st · web viewso what kind of church are we? we are a biblical church. we have been defining our...
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St. John Lutheran Church May 2016________________________________________________________________________
Church Office: 563-242-5588Pastor Dan Pool: 321-6757, home
e-mail: [email protected] Site: www.stjohn-clinton-ia.org
________________________________________________________________________
Core Values: Biblical
So what kind of Church are we? We are a Biblical Church. We have been defining our core values this spring. And this is where we start. We believe the Bible to be the Word and revelation of God. We take it seriously. We shape our lives by it. We read, study, and give it prominence in worship. It is inspired, inerrant, and authoritative.
And we read the Bible in a particular way. It is so much more than, “basic instructions before leaving earth.” Jesus is the heart and center of the Scriptures. The Bible brings us Christ and tells His story. The Bible is the history of redemption. And as we read, listen, and engage with the Scriptures, we are incorporated into that story.
And for us, context matters so much. Bible verses are not fortune cookies. We don’t just rip them out of their context and then make them mean whatever we want. The meaning of a verse is determined by the author, not the reader. So when we want to know the meaning of a particular verse, we look at the immediate context, the chapter, the book, and finally the rest of the Bible.
We also believe that God’s Word is unique in that it accomplishes what it says. Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall
succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” God’s Word goes out and it changes reality. It declares us righteous. It forgives our sins. It makes us His own.
So the Bible is central to our life together as His Church – it is the voice of God. And because we love Him, we desire to get to know Him through His Word. We read the Bible in our own private devotions. We study the Bible in classes. And let me invite you to get involved in one of our weekly Bible studies. This is the best place to get comfortable with God’s Word.
Over the next few months I will address each of our core values: biblical, confessional, liturgical, and missional. And hopefully this will bring us to a greater understanding of what Christ has called us to be.
Pastor
Pastor Pool’s Sunday Bible StudyThe Book of Daniel
Pastor’s Sunday study continues with the mysterious and challenging Old Testament Prophet Daniel. From life in Babylon to the end of the world, Daniel addresses dreams, revelation, persecution, and even a glimpse of the Gospel. We meet each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. There is no cost. Bring your Bibles. Please join us!
May 1: Daniel 8:1-14: A Vision of a Ram and a GoatMay 8: Daniel 8:15-27: For the Time of the EndMay 15: Daniel 9:1-19: Corporate Confession
May 22: Daniel 9:20-27: An Angelic TimelineMay 29: Daniel 10:1-21: A Vision of a Man
Confirmation
On Sunday, May 1 at the 10:15 a.m. service three young men of St. John will be received into communicant membership of the congregation. Those to be confirmed this year are: Jacob Jackson, Joseph Simpson, and Parker Sirna.
Check It Out In Our Church Library
Carol Hill has donated five fiction books to our library.
Secret RefugePerfect Alibi
Sheltered HavenStranded
Her Christian Guardian
Thanks to an unknown person, a new “Veggie Tales” video is now available in the library.
The Ballad of Little Joe
We have been doing some “weeding” in the library. Please stop in and take home some free
used books!
Ascension Day Service
Join us Thursday, May 5 at 7:00 p.m. for the Divine Service as we remember the Ascension of our Lord. The Ascension marks the return of Christ to His place of glory where He stands as our Intercessor and Advocate. Pastor Anthony Dodgers of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotte is preaching. Ladies Aid will host fellowship and refreshments following the Service.
Higher Things
We have 11 youth and 3 adults going to the Higher Things Youth Conference this summer in Cedar Falls, IA. We are excited to have so many go! But we could use your help. The cost is $375 per person. Would you consider giving a gift to help our young people go? Thrivent Choice dollars directed to St. John Lutheran Church are also helping us. Direct those choice dollars today.
Youth Ushers
Each month on the second Sunday of the month, our confirmed young people are serving the congregation as ushers. But we need you to sign-up! The sign-up sheet is in the fellowship hall.
Board of Elders
The Board of Elders will meet on Monday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, May 9 at 6:00 p.m.
Board of Stewardship
The Board of Stewardship will meet on Monday, May 16 at 6:00 p.m.
Board of Education
The Board of Education will meet on Monday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m.
Board of Evangelism
The Board of Evangelism will meet on Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Voters’ Assembly
Our Voters’ Assembly will meet on Monday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to the Voters’ Assembly. Come and get involved in the work of the Church.
Board Meetings
Ladies Aid
Ladies Aid will meet in the fellowship hall on Friday, May 6 at 1:30 p.m. Helen Niebuhr and Doris Jacobsen will be our hostesses. All ladies are welcome to attend.
Ladies Evening Bible Study
Ladies Evening Bible Study will meet on May 3 and 17 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. All women are welcome to join us!
Mary Martha
In place of their May meeting the Mary Martha ladies will attend the Grace Camp Women’s Retreat and Salad Luncheon on Thursday, May 5 either from 12-3 or 6-9 p.m. Cost is $10 each. Danny Steiber, “The Barn Quilt Guy,” will be the guest speaker. He will be talking about barn quilts and their history with the Underground Railroad movement through Iowa in the 1800’s. All ladies are invited to attend. Call Carol Stuedemann, 242-4762, by May 1 to make your reservation. The evening carpool will be leaving St. John at 5:00 p.m.
Quilting Bee
The Quilting Bee will meet on Thursday, May 19 at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. All ladies interested in helping sew and tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief are invited to attend.
Food Pantry Collection - May 1
Donations of nonperishable food items, paper, and soap products may be brought to the fellowship hall on Sunday, May 1 for the food pantry collection at the Victory Center. These items will be distributed to the unemployed of the community.
Youth Taco Bell and Bible Study Night
Our middle and high school students are invited to the parsonage for Taco Bell and Bible study on Sunday, May 15 at 5:00 p.m. No cost. Bring your Bible. Let Pastor know if you plan to attend!
Graduation
On Sunday, May 29 at the 10:15 a.m. Service, we will recognize our High School Graduates: Blake Bialas, Blake Bormann, Mercedes Chapman, Brandon King, Bradley LaShelle, McKenzie Petersen, Hannah Schroeder, Donivan Sirna, Daniel Stewart, and Rachelle Susie. The High School Graduates are asked to bring a billfold-sized picture to the church office by May 11 for our “Graduating Seniors” bulletin board.
Church Office Closed - May 30
Please note that the St. John Church Office will be closed on Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day.
Stephen Ministry
The Christian caregiving ministry at St. John Lutheran Church commissioned two new Stephen Ministers, Joyce Martinez and Marianne Wenzel in late April. Stephen Ministers offer care and support for people experiencing life difficulties such as the death of a loved one, job crisis, aging, separation or divorce, long-term illness, or for those needing the support of a Christian friend. They have received 50 hours of intensive training covering topics such as effective listening, confidentiality, feelings and utilizing community resources. Stephen Ministry is a confidential ministry; those receiving care can be sure that their identity and what goes on in the caring relationship will remain private. In addition to the training, these Christian lay caregivers will continue to receive twice-monthly continuing education and supervision support sessions as they strive to offer the highest quality Christian caregiving.
Please keep Joyce and Marianne in your prayers as they take on the role of Stephen Ministers at St. John Lutheran Church. If you know someone who needs care and support at this time, please contact Stephen Leaders, Deb Eickert at 242-7634 or Lori Eberhart at 563-659-2329.
Preschool Registration
The preschool is accepting students for the 2016/2017 school year. We will continue to have a multi-age classroom setting with 3 year olds attending 3 days per week and older children attending 5 days per week. We have extended our hours of
operation to 8:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. to be more accommodating to parents and to provide more for our students. Tuition will be $120.00 for 1st year students and will be free for 2nd year returning students. Contact the church office, 242-5588, for more information or enrollment forms.
Summer Sunday School
This summer, we will only have Children’s Summer Sunday School on the first Sunday of each month. We will be watching a special video series with popcorn and prayers. On the other Sundays, we will not have children’s classes. Both adult classes will continue to meet. Teens and kids are welcome to attend with parents.
Did you know the Church has a Facebook page? You can like us on Facebook at St. John Lutheran Church, Clinton.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is May 8, and we would like to wish all of you a happy and blessed Mother’s Day! As Luther says, “God has given this walk of life… motherhood…a special position of honor, higher than that of any other walk of life under it.” Thank You, God, for our children and our mothers!
Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca Camperships
Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca camperships for baptized members of St. John are available for $150 to those attending a five-day program and $50 to those attending a three-day program. To reserve a campership call the church office, 242-5588. You may register online at www.campiodiseca.org.
Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School will be July 18-22, 2016. Our theme this year is “Barnyard Roundup.” VBS is for children 4 years old or enrolled in St. John Sunday School or Preschool through those entering grade 7. Older children and adults are welcome to volunteer as helpers. Mark your calendars and plan on joining us for this exciting barnyard adventure!
May Birthdays & Anniversaries
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !
Happy Birthday to: Margarette Rickertsen, who will be 94 on May 5. Donald Schwartz, who will be 88 on May 11.Darlene Omann, who will be 86 on May 13. Alice Kopf, who will be 93 on May 19. Norma Hudelson, who will be 92 on May 27.Gene Siefken, who will be 84 on May 28.
Happy Anniversary to: Booker & Christie Collins, 1st wedding anniversary on May 16.Alan & Valerie Hill, 25th wedding anniversary on May 18.
We list birthdays 80 and above and anniversaries for year one and every five years thereafter unless we receive a request not to do so.
Private Communion Calls
Pastor Pool now makes his visits to those in nursing homes throughout the month. Those at home who would like to receive a communion visit are asked to call Pastor at the Church Office, 242-5588, to schedule a time.
THOSE WHO SERVE IN MAY
Early
Elders: Rick Eizenga Dave Reynolds
Ushers: Jay Mueller
Youth Ushers – May 8
Nursery Attendants (Late)1 – Sandy Bovis &
Moriah Stewart
8 – Jaime & Jennifer Kammerer
15– Sheryl Jindrich
22 – Kristi LaShelle
29 – Pete & Tara Sirna
Recording 1 – Darlene Paysen8 – Paul Wenzel15– Darlene Paysen22 – Paul Wenzel29 – Darlene Paysen
Late
Elders: Jim Kophamer Troy Bialas
Ushers: Pete Sirna Dale Schroeder Jerry Morden
Youth Ushers – May 8
Acolyte Schedule1-Early – Elder 1-Late – Elder
8-Early – Elder8-Late –Elder
15-Early – Elder15-Late – Elder
22-Early – Elder22-Late – Elder
29-Early – Elder29-Late – Elder
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: MAY 20If you would like to put any information in the newsletter, contact Angie Stewart, and get her the information by May 20.
