DEVOTION: For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions. 2 Timothy 4:3
The story for today's Daily Devotion was suggested by old friend and Lutheran Hour Ministries' supporter, Mr. Ian Adnams, of Adnams Group, a Canadian consulting firm.
Years ago, a Minnesota highway patrolman told me about a motorist whose car was stopped along the side of the road. Although not a mechanic, the officer gave the vehicle a once-over. Sitting behind the wheel, he turned the key and saw the gas gauge was solidly buried in EMPTY. When he shared the problem with the motorist, the fellow furrowed his brow and asked, "Tell me, will it hurt the car if I drive it home this way?"
The officer, who swears the story is true, was amazed the individual didn't understand how important it was for his vehicle to have some gas in the tank. When it comes to going somewhere, having gas in the tank is not of moderate importance.
The same is true when it comes to saving faith. You've got to have something -- the right something in the tank -- or you're not going anywhere, at least not anywhere you want to go.
You probably knew that, didn't you?
Of course, you did. Still, I had to ask. I had to ask because a nationwide survey in Canada has discovered the majority of Canadians do not consider religion to be important.
According to the survey of that great nation, two-thirds of the population believe in God; they just don't believe religion is important.
This takes me back to the devo's original story; you remember, the one about the guy who ran out of gas.
That motorist could believe whatever he wanted about gasoline. He could believe it was unimportant. He could believe it was too expensive. He could believe you could put water in the tank rather than gas. You can believe whatever you want, but unless you believe the right thing, unless you have gas in the tank, you're not going anywhere.
No matter how sincere your beliefs might be.
Similarly, human beings can believe what they want about sin, salvation and Jesus. You can believe the Christ was a great teacher, a fine moralist, a brilliant philosopher, a speaker of wisdom and profound thoughts.
But if Jesus, the Savior isn't in your heart, if He's not more than moderately important to you, well, you're not going anywhere, at least not anywhere you want to go.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You gave Your life to forgive my sins and save my soul. Make my heart one of thanksgiving and grant a powerful witness be made to those who cannot see the greatness of Your sacrifice. This I ask in Your Name. Amen. . _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Why did the Lord send a plague on Israel so that 70,000 men of Israel fell dead, and also God sent angel to destrpy Jerusalem? David did a census of all the fighting men of Israel which was detestable to the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21:1-6 and then vs 14-17 (No one found the correct answer yesterday.)________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________TODAY'S QUIZ: Which two sons of Aaron died before their father did and why? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CATECHISMQuestion: What else does the Bible tell us about angels?
Answer:
a. They are spirit beings who were created holy
b. Some angesl rebelle against God. They are the devils or demons.
c. the good angels are many and powerful. they serve God and help us.
d. The eveil angels are also many and powerful. they hate God and seek to destroy everything that is good, especially faith in Christ.
________________________________________________________________________________________________CHURCH CALENDAR Tues- quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; ALPHA starts with supper at 6:30; council meeting 7pm
Wed- Ladies Aid 1pm; bells 6:30; choir 7:30; newsletter deadline
Thurs- pastor's meeting in New Melle
Fri-
Sat- Traveling fellowship group leaves for Arthur, IL 7am; worship 5pm
Sun- early Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Sunday school/Bible class 10:15am; worship 11am
________________________________________________________________________________________________NEWS: ALPHA CLASS STARTS TONIGHT!!! at 6:30pm. THERE ARE 21 people signed up for the class.
THE ALPHA CLASS IS OPEN TO EVERYONE, BOTH MEMBERS AND NONMEMBERS, BOTH THOSE WHO ARE OLD CHRISTIANS AND THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER EVEN HEARD OF JESUS!!!
There are still spots left to sign up for the ALPHA class. It is a class for those who are new to the Bible and Christianity (making it a perfect opportunity for outreach and evangelism. but it is also good for the seasoned Christian to review and to grow in the faith. Many of the questions you have alway had but have been afraid to ask will be answered.
Our presenter will be Mr. Jim Muck who is a member of Faith Lutheran Church (LMCS) in Oakville, MO (south county!)
We will meet on Tuesday evenings beginning Tuesday, April 17th through Tuesday, July 3rd.
There will be dinner served at 6:30 PM. Childcare can be arranged, so don't let that hinder your signing up! Just let us know ASAP, so we have time to line someone up.
Please call Sandy Robine to sign up TODAY! 456-4061. Or email snsrobine@centurytel.net. It starts Tuesday night April 17!!! There is no set cost for this course! "Free will donations" will be accepted if you wish, or are able.
Looking forward to seeing you there - be ready to have a great time - REALLY! There may be laughing while we increase our knowledge, so be ready for that too! Let Alpha be the beginning of your new journey in Christ!
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PEOPLE GETTING BAPTIZED AND RECEIVED INTO MEMBERSHIP THIS WEEKEND (All in the 11am service)Brian, Leeann, Kaci, and Kraig McLaughlin Angela, Emily and Ian Brunson____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________PROJECTOR SCHEDULE NEEDS TO BE FILLED!!! A wonderful and easy way to help out!
Thank you to the confirmation class for taking a whole bunch of these! There are still a few left as you can see!
21-
22- 9am Mckenzie 11am- Beh Hoelscher
28- Mckenzie
29- 9am Schaumberg 11am- Dana Sherman
May 5- Mckenzie
May 6- 9am - Shawn Jaeger 11am-
May 12- Brian Berryman
May 13- 9am- Shawn Jaeger 11am- Rebecca Winn
May 19-
May 20- 9am Schaumberg 11am-
May 26- Perricone
May 27- 9am Mckenzie 11am
June 2- Perricone
June 3- 9am Schaumberg 11am- Rebecca Winn
June 9- Dana Sherman
June 10- 9am- Emma Tinnin 11am- Anna Hargrove
June 16-
June 17- 9am- Shawn Jaeger 11am- Anna Hargrove
June 23-
June 24- 9am- Ben Hoelscher 11am- Rebecca Winn
June 30-
July 1- 9am- 11am- Ben Holescher
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LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION FOR THE THREE YEAR OLD CLASS IS STILL OPEN!!!
Children should be 3 years old by August 1. Call the church office to sign them up TODAY!
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TAILGATE SALE AND FLEA MARKET iS SATURDAY, MAY 5, 7am-1pm
This is held in conjunction with the Ladies Aid Craft and Bake Sale and Luncheon
Two ways you can help.
1. You cna donate GENTLY used items to Little Lambs who will sell them under the pavilion that day. You can buy a parking spot or two or three for $10 a piece and sell your own things
Donations are going to the purchase of a "hands on" science lab and curriculum for Little Lambs.
Drop of dates are April 30-May 4.
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HELP TO FEED HUNGRY KIDS IN WARREN COUNTY WITH OPERATION BACKPACK
In the preschool room there is a box that you can put food in to feed extremely low income children in Warren County. Many of these kids get fed every day at school for breakfast and lunch, but what about the weekend? What the food listed below does for many of these children is gets them through the weekend when food is especially scarce.
If you want more information about this program or you want to donate money to this causeyou can call Erin Waters at 359-9219 or email her at erinwaters@centurytel.net.
Here is the list of food you can bring
cereal (single serve sizes)
oatmeal (instant packets)
hot chocolate mix
juice boxes
peanut butter
jelly (squeezable bottles)
soup
spaghettios or beefaroni
mac and cheese
corn
green beans
granola bars
fruit snacks
pudding cup
raisin boxes
applesauce cups
fruit cups
cereal bards
pretzels
individually wrapped crackers or cookies
bread
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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP GOING TO THE AMISH COMMUNITY OF ARTHUR, IL ON APRIL 21. Cost is $65 per person.
Sign up sheet in on the counter in the narthex or you can call Marilyn in the office to sign up. THERE ARE PLENTY OF SPOTS AVAILABLE!!!!! SIGN UP TODAY!!
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STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THIS MONTH IS LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES
This month's mission spolight is TURNING POINT. Turning Point is the emergency women's (and their children's) shelter in Warren County. If women feel they are in danger or they have no where else to turn they can call Turning Point and receive the help they need.
It is a worthwhile and well established mission to support. Go to http://turningpointdvs-com.doodlekit.com/home to check out more about it and to donate directly to it. You can also donate by using your special offering envelopes and writing Turning Point on the memo line on your check.
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BIBLE 101: A NEW ONLINE "INTRODUCTORY" BIBLE STUDY IS AVAILABLE FOR ALL MEMBERS OF ST JOHN'S!!!
Please call or reply to this email to let me know that you want to sign up for this wonderful opportunity. I will sign you up! The congregation has already paid the annual fee so IT IS FREE for you!!!
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PRAYERS: (If I have missed anyone please let me know.)
For KARIN KLAUSTERMEIER'S DAD, BOB LAMPEN, who is dealing with some cancer troubles and recovering from a stroke.
For DOLORES DEBLAZE'S SISTER ALINE HOWELL, who is recovering well after a much easier surgery than expected.
FOr KEN DOVE (former member of St. John's and Jennifer Figura's dad) who is recovering from surgery.
For CAROLINE BUELTMANN who is recovering at her daughter's home from some heart troubles.
For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH who is undergoing more treatments for cancer.
For LIBBY PAILER as she continues to recover well at home from heart surgery.
For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she deals with chemo treatments for stage four lung cancer.
For JEANETTE KOEHLER who is recovering well at the Cedars.
For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who is improving well and is gaining strength as he deals with his cancer.