The Fort Wayne Lutheran

08/21/2026

Continuing its year-long 100th anniversary celebration, Bethlehem Lutheran Church hosted a community festival on July 18. The event drew more than 200 participants, mostly children from the nearby neighborhoods.

The day included Nathan hot dogs, chips, popcorn and water, an incredibly popular dunk tank, two bouncy houses, icy treats, a children’s game area, book giveaways, free T-shirts and a Fort Wayne Fire Department truck which could be explored.

Representatives from Connect, Meridian and Shepherd’s Hand distributed health information, and there were also face-painting, balloon animals, tattoos, bingo and corn-hole games available. Changing Footprints, which is housed in Bethlehem, also handed out dozens of pairs of shoes.

Barb Netterville, who organized the event planning before passing Jan. 16, was succeeded by Denise DeYampert, who led about 50 volunteers, with help from 100th anniversary coordinator Sharon Dietrich.

A plaque honored Netterville’s efforts, saying “God has you in His arms, we have you in our hearts. Well done, good and faithful servant… well done.” The next scheduled anniversary events are an Aug. 8 clean-up day at Lutheran South Unity from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and an alumni weekend on Sept. 12 and 13.

On Sept. 12, a Bethlehem Church and School Alumni dance and reunion will be held at the Allen County Fairgrounds, and former Bethlehem student and Pastor Steve Ensley returns to lead the following Sunday 9 a.m. service with a reception to follow.

08/20/2026

Camp Lutherhaven had a blast in June hanging out with Family Camp 2 and KinderCamp crews! It was so special to see so many returning faces, as a well as give new families a warm introduction to Lutherhaven! Praise God for quality time with family and precious memories that last a lifetime.

08/19/2026

Promise Lutheran Preschool, 7323 Schwartz Rd. is enrolling 4- to 5-year-olds for the upcoming school year. With 10 children currently registered, the majority are 3-year-olds; as a result, enrollment efforts are especially focused on adding more 4- and 5-year-olds, though additional 3-year-olds are also welcome. To learn more or secure a spot, families can visit tinyurl.com/PromisePreschool or email [email protected].

We are excited to start enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year at Promise Lutheran Preschool! Our preschool offers part-time and full-time, Christian-based programming tailored for children aged 3 to 5 years. 

08/19/2026

This article appeared in The Indiana District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod online newsletter and has been edited for space.

This past spring, we began the search process for an Executive Assistant to the District President. Although I initially hoped our Indiana District Board of Directors would extend a Call at its May meeting, the search committee - the Praesidium (myself, the regional vice presidents, and the District secretary) - began its work in mid-April and quickly recognized that exercising proper due diligence required more time.

What we encountered in our search to fill the position that Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Robinson has served for these past nineteen years was an “embarrassment of riches.” We were pleasantly surprised to receive twenty-seven nominations within just a few short weeks - a true testament to the strength and depth of our LCMS Ministerium.

Six nominees were unavailable due to current obligations, and from the remaining twenty-one, the Praesidium presented a short list of five candidates to the Board at a special meeting last week, where a Call was extended.

Thanks to everyone who submitted nominations, and to each pastor on the short list who agreed to be interviewed. Such decisions are never taken lightly, as our pastors recognize the serious nature of the Divine Call.

For a man to contemplate leaving full-time parish ministry to serve in a District Office is poignant. The Lord distributes His gifts in a variety of ways, affording His Church the freedom to arrange her activities in support of the Gospel. In some cases, that involves a pastor being called away from preaching and administering the Sacraments at a local congregation in order to assist with the administration and oversight of the Church’s larger fellowship.

After much prayer and consideration over these past several months, the Board elected to Call Rev. Seth Mierow, presently pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Indianapolis. Pastor Mierow announced the Call to his congregation this past Sunday and will spend the next few weeks prayerfully deliberating in conversation with his family, parishioners, colleagues, and confidants.

I have known Pr. Mierow as a friend and colleague for many years and have especially appreciated working with him as one of our Indianapolis Circuit Visitors over the past four years. He has served St. Peter faithfully through the steady, conscientious preaching and teaching of God’s Word. The Lord in His mercy has blessed his labors, and we trust He will continue to preserve His Church through the fruits of His Cross.

We were equal parts overwhelmed and gratified by the quality of all the nominees. Sincere thanks to God for each pastor nominated - Christ be praised for raising up faithful servants for His Church, even to the close of the age!

08/18/2026

DEVOTION
By Richard Koehneke for The Fort Wayne Lutheran

God’s Word says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) That’s compassion in action.

Many sincere Christians are ready and willing to rejoice with those who rejoice, but we have a hard time weeping with those who weep. We seem to have a strong need to say something positive, like, “Cheer up, you’ll be OK, it’s not that bad, things will get better.”

That’s rejoicing with those who weep. We don’t say it that bluntly or crudely, but sometimes that’s what we do: rejoice with those who weep. That’s not compassion.

We would never weep with those who rejoice. When someone says, “I got a good report from the doctor,” you don’t say, “Well, the doctor probably missed the problem, and you’ll most likely be very sick very, very soon.”

We would never say that, would we? That would be weeping with those who rejoice. It makes no sense. We would say something like, “Wonderful! That’s great! Praise God!” That’s compassion: rejoicing with those who rejoice.

We don’t weep with those who rejoice, so let’s not feel obligated to rejoice with those who weep. Most people who are sad don’t need to be cheered up.

They need to know that they are not alone, that someone cares (someone like you), and that someone (like you) is walking with them through their sadness. They need someone to weep with them.

They need to hear someone say, “I’m so sorry. Your pain must be terrible. I’m praying for you. What else can I do to help?” When you enter into their pain and sadness, they feel less alone, and the burden becomes a little easier to bear.
I remember hearing about the military chaplain who, at the funeral of a soldier killed in action, went up to the dead soldier’s weeping father, embraced him in his strong arms, held him close, and whispered in the father’s ear, “Let me take some of your pain.”

Then the chaplain held on while the father sobbed, finally releasing some of his pent-up grief and sorrow.

That’s compassion in action: walking with someone through their situation, identifying with them, feeling what they are feeling – whatever it is. That’s what God has done for us in Christ.

“Because He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18) “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)
Our Lord Jesus Christ understands our struggles and challenges.
He walks with us and cares for us with almighty love.

08/17/2026

Concordia Lutheran graduate Hollie Johnson has been named the Cadets’ new girls tennis coach. She graduated from the school in 2021, where she played tennis for four years, basketball for two, and was heavily involved in the fine arts. She graduated from Concordia University Ann Arbor in May 2025, where she also played tennis. Johnson recently completed her first year of teaching at St. Peter’s Lutheran School, where she teaches sixth-grade religion and middle school math. She has served as the assistant coach for the Girls Tennis Team for the past two years, in addition to helping with the theater program.

08/14/2026

The Lutheran Dartball League will have its 2026-27 organizational meeting on Aug 18 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church Dartball Room, 1636 St Marys Ave. All current captains plus new team captains are encouraged to attend. For more details please contact Rich Greener at 260-437-4933 or [email protected].

08/14/2026

August is National Write a Will Month, a gentle and timely reminder for all to pause, reflect, and prepare. To support aging adults, Worship Anew is offering free estate planning sessions on Aug. 18, 19, 25, and 27 for any aging adult in the northeast Indiana area who includes their church or Worship Anew in their estate plans.

“As we age, planning for the future becomes increasingly important. While conversations surrounding legal documents, including wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives, can feel difficult, they help us care for our families, honor our wishes, and trust God with both our present and our future,” said Jon Dize, director of development.

A will allows you to thoughtfully decide how your earthly possessions will be distributed after your passing. You also create opportunities to bless ministries, churches, or causes that have shaped your faith journey, including your church and Worship Anew.

A power of attorney appoints someone you trust to make financial or legal decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

For those needing a simple will and who set aside a gift for your church or Worship Anew, their provided attorneys will draft these three documents at no cost.
There may be a reduced cost if your personal situation requires a more advanced plan.

Please contact them at 260-471-5683 or [email protected] to schedule a time or to learn more.

08/13/2026

On June 28, the members of Concordia Lutheran Church were blessed to witness the ordination and installation of Pastor Josh Gerken as their new Associate Pastor. It was a joyful and meaningful afternoon as family, friends, fellow pastors, and the Concordia congregation gathered in the sanctuary to give thanks to God for His calling and to pray for Pastor Gerken as he begins his ministry among them.

The service began at 3 p.m. and centered on God’s Word and His gifts to His Church. Pastor Marcis of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon, Ohio, delivered the sermon, reflecting on Pastor Gerken’s faithful calling while encouraging all of us to hold fast to the words of Romans 1:16: “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Through this passage, they were reminded that the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains the Church’s greatest treasure and the source of their confidence and hope.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Brege officiated the rite of ordination and installation. Following the laying on of hands, many pastors who have been a part of Pastor Gerken’s journey joined together in offering prayers and God’s blessing upon his ministry.

Among them were Pastor Schiewe and Pastor Bettcher of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Napoleon, Ohio; Dr. Boyle of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne; Pastor Sandmann, Pastor Eickmann, and Pastor Sabel; and their own pastors, Pastor Croucher and Pastor Ahlersmeyer.

Following the service, the congregation gathered for a time of fellowship and a light meal, giving everyone the opportunity to welcome Pastor Gerken and visit with his family and friends.

It was a wonderful celebration of God’s faithfulness and His continued care for His Church through the gift of faithful shepherds.

They give thanks to the Lord for bringing Pastor Josh Gerken to Concordia and ask God’s richest blessings upon him as he faithfully proclaims Christ crucified and risen for the salvation of all who believe. Welcome, Pastor Josh, and congratulations on your ordination!

08/12/2026

By Mathew Block, Communications Director, ILC News

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) has reelected Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison to a sixth term as President. The result was announced on June 24.
President Harrison was reelected on the third ballot, receiving 2,524 votes (50.1 percent). Also on the ballot were Rev. Dr. Joel D. Biermann, receiving 2,414 votes (47.9 percent), and Rev. Benjamin T. Ball, receiving 100 votes (2.0 percent).

Two other candidates - Rev. Peter K. Lange and Rev. Brady L. Finnern - were dropped from the slate after the first and second ballots, respectively.

“Thank you for this amazing opportunity to serve a final term,” President Harrison said following his reelection. “Please forgive me my many faults and sins. I plead for your prayers for fidelity to the Gospel of Christ’s blood-bought forgiveness, and prayers that I may serve all of you as Christ would have me do in these final three years.”

President Harrison also thanked the other candidates who had allowed their names to stand.

President Harrison was first elected to office in 2010. In addition to his service to the LCMS, President Harrison serves worldwide Lutheranism as a member of the Board of Directors of the International Lutheran Council (ILC), of which the LCMS is a member church.

The LCMS holds elections for its synodical president in advance of the church’s triennial convention. Nominations for the position closed in February, and voting took place throughout June.

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod will hold its 69th Regular Convention from July 18-23 in Phoenix, Arizona.