DEVOTION: Colossians 1:21-29 (ESV)
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[a] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Believe it or not, there are people who call themselves Christians, that think that the reason Christ came to earth, suffered, and died was just to show us how to live. They think that our only purpose is to live like Christ lived. Not only is that wrong, it is impossible.
We can't live how Christ lives, because Christ was perfect. Now, just as we have many of the traits of our parents, we have some of the same traits as Christ, because we have been born again in Him by baptism and through faith. But we can never be like Him, because he was without sin.
Not only that, the other more important thing is that Christ didn't come just to show us how to live. He came to save us. He came, in the words of Paul here in his letter to the Colossians, "he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him". That's why he came. He came so that you could enter His eternal presence. He came, because without him you would remain hostile in mind and evil in His sight.
Jesus is more than a good example. He is more than a good teacher. He is your maker, redeemer, sanctifier, and Lord. He is your everything. He is your Savior. He is God! Honor Him as such today! Give Him the glory today! Repent and rearrange your life so it reflects what you really know and believe about Jesus, the Son of God!
Prayer: Lord, help me always to proclaim that you are more than just a good guy. You are God, You are Lord, and You are my Savior. Amen.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[a] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Believe it or not, there are people who call themselves Christians, that think that the reason Christ came to earth, suffered, and died was just to show us how to live. They think that our only purpose is to live like Christ lived. Not only is that wrong, it is impossible.
We can't live how Christ lives, because Christ was perfect. Now, just as we have many of the traits of our parents, we have some of the same traits as Christ, because we have been born again in Him by baptism and through faith. But we can never be like Him, because he was without sin.
Not only that, the other more important thing is that Christ didn't come just to show us how to live. He came to save us. He came, in the words of Paul here in his letter to the Colossians, "he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him". That's why he came. He came so that you could enter His eternal presence. He came, because without him you would remain hostile in mind and evil in His sight.
Jesus is more than a good example. He is more than a good teacher. He is your maker, redeemer, sanctifier, and Lord. He is your everything. He is your Savior. He is God! Honor Him as such today! Give Him the glory today! Repent and rearrange your life so it reflects what you really know and believe about Jesus, the Son of God!
Prayer: Lord, help me always to proclaim that you are more than just a good guy. You are God, You are Lord, and You are my Savior. Amen.
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CALENDAR
CALENDAR
Thurs- Long Term Care Seminar 6:30pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm in overflow
Fri- Youth leave for NYG 6am
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Sarah Cluver 11- ???? (Alaina Heitgerd will be in New Orleans so I need someone to volunteer)
Ushers- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Doug Walters, Don Tate
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean Up- Terry McKenzie
Elders- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Jason Cluver; 11- Randy Fischer
Greeters- 8:30- Don and Donna Sherman; 11- Doug and Ruth Walters
Lay Readers- Sat- John Hachtel 8:30- Steve McDowell; 11- Paul Brockfeld
Piano (Saturday and Sunday)- Barb Dreyer
Projectionists: Sat- Kathy Fischer; 8:30-????? (Schaumbergs will be in New Orleans so I need someone to volunteer); Faerber
Fri- Youth leave for NYG 6am
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Sarah Cluver 11- ???? (Alaina Heitgerd will be in New Orleans so I need someone to volunteer)
Ushers- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Doug Walters, Don Tate
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean Up- Terry McKenzie
Elders- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Jason Cluver; 11- Randy Fischer
Greeters- 8:30- Don and Donna Sherman; 11- Doug and Ruth Walters
Lay Readers- Sat- John Hachtel 8:30- Steve McDowell; 11- Paul Brockfeld
Piano (Saturday and Sunday)- Barb Dreyer
Projectionists: Sat- Kathy Fischer; 8:30-????? (Schaumbergs will be in New Orleans so I need someone to volunteer); Faerber
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Name a chapter or verse in Isaiah that talks about the coming Messiah, namely Jesus.
Well, even a blind man could do this one, since the whole 2nd half of the book of Isaiah is essentially about the coming Messiah. But for specific verses, here's a quickie list:
And here's a nifty article that talks about the book of Isaiah: http://www.jesusplusnothing.com/studies/online/Isaiah40.htm
It's interesting to note that the book of Isaiah itself is a reflection of what has become our Bible. The first part of his book is about God's law and judgment – just like the Old Testament. But the 2nd half shows God's love and grace; telling of His Christ. Thus, corresponding with the New Testament. Which is why some scholars refer to the 2nd half of the book of Isaiah as the 5th Gospel.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What does the name "Isaiah" mean?
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NEWS!!!! (Lots of new news so make sure you read it all the way through!!)
LONG TERM CARE WORKSHOP ON THURSDAY, JULY 14 AT 6:30PM!!
The choices have changed. Are you confused about long term care? Most people are. You may have thought you didn't qualify. Come explore the new face of Long Term Care and how it may benefit your family.
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LUTHERANISM 101 WILL BE IN THE OVERFLOW THIS THURSDAY!!
Due to the long term care seminar being in the basement, we will meet in the overflow or in one of the Sunday school classrooms.
Come and learn more about your faith and grow in fellowship with other Christians at the same time. I'll bring dessert!
Every lesson is a stand alone lesson, so you can come and know that you have not missed a thing if you haven't been there.
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HOLY YOGA EVERY MONDAY NIGHT AT 7PM!
Jesus + exercise= AWESOME! Please join Amanda Nordwald as she leads you through different poses, stretches, exercises and even devotions! This is a great way to get fit and grow in God's Word at the same time! A $5 donation is suggested.
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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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MEN'S RETREAT INTERVIEW AND INFO
Below is the link I did on KFUO AM 850 this morning about our men's retreat coming up on Sept. 23-25. Go to www.t3mensretreat.org to register and mark your calendars today! I want you to go!
http://www.kfuoam.org/2016/07/06/ht-2016-07-06/
Below is the link I did on KFUO AM 850 this morning about our men's retreat coming up on Sept. 23-25. Go to www.t3mensretreat.org to register and mark your calendars today! I want you to go!
http://www.kfuoam.org/2016/07/06/ht-2016-07-06/
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LADIES AID SUMMER LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY, JULY 20 AT NOON AT DENNY'S!!!!
All ladies are invited!! Make sure you sign the list on the counter in the narthex by Sunday, July 17 so reservations can be made.
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VBS "CHRISTMAS IN JULY" WILL BE HELD MONDAY, JULY 25-THURSDAY, JULY 28
Supper begins at 5:30 each night.
Program begins at 6pm and goes till 8pm!
Volunteers and food is needed! Please sign up on the donation and volunteers sheets on the table in the narthex or call Kelsey at 573-803-7826 to volunteer or donate.
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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 4!!
Help is needed for making calls and appointments, and also for the day of the drive we need strong people to move tables and chairs, a person to register donors, and another to serve refreshments. The Red Cross has cut back on their help, which puts an extra load on the hosts. Call Marilyn at 456-2888 to volunteer!!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CONTINUES THROUGH THE SUMMER
Each week the children will play different board games which will be coordinated with the Bible lesson. Bring your kids to have some fun and to learn the Scriptures at the same time.
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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
THANKSGIVING FOR A NEW BABY BOY TO ALEC AND RACHEL FISHER (our organist). John Alexander Fisher was born last night.
THANKSGIVING FOR PAT MANNESS, who is going home from the nursing home on Thursday after hip replacement and pelvic reconstruction surgery.
For CHARLES HARGROVE (Dave's dad and friend to many at St. John's) who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of his life.
For LIL WINTER who will begin therapy for piriformis syndrome today and who is still awaiting surgery on her shoulder.
For MARIANNE LINKE, who is recovering from surgery. She went home from the hospital yesterday.
For BOB RUHL, who is recovering from surgery and a problem with fluid on his lungs. He has also been dealing with hiccups for the last week. He went home from the hospital yesterday.
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 finishes up her current mission work in the Czech Republic and makes her decisions for her future.
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