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 TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

August 1, 2021

 

Merciful Father, You gave Your Son Jesus as the heavenly bread of life. Grant us faith to feast on Him in Your Word and Sacraments that we may be nourished unto life everlasting; 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, August 1, 2021   8:00 a.m.      Adult Class    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service    Tuesday, August 3, 2021   10:00 a.m.    Morning Prayer    Sunday, August 8, 2021   8:00 a.m.       Adult Class    9:00 a.m.       Divine Service

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR       August 3, 2021     Commemoration of Joanna, Mary, and Salome          -- Myrrhbearers

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:   Kitty Bierstedt   

Elder for August:  Boyd Shipler  

Greeters: Terry and Vicki Terry Briggs

 

Evening Prayer Discontinued - We will no longer be having evening prayer the last Tuesday of the month. We will continue to have morning prayer every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.

 

New Schedule - Beginning Sunday, September 12, Sunday School and adult class will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Divine Service will begin at 9:30 a.m. 

 

Welcome Home! A celebration is being held for Austin and Aly who have returned from Iraq. Also, we want to congratulate Austin and his wife, Rachel since we were unable to do their wedding reception last summer due to Covid and the deployment!  Come today (August 1) from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Fenton Legion for a reception. Following the reception we will be moving to Mike and Amy Bierstedt farm at 3307 20th Avenue, Fenton, Iowa. If you are coming to the farm, bring a lawn chair and your own drinks.     Mike and Amy Bierstedt

 

Stained Glass Windows have been installed! Take a moment and view our newly installed windows at the east entrance of the church.  Thank you to everyone who generously supported this project, especially Esther Christensen and Helen Smith families for their memorial donations.  Also, special thanks to Pam and Randy Reimers for coordinating with Bogenrief Studios out of Sutherland, Iowa in the designing and installation of these beautiful windows. 

 

Partnership Rally Day at Smith Lake - The entire congregation is invited to our Partnership Rally Day at the east shelter at Smith Lake Sunday, August 29, at 10:30 a.m.  We will begin with a brief prayer service including the installation of Sunday School teachers and presentation of Bibles and Catechism, followed by lunch and games. Bring a lawn chair or blanket!

• Note that we will have our regularly scheduled Divine Service at St. John’s at 9:00 a.m. on this Sunday as well. 

 

Partnership Potluck and Hymn Sing - Join us Wednesday, September 8 at St. John’s for our Partnership Potluck and Hymn Sing!  The potluck begins at 5:30 in the church basement. Bring a main dish, side, or desert if you’re able.  (Feel free to come later if work prevents you from arriving at 5:30.)  Then, join us at the outdoor altar at 6:30 for a hymn sing; we'll be taking requests!  Please label your serving dishes if you’d like them back. 

 

Sign-Making Day at St. John’s - If you are interested in making a Joshua 24:15 sign for your house like the VBS families did, please sign up on the back table.  We need at least five participants to be able to host this project at St. John’s.  When we have at least five participants we will pick a date that works for everyone to make the signs.  There is an example of the sign in the back of the church for you to see. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirt Sales - If you missed your opportunity to purchase a St. John’s T-shirt a year ago (or you would like a second one!), we will have more T-shirts available within the next couple weeks. If you’d like to purchase one, give your shirt size and $6.00 per shirt to the church office and we will get your shirt to you as soon as they arrive. 

 

St. John’s Prayer Chain - You are always welcome to submit a prayer to our St. John’s Flocknote Prayer Chain.  Simply share your prayer with Pastor Cowell or the church office and we will send it to our Flocknote Prayer Chain group. If you would like to receive Prayer Chain text messages or emails, or any other St. John’s communications via Flocknote, please contact Pastor Cowell or the church office. 

 

Greeter and Usher Sign-up - We're excited to reintroduce greeters to our Sunday mornings at St. John's!  Your family or you and a friend are welcome to sign up for a Sunday to greet on the back table.  Of course, hand shaking will be optional.  Also, we'd love to have at least one usher per month to help Jeff with duties as needed.  You can sign up for this on the back table as well. 

 

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 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 Resources - You can find a variety of digital media for your faith, including service livestreams, at trinityalgona.org or by searching Trinity, Algona on YouTube and Facebook. 

 

Kossuth County Fair Volunteers Needed - The Partnership congregations will be helping serve the free BBQ at the fair the evening of Wednesday, August 4. Please let Pastor Cowell or the church office know if you are able to help at this event.  

 

Traveling to Camp Okoboji - For those coming to Camp Okoboji, a gravel access road has been put into place.  The normal turn off Highway 86 will take you to Camp’s entry via the access road.  There is no longer a need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.  However, the access road only comes to Camp’s entry.  If you want to go beyond Camp’s entry, you would still need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.

Building Healthy Families: Did you know a snail can sleep for three years? What a long nap! Although we do not sleep that long, Jesus offers a greater rest. In Matthew 11:28 he tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” During the coming week, take Jesus up on His offer for rest from the worries of this world. Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org.

 

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity, Algona Resources - You can find a variety of digital media for your faith, including service livestreams, at trinityalgona.org or by searching Trinity, Algona on YouTube and Facebook. 

 

Kossuth County Fair Volunteers Needed - The Partnership congregations will be helping serve the free BBQ at the fair the evening of Wednesday, August 4. Please let Pastor Cowell or the church office know if you are able to help at this event.  

 

Traveling to Camp Okoboji - For those coming to Camp Okoboji, a gravel access road has been put into place.  The normal turn off Highway 86 will take you to Camp’s entry via the access road.  There is no longer a need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.  However, the access road only comes to Camp’s entry.  If you want to go beyond Camp’s entry, you would still need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.

 

Building Healthy Families: Did you know a snail can sleep for three years? What a long nap! Although we do not sleep that long, Jesus offers a greater rest. In Matthew 11:28 he tells us, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” During the coming week, take Jesus up on His offer for rest from the worries of this world. Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org.

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 13)

Old Testament: Exodus 16:2-15

The Lord gives grumbling Israel manna to eat in the desert. 

 

Epistle: Ephesians 4:1-16

There is one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

 

Gospel: John 6:22-35

Jesus says: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“As man [Jesus] was put to the test, but as God he came through victorious - yes, he bids us be of good cheer, because he has conquered the world. He hungered - yet he fed thousands. He is indeed ‘living, heavenly bread.’ He thirsted - yet he exclaimed: ‘Whoever thirsts, let him come to me and drink.’ Indeed, he promised that believers would become fountains.” - Gregory Nazianzen, Oration, On the Son, qtd. in ACCS: Mark, 90. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

Elevation of the Host and Chalice

After the bread and wine is consecrated during the Communion Liturgy, Pastor elevates the host (large piece of bread) and chalice above his head for the congregation to see.  He does this so that we can all adore and worship the body and blood of Jesus who is now present in the bread and wine.  This adoration is a great moment of faith.  Our eyes see bread and wine lifted up, but our hearts see body and blood.  This adoration lasts only a few seconds so that we can move on to the most important part: the eating and drinking of Christ’s body and blood for the forgiveness of sins.  

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV: The Mass, paragraphs 71-73, 75

Christ instituted the Sacrament to enliven terrified hearts, since He commanded the disciples to do this in remembrance of Him. Remembering Christ is not the useless celebration. It is not something set up for the sake of example, as the memory of Hercules is celebrated. Rather, it is remembering Christ's benefits and receiving them through faith, to be enlivened by them. So Psalm 111:4-5 says, "He has caused His wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful. He provides food for those who fear Him." The Sacrament illustrates that God's will and mercy should be discerned in the ceremony. Faith that grasps mercy enlivens. This is the chief use of the Sacrament. Clearly those with terrified consciences are fit for the Sacrament.

     The Fathers speak of a twofold effect: the comfort of consciences and thanksgiving, or praise. The former of these effects has to do with the nature of the Sacrament; the latter has to do with the sacrifice. Ambrose says about comfort: Go to Him and be absolved, because He is the forgiveness of sins. Do you ask who He is? Hear Him when He says, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst" (John 6:35).

     This passage declares that the forgiveness of sins is offered in the Sacrament. 

 

 

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 NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

July 25, 2021

 

Almighty and most merciful God, the protector of all who trust in You, strengthen our faith and give us courage to believe that in Your love You will rescue us from all adversities; 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, July 25, 2021   8:00 a.m.      Adult Class    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service    Tuesday, July 27, 2021   10:00 a.m.    Morning Prayer    Sunday, July 25, 2021   8:00 a.m.       Adult Class    9:00 a.m.       Divine Service

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR    July 25, 2021    Feast of St. James the Elder, Apostle      July 28, 2021    Commemoration of Johann Sebastian Bach, Kantor     July 29, 2021    Commemoration of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany     July 30, 2021    Commemoration of Robert Barnes, Confessor and Martyr     July 31, 2021    Commemoration of Joseph of Arimathea

 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna 

Elder for July:  Jeff Schutjer  

Greeters:  Lynn and Kitty Bierstedt

 

Evening Prayer Discontinued - We will no longer be having evening prayer the last Tuesday of the month. We will continue to have morning prayer every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.

 

New Schedule - Beginning Sunday, September 12, Sunday School and adult class will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the Divine Service will begin at 9:30 a.m. 

 

Partnership Rally Day at Smith Lake - The entire congregation is invited to our Partnership Rally Day at the east shelter at Smith Lake Sunday, August 29, at 10:30 a.m.  We will begin with a brief prayer service including the installation of Sunday School teachers and presentation of Bibles and Catechism, followed by lunch and games. Bring a lawn chair or blanket!

• Note that we will have our regularly scheduled Divine Service at St. John’s at 9:00 a.m. on this Sunday as well. 

 

Partnership Potluck and Hymn Sing - Join us Wednesday, September 8 at St. John’s for our Partnership Potluck and Hymn Sing!  The potluck begins at 5:30 in the church basement. Bring a main dish, side, or desert if you’re able.  (Feel free to come later if work prevents you from arriving at 5:30.)  Then, join us at the outdoor altar at 6:30 for a hymn sing; we'll be taking requests!  Please label your serving dishes if you’d like them back. 

 

Sign-Making Day at St. John’s - If you are interested in making a Joshua 24:15 sign for your house like the VBS families did, please sign up on the back table.  We need at least five participants to be able to host this project at St. John’s.  When we have at least five participants we will pick a date that works for everyone to make the signs.  There is an example of the sign in the back of the church for you to see. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirt Sales - If you missed your opportunity to purchase a St. John’s T-shirt a year ago (or you would like a second one!), we will have more T-shirts available within the next couple weeks. If you’d like to purchase one, give your shirt size and $6.00 per shirt to the church office and we will get your shirt to you as soon as they arrive. 

 

St. John’s Prayer Chain - You are always welcome to submit a prayer to our St. John’s Flocknote Prayer Chain.  Simply share your prayer with Pastor Cowell or the church office and we will send it to our Flocknote Prayer Chain group. If you would like to receive Prayer Chain text messages or emails, or any other St. John’s communications via Flocknote, please contact Pastor Cowell or the church office. 

 

Greeter and Usher Sign-up - We're excited to reintroduce greeters to our Sunday mornings at St. John's!  Your family or you and a friend are welcome to sign up for a Sunday to greet on the back table.  Of course, hand shaking will be optional.  Also, we'd love to have at least one usher per month to help Jeff with duties as needed.  You can sign up for this on the back table as well. 

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. 

 

Update on Stained Glass Window Project - The company who is installing the new windows have taken measurements and will be installing the windows soon!

 

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 Resources - You can find a variety of digital media for your faith, including service livestreams, at trinityalgona.org or by searching Trinity, Algona on YouTube and Facebook. 

 

Kossuth County Fair Volunteers Needed - The Partnership congregations will be helping serve the free BBQ at the fair the evening of Wednesday, August 4. Please let Pastor Cowell or the church office know if you are able to help at this event.  We’d love to know if you can help by July 25 so we can make sure we have enough volunteers. 

 

Traveling to Camp Okoboji - For those coming to Camp Okoboji, a gravel access road has been put into place.  The normal turn off Highway 86 will take you to Camp’s entry via the access road.  There is no longer a need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.  However, the access road only comes to Camp’s entry.  If you want to go beyond Camp’s entry, you would still need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.

 

Building Healthy Families: “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?” What a thought-provoking quote from Corrie Ten Boom! I Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us to, “pray without ceasing.”  So, which is it for you…steering wheel or spare? Think about it and adjust accordingly! Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 12)

Old Testament: Genesis 9:8-17

The Lord sets the bow in the clouds as a sign of His covenant with Noah that never again would He send a flood to destroy all flesh. 

 

Epistle: Ephesians 3:14-21

St. Paul prays for the Ephesian Christians that Christ may dwell in their hearts through faith and they be filled with the fullness of God. 

 

Gospel: Mark 6:45-56

Jesus walks out on the water to the disciples’ boat during a storm. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“But why was He crucified? Because the wood of His lowliness was necessary for you. For you had swollen with pride and had been cast forth from your homeland. The way has been washed out by the waves of this world, and there is no way to cross over to the homeland unless you are carried by the wood. Ungrateful man, do you ridicule Him who has come to you that you may return? He Himself became the way, and this through the sea. For this reason He walked on the sea: that He might show you that there is a way upon the sea. But you, who cannot in any way yourself walk on the sea, let yourselves be carried by the ship, be carried by the wood! - Augustine, Tractate 2.4.3 on John, qtd. in ACCS: Mark, 95. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

The New Testament Ark

From the start the boat has been a symbol of the Christian Church.  Part of the reason for this is that boats make a number of appearances in the New Testament. Jesus made a habit of teaching from a boat.  Jesus called several of the disciples out of fishing boats to be “fishers of men.”  Jesus revealed His divinity to His disciples by walking on water to their boat on one occasion and rebuking the wind and waves from a boat on another occasion. Another reason that the boat is a symbol of the Church is the Church’s similarity to Noah’s ark.  Just as God kept Noah and His family safe in the ark from the Flood as evildoers drowned in judgement all around them, so now God washes sin from us in Baptism and places us safe in the ark of the Church.  If you look up in many sanctuaries such as ours you will see that they have been designed to look like the hull of a ship flipped upside down.  By this we are reminded that when we are hearing the Word and receiving the Sacrament as God’s Holy Church, we are safe and secure with Christ from any danger or threat to our eternal life. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Large Catechism, The Lord’s Prayer, paragraphs 53-56

We pray that [God's] kingdom may come to those who are not yet in it, and, by daily growth that it may come to us who have received it. [...]

     From this you see that we do not pray here for a crust of bread or a temporal, perishable good. Instead, we pray for an eternal inestimable treasure and everything that God Himself possesses. This is far too great for any human heart to think about desiring, if God had not Himself commanded us to pray for the same. But because He is God, He also claims the honor of giving much more and more abundantly than anyone can understand [Ephesians 3:20]. 

 

 

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 EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

July 18, 2021

 

Heavenly Father, though we do not deserve Your goodness, still You provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may acknowledge Your gifts, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S Today, July 18, 2021   8:00 a.m.      Adult Class    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service   10:00 a.m.     Voter’s Meeting   Tuesday, July 20, 2021  10:00 a.m.    Morning Prayer    Sunday, July 25, 2021   8:00 a.m.       Adult Class    9:00 a.m.       Divine Service

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR     July 20, 2021     Commemoration of Elijah     July 21, 2021     Commemoration of Ezekiel     July 22, 2021     Feast of St. Mary Magdalene      July 25, 2021     Feast of St. James the Elder, Apostle

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today: Kitty Bierstedt  

Elder for July: Jeff Schutjer  

Greeters: Bud and Mary Lou Marlow

 

Portals of Prayer - The July-September Portals of Prayer are available in the back of church. 

 

The Voter’s Meeting will be held immediately following the service today.

 

Sign-Making Day at St. John’s - If you are interested in making a Joshua 24:15 sign for your house like the VBS families did, please sign up on the back table.  We need at least five participants to be able to host this project at St. John’s.  When we have at least five participants we will pick a date that works for everyone to make the signs.  There is an example of the sign in the back of the church for you to see. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirt Sales - If you missed your opportunity to purchase a St. John’s T-shirt a year ago (or you would like a second one!), we will have more T-shirts available within the next couple weeks. If you’d like to purchase one, give your shirt size and $6.00 per shirt to the church office and we will get your shirt to you as soon as they arrive. 

 

Sunday School/Service Time Change Discussion - Members of the Board of Education, Sunday school parents, and other members have been discussing over the past couple years the potential benefits of moving our Sunday school and adult Bible study to 8:30 a.m. and our service to 9:30 a.m.  The benefits that have been discussed for moving our Sunday schedule back 30 minutes include: 

• a little more time to get young children ready for Sunday school
• more time to evaluate road conditions in the winter
• more sunlight for driving to church in the winter
• more possibilities for after-church fundraising/mission lunches (with church ending a 

   little closer to lunch time).  

Because we would love for the entire congregation to be involved in this discussion, please think about what Sunday schedule you prefer so that you can be prepared to share your thoughts at the July 18th voter's meeting.  If possible, we would love to make a "yes" or "no" decision on this change before Sunday school begins in the fall.   

 

St. John’s Prayer Chain - You are always welcome to submit a prayer to our St. John’s Flocknote Prayer Chain.  Simply share your prayer with Pastor Cowell or the church office and we will send it to our Flocknote Prayer Chain group. If you would like to receive Prayer Chain text messages or emails, or any other St. John’s communications via Flocknote, please contact Pastor Cowell or the church office. 

 

Greeter and Usher Sign-up - We're excited to reintroduce greeters to our Sunday mornings at St. John's!  Your family or you and a friend are welcome to sign up for a Sunday to greet on the back table.  Of course, hand shaking will be optional.  Also, we'd love to have at least one usher per month to help Jeff with duties as needed.  You can sign up for this on the back table as well. 

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. 

 

Update on Stained Glass Window Project - The company who is installing the new windows have taken measurements and will be installing the windows soon!

 

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 Resources - You can find a variety of digital media for your faith, including service livestreams, at trinityalgona.org or by searching Trinity, Algona on YouTube and Facebook. 

 

Kossuth County Fair Volunteers Needed - The Partnership congregations will be helping serve the free BBQ at the fair the evening of Wednesday, August 4. Please let Pastor Cowell or the church office know if you are able to help at this event.  We’d love to know if you can help by July 25 so we can make sure we have enough volunteers. 

 

Traveling to Camp Okoboji - For those coming to Camp Okoboji, a gravel access road has been put into place.  The normal turn off Highway 86 will take you to Camp’s entry via the access road.  There is no longer a need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.  However, the access road only comes to Camp’s entry.  If you want to go beyond Camp’s entry, you would still need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.

 

Did You Know? What is the only type of fruit that wears all 200+ of its seeds on the outside? Where do you wear your fruit? On the outside for everyone to see?  Hope so! “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 (and the answer is…STRAWBERRY!) Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Pro-Life Rally - Kossuth County Right to Life will host a pro-life rall today, Sunday, July 18, at 1:30 p.m. at the Columbia Events Center, 1501 E Walnut St., Algona. All are invited for prayer, music, fellowship and refreshments.  You can learn more about this event from the letter posted along the ramp. 

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 11)

Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:1-6

The Lord promises to send faithful shepherds to replace the wicked shepherds of Israel. 

 

Epistle: Ephesians 2:11-22

The Gentiles were once alienated from God’s people Israel, but now all are fellow citizens and members of the household of God in Jesus Christ. 

 

Gospel: Mark 6:30-44

Jesus feeds five thousand men and their families with five loaves of bread and two fish. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“Even though the place is desolate, yet the one who feeds the world is present. And even though the hour is late, yet the one who is not subject to the hour is conversing with you.” - Chrysostom, The Gospel of St. Matthew, 58, qtd. in ACCS: Mark, 90. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

The New Sabbath Rest

In the Old Testament Saturday was the day of rest and worship.  On Saturday, or the “Sabbath Day”, people would rest with God and celebrate the goodness of His creation just as He rested after the six days of creation.  In the New Testament Sunday has become the day of rest and worship.  This is because Jesus completed the Sabbath rest for all mankind as He rested dead in the tomb after His crucifixion.  We now rest with Jesus on Sunday as we celebrate His resurrection at the Lord’s Supper. Coming to the Lord’s Supper is the best way to rest with God from His labors of creating, especially of the new creation of His Son’s crucified and resurrected body and blood.  

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XII: Repentance, paragraphs 42-45

Faith is conceived and strengthened through Absolution, through the hearing of the Gospel, through the use of the Sacraments, so that it may not give in to the terrors of sin and death. This method of repentance is plain and clear. It increases the worth of the Power of the Keys and of the Sacraments. It illumines Christ's benefit and teaches us to make use of Christ as Mediator and the Atoning Sacrifice.

     Christ says, "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Mt. 11:28). Here there are two parts. The "labor" and the burden signify the contrition, anxiety, and terrors of sin and death. To "come to" Christ is to believe that sins are forgiven for Christ's sake. When we believe, our hearts are brought to life by the Holy Spirit through Christ's Word. Here, therefore, are these two chief parts: contrition and faith. In Mark 1:15, Christ says, "Repent and believe in the gospel." In the first clause He convicts of sins, and in the second He comforts us and shows the forgiveness of sins. Believing the Gospel is in the proper sense is believing that the forgiveness of sins has been granted for Christ's sake. This is revealed in the Gospel. Here the two parts are joined: contrition when sins are rebuked; and faith when it is said, "Believe in the gospel." For this satisfies us, that contrition and faith are named as the chief parts. 

 

 

 

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 AFTER PENTECOST

July 11, 2021

 

O Lord, You granted Your prophets strength to resist the temptations of the devil and courage to proclaim repentance. Give us pure hearts and minds to follow Your Son faithfully even into suffering and death; 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, July 11, 2021   8:00 a.m.      Adult Class    9:00 a.m.      Divine Service  10:00 a.m.      Council Meeting   Tuesday, July 13, 2021  10:00 a.m.    Morning Prayer    Sunday, July 18, 2021   8:00 a.m.       Adult Class    9:00 a.m.       Divine Service   10:00 a.m.      Voter’s Meeting

THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR      July 16, 2021     Commemoration of Ruth

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna 

Elder for July:  Jeff Schutjer 

Greeter:  Mary Gifford

 

Portals of Prayer - The July-September Portals of Prayer are available in the back of church. 

 

Quarterly Council Meeting will be held today following the service. The Voter’s Meeting will be Sunday, July 18.

 

Thank You! - Thank you to our guest musician, Jerry Johnson, for sharing his talents in praise of God today. Jerry is a life-long member and an elder of Bethany E&R Church in Ledyard, where he also leads the music for their worship services.  In addition to playing at church, Jerry also shares his music with the residents of several area care centers.  Jerry lives and farms in the Ledyard area and also works for the Kossuth County Road Dept.

 

Thank You! - Thank you to the parents, children, volunteers, and our Board of Education: Karla Schutter, Brenda Schutjer, Stefanie Hatten, Shirlee Alt, and Barb Thilges for making our Family of God VBS a success. 

 

VBS Offering - This year during our Family of God VBS, kids and volunteers gave an offering to Lutheran Family Service.  We set a goal to raise $300 and ended up collecting $439.75!  Thank you to all who gave to this worthy organization.  You can learn more about the good work that LFS does at lutheranfamilyservice.org or by picking up a pamphlet from the rack in back of church. 

 

Sign-Making Day at St. John’s - If you are interested in making a Joshua 24:15 sign for your house like the VBS families did, please sign up on the back table.  We need at least five participants to be able to host this project at St. John’s.  When we have at least five participants we will pick a date that works for everyone to make the signs.  There is an example of the sign in the back of the church for you to see. 

 

Sunday School/Service Time Change Discussion - Members of the Board of Education, Sunday school parents, and other members have been discussing over the past couple years the potential benefits of moving our Sunday school and adult Bible study to 8:30 a.m. and our service to 9:30 a.m.  The benefits that have been discussed for moving our Sunday schedule back 30 minutes include: 

• a little more time to get young children ready for Sunday school
• more time to evaluate road conditions in the winter
• more sunlight for driving to church in the winter
• more possibilities for after-church fundraising/mission lunches (with church ending a 

   little closer to lunch time).  

Because we would love for the entire congregation to be involved in this discussion, please think about what Sunday schedule you prefer so that you can be prepared to share your thoughts at the July 18th voter's meeting.  If possible, we would love to make a "yes" or "no" decision on this change before Sunday school begins in the fall.   

St. John’s Prayer Chain - You are always welcome to submit a prayer to our St. John’s Flocknote Prayer Chain.  Simply share your prayer with Pastor Cowell or the church office and we will send it to our Flocknote Prayer Chain group. If you would like to receive Prayer Chain text messages or emails, or any other St. John’s communications via Flocknote, please contact Pastor Cowell or the church office. 

 

Greeter and Usher Sign-up - We're excited to reintroduce greeters to our Sunday mornings at St. John's!  Your family or you and a friend are welcome to sign up for a Sunday to greet on the back table.  Of course, hand shaking will be optional.  Also, we'd love to have at least one usher per month to help Jeff with duties as needed.  You can sign up for this on the back table as well. 

 

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!

 

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. 

 

Up-Date on Stained Glass Window Project - The company who is installing the new windows came Saturday to   measure them.

 

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 Resources - You can find a variety of digital media for your faith, including service livestreams, at trinityalgona.org or by searching Trinity, Algona on YouTube and Facebook. 

 

Traveling to Camp Okoboji - For those coming to Camp Okoboji, a gravel access road has been put into place.  The normal turn off Highway 86 will take you to Camp’s entry via the access road.  There is no longer a need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.  However, the access road only comes to Camp’s entry.  If you want to go beyond Camp’s entry, you would still need to go around the Wahpeton Loop.

Building Healthy Families: When is the last time you memorized a Bible verse? Think you still can? Consider sticking a post-it note with a Bible verse on your fridge, bathroom mirror, or near the coffee pot. The more often you see it, the more likely you are to remember it! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 10)

Old Testament:  Amos 7:7-15

Amos is rebuked by Amaziah the priest of Bethel and Jeroboam the king of Israel for prophesying the destruction of Israel. 

 

Epistle: Ephesians 1:3-14

We have obtained adoption as sons of God in Christ, and an eternal inheritance.

 

Gospel: Mark 6:14-29

King Herod beheads John the Baptist at the request of the daughter of his wife Herodias. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“Not long after this John the Baptist was beheaded by the younger Herod, as stated in the Gospels. Josephus also records the same fact, mentioning Herodias by name, and stating that, although she was the wife of his brother, Herod made her his own wife after divorcing his former lawful wife, the daughter of Aretas, king of Petra, and separating Herodias from her husband while he was still alive. It was on her account also that he killed John and waged war with Aretas, because of the disgrace inflicted on the daughter of the latter. Josephus wrote that in this war, when they came to battle, Herod’s entire army was destroyed and that he suffered this calamity on account of his crime against John.” - Eusebius, Church History 1.11, qtd. in ACCS: Mark, 84. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

IXTHUS

Ever wonder why some Christians have a bumper sticker of a fish on the back of their car?  In the early days of the Church many Christians were martyred for their faith.  In order to continue to spread the Gospel Christians began identifying themselves by a code word: ixthus (ΙΧΘΥΣ) which is Greek for “fish.”  These letters created an acronym for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, our Savior.” Thus the sign of the fish (ΙΧΘΥΣ) became a symbol for the Christian faith. 

– The content of this lesson comes from Pamela Nielsen, Behold the Lamb: An Introduction to the Signs and Symbols of the Church, 16-17.

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord, Article XI: God’s Election, para. 75-77

Our election to eternal life is founded not on our godliness or virtue, but on Christ's merit alone and His Father's gracious will. He cannot deny Himself because He is unchangeable in will and essence. When His children depart from obedience and stumble, He has called them to repentance again through the Word. When they turn to Him again in true repentance by a right faith, He will always show His old paternal heart to all who tremble at His Word and from their heart turn again to Him.

     Furthermore, the declaration in John 6:44 is right and true, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." However, the Father will not do this without means, but has ordained His Word and Sacraments for this purpose as ordinary means and instruments. It is not the will of the Father or of the Son that a person should not hear or should despise the preaching of His Word and wait for the drawing of the Father without the Word and Sacraments. For the Father draws indeed by the power of His Holy Spirit. However, He works according to His usual way. He works by the hearing of His holy, divine Word. Every poor sinner should therefore attend to the Word, hear it attentively, and not doubt the Father's drawing. For the Holy Spirit will be with His Word in His power, and will work by it. That is the Father's drawing.