february 2021 volume 61, number 2 - mighty messengers

16
February 2021 Volume 61, Number 2

Upload: others

Post on 18-Dec-2021

1 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

February 2021 Volume 61, Number 2

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 2

Half Empty or Half Full?

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a lot of talk about the new normal that we have

come to accept and can anticipate for the indefinite future. The natural thing for us to do when we are

experiencing a loss or serious change from what we are used to is to deny it or dismiss it. We don’t

want to think about it so we ignore it and say “this too shall pass,” or else we refuse to believe that

things are really that different, or that they will really need to be different going forward. While such

wishful thinking might make us feel better, it might also be the equivalent of closing our eyes in hopes

that somehow by so doing we make ourselves invisible to everyone else.

No, now is not a time to bury out head in the sand but rather to use our heads to think about how we

might continue to carry on an effective ministry in the midst of a new normal. Now more than ever, we

need to remember and be clear on the mission of our church. Our mission is to make mighty

messengers for Christ, people who believe in Him as their personal Savior from sin, and who represent

Him well in the world through their Christ-like words, attitudes and actions. This is more a qualitative

goal than a quantitative one. Certainly we would like to make as many might messengers for Christ as

possible (the more the merrier!), but gone is the day when we might evaluate our effectiveness based

merely on attendance numbers.

There has been a steady decline in worship attendance in churches all over the world for decades, and

the pandemic has merely accelerated what has already been happening. When I came to St. Michael in

1997, our average worship attendance was more or less about the same as what it was at the end of

2019. But with so many churches declining all around us, just maintaining the statue quo seemed like

quite an accomplishment. However, since returning to the pews after the stay-at-home orders back in

June of 2020, our average worship attendance has pretty well been cut in half. At the beginning of the

21st century, we would often have 400 or more in the sanctuary on a weekend, whereas now it’s about

200. Of course, we have also added the online option for people to worship via our livestream on

Facebook or YouTube, or even our TV broadcast on the Public Media Network (albeit with a one week

delay), but counting the number of worshipers with any certainty seems rather impossible. Maybe

VO L UME 61. ISSUE 2 PAGE 3

someday we’ll figure a way to do it, but for now the latest word from the LCMS statistical department is

simply to continuing counting only those who are physically in the room.

Personally, I tend to be a “glass half full” kind of guy, and so I’m wondering with hope and faith that

somehow even though our worship attendance numbers are down that our ministry effectiveness is

not. If again our mission is more qualitative than quantitative, could it be that we are continuing to

make mighty messengers for Christ of those who may not physically be in the room? Might we be

significantly effecting people’s lives for the better with what we supply for them online, not only with

our worship services, but also with our social media, monthly newsletter, and weekly Mailchimp

communications? Is there high quality one-on-one ministry happening over the telephone and email?

Are Bible classes and confirmation classes over Zoom still faithfully bringing God’s Word to bear on

people’s worlds? Like it or not, electronic ministry through our online presence is here to stay, and it

seems to be working rather well. People are not only getting used to worshiping in their pajamas, but

really preferring it.

I’m not saying that I want things to be the way they are, or that I don’t still long for the good old days.

But the fact is people are not compelled by complaining. We’re not going to reach lost people with a

grumpy woe-is-me attitude. We can’t be a positive force for positive change in people’s lives and in our

society and culture, if we’re all so negative. Now is not a time to feel sorry for ourselves, to circle the

wagons, and to be judgmental toward

others as if we are the few, the proud, the

persecuted church. No, now is a time to

show the world the truth that Jesus is still

in charge. He is still the Savior of the world,

and that no matter how much the world

changes, He is the same, yesterday, today,

and forever. As He promised, when we

declare Him to be the Christ, and when His

Church is built on that rock solid

foundation, then the gates of hell will not

prevail against it. God’s people have

always done the mission that He has given

us to do throughout history, even and

especially during times of crisis, war,

plague, famine, pestilence, you name it. So

let us lift up our heads for our redemption

is drawing near, and God is still

accomplishing His purposes in us and

through us for the glory of His holy name.

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 4

PAGE 5 VO L UME 61. ISSUE 2

EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT! ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL IS NOW ENROLLING FOR THE

2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR.

February 2021 Final Edition

St. Michael Now Enrolling Portage, MI

St. Michael Lutheran School, an outreach

ministry of St. Michael Lutheran Church, is

now enrolling students for the 2021-2022

school year. St. Michael Lutheran School

and Preschool, the only Christian school in

Portage, offers Christ-centered, quality

academic programs for students in 3 -year-

old preschool through 8th grade. In addition,

St. Michael offers instruction in such classes

as computer, art, gym, music, band, and

Spanish, along with after school enrichment

classes and no-cut sports. Programs are

open to all. Tuition Assistance is available

for those who qualify. The school is

accredited by three different accrediting

organizations and has a proven record of

success with academic excellence and Christ

centered learning. St. Michael is the most

affordable option with the greatest diversity

of programming among area private schools.

If you would like more information, call 327

-0512, or visit www.stmikeschool.org.

Principal Johnson would love to share

information with you and give you a tour.

Why not consider sending our child to your

church’s school and make an investment for

time and eternity!

Kindergarten Open House Portage, MI

On Thursday, February 11, St. Michael

Lutheran School will be hosting a Virtual

Kindergarten Open House from 6:30 - 7:30

pm via ZOOM. This Open House will give

parents who are interested in learning more

about our kindergarten program and our

teacher, Brenda Heintz, the opportunity to

gain information, ask questions, and see the

value and benefits of our program. If you do

not have children entering kindergarten in

the fall, perhaps you know of someone who

is looking for a program that you can share

this information with. All are welcome!

Christ for Kids Childcare Portage, MI

Christ for Kids offers Christ-centered

childcare for children as young as six weeks.

Programs offer low ratios and are designed

to promote spiritual, social, emotional and

cognitive growth in every child. Christ for

Kids offers year around, full-time childcare,

Monday through Friday from 6:30 am – 6:00

pm. Call 327-0512 or 327-4889 to learn more

about our programs.

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 6

LCMS Life Ministry will hold its first-ever virtual life conference March 19–20.

Life Ministry Announces Virtual Life Conference LCMS Life Ministry will host its first-ever virtual life conference March 19–20, under the theme

“Making Disciples: Valuing Life.” Registration is open now.

“This conference is for everyone,” explains Life Ministry Director Deaconess Tiffany Manor. “The

pandemic constraints have given us an opportunity to share presentations by many experts with

students of all ages, missionaries, church workers and congregation members who couldn’t make it to

previous in-person events.”

And that includes you!

Conference sessions will help you explore a distinctly Lutheran understanding of the sanctity of human

life, specifically as it pertains to:

Speaking for life in the public square;

Caring for life in your community; and

Teaching about human life.

Hear from theologians and human care advocates, including LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C.

Harrison, Focus on the Family Vice President of External and Government Relations Timothy Goeglein,

and Deaconess Manor.

Explore a variety of life topics for participants of all ages, with your family, congregation or on your own.

A Spanish track — with sessions offered in the language — will be available as well.

“More than ever we need to be focused on the truth of our triune God’s value of all human life no

matter a person’s stage of development or abilities,” Manor notes.

Join in:

Access the conference by livestreaming, watching on-demand videos and engaging with speakers

through question-and-answer opportunities.

Register individually, or as groups of 10 for a group registration discount. (Consider gathering a

group at a local congregation to stream the conference together.)

To register for the conference or learn more information, visit lcms-life.org.

PAGE 7 VO L UME 61. ISSUE 2

Lutheran Marriage Encounter - Winter 2021 LEARN HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR SPOUSE IN A WHOLE NEW WAY! Register for an

upcoming VIRTUAL Marriage Encounter experience!

February 12-14, 2021

March 12-14, 2021

You Can Participate Privately from Your Home or Anywhere That Affords You Privacy as a Couple.

Apply Now / Learn More at GodLovesMarriage.org! Questions? Contact us

at [email protected] Pre-registration is required to send your encounter materials to you via

snail mail – don't miss out!

There is a new painting

being displayed near

our church office

I’d like to tell you a little bit

about the artist.

Her name is Dorothy and on

July 1, 2020, she turned 99

years old. I first met Dorothy

when Bob and I were delivering

Meals on Wheels. When we

stopped at her house she was

out in the front yard pulling

weeds. This was late fall 2019.

I had no idea she was close to

99. She had such a twinkle in

her eyes and smile and such a

joyful attitude. She expressed a

very strong faith in the Lord and

told me what a wonderful life

He had given her.

Dorothy has been painting all

her life and her husband, now deceased, shared her love and framed many of her pictures. He also built

their house on Oakland Drive. At that time, there was only 2 houses by theirs and one across the street.

Everything around them was fields and farmlands. They have two daughters, who share their love of art

and creating beauty.

On January 13, 2021, when we delivered her Meals on Wheels, she asked that this beautiful painting of

Christ’s birth be donated to the church. I feel honored to be a part of this gift. When you have a chance,

please take a moment to enjoy this expression of love and thankfulness to Jesus by this delightful 99

year old.

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 8

Evangelism Notes

M A K IN G M IG H T Y M ES S EN G ERS F O R C H RIS T

Colonial Acres Outreach Update

Prayer walks continue on Wednesday’s at 2:00 pm with the YFC worker, Tyler

Gjeltema, departing from Pam DeGoffau’s house (on Hamlin Drive).

The Christmas outreach blessed 18 families with donations from the five coalition

churches.

The “to go” Christmas dinner successfully distributed to everyone in the park and

beyond. During the distribution the three pastors from St. Michael and their families

sang Christmas carols.

The renovation of an old double-wide into the Youth for Christ Ministry Center is

progressing nicely toward an early spring grand opening (see pictures).

An Easter Egg hunt will likely be organized for April 3.

Discussion and prayer continues about a food bank, a dinner church, and expanding

the outreach to include Pavilion Estates (about a mile east of Colonial Acres).

PAGE 9 VO L UME 61. ISSUE 2

M A K IN G M IG H T Y M ES S EN G ERS F O R C H RIS T

Prayer for Life on January 24 that included our SMLS Kids Singing Best guess is that about 300 people showed up to demonstrate and pray for God’s value on every life!

Lots of Outdoor Fun & Fellowship at the PTL Sponsored SNOWFEST

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 10

Priceless Value Many years ago, a man down on his luck, entered a

small music store in London, looking for a way to scrape

together enough money for a small meal to satisfy the

hunger pains gnawing at his stomach.

He handed the shop owner an old violin that looked in

terrible shape. Will you please buy this violin from me?

After a quick inspection of the instrument, the man was

offered 5 pounds, which was eagerly accepted. The

man quickly stepped into the foggy British night.

As the shopkeeper more closely examined the instrument, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Carved into

the wood of the violin it read: Antonio Stradivarius 1704. Feeling guilty for the small price he paid,

he hurried into the street looking for the man to give him a fair price for the treasure. But the man

had disappeared into the night.

What treasures have you discovered cleaning out a long-forgotten closet or as you broke up

housekeeping at your grandparent’s home? Was there a well worn antique that you were ready to

discard, when you discovered its patina made it even more desirable?

Maybe you have reconnected with a long-lost friend, amazed you were able to pick up the

conversation without missing a beat. What a blessing having friends as comfortable as an old

flannel shirt. It just feels right every time you put it on.

Each of us has a treasure that from time to time may get set aside, until we are shaken back to

reality. All of us have felt the ongoing challenges brought on by the Coronavirus. Our routines have

been altered. Masks are a required part of our wardrobe. Restrictions on where we go and who we

can meet face to face effects all of us. In person church attendance has dwindled, but God’s Word

will not be halted. God is still in control. Via live stream, video recordings and word of mouth, the

grace of God is reaching people all over the world. In the face of these challenges, what has been

the Covid blessing in your life?

Add up all the good things that have occurred to you in 2020. Keep a positive outlook knowing that

God has given you the best gift of all, the security of eternal life in Heaven. As you connect with

family and friends in the new year, be courageous enough to share your treasure, Jesus, to bring

hope and joy to the lives of everyone you meet. Have a blessed 2021.

Join us to study the Word of God! Preschool-2nd Grade in the Gym with Mary Wright

3rd-7th Grades in classroom #119 on north side of gym with Tammy Songer & Aaron Allen

8th Grade-High School in Youth Room #207 with Ryan & Heather Bigelow

We will be wearing masks and taking all precautionary measures, so that our kids can learn and

grow in the knowledge of Jesus in a safe manner.

PAGE 11 VO L UME 61. ISSUE 2

11/1/2020-12/31/2020

Church Revenue $ 145,279

School Revenue $ 169,168

Total Revenue $ 314,447

Total Expenses $ 280,466

Net Surplus (deficit) $ 33,981

Expense Budget $ 300,603

Under/(Over) Budget $ 13,844

Working Cash Balance $ 197,627

Mortgage Balance $ 803,273

DECEMBER FINANCIALS 2month

Shepherd Group Assignments Lay Minister Family Names Family Names Lay Minister Family Names Family Names

Start with & include Start with & include

Geoff Bohren A Boelman Ernie VanOrman Lausman McNees

231-679-4927 269-679-5378

Brian Hall Bohren Chadderdon Eric VanOrman Messing Nelson

269-625-5827 269-679-5491

Dan Bryer Chilcott D Jeff Burnett Newland P

269-323-7416 269-806-2683

Mel Schroeder E Freeman Andy Allan Q Shook

734-646-9651 269-501-3763

Mark Gady Frommann G Greg Wedel Sible Stolsky

616-250-3730 312-961-4636

John Engelmann H June Matt Heintz Sundman T

269-544-1542 269-372-7053

Cory Luma Jung Lapekas Arlan Wendzel U Z

269-365-8282 269-279-9196

Members, ministry leaders and Board Directors

are encouraged to identify mission and ministry

programs within the Church or School that you

believe need financial support above and beyond

those provided through the General Fund Budget.

Or, if there is a worthwhile community or even

global ministry, where you would like to request

funding, please complete a Grant Request form and submit it to the Endowment Fund

Committee by February 15. These forms are available in the church office, from Jay or any of

the committee members.

Designated Fund Balances

Endowment Fund $ 446,055

Building Contingency $ 35,674

Technology Refresh $ 11,505

Sunday School $ 962

Youth Donations $ 9,328

Youth Accounts $ 11,062

Good Samaritan $ 3,187

Memorials $ 3,877

L.A.M.P. Mission Trip $ 6,322

Quilting $ 54

Church Worker Scholarship $ 235

School Improvements $ 29,755

PTL Playground Fund $ 15

Tuition Assistance $ 43,954

School Music $ 580

Flower Fund $ 593

CFK Grant Fund $ 58,177

Women’s Fellowship/LWML $ 3,593

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 12

Worship Anew is the

new name for Worship

for Shut-Ins.

TV MINISTRY YOU CAN TRUST! Charter Cable Channel 189 AT&T U-Verse Channel 99

Access for Kalamazoo and Portage WJPG-LD 26 (TCT)

Sunday 6 AM: , 12 Noon, 6PM , 12 Midnight

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

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE READINGS & SERMON SUMMARIES

February 7, 2021 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 147:1-11; 1 Corinthians 9:16-27; Mark 1:29-39

“PREACHING AND HEALING” - SERMON TEXT: MARK 1:29-39 - REV. PAUL SHOEMAKER

Jesus came preaching the Good News of our salvation to establish His authority and the truth of His proclamation. He

fulfilled Old Testament prophesy by healing and casting out demons.

February 14, 2021 – The Transfiguration of Our Lord Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6; Mark 9:2-9

“LIFT THE VEIL!” - SERMON TEXT: 2 CORINTHIANS 3:12-4:6 - REV. WILLIAM MUELLER

When you look at the central figure on the Mountain of Transfiguration, whom do you see? The Word of God by the

Apostle Paul reminds us of the constant need to repent and remove the “veils” that prevent us from seeing and

believing who this person is…the Son of God, Jesus Christ, our Savior!

February 21, 2021 – First Sunday in Lent Psalm 25:1-10; Genesis 22:1-18; Mark 1:9-15

“THE LORD WILL PROVIDE” - SERMON TEXT: GENESIS 22:14 - REV. DR. THOMAS AHLERSMEYER

Whatever challenge you face today – in body or soul – know that The Lord Will Provide! He provides for and sustains

your life. He provides the Way to everlasting life in Jesus Christ. And He provides the faith to receive and respond to

His many gifts to us. The Lord “knows my needs and well provides me.”

February 28, 2021 – Second Sunday in Lent Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 5:6-11; Mark 8:34-38

“TRUE DISCIPLESHIP” - SERMON TEXT: MARK 8:34-38 - REV. DR. WALTER MAIER III

We want to be disciples of Jesus. He tells us what true discipleship means. We are to deny ourselves, take up our

cross, and follow him. Is there any good news here? Yes, absolutely!

Caroline Barkow Lotte Christoph Shirley Cosgrove Ginny Evans Dorothy Ferguson Nola Geissel Audrey Glover Virgil Harrison

Harry & Nancy Heath Norma Holst* Bob Johnson Flo Kangas* Carol McCarty* Ardean Monck Marilyn Sible

*non-members

Great news! St. Michael’s traditional 8:30am service will now

be posted to the Spiritual TV Channel, according to this schedule.

Monday 6AM

Tuesday 10:30 PM

Wednesday 5PM

Thursday Midnight & 8AM

Friday 5AM & 1PM

Saturday 7AM & 8:30PM

Sunday 3:30 AM & 11:30 AM

PAGE 13 VO L UME 61. ISSUE 2

Position

President

Treasurer

Board Directors:

Lay Ministry

Parish Education

Early Childhood/School Ministries

Evangelism & Missions

Parish Fellowship

Church Properties

Small Group Ministry

Stewardship

Youth & Young Adult Ministry

Lay Ministers:

Trust Officers:

Vote Nominee

Jack Spenner

Jan Jett

Matt Heintz

David Groll

Mike Grotelueschen

Valerian Kwigizile

Rachel Kirkpatrick

Steve Bell

Angie Heimlich

Linda West

Heather Bigelow

AndyAllan

Mel Schroeder

Arlan Wendzel

Mark Gady

Geoff Bohren

Mark Hough

Rich Conklin

Todd Foster

John Engelmann

St. Michael Lutheran Church

Nominations for Officers and Administrative Board Positions To be elected at the February 21, 2021 Voters’ Assembly SPECIAL VOTERS' MEETING:

FEBRUARY 7

This meeting will be to consider a

synodical resolution for which the

dead l i ne fo r su bmi t t i ng

information comes before our

regular meeting. This Voters’

Assembly will be between

services in the gym and by a

Zoom link.

The following question is being

submitted to a vote of the member

congregations of The Lutheran

Church—Missouri Synod:

Shall the Synod add a year to the

current 2019–2022 triennium,

allowing districts to hold their

conventions in either 2021 or

2022, and moving the upcoming

national Synod Convention from

2022 to 2023? [Thereafter, the

triennium cycle will continue

forward from 2023 in three-year

increments, as before (i.e., with

district conventions held in

2025, 2028, etc., and Synod

Conventions held in 2026, 2029,

etc.).] Vote: Yes or No.

Also, at the meeting there will be

discussion on issues related to

the regularly scheduled Voters'

Meeting to be held on February

21, 2021.

The next regularly planned VOTERS’ MEETING is following the

late service on February 21, in the Sanctuary. At this meeting,

the agenda will include Staff Reports, Financial updates, an

update on the Long-Range Plan.

In addition, we will be electing new Directors for the ministry

boards. A ballot is available for your review below. Additional

nominations can be submitted to the Church Office.

THE MIGHTY MESSEN GER PAGE 14

Dear St. Michael friends,

Brr! Our family sure did miss the snow while living in southeast Missouri, but I guess I forgot how cold

it can get in beautiful Michigan. It sure makes me appreciate living inside a warm home, and even

more appreciation for the invention of central heating.

Could you imagine not having a place to stay during these long months? I have a friend who was

homeless for four years, and when I asked him about living outside during the winter, he told me that

it very often “one long night at a time”.

Maybe some of you feel like you’ve been having a long year, or even a long few years. This world sure

can feel like a cold place at times, and as Christians, we know that this is what sin does. Sin has

cracked God’s creation and has chilled people’s relationship with God and with fellow humans. And

into this frigid world God sent His only Son, Jesus, to take all this icy sin upon Himself. He willingly

allowed Himself to be destroyed, giving us His warmth and heavenly home instead.

Jesus loves you! And He has called you to bring His own warmth and home to everyone in your life.

God bless you as you do just that – and know that Satan’s chill is no match for the fire of God’s love.

In Christ’s warmth,

PAGE 15 VO L UME 61. ISSUE 2

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

Senior Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann

[email protected]

Associate Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Daniel Maske

[email protected]

Assistant Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Jason Toman

[email protected]

Business & Finance Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jay Koski

[email protected]

Church Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Songer

[email protected]

School Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Johnson

[email protected]

Saint Michael Lutheran School - Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sharon Robinson

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kim Ruesch

Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fourth Grade Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Lauterbach

Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fifth Grade Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julie Prentice

Saint Michael Lutheran School - Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grade Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Lam

Christ for Kids Childcare Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Ritchie

[email protected]

Worship Media Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lorraine Dudash

Sextons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian Chapman, Matthew Wright

VOLUNTEERS:

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Kuhlman

Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Spenner

Board of Lay Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Wedel

Prayer Ministry Coordinators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara Schubert, Virginia Hetrick

Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carol Conklin

Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Jett

Board of Parish Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Groll

Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant

Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Hogue

Vacation Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Songer

Women’s Fellowship Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June Kucks

LWML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy Maya

Board of Church Properties Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Pangburn

Board of Small Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Chilcott

Board of Stewardship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda West

Volunteer Ministry Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda West

Finance Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Robert

Board of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Kuss

Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jerry Kuss, Jeff Burnett, Ryan & Heather Bigelow

Altar Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kristi Rudowske, Linda Fry

Stephen Ministry Leaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor & Dana Naumann and Heather Crampton

Stephen Ministers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoe Miller, Kelley McNees, Ann Gribbon, Linda Rae, Peter Robert, Jackie Michels

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]

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.”

February 7 — Special Voters’ Meeting LCMS Resolution and Preview of Annual Meeting

February 14 — Valentine’s day Love the lord your god, with all your heart

February 17 — Ash Wednesday Service 7PM

February 21 — Annual Voters’ Meeting Staff reports and vote for new officers

February 24 — Lent Worship 6PM

Bible Basics Adult Learning Hour Each Sunday at 9:45AM

youth activities happen on sunday evenings at 6:00PM. watch for more details!

A new membership contact directory is available!!

Pickup your copy in the Communication Center.