DEVOTION: Colossians 2:6-19
"Alive in Christ"
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits[a] of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities[b] and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.[c]
"Let No One Disqualify You"
16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions,[d] puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
Last night I watched the National Youth Gathering mass event, and at that mass event Pastor Greg Manning spoke of how Jesus cancelled the debt for us.
Manning was abused by his stepfather when he was a kid. Eventually, they got away from him and Manning grew up to be a pastor, but he still had bitterness and anger toward his stepfather. Eventually he came to the realization that he wouldn't be whole, he wouldn't be fully healed or at peace until he forgave his stepfather. So one day he called his stepfather, he said it was the hardest phone call he ever had to make. He called him and told him he forgave him. He told his stepfather that he didn't owe him anything. he didn't owe him an apology. He didn't owe him year's worth of good deeds and love to make it up to him. He didn't owe him anything, because he didn't owe Christ anything. You read that right. This boy who was abused and grew up with that bitterness, anger, and fear was able to forgive the man who abused him because Christ forgave him.
Manning also said that the greatest witness we, as the church of Christ, have is the gift of forgiveness. It is a gift that is contrary to the way of the world. It is foreign to our human way of thinking, but because of the Holy Spirit living in us and working through his word and sacraments we have and know this gift fully! We know it and so God has given us the ability and responsibility to give it to others! What a gift!
If we are to grow as a church and if we are to continue as a church in the next 100 years it is going to be because God offers and gives the forgiveness of sins through it! It is going to be because of the forgiveness of sins we have and give!
No one owes you anything. No one owes you an apology. No one owes you a good word or good deed. And you don't owe God anything either! Live free and clear in God's grace and give that freedom of forgiveness to others!
Let us pray: Lord, help me to remember that because you canceled my debt I am able to cancel the debt of those who have sinned against me. Make me a debt canceler in your name. Amen.
"Alive in Christ"
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits[a] of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities[b] and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.[c]
"Let No One Disqualify You"
16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions,[d] puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
Last night I watched the National Youth Gathering mass event, and at that mass event Pastor Greg Manning spoke of how Jesus cancelled the debt for us.
Manning was abused by his stepfather when he was a kid. Eventually, they got away from him and Manning grew up to be a pastor, but he still had bitterness and anger toward his stepfather. Eventually he came to the realization that he wouldn't be whole, he wouldn't be fully healed or at peace until he forgave his stepfather. So one day he called his stepfather, he said it was the hardest phone call he ever had to make. He called him and told him he forgave him. He told his stepfather that he didn't owe him anything. he didn't owe him an apology. He didn't owe him year's worth of good deeds and love to make it up to him. He didn't owe him anything, because he didn't owe Christ anything. You read that right. This boy who was abused and grew up with that bitterness, anger, and fear was able to forgive the man who abused him because Christ forgave him.
Manning also said that the greatest witness we, as the church of Christ, have is the gift of forgiveness. It is a gift that is contrary to the way of the world. It is foreign to our human way of thinking, but because of the Holy Spirit living in us and working through his word and sacraments we have and know this gift fully! We know it and so God has given us the ability and responsibility to give it to others! What a gift!
If we are to grow as a church and if we are to continue as a church in the next 100 years it is going to be because God offers and gives the forgiveness of sins through it! It is going to be because of the forgiveness of sins we have and give!
No one owes you anything. No one owes you an apology. No one owes you a good word or good deed. And you don't owe God anything either! Live free and clear in God's grace and give that freedom of forgiveness to others!
Let us pray: Lord, help me to remember that because you canceled my debt I am able to cancel the debt of those who have sinned against me. Make me a debt canceler in your name. Amen.
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CALENDAR
CALENDAR
Wed- Ladies Aid Luncheon at Denny's noon
Thurs- August newsletter deadline; Lutheranism 101 7pm
Fri- Youth return from NYG
Sat- Church basement reserved noon; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11; Church basement reserved 11am
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Zack Hoelscher 11- Hannah Johnson
Ushers- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbert, Don Turnure
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean Up- Cheryl Bettlach
Elders- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- Randy and Patty Sweet; 11- Joan Sexton
Lay Readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone 8:30- Christy Winn; 11- Jim Rahn
Piano (Saturday and Sunday)- Molly Hendershot
Projectionists: Sat- ???? ; 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Gus
Fri- Youth return from NYG
Sat- Church basement reserved noon; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11; Church basement reserved 11am
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Zack Hoelscher 11- Hannah Johnson
Ushers- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbert, Don Turnure
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean Up- Cheryl Bettlach
Elders- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- Randy and Patty Sweet; 11- Joan Sexton
Lay Readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone 8:30- Christy Winn; 11- Jim Rahn
Piano (Saturday and Sunday)- Molly Hendershot
Projectionists: Sat- ???? ; 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Gus
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: What does the word "Sabbath" mean?
It comes from the Hebrew word, Shabbat, meaning a day of rest and spiritual enrichment. The word "Shabbat" itself, comes from the root Shin-Beit-Tav, meaning to cease, to end, or to rest.
Here's 2 articles you can read, if you'd like to learn more: http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/sabbath/ and http://www.jewfaq.org/shabbat.htm
– which of course, I know you all do. Want to learn more, that is
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What do Hephzibah and Beulah from Isaiah 62:4 mean?
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NEWS!!!! (Lots of new news so make sure you read it all the way through!!)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR ST.JOHN'S OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION ON OCTOBER 1!! MORE INFO COMING SOON!
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HOLY YOGA EVERY MONDAY NIGHT AT 7PM!
Jesus + exercise= AWESOME! Please join Amanda Nordwald as she leads you through different poses, stretches, exercises and even devotions! This is a great way to get fit and grow in God's Word at the same time! A $5 donation is suggested.
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CELEBRATION BIKE RIDE ON SUNDAY, JULY 31!!! PLEASE JOIN PASTOR!!
Pastor will be ending his 1,000 mile journey at the Katy Trail at 1:30pm on Sunday August 31!! We will bike from the trailhead in Treloar to Blumenhoff Winery in Dutzow, approximately 11 miles.
Admission to this event is any donation to www.leadachild.org. If you've already donated you're good to go!
Let me know if you'll be participating!
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ST. JOHN'S ANNUAL FLOAT TRIP COMING UP LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 5!!
Would you like a relaxing and peaceful day on the river in God's creation? Do you want to grow in fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Come and join us!
Here are the details:
1. Meet at 9:30am at Ozark Outdoors www.ozarkoutdoors.net
2. PRICES
canoes $20 per person
kayaks- $28 per person
rafts- $29 per person
tubes are $25 per person
If you have your own equipment it is $30 per craft to ride the bus.
Children ages 7-12 are $15 and 7 and under are free
3. What you will need:
sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, food, beverages, a good attitude.
4. Contact Teresa Scott to sign up
cell- 636-359-0274
work- (Schraer HVAC) 456-5041
Remember, this is a float, not a race. It is a leisurely float down the river with lots of stops along the way!
If you choose to spend the weekend, please make camping, motel, or cabin arrangements through Ozark Outdoors or with Onondaga State Park www.mostateparks.com. Hiking and cave tours are also available in Onondaga State Park.
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T-3 MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP SEPTEMBER 23-25 AT MARK TWAIN LAKE!
Go to www.t3mensretreat.org for details or give me a call at 636-359-1061.
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GUN CLUB OUTING COMING UP SATURDAY, AUGUST 13!!!
Our next Gun Club outing will be at Whetstone Creek Conservation Area Gun Range on Saturday, August 13, from 9am-Noon. You can either bring your own guns and ammo to shoot at the range or we will have a whole range set up for a special "fam fire" (armed forces code for familiarization fire) on a separate range for those who don't own a gun but would like to learn to shoot and learn about various types of firearms. Paul Brockfeld and others will have several different firearms and ammo to use for $20 per person. Please sign up on the sheet on the counter in the narthex so we know how many are coming and who is or is not bringing their own guns and ammo.
Directions to the range: DO NOT follow the signs to Whetstone Creek. If you follow the signs, you will not go to the firearms range. From Warrenton take I-70 to the Williamsburg exit. At the top of the ramp turn right and head north into Williamsburg. At the first stop sign go straight (Sign will tell you to turn left to go to Whetstone Creek CA - do not turn left). At the second stop sign go straight. Road will turn to gravel as you leave Williamsburg. Once road turns to gravel it is approximately 2.3 miles to the range on the right. Parking lot is before the range.
Directions to the range: DO NOT follow the signs to Whetstone Creek. If you follow the signs, you will not go to the firearms range. From Warrenton take I-70 to the Williamsburg exit. At the top of the ramp turn right and head north into Williamsburg. At the first stop sign go straight (Sign will tell you to turn left to go to Whetstone Creek CA - do not turn left). At the second stop sign go straight. Road will turn to gravel as you leave Williamsburg. Once road turns to gravel it is approximately 2.3 miles to the range on the right. Parking lot is before the range.
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LADIES AID SUMMER LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 AT NOON AT DENNY'S!!!!
All ladies are invited!! Make sure you sign the list on the counter in the narthex by Sunday, July 17 so reservations can be made.
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VBS "CHRISTMAS IN JULY" WILL BE HELD MONDAY, JULY 25-THURSDAY, JULY 28
Supper begins at 5:30 each night.
Program begins at 6pm and goes till 8pm!
Volunteers and food is needed! Please sign up on the donation and volunteers sheets on the table in the narthex or call Kelsey at 573-803-7826 to volunteer or donate.
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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 4!!
Help is needed for making calls and appointments, and also for the day of the drive we need strong people to move tables and chairs, a person to register donors, and another to serve refreshments. The Red Cross has cut back on their help, which puts an extra load on the hosts. Call Marilyn at 456-2888 to volunteer!! v
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STEPHEN MINISTRY NEEDS MORE STEPHEN MINISTERS!!
Stephen ministry is a one on one caring ministry in which a person goes through 50 hours off training to be a better listener and care giver. Even if you don't become an active Stephen Minister, this training is beneficial just for your daily life!
Please consider going through the training! It is very beneficial.
And please consider becoming a Stephen Minister. It has been a huge help and benefit to our congregation for the last 13 years, and I would love to see it grow!
Call me at 636-359-1061 to let me know you're interested. Or go to www.stephenministry.org to learn more about it.
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SCRIP PROGRAM CONTINUES!!
Here's how it works:
Here's how it works:
1. Pick up an order form from the counter in the narthex or from Marilyn in the office.
2. Mark how many cards you would like to order from each retailer you use, and fill in the totals. (If you need help, stop by the office or talk to Marilyn or ask me after worship.)
3. Attach a check to your order form made out to St.John's.
4. Marilyn will place the order on a certain date each month.
5. Pick up your cards from your church mailbox.
6. Use your cards just like money at the various stores.
Please use this program! It is an easy way for you to help YOUR church raise money for its ministries!
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OPERATION BACKPACK FOR JULY IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND OATMEAL PACKETS!!!
Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.
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GENERAL PRAYER
For BOB RUHL who is recovering from gall bladder surgery and is dealing with three weeks of hiccups.
For the HARGROVE FAMILY as they mourn the loss of Dave's dad Charles.
For the SCHULZE FAMILY at thesuddden death of Larry and Jeri's son in law Randy from a freak work accident . Visitation will be this Saturday at McCoy Blossom Funeral Home in Troy.
For LIL WINTER who will begin therapy for piriformis syndrome today and who is still awaiting surgery on her shoulder.
For LAW ENFORCEMENT EVERYWHERE, that we would keep the 4th commandment and honor those who serve and protect us from evildoers.
For THOSE MOURNING THE LOSS OF LOVED ONES IN NICE, FRANCE. That the Lord would give them peace in this very tragic time.
For MARIANNE LINKE, who is recovering from surgery. She is recovering well at home.
For BRIAN TAMPOW, a friend of Steve and Toni Mauch, who has an inoperable tumor near his carotid artery and will need to go through extensive chemo and radiation treatment.
For CHERYL, a cousin of Tony and Sandra Perricone, who is going through breast cancer treatment right now.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she finishes up her current mission work in the Czech Republic and makes her decisions for her future.
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