DEVOTION: Matthew 25:14-30 English Standard Version (ESV)
The Parable of the Talents
14 "For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants[a] and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents,[b] to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more.17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master's money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.' 21 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.[c] You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.' 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, 'Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.' 23 His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, 'Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.'26 But his master answered him, 'You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'
First of all, the master is not a hard man. The last servant was mistaken and misunderstanding. He is gracious and merciful to the point that he gives his servants charge of his property as he does. He is just the opposite!
The master, of course, is Jesus! He is NOT a "hard" man as some would claim. He is not unfair in how he treats us. If he treated us fairly every one of us would be in hell. He is all merciful! He loves us with an everlasting love to the point that he gives us the GIFT of being his stewards. Yes, you read that right, it is a gift to be able to care for and multiply the gifts that he has given to us. It is a joy to give an offering in the house of the Lord. It is a joy to work with fellow Christians for the kingdom! It is a joy to make disciples for the kingdom. There is no greater satisfaction than bringing a person to the knowledge and understanding of the grace and mercy of Jesus!
So when the master gives you "talents" to use for his kingdom, use them! Don't hide them under a bushel. Don't keep them for yourselves. Grow them! Use them! Wear them out! They've been given to you for your good and for the good of the world. You won't be disappointed.
Prayer: Lord thank you for giving me the privilege of sharing your good news with everyone. Help me to treat it as such and to work hard to bring the lost to you and to make disciples. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Mon- Confirmation 5-6:15
Tues- Quilting 9-2; Trustees meeting 7
Tues-Thurs- Pastor gone at MO district church worker's conference
Wed- Sewing Dresses for Africa 9:30-Noon; Ladies Aid Noon; Choir 7
Thurs- NEWSLETTER DEADLINE; Confirmation make up 6pm; Lutheranism 101 7pm; Karate 6:15-7:45
Fri- Bible Study at Hendershot's
Sat- Men's Breakfast 8am; Stephen Ministry 8-10; Worship- 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30 and 11; Voters Meeting 9:45; Sunday school 9:45; Holy Yoga 3pm
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RSHIP WORKERS:
Acolyte- 8:30- Savannah Masters; 11- Dulci Rahn
Ushers- Brent Davis, Ben Hoelscher, Gary Hoelscher, ???
Altar- Set up- Terry McKenzie; Clean Up- Pam Linke
Elder- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Don Nolte; 11- Joan Sexton
Lay Reader- Sat- Steve Robine; 8:30- Steve McDowell; 11- Luke Rausch
Pianist Sat- Kathy Barrow; Sun 11- Doug Walters
Organist- Pat Golden
Projectionist- Sat- Perricone; 8:30- Schaumberg; 11- Addie Hoelscher
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ:
Why did Jesus say that Moses permitted divorce? Matthew 19:8 - Jesus replied, "Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended." (Thanks Pat!)
Note: Jesus only allowed divorce because of marital unfaithfulness, meaning breaking of the marriage vows through desertion, adultery, or abuse. He didn't allow just because the couple couldn't get along, or because one simply didn't love the other one anymore.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was the high priest at the time of Jesus' crucifixion?
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NEWS:
VIDEO OF WORSHIP FROM SUNDAY
Listen and learn what it takes to be ready for Jesus to return!
https://youtu.be/zIKKTQ1Ug8k
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VOTER'S MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:45!! Please make plans to attend!
Agenda:
Opening Devotion
A: Staff reports:
B:Board and Committee reports:
C; New Business
- Nominations for Synod officers
- Renewal of Mission Commitment for Rev. Micah Glenn
- Approve Budget
- Elections
- Communion in all 11am services
- Task force to study congregational governance structure changes
- Building Committee RFP proposal
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Dr. PHIL FRUSTI FROM LEADACHILD WILL BE HERE TO PREACH AT ALL OF OUR SERVICES THIS WEEKEND!
Di Phil is the new executive director of Lead a Child formerly known as CCCS. Please welcome him as he encourages us to be an Exodus 17:12 church!
PROJECTIONIST NEEDED FOR SATURDAY SERVICE!!
If you can move your index finger, pay attention during worship, and stay awake for an hour you can do it. Please reply if interested!
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WE ARE STILL IN NEED OF NOMINATIONS FOR OUR CHURCH BOARDS!!! Below is what we need:
Board of elders- 3 men of good standing in the church who are active: main duties include, worship and communion assistance, member care, developing of budget for salary and benefits for staff. They usually meet on the second Sunday of each month at noon. (Dave Winter is timed out and two of our other elders have resigned this year.)
Board of trustees- 3 people- main duties include taking care of St. John's property and approving budget for insurance and maintenance. They meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm and have several work days (usually on Saturday morning) throughout the year. (Teresa Scott and Gary Hoelscher are both timed out and Scott Heitgerd has transferred to Immanuel, Wentzville)
Board of education- 2 people needed- Main duties include planning, preparation and carrying out of Sunday school program, VBS, and other education programs. They usually meet on an as needed basis. (Naomi Johnson is unable to continue due to work and family responsibilities and Lisa Rausch's first term is up) We are in desperate need of a couple people who have the time and energy available to commit to this board.
Secretary- This is not the same as our office administrator, Terry; This person is responsible for taking minutes at voter's and council meetings, and for preparing agendas for the same. This person can also be a signer on checks and other official documents. (Patty Sweet has decided to go to a different church)
If you would like to nominate someone, including yourself, or have possible suggestions, please reply to this email, or call me at 636-359-1061
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SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORY VERSE IS: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be satisfied." Matthew 5:6
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DO YOU HAVE A THRIVENT FINANCIAL ACCOUNT OR POLICY?
You may be eligible to receive money for Little Lambs or Good Shepherd!! Go to www.thrivent.com/choicedollars to check it out!
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OPERATION BACKPACK DONATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER IS CANNED VEGETABLES. PLEASE BRING YOUR DONATIONS TO CHURCH AND PUT THEM IN THE TUB MARKED "BACKPACK BLESSINGS"!
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PRAYERS:
For those who mourn after the tragic church shooting in Texas on Sunday.
For COLTON FIGURA who left for a one year deployment to Turkey on Saturday.
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as his cancer is in remission for the time being. He will undergo more tests and procedures as well as another pet scan and more chemo in the next few weeks.
For LILLIAN WINTER as she undergoes surgery to remove her ovaries on Friday.
For BUCK HAMPTON who has moved to Lincoln County Nursing and Rehab in Troy to begin receiving chemotherapy treatments.
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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For COLTON FIGURA deployed to Turkey, SAM HARGROVE deployed in Kuwait 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, 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.
