DEVOTION: Luke 24:44-53 English Standard Version (ESV)
44 Then he said to them, "These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, 46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance for[a] the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."
The Ascension
50 And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. 51 While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple blessing God.
It used to be that Ascension Day was held in higher esteem and had more importance within Christendom, and especially in Lutheranism. There were special services. People took off work. It was a holiday. Although there was no Ascension Santa Claus Ascension Bunny, it was a high holy day for most Christians. For me, it always coincided with the end of the school year which, still today, at my home church/school, is the day before Ascension Day (yesterday). Instead of Memorial Day being the official start to Summer, ours was Ascension Day.
Anyway, enough of my old person ramblings. The ascension, as it is recorded in Scripture should still hold great importance for us. It ushers in the sending of the Holy Spirit. It shows us that Jesus is more than just a man, that he is the Son of God and that he sits on the throne in heaven. It also shows us the manner by which he will come back and judge the earth. Lastly, it shows us how we will ascend, not like ghosts or spirits, but fully alive, bodily.
Rejoice today! Christ is risen! Christ has ascended! Christ will come again! Alleluia!
Let us pray: Lord, thank you for ascending into heaven to usher in your coming kingdom and to give us hope that we will live forever as you do. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Thurs- Karate 6:15-7:45; Lutheranism 101 6:30
Fri- Assemble newsletter
Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11am
______________________________________________________________________WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte- 8:30- Cierra Figura; 11- Addie Hoelscher
Ushers- Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover
Altar- Set up- Terry McKenzie; Clean Up- Lois Boeger
Elders- Sat- Jason Cluver; 8:30- Al Benton????, 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- Lew and Dianne Feldkamp; 11- Steve and Sandy Robine
Lay Readers- Sat- Judy Koprowski; 8:30- Jennifer Figura; 11- Stephanie Owenby
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Sat Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Projectionists: Sat- Fischer, 8:30- Schaumberg; 11- Sherman
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ :
Give a verse in Proverbs that says that too much money is a bad thing.
Don Nolte gave Proverbs 23:4 Do not toil to acquire wealth;
be discerning enough to desist.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Find a verse in Proverbs that says it is good to smile at people.
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NEWS!!!!
PARADE FLOAT MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 6 AT 7PM!!
Would you like to participate in building a float to represent St. John's in our Fair Parade? Come to this meeting to give your ideas. We'd like to do something to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
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LITTLE LAMBS ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR IS OPEN!!!!
Student must be 3 for younger class or 4 for older class by August 1.
$45 nonrefundable registration fee required.
Registration packets can be picked up at Little Lambs during school hours and in the church office during non-school hours.
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF MAY IS CANNED FRUIT!!
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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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PRAYERS:
For MARIANNE LINKE, who is recovering from heart catheterization and repair.
For SUE RUHL, as she has been moved to Parklane rehab in Wentzville. .
For Dawn Frye's dad, WALTER BRADLEY, who has been diagnosed with cancer and will be undergoing intense radiation therapy.
For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, EVELYN TOEDEBUSCH, as she has been moved to Breeze Park for more extensive and round the clock care.
For PAT MANNESS as she will be undergoing extensive surgery and rehab on her hand next Friday, May 26.
For a FRIEND OF AL AND KAREN BENTON who is dealing with brain cancer.
For CAROL BRAZEE recovering from sinus surgery at home.
For MARILYN FOSTER as she prepares for her retirement.
For DANIELLE MEINE KRAMER, whose leukemia is back after a brief respite from it. She had it for several years while in high school. (She grew up riding Karin's school bus to school.)
For Mim Dunn's nephew DAVID HAHN who is off the treatments for a month and then he will have tests to see
how the cancer is doing. He is still using the feeding tube.
