DEVOTION:
(The LORD said) "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, you shall give them warning from Me." Ezekiel 3:17
The grandmother from Fenton, Missouri -- Doris is her name -- had received an emergency phone call from her grandson.
It appears he had gone to Mexico with some of his friends. One of those friends had been caught carrying illegal drugs, and they had all been arrested. The grandson then handed the phone to a member of the U.S. Embassy who corroborated the lad's story. When the grandson came back on the line he asked grandma, if she was at all able, to wire him $2,100 so he could make bail.
It was a request no self-respecting grandma with means could refuse.
Doris quickly went to the Wal-Mart store in Fenton, so she could send the money that would free her grandson. The clerk, noticing how distraught Doris was, asked if she could do anything to help. Doris shared the facts of her grandson's story and requested the clerk assist her in transferring the funds.
That's when the clerk spoke up and said, "Why don't you try to call your grandson."
Although Doris was impatient to help the boy she went home and checked. She called and found out her grandson was fine. He wasn't in Mexico. He wasn't in jail, and he didn't need her money.
By speaking out at the right time, the Wal-Mart clerk managed to stop Doris from being duped in an elaborate hoax.
It occurs to me there is a spiritual lesson here. God has asked Christians to be His representatives in the world. Through the prophet Ezekiel he tells us, "In the Bible I have given humanity warnings. Those warnings are for their good. Please, Christians share My warnings with all who need to hear."
It's a simple thing God is asking us to do. Sadly, it is something we are often reluctant to do.
If the Wal-Mart clerk had been quiet, it would have cost Doris $2,100. If Christians are silent, it can cost our family and friends a great deal more than cash. My friends, we need to stand firm in the Word, sharing God's truth, His words of condemnation and salvation. We need to tell them, "You are a sinner, but with faith in Christ, you are a saved sinner."
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the world is filled with people who have been conned by Satan. May we who have the truth encourage people to read the Scriptures and put their faith in Your Son who gave His life, so we might have life eternal. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Deborah? There were 2 Deborahs mentioned in the Bible, first was the nurse {servant} of Rebekah, and second was the Prophetess and Judge of Israel in Book of Judges
(Good job Rich Boeger and Dianne Hance!!)
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MONDAY'S QUIZ: Warning: The story that goes along with this question is not for children, but is a good reminder of how vile and sinful people can become.) What did the Benjamites who were living in Gibeah do to the Levite's concubine? (Hint: It's in Judges 20)
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CALENDAR:
Mon- NO CONFIRMATION; Kids should be outside digging out their driveways for their moms and dads.
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15
Wed- nothing
Thurs- worship 7pm
Fri- assemble newsletter 9am; worship 7pm
Sat- NO WORSHIP
Sun- worship 6:30am and 10am; Easter breakfast at 7:30am; Easter egg hunt at 9am; Kids going to sing at Whispering Pines at 9:30
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MAUNDY THURSDAY AND GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP ARE BOTH AT 7PM!!!
Please make note of this and get the word out!!
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RESURRECTION DAY FESTIVITIES
6:30am- worship
7:30am- Breakfast
9am- Easter Egg Hunt
9:30am- Kids sing at Whispering Pines
10am- worship
Get the word out and let's overflow this place so everyone can hear the good news that Christ is RISEN!
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CATHOLIC/LUTHERAN CLASS TO BEGIN TUESDAY, APRIL 2 AT 7PM!!!
So far I have Derek Ebert, Kerry Aubuchon, and Matt Adams signed up. If you would like to come just to check it out or you are Catholic and would like to become a member of St. John's please let me know and we'll sing you up for the class!!!
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20/30 YEAR OLDS SPRING PICNIC
Even though it is only 30 degrees. Winter is over and Spring has sprung! Time to gear up for some activities and fellowship. I would like to kick it off on Friday night, April 19 at 6pm with a picnic under the pavilion. I will make the brats and burgers. You bring your favorite beverage and a side dish to share. PLEASE Let me know if you can come!
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NEW MEN'S GROUP CALLED "MEN'S NETWORK" TO BEGIN WITH A MEN'S BREAKFAST ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27 at 8am!!!
It has been on my mind and heart to begin a men's ministry at St. John's. I would like us to begin with a men's breakfast on Sat, April 27 at 8am. I will do the cooking, but I would like a guy or two to help me out. We will eat breakfast and have a half hour devotion, followed by the planning of future gatherings and events. Please make plans to attend TODAY. Wives please encourage your husbands to go!!!
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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY TO BEGIN ON MONDAY, APRIL 8 at 6:30PM!!
Make plans now to attend and bring a friend. It will be fun! I promise!
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RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW TO SELL YOUR OWN WARES AT ST JOHN'S ON SATURDAY, MAY 4
The ladies aid is expanding their bake and craft sale to include those who would like to sell their own products whether they be homemade crafts or sell from home products like uppercase living, scentsy, Tupperware, etc. Tables are available for $20 a table.
Along with that there will again be parking lot spaces available for our 5th annual Flea market. parking spaces are $10 a space. More info below:
WHERE??
Basement and Little Lambs Classrooms: The Ladies Aid is adding INSIDE spaces for vendors, crafters, and bakers to their Spring Craft and Bake Sale. You can reserve your own spot to sell your own wares for $20 per table. These spots are open to St. John's members first before being open to the public. If you are interested, call Coleen Bottorff 456-5482 or the church office 456-2888 within the next two weeks.
Parking Lot: The Annual Flea Market will continue as it has the past four years. Parking spaces will remain $10 per space. Proceeds from the outdoor parking space rentals and Little Lambs sale under the pavilion will benefit the preschool. They are raising funds for their new Summer Camp Programs and to enhance preschool. Please call the Little Lambs teachers or the church office to rent a parking space 456-2888
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PRAYERS:
