Thursday, February 25, 2021

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

Sunday, February 28, 2021

 

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, February 28, 2021

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

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

  

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

  10:00 a.m.   Morning Prayer

 

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

    6:00 p.m.   Lenten Service                         

    6:30 p.m.   Christian Catechesis   

  

 

  Sunday, March 7, 2021

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

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

 

  THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR

 

   None for this week

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:        Marcia Hanna ~ Elder for February: Jerry Koestler

 

Tuesday Prayer Services - This week there will be Tuesday morning prayer at 10:00 a.m. 

 

Lenten Services will be held this week Wednesday, March 3 at 6:00 p.m.

 

Lent Schedule Available - Feel free to pick up a worship schedule for the Lenten season on the back table.  Also feel free to deliver one to a friend! 

 

Stained Glass Window Project - Information on our new stained glass window project at St. John’s is on the back table. We are still in need of $1700.00 of donations. You can view an enlarged image of the windows on the ramp bulletin board or on the door going to the balcony. 

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Pastor Cowell would love to serve you Communion at church or at home, pray, read Scripture, offer Christian counsel, and/or just visit any time that works for you!  Call or text him any time at 319-464-5548. 

 

Midweek Service Offering - The Wednesday Catechesis class is learning about charity again this Lent.  Here are the charities they have chosen for St. John’s to support through our Wednesday midweek Lent offerings:

 

Moving Veterans Forward; Lakota Ambulance; Kossuth County Cancer Support Foundation; St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital; Winding Roads Foster Care Transitional Home; Lutherans in Africa; St. Paul’s Music Conservatory, Council Bluffs; Siouxland Hispanic Ministry 

 

Look for more information on these charities from the children next week.

 

Midweek Lent Booklets - If you plan to watch our midweek Lent services from home, feel free to take a stained glass window booklet home with you. They are located by the mailboxes. 

 

Easter Baked Goods Needed - If you would like to donate a pan of bars/cookies for the St. John’s Easter egg hunt Holy Saturday, or a pan of rolls/muffins/coffee cake, etc. for Easter breakfast, please sign the sign-up sheet on the back table. Thanks! 

 

2020 Thrivent Choice Dollars must be directed by March 31. Consider joining others who have directed their Choice Dollars towards St. John’s ministry.

 

St. John’s Ladies Aid Dissolved - As of January 27, 2021 the St. John’s Ladies Aid has made the decision to dissolve. The Ladies Aid received their LWML charter on May 12, 1947, but the St. John’s Ladies Aid has been in existence since October 13, 1921. We thank God for blessing our Ladies Aid for the past 100 years, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities to serve the Lord with gladness in the future. 

 

Shopping through Amazon Smile - Sign up at Amazon Smile to have 0.5% of your eligible purchases donated to St. John’s! Click this link to sign up: smile.amazon.com/ch/42-0950037, click on the Amazon Smile button on the stjohnsburt.org homepage, or pick up an instructions packet on the back table to get signed up. 

 

St. John’s Live-streamed Service - The easiest way to access our service livestreams and recordings is to click on the links posted on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org

 

TLC Quilts Available - Don’t forget that quilts made by the Trinity Lutheran Church Quilters are always available on the “giving pew” by the east door!

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Ask the Pastors is Back! - The partnership pastors are resuming our Ask the Pastors livestream every Wednesday from 10:00-10:30 a.m. on the Trinity, Algona YouTube or Facebook page.  If you have any questions of any topic you would like the pastors to discuss feel free to speak to any of the three pastors or send an email to: askthepastors@trinityalgona.org. 

 

Midweek Lenten Services at Trinity - Trinity, Algona is offering a Wednesday Lenten service at 11:00 a.m. This is a great option for any who prefer not to drive in the dark or are otherwise busy Wednesday evenings.  No registration is required for this service, and you can plan to wear a mask throughout the service. 

 

Trinity, Algona Schedule - Trinity, Algona continues to stream their worship services and other videos online. You can access these resources at trinityalgona.org/corona or the Trinity YouTube and Facebook pages either live or any time after as a recording.

 

Building Healthy Families - Did You Know: There are on average 100,000 hairs on a human head. How many on yours? Don’t know? God does! “Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than sparrows.” Luke 12:7 Don’t ever be afraid that your concerns and worries are too big or too small for Him. Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Lent 2)

Old Testament: Genesis 17:1-16

God makes a covenant with Abraham that he will be the father of many nations. 

 

Epistle: Romans 5:1-11

We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, character, and hope.  Also, God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

Gospel: Mark 8:27-38

Peter confesses Jesus to be the Christ, and Jesus charges His disciples to take up their cross and follow Him. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

 

Messiah in the Hebrew language means Christ in Greek; in Latin it is interpreted as ‘the Anointed One.’ Hence chrisma in Greek means ‘anointing’ in Latin. The Lord is named Christ, that is, the Anointed One, because, as Peter says, ‘God has anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power.’ Hence the psalmist also speaks in his praise, ‘God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions.’ He calls us his companions since we have also been fully anointed with visible chrism for the reception of the grace of the Holy Spirit in baptism, and we are called Christians from Christ’s name.” - Bede, Homilies on the Gospels 1.16, quoted from ACCS: Mark, 110.

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

INRI

Often times the letters INRI are hung above Christ on crucifixes and artwork.  These four letters are an abbreviation of the title in Latin that Pontius Pilate had posted on Jesus’ cross as he was crucified: Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum.  In English that’s: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.  This title, of which the Jews protested, is a title in which we rejoice.  Jesus is not only king of the Jews, but the king of all creation who reigns forgiveness and peace from the throne of the cross and the kingdom of his resurrection.

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

The Epitome of the Formula of Concord, Article V: The Law and the Gospel, para. 7-10

The Law and the Gospel are contrasted with each other. The Gospel is nothing other than a preaching of consolation and a joyful message that does not rebuke or terrify. The Gospel comforts consciences against the terrors of the Law, points only to Christ's merit, and raises them up again by the lovely preaching of God's grace and favor.

     Concerning the revelation of sin, all people as long as they hear the bare preaching of the Law, and nothing about Christ they do not learn from the Law to see their sins correctly. They either become bold hypocrites like the Pharisees [Matthew 23], or they despair like Judas [Matthew 27:3-5]. God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all sinners [Romans 1:18], so that they see how great it is. In this way they are directed back to the Law.

     The preaching of the suffering and death of Christ, the Son of God, is a serious and terrifying declaration of God's wrath. People understand what great things God requires of us in His Law, none of which we can keep. Therefore, they know we are to seek all our righteousness in Christ. 

     Christ's suffering and death proclaims God's wrath and terrifies a person, it is not the Gospel. Christ's proper office is to preach grace, console, and give life, which is properly the preaching of the Gospel.

 

 

 

Thursday, February 18, 2021

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 FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT

Sunday, February 21, 2021

 

O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; 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, February 21, 2021

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

    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service - (Lent 1)  

  10:00 a.m.      Education Meeting

 

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

  10:00 a.m.      Morning Prayer

    6:00 p.m.      Evening Prayer

    7:00 p.m.      Elder’s Meeting

 

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

    6:00 p.m.     Lenten Service                         

    6:30 p.m.     Christian Catechesis   

  Sunday, February 28, 2021

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

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

 

  THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR

 

    February 23, 2021

      Commemoration of Polycarp of Smyrna, Pastor 

        and Martyr

 

    February 24, 2021

      Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today: Marcia Hanna

Elder for February: Jerry Koestler

 

Tuesday Prayer Services - This week there will be a Tuesday morning prayer service at 10:00 a.m. and an Evening Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m.

 

Lenten Services will be held this week Wednesday, February 24  at 6:00 p.m.

 

Parish Messenger - The March/April edition of the Parish Messenger is due to Linda Kerkove today. If you need more time to get an article in, please contact Linda Kerkove - dlkerkove@netamumail.com

 

Lent Schedule Available - Feel free to pick up a worship schedule for the Lenten season on the back table.  Also feel free to deliver one to a friend! 

 

Stained Glass Window Project - Information on our new stained glass window project at St. John’s is on the back table. We are still in need of $2,100 of donations. You can view an enlarged image of the windows on the ramp bulletin board or on the door going to the balcony. 

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Pastor Cowell would love to serve you Communion at church or at home, pray, read Scripture, offer Christian counsel, and/or just visit any time that works for you!  Call or text him any time at 319-464-5548. 

 

St. John’s Ladies Aid Dissolved - As of January 27, 2021 the St. John’s Ladies Aid has made the decision to dissolve. The Ladies Aid received their LWML charter on May 12, 1947, but the St. John’s Ladies Aid has been in existence since October 13, 1921. We thank God for blessing our Ladies Aid for the past 100 years, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities to serve the Lord with gladness in the future. 

 

Flocknote - Did you know that in addition to receiving cancellation announcements on Flocknote, you can also receive a daily prayer and Scripture verse via text message or email? See the Flocknote information sheet in the back for a description of all of your messaging options, and let Pastor Cowell know if you’d like to make any changes to which messages you receive. 

 

Evangelism and Charity Information Booklets can be picked up from the back table. These are  a summary of mission and charity support of our congregation for the 2021 year.

 

Shopping through Amazon Smile - Sign up at Amazon Smile to have 0.5% of your eligible purchases donated to St. John’s! Click this link to sign up: smile.amazon.com/ch/42-0950037, click on the Amazon Smile button on the stjohnsburt.org homepage, or pick up an instructions packet on the back table to get signed up. 

 

St. John’s Live-streamed Service - The easiest way to access our service livestreams and recordings is to click on the links posted on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org

 

TLC Quilts Available - Don’t forget that quilts made by the Trinity Lutheran Church Quilters are always available on the “giving pew” by the east door!

 

2020 Thrivent Choice Dollars must be directed by March 31. Consider joining others who have directed their Choice Dollars towards St. John’s ministry.

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Ask the Pastors is Back! - The partnership pastors are resuming our Ask the Pastors livestream every Wednesday from 10:00-10:30 a.m. on the Trinity, Algona YouTube or Facebook page.  If you have any questions of any topic you would like the pastors to discuss feel free to speak to any of the three pastors or send an email to: askthepastors@trinityalgona.org. 

 

Trinity, Algona Schedule - Trinity, Algona continues to stream their worship services and other videos online. You can access these resources at trinityalgona.org/corona or the Trinity YouTube and Facebook pages either live or any time after as a recording.

 

Building Healthy Families - How was your day? After arriving home from work or school, we may ask – or hear – that all too familiar question. There’s nothing wrong with the question, but could you dig a little deeper and connect more with your spouse, children, grandchildren, neighbor, or friend? Try one of these: How did you see God at work today? or What’s something on your mind that I can pray about today? Then see where God takes that conversation! Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Lent 1)

Old Testament: Genesis 22:1-18

Abraham obeys God and takes his son Isaac up Mount Moriah to sacrifice him to the Lord, until the Angel of the Lord intervenes and blesses Abraham for his faithfulness. 

 

Epistle: James 1:12-18

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.

 

Gospel: Mark 1:9-15

Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness. After, Jesus begins preaching the gospel of God in Galilee. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“In this desolate place, the Spirit extended the devil an occasion to test [Jesus], not only by hunger, but also by loneliness, for it is there most especially that the devil assails us, when he sees us left alone and by ourselves. In this same way did he also confront Eve in the beginning, having caught her alone and apart from her husband.” - Chrysostom, The Gospel of St. Matthew, Homily 13.1, qtd. from ACCS: Mark, 17. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

Lent

The word Lent comes from the Old English word lencten (lengthen). This was the word used for the season that we call spring, when the hours of daylight begin to lengthen.  For Christians the season of Lent and the season of spring correspond well.  Just as spring is a season of new life, during Lent we prepare to receive the new, eternal life that Christ gave to the world at His resurrection.  Lent is also a time for us to experience a season of growth and renewal of our life in Christ through our intensified practice of repentance, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Large Catechism, The Lord’s Prayer, paragraphs 104-106

The devil agitates matters that concern the conscience and spiritual affairs. He leads us to despise and disregard both God's Word and works. He tears us away from faith, hope, and love [1 Cor. 13:13], and he brings us into misbelief, false security, and stubbornness. Or, on the other hand, he leads us to despair, denial of God, blasphemy, and innumerable other things. These are snares and nets [2 Tim. 2:26], indeed, real fiery darts that are shot like poison into the heart, not by flesh and blood, but by the devil [Eph. 6:12,16].

     Great, indeed, are these dangers and temptations, which every Christian must bear. We bear them even though each one were alone by himself. So every hour that we are in this vile life, we are attacked on all sides [2 Cor. 4:8], chased and hunted down. We are moved to cry out and to pray that God would not allow us to become weary and faint [Isa. 40:31; Heb. 12:3] and to fall again into sin, shame, and unbelief. For otherwise it is impossible to overcome the least temptation.

     This is what "lead us not into temptation" means. It refers to times when God gives us power and strength to resist the temptation [1 Cor. 10:13]. However, the temptation is not taken away. While we live in the flesh and have the devil around us, no one can escape his temptation and lures. It can only mean that we must endure trials-indeed, be engulfed in them [2 Tim. 2:3]. But we say this prayer so that we may not fall and be drowned in them. 

 

 

 

Thursday, February 11, 2021

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 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

February 14, 2021

 

O God, in the glorious transfiguration of Your beloved Son You confirmed the mysteries of the faith by the testimony of Moses and Elijah. In the voice that came from the bright cloud You wonderfully foreshowed our adoption by grace. Mercifully make us co-heirs with the King in His glory and bring us to the fullness of our inheritance in heaven; through the same 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

Today, February 14, 2021

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

    9:00 a.m.     Divine Service - (Transfiguration)  

Tuesday, February 16, 2021

    10:00 a.m.    Morning Prayer

Wednesday, February 17, 2021

     6:00 p.m.     Ash Wednesday Service 

 Sunday, February 21, 2021

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

     9:00 a.m.     Divine Service - (Lent 1)

    THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR

  February 14

    Commemoration of Valentine, Martyr

  February 15

    Commemoration of Philemon and Onesimus

  February 16

    Commemoration of Philip Melanchthon, 

         Confessor

  February 18

    Commemoration of Martin Luther, Doctor and   

         Reformer

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna

Elder for February: Jerry Koestler

Acolytes:  Taylor Parsons

                  Kenna Hatten

 

Tuesday Morning - This week there will be Tuesday morning prayer at 10:00 a.m.

 

Ash Wednesday Divine Service is Wednesday, February 17 at 6:00 p.m.

 

COVID Vaccine Information - On the back table are several resources related to Christian ethical considerations surrounding the Covid vaccines on the market today, as well as vaccines and medications in general.  These ethical considerations surround many vaccines’ use of cells originating from aborted children.  You are encouraged to read these articles before you choose to receive or refrain from receiving the vaccine.  With regard to the two vaccines approved for distribution in the U.S., most Christians agree that there is not a clear ethical answer as to whether it is best to receive them or avoid them, so this decision is left to you and your own circumstance and Christian discernment.  Pastor Cowell would love to speak with you about these resources if you have any questions. 

 

Lent Schedule Available - Feel free to pick up a worship schedule for the Lenten season on the back table.  Also feel free to deliver one to a friend! 

 

2020 Annual Report is now available in the back.  Please, take one per family.

 

Stained Glass Window Project - Information on our new stained glass window project at St. John’s is on the back table. You can view an enlarged image of the windows on the ramp bulletin board or on the door going to the balcony. 

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Pastor Cowell would love to serve you Communion at church or at home, pray, read Scripture, offer Christian counsel, and/or just visit any time that works for you!  Call or text him any time at 319-464-5548. 

 

Lutheran Witness Yearly Subscriptions are due in February  If you wish to keep receiving the Witness, the cost is $22.70 for the year.  You may pay for this in the church office or mark an envelope and place it in the offering plate. If you receive the Witness and wish to cancel or would like to receive it, please also let the church office know.

 

St. John’s Ladies Aid Dissolved - As of January 27, 2021 the St. John’s Ladies Aid has made the decision to dissolve. The Ladies Aid received their LWML charter on May 12, 1947, but the St. John’s Ladies Aid has been in existence since October 13, 1921. We thank God for blessing our Ladies Aid for the past 100 years, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities to serve the Lord with gladness in the future. 




Flocknote - Did you know that in addition to receiving cancellation announcements on Flocknote, you can also receive a daily prayer and Scripture verse via text message or email? See the Flocknote information sheet in the back for a description of all of your messaging options, and let Pastor Cowell know if you’d like to make any changes to which messages you receive. 

 

Evangelism and Charity Information Booklets can be picked up from the back table. These are  a summary of mission and charity support of our congregation for the 2021 year.

 

Shopping through Amazon Smile - Sign up at Amazon Smile to have 0.5% of your eligible purchases donated to St. John’s! Click this link to sign up: smile.amazon.com/ch/42-0950037, click on the Amazon Smile button on the stjohnsburt.org homepage, or pick up an instructions packet on the back table to get signed up. 

 

St. John’s Live-streamed Service - The easiest way to access our service livestreams and recordings is to click on the links posted on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org

 

TLC Quilts Available - Don’t forget that quilts made by the Trinity Lutheran Church Quilters are always available on the “giving pew” by the east door!

 

2020 Thrivent Choice Dollars must be directed by March 31. Consider joining others who have directed their Choice Dollars towards St. John’s ministry.

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Ask the Pastors is Back! - The partnership pastors are resuming Ask the Pastors next Wednesday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. on the Trinity, Algona YouTube or Facebook page.  If you have any questions of any topic you would like the pastors to discuss feel free to speak to any of the three pastors or send an email to: askthepastors@trinityalgona.org. 

 

Trinity, Algona Schedule - Trinity, Algona continues to stream their worship services and other videos online. You can access these resources at trinityalgona.org/corona or the Trinity YouTube and Facebook pages either live or any time after as a recording.

 

Building Healthy Families - Are you or is someone you know experiencing a season of difficulty? Remember that although our circumstances may change, God’s love never does. And we don’t have to bear it all alone; He put us here to help one another. If you could use assistance walking through a difficult time in your life, Lutheran Family Service has compassionate counselors available to help, in person or through video link. Learn more at www.LutheranFamilyService.org. Lutheran Family Service 

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Transfiguration Sunday)

Old Testament: 2 Kings 2:1-12

After Elijah passes down his ministry to Elisha, he is carried into heaven by chariots of fire.

 

Epistle: 2 Corinthians 3:12-18; 4:1-6

The ministry of the Church is to shine the glory of Christ on all, even if it is veiled to those who do not believe it. 

 

Gospel: Mark 9:2-9

Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John and speaks with Moses and Elijah.

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“Moses and Elijah, who talked with the Lord on the mountain, and spoke about his passion and resurrection, represent the oracles of the law and prophets which were fulfilled in the Lord.” - Bede, Homilies on the Gospels, Homily 1.24, qtd. from ACCS: Mark, 119.

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

Farewell to Alleluia

One tradition that has existed since the early medieval period is called the “farewell to alleluia.” This farewell took place right around the Sunday of the Transfiguration, which is celebrated just before Lent begins, or just before a three week period known as “pre-Lent” begins.  During the farewell to alleluia Christians say goodbye to this joyous word of praise which means “praise the Lord,” and prepare for the more reserved and penentental Lenten season in which alleluia is not spoken.  Some congregations even buried a coffin in their parish cemetery to symbolize the temporary death of the word alleluia during Lent!  Rather than digging a hole, we participate in the farewell to alleluia by singing the hymn Alleluia, Song of Gladness (LSB 417), an eleventh century Latin hymn written specifically for this transition into Lent. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Large Catechism, Part I: The Ten Commandments, Second Commandment, para. 61, 63-64

Our young people should have this Second Commandment earnestly pressed upon them [Deut. 6:7]. They should be trained to hold this and the First Commandment in high regard. We must hold the commandment before them, and constantly teach it, so that we bring them up not only with punishment, but also in reverence and fear of God [Eph. 6:4].

     This you must also know how to use God's name rightly. For when He says, "You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain," He wants us to understand at the same time that His name is to be used properly. For His name has been revealed and given to us so that it may be of constant use and profit. So it is natural to conclude that since this commandment forbids using the holy name for falsehood or wickedness, we are, on the other hand, commanded to use His name for truth and for all good, like when someone takes an oath truthfully when it is needed and it is demanded [Num. 30:2]. This commandment also applies to right teaching and to calling on His name in trouble or praising and thanking Him in prosperity, and so on. All of this is summed up and commanded in Psalm 50:15, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me." For all this is bringing God's name into the service of truth and using it in a blessed way. In this way His name is hallowed, as we pray in the Lord's Prayer [Matt. 6:9]. 

 

 

Friday, February 05, 2021

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 AFTER THE EPIPHANY

Sunday, February 7, 2021

 

O Lord, keep Your family the Church continually in the true faith that, relying on the hope of Your heavenly grace, we may ever be defended by Your mighty power; 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, February 7, 2021

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

  9:00 a.m.     Divine Service - (Epiphany 5) 

 

Tuesday, February 9, 2021

  8:30 a.m.   Pastor at Circuit Meeting, Algona   

                     No Morning Prayer

 

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

  6:00 p.m.     Christian Catechesis                             >

  Sunday, February 14, 2021

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

  9:00 a.m.      Divine Service - (Transfiguration)

 

  THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR

  February 10

    Commemoration of Silas, Fellow Worker 

        with Paul

 

  February 13

    Commemoration of Aquila, Priscilla, & Apollos

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today: Kitty Bierstedt

Elder for February: Jerry Koestler

Acolytes:  Caelum Blocker

                 Zack Steven

 

Tuesday Morning/Evening Prayer - This week there will be NO Tuesday morning prayer at 10:00 a.m.

 

COVID Vaccine Information - On the back table are several resources related to Christian ethical considerations surrounding the Covid vaccines on the market today, as well as vaccines and medications in general.  These ethical considerations surround many vaccines’ use of cells originating from aborted children.  You are encouraged to read these articles before you choose to receive or refrain from receiving the vaccine.  With regard to the two vaccines approved for distribution in the U.S., most Christians agree that there is not a clear ethical answer as to whether it is best to receive them or avoid them, so this decision is left to you and your own circumstance and Christian discernment.  Pastor Cowell would love to speak with you about these resources if you have any questions. 

 

Lent Schedule Available - Feel free to pick up a worship schedule for the Lenten season on the back table.  Also feel free to deliver one to a friend! 

 

Stained Glass Window Project - Information on our new stained glass window project at St. John’s is on the back table. You can view an enlarged image of the windows on the ramp bulletin board or on the door going to the balcony. 

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Pastor Cowell would love to serve you Communion at church or at home, pray, read Scripture, offer Christian counsel, and/or just visit any time that works for you!  Call or text him any time at 319-464-5548. 

 

Lutheran Witness Yearly Subscriptions are due in February  If you wish to keep receiving the Witness, the cost is $22.70 for the year.  You may pay for this in the church office or mark an envelope and place it in the offering plate. If you receive the Witness and wish to cancel or would like to receive it, please also let the church office know.

 

St. John’s Ladies Aid Dissolved - As of January 27, 2021 the St. John’s Ladies Aid has made the decision to dissolve. The Ladies Aid received their LWML charter on May 12, 1947, but the St. John’s Ladies Aid has been in existence since October 13, 1921. We thank God for blessing our Ladies Aid for the past 100 years, and we look forward to exploring new opportunities to serve the Lord with gladness in the future. 

 

Flocknote - Did you know that in addition to receiving cancellation announcements on Flocknote, you can also receive a daily prayer and Scripture verse via text message or email? See the Flocknote information sheet in the back for a description of all of your messaging options, and let Pastor Cowell know if you’d like to make any changes to which messages you receive. 

 

Evangelism and Charity Information Booklets can be picked up from the back table. These are  a summary of mission and charity support of our congregation for the 2021 year.

 

Shopping through Amazon Smile - Sign up at Amazon Smile to have 0.5% of your eligible purchases donated to St. John’s! Click this link to sign up: smile.amazon.com/ch/42-0950037, click on the Amazon Smile button on the stjohnsburt.org homepage, or pick up an instructions packet on the back table to get signed up. 

 

St. John’s Live-streamed Service - The easiest way to access our service livestreams and recordings is to click on the links posted on the homepage of stjohnsburt.org

 

TLC Quilts Available - Don’t forget that quilts made by the Trinity Lutheran Church Quilters are always available on the “giving pew” by the east door!

 

Sympathy Cards can be sent to Ruth Nichols’ son:  Ralph & Angie Boaz, 4511 Jicarilla Ave., San Diego, CA 92117.

 

2020 Thrivent Choice Dollars must be directed by March 31. Consider joining others who have directed their Choice Dollars towards St. John’s ministry.

 

2020 Annual Report is now available in the back.  Please, take one per family.

 

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Ask the Pastors is Back! - The partnership pastors are resuming Ask the Pastors next Wednesday, February 3 at 10:00 a.m. on the Trinity, Algona YouTube or Facebook page.  If you have any questions of any topic you would like the pastors to discuss feel free to speak to any of the three pastors or send an email to: askthepastors@trinityalgona.org. 

 

Trinity, Algona Schedule - Trinity, Algona continues to stream their worship services and other videos online. You can access these resources at trinityalgona.org/corona or the Trinity YouTube and Facebook pages either live or any time after as a recording.

 

Building Healthy Families - Next Sunday is Valentine’s Day! Husbands, your wife doesn’t need an expensive new ring, but a handwritten letter expressing your love for her would be cherished forever. Fathers don’t forget your daughters! How about writing a letter expressing your pride in her and the young woman she is becoming? It takes just a few minutes but could make a forever difference. “Beloved, let us love one another!” (1 John 4:7) Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org



LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Fourth Sunday after Epiphany)

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15-20

Moses tells the people that the Lord will raise up a prophet like himself from among them.

 

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Paul encourages us to use our freedom in the gospel for the good of our brother, even sacrificing our freedom if it benefits a weaker brother. 

 

Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Jesus rebukes and removes an unclean spirit from a man in the synagogue at Capernaum. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“Call to mind with me the time when Peter was praised and called blessed. Was it because he merely said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’? No, he who pronounced him blessed, regarded not merely the sound of his words, but the affections of his heart. Compare that with the words of the demons who said almost the same thing: ‘We know who you are, the Son of God,’ just as Peter had confessed him as ‘Son of God.’ So what is the difference? Peter spoke in love, but the demons in fear. . . . So tell us how faith is to be defined, if even the devils can believe and tremble? Only the faith that works by love is faith.” - Augustine, Sermons on New Testament Lessons, 40.8, qtd. from ACCS: Mark, 22. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

Exorcisms

The work of casting out demons, or “exorcising” demons in Christ’s name is a work that continues today.  Exorcisms are more common in some African and South American areas where satanic cults or practices tied to tribal religions are present.  Many Lutheran pastors used to (and still can) perform what is called a “minor exorcism” at Baptism, saying toward the baptismal candidate something like: “come out you unclean spirit and make room for the Holy Spirit.”  This confesses that although the baptismal candidate is not “possessed” by demons as we commonly think of the term, any person not filled with the Holy Spirit is filled with the spirits of the devil. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord, Article II: Free Will, paragraphs 50-52

Out of His immense goodness and mercy, God provides for the public preaching of His divine eternal Law and His wonderful plan for our redemption, that of the holy, only saving Gospel of His eternal Son, our only Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. God desires to call people to eternal salvation. He desires to draw them to Himself and convert, regenerate, and sanctify them.

 

For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. (1 Cor. 1:21) [...]

 

Faith comes from the preaching and preaching through the Word of Christ (Ro. 10:17 [Luther]).

 

Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word. (John 17:17-20) [...]

 

All who want to be saved ought to listen to this preaching. For the preaching and hearing of God's Word are the Holy Spirit's instruments. By, with, and through these instruments the Spirit desires to work effectively, to convert people to God, and to work in them. [Phil. 2:13].