DEVOTION: (from Lutheran Hour Ministries)
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. James 2:10
Jeffrey McMullen is a regular patron of AmeriServ Bank in Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania.
That's why, when McMullen handed two of the bank's tellers a note that said he was robbing the bank and wanted them to fork over $1, they thought he was pulling their legs.
Not to be put off by the tellers' unbelief, McMullen left them and approached an employee who was working with new accounts. Once again he said he was holding up the bank, and he wanted them to cough up one single, solitary dollar.
Finally, there was nothing more to be done. The police were called and McMullen was arrested.
Although McMullen's case was interesting now it became bizarre, as it became clear he had held up the bank because he wanted to be tried in a federal court. Apparently, it was his hope he might be sentenced to the minimum security prison in Loretto, Pennsylvania. As of this writing, nobody is sure why McMullen wanted to go to Loretto.
One thing we are sure of is this: the judge didn't take McMullen's bank heist lightly. First, he must take a mental evaluation, and if he wishes to be free before his trial, he has to post a $50,000 bail.
While the story's finish may not be written for some time, I think we are seeing the words of James come true: "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is accountable for all of it." McMullen may have been a nice bank robber; he may have been a polite, non-threatening bank robber; but he is still a bank robber. And, barring unknown and extenuating circumstances, he may be tried and sentenced like a bank robber.
This, of course, is a lesson for us all. We may be nice sinners -- caring, compassionate and kind sinners -- but we are still sinners. We may only commit little, almost microscopic sins, but we still are sinners. We may have the best of intentions when we sin, but we are still sinners.
And the wages of sin is death. That's what Scripture says. Elsewhere it rephrases the idea when it says the soul which sins shall die. For sinners like you and me there is no psychiatric evaluation, there is no bail. The sentence must be eternal death and damnation.
At least the sentence should have been death and damnation. You see, for believers there are extenuating circumstances, no, not in the commission of the crime; of that, we are guilty. The extenuating circumstance is the crime has already been paid for, and the sentence has been served.
God's Son Jesus Christ came into this world to offer Himself as the Person who would carry our sins and defeat death. Because of what He has done, when the day comes that we appear before the Judge, He will tell us that since Jesus has paid for our sins, we are free to go to our eternal home in heaven.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks that Jesus' blood-bought salvation has been given to me and cancels out my sin and its penalty. May those who think they are okay doing little, minor transgressions see clearly that to be guilty of the law in one part is to break it in all parts. Bring them to repentance and salvation, which comes from Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
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TUESDAY'S QUIZ: What did Jesus make to drive the people who were selling and exchanging money out of the temple? a whip of chords
(Dianne Hance continues to answer the question right every day. Way to go Dianne!)
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WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Where did Jesus go when he found out thatJohn had been put in prison?
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CATECHISM:
Question: What do the Scriptures teach about the gift of the Holy Spirit?
Answer: The Scriptures teach that the Holy SPirit gives gifts to His church. They teach that
a. the Holy Spirit through the Word and sacraments freely gives to all Christians the most precious gifts: faith in Christ, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life;
b. in apostolic times the Holy Spirit also gave some Christians the gift to perform miraculous signs and wonders (for example, healings, speaking in tongues, raising the dead).
The Scriptures do not teach, however, that God will necessarily give all Christians in every time and place special miraculous gifts. The Holy SPirit besotws His blessings according to His good pleasure.
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For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it. James 2:10
Jeffrey McMullen is a regular patron of AmeriServ Bank in Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania.
That's why, when McMullen handed two of the bank's tellers a note that said he was robbing the bank and wanted them to fork over $1, they thought he was pulling their legs.
Not to be put off by the tellers' unbelief, McMullen left them and approached an employee who was working with new accounts. Once again he said he was holding up the bank, and he wanted them to cough up one single, solitary dollar.
Finally, there was nothing more to be done. The police were called and McMullen was arrested.
Although McMullen's case was interesting now it became bizarre, as it became clear he had held up the bank because he wanted to be tried in a federal court. Apparently, it was his hope he might be sentenced to the minimum security prison in Loretto, Pennsylvania. As of this writing, nobody is sure why McMullen wanted to go to Loretto.
One thing we are sure of is this: the judge didn't take McMullen's bank heist lightly. First, he must take a mental evaluation, and if he wishes to be free before his trial, he has to post a $50,000 bail.
While the story's finish may not be written for some time, I think we are seeing the words of James come true: "For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is accountable for all of it." McMullen may have been a nice bank robber; he may have been a polite, non-threatening bank robber; but he is still a bank robber. And, barring unknown and extenuating circumstances, he may be tried and sentenced like a bank robber.
This, of course, is a lesson for us all. We may be nice sinners -- caring, compassionate and kind sinners -- but we are still sinners. We may only commit little, almost microscopic sins, but we still are sinners. We may have the best of intentions when we sin, but we are still sinners.
And the wages of sin is death. That's what Scripture says. Elsewhere it rephrases the idea when it says the soul which sins shall die. For sinners like you and me there is no psychiatric evaluation, there is no bail. The sentence must be eternal death and damnation.
At least the sentence should have been death and damnation. You see, for believers there are extenuating circumstances, no, not in the commission of the crime; of that, we are guilty. The extenuating circumstance is the crime has already been paid for, and the sentence has been served.
God's Son Jesus Christ came into this world to offer Himself as the Person who would carry our sins and defeat death. Because of what He has done, when the day comes that we appear before the Judge, He will tell us that since Jesus has paid for our sins, we are free to go to our eternal home in heaven.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks that Jesus' blood-bought salvation has been given to me and cancels out my sin and its penalty. May those who think they are okay doing little, minor transgressions see clearly that to be guilty of the law in one part is to break it in all parts. Bring them to repentance and salvation, which comes from Jesus. In His Name. Amen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TUESDAY'S QUIZ: What did Jesus make to drive the people who were selling and exchanging money out of the temple? a whip of chords
(Dianne Hance continues to answer the question right every day. Way to go Dianne!)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Where did Jesus go when he found out thatJohn had been put in prison?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: What do the Scriptures teach about the gift of the Holy Spirit?
Answer: The Scriptures teach that the Holy SPirit gives gifts to His church. They teach that
a. the Holy Spirit through the Word and sacraments freely gives to all Christians the most precious gifts: faith in Christ, the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life;
b. in apostolic times the Holy Spirit also gave some Christians the gift to perform miraculous signs and wonders (for example, healings, speaking in tongues, raising the dead).
The Scriptures do not teach, however, that God will necessarily give all Christians in every time and place special miraculous gifts. The Holy SPirit besotws His blessings according to His good pleasure.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
For ED, neighbor to the Fosters, who found out he has cancer.
Wed- Youth Group going bowling 2:30
Thurs- no school
Fri- no school; assemble newsletter 9am
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am; REFORMATION CELEBRATION 2pm
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NEWS:
SUNDAY MORNING FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP!!
Last week there wasn't any donuts. This week there will be thanks to the Pezolds, but after that there is no one signed up for the next two weeks. Do your part! Bring some donuts!__________________________________________________________________________________________
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM IS BEING PRACTICED EVERY WEEK AT SUNDAY SCHOOL FROM NOW UNTIL THE PROGRAM
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM IS BEING PRACTICED EVERY WEEK AT SUNDAY SCHOOL FROM NOW UNTIL THE PROGRAM
Hey kids and families!!! If you want to participate in the Christmas program then you need to be at Sunday school. The program was introduced this past Sunday, and will be practiced every Sunday during Sunday school opening from now until the day of the program.
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OPERATION BACKPACK NEEDS MORE FOOD
This food gets put in children's backpacks on Friday afternoon before they go home for the weekend. Kids are able to get breakfast and lunch every day of the week, but often have to go without food on weekends. Please provide for our kids. There is a coolection box in the preschool room.
single serve sizes of cereal
oatmeal (instant packets)
hot chocolate mix
juice box
peanut butter
jelly (squeezable bottle)
soup
spaghettios or beefaroni
mac and cheese
corn
green beans
granola bars
fruit snacks
pudding cups
raisin boxes
applesauce cups
fruit cups
cereal bars
pretzels
individually wrapped crackers and cookies
bread
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CIRCUIT REFORMATION SERVICE THIS SUNDAY OCTOBER 28 AT 2PM!!!!
St. John's is hosting our 2nd annual circuit wide Reformation service on Sunday, October 28!!! St Paul's, Jonesburg; St. Paul's, New Melle; Grace; Wellsville, Trinity, Wellsville; Christ, Augusta; Immanuel, Wentzville, and Trinity, Troy will all get together to join our voices and hearts in praising our Lord for His grace and truth which was exclaimed and brought back to the forefront during the Reformation!
Come and join with the rest of your Lutheran brothers and sisters in Christ as we celebrate!!
Toni Schwartz is leading a mass choir that day! The choir will practice at 1pm at church.
Call pastor at 359-1061 for more info!!
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"All Hallows Eve Chili & Hot Dog Supper" AND "Trunk or Treat" being held on Wednesday evening, October 31st at St. John's
1. WE NEED TRUNKS!!! We need people to sign up to take up a parking spot for our TRUNK or TREAT!! Call the office to reserve your spot!!! 456-2888
2. WE NEED CANDY!! We are asking for your help by donating any kind of bagged Halloween candy so we can assemble 160 bags of "treats" for our supper attendees! We plan to assemble the bags on Monday, October 29th, so we need to have all the candy donations by no later than Sunday Oct. 28th. We will put a box for the candy collection in the narthex marked "ALL HALLOWS EVE SUPPER".
***Don't forget too that there is a pumpkin carving/decorating contest that night. 3 prize ribbons will be awarded for carved pumpkins that are brought to church ON Wed. Oct. 31 by 4 PM. The will be for: 1. The funniest 2. The scariest 3. The best
They will be used for centerpieces on the dinner tables!! You may take your pumpkins home with you after the event ends at 8 PM.
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A SPECIAL COMMITTEE IS BEING FORMED TO COME UP WITH A WAY TO SUPPORT A DCE (Director of Christian Education) who wold also be a music director here at St. John's.
If you are interested in serving in this way please call pastor asap.
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VENDOR FAIR--- CHRISTMAS MARKET
Little Lambs is hosting a Vendor Fair on Saturday, December 1 from 8am-2pm.
This is for all of those folks who have home based (part time businesses) like Avon, Scentsy, tupperware etc.
First come, first reserve-- no duplicate vendors please.
$20 per booth/table (tables provided)
All proceeds go to building fund.
Please contact Lisa Rausch or Karin Klaustermeier at 456-2888 ext. 4 or email at lrausch@centurytel.net or karin.klaustermeier@hotmail.com
This is a great opportunity to get gifts for Christmas or to make a little extra cash to buy those gifts
This is for all of those folks who have home based (part time businesses) like Avon, Scentsy, tupperware etc.
First come, first reserve-- no duplicate vendors please.
$20 per booth/table (tables provided)
All proceeds go to building fund.
Please contact Lisa Rausch or Karin Klaustermeier at 456-2888 ext. 4 or email at lrausch@centurytel.net or karin.klaustermeier@hotmail.com
This is a great opportunity to get gifts for Christmas or to make a little extra cash to buy those gifts
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STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS PATRIOT PACKAGES
As we all know, our military forces are still spread throughout the world. Many of our loved ones are deployed and arond the world and on bases throughout our own country. Ptriot Packages, formerly known as G4U "Goodies for You" is a small yet effective way that we can care for all those men and women in a very real and practical way. A group of people get together once a month to fill care packages to send out. These packages have very specific items that these soldiers request, that are scarce or nonexistent where they are.
As we all know, our military forces are still spread throughout the world. Many of our loved ones are deployed and arond the world and on bases throughout our own country. Ptriot Packages, formerly known as G4U "Goodies for You" is a small yet effective way that we can care for all those men and women in a very real and practical way. A group of people get together once a month to fill care packages to send out. These packages have very specific items that these soldiers request, that are scarce or nonexistent where they are.
What they need from us is money so that they can buy the specific items they need. As always, make checks payable to St. John's and in the memo line write "patriot Packages". Also, as always, this should be above and beyond your regular offerings.
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PRAYERS:
PRAYERS:
For ALLAN DREYER'S AUNT LORENA who is hospitalized with blood clots.
For CHARLIE SMITH as he is recovering from a severe heart attack in the ICU at St. Joe's West.
For LIL WINTER as she has been admitted to St. Mary's Hospital for tests and rehab.
For DON TURNURE who is having hip replacement surgery today.
For JOYCE SCHIEN as she is hospitalized with feeding tube issues.
For PEGGY TALBERT as she reocvers from severe esophagus isses. (A hiatal hernia and esophagitis)
For JILL JAOBSMEYER as she recovers from emergency gall bladder surgery.
For WALT SCHIRR, as recovers from surgery to take care of his vertigo and balance problems.
For the FAMILY AND FRIENDS of PASTOR ED WILKINSON who passed away this past weekend.
For GENE SIEBOLD who is recovering from pneumonia at Delmar Gardens in Chesterfield.
For JEANETTE KOEHLER, who is recovering at Troy Nursing Home from an amputaed toe.
For MARILYN FOSTER'S NIECE, HEATHER. She has a very rare spine condition, which has resulted in a spinal fluid leak. They are trying for the 2nd time to do a "blood patch" to stop the leak. Yesterdays try was unsuccessful and they are going to try again today. The only specialist in the US that treats these conditions is out of town until next week, the doctor that is caring for her has only done 1 of these before.
For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who fell out of his tree stand while deer hunting on Saturday and broke his sternum and many ribs. He has many things wrong with him and is in critical condition in the hospital.
.
For MARY SUE TOEDEBUSCH as she recovers from a very bad infection and as she continues to deal with very bad rheumatoid arthritis and other health troubles.
For BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as he begins a new chemotherapy treatment next Week.
For ED, neighbor to the Fosters, who found out he has cancer.
For STEVE, a friend of Tony and Sandra Perricone, who is a husband, and a father of 2 and is undergoing tests for fluid on the brain.
For JOSIAH TULEY, great nephew of DIANNE HANCE'S friend Cindy Schwada. Josiah is about 2 years old, a beautiful blonde with sparkling blue eyes. This baby has a tumor
on his brain.
on his brain.
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