31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." 33 They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?"
34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave[a] to sin. 35 The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
Freedom is something we in the United States take for granted. We just go about our day not thinking that there are people in many nations of the world who are not allowed to worship freely, to have the job you want, to talk about your faith, to go to the grocery store, to have land, etc. We take all these things for granted because we've always had them.
The Pharisees had the same thing. Even though their ancestors had been slaves in Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon to name a few, they, themselves, were never slaves to anyone. So they were offended when Jesus told them that they would be set free. They were already free.
What Jesus really meant is what he says next. Everyone who sins is a slave to sin. I was a slave, you were a slave, everyone who has ever sinned was a slave to sin. I say "was", because Christ has come and set you free from that sin that once held you captive. You don't have to remain in it. You can run to the risen Christ and throw it off at his feet. You don't have to hold on to your guilt ever again. When you sin, you can quickly run to Jesus and ask for forgiveness, knowing that he is faithful and just to forgive your sin and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. When the devil tries to convince you that you are still guilty of sin, you can tell off the devil, and remind him that Jesus already died and rose for ALL of your sin!
If THE SON SETS YOU FREE YOU ARE FREE INDEED!! You are free from guilt, and shame! You are free from further punishment. You are free to live a grace filled life with joy and peace! Don't take it for granted! Don't slough it off. Don't ignore it! Live it in all its fullness and truth! LIVE IT FREE!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for making me free forever. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Thurs- Confirmation make up 6pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm; Karate 6:15-7:45
Fri- Assemble newsletter 9
Sat- Men's breakfast 8; NO WORSHIP
Sun- Sunday school and Bible class 9; Worship 10; Fried Chicken and Potluck Lunch 11:30; Bounce House, music, games Noon-3
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- Nova Luebke
Ushers- Bob Linke, Tom Linke, Dick Petersen
Altar- Set up- Jodi Baldwin; Clean Up- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer
Elder- Jason Cluver
Greeters- Tom and Pam Linke
Lay Reader- Jenniffer Figura
Organist- Pat Golden
Projectionist: Terry McKenzie
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:
What was Matthew's occupation before he became a disciple? Tax collector (Thanks Don!)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Where can you find the sermon on the mount?
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NEWS:
MEN'S BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY AT 8AM!!
Calling all males!! Please join us for Bible study, fellowship, and prayer this Saturday at 8am!! We'll have biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, eggs, and fruit! We'll finish up our video study of "The Case for Christ".
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500th ANNIVERSARY REFORMATION CELEBRATION THIS SUNDAY!!!
Sunday school- 9am
Worship- 10am
Potluck Picnic with Fried Chicken- 11:30 (Please bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share!)
Pitch the Keys Singing- Noon
Bounce House, Live Polka Music , Games, Fellowship, Fun--- Noon- 3pm
PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! INVITE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!! We want this to be a community event to show everyone that Lutherans are great people who have the truth of the Gospel and the peace of knowing we are saved by grace through faith on account of Christ!!!
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LADIES AID VENDOR FAIR AND BAKE SALE COMING UP SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
If you would like to be a vendor or know someone who would, the cost is $20 per spot. They also need baked goods. Call 456-2888 to reserve your spot or to let them know you'll donate some baked goods.
Invite your friends and family and come on down to enjoy it!
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We are in need of nominations for the elections that will take place on Sunday, November 19. Below is what we need:
Board of elders- 3 men of good standing in the church who are active: main duties include, worship and communion assistance, member care, developing of budget for salary and benefits for staff. They usually meet on the second Sunday of each month at noon. (Dave Winter is timed out and two of our other elders have resigned this year.)
Board of trustees- 3 people- main duties include taking care of St. John's property and approving budget for insurance and maintenance. They meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm and have several work days (usually on Saturday morning) throughout the year. (Teresa Scott and Gary Hoelscher are both timed out and Scott Heitgerd has transferred to Immanuel, Wentzville)
Board of education- 2 people needed- Main duties include planning, preparation and carrying out of Sunday school program, VBS, and other education programs. They usually meet on an as needed basis. (Naomi Johnson is unable to continue due to work and family responsibilities and Lisa Rausch's first term is up) We are in desperate need of a couple people who have the time and energy available to commit to this board.
Secretary- This is not the same as our office administrator, Terry; This person is responsible for taking minutes at voter's and council meetings, and for preparing agendas for the same. This person can also be a signer on checks and other official documents. (Patty Sweet has decided to go to a different church)
If you would like to nominate someone, including yourself, or have possible suggestions, please reply to this email, or call me at 636-359-1061
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SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORY VERSE IS: "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers." 1 Thessalonians 1:2
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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, PLEASE TAKE ONE!
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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OPERATION BACKPACK DONATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS CANNED VEGETABLES. PLEASE BRING YOUR DONATIONS TO CHURCH AND PUT THEM IN THE TUB MARKED "BACKPACK BLESSINGS"!
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PRAYERS:
Two prayers for MARILYN FOSTER, 1. thanksgiving I am free of melanoma & can heal now. 2. prayers for successful Retina surgery this Friday.
For JOYCE PIETZSCHKE who fell and will have surgery on Friday to repair her arm.
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as he recovers from chemo treatments and is awaiting several doctor's appointments this week.
For RON HEITGERD hospitalized, going through dialysis and is recovering from an infection in his foot.
For BUCK HAMPTON hospitalized, dealing with cancer and chemo treatments.
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.
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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For SAM HARGROVE deployed in Kuwait 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.
