Daily Email: Wednesday, August 19, 2015

DEVOTION:  "So to keep from becoming conceited, because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me, but He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Fo9r the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:7-10
 
As I think about my life as a pastor the things that I remember the most are my failures, and I've had plenty of them.   I haven't been as caring as I should have.  I certainly struggle with patience.  I have broken the eighth commandment very publicly.  I have hurt members.  I have been lazy at times.  I could go on and o n, but you don't want to hear any more of that, I'm sure. 
 
In a way, I am thankful for remembering these things.  These remembrances keep me humble.  They remind me that I am only a flawed, sinful struggling human being, and that all the good that comes from me is not my doing at all, but only God's doing. 
 
We aren't exactly sure what Paul's "thorn in the flesh" his "messenger from Satan" was.  It could've been an actual physical problem.  It could've been a temptation that he continually fell into.  It could've been any number of things.  I tend to imagine that it was more of a spiritual nature, a reminder of his past offenses. That messenger of Satan creeps up on all of us from time to time to keep us from becoming conceited.  When we realize our faults and failures and even when we remember some from very long ago, it's ok.  It isn't fun.  It isn't comfortable.  Yet, it is always a good reminder that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness and when we are weak then we are strong.  
 
Don't cover up your weaknesses and flaws.  Don't try to hide them or hide from them.   Instead, use them as part of your witness to Christ by whom and through whom all of that weakness, fault, and failure is forgiven!  Boast in your weakness so that Christ may shine through you!
 
Let us pray: Lord, thank you for humbling me when I need it and for shining through me.  Amen.
 
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LAST TIME'S QUIZ:    Where would Babylon be located today?  Today Babylon is in Iraq, 59 miles southwest of Bagdad

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TODAY'S QUIZ:  Approximately what year were the Israelites taken into captivity to Babylon?

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CALENDAR:

Tues- First day of Little Lambs three year old class; Quilting 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15

Wed- Ladies Aid noon; Newsletter deadline

Thurs- Hellebusch/Neeley wedding rehearsal 6:30; Karate 6:15-7:45
Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm

Sat-  Bus trip leaves 1pm; Wedding- 1:30; Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
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WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  8:30- Hannah Johnson; 11- Cara Klaustermeier
Ushers-  Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke
Altar- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up-  Betty Schirr and Cheryl Bettlach
Communion Assistants- Sat- Don Turnure; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- John and Anna Hoenig; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone 8:30- John Hachtel 11- Steve Robine
Sat. Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Organist-  Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Pam Bueltmann; Sun- 8:30- Terry McKenzie
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NEWS!!!!  PLEASE READ IT ALL!!!!

 

KELSEY OVERBECK WILL BE INSTALLED THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, at 11am FOLLOWED BY A TACO BAR LUNCH AT NOON!!!

Come and show your support for her and give her God's blessings.

 

Call church or Karin Klaustermeier to let us know you're coming for lunch!!!

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LUTHERANS FOR LIFE NEEDS YOUR HELP

Due to some unfortunate circumstances, Thrivent is no longer financially supporting Lutherans for Life.  This was a huge portion of their yearly income.  Therefore they are in need of your help.  They need the congregations and individuals within the congregations who support Lutherans for Life to give an extra offering to them to replace the funds that Thrivent has taken away. 

 

Yesterday we had a door offering for this cause and many of you gave generously!  Thank you!  If you weren't here or were unable to give yesterday you can still give.  Just go to www.LutheransforLife.org and click on the "Give" tab.  You can also find all the information you need to know on their website. 

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PASTOR WILL BE ON 850 AM and  www.KFUOAM.org  THIS WEDNESDAY AT 11AM!!!

He will be doing a Bible study on 2 Corinthians 13 "Final Warnings".  Tune in to hear him!

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WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH THE CARNIVAL ON SEPTEMBER 12 from 11am-7pm 
The carnival committee is in need of the following items for our carnival on Sept. 12!!
1. POP UP CANOPIES--  for stations and coolers.  Make sure yours is marked clearly with your name so you get it back.
 
2. EMAIL ADDRESSES-- If we have your email address you will get an invitation to share with others and a coupon to use for free food.   This email list will not be used for any other purpose. 
 
#. VOLUNTEERS!!!  It will take a small army to make this the huge success we want it to be!!  Please sign up on the counter in the narthex or call the church office!

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WARRENTON 8 CINEMA HAS $5 TICKETS FOR THE MOVIE "WAR ROOM"
You can either print off the pass that is attached when you go or just tell the clerk at the counter that you are from St. John's Lutheran Church and receive a ticket for $5.
 
Here is the link to find out more about it.

warroomthemovie.com
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FIRST STEP BACK HOME (A UNIQUE HOMELESS MINISTRY)
 
Did you know that there is a homeless ministry in O'Fallon/Wentzville that works with people to get them back on their feet and even works to get them jobs?  

 
It is called "First Step Back Home.  It is run by Paul and Lana Kruse. 
 
Attached you will find their newsletter and a flyer for a concert coming up at Warrenton Christian Church to support them. 


Here's a link to their website. 
 
www.firststepbackhome.net
 
 
Check it out and see if this is an organization that could use your help as a volunteer or as a donor

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 UPDATED CHURCH DIRECTORIES ARE IN YOUR CHURCH MAILBOXES!

You'll have to come to church to pick them up!

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FLOAT TRIP!  FLOAT TRIP!!  FLOAT TRIP!!! FLOAT TRIP!!!!
Do you enjoy the outdoors?  Do you like to float down lazy rivers with friends?  Do you enjoy rafts and coolers filled with all sorts of beverages and snacks?  Then sign up and join us for the fourth annual Labor Day float trip! 
 
DETAILS:
1. We will once again go through Ozark Outdoors. 
A. Canoe rental is $20 per person.  A child can ride for free as the THIRD person in the canoe. 
B. Single person kayaks are available at $28 per person. 
C. Rafts are available at $29 per person.  Children 7-12 yrs old can ride for $15 and children under 7 are free if raft minimums are met. 
D. Tubes are $25 per person
E. Rides on the bus are $30 a person if you have your own equipment. 
 
2. ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT IS IT IS A FLOAT AND NOT A RACE!  Float a little, stop, have a snakcc and a drink, wait for the rest of the group and then move on. 
 
3. What will you need?  Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, cooler, drinks, lunch, and a positive attitude. 
 
4. Contact Teresa Scott to sign up tscott@usmo.com , 359-5041, or Schraer Heating and Cooling at 456-5041.  When signing up please provide your email address and BEST contact number.
 
5. If you choose to spend the weekend down there, please make camping, hotel, or cabin arrangements through Ozark Outdoors, www.ozarkoutdoors.net or with Onondaga State Park.  Currently there are reservable basic sites available for the weekend at Onandaga. 
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UNMARKED BLUE ENVELOPE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE GOING TO THE BUILDING EXPANSION PROGRAM
If you'd like it to go to the DCE fund you need to mark it for that!  Please make sure you mark the ENVELOPE clearly for the DCE PROGRAM!
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DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD?  ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register it online
www.krogercommunityrewards.com and have it swiped each time you shop to earn money for Little Lambs. 
 
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GENERAL PRAYERS:

For MARILYN FOSTER'S SISTER MARCIE, as she is dealing with an infection after surgery, and is having another surgery today to deal with that infection.

 

For the GLASTETTER FAMILY (Marcella Linke's family) as her brother TONY died in a car accident Sunday morning.

 

For NINA BRENDEL, Barb Dreyer's mom, as she is recovering from hip replacement surgery.

 

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she is being placed into hospice care today. (She and Ken moved down to a nursing home in Oklahoma  close to their son a year and a half ago.)

For ANDREA EBERT as she is now on bedrest until her twins are born.  (Due date is the beginning of October)

 

For SANDY ROBINE who is recovering well from knee replacement surgery 

 For GENE HILGENDDORF as he continues to recover from a motorcycle accident.

 For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in the USA for a short furlough and as she travels to gain more support for her mission work.

 For CORA CLUVER'S DAD, who is recovering from a severe motorcycle accident that paralyzed him from the neck down.  

For DAVE AND CAROL KOHRS, who are BOTH on hospice care.

For OUR DCE INTERN, KELSEY OVERBECK, that the Lord's will is done concerning her call to a church to be a full time DCE.

For WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to deal with the after effects of a severe stroke almost two years ago.