FW: The Voice of Missouri E-Newsletter

This is a new service from our Missouri district of the LCMS that will come out every Friday.  We will no longer be getting the printed version on a quarterly basis.  

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PUBLISHED BY THE MISSOURI DISTRICT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD JANUARY 8, 2016 The Missouri District is very excited about our new additional efforts to communicate with you. In addition to our current website, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn communications, we are expanding to include the following: Weekly Voice of Missouri e-newsletter (The Voice of Missouri will no longer be a quarterly, printed and mailed newspaper) Monthly extended printable version of the Voice of Missouri e-newsletter Monthly District Newsnotes (important Missouri District wide related news/announcements and events) that will be sent to church offices to be placed in the church's newsletters/bulletins and/or website. This is the first edition of the new weekly Voice of Missouri e-newsletter. It will be e-mailed weekly on a Friday. We hope you enjoy it! Missouri Flooding Update John Pyron, Jim Eckrich and Duane Moody from LFCS Disaster Response team meet with President Hagan to discuss organizing the flood relief efforts. The effects of recent flooding have reached across the state of Missouri. Lake Taneycomo and the Meramec, Missouri and Mississippi rivers all reached flood stage in different areas. Thankfully, no Missouri District congregations experienced damages to facilities as a result of the flooding. However, numerous congregations have members who were impacted through damage to their homes. Read more here... Mission News: Open Arms Lutheran Fellowship in Ozark, MO Our vision for Open Arms Lutheran Fellowship is to gather families and individuals in the Ozark, MO area around God's Word and Sacraments for the purposes of salvation, worship, spiritual growth, fellowship, outreach, service to the community, and connecting families to Christ. We see this especially being accomplished through the founding and opening of our... Read more here Sixth Grader Baptized at Green Park Lutheran School, St. Louis L to R: Sponsors Rafa & Karina Ferguson & children Karina, Kathy & Spencer, Jeanne Caroll (JJ's mother), James Jackson, Jr., Sponsor Stacy Sisson (not pictured Jeff Sisson), Pastor Michael Bronner and Stephen Eggold, Principal. GreenPark Lutheran School Vikings gathered for an emotional chapel service as their fellow 6th grade buddy JJ was baptized. Pastor Michael Bronner from Lutheran Church of the Resurrection led worship and reminded all the students and families about the importance of making disciples of all nations... Read more here Altar Guild Members Recognized, Cape Girardeau Three retiring Altar Guild members were recently recognized by Trinity Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, Mo. Marjorie Suedekum, Elsie Siebert and Delores Koch were presented with gifts of appreciation for over 50 years of dedicated years of service to the Lord. The Altar Guild is comprised of about 35 members. Life Sunday The "official" Life Sunday is January 17, 2016. This year's theme is "Created. Redeemed. Called" based on Isaiah 43:1. However, LFL materials may be used anytime during the year. Go to www.lutheransforlife.org or call 800-325-3040 for new resources for 2016 including bulletin inserts, Bible study, children's message, worship service, and sermons. LFL resources are handle through Concordia Publishing House. If you have any questions about these events please contact Rev. Jacob A. Mueller at 573-782-3191 or email at stjohnstringtown@gmail.com. Pastor Mueller is the District Life Coordinator for the Missouri District and pastor at St. John's Lutheran (Stringtown) near Lohman, MO. He will be glad to assist you in any way he can. Heart-Song Outreach Heart-Song Outreach of Faith Lutheran Church, Branson presents a pageant telling the good news of the first Christmas at the Branson Landing, December 22. Missouri District Assessment for the 2016 Synod Convention The Missouri District assessment for the 2016 Synod convention has been set at $2.10 per communicant members based on 2014 communicant membership. Invoices for the assessment will be mailed to congregations in early January. Announcements/Other News District and Church Events            ( Peer Ministry Training for High School Students, Missouri District Junior High Spring Retreat, National Youth Gathering and            RSTM: Engaging Your Community Event) Installations and Ordinations Personnel Changes and Calling Congregations LCMS Missouri District News                            (Send Me St. Louis Announces Winter/Spring Training Schedule) Obituaries

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660 Mason Ridge Center Drive #100, St. Louis, MO, 63141

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Late morning News: A few things added

Here are a few things that I forgot to add to the daily Email this morning. 
 
1. FAMILY NIGHT WILL RESUME THIS COMING MONDAY AT 6:15pm.  All are welcome to attend!  Just a bring a dish to share!
 
2. OFFERING STATEMENTS ARE IN YOUR CHURCH MAILBOXES!!!  Please pick them up when you come to worship this weekend! 
 
3.  OFFERING ENVELOPES, OF THOSE WHO HAVEN'T PICKED THEM UP, ARE IN CHURCH MAILBOXES!!  If you are a confirmed member of St. John's you have offering envelopes, and you have a church mailbox!!
 
4. STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION IS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13!!! TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS WEEKEND FOR $25 EACH! 
Please support your junior high and high school youth!!!  Bring your checkbooks!  There are also lots of those colored envelopes for you to fill up!!  You can do that this weekend too when you bring your checkbook! 
 
5. DOOR OFFERING TO HELP FLOOD AND TORANDO VICTIMS THIS WEEKEND!!  ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO LCMS WORLD RELIEF. One of the best organizations at getting the relief needed to people the fastest!

Daily Email: Thursday, January 7, 2016

DEVOTION:  Luke 3:15-22  (ESV)
¹⁵ As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, ¹⁶ John answered them all, saying, "I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. ¹⁷ His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
¹⁸ So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. ¹⁹ But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, ²⁰ added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.
²¹ Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, ²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased."
 
A lot of times we talk about Baptism as the washing away of sin, and we should.  That is PART of what baptism does, but that's not all.  When we are baptized it is in the name of the Father, who created us, the Son who redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit who makes us holy.  This means that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit now live in us.  We are reborn into their names.  As Paul says, "Therefore it is no linger I who live but Christ who lives in me.
 
So what does this mean for my life and the lives of my children who I baptized when they were less than a day old?  It means that I must now live by the Spirit's prompting.  If the Spirit says go, I go.  If the Spirit says stay, I stay.  If the Holy Spirit says listen to me and I Word, I listen.  It means that I am no longer a slave to sin but now a slave to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  His will is my will!
 
What does it mean for my duty to my children and to those for whom I was privileged to be a sponsor (godparent).  It means that I am responsible for making sure that their life in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is not negated by my laziness and sin.  I am responsible that they too live by the prompting of the Holy Spirit, that they confess their sins, that they repent as the Spirit leads them, that they too listen to God's Word and believe it, and that they rest in god's grace every day of their lives. 
 
It truly hurts my heart when I see parents and sponsors not taking that job seriously.  The kids are hurt because of the spiritual neglect of their parents and sponsors.  I know that, at times, my children have even been hurt by it, as I have failed to pray for them, to share the love and forgiveness of Christ with them, and taught them God's Word as I should. 
 
If you are a parent who is failing in this way, REPENT!  Turn from your neglect of your spiritual duty towards your children and live by the prompting of the Holy Spirit to love your children with all your heart, and to give them everything you can when it comes to the knowledge of Jesus as Savior.  Don't wait till it's too late.  Don't let your own laziness, or stubbornness get in the way.  Do your duty!
 
Let us pray: Lord, thank you for baptizing us in Your name.  Help us to live as you prompt us!  Amen.

 
__________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Thurs- Alzheimers Group 1pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; Elder's Meeting Noon; High School Youth Bible Study and Pizza @ Church 5pm
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- John Pezold

Ushers-  Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klovver

Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Wanda Turnure

Elders- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11-Dave Winter

Greeters- 8:30- Tom and Pam Linke; 11- Doug and Ruth Walters

Lay readers- Zach Hoelscher; Hannah Johnson

Sat. Pianist- Kathy Barrow

Organist-  Rachel Fisher

Projectionists:  ???????
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S  BIBLE QUIZ:      When Abram and Lot separated, because the land couldn't support both of them with their large flocks and herds, which way did each of them go?
 
Pat's answer:

As things became crowded there was fighting between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and of Lot's men. So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not fight, we're family. We have the whole land in front of us. If you choose the right side, I'll take the left, and if you choose the left, I'll take the right."

So Lot looked over the land beyond Jordan and saw a well watered plain, and chose the side on the east - which was the area of Jordan - for it was like "the garden of the LORD", before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the formation of the salt sea. (Genesis 13:9-11)

Abram remained in the land of Canaan. After Lot left, God said to Abram, Look from where you are to the north, south, east and west, as far as you can see. All the land that you see, I will give it to you and to your seed forever.  And I will give you as many descendants as the dust of the earth. Now go and walk through the land. Abram chose a place about 30 miles south of Bethel in Hebron, and that was where he pitched his tent and built another altar to God.  (BTW: This is where the name "Hebrew" comes from.)

______________________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: What happened to Lot's wife when she turned back to see Sodom and Gomorrah after God specifically told them not to?

__________________________________________________________________________________

NEWS!!!! 

NEW ADULT BIBLE CLASS STARTING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45

What makes Lutherans different than other Christian churches?  Is it the good potlucks?  Is it our staunch German heritage?  Is it our constant singing of hymns and liturgy?  Well..... maybe.  But there is something even more substantial than these that sets us apart.  It is our clear distinction of Law and Gospel.  "What does this mean?"  You ask.  You'll just have to come to Bible study at 9:45am on Sunday to find out!

______________________________________________________________________________________________

WE NEED ONE MORE PERSON TO ORDER TO GET THE BULK RATE OF HOPE FULL LIVING DEVOTIONS FOR SENIORS!!!

"Hope Full Living" is a daily devotional booklet just for seniors that Pastor contributes to.  He usually has one or two of his own devotions in it.  If we get 10 or more people to order it and each person gives $8 we can order them in bulk and have them mailed to church.  Order yours today by calling the church office!

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK FOR JANUARY IS CANNED FRUIT!!

You can also do individual size cups.

 

(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)

___________________________________________________________________________________

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY MEETING AND PIZZA SUNDAY @ 5PM!!

Pastor K. wants to get back in touch with the high school kids after Christmas break, and start to prepare them for the youth gathering coming up this Summer!  Please plan on being there!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

GAME AND SOUP NIGHT ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 6-9pm!!!

Bring your favorite card games, board games, or even dominoes!  Soup, chili, coffee and tea will be provided!!  All attending should bring a snack or dessert to share.  You may also bring drinks of your own choice!  Please sign the sheet in the narthex if you plan on coming. 
__________________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRAYERS:

For RON AND CINDY WILLIAMS and their family as they mourn the loss of their sister in law who died from cancer on Monday.  She has three young kids.

 

For PAUL AND TERESA BROCKFELD, soon to become members of St. John's, as their gunsmith business was torched yesterday morning.

 

For the FAMILY OF CAROL KOHRS, as she passed away on New Year's night. 

 

For JOANNE HACHTEL, as she recovers from rotator cuff surgery.

 

For PASTOR MCCRACKEN, from Trinity in Troy, who is on a two month leave to heal from cancer treatments.

 

For PASTOR PIPER, from St. Paul, New Melle, as he recovers from a heart attack he had while running a 5K in Florida.

 

For THOSE DEALING WITH FLOODING PROBLEMS in the days and weeks ahead, that the Lord would provide for their needs, and use us, if need be, to help. 

 

For MARIANNE LINKE, who has been moved to Warrenton Manor and is receiving treatment and antibiotics for a very stubborn infection.

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.

 

For DONNNA LINDSEY'S DAD, as he has been moved to Lincoln County Nursing and rehab to recover from kidney troubles. 

Daily Email: Wednesday, January 6, 2016

DEVOTION: Romans 6:1-11

6 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? ² By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? ³ Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. ⁶ We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. ⁷ For one who has died has been set free from sin. ⁸ Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. ⁹ We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. ¹⁰ For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. ¹¹ So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
 
Some might say that believing in Jesus is taking the easy way out.  "All we have to do is believe in Jesus", they say.  They think that this means that if I just believe in Jesus, that he died on the cross for me and rose from the dead so I can live forever, then I can do whatever I want.  I can go commit crimes, cheat on my wife, and be a glutton as much as I want. 
 
This couldn't be further from the truth.  The whole reason Christ had to suffer and die in the first place was to pay the penalty for our sin.  To think that we can just go do whatever our sinful nature desires is like a dog going back to his own vomit, or like a drug addict going back to his drug after he has just announced that he is clean.  We died to sin!  Why would we continue to live in it? 
 
The biggest part of confession and repentance is our disgust and shame from our sin.  We don't like it.  We don't want to do it.  We want to turn from it.  It is our desire and our want that makes repentance true and real.  True repentance comes from the heart and God sees straight to the heart. 
 
Certainly we can't repent of and overcome every sin in this life.  We will always have sin in our lives.  That doesn't mean we should just give in to sin or, even worse, like it.  It doesn't mean that we should live our lives free TO sin. 
 
It means that we live our lives free OF sin.  We died to it, means that it is no longer an acceptable part of our lives and should be confessed, repented, and fought against.  Our sins should be shoved right back down the devil's throat.  They should be left at the cross and not picked up again. 
 
And so we live in this continual, conflictual state as both saint and sinner at the same time.  We are saints by virtue of our baptisms into Christ and the Holy Spirit living in us, and we are sinners by virtue of these sinful human bodies that we still live in until the day of our death or the day of judgment, whichever comes first. 
 
So we pray "COME QUICKLY, LORD JESUS!"  so we can be free of these bodies.  Until then we have patience and peace as we continually pray "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from Your presence nor take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with Your FREE spirit.  Amen
 
__________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Wed- Choir 7pm
Thurs- Alzheimers Group 1pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; Elder's Meeting Noon; High School Youth Bible Study and Pizza @ Church 5pm
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- John Pezold

Ushers-  Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klovver

Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Wanda Turnure

Elders- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11-Dave Winter

Greeters- 8:30- Tom and Pam Linke; 11- Doug and Ruth Walters

Lay readers- Zach Hoelscher; Hannah Johnson

Sat. Pianist- Kathy Barrow

Organist-  Rachel Fisher

Projectionists:  ???????
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S  BIBLE QUIZ:     Why does the Bible say that God chose Noah to build the ark?  Here's Pat King's answer: 
Noah was chosen because he was the most righteous man on earth.(Genesis 7:1)
(Ezekiel 14:14)
He 'walked faithfully with God' (Genesis 6:9NIV)
He was a "preacher of righteousness" (2 Peter 2:5 NIV)
He showed 'godly fear' (respect) and faith (Hebrews 11:7ASB)
 
(Note: Someone else better start answering, because Pat is going to be gone for a couple weeks on a trip.)

________________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: When Abram and Lot separated, because the land couldn't support both of them with their large flocks and herds, which way did each of them go?

______________________________________________________________________________________________

NEWS!!!! 

NEW ADULT BIBLE CLASS STARTING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45

What makes Lutherans different than other Christian churches?  Is it the good potlucks?  Is it our staunch German heritage?  Is it our constant singing of hymns and liturgy?  Well..... maybe.  But there is something even more substantial than these that sets us apart.  It is our clear distinction of Law and Gospel.  "What does this mean?"  You ask.  You'll just have to come to Bible study at 9:45am on Sunday to find out!

______________________________________________________________________________________________

WE NEED ONE MORE PERSON TO ORDER TO GET THE BULK RATE OF HOPE FULL LIVING DEVOTIONS FOR SENIORS!!!

"Hope Full Living" is a daily devotional booklet just for seniors that Pastor contributes to.  He usually has one or two of his own devotions in it.  If we get 10 or more people to order it and each person gives $8 we can order them in bulk and have them mailed to church.  Order yours today by calling the church office!

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK FOR JANUARY IS CANNED FRUIT!!

You can also do individual size cups.

 

(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)

___________________________________________________________________________________

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY MEETING AND PIZZA SUNDAY @ 5PM!!

Pastor K. wants to get back in touch with the high school kids after Christmas break, and start to prepare them for the youth gathering coming up this Summer!  Please plan on being there!!!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

GAME AND SOUP NIGHT ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 6-9pm!!!

Bring your favorite card games, board games, or even dominoes!  Soup, chili, coffee and tea will be provided!!  All attending should bring a snack or dessert to share.  You may also bring drinks of your own choice!  Please sign the sheet in the narthex if you plan on coming. 
__________________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRAYERS:

For RON AND CINDY WILLIAMS and their family as they mourn the loss of their sister in law who died from cancer on Monday.  She has three young kids.

 

For PAUL AND TERESA BROCKFELD, soon to become members of St. John's, as their gunsmith business was torched yesterday morning.

 

For the FAMILY OF CAROL KOHRS, as she passed away on New Year's night. 

 

For JOANNE HACHTEL, as she recovers from rotator cuff surgery.

 

For PASTOR MCCRACKEN, from Trinity in Troy, who is on a two month leave to heal from cancer treatments.

 

For PASTOR PIPER, from St. Paul, New Melle, as he recovers from a heart attack he had while running a 5K in Florida.

 

For THOSE DEALING WITH FLOODING PROBLEMS in the days and weeks ahead, that the Lord would provide for their needs, and use us, if need be, to help. 

 

For MARIANNE LINKE, who has been moved to Warrenton Manor and is receiving treatment and antibiotics for a very stubborn infection.

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.

 

For DONNNA LINDSEY'S DAD, as he has been moved to Lincoln County Nursing and rehab to recover from kidney troubles. 

Prayer request

Please pray for soon to be members, Paul and Teresa Brockfeld as Paul's business "Brockfeld gunsmithing" was set on fire by an arsonist very early this morning.   

Everyone is fine, but they won't know the extent of the damage till after the insurance adjuster comes tomorrow,  the attached garage and adjacent workshop are both total losses. 

Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S®4 Active™, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

A Critical Moment for LCMS Disaster Response—And You Can Help.

We will be having a door offering this weekend to support our families in the flood areas around St. Louis and those affected by tornadoes in the south.  Please give a little extra as LCMS World Relief is in desperate need of funds to help with all of these disasters.  

If you have questions about this email or need assistance, please contact LCMS Mission Advancement at 888-930-4438 or mission.advancement@lcms.org.   LCMS Disaster Response | Give to Disaster Relief Brothers and Sisters in Christ: As most of us gathered with family and friends for Christmas worship and celebrations, cities in Texas and the Deep South were slammed by tornados while historic rainfall poured down on the Midwest. In Texas alone, hundreds of homes were leveled, and record-breaking floodwaters in Missouri and Illinois destroyed or damaged some 2,000 homes and businesses, devastating numerous communities. And it's not over. In the next few days, floodwaters will crest and create more flooding as they make their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Many of those affected are members of the LCMS. While we were enjoying Christmas, they experienced the worst events of their lives. Now their homes are in shambles. I've been at this business of mercy in disaster a long time. Since the beginning of the intensification of World Relief and Human Care disaster work some 15 years ago, we have not faced such a critical moment. Because of the ebb and flow of events and needs, our disaster funds in reserve are critically low. Luther preached, "Jesus has left us a commandment… that we are to render the works of mercy to those afflicted and in a state of calamity… Jesus Christ gave us the brightest example when he descended into our flesh and took on our penalty so that we might be saved." The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through LCMS Disaster Response is working with district leaders, partner organizations and LCMS congregations to reach out with Christ's love and compassion as flood and storm victims recover. As a church body, we stand alongside our districts and congregations as they help victims and their communities begin the long and difficult journey to recovery. You can help. Our capacity to assist those most affected will depend heavily on you and other LCMS friends whom God empowers to respond to this special emergency appeal. We are beginning this response effort with existing disaster-relief funds – but we know that these available funds are far below what will be required to initiate and sustain a robust and meaningful response. Please, as the Lord has blessed you, will you provide an initial donation to support and bolster our Synod's response efforts done in the name of Christ Jesus? Financial assistance can also be mailed to: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861.  Make checks payable to "The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod" (or "LCMS") and write "Disaster Response" on the memo line. Gifts can be made via phone by calling 888-930-4438. Thank you. God bless you, the support He leads you to provide, and our Synod's response as His baptized children. Pastor Matthew C. Harrison President Our Statement of Gift Utilization The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will utilize all contributions given for "Disaster Response" in the wake of these storms and flooding only for measured, deliberate and effective relief and recovery efforts in partnership with the affected congregations and districts, and reporting of their use back to the church-at-large. Should the total in gifts from God's people exceed what is required in this particular response effort, the remaining funds will be held in a specific and unique account restricted for the exclusive use by LCMS Disaster Response in future relief and response situations, including advance training of local volunteer disaster responders. In accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the Donor Bill of Rights and our fund-raising Code of Ethics, excess disaster gifts will NOT be re-directed to expenditures unrelated to disaster response work. For more information, please contact LCMS Mission Advancement.   Email Preferences | Privacy Policy The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod All Rights Reserved.

A Critical Moment for LCMS Disaster Response—And You Can Help.

If you have questions about this email or need assistance, please contact LCMS Mission Advancement at 888-930-4438 or mission.advancement@lcms.org.   LCMS Disaster Response | Give to Disaster Relief Brothers and Sisters in Christ: As most of us gathered with family and friends for Christmas worship and celebrations, cities in Texas and the Deep South were slammed by tornados while historic rainfall poured down on the Midwest. In Texas alone, hundreds of homes were leveled, and record-breaking floodwaters in Missouri and Illinois destroyed or damaged some 2,000 homes and businesses, devastating numerous communities. And it's not over. In the next few days, floodwaters will crest and create more flooding as they make their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Many of those affected are members of the LCMS. While we were enjoying Christmas, they experienced the worst events of their lives. Now their homes are in shambles. I've been at this business of mercy in disaster a long time. Since the beginning of the intensification of World Relief and Human Care disaster work some 15 years ago, we have not faced such a critical moment. Because of the ebb and flow of events and needs, our disaster funds in reserve are critically low. Luther preached, "Jesus has left us a commandment… that we are to render the works of mercy to those afflicted and in a state of calamity… Jesus Christ gave us the brightest example when he descended into our flesh and took on our penalty so that we might be saved." The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod through LCMS Disaster Response is working with district leaders, partner organizations and LCMS congregations to reach out with Christ's love and compassion as flood and storm victims recover. As a church body, we stand alongside our districts and congregations as they help victims and their communities begin the long and difficult journey to recovery. You can help. Our capacity to assist those most affected will depend heavily on you and other LCMS friends whom God empowers to respond to this special emergency appeal. We are beginning this response effort with existing disaster-relief funds – but we know that these available funds are far below what will be required to initiate and sustain a robust and meaningful response. Please, as the Lord has blessed you, will you provide an initial donation to support and bolster our Synod's response efforts done in the name of Christ Jesus? Financial assistance can also be mailed to: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, P.O. Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861.  Make checks payable to "The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod" (or "LCMS") and write "Disaster Response" on the memo line. Gifts can be made via phone by calling 888-930-4438. Thank you. God bless you, the support He leads you to provide, and our Synod's response as His baptized children. Pastor Matthew C. Harrison President Our Statement of Gift Utilization The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will utilize all contributions given for "Disaster Response" in the wake of these storms and flooding only for measured, deliberate and effective relief and recovery efforts in partnership with the affected congregations and districts, and reporting of their use back to the church-at-large. Should the total in gifts from God's people exceed what is required in this particular response effort, the remaining funds will be held in a specific and unique account restricted for the exclusive use by LCMS Disaster Response in future relief and response situations, including advance training of local volunteer disaster responders. In accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, the Donor Bill of Rights and our fund-raising Code of Ethics, excess disaster gifts will NOT be re-directed to expenditures unrelated to disaster response work. For more information, please contact LCMS Mission Advancement.   Email Preferences | Privacy Policy The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod All Rights Reserved.

Daily Email: Tuesday, January 5, 2016

DEVOTION: Isaiah 43:1-7

43 But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
    he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
    I have called you by name, you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
    and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
    and the flame shall not consume you.
³ For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
I give Egypt as your ransom,
    Cush and Seba in exchange for you.
⁴ Because you are precious in my eyes,
    and honored, and I love you,
I give men in return for you,
    peoples in exchange for your life.
⁵ Fear not, for I am with you;
    I will bring your offspring from the east,
    and from the west I will gather you.
⁶ I will say to the north, Give up,
    and to the south, Do not withhold;
bring my sons from afar
    and my daughters from the end of the earth,
⁷ everyone who is called by my name,
    whom I created for my glory,
    whom I formed and made."

 

If there was any doubt whose we are, this passage answers it.  We are Almighty God's most precious possession!  We, who are chosen by God and called by name, are more precious than anything else.

 

We tend to think that we are in charge of our lives, and many of us think we are in charge of other people's lives as well.  That couldn't be further from the truth.  While God has given us our children and others to care for, that doesn't mean we are "in charge" of them or that we are "in control" of them.  That is God's job.  God alone has the power to give and take away.  Blessed be

the name of the Lord. 

 

Instead of acting as owners,  we should act as stewards of God's gifts.  Stewards take care of things and use things they way the owner, God, wants.  Our bodies are not our own, no matter what pro-choice people may want you to think.  Our bodies, and all that we are and have, are God's! 

 

I ask you today, how have you been acting?  Have you been acting as a steward or as an owner?  Repent if you've been acting like an owner.  Humble yourselves  so that a time of correction and after that peace may come.  Turn from thinking that you are in charge and realize that God is.  Then also know that this will have to be a daily realization, as your very nature comes from Adam and Eve, and they wanted to be in charge and be their own owners too. 

 

Prayer: Lord help me daily to realize that you are in charge of my life.  You are my boss.  Amen. __________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Visitation for Carol Kohrs 9:30-11, Funeral 11am all at Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville
Wed- Choir 7pm
Thurs- Alzheimers Group 1pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; Elder's Meeting Noon; High School Youth Bible Study and Pizza @ Church 5pm
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WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte-  8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- John Pezold

Ushers-  Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klovver

Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Wanda Turnure

Elders- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11-Dave Winter

Greeters- 8:30- Tom and Pam Linke; 11- Doug and Ruth Walters

Lay readers- Zach Hoelscher; Hannah Johnson

Sat. Pianist- Kathy Barrow

Organist-  Rachel Fisher

Projectionists:  ???????
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YESTERDAY'S  BIBLE QUIZ:     Why does the Bible say that God chose Noah to build the ark?  (Gonna leave this up for another day, because there was no answer for it yesterday.)

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NEWS!!!! 

OPERATION BACKPACK FOR JANUARY IS CANNED FRUIT!!

You can also do individual cans and packs of fruit.   

 

(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)

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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY MEETING AND PIZZA SUNDAY @ 5PM!!

Pastor K. wants to get back in touch with the high school kids after Christmas break, and start to prepare them for the youth gathering coming up this Summer!  Please plan on being there!!!

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GAME AND SOUP NIGHT ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 6-9pm!!!

Bring your favorite card games, board games, or even dominoes!  Soup, chili, coffee and tea will be provided!!  All attending should bring a snack or dessert to share.  You may also bring drinks of your own choice!  Please sign the sheet in the narthex if you plan on coming. 

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HOPE FULL LIVING DEVOTIONS FOR SENIORS AVAILABLE TO ORDER FROM CHURCH FOR $8 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR!!

"Hope Full Living" is a daily devotional booklet just for seniors that Pastor contributes to.  He usually has one or two of his own devotions in it.  If we get 10 or more people to order it and each person gives $8 we can order them in bulk and have them mailed to church.  Order yours today by calling the church office!

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WARREN COUNTY COMMUNITY FITNESS CENTER IS BEGINNING NEW CLASS SESSIONS TODAY, JANUARY 4!!

They also have the gym open Monday-Friday 8am-7pm and Saturday 8am-noon.

 

It's in the old NIKE store in the mall. 

 

There are discounts for Senior and Kids.  Stop by to sign up today!

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OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE ON THE TABLE IN THE NARTHEX!!!

If you are a confirmed member of St. John's you have offering envelopes!  Take them home!  Put money in them!  And Bring them back as your offering to the Lord!

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UNMARKED BLUE ENVELOPE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE GOING TO THE BUILDING EXPANSION PROGRAM
If you'd like it to go to the DCE fund you need to mark it for that!  Please make sure you mark the ENVELOPE clearly for the DCE PROGRAM!
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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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GENERAL PRAYERS:

For the FAMILY OF CAROL KOHRS, as she passed away on New Year's night.  Visitation 9:30-11, Funeral at 11 Tuesday at Pitman Funeral Home.

 

For JOANNE HACHTEL, as she recovers from rotator cuff surgery.

 

For PASTOR MCCRACKEN, from Trinity in Troy, who is on a two month leave to heal from cancer treatments.

 

For PASTOR PIPER, from St. Paul, New Melle, as he recovers from a heart attack he had while running a 5K in Florida.

 

For THOSE DEALING WITH FLOODING PROBLEMS in the days and weeks ahead, that the Lord would provide for their needs, and use us, if need be, to help. 

 

For MARIANNE LINKE, who has been moved to Warrenton Manor and is receiving treatment and antibiotics for a very stubborn infection.

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.

 

For DONNNA LINDSEY'S DAD, as he has been moved to Lincoln County Nursing and rehab to recover from kidney troubles. 

 

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From Denise Schlesselmann: Late newsletter

Hi all,

 Sorry this is a bit late. I hope you enjoy your Christmas and New Year's celebrations. 

Denise​​​

 December 15 newsletter .pdf

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