From Pastor Brauer:  Welcome to God’s House! In today’s Gospel, we hear of fever, sickness, and demons. All are dispelled by Jesus either by His touch or command, for He has authority on earth to do so, and His resurrection seals it. There’s more good news—Whether we suffer from the fever of apathy or are tormented by our daily demons, Christ removes them from us by His command and by His touch, that is, by Word and Sacrament. And, thank God, Jesus brings this healing to you, even at this evening hour!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

From the President of the Congregation: The Voters Meeting is Wednesday, February 8 at 7:00 pm in the school cafeteria. There will be a motion from the Church Council to remove names presented by the Elders from our membership roster. Plan to attend.

A New Bible Study/Fellowship: Due to popular demand (praise God!) by those who work during the week, we have a Thursday evening Bible study for those who can’t get to Sunday morning Bible study or the other morning Bible studies that we have throughout the week. Luke Vandercar will lead this Bible fellowship beginning at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room.  NOTE: Young children are welcome! There will be things for them to play with while we gather. For further information, please contact the church office.

“His Word, Our Joy”:  “His Word, Our Joy” will meet in the Music Room on Sunday evening, February 12, at 6:30 pm. We will be singing, praying and have children’s activities. Plan to attend for an uplifting gathering.

From the Board of Elders: Building Bridges of Friendship, a program of member conservation. The Board of Elders cordially invites you to attend a 20-minute presentation of this new program Sunday, February 19 at 2:00 pm in the school cafeteria.  This program is designed to minister, in a practical manner, to members when they become lax in their attendance at worship services. The key is to become aware of a member’s absenteeism at an early stage. Volunteers are needed for lay staff coordinators, volunteers for the printout and mailing of post cards, volunteers for telephoning and personal contact callers. Following the presentation, you will be welcomed to assist in any area of your choice. Training would follow thereafter at a later date. No strong-arm tactics will be employed. This is simply an invitation to come and listen.

From the Board of Parish Fellowship:  Our "festive" fellowship coffee hours have really been successful in terms of food, fun and fellowship. We would really like to see more members attending Bible Study to become enriched with God's word. Come, join us this week and every week thereafter -- bring your Bible and become a regular attendee.

Plan now to attend the “Chocolate Fest” Fellowship Coffee hour February 12, between services. Can you think of anything more delicious and celebrate the month of love than this combined with Bible study? If you would like to donate a chocolate treat, please contact Linda Peters at 393-3496 or Marilyn Sawyer at 362-6069. A suggested donation of $2.00 per family will help defray the cost of the Outdoor Service and Hog Roast/Family Picnic for 2006.

From the Board of Missions and Evangelism: Praise the Lord! A total of $12,593.00 was collected for the Missions of St. John’s Lutheran Church in 2005. $12,000 of which was given equally to the following local, regional and global missions.

Duneland Lutheran High School

The remaining balance will be given to St. John’s Lutheran School which is one of our most important Missions.

Thank you all for your generous support of not only our church, but also helping to spread the Good News to those outside of our church. Jesus came to earth in order that everyone may be saved and have eternal life with God. It is so important that everyone hears that message. Thank you for doing your part!

For our Convenience and Pleasure: The St. John’s Newspaper Stuffers and St. John’s Thrift Shop have purchased six banquet tables. Thank you for your generous contribution.

From the Youth Group: The Youth Group plans to see a Christian concert by “Casting Crowns” at Lisle, Illinois on Friday, March 24 at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $17.00 each. We will meet at the school at 4:30 pm, transportation will be provided and everyone must bring his/her own spending money. Sign-up and ticket payment deadline is 6:00 pm. February 15, which is the next meeting night. Please bring your Bible and a friend.

From the Sunday School: The Sunday School will host the Second Annual “Chili Challenge” February 19 at noon in the school cafeteria. Tickets are $5.00 per person for all you dare to eat. (Hot dogs for kids.) The Sunday School challenges all groups or boards to a chili challenge! Awards will be given and FUN for all!!! Desserts are needed — bakers are encouraged to prepare and donate something delicious to top off the chili. Come join the FUN and B.Y.O.R. (Bring your own Rolaids.) See Rhonda McConnell or any Sunday School teacher to purchase tickets today. All proceeds go for teaching materials.

From the Thrift Shop: The Thrift Shop is in need of paper and plastic grocery bags. Their “bag sale” is happening soon. We’ll keep you posted.

Donations:  Wilbur Deiters made a donation to the St. John’s School HVAC Fund in loving memory of his mother, Minnie Deiters, whose birth date is February 5.

Ron and Marilyn Boardman; Susan and Dan Leone made a contribution to the General Fund in memory of Robert Boardman’s birth date of January 31.

Lorna Connelley; Jill and Terry Patz and family; Judy and Mark Spivey and family; Kerry and Annette Connelley and family made a contribution to the St. John’s School HVAC Fund in loving memory of Norman, husband, father and grandfather whose death day is February 9.

Attention: Choir Members. Please be sure to bring your CD for our basket on Monday. That will be your last chance to do so. Thank you.

Chocolate Fest, February 12           Ash Wednesday, March 1

LILY Event, February 17           Soup Suppers begin March 9

Bldg Brdgs of Frndshp, February 19           Fish Fry, March 24

Pastor: Rev. David M. Young

Pastor: Rev. Ronald A. Brauer

Organist: Susan Rosselli

Director of Music Matt Nelson

Acolytes: 7:00 PM: Andy Childress

10:45 AM Regan Eigenmann

Altar Guild: Dawn Crum, Deanna Murray, Pauletta Schuster

Elders on Duty: 7:00 PM: Dave Surma

8:00 AM: Ron Scherer and Jim Sherwood

10:45 AM: Greg McConnell

The flowers on the Altar this weekend were sponsored by St. John’s Circle 7 in loving memory of departed members.

Baptism: We rejoice with Eric Michael and Lindsay Allison (Kalsow) Wathen on the new life and salvation given to their daughter Emma Rylee Wathen on February 5, 2006 through Holy Baptism.

(Omitted from online version.)