This Week at St. John’s
21st Sunday after Pentecost - October 21, 2007|
From Pastor Brauer:
The peace of the Lord is with you! Welcome to St. John’s
this Lord’s day.
As we walk the life of the Christian steward, we realize that it is
not just the one act of bringing our offering to church. The life of the
Christian steward is ‘24/7’—24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Christian
steward comes face to face with God as he wrestles like Jacob, desiring God’s
blessing in order to do God’s will. He persistently prays like the widow,
knowing and trusting that God will answer his prayer for grace and a stronger
faith. He receives the words of Holy Scripture, breathed upon him by God who
instructs him in righteousness. Empowered by God’s grace, the Christian steward,
and that’s all of us, continues to be sober-minded, to endure suffering, to do
the work of an evangelist, and to fulfill the ministry of God’s kingdom.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
(Edited to remove personal phone numbers, email addresses
and other personal information not for online use)
"A STEWARDSHIP MOMENT"
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5: Christian stewards recognize that the inspired Word of God is able to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. God’s Word is also useful for teaching and training so we may be equipped for every good work. Good stewards hear and read the Word of God and keep it! (LCMS)
Pastor’s Conference: The Pastors will be attending the Annual Pastor’s Conference this week from Monday, October 22-Wednesday, October 24.If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact the church office.
New Bible Study! Starting today, in the spirit of the Reformation, we will study the WORD by fellowshipping around the book of JAMES. James is a foundational epistle to help Christians not only to be “hearers” of the word but to instruct how to be a “doer” of the Word. If you are looking for “purpose driven Christian living,” you need only come to this Bible study!
Update to the Sunday School Schedule: There will be no Sunday School lessons today, however there will be a special movie shown during this time about Joseph, the son of Jacob, whom we have been studying these past few weeks.
Can Recycling Day: Thanks to all who donated cans for our recycle day last week. We collected $115 toward our Church Door Fund. Thanks also to Jon Ulmer and Mark Foglesong for hauling the cans, and to our recycle chairman, Imogene Dahl. Please keep saving cans and scrap metal, our next recycle day will be February 23. For safety reasons, please do not bring cans and scrap until the day of, or the afternoon before the recycle day.
Clean-Up Day: Saturday, November 3, is the next, Trustee Sponsored, clean-up day. We will need to rake and do general grounds maintenance in preparation for winter. If you can help, we will be working from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM. Thank you!
From the Family Circle: They’re here! St. John’s cookbooks are now available for purchase at a cost of $13.00 each. Checks can be made payable to “Family Circle”. You can get yours in the Narthex after each Sunday service or from the church office. The books will also be available at the upcoming spaghetti supper, but don’t wait too long! These would also make a unique and special gift for Christmas. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of new computers for our day school students as well as redecorating the bride’s room in the church. If you have any questions, please contact Kami Alexander. Thank you!
Computers by Christmas: As many are aware, the school’s computer lab is in dire need of upgrading. A committee has been formed to evaluate the teachers’ and students’ needs, and those needs have determined how the new lab will be equipped. Approximately $15,000 will be raised to establish a new lab which includes computers, printers, and a multimedia station. The goal is to raise the money by Christmas, so that to start the new year, students will be able to use a top notch computer lab!
There are many ways to help! All proceeds from the Scrip gift card program for this year, as well as the Carson Community Days coupon book sales will be directed into the Computer Fund. St. John’s PTL has pledged $4,000 to start this campaign. Monetary donations are gratefully accepted! Please make checks payable to “St. John’s Lutheran PTL,” and in the memo section write “Computer Fund.”
Let’s work together to give St. John’s students a Christmas gift that will last for years to come! Please contact Nicole Schuster or Maria Surma for any questions regarding this effort.
More on “Computers by Christmas” campaign: Please help support our “Computers by Christmas” campaign by purchasing a Carson’s Community Day Coupon book. The cost of the book is just $5.00 and includes one $10.00 coupon and eight 20% off coupons. The coupons can be used at Carson’s Community Day on November 10, 2007. This is a great fundraiser for PTL because we get to keep 100% of the sales. All proceeds will go toward the purchase of new computers for the student computer lab in the library. Purchase your coupon book in the school office or contact Jennifer Parrette for more information.
Toys for Appalachian Children: The LLL is again partnering with the Orphan Grain Train and Thrivent to ship toys to poor Appalachian children. Please be a part of this loving project by donating good used or new (no stuffed animals please) toys. Boxes are located in the Church Narthex and by the Church Office. Please bring toys in by November 1. Thanks for considering this opportunity to touch some lives with Christian love.
Would you like to be in a movie? A son of St. John’s Church and School, Kurt Struss, is producing a movie in the area. “Whispers” is the title of the movie, and it is a suspense/drama based on a 1910 spiritual movement in Goshen, Indiana. He will be shooting three scenes in our sanctuary; the heroine exiting the church through the narthex and down the stairs, the priest praying at the altar for guidance, and the gathered congregation. Shooting will be sometime during the first two weeks of November.
If you would like to be a non-paid “extra” in the congregation shots, you will need to sign up and sign a release form. Kurt will be here to sign up members after the 8:00 AM and the 10:45 AM services on Sunday, October 28. He needs a full congregation, and is giving us the chance to participate. Our church will receive acknowledgement in the movie credits.
150th Anniversary Service CD Available A complimentary copy of our July 15, 2007 Anniversary Worship service, including Rev. Ed Meyer’s sermon, is available. Please complete a request card, found in the narthex, with your name and phone number, and a copy will be prepared for you, free of charge. You will be notified when they are ready for pick up.
THANK YOU!! To our faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who honored us with cards and gifts and testimonies last Sunday during Bible Study Hour, we thank you and feel your appreciation! We feel blessed to serve you and serve with you in the glory of God who loved us and taught us love. Thank you for letting us know "we are appreciated!"
In Christ's love, Pastor Young and Pastor Brauer
Donations:
The Thrift Shop made a donation of $8000.00 to the General Fund
The Evening Circle donated 20 new Lutheran Service Books to the Congregation.
Jennifer Thornton made a donation to the School Computer Fund.
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The Psalter for Individual and Family Devotions
with Introductions by Martin Luther
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Order by October 31-Reformation Day
Please return this form with your check made out to St. John’s
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Weekly Schedule
10/22/2007 (Mon.) Pastor Brauer’s Day Off 7:30a-Wom. Ex. Class-GYM 7:00p-WLC Rehearsal-MR
10/23/2007 (Tues.) 1:30p-Circle 8-LL 2:45p-Daisy GS#278-YR 7:00p-Church Council-MR
10/24/2007 (Wed.) 6:30a-Men/Mission-PYO 7:30a-Wom. Ex. Class-GYM 8:05a-Chapel 10:00a-Matins
10:30a-Wed. Warriors-LL 1:30p-Circle 7-LL 6:00p-7th/8th Catechism Class-LL
10/25/2007 (Thurs.) 1:00p-Eve. Circle-LL 2:30p-Girl Scout #234-YR
10/26/2007 (Fri.) Pastor Young’s Day Off 7:30a-Wom. Ex. Class-GYM 10:30a-Bible Study-LL
10/27/2007 (Sat.) 10:00a-Newspaper Stuffers.-HA ** 4:30p-Contemporary Worship/Com-GYM 6:00p-Worship/Communion
Next Sunday
10/28/2007 (Sun.) 8:00a-Worship/Communion 9:15a-Coffee-CAF 9:25a-Sunday School-CHLL 9:30a-Adult Discipleship Class-LL 9:30a-Bible Study-CAF 10:45a-Worship/Communion
** Help is needed stuffing papers. If you can donate a few hours on Saturday morning, it would be greatly appreciated! For more information, call Karen at 362-8070.
SERVING US IN WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND
Pastor: Rev. David M. Young
Pastor: Rev. Ronald A Brauer
Organist Susan Rosselli
Altar Guild: Dolores Keller, Lori Rollins, Barbara Swanson
Elders on Duty: 6:00 PM: Jim Peters
8:00 AM Mark Jerndt, Roger Schuster
10:45 AM: Paul Tibbs
FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR
The Altar flowers this week were sponsored by the congregation.
PRAYERS ARE REQUESTED FOR
(Omitted from online version.)
OFFICIAL ACTS
Funeral: Jeanne Wendt departed this earthly life on Tuesday, September 25, and received a Christian burial on Monday, October 1.
WEEKLY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
Sat. 6:00 PM: 67
Sun. 8:00 AM: 136 Sun. 10:45AM: 170
Total: 373
Worship Program for
21st Sunday after Pentecost-October 21, 2007
St . John’s Evangelical Lutheran
Church & School (LCMS)
111 Kingsbury Ave., La Porte, IN 46350
219-362-3726 email-churchoffice@stjohns-lpin.org
Rev. David M. Young, Pastor—Home phone: 219-324-9049
Rev. Ronald A. Brauer, Pastor—Home phone: 219-362-4703
Worship Services
Wednesday 10:00 AM, Saturday 6:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM, 10:45 AM
TO OUR VISITORS: We extend a warm welcome to the assembly of believers gathered to worship with us at St. John’s! First time visitors, please sign the visitors section of the pew pad located at the end of the pew. We want to know who you are! For your convenience, restrooms, first aid, telephone needs and a nursery room for children ages 5 & under are provided in the church basement under the Narthex. God bless your worship!
PETITIONS, INTERCESSIONS, AND THANKSGIVING PRAYERS: Pre- worship prayers can be found in the Lutheran Service Book, inside front cover and beginning on page 305.
SPECIAL NEEDS: Persons unable to climb stairs to the altar are invited to sit in the extra-wide front pews to receive communion or to place a walker.
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.FELLOWSHIP COFFEE: All are invited to our Fellowship Coffee across the driveway in our School Cafeteria following the 8:00 AM Sunday Service.
BIBLE CLASSES: Adult Bible Study follows the Fellowship Coffee in the Cafeteria at 9:30 AM.
SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sunday School begins at 9:25 in the Church Lower Level.
DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES: Classes begin at 9:30 AM in the Ladies Lounge.
Stewardship Sunday October 20-21, 2007
Opening Hymn: LSB 779 “Come, My Soul, with Every Care”
Invocation and Opening Verses:
Pastor: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Congregation: Amen.
P: O Lord, You have searched me and You know me.
P: You know when I sit and when I rise.
C: You also know how I use these gifts.
P: You perceive my thoughts from afar.
C: Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
P: You hand of judgment is on me, judging me because of my sins.
P: But with You there is forgiveness, That You may be feared.
kingdom,
P: Just as Jesus is risen from the dead, and lives and reigns to all eternity.
P: The words of Jesus’ forgiveness are most certainly true. In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake, God forgives us all our sins. To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on us His Holy Spirit. May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
C: Amen.
The Hymn of Praise: LSB 947 “All Glory Be to God on High”
The Collect of the Day (See Insert)
Christus Chorus: “Come Let Us Sing” by Jody Lindh (10:45 AM)
The Old Testament: Genesis 32:22-30
The Gradual (See Insert)
The Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
(Rise for the reading of the Holy Gospel)
P: The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the 18th chapter.
The Holy Gospel: Luke 18:1-8
P: This is the Gospel of our Lord.
C: Praise to You, O Christ.
The Sermon Hymn: For Many Years, O God of Grace
Text by William M. Czamanske (1873-1964). TLH 639
Words reprinted by special permission from Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO.
For many years, O God of grace,
This church has been Thy dwelling place
And we your congregation.
Oh Christ, our precious cornerstone,
Our faith is built, and Christ alone
Is still our one foundation.
This day We pray:
"Let us greet Thee, Lord, and meet Thee
Here with singing,
All our praises to Thee bringing."
Here children have been born anew
As manifold as morning dew,
Their vows to you confessing.
Here many found a table spread,
They ate Christ’s body with the bread
And drank the cup of blessing.
This day We pray:
"Let none falter At Thine altar.
We adore Thee,
Gladly worship here before Thee."
Here when the marriage vows were made,
Both bride and groom besought Thine aid,
Thy love their own transcending.
Here mourners, with their troubled hearts,
Have found the peace Thy Word imparts,
The joy that has no ending.
This day We pray:
"May the story of Thy glory
Here resounding
Be a song of grace abounding!"
The Sermon: “To Be Continued”
The Text: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
The Creedal Hymn: LSB 953 “We All Believe in One True God”
The Ingathering of our Tithes and Offerings
The Presentation of Our Pledge Commitments
(Those with pledge cards are invited to bring them to the front of the nave and place them in the plate during the singing of the hymn.)
The Hymn: LSB 786 “Lord of All Good”
The Prayer of Blessing
P: Lord, we lay these pledges before You, asking Your blessings upon us.
P: Enable us to give You thanks for all Your blessings.
C: Help us to take the next step up in our commitment, to move forward in faith, and to boldly confess Your name.
P: In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we pray.
C: Amen.
The Prayer of the Church
(8:00 A.M-The service of Holy Communion continues on page 194.)
Communion Distribution Hymns:
LSB 631 “Here, O My Lord, I See You Face to Face”
LSB 694 “Thee Will I Love, My Strength, My Tower”
LSB 692 “Praise to You and Adoration”
(6:00 P.M. and 10:45 P.M. Conclude as follows)
The Lord’s Prayer
The Benedicamus and Blessing:
P: Let us bless the Lord.
communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
C: Amen.
(All Services)
The Closing Hymn: LSB 664 “Fight the Good Fight”
