DEVOTION: John 8:31-36
"The Truth Will Set You Free"
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?"
34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave[a] to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
What does it mean to be free? I think it's harder for someone who has always been free to explain it, than it is for someone who hasn't. Imagine that you are locked up behind bars for something stupid and illegal you did. From the time you get up to the time you go to bed you are told what to do. You have to eat at a certain time and eat what is set before you. You can only take a shower when it is available and when the guards let you. You can talk to the ones you love, but only once in a while and through channels, not directly. The only way you are going to get out of it is to die.
Now think of the freedom you have compared to that. You have so many choices, yet because you are a sinful human being, you still often choose to be "enslaved" to sin. The sinful body that you have tells you what to do, tells you what you want, and tells you where to go. You are one of the "everyone who practices sin". At the same time, there will come a day that you will "remain in the house forever." The sin that enslaves you will one day be thrown off of you. In fact, it already has been. This is the freedom of Christ that you already have. By the power of the Holy Spirit you are able to "throw off that sin that so easily entangles and run the race set before you." You do this through daily confession, repentance and reception of forgiveness.
As you throw off that sin, your heart and mind are refreshed and you can truly rest in peace while you are still alive. Until Jesus comes back you are in this "already but not yet" state. You are already free indeed, but your body is still holding you this earth. On the day you die, or on the day Jesus comes back, you will throw off that sinful body and will receive a new sinless one that will stay that way forever.
So I say, quit practicing sin. Instead, practice confession, repentance, and forgiveness, because that is where true peace is found.
Prayer: Lord, help me to realize that Your Son has set me free and that I am indeed free, so that I may quit practicing sin and being a slave to it. Amen.
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CALENDAR
Thurs- Karate 5:30-7:30; Lutheranism 101 CANCELED UNTIL THURSDAY, JANUARY 5
Fri- Newsletter assembly 9am
Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Chapel 11; WORK DAY NOON-5pm
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Leah Vossen 11- Gus Klaustermeier
Ushers- Charlie Figura, Jason Figura, Brett Nordwald, Erv Yoder
Altar- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt ; Clean Up- John and Anna Hoenig
Elders- Sat- Charlie Figura; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Tom and Pam Linke; 11- Dave and Lil Winter
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier 8:30- Amber Vossen; 11- Stephanie Owenby
Piano- Sat- Molly Hendershot; Sun 11- Rachel Fisher
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: No projection this week (Projector will be fixed this Sunday during the work day and will be ready for use for Nov. 6)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What was Matthew's other name?
"The Truth Will Set You Free"
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?"
34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave[a] to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
What does it mean to be free? I think it's harder for someone who has always been free to explain it, than it is for someone who hasn't. Imagine that you are locked up behind bars for something stupid and illegal you did. From the time you get up to the time you go to bed you are told what to do. You have to eat at a certain time and eat what is set before you. You can only take a shower when it is available and when the guards let you. You can talk to the ones you love, but only once in a while and through channels, not directly. The only way you are going to get out of it is to die.
Now think of the freedom you have compared to that. You have so many choices, yet because you are a sinful human being, you still often choose to be "enslaved" to sin. The sinful body that you have tells you what to do, tells you what you want, and tells you where to go. You are one of the "everyone who practices sin". At the same time, there will come a day that you will "remain in the house forever." The sin that enslaves you will one day be thrown off of you. In fact, it already has been. This is the freedom of Christ that you already have. By the power of the Holy Spirit you are able to "throw off that sin that so easily entangles and run the race set before you." You do this through daily confession, repentance and reception of forgiveness.
As you throw off that sin, your heart and mind are refreshed and you can truly rest in peace while you are still alive. Until Jesus comes back you are in this "already but not yet" state. You are already free indeed, but your body is still holding you this earth. On the day you die, or on the day Jesus comes back, you will throw off that sinful body and will receive a new sinless one that will stay that way forever.
So I say, quit practicing sin. Instead, practice confession, repentance, and forgiveness, because that is where true peace is found.
Prayer: Lord, help me to realize that Your Son has set me free and that I am indeed free, so that I may quit practicing sin and being a slave to it. Amen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR
Thurs- Karate 5:30-7:30; Lutheranism 101 CANCELED UNTIL THURSDAY, JANUARY 5
Fri- Newsletter assembly 9am
Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Chapel 11; WORK DAY NOON-5pm
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Leah Vossen 11- Gus Klaustermeier
Ushers- Charlie Figura, Jason Figura, Brett Nordwald, Erv Yoder
Altar- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt ; Clean Up- John and Anna Hoenig
Elders- Sat- Charlie Figura; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Tom and Pam Linke; 11- Dave and Lil Winter
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier 8:30- Amber Vossen; 11- Stephanie Owenby
Piano- Sat- Molly Hendershot; Sun 11- Rachel Fisher
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: No projection this week (Projector will be fixed this Sunday during the work day and will be ready for use for Nov. 6)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What was Matthew's other name?
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NEWS!!!!
WORK DAY COMING UP OCTOBER 30, NOON-5PM!!
There will be a Work Day for everyone to help fix up and spruce up things around church on Sunday, Oct 30, from noon-5pm.
There will be plenty to do on that day for everyone.
There will be plenty to do on that day for everyone.
If anyone would like to help, but is not available on Oct 30, the following items could be done prior to that date:
1. Remove wooden enclosure that houses aluminum recycling
2. Trim bushes around church building
3. Cut down tree in the playground area]
4. Replace bulb and/or ballast in light by back door of preschool area
5. Clean the sink in the janitor's closet in the preschool area
6. Repair and/or replace exhaust fans in preschool bathrooms
If you have any questions or anything you'd like added to the list, please contact Brett Nordwald at 636-359-4400
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TRUNK OR TREAT ON HALLOWEEN, Monday, October 31, 6-8pm!!
Come and enjoy some fellowship and fun and all the little kids dressed up in their costumes! The back half of the parking lot will be roped off at 6pm so be in your parking spot by then for the safety of the kids!
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MEDICARE PART D WORKSHOP AND INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1
St. Charles Eldercare will be here at church from 4-6pm to help you through your plan. There is no cost or obligation for them to review your present drug plan to make sure you have the best one for your needs. Bring a list of your medications, the dosages, and frequency you take them. Registration is not required. Sponsored by the Senior Services Resource Group.
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SHOE COLLECTION
Our high school is collecting new or slightly used shoes to raise money for those in need in Warren County through the "Care to Learn" Program. Bring your slightly used and new shoes to church!
DON'T BRING WORN OUT OR OLD SHOES!!
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OUR BELL CHOIR IS BEING RESURRECTED FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS!!
They need ringers!!!! If you're interested please contact Alan Hofeldt at 456-3070
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RELIGIOUS CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE FOR SALE FROM THE LADIES AID IN THE COUNTER IN THE BASEMENT FELLOWSHIP HALL
Prices are marked on the bottom of the box. You may purchase them from any Ladies Aid member or from the office.
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ANNUAL VENDOR FAIR, BAKE SALE, AND LUNCHEON IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 9am-2pm!
Vendors should reserve their table through the church office 456-2888. Tables rent for $25 and checks should be made payable to St. John's Ladies Aid.
Quilt donation tickets are available from the quilters or from the church office for $1 each or 6 for $5. The quilt will be awarded at the Fair on at 2pm on Saturday, Nov. 5.
Vendors already signed up are:
Pampered Chef
Avon
Scentsy
Thirty One
Primitive Crafts
Finger Puppets and Animal nets
Jewelry
American Girl Doll Clothes
Luncheon will be hot dogs, chili, and pie
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER ARE CANNED VEGETABLES
Any size can, and any kind of vegetable is appreciated. Place them in the receptacle marked "Backpack Blessings" in the narthex.
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SCRIP ORDERS ARE ALWAYS PLACED ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH!!
You can place your orders anytime before that! Order forms are on the counter in the narthex or you can get them in Marilyn's office. If you want another retailer on the list let Marilyn know!
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AGAPE DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!!
Any nonperishable food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.!!
Perishable food items can be taken directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton. Call 456-4645 to find out when they're open or for more info.
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QUILT RAFFLE TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FOR $1 EACH OR 6 for $5!!
Call the church office to reserve them or come by and purchase them! The quilt will be awarded on November 5 at 2pm at the Ladies Aid Vendor Fair and Luncheon!!
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YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS
Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!
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GENERAL PRAYER
For LEW FELDKAMP as he recovers from heart valve replacement surgery.
For the family and friends of BOB RUHL as he has gone to be with Jesus.
For PAT GERDING, Vickie McRae's brother in law, who was in a terrible car accident and is on life support with brain damage.
For NORM BELINSKY, a friend of Jim and Vickie McRae, who is dealing with cancer treatments.
For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been placed on hospice care due to cancer. She is at home.
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.
