Friday, February 24, 2017

Did you Know?

…in 2016 “more than 41,000 students throughout more than 500 congregations were daily fed with the gospel message by attending a [WELS] Lutheran high school, elementary school, or early childhood center.” To learn more about the past year in our synod, go to www.WELS.net and look for the annual report titled “YOUR GIFTS, GOD’S BLESSINGS” or pick up a copy in the narthex today.

Anticipating Worship (February 26)

Last Sunday after the Epiphany—The Transfiguration of Our Lord


Worship Focus:  Jesus appears in glory as the beloved Son of God.

Scripture Readings:
Exodus 24:12,15-18
Psalm 148
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9

Sermon Meditation:  2 Peter 1:16-21

Be Confident before the Cross
1.  With the witness of the apostle Peter
2.  With the words of the ancient prophets

Prayer of the Day:  Lord God, before the suffering and death of your one and only Son, you revealed his glory on the holy mountain.  Grant that we who bear his cross on earth may behold by faith the light of his heavenly glory and so be changed into his likeness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Epiphany!

Friday, February 17, 2017

Did You Know?






St. John Lutheran School has had a student visiting our 2nd- 4th grade classroom for the past 3 weeks? While planning a visit with friends in MN, one Chinese couple decided that their second grade daughter would benefit from an American education experience. The family attended church at the Mt. Olive Chinese Church under the shepherding of Pastor David Zhao during their stay, and it was Pastor Biebert (Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Inver Grove Heights) who helped the family arrange the three weeks of study for Yuling at St. John. Having studied English in China, she slipped easily into the school routine, and our students were blessed with a very unique experience. We pray God’s blessing to our Chinese guests as they return to life across the globe.

Anticipating Worship (February 19)

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany


Worship Focus:  Christians live in love for all.

Scripture Readings:
Leviticus 19:1,2,17,18
Psalm 103
1 Corinthians 3:10,11,16-23
Matthew 5:38-48

Sermon Meditation:  Matthew 5:38-48

Do What Comes Unnaturally!
1.  Be patient
2.  Be gracious

Prayer of the Day:  Gracious Father, keep your family, the Church, always faithful to you, that we may lean on the hope of your promises and be strong in the power of your 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 Epiphany!

Monday, February 13, 2017

Support Christian Life Ministries (CLM)

You can help CLM and have supper at the same time.  Check out the following places and dates:

- February 22 from 5-7 PM – Potbelly Sandwich Shop  (1298 Promenade Place, Eagan, MN)
- May 3 from 5-8 PM – Pizza Ranch  (1845 E. County Rd D, Mapelwood, MN)
- June 13 and September 12 from 5-8:30 PM – Culver’s  (2880 Rice St., Little Canada, MN)

The CLM staff will be serving and be busing tables during the events.  The organization will receive 10% of the total sales in support of the New Day Pregnancy Center.

Friday, February 10, 2017

Did you know...

Did You Know... that this past week St. John Lutheran School hosted Peter Bloedel for a juggling and magic show as part of our Open House events? Attendees of all ages were mystified and well-entertained. Mr. Bloedel closed the show with an encouragement for each child to shake a teacher's hand. He pointed out what a special blessing it is to study at the feet of Jesus every day. Let's join the kids: Thank the Lord of the Harvest for sending workers into His harvest field, and then, thank a teacher today! And here's further cause for thanks: The first of the  Open House sessions (Thursday night) brought 2 new potential kindergarten families through the doors. God is good!

Anticipating Worship (February 12)

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany


Worship Focus:  God wants his children to live holy lives according to his Word.

Scripture Readings:
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Psalm 119:1-9
1 Corinthians 2:6-13
Matthew 5:21-37

Sermon Meditation:  Psalm 119:1-9

Blessed Are the Blameless

Prayer of the Day:  Lord God, in mercy receive the prayers of your people.  Grant them the wisdom to know the things that please you and the grace and power always to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen,


Happy Epiphany!

Choir Consideration

Choir members: Before our next rehearsal on Tuesday (Feb. 14), please look at your calendars and check your availability for the following services:

- March 26
- April 9 (Palm Sunday)
- April 13-6:30 (Mandy Thursday)
- April 14-6:30 (Good Friday)
- April 16 (Easter Sunday).

If you will not be at the rehearsal on Feb. 14, please contact Hollie Grabitske with your availability. Thank you!

Friday, February 3, 2017

Anticipating Worship (February 5)

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany


Worship Focus:  The light of faith shines in the lives of believers.

Scripture Readings:
Isaiah 58:5-9a
Psalm 111
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Matthew 5:13-20

Sermon Meditation:  1 Corinthians 2:1-5

We Have a Message
1.  It is a pointed message
2.  It is a powerful message

Prayer of the Day:  Almighty God, you sent your one and only Son as the Word of life for our eyes to see and our ears to hear.  Help us believe what the Scriptures proclaim about him and do the things that are pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.


Happy Epiphany!