Anticipating Worship (September 29)

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Worship Focus: Disciples of our Lord share many qualities. As Jesus describes, they count the cost of following him and making him first priority in their lives. They also share a wisdom which comes down from above, the enlightenment of faith. Finally, as Paul urged Philemon, Christians put the best interests of God’s kingdom before their own.

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

Sermon:   Luke 14:25-33
"Use the Right Resources For Survival"

Please join us for worship, Sunday at 9:30 am. Also, stay for a reception following the service for

Bob Averbeck and Margaret Kuchera to thank them for the many years

they have shared their musical talents with St. John

Pastor John Zeitler will be leading us in worship. 

WELS Support for St. John and Upcoming Dates You Should Know

Reminders

1. Ministry Planning Saturday, Sept. 21st - 8:30AM - 12:30PM Click here for more information
2. Little Lights Children Program Starting Sept 22nd Click here for more information

Ministry Update

The St. John Council met with pastors from the MN district and local WELS churches to discuss our ministry planning efforts on September 12th. They have offered their support to us during our ministry planning. Most of the meeting was focused on answering questions about our ministry efforts and focus. The synod would like to keep a presence in the city of St. Paul and is committed to helping St. John with any assistance or guidance in doing this.

We have continued visiting households on our prospect list. View our last update here. A small team of 4 individuals at St. John has visited 53 households, or about 40% of the list. Of those visited, most are excited to receive our monthly Good News Letters. To join us, talk to Tony Wimmer or complete the online form.

Anticipating Worship (September 22)

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Worship Focus:
The Christian life is one of humility. While the world around us stresses self-promotion, the Christian knows his only boast is in the Lord. Solomon and Christ emphasize the humbleness of being a child of God, and the writer to the Hebrews reminds us to look beyond ourselves in love and sympathy toward others.

Readings:

Proverbs 25:6,7

Psalm 119a

Hebrews 13:1-8

Luke 14:1,7-14

Sermon:   Luke 13:22-30

"Mind the Gap ... the Door is Narrow"

Please join us Sunday at 9:30 am for our worship service,

followed by Adult Bible Study and the kick-off for Little Lights at 11:00 am

Pastor Mark Kom will be leading us in worship.

We Care

The Elders of our congregation just completed a big project! They went through our whole membership list and tried to make a contact with everyone who has been missing from worship and the Lord's Supper. Some had moved away. Others were placed on our "prospect list." Others were simply unable to be contacted. In any case, our membership list is now much more "up to date" and in much more of a "working order." But we realized that we don't want something like that to happen again. So the Elders and leaders of St. John have recommitted themselves to making contact with members much sooner if they notice that folks are missing from worship and communion. So if you should find yourself away from worship for a little while (even for understandable reasons like illness, vacations, etc.) and someone from church calls to make sure that everything is okay.....don't be upset! Instead, say a little thank you prayer to the Lord that your brothers and sisters in Christ care enough and love you enough to call and encourage you. It's always a blessing when God's people are making the effort to show their love for one another.

Anticipating Worship (September 15)

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Worship Focus:
The paths of eternity are twofold: total joy in heaven or utter destruction in hell. Every human being will find himself (or herself) in one or the other for all eternity. The way to heaven is through the “narrow door” of Jesus Christ, trusting in him alone for salvation and abandoning the works of the law as a way to earn eternal life.

Readings:

Isaiah 66:18-24

Psalm 72

Hebrews 12:18-24

Luke 13:22-30

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 your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Sermon:

Hebrews 11:1-3,8-16

"Lord, Give Us Such a Faith as This."

Please join us on Sunday at 9:30 am for worship and 11:00 am for Bible Study.

Pastor Percy Damrow will be leading us in worship. 

Appreciation Sunday

The appreciation Sunday for Bob Averbeck and Margaret Kuchera that was scheduled on September 15 has been rescheduled to September 29.  This will give Bob more time to recover after his recent knee surgery.  He is doing well and is at home now.  May God grant him a speedy and successful recovery.

Funeral for Carol Clendenen

Age 84 of St. Paul, MN, Passed away September 5, 2019, at Comforts of Home in Hudson, WI.
Visitation will be held 5-8 PM Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Wulff Funeral Home, 1485 White Bear Avenue, St Paul, MN and again from one hour prior to the 11 AM Funeral service, on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Elmhurst Cemetery. Pastor Mark Kom will be officiating the service on Thursday.

Little Lights Children Program Starting September 22!

‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.’ - Matthew 19:14

Our Little Lights children program will kick off September 22nd! We are looking forward to another great year of sharing God’s word with our children at St. John.

NEW year this is adding Service Group Days that will have all age groups meet together to talk about service work in our community - and DO service work! During these group days, the children will remain at St. John.

If your child(ren) has not attended in the past and you want to learn more - stop by on September 22nd!

If you are interested in helping or teaching in a classroom, please contact Mary Meyer.

The calendar for the remainder of 2019 is listed below.

Date	Lesson
September 22	Service Group Day
September 29	Year 2 Winter Lesson 1
October 6	Service Group Day
October 13	Year 2 Winter Lesson 2
October 20	No Little Lights - MEA Weekend
October 27	Year 2 Winter Lesson 3
November 3	Year 2 Winter Lesson 4
November 10	Year 2 Winter Lesson 5
November 17	Year 2 Winter Lesson 6
November 24	Service Group Day
December 1	No Little Lights - Thanksgiving Weekend
December 8	Year 2 Winter Lesson 7
December 15	Year 2 Winter Lesson 8
December 22	Service Group Day

Our Church, Our Calling: Ministry Planning Saturday Sept. 21st

God calls each of us to use our unique talents to carry out His mission. Our prayer is that all members at St. John have the opportunity and blessings that come from ministry efforts. On Saturday, September 21st, members have an opportunity to be involved in our ministry efforts.

As previously communicated, St. John is kicking off step 1 of our ministry planning process and we want all of our members to attend. We set a high bar earlier this year when 40 adult members attended our self-assessment session. We want to surpass that for this very important session.

Planning to attend? Fantastic, we can’t wait to spend the time with you. Please RSVP here.

Still not sure? We understand, we hope we can convince you to attend. We think you will be glad you did; but, you can find more information, including frequently asked questions, here and a short video here.

We hope you join us for the opportunity to grow in your faith and contribute to St. John’s ministry planning efforts.

Event Details
St. John Ministry Planning Phase 1 - facilitated by Crossroads Ministry Consulting
Saturday, September 21st
8:30AM - 12:30PM
Fellowship Hall in lower level
Breakfast, coffee provided
Childcare available - register here

Anticipating Worship (September 8)

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Worship Focus:
The truth of God’s Word is often opposed in this world, and when it is, the Christian may suffer. Believers can expect opposition from prophets and children of darkness. Yet, throughout these struggles, the Christian knows that he will ultimately attain the harvest of righteousness.

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.

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

Please join us on Sunday at 9:30 am.  

Pastor Dave Huebner will be leading us in worship. 

Ministry Planning Childcare

Any members that need childcare for our ministry planning session on 9/21 should complete the below survey before 9/14 to plan appropriate volunteers to watch the children.

If you have a teen interested in helping watch the children, please contact Mary Meyer.

Click Here for Survey

Potluck Picnic Sunday!

Potluck Picnic Sunday!
Hope everyone is planning to attend at noon this Sunday, September 8 for some wonderful fellowship.
If you can help with cleanup, please speak with Jim Julian. Pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs and beverages provided.

Please bring...
 - Side dish/dessert to share
 - Lawn chairs / blankets, if you wish to sit outside
 - Board games or Lawn games
 - (Forecast does not look promising for the city of WSP to open the splash pad, but optimists may still pack suits and towels.)

...and join us at
Harmon Park Neighborhood Center
230 Bernard Street W.
West St. Paul, MN 55118
(Noon - 3 p.m.)