Anticipating Worship (October 1)

The Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  The forgiven forgive.

Scripture Readings:
Genesis 50:15-21
Psalm 103
Romans 14:5-9
Matthew 18:21-35

Sermon Meditation:  Romans 14:5-9

We Live to the Lord
1.  In Christian liberty
2.  In Christian love

Prayer of the Day:  Lord, we pray that your mercy and grace may always go before 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.


We look forward to gathering in God's house.  See you Sunday.

Christian Funeral for Bette Loose

For those who have not heard or as a reminder, tomorrow we gather at St. John to have the Lord remind us of the comfort of the resurrection.  Because Jesus lives, so does Bette.  And so do we.  That is what the Lord says.  He is the One who forgives our sins and forgets them  (Isaiah 43:25).

The service is at 11:00 AM.  There will be a visitation an hour before and a luncheon to follow.

Hurricane Relief Update

The people affected by the recent hurricanes - Harvey in Texas and Irma in Florida - are still in our thoughts and prayers.  We ask that the Lord continue to keep them in his care.

We set aside two Sundays to gather an offering to send to WELS Christian Aid and Relief to help with the aftermath of the destruction.  This organization supports the efforts of the local congregations and works with them to determine what is needed and to distribute it where it is necessary.

The total from the two weekends at St. John was $850.  That amount does not include some members who donated directly to the Synod Office.  Thank you to all for your generosity.  May our gracious God bless this effort.

Bette Loose's Funeral

The family of Bette has finalized the arrangements for her Christian funeral.  It will be Friday, September 29, at 11:00 AM.  There will be a visitation at 10:00 AM and a meal to follow.

We continue to give thanks that Bette knew the Lord.  He was her God and Savior.

Bette Loose

Yesterday afternoon the Lord called Bette to her eternal home in heaven.  We are thankful that God called her to faith and to himself.

There are many details that have to be worked through as of right now.  We will let you know more as those things become clearer.

We rejoice in the resurrection because our God has redeemed us.  We are his.  We hold on to that comfort for Bette and for us.

Anticipating Worship (September 17)

The Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  Christians serve their Savior with their lives.

Scripture Readings:
Jeremiah 15:15-21
Psalm 121
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:21-26

Sermon Meditation:  Psalm 121

The Lord Protects the Pilgrim

Prayer of the Day:  O Lord Jesus Christ, preserve the congregation of believers with your never-failing mercy.  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.


The Lord keep you in his care.  See you on Sunday at 9:30 AM.

Your Opinion Requested - Ministry Planning Efforts

The WELS offers a self-assessment and adjustment service to help in planning ministry.  The Church Council would like to know if you would like to pursue this program.  We want to lead St. John into the future under God’s blessings and seek your input.

Click the link below to watch a 3-minute video and indicate your preference.

Survey link.

Anticipating Worship (September 10)

The Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost


Worship Focus:  God’s people know God’s love.

Scripture Readings:
Exodus 6:2-8
Psalm 34
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20

Sermon Meditation:  Matthew 16:13-20

Know the Right Answer
1.  About the Christ
2.  About the Church

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.


Blessings on your weekend.  The Lord give you rest both physically and spiritually.  See you in his house on Sunday.

Hurricane Help

Hurricanes Harvey and Irma have certainly dominated the news recently.  We keep in our prayers all the people in the wake and in the path of these natural disasters, especially our brothers and sisters in the faith.  There has been some damage and destruction to churches and schools in those areas.

If you would like to offer some assistance to help in the aftermath, but don't know how or where, St. John is planning to gather a special offering to send to WELS Christian Aid and Relief.  Please put your donation or check  (made out to St. John and a note in the memo line) in a separate envelope and drop it in the offering plate.  We will gather it this Sunday and the next.  We will combine it and send one check to the Synod office building.  Thank you.

New Bible Class

Mr. Tom Koepsell is offering an additional Bible Study opportunity besides the normal Sunday time slot.  It will be on Thursdays at 4:30 PM.  The title is "Life of Abraham."  It starts this week (September 7).  If you are planning to attend, please add your name to the sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex.  Thank you.  And thanks to Mr. Koepsell.