Tuesday, April 2, 2013

DEVOTION:  (From Lutheran Hour Ministries)The LORD says "... They shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar -- the LORD of Hosts is His Name. Jeremiah 31:34b-35

On Wednesday, March 13, the largest ground-based telescope on earth was dedicated at Atacama Desert in Chile.

According to the press releases, this telescope, costing $1.3 billion, is a cooperative venture of interested parties from North America, Europe and Asia. Furthermore, it is a technological marvel, making 66 separate antennas function as one. This all will be done so humankind can be given a peek into the most distant places of the universe.

It is hoped the telescope will give insight into the birth, life and death of stars and planets. To reapply Captain Kirk's monologue from Star Trek, it is believed this telescope will "boldly go where no man has ever gone before."

The idea of such far-reaching exploration is fascinating.

What I find even more fascinating is that when humankind looks out into the unexplored universe they will find God has already been there, and He is looking back at us. Even more, we are privileged to see a great miracle in the limitless power of the Lord of Hosts, who, even before time began, and beginning with nothing, gave light and substance to stars and planets.

But wait! There is an even greater miracle here.

The Triune God who created everything has also put into place a plan by which humankind can be saved. Not just content to create, God has also given His Son so that His once-perfect, but now-sinful children might be forgiven, saved, recycled and redeemed.

Through Jesus' life, through His death and wonderful resurrection, God has brought a spiritual light to our sin-darkened souls. Through Jesus' work we have been saved from sin and the devil. Because of Him, the grave no longer has threat or sting.

Now what I've just shared cannot be perceived by any man-made telescope, no matter how big it may be. On the other hand, God's grace can be seen most clearly if anyone will take a look at Jesus' Bethlehem manger, His Jerusalem cross, and the borrowed and empty tomb.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, humanity is proud that technology has allowed us to see further and go farther than previous generations could have imagined. We pray You will now grant us a spirit of humility. Let us realize that no matter how far we go, You will already have been there. Most of all we ask for a heart that worships the Savior who lived, died and rose to win our eternal salvation. In His Name I pray it. Amen.


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FRIDAY'S QUIZ:  How old was Saul when he became the first King of Israel?  30 years old.  Good job Bob!
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TUESDAY'S QUIZ:  Whose sword did David take with him into battle after he killed him with a sling and a stone?
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 CALENDAR:
Tues- Catholic/Lutheran class begins at 7pm
Thurs-Jonesburg nursing home worship 10:30; Alzheimers Caregiver support group 1pm
Fri- 7th and 8th graders leave at 4pm for retreat
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30am and 11am; Sunday school 9:45
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SPECIAL VOTER'S MEETING DURING SUNDAY SCHOOL HOUR ON SUNDAY APRIL 14 AT 9:45!!
We will hear the results of the finance committee as they have completed their work to figure out how to pay for a DCE here at St. John's.  Please make plans to attend!!!
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CATHOLIC/LUTHERAN CLASS TO BEGIN TONIGHT AT 7PM!!!
So far I have Derek Ebert, Kerry Aubuchon, and Matt Adams signed up.  If you would like to come just to check it out or you are Catholic and would like to become a member of St. John's please let me know and we'll sing you up for the class!!!_____________________________________________________________________________________
20/30 YEAR OLDS SPRING PICNIC
Even though it is only 30 degrees.  Winter is over and Spring has sprung!  Time to gear up for some activities and fellowship.  I would like to kick it off on Friday night, April 19 at 6pm with a picnic under the pavilion.  I will make the brats and burgers.  You bring your favorite beverage and a side dish to share.  PLEASE Let me know if you can come!  _______________________________________________________________________________________
NEW MEN'S GROUP CALLED "MEN'S NETWORK" TO BEGIN WITH A MEN'S BREAKFAST ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27 at 8am!!!
It has been on my mind and heart to begin a men's ministry at St. John's.  I would like us to begin with a men's breakfast on Sat, April 27 at 8am.  I will do the cooking, but I would like a guy or two to help me out.  We will eat breakfast and have a half hour devotion, followed by the planning of future gatherings and events.  Please make plans to attend TODAY.  Wives please encourage your husbands to go!!!___________________________________________________________________________________________
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY TO BEGIN ON MONDAY, APRIL 8 at 6:30PM!!
Make plans now to attend and bring a friend.  It will be fun!  I promise!
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RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW TO SELL YOUR OWN WARES AT ST JOHN'S ON SATURDAY, MAY 4
The ladies aid is expanding their bake and craft sale to include those who would like to sell their own products whether they be homemade crafts or sell from home products like uppercase living, scentsy, Tupperware, etc.  Tables are available for $20 a table. 
Along with that there will again be parking lot spaces available for our 5th annual Flea market.  parking spaces are $10 a space.  More info below:
WHERE??
Basement and Little Lambs Classrooms:  The Ladies Aid is adding INSIDE spaces for vendors, crafters, and bakers to their Spring Craft and Bake Sale.   You can reserve your own spot to sell your own wares for $20 per table.  These spots are open to St. John's members first before being open to the public.  If you are interested, call Coleen Bottorff 456-5482 or the church office 456-2888 within the next two weeks. 
 

Parking Lot:  The Annual Flea Market will continue as it has the past four years.   Parking spaces will remain $10 per space.  Proceeds from the outdoor parking space rentals and Little Lambs sale under the pavilion will benefit the preschool.  They  are raising funds for their new Summer Camp Programs and to enhance preschool.  Please call the Little Lambs teachers or the church office to rent a parking space 456-2888

 

 

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PRAYER REQUESTS:

For DAWN LINSTRUTH as she is recovering from hernia surgery.

 

For DIANNE HANCE as she has been hospitalized since Good Friday with pneumonia due to COPD.

 

For REBECCA BOONE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS AND STAFF (especially those in Ms. Gunsten's class) as this is the first day backt o school after the loss of Jill Gunsten.

 

For DAVE WINTER AND HIS FAMILY as they mourn the loss of his mother in law.

 

For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH, who will be having surgery soon to remove his bladder due to cancer.

For RICK SPINIOLAS who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and will be beginning chemotherapy on Monday. 

For NANCY SPINIOLAS, his wife, who is dealing with severe back pain due to many years of using an artificial leg.

For RALPH SPOEDE who is dealing with cancer in both his kidney and in his brain. 

For DOMINIC GENTILE, a friend to many at church and in the community, who is suffering with brain cancer and is recovering from surgery.

For RUTH YOCUM who is recovering from a terrible fall and two broken legs.