May 2020 1

May 2131 Getz Road Fort Wayne, Indiana 46804 260-432-2033 stmfw.org

St. Michael Soars Like an earthquake, coronavirus has shaken the ground beneath our feet. Things we assumed we could count on (meals

together with friends, confirmation and graduation ceremonies, the Major League Baseball season) have been canceled

or postponed.

We’re doing some things we could never have imagined (washing the packaging on the groceries we bring home, standing

six feet from friends), and we’re not doing many things we expected always to be doing (gathering in person for church,

visiting our grandparents, commuting to work). Retirement accounts have plummeted. Jobs have disappeared. Education

has shifted to homes. Loved ones have been hospitalized. Some have died.

Earthquakes are scary because they shake what we assumed was strong and stable. Coronavirus has shaken our

assumptions, and many of us are struggling to find our feet. We’re off-balance, disoriented, uncertain, lonely, grieving.

Now, however, is not the time for our church to hunker down in fear. Now is the time for St. Michael to rise up and soar

like eagles! One way we can do this together is by being financially generous during this pandemic. Please prayerfully

consider financially assisting the following ministries:

Our St. Michael family and those in our neighborhood.

Our partners in ministry that include The Redemption House; Shepherd of the City Lutheran Church; Camp

Lutherhaven; Bethlehem Lutheran Church and the ministry of Pastor Lewis King; the Indiana District (LCMS);

Bridge City Community Lutheran Church, Chattanooga, TN; and Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Our overseas ministry, the Liberian Children’s Network of Lutheran Churches and Schools.

Your entire gift will be dispersed in equal thirds unless you direct us otherwise.

Please send your gifts to St. Michael by May 31, marking on the memo line “St. Michael Soars,” or give online to “St.

Michael Soars.” We will keep you updated on how St. Michael connects people to Jesus during these extra-ordinary times.

“Those who trust in the LORD will soar on wings like eagles.” (Isaiah 40:31)

—Pastor Lessing

May 2020 2

News from Pastor Shawn

Greetings friends, We are in this together. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been asked on numerous occasions how our family is holding up. My reply: "We are blessed to have all the resources available to us to do work, school, and life at home." God is good and has given us so many resources to help us emotionally, physically, and spiritually through these tough times. Here are some resources to help you out this month:

Mother's Day Crafts - Mother's Day is just around the corner but the kids aren't in school to make crafty, from- the-heart gifts, but Good Housekeeping has you covered. My mom always had a copy of Good Housekeeping in her reading pile, so it is a go-to for good ideas this year.

Being in the Word - Bible.com has many reading plans and devotions. Here are a couple that I have found beneficial: Putting an X through Anxiety and From This Day Forward

Being in Prayer - It is important to keep praying, talking, to God in the midst of all that is going on. Here are a couple of resources: Luther's Prayers and Psalms: Prayer Book of the Bible

Being in Community - It has been a blessing to "see" everyone as we live stream worship together. I have been using Zoom and FaceTime on a regular basis to stay connected to different communities. If you are struggling to connect with family or community via the internet, please reach out and we can try to help you learn some tips and tricks.

Being Physically Healthy - Building simple physical activities into your day helps you stay healthy. A walk around the block or tracking your steps with a FitBit (or other fitness trackers) can be beneficial to your overall health.

Being Emotionally Healthy - Here is a toolkit of things that the National Institute of Health suggests. If you need to talk to someone to get resources regarding anxiety, stress, or coping we have a partnership with Cross Connections counseling agency. Reach out to Pastor Lessing or me and we can make arrangements.

We are here for you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you.

—Pastor Shawn

A note from Cross Connections

God's blessings to you all! As we continue through these different times, please know your Biblical counseling partners at Cross Connections are ready to serve you however we can as we all do ministry in new and unexpected ways. We have happily had very few technology issues providing counseling via Secure Video or by telephone. Our staff are working hard to provide the clients you send to us the highest level of Biblical counseling we can.

A few of you have connected us with healthcare professionals to provide free counseling to them or their immediate family members and we are grateful for the opportunity. For those of you who haven't had the chance yet, please make this part of however you are communicating announcements to your church families.

We are keeping you all in our prayers and are blessed by our partnership in ministry!

—Matt Konow

May 2020 3

News from Stephanie

The choir loft looks a bit different these days as we provide space for the social distancing of our musicians, but

we are thankful for all of the talented people who have helped lead worship this past month: Jeremy Allyn;

Pauline Benner; Paul Buuck; Beck Grim; Angie Judt; Owen Kaiser; Karen Manges; Micah Maxson; Colby Miller;

Keith Miller; Doreen Muntzinger; Celine Newman; Micah Nieman; Maddie Nix; Rhonda Patterson; Marty

Schroeder; Eric Stalter; Jackson Stalter; Andrea Tarbet; Dave Tarbet; Kevin Tarbet; Tim Thoms; Lyn Wittwer;

Bethany Zeckzer; Caleb Zeckzer. The recording of the St. Michael adult choir will be on Worship Anew on Sunday,

May 3!

As we continue to live stream, our praise bands will occasionally lead our worship through music. Listen for the King’s Strings on May 3 and Life Song on May 17.

“Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!

For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.” Psalm 47:1-2

t feel like singing, try clapping, or shouting, ’I love hearing from people who are singing along at home! If you donor creating art. There are many ways to praise the Lord, who is to be revered and worshiped whether we are at home or in the sanctuary. Worshiping and praising along with you!

—Stephanie

Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School

Now Enrolling for 2020-21 School Year

Emmanuel-St. Michael Lutheran School engages students in a strong academic program to prepare them to be tomorrow’s Christian leaders. Come see how ESM might partner with you as you seek the best education for your family! Now accepting applications for preschool through eighth grade. Schedule a visit today! Contact Erin Clark, Director of Admissions. 260.422.6712 | eclark@esmeagles.com|www.esmeagles.com

ESM Preschool News

Preschool teachers at ESM have continued working during this shift to remote learning by providing resources to parents and caregivers to encourage and support ongoing learning at home. Learning bags have been distributed to families several times and devotions, lessons, videos and resources are posted weekly on ESM’s preschool remote learning site at: https://sites.google.com/esmeagles.com/earlychildhood-remote-learning. We encourage ALL families with young children to visit our remote learning pages to access these resources.

Please know that we are still here for you! If you are interested in learning more about our preschool classes for the upcoming school year, please visit our webpage at www.esmeagles.com/earlychildhood. Preschool classes are offered at both ESM campuses. Our Getz Road Campus will be offering NEW and expanded options for the 2020-2021 school year. Details about full day PreK and options for our 3-4 year old students can be found on the website. Direct any questions to Mrs. Ackmann, Director of ESM’s Early Childhood Ministry, at jackmann@esmeagles.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

May 2020 4

Concordia Lutheran High School

Register for Summer Camps and Classes Concordia Lutheran High School is hosting summer camps for all ages this summer including art,

band, baseball, basketball, cheer, color guard, computers, drama, football, golf, lacrosse, rowing,

sign language, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball. Concordia is also offering summer classes

for all area students in grades eight through twelve (2019-20 school year). Join in the fun June

through July. Online registration is now open at www.clhscadets.com/summer.

Sign up for the AJ Arnett 5K This year, the A.J. Arnett 5K Honor Run will be held on Saturday, October 31. The race starts and finishes at

Concordia Lutheran High School. The Cadets were able to donate $10,000 to Honor Flights of Northeast Indiana

and Shepherd’s House last year. This year we are expanding our recipients to include The Fort Wayne

Policeman’s Benevolent Association. Over the last five years, we have been able to donate over $42,000 to

support our local heroes in an enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience. Students in K-8 run free by registering

with CLHS. Register online at http://www.ajarnetthonorrun.com/.

May Wedding Celebrations

Years Years Mark and Krista King 5/3 2 Dave and Christine Harrison 5/21 37 Kurt and Linda Kleinrichert 5/3 45 Eric and Janet Olson 5/21 28 Dan and Angela Rich 5/3 12 Brian and Colleen Wielosinski 5/21 15 John and Gloria Ribar 5/4 35 Dave and Meikka Bilos 5/22 21 Mark and Doreen Muntzinger 5/5 36 Dave and Marybeth Bienz 5/23 39 Logan and Amanda Fillmore 5/6 3 Dave and Diane Jackson 5/23 50 Joe and Pat Heiny 5/9 39 Gordon and Julie Kistler 5/23 28 Brian and Jill Bowman 5/10 12 Ryan and Pam Meyer 5/23 28 Shawn and Jessica McLain 5/11 24 Zachary and Jill Dougal 5/24 12

Sean and Christina Powell 5/11 24 Corey and Meghan Jackson 5/24 24

Dave and Sheryl Krieg 5/12 30 Leslie and Sharon Marks 5/24 51

Joel and Lora Esslinger 5/15 44 Curt and Heather Setser 5/24 23

Curt and Amy Wills 5/15 27 Bob and Jeanette Zinn 5/24 51

Richard and Cyndy Bagan 5/16 33 Jeremy and Barbara Allyn 5/25 17

Denny and Diane Hilgemann 5/16 33 Al and Julie Freigang 5/26 30

Darin and Karen Little 5/16 39 Al and Karen Henkel 5/27 48

Dave and Tammy Panning 5/16 28 Benjamin and Dorie Fowls 5/28 15 David and Carolyn Pelz 5/17 40 Jeffrey and Connie Hanson 5/29 21 Tom and Holly Bauman 5/19 47 Dave and Andrea Tarbet 5/29 27 Chad and Erin Loggins 5/19 19 Dan and Amanda Campbell 5/30 11 Dan and Susan Tarbet 5/19 36 Jeff and Julie Crum 5/30 20 Tim and Marilyn Crum 5/20 48 Don and Cathi Schenkel 5/30 27 Steve and Karen Manges 5/20 43 Kyle and Kayla Engle 5/31 1 Brian and Melanie North 5/20 20 Josh and Aimee Stir 5/31 17

Dan and Bivian Oldsen 5/20 48 Berry and Chris Weaver 5/31 23

May 2020 5

Stephen Ministry–St. Michael Cares!

ALL ALONE?

Those words ring even more true than ever! As of this writing we are self-isolating, and whether we are with family or alone, the walls seem to be closing in just a little. The Stephen Ministers would be happy to receive any one of you (man or woman) as a care receiver. God wants us to turn to others when things are bothering us. We cannot meet face to face with

you at this time, but we can begin a relationship through phone calls, emails and texting. We are trained in tele-care and would love to have the opportunity to serve you. Please call Linda Kraus at 446-4347 for more information.

So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:5

May Baptism Birthdays Pray for these children: Brinley Berger; Karis Bornheimer; Alivia Bruckner; Ellianna Butler; Donovan and Avery Cannon;

Ava Daseler; Logan Frable; Hunter and Selene Fulcher; Cora Gould; Keith Hahn; Aaron Lyttle; Jaxson Park; Ashlyn

Reiter; Maggie Rich; Will Sappenfield Urban; Caroline Stamm; Taylen Taritas; Adriana Wonderly; Emilia Yoder.

VBS 2020—July 27–31

Registration for Mystery Island is open! Children ages 3–5th grade are invited to Track Down the One True God

on Mystery Island! Join us July 27–31 from 9:00a–12:00p. Children

and volunteers can register at stmfw.org/children.

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.

March 2020 Year to Date March 2019

Offerings & Other Income $111,748 $426,750 $169,280

Ministry Expenses $118,154 $361,388 $126,730

Income over Expenses $(6,406) $65,362 $42,550

Future Expansion $1,160 $4,694

May 2020 6

Dear St. Michael congregation,

Due to the current situation in the world, I will not be returning to Fort Wayne this year. I will complete my classes online. I am thankful for the precautions in place to protect as many people as possible; however, this meant I was unable to say goodbye to you all. I will miss worshiping with you every week. Being able to be a part of the St. Michael community has been the greatest encouragement to me during my first year of seminary studies! I am so thankful to you all for welcoming me so warmly into your community. I am very grateful that you allowed me to experience your ministries, to witness your servant’s hearts, and to feel as though I was at home in your congregation. I am so encouraged by your willingness to welcome people into your community and to serve your church, the people of Fort Wayne, and to shine God’s light into the world! I am praying for your health and encouragement! No matter our circumstances, the Lord’s promises are sure! “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22

God’s blessings, Sarah Jacob (Deaconess Fieldworker)

Belong and Bless

Lutheran Women in Mission The Indiana District LWML Convention, which was to be in Fort Wayne this June has been rescheduled for June 17–19, 2022 at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne. In the meantime, you can look forward to and mark your calendar for the international convention which will take place in Lexington, Kentucky, on June 24-27, 2021.

The Redemption House | Update Since we are "sheltering in place", we have temporarily cancelled monthly meals. When we are able to resume we will contact you! During this time, many of our members have donated supplies and food to the houses and sent cards to the girls. They appreciated it! Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

The Fort Wayne Lutheran is online! Visit www.myfwl.org to view this

month's issue and archived newspapers.

Women’s Summer Bible Study What went wrong? Why did God let this happen? Reality often ends up so very far from the life we long for,

doesn’t it? Lysa TerKeurst deeply understands daily disappointments and life-altering loss. By walking through

her own valley, she’s discovered that in God we can find unexpected strength as we wrestle well between our

faith and feelings. In this six-session video Bible study, discover fresh biblical insight to get you through painful

situations and life-giving perspectives for living in between Eden and eternity. Women of all ages are welcome

to join us for this 6-week study on It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. We will meet on Thursdays at 6:30p

beginning June 4 through July 16. The cost is $10. Email tammy@stmfw.org if you have any questions or if you

plan on attending. If necessary, we will run this as an online class.

May 2020 7

What is Going on at St. Michael

Worship

We are live streaming our worship service on Sundays at 10:45a.

Emmanuel - St. Michael Lutheran School is posting devotions on their facebook page every weekday. Communication If you are not receiving emails from St. Michael, contact Tammy at tammy@stmfw.org to verify your email address.

Twice per day, Rhonda posts encouragement on our facebook page (St. Michael LCMS)—share with your friends.

Every Monday, one of the pastors sends an email with encouragement and resources.

Every Friday, St. Michael sends emails with links to the worship service, adult Bible study, and other resources.

Every other week, check out our facebook page and website for a video from your pastors.

Check out stmfw.org/stayhealthy to read updates from St. Michael and find resources for your family. Caregiving

Each week, members of the JOY committee are calling St. Michael members over the age of 60.

Pastor Sandmann is calling our members in nursing homes.

Tina, our administrative assistant, is coordinating assistance for St. Michael families who need help getting groceries, prescriptions, or need rides to doctor appointments.

Community Charity Outreach has created bags of food and paper products for us to give to members and neighbors.

Pastor Lessing is offering times of prayer with individuals or families Monday through Thursday from 1:00p - 3:00p. Email pastorlessing@stmfw.org to schedule a time.

Pastor Shawn is meeting on a weekly basis with college students, young adults, and individuals who need encouragement and prayer. If you would like information about joining the Zoom calls, contact Pastor Shawn via email (pastordavis@stmfw.org).

Pastor Shawn and Pastor Lessing are available if you need encouragement, prayer, or have questions. Contact them via email or through the church office.

Christian Education

We are live streaming our adult Bible study on Sundays at 9:30a.

Sunday School lessons for preschool through 6th grade are available at stmfw.org/children.

Pastor Shawn is creating and sending out a teaching time for 7th and 8th grade confirmands each week.

Pastor Lessing and Pastor Shawn lead devotions/chapel for ESM on a regular basis.

Pastor Lessing and Pastor Shawn are putting together religion lessons for various classes for remote learning at ESM.

Children and Youth Ministry

Confirmation: Pastor Shawn continues to meet with 8th grade confirmands weekly to check in, encourage, and do further instruction.

High School: Join us for weekly ZOOM meetings, Wednesdays at 1:00p.

VBS: We continue to plan for VBS to happen this summer. Outreach

We continue to be in close contact with our partners in ministry to discuss needs and ways we can assist them with those needs.

Individuals from the St Michael family have been making masks for Lutheran Life Villages and many other families and organizations.

Community Outreach office continues to serve families and individuals who need to connect to Community Harvest foodbank.

We collected 858 pairs of socks that are being donated to the Rescue mission and other local agencies as need arises. Stewardship

By God’s grace, giving remains consistent and our financial position is strong.

You can give online through FellowshipOne Go or mail your offerings to 2131 Getz Road, FW, 46804.

If you have a prayer request that you would like to make known to your St. Michael family or want to join the St. Michael prayer chain, please email tina@stmfw.org.