Daily Email: Monday, Dec. 12, 2016

DEVOTION: Psalm 24

"The King of Glory: A Psalm of David."

24 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,^[a]
    the world and those who dwell therein,
² for he has founded it upon the seas
    and established it upon the rivers.

³ Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?
⁴ He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not lift up his soul to what is false
    and does not swear deceitfully.
⁵ He will receive blessing from the Lord
    and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
⁶ Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek the face of the God of Jacob.^[b] Selah

⁷ Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
⁸ Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty,
    the Lord, mighty in battle!
⁹ Lift up your heads, O gates!
    And lift them up, O ancient doors,
    that the King of glory may come in.
¹⁰ Who is this King of glory?
    The Lord of hosts,
    he is the King of glory! Selah

Who is this "Lord of hosts"?  Who is this "King of Glory"?  IT IS JESUS!

Jesus alone is the one who can ascend the hill of the Lord. and he ascended the hill called Golgotha.  He is the only one who can stand in His holy place.  It's not you.  It's not me.  It's not anyone born of two human parents.  It's only Jesus, conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. 

Jesus is the perfect one who sits enthroned before the cherubim.  He alone is to be praised.  We will never even begin to come close.  We can't On this side of heaven we are tainted with sin and so we can't even step one foot on the mountain of the Lord to ascend it.  On this side of heaven we won't even get close to the holy place. 

That is why every Advent and Christmas Season is so special.  In these days we remember and cling to the Word made flesh who made his dwelling among us.  We remember that, without Him, we are lost.  We cling to Him for all of our hope and peace! 

"What child is this who laid to rest in Mary's lap is sleeping?  This!  This is Christ the King!"

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, Thank you for being everything for us, and for loving us enough to keep us forever.  Amen.

_______________________________________________________

CALENDAR

Mon- Confirmation 5:15-6:30; Holy Yoga 7-8

Tues- Quilting 9-2; Trustees 7

Wed- Oak Pointe Worship 10am; Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15; SCRIP orders due
Thurs- Karate 5:15-7:30

Sat- Men's breakfast 8am; Sunday school Christmas program Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Chapel 11

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:  
Acolyte- Wed- Cierra Figura; 8:30- Addie Hoelscher  11- Gus Klaustermeier

Ushers-   Wed- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbert, Don Turnure; Sun-Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke

Altar-  Wed- Terry McKenzie; Set up- Dave and Linda Callies; Clean Up- Pam Linke

Elders-  Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Don Turnure  11- Charlie Figura
 
Greeters-   8:30- Rich and Peggy Talbert;  11- Dan and Lisa Rausch

Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier; 8:30- Allan Dreyer; 11- Steve Robine

Piano- Doug Walters Sat and 11am Sunday

Organist- Rachel Fisher

Projectionists: Sat- Kathy Fischer; 8:30 Schaumberg  11- Cluver
________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:   Give a quick definition of what it means to be justified by grace through faith.

Thanks Pat!

Okay, I'll give this a shot.

Basically, this is asking us, "What will be your answer, when you stand before God on Judgment Day and He asks, "Why should I let you in?" Simple answer: "I believe your Son died for me and paid the price for my sins. Because of Your promise, that "whoever believes that my Son died for their sins, and accepts Him as their savior, they will have eternal life," I know that I am saved and have a place in God's Kingdom. Not by anything that I have done, but by Christ's sacrifice for me, the Holy Spirit's gift of faith and by the Father's promise of His gift of forgiveness.

_________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: Who were Felix, Festus, and Agrippa?

___________________________________________________________

NEWS!!!! 

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE GIFTS ARE DUE BACK TODAY!!!!!!!

If they're not here, get them here asap!! 

____________________________

LAST ADVENT SUPPER AND WORSHIP THIS WEDNESDAY!

Supper: 5:30

Worship with John the Baptist- 6:30

Those in elder groups 7 and 8 are responsible for bringing food!  Bring two of the following three- salad, side dish, or dessert.

______________________________________

CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM AND PARTY IS THIS SATURDAY at 5pm!!

Come and hear the Christmas story told by our Sunday school children!

AFTER THE PROGRAM AND WORSHIP THERE WILL BE A BIRTHDAY PARTY TO CELEBRATE JESUS' BIRTHDAY!  ALL kids and their parents are invited after church in the basement till 7:30!!  A LIGHT DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED!!

______________________________________________________

SCRIP ORDERS ARE DUE THIS WEDNESDAY!!! 

You can still get the cards by Christmas!  Place your orders by this Wednesday night! 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IS SOUP AND RAMEN NOODLES

Any size can, and any kind of vegetable is appreciated.    Place them in the receptacle marked "Backpack Blessings" in the narthex.

__________________________________________________________________________________

AGAPE DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!!

Any nonperishable food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.!!

 

Perishable food items can be taken directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton.  Call 456-4645 to find out when they're open or for more info.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS

Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRAYER

For BARB PERRICONE who is back home on hospice care.

For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been on hospice care for the last few months and slows down a little more every day, but is doing well.

For BETTY TAMELER who is having surgery on Friday

For MIKE PUCKETT who is having surgery on Friday.

For DAVE CALLIES who is having surgery on his hand today.

For LEO BADER as he recovers from surgery.

For ERV YODER who is taking antibiotics for a very tough infection in his stomach and intestines. 

For PAT GERDING, Vickie McRae's brother in law, who is paralyzed, but is recovering at a nursing home.

 

For NORM BELINSKY, a friend of Jim and Vickie McRae, who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of his life.

 

Pastor Simon Peter Waako in need of money ffor his daughter and for his church

Many of you know that I have been Facebook friends with Rev. Simon Peter Waako for a few years now.  He is a pastor of four different small village churches in Uganda. 

There are two things he needs money for right now. 

1. He needs $600 more dollars to finish the treatment that her daughter is receiving.  This is of first importance. 

2. Secondly, His area is in a very severe drought and food is scarce.  Many people are in danger of dying from starvation.  (Google drought in Uganda and you can read more about it.  He is in need of money to purchase food for his own family and for the people in his churches.  (In the United States a drought isn't as big a deal, because we are able to move food easily from place to place and are able to buy it.  It is not that way there.)

I know that you are asked for money at seemingly every turn, but if you have been blessed with extra money this year or just want to help, please donate today!  Checks can be made to St. John's and I will get the money to him via Western Union. Contact me if you'd like to help!

And YES HE IS AS REAL PERSON.  I have skyped with him several times, and several other Lutheran pastors from our area (including Pastor Aurniger from Immanuel, and Pastor Schult from Messiah)  who have taken mission trips to Uganda have met him personally and know him.  He is doing great work and bringing many to Christ.  He is just in need right now.

Thank you in advance!

Daily Email: Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016

DEVOTION:  Matthew 11:2-15 (ESV)

² Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples ³ and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" ⁴ And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵ the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers^[a] are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."

⁷ As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? ⁸ What then did you go out to see? A man^[b] dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. ⁹ What then did you go out to see? A prophet?^[c] Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. ¹⁰ This is he of whom it is written,

"'Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way before you.'

¹¹ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. ¹² From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,^[d] and the violent take it by force. ¹³ For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, ¹⁴ and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. ¹⁵ He who has ears to hear,^[e] let him hear.

Do you hear what Jesus is saying?  Jesus is telling us that John the Baptist didn't come to be the weird guy in the wilderness, nor did he come to gain favor with the nation and with the people.  He came to proclaim that  the kingdom of heaven has come!

The kingdom of heaven is Jesus.  Let me repeat that in case you didn't get it.  THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS JESUS!  Wherever Jesus is, that is where heaven is.  Since Jesus is in you, the kingdom of heaven is in you.  Since the Holy Spirit works through you, the kingdom of heaven works through you. and you proclaim it. 

The kingdom of heaven is a wondrous thing that can't be measured, understood, or attained, but it can be longed for and it will be yours if you are one who "has ears to hear". 

Let us pray:  Lord, I thank you for the ears of faith which have allowed me to hear that you are the kingdom of heaven and that you live in me and I will live in you forever.  Amen.

_______________________________________________________

CALENDAR
Thurs- Karate 5:15-7:30

Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm

Sat- Sunday school Christmas program practice 10-11am; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Chapel 11; Elder's meeting noon

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Sarah Cluver  11- Cameron Faerber

Ushers-   Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Doug Walters, Don Tate

Altar-  Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel

Elders-  Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Roy Bohning  11- John Hachtel
 
Greeters-   8:30- Randy and Patty Sweet;  11- Al and Karen Benton

Lay Readers- Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Roy Bohning; 11- John Hachtel

Piano- Kathy Barrow

Organist- Rachel Fisher

Projectionists: Sat- Perricone; Sun- Yoder
________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ:   Give a quick definition of what it means to be justified by grace through faith.

_________________________________

NEWS!!!! 

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE ORNAMENTS ARE ALL GONE!!

Thanks you to all who took an ornament or more!

 Gifts should REMAIN UNWRAPPED and should be back to church by THIS SUNDAY!!

Please make sure you tape the red ornament to the gift. 

____________________________

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE IS THIS SUNDAY 10-11am!!

Make sure your child is there for it!

The program will be during the 5pm  Saturday service on Dec. 17

_____________________________

JOHN THE BAPTIST WILL BE PREACHING THROUGHOUT THE MIDWEEK ADVENT SEASON!  Come and hear what this fiery preacher has to say!

WEDNESDAY ADVENT FRIED CHICKEN AND POTLUCK DINNER 5:30

WORSHIP AT 6:30

1.  Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share when it is your week to do so. Your elder will call you and let you know when it's your turn.

2. If it's not your week to bring food, just come and enjoy supper with your brothers and sisters in Christ

3. Stay for worship and hear what John the Baptist has to say about Jesus!

________________________________________________________________

BIBLE STUDY AT THE HENDERSHOT'S WILL BE ON DECEMBER 9th INSTEAD OF THE 16th THIS MONTH AS INDICATED ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR.

Marv and Molly will be out of town on the 16th.

______________________________________________________

AGAPE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS AT BOTH THE THRIFT STORE AND THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER!!

Hours are 8-4.  Call 456-4645 to volunteer!

______________________________________________________

SHOE COLLECTION AT CHURCH!!  BRING YOUR NEW OR SLIGHTLY WORN SHOES TO THE CHURCH OFFICE!

The tub is right outside the office door!

Our high school is collecting new or slightly used shoes to raise money for those in need in Warren County through the "Care to Learn" Program.  Bring your slightly used and new shoes to church! 

 

DON'T BRING WORN OUT OR OLD SHOES!!

_________________________________________________________________________________

RELIGIOUS CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE FOR SALE FROM THE LADIES AID ON THE COUNTER IN THE BASEMENT FELLOWSHIP HALL

Prices are marked on the bottom of the box.  You may purchase them from any Ladies Aid member or from the office.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IS SOUP AND RAMEN NOODLES

Any size can, and any kind of vegetable is appreciated.    Place them in the receptacle marked "Backpack Blessings" in the narthex.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

SCRIP ORDERS ARE ALWAYS PLACED ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH!!

You can place your orders anytime before that!  Order forms are on the counter in the narthex or you can get them in Marilyn's office.  If you want another retailer on the list let Marilyn know!

__________________________________________________________________________________

AGAPE DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!!

Any nonperishable food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.!!

 

Perishable food items can be taken directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton.  Call 456-4645 to find out when they're open or for more info.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS

Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRAYER

For BARB PERRICONE who is back home on hospice care.

For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been on hospice care for the last few months and slows down a little more every day, but is doing well.

For BETTY TAMELER who is having surgery on Friday

For MIKE PUCKETT who is having surgery on Friday.

For DAVE CALLIES who is having surgery on his hand today.

For LEO BADER as he recovers from surgery.

For ERV YODER who is taking antibiotics for a very tough infection in his stomach and intestines. 

For PAT GERDING, Vickie McRae's brother in law, who is paralyzed, but is recovering at a nursing home.

 

For NORM BELINSKY, a friend of Jim and Vickie McRae, who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of his life.

 

Daily Email: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2016

DEVOTION: James 5:7-11

"Patience in Suffering"

⁷ Be patient, therefore, brothers,^[a] until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. ⁸ You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. ⁹ Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. ¹⁰ As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

If there's one thing that most people learn as they get older, it's patience in suffering.  We tend to learn that if the Lord has brought you to something, he'll also bring you through something.  We've learned that when good days come, bad days are not far behind, but that those bad days will soon end too, either the Lord will have mercy on us in this life and give us relief, or he will  have mercy on us and take us to heaven. 

Either way we're good! 

One thing I've also seen these days is that there is too much complaining.  Everyone is complaining too much about everything.  Part of being patient is dealing with the circumstance you are in the best way you can and being a witness to Christ through it. 

That's what James is talking abut here.  There is no better witness than one who can endure the ridicule, scorn, or the unrighteous disapproval of other for the faith.  There's no better witness than one who can praise God even when he or she is hurting. 

Be patient in your suffering and realize that Christ's mercy is already with you and will remain with you.  His eternal mercy is right around the corner, when he will take you to paradise forever.  Look forward to it with joyful expectation and peace!

Prayer: Lord, give us the patience we need to endure with joy so we may be witnesses to your mercy and grace.  Amen.

_______________________________________________________

CALENDAR

Wed- Women's work day 9:30; Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Thurs- Karate 5:15-7:30

Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm

Sat- Sunday school Christmas program practice 10-11am; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Chapel 11; Elder's meeting noon

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:  
Acolyte- Wed- Abby Vossen 8:30- Sarah Cluver  11- Cameron Faerber

Ushers-  Wed- Brett Nordwald, Charlie Figura, Jason Figura, Erv Yoder 

Sun- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Doug Walters, Don Tate

Altar-   Wed- Terry McKenzie  Sat  Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel

Elders-  Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Roy Bohning  11- John Hachtel
 
Greeters-   8:30- Randy and Patty Sweet;  11- Al and Karen Benton

Lay Readers- Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Roy Bohning; 11- John Hachtel

Piano- Kathy Barrow

Organist- Rachel Fisher

Projectionists: Sat- Perricone; Sun- Yoder
________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:   In what year (approximately) did Paul write his letter to the Romans?

Two people answered yesterday:

Thanks to Don Nolte for the short answer of somewhere between 55-57A.D.

And thank you to Pat King for the explanation and historical significance:

Since I was around when he wrote it – I was off doing other old-time stuff, like cave-writing! - I had to look it up. Yes, I know! Google bad. Anyway, here's what the all-knowing Wiki says:

 

The precise time at which it was written is not mentioned in the epistle, but it was obviously written when the collection for Jerusalem had been assembled and Paul was about to "go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints", that is, at the close of his second visit to Greece, during the winter preceding his last visit to that city. The majority of scholars writing on Romans propose the letter was written in late 55/early 56 or late 56/early 57. Early 55 and early 58 both have some support, while German New Testament scholar Gerd Lüdemann argues for a date as early as 51/52 (or 54/55), following on from Knox, who proposed 53/54. Lüdemann is the only serious challenge to the consensus of mid to late 50s.

_________________________________

NEWS!!!! 

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE STILL HAS LOTS OF ORNAMENTS ON IT!!

If you haven't take one yet to buy a gift for a child in need, please stop by church this week, or come to worship Wednesday night and take one!  Take the red ornament with you and sign your name on  the white ornament and leave it on the tree. GIFTS NEED TO BE RETURNED BY THIS COMING SUNDAY!!!

________________________________________

WOMEN'S WORK DAY IS TODAY AT 9:30!!

They will be cleaning the church sanctuary for Christmas. Bring your cleaning supplies!

_________________________________________

YOUR OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE HERE!

Come to church and pick them up !  Then USE THEM!

____________________________

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE IS THIS SUNDAY 10-11am!!

Make sure your child is there for it!

The program will be during the 5pm  Saturday service on Dec. 17

_____________________________

JOHN THE BAPTIST WILL BE PREACHING THROUGHOUT THE MIDWEEK ADVENT SEASON!  Come and hear what this fiery preacher has to say!

WEDNESDAY ADVENT FRIED CHICKEN AND POTLUCK DINNER 5:30

WORSHIP AT 6:30

1.  Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share when it is your week to do so. Your elder will call you and let you know when it's your turn.

2. If it's not your week to bring food, just come and enjoy supper with your brothers and sisters in Christ

3. Stay for worship and hear what John the Baptist has to say about Jesus!

________________________________________________________________

BIBLE STUDY AT THE HENDERSHOT'S WILL BE ON DECEMBER 9th INSTEAD OF THE 16th THIS MONTH AS INDICATED ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR.

Marv and Molly will be out of town on the 16th.

______________________________________________________

AGAPE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS AT BOTH THE THRIFT STORE AND THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER!!

Hours are 8-4.  Call 456-4645 to volunteer!

______________________________________________________

SHOE COLLECTION AT CHURCH!!  BRING YOUR NEW OR SLIGHTLY WORN SHOES TO THE CHURCH OFFICE!

The tub is right outside the office door!

Our high school is collecting new or slightly used shoes to raise money for those in need in Warren County through the "Care to Learn" Program.  Bring your slightly used and new shoes to church! 

 

DON'T BRING WORN OUT OR OLD SHOES!!

_________________________________________________________________________________

RELIGIOUS CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE FOR SALE FROM THE LADIES AID ON THE COUNTER IN THE BASEMENT FELLOWSHIP HALL

Prices are marked on the bottom of the box.  You may purchase them from any Ladies Aid member or from the office.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IS SOUP AND RAMEN NOODLES

Any size can, and any kind of vegetable is appreciated.    Place them in the receptacle marked "Backpack Blessings" in the narthex.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

SCRIP ORDERS ARE ALWAYS PLACED ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH!!

You can place your orders anytime before that!  Order forms are on the counter in the narthex or you can get them in Marilyn's office.  If you want another retailer on the list let Marilyn know!

__________________________________________________________________________________

AGAPE DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!!

Any nonperishable food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.!!

 

Perishable food items can be taken directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton.  Call 456-4645 to find out when they're open or for more info.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS

Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRAYER

For BARB PERRICONE who is being placed on hospice care today.

For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been on hospice care for the last few months and slows down a little more every day, but is doing well.

For BETTY TAMELER who is having surgery on Friday

For MIKE PUCKETT who is having surgery on Friday.

For DAVE CALLIES who is having surgery on his hand this Thursday.

For LEO BADER as he recovers from surgery.

For ERV YODER who is taking antibiotics for a very tough infection in his stomach and intestines. 

For PAT GERDING, Vickie McRae's brother in law, who is paralyzed, but is recovering at a nursing home.

 

For NORM BELINSKY, a friend of Jim and Vickie McRae, who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of his life.

 

Daily Email: Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016

DEVOTION: Isaiah 35

"The Ransomed Shall Return"

35 The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad;
    the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus;
² it shall blossom abundantly
    and rejoice with joy and singing.
The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
    the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.
They shall see the glory of the Lord,
    the majesty of our God.

³ Strengthen the weak hands,
    and make firm the feeble knees.
⁴ Say to those who have an anxious heart,
    "Be strong; fear not!
Behold, your God
    will come with vengeance,
with the recompense of God.
    He will come and save you."

⁵ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
    and the ears of the deaf unstopped;
⁶ then shall the lame man leap like a deer,
    and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.
For waters break forth in the wilderness,
    and streams in the desert;
⁷ the burning sand shall become a pool,
    and the thirsty ground springs of water;
in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down,
    the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

⁸ And a highway shall be there,
    and it shall be called the Way of Holiness;
the unclean shall not pass over it.
    It shall belong to those who walk on the way;
    even if they are fools, they shall not go astray.^[a]
9 No lion shall be there,
    nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;
they shall not be found there,
    but the redeemed shall walk there.
¹⁰ And the ransomed of the Lord shall return
    and come to Zion with singing;
everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
    they shall obtain gladness and joy,
    and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Wow!  There were a lot of things I was concerned about and beginning to worry  and fret about this morning and then I read this passage from Isaiah. 

How exciting is it that the Lord is going to take us from this veil of tears, from this world of trials and trouble, from this world of tests and failures.  How freeing and joy filling is it to know that there is going to be an end to paying bills, going to the doctor, having to say your sorry, and all the pain and regret that goes with living and breathing in this world?  There will be an end!

Until then, we wait eagerly, but we also wait peacefully, because He has already put an end to your guilt and shame.  No one can take away your joy.  The devil can't steal your soul.  It is already secure in Christ. 

Give to God whatever is getting in the way of your joy.  Throw it off.  Whatever is causing you anxiety or depression, let it go, it isn't worth it.  If you need to go and forgive someone to their face, go do it.  If you need to go to someone and ask forgiveness to their face go and do it!  Then, whatever the outcome, rest in the knowledge of the certainty of Christ's grace! 

Let us pray: Lord, remind us of our eternal inheritance and that no matter what happens here on earth our  is safe with you.  Amen.

CALENDAR

Tues- Quilting 9-noon; Ladies Christmas lunch at Denny's noon

Wed- Women's work day 9:30; Supper 5:30; Worship 6:30; Choir 7:15
Thurs- Karate 5:15-7:30

Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's 7pm

Sat- Sunday school Christmas program practice 10-11am; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Chapel 11; Elder's meeting noon

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND:  
Acolyte- Wed- Abby Vossen 8:30- Sarah Cluver  11- Cameron Faerber

Ushers-  Wed- Brett Nordwald, Charlie Figura, Jason Figura, Erv Yoder 

Sun- Don Hance, Rich Boeger, Doug Walters, Don Tate

Altar-   Wed- Terry McKenzie  Sat  Set up- Cheri' Hofeldt; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel

Elders-  Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Roy Bohning  11- John Hachtel
 
Greeters-   8:30- Randy and Patty Sweet;  11- Al and Karen Benton

Lay Readers- Sat- Jim Rahn; 8:30- Roy Bohning; 11- John Hachtel

Piano- Kathy Barrow

Organist- Rachel Fisher

Projectionists: Sat- Perricone; Sun- Yoder
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:  Here's a "what do you think" question:

What does it mean when Paul says, "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial .  Everything is permissible for me but I will not be mastered by anything."?

(Pat King finally answered it!  YAY!)

Okay, since no one is bothering to answer this, I'll give it a try. This is sort of, like our 1st Amendment right to freedom of speech. Under the law, we can say whatever we want. We can burn our flag, disrespect our military, taunt our police, and spout all kinds of hatred. This is our protected "right." But just because we can legally do all that, doesn't mean we should. Or that it is helpful. Preaching intolerance? Sure we can do that, but it hurts others. So, even though it is our "right," under our law, doesn't mean that it is good – or helpful, or something we should do.

 

When Paul said these words, he was talking to one of the churches, who had begun practicing sexual immorality. Their reasoning was, Jesus paid the price for their sins, so being "dead to sin" in Christ, they were free to do whatever their little twisted minds wanted to. The debt was already paid. But just because Jesus paid the price, and we have forgiveness through Him, it doesn't mean that we can toss out God's law with the dirty dishwater, and do whatever we want to. God expects us – when we become His baptized children - to take on Christ and live our lives accordingly. Sure, we can engage in bad behavior and God will forgive us – if we are sincere in our repentance. But just because we know God loves us and is willing to forgive, doesn't mean we should put Him to the test. Nor should we let immoral things rule our lives. We should seek to emulate our Lord.

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TODAY'S QUIZ: In what year (approximately) did Paul write his letter to the Romans?

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NEWS!!!! 

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE STILL HAS LOTS OF ORNAMENTS ON IT!!

If you haven't take one yet to buy a gift for a child in need, please stop by church this week, or come to worship Wednesday night and take one!  Take the red ornament with you and sign your name on  the white ornament and leave it on the tree. GIFTS NEED TO BE RETURNED BY THIS COMING SUNDAY!!!

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LADIES LUNCHEON TODAY (TUESDAY) AT NOON  AT DENNYS!!

If you're coming, please bring a "White Elephant" gift to exchange.

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WOMEN'S WORK DAY IS THIS WEDNESDAY AT 9:30!!

They will be cleaning the church sanctuary for Christmas. Bring your cleaning supplies!

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YOUR OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE HERE!

Come to church and pick them up !  Then USE THEM!

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SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE IS THIS SUNDAY 10-11am!!

Make sure your child is there for it!

The program will be during the 5pm  Saturday service on Dec. 17

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JOHN THE BAPTIST WILL BE PREACHING THROUGHOUT THE MIDWEEK ADVENT SEASON!  Come and hear what this fiery preacher has to say!

WEDNESDAY ADVENT FRIED CHICKEN AND POTLUCK DINNER 5:30

WORSHIP AT 6:30

1.  Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share when it is your week to do so. Your elder will call you and let you know when it's your turn.

2. If it's not your week to bring food, just come and enjoy supper with your brothers and sisters in Christ

3. Stay for worship and hear what John the Baptist has to say about Jesus!

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BIBLE STUDY AT THE HENDERSHOT'S WILL BE ON DECEMBER 9th INSTEAD OF THE 16th THIS MONTH AS INDICATED ON THE CHURCH CALENDAR.

Marv and Molly will be out of town on the 16th.

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AGAPE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS AT BOTH THE THRIFT STORE AND THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION CENTER!!

Hours are 8-4.  Call 456-4645 to volunteer!

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SHOE COLLECTION AT CHURCH!!  BRING YOUR NEW OR SLIGHTLY WORN SHOES TO THE CHURCH OFFICE!

The tub is right outside the office door!

Our high school is collecting new or slightly used shoes to raise money for those in need in Warren County through the "Care to Learn" Program.  Bring your slightly used and new shoes to church! 

 

DON'T BRING WORN OUT OR OLD SHOES!!

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RELIGIOUS CHRISTMAS CARDS ARE FOR SALE FROM THE LADIES AID ON THE COUNTER IN THE BASEMENT FELLOWSHIP HALL

Prices are marked on the bottom of the box.  You may purchase them from any Ladies Aid member or from the office.

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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IS SOUP AND RAMEN NOODLES

Any size can, and any kind of vegetable is appreciated.    Place them in the receptacle marked "Backpack Blessings" in the narthex.

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SCRIP ORDERS ARE ALWAYS PLACED ON THE FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH!!

You can place your orders anytime before that!  Order forms are on the counter in the narthex or you can get them in Marilyn's office.  If you want another retailer on the list let Marilyn know!

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AGAPE DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!!

Any nonperishable food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.!!

 

Perishable food items can be taken directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton.  Call 456-4645 to find out when they're open or for more info.

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YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS

Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!

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GENERAL PRAYER

For BARB PERRICONE who is being placed on hospice care today and tomorrow.

For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, who has been on hospice care for the last few months and slows down a little more every day, but is doing well.

For BETTY TAMELER who is having surgery on Friday

For MIKE PUCKETT who is having surgery on Friday.

For DAVE CALLIES who is having surgery on his hand this Thursday.

For LEO BADER as he recovers from surgery.

For ERV YODER who is taking antibiotics for a very tough infection in his stomach and intestines. 

For PAT GERDING, Vickie McRae's brother in law, who is paralyzed, but is recovering at a nursing home.

 

For NORM BELINSKY, a friend of Jim and Vickie McRae, who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of his life.