St. John Lutheran Church

THE ST. JOHN NEWS February 2017

One of the best outcomes from the events of the Reformation was the renewed emphasis on Holy Baptism in the

life of the Christian. For 1,450 years of the Church before Luther, Baptism was cherished by Christians as the

sacrament that brought the sinner into fellowship with God. While Luther and the Catholic Church did not match

up perfectly on their beliefs and teaching about Baptism, they were united for the most part. Attacks on Baptism

started to come from outside of the Catholic and Lutheran teachings. The Anabaptists began to teach that bap-

tism as a child was not valid. A baby or a child was not able to rightly receive baptism mentally, and so infant

baptism and the baptism of young children was forbidden. Adding insult to injury, the Anabaptists insisted that

any Christian who was baptized in the Catholic or Lutheran Church must be baptized again, hence the name

“Anabaptist”, which means to baptize again.

What arose from the work of the Reformation was great comfort and peace that comes from remembering one’s

own baptism. Even though we are only baptized once, the benefits received last our whole lives through. The

seal of the cross and the Triune name of God placed on the baptized never wash away (Revelation 7:3; 9:4). A

hymn that was written over 250 years ago has recently gained in popularity among Lutherans. It is the hymn

written by Erdmann Neumeister and is called “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It” (LSB 594). While it was not

included in The Lutheran Hymnal or in Lutheran Worship, this hymn was placed in Lutheran Service Book, right

at the beginning of the “Baptismal Life” section.

Erdmann Neumeister was a Lutheran pastor in Germany well over 100 years after Martin Luther died. In his

work for the Church, Pastor Neumeister fought especially hard against Pietism, the teaching that focuses on

man’s efforts to live a God-pleasing life for the sake of keeping God’s favor and as a sign that one is truly saved.

Pastor Neumeister recognized this teaching as a detriment to the focus on the pure Gospel message salvation and

how it could detract from the comfort that comes from the Gospel. The words of his baptismal hymn steer the

Christian back to the Gospel power present in the Sacrament and strips away any part you or I may play in it.

Some of the Gospel chords that are clearly struck in this hymn include these lines of verse 1:

God’s own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ!

He, because I could not pay it, Gave my full redemption price.

Do I need earth’s treasures many? I have one worth more than any

That brought me salvation free Lasting to eternity!

Knowing man’s work is always tainted with sin, Pastor Neumeister targeted sin’s power to disrupt the Christian’s

faith with these words from verse 2:

Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ!

I have comfort even stronger: Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.

Should a guilty conscience seize me Since my Baptism did release me

In a dear forgiving flood, Sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?

And knowing fully the dreadful fear that death can cause even the strongest Christian, Pastor Neumeister penned

these words of power over death given by Jesus in Baptism in verse 4:

Death, you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ!

When I die, I leave all sadness To inherit paradise!

Though I lie in dust and ashes Faith’s assurance brightly flashes:

Baptism has the strength divine To make life immortal mine.

Remembering your Baptism

For Peace and Comfort: Suzanne and family at the death of husband Paul, Jim & Jennifer and family at the death of Jim’s mother Judy , Norma and family at the death of husband Ronald, Nancy and family at the death of mother Charlene

Following Surgery: Lois , Lorene

Hospitalized: Walt, Lea, Esther

For Healing and Recovery: Pastor Mark Elliott, Maria, Merv, John, Anita, Mary, Lucille, Leona, Aaron -nephew of Roger & Norma , Ed , Steve -son of Bob & Joan , Todd -grandson of Harold , Tom , Linda -sister of Keith , Kent , Wayne & Leona , Larry -brother of Pastor, Bob

For Successful Treatments: Jennifer -sister in law of Ellie, Jeannette, Linda, Joan, Joe, Lea, Nancy, Maxine, Ken, Jason -grandson of Lois

For Comfort, Strength & Peace: Lea , Harriet -aunt of Joan

For our Military: Ashley, Taylor, Andy, Jim, Brandon, Luke, Christopher, Suzzanna, Ben, Allyson, Tom

For our Missionaries: Pastor Randrianasolo Dembiniana Havanjanakary and the Madagascar Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Magnus Bengston and Lielsalaca Lutheran Church in Latvia, Pastor Obot Ite and the Lutheran Mission in Kingston, Jamaica

Let Us Pray

Backtracking to verse 3, the very work of Satan himself is opposed by the waters of Holy Baptism, giving the

Christian the certainty that the devil is powerless over Christ’s holy Sacrament:

Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ!

Drop your ugly accusation, I am not so soon enticed.

Now that to the font I’ve traveled, All your might has come unraveled,

And, against your tyranny, God, my Lord, unites with me!

God gives forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation in the waters of Holy Baptism; there is no doubt about it! And

to know that God is united with us in that sacred act gives comfort and assurance that the world cannot give, com-

fort and assurance that will last forever! And so, Pastor Neumeister ends his hymn with these words:

There is nothing worth comparing To this life-long comfort sure!

Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I’ll sleep secure.

Though my flesh awaits its raising, Still my soul continues praising:

I am baptized into Christ; I’m a child of paradise!

Meditate on these words from hymn 594 of Lutheran Service Book as you remember your baptism daily! The

Lord Jesus did not mean for you to be baptized and then to not think about it every again. Rather, he made it your

entrance into his family, uniting you unto himself, now and forever, as St. Paul emphasized so beautifully in Ro-

mans 6:1–5:

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we

who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus

were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just

as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if

we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection

like his.

You are baptized into Christ! God’s peace is yours!

In service to you, his baptized saints,

Pastor Caithamer

Mission Statement: United in faith, we serve the Kingdom of God by building lives that are rooted in the Word, centered on Christ, and motivated by Grace;

to reflect Christ’s love and share His Gospel with all.

Men's Prayer Breakfast The men of the congregation are invited the second Thursday of each month to Original

Pancake House for food and fellowship, and devotion and prayers led by

Pastor Caithamer. Please join us this month on Thursday, February 9th, at 7:00am.

From the Finance Board In an effort to keep the members of St. John informed about the financial condition of the Church we are including information about our current financial situation.

The Collapsed Income and Expense report on the next page shows the amount of income and expenses for the year to date.

In the printed bulletin, there is a report showing the quantity of envelope giving for the month of Dec 2016.

May God continue to bless all the members of St. John!

Finance Board

Ash Wednesday, March 1 3:30pm & 7:15pm Services

Lenten Midweek Services, March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 3:30 & 7:15pm Services

Palm Sunday, April 9 8:00am & 10:45am

Maundy Thursday, April 13 7:15pm

Good Friday, April 14 7:15pm

Easter Sunday, April 16 6:00am, 8:00am & 10:45am

VBS Planning Meeting

To all those who would like to help with VBS

planning for this summer, please join us for a meeting on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at

9:00am. Our program this year from CPH is

“A Mighty Fortress” in celebration of the 500th

anniversary of the Reformation. Come with your ideas and ex-

From Jim Mohr:

My family offers our sincerest appreciation and love to the congregation of St. Johns for their ongoing prayers and well wishes during my mothers prolonged death. Revelation 7:13-17 provides us all comfort.

13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”14 I answered, “Sir, you

know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out

of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes

and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

15 Therefore, they are before the throne of God and

serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on

the throne will shelter them with his presence.16 Never

again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The

sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching

heat.17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be

their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living wa-

ter. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Save the Date!! Little Lamb and Kindergarten/First Grade Open House

St. John Lutheran School will have a Little Lamb and Kindergarten open house on February 28 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. You will have a chance to visit with the teachers, see the classrooms and have your questions answers. Watch the bulletin for more information.

Music Notes

This month, in addition to our singers and ringers, we’ve en-joyed the sounds of violin, piano, clarinet, flute, and trumpet. Thanks to all who lend their talents – please speak to Keith if you’re an instrumentalist ready to join the fun!

Rehearsals continue in the church balcony, and we continue to welcome everyone, newcomers and seasoned regulars alike!

Mixed Choir – Thursdays from 6:45 – 7:30 Next performances Sunday, February 5 at 10:45 service and Sunday, February 26 at 10:45 service. No rehearsal on February 2.

Men’s Choir – Thursdays from 6:00 – 6:45 Next performances Sunday, February 19 at 10:45 service. No rehearsal February 2.

Alleluia Ringers – Wednesdays at 6:00 Next performances Sunday, February 5, and Sunday, March 5 (early service and possibly Prelude at late service.) No rehearsal February 15.

Our Reformation 500th anniversary exploration of the hymns

of Martin Luther continues in February. During Communion each Sunday in February we will sing one of Luther’s hymns of hope and comfort “In the very midst of Life” (LSB 755.) We will hear organ preludes based on this throughout the month as well. The tune of this hymn is by Johann Walther, another musical icon of Luther’s time.

We will also sing Luther’s hymnification of the Canticle Gloria in excelsis - “All glory be to God alone” (LSB 948) on the final Sunday of the month, along with his version of the Nunc di-umittis –“ In peace and joy I now depart” (LSB 938).

We may not always realize it, but here at St. john we are one of the “singingest” congregations there is! Many people who visit us remark upon the fact that our hymn singing is among the most vibrant they have experienced anywhere. Certainly our connection with Luther’s hymnody is an important part of this, for which I am always grateful.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Keith Williams

2 David & Loretta (59)

3 Pat & Cindy (27)

8 Larry & Gale (37)

10 Dave & Michelle (16)

11 Scott & Katie (11)

13 Marvin & Esther (60)

14 Brad & Sarah (6)

15 Gary & Tricia (4)

16 Tony & Jill (37); Doug & Christy (43);

20 Terry & Janice (51)

21 Glen & Diane (58)

25 Gary & Ronda (39)

1 Faith, Kris, Elijah

2 Glen, Susan, Morgan, Kelsey

3 Elise, David, Chris, Cindy

4 Erica, Andy, Bill, Derek

5 Dan, Alex, Justin, Eden, Ben, Jay

6 Elizabeth, Brendan

7 Sara, Eunice, Dee, Don, Henry

8 Blake, Nicki

9 Chris, Jill

10 Lynn

11 Peter

12 Emily

13 Anne, Caitlin

14 Alicia

15 Mar, Payton, Peter, Carol

16 Dan, Yvonne, Julie

17 Allie, Beth, Luke

18 Barbara, Ingrid, Ralph

19 Linda, Jessica, Jenna, Chris, Paulos, Kelly , Emma

20 Laura, Thelma, Sherry, Lisa

21 Dominic, Riane , Ella, Joyce

22 Jonathan, Brad, Hannah, Travis

23 Emily, Mark

24 Bob, Gered, Fiona

26 Christopher, Loretta

27 Leona, Ella, Frank, Chris

28 Donavan, Louis

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

FEBRUARY

ANNIVERSARIES

PLEASE notify the church office (359-1123 if your birthday or anniversary is missing or incorrect. Unfortunately, we don’t have 100% of our members’ birthdays & anniversaries on file. Letting us know is a great way to help us complete & correct our records.

ATTENDANCE FIGURES FOR JANUARY

Sunday Jan 1 10:00am 220 Comm 187 Sundays 8:00 Comm 10:45 Comm Jan 8 178 127 128 112 Jan 15 138 109 112 91 Jan 22 190 147 130 102 Jan 29

Wednesdays 7:15 Comm Jan 4 30 27 Epiphany Jan 11 23 19 Jan 18 27 25 Jan 25 23 19

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY1 2 3 4

Group Photos for Yearbook (Wear a

St. John shirt or school colors)

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Ram Rebate Orders Due!

Volleyball @ Campus Middle,

6pm

Volleyball @ St. John Mattoon,

6pm12 13 14 15 16 17 18

NO SCHOOL Parent Teacher

Conferences

HOME Volleyball vs. Thomasboro, 6pm

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Chapel 8:05amMiddle School Play,

"Chivalry Me Timbers" 6pm

PTF Meeting, 5:30pm

(Fellowship Hall)

Ice Cream Social, 7pm

26 27 28

Ram Rebate Orders Due!

Home Volleyball vs. Campus Middle, 6pm

Chapel 8:05am

Volleyball @ St. John Buckley,

6pm

NO SCHOOL President's Day

St. John Lutheran School Calendar - Febuary 2017

4th-8th Grade Choir Sings in

8:00am ServiceNO SCHOOL

Dates/times are subject to change (especially for sporting events).

Please check the school and athletic calendars at www.stjohnls.com to confirm.

Reading Buddies, 1pm

Volleyball @ Cornerstone

Christian, 6pm

Middle School Play, "Chivalry Me Timbers" 11am in

the Gym

Volleyball @ St. Mary's Bloomington,

6pmChapel 8:05am

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

Devotions &

Hymn-sing at

Amber Glen on the

12h & 26th at 2:30pm

Church Office

359-1123

School Office

359-1714

Pastor Caithamer’s day

off: Fridays

1 8:05 Chapel

5:45 Midweek School

5:45 Lifelight

6:00 Handbells

7:15 Holy Communion

2 9:00 Lifelight

12:30 Widow’s Group

6:30 Lifelight

3 1:30 Geography Bee

4

5 8:00 Holy Communion (AR)

9:30 Adult Bible Class,

Sunday School

10:45 Holy Communion (MxC)

6 6:00 Finance Board

7 10:00 Adult Bible Class

5:30 Fellowship Board

6:30 School Board

7:00 Trustees

8 8:05 Chapel

5:45 Midweek School

5:45 Lifelight

6:00 Handbells

7:15 Holy Communion

9 7:00 Men’s Prayer

Breakfast

9:00 Lifelight

10:00 Evangelism

1:30 Mary Martha

6:00 Men’s Choir

6:30 Lifelight

6:45 Mixed Choir

10 11 9:00 VBS Meeting

12 8:00 Holy Communion

9:30 Adult Bible Class,

Sunday School

10:45 Holy Communion

13 9:00 MOPS

14 6:00 Elders

15 8:05 Chapel

10:00 Adult Bible Class

5:45 Midweek School

5:45 Lifelight

7:15 Holy Communion

16 No School

9:00 Lifelight

6:00 Men’s Choir

6:30 Lifelight

6:45 Mixed Choir

17 No School 18

19 8:00 Holy Communion

9:30 Adult Bible Class,

Sunday School

10:45 Holy Communion (MC)

20 No School

Newsletter Deadline

21 10:00 Adult Bible Class

1:00 Reading Buddies

6:00 Council

22 8:05 Chapel

5:30 PTF

5:45 Midweek School

5:45 Lifelight

6:00 Handbells

7:15 Holy Communion

23 9:00 Lifelight

6:00 Men’s Choir

6:30 Lifelight

6:45 Mixed Choir

24 25

26 8:00 Holy Communion (MxC)

9:30 Adult Bible Class,

Sunday School

10:45 Holy Communion

1:00 Voter’s Meeting

27 9:00 MOPS

28 10:00 Adult Bible Class

5:00 LL/K/1st Grade

Open House

6:00 Parish Ed

6:30 Stewardship

7:00 Youth Board

Ash Wednesday

with services at

3:30 and 7:15

2017