Wedneesday, November 27, 2012

DEVOTION:  (from Pastor)
 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
(Acts 15:36-41 ESV)
 
I love this passage because it shows the humanness of those who wrote the Scriptures, and those who were the first missionaries.  Often times we think of the disciples and the Bible writers as holier than we are, but they weren't.  They even had disagreements.  It just goes to show that even well meaning Christians have disagreements.  Even Christians don't agree on everything.  Imagine that. 
 
I can only imagine what life would be like if my wife agreed with me on everything.  If she did we'd be in trouble, because I am not always right.  (There I said it, but don't tell her.) 
 
We also see that God works through our disagreements.  Notice what happened in this passage.  The work was doubled.  Barnabas went one way and shared the Gospel along with Mark.  Paul went another way and shared the Gospel along with Silas. More people heard the Gospel. 
 
Sometimes we aren't going to get a clear answer about a specific decision that we have to make.  We may not know the exact right way to go about doing something.  But we can always trust that God is going to do His will no matter what the decision. 
 
This is not a license to be disagreeable, no one likes someone who is always questioning everything that is done and is always disagreeing just to disagree.  It is a lesson in God's patience in dealing with us and in how He works all things out for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. 
 
Prayer:  Lord God help me to stick to my guns when I need to, to compromise when it is according to Your will, the wisdom to know the difference, and the strength to know that You are going to work it all out for my good.  Amen.
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TUESDAY'S QUIZ: Where were Paul and Silas when the earthquake happened?
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CATECHISM:
Question:  Why does Scripture call local congregations "church"?
Answer: 
Local, visible gatherings around the means of grace are called churches because there believers are gathered around Word and Sacraments.
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CALENDAR
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15
Thurs- Pastor on KFUO AM 850 and kfuoam.org 11am
Fri- assemble newsletter 9am
Sat- Vendor Fair Christmas Shopping 9am-3pm; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
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NEWS:
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT THIS SATURDAY AT CHURCH 9am-3pm
Come support your St. John's members as they sell the wares  at church. 
The Girl Scouts will be there to wrap any gifts you buy for a donation. There  will be hot cider, coffee, hotdogs, desserts, and other refreshments for sale.  It is just going to be a fun, festive time!  Come and check it out!!
 
Tables are also still available for anyone else interested in selling their items.  $20 a table to rent and all proceeds go to the building fund. 
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE
We understand if you cannot make all of the practices, but we would appreciate your child attending as many as possible.  We will also practice during our Sunday chool hour each Sunday as well.  
 
Friday, November 30- 5-6:30pm  Pizza party and practice  (Come hungry!!)
 
Saturday, Dec. 1- 10-11am
 
Saturday, Dec. 8- 10-11am
 
Saturday, Dec. 15- 10-11am,   Taco Bar after practice to celebrate!!  (Come hungry!)
 
Performance is Sunday, Dec. 16 at the 11am service!!!
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CHOIR PRACTICE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 6:30pm 
When Advent starts it will be after worship probably around 7:15. 
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WARREN COUNTY BOOKCASE CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!
The Warren County Bookcase Club is all geared up for another season of making and assembling bookcases for kids in need in Warren County.  They need donors to contribute $50 per bookcase. 
 
Please contact Rich Lagemann at richlagemann@hotmail.com if you would like more info.  Checks can be made to "Warren COunty Bookcase Club" and be sent to First State Community Bank in Warrenton: 1022 North Highway 47. Warrenton, MO 63383.
 
Please let me know if you are going to donate ot this worthy cause!
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LUTHERANS FOR LIFE GROUP AT ST JOHN"S  WHAT DO WE NEED???
Do you want to get our church more active in the cause of protecting and honoring life at all stages.  We have an opportunity to get connected with the St Charles County Lutherans for Life Chapter. 
 
All we really need is someone to represent us and to be the contact person for our congregation to the chapter. 
 
Anyone who is interested please simply respon to this email and I will get you connected to the right person.
 
 
Also, mark your calendars for a special LIFE SUNDAY coming up on Sunday, January 27.   It will be a special Sunday to celebrate our earthly physical lives in Christ and how God is the creator and protector of our bodies as well as our souls, and how he will raise up our bodies on the last day!!!
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STILL HELP NEEDED FOR GOOD NEWS CLUB AT REBECCA BOONE
They still need more helpers!!  26 kids showed up for the first week last week!  It is a wonderful way to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it!
 
Denise Schlesselmann and Mary Aubuchon have graciously volunteered to help get this wonderful opportunity to bring lost children to Christ and to strengthen the faith of those already in Christ!!  They need some more helpers though!
 
It is every Wednesday from 2:45-4:15.  If you can help, even if it is just once or twice a month, please call me 359-1061, and I will direct you to the proper place.
_______________________________________________CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALE
Christmas is only a month and a half away.  Time to get those Christmas cards!  Where can you get good Christian ones?  how about downstairs at church?  They are in the display case!  Stop by and pick some up!  You can pay Marilyn in the office. 
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TWO BEAUTIFUL QUILTS FOR RAFFLE AND BID!!!
Two queen size quilts are hanging in the church basement.  The blue one is being auctioned off.  The starting bid is $300. 
 
The green one is being raffled off.  Tickets are $1 a piece or 6 for $5. 
 
Both quilts will be awarded on December 1 at the end of our vendor fair. 
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ALL LADIES CHRISTMAS PARTY--- DECEMBER 3 at IMO'S AT 6pm
Please sign the list on the counter in the narthex by Wed, Nov 28 so rexervations can be made.  Bring a wrapped $10 gift for a fun gift exchange.
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HURRICAN SANDY RELIEF
The LCMS is asking for donations to help with relief efforts.  If you care to give, you may use a designated envelope, or you can go to LCMS.org and donate directly online. 
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STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER IS THE LUTHERAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
LHF translates, publishes and distributes Lutheran materials throughout the world.  It is not subsidized by the LCMS or any other church body, but is dependent on individual donations.  If you care to make a donation, make your check payable to St. John's and place in a deisgnated envelope, clearly marked "Lutheran Heritage FOundation".  As usual, these donations should be over and above your normal tithes, commitments, and offerings to St. John's.   
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PRAYERS: 
For the family of ED, neighbor to the Fosters, as he passed away this past Thursday night.
 
For GARRETT SPOEDE who is recovering from having parts of his toes and feet amputated.  He is at home and doing well.
 
For SANDRA PERRICONE'S SISTER, KAREN,  as she was in a car accident this past week.  Everything was ok with that, but as they were checking her out after the accident they found some serious heart issues and may have to do surgery.  Pray for God's guidance for doctors and Karen, and for peace in this situation.
 
For Dave and Carol Kohrs' daughter BETH RITTER, who is suffering from a very low white blood cell count, liver failure, pneumonia, and sores in her mouth and throat.  .   
 
For BARB DREYER'S DAD as he is dealing with many physical illnesses and weaknesses and her mother as she cares for him.
  
For MARILYN FOSTER'S NIECE, HEATHER.  As she is still dealing with a severe sickness that has yet to be diagnosed, and as she continues to lose weight and gets weaker, that the doctors are able to find out what is wrong soon. 
 
For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who continues to recover from a fall from his deer stand that left him paralyzed from the waist down. .
  

 
 
 
  
 

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