DEVTION:
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:44-45
According to the book of Acts, there was a time in the history of the Church when all things were held in common and shared.
Now it appears a woman in Westbury, New York, wants to revive that custom.
Police recently arrested her as she was leaving Our Lady of Hope Church. Apparently, the lady had developed a pattern of stealing from the purses of those who were sitting around her.
When the worshippers knelt down to pray, when the faithful went up for Communion, the woman reached into their purses and swiped their cash.
Since she "had need," this was her own way of having "all things in common" -- a way that was not looked upon with favor by her fellow worshippers.
Now I suppose there are some advantages in stealing while you're in church. If you're caught, people are more likely to be polite, less likely to pull a gun. On the other hand, stealing is still not a practice anyone would encourage.
Now, lest you think this devotion has no rhyme or reason, I have to say, "not so."
The early Church had a good idea in helping those who were part of the family of faith. It occurs to me that, right now, many congregations have somebody -- maybe a bunch of somebodies -- who are in need.
Tough times have almost guaranteed there are those who are unemployed or are worrying about losing a house. Most certainly, people are stressed.
So, what can we do? We who have received so much from the Savior, who gave His all when we had no hope, no future, no salvation, might want to do the same.
You employers, if you're hiring, why not post your position in a church's monthly newsletter? If you have some things you no longer need, why not offer to pass them on for free to someone who could use a boost.
You just never know whom the family of faith can touch when they move forward in thanks to the Redeemer.
THE PRAYER: Dear Jesus, the forgiveness I enjoy, the eternity You have promised are all blood-bought gifts. If I am in a position to help others, please open the doors and make the connection. This I ask, and do, in Your Name. Amen.___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHESIS: 9th commandment: You shall not covet your neighbor's house.QUESTION: What coveting does God forbid in the ninth commandment?ANSWER: God forbids every sinful desire to get our neighbor's possessions openly or by trickery.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUESTION: How many "books" or "sections" is the book of Isaiah often broken into? It is broken up the same way the Bible itself is broken up. The first 39 chapters are the first "book" also known as the book of judgment and promise and chapters 40-66 are often called the second "book" or the book of comfort. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S BIBLE QUESTION: What is Zion?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________SURVEY QUESTION FOR THE WEEK: What is it that you like the most about St. John's? You all must not like too much about St. John's. Only two of you have sent replies. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________BIRTHDAYS-Mon- Gavin Moore, Erna VanHornTues- Aiden SchlentherWed- Dianne Feldkamp, Gene Hilgendorf, Jim Rahn, Kyle SmithFri- Mark CunninghamSat- Aiden Klott, Melva Meyer, Keegan Wood ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ANNIVERSARIESSunday- Dave and Carol Kohrs____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________CALENDAR:Thurs- nothingFri- Revolve discipleship training 7-9pmSat- Revolve discipleship training 10am-4pm; worship 5pmSun- worship 9am; Discipleship Bible study 10:15
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NEWS:REVOLVE DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING THIS WEEKEND!!!
Pastor Andy Whaley from Plano, TX will be here to explore the issue of discipleship further, to encourage and challenge us to be better disicples and disciple makers, and to give us a plan of action to do so. If you haven't done so already, simply call me to sign up and be ready for a wonderful time of learning how God's love really is a part of St. John's. Let me know if you will be here by Thursday! Food for thought before the weekendWhich one of these two different models do you think St. John's best fits into? Which one would you like it to fit into?Institutional thinking vs. Relational LivingDoing the work of the church being the body of Christ
Focus on buildings (bricks and budgets) movement of hearts, hands, and feet
It is the pastor's job It is the people's calling
Conversion is the only goal Holistic life formation is the goal
One size fits all mentality Recognizes unique personalities
Delivering right answers building right relationships
stale/practiced/forced dynamic/spontaneous/genuine
arrogant/self righteous/uncaring humble/transparent/compassionate
reducing the Gospel to a proposition celebrating the kingdom reality
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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL COMING UP AT THE END OF THE MONTHVolunteers 6th Grade and older needed, please call Karin at 456-1173 or JoAnna at 456-0667 if you can help teach, be a teacher's aid, or help prepare or serve the dinners before hand. Also, please tell your friends and neighbors St. John's Lutheran Church will be hosting "Gadget's Garage" Vacation Bible School from Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM with a kid friendly dinner served starting at 5:30 PM. Everyone one is welcome, classes for kids from 3 years old through 5th grade. Many fun games and crafts are planned to help us learn how Jesus makes all things new. Come see old friends or make new ones with us. You may register in advance by calling the church office 636-456-2888 or at the door on the day off event. Thanks!___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________YOUTH GROUP HAD A GREAT AND PRODUCTIVE TIMEAllen Berryman, Emily Mauch, Devyn Woolf, Laney Woolf, Taryn Linke, and Torre Linke cleaned out a storage yard for a fishing museum, built a brick sidewalk, painted the posts on the front porch of a house, cleaned out parts of the house, did a little drywall work, and even learned how to put in a floor. They sweated A LOT, and had a lot of fun! When you see them ask them about it and tell them how proud you are of them! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________GOLF OUTING AUGUST 1Many spaces are already filled! Get your foursome together today, or sign up by yourself! Sign up sheet is on the table in the narthex. The first annual St. John's Lutheran Church Golf Outing will take place on Saturday, August 1 at 9am at Country Lakes Golf Course near Lakeview Estates. Cost will be $40 per person which includes 18 holes of golf, a cart, and prizes for closest to the pin, lowest score, etc. to be given out at the finish. Sign up your foursome today!.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PRAYER REQUESTS: For Anna Hoelscher as the PET scan found other bits of cancer in her chest.
For Elaine Schauer who will be undergoing a heart catheterization on Thursday.
For Wanda Turnure who is recovering from a prolonged illness and brief hospitalization.
For Ken and April Moore and their family as April had a miscarriage yesterday. The baby was at nineteen weeks.
For the family of Lois Kessel who passed away last week and whose funeral was Sunday.
For Laura Dove as she is now on hospice care because of cancer. For Irma Travelet who is recovering from back surgery at home and doing very well.
For Esther Bornemann who is mourning the passing of her brother
For Erna VanHorn who is in Warrenton Manor Nursing Home recovering from surgery.
For Mim Dunn recovering from knee replacement surgery at home.
For Ben Schrieber who is very ill with acute anemia.
For Elijah Wilson as he continues cancer treatment.
For AUTUMN a 2 year old great niece of a neighbor of the Robines who is recovering from a bone marrow transplant. For the folks in Biloxi (especially at Camp Biloxi) and up and down the Gulf coast as they continue to push forward in their rebuilding efforst even five years after hurrican Katrina.
For OUR WHOLE CHURCH BODY, the LCMS, as many churches, INCLUDING OUR OWN, are struggling financially and in worship attendance. Pray that the Lord of the church would move in the hearts of His people to bring about restoration.
Rev. Jeremy Klaustermeier
To God All Praise and Glory
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