Monday, August 18, 2014

DEVOTION: The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.  But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city.  They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.  The Story, p. 409
 
What happens when people don't seek forgiveness and reconciliation?  What happens when people only seek what they think of as "justice" without knowing the truth?  You can see it happening right now in Ferguson and in all of north county.  You see people taking advantage of a situation for their own bad behavior and their own false gain.  You see people rioting.  You see protests.  You see interviews and press conferences where there is nothing but anger and shouting. 
 
What you don't see....  JESUS.  Actually, I have heard quite a few stories of Jesus being proclaimed in this situation.  I have heard the gospel go out in that place, and when it does there is peace.  When it does cooler heads prevail and there is the beginning of reconciliation and forgiveness. 
 
When there isn't, like there has been in the middle of the night for the last week, there is what you have seen on the news. 
 
You might see the same thing in your family.  I know I've seen it in mine from time to time.  You see and hear people shouting over one another and not listening to each other.  You see people with anger and hate who only want retaliation and what they claim to be as justice.  So, lest you see what's going on in Ferguson and begin to judge "those people" remember that at one time or even more you were one of those people. 
 
I urge you then, if you are struggling with wanting justice without also wanting reconciliation, or if you are seeking to destroy someone else instead of building them up or giving them God's grace, repent and seek JESUS!  Seek His forgiveness for your own sin and for the other person.  That is the only way true justice and true peace will prevail.  
 
Let us pray:  Lord God, turn our heart, and the hearts of those seeking hurt and hate in Ferguson, to You and to peace.  Amen.  

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:    How did Peter respond when the people who were cut to the heart asked him "Brothers, what shall we do?"  He said, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the Holy Spirit."
 
Thanks Dianne Hance for your continued prompt and correct answers.
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TODAY'S QUIZ:  Who was set apart with Saul to do the work to which God had called them?
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CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible Study on The Story, Chapter 28  11:30-12:15; Praise Team practice 6:45
Wed- Ladies Aid meeting (w/ Mite boxes) noon; NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Sat- Bible Study 4; Worship 5
Sun- worship 8:30; Bible Study and Sunday school 9:45; worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK
Acolytes- 8:30- Becca Bettlach  11- Kailyn Blechle
Altar guild- Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up-- Betty Schirr and Cheryl Bettlach
Greeters- 8:30- Dave and Hope Tinnin; 11- Steve and Sandy Robine
Communion Assistants- Sat- Don Turnure; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier; 8:30- Jacob Nagel;  11am- Steve Robine
8:30 Ushers- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbert, Don Turnure
Projectors- Sat- Perricone; 8:30- Panhorst; 11- ????
Sat pianist-  Kathy Barrow;  Sun- Melissa Pedersen
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NEWS:
Kelsey updates our website weekly!  Check it out!!  www.stjohnwarrenton.org
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LABOR DAY FLOAT TRIP-- Float trip will be through Ozark Outdoors.  Meet at the river at 10am for a 4 mile float.  Please contact Teresa Scott to sign up.  She can be reached by email at tscott@usmo.com, cell phone or text at 636-359-5041 or at Schraer heating and air conditioning at 636-456-5041.  When signing up, [please provide your best phone contact number and email address, if you have one.  More info to follow.

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MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND THE CHURCH PICNIC!!!!!

 

The church picnic is going to be held at CHURCH this year on Sunday, September 7 at noon. 
 
There will be a sign up sheet to tell us how many from your family and friends are coming and what kind of food you will be bringing (Please bring a salad/side dish or dessert to share).  Hamburgers, hotdogs, buns, drinks, and eating utensils will be provided. 
 
We will need a few guys to volunteer to help with grilling on Sunday morning.  STEVE MCDOWELL and BRENT DAVIS have volunteered to head that up!  Thanks guys!
 
Everyone will need to help with clean up at the end, but it would be good to have a few volunteers to be in charge of clean up.
  
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE AN INFLATABLE OBSTACLE COURSE AND BOUNCE HOUSE AS WELL AS A GIANT SLIP AND SLIDE FOR THE KIDS!!
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MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP Friday, Sept. 26- Sunday Sept. 28 AT MARK TWAIN LAKE!!

Go to t3mensretreat.org for all the info you will need and to sign up!

It would be wonderful to get a big group of guys from St. John's to go!  I never miss it!

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MISSION STATEMENT NEEDS REVISION AND UPDATES

Our mission statement needs to be updated to reflect our emphasis on children and youth and to be made more concise and easy to read.  I would like to get a group of two or three interested people to help me to formulate something that we can print on all of our materials and share in the community.  If you have any interest in that please reply or call 359-1061

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DO YOU HAVE THE INACTIVE MEMBERS OF ST. JOHN'S ON YOUR HEART AND MIND?  SO DO I!

God has put the inactive members of St. John's on my heart and mind in different and new ways over the past month.  They need our care, concern, prayers and love.  I would like to get a committee of two or three people who also have them on their hearts and want to care for them in more and different ways.  Please reply or call 359-1061 if interested!

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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 DON AND WANDA TURNURE AND FAMILY, as they mourn the loss of Don's mother Louise Hale.

 

For MIM DUNN, as she is recovering from a broken pelvis at home.

 

For the FAMILY OF MIKE GARRETT, a husband of a fellow bus driver of Karin and a friend to many in the community, as his body is laid to rest today.

 

For JONAS BORCHERT as he recovers from surgery to remove a lobe of his lung due to cancer and as he awaits word on a new course of treatment.

 

For the community of FERGUSON, and all of North County, as they deal with the civil unrest, rioting, and looting that continues.

 

For HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, who are being persecuted to the point of death for their faith. 

 

For NANCY SPINIOLAS as she recovers from a car accident and a fall.

 

For RICK SPINIOLAS as he continues to deal with pancreatic caner and the effects of the chemo on his body. 

 

For ED KOHRS who is back at the nursing home.

 

For LYNN MESSER, a friend of Jo Fahrni, who is has been missing for a month, that she will be found safe and well very soon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Quilters

I have a person interested in learning to quilt in the evening.  Are there any more ladies that work and would be interested in setting up an evening?  Also any experienced quilter that might want to work with us as an instructor helper.  Please contact Pam Bueltmann  636 745 2500 or pbueltmann@centurytel.net.  Lets keep this wonderful old craft going for future generations.   Thanks,  Pam Bueltmann

Fwd: The Lutheran Hour: August 17, 2014

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

From: Lutheran Hour Ministries

Date:08/16/2014 9:15 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: revklaus@hotmail.com

Subject: The Lutheran Hour: August 17, 2014

Sermon Text for August 17, 2014 "A Savior Who Goes Where No One Has Gone Before" #81-50 Presented on The Lutheran Hour on August 17, 2014 By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker (What's the Original Ending of the Lord's Prayer?) Copyright 2014 Lutheran Hour Ministries Text: Matthew 15:21-28 Grace, mercy, and peace to you in Jesus' Name. Amen. Do you remember that Sci-Fi hit TV series, "Star Trek?" It only had a short 3-year run on television, but later, it became a cult hit, even a central piece of Paramount Studios. At the studios, they even called it "the Franchise," because it spawned spin-offs, movies, cartoons, conventions, long after the curtain came down on the show's initial production. Do you remember the tag line for the show, the mission for the crew of the Starship Enterprise; "Its mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before"? Gene Roddenberry, the creative writer behind those initial shows, wasn't just trying to create a hit TV show. He had an agenda behind those scenes. You don't have to watch the series long to catch it. He thought that the show could harness the youth movement, showing humanity what it might develop into if it would only learn from the lessons of the past. We had to be more reasonable, more passionate about humanity's ability to progress (like Captain Kirk), and confident about our power to work together, (like the United Federation of Planets); you see, that was Roddenberry's ideal, optimistic version of a United Nations future for humanity. Now, if you look around at the world today, all the troubles and chaos, who wouldn't want a future like that? Who wouldn't desire less war for all people, people getting along with each other? Who wouldn't want a personal life of purpose, more self-control; more opportunities to do good, a life on a worthy mission that ultimately would change things for the better? Well, all those emotions and desires are going on in our text today. And this is not a TV series, or idealistic, wishful thinking; for in this real event in human history, Jesus Himself does what the Starship Enterprise could never do, He goes where humanity cannot go, to bring human beings like this woman, like you and me, what we can't bring, real life and salvation to humanity's failed missions, false hopes, and false expectations. In our lesson for today, Jesus goes to a faraway place, a place on the wrong side of the tracks and shows compassion to a foreigner, to a person who wouldn't ordinarily get the time of day from a self-respecting Israelite. And this manifestation of God's love in action is merely a glimpse of Jesus' love for the whole world. Jesus goes to the wrong part of town, to a person that normally wouldn't garnish anyone's attention, to be merciful; so that all might see the power of faith for their lives too. Pretty bold move by our Lord, wouldn't you agree? But, the more you read the Bible the more you realize that Jesus is unlike any person who has ever lived, then or now. He is no ordinary Man; He is the God-Man, the Savior of mankind, who goes where no one else can go so that grace might be possible for all who would receive Him. Jesus is on a mission, and by God's grace, it's not to explore new worlds as much as it is to graciously leave no woman, no child, no man behind. It's to bring life and salvation into a world of sin, death, and destruction. And with Him, there is boldness, courage, mission, life, eternal life, to all who would trust and believe in Him. That's why this Canaanite woman risked it all and came before Jesus and was willing to receive whatever He offered. That's why she came and knelt before him, and said; "Lord, help me!" He said, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to the dogs." "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master's table." Then Jesus said to her, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted. Your daughter is healed." But, when you read the dialogue between Jesus and this woman, it's easy to get confused, isn't it? It seems like Jesus is being harsh, that this woman is being disrespected. It seems like the woman is the one with all the courage and that Jesus is treating her like everybody else. Some say Jesus did and said what He did to strengthen her faith, but, I believe that a closer reading says otherwise. I think that Jesus wasn't merely strengthening her faith; I think that He was exhibiting her faith publically, demonstrating it for all to see because Jesus wasn't there merely for her help alone; He had come for all! And that's one thing that the Bible makes very clear; it isn't God who is in the habit of delivering crumbs to human beings. Like Jesus Himself said in John 10, "I have come to give you life abundantly!" This world was created for human beings to receive as a gift, to manage with excellence, and to share it with those we love! Crumbs from tables; that's not a picture of God's work in the world, that's an image of what we've done with this place, people hell-bent on selfish sinfulness, jealously, and gluttony. When Jesus paints the picture of a dog-eat-dog world, He's in essence saying to this woman, "Are you here to treat Me like everybody else, as a God who you think cramps your style, inhibits your life, and then gives you mere crumbs for your heartfelt devotion, are you here to treat Me like all the other false pious ones, or heartless leaders hoping to get in on My bandwagon for personal gain? Are you here too for this world's crumbs? "Or do you really want what I can alone give? Do you really know how much I love you and care for you?" Now, there is no doubt that this woman was bold to risk it all by coming before Jesus. But it's her answer to Jesus that compels us. For her answer to Jesus demonstrates that she knew exactly who He was and what He alone could bring. She was willing to receive whatever He granted because of who He was and what He alone could offer. She comes before Him, totally dependent, with a daughter in crisis. She's exhausted all human possibilities, but realizes that Jesus isn't merely the next possible solution, but the One Solution that really matters in this broken world. She doesn't have to be told about what kind of world this is. When Jesus points out that dogs don't eat the children's bread, she knows that He is merely reflecting the way that this sinful, broken world is. So, to really get to the point of this event we have to be honest; as harsh as Jesus' words sound, this is an honest description of this world, right? Don't we hear it all the time, "it is a dog-eat-dog world"? And we're told that that's just the way it is. Survival of the fittest, might makes right; that's just a realist talking. And, I've heard all these lines in our newspapers, on our TV shows, in our movies; it even gets more real when we see this truth not only on the page or on the screen, but in our lives. Be honest, there is plenty of evidence of our brokenness and sin, there is plenty of data that we aren't the human beings that God created us to be, and this world isn't what God intended. That's a truth that's hard to hear and that's why Jesus' dialogue with the Canaanite woman, it cuts deep. We don't want to hear that we've turned this world into a place that is unjust and unmerciful. We don't want to face facts that the sin we deplore is in our hearts and minds, do we? But that's the world we've created when we are the masters at the table. Rather than come to Jesus, though we'd rather take our place at the helm of our own Starship Enterprise; we'd rather do a Gene Roddenberry and put our faith in our efforts, our technology, in new worlds, new planets, new life forms. We'd rather put our faith in our reason, our rationality, our communal resolve, as if all of our problems would go away if we just gave it our best shot! But this woman stood humbly before Jesus, with great courage and even greater faith, not in herself but in Jesus alone, illustrating clearly that only Jesus can go where no man has gone before; to rescue, to heal, to save us all! When Jesus hears her testimony, He then exclaims, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted. You get it. That's who I am and I am this for you, for all." What a refreshing change for Jesus. Instead of being constantly confronted by the conniving of the religious and secular leaders of the day, people who were trying to thwart His work at every turn, instead of facing the attitudes of so many, people who were fair-weather followers for their own agendas; now, here was this lady in essence saying, "Whatever you say, Jesus, that will be enough for me and for my daughter." See with me the power of faith in an amazing Savior. Watch the faith of this incredible woman in action. It will teach you much about her, but it will teach you even more about Jesus and who He is for you! But, let me confess again, that every time I read this lesson, I admit I get a bit uncomfortable. I don't like Jesus comparing the situation of this woman to that of a dog. Women were already treated poorly in the ancient world. And Canaanite women were treated even worse than that by Pharisaic Jews. But that's not what Jesus was doing. He references the bigotries of the day, the brokenness of their society, to make an even greater point for her and for all. This was another event that demonstrated the fullness of Jesus' love for those who didn't think they deserved it. Here was a love, His love, God's love, willing to come all the way to wherever this woman was for the healing of her daughter and the confirmation of her faith. If she was in the land of the dogs, if she was classified as an idolater, as an unbeliever by others of that day, Jesus was willing even then to journey there for her blessing and peace. Even more, the Bible proclaims that Jesus was willing to go even further than that for all, even to hell and back so that all people, all sinners, could have an eternal life that was beyond their sinful grasp. So, Jesus turns her situation all around. Referencing this common social description is not merely Jesus eliciting social standing or exposing sinful human barriers, it is much more. And when she responds to Jesus' conversation about children and dogs, saying, "But, Lord, oh what a joy to be in the house of a master who loves me, loves my daughter, and really cares for us no matter what." Suddenly Jesus' point comes alive for all to see. He confirms her as a child of God, an heir of His kingdom. Suddenly we see the very lengths and depths that Jesus will go for people in need, to save, to heal. He covers her with His gracious Word. And, if this world has gone to the dogs, then how amazing it is to know that He is willing to go to that place of those in need for His grace. He enters into the degradation of our world, and in spite of its sin; He isn't thwarted by our brokenness or stymied by our walls of separation. He brings real blessing to those who trust in Him. What a day for this Canaanite woman, right? But, the more important question for you is: is this such a day for you? Are you feeling the struggle of the Canaanite woman, the pain of a loved one in need? Are you experiencing the struggles that come in this dog-eat-dog world, are you feeling that all alone feeling that God is ignoring you; but more, are you ready, like her, to be blessed today, no matter what your circumstance, with the same power of faith in Jesus who not only hears your prayers, but answers them? It's Jesus who invites you and me to learn from this Canaanite woman. She trusts in Him, her Savior who was willing to cross the tracks for her, to bring real hope to her in the midst of her despair. She trusts in Him, her Lord who would not let sinful humanities' boundaries get in the way of granting her grace, even healing, to those she loved. She trusts in Him, her Savior, who even when He allows temporal struggle or pain in this world, she knows that He ultimately does what is best for her, for us, for all! God comes to our faraway places of sin and despair to bring us near to His grace! We love movies and books about heroes who, against all odds, come to save those in need. We love stories about people sacrificing for their loved ones, their families, their countrymen to thwart the intentions of the bad guys and save the day. My favorite show is back on for one final run. That's the TV show "24," where Jack Bauer does whatever it takes to save the day, to defend the just, to keep the terrorists, the bad guys, at bay. He's willing to pay the price for that. It is compelling, griping to say the least. But our text speaks of a love and justice that is infinitely more powerful and more compelling. It speaks of a love that would do whatever it takes to save even the enemy. It speaks of a justice that holds sin accountable, not to wipe sinful humanity off the face of the planet but to really redeem and restore those who deserve nothing but wrath and judgment. The Bible says in Romans 5, "God's love is this that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us sinners." It speaks about God coming for sinners; dogs that don't even belong at the foot of His table, and He does all of that not merely to grant them scraps, but to make possible again the opportunity for all to dine at His table as sons and daughters. When you hear this Word today, the Canaanite woman is telling you, "Put your faith in Jesus Christ." He comes for all. He is the Giver of abundant life; He is the Bread from heaven, not the crumbs of this world. Live in the strength and hope that faith in Him can provide. His crumbs are better than this world's finest cuisine. Yes, preaching this text is hard because none of us likes thinking of the dogliness of our lives due to sin; but I also wish the text more fully described the joy of Jesus at the moment of this woman's confession of faith. I wish we also had the movie version of what happened. Because there you would have seen the steely eyed confidence that this woman had in her trust in Jesus amidst all of her problems and you would have seen the smile on Jesus' face from ear to ear, His joy concerning her faith, His joy in being her Savior, her Lord, her source of strength and life as well as her help for her daughter in her time of need. That's who Jesus is for the woman in our text. That's who He is for you today too. Her public confession of Him in spite of her problems and difficulties, allows Jesus to demonstrate the power of faith in Him for you as well. That's what He wants for each of us today. So I invite you to have faith like this Canaanite woman, and pray persistently like she did with Jesus. Frederick Buechner wrote, "According to Jesus, by far the most important thing about praying is to keep at it." Because, at the moment, you may not fully understand what Jesus is doing in your life, but the One who lived, and died, and rose again so that you might have abundant life and salvation now and forever; He is the One to trust in all things! Learn from this Canaanite woman because the Word Jesus spoke to her can be your Word too. Be confident in Him no matter what, for those who put their faith in Jesus, they will one day all hear this word too, "O child, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." Amen. LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for August 17, 2014 Topic: What's the Original Ending of the Lord's Prayer? ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Gregory Seltz responds to questions from listeners. I'm Mark Eischer. Pastor, one of our listeners recently attended a wedding and he noticed that they used a 'shorter version of The Lord's Prayer.' It didn't have that part at the end where it goes, 'For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever, Amen." SELTZ: I'm so glad that The Lord's Prayer Sermon series has been a blessing to so many. About this question then, the answer is two-fold. The first answer has to do with The Lord's Prayer and its use in Christian worship services down through the centuries. ANNOUNCER: Okay, and the other part? SELTZ: The other part has to do with different translations of the Bible and the Reformation's return to using early copies of the original Greek Bible for their translations. ANNOUNCER: That sounds like it's pretty in-depth. SELTZ: Well, it's not so much really. But it is important for Christians to understand how this all works because people want to know, "Did Jesus really say that?" and should we say it too? ANNOUNCER: When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, did He include that part about the kingdom, the power, and the glory? SELTZ: No, it almost certainly wasn't something in the original text. For many years, the Western Christian church was using a Latin translation of the Greek text that had a few anomalies in the copies as compared to the original; but, they wouldn't have known that because they did not have the original Greek texts to compare their translations to. ANNOUNCERS: So, actually, one the blessings of the Reformation is that it brought about access to better and more faithful translations of the New Testament. SELTZ: That's correct, and while this "longer ending of the Lord's Prayer" wasn't something in the original teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6 or Luke 11, it's important to realize that even with some of the copy errors or incorrect insertions that had historically crept into the Bible, none of those occurrences change any major teaching of the Bible. ANNOUNCER: Okay, using this issue as an example, could you explain that further? SELTZ: Yeah, I sure can. While this ending wasn't in Jesus' teaching on The Lord's Prayer, it surely was a biblical sentiment about prayer. ANNOUNER: And what does that mean? SELTZ: Well, first, this phrase is actually elsewhere in the Bible almost verbatim. In David's prayer with God's people in the Old Testament concerning the Temple and temple worship, he says in the prayer, "Yours, LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth are yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." ANNOUNCER: So it wouldn't be unusual for the Church to have had this as part of their worshipful response to what Jesus taught us regarding The Lord's Prayer? SELTZ: No, in fact one would probably expect it because it expressed a very biblical response to Jesus' teaching about praying to God as our Father. ANNOUNCER: All right. Now, where does that leave us then today as to whether we should say the shorter version or the longer one? SELTZ: Even though it's not part of the text in Matthew 6 or in Luke 11, it is very much a part of the spirit of the Bible in how one should pray. And, it's important to note that Jesus wasn't teaching a formula for prayer but giving a thematic emphasis for one's prayers to God. ANNOUNCER: Could you explain that more? SELTZ: Sure, as we said in the sermon series, Jesus is emphasizing key aspects for our prayer life with God. He wants us to pray in faith towards Him, namely as our Father. And He wants us to focus our attention on our relationship with Him, His Name, His kingdom; and then even ask for things that focus on our spiritual needs even more than our physical ones. ANNOUNCER: Because our heavenly Father provides for our physical needs even before we ask for them. SELTZ: Right, Jesus says "He cares for the birds of the air, the plants of the field...how much more will he care for you." But, even more importantly, Jesus' emphasis on spiritual things helps us realize which is ultimately most important. ANNOUNCER: Because God wants us to be with Him eternally and not just to be supplied with daily bread here and now. SELTZ: Well said. And Satan would like nothing better than for us to want earthly things while forgetting about those eternal things with God. So in that Spirit, focused even more on your spiritual needs....pray away....and whether you end the prayer with the long version or the short one, that ending is very much the spirit of how to pray The Lord's Prayer! ANNOUNCER: All right, then. In closing, God desires our prayers, He teaches us how to pray, and God has the power and the glory not only to hear those prayers but also graciously to answer them. SELTZ: Absolutely. ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Seltz. And we thank our listener for that question. We hope you'll join us again next week. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Music Selections for this program: "A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission. "What Wondrous Love Is This" arr. Henry Gerike. Used by permission. "When I Behold Jesus Christ" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) "Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) Print this sermon Sign up for LHM news Daily Devotions Visit lutheranhour.org Change my email Contact Us subscribe / unsubscribe / visit our website 660 Mason Ridge Center Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141 1-800-876-9880

Is anyone coming to Bible class tomorrow at 4pm?

Here's a silly question:

Is anyone planning on coming to Bible study tomorrow at 4?

Two of my regular couples are not going to be there.

If no one else.is coming I won't prepare for it.  I will cancel it.

Thanks for letting me know. 

Prayer request

 Please pray for Don Turnure's mother Louise, who is on hospice care and nearing the end of her life.  Pray also for the family as they care for her and love her.

Jonas Borchert Update

 
 
 

 

Jonas is back in the regular PICU today. He is recovering well but still having intermittent pain issues associated with the incision in his ribs and the drainage tubes. We don't know how or when his remaining cancer (of which there's plenty) will flare up again, but he will most likely go home in about a week with hospice care. Today he's able to have guests again for short visits. Once again, the hospital staff continues to be impressed by all of Jonas's teenage support, and we are impressed with KU's welcoming attitude. Attached is a photo of a few of Jonas's waiting room buds.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

DEVOTION:  God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses to it.  Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.  The Story p. 392
 
I've been a Christian my whole life.  I have had the Holy Spirit in me and surrounding me that whole time as well.  Yet, there aren't too many people who would call me a fiery preacher or as someone who is extremely charismatic or even always outgoing.  I'm usually quite quiet and reserved.  A lot of times that is a hindrance to many who would like a more energetic, fiery preacher, at other times it is a benefit when I am counseling or caring for people as they need it. 
 
Still, whether I am quiet and reserved or "on fire" for the Lord, I know that the Holy Spirit still lives in me.  How do I know?  BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT JESUS DIED AND ROSE AGAIN FOR ME! 
 
There are times I wish I was more energetic when I preached.  I imagine many others feel the same way about me.   But I and others need to understand that this is not my nature and it's not who I am.  And that's ok! 
 
You, yourself, may feel guilty or you may not feel like you are much of a Christian because you are not like so and so who is energetic and "on fire" for the Lord.  You may even feel jealous.    I know I do, especially when folks leave my church to go and hear that guy who is maybe easier to listen to and gets you more pumped up.  I know I shouldn't, but I do. 
 
But we shouldn't feel jealous for that.  Those people who are like that may be jealous of us.  They may say to themselves, "I wish I had such a steady and solid faith as that person does."  Instead, we should thank God for people like that, because God made them in such a way for a reason.  He makes us each how we are for a reason, and that reason is always good.  It is so that the Gospel may heard and people might come to and grow in their faith!  IT IS ALWAYS JESUS!
 
SO whether you are quiet and timid or loud and proud, know that in both cases you are a gift of God and the same Holy Spirit lives in both of you!  Most importantly, your salvation and eternal life are not wrapped up in your personality or your abilities.  It has everything to do with Jesus!  Never forget that!  Always live in the grace of Christ in both circumstance, and thank God that He has made everyone different for His purpose of LOVE AND FORGIVENESS! 
 
Let us pray:  Lord God, thank you for making us different people but still brothers and sisters in Christ.  One day we will all see you face to face together and that is always what is most important!  Amen.

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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:    Where were the disciples when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost?  The exact location is unclear.  There are numerous possible locations, but the two most likely are:
1. The upper room where they often gathered and where Jesus appeared to them.
2. The temple because they were there all the time meeting together and there were tons of other Jews and Pharisees gathered around them when they began to speak in other tongues. 
Thanks Dianne and Pat for your wonderfully thorough answers. ____________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ:  How did Peter respond when the people who were cut to the heart asked him "Brothers, what shall we do?" 

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CALENDAR:

Thurs- First day of school for Warren County RIII; Little Lambs Open House 8-11am
Sat- Golf Outing 7am-1pm; Bible Study 4; Worship 5; baptism of Lilly Nordwald 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Voter's meeting 9:45; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK
Acolytes- 8:30- Sophie Tinnin  11- Jacob Winn    
Altar guild- Set up- Ruth Walters; Clean Up-- Pam Linke
Greeters- 8:30- Rich and Peggy Talbert; 11- Tom and Pam Linke
Communion Assistants- Sat- Dave Winter; 8:30- Steve Robine; 11- Jim Rahn
Lay Readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone; 8:30- Steve Robine;  11am- Jim Rahn
8:30 Ushers- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Don Weigle, Don Tate
Projectors- Sat- Perricone; 8:30- Terry McKenzie; 11- ????
Sat pianist-  Tim Sherman;  Sun- Melissa Pedersen
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NEWS:

 

VOTERS MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45!!!

VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY AGENDA

Sunday, August 17, 2014

9:45 a.m.

1.  Call to order: Terry Russell

2. Opening devotion:  Pastor Klaustermeier

3. Minutes of the May 18, 2014  Regular Meeting   

4. Staff Reports

A. Pastor’s report:

Official Acts since the May 18, 2014 meeting:                                

*Membership changes:

•    Received by Affirmation of Faith:

•            Dane& Jodi Baldwin                                                                                                  5/25/2014

•    Received by Adult Confirmation:

•            Mary Stemler                                                                                                               6/22/2014     

      Received by Transfer:

                   John & Erica McGowan & Patrick & Riley

                                from Zion Lutheran, Alexander, Arkansas                                                     5/16/2014

•    Baptisms:

•         Infants: None

•        Children:

•               Katelyn& Isabelle Morris                                                                                       8/10/2014                                                         

            Deaths:

                   Ben Frick                         Died 6/8/2014         Funeral                               6/12/2014

                  Margaret Kohrs                              Died 6/12/2014       Funeral                               6/19/201

                    Wilma Smith                               Died 8/6/2014         Funeral                               8/12/2014

–                                                                     Current membership (reflecting above changes)
                                                                                                         Baptized----537

Communica

 

 

B.  Music Director:  Barb Dreyer

C.                  C. Church Office Administrator:  Marilyn Foster
                  D.  DCE Intern: Kelsey Overbeck

5. Reports of Officers, Boards, and Committees:

A. Financial Secretary’s report: Richard Boeger (Report attached)

B. Treasurer’s report: Donna Lindsey (Reports attached)

Page 2 – Voters Agenda – August 17, 2914

C. Board of Elders’ report: John Hachtel, Chairman

              D. Board of Trustees’ report: Brett Nordwald, Chairman           

E. Board of Christian Education report: Christine Winn, Chairperson

F. Board of Christian Outreach report:

G. Board of Christian Stewardship report: Alan Hofledt, Chairman

H. Committee Reports:

 

Little Lambs Committee Report: Barb Hargrove, President

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans chapter report: Rich Boeger                  

Good Shepherd report: Don Luebke

Building & Finance Committee report: Kent Jacobsmeyer

 I. Other reports?

Stephen Ministry - Joanne Hachtel

6.                   Unfinished business:

7.             New business:

A.            Nominations for President and Vice President of the Missouri District

B.            Volunteers to help with the Church picnic on Sunday, September 7 at Mim Dunn's house

C.           Any other New Business?          

 

8.                   Next Regular Meeting: Sunday, November 16, 2014  - 9:45 a.m.

9.             Adjourn

10.          Closing Prayer:  Pastor Klaustermeier

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CHURCH PICNIC!!!!!

 

The church picnic is going to be held at CHURCH this year on Sunday, September 7 at noon. 
 
There will be a sign up sheet to tell us how many from your family and friends are coming and what kind of food you will be bringing (Please bring a salad/side dish or dessert to share).  Hamburgers, hotdogs, buns, drinks, and eating utensils will be provided. 
 
We will need a few guys to volunteer to help with grilling on Sunday morning.  Steve McDowell has agreed to head that up!
 
Everyone will need to help with clean up at the end, but it would be good to have a few volunteers to be in charge of clean up.
 
We are currently working on getting some inflatable fun things to do as well as other fun activities.  If you know of anyone who has inflatables to rent or would like to help with this endeavor in any way, please contact Kelsey immediately at 573-803-7826  or koverbeck@live.com
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MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP Friday, Sept. 26- Sunday Sept. 28 AT MARK TWAIN LAKE!!

Go to t3mensretreat.org for all the info you will need and to sign up!

It would be wonderful to get a big group of guys from St. John's to go!  I never miss it!

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LABOR DAY FLOAT TRIP-- Float trip will be through Ozark Outdoors.  Meet at the river at 10am for a 4 mile float.  Please contact Teresa Scott to sign up.  She can be reached by email at tscott@usmo.com, cell phone or text at 636-359-5041 or at Schraer heating and air conditioning at 636-456-5041.  When signing up, [please provide your best phone contact number and email address, if you have one.  More info to follow.

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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 MIM DUNN, as she is recovering from a broken pelvis at home.

 

For the FAMILY OF MIKE GARRETT, a husband of a fellow bus driver of Karin and a friend to many in the community, who died of a massive heart attack yesterday. 

 

For JONAS BORCHERT as he recovers from surgery to remove a lobe of his lung due to cancer and as he awaits word on a new course of treatment.

 

For the community of FERGUSON, and all of North County, as they deal with the civil unrest, rioting, and looting that continues.

 

For HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, who are being persecuted to the point of death for their faith. 

 

For NANCY SPINIOLAS as she recovers from a car accident and a fall.

 

For RICK SPINIOLAS as he continues to deal with pancreatic caner and the effects of the chemo on his body. 

 

For ED KOHRS who is back at the nursing home.

 

For LYNN MESSER, a friend of Jo Fahrni, who is has been missing for a month, that she will be found safe and well very soon.