Tues Jan 29, 2013

DEVOTION:  (From Lutheran Hour Ministries)   So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in Him, "If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32 The truth does set people free. At least that is what happens when people know the truth. Let me explain why I put the qualifier on the Savior's words. In 1982 Alton Logan was convicted of killing a security guard at a McDonald's restaurant in Chicago. The police said he was guilty; three eyewitnesses said he was guilty. It's not surprising the jury, having heard the evidence, sentenced Alton Logan to life in prison. There is only one problem. Alton Logan didn't commit the crime. The murder had been perpetrated by Andrew Wilson who had also killed two policemen. Andrew Wilson confessed to the murder of the McDonald's guard. He was found with the gun he took from the McDonald's guard. But ... and this is a big but. Andrew Wilson confessed the crime to his lawyers. Tragically, because they were his lawyers, Wilson's confession was privileged information. The lawyers were not allowed to go to Alton Logan's trial and share the truth. They had to keep silent. They had to let Logan be convicted. They had to let Logan, an innocent man, spend 26 years in prison. It was only when their client died that those lawyers were able to tell the truth. That truth has set Alton Logan free. Apparently, a Chicago police chief also knew the truth, but he ordered his underlings to keep quiet. That chief did some jail time for his acts, and the city of Chicago has now paid Alton $10.25 million for the injustice done and the lies which had been told. So what does that have to do with Christianity? Simply this: you and I have the truth. We know that God's Son, Jesus Christ, came into this world to offer Himself up as our substitute. We know Jesus carried our sins and resisted every temptation. We know He died the death we deserved and rose on the third day, after He had been buried. We know the truth which says all who believe on Him as their Savior will not perish but have everlasting life. This is the truth that sets people free. Sadly, there are millions of people who have never heard this truth. They have never been told about the wonderful sacrifice made by our Savior. And that is a tragedy. It is a tragedy far worse than that which was done to Logan. This is why we who have the truth must be dedicated to sharing that truth. There are billions of people on the wrong road, which leads to hell. We have the truth, which can set them on the right path. All we need do is share that truth, as the Savior asked. THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, somebody has shared the truth of salvation with me. That truth has freed me of my sins and brought about my release from the eternal fires of hell. Now may I share that truth with others, and may those others believe Your truth, which sets souls free from sin. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen. _______________________________________________________________________________________ MONDAY'S QUIZ:  What is the third commandment?  (Depending on who does the numbering....  The third commandment can either be YOu shall not tak ethe name of the Lord your God in vain.  or Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy.     If you are going by the Lutheran way of numbering them you would have "Remember the Sabbath Day".    Thanks to Dianne Hance, Doug Herzog, and Denise Schlesselmann for answering!! _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ TUESDAY'S QUIZ: What was the Mercy Seat for the tabernacle? __________________________________________________________________________________ CALENDAR: Tues- Quilters 9am-2pm; Bible study 11:30-12:15 Sat- worship 5pm Sun- LIFE SUNDAY; worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am  __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NEWS: SUNDAY SCHOOL HAS STARTED A NEW EXCITING AND FUN CURRICULUM CALLED "CROSS EXPLORATIONS". If your kids have been neglecting Sunday school for a while consider coming back as it has changed quite a bit!!  It is in more of a VBS format with science experiments, hands on activities and lots of fun!!!  This coming week they are going to be learning about blubber gloves!!  There are also several servant events being planned for the near future!  The kids who are there are seriously missing their friends!!!  We'll see you Sunday! _______________________________________ A NEW ADULT BIBLE CLASS IS STARTING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45!!! A video based Bible study by Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum, will begin this coming Sunday.  It begins with a study on the "Relevance of Genesis".  Each study is about a half hour of video followed by a half hour of discussion.  If you have been neglecting Bible study for a while, because of the subject matter, or for whatever reason, please consider coming back and joining us!  You won't be disappointed!  __________________________________________ BABY BOTTLES FOR ADOPTION  Did you know that it can often take $20,000 or more to adopt a child.  That makes it very hard for most people.    Yet you can help those who are trying to adopt!  Baby bottle banks were handed out yesterday to do just that.  For the next two weeks we will be filling up those bottles with all the change we can find and even putting in paper money too.  On February 10 we will collect all of those bottles at church and then forward the money to our Lutherans for Life Chapter so the money can be used to help those wishing to adopt children.    If you would like a bottle but didn't get one yesterday, you can stop by church any day this week between 8 and 4:30.  If you don't have time this week, you can still collect the money and get a bottle to put it in this coming weekend!    A big thanks to Denise Schlesselmann for volunteering collect these monies and take it all to LFL in St. Charles! ______________________________________________________________ YOUTH GROUP STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION IS LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY!! Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 9 at 6:30 pm, with doors opening at 6pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!   The youth will be selling tickets after church after church the rest of this month so get yours as soon as you can.  Every year is more exciting than the last, so don't miss out on a good time while helping the youth in their ministry!!  If you have any questions about ticket, please call Barb Hargrove at 456-2235, or Christy Winn at 314-479-5543! ____________________________________________________ TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP  (TFG) IS GOING TO THE CREATION MUSEUM IN CINCINNATI!!!  A great time is planned for August 23-25 as we head to the Creation Museum just south of Cincinnati, Ohio.  We will be making a stop at the Abraham Lincoln National Historic Site in Kentucky on the way.  Along with the creation museum on Saturday, we will also enjoy a comedy on the Showboat majestic in the evening.  On Sunday we will tour the national museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.  As usual, cost will depend on the number of people going.  As of now it should run about $350 per person, plus meals, or $506 a couple.  If you are interested in this trip, please sign the sheet on the counter in the narthex.  Again you may invite your friends and family to join us. __________________________________________________________________ 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.  __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ PRAYERS:  For the FAMILY AND FRIENDS of GENE SIEBOLD, as he passed from death to life yesterday afternoon.   For VERNON HEICHELBECH who is hospitalized at the VA hospital with pneumonia. For JEANETTE KOEHLER who at The CEDARS nursing home in Chesterfield.    For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering from pneumonia in the hospital.   For ANITA ALTHEIDE, a friend of the Klaustermeiers, who is fighting pneumonia but not responding to medications.   For MIKE WADE, a missionary St. Johns has sponsored for at least 12 years, as he has had to take leave because of severe migraine headaches.   For JEFF WINN AND AMBER VOSSEN as they mourn the loss of their grandpa.   For DENNIS PERREY AND HSI FAMILY at the loss of his mother.   For JASON FIGURA that God would keep him safe as he has to work on the east coast and be away from his family.   For RUTH WALTERS BROTHER, as he is undergoing tests for heart problems.   For JENNIFER, a friend of CHRISTINE WINN, who lost her brother last week.   For THANKSGIVING for the blessing of a grandson to the ROBINES last week.   For KIM, a friend of the Robines who undergoing a very difficult pregnancy.    For NORMAN AND MARIAN TEMME, brother and sister in law of Harold Temme and Lois Frick, as Norman is dealing with dementia and Marian is nearing the end of her life on hospice care.   For MARCUS HENDERSHOT, son of Marvin and Molly, as he goes through interviews to get a job closer to his family.

prayer request for the Siebold family

Please pray for the family of Gene Siebold as he passed from death to life early this afternoon from a massive heart attack.   Funeral arrangements are pending.   

Monday, January 28, 2012

DEVOTION:  When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear.  They stayed at a distance and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen.  But do not have God speak to us or we will die."  Exodus 20:18-20
 
Usually when I see a storm on T.V. it has less of an effect than when I am in the middle of it.  Don't you agree?  
 
I remember going down to Mississippi right after hurricane Katrina in 2005.  I saw a lot of pictures of the devastation and a lot of news reports, but it didn't compare at all to seeing it in person.  I am sure the pictures we have seen of hurricane Sandy do not compare to the actual devastation.  God's power is so much bigger in person than it is on video or in print. 
 
Moses had been up Mount Sinai several times to talk to god and get instructions from him.  Every time he went up the Israelites could see the lightning and hear the thunder.  When Moses came down the mountain his face would shine with the brilliance of God.  God actually physically and literally rubbed off on him to the point that the Israelites begged Moses to cover his face and in this passage they begged him to not ask God to speak with them, because it would just be too much.  His power was completely inspiring and terrifying all at the same time. 
 
And so it is with us.  We love the Lord.  We are safe in the Lord's arms.  He will never leave us or forsake us.  At the same time, because of our sinfulness, and because we are not perfect, we cannot stand in the presence of God.  in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "Woe to me, I am ruined.  For I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, and I have seen the Lord God, Almighty. 
 
Luckily, the Lord touched Isaiah's lips and cleansed them.  He didn't strike Isaiah down.  He didn't annihilate him.  He pardoned him.  He saved him from certain destruction.
 
He does the same for us.  He pardons us even though we don't deserve it.  He gives us His grace.   We do not need to fear.  He is with us and will never leave us nor forsake us.
 
Prayer:  Lord God, even though you could squash us with your little finger, even though you could send us to eternal torment as our sins deserve, you don't.  Instead you give us more grace.  THANK YOU!  Amen.

_______________________________________________________________________________________
WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: What was the third plague that God sent on the land of Egypt?  gnats Exodus 8:16-19
________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY'S QUIZ:  What is the third commandment?
__________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: To whom should we pray?
Answer: We should pray to the true God only, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, not to idols, saints, or anything God has created.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR
Mon- confirmation 5-6:15;
Tues- Quilters 9am-2pm; Bible study 11:30-12:15
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- LIFE SUNDAY; worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
SUNDAY SCHOOL HAS STARTED A NEW EXCITING AND FUN CURRICULUM CALLED "CROSS EXPLORATIONS".
If your kids have been neglecting Sunday school for a while consider coming back as it has changed quite a bit!!  It is in more of a VBS format with science experiments, hands on activities and lots of fun!!!  This coming week they are going to be learning about blubber gloves!!  There are also several servant events being planned for the near future!  The kids who are there are seriously missing their friends!!!  We'll see you Sunday!
_______________________________________
A NEW ADULT BIBLE CLASS IS STARTING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45!!!
A video based Bible study by Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis and the Creation Museum, will begin this coming Sunday.  It begins with a study on the "Relevance of Genesis".  Each study is about a half hour of video followed by a half hour of discussion.  If you have been neglecting Bible study for a while, because of the subject matter, or for whatever reason, please consider coming back and joining us!  You won't be disappointed! 
__________________________________________
BABY BOTTLES FOR ADOPTION
 Did you know that it can often take $20,000 or more to adopt a child.  That makes it very hard for most people. 
 
Yet you can help those who are trying to adopt!  Baby bottle banks were handed out yesterday to do just that.  For the next two weeks we will be filling up those bottles with all the change we can find and even putting in paper money too.  On February 10 we will collect all of those bottles at church and then forward the money to our Lutherans for Life Chapter so the money can be used to help those wishing to adopt children. 
 
If you would like a bottle but didn't get one yesterday, you can stop by church any day this week between 8 and 4:30.  If you don't have time this week, you can still collect the money and get a bottle to put it in this coming weekend! 
 
A big thanks to Denise Schlesselmann for volunteering collect these monies and take it all to LFL in St. Charles!


______________________________________________________________
YOUTH GROUP STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION IS LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AWAY!!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 9 at 6:30 pm, with doors opening at 6pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
 
The youth will be selling tickets after church after church the rest of this month so get yours as soon as you can.  Every year is more exciting than the last, so don't miss out on a good time while helping the youth in their ministry!!  If you have any questions about ticket, please call Barb Hargrove at 456-2235, or Christy Winn at 314-479-5543!
____________________________________________________
TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP  (TFG) IS GOING TO THE CREATION MUSEUM IN CINCINNATI!!! 
A great time is planned for August 23-25 as we head to the Creation Museum just south of Cincinnati, Ohio.  We will be making a stop at the Abraham Lincoln National Historic Site in Kentucky on the way.  Along with the creation museum on Saturday, we will also enjoy a comedy on the Showboat majestic in the evening.  On Sunday we will tour the national museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.  As usual, cost will depend on the number of people going.  As of now it should run about $350 per person, plus meals, or $506 a couple.  If you are interested in this trip, please sign the sheet on the counter in the narthex.  Again you may invite your friends and family to join us.
__________________________________________________________________
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. 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS: 
For JEANETTE KOEHLER who at The CEDARS nursing home in Chesterfield. 
 
For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering from pneumonia in the hospital.
 
For ANITA ALTHEIDE, a friend of the Klaustermeiers, who is fighting pneumonia but not responding to medications.
 
For MIKE WADE, a missionary St. Johns has sponsored for at least 12 years, as he has had to take leave because of severe migraine headaches.
 
For JEFF WINN AND AMBER VOSSEN as they mourn the loss of their grandpa.
 
For DENNIS PERREY AND HSI FAMILY at the loss of his mother.
 
For JASON FIGURA that God would keep him safe as he has to work on the east coast and be away from his family.
 
For RUTH WALTERS BROTHER, as he is undergoing tests for heart problems.
 
For JENNIFER, a friend of CHRISTINE WINN, who lost her brother last week.
 
For THANKSGIVING for the blessing of a grandson to the ROBINES last week.
 
For KIM, a friend of the Robines who undergoing a very difficult pregnancy. 

 
For NORMAN AND MARIAN TEMME, brother and sister in law of Harold Temme and Lois Frick, as Norman is dealing with dementia and Marian is nearing the end of her life on hospice care.
 
For MARCUS HENDERSHOT, son of Marvin and Molly, as he goes through interviews to get a job closer to his family. 

 

  

 

The roads and parking lot are fine

There is no ice on the road or the parking lot!!  Get yourselves dressed and get to church!!!  See you in 40 minutes or at 11!!
 
This is the day that the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!

Prayer request for Kim Stetzel and unborn Baby Janie

 

 

Please pray for Kim Stetzel who is the daughter of my lifelong friend, Ann Zyntniak.   Kim's baby that is due anytime from now to first week of February.  Kim has a rapid heart rate, swelling, diabetes (gestational I believe) and higher blood pressure readings lately.  Kim is an elementary teacher in the Lindbergh District and is still working!  She is about 42 years old and has 2 other young grade school age daughters.  The doctor wants her to cut her work time down by at least 50% until the baby (Baby Girl Janie!) arrives.  Her "currently" oldest daughter, Anna, is the one we all prayed for last year that had the open heart surgery.  And, BTW is doing very well and is currently playing the "mommy" role in their home to help out.

 

Thank you all for keeping Kim and Baby Janie in your prayers in the days ahead.

 

God's peace on your day.

Sandy Robine

 

Prayer of Thanks!!!

 

 

We would like to say we are praying prayers of thanks and praise to our Lord this morning on the birth of a healthy baby boy, Parker Nunnally, to Steve's daughter, Sarah and her husband, Andy.  This is their first child.

 

Parker weighed in at 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 21 inches long and was born last night, January 24th. 

 

PaPa Steve and Grandma Sandy

 

 

Two things that you can donate to

I am currently involved with two worthwhile projects for which I need more donors.
 
 
1.  Warren County Bookcase Project-  This provides bookcases and books for underprivileged children in Warren County.  It costs about $50 to build a bookcase and this year our goal is 75 bookcases.  We work with the Headstart programs of Warren County.   Make checks payable to the Warren County Bookcase Project and bring it to the First State Community Bank (the one across from McDonalds in Warrenton, or you can give it to me and I will get it to the proper folks.
 
 
2. MDA- I will be "locked up" to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Wednesday, Feb. 6.  Go to mda.org/lockup to donate online or you can give me a check next time you see me. 
 
 
Thank you!
Pastor

prayer request for Mike and Ann Wade (missionaries the congregation ahs supported for a longtime)

Please keep Mike and Ann Wade (missionaries that St. John's has supported for a very long time) in your prayers.  Mike has been having sever headaches and has had to go on medical leave temporarily.   Attached is their "newsletter" about their current situation
 

---

Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2013 20:50:13 +0600
From: mikeann@tsms.org
To: wadereport@listserv.lcms.org
Subject: [Wadereport] update

Please see the attached "newsletter" for an update on our latest happenings. Thank you for your prayers. Mike and Ann

FREE Animations for your email Click Here!

_______________________________________________ Wadereport mailing list Wadereport@listserv.lcms.org http://listserv.lcms.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/wadereport

Wednesday, January 23, 2012

DEVOTION:  Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded them.  Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.  Exodus 7:7
 
I have to confess that even though I have read through the Bible several times I don't remember reading this verse.  I thought Moses and Aaron were much younger when they began the process of the Exodus, but I guess not.  Most people nowadays are well into retirement when they reach 80.  Can you imagine doing what Moses and Aaron did?  Seems unbelievable, until you realize or remember that with God all things are possible.  Not only did Moses and Aaron lead the people out of Egypt, but they also led them through the desert for forty years afterward. 
 
Just goes to show you that God can use you whatever your circumstances and for whatever purposes he wants when HE wants.  You are never too old or too young to heed the Lord's calling and do what He wants. 
 
Maybe God is calling you to something right now.  If He is, He will make it happen.  Stop fighting it.  Stop coming up with excuses.  Do God's work and you will be blessed! 
 
One thing everyone can do, and something God has called all of you to do is invite people to worship.  Invite them to come with you.  The #1 reason people join a church is that someone from that church, that they know,  invited them. 
 
A long time ago I gave into God's calling for me, and even though there have been tough times, I couldn't be much happier or more fulfilled being a pastor.  I love my life!  I am surrounded by wonderful people who love me and care for me.  I get to go out every day and comfort people with the Gospel and tell many who don't know about the good news of Christ.  I get to spend time with kids at preschool and at Good Shepherd!  I get to bring the Lord's body and blood to people who need it.  I have a family to care for and love and that loves me back.  I am truly blessed beyond anything I could have ever imagined! 
 
How has God blessed you in your circumstances and situations?  Who can you bless with the Gospel?  Who among you needs care, concern, and love?  It is in those things that you will find true fulfillment and your life will truly be full! 
 
Prayer:  Lord God, help me to find fulfillment in doing Your will.  Bless me with opportunities to share your good news.  Give me grace when things are hard not to get down or discouraged but to know that you are shaping me and forming me into the person you want me to be.  Amen.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
TUESDAY'S QUIZ:  What sea did the Israelites cross on dry land?  The Red Sea (Some have speculated that it was really the Sea of Reeds, but that has never been confirmed and is probably not true.)  Thanks Pam B. Dianne H. and Doug H. for answering!_______________________________________________________________________________________
WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: What was the third plague that God sent on the land of Egypt?
________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: What is prayer?
Answer: Prayer is speaking to God in words and thoughts.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR
Fri- assemble newsletter
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- LIFE SUNDAY; worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS

LIFE SUNDAY IS THIS COMING SUNDAY, JANUARY 27!!!
Delores Desemone, president of the Lutheran for Life Chapter of St. Charles County Area, will be here to make a presentation about Lutherans for Life and how we as individuals and as a congregation can be involved in honoring the sanctity of human life at all ages and stages.  She will be providing us with baby bottle banks, that we can fill with money to support LIFE in our own community and throughout the world.

______________________________________________________________
YOUTH GROUP STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION IS THREE WEEKS AWAY!!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 9 at 6:30 pm, with doors opening at 6pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
 
The youth will be selling tickets after church after church the rest of this month so get yours as soon as you can.  Every year is more exciting than the last, so don't miss out on a good time while helping the youth in their ministry!!  If you have any questions about ticket, please call Barb Hargrove at 456-2235, or Christy Winn at 314-479-5543!
____________________________________________________
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. 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS: 
For JEANETTE KOEHLER who is recovering from an infection in the hospital.
 
For PHYLLIS HOELSCHER and her family at the death of her Aunt Sue.
 
For  ROBERT and BRITTANY BAX AND THEIR CHILDREN, grandchildren and great grandchildren of CAROL BOEGER, as they lost their home to a fire last week.

For SCOTT AND MARY QUIRK, as they lost their seven year old daughter to a brain tumor this past weekend.
 
For NORMAN AND MARIAN TEMME, brother and sister in law of Harold Temme and Lois Frick, as Norman is dealing with dementia and Marian is nearing the end of her life on hospice care.
 
For MARCUS HENDERSHOT, son of Marvin and Molly, as he goes through interviews to get a job closer to his family.
 
For JEFF WINN AND AMBER VOSSEN as their grandpa died yesterday.
 
For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who will be going home from the hospital this Friday.

  

 

Tuesday, January 22, 2012

DEVOTION: The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God.  God heard their groaning and he remembered  his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.  SO God looked in the Israelites and was concerned about them.  Exodus 2:23-25    (Then after God delivered them from Egypt) They said to Moses "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us out here to die?  What have you done with us bringing us out of Egypt?"  Exodus 14:11-14
 
It sure is cold today isn't it?  Boy, our economy sure stinks these days doesn't it?  How about our government, they can't seem to get anything done, can they? 
 
If you thought I was overly complaining, you are right.  If you look at the Bible verses above, they are just a sample of how much the Israelites liked to complain.  They complained while they were in slavery and they complained when they were out of slavery.  They complained that they wanted to get out of Egypt and when they got out, they complained that they weren't in Egypt.  What a nation of complainers they were.
 
But are we any different?  We sure do like to complain, don't we?  We can complain about just about anything.  We complain when it is too hot, we complain when it is too cold, and some of us even can complain when everything is just right. 
 
Psalm 118:24 says something totally different.  It says this: "This is the day that the LORD has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it." 
 
Every day is a day the Lord has made.  The sun only rises and sets because God allows it to.  You breathe your very breath only because the Lord allows you to. 
 
It is as if the Lord is saying, "GET OVER IT!  GET OVER YOURSELF!  Stop your pity party and rejoice!  It is the Lord's day, not yours!  Rejoice and be glad that He has had mercy on you, allowed you to live another day, and will take you to be with Him for eternity.  Thank Him for all of the wonderful things He has given you!  Rejoice and be glad for the Lord has had favor upon you and granted you His salvation!
 
Prayer:  Lord God, help us not to complain so much.  Instead, help us to rejoice and be glad in YOUR day!  Amen.
 



_______________________________________________________________________________________
LAST TUESDAY'S QUIZ:  What was the name of the daughter of Jacob who was raped by Shechem?  (A very interesting story by the way.  Check it out in Genesis 34.

Dinah, daughter of Jacob and Leah was raped by Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite.  Interesting story, I'm sure Dinah was NOT in love with her attacker and sure
as heck did not want to marry him!   (Just wondering if anyone else besides Dianne Hance reads or answers the question of the day?  How about you?)  Thanks Dianne!!

______________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ:  What sea did the Israelites cross on dry land?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM:
Question: What privilege and command does God give to those who believe in Jesus Christ?
Answer:  God commands and invites believers in Jesus Christ to pray.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15
Fri- assemble newsletter
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- LIFE SUNDAY; worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS

LIFE SUNDAY IS THIS COMING SUNDAY, JANUARY 27!!!
Delores Desemone, president of the Lutheran for Life Chapter of St. Charles County Area, will be here to make a presentation about Lutherans for Life and how we as individuals and as a congregation can be involved in honoring the sanctity of human life at all ages and stages.  She will be providing us with baby bottle banks, that we can fill with money to support LIFE in our own community and throughout the world.

______________________________________________________________
YOUTH GROUP STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION IS THREE WEEKS AWAY!!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 9 at 6:30 pm, with doors opening at 6pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
 
The youth will be selling tickets after church after church the rest of this month so get yours as soon as you can.  Every year is more exciting than the last, so don't miss out on a good time while helping the youth in their ministry!!  If you have any questions about ticket, please call Barb Hargrove at 456-2235, or Christy Winn at 314-479-5543!
____________________________________________________
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. 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYERS: 
For JEANETTE KOEHLER who is recovering from an infection in the hospital.
 
For PHYLLIS HOELSCHER and her family at the death of her Aunt Sue.
 
For  ROBERT and BRITTANY BAX AND THEIR CHILDREN, grandchildren and great grandchildren of CAROL BOEGER, as they lost their home to a fire last week.

For SCOTT AND MARY QUIRK, as they lost their seven year old daughter to a brain tumor this past weekend.
 
For NORMAN AND MARIAN TEMME, brother and sister in law of Harold Temme and Lois Frick, as Norman is dealing with dementia and Marian is nearing the end of her life on hospice care.
 
For MARCUS HENDERSHOT, son of Marvin and Molly, as he goes through interviews to get a job closer to his family.
 
For JEFF WINN AND AMBER VOSSEN as their grandpa died yesterday.
 
For CHRISTIAN WENZEL, art teacher at Blackhawk Middle School, who will be going home from the hospital this Friday.

  

 

FW: Prayers

Please pray for our family as Jeffrey's grandpa passed away peacefully at the nursing home today.

 Thank you!
Christy Winn

prayer request from Lani Heitgerd

Please pray for my uncle, Bill Sanders.  Unfortunate incident at hospital has left him with no brain activity and in a coma. 

Thanks,
Lani

LCMS President sends Epiphany greetings

 President Harrison is beginning a new seasonal video message to the congregations of the Synod. 
  Enjoy it!

You are receiving this informational Rostered Worker eBlast message because you are a professional church worker on the roster of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Update your LCMS communication preferences.   LCMS President sends Epiphany greetings In a video message released this week, LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison sends Epiphany greetings to the church. In Harrison's video, he encourages the church to focus on loving and supporting its pastors and their families this Epiphany season: Be kind. Pray for them. Take them to dinner. "This Epiphany, how about bending over backward to love your pastor?" Harrison says. "That's right. Love him. Love his family. Speak well of him. … he's got his mistakes and faults and failings and sins. But love him. "It's not easy preaching the Gospel in this wretched world," Harrison says. Harrison also encourages the church to study Baptism in advance of this summer's 65th Regular Convention, whose theme is "Baptized for This Moment" from Acts 2:38-39. "Blessed Epiphany. You're baptized," Harrison says in the video. "The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who grabbed you by the neck and made you His own, will bless and keep you. In the name of Jesus. Amen." Find the video at http://video.lcms.org/archives/1790. We pray you will watch and share the video. Blessings to you during this season of Epiphany. If you have questions about this email or need assistance, please contact the LCMS Church Information Center at 888-THE-LCMS (843-5267) or infocenter@lcms.org Email Preferences | Privacy Policy The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, January 15, 2012

DEVOTION:  (Another  good one from Lutheran Hour Ministries.)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

You know the poem about Santa: "He's making a list, and checking it twice; gonna find out, who's naughty and nice."

Now I can't verify the reality of Santa's list, but I do know the American Family Association has such a list, and they check it pretty regularly around Christmas time.

Their list is primarily concerned with companies that depend heavily on revenues brought in during the days when the Christian world celebrates the Savior's birth. The list has two categories: the "naughty" and the "nice."

The naughty companies are those who have "seasonal" and "holiday" specials, but who work very hard not to mention "Christ" or "Christmas." Often time these naughty companies forbid their staff from mentioning or wishing their patrons a "Merry Christmas!"

In short, the naughty companies are those that have taken Christ out of Christmas.

The American Family Association maintains this list because they believe Christians will want to support those companies that haven't taken a politically correct stand against the Savior. Apparently, they believe correctly.

This past year both Sam's Club® and L.L.Bean® were moved from the nice list to the naughty list. Both companies, it seems, had decided to avoid using the word "Christmas" in their ads. It didn't take too long before people started calling in and letting the companies know they were going to be doing their Christmas shopping elsewhere.

It also didn't take too long before the companies had a change of heart and returned to mentioning Christmas in their publications.

So why am I sharing this information a few weeks after the holiday, excuse me, after Christmas has come and gone?

I just wanted you to know that the voice and the pocketbooks of Christians can be powerful tools to accomplish positive things. All too often we have a tendency to act as if we were helpless and at the mercy of all the non-Christian events transpiring around us. We don't like things ungodly; we complain about them, but we don't do anything.

The truth is if Christians stay away from a certain type of movie that movie will lose money and Hollywood will not be so inclined to make such fair. If we don't buy violent games for our children, the gaming companies will come up with something we will purchase.

This all means our witness and our pocketbooks can make a stand. As St. Paul said -- whatever we do we can do to bring glory to the Savior whose life was given so we might have life eternal.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, Your entire life was lived as a gift for us. Now may the things we do show our gratitude for Your sacrifice. In Your Name I ask it. Amen.

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MONDAY'S QUIZ: Who wrestled with God?  Jacob did.  (Two in a row for Dianne!)
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TUESDAY'S QUIZ:  What was the name of the daughter of Jacob who was raped by Shechem?  (A very interesting story by the way.  Check it out in Genesis 34.
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CATECHISM:
Question: Why do you close the thirds article with the words "This is most certainly true."?
Answer: Because all that I confess in this article is plainly taught in the Bible and therefore I firmly believe it.
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CALENDAR
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; Council meeting 7pm
Wed- Ladies Aid 1pm; Newsletter deadline
Thurs- Pastor at pastor's meeting all day
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- THRIVENT SUNDAY; worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
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NEWS
7-12 grade youth and parents meeting tonight!  6:30pm
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CREATION BREAKFAST TOMORROW, Tuesday, at 9:30am.
Come hear Werner Gerstmann speak on creation. Mr Gerstmann was born and lived in East Berlin and has an interesting take on creation .  He will speak at First State Community Bank (across from McDOnald's and next to China Buffet.
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LADIES AID MEETING WEDNESDAY AT 1PM.
All ladies, regardless of age, are welcome to attend!!
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STILL NEED ONE MORE USHER!!!!
Call Bob Linke or Walt Schirr to let them know you're willing to serve!
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THRIVENT DAY ON SUNDAY,JANUARY 20!!
Jason Schoppenhorst, the Thrivent rep for this area will be here on Sunday, January 20 to talk about Thrivent after church at both services and to give a presentation of Thrivent Choice (a way to make your investment and insurance dollars work for the church) and other programs that Thrivent provides during Bible class time.
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LIFE SUNDAY IS SUNDAY, JANUARY 27!!!
Delores Desemone, president of the Lutheran for Life Chapter of St. Charles County Area, will be here to make a presentation about Lutherans for Life and how we as individuals and as a congregation can be involved in honoring the sanctity of human life at all ages and stages.  She will be providing us with baby bottle banks, that we can fill with money to support LIFE in our own community and throughout the world.

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YOUTH GROUP STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION IS ONLY A MONTH AWAY!!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 9 at 6:30 pm, with doors opening at 6pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
 
The youth will be selling tickets after church after church the rest of this month so get yours as soon as you can.  Every year is more exciting than the last, so don't miss out on a good time while helping the youth in their ministry!!  If you have any questions about ticket, please call Barb Hargrove at 456-2235, or Christy Winn at 314-479-5543!
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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. 
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PRAYERS: 
For TINA RUTH'S SISTER, who is dealing with cancer.


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. .