June 2020 1

June 2131 Getz Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804 260-432-2033 stmfw.org

We are living through one of the greatest disasters in the last one-hundred years. The coronavirus has changed

everything. Everywhere we look we see derivative disasters—financial disasters, family disasters, government disasters,

school and summer plan disasters. We are asking questions like:

Will I survive this—financially and emotionally?

What can I do when I feel so lonely?

Will I ever feel alive again?

Jeremiah answers yes, yes, and yes. There is hope! The prophet composed his book for Judeans who endured Babylonian

invasions in the late seventh and early sixth centuries BC. These people lived through warfare, death, and starvation. Then

the Babylonians deported them to a foreign land. Almost every passage in Jeremiah foresees these disasters, defines

them, or looks for ways to cope with their painful realities.

This summer I invite you to take a journey through Jeremiah. I promise not to offer hollow hope or simplistic bumper

sticker quotes. And rest assured…I will repeatedly point you to Jesus.

Preaching plans are as follows:

June 7 Surviving through God’s Word (Jeremiah 1:1–16)

June 13/14/15 Surviving through Worship (Jeremiah 7:1–15)

June 20/21/22 Surviving through Renouncing Idolatry (Jeremiah 10:1–16)

June 27/28/29 Surviving through Laments (Selected verses from Jeremiah 11–20)

July 4/5/6 Surviving through Listening (Jeremiah 13:1–11)

July 11/12/13 Surviving through Humility (Jeremiah 18:1–11)

July 18/19/20 Surviving through Persistence (Jeremiah 25:1–5)

July 25/26/27 Surviving through Surrender (Jeremiah 28:1–17)

August 1/2/3 Surviving through Shalom (Jeremiah 29:1–14)

August 8/9 Surviving through the Renewed Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31–34)

August 15/16 Surviving through Taking Risks (Jeremiah 32:1–15)

August 22/23 Surviving through the Storm (Selected verses from Jeremiah 37–38)

August 29/30 Surviving through Singing (Selected verses from Jeremiah 50–51)

September 5/6 Who Survives? (Jeremiah 52:31–34)

My Sunday School class will continue throughout the summer. We will look at sections not covered in sermons. Jeremiah

comes calling on St. Michael this summer. Don’t miss him!

June 2020 2

News from Pastor Shawn

We are rejoicing with the Liberian Children's Network of churches and schools! Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water’” (John 4:10). This past week, the Lutheran church and school in Foya, Liberia, dedicated their new clean water well bringing new meaning to “receiving living water” and hope into their community. The well was made possible, in part, by the generosity of our St. Michael family. Throughout June, the crew that built this well will begin constructing the second well at Foya Tingia, Liberia. We give God thanks and praise for using our family to be a blessing to families around the world.

—— A note from Cross Connections ——

God's blessings to you all! As we continue through these different times, please know your Biblical counseling partners at Cross Connections are ready to serve you however we can as we all do ministry in new and unexpected ways. Thankfully, we have had very few technology issues providing counseling via secure video or by telephone. Our staff are working hard to provide our clients the highest level of Biblical counseling we can.

During this time, Cross Connections is offering free counseling to healthcare professionals and their immediate family. Contact Pastor Lessing or Pastor Shawn if you would like a referral.

We are keeping you all in our prayers and are blessed by our partnership in ministry!

—Matt Konow

June 2020 3

News from Stephanie

St. Michael has been blessed with musicians who have participated in our live stream services and our outdoor gathering. We are looking forward to everyone singing with us as we begin worship in our sanctuary the weekend of June 13/14!

Thank you to our musicians in May: Tim Thoms, Paul Buuck, Jeremy Allen, Keith Miller, Marty Schroeder, Carrie Gould, Becky Grim, Doreen Muntzinger, John Hein, Susan Hein, Daniel Hein, Charlie McLain, Pauline Benner.

Life Song: Paul Buuck, Bruce and Marty Schroeder, Jami Hahn, Tony Chavez, Marty Faley, Joe Schoeph

King’s Strings: Jim Lohman, Sean Powell, Pauline Benner, Lyn Wittwer, Stephanie Maxson

Jubilant Fields: Ashley Yoder, Eric Stalter, Bill Davis, Bob Cogar, Bev Williams, Rio, Jerry Nichols, Lyn Wittwer, Lori Norton, Doreen Muntzinger

Summer Music We will continue to invite small groups of singers and instrumentalists to share special music in our services throughout the summer. If you are interested in singing or playing, please contact our Worship Director, Stephanie Maxson, at stephanie@stmfw.org for more information.

Saturday Band Line-up Our bands are excited to lead Saturday worship music starting on June 13! Here is the line-up:

June 13 - King’s Strings June 20 - Life Song June 27 - King’s Strings

Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School

Now Enrolling for 2020-21 School Year

Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School engages students in a strong academic program to prepare them to be tomorrow’s Christian leaders. Come see how ESM might partner with you as you seek the best education for your family! Now accepting applications for preschool through eighth grade. Schedule a visit today! Contact Erin Clark, Director of Admissions. 260.422.6712 | eclark@esmeagles.com|www.esmeagles.com

ESM Preschool News

Please know that we are still here for you! If you are interested in learning more about the preschool classes offered at ESM for the upcoming school year, please visit our webpage at www.esmeagles.com/earlychildhood. ESM offers preschool classes for children ages 3-5 at both campus locations. The Getz Road Campus is offering NEW and expanded options for the 2020-2021 school year, including full day PreK. Details are on the website. Some of our classes are nearing capacity, so don’t delay. Email Jennifer Ackmann, Director of ESM’s Early Childhood Ministry, at jackmann@esmeagles.com to schedule a visit or arrange a time to connect by phone.

Graduation Worship for our 8th Grade

ESM will celebrate our 8th grade with an in-person worship service on Thursday, June 18, at St. Michael Lutheran

Church. This service will be limited to our graduates and only their invited guests. However, it was an important

value that our school recognize and celebrate in worship with our graduates. Parents of our graduates will

receive a personal invitation and more instructions about this service.

June 2020 4

Concordia Lutheran High School

Summer Camps and Classes are still on! Onsite camps and classes are cancelled during the month of June due to the Governor's closure of schools. However, we have rescheduled many camps into July and have moved classes that were onsite in June to online. For any camps that have been cancelled, we are working on issuing those refunds. For camps that have been moved, please see those new dates. If the new camps (or classes) do not fit your schedule, please contact us at shellinger@clhscadets.com for a full refund. Click here to see the new schedule for camps and classes. Click here to register for camps and classes.

June Wedding Celebrations

To my St. Michael family: Thank you for your prayers, cards and calls—each was so much appreciated. Our Lord takes care of us even when we don't realize how serious our medical situation may be. I have had a VERY high percent rate

of recovery of speech and walking. What more can I say than "AMEN"! Marge Jesse

Years Years David and Dolli Hollmann 6/1 46 Brandon and Brooke Coe 6/16 8 Ken and Corinne Lyttle 6/1 18 Chad and Nickole Bohnke 6/17 14 David and Lynette Doust 6/2 36 Joe and Becki Fulcher 6/19 10 Larry and Betty Wickert 6/3 53 Harry and Margaret Jones 6/19 49 Curtis and Elizabeth Etzler 6/4 3 Bill and Mary Lahrman 6/19 10 Rick and Tammy Bruns 6/5 16 Ted and Cherie Walda 6/19 49 Dave and Janet Davis 6/5 55 Russell and Jane Grose 6/20 50 Nathan and Heather Nutter 6/5 16 Mark and Shannon Rose 6/20 5 Jerry and Tammy Miller 6/6 22 Chad and Brenda Wagner 6/20 11

Dan and Kristine Reuille 6/6 33 Marty and Kim Faley 6/22 18

Terry and Barb Lunt 6/7 51 Joseph and Jillian Harrison 6/22 8

John and Jenny Hendrickson 6/8 46 Stefan and Shelly Thieme 6/22 19

David and Kelly Kaufman 6/8 24 Donald and Peg Fogle 6/23 47

Stephen and Jan Smith 6/8 46 Amanda and Josh Howard 6/23 13

Doug and Sandy Manck 6/9 41 Rick and Monica Donaghy 6/24 41

Christian and Brandy Schult 6/9 13 Ron and Carol Korte 6/24 59

Mike and Deb Blair 6/10 26 Jason and Lisa Render 6/24 25 Zach and Hannah Maresh 6/10 3 Norm and Becky Biggs 6/25 15 Steve and Linette Godfrey 6/11 32 Tim and Stephanie Maxson 6/25 26 Jason and Kathryn Johnson 6/11 15 Carroll and Shirley Rands 6/25 65 Lynn and Sharon Scrogham 6/11 38 Paul and Darlene Buuck 6/26 38 Shane and Amy Collins 6/12 16 Al and Deborah Goebel 6/26 27

Frank and Gloria Helfrich 6/12 49 Shanon and Elizabeth Ruch 6/26 21

Todd and Melyssa Stock 6/12 21 Wayne and Karen Scrogham 6/26 16

James and Willie Biddle 6/13 63 Rick and Stephanie Hoffmann 6/27 33 Drew and Lindsay Landgrave 6/13 11 Jeff and Gretchen Screeton 6/27 11

Don and Becky Sir Louis 6/13 33 Jim and Jill Anelle 6/28 34 Peter and Adrienne Clendenen 6/14 12 Ed and Jill Kerr 6/28 12 Mike and Kay Zipse 6/14 40 Hank and Linda Koithahn 6/28 34 Bob and Manna Bruckner 6/15 52 Gary and Pam Drake 6/30 41 Kirk and Susan Eggebrecht 6/15 35 Jon and Cristie Gerken 6/30 46 Steven and Margaret McDonald 6/15 18 Joel and Gretchen Weerts 6/30 41

June 2020 5

Financial Update

Automated Giving St. Michael offers electronic giving for members who want to have offerings transferred electronically to the church’s account. Visit our website and click on “Online Giving.” A presentation to walk you through signing up has been posted on the giving page of stmfw.org.

Technology Upgrades We thank God for our ability to live stream and appreciate your encouragement through this process. It has been very successful, and we plan to continue live streaming our worship services indefinitely. On the average, our worship service has been viewed 900 times (this is views not number of people) and the Bible study has been viewed around 400 times. However, it is necessary to upgrade our technology for efficiency and longevity. The seven-year old laptop is pushed to its limits, and we want to offer a better product to connect more people to Jesus. The estimated cost of the upgrades is about $25,000. Before the pandemic, we were unsure how we could make this happen. But God always provides. To help St. Michael through this pandemic, the Center for Congregations presented us with a grant of $5,000 to upgrade our technology and The Lutheran Foundation sent us $11,500. A St. Michael family was generous to provide us with $10,000 to upgrade our live stream technology. We thank God for these generous gifts!

Technology Volunteers If you have an interest in technology, videography, and/or worship support, we need you now more than ever. We will continue to live stream our 10:45a worship service. This is a great time to join the tech team at St. Michael. If you want to know more about how you can help, email tammy@stmfw.org.

The Fort Wayne Lutheran is online! Visit www.myfwl.org to view this

month's issue and archived newspapers.

April 2020 Year to Date April 2019

Offerings & Other Income $145,101 $571,851 $133,160

Ministry Expenses $101,804 $463,185 $117,743

Income over Expenses $43,296 $108,666 $15,416

Future Expansion $1,193 $5,887

June 2020 6

Stephen Ministry–St. Michael Cares!

WHATEVER YOU DID FOR THE LEAST OF THESE...YOU DID FOR ME...

In Matthew 25, Jesus says, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in..." We have many opportunities to respond to Jesus' great love by showing that love to others. Stephen Ministry is one way our congregation shows that love to people who have deep needs for care. During these uncertain times, we need each other more than ever. We would be happy to care for you by getting to know you via phone calls, texting and cards. How can we show you Jesus today? Let us be Jesus with skin on for you! Call Linda Kraus for more information (man or woman) at 446-4347.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you. Psalm 55:22a

June Baptism Birthdays Pray for these children: Josie Bornheimer; Lexi Bowman; Abigail Carsten; Charlie Henry; Leo and Scarlett Leslie; Luella

Moeller; Rylee Moloney; Matteo Passoni; Nolan Roehm; Riley Runyan; Elliott Scare; Jacob Schult; Anna and Zoe

Screeton; Jordyn Setser; Lena and Warner Thompson; Austin Wagner; Braden Weible; Mackenzie Zumstein.

Belong and Bless

Adopt a College Freshman The end of this school year has been different than any other in known history. However,

the fall semester will bring new ventures for our youth at St. Michael. For a few of our

youth, a new era will unfold. The start of college brings so many highs and lows! As they

go on to college, we would like them to remember St. Michael. What better way than a

pen pal program! At least once a month write to your college student to check in on

them and their studies, inform them of new and exciting things happening around

church, and perhaps send a care package to bring an extra smile to their face. If you are

interested or have any additional questions, please reach out to Zach Burchardt at 705-

1247 or zburchardt@esmeagles.com.

GAP (God Answers Prayer) is back! Beginning in July, GAP members will be available in person (while practicing social distancing) through phone

conversations and/or Zoom. Thank you to Adam Hahn, our new GAP director, and Al Claus for his years of

dedicated service to St. Michael in this ministry.

The Redemption House | Update Since we are "sheltering in place," we have temporarily cancelled monthly meals. When we are able to resume, we will contact you! During this time, many of our members have donated supplies and food to the houses and sent cards to the girls. They appreciated it! Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

June 2020 7

What is Going on at St. Michael

Worship We are live streaming our worship service on Sundays at 10:45a indefinitely.

We return to worship on June 13 at 5:00p (contemporary); June 14 at 8:00a and 10:45a (traditional); and June 15 at 7:00p (traditional).

Communication If you are not receiving emails from St. Michael, contact Tammy at tammy@stmfw.org to verify your email address.

Twice per day, Rhonda posts encouragement on our facebook page (St. Michael LCMS)—share with your friends.

Every Monday, one of the pastors sends an email with encouragement and resources.

Every Friday, St. Michael sends emails with links to the worship service, adult Bible study, and other resources.

Every other week, check out our facebook page and website for a video from your pastors.

Check out stmfw.org/stayhealthy to read updates from St. Michael and find resources for your family.

Caregiving Each week, members of the JOY committee are calling St. Michael members over the age of 60.

Pastor Sandmann is calling our members in nursing homes.

Tina, our administrative assistant, is coordinating assistance for St. Michael families who need help getting groceries, prescriptions, or need rides to doctor appointments.

Community Charity Outreach has created bags of food and paper products for us to give to members and neighbors.

Pastor Lessing is offering times of prayer with individuals or families Monday through Thursday from 1:00p - 3:00p. Email pastorlessing@stmfw.org to schedule a time.

Pastor Shawn is meeting on a weekly basis with college students, young adults, and individuals who need encouragement and prayer. If you would like information about joining the Zoom calls, contact Pastor Shawn via email (pastordavis@stmfw.org).

Pastor Shawn and Pastor Lessing are available if you need encouragement, prayer, or have questions. Contact them via email or through the church office.

Christian Education We are live streaming our adult Bible study on Sundays at 9:30a.

Children and Youth Ministry Our eighth graders will be confirmed on June 7. The live stream link will be posted at stmfw.org.

VBS is ONLINE this year. Check out page 8 for more details.

Outreach We continue to work with our partners in ministry to discuss needs and ways we can assist them with those needs.

Community Outreach office continues to serve families and individuals who need to connect to Community Harvest foodbank.

Stewardship By God’s grace, giving remains consistent and our financial position is strong.

You can give online through FellowshipOne Go or mail your offerings to 2131 Getz Road, FW, 46804.

If you have a prayer request that you would like to make known to your St. Michael family or want to join the St. Michael prayer chain, please email tina@stmfw.org.

June 2020 8

VBS IS ONLINE THIS YEAR!

July 27 – 31 from 10:00a – 11:30a

Children ages 3–5th grade will embark on an epic adventure where they discover the power and purposes of God! They’ll learn an essential Bible truth that will transform them from the inside out as they get to know the living God.

VBS will be a little different this year, but a lot of it will remain the same:

It will still be fun and interactive.

There will still be great music, fun crafts, and transforming Bible lessons.

The boys and girls will still compete to see who gets a “pie in the face,” while raising funds for a great cause.

The week prior to VBS, we will hand out packets to families with everything you need to enjoy VBS at home. Register now at stmfw.org/children.

VBS VOLUNTEERS Even though VBS is online this year, we will still need volunteers. The roles are a little different (see below), but we still need you to make this a success. Please register at stmfw.org/children.

Video Editors: Help us edit videos and pull everything together.

Chat Moderators: Available the week of VBS to log on and offer encouragement and interact with families online.

Technology: Help record components of VBS; help the week of VBS with the live sessions

Craft Leader: Demonstrate the daily craft; available the week of VBS to interact with families during the craft time.

Craft Helpers: Work the craft leader doing the daily craft as it is recorded.

Memory Verse Leader: Create a fun game for families to learn the daily memory verse and lead it online; available the week of VBS to interact with families.

Big Idea Leader: Reinforce each day’s lesson with the “big idea”; available the week of VBS to interact with families.

Bag Packers: Help prepare bags to hand out to families; available for a couple of hours July 15-20.

Hand Out Bags: Hand out bags to families; available for a couple of hours July 20-24.

Serving in June 2020 at St. Michael Lutheran Church

Title Dates Saturday Sunday

8:00 10:45

Altar Guild June Sue Baker, Carla Jennings, Liz Edwards

Elders February Ryan Meyer Mark Muntzinger Zack Evans / 5:00p Nathan Nix

Flowers 13/14 Mike and Kay Zipse, in honor of their 40th wedding anniversary Audrey Meyers, in memory of her husband Wayne

20/21 Dave and Mary Prange, in honor of Amanda, their daughter, and Josh Howard’s 13th wedding anniversary

27/28 Russ and Jane Grose, in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary

June 2020 9

+ God bless our 2020 Confirmands +

Matthew Ronald Bear Evan William Caudill Kira Kachel Clendenen Christopher Lynn Faley Ella Madeline Hartman

Vaughn Abram Hendrickson River Matthew Johnson

Alexander Jay Jones William Brendan LaLonde

Grace Marie Levitt Joshua James Maxson Arden Michael Meeks

Grant Michael Nix Alexa Jean Panning

Alessia Renee Passoni Lucia Suzanne Passoni Elliot Justin Rupnow

Mallory Sophia Schaefer Nicholas Joseph Schoeph

Allison Leanne Sierks Christopher Kevin Stamm

Confirmation—June 7, 2020

Twenty-one eighth-graders will be confirmed in the Christian faith at this inspiring worship service. Through the Rite of Confirmation, they will confess the faith given to them in baptism. The confirmands will celebrate the reception of the Lord’s Word among them and be welcomed to the Lord’s Table.

Please keep the confirmands in your prayers as confirmation is not “Christian graduation.” These young Christians will continue to be attacked by the devil, the world, and their sinful flesh. We pray that they may continue to live in their baptism, a life of daily contrition and repentance; that they remain faithful to Jesus all the days of their lives.

SUMMER YOUTH WEEK June 22–June 26

Sadly, we are unable to go to Camp Forts and Sorts this summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, we have some fun things planned for that week to implement instead of the trip. Here is a sneak peek to what the week will look like:

Monday: We will meet at St. Michael at 4:00p for introductory games, pizza, worship (where we will be helping with some things), and end our night with s’mores and a campfire in the parking lot!

Tuesday: Meet at church at 3:30p for slip and slide kickball and dinner at Cebolla’s. Make sure to bring a change of clothes.

Wednesday: Meet at church for a mission opportunity ending @ 4:00p. Details to follow.

Thursday: We will meet at church at 9:00a for a fun-filled lake day! We will head up at either the Nix’s cottage or an alternative and spend a day on the water. Bring money for dinner and ice cream on the way home!

Friday: We will end our time together at Zach Burchardt’s house with a movie on the barn, hayrides, and a cook out! Bring a chair to watch the movie! Address is 4534 Bruick Road, New Haven. This will also be our eighth-grade introduction night!