DEVOTION: Ephesians 3:1-12 English Standard Version (ESV)
3 For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— 2 assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you, 3 how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. 4 When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.6 This mystery is[a] that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power. 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in[b] God, who created all things, 10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. 11 This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
Gospel…. Faith….. these are words usually reserved for those of the churchly ilk, but it need not be, in fact, it should not be. Just like Paul, we have been made stewards of the mysteries of the Gospel and faith, and as stewards of these gifts from God, we have been given responsibility of sharing that Gospel and that faith with those around us. We have the privilege of bringing that Gospel into places where it is desperately needed, into the hearts and lives of people who are guilty and lost. We have the joy of seeing people actually hear the Gospel for the first time and the relief and peace they get when they do.
Now we have "boldness and access with confidence through faith in him." Our confidence to proclaim this good news doesn't come from or on our own. It comes from the Holy Spirit through faith. It comes from God living in us and proclaiming his good news through us. It is as Jesus said, "If these be silent, even the rocks will cry out." The Holy Spirit uses our mouths and lives even as he used the star to proclaim the King. You are Christ's vessel, God workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works!
Have confidence and peace that the Holy Spirit is going to work through you and sometimes even in spite of you. Sometimes he's going to use your mistakes and even your sinful life to bring others closer to him. Have confidence in your faith in Christ, and He will do it! Enjoy this new year and all that God is going to do in and through you!
Prayer: Lord God, thank you for working in and through me to be your steward of your Gospel and faith. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Wed- Stephen Ministry 6pm
Thurs- Alzheimers support 1pm; karate 6:15
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and adult Bible class 9:45
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Cameron Faerber; 11- Cierra Figura
Ushers- Alan Hofeldt, Tom Linke, Gary Hoelscher, Ben Hoelscher
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster; Clean Up- Pam Linke
Communion assistant- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30-Johhn Hachtel, 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Projectionists- Sat- Gus Klaustermeier; 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Loren Howard
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier; 8:30- Amber Vossen 11- Addie Hoelscher
Organist- Sat and 8:30- Barb Dreyer
Pianists- 11- Molly Hendershot
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who is James?
- A disciple of Jesus and brother of John
- A brother of Jesus
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who were the three sons of Noah?
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NEWS:
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP VIDEO: Share with someone who needs to hear the good news about Jesus!
NEW YEAR'S EVE WORSHIP VIDEO: Share with someone who needs to hear the good news about Jesus!
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DUE TO SOME TROUBLES WITH OUR CHURCH EMAIL ADDRESS WE HAVE HAD TO GET A NEW ONE
Our new email address is sjwarrlutheran@gmail.com. Please change it in your address books!!
Pastor's email, revklaus@hotmail.com will remain the same.
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NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDY STARTS THIS SUNDAY CALLED "The Bible for Busy People"
It is a brief overview of the main theme of the Scriptures and gives us a wide view of the history of the Bible.
This will be a great study for all who are new to the Bible as well as those who "think" they know everything there is to know about the Bible. Please make plans to join us for our Bible study hour!!
INSTALLATION OF CONGREGATIONAL OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS IS THIS SUNDAY!!
If you have been elected to one of our boards or are continuing as an officer of the congregation, please be in attendance at one of our worship services this weekend to be installed and prayed for as you begin this year's service to our congregation and to the Lord.
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SCRIP ORDERS ARE DUE NEXT MONDAY, JANUARY 8!!
Call the office or fill out a sheet on the counter in the narthex to get your order in!!!!
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2018 OFFERING ENVELOPES BEGIN THIS WEEKEND!! IF YOU HAVEN'T PICKED YYOURS UP YET PLEASE DO SO THIS WEEKEND!!
They are on the shelves below the church mailboxes in the narthex
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A NEW AND EXPANDED VERSION OF LUTHER'S SMALL CATECHISM IS AVAILABLE AT A REDUCED PRICE OF $14.49!!
It is a great tool for learning and for daily meditation and devotions. Sign up to get your copy in the narthex today!
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LITTLE LAMBS IS STILL SELLING CANDY BARS AND COULD USE YOUR HELP!
If you'd like to help sell a box or two of candy bars as a fundraiser for Little Lambs preschool. Let Terry or one of the preschool ladies know. They'll hook you up right quick!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORY VERSE IS: "Rejoice always! Pray without ceasing! Give thanks in all circumstances! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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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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OPERATION BACKPACK DONATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY IS CANNED FRUIT.
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PRAYERS:
For ERV YODER AND HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS as they mourn the loss of his daughter, Kristine.
For BECCA WINN recovering from kidney surgery to remove kidney stones, and the complications that happened after surgery. She is at home.
For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH as he continues to recover from a sprained his ankle and broke a bone in his leg.
For LEO BADER as he recovers from hip replacement surgery.
For PEGGY TALBERT who is recovering from knee replacement surgery at home.
For GEORGE HOELSCHER, BUCK HAMPTON, DENISE HOOKER (betty Tameler's daughter) as they continue to deal with cancer.
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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For COLTON FIGURA deployed to Turkey, 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, 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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