Saturday, August 28th 8am – 2pm behind the church in the north parking lot.  Rent an 8 foot table for $10.00 and sell your “treasures”.  Proceeds from the table rentals for this sale will help offset the table rental for the curch picnic.  To reserve a table(s), contact Joy Smith at 260 -1292 or visit the display table in the Narthex just west of door C-1 the weekends of August 7^th, 14^th and 21^st.

CORN (HOLE) TOSS TOURNAMENT

The Corn (Hole) Toss open play will be on Saturday, August 28^th from 5 to 9 pm after the Sale under the Big Tent.  This year there are no sign ups for a tournament!  ANYONE can come and play for $5.  Around 8 pm, there will be an 8 bag throw off for prizes.  Pizza and drinks will be for sale with all proceeds for this event going to Habitat for Humanity.  Pick up a flyer with the details at the “Sale Under the Big Tent” table or contact Kevin Smith at 260-1293.

August 29, 2010  Outdoor worship service under the tent in the back parking lot.  Communion service begins at 10:30am.

The  annual church picnic will immediatelt follow worship.  The dinner is catered by Jugs – fried chicken, BBQ beans, potato salad, coleslaw, fried biscuits with apple butter, lemonade, and plenty of ice water. Bingo and games for the kids.  Please place your reservations on later than August 16th. 

Check the bulletin or coffee bar for reservation forms.  Give them to an usher or put them in the box on the Commons Coffee Bar.  There are a limited number of chairs.  Bring a few chairs with you in case they may be needed.  Feel free to bring your own soft drinks. 

Check the Commons Coffee Bar for the sign-up sheet to bring desserts (cookies, brownies, Rice Krispy treats).  There will be a box by the coffee ar for items you would like to donate for Bingo.

Dear Friends,

As I attended the Convention of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod I did so with a certain amount of apprehension.  On the one hand I couldn’t imagine sitting still for eight days of 10-hour business meetings.  I also dreaded exposure to the politics that finds itself into the Church.  But as I approached this meeting,  I was determined to enjoy conversations with people that I had never met before.  At the beginning of the convention we were challenged to find someone who lived locally in the Houston area and to witness to them about Jesus.  No such conversation had taken place all week long and as I walked away from the convention center in Houston heat and humidity on my mile long walk back to the hotel,  the need to witness to someone was on my heart.  I noticed a man walking in front of me who was one of the audio technicians for the convention.  He lit up a long overdue cigarette and hurried away from the convention center and disappeared into the Houston evening.  But for some reason, I couldn’t get him off my mind.

On Saturday morning, the last day of the convention, I was rather sleepy and so I decided to go the Starbucks store in the convention center.  Guess who was standing in line right in front of me?  Sure enough it was the same technician.  I started some small talk, discussing the challenge of providing audio for the convention.  We discussed digital signal processors and wireless microphones.  I could have this conversation because of experience from our own sound system installation at St. John.  Then I thanked him for his service.  He responded with a “You’re welcome” and then said, “I have enjoyed it.  I see your Church struggling through a lot of issues and it reminds me of how  much I am confused about a lot of things.”   That was all I needed and we launched into a discussion about Jesus and how through His death and resurrection He provides more than solutions to problems.  He provides life.  We prayed together and he walked away thanking me for talking with him.

I was reminded of the importance of being intentional about witnessing as a disciple of Jesus.  Being focused and in tune, praying for my opportunity, I am convinced that the Holy Spirit was the one who laid that man on my heart on Friday morning and maybe even gave the two of us a caffeine craving just so we could talk.  At the end of a long week, I was glad I had visited Houston.  I was thankful that the Lord gave me an opportunity to share the life changing message of the Gospel with that man.  I was reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 1—“I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes.”  I am convinced that every single believer can be having that same experience.  I’m on my way back to Indianapolis right now, sitting in an airport, committed to encouraging all of you to anticipate God working in your lives.

Blessings in Jesus,

Pastor Phil

Do all your “roads” point to the Cross?

You’ll Never Be Good Enough

 As I write this note I am putting the final preparation on our trip to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering.  I have stressed the importance of going for the “right” reasons.  This will be my 5^th National Youth Gathering and I am more excited about this one.  We have some really “good” people attending.  I know they’re going for the right reasons and our group as a whole wants to become stronger disciples, but there’s nothing simple about discipleship.    

 Discipleship is about following Christ.  It’s about obeying Jesus – thinking what he wants you to think and doing what He wants you to do.  Many of you want more depth to your Christian faith.  As the beginning of a new school year is upon us, now is the time to act.  Let me help clarify by telling you that a deeper connection to Jesus isn’t simply:

- Showing up to more church events and youth activities.
- Knowing more facts, trivia and information.
- Doing good things.
- Having good motives.
- Trying to be liked by more people.

Loving Jesus to the point of obedience may include all of the above, but those actions by themselves don’t require spiritual depth.  Following Jesus means that you know He wants a relationship with you.  And sure, God wants you to correct sinful behavior in your life, because it’s hurting you and those that love you.  But more than that, God wants you to live by grace!  Our ministry is a place where you can be constantly reminded that you’ll never be good enough… but Jesus was!  Now, who doesn’t need to hear that on a regular basis?  Come on back, get reconnected, and tell a friend.     

Your Brother in Christ,

John

 These are two events you may want to attend with your families. 

8/5 Check out the Spoke Folk info in the youth newsletter, I’d love to see you there.  It’ll be fun and it’s free!

8/11 This Concert is for everyone!  I know it’s a little costly, it might be good to plan to go with one parent, or parents maybe this would be a good “date night”. 

 Indiana State Fair   Chris Tomlin and TobyMac Hoosier Lottery Grandstand
Wed, Aug 11, 2010 7:30 PM

 Buy your tickets at Ticketmaster today!  The cost for Grandstand Seating is $25.00 – $35.00.

August Senior High Youth

Sr. High Small Group (8/8, 8/22, 8/29) We meet Sunday nights in the Youth Room (door C7) from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Come to talk about faith, find support, and build friendships to help you with challenges you face each week.  Come along as we continue our walk through the Bible.

8/1 Bible Study Breakfast – Join us in the Youth Room Sunday morning at 9:30.  We’ll have French Toast or Pancakes and juice followed by a Bible discussion.  It’s a good way to feed your body and your spirit.

8/5 Spoke Folk Student Led Worship – for students and families of Jr. and Sr. High Youth – On Thursday, August 5th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. we will be hosting a group from Spoke Folk.  This worship team is a bicycle ministry with Lutheran roots.  They travel around from church to church talking about Jesus and lead worship.  One of our former youth group members will be on this trip.  So come show your support and find out about this unusual ministry.  After the service we will play a large group game out on the field. 

8/22 Miniature Golf at Otte Golf Center in Greenwood from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.    Invite your friends to this great course.  Bring $5 for your round and maybe a few extra for snacks.  Email me to let me know you’re coming and if you need a ride or you will meet us there.  Riders will meet in the youth room at 6:30 to be at the course by 7:00ish. 

8/28 Volunteer at The Lord’s Pantry from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.      We will meet in the youth room (door C7) to go downtown to serve by handing out food to the homeless and whatever other work they need us to do.  Come with a heart willing to serve.  We only take about 10 students at a time so, let me know by Friday, Aug. 27th if you are going so I can get rides together.

8/29 Sr. High Youth Night from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  We usually meet in the youth room, have some food, study God’s Word and play some games.  Plan B for the evening will be a pool party!  Keep your eyes posted for more info. to see if the weather is good and we have a place to go.

 August Junior High Youth

8/1 Bible Study Breakfast in the Youth Room at 9:30 a.m.   Host a sleep over at your house on Saturday night and bring your friend to church on Sunday morning.  It’s a great way to keep the fun going and share your faith!

 8/5 Spoke Folk Student Led Worship – for students and families of Jr. and Sr. High Youth – On Thursday, August 5th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. we will be hosting a group from Spoke Folk.  This worship team is a bicycle ministry with Lutheran roots.  They travel around from church to church talking about Jesus and lead worship.  One of our former youth group members will be on this trip.  So come show your support and find out about this unusual ministry.  After the service we will play a large group game out on the field. 

 8/20 – 8/21 Start the Year Right Overnight at St. John from 8:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. for 6^th – 8^th graders     Keep an eye out for the permission slip.  Our evening will focus on setting priorities and living in grace.  We typically have 40 – 50 students or so.  We eat well, play games, talk about our faith and worship God.  Invite your friends from anywhere.  The cost is ONLY $5 if your turn your form in by the 17^th, and it’s $10 after that. 

8/28 Volunteer at The Lord’s Pantry from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.     We will meet in the youth room (door C7) to go downtown to serve by handing out food to the homeless and whatever other work they need us to do.  Come with a heart willing to serve.  We only take about 10 students at a time so, let me know by Friday, Aug. 27th if you are going so I can get rides together.

September

Save the dates!  All 7^th and 8^th graders planning to attend the Jr. High Youth Rally at Camp Lakeview on September, 17^th – 18^th.  There will be worship, games, speakers, and about 200 other participants!  $40 covers your trip, t-shirt and meals.

Welcome to Little Wings Childcare

 “…we are very grateful that you and the Little Wings Staff are there to take care of our precious child. God has truly given us a wonderful gift in you, and for that, we are thankful. We can’t say it enough, what a blessing!”

     Little Wings Childcare is an extension of the ministry of St. John Lutheran Church and School. As a ministry of the Church and School, Little Wings Childcare shares in the mission of St. John to:

Proclaim God’s forgivenesss through Jesus Christ;
Prepare God’s children; and
Project God’s love into the lives of these children their families.

     Christ and his redeeming love is evident in everything that is taught each day at Little Wings. Our called and professional teachers are dedicated to working with parents to ensure that each child’s individual needs are met. The teaching staff mets regularly for continuing education and certifications.  St. John Little Wings Childcare is registered with the State of Indiana as a childcare ministry.   

     Little Wings Childcare enrolls children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years old. Before and after school childcare is available for Little Wings children enrolled at St. John.

     We would be glad to provide you with more information or if you would like to schedule a visit to Little Wings, please call Kathleen Brandt, Director of Little Wings at (317) 352-9196, ext. 34 or you may e-mail Mrs. Brandt at childcare@stjohnindy.org, regarding the childcare program.   

Little Wings Childcare Ministry

Where children are prepared,

to proclaim, and 

to project the gospel to the world.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37

Business Office

Discipleship/Fellowship

Financial

Education Opportunities

Family Life

Outreach

Properties

Sports

Youth

Worship

Spiritual Care

With the website

Have something you want posted on the website? Email your info to editor or the webmaster to get all of your church related information posted online!

Luau Party Day

Please send questions or comments to Kathleen Brandt, Childcare Director, childcare@stjohnindy.org or call 352-9196, ext 34.

Monkeys – Two’s

This age group is active.  They bring their own insight and flair to coloring, painting or in using paste.  There are currently two classes of this age group.  Colors are a challenge for this age; recognition of the color with saying the color name. Play games that focus on identifying colors.  Name the colors of God’s world.

Frogs – Young Three’s 

It is fun to be able to write your own name! Besides practicing writing names, there is work on sight recognition of not only their own name, but also the names of the teachers and friends.  Work begins on the proper use of upper case and lower case letters in name writing.  Alphabet recognition and beginning phonics (letter sounds) begins at this stage.

Turtle-Fish

This group consists of three and four year olds.  There is a focus on school preparation.  Not only academically, but also, socially.  Attention is given to following directions, sharing, self-control, and working together in a group activity. Focus is upon strengthening writing their names without help, sight recognition and writing numbers and letters.

Lions and Penguins

This group has a flourishing ability to recognize letters and their sounds.  Attention is given to reading stories outloud, developing listening skills, imagination and creativity.  Individual time for story reading provides the opportunity for enhanced reading skills and phonics.   These activities assist in the development school readiness.

• Jr High Lock-in Aug 10th  
• General Youth Permission Slip
• Youth General Medical Form

“Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord.”

Pam Johnson, Director of Music

musicdirector@stjohnindy.org

St. John endeavors to use the musical gifts God has granted to His people, to lead
times of worship into exalting the name of our Lord.

Choirs

Adult Choir

• Rehearsals on Thursday evenings @ 7:15 PM. All skill levels invited.

Children’s Choirs

Part of our School Ministry Curriculum:

• Grades 6-8
• Grades 3-5
• Grades K-2
• Early Childhood

New Song Praise Team

• Singers
• Instrumentalists
• Guitars
• Flutes
• Keyboards
• Percussion
• Saxaphone
• Brass

We would love to have you join in. Contact pastor@stjohnindy.org

Handbells – Director Lisa Lindh

We have two adult handbell choirs:

• Alleluia Bells – rehearsal Mondays 6:30 – 7:30pm
• Bells of Praise – rehearsal Mondays 7:30 – 8:30pm
• St. John school handbell group for students in grades 5 – 8, with rehearsals during the school year.

Please contact Pam Johnson, St. John Director of Music, for more information and about joining any of these music ministries.

Every Wednesday a group of St. John members meet to make Christian materials in Braille and large print formats for the spiritual needs of people who are blind or visually impaired. Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc. an organization founded in 1943 distributes the Bibles and devotional books.

Lutheran Braille Workers, Inc. has grown from producing titles in one language to over 30 languages today, and from a labor force of one volunteer working out of a shoebox in her home to over 7,000 volunteers in over 200 work centers across the United States. The St. John work center is located at the end of the north hallway by the gym.

St. John members, Howard and Jo Martin, started our Braille Center in 1976 after hearing about this ministry at a conference. Mrs. Eala Newman was their first assistant. Mr. and Mrs. Martin continued their faithful service with the Braille Ministry for 27 more years retiring in 2003. Jo is thankful for all the volunteers that helped throughout this time and remembers with fondness the many notes the group received from blind and visually impaired children and adults throughout the world thanking them for their Bibles.

Dan Mikeworth took over the servant work and today leads a group of 15 volunteers. The Braille room has been remodeled; the many improvements include new carpeting, storage shelves, and an air-conditioning unit. Funding was provided by a grant from the South Marion County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The updates enable the group to produce materials year round.

If you have an interest in this ministry please contact Dan Mikeworth at 862-3928 or stop by any Wednesday morning or afternoon to see the printing presses in action.

Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? ~Psalms 85:6

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. ~Romans 12:2(a)

The group offers

• Connection Events
• Service Opportunities
• Spiritual Growth through God’s Word
• And Discussion on Issues of the Heart, Mind and Soul

Upcoming Events:  

Join us for Oktoberfest at German Park on Friday, September 10th at 6:30pm.  There will be live dancing, music, food, and drink available.  Admission is just $5 per person and children under age 12 are free (children are welcome to attend this event).  German Park is located at 8600 South Meridian; on 135 and north of County Line Rd.  Check your email for an Evite to RSVP or just let Chris & Carrie Wood (225.4128) know that you’ll be there.

 If you would like to receive Revive event invitations via Evite, send an e-mail to info@stjohnindy.org.   Make sure to include REVIVE in the Subject line of your email.
For more information contact info@stjohnindy.org  SUBJECT: Revive

Read the 2009 – 2010 weekly news as a PDF

• August 15, 2010
• August 8, 2010
• August 1, 2010
• July 25, 2010
• July 18, 2010
• July 11, 2010
• July 4, 2010
• June 27, 2010
• June 20, 2010
• June 13, 2010
• June 6, 2010
• May 30, 2010
• May 23, 2010
• May 16, 2010
• May 9, 2010
• May 2, 2010
• April 25, 2010
• April 18, 2010
• April 11, 10
• April 4, 10
• March 28, 10
• March 21, 2010
• March 14, 2010
• March 7, 2010