Thursday, March 26, 2020

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 FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT

March 29, 2020

 

Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; 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

 

All services and activities at St. John’s are cancelled this week. 

 

Our next service will potentially be Sunday, April 5th. 

We will provide you with more details as they come. 

  THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR

  

  March 31

    Commemoration of Joseph, Patriarch



ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Stay connected during our time away - During our time away 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.  Flocknote will be our means of communicating the most important details about our schedule in the weeks to come. 

 

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 at home or at church 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.  If you have any bodily need in these next few weeks (like needing someone to pick you up groceries or medication, etc.) he is happy to help or to find you help. 

 

Resources for your faith at home - St. John’s is offering a variety of resources to feed your faith during our time away.  Here is a list of some of them:

  • There is a table in the back of church full of devotions, prayer services, Bible studies, and Lutheran magazines. Feel free to stop in at church any time and grab some.

 

  • Randy is doing a great job of keeping our website, stjohnsburt.org, up to date these next few weeks.  Click the microphone on the homepage to listen to Scripture and sermons which will continue to be updated each Wednesday and Sunday.  Also click on the Youtube icon on the homepage to see live-streamed services from Trinity, Algona Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:00 a.m. as well as previously recorded sermons.

 

  • You can also click on the Youtube icon on the stjohnsburt.org homepage to access daily video devotions from the partnership pastors. 

 

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

 

Offerings and Alms during our time away - If it is within your financial means during this quarantine, consider continuing your regular pattern of giving your offering to the church - either by saving your offerings for when you return or by dropping it off at church.  Also consider planning for giving special offerings in the future for others in need as a result of this health emergency.  If this emergency has put your family in financial need, you should feel no shame in reducing your offering to the church during this time.  If your need becomes great, don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Cowell to see if our congregation can help in any way. 

 

Easter Lilies - If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the church to use on Easter Sunday, there is a sign-up sheet on the table at the back of the church. You may take your lily home after Easter services if you choose to. Please, pay Cheryl Batt $16 per lily. 

The Giving Pew - This is a reminder that the season of Lent would be a great time to take a quilt or stuffed bear from the TLC Quilter’s giving pew by the east doors at St. John’s and deliver them to a friend in need of comfort or support. 

 

Birthday greetings for Ruth Nerem - Ruth Nerem turns 98 on April 1st!  You can send her a birthday card at: 

Ruth Nerem

Accura Healthcare

546 Ramsey St. E

Bancroft, IA 50517

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT, & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

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

 

The TLC Quilters will again have a silent auction during Lent to benefit Camp Okoboji.  Bidding on the quilts will continue at a later date yet to be announced.     

 

Thrivent Choice Dollars for 2019 will be expiring on March 31! If you are a Thrivent member, you may be eligible to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to St. John’s. Go to www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 before March 31 and say “Thrivent Choice.”  Reminder: $250 Community Impact Gift Cards are also available (2 per member per year). 

 

Building Healthy Families: “We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.”-- Winnie the Pooh  It’s true! Simple activities create lasting memories for families. Consider a family devotion, a game night, or going for a walk together. Take a clue from the Pooh and carve out time for some fun with your family this week! Lutheran Family Service  www.LutheranFamilyService.org

 

 COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Churches of Burt Volunteer Facebook Group - The Churches of Burt organization has created a Facebook group with the purpose of connecting people who need help with people who are willing to help.  It is our hope that this group will facilitate Christian mercy in our community.  You can search “Churches of Burt Volunteers/Help Wanted” to join the group.  Or, if you would like to offer a volunteer service or are in need of help but don’t have a Facebook account, contact Pastor Cowell and he will post your request for you. 

 

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Fifth Sunday in Lent)

 

Ezekiel 37:1–14; Romans 8:1–11; John 11:1–45 

 

Jesus Christ is the Resurrection & the Life

The illness and death of Lazarus happened “that the Son of God may be glorified through it” (John 11:4). Jesus’ miracle of raising Lazarus prompted His arrest and crucifixion, whereby He would die “for the nation” and gather “into one the children of God who are scattered abroad” (John 11:51–52). As He called Lazarus from the tomb and commanded others to “unbind him, and let him go” (John 11:44), Jesus also calls us and releases us from the bondage of sin and death. We would not “submit to God’s law,” nor could we “please God” (Rom. 8:7–8), but “He condemned sin” in His own flesh, so “that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us” (Rom. 8:3–4). Now, through the Gospel, “the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells” in us (Rom. 8:11). His Word breathes His Spirit into our mortal flesh, animating us with His own life.  As His ministers preach according to His divine command, the Lord Jesus calls us from the grave into the good land that He gives us (Ezek. 37:12, 14).

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

 

Formula of Concord, Epitome, Article I: Original Sin, paragraphs 2, 4-6

We believe, teach, and confess that there is a distinction between man's nature and original sin. This applied not only when he was originally created by God pure and holy and without sin, but it also applies to [our] nature now after the fall. In other words, we distinguish between the nature itself and original sin. This distinction is as great as the distinction between God's work and the devil's work.

 

God created the body and soul of Adam and Eve before the fall. But He also created our bodies and souls after the fall. Even though they are corrupt, God still acknowledges them as His work, as it is written in Job 10:8, "Your hands fashioned and made me."

 

Furthermore, God's Son has received this human nature, but without sin. Therefore, He did not receive a foreign nature, but our own flesh in the unity of His person. In this way He has become our true Brother. Hebrews 2:14,17; 4:15 says, "Since the children share in flesh and blood,… He had to be made like His brothers in every respect,… yet without sin". In the same way, Christ redeemed human nature as His work, sanctifies it, raises it from the dead, and gloriously adorns it as His work. But original sin He has not created, redeemed, or sanctified. He will not raise it, or save it in the elect. In the (blessed) resurrection original sin will be entirely destroyed [1 Cor. 15:51-57].

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

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 FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

March 22, 2020

 

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; 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

 

All services and activities at St. John’s are cancelled this week. 

 

Our next service will potentially be Sunday, April 5th.  We will

provide you with more details as they come. 

  

  THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR

  

  March 25

    Feast of The Annunciation of our Lord



 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Stay connected during our time away - During our time away 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.  Flocknote will be our means of communicating the most important details about our schedule in the weeks to come. 

 

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 at home or at church 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.  If you have any bodily need in these next few weeks (like needing someone to pick you up groceries or medication, etc.) he is happy to help or to find you help. 

 

Resources for your faith at home - St. John’s is offering a variety of resources to feed your faith during our time away.  Here is a list of some of them:

  • There is a table in the back of church full of devotions, prayer services, Bible studies, and Lutheran magazines. Feel free to stop in at church any time and grab some.

 

  • Randy is doing a great job of keeping our website, stjohnsburt.org, up to date these next few weeks.  Click the microphone on the homepage to listen to Scripture and sermons which will continue to be updated each Wednesday and Sunday.  Also click on the Youtube icon on the homepage to see live-streamed services from Trinity, Algona Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and Sundays at 9:00 a.m. as well as previously recorded sermons.

 

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

 

Offerings and alms during our time away - If it is within your financial means during this quarantine, consider continuing your regular pattern of giving your offering to the church - either by saving your offerings for when you return or by dropping it off at church.  Also consider planning for giving special offerings in the future for others in need as a result of this health emergency.  If this emergency has put your family in financial need, you should feel no shame in reducing your offering to the church during this time.  If your need becomes great, don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Cowell to see if our congregation can help in any way. 

 

Easter Lilies - If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the church to use on Easter Sunday, there is a sign-up sheet on the table at the back of the church. You may take your lily home after Easter services if you choose to. Please, pay Cheryl Batt $16 per lily by Sunday, April 5th.

 

The Giving Pew - This is a reminder that the season of Lent would be a great time to take a quilt or stuffed bear from the TLC Quilter’s giving pew by the east doors at St. John’s and deliver them to a friend in need of comfort or support. 

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT, & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

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

 

The TLC Quilters will again have a silent auction during Lent to benefit Camp Okoboji.  Bidding on the quilts will continue at a later date yet to be announced.     

 

Thrivent Choice Dollars for 2019 will be expiring on March 31! If you are a Thrivent member, you may be eligible to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to St. John’s. Go to www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 before March 31 and say “Thrivent Choice.”  Reminder: $250 Community Impact Gift Cards are also available (2 per member per year). 

 

 COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Churches of Burt Volunteer Facebook Group - The Churches of Burt organization has created a Facebook group with the purpose of connecting people who need help with people who are willing to help.  It is our hope that this group will facilitate Christian mercy in our community.  You can search “Churches of Burt Volunteers/Help Wanted” to join the group.  Or, if you would like to offer a volunteer service or are in need of help but don’t have a Facebook account, contact Pastor Cowell and he will post your request for you. 


LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Fourth Sunday in Lent)

 

Isaiah 42:14–21; Ephesians 5:8–14; John 9:1–41

 

By His Word of the Gospel, Jesus Calls Us Out of the Darkness into His Marvelous Light

The Lord is grieved by the spiritual blindness of His people, yet in mercy He does not forsake them. He restrains His anger and keeps His peace, until He opens their ears and eyes to hear and see Him. “For His righteousness’ sake” He magnifies His Word and makes it glorious in the coming of Christ Jesus (Is. 42:21). Jesus turns “the darkness before them into light” (Is. 42:16), because He is “the Light of the world” (John 9:5). The incarnate Son of God works the works of His Father and displays the divine glory in His own flesh “while it is day” until that night “when no one can work” (John 9:4). By the washing of water with His Word He opens the eyes of the blind and grants rest to the weary. Therefore, though “at one time you were darkness,” now “you are light in the Lord” (Eph. 5:8). By our Baptism into Christ we live in the eternal day of His Resurrection, wherein He shines upon us. As often as we fall back into the darkness of sin, He calls us by the Gospel to “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead” (Eph. 5:14).



FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

 

Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article II: Free Will, paragraphs 38-41

The Scriptures call natural man in spiritual and divine things darkness (Ephesians 5:8). John 1:5 says, "The light shines in the darkness" (that is, in the dark, blind world, which does not know or regard God), "and the darkness has not overcome it." Likewise, the Scriptures teach that a sinful person is not only weak, but also entirely dead (Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:13).

 

A person who is physically dead cannot from his own powers make himself come back to life again. So the person who is spiritually dead in sins cannot by his own strength make or apply himself to acquire spiritual and heavenly righteousness and life. This is true unless he is delivered and brought to life by God's Son from the death of sin.

 

The Scriptures deny to the intellect and will of natural man all capacity, and ability to undertake anything good and right in spiritual things.

 

The darkness has not overcome it [the light]. (John 1:5) "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians 2:14). This means he is not capable of spiritual things. For they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them. Much less will he truly believe the Gospel or agree with it and regard it as truth.

 

For the mind [of the natural man] that is set on the flesh is hostile to God. (Romans 8:7) 



 

Thursday, March 12, 2020

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 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT

March 15, 2020

 

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word; 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, March 15

   8:00  a.m.      Sunday School/Adult Class  

   9:00  a.m.      Divine Service (Lent 3) (C)                              

Tuesday, March 17

   9:00 a.m.       Morning Lenten Prayer 

Wednesday, March 18

   6:00 p.m.       Lenten Service

   6:30 p.m.       Religion School

Sunday, March 22

   8:00 a.m.        Sunday School/Adult Class

   9:00 a.m.        Divine Service (Lent 4)  (C)

   10:00 a.m.      Choir Practice

  THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR

  

  March 17

    Commemoration of Patrick, Missionary to 

       Ireland

 

  March 19

    Feast of St. Joseph, Guardian of Jesus 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:    Marcia Hanna                Ushers for March:    Clark Christensen,  Roger Evans

                                                                                        & Jerry Koestler

Acolytes:                 None Assigned               Elder for March:           Jeff Schutjer

Greeters:                Jerry & Betty Koestler    Greeters Next Week:   Lavonne Boderius & 

                                                                                                                 Beverly Skadburg

 

Special Thanks to Rev. Mark Lund of Trinity for leading our service this morning. 

 

Adult Bible Study - Our Sunday Morning Bible study is spending several weeks exploring the concept of evangelism in the Bible, as well as discussing practical strategies for sharing the Gospel in our own context.  We’ll be using a book titled: Be at Leisure: A Lutheran Approach to Outreach by Pastor Andrew Richard of St. Silas Lutheran Church in North Liberty, IA.

 

Lenten Services will be held Wednesdays March 18, 25, April 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. 

 

Tuesday Morning Lenten Prayer -  In addition to our Wednesday evening Lenten services, you will also have the opportunity to pray and hear Scripture on several Tuesday mornings at 9:00 during Lent.  This will be a spoken Matins service and will be a time for you to bring prayer requests for us to pray together.  Check the schedule in your box for the dates of these services.

 

Lenten Resources Available - On the back table are several resources to help you grow in your Christian faith this Lenten season.  Feel free to take and share as many as you’d like.

 

Lent Midweek Offering - Any undesignated offerings given during our Lenten midweek services will go toward Lutherans in Africa and their most recent building project.  There is a letter on the back table that describes their current construction needs. 

 

Holy Week Choir - We are assembling a choir to sing on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. We will practice after church on March 22 and April 5 and before service on Holy Thursday.  The choir music is in the black folders on the back table if you’d like to look at it at home before the practices. 

 

Weekly Divine Service - Beginning this Lent we will begin offering the Lord’s Supper every Sunday at St. John’s.  If you are interested in continuing to explore the blessings of weekly Communion you can attend our Lenten midweek services where we will be meditating on the good of Jesus’ body and blood for our lives.  You can also read this month’s Parish Messenger in your box or pick up documents from last year’s study on the blessings of weekly Communion at the side table in back of church.  As always, if you are not yet comfortable receiving the Lord’s Supper every Sunday, know that you are free in Christ to remain in the pew during distribution.  Feel free to talk to Pastor Cowell if you’d like any more resources on this topic or have any questions regarding this practice.

 

Easter Lilies - If you would like to purchase an Easter Lily for the church to use on Easter Sunday, there is a sign-up sheet on the table at the back of the church. You may take your lily home after Easter services if you choose to. Please, pay Cheryl Batt $16 per lily by Sunday, April 5th.

 

The Giving Pew - This is a reminder that the season of Lent would be a great time to take a quilt or stuffed bear from the TLC Quilter’s giving pew by the east doors at St. John’s and deliver them to a friend in need of comfort or support. 

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT, & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

The TLC Quilters will again have a silent auction during Lent to benefit Camp Okoboji.  The quilts will be displayed in the office lobby at Trinity.  You may stop by to view and bid on them anytime during the day.

 

Thrivent Choice Dollars for 2019 will be expiring on March 31! If you are a Thrivent member, you may be eligible to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to St. John’s. Go to www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 before March 31 and say “Thrivent Choice.”  Reminder: $250 Community Impact Gift Cards are also available (2 per member per year). 

 

 COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Churches of Burt Volunteer Facebook Group - The Churches of Burt organization has created a Facebook group with the purpose of connecting people who need help with people who are willing to help.  It is our hope that this group will facilitate Christian mercy in our community.  You can search “Churches of Burt Volunteers/Help Wanted” to join the group.  Or, if you would like to offer a volunteer service or are in need of help but don’t have a Facebook account, contact Pastor Cowell and he will post your request for you. 

 

French Toast Breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Burt Community Center. Bake Sale by the Burt Pool fundraising committee.

 

East Fork Walleye Fish Fry on Saturday, March 28 at the Burt Complex.  Serving begins at 5:00 p.m.

 

Celebration of Hope Concert - The Burt Presbyterian Church invites you to “A Worshipful Celebration of Hope” concert on Sunday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. Great concert for the whole family featuring Christian recording artist Mark Smeby.   (Poster along ramp bulletin board)

 

Morningside Choir will be performing at the First Lutheran Church in Algona on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.  No charge for admission but a Free Will offering will be accepted.

 

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Third Sunday in Lent)

 

Exodus 17:1–7; Romans 5:1–8; John 4:5–26 

 

We Worship the Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Spirit and Truth of His Gospel

Though the Lord had brought them out of Egypt, “all the congregation of the people of Israel” grumbled against Him, because “there was no water for the people to drink” (Ex. 17:1). Despite their quarreling, the Lord graciously provided for them. He did not strike the people for their sins, but by the hand of Moses He struck the Rock instead and brought forth water for the people. In the same way living water flows from the pierced side of Christ “about the sixth hour” (John 4:6, 19:14), when He is lifted up on the Cross for the sins of the world. He is “the gift of God” (John 4:10), the Well from which the Holy Spirit is poured out and becomes in His people “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). By this grace in which we stand, being at peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, we “worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). “We rejoice in hope of the glory of God,” because “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Rom. 5:2, 5).

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

 

Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XII(V): Repentance, paragraphs 35-38

As the second part of repentance we add faith in Christ. The Gospel, in which the forgiveness of sins is freely promised concerning Christ, should be presented to consciences in terror. They should believe that, for Christ's sake, their sins are freely forgiven. This faith cheers, and enlivens the contrite, according to Romans 5:1, "Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God." This faith obtains the forgiveness of sins. It justifies before God, "since we have been justified by faith." This faith shows the distinction between the contrition of Judas and Peter. The contrition of Judas [Matthew 27:3-5] is useless because faith is not added. Faith grasps the forgiveness of sins, given as a gift for Christ's sake. So the contrition of Peter [Matthew 26:75] helps because faith, which takes hold of the forgiveness of sins granted for Christ's sake, is added to it. Love is not present before reconciliation has been made through faith. For without Christ, the Law is not performed, according to Romans 5:2, "Through [Christ] we have also obtained access [to God]." This faith grows gradually and throughout the entire life, struggles with sin, in order to overcome sin and death. Love follows faith. Childlike fear is defined as anxiety that has been connected with faith, that is, where faith comforts the anxious heart. Without faith to sustain the anxious heart it is slavish fear. 

 

 

Thursday, March 05, 2020

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 SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT

March 8, 2020

 

O God, You see that of ourselves we have no strength. By Your mighty power defend us from all adversities that may happen to the body and from all evil thoughts that may assault and hurt the soul; 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, March 8

   8:00  a.m.      Sunday School/Adult Class  

   9:00  a.m.      Divine Service (Lent 2) (C)                              

Monday, March 9

   7 & 9:00 a.m.  Women’s Bible Study, Trinity

Tuesday, March 10

   No Morning Lenten Prayer 

Wednesday, March 11

   6:00 p.m.       Lenten Service

   6:30 p.m.       Religion School

Sunday, March 15

   8:00 a.m.        Sunday School/Adult Class

   9:00 a.m.        Divine Service (Lent 3)  (C)

  THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR

  

    No feast days or commemorations this week. 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna                              Ushers for March:      Clark Christensen, Roger Evans & Jerry Koestler

Acolyte:                Breckin & Tysen                           Elder for March:          Jeff Schutjer

Greeters:             Cheryl Batt & Barb Harms           Greeters Next Week:  Jerry & Betty Koestler

 

Adult Bible Study - Our Sunday Morning Bible study is spending several weeks exploring the concept of evangelism in the Bible, as well as discussing practical strategies for sharing the Gospel in our own context.  We’ll be using a book titled: Be at Leisure: A Lutheran Approach to Outreach by Pastor Andrew Richard of St. Silas Lutheran Church in North Liberty, IA.

 

Lenten Services will be held Wednesdays March 11,18, 25, April 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. 

 

Tuesday Morning Lenten Prayer - There is no Tuesday morning prayer service this week because Pastor Cowell will be at the monthly circuit winkel. 

 

Lenten Resources Available - On the back table are several resources to help you grow in your Christian faith this Lenten season.  Feel free to take and share as many as you’d like.

 

Lent Midweek Offering - Any undesignated offerings given during our Lenten midweek services will go toward Lutherans in Africa and their most recent building project.  There is a letter on the back table that describes their current construction needs. 

 

Holy Week Choir - We are assembling a choir to sing on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. We will practice after church on March 22 and April 5 and before service on Holy Thursday.  You can sign up on the back table.  

 

The Giving Pew - This is a reminder that the season of Lent would be a great time to take a quilt or stuffed bear from the TLC Quilter’s giving pew by the east doors at St. John’s and deliver them to a friend in need of comfort or support. 

 

Weekly Divine Service - Beginning this Lent we will begin offering the Lord’s Supper every Sunday at St. John’s.  If you are interested in continuing to explore the blessings of weekly Communion you can attend our Lenten midweek services where we will be meditating on the good of Jesus’ body and blood for our lives.  You can also read this month’s Parish Messenger in your box or pick up documents from last year’s study on the blessings of weekly Communion at the side table in back of church.  As always, if you are not yet comfortable receiving the Lord’s Supper every Sunday, know that you are free in Christ to remain in the pew during distribution.  Feel free to talk to Pastor Cowell if you’d like any more resources on this topic or have any questions regarding this practice. 



SYNOD, DISTRICT, & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

The TLC Quilters will again have a silent auction during Lent to benefit Camp Okoboji.  The quilts will be displayed in the office lobby at Trinity.  You may stop by to view and bid on them anytime during the day.

 

Thrivent Choice Dollars for 2019 will be expiring on March 31! If you are a Thrivent member, you may be eligible to direct Thrivent Choice Dollars to St. John’s. Go to www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 before March 31 and say “Thrivent Choice.”  Reminder: $250 Community Impact Gift Cards are also available (2 per member per year). 

 

 COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Churches of Burt Volunteer Facebook Group - The Churches of Burt organization has created a Facebook group with the purpose of connecting people who need help with people who are willing to help.  It is our hope that this group will facilitate Christian mercy in our community.  You can search “Churches of Burt Volunteers/Help Wanted” to join the group.  Or, if you would like to offer a volunteer service or are in need of help but don’t have a Facebook account, contact Pastor Cowell and he will post your request for you. 

 

French Toast Breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 28 at 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Burt Community Center. Bake Sale by the Burt Pool fundraising committee.

 

East Fork Walleye Fish Fry on Saturday, March 28 at the Burt Complex.  Serving begins at 5:00 p.m.

 

Celebration of Hope Concert - The Burt Presbyterian Church invites you to “A Worshipful Celebration of Hope” concert on Sunday, March 22 at 6:30 p.m. Great concert for the whole family featuring Christian recording artist Mark Smeby.   (Poster along ramp bulletin board)

 

Morningside Choir will be performing at the First Lutheran Church in Algona on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.  No charge for admission but a Free Will offering will be accepted.


The Good Samaritan Home Chili Luncheon scheduled for March 15 has been cancelled.

 

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Second Sunday in Lent)

 

Genesis 12:1–9; Romans 4:1–8, 13–17; John 3:1–17

 

The Word of the Gospel Opens the Eyes of Faith and Fixes Them on Christ Jesus 

The Lord called Abram (Abraham) to leave his home and go to a land that God would show him.  He also promised to make of Abram “a great nation,” to bless him and make his name great, as a blessing to “all the families of the earth” (Gen. 12:2–3). “Abram went, as the Lord had told him” (Gen. 12:4), and in Canaan “he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord” (Gen. 12:8).  He “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). Here the grace of God is manifested, that He “justifies the ungodly” (Rom. 4:5), not by works of the Law, but through faith in His promises. He removes all our sins and lawless deeds through Jesus Christ, the Offspring of Abraham in whom all the Lord’s promises are realized. This forgiveness of sins is the Word of the Gospel, the voice of the Holy Spirit, which “gives life to the dead” (Rom. 4:17). It opens the eyes of faith to behold Christ Jesus, the Son of Man lifted up on the Cross, “that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life” (John 3:14–15).



FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

 

Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article V: The Law and the Gospel, paragraphs 23-24

From the beginning [Law and Gospel] have always been taught alongside each other in God's Church, with a proper distinction. The descendants of the respected patriarchs, and the patriarchs themselves, called to mind constantly how in the beginning a person had been created righteous by God. Through the fraud of the Serpent, Adam transgressed God's command, became a sinner, and corrupted and cast himself with all his descendants into death and condemnation. They encouraged and comforted themselves again by the preaching about the woman's seed, who would bruise the Serpent's head (Gen. 3:15); Abraham's seed, in whom "all the nations of the earth [will] be blessed" (Gen. 22:18); David's Son, who should "bring back the preserved of Israel" and be "a light for the nations" (Isaiah 49:6), and who "was wounded for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities … and with His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).

 

These two doctrines, we confess, should always be diligently taught in God's Church forever. They must be taught with the proper distinction: (a) through the preaching of the Law and its threats in the ministry of the New Testament the hearts of impenitent people may be terrified, and (b) they may be brought to a knowledge of their sins and to repentance. This must not be done in such a way that they lose heart and despair in this process.