DEVOTION: Philippians 3:4b-14 English Standard Version (ESV)
4 If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law,[a] blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
There is nothing comparable to knowing Jesus as Lord. No amount of accolades, no prize, no wealth, no power.... nothing can compare.
Why? Because knowing Christ gives us:
1. Peace- When we know Christ and his forgiveness, we need not fear anything, even death. We may suffer for a time. We will certainly experience pain. We can't get out of this earth without experiencing death, unless Jesus comes back first. But we also know that even death won't destroy us. We know that there is no end to our life with Jesus! And so we have that peace that the world doesn't understand. We can go through anything, endure everything, and do everything through Christ who gives us strength.
2. Reconciliation- While the world keeps on fighting their fights fruitlessly and pointlessly, we are able to give and receive forgiveness. We don't have to hold on to grudges. We don't have to hate someone forever no matter how evil they were to us or to the people we love. By the power of the Holy Spirit we can let that sin go. We don't have to hold on to guilt either. As Paul says, "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
3. the resurrection! We have the truth that Jesus is alive! Because Jesus has risen from the dead, and death has not held him, it can't hold us either! Praise the Lord!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us knowledge of you! Give that knowledge to others through us as we live our lives in your grace. Amen.
4 If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law,[a] blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
There is nothing comparable to knowing Jesus as Lord. No amount of accolades, no prize, no wealth, no power.... nothing can compare.
Why? Because knowing Christ gives us:
1. Peace- When we know Christ and his forgiveness, we need not fear anything, even death. We may suffer for a time. We will certainly experience pain. We can't get out of this earth without experiencing death, unless Jesus comes back first. But we also know that even death won't destroy us. We know that there is no end to our life with Jesus! And so we have that peace that the world doesn't understand. We can go through anything, endure everything, and do everything through Christ who gives us strength.
2. Reconciliation- While the world keeps on fighting their fights fruitlessly and pointlessly, we are able to give and receive forgiveness. We don't have to hold on to grudges. We don't have to hate someone forever no matter how evil they were to us or to the people we love. By the power of the Holy Spirit we can let that sin go. We don't have to hold on to guilt either. As Paul says, "Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
3. the resurrection! We have the truth that Jesus is alive! Because Jesus has risen from the dead, and death has not held him, it can't hold us either! Praise the Lord!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us knowledge of you! Give that knowledge to others through us as we live our lives in your grace. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Wed- Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Thurs- Board of outreach meeting 5pm; Gun club organizational meeting 7pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; Elder meeting noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- Wed- Zack Hoelscher 8:30- Hannah Johnson 11- Gus Klaustermeier
Ushers- Wed- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbbert, Don Turnure; Sun- Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke
Altar- Wed Candles- Terry McKenzie; Sun Set up- Terry McKenzie ; Clean up- Wanda Turnure
Elders- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Roy Bohning; 11- Don Turnure
Greeters- 8:30- Allan and Barb Dreyer; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay Readers- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Tim Linke; 11 - Kailyn Blechle
Pianist- Sat- Barb Dreyer
CALENDAR:
Wed- Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Thurs- Board of outreach meeting 5pm; Gun club organizational meeting 7pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; Elder meeting noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- Wed- Zack Hoelscher 8:30- Hannah Johnson 11- Gus Klaustermeier
Ushers- Wed- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbbert, Don Turnure; Sun- Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke
Altar- Wed Candles- Terry McKenzie; Sun Set up- Terry McKenzie ; Clean up- Wanda Turnure
Elders- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Roy Bohning; 11- Don Turnure
Greeters- 8:30- Allan and Barb Dreyer; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay Readers- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Tim Linke; 11 - Kailyn Blechle
Pianist- Sat- Barb Dreyer
Organist- Wed and Sun- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Perricone 8:30- Schaumberg; 11- Kalene Masters
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YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: Who became the leader of the Israelites after Moses? Joshua (Thanks Don Nolte and Doug Herzog!)
Projectionists: Sat- Perricone 8:30- Schaumberg; 11- Kalene Masters
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YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: Who became the leader of the Israelites after Moses? Joshua (Thanks Don Nolte and Doug Herzog!)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Where was Moses supposed to go to see the Promised Land and to die?
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NEWS!!!!
WHO'S INTERESTED IN A GUN CLUB AT ST. JOHN'S AFTER EASTER?? PLEASE COME TO AN ORGANIZATIONAL/INFORMATIONAL MEETING AT 7PM ON THURSDAY!!!
I have been wanting to start a gun club at St. John's for quite some time.
1. I'd like it to at least start out on an introductory/educational level to learn the basics of gun safety and handling.
2. I'd also like it to include everyone: men and women, boys and girls.
3. I would like to have an organizational meeting with all who are interested next Thursday at 7pm!!
4. The first 15 minutes of our gatherings would be devotion/Bible study time.
5. Please reply or call/email @ 636-359-1061 to let me know you are interested.
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HOW MUCH DO YOU ACTUALLY KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LUTHERAN?
How did it start?
Who is Martin Luther?
Why are there so many different Lutheran denominations?
Why am I Lutheran?
What do Lutherans believe about:
Angels
Demons
ghosts
heaven
hell
politics
guns
death penalty
etc..........
If you want to know then mark your calendars for the first Wednesday after Easter at 7pm to be at church!!
We are going to begin a class called "Lutheranism 101", which I would say is like the advanced class after confirmation.
Please reply or call/email @ 636-359-1061 to let me know you are interested.
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SIGN UP FOR CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTOS!!
The photographer will be here March 16-19. Sign up after worship or online through the church website www.stjohnswarrenton.com Go to the website and click on the text link to the photographer's scheduling site. For assistance or questions contact Alan Hofeldt at 456-3070.
And just a reminder that next week, when you get your family picture taken, bring food for Operation Backpack, and you will get $5 off your picture order. Keep it in mind when you go to the grocery store.
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SIGN UP FOR EASTER LILLIES!
A sign up sheet is on the counter in the narthex. Sign your name and if in memory of someone or for a special occasion. Price is $14.50 each. You will be able to take them home after Easter Services.
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LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL WILL BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR STARTING TOMORROW FOR CURRENT STUDENTS AND ST. JOHN'S MEMBERS!!! OPEN REGISTRATION FOR EVERYONE STARTS APRIL 1.
Registration forms are available from Little Lambs or the church office. All registration forms must accompany the $45 nonrefundable registration fee. Children should be 3 or 4 by August 1. For more info talk to Lisa Rausch or Karin Klaustermeier.
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SATURDAY PIANIST NEEDED
We could use another pianist on Saturday night since Tim and Kathleen Sherman have moved to Wentzville and transferred their membership there. Please let me know if you or someone you know is available one Saturday a month. You get paid.
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PLEASE SUPPORT LITERACY IN WARREN COUNTY!!
Warren County Literacy Inc. (of which I am a member and on the board along with Allan Dreyer) is going to be giving away 70 bookcases stocked with books in April to children who are in the head Start Program in Warren County. This is the fifth year for this wonderful event. What we need is people to sponsor a bookcase for $50. If you are able and willing, please reply to this email or call/text at 636-359-1961. Make checks payable to Warren County Literacy Inc. The ceremony at which the kids get their bookcases is on Sunday, April 10 at 2pm at Wright City Middle School.
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LENT DINNERS ARE EVERY WEDNESDAY DURING LENT AT 5:30!!
Over the last many, many years your Jr. and Sr. high youth and their parents (mostly their parents) have been serving dinner on Wednesday nights during Lent. While this is a good way for the youth and their parents to serve and give back to the congregation, it is also supposed to be a way for them to raise money for their service projects and trips.
Unfortunately over the past several years, they have barely broken even on these dinners. The parents usually donate the desserts and even much of the other food out of their own pockets. Without that the youth would probably lose money.
It is especially important that they make money this year, as they will need all they can get to make their goal for the National Youth Gathering in new Orleans.
I want to encourage you all to attend these dinners, and, while there is no set price per person for these dinners, a generous free will offering is strongly encouraged!!
Below is the Menu for each week:
March 9-
pasta
salad
rolls
desserts
March 16-
Fried Chicken
potatoes
corn
rolls
desserts
As always, thank you for your continued support of the future of Christianity!!!
Unfortunately over the past several years, they have barely broken even on these dinners. The parents usually donate the desserts and even much of the other food out of their own pockets. Without that the youth would probably lose money.
It is especially important that they make money this year, as they will need all they can get to make their goal for the National Youth Gathering in new Orleans.
I want to encourage you all to attend these dinners, and, while there is no set price per person for these dinners, a generous free will offering is strongly encouraged!!
Below is the Menu for each week:
March 9-
pasta
salad
rolls
desserts
March 16-
Fried Chicken
potatoes
corn
rolls
desserts
As always, thank you for your continued support of the future of Christianity!!!
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DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS DAILY EMAIL?
If you know of someone who isn't currently receiving my daily emails but would like to, please reply to this email with their email address and I will add them to the list. THANK YOU!
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OPERATION BACKPACK FOR MARCH IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND PACKETS OF OATMEAL!!
(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)
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GENERAL PRAYERS:
For SHARON GARRETT a friend to some at St. John's, and soon-to-be member, who fell and broke both of her ankles and is recovering at Delmar Gardens, O'Fallon.
For DON BRAZEE who is hospitalized and is waiting for results from a biopsy.
For MARIAH, a granddaughter of Pat Jaeger's best friend, who has been diagnosed with childhood leukemia.
For PASTOR MCCRACKEN, from Trinity in Troy, who is on a two month leave to heal from cancer treatments.
For PASTOR PIPER, from St. Paul, New Melle, as he recovers from a heart attack he had while running a 5K in Florida.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.
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