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        

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

MAY 3, 2020

 

Almighty God, merciful Father, since You have wakened from death the Shepherd of Your sheep, grant us Your Holy Spirit that when we hear the voice of our Shepherd we may know Him who calls us each by name and follow where He leads; through the same 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 3    9:00  a.m.      Divine Service (Easter 4) (C)                               Sunday, May 15    9:00 a.m.        Divine Service (Easter 5)  (C)

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR    May 7     Commemoration of C.F.W. Walther     May 9     Commemoration of Job, Patriarch

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:        Marcia Hanna            Elder for May: Tony Hatten

 

Baptism - We rejoice today to witness the Baptism of Alexander James and Reyna Rene, children of Jesse and Kelly Fitzgerald!  Alex and Reyna’s sponsors are: Jace and Brodi Alt and Jeremy and Danielle Holdorf.

 

Parish Messenger Articles for the June/July/August edition is due into Linda Kerkove by May 17, 2020.  

 

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. 

Offerings and alms during our time away – St. John’s has a long history of generosity in terms of financially supporting our own ministry as well as that of the Church across the world.  This generosity has continued in our present situation.  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. 

 

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.  Flocknote will be our means of communicating the most important details about our schedule in the weeks to come. 

 

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.  

 

Building Healthy Families While Staying Home: God values you and me. We may be fearful. We may be alone. We may feel lonely. But we are never more valued and loved by our heavenly Father through Jesus. Take advantage of time at home, of time alone to be reminded, “But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him” (Habakkuk 2:20). Have you wanted more quiet time to be with God? Here’s your chance. The LORD is indeed in His temple. He is in charge and at work in all of this. He works in your life during all of this. You are not alone.  Lutheran Family Service

 

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 of Easter)

First Reading: Acts 2:42-47

This text describes the pattern of worship and life for the first Christians after Pentecost. 

 

Epistle: 1 Peter 2:19-25

St. Peter explains the example of righteous suffering which Christ gives to us. 

 

Gospel: John 10:1-10

Jesus uses the imagery of sheep and shepherds to teach His disciples about His authority and His desire to lead us to eternal life. 

 

 

LCMS MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  - John 4:10

 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

Hands at Prayer

We don’t know exactly how the tradition of  folding our hands during prayer began.  The important thing is that when we pray our hands are resting hands.  These resting hands are hands of faith.  As we fold our hands together and put them to rest we direct our eyes and hearts to the nail-marked hands of Jesus.  These crucified hands of Jesus, which have done every necessary work for us, are always the answer to our prayers. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Formula of Concord, Epitome, Article II: Free Will, paragraphs 3-6

The unregenerate will of mankind has an inclination and desire for that which is evil and contrary to God, as it is written in Genesis 8:21, "the intention of man's heart is evil from his youth." For it is written in Ephesians 2:5, "even when we were dead in our trespasses, [He] made us alive together with Christ." And 2 Corinthians 3:5 says, "Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God."

 

God the Holy Spirit, however, does not bring about conversion without means. For this purpose He uses the preaching and hearing of God's Word, as it is written in Romans 1:16, the Gospel "is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Also Romans 10:17 says, "Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." It is God's will that His Word should be heard. With this Word the Holy Spirit is present and opens hearts, so that people pay attention to it and are converted only through the Holy Spirit's grace and power, who alone does the work of converting a person. For without His grace, and if He does not grant the increase, our willing and running, our planting, sowing, and watering—are all nothing. As Christ says, "apart from Me you can do nothing." The Spirit ascribes everything to God's grace, in order that no one may boast before God. 

 

 

 

 

 

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               

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

APRIL 26, 2020

 

O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Expect new updates next week – As of the writing of these announcements the statewide emergency proclamation is set to expire April 30.  However, it is likely this will change in the next few days.  Expect to receive communication from St. John’s some time next week as to what our updated plans for returning to church will look like. 

 

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 church or at home at any time.  Please contact him to schedule a time to do so.  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.

 

• Click the microphone on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org to listen to services and sermons. A service folder and announcement document will be available here as well for you to follow along.  

 

• Click on the Youtube icon on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org to see live-streamed and recorded video services from Trinity, Algona, as well as daily video devotions from the partnership pastors. 

 

• St. John’s also recently started a YouTube channel.  Currently there is a series of kids videos on various topics of the faith (which are good for adults to watch as well!).  Search “St. John’s Burt” at youtube.com to find the channel. 

 

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

 

Offerings and alms during our time away – St. John’s has a long history of generosity in terms of financially supporting our own ministry as well as that of the Church across the world.  This generosity has continued in our present situation.  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.

• The best way to give your offering is to mail it to St. John’s. Or, you can arrange to have it dropped off at St. John’s.

 

• 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. 

 

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. 

 

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 until further notice. You can receive updates and resources from Trinity at: trinityalgona.org/corona.  

 

Call Day Services - The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected the church and those in it. For many, life has come to a screeching halt. But perhaps now more than ever the need for well-formed, educated and loving pastors and deaconesses continues in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  

• Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will have a joint vicarage assignment and pastoral/ deaconess placement service on Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. You can view the live-stream at: csl.educ/academic/call-day-services

 

• Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne will have a  joint vicarage assignment and pastoral/deaconess placement service on Wednesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. You can view the live-stream at: callday.ctsfw.edu

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 (Third Sunday of Easter)

First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36–41

Peter preaches to the crowd at Pentecost.  After the crowd hears and believes the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection for them Peter tells them: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

 

Epistle: 1 Peter 1:17–25

St. Peter reminds us both that we have been ransomed from sin and death by the precious blood of Christ, and that above all else “the Word of the Lord endures forever.” 

 

Gospel: Luke 24:13–35

Jesus interprets to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself, and then makes Himself known in the breaking of the bread.  In this way Jesus models for us our Divine Service of Word and Sacrament. 

 

LCMS MEMORY VERSE CHALLENGE

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”  - Romans 1:16

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

What is the Bible?

The Bible gathers together the writings of God’s chosen prophets and apostles over a period of more than a thousand years.  Through the Holy Spirit, God Himself gave these writers the thoughts and words they recorded (verbal inspiration), such that the Bible is God’s Word.  For this reason, the Scriptures are both infallible (incapable of error) and inerrant (containing no mistakes).  Holy Scripture is therefore entirely reliable and gives us everything we need to know and believe for Christian faith and life.  See Hebrews 1:1-2; Ephesians 2:19-20; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:21. - An Explanation of the Small Catechism (2017), p. 46-47

 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Formula of Concord, Solid Declaration, Article VIII: The Person of Christ, paragraphs 51, 53

The Holy Scriptures forcefully testify: The human nature has been personally united with the divine nature in Christ. [...] It has them not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. So we conclude about the work of Christ's office: the human nature in Christ is equally used. It has its power and efficacy. This is true not only from, and according to, its natural attributes, but chiefly from, and according to, the majesty and power that it has received through the personal union, glorification, and exaltation. […] What His received human nature is capable of beyond the natural properties, without becoming annihilated, no one can know better than the Lord Christ Himself. He has revealed this in His Word, as much as is needful for us to know. We must simply believe everything for which we have clear, certain testimonies in the Scriptures in this matter. We should in no way argue against it, as though the human nature in Christ could not be capable of the same. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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        

SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

APRIL 19, 2020

 

Almighty God, grant that we who have celebrated the Lord’s resurrection may by Your grace confess in our life and conversation that Jesus is Lord and God; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, 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, May 3rd.  We will provide you with more details as they come.

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR   April 20     Commemoration of Johannes Bugenhagen   April 21     Commemoration of Anselm of Canterbury   April 24     Commemoration of Johann Walter, Kantor   April 25     Feast of St. Mark, Evangelist

 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

St. John’s Closed until May 3rd – Governor Reynolds has extended Iowa’s health emergency restrictions through April 30th. This means that, Lord willing, Sunday May 3rd will be our first service together again.  We will, however, continue to follow any further regulations and suggestions that our state issues.   

 

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.

 

• Click the microphone on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org to listen to services and sermons. A service folder and announcement document will be available here as well for you to follow along.  

 

• Click on the Youtube icon on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org to see live-streamed and recorded video services from Trinity, Algona.  

 

• 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 – St. John’s has a long history of generosity in terms of financially supporting our own ministry as well as that of the Church across the world.  This generosity has continued in our present situation.  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.

• The best way to give your offering is to mail it to St. John’s. Or, you can arrange to have it dropped off at St. John’s.

 

• 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. 

 

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. 

 

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 until further nice.  You can receive updates and resources from Trinity at: trinityalgona.org/corona.  

 

Call Day Services - The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected the church and those in it. For many, life has come to a screeching halt. But perhaps now more than ever the need for well-formed, educated and loving pastors and deaconesses continues in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  

• Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will have a joint vicarage assignment and pastoral/ deaconess placement service on Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m. You can view the live-stream at: csl.educ/academic/call-day-services

 

• Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne will have a  joint vicarage assignment and pastoral/deaconess placement service on Wednesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. You can view the live-stream at: callday.ctsfw.edu

 

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 (Second Sunday of Easter)

 

Acts 5:29–42; 1 Peter 1:3–9; John 20:19–31

 

Christ Jesus Breathes His Spirit and His Life into Us by the Ministry of the Gospel 

The crucified and risen Lord Jesus establishes the Ministry of the Gospel, in order to bestow His life-giving Holy Spirit and His peace upon the Church. To those who are called and ordained to this Office, and to those whom they serve in His name, He grants the Holy Absolution of all sins.  By the fruits of His Cross He replaces fear and doubt with peace and joy, and thus gives “repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” (Acts 5:31). Through the preaching of His sent ones He calls us to believe that He “is the Christ, the Son of God,” so that by such faith we “may have life in His name” (John 20:31). In His resurrection we have the “living hope” to which we have been “born again” and by which we are guarded “for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3, 5). Until then, “though you have not seen Him, you love Him,” and by the mercies of God “you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

 

Large Catechism: Preface, paragraphs 9-11 

For God's sake I beg such lazy bellies [pastors] or arrogant saints to be persuaded and believe that they are truly, truly not so learned as they imagine! They should never assume that they have finished learning the parts of the catechism, even though they think that they know it ever so well. There are many benefits and fruits to be gained, if it is daily read and practiced in thought and speech. For example, the Holy Spirit is present in such reading, and meditation. He bestows new light and devoutness. In this way the catechism is daily loved and appreciated better.

 

Besides, catechism study is a most effective help against the devil, the world, the flesh, and all evil thoughts. It helps to be occupied with God's Word, to speak it, and meditate on it, just as the first Psalm declares people blessed who meditate on God's Law day and night (Psalm 1:2), from which the devil runs and may be driven away. You will not release a stronger repellant against the devil.

 

Now, for this reason alone, you ought gladly to read, speak, think, and use these things, even if you had no other profit and fruit from them than driving away the devil and evil thoughts by doing so. He cannot hear or endure God's Word. God's Word is not like some other silly babbling. Paul says in Romans 1:16, it is "the power of God." It is the power of God that gives the devil burning pain and strengthens, and helps us beyond measure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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               

EASTER DAY

APRIL 12, 2020

 

Almighty God the Father, through Your only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, You have overcome death and opened the gate of everlasting life to us. Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of our Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by Your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ, 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, May 3rd .  We will provide you with more details as they come.

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR       No feast days or commemorations this week.

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

St. John’s Closed until May 3rd – Governor Reynolds has extended Iowa’s health emergency restrictions through April 30th. This means that, Lord willing, Sunday May 3rd will be our first service together again.  

 

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.

 

• Click the microphone on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org to listen to services and sermons, including all Holy Week and Easter Day services. A service folder and announcement document will be available here as well for you to follow along.  

 

• Click on the Youtube icon on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org to see live-streamed and recorded video services from Trinity, Algona.  Here is a list of upcoming services:

Palm Sunday – Sunday, April 5 – live at 9:00 a.m. (you can access later as well)

Holy Thursday – Thursday, April 9 – live at 6:00 p.m. (you can access later as well)

Stations of the Cross – Friday, April 10 – a pre-recorded video will be posted

Good Friday – Friday, April 10 – live at 6:00 p.m. (you can access later as well)

Easter Vigil – Saturday, April 11 – live at 6:00 p.m. (you can access later as well)

Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 12 – live at 9:00 a.m. (you can access later as well)

 

• 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. 

 

The New Portals of Prayer Booklets are in your church bulletin boxes. You may stop by the church anytime to pick those up.

 

Birthday Greetings for Esther Christensen  whose birthday is on Easter Sunday, April 12.  You can send her a birthday card at: 

Esther Christensen

Titonka Care Center

312 1st Ave. NW

Titonka, Iowa 50480

 

Offerings and Alms during our time away – With our cancellation extending to April 19th, our need for your financial support during our time away has become more necessary.  If it is within your financial means, consider mailing your weekly offering to church or arranging to have it dropped off in person.  

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. 

 

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.  

 

 

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 (Easter Sunday)

 

Acts 10:34–43; Colossians 3:1–4; St. Matthew 28:1–10

 

The Victory of the Christ Crucified is Given to You in the Preaching of His Resurrection 

Every Sunday is the Lord’s Day, the day of His Resurrection, “after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week” (Matt. 28:1). In the Divine Service the Church enters upon the eternal “Eighth Day.” The Lord Jesus, “who was crucified,” who “has risen, as He said” (Matt. 28:6), is the firstborn from the dead and the first-fruits of the New Creation. Because “you have died” with Him in Holy Baptism, “you have been raised with Christ” and “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:1, 3). The Lord Jesus has become our God, as surely as He is “the God of all the clans of Israel,” and we now belong to His people (Jer. 31:1). In this He “shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34), but “everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name” (Acts 10:43). As “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power” and “raised Him on the third day,” He also raises us up and pours out His Spirit upon us through the Gospel (Acts 10:38, 40).

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

 

Small Catechism, the Creed, Articles Two and Three: Redemption and Sanctification

The Second Article: Redemption

 

[I believe] in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

 

What does this mean? Answer: I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil. He did this not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, so that I may be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

 

The Third Article: Sanctification

 

I believe in[…] the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

 

What does this mean? Answer: I believe that[…] on the Last Day He will raise up me and all the dead and will give eternal life to me and to all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true.