DEVOTION: Proverbs 25:2-10 (ESV)
Learning to be humble is a very hard thing. It isn't something that comes naturally to us. Our sinful nature causes us to want to be the most important, the first, and the best. We are naturally disposed to think of ourselves first and foremost and most often. Self esteem seems to be the most important thing to us.
SO what does God do to us? He humbles us. Sometimes he uses circumstances to bring us low. Sometimes embarrassment causes humility to arise in us. A lot of times it is simply being caught in a sin that will bring us to our knees. Our own sinfulness is a good humiliater.
The best thing for us, so that we don't have to go through such times of humiliation, is to humble ourselves daily before the Lord. We do this through confession, repentance, and absolution. As we look at the law, the Ten commandments, we see how truly sinful we are and that, in and of itself should bring us lower than any embarrassment should. God's law condemns us so that His grace may lift us up out of our muck and mire.
When Solomon says,
"6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
or stand in the place of the great,
7 for it is better to be told, "Come up here,"
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble."
He is telling us to humble ourselves so that God doesn't have to. Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up! He will give you the place of honor, because of his own mercy and grace.
I urge you to humble yourself today so that your broken relationships may be restored, so that those who know you may see Jesus in you, and so that you may win some for Christ!
Prayer: Lord, make me to humble myself before you, and if I don't humble me yourself, so that You may be exalted. Amen.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal things,
but the glory of kings is to search things out.
3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from the silver,
and the smith has material for a vessel;
5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
or stand in the place of the great,
7 for it is better to be told, "Come up here,"
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.
What your eyes have seen
8 do not hastily bring into court,
for what will you do in the end,
when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
and do not reveal another's secret,
10 lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
and your ill repute have no end.
Learning to be humble is a very hard thing. It isn't something that comes naturally to us. Our sinful nature causes us to want to be the most important, the first, and the best. We are naturally disposed to think of ourselves first and foremost and most often. Self esteem seems to be the most important thing to us.
SO what does God do to us? He humbles us. Sometimes he uses circumstances to bring us low. Sometimes embarrassment causes humility to arise in us. A lot of times it is simply being caught in a sin that will bring us to our knees. Our own sinfulness is a good humiliater.
The best thing for us, so that we don't have to go through such times of humiliation, is to humble ourselves daily before the Lord. We do this through confession, repentance, and absolution. As we look at the law, the Ten commandments, we see how truly sinful we are and that, in and of itself should bring us lower than any embarrassment should. God's law condemns us so that His grace may lift us up out of our muck and mire.
When Solomon says,
"6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
or stand in the place of the great,
7 for it is better to be told, "Come up here,"
than to be put lower in the presence of a noble."
He is telling us to humble ourselves so that God doesn't have to. Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up! He will give you the place of honor, because of his own mercy and grace.
I urge you to humble yourself today so that your broken relationships may be restored, so that those who know you may see Jesus in you, and so that you may win some for Christ!
Prayer: Lord, make me to humble myself before you, and if I don't humble me yourself, so that You may be exalted. Amen.
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CALENDAR
Tues- Brazee visitation 10; Funeral 11; Funeral lunch 11:45; Quilting 9-2
Wed- Worship at Oak Pointe 10; Insurance Gifting Seminar w/ dinner 6pm
Thurs- Lutheranism 101
Fri- Newsletter assembly 9am; Wedding rehearsal 5pm; Concessions at football game 6-10pm
Sat- Peery/Polston wedding 2pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Kids Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11; High School Youth Night 6-7:30
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:
Acolyte- 8:30- Jack Bunge 11- Jacob Cluver
Ushers- Marv Hendershot, Don Luebke, Dave Callies, Don Nolte
Altar- Set up- Terry McKenzie; Clean Up- John and Anna Hoenig
Elders- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Jason Cluver; 11- Charlie Figura
Greeters- 8:30- Doug and Ruth Walters; 11- Charlie and Lynn Figura
Lay Readers- Sat- Sandra Perricone 8:30- Allan Dreyer; 11- Stephanie Owenby
Piano- Sat- Molly Hendershot
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionists: Sat- Perricone; 8:30- Yoder
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YESTERDAY: What is the longest book of the Bible by words? Jeremiah (The Psalms have the most chapters.)
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Where or what is Ramah?
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NEWS!!!!
DON BRAZEE'S VISITATION AND FUNERAL IS TODAY:
Place: St. John's
Visitation: 10-11am
Funeral: 11am
Luncheon immediately following funeral
Internment will be at Jefferson Barracks after lunch
Visitation: 10-11am
Funeral: 11am
Luncheon immediately following funeral
Internment will be at Jefferson Barracks after lunch
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SERMON FROM THIS PAST SUNDAY
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RESULTS OF VOTERS MEETING ON SUNDAY
Reports of boards and committees were given:
Official Votes
1. The building master plan was approved. The next step is for the president to appoint a building committee and a finance committee.
2. Money from Ken Wagner estate will go into the building fund.
Other Discussion:
Much discussion was had on the future of Kelsey and the DCE program in general. Concern was given that there was simply not enough money in the budget to support her and all the other things that are needed. Others were concerned that if we don't support her and our youth that we will lose the youth. Several spoke to the point that the members of the congregation need to step up and do what is necessary to grow their church, including going home and praying, thinking about where they can make sacrifices and giving more in their offerings. This will be taken into consideration when putting the budget together and approving it.
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UPDATE ON DCE FUND AND OFFERINGS
As of last week there is enough money to pay Kelsey through December plus $9,542.68 for 2017.
Our offerings have increased by 6,800 from last year.
We are gaining ground but have a long way to go.
Please remember that the voters approve a budget at our November meeting. We need to continue to see a significant increase in offerings in order to do the ministries here! In the words of Rich Boeger, "I know we have the money to do everything we need to do. We all need to pray, think about where we can make sacrifices, and give!"
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CHOIR PRACTICE BEGINS ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 AT 7PM!!
Anyone high school age or older is welcome!!! They need more singers. Please consider it and at least show up to the first practice to check it out! Call Barb Dreyer at 359-1906 for questions or concerns.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CONCESSIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL GAME ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 26
St. John's members have been asked by leaders of the Big Red Boosters to help with concessions at the home football game on Friday, August 26.
When? 5:45-9pm
Where? Warrenton Football Concession stand
What? Selling all sorts of concession stand food and drink. (No previous experience necessary)
Who? Any member of St. John's (Don't have to have a kid at the high school to help)
Please reply to this email or call/text me at 636-359-1061 to volunteer!
When? 5:45-9pm
Where? Warrenton Football Concession stand
What? Selling all sorts of concession stand food and drink. (No previous experience necessary)
Who? Any member of St. John's (Don't have to have a kid at the high school to help)
Please reply to this email or call/text me at 636-359-1061 to volunteer!
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ST. JOHN'S ANNUAL FLOAT TRIP COMING UP LABOR DAY, SEPTEMBER 5!!
Would you like a relaxing and peaceful day on the river in God's creation? Do you want to grow in fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? Come and join us!
Here are the details:
1. Meet at 9:30am at Ozark Outdoors www.ozarkoutdoors.net
2. PRICES
canoes $20 per person
kayaks- $28 per person
rafts- $29 per person
tubes are $25 per person
If you have your own equipment it is $30 per craft to ride the bus.
Children ages 7-12 are $15 and 7 and under are free
3. What you will need:
sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, food, beverages, a good attitude.
4. Contact Teresa Scott to sign up
cell- 636-359-0274
work- (Schraer HVAC) 456-5041
Remember, this is a float, not a race. It is a leisurely float down the river with lots of stops along the way!
If you choose to spend the weekend, please make camping, motel, or cabin arrangements through Ozark Outdoors or with Onondaga State Park www.mostateparks.com. Hiking and cave tours are also available in Onondaga State Park.
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T-3 MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP SEPTEMBER 23-25 AT MARK TWAIN LAKE!
Go to www.t3mensretreat.org for details or give me a call at 636-359-1061.
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STEPHEN MINISTRY NEEDS MORE STEPHEN MINISTERS!!
Stephen ministry is a one on one caring ministry in which a person goes through 50 hours off training to be a better listener and care giver. Even if you don't become an active Stephen Minister, this training is beneficial just for your daily life!
Please consider going through the training! It is very beneficial.
And please consider becoming a Stephen Minister. It has been a huge help and benefit to our congregation for the last 13 years, and I would love to see it grow!
Call me at 636-359-1061 to let me know you're interested. Or go to www.stephenministry.org to learn more about it.
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SCRIP PROGRAM CONTINUES!!
Here's how it works:
Here's how it works:
1. Pick up an order form from the counter in the narthex or from Marilyn in the office.
2. Mark how many cards you would like to order from each retailer you use, and fill in the totals. (If you need help, stop by the office or talk to Marilyn or ask me after worship.)
3. Attach a check to your order form made out to St.John's.
4. Marilyn will place the order on a certain date each month.
5. Pick up your cards from your church mailbox.
6. Use your cards just like money at the various stores.
Please use this program! It is an easy way for you to help YOUR church raise money for its ministries!
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GENERAL PRAYER
For LIL WINTER as she deals with bronchitis and possible pneumonia.
For LIL WINTER'S GREAT-GRANDDAUGHTER, MCKENZIE SLAYDEN, as she continues to recover in the hospital after being born with several internal organs outside of her body.
For THE THOUSANDS IN LOUISIANA DEALING WITH FLOODING AND THE THOUSANDS IN CALIFORNIA DEALING WITH FIRES.
For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been placed on hospice care due to cancer.
For DENNIS PERREY, who is recovering at home from a very serious tractor and brush hog accident. He has 6 broken ribs, both lungs were punctured and, 2 vertebrae were cracked.
For THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF DON BRAZEE as he went from death to eternal life early Saturday morning.
For BOB RUHL, who is recovering from heart surgery and infections at New Florence Care Center for the next month.
For BRIAN TAMPOW, a friend of Steve and Toni Mauch, who has an inoperable tumor near his carotid artery and will need to go through extensive chemo and radiation treatment.
For CHERYL, a cousin of Tony and Sandra Perricone, who is going through breast cancer treatment right now.
