Tuesday, March 3, 2015

DEVOTION:  "The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, 'Unclean!  Unclean!'  As long as he has the infectious disease he remains unclean.  He must live alone; he must live outside the camp.
 
Can you imagine it?  We do the same thing, except ours usually has an ending.  In those days it often did it.  An infectious disease was a death sentence or a life sentence of solitary confinement. 
 
If I were to imagine what hell is like, that is kind of what I imagine it to be for eternity.  We may be alone for a time in that we have no earthly  companion.  It stinks to be alone.  We don't like it. 
 
At the same time we are never really alone.  We always have Jesus!  He is always there.  As the old song goes, "He walks with me and He talks with me and He tells me I am His own.  And the joy we share as we tarry there none other has ever known. 
 
Hell is just the opposite.  Hell is the absence of God.  You think God is ignoring you now?  You think you have problems now?  Just imagine what it's like when God is really ignoring you.  Imagine what it was like for Jesus when he said, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"  The forsakenness of God is nothing less than God being absent from your life forever.   No forgiveness.  No protection.  No care of physical or spiritual needs.  Nothing.
 
Right now, even though it doesn't seem like it, God is watching and guiding your every move.  he is caring for you.  He is loving you!  Just live in His love!  Stop rejecting it!  Stop denying it.  He is with you and He loves you! 
 
Let us pray:  Thank you for always being with me even when I don't realize it, know it, or appreciate!  I love you God!  Thank you for never leaving me.  Amen.
 
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MISSION STATEMENT:   As the body of Christ, we strive to make disciples of all, focusing on the next generation through growing
UP in God's Word and Sacraments
OUT into the community by caring for physical and spiritual needs
TOGETHER in fellowship to build lasting relationships in Christ.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ:  If a man suspected his wife of committing adultery, what were they to do so that the truth would be found out  (I'll leave this up one more day since no one answered it yesterday.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR: 
Tues- Quilting 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15
Wed- Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Thurs- Alzheimers Support group 1pm; Karate 5:30; Praise Band practice 6-8pm
Sat- Worship 5pm; Turn clocks forward one hour
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Choir rehearsal 9:45; Worship 11; Elders meeting noon
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  Wed- Gus Klaustermeier 8:30- Devin Miller, 11- George Pezold
Ushers-  Wed- George Hoelscher, Gary Hoelscher, Ben Hoelsccher, Brent Davis; Sun-Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Wed candles-- Terry McKenzie, Sun Set up- Lucille Luebke, Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel
Communion Assistants- Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Pam Linke 11- Charlie and Lynn Figura
Lay readers- Sat- Jim Rahn 8:30- Christy Winn; 11- Steve Robine
Sat Pianist- Barb Dreyer
Organist: Melissa Pedersen
Projectionists: Sat- Pam Bueltmann; Sun 8:30- Perricones  11- Jacob Cluver
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS: 
FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET IS EMPTY!!!
Please sign up to bring donuts, muffins, or whatever you'd like to bring.  Four dozen donuts is usually more than enough!
 
THe PERRICONES have volunteered to bring donuts this Sunday!!  Thanks Tony and Sandra!
 
Who's next?
 
Reply to this email if you wanna sign up or just come to church and sign up on the sheet next to the coffee maker in the kitchen!!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MIDWEEK LENTEN SUPPER AND WORSHIP THIS WEDNESDAY, SUPPER 5:30; WORSHIP 6:30!!
 
Menu:  Fried chicken, stuffing, green beans, apple sauce, desserts galore! 
 
Worship Theme:  You're Peculiar
 
Invite your friends and neighbors!!  Enjoy some good food, great fellowship, and God's Word all in the span of two hours!!
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ST. JOHN'S YELLOW PAGES

If you didn't get your business card in this month's newsletter get them in to the office for the April newsletter!! This advertising is free to members.  Many times members call and ask if there are members who are in a certain business or profession.  People would always rather do business with fellow church members when they can!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Special Voters Meeting Concerning our Building Project, Sunday March 15^th, 12:30pm

(Immediately following the late service.)  Let your voices be heard!!!  We will begin with a potluck meal.  Please bring a dish or two to share!

We will be discussing the following:

1. Where we have been.

2. Where we want to go.

3. The roadblocks we have encountered, and ways to deal with these roadblocks.

4. Forming a planning committee to move forward

5. Forming a finance committee to provide checks and balances as we move forward

Join us to share your own positive ideas concerning our future building project and the direction it is heading.  ALL members are encouraged to attend and participate!!!

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SEMINARY JOBS AVAILABLE!!
There are both full and part time jobs open at Concordia Seminary in Clayton.  (My school).  Please submit your resume in confidence to humanresources@csl.edu,
 
or fax it to 314-505-7339
 
or submit it via US mail to Concordia Seminary Human Resources 801 Seminary Place, St Louis, MO 63105
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD?  ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop. 
________________________________________________________________________________________________
SAVE THE DATE!!!!  OUR FIRST ANNUAL FALL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2015!!!
We are looking for ideas for carnival games and also donations of carnival game prizes for the vent.  Please donate prizes into the cardboard box in the narthex.  Also, if any one has an idea for a carnival game, or a game itself they would like to donate please contact Joanna Hoelscher at 636-485-0635 or Karla Christophene at 314-397-1375.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTES FROM THE TRUSTEES
1.  If you see (or hear) a property item that needs fixing, tell one of your trustees or let Marilyn know in the office.  We have plenty of guys who have the ability to do the work necessary!
 
2. A WORK DAY IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 28!!  8am-noon!!  Mark your calendars and gather your tools!!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WE NEED READERS FOR HOLY WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!  
BOTH FOR NARRATION AND FOR DRAMATIC PARTS OF VOICES OF PEOPLE FROM THE SCRIPTURES ARE NEEDED FOR HOLY WEEK!!

 
Here are the parts:
Narrator
Luke
John
Pontius Pilate
Jesus
 
Our choir is doing a Cantata (a compilation of songs and readings) beginning with Palm Sunday and going through to Easter.  They need some readers to be a part of this!!  If you'd be willing to help in this way please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE CHOIR NEEDS YOU FOR LENT AND ESPECIALLY HOLY WEEK!!!

The choir is preparing a cantata for Holy Week and Easter. Parts of it will be presented at 3 different services (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday). It would be wonderful to have some additional voices. If you enjoy singing, please consider joining the choir from now until Easter. You will be blessed by it! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 in the balcony.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVELING FELLOWWSHIP GROUP TRIP TO THE CLYDESDALE FARM AND THE JEFFERSON CITY STATE PENITENTIARY ON SATURDAY APRIL 11!!
We will visit the Warm Springs Ranch, World headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdale OPERATION.  After the tour of the ranch and some refreshments compliments of Budweiser, we will enjoy lunch at Settler's Inn.  After that we are on to Jeff City for a tour of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary.  An ICE CREAM BREAK us scheduled at Central dairy to round out the day.  Reservations and tickets have to be purchased so it is NECESSARY that you SIGN UP NOW!!!  Complete cost will be determined by number of people going. 
 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:
For DAVE KOHRS who will begin chemo treatment as his cancer from a few years ago has returned. 
 
For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, who remains in the ICU to control her seizures and to give her the rest she needs.   She has been unresponsive for a week.

 

For WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to deal with many health problems relating from a stroke.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE, a senior at WHS, a friend to many kids at St. john's, and a rider on Karin's bus since kindergarten, who has a very serious form of cancer.

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .
 
For TODD PONDER, former band teacher/director and friend to many at St. John's, who suffered a massive stroke and can't do anything but move his eyes.  He is unable to breathe on his own. Here is a link to a fund that was started to help the family as they will have astronomical hospital and rehab bills for a long time to come.   At the bottom of the page it also has updates as to his progress.  http://www.gofundme.com/hp1ed8?pc=mb_em

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE WORLD TODAY

 
I LOVE THIS ONE!!!  Had to share it!  It goes well with your March newsletter article!
 
THANK YOU DON NOLTE!!
 
STATISTICS DON'T LIE!!!

How to stay safe in the World today! Where IS the Safest Place? 1.. Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.  2.. Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home. 3., Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians. 4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation. 5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, above all else, avoid hospitals. But. . .. You will be pleased to learn that only .001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at CHURCH! And . .. . Bible study is safe too! The percentage of deaths During Bible study is even less. So, Attend church, And read your Bible IT

Monday, March 2, 2015

DEVOTION: 
Leviticus 20:10-- If a man is found sleeping with another man's wife, both the man who slept with her and the woman must die.  You must purge the evil from Israel.
 
This past week I heard something interesting.  Since South Korea became a nation one it's laws was that it was illegal to commit adultery.  You could actually go to jail for it.  Sounds like a good law to me.  I bet there would be lots of people who would think twice about it. 
 
The trouble is that this past week they took the law off the books.  It is no longer against the law.  For shame. 
 
I'm not sure, but I imagine similar things have happened across the United States as well.  I'm sure there is no state that you can go to jail for committing adultery. 
 
Our reading for today is just one of a laundry list of sexual sins that are forbidden by God in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.  It sounds pretty harsh, doesn't it?  Yet, that was God's requirement of they were to live by His will. 
 
God's will for sexual relations is that it be solely between one man and one woman who are committed to each other until death parts them.  All other sexual relations outside this relationship are not pleasing to God in any way, no matter how we try to excuse it or twist it. 
 
At the same time there is forgiveness for those who seek it.  We do not put to death those who have fallen into temptation.  WE NEVER EXCUSE THE SIN OR MAKE LIGHT OF IT.  But we don't put the sinner to death either.  If a person is truly repentant and is disgraced and contrite over their sin of adultery, forgiveness is given. 
 
And lest you think you are off the hook just because you never had sexual relations with someone who wasn't your spouse, remember what Jesus said.  "Whoever looks at another person lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart."
 
Repent and turn to God that times of forgiveness and peace may come.  Turn to your spouse! Love him!  Love her!  If you are having trouble in your marriage come and talk to me about it!  Go to counseling if you need to!  Don't just let it go.  Strengthen your marriage and you will strengthen your relationship with God at the same time! 
 
Let us pray:  Lord, help me to turn to you when I am tempted or when I fall into the temptations of sexual sin.  Help me to see the seriousness of it.  Help me to love my spouse like you love him or her.  Amen.

 

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MISSION STATEMENT:   As the body of Christ, we strive to make disciples of all, focusing on the next generation through growing

UP in God's Word and Sacraments

OUT into the community by caring for physical and spiritual needs

TOGETHER in fellowship to build lasting relationships in Christ

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ:  If a man suspected his wife of committing adultery, what were they to do so that the truth would be found out?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:  

Mon- Confirmation 6-6:15; (China Buffet for those who participated in the 30 hour famine after class)

Tues- Quilting 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15

Wed- Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15

Thurs- Alzheimers Support group 1pm; Karate 5:30; Praise Band practice 6-8pm

Sat- Worship 5pm; Turn clocks forward one hour
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Choir rehearsal 9:45; Worship 11; Elders meeting noon
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  Wed- Gus Klaustermeier 8:30- Devin Miller, 11- George Pezold
Ushers-  Wed- George Hoelscher, Gary Hoelscher, Ben Hoelsccher, Brent Davis; Sun-Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Wed candles-- Terry McKenzie, Sun Set up- Lucille Luebke, Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel
Communion Assistants- Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Pam Linke 11- Charlie and Lynn Figura
Lay readers- Sat- Jim Rahn 8:30- Christy Winn; 11- Steve Robine
Sat Pianist- Barb Dreyer

Organist: Melissa Pedersen

Projectionists: Sat- Pam Bueltmann; Sun 8:30- Perricones  11- Jacob Cluver
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS: 

FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET IS EMPTY!!!

Please sign up to bring donuts, muffins, or whatever you'd like to bring.  Four dozen donuts is usually more than enough!

 

Those who didn't make it to church yesterday missed out on some awesome spinach quiche, fresh fruit, and donuts courtesy of Kay Stark!!

 

Miss a Sunday and you miss a lot!

 

Reply to this email if you wanna sign up or just come to church and sign up on the sheet next to the coffee maker in the kitchen!!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MIDWEEK LENTEN SUPPER AND WORSHIP THIS WEDNESDAY, SUPPER 5:30; WORSHIP 6:30!!

 

Menu:  Fried chicken, stuffing, green beans, apple sauce, desserts galore! 

Worship Theme:  You're Peculiar

 

Invite your friends and neighbors!!  Enjoy some good food, great fellowship, and God's Word all in the span of two hours!!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ST. JOHN'S YELLOW PAGES

If you didn't get your business card in this month's newsletter get them in to the office for the April newsletter!! This advertising is free to members.  Many times members call and ask if there are members who are in a certain business or profession.  People would always rather do business with fellow church members when they can!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Special Voters Meeting Concerning our Building Project, Sunday March 15^th, 12:30pm

(Immediately following the late service.)  Let your voices be heard!!!  We will begin with a potluck meal.  Please bring a dish or two to share!

We will be discussing the following:

1. Where we have been.

2. Where we want to go.

3. The roadblocks we have encountered, and ways to deal with these roadblocks.

4. Forming a planning committee to move forward

5. Forming a finance committee to provide checks and balances as we move forward

Join us to share your own positive ideas concerning our future building project and the direction it is heading.  ALL members are encouraged to attend and participate!!!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SEMINARY JOBS AVAILABLE!!

There are both full and part time jobs open at Concordia Seminary in Clayton.  (My school).  Please submit your resume in confidence to humanresources@csl.edu,

 

or fax it to 314-505-7339

 

or submit it via US mail to Concordia Seminary Human Resources 801 Seminary Place, St Louis, MO 63105

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD?  ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!

Register online and have it swiped each time you shop. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAVE THE DATE!!!!  OUR FIRST ANNUAL FALL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2015!!!

We are looking for ideas for carnival games and also donations of carnival game prizes for the vent.  Please donate prizes into the cardboard box in the narthex.  Also, if any one has an idea for a carnival game, or a game itself they would like to donate please contact Joanna Hoelscher at 636-485-0635 or Karla Christophene at 314-397-1375.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NOTES FROM THE TRUSTEES

1.  If you see (or hear) a property item that needs fixing, tell one of your trustees or let Marilyn know in the office.  We have plenty of guys who have the ability to do the work necessary!

 

2. A WORK DAY IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 28!!  8am-noon!!  Mark your calendars and gather your tools!!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WE NEED READERS FOR HOLY WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!  

BOTH FOR NARRATION AND FOR DRAMATIC PARTS OF VOICES OF PEOPLE FROM THE SCRIPTURES ARE NEEDED FOR HOLY WEEK!!

 

Here are the parts:

Narrator

Luke

John

Pontius Pilate

Jesus

 

Our choir is doing a Cantata (a compilation of songs and readings) beginning with Palm Sunday and going through to Easter.  They need some readers to be a part of this!!  If you'd be willing to help in this way please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE CHOIR NEEDS YOU FOR LENT AND ESPECIALLY HOLY WEEK!!!

The choir is preparing a cantata for Holy Week and Easter. Parts of it will be presented at 3 different services (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday). It would be wonderful to have some additional voices. If you enjoy singing, please consider joining the choir from now until Easter. You will be blessed by it! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 7:00-8:30 in the balcony.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TRAVELING FELLOWWSHIP GROUP TRIP TO THE CLYDESDALE FARM AND THE JEFFERSON CITY STATE PENITENTIARY ON SATURDAY APRIL 11!!

We will visit the Warm Springs Ranch, World headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdale OPERATION.  After the tour of the ranch and some refreshments compliments of Budweiser, we will enjoy lunch at Settler's Inn.  After that we are on to Jeff City for a tour of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary.  An ICE CREAM BREAK us scheduled at Central dairy to round out the day.  Reservations and tickets have to be purchased so it is NECESSARY that you SIGN UP NOW!!!  Complete cost will be determined by number of people going. 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYER REQUESTS:

For DAVE KOHRS who will begin chemo treatment as his cancer from a few years ago has returned. 

 

For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, who remains in the ICU to control her seizures and to give her the rest she needs.   She has been unresponsive for a week.

 

For WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to deal with many health problems relating from a stroke.

 

For DANIELLE MEINE, a senior at WHS, a friend to many kids at St. john's, and a rider on Karin's bus since kindergarten, who has a very serious form of cancer.

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .
 
For TODD PONDER, former band teacher/director and friend to many at St. John's, who suffered a massive stroke and can't do anything but move his eyes.  He is unable to breathe on his own. Here is a link to a fund that was started to help the family as they will have astronomical hospital and rehab bills for a long time to come.   At the bottom of the page it also has updates as to his progress.  http://www.gofundme.com/hp1ed8?pc=mb_em

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Parking lot is plowed and salt is on the walkways!!

Main roads are plowed!  Parking lot is plowed thanks to John Farris and Scott Heitgerd!!  Everything is shoveled and the salt is down thanks to Ervin Yoder!  Come on up to St. John's for worship this morning at 8:30 and 11!!!  Use your best judgment of course!!!!

Fwd: The Lutheran Hour: March 1, 2015

-------- Original message --------

From: Lutheran Hour Ministries

Date:02/28/2015 9:15 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: revklaus@hotmail.com

Subject: The Lutheran Hour: March 1, 2015

Sermon Text for March 1, 2015  "The True Author of Your Life Story" #82-26   Presented on The Lutheran Hour on March 1, 2015 By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries     Text: 2 Corinthians 7:10 The Bible teaches, "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." Christ is risen; He is risen indeed, and only the power of faith in Him can overcome the grief that so often comes in life. Amen. It's amazing to me how easily folks can be persuaded to follow a new fad. For example, have you noticed the increase in the number of heavily bearded men out there? Here's how simple things like that can get started. It is said to have started with some male models a few years ago. The fashion statement caught on in Hollywood and in the sports world. And with TV, ads, and marketing, well, the rest is history. If you're a man with a lumberjack beard or ZZ Top-style flowing facial hair, you're in style. Even Disneyland is starting to allow its employees to grow beards--as long as they're kept shorter than a quarter of an inch. Yes, the beard movement has hit the mainstream. It's a fad, it's fun, it's fuzzy, but do you know what else it is? It is someone else's influence shaping your look and your behavior. That's right; someone out there started the beard trend. Someone else was the author of this beard-mania. That someone wrote the script that you may now be living. Now, before you get too shocked or feel too controlled, let me assure you that this happens all the time. There are all kinds of people writing the script of your life. There are many authors of your story. They tell you what's fashionable to wear. They influence you into buying a certain cell phone or automobile. They persuade you to eat certain foods and sway you into the latest vocabulary. They bring you up to date about what's cool and what's not. Voices from television, magazines, and websites show you how you should decorate your kitchen, what your body should look like, where you should go on vacation, and what medication you should take. News writers tell you what you should think about and what you should consider the "breaking news" of the day. The number of hits on a YouTube video tells you which one you should watch. Songs played on the radio tell you what tune you should hum. Now, are you starting to feel a little uncomfortable? I know I do when I think about these things. Are you beginning to realize that we may not be the authors of our own lives? Are you feeling a sense of loss and hopelessness? Are you feeling controlled by outside forces? And what if those forces don't have your best interests in mind? What then? When you have those feelings, you're experiencing what ancient writers called "the grief of the soul." You realize your life is, to a degree, lost. It's being authored by the world around you, not by yourself. When this is brought to your attention--either by someone like me, or by a friend, or simply by a heightened awareness that everything you've been striving for doesn't bring the satisfaction you'd hoped for, you can begin to experience this inner soul grief. The tragedy of such grief is that this broken world has never been able to figure out how to deal with it or to make it go away. In our text for today, the Apostle Paul knew all about this kind of grief. He thought he was the author of his life. He was born into a prestigious family. He received the best education. He associated with the most powerful people. And he was on a career track that would put the world in awe.  But he came to realize, in the greater scheme of things, it was all empty and meaningless. Without a grace connection to God, the best of this world, as well the worst always comes to nothing. And as for people who hang on to the hollow pursuits of the world on their own terms, he said this, "Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame, with minds set on earthly things" (Philippians 3:19-20).  Paul knew all of this from personal experience. He knew that even the best of this world ends up being empty. And pride in such things cuts us off from the God who loves us and is the source of our life and salvation. Grief of the soul brings only hopelessness and helplessness. And that's what he's trying to tell a group of young Christians in Corinth. Yes, they believed in Jesus, but they were a bit full of themselves. That's why Paul has to lay it on the line with them. If they let their pride run amok, if they let the ways of the world write their story, he says it plainly, "For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).  Worldly grief. When the empty pursuits of the world write your story and when you feel the soul-grief that comes with it, it is a grief that leads to death. There's no way out. But, as you heard, there is a grief of the soul that leads to something better: to salvation, hope, and restoration--to new life. God is its author. It is a story not of the vain and exasperating pursuits of the world, but one that is written by God with the Savior of the world as the main character. It is a story of rescue from the outside. It is the truth of Jesus eliminating meaninglessness, sin, and slavery. It is an answer to the grief of your soul--an answer that saves you from despair. It is an answer of faith in Jesus Christ. But maybe you're thinking...wait a minute. Do I really need Jesus to be the Author of my story? Can't I just take control of my own life? What if I just write my own script? Now, that's a good question because there's a pride in all of us that says, "Well, this may be true for Paul and for those Corinthians, but true for me too?"  In late 1999, Jayson Blair became a reporter for The New York Times. He reported on important stories like the Washington D.C. sniper, the recovery of captive U.S. soldiers in Iraq, and the heartbreaking death of a pastor's son who lost his life fighting in the Middle East. The stories were moving, captivating, and very detailed. There were just two problems. The stories weren't completely true and Jayson didn't write them.  In 2003, thirty New York Times staffers signed a letter that reported his errors and plagiarism. Newspaper editors from around the country and even the people involved in some of his writing let the Times editors know that some of the "facts" stated in the articles weren't facts at all. Other segments of the articles were copied from other reporters. After an investigation, Blair resigned in disgrace.  The stories weren't true. Fear, pride, and a desire to impress led Jayson Blair to create false tales for his readers.  That's what the Apostle Paul meant when he said, "Worldly grief, it produces death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).As sinners, left to ourselves, we have only the twisted and toxic resources of a broken world at our disposal. And, instead of finding ways out of our brokenness, we get further and further intertwined into our own lies and deceptions. The Bible speaks plainly about this; when you and I try to be the sole authors of our own life story, the main theme will ultimately be denial--denial of our real needs, denial of our true vulnerabilities, and denial of how we need to grow and where we need help; and that sinful denial will eat us up alive.  That denial goes deep into our hearts and souls. We might mask it for a while, but such things have a way of bubbling up when we least expect it.  And then there's guilt. We know about that. But, even as we deny it, guilt builds up because we know our faults. We know our failures. Soon, the heavy weight of guilt breaks us down, leaving us in pieces, lost.  Those are the kinds of personal stories we write when left to our own resources. They are the result of a world-produced grief. Without faith in Jesus, our soul-searching results in emptiness. It ends in a lostness that never emerges from the darkness. In fact, any story of your life authored by someone other than God is a fake. At best it is a distorted copy of the truth and at its worst it is a complete lie; denial, fake exuberance, and game playing may help you power up each day to fight what's raging inside, but it will all come crumbling down at some point. It won't bring the real answer that you need. So, please hang in there with me on all this. This isn't just a sermon about guilt. In fact, God doesn't want you to feel guilty for guilt's sake or just so that you realize you're imperfect. That kind of guilt leads to hopelessness. It leads to the death of your spirit and a grief of the soul that destroys you and me. Feeling badly will only take you so far. Saying "I'm sorry!" isn't enough to turn your life around. Carrying the heavy burden of your own failures doesn't bring you life. That's why we need good news, a new story that really leads to life and salvation. And the Bible says there is such a story, there is a script of truth, of hope, of personal restoration. And the end of that story? It is absolutely wonderful for eternity! Paul says it plainly in this text, "Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret" (2 Corinthians 7:10).  So, if you are overwhelmed by grief, struggling with sorrow, God has a message for you and me today. There is rescue and salvation through the forgiveness of your sins. When Christ's story becomes yours by faith, life changes! Paul puts guilt and grief in its proper context when he says, "As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret" (2 Corinthians 7:9-11). This "godly grief" is a grief of the soul authored by God. It is an awakening that comes through the power of His law in your life. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to stop you in your tracks and turn you around.  When God writes your story, your sorrow and emptiness become productive. Your confession of personal failure and sin result in forgiveness and second chances. Your remorse and repentance lead to a new life--even eternal life. That's what God can do. It's what God has done through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the cross for you, made certain by the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, and sealed by the Holy Spirit in your life in your baptism. God has written the story of your salvation in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Do you feel lost and aimless? Is the meaninglessness of the world dragging your soul into grief and despair? You don't have to rely on what the world scripts anymore. You don't have to make up a false story to cover up the blemishes of reality. God has authored a new story for you--penned in the blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus cried out this Good News story from the cross when He said, "It is finished!" You don't have to ride the merry-go-round of what the world says is true. You don't have to endure repeated cycles of guilt and shame. Life changes by faith in Jesus. Paul expresses this joy, this turnaround joy, when he says, "The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself up for me" (Galatians 2:20). You have a new story. It is God's story--anchored in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, built upon the God-written story of grace. Yes, you receive God's grace, His undeserved love for you, given as a gift that changes your life now and forever. Grace is the key to the stories that last. Let me give you one last glimpse of what I mean. Back in 1956, a woman named Lee worked for a British airline, but she was also an aspiring writer. However, she could never find time to sit down and write. Once, when she was visiting with her friends, Michael and Joy Brown, she complained that she had no time to write the story that was on her heart. Her full-time job and all of life's demands kept her from pursuing her passion. That's when the Browns had an idea. That Christmas, they gave their friend a gift, an envelope. Inside was a note that said, "You have one year off from your job to write whatever you please. Merry Christmas." Her good friends supported her for a year while she wrote what would become one of the bestselling books of all time: "To Kill a Mockingbird." It was Harper Lee's only published novel. It won a Pulitzer Prize. It is still read today by most high school students. But it almost never came to be. A special gift allowed Harper Lee's story to be written. And so it is with you. The gift of God's grace in Jesus allows the real story of your new life in God to be written.  Are you trapped in one of the destructive stories of the world? Are you living a story written by someone else, or by difficult circumstances, or by your own seemingly endless guilt and failure? Today, God closes that book of falsehood and destruction. Faith in Him silences the evil and regret that would otherwise destroy you. You have a new story scripted by a crucified and risen Savior, one that lifts you up and takes you to new places. Once again, Paul articulates it so well in Ephesians 2: "You were dead in the trespasses and sin in which you once walked, following the course of this world" (Eph. 2)." But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive with Christ" (Ephesians 2:4-5). Or as Paul continues, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9). "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). The Apostle Peter, whose own life was brought back from the abyss of destructive guilt, echoed the new story written by God when he wrote: "Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, now you have received mercy" (1 Peter 2:9-10 NIV). That's the real story of life for everyone in this world if they would only look to God in faith. Guilt, removed; grief, overcome; grace, forgiveness, love for life now and forever! Dear friend, no matter what you are facing today, in Christ, I pray that you'll see this is the story God wants for you--authored, empowered by Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Put your faith in Him and begin to live again! Amen. LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for March 1, 2015 Topic: What Is Repentance? ANNOUNCER: What is repentance? That'll be our question today for Pastor Gregory Seltz. I'm Mark Eischer. Pastor, in order to be forgiven by God, do we just need to feel really badly about our sins? Is that what repentance is?  SELTZ: Well, there's more to it than that. Let me just say this, that's an appropriate question for us in the season of Lent, Mark, because Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and has been called the season of repentance. Very often, you'll see the color purple in churches during Lent and that color symbolizes sorrow for sin, like the caller was talking about, and our humility before our King and Savior. So, the color actually helps us understand what repentance really means.  ANNOUNCER: Now, for some, repentance may have a negative connotation, having to do with sorrow and self-loathing; sounds to me you're saying there's more to it than that. SELTZ: There is much more to it than that. In fact, the word has a nuance from the Old Testament and the New. In the Old Testament repentance is connected with the Hebrew word that means to return. God's people were called to return to Him. He beckoned them to be turned from unfaithfulness to following Him. This return was by grace through the power of the Holy Spirit. It was the result of God's rescue and deliverance. ANNOUNCER: Okay, well, that's not dark and depressing. If anything, it sounds joyful and liberating. SELTZ: It is! In fact, the roots of repentance in the Old Testament are very liberating. It's about salvation through God's grace. The New Testament word in Greek is also very similar: "metanoia." It means a change of mind that works complete life change. In fact, in the New Testament we hear how repentance is actually a gift from God. In Luke 5, Jesus said, "I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance" (Luke 5:32). Jesus is the One who brings us to repentance.  ANNOUNCER: In other words, God turns people around. He is the giver of that repentance.  SELTZ: Right. Repentance is God's gift by His Spirit that returns us to Himself and changes our hearts from trusting in ourselves to trusting in the saving work of Jesus for us. ANNOUNCER: At the same time, isn't there also a sense of sorrow involved with repentance? SELTZ: Yes there sure is, but the sorrow is connected with a heart that is grieved over sin and rebellion against God. This has been called contrition. Of course we lament over the life that separated us from God. We teach in our church "that contrition is the genuine terror of a conscience that feels God's wrath against sin and is sorry that it has sinned. This contrition takes place when the Word of God denounces sin in our lives" (Ap. XII 29). ANNOUNCER: We recognize our desperate need, but sorrow and terror of conscience don't necessarily lead to true repentance.  SELTZ: Unfortunately, that's true. You could be very sorry and grieved over wrongdoing, but be stuck in your pain and regret. Putting your faith in God's Good News for you, that's the ultimate key to repentance. The only way out of our predicament is through the Gospel that offers, as the Bible and Church teach, "the forgiveness of sins, the righteousness of God for Christ's sake," and grants us "the Holy Spirit and eternal life," that leads "us as regenerated people to do good things" (Ap XII 29-30). ANNOUNCER: What advice would you give our listeners to help them live in repentance during this Lenten season? SELTZ: Let's use the Lenten color of purple to help people remember some things. First, the darkness of the color purple represents the darkness of our own sin. My first advice would be to hear what God's law says accurately, truthfully, and personally about your own sin. Let God have an honest say with you and your life. Think about how you, not your neighbor, your friend, or your family, but how you fall short and need forgiveness in your life. Be led to genuine contrition.  ANNOUNCER: But don't stop there!  SELTZ: No way. In fact God wants you to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ to hearts that are honest about such things. Let the love of God, then, release you from the burden of your real guilt and return you to the open and compassionate arms of your Savior. You are forgiven by faith in Christ. Remember the Bible says, "God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance" (Romans 2:4). Hear the Gospel--the Good News of new and eternal life through Jesus' death and resurrection for you.  ANNOUNCER: But that proclamation is also a way of life isn't it?  SELTZ: It is. We get to walk each day in repentance, trusting not in our merits, but in Christ's work for us. That's the other side of the color purple during Lent. By grace, through faith, you are a child of the King with a royal pedigree and a royal destiny as His followers. ANNOUNCER: Very good. Thank you, Pastor Seltz. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Music Selections for this program: "A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission. "Chief of Sinners Though I Be" arr. Henry Gerike. Used by permission. "Agnus Dei" by Paul D. Weber. (© Paul D. Weber) "In the Cross of Christ I Glory" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) "Go to Dark Gethsemane" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) Print this sermon Sign up for LHM news Daily Devotions Visit lutheranhour.org Change my email Contact Us   subscribe / unsubscribe / sign-up for plain text / visit our website   660 Mason Ridge Center Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141 1-800-876-9880 www.lhm.org

We will have worship tomorrow at 8:30

We will  have  worship in the morning at 8:30.  Use your best judgment and be safe!

Church is still on, but be careful

There is snow on the ground and there are some slippery spots so be careful if you are coming to worship.  Use your best judgment.

Sunday school tonight at 4pm!!!

SUNDAY SCHOOL TONIGHT AT 4pm!!!  Since the forecast says there'll be lots of snow by morning, we are moving Sunday school to this afternoon at 4pm!  Tell your friends and come on down!!  Of course if it starts snowing earlier than that and the roads are already treacherous before 4pm you will just have to use your best discretion!

Come to church tonight at 5pm

Since it sounds like most people will be snowed in tomorrow, why not plan to come to church tonight instead? 
 
Worship is at 5pm!!