Daily Email: Monday, July 24, 2017

DEVOTION: Psalm 125

The Lord Surrounds His People

A Song of Ascents.

125 Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
    which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
² As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people,
    from this time forth and forevermore.
³ For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
    on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
    their hands to do wrong.
⁴ Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
    and to those who are upright in their hearts!
⁵ But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
    the Lord will lead away with evildoers!
    Peace be upon Israel!

 

Every day I try to be strong.  I work out my body.  I try to be tough.  I don't let the stuff of this world effect me too much.  At least I don't think I do.  I think that I have it all pretty well together.  Or do I?

 

Really, in and of myself, I am very weak.  One thing going askew in my day can throw off my whole day.  An illness could knock me down at any moment.  Something happening to someone in my family would ruin me if it were only up to me.  I am weak in and of myself. 

 

Yet, I am strong because the Lord surrounds me.  He is the barrier between the devil and me.  The devil will shoot little arrows that may cause pain from time to time, but the mortal wound will never come.  He will try to get to me, but as long as I remain in and trust in the Lord, he can't and won't. 

 

It is in that truth that we put our daily trust.  The Lord is with us.  The God of Jacob is our fortress.  He surrounds us with His might, love, forgiveness, and peace so that we can live our lives free from the worry and doubt that still plagues unbelievers.  Have peace in that truth today!

 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for constantly surrounding me with your love and mighty strength, for defeating the devil and keeping him away until the day of eternal life.  Amen.

_______________________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:

Tues- Quilting 9-2

 

Wed- Worship at Oak Pointe at 9am (an hour earlier than usual)

 

Thurs- Karate 6:15-7:45; Choir 7pm

 

Fri- Assemble Newsletter 9am

 

Sat- NO Worship!! Worship will be one service at 10am on Sunday this week!

Sun- Sunday school 9; Worship 10; Potluck and Festivities 11

________________________________________________________________WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:  
Acolyte- Nova Luebke

 

Ushers- Brent Davis, George Hoelscher, Gary Hoelscher, Ben Hoelscher

 

Altar- Set up- Cheri Hofeldt; Clean Up- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer

 

Elders- Al Benton
 
Greeters-  Rob and Julie Schaumberg

Lay Reader- Steve McDowell

 

Organist- Rachel Fisher

Projectionist: Erv Yoder
________________________________________________________________

YESTERDAY'S QUIZ :

In your own words, what does it mean when Isaiah says "I delight greatly in the Lord"?  What does it mean to "delight" in the Lord? 

 

 

From Don Nolte:  Delight means great joy.  He took great joy in the fact that he had a God who was his salvation.  One he could worship and follow.  The same is our great delight to worship in God's house to praise Him for all the wonderful things He has done for us.

___________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: Why is Jeremiah called the "weeping prophet"?

____________________________________________________________________

NEWS!!!!

OUR FIRST FIFTH SUNDAY CELEBRATION DAY IS THIS SUNDAY, JULY 30!

Sunday school and Bible Class 9am

 

Worship 10am

 

Festivities, Activities, and Potluck 11am-1pm

 

All are asked to bring either a side dish or salad to share for the potluck. 

 

Be ready to meet some new brothers and sisters in Christ!!

_________________________________________________________

ALEC AND RACHEL FISHER'S LAST SUNDAY WITH US WILL BE THIS SUNDAY, JULY 30!!

Alec Fisher (the guy who preached while I was on vacation) has received a call to be a pastor in Maryland, therefore Rachel Fisher's (our organist) last Sunday to play organ and violin for us will be July 30.  We would like to thank them both for their service to St. John's these past two years with cards and gifts on that day.  Please consider bringing a gift to the 5^th Sunday celebration on Sunday, July 30 at 11am to show them your appreciation!  They, along with their beautiful children,  will both be greatly missed.

____________________________________________________________________________

TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP COMING UP!!!  GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

The next trip will be to Westport Playhouse on Sunday, Sept 17 for "Church Basement Ladies" a comedy take off on the Lutheran ladies in the kitchen. Men would enjoy also. We would leave at 12:30 p.m. from church and return apx 6:45 p.m. Getting tickets at 1/2 price each ticket $25 plus bus cost & dinner. They are holding 47 tickets for me this week.  Call MARILYN FOSTER AT 636-359-0535  or email her at mkfoster@centurytel.net to reserve your tickets!

ANNUAL RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT ST. JOHN'S COMING UP THURSDAY, AUGUST 3!!!

Volunteers are needed to set up and take down before and after and during the drive to sign people in when they come.  Call Terry at 456-2888 to sign up!  You can make an appointment to donate at redcross.org.  Walk ins are always welcome too.

______________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF JULY IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND PACKETS OF OATMEAL !

GENERAL PRAYERS:

For LOIS FRICK as she has been moved to St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for rehab. 

 

For LIL WINTER as she undergoes tests today to find out why she has a liver infection.

 

For GEORGE HOELSCHER as he undergoes a CT scan to find out about his cancer.

 

For CAL TAMELER as he awaits much needed surgery on his legs.  Surgery is scheduled for August 8.

 

For THE JACOBSMEYER FAMILY as they mourn the loss of Kent's grandmother.

_________________________________________________________________________

 

PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:

For SAM HARGROVE deployed in Amman, Jordan and DAN DREYER deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, that the Lord would keep them safe from harm during their service and bring them home safely.

 

For DAVID TATE stationed in Japan, COLTON FIGURA stationed in California, and ALEX WALTERS, stationed in Tennessee.  That God would bless their service to our country and keep them safe as they all await possible deployment.

 

For CALEB FIGURA AND VINCE MASTERS who are both serving our country in the National Guard and take time out of their lives, jobs, and families to go on duty several times a year.

 

 

 

 

 

Men's breakfast tomorrow at 8am!

All males of all ages are invited and encouraged to come!  

Pancakes

Bacon

Sausage

Eggs

Fruit 

We'll continue our look into the real world evidence for the truth and reliability of the Scriptures as we continue to go through The Case for Christ.  

Please join us!

Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S®6 active, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Fwd: The Voice of Missouri E-Newsletter

View this email in your browser You are receiving this email because of your relationship with Missouri District LCMS. Please reconfirm your interest in receiving emails from us. If you do not wish to receive any more emails, you can unsubscribe here. PUBLISHED BY THE MISSOURI DISTRICT OF THE LUTHERAN CHURCH—MISSOURI SYNOD July 14, 2017 Bethlehem Lutheran (St. Louis) Pastor and Members Attend the Church Interpreter Training Institute (CITI) Pictured are students of the Church Interpreter Training Institute (CITI), a joint partnership of Lutheran Friends of the Deaf in Mill Neck, New York, and Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The program was held June 25 to July 3, 2017 on the campus of Concordia Theological Seminary with the goal to help students learn and improve their church interpreting skills so that they may go back to their home churches to proclaim God's Word to the Deaf in sign language. Three of the students this year were from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Louis, Missouri, including Pastor Gerard Bolling. The students interpreted at daily chapel at the seminary and attended classes on interpreting Scripture, sermons, hymns, and liturgy. CITI, which began more than 30 years ago, is a program led by co-directors, Rev. Thomas Dunseth of Michigan and Deaconess Heidi Sias of Missouri, who both work remotely for Lutheran Friends of the Deaf in New York. Announcements/Other News Plus One Participation Forms Many congregations are turning their attention to our community outreach effort, the Plus One Initiative. Congregations are encouraged to complete a Plus One participation form and either mail it to the district office or email it to plusone@mo.lcms.org. If you want additional information about Plus One or a copy of the Plus One participation form, go to http://mo.lcms.org/plus-one/. St. Louis Area Winkel The second St. Louis Area Winkel will be held on Monday, August 14th at Concordia Seminary. All Pastors who attend St. Louis and St. Charles Winkels are invited. Click here for more information and to register. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS August 3. Missouri District Fall Junior High Retreat October 20-22 Psalm 103:12 NIV …as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. The Missouri District Lutheran Jr High Retreat is returning this fall on October 20-22 around the theme, "Forgiven". Our focus this year is on Confession, and the Office of the Keys. The cost is $120.00. Please visit http://mo.lcms.org/event/missouri-district-fall-junior-high-retreat/ for additional information and to register! Professional Church Workers' Conference "What Does This Mean?" The 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Tan-Tar-A Resort – Osage Beach November 14-17 Pastors: Nov. 14-16 Educators and Other Commissioned: Nov. 15-17 Registration Opens in August. Check back for more information on the above upcoming events! Senior High District Youth Gathering Eph. 4:24 "put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." New Date & New Location! November 17 - November 19 Cross Pointe Retreat Center, 31434 Main Street Rocky Mount, MO 65072 $165.00 per person Registration Opens in August. Campers are "Moving to Mars" for CUW Summer STEAM Camp at River Roads Concordia University Wisconsin will host "Moving to Mars",its first-ever summer STEAM Camp for young scientists in St. Louis, July 31 - Aug. 4, 2017, at River Roads Lutheran School, 8623 Church Rd. The week-long camp, which runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. each day, is open to students in grades 3-8 from all over St. Louis. Cost for each camper is $90 for the week. Scholarships may be available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. Class size is limited. To register your student, visit CUW.edu/organizations/steam/index.html. "Moving to Mars" will take place inside River Roads Lutheran's new, state-of-the-art STEAM Lab, which was constructed last year by Friends of River Roads and members of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in St Charles. Throughout the week the camp's young astronauts will plan their impending space launch by figuring out the distance to Mars and how to navigate their spacecraft. Campers will also devise plans for landing on Mars and exploring its environment. Once they arrive, they'll design and create a community in which to live, considering food, shelter, and weather. Finally, students will decide whether to stay on Mars or find a way back to Earth. St. John's Lutheran to Host Global Leadership Summit World-Class Training Event For the fourth consecutive year, St. John's Lutheran is pleased to announce they are a premier host site for the Global Leadership Summit, a two-day leadership training conference that will be held on August 10, 2017 from 8:30 am-4:30 pm and August 11, 2017 from 8:30 am-3:30 pm. This two-day, live-streamed training conference is designed to motivate and inspire participants to apply practical skills to leverage the influence they have in their lives. For additional information and to register for this year's conference, please visit sjlarnold.org/gls. 2017 Educator's Retreat Grace Place Wellness is pleased to announce a get-away weekend designed just for Lutheran teachers and their spouses, August 11 - 13, 2017 at scenic Innsbrook Resort, an hour west of St. Louis, MO. Refresh, renew and prepare for another school year by learning the secrets to a healthy, vibrant, and joy-filled ministry. It's your turn to experience the Grace Place Wellness Retreat enjoyed by over 8,000 LCMS rostered workers and spouses. A registration fee of $100 covers the cost of all lodging, meals and the wellness retreat program. Saturday afternoon is entirely free time to enjoy the amenities at Innsbrook. We have 16 spots available for this retreat. First come, first serve. Registration is now open at www.graceplacewellness.org For more information, please call Beth McAnallen at 314-842-3077 or email bmcanallen@graceplacewellness.org Calling All Brewers The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) would like to invite you to join them for the People's Choice Home Brew Competition at the 5th annual "Brew in the Lou and Fine Wine Too" festival, Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 1-5 p.m. at Francis Park. They anticipate 2,500 people, 100+ vendors and fun to be had by all. All home brewers will be issued one wristband and a commemorative sampling glass to sample the fine wares of all brewers, food booths, vendors etc. There is a pre-sale on wristbands through August 1, they are only $25, thereafter they increase to $40. Last year they had 18 participants, 35 different styles and 185 gallons of home brew were consumed. The home brewer sampling form can be downloaded. Please complete and return at your soonest convenience. On behalf of the 35 member schools serving 9,000 students in the Greater St. Louis area, thank you again for your participation. District and Church Events ( Missouri District Fall Junior High Retreat, Professional Church Workers' Conference and Senior High Youth Gathering) Installations and Ordinations Personnel Changes and Calling Congregations LCMS Missouri District News Obituaries This message was sent to revklaus@hotmail.com by movoice@mo.lcms.org 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive #300, St. Louis, MO, 63141 Unsubscribe | Manage Subscription | Forward Email | Report Abuse

Daily Email: Thursday, July 20, 2017

DEVOTION: Matthew 13:24-30

The Parable of the Weeds

²⁴ He put another parable before them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, ²⁵ but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds^[a]among the wheat and went away. ²⁶ So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. ²⁷ And the servants^[b] of the master of the house came and said to him, 'Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?' ²⁸ He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' So the servants said to him, 'Then do you want us to go and gather them?' ²⁹ But he said, 'No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, "Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn."'"

The Parable of the Weeds Explained

³⁶ Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field." ³⁷ He answered, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. ⁴⁰ Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, ⁴² and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

 

There are many in our world today who deny that there is such a thing as hell, evil, or an evil force (the devil).  They think all of the bad stuff in the world is only because of bad choices made because of a lack of knowledge. 

 

At the same time, these people can believe all of the parts of Scripture that fit their frame of reference and their own understanding of who God is and what He does.  In other words, they believe in and accept the nice, loving, peaceful God who loves them and sent His Son to die on a cross for them, but they deny the God who hates sin and will destroy those who reject Him and His Word and those who refuse His will. 

 

If we are going to be REAL Christians, then we must believe what God says about Himself in His Word, throughout ALL of it.  He hates sin.  He hates rejection of Him.  Just as we can clearly see that weeds are real and a nuisance for all farmers and gardeners, so the devil and sin are just as real, and as weeds are destroyed by fire, or in today's farming world, by herbicides, so sin, death, the devil and hell will be destroyed by fire eternally in hell! 

 

Believe in His Holy, complete and total Word today!

 

Prayer: Sanctify me by Your truth, Your Word is truth.  Amen.

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

CALENDAR:

Thurs- Little Lamb's Summer Camp 8:30-11:30; Karate 6:15-7:45; Grief Support Group 7pm

 

Fri- Little Lamb's Summer Camp 8:30-11:30

Sat- Men's Breakfast 8am; Fence Painting at Turning Point 9am; Worship 5pm

 

Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11am

________________________________________________________________WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Loren Howard; 11- Gus Klaustermeier

 

Ushers- Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover

 

Altar- Set up- Ruth Walters; Clean Up- Cheryl Bettlach

 

Elders- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Don Turnure 11- Dave Winter
 
Greeters-  8:30- Don and Donna Sherman; 11- Charlie and Lynn Figura

Lay Readers- Sat- Steve Robine??; 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- ???? 

 

Organist- Rachel Fisher

 

Sat Pianist- Molly Hendershot

Projectionists: Sat- Toni Mauch, 8:30- Terry McKenzie 11- Dawn Sherman
________________________________________________________________

YESTERDAY'S QUIZ :

Why do you think God wants us to continue to observe a "Sabbath"? 

 

Thanks for your thoughtful and Word centered answers Don!  Quiz:  In Heb.10:25 we are urged to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is and Acts 2:42 would have us continue in the Apostles doctrine and in breaking of bread and in prayer. These indicate there in indeed a need for a time to worship together.

 

Here, also, is a Word from the Lord concerning the Sabbath from Isaiah 58:13-14

If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath, and from doing as you please on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; ¹⁴ then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

 

___________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ:  In your own words, what does it mean when Isaiah says "I delight greatly in the Lord"?  What does it mean to "delight" in the Lord? 

___________________________________________________

NEWS!!!!

GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP TONIGHT (THURSDAY) AT 7PM! 

This group is for anyone and everyone experiencing grief, whether it be a new grief or one that has been lingering for weeks, month, or years.  We'd love for you to come and share and find peace in the mutual consolation and prayer of fellow grievers. 

 

We'll meet in the overflow. 

________________________________________________________________

MEN'S BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY AT 8AM!!

Menu:

Pancakes (blueberry and regular)

Bacon

Eggs

Fruit

 

VIDEO BIBLE STUDY "The Case for Christ" a look at the real world proofs for Christ's existence, death, resurrection, and salvation. 

 

Please RSVP, especially if you haven't been there in a while or have never been there.  

__________________________________________________________________

OUR FIRST FIFTH SUNDAY CELEBRATION DAY IS COMING UP ON SUNDAY, JULY 30!

 

Here's the schedule:

(No worship on Saturday)

Sunday:

Sunday school and Bible Class 9am

Worship 10am

Festivities, Activities, and Potluck 11am-1pm

 

All are asked to bring either a side dish or salad to share for the potluck. 

 

Be ready to meet some new brothers and sisters in Christ!!

_________________________________________________________

ALEC AND RACHEL FISHER'S LAST SUNDAY WITH US WILL BE JULY 30!!

Alec Fisher (the guy who preached while I was on vacation) has received a call to be a pastor in Maryland, therefore Rachel Fisher's (our organist) last Sunday to play organ and violin for us will be July 30.  We would like to thank them both for their service to St. John's these past two years with cards and gifts on that day.  Please consider bringing a gift to the 5^th Sunday celebration on Sunday, July 30 at 11am to show them your appreciation!  They, along with their beautiful children,  will both be greatly missed.

____________________________________________________________________________

TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP COMING UP!!!  GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

The next trip will be to Westport Playhouse on Sunday, Sept 17 for "Church Basement Ladies" a comedy take off on the Lutheran ladies in the kitchen. Men would enjoy also. We would leave at 12:30 p.m. from church and return apx 6:45 p.m. Getting tickets at 1/2 price each ticket $25 plus bus cost & dinner. They are holding 47 tickets for me this week.

 

Call MARILYN FOSTER AT 636-359-0535  or email her at mkfoster@centurytel.net to reserve your tickets!

_________________________________________________________________________

ANNUAL RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT ST. JOHN'S COMING UP THURSDAY, AUGUST 3!!!

Volunteers are needed to set up and take down before and after and during the drive to sign people in when they come.  Call Terry at 456-2888 to sign up!  You can make an appointment to donate at redcross.org.  Walk ins are always welcome too.

______________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF JULY IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND PACKETS OF OATMEAL !

___________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS: 

For LOIS FRICK as she recovers from a mild stroke she had Tuesday.  She is at St. Joe's Hospital in St. Charles for observation.

 

For FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF BILL SHOEMAKE, brother of Chrissy Groeber, who passed away last Sunday night.  Visitation 4-8pm Friday at Martin Funeral Home.  Memorial Service 11am Saturday at Martin.

 

For CAL TAMELER as he awaits much needed surgery on his legs.  Surgery is scheduled for August 8.

 

 

PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:

For SAM HARGROVE deployed in Amman, Jordan and DAN DREYER deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, that the Lord would keep them safe from harm during their service and bring them home safely.

 

For DAVID TATE stationed in Japan, COLTON FIGURA stationed in California, and ALEX WALTERS, stationed in Tennessee.  That God would bless their service to our country and keep them safe as they all await possible deployment.

 

For CALEB FIGURA AND VINCE MASTERS who are both serving our country in the National Guard and take time out of their lives, jobs, and families to go on duty several times a year.