St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO

: The Lutheran Hour: July 26, 2015 "Rescued"

Sermon Text for July 26, 2015

"Rescued" #82-47

Presented on The Lutheran Hour on July 26, 2015
By Rev. Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
(What Is the Purpose of The Lutheran Hour?)
Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries

Text: 2 Peter 2:9-10

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, that which was wrong has been set right. Today may all who hear God's words of rescue rejoice that they have been redeemed. God grant this joy to us all. Amen.

Rescue. The news media loves to tell us stories about rescue. When Pilot Sully Sullenberger managed to crash land his disabled U.S. Airways jet on the Hudson River and save the lives of 158 passengers and crew, his praises were rightly sung by the press and all who heard of his skill.

Not so long ago in Australia, an autistic 11-year-old boy wandered away from his family while they were camping in a forest. The media shared the story of the frantic search for the lad who was drawn to water and liked to crawl into tight, small spaces. The terrain was tough, the weather uncooperative. For days hundreds of volunteers searched for the boy. Then, just when things seemed hopeless, a searcher in a helicopter saw "something." They turned the chopper around, found the boy, and gave thanks to God for the miracle. That's what the family called it... a miracle. And in some ways it was.

Maybe you've even heard of the rescue of Louis Jordan who went sailing on January 23rd. His father reported him missing on January 29th. But it wasn't until more than two months later that Mr. Jordan was found. The ship's mast had been broken, his boat was mangled, and he had managed to survive on fish and rainwater. According to Mr. Jordan, he did a lot of praying... his chief petition being for the Lord to send rain. The Lord heard those prayers and kept the sailor going until he was plucked out of the sea by a passing German container ship.

Rescue. Here's a rescue story the news didn't say too much about. It is a story which, a few years ago, came out of Kilgore, Texas. The story told of a man who had been pulled unconscious from his car after an accident. His good Samaritans carried him to a nearby gas station. It was there that the motorist came to, opened his eyes, took one look around, and started to struggle.
Fearing that he might hurt himself further, the man was forcibly subdued and taken to a hospital. After his immediate needs had been tended to, he was asked why he had struggled so hard to escape from his rescuers. The man explained how his rescuers had taken him to a gas station.... a Shell gas station. When he regained consciousness, he quickly scanned his surroundings for some clue as to his whereabouts. He found his clue: the Shell sign. Unfortunately, at that moment, someone was blocking his view of the first letter, the "S" of the Shell sign. The man had struggled so strongly because he was certain he had died in the accident and had awakened in hell.

The man's reaction was pretty normal. Really, who wouldn't struggle against going to hell? Given the options of an eternal fiery roasting or an everlasting celebration of life with the Lord, struggling to get away from hell seems like the natural thing to do. Unfortunately today, and throughout history, most folks have tried to convince themselves that escape from eternal punishment is a do-it-yourself project. They believe if they work hard enough and long enough, they may be able to escape the punishment and damnation which is coming from a god who is justly displeased with their sinful shortcomings.

Use your GPS to pick any point on the globe; set your time machine for any day in history, and you will find people who are saying, "We must try, we must do all we can to escape the punishment which awaits us when we pass death's horizon." "We must try to escape," said the Mayans of Mexico as they ripped beating, bleeding hearts from the chests of their living human sacrifices. "We must try to escape," said the ancient Canaanite religions. History tells of how they tried to appease their deities by rolling their own children into the fire-filled bellies of their idols. "We must try to appease God and avoid hell," is the great motivator of humanity as it does its best to earn the blessing and forgiveness of their imaginary and outraged gods.

Of course, hearing of those cultures you will rightly reply, "Those things are long ago and far away. We don't do things like that today." And it's true, we don't. But that doesn't mean peoples and cultures and religions have found peace; that they have stopped trying. If you doubt me, go to India and see those who imbed needles and hooks into their skin. Go to some South American countries and see those who beat and bruise their flesh to find harmony with the divine. See the religions of the Far East which encourage a good life to bring about a good reincarnation; look at the millions who, from the darkness, constantly hope to be enlightened. See the prayer wheels of Tibet continually spinning as adherents struggle to achieve peace with god. Go to the Mideast and watch the millions engage in their religion's prescribed pilgrimages, prayers, fasts, and charitable donations. The belief that "we must try to win our salvation" is basic and fundamental to almost every major religion of the world.

Of course, you may as a modern, sophisticated citizen of a civilized country find yourself saying, "Pastor, I don't know a lot of folks who cling to the idea that they must do something, say something, earn something, offer something, sacrifice something to make their god smile." Having watched the way a lot of folks live their lives, you may have concluded that your neighbors just aren't that worried about hell. Again you may be right. After all, at least according to the statistics, many of our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members have decided that this life is all there is. They have convinced themselves that we live and then we die and that's all there is. To such souls there is no God, no devil, no heaven or hell, no guilt necessary, and no forgiveness needed.

These folks talk a good game, but I have been at the deathbeds of a lot of people and I want you to know that when a person is approaching his end, he takes inventory of his beliefs. His or her whole life may have been lived with bravado and self-assuredness, but at the end he will double check in hopes that he has been right. Although these individuals may not know the Bible, in their hearts and minds the Lord speaks to them. He speaks and says the same thing to them that He said to St. Peter almost 20 centuries ago. Back then God warned, I know how to "keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment, (by that I mean) ... especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority. (The ones who are) Bold and willful, (who) do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones."

Yes, I've been there... almost every minister has been there when an unbeliever's bold bluster is stripped away and all that is left is uncertainty and fear of what is to come. For some, this fear can lead to an eleventh hour, or what you might call a "deathbed conversion." For others it often means their grieving, mourning families will end up seeking the services of a clergyman who will do his best to manufacture a few words of comfort over the dear, albeit unbelieving, departed.

May I give you an example of what I mean? On November 10, 1982, the Russian ruler, Leonid Brezhnev, died. He had been the leader of the second most powerful nation the world has ever seen; a leader with almost unlimited power in a country which, at least at that time, had denied the existence of God, heaven, or hell. When Brezhnev passed away, Vice-President George Bush, went to the funeral. This is what the Vice-President reported: "An amazing thing happened at the funeral of Soviet leader Brezhnev. Things were run with military precision; a coldness and hollowness pervaded the ceremony -marching soldiers, steel helmets, Marxist rhetoric, but no prayers, no comforting hymns, no mention of God. I happened to be in just the right spot to see Mrs. Brezhnev (give her final farewell). She walked up to the casket, took one last look at her husband, and there, in the cold, gray center of that totalitarian state, she traced the sign of the cross over her dead husband's chest. I was stunned. In that simple act, God had broken through the core of the Communist system."

Mrs. Brezhnev's simple act as she traced the cross, whether in secret belief or flickering hope, showed that the message of a crucified, risen Savior cannot be excluded by an iron curtain, or an atheistic government. In truth the words of Peter were true for her, as they have been for countless others, "the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials." Nothing could bring comfort to the widow of Russia's strong man than the rescue which is brought about by our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God.

And it is here, my friends, that we see a profound difference between Christianity and the multitude of organized or personal belief systems in this world. While all others maintain, "We must do our best to win our escape from the price and penalty of sin," Christianity rightly holds "God has rescued helpless humanity through Jesus' great work." You are acquainted with that heaven-written story, are you not? You do know how our first ancestors despoiled God's perfect world with their disobedience. Adam and Eve were like little, rebellious children who take their father's watch apart and, finding themselves surrounded by dozens of tiny springs, screws, wheels, and gears, are overwhelmed by the knowledge that they can never reassemble those parts the way they had once been. Similarly, when we take an honest look at the wreck we have made of our lives and this world, we must confess: "Lord, we are sorry, we can't fix things. Try as we might, work as hard as we can, nothing we can do will restore Your perfection; nothing we can accomplish will forgive our sins or save our souls."

Seeing us in that terrible and terminal condition, God sent His Son to make things right for us. According to promise and prophecy, 2,000 years ago Jesus Christ, true man and God, was born in the Judean town of Bethlehem. For the rest of His all-too-short life He dedicated Himself to doing all which was necessary to win our forgiveness and build a bridge which would span the transgression-created gulf between this world and heaven. His was not an easy life. He was misunderstood, misinterpreted, misquoted, and maligned. He was hounded from town to town and no less than six plots were hatched to murder Him.

The last one, made notable by the betrayal of one of Jesus' own disciples, succeeded. The Christ was unfairly tried on trumped-up charges, convicted, and condemned to die on the cross. When Jesus went to that cross, He took all of humankind's sins and with His death paid their price so that we might be rescued from hell. Three days after His lifeless body was placed into a borrowed grave, in a wondrous proclamation of the power of God's grace and the success of Jesus' mission, He came out of that sepulcher and showed Himself the Conqueror, the Vanquisher of sin, death, and Satan. Because of what Jesus has done all who believe on Him as Savior find their lives have been changed. They have been saved; they have been forgiven; they have been rescued. From the moment faith is received they should be sure the remainder of their lives can be lived in peace and without fear of hell.

I started out this Lutheran Hour message telling you the true story of a man who was in a car accident. Now, let me tell you of another story, equally true, a story from my early years in the ministry. It is the story of a little boy on Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The lad came from a poverty-stricken family where food was always parceled out to the ounce and where even glasses of milk were shared among the children. One day, while crossing the road, he was hit by a car.

After the accident, the ambulance took the boy to the hospital in Rapid City where x-rays revealed the lad's injuries were limited to a broken leg and a lot of scrapes. Even so, the doctors decided he should stay in the hospital for a few days for observation. The boy was showered, robed, and put into a bed between two clean sheets. That was a new experience for him... as it was when the nurse brought him a tall glass of cold, fresh milk. The boy, remembering the many times he had to share such a treat, looked at the nurse with his big brown eyes and honestly asked, "How deeply shall I drink?"

We who have been rescued by Jesus might well find ourselves asking the same thing of God, "Lord, how deeply shall I drink of Your grace and mercy?" How deeply will you drink? Once you were alone, but now, because you have been rescued by Jesus, you have a permanent Friend. How deeply will you drink? Once you were lost, but now, having been rescued by the Redeemer, you have security. How deeply will you drink? Once your feet were set on the superhighway to hell, but now, rescued by the Redeemer, you are on the path to paradise. How deeply will you drink? God, in the person of His Son, has rescued you and wishes to provide you with a full, an overflowing glass, of the good news of salvation. It is offered to you courtesy of our Lord Jesus Christ who comes to you by the power of the Holy Spirit and through the inspired words of the Holy Scriptures. Looking at the transformation He has brought about in your life, heart, soul, and eternity, you can rightly say, as did the Old Testament's King David, 'my cup runneth over.' How deeply will you drink?

My friend, you have been rescued through the Savior's holy precious blood and by His innocent suffering and death. You have been rescued. Do not just take a few, meager sips of God's forgiveness and freedom. Do not deny and deprive yourself by taking the smallest of tastes. God's love and grace given to you is to be welcomed, savored, enjoyed, and relished. Drink deeply. Because of Jesus you have been rescued. No longer can any sin, even those special secret, deep-down buried sins, condemn you. You have been rescued. Satan no longer can successfully accuse you; death will not be able to hold you.

A final story for a July Sunday... a story from Christmas. The newspaper told Grandma that Christmas was only twelve days away. Knowing Christmas is special to all, but most of all to children, Grandma wanted to see Christmas through her granddaughter's eyes. To that end the two took the train to downtown Chicago's State Street where they could shop and see the Christmas' displays in Macy's windows.

Jennifer, the granddaughter, truly did enjoy all the sights and sounds of that special day. She enjoyed eating a pot pie in the store's Walnut Room and she was thrilled as grandmother chose and bought gifts all morning long. Of course, the highpoint of the trip was when the little girl got to sit on Santa's lap and share with him all the things which were on her Christmas list. When Jennifer had finished, she jumped down and Santa handed her a candy cane. "What do you say?" prompted the grandmother. Jennifer thought for a moment and then turned and with a big smile that could win the world, repeated to Santa what she had heard her grandmother say all day long. Jennifer said just two words to Santa, "Charge it."

Jesus has rescued and redeemed you. Because of that wonderful truth, you can rejoice your sins have been charged to and paid for by the Redeemer. From this point on you can be assured you will never exhaust or over-extend His capacity to love, That is, my friends, what happens when you have been rescued by the Redeemer. It is a truth which I pray is known to all of you. And if it is not, it ought to be. To that end we are ready to help. My friends, do you feel you are floundering, faltering, failing? The Lutheran Hour is prepared to introduce you to your Rescuer. To meet the Redeemer, please, call us at The Lutheran Hour. Amen.

LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for JULY 26, 2015
Topic: What Is the Purpose of The Lutheran Hour?

ANNOUNCER: What are we doing and for whom are we doing it? That will be our question today for our Speaker Emeritus, Pastor Ken Klaus. I'm Mark Eischer.

KLAUS: Hello to you, Mark. Good to be back, but I think I'm going to need a little bit more direction for our discussion today, if you don't mind?

ANNOUNCER: Our topic today is actually the program itself. For those of you who don't know, "The Lutheran Hour" debuted almost 85 years ago, in October of 1930.

KLAUS: And by God's grace, it is today perhaps the longest-running program of its kind in the world.

ANNOUNCER: That being said, we have a listener who wants to know what we're all about. He says he listens to other Christian broadcasts on radio and TV, and "The Lutheran Hour" seems to be different, almost unique. He wonders what's the purpose of our broadcast and who is the intended audience? "There are times I think your intended listeners are all believers and then other times when it sounds like you're speaking to those who are not yet Christians;" and he also wonders if we've ever thought about going on TV.

KLAUS: I could reply to his first question anecdotally by sharing two letters I received. The first one says this: "I met a gentleman on an airplane who has newly become a Christian. He was Hindu but has converted since moving to the United States. Part of the reason he did so was because of 'The Lutheran Hour.' He said he really enjoys the program and really likes the fact that it is understandable. Just thought you would want to hear how the broadcast has touched and strengthened this gentleman."

ANNOUNCER: And we thank God that He uses us in this way. By that one might say the broadcast helps to show the Savior to those who do not yet know Him.

KLAUS: And that would be true. Week after week we tell the simple but wonderful story of the Savior's sacrifice. How many souls the Holy Spirit has reached through these messages we will never know this side of heaven. I do know that we work hard at using simple language so that the message of God's grace can be understood by those who have had little or no experience with the Bible, the Church, or the Savior.

ANNOUNCER: You said there were two letters. What about that second one?

KLAUS: Yeah, it reads this way: "Thank you for your recent message on 'The Lutheran Hour.' As I write this, my wife and I are celebrating our fortieth wedding anniversary and she has been in a 6-year-long battle with cancer. Three weeks ago, we were informed that there is nothing more that can be done, so our wedding anniversary celebration has a bittersweet aspect to it. Your message addressed many of the issues with which we have been struggling."

ANNOUNCER: So the broadcast is also for those who already know and trust in their Savior?

KLAUS: Yes, it's for them, too. The truth is our broadcast is for whomever and whatever audience the Holy Spirit will give us, both believers and unbelievers.

ANNOUNCER: I like how the prophet Isaiah puts it when he says the Word of God is both "seed for the sower and bread for the eater."

KLAUS: As almost every broadcast has said, "We bring Christ to the nations." Our job is to share the story of salvation. The Holy Spirit takes that story to places we've never been to, dreamed of, or sometimes even thought possible. And the Holy Spirit then works through that message to bring the nations to the Church, which Christ calls His bride.

ANNOUNCER: One last question.... What about "The Lutheran Hour" on TV?

KLAUS: As an organization, we do have some experience with television and we're working on plans to continue and expand upon that. In recent years, our Men's NetWork has produced several TV special programs such as "The Bible on Trial" and "The Intersection of Church and State."

ANNOUNCER: Pastor Gregory Seltz is currently involved with a DVD project that'll take several classic episodes of our long-running TV series, This Is the Life; and make them available once again. Obviously the Internet has changed how people obtain their information. Radio and TV are still very important. At the same time, the Internet now provides many new opportunities. While we don't know exactly what types of media Lutheran Hour Ministries will use in the future, we're actively looking at ways to use radio, TV, and the Internet with all its new and varied possibilities to share the timeless message of Jesus with all whom the Holy Spirit brings to us, both new and old.

KLAUS: Giving thanks to the Holy Spirit for the doors He opens and thanks to God for our listeners' ongoing prayers and support.

ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Klaus. We also thank our listener for that question. We thank you, the listener, for making this program part of your day. We hope you'll join us again next time. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Action in Ministry for JULY 26, 2015

ANNOUNCER: The 16th century Reformation marked a turning point in western civilization and in the life of the Christian church. Lutheran Hour Ministries is preparing for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with a three-part video series called: "A Man Named Martin." Part one is now available. It recounts the life and theological development of Martin Luther.

AUDIO CLIP: For Luther, in his day, righteousness of God meant the expectation that God has that you have to live a certain way. That means living without sin. That means doing penance for any failures that you do have, and so for Luther, when he would contemplate the righteousness of God, this was not a happy thought, but a horrible burden because the righteousness of God, well, that's perfection.

AUDIO CLIP: Luther, at this point, was very concerned, of course, about his salvation and despite the fact that he was in a monastery, he never felt the security he thought he would find as a monk.

AUDIO CLIP: In late medieval Christianity, there was a real bookkeeping mentality in regard to sins. Sins were viewed as discreet acts or things that you had forgotten to do. And so you could list them off-what had you done or what had you not done that you were supposed to do.

AUDIO CLIP: Staupitz told Luther that repentance begins with the love of God. And at the time, Luther thought that that was really quite an enlightening thought. He said, "So, what everybody else thinks is supposed to be the end of repentance is really the beginning. The beginning of repentance is that I love God, not for the sake of saving my own skin, but I love God for God's sake."

AUDIO CLIP: Staupitz helped young Martin Luther enormously. He helped him to realize that his struggles with sin, his struggles with what kind of God he had-was it an angry God, but Staupitz didn't get Luther all the way to his Reformation breakthrough. Luther came to his Reformation breakthrough as a process.

ANNOUNCER: You'll gain insight from Pastor Gregory Seltz and from noted historians and authors, including: Drs. Paul Maier, Ken Schurb, Joel Biermann, Mary Jane Haemig, and the Rev. Daniel Preus. "A Man Named Martin" new from Lutheran Hour Ministries. You can view and download this video for free at our website: lutheranhour.org. That's lutheranhour.org. It's also available on DVD. For more information, call The Lutheran Hour toll-free-1-855john316. That's 1-855-564-6316.

Music Selections for this program:

"A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission.

"Entrust Your Days and Burdens" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

"God's Word Is Our Great Heritage" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

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60 year old Lutheran men to Bike Across America

Today, David Saving and Scott Averill begin a Bike Across America, over 3,500 miles crossing twelve states, to raise awareness and support for education in 29 countries around the world supported by LeadaChild, an LCMS recognized service organization.

LeadaChild has served to provide Christian education for children for over 47 years. Riders, David Saving and Scott Averill, will be departing Portland, Oregon and ride their bikes across the entire United States to Portland, Maine. Their goal to raise $250,000 so children in indigenous countries can receive ongoing education. Nearly $160,000 has already been pledged toward that goal.

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Thursday, July 23, 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).

"Someone to Devour"
July 23, 2015
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9
Beginning a job at a local shipyard, St. Louis native Tommie Woodward recently moved to Orange, Texas. He was settling into life in the Lone Star State, but he hadn't yet learned all the rules for working and playing in the waters around Burkart's Marina.

For example, when he said he was going for a swim at 2:30 in the morning, the locals pleaded with him not to do so. They explained that alligators, including a "big" alligator, had been spotted in those waters.

Woodward's reply -- made immediately before he jumped in -- made it clear he had little respect for these large-toothed beasties.

According to those who were there, no sooner had Woodward gone in the water than he was dragged under. He managed to surface for a few seconds ... a few seconds during which he screamed for help. In a moment, he disappeared again. Most of Woodward's body was found a few hours later. In retaliation the alligator has been eliminated, and Woodward's recovered remains are being sent back home. Experts say it was the first alligator-caused death in Texas since 1836.

Woodward's story is a sad tale. It is especially tragic because if he had paid attention to the warnings of people who cared about him, there is every reason to believe he would probably still be alive.

The same thing can be said for us.

In his Epistle, Peter tells us to beware of Satan, who, like a roaring lion, is set on devouring unsuspecting and over-confident souls. Peter knows that Jesus has given His life to save us, has conquered death and grave to redeem us. That means as long as we stay with the Savior we are safe and secure.

But staying with the Savior also means we don't flirt with the devil and his temptations. We don't try to see how close we can get to this spiritual predator. He's quick; he's strong, he's sneaky, and we're his intended prey.

This is why it's sensible for Jesus' friends to always keep a respectable distance from their enemy.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks for the victory Jesus has won for me through His life, death and resurrection. Please keep me from being foolish and flirting with my old evil foe, the devil. Help me remember that Jesus has saved me, but Satan still wishes to devour me. This I ask in the Savior's Name. Amen.

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LAST TIME'S QUIZ: What approximate dates did Nahum write his prophecy? 663-612
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TODAY'S QUIZ: How long did Josiah reign as King?
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CALENDAR:
Sat- Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- Kailyn Blechle
Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean Up- Don and Ann Panhorst
Communion Assistants- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay readers- Sat- John Hachtel 8:30- Allan Dreyer  11- Jim Rahn
Sat. Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Sun Pianist- none
Projectionists: Sat- ?????; Sun- 8:30- Schaumberg; 11-??????
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NEWS:
OUR FIRST ANNUAL FALL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 11am-7pm !!!

There is a big need for workers, especially young folks and young families! Kids are more than welcome to help as well! Please reply to this email with your willingness to help!! We need people to be gofers, run games, help with food, and everything else you can think of! PLEASE VOLUNTEER!!!
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DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD? ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register it online www.krogercommunityrewards.com and have it swiped each time you shop to earn money for Little Lambs.
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IT'S ORGANIST MELISSA PETERSEN'S LAST SUNDAY THIS SUNDAY
Please feel free to bring cards, letters, and gifts of thanks for her faithful service to us over the last three years.

She is moving to Fort Dodge, Iowa to resume her full time teaching career.

Rachel Fischer will begin as our new organist on August 9.

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THANK YOU AND SUPPORT LUNCHEON FOR DENISE SCHLESSELMANN SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 AT NOON!!

Everyone is invited, but we'd like you to either sign up on the sheet in the narthex by this coming Sunday or call the church office to let us know you are coming so we have a good idea of who will be there.

Denise will be sharing what she has experienced in her ministry over the last year and what she will be doing in the year to come.

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SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 AT COUNTRY LAKES!!! SIGN UP TODAY!!

Cost is still ONLY $50 per person

Format is a 2 TWO person scramble this year.

Registration at 7am

Shotgun start at 8am

Lunch and prizes at 1pm

Holes can be sponsored for $50 each.

All proceeds go to benefit our wonderful Little Lambs preschool.

Flyers are available on the counter in the narthex for those wishing to participate.

Call Alan Hofeldt at 456-3070 or the church office at 456-2888 to sign up you and

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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE HERE AT CHURCH ON TUESDAY, JULY 28!!

Volunteers are needed before the drive to make calls and set up appointments and the day of the drive to help out. DONORS are also needed of course! If you can help in any way call 456-2888 to let Marilyn know.

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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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PRAYER REQUESTS:

For GENE HILGENDDORF who had a motorcycle accident on Tuesday. He has 5 fractured ribs, bad road rash on his arm and a badly bruised kidney. His helmet saved his life.

For MELISSA PEDERSEN (our current organist) as she and her husband move to Fort Dodge, IA to resume her teaching career.

For DICK PETERSON, as he and Nancy travel to South Dakota to see their son in law get ordained.

For MARIANNE LINKE as she continues to recover slowly from weakness. shortness of breath, and severe arthritis troubles.

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in the USA for a short furlough and as she travels to gain more support for her mission work.

For CORA CLUVER'S DAD, who is recovering from a severe motorcycle accident that paralyzed him from the neck down.

For DAVE AND CAROL KOHRS, who are 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 continues to deal with the after effects of a severe stroke almost two years ago.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

DEVOTION: Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Nahum 1:15

What message do you bring to the world? Think about it? By how you live, by the kind of expressions on your face, by your outlook on life, by what you say, what kind of message are you putting forth?

When people see you coming do they all of a sudden get really quiet? Do they walk away? Do they leave the phone on the hook when you call? Do people want to hear what you have to say?

As Christians, God didn't give us a message of judgment and law. His great commission is not go and make disciples of all nations by beating them over the head with everything they've done wrong and with judgment from on high. He didn't say, "A new command I give you, judge one another." No he said, "baptize", "teach", "love", "forgive".

Certainly the law and God commands have a place. A person needs to know that he is a sinner before the Gospel can take full effect. Yet, when a person realizes their sinfulness and is brought low, we must be quick and immediate to lift him up and give him God's grace and forgiveness. We must always be bearers of good news with our mouths, lives, attitudes and actions!

Let us pray: Lord, help me to live in the joy of your salvation and to bring that same good news to everyone around me. Amen.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
LAST TIME'S QUIZ: Who was Sennacherib? He was the King of Assyria during the time of Isaiah.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What approximate dates did Nahum write his prophecy?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Wed- Carnival meeting 6:30pm
Sat- Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- Kailyn Blechle
Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean Up- Don and Ann Panhorst
Communion Assistants- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay readers- Sat- John Hachtel 8:30- Allan Dreyer  11- Jim Rahn
Sat. Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Sun Pianist- none
Projectionists: Sat- ?????; Sun- 8:30- Schaumberg; 11-??????
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:

IT'S ORGANIST MELISSA PETERSEN'S LAST SUNDAY THIS SUNDAY
Please feel free to bring cards, letters, and gifts of thanks for her faithful service to us over the last three years.

She is moving to Fort Dodge, Iowa to resume her full time teaching career.

Rachel Fischer will begin as our new organist on August 9.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

THANK YOU AND SUPPORT LUNCHEON FOR DENISE SCHLESSELMANN SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 AT NOON!!

Denise will be sharing what she has experienced in her ministry over the last year and what she will be doing in the year to come.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 AT COUNTRY LAKES!!! SIGN UP TODAY!!

Cost is still ONLY $50 per person

Format is a 2 TWO person scramble this year.

Registration at 7am

Shotgun start at 8am

Lunch and prizes at 1pm

Holes can be sponsored for $50 each.

All proceeds go to benefit our wonderful Little Lambs preschool.

Flyers are available on the counter in the narthex for those wishing to participate.

Call Alan Hofeldt at 456-3070 or the church office at 456-2888 to sign up you and

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RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE HERE AT CHURCH ON TUESDAY, JULY 28!!

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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 event. 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 MELISSA PEDERSEN (our current organist) as she and her husband move to Fort Dodge, IA to resume her teaching career.

For DICK PETERSON, as he and Nancy travel to South Dakota to see their son in law get ordained.

For MARIANNE LINKE as she continues to recover slowly from weakness. shortness of breath, and severe arthritis troubles.

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in the USA for a short furlough and as she travels to gain more support for her mission work.

For CORA CLUVER'S DAD, who is recovering from a severe motorcycle accident that paralyzed him from the neck down.

For DAVE AND CAROL KOHRS, who are 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 continues to deal with the after effects of a severe stroke almost two years ago.

Bulletin Typos that make them hilarious

SOME FUNNIES FOR YOUR DAY>

This just goes to show that correct grammar and punctuation does make a difference.

CHURCH LADIES WITH TYPEWRITERS
They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for the church ladies with typewriters. These sentences actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced at church services:

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
--------------------------
Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight:'Searching for Jesus.'
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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
--------------------------
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation. --------------------------
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
--------------------------
Next Thursday there will be try-outs for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
--------------------------
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
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A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
--------------------------
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
--------------------------
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
--------------------------
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
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Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM . Please use the back door.
--------------------------
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM .. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
--------------------------
And this one just about sums them all up The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday:'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.'

This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
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- Paul

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

DEVOTION: Isaiah 65:17-25

17 "For behold, I create new heavens
    and a new earth,
and the former things shall not be remembered
    or come into mind.
18 But be glad and rejoice forever
    in that which I create;
for behold, I create Jerusalem to be a joy,
    and her people to be a gladness.
19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem
    and be glad in my people;
no more shall be heard in it the sound of weeping
    and the cry of distress.
20 No more shall there be in it
    an infant who lives but a few days,
    or an old man who does not fill out his days,
for the young man shall die a hundred years old,
    and the sinner a hundred years old shall be accursed.
21 They shall build houses and inhabit them;
    they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
22 They shall not build and another inhabit;
    they shall not plant and another eat;
for like the days of a tree shall the days of my people be,
    and my chosen shall long enjoy[a] the work of their hands.
23 They shall not labor in vain
    or bear children for calamity,[b]
for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord,
    and their descendants with them.
24 Before they call I will answer;
    while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall graze together;
    the lion shall eat straw like the ox,
    and dust shall be the serpent's food.
They shall not hurt or destroy
    in all my holy mountain,"
says the Lord.
 
There's A LOT of people out there going through A LOT of junk today.  You may be reading this and have just said "Amen" to what you just read.  
 
I don't need to go through the litany of problems out there, you know them all too well.  I want to talk for a moment about the future.  Your future is bright!  Your future is fantastic!  Just look what Isaiah says about it in the reading above.  That is YOUR future if you just believe in Jesus your Savior!  
 
There are so many difficult things we go through that we just can't wait for the end.  Sometimes a whole life is like that.  Yet, we don't have to wait for it.  We don't simply have to endure it.  We can flourish!  We can persevere.  How?  By trusting the Lord and his promises and living in them.  

 I want to encourage you with  Christ words today.  Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near!  Enjoy your day in Jesus!
 
Let us pray:  Lord, help us to live in your Gospel rest today so that we may enjoy it and share that joy with others.  Amen. 

  ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
   LAST TIME'S QUIZ: 

Where is Zion? (and no I'm not talking about Zion Lutheran church in Harvester)
The word Zion was first found in 2 Samuel 5:7. It referred to a specific mountain near Jerusalem. It is a Jebusite fortress

of the same name (Zion) and was captured by David and renamed the City of David.

Zion refers to the land of Israel and its capital Jerusalem

_________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was Sennacherib?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilting 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15; Council meeting 7pm
Sat- Worship 5
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- Kailyn Blechle
Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean Up- Don and Ann Panhorst
Communion Assistants- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay readers- Sat- John Hachtel 8:30- Allan Dreyer  11- Jim Rahn
Sat. Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Sun Pianist- none
Projectionists: Sat- ?????; Sun- 8:30- Schaumberg; 11-??????
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:

IT'S ORGANIST MELISSA PETERSEN'S LAST SUNDAY THIS SUNDAY
Please feel free to bring cards, letters, and gifts of thanks for her faithful service to us over the last three years.

She is moving to Fort Dodge, Iowa to resume her full time teaching career.

Rachel Fischer will begin as our new organist on August 9.

___________________________________________________________________________________________

THANK YOU AND SUPPORT LUNCHEON FOR DENISE SCHLESSELMANN SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 AT NOON!!

Denise will be sharing what she has experienced in her ministry over the last year and what she will be doing in the year to come.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

SEVENTH ANNUAL GOLF OUTING WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 AT COUNTRY LAKES!!! SIGN UP TODAY!!

Cost is $50 per person