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!

Craig Bahneman Funeral

Craig Bahneman passed away this past Monday evening  (April 18).  His Christian funeral service will be on Friday, April 22, at 1:00 PM at St. John.  There will be a visitation one hour prior to worship.

The section of Scripture that we will consider, also his confirmation verse, is a good reminder of God's presence in life and in death.  "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble"  (Psalm 46:1).

Anticipating Worship (April 17)

Fourth Sunday of Easter


Worship Focus:  Our risen Savior is our Good Shepherd.

Scripture Readings:
Acts 13:15,16a,26-33
Psalm 23
Revelation 7:9-17
John 10:22-30

Sermon Text:  John 10:22-30

You Are Safe with the Shepherd
1.  Because of the personal relationship
2.  Because of the real power

Prayer of the Day:  O Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Good Shepherd who laid down your life for the sheep.  Lead us now to the still waters of your life-giving Word that we may abide in your Father’s house forevermore; for you live and reign with him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Easter!

Anticipating Worship (April 10)

Third Sunday of Easter


Worship Focus:  The risen Lord appears to strengthen faith.

Scripture Readings:
Acts 9:1-19a
Psalm 67
Revelation 5:11-14
John 21:1-14

Sermon Text:  Acts 9:1-19a

The Lord Picks the Unlikely
1.  As he changes hearts
2.  As he changes lives

Prayer of the Day:  O God, by the humiliation of your Son you lifted up this fallen world from the despair of death.  By his resurrection to life, grant your faithful people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys; 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 welcome an adult confirmand in worship.  The Lord continue to bless him with his grace as he grows in his knowledge.

Happy Easter!

Letter from Mr. Phil Ewerdt

Dear members of St. John,

This past Sunday I received a call from New Hope Lutheran Academy in West Melbourne, Florida. They are asking that I teach 6^th grade, help with athletics, and be in charge of their youth ministry. I will be praying that our God, who knows all and works his good through all, will give me wisdom and direct me to make a decision that is best for his kingdom.

Please keep my family and me in your prayers as I deliberate the two calls set before me: St. John and New Hope.

In Christ’s service,

Mr. Phil Ewerdt

Letter from Ms. Cindy Lendt

Dear members of St. John Lutheran,

 

Four weeks ago I received a call to Beautiful Savior Lutheran School in Cincinnati, OH, for preschool, music, and organ. Since then I’ve been praying and deliberating where to use my God-given abilities next year: either at Beautiful Savior or at St. John. With the Lord’s guidance, I’ve decided to continue serving at St. John and to return the call to Beautiful Savior.

 

Even at different locations we are still serving the same Savior. He’s conquered death, thrown open heaven’s doors for us, and even now is with us in every step! God answered our prayers for Grace Lutheran in Oshkosh to give them a 1st grade teacher for next year. Please pray that God also blesses the ministry at Beautiful Savior and gives them their new teacher soon. May our Savior continue to spread his Gospel ministry - to him be the glory!

 

In our Savior’s Name,

Cindy Lendt

Anticipating Worship (April 3)

Second Sunday of Easter


Worship Focus:  Jesus’ resurrection gives us a message of joy, peace, and salvation.

Scripture Readings:
Acts 5:12,17-32
Psalm 16
Revelation 1:4-18
John 20:19-31

Sermon Text:  Acts 5:12,17-32

Easter Changes Everything
1.  How we look at our Source of life
1.  How we look at our Savior in life

Prayer of the Day:  O risen Lord, you came to your disciples and took away their fears with your word of peace.  Come to us also by Word and sacrament, and banish our fears with the comforting assurance of your abiding presence; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Easter!