St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO

Thursday, December 6, 2012

DEVOTION: For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the Gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith," Romans 1:16-17

Have you ever gotten one of those emails or Facebook posts that says, "If you aren't ashamed of this message you will forward it or "post" it. When I see those I immediately delete them. No one is going to guilt me into forwarding an email or to repost something that they think is important. I actually get disgusted at those things, because someone is trying to guilt me into doing something.

We shouldn't guilt people into doing anything, and that is exactly what Paul is saying here in our reading for today. The Gospel is the power of salvation. The Gospel isn't guilt. It doesn't bring guilt. It doesn't show us our guilt. That is the power of the law. The law condemns. The law guilts us. The Gospel brings life and salvation.

Too many people, including well meaning Christians, get the Law and the Gospel confused. Don't get me wrong, the law is good. It shows us our sins and our need for a Savior, but if we stay in the law we will be disappointed, desperate, and hopeless. When we hear the law, and it cuts us to the heart, we must immediately turn to the Gospel for comfort.

And the Gospel is simply this, "God so loved the world that He sent His only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

That is what we celebrate during this Advent season and well into Christmas, but it is also something that we celebrate every moment of our lives all year long! I encourage you to get out of the doldrums of the law today. Get rid of your guilt and believe that the Lord truly does love you enough to send His own Son to die for you!

Prayer: Lord God, help me not to be ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God for my salvation! Help me to trust in You every day more and more! Amen.
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WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: According to his second letter to the Corinthians, what is the only thing Paul will boast about? "I will boast of the things that show my weakness." II Corinthians 11:30

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THURSDAY'S QUIZ: Are Jews and Gentiles the same or different under sin?

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CATECHISM:
Question: What moves God to forgive sins?

Answer: God forgives sins because He is merciful and because of Christ's atoning sacrifice for sinners.

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CALENDAR

Thurs- Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group 1pm

Fri- Jonesburg worship 10:30
Sat- Christmas Program practice 10-11am; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am; elders meeting noon
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NEWS

GOOD NEWS CLUB NEEDS Please help!!!

1. SNACKS: St. John's is sponsoring the Good News Club at Rebecca Boone this year. One of the responsibilities is that we provide snacks for the kiddos. There are at least 35 kids participating so far and will probably be more. If you would be willing to help out by making or buying a snack I would greatly appreciate it. Please call me for more information! 359-1061.

2. MONEY: Another thing we are responsible for is providing funds for materials. Since it is not in the budget, this depends on individual donations. If you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, please call me about it.

3. HELPERS: A third thing that is needed are helpers. They meet every Wednesday from 2:45-4:15 at Rebecca Boone Elementary. Call me if you'd like to help out!

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SECOND ADVENT DINNER AND WORSHIP NEXT WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
SUPPER 5:30
WORSHIP at 6:30!!!
If your elder is DAVE WINTER, JIM RAHN, or STEVE MCDOWELL please bring two of the following: vegetable, salad, or dessert. Don't forget that worship is at 6:30, a half hour earlier this year!!!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE

We understand if you cannot make all of the practices, but we would appreciate your child attending as many as possible. We will also practice during our Sunday chool hour each Sunday as well.

Saturday, Dec. 8- 10-11am

Saturday, Dec. 15- 10-11am, Taco Bar after practice to celebrate!! (Come hungry!)

Performance is Sunday, Dec. 16 at the 11am service!!!
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CHOIR PRACTICE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 7:15.

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WARREN COUNTY BOOKCASE CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

The Warren County Bookcase Club is all geared up for another season of making and assembling bookcases for kids in need in Warren County. They need donors to contribute $50 per bookcase.

Please contact Rich Lagemann at richlagemann@hotmail.com if you would like more info. Checks can be made to "Warren COunty Bookcase Club" and be sent to First State Community Bank in Warrenton: 1022 North Highway 47. Warrenton, MO 63383.

Please let me know if you are going to donate ot this worthy cause!

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LUTHERANS FOR LIFE GROUP AT ST JOHN"S WHAT DO WE NEED???

Do you want to get our church more active in the cause of protecting and honoring life at all stages. We have an opportunity to get connected with the St Charles County Lutherans for Life Chapter.

All we really need is someone to represent us and to be the contact person for our congregation to the chapter.

Anyone who is interested please simply respon to this email and I will get you connected to the right person.

Also, mark your calendars for a special LIFE SUNDAY coming up on Sunday, January 27. It will be a special Sunday to celebrate our earthly physical lives in Christ and how God is the creator and protector of our bodies as well as our souls, and how he will raise up our bodies on the last day!!!
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CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALE

Christmas is only a month and a half away. Time to get those Christmas cards! Where can you get good Christian ones? how about downstairs at church? They are in the display case! Stop by and pick some up! You can pay Marilyn in the office.

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HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

The LCMS is asking for donations to help with relief efforts. If you care to give, you may use a designated envelope, or you can go to LCMS.org and donate directly online.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IS ST. JOHN's GIVING TREE.

Please take a red ornament off of the tree. Buy a gift or two listed on the ornament, and bring back the WRAPPED gift with the red ornament attached to it by December 16.

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PRAYERS:

For the DREYER FAMILY, as Barb's dad went to be with the Lord Tuesday night.

For BETH RITTER, daughter of Dave and Carol Kohrs, who is in ICU with many complications from an unknown illness.

For TINA RUTH'S SISTER, who is dealing with cancer.

For GARRETT SPOEDE who is recovering from having parts of his toes and feet amputated. He is at home and doing well.

For SANDRA PERRICONE'S SISTER, KAREN, as she was in a car accident this past week. Everything was ok with that, but as they were checking her out after the accident they found some serious heart issues and may have to do surgery. Pray for God's guidance for doctors and Karen, and for peace in this situation.

For Dave and Carol Kohrs' daughter BETH RITTER, who is suffering from a very low white blood cell count, liver failure, pneumonia, and sores in her mouth and throat. .

For MARILYN FOSTER'S NIECE, HEATHER. As she is still dealing with a severe sickness that has yet to be diagnosed, and as she continues to lose weight and gets weaker, that the doctors are able to find out what is wrong soon.

For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who continues to recover from a fall from his deer stand that left him paralyzed from the waist down. .

FW: Information on Barb's Dad

Barb Dreyer's dad, Paul Brendel, passed away yesterday... His visitation will be Sunday from 5 to 9 PM at Kutis Funeral Home , 10151 Gravois, St. Louis, Mo 63123. Visitation will also be from 12- 1pm at St. Thomas/Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 398

0 South Lindberg, St. Louis, Mo 63127 followed by the funeral at 1pm. Memorials may go to St. Thomas/Holy Spirit Pipe Organ Fund or St. Thomas/Holy Spirit Endowment Fund. We really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.. Allan

prayer request

Please pray for Laura Adam's dad David as he undergoes cancer surgery tomorrow to remove a tumor.

Thank you! blessings on your day!!!

Sent from Windows Mail

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

DEVOTION: By the meekness and gentleness of Christ I appeal to you-- I, Paul, who am "timid" when face to face with you, but "bold" when away! I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the world's standards. For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have Divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. And we will be ready to punish ever act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete. 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

When you go to battle every day what are you armed with? Our soldiers are readily armed with everything they need when they go into battle. They have their armor on, their guns loaded, their helmets fastened, and their communication at the ready. But what about you? When you go to war against the devil every day, are you armed and prepared for the fight or have you already lost the battle? What is the armor of God?

Well, very simply put, it is the Word of God! I'm not saying that you need to carry a Bible around with you everywhere you go, although that isn't a bad idea if you can do it. But I am saying that you do need to have it in you. You should start your day with God's Word in a devotion, listen to it on the radio, sing it in a song, or pray it throughout the day, and then end the day with it. You should memorize it as much as you can. You should attend a worship service where you know that you will hear and speak God's Word. You should teach it to your children.

In essence, the WORD OF GOD, should BE YOUR LIFE!

As a Christian, you cannot live life by the world's standards. That will give you nothing but heartache and guilt. Instead, you must live life by God's standards which provide goodness, perseverance, peace, joy, and salvation! Which one is better the world or God? I will go with the world every day!

Prayer: Lord God, keep our standards up for us! Keep us believing in, living, and trusting in Your Word! Amen.

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TUESDAY'S QUIZ: Why did Paul have no peace of mind in Troas? Because he didn't find Titus there

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WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: According to his second letter to the Corinthians, what is the only thing Paul will boast about?

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CATECHISM:
Question: Why do you say, "I believe in the forgiveness of sins?"

Answer: I believe in the forgiveness of sins because through Christ God has declared pardon and forgiveness to all sinful humanity.

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CALENDAR

Wed- Advent Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir practice after worship
Thurs- Jonesburg worship 10:30; Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group 1pm

Fri-
Sat- Christmas Program practice 10-11am; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am; elders meeting noon
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NEWS

GOOD NEWS CLUB NEEDS Please help!!!

3. HELPERS: A third thing that is needed are helpers. They meet every Wednesday from 2:45-4:15 at Rebecca Boone Elementary. Call me if you'd like to help out!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

FIRST ADVENT DINNER AND WORSHIP TOMORROW, DECEMBER 5
SUPPER 5:30
WORSHIP at 6:30!!!
If your elder is Don Turnure, John Hachtel, or Dave Tinnin please bring two of the following: vegetable, salad, or dessert. Don't forget that worship is at 6:30, a half hour earlier this year!!!________________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE

_____________________________________________________

WARREN COUNTY BOOKCASE CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE GROUP AT ST JOHN"S WHAT DO WE NEED???

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALE

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

The LCMS is asking for donations to help with relief efforts. If you care to give, you may use a designated envelope, or you can go to LCMS.org and donate directly online.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IS ST. JOHN's GIVING TREE.

Please take a red ornament off of the tree. Buy a gift or two listed on the ornament, and bring back the WRAPPED gift with the red ornament attached to it by December 16.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS:

For the DREYER FAMILY, as Barb's dad went to be with the Lord last night.

For BETH RITTER, daughter of Dave and Carol Kohrs, who is in ICU with many complications from an unknown illness.

For TINA RUTH'S SISTER, who is dealing with cancer.

For GARRETT SPOEDE who is recovering from having parts of his toes and feet amputated. He is at home and doing well.

For Dave and Carol Kohrs' daughter BETH RITTER, who is suffering from a very low white blood cell count, liver failure, pneumonia, and sores in her mouth and throat. .

For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who continues to recover from a fall from his deer stand that left him paralyzed from the waist down. .

Update on Bell Ringing Update 12:45pm Tuesday

Two more to go!!

Here's the schedule for bell ringing at Walmart on Friday, December 14:

8-9- Tony and Sandra Perricone
9-10- Don Nolte
10-11- Julie Schaumberg
11-12- Alan Hofeldt
12-1- John and Joanne Hachtel

1-2- Doug Walters

2-3- (open)

3-4- (open)

Thanks to all who have signed up!

Help me out and fill up the rest or it is going to be a long afternoon for me to stand out in front of Walmart.

Belll Ringing Update

Here's the schedule for bell ringing at Walmart on Friday, December 14:

8-9- Tony and Sandra Perricone
9-10- Don Nolte
10-11- Julie Schaumberg
11-12- Alan Hofeldt
12-1- John and Joanne Hachtel

1-2 (open)

2-3- (open)

3-4- (open)

Thanks to all who have signed up!

Help me out and fill up the rest or it is going to be a long afternoon for me to stand out in front of Walmart.

snacks needed for Good News Club at Rebecca Boone

I need snack for 40 for Good News Club tomorrow at Rebecca Boone. You can be as creative or as quick as you want. Baked goods or store bought things are fine. Please help!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

DEVOTION: (from LHM)

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Over the years there have been times when people asked me, "Why should I meditate or memorize God's Word?" Today I can give an answer -- an answer which begins with this story: a few weeks ago, the ten-foot waves were pounding the shore of California's Big Lagoon Beach when Howard Kulijian and his family went out for a walk with their dog, Fran.

When Kulijian tossed a stick toward the water, Fran raced down to fetch it. It was then, just as the dog got to the shoreline, a "sneaker wave," that is, a wave larger than all the others, swept in and carried the dog away from the shore.

Kulijian's son, 16-year-old Gregory, forgot about the signs along the beach that warned about those sneaker waves and ran after the dog. Kulijian ran after Gregory and Mary Scott, Kulijian's wife, followed them all.

As of this writing the bodies of both father and mother have been recovered and Greg is still missing. It was a terrible tragedy, a tragedy I can understand. You see, if one of our dogs was in a life-and-death situation, I believe any of our three children, motivated by love for their pet, would have put everything else aside and rushed in to help. Pamie would have followed the children, and I would have gone after them all. That's what most families would do.

That's what they would do unless ... unless the posted warning signs had become part of their thinking, paramount in their minds.

If you review Scripture, you will find many of the sins committed by God's people happened because their wants and wishes pushed aside God's words of warning. That's what happened to Adam and Eve, Samson, David, Ananias and Sapphira, along with so many others. When they reached a crossroad in their lives, a crossroad which would, to a large extent determine their relationship with the Lord, they took the wrong path, their path and the results were catastrophic.

Why meditate and memorize God's Word?

Because in your life you will probably get to a similar crossroad. At that time you will need to know, in no uncertain terms, what God wants you to do. The possibility you will walk the right road is increased if you are intimately familiar with His Word, which equips us for the crossroads of life.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, all around us we see tragedies. Some are earthly tragedies like that which happened to the Kulijian family. Others are spiritual disasters, where people have taken their road rather than Your will. You have given us the Holy Scriptures, so we might be prepared for the evil eventualities of this world. Move those words from the paper into our minds and hearts. This we ask in the Savior's Name. Amen.

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Monday's Quiz: Was Apollos willing to go to Corinth at first? No, because he didn't want to make them think more of him than they ought. They were beginning to hold him up as a god.
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TUESDAY'S QUIZ: Why did Paul have no peace of mind in Troas?

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CATECHISM:
Question: What do the Scriptures teach about your life in the church?
Answer:

They teach that

a. We should seek always to be and remain members of the invisible church, Christ's body, by sincere faith in Christ, our Savior;

b. we should be faithful to that visible church, or denomination, which professes and teaches all od the Bible's doctrine purely and administers the sacraments according to Christ's institution.

c. we should avoid false teachers, false churches, and all organizations that promote a religion that is contrary to God's Word;

d. we should maintain and extend God's church by telling othes about jesus, by personal service, and by prayer and financial support.
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CALENDAR

Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15

Wed- Advent Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir practice after worship
Thurs- Jonesburg worship 10:30; Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group 1pm

GOOD NEWS CLUB NEEDS Please help!!!

3. HELPERS: A third thing that is needed are helpers. They meet every Wednesday from 2:45-4:15 at Rebecca Boone Elementary. Call me if you'd like to help out!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

WARREN COUNTY BOOKCASE CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE GROUP AT ST JOHN"S WHAT DO WE NEED???

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALE

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

The LCMS is asking for donations to help with relief efforts. If you care to give, you may use a designated envelope, or you can go to LCMS.org and donate directly online.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IS ST. JOHN's GIVING TREE.

Please take a red ornament off of the tree. Buy a gift or two listed on the ornament, and bring back the WRAPPED gift with the red ornament attached to it by December 16.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS:

For BARB DREYER'S DAD as he has been placed on hospice care.

For BETH RITTER, daughter of Dave and Carol Kohrs, who is in ICU with many complications from an unknown illness.

For TINA RUTH'S SISTER, who is dealing with cancer.

For GARRETT SPOEDE who is recovering from having parts of his toes and feet amputated. He is at home and doing well.

For Dave and Carol Kohrs' daughter BETH RITTER, who is suffering from a very low white blood cell count, liver failure, pneumonia, and sores in her mouth and throat. .

For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who continues to recover from a fall from his deer stand that left him paralyzed from the waist down. .

Monday, December 3, 2012

DEVOTION: Now, brothers, I wanted to remind you of the Gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this Gospel you are saved, if you hold firmily to the word I preached to you. Otherwise you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,. that he was buried, that he was was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter and then to the twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, ten to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one untimely born. 1 Corinthians 5:1-9

Is Jesus' life, death, and resurrection just a made up story? Well, let me ask you this, if you had over 500 witnesses to something wouldn't you deem it to be true? Would you stop questioning it? I imagine you would believe it wholeheartedly.

The resurrection is a fact jack!! It is proven by eyewitness testimony after eyewitness testimony. And these eyewitnesses were not all people who were sympathetic to the cause. Paul (Saul as he was known before his conversion) was a persecutor of Christians. He hated the people of "The Way", until Christ appeared to him, then he couldn't deny it or doubt it any longer.

There is no need for you to walk around as a Christian with doubts in your heart or mind. You don't have to succumb to the pressure and the doubters and haters out there who want to put down your Christianity as some kind of fantasy or myth. Have confidence in your faith! have confidence on your Christ! Have confidence in your salvation! Stop being a mealy mouth Christian and stand up for your faith! Share it! Live it! Believe it!

Prayer: Lord God, I believe, help my unbelief! Make me a strong and confident Christian for you! Amen

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WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Who was sent to Thessalonica to strengthen the Thessalonians in their faith? (No one answered. I will leave it up for an extra/ day.) Timothy

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Monday's Quiz: Was Apollos willing to go to Corinth at first?
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CATECHISM:
Question: What do the Scriptures teach about your life in the church?
Answer:

They teach that

a. We should seek always to be and remain members of the invisible church, Christ's body, by sincere faith in Christ, our Savior;

b. we should be faithful to that visible church, or denomination, which professes and teaches all od the Bible's doctrine purely and administers the sacraments according to Christ's institution.

c. we should avoid false teachers, false churches, and all organizations that promote a religion that is contrary to God's Word;

Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15- Ladies Christmas Party 6pm

Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15

Wed- Advent Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir practice after worship
Thurs- Jonesburg worship 10:30; Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group 1pm

ALL LADIES CHRISTMAS PARTY TONIGHT AT IMO'S AT 6pm

Bring a wrapped $10 gift for a fun gift exchange.

______________________________________________________________________________________

GOOD NEWS CLUB NEEDS

3. HELPERS: A third thing that is needed are helpers. They meet every Wednesday from 2:45-4:15 at Rebecca Boone Elementary. Call me if you'd like to help out!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

WARREN COUNTY BOOKCASE CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE GROUP AT ST JOHN"S WHAT DO WE NEED???

CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALE

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

The LCMS is asking for donations to help with relief efforts. If you care to give, you may use a designated envelope, or you can go to LCMS.org and donate directly online.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IS ST. JOHN's GIVING TREE.

Please take a red ornament off of the tree. Buy a gift or two listed on the ornament, and bring back the WRAPPED gift with the red ornament attached to it by December 16.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS:

For BARB DREYER'S DAD as he has been placed on hospice care.

For BETH RITTER, daughter of Dave and Carol Kohrs, who is in ICU with many complications from an unknown illness.

For TINA RUTH'S SISTER, who is dealing with cancer.

For GARRETT SPOEDE who is recovering from having parts of his toes and feet amputated. He is at home and doing well.

For Dave and Carol Kohrs' daughter BETH RITTER, who is suffering from a very low white blood cell count, liver failure, pneumonia, and sores in her mouth and throat. .

For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who continues to recover from a fall from his deer stand that left him paralyzed from the waist down. .

Bell ringers still needed!!!

Here is the schedule of people so far f9or bell ringing on Friday, December 14:

8-9- (open)
9-10- (open)
10-11- Julie Schaumberg
11-12- Alan Hofeldt
noon-1- John and Joanne Hachtel-
1-2- (open)
2-3- (open)
3-4- (open)

As you can see, there are lots of times available! Fill 'em up and help out Agape!!!

God's blessings to all!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

DEVOTION: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. Philippians 1:21-23

This past week I was bothered when I read the remarkable story of Tyler Campbell.

If you missed it, let me briefly share. Nineteen-year-old Campbell was at church with his family when he left to go to a friend's home. He promised he would be home by midnight. That deadline came and went, but the family wasn't worried. It was only the next day that their concern began to increase.

A call to Campbell's friend and a drive on the route the lad would have taken home led the family to conclude the teenager was missing. The police were informed and hundreds of people volunteered their time in a search for the young man.

Three days after he went missing, with a broken shoulder and a broken leg, Campbell managed to crawl out of a 30-foot ravine where his truck had crashed. Overjoyed, his father said, "I don't believe in luck. It was the Lord. It was 100 percent in His plan, and His will, and His way."

Now I am, like the Campbells, thankful that Tyler is alive. Even so, I am still concerned about the father's statement. I am concerned because I'm not sure Campbell's dad would have said the same thing if his boy had been killed in that accident.

The truth is and Saint Paul said it, "to live is Christ and to die is gain." To the church at Rome, the apostle wrote: "So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and of the living" (Romans 14:8-9).

Saint Paul knew that our loving Father will always do what is right and best for His people. In life or in death God will always do what is right and best.

Now it's true we sinful humans with limited understanding may not always be able to understand why someone is in an accident or why a loved one may be taken from us. At such times we may not comprehend, but a Holy Spirit-given faith can still motivate us to say, as our Savior once said, "Not My will, but Thine be done" (Luke 22:42b).

As children of faith, we can and ought to echo the Redeemer, who knew the good that would come from Him drinking His "cup of suffering" would outweigh the pain and suffering, which were soon to come. Showing an unshakable faith, Jesus trusted His Heavenly Father.

We should do no less. As Jesus told His people, "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11).

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, give me faith to know that while Your ways are not my ways, and Your thoughts are not mine, You will always do what is right and best for Your children of faith. This I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Who was sent to Thessalonica to strengthen the Thessalonians in their faith? (No one answered. I will leave it up for an extra/ day.)

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CATECHISM:
Question: Are there then two church, one visible and the other invisible?
Answer:

There is only one church-- all believers in Christ. The visible gathering is called church because of the believers gathered around the means of grace in an assembly in which there are also hypocrites.
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CALENDAR
Thurs- Pastor on KFUO AM 850 and kfuoam.org 11am

Fri- assemble newsletter 9am
Sat- Vendor Fair Christmas Shopping 9am-3pm; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
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NEWS

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT THIS SATURDAY AT CHURCH 9am-3pm

Come support your St. John's members as they sell their wares at church.

The Girl Scouts will be there to wrap any gifts you buy for a donation. There will be hot cider, coffee, hotdogs, desserts, and other refreshments for sale. It is just going to be a fun, festive time! Come and check it out!!

Tables are also still available for anyone else interested in selling their items. $20 a table to rent and all proceeds go to the building fund.

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FIRST ADVENT DINNER AND WORSHIP WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5
SUPPER 5:30
WORSHIP at 6:30!!!
If your elder is Don Turnure, John Hachtel, or Dave Tinnin please bring two of the following: vegetable, salad, or dessert. Don't forget that worship is at 6:30, a half hour earlier this year!!!________________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE
We understand if you cannot make all of the practices, but we would appreciate your child attending as many as possible. We will also practice during our Sunday chool hour each Sunday as well.

Friday, November 30- 5-6:30pm Pizza party and practice (Come hungry!!)

Saturday, Dec. 1- 10-11am

Saturday, Dec. 8- 10-11am

Saturday, Dec. 15- 10-11am, Taco Bar after practice to celebrate!! (Come hungry!)

Performance is Sunday, Dec. 16 at the 11am service!!!
______________________________________________________________________________
CHOIR PRACTICE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 6:30pm

When Advent starts it will be after worship probably around 7:15.

_____________________________________________________

WARREN COUNTY BOOKCASE CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE GROUP AT ST JOHN"S WHAT DO WE NEED???

STILL HELP NEEDED FOR GOOD NEWS CLUB AT REBECCA BOONE

They still need more helpers!! 26 kids showed up for the first week last week! It is a wonderful way to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it!

Denise Schlesselmann and Mary Aubuchon have graciously volunteered to help get this wonderful opportunity to bring lost children to Christ and to strengthen the faith of those already in Christ!! They need some more helpers though!

It is every Wednesday from 2:45-4:15. If you can help, even if it is just once or twice a month, please call me 359-1061, and I will direct you to the proper place.

_______________________________________________CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALE

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TWO BEAUTIFUL QUILTS FOR RAFFLE AND BID!!!

Two queen size quilts are hanging in the church basement. The blue one is being auctioned off. The starting bid is $300.

The green one is being raffled off. Tickets are $1 a piece or 6 for $5.

Both quilts will be awarded on December 1 at the end of our vendor fair.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALL LADIES CHRISTMAS PARTY--- DECEMBER 3 at IMO'S AT 6pm

Please sign the list on the counter in the narthex by Wed, Nov 28 so rexervations can be made. Bring a wrapped $10 gift for a fun gift exchange.

______________________________________________________________________________________

HURRICANE SANDY RELIEF

The LCMS is asking for donations to help with relief efforts. If you care to give, you may use a designated envelope, or you can go to LCMS.org and donate directly online.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER IS THE LUTHERAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

LHF translates, publishes and distributes Lutheran materials throughout the world. It is not subsidized by the LCMS or any other church body, but is dependent on individual donations. If you care to make a donation, make your check payable to St. John's and place in a deisgnated envelope, clearly marked "Lutheran Heritage FOundation". As usual, these donations should be over and above your normal tithes, commitments, and offerings to St. John's.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS:

For BARB DREYER'S DAD as he has been placed on hospice care.

For GARRETT SPOEDE who is recovering from having parts of his toes and feet amputated. He is at home and doing well.

For Dave and Carol Kohrs' daughter BETH RITTER, who is suffering from a very low white blood cell count, liver failure, pneumonia, and sores in her mouth and throat. .

For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who continues to recover from a fall from his deer stand that left him paralyzed from the waist down. .

Lutheran Hour Ministries Ambassador

Many of you have been affected in some way by Lutheran Hour Ministries. Others of you may have no idea what Lutheran Hour Ministry even is. What LHM is looking for is someone to be an ambassador for them within our congregation and community. As an ambassador you will communicate information that they are trying to get out, you will educate those who don't know about LHM, and you will help those who do know about LHM to grow in their faith using the resources that LHM provides.

Please let me know if you are at all interested and I will get you more information.

In the meantime you can go to LHM.org and check out more info about this wonderful ministry of the church.

Peace be with you all!
Pastor

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

DEVOTION: (from Pastor)
For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless. 1 Thessalonians 3:4-5

How concerned are you about the faith of others? Are you worried about it? I can tell you, with all honesty, that I am often concerned about many of you and how your faith is going. That is why, especially when I haven't seen you for a while, one of the first questions I ask is whether or not you have been to worship. That is why, when you are living away from Warrenton, I am constantly trying to get you to join or at least attend a church where you are.

Your faith is of utmost importance to me. As you are a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, your faith has been entrusted to my care by God and by you or your parents. I have the wonderful responsibility and sometimes burden to care about you and your faith.

In the same way, each of you has people entrusted to you as well. It starts with your children. God has entrusted the faith of your children to you. Are you doing everything you can to make sure your children are growing up in and learning the faith? Are you setting an example for them in speech, life, love, and purity? Are you loving them with Christ's love?

I want to encourage you to regain a perspective that is not necessarily worried about the faith of others, but one that is concerned and thinking about it, and one that will do whatever it takes to help that faith grow. Make every effort to bind others to Christ!

Prayer: Lord God, help us to be concerned about the faith lives of others enough so that we do what we can about it. Amen.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TUESDAY'S QUIZ: Where were Paul and Silas when the earthquake happened? They were in jail in Philippi (We had a few people answer yesterday!!! Thanks Sandy, John/Joanne, and Dianne
_______________________________________________________________________

WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Who was sent to Thessalonica to strengthen the Thessalonians in their faith?

_____________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: What is the visible church?
Answer:
It is the whole number of those who use the Word of God and profess the Christian faith, but among whom, besides the true Christians, there are also unbelievers.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR

Thurs- Pastor on KFUO AM 850 and kfuoam.org 11am

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING EVENT THIS SATURDAY AT CHURCH 9am-3pm

Come support your St. John's members as they sell the wares at church.

Tables are also still available for anyone else interested in selling their items. $20 a table to rent and all proceeds go to the building fund.

___________________________________

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE
We understand if you cannot make all of the practices, but we would appreciate your child attending as many as possible. We will also practice during our Sunday chool hour each Sunday as well.

Friday, November 30- 5-6:30pm Pizza party and practice (Come hungry!!)

Saturday, Dec. 1- 10-11am

Saturday, Dec. 8- 10-11am

Saturday, Dec. 15- 10-11am, Taco Bar after practice to celebrate!! (Come hungry!)

Performance is Sunday, Dec. 16 at the 11am service!!!
______________________________________________________________________________
CHOIR PRACTICE WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT 6:30pm

When Advent starts it will be after worship probably around 7:15.

_____________________________________________________

WARREN COUNTY BOOKCASE CLUB NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

________________________________________________________________________________________________

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE GROUP AT ST JOHN"S WHAT DO WE NEED???

STILL HELP NEEDED FOR GOOD NEWS CLUB AT REBECCA BOONE

They still need more helpers!! 26 kids showed up for the first week last week! It is a wonderful way to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it!

It is every Wednesday from 2:45-4:15. If you can help, even if it is just once or twice a month, please call me 359-1061, and I will direct you to the proper place.

_______________________________________________CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR SALE

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TWO BEAUTIFUL QUILTS FOR RAFFLE AND BID!!!

Two queen size quilts are hanging in the church basement. The blue one is being auctioned off. The starting bid is $300.

The green one is being raffled off. Tickets are $1 a piece or 6 for $5.

Both quilts will be awarded on December 1 at the end of our vendor fair.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALL LADIES CHRISTMAS PARTY--- DECEMBER 3 at IMO'S AT 6pm

Please sign the list on the counter in the narthex by Wed, Nov 28 so rexervations can be made. Bring a wrapped $10 gift for a fun gift exchange.

______________________________________________________________________________________

HURRICAN SANDY RELIEF

The LCMS is asking for donations to help with relief efforts. If you care to give, you may use a designated envelope, or you can go to LCMS.org and donate directly online.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER IS THE LUTHERAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS:

For BARB DREYER'S DAD as he has been placed on hospice care.

For the family of ED, neighbor to the Fosters, as he passed away this past Thursday night.

For GARRETT SPOEDE who is recovering from having parts of his toes and feet amputated. He is at home and doing well.

For Dave and Carol Kohrs' daughter BETH RITTER, who is suffering from a very low white blood cell count, liver failure, pneumonia, and sores in her mouth and throat. .

For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who continues to recover from a fall from his deer stand that left him paralyzed from the waist down. .

St. John's Lutheran Church
Warrenton, MO

Thursday, December 6, 2012

FW: Information on Barb's Dad

prayer request

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Update on Bell Ringing Update 12:45pm Tuesday

Belll Ringing Update

snacks needed for Good News Club at Rebecca Boone

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Monday, December 3, 2012

Bell ringers still needed!!!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Lutheran Hour Ministries Ambassador

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

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