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ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH (ELCA)

A COMMUNITY OF BELOVED DISCIPLES MAKING DISCIPLES

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 Page 3

Prayer Chain/Blessing of Backpacks/Water Giveaway a Success/SAFE Update Page 4

Church Picnic/St John in West Central Home & Garden Tour Page 5

Quarterly Affirmation of Baptism Pics & News/Wed. Eve. Summer Sermon

Series Continues/ Pastor Paul’s Office Hours

Page 6

“Life Apps” Sunday Sermon Series/Weekly Bible Study Opportunities Page 7

Water Giveaway/Pastor Paul’s Vacations/Thrivent Workshop Page 8

Get the Resources you Want and Need RightNow/Catechism Update/

Homebound Worship/Thriven Financial Advisor

Page 9

August 2013 Calendar and Opportunities for Service Pages 12-14

Prayer Concerns Page 15

Garage Sale Update/A Note on Hospitals Page 16

Garage Sale Raffle Winners Page 18

Thank Yous Page 19

August Baptism & Wedding Anniversaries Page 22

Directory Changes/Milestones/Address Change Form Page 23

CONGREGATION

Go APE 2014 Page 11

From Your Financial Secretary Page 19

MISCELLANEOUS

WELCA Needs Page 4

Wedded Bliss/Is God Calling You? Page 10

Bus Trip to South Bend Page 11

ADHD Parenting Class Page 17

IHN News Page 19

Sharing the Joy News Page 20

Garage Sale Info/LLV News/Applebee’s Fundraiser Page 21

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“THE POWER OF A LETTER”

As many of you know, St. John prays each week for a different church, mostly Lutheran and around the city and nation but occasionally non-Lutheran and around the world. Each week we include the address of the church for any who may wish to send a note or card letting our brothers and sisters in Christ know we were praying for them. (The office always sends such a letter.) Well, twice now St. John has received a letter or postcard from someone at another church, let-ting us know THEY had been praying for US—earlier this Spring from Holy Trinity Lutheran, Harlan, and just last month from a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Aurora, IL, where my parents and my oldest brother worship. Here is a portion of the very encouraging letter, written by Barbara Veeder:

“Recently our Adult Fellowship Study Group completed a study of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. [Through it I] realized that under extreme difficulty, Paul still found a way to serve Jesus by en-couraging young Churches through the written word. This was an A-Hah moment for me and I felt the Spirit move. I, too, could pray and I, too, could encourage!

“Our study group heard about St. John through our friends, Richard and Priscilla. They are pray-ing constantly for you and as a group we also prayed for all of you. . . . We thank God for your presence in Ft. Wayne and encourage you to be steadfast in your love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In a changing world the Church faces many challenges. We are sometimes called to change where our ministry lies. So I encourage you to welcome change. . . . Our God created all things. Is he not still creating today? Therefore, I encourage you to be part of what God is creating. Be part of its beauty. Be open to a new St. John, a new you and God’s house in the community where God’s abundant love and the gift of grace are proclaimed.”

Almost 2,000 years ago, the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church in Thessalonica, the earliest recorded letter in the New Testament: “Grace to you and peace. We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess 1:1b-3).

Thanks be to God for ALL the saints, especially those, from Paul on down to Barbara, who have encouraged God’s people in writing!

Pastor Paul

P.S. – If you’d like to be part of a letter writing team here at St. John (something almost all of you are capable of doing, if you only devote the time!), one that would write churches, those in prison, visitors and more, please drop me an email (pastorpaul@stjohnluth.com) or call me (426-5751) ASAP. Let the letters of encouragement continue!!!

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PRAYER CHAIN St. John sponsors a prayer chain that regularly keeps members, relatives, friends and all those in our thoughts in prayer. Martha Weber currently coordinates this ministry. Requests for prayer can be phoned or emailed to the office. Please indicate when doing so if your prayer should be included among those listed in the St. John Weekly prayer concerns on Sunday morning.

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

AUGUST 18! Hey kids! Sunday, August 18 is “Bring Your Backpacks to Church” Sunday at St. John! Par-ents, we are pleased to announce a blessing of the backpacks (and the children who use them, of course!) on Sunday, August 18th during the Kids’ Talk time during worship. This coincides with the start of school for many in our area on or near Monday, August 19th. See you—and your backpacks!—in worship!

WATER GIVEAWAY A SUCCESS! Over two Wednesdays in July, about 300 peo-ple total received an ice-cold bottle of refresh-ing water as a free gift—just like God’s love shown us in Jesus. Thank you for your pray-ers and participation—we had about 18 peo-ple total, including several SJ members as well as people who have been coming from the community to attend the Wednesday evening meals. Pic-tured here is the LAST water bottle recipient along with Dave, one of our Wednesday evening regulars. Thanks to all who helped!

SAFE UPDATE Dear Congregation, The Smith Academy for Excellence, SAFE, has decided to lease our classrooms for the upcoming school year. Due to their increased enrollment, they will be occupying more classrooms this year than last year. They will be using all the classrooms on the second floor and all the classrooms, with the exception to the coffee room, on the first floor. With SAFE leasing space from St. John Lutheran Church, we will generate $6,600.00 per month. This income is definitely a blessing for our church. If anyone has any questions feel free to contact me. Gregg Koppelmann

WELCA NEEDS We will be collecting items for School Kits for Lutheran World Relief. If you could donate one or more of the following items we would great-ly appreciate it! Boxes of crayons 16 or 24 count; 70 sheet spiral bound notebooks; ruler

with centimeters on one side and inches on the other; pencil sharpeners; blunt scissors; #2 pen-

cils with erasers; ballpoint pens (no gel ink). If

you have any questions please contact Julie Hollis at 456-5335.

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ALL CHURCH WORSHIP AND PICNIC

(AT THE CEMETERY) SEPTEMBER 8TH Every now and then it’s great getting together as ONE CHURCH. While it’s impossible to do that with the entire Church Universal (at least not until Jesus returns!), here at St. John we can. Mark your calendars now for Sunday, September 8th, when we will have

ONE WORSHIP as ONE CHURCH at 10:00 a.m. that morning,

followed by

ONE PICNIC!

Yum! All of this will take place once again on the restful, beautiful grounds of our cemetery, lo-cated along Engle Road west of Bluffton Road. More details will follow later this month.

See you at the cemetery in September!

ST JOHN TO BE SHOWCASED ON THE

WEST CENTRAL HOME AND GARDEN TOUR!

We are pleased to announce that St. John has been selected as the ‘Institutional’ stop along the West Central Neighborhood’s annual Home and Garden Tour, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 7th and 8th, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. (Due to St. John’s scheduled worship and picnic at the cemetery that Sunday morning, our Sunday schedule will be modified to 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. that day instead.) This means . . . WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! Every volunteer will get a free ticket to the tour, plus the undying gratitude of your church and the knowledge that you’ve helped introduce our Community of Beloved Disciples Making Disciples to your neighbors! Sorry, no t-shirts—at least not yet! We will be having four shifts: Saturday, 11-2 and 2-5, and Sunday, 12:30 – 2:30 and 2:30 – 5. Tour guide orientations will be scheduled as needed for all who volunteer to serve. Contact Jamie in the office to sign up (426-5751). Thank you!

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PASTOR PAUL’S OFFICE HOURS

Pastor Paul has established limited office hours when folk are welcome to simply drop by and visit. This could be a simple ‘Hi, how are you?’ or a deeper, ‘Pastor, I really need to talk with you about . . .’ They are:

• Mondays and Thursdays, 9:00 to noon

• Every Second Saturday, 9:00 to noon (not in August as he will be on vacation)

In addition, he is always available for individual appointments by calling either the office (426-5751) or his cell (348-6357).

QUARTERLY AFFIRMATION

OF BAPTISM On the last Sunday of June 20 people said YES! back to the God who claimed them in the waters of Holy Baptism through the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy, complete with the singing of John Ylvi-saker’s “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry.”

Baptism Anniversaries by Month--

• April: Tom Kierspe (not pictured), Abigail Offhaus, Barb Braun, Martha Rasor, Lois Hoelle, Danielle Brown, Karissa Sharon, Jack Davis (not pictured), Nancy Heininger, Jane Gresham, Dick Brown.

• May: Jeanette Rivers (not pictured), Diane Jackson, Phyllis Bauerle, David Jackson

• June: Diane Gebfert, Lauren Butler, Ruth Huntington, Jack Butcher, Carol Bosserman (not pictured)

WEDNESDAY EVENING

SUMMER SERMON SE-

RIES CONTINUES

“Everybody’s Normal ‘Til You Get to Know Them” is the title of this series, which will tackle a different aspect of communi-ty each week. Based on the John Ortberg book by the same name, this series is intended to help real people living in a real world count the practical cost of genuine, loving relationships—and then pay it. Why? Because the rewards and struggles along the journey toward deeper and deeper commu-nity is what God intends for all of us—and where God will ultimately bring all of us in the end, when we will all be ‘normal’ at last. Here are the August and September topics:

• 8/7 – Spiritual Surgery: Forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35)

• 8/14 – The Gift Nobody Wants: Con-frontation (Ephesians 4:15-16)

• 8/21 – Breaking Down Barriers: Inclu-sion (Matthew 15:21-28)

• 8/28 – The Secret of a Loving Heart: Gratitude (Luke 7:36-50)

• 9/5 – Normal at Last: Heaven (Revelation 21:1-6a)

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Where application is everything . . . St. John continues its 6-week series identifying five “life apps” and how we can actually apply them in

our everyday lives. Here are the remaining ‘apps’—

Part 3: The Confession App (August 4) — At some point in time, confession became a private practice used to relieve your conscience. But that's not the way confession is presented in the Bible. In this message, Pastor Paul presents the biblical view of confession and challenges us to confess to others - not just to God. Part 4: The Rest App (August 11-guest pastor Stan Sneeringer) — Can naps and vacations actually be spiritual disciplines? Communicating the importance of rest was one of the first things God did in the Bible. So why have we neglected - or worse denied - the importance of this principle? In this message, Pastor Stan, Pastor Paul’s former colleague back at Messiah, il-lustrates the pattern God gives us for the pace of our lives. And it just may begin with a nap! Part 5: The Trust App (August 18) — When someone lets you down, can you choose to believe the best or are you forced to assume the worst? In this message, We will learn that we have the power to choose our reaction - and the response we choose may make all the difference in our relationships. Giving others the benefit of the doubt just may be the new Golden Rule. Part 6: The Encouragement App (August 25) — Our conversations average six criticisms to every one encouragement. Is reversing this ratio the key to improving our relationships at home, at work, and in our everyday lives? In this message, Pastor Paul explains the power of encouraging others - and what might be in it for you!

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES AT ST JOHN

St. John offers several opportunities to read, discuss and grow from God’s Word, the Bible, dur-ing any given week. The Adult Forum on Sunday mornings at around 10:30 a.m. gathers to dis-cuss that morning’s message and how to apply it to our lives. Wednesday mornings at 6:45 a.m., a group of St. John men meet for breakfast and Bible Study at the church. Currently, both Wednesday evenings after worship (i.e., ~7:30 p.m.) and Thursdays at noon, Pastor Paul facili-tates a study on deepening relationships through Christian community. Finally, our women’s circles meet at various times and locations throughout the month for Bible study. For more de-tails, contact the office at 426-5751.

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WEDNESDAY WATER GIVEAWAY!

Come on out to St. John at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7th, when we will gather for the third and final time to hand out FREE water to our (hopefully hot and thirsty) commuters as they drive through downtown on their way

home. Each time in the past we have handed out about 150 bottles of water as a free gift, with no strings attached . . . just like God’s love shown us in Jesus! Call the office for more de-tails or to register your interest in participating (426-5751). Donations of 24 packs of water

are appreciated as well!

PASTOR PAUL ON VACATION

Pastor Paul, Heather and the girls will be absent from St. John August 9-17 for a trip “over the (Ohio) river and through the woods mountains,

to Grandmother’s house they go.” ☺ Prayers

for a relaxing time of renewal and fun—with no big, bad Wolf!—are appreciated!

BACK TO SCHOOL FOR ADULTS?

COMING THIS FALL:

THRIVENT FINANCIAL WORKSHOPS

Beginning in September our Thrivent Representa-tive, Tony Nelson will be conducting monthly workshops chosen from the titles below, (dates to be determined). These have proven to be very in-formative, and helpful. You may call the office and indicate which of the topics is of most interest to you. There are also sheets at the information center that provide more information on each of the various sessions. The Workshops, along with refreshment, are provided at no cost to the church, participants, and no products will be sold or solic-ited at these events. For more information you may call Tony Shelton at 260-385-5244.

Basic Money Management Workshops:

• More than Money Matters • Real Money Talk for Women • Identify Theft • Parents, Kids and Money Matters • Do one Thing Differently

Life Events Workshops: • College Matters • Estate Strategy Essentials • From We to The • From We to Three • Heart-to-Heart: As Your Parents Age • My Retirement • Your Retirement Matters SM • Getting more From Social Security

Giving Back Workshops:

• Charitable Giving: Making a Difference by Giving Back

• Keeping the Farm in the Family • Making a Difference: Sharing Your Time,

Talents and Treasures • My Legacy Matters

Advanced Money Management:

• Economic and Investment Outlook

• Navigating the Road Ahead: Assets, Time and Taxes

LWR QUILTS Thanks to Barb Braun, Gloria Brown, Carol McLaughlin, Pauline Prentice, Jane Gresham, Lois Sharp, Neva Jean Stabler, Martha Rasor, Nancy Heminger, Martha Weber, and Nancy Pickering, who came on such a WARM day of July 18th to tie 9 quilts. We didn't quite get them all finished but is was a fun time for us. We will try to do this again next year if I can get pieces for tops out to ladies to sew together. Anyone who would like to get involved with this project, just call me, Martha L. 432-4919

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GET THE RESOURCES YOU WANT

AND NEED...RIGHTNOW Did you know that St. John has been offering first class media resources for folk of all ages and stages of life for over a year now? ‘RightNow’ (www.rightnowmedia.org) is an online ministry offering over 1,000 video Bible Study sessions—anytime, anywhere. All you need is an email address and access to the Internet. If you stop and think about it, the possibilities of this tremendous resource are staggering. Inter-ested in a Bible Study but can’t find one that meets during the narrow time slots you have avail-able any given week? Take a study online any-time. Looking for help with your parenting skills? Get it with nationally recognized experts after you tuck your kids in bed—all in the comfort of your own home. Here’s what you need to do. First, contact our secretary, Jamie Robbins, in the office (426-5751; sjluth@stjohnluth.com) and ask her to enter your email in the system as a new user. Second, check your email inbox (or Junk folder!) and click on the link in the introductory email you should find waiting there. Third, create your own personal account and start watching videos. It’s THAT easy.

WORSHIP FOR OUR HOMEBOUND Fort Wayne produced Worship for Shut-Ins is televised each week on Sunday mornings, 6:30 a.m. over WPTA-TV Channel 21 (ABC); Sunday 8:00 a.m. on Frontier Channel 9, Digi-tal Channel 33.2 and Comcast Channel 252;

and on Sundays, 4 p.m. and Mondays, 10:00 a.m. over Comcast Cable Public Access Chan-nel 55 and Frontier Channel 25 (Public Ac-cess). Worship for Shut-Ins is a 30 minutes Lu-theran worship service produced by Lutherans for the homebound, hospitalized, etc. which includes the Gospel, Epistle and Sermon by area Lutheran pastors. Music is provided by local choirs and other small groups. It is also available online at www.worshipforshutins.org (click on the ‘Programming’ button at the top of the page). For more info, call 260-471-5683. Please give God thanks and pray for this important ministry of Concordia Lutheran Seminary!

INTRODUCING OUR

THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHER-

ANS ADVISOR, TONY NELSON!

Tony Nelson (pictured) is St. John’s Thrivent Fi-nancial for Lutherans Advisor. Tony focuses on working with people who want professional ad-vice in regard to their financial future; he has ex-

pertise in insurance, investments, and retirement income strategies. He very much looks forward to meeting many of you and helping with any financial goals you may have. If you have any questions for Tony, please don’t hesitate to con-tact him at: 260-442-3604 (cell)/tony.nelson@thrivent.com (email).

CATHECHISM UPDATE Catechism—a 7th and 8th grade ministry oppor-tunity for young people to explore what follow-ing Jesus as his disciple looks like in daily life—will be taking a hiatus this next school, as we have several rising 6th graders but only a couple 7th and 8th graders. We will resume in September 2014 with a good-sized group of 7th and 8th grad-ers together for two years. Feel free to contact Pastor Paul with any questions about this ar-rangement, thanks!

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WEDDED BLISS Congratulations to both Josh and Nicole (Byerley) Springer and Suzy (Mommer) and Jar-ed Davis, who were married at St. John June 29 and July 20, respectively! God’s richest blessings upon your marriages!

IS GOD CALLING YOU? Dennis and Julie Robinson attended the ordination of their daughter, Sarah Robinson, on June 29th within the Evangelical Covenant Church. Sarah, a child of St. John, and her family thank St. John’s Beloved Disciples for all their encouragement in the past, and request prayers for her future ministry endeavors. This is a good time to ask the question, “Could God be calling YOU – or someone you know – to serve as a pastor in the Church? If so, you – or that someone you know – might consider attending the Region 6 (our re-gional cluster of six synods) “Discernment Retreat” be-ing held Friday-Saturday, September 13-14 at The We-ber Center in Adrian, Michigan – about 2 ½ hours from here. Contact Pastor Paul (260-348-6357) to talk fur-ther.

Rev. Sarah Robinson

Mr. & Mrs. Josh Springer Mr. & Mrs. Jared Davis

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GO APE! 2014

What: A.P.E. stands for Annual Planning Event, the congregation’s time to set the ministry future for 2014 of St. John. When: Saturday August 24, 2013 9am- 3pm (8:30 for coffee and donuts, meeting at 9) Who: Any St. John member or prospective member Where: Wellspring Ministries Building, 1316 Broadway (air-conditioned!) Why: St. John’s second Annual Planning Event (APE) is back! The APE meeting is designed to save time by putting all our ministry planning efforts in to one day. Our strategic plan calls for all ministry teams and congregation members serving on projects to be present at this meeting, as well as new and existing members. Captains Needed: Like last year, we are asking for all ministry team leaders. (Ex. WELCA, Worship, Social Ministry, Parish Ed., Property team, Evangelism, Cemetery etc.) These team leaders will host a table to discuss their ministry plans. Also, any ma-jor event that will be going on, such as the Garage sale, Apple Pies or major event should come to this meeting. Please have one designate person prepared with a list of any ideas they have for 2014. Please call the church office to RSVP. Lunch will be provided. If you need babysitting, please note that. If you have questions contact Dennis Robinson at 437-2513 or email at dennis.m.robinson@gmail.com . See you there!

BUS TRIP TO SOUTH BEND

SEPTEMBER 25 2013—7:45 AM-8:30 PM A bus trip sponsored by Concordia High School Retired Teach-ers is being offered to South Bend, IN to tour the Notre Dame University, Lunch at the Tippecanoe Place, then to The Old Stu-

debaker Mansion to tour the museum, they will then travel to the South Bend Chocolate Facto-ry and Museum and will finish the day at the Oaken Bucket for supper. Cost is $47 per person and dinner at the Oaken Bucket is at your own cost. As of July 18 there were 28 available seats. The deadline to register is August 23. Please call Ron or Gale Fiebig at 483-7474 or email ronfie64@aol.com if you are interested or for more details.

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Sun Mon Tue

4 7th Sunday after Pentecost

9:00 am—Worship Service w/Holy Communion 10:15 am—Sunday School Classes (No Kids SS) 11:00 am—Non-Traditional Worship Service w/Holy Communion 1 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

5 6:30 pm—Stephen Ministry Training (church office)

6 All Day—Applebee’s Fundraiser 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

11 8th Sunday after Pentecost

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 1 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

12 First Day of School for SAFE Academy 6:30 pm—Stephen Ministry Training (church office) 7 pm—Finance Board Mtg. (Treasurer’s Office)

13 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

18 9th Sunday after Pentecost

9:00 am—Worship Service w/Holy Communion 9 & 11 am—Blessing of Backpacks 10:15 am—Sunday School Classes for All Ages 11:00 am—Non-Traditional Worship Service w/Holy Communion 1 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

19 6:30 pm—Stephen Ministry Training (church office)

20 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

25 10th Sunday after Pentecost 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 1 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

26 6:30 pm—Stephen Ministry Training (church office)

27 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

August 2013 St. John Lutheran Church (ELCA)

PASTOR PAUL OFFICE HOURS: Mondays 9 am—12 pm Thursdays 9 am—12 pm

2nd Saturday of the month 9 am-12 pm

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Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH) 7 pm—AA Mtg. (BH)

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Pastor Paul’s Day Off 8:30-9:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

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7 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (BH) 12 pm—Staff Mtg. 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH) 5:30/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Wor-ship Service 5 pm—Water Giveaway 6:30 pm—OA Mtg. (BH) 7:15 pm—Community Small Group

8 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 12 pm—Brown Bag B.S.( Rm 105) 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH) 7 pm—AA Mtg. (BH)

9 Pastor Paul’s Day Off 8:30-9:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

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14 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (BH) 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH) 5:30/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Hymn Sing 6:30 pm—OA Mtg. (BH 7:15 pm—Community Small Group

15 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 12 pm—Brown Bag B.S.( Rm 105) 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH) 5:30 pm—WAM (Worship & Music Mtg. (Rm 101) 7 pm—Congregation Coun-cil Mtg. (Rm 105) 7 pm—AA Mtg. (BH)

16 Pastor Paul’s Day Off 8:30-9:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)

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21 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (BH) 11:30 am/12 pm—Staff Mtg/lunch. (church office) 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH) 5:30/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Wor-ship Service 6:30 pm—OA Mtg. 7:15 pm—Community Small Group

22 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 12 pm—Brown Bag B.S.( Rm 105) 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)) 3 PM—SEPTEMBER NEWSLET-TER DEADLINE 7 pm—AA Mtg.

23 South Bend Bus Trip Dead-line Pastor Paul’s Day Off 8:30-9:30 pm—NA Mtg.

24 9 am-3 pm—APE Planning Event (Wellspring Min-istries)

28 6:45 am—Breakfast Bible Study (BH) 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH) 5:30/6:20 pm—Mid-Week Dinner & Wor-ship Service 6:30 pm—OA Mtg. (BH) 7:15 pm—Community Small Group

29 9 am-12 pm—Quilters 12 pm—Brown Bag B.S.( Rm 105) 12-1:30 pm—NA Mtg. (BH)) 7 pm—AA Mtg.

30 Pastor Paul’s Day Off 8:30-9:30 pm—NA Mtg.

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AUGUST OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE DEACON— John Platt USHERS— Greg, Jamie & Mikel Robbins, Mike Burris WED. DEACONS - 1st week—Gloria Brown; 2nd week—Gary Gilliom; 3rd week—Richard Brown; 4th week—Gary Gilliom; 5th week—Richard Brown

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4—18TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST ASSISTING MINISTER - Linda McGahey GREETERS - Bob & Nancy Gebfert COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Gloria Brown, Pam Bessey, Bob & Nancy Gebfert ACOLYTES - Kami Rieck ALTAR GUILD - Gloria Brown, Jennifer Heyn ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Steve Rieck, Milt Brown SCRIP TABLE - Dianne Pierce WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Lois Hoelle

SUNDAY, AUGUST 11—19TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

ASSISTING MINISTER - Steve Rieck GREETERS - Bob & Carol Bosserman COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Cheryl Keinzle, Julia Rieck, Tim & Bev Murphy ACOLYTES - P.J. Arzate ALTAR GUILD - Gloria Brown, Jennifer Heyn ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Dorthy Epple, Lois Hoelle SCRIP TABLE - Julia Rieck WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Pete Newcomb

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18—20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST/FATHER’S DAY ASSISTING MINISTER - Julie Walda GREETERS - Tim & Bev Murphy COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Julie Constant, Jodi Inge, Jamie Robbins, Jan Rodewald ACOLYTES - Abby Butcher ALTAR GUILD - Debby Schenck, Dorthy Epple ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Steve Callender, Chris Walda SCRIP TABLE - Vickie Brown WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Kelly House

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25—21ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST ASSISTING MINISTER - Elizabeth Evans GREETERS - Julie Constant, Jan Rodewald COMMUNION ASSISTANTS - Linda McGahey, Julie Hollis, Dianne Pierce, Dennis Robinson ACOLYTES - Andrew Weidemeier ALTAR GUILD - Debby Schenck, Dorthy Epple ORGANIST– Martin P. Gigler COUNTERS - Pete Newcomb, Julie Robinson SCRIP TABLE - Jamie Robbins WORSHIP ASSISTANT @ 11 AM - Jim Campbell

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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 does not always allow them

to notify us! Thanks.

The Cobb/Johnson Family Rafael Colon (healing)

Katie Donohue (heath concerns)

Richard Fehling (health concerns)

The family of Helen Gollmer Robin Hartman (healing)

Rev Kent Hollis (leukemia/Brad & Julie’s

son)

Susan Jewell (healing)

Daven Johnson The family of James Lake Allen Myers (healing) Alma Porter (health concerns)

Jerry Reff (healing from bladder cancer)

Sue Romine (broken hip/cancer)

Brad Stoffer (leukemia)

John Stoffer (liver cancer) Anna Tolson (arthritis)

Harper Wehneman (healing)

Judy Wilhide (recovery from stroke/Milt

Brown’s Mother)

Cheryl Winter & Family CONTINUING CONCERNS: Kristina Alderdice (healing/Rev. Graham’s

daughter)

Noah Barbknecht (healing/recovery)

Sarah Braun Lois Butcher Vanda Celmins David E. Jackson Dori Knoch (strength to cope)

Gene Knoch (healing/strength to serve)

Jennifer Koppelmann (health concerns/

Gregg’s sister-in-law)

Rose Ellen Marquart David Nolte

Mary Ellen Nolte

Abigail Offhaus (health concerns/

healing)

Stan Peppler Carolyn Richardson (health concerns)

Paul & MaryAnn Schoenemann Eric Shimp Dorothy Tomko Carol VanCamp (healing from lung cancer/Lisa

Burris’ mother)

Mildred Vogt Kristanya Zittlow (cancer/Don Currie’s daugh-

ter)

Alice Zimmerman

MISSION /MINISTRY CONCERNS:

S.A.F.E. (Staff & Students)

Strategic Implementation Team (S.I.T.) Jane and Clyde Vanworth (Safety in the Mission

Field/Julia Rieck’s sister)

THOSE SERVING IN THE MILITARY:

Mike Winthers (friend of Lucas Austin who is

serving) Tim Coleman (Marines/San Diego, CA)

Vince Cutino (Fort Stewart, GA/nephew of Fran

Gull)

Leah Florent (Navy Reserve/Montery, CA)

Cody Gull (Army/Fort Campbell, KY)

Steve Hartman (National Guard)

Andrea McGahey (Kuwait)

Matt McGahey (Moody AFB)

Ross Miers (National Guard)

David Niblick (Afghanistan)

John Strait (Afghanistan)

Tristin (Afghanistan), Nick, & Aaron (relatives

of the Cobb/Johnson family who are serving)

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GARAGE SALE

ANOTHER BIG

SUCCESS! Thanks again to all who helped with this past summer’s 3RF Garage Sale—Fort Wayne’s LARGEST! We wound up raising over $5,000, 10% of which will be donated to a charity outside the walls of St. John, while the rest will help St. John continue its vari-ous ministries to and with the community where God has placed us.

A NOTE ON THE HOSPITALS If and when a member of St. John enters one of the Fort Wayne hospitals and if you would like to have Pastor Paul, Tony or a member of St. John visit, there are two ways to make sure this hap-pens: 1) call the church office Monday through Friday with the information; 2) inform the admis-

sions worker at the time of your admission that you are a member specifically of St. John Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne and wish the church to be notified. He or she may ask, “Religious Prefer-ence?” If you say, “Lutheran” without any additional information, the hospital will not know to call our church office with your admission. However, human frailty being what it is we in the of-fice have discovered on more than one occasion that even after one has given the appropriate infor-mation to the hospital admission that does not absolutely guarantee the hospital informing our of-fice. Additionally, the hospital may not inform our office until the next or even two days later de-pending on the circumstances. That means the former method is much more secure.

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Take off, eh? Come to the cemetery September 8th to learn more!

ADHD PARENTING CLASS SCHEDULED There is an ADHD Parent2Parent Class scheduled for this September at St. John Lutheran Church. Parent2Parent is an outstanding program sponsored by CHADD, Children and Adults with ADHD. The course is targeted to parents of children with ADHD, up to the age of 18. The class runs 7 weeks, for a total of 14 hours. Among topics covered are Treatment Modalities, Be-havioral Strategies, School Accommodations, Family interactions, and so much more. You can learn more about this class at http://www.chadd.org/Training-Events/Parent-to-Parent-Program.aspx Cheryl Gigler will teach the course as a parent volunteer and certified CHADD Educator. The class fee is $149.99, which includes membership in CHADD as well as an outstanding parent workbook. Remaining class funds will go towards purchasing books on ADHD for area school libraries. This is limited to the first 25 registrants. There are sign up sheets on the bulletin board or you can contact Cheryl Gigler at 260-436-2556 or by email, csgP2P@aol.com

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GARAGE SALE RAFFLE WINNERS!

We had 26 items donated for this years Raffle Draw at our garage sale. Entries were collected during the Garage Sale, with the prizes given as a thank you for participating in the sale as well as an ex-pression of God’s love, which—just like each prize—is a free gift, no strings attached. A special thanks to all of our donors, both from within our St. John community as well as our surrounding neighbors, for your generosity in supplying raffle prizes! With no further ado, here are our winners, along with a few pictures just for fun: $100 Walmart Card - Melinda DeBrands Chocolate – Tom Small Black 31 Tote – Carolyn Polaroid Camera – David Polaroid Camera – Lynn Polaroid Camera – Tammy $20 Halls – Sue Car Wash Items – Gregg Koppelmann Blue 31 Bag – Danielle Black/White 31 Bag – Mark Red 31 Bag – Rebecca $20 DeBrands Gift Certificate – Cheryl Gourmet Tea Set – Roberta Chocolate Baking Set – Becky DeBrand’s Tour – Sara Black 31 Clutch – Monique Movie Package – Linda $25 Quality Cleaners – Jessica Applebee’s Swag – Tedd Black Bag w/Yankee Candles – Joe Polaroid Camera – Kay 31 Picnic Bag – Phil Vera Bradley Bag - Cheryl $30 Applebees - Judy Wine Set – Adrienne

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THANK YOU! St John has reintroduced a thank you section in the monthly newsletter. If you know of someone who needs a thank you, call/email the church of-fice and we will be sure to add them to our thank you page!

† To Jan Rodewald for her hospitality in invit-ing both the Super Seniors Group and the Worship & Music Group up to her lake cot-tage for their year end parties!

† To Barb Braun for her many years of service being a homebound communion assistant, she decided it was time for her to “retire”!

† For all of you that were “helpers” for this year’s garage sale, without volunteers we wouldn’t be so successful.

† To all of you who have purchased SCRIP as we are able to write a $1,140 check to go to-wards the Boiler Debt!

† To all who came out to St. John on Saturday, July 20th to celebrate the 15th anniversary of my ordination with me! Thanks for the food (including the leftovers!), the cards, the gifts and the hugs! Thanks, too, for inviting our brothers and sisters in Christ from Messiah to join in the celebration—it was nice to see some friendly and familiar faces from my nine years of ministry there. May God bless all of our ministries, wherever and however we are given them! Pastor Paul

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK

(IHN) We are the hosting church for IHN the week of September 22-29, 2013. IHN is the only emer-gency homeless shelter in the greater Fort Wayne area that serves homeless families. When a family becomes homeless they must often separate be-cause most facilities are not designed to accom-modate them. IHN is the exception, keeping fami-lies together throughout their housing crisis. I am needing individuals/families/groups to provide meals for these seven days. We need drinks, side dishes, a main course and desserts. Please feel free to call me @ 459-0838 if you have any ques-tions. You can email me the day you can serve and what item you can bring. IHN is located at 2925 East State Boulevard and meal items should be dropped off by 5:30 pm each day. You are encouraged but not required to stay and have dinner with the guests. For ques-tions please email/call Kathleen Likeness-Myers, K.likeness@yahoo.com or 260-459-0838.

FROM YOUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY June Noisy offerings for the I-K Synod Camp Ministries was $ 477.10. Thank you, generous givers! Thanks also to the anonymous person who put $100 in a pew envelope earmarked for our Wednesday Dinners, Sharing the Joy. Please remember to write on your envelope (not just your check) what area your donation is for. This is especially important for split dona-tions or a donation for a special ministry, to make sure they are directed to the correct area. Thanks. The August Noisy Offering is for Youth En-counter. YE partners with Christian communities to strengthen their youth ministry with traveling music teams. Former St. John members Rick Callender and Sarah Robinson have served on Youth Encounter teams.

Julie Robinson

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SHARING THE JOY NEWS Over the last 4 years there have been many who have made it possible to serve the Wednesday even-ing dinners. Many people have donated food, prepared and served food, set up, washed and taken down tables and chairs. It is necessary to shop for supplies. The gym and kitchen floors must be mopped and the kitchen spotless when our dinner is finished. We have had many helpers over the years and it is much appreciated. Our dinner guests also appreciate all our efforts. We receive many many THANK YOUS from our guests. Below is a list of most of the people who have helped in various ways during the last 4 years. We also want to thank everyone who brought soup to the Lenten evening meals. We received many favorable comments for the delicious soups and the many varieties. Also, a special thanks to Officer Kyra Woods for her help in serving and her very presence. Victor Baird Phyllis Bauerle Pam Bessey Steve Boerger Bob & Carol Bosserman Barb Braun Richard & Gloria Brown Bill Broyles Mike Burris Jack Butcher Sharon Callender Steve, Barb, & Brian Callender Jim Campbell Dorthy Epple Beth Evans Bob & Nancy Gebfert Jane Gresham Damion Jones Jay Heare Greg & Thomas Hevel Ron & Destiny Hilty Brad & Julia Hollis Cleveland & Jodi Inge

Mel & Martha Lawler Kathi Likeness-Myers Mike & Carol McLaughlin Ray Meek Jayne & Ross Miers Pete Newcomb Pastor Paul, Heather & Abigail Offhaus John, Amera & Carol Platt Wade & Pauline Prentice Julia Rieck Jeanette Rivers Dennis Robinson Jan Rodewald Lois Sharp Tony Shelton Chris, Julie, Evan & Lauren Walda Linda Wallace Martha Weber Donna Weber Nancy Widmann Dondrea Woods Kailen Woods

Again THANK YOU to all who contributed to the Wednesday Meal. If anyone has been forgotten, please know that your help was appreciated and forgive us our forgetfulness!

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GARAGE SALE! It’s that time of year again! Oh wait! It’s over! And a good time was had by all?!?!?!?!?!? Thanks to an AMAZING garage sale team who helped make this year’s sale a HUGE success! A big thanks also to everyone who donated their old “treasures” so other folks could find a new treasure! As of the moment I typed this, we have made $5,320 with more expected to come in. In addition, Thrivent has matched some of the funds and has given us $1,600 for Sharing the Joy! That brings the total to $6,920 and counting! How blessed are we that this continues to be a effective way to fund our ministries? God is truly good to us!

LLV NEWS

Thanks to Danielle Geels, Conner Paxton, Kami Reick, Breydon Cobb, Amanda Nelson, Evan & Lauren Walda and Ian Witham for being the pushers for the residents of LLV so they could get to church on Sunday, June 23rd. Thanks also to Cheryl Kienzle, Chris & Julie Walda, Barb Braun, Mel & Martha Lawler for their help. This assistance is so needed and so appreciat-ed by the residents, the chaplaincy department, and the congregational representatives. The new year for the Auxiliary begins on Wed. Aug 7 with the Kick-off Breakfast for the CR's and pastors. The 1st meeting will be Sept 4. New members are desired and guests are al-ways welcome at our meetings. Any questions contact Barb Braun ( 747-4566) or Martha Lawl-er ( 432-4919).

APPLEBEE’S FUNDRAISER Every 1st Tuesday of each month St John participates in a fund-raiser with Applebee’s restaurants. If you take one of the flyers (located at the Welcome Center or emailed upon request) St John will get 15% of your total bill which goes towards the Boiler debt. Each month a group of people like to meet up at the same restaurant for their meal and so it has been planned out for the rest of the year where they will be meeting. Of course you are not obligated to join but what a better way to see your church family for supper/fellowship than to meet them at Applebee’s! For August 6th we will gather at the Maysville Road/Meijer Road store; September 3 will be at Covington Road; October 1 will be at Clinton Street; November 5 at Lima Road; and December 3rd at Maysville Road/Meijer Road come join the fun at 6 pm each month! (Don’t forget to buy SCRIP too!)

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INDIANA KENTUCKY

NEWSLETTER

Access the IN-KY Newsletter on our church web-site 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

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.

AUGUST

WEDDING

ANNIVERSARIES

01: Bob & Nancy Wilkins - 43 06: Robert & Carol Bosserman - 53 07: Steve & Michelle Becker - 09 10: John & Susie Rodewald - 34 13: David & Jennifer Heyn - 02 18: Wally & Donna Wheeler - 51 Dennis & Julie Robinson - 34 21: Robert & Nila Saunders - 14 27: Tim & Bev Murphy - 30 29: Stephen & Barbara Callender - 54

May the Lord continue to bless these marriages!

AUGUST

BAPTISM

ANNIVERSARIES

01: Pauline Prentice, Suzanna Davis 07: Zachary Brown 10: Julie Constant 11: Mildred Vogt, Mariella Marks 14: Nancy Gebfert, Ryan Gebfert, Abigail

Butler 15: Alma Kable, Lois Sharp, Nila Saunders 16: Paul Schoenemann 17: Bria Huntington 19: Donna Weber, Jeremiah Braun 23: Robert Bosserman 24: Terry Kienzle 25: Cheryl Kienzle 29: Martin Gigler, Stacie Stauffer 31: Kimberly Reimschisel

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) God’s Blessings to those of you who will

be going back to school this month!

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CHURCH DIRECTORY CHANGES

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

ADDRESS/PHONE ADDITIONS/UPDATES/CORRECTIONS:

-Campbell, Jim; 260-579-8138 -Davis, Mrs. Jared (Suzanna); 5704 Stafford Castle Lane, Apt 1238; Indianapolis, IN 46250

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

MILESTONES

MARRIAGE: Jared & Suzy (Mommer) Davis - July 20, 2013

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CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: M-F—7:30 AM – 2:30 PM PASTOR ..................................... REV. PAUL OFFHAUS - PASTORPAUL@STJOHNLUTH.COM CHAIR OF THE CONGREGATION ...... MR. GREGG KOPPELMANN - GLKOP@COMCAST.COM CARING MINISTRIES............................. MR. TONY SHELTON - TONYSHELTON@LIVE.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. LOIS SHARP

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

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

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