Daily Email: Monday, November 13, 2017

DEVOTION: Matthew 25:14-30  English Standard Version (ESV)

The Parable of the Talents

¹⁴ "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants^[a] and entrusted to them his property. ¹⁵ To one he gave five talents,^[b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. ¹⁶ He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.¹⁷ So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. ¹⁸ But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. ¹⁹ Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. ²⁰ And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.' ²¹ His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.^[c] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' ²² And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.' ²³ His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'²⁴ He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, ²⁵ so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.'²⁶ But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? ²⁷ Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. ²⁸ So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. ²⁹ For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. ³⁰ And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

 

First of all, the master is not a hard man. The last servant was mistaken and misunderstanding. He is gracious and merciful to the point that he gives his servants charge of his property as he does.  He is just the opposite!  

            The master, of course, is Jesus!  He is NOT a "hard" man as some would claim. He is not unfair in how he treats us.  If he treated us fairly every one of us would be in hell.  He is all merciful!  He loves us with an everlasting love to the point that he gives us the GIFT of being his stewards.  Yes, you read that right, it is a gift to be able to care for and multiply the gifts that he has given to us. It is a joy to give an offering in the house of the Lord. It is a joy to work with fellow Christians for the kingdom!  It is a joy to make disciples for the kingdom.  There is no greater satisfaction than bringing a person to the knowledge and understanding of the grace and mercy of Jesus!

            So when the master gives you "talents" to use for his kingdom, use them!  Don't hide them under a bushel.  Don't keep them for yourselves.  Grow them!  Use them!  Wear them out!  They've been given to you for your good and for the good of the world.  You won't be disappointed.

 

Prayer: Lord thank you for giving me the privilege of sharing your good news with everyone.  Help me to treat it as such and to work hard to bring the lost to you and to make disciples.  Amen.

 

 

___________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:

Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15

Tues- Quilting 9-2; Trustees meeting 7

Tues-Thurs- Pastor gone at MO district church worker's conference

Wed- Sewing Dresses for Africa 9:30-Noon; Ladies Aid Noon; Choir 7

Thurs- NEWSLETTER DEADLINE; Confirmation make up 6pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm; Karate 6:15-7:45

Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's

Sat- Men's Breakfast 8am; Stephen Ministry 8-10; Worship- 5pm

Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Voters Meeting 9:45; Sunday school 9:45; Holy Yoga 3pm

_____________________________________________________

RSHIP WORKERS: 

Acolyte- 8:30- Savannah Masters; 11- Dulci Rahn

 

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

 

Altar- Set up- Terry McKenzie; Clean Up- Pam Linke

 

Elder- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Dave Winter
 
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte; 11- Joan Sexton

Lay Reader- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Steve McDowell; 11- Luke Rausch

 

Pianist Sat- Kathy Barrow; Sun 11- Doug Walters

 

Organist- Pat Golden

Projectionist- Sat- Perricone; 8:30- Schaumberg; 11- Addie Hoelscher

________________________________________________________________

YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  

Why did Jesus say that Moses permitted divorce? Matthew 19:8  -  Jesus replied, "Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended."  (Thanks Pat!)

 

Note: Jesus only allowed divorce because of marital unfaithfulness, meaning breaking of the marriage vows through desertion, adultery, or abuse.  He didn't allow just because the couple couldn't get along, or because one simply didn't love the other one anymore.

___________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was the high priest at the time of Jesus' crucifixion?

________________________________________________________________

NEWS:

 

VOTER'S MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45!!  Please make plans to attend! 

Agenda:

Opening Devotion

A: Staff reports:

B:Board and Committee reports:

C; New Business

1. Nominations for Synod officers
2. Renewal of Mission Commitment for Rev. Micah Glenn
3. Approve Budget
4. Elections
5. Communion in all 11am services
6. Task force to study congregational governance structure changes
7. Building Committee RFP proposal

___________________________________________________________________________

Dr. PHIL FRUSTI FROM LEADACHILD WILL BE HERE TO PREACH AT ALL OF OUR SERVICES THIS WEEKEND!

Di Phil is the new executive director of Lead a Child formerly known as CCCS.  Please welcome him as he encourages us to be an Exodus 17:12 church!

PROJECTIONIST NEEDED FOR SATURDAY SERVICE!!

If you can move your index finger, pay attention during worship, and stay awake for an hour you can do it.  Please reply if interested!

_________________________________________________________________________

WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF NOMINATIONS FOR OUR CHURCH BOARDS!!!  Below is what we need:

 

Board of elders- 3 men of good standing in the church who are active: main duties include, worship and communion assistance, member care, developing of budget for salary and benefits for staff.  They usually meet on the second Sunday of each month at noon. (Dave Winter is timed out and two of our other elders have resigned this year.)

 

Board of trustees- 3 people- main duties include taking care of St. John's property and approving budget for insurance and maintenance.  They meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm and have several work days (usually on Saturday morning) throughout the year.  (Teresa Scott and Gary Hoelscher are both timed out and Scott Heitgerd has transferred to Immanuel, Wentzville)

 

Board of education- 2 people needed- Main duties include planning, preparation and carrying out of Sunday school program, VBS, and other education programs.  They usually meet on an as needed basis.  (Naomi Johnson is unable to continue due to work and family responsibilities and Lisa Rausch's first term is up)  We are in desperate need of a couple people who have the time and energy available to commit to this board.

 

Secretary-  This is not the same as our office administrator, Terry;  This person is responsible for taking minutes at voter's and council meetings, and for preparing agendas for the same.  This person can also be a signer on checks and other official documents.  (Patty Sweet has decided to go to a different church)

 

If you would like to nominate someone, including yourself, or have possible suggestions, please reply to this email, or call me at 636-359-1061

_______________________________________________________________________________

SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORY VERSE IS: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied."  Matthew 5:6

_________________________________________________________________________

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!

________________________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK DONATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS CANNED VEGETABLES.  PLEASE BRING YOUR DONATIONS TO CHURCH AND PUT THEM IN THE TUB MARKED "BACKPACK BLESSINGS"!

____________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS: 

For those who mourn after the tragic church shooting in Texas on Sunday. 

 

For COLTON FIGURA who left for a one year deployment to Turkey on Saturday.

 

For GEORGE HOELSCHER as his cancer is in remission for the time being.  He will undergo more tests and procedures as well as another pet scan and more chemo in the next few weeks.

 

For LILLIAN WINTER as she undergoes surgery to remove her ovaries on Friday.

 

For BUCK HAMPTON who has moved to Lincoln County Nursing and Rehab in Troy to begin receiving chemotherapy treatments.

_________________________________________________________________________

 

PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:

For COLTON FIGURA deployed to Turkey, SAM HARGROVE deployed in Kuwait 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, 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Ladies Aid and all others interested

Connor Wondrasch, the seminarian the Ladies  Aid is supporting is planning to come out to worship to visit and to thank the Ladies on Saturday night.  If you can show up to worship that night, it would be fantastic!  Thanks so much!

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Daily Email: Thursday, November 9, 2017

DEVOTION:   Matthew 25:1-13  English Standard Version (ESV)

The Parable of the Ten Virgins

25 "Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps^[a] and went to meet the bridegroom.^[b] 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. ³ For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, ⁴ but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. ⁵ As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. ⁶ But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' ⁷ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' ⁹ But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' ¹⁰ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. ¹¹ Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' ¹² But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' ¹³ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

 

When Jesus says that they didn't have enough oil, what is the oil?  Is he referring to faith?  Is he talking about good works?  What is the oil that is spoken of in this parable?  It is God's grace.  It is God's grace with which we should be filled up to be ready for the bridegroom's (Jesus') return.  And how do we get God's grace?  We get it through faith.  And how do we get faith?  Scripture says, "faith comes by hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ."

            Always remember and never forget that we aren't going to be ready for Christ's return by all the good things we do, because, as Scripture also says, "All our righteousness is like filthy rags."  It isn't even by just going to church.  It is going to church, actually HEARING God's Word, and BELIEVING it!   Going to church and actually listening to the preacher, reading your Bible and meditating on it, listening to God in prayer are all essentials to being ready for Christ's return. 

            Are you ready? Do you have all the grace you need?  The good news is that if you believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and if you trust in His grace, you are ready!  You are ready for Jesus to return! 

            I want to encourage you, if you are not a believer, to take an honest look at your own life TODAY!  1.Ask yourself, is there a real heaven and hell?  Answer: Yes there is  2. Honestly ask yourself which one you are destined for according to how you have lived your life.  Answer: Everyone, according to how we, as sinners, live our lives, is destined for hell, because heaven is perfect and no perfection can ever enter it.  3. Ask yourself if you can save yourself from hell.  Answer: No.  4. Ask Christ to save you!  5. Trust in Christ's salvation from sin, death, the devil, and hell.  BE READY!!!!

 

Prayer: Lord God, fill my lamp with your oil of grace, forgiveness, and peace so that I am ready for your return.  Amen.

 

___________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:

Thurs- Confirmation make up 6pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm; Karate 6:15-7:45

Fri- Veteran's day

Sat- Worship- 5pm

Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and Bible class 9:45; Elder's meeting Noon

_____________________________________________________

RSHIP WORKERS: 

Acolyte- 8:30- Loren Howard; 11- Nova Luebke

 

Ushers- Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, ???, ???

 

Altar- Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel

 

Elder- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11-
 
Greeters- 8:30- Terry and Lynn Russell; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch

Lay Reader- Sat- Judy Koprowski; 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- Addie Hoelscher

 

Pianist Sat and 8:30-- Molly Hendershot

Projectionist- Sat- Kathy Fischer??; 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Cierra Figura

________________________________________________________________

YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  Who was Mary and Martha's brother?

Okay, this is super easy! Even a first-grader could answer it. He was that dead guy, who starred in that movie, "The Return of the Mummy" - Lazarus! No lie!  Thanks Pat and Don!

__________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: Why did Jesus say that Moses permitted divorce?

___________________________________________________________

NEWS:

WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF NOMINATIONS FOR OUR CHURCH BOARDS!!!  Below is what we need:

 

Board of elders- 3 men of good standing in the church who are active: main duties include, worship and communion assistance, member care, developing of budget for salary and benefits for staff.  They usually meet on the second Sunday of each month at noon. (Dave Winter is timed out and two of our other elders have resigned this year.)

 

Board of trustees- 3 people- main duties include taking care of St. John's property and approving budget for insurance and maintenance.  They meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm and have several work days (usually on Saturday morning) throughout the year.  (Teresa Scott and Gary Hoelscher are both timed out and Scott Heitgerd has transferred to Immanuel, Wentzville)

 

Board of education- 2 people needed- Main duties include planning, preparation and carrying out of Sunday school program, VBS, and other education programs.  They usually meet on an as needed basis.  (Naomi Johnson is unable to continue due to work and family responsibilities and Lisa Rausch's first term is up)  We are in desperate need of a couple people who have the time and energy available to commit to this board.

 

Secretary-  This is not the same as our office administrator, Terry;  This person is responsible for taking minutes at voter's and council meetings, and for preparing agendas for the same.  This person can also be a signer on checks and other official documents.  (Patty Sweet has decided to go to a different church)

 

If you would like to nominate someone, including yourself, or have possible suggestions, please reply to this email, or call me at 636-359-1061

_______________________________________________________________________________

SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORY VERSE IS: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied."  Matthew 5:6

_________________________________________________________________________

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!

________________________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK DONATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS CANNED VEGETABLES.  PLEASE BRING YOUR DONATIONS TO CHURCH AND PUT THEM IN THE TUB MARKED "BACKPACK BLESSINGS"!

____________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS: 

For those who mourn after the tragic church shooting in Texas on Sunday. 

 

For COLTON FIGURA who left for a one year deployment to Turkey on Saturday.

 

For GEORGE HOELSCHER as his cancer is in remission for the time being.  He will undergo more tests and procedures as well as another pet scan and more chemo in the next few weeks.

 

For LILLIAN WINTER as she undergoes surgery to remove her ovaries on Friday.

 

For BUCK HAMPTON who has moved to Lincoln County Nursing and Rehab in Troy to begin receiving chemotherapy treatments.

_________________________________________________________________________

 

PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:

For COLTON FIGURA deployed to Turkey, SAM HARGROVE deployed in Kuwait 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, 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daily Email: Wednesday, November 8, 2017

DEVOTION: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Coming of the Lord

¹³ But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.¹⁴ For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.¹⁵ For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord,^[a] that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.

 

I've never been a very good encourager.  Even when I was a coach I was more at home being the hard taskmaster than the rah rah cheerleader type of encourager.  That doesn't work too well with 8-12 year olds.  They need encouragement.  Everyone needs encouragement.  It is very important to make us who God wants us to be.  

            At the same time it does no good to encourage people with lies or with unattainable expectations.  We must encourage people with the truth, and there is no greater or more encouraging truth than the one that Paul states in our lesson for today.  The truth is that we will those who have "fallen asleep" in the Lord will rise and join those who are still awake and we will meet the Lord in the air!  The Lord will return and make all things new!  He will destroy sin and death forever.  He will cause all things to be purified and made perfect!  We will be with the Lord forever!  There is nothing more encouraging than that.  Praise the Lord!

            This is a passage I often use at funerals.  It is good, because we can remember that we will still grieve because we lost someone we dearly love.  But we grieve differently, as if someone is going away for a while, but that we will see them again.  When you are feeling down, depressed, discouraged, and think the world is falling apart; be encouraged by the day of the Lord.  Know that this sinful world will not go on forever.  Sin, death, the devil, and hell will, once for all, be destroyed and we will live forever with Jesus.

            In a world of discouragement, be an encourager!  Encourage others with the Gospel.  Make sure everyone around you knows that they are forgiven.  Remind people that they are God's children and his chosen creation.  That he loves them with an everlasting love.  At the very least invite them to church so that they can hear it from me.  I may not be the best encourager when it comes to encouraging people to be all that they can be, but I love being an encourager who encourages people to live in Christ's grace, mercy, and peace.  Live in it yourself today and know that he will be with you forever.  Amen.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your encouragement in the Gospel.  Amen.

___________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:

Wed- Board of outreach meeting 5pm; Stephen Ministry 6; Choir 7

Thurs- Confirmation make up 6pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm; Karate 6:15-7:45

Fri- Veteran's day

Sat- Worship- 5pm

Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and Bible class 9:45; Elder's meeting Noon

_____________________________________________________

RSHIP WORKERS: 

Acolyte- 8:30- Loren Howard; 11- Nova Luebke

 

Ushers- Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, ???, ???

 

Altar- Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel

 

Elder- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11-
 
Greeters- 8:30- Terry and Lynn Russell; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch

Lay Reader- Sat- Judy Koprowski; 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- Addie Hoelscher

 

Pianist Sat and 8:30-- Molly Hendershot

Projectionist- Sat- Kathy Fischer??; 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Cierra Figura

________________________________________________________________

YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: To what does Jesus compare Jerusalem as he laments over them? Like chicks who will not stay under the hens wing.  Luke 13:34

___________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ:  Who was Mary and Martha's brother?

__________________________________________________________

NEWS:

WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF NOMINATIONS FOR OUR CHURCH BOARDS!!!  Below is what we need:

 

Board of elders- 3 men of good standing in the church who are active: main duties include, worship and communion assistance, member care, developing of budget for salary and benefits for staff.  They usually meet on the second Sunday of each month at noon. (Dave Winter is timed out and two of our other elders have resigned this year.)

 

Board of trustees- 3 people- main duties include taking care of St. John's property and approving budget for insurance and maintenance.  They meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm and have several work days (usually on Saturday morning) throughout the year.  (Teresa Scott and Gary Hoelscher are both timed out and Scott Heitgerd has transferred to Immanuel, Wentzville)

 

Board of education- 2 people needed- Main duties include planning, preparation and carrying out of Sunday school program, VBS, and other education programs.  They usually meet on an as needed basis.  (Naomi Johnson is unable to continue due to work and family responsibilities and Lisa Rausch's first term is up)  We are in desperate need of a couple people who have the time and energy available to commit to this board.

 

Secretary-  This is not the same as our office administrator, Terry;  This person is responsible for taking minutes at voter's and council meetings, and for preparing agendas for the same.  This person can also be a signer on checks and other official documents.  (Patty Sweet has decided to go to a different church)

 

If you would like to nominate someone, including yourself, or have possible suggestions, please reply to this email, or call me at 636-359-1061

_______________________________________________________________________________

SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORY VERSE IS: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied."  Matthew 5:6

_________________________________________________________________________

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!

________________________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK DONATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS CANNED VEGETABLES.  PLEASE BRING YOUR DONATIONS TO CHURCH AND PUT THEM IN THE TUB MARKED "BACKPACK BLESSINGS"!

____________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS: 

For those who mourn after the tragic church shooting in Texas on Sunday. 

 

For COLTON FIGURA who left for a one year deployment to Turkey on Saturday.

 

For GEORGE HOELSCHER as his cancer is in remission for the time being.  He will undergo more tests and procedures as well as another pet scan and more chemo in the next few weeks.

 

For LILLIAN WINTER as she undergoes surgery to remove her ovaries on Friday.

 

For BUCK HAMPTON who has moved to Lincoln County Nursing and Rehab in Troy to begin receiving chemotherapy treatments.

_________________________________________________________________________

 

PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:

For COLTON FIGURA deployed to Turkey, SAM HARGROVE deployed in Kuwait 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, 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

image001[3281].jpg

A new Christian movie is showing at the Belle Star this Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2pm and again next Friday, Nov. 17 at 7pm.  Read the attached flyer to find out what it's about!!  A free will offering will be taken to support our Pregnancy Options Center. 

 

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

Daily Email: Tuesday, November 7, 2017

DEVOTION:  Amos 5:18-24 English Standard Version (ESV)

Let Justice Roll Down

¹⁸ Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!
    Why would you have the day of the Lord?
It is darkness, and not light,
¹⁹     as if a man fled from a lion,
    and a bear met him,
or went into the house and leaned his hand against the wall,
    and a serpent bit him.
²⁰ Is not the day of the Lord darkness, and not light,
    and gloom with no brightness in it?

²¹ "I hate, I despise your feasts,
    and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
²² Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
    I will not accept them;
and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,
    I will not look upon them.
²³ Take away from me the noise of your songs;
    to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
²⁴ But let justice roll down like waters,
    and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

The back story is everything here.  We need to understand that Amos is God's prophet, and that God is speaking here.  It's also important to know that the people God is speaking to do not have real faith in him.  They think that by their empty feasts, assemblies, peace offerings, and noisy songs they will save themselves.  They think that their own work somehow is going to save them.  It couldn't be further from the truth. 

                That's why God says "let justice roll DOWN like wasters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream".  Righteousness comes down from God to us!  Righteousness literally came down from heaven in Jesus!  Righteousness comes from God to us not the other way around. 

                The next time you think you are doing God a favor by waking up early to come to church, or by reading your Bible more, realize that worship, Bible study and prayer are only for your benefit.  God, the Holy Spirit, works through these things to bring you to faith and keep you in the faith.

                God is warning these people that their comfort and peace in these self righteous acts is wrong.  They are running away from a lion right into a bear's giant jaws.  Instead, true comfort, security, peace, and forgiveness flows from God to us.  It is all a gift!  Trust in God's gifts today!  Trust in God's forgiveness and stay away from ever thinking that you are doing any good on your own!  Always remember that the Holy Spirit is doing good working through you and in you and that's all it will ever be. 

 

Prayer: Lord, keep me from ever being conceited in your good work in me and through me.  Keep me humble so that I may trust in your grace alone.  Amen.

 

 

 

____________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:

Tues- Quilting 9-2

Wed- Board of outreach meeting 5pm; Stephen Ministry 6; Choir 7

Thurs- Confirmation make up 6pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm; Karate 6:15-7:45

Fri- Veteran's day

Sat- Worship- 5pm

Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and Bible class 9:45; Elder's meeting Noon

_____________________________________________________

RSHIP WORKERS: 

Acolyte- 8:30- Loren Howard; 11- Nova Luebke

 

Ushers- Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, ???, ???

 

Altar- Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel

 

Elder- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11-
 
Greeters- 8:30- Terry and Lynn Russell; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch

Lay Reader- Sat- Judy Koprowski; 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- Addie Hoelscher

 

Pianist Sat and 8:30-- Molly Hendershot

Projectionist- Sat- Kathy Fischer??; 8:30- Erv Yoder; 11- Cierra Figura

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  How many people total did Jesus send out two by two into all the towns and villages he was about to go?  Today's answer comes from the other side of the ocean!  Luke 10:1 after this Lord appointed 72 others and send them to buy two ahead of them to every town in place he was about to go.

THANKS Denise! 

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TODAY'S QUIZ:  To what does Jesus compare Jerusalem as he laments over them?

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NEWS:

WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF NOMINATIONS FOR OUR CHURCH BOARDS!!!  Below is what we need:

 

Board of elders- 3 men of good standing in the church who are active: main duties include, worship and communion assistance, member care, developing of budget for salary and benefits for staff.  They usually meet on the second Sunday of each month at noon. (Dave Winter is timed out and two of our other elders have resigned this year.)

 

Board of trustees- 3 people- main duties include taking care of St. John's property and approving budget for insurance and maintenance.  They meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm and have several work days (usually on Saturday morning) throughout the year.  (Teresa Scott and Gary Hoelscher are both timed out and Scott Heitgerd has transferred to Immanuel, Wentzville)

 

Board of education- 2 people needed- Main duties include planning, preparation and carrying out of Sunday school program, VBS, and other education programs.  They usually meet on an as needed basis.  (Naomi Johnson is unable to continue due to work and family responsibilities and Lisa Rausch's first term is up)  We are in desperate need of a couple people who have the time and energy available to commit to this board.

 

Secretary-  This is not the same as our office administrator, Terry;  This person is responsible for taking minutes at voter's and council meetings, and for preparing agendas for the same.  This person can also be a signer on checks and other official documents.  (Patty Sweet has decided to go to a different church)

 

If you would like to nominate someone, including yourself, or have possible suggestions, please reply to this email, or call me at 636-359-1061

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SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORY VERSE IS: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied."  Matthew 5:6

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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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OPERATION BACKPACK DONATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS CANNED VEGETABLES.  PLEASE BRING YOUR DONATIONS TO CHURCH AND PUT THEM IN THE TUB MARKED "BACKPACK BLESSINGS"!

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PRAYERS: 

For those who mourn after the tragic church shooting in Texas on Sunday. 

 

For COLTON FIGURA who left for a one year deployment to Turkey on Saturday.

 

For GEORGE HOELSCHER as his cancer is in remission for the time being.  He will undergo more tests and procedures as well as another pet scan and more chemo in the next few weeks.

 

For LILLIAN WINTER as she undergoes surgery to remove her ovaries on Friday.

 

For BUCK HAMPTON who has moved to Lincoln County Nursing and Rehab in Troy to begin receiving chemotherapy treatments.

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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:

For COLTON FIGURA deployed to Turkey, SAM HARGROVE deployed in Kuwait 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, 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.