Anticipating Worship (December 28)

First Sunday after Christmas

Worship Focus:  We live for Christ who gives us salvation, peace, and joy.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 45:20-25
Psalm 111
Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:25-40

Sermon Text:  Luke 2:36-38

Christ Has Come!
1.  We acknowledge it with Anna
2.  We announce it with Anna

Prayer of the Day:  Almighty God, in mercy you sent your one and only Son to take upon himself our human nature.  By his gracious coming, deliver us from the corruption of our sin and transform us into the likeness of his glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Merry Christmas.

Come join us in celebrating the birth of our Savior!

 

Christmas Eve Service, Wednesday, December 24th, 6:30 pm

 

Christmas Day Service, Thursday,  December 25th, 9:30 am

 

Anticipating Worship (December 21)

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Worship Focus:  Jesus, the promised Son of David, rules an eternal kingdom.

Scripture Readings:
2 Samuel 7:8-16
Psalm 89
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38

Sermon Text:  2 Samuel 7:8-16

The Lord of Hosts Builds a House for David
1.  Through the Descendant who rescues for free
2.  Through the Descendant who rules for ever

Prayer of the Day:
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.  Take away the burden of our sins and make us ready for the celebration of your birth, that we may receive you in joy and serve you always; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

We will also be celebrating the Lord's Supper.

Happy Advent.

Bess Rank Funeral

This past Saturday the Lord called Bess to his side in heaven.  Her Christian funeral will be on December 18 at Wulff Funeral Home, 2195 Woodland Dr., Woodbury.  Visitation begins at 10:00 AM with the service starting at 11:00 AM.

We pray that God would comfort the family with the reality of the resurrection.

Anticipating Worship (December 14)

Third Sunday in Advent

Worship Focus:  Sing praise to the coming Savior, the Light of the world.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 61:10,11
Psalm 71:22-24
John 1:6-9

Devotion:  John 1:6-9

Be an Advent Witness to the Light

Prayer of the Day:
Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus Christ, and come with the good news of your mighty deliverance.  Drive the darkness from our hearts and fill us with your light; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Worship note:  This Sunday is the choir song service.  We thank them in advance for their time in preparing the songs which bring us the good news of Jesus' birth.

Happy Advent.

Anticipating Worship (December 7)

Second Sunday in Advent

Worship Focus:  Prepare for Christ’s coming with serious and sincere repentance.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 40:1-11
Psalm 85
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

Sermon Text:  Isaiah 40:6-11

Advent Preparation Includes Listening
1.  To our God's word
2.  About our God's way

Prayer of the Day:  Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son.  By his coming give us strength in our conflicts and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

We will also be celebrating the Lord's Supper.

Happy Advent.

Advent Service Reminder

Tomorrow evening we gather in God's house to continue our Advent preparation.  The service time is 7:00 PM in the church.

As we await the Savior's birth at Christmas, we anticipate the arrival of God's gifts during Advent.

Before worship, we will enjoy food and fellowship in the basement.  Supper begins at 5:45 PM and runs until 6:45 PM.  Yarusso's Restaurant is supplying the spaghetti.  (A big thank you to them.)  The free will offering will go to the support of Merrick Food Shelf.

See you then.

Happy Advent.

Anticipating Worship (November 30)

First Sunday in Advent

Worship Focus:  Be prepared because Jesus is coming.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 63:16b,17; 64:1-8
Psalm 24
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:32-37

Sermon Text:  Isaiah 63:16b,17; 64:1-8

"Come" Is a Good Advent Prayer
1.  Come, Lord, with your might
2.  Come, Lord, with your mercy

Prayer of the Day:
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.  Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Happy Advent.

 

Thanksgiving Eve Services

Our special services of thanksgiving to our good and gracious God will be,

Wednesday, November 26th, at 12:30 pm and 6:30 pm.

 

Anticipating Worship (November 23)

Fourth Sunday of End Time—Christ the King

Worship Focus:  Lord, keep us joyful in our King!

Scripture Readings:
Ezekiel 34:11-16,23,24
Psalm 47
1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Matthew 27:27-31

Sermon Text:     Ezekiel 34:11-16,23,24

Follow the Shepherd-King
1.  Who seeks you
2.  Who saves you.

Prayer of the Day:
Lord Jesus Christ, by your victory you have broken the power of the evil one.  Fill our hearts with joy and peace as we look with hope to that day when every creature in heaven and earth will acclaim you King of kings and Lord of lords to your unending praise and glory; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Thanksgiving Eve Services

Our special services of thanksgiving to our good and gracious God will be Wednesday, November 26th at 12:30 pm and 6:30 pm.

Anticipating Worship (November 16)

Third Sunday of End Time—Saints Triumphant

Scripture Readings:

Isaiah 52:1-6
Psalm 84
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Matthew 25:1-13

Sermon Text:  Isaiah 52:1-6

Wake Up, Saints
1.  God rouses
2.  God redeems

Prayer of the Day:
Almighty God and Savior, you have set the final day and hour when we shall be delivered from this world of sin and death.  Keep us ever watchful for the coming of your Son that we may sit with him and all your holy ones at the marriage feast in heaven; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Immanuel Hmong is planning to have a Thanksgiving Celebration. — The date is November 23rd. They will have a Hmong Worship Service from 12:30 pm-1:45 pm. After service, they will be in the gym for an hour program (talent shows, games.), following with Thanksgiving Dinner around 3 pm, in the fellowship hall. We have been invited to have fellowship with them. Immanuel will provide all the food and drinks. Dress: Church clothes or Hmong custom if you have one.  There is a sign up sheet on the table in the narthex if you are able to attend the meal.  Please sign up by November 17th.  A count of our members attending will help them with food preparation.

 

Thank You — Pastor and Charmain are extremely grateful for their two night stay in a bed and breakfast in Wabasha that St. John gave them for Pastor appreciation.  They took advantage of the generous gift on November 4th-6th. They are also thankful for the bike rack for their vehicle.  That might have to wait for warmer weather.  It is their prayer that the Lord continue to give his love to us as we serve the Savior together.

I am sorry for the ENews that came out yesterday with all the script in it. Today's should be easier to follow!

     Our Lord called home our member June Bahneman, Tuesday, November 11th.

June E. Bahneman

Age 85 of Woodbury

Loving wife, mother, grandmother

Passed away on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.  Survived by husband Kennard;children,

Craig (Georgia), Mary (Dan) Hart, Brian (Jennifer); 8 grandchildren,

7 great-grandchildren; & sister Helen Mackedanz.  Service will be held

Saturday, November 15, 11:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church, with visitation 1 hour

prior. Private internment at Elmhurst Cemetery, St. Paul.

Thank You — Pastor and Charmain are extremely grateful for their two night stay in a bed and breakfast in Wabasha that St. John gave them for Pastor appreciation.  They took advantage of the generous gift on November 4th-6th. They are also thankful for the bike rack for their vehicle.  That might have to wait for warmer weather.  It is their prayer that the Lord continue to give his love to us as we serve the Savior together.

 

Immanuel Hmong is planning to have a Thanksgiving Celebration. — The date is November 23rd. They will have a Hmong Worship Service from 12:30 pm-1:45 pm. After service, they will be in the gym for an hour program (talent shows, games.), following with Thanksgiving Dinner around 3 pm, in the fellowship hall. We have been invited to have fellowship with them. Immanuel will provide all the food and drinks. Dress: Church clothes or Hmong custom if you have one.  Please see the sign up sheet on the table in the narthex for those attending the meal.  Immanuel Hmong would like a count by November 17th of those who will be attending to help with food preparations.

 

Thanksgiving Eve Services - Our special services of thanksgiving to our good and gracious God will

be Wednesday, November 26th, at 12:30 and 7:00 pm.