DEVOTION: Genesis 50:15-21 English Standard Version (ESV)
God's Good Purposes
15 When Joseph's brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, "It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil that we did to him." 16 So they sent a message to Joseph, saying, "Your father gave this command before he died: 17 'Say to Joseph, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." 19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people[a] should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.
Joseph could've held a grudge. He had every right to do so. His brothers did try to kill him and then sold him into slavery after all. In our human eyes he had every right to pay them back for all the evil they did to him and all the bad things he had to endure in his life. But he didn't. He realized the good that God worked out through his trials and struggles, all that he was able to do for his brothers and the whole nations of Israel and Egypt, and how God had molded him through it all, and HE FORGAVE HIS BROTHERS.
We should take this lesson from Joseph when it comes to how others treat us. We should not hold grudges. We should not let the evil that people do to us and the bad things that happen to us run and ruin our lives. Instead, we should let the power of the Holy Spirit work through us and in us to forgive and to realize the good that God is trying to do in and through those struggles. We should FORGIVE, FORGIVE, FORGIVE!
Why? Because it does us no good to hold grudges and seek vengeance. Because there is only good in reconciling with others. And because GOD SAID SO!
When? RIGHT NOW!
How? With the power of the Holy Spirit. You don't do the forgiving. It's the power of the Holy Spirit working through you that does it!
Who? Everyone!
Where? Go to them and be reconciled! Don't wait for them to come to you and say they're sorry.
BE RECONCILED! BE FORGIVING! BE FORGIVEN! BE A CHRISTIAN!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the power and responsibility to forgive fully and completely. Help me to use it wisely and often. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilting 9-2
Wed- Outreach meeting 5; Stephen Ministry 6; Choir 7
Thurs- Newsletter deadline; Pasto Holder from seminary here 1-6pm; Karate 6:15-7:45; Lutheranism 101 6:30
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; Worship 5pm
Sun Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
Sat-
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jared Cluver; 11- Cameron Faerber
Ushers- Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover
Altar- Set up- Don Hance; Clean Up- Terry McKenzie
Elders- Sat- Roy Bohning; Sun- 8:30- Steve Robine; 11- Don Turnure
Greeters- 8:30- Dave and Linda Callies; 11- Marv and Molly Hendershot
Lay Reader- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- John Hachtel, 11- Ben Hoelscher
Organist- Barb Dreyer
Sat Pianist- Kathy Barrow
Projectionist: Sat- Fischer; Sun, 8:30- McKenzie 11- ???
TELLERS: Team #3
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ : Name one of Job's friends. Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar and Elihu. (Thanks Don and Pat!)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Find the verses of Job's response to his friends. (His response is quite funny I think.)
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NEWS
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED BECOMING A PASTOR OR DEACONNESS OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS?
Rev. Scott Holder, admissions counselor from Concordia Seminary, will be here on Thursday, September 14 from 1-6pm. He is interested in meeting with students of all ages, elementary school age through adults. Appointments are individual, informal, and family/friends are welcome to come with you. Appointments are not necessary but encouraged. If you are interested in scheduling a specific time, call Pastor Holder at 314-505-7225 or email him at holders@csl.edu
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SUNDAY SCHOOL RALLY DAY PART TWO THIS COMING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 9:45!!!
They didn't get to all the games and fun they wanted to do yesterday so the fun and festivities will continue this coming Sunday during Sunday school! Please come and join us and bring some friends!!
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DOOR OFFERINGS THE NEXT TWO WEEKENDS TO HELP THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HARVEY!
Lutheran Trust of St. Louis will match all offerings 100% up to $10,000 per congregation and $1,000,000 total through September 24.
If you bring a check, make it out to St. John's and in the mem write "Hurricane Relief". All offerings will go to LCMS Disaster Relief. This is the best way to help!
If, for some reason, you can't make it to church or would like to donate directly, go to www.lcms.org/harvey to donate and let us know that you did.
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NEW OUTREACH BOOKLET DISPLAY AT CHURCH
Our board of outreach and evangelism purchased a set of outreach booklets on all different topics of interest. They are for you to use for yourself, but also to take to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors who may be dealing with the things covered in these booklets or may just have questions regarding to the faith. Please check it out and as it says, TAKE ONE…. OR TWO OR THREE!
LAY READERS STILL NEEDED ESPECIALLY FOR 11AM SERVICE!!!
If you are willing to be an integral part of worship and serve in this way, please reply to this email or call church at 456-2888! We need you!
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ALL MEMBERS OF ST. JOHN"S ARE INVITED TO KARIN KLAUSTERMEIER'S 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 6-10pm!!
PLEASE RSVP by replying to this email or texting/messaging me. 636-359-1061
It's not a surprise, because I'm no good at surprises and she always figures them out.
She would like everyone to make a donation to www.leadachild.org in lieu of gifts.
Since her favorite day of the year is April Fools Day, and she is legendary for her April Fools pranks, I would like everyone to play their favorite prank or practical joke on her that day. She will appreciate it greatly I am sure!
Besides that, there is no need to bring anything but yourself. All food and drinks will be provided.
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DO YOU HAVE A THRIVENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNT OR POLICY?
You may be eligible to receive money for Little Lambs or Good Shepherd!! Go to www.thrivent.com/choicedollars to check it out!
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OUR NEXT FIFTH SUNDAY CELEBRATION WILL BE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29… REFORMATION SUNDAY!! TO CELEBRATE THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEGINNING OF THE REFORMATION AND THE POSTING OF THE 95 THESES BY MARTIN LUTHER ON THE CASTLE CHURCH DOOR IN WITTENBERG, GERMANY!!
It is going to be a blowout celebration! Mark your calendars today to make sure you are there to enjoy the celebration!
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER IS CANNED FRUIT. Please bring items up to church and put them in the tub marked "Backpack Blessings".
PRAYERS:
For the INFANT GRANDSON OF DANE AND JODI BALDWIN who was born twelve weeks premature. Right now he is getting some help with breathing, but all vitals and everything are good. He was born at 2 and a half pounds.
For DIANE BROCKFELD, who is recovering from a blood clot in her lungs.
For THOSE IN THE CARIBBEAN, FLORIDA, AND THE EAST COAST who are dealing with hurricane Irma.
For THOSE IN TEXAS AND LOUISIANA who are dealing with historic flooding and damage from hurricane Harvey.
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as he continues to fight cancer and goes through cancer treatments.
For CAL TAMELER who is HOME and is recovering from surgeries and a heart attack.
For LIL WINTER who is home, but is still awaiting test results and doctor's orders to get several procedures done.
For ANGIE BRUNSON, who is at home, but is still dealing with blood clots and an infection after a trouble from a hysterectomy.
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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For SAM HARGROVE deployed in Amman, Jordan and DAN DREYER deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, that the Lord would keep them safe from harm during their service and bring them home safely.
For DAVID TATE stationed in Japan, COLTON FIGURA stationed in California, and ALEX WALTERS, stationed in Tennessee. That God would bless their service to our country and keep them safe as they all await possible deployment.
For CALEB FIGURA AND VINCE MASTERS who are both serving our country in the National Guard and take time out of their lives, jobs, and families to go on duty several times a year.
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