MAY 2017
St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Newsletter
Rev. Dr. John Richy, Vacancy Pastor
St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church and School
18100 Wentworth Ave.
Lansing, Illinois 60438
Church Phone: 708-895-9240
Home Phone: 708 251-8887
School Phone: 708-895-9280
Sunday Bible Study 8:15 a.m.
Sunday Services 9:30 a.m.
Website: stjohnlutheranlansing.org
Church e-mail: [email protected]
School e-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 708-895-9303
Dear Saints of St. John’s:
The month of May is an exciting one for our church congregation! Listen to people
and you will hear all their special engagements including with Mother’s Day and
graduations. We are booked!
I’d like to especially note Confirmation Day, May 21st, for our St. John’s school
students and public school students: 8 in all. This is the culmination of St. John’s
School as the primary mission field to our congregation. Jesus commanded:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28: 19 NIV.
This command of Jesus reminds us of a sometimes forgotten Feast Day: The
Ascension of Our Lord on May 25th. We celebrate as Jesus the Christ physically left
His followers in His Resurrected Body – with the promise that He will always remain
with His Church: “ I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew
28:20 NIV. Also, it is the promise that the faithful, too, will be resurrected.
Please join the pastors and circuit congregations as we remember the Ascension on
Thursday, May 25th starting 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansing (see
“official” invitation further on in this newsletter)
Blessings to you all! Enjoy your busy schedules --Let’s work, pray, and share our faith together.
In Jesus’ Name,
Pastor John Richy
HYMN OF THE MONTH
How were these hymns conceived?
“A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing”
493 LSB
“A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing” is one of the best Ascension hymns
available. Its structure is very typical of early hymnody, as it first tells
the Biblical account of the Ascension and then explains the meaning of
the event for the Christian. While stanzas 1-4 retell the Ascension
account, stanzas 5-7 tell us the importance of Christ’s Ascension.
Stanza 5 tells us why Jesus Ascended into heaven, namely so that we
may also ascend to heaven where Christ, our Head, has gone before.
Where He is now is where our faith has its home, with Christ. Stanza 6
then explains this in present terms, that Christ is now our Joy and
strong Defense and constant source of Light in the darkness of sin, but
also our future Recompense (often translated as “great Reward” in
newer hymnals). His light will be ours for all eternity. Finally, stanza 7
summarizes the Ascension in Trinitarian terms. For Christ’s Resurrection
and Ascension we praise the Holy Trinity for His love towards us that
caused Christ to become our Savior. Because of His work for us, our
song will eternally be “Alleluia!”
Source:
http://www.mountolivelcms.com/uploads/5/5/4/4/55449233/a_hymn_of_
glory_let_us_sing.pdf
Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc.
5 Martin Luther Drive Fort Wayne, IN
46825-4996
Worship for Shut-Ins Sermon Summaries
May 7, 2017 – Fourth Sunday of Easter
Psalm: 23; Epistle: 1 Peter 2:19-25; Gospel: John 10:1-10
“The Lord is My Shepherd” - Sermon Text: Psalm 23
by Rev. William Mueller, Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church ~ Fort Wayne, IN
The 23rd Psalm is a very familiar passage of Biblical text. How well do we know it? How well do we
live it? Have we committed it to memory? It is a great piece of God’s comfort and grace for the
troubled conscience. While we are invited to pray this psalm, we see that Jesus is the ultimate Good
Shepherd. Have you ever wondered, did Jesus ever pray this psalm?
May 14, 2017 – Fifth Sunday of Easter
Psalm: Psalm 146; Epistle: 1 Peter 2:2-10; Gospel: John 14:1-6
“Our Father’s House” - Sermon Text: John 14:1-6
by Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church ~ New Haven, IN
Many of us love our homes. When the day comes for us to break-up housekeeping a great sadness
overwhelms us. But God has in store for us a perfect home for we shall reside forever in our Father’s
house.
May 21, 2017 – Sixth Sunday of Easter
Psalm: Psalm 119:89-93; Epistle: 1 Peter 3:13-18; Gospel: John 14:15-21
“Love and Obey” - Sermon Text: John 14:15
by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ~ Stroh, IN
Rules. Don’t you love them? Where would we be without rules? Is Christianity merely a system of
rules and obedience? The love of Jesus moves us to love – and to obey.
May 28, 2017 – Seventh Sunday of Easter
Psalm: Psalm 68:1-10; Epistle: 1 Peter 5:6-11; Gospel: John 17:1-11
“A Little While” - Sermon Text: 1 Peter 5:10
by Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Holy Cross Lutheran Church ~ Fort Wayne, IN
Our normal inclination is to see joy as fleeting . . . and suffering as something that endures. Not so!
God tells us that suffering lasts “a little while” and works incredible blessings for us in its aftermath.
Tel: (260) 471-LOVE (5683) † Toll-Free: (888) 286-8002
worshipforshutins.org †
CHURCH ATTENDANCE STATISTICS
March 1 Ash Wednesday
March 5
March 8
Lenten I
March 12
March 15 Lenten II
March 19
March 22 Lenten III
March 26
March 29 Lenten IV
April 2
April 5
Lenten V
April 9
Palm Sunday
April 13
Maundy Thursday
April 14
Good Friday
April 16
Easter
April 23
(12:30/7:00)
(12:30/7:00)
(12:30/7:00)
(12:30/7:00)
(12:30/7:00)
(12:30/7:00)
(12:30/7:00)
(7:00/10:00)
Monthly Averages:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Yearly Average
2015
Sundays
93
88
88
90
92
73
75
60
82
102
84
95
85
WORSHIPPING
(10 + 73) 83
98
(10 + 41) 51
92
(6 + 31) 37
97
(7 + 31) 38
86
(12 + 26 ) 38
81
(5 + 18) 23
131
56
16
(69 + 83) 152
74
2016
Sundays
92
94
132
95
99
70
73
95
88
92
88
91
92
COMMUNION
77
75
------------75
------------73
----87
49
----(61 + 68) 129
-----
2017
Sundays
94
87
93
OUR ST. JOHN’S SHUT-IN FRIENDS
Here is our updated shut-in addresses if
you would like to brighten up their
day......they would love to be remembered
all year.
Bernice Benne
2937 192nd Pl
Lansing, IL 60438
Shirley Campbell
617 Mulberry Street
Hammond, IN 46324
Frank Hollis
Heartsfield Village Apt. 1105
10000 Columbia Ave
Munster, IN 46321
Edith Kiedaisch
1343 Melbrook Dr.
Munster, IN 46321
Ruth Kirk
TriState Nursing Home
2500 175th St.
Lansing, IL 60438
Shirley Odegaard
17041 Grant St.
Lansing, IL 60438
Linda Poppe
Hearth Stone Assisted Living
1175 E. Luther Dr. Room 14
Crown Point, IN 46307
Doris Tolson
Kindred Care
2300 Great Lakes Dr.
Dyer, IN 46311
Art Young
9841 Wildwood Court Unit 1C
Highland, IN 46322
Pastor Richy and the following elders are available and can be contacted via e-mail if you
have questions or wish to talk to someone:
Pastor Richy
[email protected]
708 251-8887 (home)
Al Erke
[email protected]
Hal
Gronewold
[email protected]
Join us every Wednesday afternoon
(12:30 p.m.) or evening (now
Mike
Winters
[email protected]
starting at 7:00 p.m.) for a “Grand Granite Journey...”
Rick Zimmerman
[email protected]
OR simply call the office @ 708 895-9240 (Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or Douglas
Rebeck @ 708 460-1918 (after 4:00 p.m. and weekends - leave a message) someone will
get back to you.
OFFICIAL ACTS FOR 2017
BAPTISM: Camille Fulks, Damien Mori (3/12/2017)
TRANSFER IN: Donna Krumm; Herbert Krumm from St. Paul’s Lutheran,
Beecher (2/26/2017)
TRANSFER OUT: Pastor Duane, Mary Fluechtling, Jennifer Jacobs all to St.
Paul’s Lutheran, Chicago Heights (1/14/2017); The Porter Family (Joseph,
Shannon, Ryan, Anthony, and Van) to St. Paul’s Lutheran, Chicago Heights
(pending upon approval at the April 30th Voters – not in time for newsletter)
PEACEFUL RELEASE: Karen Martinez (1/27/2017), Kristina Douma to Faith
Church, Dyer (2/1/2017); James, Ashley, and Joshua Fluechtling (2/26/2017)
Rhonda and Eddie Burras to New Deliverance (2/26/2017)
PROFESSION OF FAITH: New members: Damien Mori & Sammantha
Brooks; Brandy Gant; Christina Petrites-Island; and completing membership
class Ken & Jennifer and Ken Jr. Swingendorf; Eric & Nicole Kleidon; Dave &
Tara Pugh (3/12/2017)
CONFIRMATION:
Coming during the May 21 service (8th graders).
Branden Hawkins
Camille Fulks
Falyn Gill
Caden Ostrowski
Katie Funchion
Kennedy Woodson
Lindsie Hammond
Katie Zaragoza
Ean Klemme
PIONEERS FOR CHRIST
The Seniors are going to visit the “Shrine
of Christ Passion” on Wednesday, May 3rd.
We will leave the church at 10:00 a.m. The
tour starts at 10:45 a.m. We will ride in
large golf carts for the tour at a cost of
$5.00 per person. Lunch will follow at
Teibel’s at Route 30 and US41 (Indianapolis
Blvd.) after the tour. If you can not make it,
please call Marilyn Schultz @ 708 862-8643 or
Bob Chambers @ 708 895-5511 or his cell @
708 363-0600.
On June 7 (Wednesday),
we will visit the Deep
River, IN Grist Mill and
have lunch in Merrillville, IN. More info. on that
later....
A MOTHERS DAY ACROSTIC
M is for the million things she gave you. (Today’s your chance to give
something to her.)
O is only that she’s growing old. (That’s what happens to Mother. One
never notices it until one day, she’s a little old lady.)
T is for the tears she shed to save you. (Many’s the tear. Don't make her
cry today.)
H is for her heart of purest gold. (That heart has ever been filled with love
for you.)
E is for her eyes, with love-light burning. (Have you ever seen them when
deep down inside you, they weren't filled with love for you?)
R is right—and right she'll always be. (Who dares to say differently?)
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ST. JOHN’S
LUTHERAN SCHOOL GRADUATES OF 2017
Graduation Banquet – May 23rd at 6:30 p.m.
Graduation date – May 26th at 7:00 p.m.
Camille Fulks
Kathleen Funchion
Falyn Gill
Lindsie Hammond
Brenden Hawkins
Caden Ostrowski
Kennedy Poe
Daniel Rivera
Kennedy Woodson
GIFTS GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD
as of April 26, 2017
Mike Winters for Youth Group; Miranda & Justin
Walker; Truist, John & Karen Schuld
General Donations:
Given to the Glory of God in memory of Tim Labahn by Al and
Lynn Erke, Andrew Banas, Darryl & Marge Von Behren; Given to the Glory
of God in memory of Garnett Banas’ first anniversary in heaven by Andrew
Banas;
Memorials:
Given to the Glory of God in memory of John and Cathy Fisher by Lorraine
Fisher.
Easter Appeal: Marilyn Kooy, Maryann Vierk, Betty Wendling, Harvey &
Doris Jensen; Thomas & Lois Cornwell; Roy Jennings; Irma Deichen;
Lorraine Fisher; Al & Lynn Erke; David Pugh; Tom & Norma Vierk; David &
Linda Banas; Sharon James; David & Sandy Swanson; Richard Gleim; Joan
Douma; Marge Zoellick; Hal Gronewold; Pam Damore; Anita Anderson; Jay
Hollowell; Paul Banas; Ray & Cindy Biederstadt; Frank Hollis; Herbert
Krumm; Charlene Cox; Sharon Sikora; David Krause (As of 4/21/2017 the
Easter Appeal has brought in donations of $5650......May God be praised!!!)
Donations of Paper:
Duane Schultz; John Dovich; Maryann Vierk.
Donating Easter Lilies for our sanctuary: Anita Anderson, Sammantha
Brooks & Damien Mori, Bob & Carol Chambers, Charlene Cox, Kristine Davy,
Gene & Naomi Furtek (in memory of Kitty Marlow & Gertrude Furtek), Hal &
Eileen Gronewold, Roy Jennings, Jim & Susan Kreger, Michael & Kerri
Kuzmar, Chuck & Kathy Labahn, Darlene Machtemes, Sue Olson & Mary
Wells, Joe & Diane Scanlon, Duane & Sandy Schultz, David & Sandy Swanson,
Brian & Sally Winters, Maryann Vierk, Darryl & Marge Von Behrens, Mike
Winters, Rick & Cheryl Zimmerman
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR MAY
ELDERS:
May 7
May 14
May 21
May 28
ACOLYTES:
Rich Gleim
Ray Nommensen
May 7
Katie Funchion
May 14
Christopher Marino
Paul Kolarczyk
Mike Kuzmar
May 21
Caden Ostrowski
May 28
Katie Zaragoza
Hal Gronewold
Duane Schultz
USHERS:
Art Cain
Mike Winters
LECTORS*:
May 7
Joan Douma
May 14
Al Erke
May 21
Rich Gleim
May 28
Hal Gronewold
May 7
Group 1
May 14
Group 2
May 21
Group 3
May 28
Group 4
GREETERS*
May 7
Joan Douma
Marge Zoellick
May 14
Rich Gleim
May 21
Hal & Eileen Gronewold
May 28
Jim & Sue Kreger
*We are always looking for new Lectors (read
Bible Lessons) and or Greeters.....a new June
– December schedule will be coming out midMay, so if you are interested in either of
those positions, call the church office and let
us know by May 15th.
MAY BIRTHDAYS
MAY ANNIVERSARIES
Gene & Naomi Furtek
5/1/1982
Arnold & Joan Vierk
5/6/1955
Tim & Cheryl Gericke
5/13/1978
Jay Hollowell
5/5
Bernice Benne
5/6
Dave Behrens
5/10
Karyn Mascio
5/11
Kennedy Osorio
5/11
Jen Buckner
5/13
John Nichoson
5/13
Gary Kroll
5/14
Terrance Dommer
5/15
Phillip Lewers
5/15
Mason Fowler
5/16
Eric Kearney
5/20
Lucas Embrey
5/21
Michael Kuzmar Jr.
5/22
Isaiah Gaines
5/24
Joshua Gaines
5/24
Chandler Steinweg
5/24
Ray Biederstadt
5/27
Alan Kuzmar
5/27
John Smierciak
5/28
Alan Erke
5/29
Paul & Kristine Banas
5/16/2009
Dione & Jori Perrin
5/18/2001
Wayde & Pat Princell
5/18/1995
Rick & Darla Simons
5/19/2001
Arthur & Rita Cain
5/21/1988
Daniel & Sheila Stegvilas Jr.
5/25/2008
Steve & Nadine Guthrie
5/27/1989
Alan & Lynn Erke
5/29/1971
Joe & Diane Scanlon
5/29/1977
ST. JOHN’S COMMUNITY COOKBOOK
Dear St. John’s Lutheran Church and School,
Won’t you help us, please? We have decided to publish a community cookbook
filled to the brim with the best recipes from the best cooks in our
community and we need your favorite recipes! The best news of all...all of
the profits from the sale of the cookbooks will go into our treasury for our
current fundraising project. These 5.5” x 8.5” yearbooks, with plastic comb
binding, will most definitely become a cherished keepsake on your kitchen
shelf!
We would like to have many of your favorite recipes as soon as possible. Your
name will be printed in the cookbook with each of your own recipes or from a
love one (give them credit).
Please print carefully or type your recipe on the form following this letter;
submit only one recipe per form (if you need more forms, we can send some
home via e-mail or stop by the office). If you would return your recipes
to us by the May 10th deadline, we will be able to include them all in our
cookbook. Please send back both this page and the next.
We are anticipating a great demand for these cookbooks, so we want to be
certain we are ordering enough. It would help us immensely if you would
indicate below how many cookbooks you want us to reserve in your name . . .
remember, if you don’t reserve your copies now, we may not have a cookbook
for you!
Thank you so much for participating in our fundraising efforts.
Ladies of Loving Hands Circle.
Please reserve _______ copies.
Signed
_________________________________
Phone No.
_________________________________
MAY
2017
1
7
8
8:00 Adult Bible Class
7:00 pm
Loving Hands
Mtg.
9:30 Communion Service
2
9
9:45 Sunday School
3:00 pm Ladies’ Youth Group
6:00 pm Men’s Youth Group
14
Mothers’ Day
15
16
3
4
10:00 a.m.
Pioneers for
Christ trip leave
for Shrine of
Christ Passion
National Day
of Prayer
10
6:15-7:30pm
Chimes;
7:00 p.m. School
K-8 Concert in
gym
7:30-9:00pm
Choir
17
18
3:00 pm Ladies’ Youth Group
9:30 Communion Service and
Confirmation with Adult Choir
and Chimes
13
7:00 am Men’s
Bible Class
9:00 am
Elder’s Mtg
19
9:00 am SSLAL
Track Meet at
Marian High
School, Chicago
Htgs.
20
7:00 am Men’s
Bible Class
7:30-9:00pm
Choir
9:45 Sunday School
8:00 Adult Bible Class
12
6:15-7:30pm
Chimes;
9:30 Worship Service
6:00 pm Men’s Youth Group
21
7:30-9:00pm
Choir
11
6
7:00 am Men’s
Bible Class
2:00 pm
Lansing Good
Neighbor
Parade
6:15-7:30pm
Chimes;
Deadline for
Cookbook recipe
submissions
7:00 pm Council
Mtg.
8:00 Adult Bible Class
5
22
23
School picnic
and field day
6:30 pm
8th Grade
Graduation
Banquet
7:00 pm
Loving Hands
Mtg.
7-8 Trip to
Cedar Point,
Ohio
24
7-8 Trip to
Cedar Point,
Ohio
25 7:00 pm
Ascension of
our Lord
Service @
Trinity,
Lansing
7-8 Trip to
Cedar
Point, Ohio
26
Last day of
the school
year
27
7:00 am Men’s
Bible Class
Graduation
7:00 p.m.
9:45 Sunday School
1:00 pm Ladies’ Youth Group
3:00 pm Men’s Youth Group
28
29
8:00 Adult Bible Class
Memorial Day
Offices
Closed
9:30 Worship Service
30
31
Gray shaded = worship here at St. John’s
====== = season of church year: white for
Easter season
9:45 Sunday School
May 4 National Day of Prayer
May 14 Mothers’ Day
May 25 Ascension of our Lord (service @
Trinity, Lansing 7:00 p.m.
May 29 Memorial Day – Offices Closed
Congratulations to Mike Winters....in the May/June “Northern Light” newspaper, there is
an excellent article on the work with the youth that Mike has been leading here at St.
John’s. There are a limited number of these newspapers available but we’ll make a copy
of the article if you wish.....just call the office. It will also be available on our Facebook
website. God bless you, Mike, for your work with the youth.
SUMMER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - JULY
Each year, St. John’s and Trinity .Lutheran
10-14 take turns offering Vacation
Bible School. This year, it is Trinity Lutheran, Lansing’s turn. It will be
held the week of July 10-14 from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Trinity. If you
are interested in helping as an aide, teacher, helper, give Trinity’s office a
call. An enrollment form is available below or on the church tables.
Students 3 years old through grade 5 may sign up.
Attached is the
enrollment form. You can drop it off at our St. John’s office or put it
in the offering plate.