Lingering, Laughing, Longing Surprise the World! Love. Like. Jesus. + Hope for the City.

Transcription

1 August 2017 Good News Saint John Lutheran Church Hattiesburg, Mississippi Lingering, Laughing, Longing This past Sunday at Saint John Hattiesburg was another intriguing morning. It s the kind of thing that makes a social observer smile from the corner, an aha that restores hope. This time the realization didn t come at the Gathering, or even (surprisingly) during the worship in Word and Meal. It came after the Sending. It was the groups of three, four, five people lingering in the sanctuary, the foyer, and the hallways. Some were checking in about how the week had gone, about health issues, about vacations. Some were asking where a friend might be, because they were missed again in worship. Some were praying the private prayers the Spirit groans in us. The thing that caught my ear, however, was the warmth and joy of the conversations that kept going for a full half hour after we d been sent forth to bless our homes, neighbors, and coworkers. The ripple effect of God s blessing was massing and spilling forth right under the same roof. It was evident by the conversations and laughter. There is a deep longing in our very human and often broken hearts, a longing to connect with others, to reveal a bit of what we don t normally share in the busyness of our lives. This longing is a cautious desire for truth, openness, honesty. For a safe place to take the risk of friendship and enter into real relationship with others, without fear of criticism or judgment, a place where it s OK to let our guard down. We need authenticity, even in its brutality-not plastic, not show. I m thankful that Saint John Hattiesburg is that kind of place. As we learned from Jesus this Sunday, the way to deal with sin and evil sown by an enemy is to forgive. Then it has no more power over us. We are, by Jesus love poured out on the cross, freed to love others even our enemies as he has loved us. Jesus kingly distinctive is forgiveness. Really, this makes all the difference in the world! Then the kingdom comes by the power of the Holy Spirit. And the world s longing is met with surprising lingering and joyful laughter. Let s keep moving in this direction. Welcoming others. With hope for the city. John Eric Karle Exploring. Equipping. Encouraging. Ephesians 4:11-16 Surprise the World! Love. Like. Jesus. + Hope for the City.

2 August 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 6 MITES 10:30am Worship 12pm Laser Mania 13 9:15am Sunday School 10:30am Worship 20 9:15am Sunday School 10:30am Worship 11:45 Oktoberfest Mtg 27 9:15am Sunday School 10:30am Worship 6pm Family Movie Night :30am Eat Grateful Soul 21 Oktoberfest Making Mustard pm Square Dancers :30pm Choir 23 5:30pm Choir am Signing 10am West Hattiesburg Bible Study am Signing 10:30am Avenues Bible Study 12:15pm Prayer 1:30pm Kaffee Klatsch am Signing 10am West Hattiesburg Bible Study am Signing 10:30am Avenues Bible Study 12:15pm Prayer 1:30pm Kaffee Klatsch :07am Men s Breakfast 9:30am BOD 10am AA 12 8am Avenues Wide Yard Sale 10am AA 6-8pm Back to School Bash 19 10am AA 12:07 Men s Lunch 26 10am AA

3 Serving in August Pastor John Karle Elder Ron Johnson Music Director Jason Sims Altar Care Team Nancy Kaul and Josie Nwachuku Date August 6 August 13 August 20 August 27 Ushers Warner Boortz Jerry Frederick Wayland Johnson Terry Lovdahl Lori Coleman Willy Noffke Mark Keyl Shelley Songy Prayer Group Meets the Second and Fourth Thursdays in the Sanctuary at 12:15pm. What is the prayer group? It is a designated time that we come together to praise God and petition Him on our own behalf as well as the needs of others. Do I have to pray out loud? Only if you want to. At this particular time we can draw near to God and call Him, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to draw near to us. It is a time of refreshing. Simply by our attending, we are allowing God to minister to us by His Holy Spirit. Where two are three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them. If your schedule allows, I would extend a special invitation to you to gather with us in the presence of the Lord. With the love of the Lord, Phyllis Guysinger Summer Sunday School Recalculates For the ADULTS we'll have coffee fellowship beginning at 9:15am. Come talk and encourage one another, share interesting stories and insights, collaborate on doing good things. For the YOUTH we'll be working on service projects and the youth gathering. For the CHILDREN we'll be beginning children s choir beginning at 9:45am in the middle Sunday School room. Regular Sunday School Restarts on Sunday, August 13th.

4 What is OKTOBERFEST? Oktoberfest is the world s largest folk festival held yearly in Munich, Germany. It began in 1810 when Bavaria s Crown Prince Ludwig married Theresa of Saxony. The townsfolk held a party in a large field outside the city to celebrate and it was so popular they held it again a year later. The same field has hosted the festival ever since and came to be named Theresienwiese or Theresa s Meadow in English. The rest, as they say, is history. It is, without a doubt, the largest festival in the world. It regularly draws over six million people through its sixteen day run. Although called Oktoberfest and originally beginning on October 12 th, the festival date was changed to September in 1872 to take advantage of better weather. To determine when the festival begins in any year find the first Sunday in October and count back fifteen days to the starting Saturday. For many people, the only reason for the festival is beer, but drinking is not the only thing to do at Oktoberfest. The Oktoberfest grounds are over 100 acres and host a dazzling array of bier tents, food stands, carnival rides, games and more. Many families enjoy taking the children to Oktoberfest and, in fact, Tuesdays at the festival are family days with reduced food, beer and ride prices. That is the background for the festival we at Saint John celebrate. However, our emphasis is not on beer but rather on mission work and spreading the love of Jesus throughout Hattiesburg and the world beyond. Our festival is held on the first Saturday in October which this year is October 7 th. It is a lot of work and requires all hands on deck. If you have not been contacted about working for Oktoberfest, please speak to Mark Keyl, call the church office, or sign up on the lists when they appear. We always need help preparing the food, baking for the delicatessen or donating items for the silent auction, setting up and cleaning up. There is a spot for your talent! OKTOBERFEST Quilt Tickets All of our congregation will receive an envelope with a packet of 10 Quilt Raffle Tickets in their foyer mailbox. The price of each ticket is $2. These tickets are used to raffle the "Fussy Cut Flower Quilt" made by our Kaffee Klatsch Ladies. The funds raised are used for special projects here at Saint John. Please help us by selling your tickets and collecting the $20 donation for each packet of tickets. To turn in your ticket stubs & money, or to get more tickets please see Darlene Boortz, Debbie Frederick or Chris Noffke. Thank you for helping! The Kaffee Klatsch Ladies

5 OKTOBERFEST Opportunities Planning is underway for Saint John's 39 th annual Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday October 7 th, This is the primary fundraiser for money allocated for missions annually. The entire congregation gets involved in the effort. Seasoned members, as well as new members are welcome to pitch in. We have a baked goods Deli, where we sell German bread, Stollen (a German sweet bead), and other baked goods. We are looking for individuals that enjoy baking, especially bread, to assist in this effort. If you bake or are willing to learn the art, please contact Mark Keyl at , Darlene or Warner Boortz at , or leave your name with the church office. We also have opportunities for individuals to "learn the ropes" in individual areas of preparation. If you want to work with an individual in a specific area, please contact the folks above and we will get you connected. It is a great time to meet new people, enjoy good fellowship, and enjoy the Lutheran tradition of eating when we come together in God s service. Should you like to join us, the next committee meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, August 120 th, The History of our OKTOBERFEST Our Saint John Oktoberfest began as a congregational potluck 38 years ago. Friends were invited and after a couple of years it was opened to the public. We now serve nearly 1400 plates of German potato salad, sauerkraut, and brats or wieners. Homemade German and traditional mustard, breads, and desserts will be sold in our Delicatessen. We also sell homemade crafts in our Craft Room. In order to make this event a success, we need lots of donations and help from our congregation and friends. The proceeds from this event are used to fulfill our mission goal as a congregation. We support many local and some overseas organizations. Mark the week of September 25 th on your calendar as there are preparation activities every day! Please get involved and find out what great friends you have here at Saint John. OKTOBERFEST Silent Auction We need items for the silent auction. The best sellers are cool art...nice jewelry, Oktoberfest themed items, the hand made furniture and the BEST sellers are for food from stores or restaurants. If people have a place they frequent, they can probably get gift cards gratis. As in previous years we will need donations for the following: Deli Room Make baked items such as: sweet & yeast breads, cakes, bars and cookies. Contact: Donna Blair at Craft Room Homemade crafts such as jewelry, woodwork, art, etc. Contact: Joyce Coll at or Brenda Hesselgrave at Vintage Room Quality resale items. Contact: Joyce Coll at

6 OKTOBERFEST at Saint John Hattiesburg The USM Connection The story about how the Oktoberfest started at Saint John as a congregational potluck is quite well known. A conversation with former pastor of St. John, Rudy Schaser, took the story back a bit further. The very first year Dr. Roger Johnson, Professor of German at USM, asked if he could bring his German Club students over to a German-roots place to celebrate Oktoberfest. The elders at Saint John gave quick, easy approval. About students, plus interested Saint John folks, showed up at the old fellow-ship hall. Dr. Johnson and Saint John members brought German foods for the occasion. German songs were sung and speaking German was practiced. Everyone had a wonderful time and they agreed it was something to be continued. The next year, a congregational potluck Oktoberfest was celebrated. Since then, Oktoberfest at Saint John has grown to an annual first-saturday-in-october event. Over 1200 plates of brats, kraut and German potato salad are served to the Pine Belt Community. Profits from Oktoberfest support approximately ten charities in the Hattiesburg area and around the world. Have you decided where you will serve this year? There is a place for everyone. If you are not certain where you are needed, speak with Mark Kyle ( ) or Warner Boortz ( ). Oktoberfest Committee Meeting Sunday, August 20th in the community room after worship. OKTOBERFEST Preparations Schedule Date Leader Activity Time People Needed July 1 Oct 7 Mark Keyl Publicity, Clean Refrigerator, Music, 30 hr 8 Purchase Materials, Etc. Mon. Aug. 21 Bob Cubley Make Mustard 4 hr 8 Sun. Sep 17 Cut Butter, Sour Cream/Egg Mixture 3 hr 10 Mon. Sep. 18 Darlene Boortz Make Strudels 6 hr 18 Sun. Oct 1 Cut/Fry Bacon 4 hr 15 Mon. Oct 2 Make Sauerkraut 7 hr 20 Tue. Oct 3 Make Potato Salad 7 hr 25 Fri. Oct 6 Darlene Boortz Bake Strudels 8 hr 5 Fri. Oct. 6 Warner Boortz Finish Hall, Deli, etc. Set Up 4 hr 5 Sat. Oct 7 Oktoberfest 12 hr 70 Sat. Oct 7 Bill Coll Count Money Sun. Oct 8 Clean Up 3 hr 10

7 OKTOBERFEST Day Volunteer Chart KITCHEN Coordinator: Bob Cubley INSIDE LINE Coordinator: Maggie McMichael TEA LINE Coordinator: Darlene Boortz DISHWASHER Coordinator: Debbie Frederick AM SET UP Coordinator: Lori Coleman BRAT COOKS Coordinator: Willy Noffke TICKETS Coordinator: Shelley Songy OUTSIDE LINE Coordinator: Chris Noffke INSIDE BEER Coordinator: Jerry Frederick OUTSIDE BEER Coordinator: Warner Boortz CUTTING ROOM Coordinator: MAIN DELI Coordinator: Donna Blair ANNEX DELI Coordinator: Nancy Kaul DESSERTS Coordinator: CRAFT/VINTAGE ROOM Coordinator: Joyce Coll Brenda Hesselgrave QUILT TICKETS Coordinator: Phyllis Guysinger SILENT AUCTION Coordinator: Pat Potesta KIDS ACTIVITIES Coordinator: Gabby Bulger TRASH Coordinator: PM CLEANUP Coordinator: Lillian Smith (10-1) Jesse Cubley Jordan (1-4), Colin Cubley (1-4) Dean Weaver (10-1) Mark Keyl, Terry Lovdahl Shelley Songy, June Songy, Cameron Karle Susan Perkins, Sandy Barnett, Debbie Geroux, Ellen Heck Dennis Smith, Shawn O Connor, Cindy Renz Warner Boortz, Darrin Renz, Fred Songy Shirley Thone, LaToursha Ezell, Josie Nwachuku Jane Kersh, Elaine Kersh Julie Radavich, Helen Hollingsworth, Judy Wastvedt Gabby Bulger, Jonathon Stringer

8 Dear Missionaries of Jesus Here's the Make-the-Month financial challenge for July. This information is communicated in the week before the last Sunday of the month, so that members and team players have an accurate understanding of what's needed financially to keep things headed in a healthy direction, and to allow time for taking positive action. July Update: Our monthly budgeted income need is $19, July offering/rent receipts through 7/25: $15, Needed in order to Make-the-Month: $3, I'm very grateful that our Make-the-Month financial position as improved each of the last two months. Thank You! At the June 30th, mid-year point, our operating deficit is $5,686.84, which is sixty-percent of what it was at this point last year. Again, Thank You! Let's pull together and by our generosity end the deficit by the end of September. The congregation's online giving option is available 24 hours a day from anywhere in the world. It's safe, secure, and easy. Click on the top, right 'GIVE" button at wwww.saintjohnhattiesburg.com. It's encouraging to see how many people are choosing to give online, whether long-time members, sometimes attenders, or just friends. Thanks for your partnership in the Gospel of Jesus. Let us not fail to give up meeting together (Hebrews 10:25). - John Eric Karle Exploring. Equipping. Encouraging. Ephesians 4:11-16 Are you a Thrivent Member? Thrivent Financial is a phenomenal organization that helps members manage their financial life while growing in their faith. They help our church through Thrivent Choice Dollars and Thrivent Action Teams. Action Teams allow us to do things in our church and our community such as the Back to School Bash, grilling hotdogs during parades, and much more. If you are a Thrivent Benefit Member and you are willing to help us by applying for an Action Team (each member can apply for two per year), please contact the church office as soon as possible. We have many great ideas we would like to use Thrivent Action Teams to help accomplish in July and August. We need 21 days lead time to apply for funds before an event.

9 Annual Church Picnic Sunday, July 30 th, 12:30pm at the Lake Serene Club House. Join us for food, fun, and fellowship. Hamburgers, hotdogs, and tea will be provided. Please bring a picnic side item to share. Make sure to bring a bathing suit. Friends welcome! Men's Group Breakfast Saturday, August 5 th, 8:07am, Panera Bread Company located at 4600 Hardy Street. Friends welcome! This month we are also trying a men s lunch on the third Saturday of the month (12:07pm on Saturday, August 19 th ) for those who prefer a lunch-time gathering. Lunch will be at South Mouth Deli located at 6555 US 98 #20. LWML MITES will be collected Sunday, August 6 th. There will be no meeting in August. Breadbasket Sunday Each week the Breadbasket serves 20 individuals and families in need in the Hattiesburg, Oak Grove, and Petal Areas. NEXT SUNDAY, August 6 th, we will be gathering food to help restock the Breadbasket pantry. Items that should be donated include: canned food items, Jiffy Cornbread Mix, Mac and Cheese Dinners, and cereal. Saint John at Laser Mania All children and youth ages 5 and up are invited to join us after worship on Sunday, August 6 th at Laser Mania. The cost is $8 per player for three games. Students may want to bring money for snacks and drinks at the concession stand. Please RSVP to the church office by 10am on Wednesday, August 2 nd. Saint John hosts Breadbasket Saint John will be hosting the Breadbasket Monday, August 7 th Friday, August 11 th. We need-2 volunteers for each day to deliver the Breadbaskets. Volunteers are responsible for picking up the applications from the office, filling the orders, and delivering the 4 Breadbaskets each day. It takes approximately 1-2 hours. If you are able to volunteer, please contact Gabby in the office with your availability. Back to School Bash Saint John will host their annual Back to school Bash on Saturday, August 12 th, 6-8pm. This is a free event for the community. If you would like to volunteer to work the event of bake cupcakes before the event, please sign the list on the double wooden doors. Children s Movie Night Saint John will be hosting a movie night on Sunday, August 27 th at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. Some snacks will be provided but you are also welcome to bring your own. Please RSVP to the church office by 12noon on Monday, August 23rd. Sign Language Class Beginning Thursday, July 13 th, Jane O Connor will be holding sign language classes each Thursday, 9-10am in the youth room. Classes are open to the public. Come learn a new skill and have some great fellowship with friends. Contact Jane O Connor at for more information. Online Giving Online giving is available to members and friends of Saint John Hattiesburg via the 'Give' tab at the top of our webpage. Thank you for generously supporting our work together in Jesus' name. Summer Growth Groups for Adults 1. West Hattiesburg Bible Study (Odd Thursdays) Meets the first and third Thursdays of the month at the home of Mary Gohlke who can be contacted at or mlgohlke3@comcast.net. 2. The Avenues Bible Study (Even Thursdays) Meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at (NEW TIME) 10:30am in the Fellowship Hall. We come together to nourish and feed on God s Word as we read scriptures and apply the principles to our everyday life. What a wonderful opportunity to help one another as we see, by the power of the Holy Spirit, how God is impacting our lives. For study topic or for more information, contact Phyllis Guysinger at Come and be blessed and bless others by your prescience.

10 From the Altar Guild Annual Altar Guild Meeting: Saturday, September 23 10am in the Sanctuary Mark your calendars! This is our annual business meeting. Our goals are to set up the Altar Guild Teams and dates for We will go over the Handbook to make any adjustments or clarifications as necessary, as well as update contact information. If you currently serve on the Altar Guild, please attend this meeting. If you cannot attend, please contact me with your preferred schedule options. If you re curious about the Altar Guild, but undecided whether to participate or not, please join us! It ll be a great opportunity to ask questions and get a general sense of what takes place. A Most Meritorious Saint Our calendar honors St. Mary, Mother of Our Lord on August 15 th each year. Mary the mother of Jesus has been an object of veneration in the church since the apostolic age. She has been a favorite subject in art, music, and literature. Her humility and obedience to the message of God at the time of the Incarnation have made her an example for all ages of Christians. The following events of her life are in the New Testament: her betrothal to Joseph; the annunciation by the angel that she would be the mother of the Messiah; her visit to Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist; the birth of Jesus; the visits of the shepherds and the wise men; the presentation of Jesus in the temple; the flight into Egypt; the visit to Jerusalem when Jesus was twelve years old; the wedding at Cana; an occasion when Mary and Jesus' brothers asked to speak to him while he was speaking to the people; the crucifixion when Jesus commended her to John; and the meeting with the apostles in the upper room after the Ascension. Since church history she has been honored and esteemed. Whenever I think upon this most wonderful Lady, I am reminded that, without hesitation, she said, Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word (Luke 1:38). She said, Yes! to God! The grace and peace of our Lord be wth you! Chris Keiper Altar Guild Chair ckeiper511@gmail.com,

11 Lutheran Women s Missionary League On Sunday, July 2, LWML MITES collected totaled $ Thank you for your continued prayers and support of the Gulf States District and National LWML Mission Grants selected in Convention. I am happy to report that the National Biennium for the goal of $2,000,000 has been reached, and twenty two Mission Grants were selected for funding during the National Biennium MITES will be collected next on Sunday, August 6 th, here at Saint John. Summer is a beautiful time of the year - with traveling to visit family and friends, vacationing just enjoying the blessings we receive every day. It is a time for reflecting on all these God given blessings and reaffirming to "serve the Lord" where He has placed us here at Saint John Lutheran in Hattiesburg. We don't know what the future holds, but we do know that every day is a gift from God, and as long as we are here - we will serve Him with JOY! Eleven women attended the July 15 th luncheon at Cotton Blues restaurant. It was a great time of delicious food and visiting - taking time to enjoy our sisters in Christ. I know that I don't say it enough, but I'm so thankful for the friends and fellowship we share in the activities of the LWML God has certainly blessed the work of this organization! On Sunday, September 3 rd (Labor Day weekend), the LWML will hold its first Business meeting back from "summer" break. All members, families, and friends are invited to share a light lunch immediately following the worship service prior to the meeting. We will be planning activities for the remainder of 2017, including serving meals for Oktoberfest work days, LWML Sunday, Magnolia Zone Fall Rally, etc. All women are welcome and invited - especially new members to our congregation! Watch Sunday Bulletins for more information in up-coming weeks. UNTIL NEXT TIME... Serve the Lord with Gladness!!! -Shirley Thone President LWML It s time to order Brats! If you would like to order Bratwurst, the cost is $34 for a box of 30 Brats (2 pkgs). Orders must be placed by Tuesday, August 15th and will be delivered the first week in October. For more information and to order your Brats, please contact Bob Schneider at

12 Ellen Heck Brenda Ogle Birthdays in August Brandon Lee 8/4 Josie Nwachuku 8/4 Ted Meyer 8/11 Evelyn Bentley 8/12 Eartha Dear 8/12 Helen Hollingsworth 8/14 Bailey Mary Walters Cubley 8/14 Courtney Lowrimore 8/28 Terry Jordan 8/29 Anniversaries in August Terry and Patrice Lovdahl, 38 years 8/11 Richard and Julie Radavich, 52 years 8/21 Andrew and Laura Johnson, 8 years 8/22 Irvin and Shelia Curry, 49 years 8/30 Parkhaven Night Out Against Crime Meet neighbors, city officials, HPD, Hattiesburg Fire Dept, and more at the corner of Camp and South 22 nd on Tuesday, August 1 st at 6pm. Surprise the World! Love. Like. Jesus. + Hope for the City. Saint John Lutheran Church 2001 Hardy Street Hattiesburg MS Telephone: Website: stjohnlutheranchurch@gmail.com Like Us on Facebook: USM Campus Mission Like Us on Facebook: Oktoberfest Hattiesburg Like Us on Facebook: Saint John Church Hattiesburg Like Us on Facebook: Longleaf Heights Neighborhood Association