Fwd: The Lutheran Hour: June 14, 2015 "God's Great Work of Faith"

-------- Original message --------
From: Lutheran Hour Ministries <lh_min@lhm.org>
Date: 06/13/2015 9:16 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: revklaus@hotmail.com
Subject: The Lutheran Hour: June 14, 2015 "God's Great Work of Faith"

Sermon Text for June 14, 2015  "God's Great Work of Faith" #82-41 Presented on The Lutheran Hour on June 14, 2015 By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker (Why Should I Pay Attention to the Bible?) Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries     Text: Mark 4 Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come" Christ is risen! Jesus is risen, indeed! Hallelujah. Amen. Everyone today says that it is important to have faith. Would you agree? Great. The Bible also agrees with that statement, as far as it goes. But, the Scriptures get more specific about this topic saying that the faith that is essential to life is faith in Christ! You see, since what you believe drives what you say and do, it's important to have faith rooted in the right stuff, the right place!  Okay, but even that kind of faith poses a question. Ready? Is faith your work or God's work? Can you believe in God with your own power and decision or is it all up to Him? Is there a small part of you that can reach out to God or are you unable to do anything to initiate a relationship with Him?  The answer is surprising and simple: your faith in God is completely God's work, God's gift for you. Whoa! Wow! Paul said it plainly in Ephesians, chapter 2: "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive with Christ-by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:4-5). God wants you to know what a blessing you have when He makes you eternally alive with Jesus. Isn't it a delightful surprise that God saves you by His grace? You can't do anything when you're dead in your sins. But God reached out for you even then! That's what Jesus was emphasizing when He told a short parable in Mark, chapter 4:"The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how" (Mark 4:25-29). God's kingdom grows without our knowledge or help. That's what God does. It's His specialty. And like His kingdom God creates faith also and grows it. He blesses us with this precious gift so that we can be rescued from sin, hopelessness, and death. Then we get to live in this new and blessed life that God Himself provides. Faith is God's work. It's God's gift! Listen to what Paul says about it further in Romans, chapter 10: "Christ is the end of the law so that there might be righteousness from Him for everyone who believes."  Faith means that God is doing the work and you are receiving the blessings that only He can provide! This is incredible. This is life changing. This is hard to believe, right? Hang in there with me on this. Let God have His say. Let's start with the Word itself. You see, the Biblical word for faith has as its root meaning "trustworthiness" and "fidelity." If you believe, if you have faith, you are connected with God's trustworthiness, His fidelity. Having faith means having God's trustworthy work in your life. That is why, in Romans, chapter 10, Paul asked the question, "But the righteousness that is by faith does not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?" (That is, to bring Christ down) or "Who will descend into the depths?" (That is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? 'The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,' that is, the word of faith that we are proclaiming" (vss.6-8).  There is no other word like this in the world because it's God at work 100% for you, for your life and your salvation. Then Paul goes on to say that God even put the blessings of this work in your mouth, in your heart, so you can confess it. You can acknowledge it. He makes you alive in the gift that He gives. "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." That is God's grace and the power of His Word in your life. Faith in Him, you'll live forever.  So, the question I have for you today is: do you believe and what does that mean for your life? Does it matter that faith is God's work, not ours? It does, dear friend. It really does. It matters even more than you know. Let me tell you a story of why this is important. The very power of this kind of faith in the midst of what seemed like utter defeat!  Her name is Olive. For those who knew this unassuming grandma who lived in the suburbs of Chicago, they would have never guessed that she had an amazing connection to some remarkable mission work clear across the world. You see, Olive, at one time, was married to Pete Fleming. In June of 1954, she joined her husband Pete and his missionary partner, Jim Elliot, to evangelize the peoples of Ecuador. She was about to embark upon a journey which she could never have imagined. The team's goal was to locate and reach out to the Waodoni Indians, also known as the "Aucas" or the "savages." That was the name that their enemies gave them because the Aucas were known for brutally killing one another-men, women, and children. In her book, Unfolding Destinies, Olive said that the Waodani's described their own existence as "a life where everyone did as they pleased. They explained how they threw babies away when they weren't convenient to care for. They talked about how people begged to be buried alive when they knew that they were dying so that their spirits wouldn't wander without solace when freed from their decomposing and unburied bodies" (p. 249). This tribe was brutal. They speared families and strangled their own children. But these were the people that Pete wanted to reach. In late 1955 Pete, Jim, pilot Nate Saint, and fellow missionaries Roger Youderian and Ed McCully made friendly contact with the Aucas. For weeks they exchanged gifts and they established a friendly connection through airdrops. Then they were able to land their plane, make camp, and personally exchange gifts and gestures of kindness. The relationships seemed to blossom, and on January 8, 1956, Pete, Jim, Ed, Roger, and Nate radioed this message to Nate's wife, "Looks like they'll be here for the early afternoon service. Pray for us. This is the day! Will contact you next at four-thirty." Pete and his friends, they were never heard from again. Four days later Olive found out that Pete and the other men were speared to death on that beach that day. The Aucas, after seeing a Polaroid photograph of themselves, feared that the missionaries were stealing their spirits, so they attacked and they killed them all. Olive was stunned. A 24-year-old bride, now she was a 24-year-old widow. She said, "The sense of loss overwhelmed me. I knew the truth, but couldn't accept the reality of what had happened to my husband, Pete. Whether I felt God's presence at that point I cannot recall; I do remember the assurance from His Word, however. During the week of waiting and hoping she read 2 Corinthians 5:5 where it said: 'He who has prepared us for this very thing is God.' Somehow God was preparing her and Pete for this. Nevertheless, my emotions swung from one extreme to another in the days that followed: grief over my loss, trust in God's sovereignty, anger at the men for taking such a foolish risk, confidence in God's Word, and fear that He was punishing me for my lack of faith. My dreams turned into nightmares" (Liefeld pp.15-16). Olive experienced crushing hurt and defeat. Now she didn't know what to think or feel. Faith? What good was faith then? If faith is your work, it's probably pretty useless at a point like that. Put defeat in your life, struggle, loss, disappointment, illness, hurtful people, thoughtlessness, death, and you're pretty immobilized, sometimes bitter, sometimes hopeless. What you and I do--our work--is so temporary and weak, even at our best! So much can lay us low and put an end to our strength and resolve. We're frail sinners, after all; even when we're saved. You know that, be honest. We often can't do the things we even think are important, let alone God's things. But we're also flawed sinners. Even our best work can also be terribly corrupt. Our actions as people in this world, can be hurtful. We can do things that drain life from people--even take life from them, as Olive experienced herself.  But if faith is God's work, what can that mean, what can that mean as you experience hurt and defeat? If faith is God's trustworthiness, His fidelity to you, His passionate work to help and save you, what does that mean for your life then? That changes everything! Because God, He can be at work even then! In Olive's hurt and defeat, faith in God's work meant that she didn't have to ascend into heaven or descend into the deep to conjure up some help. No, in her crushed spirit, the Word was very near her. God's passionate help was in her heart-even though she didn't feel it. God's passionate consolation was in her mouth; even though she couldn't say it. She couldn't make it through these days and years under her own power. But there was a Savior who walked the way of suffering before her. There was a Savior who was crushed for her on the cross. There is a Savior who brought life to her from the darkness of death as He arose from the dead. This was God's work; His gracious, loving, merciful, and helping work. God the Father sent Jesus for Olive and for you so that even in momentary defeat and hurt you have God's grace and the power of His Word to carry you through it all. That's why it is so important to know that faith is God's work too. Jesus said, "With what shall we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of seeds in the earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade" (Mark 4:30-32). When God does the work, the growing and the giving, the Kingdom strength He provides is beyond all we can ask for or imagine. God's staying power is in the faith He gives and creates. That's God's gift to you, my friend. Believe today. And that was God's blessing for Olive too. No matter how weak you feel, no matter what assaults you, no matter how great you fall or fail, you cannot negate the love and forgiveness of God in Christ for you. As the renowned children's song goes: "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so; little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong." Faith says, "Amen to that." He is strong. He creates faith. He gives this precious gift. We live in the blessing of God's great work. So what was next for Olive? She went home. She wasn't ready for the press and all the attention she was getting. But as the years went by, God slowly knit Olive's life together. You might say that there was faith even in these times of success too. A few years passed and Olive met Walter Liefeld. Walter was a pastor and, later, a teacher in the Chicago area. Olive and Walter fell in love and were married. Olive commented, "As Walt's ministry grew, I got involved in his teaching and with student's wives. Our rich life and ministry together and the gift of three wonderful children filled my heart with thanksgiving to God. I compared myself to Job, who after all of his troubles received from God, received 'twice as much as he had before' (Job 42:10)" (Liefeld p.20).  Incredibly, God provided even more healing. In January of 1989, Olive went back to that beach in Ecuador, the beach where her husband, Pete, was killed. She went with Walt and their daughter, Holly. Much had changed though. In fact, not long after the men had been killed, God opened the door for Nate Saint's sister and Jim Elliot's wife to go back to the Aucas and share the love of Christ with them. You may have heard about Elizabeth Elliot's remarkable story of redemption and forgiveness. Now, thirty-three years to the day that Olive had learned of Pete's death, she met one of her husband's killers, Kimo, and his wife, Dawa, who actually saw the killings. Dawa described how God worked, even in the midst of the violence, to convince the Waodoni people that God was very real.  Dawa went on to describe how her people learned from the missionaries that the "Man Maker sent His Son to die for people who were full of hate, and fear, and desire for revenge." She said, "Badly, badly we lived back then. Now, walking God's trail, which He has marked for us on paper [she was referring to the Bible], we live well. All people still die, but if living you follow God's trail, then dying will lead you to heaven. But only one trail leads there. All other trails lead to where God will never be after death." As Dawa spoke, the people were spellbound. Then she asked, "Have you heard me well? Have you heard me well? Which one of you wants to follow God's trail, living well?" What a complete transformation. What an incredible miracle. Pete and Olive's mission was realized. Actually Christ's mission through Pete and Olive was realized! Olive saw a remarkable transformation, new life among the Waodoni Indians; even their own evangelistic outreach to others. This was more, much more, than she could have ever hoped for. That's what happens when God is the source of your faith. As we have said many times on this program, nothing is over until He says it's over and the things of God in Christ never end. He can even do miraculous things through our struggles and pain. Why, because His cross and His resurrection are the ultimate words for our lives. Faith in Him brings life that will last! That's why it's important to remember that faith is God's work, because that's faith that will last. That's faith that holds on to God's things. Faith in ourselves, faith only in victory; that faith doesn't last. But if even faith is God's work, it means that even in the middle of success He is the One to be thanked and glorified, in the middle of struggle, He is the One who can be counted on. Whether in good times or bad, God's passionate grip on your life still holds you, keeps you balanced, and fills you with gratitude. That's how Olive felt. Her heart overflowed with the awe of God's trustworthy work. She knew that in all things she lived by faith.  Today, I want to invite you to live by the power of faith as God's gracious work in your life. Olive said it best, "Many times I have felt angry, frustrated, or disappointed with the Lord. I don't always feel like rejoicing. And I don't always know what my next step should be. But now I am learning to trust-not in tangible, temporal things, not in what I think God has done or is going to do, not even in God's 'will' for my life. Instead, I am learning to trust in God Himself. Period. Even when I don't know the bigger picture, He does" (Liefeld, p.239). That's faith, faith that God offers you today in Jesus Christ. Will you receive it? I pray that you will. Continue to join us here at the Lutheran Hour and we'll grow in this powerful faith together. For when you trust in Him, when you realize that even your faith in Him is His gracious work, your life will never be the same again! Amen. LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for June 14, 2015 Topic: Why Should I Pay Attention to the Bible? ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Gregory Seltz responds to questions. I'm Mark Eischer. Today a listener says, "The Bible is a very old book. With all the reading material now available, why should I pay attention to the Bible?"  SELTZ: Let's talk about the Bible, Mark. First of all, it's not an ordinary book. ANNOUNCER: That's right. In fact, the Bible is inspired by God. The apostle Paul said, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16 ESV).  SELTZ: Yeah, that's powerful. The Apostle Peter, who witnessed Jesus' life on earth, His miracles, His death, resurrection, and ascension; remember what he said about the Bible too? ANNOUNCER: He writes, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20-21 NIV). SELTZ: It's an incredible book. The history of the Bible, the unity of the Bible, the documented evidence for the Bible that's so unique; also the verifiable prophecies that have been fulfilled in the Scriptures. They all reinforce that this is God's Word; this is His miraculous revelation to us.  ANNOUNCER: Something to which we must pay attention. SELTZ: Very much so, Mark. But paying attention to God's Word, the Bible, isn't a chore. It's actually a delightful blessing. God's Word offers more than anything else the world can offer. Test Him on that. I love Psalm 119 where it describes the pursuit of God's Word well. It says, "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth" (Psalms 119:103 ESV). The Bible is God's gift to us. ANNOUNCER: And looking just two verses later, the writer says to God, "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalms 119:105 ESV). SELTZ: That's a good place to start as we discuss the significance of the Bible. A compelling reason to pay attention to it is because it brings us the truth. In a world of rumors, and deception, and passing fads, the Bible gives us the trustworthy, solid, enduring truth of God for our lives. It shows us our sin without pulling any punches. It also shows us our salvation through Jesus Christ.  ANNOUNCER: And it does this without offering any deception concerning our flawed human condition, it also gives us the remedy for that trouble.  SELTZ: Yeah, a gracious God, think about it, who came down to us to save us and make us His own. The truth of the Bible shows us this path of life that leads to heaven. That's the primary purpose of the Bible.  ANNOUNCER: So the Bible is not simply an ordinary book with advice for life. SELTZ: Not at all. We hear in Hebrews, chapter four: "The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12 ESV).  ANNOUNCER: God's Word does something.  SELTZ: Absolutely. It affects change and transformation. It gets into your life, renews your heart with the love of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit. I like to compare it to Vitamin Water. You're not just drinking water; you're getting some vitamins that help your health and well-being. When you hear or read the Bible, you're not just connected with a book or a story; you're receiving the Spirit of God and a message that saves and sanctifies. ANNOUNCER: And as we read in Romans, chapter 10, "So then, faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ!" SELTZ: That's right. And that's why it's worth paying attention to. God sends His Word to accomplish His purpose in our lives, the most important of which is faith in Him! Another blessing that the Bible brings to our lives is clarity. It instructs us in right and wrong. It teaches us to be men and women of God, people who live with integrity, people who can bless others.  ANNOUNCER: The Bible also teaches self-sacrifice. It lifts up care and concern for others.  SELTZ: It leads us out of our own egocentric existence and it does so by giving us God's wisdom. ANNOUNCER: What would you say to our listeners who maybe haven't read the Bible all that much? SELTZ: First of all, I would encourage every listener to try reading the Bible regularly. Read a little bit every day and see what happens. A good place to start is the Gospel of John. If you want to gain an understanding of the whole Bible and you're just starting out, I would encourage you to find a simple children's Bible and read through the whole thing. You can even do that with your family. Once you see the summary, start reading the details. I know you will be blessed. ANNOUNCER: Even though the Bible is a very old book, it is a unique book. It gives us God's wisdom but it also shows us our Savior and through that the Holy Spirit works to create and sustain faith. SELTZ: Right now.  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. "Creator Spirit, By Whose Aid" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) "Preserve Your Word, O Savior" 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

FAMILY NIGHT is at 6PM TONIGHT!

 Our "theme" is BREAKFAST FOR SUPPER!!
 
Come and join us! ALL ARE WELCOME !! 
 
 If your favorite breakfast food is donuts bring some!  If it's fruit or oatmeal or something healthy like that bring it!
 
We just want you there! 

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)   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

Thursday, June 4, 2015

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

The Widow of Zarephath

⁸ Then 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." ¹⁰ So 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." ¹¹ And as she was going to bring it, he called to her and said, "Bring me a morsel of bread in your hand." ¹² And 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." ¹³ And 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. ¹⁴ For 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.'" ¹⁵ And she went and did as Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. ¹⁶ The 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.

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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KITCHEN TOWELS AND DISH CLOTHS ARE MISSING!!

Check your drawers and laundry piles and bring them back!   

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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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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.

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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 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
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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.

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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KITCHEN TOWELS AND DISH CLOTHS ARE MISSING!!

Check your drawers and laundry piles and bring them back!   

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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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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.

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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 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.

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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. .