Daily Email: Tuesday, May 31, 2016

DEVOTION: Psalm 30   English Standard Version (ESV)
"Joy Comes with the Morning"  A Psalm of David. A song at the dedication of the temple.

 

30 I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up
    and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
² O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,
    and you have healed me.
³ O Lord, you have brought up my soul from Sheol;
    you restored me to life from among those who go down to the pit.^[a]

⁴ Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints,
    and give thanks to his holy name.^[b]
5 For his anger is but for a moment,
    and his favor is for a lifetime.^[c]
Weeping may tarry for the night,
    but joy comes with the morning.

⁶ As for me, I said in my prosperity,
    "I shall never be moved."
⁷ By your favor, O Lord,
    you made my mountain stand strong;
you hid your face;
    I was dismayed.

⁸ To you, O Lord, I cry,
    and to the Lord I plead for mercy:
⁹ "What profit is there in my death,^[d]
    if I go down to the pit?^[e]
Will the dust praise you?
    Will it tell of your faithfulness?
¹⁰ Hear, O Lord, and be merciful to me!
    O Lord, be my helper!"

¹¹ You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
    you have loosed my sackcloth
    and clothed me with gladness,
¹² that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

 

I've spent a lot of time the past couple weeks trying to think of how best to  communicate the idea of stewardship within a church setting.  I think verses 11-12 in this passage says it best. 

 

He has turned our mourning into dancing and have loosed our sackcloth and clothed us with gladness SO THAT our glory may sing His praise and NOT BE SILENT, and so that we can give thanks to God forever! 

 

Our purpose on this earth is to sing praise and to give thanks to God forever!  We don't just do that for an hour on Sunday morning or Saturday night.  Nor do we just do it with a little piece of our being.   We can't section God off or praise Him piecemeal.  He isn't just the God of our time and not our talents or money.  He's the God of ALL OF IT!!

 

And so, when He turns our mourning and sadness over sins into  joy and gladness over His salvation, we will praise Him with our whole being, body and soul, finances and time, day in and day out, with EVERYTHING we are and EVERYTHING we have. 

 

I urge you to think about what part of your life is not praising God today!  Do you have a chokehold on your wallet so tight that a crowbar can't get it open, because you trust your money more than you trust God to use your money for His glory?  Is your time so precious to you that you count every second and think that only a part of it is worth giving up to the Lord in honor and praise and not all of it?  Are you using your talents, whatever they might be for your own gain and not for the gain of the kingdom? 

 

If this is the case at all, turn to the Lord, REPENT OF YOUR SIN, and turn to the God who will most certainly turn your mourning into dancing and give you new party clothes of joy to wear! 

 

Let us pray: Lord continually turn my heart to you so that I may dance and sing in Your presence today and forever.  Amen.

 

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CALENDAR:

Tues- Quilting 9-2
Thurs- Alzheimers Support Group 1pm; No L 101 because Pastor is in MN for wedding
Fri- Pastor in MN for wedding
Sat-  Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Zack Hoelscher   11- Hannah Johnson

Ushers- Scott Heitgerd, Alex Heitgerd, Bob Linke and Tom Linke

Altar-  Set up- Terry Mc Kenzie; Clean Up- Terry Mc Kenzie

Elders-  Sat- Randy Sweet;  8:30- John Hachtel;  11- Steve Robine
 
Greeters-  8:30- John and Anna Hoenig;  11- Dave and Lil Winter

Lay Readers- Sat- Randy Sweet  8:30- Lois Boeger; 11- Teresa Brockfeld

Organist- Rachel Fisher
 
Piano- Molly Hendershot

Projectionists:  Sat- Perricone; 8:30- McKenzie 11- Gus Klaustermeier
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  Who is Solomon writing to in the Song of Solomon?

 

(A very good answer from Pat King)

Okay, I know. You're first inclination is, to a bunch of musicians. Since they like music – or so they say. But no. Although, some people believe this was originally sung. (And you heard that here first!)

So, the serious answer:

It is believed to have been written by Sol before he got his harem; when he was in love with one lady – a Shulamite. The bridegroom was, of course Sol. The other people in the songs are the daughters of Jerusalem, and the brothers of the Shulamite maid.

And even though early church dudes argued about including it in the Bible – since God is not specifically mentioned - God obviously wanted it included. It shows the marital relationship God intended between one man and one woman, when He first instituted marriage back in the Garden of Eden.. It also reflects the relationship of Christ with His church.

See! I can be semi-serious! Who knew!

 

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TODAY'S QUIZ: Name three sets of  things ("a time to be born and a time to die" counts as one set.) that Solomon says there is time for in Ecclesiastes.

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NEWS!!!! 

AND THE GROSS OUT CHALLENGE WINNER IS..........  PASTOR......  BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Come and gross him out this Sunday at noon!  Be a part of dumping all sorts of nasty stuff on him.  He is soooooooo looking forward to it.

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SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL IS GOING TO BE PLAYING GAMES DURING THE SUNDAY SCHOOL TIME STARTING THIS SUNDAY, JUNE 5.  These games will fit in with the lesson for each week. 

They have many of the games needed, however, we would like more copies of some and we are still in search of a few.  

The following is a list of wanted games: 

Checkers

Life

Chutes and Ladders

Sorry

Trouble 

Hungry, Hungry Hippos 

Candy Land

Jenga

Connect Four 

Operation 

Battleship.  

We will be able to return the games to you after the weekly lesson and no later than Labor Day Sunday.  Please check the games to see they have the pieces needed to play and mark the boxes with your name.  The games may be left in Kelsey's office.

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OUR CHOIR SANG THEIR LAST SONG FOR THEIR CHOIR SEASON ON SUNDAY.  THEY'RE TAKING A BREAK UNTIL AUGUST!

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CHOIR MEMBERS WHO PRACTICE THEIR REAR ENDS OFF AND COMMIT TONS OF TIME TO MAKE OUR WORSHIP SERVICES SPECIAL! 

Thank you! Janice Walters, Donna Lindsey, Kailyn Blechle, Taryn Linke, Rebecca Winn, Rebecca Bettlach, Lois Boeger, Sandy Robine, Sharon Spoede, Torre Statler, Pam Linke, Don Nolte, Doug Walters, Jim Rahn, John Hachtel, Alan Hofeldt and Steve Robine and especially their fearless leader BARB DREYER, for your dedication and leadership!
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STEPHEN MINISTRY IS REBOOTING AND REENERGIZING AND NEEDS MORE FOLKS TO BE A PART OF IT!! 

Read below if you would like to know more about Stephen Ministry and what it entails!!

 

WHAT IS STEPHEN MINISTRY?

Stephen Ministry is a lay ministry of caring for individuals on a one to one basis through listening and prayer. 

 

WHO NEEDS A STEPHEN MINISTER

Basically anyone who has gone or is going through some type of struggle or loss could benefit from a visit from a Stephen Minister. People who are going through grief, divorce, loneliness, or a whole host of other circumstances are all good candidates for a Stephen Minister.

 

WHO LEADS AND DIRECTS IT?

It is led by lay people, under the supervision of Pastor, who have been trained to be Stephen Leaders at a special Stephen Leader training course.  Molly Hendershot, Joanne Hachtel, and Chrissy Groeber are our current Stephen leaders. 

 

HOW DOES ONE BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER?

Stephen Ministers go through 50 hours of training to be the best active listeners and responsible caregivers that they can be.

 

WHAT DO STEPHEN MINISTERS DO ONCE THEY ARE TRAINED?  Stephen Ministers are responsible to

Listen

Pray

Share Christ's love

Attend to the caregiver process and leave the results to God. 

Maintain confidentiality

 

WHAT IS CONFIDENTIALITY

Everything that a Stephen Minister talks about with a care giver is to be kept between the Stephen Minister and the care receiver.  It is a very private matter and cannot and should not be divulged to anyone, unless that care receiver requests it. 

 

WHO CAN BE A STEPHEN MINISTER?

Anyone who has a heart for hurting souls can be a Stephen Minister.  It does require a time commitment, so be sure that you have enough time to commit to the training and to being a Stephen Minister (About 1-2 hours a week.)

 

WHY DO WE NEED STEPHEN MINISTERS? 

It's best to answer this one right from the Scriptures.  In Acts 6 we see that the disciples were getting very busy as the church was growing exponentially.  They needed some "helpers' to help take care of the needs of the people.  So they chose seven people, one of whom was Stephen, to help take care of the physical and spiritual needs of the people. 

            To these seven, and then to billions after them in the millennia since, have been given the task of being the ears, hands, and hearts to care for the people.

            St. John's is in need of such people!  As our congregation grows and changes and as needs increase, the need for Stephen Ministers increases as well.  We just need more people listening and praying and that's what Stephen Ministers do.    

 

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO EB ASSIGNED TO A STEPHEN MINISTER AS A CARE RECEIVER?

Contact one of the Stephen Leaders, Marilyn, or Pastor and we will get you set up.  Church phone is 636-456-2888  or Pastor's cell is  636-359-1061

 

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BECOME A STEPHEN MINISTER?

1. Contact one of our Stephen Leaders, Pastor, or Marilyn to be put on a list of trainees.  636-456-2888  or Pastor's cell at 636-359-1061

2. Wait for enough people to fill out the list.

3. Attend and participate in training when it is scheduled.  We have to wait till there are enough people willing to go through the Stephen Ministry training before we start.

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CALLING ALL 18-40 YEAR OLDS!!

What?  Barbecue Picnic

When? Saturday, June 18, at 6pm (after worship)

Where? Church Pavilion

Who?  All 18-40 year olds and their friends

Why? 1. Fun and Fellowship (getting to know others)

2. Fact Finding and Future Planning (How can the congregation better serve this generation, and how can this generation be of service to, in and through the congregation?)

 

What will be provided?  Hamburgers, hotdogs, pork steaks, buns, plates, napkins, cups, and plasticware, tea, and lemondade. 

 

What should I bring? Bring your own adult beverages and a side dish or dessert to share. 

 

Please RSVP by Sunday, June 12 if you can, but if you don't RSVP, please come!  The Lord will provide.

 

PAPER RECYCLING AT CHURCH

DO NOT LEAVE THE PAPER IN A PLASTIC BAG WHEN YOU DROP IT IN THE BIN.  DUMP IT OUT OF THE BAG! 

 

No cardboard, plastic, or foam allowed.

 

You may have noticed the big red dumpster on the parking lot.  That is for you to dump your used paper!!

Any kind and color of paper is acceptable.  No cardboard. 

 

Church will get money per pound.

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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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TRIBUTE TO VETERANS MEMORIAL PAVER PROJECT IS UNDERWAY

Place your order online at www.tributetoveteransmemorial.org  or get an application from the office.

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PASTOR KLAUSTERMEIER IS BIKING 1,000 MILES THIS SUMMER FOR LEADACHILD!!!

We have been blessed beyond measure in the United States haven't we?  I want you to join me in making a global difference by releasing children from poverty through Christian education.

 

Instead of taking a week off and joining my fellow Lead a Child bikers who are riding the Fault Line across four states this year,  I have decided to go solo and bike 1,000 miles locally and while on vacation by August 1 to raise funds for LeadaChild. Would you sponsor me so that I can raise funds to support this most worthy organization?  In my opinion, there is no more worthy organization to support than LeadaChild!

 

LeadaChild  provides educational assistance to over 26,000 children and shares the love of Jesus Christ with the students and their families! LeadaChild supports the poorest of the poor children through Christian education in the following countries:

Guatemala                    Chad                       Honduras               Palestine               Haiti             Uganda

Gambia                          Ivory Coast            El Salvador            Nigeria                   Panama       Nicaragua

Burma                            Ghana                     Chile                       Venezuela             Bolivia         Mexico

Liberia                            Uruguay                Sri Lanka                India                       Guinea        Sierra Leone   

Bangladesh                   Cambodia              South Africa         Togo                       Thailand

 These students need your help to find a way out of poverty through Christian education and learn of the hope of Christ our Savior.

 

Please fill out your information below and send it with your check or donate online through the LeadaChild website: http://www.leadachild.org/bike

 

Every dollar makes a difference. Please give generously.  Please remember all of the riders in your prayers!  Thank you much for your support!

 

Biking For Kids Together,

Pastor Jeremy Klaustermeier

 

LeadaChild  is a 501 C-3 non-profit organization and is a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

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OPERATION BACKPACK FOR MAY IS CANNED FRUIT!!!

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 ROGER KLAUSTERMEIER, Pastor's dad,  who is having his gall bladder removed this morning. 

 

For WALT SCHIRR who is at home and doing well recovering from an infection.

 

For BARB PERRICONE as she continues to recover from pneumonia at Parklane Rehab.

 

For PAT JAEGER, who has had her knee replacement surgery postponed. 

 

For BRIAN TAMPOW, a friend of Steve and Toni Mauch, who will be having cancer surgery soon, and chemo and radiation afterwards on a tumor just behind his tonsils.

 

For JIM HUSTER who is recovering at home from pneumonia.

 

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.