DEVOTION: "But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy." Ezra 3:12
Different people have different perspectives. We can see here that there were people who had seen the glory of the first temple, Solomon's temple, and how they were sad, because noting would ever compare to it even though they were trying. Others, who had spent 70 years in captivity and now had their freedom, were simply glad to be free and able to build anything at all.
I am sometimes like that myself. I see that church isn't what it used to be. I remember having to sit in the front pew as a kid because were late getting to church and all the other pews were full, and that was on a regular Sunday. I remember when every kid who was a member of my church growing up went to the Lutheran school. It was a wonderful community of kids that I saw every day but Saturday, because we all went to church together on Sunday. I remember just twelve years ago, how St. John's was worshiping 215 on any given week, and now we are down to 155 a week. ( A side note, every other Lutheran church is experiencing the same kind of decline. It is a church wide problem.)
The problem is that If we are to look at the past and continue to weep over it, we will never be able to look at how things are going right now and how wonderful it is to know that Jesus is a part of our future. It is wonderful and amazing to see new people coming to worship every week. We had five more this week. It is tremendous to see 21 kids in 7th and 8th grade confirmation class. It is fantastic that enough people were able to commit to giving enough money to support a DCE intern. It is terrific that we are still in the midst of a building program, even though it is going ever so slowly. One day our dreams of ministering to people in a big multipurpose building will be realized. It is a beautiful thing to hear the choir again on Sundays.
Yet, even if nothing good happens from here on out in our earthly lives, we know that we are saved, and after all, isn't that the only thing that truly matters? We still have Jesus and He will never leave us or forsake us.
It is all about perspective and our Christian perspective, no matter how bad things get, is always looking up and forward to the eternal life waiting for us and what we now already know. Peace be with you as you enjoy your own Christian perspective.
Let us pray: Lord God, bless us and keep us in Your perspective that we may have true peace and joy. Amen.
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THURSDAY'S QUIZ: What is the fourth beast in Daniel's vision in chapter 7? The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it....
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MONDAY'S QUIZ: How many people returned to Jerusalem after their 70 years in Babylon?
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CALENDAR
Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15
Tues- Pastor at symposium, no Bible Study
Wed- Choir 7pm
Thurs- Fitness Club 5:30
Fri- Newsletter assembly 9am; Leave for men's retreat 4pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
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JR/SR HI SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS MEETS IN THE YOUTH ROOM AT 9:45 am EVERY SUNDAY.
The study is based on the book "The Case for Christ" by famous Christian author, Lee Strobel. Please make sure your jr/sr hi kids are there and that they invite their friends!!!!
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SUNDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY IS CURRENTLY STUDYING ISLAM/MUSLIMS.
If you want to learn about what they actually believe and teach, it is a good idea that you are there!!!
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ONE CHURCH WORSHIP AT DYER PARK THIS SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 AT 6PM!!
Come and listen to A LOT of wonderful music and join in fellowship and worship with your fellow Christians from throughout the Warrenton community.
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YOU CAN STILL JOIN CHOIR!!!
If you are an adult (High school age and older) and you love to sing, we have the perfect opportunity for you to serve the Lord and use your talents!! Call Barb Dreyer at 359-1906 to tell her you want to sing and to get more info!
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PRAYER REQUESTS:
Prayer of THANKSGIVING FOR JONAS BORCHERT who is cancer free in his brain. There is still some cancer in his lungs, but the prognosis is very good.
For the FAMILY OF TERRY MCKENZIE'S AUNT who went to heaven last Friday
For DESERAE BEDSWORTH a 17 year old girl from Warrenton who has been missing since Thursday.
For DAVE CALLIES as he recovers from knee replacement surgery at DePaul Rehab Center. .
For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH who is recovering from bladder surgery due to cancer.
PRAYERS FOR OUR SERVICEMEN
I have been compiling a list of servicemen who are members of St John's so that we can pray for them. Below is a list of them and where they are currently stationed. Please note that their stationing changes quickly, so this may not even be up to date, but it is the last known whereabouts that I have of these guys.
Danny Dreyer- Army- 2nd Lieutenant- Ranger, GERMANY
Sam Hargrove- Army- 2 Lieutenant- Ft Rucker, Alabama, will be going through helicopter flight school and other training
David Mincemeyer- Army- Army Specialist- Ft. Carson, CO
Jon Rahn- Navy- Hawaii, not sure of his rank at this time
David Tate- Air Force- 2nd Lieutenant- Jacksonville, Florida
Alex Walters- Navy- E4- Guam
Ryan Woolf- Air Force- Airman 1st Class- Buckley Air Force Base, near Denver, CO
If there are more out there that I just don't know about, please let me know, and I will include him/her on the list.
Also, if you would like your family member or friend included in this list, please reply to this email with all the information!
