FIRST SAINT JOHN LUTHERAN

APRIL 2011 NEWSLETTER

From the Pastor -

Two Amazing Days; “Maundy Thursday & Good Friday”

(Maundy Thursday)

Is “Maundy” just a weird spelling for a special Thursday? Kids have often thought we were saying, “Monday Thursday”, and of course they would. It would be confusing to anyone who thought we were just talking calendar days. Since when is Monday even close to Thursday?

The origin of the name “Maundy Thursday” is actually reference to the Latin word, “maundatum” – which means “a mandate or command.” We usually associate this remembrance with the institution of the Lord’s Supper as Jesus ate his last Passover meal with the disciples in the upper room. However, the “mandate” was not really about the Sacrament, but more related to the command to serve.

On that night, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples; (John 13). This was a task typically delegated to servants, and certainly not done by a Master. Yet, Jesus humbled himself to perform this menial task for each of the disciples. To them it was a shocking display of the humility of Jesus, yet also consistent with the attitude of the Suffering Servant which they did not yet understand. Having completed the servants role, he said to them, John 13:15 – “I have set you an example that you should o as I have done for you.” They were not all to become podiatrists or even sandal makers, but they would soon learn how far the Servant attitude would take them.

The Servant role was later explained by the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:5-8 – “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus; - who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and become obedient to death, even death on a cross.”

The “mandate” or maundatum – of “Maundy Thursday” is the command to love and serve one another just as Christ first loved and served us. The Lord’s Supper is attached to the evening because it followed in the sequence of the day and certainly displays the Servant Attitude of Jesus who would offer himself, His body and His blood, for our redemption.

(Good Friday)

TGIGF;

You usually see it as T-G-I-F – and you all know what that means. If Wednesday is “hump day” – ½ way through the week and nearing the weekend – then the Friday of T-G-I-F –“Thank God it’s Friday!” - is the final shot fired before the start of the weekend. Bring on the good times, or let the good times roll!

But now, add another “G”. T-G-I-G-F! – “Thank God it’s Good Friday!” The outward appearance of the Good Friday remembrance and the telling again of the story of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross hardly come off “good.” Such acts of barbarism and torture in the crucifixion of Jesus would have difficulty being labeled good today. However, the spiritual and soteriological significance of the crucifixion proclaim a more positive perspective. In fact, we would have to say it goes beyond “good”. The vicarious atonement of Jesus for us is spectacular, wonderful, amazingly powerful, and dynamic. Good does not describe well enough the benefit we receive from this one awful moment in time. That day brought the blood bought redemption of sinners made saints by faith in Jesus. In that remembrance, it’s all good!

Our Good Friday observance has a powerful tradition here at First Saint John. The windows of the sanctuary will be darkened allowing only the red – glowing light from the east cross to cast an eerie radiance to the morning. The service will start at 9:00 a.m. with the rising sun shining through the cross. As the service progresses, candles are extinguished and lights turned off so that the service ends in darkness and silence after Jesus’ final words from the cross.

Matthew 27:45-46 tells the story of those last moments. “From the sixth hour (noon) until the ninth hour (3:00 p.m.) darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ – which means, ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” It was dark because Jesus, the Light of the World, was being extinguished as he died sins death. His crying out of the opening words from Psalm 22 – point us all to the Psalm to reveal the divine plan, foretold, but now fulfilled in his final moments. This time of darkness, like the ninth plague on Egypt – just before the death of the firstborn on Passover, was the final blast of redemptions thunder. The darkness always looks to the light to come a few days later with the Easter celebration! That makes it always a “Good Friday!” Pastor Dave

Communion Services in the month of April;

We will have several extra opportunities to receive the Lord’s Supper during the month of April. Our two regular communion Sundays will be April 3rd and 17th.

The 17th is also Palm Sunday/Confirmation Day.

Communion services will also be on Maundy Thursday, April 21st, and Easter Sunday – 10:00 a.m. service on April 24th.

Palm Sunday – April 17 will also be our Confirmation Day;

On that day we will have 8 young people publicly profess their faith in Jesus and receive Confirmed member status in the church. The Confirmands are;

Jenna Dennis, Trent Rietzke, Dylan Bretton, Michael Wagenblast, Logan Snyder, Zach Wallgren, Riley Reneberg, and Austin Allen.

We will have a Pot Luck Dinner in their honor following the morning service. We hope you can be here as we begin this walk through Holy Week, but also as we celebrate this special day in the lives of the young people.

Holy Smoke for the Saint John’s of Kensington!

Good Friday – Evening – April 22nd ;

It’s April, so it’s time once again for a “Holy Smoke” event. We will meet in the Hutson’s back yard – the “Parsonage” – for the Spring Holy Smoke. Bring your grill and or favorite “grillable” meat for an amazing Bar-B-Que event. If you’re local and can provide a grill for the group, that would be wonderful. If moving a grill is a problem, then just come and bring whatever you want to cook and you can use grill space on some of the grills that will be there. You can bring grillables just for yourself, or if you want to grill something to share with the group, that’s ok too. Also, bring one additional dish to share with the powerful potluck meal.

You can bring grills or smokers any time through the day. Just line them up along the inside of the south wood fence. Allow enough cooking time so that we can begin eating – everything cooked and done by, – 7:00 p.m. That timing is important as everyone will be planning on eating a hot meal at that time – so we can’t wait for someone who is late.

Bring along lawn chairs, your own table service, a dish to share with the group, and a healthy appetite. A tea jug and some canned pop will be provided, but if you want to bring your own drink, that’s ok too. Holy Smoke has always resulted in a phenomenal feed for all attending. The food and fellowship is great! Stick around for the evening and we may have some musical entertainment as well. The Gazebo is a great gathering place for a “jam session”. We’ll have a fire going and a good time waiting for all. This year we are also inviting the members of Saint John Kensington to join in the good times, good meal, and hopefully a beautiful Spring evening together.

Baptism – April 3rd. On Sunday, April 3rd, we will celebrate the baptism of Milea Dawn Friesen, daughter of Mark and Courtney (Rietzke) Friensen. A baptism is always a celebration of grace revealed in the sacrament of baptism. We welcome this Child of God among us in the morning service on the third of April.

Lent through Holy Week Plans;

Here are the plans for the Lent to Easter progression through April.

Lent 4 Service; April 6 – 7:00 p.m. -

Theme; “For the Least of These” Matthew 25:31-46

Refreshments to be served by Saint John members.

Lent 5 Service; April 13 – 7:00 p.m. -

Theme; “30 Pieces of Silver” Matthew 26:14-16

Refreshments to be served by First Saint John members;

Palm Sunday; April 17;

Confirmation Sunday; - the morning service at 10:30

Maundy Thursday Service; April21st;

Communion Service at 7:00 p.m.

“The Cup of Yeshua – Gethsemane’s Groan”

Good Friday Service; Friday, April 22;

Tenebrae Service – 9:00 a.m.

“When I am Lifted Up” Matthew 26:31-32

EASTER SUNDAY; April 24;

Sunrise Service - 7:30 a.m. at the Saint John Lutheran Cemetery, Kensington

Easter Breakfast to follow the Sunrise Service;

8:00 a.m. in the Saint John Parish Hall.

Easter Sunday Morning Service; 10:00 a.m.

Here at First Saint John Lutheran

Easter Sunday Worship Be sure to notice it is at 10:00 a.m.!

Church Council meeting; The Church Council will meet following the Lent Service on Wednesday, April 6th. We need to get on track with the Spring to Summer plans for our church program.

Outdoor area being built behind the Activity Center;

You may have noticed a great deal of dirt work and preparatory work being done west of the Activity Center. Plans are to finish the project west of the building with a ½ court basketball court – lighted area at night. Plans also include a 2 – 12 year old play ground area just south of the building. That equipment should be shipped to us soon. (some assembly required – maybe a lot of assembly required. Plans also include a large swing area and possibly a shelter house and a few picnic tables. We’ll just have to see how far the remaining building funds go. It’s good to see the work progressing. We hope to have a really nice outdoor area to complement the use of the building.

Voters Meeting – Wednesday evening - April 27th.

Our regular April Voters meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 27th starting at 7:00 p.m. We will meet for business in the parish hall. Typically, the April Voters meeting does not have a large agenda. It is however, an opportunity for you to hear the reports of Officers and Boards, and any other projects of the church. If you are not yet a voting member and would like to become one, see Pastor Dave or Chairman – Steve Wangerin.

LWML Spring Rally at Oberlin; The Circuit LWML Spring Rally and mission speaker will be held on April 16th – Saturday, at Saint John Lutheran Church of Oberlin. Registration is usually at 9:30 with the meeting and program to follow. If you would like to go, - always a good program – tell Kathy Holthus.

Youth Stewardship

In 2 Corinthians 5:17 we learn we are a “new creation.” As such, the Apostle Paul tells us, we have been given “the ministry of reconciliation.” As Christians, we know we have separated ourselves from God through our sinful behavior and actions and our beings. We know that Christ came to earth to live the perfect life in our place. We know that only He is the perfect sacrifice Who took our sin upon Himself and died on the cross to pay the penalty we should have paid in order that we might be reconciled to our Heavenly Father.

This is knowledge not understood by the secular world; in fact, many Christians don’t know that they are made right with God – reconciled to Him – only through Jesus. They think they can and must DO something to gain right standing with God.

That’s where you come in. You are a “new creature” who has this Good News of reconciliation. Not that this is a task you are able to accomplish on your own; only the Holy Spirit working through Word and Sacrament can build faith in a person and save that person from perishing. Your work is to be mouth, the feet, eyes, ears, and hands who carry the message, who see the needs, who listen to the cries of those in need, who bring help to them, who tell them the message of reconciliation. "How beautiful . . . are the feet of him who brings good news… “ (Isaiah 52:7).

There is no one too young or too old, too educated or too illiterate to be a steward of this Good News. Look at the people God used. A young boy shared his lunch (John 6:9); he was a steward of the gift of bread and fish God had given him, and Jesus multiplied it to feed thousands. Moses was called at the age of eighty to lead a nation out of slavery (Deuteronomy 34:7. Moses died at 120. Subtract the forty years of wandering in the desert.). Paul was thoroughly educated (Acts 22:3), while several of the disciples were fishermen (Mark 1:16-20), and all of them were greatly effective as stewards of the message of reconciliation.

The same Spirit Who was with them is with us today. God equips us and gives us opportunities to take His message of salvation to all we meet. Let's take seriously this ministry He’s given us.

Advance Notice; VBS – will be here before you know it. The date is set for Tuesday, May 31st to Friday, June 3rd. The VBS program will be Son Surf Beach Bash VBS from Gospel Light. We have all the teachers, helpers, etc. and materials picked out so onward we go for another year of VBS. Parents, please sign up your children as soon as possible so we can make sure we have enough materials and craft items. A sign up book is now in the Narthex.

CFF News; Another successful year of CFF will come to a conclusion this month. Our last session will be on Wednesday, April 20th. What a blessing this program is to not only our church but the whole community! It would not be such a success without the caring and dedicated people that direct and nurture these young people. Thank you to all of you! It has also been such a joy having the kids participate in our midweek Lent service.

THANK YOU!! We would like to thank everyone for their support of the KFC (Kids for Christ) Youth Group. You helped make the Potato Bar a huge success and your support of (and feeding of!!) the young people who participated in the “30 Hour Famine” project was greatly appreciated. We also want to say a big Thank-You to all the parents who helped with the Potato Bar and the famine project. Without all of you none of this would be possible! Becky Kirchoff & Robin Billings

Youth Service Projects; If you have some work around the house or yard that needs done for the spring - a team of youth workers will come and help you out. They willingly do this as a service project – but it is also greatly appreciated if you can “hire” them or make a donation to the youth group fund in response to their work.

The kids will be available for hire April 3, 10, and 17. They will meet at the First Saint John Parish hall at 1:30 and disperse from there. If you have a project the Youth could assist with, please contact Becky Kirchhoff – 697-2645 – to work out the details.

Being a Biblical Steward

Do you know the difference between being an institutional steward and a Biblical steward? The institutional steward looks at his church as an institute with a budget and needs to be met and a place where he can be served. Then he tries to "give his share" and "do his part" while complaining if his needs are not met. The Biblical steward, on the other hand, looks at the gifts God has given him. He gives according to the blessings he has received, not to fulfill an obligation. He seeks to discover the gifts God has given him and uses them in whatever way he can in service to fellow believers and others. Usually the steward who is busy using his gifts finds that his own needs are met in the process of helping others.

God has chosen us to be His own. He has made us His children and chosen and appointed us to bear fruit (John 15:16) as He enables us to be good stewards of the gifts He daily gives us. In this way, then, we can " walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which [we] have been called," as the Apostle Paul urges us to do (Ephesians 4:1).

Carrying Our Own Loads

“For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load” (Galatians 6:3-5).

We all start at the same place: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and we are all rescued from this position in the same way: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God sees us all the same – sinners saved by His grace. Since we are all equal in His sight, there is no need to measure ourselves by our neighbors. The Apostle Paul, in our text above, declares this a fruitless exercise.

What is helpful, though, is to test our own actions. Am I using the gifts and talents God has given me in a way that brings Him honor and that benefits the Body of Christ? Am I spending time in reading His Word and in prayer to Him? Am I joining in Christian fellowship as the Word of God is preached and the Sacraments are administered? Am I encouraging others to do good deeds? Am I giving sacrificially and humbly? How am I building up my pastor(s) so he can effectively preach the Word and care for the flock in his care?

As we examine our actions, we must also examine our motives. Do I do “good things” because I’m a prominent member of the congregation and it’s expected of me? Do I labor in the church so I’ll be noticed and commended? Do I serve others and give of my time in order to earn God’s favor? God forbid that those should be our motives! Rather, we say with Paul, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that One has died for all, therefore all have died; and He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him Who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

The Pastor’s Perspective

The approaching Ash Wednesday always comes with a sense of foreboding as the season of Lent approaches. A review of the Passion history of Jesus is an odd mix of fear and trembling, yet joyful sobriety as we consider the cost of redemption – paid in His blood. You can review the weight of the Gethsemane moment. You can re-read Jesus’ prediction of His death to His disciples. You can draw on the prophesied words of Psalm 22, Isaiah 53, and Zechariah 13:7 and know that the Passion story will end badly for Jesus, yet - - we still call it Good Friday!

Jesus, looking ahead at the Gethsemane to Golgotha journey said, “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” (John 12:27-28) The dread of the moment was heavy, the cost prohibitive, but the motivating love far greater. This journey was the whole point of John 3:16. Love was the fuel for the trip. It would see Jesus through the entire process and even to the glory to be revealed at His resurrection.

Don’t miss any of the journey. Kneel with him in Gethsemane. Keep watch with Peter, James, and John – somebody should stay awake. Find your place in the crowd that witnessed the cross carrying procession to death. Feel the quake of His last breath. Anticipate the empty void of waiting for the Easter sunrise, and in this remembrance of the Lenten season – know that it was all for you. Peace – Pastor Dave

PAGE 2

Communion Schedule for March; We will be having Communion on the first two Sundays of March, the 6th and the 13th. Having Communion on the 13th will fit the schedule of families who will attend the First Communion of our students. There will not be communion on the third Sunday, March 20th.

Confirmation Classes in Lent; We will not be able to meet for the regular time for confirmation classes during the season on lent. Therefore, No class, but we will make up for it at a later date. We may have a morning or day event in the spring as schedule permits. So, the evening of Ash Wednesday, with the service starting at will be our last regular class session. However, the Confirmation students are expected and do get attendance credit for attending Lent worship.

Baptism in March; On Sunday, March 20th we will celebrate the baptism of Holt Kenneth Aschenbrenner – son of Jacy (Barnes) and Colt Aschenbrenner. Holt will be baptized in the morning service. The Barnes family will have a baptismal dinner in the Parish Hall following the morning service.

A Friendly Reminder; Please do not park your vehicle directly in front of the church or Parish Hall. This will leave those places for those who have a little harder time getting around. Thank you for helping out in this matter.

Zen of Sarcasm;

It's always darkest before dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's newspaper, that's the time to do it.

P.S. Thanks to one of our faithful for a whole list of these!! T.S.

PAGE 3

Communion Instruction and Examination;

We have three young people who have finished the course on Communion Instruction in our church. They are, Kennedy Rietzke, Natasha Colby, and Brock Wallgren. Their program of studies began last September and is completed this month. They studied Old Testament origins that give meaning to the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. They worked through Passover and Yom Kipur and their significance regarding the sacrament. They have also studied the particularly Lutheran understanding regarding the Sacrament and compared that understanding with other Christian denominational teachings.

We also worked through material from the catechism that is focused on Luther’s teachings on communion. These three young people will have opportunity to share their knowledge of these studies with the elders and their parents on Monday, March 7th at 7:00 p.m. The Pastor will ask them questions regarding all of these subjects in their oral interview before the elders.

Surviving that Inquisition, they will receive their First Communion as a class on the following Sunday, March 13th in the morning service. We certainly want to thank their parents and family who have encouraged them and brought them to these classes.

These communion classes are offered to our 5th grade students even though it is a departure from the traditional – communion/confirmation process. However, these kids are taught about the Sacrament of the Lords’ Supper for most of the school year as opposed to just a few lessons in the confirmation material. This has proven to be an excellent and beneficial program for our youth. We will also review much of this understanding in the confirmation class process. The advantage then, is that it is just a review

These three kids have done very well in the classes and we look forward to their First Communion with us.

PAGE 4

First Saint John Lutheran

2010 planning event goals

List of all suggested Goals;

A. Have 2 Pack the House special Sunday events;

B. Enlarge Sanctuary seating;

C. Web-cast of services and Bible Studies

- Church’s own website

D. Re-do the Church Front Entry/Landscaping

E. Develop a Church Growth Plan
F. Time for a new Pictorial Directory
G. Get and Outdoor Electronic Church Sign
H. New Chancel Furnishing; altar, pulpit, font
I. Move Church Library - with computers

J. Continue Breakfast Sundays

- Contemporary Service;

- "Kids Church" as part of program.

K. Update Office Computers

L. Expand Preschool Program - Computers. - Ground Level

M. More Fellowship events;

- Sponsor pre-game tailgate, football

- Holy Smoke

- Another "Nas-Mow" race

- Chili - cook-off

- Barn Dance

- T-ball or family sport event

N. Promote the Church Endowment Fund
O. Plan a Bus trip event

P. Accent Kids - Youth - CFF - ministry
Q. Use music - worship committee

R. Enter a church float in local parade
S. Provide a study on teachings of lslam

Selected Priority Goals

1. Outdoor Electronic Sign.

2. Update Office computers.

3. Web-cast of services & studies.

4. Re-do front entrance/landscape

5. More Fellowship events.

6. Pack the House Sundays

tie – 7 New Chancel Furnishings

tie - 7. Pictorial Directory

Church Council meeting; Our Church Council meeting for the month of March will be held on March 2nd, Wednesday, starting at 7:45.

Agenda for the meeting; reports of officers and boards; report of the Building Committee, Lent to Easter Plans; the report of the “consolidation committee”. All officers and every board should be represented!

We should also take a look at the Church goals from the 2010 Planning event - - we haven’t done many of them.

Acolyte Robes; At the July Voter’s meeting a motion was passed to require the acolytes to wear robes and to sit up front during the service. It also stated that the church would purchase new robes. They have been ordered and should be here before the Lent season. A Donation Basket is now out in the narthex for anyone wishing to help defray the cost of the new robes. A council motion was passed to purchase 2 robes of each age group from 9 years old to 14 years along with the color appropriate hood and belt. The total cost of the robes is $590.50.

Signs of Spring
Around here, spring is always eagerly awaited, especially after this long, cold winter. When I arrived at work the other day in the end of February, I noticed a sign gaily decorated with flowers and butterflies. It read: "Think Spring." The next day blew in with a snowstorm and freezing temperatures, however, and another flowery sign was posted. This time the message read: "Forget Spring. Think Summer."

PAGE 5

“Preschool News”

Just when you thought Spring was around the corner, it hato snow. Bummer!! The kids are so excited to get outside and play again. We were able to go outside for a couple of days last week and did the kids go crazy!! Don’t we all feel that way sometimes? I know I’m ready for spring. The children will study about the weather for the month of March. The children will predict if March will come in like a lion or a lamb. We will become official weather watchers.

Groundhog Day, President’s Day and Dental Health were important topics that we studied in the month of February. The children seemed to enjoy all the neat activities that were associated with the topic.

Class time found them extra busy working on the numbers 7 and 8, The color pink and the heart shape. The older classes have been working extra hard on writing their names correctly.

March will find us starting to focus on the Easterr story. The children will start to understand just what an amazing act of love that Jesus did for each of us.

The children and I wish each of you a very happy Spring!

Sincerely,

Ms. Stacy

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. - Phyllis Diller

PAGE 6

Youth Group - - KFC - - Kids for Christ Activities in March.

Youth potato bar!

The first event to come up will be the Youth Potato Bar – to be held on March 13th in the Parish Hall. The date has been very confusing and conflicting with other dates. But - -it is well set for March 13th. They will have baked potatoes with plenty of various toppings to go with it. There will be a free will donation received at the meal to go toward youth group funds.

Potato Bar Prep Time; KFC will be meeting on Saturday, March 12th at p.m. to set up for the Potato Bar on Sunday. Please plan to be there to help – all youth and parents are welcome and needed J!! Please bring any cold food items you are donating and your desserts at that time.

We have a large and growing group - - which is awesome - - but does require more funds to operate. Please plan to attend and support this meal and fund raiser. The will start serving at 11:00 a.m. to accommodate the early service time of Saint John members. After our worship service – the serving will continue until 12:30. We certainly thank all of the parents who will be involved in the meal. It takes a lot of time and sacrifice to be a youth sponsor and leader, so it is particularly important that the parents of the kids will step up and help in projects like this one.

KFC Meeting; Directly after the Potato Bar on Sunday, the 13th, we will have a short meeting for those youth that will be participating in the 30-hour famine event. This will be the time to receive your fundraising information and discuss the “High Stakes” Tour coming to Smith Center on Saturday night, the 26th.

YARD SLAVES FOR HIRE!

The second youth event – through the Lenten season – will be the group effort and work as yard and odd job slaves. If you have some work around the house or yard that needs done for the spring – we can schedule a team of youth workers to come and help you out. They willingly do this as a service project – but it is also greatly appreciated if you can “hire” them or make a donation to the youth group fund in response to their work.

The Sundays the kids will be available for hire are; March 20 & 27, April 3, 10, and 17. They will meet at the First Saint John Parish hall at 1:30 and disperse from there. If you have project the Youth could assist with, please contact Becky Kirchhoff – 697-2645 – to work out he details.

30 Hour famine!

The third youth event – this month will be the 30 hour famine! The KFC as well as a group from the FCA – Fellowship of Christian Athletes – will be participating in our sponsored 30 hour famine. The kids will “fast” for 30 hours in a fundraising effort for World Hunger. They will be kept busy with many activities on Saturday, March 26th through Sunday, March 27th. The ending event will be a POT LUCK DINNER – after the morning service on the 27th.

Bring plenty of food for the pot luck. These kids can normally consume large amounts of food, but after the 30 hour fast – they’ll be ready for some real “sit down eating!”

CFF; Christian faith and fun!!

We will NOT be having CFF on Ash Wednesday, March 9th. We encourage all youth to attend Ash Wednesday Services at their home church with their families.

However, we will have CFF throughout the Lent season (except for the Wednesday of Spring Break for the Youth). We are excited to include the CFF youth in various aspects in the Lent Evening Worship Services. CFF will continue to start at 6:30. We will be asking the kids to participate with special music in the services.

We certainly want to thank sponsors, Becky Kirchhoff and Robin Billings for all of the work they do for our church youth. Nothing would happen without willing and gifted sponsors. You can’t find better sponsors then these two. Thank you for all you do!!!

We certainly want to thank sponsors, Becky Kirchhoff and Robin Billings for all of the work they do for our church youth. Nothing would happen without willing and gifted sponsors. You can’t find better sponsors then these two. Thank you for all you do!!!

PAGE 7

Lent Plans for 2011

We will be continuing with the Lent process that we have followed for several years. Pastor Dave will be leading and preaching all of the Lent Services this year. The service schedule is as follows;

Ash Wednesday; March 9 @ 7:30 p.m. Communion Service here at First Saint John (we do our own)

The 5 Wednesday Lent services - - starting at 7:00 p.m.; We will host them all, but will alternate churches in serving the refreshments. All of the Wednesday evening Lent services will be held here at First Saint John. The serving schedule will be as follows;

March 16 - - Lent 1 Service – 7:00 p.m. Served by First Saint John

March 23 - - Lent 2 Service – 7:00 p.m. Served by Saint John

March 30 - - Lent 3 Service – 7:00 p.m. Served by First Saint John

April 6 - - - - Lent 4 Service – 7:00 p.m. Served by Saint John

April 13 - - - Lent 5 Service – 7:00 p.m. Served by First Saint John

April 21-Maundy Thursday Communion Service–we do our own at 7:30 p.m.

April 22 - - - Good Friday Service - - held here at 9:00 a.m.

April 24 - Easter Sunday; Sunrise Service at N. Church cemetery–7:30 a.m.

Easter Breakfast to follow at the St. John Parish Hall.

Our Easter Sunday Morning service – 10:00 a.m.

The Theme for Lent this year will be based on lessons from the Gospel of Matthew. The focus for each service will be as follows;

Ash Wednesday – March 9 – 7:30 p.m.

“Temple or Den of Thieves?” Jesus cleanses the Temple; Matthew 21:12-17

Lent 1 – March 16 – 7:00 p.m.

“A Question of Authority” Matthew 21:23-27

Lent 2 – March 23 – 7:00 p.m.

“Strike the Shepherd – Scatter the Flock” Matthew 26:31-35

Lent 3 – March 30 – 7:00 p.m.

“Thou Anointest My Head with Oil” – Matthew 26:6-13

Lent 4 – April 6 – 7:00 p.m.

“For the Least of These” Matthew 25:31-46

Lent 5 – April 13 – 7:00 p.m.

“30 Pieces of Silver” Matthew 26:14-16

Maundy Thursday – 7:30 p.m.

“The Cup of Yeshua – Gethsemane’s Groan”

Good Friday – 9:00 a.m.

“When I am Lifted Up” Matthew 26:31-32 - - & John 12:23-33

PAGE 8

He Sent His Son

‘[We] were dead in the trespasses and sins in which [we] once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air…and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind”

(Ephesians 2:1-3). We were in trouble! And there was not a thing we could do to extricate ourselves from the pit we were in, ”but God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loves us, even when we were dead in our trespasses” (Ephesians 2:4-5), sent His Son.

He didn’t wait until we straightened ourselves out; He doesn’t want us to be weighed down with the burdens of our sins. No, He invites us to cast all our “anxieties on Him, because He cares for [us]” (1 Peter 5:7). He sees our weak condition and promises that He will not break the bruised reed nor will He quench the faintly burning wick (Isaiah 42:3).

God “sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10). Jesus came while we were weak and sinful, while we were dead. He perfectly satisfied the demands of the law on our behalf. God sent His Son to live the perfect life in our place and to reconcile us to our Father through His death on the Cross. Through Christ we have been made alive; we have been saved by grace (Ephesians 2:5).

All because of God’s great love for us! Martin Luther, in his explanation of the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed, the article dealing with our redemption, stresses our helplessness and Christ’s sacrifice – that our Savior shed His “holy, precious blood” – and then he talks about our response: “that [we] may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness.” We are saved for eternity, and we are saved to do good in this life. We are saved to “serve Him.” We are saved so that we might tell others of the hopeless situation we were in apart from Christ. We are saved so that we might point others to the Savior. We are saved so that we might minister to others just as Christ ministered when He walked this earth – touching, teaching, loving, and speaking the truth in love. We are now entering the season of Lent. In your conversations with your neighbors and acquaintances, make mention of this season. Many have never heard of Lent. These 40 days offer great opportunity to educate and inspire, to plant seeds and water them, to live actively under Jesus in His kingdom and to serve Him by serving others.

The Stewardship Committee

They’re saying it already. It can be heard on TV, in malls, and in what used to be “Christmas Music”. I even heard it in a remake of an old Burl Ives song – “Have a Holly Jolly – Holiday”. It should have been and always was, “Have a holly, jolly Christmas – it’s the best time of the year.” You know what happened. You’ve seen the same progression I have. It has been a long and effective process but the end result is taking Christ out of the celebration of - - - the season.
How about a different seasoning; - Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13) The faithful are to “season” and change the world around them – not vise versa. Yet, social change, anti Christian sentiment – and a growing atheism reject such Christian seasoning – and therefore the Christian – Christmas season. Was Jesus speaking of our times?
Have we become the generic generation? We’ve “had it to the gills” – or are neck deep in political correctness to the point of going under. Biblical criticism has demythologized the bible, debunked miracles, wrecked revelation, and excluded divine intervention. The Revised Standard version did away with “virgin birth” and simply called Mary a young girl. Modernism gave us such slogans as “God is dead!” and “Man is the center of the universe.” So why are we surprised when we hear Christmas demoted to just another holiday perspective among Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Black Friday, New Years, Valentines Day, and the 40th anniversary of the Muppets? Where’s the salt? Our saltiness has been thrown over the shoulder, swept away, and obscured by a flood, a tsunami of anti-Christian sentiment. It is refreshing to see and forward e-mails of the faithful rejecting and reacting to the de-Christianization of Christmas. Even Jews are saying, - “Hey, let Christma s be Christmas! We’re not offended – we have Hanukkah!”
Ms. O’hare of atheistic fame, which obliterated prayer in our schools, though now dead and lost, would have cheered at the lack of spiritual Christian values in America today. At her urging, the 10 commandments are removed, prayer reduced to spiritual places, God removed from government, and children free of spiritual indoctrination. How has it worked for us? Is our society better off?
We cry out with David, “Where are you God? Be not far from me O Lord?” We think God has left us, when we are the ones who moved. He has been rejected from among us. We appear more and more to live in a negative and spiritually neglective nation.
What’s the answer? - - Christmas. It is “Immanuel – God with us!” It is God made man in the person of Jesus Christ. It is faith in the arrival of Jesus that makes us salt of the earth. Christmas gives us a seasoned perspective – not just a warm fuzzy, Muppet moment of family and the brotherhood of man – that didn’t work. Christmas brings us in contact with divine intervention. It moves the miraculous into the mundane. It brings joy, life, and light to a sin darkened world.
It all begins and continues with you. Send NO happy holiday cards! Tell shop owners you want “Christmas music”. Raise a little Christian rebellion and salt the world around you. You season the season with the love of God revealed in Jesus. That’s what we are about. That’s who we are. You are the salt of the earth – in Christ.
　

Kensington/First Saint John Christmas Event; Wednesday, December 9th we will have our Christmas Event in the First Saint John Parish Hall. We are inviting people from the community to join us in this Christmas celebration.
The plan for the evening is that the Soup Supper will begin serving at 5:30 p.m. There are sign up sheets posted for the donation of soup and stuff for the meal. We also always need a scheduling of servers for the evening.
Starting at 6:00 p.m. we will move through a progression of Christmas programs, songs, musicians, and stories that will lend insight and joy into the celebration of the Christmas season. The program will continue through soup serving and will be done in the Parish Hall. Soup serving will end around 7:15 as we prepare for and move to the sanctuary for the closing evening devotion.
This Christmas event was well attended and enjoyed by all last year. It’s not the barn, but it still upheld the true meaning and celebration of Christmas. Hey – we even did it without the dust! Keep your Wed., December 9th open and join us.

Christmas Caroling and Soup – Wed. Dec. 16th; We usually have some soup left over after the Christmas Event. So – we’ll work on the soup and season it with singing. On Wednesday, Dec. 16th, meet at the church at 6:30 p.m.. We’ll put the soup on, and drift into the cold for some Christmas visitation and caroling. Following the area singing, we’ll return to the Parish Hall for soup, hot chocolate, cards, games, and a relaxing Christmas evening.

Children’s Christmas Program; The title for this years Sunday School Christmas Program is “The Fumbly Bumbly Angels”. The Sunday School children will enjoy telling you again the Christmas story through these lovable characters. Their program will be a part of the morning worship service on Sunday, December 20 starting at 10:30 a.m. At the end of the service we will again pass out the Christmas sacks to all who attend. Renae Snyder has again served as the program director.
Sunday School Program Practices will continue Dec. 6, 13, and the 20th. We certainly want to thank the parents for getting the kids here early and on time for these rehearsals. They couldn’t do it without your help.
　
Poinsettia Sign-up; The altar area always looks so beautiful this time of year with all the poinsettias. If you would like to donate one, please feel free to do so. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex if you wish to donate it in memory of someone or in thanksgiving for something.

Christmas Eve Service; Our Dec. 24th Christmas Eve service will start at 7:30 p.m. We will review the Christmas story as it is told in the carols of the Church. In these years and times it is increasingly more important for us to remember “Immanuel” – God with us! For many, the Christmas Eve service is a very important part of celebrating the Christmas season. It’s so much more than tradition. It is heaven come home – to us.There will be NO Christmas Day service.

Addresses for our Military; Here are the two we have -
PFC Sykes, Kimberly
313th Medical Company GA
APO AE 09393

Cpl Lucas J Scott
Unit 5270 Box 180
DPO
AE 09731
During this busy Holiday Season, please take time to remember our military. Say a prayer for them and they would love to hear from you and receive gift boxes. With the Post Office’s new boxes, it’s not terribly expensive to send things over to them. If you need help, contact Janeen, Susie, or Becky.

Adoring Him with Our Gifts

Throughout Scripture, everyone who has come into the presence of the Lord has been in awe of Him and has adored Him. Think of Moses and the burning bush. Quietly watching over his father-in-law's sheep, Moses saw a bush on fire but not being consumed. When God spoke to Moses telling him to remove his shoes, Moses realized who was speaking, and "Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God" (Exodus 3:6). But he listened and spent 40 years showing adoration to God by obediently leading God's people according to God's direction.
Isaiah writes about the vision through which God called him to be His prophet: "/ saw the Lord. . . high and exalted. . . [and the angels] were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty. '" His reaction was to confess his sinfulness and, like Moses, to adore God by answering His question, "Whom shall I send? " with "Here am I. Send me! " (Isaiah 6:1 -8).
This is the Christmas season, and we cannot help but think of the Wise Men, too, who came in search of the newborn King, bringing their gifts and bowing before Him in adoration. Matthew 2:11 records, "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. " And they offered to the Christ Child the gifts they had brought for Him, "gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. "
The shepherds adored Him, too. They heard about Jesus from the angels as they sat outdoors watching their sheep and ran to Bethlehem to see the Christ Child. They didn't have gifts to bring as the Magi did, but they, too, responded in adoration. Luke writes, "When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this Child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them " (Luke 2:17-18). God gives gifts to each of us and uses us to tell the Good News of the birth of His Son Who came to bring us forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Some of us, like the Wise Men, are blessed with monetary gifts to be used to support mission and ministry. Others of us are more like the shepherds, able to "spread the word concerning what [we] have been told . . . about this Child. " By God's grace, all of us can respond in faithful obedience to God's Word. In these ways, we adore our Savior.

A Little Christmas Trivia;
Q: How much younger was Jesus than His cousin John the Baptist?
Answer: See Luke 1:36

All Saints Service; Our actual All Saints Day service will be held on Sunday, November 8th. In that service we will name all church members who passed away in the last 5 years. Their name will be read, followed by a scripture word of hope and promise for all who believe. This remembrance of such sainted people is always a powerful reminder of the sacred faith that sustains us all in this life. These people who will be named have lived lives of faithful service and now celebrate the fulfillment of God’s promise in Christ.
Remembering these people is essential as we not only recall their faces and presence among us, but we also share in their faithful witness in Jesus. We give thanks to God for their time among us and know that one day, others will remember us as well. To God be the glory!
Following are listed those sainted members we will remember and celebrate in the All Saints Day service on Nov. 8th.
Child of God Entered Eternal Rest
- Wilma Wangerin July 21, 2004- Frieda Jensen October 30, 2004
- Ivan Fiene June 6, 2005
- Homer Brunow October 30, 2005
- Jesi Gordon January 22, 2006

- Andrea Bohm May 17, 2006

- Myrtle Bronson June 16, 2007
- Arnold Levin July 26, 2007
- Lena Lundgren November 19, 2007
- Frances Goakey January 8, 2008
- Nancy Lemon July 4, 2008- Laura Holthus November 11, 2008- Francis Gaines November 28, 2008- Ted Levin December 6, 2008- Ellen Rust December 30, 2008- Jeff Grauerholz January 28, 2009- Helen Ferguson August 26, 2009

Nov. 22nd. Our morning worship service will accent the theme of Thanksgiving which is really an attitude of faith that flows through all we do. There will be no Thanksgiving Eve or Thanksgiving Day service at the church.
Praise Program – Here at First Saint John – Nov. 22nd; After the closing of the Kensington Music Club, it is still hoped that we can have the Praise and Thanksgiving Program that our community has enjoyed for years. Local churches, musicians, groups, and individuals are encouraged to prepare for a part of the program to be held November 22, Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m here at First Saint John. Our church will host the event this year. We will be responsible for cookies and refreshments in the parish hall after the Thanksgiving Program. The Program will involve Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs sung by the congregation, individuals, choirs, and groups that perform.
It is our opportunity to come together as a community and give thanks to God for the bounty he provides for us all. The Offering received that evening will go to the Kensington Ministerial Association.
Coming in December; We will host another Christmas Community event here at First Saint John. Saturday evening of December 12th we will have a large Soup Supper and evening of Christmas celebration. Local churches, groups, individuals, musicians, and others will be invited to perform in a Christmas program for our community. In mid November you will see sign up sheets for planning for the soup and items necessary for the Soup Supper. There will be a work schedule posted as we prepare for the event. Keep that date open as we move toward the Christmas celebration.
Voters meeting election results;
Elder Kurtis Forell
Trustee Ryan Rietzke
Education Renae Snyder
Stewardship Steve Levin
Treasurer Tiffini Gross
Secretary Lauri Smith
Evangelism Trish Campbell

Truly Amazing! Congratulations Pastor Dave!
We all know how much we love to read “Dave’s Devos”. This note received October 26, 2009 came from Judy Carlson. Judy was the Kansas District LWML President that Pastor served with in his last term. She was an excellent leader and faithful woman. When her term expired as LWML District President, she was then elected to the National LWML Secretary position. She continues to serve the LWML in that position on the Executive Committee.
First the Devo …….

Good Morning All; Come to the Edge 7-11 -2008

Our preschool director, Stacy Cole, once shared with me a card she received from a parent of a preschooler. It was flowery and nice and had the following words;

"Come to the edge," the teacher said.
"We can't-it's too high!"
"Come to the edge," the teacher said.
"No!" said the children, "We might fall down!"
"Come to the edge," the teacher said.
And frightened, they slowly moved closer to the cliff.
Leaning out, they looked over the edge and saw with wonder
The beauty stretched out before them.
And the teacher pushed them off the cliff;

- and they flew!

That sounds like the mighty Wood Duck. The hen builds a nest in the knothole of a tree and hatches her eggs. When the chicks are ready, (still featherless puffballs of fluff - she coaxes them out of the hole/nest and they float to the ground and life is off and running, or flying when the time comes. "Come to the edge."
How many times has God called you to the edge? What were the times in your life when fear paralyzed, when hope seemed to dissolve, or when all that you depended on failed and the only certainty you knew was gravity? "Come to the edge!" - or maybe-"Welcome to the edge!" It is here that the real power, love, and presence of God are made known. "The edge" is where life is transformed from the mundane to the sacred. The edge is stepping out of the boat and finding water firm. The edge is Lazarus opening his eyes. The edge is the woman who heard Jesus say, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and leave your life of sin. " The edge is any time that God opens your heart in times of need. It is then that He brings peace, comfort, hope, blessings, grace, and his presence to encourage and uplift his people. Welcome to the edge - and in His power, you will fly! Peace - Pastor Dave

Now the letter from Judy…...
Pastor Dave, as always, I enjoyed your devotion today. You have such a way of introducing a good lesson and a point of Biblical truth with a little comedy or life experience I can identify with. They have blessed me in my daily walk with God!
I just have to share with you that the "Come to the edge" story you used in your Friday, July 11, 2008 devotion was the inspiration for the LWML EC in selecting a theme for the next convention that will be held in Peoria, IL. That day's devotion was so meaningful for me and I filed away a hard copy. The 'edge' can be so many places and in so many times of life.
We (the whole EC) were at a standstill in coming up with a phrase or words that would grab attention and interest to attend the 2011 convention. I used the little story in a closing devotion one afternoon of our first EC meeting in St. Louis in August. Everyone seemed to like it. Over dinner that evening, some EC members, including the counselors, began talking about
how we could use thoughts from that devotion for the convention. After dinner and more discussion, we arrived at the theme Being with Jesus - Living on the Edge. The theme verse is Acts 4: 13b&20.
Acts 4:13 - When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, (b) they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.Acts 4:20 - For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. God is good!

Blessings as you continue your work for Him, including these devotions you share with so many.

Judy Carlson
1 Circle Dr.
Paola, KS 66071-1115Another note from Velma Bass -former President of Kansas District LWML and long time LWML member and leader. She wrote this when she heard about the devo - to convention theme idea.Ah, Dave, what an honor for you! Your devotions go LOTS of places and I mean a LOT - to a LOT of folks, probably way many more than you realize, and to have your thoughts chosen as the LWML convention theme is definitely a WOW. We're so pleased for you - and for the whole LWML. We're going to Peoria - are you? Then you could see first-hand how the theme is developed — and smile to yourself. Blessings — Velma

God has certainly blessed this ministry!

Confirmation Class; Our confirmation class 7-8 grades - meets on Wednesday afternoons, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. We have 11 students; Austin, Dylan, Jenna, Michael, Riley, Shane, Skyler, Tanner, Trent Zach, and Logan. There are 9 boys and 2 girls. We are currently working our way through lessons on the teaching and practice of the Lord’s Prayer. They are also an excellent and energetic class. Confirmation students are expected to attend 20 worship services between now and the end of our class at Palm Sunday. They have an attendance sign up sheet in the conference room. This worship attendance is important as we are not only teaching doctrine, but discipleship and what it means to follow Jesus
Youth Group Work Afternoon; The First St John Youth Group will meet at the church on Sunday November 8th at 4:00 p.m. We are going to disinfect the toys that the young children of the church play with during the service in an effort to try and keep the spread of any viruses to a minimum. After we are done, we will play some Wallyball and eat pizza! Be sure and bring a drink for supper.

Youth Group is headed to the Convention! Several members of the First St John Youth Group will be attending the Kansas District Youth Gathering in Wichita. They will leave right after lunch on Friday November 20 and return on Sunday November 22 around 5 p.m. Please bring work clothes for the service project including outdoor clothing! For more information contact Liz Hagman.
　
MILITARY ADDRESSES; These will be updated as necessary:
Cpl Lucas J Scott
Unit 5270 Box 180
DPO
AE 09731
This letter will go to Washington, then in a diplomatic pouch and sent directly to the embassy.
Pfc Sykes, Kimberly
313 Medical Company
North Fort Hood
Fort Hood, Texas 76544
Any mail sent to this address needs to be postmarked no later than Nov. 9, as Kim will be leaving for Iraq by Nov. 15.

“Youth News”

Sacramental Class; Our Sacramental Class which meets on Monday afternoons is going well with three students. They are Kyle Barnes, Cassie Bretton, and Jordan Wagenblast. We have been studying the “Passover” story from the book of Exodus. We study the Passover for its earliest origins and meaning as the forerunner to our understanding of the Lord’s Supper today. Our first lesson in November will cover the final plague, the “Passover”, where the shed blood of the Passover Lamb, and his body given would save the first born of every believing household.
We see the Passover ultimately fulfilled in Jesus as he said, “Take and eat, this is my body. Take and drink, this is my blood”. Because of His sacrifice your judgment is passed over and you can know a life of grace and peace that is fulfilled in eternal life in Christ.
We still have a long way to go as we will consider and review Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement. After that we will continue with the catechism’s teachings with regard to communion and finally a comparison of the Lutheran understanding of communion with that of other Christian denominations.
Once done with classes regarding Communion, we will then focus on what the sacrament of Baptism is and how it affects us. The baptismal lessons will also be based on scripture and the lessons of the catechism.
These classes are of real benefit to our students as we get to spend so much time studying these lessons. This is a very good class and we have great expectations of things to come.
　
Christmas Program Information; It’s time to once again begin practicing for the 2009 First Saint John Children’s Christmas Program. Program practice will begin on Sunday November 1st during the regular Sunday School hour. Please have your kids here no later than 9 a.m. if they want donuts or juice. That way we can begin practice promptly at 9:15. That will give us a full hour to practice each Sunday until the program. The program will be held during the service on the morning of Sunday December 20th. Our thanks again this year to Renae Snyder who has graciously volunteered to direct the program again. Please come and join in the fun!

Choir is underway; Liz Hagman is once again directing our church’s choir. The ladies have been practicing for several weeks and will perform “Pie Jesu” during the All Saints Day service on November 8th. Practices for choir are held on Sunday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome and they need more voices, both men and women. Plans are being made to perform a short cantata during the Christmas season. Liz says it is easy to learn and to sing so it should not scare any one off!
　

Noah’s Ark

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah’s ArkONE: Don’t miss the boatTWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark.FOUR: Stay fit. When you’re 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.FIVE: Don’t listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.SIX: Build your future on high groundSEVEN: For safety’s sake travel in pairs.EIGHT: Speed isn’t always an advantage… The snails were on board with the cheetahs.NINE: When you’re stressed, float awhile.TEN: Remember, the ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there’s always a rainbow waiting!

God's Gifts

"We give Thee but Thine own, Whate'er the gift may be:
All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, 0 Lord, from Thee."
It is obvious that there is nothing we can give to the Lord that is our own. Our bodies, our mental faculties, our individual talents and abilities—these have been given to us by God.
The food we grow comes from seed created by the Lord, planted in soil provided by the Lord, nurtured by the warmth and light of the sun given by the Lord, and watered by the rain sent by the Lord.
The goods and produce we manufacture with our hands and machines are made possible through abilities given by God, just as Moses reminded the Israelites. "But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth . . ."
(Deuteronomy 8:18). The benefits from our occupations are blessings received from God. God gives us the abilities, and we have the responsibility to use His gifts with energy and wisdom. God makes our income and wealth possible.
When we contribute to our church we are simply returning to God what He has already entrusted to us. "What do you have that you did not first receive? (1 Corinthians 4:7). We have nothing to give Him that is our own. If God in His wisdom determines to give us much, much will be expected of us (Luke 12:48).
God gave—this is the reason for our being and our giving. He gave His all—Jesus Christ so that we might have abundant life. We find this life by losing our lives in total commitment to God through Christ.
Stewardship is an open hand to receive God's gift of love and an extended hand to share it with others. Your willingness to share your time, talent, and treasure is the measure of your gratitude and commitment to Christ. During this Thanksgiving Season, may God help all of us live with an attitude of gratitude for who God is and what He has done and continues to do for us.
(Provided by the Stewardship Committee)

Pastor Dave to be gone; Pastor will be gone from the afternoon of October 11 through Oct 18. He will be attending the Kansas District Professional Worker’s Conference in Kansas City from Oct. 11 - 13, then will take a few days off before going on to Strong City to help Grace Lutheran Church celebrate their 125th anniversary.

Sunday;Oct. 18 –
Early Service; 9:00 a.m. – Rev. Joel Hiesterman
Rev. Joel Hiesterman will lead and preach at our morning communion at First Saint John, but at the early time of 9:00 am. Sunday School will follow the morning service.

5TH QUARTER EVENT”; On Friday, October 9th, an event is being planned to be held at the Parish Activity Center. It will be a post-game activity held immediately following the Thunder Ridge football game. For more details, contact Kim Rietzke.
LMWL Sunday – October 11; We will use the order of service provided by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League on Sunday, October 11th. On that day we will review that mission calling and give thanks to God for their continuing and God pleasing work.
October Voters Meeting; Our regular October Voters meeting will be held on Sunday, Oct. 25th after the Pot Luck Dinner following the morning service. This is an important meeting for our church as we will be setting the 2010 budget and electing officers for the coming year. Plan to attend as we move forward in our mission.
Fall Harvest Party; Plans are being made by the Evangelism committee for the Fall Harvest Party which will be held on the evening of November 1st at the Highway 36 roadside park in Kensington. For more information contact one of the Evangelism Committee members. They include: Tiffany Rietzke, Jeanne Bogart, and Sandi Reneberg.
A BIG THANK YOU! From the CFF staff and Tiffany Rietzke, our snack coordinator, for all of the donations for CFF Snacks! This is working great and we are going to have more than enough money for this month and have some leftover for the month of December! It is so neat to see how freely people give even in the midst of financial hard times!

CLERGY APPRECIATION DAY, Oct. 11th; In 1992, layperson Jerry Frear, Jr., was brainstorming with church colleagues about how they might be of help to their minister when he glanced at a calendar and noticed that it was almost Groundhog Day. 'I thought, If they have a day for groundhogs, there ought to be a day for the 375,000 clergy people in America,' Frear says." So...for the last seven years the second Sunday in October has been set aside to show appreciation for our clergy. There are many ways to show Pastor how much he means to us. Sometimes a simple thank-you goes a long ways!

Choir Starting Back Up!

I am going to be sending out invites to choir starting up again. Our first rehearsal will be on Sunday Oct. 4 and will be ladies only. Be sure and put the following on your Oct/Nov. church calendar!

Oct. 4 - 6:30 - Ladies choir rehearsal
Oct. 11 - 6:30 - Ladies only
Oct 18 - 6:30 - All members choir rehearsal
Oct 25 - 6:30 - Full Choir Rehearsal
Nov 1 - 6:30 - Full Choir Rehearsal
Nov 8 - Morning Service; Ladies perform "Pie Jesu" for All Saints Sunday
- 6:30 - Full choir rehearsal
Nov 15 - 6:30 - Choir Rehearsal
Nov 22 - 6:30 Choir Rehearsal
Nov 29 - 6:30 - Choir Rehearsal
Dec. 6 - 6:30 - Choir Rehearsal
Dec 13 - 6:30 - Choir Rehearsal
** We will perform a short cantata sometime in early December. Then we will plan on singing on either a Sunday right before Christmas or Christmas Eve too (something simple for that time).
Thanks!
Liz

Thrivent Meeting - October 18; The annual meeting for Thrivent Financial - Stone Post Chapter will be Sunday, October 18th at Messiah Lutheran Church, 2000 Main Street, Hays, KS. Registration will start at 5:00 p.m. with the meal and entertainment to follow at 5:30 p.m. The meal will be catered by J.D.'s Chicken, Hays. We hope you can join us for an evening of fun & fellowship with area Thrivent members. This is a good way to find out what projects our local chapter has been involved with throughout the year. RSVP's are NOT required, but if you'd like to indicate your attendance you may contact your congregational co-ordinators or our area chapter board members: Karen Panter or Jenifer Ratliff.

“IF ONLY”

Most discontented people live in a state of "if only." Rather than counting
their blessings, they play the "if only" game.

"If only" we had our own home/a bigger home.

"If only" we could get out from under this pile of debt.

"If only" our neighbors would move.
"If only" our friends were more fun/more loyal/ more thoughtful.
"If only" my boss would appreciate me more.

Maybe you have an "if only" list. Perhaps you, too, think that by making
some external changes your life would be all you want it to be. You'd be content. Think about what the Apostle Paul said about contentment: "/ know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want" (Philippians 4:12). Paul said external conditions have nothing to do with contentment. He said changing our circumstances won't make a difference in our level of contentment. He said, "/ have learned the secret of being content. "
What is that secret? "/ can do everything through Him Who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:13). When we depend on the Lord and place our trust in Him, we can be content in all circumstances. We won't need to dwell on "if only." God's grace gives us the ability to persevere and even find joy in life's toughest situations. Like Come Ten Boom. In her book. The Hiding Place, she relates that she and her sister Betsy were sent to Nazi concentration camps which were filled with filth, disease, and pestilence. Their particular barracks was infested with fleas, but, by God's grace, they were able to see the blessings even in fleas. Because of the fleas the German guards chose not to enter the barracks which allowed Corrie and Betsy to gather the other ladies for Bible study and prayer. God's Word sustained them in their time of need. They didn't have an "if only" mentality. Instead they followed Paul's admonition in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: "Be joyful always; pray c ontinually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. "
Until we find our rest in Christ we are going to continue searching for
contentment. The theologian Augustine said, "Thou hast made us for Thyself, 0 God, and the heart of man is restless until it finds its rest in Thee." People or things will never fill us. Only God's presence will bring us contentment.
　

Where is God in my life?
Does God really love me like I learned as a kid?
What will happen when I die?
Is heaven real?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Is forgiveness as simple as faith in Jesus?
Does God really forgive, even my worst sins?
How can I have a stronger and more vital faith?
Why should I be involved in Church?

These and many more questions are covered regularly. If you don’t take advantage of spiritual educational opportunities, you are missing much. If you have kids at home and deliver them to Sunday School but never stay yourself, what is the “real” message you give to them?
Christian Education is the lifeline of the church. It is our present and our future. It’s work and focus is essential to life and faith. Take advantage of all opportunities to grow in faith and understanding. In life we have a limited amount of time in which to gain all we can in spiritual values. God will greatly bless that effort as it will always draw you closer to Him. Come and join with us.

Evening Park Cook-out; On Saturday evening of September 19th we will meet at the Park on Highway #36 for a wiener roast – pot luck evening event, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Hot dogs and buns will be provided. Bring your own table service and a dish to share with the group. We’ll have more music, fun, games, and an evening devotion. There’s nothing better than a cooling September evening and enjoying it with friends.
Pastor Dave & Susie gone; Pastor Dave and Susie will be heading for Colorado the afternoon of September 20th. They will return on the 27th. The Elk are calling! Please contact one of your elders if any emergencies arise.

Confirmation Classes to begin; Our Confirmation Class will meet for the first time on Wednesday evening, September 9th starting at 6:30 p.m. Our classes will run from 6:30-7:30. These classes are for 7th – 8th grade students and will cover the basic teachings of the Christian faith.
Sacramental Class; This class is for any 5th grade student who hopes to receive communion in our church. We will carefully study both the Lord’s Supper and Baptism. Our first session will be on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 15th starting at 4:00 p.m. Classes will run one hour.
This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious as to just how quickly you can
find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so ordinary and plain that
you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with
it! It is highly unusual though. Study it and think about it, but you still
may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out.
Try to do so without any coaching! (Answer - there are no E’s!)
Sunday after church, a Mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about. The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt." Needless to say, the Mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the Mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about. He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."

CFF to start; It’s time for Christian Faith and Fun again. This program, CFF, is sponsored by the 3 churches in Kensington and hosted by First Saint John. The leadership is a collection of directors from the three churches. They are meeting to plan another year of activities, events, and programs for the 1st – 5th grade students of our area. The kids are already asking when CFF will start.
We will follow the same format as last year. The kids will arrive between 3:30 & 4:00. At 4:00 – snacks will be served in the parish hall. Opening devotions start around 4:20 with class lessons and activities to begin at 4:30. All activities are done at 5:45 and parents will pick up their kids at that time.
We do appreciate all the help and support our members have given to this program. A sign up sheet is posted for volunteer services. The churches will rotate through snack responsibilities. Teachers, helpers, adult sponsors are always needed and encouraged to interact with the kids. We have done some really good things through the years in teaching the kids, not only the Christian faith, but in working toward better attitudes of Christian and community service, respect for others, and faith in God.
If you can help in any way, please see the sign up sheet in the narthex. This continues to be a very important and valuable program for the kids of our area.
　
Christian Education Sunday – Pot Luck Dinner; September 13th – the first Sunday after Labor Day - will be our Christian Education Sunday. On that day, the Children’s Sunday School will start up again. Kids are promoted to the next grade as classes resume. We will recognize our teachers and present Bibles to 2nd graders in the morning service. After the morning worship service we will have a Pot Luck Dinner in the Parish Hall. Be sure to come for the service and stay for the meal!
Acolyte Schedule; Please check the calendar to see if your child is scheduled to be an acolyte. If they cannot be there on that Sunday, please let Tracy know in advance. Thank you.

Vicki’s Graduated! Tracy & Lauri Smith traveled with their family to Fort Jackson, South Carolina to witness the graduation from Basic Combat Training on Friday, August 21st. Vicki has now begun the 2nd stage of her training, called AIT, or Advanced Individual Training, in Fort Lee, Virginia. She will be stationed there until October 15th. She would love to hear from you. Her new address is:

PFC Smith, Victoria
Bravo Company 266th QmBn 3rd
901 13th Street
Fort Lee, Virginia 23801

Germantown Cemetery Update; The board has received a bid for a two rail vinyl fence to replace the old metal fence. We have received approximately $1,250.00 in donations toward this project. Any donations for this project would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to donate or have any questions, contact Kim Rietzke. Donations can be sent to: Farmers National Bank PO Box 409 Kensington, KS 66951
Preschool News; There has been a flurry of activity in the basement the past few weeks. Along with Ms. Stacy’s usual preparations for another year of the little ones, a new fire escape, called an Egress Window, has been installed. Many thanks go to Steve Levin, Jeff Levin, and Ryan Rietzke for their work on this important project. Thank you goes out also to the families of Laura Holthus and Ellen Rust for donating the memorial money to pay for the project.
Also, Radon testing was done in the basement and the levels were determined to be unsatisfactory. The trustees are working with a contractor that will install a venting system in the basement that is guaranteed to lower the Radon levels to a safe level.
A Big Thank You!! Although they don’t want the recognition, we all need to thank Ryan & Tiffany Rietzke for all their work on the Eggress Window. Ryan dug all the dirt out for this project at a cost of $350.00, which they promptly donated to the church!
　

God's Abundant Blessings

Our God is a gracious God Who provides for all our needs regardless of whether we express our gratitude to Him or not. We are indeed blessed people who are created in His image.
God promises even greater blessings to those who respond to His great providence by sharing with others what they've been given. In 2 Chronicles 31:10 we read about the donations God's people in Hezekiah's day were bringing to the temple. Azariah, the chief priest, said, "Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat an d plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed His people, and this great amount is left over. " A similar circumstance occurred when two fish and fives loaves of bread were more than adequate to feed a
crowd of five thousand people who were gathered to hear Jesus preach (Luke 9:10- 17). God took what was offered and magnified and multiplied the gift.
In Proverbs 3:9-10 we find a command with a promise; "Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. " The prophet Malachi quotes a similar promise: " 'Bring, the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,' says the Lord Almighty, 'and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it'" (Malachi 3:10).
We have God's word that He will provide for all our needs. "Now He Who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (2 Corinthians 9:10-11).
How do we take that step of faith that asks us to give generously when we wonder how our paychecks will stretch till the end of the month? Perhaps the answer is to look to the Provider instead of to our own limited means. Jesus said, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). As our faith is nourished through Word and Sacrament, we will find it a joy to "test [Him] in this. "

Whispered words draw soft attention. “Do ya wanna know a secret?” Ears perk up and attention is focused awaiting sacred detail. Cupped hands shield secrets from would-be lip readers and a softly spoken exchange happens. If you are privy to the information – the secret is yours. Confidence honors you. If you are left out – it wounds the ego.
The Greeks loved a mystery. They lived in search of secret wisdom and hidden sacred knowledge. The Gnostics (wisdom seeking philosophers) coveted private truth and sought special divine revelation and whispered words of wisdom. The Apostle Paul teased their attention with his words to the Colossians, “God commissioned me to present the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints; - - this mystery (secret) is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
There it is! The secret is out! Even better yet – it’s in YOU! That news would fascinate philosophers because they always saw God as distant, removed from the world except for its entertainment value. It was believed that the Greek gods manipulated man for their amusement and not because they cared. Paul’s preaching pointed to God revealed in Jesus Christ. Jesus was the visible expression of the invisible God. Jesus is God’s love incarnate. Jesus is the Divine will reaching out to the fallen world with love, mercy, and grace.
Amazingly, the Divine would dwell “within” us through the power of the Holy Spirit bringing Christ to us resulting in the hope of glory.
The “secret” is all about Jesus and His love for us. Oddly, the church through the ages has often acted like this really was a secret that must be guarded and kept private and close. Don’t disclose too much or you risk contamination of the truth.
What is the will of God with regard to the message and the power of the Gospel? You know the answer. It’s no secret. The Lord desires that “all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” What is the truth? Jesus answered it. He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, but through me.” Paul says it again – Christ centered – “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”
“Perfect” comes only by grace, through faith in Jesus. His blood cleanses us from all sin and presents us free and holy before God. In Him, you have access to the Father and therein lies our “hope of glory”.
We sing the hymn, “It is No Secret, What God Can Do”. He has done it for us, he’ll do it for you. – Peace – Pastor Dave

Famine Wrap Up; We had 8 youth involved in the “Famine Weekend” here at First Saint John. The two leaders, Becky Kirchhoff and Liz Hagman kept the kids busy through their 24 hour fast. They participated in service projects, a scavenger hunt of activities, watched famine videos and worked through the “Famine program material”. They also did some “swamping” at the river, had an evening devotional service, and various activities to keep them busy through the famine hours. The kids raised around $400 from sponsors through this event. They money will go toward “World Hunger” programs. We certainly thank the kids for their efforts and their leaders, Becky and Liz for their dedication and hard work.
August Church Council Meeting; Our August Council meeting will be held on Wednesday evening of August 5th starting at 7:30. We’ll handle necessary agenda quickly and move on to a discussion of the question, “Where is the Church today?” What social and religious trends affect how we do church today?” We need all officers present as we work through this important topic. It will help us as we look at where we need to be as a church in 10-20 years.
“The Shack” - We will continue in August with a few remaining sessions on “The Shack”. We are approaching the book thematically and discussing the various themes and ideas lifted up in the book. It has been very interesting with excellent conversation from those who are attending.
Kensington Hunter Education Program; The Kensington Hunter Education program will be held in the First Saint John Parish Hall August 3-7 in evening programs. This program is free of charge and is sponsored by the State and SAL’s. If you want to sign up for the program, call Jamie Reneberg.

Preschool Starts again in August; Here we go on another year of Preschool for our area children. Enrollment figures are already high with around 35 children pre-enrolled. The Kickoff event for the 2009-2001 Preschool program will be “Preschool Sundae Sunday” on Sunday evening of August 23rd. All students and families are encouraged to come to the opening event. There will be ice cream and toppings of all sorts. It will also give the preschool students an opportunity to visit their classroom and meet with Ms. Stacy prior to their first class session. We look forward to another great year in the Preschool.

We also want to recognize the efforts and dedication of Kim Yoxall who has served on the Preschool Board since its organization. She has moved from the area and will no longer be able to serve in that capacity. The Preschool Board is Kim Rietzke, Deb Levin, and Becky Levin. They provide Board oversight on finances, procedures, and the program at large. We need to thank them all for YEARS of faithful service for our area kids and the preschool program.
We also must recognize Stacy Cole as our program Director/Teacher. She runs an excellent program and is loved by the children. It is easy to recognize the kids who have been taught by Ms. Stacy. They are well prepared and ready for Kindergarten when they leave this program. She continues to provide an outstanding program for our area children. We are certainly blessed to have her working here. We look ahead to another great year. The first day of Preschool will be Monday, August 24th.

Praise in the Park; We’ll try again, but this will surely work better. Our first date ran afoul of the Smith County Fair schedule. Participation in the Co. Fair took out too many people who would have liked to participate in the “Praise in the Park” event.
So – We’ll try it again on August 14th – the Friday before Old Fashion Saturday Night on the 15th. We’ll meet at the Roadside Park on Highway #36, Kensington at 7:00 p.m. for music and fun. If you have anything you would like to sing, play, read, or share with the group, it’s all for you. We will have sound equipment available and accompaniment available to aid you. Various groups will be singing or playing through the evening program. The music will be followed by ice cream provided by the Kensington Ministerial Association. The KMA will provide ice cream, dishes and spoon, cups, and tea and water. If you would like to bring along some other kind of desert to go with ice cream – I’m sure people would be most happy. You should also bring your own lawn chairs, bug spray, and come prepared for a good time. This is a good “community” opportunity to be involved in. Come and join with us.
CFF Coming next Month; We will probably start the CFF – Christian Faith and Fun – program on September 9th – the first Wednesday after the Labor Day Weekend. We will again need your help in providing this program. We’ll follow the same format as last year with the 3 churches alternating in providing and serving snacks to the kids at 4:00 p.m. We will also need to provide some teachers and helpers for the program. Again, church leaders from First Saint John, Saint John, and the United Church will prepare and manage the program. Last year the CFF program was for 1st – 5th grade students. We hope to have the same again this year. If you would like to help with the CFF program in any way, watch for sign up sheets in the narthex. We will need volunteers for preparing snacks, donations of food or snacks if you can’t actually be there and servers as well as teachers, aids, and substitutes for the program. This is a valuable and important program for our area kids. They really look forward to a renewed CFF each year. Consider now how you can help.

Giving an Obligation or Opportunity?

As the Apostle Paul traveled to churches, he collected offerings for the Christians in Jerusalem who were experiencing hard economic times. When Paul was speaking to the Corinthians, he used the Macedonian believers as an example of people who, in spite of their own economic troubles, gave joyfully to the distressed Christians in Jerusalem. The Macedonians' love for Christ and their concern for their fellow believers moved them to give
beyond their ability. The Macedonians "gave themselves first to the Lord, " Paul said, and then, they "urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints" (2 Corinthians 8:4). It was the grace of God at work, prompting their giving. In Christ, they saw their giving as an opportunity to help other believers in need.
Does someone who views giving as an obligation plead for the opportunity to give? Probably not. When giving is an obligation, we will give, but giving as an obligation will not give us the joy or the attitude of pleading for the privilege to give that the Macedonians had. As God's people, we have both an obligation and an opportunity. Scripture is clear that we are called to give. Paul said, "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made"
(1 Corinthians 16:2).
Giving is an obligation, but, just as God changed the hearts and minds of the Macedonian people. He changes us so our giving becomes an opportunity rather than an obligation. As renewed and changed people, our attitude toward giving changes from a "got to" to a "get to" attitude. We stop giving grudgingly, and we start giving willingly and cheerfully. We want to give, because giving is an expression of our love and gratitude to God for Who He is and what He does for us. The more we give of ourselves and our gifts the closer our relationship with Christ becomes and the more we want to give, and the more God blesses us which enables our continued giving. "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (2 Corinthians 9:11).
These are difficult economic times. As responsible stewards, we look for areas where we can cut back in our spending. If you're considering a reduction in your giving to the Lord, read 2 Corinthians 8-9. Go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him what He would have you do. Then give as you are able, thanking God for the opportunity and privilege to be a part of His
mission on Earth.

July Voters Meeting;
We will hold our regularly scheduled quarterly Voters meeting on Sunday, July 19th. Following the morning worship service, we will have a POT LUCK DINNER in the Parish Hall. After the dinner comes the meeting. Typical agenda for the meeting is the reports of Officers and Boards, and the appointment of a Nominating Committee.

“The Shack”; We will begin our review/conversations on “The Shack” with our first session on Sunday evening of July 12th. Please have the book read by then. We’ll be pulling out excerpts of the book and discussing some of the different themes that the author lifted up. The book has caused quite a stir and a great deal of interest abounds. There are certainly problems with some of the material presented, but it gives rise to great discussion potential. Many people have signed up. Come and join us on July 12th and we’ll get started.
30 hour famine project for our youth; Our Church Youth will again be involved in raising money for the “Famine” project, by fasting for 30 hours. Their 30 hours will start on Saturday and continue through the Sunday morning worship service. Quite thankfully, the service will be followed by a Pot Luck Dinner – which they will attack First! We want to encourage and support them in this special project.
Breakfast Sunday – July 12th; On Sunday, July 12th, we will have a “Breakfast Sunday” in the Parish Hall. There will be NO Sunday School that morning. Breakfast will be served from 9:15 to 10:00 a.m. Pancakes, sausage, coffee, and juice will be ready for you when you come. Our morning service will start at 10:30 in the Parish Hall. This has always been a fun and relaxed service for our people. We hope you will plan to attend.
Praise in the Park; On Saturday, July 18th – we will hold another Kensington “Praise in the Park” event. We will meet at the park on Highway #36 at 7:30 p.m. for singing and any program item that you would like to offer. Accompaniment and sound equipment will be available for you if you want to sing or read, or whatever. Ice cream and cookies will follow the singing. The Kensington Ministerial Association is providing the ice cream and table service for the event. This was great fun last year. We hope you will join us for a good evening of singing and praise. Everyone is welcome! Bring a lawn chair and come on down!

NO July Church Council Meeting; Due to harvest schedules, our July Council meeting will not be held. Instead we will hold a short meeting after church on June 28th to set the agenda for the July Voter’s meeting. We will return to the regular meeting in August where we’ll handle quick and necessary agenda items and then return to our proposed conversation on the social and religious trends that effect us and how we do church today. You have lived through some amazing times in church life and history. The world and “church” have changed dramatically in the last 30 years. We need to be watching and considering these changes so that we can address the needs and spirituality of people today. Our goal is to develop a plan and understanding of where the church needs to be in the next 20 years. This is a crucial and important conversation and understanding for our leadership. We hope you will come.

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ -
June 1, 2009 marked an anniversary. It was the first anniversary of our church establishing the position of Parish Coordinator. It is hard for me to believe that one year has passed already. In that time, many events have happened, some good and some not so good. It is truly amazing to me how this position has grown simply from “doing bulletins” to the many different facets of church life that I am now involved in. From the happy, joyous events like weddings, baptisms, etc., to the more solemn but equally important events like funerals, I learn something new from each one. My only hope is that each of you feels like the position has somehow helped further our church’s mission to promote the good news of Jesus Christ. I truly love serving Him in this way and want all of you to know how truly blessed I am to be able to continue in this capacity.
July 4th, as you all know, is Independence Day. However, July 4, 2009 is a very special Independence Day for me as it marks the one year anniversary that God and a very special family gave me and my family the gift of life. It was on July 4, 2008 that I received a kidney transplant and with God’s grace and some very skilled doctors and nurses, I can now celebrate one year of independence from dialysis! It is only with God that I am able to once again live a full and rewarding life and I give Him all the glory and praise!
Again, thank you for allowing me to serve as Parish Coordinator. If there is anything I can do to better serve, please let me know.
In His Service, Tracy Smith

“INDEPENDENCE DAY"

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia. After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a committee but with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.
Adams' prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.
One of the most enduring myths about Independence Day is that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The myth had become so firmly established that, decades after the event and nearing the end of their lives, even the elderly Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had come to believe that they and the other delegates had signed the Declaration on the fourth. Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776. In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence to become president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the United States' 50th anniversary. President James Monroe died exactly five years later, on July 4, 1831, but he was not a signatory to the Declaration of Independence.

July Stewardship Newsletter

Pray for those in Authority

A few months ago, we Americans experienced a change in government. Some are happy with the change, while others think our country is heading in the wrong direction.
Regardless of our feelings regarding our leaders, we are commanded to pray for them. Paul, writing to Timothy "urges" that "requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving be made for everyone -for kings and all those in authority ... " (1 Timothy 2:1-2). While it is Paul who writes the words, we know that it is God Who gave the message. In other words, this command comes from Almighty God Himself! And why? We are given several reasons:
"that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" (1 Timothy 2:2)

because "there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God" (Romans 13:1).
because "they keep watch over [us] as men who must given an account" (Hebrews 13:17a)
"so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to [us] "(Hebrews 13:17b)

At the same time, as stewards of the Gospel and as those who put God's Law above man-made law, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20). Therefore, it is our Christian duty and responsibility to be involved in our government, first and foremost through prayer for our leaders as well as for our fellow citizens, through speaking the truth in love relating to decisions and policies put forward and/or enacted, and then through informed voting as we educate ourselves on the issues confronting our great nation. Certainly we give thanks to God our Father Who has given us this great land where we enjoy many privileges, greatest among them, the right to assemble for worship, to pray unhindered, and to speak the message of salvation to all who will listen.

I was sitting at the Cedar Music Festival yesterday evening as an old cowboy sang the “Water Song”. It’s a song from the old cowboy perspective of a rider in the desert of the American Southwest. The sun beats down on rider and horse as they travel the hot sands and the cowboy sings of ignoring the mirage, but dreaming of “Cool, Clear Water.” The refreshing chorus continues throughout the song as if it were a prayer for water. It just makes you thirsty.
The showers of May and June leave area pastures green, and wheat flowing in the breeze, but we all know that July and August will come. Summer heat and occasional thunderstorms don’t present such a cool perspective. The “Dog Days” of August will come and leave us panting for “Cool, Clear, Water”.
It makes me think of Psalm 42:1 – “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” The Holy Spirit creates a thirst in the heart of the Child of God and it will only be quenched by time spent with Him. Nat King Cole sang out the summer theme, “Roll out those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy days of summer …” and while we may see hazy days or crazy schedules – they could scarcely be called “lazy.” The summer slump is replaced by the summer stress as work, harvest, and chasing so many things robs us of peaceful “cool – water”.
Jesus met with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. He asked her for a drink of cool, clear, water. In their conversation, he offered her much more. He offered her living water – the kind that a soul pants and thirsts for. It is soul blessing, heart quenching, mind calming, stress relieving water. It is grace overflowing in the love and blood of Jesus shed for you. It is a refreshed life perspective that sees worldly worries through a faith perspective.
As summer heat dries and cracks the land, and as the summer pace leaves the soul parched – plan to reserve time to nurture the soul. Make worship attendance a regular and powerful practice. The Lord will certainly bless any time set aside for Him. He will come and bring peace, calm, and cool, clear, water – living water – the waters of baptism – the water of life – John 7:37-38 – Jesus said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”
Peace - Pastor Dave

Weddings this summer;

Jacy Barnes & Colt Aschenbrenner; To be married at First Saint John on Saturday, June 13th, at 4:00 p.m.
Staci Bertholf & Derek Foreman; To be married at First Saint John on Saturday, July 25th, at 5:30 p.m.

Summertime Ideas and Possibilities;

Praise in the Park;

July 18th; at the Kensington roadside park.
Hot dog roast, snacks, singing, praise and devotional service open to everyone.

Lakeside potluck picnic at Harlan County lake .

Possibly in August.
Short evening devotion.
The event was to be with Downs, but there were too many date & time conflicts.

More Children focus activities during worship;

Children’s sermons on non-communion Sundays
Children’s songs same service as Children’s sermons

There will certainly be a Pool Party coming up near the end of Summer!
Youth Lake Event; It’s in the works, though no date is planned at this time.
NAS-MOW; It sure was fun last year, therefore, we need to do it again or until someone gets hurt. Tune up your riding lawn mowers for a mower race summer. Winner last year – Lynn Wallgren!
Youth 30 Hour Famine Progrect; The Youth will be having their “Famine Event” on the weekend of July 18th. It will be followed by our July Voters Meeting & a most welcome Pot Luck Dinner!
Breakfast Sunday; We will have a “Breakfast Sunday” the morning of July 12th. Breakfast will be served in the Parish Hall starting at 9:00 with the morning service to be held in the Parish Hall at 10:30. These are always fun. Plan now to attend

“The Shack”

We are once again going to begin a book review and study. There are a great many people interested in attending our study on themes that are presented in the popular new book “The Shack”. A sign up sheet has been posted in the narthex for those who need a book. A bulk order will be put together the 1st week of June. Many already have the book and will attend. I’m expecting around 30 people, our members and others from the area, who are interested in walking through a discussion of the book.

Our first session will begin after wheat harvest is finished. We will probably meet for a total of 6 sessions and we will meet on Sunday evenings. Going any longer won’t work with summer schedules. Sign up for a book or bring you own. It will surely be good.

We’re always open to new ideas of something to do as a Summer activity! If you have a new idea – let’s talk about it.

Church Council Meeting Wednesday – June 3rd;

We will have a special agenda at this months Church Council meeting. We will deal with any necessary business and then begin a study of the past, present, and future First Saint John. We want to begin conversations regarding the nature of the church in 20 years. We will study our heritage, our present, and consider the nature of the church we will leave to our children. Give it some thought and come to the meeting.

Kansas District LCMS Convention;

Our Kansas District LCMS will meet in convention in Topeka June 4-6. Key agenda items are election of officers and the presentation of proposed changes in the structure of the Synod that will be dealt with at the Synodical Convention in 2010. Your delegates are Tracy Smith and Pastor Dave.

Pastor to be Gone;

Pastor will be out of town from June 15th through June 22nd. He will be visiting family. Please contact one of your Elders if any needs arise.

When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years. - Mark Twain

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL!!

June 7th--SCAVENGER HUNT-
Galatians 5:22, 23
BIBLE SCRIPTURE RACES

June 14th-SERVICE PROJECT/LESSON

June 21st- FAITH BIBLE BINGO GAME
FATHER'S DAY CRAFT

JUNE 28th-LIGHTS IN THE NIGHT LESSON-
(Learn how Lightning Bugs are God's little lights in the summer night)
BUG JAR CRAFT KIT-We will make jars to collect God's little lights

4TH OF JULY CRAFT
This craft will be able to soar like God's love!!!

The History of Father's Day
Father's Day, contrary to popular misconception, was not established as a holiday in order to help greeting card manufacturers sell more cards.
In fact when a "father's day" was first proposed there were no Father's Day cards!
Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington, first proposed the idea of a "father's day" in 1909. Mrs. Dodd wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. William Smart, a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife (Mrs. Dodd's mother) died in childbirth with their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state. It was after Mrs. Dodd became an adult that she realized the strength and selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent.
The first Father's Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. At about the same time in various towns and cities across American other people were beginning to celebrate a "father's day.".
In 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day.
Finally in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. Father's Day has become a day to not only honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day.

"Things My Dad Would Never Say."

"Can you turn up that music?"

"Go ahead and take my truck. Here's 50 bucks for gas."

"I LOVE your tattoo. We should both get new ones."

"Here, you take the remote."

“Happy Father’s Day”

Therefore……

One of the most motivational and challenging words in Scripture is the word "therefore." It is motivational and challenging because it is often used to mobilize us into action. The writers of the Bible often used "therefore" to prompt us to respond to who God is and to the wonderful blessings that come from Him. In essence, we turn from hearing and knowing to putting our faith into action. Webster's Dictionary defines "therefore" as follows: "for this or for that reason, hence." Although "therefore" is used in numerous places in the Bible, we will focus on the following three verses:
1 Corinthians 6:20: Here the apostle Paul tells us that, because of what Jesus has done, we "are not [our] own; [we] were bought at a price. Therefore honor God ..." Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice with His precious blood. Therefore, in light of His sacrifice, what does God desire and deserve from us? He deserves nothing less than our total praise and devotion. "Therefore" is the link from knowing to doing. Through faith, we know what Jesus did for us, and, again through faith, we are empowered to honor God. We honor Him in many ways. As stewards, we honor Him when we use our time, talents, and treasures in ways that advance His kingdom. In essence, we
honor Him with all that we are and have.
Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship" . In the chapters preceding this verse, Paul repeatedly references God's abundant mercy to us. Using the word "therefore," Paul directs us, in light of God's mercy, to "offer [our] bodies as living sacrifices. " Because God is merciful and does not punish us as we deserve to be punished, we are to present ourselves to God as sacrificial gifts. We are to surrender and submit our lives to Jesus. A living sacrifice implies that Jesus is the Lord of every area of our lives. Having received God's mercy, we are motivated to live lives of obedience and faithfulness.
Matthew 28:18: " All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations ..." Jesus is Lord of all and has received from the Father all power in heaven and earth. With the word "therefore," He gives us the Great Commission. We are commanded to go to all nations to spread the Gospel. With this inspiration from Scripture, therefore, let us express our faith. As the Holy Spirit speaks to us through God's Word, let us obey His promptings to live out our faith. Therefore, go and let others see His light and love through you.

MONTHLY NEWS

The Pastor’s Perspective

“The Shack”

I’ll tell you about a new Bible study and faith conversation possibility coming up this summer. This time, our study and topic will focus on the William Paul Young book titled, “The Shack”. The book is a walk through theology as well as a shocking narrative and fictional drama. The book ends with a short message from the author.
Young writes, “Most of us have our own grief, broken dreams and damaged hearts, each of us with our unique losses, our own ‘shack’. I pray that you find the same grace there that I did, and that the abiding presence of Papa, Jesus and Sarayu will fill up your inside emptiness with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” (Conclusion of acknowledgments)
The book focuses on the principle characters of the Trinity – “Papa” – God the Father, Jesus, and “Sarayu” – the wind like character of the Holy Spirit. It deals with the stark tragedy of life and death on this earth as the author wrestles the presence of God in the midst of loss, trials, and even death. The shock of the story gives rise to the character, “Mack’s” searching for answers from and comfort in the presence and power of God.
The writing serves as a metaphorical walk through theology and a spiritual journey as faith confronts God with the conflict of real life. You’ll find frequently asked questions discussed here. Young takes on such themes as the inter-relationship of the Trinity; Creation, the power and work of the Holy Spirit; the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, the love of God for each of us individually and particularly. “The Shack” wrestles with inter Christian relationships and family issues. It asks, “Where are you God, in my trials?”
Young’s credentials and background is not provided except on the back cover. It says, “Wm. Paul Young was born a Canadian and raised among a stone-age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of what was New Guinea. He suffered great loss as a child and young adult, and now enjoys the “wastefulness of grace” with his family in the Pacific Northwest.”
His acknowledgements quote well-known theological sources such as Soren Kierkegaard and others. It is probable that his background could be Missouri Synod Lutheran as historically, our own missionaries were those who worked the mission fields of the New Guinea Highlands. His written theology certainly reflects our own.
The book is somewhat strange to read and some of the characters will challenge your understanding of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, - but it will raise important and eye opening questions as we work through the material. You’ll come away with a renewed sense of how close God is to you and how great is His love for you His redeemed. “He’s especially fond of you, ya know.”
Walk through this journey with us. The book is a good but difficult read at times. We will certainly have some deep and wonderful conversations and discussions. A sign up sheet is posted in the narthex if you want us to order a copy for you. You can find the book in most Christian Book stores or on Amazon. Pastor Dave

BOARD OF EDUCATION APRIL 2009 REPORT

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL- Tamra Portenier and Jeni Wallgren will be the VBS Directors this year. The dates for VBS will be May 26th-29th. Our meeting with all Church leaders was held and materials will be ordered soon. We will be recruiting teachers and helpers so anyone interested can contact Tamra or Jeni.

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS—
Preschool-Kindergarten-Matraca Forell
1st-3rd-Sandi Reneberg and Renae Snyder
4th-6th-Tamra Portenier and Jeni Wallgren
Jr. High-Elizabeth Hagman/Kim Rietzke (back up)

MARCH/APRIL ACTIVITIES—
Spring activities are now complete and we will now focus on VBS and Summer Sunday School plans.

BANK BALANCE—
The bank balance stands at _$_755.68.

SPECIAL CHILDREN’S SUNDAY
The board has not worked on the special service as has been busy with VBS and planning for 1st communion/Palm Sunday. If time allows this Spring we will try to get some ideas put together.

SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
A decision was made by the Board of Ed members last Sunday that we will be having Summer Sunday school through the 4 Sundays in June. There will be no Sunday school in July/August as kids will have their Summer Break for these 2 months. We will then come back with a bang the Sunday after Labor Day (September 13th) for the kick-off Sunday for the regular session.
(Note; JoAnn Brooks will provide an activity during the Sunday School hour during the month of July for any children who wish to attend.)

Youth Group “End of the Year” Get– Together Party!
We need a get together to plan some things for the summer (i.e. Famine and lake trips!) We also need to play with the new HUGE ball for the wallyball court and we can use the dance game some more! Also we will watch a movie and of course...EAT! (Bring food!) Plan on joining us on Saturday May 9th from 6:30 ’til 11:30 pm at the PAC. COME JOIN US!!

“Preschool News”

“Shout to the Lord with Praises” is our motto here at preschool this month. The children have been working very hard on preparing for their Spring Program.
On Wednesday, May 13th the preschool will be having their program here in the Parish Hall at 7:00 p.m. It is fun for all the children to get together to meet each other. We have 35 kids that have been singing praises to God. At the conclusion of our program the children will be receiving their preschool diplomas.
Our last day of school will be ‘Thursday May 14th. The children will be heading over to Phillipsburg to have a fun day at the park. We leave in the morning and have time to play and eat our sack lunches.
It’s hard to believe that the month of May is here, and that means we will be making preparations for next year. If you know of someone that has a child that will be 3 before August 30th, they can attend preschool. Please let me know, and I will be happy to give them information on our school.
Have a wonderful spring and a safe summer. It has been fun giving you a monthly update on what’s happening in preschool!
Love, Stacy

Six-year old Angie, and her four-year old brother, Joel, were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud.
Finally, his big sister had enough. "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church."
"Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.
Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers."

What is “Memorial Day”?

Kathlena Peebles was a Junior at Highlands High School in North Highlands, CA when she wrote this. The essay was punishment for missing a band function on Memorial Day to witness a Memorial Day presentation by her father's submariner veterans group aboard the USS Pampanito [US Sub Vets, Inc. Mare Island Base]. She wrote an essay about what Memorial Day really is, she succinctly expressed the Spirit of Memorial Day. The day is a day to remember and honor those who fell in battle. Which is what she did, and was punished for.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day set aside for remembrance of those who have died in our nations service. Memorial Day was first proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, in his General Order Number 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868; when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. The South, at first, refused to acknowledge Memorial Day, honoring their dead on separate days until after WWI. It is now observed in almost every state of the union on the last Monday of every May. Since the Civil War more than 1.1 million veterans, both women and men, have lost their lives in service to America. Indeed the Civil War alone accounted for more than 600,000 dead.
On Memorial Day I had the opportunity to witness a memorial in San Francisco, aboard a submarine, the USS Pampanito, a submarine that was used in WWII and Korea. The United States submarine service suffered a higher percentage of casualties than any other of the services that served in WWII. They also sank over 55% of all Japanese shipping sunk in WWII. This was all pointed out to me with pride by several of these veterans.
As our National Anthem was played over the speaker system some of them started to cry as they remembered all of their fallen comrades, the ones that served with them, and the ones that did not. I thought about how many of these veterans’ brothers had made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may all enjoy the freedom this country offers.
As we stood for the Pledge of Allegiance I saw the reaction on their faces. It was a thoughtful, respectful look, a look of such sadness. I thought about what my dad's submarine veterans group was really all about "To perpetuate the memory of our shipmates who gave their lives while serving in the United State Naval Submarines"
I then started to cry myself with the realization of what that really meant . All those old sailors, my dad included, standing on the deck of an old submarine holding the flag with such pride and sadness.
Then it was time for the speakers to give their speeches about their experiences and the meaning of Memorial Day. A WWII veteran talked about the hardships and struggles and the fact that he was lucky to be alive when so many of his brothers had fallen victim to the war. One talked about how it was up to the veterans to teach "our children about the sacrifices made by so many". Another said, "that America will only be the land of the free so long as it is the home of the Brave". So many of the speakers spoke with so much pride about America that it was hard not to think about all the people who have no idea what this holiday is really about. While they go to their Bar- B-Que's and beaches there are some who keep up a tradition of pride in service to the United States of America and remember all those who had fallen, and rejoice in the ones who still live and remember. Let none of us ever forget what Memorial Day really is.

*******God Bless Our Military Mothers*********

My Soldier's Mom

My child, you glow in uniform, In pride I live, my heart so warm
I have such precious thoughts cascade, Some old, some new not one will fade

How hard that day we said good-bye, The joy, the pain, etched in my eye
You left to serve our country well, My perfect one, my tears did swell

No better soldier could there be, For in my love, that's all I see
Oh how I pray for you each day, Be safe, be well, God guide your way

I keep your home in wait with me, Your Mom will guard it faithfully
How great the day when you'll return, We'll talk and talk, night-lights to burn

My Soldier's Mom, is who I am, While you do proud, for Uncle Sam

Roger J. Robicheau

A Drop in the Bucket

Jesus once remarked, “You will always have the poor among you” (John 12:8)). Those words, taken out of context, may lead us to think that our efforts to alleviate the problems the needy face are fruitless. The task, after all, is endless.
Jesus also commented, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37). The work is overwhelming! How can so few of us reach so many lost? And how can one congregation meet the needs and temperaments of such diverse people? The prospect is so daunting, it’s enough to make us give up altogether.
And where is the money supposed to come from for all these ministries? My small offering is only a drop in the bucket. The same can be said for my abilities. The gifts I have to offer are only a drop in the bucket to what is needed. And my time is already stretched as far as it can go. The hour or two I can spare each week for the work of the church is only a drop in the bucket in light of the time needed to fulfill our goals.
God would not want us to be discouraged. He would not want us to give up and quit. He knows the enormity of the task He’s given us, but He also sees what He has given us collectively as members of the Body of Christ is sufficient for the undertaking. He asks only that we cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7) and regularly return to Him “a sum of money in keeping with (our) income” (1 Corinthians 16:2). He promises, “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
Speaking of workers, Jesus returned to Heaven leaving the entire work of evangelizing in the hands of eleven disciples. Was He worried? I think not! For He did not leave them alone. Nor are we! “Now I am going” He said, but “It is for your good (because) unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you” (John 16:5,7). The Holy Spirit is doing the work after all. He’s the One instilling faith in hearers of the Word. He’s the One encouraging us not to “become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9)
Do not be deterred by the erroneous belief that your efforts are not significant. Remember that a raging flood is nothing but the collection of many raindrops. No single drop of water is less important than the other. God takes all our hours, all our gifts, and all our offerings, both small and large, and uses them and blesses them to fill that bucket, perhaps even to create a flood!

Congratulations to the Graduates among us!
Junior High;
Marcus Allen Smith Center May 19 7 pm
Caitlin Snyder Smith Center May 19 7 pm
Jackie Reneberg Thunder Ridge/Agra May 19 7 pm
High School;
Vicki Smith Franklin High School May 9 2 pm
Matraca Forell Thunder Ridge High School May 16 5 pm

College;
Brandi Smith Fort Hays State Univ. May 16 9 am

Your Invited; Please consider this your invitation to join Vicki and Brandi Smith as they celebrate their respective Graduations at a reception which will be held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds on May 9th beginning at approximately 3:30 pm. The fairgrounds are located 1/2 mile southwest of Franklin.

Germantown Cemetery; The annual meeting of the Germantown Cemetery was held on April 14th. Upkeep and mowing is the major expense for the cemetery. We are not funded by the county and no longer charge a perpetual maintenance fee. The board would appreciate donations and memorials to help with these yearly expenses. Also, interest has been expressed in replacing the old metal fence with a white vinyl fence. If there is any interest and support for this project, please give us your suggestions and comments. You may contact Alan Grauerholz, Vincent Rietzke, or Brian Dettmer.

Wedding Plans! On Saturday May 23rd, Pastor Dave will perform an outdoor wedding ceremony in Manhattan for Dawn Smith and Mitch Hubbard. Dawn is the oldest daughter of Tracy & Lauri Smith. We wish God’s blessings on them as they begin their life together. Pastor and Susie will be out of town over the Memorial Day weekend.

1 Corinthians 15:17-20 – “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. – If only for this life we have hope in Christ we are to be pitied more than all men. But CHRIST HAS INDEED BEEN RAISED FROM THE DEAD, THE FIRSTFRUITS OF THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN ASLEEP.”
Come with us on Easter and take a look inside the empty tomb. It is dark and cold in there and could not contain the victorious Son of God. No grave could hold Him nor can it hold us. We will always have life through faith in Him. Peace - Pastor Dave.

Altar colors for the services this month;
Apr. 5th Sunday – Palm Sunday - RED
Apr. 9th Maundy Thursday; PURPLE
Apr. 10th Good Friday; BLACK
Apr. 12th Easter Sunday; WHITE

Head Elder for April; Dale Lyon

Head Usher for April; Open.

Altar Guild for April; Lynda Wangerin, Nicole Wangerin.

Lent 5 Service here; The last of our midweek Lent services will be held here at First Saint John on Wednesday April 1, beginning at 7 p.m. Group 1 is in charge of refreshments.

Elders Meeting; at 9 a.m. on Wednesday April 1.

Council Meeting; will be held following the midweek service on April 1. We will be setting the agenda for the April Voter’s Meeting, along with other important issues. Please make sure a representative of each board is present. Thank you.

Holy Week Plans;

Palm Sunday/Confirmation; Our Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion, will be on Sunday, April 5th starting at 10:30 a.m. It will begin with the children entering and waving palm branches. In the morning service we will also have Confirmation for three youths of our church. They are Caitlin Snyder, Marcus Allen, and Jackie Reneberg. We will have a pot luck dinner in their honor in the parish hall following the morning service

Maundy Thursday; Our Maundy Thursday service will be at 7:00 p.m. on April 9th. We will host and have our own service. The choir has been working on a Passion story cantata that will be sung that evening. The service will end with the celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Good Friday; Our Good Friday service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10th. We will follow the traditional Good Friday Tenebrae Service. The service ends in darkness with a silent procession from the sanctuary.

Easter Sunday;
It all begins with the Sunrise Service at 7:30 a.m. at the Saint John Lutheran Cemetery. Following the sunrise service, we will return to the Saint John Parish Hall for the Easter breakfast at 8:00 a.m.
Our morning Easter Sunday Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. We will celebrate communion during this service. Please note the time change from our usual 10:30 start time. There will be no Sunday School. We hope you can join us for this special service and day.

April Dates to remember;
Apr. 1 Elders meet 9 a.m.
Lent 5 Service; 7 p.m.
Church Council meeting; 7:45 p.m.
NO Confirmation.

Apr. 5 Palm Sunday/Confirmation – Pot Luck Dinner
Janet Barnes - Parish Activity Center

Apr. 9 Maundy Thursday service; 7:00 p.m.

Apr. 10 Good Friday service; 9:00 a.m.

Apr. 11 Cheryl Levin – Parish Hall
Deb Levin - Parish Activity Center

Apr. 12 Easter – Sunrise Service – 7:30 a.m. - Cemetery
Easter Breakfast – 8:00 a.m. - North Church
Easter Worship w/Communion; 10:00 a.m.
Prairie Haven Service – 1:30
Wallgren – Parish Hall & Activity Center

Apr. 14 Ada Gaines – Parish Hall
Pastors Conference - Phillipsburg

Apr. 18 Warren Larick Benefit - Agra Legion – 5:00- 8:00

Apr. 19 April Voters Meeting & Pot Luck

Apr. 25 Deb Levin – Parish Hall

Possible Voters agenda projects;
Two projects rise before us for consideration at the April Voters meeting.

1. We are looking into possibilities for immediate access/escape from the basement for the pre-school classroom. It could involve putting in an exit stairway or large escape window and stair well. Basement exits now are either or both stairways at the west and east end of the basement, both requiring that people would have to move through up stair space.

2. We also have estimates from a sign company for updating our outdoor church sign. There are a number of possibilities for the installation of an electronic sign on our current sign structure. It would allow much easier message changing as well as advertising church and community events.

“Preschool News”

The month of April will be a busy one here at preschool. The Children will be celebrating Easter. We will make our Easter baskets and have our annual Easter egg hunt. The Easter bunny that will assist in the festivities is of course, none other but Pastor Dave!!
A few events planned for this month are of course, our annual parent/teacher conferences, which will be held on Wednesday evening April 29th for children planning on attending Kindergarten in the Fall. The unit we will cover this month is farm animals. We have many fun activities planned to learn all about the different types of animals on the farm, and hopefully even have a few come visit us at preschool! We are also starting to practice our songs for our Spring Program which will be held on May 13th! That about wraps it up for the month of April here at preschool. Have a very Happy Spring!
Ms. Stacy

Oh, Come, Let Us Adore Him

The refrain of one of the best-known and most beloved Christmas carols is “Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.” Those words immediately invoke an image in our minds of shepherds leaving their flocks and bowing down before the newborn baby and of Wise Men, traveling great distances to see the Child, kneeling before Him and placing their gifts before Him.
It’s a scene that makes sense to us, quite unlike the scene before us on Calvary. Here we picture a beaten and bruised man, hanging on a cross, a tool designed to inflict optimal pain on a convicted criminal. The man is the Baby in the Manger. Although He has reached adulthood, He has done nothing to deserve this punishment. “Though He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth” (Isaiah 53:9), He was “oppressed and afflicted” - (Isaiah 53:7), “He was taken way . . . He was cut off from the land of the living” (Isaiah 53:8).
And, as for adoring Him, that was hardly the case. “He was despised and rejected by men . . . Like one from who men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not” (Isaiah 53:3). Ah, but there were those who adored Him still, women who stood near the cross, loving Him and adoring Him to the end (John 19:25). Although His disciples initially deserted Him (Mark 14:50), some returned to keep watch with Him in His final hour (John 19:26-27). In horror and grief, they adored Him.
“What would we have done?” we may ask ourselves. Would we have run and hid? Would we have ignored the whole ordeal and gone about our business? Would we, like the centurion, have praised God and confessed, “Surely this was a righteous man” (Luke 23:47)?
That question need not take up much of our time. A better question is, “What are we doing with the knowledge we have?” We know Christ did not stay on that cross nor in the tomb. We know we have a risen Savior. He is the One Who deserves our adoration now and forevermore. He is the One Who deserves our gifts, gifts He gives each of us to use as we tell the Good News of the birth, suffering and death, and resurrection of His Son Who came bringing us forgiveness of sins and life eternal. Some of us, like the Wise Men, are blessed with monetary gifts to be used to support mission and ministry. Others of us are more like the shepherds and the apostles, able to “spread the word concerning what [we] have been told . . . About this Child” (Luke 2:17). All of us, like the women before the cross, give witness as we adore our beaten and bruised, victorious Savior.

And last, a little humor!

A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands.
He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside.
The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!"
My friend replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor."
Pastor questioned, "How come I don't see you except at Christmas and Easter?"
He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service.”

A Sunday school teacher asked, 'Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark ?'
'No,' replied the boy. 'How could he, with just two worms?'

Have a good week!
Tracy

5th Sunday – Pre-Service Singing; We will have the “Pre-Service Singing” on March 29th. The early singing will begin at 10:15 in the sanctuary. Come early and sing along!

KENSINGTON LUTHERAN YOUTH GROUP

“SERVICE SATURDAYS”

LENT SERVICE PROJECTS

10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

STARTING SATURDAY MARCH 7 UNTIL

SATURDAY APRIL 11!

Do you have:
- A garage that needs cleaned?
- A shed that needs painted?
- A house that needs spring cleaning?
- Flower beds that need prepping?
- A basement that needs organizing?
- A yucky job that you don’t want to do?

Call on the Youth Group!!!!

Sign up on our service list in the narthex and

We will contact you to set up a “Service Saturday”

Youth group members who participate will be rewarded with an overnight trip to Kearney - staying at the Holiday Inn and Waterpark on May 2nd. Members must attend 70% of the Service Saturdays to be able to go on the trip.
Any questions?
Contact either Liz Hagman, elizabethhagman@yahoo,com

Or Becky Kirchoff, becky_goracke@hotmail.com

This is one of the kindest things you may ever see. It is not known who replied, but there is a beautiful soul working in the dead letter office of the US postal service.
Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, 'To Meredith' in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, 'When a Pet Dies.' Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.
Abbey isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by..
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I'm easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love, God

2008 Church Goals

List of all suggested ideas and goals;

Build a college data base of students and provide a “handbook” for leaving High School Seniors.
Set up a committee to encourage college students to attend local churches
Provide for more seating in the sanctuary;
Install ceiling fans in all facilities as needed
Get new sanctuary doors;
Purchase a new organ;
Develop a Church board job description handbook
Develop a greeter list for serving at worship services;
Develop a energy conservation plan;
Expand the church secretary position to include parish administration;
Plan for some assimilation training;
Use more contemporary music;
Develop a special music committee for worship;
Get an outdoor electronic sign for the church;
Provide more “Pastor led” Bible Study opportunities;
Virtual Dave – Web cam for worship services and activities;
Enlarge the Sanctuary to the east and south – form a committee;
Set up more Family Nights/Activity Nights;
Make a “Sing along with Dave” CD for sale;
Fix the nursery speaker;
Provide more handicapped parking in front of church;
Get and use a power-point system;
Set up cluster meeting; (Kensington, Phillipsburg, Norton) and get a special guest speaker;
More Special Sundays to be used for outreach;

ADOPTED PRIORITY GOALS; - as ranked by attendees;

Enlarge Sanctuary; - Form a building committee;
Use More contemporary music; set up a special music committee;
Develop a College database for college ministry;
Expand Church Secretary position to more Parish Administration;
Develop Energy Conservation plans;
Have more “Pastor led” Bible study opportunities;
Get a new organ;
Install ceiling fans where needed;
Get an outdoor electronic sign;

We hope to keep these goals before you and we can see great results as we move forward in mission and ministry.

“Preschool News”

The kids and I here at preschool wish each of you a Happy Spring! I know we might be counting our chickens before they hatch, but the kids can’t wait to get outside and play in the new playground!
If you haven’t had a chance to go out back and look at the playground, please do so. Levin and Sons did a terrific job in fixing the landing around the play equipment. They laid 8 inch pipe around the area and then brought in pea gravel to cover the ground. It now passes state regulations for us to continue to be licensed. Thank you so much for all your hard work. It is so appreciated!
February found the children busy learning about Groundhog Day, President’s Day, and Dental Health Month. The kids enjoyed all the neat activities that were associated with each topic.
Class time found them extra busy working on the numbers 9 and 10, the color pink, and the heart shape. The older class has been working very hard on writing their names correctly.
The children have been really listening when we’ve been talking about the importance of prayer. The prayers that they have been sharing are just priceless.
March finds us starting to focus on the Easter Story. The children will start to understand just what an amazing act of love that Jesus did for each of us!
Have a very Happy Spring!! Ms. Stacy

Moving Into Lent; March 1st, - the First Sunday in Lent – is a “Breakfast Sunday” for us. It is our plan to use this special day and service as a “Kick off” for the Lenten season. We will again follow the Joint Lent process with the members of Saint John Lutheran. We will host the majority of the services this year. The schedule will be as follows;
Lent 1 Service – March 4th at First Saint John – 7:00 p.m.
Lent 2 Service – March 11th at Saint John – 7:00 p.m.
Lent 3 Service – March 18th at First Saint John – 7:00 p.m.
Lent 4 Service – March 25th at Saint John – 7:00 p.m.

Our Lent Theme for this year will be based on the verses of the hymn, “Just As I Am”. We will begin with the first verse on March 4th with the Lent 1 Service. We hope you will attend all of the Lent – Easter special services. This progression helps us appreciate and love even more the Passion story of Jesus. He did it all for you. Will you do this for Him? Come and know His love even better.
Communion/Baptism Class; We have 3 students who will have completed the course on Communion and Baptism for this year. They are: Darrah Portenier, Shaylynn Webb, and Michelle Palmer. They have been an excellent class and have studied well our understanding of the sacraments. We will have an opportunity for the oral interview with them on Sunday evening of March 8th at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Dave will lead the questioning of the class as a group as we review our lessons through this past year. Surviving the interview, their First Communion Day will be the following Sunday, March 15th. In that morning service they will come forward and receive communion as a class. This program has proven to be a valuable resource for our church and is well received by the students as they work through the material and lengthy study of the sacraments. We, together with them, look forward to their First Communion Day.

I have a Question!
Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do, write to them? Why don't they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?

March Baptism; On March 29th, in the morning service, we will celebrate the baptism of Cole Michael Kirchhoff – infant son of Josh & Becky Kirchhoff and little brother to Jacob and Gracie.
5th Sunday – Pre-Service Singing; We will have the “Pre-Service Singing” on March 29th. The early singing will begin at 10:15 in the sanctuary. Come early and sing along!
Prairie Haven Service; Our church is responsible for the Prairie Haven Nursing Home service on the second Sunday of every month of this year. We hope you can come out and worship with the residents when it is our turn. They really appreciate your attendance and worship with them.
Last Day of CFF is March 25th; - Our closing day for the 2008-2009 CFF year will be Wednesday, March 25th. Certainly we want to thank all of you who have worked hard to continue to make the CFF program a great event for our kids. For food and snack preparation, serving, teaching, directing, and so much more – thank you! And special thanks to our teachers, who really face the storm! - to Becky, Liz, Sandy, Lauri & Tracy for helping to make it all happen. Thank you!!
Confirmation Day coming; Our Confirmation of youth will be on Palm Sunday, April 5th. On that day in the morning service, Marcus Allen, Jackie Reneberg, & Caitlin Snyder will confirm their faith. Confirmation is a reaffirmation of the Sacrament of Baptism. In the Rite of Confirmation, these youths will claim the Christian faith as their own and publicly declare their allegiance to Christ. In Baptism, it was done for them, but now, they speak their own faith. It is always a great event in the life of the church as such faith declaration happens. Please remember them in prayer as the day approaches.

After putting her grandchildren to bed, a grandmother changed into old slacks and a droopy blouse. She proceeded to wash her hair. As she heard the children getting more and more rambunctious, her patience grew thin.
Finally, she threw a towel around her head and stormed into their room. She put them back to bed with stern warnings.
As she left the room, she heard the three-year-old say with a trembling voice, '“Who was THAT?'“

Bible Puzzle!!!
There are thirty books of the Bible in this paragraph. Can you find them? This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket, on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much he passed it on to some friends. One from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor a columnist friend was so intrigued by it she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving the puzzle so involving; she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That’s a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam; especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in the paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new sales record. The local paper, The Chronicle surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, “the books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight.” Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in the paragraph waiting to be found. God Bless!

God’s Love Prompts Giving

Why are many Christians unwilling to give larger portions of their incomes for the work of the Lord through their churches? I believe one of the biggest reasons peoples don’t give as generously as they are able is that they don’t understand how much God loves them. If people knew the depths of God’s love, they wouldn’t need to be encouraged to give more. Love makes people give freely and generously. This article is devoted to helping us better understand how much God loves each and every one of us.
In 1 John we read, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1) God loves us. He knows each of us by name (John 10:3). We are God’s children whom he loves deeply. He promises to love us forever. “I [love] you with an everlasting love” (Jeremiah 31:3). As sinners, we don’t deserve His love, but He loves us out of His nature and character: “God is love” (1 John 4:8). We can be certain that God loves us because love is at the heart of Who He is and what He does. “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
God expressed His great love for us by giving us His son to pay the price of our sins. The Cross stands as the greatest witness to God’s love for us. On the Cross, He gave us the most indescribable gift, the gift of His own Son. “For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son…” (John 3:16). The Bible is filled with references of the many things that God does for us because He loves us.
Paul wrote, “I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17b-19). If we were able to comprehend even dimly the depth of God’s love for us, we would desire to share that love with others. God’s love would automatically flow through us into others. The fruit of God’s love in our lives would be seen in both our words and deeds. God’s love would be seen in us as we reach out to others and as we give faithfully and generously. Grasping the depth of God’s love we would give glory to Him “throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:21).

LWML/LLL Spring Rally; Our Zone LWML/LLL Spring Rally will be held in Norton on Saturday, February 28th. They always feature an interesting mission or ministry speaker. You are all invited to attend. If you can go, tell Pastor Dave or Kathy Holthus.

Conversations of Grace;
Part of the “Ablaze” program is to encourage Evangelism and out-reach through our churches as well as abroad. To date, over $40 million have been raised in the evangelistic and mission outreach goal. The goal of Ablaze is to reach 100 million people with the gospel by the year 2017 – the 500th birthday of Martin Luther. In order to complete that goal, additional money needed to be raised. So the synod started “Fan Into Flame”, the financial aspect of the Ablaze movement. The hope is to raise $100 million in 5 years to support the over all goal of out-reach. Our church has voted to support that effort by raising $5,000 over the next 5 years for “Fan into Flame.”
Locally, our Circuit is adopting another project of the synod. We will have a Circuit Convocation on Sunday, Feb. 8th – next Sunday – for a meeting called “Conversations of Grace”. It is a session developed around training our people in developing an out-reach attitude and skills in sharing the Gospel.
Two guest speakers will lead the process. The Rev. Mark Frith, our District Mission and Stewardship Exec. will lead a program concerning developing a mission minded attitude and focus in our church. His theme is;

Plowing – Planting – Cultivating – Harvesting – all ag-based terms for doing the work of Church growth. His session will help us identify areas that we can work on and improve our out-reach potential.

The Rev. Rocky Mease will lead a program that will assist in encouraging and helping us to be spiritual helpers to members of our own families. Family relationships are often very difficult area for the sharing of faith and grace. Rocky will help us see possible avenues of grace in our closest relationships. You will be able to attend both sessions.
The meeting will run from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8th. If you are interested in going, please tell Pastor Dave.

Please Do Your Part! Due to extremely high utility costs, the Church Council voted to set the thermostats no higher than 69 degrees during the heating season and no lower than 74 degrees during the cooling season. Please help out and abide by these settings. There will be signs posted at both thermostats. Also, if you use the Parish Hall make sure the temperature is turned back down to 52 degrees in the winter and at 80 degrees in the summer on BOTH thermostats before you leave. Thank you.

Are They Yours? We still have a number of unclaimed dishes and pans that were left in the kitchen after recent events. Please check the table in the narthex to see if any of them are yours. We need to get them removed as soon as possible. Thank you.

Pot-Luck Dinner & Wedding Anniversary Event; Please join us on February 15, 2009 for a special recognition of couples with milestone wedding anniversaries. There will be a short presentation during the service and a potluck dinner following the service. Honored couples, please bring wedding photos or wedding albums so that we could share these at the potluck dinner. Honored couples are:
- Jerry & Dixie Rietzke - Mar. 9, 1974
- Ryan & Tiffany Rietzke - May 8, 1999
- Roy & Mae Wangerin - August 28, 1944
- Gordon & Juanita Reneberg - August 29, 1954
- Jeremy & Krystal Rothe - Sept. 25, 2004
- Van & Kim Baumann - Oct. 6, 1979
- Errol & Marla Baumann - Oct. 18, 1974
- Roy & Helen Ferguson - Oct. 18, 1959
- Ron & Kristi Reneberg - Nov. 17, 1984

Lent is coming soon;
Ash Wednesday will be on Wednesday night, Feb. 25th. Plans are under way for our observance of the Lenten season. It always begins with Ash Wednesday. The season of Lent is a penitential season encouraging God’s people to examine their lives and turn away from sin, to serve Christ alone.
We will again share in the Joint Lent Process with the members of Saint John Lutheran Church. The schedule for services will be as follows:
Ash Wednesday starts it all; We will hold our own service at 7:30 p.m. with communion. We will host the Lent services on March 4th, 18th, & April 1st. We will hold our own Maundy Thursday service with communion and will host the usual Good Friday service.
The theme of our Lenten season will be based on the verses of the hymn “Just As I Am.” Each service we will focus on a new verse of the old favorite hymn. We hope you will plan to follow and participate in the Lent program this year.

Communion Change in March; As a kickoff for the Lent season, on March 1, the 1st Sunday in Lent, we will have a breakfast Sunday service in the Parish Hall like we’ve done in the past. A letter will be sent to everyone letting them know the details. As a result, Communion will be on March 8th and March 15th. Please note these changes.

Breakfast Service; As noted above, we will have a breakfast service on March 1st. We are needing volunteers to help with this project. Please see Tracy or Pastor Dave if you wish to help, either by donating items or helping serve and clean up. Thank you.

“PRESCHOOL NEWS”

We’ve been busy, busy, busy here at Preschool. January found the children learning about all the animals that hibernate. Each child was asked to bring a picture of an animal that hibernates and tell why they chose that particular animal. Most of the children loved the big brown bear. They were thrilled each time we went on a bear hunt. Believe me, their excitement could bring the walls down!! It was a great time and enjoyed by all.
Class time has had the children busy working on number 7 and 8, the letters F, G, and H and we continue working on our scissor skills. In February we will be working very hard on writing our names properly.
Groundhog Day, Presidents Day, Valentines Day, and Dental Health will be important topics that we will cover in February.
During Jesus time, the children are learning the importance of prayer. We are praying for other people’s needs. It is such a blessing to hear what the children want to pray about. I know it makes God so very happy.
Our door is always open, please feel free to stop by and see what we’ve been up to!
Sincerely, Stacy

“New Every Morning”

It’s a new year. Not only do we turn over a page on the calendar, we begin a whole new calendar. For many, a new year brings promise of a new start, but many don’t have such an optimistic view.
The bills from over-spending at Christmas are starting to come in, and there’s no more money now than there was a month ago. Your boss is still the same old hard-to-get-along-with guy he was before. Then there’s the problem of the extra ten pounds you put on due to all the goodies you consumed. None of this is new. The calendar may say January 2009, but only the date is new.
Even the Preacher of Ecclesiastes moaned that there’s nothing new. “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).
Jeremiah, the “Weeping Prophet,” had his troubles too. He wrote, “I remember my affliction and my wondering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me” (Lamentations 3:19-20). But Jeremiah had another perspective, one that we should adopt as well. He follows those words with, “Yet this will I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Verses 21-23).
Instead of looking around us at our circumstances or inside ourselves where there is no hope or inspiration, let us look at God’s unfailing compassion and His blessings which He pours out on us daily. Let us spend our prayer time in thanks for all He has done for us and provided for us, rather than lamenting our sorry state. Let us look to His wisdom to manage His gifts to us in a wiser manner so that we might please Him and be of service in His Kingdom. Especially let us thank Him for the gift of forgiveness and the new start He gives us minute by minute.

“YOUTH NEWS”

The Sunday School kids have been memorizing verses as they want, not as a requirement. When they quote their verse, they then get to put their name in a bucket for a drawing...we drew 3 names and each child got a $10.00 bill… our winners were Kyle Barnes, Michael Gibson and Riley Reneberg. We're going to keep this up and draw names again in May.
CFF Snacks; Our church is responsible for the CFF snacks during the month of February. Please see the sign-up sheet each week on the table in the narthex.

This is amazing and indeed it IS the greatest Valentine of all time!!!
"For God so loVed the world,

That He gAve
His onLy
BegottEn
SoN
That whosever
Believeth In Him
Should Not perish,
But have Everlasting life."

John 3:16

"Happy Valentines Day!"

KEEP SMILING!!!! GOD LOVES YOU BUNCHES AND BUNCHES!!!!

Board of Education;
A special thank you to Sandi Reneberg for her years of service on the Board of Education. We appreciate all she has done in her duties and for all her help with CFF this year. Thanks again Sandi, and we will miss you!
We also want to thank Renae Snyder for her work on “The Mouse’s Tale” that was performed on December 21st. The kids had fun with the program and it helped everyone get in the Christmas spirit.
The kids will now return to regular Sunday School classes after two months of practicing for their program. The Board will be working with Pastor Dave on a special Sunday that will held in the upcoming months, so stay tuned for more details to come!
Sacramental – Communion/Baptism Class; We have 3 kids in the 5th grade class on the sacraments of the church. They are Sheylynn Webb, Derra Portenier, and Michelle Palmer. They are excellent students and show great interest in the topics. We are about to finish our study of the Lord’s Supper and will soon begin work on the sacrament of Baptism.

Poinsettias

Doesn’t the altar look beautiful this time of year? We certainly want to thank everyone who donated a poinsettia to help enhance our Christmas season. Those who donated plants were:
- Goldie Brunow, Lynn & Janeen Wallgren, Dean & Karen Panter in memory of Homer Brunow.
- Glenn & Jane Holthus & family in memory of Uncle Fred & Aunt Laura Holthus.
- The Claude Allen family in memory of Fred & Laura Holthus & Jim Allen.
- Galen & Teresa Arment in memory of Cora & Emma Hunter.
- Wendell & Terry Bohn in thanksgiving for their grandson, Nathan, their son Derek & Kelly’s marriage and in memory of Andrea Bohm.
- Evelyn Levin in memory of Arnold Levin, Otto & Anna Levin and Carl & Martha Grauerholz.
- Tracy & Lauri Smith & family in thanksgiving for a successful kidney transplant.
- Ada Gaines in thanksgiving for and in memory of Francis Gaines.
INNOCENCE IS PRICELESS
One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the Church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, “Good morning Alex.”
“Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque. 'Pastor, what is this?”
The pastor said, “Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.”
Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque.
Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked,
“Which service, the 8:00 or the 10:30?”

Reason to Be Thankful

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” So writes the psalmist in Psalm 107:1, and he goes on to list specific acts of God for which he gives thanks. David, in Psalm 103, writes, “Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name...and forget not all His benefits…” and he, too, recounts the wonders of the Lord. It is a common occurrence in the psalms of David that, although he may express anguish and despair, he always ends his psalms on a note of confidence, for he knows his life is in God’s almighty hands.
It’s Thanksgiving and Christmas time. Perhaps you’re not feeling so thankful. Companies are downsizing and the housing market is weak, at best. With the high price of gas, you are spending much more to drive your cars and to keep your homes warm. Maybe you’ve suffered the loss of someone you hold dear. Maybe your health has deteriorated. Read what the prophet Habakkuk had to say about feelings and circumstances: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18). If we receive none of God’s good gifts on this Earth, we have reason to rejoice in our Savior Who waits for us in Heaven! He is the source of our joy and the object of our gratitude. “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).
Therefore, with hearts filled with thanksgiving, we can respond in words and acts of compassion and encouragement to those around us. We are blessed to be a blessing. We share our financial resources as God gives us the ability, finding that He blesses and multiplies them just as He did the fish and bread the boy offered for the feeding of the 5000 (John 6:5-13). Let us not be like the disciples who didn’t believe that Jesus had the power to feed the large crowd of people that had gathered. In Christ, we know that all things are possible. He empowers our giving that expresses our gratitude to Him for Who He is and what He has done for us. Just as Jesus magnified the boy’s small gifts, enabling them to nourish 5,000 plus people, so He multiplies our small gifts, brought forth willingly and joyfully.

Women’s Bible Study;
Please consider joining us for a Max Lucado Women’s Bible Study starting on January 7, 2009. The study is titled “Traveling Light: The Promise of Psalm 23.”
The study will begin at 7:30 p.m. and we will be finished by 8:30 or earlier each night. There will be light reading to do during the week, but I promise you will look forward to doing it. This study is pretty awesome!
The books will cost $10 - please bring money with you the first night.
Child care will be provided. Please let Liz know if you wish to take advantage of this service. Children will be watching a Disney movie and doing an activity each week over at the PAC house with members of the youth group. Please come and join us!!
No Choir practice until Spring; We certainly want to thank our fearless leader ‘Liz for directing the choir this past fall and Christmas season. Also, our thanks to Kristi Reneberg for accompanying us as we sang. We will meet again this spring as we prepare for Easter. We will try to start meeting a month or so before Easter to learn two or three songs to be performed on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. These will not be difficult tunes to learn and we try to have a good time. Please join us! Thank you to all choir members. It’s been good!

Lucado – “3:16 – Numbers of Hope” Sessions continue;
You just can’t beat his writing style. He has a way of making biblical history contemporary and shows a creative insight in helping us to see the biblical characters as real. These sessions on the study of John 3:16 have been very helpful in growing in a clear understanding of the power of the gospel to save. Even if you don’t have a book, you are still welcome and able to come and join in on the conversation. If you’ve been coming, keep it up. We are over ½ way through. On Monday, Jan. 5th we will be ready for chapter 8.
A police recruit was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?" He answered "Call for backup."

The proposed 2009 church budget was passed with an amendment regarding worship accompaniment pay.
Election of Officers – unanimous ballot for the slate proposed.
Officers as follows; President; Alan Bates
Vice President; Steve Wangerin
Financial Sec. Deb Levin
Elder; Rob Bogart
Education; Jeni Wallgren
Evangelism; Sandi Reneberg
Trustee; Jeff Levin
Stewardship; Ty Wallgren
We certainly thank those who were willing to serve and those who will finish their term of service at the end of this year. Installation of officers will take place in January.
Nominations for District Offices;
- Rev. Keith Kohlmeier for District President
- Rev. Randall Jahnke – for our area Vice President
- Rev. Joel Hiesterman – for our Circuit Counselor

“Pre School News”

October has been a busy time here at Preschool. The Kids enjoyed all the neat things that are associated with the fall season.
We learned about the numbers 2 and 3, the colors orange and black, the square and circle shapes, and of course the pumpkin! The students learned that this funny fruit is big, round, orange and slimy! Yuck! I wish you could have seen their faces when I asked them to reach in and grab a handful of seeds and pulp. It was priceless. We enjoyed singing our song, “Found a Pumpkin”, while we cut it open. After we scooped out the seeds and carved a jolly face on it, we put a candle inside the pumpkin, turned the lights out and sang, “This Little Light of Mine”. I think the kids understood how important it is to let your light shine. You might think this is a funny way to correlate letting your light shine for Jesus, but the kids could see how just as a pumpkin can glow with a candle inside, we can glow just like that with God’s love.
Fire safety was an important part of our school time. The kids practiced their fire drills, how to stop, drop, and roll, and who to call in case of an emergency. They all said “we could call “Papa Dave”!!!!!
November will find the children learning about the first Thanksgiving. We learn about the ocean trip on the Mayflower, the Indians who helped the Pilgrims, and how their faith was tested in this new world.
The kids will also have a float in the Veteran’s Day parade on November 8th. It is always nice that the parents take the time for their child to participate in this important event.
We here at preschool wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your holiday with family and friends.

Ms. Stacy

Activity Center Use; During the Voters Meeting on Oct. 16th children were playing in the Activity Center, which is a good use of the facility, however, the basement was a shambles with games and equipment scattered everywhere. Undoubtedly, when kids heard parents voices, they happily left, but it was a mess. If your children play in the PAC, please be sure they leave it clean. Thanks.
Another Baptism! In our morning service on Sunday, November 9th we will celebrate the baptism of Jace Bailey – infant son of McKenzie (Rietzke) and Grant Bailey. We look forward to the baptismal birth of a Child of God!
Nine hundred and eighty three dollars! Say that to yourself again…$983.00! That is the amount that you, the good people of First Saint John Lutheran donated in one week to the Lance Stiger family after his horrible accident. What a wonderful response to a family in need! Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Lucado – book – “3:16 – Numbers of Hope”; We will continue our Monday evening sessions, one chapter at a time, as we work through the Max Lucado book regarding the text of John 3:16. Twenty books were ordered and we will work through the book as we go. We start at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evenings. You are welcome to come and join in at any time.
Pack the House Sunday – Nov. 23rd; We’ve not done one for years. A “Pack the House” Sunday is an opportunity to invite friends and family to our worship service. Many of us have thought of people we should bring to church with us but have failed to take the opportunity to do it. Nov. 23rd would be a great time to plan for and do it. Our goal is to fill our facility with people.
Our sanctuary will only hold 120 people comfortable, so we are planning to have the service in the Parish Hall. We would like to surpass 150 people for the service! Invite friends to come with you. Encourage family who have moved away to make this a “Homecoming Sunday” and be here for the service. We will have a special order of service for the morning. Brigitte Lyon will be accompanying the service and we will have several opportunities for special music.
The Parish Hall will be set up for worship, tables removed and the chairs arranged for the best possible seating and participation in worship. Following the service, with a large crew, and short amount of time, we will clear the chairs aside and set up the hall for the meal. We will have a huge Pot Luck dinner following the service. We hope you can plan now to attend and encourage others to come with you. Pack the House is only as effective as YOU make it. Let’s fill the place. The singing will be wonderful and the day a powerful expression of faith. Come and see.

No Thanksgiving Service; No, it does not mean that we are ungrateful people. The “Thanksgiving” theme will be focused in our Nov. 23rd, “Pack the House” service. We have found through the years that many of our members are out of town or busy with family events on Thanksgiving, therefore, it seemed more expedient to accent Thanksgiving on the Sunday before and let you have your evenings through the week.
“Youth News”
District Youth Convention; Becky and Liz will be taking five of our high school youth to the Kansas District Youth Convention in Topeka on November 21st—23rd. Every year this is such a powerful weekend for the youth that attend and they return energized and more focused on their faith and spreading the “Good News”.
As a fundraiser for the event, the youth group will begin selling wall calendars and pocket calendars just in time for the new year. Please look for their table in the Narthex following church services in November. The wall calendars will sell for $6.00, and the pocket calendars for $5.00 - what a wonderful idea for Christmas gifts and a great way to support our youth!
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”! On October 19th, 9 kids went with Becky and Liz to the Pumpkin Patch event near Hastings, Nebraska. What a wonderful time and amazing place! We were all surprised by the numerous activities, food, and items that were there for us to participate in. We will definitely be looking at going back next year!
No CFF; Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be NO CFF on Wednesday, November 26th. Happy Thanksgiving!

Stewards of the Gospel
After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul lived the faithful and fruitful life of an ambassador for Christ. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he had much to say in his letters about proclaiming the Gospel. Paul told the people in Corinth, and He tells us, that we personally are letters from Christ that people will read (2 Corinthians 3:2). Through the power of the Gospel, our lives are transformed, and, through our changed lives, people see Christ at work in us. We are God’s instruments through which He imparts the Gospel.
We read in 1 Corinthians 4:1 that Paul introduced himself and his fellow workers “as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.” Paul became a servant and steward for the Lord in order to win others for Christ. Knowing that, as a steward for Christ, his strength was not his own, he stated in Colossians 1:29, “To this end I labor, struggling with all [God’s] energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Paul saw his life and motivation as gifts of grace. “I became a servant of this Gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.” (Ephesians 3:7)
In 1 Corinthians 9:16-17, Paul discusses his role as a steward of the Gospel: “Yet when I preach the Gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.” Paul is compelled by the love of Christ to give his life over to preaching the Word of God. To Paul, stewardship is a life of service in partnership with Christ to spread the Good News of God’s plan of salvation to all people. In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, “I have written you...because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the Gospel of God…” (Romans 15:15-16).
The greatest treasure that we can give to and share with others is the Good News of the Gospel. That same grace that motivated and empowered Paul to witness for Jesus can energize us.

FIRST SAINT JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

2009 CHURCH OFFICERS

President: Alan Bates (1st Year)
Vice-President: Steve Wangerin (1st Year)
Secretary: Lauri Smith (2nd Year)
Treasurer: Tiffini Gross (2nd Year)
Financial Secretary: Deb Levin (3rd Year)

2009 CHURCH BOARDS

3 Year Terms

Elders:
Rob Bogart: (4th Year) Chairman
Dale Lyon: (3rd Year)
Tracy Smith: (2nd Year)
Education
Tamra Portenier (5th Year) Chairman
Ranae Snyder (3rd Year)
Jeni Wallgren (1st year)
Evangelism
Jeanne Bogart: (3rd Year) Chairman
Tiffany Rietzke: (2nd Year)
Sandi Reneberg: (1st year)
Stewardship
Galen Arment: (5th Year) Chairman
Steve Levin: (3rd Year)
Ty Wallgren: (1st year)
Trustees
Randall Snyder (5th Year) Chairman
Jeff Levin: (4th Year)
Jerry Reitzke: (3rd Year)

The proposed 2009 church budget was passed with an amendment regarding worship accompaniment pay.
Election of Officers – unanimous ballot for the slate proposed.
Officers as follows; President; Alan Bates
Vice President; Steve Wangerin
Financial Sec. Deb Levin
Elder; Rob Bogart
Education; Jeni Wallgren
Evangelism; Sandi Reneberg
Trustee; Jeff Levin
Stewardship; Ty Wallgren
We certainly thank those who were willing to serve and those who will finish their term of service at the end of this year. Installation of officers will take place in January.
Nominations for District Offices;
- Rev. Keith Kohlmeier for District President
- Rev. Randall Jahnke – for our area Vice President
- Rev. Joel Hiesterman – for our Circuit Counselor

“Pre School News”

October has been a busy time here at Preschool. The Kids enjoyed all the neat things that are associated with the fall season.
We learned about the numbers 2 and 3, the colors orange and black, the square and circle shapes, and of course the pumpkin! The students learned that this funny fruit is big, round, orange and slimy! Yuck! I wish you could have seen their faces when I asked them to reach in and grab a handful of seeds and pulp. It was priceless. We enjoyed singing our song, “Found a Pumpkin”, while we cut it open. After we scooped out the seeds and carved a jolly face on it, we put a candle inside the pumpkin, turned the lights out and sang, “This Little Light of Mine”. I think the kids understood how important it is to let your light shine. You might think this is a funny way to correlate letting your light shine for Jesus, but the kids could see how just as a pumpkin can glow with a candle inside, we can glow just like that with God’s love.
Fire safety was an important part of our school time. The kids practiced their fire drills, how to stop, drop, and roll, and who to call in case of an emergency. They all said “we could call “Papa Dave”!!!!!
November will find the children learning about the first Thanksgiving. We learn about the ocean trip on the Mayflower, the Indians who helped the Pilgrims, and how their faith was tested in this new world.
The kids will also have a float in the Veteran’s Day parade on November 8th. It is always nice that the parents take the time for their child to participate in this important event.
We here at preschool wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your holiday with family and friends.

Ms. Stacy

Activity Center Use; During the Voters Meeting on Oct. 16th children were playing in the Activity Center, which is a good use of the facility, however, the basement was a shambles with games and equipment scattered everywhere. Undoubtedly, when kids heard parents voices, they happily left, but it was a mess. If your children play in the PAC, please be sure they leave it clean. Thanks.
Another Baptism! In our morning service on Sunday, November 9th we will celebrate the baptism of Jace Bailey – infant son of McKenzie (Rietzke) and Grant Bailey. We look forward to the baptismal birth of a Child of God!
Nine hundred and eighty three dollars! Say that to yourself again…$983.00! That is the amount that you, the good people of First Saint John Lutheran donated in one week to the Lance Stiger family after his horrible accident. What a wonderful response to a family in need! Please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Lucado – book – “3:16 – Numbers of Hope”; We will continue our Monday evening sessions, one chapter at a time, as we work through the Max Lucado book regarding the text of John 3:16. Twenty books were ordered and we will work through the book as we go. We start at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evenings. You are welcome to come and join in at any time.
Pack the House Sunday – Nov. 23rd; We’ve not done one for years. A “Pack the House” Sunday is an opportunity to invite friends and family to our worship service. Many of us have thought of people we should bring to church with us but have failed to take the opportunity to do it. Nov. 23rd would be a great time to plan for and do it. Our goal is to fill our facility with people.
Our sanctuary will only hold 120 people comfortable, so we are planning to have the service in the Parish Hall. We would like to surpass 150 people for the service! Invite friends to come with you. Encourage family who have moved away to make this a “Homecoming Sunday” and be here for the service. We will have a special order of service for the morning. Brigitte Lyon will be accompanying the service and we will have several opportunities for special music.
The Parish Hall will be set up for worship, tables removed and the chairs arranged for the best possible seating and participation in worship. Following the service, with a large crew, and short amount of time, we will clear the chairs aside and set up the hall for the meal. We will have a huge Pot Luck dinner following the service. We hope you can plan now to attend and encourage others to come with you. Pack the House is only as effective as YOU make it. Let’s fill the place. The singing will be wonderful and the day a powerful expression of faith. Come and see.

No Thanksgiving Service; No, it does not mean that we are ungrateful people. The “Thanksgiving” theme will be focused in our Nov. 23rd, “Pack the House” service. We have found through the years that many of our members are out of town or busy with family events on Thanksgiving, therefore, it seemed more expedient to accent Thanksgiving on the Sunday before and let you have your evenings through the week.
“Youth News”
District Youth Convention; Becky and Liz will be taking five of our high school youth to the Kansas District Youth Convention in Topeka on November 21st—23rd. Every year this is such a powerful weekend for the youth that attend and they return energized and more focused on their faith and spreading the “Good News”.
As a fundraiser for the event, the youth group will begin selling wall calendars and pocket calendars just in time for the new year. Please look for their table in the Narthex following church services in November. The wall calendars will sell for $6.00, and the pocket calendars for $5.00 - what a wonderful idea for Christmas gifts and a great way to support our youth!
“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”! On October 19th, 9 kids went with Becky and Liz to the Pumpkin Patch event near Hastings, Nebraska. What a wonderful time and amazing place! We were all surprised by the numerous activities, food, and items that were there for us to participate in. We will definitely be looking at going back next year!
No CFF; Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be NO CFF on Wednesday, November 26th. Happy Thanksgiving!

Stewards of the Gospel
After his conversion on the road to Damascus, Paul lived the faithful and fruitful life of an ambassador for Christ. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he had much to say in his letters about proclaiming the Gospel. Paul told the people in Corinth, and He tells us, that we personally are letters from Christ that people will read (2 Corinthians 3:2). Through the power of the Gospel, our lives are transformed, and, through our changed lives, people see Christ at work in us. We are God’s instruments through which He imparts the Gospel.
We read in 1 Corinthians 4:1 that Paul introduced himself and his fellow workers “as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.” Paul became a servant and steward for the Lord in order to win others for Christ. Knowing that, as a steward for Christ, his strength was not his own, he stated in Colossians 1:29, “To this end I labor, struggling with all [God’s] energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Paul saw his life and motivation as gifts of grace. “I became a servant of this Gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.” (Ephesians 3:7)
In 1 Corinthians 9:16-17, Paul discusses his role as a steward of the Gospel: “Yet when I preach the Gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.” Paul is compelled by the love of Christ to give his life over to preaching the Word of God. To Paul, stewardship is a life of service in partnership with Christ to spread the Good News of God’s plan of salvation to all people. In his letter to the Romans, Paul wrote, “I have written you...because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the Gospel of God…” (Romans 15:15-16).
The greatest treasure that we can give to and share with others is the Good News of the Gospel. That same grace that motivated and empowered Paul to witness for Jesus can energize us.

FIRST SAINT JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

2009 CHURCH OFFICERS

President: Alan Bates (1st Year)
Vice-President: Steve Wangerin (1st Year)
Secretary: Lauri Smith (2nd Year)
Treasurer: Tiffini Gross (2nd Year)
Financial Secretary: Deb Levin (3rd Year)

2009 CHURCH BOARDS

3 Year Terms

Elders:
Rob Bogart: (4th Year) Chairman
Dale Lyon: (3rd Year)
Tracy Smith: (2nd Year)
Education
Tamra Portenier (5th Year) Chairman
Ranae Snyder (3rd Year)
Jeni Wallgren (1st year)
Evangelism
Jeanne Bogart: (3rd Year) Chairman
Tiffany Rietzke: (2nd Year)
Sandi Reneberg: (1st year)
Stewardship
Galen Arment: (5th Year) Chairman
Steve Levin: (3rd Year)
Ty Wallgren: (1st year)
Trustees
Randall Snyder (5th Year) Chairman
Jeff Levin: (4th Year)
Jerry Reitzke: (3rd Year)

set the 2009 church budget
election of Officers
reports of Officers and boards.
“Fan Into Flame” – synodical & district fund raising effort

If you are not yet a voting member of the church and would like to become one, see Steve Wangerin, church president.
KS DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL CHURCH WORKERS CONFERENCE;
The 2008 meeting of Pastors and Educators in the Kansas Dist. LCMS will be held in Great Bend, October 19-21. Pastor Dave will be attending the conference. This is a “required” meeting of Professional Church Workers. The meeting will begin on Sunday evening and continue through Tuesday afternoon.
Family Life Ministry Program at First Lutheran, Phillipsburg.
A special program is offered by the Kansas District for training in Family Life Ministry. Usually, you must sign up for this program and go to Topeka for training, but they are bringing a reduced program to First Lutheran, Phillipsburg on October 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for basic training for our area congregations. Kensington, Norton, and Phillipsburg are certainly invited to attend. The cost is $25 per person, which should be paid by the congregation. This cost covers a meal and materials. The program goal is to help us see new ways to relate family life ministry to all age groups in our church. It will also lead us to finding new ways to open doors of opportunity and mission in our area. See Pastor Dave for registration possibilities.
In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... 'goodnight, sleep tight..'

Evangelism Fall harvest Party – October 26th; It’s October, it’s cooler; and soon, costumes and characters will be roaming around at the end of the month. The Evangelism Fall Harvest Party will be held at the Highway #36 park, starting at 4:30 p.m. Kids are encouraged to wear their costumes and come for a time of games, wiener roast, bobbing for apples, and other cool stuff. Hot dogs, buns, and drinks are provided. You are asked to bring one dish to share with the group. It’s always a good time for the kids!
“3:16 – the Numbers of Hope”; Our conversations on the Max Lucado book “3:16” will begin in October. Our first meeting will be on Monday evening of October 27th starting at 7:00 p.m. This date gives us time to order and receive copies of the book for all interested. “3:16” is written on the text of John 3:16 – called “the Gospel in a nutshell”. The author relates the motivation of saving grace in Jesus as the love of God that guides and keeps us in all seasons. Lucado’s style seeks to apply spiritual values in modern and visible applications. His stories and illustrations are excellent tools to convey the theme of “3:16.” That theme is always going to be founded on God’s love for you. The book has 12 chapters and a conclusion. The back of the book has “40 days of devotional” thoughts by Lucado that can serve as an excellent start to your day. While the book has no study guide, we will take one chapter at a time and discuss the themes and parts of each chapter that you found to be most important.
Here’s a great opportunity for “faith conversations” as we work through “3:16 – the Numbers of Hope. If you have not yet signed up to have a book ordered for you, do it now or find your own at a Christian Book Store. You’ll be glad you did!
Choir to begin; On October 1st at 6:30 p.m. we will have our kickoff practice for the choir. Liz Hagman has graciously volunteered to direct us this year and Kristi Reneberg will play accompaniment. Everyone has been asking “when the choir’s coming back”. Well, here’s our chance...can you lend your voice? If you enjoy singing (and a little silliness!), please come and join us, won’t you?
Coming in November;
November 23rd – we will be having an event in First Saint John that we have not done for a while. We will have a “PACK THE HOUSE” Sunday. On that day we hope you will bring with you family and friends. We want to have as many people as possible for a powerful worship service and record breaking – possibly legendary POT LUCK DINNER! In fact, we are planning on more people than the sanctuary can hold. We will set up the Parish Hall for this special service. There will be special music, extra worship features, and a great day to worship. It is “Christ the King” Sunday – the last Sunday of the Church year and we want to end it with a Packed House! We will clear the room after the service and re-set for the dinner to follow. Plan now to attend. Plan now to encourage friends and family to come “home” for this event. Plan now to “Pack the House” – Nov. 23rd.
LLL/LHM Convention; On October 10 - 11 the annual Kansas District LLL/LHM convention will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church in Hays, KS. Registration will be on Friday Oct. 10 at 4:00 p.m. followed by the Orphan Grain Train fish fry. Saturday’s agenda includes a business meeting along with workshops, closing devotions and worship, followed by a banquet with entertainment featuring the Four Stars. If you are interested and wish to register, please see the registration papers on the table in the Narthex. It also includes lodging information. For more info, contact Eldean Holthus.
Education Report; Things are going smooth in the Sunday School classes. We have great staff that are covering every age group. Our material from Heart Shaper by Standard publishing is very helpful and makes it easy to teach these classes.
We decided that it wasn't necessary for the education board to have their own checking account. Most of the things we needed were being paid by the treasury. We are going to keep Sunday School offerings separate to keep track of what education is bringing in.
Sandi Reneberg is involved with CFF. She is in charge of Snacks for 1st St. John and also the coordinator between CFF and the Education board. Snacks went well for our month of September. A big thank-you to those who signed up to provide snacks.
BOARD OF EVANGELISM
The greeter program is needing people to volunteer to greet guests that come to church. We have some weeks open from now until the end of the year. The sign-up list is at the table by the front doors. When greeting you simply need to welcome guests, show them to the guest register & give them the handout provided by Board of Evangelism. One very positive note: we recently had 3 teenage girls volunteer to greet guests. What a great show of evangelism!
Old Fashioned Saturday Night was not a money maker for the Board of Evangelism & 1st St John , however, it did expose the activities at 1st St John to the people there with the many posters & pictures that were displayed at the food stand. Many thanks to Tracy ,Lauri & Kim Smith and Otto Levin & Rob Bogart for their help.
The Board of Evangelism is in the process of beginning to plan the Fall Harvest Party. More details will be coming on this October event.
On November 23 there will be a “Pack the House “ Sunday which we will also be helping with.
Thanks for all your great support,
Board of Evangelism
Dixie Rietzke, Jeanne Bogart & Tiffany Rietzke
Preschool News; We’re off to a wonderful start here at the First St. John Lutheran Preschool. The children and I have so enjoyed getting to know each other. We’ve learned the rules, studied in our different centers, and had a blast playing with the parachute.
The month of September found the children studying the color red, tracing and cutting skills and had fun doing neat art activities. The older bunch (4-5 year olds), worked on the letters A and B. They learned the sound the letter makes, what words start with that letter and learned the proper way to write the letter. The 3 and 4 year olds are working on the proper way to hold their crayons and pencil. This is a very difficult task for such little hands.
During Bible time, the kids learned what role that Noah had in Gods plan. They learned bible verses, sang about Noah’s ark with puppets, and realized why we have that beautiful rainbow in the sky. It’s so amazing to see how God works in little ones. They have such a way of making your day!!!
October will find the children learning about the wonderful season of fall. The colors, the smells and God’s handy work associated with this time of year. The kids will have a harvest friendship celebration at the end of the month.
Thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your church family. For some of the children, this is the only time they get to come and learn about how awesome our God is. So thank you for opening not only your doors, but your hearts to these little ones.
Our doors are always open for you to stop by and see what’s going on. Feel free to come by and visit.
Sincerely, Ms. Stacy
Thrivent Members Help Needed;
First St. John Thrivant Members~
Hello everyone! I am doing a breakfast burrito fundraiser for a coworker of mine at High Plains who suffered a severe heart attack and the loss of her infant daughter. I have gotten the local Lutheran church in Hays (Messiah Lutheran) to commit to using the Thrivent matching funds, but we need 6 members and only have 2 so far. I am told that all it takes to qualify is to do something like donate a roll of paper towels, bag of ziplock bags, etc. Becky comes down to Hays several times a week so I'm sure we could get them here. If you could help and we could use your name, we'd sure appreciate the opportunity to give this family $100-$500 extra matching funds as they are going to need it. Thanks so much! Please feel free to email me or call me (785) 476-5375 if you have questions and I can ask the church members down here for answers to your questions. Thanks again and please continue to pray for Kori and her family.
Jessie Mayer
Ladies Guild; We are a small group but not idle. We purchased $50.00 of school supplies to be sent to Iraq. We donated $50.00 to Operation SOS. We recently purchased new tablecloths for the Parish Hall. Kathy, our President, has attended a workshop for officers. Kathy also attended the LWML Zone Workshop in Oberlin on Sept. 27th.
The ladies are also working on pre-school quilts for the little ones that attend our Pre-school.
At our meeting in September, we visited our members that are in nursing homes. We visited with Marie Wangerin & Francis Gaines in Prairie Haven, and Laura Holthus in Long Term Care in Smith Center. After each visit we joined hands and offered a short prayer to our Lord and Savior. Ellen Rust was unable to join us due to illness.
An upcoming event for our Guild will be LWML Sunday on October 5th. Greeting cards have been ordered along with Christmas cards. They should be making an appearance very soon.
Active members of the Guild are Kathy Holthus, Ada Gaines, Alice Rietzke, Cheryl Synoground, Elsie Fiene, Mae Wangerin, Goldie Brunow, & Evelyn Levin.
Thanks to Sandi Reneberg for the following:
Q. If you were to spell out numbers, how far would you have to go until
you would find the letter 'A'?
A. One thousand
Q. What do bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers, and laser
printers all have in common?
A. All were invented by women.
Many years ago in Scotland, a new game was invented. It was ruled
'Gentlemen Only...Ladies Forbidden'...and thus the word GOLF entered
into the English language.

It is impossible to lick your elbow. (I see you trying to!)

Blessed to Be a Blessing
Because God gives, we receive, and then we can give. Interestingly, in giving, we receive even more. Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). God is a loving and giving God. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3: 16).
Through His Word and Sacraments, God provides:
• His grace that gives us this life and life eternal.
• His love that didn't spare His only Son.
• His forgiveness.
• His victory over sin and death.
In spite of our unworthiness and our sinful ways, God blesses us physically and spiritually. He promises never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) He loves us unconditionally. God gives and keeps on giving. Because Jesus gives us His love, grace, and goodness, we are enabled to be loving and giving people. "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).
God's Word clearly directs us to use the blessings we receive from Him to bless others. We are blessed to be a blessing. In Christ's name, we are to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and help the sick (Matthew 25:35-36). God blesses us not only to take care of our needs; He blesses us so that we can use what we receive to bless others. Paul wrote "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" (Galatians 6: 10). "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God" (2 Corinthians 9: 11). The wonderful thing is that, as God blesses us to bless others, we are blessed again.
When we give faithfully and generously, we will hear God's words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25 :21). As people who are a blessing to others, we will enjoy intimate fellowship with our Father and His Son, Jesus. Is there any greater blessing than this?

Adult Sunday School Class; The Adult Sunday School class meets at 9:15 – 10:15 on Sunday mornings. Not enough people take advantage of this possibility. This has proven to be an excellent discussion group on many levels and topics of faith conversation. This Fall we will be starting on a Catechetical review of our faith. We will work through the chief parts of the catechism and review our understanding of the 10 commandments, the Apostles Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Office of the Keys, and the Sacraments – Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. With this topic we will cover many different discussion possibilities. Come and join us as we review and work through our faith and this material.

We will have another group meeting to discuss and read through the Max Lucado book, “3:16”. This book of based on the scripture verse, John 3:16 and is excellent fruit for discussion and questions regarding God’s act of redemption in Jesus. A sign up sheet will be posted for ordering books if you need one. They are readily available in book stores but we can also put together a group order based on the sign up sheet. We will be looking at different possibilities of meeting times for this group.
3. How about a Women’s Study Group? We have received some material from another women’s study group which found this material very helpful and interesting. We will also be posting a sign up sheet for this special interest group. Pastor Dave will lead the group discussion as we work through the material. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the formation of this study group, contact Pastor Dave or Becky Kirchhoff for information.
Christian Education Sunday; Sunday, September 7th will be our Christian Education Sunday for 2008. It will be the opening day of our regular Sunday School program and promotion day for Sunday School Children. We will recognize our teachers in the morning service and hope you can stay for the POT LUCK DINNER that follows the service. We certainly want to thank all of you who will serve as teachers and leaders in our Christian Education programs. You are not only doing the work of the church today, but you are building the church of tomorrow!
In the morning service we will also present Bibles to 2nd graders! The 2nd grade students will be asked to come forward to receive their Bibles.
After the meal; the kids will be set free to discover the results of the cardboard sculpture event. We will hopefully have several cardboard designs for the kids to play in, with, or on.
Also after the meal; the “Nas-Mow” – Lawn Mower Race – will be held. Once the dust and food have settled after the meal, we will meet at the front of the church for our first ever lawn mower race. Rules – if there are any – will be discussed and the “gentlemen, start your engines” command will be given.
Sept. 7th looks to be a fun day at and after church. We hope you can join us!
Preschool to begin;
Our Preschool session for the 2008-2009 School Year will begin on Sept. 2nd. Our Teacher, Stacy Cole, reports that at this point there are 33 children enrolled in the Preschool Program. This year the preschool will offer an expanded program of more sessions for the students. Children who are in the Pre-Kindergarten classes will meet 3 times per week. Children who are 3-4 years old will have the opportunity to meet 2 times per week.
The schedule for 8 classes is as follows;
Morning sessions will be from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon sessions will be from 1:00 – 3:30.
Mondays class; 1:00 – 3:30
Tuesday; 9:00 – 11:30 & 1:00 – 3:30
Wednesday; 9:00 – 11:30 & 1:00 – 3:30
Thursday; 9:00 – 11:30 & 1:00 – 3:30
Friday; 9:00 – 11:30
“Cordory the Bear” – some of you may remember him from your own childhood, will be present with the kids at the beginning to help them get acquainted with and learn about one another. It takes a while for the little ones to relax and learn the preschool routine.
We would offer you the opportunity for some fun volunteer work with the Preschool. Some volunteer help would be appreciated, particularly with the little ones, on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. This could be especially important at the start of the year as they learn the process. Often in these early sessions, an extra pair of hands would be of great benefit. We could use some “Preschool Grandmas” who could come as aids. If you like to work with the little ones, please call Stacy – 476-2253 or on the preschool phone at 476-2247. Even if you could only come for one hour at the start of the morning or afternoon class, your help would be greatly appreciated. The little ones would also love to have you there.
Our preschool has an excellent reputation due to the fine work of Stacy Cole. The children who have come through the program are very well prepared for the school work they are expected to do in Kindergarten. You have much to be proud of here in the Preschool Program of First Saint John.
Lawn Mower Race; Bring your riding mower to the church on September 7th for our Post-Pot Luck – Lawn Mower Race. A course will be laid out and the rules – (if there are any) discussed. The roar of mighty engines will be heard and tires may “screech”. The race will include turns, spins, and a necessary pit stop, all in pursuit of the coveted “Nas-mow 2008 Lutherdega” award! Yea, it’s a pain to haul in the mower, but it will be fun!
Visit of the Circuit Counselor; Plans are underway for a visit from our Circuit Counselor, Rev. Don White of Atwood. On September 28th we are inviting Pastor White to come to First Saint John for his official visit and to lead the morning worship service. He will be our worship leader and preacher but will also offer opportunity for any questions or concerns you might have for him as our Circuit representative. He represents the Kansas District LCMS to you and you to the District. His role as Counselor is to offer aid and insight to circuit churches as needed. He will welcome your questions or concerns regarding Synod, the Kansas District, or life and ministry in First Saint John.
Youth Event - Sept 21; St. John Lutheran is planning a hayrack ride/ weiner roast beginning at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the Brian and Linda Dettmer home. Each family is asked to bring a finger food. For more information, or if you need a ride, call Grace Hainke at 638-2834 or Linda Dettmer at 476-2417.
Women’s Bible Study Opportunity;
We need to give our thanks to Barb Henkel for suggesting a new program for a women’s study group. It was very well received in her church and she has shared it with us. The group will begin to meet this fall. We will need people to assist with planning and coordination. If you can help put this together, talk with Becky Kirchhoff.

Sign in front of a Church:
“Tithe if you love Jesus…..Anyone can honk!!”
I think we as CHRISTIAN Americans can afford one minute a night for our Nation!!!
ONE MINUTE EACH NIGHT....

This is the scariest election We as Christians have ever faced. From the looks of the polls, the Christians aren't voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees. Do you believe we can take God at His word? Call upon His name, then stand back and watch His wonders to behold. His scripture gives us, as Christians, ownership of this land and the ability to call upon God to heal it. I challenge you to do so. We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land.

2 Chronicles 7:14 : If my people, which are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England, its people and peace. This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped.
There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America. The United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever!!!
If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time, 8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific, stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, for wisdom and courage for our leaders, the up-coming election, and that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the U.S.

If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along. Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer, we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. God Bless You!!!

How Does Money Affect You?

Scripture doesn’t tell us that money is evil nor does God’s Word condemn anyone for having wealth. The problem is not having money but in loving it. In 1 Timothy 6:10 we read, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” . God is concerned with how money affects us and what we do with it.
To warn us of the danger of giving money too much importance, Scripture relates the account of the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22). The Rich Young Ruler wanted to justify himself before Jesus, so he asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (verse 16). He told Jesus that He kept all the commandments. Jesus knew that the young man’s heart was possessed by his possessions. Discerning the real problem the young man had, Jesus told him to sell all that he had and give to the poor. The young man was unable to give up his wealth for the greater treasure of eternal life, so he sadly departed from Jesus. As this story indicates, it is easy to grow in wealth and find that our security and confidence come from our resources. Jesus warns the wealthy, “I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23). Like the Rich Young Ruler, we may attempt to justify our worth by what we have instead of by Whose we are!
Our attitude toward money is a primary component of our spiritual well-being. In very subtle ways, without our realizing it, money and the things money can buy can become too important. The Apostle John wrote, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the craving of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16).
God wants us to possess our possessions rather than letting them possess us. If we love money and things of this world, we violate the first and greatest commandment: to love God with all our hearts, souls and minds (Matthew 22:37-38). When we love money, we no longer fear, love and trust in God above all thing (Luther’s explanation to First Commandment). By our own strength, we are unable to put God first, to love Him wholly, “but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Community Fund-raiser for Operations SOS
(Support our Soldiers)
When: Sept. 14th 11:30 - 1:00
Where: Kensington American Legion
Menu:
Roast beef sandwiches
Salads
Baked Beans
Desserts
Matching Funds by Thrivent
Contact Lynn or Janeen Wallgren, Donna Westbrook, Melanie Elliott, or Karen Pollack for more information or to volunteer to help.

Good news! I will not need surgery for my benign brain tumor. It will be checked in six months to see if it is growing. Thank you for all your prayers and concern. God bless each of you! Ruth Levin
Thank You! It is really good to see the lampposts lit again outside the church. Thanks to those of you who worked on them. A special thank-you to Ryan Rietzke for the use of his machine. It is wonderful to have such dedicated volunteers!
“Children of Iraq Box” Once again they are collecting items to send to the children in Iraq. Items such as pencils, crayons, books, match box cars, etc. would really be appreciated! They can be new or gently used. The Iraq kids have next to nothing, so anything you can give is great. Thank you!
Do You Remember When….
….you got your windshield cleaned, oil checked, and gas pumped without asking - all for free...and you didn’t pay for air?
….being sent to the principal’s office was nothing compared to the fate that awaited the student at home?

The Pastor’s Perspective

As fall approaches, I always look forward to the opportunities that we will
have in Christian Education. Having finished the Downs vacancy, I will be able to
teach the adult Sunday School class more often, though I don’t want to deprive
your other leaders of the opportunity. I do anticipate a new program for
“Sacramental Education.” We have been teaching a communion class to 5th
graders for several years. We have more education in the Sacrament of the
Lord’s Supper than most churches even consider. I have been very happy with
the program and the interest of our youth as they work through the material.
The program has served us well, however, as I worked through Confirmation this
past year I realized that I teach very little about baptism. I just used the lessons
provided in the confirmation material and we had one lesson baptism.
This year I plan to add baptism to the communion class curriculum and
stress both sacraments in this introduction to confirmation classes. We have
covered both baptism and communion in the adult Sunday School class this past
spring. There is always good discussion among us on these topics as we
reviewed the catechism on each sacrament. I am considering a Sunday School
process that continues your lessons on the teaching of Jesus but also to take 2
Sundays a month for “catechetical review”. It would certainly be an interesting
review to consider the 6 Chief parts; the 10 commandments, the Lord’s Prayer,
the Apostles Creed, Confession & the Office of the Keys, and the Sacrament of
the Altar.
Other bible study opportunities may also be available through the year if we
continue the “Catacomb” event or tie a devotional into a good old fall bonfire and
pasture party. There are a lot of possibilities as we move into fall and cooler
temperatures. Fall is always a busy time but we gain the benefit of a more
regular schedule than the summer allows.

Pastor Dave’s e-mail devotions;
If you are not yet receiving them and want to, just get your e-mail to the church
office and you’ll be included. Currently, these devotions are being sent to 54
members of First Saint John, to 54 “friends of First Saint John, and 21 members
of Zion. Many of these people who receive them are forwarding them on to
others and the scope of delivery is from Canada to California, Maine to Texas,
and a few over seas. I continue to be amazed as the response to these
devotions. It just keeps getting bigger. If you don’t have e-mail, you can pick
up a copy of the weeks devotions on the table in the narthex.

Contact Information

Pastor - Dave Hutson- (785)- 476- 2246

President - Steve Wangerin - (785) 476– 2611

Elder - Rob Bogart - (785) 476 - 2653

Elder - Dale Lyon - (785) 695 - 2358

Elder - Tracy Smith - (308) 425 - 3020

Zion, Downs, Ordination/Installation of Pastor; On August 3rd, 4:00 p.m.
Zion Lutheran Church of Downs will ordain and install their new pastor. The Rev.
Jon Bonine, a graduate of the 2008 class of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO
will be ordained and installed at Zion. If you’ve never been to an ordination
service, here’s you chance to see one. He will be seated at the front of the
church for the ordination process. District President, Rev. Keith Kohlmeier will
attend and officiate the ordination. The act of ordination and the laying of on
hands dates back to the early church practice of the apostles. By it, a man is set
apart for the Office of the Public Ministry. This is a special and particular calling
to serve in the church. Pastors are not the “hired men” of the church but are
called by God to service in this special public capacity. This Word and Sacrament
Ministry is set apart in the order of the church . Ordination is the final act in at
least 8 years of college and post college preparation. Pastors graduate with a
Masters of Divinity Degree specializing in Church history, biblical studies,
doctrinal studies, administration, teaching, counseling, and much more in the 8
year program.

Rev. Bonine and his wife Kristina are natives of Montana and have two young
boys, 2 years & 6 months old. Rev. Bonine’s public ministry will begin on Aug.
3rd. Rev. Bonine served his vicarage at our LCMS church in Haven, Kansas. His
supervising pastor, Rev. Dan Galschutt will be the guest speaker in the afternoon
service. Pastors from 2 circuits will be assisting with the service. Come to Zion,
Downs for the 4:00 service and celebrate with the people of Zion on this special
day. There will be a reception and dinner in the Down Memorial Hall, on Main
Street immediately following the service.

Old Fashion Saturday Night; The annual Kensington end of summer event,
OFSN will be held on Saturday evening of August 16th. Plan to attend this
community event. Hopefully we will have a cool evening.

Kansas Hunter Education Class at First Saint John; Our Kensington
Hunter Education program will run from the evening of August 4 – 8th. There is
no charge for this important program on hunting and gun safety. It is a state
sponsored program as well as sponsored by the Kensington SALS. To
pre-register, call Jamie Reneberg, course coordinator. The program will be held
evenings in the First Saint John Parish Hall.

Praise in the Park; On Sunday evening of August 24th we will have a
“Praise in the Park” event. Local musicians will meet at the Kensington Highway
#36 park for an evening of singing and praise. This will be an outdoor program
open to everyone. Musicians from the area are invited to come, sing, play, and
join in the event. More information will come soon as it is known.

CFF; We will have to see what the organization of the new school district will do
to the process of scheduling and planning CFF, Christian Faith and Fun. The
program directors will be meeting to consider possibilities. This year the
program will be offered for 1st through 6th grade students. There will be no Jr.
High classes of CFF. We will continue the program as shared through the 3
churches in town. This system provides us with the best potential for teachers,
leadership, and workers for the program. It worked very well last year and we
look forward to a similar process this year. The program will start in September.

Bible Incomplete: Fill in the missing letters to complete the passage. Solution
on last page.
Now t_eref_re ye _re no _ore s_rang_rs an_ fore_gner_, but f_llow _itiz_ns wi_h
the _aint_, and o_ the h_useh_ld of _od; An_ are b_ilt u_on th_ foun_atio_ of
th_ apos_les a_d pro_hets, _esus _hris_ hims_lf be_ng th_ chie_ corn_r sto_e;
(answer elsewhere in this issue!)

What Kids have to say about Love
The Great Debate: Is it better to be single or married?
· It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to
clean up after them. (Lynette, 7)
It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need
that kind of trouble. (Kenny, 7)

Baptism, August 10th; We are happy to celebrate the baptism of McKenna
Marie Levin, daughter of Spencer and Amanda Levin. She will be baptized in
the morning service on August 10th.

School to start; Kensington – “Thunder Ridge School District” – will start on
Friday, Aug. 15th
Stewardship Minute

She Did What She Could

In Mark 14:1-9, we are told of a woman who anointed Jesus with expensive
perfume. Responding to the disciples’ criticism of the woman using such expensive
perfume, Jesus said, “She did what she could” (verse 8a). To honor Jesus, she shared
what was most dear and precious to her. This was not a meaningless gesture. She was
not giving leftovers. She gave her best.
In light of this story, we might want to ask, “What do we have that we could use to
honor Jesus?” If we take inventory, we find we have a lot to use and to give. First of
all, we can give of our time. Being good stewards of our time implies that we will not
be wasting our time but using it for God-pleasing purposes. In his letter to the
Ephesians, Paul wrote, “Be careful, then how you live—not as unwise but as wise,
making the most of every opportunity…” (Ephesians 5:15). Using our time in the
service of others is a wonderful way to use what we’ve been given in service for Jesus.
We can also serve Jesus with our talents. Whether God has given us many or few
abilities, we can, with God’s strength, be of help to others. Peter encourages this service
in 1 Peter 4:10-11: Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do
it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the
strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
We can also do what we can with our money. Through the giving of our money to
the needy and to extend God’s kingdom, we are honoring Jesus. When we hear how
Jesus commended the woman who anointed Him as a way to honor Him, we are also
encouraged to do what we can.

Events on August 10th;
Cardboard Sculpture; The project is to build something that kids can
play in, with, or on. The main structure is to be cardboard, but you can use
other materials to make it work. Bring your creation to the church at 5:30 on
Sunday, August 10th and we’ll see what the kids think of your project.

Lawn Mower Race; Tune up those engines and tighten up the
belts. Our first ever Lawn Mower Race will start at 6:15. A course will be laid
out and race guidelines explained. We will have a flagman! It’s not nascar, but
maybe nasmow! There will have to be a pit stop of some sort as the racing
event unfolds.
Cool off at the POOL! The Board of Ed. has reserved the
Kensington Swimming Pool for an evening pool party from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. Bring
your lawn chairs, snacks, munchables, and finger food to share with the group
and join us at poolside. It’s a great way to end the summer.

Parish Hall Schedule;
August 2 - Linda Hommon reserved
Sunday, Aug. 3 – Deb. Levin for noon meal baptism dinner;
Aug 4-8 – evening classes for Hunter Education
Aug 12; Kensington Fire Department Appreciation dinner;

Old Fashion Saturday Night; The annual Kensington end of summer event,
OFSN will be held on Saturday evening of August 16th. Plan to attend this
community event. Hopefully we will have a cool evening.

Solution to Bible Incomplete:
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with
the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the
apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Ephesians 2:19-20

Parish Life/Council Meeting; All Elected Officers & All Board Members;
At our May Church Council meeting we discussed the formation of a new meeting system. It was our hope that we could put together a “Parish Life/Church Council Meeting”- that could be called to serve as a study group for special projects for First Saint John and to improve parish communication. Another benefit is that all of our church leadership could be aware of the challenges and opportunities of life and ministry here and work together as a more cohesive unit. The Parish Life/ Council Meeting would include all elected officers of the church and all who serve on the church boards. This wider group would have opportunity for their own board sessions and could use the Planning Event goals as a guide for yearly projects and events.
We discussed the possibility of having the Parish Life/Council meeting scheduled to follow directly after a Voters Meeting to work on the implementation of any ideas or actions taken by the Voters. The first meeting of the (PL/C) – will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening of June 4th in the parish hall. Agenda for the meeting will be as follows;
discuss the use and function of the Parish Life/Council Meeting
consider options for the formation of a study group to investigate possible solutions to the goal; of enlarged and enhanced seating possibilities in the sanctuary.
- we will also meet as the regular monthly Church Council for any necessary action.

As with any Church Council meeting, this meeting can be attended by anyone interested in the question at hand. You don’t have to be an officer to come, but we hope to have all elected servants of the church at this meeting. We hope to see you there.

Women’s Tea; June 8th in the Parish Hall;

Guest Speaker – Rev. Joel Hiesterman - June 15th; Pastor Dave and Susie will be away to Chanute for Luke’s Wedding on June 14th. Therefore, Pastor Joel Hiesterman will be coming over to preach and lead the Communion Service on the 15th. First Lutheran, Phillipsburg is doing an early service through the summer months and this will enable us to hold our service at the regular time of 10:30. It’s been a while since Pastor Joel was here – so come and welcome him again.

June Baptism; A son was born to Brooke (Scott) and Darren McDowell. Brillon Clayton McDowell was born Saturday, May 14th at 7:00 p.m. He weighed in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. And was 20” long. Brillon will be baptized in our morning service on June 22nd. We look forward to celebrating this special day with them.
Summertime Ideas and Possibilities;

Lakeside service in July;
- at Harlan Lake; 11:00 a.m. with pot luck to follow.
2 Catacomb events this summer;
follow an extensive clue list to a secret meeting
must have snacks upon arrival
a short bible study/devotional time
must pre-register with the mark of a fish!
Praise in the Park;
July 19th; at the Kensington roadside park.
Hot dog roast, snacks, singing, praise and devotional service open to everyone.
Cardboard Sculpture Contest; “Great Family Fun!”
Sunday evening of July 27th.
Build a cardboard sculpture of anything you choose;
Must be something kids can play in, on, or with;
No limit on size
Start saving boxes now!
Followed by an ice cream social!
Great event for our kids and older kids at heart!
Lakeside potluck picnic at Glen Elder lake with the Downs members.
no date set but it was sure fun last year.
Short evening devotion.
Music/Contemporary Service the Second Sunday each Month;
We will begin with pre-service singing at 10:15
Come early!
Consider singing or offering special music for this service or pre-service activity.
“Kids Church on 4th Sundays;
Starting June 29th the children of the church will go to the Parish
Hall at the start of the sermon for their own worship activities;
songs, lessons, activities. Etc. and will rejoin their parents after the
offering.
There will certainly be a Pool Party coming up near the end of Summer!
Youth Lake Event; It’s in the works, though no date is planned at this time.

We’re always open to new ideas of something to do as a Summer activity! If you have a new idea – let’s talk about it.

Second Sunday Singing; We will again do pre-service singing on the second Sunday of the month, June 8th. The singing should start at 10:15 so plan to come early. We will continue to learn some new music as well as sing some that you already know. It is also a great opportunity to involve some volunteer special music, either in the pre-service or during the morning worship service.

Cardboard Sculpture Contest; Who ever heard of such a thing, - - - but it could really be fun. Start now to collect large boxes and cardboard pieces for your own design. The date to have it finished is July 27th. Hopefully, that’s enough time to gather enough supplies and dream up something to build. It should be something that children could play on, with, or in. You decide what it should be. Let your kids or grandkids help you and make it a family or fellowship project. We’ll bring all of our creations to the church on July 27th for the unveiling, playing, and ice cream with all the toppings. Put teams together, dream it up, and when you build, build big!

Kids Church opportunity; If you have been living with worship in the “cheerio section”, you know how hard it is sometimes to get anything out of the morning worship service. Here is an option that might help you and your kids. On the 4th Sunday of a month, we will dismiss the children to go to the Parish Hall at the start of the Sermon. In the Parish Hall, the kids will work on songs that could be used in church, projects, lessons, or what ever their leaders come up with. Adult leaders will take them to the parish hall and bring them back after the offering. Hopefully, this will help both our children and their parents.

ADOPTED PRIORITY GOALS from the 2008 Church Planning Event;
- as ranked by attendees;
Enlarge Sanctuary; - Form a building committee;
Use More contemporary music; set up a special music committee;
Develop a College database for college ministry;
Expand Church Secretary position to more Parish Administration;
Develop Energy Conservation plans;
Have more “Pastor led” Bible study opportunities;
Get a new organ;
Install ceiling fans where needed;
Get an outdoor electronic sign;

From the Pastor;
At our last Circuit Conference we discussed a new Synod and District proposal. The Synod in convention passed the “Ablaze” initiative with an ambitious goal of reaching 100 million people with the gospel by the year 2017, the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. To facilitate that project they also passed a resolution to raise $100,000,000 in special offerings and donations. That fund raising campaign is called “Fan Into Flame”
The Kansas District hopes to raise $3 million in support of this project and for Kansas District projects as well; to fund special ministries, new mission starts – sister congregations, and to revitalize Rural/Small Town churches. To that end the District is having Igniter Events through our circuits to present the goals of hopes of Fan Into Flame.
The purpose of the Igniter Event is to;
Celebrate and discuss our mission outreach – particularly the projects proposed for our district;
Provide an overview of the Fan into Flame campaign in Kansas;
Invite congregations to participate and offer different options for participation;
Answer your questions.
The information can then be brought back to your congregation for discussion among leadership boards and/or voters assemblies. Your congregation will be formally invited to participate in the campaign, but you will not be asked for a commitment at the Igniter Event. The District is hoping for a pastor and 3-4 lay persons attending.
Our Igniter Event is scheduled for June 11th, 7:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church of Phillipsburg.

Rev. Bill Diekelman, First Vice Pres. of Synod has written;

Dear Brothers in Christ,

Greetings on behalf of the global Ablaze! movement of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and its 30 partner churches around the world.
Money received from the Fan into Flame campaign to gather financial support for the “Ablaze”- movement is being distributed quarterly to accomplish ministry. To date, a new seminary for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana has received $381,840 from gifts to Fan into Flame, and the additional amount needed to fully fund the seminary has been committed. Amigos en Cristo Hispanic ministry, Immokalee, Florida, has received $137,360. Fan into Flame gifts of $30,000 are earmarked to purchase the first three of 50 new church sites for the India Evangelical Lutheran Church. Support for a domestic missionary already in place in Atlanta has received $107,426. St. Michael Lutheran Church, St. Petersburg, Russia, has received nearly $1 million in Fan into Flame pledges for the renovation necessary after the building was returned by the Russian government. Many congregations in participating districts are receiving regular distributions as a result of members’ gifts and pledges. For more information about how Fan into Flame donations are being used, read Update News at www.lcms.org?11976.
The results of Lutheran Christians’ participation in the Ablaze! movement through personal witnessing and support for the Fan into Flame campaign are already evident. Not only have almost nine million people been reached to date through critical events of sharing the Gospel, but opportunities to build facilities and establish programs to reach even more are resulting from participation in Fan into Flame. We praise God for His Spirit’s guidance of the Ablaze! movement!
In Christ,
Bill

This program is certainly moving forward and it will be up to the congregations to decide how to or if they will participate in “Ablaze” and “Fan into Flame.”

LLL/LWML Rally at First Saint John; On Saturday, March 29th we have an unusual and exceptional opportunity here at First Saint John. The Zone LLL/LWML, (Lutheran Laymen’s League/Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) – will be holding their Spring Rally here! I know the names for the groups have a certain profile for membership, and some of you may feel automatically excluded, however, you will have an opportunity to hear an important and relevant speaker. Rev. Tom Harmon, Risen Savior Lutheran Church, Wichita, will be the event speaker. Rev. Harmon, and his wife Arleta will be speaking about “Life in the Shadow of the Mosque”. Risen Savior Luth. Church is just across the street from the Wichita Islamic Center. They have the special challenge in their parish of responding to and working with people of the Islamic faith.
They will be sharing with us the faith, practices, and ideals of Islam and speak of how to respond to this ever increasing threat to Christianity. I don’t know when we would ever again have the opportunity in Kensington to hear speakers on this topic. You are encouraged to attend either all or part of the day. We don’t yet know the exact time of the program on Isalm but will let you know.
Registration for the total event will be at 9:45 – 10:15. The cost per person is $5.00 including the noon meal. The whole event will be over at 3:00 p.m. Again, this is a rare and exceptional event and we hope you will take advantage of this opportunity. You are all welcome to attend.

Pastor Dave – e-mail to start the day; We have started a communication program in First Saint John that appears to be growing quickly. I thought of this at our Planning Event when we were considering “parish communications”. The old style assumption was that all communication was done either through the bulletin or newsletter. That’s the way it’s been done for a long time. It’s still surprising that a large number of LCMS churches don’t even do a newsletter, but I realized that if our communication with members is only done through paper, we are way behind the techno-times of our age. The best solution for keeping in touch with our members and friends is through e-mail. Therefore, Janeen Wallgren helped me by setting up the church group system that we are using for the morning e-mails on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.
We need a name for this thing! What should we call these morning e-mail messages? If you have a idea, e-mail it to the church office; 1stjohn@ruraltel.net
If you have a child who is away in college or from our area but want them to receive this connection, just give us their e-mail address and we’ll include them as well. There are already many people who either live away from here, or are friends of a member who want to be included. It’s just a simple way to connect with our people and give an easy reminder of faith at the start of your day.
The potential for accenting and building up our ministry to our college students is real benefit. We have not done a good job of keeping in touch with them in any way. It’s time we start! This is also a great way for us to connect with members who are away for some time and with those who have moved from the area. It’s early yet, but this could really grow into something bigger than we imagined.

Church Website; If you’ve not checked it yet, here’s how you get to our church website; Go to www.lutheransonline.com/kensingtonks - and you’ll see it. You can get Church Council minutes, scheduled events, see what’s happening now and coming soon. There are many pictures and suggestions for programs that are coming. Be sure to “check it out.” Also, thank Janeen Wallgren who put it together and continues to update and manage the church website.

March Lent Schedule;
March 5th; Lent 4 – at Saint John, 7:00 p.m
March 12th, Lent 5 – Here; 7:00 p.m. Group ____

Palm Sunday/Confirmation – Pot Luck Dinner; We will have a pot luck dinner on Sunday, March 9th to celebrate not only Palm Sunday, but also the confirmation of three students; Madelyn Reneberg, Dakota Foreman, and Greg Yoxall. We hope you can stay for the dinner and congratulate these young people. Group ________ will be in charge of the meal.

Holy Week Scheudle;
Palm Sunday/Confirmation; Sunday, March 16th is Palm Sunday, the traditional start of Holy Week. On that day we will also celebrate the Confirmation of three of our students; Madelyn Reneberg, Dakota Foreman, and Greg Yoxall. We will have a pot luck dinner in the Parish Hall immediately following the morning service.
Maundy Thursday; Our Maundy Thursday service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Downs. The Zion members will be hosting us for this event. They came here for Ash Wednesday and we will go there for Maundy Thursday. The “Maundy” of the day is from the latin word, “mandatum” which is a mandate or command of Jesus to serve. He commanded his disciples to have the attitude of a servant amongst one another. He then demonstrated that attitude when he, as a servant, washed their feet. Remember His words, “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.”
Good Friday; What’s good about it? – the day that Jesus paid the full price for our sin. We will used the traditional Tenebrae Service – a service that moves from light to darkness symbolizing the darkness of Calvary and the fading loyalty of the disciples. As we read our way through the Passion Narrative, candles on the altar are gradually extinguished until only one, the paschal candle, the light of Christ remains. It is then finally snuffed out signifying the death of Jesus. The Tenebrae service at First Saint John will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21st.
There will also be an evening Good Friday service at Zion, Downs if you are unable to attend the Kensington service but would like to still participate. The Zion, Downs service will be held at 7:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday; Our Easter celebration will being with the Sunrise Service held graveside at Saint John Lutheran Church, Kensington at 7:30 a.m. Pastor Dave will be on his way to Downs, so Pastor Patsy will be leading the sunrise service. The members of Saint John and First Saint John are invited to dress warm and attend the morning, graveside Sunrise Service.
The Easter Breakfast – will be served in the Saint John Parish hall starting at 8:00 a.m. A breakfast crew from both churches will be on hand to cook and serve the breakfast.
Our Easter Sunday Service; - will be held at 10:30 a.m. with communion. This day will also serve as “First Communion” for those who have studied and worked through the communion class of our church. We have a large class of Communion students this year!

From the Pastor; “Who will roll the stone away?!” You will remember these words of thew omen as they approached the tomb of Jesus on the Easter dawn. They didn’t know the tomb was already open.
They were going to the tomb of Jesus to complete the burial preparations. When Jesus died with the Sabbath approaching, the burial process as not completed. He was hastily laid in a borrowed tomb with the plant o complete everything on Sunday. His body was wrapped in linens and laid in the tomb with a large stone being rolled into a recessed, cut channel closing and sealing the tomb. The High Priest ordered that the tomb be sealed shut, (mortar) and posted some of his guards to ensure that there was no “tampering” with the body of Jesus. The Jews were afraid that the disciples would come and steal the body of Jesus and claim that he was raised from the dead. It seems that they were listening to his words more than the disciples did. The Jews remembered that he mentioned rising from the dead. The disciples apparently missed that lesson – or they were so afraid of the Jews, that they held no hope for seeing Jesus again. Instead, they were hiding in the upper room for fear of the Jews.
The question, “Who will roll the stone away?” – is very practical but also an opportunity for some powerful speculation. They knew they couldn’t move it. They knew they would need some powerful help. They had to wonder if they would even get the chance. Yet, prior to their arrival, an angel appeared and rolled the stone away, opening the tomb. The guards who witnessed it were terrified and collapsed in fear, “as dead men.” The process gives rise to an interesting question. Did the angel roll away the stone to let Jesus out? - Or did the angel roll away the stone to let the women in?”
Certainly it was done for the benefit of the women, the first witnesses of the resurrection. The resurrected Jesus was not longer limited by the restrictions of time and space. He could go anywhere and appear any time he wished. The proof is in his appearance to the disciples in the upper room. Matthew tells us that the eleven disciples were hiding in the upper room where they had celebrated the last supper. The doors were locked for fear of the Jews when suddenly, Jesus stood among them. How did he get there? And, if he can suddenly appear in a locked room, then he certainly was not hindered by a stone in front of the tomb.
The stone was rolled away simply to provide access for these first witness of the resurrection. Imagine the joy of our heavenly Father as he watched the women approaching the tomb. It must be like parents watching their little ones at their first Easter Egg hunt. If you scattered the eggs, you know where they are, but you stand back and watch little eyes light up with excitement as they begin to find and discover the hidden joys. Such was the joy of the Easter morning.
The story was first told by a few, - then confirmed by two disciples on the road to Emmaeus, - then celebrated as Jesus appeared to 10 of the disciples in the upper room. The story just got bigger and bigger as word spread concerning the empty tomb of Jesus.
Today the question the women asked is heard again and again. “Who will roll away the stone?” – but this time it is the stone of guilt, the stone of failure, the stone of fear, the stone of grief and sorrow, the stone of hardship, trials, and pain. The stone is anything that stands in the way of the joy you can have in Christ. When the tombstone was rolled away, all others fell before it as the power of the resurrection grants us hope and confidence, even in difficult times. Challenging times are always before us, but so is the joy and hope of Easter for us all.

NO CFF on Wednesday, March 19th!

Planning Event – 2008 Results;
List of all suggested ideas and goals;

1. Build a college data-base of students and provide a “handbook” for leaving High School Seniors.
2. Set up a contact committee to encourage college students to attend local churches
3. Provide for more seating in the sanctuary;
4. Install ceiling fans in all facilities as needed
5. Get new sanctuary doors;
6. Purchase a new organ;
7. Develop a Church board job description handbook
8. Develop a greeter list for serving at worship services;
9. Develop a energy conservation plan;
10. Expand the church secretary position to include parish administration;
11. Plan for some assimilation training;
12. Use more contemporary music;
13. Develop a special music committee for worship;
14. Get an outdoor electronic sign for the church;
15. Provide more “Pastor led” Bible Study opportunities;
16. Virtual Dave – Web cam for worship services and activities;
17. Enlarge the Sanctuary to the east and south – form a committee;
18. Set up more Family Nights/Activity Nights;
19. Make a “Sing along with Dave” CD for sale;
20. Fix the nursery speaker;
21. Provide more handicapped parking in front of church;
22. Get and use a power-point system;
23. Set up cluster meeting; (Kensington, Phillipsburg, Norton) and get a special guest speaker;
24. More Special Sundays to be used for outreach;
Planning Event – 2008;
ADOPTED PRIORITY GOALS; - as ranked by attendees;
1. Enlarge Sanctuary; - Form a building committee;
2. Use More contemporary music; set up a special music committee;
3. Develop a College database for college ministry;
4. Expand Church Secretary position to more Parish Administration;
5. Develop Energy Conservation plans;
6. Have more “Pastor led” Bible study opportunities;
7. Get a new organ;
8. Install ceiling fans where needed;
9. Get an outdoor electronic sign;

We hope to keep these goals before you and we can see great results as we move forward in mission and ministry.

Completed 2005 Planning Event Goals
.
1. After construction of the PAC is finished, provide for more church storage;
2. Put up a “special needs” bulleting board;
3. Increase average Sunday Worship attendance;
4. Get new supplies for small children activities in church;
5. Update/improve the church sound system;
6. Build a sound booth area at the rear of the sanctuary;
7. Put a fountain in the narthex;
8. Have a “work day” to sort and remove church junk;
9. Update or replace the sanctuary keyboard;
10. Build the Parish Activity Center
These 10 goals were completed out of 24. Not bad!

Downs Vacancy notes; The paper work is in and Zion has officially finished the process of calling a candidate/graduate from one of our seminaries. The District Office will forward the call and begin placement meetings with the Seminaries in the near future.

Last Day of CFF is March 26th; Our closing day for the 2007-2008 CFF year will be Wednesday, March 26th. On that day we will be looking for “service projects” for the kids to do. Here is your opportunity for plenty of free labor. We need places for the kids to go and work to help out others in the community. Soooo – if you have any cleaning, any odd jobs, any labor intensive projects you could use some energetic help with, let Pastor Dave, Becky, or Liz know, and we’ll get some kids to you that afternoon.
Certainly we want to thank all of you who have worked to make CFF the program for our kids that it has become. For food and snack preparation, serving, teaching, directing, and so much more – thank you! And special thanks to our teachers, who really face the storm! - to Becky and Liz for making it all happen. Thank you!!
March youth event; On March 30th we are planning a 3 point youth event. We are inviting the youth of Zion, Downs; First Lutheran of Phillipsburg, and our Kensington Lutheran youth for an afternoon in the Parish Activity Center. We will have movies, a wallyball tournament, games and activities for all 7th – 12th grade who come. Please bring a snack to share with the group. More information will be coming as it gets closer.