Daily Email: Thursday, April 27, 2017

DEVOTION:  Luke 24:13-35English Standard Version (ESV)

On the Road to Emmaus

¹³ That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles^[a] from Jerusalem, ¹⁴ and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. ¹⁵ While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. ¹⁶ But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.¹⁷ And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. ¹⁸ Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" ¹⁹ And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰ and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. ²¹ But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. ²² Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning, ²³ and when they did not find his body, they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. ²⁴ Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see." ²⁵ And he said to them, "O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" ²⁷ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

²⁸ So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He acted as if he were going farther, ²⁹ but they urged him strongly, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. ³⁰ When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed and broke it and gave it to them. ³¹ And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight. ³² They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?" ³³ And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem. And they found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, ³⁴ saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" ³⁵ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

 

SO many of us are walking with Jesus every day, or I should say that Jesus is walking with us, and we don't even realize it.  We tend to keep the blinders on and just go about our day from one hour to the next, from one day to the next, from one week, month, and year to the next only thinking about the physical things of this life; success, money, health, jobs, bills, etc. and we just plain forget that Jesus is right there, right next to us. 

 

As a pastor, it is kind of my job to think spiritually, to think past this world to the one where Jesus reigns supreme.  Yet, I can't help myself sometimes.  Even I fail to live for the here and now, the constant struggles with the devil, the world, and my sinful nature, and I forget that there is a Jesus and a world of peace in me and with me every step of the way. 

 

When I do finally remember that, it lifts my spirits, and I am able to take a deep, fresh breath and let the world's troubles out of my grasp.  I can trust in the Lord Jesus for my peace and security, that even though the world is crumbling all around, I am safe and secure in the holy ark of Christ! 

 

You can have that same safe and secure feeling.  Maybe you already do today.  If not, know that the burning in your heart that the disciples on the road to Emmaus felt is yours too.  Know that he is walking with you even when you don't know it or acknowledge it.  Know that he will make himself known to you in the break of the bread in the Lord's Supper and in His Word as you hear it, study it, bring it to mind, and live in it.  LIVE IN PEACE TODAY!

 

Lord, thank you for always being with me even when I don't "feel" you.  Remind me of your presence and my eternal security in you.  Amen.

 

 

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CALENDAR:

Thurs- Newsletter assembly 1pm

Sat- Worship 5pm

Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11am

______________________________________________________________________WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Abby Vossen; 11- Luke Rausch

 

Ushers- 8:30- Rich Boeger, Don Hance, Don Tate, Doug Walters

 

Altar- Set up- Linda Callies; Clean Up- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer

 

Elders- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Randy Sweet, 11 Charlie Figura
 
Greeters-  8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Al and Karen Benton

Lay Readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone; 8:30- Erv Yoder ; 11- Karen Benton

 

Organist- Rachel Fisher  8:30 and 11

 

Sat Pianist- Barb Dreyer

Projectionists: Sat- Kathy Fischer; 8:30- Schaumberg; 11- Lydia Miller
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ 

Find a Psalm that was NOT written by David.

 

Psalms 72-89 were written by Asaph and the sons of Korah.

 

Any others that anyone can find?

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NEWS!!!!

JOB OPENING FOR OUR CHURCH SECRETARY.  RESUME DEADLINE IS THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 30!!!

Starting salary $25,000 plus benefits including health insurance. 

 

Resumes are now being accepted.  You can email them to pastor or bring them in to pastor at his office.  Interviews will take place once all resumes are received.  The name of the person that the interview committee chooses will be brought to the voter's assembly for approval on Sunday, May 21. 

 

Please email resumes to me or bring them in to my office. 

 

Below is the Job Description

 

Please note that a lot of the work requires proficiency in several different computer programs.  Programs such as Excel, Word, Powerpoint, and several financial record keeping programs are used on a regular basis.

 

FULL TIME Church Office Administrator/Secretary Job Description

Purpose:  To serve the church by providing administrative and secretarial services to the Pastor and various committees and board.

1. Receive and screen incoming calls, taking clear messages and returning calls, if asked, of the Pastor. Many times it just requires a "compassionate listener" for members calling that just want to talk.  Many use the church office as a place to get information on other members who are ill or moved or for telephone numbers.
2. Maintain an accurate and up to date calendar of church activities and meetings.

a.      Co-ordinate all activities between church basement rentals (collecting fees with Trustee guidelines) meetings, activities, keep cleaning service informed if cleaning time interferes.

b.      Co-ordinate between Pre-school activities and church activities

3. Prepare weekly bulletins, monthly newsletters, various agendas for church council, elders, voters meetings etc, and make necessary copies.
4. Maintain communication with shut-in members. Mail weekly bulletins, "HomeTouch" devotion and activity sheets weekly. Mail monthly newsletters.
5. Pick up, sort and open mail, direct to appropriate persons in congregation, draft responses as required. Insure outgoing mail is mailed daily.

a.      Newsletters and other bulk mail is taken to post office and packaged according to postal regulations.

b.      Make sure money is kept on deposit at the post office to cover mailings and returned mail.

6. Maintain up to date and organized files and records as required.

a.      Such as membership information – mail personal letters to new members

b.      Mail letters to Memorial donors

c.       General bookkeeping for the congregation ie: co-ordinate with Financial Secretary each week to insure funds placed in proper accounts, make sure all bills are accurate and paid promptly, payroll for employees (church staff, Little Lambs) pay federal & state taxes & file tax forms, keep up to date with Concordia Plan Services on changes. File the employees Concordia Plan Retirement Fund.

d.      Financial reports for congregation

e.      Maintain records of Little Lambs expenses, paid by congregation, for monthly bill

f.        Make out W-2 & 1099 forms and file by January 31.

7. Keep in touch with the Trustees regarding items needing immediate attention.
8. Keep Pastor informed of members with health issues so that contact can be made.
9. Maintain current birthday and anniversary list for the Elders. Advise elders of new members, attendance issues, and other things necessary regarding the members in each Elder's group.
10. Co-ordinate and order Altar flowers, making sure flowers are paid from the members.
11. Enter attendance records weekly.
12. Secure volunteer help when needed, bulletins, newsletters & other projects. Keep list of those that want to volunteer.
13. Prepare monthly schedules for Greeters, Lay Readers, Acolytes, and yearly usher schedule.
14. Weekly Power Point for church news before service begins.
15. Work with Pastor and other church committees and boards as necessary in developing new ideas or special projects and in carrying out the ministry of the church.
16. Keep informed on openings in Preschool to inform parents that call wanting information on Little Lambs – take enrollment forms and fees, especially during summer months.
17. Keep office equipment in working order – order all office supplies – Altar Guild supplies – order items for boards Sunday School & Little Lambs when needed.
18. Attend Council and Voters meetings.
19. ShopwScrip ordering
20. Maintain confidentiality of all formal and informal communications you may read, have or may overhear unless specifically permitted to share with others.
21. Manage and update church website and all social media on a weekly basis
22. Prepare Powerpoint for worship when volunteer is unavailable. 
23. Church membership is not required, but if he or she is a member, he or she must be faithful in worship attendance and in stewardship of time, talents, and treasures.
24. He or she should attend Stephen Ministry training as soon as it is offered. 
25. Cooperate with pastor and others to do other nonspecific duties as needed
26. Have the same attitude as Christ- that is-take on the form of a servant in the performance of your duties at St. John's.

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NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER BREAKFAST AND WORSHIP IS THURSDAY, MAY 4!!

Breakfast- 6:30-7am (biscuits and gravy, sausage, and scrambled eggs)

Prayer service- 7am (Prayer, praise, and singing)

 

Please join us!!

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LOSING TO GAIN UPDATE  14 lbs in 24 days.  PLEASE PRAY FOR ME THAT I CAN EAT "CLEAN" THIS WEEK AND CATCH UP TO STAY ON TRACK FOR MY GOAL!

Between Monday, April 3 and Friday, September 1,  I plan on losing as much weight as possible and as is healthy for me to lose.  My goal, the Lord willing, is 100lbs. which averages out to about 2/3 of a pound a day.   

 

I would like all of you to consider sponsoring me with a pledge of money per pound.  It can be $100, $10, $1, .50, or whatever  per pound.  The amount is up to you.

 

You will also have your choice of three different causes to donate to. 

 

Lead a Child--  An organization that raises money for Lutheran churches and schools in third world countries so that kids can go to school, get a quality education, and learn about Jesus.  (Go to www.leadachild.org to learn more)

 

Warren County Literacy Inc.---  Helping children achieve and grow in literacy in Warren County.  Our main emphasis is the bookcase project in which bookcases and books are donated to between 60-80 children from the Youth In Need and Headstart programs in Warren County.  We also have several "Little Free Libraries"  around the county.    (Check it out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Warren-County-Literacy-Inc-1763714847229903/?ref=bookmarks or http://www.warrencountybookcaseproject.org/

 

Warren County Pregnancy Option Center---  This will be a place where expectant mothers and fathers can go and get counseling, coaching and referrals to medical services they need so that they can keep their child or give it up for adoption.   Our first annual banquet is Thursday, April 20 at 7pm at Holy Rosary, and I still need two people to fill the table.  More info will be coming soon about a Facebook page and websites. 

 

 

Please reply to this email if you'd like to pledge, and I will record it for you! 

 

I started out at 336lbs on Monday, and I am down to 332 as of yesterday afternoon.  Please pray for me and for this endeavor!  Keep me accountable! 

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LITTLE LAMBS ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR IS OPEN!!!!

 Student must be 3 for younger class  or 4 for older class by August 1.

$45 nonrefundable registration fee required.

Registration packets can be picked up at Little Lambs during school hours and in the church office during non-school hours. 

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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL IS

Soup and Ramen Noodles.  Place them in the receptacle marked "Backpack Blessings" in the narthex.

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AGAPE DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!!

Any nonperishable food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.!!

 

Perishable food items can be taken directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton.  Call 456-4645 to find out when they're open or for more info.

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YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS

Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!

GENERAL PRAYER

For RANDY SWEET AND HIS FAMILY as they mourn the loss of his mother Rose, who passed from death to life.

 

For CAROL BRAZEE having sinus surgery today.

 

For KEN FOSTER having back surgery today.

 

For PAT KING, as she is recovering from knee replacement surgery at home.

 

For MARILYN FOSTER as she prepares for her retirement.

 

For PATTY SWEET'S MOTHER,  Virginia, Patty's mom, who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of her life.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE KRAMER, whose leukemia is back after a brief respite from it.  She had it for several years while in high school.  (She grew up riding Karin's school bus to school.)

 

For Mim Dunn's nephew DAVID HAHN who is dealing with severe throat cancer.

 

For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, EVELYN TOEDEBUSCH,  who has been on hospice care for the last few months and slows down a little more every day, but is doing well.