June newsletter

THE MIGHTY MESSENGER June 2014 Volume 54, No. 6

It feels like spring has just arrived, but school will be out for the summer in just a few days. That

means we are close to Vacation Bible School! The best part of summer each year is watching

almost 400 children worship Christ with all their hearts at VBS. Yes, you read that right, almost

400 kids. We are blessed at St Michael to be given the opportunity to share the good news of

Jesus Christ to this many children and their families.

The children will be enrolled at the International Spy Academy, where they will be trained as

Agents of the One True God. They will learn to recognize counterfeits and recognize the one true

God by Finding Fingerprints, Cracking Codes, Collecting Clues and being Hot on the Trail of an

ever present God who first loved us. The Bible will give us all the clues we need to find out what

Jesus Christ has already done for us, and how we can spread that good news to others.

We start each day at 9 am with singing and worship in the sanctuary. The kids then travel

throughout the building and outside to learn more about that day’s topic through Bible lessons,

games, crafts and even a snack. The peak of each day is the group closing, where our great team

of actors leads the kids through a five day adventure with great characters, plot twists and the

message of Jesus Christ.

Vacation Bible School this year starts on June 16. But we need you to register your children,

grandchildren, neighbors or whomever you want as soon as possible! We also need you to register

yourself to be a helper. It takes 180 volunteers each year to make VBS a great place for kids to

grow and learn about Jesus. You can register your kids and yourself at the church website,

www.mightymessengers.org.

Each year at VBS we dedicate our penny drive to a charity that works to spread the Gospel

message around the world. This year we are happy to help Lutheran World Relief bring the Good

News of Jesus Christ along with blankets, clothing, food, health care products and much more to

people in the United States and all around the world. While we are giving praise to God, we are

also heeding His command to spread the Word and care for those around us.

We will finish our Christ filled week on Saturday evening at the 5:00 FUSE service. All of the

children who attended VBS are invited to sing the songs we learned that week, to relive the

memories, and to praise God for his mercy and love.

Join us for a great week. If you have never been to St Michael VBS, you are missing out. The

energy level is through the roof, and kids are everywhere, and it is awesome. God is truly honored

as the He invites the little children to come to Him.

Jon Forster

PAGE 3 VO L UME 54. ISSUE 6

St. Michael Lutheran School

Goes to Washington

I recently had the amazing privilege of joining a group of 48 parents and students from St. Michael Lutheran School on a whirlwind bus trip to Washington D.C. (April 25-29). About a week before we left, the parent chaperones could no longer deny the one detail of our trip that gave us great pause--the all-night bus ride! As it drew near, we commissurated, we adjusted our attitudes, we bought our travel pillows, and we got on that bus (and mostly we didn’t sleep)! We arrived in D.C. bright and early the next morning, met our amazing tour guide, Carol, and hit the ground running! We packed in enough stuff in three days to fill a week--maybe a month. Our instructions from Carol were sometimes longer than our actual stop, which was alright given the stories of faith that she shared. For instance, we learned that built within the foundation of each of the historic buildings in Washington D.C. is a box containing a Bible. So, if anyone ever tells us that our country’s foundation is not based on the Word of God, we can say, “not true!” In addition to the regular sites one would expect to visit in Washington D.C.--the Capitol Building, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Library of Congress, and the National Archives--we also visited Ford’s Theater and walked through the house where Lincoln died. We viewed the Martin Luther King and the Thomas Jefferson Memorials against the backdrop of a night-lit sky--beautiful! We were stunned to silence as we strained to grasp the courage and honor of our fallen soldiers at the World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorials; we walked silently and incredulously through the Holocaust Museum; we hoped our bus wouldn’t take out the power lines as we drove through the quaint streets of Georgetown; we prayed for the families of the fallen at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial; and we were tickled by the antics of the panda bears at the National Zoo. What stands out most in my mind is our visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where we stared out over an endless ocean of graves. We then stood in reverential awe as we watched the Changing of the Guard, and we held our breath as we witnessed the sacred honor bestowed on four of our students as they placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It goes without saying that those students will carry that memory with them for the rest of their lives--as will I in having witnessed it. (For a treat, read their essays on the wall by the school drinking fountain!)

We learned about honor and courage and loyalty in Washington D.C. We learned almost everywhere we went about the giving of one life for another (which Carol tied in beautifully to Jesus and his sacrifice for us). We learned that freedom is anything but free. We learned about young boys who went off to war and came home men. We talked to Holocaust survivors. We shook hands with veterans; we thanked them; and a few of us even prayed with them. We watched our kids “step up” when they were tired, sunburned, and pool deprived (because we ran out of time each day). We might not have gotten much sleep on those bus rides back and forth, but who needs sleep when you are able to engage in discussions about Jesus with your tour guide, with your bus driver, and with each other! Many thanks to Jessica Lonc (7th & 8th grade teacher) for organizing our trip and to Emily Lauterbach (5th grade teacher) for being our fearless leader and keeping us on track! It was a thoroughly amazing experience!!

Wendy Johnson

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 4

I Scream, You Scream, We all scream for Ice Cream

Come see all your friends and teachers on

Monday August 18th, 5-8pm

7262 South Westnedge

A proceed of all sales will help pay for new playground equipment!

PACK 282 CUB SCOUTS RETIRING UNITED

STATES FLAGS IN THE FIRE PIT.

Back row:

Isaac Newland,

Chu Chu Ugobi,

Jasper Taylor,

Landon Glenn,

Andrew Klep-

ser, David

(leader)

Front row: Nick

Freeman, Luke

Ashmore, Jon

Taylor (leader)

PAGE 5 VO L UME 54. ISSUE 6

The Board of Early Childhood, the governing body for St. Michael Lutheran School and Christ for Kids Childcare Center, is looking for individuals to join them in the task of supporting the teachers and administration of the educational day school ministry. You need not have children in the school programs to become a board member. If interested, please contact either board co-chairs, Chris Stolsky or Rob Sullivan, or Principal Johnson.

BUY MAGAZINES AND SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL

Please order or renew your favorite magazines at GAOSCHOOLSTORE.COM or go to the link on our school website & support our school. We earn 40% profit from all orders placed year round. Simply go to GAOSCHOOLSTORE.COM & click “Shop now”, enter school ID 2659464, click next, enter student name (optional), click skip, start shopping or simply click the link on St. Michael's web site for quick access. All orders will be processed promptly with a 100% guaran-tee of customer satisfaction. Your support is appreciated & your orders will benefit our school & students.

St Michael Lutheran School PTL

Back Row: Andreas Engstrom,

Nathan Johnson, Joshua Gill,

Jackson Couch, Matthew Heiser,

Front Row: Abigail Cowan, Kelly

Kenworthy, Isabella Penn

Congratulations 8th Grade Graduates

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 6

PERSONAL EARTHQUAKES

Note: The relationship between a Stephen Minister and his or her Care receiver is strictly

confidential. Jay and Ginny Richards and Jay’s Stephen Minister, Jim Dalke, agreed to be

interviewed and to have their story published.

Stop, drop and hold.

That’s what they tell you to do when an earthquake hits. Stephen Minister Jim Dalke

describes the events that rock our lives – death, divorce, illness, unemployment – as personal

earthquakes. In the face of such earthquakes, Jesus tells us to “Come to me, all you that are

weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). By walking

alongside people during difficult times, Stephen Ministers help people endure their

earthquakes while holding on to Christ.

Last year, just before Christmas, Jay and Ginny Richards and their two year old daughter,

Gillian, faced an earthquake of enormous proportions. Early in Ginny’s pregnancy with their

second child, the Richards learned that their unborn son had multiple, serious, and probably

fatal birth defects.

Needless to say, it was a horrible Christmas,” says Jay. “The thought of terminating the

pregnancy just wasn’t a part of our universe, so our entry into grief was different than most

people. Usually, something happens, and then you experience grief. We were starting the

process of grieving for something in the future – five more months of pregnancy until the birth

and inevitable death of our son.”

Within a few weeks of receiving the news, both Jay and Ginny requested Stephen Ministers

through their church’s Congregational Care Department. For Jay, the decision to request the

care of a Stephen Minister was an intellectual one. “Men in general, have a harder time

talking about grief and loss,” explains Jay. “It seemed to be more natural for Ginny’s friends to

ask her about it, and she felt a very literal, visceral need to talk. For some reason, I knew I

needed to have someone to talk with about what I was going through too.”

Jay was matched with Stephen Minister Jim Dalke.

“I don’t know what I would have done without Jim,” said Jay. “It has been wonderful to be able

to talk with another man, who experiences things in the same way. The truth is that our grief

has to be expressed, like Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. I think many men have a need,

but feel afraid to seek help. “

Contact a Stephen Minister.

Virginia Hetrick

PAGE 7 VO L UME 54. ISSUE 6

Confirmation 2014

St. Michael Lutheran Church would like to recognize and congratulate our

Confirmation Class of 2013. May God bless you to serve Him in all ways each

and every day.

Emma Jean Mulholland

Kyle Bierlein Palmer

Brian Luke Smith

Nathan Ambrose Sullivan

Kyle David Vickery

Sydney Renee Woodcock

Caleb Matthew Calnin

Sarah Diann Dudash

Theresa Kathleen Elliott

Breleigh Jo Foerster

Stephanie Jordan Gonser

Melanie Frances Green

Nathan Kenneth Johnson

Spring Quarter

Sunday School

Attendance

Perfect Attendance: Abigail Dudash Will Rudowske

Isaac Dudash Olivia Semrau

Leah Dudash Jessi Smith

Nathan Dudash Layna Smith

Sarah Dudash Wyatt Smith

Liah Heintz

Faithful Attendance: Anna Dinsmore Katie Hogue

Sydney Freeman Brianna Hopkins

Molly Freeman Keelan Smith

Nicholas Freeman Andrew Olson

Annual

Sunday School

Attendance

Perfect Attendance: Abigail Dudash Ivan Kwigizile

Isaac Dudash Will Rudowske

Leah Dudash Olivia Semrau

Excellent Attendance: Mariah Chilcott Nathan Johnson

Anna Dinsmore Mark Rudowske

Nicholas Freeman Jessi Smith

Emily Havenhill Layna Smith

Sara Havenhill Wyatt Smith

Tim VanOrman

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

2014 LAMP Trip Update!

The 2014 LAMP team continues with preparations for the trip to Lac Brochet later this

summer. While the team consists of eight individuals who will travel to Lac Brochet,

everyone at St. Michael is part of this mission. Your participation in preparation is

especially important for the success of this year’s trip. One way to participate is to pray for

the community of Lac Brochet that they will come to know and follow Jesus. Pray for the curriculum team as they gather the

items that the travel team will use on their trip. Pray for the travel team that God will empower them to further the mission

He has in Lac Brochet.

Thank you to the curriculum team - Carolyn Hornev, Phyllis Kurlowicz & Julie Prentice. They have worked very very hard and

getting the curriculum, crafts and snacks together and preparing every thing that will be sent ahead of time to Lac Brochet. God

is using you mightily in this mission.

THANK YOU TO ST. MICHEAL SCHOOL CHILDREN! They have been raising money, preparing the crafts, stuffing gift

bags, praying for and writing a card to every child who attended VBS last year in Lac Brochet! What a great gift they are giving

to Dene children in Lac Brochet. God is using YOU to bless Lac Brochet!!!!

Also anyone who would like to write a letter to a child they have been praying for we will take them when we go to Lac Brochet.

Those letters mean so much to the children there! You can put your letter into box 215.

It is not too late to register!

The Lutheran Hour Ministries Outreach Conference will be at the GM

Renaissance Center in Detroit, Mich., July 24-27. Groups of five or more

adults can receive a discounted rate of

$79/person through June 30 when regis-

tered together.

All registration fees include labs on Thursday, main-stage sessions on Friday and

Saturday, workshops on Friday, and video and audio recordings of all sessions

throughout the conference. Meals, lodging, and evening entertainment are not

included in the registration fee. For more information about this dynamic

POSTPONED!

A Men’s Day, scheduled for June 7 @ 9am - 6pm has been

rescheduled for November 8, 2014. Stay tuned for more details.

Upcoming Events

MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

Evangelism Notes

Jesus Loves Kalamazoo

“Catalyst Week”

July 6-11, 2014

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the

workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send

out workers into His harvest field.”

~Matthew 9:37-38

The “One Worship & Family Night” will be on July

6, 2014 at Arcadia Festival Site @ 2-7pm. “Prayer &

Grill Nights” will be July 7-10 @ 5 - 8:30 pm.

St. Michael nights will be July 7 & 9. St. Michael will take a leadership role at one site on

July 9th. Details will be communicated later. Volunteers are needed to pray, serve, and

donate food and supplies. Contact Carol Eaton at

[email protected] or (269) 327-6028 for more

information.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Anyone with a heart for reaching out in

Jesus’ name!

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 10

Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Leadership Summit. The dates are August 14 and 15, and it will be at Centerpoint Church in Kalamazoo. Come join us for a 2-day event that will fire up your life for God whether you are a current leader or just want to be a Christian influence on others.

If you want to sign up to go or just ask more questions about the event, call Jan Jett at the church office. The cost is only $139 for both days or $79 for

teachers and students. Some of this year’s speakers include:

Bill Hybels: Founder and Sr. Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church

Tyler Perry: Filmmaker, Actor and Philanthropist Jeffrey Immelt: President and CEO, General Electric Patrick Lencioni: Founder and President of The Table Group and

Best Selling Author Wilfredo De Jesus, Sr. Pastor, New Life Covenant Church, TIME’s

100 Most Influential People 2013 Erica Ariel Fox: Best Selling Author, President of Mobius Executive

Leadership Don Flow: Chairman and CEO, Flow Companies, Inc. Carly Fiorina: Former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Chairman of Good

360

PAGE 11 VO L UME 54. ISSUE 6

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Convention News

Opening worship for the District Convention will be Friday July 18 at 7:00pm at the Radisson Hotel, Kalamazoo. All are invited. Even if you didn't register for the convention, bring your family and friends to hear the proclaimer, Roosevelt Grey, give an inspiring gospel message. See the 30 fantastic zone banners from around the state and view our very own Battle Creek Zone Banner. Thank you to the women from the spring rally who participated by cutting out letters of our sins and sewing them to the cross of Christ for the forgiveness of every single one. Thank you to Carolyn Burns for organizing this project. Registration is going on now, but worship is for everyone! Come at 7:00pm to the Radisson Hotel, July 18. See you there!

Renita, Battle Creek Zone President

Mission Completed . . .

After being snowed out in February the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) of St. Michael and Women's Fellowship were able to complete their Mission Project of making Eyeglass Cases for Most Ministries. These cases will go with teams in their Eyeglass Ministries and are distributed with glasses to people who would not otherwise have the chance to see clearly. We completed 88 cases from ties donated by the congregation . We also collected 57 pairs of glasses and some lenses. A big THANK YOU to all who supported this ministry by either donating or sewing, cutting etc. I hope you had a chance to see the display in the South Narthex in May. The LWML praises God for faithful givers who, by the grace of God, have made possible the funding of the following Mission Grants for the 2013-2015 biennium. Learn more about each grant at www.lwml.org. The full grant amount of $30,000 for Training K-9 Comfort Dogs for the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Chaplains has been funded. This grant will help Lutheran Church Charities in the training of three dogs. K-9 Comfort Dogs are specially trained to provide compassion and mercy to a hurting world, spreading Christ’s Gospel to those in need. The Native American Outreach Training Center-Fairbanks, Alaska has received partial grant funding of $50,000. This grant will provide support to Lutheran Indian Ministries for the development of an Alaskan Mission Training Center, which will provide training for volunteers and Natives to reach out with the Gospel message to communities throughout Alaska. You may help fund the remaining mission grants of this biennium and meet our national goal of $1.83 million. Each district also has their own mission grant goal. By God’s grace, your mite offerings, along with the contribution of other LWML supporters, will help meet these mission goals. In addition to filling your Mite Box, you may also donate through your local LWML. A portion of this donation is sent to national to support mission grants. You may also donate on line at www.lwml.org. Checks or money orders may be designated as “missions.” Sandy Maya, LWML Representative for St. Michael

What’s Happening with St. Michael

Junior & Senior Youth

State Youth Gathering

It seems like you wait forever for things, and then they suddenly happen. The State of Michigan Youth Gathering is only 3 weeks away! The Youth will join about 1,000 other high schoolers from Michigan on Mackinac Island for four days of fellowship, service, Bible studies and lots of other great opportunities. The youth will leave June 22, and we will have a sending ceremony for them in church on the weekend of June, 14-15.

Please pray for the youth attending the Lighthouse Gathering on Mackinac:

Sarah Dudash Sidney Elliott Stephanie Gonser Erin Brown

Nathan Johnson Emma Wellman Nathan Dudash Courtney Evans

Baskets with Delightful Surprises Youth Group Raffle Baskets

June 7th-8th & June 14th & 15th

Come & Support Belize 2014 Mission Trip

Mackinac Island High School Youth Gathering 2014 New Youth Group Fellowship Area

Donated items include $150 gift certificate to the magnificent Henderson Castle, 2 tickets dinner & a show @

Cornwell's Turkeyville, FREE Brazillian Blowout, spa day @ HQ Salon & Spa, Chin Chinns certificate, Family Member-

ship to Kalamazoo Institute of Art, Vera Bradley Duffel Bag, 10 FREE yoga sessions, FREE photography session with

pictures included, Family Membership to Nature Center, Home Brew experience for a Father's Day gift, Wine Loft

certificate, Bella Patina certificate, Kika Clothing certificate, 2 FREE tickets to Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra&

many more….

We Are on the Move!

After sharing a room with St Michael Lutheran School for

the past few years, the youth are moving to the north half of

Allan Hall. This will be a multi-use recreational space open

to the entire church. The youth will have first opportunity

for use of the room, and will relocate there for youth group

activities. The youth are excited to have space that is

theirs for relaxing, fellowship and learning.

One Night A Nerf Battle Broke Out!

PAGE 13 VO L UME 54. ISSUE 6

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 14

PAGE 15 VO L UME 54. ISSUE 6

LET US THANK GOD FOR

COVENANT SENIOR DAY PROGRAM

For nearly twenty years, Covenant Senior Day Program provided loving care for seniors who

could not be alone. It provided a respite for their care givers, even as it brought joy and friend-

ship into the lives of the elderly participants. Thanks to Covenant, their days were filled with

good conversation, fun and games, wholesome entertainment, and Christian witness in word

and song. They cooked together and ate together. They celebrated birthdays. They celebrated

life. But as is the case with all our lives, we come to a point where it needs to come to an

end. When Covenant first began it was a pioneering venture, but over the years other Senior

Day Programs followed suit with superior funding and facilities. This competition, along with

the severe winter weather, made it no longer financial viable to keep the doors open and so the

Covenant Board of Directors made the difficult decision to bring this ministry to a close at the

end of last April. We are so very grateful to God for all they did for Him and for “the least of

these” His people. We praise God for all those who served at Covenant both as professionals

and volunteers. Please join us in worship on Sunday morning June 29 (at either 8:30 or 10:30)

for a special prayer of thanks for Covenant, and then at 9:45 you are invited to a special donut

hour in honor of Covenant that is hosted by our Stephen Ministry.

Pastor Naumann

Upcoming Marriage Encounter Events

Summer is nearly here, and we have a number of fun and

exciting Marriage Encounter events coming up! First of all,

the annual Lutheran Marriage Encounter Campout/Picnic

will take place at Lake of Dreams Campground in Merrill,

MI, July 11-13. This is a fun family event that allows you to

connect with other Marriage Encounter families in a

relaxing setting. In fact, the theme for this year is

“Camping Connection” because it is a great opportunity to

“Connect with your Spouse, Connect with your Family, and

Connect with Marriage Encounter Couples!” If you are not

able to camp with us, please consider joining us for the

potluck picnic there on Saturday the 12th. You may contact

either us or the Zelners for more information if you are

interested in participating. Feel free to go to the Lake of Dreams website

(lakeofdreamscampground.com) and check out the campground.

Looking a bit further down the line, the annual Veteran’s Renewal is scheduled for October 10-12

at the Shack in White Cloud – definitely something to save the date for! Following that, there is a

Marriage Encounter Weekend scheduled October 24-26th in Warren. We are looking for

volunteers to help that weekend. Please let us know if you are interested. Also, registration for

the Warren Weekend has begun. If you are interested in attending, feel free to check with us for

details. Or, if you have already been Encountered, please encourage other couples to consider

attending!

Jesse and Shannon Hogue

Congratulations Class of 2014

Jacob Allan Son of Matt & Sandy Allan

Baptized in 1996

Portage Central HS

Academic Awards 4 years

at Portage Central

Ferris State University,

football scholarship

Matthew Champion Son of Steve & Sandi

Champion

Baptized in 1996

Portage Central HS

Michigan State University,

study Biosystems

Engineering

Son of Brett & Amy

Foerster

Baptized in 1995

Portage Central HS

Michigan State

University

Lea Foerster Justin Connon Son of Jane Connon &

Todd Burr & Jeff Connon

Baptized in 1995

Portage Northern HS

KVCC, Mechanical

Engineering

Daughter of Kerry &

Kim Batten

Baptized in 1996

Portage Northern HS

Michigan State

University, Zoology

Halee Batten

Son of Shane & Terri

McDonald

Baptized in 1996

Portage Northern HS

Active in Marching

Band & Wind

Ensemble

Earned Eagle Scout,

2012

Cornell College

Conor McDonald

Bengamin Noggle

Son of Curt & Deena

Noggle

Baptized in 1995

Portage Central HS

KVCC, Western Michigan

University,

Communications, Film &

Writing

Son of Perry & Calisa

Norman

Baptized in 1996

Vicksburg HS, top 10 in

class

Michigan State University,

Biochemistry

Jadan Norman

Daughter of Todd & Amy

Uekert

Baptized in 1996

Kalamazoo Central HS

Michigan State University,

Political Theory &

Constitutional Democracy

Della Uekert

Sarah Gonser Daughter of John &

Stephanie Gonser

Baptized in 2005

Portage Central HS

Columbia College-Chicago

Congratulations Class of 2014

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 18

Edna, I just wanted to say thank you for the support. It was very thoughtful and caring. Thanks again. God Bless, Angel

Edna, Thank you for your thoughtful care package. We greatly appreciate the time you took to think of us. Thank you for your support while we’re so far from home and from our families. Cheers, Ashley Nolan

Edna, Thank you so much for the care package! I don’t know but I’m assuming you talked to my parents about what I like, because the magazine, granola bars, sunflower seeds, and water flavoring were all awesome! My folks have kept me pretty well posted on the Michigan winter, so I’m sure not envious of that. We’ve actually had a very mild winter here. Thanks again. God Bless! Edward Boone

EDNA’S CORNER

Hi Edna, There is an urgent need for Lutheran Service Books and Luther’s Small Catechism to be sent to Chaplain, Major James D. Buckman stationed in Quatar. An unprecedented opportunity has opened to establish our LSB on AFCENT bases covering the areas of countries in the Horn of Africa, the Persian Gulf and up to the Stans in Central Asia. These hym-nals will be used for many years by many denominations by all branches of the Armed Forces. This is an amazing opportunity to spread the Gospel. I will also forward his newsletter to you. Thank you Edna, for your care and concern for our chaplains. Blessings! The Lord Jesus be with you, Carolyn

PAGE 9 VO L UME 54, ISSUE 6 PAGE 19

GOD made a day like today for us to REJOICE, REFLECT, and REMEMBER how truly blessed we are.

Hope your easter is ricH in reminders of God”s LoVe for you.

Edna, Thanks so much for the care package. It made my day. Yours in Christ, Tim Naumann

Dear Quilters of St. Michael,

God bless you one and all. Your ministry has blessed us once again with the gift of 20 beautiful

quilts. They come filled with the warmth of your prayers and good wishes for the children that will

receive them. We can provide our formerly homeless kids with beds to sleep in, and you provide a

blanket that will keep them warm as it brings beauty to their bedrooms. What a wonderful

ministry you provide.

Again your timing could not have been better. Our supply of blankets was depleted, yet new

clients continue to come through our doors. You have come to the rescue, and for this we are

most thankful.

Please accept our sincere thanks for your wonderful ministry. You provide warmth for heart and

soul. Your support of Partners in Housing Transition Furniture Fund helps fill homes with hope.

Gratefully Yours,

Robert S. Small, Executive Director

Partners in Housing Transition

SPRING CLEAN UP CREW Paul, Bill, Joe, John, Paul &

Howard

PAGE 20 THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER

Burnie Trimner

Ethel Kocman

Bud Leonard

Lorene Fiebig

TV MINISTRY YOU CAN TRUST! Charter Cable Channel 96

Sunday at 4pm and Wednesday at 5pm 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

Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. 5 Martin Luther Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996

“Worship for Shut-Ins” June 1, 2014 – Luke 24:44-53 “Saying Good-Bye” by Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church~New Haven, IN

Saying good-bye to someone we love is never easy. No matter the circumstances that separate us “parting is such sweet sorrow.” Jesus loved His disciples and all of humankind. He had made the ultimate sacrifice for us, winning our salvation. Now it was time for Him to depart and send the Holy Spirit to continue God’s work on earth. Entrusting His Bride, the Church, to the Holy Spirit, Jesus ascended into heaven to prepare a place for us. One day He will come again in power and in glory to take us to be with Him forever in heaven. June 8, 2014 – Acts 2:11 “E Pluribus Unum” by Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Holy Cross Lutheran Church~Fort Wayne, IN

People from many lands and many languages and with many longings are present at the first Pentecost and today's Pentecost. The Holy Spirit, then and now, points to Jesus Christ who makes one out of the many -- one birth though many lands, one faith though many languages, and one hope though many longings. The shattering of cosmic unity brought about by the sin of our first parents devolves into the inability of people even to understand and work with each other at Babel. The restoration of cosmic unity happens through Jesus' death and resurrection, powerfully and understandably conveyed through the miracle of Pentecost. June 15, 2014 – Matthew 28:19 “One Name, Three Persons” by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur, IN

We have been baptized in the Name of God. When God's Name is thus applied, it means that He is bestowing blessings upon the baptized. We receive the blessings of the Father, the blessings of the Son and the blessings of the Holy Spirit. Such blessings are centered in the one Person of God who became man's substitute, dying and rising for us; this is the Son of God, who is the man named Jesus. June 22, 2014 – Matthew 10:22 “Stand Firm! Gain Life!” by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church~Stroh, IN

Will Jesus ever return? Until He does, he calls us to trust Him and remain faithful in our lives.

June 29, 2014 – Matthew 10:34-42

“Poor Decisions” by Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church~New Haven, IN

From the wisdom that comes with age seniors may observe that poor decisions are being made by those younger than they. This is especially true when it comes to spiritual matters. Sometimes the blessings and benefits that come from a strong spiritual life that connects us to our Lord Jesus Christ are not appreciated. Even members of our own family may reject the Gospel message to embrace a lifestyle that is distinctly unchristian. This does not bring us peace and when we reach out to share we are often rejected, another poor decision. This can create division in the family. But God brings us comfort in these times and assures us that we will receive the reward won for us by Christ.

VO L UME 54. ISSUE 6 PAGE 21

WE LOVINGLY SERVE!

THANK YOU to our BOARD OF PARISH EDUCATION! This Board plans and implements programs such as the Adult Bible Study opportunities, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation, and First Communion instruction. If you would like to share your love for Christian education by serving on the board, contact Jon Forster [email protected]. 327-7832.

St. Michael Needs:

Recording Secretary for Parish Planning Council Meetings

Adult Education Facilitators

Altar Guild Members

Board of Education members

Ushers at all services Contact Jan Jett at the church office at

327-7832.

Electronic Giving

This summer, or any other time, if you

can’t make it to church due to travel or

other commitments, we encourage you

to automate your regular donations. St.

Michael relies on the consistent

financial support of the congregation,

and electronic giving offers an easy way

to give on a recurring basis. You can set

it up for monthly, semi-monthly, bi-

weekly, or weekly. You can also get

“Electronic Giver” stickers to put on

your envelopes so that the Tellers know

how you are giving. Simply pick up an

authorization form in the south narthex

and return it to mailbox 200 or the

church office.

Board of Stewardship

CONGRATULATIONS Shane and Tina Spencer

Fallyn Elizabeth spencer Born march 31, 2014 Weight: 7 lbs., 6.8 oz.

LenGtH: 20”

VO L UME 54, ISSUE 6

11/1/13-4/30/14

Church Revenue $386,083

School Revenue $311,504

Total Revenue $ 697,587

Total Expenses $ 684,121

Net Surplus (deficit) $ 13,466

Budget $ 683,169

Under/(Over) Budget $ (652)

Working Cash Balance $ 49,071

Mortgage Balance $ 266,808

Avg. 2014 Attendance. . . . . . . . . . 361

Designated Fund Balances

Trust Fund $133,120

Building Contingency $ 63,710

AV Fund $ 12,848

Sunday School $ 1,512

Senior Youth $ 33,138

Junior Youth $ 2,494

Good Samaritan $ 17

Memorials $ 1,890

L.A.M.P. Mission Trip $ 9,414

Quilting $ 157

Church Worker Scholarship $ 205

School Improvements $ 33,257

Tuition Assistance $ 15,447

School Music $ 5

Faith Budget Fund $ 72,500

PAGE 22

April

Financials 6 months

Campbell's® soups

Campbell’s® Select Harvest® soups

Campbell’s® Microwavable soups

Campbell's® tomato juice

SpaghettiOs® Pasta (Original & Meatball)

Campbell's® beans, gravies, & canned pasta

Prego® Italian sauces

Swanson® stocks, broths & canned poultry

V8® vegetable juices

V8 Splash® beverages

V8 Fusion® beverages

V8® soups

Campbell's® tomato juice

Pepperidge Farm® breads, cookies, & frozen products

Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® crackers

Campbell® Foodservice products

St. Michael School has collected many labels and box tops this year thanks to you. Thank you for your continued support. If you haven’t helped yet or you have more labels and box tops to give, drop

them off in the South Narthex, the childcare center, or at the school office.

We have collected 14,100 labels. With your help we are able to purchase items for our school.

Just a reminder, if you are turning in labels for education, I need the bar code to be whole or complete so that I can read it, and please cut the label as small as you can near the bar code. This makes packaging them so much easier. Also if you are turning in box tops, I must have ones that are NOT expired, the expiration date has to be visible, and any coupon box top certificates MUST be ORIGINALS not copies or expired. Thanks again to everyone who is earning us money and points! Carol Eaton

PAGE 23 THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER

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 am -12 noon E-mail Address: [email protected] Director of Christian Education * . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon Forster Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs 9 am - 12 noon E-mail: [email protected] Assistant Pastor *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Jason Toman Office Hours: Wed. Noon – 4:30 pm Church Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kendra Muller, Marianne Wiersma Director of Ministry Operations * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Jett Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-3:00 pm School Principal/Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Johnson Saint Michael Lutheran School - Kindergarten Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brenda Heintz Saint Michael Lutheran School - First Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara Schubert Saint Michael Lutheran School - Second Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annie Hecht Saint Michael Lutheran School - Third Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Prentice Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fourth Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Lam Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fifth Grade Teacher *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Lauterbach Saint Michael Lutheran School - Sixth Grade Teacher *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Roxanne Topham Saint Michael Lutheran School - Seventh/Eighth Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Lonc Saint Michael Lutheran School - Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Robinson Christ for Kids Childcare Director * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Ritchie Technology Coordinator * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Williams Sextons* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Chapman, Bud Hetrick Stephen Ministry Leaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Frank, Pastor & Dana Naumann, Arlan Wendzel and Virginia Hetrick Stephen Ministers . . . . . . . Zoe Miller, Beth Burnett, Lynne Wendzel, Nonie Knight, Heather Bigelow, Bud Hetrick, Christine Boone, Carolyn Freeman, Kelley McNees, Mara Kudelski, Jean Minger, Linda Handy, Kelly Sauck President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Conklin Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Heintz Board of Lay Ministry Director . (See table below for list of individual lay ministers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Kuhlman Sound & Lighting Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Prayer Ministry Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wendy Johnson Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sandi Champion Financial Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad Hunter Newsletter/Bulletin Publications * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marianne Wiersma Board of Parish Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shannon Hogue Vacation Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorraine Dudash Board of Early Childhood & School Ministries Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Sullivan / Chris Stolsky Board of Evangelism and Missions Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Edick Cradle Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy Makowski Board of Parish Fellowship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant Women’s Fellowship Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June Kucks Board of Church Properties Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Howard McNees Board of CELL Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lindsey Luma Covenant Senior Day Program Board Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Kurlowicz Covenant Senior Day Program Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lauren Fitzmaurice Board of Stewardship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Chilcott Volunteer Ministry Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Board of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Krieger Senior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Kuss, Ellen Hystead, Jon Forster Junior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Becca James, Angela Calnin, Jerry Kuss, Jon Forster

Shepherd Group Assignments

Lay Minister Family Names Family Names Lay Minister Family Names Family Names

Start with Start with & include Start with Start with & include

John Buchtrup A Boelman Ernie VanOrman Larsen Meewes

(Open) Boelman Champion Eric VanOrman Meewes Newkirk

Jason Koerth Champion Dudash Jeff Burnett Newkirk Price

Brian Metcalf Dudash Freeman Ryan Bigelow Price Shook

Rob Wegner Freeman Haas Greg Wedel Shook Stotts

John Engelmann Haas June Matt Freeman Stotts Vickery

Rob Kuhlman June Larsen (Open) Vickery ZZZ

7211 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024-4151

St Michael Lutheran Church

Church Phone: 269-327-7832 School Phone: 269-327-0512 Fax: 269-327-3148 website: www.mightymessengers.org E-mail: [email protected]

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

KALAMAZOO, MI

PERMIT NO. 5

DATED MATERIAL

Our Mission at St. Michael Lutheran Church is to make 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.”

JUNE 2014

JUNE 8 — TOWN HALL MEETING, 9:45AM (DURING THE DONUT HOUR) JUNE 8 — DAY OF PENTECOST JUNE 15 — TRINITY SUNDAY — FATHER’S DAY JUNE 16-20 — VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, 9AM—NOON