ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH                                   Decatur, Indiana

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

Shelly Bradbury, Interim Secretary                    churchoffice@stjohnbingen.com                                                       

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

^“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says, ‘I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.’" (Heb 2:10-12, NIV)

Dear Bingen,

I am sitting at the hospital realizing that I need to get my article in for the newsletter.  I just had a conversation with a mother whose daughter rarely calls her.  I frequently have these conversations with people wherever I am at.  In an “age of communication,” we see statistically a breakdown of quality communication within marriages, families, churches and society. Good communication is everything.  It speaks of the kind of relationship we have with one another.  “Communication” is similar with the word “communion” or “community” which identifies the kind of relationship we have with one another.

While Bingen will continue to encourage good Christian family values, we will also continue to promote quality interaction and communication with our members.  Good attendance at Church services is foremost, but also Bible Classes and planned events at our Church are also highly encouraged.  The passage above (Heb. 2:2:10-12) speaks about us being of one family as brothers (and sisters) united in our Brother, namely Jesus.  The Church is seen as a family but also as a place of refuge, a place where we can find comfort in the Gospel and in one another.  When the Church ceases in this, then it no longer bears one of the Scriptural characteristics of what it means to be a Church.  We bear each other’s burdens and struggles and we support and encourage one another in the Christian way of life.

On a side note, talking about communication, there are different opportunities to communicate and update you on different events and activities. For basic communication, you have my home and study number: 260.701.0001.  Stop here for those who want the basics.  If you want to call or text my cell, the best way to get a hold of me at any time day or night is: 260.301.2131.  Please visit our church’s website for information.  The website address is:  http://www.stjohnbingen.com.  For articles and updates, please go to our blog at: http://www.stjohnlutheranbingen.blogspot.com.   Members can be given an email address to add to the blog.  Also, we will be adding pictures of various events to the blog.  Finally, if you need to text the church, we have a free texting service at: 260.301.2101. Please give the secretary time to respond.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Dreyer

 

church Office

Office hours are 10:00am-2:00pm Tuesday-Friday.  Please feel free to leave any bulletin or newsletter info at the office, on the answering machine (639-6178) or via e-mail. churchoffice@stjohnbingen.com.  On an interim basis, Shelly Bradbury will be assisting you.  Please don’t hesitate to inquire if you need anything, stop in and introduce yourself, bear with her questions along the way and where corrections are required, please forward them.   Pastoral appointments may also be made through the church office.

 

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

News items from all organizations for the December/January Newsletter are due Monday, December 14.

 

 

St. John membership directory

We will be working on an updated directory after the Holidays.  Asking all to review your current address and phone info and provide updates as needed. Any other corrections required can be forwarded to the church office as well.  “Thank You” for your assistance with this update.

 

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.

 

 

TIME CHANGE Saturday EveNing –

Time change occurs this weekend (Oct 31).  Don’t  forget to adjust your clocks - we fall back an hour.

 

CHURCH LIGHTS & ENTRY DOORS

We have had a few incidents lately with doors being left unlocked, lights left on.  Friendly reminder:  If you have turned lights on or unlocked a door, please make sure you shut them off and lock up.  In the event you are not the last to leave, kindly make arrangements with another to make sure lights are off and doors locked “Thank You.”

LADIES AID

November quilting will be held each Wednesday from 9:00 am-3:00 pm., exception being the week of Thanksgiving. Monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 11^th.  All ladies of the congregation are welcome to come and quilt, visit and have fellowship together.

LADIES WANTED:  GRACEFULLY AGED, Young & in Between

The Ladies Guild is campaigning for you to meet with the ladies in our church every 3^rd Tuesday of the month.  We want to get to know you and need your input for new and serving ideas.  Our LWML motto is “Serving the Lord with Gladness.”  We pray and laugh together, reflecting the Joy we have because we know we are children of the King.  Our present goals are:  visiting the sick and shut-ins, provide funeral meals, sending birthday, anniversary, get-well and encouragement cards, beautifying our church with flowers, collecting articles for the seminary, sew and knot comforters for Lutheran World Relief, various fundraisers like the Hoagland Days “Dogs and Suds” as well as needs of our church.  In the past we have also provided meals for the homebound and disabled and at year end we contribute our monies to charities.  Please give this organization your prayerful thought and consideration. Hope to see you soon! 

LADIES GUILD CHRISTMAS DINNER

All ladies are welcome to the Guild Christmas Dinner being held December 15 in the church parish hall.  Reservations can be made with Glena Rhymer (547-4712), Pat Buuck (639-3051) or Marge Tingen (639-6126).  Cost is $8.50.

CANCER PADS

Next meeting is Tuesday, November 17, at 8:00 am.

CARE PACKAGES

“Thank You” for your generous gifts and baked goods for our service people.  We shipped 3 boxes in October and we will be packing boxes on Tuesday November 17^th at 7:00pm and tentatively December 8^th. Items we are in need of:  eye drops, lotion, combs, toothbrushes, razors, deodorant, chocolate candy and baked goods. Anyone interested in helping to package or make homemade items contact Jean Lepper  or Rae Fuhrmann.

ARE YOU MISSING DISHES, BAKING PANS, ETC

We have accumulated a very nice assortment of dishes and cookware.  Please check above the parish hallway coat rack for items left after the church dinner and recent funeral.

missing lsb hymnal

If anyone finds a new LSB Hymnal with a personalized name printed in gold on the front; please turn it into the church office.  Thank You!

 

Church Social Event

November 8th - 1pm Colts game.  Will be held at the parsonage - Adults only.

Children’s christmas program

Anyone interested in organizing or assisting with the Children’s Christmas Eve Program, please contact the church office or Jim Butler at 724-7025.

BINGEN SCRAP DRIVE

St. John will have a scrap drive again this year. It will be held  Friday, November 27th, from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday, November 28th, from 9 am-noon in the church grove.  For questions or to make arrangements for earlier pick up of large or heavy items (do not bring these to the grove), please contact Ron Holt (452-8272) or Dean Berning (385-3731).  Collecting: scrap steel, brass, copper, aluminum, cast iron and automobiles.

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.

THRIVENT – Next Meeting

Day:             November 14^th (Saturday)

Time:             8:00 a.m.

Place:           Adams Memorial Hospital

WYNEKEN Scrip PROGRAM

New order sheets are available at the Scrip table in the parish hall between services. Annual Holiday Contest coming in November, watch for details.  If anyone is  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 the school office.

Wyneken school board Meetings

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

CONCORDIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

SUNDAY BRUNCH–Please join us for brunch at CTS on November 1, from 11:00 am–1:30 pm in Katherine Luther Dining Hall. Enjoy music provided by The Worship for Shut-Ins Choir, including St. John Bingen Choir from 11am-12pm.