Peace be with you. Jesus speaks these words three times in our Gospel reading today. The disciples were locked in their room, fearful of the Jews. Jesus spoke these words to release them from their fear. He gave them the Holy Spirit, first in this upper room to empower them to forgive and retain sins, then again on Pentecost Sunday to proclaim the resurrection. As we hear in our First Reading, the apostles were again locked up, this time in jail. Jesus released them from that prison, too. In our Epistle reading, we are comforted today knowing that Jesus holds the keys to death and hell. He will release us, too, from our prison of fear. The Easter Beatitude gives us peace, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Alleluia! Children who decorated the Alleluia cards before Lent began may find their card on one of the four bulletin boards at each church entrance. They may take these home today!

"A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT"

Acts 5:12-30: Marvelous things happened in the time after Easter because God’s Holy Spirit was active in the “new lives” of the apostles and the first Christian converts. They gave a bold witness of this “newness” through words and deeds. Our positive Christian stewardship is also a powerful witness that our lives have been changed forever because of the resurrection of our Lord.

CWEF: Our mission donations to Concordia Welfare and Educational Foundation, CWEF, are working to carry out various ministries and

projects that show God’s love to the impoverished people of Asia. Come learn about scholarships for students and church workers, programs for disaster relief, drinking water projects, and health training for village doctors. Michelle Hoeppner, the director of CWEF, will give a presentation today in the school cafeteria between services. You are invited to see and hear how God is using your gifts for His work.

From St. John’s Seniors: On Wednesday, April 18, 2007, the next potluck meeting of St. John’s Seniors will be held at 11:30 in the school cafeteria. All senior members of St. John’s are cordially invited to attend, just bring your own table service and a covered dish to share. Merle and Suzanne Miller will bring the “Dr. Quackenbush Medicine Show” for our entertainment.

His Word, Our Joy: “His Word, Our Joy” will meet at 6:30 tonight in the choir room.

From the Family Circle: In honor of our 150th anniversary, the Family Circle is working to create a cookbook. They are hoping to collect cherished recipes from the great cooks in our congregation. Everyone is encouraged to submit a recipe of which they are particularly proud. Recipes handed down through generations are especially welcome as are traditional German ones. We also encourage submission of photographs and/or a brief remembrance of the author.

If you are computer savvy, you may go to www.typensave.com to submit your recipe. The Group Login is (omitted online), and the password is (omitted online). If you'd rather, you can leave a photocopy of the recipe and your name in the church office. Please do not leave original handwritten recipes or photographs - copies only. The deadline to submit recipes is May, 24th. Any questions or comments, please contact Kami Alexander.

Family Science Night: Family Science Night will be held at St. John’s on Friday, April 27! Food will be available for purchase in the cafeteria from 5-6 PM (served by the 6th-8th graders to help fund their D. C. trip) and science activities will be held in the gym from 6-7:30 PM. Family science night is an opportunity for adults (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) and children to experience fun hands on science activities together. Registration forms are in the church and school offices. The event is free—we just need to know how many materials to have on hand so all can enjoy! Volunteers (high school age and older) are needed to help parents and kids at the stations—if you are interested or have any questions please contact Maria Surma.

“It’s coming, it’s coming”: Great weather yes, but it’s the Mother & Daughter Dessert on May 2, at 6:30 pm in St. John’s School Gym. Tickets are $4.00 for adults and children 12 and under are $1.50. Get your tickets in the church office or from any Evening Circle member.

Spring Cleaning: Save the day! April 28 will be the day we clean up in and around the church and school. The Trustees are asking anyone, who is free from 7:00 am–12:00 pm, to come help. Many hands are needed!

150^th Anniversary Committee meets this Wednesday at 7 pm in the Ladies Lounge for a brief meeting.

Summer Childcare: If you are interested in summer childcare, we are now offering it here at St. John’s Daycare! Please contact our daycare director, Julie Vergin, if you have any questions. Call the school office at 362-6692.

Also, we are looking for daycare workers at least 18, preferably 21, years of age. Applicants must be able to work well with children, be trustworthy, responsible, and willing to work approximately 20 hours per week. Apply in person in the school office.

Annual Parking Lot Sale: Now is the time to clean those closets and sort through the children’s toys. For only $7.00 you can be a part of the sale At St. John’s. It’s good fun, fellowship, and a chance to sell your unwanted “treasures”. Customers have flocked to our past sales due to the highly visible location with multiple sales. We do the advertising and bring in the customers, you sell from your van, truck or bring your own tables and chairs. Refreshments will be available. The time and date is Saturday, June 16, 2007, from 8:00 AM-1:00 PM. For more information, call Ellen Heidel.

Lily Event: Anyone with items for the auction, please bring them to Jessica Watson, in the church basement, between services on Sundays or from 6:30-7:00 pm on Saturday evenings Empty baskets are also needed. If you have any questions, please call Jessica Watson or Kami Alexander.

If you would be willing to make a dessert for the May 4th Lily Event dinner, please contact Dawn Crum. Tickets are now available in the church office.

Circle 8 and Ladies Aid made donations to the Easter Breakfast.

Mrs. Helen Steen and family made a donation to the Alter Guild, for Easter Lilies, in loving memory of departed family members.

Circle 4 made donations to the new Hymnal Fund and Easter Breakfast.

Janice and Thomas Chambers made a donation to the General Fund in loving memory of Lawrence Heidel.

Pearl Scherer made a donation to the 150th Anniversary Fund and the new Hymnal Fund.

4/16/2007 (Mon.) Pastor Brauer’s Day Off 7:30a-Wom. Ex. Class-GYM

7:00p-WLC-MR

4/17/2007 (Tues.) 3:00p-Fountainview-P.Brauer 6:00p-Public Rel.-LL 6:00p-Family Circle-CHLL

4/18/2007 (Wed.) 7:30a-Wom.Ex.Class-GYM 10:00a-Matins 10:30a-Wednesday Warriors-LL 11:30a-Senior Potluck 6:00p-Cat. Class-LL 7:00p-150th Ann. Mtg.-LL

4/19/2007 (Thurs.) 1:00p-Circle 6-LL 2:30p-Brownies #204 6:00p-Adult Bsktbll-Gym

4/20/2007 (Fri.) Pastor Young’s Day Off 7:30a-Wom. Ex. Class-GYM 10:30a-Bible Study-LL 6:00p-Progressive Dinner-LL

4/21/2007 (Sat.) 8:00a-Banner Com.-4th Gr. 7:00p-Worship

4/22/2007 (Sun.) 8:00a-Worship/Communion 9:15a-Coffee-CAF 9:30a-Bible Study-CAF 10:45a-Worship

Pastor: Rev. David M. Young

Pastor: Rev. Ronald A Brauer

Organist Susan Rosselli

Altar Guild: Karen Piper, Lois Scott, Sherry Waters

Elders on Duty: 7:00 PM: Mark Jerndt, Roger Schuster

8:00 AM Mark Jerndt

10:45 AM: Paul Tibbs, Greg McConnell

The Altar flowers this week were sponsored by Circle 6, in loving memory of departed members

OFFICIAL ACTS

Mrs. Florence Freeland Departed this earthly life on April 6, 2007.  Cremation rites were accorded.

We rejoice with the parents of Payton Lynette Wolfenbarger and Danny Ray Carpenter II, on the new life and salvation given to them through Holy Baptism on Saturday, April 14, 2007.

WEEKLY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

Wed. 10:00 AM: 6     Thurs. 7:00 PM: 117     Fri. Noon: 76     Fri. 7:00 PM: 190

Sun. 6:30 AM: 285     Sun. 10:00 AM: 265

Total: 939

ST. JOHN’S COMMUNION STATEMENT: As a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, we believe Scripture teaches that the Lord's Supper is a precious gift of God in which Christ gives us His true body and blood (in a miraculous way), together with the bread and wine, for the forgiveness of our sins and the strengthening of our faith. Because the Bible teaches that this sacrament may also be spiritually harmful if misused, St. John’s communes only those instructed in the teachings of the LCMS and our church who have confessed their faith in these teachings. Prompted by the love for God’s Word, love for God’s people, and love for the Bible’s deep concern for doctrinal truth (Romans 16:17), guests who desire to commune are asked to speak with the pastor before service.

7 PM WORSHIP WITH COMMUNION: DIVINE SERVICE, HS 98 pg 6 Opening Hymn: LW 133 “The Day of Resurrection”

Old Testament Reading, Gradual (See insert-spoken in unison)

Epistle, Old Testament Readings (See insert-please rise for the Holy Gospel.)

Nicene Creed (HS’98 pg. 9)

Sermon Hymn: “O Sons and Daughters of the King” (See insert)

Sermon: “Peace in Your Times of Fear” Text: John 20:19-31

Prayer of the Church, Offering (Please sign “Fellowship Pad” during offering)

Distribution Hymns: LW 140 “This Joyful Eastertide”

LW 264 “I Know That My Redeemers Lives”

Closing Hymn: HS 831 ”These Things Did Thomas Count as Real”

Order of Matins, LW pg 208

Office Hymn: LW 133 “The Day of Resurrection”

Introit (Chanted, whole verse by whole verse, alternating with Pastor)

Readings (See insert-please rise for the reading of the Gospel.)

Sermon Hymn: “O Sons and Daughters of the King” (See insert)

Closing Hymn: HS 831 ”These Things Did Thomas Count as Real”

Opening Hymn: LW 133 “The Day of Resurrection”

Confession/Absolution, Introit (Chanted), Kyrie (See insert )

Hymn of Praise: (This is the Feast…pg 161), Collect

Old Testament Reading, Gradual (Chanted in unison)

Epistle, Gospel Readings (See insert-Please stand for the reading of the Gospel)

Sermon Hymn: “O Sons and Daughters of the King” (See insert)

Sermon: “Peace in Your Times of Fear” Text: John 20:19-31

Offerings Received (Please sign “Fellowship Pad” during Offering.)

Offertory (What shall I render…pg 169)

Distribution Hymns: LW 140 “This Joyful Eastertide”

LW 264 “I Know That My Redeemers Lives”

Benediction

Closing Hymn: HS 831 ”These Things Did Thomas Count as Real”

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