Tuesday, May 22, 2012

DEVOTION: TODAY'S DEVOTION IS ACTUALLY FROM ME!!

Hebrews 10:24-25  And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
 
Our strategic planning committee has been working hard coming up with a plan for the future of St. John's and how to fulfill the desires and areas of emphasis on children and youth ministry.  We have been meeting together the last three Mondays to hash out this plan and to make it as effective, efficient, and successful as possible. 
 
One thing that we have been talkng a lot about is what it will take to make the plans effective and successful.  We have talked about different possibilities, different programs, and different strategies and it always comes down to one word, COMMITMENT.  We can make all the plans in the world.  We can plan to do all the right things, but unless the congregation is committed to it and works together on it, it will not be all it can be. 
 
I should rephrase that.  It is up to the Holy SPirit, as He is the one who does the work of bringing lost souls to Himself, of working faith in people, and in making us all holy.  the thing about it though is that the HOLY SPIRIT WORKS THROUGH US!  He does it as we witness.  He works through the Word spoken, preached, proclaimed and lived in and through us!
 
In the months ahead, as our plan is brought forward, is approved by the voters, and is implemented, the success or failure of it is going to depend on whether or not the members of this congregation buy into it, support it, and use their resources (time, talents and money) to bring it to fruition! 
 
Can we do it?  WE CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH HIM WHO GIVES US STRENGTH! 
 
The potential of this congregation is tremendous!  But it will take the whole congregation, working together, to make it go!  The Holy Spirit doesn't live in us just so He's got some place to take a snooze for a while!  The Holy Spirit lives in us to make us faithful and to WORK in us and through us! 
 
As we celebrate Pentecost this coming weekend, keep in mind that the HOLY SPIRIT LIVES IN YOU FOR A PURPOSE!  Find out what that purpose is and then run with it!  Do it!  Live in it!
 
Prayer:  Lord God, help me to live out my fulll potential in your Spirit so that I may do our purpose for me in bringing the lost to You, bring the saved closer to You, and grow closer to You myself.  Amen.
 
 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  According to Proverbs 17:14 what should we do with a quarrel?  And also, what does it says every fool is quick to do in 20:13?  Proverbs 17:14- DROP IT!!  Proverbs 20:13- A fool is quick to start a quarrel.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
2nd article: I beleive in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  he descended into hell.  the third day he rose again from the dead.  He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  From thence he will come to judge the living and the dead
Question:  What does this mean?
Answer: I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Fathe from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sin, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver but with His holy precious blood and His innocent suffering and death, that I may be Hisown and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting rightteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity.  THis is most certainly true. 
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Tues- quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; ALPHA 6:30
Wed- Meeting for those going on the Indiana mission trip 7pm
Thurs- nothing
Fri- assemble newsletter 9am
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 9; Sunday school and Bible class 10:15; worship 11am
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
 
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIME FOR THE EARLY SERVICE WILL CHANGE ON JULY 1 to 8:30am!!!
The voters approved the continuation of the 11am service and to move the early service time to 8:30 beginning July 1, to provide more time in between services for Bible class and Sunday school. 
 
Let's continue to praise the Lord wherever we are!  God is good ALL THE TIME, and all the time  GOD IS GOOD!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
MONEY GIFT SURVEY
A survey has been placed in your mailboxes to ask your opinion as to how to spend the remainder of a trust we received a few months ago for $140,000.  Please fill them out and place them in the box provided by this Sunday, May 27, so that we can take care of this matter in a timely and God pleasing manner!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEW MEMBER LUNCHEON WILL BE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 10 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE LATE SERVICE.
All of our new members are invited as guests!!!
 
All of our other, long term members, are asked to join us and to bring a dish to share!!! 
 
This will be a wonderful time to get to know each other and to join together in fun and fellowship! 
 
Please sign up on the sign up sheet on the counter in the narthex. 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WIDOW'S GROUP TO START JUNE 10!!!
Did you know that there are close to 30 widows in our congregation? Wouldn't it be great if they all got together to enjoy one another's company, to support each other, and to pray for each other?   Evelyn Sherman is starting  a widow's SOCIAL TIME at her house beginning June 10 at 1:30pm.  Please call her at 456-4734 if you want to join this group at their first time together.  This is for widows only!!  Her address 1504 Angela Ct. in Warrenton. 
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WILL BE JULY 16-20!!!  5:30-8pm each night!!!  Our theme is going to be "Jump In with Jesus"
 
We will review and learn about some of the many Bible stories that take place in and around water. 
 
Mark your calendars today to attend and to help out if you are able!  This is a great fellowship and growing time for all who get involved!!!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CAMP, FLOAT, OR FEAST TRIP ON JUNE 22-24
Our fellowship group is planning a float trip for June 22-24!!!  Mark your calendars now!  You can just come for the Saturday evening meal or to camp, or you can just come for the float trip on Sunday morning.  Or you can do ALL THREE!  It is all up to you!  If you have any questions at all, please call Teresa Scott at 636-359-0274 or email her at tscott@usmo.com!!
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE CHURCH DIRECTORY WILL BE UPDATED THIS SUMMER
If you have a new address or phone number please, please, please call Marilyn and let her know.  Or just reply to this email and I will get her the corrected info!!  Thank you!!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
MISSION AND SERVICE TRIP TO SOUTHERN INDIANA AND NORTHERN KENTUCKY JULY 8-14
There is still room for just about anyone to go!!!  You need to be 14 years old or be accompanied by a parent. 
 
Please call Pastor at 359-1061 if you want to go!  It is going to be a great time. 
 
Accomodations will be a Best Western while we are there. 
 
We are going to be working hard to clean up and repair many people's homes throughout the week!!  NO SLACKERS OR LAZY PEOPLE NEED APPLY!  There will be plenty for everyone to do regardless of skill level or ability!  I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO SIGN UP TODAY!!!!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ALPHA CLASS EVERY TUESDAY AT 6:30 PM!!!
All are welcome to join us every Tuesday to learn more about our own faith, to learn about the world around us, and to grow in the Spirit and in fellowship with each other.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF MAY IS LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF AND HUMAN CARE

Lutheran World Relief is often the first to arrive when disaster strikes in this country and around the world.  If you care to donate to this cause make your checks payable to St John's and clearly makr the designated envelope for Lutheran World Relief.  As always these donations should be over and above your normal tithes and offerings. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS:
For the FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF MARGIE GLASTETTER, Marcella Linke's mother, as she passed from death ot life last Thursday evening. 
 
For PAM BROWN who fractured her back on Saturday, she is recovering at Progress West and should be able to go home this week. 
 
For KARIN KLAUSTERMEIER'S DAD, BOB LAMPEN, who has finished his radiation treatments and is now awaiting chemo treatments that will begin on May 30.
 
For CAROLINE BUELTMANN who is recovering at her daughter's home from some heart troubles and is doing much better.
 
For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH who is undergoing more treatments for cancer.
  
For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she deals with chemo treatments for stage four lung cancer.   
  
For JEANETTE KOEHLER who is recovering well at the Cedars.
     
For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who is improving well and is gaining strength as he deals with his cancer.  
 

Margie Glastetter- visitation and funeral arrangements

Marcella Linke's mother Margie passed from death to life last week.  Her visitation and fuineral arrangements are below:
 
Visitation- Wed, 2-8pm, Pitman funeral home
 
Funeral- Thurs, 10am, Holy Rosary
 
Peace be with you all!