The Mighty Messenger

THE MIGHTY MESSENGER June 2013 Volume 53, No 6

T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R P A G E 2

Hear ye! Hear ye!

It's knight and maiden time! Time to lower the drawbridge, open the gate, and charge into a world brimming with kings and kingdoms, majestic castles, fire-breathing dragons, and epic battles. Our Royal Majesty's kingdom is under attack, and His subjects must prepare for battle! With “The Kingdom Chronicles,” your brave knights and fair maidens will be equipped to put on the full armor of God (see Ephesians 6) so they can stand strong in the battle for truth. In this day and age it’s vital that we teach our children that the Bible is more than just a dusty book of stories. We need to show them that God’s Word connects to every area of our lives and is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. So prepare for a royally fun time! Vacation Bible School at St. Michael Lutheran Church will be held this year from Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Registration for both students and volunteers is now open. You are welcome to register online (for students and volunteers) by going to our church’s new website (mightymessengers.org) http://www.mightymessengers.org and click on the “read more” button just to the right of the Kingdom Chronicles banner; or just give the church office a call at 327-7832. Here’s a preview of the themes for each exciting day. . . Day 1: Truth or Error? - The Creator King (Genesis 1–3, and Ephesians 6:10-11) Discover the origin of the battle between God’s Good Kingdom and the Enemy’s Bad Kingdom Day 2: Choose Truth! - The Savior King (Genesis 3; Ephesians 6:14a) Fasten on the belt of truth and trust in God’s absolute truth! Day 3: Obey Truth! - King Josiah (2 Kings 22–23; Ephesians 6:14b–15) Put on the breastplate of righteousness and obey without delay! Day 4: Think Truth! - King Solomon (1 Kings 2–11; Ephesians 6:16) Take the shield of faith and helmet of salvation to guard against false teachings! Day 5: Speak Truth! - King of Kings Jesus (Matthew 4:1–11; Ephesians 6:17-18a) With the sword of the Spirit and prayer, prepare to contend for the faith! Every year our VBS serves about 350 children, bringing them God’s truth in memorable ways. We would love to have your children join us for the week! In addition, we also need many volunteers to help make this fun-filled week possible. If you can help prior to VBS, one day during it, or all throughout the entire week, we welcome your time and talents. Positions from leaders to assistants to working from home equally help children and adults alike to hear the Gospel through “Kingdom Chronicles: Standing Strong in the Battle for Truth.” Thank you in advance for your participation, and for all your help.

Joining you in the battle for truth, Pastor Naumann

P A G E 3 V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 6

MEMORIES FROM 2012-2013

A GREAT YEAR AT SMLS!

St. Michael Lutheran School

WE THANK GOD FOR A WONDERFUL SCHOOL YEAR! Greg Johnson - Principal

100 Day Celebration

Comfort Dogs

Drama Club

Can Building 8th Grade Graduates

Road Rally

Thing 1 & Thing 2

Massage Therapy

Line Dancing!

Snow!

Purple for Platelets Day

LAMP

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

June 5 - SMLS 8th Grade Graduation.

June 12 - SMLS Last Day

June 24 - VBS Begins

SMLC will again be support-ing the summertime outreach event, Jesus Loves Kzoo (July 7-12). Watch for sign up sheets to be part of the St. Michael team for this years event.

This event has been going since 2008, and has grown each year. Over 7,000 peo-ple have been impacted since 2008, and in 2012 over 18 churches participated.

This is a great opportunity to spread the Good News, so stay tuned to see how you can help.

Upcoming Events

Luthe

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Jesus Loves

It has been a while since we highlighted some of the tools available to us on the web that can strengthen our faith and knowledge, help us with our individual outreach to the world, and encourage us each day. This month the Board of Evangelism would recommend checking out the new and improved Lutheran Hour Ministries website at www.lhm.org. The site contains a multitude of resources, an opportunity to listen to the The Lutheran Hour radio broadcast, ability to sign up for a daily devo-tion from Pastor Ken Klaus, and so much more. Take a minute to check it out.

as well as donations for the children's snacks and the VBS materials. Please look for the poster with the items listed that are needed. We will need these items by June 11 so that we can pack them up and send to Lac Brochet so they

will be available for us in August. You can also sign up to be a prayer partner for the 2013 LAMP travel team. The sign up sheet is on the table or you can email Dana Naumann at [email protected] or the church office at [email protected] You will receive a devotional that you can use while the team is in Canada.

The 2013 LAMP teams (travel team & curriculum team) are working hard to get ready for their August trip to Lac Brochet. Again the travel team will be flying over a two day period to Lac Brochet, with an overnight in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Our theme for the Vacation Bible school is "God Keeps His Promises" through our annual presence in Lac Brochet we become a visible reminder to the people that that they are not forgotten and God is faithful. We pray that God will use us to communicate His message of Grace and Love to the Dene people in Lac Brochet.

We are still able to receive financial donations for the trip this summer

The 2013 SMLC LAMP Travel Team

mailto:[email protected]



Stephen Ministers: The After People

People often ask, “What exactly is a Stephen Minister?” One way to put it is that Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” Stephen Ministers are there: …after the phone call you hoped you’d never get. …after the divorce papers are served and the bottom falls out of your life. …after the funeral, when everyone has left and the emotions you’ve held at bay come crashing in on you. …after the doctors says, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing more we can do. …after the nursing home director shakes your hand and says, “Welcome to your new home.” …after the last child honks the horn, waves, and drives away, when the house suddenly seems empty. …after the gavel goes down, the handcuffs go on, and your loved one is led away. …after the baby arrives, demanding more of you than you ever dreamed possible. …after you find a pink slip with your final paycheck. …after your family and friends have heard your story one too many times, but you still need to talk it out. Stephen Ministers are the “After People.” They are ready to come alongside you – or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives – and provide comfort and support for as long after as needed. Do you have the compassionate, caring spirit to care for people when they are hurting? Can you find the time to spend one hour each week listening to someone who just needs to “talk it out”? The training itself is very fulfilling and can help you relate to all people with a caring, Christian heart. It will change your life. With God’s Grace, Virginia Hetrick [email protected]

To learn more about Stephen Ministry come to the donut hour on June 9th, Room 120.

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

8TH ANNUAL SCHOOL TUITION ASSISTANCE DINNER

The 8th annual Tuition Assistance Dinner held this year at The Wine Loft was the largest ever! 68 individuals attended and the event raised $7530.00 to help member and non‐member students alike receive financial assistance to attend the programs of St. Michael Lutheran School. Thank you to everyone involved and to those who donated auction items as well.

Seventy St. Michael ladies and guests enjoyed the afternoon of Tea and Tour at Henderson Castle. The beautiful weather was included with the ticket. Positive responses from all who attended attested to a most enjoyable outing. Special thanks to Diane Goetz who handled ticket sales and to Connie Chadderdon for her publicity talents. Plans for an August picnic are being considered. It has been my privilege to serve as Women’s Fellowship Ministry president this season with a remarkable board of gifted and Christ centered women. Thank you to Arla Mayhew, Diane Goetz, Rika Noggle, Connie Chadderdon and Jolene Kennedy for all your enthusiasm, hard work and fellowship. Here comes summer, ready or not. Enjoy each day and give thanks to our most gracious Lord and Savior. - June Kucks

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

GULL LAKE MINISTRIES PRESENTS WOMEN OF ROYALTY

Each year Gull Lake Ministries’ presents “Ladies Days” at their facility, and each year a group of St. Michael ladies attend this uplifting event as a group. This year they are featuring Sheri Rose Shepherd, former Mrs. United States, and Christian vocalist Heather Bays. Tickets are $25 and include coffee, lunch and a program from 9 am – 3 pm. St. Michael’s ladies will be attending on Wednesday June 19th. If you are interested, call 1-800-350-2442 or go online at www.gulllake.org to purchase your ticket. We usually meet at the church to carpool, or we’ll see you there.

http://www.gulllake.org


THIRD QUARTER SUNDAY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE (preschool through 8th grade)

Faithful Attendance

Alex Bryer Addy Freeman Emily Havenhill Sarah Havenhill

Liah Heintz. Jared Johnson Caitlin Koerth Ivan Kwigizile

Rachel Semrau Luke Singer

Rosalee Singer Kylee Smith Luke Smith

Timothy Van Orman

Perfect Attendance

Mariah Chilcott Abigail Dudash Isaac Dudash Leah Dudash Sarah Dudash

Brianna Hopkins Mark Rudowske Will Rudowske Jessie Smith Layna Smith Wyatt Smith

Don’t forget to sign up for this year’s Leadership Summit. The dates are August 8 and 9, and it will be at Centerpoint Church in Kalamazoo. Come join us for a 2-day event that will fire up your life for God whether you are a current leader or just want to be a Christian influence on others.

If you want to sign up to go or just ask more questions about the event, call Jan Jett at the church office. The cost is $149 for both days. Some of this year’s speakers include: Bill Hybels: Founder and Sr. Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church Gen. Colin Powell: Former U.S. Secretary of State Vijay Govindarajan; Top 50 Management Thinker Patrick Lencioni: Founder and President of The Table Group and author Oscar Muriu: Sr. Pastor, Nairobi Chapel, Kenya Dr. Henry Cloud: Clinical Psychologist, author Andy Stanley: Founder and Sr. Pastor, North Point Ministries

Confirmation 2013

St. Michael Lutheran Church would like to recognize and congratulate our Confirmation Class of 2013. May God bless you to serve Him in all ways each and every day.

Sam Allan Philip Champion Madyson Cole Reagan Edgren Lucy Forster Kaela Frailing Zach Franks Emma Frommann Alexis Kahler Tyler Keller Ally Kranstz Logan McDonald Isabella Metzner Paryn Norman Rachel Semrau Mitchell Singer Marina Uchai Joseph Uekert Maddie Watkins Emma Wellman

Old Enough to Drive?

The Jr Youth Group will go to Craig’s Cruisers in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, June 19. Meet at church at 9 am and we will return about 4:30 pm. Cost is $17 for lunch at the pizza buffet, unlimited go-kart racing, laser tag, putt-putt, bumper cars and ropes course. Arcade games will cost extra. Friends and family, including younger siblings if accompanied by an adult, are welcome to come. Please RSVP to Jon Forster by Sunday, June 16.

Some Golf in the Rain? It was a little cold and wet on Memorial Day, but we still

went disc golfing and had a great day!

The High School Youth went out for Hipster Night at Chocolate Tea and enjoyed new flavors while working on details for our New Jersey summer servant trip.


Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th St. Michael Youth Group & Taste of Heaven Popcorn

2 wonderful organizations are teaming up to bring you a scrumptious Father’s Day Gift. Choose from Chocolate Drizzled Caramel Corn, K- Zoo Corn or White Cheddar Cheese Corn for that

special man in your life this Father’s Day.

Popcorn available for sale in Narthex June 8th & 9th

June 15th &16th The Youth Group is traveling to Newark, NJ July 2013 to partner with a local Lutheran Church to spread God's Grace, Compassion, Forgiveness & Love to the community. Plans are also underway for an international mission trip summer 2014!!

THANK YOU for your SUPPORT

EXPLORE OUR FAITH…ALL ON A SATURDAY NIGHT

Prospective St. Michael members and long-time members alike have benefitted from the “Exploring Our Faith” series. The class is offered as an introduction (or refresher) on church teachings and a general orientation to St. Michael. People who enter into official membership at St. Michael usually participate in this class first. For those who cannot attend the usual Sunday morning education hour or who do not want to wait until the fall when the series will begin again on Sundays, a new option is available: Exploring Our Faith will be offered at 7pm on select Saturdays this summer, starting June 15th. More details are yet to come. Please contact Pastor Jason Toman ([email protected]) if you are interested or have any questions.


P A G E 1 0 T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (June 24‐28, 9 am to 12 pm) is only three weeks away,

and preparation is in full swing. We need many people yet to help with decorations and administrative tasks both at church and at home. We also need people to help during VBS week. If you can help only one day or the entire week, we need your help as well.

GUIDES, GUIDES, GUIDES – guide a small group of children from site to site to help them throughout the morning and keep them safe; can be one day as a substitute, a few days, or the entire week...all age levels REGISTRATION – Monday morning from 8 am to 9:15 am SNACK LEADER – lead children in prayer before they eat as well as explain how the snack “ties in” to the lesson of the day; microphone provided; help organize the snack ingredients by day and help prepare snacks for children who rotate through the gym

ADMINISTRATIVE WORK during VBS...help with registration, paper work, errands, etc. DECORATIONS – take something home or help us at church...watch for emails on upcoming workshops If you are a guide, here are meeting dates and times for orientation: June 18 (10:00 am), June 19 (6:30 pm), and June 22 (10:00 am). Some information is new this year, so please plan to attend one of the sessions. VBS runs smoothly if guides are familiar with what is happening. If you are working as a registration assistant, please plan to attend one of the following meetings for orientation: June 18 (9:00 am), June 19 (5:30 pm), and June 22 (9:00 am) If you are not able to come to any of the meetings, please contact Lorraine Dudash to schedule an alternate meeting. It is important to have everyone knowing the same information. Each year we have two mission projects. One is the Penny Drive, and another is a project to gather items for a need. Our Penny Drive (collecting pennies along with any coins and bills) will fund "Push the Pedal Project." Push the Pedal Project is an excellent way for children to help reach the lost in Asia with the wonderful news of Jesus Christ by providing a bicycle for a native missionary. Each bicycle costs $110 and is priceless to the missionary who receives it. We will again have a competition between the boys and girls to discover who can raise the most money, gather the greatest number of silver coins, and gather the greatest number of bills. One hundred percent of the money raised will go directly to Push the Pedal Project. If you would like to save your pennies and add them to the collection, the boys and/or girls will appreciate your help!

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 6 PA G E 11

Our second mission project this year is gathering items for Lutheran World Relief to make personal care kits and school kits. If you wish to donate any items for the kits, please place your items in the box under the “VBS Snacks” table, bring them to church during VBS week, or bring them to church on the Sunday following VBS (June 30). Thank you!

Personal Care Kit: Bath‐size towel (approximately 52” x 27”), dark color recommended Bath‐size bars (4 to 5 oz.) of soap, any brand, in original wrapping Adult‐size toothbrush in its original packaging Sturdy comb Metal nail clippers School Kit: 70‐sheet notebooks of wide‐or college‐ruled paper (no loose‐leaf paper) 30 centimeter ruler, or ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other Pencil sharpener Blunt scissors Unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers Ballpoint pens (no gel ink) Erasers approximately 2 1/2” long Box of 16 or 24 crayons

Thank you to everyone who has donated snacks to VBS. You are a huge blessing to VBS just as you have been for many years! More snack items are still available on the board if you wish to donate.

Thank you again to everyone who has volunteered time to Kingdom Chronicles (VBS) already and to those who will give time during VBS week. Together, we will “stand strong in the battle for truth!”

Lorraine Dudash

Got an outdoor play set looking for a home?

Pastor and Serina Toman are looking for an outdoor play set ‐ mostly for their kids to play on . If you are upgrading or just getting rid of an old play set, and would like the donate it, the Tomans would be overjoyed to come and move it. Toman home phone: 668‐2542. Or email [email protected]. Thank you!


T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R P A G E 1 2

Son of Blair & Karyn Schaefer Baptized in 1995 Portage Central HS Coastal Carolina University, play

baseball

Kevin Haughn Son of Ken & Melissa

Haughn Baptized in 1994 Portage Central HS WMU University’s Honor

College, studying Aerospace Engineering

Kyle Lee Son of Angela Green Baptized in 1995 Portage Community HS KVCC, studying law

enforcement

Danielle Kahler Daughter of Mark &

Dawn Kahler Baptized in 1995 Loy Norrix HS MSU

Tumpale Mwakasisi Daughter of Frank & Betty

(decd) Mwakasisi Baptized in 1994 Portage Northern HS MSU

Cole Schaefer

Karl Hawkins Son of Jeff & Marian

Hawkins Baptized in 1995 Portage Northern HS Kendall College of Art

& Design, major in Graphic Design

Congratulations Class of 2013

Sam Han Son of Bernie & Jofen

Han Baptized in 2007 Portage Central HS U of M

PA G E 9 V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 6 PA G E 13

Daughter of Jim & Mary Snowden Baptized in 1996 Kalamazoo Christian HS, traveled to

Africa for mission trip Played soccer and basketball for 4

years Cornerstone University in Grand

Rapids, Veterinarian studies

Jacqueline Smith

Tyler Stevens

Son of Jeff & Nancy Young Baptized in 1994 Vicksburg HS

Allison Snowden

Son of Brian and Laura Smith

Baptized in 1995 Portage Central HS,

Eagle Scout MSU, major in

Physical Therapy

Jonathan Smith Courtney Sloan

Daughter of Bill & Barbi Sloan

Baptized in 1996 Gull Lake HS Completed EMT courses at

KVCC and continue at KVCC, transfer to WMU for Registered Nursing Program

Daughter of Brian & Laura Smith

Baptized in 1995 Portage Central HS U of M

Corey Young

Son of Paul & Lori Stevens Baptized in 1995 Portage Northern HS KVCC, Elementary Education and play

baseball

Date Time Visiting Team Score Home Team Score Location

5-3-13 7:30 pm St. Michael Lutheran 10 Mattawan Community 6 SWP-2

5-10-13 6:15 pm Southridge Reformed 14 St. Michael Lutheran 24 SWP-1

5-17-13 7:30 pm BBC 4 St. Michael Lutheran 19 SWP-1

5-24-13 6:15 pm St. Michael Lutheran St. Barnabas SWP-2

5-31-13 6:15 pm Oakwood Bible Church St. Michael Lutheran SWP-2

6-7-13 6:15 pm Mattawan Community Church St. Michael Lutheran SWP-2

6-14-13 6:15 pm St. Michael Lutheran Southridge Reformed Church SWP-1

6-21-13 7:30 pm St. Michael Lutheran BBC SWP-1

6-28-13 7:30 pm St. Barnabas St. Michael Lutheran SWP-2

7-12-13 7:30 pm St. Michael Lutheran Mattawan Community SWP-2

7-19-13 7:30 pm Southridge Reformed St. Michael Lutheran SWP-1

7-26-13 7:30 pm BBC St. Michael Lutheran SWP-1 8-2-13 6:15 pm St. Michael Lutheran Church Oakwood Bible Church SWP-2

St. Michael Men’s Softball League Schedule


St. Michael’s Girls On The Run participants did an amazing job with their 5K on May 23!

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 6 PA G E 15

Portage Community Center now features a Loaves and Fishes “choice” pantry. This means our clients are able to shop for themselves. We are hoping to find volunteers who are interested in assisting our clients with shopping, as well as light cleaning and stocking of the pantry. Where: Portage Community Center 325 E. Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002 When: Monday-Friday 1100-1:00pm NEW HOURS: Starting June 3rd! Who: Two volunteers for each shift. Friendly and

patient people are a must.

Commitment of at least one day a week is requested. If interested: Please contact Sarah at (269) 323-1942 or

[email protected]

Jean Van Lente is a Published Author!

Our own Jean Van Lente has become a published author now that her book 9.8 Meters Per Second Per Second is on the market. It is a biography about her son, Mark Grimmette, who is currently the most decorated slider in the history of the United States Luge Association. Jean obviously did quite of bit of journaling as her children grew up. This is evident in the details she shares about all three of her children’s lives as well as her own. As a mother I found myself clenching my teeth or smiling or feeling sad as Jean told of the various conversations and predicaments the children got into. I could feel Jean’s anxiety as her son at age 17 headed out to Lake Placid in January 1988 to pursue his dream, assuring his mom that he would continue his studies so that he graduated. I especially enjoyed reading a book that had no hesitation showing that Christ and the LCMS church played a big part of the family’s life. Jean also includes some of her own poetry throughout the book, which gives it an even more personal touch.

If you are interested in knowing more or even purchasing this book ($26.00 plus tax), talk to Jean when you see her or call her at 269-344-0741. We also have the book in our own library where you can borrow it. -Jan Jett


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 June 2, 2013 – Luke 7:1-10 “Trusting Jesus’ Authority” by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur, IN The Centurion was a man of authority. However, he realized Jesus is THE man of authority. Jesus speaks the ultimate “Go", "Come", and "Do This" in relation to blessing His people. We, like the centurion, are invited to put ourselves into the authoritative hands of Jesus.

June 9, 2013 – Luke 7:11-17 “Eternal Healing” by Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church~New Haven, IN So many people fear their physical death. They are unsure about what will happen to them. In our two texts for this day, we learn that God has power over our physical death. He can bring life where there is death. But God can do even better. He cannot only bring about physical life, which eventually ends, but He can grant us eternal life, an eternal healing for all of life’s woes.

June 16, 2013 – Galatians 3:11 “Living by Faith” Rev. Terry Cripe, President-Ohio District Faith in Christ, not how well we have done as children or parent, determines our place with God. June 23, 2013 – Galatians 3:23 - 4:7 "Living in the Basics" by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church~Decatur, IN Three basic teachings of the Christian faith are the Ten Commandments, the Apostles Creed and the Lord's Prayer. The Son of God became man to redeem us from the Law, to enable us to believe and be baptized in the True God, and to enable us to come to the Father in prayer. With these we are blessed now and into eternity.

June 30, 2013 – Luke 9:57-62 “Selective Listening: God’s Challenge and Gift” by Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Holy Cross Lutheran Church~Fort Wayne, IN

The call of Jesus -- "Follow Me" -- is both God's challenge and gift. It is His challenge to live our lives on His terms; however, it also is a gift that only could be given on His terms -- "the life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).

V O LU M E 53 . I S SU E 6 P A G E 1 7

WE LOVINGLY SERVE! THANK YOU to our PROPERTIES BOARD MEMBERS! Every month these volunteers meet to discuss the proper maintenance and repair of St. Michael’s building and grounds. Among other things, they establish regulations governing the use of the facility and equipment, and enlist work crews for special repairs, cleaning, painting, decorating, and landscaping. If you would like to participate by serving on this board, contact Howard McNees at 254-5229 or email him at [email protected].

St. Michael Needs: Property Board Members CELL Group Board

members and leaders Telecare Callers People to contact Sunday

church visitors Summer Donut Hour

Coordinators Contact Jan Jett at the church office at 327-7832.

Dear Mae Adams and the Quilt Team, God bless you dear ladies. For you have blessed us with a bounty of beautiful quilts—31 in all. They could not have come at a better time. We have been nearly overwhelmed with new client families. Most have needed beds for their children. We have been working overtime since February to keep up with them all. And your prayerful industry has guaranteed that their children are warmed and comforted. Please accept our sincere thanks for your wonderful ministry. You provide warmth for heart and soul. Your support of Partners in Housing Transition Furniture Fund helps fill homes with hope. Gratefully Yours, Robert G. Small, Coordinator

LETTERS TO EDNA Thank you for sending the care package and for enclosing a note with your thoughts and prayers! You sent a lot of various items and we are very appreciative of that. Believe me, everything you sent will be claimed by someone. We have a very small Base Exchange (BX) here and to see stuff that we don’t get in the BX was exciting. The other disadvantage of having a small BX is that the shelves can empty rather quickly especially when we get others here to participate in a variety of exercises which does occur often. Things are very busy here as you can imagine but I made time to sit down and write this to show our appreciation. Again, I want to say thank you, we really appreciate you taking the time to send us this care package. I am very proud to be a part of the United States and take great honor in being a member of the US Military. I am very happy to know that there are folks like you out there that take an active part in supporting us and in also knowing that the vast majority of the country as a whole supports what we do. We are proud to be part of the less than 1% of the population who have taken the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and its’ great people to ensure we stay as the best country in the world. Respectfully, Charles Maes

Thank you for your thoughtful care package. We greatly appreciate the time you took to think of us. Thank you for your support while we’re so far from home and from our families. Cheers, Ashley Nolan

V O LU M E 53 , I S SU E 6

8/1/12-4/30/13

Church Revenue $544,288

School Revenue $543,667

Total Revenue $1,087,955

Total Expenses $ 949,087

Net Surplus (deficit) $ 138,868

Budget $1,008,959

Under/(Over) Budget $ 59,871

Avg. 2013 Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . 370

Received Since August 1, 2012:

Trust Fund $ 17,423

Church Worker Scholarship $ 405

LWR $ 1,140

Good Samaritan $ 7,334

Memorials $ 1,555

Covenant Sr. Program $ 1,180

Building Contingency $ 12,000

Mortgage Reduction $ 32,297

Mission Forward $ 37,415

School Music $ 245

Tuition Assistance $ 24,688

School Improvements $ 44,778

Quilting $ 240

Sunday School $ 305

L.A.M.P. Mission Trip $ 6,455

P A G E 1 8

April Financials

Mission Forward Update

Total Committed: $668,614 Accumulative Receipts as of 5/26/13 Offerings: $630,689 Percent of Commitment Reached: 94% Matching Funds: $41,312 Mortgage Balance: $350,133

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.

We have collected 14,100 labels. With your help we are able to purchase items for our school.

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! Carol Eaton

Thanks to all who submitted box tops. This years total is $941.60.


7211 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024

St Michael Lutheran Church

Church Phone: 269-327-7832 School Phone: 269-327-0512 Fax: 327-3148 [email protected]

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.”

JUNE 2013 JUNE 2 — EDUCATION CELEBRATION SUNDAY, 8:30AM SERVICE * EDUCATION CELEBRATION, 9:45AM * SUNDAY SCHOOL LEADERS PICNIC, NOON JUNE 5 — SMLS 8TH GRADE GRADUATION, 7PM JUNE 8 — LIFE WALK AT CALVARY BIBLE CHURCH, 8AM—11AM JUNE 9 — STEPHEN MINISTRY ORIENTATION, 9:45AM EVERYONE WELCOME TO JOIN IN ROOM 120 JUNE 16 — FATHER’S DAY JUNE 24 — VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WEEK JUNE 29 — FUSE SERVICE—VBS CELEBRATION

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The Mighty Messenger