Welcome to St. John’s on this Lord’s Day! Our Gospel text for today shows the intensity of Jesus’ passion. He would wish the cross to be completed, knowing the evil in this world. He also declares that He has come, not to bring peace as the Jews would wish freedom from the oppressive Roman government, but a sword. That sword brings division, even within the household. That division is necessary. Our family relationships are important, but these cannot be more important than our relationship with God. We have the ‘cloud of witnesses’ who continue to tell us of that relationship of faith. Faith comes and is strengthened through what God speaks and gives in Word and Sacrament.

Hebrews 11:17-31: God’s Old Testament heroes of faith like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses practiced good stewardship of all of life and life’s resources. They used their resources to advance God’s kingdom during their lifetimes and made wise plans for the use of their resources after death. We do well to follow their example with good stewardship in the present and wise planning for the future. (LCMS)

FROM THE BOARD OF PARISH EDUCATION

Pastors are not of or by men, but are God-Sent! No man dreamed up the idea of the church. Jesus conceived churches and has now established them. No human mind dreamed or conceived of pastors. The

office of pastor was also created by Christ, who calls and ordains these servants of the Word. Receive Christ’s life-giving Word as He breathes it on you through His pastors. (Good News, Issue 28)

Today we rededicate our Day School teachers in our 8:00 am service. Serving us for the August 2007- June 2008 School year are: Mr. David Wippich, Mrs. Karla Eigenmann, Mrs. Sandy Bangs, Mrs. Lois Krider, Mrs. Beth Hoeppner, Mrs. Stephanie Kessler, Mrs. Jan Martinsen, Mr. Dave Hoeppner, Mrs. Mindy Bremer, and Miss Julie Stelter. The School Board and Board of Parish Fellowship invite you to a reception to meet and greet our teachers during Fellowship Coffee after the service.

Youth Group meets today, from 4-6 p.m. in the Youth Room. Grades 4-12 are all invited and there will be separate activities for the Junior and Senior Groups. Bring a friend and help us build a strong and fun group. The leaders are ready and willing to work to make this the best Youth Group ever! If you have any questions, please call Rhonda McConnell.

We have been blessed this summer with abundant sunshine, much to celebrate, and the Lord's promise of new beginnings as we continue in ministry. With that, in September, comes the new beginning of Walther League Chorus rehearsals. We practice on Monday evenings at 7 p.m.

in the school music room, and will begin on September 10th, the week after Labor Day. We welcome you ALL to sing with us. If you used to be in chorus, maybe this is your time to return. If you have never sung with us, try it. You'll like it! We minister to our congregation in regular worship, to the community in our Christmas concert, and to one another as family as we work together. Come as you are - Just bring your voice and your love of the Lord! - Sue Rosselli

September 9, the Fellowship Coffee Hour will feature peach treats and October 14, apple. Please be sure to come to the school cafeteria after the 8:00 a.m. worship service to enjoy these wonderful nourishing treats followed by spiritual nourishment through Bible study.

Don’t forget, next Sunday, August 26, 2007. Our Annual Outdoor Worship Service begins at 10:00 a.m. with the Family Picnic/Hog Roast at noon in the school gymnasium. Wendell Cooper, the gentleman who roasted pigs for our first hog roast will do the roasting again this year. Each family should bring one or two hot or cold side dishes of generous proportion and/or dessert to share. In addition, each family should provide its own table service. Games for children and adults are being planned with prizes for all the winners. Membership of the various Boards, Trustees and congregation are joining together to make this another enjoyable day of worship, food, fun and fellowship for our congregation.

Thank you to all who have purchased Kroger cards or Al’s grocery certificates. With your help, $1,700 Was raised for our church and school in 1 year! We hope you will continue using these cards/certificates to reach a new goal of $3,000 by next year! We would like to see more of you participate in this fundraiser and try using a card or certificate to see how easy it is.

Sunday School needs you!
We are less than 1 month away from the beginning of Sunday School (Rally Day is September 9th), and your help is needed. Full-time, part-time and substitute teachers are needed for all grade levels. Anyone high school age or older is eligible to teach. Classroom helpers are also needed. This year we are also looking for people that would be interested in helping with the opening (first 10 minutes of together time). The opening would include a brief object lesson related to the topic of the day. Materials will be provided to anyone willing to donate their time/talents.

Finally, donations of non-perishable snacks as well as monetary donations to assist with the purchase of Sunday School materials is appreciated. If you are able to help in any of these areas, please complete the attached and give it to Tracy Fronk or place it in the Sunday School Superintendent mailbox (next to the Ladies Lounge in the School). You may also call or e-mail me directly.

8/20/2007 (Mon.) Pastor Brauer’s Day Off

School Begins — PK-8

1/2 Day, No Bus Service

8/21/2007 (Tues.) School Begins — Full Day

First Day of Preschool

8/22/2007 (Wed.) 6:30a-Men/Mission-PYO

10:00a-Matins 10:30a-Wednesday Warriors-LL

8/23/2007 (Thurs.) 2:30p-Girl Scout #234-YR

3:00p-Fountainview

8/24/2007 (Fri.) Pastor Young’s Day Off

10:30a-Bible Study-LL

8/25/2007 (Sat.) 4:30p-Contemporary Worship/ Communion-Gym

6:00p-Worship/Communion

8/26/2007 (Sun.) 10:00a-Outdoor Worship

Noon-Family Picnic/Hog Roast

Pastor: Rev. David M. Young

Pastor: Rev. Ronald A Brauer

Organist: Susan Rosselli

The Altar flowers this week were sponsored by Richard and Renny Rutz in Celebration of their 41st Wedding Anniversary.

Ralph Hedtke departed this earthly life on Monday, August 13, 2007, and received a Christian Burial on Thursday, August 16, 2007.

Wed. 10:00 AM: 6      Sat. 6:00PM: 140

Sun. 8:00AM: 137     Sun. 10:45 AM: 80

Total: 363