St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO

Tues. April 15, 2014

DEVOTION: Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 and The Story p. 173

This is Holy Week. It started on Sunday with palm leaves and a Palm Sunday processional of "Hosanna in the Highest". The first three days of this week aren't really quite as special as there are no special services, no names for these days, and everyone going about their regular business.

Yet, even though we don't treat it as special or have special worship services Mon-Wed it doesn't mean that Christ is any less present in our lives. He is with us and His love and mercy follows us all the days of our lives.

You may be having or at least expecting a great day today. You may be going through the toughest time in your life. Either way, know that the Lord is not any more or less present because of your circumstances. He is always completely present! He is always ALL THERE!

Even as you go through the sharpest of pain He is there. And even at your highest of heights, He is there! He cries with you and He rejoices with you.

Best of all you will dwell in His house forever! One day He won't be veiled. He won't just be present as a Spirit. You will see Him face to face. You will eat your meals with Him. You will play with Him. You will walk and talk with Him. He will be there FOREVER!

Have peace in that even on these "ordinary" days.

Prayer: Lord God help us to realize Your presence right here right now and every minute of every day. Amen.

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: What son of David would be the one to build the temple? Solomon

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TODAY'S QUIZ: Name one of David's "mighty men". (Hint: It's not in The Story but it is in 2 Samuel.)

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CALENDAR:

Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; Council meeting 7pm

Wed- Ladies Aid w/ Mite boxes noon; May newsletter deadline

Thurs- Maundy Thursday worship 6:30

Fri- Good Friday worship 6:30
Sat- NO WORSHIP
Sun- Sunrise worship 6:30; Breakfast 8; Easter Egg Hunt 9; Worship 10
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK
Acolytes- Maundy Thursday Siera Jaeger; Good Friday Hannah Johnson; 6:30- Devin Miller 10- Jacob Nagel
Altar guild- Set up- Maundy Thursday Lucille Luebke; Good Friday- Terry McKenzie; Clean up- Maundy Thursday- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer; Easter Sunday: Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt, Clean up- Lois Boeger
Greeters- Easter- 6:30- Randy and Patty Sweet 10- Charlie and Lynn Figura
Communion Assistants- Maundy Thursday- (All ELDERS SHOULD BE THERE); Easter- 6:30- Rich Talbert 10- Dave Winter
Lay Readers- 6:30- Randy Sweet; 11am- Lynn Figura
8:30 Ushers- Maundy Thursday-- Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover; Good Friday- George Hoelscher, Brent Davis, Gary Hoelscher, Walt Schirr; Easter- 6:30- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte; 10am- Figura Family
Projectors- Maundy Thursday- Terry McKenzie; Good Friday- Kailyn Blechle; 6:30- Julie Schaumberg 10- Terry McKenzie
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NEWS:

GO SEE A MOVIE!!! "GOD'S NOT DEAD" is an excellent movie for a Christian to go and see!!

I HAVE SEEN IT TWICE AND WILL BE TALKING ABOUT IT ON KFUO NEXT MONDAY! It is a great movie for both those who like ot think and those who just like a good dramatic movie.

Check it out at http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com/ It is playing in Warrenton at 4:05 and 7pm through Thursday.

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WE WILL NOT BE STUDYING THE STORY THIS WEEK IN LIEU OF HOLY WEEK AND THE CELEBRATION OF OUR LORD'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION!!!

If you want to get ahead or get caught up we will be studying chapter 13 "The King Who Had It All" the weekend of the 27th.

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HOLY WEEK SERVICES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Maundy Thursday- worship (with holy communion)6:30

Good Friday- worship 6:30

(No worship on Saturday)

Resurrection Sunday- worship 6:30am; breakfast 8am; Easter Egg Hunt 9am; worship 10am
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LADIES AID MEETING THIS WEDNESDAY AT NOON!!! PLEASE BRING YOUR MITE BOXES.

All women of the congregation are invited to attend! No lunch provided, but dessert will be provided.

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NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IS MAY 1 BREAKFAST IS AT 6:30AM and PRAYER SERVICE IS AT 7AM!!

We had a GREAT response on our sign up sheet on Sunday re the National Day of Prayer Breakfast.

The only items yet needed are the following:

1 GALLON OF ORANGE JUICE

3 DOZEN DONUTS (Please note that 3 of you could donate 1 dozen each to keep cost down & more people can participate)

8 BANANAS

1 DOZEN "HARD BOILED" EGGS

If you can help by donating any of the items mentioned above on our "wish list", please DO NOT HIT REPLY

PLEASE CONTACT SANDY ROBINE DIRECT AT 636-456-4147 OR EMAIL SANDY ROBINE AT snsrobine@centurytel.net

Thank you all so much, once again, for your generosity helping out this great day of fellowship and prayer with our Christian neighbors in Warrenton!

Note: I will post "drop off" info re these items later this week! Thanks again!

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JUST A FEW SPACES LEFT IN THE THREE YEAR OLD LITTLE LAMBS CLASS FOR NEXT YEAR!!

The four year old class is full and there is a waiting list that people can get on if they wish.

The three year old class still has several spaces available. If you know of someone or you would like to get your own child in to this class please call the church office asap!!!

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A LETTER FROM OUR DCE INTERN KELSEY OVERBECK
My name is Kelsey Overbeck and I will be your DCE intern this year from Concordia University Nebraska. I am from a little town called Pocahontas, Missouri

which is in the southeast part of the state with a population of 114 people. I live on a 70 acre farm where we raise angus cattle, a few chickens, a brittany spaniel named Brownie, and a boston terrier named Cooper. My parents are Pat and Doug Overbeck; my dad is a line technician for Proctor & Gamble and my mom is disabled with Multiple Sclerosis, I also have a 16 year old sister named Lindsey who is a sophomore at

Saxony Lutheran High School.

I attended grade school at St. Paul Lutheran School and then I attended high school at Saxony Lutheran High School. I am from St. Paul Lutheran Church in

Jackson, Missouri. I have been involved in my church praise band for 8 years playing acoustic guitar and bass guitar. I was a member of the Missouri District LYF Team during high school where I helped plan and lead retreats in the state of Missouri and I continued to help with the Jr. High retreats in the fall and spring while in college. I love being at retreats and serving on missions trips. I have been to New Orleans six different times helping with hurricane Katrina relief, I have helped with the Joplin tornado relief two different times, and I have worked with UKANDU missions in inner city Chicago

teaching VBS to kids living in poverty.

While at Concordia University Nebraska I majored in psychology with a youth emphasis. I fulfilled my practicum experience at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln,

Nebraska alongside DCE Rod Lane. At school I was involved in two different praise bands each year and was able to travel to different churches throughout the state of Nebraska on Sunday mornings; I have also had the opportunity to play at the NYG in San Antonio, Texas and at the LEA Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Also while at

Concordia I was the Bulldog mascot for a year. My passion is working with youth and helping them on their faith walk with Christ. I strive to be a positive role model to them as well. One of my biggest strengths that I

bring into youth ministry is a listening ear because a lot of times they just want someone to be there to listen and talk to. I am very excited to be a part of your church during my internship experience! I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me at St. John’s

Lutheran Church!

In Him, For Him,

Kelsey Overbeck
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VENDOR FAIR AND TAILGATE SALE AND LADIES AID LUNCHEON AND BAKE SALE IS COMING SOON!! SATURDAY, MAY 3, 7am-2pm

Reserve an inside vendor table for $20 or a tailgate space for $10 by filling out a registration form in the church office. Inside tables will not be reserved until forms are filled out and paid for. First come first served!!
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WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE YOUR OFFERING DEDUCTED AUTOMATICALLY FROM YOUR BANK ACCOUNT???
The church council is researching an automatic electronic funds transfer option for members who wish to have their regular offerings deducted directly from their bank account. We would like to get a "feel" of whether or not enough members would be interested and willing to participate in this option. Please contact the church office or Alan Hofeldt directly if you think you would be a candidate for this service.
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TWO GROUP TRAVEL EVENTS COMING UP THIS YEAR!!
October 4--A DAY IN ST. LOUIS-- We will tour places that are hidden gems in St. Louis

December 6-- CATHOLIC RECTORY IN HERMANN AND POSSIBLY A CHRISTMAS SHOW IN OSAGE BEACH

Let Marilyn know if you are interested in either of these trip so she can make definite plans.
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PASTOR NEEDS SPONSORS FOR HIS BIKE ACROSS KANSAS!!
I will be biking across part of Kansas, about 250 miles in all, on June 7-9 to raise money for Leadachild.org. Lead a Child is a LCMS recognized service organization that provides funding for kids to attend schools, many of them Christian schools, in third world countries. It has provided A LOT for ministries and missions to help kids who would otherwise have NO EDUCATION in places like Guatemala, Kenya, Uganda, Mexico, and many other places. Please consider supporting me so that we can continue to support children throughout the world! As of January 1, I am also on the board of directors for this organization.

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PRAYER REQUESTS: (If you have a prayer request please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061)

FOR JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who was supposed to have yet another surgery this past weekend but was postponed to today. The surgery is to remove another cancerous tumor.

For SANDRA PERRICONE, who will be having surgery Wednesday morning.

For the family of JESUS PARIDO, a junior at WHS who was killed in a car accident this past weekend. He is a friend to many kds and teachers in the congregation.

For KELSEY OVERBECK as she finishes up her schooling at Concordia, Seward and moves to Warrenton to become our DCE intern.

For OUR CONGREGATION as we continue to grow very rapidly and as we love our community with the love of Christ.

For MARY STEMLER, a soon to be member of St. John's who is at home recovering from congestive heart failure.

THOSE WITH CANCER, especially RICK SPINIOLAS, and the many others among our family and friends who are struggling with cancer.

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National Day of Prayer Sign ups update

GOOD MORNING!!

We had a GREAT response on our sign up sheet on Sunday re the National Day of Prayer Breakfast.

The only items yet needed are the following:

1 GALLON OF ORANGE JUICE

3 DOZEN DONUTS (Please note that 3 of you could donate 1 dozen each to keep cost down & more people can participate)

8 BANANAS

1 DOZEN "HARD BOILED" EGGS

If you can help by donating any of the items mentioned above on our "wish list", please DO NOT HIT REPLY

PLEASE CONTACT SANDY ROBINE DIRECT AT 636-456-4147 OR EMAIL SANDY ROBINE AT snsrobine@centurytel.net

Thank you all so much, once again, for your generosity helping out this great day of fellowship and prayer with our Christian neighbors in Warrenton!

Note: I will post "drop off" info re these items later this week! Thanks again!

REVISED: Mon. April 14, 2014

FORGOT TO INCLUDE THE INFO ABOUT THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER. Please check below.

DEVOTION: But who am I and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.   The Story p. 172

It is always good to remember that all good gifts, in fact all that we are and have comes from the Lord's hand. He is our sole provider and our SOUL provider!

When you start getting angry because you don't have "enough" and your belly is still full, your house is still there, and your health is still ok, THANK GOD instead.

When you think that the whole world is against you even though it may be just one or two people and the LORD GOD ALMIGHTY IS FOR YOU, realize that no one can stand against you.

When you are complaining about your circumstances in life, whatever they may be, always remember that God is with you in your circumstances, and that he will carry you through those circumstances.

Also remember that when you have a house, 20% of the world doesn't. When you have food in your cupboards and pantries much of the world doesn't.  The Lord says, "To those whom much is given, much is expected."

You have been given much! GIVE MUCH!

Even if you have nothing in the way of material wealth you are one of the richest people in the world in spiritual wealth because you have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ! REJOICE IN THIS TRUTH THIS HOLY WEEK!

Prayer: Lord God, who are we that you have blessed us so generously? You have given us everything we need to support this body and life and so much more! You have especially given us, mercy, life and salvation. Give us generous hearts like yours that are always ready and willing to give out of the bounty you have given to us. Amen.

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:    Which of David's sons was caught in a tree by his hair? Absalom

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TODAY'S QUIZ: What son of David would be the one to build the temple?

_________________________________________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:

Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15

Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; Council meeting 7pm

Wed- Ladies Aid w/ Mite boxes noon; May newsletter deadline

Thurs- Maundy Thursday worship 6:30

GO SEE A MOVIE!!! "GOD'S NOT DEAD" is an excellent movie for a Christian to go and see!!

I HAVE SEEN IT TWICE AND WILL BE TALKING ABOUT IT ON KFUO NEXT MONDAY! It is a great movie for both those who like ot think and those who just like a good dramatic movie.

Check it out at http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com/ It is playing in Warrenton at 4:05 and 7pm this week.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

WE WILL NOT BE STUDYING THE STORY THIS WEEK IN LIEU OF HOLY WEEK AND THE CELEBRATION OF OUR LORD'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION!!!

If you want to get ahead or get caught up we will be studying chapter 13 "The King Who Had It All" the weekend of the 27th.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

HOLY WEEK SERVICES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Maundy Thursday- worship (with holy communion)6:30

Good Friday- worship 6:30

(No worship on Saturday)

All women of the congregation are invited to attend! No lunch provided, but dessert will be provided.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IS MAY 1 BREAKFAST IS AT 6:30AM and PRAYER SERVICE IS AT 7AM!!

It is that time of year (ALREADY) again! The National Day of Prayer is coming up THURSDAY - MAY 1, 2014.

St. John's will, once again, host a community prayer service for that day. As in all the previous years, there will be a CONTINENTAL STYLE BREAKFAST in the church overflow area prior to the service.

So many of our church family have generously donated the breakfast items requested by our outreach board and that is one of the reasons it has been such a success and grown in attendance since we began hosting this great time of fellowship and prayer.

Please look for a sign up sheet in the narthex when you come to worship beginning this week MAUNDY THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY AND RESURRECTION SUNDAY! (He is risen indeed! Alleluia! - just love hearing that)

The sign up sheet will have the items needed (and the amounts of each item).

Please sign your name on the line provided next to each item you can donate - along with the amount of the items. Please note that each person does not have to provide all the items of each category. For EXAMPLE, if there are 3 dozen donuts noted, 3 people could actually each donate 1 dozen donuts. This makes it more affordable and allows more people to be involved in helping.

For maximum freshness (especially of perishables & non-refrigerated items), we request that items be brought to church on WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2014 and put in the church basement kitchen. Please mark the donated items clearly: FOR NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER BREAKFAST. This helps because, with the breakfast beginning at 6:30 AM on Thursday, May 1st, we need to set up and get most things ready on Wednesday early evening.

We will also be posting updates as to items "spoken for" and what is "still needed" via Pastor K's email newsletter. The sign up sheet will be kept updated and in the narthex.

If you have ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL, please CALL SANDY ROBINE at 636-456-4147 or to her email at snsrobine@centurytel.net

As in years past, you all have been so quick to respond and so generous with your donations, please sign up soon because that list fills up rapidly!

This is always a great time of fellowship and a wonderful way to meet your Christian neighbors in Warrenton. Even if you are not able to donate items, please mark your calendars and plan to attend breakfast and prayers. Most times folks stay after the prayer service for that 2nd cup of coffee and fellowship. It has been a blessing for me to help with this special day here in our community. Hope to see you all there!

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

JUST A FEW SPACES LEFT IN THE THREE YEAR OLD LITTLE LAMBS CLASS FOR NEXT YEAR!!

The four year old class is full and there is a waiting list that people can get on if they wish.

The three year old class still has several spaces available. If you know of someone or you would like to get your own child in to this class please call the church office asap!!!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Saxony Lutheran High School.

I attended grade school at St. Paul Lutheran School and then I attended high school at Saxony Lutheran High School. I am from St. Paul Lutheran Church in

teaching VBS to kids living in poverty.

While at Concordia University Nebraska I majored in psychology with a youth emphasis. I fulfilled my practicum experience at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln,

Lutheran Church!

In Him, For Him,

FOR JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who was supposed to have yet another surgery this past weekend but was postponed to today. The surgery is to remove another cancerous tumor.

For SANDRA PERRICONE, who will be having surgery Wednesday morning.

For the family of JESUS PARIDO, a junior at WHS who was killed in a car accident this past weekend. He is a friend to many kds and teachers in the congregation.

THOSE WITH CANCER, especially RICK SPINIOLAS, and the many others among our family and friends who are struggling with cancer.

Mon. April 14, 2014

_________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: What son of David would be the one to build the temple?

_________________________________________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:

Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15

Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; Council meeting 7pm

Wed- Ladies Aid w/ Mite boxes noon; May newsletter deadline

Thurs- Maundy Thursday worship 6:30

GO SEE A MOVIE!!! "GOD'S NOT DEAD" is an excellent movie for a Christian to go and see!!

I HAVE SEEN IT TWICE AND WILL BE TALKING ABOUT IT ON KFUO NEXT MONDAY! It is a great movie for both those who like ot think and those who just like a good dramatic movie.

Check it out at http://godsnotdeadthemovie.com/ It is playing in Warrenton at 4:05 and 7pm this week.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

WE WILL NOT BE STUDYING THE STORY THIS WEEK IN LIEU OF HOLY WEEK AND THE CELEBRATION OF OUR LORD'S DEATH AND RESURRECTION!!!

If you want to get ahead or get caught up we will be studying chapter 13 "The King Who Had It All" the weekend of the 27th.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

HOLY WEEK SERVICES AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Maundy Thursday- worship (with holy communion)6:30

Good Friday- worship 6:30

(No worship on Saturday)

All women of the congregation are invited to attend! No lunch provided, but dessert will be provided.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

JUST A FEW SPACES LEFT IN THE THREE YEAR OLD LITTLE LAMBS CLASS FOR NEXT YEAR!!

The four year old class is full and there is a waiting list that people can get on if they wish.

The three year old class still has several spaces available. If you know of someone or you would like to get your own child in to this class please call the church office asap!!!

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Saxony Lutheran High School.

I attended grade school at St. Paul Lutheran School and then I attended high school at Saxony Lutheran High School. I am from St. Paul Lutheran Church in

teaching VBS to kids living in poverty.

While at Concordia University Nebraska I majored in psychology with a youth emphasis. I fulfilled my practicum experience at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln,

Lutheran Church!

In Him, For Him,

FOR JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who was supposed to have yet another surgery this past weekend but was postponed to today. The surgery is to remove another cancerous tumor.

For SANDRA PERRICONE, who will be having surgery Wednesday morning.

For the family of JESUS PARIDO, a junior at WHS who was killed in a car accident this past weekend. He is a friend to many kds and teachers in the congregation.

THOSE WITH CANCER, especially RICK SPINIOLAS, and the many others among our family and friends who are struggling with cancer.

Glasses found

Some eye glasses were found in the ladies restroom by the kitchen this morning. They look like kid's glasses but I'm not positive. If they are yours or you know whose they are, they are on my desk in my office.

Thank you!
Pastor

The Lutheran Hour: April 13, 2014

-------- Original message --------

From: Lutheran Hour Ministries

Date:04/12/2014 9:16 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: revklaus@hotmail.com

Subject: The Lutheran Hour: April 13, 2014

The Lutheran Hour with Rev.Gregory Seltz

Sermon Text for April 13, 2014

"A Hero? No, a Savior!" #81-32
Presented on The Lutheran Hour on April 13, 2014
By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker
(Why Can't My Good Deeds Earn My Way To Heaven?)
Copyright 2014 Lutheran Hour Ministries

Text: Philippians 2:5-11

Jesus, the suffering Servant, is risen. He is risen, indeed, and our lives together with each other can be transformed by faith in Him. Amen.

Last year on August 4th, Katie Lentz began her drive from Quincy, Illinois to Jefferson City, Missouri. The nineteen-year old had just finished an internship in Jefferson City and wanted to visit some friends she made at church during her time there. She and her parents made it a custom to pray before every trip. They prayed together and Katie began her journey. But after she entered Missouri, disaster struck. A drunk driver crossed the median and plowed into Katie's car head-on. The crash was devastating. Katie was trapped inside her nearly overturned vehicle, pinned in place by the steering wheel, bones crushed by the twisted metal wreckage. When rescuers rushed to the scene, they doubted anyone could survive such an impact.

But Katie was alive. She asked the first sheriff on the scene to call her mother. He couldn't believe she could speak, let alone was alive. When firefighters arrived with the jaws of life to cut through the mangled vehicle, the equipment failed. They radioed for replacement tools, but had to wait. That's when a man in a clerical collar walked up the highway to ask the sheriff if he could bless the injured young lady in the car. He seemed to appear from nowhere. He had an Irish accent, which was a bit odd in these parts; but, the sheriff said yes.

Gently reaching inside the car, the mystery clergyman placed his hand upon Katie's forehead and prayed for her. He stepped back and continued to pray until first responders could remove her and transfer her to a waiting helicopter. Then, suddenly, he was gone. No one knew where he went.
Firefighters wondered who this mystery person could be. They checked sixty-three photos taken at the scene and not one contained an image of the pastor in black. Word started spreading about the Irish priest who appeared out of nowhere to help give God's assurance when all hope seemed lost for Katie Lentz. Many people wondered if it was an angel. One thing everyone knew; the mystery man was a hero as Katie survived the devastating crash.

Miracles do happen today, no matter what people say. But we're not always sure what to do with them or what to say about them. People knew that Jesus performed miracles. He healed people. He restored sight for the blind and hearing for the deaf. He made the lame walk and cured the terrible disease of leprosy. He cast out evil spirits and even raised people from the dead. But some still wondered who He was. Jesus even asked His disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" (Mark 8:27) The disciples replied: "Some say John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets" (Mark 8:28).

To many, Jesus was a Hero, but some still considered Him a mystery Person. To others, He was even a nuisance because of the works He did for people.

I think the same could be said today, don't you? Not everyone has heard of Jesus. In fact, today, knowledge of the Bible has been steadily declining. According to a recent survey, the majority of adults do not connect Easter with the resurrection of Jesus. Fewer than half of all adults can name the four Gospels. Sixty percent of all Americans cannot name five of the Ten Commandments. And twelve percent of adults believe that Joan of Arc was Noah's wife!

Even for people who have heard of Jesus, they can be as confused as the disciples. Some think He was a just a Jewish Religious Leader. Others think He was merely a wise Prophet. Others believe He was a kind Person in history. What many people don't know is that Jesus was and is a real Hero, even greater than a Hero, He was this world's Savior; the true God in the flesh who came to earth to save us.

Philippians 2:6 says this about Jesus, "Though he was in the form of God, [He] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped or held onto" (Philippians 2:6). In other words, the true and almighty Son of God gave up His power and authority. He let go of His high position and became a human being in order to save us. Verses seven and eight continue: "But He, Jesus, emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:7-8).

Dear friend, my prayer for you today is that I'd like you to meet this Jesus. I'd like you to meet the Savior who came to help and to rescue you. He's no apparition. He's a Hero of heroes; even more, He's a Savior of sinners; Hope for those who struggle; Life for those in need. He is real.

So was the mystery clergyman who appeared to Katie Lentz during her time of need. His name was Father Patrick Dowling. Father Dowling was driving his white Toyota to make a visit in the Jefferson City area where he ministered to prisoners and Spanish-speaking residents. He said about his ministry: "You go from door to door with empty hands. You have nothing to offer them except the love of God." That's what he tried to do for Katie. When he saw the accident, he stopped about 150 yards away and he walked to the site. He asked the sheriff if he could pray for the young girl trapped in the car. Dowling insists, "You mustn't be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. You have His Word, His blessing to offer. You have to be available."

After Katie was airlifted to a hospital, Dowling got in his car and drove away. He didn't think anything of it until his colleagues told him that everyone was looking for him. He came forward and the world saw that a simple and caring man could make a tremendous difference.

That's what Jesus did. He took the form of a human being and humbled Himself to the point of being punished for your sin and mine on the cross. He stepped into the wreckage of our lives and took the brunt of our failures, rebellion, brokenness, and sin. The humble Son of God on the cross saved your life. He saved my life. He atoned for the sin of the whole world.

Dear friend, I'd like you to meet Jesus today. If this is the first time you're hearing about Him, listen carefully to meet your Savior. He's a Rescuer unlike any other. If you've known Jesus for a long time, listen carefully to receive renewed hope and strength in Him.

The first thing I'd like you to know about Jesus is that He is approachable. On the Sunday before Jesus gave His life on the cross, He rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The day is called Palm Sunday. For thousands of years, the church has celebrated that entry into the city of Jerusalem as God's victory ride for the world. But, Jesus came riding a donkey instead of a warhorse. He came in peace and humility. Many welcomed Jesus by waving palm branches and shouting, "Hosanna!" which means "Save now!" The people knew they needed to be rescued. But Jesus didn't come like the political conquerors or the military conquerors of the day. (Have you ever noticed that their victories never last?)

No, He came as a humble Servant to save people He loved so deeply--people exactly like you and me. That donkey He rode showed how approachable Jesus is. Even now He says to you, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). He invites you to come close with every burden you have.

You can say a prayer to Him. You can read His Word. You can receive the blessing of the Lord's Supper. Jesus is approachable. Just as Father Dowling sought only to help and not to be in the limelight; Jesus draws close to you to be your help in time of need. He is approachable. That's amazing!

I want you to know this Jesus because there is no One else like Him in the world. He is approachable, but He's also self-sacrificial. At the end of February a movie was released called "Son of God." It's all about Jesus--His life, death, and resurrection. This isn't the first movie about Jesus. You may remember "The Passion of the Christ" released more than a decade ago. Some say that more than 1000 movies have been made about Jesus. Why have so many films been produced about the Son of God? Was it because He fed 5000 people with only five loaves of bread and two fish? Was it because He walked on the water and calmed the raging sea? Was it because He opposed religious hypocrisy and reached out to the poor and the outcast? Was it because He raised the dead to life?

All of those reasons would motivate a lot of movie making, but the most compelling reason for the production of Jesus movies is that Jesus gave His life up because He loved us. He was completely self-sacrificial. As the Bible said, "But Jesus emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Philippians 2:7-8).

That's a big deal. Powerful people don't do this for anybody, let alone people who have nothing to give in return. But that's exactly what Jesus did. The One who had angels at His command became a Servant, willing to give up His stature, even His life, to give you your life back. That's how much He loves you. Do you know Him?

You see, Jesus grew up and faced temptations just like you did. He overcame them all and suppressed every desire to lash out or veer into selfishness. He did what none of us could do: He was completely obedient to God--perfect in our place. Then He suffered the greatest injustice: He was put to death as a common criminal and was abandoned by God as He hung on the cross. Jesus paid the price for our sins and failures. It was total sacrifice for you and me.

You may be familiar with billionaire Warren Buffet. Buffet lives in Omaha, Nebraska. His house is the one he bought fifty years ago for $31,500. Warren Buffet could afford a lot more. Instead, he gives billions of dollars to people and organizations in need. It's called self-sacrifice.

But the Son of God, Jesus Christ, did so, so much more. He risked it all for you, sacrificing the privilege of His position; He carried your sins and mine to the cross. He did it to save us. He did it because "God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Because of His sacrifice, you have been given a special and lasting gift. Would you like to meet Him? Would you like to meet Jesus?

Katie Lentz knew Jesus as her Savior; and she wanted to meet her hero, too. On her 20th birthday, just six weeks after the accident, the Lentz family invited Father Dowling to their home. Katie's mom pointed out that the priest wasn't even supposed to be on the road that day to pray for her daughter. Father Dowling was filling in for a priest who was ill. That's why he was at the right place, the right time for Katie. She said that "God put him there."

God puts Jesus in your life, too. The Son of God is alive and well. Philippians, chapter two says it this way: Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11)

How does Jesus visit you? He steps into your life through His living Word, the Bible. He calls you His own through the waters of baptism. He forgives your sins and lives in you through His Holy Communion, His Lord's Supper. He hears your prayers. He is with you always. Risen from the dead, Jesus walks with you. He promised to be with you always. Your Hero of heroes, your Savior is as close to you as the gifts He gives for you to receive. He is your Help, your Strength, your Friend, your Listener, your Leader, your Hope, and your Eternal Life.

Last fall the Reverend Billy Graham, now ninety-five years old, launched a campaign to reach the current generation with the Good News of our real Hero, Jesus Christ. His effort was called, "My Hope America." Why did he go to all the effort to start another ministry campaign at ninety-five? Why step back into the fray of writing and preaching and filming? Why didn't he just rest and take it easy; because seven out of 100 of your neighbors struggle with depression; because seven out of 100 of your neighbors deal with addiction to drugs or alcohol; because fourteen out of 100 of your neighbors are crippled by fear and anxiety; because too many people are crippled by grief, unemployment, and other struggles. And most of them do not know Jesus as their Savior. They need help--not just for now, but help that will go deep into their soul and last forever. They need to meet Jesus.

One person featured in Billy Graham's campaign is a hip-hop artist named Lecrae. This young man grew up without a father and craved a sense of worth. So he sought the attention of the people who seemed the most powerful and commanding to him: gang leaders. Lecrae began a life of drugs, alcohol, and crime. He was arrested in high school and put on a gang list. That's when he began asking himself what he was doing with his life. He felt like a misfit. He didn't know where he belonged.

While his mother and grandmother tried to tell him about Jesus, get him to read the Bible, and take him to church, Lecrae rejected their attempts at help. He remembers tearing pages from the Bible and throwing them on the floor. "How could this be real?" he wondered.

When he was nineteen years old, a friend invited him to a conference which featured rappers. It was a Christian conference, but Lecrae didn't care. He was more excited to go into the city to hear some great hip-hop artists. While he was there he heard something that changed his life. He said,
"[The speaker] told me the story of Jesus, and Him carrying the cross and bearing all my sins, all my lying, all my cheating, all my escapades, all my drinking and drugging; He put it on His back. He said I was bought with a price. It made me think, 'Man, someone thinks I am significant enough to die for me. Someone thinks I am significant enough to climb up this mountain with a cross on his back and take nails in His wrists and His feet for me.'"

A seed was planted. Not long after the conference, Lecrae was in a major car accident. He not only survived, but he wasn't even injured. He walked away realizing that he was being freed from the twisted wreckage of his life. The prayers of people who loved him were working. He knew he needed Jesus. He also knew that he needed to use his music to reach people and give them the hope of God the Father and His Son, the Savior Jesus Christ.

Today Lecrae is a Christian rapper, performing all over the world. At his concerts, when he sees kids just like him hearing his lyrics about how empty life can be, being moved to tears about their brokenness and pain, he says, "I just need to keep holding onto that because it's something that would keep reminding me that I need Jesus."

Today, my friend, Jesus reaches out to you, too, and He calls you to trust in Him. He's telling you that you are precious to Him. He doesn't want to be merely your Hero; He wants to be your Lord and Savior. Trust in His love for you. Trust in His forgiveness. Trust that in Him your life is brand new. Here's some good news; the Lord of the Universe, He came for you. As it says in the Bible, "being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." That's a hero's Hero worth meeting; that's a Savior who can change your life!
Amen.

LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for April 13, 2014
Topic: Why Can't My Good Deeds Earn My Way To Heaven?

ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Gregory Seltz responds to questions. I'm Mark Eischer. Pastor, one of our listeners says he's a very kind person. He hasn't done anything all that bad in his life. Why can't his good deeds, his good intentions, earn his way to heaven?

SELTZ: You know, Mark, it's true, there are a whole lot of nice people who think God would never exclude them from eternal life with Him because they've been generally good people.

ANNOUNCER: But aren't we making an error in judgment here when it comes to how good we perceive ourselves to be versus what God's actual requirements are for heaven?

SELTZ: That's right. Perception, that's the key. Are we really seeing things as they are? For example, there are things today that don't bother us at all, but would have been very offensive to our grandparents. Think of the vulgarity today; the crassness, the sexualizing of our young people, divorce used to bear a sense of shame, having children out of marriage caused scandal; but, many people today aren't bothered at all by these things. In their perception, no matter the pain, it all seems just fine.

ANNOUNCER: So first of all, we've got to find a better measurement of what we define as good.

SELTZ: Exactly. Think about going to the doctor. There are times when we feel great, and then we have one of those Cat Scans, X-Rays, or MRIs, and the doctor says, "Well, you feel fine, but you've got a serious problem." We don't say, "That can't be right." We start to look for the solution, for the antidote.

ANNOUNCER: Okay, how does the Bible help us then with our perceptions?

SELTZ: The Bible gives us that "X-ray" of God's holiness as the standard for all discussions about goodness, badness, evil, salvation, and judgment. It doesn't play human perception games. The Bible tells us something we know deep down in our hearts: we're all flawed. We're sinners. Romans, chapter three tells us the brutal truth: "None is righteous, no, not one;...All have turned aside;...no one does good, not even one." Even when doing some good things here and there, the truth is that no one can look in the mirror and say, "I have been perfect today." Just try doing the Ten Commandments perfectly in thought, word, and deed, and you'll see.

ANNOUNCER: And if the standard is perfection, that smashes our false notions of goodness.

SELTZ: Yes, but that's for our good. Jesus reiterates that, saying, You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect". This isn't an arbitrary measurement that God uses to mess with your minds or plays games with us. God is perfect and holy. There is no selfishness or evil in Him. He wants that reflection of His holiness in our lives, too, for our sakes! God's holiness and perfection are what we need today so desperately. But, on our own, that perfection also means we can't fit into His presence if we are left in our sinful condition.

ANNOUNCER: Now, can anyone do enough to be accepted in God's presence?

SELTZ: A human being would have to be completely perfect--and that's just not possible for us. Human rebellion is in our system. Psalm 51:5 says, "Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me."

ANNOUNCER: But the Bible also tells us there was One Person who lived a perfect life.

SELTZ: Right, Jesus. Jesus is truly and completely God. He became a human being for a reason: to rescue us from our separation from God and from the impossibility of spending eternity with Him. He came to save us from the hellish alternative.

ANNOUNCER: How did He accomplish that?

SELTZ: He did what we could never do. First, He lived a perfect life for us. Then Jesus did something amazing. Even though He never sinned, He received punishment for all our sins--for the sins of the whole world.

ANNOUNCER: That's what He did on the cross!

SELTZ: Exactly. Jesus cried out as He hung on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46 ESV) All of our sins were placed on Jesus, so He was cast out of God's presence and literally suffered hell in our place.

ANNOUNCER: We read in 2 Corinthians: "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV).

SELTZ: And that's what happened, Mark. Jesus was covered with our sin, receiving our punishment. And we became the righteousness of God--fully forgiven people whose sins have been completely removed in Him. It's an amazing gift.

ANNOUNCER: Think of that as good news that we don't have to rely on our deeds in order to get to heaven.

SELTZ: Not at all. Our deeds don't get us to heaven. Christ and His good deeds alone do that. Our good deeds, though, are important, by doing good we won't get to heaven, but we can bring a little bit of heaven to someone's life here on earth.

ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Seltz. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.

Music Selections for this program:

"A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission.

"Ride On, Ride On, in Majesty" sung by the Kammerchor, Concordia University-Wisconsin. Used by permission.

"All Glory, Laud, and Honor" arr. Michael Burkhardt. From Hymn Improvisations, vol. 1 by Michael Burkhardt (© 1993 MorningStar Music Publishers)

"Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

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prayer request

Connie Gross passed away yesterday. Prayers for family & friends.

Her family is friends to many in the congregation.

Thank you,

Tammy Miller

American Bank

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National Day of Prayer - THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

GREETINGS!

It is that time of year (ALREADY) again! The National Day of Prayer is coming up THURSDAY - MAY 1, 2014.

St. John's will, once again, host a community prayer service for that day. As in all the previous years, there will be a CONTINENTAL STYLE BREAKFAST in the church overflow area prior to the service.

Please look for a sign up sheet in the narthex when you come to worship beginning this week PALM SUNDAY! MAUNDY THURSDAY, GOOD FRIDAY AND RESURRECTION SUNDAY! (He is risen indeed! Alleluia! - just love hearing that)

The sign up sheet will have the items needed (and the amounts of each item).

We will also be posting updates as to items "spoken for" and what is "still needed" via Pastor K's email newsletter. The sign up sheet will be kept updated and in the narthex.

If you have ANY QUESTIONS AT ALL, please CALL SANDY ROBINE at 636-456-4147 or to her email at snsrobine@centurytel.net

As in years past, you all have been so quick to respond and so generous with your donations, please sign up soon because that list fills up rapidly!

God's peace on your day!

Sandy Robine

St. John's Lutheran Church
Warrenton, MO

Tues. April 15, 2014

National Day of Prayer Sign ups update

REVISED: Mon. April 14, 2014

Mon. April 14, 2014

Glasses found

The Lutheran Hour: April 13, 2014

Sermon Text for April 13, 2014

prayer request

National Day of Prayer - THURSDAY, MAY 1, 2014

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