January 2021 1

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY APRIL FOOL’S DAY! Actually, there was a time when those two things were celebrated at the same time…January 1st! Really.

Hundreds of years ago, calendars listed April 1 as the first day of the year. It was that way for centuries. In 1564, King Charles IX in France decreed that there would be a new calendar, and it began with the first of January.

Understandably, some people didn’t like the change and weren’t about to switch. That’s the way it is with change. In fact, Mark Twain once quipped, “Nobody likes change except a wet baby!” Those people were referred to as “April Fools.” Others played tricks on them, and that’s how that holiday unfolded.

Changes and Transitions Speaking of transitions, we’re experiencing yet another. Besides all the transitions involved with COVID and those associated with moving toward getting our next Senior Pastor, there’s the 2020 to 2021 transition. Whew! So many transitions! There are likely a whole lot more in your own life.

Every transition is caused by a change; whenever a change occurs, a transition follows. We never fully get used to changes or transitions, but they are a fundamental part of life. So we have to deal with them.

In some ways, moving from one year to the next is no more than moving from one month to another, from one day to another. But it seems like a bigger thing, and maybe it should be.

The good thing about seeing it as a big thing is that we take special note of the change and resulting transitions. Then we think about things more, plan more, etc., etc. In other words, we prepare more than usual for what’s to come. Some people turn to parties to deal with these matters…or not deal with them. Doing it the right way usually involves thinking about the past and the future. There’s so much that can be said here, but the best way to think of the past is to remember God’s faithfulness and His blessings, and thank Him. It’s also helpful to take stock of ourselves, our failings and missed opportunities, and then repent of them and ask forgiveness. Don’t dwell on them, but acknowledge them; let God deal with them and move on. Moving on involves prayer. Where is God leading? What do we believe He wants us to do? Scripture is full of many specifics about what to do, and those are important to bring to mind, but then wonder with God in prayer what He wants that to look like as we move forward.

This is best done without rushing ourselves. Maybe it can be done with someone special, like a spouse or good friend. But it’s worth doing. Resolutions are fine. Some people make them, others not. Few people keep them; we all know that. But looking at the past and future and praying about them is a very good thing. Try it!

January 2021 2

THE CALL PROCESS

In early January, the Elder board will consider a recommendation to add non-elder members to serve on the Call Committee. These people have already been identified and have agreed to serve. Once the Elder board gives its approval, a list of all members serving on the Call Committee will be sent to everyone. Preliminary work of the call process has already taken place. There is still a lot more to do and it is obvious that the work needs to be done well, prayerfully, led by the Holy Spirit, and full of our best efforts. We are committed to that! We have been processing a number of things in preparation for this, including congregational input, and there will be some more of that this month.

For now, the best thing everyone can do is pray! Pray that we seek and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading. Besides the procedural and practical things that need doing, prayer is essential. Without it, the other things are insufficient. Fellow members will be praying with you and a number of them will be working on your behalf as they serve on the Call Committee.

FAMILY SUNDAY SCHOOL

Family Sunday School is virtual this quarter! You’ll find everything you need in a kit found in the Lobby starting January 9. See page 7 in this newsletter for all the details!

WORSHIP with Pastor Frincke

As January unfolds, we will celebrate The Epiphany of our Lord a few days early—January 2/3. The following weekend, we’ll celebrate the Baptism of our Lord as the Epiphany season kicks in. We’ll have a special focus on God’s gift of life and new life.

Beginning with the third weekend of the month, I’ll share a series of sermons entitled, “Gospel DNA.” These five messages will take us up to Lent and will focus on what’s at the heart of our faith and life together. It’s important to give voice to these things, especially during this time when we think big picture about our life together and our Lord’s calling.

We’re doing our best to make worship available to as many of you (and others) as possible. That includes in-person worship in the sanctuary and livestream. If you can think of any other way(s) for us to reach others (or you!), please let us know. We’re committed to this as a priority.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY

Adult Bible Study will take up the life of Jesus, beginning in January. As we move into the seasons of Epiphany and Lent, the record of Jesus’ life is highlighted each week in the Gospel readings. This may seem like “old hat,” but I promise you that there’s much to learn and appreciate about Jesus’ life—more than you imagine! This is a faith-growing experience that you will not want to miss, either in-person or via livestream.

January 2021 3

NEWS FROM PASTOR SHAWN

Looking Back... 2020 did not look like anyone thought it would. As I look back at the year, I am amazed by the generosity of the congregation. We, the St. Michael family, were able to bless neighborhood families and teachers as we began the year.

Small groups worked alongside our community partners in ministry: Shepherd of the City, The Redemption House, and Camp Lutherhaven.

We raised and distributed funds for those in need through the St. Michael Soars campaign.

Over 250 people served throughout our community on our Go and Serve Saturday.

Alongside ESM and Emmanuel, we packed 75,000 meals through Project 216.

We blessed 16 families with Christmas presents this year.

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy

in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel

from the first day until now." Philippians 1:3-5

Celebrating Life in January

Weekend Worship | January 9/10 Sermon: Life and New Life Throughout the month of January, we traditionally celebrate life. This year we will spend a weekend talking about Jesus' life and how he connects to our life.

Diaper Drive | January 9 - 24 We are collecting diapers to give to those in need and share with community agencies including Shepherd of the City and A Hope Center. Larger size diapers (5 and 6) are in high demand this time of the year. Please bring your donation to the church lobby or send from an online retailer by January 24. Thank you!

Watch the lobby and your email for other ways to learn about cherishing life this month!

March for Life Chicago Tour Stop | January 14, 4:00p at Concordia Theological Seminary Attendees listen on radio from cars on Redeemer Radio, 106.3 FM

Fort Wayne March for Life | January 23, 12:00p St. Francis Performing Arts Center, 431 W Berry Street St. Michael participants gather behind our banner

REDEMPTION HOUSE NEWS Do you like to sew little projects? Here is another way to help the ladies at Redemption House. Call or text Lori Hudson, 260-672-3568, if you are able to sew little “pouches or purses” to carry cell phones, keys, money, etc. They fit over the shoulder and chest and are a good size to carry while walking or even all the time. These can be gifts to give them at graduation or Christmas next year. To help with meals for January and February, please call Linda Chapman at 417-3052 or Candi Luchnenko at 302-2909.

Wayne Street – January 3 and February 7

Fairfield – January 17 and February 2

January 2021 4

NEWS FROM STEPHANIE

The Music Department is a great way to get involved at St. Michael!

All rehearsals begin the week of January 4!

Youth Band

Calling all high-schoolers! Do you enjoy singing? Playing guitar, drums, or keys? You are invited

to join the band! Informational meeting/practice Sunday, January 17, at 4:00p in Luther Hall!

Register for Academy of the Arts Semester II

Invest in the music skills of you or your child by registering at academy@stmfw.org for private

music lessons with professional musicians. What a wonderful way to use the gifts God has given!

Thank you musicians!

Thank you to the many St. Michael musicians for their flexibility and faithfulness as they gave of

their time and talents to add to our worship this Christmas season. Thanks also to the St. Michael

leadership for recognizing the value of music in our worship and working to create a safe

environment for all who worship!

Vocal Groups (meet in the sanctuary)

Men’s Choir (TTBB) Wednesday 6:30-7:00p Women’s Choir (SSA) Wednesday 6:30-7:00p Adult Choir (SATB) Wednesday 7:00-8:00p

Bell Groups (meet in the sanctuary)

Harmony Ringers (high school-adult) Monday 6:00p-7:00p Resound (high school-adult) Monday 7:00p-8:00p

Instrumental Groups

Orchestra no practice until February Middle School Band no practice until February Flute Choir Thursday 12:30-1:30p in music room Sunday 9:00-9:30a in music room Strings practice as needed

PRAISE BAND

SCHEDULE

1/2 Jubilant Fields

1/9 Life Song

1/16 King’s Strings

1/22 Life Song

1/29 Jubilant Fields

mailto:academy@stmfw.org

January 2021 5

BELONG

GAP MINISTRY GAP members will be available on January 16/17 to pray with you in-person, on the phone or by video chat! The in-person team (Adam Hahn, Larry Wickert and Dave Panning) will pray with

you after the worship services in the conference room. If you would like to pray with someone over the phone or by video chat, please call the church office to make arrangements.

BOOK CLUB Stay tuned for the next book/meeting!

COFFEE BREAK Women connecting over coffee and God’s Word Women of all ages are invited on Wednesday, January 27, from 9:15a–10:45a in Luther Hall.

J.O.Y. GROUP

(Just Older Youth) Join us for a Zoom J.O.Y. gathering on the second and fourth Tuesday (January 12 and 26) at 10:00a. Pastor Shawn will lead a devotion followed by a time for questions and closing with prayer. Contact Linda Lewis for more J.O.Y. information.

MONTHLY PRAYER LIST Join us in praying for our members and friends. Pick up your copy of the monthly prayer list at the Information

Desk or call the church office for a copy.

CLHS

DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Concordia Lutheran High School seeks a qualified candidate to serve as the Director of Development and Marketing. A bachelor’s degree in the field of Development, Business, Marketing, Sales, or related field is required. At least five years demonstrated experience. Experience in the LCMS, through church membership or other means, is strongly preferred. This candidate must demonstrate the ability to build, invest in, and maintain strong relationships with donors, connecting donor passions with the needs of the organizations. He or she must have the willingness and ability to build a strong team atmosphere, and create an effective approach to marketing CLHS in the community. Strong communication skills are necessary. To view the position description and responsibilities and to apply, please visit www.clhscadets.com/employment.

LLV PASTORAL CARE Lutheran Life Villages Pastoral Care services provide for the spiritual health and wellness of residents. The organization dedicates the full budget for this program annually in faith that funding will be available from a combination of gifts and operational revenue throughout the year. Pastoral care supports the spiritual life of the people served through group activities, such as chapel services, Bible studies, hymn sings, and other group activities. About 30-40% of our residents participate in one or more weekly activities, which would reflect about 200 participants. Through our Worship TV Channel at each of our residential communities, pastors provide 24/7 access to all residents so that they can view worship services at any time day or night. This channel uses live and recorded services from our chapels. This service has been integral to providing spiritual care to our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

LWML Many thanks to all those who contributed to the LWML Mite Collection for Missions. A total of $514 was collected.

http://www.clhscadets.com/employment

January 2021 6

CONCORDIA SEMINARY FOOD AND CLOTHING CO-OP

The Co-op is open to all students enrolled in classes at the Seminary.

Food, clothing and household items are available at no charge. Students volunteer service hours for the

privilege of shopping.

The Food Co-op is located in the lower level of the Student Commons and set up like a grocery store.

The Clothing Co-op is housed in a former dormitory and has 14 shopping areas.

The Co-op relies solely on donations of perishable and non-perishable food items, clothing, household

items and monetary gifts from individuals and Organizations. (Rule of thumb: Would you like to see

your Pastor, wife or children wearing it?)

Household items or furniture should be in good condition.

Monetary donations are also accepted.

$6,000 is spent each month to purchase perishable items such as meat, milk, eggs, frozen vegetables,

fresh produce.

Gift cards are appreciated!

Did you know they received a $10,000 grant from the Indiana District of the LWML this past year? Mites

make this possible!

CONSIDER HOW YOU CAN HELP OR DONATE IN THIS NEW YEAR.

Contact Katherine Rittner, Director, 452-2168 or Katherine.Rittner@ctsfw.edu

FAMILY SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROJECT

These baskets and more were delivered to first

responders along with a card reading, “The families of

St. Michael Lutheran Church appreciate the caring way

you serve all who enter here. Praying God continues to

grant you health and safety.”

mailto:Katherine.Rittner@ctsfw.edu

January 2021 7

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.

ST. MICHAEL FOUNDATION St. Michael Lutheran Church Foundation balance is currently $415,000. This is a 23% increase from March.

Thanks be to God!

THE LUTHERAN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Calling local nursing, medical, dental, and health sciences students! The Lutheran Foundation is

now accepting Health Professions Scholarship applications. With costs for higher education rising

each year, scholarships become a critical component for funding a student’s college education.

That’s why The Lutheran Foundation (TLF) is encouraging students to submit an application for

the Health Professions Scholarship Program. TLF has multiple scholarships (starting at $1,000) to

award to students pursuing degrees in nursing or other healthcare professions. This is a broad

category that encompasses much more than nursing programs; for example, scholarships have

been awarded to both undergraduate and graduate students in counseling, physical therapy,

mental health, dental and medical programs. Please forward this to local students who are

pursuing healthcare degrees! Application deadline is February 1, 2021. Click here for full

eligibility information and an application!

NOVEMBER 2020 January to November 2020 November 2019

Offerings & Other Income $134,434 $1,408,558 $129,791

Ministry Expenses $121,249 $1,262,018 $115,470

Income over Expenses $13,184 $146,540 $14,321

Future Expansion $1,106 $12,659

http://www.stmfw.org/https://thelutheranfoundation.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3932e81aba43d75c152adff56&id=927148f0bd&e=e7df73cab0https://thelutheranfoundation.us16.list-manage.com/track/click?u=3932e81aba43d75c152adff56&id=927148f0bd&e=e7df73cab0

January 2021 8

FAMILY SUNDAY SCHOOL / STMFW.ORG / JANUARY 9

Welcome to the Lord’s Prayer in Action: Family Sunday School 2021!

Pick up your kit beginning January 9 in the Lobby. Your Sunday School Kit will include: Devotion booklet Activities and supplies Prayer journal Meal song prayers Additional resources and ideas

About the Lord’s Prayer in Action Devotions Each devotion follows a similar format and includes a time to share highs and lows of each person’s day or week, a Bible story to read, discussion questions, and an activity to do together.

Highs & Lows: Life has its ups and downs every day. Sharing your highs and lows of the day provides a moment for you to walk together as a family and pray specifically for one another’s needs. For example, a high may be playing a game as a family and a low might be not getting enough sleep. They may not be life-changing highs or lows, but they create a safe space to be honest about what’s happening in your lives. It’s also not just for the kids, adults share too!

From the Catechism: Read Martin Luther’s explanation of each petition of the Lord’s Prayer from the Catechism. The Small Catechism was created for parents to use at home with their children, to train them in what the Bible says and what the Lutheran Church believes. When we say the Lord’s Prayer, this is the meaning behind the words of the prayer Jesus taught us to pray.

Video: Watch a video to see the Bible story in action.

Read: Read the Bible story together. If you have older children, have them help you find the passage in the Bible and read it out loud. For families with younger children, feel free to use a children’s Bible or retell the story in your own words so they can understand it too.

Talk: This section includes talking points to further illustrate the main points of the devotion.

Activity: Some devotions have an activity to help bring the main point home and into action.

Pray: Here is a space for your family to pray together. The Lord’s Prayer is a great option, especially as we focus on it throughout the year. You may also choose to try something different and use the new prayer method shared with each devotion. These prayer suggestions engage different parts of the brain or different learning styles and may give your child(ren) a new way to talk with God in their daily lives.

Your family will make a Family Prayer Journal with Devotion #1. Some of the prayer options use this, feel free to also write your highs & lows in the journal and watch for how God answers your prayers this year!

January 2021 9

YOUTH MINISTRIES

YOUTH CHICKEN SALE—now through January 31 Support our youth summer trip and enjoy a delicious dinner including a half-chicken, baked potato,

green beans and a roll. One dinner is $10 or two for $18. Pick up your chicken on Super bowl Sunday,

February 7, from 10:30a-12:30p. Order forms are available at the Information Desk or find a youth

in the Lobby!

YOUTH NIGHTS—January 10/24 January 10 high school only

January 24 both middle and high school

Middle school is 4:00p-6:00p

High school is 6:00p-8:00p

YOUTH MISSION TRIP Youth will experience an unforgettable week of hands-on mission projects, exciting music and programs, and

group-building high adventure activities. Register at stmfw.org or contact Zach at zburchardt@esmeagles.com

to learn more about this awesome opportunity to serve in Copperhill, Tennessee, June 13-19.

ESM ENROLLMENT

SAVE THE DATE KINDERGARTEN Information and Enrollment Sessions: Wednesday, January 20 OR Thursday, February 18 6:30p - 8:00p Getz Road Campus - 2131 Getz Road Bring your future student for a fun activity with teachers! Childcare provided for siblings PRESCHOOL Information and Enrollment Sessions: Tuesday, February 2 Getz Road Campus - 2131 Getz Road 6:30p - 7:30p

OR

Thursday, February 4 Union Street Campus - 1123 Union Street 6:30p - 7:30p REGISTER and MORE INFO at www.esmeagles.com QUESTIONS? - Contact Erin Clark, Director of Admissions | 260-422-6712 | eclark@esmeagles.com

mailto:zburchardt@esmeagles.commailto:eclark@esmeagles.com

January 2021 10

ESM OPPORTUNITY

The track at Concordia Theological Seminary has been renovated and paid for at a cost of over $200,000! Many thanks to Concordia Seminary and COO Lance Hoffman, our Lutheran School Athletic Association, the Lutheran Foundation, and members of different Lutheran Churches, including families from ESM. With the updates to the CLHS track, we will have two amazing locations for our teams to run. The facility at the Seminary will enable us to have a location even if the high school track and stadium facility is in use on one of our meet nights. We still have some HURDLES to get over including buying $20,000 of equipment including a high jump pit and hurdles, as well as putting up a storage facility and concession stand at the Seminary Track. Would you be willing to help? The goal for ESM’s portion of additional contributions is about $900 or 7 hurdles of $125 each. If you could donate JUST ONE hurdle, it would greatly help with the project! The more we have in donations, the more we can do on this project! We would also like to eventually add bleachers and lights. Thank you for any help you can give to this great project! If you would like to donate, please contact Lance Hoffman at the Seminary where he can give you a tax deduction for your gift. To reach Lance, e-mail him at Lance.Hoffman@ctsfw.edu. You can also contact our ESM athletic director, Joel Behl at jbehl@esmeagles.com

BAPTISM BIRTHDAYS

Please celebrate these children with us on January 16/17: Jack Bains; Anora Bornheimer; Savannah Bostwick; Lincon Bruce; Jack Burgess; Adelaide Davis; Haidy Faux; Sophia Fieldhouse; Elijah Jomo; Franklin and Ben Mendenhall; Evan Meyer; Austin Panning; Aubrey and Addison Peterson.

ELDER SPOTLIGHT St. Michael is blessed with five new elders this year. Please welcome Michael Kuhn! Michael is married to Lindsey, a preschool special education teacher at Whispering Meadows Elementary. They have a six-month old son, Oliver.

Michael is a Family and Brand Advocate at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Fort Wayne. He enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and playing sports with his four brothers and brother-in-law. He is also a committee member at Camp Red Cedar and tries to volunteer with other disabilities services organizations as often as possible. He regularly interacts with volunteers and families at Habitat for Humanity.

Michael is a 2-year member at St. Michael. His favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.”

“I love this verse because it serves as a great reminder that we can’t and shouldn’t try to do it all on our own. When I find myself stressing over the little things, and even the big things, this verse gives me hope and comfort that all things are in God’s hands.” Thank you, Michael, for serving!

January 2021 11

Serving in January 2021 Title Dates Saturday

Sunday

8:00 10:45

Altar Guild January Sue Baker, Mary Bear, and Sharon McGlothlin

Elders January John Baker Zach Evans

Flowers 1/3 Laura Strouts, in memory of her mother, Donna Braun

Acolytes 2/3 Andrew Hammond Addison Stalter

Emma and Elijah Latin Parker Evans Aiden Lyttle

9/10 Molly Bartel Andrew Hammond

Jacob Levitt Nick Jones

Hunter Panning Joey Beights

16/17 Andrew Hammond Katherine Farber

Luke Bilos Gus Allyn

Nolan Nutter Chad Loggins

23/24 Molly Bartel Andrew Hammond

Hunter Panning Nick Jones

Jessielynn Park Cole Ruch

30/31 Andrew Hammond Cassidy Thieme

Luke Bilos Carson Nix

Chad Loggins Katherine Farber

JANUARY WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Michael and Amee Augenstein 1/4 20 years Zach and Nicole Evans 1/6 20 years Steve and Annie Rhodes 1/8 39 years Paul and Jane Sieber 1/11 46 years John and Carol Olry 1/13 53 years

Bill and Mary Davis 1/21 54 years Walt and Diane Hess 1/21 25 years Jim and Pat Williams 1/21 54 years Marty and Paula Cole 1/26 30 years Terry and Rachel Hammond 1/28 26 years

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Who are Stephen Ministers? Stephen Ministers are members of St Michael who have gone through 50 hours of training in providing Christian care to individuals experiencing a crisis or a challenge such as divorce, grief, loss of a job, hospitalization, relocation or loneliness. Stephen Ministers are each assigned a care receiver and meet with that person, man or woman, for about an hour a week. This can be done via the phone (due to the pandemic) or if you're comfortable with it, in person. The caring relationship will last as long as the care receiver needs it. If you would like more information please call Linda Kraus at 446-4347.

“Keep on loving each other as brothers.” Hebrews 13:1

A most sincere thank you to all our St. Michael family who supported us, sent remembrances, and attended during our family’s time of deep loss.

Pat Armstrong and family