DEVOTION:
No sooner had Gideon died than the Israelites again prostituted themselves to the Baals. They set up Baal-Berith as their god and did not remember the Lord their God, who had rescued them from the hands of all their enemies on every side. Judges 8:33-34
I remember one time when I was in high school my mom and dad went on a trip by themselves to the Bahamas. I was put in charge of the house and the farm. You know the old saying, "when the cats away, the mice will play." Well that was me. I had several parties at my house that week. I didn't sleep much, because I also had to take care of the chores on the farm. It wasn't till many years later that my mom and dad found out about it.
But I was still punished for my misdeeds. About a week or so after I hadn't gotten much, if any sleep, O got really sick, and I ended up with mono. God made sure I didn't go without facing the consequences of my sin.
In this part of Scripture God does the same thing. Gideon was a strong leader and had defeated the enemies of Israel on every side. He kept the people in check, because he was a godly man who listened to the Lord. But as soon as he died the people forgot all about God. God didn't let them off the hook. He rose up opposition to the Israelites who would overtake them at various places and times. During this period we see a lot of unrest, a lot of military coos and one massacre after another.
Still today, we can look at a lot of times that bad things happen to us, the consequences of sin, and simply ask the question; What do I need to repent of? What is God trying to tell me? You may be surprised at the stuff that even gets hidden from your own sight, those little, and sometimes even big, areas in your life where you have forgotten God's will. Then you can go to God and receive His mercy, grace, and love. Bu then also realize what he said to the woman at the well. "Your sins are forgiven! Go and sin no more!"
Let us pray: Lord God, help us to know that sometimes that bad things that happen to us are used to teach us a lesson and to make us wise unto salvation. Help us to learn from our mistakes so that we might be forgiven and serve you better. Amen.
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MONDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Deborah? (No one answered on Monday so I will leave it up for another day.)
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CALENDAR:\
Wed- Ladies Aid meeting 1pm; Supper (Fried chicken and all the fixings) 5:30; worship 6:30; APRIL NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE
Fri- No youth lock in
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30- Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
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LOTS OF NEW NEWS, SO MAKE SURE YOU READ IT ALL!
CATHOLIC/LUTHERAN CLASS TO BEGIN TUESDAY, APRIL 2 AT 7PM!!!
So far I have Derek Ebert, Kerry Aubuchon, and Matt Adams signed up. If you would like to come just to check it out or you are Catholic and would like to become a member of St. John's please let me know and we'll sing you up for the class!!!
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20/30 YEAR OLDS SPRING PICNIC
Even though it is only 30 degrees. Winter is over and Spring has sprung! Time to gear up for some activities and fellowship. I would like to kick it off on Friday night, April 19 at 6pm with a picnic under the pavilion. I will make the brats and burgers. You bring your favorite beverage and a side dish to share. PLEASE Let me know if you can come!
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MEN'S NETWORK TO BEGIN WITH A MEN'S BREAKFAST ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27 at 8am!!!
It has been on my mind and heart to begin a men's ministry at St. John's. I would like us to begin with a men's breakfast on Sat, April 27 at 8am. I will do the cooking, but I would like a guy or two to help me out. We will eat breakfast and have a half hour devotion, followed by the planning of future gatherings and events. Please make plans to attend TODAY. Wives please encourage your husbands to go!!!
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YOUTH LOCK-IN CANCELLED
Due to lack of interest and time constraints the youth lock in for this weekend is cancelled. Hopefully it will be rescheduled for sometime in April.
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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY TO BEGIN ON MONDAY, APRIL 8 at 6:30PM!!
Make plans now to attend and bring a friend. It will be fun! I promise!
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LAST MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICE IS TONIGHT!!
Come and hear about some of the crazy, strange, and wonderful things that happened during the forty days between Christ's resurrection and ascension!
COME HAVE FRIED CHICKEN FOR SUPPER AT 5:30!!
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RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW TO SELL YOUR OWN WARES AT ST JOHN'S ON SATURDAY, MAY 4
The ladies aid is expanding their bake and craft sale to include those who would like to sell their own products whether they be homemade crafts or sell from home products like uppercase living, scentsy, Tupperware, etc. Tables are available for $20 a table.
Along with that there will again be parking lot spaces available for our 5th annual Flea market. parking spaces are $10 a space. More info below:
WHERE??
Basement and Little Lambs Classrooms: The Ladies Aid is adding INSIDE spaces for vendors, crafters, and bakers to their Spring Craft and Bake Sale. You can reserve your own spot to sell your own wares for $20 per table. These spots are open to St. John's members first before being open to the public. If you are interested, call Coleen Bottorff 456-5482 or the church office 456-2888 within the next two weeks.
Parking Lot: The Annual Flea Market will continue as it has the past four years. Parking spaces will remain $10 per space. Proceeds from the outdoor parking space rentals and Little Lambs sale under the pavilion will benefit the preschool. They are raising funds for their new Summer Camp Programs and to enhance preschool. Please call the Little Lambs teachers or the church office to rent a parking space 456-2888
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PURCHASE AN EASTER LILY FOR THE ALTAR FOR EASTER SUNDAY!!
Please sign the sheet on the counter in the narthex by next Wednesday, March 20. If they are in memory of someone, or for a special occasion, please make note of that on the sheet. They are $12.50 each. You may take yours home after the 10am service!
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PRAYERS:
