I Need More… MONEY

Someone once asked John D. Rockefeller, “How much money is enough?” “Just a little more,” he answered.

At the time, he was one of the wealthiest men in the world.

Those who’ve heard that story and Rockefeller’s answer, usually divide into two groups: they either think of

him as a greedy miser (“He has more money than he knows what to do with!”) or an honest pragmatist (“Hey,

he’s just telling the truth—even in you’re rich, a little more is always nice.”). Don’t we all occasionally find

ourselves thinking, “I need more money?”

There’s nothing wrong with financial security, but how much is enough? If you are pricing a vacation home in

Florida and feel frustrated that you don’t have enough to buy a Ferrari too, that’s one thing. If you lost your

job and can’t pay the bills, and it’s getting tough to put food on the table, that’s something else.

This is a complicated issue. It’s not easy to properly distinguish between real needs and selfish greed. Do you

really need more money? Maybe. Maybe not. When it comes to finances, the best advice comes from Jesus

Christ. Our Savior said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and

where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not

destroy and where thieves do no break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

( Matthew 6:19-21).

According to Jesus, a lot of folks expend an enormous amount of time and energy in pursuit of earthly treasure

and financial security, but for what? In the end—if a bad economy, a poor decision, or unforeseen disaster

doesn’t claim it, time certainly will—you can’t take it with you.

That makes heaven the only worthwhile investment. And here’s the great news: Jesus lived, died, and rose

again to provide all the heavenly treasure for you. Peace with God—now and forever—that’s what he freely

gives.

Put your trust in Jesus. Find in him real treasure and eternal security. What more do you need? Besides, Chris-

tians know that the Lord will always provide. We’ve got his Word on that: “Do not worry, saying, “What shall

we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?” For the pagans run after all these things, and

your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all

these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33).

Do you really need more money? You don’t need to answer that questions. Put your trust in Christ—seek first

his kingdom and his righteousness—and let him answer the question for you.

November 2019 Newsletter

Pastor James D. Plocher Principal John F. Lange 916 West Huron Avenue 1056 WELS Lane

Vassar, Michigan 48768 www.vassarlutherans.org

(989) 823-7923 (989) 823-8400

Church Email: stlukesvassar@sbcglobal.net

November Newsletter Page 2

Thanksgiving Worship

The annual Day of Thanksgiving is

November 28. Our worship service

that morning will be at 9:00 AM.

Plan to fill up with God’s Word

and his announcement of peace be-

fore you gather with family and

give thanks for the abundant bless-

ings the Lord provides in life.

Altar Flowers

If you wish to place flowers on the

altar, please sign up on the poster

by the church office. You are re-

sponsible for ordering and payment

for flowers. Any questions? Please

speak with the church secretary.

Welcome Home

The family of God loves to gather to hear and learn his Word. God has

blessed our congregation as we encouraged one another to come for a

special Sunday of worship and activity. Now God intends to feed us reg-

ularly with his gospel. In November the Sunday service themes will seek

to strengthen our connection to our Savior and to one another. Come

each week and invite your family and friends to join you. We are family

that loves Jesus. And we are family that loves one another. God will

shower his blessing on us!

Worship themes:

Our need for Christian community

You are free to be yourself

You are perfectly safe here

You have an everlasting family

You are part of Christ’s glorious kingdom

Board of Trustees

A big thank you to those who have

agreed to give special donations for

several projects. The parsonage fur-

nace and air conditioner will be re-

placed soon. The snow removal

from the school and church lots

will be taken care of. A new man-

ger scene will be displayed this De-

cember. Carpeting has been laid at

school and at church. Lawns have

been mowed and trim has been

painted and flower beds were main-

tained. The list goes on, showing

how God’s people are thankful for

a Savior and eager to serve one an-

other as family.

A large group of men were willing

to stand for election to the Board of

Trustees, and only three spots were

open on the board. A subcommittee

will be formed to allow those who

were not elected to also use their

time and abilities to serve by main-

taining the property and grounds of

the congregation. We are very

thankful for the eagerness of many

to glorify God with their talents.

Evangelism Invitations

St. Luke’s is always looking for those who want to know Jesus better.

What we have is exactly what the world around us needs. It is also some-

thing that is less and less commonly known. The problem of sins and the

reality of evil weighs heavily on many people. Jesus is the only one who

forgives sin and he has defeated evil! You are the best person to invite

your friends to come and listen, to learn and then to rejoice in the Savior.

As we prepare for the Christmas season, postcard invitations will be

available for each member to use to invite people to worship with us. The

Children’s Christmas Service will be in the morning on Sunday, Decem-

ber 22. A Cookie Crunch Fellowship will follow. Take the time already

now to think about those you can invite to our Advent and Christmas

worship services. Pray about them, and prepare to engage the conversa-

tion. God will give you the words to say and the courage to say them. He

will also bless you as your light shines for all to see.

November Newsletter Page 3

Christmas Tree Decorating

Committee

Advent is approach-

ing quickly! The

Christmas tree in the

church will be deco-

rated on Sunday, December 1 after

Bible Class & Sunday School.

Please note that the same people

are responsible for taking down the

tree after the holidays—date to be

announced due to the anniversary

celebration.

The following people are on the

decorating committee this year:

Kyla Carrigan, Coreana Clark, Eric &

Julie Clauss family, Ashley Cline-

smith, Don & Onna Clinesmith, Mi-

chael Clinesmith, Brian & Kim Cobb,

Lindsey Cobb, Sharon Cobb, Chelsea

Coffey, Joe & Julie Coffey, Justin

Coffey, Jerry & Jennie Comstock,

Heidi Copes, Lori Corell, Kim J. Cun-

ningham, Randy and Kim S. Cunning-

ham & family, Bill & Kathy Cypher &

family, Josh & Katie Denniston, Char-

lene Dick, David Dick, Emerson

Doering, Conrad Dowe, Marvin &

Dorothy Dowe, Leigha Drohn, Su-

zanne Drohn, Bill & Jeanette

Dudewicz, Dave & Cori Einhardt &

family, Nick & Abby Elliott, Fran Em-

ling, Kayla Enser, Shannon Es-

senmacher, Gabe & Joanne Fall &

family, Todd & Janice Finkbeiner &

family, Diane Forbush, Brandon &

Dana Frank & family.

We also welcome all members who

wish to help with decorating the build-

ing and grounds. We’ll be putting up

the new manger scene too. It takes a

big crew to put all the decorations up

for the holidays. There are even jobs

the little ones can do. If you have any

questions, give a call to the church

office or talk with Pastor Plocher.

Military Members

The following members of St. Luke’s have indicated that they have

served in some branch of the military in the past. If you know of addi-

tional members who have served, please share their information with the

church office. Thank you!

Veterans: Deceased Veterans

Duane Bishop Kenneth Bender

Thomas Borcherding Mickey Bolen

Ronald Brown Elmer Buchinger

Eric Clauss Douglas Campbell

Donald Clinesmith Raymond Cobb

Jerry Comstock Roger Gohs

Conrad Dowe Ronald Graubner

Marvin Dowe Robert Klopf

Hallie Greenwood Adolph Korthals

Gerald Heinlein Robert Kralik Sr.

Walter Keyes Wayne Lambert

Aaron Korthals Walter Martini

Scott Kutsch David Nichol

Zachary Lemke Larry Rose, Sr.

William Levis Raymond Rummel

Brian Millerov Thomas Schultz

Terry Mocny Gillis Somerville

Franklin Morse Carl Stierheim

Todd Nelson Gary Volz

John Newcomer II Carson Waterman

Kathryn Pellar

Kimberly Pringle

Lee Pringle

Brett Rosencrants

Gregory Rosencrants

Paul Schultz

Cody Somerville

Timothy Streeter

Donald Thurston

Robert Ziegler

James Zoellner

Actively Serving at this time:

Charlsey Sayles

Megan Solgat

Jacob Somerville

Aaron Weinzierl

We thank you

for your service!

Lutheran Military Support

Group (LMSG)

Veterans Day is November 11. The

LMSG is an organization of WELS

veterans who want to support those

who served the country. An “ammo

box” will be in the narthex to re-

ceive donations for their work. In-

formation can be found at

www.lutheranmilitary.org.

November Newsletter Page 4

BOCE News

Thank you to everyone who made our Welcome Home and Harvest Fest

a great success. We are truly blessed to have so many members interest-

ed in the spiritual life of our past/absent and current members. We pray

that God will continue to bless us and our school and if it is His will,

growth will be seen in our school enrollment and church attendance!

Fall basketball is now upon us and we’d like to thank Morgan and Mrs.

Cori Einhardt for making time in their busy schedules to participate as

co-basketball coaches for the girl’s team. As there were not enough boys

this year to field a team, we will just have a girl’s team this fall. While

we at yet unsure of the spring, there is a possibility of a co-ed basketball

team, so watch for more information later.

Thank Yous continue to abound around our school, especially in this

season of Thanksgiving! The BOCE and CEO are very thankful for you,

the members of our congregation who continue to support the work that

our faculty do in preparing students for their Christ-like life that is ahead

of them. How better can we prepare the children for life’s challenges and

everything that the devil will throw at them as they prepare for high

school and adult life that lies ahead? If you get the chance before or after

church, please extend a warm “thanks” to them for all that they do. In

the same manner, lets not forget the wonderful job that our Sunday

School teachers and superintendents are doing for our children each and

every Sunday. Please extend the same warm “thanks” to them for teach-

ing our children about Jesus and what he has done to save us from our

sins!

If you get the opportunity to stop by or even just drive through the

school parking lot, please notice the new piece of playground equipment

that was installed in late summer just prior to school starting. The chil-

dren now have a Gaga Ball court to play in and, wow, do the children

ever enjoy it! Thanks to everyone who assisted in making the play-

ground area ready for the court and for putting all of the pieces together.

Helps for worship

Sometimes it is difficult to pay at-

tention in worship. Distractions

abound, and that is the time our

own weaknesses get exploited by

Satan. To help overcome some of

the obstacles, these options are

available:

Pastor Plocher’s sermons are print-

ed for you to follow along and take

home to review. Some of them are

in large print for more easy reading.

You can also find the sermons at

our website

www.vassarlutherans.org.

Four binders are on the tract desk

with the services in large print.

We have a personal sound system

that can aid in hearing the pastor’s

words. A receiver and ear bud put

the sound right in your ear. These

have not been used regularly lately,

so if you are interested in trying it

out, please ask to make sure the

units are charged and working

properly!

It is still our goal to have the ser-

mon or the service posted to the

website or livestreamed. This may

allow us to serve more people more

often with the spoken word.

Preparation for worship can be

made by using the readings for the

Sunday in your family devotions.

The pattern of lessons and psalms is

available from Pastor Plocher. You

can also use the bulletin to review

the Sunday service during the fol-

lowing week, talking about the les-

sons and the sermon in your family.

God will send his Holy Spirit

through the use of his word!

Church Council

This month is the time of year when plans are being made for next year’s

budget. Questions need answers: What is it that we want to do as a con-

gregation? How much will it take to do those things? Will we be able to

support that work? How can we make sure that what we are able to do

matches with what we want to do? Those are big questions with answers

that impact the core of our congregation’s activity. It isn’t just a question

about money, but about how St. Luke’s serves God and his people. Pray

for those you have elected to serve in positions of leadership. Consider

how you can be a part of answering those kind of questions (rather than

complaining about them!). Ask God to provide for our needs and to use

us for his kingdom.

November Newsletter Page 5

St. Luke’s Thanksgiving Lunch

All members of St. Luke’s are invited to CEO’s

annual Thanksgiving Lunch on Thursday, No-

vember 14 at 12PM in the fellowship hall.

Norm’s Market is catering a traditional turkey

dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, rolls

and butter. If you would like to contribute desserts or milk,

please sign up on the bulletin board. We also welcome any

volunteers for set up, serving and clean up. A generous donor

has covered the cost for the meal this year in thankfulness for

those who send their children to St. Luke’s School. Please

turn in your registration form by Wednesday, October 30.

If you have any questions, please speak with Karen Leach.

Rainy Day Fund

At the Quarterly Voters Meeting on October 20, the voters

agreed to use the Rainy Day Fund (RDF) to reduce our general

fund deficit. There was about $12,000 in the fund, while our

deficit was over $40,000. Our practice has been to repay the

RDF with only special gifts given for it. We thank everyone

who has contributed to the RDF. This is the second time we

have used the fund this year, for a total over $28,000. We hope

to be able to end 2019 with no deficit at all. That means our

regular and special gifts have a large gap to overcome. Each of

us can consider how we can participate, from the abundance

our God has provided us.

The Thumb Circuit Fall LWMS Rally was

held at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mayville

on Saturday, October 19.

Our speaker was Mr. Sean Young, a member

of the WELS Joint Mission Council. He is

helping to begin the WELS Mission in Vi-

etnam and is working with Pastor Bunkeo Lor

with the Hmong people. Pastor Lor began

working with the Hmong people in Vietnam

and the mission has grown to 150,000. This

Communist country has asked the WELS to

build a theological training center in Hanoi

because it will keep the people under control

as they focus on their religious training. There

are 350 pastors ready to begin training.

The business meeting came to order and roll

call was held. St. Luke’s ladies collected

$85.52 for mission box offerings. The total

collection for all mission box offerings was

$816.00 along with an offering plate collec-

tion of $238. These monies will be divided up

between Summer Student Assistants and Haiti

Projects.

We are looking for nominations for the Spring

rally for the following positions: Vice-

President, Secretary, and Spiritual Growth

Laywoman. Please let Kelly Plocher know if

you would be willing to serve in this way.

The Spring LWMS Rally will be held at King

of Kings, Frankenmuth on Saturday, March

14 with Mrs. Deb Peterson, member of our

Befriend a Mission congregation in Hender-

sonville, NC, sharing news of that growing

mission. Plan now to join us!

Electronic Giving

A reminder that you can use the Bill Pay feature from your

financial institution to send your offerings to church. The

scheduler will allow you to set the date and the amount. There

is usually no charge for this service, and they mail a check to

St. Luke’s at the appointed time. This is the best way to avoid

having to write a check for your offerings, since many people

don’t actually write checks anymore. Unfortunately, online

giving and credit card options all cost a significant amount,

and reduce any offerings that would come through them.

Thank you for your interest in being good stewards of God’s

gifts to you, and for your joy in supporting the proclamation of

the gospel at St. Luke’s.

November Newsletter Page 6

Pastoral Acts

Release by Request:

Kasey Bey

10-8-19

Transfer out:

Al and Mary Beth Lindke to St. Paul, Norfolk, NE

10-20-19

Church Library

You can find wonderful resources

for Advent and Christmas in our

church library. Check it out!

Also, gifts to the library are a great

way to remember a loved one, or to

celebrate a special occasion. Gifts

are used to purchase new materials

offered by Northwestern Publishing

House to build up our faith and en-

courage our continued Christian

living. The budget for the library is

very small and some of our titles

are very outdated. We’d love to add

some new materials to our collec-

tion.

Upcoming Christmas

Concerts & Special Services Check the many opportunities to

worship our Savior in Word and

Song below:

Martin Luther College

Christmas Concerts

Saturday, December 7 at 8:30 PM

Sunday, December 8 at 5:00 PM

Watch online at www.mlc-wels.edu

Advent Services at St. Luke’s

Wednesdays, December 4, 11, & 18

6:30 PM

Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

Christmas Concerts

Sunday, December 8 at 4:00 PM

and 8:00 PM

Watch online at www.wls.wels.net

St. Luke’s Children’s Service

Sunday, December 22 in the 9AM

worship service

Michigan Lutheran Seminary

Christmas Concert

Friday, December 20 at 7PM

Watch online at www.mlsem.org

St. Luke’s Christmas Eve

Monday, December 24

Worship 6:30 PM

St. Luke’s Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25

Worship w/ Communion 9:00 AM

St. Luke’s New Year’s Eve

Monday, December 31

Worship w/ Communion 6:30 PM

Christmas Poinsettia Orders

If you would like to

place poinsettias on

the altar for the

Christmas season,

please complete the

form in this newsletter, and return

it along with cash or a check for

$25 by Monday, December 16 to

the church mailbox of Kerri Hub-

bard or Heidi Krause. The poinset-

tias will be purchased, delivered,

and decorated in time for our

Christmas services. We will place a

tag at the back of the poinsettia

with your name on it in case you

wish to take it home after the

Christmas season. The poinsettias

will all be red.

MLS NEWS

On Sale Now—Tickets to the MLS

play, “Murder’s in the Heir” are

available now. The performances

are Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday,

Nov. 23 at 7PM, and Sunday, No-

vember 24 at 2:30 PM. Go to

www.mlsem.org/fall-play and or-

der your tickets now!

Fall Band Concert—On Sunday,

November 10 at 7PM, the MLS

Band will present a concert in the

gym. We invite you to come and

enjoy the pieces played by the band

as they use their musical abilities

for our enjoyment and God’s

praise. The concert is free to the

public.

Ladies Bible Class

All confirmed ladies of St. Luke’s

are invited to a Bible class on the

first and third Thursdays of each

month. We meet in the fellowship

hall at 7PM and are studying “Our

Bible Sisters.” We’d love to have

you join us!

November Newsletter Page 7

Newly Elected Officers

The following people were elected

to serve at St. Luke’s beginning

January 1, 2020. Please keep them

in your prayers as they serve our

Savior and our congregation.

President

Ronald Nichol

Board of Elders

James Heidenberger

John Solgat

Bryan Troike

Board of Trustees

David Streeter

Tim Streeter

Matt Heinlein

Board of Christian Education

Garrett Troike

Asst. Sunday School

Superintendent

Dustin Mecham

Congregational Delegate

Ron Nichol

Asst. Financial Secretaries

Tom Barnett

Jeremy LaPratt

Phil Pellar

Chris Rupprecht

Jon Woolworth

Gabe Fall

Ed Newsome

Dan Madar

Nick Hubbard

CEO Executive Committee

Marc Augsburger

Scholarship Committee

Adam Partridge

Library Committee

Jennifer Santoviz

Tax Benefits for IRA Distributions

As Christians we make our gifts to our Savior because we love him, and

would do that even if there were no tax benefits to giving. “We love be-

cause he first loved us.” However, our government encourages charity,

and often gives us tax benefits for gifts. Since 2006 our government has

had a provision that allows Traditional IRA holders who have reached

age 70 1/2 the option of making charitable gifts from those IRAs which

are not taxed. If you are interested in learning more, speak with Pastor

Plocher. He can provide you with information from our Planned Giving

Counselor John Kenyon.

Ushers Needed for Special Services

With the new Usher groups and schedule, we have not assigned ushers

for our special and midweek services. We ask that you check the list in

the entryway and sign up today for our special services. We are in need

of men to serve for Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas in the near fu-

ture, as well as our spring Lenten and Holy Week services. Please take a

look and sign up today!

Divine Call

Pastor Plocher has received a Divine Call to serve as a pastor in another

congregation. St. John’s in Pardeeville, WI, called him on October 7.

Pastor asks for your prayers and counsel as he deliberates these two

Calls to serve in God’s Kingdom. Good discussions have been taking

place about the needs of the congregations and the abilities of Pastor

Plocher. Please visit with him and talk about these things. A decision

will be announced in the middle of November. The Lord will surely be

with all of us in both congregations, to meet our needs in Christ. Please

pray for all God’s people, that they rejoice in his promises and stay close

to his words. Jesus is who gives peace and comfort to us all.

November Newsletter Page 8

Mission Offering

The Sunday School is participating in the Equipping Christian Witnesses

effort from Martin Luther College. This school is where our Synod pre-

pares young people to be pastors and teachers. The goal is to encourage

people to consider the college for their education, to support them with

financial aid, and also to add to campus facilities. Brochures are availa-

ble on the heater outside the church office. Thank you to those who gave

a special gift at the beginning of Sunday School. Half of our Sunday

School offerings will provide books and materials for Sunday School,

and half will be sent to Equipping Christian Witnesses.

Lessons for November November 3 Jacob deceives Isaac

November 10 Jacob’s flight and vision

November 17 Jacob and Laban

November 24 Joseph sold by his brothers

December 1 Joseph in Egypt

Sunday School Page

Operation Giving Thanks

A collection for the students at Wisconsin

Lutheran Seminary ends on November 4.

Please bring your non-perishable food, toiletries and

cleaning products to church or school before that

date. Thanks!

Christmas Service

The children of St. Luke’s will be

preparing a service of word and

song for Christmas. It’s theme is

“See what great love!” The presen-

tation of the gospel involves our

children learning and reciting Bible

Passages that show God’s promise

of a Savior fulfilled in Jesus’ birth.

The words and music are being

practiced in Sunday School. Parents

are encouraged to review the mate-

rials at their family devotion time.

We hope to have many people at-

tend the service on Sunday Decem-

ber 22 and hear the great news of

Jesus our Savior. He has loved us

greatly!

Amazon Smile

St. Luke’s has a unique Amazon Smile link that makes it

easy for people to support our organization. In your

browser, just enter: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/38-

2334784. This will allow St. Luke’s to receive 0.5% of

the price of all the eligible purchases you make on Ama-

zon.

Children’s Christmas Service Treat Bags

Thank you to the generous donor for providing the candy and peanuts for the treat bags this year and for offer-

ing to put them together. Your kindness is truly appreciated!

November Newsletter Page 9

Principal’s Thanksgiving Address On behalf of the faculty and volunteer staff of St. Luke’s Lutheran School I would like to express my thanks

and gratitude to the families of our congregation who continue to pray for our Lutheran elementary school.

We have recognized the many blessings that God has showered on our school this year. After twenty-nine

years in God’s grace, we are convinced that with God’s boundless love and your continued support, we will

continue to study, learn, and live in the warmth of God’s love here at St. Luke’s Lutheran School for another

generation, God-willing.

As we enter the early days of November, the students of the upper grade are studying the Civil War. We have

just finished studying the Union victories of the battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. President Abraham Lin-

coln, being encouraged by these victories, issued a proclamation making the fourth Thursday in November a

national holiday. In this October 3 proclamation, President Lincoln seemed to need to remind the U.S people,

“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful

skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which

they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to pene-

trate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty

God.”

As a people of God, we don’t need a national holiday to realize that God has made America the most blessed

place to live. Let us always be mindful that our bountiful God has showered us with His blessings. We lack

nothing material. We have freedoms that citizens of other countries can only dream about. We are able to wor-

ship the one true God without fear of reprisal or prejudice.

But are we truly thankful? For what are you most thankful this Thanksgiving holiday? Family? Friends? A

steady job? Good health? Happy kids? Money in the bank? All of these are truly things for which we should

be thankful. I know that you would agree that our greatest blessing comes from the Father’s boundless love

which caused Him to send His Son to earth to redeem us wretched, sinful people and give us that which we

don’t deserve - the eternal glories of heaven.

May God the Holy Spirit lead our children (and us) to see the bountiful riches we possess here in this world

and the greater blessings found in heaven which are ours through His Son, Jesus Christ. May He grant genera-

tions of God’s people the use of St. Luke’s Lutheran School to gain an education in faithful living in God’s

grace and glory.

Lord God, heavenly Father, from whom without ceasing we receive exceedingly abundantly all good

gifts and by whom we are guarded daily from every evil; Grant us we beseech you by your Spirit that we in

true faith may acknowledge your goodness with our whole heart and may now and evermore thank and

praise your loving-kindness and tender mercy; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen

~ Prayer by Martin Luther

2019 Michigan District Teacher’s Conference The 107th Michigan Teachers’ Conference of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod convened at Trinity

Lutheran Church and School of Jenera, OH, on October 9-11. The theme of this year’s conference was “Ask

the Lord of the Harvest to Send out Workers,” based on Matthew 9:35-10:1.

The conference began with a worship service with Holy Communion led by home congregation pastors Matt

Novak and Alois Schnitzer.

(continued on next page)

November Newsletter Page 10

Conference chairman Chris Holman then formally welcomed the 18 new teachers to our conference and dis-

trict. Various business reports followed. The district president’s report was presented by Pastor Jason Baldwin.

Following the business meeting, during the Wednesday afternoon session, the Keynote Address entitled

“iGen.ISad? - Effects of Technology on Mental Health in Children” was presented by Kent Robinson of Wis-

consin Lutheran Child and Family Service.

After the conclusion of the business meeting, your teachers toured the childhood town our very own Board of

Christian Education Chairman Marc Augsburger – Bluffton, OH. We were treated to the busy little town’s

food fare. What a lovely town, Marc!

Thursday morning began with a Bible Study led by area pastors. Throughout the remainder of the day, teach-

ers could attend various special interest sectionals. Your teachers attended the following:

Poverty and Education – What Being Poor Does to the Brain

Studying the Past to Understand the Future

Preschool and Kindergarten Roundup

Folk Dancing in the Classroom

Creating a Love of Reading

Setting Kids’ Hearts on Fire for God’s Great Commission

After an opening devotion and a final sectional, Friday’s Conference Address was presented by Pastor Ryan

Kolander of Palabra da Vida congregation of Detroit. After the presentation, various reports were given. The

reports included: Excuses, Elections, Greeting and Commemorations, Resolutions, and Press Reports. The

conference adjourned with a closing devotion by Pastor Matt Novak with worship music by Branches Band

and the conference choir. The conference offering of $747 went to Martin Luther College’s Equipping Chris-

tian Witnesses campaign. Next fall’s conference will be held at Salem Lutheran Church and School, Owosso

on October 7-9, 2020.

Quarter 1 Comes to a Close

The first quarter of our 29th school year will soon come to a close. Report cards will come out on November 4.

Throughout the final weeks of October our teachers have been meeting with parents discussing their children’s

progress reports. With the posting of the permanent grades of the report cards, our parents may also wish to

discuss their children’s progress. Teachers will also be scheduling meetings in November after the report cards

come out. They are ready to serve you with many different meeting options, so contact your child’s teacher

today and schedule a meeting.

Lady Redhawks are on the Court

Girls’ basketball A-team season has begun. The girls are under the leadership of coaches Morgan and Cori

Einhardt. We thank Morgan and Mrs. Einhardt for taking the time to build on the basketball skills of our girls.

Our Lady Redhawks have already completed their first two games of the young season. Please watch your

bulletin for additional games scheduled.

Fall School Activities

Bay Area WELS Schools Outdoor Education at Camp Timbers - The students of our school’s 5-6th grades

shared time with four other WELS schools – a combined 43 students - in learning about the outdoors at

YMCA Camp Timbers, east of West Branch. The children had an opportunity to learn about the ecology of a

living bog, to try their paddling skills in canoeing, to scale the 30 foot climbing wall, to survive the survival

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November Newsletter Page 11

course, to learn about what it takes to be a lumberjack and citizen of the town of Piper, to shoot bow and ar-

rows, and to team up to accomplish challenging tasks as in a team-building class. The children had opportuni-

ty to enjoy many different outdoor free-time activities – from Piper Pete’s Plunge to gaga-ball.

The children were led in morning and evening devotions by teachers from the Bay area WELS schools. Four

Michigan Lutheran Seminary students came along to be our high school counselors on the trip. The MLS

counselors led us in prayer at each meal. This three-day experience gave the MLS seniors a good taste of the

teaching ministry. It was also a good opportunity for the 5-6th graders to hang out with MLS students and con-

sider their own attendance at Seminary.

This year Mr. Lange was surprised to have St. Luke’s School alumnae, home congregation/ hometown girl

Emily Becker as one of the Camp Timbers staff instructors. Emily represented our school and congregation

well as she taught us about the Lumber town of Piper, MI and led us on the awesome 30- foot wall climb. It

was great to see Emily’s plans come full circle from being a student attending camp to being a camp counse-

lor/instructor. When not working at the YMCA Camp Timbers, Emily is studying to be an RN.

Special thanks go to Paula Walker, who served as our chaperon. Mrs. Walker, your patience and guidance

were extremely helpful. Final thanks go to the Christian Education Organization for their tuition support of

$400 which allowed our nine students and chaperones to go to this outdoor education event at a greatly re-

duced price.

Look for excerpts from the students’ daily journals to find out more about our students’ impressions about this

style of learning.

Can Collection Begins Again – Our 6-8th graders have begun their can collection again to reduce the estimat-

ed total per student cost of $220 for their springtime class trip. Please save your cans and bottles as a contribu-

tion to this trip. There is a drop off box at both the school and church. We also gladly accept can and bottle

deposit slips for cashing in. Members of the class are even willing to stop by at your home to pick up your do-

nations!

Fire Safety Days at St. Luke’s School - October was the observance of fire safety days at St. Luke’s. Ted

Gamet came to St. Luke’s to remind us of the importance of treating fire with respect. He also told us about

the need for constant care of the smoke detectors in our homes and for reviewing your family’s escape routes.

Thanks for coming, Mr. Gamet.

Long-term Mission Offering – Last year we introduced a joint school-congregation mission project – the re-

placement of the outdoor manger scene. At that time the offering stood at $360. As of Friday, the offering ex-

ceeded the $4233 goal. Over half of the offerings came directly from our children in their Friday chapel ser-

vices.

The four manger figures: Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus in a manger, and an angel have been ordered from

Bronners. Delivery will be in time for the 2019 Advent/Christmas season.

Young Poets Society – Our 7-8th graders have been busy showing off their poet craft as a concluding activity

of a recent Language Arts unit. Please take time to read their entries in this month’s newsletter.

November Newsletter Page 12

Camp Timbers Journal Entries 2019

The students of St. Luke’s School’s 5th and 6th grades attended Camp Timbers in West Branch October 2-4.

Read below to hear about their experience with this wonderful outdoor education opportunity. Thank you to

CEO for their generous financial gift to offset the cost for our families!

Wednesday, October 2

Phoebe S. – When we were about to unpack I had grasshoppers in my stomach. We started to unpack when we

got to our cabin. Today we saw 6 chipmunks and they were adorable!... Our team won Capture the Flag. So

far, so good. Hopefully tomorrow will be better!

Thursday, October 3

Braylin Z. – Today we did the rock wall. I made it to the top like I

did last year. We also went canoeing. I canoed with Ricky, but he

had no idea how to canoe so I had to teach him…. The lumberjack

auction was really fun also. I do hope they’ll add more rounds in it

though. I’m really sad it’s our last year. I’m hoping to come this

summer.

Kaylee H. – We did the Rock wall. That was a lot of fun. Then we had lunch. We had chicken. It was good.

Then we made a fire and forts. Chelsea and I got 5 stars.

Friday, October 4

Caeleb P. – I’m sad because we left today. Camp Timbers was

fun because real food, games, people you know and ga-ga-ball.

Ga-ga-ball was fun because a lot of people were playing and all

their strategies are different…. The last activity I did was team

building. The third stage was one little table and we all had to

touch it and not touch the ground.

Chelsea W. – Today we had eggs, bacon, potatoes and fruit for breakfast. After that we went to “the mud bog.”

We got all muddy. It was really fun!... I said goodbye to my new friends and we left to go home…. It was real-

ly fun too because I got to spend some of my birthday with my new friends.

News from the Little Hawks: The Firemen’s Visit

The fireman came to school. They told us to stop, drop, roll, and cover

your face when you’re on fire. One fireman put on his suit. He could

breathe through his mask. We held the fireman’s heavy jacket. We saw

generators on the fire truck. We got to sit in the back of the fire truck.

We got to see lots of hoses and heard the siren. We will read about fire

safety at home.

Photo: The firemen who visited along with Piper H., Ava D., Caroline P.

and Jillian P.

November Newsletter Page 13

Upper Grade Poetry 2019

Students in Mr. Lange’s 6th-8th grade class have been studying poetry in recent weeks.

They have shared their own creations for our reading enjoyment.

The Haiku

Fall By Lily W.

Leaves all around us

Changing color as we speak

What a pretty scene

The Wolf By Madison B.

The wolf prowls around

The forest to find its prey

Even in the dark

Winter By Madison F.

Small flakes of ice fall

The winter breeze bites your nose

The cold lingers on

Tree By Brayden W.

We sat underneath

The massive towering oak

Then it fell on us

Animals By Bella G.

Like most animals

They watch over each other

As we do ourselves

Ocean By Lucas G.

Soothing sounds of waves

Fish swimming in the water

Soft sand on your feet

The Ocean By Brayden S.

Above the ocean

As waves break over the bow

The sea welcomes me

Turtles By Elisabeth L.

So slow to the nest

Hatched - rushing to the ocean

Soaring through the waves

Clouds By Baeli P.

A cloud of fluff high

A cactus floats in the sky

Look up and mind soars

A Western Sunrise By Eve S.

The bold flaming sun

Peaks over the mountain range

Bright and amazing

Deer in the Woods By Hannah M.

I can hear the deer

They are walking by me now

While crunching leaves

The Limerick

Hannah By Elisabeth L.

There once was a girl named Hannah

She lived on a ranch in Montana

Most of her friends

Were horses and hens

And a worm who lived in a banana.

Lily Chronicles By Madison B.

There once was a girl named Lily

She wasn’t a big fan of chili

She didn’t really know

Hillbilly Joe Even though he thought she was silly.

Lucas By Brayden W.

There once was a boy named Lucas

He had a problem with mucus

Mucus was his cat

Therefore he sat

Oh no, here comes Kazookus!

Yelsa By Hannah M.

There once was a girl named Yelsa

She looked like a bowl of salsa

Her hair was the chips

Tied back with a clip

This is the story of Yelsa.

Drunkle Dave by Baeli P.

There once was a guy named Dave

Who was told to behave

He claimed “I’m a sober uncle

No longer a druncle

And plus I’m clearly the family fave!”

Patty By Lucas G.

There once was man named Patty

Who lived in Cincinnati

Most of the time he was crabby

Because some people call him Gabby

He was also kind of a fatty.

November Newsletter Page 14

Rhyming

Cats By Lily W.

Have you ever wanted a cat?

Well I can assure you they don’t act like bats

They can be chatty

Or just a fatty

Some like to sleep in a bath

But that’s why you need a cat.

What is in the Sink? By Brayden S.

What’s in the sink?

Oh my it’s pink

But in the park

The dog does bark

Do you see the shark?

It eats the bark

Oh that tastes like bread

But is awfully red.

Free Verse

The Hidden Rivers and Falls By Madison F.

We all try to find them but then lose hope

Some come close to close

It is like there is a secret force

And it keep all away

But we will never know if this is true

There is one very important factor

You see if you find them

They are no longer hidden

So, when you think you are close to reaching a hidden river or fall

You are far from gaining that oh-so-wanted grasp

We hope you enjoyed the selections

shared by our Upper Grade Class.

Mustang’s Morning By Eve S.

The mustangs awaken

As the sun bursts in the sky.

Color explodes

And the mustang herd breathes in

the crisp air.

It is a fresh new day.

A bright morning.

A mustang morning.

Myrtly By Bella G.

Hannah liked to save the turtles

She also kept one as a pet

Hannah even tried to name on Myrtle

Because Myrtle looked like a jet.

November Newsletter Page 15

Financial Update

September 2019

Income $32,747

Expenses $28,999

$3,748

*Monthly budgeted need is

$35,300

Treasurer’s Update

Budgetary Offerings: $32,747.88

Budgetary Expense: $28,999.87

Net Income: $3,748.01

Our General Budget Checking Bal-

ance is -$33,569.04 as of 10/8/19,

which indicates our internal bor-

rowing.

Special Gifts given in September:

$3,002.75

The Rainy Day Fund balance is :

$12,305.00.

We are behind $71,944.35 in our

budgetary offerings through Sep-

tember 2019.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Dudewicz

Treasurer

Special Envelope

Contributions can be made to any

of the funds below by using the

special offering envelopes in the

narthex or included with this news-

letter. Be sure to name the fund on

the envelope before you put it into

the offering plate.

• Property Maintenance and Im-

provement Trust Fund—funds

will be used for unexpected up-

keep on our properties

• Scholarship Fund – distributed

each year to students attending

synod schools.

• Scholarship Endowment Fund

– proceeds supplement the

Scholarship Fund annually.

• Building Trust Fund – To pay

for future building projects.

• St. Luke’s Rainy Day Fund –

this fund helps the congregation

when cash flow is slow. Repay-

ment of the loan to ourselves is

made through your generous

gifts to the General Fund and/or

special gifts to this line item.

Memorials & Special Gifts

Memorials were given in loving

memory of Ed Jasman: to the Rainy

Day Fund by Jeff & Lois Kroll, Linda

& Roger Engelhardt, Justin & Megan

Tietz, John Bauer, Wayne & Mary

Landskroener, Howard & Norma Lew-

is, Arlen & Marilyn Born, Diane Kra-

lik

A memorial was given in loving

memory of Kay Keinath to the LES

Athletic Fund by Mary Rupprecht.

A special gift was given to St. Luke’s

School by Keith & Shelley Murringer.

A special gift was given to the Rainy

Day Fund by Rhonda Marker.

A memorial was given in loving

memory of Melvin Otto to the Rainy

Day Fund by Fran Emling.

A memorial was given in loving

memory of Florence Wells to the

Rainy Day Fund by Don & Sharon

Thurston.

Memorials were given in loving

memory of James Francis: to the

Rainy Day Fund by Fran Emling and

Marilyn Graubner; and to St. Luke’s

School by David & Theresa Atkins.

A memorial was given to the Nativity

Fund in loving memory of James

Francis and Carson Waterman by Jim

& Bonnie Heidenberger.

Memorials were given to the Rainy

Day Fund in loving memory of Carson

Waterman by Margaret Somerville and

Nancy Klopf.

A memorial was given to the Rainy

Day Fund in loving memory of

George Gray by Don & Sharon

Thurston.

A special gift was given to the Nativi-

ty Fund by Emerson Doering and Vio-

let Hackel.

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