DEVOTION: Luke 16:19-31 (ESV)
"The Rich Man and Lazarus"
19 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.[a] The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' 27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' 29 But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"
At first glance, it looks like Jesus is saying that if you don't help poor people and give them what they need, you're going to hell. Not so fast.
Apathy and disregard for those who are hurting and those who are lost is just a symptom of a much bigger problem. UNBELIEF.
The rich man went to hell because of his unbelief, which caused him to not care for Lazarus even though Lazarus laid at his gate and begged with sores all over his body. He had the ability to help and he didn't, because the Holy Spirit didn't live in Him.
Surely there is a difference between the poor and those who can help themselves but don't. There is also a difference between those who use and abuse those who help and those who truly need help. We need to be discerning in these matters.
Helping people usually means getting involved in their lives and finding out if they're true or charlatans. It means digging deeper. It means caring for their soul. That takes work, effort, and time. It takes a heart that truly cares for those who are less fortunate than we are. it means getting your hands and your heart dirty.
That's what true ministry and mission work is all about. It is a messy thing. It is full of twists and turns, difficulties and heartaches. But it is also the most rewarding thing a person can do.
If God has given you a heart for the downtrodden, hurting, and lost then go with your heart. The Holy Spirit works when and where he will, and he definitely works in all of his children!
Also, know that there will come times when you won't help those who need help like you should. It's not ok. there's no excuse for it, but it is also sin that God forgives in those who believe. Repent! Turn from your sin and receive the refreshing peace that true forgiveness can give. Then go and do as the Holy Spirit moves you! Don't just give under compulsion, but out of love for the person you are giving to. Give out of love and you will be blessed!
Let us pray: Lord, turn my heart of stone to a heart filled with love for the lost. Then help me to use my gifts to serve those you love. Amen.
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CALENDAR
Thurs- Karate 6-7:30; No Lutheranism 101 tonight.
Fri- Assemble newsletter 9am; Men leave for men's retreat
Sat- St John's booth at the Fall Festival downtown Noon-9pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Chapel 11; Basement reserved all afternoon
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Addie Hoelscher 11- Savannah Masters
Ushers- Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke
Altar- Set up- Jodi Baldwin; Clean Up- Lois Boeger
Elders- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- Randy Sweet; 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- John and Joanne Hachtel; 11- Dave and Lil Winter
Lay Readers- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- Jim Rahn
Piano- Sat- Molly Hendershot
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Kathy Fischer; 8:30- Schaumbergs
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who was the ffirst person that ever saw the "writing on the wall"? King Belshazzar.
"The Rich Man and Lazarus"
19 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side.[a] The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' 27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' 29 But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"
At first glance, it looks like Jesus is saying that if you don't help poor people and give them what they need, you're going to hell. Not so fast.
Apathy and disregard for those who are hurting and those who are lost is just a symptom of a much bigger problem. UNBELIEF.
The rich man went to hell because of his unbelief, which caused him to not care for Lazarus even though Lazarus laid at his gate and begged with sores all over his body. He had the ability to help and he didn't, because the Holy Spirit didn't live in Him.
Surely there is a difference between the poor and those who can help themselves but don't. There is also a difference between those who use and abuse those who help and those who truly need help. We need to be discerning in these matters.
Helping people usually means getting involved in their lives and finding out if they're true or charlatans. It means digging deeper. It means caring for their soul. That takes work, effort, and time. It takes a heart that truly cares for those who are less fortunate than we are. it means getting your hands and your heart dirty.
That's what true ministry and mission work is all about. It is a messy thing. It is full of twists and turns, difficulties and heartaches. But it is also the most rewarding thing a person can do.
If God has given you a heart for the downtrodden, hurting, and lost then go with your heart. The Holy Spirit works when and where he will, and he definitely works in all of his children!
Also, know that there will come times when you won't help those who need help like you should. It's not ok. there's no excuse for it, but it is also sin that God forgives in those who believe. Repent! Turn from your sin and receive the refreshing peace that true forgiveness can give. Then go and do as the Holy Spirit moves you! Don't just give under compulsion, but out of love for the person you are giving to. Give out of love and you will be blessed!
Let us pray: Lord, turn my heart of stone to a heart filled with love for the lost. Then help me to use my gifts to serve those you love. Amen.
_________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR
Thurs- Karate 6-7:30; No Lutheranism 101 tonight.
Fri- Assemble newsletter 9am; Men leave for men's retreat
Sat- St John's booth at the Fall Festival downtown Noon-9pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Chapel 11; Basement reserved all afternoon
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Addie Hoelscher 11- Savannah Masters
Ushers- Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke
Altar- Set up- Jodi Baldwin; Clean Up- Lois Boeger
Elders- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- Randy Sweet; 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- John and Joanne Hachtel; 11- Dave and Lil Winter
Lay Readers- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- Jim Rahn
Piano- Sat- Molly Hendershot
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Kathy Fischer; 8:30- Schaumbergs
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who was the ffirst person that ever saw the "writing on the wall"? King Belshazzar.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who interpreted the writing on the wall and what did the writing on the wall mean?
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NEWS!!!!
HELP IS STILL NEEDED FOR ST. JOHN'S CONCESSION BOOTH AT THE FALL FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY!!
1. We will be serving beer at the Fall Festival on Main Street that will be taking place September 24th from 12:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. We need volunteers to set up at around 9:30 and folks to serve from noon-9pm (If you can only do an hour or two that'd be great too.)
2. The Oktoberfest committee is still looking for some help on October 1st from 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. We need people to help with food, games, set up, and tear down.
If you can help with either of these call Kelsey at 573-803-7826 or reply to this email, and I will forward the info to her.
2. The Oktoberfest committee is still looking for some help on October 1st from 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. We need people to help with food, games, set up, and tear down.
If you can help with either of these call Kelsey at 573-803-7826 or reply to this email, and I will forward the info to her.
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MEN'S RETREAT IS THIS WEEKEND!
You can still go if you want to. Cost is $55! Call or text me at 636-359-1061 or reply to this email.
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OKTOBERFEST IS OCTOBER 1!!
Where? St. John's
What? a genuine Oktoberfest with real German food, bier, polka, games, bounce houses, and lots of fun!!
When? 4-10pm on October 1
What is needed? There are a lot of supplies and volunteers that are needed to make this happen! Call or text Kelsey @ 573-803-7826 to volunteer or to find out what is still needed.
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ANNUAL VENDOR FAIR IS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 9am-2pm!
Vendors should reserve their table through the church office 456-2888. Tables rent for $25 and checks should be madde payable to St. John's Ladies Aid.
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DO YOU SHOP AT KROGER? IF YOU DO YOU CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS!!!
Little Lambs receives a percentage of your purchases when you register your Kroger Plus Card number at www.kroger.com/communityawards. Register today!
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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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GENERAL PRAYER
For BOB RUHL as he continues to struggle greatly to get better. He is still in New Florence Care Center.
For PAM BUELTMANN as she recovers from a broken hip at Cedar Crest Nursing and Rehab in Washington.
For JOYCE PIETZSCHKE as she is recovering from pneumonia and intestinal issues. She Is now in Parklane Rehab in Wentzville.
For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH who is recovering from a severe kidney infection at home.
For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been placed on hospice care due to cancer. She is at home.
For DENNIS PERREY, who is recovering at home from a very serious tractor and brush hog accident. He has 6 broken ribs, both lungs were punctured and, 2 vertebrae were cracked.
