St. John's Group Email Tuesday, September 13, 2011

DEVOTION:   (This devotion is from Lutheran Church Charities)

September 12, 2011

Real Forgiveness – Part 5 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. Genesis 45:8 You'll let them save face! Joseph's brothers listen in amazement as he says, '...it was not you that sent me hither, but God...' Is he serious? 'God did it?' This takes forgiveness to a new level! Saving face - that's what God lets us do! With full knowledge of our sinful past and our present struggles, He covers us with grace, and He expects us to do the same for others. You can make a friend for life by allowing someone to save face. Reading the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew, Chapter 1, you might think the sin of adultery between David and Bathsheba was part of the divine strategy all along. Of course it wasn't, and David paid a high price. Yet Matthew records these events as though they were supposed to have happened in just that way. For the one who really forgives from the heart, there's no place for self-righteousness. We're able to forgive because a) we remember what we ourselves have been forgiven of b) we acknowledge what we're capable of c) we see God's hand at work in the bigger picture d) when we come through it we're wiser, stronger and more Christ-like. So Joseph wasn't being condescending or patronizing; nor was he thinking, 'I'll be admired for being so gracious.' No, during his years in prison God had operated on his heart and changed his attitude. So when he said, '...you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...' (Genesis 50:20), Joseph did mean it. That is real forgiveness! Prayer Heavenly father, help me to help those I forgive to save face – because you do that for me every day! In Jesus' Name, Amen

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  In what land did Job live?  The land of Uz. 

 
(Doug Herzog regains his #1 spot.)

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TODAY'S QUIZ:  Who was Bildad?

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CATECHISM QUIZ:  (Find the answer first and win some candy!!)

TODAY: Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy

Question:  What does this mean?

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CHURCH CALENDAR

Tues- quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; trustees 7

Wed- ministerial alliance meeting 9-10; bell choir 6:30; choir 7:30

Thurs- Circuit pastors meeting 9-noon

Fri-

Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30; elders 11:30
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NEWS: 

 

CHURCH PICNIC WAS, ONCE AGAIN, A HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Although attendance was down for a variety of reasons, we all had a wonderful time!  Thanks to Ray and Kay Stark for the use of their facilities and for all the work they put into it along with all of their helpers!!

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YOU CAN STILL REGISTER FOR THE MEN'S RETREAT UNTIL THIS FRIDAY!!  COST IS NOW $45 for registration 

You can get registration forms and even register online at www.t3mensretreat.org!   

 

$35 for golf!!

 

Reduced cost of $25 if you only want to be up there on Saturday. 

 

 

It is one of the highlights of my year.  Great golf, even better food, and excellent friends all gathered together in the fellowship of God and His Word.  Call 359-1061 or email me to ask all the questions you want. 

 

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Just a few spots left in October and November!!!

 

October

1- mckenzie

2- Panhorst

 

8-

9- Winn

 

15-

16- Heitgerd

 

22- mckenzie

23- Schaumberg

 

29- mckenzie

30-

 

November

5- mckenzie

6-PEPER

 

12- Mauch

13-PEPER

 

19-

20-PEPER

 

23- (Thanksgiving Eve) mckenzie

24- (Thanksgiving Day)

 

26- Mauch

27-

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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP THINGS COMING UP!

1. Sunday, September 25- Lead worship; I need ushers, a reader and some song leaders.  Let me know if you are interested.

 

2. Sept 30 and October 1- Firstfruits weekend at the ROCK.  Pastor Randy Wilken invites groups to come down to St. Louis on the first weekend of each month to serve, worship, and fellowship with other Christians from around the area.  We are signed up to go down there Friday, Sept 30 and Sat, Oct 1!  It is an unforgetable and wonderful experience.  Make plans ot attend!

 

3. Last Sunday of each month- HANGING OUT WITH PASTOR- We will meet at different time and at different locations throughout the year to have some fun and to get into God's Word.  In August we will meet to clean up the highway and have a picnic after worship.  Most of the time we will meet on Sunday evenings. 

 

Invite your friends to all of these things.  It is a great way for them to see that Christianity is pretty cool and can be a lot of fun! 

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PRAYERS: (If I have missed anyone please let me know.)

For LIL WINTER who is recovering from heart surgery and will go home today!  She will have to have another minor procedure in a few weeks.    

 

For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH who begins chemotherapy treatments this Thursday.

 

For JERRICA PARK (WILLIAMS) and her new baby. (A prayer of thanksgiving)

 

For CAROL KOHRS as she is dealing with severe back and neck pain.

 

For DAVE KOHRS as he is dealing with cancer in his abdomen.

 

For PEGGY GILKEY who is recovering from knee replacement surgery.

 

For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who continues to be up and down because of chemotherapy treatments.   

      
OUR CHURCH as we continue the CARE PROCESS.