June 7, 2012

DEVOTION:
Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul: Then the proud waters had gone over our soul. Psalm 124:4-5

On May 21st a man went over Niagara Falls and lived.

Police reports say there have been three kinds of people who have gone over the falls without protection and lived. Let's see, in 2009 there was a 30-year-old fellow from Ontario who failed at committing suicide. Then, in 2003, an American went over the edge as part of a stunt. Finally, there was a seven-year-old boy whose boat had capsized.

Did I say there were three types of survivors? That's wrong.

There's only one kind of survivor. All of these survivors are people whose time on this earth is not yet over. You might call it incredible luck.

I'd say it was God's intervening hand.

I mean, think about it. What are the odds on surviving a fall over the falls? Pretty small, I'm guessing.

Of course, the odds on going over the falls and living are infinitely better than expecting to get into heaven without Jesus as your Savior.

We've already seen that some people, for whatever reason, manage to make it over and through a drop over Niagara. But there is nobody who is going to get into heaven without the Savior's blood-bought forgiveness.

Nobody. Period. End of reading.

This leads me to two questions:

1. Why would anyone in the Christian church not throw a rope to someone who was spiritually adrift, being swept along to certain disaster? It ought to be as unthinkable as withholding a life rope from a person who is about to be swept over Niagara's precipice.

2. And the second question? Why would anyone not take hold of and desperately cling to the Savior?

I can only think of one answer to that question: the person doesn't think he is in any kind of danger. He doesn't understand the imperative of holding fast to the Christ.

Well, I guess I don't have to understand why people don't want the Savior. I don't need to understand. Understanding is not my job. My job is to keep calling out a warning ... and tossing out the lifeline provided by the Savior. Who knows? Maybe someday they'll grab hold.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, today I bring before you those who are close to me, those who are headed for certain destruction without the Savior. In my heart I list them by name and pray You will -- while there is still time -- help me keep the Savior before them. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  What country was Jehoshaphat king of?  Judah  (Good job Doug Herzog and Dianne Hance!!)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was Gehazi?
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CATECHISM:
Question:  Who is Jesus Christ?"
Answer: Jesus is true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary.
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CALENDAR:
Thurs- worship at Jonesburg nursing home 10:30; Alzheimer's Caregivers support group 1pm
Fri- LWML convention in St. Charles begins and goes through Saturday evening;  Bible study at Hendershot's house 7pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 9; Sunday school and Bible class 10:15; worship 11am; New member luncheon at noon; Widow's social group 1:30 at Evelyn Sherman's
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NEWS:
LADIES AID DISTRICT RALLY IN ST CHARLES THIS WEEKEND!!!
Please pray for safe travel for all the ladies from through out the state who will be travelling to and from St. Charles for the LWML convention this Friday through Sunday. That God would guide our delegates thoughts as they elect new officers and also decide on Mission Grants for the next biennium.  That we may be spiritually renewed and committed to Christ's command to "GO FISH"  as we sing, have devotions and Bible studies and hear inspirational speakers.
 
The opening worship starts at 7 p.m. on Friday evening and is open to everyone and will be an inspiring service with communion.
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NEW MEMBER LUNCHEON WILL BE THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 10 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE LATE SERVICE.
PLEASE CALL WANDA TURNURE TO TELL IF YOU ARE COMING OR NOT!!!  456-3451

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. 
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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. 
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KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS SUNDAY
Sunday school will meet in the preschool room this Sunday to paint suncatchers and watch the Good Samaritan story.  Bring your kids to have fun and learn more about Jesus!  Don't take a summer vacation from worship, faith, and the church!
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20-30 GROUP GET TOGETHER ON JUNE 30 at 6PM!!
Please email, text or call Pastor to tell him you are coming and what food you will be bringing for the potluck. 
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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!
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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!!!
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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!!
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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!!
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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!!!!
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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.
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STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE IS Warrenton Community Home Repair Ministry. 
This organization helps needy families or individuals make their dwellings safer or more livable.  This gives us the opportunity to use our time, talents, and treasure.  For those unable to participate with time or talents, donations are accepted for project materials.  Continue to watch this email and your bulletin for opportunities to serve in this way when projects become available.  If you care to donat eto this worthwhile ministry you may use a designated envelope celarly marked for this ministry. 
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PRAYERS:   
For GENE SIEBOLD as he has begun cheomotherapy treatments for esophogeal cancer.
 
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, as he has his second round of chemo this week.
 
For CAROLINE BUELTMANN who is recovering at her daughter's home from some heart troubles and is doing much better.
 
For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH as he has finished his treatments for cancer and is awaiting tests to see if they have done the job.
  
For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she deals with chemo treatments for stage four lung cancer.   
  
For JEANETTE KOEHLER who is recovering well at the Cedars from a broken hip.
     
For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who is improving well and is gaining strength as he deals with his cancer.