National DAY of Prayer letter from Mrs. Shirley Dobson

For those who couldn't make it to our prayer breakfast and worship this morning, it was a wonderful morning! It's not over yet! It's a National DAY of Prayer.

Pray all day! Know that the Lord is with you wherever you go and talk to Him as you walk, work, talk, play, eat, and rest!!!

Below is a special letter from Shirley Dobson, the director of the NDP. Read it! It's good!

NationBuilder

A Special Announcement from Mrs. Shirley Dobson

Jeremy --

Americans have championed religious freedom since our earliest days. Many who first sought our shores were fleeing tyranny in search of a land where they could attain liberty and exercise their faith without constraint. As our forefathers labored to lay the groundwork for our republic, they asked God to illuminate their understanding and boldly spoke of His guidance and care. Through the years, personal and corporate prayer has been a source of courage and endurance in affliction, direction and wisdom in uncertainty, and hope and confidence in adversity. In times of prosperity, prayer has conveyed our humble gratitude for our good fortune.

That commitment to faith and prayer has been instrumental in bringing us to this point in history and must not be forgotten. If we are to retain our strength of character, maintain the trust we have been given to uphold, and advance the tenets of our republic, it is necessary to preserve this vital aspect of American life.

Sixty-five years ago, Congress established an annual "National Day of Prayer," recognizing our heritage of prayer and honoring the religious freedom that is treasured by our citizens. On May 5, 1988, Public Law 100-307 set aside the first Thursday of each May for this yearly observance. Three years later, the late Vonette Bright and the National Prayer Committee asked me to serve as the Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, to ensure this call to solemn assembly would be observed for generations to come. It was an assignment from God.

In September of 1991, I started the new position. I was to call the nation to prayer with only $6,000 in the bank and the help of one volunteer. I sought the Lord and was reminded that little is much if God is in it…and He was! This year marks my 25th year as the Chairman of the National Day of Prayer and as I look back over the years, it is amazing to see how the Lord has blessed and grown this ministry to our nation. We now have eight incredible National Area Leaders who lead tens of thousands of volunteers. We have had as many has 43,000 prayer gatherings on the First Thursday of May with millions united in repentance before God. The National Observance is now broadcast into 90 countries around the world and lives are being changed and hearts transformed by this growing movement of prayer.

We must not forget America's heritage. This nation was birthed in prayer and founded on the God of the Bible…on His Biblical principles and His moral values. Unfortunately, many have turned their backs on the Creator and we are reaping the consequences. Other nations have also defied Jehovah at their peril. The Scriptures tell of one such wicked city called Nineveh where the people turned away from God and were steeped in all kinds of idolatry and immorality. God said evil had become so prevalent in the land that He determined to destroy it. He told the Prophet Jonah to go to Nineveh and warn the people and their king that destruction would fall on their city. As we all know, they repented, cried out for mercy and forgiveness and God spared them.

This is why the National Day of Prayer exists, and why I have led it for 25 years. I have longed to see America turn back to its spiritual roots. II Chronicles 7:14 tells us that "If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and will heal their land."

I believe in the power of prayer and I believe that God still hears the cries of His people. We desperately need His healing touch as our nation is drifting away from His righteousness and biblical teachings. Now is the time for us to be united in repentance before the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, just as Nineveh did, and I believe the time has come for me to pass the baton to a leader who shares this vision with me. We need someone who will bring us before the throne of the King of kings in humility and take up the mantle in such a critical hour, so that generations to come will praise and honor the Lord. It is time to cry out to Him in desperation and we need a passionate chairman who will champion this cause without wavering.

I have been in prayer for many months, seeking whom God would anoint for that responsibility. He has answered…and called Mrs. Anne Graham Lotz to be the next Chairman of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, and she has graciously accepted.

Let me share with you just a little about this incredible woman of faith. Anne Graham Lotz is called "the best preacher in the family" by her father, Billy Graham. In fact, the New York Times named Anne as one of the five most influential evangelists of her generation. She is a prayer warrior, a powerful speaker, a best-selling author of many much loved books, and the founder and president of her own organization, AnGeL Ministries. Her newest release is called, The Daniel Prayer. I can't wait to read it.

Anne and her late husband, Dr. Danny Lotz, have three grown children and three grandchildren.

I know that God has called the right person for such a time as this and in my new position as Chairman Emeritus, she will have my full support. I will also continue to champion the cause of prayer…America's Greatest Hope. Join with me in congratulating Mrs. Anne Graham Lotz!

As a friend of this ministry, please know that we need your commitment and support more than ever. In the midst of change, it is tempting to pull back with a "wait and see" perspective. However, now is the time to move forward courageously with firm resolve. Will you help us continue this Legacy of Prayer in our nation? I am asking you to come alongside us as a ministry partner. Your contributions will enable us to continue to call our nation to intercession for generations to come. Thank you for standing with us.

In closing, I want to thank those of you who have stood with me over these many years – beginning with my beloved husband, Jim – my gifted vice chairman, John Bornschein – my loyal Task Force – the dedicated National Area Leaders and tireless State and Regional Coordinators – the supportive National Prayer Committee and board of directors – my great friends on the Colorado Council for the National Day of Prayer – our faithful volunteers and supporters, and the many Congressmen who have sponsored the Capitol Hill Prayer Service. They have been an incredibly effective team. It has been my privilege and honor to serve you and the body of Christ for these 25 years. May God bless you and may God bless America (Psalms 33:12)!

Sincerely,

Mrs. James C. Dobson (Shirley)
Chairman Emeritus
National Day of Prayer Task Force

P.S. Look for more details on this transition in forthcoming emails and letters from our offices. It is our desire to keep you informed throughout this process.

http://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/

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National Day of Prayer Task Force · PO Box 64225, Colorado Springs, CO 80962, United States
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Daily Email: Wednesday, May 4, 2016

DEVOTION: Ephesians 1:15-23 English Standard Version (ESV)

"Thanksgiving and Prayer"
¹⁵For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love^[a] toward all the saints, ¹⁶I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, ¹⁷that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ¹⁸having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might ²⁰that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. ²²And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, ²³which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

This should be the prayer that each of us prays for each other in the church. We don't need to be jealous. We don't need to be angry or bitter toward each other. We don't need to criticize all of our other brothers and sisters in the Christ. We need to pray for each other.

Certainly we may have difference. Paul really had nothing in common with the Ephesians. He was a Jew and they were Gentiles. He grew up in a different way than they did. He was raised to hate the Gentiles and likewise, they hated him. Yet, because of their faith in Jesus, they had something very much in common. They were indeed a part of the same body, the body of Christ.

We can have our differences. We can be Democrat and Republican, Blues fan and Wild fan, Cardinal fans and Twins fans, Vikings fans and...... oops.... sorry about that, but in the end we will all be in the same heaven because of the faith we have together in Jesus Christ our Savior.

We need to respect and honor each other as children of God. God created each and every one of us human beings that are on the earth, as strange and unusual as some of us are, to love us, care for us, and bring us to be with Him forever. Let's live like it today!

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for all off my brothers and sisters in Christ no matter how different they are than me. Help me to see everyone as you see them, Your children, created, redeemed, forgiven. Amen.

Oh, and May the 4th be with you.

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CALENDAR:
Wed- Choir practice 7
Thurs- NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER BREAKFAST 7am; WORSHIP 7:30am; Alzheimers Support group 1pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm
Fri- Set up for Vendor fair, bake sale, and flea market.
Sat- Bake Sale, Vendor Fair, Flea Market 7am-1pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- MOTHER'S DAY; worship 8:30; Bible Study 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- George Pezold    11- Dawn Sherman

Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte

Altar- Set up- Linda Callies; Clean Up- Wanda Turnure

Elders-  Sat- Jason Cluver;  8:30- Roy Bohning; 11- Steve Robine

Greeters- 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Joan Sexton

Lay Readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone 8:30- Christy Winn; 11- Dawn Sherman

Organist- Rachel Fisher

Piano- Barb Dreyer

Projectionists: Sat- Perricone; 8:30- John Pezold   11- Jacob Cluver
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:   How is Psalm 119 divided and ordered? It is divided according to the Hebrew alphabet?

(Where are you Pat? Been missing your answers the last few days.)

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NEWS!!!!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER BREAKFAST AND SERVICE IS TOMORROW, MAY 5 AT 7AM!!

The National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 5. We will have our annual breakfast beginning at 7am.

This year's menu is a little different. We are going to have biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and fruit.

Prayer and worship will begin at 7:30 and will be done close to 8am.

Please RSVP to this message if you plan to come so I know approximately how much food to buy and make.

Go to www.nationaldayofprayer.org to learn more about it.

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Outside spaces are available for $10 for a double parking spot.

There will be a sale under the pavilion if you would like to donate items. The youth will be raising money for their National Youth Gathering trip under the pavilion and at the concession stand.

St. John's Lutheran Church, 950 S Hwy 47 in Warrenton. Please call the church office for more info. 636-456-2888.

THE QUILTERS WILL ALSO BE RAFFLING OFF THE QUILT THAT IS HANGING DOWNSTAIRS!!

LADIES AID AND PALS MEMBERS PLEASE MAKE BAKED GOOD FOR THE BAKE SALE ON MAY 7!!

Please remember that we have a bake sale table at the vendor fair and flea market on May 7. Please bring them the day before or the morning of the bake sale. We need LOTS of baked goods to sell!! Thanks in advance for participating!!!

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OUR NEXT GUN GLUB MEETING WILL BE TUESDAY, MAY 17 at 7pm!!. IT WILL BE A "GET ACQUAINTED WITH ALL SORTS AND TYPES OF GUNS" EVENING.

Paul Brockfeld and Jason Cluver will bring a wide variety of guns (shotguns, rifles, and handguns) for us to look at and learn how to operate. We will all get to handle the guns. No shooting.

This will be a great opportunity check out all sorts of guns so you can be more confident and sure of your ability and knowledge, and even learn which one would best fit you!

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PASTOR KLAUSTERMEIER IS BIKING 1,000 MILES THIS SUMMER FOR LEADACHILD!!!

We have been blessed beyond measure in the United States haven't we? I want you to join me in making a global difference by releasing children from poverty through Christian education.

Instead of taking a week off and joining my fellow Lead a Child bikers who are riding the Fault Line across four states this year, I have decided to go solo and bike 1,000 miles locally and while on vacation by August 1 to raise funds for LeadaChild. Would you sponsor me so that I can raise funds to support this most worthy organization? In my opinion, there is no more worthy organization to support than LeadaChild!

LeadaChild provides educational assistance to over 26,000 children and shares the love of Jesus Christ with the students and their families! LeadaChild supports the poorest of the poor children through Christian education in the following countries:

Guatemala Chad Honduras Palestine Haiti Uganda

Gambia Ivory Coast El Salvador Nigeria Panama Nicaragua

Burma Ghana Chile Venezuela Bolivia Mexico

Liberia Uruguay Sri Lanka India Guinea Sierra Leone

Bangladesh Cambodia South Africa Togo Thailand

These students need your help to find a way out of poverty through Christian education and learn of the hope of Christ our Savior.

Please fill out your information below and send it with your check or donate online through the LeadaChild website: http://www.leadachild.org/bike

Every dollar makes a difference. Please give generously. Please remember all of the riders in your prayers! Thank you much for your support!

Biking For Kids Together,

Pastor Jeremy Klaustermeier

LeadaChild is a 501 C-3 non-profit organization and is a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.

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HELP LITTLE LAMBS GET SOME NEW PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT!!!

Order some Avon "Skin So Soft" from Little Lambs to help them raise money for new playground equipment! Call Karin at 314-691-7283 to place your order!

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OPERATION BACKPACK FOR MAY IS CANNED 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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GENERAL PRAYERS

For DALE AND KAREN SCHUETTE AND FAMILY, former members of St. John's, who lost their grandson, Grady, yesterday.

For GISELA DORN who is at home but still dealing with dizziness and nausea and is unable to do much of anything.

For WILMA JUNKER, a former member of St. John's, who had hip surgery and now has pneumonia.

For BETH a daughter of a friend of the Fosters, who was in a very severe bicycle accident and has broken ribs, and punctured lung and a broken shoulder.

For DON BRAZEE who is at home and receiving in home care (They are calling it hospice care although he is in relatively good health, and is not in imminent danger of dying any time soon. They just have no cure for the problems he is having.)

For CAROL BRAZEE who is struggling with severe bronchitis and is seeing a pulmonologist today.

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

Sermon from May 1, 2016

Here's the sermon from last Sunday. Listen and share with those in need of peace, that even though they have trouble in this world they have a Jesus who has overcome the world for them! Peace be with y'all!
https://youtu.be/QYKdteoR2Fw

Sermon from April 24, 2016

For those of you who weren't in church two Sundays ago, or went to the late service, which was eighth grade confirmation, here is the sermon! Watch or listen and share with someone who needs the hope that only Christ can give.

https://youtu.be/dJ_hm28DfMM

Daily Email: Tuesday, May 3, 2016

DEVOTION: Acts 1:1-11 English Standard Version (ESV)
"The Promise of the Holy Spirit"

1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, ²until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. ³He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

⁴And while staying^[a] with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, "you heard from me; ⁵for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with^[b] the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

"The Ascension"
⁶So when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" ⁷He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. ⁸But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." ⁹And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. ¹⁰And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, ¹¹and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

It is always interesting to me how dependent we are on God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The disciples would have had no power to do anything if Jesus wouldn't have sent His Holy Spirit ten days from the time of this reading. They would have still been gazing up into heaven if Jesus had not sent His angels to instruct them on where to go and what to do next. They would have never been his witnesses even in Jerusalem, much less Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth if the Holy Spirit had not entered them.

The same is true for you as a Christian. You don't do anything in faith apart from the Holy Spirit moving you to do it. In fact, your old sinful nature is what often keeps you from doing what the Holy Spirit wants to do in you. This is why, when you try to do something without the guidance of God and only with your own human will, you will be frustrated and fail. Once you give that part over to the Holy Spirit and pray for Him to move you to do the right thing, you will experience the freedom that you truly have in Christ, the freedom to do what is right and rest in His grace.

As you read through the book of Acts you will see that it is only and always by the Lord's bidding, calling, prodding, and converting that things happen. All we are called to do is go where he calls us to go, live in His love, and open our mouths to speak His praise.

Prayer: O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will declare Your praise. Move my feet and I will go where you send me. Lift my hands to do Your work, and at the end of the day close my eyes in Your peace and rest. Amen.

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CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilting 9-2
Wed- Choir practice 7
Thurs- NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER BREAKFAST 7am; WORSHIP 7:30am; Alzheimers Support group 1pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm
Fri- Set up for Vendor fair, bake sale, and flea market.
Sat- Bake Sale, Vendor Fair, Flea Market 7am-1pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- MOTHER'S DAY; worship 8:30; Bible Study 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- George Pezold    11- Dawn Sherman

Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte

Altar- Set up- Linda Callies; Clean Up- Wanda Turnure

Elders-  Sat- Jason Cluver;  8:30- Roy Bohning; 11- Steve Robine

Greeters- 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Joan Sexton

Lay Readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone 8:30- Christy Winn; 11- Dawn Sherman

Organist- Rachel Fisher

Piano- Barb Dreyer

Projectionists: Sat- Perricone; 8:30- John Pezold   11- Jacob Cluver
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: What is a coney? (And no it's not a style of hotdog.)

A mountain goat type animal that can climb mountains and hang on to cliffs.

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TODAY'S QUIZ: How is Psalm 119 divided and ordered?

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NEWS!!!!

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER BREAKFAST AND SERVICE IS THURSDAY, MAY 5 AT 7AM!!