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Subject: The Lutheran Hour: June 8, 2014

The Lutheran Hour with Rev.Gregory Seltz
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Sermon Text for June 8, 2014

"Spirit Help in Time of Need" #81-40

Presented on The Lutheran Hour on June 8, 2014
By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker
(Should I Be Afraid of the Devil?)
Copyright 2014 Lutheran Hour Ministries

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Text: John 16:1-15

Grace, mercy, and peace be to you in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, Spirit help when we need it most. Amen.

Have you ever experienced a time in your life when you were at your wits end, or when you couldn't take another step, or when you were so exhausted with no strength to do what you needed to do and then help came right when you needed it, there just in time? What a feeling, right? What a relief. What a blessing.

Help that comes just in time is help that we all need! It can make all the difference in a person's life.

It sure made a difference to an older woman's life one rainy evening. There she was; flat tire in the middle of nowhere, in a place that was unfamiliar to her. In fact, the younger man driving down the road almost didn't see her stranded there. But in the dim late afternoon mist of this rainy day, he saw that she needed help, so he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out. His old Pontiac was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, this older woman was worried. Was this man going to stop to hurt her? He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry. Now he could see that she was frightened. 

So, he approached and he said, "I'm here to help you, ma'am. Why don't you wait in my car where it's warm and dry? By the way, my name is Bryan."

So, he crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire, but to do it he had to get cold, wet, and dirty; and his hands hurt doing the work in the chill of the day.

As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.

She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped. His help was priceless to her. But Bryan never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him. This was helping somebody in need, and by God's grace, people had given him help just when he needed it a time or two.

He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, "the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance that they needed, and think of me."

Now, a few miles down the road the woman saw a small cafĂ©; so she went in to get warm and dry and to grab a bite to eat. 

She got to her table and the waitress came over and brought her a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. The waitress had a sweet smile, one that couldn't be erased even by being on her feet all day. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, too, but she never let the strain and the aches change her attitude.

How could somebody who so obviously had so little be so giving to her, a stranger? Then she remembered Bryan. After the lady finished her meal and the waitress went to get her change, she slipped right out the door. She was long gone by the time the waitress came back.

The waitress wondered where the woman could be, and then she noticed something written on the napkin under which were four $100 bills. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote. It said, "Somebody once helped me out the way I'm helping you."

Well, there were tables for her yet to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into her bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could that woman, that stranger, have known how much she and her husband needed it at that moment? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.

She knew her husband and how he worried so, she knew how hard they both were working and praying, but this night there was a little more peace; so as he lay in bed sleeping next to her, she leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be all right honey, I know it will. I love you, Bryan."(Author Unknown)

Help in time of need, help that you don't deserve, help that makes all the difference in the world. That's just a glimpse of the kind of help that Jesus is talking about today. Pentecost is not merely a nice story of help for a helpless lady on the side of the road or a couple who needed a few more dollars; it's help from God in Christ, by His Spirit, to overcome all that is against you, overcome all that is keeping you from the life, joy, and peace that God wants for you to have in His Son.

Today is Pentecost Day in the Christian Church. And as simply as I can say it, it means that the work of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness, life, and salvation He earned for every person in this world; that work doesn't remain a relic of the past. Its blessing, its power, its grace is here for you right now in the gift of His Holy Spirit through the Spirit-filled Word of God! 

That's why Jesus told His fearful disciples then and still tells us today, "I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I don't go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

The Holy Spirit is "God the Life Giver," who draws us to Jesus Christ, who opens our hearts to faith in Him for our salvation. Jesus sent a Helper to humanity because even believing in Him was beyond our power and capability. 

Luther reminds us of the Bible's teaching concerning the Holy Spirit in his explanation of the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed, saying, "I believe in the Holy Spirit," and then he explains, "I believe that I can not by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith." Real, eternal, Godly help in time of need.

On that first Pentecost Day, Jesus fulfilled His promise to send such a Helper and that Holy Spirit still comes for you and me to bring the things of Jesus Christ, earned on the cross, stamped with the power of His resurrection, to bring those to us personally so that we might indeed be reconciled to God!

Jesus sends the world the Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Encourager, the Comforter, because He knows that we need Him even if we don't feel that need right at the moment!

Have you ever heard of an "intervention?" An intervention is an orchestrated attempt by one or many people, usually people who know and care for that person, to get someone to seek professional help. Very often, the "someone" in question doesn't even feel like they've got a problem. Everyone else can see it but them. It could be because of an addiction or some kind of traumatic event or crisis or some other serious problem. It could be a problem because of an addition to alcohol, compulsive gambling, drug abuse, compulsive eating, or other disorders, self harm. Those who love you, they decide that because you can't help yourself, they will find a way to make help possible, intervening, making a person face the facts and then being there to lovingly be supportive of the healing work that must be done!

The Holy Spirit's first work in a person's life is a kind of Spiritual intervention, to show us our need for God, to show us the destructive consequences of our sin, its destructive power in life. 
Jesus can't say it more clearly: "When the counselor/the helper comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment."

In fact, when God's Word tells us that our lives are not as they should be and that we need to change, that's the Spirit intervening for our sakes!

Are we willing to let the Spirit do His Work? Are we open to His power to convict us of our own sinfulness and show us our need for a Savior?

When our righteousness is exposed for what it is, a sham, that's the Spirit intervening in our lives. Incredibly, people today are no different than people who have come before us. We are people who think we are the smartest, cleverest, deserving people that have ever walked the planet. We think we can solve our problems without God, we think that we can build meaningful lives without His Word; we think that our "spirit" is enough for whatever we face and in that sense we are no different than any human being who has come before us. 

So, incredibly, when we finally realize how foolish that is, how self-defeating that is, how eternally bankrupt that is, that's the intervention of the Holy Spirit!

Jesus' words in our text pull no punches. We need the Spirit to help us understand the eternal hole that we've dug for ourselves, we need to see our need for righteousness for life itself, and we need to understand that Jesus came to deal with it all, to face the judgment of God in our place, to execute justice and mercy for our own good. Thank God that He sent a Helper, because all of us have made such a mess of things that matter most in our lives!

What a beautiful thing the Holy Spirit does when He convinces you and me that we need the help that only God can provide.

Just think about that first Pentecost Day again, when the Apostle Peter stood up and called people to sorrow and repentance for their sin! What moved those people to call for mercy? The accusation of the Holy Spirit, that's what! Peter scares them to death (or should I say, he scares them to life?) He does that when he proclaims that all of us have put Jesus on the cross because of our sin, that all of us stand in utter need, vulnerable to the destructiveness of our own sinful flesh, the temptations of the world and the soul-killing power of the devil himself.

Peter, by the power of the Holy Spirit, makes them aware of the hopelessness of their circumstance without the forgiveness and grace of Jesus.

But, that's not all. Thank God that's not all. The Good News of that first Pentecost is not that the Spirit merely convicts and judges rightly; the great work of the Holy Spirit is that He convicts to bring you to faith in Jesus Christ alone. He brings you and me to repentance to bring us to life in abundance!

On Pentecost, when people shouted, "What must we do to be saved," hear the Spirit's Word through Peter. It's not some moralism of "try to do better or give it your best;" no, it's a Spirit-filled offer of grace to call you home to the God who created you and redeemed you to be His very own again!

Peter says it clearly, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the Name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sin, and you will receive the Holy Spirit!"

Jesus says of that Spirit, "The Spirit will take what is mine and He will make it known to you!" 

By the power of the Holy Spirit, God invited people then and now to put all their hopes and dreams for all of life in Jesus Christ by the Spirit's power. He seeks to lay on you all the blessings that Jesus earned on your behalf; Spirit help in time of need!

What a feeling that is to have something so special, so meaningful laid on you as a gift, right? Think of that warm blanket laid on you by your loving spouse in the middle of a cold winter night when you've fallen asleep on the couch. Or think of that hug that is laid on you by one you love after a tough day at work or a personal defeat in life. There's nothing like it. 

Sometimes what's laid on us can mean everything. Sometimes the right cover can mean the difference between life and death! Each year, thousands of lambs are born only to be orphaned by the death of their mother. The shepherds and farmers are faced with a serious problem for the orphans; other mothers instinctively don't accept those that are not their own. Without a mother, these lambs would starve to death. So the shepherds have to spring into action; if the mother had a lamb that had died too, they would quickly skin the animal and cover the orphan lamb with its skin and present the lamb to the ewe. Smelling the skin of her own laid on that orphaned lamb, the mother accepts the orphan as hers; covered, accepted, safe, and alive. Help received just in time!

The work of the Holy Spirit is much like that; to show us our need, to help us understand the gravity of our situation without God, not to scare us or leave us as orphans; no, it is to deliver the Good News of the embrace of God's grace, the covering of His undeserved righteousness, and the enduring gift of His life in ours. 

That's the Spirit, the Helper come just for you in your time of need. If you know the joy of trusting in Jesus as your Savior this day, say with me, "That's the Spirit for us and for our life and for our salvation."

When it comes to life and salvation, the Bible's clear; "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit," says the Lord! 

Jesus sends a Helper, One who spearheads a Divine intervention for us all, ultimately to deliver the cover of God's grace to us in Jesus by faith! Through the Word of God the Spirit shines the light of righteousness to expose our sin and need, to offer us by grace the very righteousness of Jesus as a gift! Divine intervention!

Through Baptism and the Lord's Supper, the Spirit delivers to us the very grace of God earned and accomplished by Jesus through His cross and resurrection. Divine intervention! Through God's Word, the Spirit guides us, gives us wisdom and maturity to face the challenges, even the temptations of the day. Divine intervention!

Help in time of need, Spirit help in time of need, when you are faced with challenges beyond your capabilities and strength; that is just the place where the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by the power of His Spirit, can make all the difference in your life. That's what Christians are celebrating today around the world; the gift of the Holy Spirit, given by Jesus Christ to His people, for their lives and service.

Oh what a joy to be alive in the Spirit of God. If you are not a Christian, the Spirit is tugging at your heart right now through this Word. Won't you get to know Jesus with us? Call us, write to us, go online to see the resources there to help you get to know Him by the power of the Holy Spirit! There's a joy, a peace, an elation there for you, a Helper sent by Christ Himself for you in your time of need! 

Amen.



LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for June 8, 2014
Topic: Should I Be Afraid of the Devil?

ANNOUNCER: Should we fear the devil? Pastor Gregory Seltz responds to questions from listeners. I'm Mark Eischer. Pastor, one of our listeners says you are freaking him out! After hearing your sermon regarding spiritual warfare, he wonders if he should be afraid of the devil. 

SELTZ: Mark, let's put it this way; the reality of a malevolent spiritual, invisible, supernatural reality should be something we take seriously, that's for sure. 

ANNOUNCER: And we're not talking here about movie fantasy because demonic evil is something that's very real, isn't it?

SELTZ: Very much so. In fact, let's make sure we understand what we're talking about. Jesus said that "God is spirit" (John 4:24). The invisible, spiritual realm is very real and it's all around us. Good angels and rebellious angels are part of that reality. 

ANNOUNCER: And the Bible tells us that the devil himself is a rebellious, fallen angel. 

SELTZ: Right. In fact, Ephesians, chapter 6 tells us that the real battle that we're in is not primarily about what is visible. Verse 12 says it this way, "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12 ESV).

ANNOUNCER: Well, should our listener, then, be afraid of the devil?

SELTZ: I would answer, "Yes and no."

ANNOUNCER: What do you mean?

SELTZ: I would say "Yes" in the sense that if you and I try to go up against Satan's schemes on our own, we won't be very successful. The devil is not God. He does not have God's power and attributes, but he is stronger than sinful, fallen human beings. Do you remember in the Bible when the sons of Sceva tried to cast out a demon on their own?

ANNOUNCER: Right. We find that written up in Acts, chapter 19 and they got beaten up pretty bad in the process. 

SELTZ: Yes, that's right; they were no match for the devil on their own, and neither are we.

ANNOUNCER: But you also said, "No."

SELTZ: And that is also true; because in Christ, in His strength, we have no reason to be afraid of the devil. Ephesians 6 says it this way, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV). This is much different than going it alone. The bottom line is the devil is no match for our risen Savior Jesus.

ANNOUNCER: So how does that work itself out in our lives so that we're not trying to face Satan and his temptations on our own? 

SELTZ: Ephesians 6 explains further. In addition to letting us know that the strength of the risen Lord who has overcome Satan is exactly what we need, or is exactly what enables us to stand under his assaults, the verse goes on to tell us about the gift of "spiritual armor" from God to us to protect us in the battle. Verse 13 says it this way, "Take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm" (Ephesians 6:13 ESV).

ANNOUNCER: Right; and it goes on to say, then, that this armor of God also includes the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness. 

SELTZ: Right. Satan is defeated by the truth of who God is and what life is all about under Him. The devil is a liar, but Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. So, Satan's lies crumble when confronted with God's truth. And while the devil is about everything that is wrong, God brings 
His righteousness through Jesus Christ to us and to the world. Our hearts are protected by God's right way for life.

ANNOUNCER: God's Word also provides us with shoes and a shield.

SELTZ: We don't have to be afraid of Satan when we walk in the Gospel-the power of forgiveness in life. Those shoes, if you will, they help us to walk a path of peace. And the shield of faith protects us from the accusatory arrows that Satan shoots at us. God is trustworthy to protect us; we don't need to fear.

ANNOUNCER: And our heavenly Supply Sergeant also gives us the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit?

SELTZ: Yeah, everything we need, right, Mark? God equips us with everything we need in the spiritual battle; knowing our salvation in Christ that fends off doubt and despair that the devil would throw our way. And the sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. When we are immersed in God's Word of love for us, there is no room to fear the Evil One. And remember what the Apostle Paul finally says in the spiritual armor section of Ephesians 6. He calls us to pray. Prayer drives out fear as God strengthens us and hears us. 

ANNOUNCER: Using these gifts that God provides, we actually can put the devil on the run.

SELTZ: And that's good news!

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.

"Come Down, O Love Divine" arr. Henry Gerike. Used by permission.

"Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

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


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Sermon from 5/25

Better late than never I always say.  Here is the sermon from two Sundays ago.   Please tell me if it is too quiet or if there are problems with it. 
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgM6ZMSXLSQ&feature=youtu.be

MEN'S BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY AT 8AM!!

CALLING ALL MALES OF ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH:
 
Please come to breakfast this Saturday at 8am!
 
Menu:  pancakes, sausage, and scrambled eggs, fruit

I didn't write down who was doing the cooking this time.  I think it was Terry Russell, Doug Walters, and Charlie Figura, but I don't quite remember.  Please remind me.
 
PLEASE REPLY TO THIS EMAIL OR TEXT ME AT 359-1061 TO LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING SO I KNOW HOW MUCH FOOD TO BUY!!
 
All males are welcome!  Bring your sons and grandsons! 
 
 
We are going to begin a new Men's Network Bible Study on The Flood. 
 
 
Thank you!
Pastor
 
 
 

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

DEVOTION:  When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel.  With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: "He is good: his love toward Israel endures forever." The Story, p. 265
 
Imagine this scene.  You have spent days traveling back to your hometown after 70 years in captivity.  Many of those with you were born in captivity and so they never knew this place called Jerusalem.  They heard stories of a beautiful and magnificent temple, but they never saw it, their parents and grandparents just spoke of it with awe and joy, as a sparkle would come to their eye as they talked about it.  They spoke of wondrous worship with all sorts of instruments and thousands of people singing all together. 
 
Now they were back at the very place that was spoken of, but they themselves were participating.  They wanted to get everything right to honor their forefathers and their aging family who was there with them.  They were nervous and yet excited.  It was the dedication of the new temple of the Lord.  What joy they must've had as they gathered together in freedom.  Just imagine the smiles on their faces and the joy in their hearts as they were able to worship their God freely in their own place. 
 
My home church in Minnesota is celebrating its 150th anniversary next year and the congregation has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair the building that has stood for 130 of those 150 years.  I am reminded of my faith that was begun there at my baptism, confirmed at my confirmation, the wedding I had there to my wonderful wife, and the thousand worship services I attended there.  It brings joy to my heart, because in all those instances God was there and He was smiling too!  He was giving his approval to that worship.  He was not just a part of those worship services and special events, but He was the whole purpose.  And it wasn't because of the building either.  The building is just bricks and mortar, wood and steel.  It is because, "where two or three are gathered there I AM in the midst of them." 
 
I am so excited about the future of St. John's.  I am excited, because whether we are experiencing a time of growth where a new family and sometimes two and three families are coming to church every week, or whether we go a month or even two without a visitor at all, GOD IS THERE!!  He is there in spirit and in truth.  He is there in bread and wine, water and Word.  He is there in the care and concern and the prayers, and the fellowship of believers!  All the time God is there, and He will never leave us or forsake us!  Blessed be the name of the Lord!
 
Prayer:  Lord God, thank you for always being there.  Help me to trust in your holy presence and rejoice in it.  Amen.

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  How many articles of gold and silver were brought back to Jerusalem for the temple?  5,400

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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was Haggai and what was the main purpose of him writing his book of the Bible?

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CALENDAR:

Wed-  Jonesburg nursing home worship 10:30; Choir practice 7pm

Thurs- Alzheimer's Caregivers support group 1pm; Marilyn begins vacation

Fri- 7-12 grade camp out at Mim Dunn's house beginning at noon
Sat- Men's breakfast and Bible Study 8am; Bible study 4; worship 5
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11; Elder's meeting noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK

Acolytes- 8:30- Ian Brunson  11- Alaina Heitgerd
Altar guild- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up-- Wanda Turnure
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Communion Assistants- Sat- Randy Sweet; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- none
Lay Readers- Sat- Randy Sweet; 8:30- Patrick Schaumberg;  11am- Jacob Nagel
8:30 Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Projectors- Sat- ????, 8:30- Terry McKenzie, 11- Ian Brunson??? 
Sat pianist- Molly Hendershot

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NEWS:

SET UP AND CLEAN UP HELPERS NEEDED FOR POTLUCK ON JUNE 22nd!!

 

So far we have Christine Winn, Lani Heitgerd, and Lynn Russell.  We could still use a few more!

 

We are in need of some helpers to set up before and clean up after the potluck to welcome our DCE intern on Sunday, June 22. 

Our previous volunteers, Linda Callies and Denise Schlesselmann will not be able to be there that day. 

Please volunteer by simply replying to this email and letting me know.  Thanks!

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DENISE SCHLESSELMANN LEAVING FOR SUMMER MISSION TRIP THE WEEK OF JUNE 16!!

Please pray for her as she goes to the Silesian province on the eastern side of the Czech Republic. 

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YOUTH CAMP OUT RESCHEDULED FOR THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 6, BEGINNING AT NOON!!!

Current 6th graders (those going into 7th grade) through those going into college are invited to join us for a night of camping, with a bonfire, s'mores, swimming, canoeing, and many other adventures. 

 

If your child is younger, he or she may come too, but a parent has to come with him or her!! 

 

Let me know if you are coming and if you have a tent BRING IT! 

 

I have men's breakfast early Saturday morning.  So I will be leaving by 7am.  I need a parent or two to be there in the morning when the kids wake up.  Someone please help! 

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KELSEY OVERBECK (OUR DCE INTERN) WILL BE INDUCTED ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22nd!!  There will be a potluck at noon to welcome her!

 

Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex that you will be there and be bringing a dish to share.

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THE STORY: CHAPTER 19 "The Return Home" IS THIS WEEK!!!

70 years have passed.  A whole generation has come and gone.  Yet God is faithful and keeps his promises.  He makes a way for the tribe of Judah to come back to Jerusalem and rebuild that city so that He can fulfill his promise of a Savior from Bethlehem. 

 

PLEASE KEEP UP WITH YOUR READINGS AND COME TO BIBLE STUDY!!  I know it is difficult, but make time!  It is very important!

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WHY AM I BIKING ACROSS KANSAS????
I greatly value and appreciate our relationship and want to let you know I have taken on the physical challenge with 23 other riders from LeadaChild and around 800 other bikers, of biking across the state of Kansas to raise awareness and financial support for LeadaChild CCCS.

 

Pray that I make it. Emoji I will be biking June 11-13, and going about 210 miles, the rest of the group will be biking the whole week and going a total of 550 miles.  If you are interested in seeing what and where we will be biking go to: www.bak.org

 

As you may know, LeadaChild provides Christian education to over 26,000 children in 30 countries. The website is: www.leadachild.org.  Would you consider sponsoring my ride by sending in a check directly to CCCS or you can give the money to me and I will get it to the right place. Make checks out to CCCS, 1000 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. 66604. 

 

Any amount will make an impact, but our 23 bikers for LeadaChild CCCS is trying to raise $100,000 and I am trying to raise $25,000.   I currently have $5,650 raised toward that goal. A long ways to go however,

 

With the Lord anything is possible, even a big old lug like me making it across Kansas.

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29: 11

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DONUT LIST NEEDS FILLING  (pun intended)!!!

 

If you are willing to sign up for a Sunday let me know by replying to this email and I will add you!!  Thanks

 

Please consider bringing donuts, muffins, or another kind of treat for our fellowship time.  Here are the dates:

June 8- Dave and Linda Callies

June 15- Dave and Lil Winter

June 22- Dane and Jodi Baldwin

June 29- Jim Rahn

July 6-

July 13-

July 20-

July 27-

Aug 3-

Aug 10-

Aug 17-

Aug 24-

Aug 31-

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T-SHIRTS FOR SALE!!!

Wonderful blaze orange t-shirts are for sale for $10 a piece to help support our board of outreach and evangelism's efforts and to raise money to provide for those in need.  Pick up your size today and put your $10 in the box provided!!!  They are located in the narthex (entry way) of church upstairs.

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

For BEN FRICK, who has been placed on hospice care and is in Warrenton Manor.

 

For LIBBY PAILER, who is recovering from extensive surgery Monday to repair a broken pelvis. 

 

For RICK SPINIOLAS as he continues to deal with pancreatic cancer.

 

For RON WILLIAMS, who is home today after an extensive stay at the hospital.

 

 For ED KOHRS, who is recovering well from surgery at Delmar Gardens in Fenton.

 

For CHERI VERME, daughter of Lil WInter, who is suffering from severe osteoporosis and has a cracked pelvis (all the way across her pelvis) because of it.

 

For FRAN WAGNER, a good friend of Sandy Robine, who has been placed on hospice care.

 

For TRICIA MEYER, who is dealing with ovarian cancer.  She is a friend of many in our congregation. 



 


  ­­  

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

DEVOTION:  When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel.  With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: "He is good: his love toward Israel endures forever." The Story, p. 265
 
Imagine this scene.  You have spent days traveling back to your hometown after 70 years in captivity.  Many of those with you were born in captivity and so they never knew this place called Jerusalem.  They heard stories of a beautiful and magnificent temple, but they never saw it, their parents and grandparents just spoke of it with awe and joy, as a sparkle would come to their eye as they talked about it.  They spoke of wondrous worship with all sorts of instruments and thousands of people singing all together. 
 
Now they were back at the very place that was spoken of, but they themselves were participating.  They wanted to get everything right to honor their forefathers and their aging family who was there with them.  They were nervous and yet excited.  It was the dedication of the new temple of the Lord.  What joy they must've had as they gathered together in freedom.  Just imagine the smiles on their faces and the joy in their hearts as they were able to worship their God freely in their own place. 
 
My home church in Minnesota is celebrating its 150th anniversary next year and the congregation has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair the building that has stood for 130 of those 150 years.  I am reminded of my faith that was begun there at my baptism, confirmed at my confirmation, the wedding I had there to my wonderful wife, and the thousand worship services I attended there.  It brings joy to my heart, because in all those instances God was there and He was smiling too!  He was giving his approval to that worship.  He was not just a part of those worship services and special events, but He was the whole purpose.  And it wasn't because of the building either.  The building is just bricks and mortar, wood and steel.  It is because, "where two or three are gathered there I AM in the midst of them." 
 
I am so excited about the future of St. John's.  I am excited, because whether we are experiencing a time of growth where a new family and sometimes two and three families are coming to church every week, or whether we go a month or even two without a visitor at all, GOD IS THERE!!  He is there in spirit and in truth.  He is there in bread and wine, water and Word.  He is there in the care and concern and the prayers, and the fellowship of believers!  All the time God is there, and He will never leave us or forsake us!  Blessed be the name of the Lord!
 
Prayer:  Lord God, thank you for always being there.  Help me to trust in your holy presence and rejoice in it.  Amen.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  How many articles of gold and silver were brought back to Jerusalem for the temple?  5,400

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was Haggai and what was the main purpose of him writing his book of the Bible?

___________________________________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:

Wed-  Jonesburg nursing home worship 10:30; Choir practice 7pm

Thurs- Alzheimer's Caregivers support group 1pm; Marilyn begins vacation

Fri- 7-12 grade camp out at Mim Dunn's house beginning at noon
Sat- Men's breakfast and Bible Study 8am; Bible study 4; worship 5
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11; Elder's meeting noon
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK

Acolytes- 8:30- Ian Brunson  11- Alaina Heitgerd
Altar guild- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up-- Wanda Turnure
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Communion Assistants- Sat- Randy Sweet; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- none
Lay Readers- Sat- Randy Sweet; 8:30- Patrick Schaumberg;  11am- Jacob Nagel
8:30 Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Projectors- Sat- ????, 8:30- Terry McKenzie, 11- Ian Brunson??? 
Sat pianist- Molly Hendershot

____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:

SET UP AND CLEAN UP HELPERS NEEDED FOR POTLUCK ON JUNE 22nd!!

 

So far we have Christine Winn, Lani Heitgerd, and Lynn Russell.  We could still use a few more!

 

We are in need of some helpers to set up before and clean up after the potluck to welcome our DCE intern on Sunday, June 22. 

Our previous volunteers, Linda Callies and Denise Schlesselmann will not be able to be there that day. 

Please volunteer by simply replying to this email and letting me know.  Thanks!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

DENISE SCHLESSELMANN LEAVING FOR SUMMER MISSION TRIP THE WEEK OF JUNE 16!!

Please pray for her as she goes to the Silesian province on the eastern side of the Czech Republic. 

___________________________________________________________________________________

YOUTH CAMP OUT RESCHEDULED FOR THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 6, BEGINNING AT NOON!!!

Current 6th graders (those going into 7th grade) through those going into college are invited to join us for a night of camping, with a bonfire, s'mores, swimming, canoeing, and many other adventures. 

 

If your child is younger, he or she may come too, but a parent has to come with him or her!! 

 

Let me know if you are coming and if you have a tent BRING IT! 

 

I have men's breakfast early Saturday morning.  So I will be leaving by 7am.  I need a parent or two to be there in the morning when the kids wake up.  Someone please help! 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

KELSEY OVERBECK (OUR DCE INTERN) WILL BE INDUCTED ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22nd!!  There will be a potluck at noon to welcome her!

 

Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex that you will be there and be bringing a dish to share.

______________________________________________________________________________

THE STORY: CHAPTER 19 "The Return Home" IS THIS WEEK!!!

70 years have passed.  A whole generation has come and gone.  Yet God is faithful and keeps his promises.  He makes a way for the tribe of Judah to come back to Jerusalem and rebuild that city so that He can fulfill his promise of a Savior from Bethlehem. 

 

PLEASE KEEP UP WITH YOUR READINGS AND COME TO BIBLE STUDY!!  I know it is difficult, but make time!  It is very important!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
WHY AM I BIKING ACROSS KANSAS????
I greatly value and appreciate our relationship and want to let you know I have taken on the physical challenge with 23 other riders from LeadaChild and around 800 other bikers, of biking across the state of Kansas to raise awareness and financial support for LeadaChild CCCS.

 

Pray that I make it. Emoji I will be biking June 11-13, and going about 210 miles, the rest of the group will be biking the whole week and going a total of 550 miles.  If you are interested in seeing what and where we will be biking go to: www.bak.org

 

As you may know, LeadaChild provides Christian education to over 26,000 children in 30 countries. The website is: www.leadachild.org.  Would you consider sponsoring my ride by sending in a check directly to CCCS or you can give the money to me and I will get it to the right place. Make checks out to CCCS, 1000 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. 66604. 

 

Any amount will make an impact, but our 23 bikers for LeadaChild CCCS is trying to raise $100,000 and I am trying to raise $25,000.   I currently have $5,650 raised toward that goal. A long ways to go however,

 

With the Lord anything is possible, even a big old lug like me making it across Kansas.

 

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29: 11

______________________________________________________________________________

DONUT LIST NEEDS FILLING  (pun intended)!!!

 

If you are willing to sign up for a Sunday let me know by replying to this email and I will add you!!  Thanks

 

Please consider bringing donuts, muffins, or another kind of treat for our fellowship time.  Here are the dates:

June 8- Dave and Linda Callies

June 15- Dave and Lil Winter

June 22- Dane and Jodi Baldwin

June 29- Jim Rahn

July 6-

July 13-

July 20-

July 27-

Aug 3-

Aug 10-

Aug 17-

Aug 24-

Aug 31-

________________________________________________________________________________________________

T-SHIRTS FOR SALE!!!

Wonderful blaze orange t-shirts are for sale for $10 a piece to help support our board of outreach and evangelism's efforts and to raise money to provide for those in need.  Pick up your size today and put your $10 in the box provided!!!  They are located in the narthex (entry way) of church upstairs.

______________________________________________________________________________________
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.

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

For BEN FRICK, who has been placed on hospice care and is in Warrenton Manor.

 

For LIBBY PAILER, who is recovering from extensive surgery Monday to repair a broken pelvis. 

 

For RICK SPINIOLAS as he continues to deal with pancreatic cancer.

 

For RON WILLIAMS, who is home today after an extensive stay at the hospital.

 

 For ED KOHRS, who is recovering well from surgery at Delmar Gardens in Fenton.

 

For CHERI VERME, daughter of Lil WInter, who is suffering from severe osteoporosis and has a cracked pelvis (all the way across her pelvis) because of it.

 

For FRAN WAGNER, a good friend of Sandy Robine, who has been placed on hospice care.

 

For TRICIA MEYER, who is dealing with ovarian cancer.  She is a friend of many in our congregation. 



 


  ­­  

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

 DEVOTION:  Ezra 1:1-4 (The Story p. 263)

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:

“Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”    
 
It is amazing what God can do.  He promised that at the end of the 70 year captivity the people of God who were left, referred to  in the Scriptures as the remnant, would return to their home in Jerusalem and the surrounding country of Judah.  He  kept that promise as we see here, by moving the heart of the mighty king of Persia to let the people go back.  he had no real reason to do it other than that God moved him to do it. 
 
A lot of times when we think things are hopeless God moves.  Sometimes he moves things out of the way.  Sometimes he puts things in the way.  Sometimes he moves people's hearts.  Sometimes he even makes the heart of a person hard and stubborn.  Every time he moves great things happen.  People are changed and often times saved.  Nations are defeated.  A whole earth is created.  When God moves great and wondrous things happen. 
 
Sometimes God moves quickly and drastically in our lives and his movement is clearly seen.  Other times his movement is slow and deliberate, like a turtle crossing the road.  At the fast times we wish God would slow down and in the slow times we wish God would speed up.  At all times God's timing is right and perfect. 
 
I urge you today to take a step back and see how God is moving in your life.  Is he moving in your life to get you to do something or to keep you from doing something?  Is he moving to draw you closer to him or to draw someone else closer to him through you?  Is he putting something in your way or taking something out of your way?  Watch how God is moving, thank him for his movement, and respond in whatever way God would have you respond, knowing that he is taking care of things every step of the way and he will give you his grace.  And then enjoy the ride that is God's movement of grace through the rest of your life!
 
Prayer:  Lord God, help me to step back, relax, and let you do the moving in my life!  Amen.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  Who was king of Persia when the Jews were allowed to return home to Jerusalem and Judah?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ:  How many articles of gold and silver were brought back to Jerusalem for the temple?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15; Building committee meeting 7pm
Wed-  Jonesburg nursing home worship 10:30; Choir practice 7pm
Thurs- Alzheimer's Caregivers support group 1pm; Marilyn begins vacation
Fri- 7-12 grade camp out at Mim Dunn's house beginning at noon
Sat- Men's breakfast and Bible Study 8am; Bible study 4; worship 5
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11; Elder's meeting noon
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK
Acolytes- 8:30- Ian Brunson  11- Alaina Heitgerd
Altar guild- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up-- Wanda Turnure
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Communion Assistants- Sat- Randy Sweet; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- none
Lay Readers- Sat- Randy Sweet; 8:30- Patrick Schaumberg;  11am- Jacob Nagel
8:30 Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte

Projectors- Sat- ????, 8:30- Terry McKenzie, 11- Ian Brunson??? 
Sat pianist- Molly Hendershot
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:
SET UP AND CLEAN UP HELPERS NEEDED FOR POTLUCK ON JUNE 22nd!!
We are in need of some helpers to set up before and clean up after the potluck to welcome our DCE intern on Sunday, June 22. 
Our previous volunteers, Linda Callies and Denise Schlesselmann will not be able to be there that day. 
Please volunteer by simply replying to this email and letting me know.  Thanks!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
DENISE SCHLESSELMANN LEAVING FOR SUMMER MISSION TRIP THE WEEK OF JUNE 16!!
Please pray for her as she goes to the Silesian province on the eastern side of the Czech Republic. 
___________________________________________________________________________________
YOUTH CAMP OUT RESCHEDULED FOR THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 6, BEGINNING AT NOON!!!
Current 6th graders (those going into 7th grade) through those going into college are invited to join us for a night of camping, with a bonfire, s'mores, swimming, canoeing, and many other adventures. 
 
If your child is younger, he or she may come too, but a parent has to come with him or her!! 
 
Let me know if you are coming and if you have a tent BRING IT! 
 
I have men's breakfast early Saturday morning.  So I will be leaving by 7am.  I need a parent or two to be there in the morning when the kids wake up.  Someone please help! 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
KELSEY OVERBECK (OUR DCE INTERN) WILL BE INDUCTED ON SUNDAY, JUNE 22nd!!  There will be a potluck at noon to welcome her!
 
Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex that you will be there and be bringing a dish to share.
______________________________________________________________________________
THE STORY: CHAPTER 19 "The Return Home" IS THIS WEEK!!!
70 years have passed.  A whole generation has come and gone.  Yet God is faithful and keeps his promises.  He makes a way for the tribe of Judah to come back to Jerusalem and rebuild that city so that He can fulfill his promise of a Savior from Bethlehem. 
 
PLEASE KEEP UP WITH YOUR READINGS AND COME TO BIBLE STUDY!!  I know it is difficult, but make time!  It is very important!
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
WHY AM I BIKING ACROSS KANSAS????
I greatly value and appreciate our relationship and want to let you know I have taken on the physical challenge with 23 other riders from LeadaChild and around 800 other bikers, of biking across the state of Kansas to raise awareness and financial support for LeadaChild CCCS.
 
Pray that I make it. Emoji I will be biking June 11-13, and going about 220 miles, the rest of the group will be biking the whole week and going a total of 550 miles.  If you are interested in seeing what and where we will be biking go to: www.bak.org
 
As you may know, LeadaChild provides Christian education to over 26,000 children in 30 countries. The website is: www.leadachild.org.  Would you consider sponsoring my ride by sending in a check directly to CCCS or you can give the money to me and I will get it to the right place. Make checks out to CCCS, 1000 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS. 66604. 
 
Any amount will make an impact, but our 23 bikers for LeadaChild CCCS is trying to raise $100,000 and I am trying to raise $25,000.   I currently have $5,650 raised toward that goal. A long ways to go however,
 
With the Lord anything is possible, even a big old lug like me making it across Kansas.
 
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Jeremiah 29: 11
______________________________________________________________________________
DONUT LIST NEEDS FILLING  (pun intended)!!!
 
If you are willing to sign up for a Sunday let me know by replying to this email and I will add you!!  Thanks
 
Please consider bringing donuts, muffins, or another kind of treat for our fellowship time.  Here are the dates:
June 8- Dave and Linda Callies
June 15- Dave and Lil Winter
June 22- Dane and Jodi Baldwin
June 29- Jim Rahn
July 6-
July 13-
July 20-
July 27-
Aug 3-
Aug 10-
Aug 17-
Aug 24-
Aug 31-
________________________________________________________________________________________________
T-SHIRTS FOR SALE!!!
Wonderful blaze orange t-shirts are for sale for $10 a piece to help support our board of outreach and evangelism's efforts and to raise money to provide for those in need.  Pick up your size today and put your $10 in the box provided!!!  They are located in the narthex (entry way) of church upstairs.
______________________________________________________________________________________
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.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
PRAYER REQUESTS:  (If you have a prayer request please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061)
For BEN FRICK, who has been placed on hospice care and is in Warrenton Manor.
 
For LIBBY PAILER, who is recovering from extensive surgery yesterday to repair a broken pelvis. 
 
For RICK SPINIOLAS as he recovers from a fever at home.  He was hospitalized this past weekend.
 
For RON WILLIAMS, who should be going home today after a nine day stay in the hospital.
 
 For ED KOHRS, who had to have a feeding tube put in so that he would be able to receive enough nourishment.
 
For JAMES FISHER, a little brother of a preschooler at Little Lambs and future Little Lambs student who is dealing with sever complications due to strep throat and an eye infection.
 
For CHERI VERME, daughter of Lil WInter, who is suffering from severe osteoporosis and has a cracked pelvis (all the way across her pelvis) because of it.
 
For FRAN WAGNER, a good friend of Sandy Robine, who has been placed on hospice care.
 
For TRICIA MEYER, who is dealing with ovarian cancer.  She is a friend of many in our congregation. 






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Update on Libby Pailer



 
Dear friends! Libby is in ICU as I write this. She was operated on beginning at 11:30 AM. The Dr. thought about 3 hrs and 1/2.  It only lasted just less than 3 hours. She is now the proud owner of 4 new screws and a 3 inch piece of chain. She will light up airport security like a Christmas tree now. They will put her in a new room later this evening. Please! Pleas! keep up the prayers they are working. I'll keep everyone appraised as my beloved bride progresses. Thanks for your prayers, Love and support. Larry P


Pastor Dorow's 25th anniversary in ministry celebration

Pastor Dorow (who served St. John's from 1997-2001 will be celebrating his 25th year in the ministry at his congregation in Waterloo, NY. 
 
The congregation will be having a picnic lunch to celebrate this coming Sunday, July 8 after their regular church service.
 
 
If you would like to be a part of this celebration please send cards, letters, pictures, emails etc. to the following address.  I'm sure the family and the church will greatly appreciate anything and everything!
 
The church is also accepting monetary donations for a gift for him. 
 
Send regular mail to:
Calvary Lutheran Church
Attn: Nancy
2414 Route 414 North
Waterloo, NY 13165
 
 
Send emails to: calluth@rochester.twcbc.com
 
Thanks and God's blessings on your day!
Pastor