann (healing/Gregg & Lisa’s

nephew)

The family of Marea Likeness Jim Merritt (bone cancer)

Rev. John Pannkuk (healing)

Dave Rudolph (healing)

Joe Smith (health concerns)

Doris Thwaits (healing)

Anna & Shaun Willman (wisdom & strength)

CONTINUING CONCERNS: Kristina Alderdice (healing) Sarah Braun Clarence & Linda Bush (health concerns/Vickie

Brown’s parents)

Lois Butcher (health concerns) The Cobb Family Richard Fehling (health concerns)

Jeremy Gray Bradley Hollis

Kent Hollis (health concerns/Brad & Julia’s

son)

David E. Jackson Dori Knoch (strength to cope)

Gene Knoch (healing/strength to serve) Jennifer Koppelmann (health concerns/

Gregg’s sister-in-law)

Alan Lawler (Throat Cancer/Mel’s son)

Rose Ellen Marquart Abigail Offhaus (healing)

Stan Peppler (health concerns)

Carolyn Richardson (health concerns) Paul & MaryAnn Schoenemann Andrew Shelton and Family

Eric Shimp The Shroyer Family Brad Stoffer (leukemia) Carol VanCamp (healing from lung cancer/Lisa

Burris’ mother) Mildred Vogt Ginger Weiksnar (head trauma/Heather’ Offhaus’

cousin)

Mike Winthers MISSION /MINISTRY CONCERNS:

S.A.F.E. (Staff & Students) Jane and Clyde Vanworth (Safety in the Mission

Field/Julia Rieck’s sister)

THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY: Tim Coleman (Marines/San Diego, CA) Vince Cutino (Fort Stewart, GA/nephew of Fran

Gull) Leah Theobald (Navy Reserve/San Diego, CA) Cody Gull (Army/Fort Campbell, KY)

Steve Hartman (National Guard) Matt & Andrea McGahey (Moody AFB) David Niblick John Strait (Fort Hood, TX) Tristin (Afghanistan), Nick, & Aaron (relatives of

the Cobb/Johnson family who are serving)

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CEMETERY NEWS Triscapes will be picking up our leaves after the snow melts. I will be finishing up also af-ter the snow melts, to have the leaves put to the sides of the roads. I finished (mostly) the New Addition and section 6, now just have to finished where there are few stones on the right side before the hill. I told Juan (Triscapes) I would try to do that for them. He will keep in touch with me. Since we had so few turn out for the leaf rake, (everyone is getting older) I am wondering if we ought to have a fund drive for Triscapes to pick up leaves every year, the fund drive start-ing in mid- summer. Let me know what you think.

Donna Weber

TIME TO INVITE YOUR FRIENDS

AND FAMILY TO CHURCH! Q: Which times each year are most people more open to accepting an invitation to come to worship than at any other time? A: Christmas and Easter. In a very real sense, this Christmas Eve at St. John is GREAT opportunity for you to invite a friend, family member, or someone else to join you as your guest in worshiping the newborn King. We’ll be having a tradi-tional 7:00 p.m. service as well as a kid friendly ‘Meet Me at the Manger’ im-promptu children’s program at 4:00 p.m. So . . . whom do you think God wants you to invite?

PRAYER CHAIN

St. John sponsors a prayer chain that regular-ly keeps members, relatives, friends and all those in our thoughts in prayer. Martha We-ber coordinates this ministry—thanks, Mar-tha! Requests for prayer can be phoned or emailed to Jamie in the office (260-426-5751). Please also indicate when doing so if your prayer should be included among those requesting prayers in the church worship brochure on Sunday morning. Lord, listen to your children

praying . . . send your Spirit to

this place . . . Lord, listen to

your children praying . . . send

us love, send us power, send us

grace . . .

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FINANCIAL SECRETARY NEWS END OF YEAR REMINDER Thank you to all the generous souls who give end of the year offerings. Please remember that if you are mailing in a contribution, it must have a postmark of Dec. 31 or earlier to be included in 2014's records. NOISY OFFERINGS In October we collected $256.72 for the ministries at the Rescue Mission (for men) and Charis House (for women). Thank you for proving that small change can really add up! Our December Noisy Of-fering will be for the Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center, formerly known as the Wernle Boys Home. Wernle provides for the growth, development, and treatment of troubled children and their families. MEMORIALS IMO Steve Kienzle For the Good Samaritan Fund Rick & Beth Braun IMO Stella Knuth For the new Hearing Aid Fund Ralph Knuth IMO Rory Murphy For the General Fund Allen County Public Library (DiSalle Building Staff) Jim & Linda Alberding Phyllis Bauerle Barbara Braun Diane Gebfert Jane Gresham Nancy Henninger Carol Hoagland Lois Hoelle Brad & Julie Hollis David & Diane Jackson Gene & Dori Knoch Mike & Linda McGahey Tom & Courtenay Murphy Joe & May Ellen Nolte Dianne Pierce Dennis & Julie Robinson John & Susan Rodewald

David & Rhonda Sitko Mick & Janet Trahin Donna Weber Sieng & Laura Xayyachack MORE GRANTS RECEIVED!

Last month I told you about Thrivent Grants: we have now received a total of $3200, which is based on the Garage Sale and Johnny Ap-pleseed Pie Sales. $1600 each will go to the Good Samaritan Fund and Sharing the Joy, our weekly feeding ministry on Wednesdays. This month I'm thrilled to announce we've received another $1500 for Sharing the Joy, this time from the Northeast Conference of our ELCA's Indiana-Kentucky Synod. We re-ceived this grant last year and were able to apply again this year and happily, we were chosen again.

Julie Robinson, Financial Secretary

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THINKING OF JOINING

ST. JOHN’S COMMUNITY

OF BELOVED DISCIPLES?

St. John’s next New Member Orientation will be held on two consecutive Mondays, Febru-

ary 2nd and 9th, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. each evening. We’ll start with dessert of some sort. The course, entitled “Knowing and Showing God’s Love,” is intended for anyone who wants to grow in their understanding and prac-tice of the Christian faith in general (non-member or member), and as a follower of Jesus at and around St. John in particular. Those non-members attending the orientation will be invited to join St. John on Sunday,

February 15th during the 11:00 a.m. worship, following a brief introduction and welcome with congregational leaders at 10:15 a.m. in Room 101. If you’re interested in attending this orientation, please register your interest with Jamie Robbins in the church office (426-5751).

OUR NEWSLETTER IS

AVAILABLE ONLINE

For several years now, St. John’s entire news-letter has been posted as a PDF file on our website (www.stjohnluth.com). Members and those wanting to learn more about St. John may read not just excerpts but the entire newsletter as it now appears in print and is distributed to members and friends of St. John. This improves our ability to inform the public of our ministries here at St. John. The ability to do this comes primarily through the work of newsletter editor, Jamie Robbins. Thanks, Jamie! If you’re ever submitting information to the newsletter, please note: What is published in the newsletter is also published on the web-site. Logistically, it just is not feasible to review and then censor the website form of the newsletter. Therefore, “if in doubt, leave it out!”

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS UPDATE Sharing the Joy continues to bless people with a free, good meal every Wednesday beginning at 5:00 p.m., as well as good fellowship and a safe place for all. It is followed by a brief, in-formal worship at 6:20 p.m. Because Christ-mas Eve and New Year’s Eve fall on Wednes-day this year, there will be NO meal on De-cember 24 and no meal AND no worship ser-vice December 31. Thanks in advance for your understanding in this matter!

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM On Sunday, January 11th, St. John will be cel-ebrating all those who are remembering their baptisms during the fourth quarter (October-November-December) of 2014 with an Affir-mation of Baptism service during worship. This is a different time than usual so that we can hold it on the celebration of The Baptism of Our Lord. If that includes you or someone in your family, please plan on being here to join in the celebration of God’s gift of Holy Baptism, through which faith, the Holy Spirit and so many other gifts are given! Thanks to Susie Manier, Bev Murphy, Linda McGahey and Cindy Witters for coordinating this quar-terly opportunity!

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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES AT ST

JOHN On Wednesday, December 24th St. John will be celebrating the birth of Christ with services at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

“Meet Me at the Manger” is the title of the 4:00 p.m. family friendly service, which will give all children present a chance to be part of a Christ-mas pageant that will unfold as the service pro-gresses. This no rehearsal kids Christmas play is also being offered to the children in our sur-rounding West Central community and their parents. A Birthday Cake for Jesus and a cou-ple crafts will follow immediately afterwards in the gym.

7:00 P.M. will feature a traditional service of carols and lessons, including Holy Communion and concluding with a candlelight singing of “Silent Night,” first in German and then in Eng-lish. Special music, featuring harpist Sarah Wall and St John musicians, will begin at 6:40 pm. Be sure to come on out for either one of these services, both of which promise to be a meaningful way to worship the newborn King!

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP OPTION Those of you looking for a place to worship the newborn king on Christmas Day are welcome to attend Trinity Episcopal Church, our neigh-bors over on West Berry near St. Joseph Hospi-tal. Trinity is holding a 10:00 a.m. service with Holy Communion (and carols!) Christmas Day. Father Tom Hansen himself, has assured Pastor Paul that any of us Lutherans who wandered on by would be received most kindly (including being welcome to the table for communion). It’s good to have good neighbors!

OFFICIAL SNOW CANCELLATION

POLICY: WE WILL (ALMOST!)

NEVER CLOSE

As long as Pastor Paul is your called pastor, St. John will never close for Sunday worship ser-vices. The only exception would be a Level 3 snow emergency (the highest level) as declared by Allen County, which means the public is di-rected to refrain from all travel. So as Winter is closing in fast upon us, please know that no mat-ter how fast and furious the snow flies on a Sat-urday night or Sunday morning, St. John will (almost) always be open and a pastor will be present for services. At the same time, members and guests should still exhibit caution and take into account road conditions as described by the county.

EPIPHANY SERVICE OF HEALING

JANUARY 7

St. John will be experiencing something differ-ent from its usual Wednesday evening worship on January 6, the day the Church celebrates the Feast of the Epiphany, when the wise men (or magi), following the star, found the child Jesus in Bethlehem. On this day next month we will participate together in a service of healing, as we bid farewell to the remaining trappings of Christmas and welcome the new year of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. Look for more details in January’s newsletter!

THE 2014 ANNUAL CONGREGA-

TIONAL MEETING

of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church of Fort Wayne, Indiana will be held Monday, De-cember 8th at 7:00 p.m. A letter with agenda and further information will also be mailed at least ten days prior. Please make plans now to attend. Thank you!

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THANK YOUS • To the congregation of St. John Evangeli-

cal Lutheran Church: Beverly, Adam, and I would like to thank everyone for the kind-ness and support we have received here, since the death of our son and brother, Rory Murphy. We took great comfort at having his visitation and funeral service here in our beautiful church. We remain bereft and heartbroken, but feel the genuine outpouring of love and understanding from you all. God bless you, Tim, Beverly, and

Adam Murphy

• Thank you for your generous gift of $191.51 to Lutheran Campus Ministry, and for your generosity and your commit-ment to caring for the future! May God bless you as you have been a blessing to others through your gift. Pastor Nancy

Nyland, Director of Evangelical Mission, I-

K Synod • Thank you to the State Blvd Walgreen’s

store manager Stewart Schenkel and his team who gave free flu shots November 5th to 19 individuals during our Wednes-day community meal. We appreciate your kindness!

HERE, PIGGY PIGGY! This Advent season, as part of the Advent Con-spiracy, we are encouraging folk to pick up a ‘Piggy Bank’ to fill and bring to church Christ-mas Eve. Through ELCA Good Gifts, just $30 can provide a piglet to a family in need. When this little piggy grows up, she will give birth to as many as 16 piglets each year. Pigs help ferti-lize fields, provide food to eat and can be sold at market for much-needed income. What a BIG difference a pig can make! This project incorpo-rates Spend Less, Give More, and Love All—three of the four basic tenets of The Advent Con-spiracy. Boxes are available now in the narthex at church. How many piggies do you think St. John can ‘raise’ as a congregation this Advent sea-son?

CONGREGATION COUNCIL AND

STAFF TO PARTY DECEMBER 17 The Council and staff will be gathering Thursday, December 17th (tentative at print-ing) at an undisclosed location to celebrate the gift of Jesus at Christmas. Text ‘PARTYDETAILS’ to 348-6357 and the cor-rect password to receive futher instructions. Good luck! (And maybe pray for the crazy kook who wrote this announcement in the first place—he may already have been drink-ing too much eggnog!)

CHRISTMAS CAROLING TO SHUT-INS

DECEMBER 21ST We plan to leave after the 9:00 a.m. service and visit a few of our homebound members, re-turn to the church for a potluck lunch around noon, and sing more carols afterwards, ending sometime between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. If enough people sign up on the poster in the narthex (lobby), we could split the group and travel in several directions, visiting more of our shut-ins and sharing some Christmas spirit. If you can come, please sign up beforehand, either on the poster at church or by calling Susie Manier at 260-710-0781, so that we will know if we should plan for one group or two. Hope to see you there!

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Sun Mon Tue

1

7:30 pm—11 am Worship Prac-tice (Sanctuary)

2 All Day - Applebee’s Dining To Donate 6:46 pm - Advent Con-spiracy Small Group (Walda’s Home)

7 2nd Sunday of Advent

9:00 am—Worship Service w/Holy Communion 10:15 am-12:30 pm - WELCA Cookie Walk (gym) 10:15 am—Sunday School Classes for All Ages 11:00 am—Non-Traditional Worship Service w/Holy Communion

8 7 pm—Finance Board Mtg. (Treasurer’s Office) 7 pm - Annual Congregation Meeting (Sanctuary)

9 5:30 pm - Wellspring Youth Dinner (kitchen/dinner) 6:46 pm - Advent Con-spiracy Small Group (Walda’s Home)

14 3rd Sunday of Advent

9:00 am—Worship Service w/Holy Communion 10:15 am—Sunday School Classes for All Ages 11:00 am—Non-Traditional Worship Service w/Holy Communion 4 pm - Joy of Christmas Concert & Carry In Dinner (Sanctuary/Gym)

15 7:30 pm—11 am Worship Prac-tice (Sanctuary)

16 10 am-Super Seniors (Rm 105) 6:46 pm - Advent Con-spiracy Small Group (Walda’s Home)

21 4th Sunday of Advent

9:00 am—Worship Service w/Holy Communion 10:15 am—Sunday School Classes for All Ages 11:00 am—Non-Traditional Worship Service w/Holy Communion Christmas Caroling to Shut Ins (see article on page 11 for time details) 6 pm - Blue Christmas Service @ Come2Go

22 7:30 pm—11 am Worship Prac-tice (Sanctuary)

23 6:46 pm - Advent Con-spiracy Small Group (Walda’s Home)

28 First Sunday of Christmas

9:00 am—Worship Service w/Holy Communion 10:15 am—Sunday School Classes for All Ages 11:00 am—Non-Traditional Worship Service w/Holy Communion

29 7:30 pm—11 am Worship Prac-tice (Sanctuary)

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Wed Thu Fri Sat

3 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (Rm 105) 12 pm - Staff Mtg. (church office) 5:00/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Worship Service 5:15-6:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal (Rm 105) 7:15-8 pm - Sanctuary Choir Re-hearsal 7:15 pm - Advent Conspiracy Small Group

4 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 12 pm -Advent Conspiracy Small Group (Rm 105) 5:30-6:30 pm—Lamp Lighters Hock-ey 6:45 pm - Flute Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105)

5

Pastor Paul’s Day Off

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9-11:30 am - Catechism Class 5:30 pm - Kids Night (gym)

10 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (Rm 105) 1:30 pm - Mary Martha Circle-M. Weber Hostess 5:00/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Worship Service 5:15-6:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal (Rm 105) 7:15-8 pm - Sanctuary Choir Re-hearsal 7:15 pm - Advent Conspiracy Small Group

11 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 9:30 am - Priscilla Circle-M. Lawler Hostess 12 pm -Advent Conspiracy Small Group (Rm 105) 5:30-6:30 pm—Lamp Lighters Hock-ey 6:45 pm - Flute Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105) 7 pm - Miriam Circle-B. Braun Host-ess (Rm 103)

12 12 pm - Advent Hymn Sing (Sanctuary) Pastor Paul’s Day Off

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17 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (Rm 105) 8 AM—JANUARY NEWSLETTER DEAD-LINE 11:30 am/12 pm-Staff Mtg./Lunch 5:00/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Worship Service 5:15-6:15 pm Handbell Rehearsal (Rm 105) 7:15-8 pm - Sanctuary Choir Re-hearsal 7:15 pm - Advent Conspiracy Small Group

18 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 12 pm -Advent Conspiracy Small Group (Rm 105) 5:30-6:30 pm—Lamp Lighters Hock-ey 6 pm - Naomi Ruth Circle -J. Hollis Hostess (Potluck) 6:45 pm - Flute Choir Rehearsal (Rm 105) Council & Staff Christmas Party

19 Pastor Paul’s Day Off

20 9-11:30 am - Catechism Class

24 Church Office Closed 4 & 7 pm-Christmas Eve Worship Services NO Evening Meal

Christmas Eve

25 Church Office Closed

Christmas Day

26 Church Office Closed

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31 Church Office Closed NO Evening Meal NO Worship Service

DECEMBER 2014 St. John Lutheran Church (ELCA)

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DECEMBER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE DEACON— John Platt USHERS— Greg & Jamie Robbins, Mike & Lisa Burris WED. DEACONS: Richard & Gloria Brown; Gary Gilliom

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7—SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

ASSISTING MINISTER - Jane Gresham GREETERS - Mike & Lisa Burris COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Gloria Brown, Pam Bessey, Julia Rieck, Dianne Pierce ACOLYTES - Catie Witters ALTAR GUILD - Lois Sharp, Dorthy Epple ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Julie Walda, Julie Robinson SCRIP TABLE - Dianne Pierce WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Lois Hoelle

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14—THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT ASSISTING MINISTER - Elizabeth Evans GREETERS - Jose & Wendy Arzate COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Cheryl Kienzle, Julia Rieck, Bev & Tim Murphy ACOLYTES - Abigail Offhaus ALTAR GUILD - Lois Sharp, Dorthy Epple ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Dorthy Epple, Lois Hoelle SCRIP TABLE - Julia Rieck WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Pete Newcomb

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21—FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT ASSISTING MINISTER - Steve Callender GREETERS - Pam Bessey, Jane Gresham COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Julie Constant, Jodi Inge, Jamie Robbins, Jan Rodewald ACOLYTES - Lucas Austin ALTAR GUILD - Dorothy Epple, Gloria Brown ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Chris Walda, Steve Callender SCRIP TABLE - Vickie Brown WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Greg Hevel

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24—CHRISTMAS EVE—7 PM ASSISTING MINISTER - Steve Rieck GREETERS - VOLUNTEER NEEDED COMMUNION ASSISTANTS—VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ACOLYTES - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ALTAR GUILD - Dorthy Epple, Cindy Witters ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28—FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

ASSISTING MINISTER - Julie Walda GREETERS - Chris & Julie Walda COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Linda McGahey, Julie Hollis, Dianne Pierce, Dennis Robinson ACOLYTES - Connor Paxton ALTAR GUILD - Dorothy Epple, Gloria Brown ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Gregg Koppelmann, Julie Robinson SCRIP TABLE - Jamie Robbins WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM -

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NOVEMBER 20, 2014

SUMMARY OF ST. JOHN CONGREGATION COUNCIL

Regular meeting called to order at 7:04 pm by chair, Gregg Koppelmann. A quorum was present.

Pastor Offhaus opened the meeting with prayer.

John Platt present to talk about Sharing the Joy Wednesday meal. What is best time to serve dinner? Beginning January 7, begin serving the meal later. Pastor, John and Barb will meet with Cory and or Cameron Smith to accommodate all parties. Secretary's report—corrected spelling of “Nolte” motion made, seconded and carried. To approve. Treasurer's report—MIF new construction loan has been added in amount of $57,735 for total of $125,337. Motion made, seconded and carried to accept report. Thrivent is changing chapter structure. Each Thrivent member will be able to request $250 for a project. If approved, may request an additional $250. May need to schedule an information meeting between services. Ministry Enhancement Grant (MEG) for $5000 has been requested by Lois Hoelle and Tony Shelton. Previously this grant has fund-ed Sharing the Joy Wednesday meals, Good Samaritan fund and Wellspring projects. An insurance claim to pay for ceiling damage has been filed. Is it possible to shut down unused phone lines? Will explore with property committee. Pastor's report—Preparing for Advent Bible Study. “Advent Conspiracy”; worship fully, spend

less, give more, love all. Pastor also introduced ELCA “feed the pig” project to gather $30 per pig to be given to a needy community in the world. Each council member was asked to list what they are thank-ful for. Committee reports

• CARE—Tony Shelton presented written report. New member Susan Benesh is a Stephen minis-ter.

• Cemetery—written financial report presented. New balance of $56,089.13 in M/M fund and checking balance of $17,369.77.

• Nominating Committee—written report presented. The slate has been filled. Committee did an outstanding job. Copy will be mailed to each member for December 8 congregation meeting.

• Property—new contract has been signed with HHC to fix discovered problem with foundation at A-1 building. Copy with be taken to Neighborhood Code Enforcement. Flooring on steps leading from sacristy to basement hasn't begun yet.

Unfinished Business

• Approval of 2015 Plan for Ministry—after discussion and changes, motion made seconded and carried to approve and forward to congregation meeting for approval.

• Approval of 2015 budget—Motion made, seconded and carried to approve the budget as present-ed on fourth draft and present to December congregation meeting.

• A-1 building—Fair market value of 1006 Broadway by realtor is $95,000. • Staff appreciation—Motion made, seconded and approved to give full time staff $100 and part

time staff $50. Pastor abstained from voting. • A-V system update. Company is installing rest of the project. Three new monitors have been in-

stalled. One screen on pulpit side will be installed by November 23. Other screen by Wednesday, November 26.

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New Business--

• Agenda for December 8 Congregation meeting developed. • Dorothy Tomko estate—$225,000 has been received. Task force will be formed to explore

ways to honor her legacy. • Outsourcing payroll—Motion made, seconded and approved to ask finance board to move for-

ward with outsourcing. Motion made seconded and carried to adjourn meeting at 10:22 pm Minutes taken by Jane Gresham.

WANTED: JESUS FOLLOWERS TO JOIN

THE ADVENT CONSPIRACY! Over the next three weeks, the current Church year will be coming to a close. On November 30th a new Church year begins with the season of Advent, where we make space to prepare for Christ’s coming. This year we will be honoring Advent through “The Advent Conspiracy,” a four week ser-mon series accompanied by small group opportunities throughout the week to discuss and put into practice lifestyle changes that will help bring you and others back to the ‘Reason for the Season,’ Jesus’ birth among us, God come down to show us God’s love. The four tenets (with the Sundays we’ll be focusing on them) are:

• Worship Fully – November 30 • Spend Less – December 7 • Give More – December 14 • Love All – December 21

If this appeals to you, consider a time commitment of two hours per week in the month prior to Christmas—an hour in worship and an hour in a small group. To learn more and/or sign up, call Pas-tor Paul (426-5751, ext 101). Consider it an early Christmas gift to yourself!

ADVENT CONSPIRACY SMALL GROUPS There will be three opportunities to discuss the ideas presented in worship—worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all—in more detail within the context of a small group. Here are the dates, times and locations of all three:

• Tuesday evenings, 6:45 p.m. at Chris and Julie Walda’s home (12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23) • Wednesday evenings, after worship until 8:30 p.m. at church (12/3, 12/10, 12/17) • Thursdays noon at church (12/4, 12/11, 12/18)

To sign up for a small group, contact the office, sign up on Sunday morning or email pas-torpaul@stjohnluth.com.

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GOT A GREAT IDEA FOR STARTING

YOUR OWN BUSINESS? The Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) and Associated Churches of Fort Wayne are partnering with us to offer an opportunity to explore just what it might look like to turn your dream into reality. The sign outside the NIIC says it all: “Dreams past this point may result in reality.” On Wednesday, December 10th anyone inter-ested will be gathering together at tables to share a meal, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the gym (signs will be posted). Then from 5:30 until 6:30 we will learn more about this opportunity, called the One Body Business Connection, fol-lowed by two of St. John’s own members shar-ing their stories of how they started their own businesses. Following a Q&A time, at 6:30 any who wish will be invited to head to one of 3-4 breakout areas to share their ideas for a new business and receive honest feedback. What a great opportunity! Sign up by calling the office (426-5751) or seeing Pas-tor Paul.

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS The poinsettias are coming! The poinsettias are coming! Prices this year are as follows: 4” - $4, 6.5” - $7, 8” - $13, and 10” - $20. Order forms are available in your bulletin and at the SCRIP Table and need to be turned in no later than De-cember 14th.

HOLY COMMUNION

LITURGY CHANGE

‘Tis the Season once again to cycle into a different setting of

the liturgy. This year for the Pentecost season we learned and have been using Setting One from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. As we enter the Advent season we will return to Set-ting Four. Many of you will recognize this set-ting as Setting Two from the old “Lutheran Book off Worship”. Setting Four will continue to be used through the season of Lent, 2015. During Advent the sung liturgy will include: The Gospel Acclamation, The Sanctus (Holy, Holy, Holy), and the Agnus Dei (Lamb of God) with the Hymn of Praise being added on Christmas Eve. During Lent we will also sing the Kyrie (Lord Have Mercy) from the liturgy as well as the Psalm.

Martin Gigler, organist for the Worship and Music Team

JOY OF CHRISTMAS Save the date! The 10th annual The Joy Of Christmas concert is Sunday, December 14th at 4 PM. Immediately following the concert will be a carry-in for everyone participating as well as those attending the concert. Please bring a dish to share and your own table service (plates, sil-verware, cups) so we can minimize the clean-up time required. See you then!

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CAUGHT ON CAMERA AROUND CHURCH

Catechism “Disciples of Jesus in Training” (DoJits??) gathered at Acduth Veshalom (“Unity and Peace”), the second oldest Jewish congregation west of the Alleghenies. They learned a lot about Judaism and experienced first hand a Jewish Sabbath, or Shabbat, worship service. Plus there were yummy refreshments afterwards! Thank you to Michael Rush (pictured), Rabbi Javier Cattapan, and many others for their wonderful hospitality to our group!

No, that’s not snow—or something that hasn’t been dusted for quite some time. In reality, it’s a close up of our organ pipes, which had the unfortunate experi-ence of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when someone accidently stepped through the ceiling above the pipes while participating in a guided tour. As of printing, the damage to both the ceiling and the organ are still being assessed, including learning what part of the repairs will be covered by our insurance. The good news in all this is that thankfully, no one was hurt.

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CAUGHT ON CAMERA AROUND CHURCH CONTINUED Special thanks to Pastor Marty Hampton of Faith Lutheran Church, who graciously preached and presided at St. John November 16th for our Women’s Thank Offering Worship service. This was part of a pulpit exchange that found Pastor Paul preaching and presiding at Faith, our ELCA sister congregation on Petit Ave. just east of South Anthony. Thanks again, Pastor Marty!

The Brown Bag Bible Study group took a break from their studying to throw a Smith Academy for Ex-cellence (aka SAFE) Staff Appreciation Lunch during their customary Thursday time slot. Above and below you can see some of the smiling mouths we were able to feed, as a token of thanks for the love and effort these folk are pouring into the lives of the young men who make up the SAFE student popu-lation. Please keep the entire school—staff and students—in your ongoing prayers. Thank you, SAFE staff! Keep up the good work!

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ALL SAINTS SUNDAY We remembered all the saints who have gone be-fore us, including those near and dear, with candles in worship on All Saints Sunday.

Advent/Christmas Hymn SingAdvent/Christmas Hymn SingAdvent/Christmas Hymn SingAdvent/Christmas Hymn Sing

Join us for our ADVENT/CHRISTMAS HYMN SING on Friday, December 12th. The program will begin at 11:45 AM with sea-sonal selections for the organ followed by a time for singing car-ols and songs of the season. At 12:30 we will enjoy a time of fel-lowship in the “Coffee Room”. Bring a bag lunch…desserts and beverages will be provided. Any questions? Contact Martin Gi-gler at giglerm@stjohnluth.com or (260) 402-3580.

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INDIANA KENTUCKY

NEWSLETTER

Access the IN-KY Newslet-ter on our church website go to www.stjohnluth.com and click on the News/Events Link to see this newsletter. If you do not have internet access and wish to have this mailed to you, please call the church office (426.5751) and I will put you on a month-ly mailing list for that too!

CLHS NEWS

To access news for Concor-dia Lutheran High School go to www.stjohnluth.com and click on the News/Events

Link to see this news. If you do not have internet access and would like this information mailed to you, please call the church office (426.5751) and I will put you on a monthly mailing list.

DECEMBER

WEDDING

ANNIVERSARIES

08: Brad & Kristin Huff - 11

DECEMBER

BAPTISM

ANNIVERSARIES

05: James Hartman 06: Aiden Huff 11: Valerie Campbell, Greg Robbins 12: Robert Hunt, Jerolyn Voirol 16: Michelle Becker 17: Lisa Burris 21: Robert Gebfert 23: Richard Fehling 24: Vickie Brown, Alyssa Robbins 25: Pamela Bessey, Breydon Cobb, Daven

Johnson 28: Alan Bessey, Sarah Braun, Christopher

Noe

Please let me know if I missed you or have a wrong date for you for Baptism or Wedding anniversaries!

Thanks, your Parish Secretary, Jamie Robbins (426.5751)

May the Lord continue to bless this marriage!

MERRY

CHRISTMAS AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR !

FROM YOUR

PARISH SECRETARY

JAMIE ROBBINS AND FAMILY!

KIDS’ NIGHT Kids’ Night will be on Saturday, December 6 from 5:30-8 pm for preschool-5th grade. Older kids are welcome to come and help too. Dinner, games, and crafts are provided. Any questions please contact Cheryl Kienzle @480-7814 or email her at bakk3309@aol.com.

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MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

CHANGE/CORRECTION FORM

NAME:__________________________________________________

ADDRESS:_______________________________________________

CITY:_______________________STATE:_______ZIP:____________

PHONE:_________________________________________________

EFFECTIVE DATE:________________________________________

This Membership Form may be mailed or left in the church office

CHURCH DIRECTORY CHANGES

Please make the following changes in your own personal Church Directories:

ADDRESS/PHONE ADDITIONS/UPDATES/CORRECTIONS:

NEW:

MILESTONES

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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: M-F—8:00 AM – 3:00 PM PASTOR ...................................... REV. PAUL OFFHAUS - PASTORPAUL@STJOHNLUTH.COM CHAIR OF THE CONGREGATION ....... MR. GREGG KOPPELMANN - GLKOP@COMCAST.COM CARING MINISTRIES ................. MR. TONY SHELTON - TONYSHELTON@STJOHNLUTH.COM ORGANIST ......................... MR. MARTIN P. GIGLER - MARTIN.GIGLER@STJOHNLUTH.COM DIRECTOR OF MUSIC ............................. MR. JAY HEARE - JAY.HEARE@STJOHNLUTH.COM CHURCH SECRETARY ......................... MRS. JAMIE ROBBINS - SJLUTH@STJOHNLUTH.COM CUSTODIAN ......................................................................................... MS TINA THOMPSON

ST JOHN EV LUTHERAN CHURCH 729 W WASHINGTON BLVD FORT WAYNE IN 46802

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

US POSTAGE PAID FORT WAYNE IN

PERMIT #966