St. Michael Lutheran Church & School, 7211 Oakland Drive, Portage MI

THE MIGHTY MESSENGER September 2018

Volume 58, No. 9

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THE MIGHTY MESSENGER

Many Happy Returns How are your investments doing? If you have stocks or mutual funds that are doing really well, I’m sure you wish you had put more money into them. Did you do any “you-pick” berry picking this summer, be it strawberries, raspberries, blueberries? If you only took a couple little buckets with you, I bet you wish you had brought more. There’s a basic principle of life that we tend to get out of something only what we put into it. That was true with our education in school. As adults we often wish we had studied harder when we were kids, that we had paid closer attention in class, that we had devoted ourselves more to faithful practicing. While it would have been more difficult at the moment, and there may have been some short-term sacrifices, it would have been worth it in the long run as our investment no doubt would have paid off in the end.

We see several examples of this principle in the Bible. Consider the story of Elisha and the widow in 2 Kings 4. While it’s not the only lesson to be learned from this story (and maybe not even the main one), we read here of a woman who certainly received a miraculous blessing from God but the magnitude of that miracle was limited to the extent of the effort that she put into it. You see, her deceased husband owed some people a lot of money and now that he was dead they were coming after her to collect on the debt. As a widow, she was very poor and so all the creditors could get out of her was to take her two boys as slaves. So in desperation she pleads with the prophet Elisha for help. He asked her to take inventory of what she had that she could sell and she reported that she had nothing except a small jar of olive oil. Elisha then told her. . .

“Go around and ask all your neighbors for empty jars. Don’t ask for just a few (emphasis added). Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side.” She left him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. When all the jars were full, she said to her son, ‘Bring me another one.’ But he replied, ‘There is not a jar left.’

Then the oil stopped flowing. She went and told the man of God, and he said, ‘Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live on what is left’” (2 Kings 4:3-7).

This surely is a happy ending to the story, but even so, it does make you wonder how much more oil she would have been able to sell if she had only collected more empty jars. Like I said, this is probably not the main point of the story but it does illustrate nonetheless that sometimes how much we get out of something depends on how much we put into it. So how might this relate to your Spiritual development? Would you grow deeper in your intimacy with God if you spent more time in prayer and Bible reading on a consistent basis? Would you become stronger in your faith if you were more faithful in attending a small group Bible class? We know that “faith comes by hearing the Word” (Romans 10:17) and that God the Holy Spirit works through His Word and Sacraments as His means not only for bringing us into the faith but also helping us grow in faith (and keeping us in the faith). So, yes, we will get more out of what the church has to offer if we put more into it. May the Lord move us all to take Him up on His offer to help us “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Pastor Naumann

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Faith Taking Root and Bearing Fruit: Being Right for the Right Reasons We want to be right, and we want others to know it. We want our friends, our enemies, and the whole world to admit that we are on the right side of the truth, the right side of history, the right side of the issue de jour. I speak for myself, at least. But it seems to me this human desire is something universal. We desire to be morally and intellectually correct—which is of course not a bad thing in itself—but we are often not content that our rightness is known by ourselves and

by God. We care most of all that the world views us as “right.” As righteous. This explains 50% of social media posts I have seen in the past 5 years—some of them my own!

I know the real issue is pride, and for me it has been a lifelong struggle. Some of my clearest (and worst!) memories of childhood are of me lying in bed at night, recalling some tense dispute from earlier that day, where I felt like the other person had not conceded to my point. I would rehearse the conversation and cringe at the moments when failed to clearly express my ostensibly correct opinion. In those sleepless hours, I could generate the perfect comeback, what I should have said to save face just hours earlier. Maybe the fact that I wasn’t good at winning arguments was a mercy from God, keeping my pride in check at least a little.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” Jesus assures us. Truth is important.

Those on the side of truth listen to Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, the Life. But Truth is not the only virtue in the Christian’s tool belt. When the truth is elevated above love and faith, above beauty and goodness, it can quickly turn to vice.

English author G. K. Chesterton commented on this sinful tendency to live a choose-your-ownvirtue lifestyle. From his book Orthodoxy: "The modern world is full of the old Christian virtues gone mad. The virtues have gone mad because they have been isolated from each other and are wandering alone. Thus some scientists care for truth; and their truth is pitiless. Thus some humanitarians only care for pity; and their pity (I am sorry to say) is often untruthful."

But you and I are called by our Savior to live as a unique people. We learn Ten Commandments, and we aren’t free to ignore the hard ones and pretend there are only four or six. And these commands are just random rules for righteousness. When Jesus summarized the precepts of all Scripture, he placed them all within the context of love. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Our quest for truth, then, must be located within our quest to love God and to love the people He has put in our midst. When we seek to learn truth and then persuade others to see it, Jesus (Mr. Truth) is there beside us. He knows our temptations. We want to elevate our own status, to make sure others know we are righteous, and even perhaps to shame those who we know are wrong. Our old selves seek self-righteousness and self-affirmation.

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But the new nature we receive when we put on Christ is not that way. He who was always right, and was yet willing to be put to death in the midst of a mob who all thought He was wrong—this loving Christ who looked on His accusers and on all self-righteous hypocrites like us with compassion, saying “Father forgive them,”—this Jesus credited His goodness to us by grace. So we don’t have anything to prove to Him or anyone else.

Freely forgiven, and with nothing to prove, then, let us all the more delve into the depths of His beautiful truth. Let us study God’s Word. Let us inquire into our culture, hunt for the wisdom of history, and struggle to apply God’s revelation to the issues of today. Let’s not dodge conflicts and run away from arguments. But with our minds transformed by the Word, let us use that weapon to wrangle against the devil’s lies rather than against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:10-20). And may we also never run from the battlefront, using Christian love as an excuse for our indifference about the truth. Let’s keep both virtues, “speaking the truth in love.”

By God’s grace we can become deep wells of knowledge and wisdom for God’s glory and not our own. Let’s polish our debate skills so we can better love our neighbors with clear expressions of the Law and the Gospel. And since none of us can do this perfectly, let’s daily ask for the forgiveness won for us by Christ, and urge one another to know Him more deeply, even when that means sharing in His suffering on account of the truth of the Gospel (Philippians 3:10-11).

Fall is upon us, and our church is kicking off many opportunities for us to grow. Let me encourage you to grow not only in your knowledge of the truth but also in your desire and ability to speak that truth in love. Please come to a Bible Study during the Learning Hour on Sundays. Attend one of the Small Groups that meet in various times and at various locations. Find someone at church who might help you grow in truth and love, or to whom you yourself might be a mentor! Invite them to lunch, to our home, or to a learning event.

Pick up a new book or start a new Bible-reading plan. Start a new Small Group, book group, or outreach event. God knows you can’t do all of these things, but maybe there are one or two that God could use to change your life this year.

In a culture that is quickly losing its grip on the truth in many ways, will we answer the call to know the truth that sets us free? Will we encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same? And will we use that truth in the service of God to love Him and love the world, so that cross of Christ would set more souls free? May it be so.

--Pastor Toman

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

St. Michael LAMP Team 2018 July 26—August 5 trip to Lac Brochet Eleven Team members: Pastor & Dana Naumann; John & Ailene Buchtrup; Mark & Mariah Chilcott; Jan Jett; Khris Bryer; Zach Franks, Bud Hetrick and Alyssa Burns went to Lac Brochet, Manitoba for St. Michael’s 8th year of sending a LAMP team to Lac Brochet.

We shared that God Loves Everyone and that is Love is for Forever with the help of SMLS children who made our signs.

Practiced the theme verse and did crafts at VBS.

When we were not in VBS we were preparing, hanging out with children, and putting on teen nights and men’s or women’s Bible Studies.

At the end of the week we had our annual potluck with our volunteers. This year the featured entre was “Bannock Tacos”.

A number of children came to see the team off at the airport saying…”we miss you already”

The women loved the prayer shawls from our SMC women!

LAMP Team Reporting weekend— Sat/Sun Services and during Bible Class Hour September 22 & 23!

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

Prayer Requests from the Lac Brochet Community From Adults For People in the community who are:  In jail  Sick  Suffer from addictions – alcohol or drugs  Those who hurt us in any way, may we forgive them and pray for them  For the Lac Brochet leadership – to continue to help us in any way they can  For Peace in Lac Brochet and for people to get along with each other at work  For the school staff to get along in the new school year  “Lately I have been feeling really low, sad and depressed. Please say a prayer for me so I feel better and for my spirits to be lifted. I want to find true happiness. I want to be happy for my kids.” - Stephanie

From Children Prayers for their family:  “Thank you God for my favorite family. I would like my big brother to help me with my shoe laces. And I love my mom and dad and I love my sister and my little brother. God please watch over them.  Thankyou God for my Family.  I hope my family will always be healthy.  “God I’m thankful for a new baby brother, cause I wanted a baby brother. Before I wanted a girl but it became a boy. God I asked you for being with my baby brother to keep him safe at all times.  3 requests for God to make their Granny better and one to make my Grandpa well.  Thank you to God for making them and making the world.  “Thank you God for giving me life and making me be happy everyday (she was dictating as I wrote she started to dictate and God please help Jesus to be alive again – I was then able to share with her that Jesus is alive! Jesus died for us but He came back to life and we can live also because of Him) Then she asked me to write – Thank you that you are alive Jesus!  “I love my cousin, my friends, my mom, my dad, my brothers and my sisters. God, please protect them and keep them safe…all of them. I love to pray at night before I sleep.”  I thank Jesus for my cousin being found alive J and safe. (her cousin was missing several weeks and recently found)  “Help my brothers to get better from being sick and not to go to the hospital every month.

Help my Uncle Mark to get better because he nearly died in a crash and help his knee to heal.”

Upcoming Events  “Jesus please can you give my dad a chance to get out of the hospital” Thank you!  “I wish for my dad to be better. Jesus thank you for helping me.”  “I wish my brother Ashton was nice to me but he is mean to me because of his friends.”  “Jesus Loves Everyone… Please help my brother to be kind to me. Help me to learn more about Jesus”  “God, can you help us? Stop the fighting of the kids and help all kids to be nice.”

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Small Group Ministry Update When believers gather together around God’s Word, it not only draws them nearer to the heart of God, it draws them closer to one another. This can be especially true of Small Groups, or Bible Studies, where a handful of people meet regularly to hear from God, pray, and support one another in their needs and concerns. Small Groups can become a very deep expression of the spiritual family in which we were placed at our baptism.

Perhaps you are already part of a small group. I am told of some groups at St. Michael that have been in operation for decades! And the resulting blessings for so many members are difficult to quantify. But they are real.

Perhaps you are not part of a small group. Would you consider coming to one this fall, at least a couple of times, to see what happens? We not only have groups for men, groups for women, and groups for both sexes, we are starting to see more specialized groups that focus on certain topics or target certain kinds of people. In my opinion, there are many topics and groups for which no study is yet available, and perhaps a few of you are being called to start one up.

September 16 will be our Small Group Ministry Sunday. Be on the lookout for more Small Group information that week, and more opportunities to get involved in Small Groups. We expect to have somewhere near 20 Small Groups in operation this fall. A full list with leaders’ contact information and meeting times will come out soon in a new brochure and on the church website. Here is a preview of what you will see when the list is published. 

MEN’S GROUPS (3 or 4): Meeting at restaurants and at church, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays

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WOMEN’S GROUPS (6 or 7): Meeting on various days at homes, at church, and even the Schoolcraft Middle School

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COUPLES’ GROUPS (4 or more): Meeting in various homes and on various days

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MIXED GROUPS: At least one for seniors, one after Lamplight on Saturdays, and various others

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THE BIBLE AND CURRENT EVENTS: A new group where every member is encouraged to bring in topics for discussion, date and time TBD

If you want to know more about leading or joining a group, contact me or Jan Chilcott, or call the church office, and we can help you get started. There are also many great resources in our church library, and we would also enjoy giving you whatever support you would need.

May the LORD meet you and strengthen you with His great gifts in the coming year!

-Pastor Jason Toman

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September 21 and 22, 2018 Lighthouse Community Church 4321 South 11 Street Kalamazoo, MI 49009

Adults — $60

Early Bird Registration Youth (Ages 10-18) — $10

20% on line registration discount. St. Michael code: MICHAELS Doors open at 4pm Friday, September 21 and programming runs from 5pm—9:30pm Doors open 7am Saturday, September 22 and programming runs from 8am-5pm

Website: growingdeeperroots.org

St. Michael Youth Group Labor Day Break For All Sunday, September 2 Thank you to those who make our world possible. We praise God for your dedication to work and making our world better around us.

Jr. & Sr. High Welcome Cookouts Sunday, September 9 Jr High—We are at the Burnett’s house at the pool and playing outdoor games.

Sr High—We are renting a beach house.

Bring a suit and a dish to pass!

Jr. High 1—3 pm @ Burnett’s house (8209 Brookwood, Portage MI 49024) Sr. High 6 —8 pm @ Prairie View Park Beach House (899 East U Ave, Vicksburg, MI 49097)

Jr. & Sr. High Youth Family Meeting Sunday, September 9 @ 9:30am (meet in St. Michael Youth Room)

Confirmation Camp September 21 & 23 Depart: 6:30pm Arrive: 3:50pm Location: SMLC Narthex

I encourage all youth to come for Confirmation Camp in Gowen, MI. It will be a great time to get to know each other in confirmation class, build Christian friendships with other youth from different congregations, enjoy Camp Concordia, and learn more concepts about our Lord.

Jr. & Sr. High Commercial Day Sunday, December 24 Time TBD If you like to be in front of the camera or behind it, we need you! Come and help us make commercials for the 2018/2019 year of fundraisers and events. Find props, come up with a script and show us those acting skills as we make commercials/announcements for the congregation.

Youth Dodgeball Sunday, Sept. 23 6-8 pm in the gym (for Jr. & Sr. Youth) Continued next page →

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Thrivent Money Management Classes for Families Tuesday, September 11 Sr. High Eat Out September 16 12:30 –2p Senior Youth—Feel free to join us after the service for ice cream.

Bring your best summer stories.

5:30pm for parents and children 7pm for parents and Youth Location: TBD

Sr. High and 8th Graders Spring Hill Camp First Registration Period December 3rd—17th (Cost $70) Second Registration Period December 18—January 16, 2019 (Cost $100) There are only 10 spots available. Please look at your calendar & register as soon as you can. When you sign up $50 deposit is due to St. Michael Youth Group. That money will count toward your registration cost.

Spring Hill is a non denomination winter youth camp that includes music, games, sledding on a giant hill, broom ball, and lots of other fun activities. Spring Hill provides awesome speakers that help you dig deeper into your relationship with God. It is a fun and eventful weekend and well worth the trip. The camps theme is Escape this year!

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SPEAKER:

Dr. Gary Chapman Author of “The 5 Love Languages”

30th Annual Autumn Gala Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at WMU Bernhard Center 1903 West Michigan Ave Check in time starts at 6pm This event is FREE to attend but please do not forget to register online at our website www.alternativescc.org/gala-kalamazoo.html Registration closes 1 week before the event to allow for food count and table placement.

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Conditioned Hearing Two old friends were walking along a path when one of them pulled up and said, “Wait, I think I hear something.” Bending down he lifted a stone, freeing a cricket that had been trapped. Asked how he possibly was aware of the sound, he said people only hear what they want or are conditioned to hear. To prove his point, as they were walking on a crowded street he dropped a half dollar on the sidewalk. Many people stopped, looking around to see what had fallen. Have you ever been accused by your spouse of “selective hearing”? Have you been so intent on what you were doing that things going on around you were ignored? It’s amazing how a parent can pick out the cry of their child in a crowded room. What have you conditioned yourself to hear? Ezekiel 33:7-9 says, You, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me. When I say to the wicked, you wicked person, you will surely die, and you don’t speak out to dissuade them from their ways, that wicked person will die for their sin and I will hold you accountable for their blood. But if you do warn the wicked person to turn from their ways and they do not do so, they will die for their sin, though you yourself will be saved. What are we doing in our time? Jesus says in Matthew 28, “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”. How can we make disciples if we don’t even know their names? Do we know our neighbors, our co-workers, or the person at the store? A pastor told the story of a nursing school class where the professor gave a Pop Quiz. The students felt good about answers to all the questions but the last one. What is the name of the person that cleans the building? You see them every day. He explained that all people desire our care! Whether you are a nurse or just someone with a smile, a hello or a caring question, we all have the opportunity to bring the saving message of the Gospel. But it helps to know their name. At lunch ask the server if there is anything you could include for them in your meal prayer. You might be surprised by the impact it can have on a person’s day. A simple meal prayer, a caring question or including a Ministry Gift as part of your Estate Plan, all can have a tremendous impact on others both now and for eternity.

Bill Burmeister Church Extension Fund – Michigan District 800-242-3944 t bill.burmeister@mi-cef.org

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You’re invited to the

Annual Altar Guild Brunch and Meeting

Saturday, October 6 - 10am St. Michael Lutheran Church Allan Hall We will sign up for 2019 RSVP please to Kristi Rudowske Home 269 324-5792 Text 269 532-5043 Email kspitz2001@yahoo.com

St. Michael Lutheran School

Registration

“Mighty Angels” Annual Golf Outing

Karl Mueller Memorial

Name _____________________________________

Phone

______________________________

Email _________________________

Angels Crossing 3600 E W Avenue Vicksburg, Michigan

List Team Below (if applicable): _________________________________________ _________________________________________ ____________________________

Make check to “St. Michael Lutheran School”

____ $ 600

Eagle Sponsor

____ $ 300

Birdie Sponsor

____ $ 100

Per golfer (with luncheon)

____ $ 20

Luncheon only

____ $ 100 ____ $ 50

Hole sponsorship Cart sponsorship

____

Total

Saturday, September 29, 2018 9:00 am (Shotgun) Co-ed Team Scramble

If you are interested in providing prizes or would like to sponsor a hole, please contact the church or school office.

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WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY Kicking off the 2018/2019 season with a . . .

Potluck Salad Luncheon Saturday, October 20, 2018 11am in Allan Hall

Guest Inspirational Speaker : Mary Quehl Mary Quehl is the founder of The Hub. This is a ministry in which men and women are being equipped for work of the ministry. She is a woman passionate for God. Her heart is for the kingdom of God to come forth by equipping the saints and maturing them in their God given gifts. Mary founded Preparing His Bride ministry which operated for 7 years. They held yearly retreats as well as other conferences in which she equipped women for the work of the ministry.

Mary has been involved with Aglow International for many years. She served Aglow as president of the Midland chapter, as board member of the Northeast Area, as well as serving on mission trips and teaching at other chapters. She has also been involved with two ministries in Saginaw, Michigan where she has assisted in teaching, classes and conferences. She was a board member for Compassion Net Ministries which operates in China. Mary’s is also an ordained Senior Chaplin with the International Fellowship of Chaplians, Inc.

If you have any ideas for an event, activity or service project please contact a board member and let us know.

Board Members June Kucks 649-4529 Arla Mayhew 327-4643 Diane Goetz 323-7667 Ondrea Brussee (616) 836-5121

Rika Noggle 327-4702 Connie Chadderdon 327-7220 Sandy Maya 330-9100

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THE MIGHTY MESSENGER

Marriage in a Disposable Society It has been said that we live in a “disposable society” in the United States these days. I’m sure you have heard the common saying, “they don’t make things like they used to.” Over the last century, there has been a tremendous rise in consumerism and overconsumption. It’s just so much easier to buy a cheap product that you can throw away rather than spend more on durable goods that can be repaired.

Who has time for that? Unfortunately, our society has developed a similar view of marriage. Rather than work on maintaining or repairing a marriage, the tendency is to throw it away and get a new one.

According to the Divorce Statistics website (yes, there really is such a thing), the marriage breakup rate in America for first marriages is 41% to 50%, the rate after second marriages is 60% to 67% and the rate after 3rd marriages is 73% to 74%. This is certainly a trend we as Christians should strive to reverse, even though healthy marriages take some effort! Whether you’re newly married – or have been married for decades – a healthy marriage starts with good communication. Lutheran Marriage Encounter helps married husbands and wives celebrate their special relationship - and provides them with unique insights and tools to improve their communication for the long haul. The next Marriage Encounter Experience in Michigan will be October 19-21, 2018, at the Quality Inn in Battle Creek. If you are married, we encourage you to check out the Marriage Encounter display on the counter behind the coat racks in Communication Central, come talk to us, or check out the GodLovesMarriage.org website for more information. The experience is a whole weekend away from chores, jobs and kids, and is an opportunity to celebrate your love, learn a delightful new method of communication, and reap joyful long-term rewards for yourself, your family, and your faith journey as husband and wife. Doesn’t that sound better than accepting disposable marriages?

If you have already been blessed by a Marriage Encounter Experience, the annual Veteran’s Renewal at the Shack in White Cloud will be November 2-4. This is always a fun, relaxing weekend of fellowship with other Encountered couples from both our local Kalamazoo-area group and all over the state. I hope you will join us! You can already call The Shack at (231) 924-6683 to book your reservation.

Jesse and Shannon Hogue

BACK TO SCHOOL WISH LIST As you start shopping for the upcoming school year, please consider helping by donating 70-80 page spiral notebooks (8x10-1/2”size) 24 count crayons, 12” rulers, unsharpened pencils, pencil sharpeners, safety tip scissors, black or navy ball point pens, finger nail clippers, infant socks. Place items In the cedar chest in the Communication Center.

Contact Michele Ryan at (269) 649-1387 with questions.

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God is Dedicated to Your Marriage!

Husbands & Wives Learn How to Improve Your Communication!

Lutheran Marriage Encounter helps married husbands and wives celebrate their special relationship—and provides them with unique insights and tools to improve their communication for the long haul. The experience is a whole weekend away from chores, jobs, and kids to celebrate their love, learn a delightful new method of communication, and reap joyful long-term rewards for them, their family, and their faith journey.

Lutheran Marriage Encounter—Fall 2018 October 19—21, 2018 Quality Inn - Battle Creek, MI Apply now at GodLovesMarriage.org Questions? Contact Albert & Sally Chan Sallyalme@yahoo.com 517-540-0781 Pre-registration is required—don’t miss out!

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Dear Congregation Members, As you may remember, the 2016-2017 school year was the last year we would be collecting Campbell soup labels and UPC symbols from Campbell products. They recently discontinued supporting schools in this way, not only here in Michigan, but across the nation. Thank you to all of you who have faithfully supported the school by taking the time to bring in these labels.

This change with Campbell’s labels will not affect our continued collection of Box Tops for Education.

In fact, this will make the Box Top program more important to our school as we seek to replace those potential funds lost from Campbell labels and replace them with Box Tops for Education dollars.

Please re-double your efforts to bring in Box Tops so that we can continue to receive “free” funding through this program. We earn approximately $800 a year through the Box Tops and Campbell labels. Your help is much appreciated and still needed!

Thank you!

Greg Johnson

Worship Anew is the new name for Worship for Shut-Ins.

Weekly Scripture Readings & Sermon Summaries September 2, 2018 – Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 119:129-136; Epistle: Ephesians 6:10-20; Gospel: Mark 7:14-23 “Stand Against the Devils” - Sermon Text: Ephesians 6:10-20 - Rev. Dr. Walter Maier III

As believers, we are daily engaged in spiritual warfare against Satan and his fellow demons. The good news is that we can stand firm against these fierce and powerful enemies. The Apostle Paul tells us how and why.

September 9, 2018 – Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 146; Old Testament: Isaiah 35:4-7a; Gospel: Mark 7:31-37 “Perfect Healing” - Sermon Text: Mark 7:31-37 - Rev. Paul Shoemaker

When someone is ill, we pray for healing. The Good News that comes from God is that He may grant physical healing, but He always grants us perfect healing through Jesus.

September 16, 2018 – Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 116:1-9; Epistle: James 3:1-12; Gospel: Mark 9:14-29 “Help My Unbelief” - Sermon Text: Mark 9:24 - Rev. Dr. Daniel Brege

We as Christians believe in Jesus. This belief involves both knowledge and trust. Rightly, we turn to God in the face of trouble; however, at times our faith is eroded, attacked or challenged by the cares, problems, and philosophies of this world. We pray with the man in our text, "I believe, help my unbelief." Through His Word and Sacrament, our Lord indeed sends us the Spirit, so our faith is strengthened, and we rest and hope in the Savior.

September 23, 2018 – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Psalm 54; Epistle: James 3:13-4:10; Gospel: Mark 9:30-37 “Let God Be God!” - Sermon Text: Mark 9:30-37 – Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer

“Why doesn’t God do _____?” “Why would God allow _____ to happen?” Seeking a “new-andimproved-god” is an activity as old as time. Look and listen to Jesus to discover the true God . . . and true greatness! Let God be God! September 30, 2018 – Pentecost Psalm 135:1-3, 13-14; Old Testament: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-18; Gospel: Mark 9:38-50 “Belonging to Christ” - Sermon Text: Mark 9:38-50 – Rev. James Elsner

Complain! Complain! Complain! Does that describe someone in your life? Does it describe YOU? Those who belong to Christ, though, have a different sense of faith and life. What's that look like?

TV MINISTRY YOU CAN TRUST! Charter Cable Channel 189 AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 Sunday and Wednesday at 3:30pm Access for Kalamazoo and Portage    

30-Minute Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod worship service Produced by Lutherans for the homebound, hospitalized…

Includes the Gospel, Epistle, and Sermon by LCMS pastors Music by choirs, soloists, and small groups

Caroline Barkow Loren Bryer Audrey Frank Audrey Glover Bruce Glover Betty McCoy Ruth Newland Burnie Trimner

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June Financials 9 months

Designated Fund Balances

11/1/17-7/31/18

Trust Fund

$ 15,965

Church Revenue

$ 615,582

Building Contingency

$ 26,036

School Revenue

$ 662,490

Technology Refresh

$ 6,447

Total Revenue

$1,278,072

AV Fund

$ 5,290

Total Expenses

$1,124,204

Sunday School

$ 1,446

$ 63,120

Youth Donations

$ 7,407

Expense Budget

$1,212,832

Youth Accounts

$ 14,980

Under/(Over) Budget

$ 88,628

Good Samaritan

$ 1,006

Working Cash Balance

$ 86.510

Memorials

$ 1,120

Mortgage Balance

$ 938,546

L.A.M.P. Mission Trip

$ 9,356

Quilting

$

1,079

August Average Attendance . . . . . . .272

Church Worker Scholarship $

745

July Average Attendance . . . . . . . . . .316

School Improvements

$ 14,198

June Average Attendance . . . . . . . . . 336

Tuition Assistance

$ 27,508

Avg. 2018 Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . . 323

School Music

$

Net Surplus (deficit)

100

St. Michael Lutheran Church Trust Fund The Trust Fund was established to receive gifts, bequests, and memorials directed to it by donors having an interest in assuring the continued and expanded ministry of St. Michael Lutheran Church far into the future.

Income from the invested principal in the Fund can add enhancement to the programs and services of St. Michael by providing funding for professional staff development, scholarship money for those preparing for full-time careers in the church, the start of new ministries in the church, facility or property development, and other needs as determined by the officers of the Fund.

How can you help?

By arranging for a gift now, or through a will or living trust. Many people set aside a certain dollar amount. Others leave a percentage of their estate or any assets left over after providing for their family. Still others leave a paid up life insurance policy, property, retirement account or other financial investment such s stocks or bonds.

PLAN AHEAD! LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY!

VOLUME 58, ISSUE 9

PAGE 27

Saint Michael Lutheran Church and School Staff Members, Board Directors, and Other Leaders *Paid Positions

Senior Pastor * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann Office Hours: Tues-Fri. 9:00 am -12 noon E-mail Address: naumann@mightymessengers.org Director of Children & Youth Ministry *. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andi Lynch Office Hours: Monday 1—3:30pm, Tues-Thur 8:30am-3:30pm, Fri—off Assistant Pastor *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Jason Toman Office Hours: Wed. 9:00 am—5:00 pm Church Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kendra Muller, Marianne Wiersma Business & Finance Manager * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Niki DeKoning Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-5:00 pm School Principal/Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Johnson Saint Michael Lutheran School - Kindergarten Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brenda Heintz Saint Michael Lutheran School - First Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maralyse Worm Saint Michael Lutheran School - Second Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annie Hecht Saint Michael Lutheran School - Third Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roxanne Topham Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fourth/Fifth Grade Teacher *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Lauterbach Saint Michael Lutheran School - Sixth Grade Teacher *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Prentice Saint Michael Lutheran School - Seventh/Eighth Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lisa Lam Saint Michael Lutheran School - Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Robinson Christ for Kids Childcare Director * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Ritchie Parish Nurse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jean Minger Technology Coordinator * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrew Szarejko Sextons* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Chapman, Bud Hetrick Stephen Ministry Leaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P astor & Dana Naumann, and Virginia Hetrick Stephen Ministers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoe Miller, Lynne Wendzel, Jean Minger, Bud Hetrick, Kelley McNees, Ann Gribbon, Linda Handy, Sandy Maya, Ailene Buchtrup President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Kuhlman Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Spenner Board of Lay Ministry Director . (See table below for list of individual lay ministers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Hough Worship Media Specialist * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorraine Dudash Prayer Ministry Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Conklin Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sandi Champion Newsletter/Bulletin Publications * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marianne Wiersma Board of Parish Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Groll Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Hogue Vacation Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andi Lynch Board of Early Childhood & School Ministries Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenn Pangburn Board of Evangelism and Missions Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Quardokus Cradle Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy Makowski Board of Parish Fellowship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Maurer Women’s Fellowship Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June Kucks LWML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy Maya Board of Church Properties Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Pangburn Board of CELL Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Chilcott Board of Stewardship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Chilcott Volunteer Ministry Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Board of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Kuss Senior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Kuss, Jeff Burnett, Alison Van Orman Junior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andi Lynch Altar Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristi Rudowske, Linda Fry, Mary Wietzke

Shepherd Group Assignments Lay Minister

Geoff Bohren Brian Hall Dan Bryer Mel Schroeder Mark Hough John Engelmann Cory Luma

Family Names Start with

A Bolt Chilcott E Frommann H Jurhs

Family Names Start with & include

Boelman Champion D Freeman G June Larsen

Lay Minister

Ernie VanOrman Eric VanOrman Jeff Burnett Andy Allan Greg Wedel Matt Heintz Arlan Wendzel

Family Names Start with

Lausman Messing Newland Q Sible Sullivan U

Family Names Start with & include

Meewes Newkirk P Shook Stolsky T Z

St Michael Lutheran Church 7211 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024-4151 Church Phone: 269-327-7832 School Phone: 269-327-0512 Fax: 269-327-3148 website: www.mightymessengers.org E-mail: stmike@mightymessengers.org

DATED MATERIAL

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Our Mission at St. M ichael Lutheran Church is to m ak e disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ by building up one another in the faith and reaching out to others with the Gospel.

We call this “Making Mighty Messengers for Christ.”

SEPTEMBER 2018 SEPT 3 - LABOR DAY SEPT 9 - EDUCATION SUNDAY - sunday school begins, 9:45am - learning hour fall kick-off, 9:45am SEPT 23 - LAMP SUNDAY SEPT 29 - SCHOLARSHIP GOLF OUTING @ ANGELS CROSSING, 9:00AM

SEPT 30 - ST. MICHAEL SUNDAY