New Year’s Resolutions

We have followed the star all the way to Bethlehem. We have worshiped the One born to be our Savior. And like the magi of old, we have opened our treasures and presented to Him our gifts in response to the gift of Himself (God’s indescribable gift of love for our eternal salvation). Now with the new year before us, our hearts are determined, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to live for the Lord’s glory and to pursue His mission with even greater zeal and effectiveness, earnestly “making mighty messengers for Christ.” Chances are, you have some new year’s resolutions of your own: to lose some weight, get more exercise, get more organized, spend more time with the family, etc. Hopefully, you are resolving also to do things that are good for your soul: regularly reading the Bible and praying, worshiping faithfully, serving and giving sacrificially. I want to assure you that your congregation has been working hard at some resolutions as well. For the last several months our Long Range Planning Committee has been working at refining our five year goals, and our Nominating Committee has been meeting with the determination to fill our upcoming leadership vacancies with people of God’s choosing for His ongoing Kingdom work. Our out-going (and outstanding) congregational president has been hard at work with both of these and I would like to have him give you the rest of the details in his own words. Please read the following with interest and remember these things in your prayers that the Lord might grant us His gracious blessing in this new year, with these projects, and with whatever else He has in store for us in 2013. In Christ’s service with you, Pastor Naumann

+ + + Happy New Year! I pray that you all had a safe and blessed Christmas. What joy it is to celebrate the Savior’s birth each year! As the holiday season comes to a close, I wanted to make you aware of a number of important things that will be coming up soon. Long Range Planning Committee The Long Range Planning Committee has completed the annual assessment of our Five Year Goals. Since we’ve only just started making progress on the goals in the last six months or so, with the approval of and action on the Move Forward Objectives, the Committee decided not to undertake major revisions on the intent of the goals. For that same reason, we did not do an in-depth analysis of progress on the existing goals. We did, however, recognize that the goals as written and approved in 2011 were not really written as goals, nor were they brief and to the point in a way to make them memorable. Therefore, we put much of our time and effort into rewriting the goals in a SMART (specific (clear), measurable, attainable, realistic, timely), brief, and more memorable fashion WITHOUT changing the intent of the goals. You will notice that one goal is missing, the one regarding having annual all-congregational faith raising events, since that was more a strategy than a goal. Please be assured that even though the goals have been “streamlined” we have not just thrown out the detail, work and intent that went into crafting the goals – this will all be retained and utilized as we develop strategies to achieve the goals.

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After much discussion, the Committee did choose to add a goal, listed as Goal 8 below. I think it is safe to say that the group felt fairly strongly that our current board/leadership structure may not be conducive to achievement of the other goals, and thought it would be important to have an objective EVALUATION of our governance structure that would possibly include input from representatives from the Michigan District or other LCMS churches. Note that we are not suggesting that any changes be made at this time, only to evaluate, with the intent that any changes suggested by the evaluation would then be proposed to and approved by the Voters’ Assembly. I would like to thank the members of the Long Range Planning Committee who joined me in dedicating many hours to this process: Pastor Naumann, Mark Chilcott, Dave Stachel, Brian Metcalf, Mark Vickery, Greg Johnson, Paul Stevens, Jon Forster, Matt Freeman and Jonathan Barkow. Please take the time to review the revised goals below, and give us any feedback you may have. The final draft will be presented for approval at the Voters’ Meeting in February.

St. Michael Lutheran Church Five Year Goals (2011 – 2015)

Making Mighty Messengers for Christ Over the next five years, we will: 1. Bring People to Christ. Each member/family will bring at least one other non-member/

family or inactive member/family into active membership in the congregation. 2. Close the Back Door. Increase involvement and integration of both new and existing

members in order to grow and retain them. 3. Grow the School Ministry. To reach more children and their families for Christ with a target

average enrollment of 18 students per grade level (Preschool-8th). 4. Encourage Personal Stewardship. Raise the level of joy in and commitment to building

personal stewardship in response to Christ’s sacrificial gift to us that allows us to passionately sow our time, talents and treasure in obedience to the Great Commission.

5. Optimize Congregational Communication. Provide concise, timely and effective

communication to our members and the mission field. 6. Ensure Excellent Worship. Create an excellent worship environment as measured by

increased attendance and member satisfaction. 7. Cultivate Professional and Volunteer Leadership. Evaluate and fill the necessary

congregational leadership positions and ensure that the leaders have adequate support and training.

8. Self-Assess. Evaluate the operational model of church governance to ensure

accomplishment of our church’s mission.

Nominating Committee As the Long Range Planning Committee was winding down, the Nominating Committee started to get warmed up. I would like to apologize to those who are upset that the Nominating Committee didn’t get started earlier, as called for in the By Laws. I did not feel I could devote sufficient energy to leading both committees at the same time and have both operate effectively. Joining me on the Nominating Committee this year are Pastor Naumann, Jan Jett, Ernie Van Orman, Alice Foster, Arlan Wendzel, Dana Naumann and Karen Taylor. We have a big job this year, as will be seeking candidates for the President, Lay Ministers, and the Directors most of the Administrative Boards, for election at the February Voters’ Meeting. If you are interested in serving, or have someone you would like considered for nomination, please let me or a member of the Committee know! Our approach this year will be somewhat different than in years past. Rather than trying to fit individuals into the specific positions, we have tried to identify members with skills and leadership ability, and then let their hearts lead them to which open position they feel most called to serve in. We hope that this will lead to increased satisfaction and desire to serve the church in our congregation.

LCMS Elections We have an opportunity again this year to submit nominations for LCMS officers. We may nominate up to two rostered ordained ministers for the positions of President and/or First Vice-President. We may also nominate up to two ordained ministers for our Regional Vice-President. Nominees for this position must reside in the Great Lakes Region, which includes the Wisconsin Districts, the Iowa East District, the Northern Illinois District, and the Michigan District. In years past we have called for nominations at the February Voters’ Meeting. However, this year the nominations must be received by the Synod’s auditors by February 20, 2013. Therefore, if you have interest in nominating someone please let me or Pastor Naumann know, ideally by February 10.

Financial Town Hall Meeting A Financial Town Hall Meeting has been scheduled for January 13, 2013 immediately following Late Service, ~12:15. The topics of discussion will be a financial update, an update regarding the policy for use of funds for the Faith Budgets, the need to combine the School and Church Faith Budgets, and a possible proposal to amend the fiscal year. Please come share your views with us! Jesse Hogue Congregational President

The Parish Planning Council has been working through some challenges about how to be more effective. As part of that process, we are reading a book entitled “The Advantage” by Patrick Lencioni. The book is about organizational health. One of the first requirements of a healthy organization is to have a small (3-10) leadership team. The experience of the council affirms that requirement. To address this, we have decided to form a subcommittee of the planning council that will include the senior pastor, president, vice president, and up to 4 board directors. This subcommittee will meet together to review input from the congregation and report back to the Parish Planning Council to set the appropriate vision and strategy for St. Michael. We anticipate this setup to be a learning experience, but you can be assured that no permanent changes to congregational structure would be made without approval of the congregation. If you have any questions, please contact Jesse Hogue or Matt Heintz.

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Dear St. Michael members and friends, I am truly "overjoyed" (in Pastor Naumann's words) to be so lovingly embraced by our congregation, as I saw and felt during my ordination service and reception December 15, 2012! I am both excited and humbled to now be Assistant Pastor at St. Michael. Thank you to all who prepared music, bulletins, food, cakes, or decorations; to all who ran the soundboard, ran the drink table, or ran around in the kitchen; and to all who gave me words of encouragement, gifts, or just your highly-valued presence. And for every other thing that was done or provided: thank you! I will never know the full depth of the sacrifice that some of you have made to put on such a wonderful party, but it meant a lot to me, and I am very grateful. In a similar way, I believe that most of us will never know the full extent to which our own head pastor, Pastor Naumann, makes sacrifices as he seeks to lead, comfort, encourage, and teach our congregation, holding out the gifts of God for the people of God. Please continue to pray for him now during this full and rich time of Advent and Christmas when there is so much to be thankful for and also when so many people are in need of care. And please pray that I too will follow the Lord, growing to be the kind of sacrificial pastor, father, husband, and worker that God desires me to be as I, too, seek to live out the call that God gave me through you - to be pastor at St. Michael Lutheran Church. Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Pastor Jason Toman

Pastor Jason Toman’s Ordination Service

T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R P A G E 6

St. Michael Lutheran School

I have written articles in previous January issues of the Mighty Messenger that give a brief overview of the school ministry here at St. Michael. Many have shared with me how much they enjoyed knowing more about the school ministry through these articles so here is the latest information based upon our current school year. Enrollment The current school ministry enrollment is at 195. K-8 enrollment is down 5 students from the 2011/2012 school year, and preschool is down 12. The Childcare enrollment continues to hold strong and currently serve 52 children on a regular basis. The Board of Early Childhood has contracted with an individual with a marketing degree to serve in a promotions/marketing capacity with the goal of bringing awareness of our school ministry to the greater community. This individual is the wife of an LCMS pastor who currently serves in the Battle Creek area. There have been over 170 individuals identified who have come into membership with St. Michael Lutheran Church through the school/preschool/childcare ministry since 2001. Scholarship This school year a total of $24,388 in tuition assistance has been awarded to 20 different families benefitting 27 children. Of the recipient families, 3 hold membership at SMLC. Since 2005 more than $130,000 in tuition assistance has been given to qualifying families. Most of the tuition assistance money is raised through a number of events including the Scholarship Dinner, Golf Outing, the Gerri Wheeler Scholarship Fund and many generous donations. Staff SMLS and CFK together employ 23 staff – 13 in the school and 10 in the childcare. There are a number of individuals from different agencies serving in various capacities such as tutors, school psychologists, and Speech/ Occupational Therapists who frequent the school to meet the needs of the students. Portage Public Schools provides (at no cost to St. Michael) 7 certified teachers who teach our students Art, band, gym, computers, and Spanish through a program known as Shared Time. Tuition Income Of total anticipated tuition income, the school generates approximately 62% and the Childcare/Preschool approximately 38% of that total. Roughly 4-6 % of total tuition remains uncollected from year to year. Tuition is now paid through a no-cost electronic fund transfer program offered through Church Extension Fund. Service Projects The school participates in a number of service projects throughout the course of the school year. This year we continue to focus on different monthly mission projects. A number of organizations have benefitted from the efforts of SMLS including: Lutheran World Relief; American Heart Association; American Cancer Society; Kalamazoo Gospel Mission; Loaves and Fishes; Alternatives Pregnancy Care Center, and Samaritan’s Purse just to name a few. Our students regularly send cards and letters to those on the shut-in list of St. Michael Lutheran Church and spend time with Covenant Senior Daycare on a frequent basis.

ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL

AT A GLANCE 2012/2013

Curriculum/Programs The school offers a strong academic program. The program includes childcare and preschool through 8th grade. Our kindergarten program includes both a ½ day five days per week option or a full day five days per week. Kindergarten students arrive in 1st grade as eager readers. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills scores continue to be in the mid to upper 90’s% and last spring SMLS was rated the #2 school among Lutheran schools in the Michigan District who administer the Iowa Test. Our students generally meet or exceed state standards on the MEAP test as well. All students grades K-8 enjoy weekly Art, physical education, and Spanish, as well as vocal music (K-4), computer (1-8), Beginning Band (5) and Concert Band (6-8). SMLS also offers various enrichment classes after school in a program known as After the Bell.

Our school has a great working relationship with Portage Public Schools. SMLS contracts with PPS for our hot lunch program which represents more than 7000 hot lunches served over the course of the school year. We also have bus service provided by PPS and have 10 students who regularly ride the bus each day. Our school is a transfer point for PPS and it is not uncommon to see as many as 9 buses move in and out of the driveway each day. PPS also provides limited special education services as well as the sharing of professional development opportunities.

Sports SMLS participates in an 8 member school league known as the Small School Sports League. In the fall co-ed soccer, girls’ volleyball and boys’ basketball are offered. In the spring there is girls’ basketball. We have had many exciting home games in the gym here at school! A number of other sporting opportunities exist with a Cheer squad, basketball fundamental for grades 1-4, as well as an annual basketball camp held in early August.

That is just a brief overview of the school ministry at St. Michael. So far this has been an exciting year with new students and new programs. Still this continues to be a painful year for so many of the families experiencing unemployment and under-employment in these challenging economic times. This school ministry would not be possible without the support and prayers of the members of St. Michael Lutheran Church and I ask again that you would continue to pray for this vital ministry that has touched so many lives in the name of Christ.

Greg Johnson, Principal

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Please join us for a night of fun, food, & fellowship  

at the…  

8th Annual PTL  

Snowball Dance  

“Winter Wonderland” Theme                                           Friday, January 25, 2013  

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  

Advance ticket purchase  

deadline is  

Wednesday, January 23, 2013  

 

 

Advance Tickets sales available in the school office.  

Adults $7 ea,. Children 3‐12 yrs. $5 ea.  

Family $25  

(Prices higher at the door.)  

Return your ticket order form now to  

reserve your spot!  

Mission U

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

Jan 1 - Happy New Year Jan 9 - LAMP Presentation 7:00pm in Allan Hall Jan 12 - Mission U Session 3, 10am to 3pm in Allan Hall

Yes it is 2012 and we are recruit-ing for the 2013 Summer LAMP team. You have heard about Lac Brochet and the special privi-lege that we have to share Jesus with this community. Come and join the 2013 LAMP team. There are openings on the prayer team, the preparation team, the curriculum team and the team that serves in Lac Bro-chet. The next LAMP trip is

tentatively set for August 2 - August 11, and you can come and hear more about the opportu-nities and being a part of this outreach to the north. On January 9 at 7:00pm there will be a special presentation on how you can be part of the Sum-mer 2013 LAMP trip. If you have any questions or would like more information see Dana Naumann 383-1749. Thank you to SMLS & CFK for raising money during January for the LAMP trip!!

Upcoming Events

Panc

ake S

uppe

r LAMP

The yearly pancake supper for Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday is going to be on February 12, 2013. More details will be available soon; however, in the meantime it looks like we will have some special entertainment that night. Kevin Kammeraad will be performing after the sup-per, and he is an artist, writer, performer, and pup-peteer!! More information on Kevin and his shows can be found at: http://kevinkammeraad.weebly.com/

This event is always filling and this year’s promises to be extra special!!

This course will share insights on how to initiate and cultivate relationships in ur-ban and suburban contexts and how to overcome stumbling blocks when sharing Christ in these settings. Session 5, MU-203, Sharing the Gospel in the Digital Age, will be held at SMLC on March 9, 2013 from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and more will be featured on this session and the final session next month. Registration cost is still just $20 which includes lunch and snacks. Register online at www.michgandistrict.org/missionu or call Debbie at 888.225.2111. It’s not too late to register and get equipped to spread the Word to those around you.

Mission U is back in January and will con-tinue each month in 2013, concluding after the April session. Session 3, MU-201 Dealing with Tough Questions, will be held at SMLC on Janu-ary 12, 2013 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. This course will address the prevalent questions concerning Christianity in soci-ety today. Students will learn to discover the root issues behind a question and how to respond appropriately. And most impor-

tantly be able to bridge back into sharing the Gospel. Session 4, MU-202, The Outreach Congre-gation, will be held at SMLC on February 2, 2013 from 10:00am to 3:00pm.

ST. STEPHEN

On Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in our E100 Discussion Guide, we read a passage from Acts 6:8 to 8.8. This passage talks about Stephen who is considered the first Christian martyr and one of the first deacons of the Christian church. Stephen was “a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit” and was given the title of deacon, which means “to minister.” Since our Stephen Ministry is named after St. Stephen and based on his care and concern for people in need, let’s take an opportunity to look at the origin of the Stephen Ministers. Also, studying him now seems appropriate since the celebration of the Feast Day of St. Stephen is December 26, the day after Christmas. As we read in Acts, Stephen grew to be a leader and began to speak in public with vigor and, “full of grace and power.” He began to work great wonders and signs among the people. He was also willing to debate with the Jewish leaders, eager to point out the many teachings of the Master. Stephen continually quoted Jesus and the Prophets regarding all the ancient holy rites and how they were of less importance than the true spirit. Talk like this, of course, brought down the wrath of the Jewish priestly class. The sham trial of Stephen bears remarkable similarity to that of his Lord. False witnesses made their accusations; Stephen defended himself ably, reviewing the long spiritual history of his people. Finally, his defense turned into a bitter accusation found in Acts 7: “Yet not in houses made by hands does the Most High dwell, even as the prophet says… Stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ear, you always oppose the Holy Spirit; as your father did, so do you also. Which of the prophets have not your father’s persecuted? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you have now been the betrayers and murderers, you who received the Law as an ordinance of angels and did not keep it.” After this, the crowd could not contain its anger, so it rushed upon Stephen and drove him outside the city to stone him. Jewish law permitted the death penalty by stoning for blas-phemy. Stephen, full of “grace and fortitude,” prayed to the Lord to receive his spirit and not to lay this sin against the people. So continues Stephens “calling” for Christians to care for members of their community and church family through the Stephen Ministry program. January and February can be very dreary months – not only in the weather but in our spirits. Please call a Stephen Minister and share your concerns. We are ready and willing to carry on the tradition of helping others and spreading Jesus’ messages that Stephen set for us so long ago. In God we Trust, Virginia Hetrick

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WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

SOUP & SANDWICH SUPPER BINGO NIGHT JANUARY 21, 2013 6:30 PM, Allan Hall

Let us serve you supper and join in the fun

Please bring a wrapped White elephant gift for the prize table

Join for short bible study and devotions

New calendar, new beginnings, new

possibilities to revitalize our faith as we remain

connected to the Great I Am who is from the

beginning, through our Savior Jesus Christ.

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

Servant Night

February 18, 2013 7:00pm, Allan Hall

Hosting a speaker from the Michigan District LWML

Servant in-gathering event to celebrate LWML

Recognition Month: Bible study & devotions

Meals for New Parents

If you love to cook, buy restaurant gift certificates or order take-out/delivery, then this ministry is for YOU!! Meals for New Parents provides dinners to joyfully blessed sleep deprived new parents. Help ease their day with a warm meal. Please call Cindy Forster at 269-342-0849 to be a part of Meals for New Parents.

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 1 PA G E 11

Thank you for the donations to the Blessing Baskets. Two St. Michael Families had extra special Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays as a result, and extend their sincere appreciation for not only the gifts, but the love shown to their family by their St. Michael family. Again thank you to everyone who donated the wonderful cookies and then bought them back again. The $600 proceeds were donated to St. Michael Women’s Fellowship to support our numerous projects during the year. These funds enable us to: pay for speakers to our meetings continue our Remembrance Card Ministry support Edna Fry’s military ministry donate to Lutheran Women Missionary League (LWML) purchase LWML quarterly magazines buy paper products and treats for our events underwrite the additional costs of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Blessing Baskets,

plus meet special needs within St. Michael and the community

Our annual Christmas Party and Ornament Exchange was great fun. Thank you to Eileen Goetz for her Liturgical Dance program and Linda and Edna Fry for their beautiful decorations. On a personal note, I send my “Thank You’s” to all who took care of the December Women’s Fellowship Ministry events while I was grounded by the flu. Board members Arla Mayhew, Diane Goetz, Connie Chadderdon, Rika Noggle and Jolene Kennedy, plus Edna and Linda Fry and many others whose names I will never know. Your kindness and prayers mean so much. To the one who put the envelope in my mailbox “God Blessed Me so I can Bless You”, thank you. I was able to forward that blessing to someone else. You made my Christmas spirit soar. May the Light of the World continue to shine on your New Year with joy, confidence in the future and peace. June Kucks

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

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NEW MEMBERS RECEIVED DECEMBER, 2012

Ryan Boldt (absent from group photo) (Transfer from St. Paul Lutheran Church) 4128 West Centre Ave, #300 Portage, MI 49024 573 424-7691 William and Stacey Cleveland (Profession of Faith) 29284 Heritage Lane Paw Paw, MI 49079 269 913-4360 Holly Edick (Profession of Faith) 7533 Turnberry Court Portage, MI 49024 269 492-0615 Chad and Kasie Gritzmaker (Profession of Faith; Affirmation of Faith) 5198 S. 12th Street Portage, MI 49024 269 348-7402 Jean Hintz (Transfer from Grace Lutheran Fellowship) 8932 Newhouse Street Portage, MI 49024 269 270-3530

Ellen Hystead (Transfer from Golden Valley Lutheran Church) 7715 Kenmure Drive, Apt. 12 Portage, MI 49024 763 226-6061 Harold and Carol Karnes (Profession of Faith) 10727 Sudan Portage, MI 49002 269 327-4809 Julie Pindell (Affirmation of Faith) 3136 Sturgeon Bay Portage, MI 49024 269 323-1318 Thomas and Janet Puvogel (Transfer from Trinity Lutheran Church) 5320 Appalachian Trail Kalamazoo, MI 49009 630 388-9852 Erik and Linda West (Profession of Faith; Affirmation of Faith) 7235 Oak Brook Circle Portage, MI 49002 269 716-0013, 269 217-9345

Holly

Puvogel’s Gritzmaker’s

Karnes Jean Hintz

Cleveland’s

Ellen

West’s

Julie

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 1 PA G E 13

DAVE RAMSEY’S FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY We at St. Michael are privileged to be one of a handful of Lutheran Churches that is Piloting the Financial Peace University through a new partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Dave Ramsey. What is it? Financial Peace University is an educational “program that teaches you

how to beat debt, build wealth and give like never before!” Who is it for? Anyone who wants to be a good steward of God’s money and to

control your finances instead of allowing them to control you. When is it? Starting Sunday, February 3 2013, it will run for 9 consecutive

Sundays. Class time will be from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. What does it cost? $89.00 per family plus $6.00 shipping, which provides class

materials and membership. Where can I register or find out more? Contact the church office or register on line

at www.daveramsey.com.

Starts February 3

What’s Happening with St. Michael Junior & Senior Youth

High School Winter Camp

High School Youth Group winter camp at Spring Hill is on January 4-6, 2013. The theme for winter camp this year is SKETCH, and the youth will learn about how God created them for a purpose. Sometimes we erase or try to fix things on our own, but it does not work. Instead, Christ cleans us up and makes us right before our Father in Heaven.

High School and Jr Youth

Christmas Parties

The Jr High Youth Group is planning a Christmas break day out to Echo Valley on Thursday, January 3. The cost will be $13 for tubing and tobogganing. Please bring cash as Echo Valley does not accept credit cards.

We will leave St. Michael at 12:30 PM and return by 5:00 PM. Please eat before you go. There are some concessions there, so bring a few extra dollars for that. And of course dress warm!

Help Our Community!

Did you know the High School Youth Group gives ten percent of all fundraising dollars to different organizations that spread the good news of Jesus Christ? In the past we have supported Lutheran World Relief and Teen

Mission Ministries in downtown Columbus, Ohio and Orlando, Florida. We currently support

missionary work in Kalamazoo County through the local Youth For Christ office. One of our events to support them is our Blood Drive on

January 14. For each person who attempts to donate, Michigan Blood will give $10 to Youth For Christ. Plus, all the blood donated will stay local and go to Borgess or Bronson Hospitals. You can sign up for your reserved time slot in

the south narthex.

Sunday Morning Education Classes!

Sunday morning classes for toddlers through adults resume on January 6, 2013 at 9:45 am.

The Board of Christian Education would like to thank the congregation and everyone who helped with the Children’s Christmas Worship Service on December 9. It was a joy to see the children of our

congregation worship the Lord with their talents and energy. Many people put time and effort into helping the children get ready and it showed on a morning where God was glorified.

Confirmation Class

Wednesday evening Confirmation Classes resume on January 9 at 5:45 pm. We will

continue learning about the Ten Command-ments and how God shows His love for us

through His Law.

Looking Ahead

Pastor Naumann will lead instruction in the Lord’s Supper on Sunday afternoons

February 17 and 24 from 4-6 pm. Confirmation students who have not

previously been instructed are welcome to attend. Eighth grade students who have not

been instructed are required to attend. Students should attend both sessions.

Father / Daughter Dinner We had 19 families for our din-ner on December 1. It was a

great night of conversation and time together. Dinner was

served by the young men of the youth group.

P A G E 1 6 T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R

Burnie Trimner Ethel Kocman Bud Leonard Lorene Fiebig

TV MINISTRY YOU CAN TRUST!

Charter Cable Channel 96 Access for Kalamazoo and Portage

30-Minute Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod worship service Produced by Lutherans for the homebound, hospitalized… Includes the Gospel, Epistle, and Sermon by LCMS pastors Music by choirs, soloists, and small groups Sun. at 4:00 pm; Mon. at 2:00 pm; Tues. at 3:00 pm; Wed. at 5:00 pm

Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. 5 Martin Luther Drive ^ Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996

“Worship for Shut-Ins” Summary Sheet January 6, 2013 – Matthew 2:1-12 "The Treasure" by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur, IN The star led the Wise Men to the greatest treasure in the world: The baby Jesus. God had sent His treasure—His only begotten Son—and the Son spent this treasure—giving His life—for us. Not only was the treasure spent on us, but now we own the purchase of God's treasure: forgiveness, heaven, and the presence of God.

January 13, 2013 – Isaiah 43:1-7 "You are the Lord’s" by Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church~New Haven, IN We have been adopted by Christ in our baptism. We are the Lord’s. Created and redeemed by Him, we face life’s challenges knowing that we have been ransomed, and we are precious in His eyes. He is with us throughout life and will be with us in death.

January 20, 2013 – John 2:1-11 “Saving the Best for Last” by Rev. Warren Schilf, Immanuel Lutheran Church~Palatine, IL

We’ve all heard the phrase “I’m saving the best for last”. Sometimes, this applies to the dessert we eat at a meal. We may use this term to refer to the best years of our lives as we grow older. In the wedding at Cana, the master of the feast is amazed that with the help of Jesus, the bridegroom has “saved the best for last” when he samples the wine that Jesus provided after they ran out. Through Jesus, and his precious blood, we too are saving the best for last. Like a wedding banquet, we too will enjoy a heavenly banquet filled with the best of meats and finest of wines in the presence of our Lord for all eternity. January 27, 2013 – Luke 4:16-21

"The Christ, For You" by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur, IN Jesus is the Christ. He has come to proclaim good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind; to set at liberty those who are oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor. That which backs this preaching is Christ's death and resurrection.

V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 1 P A G E 1 7

WE LOVINGLY SERVE! THANK YOU to our AUDIO/VISUAL VOLUNTEERS! These people come early to services and make sure the sound system and lighting equipment is warmed up, set up, and ready to use. They do their magic so that you can always hear the sermons and see the videos during the services. Plus they record the services for those who cannot attend. If you would like to share your gift of technology this way, contact Asst. Pastor Jason Toman at the church at 327-7832 or email him at

jtoman@mightymessengers.org.

St. Michael Needs: Recording Secretary for the Parish

Planning Council Meetings Prayer Ministry Coordinator Pew Checkers (people who

straighten the pews weekly) CELLS Group Board Director Parish Fellowship Members and

Director Someone to wash the kitchen

towels weekly Contact Jan Jett at the church office at 327-7832.

FOR SALE: Wurlitzer Organ    Contact LuAnn DeFouw  

at 269‐624‐2105 

The Forster Family truly appreciates the good wishes, gifts and prayers for our family this Christmas. We are honored and blessed to be called to serve at St. Michael. May God provide all that you need and give you opportunities to share His gift of Jesus with others in 2013. We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Thank you to both members of the church and school for all of the cards, gifts, and expressions of love given to our family not only this holiday season but throughout the year.  Your love and support makes all the difference!    Greg, Wendy, Nathan and Jared Johnson 

We had a wonderful Christmas celebration at our house, with all five us under the same roof (plus Dana’s parents and sister). We even had enough snow to call it a white Christmas. Your many cards and gifts to us made Christmas very special as well and we thank you very much. We feel very loved and appreciated by our congregation, a great blessing that we don’t take for granted. We pray that you had a blessed Christmas as well and are looking forward to another year of God’s grace and blessing. God bless us, everyone! Pastor Naumann

How to Pray with People Certainly you have had people ask you to pray for them. Have you ever done so with them right on the spot? Often we’re afraid and intimidated when it comes to praying with people, but it can be a great blessing to the person and very comforting and encouraging to them. On Thursday night, January 10 at 7:00 pm, Pastor Naumann is going to talk with our Stephen Ministers about how to pray with people and they have invited the Lay Ministers, and Telecare Callers to join them for this special continuing educational session. You are invited too as we open it up to the whole congregation for growing in this important skill of extending Christ’s care to one another. Please join us.

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 1

8/1/12-11/30/12

Church Revenue $211,359

School Revenue $224,487

Total Revenue $ 435,846

Total Expenses $ 425,328

Net Surplus (deficit) $ 10,518

Budget $ 452,286

Under/(Over) Budget $ 26,958

Avg. 2012 Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . 377

Special Offerings Since August 1, 2012:

Trust Fund $ 13,452

Church Worker Scholarship $ 355

LWR $ 815

Good Samaritan $ 2,010

Memorials $ 905

Covenant Sr. Program $ 700

Mortgage Reduction $ 4,329

Mission Forward $ 28,098

School Music $ 242

Tuition Assistance $ 12,829

School Improvements $ 22,504

Quilting $ 175

Sunday School $ 123

L.A.M.P. Mission Trip $ 30

P A G E 1 8

November Financials

Mission Forward Update

Total Committed: $668,614 Accumulative Receipts as of 12/23/12 Offerings: $621,647 Matching Funds: $39,526 Percent of Commitment Reached: 93% Mortgage Balance: $408,966

Campbell's® soups

Campbell’s® Select Harvest® soups

Campbell’s® Microwavable soups

Campbell's® tomato juice

SpaghettiOs® Pasta (Original & Meatball)

Campbell's® beans, gravies, & canned pasta

Prego® Italian sauces

Swanson® stocks, broths & canned poultry

V8® vegetable juices

V8 Splash® beverages

V8 Fusion® beverages

V8® soups

Campbell's® tomato juice

Pepperidge Farm® breads, cookies, & frozen products

Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® crackers

Campbell® Foodservice products

St. Michael School has collected many labels and box tops this year thanks to you. Thank you for your continued support. If you haven’t helped yet or you have more labels and box tops to give, drop them off in the South Narthex, the childcare center, or at the school office.

As far as box tops go, we have collected $1,471.50. This is almost to our goal of $1,766, so keep up the good work. We are doing great with labels for education too! We have collected 15,165 points, which is 165 points past our goal. With your points so far this year, you have help purchase walkie talkies for the school as well as other gym and art supplies.

Just a reminder, if you are turning in labels for education, I need the bar code to be whole or complete so that I can read it, and please cut the label as small as you can near the bar code. This makes packaging them so much easier. Also if you are turning in box tops, I must have ones that are NOT expired, the expiration date has to be visible, and any coupon box top certificates MUST be ORIGINALS not copies or expired. Thanks again to everyone who is earning us money and points! Dana Greenacre

P A G E 1 9 T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R

Saint Michael Lutheran Church and School 7211 Oakland Drive ✝ Portage, MI 49024-4151

(269) 327-7832 ✝ Fax: (269) 327-3148

website: www.mightymessengers.org E-mail: stmike@mightymessengers.org

Staff Members, Board of Directors, and Other Leaders *Paid Positions

Senior Pastor * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann Office Hours: Tues-Fri. 9 am -12 noon E-mail Address: naumann@mightymessengers.org Director of Christian Education * . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon Forster Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs 9 am - 12 noon E-mail: jforster@mightymessengers.org Vicar *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Toman Office Hours: Wed. Noon – 4:30 pm Church Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Beaubin, Marianne Wiersma Director of Ministry Operations * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Jett Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-3:00 pm School Principal/Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Johnson Saint Michael Lutheran School - Kindergarten Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brenda Heintz Saint Michael Lutheran School - First Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara Schubert Saint Michael Lutheran School - Second Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Annie Buchanan Saint Michael Lutheran School - Third Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Prentice Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fourth Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Lam Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fifth/Sixth Grade Teacher *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Manack Saint Michael Lutheran School - Seventh/Eighth Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Lonc Saint Michael Lutheran School - Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Robinson Christ for Kids Childcare Director * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Newkirk Technology Coordinator * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Williams Sextons* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Chapman, Bud Hetrick Stephen Ministry Leaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Conklin, Pastor & Dana Naumann, Arlan Wendzel and Virginia Hetrick Stephen Ministers . . . Zoe Miller, Jenny Wedel, Lynne Wendzel, Nonie Knight, Heather Bigelow, Ailene Buchtrup, Christine Boone, Bud Hetrick, Carolyn Freeman, Barbara Williams, Kelley Crawford, Mara Kudelski President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Hogue Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Heintz Board of Lay Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Conklin Sound & Lighting Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Prayer Ministry Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sandi Champion Financial Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad Hunter Newsletter/Bulletin Publications * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marianne Wiersma Board of Parish Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shannon Hogue Vacation Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorraine Dudash Board of Early Childhood & School Ministries Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Taylor Board of Evangelism and Missions Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dana Naumann Cradle Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Hunter Board of Parish Fellowship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant Women’s Fellowship Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June Kucks Board of Church Properties Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Howard McNees Board of CELL Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant Covenant Senior Day Program Board Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Kurlowicz Covenant Senior Day Program Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lauren Fitzmaurice Board of Stewardship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Chilcott Volunteer Ministry Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Board of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Krieger Senior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Burnett, Jerry Kuss, Emily Manack, Jon Forster Junior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Burnett, Jerry Kuss, Jon Forster

7211 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024

St Michael Lutheran Church

Church Phone: 269-3277832 School Phone: 269-327-0512 Fax: 327-3148 stmike@mightymessengers.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

KALAMAZOO, MI

PERMIT NO. 5

DATED MATERIAL

Our Mission at St. Michael Lutheran Church is to make disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ by building up one another in the faith and

reaching out to others with the Gospel.

We call this “Making Mighty Messengers for Christ.”

JANUARY 6 — EXPLORING OUR FAITH—WINTER SCHEDULE BEGINS, 9:45AM

JANUARY 9 — LAMP RECRUITMENT SESSION, 7PM

JANUARY 12 — MISSION U-201 SESSION, 10AM

“DEALING WITH TOUGH QUESTIONS”

JANUARY 13 — FINANCIAL TOWN HALL MEETING, 12:15PM

JANUARY 14 — BLOOD DRIVE, 3-7:00PM

JANUARY 20 — NEW MEMBER RECEPTION, NOON

— ST.MICHAEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE, 2PM

JANUARY 21 — WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP SOUP SUPPER & BINGO, 6:30PM

JANUARY 25 — SMLS PTL SNOWBALL DANCE, 6PM

JANUARY 27 — SMLS SUNDAY, NATIONAL LUTHERAN SCHOOLS WEEK

JANUARY 2013