St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO

Thursday, August 23, 2012

DEVOTION: But the Lord answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41-42

"That's terrible, surely the story can't get any worse."

That's what I felt when I read the story of five men who are on trial in central China. The charge against them is: "trading in illegal human organs." Do you want to say it with me? "That's terrible, surely the story can't get any worse."

But it DOES get worse. One of the men, the ringleader of the group, put the whole operation together because he had to raise money to pay off a gambling debt. One more time... "That's terrible, surely the story can't get any worse."

It gets worse. The donor of the organ, which was a kidney, was paid for his trouble. Do you know why he needed money so desperately? Simple: he needed to raise money so he could buy himself an iPad and an iPhone.

And, yes, it gets worse. The surgery was botched and the student suffered renal failure. As a result, he is too sick to attend the court proceedings.

So that's the story. It is, from start to finish, a story of mixed up, messed up priorities. Paying off a gambling debt is more important than doing the right thing. Getting the latest technology is more important than the gift of health.

Mistaken priorities.

Almost from the very beginning, the story of humanity has been the story of mistaken priorities. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were offered a choice: listen to God or disobey their Maker and eat from the forbidden tree. To make a long story short, they saw the tree's fruit looked tasty and Satan seemed to be making sense, so they ate. Before they had swallowed that first bite, mistaken priorities had become part of our world.

All of us, like Adam and Eve, like Martha in our text above, have been guilty of having mistaken, messed up priorities. Did you have a drink or two and then drove home because you "could handle it"? That was a mistaken priority. Rushing after the "almighty dollar" at the expense of ignoring your family. That's a mistaken priority.

Look at your friends and family members. Can you recall the time their priorities were messed up and they did something foolish, dangerous, or sinful? I hope you can do that for them, because I'm sure they can bring to memory the time YOUR priorities were out of whack.

Thankfully, because of our crucified and risen Lord, for Christians there is forgiveness for mistaken priorities. The Redeemer not only forgives our transgressions, He sends the Holy Spirit upon us so that we may learn from the past and become wiser and more spiritually mature.

Which is the kind of thing which ought to be high on our list of right priorities.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, forgive us for worrying about many things and forgetting the one thing which is needful. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Who saves us from our ins. In the future help us to have right priorities. In Jesus' Name. Amen
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Where was Jeremiah imprisoned? Confined in the courtyard of the guard in the royal palace of Judah (the house of Jonathan) Thanks Dianne Hance and Bob Nitzschke
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ: Who is the Righteous Branch that Jeremiah is speaking of in Jeremiah 23:5?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: How has Christ rescued you from death?
Answer:
Through His suffering, death, and resurrection, Christ has triumphed over death. Since He now gives me eternal life I need not fear death.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Fri- newsletter assembly 9am
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
LUAU COMING UP THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 beginning at 5:30pm
Get a babysitter and bring your wife or husband on a date!! Come to the Schirr's house and enjoy some good food, some drinks, some good company, and relax. $12 per person. Payment should be made to Betty Schirr. 21 years old and older invited.
_________________________________________________________________________________
JUNIOR HIGH KIDS GOING ROLLER SKATING THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 from 2-5pm!!!
Call Donna Sherman at 456-4224 to let her know you are planning on coming and if you can drive. Bring $5 for skates and any extra money you want to bring for snacks. The group will leave together from church at 1:15. BRING FRIENDS!!!!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER MEETING STARTING NEXT TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 at 6:30pm!!!
It will be a very simple time to lift each other up, and to lift up our church in prayer. We will be gin with a devotion, have discussion about the situations and people that need our prayer, pray for them and go home refreshed and knowing that our Lord God is with us and caring for our needs.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HELPERS NEEDED FOR A NEW GOOD NEWS CLUB!!!
As many of you know, CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) does an after school program called "Good News Club". The change to all elementary schools being preschool-5th grade has created an opportunity for us (St. John's) to host a GNC at Rebecca Boone. CEF has leaders in place to help us get started (They would eventually step out of the way and let us take over fully.) What we need is two or three volunteers, who like working with kids and want to see more of them come to Christ, to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Please call me at 359-1061 to let me know if you are interested!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE: Partners in Christ Married Couples Weekend Retreat
Immanuel Lutheran St. Charles invites you and your spouse along with other married couples throughout the Missouri District to the Partners in Christ Married Couples Weekend Retreat on Oct. 12-13, 2012. It is an updated regional adaptation of the former LCMS MO. District "Strands" weekend. It is designed for Christian Couples to get away from daily distractions, spend quality time together, rekindle romance, and celebrate our partnerships (with your Spouse, with Christ and with the other Christian Couples attending). The event will start with a "Meet and Greet" and build up to an "Old Fashioned Church Hall Wedding Reception"(Remember your special day?). Check out more details on Immanuel's Web site at http://tinyurl.com/d2tc3u8.

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS OUR OWN LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL!!!

What a great opportunity to support a mission right here! If you don't want to do the golf outing, but you still want to help Little Lambs just put a check in the offering plate that is specifically designated to Little Lambs. They start school on August 16.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS:

For KEN FOSTER, as he is recovering from a severe case of vertigo.

For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she begins a course of five days of radiation today.

For MARY OFSTHUN, former member of St. John's, as she mourns the loss of her daughter.

For Denise Schlesselman's grandma, DOROTHY SCHLESSELMAN, as the spinal tap the doctors did revealed an unidentified virus.

For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering well from surgery.

For BILL MCKENZIE as he recovers from a stroke.

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she recovers from a stroke. She is at the DePaul rehab hospital.

For BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as his treatment is doing some good, and as he is starting a new treatment for his liver cancer.

For JEANETTE KOEHLER as she reocvers from vascular surgery to relieve pain and help with circulation in her foot and as she works hard to get back home.

For GENE SIEBOLD as he awaits the results of his cancer treatments as they are completed.

For ALL OF OUR FARMERS AND ALL WHO DEPEND ON THE LAND AND ON RAIN, that God would provide for their needs even during this drought.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

DEVOTION: Jeremiah 32:16-25
Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. You show love to thousands but bring punishment for the fathers' sins into the laps of their children after them. O great and powerful God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. You eyes are open to all the ways of men; you reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve. You perofrmed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, both in Israel and among all mankind, and have gained renown that is still yours. You brought your people Israel out of Egypt with signs and wonders, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm with great terror. You gave them this land you had sworn to give their forefathers, a land flowing with milk and honey. they came in and took possession of it, but they did not obey you or follow your law; they did not do what you commanded them to do. So you brought all this disaster upon them. "See how the siege ramps are built up to take the city. Because of the sword, famine, and plague the city will be handed over to the Babylonians who are attacking it. What you said has happened, as you now see. And though the city will be handed over to the Babylonians, you, O sovereign Lord, say to me, ' Buy the field with silver an dhave the transaction witnessed.'"

This is a long part of Scripture, but it shows very clearly how in spite of all the evidence to the contrary, that the city of jerusalem and nation of Israel was going to be ransacked and taken captive by Babylon, God still promised that Jeremiah would have the land after that time. He was even supposed ot put the papers in a clay jar so that they would be around when they got back after their captivity.

God promised that they would return and they did. God promised that he would send His Son, Jesus, to die on a cross and then rise from the dead. Guess what, He did. Every promise that God has made He has kept! Why would we expect any different from Him when he says that He is coming again to restore all things to Himself, to make all thing snew, and to forever destroy the power of sin, death, the devil, and hell.

Trust in His promises today because they are as sure as they were back in Jeremiah's day! He always keep His promises!

Prayer: Lord God, help me to trust in your promises despite my weakness and doubt. Help me to know that you are with me always and that you will never leave me or forsake me. Amen.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: How was Ezekiel supposed to act when his wife died?
Ezekiel 24:15-17 "The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, with one blow Iam about to take awa from you the delight of your eyes.  Yet do not lament or weep or shed
any tears. Groan quiely; do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban fastened and your sandals on your feet; do not cover the lower part of your face or eat the
customary food of mourners.

Thanks Dianne
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ: Where was Jeremiah imprisoned?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: How has Christ redeemed you from all sin?
Answer:
a. He took my guilt and punishment upon Himself.
b. He freed me from the slavery of sin.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Fri- newsletter assembly 9am
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
LUAU COMING UP THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 beginning at 5:30pm
Get a babysitter and bring your wife or husband on a date!! Come to the Schirr's house and enjoy some good food, some drinks, some good company, and relax. $12 per person.    Payment should be made to Betty Schirr. 21 years old and older invited.
_________________________________________________________________________________
JUNIOR HIGH KIDS GOING ROLLER SKATING THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 from 2-5pm!!!
Call Donna Sherman at 456-4224 to let her know you are planning on coming and if you can drive. Bring $5 for skates and any extra money you want to bring for snacks. The group will leave together from church at 1:15. BRING FRIENDS!!!!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER MEETING STARTING NEXT TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 at 6:30pm!!!
It will be a very simple time to lift each other up, and to lift up our church in prayer. We will be gin with a devotion, have discussion about the situations and people that need our prayer, pray for them and go home refreshed and knowing that our Lord God is with us and caring for our needs.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HELPERS NEEDED FOR A NEW GOOD NEWS CLUB!!!
As many of you know, CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) does an after school program called "Good News Club".   The change to all elementary schools being preschool-5th grade has created an opportunity for us (St. John's) to host a GNC at Rebecca Boone. CEF has leaders in place to help us get started (They would eventually step out of the way and let us take over fully.) What we need is two or three volunteers, who like working with kids and want to see more of them come to Christ, to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Please call me at 359-1061 to let me know if you are interested!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE: Partners in Christ Married Couples Weekend Retreat
Immanuel Lutheran St. Charles invites you and your spouse along with other married couples throughout the Missouri District to the Partners in Christ Married Couples Weekend Retreat on Oct. 12-13, 2012. It is an updated regional adaptation of the former LCMS MO. District "Strands" weekend. It is designed for Christian Couples to get away from daily distractions, spend quality time together, rekindle romance, and celebrate our partnerships (with your Spouse, with Christ and with the other Christian Couples attending). The event will start with a "Meet and Greet" and build up to an "Old Fashioned Church Hall Wedding Reception"(Remember your special day?). Check out more details on Immanuel's Web site at http://tinyurl.com/d2tc3u8.

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS OUR OWN LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS:

For KEN FOSTER, as Marilyn took him to the hospital this morning with severe symptoms of dizzyness and lightheadedness.

For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she continues to deal with her cancer. She is in quite a bit of pain.

For MARY OFSTHUN, former member of St. John's, as she mourns the loss of her daughter.

For Denise Schlesselman's grandma, DOROTHY SCHLESSELMAN, as the spinal tap the ddoctors did revealed an unidentified virus.

For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering well from surgery.

For BILL MCKENZIE as he recovers from a stroke.

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she recovers from a stroke. She is at the DePaul rehab hospital.

For BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as his treatment is doing some good, and as he is starting a new treatment for his liver cancer.

For JEANETTE KOEHLER as she reocvers from vascular surgery to relieve pain and help with circulation in her foot and as she works hard to get back home.

For GENE SIEBOLD as he awaits the results of his cancer treatments as they are completed.

For ALL OF OUR FARMERS AND ALL WHO DEPEND ON THE LAND AND ON RAIN, that God would provide for their needs even during this drought.

Christmas program

I know it is only August, but these things creep up on us, and then we arean't prepared, so I am going to ask you already!

Is there anyone out there interested in directing our Sunday school Christmas program this year? We are planning on having it at the 11am service on Sunday, December 16.

This would be to take some of the pressure off of the Sunday school teachers. They would still be the helpers, but if someone would just take the direction and organization of the Christmas program, that owuld be an immeasurable help!

Let me know if you are interested! 359-1061

Update on Grandma Schlesselman

They will be doing a spinal tap and a cerebral angiogram (a picture of blood vessels in the brain) hopefully tomorrow (Tuesday). Continued prayers please!!

Thanks Denise

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

DEVOTION:
At that time your mouth will be opened; you will speak with him and will no longer be silent. So you will be a sign to them, and they will know that I am the Lord."
Ezekiel 24:27

Are you a sign to them? Do they know that He is the Lord?

The other day, I was watching a father with his son and I was amazed at the love that the father had for his child. He hugged him. He watched over him. He spoke to him. He told him that he loved him. I was in awe that God's love could show itself in such an obvious way.

People who deny the love of God have no explanation of the love that a parent has for a child or the love a husband has for his wife. Oh, they might have some sort of selfish or physical and scientific explanation for it, but these explanations always fall short.

As Christians we are signs to others that there is a God who loves us and cares for us, and that He is the Lord. We are examples of Christ's love to everyone around us. Our basic reason for existence is to show the love of Christ in everything we say and do.

Are you a sign to them? Do they know that he is the Lord through you? If not it is time to turn from your shortcoming and failures, ask the Lord for forgiveness and think about how you can be a better example of Christ's love! Do it today!

Prayer: Lord God, give me the strength, courage, and willfulness to be an example of your love in all of my relationships starting with those closest to me. Amen.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ: How was Ezekiel supposed to act when his wife died?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: From what has Christ redeemed you?
Answer: He has redeemed me "from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil."
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Tues- Little Lambs 3 year olds start; Quilters 9am-2pm
Fri- newsletter assembly 9am
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
PRAYER MEETING STARTING NEXT TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 at 6:30pm!!!
It will be a very simple time to lift each other up, and to lift up our church in prayer. We will be gin with a devotion, have discussion about the situations and people that need our prayer, pray for them and go home refreshed and knowing that our Lord God is with us and caring for our needs.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HELPERS NEEDED FOR A NEW GOOD NEWS CLUB!!!
As many of you know, CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) does an after school program called "Good News Club". The change to all elementary schools being preschool-5th grade has created an opportunity for us (St. John's) to host a GNC at Rebecca Boone. CEF has leaders in place to help us get started (They would eventually step out of the way and let us take over fully.) What we need is two or three volunteers, who like working with kids and want to see more of them come to Christ, to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Please call me at 359-1061 to let me know if you are interested!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE: Partners in Christ Married Couples Weekend Retreat

Immanuel Lutheran St. Charles invites you and your spouse along with other married couples throughout the Missouri District to the Partners in Christ Married Couples Weekend Retreat on Oct. 12-13, 2012. It is an updated regional adaptation of the former LCMS MO. District "Strands" weekend. It is designed for Christian Couples to get away from daily distractions, spend quality time together, rekindle romance, and celebrate our partnerships (with your Spouse, with Christ and with the other Christian Couples attending). The event will start with a "Meet and Greet" and build up to an "Old Fashioned Church Hall Wedding Reception"(Remember your special day?). Check out more details on Immanuel's Web site at http://tinyurl.com/d2tc3u8.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Projectors NEEDED for this weekend!!!
I still need people to sign up for the projector. Here are the openings for the next few weeks:
Aug 26 8:30-                  11am-

Sept 2- 8:30-                    11am-

Sept 9- 11am-

Sept 16- 11am-

Sept 23- 8:30-

Sept 30- 8:30-                    11am-

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LUAU COMING UP THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 beginning at 5:30pm
Get a babysitter and bring your wife or husband on a date!! Come to the Schirr's house and enjoy some good food, some drinks, some good company, and relax. $12 per person.    Payment should be made to Betty Schirr. 21 years old and older invited.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNIOR HIGH KIDS GOING ROLLER SKATING THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 from 2-5pm!!!

Call Donna Sherman at 456-4224 to let her know you are planning on coming and if you can drive. Bring $5 for skates and any extra money you want to bring for snacks. The group will leave together from church at 1:15. BRING FRIENDS!!!!

_________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS OUR OWN LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS:

For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she continues to deal with her cancer. She is in quite a bit of pain.

For MARY OFSTHUN, former member of St. John's, as she mourns the loss of her daughter.

For Denise Schlesselman's grandma, DOROTHY SCHLESSELMAN, as she is dealing with an unidentified illness.

For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering well from surgery.

For BILL MCKENZIE as he recovers from a stroke.

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she recovers from a stroke. She is at the DePaul rehab hospital.

For BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as his treatment is doing some good, and as he is starting a new treatment for his liver cancer.

For JEANETTE KOEHLER as she reocvers from vascular surgery to relieve pain and help with circulation in her foot and as she works hard to get back home.

For GENE SIEBOLD as he awaits the results of his cancer treatments as they are completed.

For ALL OF OUR FARMERS AND ALL WHO DEPEND ON THE LAND AND ON RAIN, that God would provide for their needs even during this drought.

Monday, August 20, 2012 (revised)

DEVOTION: Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:9-10

Years ago there was a song about "The Limbo, "you know the dance where people have to squeeze themselves under a stick... a stick which keeps getting lower and lower.

Part of that song has a bass voice asking the question, "How low can you go?"

"How low can you go" is the question I was asking after I saw a security camera video which came from a North Carolina Wal-Mart. Let me tell you what I saw.

The video begins with a lady seated in a non-moving electric scooter. Information supplied by the article says she was suffering from a medical issue. For all practical purposes she was unconscious. Thankfully her condition did not go unnoticed.

A big man in a striped shirt came up to the lady, looked at her, and then quickly left. In a short time the man was back again. The next scene cut to the security camera at the store's entrance. It showed the man leaving the store with the woman's purse. The last scene in the video showed the lady awakening to find her purse gone.

The distraught lady told authorities that along with her purse the thief had taken the $300 she needed to pay that month's bills.

Forget about "taking candy from a baby." The new low in life is the grown man who takes the purse of a wheel-chaired little old lady who is passed out.

I should be careful what I say. The Daily Devotion readers will fill my mail with other stories where somebody did something even lower.

The truth is our hearts are predisposed toward evil. That was the verdict of the Lord after the flood. Indeed, anyone who has looked into his heart knows that he is a sinner deserving God's wrath and punishment.

Which is why, like King David, we need to come to the Lord and ask that He blot out our iniquities. Erasing sin is something which, because of our Savior, the Lord is glad to do.

In fact the Lord goes further than wiping out the wrong. He also gives us new hearts and right spirits. No longer are we bound to go from sin to transgression to disobedience and back again. Because the Holy Spirit is there to encourage us, we can become witnesses to the Savior.

Which takes me back to the lady in the electric scooter... I'm proud to say that when the woman's story became public a Good Samaritan came forward and made up for the cash she had lost.

That individual made a witness to the Savior. By God's grace may we do the same when we come upon a problem, a need, an opportunity.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are people out there who are doing a lot of bad things. Today I ask that You will keep me from being one of them. At the same time I ask that You will allow me to witness Jesus to those who need the new heart and clean spirit which the Savior provides. In His Name. Amen

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FRIDAY'S QUIZ: What did the prophetesses use to esnare people into listening to them according to Ezekiel? (I'll leave it up another day as no one answered it on Friday.)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: Why did Christ humble himself?
Answer: Christ voluntarily humbled Himself in order to redeem me, a lost and condemned person."
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Mon- (Strategic Planning meeting cancelled)
Tues- Little Lambs 3 year olds start; Quilters 9am-2pm
Fri- newsletter assembly 9am
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
HELPERS NEEDED FOR GOOD NEWS CLUB!!!
As many of you know, CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) does an after school program called "Good News Club". The change to all elementary schools being preschool-5th grade has created an opportunity for us (St. John's) to host a GNC at Rebecca Boone. CEF has leaders in place to help us get started (They would eventually step out of the way and let us take over fully.) What we need is two or three volunteers, who like working with kids and want to see more of them come to Christ, to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Please call me at 359-1061 to let me know if you are interested!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE: Partners in Christ Married Couples Weekend Retreat

_________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS OUR OWN LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS:

For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she continues to deal with her cancer. She is in quite a bit of pain.

For MARY OFSTHUN, former member of St. John's, as she mourns the loss of her daughter.

For Denise Schlesselman's grandma, DOROTHY SCHLESSELMAN, as she is dealing with an unidentified illness.

For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering well from surgery.

For BILL MCKENZIE as he recovers from a stroke.

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she recovers from a stroke. She is at the DePaul rehab hospital.

For BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as his treatment is doing some good, and as he is starting a new treatment for his liver cancer.

For JEANETTE KOEHLER as she reocvers from vascular surgery to relieve pain and help with circulation in her foot and as she works hard to get back home.

For GENE SIEBOLD as he awaits the results of his cancer treatments as they are completed.

For ALL OF OUR FARMERS AND ALL WHO DEPEND ON THE LAND AND ON RAIN, that God would provide for their needs even during this drought.

Monday, August 20, 2012

DEVOTION: Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalms 51:9-10

Years ago there was a song about "The Limbo, "you know the dance where people have to squeeze themselves under a stick... a stick which keeps getting lower and lower.

Part of that song has a bass voice asking the question, "How low can you go?"

"How low can you go" is the question I was asking after I saw a security camera video which came from a North Carolina Wal-Mart. Let me tell you what I saw.

The video begins with a lady seated in a non-moving electric scooter. Information supplied by the article says she was suffering from a medical issue. For all practical purposes she was unconscious. Thankfully her condition did not go unnoticed.

A big man in a striped shirt came up to the lady, looked at her, and then quickly left. In a short time the man was back again. The next scene cut to the security camera at the store's entrance. It showed the man leaving the store with the woman's purse. The last scene in the video showed the lady awakening to find her purse gone.

The distraught lady told authorities that along with her purse the thief had taken the $300 she needed to pay that month's bills.

Forget about "taking candy from a baby." The new low in life is the grown man who takes the purse of a wheel-chaired little old lady who is passed out.

I should be careful what I say. The Daily Devotion readers will fill my mail with other stories where somebody did something even lower.

The truth is our hearts are predisposed toward evil. That was the verdict of the Lord after the flood. Indeed, anyone who has looked into his heart knows that he is a sinner deserving God's wrath and punishment.

Which is why, like King David, we need to come to the Lord and ask that He blot out our iniquities. Erasing sin is something which, because of our Savior, the Lord is glad to do.

In fact the Lord goes further than wiping out the wrong. He also gives us new hearts and right spirits. No longer are we bound to go from sin to transgression to disobedience and back again. Because the Holy Spirit is there to encourage us, we can become witnesses to the Savior.

Which takes me back to the lady in the electric scooter... I'm proud to say that when the woman's story became public a Good Samaritan came forward and made up for the cash she had lost.

That individual made a witness to the Savior. By God's grace may we do the same when we come upon a problem, a need, an opportunity.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, there are people out there who are doing a lot of bad things. Today I ask that You will keep me from being one of them. At the same time I ask that You will allow me to witness Jesus to those who need the new heart and clean spirit which the Savior provides. In His Name. Amen

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
FRIDAY'S QUIZ:     What did the prophetesses use to esnare people into listening to them according to Ezekiel? (I'll leave it up another day as no one answered it on Friday.)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: Why did Christ humble himself?
Answer: Christ voluntarily humbled Himself in order to redeem me, a lost and condemned person."
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Mon- (Strategic Planning meeting cancelled)
Tues- Little Lambs 3 year olds start; Quilters 9am-2pm
Fri- newsletter assembly 9am
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
HELPERS NEEDED FOR GOOD NEWS CLUB!!!
As many of you know, CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) does an after school program called "Good News Club".   The change to all elementary schools being preschool-5th grade has created an opportunity for us (St. John's) to host a GNC at Rebecca Boone. CEF has leaders in place to help us get started (They would eventually step out of the way and let us take over fully.) What we need is two or three volunteers, who like working with kids and want to see more of them come to Christ, to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Please call me at 359-1061 to let me know if you are interested!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Projectors NEEDED
I still need people to sign up for the projector. Here are the openings for the next few weeks:
Aug 26 8:30-                  11am-

Sept 2- 8:30-                    11am-

Sept 9- 11am-

Sept 16- 11am-

Sept 23- 8:30-

Sept 30- 8:30-                    11am-

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LUAU COMING UP THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 beginning at 5:30pm
Get a babysitter and bring your wife or husband on a date!! Come to the Schirr's house and enjoy some good food, some drinks, some good company, and relax. $12 per person.    Payment should be made to Betty Schirr. 21 years old and older invited.
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JUNIOR HIGH KIDS GOING ROLLER SKATING THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 from 2-5pm!!!

_________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS OUR OWN LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL!!!

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PRAYERS:

For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she continues to deal with her cancer. She is in quite a bit of pain.

For MARY OFSTHUN, former member of St. John's, as she mourns the loss of her daughter.

For Denise Schlesselman's grandma, DOROTHY SCHLESSELMAN, as she is dealing with an unidentified illness.

For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering well from surgery.

For BILL MCKENZIE as he recovers from a stroke.

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she recovers from a stroke. She is at the DePaul rehab hospital.

For BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as his treatment is doing some good, and as he is starting a new treatment for his liver cancer.

For JEANETTE KOEHLER as she reocvers from vascular surgery to relieve pain and help with circulation in her foot and as she works hard to get back home.

For GENE SIEBOLD as he awaits the results of his cancer treatments as they are completed.

For ALL OF OUR FARMERS AND ALL WHO DEPEND ON THE LAND AND ON RAIN, that God would provide for their needs even during this drought.

Prayer lrequest from Sue Ruhl on behalf of Mary Ofsthun

Please pray for Mary Ofstun, former member of our Church, as her Daughter Patty in Boston, passed away Sat. Thank you, Sue

Friday, August 17, 2012

DEVOTION: John 6:62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?

The Lord Jesus had a lot of disciples following him for a long time. He was healing and teaching and caring for everyone. It was a great time and Jesus was a rock star!

Then he started to talk about who he was and what he had come to do. He said things like, "I am the way and the truth, and the life. No one comes to th Father except through me." He said things like "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you."

Many of the people who followed him didn't like what he was saying. They even said, "This is a hard saying, who can listen to it?" After he said these things many stopped following him. But then he aske dthe twelve disciples, " Are you going to stop following me too?" TO which Peter replied, "Lord to whom shallw e go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and hav ecome to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

When you don't quite understand God or His Word, and when you don't quite agree with what He has to say, to whom do you defer? Do you go by your own understanding? Are you offended? Or do you defer to the Holy One of God?

Learn more about what it means to defer to Christ this weekend at St. John's Lutheran church on Saturday at 5pm or Sunday at 8:30 or 11am!

Prayer: Lord God, to whom shall we turn? You alone have the Words of eternal life. Bless us as we turn to you! Amen

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THURSDAY'S QUIZ:    In what year, month, and day was Ezekiel taken to Jerusalem byt he hair of his head?In the sixth year, in the sixth month on the fifth day while I was sitting in my house and the elders of Judah were sitting before me, the hand of the Sovereign Lord came upon me there. . . .He stretched out what looked like a hand and took me by the hair of the head.. The Spirit lifted me up between earth and heaven and in visions of God he took me to Jerusalem.

Thanks to Denise Schlesselman, Doug Herzog, and Dianne Hance for finding the answer!
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What did the prophetesses use to esnare people into listening to them according to Ezekiel?
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CATECHISM:
Question: Why did Christ humble himself?
Answer: Christ voluntarily humbled Himself in order to redeem me, a lost and condemned person."
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CALENDAR:
Fri- 1st day of school for Little Lambs; Bible study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; VOTER'S MEETING 9:45-11; worship 11am
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NEWS:
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED!!!
We need people who are excited about the opportunity of teaching kids all about Jesus and who want to make an impact on their church and on the lives of kids!!!

There is a special meeting this Sunday at noon at church for all interested!!! Lunch will be provided!! Classes can be split or shared with another person Substitutes are also needed if you can't commit to every week.
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VOTER'S MEETING THIS SUNDAY at 9:45!!
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LEADERS AND HELPERS NEEDED FOR GOOD NEWS CLUB!!!
As many of you know, CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) does an after school program called "Good News Club".   The change to all elementary schools being preschool-5th grade has created an opportunity for us (St. John's) to host a GNC at Rebecca Boone. CEF has leaders in place to help us get started (They would eventually step out of the way and let us take over fully.) What we need is two or three volunteers, who like working with kids and want to see more of them come to Christ, to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Please call me at 359-1061 to let me know if you are interested!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Projectors NEEDED
I still need people to sign up for the projector Here are the openings for the next few weeks:
Aug 19 11am-

Aug 26 8:30-                  11am-

Sept 2- 8:30-                    11am-

Sept 9- 11am-

Sept 16- 11am-

Sept 23- 8:30-

Sept 30- 8:30-                    11am-

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LUAU COMING UP SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 beginning at 5:30pm
Get a babysitter and bring your wife or husband on a date!! Come to the Schirr's house and enjoy some good food, some drinks, some good company, and relax. $12 per person.    Payment should be made to Betty Schirr. 21 years old and older invited.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
JUNIOR HIGH KIDS GOING ROLLER SKATING SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 from 2-5pm!!!

_________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS OUR OWN LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS:

FOr LITTLE LAMBS as they start today, that all the parents and kids won't be too sad, and that they will all have a good day!

For Denise Schlesselman's grandma, DOROTHY SCHLESSELMAN, as she is dealing with an unidentified illness.

For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering well from surgery.

For BILL MCKENZIE as he recovers from a stroke.

For WANDA TURNURE as she is recovering well from surgery.

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she recovers from a stroke. She is at the DePaul rehab hospital.

For BONNIE FRENZIA as she recovers from back surgery.

For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she continues to deal with her cancer, but is taking a break from treatments.

For BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as his treatment is doing some good, and as he is starting a new treatment for his liver cancer.

For JEANETTE KOEHLER as she reocvers from vascular surgery to relieve pain and help with circulation in her foot and as she works hard to get back home.

For GENE SIEBOLD as he awaits the results of his cancer treatments as they are completed.

For ALL OF OUR FARMERS AND ALL WHO DEPEND ON THE LAND AND ON RAIN, that God would provide for their needs even during this drought.

Good News Club at Rebecca Boone

A CHANCE FOR ST JOHNS TO HOST A GOOD NEWS CLUB!!!

As many of you know, CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) does an after school program called "Good News Club". The change to all elementary schools being preschool-5th grade has created an opportunity for us (St. John's) to host a GNC at Rebecca Boone. CEF has leaders in place to help us get started (They would eventually step out of the way and let us take over fully.) What we need is two or three volunteers, who like working with kids and want to see more of them come to Christ, to be a part of this exciting opportunity.

Please call me at 359-1061 to let me know if you are interested!!

Sunday school teachers needed

We need people who are excited about the opportunity of teaching kids all about Jesus and who want to make an impact on their church and on the lives of kids!!!

There is a special meeting this Sunday at noon at church for all interested!!! Lunch will be provided!! Classes can be split or shared with another person Substitutes are also needed if you can't commit to every week.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

DEVOTION: Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

During World War II it must have been difficult to be an American citizen with the name William Patrick Hitler.

It must have been doubly difficult if you were the only nephew and the only known descendant of the chancellor of Nazi Germany. (Note: Adolf Hitler had a son whose story has recently become public.)

And, if you wished to enlist and fight against Germany, you first had to get the president's permission, and pass an investigation by the FBI.

That is, of course, what happened to William Patrick Hitler. He had come to America in 1939 and in 1942 asked Franklin D. Roosevelt's permission to enlist. When the government's blessing was received, he joined the Navy in 1944 and served for years before he was injured.

William Patrick Hitler took a stand for that in which he believed. He stood firm in his faith; he acted like a man and did what he did out of love for his country and his friends.

His is quite an example for Christians, isn't it?

You know, once upon a time you and I were part of an evil Reich that was dedicated to the enslavement of the entire world. But then something happened.

By God's design we came into contact with the freedom that could be ours in God's Kingdom of grace. Through Word and Sacrament we were made citizens of this Kingdom, which had been brought into being by God's promise and the Savior's sacrifice.

As members in that Kingdom we rejoice that the final, ultimate victory has already been won by the risen Savior. Still, skirmishes and scuffles, conflicts and combat continue on. And we are given a choice. We can volunteer to fight with our comrades in Christ, or we can try to blend into the background as a noncombatant.

I know what William Patrick Hitler did. I pray we might be as brave and committed to the cause of the Christ.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, today I rejoice I have been moved from the kingdom of darkness to that of light. May I appreciate the sacrifice of the Savior which made that move possible. Now, as I am able, use me to take a stand for Him who died for me. In Jesus' Name. Amen. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY'S QUIZ:    Who were the Chaldeans? Chaldean were the inhabitants of the southern regions of Mesopotamia who established the Neo-Babylonian empire (612-529 BC). In the last seventh century B.C. the Chaldeans, led by Nebuchadnezzar's father overthrew the Assyrians. Destroyed this temple and deported the people to Babylon. Ezra 5:12

Thanks Dianne and Doug !!
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TODAY'S QUIZ:
In what year, month, and day was Ezekiel taken to Jerusalem byt he hair of his head?
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CATECHISM:
Question: What do the Scriptures teach about Christ's burial?
Answer: They teach that Christ's body was buried in the tomb and remained there until the third day, without decaying in any way.
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CALENDAR:
Thurs- 1st day of school for Warrenton
Fri- 1st day of school for Little Lambs; Bible study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; VOTER'S MEETING 9:45-11; worship 11am
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NEWS:
VOTER'S MEETING THIS SUNDAY at 9:45!!
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Projectors NEEDED
I still need people to sign up for the projector Here are the openings for the next few weeks:
Aug 19 11am-

Aug 26 8:30-                  11am-

Sept 2- 8:30-                    11am-

Sept 9- 11am-

Sept 16- 11am-

Sept 23- 8:30-

Sept 30- 8:30-                    11am-

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LUAU COMING UP SATURDAY, AUGUST 25 beginning at 5:30pm
Get a babysitter and bring your wife or husband on a date!! Come to the Schirr's house and enjoy some good food, some drinks, some good company, and relax. $12 per person.    Payment should be made to Betty Schirr. 21 years old and older invited.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

JUNIOR HIGH KIDS GOING ROLLER SKATING SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 from 2-5pm!!!

_________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS OUR OWN LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS:

FOr ALL THE WARRENTON KIDS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL TODAY, ALL THE WRIGHT CITY KIDS WHO WENT BACK TO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, ALL THE ST. JOHN'S KIDS WHO LEFT TO GO TO COLLEGE and ALL THE TEACHERS!!

For Denise Schlesselman's grandma, DOROTHY SCHLESSELMAN, as she is dealing with an unidentified illness.

For ERNA VANHORN who is having surgery today to repair her back.

For BILL MCKENZIE as he recovers from a stroke.

For WANDA TURNURE as she is recovering well from surgery.

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she recovers from a stroke. She is at the DePaul rehab hospital.

For BONNIE FRENZIA as she recovers from back surgery.

For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she continues to deal with her cancer, but is taking a break from treatments.

FOr BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as his treatment is doing some good, and as he is starting a new treatment for his liver cancer.

For JEANETTE KOEHLER as she reocvers from vascular surgery to relieve pain and help with circulation in her foot and as she works hard to get back home.

For GENE SIEBOLD as he awaits the results of his cancer treatments as they are completed.

For ALL OF OUR FARMERS AND ALL WHO DEPEND ON THE LAND AND ON RAIN, that God would provide for their needs even during this drought.

Prayer request from Denise Schlesselmann

Please add my grandma Dorothy Schlesselman to prayers and the prayer list. For the past 7 weeks or so she has had a low fever. The doctors have tried test after test and have been unable to discover what is causing the fever. Until she started having the fever she was very active. She helped with Red Cross, delivering tapes and helping at the nursing home. She is now considering moving to the nursing home (at least temporarily). Something is seriously wrong and the doctors can not figure it out. Please add the prayer for the doctors to figure out what is wrong so they can help her.

Thanks,
Denise

prayer request updates

1. Wanda Turnure surgery came out of surgery well. She will stay overnight in the hospital, but should be home tomorrow.

2. Joyce Schien is moving to the DePaul Rehab hospital tomorrow. She is eating on her own, and will begin work on standing and walking soon.

3. New: Please pray for Bill McKenzie as he has a blood clot on his brain and is undergoing other tests. He is at the VA hospital.

Monday, August 13, 2012

DEVOTION: Ephesians 4:14-15 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Do you like to hurt peple's feelings? No one does. I don't like to make people feel bad. I really don't like to be disagreeable. I just want to get along. I just want everyone to like me and to want to be around me.

A lot of this is the problem with our society and with Christians specifically. We don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. We don't want to make people feel bad or disagree with them. We don't want to hurt our friendships. So instead, we just go along to get along. We don't say anything for fear of offending someone.

God calls us to something different. he wants us to speak the TRUTH in love. Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" To which Jesus answered at another time and another place, "I am the way, and the TRUTH, and the life no one comes to the Father except through me."

If we are to do God's will then we can't be tossed back and forth by every wave of teaching. We cannot remain spiritual infants in our thinking. We need to remain in the pure and clear teaching of the truth. We need to grow up into Him who is the HEAD of the church, that is Christ Jesus!

Put off all that is foolishness and all that relative thinking that changes from day to day and hour to hour and put on Christ who is the truth!

Prayer: Lord God, help me to speak thr truth in love to all who need it, to my family, to my friends, to my pastor, to my teachers, to my coworkers, to everyone, so that they will know the truth and the truth will set them free. Amen.
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MONDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Molech? Molech the god of the Ammonites The detestable practice of sacrificing childres to Molech was common in Phoenicia and other surrounding countries. Lev 18:21. (Thanks to Dianne Hance and Doug herzog for the answer!)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who were the Chaldeans?
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: What do the Scriptures teach about Christ's life, suffering, and death?
Answer: They teach that He
a, endured poverty, contempt, and persecution in His earthly life;
b. suffered great agony of body and soul under Pontius Pilate;
c. died on the cross in excrutiating agony.
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CALENDAR:
Mon- Whispering Pines worship 10am; Little Lambs Open House 4-7pm; 1st day of school for Wright City
Tues- Board of Stewardship meeting 10am; Bible Study 11:30-12:15; Little Lambs Open House 10-12 and 1-3
Wed- Ladies Aid Luncheon Noon; Circuit Pastor's meeting 9-3; Newsletter deadline
Thurs- 1st day of school for Warrenton
Fri- 1st day of school for Little Lambs; Bible study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; VOTER'S MEETING 9:45-11; worship 11am
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NEWS:
A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN OUR MANY EVENTS THIS WEEKEND!!
We had a wonderful time at the golf outing thanks to Alan Hofeldt, who headed it all up, and to the many who volunteered their time and effort to make it a wonderful time! At last count there was around $900 raised for Little Lambs!!

We had a great time with Southern Heritage on Saturday night even though it was a very small crowd. The music was spectacular.

A lot of kids got their backpacks blessed for their future journey to school this week! Hey kids, God's got yoru back! A big thanks to Sandy Robine for putting the tags together and for providing dinner for the Southern heritage group this weekend!
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LADIES AID SALAD LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY!!!

All ladies of the church, young and old, are invited!! Please call 456-2888 TODAY to let us know you're coming!!

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JUNIOR HIGH KIDS GOING ROLLER SKATING SUNDAY, AUGUST 26 from 2-5pm!!!

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STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS OUR OWN LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL!!!

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PRAYERS:

For WANDA TURNURE as she is having surgery today.

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she recovers from blood clots on her brain. She is able to talk although her speech is a bit slurred and she has a feeding tube in becuase she isn't able to swallow, Her left side is a bit damaged, but she can move her legs. She is recovering but she has a long road ahead.

For BONNIE FRENZIA as she recovers from back surgery.

For JIM RAHN as he recovers from hernia surgery.

For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she continues to deal with her cancer, but is taking a break from treatments.

FOr BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as his treatment is doing some good, and as he is starting a new treatment for his liver cancer.

For JEANETTE KOEHLER as she reocvers from vascular surgery to relieve pain and help with circulation in her foot and as she works hard to get back home.

For GENE SIEBOLD as he awaits the results of his cancer treatments as they are completed.

For ALL OF OUR FARMERS AND ALL WHO DEPEND ON THE LAND AND ON RAIN, that God would provide for their needs even during this drought.

Half an hour

Y'alll have half an hour to get her t hear some good southern gospel music from Southern heritage!! Music starts at 7pm!!!

Go to southernheritagegospel.com to sample their music!! Then GET HERE!!!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

DEVOTION: Ephesians 4:11b-13 I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content..... I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

In our catechism we have the last two commandments about coveting. I always figured that since they were last, they were least important, right? I couldn't be more wrong.

Coveting is a big deal for us, because it robs us of joy. We covet our neighbor's lawn because it is much greener, fuller and has less weeds than ours. We covet our friends job, because his boss is a whole lot nicer than ours. We covet our sisters kids because they are so much better behaved than ours. I could go on and on. Even a pastor can get very envious of other pastors for all different sorts of reasons. You get the point.

Do you see how this kind of stuff can rob you of joy and how it can make your life miserable?

Paul, who said those words above, had everything in life to start with. He had fame fortune, and power. But he was not content. He had to have more. He was never content. Not until God changed his life, that is.

God had a plan for Paul that included being put in prison, being shipwrecked, being beaten to death, and being chased by his enemies. Not onlthat, but he also talks about a thorn in his side, a messenger of Satan to torment him. Even with all of this pain and suffering, Paul still says that he has learned the secret of being content no matter what the circumstance.

The secret to being content is Jesus. We can measure everything in life by how much Jesus loves us. We can withstand anything in life, because we know that the end result of our life is eternal life in heaven with Jesus. We can love others because He first loved us and not because of anything within that person.

If you are int he middle of discontent I urge you to rethink things. Instead of thinking abotu how ratty your children are being, think of them as a gift of God and how much you love them. Instead of coveting your neighbor's lawn think about how much time he has to spend on it while you are spending time with the people you love. Instead of thinking about your hardships, think about the love of Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, I know it sounds cliche, but help me to count my blessings and to learn to be content in any and every situation so that my life will be more joyful and that I will give praise and honor to you in everything. Amen.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY'S QUIZ: How long was the captivity of the Israelites by the Babylonians? 70 years Thanks to both Doug herzog and Dianne Hance for answering correctly
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was Molech?
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: What do the Scriptures teach og the birth of Christ?
Answer: They teach that Jesus Christ, the God-man, was born of the Virgin Mary.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Fri- NO Bible study at Hendershot's, it has been rescheduled for next Friday
Sat- Golf 7am; worship 5pm; Southern Heritage Gospel Music Concert 7pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school and Bible class 10:15; worship 11am (Avenue of the Saints is here at 11am service)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
GOLF OUTING THIS SATURDAY
Registration begins at 7am.
Shotgun start at 8am.
Lunch (burgers and brats) and awards at 1pm.
4 person scramble.
$50 per person includes: golf with cart, drink tickets, lunch, attendance gifts, a chance to win a prize
$10 if you just want to do lunch.

All proceeds go to LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL.

Call Alan Hofeldt at 456-3070 or email him at alanhofeldt@yahoo.com to sign up.
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SOUTHERN GOSPEL CONCERT by SOUTHERN HERITAGE THIS SATURDAY at 7pm
Jonathan Edwards, Deanna Edwards, and Rose Gilley make up Southern Heritage. It is good old fashioned southern gospel music! Make plans to attend right now! Go to http://southernheritagegospel.com/ to check them out and to get a sampling of their music. I am hoping for a big crowd. The concert is free, but a free will offering will be taken to help this group continue to spread the Gospel wherever they go.
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FIVE 14 REVOLUTION at 7pm at the Chesterfield Amphitheater
MRS. WINN HAS ROOM FOR TWO MORE IN HER CAR! Call her asap to tell her you want to go with her. 314-479-5543
This is a free contemporary Christian rock concert at the Chesterfield Amphitheater especially for young people. Acts like Taylor Perry, Mynista, and Of Time and Tide will be performing. Check it out at www.facebook.com/five14.

I really need some adults to chaperone any kids who want to go! Please call me at 359-1061 to let me know if you are willing!!!

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BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS THIS WEEKEND
Hey all you kids, please bring your backpacks with you to church this Sunday. We are going to bless them and you as you are about to begin school. You will get a neat little hook on thing for your backpack too. We want to get the whole front of church full of back packs to bless so that we can in turn bless the schools that they are3 going into.
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The band, AVENUE OF THE SAINTS, is GOING TO BE HERE ON SUNDAY AT our 11am service!!

Come and check them out to see what good contemporary Christian music sounds like!!

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STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IS OUR OWN LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS:

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she recovers from bllod clots on her brain. She is able to talk although her speech is a bit slurred and she has a feeding tube in becuase she isn't able to swallow, Her left side is a bit damaged, but she can move her legs. She is recovering but she has a long road ahead.

For BONNIE FRENZIA as she recovers from back surgery.

For JIM RAHN as he recovers from hernia surgery.

For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she continues to deal with her cancer, but is taking a break from treatments.

FOr BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as his treatment is doing some good, and as he is starting a new treatment for his liver cancer.

For JEANETTE KOEHLER as she reocvers from vascular surgery to relieve pain and help with circulation in her foot and as she works hard to get back home.

For GENE SIEBOLD as he awaits the results of his cancer treatments as they are completed.

For ALL OF OUR FARMERS AND ALL WHO DEPEND ON THE LAND AND ON RAIN, that God would provide for their needs even during this drought.

St. John's Lutheran Church
Warrenton, MO

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Christmas program

Update on Grandma Schlesselman

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Monday, August 20, 2012 (revised)

Monday, August 20, 2012

Prayer lrequest from Sue Ruhl on behalf of Mary Ofsthun

Friday, August 17, 2012

Good News Club at Rebecca Boone

Sunday school teachers needed

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Prayer request from Denise Schlesselmann

prayer request updates

Monday, August 13, 2012

Half an hour

Thursday, August 9, 2012

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