JULY 2020 1

July

2131 Getz Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804 260-432-2033

stmfw.org

BID FAREWELL TO PASTOR LESSING We would like to put together a special package for Pastor Lessing to remember his church family at St. Michael.

Can you help us with one or both of the following?

1. Create a brief video

a. Speak directly to Pastor Lessing

b. Share how much you have appreciated him or something that he has said that was meaningful to you

c. Film it in the horizontal position (widescreen) d. Keep it short—10 to 30 seconds (you can do this with your smart phone) e. Email or share it with tammy@stmfw.org or text 260-645-0082 by July 5

2. Send a card with words of encouragement or a prayer

a. Mail the card to the church office c/o Tina Hoover, 2131 Getz Road, FW, 46804 or drop it off at the church office.

b. If you want to give him a gift to thank him for his seven years of service at St. Michael, please consider giving a gift card or a monetary gift. We will not open the cards, so if you write a check, please make it out to Reed Lessing.

On July 12, we will present to Pastor Lessing a gift basket with the cards bundled together and a compilation of

the videos at the worship services. If you have any questions or thoughts about how we can encourage Pastor

Lessing before he leaves, please email tammy@stmfw.org.

A note from St. Michael leadership Be assured that your church leadership is working on all aspects of our upcoming transition, insuring coverage of all pastoral duties after July 12, the calling of a new Senior Pastor, and ensuring an active youth ministry program. Look for more information in the days and weeks ahead. As we travel the path before us, we encourage everyone to show grace, mercy and love towards Pastor Lessing and each other. In addition to Pastor Davis and the whole leadership team at St. Michael, the elders are prepared to assist with the many tasks that lie ahead and serve you by answering any questions or concerns you may have. Feel free to reach out to an elder. In closing, please continue to pray for Pastor Lessing and our whole church body. We know that God is in control and has a plan for St. Michael.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

St. Michael

L u t h e r a n C h u r c h

JULY 2020 2

THOUGHTS FROM PASTOR LESSING

My dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

My letter to St. Michael, dated June 17, indicated that the LORD of the Church has led me to accept a call to Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota. I will serve as a Professor of Theology and Ministry. My last Sunday at St. Michael will be July 12.

During my seven-year ministry, I have stood on the shoulders of the Senior Pastors who served before me—Bernard Hemmeter (1954–1968), Donald Meyers (1969–1977), Bob Bruckner (1978–2008) and Matt Switzer (2008–2012). I owe a huge debt to these brother pastors who nurtured, shaped and loved our church.

I’ve watched children grow up. I’ve baptized, confirmed, performed marriages and officiated at funerals. I’ve visited hospitals, shut-ins and many of you in your homes. Together, we realized dreams, lived through trials, persevered and have grown. Any good that I accomplished has been through Jesus. “ It was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” (1 Corinthians 15:10)

Leaving you is difficult. It’s one of the most painful decisions I’ve ever made. My sincere prayer is that this will be better for me and St. Michael—in the long run. In the short run, my heart is crushed. Please continue to pray for Lisa, Abi, Jonathan, Lori and me.

St. Michael has a wonderful future. I know that under new senior pastoral leadership you will thrive more and more as you connect people to Jesus.

Serving as your Senior Pastor has been the highest honor in my life. It will always be. Always.

I love you—forever,

Pastor Lessing

THOUGHTS FROM PASTOR SHAWN

Looking at the next few weeks and months, it is easy to grow anxious because of the uncertainty of the transitional time that lays ahead. Our leadership team has had many discussions about the transition and who will be taking on what roles. We are all committed to making sure the ministries of St. Michael continue to the best of our abilities, knowing that God is in control and has a plan as we connect people to Jesus.

One of the roles that I will be stepping into over the next few weeks and months is to coordinate our worship with the help of the team. This means I will be preaching in the sanctuary more, as well as working on the series that come next. I will also be adding other administrative tasks as we transition.

I am ready and able to step into these roles for a short time. As your missional pastor, I continue to form new relationships and partnerships in ministry throughout our community and city. I believe that God continues to bless this ministry, and I look forward to a time where it can be a primary focus again.

Our family continues to love and care for the St. Michael and ESM family. In our family devotional time (Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids by Sarah Young), I was reminded of the words of Isaiah:

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens

are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9

Please be in prayer with me, as we journey through this transition and we are able to call a Senior Pastor and Director of Christian Education.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:14

Pastor Shawn

JULY 2020 3

BELONG

BOOK CLUB What: Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes When: Thursday, September 17, at 10:00a Where: St. Michael Lobby

COFFEE BREAK

Women connecting over coffee and God’s Word Women of all ages are invited on Wednesday, September 23, from 9:15a–10:45a in Luther Hall.

J.O.Y. Group The J.O.Y. Committee will be meeting soon to put together some upcoming events that will include social-distancing and JOYful fellowship that we have been missing. STAY TUNED for further developments!!

GAP MINISTRY July 18 & 19 will be our first GAP weekend since February! We will have GAP members who can pray with you in-person, on the phone or by video chat! The in-person team will pray with you after the worship services in the conference room. If you would like to pray with someone over the phone or by video chat, please call the church office to help you make arrangements.

BAPTISM BIRTHDAYS

March and July Join us on July 25-27 to celebrate with these children: Alayna Bruckner; Sloan Burton; Lennon Campbell; Ava Clendenen; James Cunningham; Anniston and Charlotte Dougal; Hume Hamlin; Khyliee and Norah Jones; Noah Lee; Aaron and Reid McDonald; Logan Reidhaar; Brenya and DJ Scott; Ella Searles; Bruce Slazyk; Christina Squire; Clara Thompson; Kaia Wren; Anahi Alberto; Emma Bains; Bradyn Bender; Henry Carsten; Ali Davis; Gavin Evans; Jaden Hoover; Charlie Klein; Johnathon and Wyatt Overby; Austin and Eli Pieper; Adam Ruch; Gavin Schroeder; Braedon and Kaitlyn Snyder; James Sult; Henry Vachon; Brinlee Weible; Kroy, Brooks and Tate Young.

CLHS

Back-to-School Plan We are excited to welcome all of our students back this

fall! We have put together information to outline our

plans for returning this fall, as well as guidelines for social

distancing, facility cleanliness, and day-to-day operations.

Visit www.clhscadets.com/back-to-school-2020/ for the

detailed plans. This site will be updated as more

information is available.

Sign up for our Summer Camps Sign up for our Summer Camps! While we have had to

cancel many camps, we are still offering our Boys and

Girls Soccer Camp, Sign Language Camp, Art Camp, Boys

Basketball Camp and Rowing Camp.

Visit www.clhscadets.com/summer for details and to

register.

ESM

PRESCHOOL IS HIRING! Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School is looking to hire

additional preschool staff for the upcoming school year.

If you are interested in an instructional or assistant

position, please contact Jennifer Ackmann at

jackmann@esmeagles.com or (260) 422-6712.

PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School offers a number

of preschool options for children ages 3-5. If you are

interested in learning more about the Christ-centered

programs we offer, please visit our website at ESM Early

Childhood or contact Jennifer Ackmann at

jackmann@esmeagles.com or (260) 422-6712.

3:15 Youth Ministries

HIGH SCHOOL

July 12 5:00p–7:00p at St. Michael July 26 5:00p–7:00p at St. Michael

JULY 2020 4

VBS IS ONLINE THIS YEAR! July 27 – 31

Children ages 3–5th grade will embark on an epic adventure where they discover the power and purposes of God! They’ll learn an essential Bible truth that will transform them from the inside out as they get to know the living God. VBS will be a little different this year, but a lot of it will remain the same:

It will still be fun and interactive.

There will still be great music, fun crafts, and transforming Bible lessons.

The boys and girls will still compete to see who gets a “pie in the face,” while raising funds for a great cause.

The great news about online VBS is that EVERYONE can participate. We are recording the welcome, music, crafts, and lesson separately, so they can be watched when families have time in their day. Do you have grandchildren or family members who live out of town? They can participate, too! We will put together a care package that can be mailed to out-of-town families who register by July 19. For families who live in Fort Wayne, we will hand out packets on July 24 with everything you need to enjoy VBS at home. Register now at stmfw.org/children.

Stephen Ministry–St. Michael Cares!

Love One Another As I Have Loved You... In John 15:12, Jesus says, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

Loving and caring for one another is not just the pastor's job--it's something Jesus calls us all to do!

Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring can put those gifts to use in an

organized way, bringing Jesus' love and care to those who most need it. Please call Linda Kraus at 446-

4347. We want to be there for you!

As you have heard from the beginning,

his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 1:6b

JULY 2020 5

July Wedding Celebrations

BLESS

REDEMPTION HOUSE MEALS We are cautiously taking a monthly meal to each Redemption House location and enjoying our visits with them at a distance. Obviously, we will be alerted if anyone in the house is sick, and we will cancel. We will eat outside, weather permitting, and wear masks if you want to do that. If anyone would like to help on the following dates, please call Linda Chapman, 417-3052 or Candi Luchnenko, 302-2909.

Wayne location: July 5, August 2, September 8

Fairfield location: July 19, August 16, September 20

ALTAR GUILD—seeking volunteers!

The Altar Guild is a wonderful way to serve behind the scenes. They assist the congregation in worship by preparing the chancel and the altar for each service. Job responsibilities include dusting and vacuuming the chancel (altar area behind the railing), checking and refilling candles; changing linens to follow the colors of the liturgical year; and preparing communion. If you would like to help, contact Carol Olry at 672-9524.

BROWN BAG CHILDREN’S MESSAGE

If your children would like to participate in this fun ministry, send a picture of your child/children and the brown bag object to rhonda@stmfw.org.

Years Years Ryan and Shaina Fieldhouse 2 9 Ryan and Stacie Saunders 19 12 John and Susan Hein 2 26 Clint and Linda Lewis 20 47 Stephen and Alyssa Bornheimer 3 10 Peter and Ashley Yoder 21 19 Tom and Keri Latin 3 16 Joseph and Nicole Wolfcale 22 25 Murray and Cindy Mendenhall 3 27 Gary and Karen Houser 23 37 Larry and Kim Stickell 3 35 Shayne and Maryann Ulmer 23 21 Mark and Beth Behning 4 39 James and Sitterra Dumford 24 9 Marc and Candy Briney 7 13 Bob and Rebekah Kartman 24 38 Stanley and Kathy Veit 7 47 Luke and Hannah Thompson 24 10 Richard and Amy Grinsfelder 8 20 Raymond and Davis Albright 26 6 Chris and Lisa Meeks 8 20 Timothy and Angie Bruckner 26 17 Gary and Becky Yahnke 8 42 Dave and Marsha Carden 26 45 Robert and Georgie Minnick 10 49 David and Kathryn Trinklein 27 47 Andrea and Kenlin Kropf 12 23 Ron and Diane Menze 28 36 Robert and Laura Strouts 12 23 Chuck and Joyce VanDellen 28 58 Chad and Lisa Heilman 14 8 Fred and Marisa Wren 28 8 Joe and Judy Pieper 15 48 Stephen and Patricia Gerdom 29 31 Jim and Pamela Brewer 16 32 Richard and Judy Krouse 29 48 Chris and Maren Hupe 16 9 TR and Jen Ackmann 30 26 Robert and Glenda Gullion 17 48 Terry and Sandy Butler 31 53 Danielle and Jeremy Bartlow 18 5 Paul and Barbara Gerken 31 49 Brett and Jenel Meyer 18 11 Austin and Sarah Graber 31 6 Rob and Robin Kaiser 31 21

JULY 2020 6

Financial Update

Automated Giving St. Michael offers electronic giving for members who want to have offerings transferred electronically to the church’s account. Visit our website and click on “Online Giving.” A presentation to walk you through signing up has been posted on the giving page of stmfw.org.

SMLC Foundation News With the Spring pandemic, St. Michael Lutheran Church Foundation Awards were postponed. They are being

rescheduled for late September with an announcement date to be finalized. Applications for these awarded funds will

be due at 5:00p on Wednesday September 9, in the Foundation mailbox outside of the church office or to

menzeron@gmail.com. Simply submit a one-page request of your St. Michael church ministry needs along with backup

if needed. Awards will be made from the general endowment principle along with funds from the designated Mission

Outreach principle. If you are applying this year and your ministry received a 2019 award, please state how you have

published the results of your ministry outcomes as requested in your 2019 award letter. If you have additional

questions on Foundation gifts or awards, call Ron Menze, Church Foundation Advisor at 260-341-5289.

Saint Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church received a $25.84 donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation! Do your

Amazon shopping at smile.amazon.com

ELECTED OFFICERS—voter’s meeting June 28

President, Eric Lahey

Vice-president, Dan Smith

Recording Secretary, Andrea Tarbet

Treasurer, Brent Panning

Education Chair, Dee Dee Beights

Evangelism Chair, Rick Hoffmann

Stewardhip Chair, Tim Thoms

Worship Chair, Joel Esslinger

Elder, John Baker

Elder, Rob Kaiser

Elder, Ryan Meyer

Elder, Keith Miller

Elder, Craig Patterson

Elder, Luke Thompson

Trustee, Dan Clendenen

Trustee, Ed Treace

May 2020 January to May 2020 May 2019

Offerings & Other Income $113,077 $684,928 $111,543

Ministry Expenses $61,397 $525,239 $138,904

Income over Expenses $51,680 $159,689 ($27,361)

Future Expansion $799 $6,685

JULY 2020 7

NEWS FROM STEPHANIE

Summer Music We will continue to invite small groups of singers and instrumentalists to share special music in our services throughout the summer. If you are interested in singing or playing, please contact Stephanie at stephanie@stmfw.org for more information.

VBS Music This year we will be pulling out some favorite songs from previous VBS years and would love to have some past VBS attendees help with motions as we record for our virtual music time. Please contact Stephanie if you are interested in being on camera!

SMLC Academy News The SMLC Academy has opened back up and several of our teachers are offering music lessons through the summer. The Academy offers private music lessons in piano, guitar, voice, percussion, woodwinds, brass and strings. Check our website at academy.stmfw.org to learn more about our ministry or to register for the fall semester.

Worship Board Update Thanks to all who serve on the St. Michael Board of worship including Joel Esslinger, who was just re-elected to serve as the board’s representative on Church Council! These awesome volunteers give leadership to many of our worship ministries including altar guild, ushers, tech support, puppets and music! Saturday Band Line-up July 4 Life Song July 11 Jubilant Fields July 18 King’s Strings July 25 Life Song

MINISTRY UPDATE Pastor Lewis A. King is an associate Pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, the Mission Director for Northeast Indiana Neighborhood Engagement (NINE), and heads King's Community Outreach, which serves in the urban mission field in Fort Wayne. The mission field has nine Lutheran churches that are anchors in the community. NINE works with these churches to help build strong relationships with the residents in the area in which they serve. The work in our city will happen through collaborative relationships with the churches, organizations, and residents in the community to make Christ like difference. King's Community Outreach works as the hands and feet in the urban community to help provide resources, help remove barriers for residents, and spreads the Gospel. For more information, contact Dawn Buuck at tomordawn@msn.com.

Serving in July 2020 at St. Michael Lutheran Church

Title Dates Saturday Sunday

8:00 10:45

Altar Guild July Beth Knipstein, Jane Grose, Carla Jennings, Liz Edwards

Flowers 4/5 Pat Armstrong, with prayers for our nation. Honor and blessings to all who have served and those who now serve

11/12 Lennie Killmer, with thanks to Pastor Lessing for 7 years of guidance and in memory of my husband, Don Killmer

18/19 Ted Braun, in honor of his wife, Donna’s birthday

25/26 Jessica Krauter, in honor of Keaton’s 9th birthday

GAP 18/19 Adam Hahn Shawn McLain and Stan Scheumann Jim and Dianna Sims Adam Hahn

To my St. Michael family: Thank you for your prayers, cards and calls—each was so much appreciated. Our

Lord truly takes care of His own even when we don't realize how serious our medical situation may be. My

speech and waking are almost normal. I have completed five radiation treatments and will soon begin oral

chemotherapy. What more can I say than "AMEN". Our God is good! Marge Jesse