February 2021 Volume 61, Number 2 - St. Michael Lutheran Church | Portage, MI
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February 2021 Volume 61, Number 2
PAGE 2 THE MIGHTY MESSENGER
Half Empty or Half Full?
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a lot of talk about the new normal that we have
come to accept and can anticipate for the indefinite future. The natural thing for us to do when we are
experiencing a loss or serious change from what we are used to is to deny it or dismiss it. We don’t
want to think about it so we ignore it and say “this too shall pass,” or else we refuse to believe that
things are really that different, or that they will really need to be different going forward. While such
wishful thinking might make us feel better, it might also be the equivalent of closing our eyes in hopes
that somehow by so doing we make ourselves invisible to everyone else.
No, now is not a time to bury out head in the sand but rather to use our heads to think about how we
might continue to carry on an effective ministry in the midst of a new normal. Now more than ever, we
need to remember and be clear on the mission of our church. Our mission is to make mighty
messengers for Christ, people who believe in Him as their personal Savior from sin, and who represent
Him well in the world through their Christ-like words, attitudes and actions. This is more a qualitative
goal than a quantitative one. Certainly we would like to make as many might messengers for Christ as
possible (the more the merrier!), but gone is the day when we might evaluate our effectiveness based
merely on attendance numbers.
There has been a steady decline in worship attendance in churches all over the world for decades, and
the pandemic has merely accelerated what has already been happening. When I came to St. Michael in
1997, our average worship attendance was more or less about the same as what it was at the end of
2019. But with so many churches declining all around us, just maintaining the statue quo seemed like
quite an accomplishment. However, since returning to the pews after the stay-at-home orders back in
June of 2020, our average worship attendance has pretty well been cut in half. At the beginning of the
21st century, we would often have 400 or more in the sanctuary on a weekend, whereas now it’s about
200. Of course, we have also added the online option for people to worship via our livestream on
Facebook or YouTube, or even our TV broadcast on the Public Media Network (albeit with a one week
delay), but counting the number of worshipers with any certainty seems rather impossible. Maybe
VOLUME 61. ISSUE 2 PAGE 3 someday we’ll figure a way to do it, but for now the latest word from the LCMS statistical department is simply to continuing counting only those who are physically in the room. Personally, I tend to be a “glass half full” kind of guy, and so I’m wondering with hope and faith that somehow even though our worship attendance numbers are down that our ministry effectiveness is not. If again our mission is more qualitative than quantitative, could it be that we are continuing to make mighty messengers for Christ of those who may not physically be in the room? Might we be significantly effecting people’s lives for the better with what we supply for them online, not only with our worship services, but also with our social media, monthly newsletter, and weekly Mailchimp communications? Is there high quality one-on-one ministry happening over the telephone and email? Are Bible classes and confirmation classes over Zoom still faithfully bringing God’s Word to bear on people’s worlds? Like it or not, electronic ministry through our online presence is here to stay, and it seems to be working rather well. People are not only getting used to worshiping in their pajamas, but really preferring it. I’m not saying that I want things to be the way they are, or that I don’t still long for the good old days. But the fact is people are not compelled by complaining. We’re not going to reach lost people with a grumpy woe-is-me attitude. We can’t be a positive force for positive change in people’s lives and in our society and culture, if we’re all so negative. Now is not a time to feel sorry for ourselves, to circle the wagons, and to be judgmental toward others as if we are the few, the proud, the persecuted church. No, now is a time to show the world the truth that Jesus is still in charge. He is still the Savior of the world, and that no matter how much the world changes, He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. As He promised, when we declare Him to be the Christ, and when His Church is built on that rock solid foundation, then the gates of hell will not prevail against it. God’s people have always done the mission that He has given us to do throughout history, even and especially during times of crisis, war, plague, famine, pestilence, you name it. So let us lift up our heads for our redemption is drawing near, and God is still accomplishing His purposes in us and through us for the glory of His holy name.
PAGE 4 THE MIGHTY MESSENGER
VOLUME 61. ISSUE 2 PAGE 5
EXTRA, EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!
ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL IS NOW ENROLLING FOR THE
2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR.
February 2021 Final Edition
Kindergarten Open House
Portage, MI
On Thursday, February 11, St. Michael
St. Michael Now Enrolling Lutheran School will be hosting a Virtual
Portage, MI
Kindergarten Open House from 6:30 - 7:30
St. Michael Lutheran School, an outreach pm via ZOOM. This Open House will give
ministry of St. Michael Lutheran Church, is parents who are interested in learning more
now enrolling students for the 2021-2022 about our kindergarten program and our
school year. St. Michael Lutheran School teacher, Brenda Heintz, the opportunity to
and Preschool, the only Christian school in gain information, ask questions, and see the
Portage, offers Christ-centered, quality value and benefits of our program. If you do
academic programs for students in 3 -year- not have children entering kindergarten in
old preschool through 8th grade. In addition, the fall, perhaps you know of someone who
St. Michael offers instruction in such classes is looking for a program that you can share
as computer, art, gym, music, band, and this information with. All are welcome!
Spanish, along with after school enrichment
classes and no-cut sports. Programs are
open to all. Tuition Assistance is available Christ for Kids Childcare
Portage, MI
for those who qualify. The school is
accredited by three different accrediting Christ for Kids offers Christ-centered
organizations and has a proven record of childcare for children as young as six weeks.
success with academic excellence and Christ Programs offer low ratios and are designed
centered learning. St. Michael is the most to promote spiritual, social, emotional and
affordable option with the greatest diversity cognitive growth in every child. Christ for
of programming among area private schools. Kids offers year around, full-time childcare,
If you would like more information, call 327 Monday through Friday from 6:30 am – 6:00
-0512, or visit www.stmikeschool.org. pm. Call 327-0512 or 327-4889 to learn more
Principal Johnson would love to share about our programs.
information with you and give you a tour.
Why not consider sending our child to your
church’s school and make an investment for
time and eternity!
PAGE 6 THE MIGHTY MESSENGER
LCMS Life Ministry will hold its first-ever virtual life conference March 19–20.
Life Ministry Announces Virtual Life Conference
LCMS Life Ministry will host its first-ever virtual life conference March 19–20, under the theme
“Making Disciples: Valuing Life.” Registration is open now.
“This conference is for everyone,” explains Life Ministry Director Deaconess Tiffany Manor. “The
pandemic constraints have given us an opportunity to share presentations by many experts with
students of all ages, missionaries, church workers and congregation members who couldn’t make it to
previous in-person events.”
And that includes you!
Conference sessions will help you explore a distinctly Lutheran understanding of the sanctity of human
life, specifically as it pertains to:
Speaking for life in the public square;
Caring for life in your community; and
Teaching about human life.
Hear from theologians and human care advocates, including LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C.
Harrison, Focus on the Family Vice President of External and Government Relations Timothy Goeglein,
and Deaconess Manor.
Explore a variety of life topics for participants of all ages, with your family, congregation or on your own.
A Spanish track — with sessions offered in the language — will be available as well.
“More than ever we need to be focused on the truth of our triune God’s value of all human life no
matter a person’s stage of development or abilities,” Manor notes.
Join in:
Access the conference by livestreaming, watching on-demand videos and engaging with speakers
through question-and-answer opportunities.
Register individually, or as groups of 10 for a group registration discount. (Consider gathering a
group at a local congregation to stream the conference together.)
To register for the conference or learn more information, visit lcms-life.org.
VOLUME 61. ISSUE 2 PAGE 7
There is a new painting
being displayed near
our church office
I’d like to tell you a little bit
about the artist.
Her name is Dorothy and on
July 1, 2020, she turned 99
years old. I first met Dorothy
when Bob and I were delivering
Meals on Wheels. When we
stopped at her house she was
out in the front yard pulling
weeds. This was late fall 2019.
I had no idea she was close to
99. She had such a twinkle in
her eyes and smile and such a
joyful attitude. She expressed a
very strong faith in the Lord and
told me what a wonderful life
He had given her.
Dorothy has been painting all
her life and her husband, now deceased, shared her love and framed many of her pictures. He also built
their house on Oakland Drive. At that time, there was only 2 houses by theirs and one across the street.
Everything around them was fields and farmlands. They have two daughters, who share their love of art
and creating beauty.
On January 13, 2021, when we delivered her Meals on Wheels, she asked that this beautiful painting of
Christ’s birth be donated to the church. I feel honored to be a part of this gift. When you have a chance,
please take a moment to enjoy this expression of love and thankfulness to Jesus by this delightful 99
year old.
Lutheran Marriage Encounter - Winter 2021
LEARN HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR SPOUSE IN A WHOLE NEW WAY! Register for an
upcoming VIRTUAL Marriage Encounter experience!
February 12-14, 2021
March 12-14, 2021
You Can Participate Privately from Your Home or Anywhere That Affords You Privacy as a Couple.
Apply Now / Learn More at GodLovesMarriage.org! Questions? Contact us
at info@godlovesmarriage.org Pre-registration is required to send your encounter materials to you via
snail mail – don't miss out!
PAGE 8 THE MIGHTY MESSENGER
Evangelism Notes
MAKING MIGHT Y MESSEN GERS F OR C HRIS T
Colonial Acres Outreach Update
Prayer walks continue on Wednesday’s at 2:00 pm with the YFC worker, Tyler
Gjeltema, departing from Pam DeGoffau’s house (on Hamlin Drive).
The Christmas outreach blessed 18 families with donations from the five coalition
churches.
The “to go” Christmas dinner successfully distributed to everyone in the park and
beyond. During the distribution the three pastors from St. Michael and their families
sang Christmas carols.
The renovation of an old double-wide into the Youth for Christ Ministry Center is
progressing nicely toward an early spring grand opening (see pictures).
An Easter Egg hunt will likely be organized for April 3.
Discussion and prayer continues about a food bank, a dinner church, and expanding
the outreach to include Pavilion Estates (about a mile east of Colonial Acres).
VOLUME 61. ISSUE 2 PAGE 9
MAKING MIGHT Y MESSEN GERS F OR C HRIS T
Prayer for Life on January 24 that included our SMLS Kids Singing
Best guess is that about 300 people showed up to demonstrate and pray for God’s value on every life!
Lots of Outdoor Fun & Fellowship at the PTL Sponsored SNOWFEST
PAGE 10 THE MIGHTY MESSENGER
Join us to study the Word of God!
Preschool-2nd Grade in the Gym with Mary Wright
3rd-7th Grades in classroom #119 on north side of gym with Tammy Songer & Aaron Allen
8th Grade-High School in Youth Room #207 with Ryan & Heather Bigelow
We will be wearing masks and taking all precautionary measures, so that our kids can learn and
grow in the knowledge of Jesus in a safe manner.
Priceless Value
Many years ago, a man down on his luck, entered a
small music store in London, looking for a way to scrape
together enough money for a small meal to satisfy the
hunger pains gnawing at his stomach.
He handed the shop owner an old violin that looked in
terrible shape. Will you please buy this violin from me?
After a quick inspection of the instrument, the man was
offered 5 pounds, which was eagerly accepted. The
man quickly stepped into the foggy British night.
As the shopkeeper more closely examined the instrument, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Carved into
the wood of the violin it read: Antonio Stradivarius 1704. Feeling guilty for the small price he paid,
he hurried into the street looking for the man to give him a fair price for the treasure. But the man
had disappeared into the night.
What treasures have you discovered cleaning out a long-forgotten closet or as you broke up
housekeeping at your grandparent’s home? Was there a well worn antique that you were ready to
discard, when you discovered its patina made it even more desirable?
Maybe you have reconnected with a long-lost friend, amazed you were able to pick up the
conversation without missing a beat. What a blessing having friends as comfortable as an old
flannel shirt. It just feels right every time you put it on.
Each of us has a treasure that from time to time may get set aside, until we are shaken back to
reality. All of us have felt the ongoing challenges brought on by the Coronavirus. Our routines have
been altered. Masks are a required part of our wardrobe. Restrictions on where we go and who we
can meet face to face effects all of us. In person church attendance has dwindled, but God’s Word
will not be halted. God is still in control. Via live stream, video recordings and word of mouth, the
grace of God is reaching people all over the world. In the face of these challenges, what has been
the Covid blessing in your life?
Add up all the good things that have occurred to you in 2020. Keep a positive outlook knowing that
God has given you the best gift of all, the security of eternal life in Heaven. As you connect with
family and friends in the new year, be courageous enough to share your treasure, Jesus, to bring
hope and joy to the lives of everyone you meet. Have a blessed 2021.VOLUME 61. ISSUE 2 PAGE 11
DECEMBER FINANCIALS 2month
11/1/2020-12/31/2020 Designated Fund Balances
Church Revenue $ 145,279 Endowment Fund $ 446,055
School Revenue $ 169,168 Building Contingency $ 35,674
Total Revenue $ 314,447 Technology Refresh $ 11,505
Total Expenses $ 280,466 Sunday School $ 962
Net Surplus (deficit) $ 33,981 Youth Donations $ 9,328
Expense Budget $ 300,603 Youth Accounts $ 11,062
Under/(Over) Budget $ 13,844 Good Samaritan $ 3,187
Working Cash Balance $ 197,627 Memorials $ 3,877
Mortgage Balance $ 803,273 L.A.M.P. Mission Trip $ 6,322
Quilting $ 54
Church Worker Scholarship $ 235
School Improvements $ 29,755
Members, ministry leaders and Board Directors
PTL Playground Fund $ 15
are encouraged to identify mission and ministry
Tuition Assistance $ 43,954
programs within the Church or School that you
School Music $ 580
believe need financial support above and beyond
Flower Fund $ 593
those provided through the General Fund Budget.
CFK Grant Fund $ 58,177
Women’s Fellowship/LWML $ 3,593
Or, if there is a worthwhile community or even
global ministry, where you would like to request
funding, please complete a Grant Request form and submit it to the Endowment Fund
Committee by February 15. These forms are available in the church office, from Jay or any of
the committee members.
Shepherd Group Assignments
Lay Minister Family Names Family Names Lay Minister Family Names Family Names
Start with & include Start with & include
Geoff Bohren A Boelman Ernie VanOrman Lausman McNees
231-679-4927 269-679-5378
Brian Hall Bohren Chadderdon Eric VanOrman Messing Nelson
269-625-5827 269-679-5491
Dan Bryer Chilcott D Jeff Burnett Newland P
269-323-7416 269-806-2683
Mel Schroeder E Freeman Andy Allan Q Shook
734-646-9651 269-501-3763
Mark Gady Frommann G Greg Wedel Sible Stolsky
616-250-3730 312-961-4636
John Engelmann H June Matt Heintz Sundman T
269-544-1542 269-372-7053
Cory Luma Jung Lapekas Arlan Wendzel U Z
269-365-8282 269-279-9196PAGE 12 THE MIGHTY MESSENGER
Worship Anew is the
new name for Worship
for Shut-Ins.
WEEKLY SCRIPTURE READINGS & SERMON SUMMARIES
February 7, 2021 – Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Psalm 147:1-11; 1 Corinthians 9:16-27; Mark 1:29-39
“PREACHING AND HEALING” - SERMON TEXT: MARK 1:29-39 - REV. PAUL SHOEMAKER
Jesus came preaching the Good News of our salvation to establish His authority and the truth of His proclamation. He
fulfilled Old Testament prophesy by healing and casting out demons.
February 14, 2021 – The Transfiguration of Our Lord Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6; Mark 9:2-9
“LIFT THE VEIL!” - SERMON TEXT: 2 CORINTHIANS 3:12-4:6 - REV. WILLIAM MUELLER
When you look at the central figure on the Mountain of Transfiguration, whom do you see? The Word of God by the
Apostle Paul reminds us of the constant need to repent and remove the “veils” that prevent us from seeing and
believing who this person is…the Son of God, Jesus Christ, our Savior!
February 21, 2021 – First Sunday in Lent Psalm 25:1-10; Genesis 22:1-18; Mark 1:9-15
“THE LORD WILL PROVIDE” - SERMON TEXT: GENESIS 22:14 - REV. DR. THOMAS AHLERSMEYER
Whatever challenge you face today – in body or soul – know that The Lord Will Provide! He provides for and sustains
your life. He provides the Way to everlasting life in Jesus Christ. And He provides the faith to receive and respond to
His many gifts to us. The Lord “knows my needs and well provides me.”
February 28, 2021 – Second Sunday in Lent Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 5:6-11; Mark 8:34-38
“TRUE DISCIPLESHIP” - SERMON TEXT: MARK 8:34-38 - REV. DR. WALTER MAIER III
We want to be disciples of Jesus. He tells us what true discipleship means. We are to deny ourselves, take up our
cross, and follow him. Is there any good news here? Yes, absolutely!
Caroline Barkow Harry & Nancy Heath
Lotte Christoph Norma Holst*
Shirley Cosgrove Bob Johnson
Ginny Evans Flo Kangas*
Dorothy Ferguson Carol McCarty*
Nola Geissel Ardean Monck
Audrey Glover Marilyn Sible
Virgil Harrison *non-members
Great news! St. Michael’s traditional 8:30am service will now
TV MINISTRY YOU CAN TRUST! be posted to the Spiritual TV Channel, according to this schedule.
Charter Cable Channel 189
AT&T U-Verse Channel 99 Monday 6AM
Access for Kalamazoo and Portage
Tuesday 10:30 PM
WJPG-LD 26 (TCT)
Sunday 6 AM: , 12 Noon, 6PM , 12 Midnight Wednesday 5PM
30-Minute Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod worship service Thursday Midnight & 8AM
Produced by Lutherans for the homebound, hospitalized… Friday 5AM & 1PM
Includes the Gospel, Epistle, and Sermon by LCMS pastors
Music by choirs, soloists, and small groups Saturday 7AM & 8:30PM
Sunday 3:30 AM & 11:30 AMVOLUME 61. ISSUE 2 PAGE 13
The next regularly planned VOTERS’ MEETING is following the
late service on February 21, in the Sanctuary. At this meeting,
the agenda will include Staff Reports, Financial updates, an
update on the Long-Range Plan.
In addition, we will be electing new Directors for the ministry
boards. A ballot is available for your review below. Additional
nominations can be submitted to the Church Office.
St. Michael Lutheran Church
Nominations for Officers and Administrative Board Positions
SPECIAL VOTERS' MEETING: To be elected at the February 21, 2021 Voters’ Assembly
FEBRUARY 7
This meeting will be to consider a Position Vote Nominee
synodical resolution for which the President Jack Spenner
deadline for submitting Treasurer Jan Jett
information comes before our
regular meeting. This Voters’ Board Directors:
Assembly will be between Lay Ministry Matt Heintz
services in the gym and by a
Parish Education David Groll
Zoom link.
Early Childhood/School Ministries Mike Grotelueschen
The following question is being Evangelism & Missions Valerian Kwigizile
submitted to a vote of the member
congregations of The Lutheran Parish Fellowship Rachel Kirkpatrick
Church—Missouri Synod: Church Properties Steve Bell
Shall the Synod add a year to the Small Group Ministry Angie Heimlich
current 2019–2022 triennium, Stewardship Linda West
allowing districts to hold their Youth & Young Adult Ministry Heather Bigelow
conventions in either 2021 or
2022, and moving the upcoming
national Synod Convention from Lay Ministers: AndyAllan
2022 to 2023? [Thereafter, the Mel Schroeder
triennium cycle will continue
forward from 2023 in three-year Arlan Wendzel
increments, as before (i.e., with Mark Gady
district conventions held in
Geoff Bohren
2025, 2028, etc., and Synod
Conventions held in 2026, 2029, Mark Hough
etc.).] Vote: Yes or No. Rich Conklin
Also, at the meeting there will be Trust Officers:
discussion on issues related to Todd Foster
the regularly scheduled Voters' John Engelmann
Meeting to be held on February
21, 2021.PAGE 14 THE MIGHTY MESSENGER Dear St. Michael friends, Brr! Our family sure did miss the snow while living in southeast Missouri, but I guess I forgot how cold it can get in beautiful Michigan. It sure makes me appreciate living inside a warm home, and even more appreciation for the invention of central heating. Could you imagine not having a place to stay during these long months? I have a friend who was homeless for four years, and when I asked him about living outside during the winter, he told me that it very often “one long night at a time”. Maybe some of you feel like you’ve been having a long year, or even a long few years. This world sure can feel like a cold place at times, and as Christians, we know that this is what sin does. Sin has cracked God’s creation and has chilled people’s relationship with God and with fellow humans. And into this frigid world God sent His only Son, Jesus, to take all this icy sin upon Himself. He willingly allowed Himself to be destroyed, giving us His warmth and heavenly home instead. Jesus loves you! And He has called you to bring His own warmth and home to everyone in your life. God bless you as you do just that – and know that Satan’s chill is no match for the fire of God’s love. In Christ’s warmth,
VOLUME 61. ISSUE 2 PAGE 15
Saint Michael Lutheran Church and School
Staff Members, Board Directors, and Other Leaders
Senior Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann
naumann@mightymessengers.org
Associate Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Daniel Maske
dmaske@mightymessengers.org
Assistant Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Jason Toman
jtoman@mightymessengers.org
Business & Finance Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jay Koski
jkoski@mightymessengers.org
Church Administrative Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Songer
tsonger@mightymessengers.org
School Principal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Johnson
gjohnson@mightymessengers.org
Saint Michael Lutheran School - Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sharon Robinson
Saint Michael Lutheran School - Kindergarten Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brenda Heintz
Saint Michael Lutheran School - First Grade Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maralyse Worm
Saint Michael Lutheran School - Second Grade Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Annie Hecht
Saint Michael Lutheran School - Third Grade Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kim Ruesch
Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fourth Grade Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Lauterbach
Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fifth Grade Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Julie Prentice
Saint Michael Lutheran School - Sixth/Seventh/Eighth Grade Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Lam
Christ for Kids Childcare Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Ritchie
eritchie@mightymessengers.org
Worship Media Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lorraine Dudash
Sextons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brian Chapman, Matthew Wright
VOLUNTEERS:
President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rob Kuhlman
Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Spenner
Board of Lay Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Wedel
Prayer Ministry Coordinators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ba rbara Schubert, Virginia Hetrick
Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carol Conklin
Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Jett
Board of Parish Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Groll
Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant
Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Hogue
Vacation Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant
Board of Early Childhood & School Ministries Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenn Pangburn
Board of Evangelism and Missions Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Quardokus
Cradle Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peggy Makowski
Board of Parish Fellowship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tammy Songer
Women’s Fellowship Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June Kucks
LWML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy Maya
Board of Church Properties Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Pangburn
Board of Small Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Chilcott
Board of Stewardship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda West
Volunteer Ministry Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda West
Finance Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Robert
Board of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jerry Kuss
Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jerry Kuss, Jeff Burnet t, Ryan & Heather Bigelow
Altar Guild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kristi Rudowske, Linda Fry
Stephen Ministry Leaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor & Dana Naumann and Heather Crampton
Stephen Ministers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zoe Miller, Kelley McNees, Ann Gribbon, Linda Rae, Peter Robert, Jackie MichelsA new membership contact directory is available!!
Pickup your copy in the Communication Center.
February 7 — Special Voters’ Meeting
LCMS Resolution and Preview of Annual Meeting
February 14 — Valentine’s day
Love the lord your god, with all your heart
February 17 — Ash Wednesday Service 7PM
February 21 — Annual Voters’ Meeting
Staff reports and vote for new officers
February 24 — Lent Worship 6PM
Bible Basics Adult Learning Hour Each Sunday at 9:45AM
youth activities happen on sunday evenings at 6:00PM. watch for more details!
St Michael Lutheran Church
7211 Oakland Drive
Portage, MI 49024-4151 Church Phone: 269-327-7832
School Phone: 269-327-0512
Fax: 269-327-3148
website: www.mightymessengers.org
E-mail: stmike@mightymessengers.org
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.”You can also read
