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13 years ago
UPCOMING WEBINAR - Equipping the Parents of Prodigal Young Adults
I thought this looked very interesting, and would be very helpful to many PARENTS OF ADULT CHILDREN WHO HAVE LEFT THE CHURCH OR ARE CURRENTLY INACTIVE. Check it out and sign up!
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Daily Email: Tuesday, January 19, 2016
DEVOTION: Nehemiah 8:1-10 (ESV)
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly,[a] and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Have you ever been so struck with guilt that you just fell down and wept? It's not something that you can force. You can't fake it. It only comes naturally as the Holy Spirit uses the law to convict us of sin. Only if our ears are truly open to hearing his Word and receiving His discipline can this happen.
The Israelites had just returned from spending 70 years in captivity. We can only imagine the struggles they went through for those 70 years. Most of them who returned had been born into captivity and really probably had very little idea why they were even in captivity. The rest remembered what it was like to be free and longed for it every day.
When Ezra got up to read the law, I'm sure they were all in wonder and were eager to hear what God had to say to them, Eager, that is, until Ezra got to the part where God tells them that if they are careful to keep the whole law and obey God and keep his commandments, they will live long in the land the Lord their God gave to them. But if they do not keep the commandments, decrees, and laws they will not live long in the land, they began to feel the weight of their sin and come to understand that it was their own fault that they had been taken into captivity. When they heard things like ""You shall have no other gods" and Honor your father and mother, and "Remember" the Sabbath", it was like a huge weight was dropped onto their shoulders and they were filled with grief and shame.
I pray that you have, at one time or another, had this experience, only because it is how you SHOULD feel about your sin. The weight of the guilt of your sin should crush you. It should cause you great grief. You should be knocked to the floor in utter shame and disgust.
But don't stay in that shame and disgust. Notice what Ezra tells the people. He says, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep. Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Rejoice! Your sins are forgiven! Don't excuse sin. Don't make it less than it really is. Especially don't call sin good. But also know that because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the power of sin has been destroyed and you are free from it. Rejoice that the victory is won, and that you will be with Jesus forever!
Prayer: Lord, make me feel the weight of my sin and then lift that weight off of me by your mercy and grace. Amen.
__________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Ezra Reads the Law
8 And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.
5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.
8 They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly,[a] and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Have you ever been so struck with guilt that you just fell down and wept? It's not something that you can force. You can't fake it. It only comes naturally as the Holy Spirit uses the law to convict us of sin. Only if our ears are truly open to hearing his Word and receiving His discipline can this happen.
The Israelites had just returned from spending 70 years in captivity. We can only imagine the struggles they went through for those 70 years. Most of them who returned had been born into captivity and really probably had very little idea why they were even in captivity. The rest remembered what it was like to be free and longed for it every day.
When Ezra got up to read the law, I'm sure they were all in wonder and were eager to hear what God had to say to them, Eager, that is, until Ezra got to the part where God tells them that if they are careful to keep the whole law and obey God and keep his commandments, they will live long in the land the Lord their God gave to them. But if they do not keep the commandments, decrees, and laws they will not live long in the land, they began to feel the weight of their sin and come to understand that it was their own fault that they had been taken into captivity. When they heard things like ""You shall have no other gods" and Honor your father and mother, and "Remember" the Sabbath", it was like a huge weight was dropped onto their shoulders and they were filled with grief and shame.
I pray that you have, at one time or another, had this experience, only because it is how you SHOULD feel about your sin. The weight of the guilt of your sin should crush you. It should cause you great grief. You should be knocked to the floor in utter shame and disgust.
But don't stay in that shame and disgust. Notice what Ezra tells the people. He says, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep. Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Rejoice! Your sins are forgiven! Don't excuse sin. Don't make it less than it really is. Especially don't call sin good. But also know that because of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the power of sin has been destroyed and you are free from it. Rejoice that the victory is won, and that you will be with Jesus forever!
Prayer: Lord, make me feel the weight of my sin and then lift that weight off of me by your mercy and grace. Amen.
__________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15; Council Meeting 7pm
Wed- Ladies Aid meeting at noon; Choir 7pm
Thurs- Newsletter deadline
Sat- Basement reserved; worship 5pm (Pastor Grund will be here.)
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; High School youth Bible Study 5pm
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jack Bunge; 11- Jacob Cluver
Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster, and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Lois Boeger
Elders- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Jason Cluver; 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- Rob and Julie Schaumberg; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay readers- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30-Jacob Nagel; 11 - Jim Rahn
Sat. Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- (None, Pastor Grund here) 8:30- Alaina Heitgerd; 11- Zack Hoelscher
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: What did Joseph do to make sure his brothers came back after he sent them to get his youngest brother, Benjamin? He made Simeon stay behind.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ: What did Shechem do to Dinah, and what did Dinah's brothers do in revenge?
___________________________________________________________________________
NEWS!!!!
2016 ALTAR FLOWER CHART IS PRETTY EMPTY!!
It is hanging on the bulletin board in the narthex. Sign up if you wish to place flowers on the altar! If it is for a special occasion (in memory of loved one, birthday, anniversary, etc.) please indicate that as well. Cost is $25 payable to St. John's.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET IN ON THE WALL BY THE COFFEE POT. IF YOU HAVE BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF DONUTS IN THE PAST, MAYBE IT'S TIME YOU GIVE BACK!!!
Sign up today and make some Sunday school kid's day!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS ARE IN YOUR MAILBOXES!!!
Are you getting ready to do your taxes? Don't forget about your offering statements in your church mailboxes! You could even give the money you get back from this itemization to church!
_________________________________________________________________________________
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY MEETING AND PIZZA SUNDAY JANUARY 24 @ 5PM!!
We will be talking about what it means to live in God's grace without getting lazy.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE COME AND GET YOUR DISHES FROM THE KITCHEN!!
One more week and then those dishes that are left will be taken to Good Shepherd Thrift Store to be sold.
_________________________________________________________________________
YOUTH STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!
Tickets are $25 a piece. All proceeds go to help our youth afford their trip down to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering as well as do many other service projects and youth events.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OPERATION BACKPACK FOR JANUARY IS CANNED FRUIT!!
You can also do individual size cups.
(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)
___________________________________________________________________________________
GENERAL PRAYERS:
For BABY BLAKE, a young child who received a kidney transplant from Laurie Jansen, a friend of many in the congregation.
For KAILYN AND HAILEY BLECHLE AND THEIR FAMILY as they mourn the loss of their great grandpa Ray Wilson.
For MARIANNE LINKE, as she remains in Warrenton Manor due to trouble with congestive heart troubles and pneumonia.
For JOANNE HACHTEL, as she recovers from rotator cuff surgery.
For PASTOR MCCRACKEN, from Trinity in Troy, who is on a two month leave to heal from cancer treatments.
For PASTOR PIPER, from St. Paul, New Melle, as he recovers from a heart attack he had while running a 5K in Florida.
For THOSE DEALING WITH FLOODING PROBLEMS in the days and weeks ahead, that the Lord would provide for their needs, and use us, if need be, to help.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.
Daily Email: Monday, January 18, 2016
DEVOTION: Psalm 19English Standard Version (ESV)
I love this Psalm, I love all off them, but I especially love this one, because it reminds me not to question God or his Word. His decrees, commands, and promises are good, right true, certain and final. They are the first and last word on any subject. When he says something we better listen and then simply say "OK".
We have no right to argue with God saying things like "Ya but...." or "What about......?" or, "That may have been ok for that time and place, but....." or "I think you're wrong God".
We can see from Scripture, especially the Old Testament, what happens when we do. We become captive to sin and its desires. We fall away from Almighty God. We lose our way. It does us no good to question God's Word. We can complain, as Job did, when we don't know what God's will is, or when something bad is happening to us and we have no clue why. We can, as David did, express our grief, pain, or anger to God and he will listen. But we cannot argue with god when he flat out tells us something.
How would that work at your job? Say your boss tells you to go and do something, and as soon as he tells you, you retort back with, "I don't agree with that", or "I think you're wrong" or "Why would you ask me to do that, it doesn't make any sense?" How long would you have that job? How much more should we listen to and do what God tells us? He is our maker and redeemer!! He controls our very breath! How dare we question God?
Even more, God has our best interests at heart and he is always looking out for us. He wants us to survive and thrive in this world, and he knows just how to do it. He gives us the way to do it. Why wouldn't we listen to the guy who knows everything about everything?
As LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) Christians, we believe that the Word of God (the Bible) is inerrant (without error) and infallible (can stand up to any test). We believe that it is ALL God's Word. We believe that it is inspired By God, which means that God breathed into (which is what the word "inspired" means in the Greek) the writers what they were to write word for word. Peter says in 2 Peter 1:21 "For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Let's live in God's Word, listen to him, and submit to His will today!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us your word of truth so we can know your salvation, and be made holy by your Spirit. Amen.
19 The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above[a] proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice[b] goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,[c]
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules[d] of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
I love this Psalm, I love all off them, but I especially love this one, because it reminds me not to question God or his Word. His decrees, commands, and promises are good, right true, certain and final. They are the first and last word on any subject. When he says something we better listen and then simply say "OK".
We have no right to argue with God saying things like "Ya but...." or "What about......?" or, "That may have been ok for that time and place, but....." or "I think you're wrong God".
We can see from Scripture, especially the Old Testament, what happens when we do. We become captive to sin and its desires. We fall away from Almighty God. We lose our way. It does us no good to question God's Word. We can complain, as Job did, when we don't know what God's will is, or when something bad is happening to us and we have no clue why. We can, as David did, express our grief, pain, or anger to God and he will listen. But we cannot argue with god when he flat out tells us something.
How would that work at your job? Say your boss tells you to go and do something, and as soon as he tells you, you retort back with, "I don't agree with that", or "I think you're wrong" or "Why would you ask me to do that, it doesn't make any sense?" How long would you have that job? How much more should we listen to and do what God tells us? He is our maker and redeemer!! He controls our very breath! How dare we question God?
Even more, God has our best interests at heart and he is always looking out for us. He wants us to survive and thrive in this world, and he knows just how to do it. He gives us the way to do it. Why wouldn't we listen to the guy who knows everything about everything?
As LCMS (Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) Christians, we believe that the Word of God (the Bible) is inerrant (without error) and infallible (can stand up to any test). We believe that it is ALL God's Word. We believe that it is inspired By God, which means that God breathed into (which is what the word "inspired" means in the Greek) the writers what they were to write word for word. Peter says in 2 Peter 1:21 "For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Let's live in God's Word, listen to him, and submit to His will today!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving us your word of truth so we can know your salvation, and be made holy by your Spirit. Amen.
__________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Mon- Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No Confirmation or Family Night
Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible Study 11:30-12:15; Council Meeting 7pm
Wed- Ladies Aid meeting at noon; Choir 7pm
Thurs- Newsletter deadline
Sat- Basement reserved; worship 5pm (Pastor Grund will be here.)
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; High School youth Bible Study 5pm
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jack Bunge; 11- Jacob Cluver
Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster, and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Lois Boeger
Elders- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30- Jason Cluver; 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- Rob and Julie Schaumberg; 11- Dan and Lisa Rausch
Lay readers- Sat- John Hachtel; 8:30-Jacob Nagel; 11 - Jim Rahn
Sat. Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- (None, Pastor Grund here) 8:30- Alaina Heitgerd; 11- Zack Hoelscher
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: What was the pillar of stones called "Jegar Sahadutha" or "Galeed" all about?
45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 And Jacob said to his kinsmen, "Gather stones." And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha,[a] but Jacob called it Galeed.[b] 48 Laban said, "This heap is a witness between you and me today." Therefore he named it Galeed, 49 and Mizpah,[c] for he said, "The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another's sight. 50 If you oppress my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no one is with us, see, God is witness between you and me."
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ: What did Joseph do to make sure his brothers came back after he sent them to get his youngest brother, Benjamin?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS!!!!
2016 ALTAR FLOWER CHART IS PRETTY EMPTY!!
It is hanging on the bulletin board in the narthex. Sign up if you wish to place flowers on the altar! If it is for a special occasion (in memory of loved one, birthday, anniversary, etc.) please indicate that as well. Cost is $25 payable to St. John's.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
FELLOWSHIP REFRESHMENT SIGN UP SHEET IN ON THE WALL BY THE COFFEE POT. IF YOU HAVE BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF DONUTS IN THE PAST, MAYBE IT'S TIME YOU GIVE BACK!!!
Sign up today and make some Sunday school kid's day!
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS ARE IN YOUR MAILBOXES!!!
Are you getting ready to do your taxes? Don't forget about your offering statements in your church mailboxes! You could even give the money you get back from this itemization to church!
_________________________________________________________________________________
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY MEETING AND PIZZA SUNDAY JANUARY 24 @ 5PM!!
Pastor K. wants to get back in touch with the high school kids after Christmas break, and start to prepare them for the youth gathering coming up this Summer! Please plan on being there!!!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE COME AND GET YOUR DISHES FROM THE KITCHEN!!
One more week and then those dishes that are left will be taken to Good Shepherd Thrift Store to be sold.
_________________________________________________________________________
YOUTH STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!!
Tickets are $25 a piece. All proceeds go to help our youth afford their trip down to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering as well as do many other service projects and youth events.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OPERATION BACKPACK FOR JANUARY IS CANNED FRUIT!!
You can also do individual size cups.
(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)
___________________________________________________________________________________
GENERAL PRAYERS:
For KAILYN AND HAILEY BLECHLE AND THEIR FAMILY as they mourn the loss of their great grandpa Ray Wilson.
For PAUL AND TERESA BROCKFELD, soon to become members of St. John's, as their gunsmith business was torched yesterday morning.
For MARIANNE LINKE, as she remains in Warrenton Manor due to trouble with congestive heart troubles and pneumonia.
For JOANNE HACHTEL, as she recovers from rotator cuff surgery.
For PASTOR MCCRACKEN, from Trinity in Troy, who is on a two month leave to heal from cancer treatments.
For PASTOR PIPER, from St. Paul, New Melle, as he recovers from a heart attack he had while running a 5K in Florida.
For THOSE DEALING WITH FLOODING PROBLEMS in the days and weeks ahead, that the Lord would provide for their needs, and use us, if need be, to help.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.
A little snow shouldn't stop you
Yes, it is snowing, but it isn't as bad as it looks from your window!
Get out and enjoy the winter wonderland and get some Word and Sacrament to warm you up!
Get out and enjoy the winter wonderland and get some Word and Sacrament to warm you up!
FW: The Voice of Missouri E-Newsletter
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Daily Email: Thursday, January 14, 2016
DEVOTION: John 2:1-11
We underestimate the power of Christ, don't we? We think about the person with whom we've had conflict for years, and we are pretty sure that the person isn't going to change their heart or their mind, so you quit praying for God to do it. We remember the many times things haven't gone our way, and wondered if God can really do what he promises. We are tortured by that one sin that we keep on doing over and over again even after many times of promising God we wouldn't, and we doubt whether God will accept us into heaven without our conquering of it.
Then we read this story of Jesus turning water into wine, and we are reminded that Jesus has power even over the elements of nature. He can do anything. He can especially do what he promises to do. He promises that if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins. He promises that he will never leave us or forsake us. He promises that he has laid down his life for us.
Jesus can do so much more than we could ever ask for. He can and does create life out of nothing. He does miracles to show his power. He can and does change hearts and minds through His Word and Sacraments. He can and does love you in spite of all your faults and failures and he will never stop loving you. Praise be to God for sending His Son Jesus to do everything for you.
Let us pray: Lord, you are mighty, you are powerful, and you can do anything. Help me to believe and find comfort in your power and might today. Amen.
__________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Thurs- Board of Outreach and Evangelism meeting 5pm
Fri- No school; Bible study at Hendershots 7pm
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; worship 5pm; Soup, Sandwiches and Game night 6-9pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Kalene Masters; 11- Hailey Blechle
Ushers- George, Gary, and Ben Hoelscher, and Brent Davis
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster, and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Terry McKenzie
Elders- Sat- Dave Winter; 8:30- Steve McDowell; 11- Randy Fischer
Greeters- 8:30- Terry and Lynn Russell; 11- Randy and Kathy Fischer
Lay readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier; 8:30- Steve McDowell 11 - Steve Robine
Sat. Pianist- Tim Sherman
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: ???????
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: Who was Jacob's first wife? Leah. He wanted Rachel, but a series of unfortunate events led him to marry Leah, supposedly without even knowing it. (He got blasted drunk.) He worked another seven years for Laban for the right to marry Rachel as well. (None of this was according to God's will by the way, but God worked it all out for good.)
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2 On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. 3 When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." 4 And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." 5 His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
6 Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.[a] 7 Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And he said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it. 9 When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now." 11 This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.We underestimate the power of Christ, don't we? We think about the person with whom we've had conflict for years, and we are pretty sure that the person isn't going to change their heart or their mind, so you quit praying for God to do it. We remember the many times things haven't gone our way, and wondered if God can really do what he promises. We are tortured by that one sin that we keep on doing over and over again even after many times of promising God we wouldn't, and we doubt whether God will accept us into heaven without our conquering of it.
Then we read this story of Jesus turning water into wine, and we are reminded that Jesus has power even over the elements of nature. He can do anything. He can especially do what he promises to do. He promises that if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins. He promises that he will never leave us or forsake us. He promises that he has laid down his life for us.
Jesus can do so much more than we could ever ask for. He can and does create life out of nothing. He does miracles to show his power. He can and does change hearts and minds through His Word and Sacraments. He can and does love you in spite of all your faults and failures and he will never stop loving you. Praise be to God for sending His Son Jesus to do everything for you.
Let us pray: Lord, you are mighty, you are powerful, and you can do anything. Help me to believe and find comfort in your power and might today. Amen.
__________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:
Thurs- Board of Outreach and Evangelism meeting 5pm
Fri- No school; Bible study at Hendershots 7pm
Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; worship 5pm; Soup, Sandwiches and Game night 6-9pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Kalene Masters; 11- Hailey Blechle
Ushers- George, Gary, and Ben Hoelscher, and Brent Davis
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster, and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Terry McKenzie
Elders- Sat- Dave Winter; 8:30- Steve McDowell; 11- Randy Fischer
Greeters- 8:30- Terry and Lynn Russell; 11- Randy and Kathy Fischer
Lay readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier; 8:30- Steve McDowell 11 - Steve Robine
Sat. Pianist- Tim Sherman
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: ???????
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S BIBLE QUIZ: Who was Jacob's first wife? Leah. He wanted Rachel, but a series of unfortunate events led him to marry Leah, supposedly without even knowing it. (He got blasted drunk.) He worked another seven years for Laban for the right to marry Rachel as well. (None of this was according to God's will by the way, but God worked it all out for good.)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What was the pillar of stones called "Jegar Sahadutha" or "Galeed" all about?
NEWS!!!!
MEN'S BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY AT 8AM!!
Come and join us for some pancakes, bacon, sausage, and scrambled eggs. RSVP if you are able to come so I know how much food to buy and make. We will be continuing our video series called "Christianity and the Competition" as we go through Part Two of our study of Islam (Muslims).
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GAME AND SOUP NIGHT THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 6-9pm!!!
Bring your favorite card games, board games, or even dominoes! Soup, chili, coffee and tea will be provided!! All attending should bring a snack or dessert to share. You may also bring drinks of your own choice! Please sign the sheet in the narthex if you plan on coming.
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PLEASE COME AND GET YOUR DISHES FROM THE KITCHEN!!
One more week and then those dishes that are left will be taken to Good Shepherd Thrift Store to be sold.
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HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY MEETING AND PIZZA NEXT SUNDAY JANUARY 24 @ 5PM!!
Pastor K. wants to get back in touch with the high school kids after Christmas break, and start to prepare them for the youth gathering coming up this Summer! Please plan on being there!!!
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YOUTH STEAK DINNER AND AUCTION TICKETS WENT ON SALE SATURDAY
Tickets are $25 a piece. All proceeds go to help our youth afford their trip down to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering as well as do many other service projects and youth events.
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NEW ADULT BIBLE CLASS STARTED SUNDAY!! There's still time to get in on it without missing too much.
What makes Lutherans different than other Christian churches? Is it the good potlucks? Is it our staunch German heritage? Is it our constant singing of hymns and liturgy? Well..... maybe. But there is something even more substantial than these that sets us apart. It is our clear distinction of Law and Gospel. "What does this mean?" You ask. You'll just have to come to Bible study at 9:45am on Sunday to find out!
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WE NEED ONE MORE PERSON TO ORDER TO GET THE BULK RATE OF HOPE FULL LIVING DEVOTIONS FOR SENIORS!!!
"Hope Full Living" is a daily devotional booklet just for seniors that Pastor contributes to. He usually has one or two of his own devotions in it. If we get 10 or more people to order it and each person gives $8 we can order them in bulk and have them mailed to church. Order yours today by calling the church office!
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OPERATION BACKPACK FOR JANUARY IS CANNED FRUIT!!
You can also do individual size cups.
(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)
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GENERAL PRAYERS:
For JOHN AND ANNA HOENIG as they mourn the loss of Anna's dad due to complications from Alzheimers.
For PAUL AND TERESA BROCKFELD, soon to become members of St. John's, as their gunsmith business was torched yesterday morning.
For MARIANNE LINKE, as she has healed enough to be able to go home from the nursing home this Thursday, that she would stay well!
For JOANNE HACHTEL, as she recovers from rotator cuff surgery.
For PASTOR MCCRACKEN, from Trinity in Troy, who is on a two month leave to heal from cancer treatments.
For PASTOR PIPER, from St. Paul, New Melle, as he recovers from a heart attack he had while running a 5K in Florida.
For THOSE DEALING WITH FLOODING PROBLEMS in the days and weeks ahead, that the Lord would provide for their needs, and use us, if need be, to help.
For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.
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