DEVOTION: Hebrews 12:4-29 (ESV)
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
"A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken"
18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned." 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear." 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly[a] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27 This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
In the Old Testament they trembled with fear, because Moses' face shown with the glory of God when he came down the mountain. They trembled with fear, because if they accidentally touched the mountain they would surely die. They trembled with fear, because they were never able to bear the voice of God. It was all too much for them, because in it was only law.
But we don't have that. Jesus has broken down the dividing wall that separated us from God. He built the bridge, in fact, he is the bridge. We no longer need to tremble in fear when we think of going to God, because when we go, we are going, as the lesson states "22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly[a] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
By faith we have come to a God who loves us, cares for us, redeems us, and gives us his salvation. Therefore, we need not fear, thought he earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea! So stop fearing man! Stop fearing those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Stop driveling over trivial things. Stop your complaining! Stop sniveling over all the bad stuff in the world and MAN UP! Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might! With His might you can endure all the junk in your life with joy and peace! With His power you can avoid and defeat temptation, but when you fall, get back up with the strength of Almighty God! MAN UP! (And by that I mean WOMAN UP as well!)
Prayer: Lord, stop us from being sniveling, shivering, and shaky complainers. Help us to find our strength, power, and peace in you . Amen.
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CALENDAR
Wed- Sewing Dresses for Africa 10am-noon; Ladies Aid meeting at lunch noon-1pm
Thurs- Sept. newsletter deadline; Lutheranism 101 7-8pm
Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; visitation and memorial for Charles Hargrove 1-3pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Kids Sunday school 9:45; Voter's meeting 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jacob Winn 11- Hailey Blechle
Ushers- George, Gary, and Ben Hoelscher and Brent Davis
Altar- Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Sandy Robine
Elders- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- Don and Wanda Turnure; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Lay Readers- Sat- Roy Bohning 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Piano- Sat- Molly Hendershot
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Mauch; 8:30- McKenzie
In November we will be at the end of the three years. The DCE Fund has dwindled down to near nothing and will be just about gone in December, and the regular offerings have not increased enough to increase the regular budget.
To make it clear, there is not enough money in the budget to pay Kelsey. (We cannot use special gifts, trusts or memorials or money designated for the building fund to pay Kelsey. We have never used those types off funds for salaries.)
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
"My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives."
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; 16 that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17 For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears."A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken"
18 For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest 19 and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. 20 For they could not endure the order that was given, "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned." 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I tremble with fear." 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly[a] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven. 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27 This phrase, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.
In the Old Testament they trembled with fear, because Moses' face shown with the glory of God when he came down the mountain. They trembled with fear, because if they accidentally touched the mountain they would surely die. They trembled with fear, because they were never able to bear the voice of God. It was all too much for them, because in it was only law.
But we don't have that. Jesus has broken down the dividing wall that separated us from God. He built the bridge, in fact, he is the bridge. We no longer need to tremble in fear when we think of going to God, because when we go, we are going, as the lesson states "22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly[a] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel."
By faith we have come to a God who loves us, cares for us, redeems us, and gives us his salvation. Therefore, we need not fear, thought he earth give way, and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea! So stop fearing man! Stop fearing those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Stop driveling over trivial things. Stop your complaining! Stop sniveling over all the bad stuff in the world and MAN UP! Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might! With His might you can endure all the junk in your life with joy and peace! With His power you can avoid and defeat temptation, but when you fall, get back up with the strength of Almighty God! MAN UP! (And by that I mean WOMAN UP as well!)
Prayer: Lord, stop us from being sniveling, shivering, and shaky complainers. Help us to find our strength, power, and peace in you . Amen.
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CALENDAR
Wed- Sewing Dresses for Africa 10am-noon; Ladies Aid meeting at lunch noon-1pm
Thurs- Sept. newsletter deadline; Lutheranism 101 7-8pm
Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; visitation and memorial for Charles Hargrove 1-3pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Kids Sunday school 9:45; Voter's meeting 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jacob Winn 11- Hailey Blechle
Ushers- George, Gary, and Ben Hoelscher and Brent Davis
Altar- Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Sandy Robine
Elders- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- Don and Wanda Turnure; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Lay Readers- Sat- Roy Bohning 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Piano- Sat- Molly Hendershot
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Mauch; 8:30- McKenzie
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:
Where was Ezekiel exiled (deported) when Babylon took all the Israelites into captivity?
Ezekiel, then 25 years old and in training to be a priest (1:3), was taken into exile along with 10,000 of the most prominent leaders, soldiers, and craftsmen of Judah (2 Kings 24:14). Ezekiel settled in his own house in a village (Tel-Abib) near Nipper along the river Chebar in Babylonia (3:15, 24). He prophesied for at least 22 years.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What did Ezekiel do to "enact" the coming exile to Babylon? (Hint: It's in Ezekiel 12:1-16)
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NEWS!!!!
LADIES AID SEWING SESSION THIS WEDNESDAY AT 10AM AND MEETING/LUNCH AT NOON!!
Come and help make beautiful "pillowcase" dresses for little girls from Africa!
Bias tape 2 inches wide is needed.
Bring your own lunch.
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QUARTERLY VOTERS MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45!!
Agenda:
1. reports from staff, officers, boards and committees
2. report from Member awareness committee (Kevin Luebke, Steve McDowell, Sandy Robine)
They will tell us about upcoming things that they will be doing based upon what they talked about.
3. building planning committee master plan presentation
The long-awaited master plan was presented to the building planning committee last night. After some discussion it was approved unanimously by them. It will be presented to the voters assembly next Sunday for approval.
The master plan involves three "bite size" projects. The first of those projects( a new fellowship hall, expanded narthex, offices and kitchen) built on to the front of the church, is much more affordable and will be accomplished with the money that has already been collected over the past eight years. It is very important to understand that this is only a master plan. Square footage and other details will be determined by the building committee and finance committee based on what we can afford. Once all of those details get worked out and finalized those committees will again come back to the voters for approval.
Once the plan is approved, a building committee (different than the building planning committee) and a finance committee will be appointed by President McDowell. If you have experience on building committees or building finance committees, or have a desire for this project to finally come to fruition, we'd love it if you would volunteer to be on the committee that best fits your talents and abilities.
Please make every effort to attend and see the new master plan.
ON A SEPARATE BUT RELATED NOTE: To answer a question that has been asked several times, "Why we don't use the building money for something else like salaries and raises?" The short answer is that the money that has been amassed over the past eight years for the building fund cannot be used for anything else. It is literally against the law.
4. Council recommendation for Ken Wagner Funds ($39,813.56)
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CHOIR PRACTICE BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 AT 7PM!!
Anyone high school age or older is welcome!!! They need more singers. Please consider it and at least show up to the first practice to check it out! Call Barb Dreyer at 359-1906 for questions or concerns!
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LIFE INSURANCE GIFTING SEMINAR IS WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 AT 6PM! DINNER WILL BE SERVED FOR ALL IN ATTENDANCE!
Did you know that you can buy life insurance, make donations to the church from it while you are still alive, and then make the church the beneficiary upon your death? Come and learn all about how this works!
Call the church office to make a reservation 456-2888!!
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT KELSEY AND OUR DCE PROGRAM
The DCE fund was to be a three year fund which was to transition to the general budget at the end of three years. Unfortunately neither the DCE fund nor the general budget have kept pace with what is needed.
In November we will be at the end of the three years. The DCE Fund has dwindled down to near nothing and will be just about gone in December, and the regular offerings have not increased enough to increase the regular budget.
To make it clear, there is not enough money in the budget to pay Kelsey. (We cannot use special gifts, trusts or memorials or money designated for the building fund to pay Kelsey. We have never used those types off funds for salaries.)
So where does this money come from? IT COMES FROM THE MEMBERS OF ST.JOHN'S WHO GIVE THEIR OFFERINGS. It is up to you AS MEMBERS OF ST.JOHN'S to give as you are able IN YOUR WEEKLY OFFERINGS so that our budget can go up enough to be able to support her.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CONCESSIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 26
St. John's members have been asked by leaders of the Big Red Boosters to help with concessions at the home football game on Friday, August 26.
When? 5:45-9pm
Where? Warrenton Football Concession stand
What? Selling all sorts of concession stand food and drink. (No previous experience necessary)
Who? Any member of St. John's (Don't have to have a kid at the high school to help)
Please reply to this email or call/text me at 636-359-1061 to volunteer!
When? 5:45-9pm
Where? Warrenton Football Concession stand
What? Selling all sorts of concession stand food and drink. (No previous experience necessary)
Who? Any member of St. John's (Don't have to have a kid at the high school to help)
Please reply to this email or call/text me at 636-359-1061 to volunteer!
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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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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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GENERAL PRAYER
For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who is hospitalized with kidney problems and severe abdominal pain.
For DENNIS PERREY, who is recovering at home from a very serious tractor and brush hog accident. He has 6 broken ribs, both lungs were punctured and, 2 vertebrae were cracked.
For THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DON BRAZEE as he went from death to eternal life early Saturday morning.
For LEW FELDKAMP as he is recovering at home from his second hernia surgery. The first one didn't work.
For LENA OWENS as she recovers from knee replacement surgery at home.
For BOB RUHL, who is recovering from heart surgery and infections at New Florence Care Center for the next month.
For CAL TAMELER as he recovers from heart surgery.
For MARIANNE LINKE who is recovering at home from infection, and is receiving intravenous antibiotics at home.
For MARCIA SEVIER as she recovers from foot surgery.
for RANDY SWEET as he recovers from foot surgery.
For the HARGROVE FAMILY as they mourn the loss of Dave's dad Charles. (His memorial visitation and service will be Saturday, August 20, 1-3pm.
For LAW ENFORCEMENT EVERYWHERE, ESPECIALLY IN MILWAUKEE, that we would all keep the 4th commandment and honor those who serve and protect us from evildoers.
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 begins her work as a teacher of English as a second language in the Czech Republic and transitions to regular life there.
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