Anticipating Worship (January 1)

New Year’s Day


Worship Focus:  We begin a new year with the Lord’s blessing.

Meditation:  Numbers 6:22-27

We will have three devotions as we explore the Aaronic Blessing.

Enter the New Year with the LORD’s Blessing
- Of his protection
- Of his pardon
- Of his peace

Prayer of the Day:  Lord God, we are grateful for your attention day after day and your affection year after year.  Bless us as we have gathered in your name at the start of a new year.  Open our ears to hear you and open our mouths to worship you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy New Year!

Camp Croix 2017 Registration

Registration opens January 2nd, 2017
Camp Dates:
Week One - July 9-15, 2017
Week Two - July 16-22, 2017
Week Three - July 23-29, 2017
More information along with camper, counselor, and staff applications can be
found at www.campcroix.org.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Worship

Please join us in celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Christmas Service Times:

Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24^th, 6:30 pm

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25^th, 9:30 am

Anticipating Worship (December 25)

The Nativity of Our Lord:  Christmas Day


Worship Focus:  We rejoice because of the glorious message of Christmas:  Jesus is born.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 52:7-10
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-9
John 1:1-14

Sermon Meditation:  Isaiah 52:7-10

We Have Good News at Christmas

Prayer of the Day:  Almighty God, you have made yourself known to us through your Son, Jesus.  We thank you that his birth has set us free from the control of the devil; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

We will have a special order of service as we worship the Christ Child.


Merry Christmas!

Choir Announcement

Choir members: Please have your music and be ready to sing at 5:45 on Christmas Eve and 9:00 on Christmas Day in church. (You will have time to change into your robes after we practice.) Thank you for your time and effort this month in our preparations to sing praises to our Savior King this weekend. "Gloria in excelsis Deo!"

All choir members: There is a thank you note from Bob posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. We will resume regular rehearsals in January. Watch the blog and bulletin for more information.

Call to Ms Barbara Polzin

At the Special Voter's meeting on December 18, the Lord led the members of St. John Lutheran Church to call Barbara Polzin as teacher for grades 2-4. The call is for the next school year beginning this fall.  Please keep her and St John school in your prayers.

Little Lights Singing on Sunday (12/18)

Little Lights Families: The children are singing in church this Sunday (December 18). Please bring your child(ren) to the MUSIC ROOM by 9:00 to practice lining up and singing. They will sing "I Am So Glad when Christmas Comes" (CW 51, stanzas 1-3) at the beginning of the service and then sit with their families. If you have any questions, please contact Hollie Grabitske. Thank you for supporting the Little Lights program so that the children at St. John may not only learn about our Savior but also worship and praise him in song. See you Sunday at 9:00!

Special Voters' Meeting

A Special Voter's meeting is scheduled for December 18 at 11:00 AM.  We will have a vacancy in our 2-4 grade classroom next year and will be calling a teacher to fill that position.

Annual Craft and Bake Sale

Annual Craft and Bake Sale — The annual Craft and Bake Sale will be on Sunday, December 11th, following worship. This is also Fellowship Sunday. All donations are welcome and will help support our missions through our WELS effort. Thank you for your support, Friends in Christ.  If you have any questions, please see Rhonda Evgen.

Anticipating Worship (December 11)

Third Sunday in Advent


Worship Focus:  Jesus is coming:  We wait with joyful patience.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146
James 5:7-11
Matthew 11:2-11

Sermon Meditation:  Matthew 11:2-11

Jesus Dispels Doubt with God's Word
1.  In his words to John
2.  In his words about John

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.


The Choir will be singing a few extra songs during the service.  We thank them for their addition to worship as well as their extra practice.


Happy Advent!

Annual Craft & Bake Sale

Annual Craft and Bake Sale — The annual Craft and Bake Sale will be on Sunday, December 11th, following worship. This is also Fellowship Sunday. All donations are welcome and will help support our missions through our WELS effort. Thank you for your support, Friends in Christ.  If you have any questions, please see Rhonda Evgen.

 

Craft and Bake Sale

Annual Craft and Bake Sale — The annual Craft and Bake Sale will be on Sunday, December 11th, following worship. This is also Fellowship Sunday. All donations are welcome and will help support our missions through our WELS effort. Thank you for your support, Friends in Christ.  If you have any questions, please see Rhonda Evgen.

 

Anticipating Worship (December 4)

Second Sunday in Advent


Worship Focus:  Jesus is coming:  He comes to bring peace.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 130
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12

Sermon Meditation:  Matthew 3:1-12

Prepare Your Hearts
1.  By listening to the one coming before
2.  By looking for the One coming after

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.


Happy Advent!

Choir Practice

Choir members singing for Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day: We will have three practices:

- Tuesday, December 6, following our regular practice (We won't go past 8:30pm.)
- Tuesday, December 13, at 7:00pm
- Tuesday, December 20, at 7:00pm (Meet in church.)

Please contact Hollie Grabitske with any questions.

Midweek Advent Worship (November 30)

We have another opportunity to prepare for Jesus' coming this Advent season.  Tomorrow night we have our only Wednesday evening service.  The time is 6:30 PM.

We will meditate on David's words in Psalm 27:1,13,14 with the theme:  Wait for the Lord.

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? … I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Happy Advent!

Anticipating Worship (November 27)

First Sunday in Advent


Worship Focus:  Jesus is coming:  Walk in the light.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 18
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44

Sermon Meditation:  Matthew 24:36-44

Be Ready!
1.  Jesus teaches when
2.  Jesus tells how

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

We will gather in God's house on Wednesday evening to recall the goodness of the Lord.  The service is at 6:30 PM.

The focus of our worship is "Now thank we all our God with hearts and hands and voices."

"Praise the Lord.  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever"  (Psalm 106:1).

Anticipating Worship (November 20)

Last Sunday of End Time—Christ the King


Worship Focus:  Jesus is our righteous Savior and royal King.

Scripture Readings:
Jeremiah 23:2-6
Psalm 98
Colossians 1:13-20
Luke 23:35-43

Sermon Meditation:  Colossians 1:13-20

Jesus Is Our Supreme King
1.  Because of his royal rescue
2.  Because of his royal rule

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.


Blessings as we close out the Church Year!

Choir News

A Quick Update for St. John Choir Members:

Choir practice is on for Tuesday, November 26! Cindy Lendt will have more information about the singing schedule then, but in the meantime here are the upcoming services that the choir will be singing for:

- November 27 (Wednesday) for the 6:30 PM Thanksgiving Service

- December 4 instead of November 27

- December 11

Please keep the Averbecks in your prayers! We know that the same Savior we praise in choir is holding them in his strong, compassionate hands.

St. John Sermons - stjohnlutheransermons.blogspot.com

Have you ever wished you could share one of Pastor Voigt's sermons with a friend or family member? Maybe someone you know needed to hear the stern words of God's law or the comfort from the sweet words of the gospel. Now you have that opportunity! We have a new means of sharing Pastor's sermons with anyone and everyone. Just like our church eNews (stjohnlutheranenews.blogspot.com), we have a new sermon blog (stjohnlutheransermons.blogspot.com). To receive sermons sent directly to your email inbox, be sure to subscribe--look for the field to enter your email address and follow the prompts. The system will send you an email, to which you must respond. Once you've subscribed, you will automatically receive all sermons that are posted. Tell your friends and family members to do the same.

Take me to stjohnlutheransermons.blogspot.com.

Auction Update

The totals are in.  The result of Sunday's silent pie auction was $475.  A check with that amount will be sent to the Merrick Food Shelf.

This is one of the ways that we can help the neighbors in our community who are in need as we reflect the love of Christ that is shown to us and then through us.

Thank you to all who brought pies and bought pies.

Choir Cancelled

Due to Mr. Averbeck's back issues, there will be no choir tomorrow  (November 15).  Please keep him in your prayers as he looks for some answers to the pain.

Installation at Divinity Lutheran

Divinity Ev. Lutheran Church invites us to a special service Sunday, November 13th.  They will be installing their new pastor, Rev. John Berg.  It is at 4:00 PM with a meal to follow.  We welcome him to the area.  

Anticipating Worship (November 13)

Third Sunday of End Time—Saints Triumphant


Worship Focus:  God’s people look forward to life in heaven with joy.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 65:17-25
Psalm 150
2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5
Luke 20:37-38

Sermon Meditation:  Luke 20:37-38

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.  Amen.


Blessings as we close out the Church Year!

Daylight Saving Time Ends Sunday

Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, November 6th. Remember to turn your
clocks back 1 hour before turning in on Saturday!

Anticipating Worship (November 6)

Second Sunday of End Time—Last Judgment


Worship Focus:  Jesus is serious about his promise to return on the Last Day.

Scripture Readings:
Jeremiah 26:1-6
Psalm 90
2 Thessalonians 1:5-10
Luke 19:11-27

Sermon Meditation:  Jeremiah 26:1-6

Wait for Judgment
1.  Speaking the truth completely
2.  Spending the time correctly

Prayer of the Day:  Lord God Almighty, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit that we may always look forward to the end of this present age and to the day of your righteous judgment.  Keep us steadfast in true and living faith and present us at last holy and blameless before you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Blessings as we close out the Church Year.

Anticipating Worship (October 30)

First Sunday of end Time - Reformation Sunday


Worship Focus:  We rejoice because of the righteousness of Jesus revealed in God’s Word.

We will be having a special worship service to celebrate the 499th anniversary of when Dr. Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church.  We will have five devotions based on Luther's seal.



Scripture Readings:
Romans 10:10 - The Black Cross
Romans 1:17 - The Red Heart
Romans 15:13 - The White Rose
Romans 8:18 - The Blue Background
Romans 16:25-27 - The Golden Ring

Prayer of the Day:  Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, our refuge and strength, pour out your Holy Spirit on your faithful people.  Keep them steadfast in your Word, protect and comfort them in all temptations, defend them against all their enemies, and bestow on the Church your saving peace; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Reformation!

Church Clean-Up Day

Clean-Up/ Work Day —  The trustees have scheduled a work day for tomorrow, 
Saturday, October 22nd,starting at 9:00 am.  This will include both indoor and outdoor projects. There will be list posted on the bulletin board of some of the things that need to be done,or you can speak to a trustee. Any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Anticipating Worship (October 23)

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Christians serve God above all.

Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Psalm 119:33-40
2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18
Luke 18:18-27

Sermon Meditation:  2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18

The Lord Stands by Us
1.  As we look back
2.  As we look ahead

Prayer of the Day:  God, our refuge and strength, have mercy on your Church, as we come in prayer before you.  Answer us not in judgment on our sins, but in peace and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Hurricane Matthew Help

The WELS Christian Aid and Relief responds when there are natural disasters at home and abroad, providing disaster relief and humanitarian aid.  They are currently in contact with our missionary in Haiti and with our pastors in the affected areas along the east coast.  Mr. Mark Vance is currently making assessments and plans.  If you would like to donate to help, you can send the money directly to WELS Christian Aid and Relief with the designation of Hurricane Matthew relief.  The address is:

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive
Waukesha, WI 53188-1108

Anticipating Worship (October 16)

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Christians pray to God boldly, confidently, and persistently.

Scripture Readings:
Genesis 32:22-30
Psalm 121
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Luke 18:1-8a

Sermon Meditation:  Genesis 32:22-30

Wrestle with God
1.  He gives the opportunity
2.  He gives the victory

Prayer of the Day:  Lord, keep your household, the Church, in continual godliness and set us free from all adversities, that under your protection, we may serve you with true devotion and holy deeds; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Anticipating Worship (October 9)

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Faith in God’s faithfulness changes lives.

Scripture Readings:
Ruth 1:1-19a
Psalm 111
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Luke 17:11-19

Sermon Meditation:  2 Timothy 2;8-13

Remember Jesus Christ!
1.  Reminded of the significance of his life
2.  Reflecting on the significance in your life

Prayer of the Day:  Grant, O merciful Lord, to your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve you with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Anticipating Worship (October 2)

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Faith is the foundation of the Christian’s life.

Scripture Lessons:
Habakkuk 1:1-3,2:1-4
Psalm 27
2 Timothy 1:3-14
Luke 17:1-10

Sermon Meditation:  Luke 17:1-10

Lord, Increase Our Faith
1.  As we live with others
2.  As we live under God

Prayer of the Day:  Almighty God, in your bountiful goodness keep us safe from every evil of body and soul.  Make us ready, with cheerful hearts, to do whatever pleases you; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Meal Train for Crider family

A meal train has been started for the Crider Family. If you are able to contribute a meal or two, please use the following URL to sign up: https://mealtrain.com/89edw5. Meals should be marked "MEAL TRAIN" and delivered to St. John. They can be left in the church refrigerator/freezer on Sundays before church or on Wednesdays by 5:00 p.m.  Thank you for your care and your on-going prayers for Darrell, Erin, and Nolan.

Homecoming Tailgate Party

St. John families are invited to a tailgate party at the Julians (1138 Oakdale Avenue). Join us tomorrow, Sept. 30, immediately following the St. Croix Lutheran homecoming parade, up until game time. Grills, paper products, condiments, and chips provided. Bring meat to grill along with your beverage of choice. (Sides/desserts to pass ... optional.) Questions, speak to Jim or Tamara.  Hope to see you there!

Anticipating Worship (September 25)

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  True riches come from knowing Christ.

Scripture Readings:
Amos 6:1-7
Psalm 146
1 Timothy 6:6-16
Luke 16:19-31

Sermon Meditation:  Luke 16:19-31

We Have Real Riches
1.  For eternity
2.  On earth

Prayer of the Day:  Mercifully grant, O God, that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts, for without your help we are unable to please you; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Anticipating Worship (September 18)

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  The Lord is the Savior of sinners.

Scripture Readings:
Micah 7:18-20
Psalm 38
Romans 5:6-11
Luke 19:1-10

Sermon Devotion:  Micah 7:18-20

No One Compares to Our God

Prayer of the Day:  O Lord Jesus Christ, keep us in your tender care.  Help us avoid whatever is wicked and harmful, and guide us in the way that leads to our salvation; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!


Don't forget.  Tomorrow is also our Fun Fest.  See you there.

Anticipating Worship (September 11)

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Worship Focus:  The Lord patiently seeks sinners to save them.

Scripture Readings:

Exodus 32:7-14

Psalm 51

1 Timothy 1:12-17

Luke 15:1-10

Sermon Meditation:  Exodus 32:7-14

You Have a Mediator Better Than Moses

Prayer of the Day:  Lord, we pray that your mercy and grace may always go before us and follow after us that, loving you with undivided hearts, we may be ready for every good and useful work; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Happy Pentecost!

Anticipating Worship (September 4)

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  God gives wisdom to his people.

Scripture Readings:
Proverbs 9:8-12
Psalm 19
Philemon 1,10-21
Luke 14:25-33

Sermon Meditation:  Psalm 19:7-14

You Have God's Word
1.  It is from your Lord
2.  It is for you life

Prayer of the Day:  Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Pastor Staab Funeral Info

The Lord called Pastor Bill Staab to his eternal home in heaven this past Saturday morning.

There will be a visitation at Salem Ev. Lutheran Church  (14940 62nd St. N, Stillwater, MN) on Friday, September 2, from 5:00-7:00 PM.  The funeral will be on Saturday, September 3, at 11:00 AM.  It is also at Salem.  There will be a visitation one hour before the service.

We rejoice in the reality of the resurrection because of Jesus who is the resurrection and the life  (John 11:25,26).

Anticipating Worship (August 28)

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  The Christian life is one of humility.

Scripture Readings:
Proverbs 25:6,7
Psalm 119:1-8
Hebrews 13:1-8
Luke 14:1,7-14

Sermon Meditation:  Luke 14:1,7-14

Christian, Take a Seat
1.  For a helping of humility
2.  For a batch of blessing

Prayer of the Day:  O Lord Jesus Christ, preserve the congregation of believers with your never-failing mercy.  Help us to avoid whatever is wicked and harmful, and guide us in the way that leads to our salvation; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Helen Van Allen Funeral

After a brief bout with lung cancer, the Lord called Helen home this past Monday morning.

Her Christian funeral will be Friday, August 26, at 11:00 AM.  There will be a visitation an hour before and a meal after.

We thank our God that he brought Helen to faith and built her up in that faith.  Her confirmation verse and funeral text is John 6:68:  "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life."  Helen now enjoys the life that never ends.

Please keep the family in your prayers.

Anticipating Worship (August 21)

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  The way to heaven for all is through Jesus.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 66:18-24
Psalm 72
Hebrews 12:18-24
Luke 13:22-30

Sermon Meditation:  Luke 13:22-30

Enter the Narrow Door
1.  Through Jesus
2.  To joy

Prayer of the Day:  Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and love; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Happy Pentecost!

Anticipating Worship (August 14)

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  God wants us to be faithful to his Word always.

Scripture Readings:
Jeremiah 23:23-29
Psalm 139:1-12
Hebrews 12:1-13
Luke 12:49-53

Sermon Meditation:  Psalm 139:1-12

Worship Your Wonderful God
1.  Who is constantly aware
2.  Who is continually there

Prayer of the Day:  Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift of grace that we come into your presence and offer true and faithful service.  Grant that our worship on earth may always be pleasing to you and in the life to come give us the fulfillment of what you have promised; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Susannah Crider Funeral

Susannah's Christian funeral will be on Monday, August 15, at 11:00 AM.  There be a visitation an hour before and a meal after.

We rejoice in the comfort of the resurrection.  "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord"  (Revelation 14:13).  Because Jesus lives, so does Susannah.

Please continue to keep the Criders in your prayers.

Susannah Crider

Yesterday the Lord in his wisdom called Susannah Crider to her eternal home.  While this is sudden and unexpected, we look to the Lord and lean on his love.  He adopts children into his family through baptism and welcomes them to his side.  That is what he has done with Susannah.

There are many details that are still coming.  As soon as these become definite, we will pass them along.

In the meantime, please keep the Criders in your prayers.

Anticipating Worship (August 7)

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  God’s children live by faith—constantly looking ahead to heaven.

Scripture Readings:
Genesis 15:1-6
Psalm 33
Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16
Luke 12:32-40

Sermon Meditation:  Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16

Live by Faith
1.  A faith that is confident
2.  A faith that is consistent

Prayer of the Day:  Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve.  Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

National Night Out - August 2

Tomorrow St. John will be part of the annual National Night Out celebration in the upper Swede Hollow Park.  (It is right down the road from church.)

For a number of years we have been grilling hot dogs and giving them away.  We also set up a table and neighbors bring items to share.  It has become quite a tradition.

The fun begins at 6:00 PM.  There will be a band to entertain and visits from local fire and police departments.

See you there.

Anticipating Worship (July 31)

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Knowing Christ gives meaning to life.

Scripture Readings:
Ecclesiastes 1:2, 2:18-26
Psalm 34
Colossians 3:1-11
Luke 12:31-21

Sermon Meditation:  Colossians 3:1-11

Enjoy Your New Life in Christ
1.  Above
2.  Below

Prayer of the Day:  O God, you reveal your mighty power chiefly in showing mercy and kindness.  Grant us the full measure of your grace that we may obtain your promises and become partakers of your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Happy Pentecost!

Anticipating Worship (July 24)

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  God’s children speak boldly to him in prayer.

Scripture Readings:
Genesis 18:20-32
Psalm 6
Colossians 2:6-15
Luke 11:1-13

Sermon Meditation:  Colossians 2:6,7

Keep Walking with Christ

Prayer of the Day:  O Lord, your ears are always open to the prayers of your humble servants, who come to you in Jesus’ name.  Teach us always to ask according to your will that we may never fail to obtain the blessings you have promised; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Save the Date

Tuesday, August 2, is the annual National Night Out.

St. John will again be a part of the gathering at the upper Swede Hollow Park right down the road from church.  We will be grilling hot dogs to give to our neighbors as we get to know them.

The fun begins at 6:00 PM.  There will be a band to entertain and visits from the fire department and law enforcement.

This is an easy way to meet those in our community.  And it might be good in view of the recent developments in our city and country.

See you there.

Selma Rubbert Funeral

The Lord in his love called Selma Rubbert to her eternal home this past Saturday afternoon.

The funeral will be on Wednesday  (July 20) at Sandberg Funeral Home.  The address is 2593 E 7th Ave, North St. Paul.  The times are as follows:
- 10:30 AM - Visitation
- 11:00 AM - Service
- 12:00 AM - Meal

We keep her family in our prayers as they rejoice in the comfort of the resurrection.

Special Voters' Meeting-July 24th

Voters' Meeting - There will be a special voters' meeting Sunday, July 24th, immediately following worship.  The purpose of this meeting is to extend
a one year call for a teacher to teach Pre-Kindergarten for the 2016-2017 school year.
All members are encouraged to attend.

Anticipating Worship (July 17)

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  The child of God listens when God speaks.

Scripture Readings:
Genesis 18:1-15
Psalm 119:1-8
Colossians 1:21-29
Luke 10:38-52

Sermon Text:  Colossians 1:21-29

Remain in the Faith
1.  Aware of the past reminder
2.  Alert to the present reality

Prayer of the Day:  Grant us, Lord, the spirit to think and do what is right that we, who cannot do anything that is good without you, may by your help be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Anticipating Worship (July 10)

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Faith in Christ, created in the heart and strengthened by the Word, produces fruit.

Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 30:9-14
Psalm 25
Colossians 1:1-14
Luke 10:25-37

Sermon Text:  Colossians 1:1-14

Hear the Prayer of a Pastor
1.  As he thans God
2.  As he thinks growth

Prayer of the Day:  Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your Word.  By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy and to bring forth fruits in faith and hope and love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Anticipating Worship (July 3)

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost


Since Sunday is one day away from our country's observance of Independence Day, we will have a special service to reflect and review our blessing of freedom.

Worship focus:  We celebrate our freedom in Christ.

Scripture Readings:
John 8:34,36 - Freedom from sin
Hebrews 2:14,15 - Freedom from death
Isaiah 61:1 - Freedom from the devil

Prayer of the Day:  Lord, keep this nation under your care.  Bless the leaders of our land that we may be people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to other nations of the earth.  Help us serve you faithfully all our days to the honor of your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Happy 4th of July!

Women's Ministry Conference

The Women's Ministry Conference is being held July 21st-July 23rd, in Mequon WI, at

the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. If you are interested in attending please call the

church office. There is room in the car heading to the conference to car pool and also

in the hotel room that is reserved.  For full details and to register for the conference you can go to wels.net/wmconference.

 

A history of worship accompaniment at St. John

The instruments that have supported worship over the years began with a melodeon, which was used until 1883 when the first organ replaced it. An addition was necessary to the first facility (at 8th & Locust, near Heppner's on E. 7th today) to accommodate this organ. The organ transferred to the second facility (on the site of today's third facility) just 8 years later. The debt on the second facility proved long in retirement, and fundraising fatigue had set in. The church council decided in 1914 to authorize an organ committee to search for a new organ that matched the size of the new church and to raise money for purchase and installation. The committee selected a Wirsching Organ of 37 ranks – one of the largest constructed by that company. The first organ was then donated to Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, a college St. John Lutheran had helped establish. That first organ served the college until 1983 when it was dismantled for parts. Today’s Martin Luther College has one of the largest and most prominent collections of organs in the world.

St. John Lutheran dedicated the present organ on November 21, 1915. The church council recorded in its minutes that the organ project, while partly to relieve fundraising stress to retire the building debt on the second facility, was also done to prepare to mark the 400th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in 1917. 

Philipp Wirsching (1858-1926) was a native of Hesse, Germany, and an apprentice of August Laukhuff whose company is still a supplier to the organ industry. Wirsching immigrated to America in 1886 and formed his own organ company in Salem, Ohio. From 1894-1905, Wirsching suspended his company due to the economy. In October 1914 his company went into receivership under the presidency of his son, and during this time built the organ at St. John Lutheran. Philipp Wirsching himself scaled and voiced the pipes of this organ. The various iterations of the Wirsching organ company are known to have built 37 instruments both for residences and churches. There are 3 known to have been installed in Minnesota, with the one at St. John Lutheran likely being the last extant. Significant for this instrument, its console was electric from the start, rather than pneumatic. The console was replaced in kind in 1959 when the original failed.

On February 25, 1964, the City of St. Paul engineer found some cracking in one of the walls of the second facility and ordered it closed. The church council immediately began plans for a third facility, which was dedicated four years to the day later. The 1915 Wirsching Organ had been disassembled and stored by Howard Nolte under the supervision of acclaimed organ maintenance expert Arthur J. Fellows. While unclear from church council minutes as to the intent for the organ during the transition to the third facility, long time members of the congregation are under the impression that the 1915 Wirsching was meant to be sold for its parts. Indeed, correspondence from Howard Nolte proposing to purchase certain parts is consistent with that memory.

Raising funds to pay for the third facility also proved challenging and resulted in a delay in reinstalling the organ. Arthur Fellows began installation in January 1969 and finished in May of the same year. Fellows continued to clean and tune the instrument until 1979 when he was replaced by Murray Burfeind. During Burfeind’s era of care the organ was altered to be “baroque” in character, which was a trend in expectations in the 1980s. The instrument suffered greatly as a result. Burfeind was succeeded as the organ technician of record in 2003 when Allen Moe of Wadena was hired.

In 2003, respected organ consultant Prof. Edward Meyer, recently retired from Martin Luther College in New Ulm, wrote a report that has guided the restoration of the organ since. The organ is in significant need of repair to restore the original sound and look of the 1915 Wirsching organ. 

The organ remains one of the most significant artifacts documenting St. John Lutheran Church along with being a highly significant artifact of organ history in Minnesota. It is estimated that 83 percent of the current organ pipes are original with a substantial portion of non-original materials simply being added to the instrument. One consultant speculated that the leather on the windchests appeared to be the original, and that typically leather lasts no longer than about 80 years. The congregation has consistently taken care of this organ. The congregation has already invested approximately $50,000 into the restoration since 2003, plus another $100,000 into upgrading the climate control in order to reduce environmental impacts upon the instrument. 

Our many and very talented organists have covered for the numerous dead notes and tonal dissonance that would otherwise disrupt worship. The time is approaching when we will need to bring this impressive instrument back to its full function. Can we do so before the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in October 2017?

A few minutes to learn about our organ

On June 26 following worship, the congregation is asked to remain for a few minutes to hear about the true state of St. John Lutheran's 101-year-old Wirsching Organ.

The organ was installed for the first time by November 21, 1915. This organ is one of the largest ever made by this company, and may be the last one remaining in the state. It was acquired in part to mark the 400th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation in October 1917.

When the present facility was constructed, the congregation retained this organ, reinstalling it in the spring of 1969. Over the years the congregation has invested in the care and maintenance of the organ, including significant upgrades to protect the organ.

The 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation will be October 31, 2017, approximately 16 months from now. And, our congregation will mark 150 years on May 24, 2021. While no resolution from the congregation will be expected at the June 26 voters' meeting, the church council and organists do encourage you to prayerfully consider what the congregation would like to do with regard to the organ. As a matter of Christian Stewardship, we naturally want to take care of the things God has provided to us - that means both the congregation's finances and its property, including the organ.

\

With Gratitude

We know how to party well at St. John Lutheran. The observances of the congregation's 145th birthday and Mrs. Ellen Mueller's 25th anniversary as school secretary were very well attended. Everything was planned carefully and executed precisely on May 22.

Three weeks later the St. John Lutheran community gathered to thank the family of Phil and Hannah Ewerdt for their many contributions over the 8 years that Phil held a call from St. John Lutheran to teach Grades 3-5. Again, the event was thoroughly enjoyed.

These gatherings were successful due to the work of many, and for that we praise God and thank each one humbly for their work. Thank you!

Anticipating Worship (June 19)

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Following Christ calls for total commitment.

Scripture Readings:
1 Kings 19:14-21
Psalm 62
Galatians 5:1,13-25
Luke 9:51-62

Sermon Text:  Luke 9:51-62

Journey with Jesus to Jerusalem
1.  It is a walk of determination for the Christ
2.  It is a walk of dedication for the Christian

Prayer of the Day:  O God, you have prepared joys beyond understanding for those who love you.  Pour into our hearts such love for you that, loving you above all things, we may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

From the Ewerdt Family

Dear Members of St. John,

We are so thankful for all the ways that this church really became a church family to us. It i s incredibly hard to pack up our things and say goodbye to all the wonderful people we have come to know and love. We have been immeasurably blessed through our time here, and our children also have benefited greatly from all the people who have reflected God's love to them by their words and actions. Thank you for all that you have done for us, and we feel as Paul said to the Philippians, "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:3-6) We will continue to pray earnestly for your ministry here, and give thanks that God brought our paths together eight years ago when Phil received the call to serve in your midst. We will miss you!

In Christ's Service,

Phil and Hannah and family

Neighborhood Canvassing

The Evangelism committee will be knocking on doors in our neighborhood again this year sharing the Word of our Savior and inviting them to come worship with us.  We ask that you join us in this effort.  We generally we go in pairs, so you can start out by just recording the information they give.  We meet at church at 6:35 PM on Tuesdays.  Contact Tony Wimmer at 612-306-5329 for more information.

Ladies Aid Salad Luncheon

Congregation members are invited to join the Ladies Aid on Wednesday, June 15th, at noon, for their annual Salad Luncheon. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex if you will be attending or you may call the church office.

 

Ewerdt Reception

We have so much to thank God for in blessing us with the Ewerdts!  You are encouraged to join us this Sunday, June 12th, following our worship service in honor of this family who has done so much for our children and the St. John family.  A basket with be available for your personal thanks, blessings and well wishes to Mr. Ewerdt and his family.

Anticipating Worship (June 12)

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Our gracious God forgives our sin.

Scripture Readings:
1 Samuel 11:26-12:10,13
Psalm 32
Galatians 2:11-21
Luke 7:36-50

Sermon Text:  1 Samuel 11:26-12:10,13

You Are the One!
1.  Who recognizes sin against God
2.  Who receives forgiveness from God

Prayer of the Day:  O God, protector of all the faithful, you alone make strong; you alone make holy.  Show us your mercy and forgive our sins day by day.  Guide us through our earthly lives that we do not lose the things you have prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost.

Committee On Education Survey

Shape the future of St. John Lutheran School – Complete the Purpose, Mission, and Values survey.

The St. John Committee on Education is starting a process to redefine our purpose, mission, and core values as a way to shape the future of St. John. The resulting definitions will serve as the basis for everything we do as a school.

While there are many steps to this process, the first step is to hear your input. Please take five minutes to complete this survey and let us know what you think our purpose, mission, and values should be. These results will be a significant input to the process.

Survey: https://goo.gl/dsVz6i

I cannot stress enough the importance of your input to this process. Thank you for taking the time to participate in this vital effort.

God bless,

Derek Meyer (Chair, Committee on Education)

Anticipating Worship (June 5)

Third Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Our gracious God changes life by giving life.

Scripture Readings:
1 Kings 17:17-24
Psalm 30
Galatians 1:11-24
Luke 7:11-17

Sermon Meditation:  Psalm 50:15

Go to God
1.  In distress
2.  For deliverance
3.  With devotion

Prayer of the Day:  O God, the strength of all who trust in you, mercifully hear our prayers.  Be gracious to us in our weakness and give us strength to keep your commandments in all we say and do; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost.

Ewerdt's Farewell

Next Sunday, June 12, following worship, we will gather downstairs to acknowledge the Ewerdts years of faithful service to St. John and to wish them God's rich blessings in their next phase of ministry in West Melbourne, Florida. A card basket will be available for your personal thanks, blessings and well wishes.

Closing Chapel Service

Closing Worship Service Tomorrow, June 3, 2016

Tomorrow, at 3:15 p.m., our school will be having a closing worship service to thank our God for another school year now ending.  Pastor Voigt will be preaching.   All parents, grandparents and friends are invited to worship with us in the downstairs chapel area.  Parents who wish to take their children home after the service are welcome to do so.
There will be no regular a.m. chapel service tomorrow.

Soccer Camp Coaches Needed

Soccer Coaches Needed — If you are willing to be a soccer camp coach or coach's assistant for the upcoming Soccer Camp/VBS please contact Tony Wimmer 612-306-5329.  Dates for the camp are:

Thursday 6/16  5:30 to 8:00 PM

Friday 6/17   5:30 to 8:00 PM

Saturday 6/18   9:30 AM to noon

 

Funeral for Erma Gerth

The Lord called Erma to her eternal home on May 24th, 2016, at the age of 87.

Preceded in death by daughter, Michele Manchester. Survived by husband, Gerhard;

children, Kathleen Johnson, Barry Kincade, Ken Kincade, Lynn O’Connor, Mark Kincade,

Beverly Gerth, Linda (Ted Johnson), Sharon Gerth, and Charlotte (Terry) Haanen;

grandchildren and great grandchildren; siblings, Edward, Bruce, Paula, and Delma;

other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Service will be at St. John on Wednesday, June 1^st.

Visitation is 10:00-11:00 am

Service will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a luncheon in our fellowship hall.
There will be a private internment at Elmhurst Cemetery.

St. John School Picnic

 

The school picnic will be held on Friday, June 3, 2016, at Keller Regional Park Shelter #4, Golfview, off Frost Avenue, 1/10 mile east of Arcade/Highway 61 in Maplewood.  The picnic will begin at 5:00 p.m. with the potluck meal at 5:30 p.m.  If your oldest child is in Gr. 6-8: bring a main dish; oldest child in Gr. 2-4: bring a side dish (fruit, chips, etc.); oldest child in Pre-k through Gr. 1: bring a dessert.  St. John will provide plates, napkins, utensils, cups, water, lemonade and charcoal.  If you wish, you may bring your own meat to grill. There are two grills there for us to use.  All volunteers of St. John Lutheran School and members of St. John Lutheran Church are invited to picnic with us.  If you wish, please bring a dish to pass.  Directions from School: take 7th Street left to Arcade/Highway 61; take a left on Arcade/Highway 61 and follow until you get to Keller Regional Park.  The park is a little north of Frost Avenue.  Our shelter is #4 on the Golfview side of Arcade, not on the lake side.

 

Anticipating Worship (May 29)

Second Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  God’s love is for all who come to him in faith.

Scripture Readings:
1 Kings 8:22,23,41-43
Psalm 100
Galatians 1:1-10
Luke 7:1-10

Sermon Text:  Luke 7:1-10

You Can Have a Great Faith
1.  Because it has the right object
2.  Because it has the right attitude

Prayer of the Day:  O God, you rule over all things in wisdom and kindness.  Take away everything that may be harmful and give us whatever is good; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

A Note from Cindy Lendt - WELS Women's Ministry Conference

Ladies of St. John,

 

On July 21 I’m roadtripping down to Mequon, WI, for the WELS Women’s Ministry Conference, and I’d love your company! It’s entitled Mentors, and I’ve been hearing that it’s something you don’t want to miss! The conference is July 21-23, and there’s an early bird rate until May 30. Learn more about it at:

 

wels.net/serving-you/christian-life/womens-ministry/womens-ministry-conference

 

Just remember to give Pastor his presents before we leave because we’ll be getting back on the evening of his birthday!

 

In our Savior’s Name,

Cindy Lendt 

 

 

St. John Lutheran 145th Anniversary Service/Potluck/Ellen Mueller's Recognition

St. John Church to Celebrate 145th Anniversary/School Staff Anniversary

On Sunday, May 22, 2016, St. John Lutheran Church will be celebrating its 145th anniversary with a special worship service to thank God for His grace.  There will be a potluck meal to follow.  Please bring a main dish and a salad or dessert to pass.  If you are able to help with serving and/or clean-up for the potluck, please call Rhonda Evgen at (651) 208-4642.  Thank you.

With grateful hearts and thanks to God, St. John acknowledges Ellen Mueller's 25 years of faithful service as our school secretary.  To mark this milestone and express our gratitude, a card basket will be available to you at our 145th Anniversary.  Ellen, we thank God for many blessings through your dedicated service!

Office Depot "Give Back to Schools"

Give Back to Schools Program: Office Depot and OfficeMax

Education Is The Foundation To A Brighter Future

Give 5% Back To Your School!

Simply make a purchase of qualifying school supplies, provide your school ID at checkout and your designated school will receive 5% back in credits for FREE supplies!
It's a small act that can make a huge difference.

Our school ID is:  70055018.

Voter's Meeting

Special Voter's Meeting — There will be a special voter’s meeting on Sunday, June 5th,

following worship, to select a pre-school teacher from the call list we will be getting from the

synod.  Input from the congregation is very important on these decisions.

 

Anticipating Worship (May 15)

The Coming of the Holy Spirit—The Day of Pentecost


Worship Focus:  The Holy Spirit comes to bless us.

Scripture Readings:
Genesis 11:1-9
Psalm 51
Acts 2:1-21
John 15:26,27

Sermon Meditation:  John 15:26,27

Come, O Paraclete
1.  To testify about Jesus to others
2.  To testify about Jesus through others

Prayer of the Day:  Holy Spirit, God and Lord, come to us this joyful day with your sevenfold gift of grace.  Rekindle in our hearts the holy fire of your love that in a true and living faith we may tell abroad the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Father, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Pentecost!

Action by the St. John Lutheran Church Voters

The St. John Voters' Assembly approved a motion to extend a 1 year divine call for an individual to teach pre-kindergarten. We would redistribute kindergarten through eighth grade among the existing teachers. This means that we will not be calling a full time teacher to fill the position vacated by Mr. Ewerdt.

Our leaders did not come to this decision lightly, but feel it gives our school the best opportunity for long term success. We intend for this situation to be short term only, and pray for the Lord to bless our enrollment and ministry efforts such that we could support a fourth full time teacher as soon as possible.

To help our school grow its enrollment and expand our ministry, our Committee on Education is working toward the following:

• Define and implement a recruitment/marketing plan
• Determine how our school can better partner with Immanuel Hmong
• Research the feasibility of an Early Childhood Education program

A sincere thanks to our many voters, congregation members, and school parents for attending the meeting, voicing your concerns, and displaying your support for our elementary school ministry and its staff. Continue to keep the ministries of St. John Lutheran Church and St. John Lutheran School in your prayers.

Anticipating Worship (May 8)

Seventh Sunday of Easter


Worship Focus:  The risen and ascended Savior directs all things for the good of his church.

Scripture Readings:
Acts 16:6-10
Psalm 8
Revelation 22:12-17,20
John 17:20-26

Sermon Meditation:  Psalm 8

How Majestic Is Your Name
1.  That is clear in creation
2.  That is sure in salvation

Prayer of the Day:  Almighty God, your Son our Savior was taken up in glory and intercedes for us at your right hand.  Through your living and abiding Word, give us hearts to know him and faith to follow where he has gone; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Easter!

Congregation Members are Invited and Urged to an Important Voters' Meeting

Congregation members, you are invited and urged to attend an important meeting this coming Sunday, May 8, at St. John. The Voters of St. John are planning to meet after the 9:30 AM worship service. The focus of this meeting is to discuss the Church Council's recommendation on the staffing of our school with Mr. Ewerdt leaving. Mr. Ewerdt has accepted a divine call to teach at New Hope Lutheran Academy, in West Melbourne, FL. Input from the congregation is very important on these decisions.

Anticipating Worship (May 1)

Sixth Sunday of Easter


Worship Focus:  The risen Savior lives with us in peace as we live with him in obedience.

Scripture Readings:
Acts 14:8-18
Psalm 65
Revelation 21:10-14,22,23
John 14:23-29

Sermon Meditation:  John 14:23,24

Continue in the Word out of Love

Prayer of the Day:  Father of lights, every good and perfect gift comes from you.  Inspire us to think those things that are true and long for those things that are good, that we may always make our petitions according to your gracious will; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


This Sunday is Confirmation.  Two young men have studied the Scriptures and will state their agreement.  God bless them and be with them.

Happy Easter!

Letter from Mr. Phil Ewerdt

Dear Members of St. John Church and School Families,

Three weeks ago I received a divine call to teach at New Hope Lutheran Academy in West Melbourne, FL. I appreciate all the conversations I have had with many of you about my call at St. John, and I especially appreciate all the prayers that you have said for my family and me.

After much prayerful deliberation, I have decided to accept the call to teach at New Hope. This decision was more than difficult to make as St. John has become like a second home to us, and many of you like family. You have been a big blessing for us, we will miss you very much, and it breaks my heart to think of saying goodbye. As Paul said to the Philippians, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” How wonderful it is that we have the comfort of knowing that whatever happens in this life, and wherever God takes us, we will see each other again.

While writing this letter, hymn 327 came to mind:

“God be with you till we meet again,
By his counsels guide, uphold you,
With his sheep securely fold you -
God be with you till we meet again.
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet,
God be with you till we meet again.”

You will be in my prayers often.

With deep affection,

Mr. Phil Ewerdt

Anticipating Worship (April 24)

Fifth Sunday of Easter


Worship Focus:  The risen Savior’s love for us leads us to love one another.

Scripture Readings:
Acts 13:44-52
Psalm 145
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35

Sermon Text:  John 13:31-35

Look at Love
1.  Jesus' love for disciples
2.  Love from Jesus' disciples

Prayer of the Day:  O God, you form the minds of your faithful people into a single will.  Make us love what you command and desire what you promise, that among the many changes of this world, our hearts may ever yearn for the lasting joys of heaven; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

Happy Easter!