Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012

DEVOTION:  We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago.  With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our fathers; you crushed the peoples and made our fathers flourish.  It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them.  Psalm 44:1-4
 
Have you experienced success lately?  If you have, how much of it was your hard work and how much of it was because God blessed you with the right circumstances and abilities at jus
the right time? 
 
I like to watch a lot of sports, and lately I have noticed more and more, especially as I watch pro football's replacement refs, how much of the success of a team depends simply on the things that just seem to happen at just the right time in just the right way. 
 
It is that way with so much of our lives.  Our success, as much as we work hard and do the right things, depends on how much God blesses us.  And often, at times, in order that we might realize His help and His blessing, he allows us ot fail despite our best efforts. 
 
The Israelites only succeeded because God gave them their success.  He led them, and it was by His hand and His mighty arm that He gave them their land and their blessings.  After a while they forgot all about Him and what he had done, not only that bu tthey started to worship and serve other gods because they thought that those gods were the ones that had blessed them.  So God allowed them to fall into captivity, to suffer defeat at the hand of their enemies and to just go through times of pain and suffering. 
 
What part of life are you going through right now?  If you are going through success, THANK GOD!  He is the one that has blessed you with it.  If you are going through times of trial and suffering think about what God wants youto learn and how He wants you to grow through it.  And THANK GOD that he hasn't completely left you or forsaken you, but that he continues to love you in spite of your forgetfulness.
 
Prayer:  Lord God, help me to bless you both in times of trial and success so that I continue to remember that from You all blessings flow.  Amen
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MONDAY'S QUIZ: Name a constellation mentioned in the book of Job.  Orion and Pleiades

(Thanks Doug and Dianne)

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TUESDAY'S QUIZ: What is a maskil? 

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CATECHISM:
Question: What do the Scriptures teach about Christ's second coming?
Answer: 

a. Christ will return visibly and with great glory on the Last Day.

b. Christ will return to judge the world, not to set up an earthly government.

c. Christ will return on a specific day known by God alone.    

d. Before christ returns, there will be increasing turmoil and distress for the church and the world.
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CALENDAR: 
Tues- quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; CHOIR MEETING 6pm; Church Council 7pm
Wed- Ladies Aid 1pm; newsletter deadline
Fri- Jr Hi lock in 7pm
Sat- Jr Hi lock in ends 8am; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
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NEWS:
CHOIR MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT AT 6PM
Several people have discussed a desire to begin a new choir at St. John's.  All those who are interested in being a part of this choir should come to the informational and discussional meeting Tuesday night at 6pm!  The choir as a group will decide how to proceed. 
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THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP SEPTEMBER 28-30.  THE COST IS NOW $50 FOR THE RETREAT AND ANOTHER $35 FOR GOLF IF YOU ARE GOING TO PLAY!!!!  

The 10th annual T-3 (trap, tackle, and tees) retreat is coming up September 28-30!!  The cost is $45 for lodging and meals.  (You can get a hotel room or bring your own camper or tent if you wish to have your own lodging.) $35 for our 2 person scramble golf tourney.  There is also a fishing tournament, skeet shooting, a guided tour of Mark Twain Lake and forest, hiking, biking, and much, much more.  All that plus some of the best food you can eat and the best Bible studies and worship times you can have at a camp!  It is a time that you will never forget!  I will give the first one besides me to sign up my special (pastor) room that I get every year. 
 
 I (pastor) am going!  I wouldn't miss it for the world.  Let me know if you want to go. 
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PARENTING CLASS EVERY SUNDAY AT 9:45
Could you use some help in learning how to deal with your children?  Want to have fun, laugh, and get some encouragement at the same time?  Come to the "From Me to We" class in the Sunday school room closest to the closet this Sunday and grow!
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STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER IS LCMS Global Missions
Go to LCMS.org to learn more about what our Synod is doing in the way of spreading the Gospel globally!!

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PRAYERS: 
For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she is still dealing with pain and pain medications. 

 

For KEN WAGNER as he gets to go home this week.

 
For BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as he is doing quite poorly with his cancer.    

For DON TURNURE who is going to have to have his hip replaced on October 22.

   

For CLYDE SPRICK, grandfather of Shawn and Sierra Jaeger, as he gets to go home today.   

For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering well from surgery at Delmar Garden.