Dear Saints at St. John’s:

The Church Year – people sometimes ask me when it begins. Lutherans,

being a liturgical and confessional church, begin it the first Sunday of

Advent. However, a Lutheran Church and School begin it with the opening

of school.

As with any year, we celebrate “hellos” and

“good-byes.” First, we say farewell to Jared

Griesemer as he takes a new position as 7th

grade teacher at Trinity Lutheran in Crown

Point, IN. It is a bitter-sweet transition for

him. We thank Jared for his dedication to the

school as both teacher and as principal. Many

students and staff will miss him. I too am

sorry to see him go! We worked well together as a Pastor/Principal team.

David Swanson will serve as part-time principal and I will assist him in any

way that I can. We also say farewell to Nancy Moreno, who served as

Kindergarten teacher, and welcome Kailee Cahill as our new Kindergarten

teacher. As always, God has plans for St. John’s that He doesn’t quickly

reveal. I am certain all will be well as the 2017-2018 school year begins.

We will find those “puzzle pieces” we need to complete God’s Ministry here

at church and school.

Congregation – wise: August 20th is our church picnic.

We also look forward to celebrating the 500th anniversary

of the Reformation. On October 31st, 1517,

August 2017 St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church Newsletter

Rev. Dr. John Richy, Pastor

St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church and School Sunday Bible Study 8:15 a.m. 18100 Wentworth Ave. Sunday Services 9:30 a.m. Lansing, Illinois 60438 Website: stjohnlutheranlansing.org Church Phone: 708-895-9240 Church e-mail: stjohnslansingchurch@comcast.net Home Phone: 708 251-8887 School e-mail: stjohnslansing@comcast.net School Phone: 708-895-9280 Fax: 708-895-9303

Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenburg Church Door.

And one more “anniversary”.... our Lutheran School will be

celebrating its 125th year of ministering to the young. Anyone

have suggestions on ways to celebrate those special days?

What else is new? As for me, I write this as the “official,

bona fide, genuine, and divinely called” pastor. It feels

good! My family and I are now members of St. John’s and

look forward to buying a house in Lansing. God willing, we

hope to serve here for a long time. Thanks to so many

individuals for a wonderful and blessed installation service

and dinner. Our friends who attended had many wonderful

comments about the church, the service, and the warmth of

our congregation.

Blessings to all! Please keep St. John’s Church and School

ministry in your prayers.

Pastor John Richy

P.S. NOTE FROM PASTOR: “Helene and I wish to thank all of you for the generous door offerings. It tremendously helps to get us on our way to Natchitoches, Louisiana. Our son, Rev. Eric Klemme will be installed as pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church. Without you, we would not be able to be present for Eric and Jennifer at their new home and church.”

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HOME >

Celebrating the 500th anniversary

of the Reformation

The Motto of the Reformation:

VDMA

Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum (The Word of the Lord Endures Forever) is the motto of the Lutheran Reformation, a confident expression of the enduring power and authority of God’s Word. The motto is based on 1 Peter 1:24–25. It first appeared in the court of Frederick the Wise in 1522. He had it sewn onto the right sleeve of the court’s official clothing, which was worn by prince and servant alike. It was used by Frederick’s successors, his brother John the Steadfast, and his nephew John Frederick the Magnanimous. It became the official motto of the Smalcaldic League and was used on flags, banners, swords, and uniforms as a symbol of the unity of the Lutheran laity who struggled to defend their beliefs, communities, families, and lives against those who were intent on destroying them. It was found inscribed inside churches, over doorways, on foundation stones, even on horse’s helmets! The VDMA logo and statement has appeared throughout Lutheran churches worldwide and remains an enduring motto of the Reformation to this day. Several examples of its use during the Reformation era appear below, on a coin, over a doorway Germany, and on a clock, contains the motto.

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LEARNING BENEFITS Hover over each Learning Benefit below for a detailed explanation.

1. Sleep for school. Setting up a regular bedtime and wake-up routine before school starts is

a crucial step to prepare your child for class and a practical way to cut down on first-day stress.

2. Look up to learning. If your child is feeling a bit about going back to

school, keep a positive attitude. Recall the fun and exciting events, field trips,

projects, and so on from years past, and show excitement about the opportunities

for learning new things in the upcoming year.

3. Walk through it. Escorting younger children to the classroom can help

with the transition. Familiarize your child with key places such as the bathroom,

gym, library, and cafeteria — he'll feel more confident if he knows where everything is.

4. Suit 'em up. Shopping for with your child can be a fun way to give him/her some

responsibility. Provide parameters, but allow him/her to pick out a backpack, lunch box, nap mat,

water bottle, and some basic school supplies (pencils, crayons, etc).

5. Talk it out. Asking your child about school is important. It shows him/her that you value

his/her education. Try to avoid general questions, like "How was your day?" These will most

likely produce one-word answers.

6. Bring it home. Helping your child with homework is an effective way to show concern

for what he/she learns at school. Displaying your child's projects around the house also helps to

keep learning excitement high.

7. Go farther. This is a critical aspect of showing support and enthusiasm for your child's

learning experience. Participating in school activities is also a valuable way of connecting to the

school community. You can learn a lot about the school just by talking to fellow parents.

8. Keep your eyes (and ears) open. If your child's eating or sleeping habits have changed

drastically, it may be a sign that he’s/she's having difficulty adjusting to his/her new grade.

9. Read, read, read. Reading with your child is an invaluable way to spend quality time

together on a daily basis. In addition to other long-term benefits, it can also be a practical way to

discern his/her reading level.

10. Connect. Communicating on a regular basis is an essential part

of caring for his/her education. Teachers can alert you to any emotional,

social, or academic difficulties they perceive in your child at school. The

same works in reverse: about changes that might affect your child's

behavior in school. Some examples are illness, divorce, the death of a

family member, a recent move, or a parent getting a new job.

Teachers'Tips for Kick-Starting the New School Year

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Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for

those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for

our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a “sweet duty.’

The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach,

instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors and ministers. They

need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.

Keep them in your prayers.

The next finger is the tallest finger.

It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for

the leaders in our government, business

and industry, and administrators. These

people shape our nation and guide public

opinion. They need God’s guidance.

The fourth finger is our ring finger.

Surprising to many is the fact that this is

our weakest finer, as any piano teacher

will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in

trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot

pray enough for them.

Lastly, comes our little finger – the smallest finger of all which is

where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the

Bible says, ‘The least shall be the greatest among you.’ Your pinkie

should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed

for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper

perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

THE FINGER PRAYER

Source: Unknown

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Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc.

5 Martin Luther Drive

Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996

Worship for Shut-Ins Sermon Summaries

August 6, 2017 – Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 13) Psalm: 136:1-9; Old Testament: Isaiah 55:1-3a; Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21 “Jesus Takes Care of Hunger” - Sermon Text: Matthew 14:13-21 - Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III We, as believers, have different types of hunger: physical hunger, but also a hunger for righteousness, and for spiritual knowledge. Jesus, for us, takes care of all these types of hunger. August 13, 2017 – Tenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 14) Psalm: Psalm 34:4-8; Epistle: Romans 10:5-13; Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33 “Faith’s Focus” - Sermon Text: Matthew 14:22-33 – Rev. James L. Elsner Riding a bike, driving a car, bowling – they all take concentration. Lose your focus and you’ve got problems! So, who’s the focus of your faith? August 20, 2017 – Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 15) Psalm: 67; Old Testament: Isaiah 56:1,6-8; Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28 “In Praise of Leftovers” - Sermon Text: Matthew 15:21-28 - Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer Leftover crumbs sound like scarcity and second-class treatment. However, to a concerned mother in search of healing for her daughter, the “leftovers” of Jesus are more than enough! The abundance of blessings that we possess through the Gospel of Jesus Christ move us to gratefully praise “divine leftovers,” to sing forth “How Great Thou Art!” August 27, 2017 – Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 16) Psalm: 138; Old Testament: Isaiah 51: 1-6; Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20 “Rock of Ages” - Sermon Text: Matthew 16:13-20 - Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker A favorite hymn is Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me. It reminds us that Jesus is the Rock of our salvation. Join us and St. Peter as we confess Jesus as the Rock of Ages.

Tel: (260) 471-LOVE (5683) † Toll-Free: (888) 286-8002

worshipforshutins.org †

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WORSHIPPING COMMUNION May 7 117 87 May 14 Mother’s Day 87 68 May 21 Confirmation 156 137 May 28 Memorial Day 59 ---- June 4 Pentecost 90 64 June 4 Pastor’s Installation 111 n.a. June 11 Holy Trinity 69 ----- June 18 Father’s Day 69 63 June 25 78 ---- July 2 62 50 July 9 68 ----- July 16 71 67 July 23 60 -----

Monthly Averages: 2015 Sundays

2016 Sundays

2017 Sundays

January 93 92 94 February 88 94 87 March 88 132 93 April 90 95 105 May 92 99 105 June 73 70 83 July 75 73 August 60 95 September 82 88 October 102 92 November 84 88 December 95 91 Yearly Average 85 92

CHURCH ATTENDANCE STATISTICS

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OUR ST. JOHN’S SHUT-IN FRIENDS

Here is our updated shut-in

addresses if you would like to

brighten up their day......they would

love to be remembered all year.

Bernice Benne

2937 192nd Pl

Lansing, IL 60438

Shirley Campbell

617 Mulberry Street

Hammond, IN 46324

+Frank Hollis+

Passed away June 12, 2017

Edith Kiedaisch

1343 Melbrook Dr.

Munster, IN 46321

Ruth Kirk

TriState Nursing Home

2500 175th St.

Lansing, IL 60438

Shirley Odegaard

17041 Grant St.

Lansing, IL 60438

Linda Poppe

Hearth Stone Assisted Living

1175 E. Luther Dr. Room 14

Crown Point, IN 46307

Doris Tolson

Kindred Care

2300 Great Lakes Dr.

Dyer, IN 46311

Art Young

9841 Wildwood Court Unit 1C

Highland, IN 46322

Pastor Richy and the following elders are available and can be contacted via e-mail if you

have questions or wish to talk to someone:

Pastor Richy stjohnslansingchurch@comcast.net

708 251-8887 (home)

Al Erke AErke@aol.com

Hal Gronewold halmargron@aol.com

Mike Winters mikew3709@sbcglobal.net

Rick Zimmerman richard.zimmerman@sbcglobal.net

OR simply call the office @ 708 895-9240 (Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) or

Douglas Rebeck @ 708 460-1918 (after 4:00 p.m. and weekends - leave a message)

someone will get back to you.

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BAPTISMS (3) Camille Fulks, Damien Mori (3/12/2017); Kyler James Tigner (6/4/2017)

FUNERALS: (1) Frank J. Hollis (6/12/2017)

TRANSFERS IN: (15) Donna Krumm; Herbert Krumm from St. Paul’s Lutheran, Beecher

(2/26/2017); Sharon Andresen, Dan & Eileen Brudi, Tom & Lois Cornwell, Dennis Doyle &

Cynthia Urdailes, Greg & Carol Granados, Ashley Richy, John & Helene Richy, Shirley Weiss

from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Chicago (6/25/2017)

TRANSFERS OUT: (12) Pastor Duane, Mary Fluechtling, Jennifer Jacobs all to St.

Paul’s Lutheran, Chicago Heights (1/14/2017); The Porter Family (Joseph, Shannon,

Ryan, Anthony, and Van) to St. Paul’s Lutheran, Chicago Heights (4/30/2017); Matthew,

Erica, and Colin Kluck (correction to the records) to Trinity, Tinley Park (6/13/2017);

Lindsie Hammond to Holy Cross Lutheran, Alsip, IL (6/27/2017)

PEACEFUL RELEASES: (10) Karen Martinez (1/27/2017), Kristina Douma to Faith

Church, Dyer (2/1/2017); James, Ashley, and Joshua Fluechtling (2/26/2017) Rhonda

and Eddie Burras to New Deliverance (2/26/2017); The Shawn Zimmerman family (Shawn,

Ahren, Liam and Avery) (6/25/2017) to Faith Church, Dyer.;

PROFESSION OF FAITH: (11) New members: Damien Mori & Sammantha Brooks;

Brandy Gant; Christina Petrites-Island; and completing membership class Ken & Jennifer

and Ken Jr. Swingendorf; Eric & Nicole Kleidon; Dave & Tara Pugh (3/12/2017)

CONFIRMATION: (8)

Camille Fulks, Katie Funchion,

Falyn Gill, Lindsie Hammond,

Ean Klemme, Caden Ostrowski,

Kennedy Woodson, Katie

Zaragoza, (5/21/2017)

INSTALLATION:

Installation of Rev. Dr. John

Richy as full-time pastor of St.

John’s Ev. Lutheran Church

(6/4/2017)

OFFICIAL ACTS FOR 2017

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General Donations: Mike Winters for Youth Group; Duane and Sandy Schultz; Truist Matching Fund; Toya Jackson; Randy Hollis (Hollis Decorating); Bluetick Hospitality, LLC (Bohemian Joes fundraiser); Troy & Dawn Stovall; Henry Maglio; ITW Matching Fund; Diane King Gibson; Henry Maglio

Memorials: Given to the Glory of God in memory of:

Erica Schoemrock by Lorraine Fisher Frank J. Hollis by Andy Banas, Jr.; 2 unknown; Mr. and Mrs.

Donald G. Alpers Dr. John Sullivan by unknown

Donations of Paper: Duane Schultz

The Loving Hands Circle will begin selling the St. John’s Church

cookbooks on Sunday, August 13th (cost: $15 each). The first 100

copies come with a cookie

cutter and a bookmark.

Remember birthdays,

showers, holidays are coming

and these would make great

gifts as well as being helpful

for our church. Thank you

GIFTS GIVEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD as of July 26, 2017

ST. JOHN’S COOKBOOKS FOR SALE

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A Christian family is one in which parents live

the Christian life and practice the presence

of God so their children come to accept God

as the greatest reality of life.

A Christian family is one in which each

member is accepted and respected as a

person of sacred worth.

A Christian family is one that seeks to bring every member into the

Christian way of living.

A Christian family is one that accepts the

responsibility of worship and Christian instruction

in order to develop the spiritual life of each

person.

A Christian family is one that shows its faith in

God, observes daily prayer, and offers thanks to God at mealtimes.

A Christian family is one that is committed to Christian behavior in

the family, community, and world.

The next LWML meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, August 8th, starting

at 1:00 p.m. We will plan for the gathering of school layette kits.

DEFINATIONS OF A CHRISTIAN FAMILY Source: unknown

LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE

(LWML)

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WORSHIP ASSISTANTS FOR AUGUST

ELDERS: August 6 Art Cain Mike Winters August 13 Rick Zimmerman Al Erke August 20 Paul Kolarczyk Mike Kuzmar August 27 Hal Gronewold Duane Schultz

LECTORS: August 6 Rick Zimmerman August 13 Bill Albrecht August 20 Dave Banas August 27 Sue Olson

GREETERS: August 6 Hal & Eileen

Gronewold August 13 Jim & Susan Kreger August 20 Sue Olson & Mary

Wells August 27 Duane & Sandy

Schultz USHERS: August 6 Jay Hollowell Mike Kuzmar Brian Winters Mike Winters August 13 Bill Albrecht Wayne Douma Rich Gleim Paul Kolarczyk Joe Scanlon August 20 Bill Archie Art Cain Jack Costenaro Rick Zimmerman August 27 Ray Biederstadt Hal Gronewold Chuck Labahn Ray Nommensen

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‘

Carlee Kilbury 8/3

Charles Olaleye 8/3

Carrie Steinweg 8/5

Samantha Genovese 8/6

Cynthia Ogom 8/6

Karen Kearney 8/8

Michelle Pugh 8/8

Kimmy Osorio 8/10

Thomas Cornwell 8/12

Lee Enokian 8/14

Jerrald James 8/15

Jamie Dovich 8/16

Andy Banas Jr. 8/17

James Arteaga 8/18

Aiden Kleidon 8/19

Doris Jensen 8/21

Nicholas Lavin 8/21

Robbie Melia 8/21

Dawn Mayerak 8/22

Cindy Biederstadt 8/23

Kay Mueller 8/24

Sally Winters 8/24

Chloe Ybarra 8/24

Kluck Brasel 8/26

Beth Ostrowski 8/27

Rachel Lewers 8/28

Sandra Swanson 8/28

Lorraine Fisher 8/29

Kennedy Woodson 8/29

Maryann Vierk 8/30

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Jack & Lori Costenaro 8/1/1976

Jim & Susan Kreger 8/7/1992

AUGUST WEDDING

ANNIVERSARIES

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Please inform the church office of dates to put on the calendar and well as submission of articles of importance to the congregation.....newsletter

deadline for dates/articles is the 20th of each month.

AUGUST 2017

1 2

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4 School Registration 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm

5 7:00 am Men’s Bible Class

6 8:00 Adult Bible Class 9:30 Communion Service

7 School Registration 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm

8 1:00 pm LWML Mtg.

9 6:30 pm Board of Ed.

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12 7:00 am Men’s Bible Class

9:00 am Elders Mtg

13 8:00 Adult Bible Class

9:30 Worship Service: Pastor Dennis Thompson guest

Cookbooks on sale

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15 7:00 pm Council Mtg

16 First Day of School

17

18

19 7:00 am Men’s Bible Class

20 8:00 Adult Bible Class

9:30 Communion Service

11:00 Outdoor Worship / Picnic

21 First Day of School for PS3

22 6:30 pm Parent School Orientation Night

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24 25

26 7:00 am Men’s Bible Class

27 8:00 Adult Bible Class 9:30 Worship Service 2:10 Pioneers for Christ Railcats game

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30 31 = Tells you we’re in the Season of Pentecost Gray indicates day of worship Light red = school in session

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The run will benefit, St. John’s School, Camp Quality* and Operation Combat

Bikesaver.

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