"Whose Children Are We?"
March 10, 2015
"So they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple" (John 8:59).
Read John 8:45-59.
Now the crowd could prove whether they were truly children of God as they claimed, or children of the devil as Jesus had said. Would they come running to the Savior for forgiveness and life, or cling to the dark lies of Satan? John tells us their grim decision: "they picked up stones to throw at Him."
You and I go to church and in Baptism God made us His very own children. But how often do we live as if we weren't? How attentive are we when we hear or read Jesus' words? How closely do we follow Him in our words and actions? Are we willing to pray "Your will be done?" or do we only want to accept Jesus on our own terms? Are we as quick to turn on Him as the crowds were?
Jesus miraculously hides Himself and leaves the temple grounds. The time for His death is drawing near, but He will not die at the hands of an angry mob under a pile of rocks at the temple. He will be dragged outside of the city at the hands of the Roman soldiers and nailed to a cross.
Even today Jesus' words often bring a violent reaction. If we are walking in darkness we are not always excited to hear the truth. But Christ promises to wash away our sins and restore us in faith. He will guard and protect us and finally bring us to our eternal home where we will always walk in His light.
THE PRAYER: Lord, give courage to all Your faithful people who bring Your light into our dark world. Empower me to turn from the darkness and share my faith as You guide and protect me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Written by Rev. Wayne Palmer
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MISSION STATEMENT: As the body of Christ, we strive to make disciples of all, focusing on the next generation through growing
UP in God's Word and Sacraments
OUT into the community by caring for physical and spiritual needs
TOGETHER in fellowship to build lasting relationships in Christ.
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: What does Moses say about the tribe of Dan as he blesses them right before he dies? Dan is a lion's cub springing out of Bashan. (Thanks Dianne and Denise) Denise answered all the way from the Czech Republic!
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TODAY'S QUIZ: How old was Moses when he died and what was unusual about him when he died even though he was that old?
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CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilting 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15; Trustees meeting 7
Wed- Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Thurs- Karate 5:30
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Choir rehearsal 9:45; Worship 11; Potluuck and Voter's meeting regarding building program noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- Wed- Lydia Miller 8:30- Patrick Schaumberg, 11- Sophie Tinnin
Ushers- Wed- Figura family Sun- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Don Tate, Doug Walters
Altar- Wed Candles Terry Mckenzie; Sun Set up- Terry McKenzie, Clean Up- Terry McKenzie
Communion Assistants- Sat- Randy Sweet; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- John and Joanne Hachtel 11- Joan Sexton
Lay readers- Sat- Randy Sweet 8:30- Tim Linke; 11- Steve Robine
Sat Pianist- Barb Dreyer
Organist: Melissa Pedersen
Projectionists: Sat- ????; Sun 8:30- Schaumberg 11- Terry McKenzie
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NEWS:
MEN'S BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY AT 8AM!!
We will continue our discussion of the separation of church and state, the role of government in the church, and the role of Christians in government.
Menu: Pancakes, bacon, sausage scrambled eggs.
I could use some help if anyone wants to.
PLEASE RSVP BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON!!
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MIDWEEK LENTEN SUPPER AND WORSHIP WEDNESDAY, SUPPER 5:30; WORSHIP 6:30!!
Menu: TACO BAR!!! and DESSERT
Worship Theme: "Calling Us Home..... Suffering"
Invite your friends and neighbors!! Enjoy some good food, great fellowship, and God's Word all in the span of two hours!!
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Special Voters Meeting Concerning our Building Project, Sunday March 15 at NOON!!!!
(Immediately following the late service.) Let your voices be heard!!! We will begin with a potluck meal. Please bring a dish or two to share!We will be discussing the following:
1. Where we have been.
2. Where we want to go.
3. The roadblocks we have encountered, and ways to deal with these roadblocks.
4. Forming a planning committee to move forward
5. Forming a finance committee to provide checks and balances as we move forward
Join us to share your own positive ideas concerning our future building project and the direction it is heading. ALL members are encouraged to attend and participate!!!
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FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET NEEDS TO GET FILLED UP!!!
Here's what we have so far:
Mar 15- Fosters
Mar 22- Luebkes
Mar 29-????
Apr 5- EASTER BREAKFAST
Apr 12-???
Apr 19- ???
Apr. 26- ???
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ST. JOHN'S YELLOW PAGES
If you didn't get your business card in this month's newsletter get them in to the office for the April newsletter!! This advertising is free to members. Many times members call and ask if there are members who are in a certain business or profession. People would always rather do business with fellow church members when they can!__________________________________________________________________________________________________
SEMINARY JOBS AVAILABLE!!
There are both full and part time jobs open at Concordia Seminary in Clayton. (My school). Please submit your resume in confidence to humanresources@csl.edu,
or fax it to 314-505-7339
or submit it via US mail to Concordia Seminary Human Resources 801 Seminary Place, St Louis, MO 63105
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DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD? ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop.
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SAVE THE DATE!!!! OUR FIRST ANNUAL FALL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2015!!!
We are looking for ideas for carnival games and also donations of carnival game prizes for the vent. Please donate prizes into the cardboard box in the narthex. Also, if any one has an idea for a carnival game, or a game itself they would like to donate please contact Joanna Hoelscher at 636-485-0635 or Karla Christophene at 314-397-1375.
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NOTES FROM THE TRUSTEES
1. If you see (or hear) a property item that needs fixing, tell one of your trustees or let Marilyn know in the office. We have plenty of guys who have the ability to do the work necessary!
2. A WORK DAY IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 28!! 8am-noon!! Mark your calendars and gather your tools!!
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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP TO THE CLYDESDALE FARM AND THE JEFFERSON CITY STATE PENITENTIARY ON SATURDAY APRIL 11!!
We will visit the Warm Springs Ranch, World headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdale OPERATION. After the tour of the ranch and some refreshments compliments of Budweiser, we will enjoy lunch at Settler's Inn. After that we are on to Jeff City for a tour of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary. An ICE CREAM BREAK us scheduled at Central dairy to round out the day. Reservations and tickets have to be purchased so it is NECESSARY that you SIGN UP NOW!!! Complete cost will be determined by number of people going.
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PRAYER REQUESTS:
For DAVE KOHRS who BEGINS CHEMO TREATMENT TODAY.
For ASHLEY, Sandy Robine's granddaughter, who is having her wisdom teeth taken out today and will be going under general anesthesia for it.
For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, as she continues to recover from several strokes and seizures.
For WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to deal with many health problems relating from a stroke.
For DANIELLE MEINE, a senior at WHS, a friend to many kids at St. john's, and a rider on Karin's bus since kindergarten, who has a very serious form of cancer.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .
For TODD PONDER, former band teacher/director and friend to many at St. John's, who suffered a massive stroke and can't do anything but move his eyes. He is unable to breathe on his own. Here is a link to a fund that was started to help the family as they will have astronomical hospital and rehab bills for a long time to come. At the bottom of the page it also has updates as to his progress. http://www.gofundme.com/hp1ed8?pc=mb_em
