ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH                                                                    Decatur, Indiana

The Reverend John Dreyer                                    pastor@stjohnbingen.com                                     Pastor 701-0001

Mrs. Dawn Norton Secretary                            churchoffice@stjohnbingen.com                                          447-4406

St. John + Bingen official website                             www.stjohnbingen.com                                      Church 639-6178

Dear Members of Bingen:

What do we mean by “fellowship” in the Bible? In Martin Luther's German translation of the Bible he makes a distinction between the usage of the Greek word for fellowship “koinania.” He uses two German words, “Gemeindschaft” which means fellowship like at the Lord's Supper and “Vereinigung” which means fellowship like in a club.

Luther saw the different usages of the word “koinania” in Holy Scripture. This distinction is seen in the life of the Church, having to do with the fellowship at the Lord's Supper and the fellowship we share with each other on a daily basis as baptized Christians. It is important that we not only go to Church on Sunday but also know the importance of what it means to interact as a Christian family under the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Since we live in a very “independent” society, it is important to encourage “community.” At St. John, many have requested more opportunity for family activities and the like. Last Monday (Aug 17) we had a meeting that was open to the congregation. We had a great discussion and considered many opportunities for our church “community.” Our goal was to encourage family activities and events that do not require much planning. Please consider going to our church's blog for updates and additional unplanned activities. If you have any further ideas, please consider adding them to our list. The following is our tentative schedule:

Calendar

September 12th, 2009: Bicycle Ride - Moser Park, New Haven. Meet at Church at 9:00 am. There will be assistance for bicycle transportation. Helmets are encouraged. Money for lunch (there is a place in mind for lunch)

October 10th, 2009: Fall Festival at St. John, 3:00 pm. Outdoor games, mush ball, corn hole, hillbilly golf, and other things. Hay ride, fire pit, dunking for apples Bring your own meat (grills provided), snacks and chairs.

November 8th, 2009: Come to the parsonage for the 1:00 pm Colts game. Adults only.

December: Christ Kringle Markt, date still in planning stage. We will rent a coach and have a St. John sign up and then open it up to the other churches.

Mid-January to March: Volleyball night. Sunday evenings from 7:00-9:00 pm.

Mid-January: Euchre/Pedro, Hearts, Cards night. Thursdays 6:00-8:00 pm. Pick up seniors for the games.

Mid-January: Mystery Theater Dinner Night. High School and up. (incl. mystery menu?)

February: Progressive Meal from Church to Church.

I have been approached by others (not my original idea but one would think it was) about having a trip to Luther Land in Germany. This may include Bingen, Germany. Please let me know if you are interested.

In addition to this, in order to accomplish my four goals for St. John, we are going to continue to offer a few different Bible classes. Soon, the Sunday morning Bible class will resume. We will continue our Wednesday night Bible class after the Divine Service. My idea is that we will use the Bible readings found on page 299 and following in our hymnal or the very same readings found in the Treasury of Daily Prayer. This will encourage our congregation to share in the same readings from the Holy Scriptures throughout the week. I will then cover the basic overview of what we read. This will give not a detailed but a general overview of what we read the past week and some practical thoughts in view of what we just read. For an in-depth reading of the Bible, please come to our Early Bird Bible study at 6:00 am on Tuesdays. This class will begin after Labor Day (at least, this is my understanding).

As always, I am very grateful of St. John. I am continually impressed by the members of this congregation and I speak very highly of this Church to many people as it stands as an example of a Church that supports her members and remains faithful to our faith and life we have received under the grace of God in Christ Jesus.

Peace in Christ,

Pr. Dreyer

church Office

For any secretarial questions please call Dawn during the office hours of Tuesday-Friday between the hours of 10:00 am-2:00 pm. Or you may email the secretary at her new email address: churchoffice@stjohnbingen.com. Pastoral appointments now may also be made through the church secretary.

 

adult catechesis classes

Adult Catechesis classes are being held on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm. All members wanting a refresher course are also welcome to attend.

 

Public School Confirmation

We have begun our classes and they will continue each Wednesday afternoon from 4:00-5:30 pm. If you have a child who is in the 7^th or 8^th grade who is not attending Wyneken School, this is your child’s preparation class for Confirmation. If you have a child who is in the 5^th or 6^th grade who is not attending Wyneken School, please contact the church office so that materials can be given them to work on at home.

 

THE LUTHERAN STUDY BIBLE

The new Lutheran Study Bible is now available for preordering. It will be available in October 2009. There are several different choices available including: black or sangria (burgundy) colors, large print or regular, hard cover, bonded leather, leather and with or without thumb indexes. There is a very large discount on all styles, if the bible is preordered. There is a price list and a small sample booklet to look at in the secretary’s office and a link to a sample of the bible in large print can be found on our blog at http://stjohnlutheranbingen.blogspot.com or call 800-325-9040.

 

sunday school teachers

Volunteers are needed to be the Sunday School Superintendent and to help on a weekly basis. Also needed are Sunday School teachers. Anyone interested in helping should contact the church office or Jim Butler (724-7025). Sunday School and Bible Class opening will be in Sunday, September 13.

 

college students/parents

As soon as you know your address, e-mail and/or phone number please contact the church office so we can keep our records up to date and send newsletters to you at school.

 

military members/family

As soon as you know your address, e-mail and/or phone number please contact the church office so we can keep our records up to date and continue to send newsletters to you.

 

YOUTH

The youth will meet on Sundays, September 13 and 27 at 7:00 pm. See Mr. Dicke and the bulletin for more information on dates and times for other future events.

LADIES GUILD

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, September 15. Roll Call: Your favorite fall event. Program: Healthy Decisions with Cathy Zwick.

 

CANCER PADS

We will next meet on Tuesday, September 15, at 8:00 am in the parish hall to make cancer pads.

 

LADIES AID

In September we will only meet each Wednesday from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. All ladies of the congregation are welcome to come and quilt, visit and have fellowship together.

 

NEWS ITEMS

News items from all organizations for the October/ November Newsletter are due Monday, September 21. Drop off at church or call Dawn Norton at 639-6178.

 

changes for your directory

ADDRESS/TELEPHONE CHANGES:

MEMBERSHIP CHANGE:

Harris, Anthony & Kelly

Hoch, Rhonda                                      348-1763

11520 Leatherwood Run

Fort Wayne, IN  46818

Landis, L. Sue                                        312-3540

P.O. Box 48

New Haven, IN  46774

Moore, MEGAN                                     623-3532

18512 Monroeville Road

Monroeville, IN  46773

palacios, troy & Kathy

BABIES:

Elle born to Mark and Holly Laurent

Please contact the church office if you have an address or telephone number change.

 

DISHES, DISHES, DISHES

Are you missing some? Please check above the parish hallway coat rack for items left after several past dinners.

 

BLOODMOBILE

The next bloodmobile will be Monday, October 5, from 11:30 am-5:30 pm at the Decatur Riverside Center. All blood types are needed.

 

LUTHERAN HOME NEWS

GOLF OUTING: September 10, at 10:30 am at McMillen Golf Course.

UPCOMING TRIPS: September 25-29 – Branson, MO

 

Wyneken school board Meetings

Meetings are on the second Thursday of each month. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend.

 

CHOIR NEWS

WANTED:  Choir members, 8^th grade and older to
                    sing God’s praises!

   Benefits:  Exercise, fun and fellowship!

   Apply:      In person on Wednesday evenings, starting
                    promptly at 7:15 p.m. September 9

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY – no one refused. Questions? Call Director Leanne Busick at 724-7871.

There are many great singers in the St. John congregation - come and share your talents and join the Adult choir on Wednesday evenings! Our first practices consist of “waking up our voices from the summer vacationing” and learning various parts of songs to be sung this fall. If you have conflicts September 9^th, come whenever possible. Hope to see lots of new faces Wednesday, September 9^th! In Christ, Leanne Busick

 

CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

FIRST SUNDAY BRUNCH–Please join us for brunch at CTS on September 6, from 11:00 am–1:30 pm in Katherine Luther Dining Hall. Please note that CTS and Concordia Lutheran High School are “Partnering in Education” with our Sunday brunches. When you purchase brunch tickets at the high school, one half of the $11.00 ticket price ($10 for seniors) will be donated to the CLHS Tuition Assistance Fund. If you need help getting to the dining hall, transportation is provided at the Welcome Center (1^st parking lot upon entering campus from Clinton Street). For more information or to reserve seating for parties over eight, call 452-2118.

 

THRIVENT

Day:             September 10^th

Time:             8:00 a.m.

Place:           Adams Memorial Hospital

Meetings are open to all members and we encourage all coordinators to attend. Meetings are on the second Thursday of each month except Saturday, November 14. They are at 8:00 am at Adams Memorial Hospital.

Anyone interested in having their name submitted for a Thrivent Board Member of Records Director, or Congregational Service Team Director should contact any Thrivent Board member. The present Board members will be reaching the end of their service time. New Board members are needed to conduct the leadership duties. Without the above board members our Adams County Chapter will not receive funds from Thrivent Financial to help with benefits and deserving people. The only requirement is to be a Thrivent Financial Benefit member 16 years or older. The chapter leadership board is responsible for approving the Care Abounds in Communities Program activity/funding issues. Please consider this volunteer service to your Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Adams County Chapter by September 10th. Board Members: Duane Franz 623-6728, Shirley Hormann 724-3101, Sharon Busick-Howell 623-6568, Dorothy Reiter 724-7666 and Norbert Bleeke 724-9486.

 

Scrip

We are preparing for a new school year as well as a new year of Scrip. Remember to purchase Scrip for all of your back-to-school needs. If anyone interested in getting to know more about Wyneken’s Scrip program, or are interested in volunteering their time, we need use your help! Contact either Jane Kleine or Sarah Butler or the school office. Scrip is always available in the parish hall between services.

 

food donations

Donations of any meats or fruits/vegetables from your gardens are again requested for Wyneken’s lunch program. Any and all donations would be appreciated. We are grateful for all of the money we were able to save last year due to all of your donations.

 

Concordia lutheran high school

   75^th Anniversary Concordia Opening Worship Service-Will be held on Sunday, September 13, at 4:00 pm at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne. The message will be delivered by the Reverend Matthew Harrison, Executive Director of LCMS World Relief and Human Care.

   CLHS Thrift Shop–Great back to school savings in September at the Concordia Lutheran High School Thrift Shop! Stop in September 18-26, and find half-off most everything in the store! Some exceptions may apply. The shop is located at 3436 N. Anthony Shopping Center. Hours are Monday, 10:00 am–7:30 pm, Tuesday–Friday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm and Saturday, 9:30 am-3:30 pm The shop will be close on Labor Day. Volunteers to help out are always welcome at the Thrift Shop. Volunteer for the day, a part of a day or as often as you like. To volunteer contact the Thrift Shop at 482-1403.

     Craft Bazaar-Reservations are being accepted from anyone interested in booth space for Concordia Lutheran High School’s Craft Bazaar. The bazaar will be held at the high school on Saturday, October 3, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm. The JROTC Cadets will be available to help all participants unload for set-up. For information regarding table/booth reservations please contact Tammy Stauffer (422-6735) or tksws@verizon.net.

     Annual Dinner Auction-will be Saturday, November 7, at the Grand Wayne Center and the theme this year will be Miami Moonlight. Gift Gathering Parties are currently planned for the months of September and October. September 27-Basket Making Party and October 3-Germanfest. If you are interested in attending, need more information or would like to donate to the above parties, please contact Janne Ross at 260-483-1102, ext. 252.

 

DIRECT ACCESS LAB TESTING

Adams Memorial Hospital is offering a new service called Direct Access Lab Testing. This will be available Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Simply go to the Emergency Department Entrance, proceed to Corporate Medical Services for registration, payment, and the testing. Prices are affordable and results will be sent directly to your home within a week. See the church office for a complete listing of tests available and prices.