I had hoped that when I started this next update that I would be journaling about the results of Jonas' MRI, but that is not the case. On Wednesday, Joel flew into town and took Jonas to his doctor's appointment Thursday morning. Before they were able to discuss the MRI results, he had blood drawn (as ususal) to be lab tested for numerous things. It turned out that he was extremely neutropenic. They admitted him to the hospital right away and the focus quickly turned to getting him back to good health. He ended up having three transfusions of blood and one transfusion of platelets before being checked out of the hospital this evening around 5pm. Thank goodness he rebounded so quickly because his sisters drove down to Houston today to spend the weekend with him before he begins his proton therapy next week. It's a 14 hour drive from Kansas City to Houston. Whew. It made me kind of nervous for them to make that trip all in one shot. Luckily, my mother's sister and her husband, Aunt Sandie and Uncle Jack, live at about the halfway mark, in Tulsa Oklahoma, and were so wonderful to let them stay for the night. They left Kansas City yesterday afternoon and arrived in Houston around 2pm today. Thank you so much, Sandie and Jack! Brette said they got about a half an hour out of town and Blaire cried because she wanted to stay longer with you. She was only pacified when reminded that she was on her way to see her mother.... .whom she hasn't seen for a month and a half. Lol. Anyway, we are headed to the beach again tomorrow. Jonas wants the girls to see Galveston. Then on Monday he gets readmitted for five days of chemo before he begins his radiation. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the Fish Fry! Debi, Mark and Riley Hartley and all the folks at of the Lake Lotawana Optimist Club. Thank you! I heard that the fish was delicious and that the turnout was fantastic. I wish we could have been there. The Sonic fundraiser has been cancelled or possibly postponed. The next fundraisers are the Paint-Your-Own-Pottery on October 14th and the Fight the Fight on the Fairway Golf tourney on October 15th. I will keep you posted as soon as Dr. Hughes gives us a full report about the MRI results. His one brief comment as Jonas was being admitted is that we will be pleased with the images, that they show that the treatment is making progress. Blaire is going to bed tonight curled up in bed between her mom and dad, with Brette and Jonas chattering away in the dark sharing the fold-out couch across the room. Ah. Life is good.
So happy that the girls made it safely and that you all are getting to spend some quality time together as a family. Praying that the results of the MRI will be positive and that the Proton Therapy is successful. Let me know is there is anything I can do you any of you. Hugs!!
Posted 9 hours ago
by stephanie nolte
Glad to hear the family is doing well. Aunt Sandie sure knows how to show compassion and love. I miss her as well. There needs to be a program called "Everyone loves Sandie". Love all of you. You should be expecting a package from me around monday or tuesday. Love Aunt Stephanie
Posted 12 hours ago
by kelly wells
So excited for you guys that the entire family is together again! I know that has to be a wonderful feeling! As always let me know if you need help in KC with Blaire or anything...we would love to have her come play with us!
Posted 12 hours ago
by Kim Hill
Give a lot of hugs and share a lot of laughs throughout the weekend. Josh says hello. He will be playing his last football game with PLMS on Tuesday. They are playing Summit Lakes and get to play on the LSHS field. He is excited about this game and says it is the most important game of the season. The team record is 3-2 right now. Stay strong we are thinking of you often ! :)
Posted 13 hours ago
by marilyn koshland
Enjoy your time together! We love and miss everyone so much. We want Jonas on the road to recovery...and HOME! The fall colors are beautiful around the lake but the temps have been so warm that no bird migration yet. Every time we walk at Reed we think of you. Our Book Club meets next Monday...there are excellent cooks therein and we will scheme to bring over some food for the gang at home. We send our love...we have Marriott points , if you need them...Have Joel call me. A MILLION HUGS AND AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF KISSES!!!!! Merryland and Koshieland
Posted 14 hours ago
by WENDIE TRENT
So glad you are all back together, however briefly, hope you have some much deserved quality time - the picture you painted of bedtime made me cry (happy tears)! On another note, did Jonas not have any symptoms or does he ever when he is neutropenic? So glad he rebounded!!! Enjoy your time in Galveston - what does Jonas like the most - the beach, the Strand, old Galveston??? Have a GREAT weekend! Love to you all!!
Posted 19 hours ago
by mary pechar
Your last paragraph brings tears to my eyes. soak it up and replenish your soul. Your entire family is constantly in my thought and prayers.
Posted 19 hours ago
by mary pechar
Your last paragraph brings tears to my eyes. soak it up and replenish your soul. Your entire family is constantly in my thought and prayers.
Below are details about a workshop for those interested in Praise Bands and contemporary worship music. Not sure if anyone is interested, but if you are I would sure like to go with you! DO YOU ENJOY PRAISING GOD with MUSIC?
If so, you are invited on Saturday, 10/15, to meet David Paul Britton from "Ministry of Musical Mission and Education" who will present two Saturday afternoon workshop sessions at Immanuel in Saint Charles. He will also lead Fellowship Hall worship on Saturday (5:30 p.m.) and Sunday (10:45 a.m.). Anyone interested in learning more about Worship and / or being in a Praise Team (guitar, bass, percussion, keyboard, vocal) is welcome. The sessions will be held in the Fellowship Hall as follows:
1:00 – 2:15 p.m. "Worship in Spirit & Truth"
From Bach to Rock: Being Confessional Biblical Worshippers
The need for Vibrant Worship In A Lifeless Society
2:30-4:00 p.m. "Praise Team – Work Clinic"
Effective Worship Musicianship
Creating Flow & Continuity in Worship
Voice and Instrument Balance
Music Selection & More
The sessions are free, just contact Al Loesel, Director of Worship Arts at Immanuel, at 636-946-2656 #216 or aloesel@immanuelstcharles.org so we know how many are coming.
Below is an update on Ruth Cantrell from her husband Floyd:
Friends and Family
We finally got all the test results back today and know the reason for the nausea and vomiting Her cancer is metastasizing at a fast rate and she now has many tumors around her brain, most small but a few are noticeable in size.This has all changed since the MRI in Aug.They are trying to calm the tumor down with steroids to help with nausea so she can eat.She will start a general round of Radiation Friday to help reduce the size of the cancers causing her to be nausea.We need a real big miracle, so keep those prayers going strong.
Did you know that there is a Foster Grandparent program in our schools in Warrenton? A lot of kids need help with all sorts of things. You may be the one to help.
By serving as a Senior mentor you can make a valuable contribution to your community.
Benefits of this program for you are: 1. Make a difference in a child's life. 2. Earn a little extra money (tax free) 3. Meet new people. 4. Have a great and rewarding time.
Qualifications are: 1. Over 55 years of age 2. Can serve an average of 20 hours a week 3. Have limited income 4. love children
There's a child waiting for you right now. Call Rhonda at 636-272-3477 right now to find out how you cna help the future of your community.
DEVOTION:But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." Acts 4:19-20
Did I miss something?
It seems I remember how the media spent days reporting the sad antics of a Christian pastor that was going to burn the Koran.
And I also remember how they endlessly shared the story of a splinter Christian group who made an unacceptable scene at the burial of American soldiers killed overseas.
And I can recall how, when a Christian youth pastor burned phonograph records and CDs, which contained immoral lyrics, the story was carried from coast to coast.
Which is why I expected to see similar press given when the organization called Backyard Skeptics promised to tear apart copies of Bible verses they felt were immoral. According to the leader of the atheist group, the event which took place at Huntington Beach Pier in California was not designed to be offensive. They were only going to tear up copies of pages of the Bible.
That was the promise.
According to those who were there, the leader, playing to the cameras, went beyond tearing up copies of Scripture, he actually ripped a few pages out of a Bible as he made his closing statements to the crowd.
Yes, I expected to see that story being flashed over the TV and the Internet. I was sure the idea of someone tearing apart a book, especially the Bible, would be universally condemned. After all, if I took an immoral novel and tore it apart or condemned a pornographic website, I know many voices would be raised to criticize my narrow-mindedness.
So, why didn't I hear anything about this event? Two possibilities suggest themselves:
Possibility number one: I missed all the reports.
Possibility number two: The media loves to condemn and criticize Christians who take a stand more than it does atheists who do the same.
Centuries ago, Peter and John found that the religious institution and not the media wanted them to keep quiet and stop their proclamation of the crucified and risen Savior. When they were told to shut up and sit down, they replied, "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
In our age when the foibles and failings of Christians are reported with greater enthusiasm than our witness, the apostle's reply still seems valid. Denominations, congregations and individuals all ought to confess: "We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
And what we have seen and heard is Jesus Christ -- crucified and risen.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, the Savior came into this world to seek and save sinners. When He ascended, He asked me to tell His story with the lost. In spite of prejudice and persecution, help me -- like the apostles -- to speak of what we have heard and seen. This I pray in my Savior's Name. Amen.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A CORRECTION TO YESTERDAY'S ANSWER: Who was Esther's father? (Yesterday I had said that Esther's father was dead, which he was when the book of Esther was written, but her father was alive at one time and his name is mentioned. Her father's name was Abihail, but Mordecai took her as his child when she was very young .
Thanks to Denise Schlesselmann for correcting me on this.
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: What is the feast of Purim? It is a special feast to celebrate the delivering of the Israelites from the plot of Haman through the wisdom of Esther and her uncle Mordecai.
Thurs- Joneburg nursing home worship 10:30; Alzheimers support group 1pm
Fri- nothing
Sat- CHURCH WORK DAY 8am; worship 5pm Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30; Elder's meeting 11:30 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ NEWS:
CHURCH WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY
There are several things that need fixing and other things that need to be done. Come to church at 8am on Saturday ready to work. We will probably work till noon.
Mrs. Siebold would like to know if there are any 5-8 graders that are interested in playing chimes in our youth chime choir. Please call her to let her know you are interested and what day and time works best for you for practice. 636-745-8107
She tried to have practice on Saturday afternoon but no one showed up.
Hello, I am contacting you because I need your help. I have a family that is in desperate need of help. The family is a husband and wife and 4 daughters ages 13, 12, 11, and 10. They are homeless. The man was working in a business that installed solar panels and the company went out of business. The adults are living on the street and sleeping in the parks. They were able to get their daughters in a home with some relatives. Last week, God Cares was able to put them in a hotel and give them some food items. There's a Pastor Woods, who has been helping them by taking them to look for jobs, getting the kids to school, and in other ways that only a man with a BIG heart would be able to do. The woman has health issues and cannot work. She had a brain tumor and is still having problems. The husband wants desperately to find employment. I am doing everything on my end to find him work. The kids do not have jackets, or long sleeve clothing. They would be grateful for whatever anyone could help them with. Their hotel is up to be paid on Thursday. Double bed, non smoking with tax for 7 days = $250.00.
This family needs your help. If you know of a company that would interview this man, please let me know. He has skills to do any type on installation or warehouse work.
Feel free to pass this on to anyone on your list. Thanks, Kia
Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. - Joshua J. Marine
You gotta do what you have to do in order to do what you want to do!
Aveteran, whether they be active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve, is someone who at one point in their life wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life" ( author Unknown)
CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT: This e-mail and any attachments are intended only for those to which it is addressed and may contain information which is privileged, confidential, and prohibited from disclosure or unauthorized use under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, or copying of this e-mail or the information contained in this e-mail is strictly prohibited by the sender. If you have received this transmission in error, please return the material received to the sender and delete all copies from your system.
DEVOTION: (From Lutheran Hour Ministries, but my sentiments exactly.)
(Jesus said) "And will not God give justice to His elect, who cry to Him day and night? Will He delay long over them? I tell you, He will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?" Luke 18:7-8
You will note that the Lord Jesus didn't ask if He would find church buildings when He returns.
Nor did He ask if He would find pastors or a Lutheran Laymen's League or the LWML or even a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod or a Lutheran Church-Canada. He asked, "Will I find faith on earth when I return?"
Years ago when I first read those words, I thought Jesus' question was rhetorical, that is, because the answer was so obvious, nobody had to reply.
Now I'm not so sure.
Recent surveys of clergy and laity have led me to believe Jesus was quite serious. A Barna survey says more and more Christians are creating their own brand of faith. Their personal opinion -- and not God's Word -- has become the final judge in what is to be believed. If an individual likes a doctrine, he will keep it; if he doesn't, that article of faith is thrown out the window.
All too often the end result looks nothing like the saving faith that is revealed in the Bible.
But I said there were surveys.
Another survey has found that a majority of pastors believe the importance of identifying with a denomination is going to diminish over the next 10 years. That survey didn't entirely surprise me -- not when I've seen congregations taking down their crosses lest they offend, not when the Bible is being censored to make it more acceptable.
I wonder, maybe Jesus was serious when He asked if He would "find faith on earth?"
All of this is just my way of saying, I'm proud to be part of a denomination which, in spite of its numerous flaws and failings, strives to remain faithful to Word and Sacrament. I give thanks for Lutheran Hour Ministries which preaches a changeless Christ to a changing world.
Yes, I know such Bible-based preaching, this pointing to the Christ who was crucified and has risen, is not always popular and it certainly can offend.
In spite of that I prefer to share God's Word and offend a fellow sinner, rather than please a sinner and let down my Savior.
What is more, I give thanks to the Lord I have a Synod and an organization and a congregation that share that preference. I am thankful that our living institutions still preach a changeless -- a caring Christ -- to a changing world.
If we continue to do so, by God's grace and the Holy Spirit's power, the Son of Man will find faith when He comes back to earth.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, no matter what others may do, may I and my house cling to the cross and be found standing before the empty tomb. May we remain faithful and let our lights shine with those You have saved and to those who are lost. This I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Esther's father? Her father was dead, but Mordecai took her as his child. (A trick question!!)
Thurs- Joneburg nursing home worship 10:30; Alzheimers support group 1pm
Fri- nothing
Sat- CHURCH WORK DAY 8am; worship 5pm Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30; Elder's meeting 11:30 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ NEWS:
CHURCH WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY
There are several things that need fixing and other things that need to be done. Come to church at 8am on Saturday ready to work. We will probably work till noon.
Mrs. Siebold would like to know if there are any 5-8 graders that are interested in playing chimes in our youth chime choir. Please call her to let her know you are interested and what day and time works best for you for practice. 636-745-8107
She tried to have practice on Saturday afternoon but no one showed up.
DEVOTION: (From Lutheran Hour Ministries) For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16
Many, many years ago, way back when I was in high school, our physics professor taught us about the speed of light.
He told us that light traveled at ... well, I don't remember exactly how fast he said it went, but he told us it went really, really fast. Indeed, we were told it went so fast nothing could ever go faster.
Well, surprise! Something is going faster than light.
It's true! Recently, physicists in Europe have been measuring the speed of itty, bitty particles called neutrinos and they have found that those little rapscallions are going faster than the speed of light. Understand, they're not going a lot faster; they're just a little bit faster, but, still, those neutrinos are going faster than light.
According to trusty, old Albert Einstein, that's not supposed to happen.
This means the physicists will probably need to do a major overhaul on the things they know are true -- excuse me -- the things we knew were true yesterday.
Now all this has come as a big surprise to me and the scientific community. Indeed, just about everybody has been taken aback by this new revelation.
Just about everybody, except the Lord.
He, who created the universe and the laws which govern it, knows and understands the mechanisms humankind works so hard to discover. When we are beginning to guess, He already knows. As Paul wrote, "... who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him?"
Truly, we can't teach God anything. All we can do is thank Him ...
thank Him for these laws which enable us to discover various mysteries; thank Him for His care which can take in a universe as well as the prayer requests of a small child; thank Him for His grace which sent His Son to pay the bloody, ransom price necessary for our redemption.
And thank Him that no matter what discoveries are made, no matter what changes in my universe-view becomes necessary, this one thing will remain the same: God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten, and anyone who believes on Him will not die eternally but be given life everlasting.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, every time we think we've got things figured out, we get sent back to square one. That is just one of the reasons we need to trust You and not ourselves. Although rules and laws may change, Your love is constant. For Your gracious caring, for the sending of Your Son as our substitute, we give thanks. This we do in our Savior's Name. Amen.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Zechariah the son of? Berekiah (Doug herzog was first to get it.)
TODAY'S QUIZ: (new rule: you can't google it or look it up on any search engine. You have to find it in the Bible. Concordances and Bible dictionaries are often good helps!)
Thurs- Joneburg nursing home worship 10:30; Alzheimers support group 1pm
Fri- nothing
Sat- CHURCH WORK DAY 8am; worship 5pm Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30; Elder's meeting 11:30 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ NEWS:
CHURCH WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY
There are several things that need fixing and other things that need to be done. Come to church at 8am on Saturday ready to work. We will probably work till lunch time and then be done.
Mrs. Siebold would like to know if there are any 5-8 graders that are interested in playing chimes in our youth chime choir. Please call her to let her know you are interested and what day and time works best for you for practice. 636-745-8107
She tried to have practice on Saturday afternoon but no one showed up.
Wow! Thank you, Lee's Summit! What at great turn-out at the movie night. Brette said that the theatre was almost full: so many 7th and 8th graders there! Jonas was checking out of the hospital right at 7 so we did not really get a chance to rent it and watch it with you. He was really happy to know that you were all there!!! Thank you to Donna Bullimore and Jessica Bobal for making it happen and all our friends who were on hand to help. Such a simple movie about tolerance, understanding and overcoming prejudice. Jonas loves that movie. He got a t-shirt from Children's Mercy that he wears all the time that says, "I am.... just like you." I hope that when you think about that movie, you will think about Jonas. Thank you all for coming out to the movies and supporting him. Joel, Brette and Blaire were overwhelmed with your enthusiasm and we feel your love all the way down here in Texas. His hospital visit this go round was pretty standard: several days of vomitting and lethargy, sleepless nights with nurses coming in and out, taking vitals, changing IV fluids, requesting specimens and administering medications. Mostly, he lay in bed not wanting to talk or venture out of his room. We did have a wonderful surprise on Wednesday. My dear friend and Amber's mother, Kathy Kueker, along with her husband Roy, drove two hours to Houston and came to visit Jonas for an hour. It livened him up for while and brightened his spirits. They are planning to come back next week and we look forward to that. For the first time I went to a parent-support-meeting. They shared with me information about The Sunshine Kids and Candlelighters that do special events for kids and other support services for families. They help to discount your parking(which $12 a day that we usually incur 3 days a week) and have special events-- like tickets for cancer kids to MLB ballgames, art museums and such. They will be a good resource for us while we are here. Additionally, there were women there who have been dealing with cancer-related issues for 10-15 years who had answers for other incedental conundrums that come up, practical as well as emotional. It was especially useful since my only real difficulties since coming to Houston are family-related stress from back at home and I was able to vent for the first time since being here. I found the meeting to be quite cathartic. When we got back from the hospital we opened our hotel room door to find several cards and care packages from friends and family! Coach Shawn and Lynda, Amy and Amber had sent several boxes of snacks, ducktape and lots of other goodies to make us feel at home. Jonas also got cards from lots of his friends, and Kate Bussen sent a really lovely book-mark handmade of beads that says, "Fight Jonas". My dear friend from California, and best bud since elementary school Linda Graybel Melas = ) sent a box full of Harry Potter videos and a HP poster from Warner Brothers, where she works. Can you say marathon weekend?!! Mr and Mrs Morales sent an official black and gold Orchestra wristband that he says he will never take off. But the big Kahuna that came in the mail had an address from The Kansas City Royals from #1 Royals Way, KCMO. It was a big 3x4 foot box. Inside was a painting of the two Royals players who had come to visit Jonas in his hospital room: Hosmer and Mousakas. Such a beautiful painting, with a green band like Jonas' bracelet painted right down the middle and autographed! An artist named David Medin in California painted it for Jonas and when the Royals were in California, he approached the two rookies about signing it and sending on to us here in Houston... which they did! Jonas was beside himself. He said it is going over his bed at home and we are looking for a way to hang it here at the hotel without damaging the walls. LOL. What a great momento. Thank you to all who were involved in making that a reality. Shelli Cornell. Amazing. Jessica Bobal. Thanks ,kiddo. David Medin, Your thoughtfulness and talent leave me speechless. Hosmer and Mousakas. You guys keep surprising us and all we can say is Go Royals!!! Thank you to everyone for welcoming him home from the hospital. It is heart-warming. Today has been a totally lazy day. We slept in, hung out and watched tv, did laundry, went to the grocery and made a frozen bag of pasta for dinner. Tomorrow we go into get an MRI of his brain and spine. I hope to report an amazing shrinkage of that tumor. Every day I witness his improvement and am led to believe nothing but! His weight is up to 98 lbs - the highest it has been since this ordeal started. His pain is totally managed and we are tapering off his pain meds little by little. He is able to open his mouth further and further, indicating that whatever was blocking the movement has diminished. I KNOW that it is shrinking but I am looking forward to finding out what the clinical measurments have to tell me and will share that all with you tomorrow. Michele -- I'm so glad we got to talk! I miss you. Alex -- Hope you are having fun in Germany. Reg-- So glad to hear from you again, my friend. Science rocks, does it not? Susan, Christine, Amber, Jessica - Thank you for looking out for our girls. You chicks are serogate moms for them right now. I don't know what I'd do without you. Just Remember -- Life is all about how you handle Plan B!
Exciting update. That painting sounds awesome!!! Sooooo glad that you got to have a relaxing day.
Posted 9 hours ago
by stephanie nolte
WOW!!! That is such GREAT News. I am so proud of everyone of you for the support you have been giving JONAS. He is a WINNER and my HERO. Love you all ....... Aunt Stephanie
Posted 10 hours ago
by Cindy Kelley
What an uplifting update! Hugs to you all. You inspire us, Jonas and family! -Mitch, Cindy, Vance and Phillip
Posted 12 hours ago
by Joanne Fuchs
Great news about all the wonderful support making its way down to Houston.That was the first time I saw the movie and I loved it too.It almost made me cry! Well, yes it did make me cry, haha.Keep fighting Jonas. We miss you. Mrs. Fuchs
Posted 18 hours ago
by marilyn koshland
JONAS IS GOING TO WIN!!!!! We have access to some Marriott points for you guys. We sent the info to Joel. Have him contact me...or email me, so I can get the info to you! We think of you often with love. Mrilyn & Koshie
Posted 20 hours ago
by mel you
"Life is all about how you handle Plan B." You are amazing. You and your family continue to be in our thoughts. Mel, Sage and Greg.
Click Here to END subscription to St. John's Group Email.
Mission Statement
The mission of St. John's Lutheran Church is to preach the Word of God in its purity and to teach this Word to all people. We do so through the means God has given us, the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.
What We Believe
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod accepts the Scriptures as the inspired and inerrant Word of God, and subscribes unconditionally to all the symbolical books of the Evangelical Lutheran Church as a true and unadulterated statement and exposition of the Word of God.
We accept the Confessions because they are drawn from the Word of God and on that account regard their doctrinal content as a true and binding exposition of Holy Scripture and as authoritative for all pastors, congregations and other rostered church workers of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.
