St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO

Monday, June 8, 2015

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).

"Room for One More"
June 8, 2015
(Jesus said) "A king... sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast." But they paid no attention and went off ... Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.' And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests." Matthew 22:4b-5a, 8-10
Can you tell me what can eat 50 pounds of ham or ten turkeys?

Although you may have come up with a right answer, it probably isn't the answer I'm looking for in this devotion. The answer I want to hear is "a Zanger family get-together."

You probably don't know the Zangers, so allow me to make an introduction. We begin with Quincy, Illinois, residents Leo and Ruth, who have been married for 59 years. Leo and Ruth are in love and that love has produced 12 children.

Those children also have taken seriously the Lord's command to be "fruitful and multiply," (see Genesis 1:28), which is just a fancy way of saying Ruth and Leo have 53 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Now if you are doing the math, this means the Zangers now have 99 grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren. Actually, the recent birth of Jaxton Leo Zanger, makes it an even 100.

Speaking about the 100, Leo says, "We just love them all."

And the Zangers do have opportunities to love them all. The Zangers have five "mandatory" holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, and Father's Day. Having so many people in a private residence is a violation of fire codes, so the group usually rents a church hall for their celebrations: galas where they consume the aforementioned mass quantities of ham and turkey.

Now that's all interesting stuff, but the thing which most intrigued me was Ruth's statement: "There's always room for one more."

Can you imagine ... 100-plus people coming together ... and hoping to get a few more!

It almost sounds like the king in the Savior's parable; indeed, it almost sounds like our Lord. Loving us all, the Lord wants everyone to come to His banquet table. So the world might be saved is why He sent His Son into the world. So the world might be saved is why Jesus fulfilled the Law, kept the Commandments, resisted Satan's temptations, and gave His life on the cross. His third-day resurrection from the dead says the work of getting the banquet ready is done.

The celebration is prepared, and it's time for the guests to show up.

So that might happen, the Lord sends out His servants: that's you, me, your church, your Synod, LWML, and Lutheran Hour Ministries. God is our King who loves us and He has told us, "Make sure the invitation to faith and heaven is heard by everyone."

It's a job we're glad to do. After all, at God's table there's always room for one more.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, Jesus has done the work, and You have prepared places in heaven for the sinners of this world, who are called to forgiveness and faith. May we do all we can to make sure the message is heard by all those around us. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:
How many times ddid Elijah stretch himself out on the son of the widow of Zarephath and call out to the Lord to revive him? 3 times
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CALENDAR:
Mon- Family night! 6=7pm
Tues- Quilting 9-2; NO Bible study; Nursery organizational meeting 6:30; Trustees 7
Wed- Praise band 5:30
Sat- Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Zack Hoelscher; 11- Hannah Johnson
Ushers- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Don Tate, Doug Walters
Altar- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up- Don and Ann Panhorst
Communion Assistants- Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- John and Jo Fahrni; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Lay readers- Sat- Jim Rahn 8:30- Jo Fahrni 11- Christy Winn
Pianist- Molly Hendershot; Tim Sherman 8:30
Projectionists: No projection this weekend
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NEWS:

NURSERY ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING TUESDAY AT 6:30PM!!
We could use a few more people, (moms, dads, youth) who are interested in helping take care of kids during worship services. Please come to the meeting!
Agenda:
1. Introduction
2. Put together list of Rules
3. Put together Schedule
4. Fill out background check forms
5. Closing prayer
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A NEW DIRECTORY IS BEING PUT TOGETHER. IF YOUR PHONE NUMBER OR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED SINCE THE LAST DIRECTORY PLEASE WRITE IT DOWN ON THE ATTENDANCE SHEETS BY JUNE 21!!
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SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 AT COUNTRY LAKES!!!
Flyers are available on the counter in the narthex.
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TEACHER AID POSITION AVAILABLE AT TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL IN ORCHARD FARM FOR THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR.
Help with K-2 classroom
Monitor lunch and recess
Serve as P.E. Coordinator twice a week for all grades.
9am-3pm daily
30 hours weekly

Submit resumes to eloeffler@trinityorchardfarm.org
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LITTLE LAMBS STILL HAS A FEW SPACES LEFT IN THE FOUR YEAR OLD CLASS!!

If you know of someone that wants to enroll their 4 year old, tell them to register NOW so they will not be disappointed.

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PASTOR IS STILL IN NEED OF MORE SPONSORS FOR HIS BIKE-A-THON ACROSS MISSOUR!!

Thank you to all who have donated so far!! I'm pretty close to $1,000!!!!

My goal is to raise $1,500 for Lead a Child! One of, if not the, best mission organization within the Synod. We provide funds for kids in Third World countries to go to Christian schools.

Go to www.leadachild.org and click on the "donate" button. Or you can give me a check and I will send it to them.

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NEXT PLANNING MEETING SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 28 at NOON! IT WILL BE A POTLUCK LUNCH!!! EVERYONE IS INVITED!

WE WILL ANSWER TWO QUESTONS AT THIS MEETING:

1. What do we do well?

2. What do we need to improve our ministry?

The answers to these two questions will help us to focus our efforts and put together a master plan so that we can focus on building to fit our ministry needs and goals.

WE NEED INPUT FROM EVERYONE!! THIS IS YOUR TIME! BRING YOUR ANSWERS (along with a dish to share)!

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TRAVEL FELLOWSHIP GROUP'S NEXT ADVENTURE IS TO ROCHEPORT AND ARROW ROCK, MO.

They will have dinner and the J. Huston Tavern in Arrow Rock and then enjoy a live play "Driving Miss Daisy" at the Lyceum Theater. Cost will be determined by number of people going, but should run between $60 and $70 per person. SIGN UP SOON! A $25 deposit is due by this Sunday!! Please give your deposit to Marilyn or put it in her mailbox or on her desk. Don't put it in the offering plate.

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CALLING ALL BAKERS!!!
If you have never been involved in one of our church activities (and even if you have), here is a new challenge for you!! There will be a cake/dessert booth at the carnival on September 12! The carnival will be open from 11am until dusk! Donations of baked good and workers to man the booth will be needed!! Desserts needing refrigeration cannot be accepted. Work shifts will be for two hours beginning at 10am and will go till closing time. To eliminate many, many phone calls, a sign up sheet has been placed on the narthex where you can volunteer!!

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DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD? ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop.
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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.

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PRAYER REQUESTS:

For CORA CLUVER'S DAD, who was in a bad motorcycle accident on Saturday and is now paralyzed from the neck down.

For BONNIE FRENZIA, who is undergoing radiation treatments at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

For those recovering at home after illnesse and asurgery

CAL TAMELER

CARA KLAUSTERMEIER

LIL WINTER

MOLLY HENDERSHOT

For DAVE AND CAROL KOHRS, who are now BOTH on hospice care.

For OUR DCE INTERN, KELSEY OVERBECK, that the Lord's will is done concerning her call to a church to be a full time DCE.

For WILMA WEIGLE as she is having a lot of difficulty with congestion and possible pneumonia. .

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .

The Lutheran Hour: June 7, 2015 "Life Under God's Construction"

Sermon Text for June 7, 2015

"Life Under God's Construction" #82-40

Presented on The Lutheran Hour on June 7, 2015
By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker
(What Appeal Does Church Have for Young People?)
Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1

The Apostle Paul says, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

Christ is risen! Jesus is risen, indeed! And because He lives, we too will live eternally, and nothing can snatch us away from that Good Friday/Easter accomplishment of Christ, for you. Amen.

The Apostle Paul is talking about life under God's gracious hand of reconstruction. He is confident that no matter what is going on in his life at the moment, it's nothing compared to what life will be eternally with His Lord and Savior Jesus. That's a future that holds. That's a hope that lasts. When God is the Master Builder of your life, that's good news indeed!

Building, rebuilding, projects; it's that time of year again, isn't it? The weather is getting nicer. The summer provides a little more time for many. A little more breathing room is in sight. In fact, right now I'm actually doing a little work on my outdoor patio as well. With the coming of June, you may be thinking about getting outside, taking some time off, and trying to relax a little bit as well.

This can be a relaxing, even refreshing time of year. But this season also causes me to notice something else about life: I notice that it's a time when many people take a vacation from God too, living as if He isn't part of their life at all.

Think about what happens in the summer. The weeks whiz by. They are filled with activity. There's more to do and think about than you could ever fit in. It's possible to spend all your time doing projects, traveling, taking care of chores, talking with friends and neighbors, shining up your car, worrying about problems, getting annoyed at erratic drivers, watching or coaching sports teams, pursing hobbies, or just reading a few good books. Hurried, harassed, hassled; but scheduled with everything else but time with God.

If your life is so busy that you have no time for God, for His Word, for prayer, you are too busy, my friend. But, I see people living like this all the time. People get caught up in the now, temporarily going from day to day, missing God's presence, His help, and His counsel. You can avoid the issue of whether or not your life has a deeper purpose than merely the issues of the day, at least for a time.

But here's what I also have seen this season. In spring and summer, I can't help but see even more clearly God's amazing grace. You and I may be tempted to overlook the eternal. We may plow ahead in life with no thought of God, often until it's too late. But God won't stand for that! No, He loves you and me too much to let us fritter away His gift of abundant life. He is passionate about being your strength and salvation. So He breaks in. He disrupts the ordinary flow of your life in order to draw you close and call you back to Himself. You may be cruising along on life's highway, so God steps in with some real road construction. Lane shift ahead. Slow down. Pay close attention. Yes, in the midst of your driving-your-own-life- thank-you moment, God puts up some detours.

Let me illustrate. The summer season is also a time for what? That's right, road construction. You know it's true. The potholes of winter are deeper than ever. The weather is finally letting up a bit, so road crews can get to work. I know it's not popular to talk about road construction, but where would we be without it. If our roads and bridges were allowed to sink into disrepair, then we'd all have to be stopped for good. If that widening project didn't happen, we'd be in eternal traffic jams. Hey, I've lived in New York City and in Los Angeles, you don't want that to happen, believe me. Without construction, things would begin to just fall apart.

Maybe it's bad where you live today, too. My home state of Michigan has Detroit, a serious contender for a city with the most road construction, repair, and road repaving. And it's not just happening in the U.S., even our friends in Canada can't escape the road repair season. Last summer, "The Globe and Mail," a Canadian newspaper, featured an article called "Four Canadian Road Construction Nightmares." The article pointed out that due to a key bridge closure; it was faster to ride a bicycle into downtown Vancouver than to try to make it in by car.

Such things slow us down, yes; but even more, they get our attention. They show us the challenges of our modern lives and lifestyles. Things get real when we have to deal with the hassles of getting somewhere or getting to someone through the maze of construction and repair.

Well, if that's what a little road construction can do, how about God flagging you down, putting up a detour sign, or a sign, "construction ahead," in your life? Amidst the craziness of summer, God still wants to reach you. He wants to get into your life and take hold of your heart. He wants you to know that He is present and that you really need Him. So, at times, God gets your attention with some detours and discomfort. He's trying to get you to see things from His point of view; to change. That's life under God's construction and reconstruction and it is a blessing to let Him have His way with your life!

So, I'm going to put up some orange construction cones today for your life journey and mine. I want to talk to you about three areas of God's construction for your life so that your life will not fall apart. I want to talk about God's reconstruction plan for you, to bless you with His grace and love, His strength and hope, His help and eternal salvation. I'm just asking, will you let God have your attention today?

Orange Cone Number 1, this is the most important question. Will you let God have a Word with you? Yeah, it's the first area of construction, and, believe me, it is a major repair. It is filling in the pothole of all the noise and commotion of the world so you can hear God's voice.

Think about it: you need more than your own thoughts and opinions. You need more than what your friends say. You need more than the latest headlines in the tabloids or opinions in trendy blogs. You need something bigger, deeper, and more meaningful. You need to hear God's voice. You need His direction and His input for your life. The fact is there is emptiness without Him. A void. Life is incomplete. Many years ago King David said, "As a deer pants for the flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O my God" (Psalms 42:1).

And God, ever faithful in His gracious construction for your life, He doesn't hold back. He spoke to His people through the ages. He sent Jesus, the Word made flesh, to walk this earth, to live and understand our lives, and to show His complete love for us as He gave His life on the cross. Even now, God speaks to you in His Word, the Scripture, the Bible. He reaches into your life with forgiveness through the blessing of baptism. He lives in you through the gift of the Lord's Supper. God steps in. He breaks through the background noise and the chatter.

That's the construction Paul was talking about in 2 Corinthians, chapter four. He said, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

It is so good to be connected to God's eternal truth, to the wellspring of refreshing renewal in God's love and grace. It's such a blessing to receive eternal life; not just temporary sound bites of the latest happenings in life. Today, God says, "Stop, look, listen! Here I am for you!" And that's what really matters in your life!

Do you remember when doctors made house calls? When I was young, a few doctors still drove from their offices to the homes of their patients. Into the homes they would walk with their black bag filled with instruments and medicine. People were sick and doctors brought the help they needed. Doctors don't make house calls anymore, but God does. He meets you where you are in your life and He brings the good news that He loves you, that He knows your heart, and that He will help you now and into everlasting life. Open up your Bible, the proof is in His Word, the proof is in Jesus. God breaks in to rebuild your life and to bring you close to Himself. Sometimes He stops you in your tracks and interrupts your plans to bring you the love you really need. Will you welcome God's construction for your life?

How about another orange cone? Orange Cone Number 2 - Will you let God show you what really matters for your life; in work, in relationships, even in leisure? Will you let Him demonstrate what really matters most? Let's be honest: in order to make your life complete, you need more than the latest big screen TV. To see what life is really all about, you need more than a talk show, a concert, or a sports event. I hope you want your kids to hear more than fashion tips-even though as a father of a daughter, I realize that fashion is very important. I hope you want your loved ones to have a connection in life that is more than just what their friends on Facebook tell them about it. We need a connection with what really matters.

So God, in His grace, puts your life under His construction. You heard the Apostle Paul say, "We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, temporal, they don't last. But the things that are unseen are eternal." God connects you to what is best. He lets you know that you are His. "You are not your own," Paul declared. "You were bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). God bought you with the blood that His Son Jesus Christ shed for you. "In Christ," the Bible says, "you are a new creation." That's what 2 Corinthians 5:17 says. And then, He calls you to watch out for the things that will take you away from Him. Peter says, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Be on your guard. Even if you're a long-time believer and church member, you may fall into sinful behavior that disrupts and hurts the body of Christ, even yourself. Watch out and remember that you have a new life now. You're cleansed. You're purified, forgiven, brand new. God wants us connected to the things that matter at all times, in all places. How is God flagging you over to attend to eternal things instead of all things that pass away so quickly? How is God urging you to focus on what really matters? Think on these things!

Finally, Orange Cone Number 3 - Will you let God repave your walk as a difference maker in the lives of others? Instead of life being about yourself, which is a road to nowhere, you're now a smooth highway to other people so they can receive and know the love of Jesus Christ through you.

For me, this highlights, once again, the amazing value of a church community. Think about what you can be a part of when you combine your resources, graced by the Lord, with a group of people who long to receive and to show Jesus' love too. You may not be able to make a big impact on your own, but together with people who yearn to change lives, you can accomplish so much. You can bring God's Word to other nations, to the inner cities, to the lonely, and to those who are forgotten. You can help change communities as the light of Christ shines brightly in dark places. You can provide alternatives to gangs and drugs. You can help the hungry, show care to single moms, and bring joy to the elderly. You can pray for your neighbors; you can pray for the world.

It's so important to be a part of that. I need to be. You need to be. The community that receives and reflects the love of Jesus is the only community that can ultimately bless the world in which we live today! Why, because Jesus is the only One Who can do that with sinners of every kind. That's a community that lasts because Christ is at the center of its worship and its service!

With June upon us, do you want to know what a lot of churches are doing this month? Right, Vacation Bible School. I know that some people see it as glorified babysitting, but it is more than that. You know, I can even remember the times when I went to VBS when I was a child. There was this high school kid who read Bible verses to us, talked about what they meant, then played football with us, wiffleball, dodge ball, and even did some crafts with us too. I remember how much fun I had and how much I learned about the Bible that week. Who knows, maybe that's one reason I'm a pastor today. I saw faith alive in someone I respected (in addition to my parents, that is).

Have you ever been to Vacation Bible School? Have you ever volunteered for one? These are powerful community connection events that bring the Good News of our crucified and risen Savior to children and adults alike. Even as you're hearing this message, thousands of volunteers around the nation are getting ready to help teach and model the love of Jesus to young people and their families. Now, I want to tell you, Vacation Bible School is not convenient for those volunteers. Instead of getting used to the mid-summer stride of sleeping in, volunteers have to appear at church early in the morning during Vacation Bible School week. Adults and teens, who help spend the day on their feet, in demand, and surrounded by commotion. This is not a summer break. But the difference it makes in the lives of children and adults is powerful. Making a difference is, most of the time, totally inconvenient. It may be very uncomfortable! But it is a part of God's beautiful construction in our lives.

So, after the Apostle Paul talked in 2 Corinthians, chapter 4 about how he died a little bit each day in order to bring eternal life to others, he said this, "It is written: I believed; therefore I have spoken.' With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, because we know the one that raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this," he says, "is for your benefit" (2 Corinthians 4:12-15 NIV). It was worth it to speak up, to do something, to make a difference, because sharing the grace of God in Jesus Christ was what really mattered. And making sure that God's grace went out to others; that's what really counted. Did Paul say, "No, I'd rather not experience the discomfort; I think I'll be quiet and I'll keep things status quo"? No. He said, "With the same spirit of faith I spoke up for you." God's construction in your life makes you willing to be uncomfortable so that His difference can be made in the lives of others.

Reaching others for Christ, Paul says, "Nothing's more important than that." Sharing God's love in Christ with others; "What could be more meaningful?" Paul says, "Nothing."

God the Father felt the same way. He put His only Son, the One He loved, through the greatest discomfort of the cross because nothing was more important than reaching you, reaching me; each one of us with the gift of His forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

Today, dear friend, God may be causing a detour for you. Let Him position those spiritual construction cones in your life to lead you back to the Good News of Jesus. If summer is about construction, will you let God have His say in your life, His Way in your life, and be open to others in His Name? That's a life that matters no matter what your age, no matter what season of life you're in, because that's a life in Christ that is eternal, right now. And it can be yours by faith in Jesus. Amen!

LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for June 7, 2015
Topic: What Appeal Does Church Have for Young People?

ANNOUNCER: What appeal does the church have for young people nowadays? That's our question today for Pastor Gregory Seltz. I'm Mark Eischer.

SELTZ: Well, Mark, there has been a shift away from church attendance, and all ages actually have been affected by that, but in particular we do see a real slump in church attendance among people ages 18 to 30.

ANNOUNCER: What's do you suppose the solution might be?

SELTZ: Before we talk about solutions, let me just say that the church, the people of God, the community of faith gathered together, is a powerful and vibrant presence on earth. While the United States and Canada is experiencing decline in church attendance and drift from the institutional church, the world is experiencing a revival of vibrant Christian community--especially in the global south.

ANNOUNCER: Here you're talking about Asia, Africa, and South America. In fact, the members of Lutheran church bodies in Africa outnumber Lutheran membership in the U. S.

SELTZ: That's right. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is spreading rapidly--particularly in nations that have experienced religious persecution, dire social conditions, extreme poverty, and other life-threatening circumstances. There, people see their need for God. So, point of fact, the Church of our Lord is not withering; it's not a weak organization on its last legs. It's a dynamic movement of life-transforming love, and grace, and purpose around the world. But, the church here in the U.S., and Canada too, has some struggles in connecting with young people.

ANNOUNCER: Amidst it all, though, Jesus said that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against" His church (Matthew 16:18 ESV). The devil wants us to believe the church is irrelevant and unimportant.

SELTZ: Always, but what's new about that, right? So, amidst this deception, the truth of God will always show itself as something unique in this world. And that's where I believe the church has a great appeal for the new generation. Young people--all people--crave genuine relationships. The church, remember, it's never been about a building; it's God's redeemed people around God's gracious gifts. Church is about genuine relationships.

ANNOUNCER: And first and foremost, it is about the saving relationship God established with us through the sacrifice of His Son on the cross.

SELTZ: Absolutely! The love and forgiveness of God for us in Jesus is the ultimate life-giving relationship. Who doesn't need to know that they have a new beginning every day with God; a clean slate by God's gracious forgiveness?

ANNOUNCER: And, our relationships with each other flow out of that remarkable relationship with God. So, instead of trying to cover up our flaws and failures, we can be genuinely honest with each other because we're all people who need God's forgiveness.

SELTZ: That's the beauty of the church, Mark. No pretense or pretending is needed. It's where you can be yourself, admit our needs, celebrate God's unconditional love and acceptance. You can't even find that on Facebook! Young people, actually all people, we need the church.

ANNOUNCER: What else about the church would young people find appealing?

SELTZ: Honestly, we would run out of time in this Q and A if we were to talk about everything. But let's just talk a few points. The church is meant to be a community of believers who love each other as they have been loved by God. The church is where we can speak the truth of the Scripture to each other, where we can encourage one another, pray for each other, live "graced lives" as we come to each other's aid.

ANNOUNCER: And we need that authenticity more than ever.

SELTZ: Absolutely. No matter what people say, this generation needs it like all others before it and God designed the church to be authentic, real, and a difference-maker. There's no better movement on earth. The church is about God's truth. The church celebrates beauty, creation, and balance in His Name. The church is meant to be the leader when it comes to the stewardship of creation, physical health, and possessions. The church is an advocate for the arts and constant encourager of generosity; they're for the poor, they're for generosity. The church is where we're connected with the mystery of God and His eternal purpose for our being.

ANNOUNCER: Now, when you explain it that way, it makes me glad to be part of the church! But I know that not all local churches reflect that sort of vibrant purpose and plan. There are some real problems in our churches.

SELTZ: You're right, Mark. The church is people, and we're imperfect. On one hand we need to cut the church some slack. But, on the other, if the local church has drifted from God's purpose, we need to call it to repentance and change our sights and get refocused on what God wants for us.

ANNOUNCER: 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.

"Let Me Be Thine Forever" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

"Holy Spirit, Ever Dwelling" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

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Thursday, June 4, 2015

DEVOTION: 1 Kings 17:8-16English Standard Version (ESV)

The Widow of Zarephath

⁸Then the word of the Lord came to him, ⁹"Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you." ¹⁰So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, "Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink." ¹¹And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." ¹²And she said, "As the Lord your God lives, I have nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die." ¹³And Elijah said to her, "Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. ¹⁴For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, 'The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth.'" ¹⁵And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by Elijah.

When the Lord promises something he does it. He doesn't change his mind. He doesn't waffle. He doesn't make excuses. He does it. He promised Elijah that the widow of Zarephath would take care of him and feed him. He promised that the oil and flour and water wouldn't run out even though there was a severe famine in the land. He kept all of those promises.

God has made some promises to you. He promised that he would send a Savior from sin and he did. He promised that he would rise from the dead after three days and he did. He promised that he would come back again to judge the living and the dead and to rise us and all believers up to eternal life forever.

Do you think he will keep that promise? You better believe it! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understandings. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight!

Prayer: Lord help me to trust in you, for you are the keeper of all promises! Amen.

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:
How long did Asa reign as King over Judah? 41 years (2 Chronicles 16:13)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: How many times ddid Elijah stretch himself out on the son of the widow of Zarephath and call out to the Lord to revive him?
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CALENDAR:
Thurs- Alzheimer's support group 1pm; Marliyn leaves for vacation
Sat- Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jacob Cluver; 11- Alaina Heitgerd
Ushers- Figura Family
Altar- Set up- Ruth Walters; Clean Up- Pam Linke
Communion Assistants- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- Allan and Barb Dreyer; 11- Joann Sexton
Lay readers- Sat- John Hachtel 8:30- Jennifer Figura 11- Steve Robine
Organist: Melissa Pedersen
Pianist- Kathy Barrow
Projectionists: Sat- Pam Bueltmann; 8:30- Sophie Tinnin; 11am- Terry McKenzie

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NEWS:

LITTLE LAMBS STILL HAS A FEW SPACES LEFT IN THE FOUR YEAR OLD CLASS!!

If you know of someone that wants to enroll their 4 year old, tell them to register NOW so they will not be disappointed!

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MARILYN WILL BE ON VACATION STARTING THIS THURSDAY, JUNE 4---- MONDAY, JUNE 22.

The church office will be closed during this period. If you have any matters pertaining to the church office that need to be addressed, please do so by Wednesday!

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A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE MEMBERS OF OUR FABULOUS CHOIR FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK THIS YEAR! YOU GUYS ROCK!

Jo Fahrni
Donna Lindsey
Kailyn Blechle
Janice Walters
Sandy Robine
Lois Boeger
Sharon Spoede
Rebecca Bettlach
Kay Stark
Don Nolte
Doug Walters
Jim Rahn
Alan Hofeldt
John Hachtel
Steve Robine
Tim Sherman

And an extra special thanks to Barb Dreyer for directing and organizing such a beautiful choir throughout the year!

They will be taking a break for the months of June and July and part of August. If you'd like to be a part of this fantastic choir please call Barb Dreyer at 456-8278

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PASTOR IS STILL IN NEED OF MORE SPONSORS FOR HIS BIKE-A-THON ACROSS MISSOUR!!

My goal is to raise $1,500 for Lead a Child! One of, if not the, best mission organization within the Synod. We provide funds for kids in Third World countries to go to Christian schools.

Please go to leadachild.org, click on the "donate" button and follow the instructions. Or you can just give me a check and I will send it on to them.

A special thank you to those who have already donated! Right now I am at $650! Almost half way there!

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NEXT PLANNING MEETING SCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 28 at NOON! IT WILL BE A POTLUCK LUNCH!!! EVERYONE IS INVITED!

WE WILL ANSWER TWO QUESTONS AT THIS MEETING:

1. What do we do well?

2. What do we need to improve our ministry?

The answers to these two questions will help us to focus our efforts and put together a master plan so that we can focus on building to fit our ministry needs and goals.

WE NEED INPUT FROM EVERYONE!! THIS IS YOUR TIME! BRING YOUR ANSWERS (along with a dish to share)!

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TRAVEL FELLOWSHIP GROUP'S NEXT ADVENTURE IS TO ROCHEPORT AND ARROW ROCK, MO.

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KITCHEN TOWELS AND DISH CLOTHS ARE MISSING!!

Check your drawers and laundry piles and bring them back!

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LITTLE LAMBS IS ENROLLING NOW FOR THE 2015-16 SCHOOL YEAR!!

Only a few spaces left! Get those registrations in today!! Get your registration forms from the preschool or from the church office.

For CAL TAMELER, hospitalized in Washington for a severe ear and sinus infection.

For CARA KLAUSTERMEIER who is recovering well at home.

For DAVE AND CAROL KOHRS, who are now BOTH on hospice care.

For BONNIE FRENZIA, who is undergoing radiation treatments at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

For OUR DCE INTERN, KELSEY OVERBECK, that the Lord's will is done concerning her call to a church to be a full time DCE.

For LIL WINTER recovering at home.

For MOLLY HENDERSHOT recovering at home.

For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, as she continues to recover from several strokes and seizures.

For WILMA WEIGLE as she is having a lot of difficulty with congestion and possible pneumonia. .

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .

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Trinity Sunday Sermon (video)

Learn something about the doctrine of the Trinity today! Enjoy and share!
https://youtu.be/6qPEndJcdho

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

DEVOTION: And Nadab his son succeeded him as king. Nadab, son of Jeroboam became king of Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and he reigned for two years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, walking in the ways of his father and in his sin, which he had caused Israel to commit. 1 Kings 14:20b and 15:25-26

How'd you like to have the above written about you? What if you became king of Israel? What would your legacy be? Would you be one who reformed and straightened out the country and helped them to serve God by serving them, or would you be a tyrant and a king who did evil and caused your nation to commit sin?

I often think about this when I'm thinking about the different vocations God in which God has put me. I think about it as a pastor, as a dad, and even ass a friend. I don't want to be known as a man who causes others to sin or as one who does evil in the sight of the Lord. I want to be known as a good father, a good pastor, and a good friend.

At the same time, I know that I have often lost sight of this. I haven't always been a good dad, pastor, or friend. I have failed in too many ways to even count. This is when I have the biggest opportunity to be a good influence on the people around me. I can either be unrepentant and continue in my evil ways, or I can repent and turn to God for forgiveness.

I am thankful to the Holy Spirit that he ahs moved me to do the latter. I am thankful to God that he has made me realize my sinfulness and my need for a Savior! I am thankful that I can be a good example of humility and repentance so that I can be a good example to my kids, my church, and my friends!

And really, when it comes down to it and someone writes my obituary, all I want it to say is "He believed in Jesus, and Jesus was his Savior.

What do you want your obituary to read?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for turning my heart to repentance and for not letting me get too prideful. Turn the hearts off others to you through me. Amen.

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:
Whose advice did Rehoboam take when the people asked him to make their burden (yoke) lighter? Instead of taking the advice of his father's advisors he took the advice of his young friends. It cost him his kingship.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: How long did Asa reign as King over Judah?
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CALENDAR:
Wed- Praise Band Practice 5:30
Thurs- Alzheimer's support group 1pm; Marliyn leaves for vacation
Sat- Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jacob Cluver; 11- Alaina Heitgerd
Ushers- Figura Family
Altar- Set up- Ruth Walters; Clean Up- Pam Linke
Communion Assistants- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Don Turnure; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- Allan and Barb Dreyer; 11- Joann Sexton
Lay readers- Sat- John Hachtel 8:30- Jennifer Figura 11- Steve Robine
Organist: Melissa Pedersen
Pianist- Kathy Barrow
Projectionists: Sat- Pam Bueltmann; 8:30- Sophie Tinnin; 11am- Terry McKenzie