Daily Email: Monday, August 15, 2016

DEVOTION:  Psalm 50:1-15 (ESV)
"God Himself Is Judge" A Psalm of Asaph.

50 The Mighty One, God the Lord,
    speaks and summons the earth
    from the rising of the sun to its setting.
² Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
    God shines forth.

³ Our God comes; he does not keep silence;^[a]
    before him is a devouring fire,
    around him a mighty tempest.
⁴ He calls to the heavens above
    and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
⁵ "Gather to me my faithful ones,
    who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!"
⁶ The heavens declare his righteousness,
    for God himself is judge! Selah

⁷ "Hear, O my people, and I will speak;
    O Israel, I will testify against you.
    I am God, your God.
⁸ Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
    your burnt offerings are continually before me.
⁹ I will not accept a bull from your house
    or goats from your folds.
¹⁰ For every beast of the forest is mine,
    the cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹ I know all the birds of the hills,
    and all that moves in the field is mine.

¹² "If I were hungry, I would not tell you,
    for the world and its fullness are mine.
¹³ Do I eat the flesh of bulls
    or drink the blood of goats?
¹⁴ Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,^[b]
    and perform your vows to the Most High,
¹⁵ and call upon me in the day of trouble;
    I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."

 

The world is in chaos, but God is o n his throne? Saying this would make it seem like God is causing all this trouble.  A second glance would make it seem like he is sitting on his throne and laughing at us all. 

 

These two things couldn't be further from the truth.  The real truth is that we caused the chaos.  The world was perfect till Adam and Eve sinned, and ever since things have been falling apart.  Since Adam and Eve sinned, all sin and since all sin, all die, for the ages of sin is death. 

 

But God isn't just sitting back laughing and saying, "I told you so", or "You're getting what you deserve."  For "God wants all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."  Instead, he gives us the law to show us our sinfulness, to keep us from destroying ourselves, completely, and for giving us rules to live by, and he gives us His Son, Jesus, to save us from this cruel and chaotic world. 

 

We can call upon Him in the day of trouble and He will deliver us!  We can go to Him when we are weary and burdened and he will give us rest for our souls.  We can confess our sins and He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

 

These catastrophes, like the flooding that is happening right now and has already devastated Louisiana, or the random shooting of Immanuel Lutheran, Joplin's church van in which four people and two comfort dogs were shot, or the wildfires that continue to blaze in Montana, or the riots in Milwaukee, ARE NOT GOD'S FAULT!  It is all man's fault!  It is our fault.... mine and yours.  Repent and turn to God for mercy and grace for yourself and then proclaim the good news of salvation from this world to all who believe! 

 

Prayer: Lord, we tend to blame you, or wonder why you are allowing these things to happen.  Help us to repent of this false thinking and know that it is always because of sin in the world and sin with us that this is a fallen world.  Then help us to turn to you, the only hope for true comfort and grace.  Amen.

 
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CALENDAR
Mon- Holy Yoga 7-8pm
Tues- Quilting 9-2am
Wed- Sewing Dresses for Africa 10am-noon; Ladies Aid meeting at lunch noon-1pm
Thurs- Sept. newsletter deadline; Lutheranism 101 7-8pm
Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; visitation and memorial for Charles Hargrove 1-3pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Kids Sunday school 9:45; Voter's meeting 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Jacob Winn  11- Hailey Blechle

Ushers- George, Gary, and Ben Hoelscher and Brent Davis

Altar-  Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Sandy Robine

Elders-  Sat- Roy Bohning;  8:30- John Hachtel;  11- Steve Robine
 
Greeters-  8:30- Don and Wanda Turnure;  11- Mike and Naomi Johnson

Lay Readers- Sat- Roy Bohning  8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine

Piano- Sat- Kathy Barrow

 Organist- Rachel Fisher

Projectionists: Sat- Mauch; 8:30- Perricone

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Zedekiah?

 

From Pat King:

Again with these vague questions. Like all the others, this one has multiple answers. So, I'm providing a link.

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Zedekiah

 

But simple answer: any one of a bunch of false prophets. Or, the 3rd son of Josiah, who Nebuchadrezzar made king. Ezekiel described him as the "unhallowed wicked one, prince of Israel" (Ezek 21:25)

In any case – whoever you choose from the list – he was a bad dude.

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TODAY'S QUIZ:  Where was Ezekiel exiled (deported) when Babylon took all the Israelites into captivity?

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NEWS!!!! 

LADIES AID SEWING SESSION THIS WEDNESDAY AT 10AM AND MEETING/LUNCH AT NOON!!

Come and help make beautiful "pillowcase" dresses for little girls from Africa! 

 

Bias tape 2 inches wide is needed.  

 

Bring your own lunch.

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CHOIR PRACTICE BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 AT 7PM!!

Anyone high school age or older is welcome!!!  They need more singers.  Please consider it and at least show up to the first practice to check it out!  Call Barb Dreyer at 359-1906 for questions or concerns!

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LIFE INSURANCE GIFITNG SEMINAR IS WEDNEDAY, AUGUST 24 AT 6PM!  DINNER WILL BE SERVED FOR ALL IN ATTENDANCE!

Did you know that you can buy life insurance, make donations to the church from it while you are still alive, and then make the church the beneficiary upon your death?  Come and learn all about how this works!

 

Call the church office to make a reservation 456-2888!!

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QUARTERLY VOTERS MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45!!

Agenda:

1. reports from  staff, officers, boards and committees

 

2. report from Member awareness committee (Kevin Luebke, Steve McDowell, Sandy Robine)

They will tell us about upcoming things that they will be doing based upon what they talked about.

 

3. building planning committee master plan presentation

The long-awaited master plan was presented to the building planning committee last night.  After some discussion it was approved unanimously by them.  It will be presented to the voters assembly next Sunday for approval. 

 

The master plan involves three "bite size" projects.  The first of those projects( a new fellowship hall, expanded narthex, offices and kitchen) built on to the front of the church, is much more affordable and will be accomplished with the money that has already been collected over the past eight years.  It is very important to understand that this is only a master plan.   Square footage and other details will be determined by the building committee and finance committee based on what we can afford.  Once all of those details get worked out and finalized those committees will again come back to the voters for approval. 

 

Once the plan is approved, a building committee (different than the building planning committee) and a finance committee will be appointed by President McDowell.  If you have experience on building committees or building finance committees, or have a desire for this project to finally come to fruition, we'd love it if you would volunteer to be on the committee that best fits your talents and abilities. 

 

Please make every effort to attend and see the new master plan. 

 

ON A SEPARATE BUT RELATED NOTE:  To answer a question that has been asked several times, "Why we don't use the building money for something else like salaries and raises?"  The short answer is that the money that has been amassed over the past eight years for the building fund cannot be used for anything else.  It is literally against the law.  

 

4. Council  recommendation for Ken Wagner Funds ($39,813.56)

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT KELSEY AND OUR DCE PROGRAM

The DCE fund was to be a three year fund which was to transition to the general budget at the end of three years. Unfortunately neither the DCE fund nor the general budget have kept pace with what is needed. 

In November we will be at the end of the three years.  The DCE Fund has dwindled down to near nothing and will be just about gone in December,  and the regular offerings have not increased enough to increase the regular budget.  

To make it clear, there is not enough money in the budget to pay Kelsey. (We cannot use special gifts, trusts or memorials or money designated for the building fund to pay Kelsey.  We have never used those types off funds for salaries.)

 

So where does this money come from? IT COMES FROM THE MEMBERS OF ST.JOHN'S WHO GIVE THEIR OFFERINGS.  It is up to you AS MEMBERS OF ST.JOHN'S  to give as you are able IN YOUR WEEKLY OFFERINGS so that our budget can go up enough to be able to support her.  

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CONCESSIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 26

St. John's members have been asked by leaders of the Big Red Boosters to help with concessions at the home football game on Friday, August 26. 
 
When? 5:45-9pm
 
Where? Warrenton Football Concession stand
 
What?  Selling all sorts of concession stand food and drink.  (No previous experience necessary)
 
Who?  Any member of St. John's (Don't have to have a kid at the high school to help)
 
Please reply to this email or call/text me at 636-359-1061 to volunteer! 

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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

tscott@usmo.com

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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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:

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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GENERAL PRAYER 

For THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DON BRAZEE as he went from death to eternal life early Saturday morning. 

 

For LENA OWENS as she recovers from knee replacement surgery at home.

 

For BOB RUHL, who is recovering from heart surgery and infections at New Florence Care Center for the next month.

 

For CAL TAMELER as he recovers from heart surgery.   

 

For MARIANNE LINKE who is recovering at home from infection, and is receiving intravenous antibiotics at home.

 

For MARCIA SEVIER as she recovers from foot surgery.

 

for RANDY SWEET as he recovers from foot surgery.

 

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 LAW ENFORCEMENT EVERYWHERE, ESPECIALLY IN MILWAUKEE, that we would all 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. 

 

For SANDRA PERRICONE'S SISTER KAREN PRATT who is having heart issues and will see a specialist on Monday.
 
For the FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS OF TONI MAUCH'S BOSS, JOHN CROAK,  as he passed away last week.  He had a double lung transplant and was doing well with it until be developed a fungal infection which overtook him.