DEVOTION: Romans 14:1-12 English Standard Version (ESV)
Do Not Pass Judgment on One Another
14 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master[a] that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.
5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.
10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written,
"As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess[b] to God."
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Here's a good rule to remember EVERY STINKING DAY, you are a sinner, your wife is a sinner, your kids are sinners, your fellow members of the church are sinners, your siblings are sinners, your coworkers are sinners, The person driving down the highway at the same time as you is a sinner. The person taking too much time in the checkout line is a sinner. EVERY SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS LIVED ON THIS EARTH, EXCEPT FOR JESUS, IS A SINNER!!!!
So when you just can't stand someone, or when that certain someone is really irking you, or when you really want to tell that person off, or when you think you sit in judgment of someone, or when you are criticizing someone, or…… just remember that you are as big or even a bigger sinner than they are.
Then you will realize that Jesus died for that other person just as much as he died for you. You will be much quicker to admit your own faults. You will be much quicker to forgive the faults of others. You will much more easily overlook all of the little things that bug you about your spouse, kids, coworkers and brothers and sisters in Christ. You will live a much happier more peaceful life. And the best part….. the church will grow!
Then you will be able to HELP others who are caught in their sin. You will love people enough to not let them keep sinning and hurting themselves and others. You will be more willing to be with someone else in their sin, because you will know that you are a sinner in need of help just like they are.
So get your head out of clouds, humble yourself, confess your real and true sinfulness to Almighty God; and live a life that is free to love, forgive, and encourage!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me all the forgiveness I need and for not judging me for my shortcomings. Give me that same forgiving and loving and peaceful spirit for others. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Wed- Outreach meeting 5; Stephen Ministry 6; Choir 7
Thurs- Newsletter deadline; Pastor Holder from seminary here to meet with people who are thinking of going into church work1-6pm; Karate 6:15-7:45; Lutheranism 101 6:30
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; Worship 5pm
Sun Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
Sat-
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jared Cluver; 11- Cameron Faerber
Ushers- Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover
Altar- Set up- Don Hance; Clean Up- Terry McKenzie
Elders- Sat- Roy Bohning; Sun- 8:30- Steve Robine; 11- Don Turnure
Greeters- 8:30- Dave and Linda Callies; 11- Marv and Molly Hendershot
Lay Reader- Sat- Roy Bohning; 8:30- John Hachtel, 11- Ben Hoelscher
Organist- Barb Dreyer
Sat Pianist- Kathy Barrow
Projectionist: Sat- Fischer; Sun, 8:30- McKenzie 11- ???
TELLERS: Team #3
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ :
Find the verses of Job's response to his friends. (His response is quite funny I think.) Job 26:1-4
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Find the chapter and verses in Job that talk about the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting.
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NEWS
HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED BECOMING A PASTOR OR DEACONNESS OR DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS?
Rev. Scott Holder, admissions counselor from Concordia Seminary, will be here on Thursday, September 14 from 1-6pm. He is interested in meeting with students of all ages, elementary school age through adults. Appointments are individual, informal, and family/friends are welcome to come with you. Appointments are not necessary but encouraged. If you are interested in scheduling a specific time, call Pastor Holder at 314-505-7225 or email him at holders@csl.edu
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WORSHIP SERVICE VIDEO FROM SUNDAY, SEPT. 10
Enjoy and share!
https://youtu.be/NZcpfNuqAhQ
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POBLO IS IN NEED OF SUPPLIES FOR PREGNANT MOTHERS AND NEWBORNS AND FOR VOLUNTEERS
POBLO is an organization that works with refugees and immigrants in the St. Louis area. They are always in need of help, and below are two specific ways you can help. This message is from Duane Maas, mission facilitator with POBLO.
Missionary Vickie with POBLO has found that giving needed items to the refugee women who are pregnant opens doors of communication and friendship. She gives these things as gifts from God.
If there is a group or organization in your congregation/community interested in partnering with Vickie in this way, please let us know. I can imagine there will be opportunities in the future to give items to some young mothers and Vickie can use the donations to show the love of God in Christ.
We are also in need of people with the ability and knowledge to help refugees and immigrants learn how to drive.
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SUNDAY SCHOOL RALLY DAY PART TWO THIS COMING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 AT 9:45!!!
They didn't get to all the games and fun they wanted to do yesterday so the fun and festivities will continue this coming Sunday during Sunday school! Please come and join us and bring some friends!!
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DOOR OFFERINGS THE NEXT TWO WEEKENDS TO HELP THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE HARVEY!
Lutheran Trust of St. Louis will match all offerings 100% up to $10,000 per congregation and $1,000,000 total through September 24.
If you bring a check, make it out to St. John's and in the mem write "Hurricane Relief". All offerings will go to LCMS Disaster Relief. This is the best way to help!
If, for some reason, you can't make it to church or would like to donate directly, go to www.lcms.org/harvey to donate and let us know that you did.
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NEW OUTREACH BOOKLET DISPLAY AT CHURCH
Our board of outreach and evangelism purchased a set of outreach booklets on all different topics of interest. They are for you to use for yourself, but also to take to friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors who may be dealing with the things covered in these booklets or may just have questions regarding to the faith. Please check it out and as it says, TAKE ONE…. OR TWO OR THREE!
LAY READERS STILL NEEDED ESPECIALLY FOR 11AM SERVICE!!!
If you are willing to be an integral part of worship and serve in this way, please reply to this email or call church at 456-2888! We need you!
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ALL MEMBERS OF ST. JOHN"S ARE INVITED TO KARIN KLAUSTERMEIER'S 50TH BIRTHDAY PARTY ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 6-10pm!!
PLEASE RSVP by replying to this email or texting/messaging me. 636-359-1061
It's not a surprise, because I'm no good at surprises and she always figures them out.
She would like everyone to make a donation to www.leadachild.org in lieu of gifts.
Since her favorite day of the year is April Fools Day, and she is legendary for her April Fools pranks, I would like everyone to play their favorite prank or practical joke on her that day. She will appreciate it greatly I am sure!
Besides that, there is no need to bring anything but yourself. All food and drinks will be provided.
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DO YOU HAVE A THRIVENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNT OR POLICY?
You may be eligible to receive money for Little Lambs or Good Shepherd!! Go to www.thrivent.com/choicedollars to check it out!
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OUR NEXT FIFTH SUNDAY CELEBRATION WILL BE ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29… REFORMATION SUNDAY!! TO CELEBRATE THE 500TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BEGINNING OF THE REFORMATION AND THE POSTING OF THE 95 THESES BY MARTIN LUTHER ON THE CASTLE CHURCH DOOR IN WITTENBERG, GERMANY!!
It is going to be a blowout celebration! Mark your calendars today to make sure you are there to enjoy the celebration!
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER IS CANNED FRUIT. Please bring items up to church and put them in the tub marked "Backpack Blessings".
PRAYERS:
For the INFANT GRANDSON OF DANE AND JODI BALDWIN who was born twelve weeks premature. Right now he is getting some help with breathing, but all vitals and everything are good. He was born at 2 and a half pounds.
For DIANE BROCKFELD, who is recovering from a blood clot in her lungs.
For THOSE IN THE CARIBBEAN, FLORIDA, AND THE EAST COAST who are dealing with hurricane Irma.
For THOSE IN TEXAS AND LOUISIANA who are dealing with historic flooding and damage from hurricane Harvey.
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as he continues to fight cancer and goes through cancer treatments.
For CAL TAMELER who is HOME and is recovering from surgeries and a heart attack.
For LIL WINTER who is home, but is still awaiting test results and doctor's orders to get several procedures done.
For ANGIE BRUNSON, who is at home, but is still dealing with blood clots and an infection after a trouble from a hysterectomy.
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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For SAM HARGROVE deployed in Amman, Jordan and DAN DREYER deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, that the Lord would keep them safe from harm during their service and bring them home safely.
For DAVID TATE stationed in Japan, COLTON FIGURA stationed in California, and ALEX WALTERS, stationed in Tennessee. That God would bless their service to our country and keep them safe as they all await possible deployment.
For CALEB FIGURA AND VINCE MASTERS who are both serving our country in the National Guard and take time out of their lives, jobs, and families to go on duty several times a year.
