Pastor's Sermon Posted Pastor Watt's Sermon for January 28, 2007, the Fourth Sunday after The Epiphany, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
The text is:
And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!” And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region. And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea. (Luke 4:31-44, ESV)
From the Sermon:
That’s it exactly. Through death Jesus rescues us from lifelong slavery to sin, death and the power of the devil. How does Luther say it: not with gold or sliver, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. You see those miracles we see here, commanding demons and fevers to leave, are just the little ones that point to the really big one, the really important one, the miracle of God-come-in-the-flesh, Jesus Christ. I like how Luke, whose always interested in Jesus direct connection to people, says that Jesus laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. That very hand that he stretched out to heal and cast out demons is the very same hand that he stretched out on the cross. It’s there that he paid the price for sin, not with gold or silver, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.
Announcements
Attendance and Offering: Attendance 69; Offering: $1,503.40
Stewardship Today: 1 Corinthians 12:31 – 13:13: This great “love passage” of the Bible explains how we show our love in our daily lives. Exercising love in all its forms is at the heart of our Christian stewardship.
Life Quote: “I have learned to be uneasy when I hear about ‘quality of life’ and ‘living on in the bodies of others.’ My wife and I are learning, too, that our commitment to the sanctity of life means a commitment to all of the seasons of life, from the unborn child to the aged . . . because life is a gift from our Creator God that only He has the right to terminate.” Rev. Robert L. Lee, President of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life / www.lutheransforlife.org / 888-364-LIFE
The churches subscription to the The Lutheran Witness is up for renewal. If you aren’t getting your copy of The Witness and you would like to receive one please let pastor know (pastor@StJohnsHoward.org or (605)579-0005). Each subscription costs the church $18.70 per year. If you would like to reimburse the church for your copy, place a check in the collection plate labeled “Lutheran Witness.” By the Way: Portals of Prayer subscription is $87 per quarter for 120 copies (70¢ each).
Sorry for the confusion! Back by popular demand Pastor, will again mark “favorite” hymns with a Ylittle heart. The Favorites list can be viewed on the Net at http://docs.google.com/View?docid=d4wmtz5_69d9wwgq
This Week at St. John’s
Sunday: 9:30am—Worship
10:30am—Family Bible Class
7:30am—Adult Instruction Class
Wednesday: 3:45pm—Kids for Christ
6:30pm—Private Confession
Next Sunday: 9:30am—Worship
10:30am—Family Bible Class
12:30pm—Worship Service at Good Samaritan
7:30pm—Adult Instruction Class
Our Mission Festival will be Feb.25th. There will be a potluck dinner after the morning service. We are expecting many extra guests. Because of this, we are asking everyone to be generous with their covered dishes. Members with last name beginning with A-G please bring 9 by 13 desserts; H-P, please bring hot dishes; Q-Z, please bring salads. Thank you.
St. John’s Services at Good Samaritan will be at 12:30pm beginning 1st Sunday in Feb. (4th) Pastor Watt leads the service every 1st Sunday of every month.
God’s People at Prayer
Ed Wenz—Cancer Treatments
Darcy Albert—Released from the Hospital
Loretta Ferguson (Waunita Watt’s Mother)—Hospitalized
Labels: Announcements, News
Labels: Bulletin
10:30 a.m.
The secretary’s minutes of October 15, 2006 were read and approved.
Lois Kuhle provided the treasurer’s report including both annual and quarterly reports. Motion was made and seconded to approve the report. John Haak/Tom Hueners. Motion carried.
The Financial Secretary’s report was read by Helen Sprecher. Her information coincides with the Treasurer when the earnings from the CD, the transfer from memorials and the amount designated for missions from the potato supper were considered. Motion was made and seconded to approve the report. Report was approved as read.
Elders: Gary Bell reported that the elders will be updating the membership listing which has impact when considered at the district level.
Trustees: Curt Hueners reported for the trustees concerning ongoing projects including the roof repair project. He also reported that the Lord’s Prayer plaque had been hung and the bulletin board relocated. The recent purchase of the vacuum was made from the memorial fund.
Board of Education: no report
Cemetery Board: No report
Pastor’s Report: (attached)
Old business: None
New business:
Report from the anniversary committee: August 12, 2007 has been set for the celebration. The Evening Guild is preparing a banner. The photos of former pastors need to be redone – volunteers are needed. Also a new directory is being done – volunteers are needed. A committee will be contacted with regard to updating the church history.
Discussion regarding new hymnals was held. Rod Ulrich said that he and Sandra would donate the organ books if the new hymnal was chosen. Jerry Sprecher was asked to lead the coordination of a presentation on the new hymnal following a church service in the coming weeks. Discussion also included ideas of how the old hymnals might be used.
The next Voters Meeting is tentatively set for April 15 with the church council meeting during the week prior.
We concluded with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted:
Kathy Callies, Secretary
Labels: News, VotersMeeting
Worship This Week
Sanctity of life Sunday
January 21, 2006, 9:30am
Ushers Today: Gary Hueners; Steve Litterick; Dan Callies; Greg Beyer Elder: Gary Bell
Greeters: Tom and Karen Hueners. Acolytes: Thomas Carrico and Hunter Eggert
Announcements
Attendance and Offering: 1-14-2007: Attend/Comm: 69/59; Offering: $1,028.00
This Week
Sunday: 9:30am—Divine Service
10:30am—Voter’s Meeting
7:30am—Adult Instruction Class
Monday: 6:15pm—Pastor’s Confession’s Study (in Pipestone)
Wednesday: 3:45pm—Kids for Christ
6:30pm—Private Confession
Friday: 1:30pm—Bible Study at Good Samaritan
Next Sunday: 9:30am—Divine Service
10:30am—Family Bible Class
7:30pm—Adult Instruction Class
God’s People at Prayer
The continuing work at
Ed Wenz—Cancer Treatments / Hospitalized
Eunice Jacobson—Hospitalized / Released
Gloria Zobel—Recovering
Jerry Genzlinger—Home Recovering from Surgery
John and Darcy Albert—New son born this week
Military Personnel—Luke Watt,
Pastor's Sermon Posted Pastor Watt's Sermon for January 21, 2007, Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
The text is:
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; But it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, So that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. (Phil 1:20-26, NIV)
From the Sermon:
St. Paul anticipates death. He’s in prison and doesn’t know what will happen to him. But he is ready for death. All that he wants is for Christ to be exalted in his death. He says, “do die is gain” and “to depart and be with Christ is better by far.” That confidence is what exults Jesus, that is makes Jesus the most important thing. Paul is confident, not because he is strong, but because of all that Jesus has done for him. Jesus life, death and resurrection give Paul to confidence to know that death isn’t the end for him.
Pastor's Sermon Posted Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 14, 2006, the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
The text is:
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.” So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.” This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. (John 2:1-11, ESV)
From the Sermon:
Jesus turns water into wine. He did it in at the wedding in Cana and he does it today. I think it is Mary who shows us what it all about. When the problem pops us, she turns to her Lord in faith. Oh sure, some say she was just turning to a faithful son for help, but I think it’s more than that. Remember how she reacted when the Angel came to her and said “you will conceive and bear a son..”? “I am the Lord’s servant let it be done to me as you have said.” When the wine runs out she goes to Jesus for help and then in faith she responds by telling the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” She doesn’t know what Jesus is going to do. She just places the problem in his hands and gets ready for his answer and action. Jesus turns the water into wine. He provides all that is needed and then some. It’s the best wine ever.
Labels: Bulletin
Announcements
Last Week: 01-07-07; Attendance: 87; Offering: $1,336.91
Newsletter articles for January are due December 15.
Life Quote: “How can the dream survive if we murder the children?” Dr. Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, college professor and pro-life speaker. A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life / www.lutheransforlife.org / 888-364-LIFE
God’s Stewards Today: 1 Corinthians 12:1-11: As God’s stewards we give evidence of our faith in Jesus by confessing that He alone is the Lord and by using our gifts and talents to honor Him and bless others.
Volunteers Needed: Serve your community and congregation! St. John's Ladies Aid is requesting anyone in the congregation willing to furnish a cake and/or work at funerals. Please consider this request, and let Thelma Hueners know, by calling 772-5416. Thank you very much!
This Week at St. John’s
Sunday: 9:30am—Worship Service
10:30am—Family Bible Class
7:30pm—Adult Instruction Class
Monday: 7:30pm—Church Council Meeting
Wednesday: 10:00pm—Worship Service @ Good Sam
3:30pm—Kids for Christ
6:30pm—Private Confession
Thursday: 2:30pm—Worship Service @ Sunrise Terrace
Friday: 1:30pm—Bible Study at Good Sam
2:30pm—Worship Service @ Whispering Winds
Next Sunday: 9:30am—Worship Service
10:30am—Quarterly Voter’s Meeting
Family Bible Class today continues in the Communion Liturgy. 10:30am
The Quarterly Voter’s Meeting will be next Sunday immediately following the Worship Service.
Our Mission Festival will be Feb.25th. There will be a potluck dinner after the morning service. We are expecting many extra guests. Because of this, we are asking everyone to be generous with their covered dishes. Members with last name beginning with A-G please bring 9 by 13 desserts; H-P, please bring hot dishes; Q-Z, please bring salads. Thank you.
God’s People at Prayer
Ed Wenz—Cancer
Eunice Jacobson—Hospitalized
Gary Hueners—Farm Accident
Gloria Zobel—Hospitalized / Released
Greg Callies—Good News!
Irma Hardick—Hospitalized
Marvel Wombacher—Released
Tom Hueners—Recovering / Surgery
Waunita Watt—Recovering / Surgery
Labels: Announcements
Pastor's Sermon Posted Pastor Watt's Sermon for December 10, 2006, the Second Sunday in Advent, has been posted on his sermon website. You can read it by clicking here.
The text is:
15As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Luke 3:15-17 (ESV)
21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22 (ESV)
From the Sermon:
Jesus is the ‘real thing.’ And just in case people weren’t sure, the Holy Spirit makes an appearance, ‘in bodily form.’ St. Luke gives us this important detail. The Spirit’s appearance here isn’t a secret thing only John and Jesus saw, but ‘bodily’ in the form of a dove (pigeon). And also God the Father makes His appearance too. He speaks from heaven. “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased. You are the real thing. You are my promise of forgiveness of sins fulfilled.” We heard something similar to those words in the reading from Isaiah. Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1 (ESV) The work of the ‘real thing’ is the work of the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Labels: Bulletin
