DEVOTION: Note: Starting today, I'm going to break away from my usual way of doing devotions. I usually take a verse out of my reading for the day out of my "Daily Bible In Chronological Order". Today I'm going to start using the lectionary readings (the readings we use in church) for the following weekend. The Psalm is on Monday, Old Testament Tuesday, Epistle Wednesday, and Gospel Thursday.
Psalm 54
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil[b] of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, "Is not David hiding among us?"
How often do you feel as thought he whole world is against you? Does it seem as though you just can't win no matter how hard you try or what you do? You're not alone. David had the same feeling as Saul and his men, the Ziphites, kept searching for him to kill him although David had done nothing wrong. David had gained notoriety and fame for killing Goliath. After his great feat of courage and strength he was elected, by Saul mind you, to be the commander of the army. More than that, way back before he even defeated Goliath, Samuel had anointed David as king even while Saul was still king.
Now, because David had gained this power and strength, and because God was with him in everything he did, Saul became increasingly jealous and full of rage, so much so, that he sought to kill David with everything he had. David had to run and hide for his life with his men. He sought rest, but never found it. He wanted to be reconciled with Saul, but Saul wouldn't have it. Eventually, Saul would go down to his own death searching for David and trying to kill him.
It is in this mess that David cries out to god and says, "Save me, O God, by your name, vindicate me by your might."
It is also in this Psalm that David exclaims "Surely God is my help, the Lord is the one who sustains me."
When you are going through the worst of times, there is nothing better, more calming, and more satisfying than crying out to God. When you are weak then HE is strong. It gives you confidence, hope, and peace in the middle of your circumstances. Cry out to God in the day of trouble and he will sustain you! Give him your troubles and he will give you his peace! Try it today and see what happens.
Let us pray: Lord God, you alone are my help and my shield, a mighty fortress and help are you, sustain me in my weakness. deliver me according to your good will. Amen.
Psalm 54
For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil[b] of David. When the Ziphites had gone to Saul and said, "Is not David hiding among us?"
1 Save me, O God, by your name;
vindicate me by your might.
2 Hear my prayer, O God;
listen to the words of my mouth.
3 Arrogant foes are attacking me;
ruthless people are trying to kill me—
people without regard for God.[c]
4 Surely God is my help;
the Lord is the one who sustains me.
5 Let evil recoil on those who slander me;
in your faithfulness destroy them.
6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
I will praise your name, Lord, for it is good.
7 You have delivered me from all my troubles,
and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes.
How often do you feel as thought he whole world is against you? Does it seem as though you just can't win no matter how hard you try or what you do? You're not alone. David had the same feeling as Saul and his men, the Ziphites, kept searching for him to kill him although David had done nothing wrong. David had gained notoriety and fame for killing Goliath. After his great feat of courage and strength he was elected, by Saul mind you, to be the commander of the army. More than that, way back before he even defeated Goliath, Samuel had anointed David as king even while Saul was still king.
Now, because David had gained this power and strength, and because God was with him in everything he did, Saul became increasingly jealous and full of rage, so much so, that he sought to kill David with everything he had. David had to run and hide for his life with his men. He sought rest, but never found it. He wanted to be reconciled with Saul, but Saul wouldn't have it. Eventually, Saul would go down to his own death searching for David and trying to kill him.
It is in this mess that David cries out to god and says, "Save me, O God, by your name, vindicate me by your might."
It is also in this Psalm that David exclaims "Surely God is my help, the Lord is the one who sustains me."
When you are going through the worst of times, there is nothing better, more calming, and more satisfying than crying out to God. When you are weak then HE is strong. It gives you confidence, hope, and peace in the middle of your circumstances. Cry out to God in the day of trouble and he will sustain you! Give him your troubles and he will give you his peace! Try it today and see what happens.
Let us pray: Lord God, you alone are my help and my shield, a mighty fortress and help are you, sustain me in my weakness. deliver me according to your good will. Amen.
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LAST TIME'S QUIZ: What are the names of Job's other three friends? Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz
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TODAY'S QUIZ; When was the book of Job written?
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CALENDAR:
Mon- CONFIRMATION STARTS!! 5-6:15; Family Night 6-7 (Appetizer night: Bring your favorite appetizer/hors deurves)
Tues- Quilting 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15; Council Meeting 7
Wed- Newsletter deadline; Ladies Aid noon; Choir 7
Thurs- Karate 5-7:45
Fri- Bible Study at Hendershots
Sat- Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- Jacob Winn
Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Set up- Terry McKenzie; Clean Up- Sandy Robine
Communion Assistants- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Steve McDowell; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Dave and Hope Tinnin; 11- Charlie and Lynn Figura
Lay readers- Sat- Kathy Fischer 8:30- Steve McDowell 11- Christy Winn
Sat. Pianist- Tim Sherman
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Perricone; Sun- 8:30- Panhorst
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NEWS!!!! PLEASE READ IT ALL!!!!
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- Jacob Winn
Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Set up- Terry McKenzie; Clean Up- Sandy Robine
Communion Assistants- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Steve McDowell; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Dave and Hope Tinnin; 11- Charlie and Lynn Figura
Lay readers- Sat- Kathy Fischer 8:30- Steve McDowell 11- Christy Winn
Sat. Pianist- Tim Sherman
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Perricone; Sun- 8:30- Panhorst
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NEWS!!!! PLEASE READ IT ALL!!!!
7th and 8th GRADE CONFIRMATION STARTS TONIGHT AT 5PM!!
Please be on time! We have lots to cover!
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THE FIRST ANNUAL ST. JOHN'S CARNIVAL WAS FANTASTIC!!
There are way too many people to list and thank here. Just about every active member of St. John's did something or participated in some way!
I'm so proud and grateful to my church family for the hard work and dedication to this project! It will grow and get better year by year!
We took in $3,811.50 and have yet to figure out all the expenses. At the very least we broke even. When we figure it all out we will post the totals.
Please give us your comments and suggestions for next year so we can make it better!
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OPERATION BACKPACK FOR SEPTEMBER IS CANNED FRUIT!!
Many children in our community are very poor. They are able to get some of their meals at school during the week, but often go hungry on weekends. Operation backpack is a way that our community has decided to help these kids.
Every month throughout the school year, each church participating will take one food item and collect just that food item. At the end of the month the food will be delivered to school. The school officials along with volunteers will distribute the food to kids backpacks to take home.
Every month throughout the school year, each church participating will take one food item and collect just that food item. At the end of the month the food will be delivered to school. The school officials along with volunteers will distribute the food to kids backpacks to take home.
Throughout the month of September we will be collecting canned fruit . All size cans and even individual portions will be accepted. The fruit will be delivered to the schools October 1. We will have a box in the narthex for deposits.
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SHOP WITH SCRIP!! A NEW AND EASY FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY!!!
A new fundraiser was unveiled at our last voter's meeting!! You may purchase gift cards from church to be used as you would any other gift card. The only difference is that you purchase it from church and St. John's gets a percentage of the sale. Order forms are on the counter in the narthex. The first order will be place next Sunday, August 30. Place your order for, along with your check, made payable to St. Johns, in the "Bob the Builder" box. For additional information or to get your questions answered, call the church office. 456-2888.
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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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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!
________________________________________________________________________________________
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 HILDE HEICHELBECH who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of her life.
For JOYCE PIEZTSCHKE who has moved from her home of 55 years to Oak Pointe (formerly Whispering Pines).
For THANKSGIVING FOR THE BAPTISM OF PIPER CHRISTOPHENE yesterday.
For THE SYRIAN REFUGEES and those that are caring for them that they would find shelter and that those receiving refugees would be favorable and God pleasing toward them.
For SANDY ROBINE as she continues to recover from her knee replacement.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is back in the Czech Republic to continue her mission work.
For DAVE AND CAROL KOHRS, who are BOTH on hospice care.
For WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to deal with the after effects of a severe stroke almost two years ago.
