Announcements

St. John’s Lutheran Church

109 Maple St. Burt, Iowa|Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Pastor: Rev. Thomas Cowell                

Secretary: Rosann Shipler

Pastor’s Cell: 319-464-5548                

Church Office: 515-924-3344  stjohnsburt.org

Pastor’s Email: pastor@stjohnsburt.org 

Church Email: churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

THE HOLY TRINITY

June 7, 2020 

 

Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S Today, June 7    9:00 a.m.    Divine Service (Holy Trinity) (C)                   Sunday, June14    9:00 a.m.    Divine Service (Pentecost 2) (C)

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR   June 11     Feast of St. Barnabas, Apostle      June 12     Commemoration of The Ecumenical Council          of Nicaea, A.D. 325

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:        Kitty Bierstedt      Elder for June:  Jerry Koestler

 

Get Well Cards - Joel Smith is continuing his recovery from a brain aneurysm at Pearl Valley Rehab & Nursing, 2001 1st Ave. North, Estherville, Iowa 51334.  Feel free to send a card and let him know he is in your prayers.  

 

Masks - Adult masks and children masks are on the table in the back of the church.  If you need an extra mask to keep in your car when you travel to various places or go into stores or doctor offices, please feel free to take one.  

 

Prayers for Peace - The theme of Trinity, Algona’s online evening prayer this Monday at 8:00 p.m. will be a prayer for justice, peace, and unity for our nation.  You can access the livestreamed prayer service on Trinity’s YouTube or Facebook page.  If you do not have internet access and would like a printed copy to pray on your own, contact Pastor Cowell. 

 

New Weekly Announcements Email - St. John’s has started emailing our weekly announcements through Flocknote.  If you would like to receive these weekly announcements in a computer or smartphone-friendly format, contact the church office and we can add you to the list.  You can also contact the church office to update any of your Flocknote preferences. 

 

Pastoral care available - As you decide for yourself when you feel safe returning to the regular Sunday morning service, know that Pastor Cowell continues to be available for pastoral care.  He is happy to hear your confession and absolve your sins or to give you Holy Communion individually at any time.  If you are not comfortable visiting or being visited, he is happy to talk with you on the phone.  His cell phone is 319-464-5548.  

 

St. John’s Kids - St. John’s Kids is a collection of short videos on the liturgy, Small Catechism, and other topics of the Christian faith.  These videos can benefit “kids” of all ages! View them by clicking on the “St. John’s Kids YouTube Channel” icon on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org.  

 

Pastor’s Corner - There is a new tab at stjohnsburt.org called the “Pastor’s Corner.”  Here you’ll find a collection of resources we’ve been using to learn at St. John’s during the past three years.  Check back often as new content is added to this page each week.  If you have any recommendations for content for either the Youtube channel or Pastor’s Corner, feel free to let Pastor Cowell know! 

 

Offerings and alms during our time away – We thank God for blessing us with the tools and resources to continue the distribution of His grace at St. John’s, and we thank God for blessing us with faithful Christians to fund our ministry and operational expenses.  Keep up the good work! Also note that if you or your family has encountered any financial hardship during this time, don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Cowell to see if our congregation can help in any way. 

 

St. John’s Vacation Bible School - This year St. John’s is hosting a "family VBS."  This means that we are encouraging all our members and friends of all ages to join the kids as we learn what it means to be a Christian family as well as a Christian church family.  The VBS will be on four Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30, with supper being at 5:30.  Our big uncertainty right now is when we will be able to have our first VBS Wednesday!  We will let you know as soon as we have the dates set.  If you would like to volunteer at the VBS in any capacity, please let Pastor or a member of the Board of Education know and we’ll find you a spot to serve.

 

St. John’s T-Shirts! - St. John’s decided to take advantage of a great deal on bulk-order T-shirts from Threads in Algona.  Below is a design.  They are dark blue and are available in all standard sizes (and fit according to standard sizes).  Call or text Hannah Cowell at 712-294-4962 by June 15th to order.  All sizes are $6.  You can pay Hannah either when you order or when you receive the shirt near the end of June.                                                                                       

               

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT, & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity, Algona Schedule - As Trinity, Algona opens their worship in their church building today, note that they will continue their livestreamed service and other online resources in the coming months. You can find all these resources from Trinity at: trinityalgona.org/corona.  

 

Camp Okoboji has cancelled summer programs, but is still renting out the Family Ministry Cabins. See campokoboji.org for more information. 

Did You Know? “Comfort, comfort my people says your God…” Isaiah 40:1 The primitive root behind the Hebrew word for “comfort” is to sigh or breathe deeply. It is the Hebrew equivalent of “cool it” or “chill.” And it is repeated. That’s the Hebrew equivalent of the Energizer bunny, it just keeps going and going. God wants Isaiah to speak to His people and tell them to take a deep breath, everything is going to be alright. God tells him to “speak tenderly.” Literally this is “speak to the heart.” God ‘s word of comfort does more than sound nice. It does things. It speaks to our hearts, fears, struggles, and griefs. It says, “Take a deep breath. Everything is going to be alright.” Lutheran Family Service –

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Holy Trinity)

 

Old Testament: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 

 

Epistle: Peter preaches the resurrection of Jesus and the work of the Holy Trinity at Pentecost. 

 

Gospel: Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize and teach all nations according to His command.

 

LCMS MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE

 

“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”  -John 14:6

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

 

The Athanasian Creed

Early in the fourth century, a north African pastor named Arius began teaching that Jesus Christ was not truly God.  The Church responded decisively in AD 325 with a statement of faith (The Nicene Creed), which confessed that Jesus is, in fact, true God.  Toward the end of the fifth century, another creed was written that delved further into the mystery of the Trinity.  Though attributed to Athanasius, a fourth-century opponent of Arius, this anonymous creed clearly came at a later stage in the debate.

     The Athanasian Creed declares that its teachings concerning the Holy Trinity and our Lord’s incarnation are “the catholic faith.”  In other words, this is what the true Church of all times and all places has confessed.  More than fifteen centuries later, the Church continues to confess this truth, confident that the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, have given Himself for our salvation. - Quoted from Lutheran Service Book, 319. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

 

Large Catechism, Part II, Apostles’ Creed, paragraphs 1-3, 6-7

The Creed sets forth to us everything that we must expect and receive from God. The Creed teaches us to know Him fully [Ephesians 3:19]. This is intended to help us do what we ought to do according to the Ten Commandments. For the Ten Commandments are set so high that all human ability is far too feeble and weak to keep them. Therefore, it is just as necessary to learn this part of Christian doctrine as to learn the former. Then we may know how to attain what they command, both where and how to receive such power. For if we could by our own powers keep the Ten Commandments as they should be kept, we would need nothing further, neither the Creed nor the Lord's Prayer. […]

     To make the Creed clearly understood as it is to be taught to children, we shall briefly sum up the entire Creed in three chief articles, according to the three persons in the Godhead [Col. 2:9]. Everything that we believe is related to these three persons. So the First Article, about God the Father, explains creation. The Second Article, about the Son, explains redemption. And the Third, about the Holy Spirit, explains sanctification. We present them as though the Creed were briefly summarized in so many words: I believe in God the Father, who has created me; I believe in God the Son, who has redeemed me; I believe in the Holy Spirit, who sanctifies me. One God and one faith, but three persons. Therefore, there are three articles or confessions.

 

 

 

 

Announcements

St. John’s Lutheran Church

109 Maple St. Burt, Iowa|Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Pastor: Rev. Thomas Cowell                

Secretary: Rosann Shipler

Pastor’s Cell: 319-464-5548                

Church Office: 515-924-3344  stjohnsburt.org

Pastor’s Email: pastor@stjohnsburt.org 

Church Email: churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

 

THE DAY OF PENTECOST

May 31, 2020

 

O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S Today, May 31    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service (Pentecost) (C)                 Sunday, June 7    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service (Holy Trinity) (C)

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR   June 1     Commemoration of Justin, Martyr     June 5     Commemoration of Boniface of Mainz

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

Organist Today:   Marcia Hanna     Elder for May: Tony Hatten

 

Get Well Cards - Joel Smith is continuing his recovery from a brain aneurysm at Pearl Valley Rehab & Nursing, 2001 1st Ave. North, Estherville, Iowa 51334.  Feel free to send a card and let him know he is in your prayers.  

 

Masks - Adult masks and children masks are on the table in  the back of the church.  If you need an extra mask to keep in your car when you travel to various places or go into stores or doctor offices, please feel free to take one.  

 

New Weekly Announcements Email - St. John’s has started emailing our weekly announcements through Flocknote.  If you would like to receive these weekly announcements in a computer or smartphone-friendly format, contact the church office and we can add you to the list.  You can also contact the church office to update any of your Flocknote preferences. 

 

Carefully consider your return to church - We rejoice that those who are able can attend the Divine Service at St. John’s once again. However, we urge you to take personal responsibility for determining whether or not it is best for you to be coming to church Sunday morning.  If you do decide it is best for your own health or the health of others for you to stay home, you should feel no judgement from God or your congregation for taking these precautions.  We at St. John’s are happy to support you as you make the best decision for your own unique personal situation. 

 

Pastoral care available - Pastor Cowell continues to be available for pastoral care.  He is happy to hear your confession and absolve your sins or to give you Holy Communion individually at any time.  If you are not comfortable visiting or being visited, he is happy to talk with you on the phone.  His cell phone is 319-464-5548.  

 

New Online Resources from St. John’s - Be sure to check out the two new additions to stjohnsburt.org.  The first is a link on the homepage to the “St. John’s Kids” Youtube playlist (“kids” of all ages!).  The second is the “Pastor’s Corner” tab at the top of stjohnsburt.org. This tab will include reflections and lessons from Pastor Cowell on a variety of topics of the Christian faith such as sacred art and music, the  liturgy, the Lutheran Confessions, habits of the Christian life, and Bible studies.  If you have any recommendations for content for either the Youtube channel or Pastor’s Corner, feel free to let Pastor Cowell know!

• Note that Pastor Cowell is currently adding content to the Pastor’s Corner tab at stjohnsburt.org.  Check back in the coming weeks to see more new entries.  

 

Resources for your faith at home - For the next few months St. John’s will continue to offer all of the resources online and in the back of church that we have been since March.  We pray this will be of benefit to those who are not yet comfortable returning to church as well as those looking to develop habits of prayer and reading Scripture at home.  

St. John’s Vacation Bible School - This year St. John’s is hosting a "family VBS."  This means that we are encouraging all our members and friends of all ages to join the kids as we learn what it means to be a Christian family as well as a Christian church family.  The VBS will be on four Wednesday evenings from 5:30-7:30, with supper being at 5:30.  Our big uncertainty right now is when we will be able to have our first VBS Wednesday!  We will let you know as soon as we have the dates set.  If you would like to volunteer at the VBS in any capacity, please let Pastor or a member of the Board of Education know and we’ll find you a spot to serve.

 

Offerings and alms during our time away – We thank God for blessing us with the tools and resources to continue the distribution of His grace at St. John’s, and we thank God for blessing us with faithful Christians to fund our ministry and operational expenses.  Keep up the good work! Also note that if you or your family has encountered any financial hardship during this time, don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Cowell to see if our congregation can help in any way. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirts! - St. John’s decided to take advantage of a great deal on bulk-order T-shirts from Threads in Algona.  Below is a design.  They are dark blue and are available in all standard sizes (and fit according to standard sizes).  Call or text Hannah Cowell at 712-294-4962 by June 15th to order.  All sizes are $6.  You can pay Hannah either when you order or when you receive the shirt near the end of June.                                                                                       

               

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT, & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity, Algona Schedule - As Trinity, Algona opens their worship in their church building today, note that they will continue their livestreamed service and other online resources in the coming months. You can find all these resources from Trinity at: trinityalgona.org/corona.  

 

Camp Okoboji has cancelled summer programs, but is still renting out the Family Ministry Cabins. See campokoboji.org for more information. 

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis - Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, has declined the call to serve as the 11th president of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  We pray that God continues to bless the service of Dr. Rast at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, and we pray that God bless Concordia Seminary, St. Louis with the right man to serve there as seminary president.

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Pentecost Day)

Old Testament: Numbers 11:24–30

The LORD places His Spirit on the seventy elders of Israel. Two elders who weren’t present with the others at the tent of meeting began prophesying in the camp among the people. 

 

Epistle: Acts 2:1–21

The Holy Spirit descends on the Apostles as tongues of fire and they begin to preach the gospel of Jesus in every language among the people. 

 

Gospel: John 7:37–39

Jesus promises: “Whoever believes in me [. . .] out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”

 

LCMS MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Chirst Jesus. - Philippians 4:6–7

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

Speaking in Tongues

On Pentecost Day the disciples were “filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  While the word tongue is often a synonym for language, the term speaking in tongues in Scripture usually refers to the ability of someone to speak a language they did not previously know. This and other miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit validated the preaching of the apostles of the resurrection of Jesus.  For the past 2,000 years the Church has widely agreed that the ability to speak in tongues came to an end after that first generation of disciples.  We remember today that we no longer have any need for the gift of tongues, because we have the gift of faith from the Holy Spirit who works through the words of the apostles in Holy Scripture.  In this sense the gift of tongues is still of great benefit to the Church today.  

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Large Catechism, Part II, Apostles’ Creed, paragraphs 38-42

Neither you nor I could ever know anything about Christ, or believe in Him, and have Him for our Lord, unless it were offered to us and granted to our hearts by the Holy Spirit through the preaching of the Gospel. The work of redemption is done and accomplished. Christ has acquired and gained the treasure for us by His suffering, death, resurrection, and so on. But if the work remained concealed so that no one knew about it, then it would be useless and lost. So that this treasure might be received and enjoyed, God has caused the Word to be proclaimed. In the Word He has the Holy Spirit bring this treasure home and make it our own. Sanctifying is bringing us to Christ so we receive this good, which we could not get ourselves.

     You may be asked, "What do you mean by the words I believe in the Holy Spirit?"  You can then answer, "I believe that the Holy Spirit makes me holy, as His name implies."  "What are His means to accomplish this end?"  Answer, "By the Christian Church, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. For the Spirit has His own congregation in the world, which is the mother that conceives and bears every Christian through God's Word. Through the Word He reveals, He illumines and enkindles hearts, so that they understand, accept and cling to the Word". 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements

St. John’s Lutheran Church

109 Maple St. Burt, Iowa|Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Pastor: Rev. Thomas Cowell                

Secretary: Rosann Shipler

Pastor’s Cell: 319-464-5548                

Church Office: 515-924-3344  stjohnsburt.org

Pastor’s Email: pastor@stjohnsburt.org 

Church Email: churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

 

THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER    

May 24, 2020 

 

O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S Today, May 24    9:00  a.m.      Divine Service (Easter 7) (C)               Sunday, May 31    9:00 a.m.        Divine Service (Pentecost) (C)

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR   May 24     Commemoration of Esther     May 25     Commemoration of The Venerable Bede

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:        Marcia Hanna            Elder for May: Tony Hatten

 

Get Well Cards - Joel Smith is continuing his recovery from a brain aneurysm at Pearl Valley Rehab & Nursing, 2001 1st Ave. North, Estherville, Iowa 51334.  Feel free to send a card and let him know he is in your prayers.  

 

Masks - Adult masks and children masks are on the table in  the back of the church.  If you need an extra mask to keep in your car when you travel to various places or go into stores or doctor offices, please feel free to take one.  

 

Carefully consider your return to church - We rejoice that those who are able can attend the Divine Service at St. John’s once again. However, we urge you to take personal responsibility for determining whether or not it is best for you to be coming to church Sunday morning.  If you do decide it is best for your own health or the health of others for you to stay home, you should feel no judgement from God or your congregation for taking these precautions.  We at St. John’s are happy to support you as you make the best decision for your own unique personal situation. 

 

Pastoral care available - Pastor Cowell continues to be available for pastoral care.  He is happy to hear your confession and absolve your sins or to give you Holy Communion individually at any time.  If you are not comfortable visiting or being visited, he is happy to talk with you on the phone.  His cell phone is 319-464-5548.  

 

New Weekly Announcements Email - St. John’s has started emailing our weekly announcements through Flocknote.  If you would like to receive these weekly announcements in a computer or smartphone-friendly format, contact the church office and we can add you to the list.  You can also contact the church office to update any of your Flocknote preferences. 

 

New Online Resources from St. John’s - Be sure to check out the two new additions to stjohnsburt.org.  The first is a link on the homepage to the “St. John’s Kids” Youtube playlist (“kids” of all ages!).  The second is the “Pastor’s Corner” tab at the top of stjohnsburt.org. This tab will include reflections and lessons from Pastor Cowell on a variety of topics of the Christian faith such as sacred art and music, the  liturgy, the Lutheran Confessions, habits of the Christian life, and Bible studies.  If you have any recommendations for content for either the Youtube channel or Pastor’s Corner, feel free to let Pastor Cowell know!

• Note that Pastor Cowell is currently adding content to the Pastor’s Corner tab at stjohnsburt.org.  Check back in the coming weeks to see more new entries.  

 

Resources for your faith at home - For the next few months St. John’s will continue to offer all of the resources online and in the back of church that we have been since March.  We pray this will be of benefit to those who are not yet comfortable returning to church as well as those looking to develop habits of prayer and reading Scripture at home.  

Offerings and alms during our time away – We thank God for blessing us with the tools and resources to continue the distribution of His grace at St. John’s, and we thank God for blessing us with faithful Christians to fund our ministry and operational expenses.  Keep up the good work! Also note that if you or your family has encountered any financial hardship during this time, don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Cowell to see if our congregation can help in any way. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirts! - St. John’s decided to take advantage of a great deal on bulk-order T-shirts from Threads in Algona.  Below is a design.  They are dark blue and are available in all standard sizes (and fit according to standard sizes).  Call or text Hannah Cowell at 712-294-4962 by June 15th to order.  All sizes are $6.  You can pay Hannah either when you order or when you receive the shirt near the end of June.                                                                                       

               

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT, & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity, Algona Schedule - As Trinity, Algona plans for their return to worship in their church building, note that they will continue their livestreamed service and other online resources in the coming months. You can find all these resources from Trinity at: trinityalgona.org/corona.  

 

Camp Okoboji has cancelled summer programs, but is still renting out the Family Ministry Cabins. See campokoboji.org for more information. 

 

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis has extended a call to Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., to serve as the 11th president in the school’s 181-year history. The call was extended after electors completed interviews with the final slate of six candidates and selected Rast in a unanimous decision. Rast, who would assume the presidency July 1 upon formal acceptance of the call, will succeed Dr. Dale A. Meyer, who retires June 30 after serving 15 years as president.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

The VFW Memorial Day Service will be held at the Burt Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25th. We will do the Roll Call and fire the 21 Gun Salute. Those who feel comfortable and practice social distancing are welcome to attend. There will be no service or lunch at the Burt Complex.

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Seventh Sunday of Easter)

First Reading: Acts 1:12–26

The Apostles choose Matthias to replace Judas among the Twelve. 

 

Epistle: 1 Peter 4:12–19; 5:6–11

Peter instructs us how to suffer in a Christian way.

 

Gospel: John 17:1–11

Jesus prays to His Father on behalf of His disciples. 

 

LCMS MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

What do we call what happens on Sunday morning? 

When most people go to church on Sunday morning they say they are going to worship.  This is true; on Sunday mornings we worship our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier.  However, there are even better words than that to describe the Sunday morning gathering.  One is Divine Service.  The main reason we go to church on Sunday is for God to serve us with His Word and Sacrament.  It is fitting, then, that we call that thing that happens on Sundays the Divine Service.  The Germans have any even stronger word for Divine Service: Gottesdienst - God’s Service.  We can also refer to the Divine Service as the Liturgy.  Liturgy comes from a Greek word that means public service.  On Sunday mornings God provides a public service to His people by providing us His gifts of grace. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Augsburg Confession, Apology, Article V: Love and Fulfilling the Law, paragraphs 241-243

We have stated clearly that good works do not fulfill the Law, that we need God's mercy, that through faith we are accepted by God, that good works—even the works of St. Paul himself—cannot bring rest to the conscience. We are to believe that we receive eternal life through Christ by faith, not because of our works. But what do we say of the reward that Scripture mentions? If the adversaries will admit that we are regarded righteous through faith because of Christ, and that good works please God because of faith, we will not afterward argue much about the term reward. We confess that eternal life is a reward; it is something due because of the promise, not because of our merits. For the justification has been promised, which we have previously shown to be properly God's gift. To this gift the promise of eternal life has been added, according to Romans 8:30, "Those whom He justified He also glorified." Paul says, "There is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me". The justified are due the crown because of the promise. Saints should know this promise, not that they may labor for their own profit, for they ought to labor for God's glory. But saints should know it so they may not despair in troubles. They should know God's will: He desires to aid, to deliver, and to protect them. 

 

 

Announcements

St. John’s Lutheran Church

109 Maple St. Burt, Iowa|Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Pastor: Rev. Thomas Cowell                

Secretary: Rosann Shipler

Pastor’s Cell: 319-464-5548                

Church Office: 515-924-3344  stjohnsburt.org

Pastor’s Email: pastor@stjohnsburt.org 

Church Email: churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org               

 

SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

MAY 17, 2020

 

O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. 

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S Today, May 17    9:00  a.m.      Divine Service (Easter 6) (C)                Sunday, May 24    9:00 a.m.        Divine Service (Easter 7)  (C)

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR   May 21         Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord     (also) May 21     Commemoration of Constantine, Emperor,           and Helena, his mother

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:        Marcia Hanna            Elder for May: Tony Hatten

 

Parish Messenger Articles for the June/July/Aug. edition is due to Linda Kerkove today.  

 

Carefully consider your return to church - We rejoice that those who are able can attend the Divine Service at St. John’s once again. However, we urge you to take personal responsibility for determining whether or not you should be coming to church Sunday morning.  If your age or health puts you at advanced danger of illness, please stay home at this time.  Likewise if you have been traveling or are not feeling well, please stay home.  This is the best way you can love your neighbor at this time.  You should feel no judgement from God or your congregation for taking these precautions.  We at St. John’s are happy to support you as you make the best decision for your own unique personal situation. 

 

Pastoral care available - Pastor Cowell continues to be available for pastoral care.  He is happy to hear your confession and absolve your sins or to give you Holy Communion individually at any time.  If you are not comfortable visiting or being visited, he is happy to talk with you on the phone.  His cell phone is 319-464-5548.  

 

Resources for your faith at home - St. John’s will continue to offer a variety of resources to feed your faith during our time away until you feel comfortable returning to church.  Here is a list of some of them:

• You’ll find in the back of church devotions, prayer services, Bible studies, and Lutheran magazines. Feel free to stop in at church any time and grab some.  Don’t forget about our church library as well!

 

• We will continue to post a Matins service and sermon at stjohnsburt.org. Click the microphone on the homepage to access it.  

 

• Click on the Trinity YouTube icon on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org to see live-streamed and recorded video services from Trinity, Algona, daily video devotions from the partnership pastors, evening prayer Mondays at 7:00 p.m., “Ask the Pastors” Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., and morning prayer Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. 

 

• Click on the “St. John’s Kids” YouTube icon on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org to access the new St. John’s YouTube channel. Currently there is a series of kids videos on various topics of the faith. But, here's a secret: these videos are good for adults as well! 

 

• Follow @stjohnsburt on Facebook to receive daily online resources spanning many areas of your Christian faith. 

 

Stay connected during our time away - During this time please be sure that the church has your current phone, cell phone, and email.  Also be sure that your Flocknote communication preferences are up to date.  You can call Pastor Cowell at 319-464-5548 if you need help with this.  

Offerings and alms during our time away – Thank you to everyone who has been mailing in your offerings to our Lord during our time away! With the uncertain economic future of many of our members, now is the time to consider St. John’s your special mission project.  If it is within your financial means, consider giving above your regular tithe to the work of the ministry at St. John’s until life begins to return to normal.  Also, if you or your family has encountered any financial hardship during this time, don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Cowell to see if our congregation can help in any way. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirts! - St. John’s decided to take advantage of a great deal on bulk-order T-shirts from Threads in Algona.  Below is a design.  They are dark blue and are available in all standard sizes (and fit according to standard sizes).  Call or text Hannah Cowell at 712-294-4962 by June 15th to order.  All sizes are $6.  You can pay Hannah either when you order or when you receive the shirt near the end of June.   

                                                                                     

               

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT, & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity, Algona Schedule - All congregational activities at Trinity, Algona have been suspended until further notice. You can receive updates and resources from Trinity at: trinityalgona.org/corona.  

 

Camp Okoboji has cancelled summer programs, but is still renting out the Family Ministry Cabins. See campokoboji.org for more information. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

The VFW Memorial Day Service will be held at the Burt Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25th. We will do the Roll Call and fire the 21 Gun Salute. Those who feel comfortable and practice social distancing are welcome to attend. There will be no service or lunch at the Burt Complex.

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

First Reading: Acts 17:16–31

Paul explains to the idol worshipers and philosophers in Athens that God is the creator of all things, and that we are created in His image. 

 

Epistle: 1 Peter 3:13–22

Peter teaches us: to be prepared to make a defense for the hope that is in us, that our Baptism corresponds to Noah’s rescue in the ark, and that Jesus currently sits at the right hand of God in authority over all things.

 

Gospel: John 14:15–21

The Holy Spirit is our Helper who enables us to love God and keep His commandments. 

 

 

LCMS MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

Ascension Day 

This Thursday we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord (forty days after Easter Day).  We do well to remember that when our Lord ascended into heaven to the right hand of the Father, this does not mean that Christ remains in one set place in heaven.  The right hand of God is wherever God’s almighty power and authority exists - and that is everywhere!  The writer of Hebrews explains the presence and position of Jesus in this way: 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the Word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs.  

 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Large Catechism, Part II, Apostles’ Creed, paragraphs 51-55

Until the Last Day, the Holy Spirit abides with the holy congregation or Christendom [John 14:17]. Through this congregation He brings us to Christ and He teaches and preaches to us the Word. By the Word He works and promotes sanctification, causing this congregation daily to grow and to become strong in the faith and its fruit, which He produces.

God's grace is secured through Christ, and sanctification is wrought by the Holy Spirit through God's Word in the unity of the Christian Church. Yet because of our flesh we are never without sin. Therefore, in the Christian Church we daily receive the forgiveness of sin through the Word, to comfort and encourage our consciences as long as we live here. So even though we have sins, the Holy Spirit does not allow them to harm us.