DEVOTION: Luke 13:22-30 (ESV)
"The Narrow Door"
22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, 24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.' 26 Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!' 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
There is only one way to enter and that is through the narrow door. That narrow door is Jesus. Do you think there is another way? Get over yourself! Do your "sensibilities" say that there is no absolute truth? Forget your sensibilities. Is it really sensible that what you think is more right than what Jesus says? Is it really sensible for you to take the word of someone who is only using their own human, fallible brain, over and above the words of the Bible which have been proven accurate, historical, and trustworthy over and over again?
Quit trying to make it your own religion. Christianity is not man's religion! We cannot change it, fix it, or manipulate it into what we want it to be. It is God's, and we can only submit to it. The words of Scripture are God's Words! If he says, "Strive to enter through the narrow door." We better do some striving to find the key for that door, and be striving to enter through it. Jesus is the key and He is the door! We strive to enter through Him simply by trusting in Him and believing in Him!
Do you want to be one of the ones who is standing outside the door and banging on it, screaming "Let me in" on the day of judgment? Do you want Jesus to say " I don't know where you come from." Then trust in Jesus! Stop relying on what you think and start relying on what Jesus says and what He has done! Man up, swallow your pride, confess your sins, and ask God for true and real forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord, help me to get over myself and trust in your alone. Amen.
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CALENDAR
Thurs- Sept. newsletter deadline; Lutheranism 101 7-8pm
Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; visitation and memorial for Charles Hargrove 1-3pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Kids Sunday school 9:45; Voter's meeting 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jacob Winn 11- Hailey Blechle
Ushers- George, Gary, and Ben Hoelscher and Brent Davis
Altar- Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Sandy Robine
Elders- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- Don and Wanda Turnure; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Lay Readers- Sat- Roy Bohning 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Piano- Sat- Molly Hendershot
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Mauch; 8:30- McKenzie
In November we will be at the end of the three years. The DCE Fund has dwindled down to near nothing and will be just about gone in December, and the regular offerings have not increased enough to increase the regular budget.
To make it clear, there is not enough money in the budget to pay Kelsey. (We cannot use special gifts, trusts or memorials or money designated for the building fund to pay Kelsey. We have never used those types off funds for salaries.)
"The Narrow Door"
22 He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them, 24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.' 26 Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.' 27 But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!' 28 In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God but you yourselves cast out. 29 And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
There is only one way to enter and that is through the narrow door. That narrow door is Jesus. Do you think there is another way? Get over yourself! Do your "sensibilities" say that there is no absolute truth? Forget your sensibilities. Is it really sensible that what you think is more right than what Jesus says? Is it really sensible for you to take the word of someone who is only using their own human, fallible brain, over and above the words of the Bible which have been proven accurate, historical, and trustworthy over and over again?
Quit trying to make it your own religion. Christianity is not man's religion! We cannot change it, fix it, or manipulate it into what we want it to be. It is God's, and we can only submit to it. The words of Scripture are God's Words! If he says, "Strive to enter through the narrow door." We better do some striving to find the key for that door, and be striving to enter through it. Jesus is the key and He is the door! We strive to enter through Him simply by trusting in Him and believing in Him!
Do you want to be one of the ones who is standing outside the door and banging on it, screaming "Let me in" on the day of judgment? Do you want Jesus to say " I don't know where you come from." Then trust in Jesus! Stop relying on what you think and start relying on what Jesus says and what He has done! Man up, swallow your pride, confess your sins, and ask God for true and real forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord, help me to get over myself and trust in your alone. Amen.
_________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR
Thurs- Sept. newsletter deadline; Lutheranism 101 7-8pm
Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; visitation and memorial for Charles Hargrove 1-3pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Kids Sunday school 9:45; Voter's meeting 9:45; Worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jacob Winn 11- Hailey Blechle
Ushers- George, Gary, and Ben Hoelscher and Brent Davis
Altar- Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Sandy Robine
Elders- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- Don and Wanda Turnure; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Lay Readers- Sat- Roy Bohning 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Piano- Sat- Molly Hendershot
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Mauch; 8:30- McKenzie
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:
What did Ezekiel do to "enact" the coming exile to Babylon? (Hint: It's in Ezekiel 12:1-16)
7 And I did as I was commanded. I brought out my baggage by day, as baggage for exile, and in the evening I dug through the wall with my own hands. I brought out my baggage at dusk, carrying it on my shoulder in their sight.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was king during Ezekiel's prophecy?
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NEWS!!!!
QUARTERLY VOTERS MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45!!
Agenda:
1. reports from staff, officers, boards and committees
2. report from Member awareness committee (Kevin Luebke, Steve McDowell, Sandy Robine)
They will tell us about upcoming things that they will be doing based upon what they talked about.
3. building planning committee master plan presentation
The long-awaited master plan was presented to the building planning committee last night. After some discussion it was approved unanimously by them. It will be presented to the voters assembly next Sunday for approval.
The master plan involves three "bite size" projects. The first of those projects( a new fellowship hall, expanded narthex, offices and kitchen) built on to the front of the church, is much more affordable and will be accomplished with the money that has already been collected over the past eight years. It is very important to understand that this is only a master plan. Square footage and other details will be determined by the building committee and finance committee based on what we can afford. Once all of those details get worked out and finalized those committees will again come back to the voters for approval.
Once the plan is approved, a building committee (different than the building planning committee) and a finance committee will be appointed by President McDowell. If you have experience on building committees or building finance committees, or have a desire for this project to finally come to fruition, we'd love it if you would volunteer to be on the committee that best fits your talents and abilities.
Please make every effort to attend and see the new master plan.
ON A SEPARATE BUT RELATED NOTE: To answer a question that has been asked several times, "Why we don't use the building money for something else like salaries and raises?" The short answer is that the money that has been amassed over the past eight years for the building fund cannot be used for anything else. It is literally against the law.
4. Council recommendation for Ken Wagner Funds ($39,813.56)
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DON BRAZEE'S VISITATION AND FUNERAL INFO IS AS FOLLOWS:
Date: Tuesday, August 23
Date: Tuesday, August 23
Place: St. John's
Visitation: 10-11am
Funeral: 11am
Luncheon immediately following funeral
Internment will be at Jefferson Barracks after lunch
Visitation: 10-11am
Funeral: 11am
Luncheon immediately following funeral
Internment will be at Jefferson Barracks after lunch
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CHOIR PRACTICE BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 AT 7PM!!
Anyone high school age or older is welcome!!! They need more singers. Please consider it and at least show up to the first practice to check it out! Call Barb Dreyer at 359-1906 for questions or concerns!
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT KELSEY AND OUR DCE PROGRAM
The DCE fund was to be a three year fund which was to transition to the general budget at the end of three years. Unfortunately neither the DCE fund nor the general budget have kept pace with what is needed.
In November we will be at the end of the three years. The DCE Fund has dwindled down to near nothing and will be just about gone in December, and the regular offerings have not increased enough to increase the regular budget.
To make it clear, there is not enough money in the budget to pay Kelsey. (We cannot use special gifts, trusts or memorials or money designated for the building fund to pay Kelsey. We have never used those types off funds for salaries.)
So where does this money come from? IT COMES FROM THE MEMBERS OF ST.JOHN'S WHO GIVE THEIR OFFERINGS. It is up to you AS MEMBERS OF ST.JOHN'S to give as you are able IN YOUR WEEKLY OFFERINGS so that our budget can go up enough to be able to support her.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CONCESSIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 26
St. John's members have been asked by leaders of the Big Red Boosters to help with concessions at the home football game on Friday, August 26.
When? 5:45-9pm
Where? Warrenton Football Concession stand
What? Selling all sorts of concession stand food and drink. (No previous experience necessary)
Who? Any member of St. John's (Don't have to have a kid at the high school to help)
Please reply to this email or call/text me at 636-359-1061 to volunteer!
When? 5:45-9pm
Where? Warrenton Football Concession stand
What? Selling all sorts of concession stand food and drink. (No previous experience necessary)
Who? Any member of St. John's (Don't have to have a kid at the high school to help)
Please reply to this email or call/text me at 636-359-1061 to volunteer!
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ST. JOHN'S ANNUAL FLOAT TRIP COMING UP LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 5!!
Would you like a relaxing and peaceful day on the river in God's creation? Do you want to grow in fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Come and join us!
Here are the details:
1. Meet at 9:30am at Ozark Outdoors www.ozarkoutdoors.net
2. PRICES
canoes $20 per person
kayaks- $28 per person
rafts- $29 per person
tubes are $25 per person
If you have your own equipment it is $30 per craft to ride the bus.
Children ages 7-12 are $15 and 7 and under are free
3. What you will need:
sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, food, beverages, a good attitude.
4. Contact Teresa Scott to sign up
cell- 636-359-0274
work- (Schraer HVAC) 456-5041
Remember, this is a float, not a race. It is a leisurely float down the river with lots of stops along the way!
If you choose to spend the weekend, please make camping, motel, or cabin arrangements through Ozark Outdoors or with Onondaga State Park www.mostateparks.com. Hiking and cave tours are also available in Onondaga State Park.
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T-3 MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP SEPTEMBER 23-25 AT MARK TWAIN LAKE!
Go to www.t3mensretreat.org for details or give me a call at 636-359-1061.
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STEPHEN MINISTRY NEEDS MORE STEPHEN MINISTERS!!
Stephen ministry is a one on one caring ministry in which a person goes through 50 hours off training to be a better listener and care giver. Even if you don't become an active Stephen Minister, this training is beneficial just for your daily life!
Please consider going through the training! It is very beneficial.
And please consider becoming a Stephen Minister. It has been a huge help and benefit to our congregation for the last 13 years, and I would love to see it grow!
Call me at 636-359-1061 to let me know you're interested. Or go to www.stephenministry.org to learn more about it.
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SCRIP PROGRAM CONTINUES!!
Here's how it works:
Here's how it works:
1. Pick up an order form from the counter in the narthex or from Marilyn in the office.
2. Mark how many cards you would like to order from each retailer you use, and fill in the totals. (If you need help, stop by the office or talk to Marilyn or ask me after worship.)
3. Attach a check to your order form made out to St.John's.
4. Marilyn will place the order on a certain date each month.
5. Pick up your cards from your church mailbox.
6. Use your cards just like money at the various stores.
Please use this program! It is an easy way for you to help YOUR church raise money for its ministries!
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GENERAL PRAYER
For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who is hospitalized with kidney problems and severe abdominal pain.
For DENNIS PERREY, who is recovering at home from a very serious tractor and brush hog accident. He has 6 broken ribs, both lungs were punctured and, 2 vertebrae were cracked.
For THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DON BRAZEE as he went from death to eternal life early Saturday morning.
For LEW FELDKAMP as he is recovering at home from his second hernia surgery. The first one didn't work.
For LENA OWENS as she recovers from knee replacement surgery at home.
For BOB RUHL, who is recovering from heart surgery and infections at New Florence Care Center for the next month.
For CAL TAMELER as he recovers from heart surgery.
For MARIANNE LINKE who is recovering at home from infection, and is receiving intravenous antibiotics at home.
For MARCIA SEVIER as she recovers from foot surgery.
for RANDY SWEET as he recovers from foot surgery.
For the HARGROVE FAMILY as they mourn the loss of Dave's dad Charles. (His memorial visitation and service will be Saturday, August 20, 1-3pm.
For LAW ENFORCEMENT EVERYWHERE, ESPECIALLY IN MILWAUKEE, that we would all keep the 4th commandment and honor those who serve and protect us from evildoers.
For BRIAN TAMPOW, a friend of Steve and Toni Mauch, who has an inoperable tumor near his carotid artery and will need to go through extensive chemo and radiation treatment.
For CHERYL, a cousin of Tony and Sandra Perricone, who is going through breast cancer treatment right now.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she begins her work as a teacher of English as a second language in the Czech Republic and transitions to regular life there.
