St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO

2 prayer requests from Tony Perricone

I would like to add 2 prayer requests to the list. My brother in law John Wehmueller has just been diagnosed with prostrate cancer and will soon begin treatment. My aunt Brenda Schouten has been treating for a cancerous tumor around her aorta. Although currently being treated with chemo, the tumor has grown about an inch larger than last month. They both need the blessing of Jesus and our prayers. Thank you! The Perricones.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

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

"Out of Control"

March 18, 2015

"So the Pharisees said to one another, 'You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the whole world has gone after Him'" (John 12:19).
Read John 12:12-19.
The great Festival of Passover is near. Huge crowds make their way across the countryside toward Jerusalem, and our Lord Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, riding on a donkey.

The Pharisees throw up their hands in fear and frustration. They say to each other "You see that you are gaining nothing." The situation is totally out of control. But again they will not stop to consider Jesus' claims. They only react in frustration and fear of what Jesus might do with the huge Passover crowds gathering around Him in Jerusalem.

It is fascinating to compare their reaction to that of the crowds. The crowds cry out to Jesus, "Hosanna," which means "help" or "save." And they are right. The Lord Jesus is the mighty Son of God, who has come to battle Satan, sin, death and hell. He alone can save us from our bitter enemies.

As we begin this week of Jesus' suffering and death for our sins, we notice He is completely in control. We will notice He is in control through this entire week-clear up to and including His arrest, trials and crucifixion.

That's important to remember when we look at our own lives. Often we are as fearful and frustrated as the Pharisees, realizing situations in our lives are totally out of control. We can throw up our hands like the Pharisees, or call upon Jesus as the crowds do, remembering that Jesus is still in control, sitting at the right hand of the Father and guiding all things for our good.

THE PRAYER: Lord, please help and save us, especially when circumstances are at their worst and totally out of our control. Remind us that they are never beyond Your control. Amen.
Written by Rev. Wayne Palmer

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CALENDAR:

Wed- Ladies Aid noon; Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30 (Pastor at circuit pastor's meeting all day)
Thurs- Karate 5:30

Fri- 7 and 8 graders and chaperones leave at 3:30 for Camp Windermere
Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11; Pastor Jim Prince is here to preach and lead worship and Bible study this weekend.
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- Wed- Dawn Sherman 8:30- Dustin Toedebusch, 11- Gus Klaustermeier
Ushers- Wed- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbert, Don Turnure: Sun- Scott Heitgerd, Alex Heitgerd, Bob Linke, Tom Linke
Altar- Wed Candles Terry Mckenzie; Sun Set up- Ruth Walters, Clean Up- Betty Schirr and Cheryl Bettlach
Communion Assistants- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Rich Talbert; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Lay readers- Sat- John Hachtel 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- Jennifer Figura
Sat Pianist- Tim Sherman
Organist: Melissa Pedersen
Projectionists: Sat- No projector this weekend
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NEWS:

STEPHEN MINISTRY NEEDS YOU!!

Stephen Ministry Leadership Training will be held April 12-18, 2015 in St. Louis at a hotel near the airport. If anyone is interested in being part of this ministry, and wants more details, call Joanne Hachtel, 636-745-8711.

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RESULTS OF SPECIAL VOTER'S MEETING THIS PAST SUNDAY

After a presentation by Kent Jacobsmeyer, and a bit of discussion, It was decided by the voters that there would be two committees set up to move us forward in a timely manner with this bulding project. Volunteers are welcome and needed for both committees, but especially the finance committee.

Brief Explanation and duties of committees:

1. Planning Committee

Who/How many? 6-10 voting members

How long? Approximately 3-6 months

What to do? (Scope off work)-- Communicate with members of St. John's to determine what our needs and goals of a building are. Work to develop "Scope off work" that is used to determine if current plan meets our needs or a new plan needs to be developed to meet the current needs of the church.

Attributes of committee members- creativity, communication, ability to network with all members of the church

Outside assistance: Elmer Wind, Wind architecture has volunteered his time to assist in helping the Planning committee develop a proper scope of work and the criteria to look at when selecting an architect.

2. Finance Committee:

Who/how many- 1-3 voting members

Term- beginning to end of project

Task- Provide the voice of fiscal responsibility when determining the building project's needs vs. wants and be the checks and balances when decisions are made where capital is required and expenses are incurred.

Attributes needed- strong fiscal understanding, fund raising capabilities, analytical

Outside assistance, Dennis Klussmann with LCEF has worked with several church in the same situation as we are in now. Dennis can work with us to help us determine the availability of financing as well as general guidelines of Capital Campaign programs.

Both of these committees will begin their work as soon as they can be established and a meeting date and time can be reached.

Please pray for them as they work for the good of the church and as God guides them!

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MIDWEEK LENTEN SUPPER AND WORSHIP Wednesday, SUPPER 5:30; WORSHIP 6:30!!

Menu: Mostaccioli, garlic bread, salad, and DESSERT

Worship Theme: "Calling Us Home..... Suffering"

Invite your friends and neighbors!! Enjoy some good food, great fellowship, and God's Word all in the span of two hours!!

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CHURCH WORK DAY SATURDAY, MARCH 28 8am-noon!!

The board of trustees needs your help!!

All sorts of work will need to get done! Bring your tools, paint brushes, gloves, and whatever else you may have that would be useful for work!

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FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET NEEDS TO GET FILLED UP!!!
Here's what we have so far:
Mar 22- Luebkes
Mar 29-????
Apr 5- EASTER BREAKFAST
Apr 12-???
Apr 19- ???
Apr. 26- ???
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ST. JOHN'S YELLOW PAGES
If you didn't get your business card in this month's newsletter get them in to the office for the April newsletter!! This advertising is free to members. Many times members call and ask if there are members who are in a certain business or profession. People would always rather do business with fellow church members when they can.
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DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD? ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop.
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SAVE THE DATE!!!! OUR FIRST ANNUAL FALL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2015!!!
We are looking for ideas for carnival games and also donations of carnival game prizes for the vent. Please donate prizes into the cardboard box in the narthex. Also, if any one has an idea for a carnival game, or a game itself they would like to donate please contact Joanna Hoelscher at 636-485-0635 or Karla Christophene at 314-397-1375.

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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP TO THE CLYDESDALE FARM AND THE JEFFERSON CITY STATE PENITENTIARY ON SATURDAY APRIL 11!!
We will visit the Warm Springs Ranch, World headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdale OPERATION. After the tour of the ranch and some refreshments compliments of Budweiser, we will enjoy lunch at Settler's Inn. After that we are on to Jeff City for a tour of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary. An ICE CREAM BREAK us scheduled at Central dairy to round out the day. Reservations and tickets have to be purchased so it is NECESSARY that you SIGN UP NOW!!! Complete cost will be determined by number of people going.

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PRAYER REQUESTS:
For OUR CONGREGATION AS WE SLOWLY MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR BUILDING PROGRAM!!

For OUR DCE, KELSEY OVERBECK, that the Lord moves a congregation in need of her abilities to call her into full time DCE ministry.

For DAVE KOHRS who began chemo treatment last Tuesday.

For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, as she continues to recover from several strokes and seizures.

For WILMA WEIGLE as she is having a lot of difficulty with congestion and possible pneumonia. .

For DANIELLE MEINE, a senior at WHS, a friend to many kids at St. john's, and a rider on Karin's bus since kindergarten, who has a very serious form of cancer.

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .

Fro Denise Schlesselmann

A little early for my newsletter, but a few updates to my blog.

http://sharingoursaviorinsilesia.blogspot.cz/2015/03/one.html

Denise

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

DEVOTION:
After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10

It's the parent's fault. That's all I can say. They didn't teach their children to know the Lord. They didn't make a discipline out of attending God's house for worship. They didn't pray regularly. They didn't talk about God when they sat down to eat, when they got up, when they walked on the road, or when they went to bed. That's what happened.

I hate it when parents decide to let their children make their own decision when it comes to God, Religion, or faith. Do you let them make their own decision when it comes to brushing their teeth, going to grandma's house, cleaning up their room, or eating their vegetables. Heck no! So why would you let them make up their own minds with something of so very much more importance. Excuse my French, but that's just plain stupid and irresponsible.

A high school classmate of mine died yesterday while on vacation in California trying to rescue his son. His son had slipped on a rock and fell into the ocean. He jumped in and actually was able to push his boy to safety, but just as he was trying to get out himself a huge wave came and pulled him back into the ocean. He drowned. He is in heaven now! Why? Because his parents introduced him to the Lord and made sure that he knew the Lord!! he grew up knowing Jesus as Savior!

What if his parents had decided to let him make up his own mind and never talked to him about Jesus? What if they had never taken him to the waters of Holy Baptism? What if it is was left up to him?

To be sure there are thousands of people who came to faith without their parents help. There are millions who never heard a word about their Savior from the people who raised them BUT WHY WOULD YOU, WHO KNOW THE LORD, TAKE THAT CHANCE, when you know that the child's eternal life is at stake?

I'm speaking to parents today when I say, MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN KNOW THE LORD! If you do one good thing in your life, make it this one! Bring them to church! Bring them to Sunday school. Go to Sunday school yourself so that they see, know, and understand how important knowing the Lord is to you! KNOW THE LORD YOURSELF TOO! You won't be disappointed!

I'm so thankful that I was born to parents who made sure that I knew the Lord, that they made me go to worship even when I didn't want to go. That they spent time with me memorizing the Scripture, that they sent me to Lutheran school, and that they continue to care deeply about my spiritual life!

My prayer is that your kids have parents like mine!

Prayer: Lord God, help parent to make good decisions in raising their kids to know you. Amen.

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CALENDAR:

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

Wed- Ladies Aid noon; Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30 (Pastor at circuit pastor's meeting all day)
Thurs- Karate 5:30

RESULTS OF SPECIAL VOTER'S MEETING YESTERDAY

Brief Explanation and duties of committees:

1. Planning Committee

Who/How many? 6-10 voting members

How long? Approximately 3-6 months

Attributes of committee members- creativity, communication, ability to network with all members of the church

2. Finance Committee:

Who/how many- 1-3 voting members

Term- beginning to end of project

Attributes needed- strong fiscal understanding, fund raising capabilities, analytical

Both of these committees will begin their work as soon as they can be established and a meeting date and time can be reached.

Please pray for them as they work for the good of the church and as God guides them!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The board of trustees needs your help!!

All sorts of work will need to get done! Bring your tools, paint brushes, gloves, and whatever else you may have that would be useful for work!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For OUR DCE, KELSEY OVERBECK, that the Lord moves a congregation in need of her abilities to call her into full time DCE ministry.

For DAVE KOHRS who began chemo treatment last Tuesday.

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Coleman family needs help moving this morning

If you can help please reply. I will be there around 9am.

Monday, March 16, 2015

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

"One Man Must Die"

March 16, 2015

"But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, 'You know nothing at all. Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.' ... So from that day on they made plans to put Him to death" (John 11:49-50, 53).
Read John 11:45-57.
In Lazarus' resurrection on the fourth day, Jesus performed an undeniable miracle greater and more widely known than healing a man born blind. Since this miracle took place near Jerusalem word spread quickly, which the Jewish leaders found to be particularly troubling. But they never stopped to ask if they might be wrong, if Jesus might possibly be the Christ.

They only knew many people were seeing Lazarus and believing in Jesus. Gathering their Council together, they searched for some kind of answer-something they could do to stop the madness.

Finally, the high priest broke through it all. He alone seemed to realize there was only one solution: Jesus must die. If Jesus continued living, the entire nation would be destroyed. And from that moment on, the Jewish leaders sought Jesus' death.

But God had long ago reached that same decision. In fact, John tells us that Caiaphas did not say this on his own, but the Holy Spirit inspired him to say it. It was the truth. If Jesus would not die on the cross for the sins of the world, then the entire Jewish nation would be destroyed, and with it you and me and all people. If this one man died, then all of us could live.

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, what amazing humility You showed in being willing to be put to death to save me and all people. Give Your Church true faith and gratitude that we may tell Your story to all people. Amen.
Written by Rev. Wayne Palmer

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MISSION STATEMENT: As the body of Christ, we strive to make disciples of all, focusing on the next generation through growing
UP in God's Word and Sacraments
OUT into the community by caring for physical and spiritual needs
TOGETHER in fellowship to build lasting relationships in Christ.
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: What did all Israel do to Achan? Joshua 7:24-27 All of Israel took Achan, his family and all he owned into the Valley of Achor and stoned them. After that they burned them and covered it all with a pile of rocks. That pile of rocks is still there today.

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TODAY'S QUIZ: How old was Joshua when he died?

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CALENDAR:

Mon- Youth clean up highway 5pm and go to Imo's after; NO CONFIRMATION CLASS

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

Wed- Ladies Aid noon; Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30 (Pastor at circuit pastor's meeting all day)
Thurs- Karate 5:30

COLEMANS NEED HELP MOVING

John and Ruth Coleman and their kids need help moving out of their current house to a different house tomorrow morning. If you are able to help carry furniture and boxes, please reply to this email or text me to let me know. We'll meet at 518 Cherry St. in Warrenton at 9am
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RESULTS OF SPECIAL VOTER'S MEETING YESTERDAY

Brief Explanation and duties of committees:

1. Planning Committee

Who/How many? 6-10 voting members

How long? Approximately 3-6 months

Attributes of committee members- creativity, communication, ability to network with all members of the church

2. Finance Committee:

Who/how many- 1-3 voting members

Term- beginning to end of project

Attributes needed- strong fiscal understanding, fund raising capabilities, analytical

Both of these committees will begin their work as soon as they can be established and a meeting date and time can be reached.

Please pray for them as they work for the good of the church and as God guides them!

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The board of trustees needs your help!!

All sorts of work will need to get done! Bring your tools, paint brushes, gloves, and whatever else you may have that would be useful for work!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

For OUR DCE, KELSEY OVERBECK, that the Lord moves a congregation in need of her abilities to call her into full time DCE ministry.

For DAVE KOHRS who began chemo treatment last Tuesday.

Fwd: The Lutheran Hour: March 15, 2015

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

From: Lutheran Hour Ministries

Date:03/14/2015 9:15 PM (GMT-06:00)

To: revklaus@hotmail.com

Subject: The Lutheran Hour: March 15, 2015

Sermon Text for March 15, 2015

"The Power of God's Enduring Forgiveness and Grace" #82-28

Presented on The Lutheran Hour on March 15, 2015
By Rev. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker
(Will There Ever Be Peace?)
Copyright 2015 Lutheran Hour Ministries

Text: John 16:33

Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation and trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

Christ is risen; He is risen indeed, and faith in His forgiveness and love, that's the power to endure and persevere in this world until we see Him face to face. Amen.

May 9, 1926, was a beautiful day on the Ridgewood Ranch in Mendocino County, California. In fact, life was about as good as it could get for Charles S. Howard, the most successful Buick car dealer of all time. He had become wealthy after taking a risk on this new technology called the automobile. For him, for his wife, and his son, Frankie, life couldn't be better. But all that changed that fateful day in May, when 14-year-old Frankie got behind the wheel of his father's truck and drove along a narrow ridge to his favorite fishing spot. He swerved to avoid a collision and he and the car tumbled into the canyon. The invention that had made Charles Howard rich, now took from him the most precious thing in all of his life, his son, Frankie.

Can you imagine his grief? Can you imagine the tears, the second guessing? Should he have been more forceful in preventing Frankie from driving? Did his love for cars have anything to do with Frankie not fearing its power? What could he do now, when something so precious to him was gone in an instant?

The story doesn't get any better right away either. Howard and his wife divorced soon afterwards. There are times when it doesn't seem to be any way back from a grief that is beyond despair.

Have you ever felt that way? What happens when tragedy comes upon you in a flash? In Howard's case, it wasn't even his fault, but that didn't console him. If grief can overwhelm like that, what happens when the tragedy is your fault? What happens after the dust settles from the damage caused by your carelessness, or your destructive rant that rips open emotional wounds, or your illicit affair that only lasted one night? And, what happens when you take full responsibility, seek repentance and forgiveness, and yet the pain, the memories, the destruction, they still won't go away. What then?

That's the tribulation of this world, and that's what Jesus is talking about today. He's talking about living in this broken world of real pain and destruction, some caused by us, some that just comes upon us. But He's the One who says it clearly, "In this world you will have trouble, but fear not! Fear not! I have overcome the world!" Wow!

Today we learn from Jesus, the power of forgiveness for living a life of making amends; a life that can endure unjust suffering; a life that faces each day, no matter what the day brings.
For the big issues in life, love and hope have to come from the outside in, not inside out. You see, for there to be real hope when we are helpless, it has got to come from some place other than our best efforts! At least that's what Charles Howard learned after the tragic death of his son. As I said, he was probably the most successful Buick dealer in history. He was an entrepreneur; he was a risk taker, a pioneer, but none of that mattered after his son was killed.

Charles Howard also owned a horse named, Seabiscuit. And that horse changed his life. Do you know the story? It's the story of a broken man named Charles Howard, an unorthodox trainer named Tom Smith, an unconventional jockey named Red Pollard, and a horse that went on to become one of the greatest race horses in American history.

Seabiscuit, though small, was a fighter, a horse whose victories against all odds brought hope, even a bit of saving grace to people's lives that were really broken. It was an outside in thing, a hope that came out of the blue to people who thought life was over. Red Pollard later said, "We didn't save Seabiscuit, Seabiscuit saved us."

What a great story of real life power to overcome adversity, to overcome trials of defeats even of your own making! But if that real life story moves you, I've got an eternally greater story for you today! In the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, real help and eternal hope from God comes outside in to offer you forgiveness, life, and victorious salvation in Christ. Nothing in this world can compare!

Let me explain. As moving as the Seabiscuit story is, our text for today is about so much more! Jesus isn't merely talking about human "perseverance through tragedy," or even "hanging in there by grace;" He's not even talking about tragedy per se. He's preparing His disciples for trouble not because of their mistakes or lack of attention to detail, or even trouble that just seems to come in this world; He is talking about trouble that comes even when you are doing everything right! He is speaking about their being persecuted because they are proclaimers of His Good News in this broken world. Is there hope, even then?

It's ironic, isn't it, that being a public proclaimer of God's Good News in Jesus invites criticism, persecution and trial? Wow, what kind of world is this; what kind of people are we?

Things must be more sinful than we can imagine, and salvation must entail the kind of justice, and mercy, and grace that goes to the very core of things, right? And maybe that's why, when life changes on a dime, we especially need a relationship with this Jesus, trusting in His Word to sustain us when nothing else in this world can.

Jesus puts tribulations and trials into His eternal perspective. He didn't come to make this sinful world a better place, He came to redeem it and ultimately restore it. He reminds us, yes, this side of heaven life can change on a dime; yet God's grace and power is there even then and God's grace and power will see you through it all!

Jesus is laying it on the line. When this sinful, broken world, full of sinful, broken people, when it breaks you down and brings you to your knees, that is the time to turn to Him and to begin to rebuild your life in His victory for you.

Jesus said, "I have said these things, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation and trouble. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

What an offer, but what an opportunity; what an opportunity to anyone who's listening today, no matter where you've been, no matter what you're up against, it's Jesus who is calling you to put your trust in Him and know that He is with you. He will sustain you, He will bless you. He will get you through this and you will glorify Him.

But to come to faith in Him means honest, repentant reflection about ourselves; no more unsustainable bravado; no more, "I've got this, I can take care of this on my own"; no more playing games in the face of soul threatening tragedy.

I love the sign an Army Chaplain had on his door. It said, "If you have troubles, come in and tell me about them. If you don't have troubles, come in and tell me how you do it." That sign is funny because it's real!

Jesus is real today. He tells us not to fear because He knows that real fear is an honest response when you are overwhelmed by tragedy or despair. Real fear comes when you assess your capabilities and you find them wanting. Real fear tells us the full reality of the situation but it gives us no solutions and no way out!

Jesus says the most incredible thing to our fearful hearts; "Fear not." That's incredible. "Fear not, even then, because I," He says, "have overcome the world! Put your fear away as you place your trust in Me."

In 1863, at one of the most dangerous times in United States history, when the whole country was being torn apart by Civil War, at that point of overwhelming fear, Abraham Lincoln said something similar; he said, "We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched us and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom or virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and persevering grace, too proud to pray to God, the God who has made us."

In that same year, Lincoln officially established a national day of thanksgiving to God in the midst of the turmoil, amidst His just punishment for the nation's wrongs. He hoped that a nation that turned back to God could be saved!

But in our text Jesus goes much further than that. He says, "Don't merely turn to God, turn to the God who is here in the flesh to redeem and to restore you." Don't turn to God and then try to save yourselves, "Put your trust in Me," says Jesus, the One who has literally overcome the world so that you might be saved, now and forever.

Faith in Him is the power to face whatever you are dealing with today, if not power to overcome it, then power to deal with it, make the best of it, and be drawn closer to God in all things.

The disciples in our text weren't ready for that kind of message just yet. They wanted a Jesus who would overcome their problems on their terms; you know, a Savior who makes life easy in this world; One who makes forgiveness easy without making amends or changing one's life. When Jesus said He had to suffer, to die and to rise again so that they might have life with God, none of them at first wanted anything to do with such a suffering Savior.

But that's the only Savior who can save, that's the only Forgiver who can forgive the eternal guilt of our sins, that's the only Redeemer who can pay the eternal price to redeem us from the crushing debts we owe spiritually. And that's the only Lord who can empower you to endure what you are facing today.

Jesus offers all of that saying, "Turn to Me, trust Me, and get about the business of trying to live again."

You know, one of the struggles that human beings often have after tragedy is the struggle of wondering how to make it another day. It's the struggle of wondering if there can be any purpose again in life.

That's where the Bible gives us even more hope in Jesus. Not only does He promise to be with us each and every day as the One who has already overcome the world, He can even promise that the greatest tragedy can indeed be used even for greater good, and that nothing in this world can separate us from His love (Romans 8).

Our hope even now, then, is that all things are in Jesus' hands and that's good news! He is the One who lives and reigns to all eternity, the One who is coming again to judge the living and the dead, the One who has already overcome the world in His death and resurrection; so when life overwhelms us, when it overwhelms you and me, we can be confident, we can entrust our lives to Him. When life challenges us, we can boldly say with the Apostle Paul, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of all mercies, the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all afflictions, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we have also been comforted by God"(2 Cor. 1:3).

Such a confidence in Jesus amidst the struggles of the day, such a faith way of living life means we can face what's ahead; but not with our resources alone. Not with our broken dreams, or our real fear. We will face today and tomorrow with faith in Him, His promises, His grace!

We will face today and tomorrow with the promises of a crucified and resurrected Savior who will be with us each and every day and bring to fruition a new heaven and a new earth that finally overcomes all of this forever! In fact, with that truth always in our hearts and minds, we can actually face today's reality and tomorrow's challenges with an attitude of hope in Him.

In Him, tests and trials become avenues to experience and testify to God's continued care. In Him, crisis becomes merely a challenge to see Christ in the midst of it all as our Lord and Savior.

Consider what the Apostle James writes in his first chapter, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing."

Incredibly, yes, even at the point of destructive change, facing a fearful future, those who trust in Christ can even start to look at those struggles and opportunities not only to grow in faith, but to grow in a hope that can be shared with others who might be struggling too.

The Bible never promises that you and I will have no trouble in this world. It does promise wisdom to put your challenges in God's eternal, gracious context. It promises you the continued presence and care of your victorious Savior, and most of all, it promises that what you are now facing is only temporary; it's only a temporary struggle ultimately giving way to God's eternal purpose and plan for your life!

Such enduring forgiveness and grace allows us, even in the days to come, to face these challenges in His Name, not only for ourselves, but to be humble agents of His enduring love for others.

Today, I pray that you are not caught in the midst of a life-changing tragedy or a life-altering mistake. Faith in Jesus doesn't promise an end to all the struggles of life this side of heaven, but it does offer restoration to real regret, reconciliation to real brokenness, now and forever. Count on that, and act accordingly as one who entrusts not just this moment to Jesus, but one who entrusts your eternity to the Lord who loves you with an everlasting love.

A letter written in the third century sums it all up. It was written by a man anticipating his death, a person who lived at a time when being Christian and loving others in Jesus' Name could actually get you killed. Listen to what he wrote. "It's a bad world, an incredibly bad world. But I have discovered in the midst of it all a quiet and holy people who have learned a great secret.

They have found a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of our sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They are masters of their own souls. They have overcome the world. These people are the Christians-and I am one of them."

That faith faced down the future. That faith not only changed his life but the lives of millions, that faith and its power is here for you today, because that faith is in Jesus and His enduring mercy and grace for you!

Amen!

LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for March 15, 2015
Topic: Will There Ever Be Peace?

ANNOUNCER: Will there ever be peace in our world? That's our question today for Pastor Gregory Seltz. I'm Mark Eischer. Pastor, we call Jesus the "Prince of Peace;" we confess that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him and that He is reigning even now--yet there still is so much strife and brokenness all around us. What's going on?

SELTZ: Mark, I can hear the pain in that question. The brokenness and violence of our world, it gets me down at times too, I can tell you.

ANNOUNCER: You can understand why people might become doubtful and disillusioned at times.

SELTZ: I think that's a good point. I think you're right. If Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and all these Christians are in the world as agents of His peace, where's the peace?

ANNOUNCER: What does the Bible say about this?

SELTZ: First of all, the Bible, and Jesus Himself, never shrinks back from the reality of that statement. He says right up front that He didn't come to bring "heaven on earth." In fact, He says "His kingdom is not of this world."

ANNOUNCER: That's not a very hopeful start.

SELTZ: Just because Jesus' kingdom isn't of this world, doesn't mean that His kingdom isn't in this world or that it doesn't affect this world. It merely states that the hope in Jesus is not for this "sinful world merely to get a bit better." Our hope is in a new heavens and new earth that forgiven believers will be a part of because of the person and work of Jesus!

ANNOUNCER: And it's that certain, eternal hope that changes how we live here and now.

SELTZ: Yes. Believers, we can begin to live in the reality of what is true forever in Christ right now; so His peace, His justice, His mercy, His love--even amidst all the sinful realities of the moment. We can live that way and that way of living has brought times of peaceful change even to our world in general.

ANNOUNCER: But, it seems the chaos of the world always trumps the peace!

SELTZ: It can seem that way. I think that it is helpful to remember that there is a biblical distinction of how God is at work in all this. God is at work, ultimately, to bring people to peace with Him by faith in the person and work of Jesus. But God is also at work keeping the peace for people in general through institutions that God Himself has ordained.

ANNOUNCER: That's sounds interesting, tell me more about that.

SELTZ: Jesus is clear about all this. He says, "In this world you will have trouble." Why? Because the world is broken, it's full of sinful people, and even when sinners are blessed with good things, we find a way to destroy even the good that God gives. For real change, we need to be at peace with God, first and foremost. That comes with personal repentance and faith in the person and work of Jesus!

ANNOUNCER: That's our greatest need; it's also God's greatest gift.

SELTZ: Right, and that's what the Prince of Peace, Jesus, is all about. When people repent of their sin, sorrow over their sin, and receive God's gracious love and forgiveness, they do receive a peace that the world can't take away.

ANNOUNCER: And, I can see how that might change how they treat others, even their enemies.

SELTZ: Yeah, especially when their lives are also resourced by the power of the Prince of Peace.

ANNOUNCER: But, here again, that's where things can go awry.

SELTZ: Right, even for Christians. We can fail to orient our lives towards Him, then real brokenness and pain can reassert itself. And then for those who don't even trust the Prince of Peace at all, but instead try to do their sinful best; well, let's just say that's inadequate to the challenge. It's going to overcome the chaos, sin, rebellion, arrogance, injustice, and downright selfish meanness of the world in which we live!

ANNOUNCER: But God has an answer for that, too!

SELTZ: It's that keep the peace portion of His work in the world. There are God-ordained institutions and authorities who enforce not the heart of the matter, but tamp down those outward actions that destroy temporal peace He does according to His law. It's not ever going to be the ultimate solution, but it's better than the chaos that humanity can reign down on itself, that's for sure.

ANNOUNCER: And in closing, how would you summarize all of this for us today?

SELTZ: Get to know the Prince of Peace by faith and you'll see there is a peace in the world that surpasses all understanding; it's going to keep your heart and mind; and then, start to act in ways that the Prince of Peace acts towards you. That can make a difference in your friendships, your family, and, who knows, perhaps even in the neighborhood and community, as well.

ANNOUNCER: By God's grace, acting graciously, we become His personal agents of peace in the world.

SELTZ: That's right. And then let's also pray that, in our country, God is able to do more with folks like that, rather than having to work through those who must enforce the peace.

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.

"Jesus, I Will Ponder Now" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

"A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)

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Special Potluck and Voter's meeting tomorrow

Just a reminder of our special voter's meeting tomorrow regarding the future of our building program. Potluck will begin at noon and meeting will begin shortly after.

We don't have a set up or a clean up crew for this so if we could just have a wonderful group of folks to kindly help set up during the late service and then another little group to clean up that would be fantastic!

Thanks!
Pastor

Thursday, March 12, 2015

DEVOTION: Joshua 10:12-14
¹²At that time Joshua spoke to the Lord in the day when the Lord gave the Amorites over to the sons of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel,

"Sun, stand still at Gibeon,
and moon, in the Valley of Aijalon."
¹³And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped,
until the nation took vengeance on their enemies.

Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? The sun stopped in the midst of heaven and did not hurry to set for about a whole day. ¹⁴There has been no day like it before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.

Those who refuse to believe the Scriptures or to believe in Christ often use this passage and say that it is scientifically impossible for this to happen. The world would be destroyed. Everything would go crazy. It just wouldn't work.

I don't have a problem with it at all! God can do anything. He is the one who keeps the earth spinning. If he wants to stop it and yet keep the world alive, HE CAN DO IT! If he wants to save you or your loved one from cancer HE CAN DO IT! If he wants to bring your loved one to faith HE CAN DO IT! If he wants to love you in spite of your sinfulness HE CAN DO IT! If we wants to give you the miracle of bbirth when all the doctors said it as impossible, HE CAN DO IT!

And if he wants to send his son Jesus to earth to be born of a virgin, suffer, die, and rise from the dead so that we can live forever, HE CAN DO IT!!

Don't underestimate the power of God. HE IS GOD AFTER ALL!!!!!

Prayer: Lord, you can make the sun stand still. You can form a child in a mother's womb. You can heal when no one else can. And you can bring life from death by raising your Son from the dead! THANK YOU FOR BEING MY GOD! Amen.

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MISSION STATEMENT: As the body of Christ, we strive to make disciples of all, focusing on the next generation through growing
UP in God's Word and Sacraments
OUT into the community by caring for physical and spiritual needs
TOGETHER in fellowship to build lasting relationships in Christ.
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: What did Achan do? Joshua 7:20-21 Achan saw in the plunder a robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels he took them. This was against God command. Achan hid them in the ground inside his tent.

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TODAY'S QUIZ: What did all Israel do to Achan?

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CALENDAR:
Thurs- Karate 5:30
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Choir rehearsal 9:45; Worship 11; Potluuck and Voter's meeting regarding building program noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- Wed- Lydia Miller 8:30- Patrick Schaumberg, 11- Sophie Tinnin
Ushers- Wed- Figura family Sun- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Don Tate, Doug Walters
Altar- Wed Candles Terry Mckenzie; Sun Set up- Terry McKenzie, Clean Up- Terry McKenzie
Communion Assistants- Sat- Randy Sweet; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Steve Robine
Greeters- 8:30- John and Joanne Hachtel 11- Joan Sexton
Lay readers- Sat- Randy Sweet 8:30- Tim Linke; 11- Steve Robine
Sat Pianist- Barb Dreyer
Organist: Melissa Pedersen
Projectionists: Sat- ????; Sun 8:30- Schaumberg 11- Terry McKenzie
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NEWS:

MEN'S BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY AT 8AM!!
We will continue our discussion of the separation of church and state, the role of government in the church, and the role of Christians in government.

Menu: Pancakes, bacon, sausage scrambled eggs.

I could use some help if anyone wants to.

PLEASE RSVP BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON!!

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MIDWEEK LENTEN SUPPER AND WORSHIP TONIGHT, SUPPER 5:30; WORSHIP 6:30!!

Menu: TACO BAR!!! and DESSERT

Worship Theme: "Calling Us Home..... Suffering"

Invite your friends and neighbors!! Enjoy some good food, great fellowship, and God's Word all in the span of two hours!!
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Special Voters Meeting Concerning our Building Project, Sunday March 15 at NOON!!!!
(Immediately following the late service.) Let your voices be heard!!! We will begin with a potluck meal. Please bring a dish or two to share!We will be discussing the following:
1. Where we have been.
2. Where we want to go.
3. The roadblocks we have encountered, and ways to deal with these roadblocks.
4. Forming a planning committee to move forward
5. Forming a finance committee to provide checks and balances as we move forward

Join us to share your own positive ideas concerning our future building project and the direction it is heading. ALL members are encouraged to attend and participate!!!
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FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET NEEDS TO GET FILLED UP!!!
Here's what we have so far:
Mar 15- Fosters
Mar 22- Luebkes
Mar 29-????
Apr 5- EASTER BREAKFAST
Apr 12-???
Apr 19- ???
Apr. 26- ???
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ST. JOHN'S YELLOW PAGES
If you didn't get your business card in this month's newsletter get them in to the office for the April newsletter!! This advertising is free to members. Many times members call and ask if there are members who are in a certain business or profession. People would always rather do business with fellow church members when they can!__________________________________________________________________________________________________
SEMINARY JOBS AVAILABLE!!
There are both full and part time jobs open at Concordia Seminary in Clayton. (My school). Please submit your resume in confidence to humanresources@csl.edu,

or fax it to 314-505-7339

or submit it via US mail to Concordia Seminary Human Resources 801 Seminary Place, St Louis, MO 63105
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DO YOU HAVE A KROGER CARD? ENROLL IT IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM!!!
Register online and have it swiped each time you shop.
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SAVE THE DATE!!!! OUR FIRST ANNUAL FALL CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2015!!!
We are looking for ideas for carnival games and also donations of carnival game prizes for the vent. Please donate prizes into the cardboard box in the narthex. Also, if any one has an idea for a carnival game, or a game itself they would like to donate please contact Joanna Hoelscher at 636-485-0635 or Karla Christophene at 314-397-1375.
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NOTES FROM THE TRUSTEES
1. If you see (or hear) a property item that needs fixing, tell one of your trustees or let Marilyn know in the office. We have plenty of guys who have the ability to do the work necessary!

2. A WORK DAY IS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 28!! 8am-noon!! Mark your calendars and gather your tools!!
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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP TO THE CLYDESDALE FARM AND THE JEFFERSON CITY STATE PENITENTIARY ON SATURDAY APRIL 11!!
We will visit the Warm Springs Ranch, World headquarters of the Budweiser Clydesdale OPERATION. After the tour of the ranch and some refreshments compliments of Budweiser, we will enjoy lunch at Settler's Inn. After that we are on to Jeff City for a tour of the historic Missouri State Penitentiary. An ICE CREAM BREAK us scheduled at Central dairy to round out the day. Reservations and tickets have to be purchased so it is NECESSARY that you SIGN UP NOW!!! Complete cost will be determined by number of people going.

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PRAYER REQUESTS:
For DAVE KOHRS who began chemo treatment on Tuesday.

For the POLICEMEN IN FERGUSON WHO WWERE SHOT LAST NIGHT, that god would heal them quickly and bring an end to the violence there and everywhere.

For DAVE TINNIN'S MOM, JANE, as she continues to recover from several strokes and seizures.

For WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to deal with many health problems relating from a stroke.

For DANIELLE MEINE, a senior at WHS, a friend to many kids at St. john's, and a rider on Karin's bus since kindergarten, who has a very serious form of cancer.

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she continues to work hard to bring the people of the Czech Republic to Christ. .

For TODD PONDER, former band teacher/director and friend to many at St. John's, who suffered a massive stroke and can't do anything but move his eyes. He is unable to breathe on his own. Here is a link to a fund that was started to help the family as they will have astronomical hospital and rehab bills for a long time to come. At the bottom of the page it also has updates as to his progress. http://www.gofundme.com/hp1ed8?pc=mb_em

St. John's Lutheran Church
Warrenton, MO

2 prayer requests from Tony Perricone

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Fro Denise Schlesselmann

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Coleman family needs help moving this morning

Monday, March 16, 2015

Fwd: The Lutheran Hour: March 15, 2015

Sermon Text for March 15, 2015

Special Potluck and Voter's meeting tomorrow

Thursday, March 12, 2015

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