Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church Newsletter
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The Shepherd's Staff
September, 2010
Let's go fishing for people!
“Are you going fishing?” Someone asked me that question when she saw me wearing my “Henry Fonda” (a la On Golden Pond) hat while walking to and from the church. “No,” I replied. “I haven’t been fishing since my grandfather used to take the family out in his cabin cruiser on Lake Erie in the 1960s.”
As I thought about the question later, however, I realized that a certain type of fishing has been very much a part of my adult life. Jesus told his first disciples that, when they agreed to follow him, he would make them “fish for people.” Fishing, thus, has traditionally been a term that has been associated with evangelism—that is, with reaching out and sharing the good news of Jesus with others. And one of the hallmarks of my ministry these past 30 years has been this kind of fishing. Holy Shepherd is in part a product of those fishing efforts. There are at least two reasons why such fishing is important.
First, there is the simple fact that the only way anyone can know about God’s love in Jesus is if someone tells them. There are just too many negative and contrary things in the universe for anyone to intuit that we have a God who loves and forgives us. Unlike previous generations where a “Christian” veneer on American society might allow folks to catch the faith by osmosis, we live in a thoroughly secular society in which we have to tell our friends and relatives and coworkers about Jesus if they are to know him. If Jesus truly offers us forgiveness, life, and salvation, we cannot help but share that news with the people we care about. Besides, it wouldn’t be much fun to be in heaven all by ourselves. We want others to know about Jesus so that they can share the joys of heaven with us.
Second, there is a reality for the church that someone has highlighted by saying, “The church is always one generation away from extinction.” If we don’t tell others—especially our children—about Jesus, they will not know him. And, if they do not know him, the church will cease to exist as soon as we have died off. If we want the faith and the church to go on, we thus need to share God’s love in Christ with each new generation.
September especially abounds in opportunities to share our faith with others. Most obviously, we can invite people who do not already have a church home to come to Holy Shepherd for Rally Weekend on September 11-12. Then we can bring our children and ourselves to Sunday School when it begins on September 19. We can also become involved in some of the many adult small groups and can invite others to come with us.
Two special mass inviting tools are available to people in St. John this September, thanks to a grant for outreach that Holy Shepherd received. From September 7 to 19, members of the congregation will be putting doorknob hangers about our congregation on about half the residences in town. If you would like to help distribute these, let me know by September 5. Then, too, a postcard mailing about the church to all residences in town will be made the week of September 12.
Everyone at Holy Shepherd can go fishing for people. Let’s all get out our nets this month!
The Lord be with you,
Mark R. Vance, Jr.,
Pastor
Confirmation is BACK
Confirmation is back, and it all starts with a Lock-In Friday, September 10. For those of you new to confirmation, here are a few details. We meet at the church at 6 p.m. and we eat a crazy amount of pizza, chips and cookies (hopefully we’ll find some healthy stuff too). We have an Xbox, Wii, ping-pong and air hockey, so there is never a dull moment. But mostly we laugh, talk and really get to know each other. While this is a mandatory event for confirmation students, few are seen dragging their heels to this event. Just talk with someone from last year: it’s a blast! We need parents and other adults to chaperone this event. Shifts are available; but, if you want to be there the whole night, even better!
Confirmation will begin the following Monday after the Lock-in, on September 13 at 6:30 p.m. This year, we will have at least one field trip and plenty of other great things planned. We will again be using the Here We Stand book. First year student parents will get information about how to purchase this book at the parent meeting on August 30, at 6:30. Parents play a very active role in our confirmation program including serving as mentors and participating in at least two other youth events (Yes, chaperoning the Lock-in counts as one!).
As a reminder, parents (first and second years) and mentors, please plan on attending the orientation on Monday, August 30, at 6:30 p.m., without your students. This meeting is an opportunity for me to share more about the program, to talk about your role, and to answer any questions you may have. Of course, if you need to reach me prior, please feel free to do so.
Confirmation students, I look forward to our time together. This program is designed to allow you to explore Lutheranism, your faith, and to develop a stronger relationship with Christ. Many students have found this program really important, and I hope you do as well. If you have questions before the Lock-in, please text me, call me or e-mail me.
In his grip,
Pastor Mike
P.S. Once the school year starts, I’ll be talking with the Confirmation Class about how to schedule Junior BASIC and with the Senior High students about how to get together on a regular basis. If you have suggestions, contact me. Watch for announcements.
Exciting Rally Day planned
Rally Day traditionally has meant the “Welcome Back” from summer and the start of Sunday School. We “Rally” together to celebrate the upcoming year. At Holy Shepherd, we have a lot to celebrate. So this year’s Rally Day will be BIG.
The 10 a.m. Service on Sunday, September 12, will be held under a tent out in front of the church. What a great way to break down walls and welcome our neighbors! This will be a family worship service full of lots of good music. In fact, the children that participated in Vacation Bible School will be invited to come forward and lead the congregation in some songs. Children will also release helium-filled balloons with invitations to join the congregation in worship in the following weeks. A special blessing will also be said for all volunteers and children in the Sunday School program, which begins the following Sunday. This service will be a great time to invite friends or family members that have been looking for a church home.
Following the 10 a.m. service will be a good old-fashioned church picnic complete with barbequed hamburgers and hot dogs. Sign up ahead of time indicating whether you will bring a side dish or dessert to share. There will also be a mini-bags tournament and a bounce house for the kids. Be sure to come, and bring someone with you!
Children's Sunday School rotates
Children’s Sunday School begins on September 19 at 9:15 a.m. This year, the Sunday School will follow a rotational model that allows students to focus on one Bible story through the lens of four different learning methods—lessons, movies, crafts, and games. Each week students will rotate into a new learning center allowing all learners to experience the story in a way that is best for them. Other congregations that have used the rotational model have found that children learn Bible stories better than they do in traditional classrooms.
Adult support is needed in the following areas: Mentors will stay with the children as they rotate through the different learning centers to provide stability through a familiar face. Lesson presenters build the curriculum behind the scenes and then put the lessons in front of the children in the appropriate learning center. Crafts and games leaders create learning experiences that illustrate the lessons taught in the Bible verse that week. Movies volunteers turn the Fellowship Hall into a Bible Theater complete with popcorn.
Any adult member of the congregation (regardless of whether or not they have children in the program) is welcome to help out in these ways. Contact Jim Winiecki with offers of support.
A word from Bob
Members of Holy Shepherd,
I would like to introduce myself to you. My name is Bob Benne, and I am the new Director of Worship and the Arts for your church. It is an honor for me to have this position. I come to bring my excitement and my enthusiasm for music. I am married to another musician and have three grown daughters, three wonderful sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren.
I will be playing at all the worship services and directing the choirs that are already here. I also hope to start some new ones. All this can only happen with your help. Please consider joining one of our choirs or helping out with some solo or ensemble work for the worship services.
If you would like to participate in our music program, don’t hesitate to see me after any service or call the church office to speak to me. Don’t be shy. Come up and introduce yourself, and let’s start a gangbuster music program here at Holy Shepherd!
In God’s name,
Bob Benne
Bowling League "ready to roll"
Holy Shepherd’s Bowling League opens its fourth season on September 19 at Stardust Lanes in Dyer. The fun begins at 6 p.m. The cost to participate in the 17-week season is $11 per bowling session. Ten dollars goes for the lane fee, and one dollar goes towards a Christmas celebration and a year-end banquet. There will be a very short meeting on Thursday, September 9, at 7 p.m. to review the league rules and to sign league registration forms. Please contact Jim Winiecki if you cannot make the meeting.
Our league is unique in that we bowl every other Sunday (twice a month). The Holy Shepherd Bowling League is a fun league without any trophies or monetary awards at the end of the year. The “prize” money will go to a charity that the winning team or bowler will designate.
Holy Shepherd’s league is also going ecumenical this year. It will be bowling with people from Holy Name Roman Catholic Church in Cedar Lake, thus expanding participation and enhancing the fun. There are still spaces to join the league. Sign up on the Opportunity Center table in the church lobby.
Adult bags tourney set
The third annual Holy Shepherd Bags Tournament will be held on Sunday, September 19, at the home of Tony and Kristie Palomo. The event will start with a potluck/cookout at 12:30 p.m. Bring your own beverage of choice and a dish to share. The bags game will be a round robin/double elimination tournament with teams chosen from a hat. Sign up in the Opportunity Center. Direct questions to Jim Winiecki.
Bike Tune-up Day offered
Holy Shepherd will host a “Bike Tune-up Day” on Saturday, September 11, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Chuck Hast and Erik Neidy are trained bicycle repairmen and will air up tires; lubricate chains; and adjust brakes, gears, bearings, seats, and handlebars. They will not do major repairs or provide replacement parts, but they can give information on local vendors and options. Now that temperatures are more conducive to bike riding, come get your bike ready for some fall excursions!
Pet supplies collected
Our mission donations for the month of September will go to the Calumet Area Humane Society to support God’s little creatures until they can find a good home. These items are especially needed: 13 and 55-gallon trash bags, Lysol/disinfectant wipes, Windex and refills, brooms and dustpans, bleach, laundry detergent, large towels, blankets, paper towels, powder-free latex gloves, hand sanitizer, string-type mop replacement heads, 6-foot nylon or leather leashes or collars, double dish plastic dog bowls, cat and dog shampoo, dog and cat toys, rabbit and guinea pig food, gift cards for animal transport vehicles, and gift cards to Petsmart or Meijer. Please place donations in the bin located in front of the Mission Center in the church lobby. Sunday School children will be collecting Humane Society items for their September mission project, too.
Adult small groups give places to grow
Holy Shepherd offers many opportunities for adults to grow in faith. Here are some options, and all groups are eager to have newcomers:
Adult Sunday School is held each Sunday from 9:15 to 10:25 a.m. This year the class will be facilitated by Dave Gerlach, Jackie Harris, Nick Prabhu and (occasionally) Pastor Vance. They will be using a video-based course on C.S. Lewis’ book The Screwtape Letters. Adult Sunday School is a great place for parents to be while their children are also in Sunday School. Then the whole family can worship together either before or after class.
The Lectionary Group meets each Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. to talk about the Scripture lessons that will be read in worship that week. Pastor Mike is the leader.
Evening Bible Study is held each Wednesday beginning September 15 from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. This fall, Pastor Vance will be leading a discussion of the book of Genesis.
Daytime Bible Study is held every Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This fall, Pastor Vance will be leading a three-week discussion of how the Bible came to be and then will help the group read through the Gospel according to John.
Prayer Ventures is a group of adults who are interested in developing their prayer lives. The group will meet twice a month. On the third Tuesday, Pastor Vance will lead a meditation or prayer exercise. At another time during the month (yet to be determined), the group will meet on its own to practice those exercises.
The SWIFT Group (Shepherd Women in Faith Together) meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Fellowship and different activities such as service projects, book and Bible discussions, and scrapbooking the Holy Shepherd history are planned. Check the Wednesday emails for details or contact Sue Neilson or Nancy Winiecki.
The Women’s Luncheon meets the second Wednesday of each month for lunch and fellowship at an area restaurant. Check the calendar in the monthly newsletter and the Wednesday emails for details or contact Janice Race.
Shepherd’s Tea Ring usually meets at the church at 1 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month. Bible study, fellowship, desserts, and tea are shared. Contact Vicki Allen for more information.
The Couples Group is for married couples. Although it usually alternates meeting at one another's homes, sometimes it organizes other outings such as attending plays/movies together, meeting for dinner at restaurants, and attending Vespers ceremony at Valpo University. The primary purpose of this group is to support one another and members of our congregation, as well as sharing in fellowship. Contact Angie Braner with any questions.
First Communion plans set
Fifth Graders (and older youth who are not as yet communing) will receive their First Communion at the 10:40 a.m. worship service on Sunday, October 10. In preparation for this important event, students and their parents will participate in a four-session workshop. The first three sessions will be on Sundays, September 19, 26, and October 3, from 9:15 to 10:25 a.m. The last session will be on Saturday, October 9, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. See Pastor Vance or Jim Winiecki for details.
Music programs begin
Holy Shepherd’s many music programs begin the week of September 19.
On Mondays, the Children’s Choir for those in Fifth Grade and below rehearses from 5:30 to 6 p.m., Youth Choir for those in Sixth through Eighth Grade rehearses from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and the Praise Team vocalists and instrumentalists who lead the contemporary services rehearses from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Note that Praise Team members also rehearse on Saturdays from 4 to 5 p.m.)
On Wednesdays, the Youth Chime Choir for those in Eighth Grade and below rehearses from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m., the Adult Bell Choir rehearses from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m., and the Adult Choir rehearses from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Additional musicians are wanted and needed in each of these groups, so please come out if you are interested! Questions or concerns should be directed to Bob Benne.
Book Review
Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free
by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
We are like Eve. We have all experienced defeats and failures, trouble and turmoil. We have all experienced a selfish heart, a shrewish spirit, anger, envy, and bitterness. And we ache to do things over, to have lives of harmony and peace. The author examines areas of deception most commonly believed by the Christian woman: Lies about themselves, sin, marriage, emotions, and circumstances. She sheds light on how we can be delivered from bondage and set free to walk in God's grace, forgiveness, and abundant life.This book offers the most effective weapon to counter and overcome Satan's deceptions—God's truth.
In each chapter, after she examines the lies and counters them with the truth, the author takes the reader through a five-step process. AGREE with God, ACCEPT responsibility, AFFIRM the truth, ACT on the truth, and ASK God to help you walk in the truth. An example of one: The Lie-I don't have time to do everything I'm supposed to do. The Truth-There is time in every day to do everything that God wants me to do. AGREE- What lies have you believed about your priorities? ACCEPT-How has believing those lies manifested itself in the way you live? AFFIRM-Read aloud the truths by Scripture references. ACT-What specific steps of action do you need to take to align your life with the Truth. ASK-Prayer
When you pick up this book, keep in mind that the author is unmarried with no children. Be sure, too, to read the Introduction, as she explains how she designed the book to be read and used.