Daily Email: Thursday, January 5, 2017

DEVOTION:  Matthew 3:13-17English Standard Version (ESV)

The Baptism of Jesus

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" ¹⁵ But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. ¹⁶ And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him,^[a] and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; ¹⁷ and behold, a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son,^[b] with whom I am well pleased."

 

I could go a million different directions with this passage, but I only want to explain very quickly what this historical and real baptism means for you and me. 

When Jesus was baptized he ushered in baptism for all of humanity.  He gave it greater significance.  He gave it power, so that when I person gets baptized with the Trinitarian baptism (In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), it baptizes us not just into their names but into them.  We take them on!  They enter us, live in us, guide us, and make us holy!  As Paul says, "It is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me." 

So the next time you are questioning your salvation and your freedom in Christ, ask yourself two things:  Do I believe in Christ death and resurrection for me?  And…..  Am I baptized?  If you can answer yes to these questions you are most certainly saved!  Live in peace!  Live in His grace!  Go and sin no more!!

(Note: If you're reading this and you're not baptized, please call, message or come to see me!  I would be more than happy to talk to you about it, and get it done!)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of baptism which washes my sins away and fills me with you.  Help me to remember it every day so I can live in spiritual peace every day.  Amen.

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CALENDAR

Thurs- Alzheimers support group 1pm; Lutheranism 101 6:30-7:30pm; Karate 5:15-7:30

Sat-  Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and Adult Bible class 9:45; Take down decorations noon

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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:  
Acolyte-  8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- Luke Rausch

Ushers-  Dave Callies, Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Don Nolte

Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster; Clean Up- Wanda Turnure

Elders-  Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Jason CLuver; 11- Randy Sweet
 
Greeters-  8:30- Dave and Linda Callies; 11- Randy and Patty Sweet

Lay Readers- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Derek Ebert; 11- Randy Sweet

Piano-  Barb Dreyer

Organist- Rachel Fisher

Projectionists: Sat- Kathy Fischer; 8:30- Schaumberg; 11- Klaustermeier
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  

Who was older Cain or Abel?  Cain

(Or, if you prefer, here is a much longer and funnier answer than that from Pat….  So, their eldest son was......Are you ready for this?

Cain! And the reason they named him Cain is because after he was born, they both shouted, "I cain do it!"

And the reason they named their second son Abel, was because – you guessed it! – they both shouted, "I's still abel!" And that's the truth! BTW, neither one of them could spell worth a lick, because they skipped school.)

 

Thanks also to Don Nolte and Sandy Robine for their sufficient answers!

 

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TODAY'S QUIZ:  What lie did Abram tell the Egyptians to keep them from killing him to take Sarai from him?

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NEWS!!!! 

ALZHEIMERS SUPPORT GROUP MEETS THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 1PM!!

This support group is for family members and caregivers of people with Alzheimers.  Call Marilyn at 456-2888 for more info or just come tomorrow (Thursday) to check it out!

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LUTHERANISM 101 RESUMES TONIGHT AT 6:30pm!!!

This is for everyone whether you are a lifelong Lutheran, have only been one for a very short time, or are looking to become one!  Did you make a resolution to learn more about God and your faith this year?  This is a perfect time and place to do it!  Come and join us!!  It is a good time of conversation and getting to know your brothers and sisters in Christ too!

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INSTALLATION OF BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS THIS WEEKEND AT ALL SERVICES!!

If you have been elected as a board member or officer or are returning for another year, you will come forward after the offering to be installed.  This is a time for the congregation to recognize you and pray for you and is the official beginning to your term of leadership!  Plan on being there!

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CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ARE BEING TAKEN DOWN THIS SUNDAY AT NOON!!

Please make plans to help!  It is fun and mostly painless!

6^th-12th GRADE YOUTH MEETING THIS COMING MONDAY, JANUARY 9 AT 6:30PM!!

All 6^th-12^th graders and their parents are required to attend!  A lot of decisions need to be made and future events planned.  BE THERE!!

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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP IS LOOKING FOR YOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEXT TRIP

There is a sheet on the table in the narthex for you to make your suggestions or you can just call Marilyn at 456-2888 and she would be happy to take down your suggestions.

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HOPE FULL LIVING SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE DUE

Pastor Klaustermeier is a regular contributor to this devotional book for seniors.  Call Marilyn 456-2888 to get or renew your subscription.   It's only $7 for a year subscription!

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OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE IN YOUR CHURCH MAILBOXES IF YOU HAVEN'T PICKED THEM UP YET!!

Maybe you didn't know that you had them, but if you are a confirmed member of St. John's you have your own church mailbox and your own offering envelopes!  Check your mailbox today!!

BLUE ENVELOPES IN YOUR OFFERING ENVELOPE BOXES ARE FOR THE BUILDING FUND!!!

Please note that your blue envelopes are for our BUILDING FUND.  Please use them appropriately!  Let's get this building built!!

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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY IS CANNED FRUIT AND VEGETABLES!

Any size can, and any kind of fruit or vegetable is appreciated.    Place them in the receptacle marked "Backpack Blessings" in the narthex.

 

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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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YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS

Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________GENERAL PRAYER

For JOYCE PIETZSCHKE as she recovers from a broken hip and hip surgery.

 

For DON NOLTE as he recovers from rotator cuff surgery to his shoulder.

 

For MIKE PUCKETT who is recovering from extensive lung surgery at Warrenton Manor.

 

For BARB PERRICONE who is back home on hospice care.

 

For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been on hospice care for the last few months and slows down a little more every day, but is doing well.