LONGTIME MEMBERS ST. JOHN’S MEMORIES
“I have many short memories to share: going to Sunday School on 9th & Franklin Street, summer Bible School and playing with the dumbwaiter elevator in the Parish Hall, getting caught trying to ride it up and down, knowing it was a no-no! Attending catechism class on Saturday mornings and a couple times a week before school (legal excuse). I was never a good student (more like a class clown), Mr. Miller, the church custodian, telling me to sleep with my catechism book under my pillow and that would help me better remember my lessons. At the age of 13 on Confirmation Sunday, in church, I was scared knowing that Rev. Alfred Hardt would call on me to recite out loud, in front of a full church crowd, a passage from our studies and I wouldn’t know it. When he called on me to stand up, I didn’t know what to expect. I was instructed to recite the Apostles’ Creed. Fortunately, God had my back and came to my rescue and helped me recite it surprisingly without a flaw (phew!). I also remember going up into the bell tower with Mr. Miller and ringing the church bell, seeing the boiler (heating) system for the church and the heating pipe lines under the pews that would clang and bang in cold weather. And, of course, my wedding vows June 27, 1959, by Rev. Paul Frankenfeld.” – Joe Dabkowski
JOIN US ON WEDNESDAYS!
Now would be the perfect time to join us in our Bible Study because we are beginning a new study guide –– Bible Studies for Life. The first 7 sessions are entitled God Is: Understand the character of God. We meet from 9:30 am to 10:30 am or could begin a new group at another time if a group wishes to form. Any questions can be directed to Karen Lawrenz, Meredith Rumsey, or Judy Kerestury.
ANNIVERSARY OFFERING
If you would like to include a 170th anniversary offering, there are blank white envelopes available on the table in the narthex to include your anniversary offering together with your name.
WILL YOU HELP US?
The Women’s Guild announces that the Blessing Bag project is now under way. The Nest homeless shelter and Salvation Army will receive these bags to give our homeless neighbors here in Michigan City. Blessing bags are gallon plastic bags which are filled with personal items:
- a pair of socks (men’s or women’s}
- washcloth
- bar of soap
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- deodorant
- wipes, tissues, or lotion
If you can donate an item, just place it in our donation basket. If you want us to shop for you, any financial donation is appreciated. Thank you for any donations and prayers for this project.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ST. JOHN’S HISTORY
In our Jubilee Book it was noted that “Since 1872, St. John’s Evangelical church had been a member of the Evangelical Synod of North America-Michigan District. It was one of the strongest churches in the district. Since the introduction of Synodical budget system, it had met its obligation fully year after year, besides contributing to many other good causes.”
In recognition of that fact a lay representative of the Michigan District in the General Council of the Evangelical Synod of Norther America was chosen from St. John’s Evangelical Church. This person was Mr. Charles Tonn (grandfather to Paul Steinheiser) who was appointed by the district president to the distinguished office.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS & “QUIET BAGS”
We now have some children’s books and “Quiet Bags” in the narthex for our little ones to use during worship services. The Quiet Bags include children’s bulletins, and crayons are available also. Please feel free to allow your children to use these but please remember to return them to the back of the church so others may use them next week.
ATTENDANCE SHEET INFORMATION
Please fill in the Attendance sheet. Check the appropriate box(es) and add your information to the Attendance Sheet. Pastor Bruce would be pleased to meet with you and answer your questions regarding our family here at St. John’s.
TREE OF LIFE
Have you looked at our Tree of Life in the hallway recently? Over 200 names are all part of our history, remembering the family members who gave their church love, hard labor and financial support. Since it is spring and blossoms are starting, we can make our tree grow too by filling out a Tree of Life form and turning into the office.
JOIN OUR SANCTUARY CHOIR
Come help us praise the Lord on Sundays by voice and song! Join our Sanctuary Choir! We meet at 9:00 am Sundays before the 10:00 am service in the Choir Room. All are welcome!
FOOD BANK
You may notice the corner as you approach the Narthex. It is next to the coat rack and titled “Food Bank.” The area has a few different size containers. The goal is to donate food items such as soups, canned chicken, canned vegetables, peanut butter, canned tuna-fish, noodles, spaghetti sauce. One of our church members has volunteered to deliver these groceries to the Salvation Army at the end of each month. The Salvation Army then hands out these groceries to those in need. We hope you are able to help us feed our neighbors. Thank you for your support!
IK-UCC WEBSITE
If you would like to be kept abreast of the upcoming happenings of your Indiana–Kentucky UCC, please go to their website, ikc@ikcucc.org where you will find a wealth of information for the upcoming months and you may also sign up to receive their emails.
USHERS, COMMUNION SERVERS, GREETERS NEEDED – WE NEED YOU!!
If you are interested in lending your helping hand to any of our ministries of serving as an Usher, Communion Server, or Greeter, please speak with Bruce Carr. Your smile and willingness to share your talents in serving the family of St. John’s on Sunday mornings will be very much appreciated. Please assist in one or more of these ministries of service and welcoming!
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