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 FEAST OF THE HOLY TRINITY

May 30, 2021

 

Almighty and everlasting God, You have given us grace to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity by the confession of a true faith and to worship the Unity in the power of the Divine Majesty. Keep us steadfast in this faith and defend us from all adversities; for You, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, live and reign, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S Today, May 30, 2021   8:00 a.m.      Adult Class    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service    Tuesday, June 1, 2021   No Morning Prayer

Sunday, June 6, 2021     8:00 a.m.     Adult Class      9:00 a.m.     Divine Service   THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR       June 1, 2021       Commemoration of Justin, Martyr

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today: Marcia Hanna

Elder for May:  Tony Hatten

 

Pastor Cowell on Vacation - Pastor Cowell will be on vacation beginning after church today through Tuesday, June 8th.  If you need to reach him during that time you can call or text him on his cell phone at: 319-464-5548.  If you are in immediate need of pastoral care, please call the Trinity pastoral care phone at 515-361-1269, which either Pastor Schlund or Lund will be carrying.  

 

St. John’s VBS is scheduled for June 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  You can read more about this year’s VBS in your Parish Messenger.  There are also VBS fliers on the back table.  Feel free to take one for your own information or to hang up at an area business. Registration forms are on the table or you may email the church office for one to fill out.  

 

VBS Volunteers - If you would like to volunteer to help at VBS any of the four Wednesdays, or to make cookies/bars for any of the meals, please sign up on the sheets on the back table.

 

Vacation Prayer Cards - On the back table are prayer cards designed for you to put in your car or camper for when you travel. On the card is a prayer for before you travel along with other prayers and Psalms you can pray on the go. There is also information on how to find an LCMS congregation to worship with when you’re away from home on a Sunday. Feel free to take a card, laminated daily prayer folder, and Small Catechism for each of your vehicles!

 

Skills and Interests Form - If you have not yet completed your Skills and Interests form, you are still welcome to turn it in at the church office.  If you need an extra copy, they are available on the back table. 

 

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. 

 

Stained Glass Window Project - We’ve met our financial goal for our new windows and are on track to possibly have them installed soon! There’s more information on the windows on the back table. Thanks for your generous contributions to this project.  

 

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. 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

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.

 

St. Lukes (Fairville) 125th Celebration - You are invited to join us as we celebrate one year later our 125th Anniversary! On Sunday, June 13, we will have a meal for everyone from noon-1:30 p.m., followed by our anniversary service at 2:00 p.m. After the service, we will have fellowship with cake and ice cream with our time capsule on display. Everyone is invited to join us at one or all events!

 

Camp News:

·         Quilt Auction at Camp Okoboji has been set for Saturday, June 19. The project and description sheet must be in by May 21.  If you would like to donate a quilt for the auction you may pick up an information sheet in the church office.

·         Be a Volunteer Counselor! We are seeking high school youth and college-aged young adults to serve as counselors during Cub Weeks, Junior High Week, and Youth Wee. Apply at campokoboji.org

·         Omelet Brunches are back at Camp Okoboji! Join us the first Sunday every month for some good food and company.

·         Sunday Worship Services at camp are held every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor  day at 9:45 a.m.

 

Building Healthy Families: This weekend we pause to remember those who have sacrificed their lives for our nation through military service. They have ensured the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and we are so grateful. Take a trip to a cemetery this week – maybe with your grandchildren in tow – and talk about the meaning of their sacrifice. “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Burt Memorial Day Services will be held on Monday, May 31st at the Burt Activity Complex at 10:00 a.m. We will then march to the Burt Township Cemetery for Military Honors. A light lunch will be served at the Complex following the Military Honors from 11 a.m.-1p.m.

Burt Fire Department Pancake Breakfast will be held on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Burt Activity Complex. Menu: Pancakes, eggs, bacon and drinks. Free-will donation.

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Trinity Sunday)

Old Testament: Isaiah 6:1-8

Isaiah sees the Lord in His throne room, surrounded by the seraphim singing “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts.” 

 

Epistle: Acts 2:14a, 22-36

Jesus rules at the right hand of the Father forever, as had always been prophesied of Him. 

 

Gospel: John 3:1-17

Jesus says to Nicodemus: “Unless one is born from above he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“All those Catholic expounders of the divine Scriptures, both Old and New, whom I have been able to read, who have written before me concerning the Trinity, Who is God, have purposed to teach, according to the Scriptures, this doctrine, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit intimate a divine unity of one and the same substance in an indivisible equality; and therefore that they are not three Gods, but one God: although the Father has begotten the Son, and so He who is the Father is not the Son; and the Son is begotten by the Father, and so He who is the Son is not the Father; and the Holy Spirit is neither the Father nor the Son, but only the Spirit of the Father and of the Son, Himself also co-equal with the Father and the Son, and pertaining to the unity of the Trinity.” - Augustine, On the Trinity 1.4, retrieved from newadvent.org/fathers/130101.htm

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

The Name of our Triune God

There is a growing trend among radical leaders of less faithful Christian denominations, especially the ELCA, to refer to God the Father as “mother god” or refer to the Holy Trinity as our “goddess.”  These blasphemies against the name of our Triune God are not biblical and are not a true description of the God who we worship.  As a faithful Christian, you should not pray together with anyone who uses such language of God, and you should seek to teach in a loving way the true name and essence of our God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Augsburg Confession, Article III: The Son of God, paragraphs 1-6

Our churches teach that the Word, that is, the Son of God assumed the human nature in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary. So there are two natures-the divine and the human-inseparably joined in one person. There is one Christ, true God and true man, who was born of the Virgin Mary, suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried. He did this to reconcile the Father to us and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of mankind.

   He also descended into hell, and truly rose again on the third day. Afterward, He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. There He forever reigns and has dominion over all creatures. He sanctifies those who believe in Him by sending the Holy Spirit into their hearts to rule, comfort, and make them alive. He defends them against the devil and the power of sin. The same Christ will openly come again to judge the living and the dead according to the Apostles' Creed.

     [The Creed of Athanasius states, "The Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God; and yet there are not three Gods, but one God. Just as we are compelled by the Christian truth to acknowledge each distinct person as God and Lord, so also are we prohibited by the catholic (universal) religion to say that there are three Gods or Lords."] 

 

 

 

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 DAY OF PENTECOST

May 23, 2021

 

O God, on this day You once taught the hearts of Your faithful people by sending them the light of Your Holy Spirit. Grant us in our day by the same Spirit to have a right understanding in all things and evermore to rejoice in His holy consolation; 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, May 23, 2021   8:00 a.m.      Sunday School (final class)   8:00 a.m.      Adult Class    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service    Tuesday, May 25, 2021  10:00 a.m.    Morning Prayer     6:00 p.m.    Evening Prayer    Thursday, May 27, 2021     3:00 p.m.    Pastor at Titonka Care Center Service

Sunday, May 30, 2021      8:00 a.m.     Adult Class       9:00 a.m.     Divine Service       THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR   May 24, 2021     Commemoration of Esther     May 25, 2021     Commemoration of The Venerable Bede

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today: Marcia Hanna

Elder for May:  Tony Hatten

 

St. John’s Congregation, We would like to express our deepest appreciation for your friendliness and kind words as we worshipped with you. Your willingness to allow us to be a part of St. John’s the last 6-7 months really helped us as we struggled with all the limitations due to Covid. As visitors, you made us feel right at home. We pray God continues to bless your congregation! Thank You !  Paul, Chandra and Josie McMahon

 

St. John’s VBS is scheduled for June 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  You can read more about this year’s VBS in your Parish Messenger.  There are also VBS fliers on the back table.  Feel free to take one for your own information or to hang up at an area business. Registration forms are on the table or you may email the church office for one to fill out.  

 

VBS Volunteers - If you would like to volunteer to help at VBS any of the four Wednesdays, or to make cookies/bars for any of the meals, please sign up on the sheets on the back table.

 

Vacation Prayer Cards - On the back table are prayer cards designed for you to put in your car or camper for when you travel. On the card is a prayer for before you travel along with other prayers and Psalms you can pray on the go. There is also information on how to find an LCMS congregation to worship with when you’re away from home on a Sunday. Feel free to take a card, laminated daily prayer folder, and Small Catechism for each of your vehicles!

 

Skills and Interests Form - We’d love to have your completed Skills and Interests in the church office by Sunday, May 23rd.  This will help us plan worship, volunteer, and social events into the summer months.    

 

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. 

 

Stained Glass Window Project - We’ve met our financial goal for our new windows and are on track to possibly have them installed soon! There’s more information on the windows on the back table. Thanks for your generous contributions to this project.  

 

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. 

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

A Memorial Service for Evelyn Friedrich (wife of Pastor Henry Friedrich) will be held Wednesday, May 26 at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30am at the church. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service in the Trinity Life Center. Evelyn passed away in November and the service was postponed due to COVID. Livestream will be available on Trinity's You-Tube channel (youtube.com/trinityalgona).

 

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.

 

St. Lukes (Fairville) 125th Celebration - You are invited to join us as we celebrate one year later our 125th Anniversary! On Sunday, June 13, we will have a meal for everyone from noon-1:30 p.m., followed by our anniversary service at 2:00 p.m. After the service, we will have fellowship with cake and ice cream with our time capsule on display. Everyone is invited to join us at one or all events!

 

Camp News:

·         Quilt Auction at Camp Okoboji has been set for Saturday, June 19. The project and description sheet must be in by May 21.  If you would like to donate a quilt for the auction you may pick up an information sheet in the church office.

·         Be a Volunteer Counselor! We are seeking high school youth and college-aged young adults to serve as counselors during Cub Weeks, Junior High Week, and Youth Wee. Apply at campokoboji.org

·         Omelet Brunches are back at Camp Okoboji! Join us the first Sunday every month for some good food and company.

·         Sunday Worship Services at camp are held every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor  day at 9:45 a.m.

·         Annual Meeting of Camp Okoboji was held on April 10^th.  We had 50 delegates in attendance and 99 total attendees.  Elected to serve on the Board of Directors were Pastor Robert Zellmer, Rhonda Mohr, and Dayna “Joy” Brown.  The meeting focused on how Camp Okoboji was blessed, in spite of the disruptions created by COVID-19. Camp had a solid year financially and continued to make needed facilities upgrades and improvements.  Your Board of Directors has made the commitment to complete a new Long Range Plan to present at next year’s Annual Meeting.  

 

Did You Know: The average teen spends about nine hours a day online. That’s not okay. Setting limits, being familiar with apps, and maintaining open communication are essential when raising teens. Participation in summer activities such as sports are great alternatives to screen time. Learn more through blog posts from our counselors on LFS’ website. Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org

 

 COMMUNITY NEWS

Burt Memorial Day Services will be held on Monday, May 31st at the Burt Activity Complex at 10:00 a.m. We will then march to the Burt Township Cemetery for Military Honors. A light lunch will be served at the Complex following the Military Honors from 11 a.m.-1p.m.

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Day of Pentecost)

Old Testament: Ezekiel 37:1-14

The Lord has Ezekiel prophecy over a valley of dry bones and the bones are raised up into an exceedingly great army. 

 

Epistle: Acts 2:1-21

The Holy Spirit rests as tongues of fire on the Apostles, and Peter preaches Christ so that all people can understand him. 

 

Gospel: John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to guide the disciples in the truth of God.

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

[On Acts 2:13: “But others mocking said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’”] “For in truth the wine was new, the grace of the New Testament. But this new wine was from a spiritual vine, which already had often borne fruit in the prophets and sprouted forth in the New Testament. For just as in the order of nature the vine, remaining ever the same, brings forth new fruit according to the seasons, so too the same Spirit, remaining what he is, having wrought in the prophets, now manifested something new and marvelous. His grace had indeed been granted to the fathers in times past, but now it came in superabundance; in their case they received a share of the Holy Spirit, now they were baptized in all fullness.” - Cyril of Jerusalem, Catechetical Lecture 17.18, qtd. in ACCS: Acts, p. 26. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

Pentecost

Before Pentecost became a New Testament holiday, it was first an Old Testament holiday.  Fifty days after the Passover Sabbath, the people of Israel celebrated the Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost (Greek for fiftieth).  On this holiday the Old Testament saints would celebrate and give thanks to God for the barley harvest roughly 50 days previous and the wheat harvest that was just beginning (See Lev. 23:15-21).  Today on this Feast of Pentecost we celebrate and give thanks to God not for the gathering of grain into barns, but for the gathering of souls into the Church through the preaching of Christ’s death and resurrection by the Spirit-filled Apostles. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord, Article II: Free Will, paragraphs 20-22, 24-26

Dr. Luther says about Psalm 90: "In worldly and outward affairs, which apply to the livelihood and maintenance of the body, a person is intelligent, and quite active. But in spiritual and divine things, which apply to the salvation of the soul, a person neither sees nor perceives God's terrible and fierce wrath resulting from sin and death. He continues in his security. No warnings, no threats, no chiding, are of any help. Indeed, all teaching and preaching is lost on him until he is enlightened, converted, and regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Out of pure mercy, He has willed that poor fallen human nature might be a participant in conversion, God's grace and eternal life. This comes only from pure grace, through the effective working of the Holy Spirit."

     Before a person is enlightened, converted, regenerated, renewed, and drawn by the Holy Spirit, he can hear the Gospel, meditate on it and discuss it. Nevertheless, he regards it as foolishness and cannot believe it. For he is hostile to God's will, unless the Holy Spirit is effective on him and kindles and works in him faith and obedience.

     The Holy Scriptures credit conversion solely to the Holy Spirit's divine work. Only the Holy Spirit causes a person to be born anew. He opens the mind and heart to understand the Scriptures. No one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit" (1 Cor. 12:3). 

 

 

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 SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 16, 2021

 

O King of glory, Lord of hosts, uplifted in triumph far above all heavens, leave us not without consolation but send us the Spirit of truth whom You promised from the Father; for You live and reign with Him and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S Today, May 16, 2021   8:00 a.m.      Sunday School/Adult Class    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service (Confirmation) 10:00 a.m.      Confirmation Reception   Tuesday, May 18, 2021  10:00 a.m.    Morning Prayer     Wednesday, May 19, 2021    6:00 p.m.     Last Catechesis Class

Sunday, May 23, 2021      8:00 a.m.     Sunday School/Adult Class       9:00 a.m.     Divine Service       THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR     May 21, 2021     Commemoration of Constantine, Emperor, and         Helena, his mother

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today: Marcia Hanna

Elder for May:  Tony Hatten

Acolytes:  Kenna Hatten

                 Taylor Parsons

 

Confirmation - We rejoice to celebrate the rite of Confirmation with Tysen Wickman during the Divine Service today.  Tysen is the son of Amanda and Chris Heyes, and Steven Wickman.  Tysen’s baptismal sponsors are: Jessica Heyes, Doug Wickman, Kim Wickman and Cody Halldorf.

·         The congregation is welcome to attend a reception in the church basement following the service. 

 

St. John’s VBS is scheduled for June 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  You can read more about this year’s VBS in your Parish Messenger.  There are also VBS fliers on the back table.  Feel free to take one for your own information or to hang up at an area business. Registration forms are on the table or you may email the church office for one to fill out.  

 

Vacation Prayer Cards - On the back table are prayer cards designed for you to put in your car or camper for when you travel. On the card is a prayer for before you travel along with other prayers and Psalms you can pray on the go. There is also information on how to find an LCMS congregation to worship with when you’re away from home on a Sunday. Feel free to take a card, laminated daily prayer folder, and Small Catechism for each of your vehicles!

 

Skills and Interests Form - We’d love to have your completed Skills and Interests in the church office by Sunday, May 23rd.  This will help us plan worship, volunteer, and social events into the summer months.    

 

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. 

 

Stained Glass Window Project - We’ve met our financial goal for our new windows and are on track to possibly have them installed soon! There’s more information on the windows on the back table. Thanks for your generous contributions to this project.  

 

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. 

 

High School Graduation - Sarah-Marie Bereuter, daughter of Rev. Bryce and Natalie Bereuter will graduate from Lutheran High School Kansas City today.  Cards can be sent to her at: Sarah Bereuter, % Rev. Bryce Beretuer, 9909 Wayne Ave. Kansas City, MO 64131.  

 (Her announcement is posted on the ramp bulletin board).  To view the livestream of the graduation ceremony, go to: http://www.LHSKC.com and click on the YouTube icon at 2 p.m.

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

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.

 

St. Lukes (Fairville) 125th Celebration - You are invited to join us as we celebrate one year later our 125th Anniversary! On Sunday, June 13, we will have a meal for everyone from noon-1:30 p.m., followed by our anniversary service at 2:00 p.m. After the service, we will have fellowship with cake and ice cream with our time capsule on display. Everyone is invited to join us at one or all events!

 

Camp News:

·         Quilt Auction at Camp Okoboji has been set for Saturday, June 19. The project and description sheet must be in by May 21.  If you would like to donate a quilt for the auction you may pick up an information sheet in the church office.

·         Be a Volunteer Counselor! We are seeking high school youth and college-aged young adults to serve as counselors during Cub Weeks, Junior High Week, and Youth Wee. Apply at campokoboji.org

·         Omelet Brunches are back at Camp Okoboji! Join us the first Sunday every month for some good food and company.

·         Sunday Worship Services at camp are held every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor  day at 9:45 a.m.

·         Annual Meeting of Camp Okoboji was held on April 10^th.  We had 50 delegates in attendance and 99 total attendees.  Elected to serve on the Board of Directors were Pastor Robert Zellmer, Rhonda Mohr, and Dayna “Joy” Brown.  The meeting focused on how Camp Okoboji was blessed, in spite of the disruptions created by COVID-19. Camp had a solid year financially and continued to make needed facilities upgrades and improvements.  Your Board of Directors has made the commitment to complete a new Long Range Plan to present at next year’s Annual Meeting.  

 

Building Healthy Families - Good friends are a true blessing. How do you show your friends that you appreciate them? A handwritten note, an unexpected text or flowers sent for no reason – all great ways to tell your friend what a gift from God they are in your life. Don’t wait for tomorrow – tell them today! “A friend loves at all times…” Proverbs 17:17 Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org

COMMUNITY NEWS

Burt Memorial Day Services will be held on Monday, May 31st at the Burt Activity Complex at 10:00 a.m. We will then march to the Burt Township Cemetery for Military Honors. A light lunch will be served at the Complex following the Military Honors from 11 a.m.-1p.m..

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Easter 7)

Old Testament: Acts  1:12-26

The disciples appoint Matthias to take the place of Judas among the Twelve. 

 

Epistle: 1 John 5:9-15

Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.

 

Gospel: John 17:11b-19

Jesus prays to His Father on behalf of His disciples who He is sending out into the world. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“‘Sanctify them through Your truth.’ [That is] ‘Make them holy by the gift of the Spirit, and of right doctrines.’ [...] For right doctrines asserted concerning God sanctify the soul. And if He says that they are sanctified by the word, marvel not. And to show that He speaks of doctrines, He adds, ‘Your word is truth.’ That is, ‘there is no falsehood in it, and all that is said in it must needs come to pass.’” - John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of John, 82.1, retrieved from newadvent.org/ fathers/240182.htm 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

The Power of the Word of God

Words do more than just convey information.  People use words purposefully: to instruct, encourage, warn, comfort.  Bible passages also have varying goals.  It is important to ask, What is the author of this passage trying to do to his hearers?  Is he warning against a certain sin or danger? encouraging the persecuted? humbling the arrogant? assuring sinners of God’s mercy? training Christians in godly living? instilling the hope of heaven?  The question is not simply or subjectively “What does this passage mean to me?”  The question is this: “What was this biblical writer trying to say - and do - to his readers?”  And, in light of that, “What is God saying here - and doing here - to me?” - from An Explanation of the Small Catechism (CPH:2017), p. 356.

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Large Catechism, Part II: Apostles’ Creed, paragraphs 31-32

The little word Lord means simply the same as redeemer. It means the One who has brought us from Satan to God, from death to life, from sin to righteousness, and who preserves us in the same. All the points that follow in this article serve to explain and express this redemption. They explain how and by whom it was accomplished. They explain how much it cost Him and what He spent and risked so that He might win us and bring us under His dominion. It explains that He became man, was conceived and born without sin, from the Holy Spirit and from the virgin Mary, so that He might overcome sin. Further, it explains that He suffered, died, and was buried so that He might make satisfaction for me and pay what I owe, not with silver or gold, but with His own precious blood. And He did all this in order to become my Lord. He did none of these things for Himself, nor did He have any need for redemption. After that He rose again from the dead, swallowed up and devoured death, and finally ascended into heaven and assumed the government at the Father's right hand. He did these things so that the devil and all powers must be subject to Him and lie at His feet.

   To explain all these points belongs to sermons, especially at those times that are appointed for the purpose of treating each article at length-for Christ's birth, sufferings, resurrection, ascension, and so on. 

 

 

 

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 SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

May 9, 2021

 

O God, the giver of all that is good, by Your holy inspiration grant that we may think those things that are right and by Your merciful guiding accomplish them; 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, May 9, 2021   8:00 a.m.      Sunday School/Adult Class    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service     Tuesday, May 11, 2021   10:00 a.m.    Morning Prayer     Wednesday, May 12, 2021    6:00 p.m.     Christian Catechesis     Thursday, May 13, 2021    6:00 p.m.     Ascension Day Service at                             Trinity, Algona

Saturday, May 15, 2021     10:00 a.m.   Partnership Hwy Clean-up      Sunday, May 16, 2021      8:00 a.m.     Sunday School/Adult Class       9:00 a.m.     Divine Service (Confirmation)     THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR      May 9, 2021        Commemoration of Job, Patriarch        May 11, 2021        Commemoration of Cyril and Methodius,           Missionaries to the Slavs

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna

Elder for May:  Tony Hatten

 

Confirmation Sunday - We rejoice to celebrate the rite of Confirmation with Tysen Wickman during the Divine Service next Sunday, May 16th.  The congregation is welcome to attend a reception in the church basement following the service. 

 

St. John’s VBS is scheduled for June 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  You can read more about this year’s VBS in your Parish Messenger.  There are also VBS fliers on the back table.  Feel free to take one for your own information or to hang up at an area business. 

 

Vacation Prayer Cards - On the back table are prayer cards designed for you to put in your car or camper for when you travel. On the card is a prayer for before you travel along with other prayers and Psalms you can pray on the go. There is also information on how to find an LCMS congregation to worship with when you’re away from home on a Sunday. Feel free to take a card, laminated daily prayer folder, and Small Catechism for each of your vehicles!

 

Skills and Interests Form - We’d love to have your completed Skills and Interests in the church office by Sunday, May 23rd.  This will help us plan worship, volunteer, and social events into the summer months.    

 

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. 

 

Stained Glass Window Project - We’ve met our financial goal for our new windows and are on track to possibly have them installed soon! There’s more information on the windows on the back table. Thanks for your generous contributions to this project.  

 

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. 

 

Cards to the Lund Babies - If you’d like to send a card to Pastor Mark and Hope Lund in celebration of the birth and continued good health of their twins, Henry and Dorothy, their home address is: 605 N Church St., Algona, Iowa 50511.

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Ascension Day Partnership Service - Our Partnership congregations will be celebrating the Ascension of our Lord this Thursday, May 13th at 6:00 p.m. at Trinity, Algona.  There will be a social time in the Life Center following the service of Scripture and prayer. 

 

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.

 

Partnership Highway Clean-up - St. John’s and Trinity will be cleaning our partnership Adopt-a-Highway ditch on Saturday, May 15th, at 10:00 a.m.  If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please sign the sheet on the back table and we will get you more information. 

 

Camp News:

·         Quilt Auction at Camp Okoboji has been set for Saturday, June 19. The project and description sheet must be in by May 21.  If you would like to donate a quilt for the auction you may pick up an information sheet in the church office.

·         Be a Volunteer Counselor! We are seeking high school youth and college-aged young adults to serve as counselors during Cub Weeks, Junior High Week, and Youth Wee. Apply at campokoboji.org

·         Omelet Brunches are back at Camp Okoboji! Join us the first Sunday every month for some good food and company.

·         Sunday Worship Services at camp are held every Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor  day at 9:45 a.m.

 

Building Healthy Families: God gave woman a special gift--the ability to carry new life within her own body. Psalm 139:13 says, “You knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” It is good that we have a day set aside specifically in honor of motherhood. In a world where human life in the womb is at risk of being aborted, we can encourage girls and young women, sharing with them the immense joy and honor of being a mother. To all our moms…thanks for who you are and all you do. Happy Mother’s Day! Lutheran Family Service – 

www.LutheranFamilyService.org

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Easter 6)

Old Testament: Acts 10:34-48

Peter preaches salvation for both Jew and Gentile alike. 

 

Epistle: 1 John 5:1-8

This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 

 

Gospel: John 15:9-17

Jesus says: “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. [...] This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“The one who has done violence to the love of Christ by faithless dissension will not attain to the reward of Christ, who said, ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another.’ Whoever does not have charity does not have God.” - Cyprian, The Unity of the Church, 14, qtd. in ACCS: John 11-21, p. 172.

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

Ascension Day

We celebrate the Ascension of our Lord forty days after Easter Day (therefore always on a Thursday).  Here is the collect of the day for Ascension Day: 

Almighty God, as Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, ascended into the

heavens, so may we also ascend in heart and mind and continually dwell there with Him, 

who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.  

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord, Article VII: The Holy Supper, para. 79-83

In the administration of the Holy Supper the words of institution are to be publicly spoken or sung before the congregation distinctly and clearly. They should in no way be left out. Obedience should be rendered to Christ's command, "This do." The hearers' faith about the nature and fruit of this Sacrament should be aroused, strengthened, and confirmed by Christ's Word (about the presence of Christ's body and blood, about the forgiveness of sins, and about all the benefits that have been purchased by the death and shedding of Christ's blood that are bestowed on us in Christ's testament). And, the elements of bread and wine should be consecrated or blessed for this holy use, so that Christ's body and blood may be administered to us to be eaten and to be drunk, as Paul declares, "the cup of blessing that we bless." This happens in no other way than through the repetition and recitation of the words of institution.

     However, this blessing, or the recitation of the words of Christ's institution alone, does not make a Sacrament if the entire action of the Supper, as it was instituted by Christ, is not kept. (For example, it is not kept when the consecrated bread is not distributed, received, and partaken of, but is enclosed, sacrificed, or carried about.) Christ's command "This do" must be observed unseparated and inviolate.