DEVOTION: Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14 and 2:18-26
2 Vanity[a] of vanities, says the Preacher,
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heart[a] to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity[b] and a striving after wind.
18 I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, 19 and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. 20 So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, 21 because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? 23 For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.
24 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment[a] in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, 25 for apart from him[b] who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26 For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is in this passage in 2:24. I have often said that if I didn't enjoy being a pastor, I wouldn't do it. Being a pastor is not a job you can or should do for the money, the fame, or the benefits. It is a job that you have to enjoy because it involves the whole heart. A pastor, as well as many other caring and service professions, is about the heart. You can tell the difference between a person who is just working at a nursing home for the cash and those who are working there because they love caring for people. You can tell the difference in mechanics between one who truly loves fixing cars and one who is just there because it pays a lot and he is good at it.
If you are working just to make a lot of money so you can have stuff, you are going to be greatly disappointed, unhappy, and unsatisfied. If anyone knew that, it would've been Solomon. He learned it the hard way. He worked very hard and had many sleepless nights just so he could get more stuff, have more things, more women, more fame, and more power.
At the end of his life, as he is looking at it all, and looking at what it took to get it all, he is depressed and even angry, because he probably sees his unthankful, unappreciative, spoiled rotten kids and says, "All this stuff is going to go to one of these jokers?" It is all a waste. More than that, he realizes that none of it, even while he amassed it and grew his wealth, saw how it all was worthless, a chasing after the wind.
The same is true today with so many even in our own society. This chasing after wealth, this obsessing over the economy, this nonsensical idea the money brings peace and happiness, has gotten the best of us. It's all people think about.
"There is nothing better for a person (as far as physical earthly life is concerned) than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his work...." That's it! Whatever your vocation, find enjoyment in it! Find enjoyment in cleaning out pig pens! Find enjoyment in taking care of kids. Find enjoyment in managing employees! Find enjoyment in proclaiming the Gospel! Your enjoyment comes from the peace that passes all understanding that comes from Christ alone!
Prayer: Lord, help me to eat and drink and find enjoyment in my work every day so that I may praise you and others might see you in me. Amen.
2 Vanity[a] of vanities, says the Preacher,
vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heart[a] to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity[b] and a striving after wind.
18 I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, 19 and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. 20 So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, 21 because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? 23 For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.
24 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment[a] in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, 25 for apart from him[b] who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26 For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is in this passage in 2:24. I have often said that if I didn't enjoy being a pastor, I wouldn't do it. Being a pastor is not a job you can or should do for the money, the fame, or the benefits. It is a job that you have to enjoy because it involves the whole heart. A pastor, as well as many other caring and service professions, is about the heart. You can tell the difference between a person who is just working at a nursing home for the cash and those who are working there because they love caring for people. You can tell the difference in mechanics between one who truly loves fixing cars and one who is just there because it pays a lot and he is good at it.
If you are working just to make a lot of money so you can have stuff, you are going to be greatly disappointed, unhappy, and unsatisfied. If anyone knew that, it would've been Solomon. He learned it the hard way. He worked very hard and had many sleepless nights just so he could get more stuff, have more things, more women, more fame, and more power.
At the end of his life, as he is looking at it all, and looking at what it took to get it all, he is depressed and even angry, because he probably sees his unthankful, unappreciative, spoiled rotten kids and says, "All this stuff is going to go to one of these jokers?" It is all a waste. More than that, he realizes that none of it, even while he amassed it and grew his wealth, saw how it all was worthless, a chasing after the wind.
The same is true today with so many even in our own society. This chasing after wealth, this obsessing over the economy, this nonsensical idea the money brings peace and happiness, has gotten the best of us. It's all people think about.
"There is nothing better for a person (as far as physical earthly life is concerned) than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his work...." That's it! Whatever your vocation, find enjoyment in it! Find enjoyment in cleaning out pig pens! Find enjoyment in taking care of kids. Find enjoyment in managing employees! Find enjoyment in proclaiming the Gospel! Your enjoyment comes from the peace that passes all understanding that comes from Christ alone!
Prayer: Lord, help me to eat and drink and find enjoyment in my work every day so that I may praise you and others might see you in me. Amen.
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CALENDAR
CALENDAR
Mon-Fri- VBS "Christmas in July" supper 5:30; fun 6-8
Tues- Quilting 9-2
Wed- Worship at Oak Pointe 10:30
Fri- Assemble newsletter 9am
Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11; Pastor's celebration ride from Treloar to Dutzow (Blumenhoff Winery)1:30-4
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Gus Klaustermeier 11- Kalene Masters
Ushers- Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke
Altar- Set up- Marliyn and Sue; Clean Up- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer
Elders- Sat- Charlie Figura; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Rob and Julie Schaumberg; 11- Dave and Lil Winter
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier 8:30- Lois Boeger; 11- Stephanie Owenby
Piano (Saturday and Sunday)- Kathy Barrow
Projectionists: ????? A new schedule will be put together this week
Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11; Pastor's celebration ride from Treloar to Dutzow (Blumenhoff Winery)1:30-4
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Gus Klaustermeier 11- Kalene Masters
Ushers- Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke
Altar- Set up- Marliyn and Sue; Clean Up- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer
Elders- Sat- Charlie Figura; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Rob and Julie Schaumberg; 11- Dave and Lil Winter
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier 8:30- Lois Boeger; 11- Stephanie Owenby
Piano (Saturday and Sunday)- Kathy Barrow
Projectionists: ????? A new schedule will be put together this week
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Where is Kedar?
Well, Kedar was the 2nd son of Ishmael, and the leader of a bunch of nomads (named after him) – now known as the Bedouins - who settled in the northwest of the Arabia Desert, not far from the borders of Palestine. They lived in black hair tents (which doesn't sound very good). And – according to Ps 120:5 – to "dwell in the tents of Kedar" was to be cut off from the worship of the true God. Anyway, they were persecuted by Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 49:28-29)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Why did Judah and Israel break apart?
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NEWS!!!! (Lots of new news so make sure you read it all the way through!!)
THE RED CROSS NEEDS BLOOD
I just read on twitter this morning that the Red Cross is desperately in need of blood. PLEASE VOLUNTEER TO HELP AT OUR BLOOD DRIVE ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 4!! Call Marilyn at 456-2888 to volunteer and she will let you know what kind of help is needed!
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VBS NIGHT TWO TONIGHT!!
Supper 5:30-6
Fun- 6-8
Come celebrate ADVENT with us! It'll be COOL inside and out at St. John's!! Tonight's word of the night is LOVE!!
If you want to help but you didn't sign up, just come by, we'll gladly put you to work!
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CELEBRATION BIKE RIDE ON SUNDAY, JULY 31!!! PLEASE JOIN PASTOR!!
Pastor will be ending his 1,000 mile journey at the Katy Trail at 1:30pm on Sunday August 31!! We will bike from the trailhead in Treloar to Blumenhoff Winery in Dutzow, approximately 11 miles.
Admission to this event is any donation to www.leadachild.org. If you've already donated you're good to go!
Let me know if you'll be participating!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR ST.JOHN'S OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION ON OCTOBER 1!!
Lots of good German food and drink (brats, sauerkraut, beer)
GAMES
LIVE MUSIC
FUN KID'S STUFF
MORE INFO COMING SOON!
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ST. JOHN'S ANNUAL FLOAT TRIP COMING UP LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 5!!
Would you like a relaxing and peaceful day on the river in God's creation? Do you want to grow in fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Come and join us!
Here are the details:
1. Meet at 9:30am at Ozark Outdoors www.ozarkoutdoors.net
2. PRICES
canoes $20 per person
kayaks- $28 per person
rafts- $29 per person
tubes are $25 per person
If you have your own equipment it is $30 per craft to ride the bus.
Children ages 7-12 are $15 and 7 and under are free
3. What you will need:
sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, food, beverages, a good attitude.
4. Contact Teresa Scott to sign up
cell- 636-359-0274
work- (Schraer HVAC) 456-5041
Remember, this is a float, not a race. It is a leisurely float down the river with lots of stops along the way!
If you choose to spend the weekend, please make camping, motel, or cabin arrangements through Ozark Outdoors or with Onondaga State Park www.mostateparks.com. Hiking and cave tours are also available in Onondaga State Park.
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T-3 MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP SEPTEMBER 23-25 AT MARK TWAIN LAKE!
Go to www.t3mensretreat.org for details or give me a call at 636-359-1061.
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GUN CLUB OUTING COMING UP SATURDAY, AUGUST 13!!!
Our next Gun Club outing will be at Whetstone Creek Conservation Area Gun Range on Saturday, August 13, from 9am-Noon. You can either bring your own guns and ammo to shoot at the range or we will have a whole range set up for a special "fam fire" (armed forces code for familiarization fire) on a separate range for those who don't own a gun but would like to learn to shoot and learn about various types of firearms. Paul Brockfeld and others will have several different firearms and ammo to use for $20 per person. Please sign up on the sheet on the counter in the narthex so we know how many are coming and who is or is not bringing their own guns and ammo.
Directions to the range: DO NOT follow the signs to Whetstone Creek. If you follow the signs, you will not go to the firearms range. From Warrenton take I-70 to the Williamsburg exit. At the top of the ramp turn right and head north into Williamsburg. At the first stop sign go straight (Sign will tell you to turn left to go to Whetstone Creek CA - do not turn left). At the second stop sign go straight. Road will turn to gravel as you leave Williamsburg. Once road turns to gravel it is approximately 2.3 miles to the range on the right. Parking lot is before the range.
Directions to the range: DO NOT follow the signs to Whetstone Creek. If you follow the signs, you will not go to the firearms range. From Warrenton take I-70 to the Williamsburg exit. At the top of the ramp turn right and head north into Williamsburg. At the first stop sign go straight (Sign will tell you to turn left to go to Whetstone Creek CA - do not turn left). At the second stop sign go straight. Road will turn to gravel as you leave Williamsburg. Once road turns to gravel it is approximately 2.3 miles to the range on the right. Parking lot is before the range.
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STEPHEN MINISTRY NEEDS MORE STEPHEN MINISTERS!!
Stephen ministry is a one on one caring ministry in which a person goes through 50 hours off training to be a better listener and care giver. Even if you don't become an active Stephen Minister, this training is beneficial just for your daily life!
Please consider going through the training! It is very beneficial.
And please consider becoming a Stephen Minister. It has been a huge help and benefit to our congregation for the last 13 years, and I would love to see it grow!
Call me at 636-359-1061 to let me know you're interested. Or go to www.stephenministry.org to learn more about it.
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SCRIP PROGRAM CONTINUES!!
Here's how it works:
Here's how it works:
1. Pick up an order form from the counter in the narthex or from Marilyn in the office.
2. Mark how many cards you would like to order from each retailer you use, and fill in the totals. (If you need help, stop by the office or talk to Marilyn or ask me after worship.)
3. Attach a check to your order form made out to St.John's.
4. Marilyn will place the order on a certain date each month.
5. Pick up your cards from your church mailbox.
6. Use your cards just like money at the various stores.
Please use this program! It is an easy way for you to help YOUR church raise money for its ministries!
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OPERATION BACKPACK FOR JULY IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND OATMEAL PACKETS!!!
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 PRAYER
For RON WILLIAMS who recovering from heart surgery.
For JENNIFER FIGURA, as she undergoes minor heart ablasion surgery today.
For SHERRY BEASLEY as she has gall bladder removal surgery on THursday.
For RANDY SWEET as he has foot surgery today.
For REBECCA LYNN SLAYDEN, newborn great-granddaughter of Dave and Lil Winter, who is having extensive surgery TODAY as she was born with many of her organs outside her body.
For BOB RUHL who continues to recover slowly from gall bladder surgery. (His hiccups have finally gone away.)
For the HARGROVE FAMILY as they mourn the loss of Dave's dad Charles. (His memorial visitation and service will be Saturday, August 20, 1-3pm.
For the SCHULZE FAMILY at the sudden death of Larry and Jeri's son in law Randy from a freak work accident .
For LIL WINTER as she recovers from several injuries and undergoes physical therapy.
For LAW ENFORCEMENT EVERYWHERE, that we would keep the 4th commandment and honor those who serve and protect us from evildoers.
For BRIAN TAMPOW, a friend of Steve and Toni Mauch, who has an inoperable tumor near his carotid artery and will need to go through extensive chemo and radiation treatment.
For CHERYL, a cousin of Tony and Sandra Perricone, who is going through breast cancer treatment right now.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she begins her work as a teacher of English as a second language in the Czech Republic and transitions to regular life there.
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