Announcements
ANNOUNCEMENTS and NOTICES
November 17, 2019
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Collect of the Day – O Lord, almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may live and abide forever in Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Adult Bible Study - Our Sunday morning adult Bible study class is discussing the benefit of meditating on the six chief parts of the Catechism through Scripture and prayer. We’ll be using the book The Lord Will Answer: A Daily Prayer Catechism. A copy of the book will be provided for everyone to use.
Advent-Christmas Invites - We are going to try to make everyone feel welcomed and loved at St. John's again this year with our Advent-Christmas invites! Consider personally delivering a card to a neighbor, friend, or family member on the table in back of church. Let them know that you would love to worship with them this Advent and Christmas season, and that you are happy to be their brother or sister in Christ. Also, tell us on the sign-up sheet in back who you delivered cards to so that we can get a better sense of who is well connected with some of our less active members. There are also a few blank cards that you can deliver to non-members. Any remaining cards will be mailed on November 25th.
Thanksgiving Service at St. John’s is Wednesday, November 27th at 6:30 p.m. with Holy Communion. Trinity, Algona’s Thanksgiving service is Thursday, November 28th at 9:00 a.m.
Church Decorating for Christmas – We will be decorating the church for the Advent and Christmas season following the service on Sunday, November 24th. We’ll enjoy refreshments in the basement after the decorating is finished. We hope you can join in on the fun! – St. John’s Christmas committee: Wendell & Teresa Christensen, Terry & Vicki Briggs, Allison & Clark Christensen, and Joe & Tina Heyes.
The Giving Pew - The TLC Quilters have set up the "giving pew" at St. John's! The pew near the east doors will be stocked with a quilt and other items made by the quilters for the purpose of our members taking them in a time of need or delivering them to someone they know who is in need of warmth, comfort, support, or love. There is no need to tell anyone who the quilt is going to, the quilters are just happy to know someone is getting the care they need. A favorite practice of the quilters is when a quilt is finished to pray that whoever ends up with their quilt would know the love of God in Christ Jesus who motivates their many works of mercy.
Donate Your Old Bibles - Do you have old Bibles at home that you no longer read (hopefully because you have newer Bibles that you do read!)? We are collecting old Bibles at St. John's to share with people who have no Bible of their own. The Bibles will go to IOWAY of Iowa District West who will transport them to the Takin' it to the Streets charity in Omaha. This organization provides food, clothes, skills, and Christ's love to those who need it in the Omaha area. You can drop your Bibles off at the gray box in the back of church through November 24th.
Building Healthy Families: Over the coming holidays many will spend more time together than usual with their families. As you gather, keep a watchful eye out for excessive negative talk including complaining, fault-finding, and passing on gossip. Sharing gossip and negative messages of gloom and doom is not only sinful and dishonoring to our Father, it also fosters a depressing atmosphere in the home (…and in the church). Instead, look hard for the positive and talk about it often! “Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely…think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 Lutheran Family Service is Iowa’s only Recognized Service Organization (RSO) by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) for Pregnancy Support, Adoption Services, Family Wellness, Mental Health & Marriage Counseling. Find help at LutheranFamilyService.org
The Lone Rock American Legion will be having their annual “Feather Party” on Saturday, November 23 at 7 p.m. in the Lone Rock Legion Hall. Come and join us!
Fall Craft and Vendor Show is being held on Sunday, November 24th at the Burt Activity Complex from 10:30-1:00 p.m. Come hungry and also enjoy the Vegetable Beef Soup Luncheon sponsored by the Burt Summer Celebration Committee.
Lectionary Summary - Malachi 4:1–6, 2 Thessalonians 3:(1–5) 6–13, Luke 21:5–28 (29–36)
God’s Plan of Redemption Trumps Earthly Destruction and Violence
There are signs of the Lord’s coming all around: the cross that marks His Church, the violence and death of the sinful world, and the shaking of the natural order. “There will be great distress upon the earth” (Luke 21:23), but the faithful know that “the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:31). Therefore, “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Be awake and alert, and heed the words of Christ, which “will not pass away” (Luke 21:33). For you, “the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings” (Mal. 4:2). He sends His preachers of repentance in the spirit and power of Elijah “before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” (Mal. 4:5), in order to “direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thess. 3:5). Although you are often faithless, “the Lord is faithful,” and by the preaching of His Word “he will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3). Therefore, “do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thess. 3:13). In the midst of calamity, believe upon the Lord, Jesus Christ.
This Week in the Church Year
Feast Days: None
Commemorations: 11/19: Elizabeth of Hungary; 11/23: Clement of Rome, Pastor
This Week at St. John’s – (November 17, 2019- November 24, 2019)
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