DEVOTION:
15 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them."
3 So he told them this parable:11 And he said, "There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.' And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to[a] one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 "But when he came to himself, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants."' 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'[b] 22 But the father said to his servants,[c] 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.' And they began to celebrate.
25 "Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.' 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, 'Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!' 31 And he said to him, 'Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.'"
We can learn a lot from the father in this passage including who God is to us (a forgiving and living father), who we are to God (as we are the prodigal son), and how we should be toward others in our attitudes and actions of forgiveness.
What if this story was retitled "The Forgiving Father" or "True and Real Forgiveness"? Would it make a difference in how you view it?
Is there any spot in this whole story where the father yells at the son, berates him, says "I told you so", turns him away, or waits until his life is completely cleaned up before he forgives him and accepts him back?
NO! He runs to his son! He gives his son a big bear hug! He has a feast for his Son! He rejoices because His son who was lost is found! He doesn't treat him like a second class citizen or even as one of his servants. He welcomes him back as his child!
My friends, this is how God treat us! It hurts him so badly when we wander away from him. It gives him grief when we deny him by our actions or words. It causes him sadness when his children are obstinate and reject him.
In the same way he rejoices when each and every child of his repents and goes back to him! The saints and angels in heaven rejoice greatly over each and every sinner who repents.
If you are holding a grudge get over it! If you are resentful and bitter towards someone deal with it. If there needs to be reconciliation between you and anyone else, go and be reconciled! Whatever it is that you are fighting over isn't worth your life or theirs. Learn from the father in this parable! Learn from Jesus himself! Forgive totally and completely so that you can embrace that person and feast with him or her forever in heaven!!!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for running to us with your gifts of forgiveness and grace and for embracing us as your children every day. Help us to accept your love, and move us to give that same love to others. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Thurs- Alzheimer's Support group 1pm
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; basement reserved @1pm
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Sarah Cluver; 11- Alaina Heitgerd
Ushers- Sun- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Doug Walters, Don Tate
Altar- Wed Candles- Terry McKenzie; Sun Set up- Lucille Luebke ; Clean up- Terry McKenzie
Elders- Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Randy Sweet
Greeters- 8:30- Doug and Ruth Walters; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Lay Readers- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Tim Linke; 11 - Kailyn Blechle
Pianist- Sat- Kathy Barrow
Organist- Wed and Sun- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Bueltmann 8:30- McKenzie; 11- Lydia Miller
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YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: Find the test to "prove' that a woman had committed adultery as found in scripture.
Numbers 5:11-31
Read it sometime. It's kinda crazy what they did. You certainly didn't want to be guilty of adultery during that time.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What was the penalty for almost all sexual sins in the Old Testament?
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NEWS!!!!
WHO'S INTERESTED IN A GUN CLUB AT ST. JOHN'S AFTER EASTER??
I have been wanting to start a gun club at St. John's for quite some time.
1. I'd like it to at least start out on an introductory/educational level to learnt he basics of gun safety and handling.
2. I'd also like it to include everyone: men and women, boys and girls.
3. I would like to have an organizational meeting with all who are interested next Thursday at 7pm!!
4. The first 15 minutes of our gatherings would be devotion/Bible study time.
5. Please reply or call/email @ 636-359-1061 to let me know you are interested.
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HOW MUCH DO YOU ACTUALLY KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LUTHERAN?
How did it start?
Who is Martin Luther?
Why are there so many different Lutheran denominations?
Why am I Lutheran?
What do Lutherans believe about:
Angels
Demons
ghosts
heaven
hell
politics
guns
death penalty
etc..........
If you want to know then mark your calendars for the first Wednesday after Easter at 7pm to be at church!!
We are going to begin a class called "Lutheranism 101", which I would say is like the advanced class after confirmation.
Please reply or call/email @ 636-359-1061 to let me know you are interested.
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SIGN UP FOR CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTOS!!
The photographer will be here March 16-19. Sign up after worship or online through the church website www.stjohnswarrenton.com Go to the website and click on the text link to the photographer's scheduling site. For assistance or questions contact Alan Hofeldt at 456-3070.
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SIGN UP FOR EASTER LILLIES!
A sign up sheet is on the counter in the narthex. Sign your name and if in memory of someone or for a special occasion. Price is $14.50 each. You will be able to take them home after Easter Services.
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LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL WILL BE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR STARTING TOMORROW FOR CURRENT STUDENTS AND ST. JOHN'S MEMBERS!!! OPEN REGISTRATION FOR EVERYONE STARTS APRIL 1.
Registration forms are available from Little Lambs or the church office. All registration forms must accompany the $45 nonrefundable registration fee. Children should be 3 or 4 by August 1. For more info talk to Lisa Rausch or Karin Klaustermeier.
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SATURDAY PIANIST NEEDED
We could use another pianist on Saturday night since Tim and Kathleen Sherman have moved to Wentzville and transferred their membership there. Please let me know if you or someone you know is available one Saturday a month. You get paid.
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PLEASE SUPPORT LITERACY IN WARREN COUNTY!!
Warren County Literacy Inc. (of which I am a member and on the board along with Allan Dreyer) is going to be giving away 70 bookcases stocked with books in April to children who are in the head Start Program in Warren County. This is the fifth year for this wonderful event. What we need is people to sponsor a bookcase for $50. If you are able and willing, please reply to this email or call/text at 636-359-1961. Make checks payable to Warren County Literacy Inc. The ceremony at which the kids get their bookcases is on Sunday, April 10 at 2pm at Wright City Middle School.
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LENT DINNERS ARE EVERY WEDNESDAY DURING LENT AT 5:30!!
Over the last many, many years your Jr. and Sr. high youth and their parents (mostly their parents) have been serving dinner on Wednesday nights during Lent. While this is a good way for the youth and their parents to serve and give back to the congregation, it is also supposed to be a way for them to raise money for their service projects and trips.
Unfortunately over the past several years, they have barely broken even on these dinners. The parents usually donate the desserts and even much of the other food out of their own pockets. Without that the youth would probably lose money.
It is especially important that they make money this year, as they will need all they can get to make their goal for the National Youth Gathering in new Orleans.
I want to encourage you all to attend these dinners, and, while there is no set price per person for these dinners, a generous free will offering is strongly encouraged!!
Below is the Menu for each week:
March 9-
pasta
salad
rolls
desserts
March 16-
Fried Chicken
potatoes
corn
rolls
desserts
As always, thank you for your continued support of the future of Christianity!!!
Unfortunately over the past several years, they have barely broken even on these dinners. The parents usually donate the desserts and even much of the other food out of their own pockets. Without that the youth would probably lose money.
It is especially important that they make money this year, as they will need all they can get to make their goal for the National Youth Gathering in new Orleans.
I want to encourage you all to attend these dinners, and, while there is no set price per person for these dinners, a generous free will offering is strongly encouraged!!
Below is the Menu for each week:
March 9-
pasta
salad
rolls
desserts
March 16-
Fried Chicken
potatoes
corn
rolls
desserts
As always, thank you for your continued support of the future of Christianity!!!
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DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS DAILY EMAIL?
If you know of someone who isn't currently receiving my daily emails but would like to, please reply to this email with their email address and I will add them to the list. THANK YOU!
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OPERATION BACKPACK FOR MARCH IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND PACKETS OF OATMEAL!!
(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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GENERAL PRAYERS:
For PAT MANESS, a former member of St. John's and friend to many, who is hospitalized with severe leg troubles.
For SHARON GARRETT a friend to some at St. John's, and soon-to-be member, who fell and broke both of her ankles and is recovering at Delmar Gardens, O'Fallon.
For DON BRAZEE who is hospitalized with pneumonia and other complication from a tick bourne illness. They have decided to take on a totally different course of treatment that seems to be working better so far.
For MARIAH, a granddaughter of Pat Jaeger's best friend, who has been diagnosed with childhood leukemia.
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 DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.
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