Thursday, September 28, 2017

Announcements

October 1, 2017

 

LWML Sunday - The first Sunday in October is traditionally set aside for the observation of LWML Sunday, but it may be celebrated at any time.  Building on God’s promises, we know that this is our time to be distinctly Lutheran. Since 1942, the LWML has affirmed each woman’s identity as a child of God and her relationship with Jesus Christ, encouraging and equipping Christian women to live out their lives in active mission ministries, and to support missions around the world through their sacrificial gifts of mites, tithes, offerings, and tireless service. Now is our time to “Be Ready to Confess!” faithfully and boldly of Christ’s redemptive work for us and for all the world.

·   The St. John’s Ladies Aid invites all ladies to join us for our meetings on the 1st Thursday of each month.   Pastor Cowell will be giving a Bible Study each month before our meeting and we would like to invite you all to come. Next Meeting Thursday, October 5th at 1:30 p.m. 

 

Sunday School/Adult Classes:

·         Adult Bible Class - October 8, 2017:    Topic:  “An Introduction to the Apology of the Augsburg Confession”

 

Up-Coming 500th Anniversary of the Reformation - I am looking for singers to sing at our Reformation Sunday  Service on October 29th.  A sign-up sheet is on the table in the back or you may contact Pastor Cowell.

 

Quarterly Council Meeting will be held next Sunday, October 8th following the service.  The Voter’s Meeting will be held on Sunday, October 15th before the Preschool Soup Luncheon.

 

Pastor Chats - I will continue to post my available times on the back table for the week ahead for a visit with me.  I will continue to post times through the fall and winter until I am able to visit every family.   

 

Lessons on the Liturgy: Stained-Glass Windows

Stained-glass windows serve three functions in the church.  First, they give us pictures of the Scripture lessons we are hearing from the lectern.  In this way the windows give us an opportunity to meditate on the Word which these images illustrate.  Second, stained-glass windows are beautiful.  Filling the eyes with beautiful things at worship reminds us that God himself is the author of beauty, seen foremost in the beauty of his incarnation in Jesus Christ.  Third, light filtered through stained-glass provides a “heavenly” effect.  Thus the windows show church to be the place where heaven and earth meet in Christ’s Word and Sacrament.

 

Kids of the Kingdom is asking for donations of one dozen tea rolls for the soup dinner on October 15.  There is a sign-up sheet on the back table for anyone who would like to sign up.  Please have the rolls at the church before 11 on October 15.  Thank you again for your wonderful support.  Kids of the Kingdom board and staff.

 

College Student Addresses – If you have a college student new this year or returning, please be sure to leave their address in the church office.    Any other change of addresses, need to be given to the church office also.

 

Kids of the Kingdom Preschool Soup Luncheon will be held at St. John’s, Burt on Sunday October 15th from 11-1:00 p.m.   Once again we will be serving chili, chicken noodle and potato soups. Please come and support your preschool and get warmed by our wonderful soup. Bring your containers for carry outs if you are unable to stay.  See you there!!  Free Will Donation

 

You are invited to the Algona Circuit's 500th Anniversary Reformation Celebration on Sunday, October 29th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona.  This event includes a Reformation Day Divine Service at 3:00 p.m. with guest preacher President Steve Turner, a presentation on Reformation History at 4:15 p.m. by Pastor Tom Schlund (as well as activities for kids at this time), and an Oktoberfest-style meal at 5:00 p.m.  Join us for one, two, or all three of these events as we celebrate this monumental event in the history of Christendom.   

Movie “Martin Luther:  The Idea that Changed the World” - One night only – Monday, October 23, 2017 at 6:30pm at the Algona State 5 Theater.  Join us for a screening of the rousing adventure story that was Martin Luther's life, following his bold quest for truth – a journey that would reshape the church, and the world. This entertaining new film brings to life the dramatic moments that shaped Luther, and examines the universal questions he wrestled with, like "Who am I?" and "What is my purpose?" Get tickets ($9 plus $1 handling fee) at http://luthermovie.link/algona  Tickets must be ordered by October 16th.

 

The Reformation  by Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie is a new illustrated history of the Reformation in honor of its 500th Anniversary.  A shortened sample of the book is available in the church library.  The book is available for purchase through the church for a discounted price of $22.49.  Contact Pastor, the church office, or write your name on the order poster in the library if you wish to purchase a copy. 

 

“Serving the Lord by Serving Others’ - Trinity Lutheran Church Quilters Open House is being held on Sunday, October 15, 2017, from 2-5:00 p.m.  Quilts, Dolls, Trucks and more will be on display with tours given as the quilters are working in the basement.  A Community working together with:  Kossuth County Care Team, Kossuth Cancer Support Foundation and Chips Off the Old Block  Come see what we have been doing!

 

This Week at St. John’s  – (October 1, 2017- October 8, 2017)

Today            8:00     am        Sunday School/Adult Bible Class

                      9:00     am        Service (Holy Communion)   LWML Sunday                                                

                     10:00     am        LWML Coffee/Cookies

Tuesday           9:00     am        Preschool

Wednesday      9:00     am        Preschool

Thursday         9:00     am        Preschool

                       1:30     pm       Ladies Aid Meeting

Sunday            8:00     am        Sunday School and Adult Bible Class

                       9:00     am        Service  

                     10:00     am        Quarterly Council Meeting

                            

Greeters Next Week:            Kelly and Jesse Fitzgerald

Acolyte This Week:               Nick Christensen and Jacob Haase

Head Usher:                        Roger Lavrenz 

Ushers for October:            * Randy Reimers, Terry Briggs & Chris Heyes

Elder for October:                Jeff Schutjer

 

Bible Readings for the week in conjunction with the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation October 29, 2017:

      Sunday, Day 337:              Daniel 1-2; 1 John 2                     

      Monday, Day 338:             Daniel 3-4; 1 John 3         

      Tuesday, Day 339              Daniel 5-6; 1 John 4

      Wednesday, Day 340:      Daniel 7-8; 1 John 5

      Thursday, Day 341:          Daniel 9-10; 2 John        

      Friday, Day 342:              Daniel 11-13; 3 John

      Saturday, Day 343:          Hosea 1-4; Jude

 

 

     

 

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Announcements

September 24, 2017

 

Sunday School/Adult Classes:

·         Adult Bible Class:  next Sunday, October 1, 2017:    Topic:  “An Introduction to the Augsburg Confession”

 

Up-Coming 500th Anniversary of the Reformation - I am looking for singers to sing at our Reformation Sunday  Service on October 29th.  If you would be interested, please contact Pastor Cowell.

 

Pastor Chats - I will continue to post my available times on the back table for the week ahead for a visit with me.  I will continue to post times through the fall and winter until I am able to visit every family.   

 

Lessons on the Liturgy:   The Lighting of the Candles

Traditionally the candles closest to the altar are lit first and extinguished last. It is as if the light originates from the altar and spreads out into the world. This symbolizes what happens during the Divine Liturgy: Jesus Christ the light of the world enlightens us with forgiveness, life, and salvation at the Sacrament of the Altar and sends us out to reflect his light on the world

 

College Student Addresses – If you have a college student new this year or returning, please be sure to leave their address in the church office.    Any other change of addresses, need to be given to the church office also.

 

Kids of the Kingdom Preschool Soup Luncheon will be held at St. John’s, Burt on Sunday October 15th from 11-1:00 p.m.   Once again we will be serving chili, chicken noodle and potato soups. Please come and support your preschool and get warmed by our wonderful soup. Bring your containers for carry outs if you are unable to stay.  See you there!!  Free Will Donation

 

The Reformation  by Dr. Cameron A. MacKenzie is a new illustrated history of the Reformation in honor of its 500th Anniversary.  A shortened sample of the book is available in the church library.  The book is available for purchase through the church for a discounted price of $22.49.  Contact Pastor, the church office, or write your name on the order poster in the library if you wish to purchase a copy. 

 

Kickball Game/Grill Out -  Trinity will be putting on a Kickball Game/Grill out at Veteran’s Park for anyone who wants to come and play or watch today, Sept. 24th .  Basically anyone who comes bring your own cooler of meat, snacks, and beverages.  What is being provided is the grillers who will have hot coals ready at 1:00 p.m. for grilling.  Our men’s group at Trinity called “Band of Brothers” is hosting the event for all youth, families, and all ages who want to come.  They will grill and referee the game.  The Kickball Game will start around 2:00 p.m.  So 1:00 p.m. is grilling and eating and drinking until 2:00ish when the game will start.  Probably wrap up around 3:00-3:30 p.m.   We have the shelter house and fields reserved in case anyone asks.    Pastor Eric Hauan, Trinity

 

You are invited to the Algona Circuit's 500th Anniversary Reformation Celebration on Sunday, October 29th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona.  This event includes a Reformation Day Divine Service at 3:00 p.m. with guest preacher President Steve Turner, a presentation on Reformation History at 4:15 p.m. by Pastor Tom Schlund (as well as activities for kids at this time), and an Oktoberfest-style meal at 5:00 p.m.  Join us for one, two, or all three of these events as we celebrate this monumental event in the history of Christendom.   

 

Volunteer Clean-up Weekend, Thursday-Saturday Sept. 28-30: The ‘To Do’ list is long and Camp Okoboji can use the help. There will also be time to enjoy Camp. No fee for housing and meals. Please contact Camp if you can attend so that they can plan accordingly. Also RSVP for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Sat. Sept. 30th.  Stay over Saturday night and join Camp for worship and an Omelet Brunch on Sunday.

 

This Week at St. John’s  – (September 24, 2017-October 1, 2017)

Today           8:00    am       Sunday School/Adult Bible Class

                      9:00    am       Service                                                                                      

Tuesday        9:00     am       Preschool

Wednesday  9:00     am       Preschool

Thursday       9:00     am       No Preschool

Friday            9:00     am       Preschool

Sunday         8:00     am       Sunday School and Adult Bible Class

                      9:00     am       Service   (Holy Communion)

                            

Greeters Next Week:         Chris and Amanda Heyes

Acolyte This Week:           Ushers

Head Usher:                      Roger Lavrenz 

Ushers for September:        * Mike Marlow, Lyle Karels & Terry Tieman

Elder for September:        Boyd Shipler

 

Bible Readings for the week in conjunction with the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation October 29, 2017:

      Sunday, Day 330:            Ezekiel 36-37 1 Peter 3               

      Monday, Day 331:           Ezekiel 38-39: 1 Peter 4  

      Tuesday, Day 332            Ezekiel 40; 1 Peter 5

      Wednesday, Day 333:      Ezekiel 41-42; 2 Peter 1

      Thursday, Day 334:          Ezekiel 43-44; 2 Peter 2  

      Friday, Day 335:              Ezekiel 45-46;  2 Peter 3

      Saturday, Day 336:          Ezekiel 47-48; 1 John 1

     

Trinity Bible Studies – St. John’s members are welcome to attend any of the following Bible Studies at Trinity:

·         Wednesday AM Adult Bible Class – Mornings at 9:30 a.m.

·         BYOB (Bring Your Own Bible) Study – currently studying Revelation and meeting Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. 

·         Women’s Bible Studies during the school year on Monday mornings at 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

 

 

 

Thursday, September 14, 2017

Announcements

September 17, 2017

 

Flowers On The Altar today were given in memory of Leonard, Martha, Irene and Eugene Drager by Lorraine Drager.

 

Sunday School/Adult Classes:

·         Adult Bible Class:  next Sunday, September 23rd:    Topic:  An Introduction to the Large Catechism

 

Up-Coming 500th Anniversary of the Reformation - I am looking for singers to sing at our Reformation Sunday  Service on October 29th.  If you would be interested, please contact Pastor Cowell.

 

Pastor Chats - I will continue to post my available times on the back table for the week ahead for a visit with me.  I will continue to post times through the fall and winter until I am able to visit every family.   

 

Lessons on the Liturgy:   The Pax Domini (Peace of the Lord)

When Pastor says: “The peace of the Lord be with you always” during the Communion Liturgy he presents to you the Body and Blood of Jesus.  He does this to show you the source of the peace that he gives to you: the very crucified and resurrected body of Jesus that is given to you at Communion.

 

Northeast Zone LWML Fall Rally is being held on Thursday, September 21st at Trinity in Algona with registration at 4:30 p.m.  The guest Speaker is Lisa Zeller, Coordinator of the IOWAY (Individual Outreach with Adults & Youth), speaking on  “Serving God by Serving Others “

 

Kickball Game/Grill Out -  Trinity will be putting on a Kickball Game/Grill out at Veteran’s Park for anyone who wants to come and play or watch on Sunday September 24th .  Basically anyone who comes bring your own cooler of meat, snacks, and beverages.  What is being provided is the grillers who will have hot coals ready at 1:00 p.m. for grilling.  Our men’s group at Trinity called Band of Brothers is hosting the event for all youth, families, and all ages who want to come.  They will grill and referee the game.  The Kickball Game will start around 2:00 p.m.  So 1:00 p.m. is grilling and eating and drinking until 2:00ish when the game will start.  Probably wrap up around 3:00-3:30 p.m.   We have the shelter house and fields reserved in case anyone asks.    Pastor Eric Hauan, Trinity

 

You are invited to the Algona Circuit's 500th Anniversary Reformation Celebration on Sunday, October 29th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona.  This event includes a Reformation Day Divine Service at 3:00 p.m. with guest preacher President Steve Turner, a presentation on Reformation History at 4:15 p.m. by Pastor Tom Schlund (as well as activities for kids at this time), and an Oktoberfest-style meal at 5:00 p.m.  Join us for one, two, or all three of these events as we celebrate this monumental event in the history of Christendom.   

College Student Addresses – If you have a college student new this year or returning, please be sure to leave their address in the church office.    Any other change of addresses need to be given to the church office also.

 

New Devotional Book in Library- Faith on the Farm is a devotional book written by Duane C Miesner (father of Hannah).  We have a copy in the Library for you to check out.   If you wish to have your own copy, please speak with Pastor Cowell and he will get you one. 

Volunteer Clean-up Weekend, Thursday-Saturday Sept. 28-30: The ‘To Do’ list is long and Camp can use the help. There will also be time to enjoy Camp. No fee for housing and meals. Please contact Camp if you can attend so that they can plan accordingly. Also RSVP for the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Sat. Sept. 30.  Stay over Saturday night and join Camp for worship and an Omelet Brunch on Sunday.

 

This Week at St. John’s  – (September 17, 2017-September 24, 2017)

Today            8:00    am       Sunday School/Adult Bible Class

                      9:00    am       Service ( Holy Communion)                                                                     

Tuesday         9:00     am       Preschool

Wednesday    9:00     am       Preschool

Thursday        9:00     am       Preschool

                      4:30     pm       LWML Fall Rally at Trinity, Algona

Sunday           8:00     am       Sunday School and Adult Bible Class

                      9:00     am       Service  

                            

Greeters Next Week:           Pam and Randy Reimers

Acolyte This Week:             Ushers

Head Usher:                       Roger Lavrenz 

Ushers for September:       * Mike Marlow, Lyle Karels & Terry Tieman

Elder for September:           Boyd Shipler

 

Bible Readings for the week in conjunction with the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation October 29, 2017:

      Sunday, Day 323:            Ezekiel 20-21: James 1                

      Monday, Day 324:           Ezekiel 22-23; James 2    

      Tuesday, Day 325            Ezekiel 24-26; James 3

      Wednesday, Day 326:      Ezekiel 27-28; James 4

      Thursday, Day 327:          Ezekiel 29-31; James 5    

      Friday, Day 328:              Ezekiel 32-33; 1 Peter 1

      Saturday, Day 329:          Ezekiel 34-35; 1 Peter 2

     

Trinity Bible Studies – St. John’s members are welcome to attend any of the following Bible Studies at Trinity:

·         Wednesday AM Adult Bible Class – Mornings at 9:30 a.m.

·         BYOB (Bring Your Own Bible) Study – currently studying Revelation and meeting Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. 

·         Women’s Bible Studies during the school year on Monday mornings at 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thursday, September 07, 2017

Announcements

September 10, 2017

 

Hurricane Harvey Relief Offering - We will be taking a door offering today for Hurricane Harvey relief.  100% of the money will be sent to the Texas and Southern Districts of the LCMS who can use it where it is needed most.  Checks should be made payable to St. John’s Lutheran Church and the Treasurer will send to Iowa District West Disaster Relief.  You may also give directly to LCMS World Relief at www.lcms.org/givenow/disaster

 

Sunday School/Adult Classes:

·         Adult Bible Class:  next Sunday, September 17th:    Topic:  “An Introduction of the Smalcald Articles”

 

Fellowship time – The Board of Education will be hosting a coffee and bars following the service today.  Please, stay and join us for refreshments. 

 

Up-Coming 500th Anniversary of the Reformation -  I am looking for singers to sing at our Reformation Sunday  Service on October 29th.  If you would be interested, please contact Pastor Cowell.

Pastor Chats This Week - I have come to realize that I am having a hard time getting to know you all in the hand shake line on Sunday morning (let alone remembering your names!).  With that in mind, I would like to try to visit each family of the church individually for a casual “pastor chat”. It is my hope that through these visits I can get to know you all better and learn how I and the church can best bring Christ and all of his gifts to you.

I want to make these visits as convenient and comfortable as possible.  I will gladly come out to your house or you are welcome to stop in at church.  Each week I will put a few times that I am available to meet with you.  If the times fill up or don’t work for your schedule don’t worry!  I plan on posting a few times each week through the fall and winter until I visit every family.  Plan on fifteen minutes to an hour for our visit, depending on how “chatty” we are.  

Lessons on the Liturgy:   Elevation of the Host and Chalice

After the bread and wine is consecrated during the Communion Liturgy Pastor holds them above his head for the congregation to see. He does this so that we can all adore and worship the Body and Blood of Jesus who is now present in the bread and wine. This adoration is a great moment of faith. Our eyes see bread and wine lifted up, but our hearts see Body and blood. This adoration lasts only a few seconds so that we can move on to the most important part: the eating and rinking for the forgiveness of sins.

 

Trinity Bible Studies – St. John’s members are welcome to attend any of the following Bible Studies at Trinity:

·         Wednesday AM Adult Bible Class – Mornings at 9:30 a.m.

·         BYOB (Bring Your Own Bible) Study – currently studying Revelation and meeting Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. 

·         Women’s Bible Studies during the school year on Monday mornings at 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

New Devotional Book in Library- Faith on the Farm is a devotional book written by Duane C Miesner (father of Hannah).  We have a copy in the Library for you to check out.   If you wish to have your own copy, please speak with Pastor Cowell and he will get you one. 

 

Concert - Blake & Jenna Bolerjack in Concert at the Burt Presbyterian Church this evening at 6:30 p.m.  Free Will Donation  

 

This Week at St. John’s  – (September 10, 2017-September 17, 2017)

Today           8:00    am       Sunday School/Bible Class & Blessing Education Rooms

                     9:00    am       Rally Sunday Service

                    10:00     am       Coffee/Bars by Board Education                                             

Tuesday        9:00     am       Preschool

Wednesday  9:00     am       Preschool

Thursday       9:00     am       Preschool

Sunday         8:00     am       Sunday School and Adult Bible Class

                      9:00     am       Service   ( Holy Communion)

                            

Greeters Next Week:         Lucas & Jessie Parsons

Acolyte This Week:           Ushers

Head Usher:                      Roger Lavrenz 

Ushers for September:        * Mike Marlow, Lyle Karels & Terry Tieman

Elder for September:        Boyd Shipler

 

Bible Readings for the week in conjunction with the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation October 29, 2017:

      Sunday, Day 316           Ezekiel 1-3; Hebrews 9                         

      Monday, Day 317:         Ezekiel 4-6; Hebrews 10:1-23               

      Tuesday, Day 318:         Ezekiel 7-9; Hebrews 10:24-39

      Wednesday, Day 319:    Ezekiel 10-12; Hebrews 11:1-19           

      Thursday, Day 320:        Ezekiel 13-15; Hebrews 11:20-40                     

      Friday, Day 321:             Ezekiel 16: Hebrews 12

      Friday, Day 322:             Ezekiel 17-19; Hebrews 13