WWW.STJOHNSLANESVILLE.COM
JANUARY 2017
Messenger
“Thank You,” for a Good Year
It has been Jill’s and my joy to be with you
during most of 2016. You have been very friendly
toward both of us, and I enjoy the work here in
the church and school. Thank you, also, for all the
Christmas cards and gifts. You’ve been very
generous for having known us only a short time.
Now we look to the jobs we have for 2017.
As much as I like serving at St. John, my job is to
work myself out of a job here. In the near future,
you will need a younger pastor who has more
energy than I, and who lives closer to Lanesville.
An interim minister does normal pastoral tasks,
but is also called to help a congregation to get
ready to receive a new pastor.
My job is to help you get ready. Your job is
to get ready. That means loving each other and
working together with great patience to unite
behind a common goal for St. John.
That goal will be grounded in Christ’s
charge to believers, “Go and make disciples of all
nations.” “All nations” begins right around
Lanesville. While there is a strong temptation to
look within the church to meet members’ needs,
Christians are also called to look without. What
are the needs for the Gospel of Christ in Harrison
County? How can St. John Church and School
reach outside itself to meet those needs? In what
way can the members of St. John work together to
enrich their own lives and the lives of people
around us?
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Keep in mind that there will be several
different answers to those questions above. You
will not see eye-eye with others—at first. But as
you take on the task of love among the brethren, a
vision will come together. I don’t know what that
vision will be, although I have some ideas. Thru
the whole process, your job will not be to
convince everyone else to agree with you (so that
you “win”). Your job will be to strive for unity for
the sake of Christ.
To help you in this job, a common Bible
study will be available to all members of St. John
starting in January. Small groups will form, much
as you did for Experiencing God. The topic will
be the New Testament book of Philippians,
which is a source of great encouragement for
any congregation.
Also, we will have another “history night”
on January 22. About 50 people came in August to
reflect on the past at St. John. We’ll continue that
review, using information we already have on the
big chart in the cafeteria. We’ll add to the history
and, as ideas present themselves, project the
history into the future for St. John. Save the date
and pray for no snow.
Once again, thank you for welcoming Jill
and me into your midst. We look forward to
another good year.
Pastor Richeson
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WWW.STJOHNSLANESVILLE.COM
JANUARY 2017
I get an e-mail everyday from Bill Bennett, a long-time educator, author, and worker in the public realm. He
sends these notes out concerning significant events in the nation's history. The following was sent in late
December about the challenges facing the young United States during the winter of 1776. "These are the
times that try men's souls." The quote from Thomas Paine was an encouragement to the beleaguered army of
the colonies as they stayed together against the British forces.
While we at St. John do not face the almost desperate situation of the colonial troops at Valley Forge, we do
face challenges in 2017--to unite in a common vision for the church, to support that vision with our selfless
labors and offerings, and to work together in the Lord's charge to following our Savior. But, as Paine pointed
out, the worthwhile things we accomplish in this troubled world do not come without sacrifice. The good news
for us is that the big sacrifice has already been made by Christ, who gave himself for our forgiveness and rose
from the dead in vindication for his work and our security.
I hope this clip is inspiring to you, both as a reminder of our nation's history and as a source of hope for
St. John's future.
Pastor Richeson
“These are the times that try men’s souls”
Thomas Paine wrote these famous words in his pamphlet The American Crisis, dated December 23, 1776, a
time when Patriot forces stood on the verge of losing the Revolutionary War. Paine implored Americans to not
give up the fight. George Washington ordered that the pamphlet be read aloud to his troops on Christmas Eve
1776 before they crossed the Delaware River to launch a surprise attack at Trenton.
These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis,
shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and
woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered. Yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the
conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: ’tis dearness only
that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods, and it would be
strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. . . .
Let it be told to the future world, that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive,
the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet it and to repulse it. . . . I love the
man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. ’Tis the
business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will
pursue his principles unto death.
American History Parade
1776
1783
1823
1947
1986
Thomas Paine’s The American Crisis is published.
George Washington resigns as general of the Army and retires to Mount Vernon.
’Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore is published.
At Bell Labs, researchers first demonstrate the transistor, a semiconductor device that becomes a
building block for modern electronic equipment.
Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager land the experimental aircraft Voyager at Edwards Air Force Base,
California, to complete the first nonstop, around-the-world flight without refueling.
This content is courtesy of The American Patriot's Almanac© 2008, 2010 by William J. Bennett and John T.E. Cribb
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WWW.STJOHNSLANESVILLE.COM
Sun
1
Mon
2
JANUARY 2017
Tues
3
Weds
4
9am Bible Study
9am
Thurs
Fri
5
6
**1pm Friends
Who Care
7pm Bible Study
Sat
7
6pm Handbells
Divine Service
7pm Choir
10:15am
Bible Class
11:30 am
Elders Mtg.
8
9am
Worship Service
9
10:15am
Bible Class
6:30 pm
Cub Scouts
10:15am Bd. of
Evangelism Mtg.
15
9am
Divine Service
16
12
13
9am Bible Study
6pm Handbells
7pm Bible Study
6 pm
Stewardship Mtg.
14
7pm Choir
18
19
20
21
9am Bible Study
**1pm Friends
Who Care
7pm Bible Study
6:00 pm
Blended Service
28
7pm Choir
6:30 pm
Cub Scouts
7pm
Transitional Mtg.
23
9am
Divine Service
10:15am
Bible Class
24
25
26
27
**10:30 am
Harrison Health
Visitations
9am Bible Study
6pm Handbells
**2:00 pm
Ruth Circle
7pm Choir
7pm Bible Study
6:30 pm
Cub Scouts
TBA - St. John’s
Lutheran Church
History Night
9am
Divine Service
11
6pm Handbells
6pm
Council Meeting
29
17
**10:30am Cedar
Court Visitations
10:15am
Bible Class
22
10
**10:30 am
Indian Creek
Visitations
7pm Men’s Club
30
31
1 FEBRUARY
2
3
4
6:30 pm
Cub Scouts
9am Bible Study
6pm Handbells
7pm Bible Study
9:00 am
Cub Scouts
Pinewood Derby
7pm Choir
10:15am
Bible Class
**Different
location other
than St. John’s
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BIBLE WORD
SEARCH:
RUBEN
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WWW.STJOHNSLANESVILLE.COM
JANUARY 2017
Remember in Prayer...
CANCER
Velva Blank
Marty Cecil
Bruce Corby
Lloyd Elliott
Tom Emily
Erica - (friend of
Vickie Jacobs)
Stephanie Hubler
Kenny Jacobi
Carolyn Mattox
Russell Obremski
Dolly Osbourne
Marsha Schoen
Kelly Suhre
Larry Windell
HOMEBOUND/
ASSISTED LIVING
Lorene Baumgart
Arkie & Velva
Blank
Geneva Dobbins
Paul Hausz
Pauline Lind
Geneva Lofton
Shirley Reasor
Paul Schneider
Francis & Pauline
Zollman
ILLNESS
Lynne Ernst
Diane Gleitz
Juli Hardy
Pat Law
Easton Menges
Lily Moore
Lakyn Powers
Lisa Rainey
Mark Rochner
Kellee Traylor
Andrew & Britney
Price & Shyanne
Ben & Lindsay Price
& Dillon & Sophia
School
•
• Teachers & Staff
• Day Care & Staff
PASTOR VACANCY
HOSPITALIZED & PRAYER FAMILIES
• Church
REHAB
Jerry & Sandy Denny
Chris Harvey
GRIEVING
& Anna
Family & Friends of
Joanne Denny
John Deming
PREBORN
Amber Blackman
Jessica Lieber
Faith Puckett
Christina Smith
RECUPERATING
Jackie Acton
Irene Block
Polly Carr
Harlan Heinze
Richard Hiser
Jimmy Kessinger
Pat Law
Edward Nance
Sean Smith
SERVING IN THE
ARMED FORCES
Cameron Blank
Kody Heinze
Roger Heinze
Tate Lieber
UPCOMING
SURGERIES
January Birthdays & Anniversaries
Birthdays
Lindsay Price
Alice Hancock
Blake Cromwell
Rachel Bachman
Lane Breeden
Sophia Price
Angelica Doggendorf
Dillon Price
Pauline Lind
Ivana Nannen
Brian Timberlake
Britney Price
Velva Blank
Randall Blank
Emma Cromwell
Larry Eisert
Tanner Jacobs
Wilma Smith
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2
3
5
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7
7
7
8
9
9
9
10
10
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Adrian Nannen
Mary Elizabeth Miller
Rowena Hottell
Vincent Walther
Rodney Lieber
Ben Price
David Burgin
Gretchen James
Austin Brown
Lorene Baumgart
Chance Owen
Patrick Lieber
Donessa Vanover
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15
17
17
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21
25
26
26
Paige Wood
Donna Heinze
Ron Richeson
Robert Nannen
Jerred Wolfe
Jackie Acton
Elizabeth Turner
27
29
29
29
30
31
31
Anniversaries
Melvin & Alice Hancock
Francis & Pauline Zollman
Bob & Jackie Acton
David & Connie Burgin
Terry & Angela Smith
Glenn & Brenda Schneider
16
18
23
24
28
29
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WWW.STJOHNSLANESVILLE.COM
Greeters !
!
JANUARY 2017
Acolytes
LS Frank Price
SS Becky Kessinger
1!
Elizabeth Turner
8 !
!
LS Nic & Kim Acton
SS Sarah Bachman
8!
Daniel Oberdieck
15 !
!
LS Faith Puckett
SS Rachel Bachman
1!
!
15!
!
Matthew & Melissa
Schoen
21 Sat. LS Brian & Pam Johnston
! SS Kathy Albin
22
Isaac Saegesser
22 !
!
29!
Gavin Blank
LS Chris & Lisa Freeman
SS Bill & Karen Baumgart
Our Shut-Ins
The addresses listed are of our
shut-ins for the month. Sending
cards and letters to them let them
know they are in our thoughts
and prayers.
Pauline Lind
2210 Greentree North Room 112
Clarksville, IN 47129
29 ! LS Tammy Lieber
! SS Gene & Diana
!
!
Higginbotham
Dorcas Circle
Many of you may have wondered who is in charge of keeping the altar up to date with the paraments each of
the church seasons, and preparing for communion service. It is the Dorcas Circle ladies. The Dorcas Circle
began in the 1960's when Pastor Holtzen's wife gathered ladies to make the paraments (cloths on the altar).
Currently, the Dorcas ladies meet once a year in November to plan for the coming year. The ladies volunteer
for a month at a time to set the communion up and clean up after the service. They also order and decorate
with the Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias. There are 8 members at this time. If you are interested
in
joining, please contact one of the members you see working at the altar after the Sunday service or the church
office.
The Dorcas Circle ladies would like to honor two long-time members who are retiring this month. Thank you
Clarice Blank and Zelma Higginbotham for your tireless efforts and work to keep our services running
smoothly all these years. You will be missed.
Applications for Kitterman Scholarship Fund
The scholarship is in memory of the late Colonel Henry Owen Kitterman, Chaplain Corps, U. S. Army. The Fund
shall be administered by the governing body of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Scholarship awards shall be granted for
a term, semester, school year, or as otherwise directed by the Governing Body. Scholarship awards shall be granted
for undergraduate or graduate education no one person shall receive more than four years of scholarship assistance.
Eligibility for scholarship awards shall be limited to members of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lanesville, Indiana, “in
good standing” as determined by the Governing Body. The sole civic functions. Each person considered for a
scholarship award shall be evaluated and selected on his or her own merits. Selection may be made at any time, but
monetary award shall be withheld until school acceptance is established. Scholarship awards shall be made
independent of past academic performance, school to be attended, subjects to be studied, sex, race, family
financial status, or quota. The number and amount of awards granted at any one time shall be as determined by the
Governing Body. Scholarship applications are available in the mailbox outside the church office door. Scholarship
awards are being accepted from January 1, 2017 until the deadline on February 1, 2017.
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WWW.STJOHNSLANESVILLE.COM
JANUARY 2017
Thrivent Action Teams 2016
In 2015, Thrivent created the Thrivent Action Teams as a
new way to provide funds for church and community events.
Last year, we used these teams to fund 21 projects which
totaled over $5,000.
In 2016, the $250 seed money was received for 47 projects
such as Operation Christmas Child, Day Care Outreach, Santa
Shop, Blankets of Blessings, Heritage Weekend Events, St.
Patrick’s Senior Event, 170th Birthday Celebration, car show,
benefit for church members, to name a few. This totaled
almost $12,000. If we can continue this growth with these
Action Teams and double again in 2017-this could amount to
$24,000. If you are a Thrivent benefit member you can
sponsor two action teams per year. Your Thrivent liaisons
have a list of possible events that could be sponsored for
2017. If you have a certain event that you wish to sponsor,
please let one of your liaisons know so that we can track these
projects. If you have any questions, please contact one of the
Thrivent liaisons listed below:
Donna Voelker
812-952-2011
Kathy Ott
812-952-2522
Brian Oberdieck
812-952-3098
Thank you...
Thank you...
Thank you to everyone who sent cards and
remembered me at Christmas. Your warm wishes
mean a lot.
Shirley Lieber
St. John’s Cemetery Committee wishes to thank the
following for donations to the cemetery:
Thank You...
Dear Good Stewards,
Thank you for being a good steward of the resources God
has provided to you by supporting the district/synod
ministry of the Indiana District and Synod. God has given
us the opportunity to partner with Him in doing His will
on the earth in managing our time, talent and treasure.
Thank you.
Walking With You,
Pastor Dan May and Indiana District
LCMS Staff
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~ Fulkerson Contracting for repairs to the cemetery
walkway.
~ Mr. Eldon Foreman, former member of this
congregation, for a monetary gift to the cemetery fund.
Thanks to everyone who supported Joy To The World
by donating to the School Board booth, visiting the booths
and joining us for lunch. We were able to raise over
$2000.00 for the school. Please keep St. John's School and
the School Board in your prayers as we seek candidates
for a Kindergarten teacher and a Principal for the
Congregation to place calls.
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WWW.STJOHNSLANESVILLE.COM
December
Statistics
JANUARY 2017
Congratulations to...
Cody & Kacee Hussung
Ada Finleigh
was born December 19th
She weighed 8 lbs. 9oz.
Attendance Total
11/30 Advent 46+ School
12/4! !
190
12/7 Advent !
40+ School
12/11!!
173
12/14 Advent 26+ School
12/18!!
164
12/24!!
172
12/25!!
119
Births:
Ada Finleigh Hussung 12/19/16
Deaths: John Deming 12/6/16
Bible Word Search
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ASHER
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HAMMATH
JARMUTH
NAPHTALI
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Bible Word
Search:
All the words
are in the
puzzle. After
you have found
all the words,
use the leftover
letters in correct
order to find the
“Mystery
Answer”.
Answer will be
found in the
January
calendar.
7
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
1505 St. John’s Church Road
Lanesville, IN 47136
The Mission of St. John’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church
The faithful of St. John’s Church are committed
To the Gospel of Jesus Christ fully presented in
The Holy Scriptures rightly explained in the
Evangelical-Lutheran Confessions, and
Reverently proclaimed in the Divine Service.
Sunday Services:!!
!
Sunday Bible Classes ! !
Saturday Service (3rd Saturday)!
!
9:00 a.m.
10:15 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
Church Office ! !
School Office ! !
Day Care!
!
812-952-3711
812-952-2737
812-952-1818
!
!
!
Church Email: ! [email protected]
School Email:! [email protected]
Website:!
www.StJohnsLanesville.com
2017