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,

 

There are a number of passages in Holy Scripture that speak about the importance of living together in the bond of peace, in the Body of Christ, under the forgiveness of sins, without grumbling and the list goes on. One example would be from I John 1:7-8, “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (ESV)

“Sin” is where the Devil wishes to scatter the sheep and have them to be self centered and in pride. It is where the sheep no longer keep in the forefront what it means to live together united in the blood of the Lamb Jesus Christ. It is in the Gospel that unites us as family and Church in Christ. This life together is seen and understood in our baptismal life (I Cor. 12:12-13; Rom. 6).

Since I had the opportunity to serve a previous congregation that had certain challenges and had the opportunity to visit hundreds of congregations throughout the United States, and receiving emails and phone calls from a number of people and pastors, it is evident that we are living in a growing secular society that is leading many churches astray and threatening the unity of our congregations. Being very aware of the challenges of our faithful churches as we move into our future, I am very interested in making sure St. John, with her rich history and tradition, is preserved and strengthened in view of the anticipated challenges expected in our future. If you would like to know my pastoral intentions, they are placed with this interest in mind.

One of my four goals for Bingen was to strengthen our “community” at our church. Having been both a city and country pastor, I realize there are strengths to both environments. I always say that culture comes from the country or from those who live closest to the ground (farmers). Usually in a country environment there is a strong community where people “live” alongside one another. Identity is seen within this community. Our members participate in our community with sports and other events but sometimes it is easy to overlook our church community at St. John.

Who we are and the life given to us naturally flows from the preached Word and Sacraments but if all we have is Sunday morning service and Bible class (in general) where will we continue to grow as a church community? I encourage the congregations participation in many of the events planned for our congregation. We continue to try to plan events that involve certain age groups, young and old, but more so, for families of our Church. Please refer to our blog or newsletter for updates and new events that are planned for our Church “community.”

 

Peace in Christ,

Pastor 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: churchoffice@stjohnbingen.com. Pastoral appointments now may also be made through the church secretary.

 

sunday school teachers

Volunteers are still needed to be the Sunday School Superintendent and to help substitute from time to time. Anyone interested in helping should contact the church office or Jim Butler (724-7025).

 

Church Social Events

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.

 

Bingen thrivent members

If you are a Thrivent member and are eligible to participate in the Giving Plus program, please give your contribution as soon as possible. Thrivent cut the amount of funding for this program down to $22.3 million for 2009. As of August 31, almost $15 million has been given away in matching funds. With the current economic downturn, we need to get our forms in as soon as possible in order to improve our chances for receiving the matching funds. To be eligible, you must be at least 16 years old and you can contribute $600 per person, so a husband and wife could contribute $1,200 total. Thrivent matches $1 for every $2 given, so a $600 contribution will get a $300 match. To those who have already contributed – Thank You. If you have any questions, please contact Delin Kleine or Jay Witte.

 

TIME CHANGE

Don’t forget to set your clocks back 1 hour. This time change occurs at Midnight on Saturday, October 31. We don’t want anyone missing church or Sunday School the next day.

 

ST. JOHN + BINGEN’S
ANNUAL CHURCH DINNER

            Sunday, October 25, 2009

            Serving from 10:30 am-1:00 pm

         Menu:      Swiss Steak and Chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, salad, pie, rolls and drink Adults $7.50, children ages 6-12 $3.50, children 5 and under are free. Come and support the woman of the church on this Sunday meal October 25. The committee is Cindy Berning, Kathy Krey, Ruth Scheumann and Alicia Kneuss.

 

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.

 

handbells

Handbell ringers wanted. Some knowledge of music is helpful. We welcome anyone ages 7th grade and older, and especially Wyneken School hand chime ringers. Please call Leanne Busick at (home) 724-7871 or (cell) 701-7800 by Wednesday, October 7, if interested.

 

YOUTH

The youth will meet on Sundays, October 11 and 25 at 7:00 pm. See Mr. Dicke and the bulletin for more information on dates and times for other future events.

 

LADIES AID

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

 

Scrip

“Aeropostale” has just been added to our list of Scrip vendors in a $25 denomination with a 7% profit for our school. Scrip is always available in the parish hall between services. If anyone interested in getting to know more about Wyneken PTL’s Scrip program, or are interested in volunteering their time, we need your help! Contact either Jane Kleine or Sarah Butler or call in to the school office.

 

Wyneken school board Meetings

Meetings are on the second Thursday of each month. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend to keep up with what is going on in your school.

 

food donations

Food donations of any meats or fruits/vegetables from your gardens are requested for Wyneken’s lunch program. Any and all donations would be appreciated. We have received several vegetables and fruits which we processed and served for several meals. The kids loved them.

changes for your directory

ADDRESS/TELEPHONE CHANGES:

Deister, Gertrude (Herman)

Woodview Healthcare

3420 E. State Blvd., Room 111

Fort Wayne, IN  46805

MEMBERSHIP CHANGE:

BABIES:

Asher born to Jared and Heather Bultemeyer

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

 

LADIES GUILD

The next Ladies Guild meeting will be held on October 20. We will be going to Glena Rhymer’s home for a bonfire and weenie roast. The party starts at 7:00 pm. Bring a lawn chair and wear your favorite sweater. You don’t have to bring any food along. It will be provided. If it’s raining the meeting will be held at the church at 7:30 pm.

 

CANCER PADS

We will next meet on Tuesday, October 20, at 8:00 am in the parish hall to make cancer pads.

 

CARE PACKAGES

The Ladies Guild is collecting items for our military people. We are sending Care Packages each month. Baskets to collect items and cards are located in the parish hall. Here are suggestions which are needed: Puzzles/Games/Playing Cards/Word Search/Suduko Books/Pens/Tablets; Beef Jerky, Dried Fruits, Single serving size of snacks i.e. Trail mix, fruit roll-ups, snack crackers, individually wrapped hard candies, M&M’s, toilet paper, toiletries-toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, bath soap, deodorant, lip-gloss and balm, bath powders, hand and body lotion, eye drops and baked goodies. Write cards and notes of encouragement to our heroes sharing local news, what is going on in your everyday life and your neighborhood, and thank them for their service. Anyone interested in helping to package or make homemade items contact Connie Embler or Rae Fuhrmann. Thanking you in advance for donating these much enjoyed items.

 

NEWS ITEMS

News items from all organizations for the November/ December Newsletter are due Monday, October 19. Drop off at church or call Dawn Norton at 639-6178.

 

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. The next one will be on Monday, November 30.

 

THIS ‘N THAT

Trinity Lutheran Church + Decatur Road-Fall Sale and Bake Sale on Thursday, October 1-Saturday, October 3. Thursday and Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturday, 9:00 am-Noon ($2 bag and 50% off selected items). Concordia Lutheran High School-will hold its annual craft show on Saturday, October 3, from 9:00 am-3:30 pm in the school gym. Trinity Lutheran Church + Decatur Road-Fall Sale and Bake Sale on Thursday, October 1-Saturday, October 3. Thursday and Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm and Saturday, 9:00 am-Noon ($2 bag and 50% off selected items). Friends of Wyneken-Extended Barn Sale on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 1-3, from 8:00 am-6:00 pm each day. This fund raiser is being supplemented by Adams and Allen county Thrivent chapters. The little red barn is east of the site of the Reverend Wyneken home located at 11694 NW Winchester Road, approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Poe or ¼ mile east of the Adams/Allen county line road. Hoagland Volunteer Fire Department-Longaberger Basket Bingo on Sunday, October 11, at the Hoagland Pavilion with doors opening at noon. Pre-sale tickets are $20 at the door $25. For more information call 639-6164. New Hope Lutheran Church + Ossian-Chicken BBQ on Sunday, October 18, from 11:00 am-1:30 pm. Dine in and Carryout Adults/$6.50 and children dine in only $3.50. Presale tickets available by calling 438-4340 or 622-4635. Lutheran World Relief-Collection items (see flyer on board) will be accepted Saturday, October 17, from 8:00 am-Noon at St. John Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne. Zion Lutheran Church + Fort Wayne-Organ Recital commemorating the 25th year of Mr. Hollman at Zion. Admission is free and the recital is open to the public on Sunday, October 11, at 3:00 pm. Zion Lutheran Church-Fort Wayne-Annual Sausage and Sauerkraut Dinner and Craft Sale on Saturday, October 17, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Cost is $7/11-adult for sausage, sauerkraut or green beans, mashed potatoes, dessert and drink; $3/5-10 for hotdog, chips, dessert and drink; under 5 is free with carryout also available.

 

Concordia lutheran high school

            CLHS Thrift Shop–Fall is in the air and that means great savings at the Concordia Lutheran High School Thrift Shop! Come in October 16-24, where you can Buy 1, Get 1 FREE! (some exceptions may apply). Decorating for fall? The Thrift Shop has an assortment of Halloween and fall decorating items. Check them out 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.

            Craft Bazaar-Concordia Lutheran High School’s Craft Bazaar will be held at the high school on Saturday, October 3, from 9:00 am-3:00 pm.

            Annual Dinner Auction-will be Saturday, November 7, at the Grand Wayne Center and the theme this year will be Miami Moonlight. The next Gift Gathering Party will be October 3-Germanfest. If you are interested in attending, need more information or would like to donate to the above party, please contact Janne Ross at 260-483-1102, ext. 252.

 

special invitation

St. John Lutheran Church + Flatrock, will celebrate its 160th anniversary, along with the 25th anniversary of the ordination of the Reverend Douglas Christian, on Sunday, October 11. Guest preacher will be Dr. Dean O. Wenthe, president of the Fort Wayne Seminary. A banquet will follow the 10:30 am service. If you are interested in attending the dinner, please contact the church office at 639-6404 or email flatrockoffice@eawifi.com.

 

CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

FIRST SUNDAY BRUNCH–Please join us for brunch at CTS on October 4, 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 (1st parking lot upon entering campus from Clinton Street). For more information or to reserve seating for parties over eight, call 452-2118.

 

LUTHERAN HOME NEWS

Oktoberfest: Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17. On Friday they will have their Bazaar starting at 8:30 am and the supper with bratwurst and trimmings will be from 4:00-7:00 pm. Presale tickets are 5.50 and at the door they will be 6.00. On Saturday the Bazaar will be from 8:30 am until noon.

 

THRIVENT

Day:             October 8^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.

 

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.