September 4, 2026
Church News & Notes
What Is Intentional Giving?
It is your opportunity to assist St. John’s leadership in planning and balancing the budget by giving them an estimate of what you intend to give. It is a voluntary initiative, and one for which the Holy Spirit will be your guide. More information will be shared in the coming weeks.
Education Hour
Join us for Sunday School! Confirmation and Post-Confirmation will not meet this weekend, but all other classes will.
Labor Day
The church and school office will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Attention All Ladies!
The Ladies Aid/LWML meeting will be held Thursday, September 9, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Commons with lunch provided. You can hear all about the LWML Indiana District Convention from the delegates who attended. Please bring a canned food item or new clothing item (baby or adult) for the Food and Clothing Co-Op at the Fort Wayne Seminary.
Adult Choir
Adult Choir will begin rehearsing on Thursday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. in the Music Room. The door is open to all 9th grade and older who would like to join their voices with ours in making a joyful noise to the Lord. The Adult Choir exists to be the extended voice of St. John in praising our Lord through our worship services.
Contact Pam Johnson or speak with her in person for questions or additional information. Use the C-9 door to the back parking lot to enter.
Men’s Breakfast
Men’s Breakfast and study will be held Saturday, September 5, at 7:30 a.m. in the Commons. Please join us for good fellowship and better food!
Second Saturday Suppers
Please join us for a potluck-style dinner the second Saturday of each month. You bring the sides and desserts; Parish Fellowship will provide the main course, tea, and lemonade. On September 12, we will serve sub sandwiches for a free-will offering.
When signing up, let us know whether you’d prefer ham, turkey, or roast beef.
Fall Women’s Retreat
The Fall Women’s Retreat at Camp Lakeview is October 2–4. This is not your typical women’s retreat. Experience a faith boost through intentional times of worship, campfire devotions, speaker sessions, and personal quiet time. Prepare to be welcomed into a true and real community with women of all ages and leave with new-found connections and friendships.
Learn more about the Fall Women’s Retreat.
SugarPlum Holiday Fair Accepting Vendors
The LHSI fundraiser takes place Saturday, October 24, and is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday shopping season. Interested vendors may contact Colin Thuringer or visit lhsi.org for more information.
September Supply Drive
There are so many ways we all can contribute to our church and school, and Parish Fellowship is organizing the September Supply Drive. Look for a list of preferred paper products, feminine hygiene products, tea, lemonade, coffee supplies, Bible Quiz snacks, and all the things that help us enjoy our time together as a church and school family. Collection boxes will be in the Commons. Let’s stock the pantries and prepare for a fall and winter full of fun and fellowship!
Youth Group Water Fight!
Sunday, September 13, from 3:00–5:00 p.m., cool off and enjoy some late-summer fun! Join us at church for an afternoon of water games, fellowship, and plenty of laughs. All youth in grades 5–12 are invited to attend. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a friend—and be ready to get wet! Come ready for fun, fellowship, and a refreshing reminder that church is a great place to be together.
GriefShare
St. John’s GriefShare Ministry will be offering a 13-week program beginning Tuesday, September 22, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. GriefShare is designed to provide a place of support and practical help for those who have experienced loss from the death of a loved one. This class is open to all, not just St. John members. Visit griefshare.org to learn more.
School Notes
Walk-a-Thon
Thanks to your support of the Walk-a-Thon, many new gifts were received over the summer and were ready to enhance the students’ experience at the start of the school year. Read more about the Walk-a-Thon generosity in action.
Lunch Leaders
Parish Fellowship is teaming up with the school’s PTL and starting this new program, which helps us give our teachers a 30-minute kid-free lunch on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. A current background check is required.
Eagles Sports
Volleyball won, and soccer lost on Tuesday against Calvary.
HVAC Fund
The new school HVAC system is 95% complete, and our students and staff can certainly tell the difference! With final testing and setup underway this week, we shift focus to completing the funding for the project. Gifts of every size make a difference. Each contribution provides a reduction of the principal on the loan and impactful relief for our ongoing budget.
Ministry & Service
A/V Help Needed!
We are in need of volunteers to help run the slides for the New Song services on Sundays. It is not very difficult, and training is provided. Typically, you will serve about once a month. Please contact Patrick Velzen if you are able and willing to serve St. John in this way.
MITE Sunday
MITE Sunday is this and every first Sunday of the month. Consider making a contribution, large or small, to fund mission grants around the world through Lutheran Women in Mission. Mites can be dropped off at the LWML table in the Commons, and small mite collection boxes are available.
This month’s mission focus includes the Education of Lutheran Pastors in West Africa and Scholarships to Support International Deaconesses in Tanzania.
Prayer & Ministry Resources
Worship This Weekend
Readings for the Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost
- Ezekiel 33:7–9
- Romans 13:1–10
- Matthew 19:1–20
Vicar Schroeder’s Sermon Theme
“Jesus is With Us and Our Children”
Coming Events
- – Youth Water Fight
- – LHS Grandparents Day
- – SJLS Grandparents/Special Persons Day; LHS Homecoming
- – St. John Golf Outing
- – ReformationFest
- – Trunk or Treat
Stewardship at St. John
Matthew 18:4 – “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
What does it mean to have childlike faith? Certainly Jesus does not want us to have a faith that is childish—we are not called to ignorance or silliness. Rather, we are called to trust the way a child trusts: with complete confidence in the Father. We show that confidence in our lives when we follow His directives for our life. Father knows best, so we’ll take His advice!
Attendance Last Week
- Worship Services: 378
- Education Hour: 65 adults, 34 children and youth
Giving
Our new fiscal year was strengthened by a generous special gift the first week of August followed by additional helpful HVAC gifts throughout the month. We are thankful for these acts of stewardship, which provide meaningful support for the ministry and mission of our congregation.
Looking Ahead: Consistent, recurring giving helps strengthen our financial stability and allows us to plan more confidently for ongoing ministry needs. We continue to work toward a steady pattern of recurring gifts throughout the year. To learn more about recurring giving options, please contact Britney at .
Stay Connected
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