Denise Schlesselman has been working with a youth ministry in Central Europe (Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.). They had their first retreat two weekends ago and are in need of funds to pay for part of the retreat.
We will be having a special door offering this weekend to help out this ministry.
If you have Thrivent insurance - don't forget to direct your 2015 choice dollars to St. John's. March 31st is the deadline to do so. You can go through the website: www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 and say "thrivent choice" when prompted.
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DEVOTION: Luke 22-23 English Standard Version (ESV)
This weekend is often known as Palm Sunday, but in our church lectionary (the "program" we use for our readings each week) it is also known as the Sunday of the Passion. At St. John's we only celebrate Palm Sunday on Sunday, because we have Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services to meditate on the Passion and celebrate Jesus' betrayal, arrest, death, and burial. I say "celebrate", because we know what it was all for and we know that this true story doesn't end in death but in eternal life for Jesus and for all who believe and live in him.
Enjoy the Passion reading today as you meditate on all that the Lord Jesus has done for you!
22 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover.2 And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.
Judas to Betray Jesus 3 Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve.4 He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.5 And they were glad, and agreed to give him money.6 So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of a crowd.
The Passover with the Disciples 7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.8 So Jesus[a] sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat it."9 They said to him, "Where will you have us prepare it?"10 He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters11 and tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?'12 And he will show you a large upper room furnished; prepare it there."13 And they went and found it just as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
Institution of the Lord's Supper 14 And when the hour came, he reclined at table, and the apostles with him.15 And he said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.16 For I tell you I will not eat it[b]until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."17 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves.18 For I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."20 And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.[c]21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.22 For the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!"23 And they began to question one another, which of them it could be who was going to do this.
Who Is the Greatest? 24 A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest.25 And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.27 For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves. 28 "You are those who have stayed with me in my trials,29 and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom,30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 31 "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you,[d]that he might sift you like wheat,32 but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."33 Peter[e] said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death."34 Jesus[f] said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me." Scripture Must Be Fulfilled in Jesus 35 And he said to them, "When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing."36 He said to them, "But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.37 For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors.' For what is written about me has its fulfillment."38 And they said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords." And he said to them, "It is enough." Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives 39 And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him.40 And when he came to the place, he said to them, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation."41 And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed,42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."43 And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.[g]45 And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow,46 and he said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation." Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus 47 While he was still speaking, there came a crowd, and the man called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He drew near to Jesus to kiss him,48 but Jesus said to him, "Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"49 And when those who were around him saw what would follow, they said, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"50 And one of them struck the servant[h] of the high priest and cut off his right ear.51 But Jesus said, "No more of this!" And he touched his ear and healed him.52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and officers of the temple and elders, who had come out against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?53 When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness." Peter Denies Jesus 54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance.55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat down among them.56 Then a servant girl, seeing him as he sat in the light and looking closely at him, said, "This man also was with him."57 But he denied it, saying, "Woman, I do not know him."58 And a little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." But Peter said, "Man, I am not."59 And after an interval of about an hour still another insisted, saying, "Certainly this man also was with him, for he too is a Galilean."60 But Peter said, "Man, I do not know what you are talking about." And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times."62 And he went out and wept bitterly.
Jesus Is Mocked 63 Now the men who were holding Jesus in custody were mocking him as they beat him.64 They also blindfolded him and kept asking him, "Prophesy! Who is it that struck you?"65 And they said many other things against him, blaspheming him.
Jesus Before the Council 66 When day came, the assembly of the elders of the people gathered together, both chief priests and scribes. And they led him away to their council, and they said,67 "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe,68 and if I ask you, you will not answer.69 But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God."70 So they all said, "Are you the Son of God, then?" And he said to them, "You say that I am."71 Then they said, "What further testimony do we need? We have heard it ourselves from his own lips."
Jesus Before Pilate
23 Then the whole company of them arose and brought him before Pilate.2 And they began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man misleading our nation and forbidding us to give tribute to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king."3 And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" And he answered him, "You have said so."4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, "I find no guilt in this man."5 But they were urgent, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, from Galilee even to this place."
Jesus Before Herod
6 When Pilate heard this, he asked whether the man was a Galilean.7 And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.8 When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had long desired to see him, because he had heard about him, and he was hoping to see some sign done by him.9 So he questioned him at some length, but he made no answer.10 The chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him.11 And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.12 And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other. 13 Pilate then called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,14 and said to them, "You brought me this man as one who was misleading the people. And after examining him before you, behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him.15 Neither did Herod, for he sent him back to us. Look, nothing deserving death has been done by him.16 I will therefore punish and release him."[I]
Pilate Delivers Jesus to Be Crucified 18 But they all cried out together, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas"—19 a man who had been thrown into prison for an insurrection started in the city and for murder.20 Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus,21 but they kept shouting, "Crucify, crucify him!"22 A third time he said to them, "Why, what evil has he done? I have found in him no guilt deserving death. I will therefore punish and release him."23 But they were urgent, demanding with loud cries that he should be crucified. And their voices prevailed.24 So Pilate decided that their demand should be granted.25 He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus over to their will.
The Crucifixion 26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people and of women who were mourning and lamenting for him.28 But turning to them Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, 'Blessed are the barren and the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!'30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.'31 For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?" 32 Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him.33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.34 And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."[j] And they cast lots to divide his garments.35 And the people stood by, watching, but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!"36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him sour wine37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"38 There was also an inscription over him,[k] "This is the King of the Jews." 39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him,[l] saying, "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!"40 But the other rebuked him, saying, "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."42 And he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."43 And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." The Death of Jesus 44 It was now about the sixth hour,[m] and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour,[n]45 while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" And having said this he breathed his last.47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, "Certainly this man was innocent!"48 And all the crowds that had assembled for this spectacle, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts.49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance watching these things.
Jesus Is Buried 50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man,51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid.54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.[o]55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid.56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Prayer: Lord, as we meditate on Your Passion and all that You accomplished for us, humble us, and make us to acknowledge Your greatness and Your goodness more in our own lives each day. Amen.
___________________________________________________________________________________________ CALENDAR: Thurs- photos; Newsletter Dealine (If you want something in the monthly newsletter get it in today!)
Fri- directory photos; Bible study at Hendershots 7pm Sat- worship 5pm Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ WORSHIP WORKERS: Acolyte- Wed- ????? (I need someone to take Kalene's place as she is unable to be there.) 8:30- Lydia Miller 11- George Pezold
Ushers- Wed- Dave Winter, Gary Scott, Lary Schulze, Scott Schulze; Sun- Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover
Altar- Wed- Terry McKenzie; Sun Set up- Ruth Walters; Clean up- Pam Linke
Elders- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Jim and Vickie McRae; 11- Joan Sexton
Projectionists: Sat- Pam Bueltmann 8:30- McKenzie; 11- Hailey Blechle _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: Where were Joseph's bones buried?
Again from Pat King:
"You are killing me with these easy quizzes!
So.....where are Joe's bones buried?.......Well, duh! IN THE GROUND!!!!!! Can't bury them in the air.
But I guess that's not what you were looking for. Because, the OBVIOUS answer, never is, with you. So....we'll hop on over to Joshua and it says, "The bones of Joseph, which the Israelites had brought along with them when they left Egypt, were buried at Shechem, in the parcel of ground Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor for 100 pieces of silver. This land was located in the territory allotted to the descendants of Joseph."
Join us as a vendor inside, have a tag sale on the parking lot, or craft items for sale. Outside spaces are available for $10 for a double parking spot.
There will be a sale under the pavilion if you would like to donate items. The youth will be raising money for their National Youth Gathering trip under the pavilion and at the concession stand.
St. John's Lutheran Church, 950 S Hwy 47 in Warrenton. Please call the church office for more info. 636-456-2888.
Vendor spots are being held for: Tupperware, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, 18" doll clothes by PJ'S Patterns, Perfectly Posh, Paparazzi, Damsel in Distress, It Works Global, Mary Kay, Norwex, Tastefully Simple, Pink Zebra, Lilla Rose, Usborne Books & More, Cindy Rust handmade Jewelry, Avon, Park Lane, scroll saw art, Young Living Essential oils, Amy Flores Handmade Jewelry and custom / personalized key chains. More to come...
THE QUILTERS WILL ALSO BE RAFFLING OFF THE QUILT THAT IS HANGING DOWNSTAIRS!!
You deserve a kid free night out! Friday, April 15th from 5pm - 10pm. Miss Kelsey and Mrs. K along with some great babysitters from our youth will be hosting our 2nd Parents' Night Out. This is a fundraiser for our church youth group. $20 for the first child $10 for the 2nd and $5 for each additional kid. Little Lambs and church kids get first dibs
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.
LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR 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.
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.
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.
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!
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.)
For HOPE TINNIIN who is having knee surgery today (Thursday).
For MELISSA BADER as she prepares to undergo extensive back surgery to fuse three vertebrae together. Her recovery will be very long and extensive. Pray for her family, especially Leo, as they prepare to care for her
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 as he has been moved to Breeze Park in Weldon Spring for rehab and to receive his cancer treatment.
For MARIAH, a granddaughter of Pat Jaeger's best friend, her leukemia is in remission and she is moving on tot he next course of treatment.
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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Mission Statement
The mission of St. John's Lutheran Church is to preach the Word of God in its purity and to teach this Word to all people. We do so through the means God has given us, the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.
What We Believe
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod accepts the Scriptures as the inspired and inerrant Word of God, and subscribes unconditionally to all the symbolical books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God.
We accept the Confessions because they are drawn from the Word of God and on that account regard their doctrinal content as a true and binding exposition of Holy Scripture and as authoritative for all pastors, congregations and other rostered church workers of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
