Thurs, Dec. 19, 2013

DEVOTION:  "Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever.  Amen. For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions.  For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men..."  Romans 1:24-27
 
And from 1 Corinthians 6:9-11   "Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
 
If you have been listening to the news the last 18 hours or been on Facebook for 5 minutes, you have probably heard or read about Phil Robertson, (the dad on Duck Dynasty) who said some negative things about homosexuality.  While he probably didn't say it all with tact with exactly the right words, what he said comes from Scripture.   Homosexuality is sinful according to God's Word.  It is not according to God's plan for His creation. 
 
I appreciate and am proud of the fact that Phil Robertson and many like him are able to stand up for what God says even in the midst of much opposition. 
 
That being said, what he said later about his statement rings even more true.  Here's what he said: "I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior. My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together.  However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other."

 We need to call sin what it is according to Scriptures, not according to what we think about a particular sin, but according to what God says about it.  At the same time we need to call the Gospel what it is too and we need to do it VERY LOUDLY AND WITH JOY!
 
We are all sinners in need of God's grace!  let's treat each other as such, and love each other with the good news that Jesus, was born, suffered, died, and rose again all for us!!
 
Let us pray:  Lord God, help us to love all sinners as you have loved us, by calling us to repentance and forgiving us all day every day!  Amen.
 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Titus?  Titus was an early Christian, a missionary and a friend of St. Paul.  According to a later tradition he was a Bishop in Crete. (Great job Dianne!)
___________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAY'S QUIZ: How did Paul know Timothy?
______________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME FOR SUPPER LAST NIGHT!!  We made $600!!!
A special thank you to he many who helped our board of outreach and evangelism (Molly Hendershot, Denise Schlesselmann, and Julie Donsky) serve and clean up!!  It was all worth it!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
17 DAYS TILL WE BEGIN THE STORY!!!!  HAVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR BOOKS YET? 
Kids 0-18 get their books for free!!  Adults pay $6 per book.
 
We will be starting at least one new The Story Study at 4pm on Saturday afternoons.  We may also be starting an evening Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 (7:30 during lent) if there is enough interest. 
 
High School kids will have The Story Study at 5pm on Sunday afternoons. 
______________________________________________________________________________________
ALL MEMBERS HAVE OFFERING ENVELOPES!!!
They are on the table in the narthex. 
___________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:
WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to recover VERY SLOWLY from pneumonia and from complications after brain surgery.
 
Those going through cancer treatments:
Rick Spiniolas
Jonas Borchert (Don Nolte's grandson)
Jennifer- John and Mary Jo Fahrni's daughter
 
Those recovering from injuries and surgeries
Joyce Pietzschke- shoulder
Nancy Spiniolas- hip replacement
 
All of our servicemen-
Caleb Figura- Virginia
Danny Dreyer- Germany
Sam Hargrove- Alabama
David Mincemeyer- Colorado
Andrew Sherman (working as a military contractor in Afghanistan)
David Tate- Florida
Ryan Woolf- Colorado
Jon Rahn- Hawaii
Alex Walters- Guam
            
           

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

Wed, Dec. 18, 2013

DEVOTION: "At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.  We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.  But when the kindness and love of God appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."  Titus 3:3-6
 
 
Sometimes you just have to let the Word speak for itself.  I can't say it any better than Paul says it right here.  Nuff said.
 
Let's pray:  Lord God help me to trust and have hope in your washing of rebirth  and renewal by the Holy Spirit, so that I may live a new life.  Amen.  
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY and TUESDAY'S QUIZ:  Where is Philippi in relation to Israel?  (I will leave this up another day since no one answered it.) It is in south eastern Europe near Greece, north and west of Israel.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
WEDNESDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Titus?
___________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Wed- Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
GIVING TREE GIFTS!!!
If you haven't brought them in yet, make sure you do so by TONIGHT!!!!  Thank you to all who participated in this wonderful opportunity to care for the children of our community.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPER TONIGHT HOSTED BY THE BOARD OF EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH
Don't bring any food, but bring some cash to fill our fund for those who need help of all different kinds!!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
18 DAYS TILL WE BEGIN THE STORY!!!!  HAVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR BOOKS YET? 
Kids 0-18 get their books for free!!  Adults pay $6 per book.
 
We will be starting at least one new The Story Study at 4pm on Saturday afternoons.  We may also be starting an evening Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 (7:30 during lent) if there is enough interest. 
 
High School kids will have The Story Study at 5pm on Sunday afternoons. 
______________________________________________________________________________________
ALL MEMBERS HAVE OFFERING ENVELOPES!!!
They are on the table in the narthex. 
___________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:
WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to recover VERY SLOWLY from pneumonia and from complications after brain surgery.
 
Those going through cancer treatments:
Rick Spiniolas
Jonas Borchert (Don Nolte's grandson)
Jennifer- John and Mary Jo Fahrni's daughter
 
Those recovering from injuries and surgeries
Joyce Pietzschke- shoulder
Nancy Spiniolas- hip replacement
 
All of our servicemen-
Caleb Figura- Virginia
Danny Dreyer- Germany
Sam Hargrove- Alabama
David Mincemeyer- Colorado
Andrew Sherman (working as a military contractor in Afghanistan)
David Tate- Florida
Ryan Woolf- Colorado
Jon Rahn- Hawaii
Alex Walters- Guam
           

Pastor's sermon from Sunday

In case you missed it......
 
 
http://youtu.be/oS_hmczG2g8

FW: projectors for this weekend and Christmas Eve

Thank you Terry!!

Just two more to go. 
 
As I looked at my schedule I noticed that there is NO ONE signed up to do the projector for Sat or early Sun this week nor is there anyone signed up for Christmas Eve for either service. 
 
 
PLEASE HELP!!!
 
Fill in the schedule:
 
Sat, Dec 21-
 
Sun, Dec. 22- 8:30--  Terry McKenzie (Thank you Terry)
 
 
Christmas Eve:
7pm-  Perricones
 
10pm-  
           


--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.


FW: projectors for this weekend and Christmas Eve

Thanks Perricones!!

A few more to go. 
 
As I looked at my schedule I noticed that there is NO ONE signed up to do the projector for Sat or early Sun this week nor is there anyone signed up for Christmas Eve for either service. 
 
 
PLEASE HELP!!!
 
Fill in the schedule:
 
Sat, Dec 21-
 
Sun, Dec. 22- 8:30
 
 
Christmas Eve:
7pm-  Perricones
 
10pm-  
           

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

projectors for this weekend and Christmas Eve

As I looked at my schedule I noticed that there is NO ONE signed up to do the projector for Sat or early Sun this week nor is there anyone signed up for Christmas Eve for either service. 
 
 
PLEASE HELP!!!
 
Fill in the schedule:
 
Sat, Dec 21-
 
Sun, Dec. 22- 8:30
 
 
Christmas Eve:
7pm-
 
10pm- 

Tues, Dec. 17, 2013

Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour

Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin!  Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM). 





"Losers"
December 17, 2013
CPTLN Christ on cross(Jesus said) "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Luke 19:10
In life there are winners and there are losers.

Of course, there are those times when it is possible for everybody to lose. As example, I would point to the story of Edmonton, Alberta's Justin Harder and Calvin Clackson.

The story begins with 18-year-old Harder boasting to his friend Clackson that he had managed to get his hands on a "stab-proof" vest. Now I've never heard of a stab-proof vest, but apparently the article of clothing has the ability of deflecting the point of any knife thrust at it.

I say apparently for good reason.

Harder was so positive of his vest that he encouraged his friend to take a stab at puncturing it. Clackson agreed and jabbed the knife at his pal's heart. Long story short: the knife worked and the vest didn't. When the knife came out, so did a spurt of Harder's blood. Well, the blood freaked Clackson out and he ran away. As for Harder, his life was spared because of an emergency surgery, which took place at the local hospital.

So ... everybody lost. The faulty vest's inventor lost; Harder lost because of his hospital time, and Clackson lost because he has been sentenced to six months in jail.

The story seems like a modern-day retelling of humankind's fall into sin.

Satan tempted our first ancestors, and the result was disastrous. Satan -- history's biggest loser -- was told how he would be defeated when God's Son entered the world to offer Himself to rescue us from sin, the world, and Satan. The snake lost when it was condemned to eat dirt, and Adam and Eve lost because, after a life of trouble, they were condemned to spend eternity in hell.

Everybody lost. At least everybody should have lost.

You see, unlike the story of Harder and Clackson, humanity's story does have an alternative ending.

That ending can be ours because, some 2,000 years ago, God kept His promise to send His Son. In Bethlehem, Jesus was born of a virgin.

For the next decades His life was spent fulfilling the laws we had broken. Then, after having lived a perfect life, Jesus carried our sins to the cross and died the death our disobedience deserved. His descent into hell showed those regions the success of His mission, and His third-day resurrection proved to all who will take a serious look, that death itself has been defeated.

That's why, since Jesus' redemption is offered freely to all, on Judgment Day the only loser has to be the devil.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I give thanks that because Jesus has successfully paid my debt, I have been moved from condemnation to salvation. May I give thanks for His sacrifice and do my best to tell the world that, because of Jesus, they no longer have to be losers. This I ask in the Savior's Name. Amen.
Pastor KlausIn Christ I remain His servant and yours,


Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
 
Print this devotionSubscribe to this podcast!Through the Bible in a Year
Today Read:
Psalms 84,90; Revelation 9
The Lutheran HourSign up for LHM news
Pastor Klaus bioChange my email address
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAY'S QUIZ ANSWER:  It was his nephew
____________________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY and TUESDAY'S QUIZ:  Where is Philippi in relation to Israel?  (I will leave this up another day since no one answered it.)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilting 9-2; No Bible Study
Wed- Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
GIVING TREE GIFTS!!!
If you haven't brought them in yet, make sure you do so by tomorrow evening!!!!  Thank you to all who participated in this wonderful opportunity to care for the children of our community.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
SUPPER TOMORROW NIGHT HOSTED BY THE BOARD OF EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH
Don't bring any food, but bring some cash to fill our fund for those who need help of all different kinds!!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
19 DAYS TILL WE BEGIN THE STORY!!!!  HAVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR BOOKS YET? 
Kids 0-18 get their books for free!!  Adults pay $6 per book.
 
We will be starting at least one new The Story Study at 4pm on Saturday afternoons.  We may also be starting an evening Bible Study on Wednesdays at 7 (7:30 during lent) if there is enough interest. 
 
High School kids will have The Story Study at 5pm on Sunday afternoons. 
______________________________________________________________________________________
ALL MEMBERS HAVE OFFERING ENVELOPES!!!
They are on the table in the narthex. 
___________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:
WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to recover VERY SLOWLY from pneumonia and from complications after brain surgery.
 
Those going through cancer treatments:
Rick Spiniolas
Jonas Borchert (Don Nolte's grandson)
Jennifer- John and Mary Jo Fahrni's daughter
 
Those recovering from injuries and surgeries
Joyce Pietzschke- shoulder
Nancy Spiniolas- hip replacement
 
All of our servicemen-
Caleb Figura- Virginia
Danny Dreyer- Germany
Sam Hargrove- Alabama
David Mincemeyer- Colorado
Andrew Sherman (working as a military contractor in Afghanistan)
David Tate- Florida
Ryan Woolf- Colorado
Jon Rahn- Hawaii
Alex Walters- Guam

Mon., Dec. 16, 2013

 
DEVOTION: I thank my God every time I remember you.  In all my prayers for all of you,  I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.  Philippians 1:3-5
 
 
Paul is talking here about his friends and fellow Christians in Philippi.  In spite of severe persecution they were faithful to their Lord god.  In spite of dealing with all sorts of troubles from both the unbelieving Jews and the Roman government they didn't waiver in their faith.  Instead, the news of their faith continued to grow stronger and stronger and their example of faith revealed the love of Christ in what they said and did.
 
 
There are many of you that when I think of you I am floored by the faithfulness to Christ you exhibit and the example you are to other of what it means to be in the love of Christ.  It encourages me in my work to see Christians such as yourselves doing the work of the Lord. 
 
I am especially thankful at this Christmas time to know that so many of you care for about me and my family, and that you take time to pray for us often.  It gives me confidence that I am not doing my work in vain, but that it is producing fruit in many of you.
 
On the other hand, there are also many I am concerned about.  Maybe it is because I haven't seen you in worship in a long time.  Maybe it is because you are having trouble with relationships in your life.  Maybe it is because you are continuing in an illness  that has plagued you for a long time and it is causing you depression, anxiety, and spiritual exhaustion. 
 
Whatever the case may be, whether I am thanking God for your faithfulness and the good that He is providing to you, or am concerned for you and your faith, please know that I never stop praying for you and that I care about all of you as much as the Lord has given you to me to care for. 
 
Peace be with you all this Christmas as you rejoice in His incarnation, His life, His death, and His resurrection!  All for you!!
 
Let's pray: Lord God, bless and keep the people on St. John's in Your mercy and grace that they may serve you in peace and joy! Give them comfort in their circumstances and peace to know that you will never leave them or forsake them.  Amen.
 
___________________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY'S QUIZ:   Where was Philippi in relation to Israel?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAY'S QUIZ:  Who was it that warned Paul, and then the  commander of the centurions, that there was an ambush waiting for Paul to kill him?
____________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR
Mon- confirmation 5-6:15
Tues- Quilter 9-2; No Bible Study
Wed- Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Sat-  worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school and adult Bible class 9:45
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
GIVING TREE GIFTS
If you didn't bring your gifts to church this weekend, make sure you bring them to church by WEDNESDAY!!!  NO LATER!!  They will be picked up and/or delivered on Thursday!!
_____________________________________________________
WEDNESDAY'S ADVENT SUPPER IS HOSTED BY THE BOARD OF EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH AT 5:30!!!  
 
DO NOT BRING FOOD!!  JUST BRING YOURSELVES AND SOME MONEY FOR A FREE WILL OFFERING FOR OUR EMERGENCY FUND FOR THOSE IN NEED, CALLED THE BENEVOLENCE FUND. 
 
The menu is fried chicken, roasted red potatoes, green beans, salad, and dessert. 
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY YESTERDAY!!
Three kids Ava Campbell, Alyse Scott, and Elijah Scott, were baptized!!  The Sunday school kids had an EXCELLENT Program!!  And there were over 300 people at the Little Lambs Program who heard the good news of Jesus birth from 3, 4, and 5 year olds!!
 
In all about 550 people heard the good news of Jesus' salvation at St. John's yesterday, many of whom may have never heard it before!!!
 
It doesn't get much better than that!!  PRAISE THE LORD!!
__________________________________________________
20 DAYS TILL THE STORY STARTS!!
Are you excited?  Do you have your books yet? 
 
Adults may buy their books for $6 a piece before or after worship!! 
 
Kids will get their books at Sunday school, but if they miss Sunday school they can get them after worship as well!!!



What is it?  THE STORY is a book compiled and written by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee, which takes sections of the Bible and divides it up into 31 chapters and adds commentary and study notes to it.  The best way to describe it is to call it a Reader's Digest condensed version of the Bible.  It is not split up into chapters and verses but reads more like a novel, and it doesn't include every bit of the Bible, but most of the main sections and stories.  
 
How will it work?  As a family and as individual members of the congregation you will each get a copy of the book.  There are different versions for adults, teens, older elementary age and younger children.  You will get these and read chapter 1 before January 5.  Each week we will go through a chapter of the book in every part of the church's life: in Worship, Bible Studies, Confirmation and in the Home for personal devotions. 
 
Why are we doing this? This is a great opportunity for all of us to read through the Bible TOGETHER in 31 weeks and for us to all literally be on the same page.  The materials are excellent.  It is a fantastic way for us to grow together as a church and or us to reach out to the community with the Gospel! 
 
What about special weeks like Holy Week and Easter?  We will take several weeks off throughout these eight months, one for Life Sunday in January, one for Easter and another two or three when I am going to be gone for Spring Break and other vacations. A specific schedule will be coming out in the next week or so.  
 
How do we get the books?  Each adult will be asked to buy a book for $6.  A table will be set up in the narthex to buy them before and after services for the next several weeks or you can call Marilyn in the office at 456-2888 to purchase your during the week.  
 
What about the kids?  All children will receive a copy that is age appropriate courtesy of the Janet Wagner fund.  There will be a table set up for the next several weeks for adults to buy books.  Kids will get theirs in Sunday school . 
 
What kind of help is needed to make this a success?  We have several volunteers already to sell books, but could use a few more to sell before and after services until everyone who wants a copy of the book has one.    I would also like someone, a man or a woman, who would be willing to lead a study of it during the week. 
 
Can I order books for family members who are not members?  There will also be an order form for those of you who want to buy books for your children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends.  PLEASE NOTE THAT PRICES WILL FLUCTUATE ON FUTURE ORDERS DUE TO PRICE CHANGES WITH BOOK DISTRIBUTORS AND PUBLISHING HOUSES.
 
Where can I go to get more info?  Please go to www.thestory.com for more info. 
 ___________________________________________________________________________________________



 
OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE ON THE TABLE IN THE NARTHEX.
I have noticed that a lot of you who have been in church have not picked them up.  If you are a confirmed member of the church you have your own offering envelopes.  Make sure you pick them up next time you are at worship!! 
____________________________________________________________
 
 
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:
For Marilyn Foster's sister MARCIE, who is at home and doing better, but still has a long road to recovery.
 
For WILMA WEIGLE who is back at Delmar Gardens.
 
For NANCY SPINIOLAS as she continues to recover from hip replacement surgery and is doing very well. 
 
For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who is dealing with bad cancer in his lungs.
 
For RICK SPINIOLAS as he continues to battle his pancreatic cancer.
 
 For JOYCE PIETZSCHKE who is recovering from a fractured shoulder.
 
 

PRAYERS FOR OUR SERVICEMEN
CALEB FIGURA- Army national Guard- just completed basic training.
 
Danny Dreyer-  Army- 2nd Lieutenant- Ranger, GERMANY
 
Sam Hargrove- Army- 2 Lieutenant- Ft Rucker, Alabama, will be going through helicopter flight school and other training
 
David Mincemeyer- Army- Army Specialist- Ft. Carson, CO
 
Jon Rahn- Navy- Hawaii, not sure of his rank at this time
 
David Tate- Air Force- 2nd Lieutenant- Jacksonville, Florida
 
Alex Walters- Navy- E4- Guam
 
Ryan Woolf- Air Force- Airman 1st Class- Buckley Air Force Base, near Denver, CO
 
 
If there are more out there that I just don't know about, please let me know, and I will include him/her on the list. 
 
Also, if you would like your family member or friend included in this list, please reply to this email with all the information!

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.