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 FESTIVAL OF THE REFORMATION

October 31, 2021

 

Almighty and gracious Lord, pour out Your Holy Spirit on Your faithful people. Keep us steadfast in Your grace and truth, protect and deliver us in times of temptation, defend us against all enemies, and grant to Your Church Your saving peace; 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, October 31, 2021    8:30 a.m.   SS School/Adult Class                       9:30 a.m.   Divine Service      Tuesday, November 2, 2021    10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer   Wednesday, November 3, 2021     6:00 p.m.   Christian Catechesis     7:00 p.m.    Budget Meeting

Sunday, November 7, 2021      8:30 a.m.    SS School/Adult Class       9:30 a.m.    Divine Service             THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR     October 31, 2021     Festival of the Reformation      November 1, 2021      Feast of All Saints

 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today: Marcia Hanna   

Elder for October: Jerry Koestler 

Acolytes:  Kenna Hatten

                  Taylor Parsons

 

Call Declined - Last week I (Pastor Cowell) announced that I have declined the call to serve as associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Davenport.  It is my joy to continue to serve you and the saints at Trinity, Algona as your pastor.  Please keep Trinity, Davenport in your prayers as their search for a pastor continues. 

 

Church Year Resource - Would you like to know more about the special people and events we commemorate throughout the Church Year?  You can read a short introduction into each commemoration and feast day as they come up in the calendar year at communication.cph.org/

lutheran-church-calendar.  

 

Christmas and Greeting Card Resources - If you ever need a greeting, sympathy, or Christmas card, the card rack in the back of the sanctuary is always a great place to look!  Two other great places to find beautiful and distinctly Christian greeting cards are Ad Crucem and Emmanuel Press.  These two Lutheran companies also sell a variety of other high-quality and theologically faithful Christian gifts.  The following two links will take you specifically to the greeting card section of each website: 

• Ad Crucem: adcrucem.com/collections/greeting-cards-1 
• Emmanuel Press: emmanuelpress.us/christmas-cards/ 

 

Flocknote Prayer Chain Coordinator Wanted - St. John’s is looking for a volunteer to be our Flocknote Prayer Chain coordinator.  This volunteer would be responsible for scheduling (in advance) our daily prayer text messages, including creating prayers submitted by members and prayers in light of various contemporary events.  While the volunteer should be comfortable operating the basic functions of a computer, the Flocknote program is very easy to work with and Pastor Cowell will give you a step-by-step training for how to schedule the prayers.  You can expect the time commitment for this position to be around 1-2 hours a month.  Please speak with Pastor Cowell if you are interested in helping in this way. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirts are available in the church office for $6.00.

 

Greeter and Usher Sign-up - There are still plenty of open spots for greeters and ushers! The sign-up sheet is on the back table. 

 

Hymn of the Month devotions for October are available on the lectern in the back of church. You can also view a digital version of the Hymn of the Month devotion at: 

trinityalgona.org/blog/2021/09/29/rise-my-soul-to-watch-and-pray. 

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Need prayer, Scripture, Communion, Absolution, or a listening ear? Feel free to call or text Pastor Cowell anytime for a visit at 319-464-5548.

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

TLC Quilts Available - As the weather turns cold, don’t forget about the TLC Quilter’s “giving pew” by the east doors of St. John’s.  You are welcome to take and give these quilts, bears, etc. to anyone who might need them.  You could give them to someone in financial hardship, someone in need of sympathy or friendship, or simply someone who needs to know that the Church loves them and God loves them! 

 

Trinity Weekday Bible Class - All are welcome to attend a weekly Bible study on Wednesdays at 9:30 in the Trinity Life Center conference room.  They are currently studying 1 Corinthians.

 

Trinity, Algona Resources - Visit trinitalgona.org or search “Trinity, Algona” on YouTube and Facebook to view Trinity’s several digital resources for your faith. 

 

Building Healthy Families - Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…therefore honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Guess what? This instruction isn’t just for young people! How are we - young and old people alike – doing at taking care of our physical bodies where God’s Spirit dwells? No matter your age, do something this week that will make your body stronger and healthier. Choose a healthy snack, drink less, or go for a walk and invite a friend or neighbor to join you. Shared activity makes it more fun and creates an open door for conversation about wellness, including spiritual wellness. This week, honor God with your body…no matter how many years it’s been around! Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Lakota Ambulance Annual Fundraiser Meal of turkey, gravy over mashed potatoes, roll and applesauce will be held on Sunday, November 7 from 10 a.m -1 p.m. at Lakota Fire Station. Dine in or take out will be provided.

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Reformation Day)

Old Testament: Revelation 14:6-7

John sees an angel fly directly overhead, proclaiming: “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.”

 

Epistle: Romans 3:19-28

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

 

Gospel: John 8:31-36

Jesus says to the Jews who had believed in Him: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“All men have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His blood [Romans 3:23-24]. But all those who do not think themselves to belong to the all who have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, have of course no need to become Christians, because they that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick [Matthew 9:12]; whence it is, that He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance [Matthew 9:13].” - Augustine, On Nature and Grace, 1, retrieved from: newadvent.org/fathers/1503.htm

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

VDMA

VDMA is an acronym for the Latin phrase: Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum (the Word of the Lord remains forever).  This phrase comes from both Isaiah 40:8 and 1 Peter 1:24-25 in Holy Scripture.  During the Lutheran Reformation, VDMA became somewhat of a logo for the Lutherans.  Around 1522, Frederick the Wise of Saxony had the letters sewn on the sleeve of all the servants of his court.  VDMA later appeared on much of the military equipment of the Schmalkaldic League, which was a group of Lutheran princes who joined together to defend their lands from the Roman Catholic Emperor on the occasion that he would try to abolish Lutheranism by violent force. Today Lutherans continue to bear the letters VDMA as we confess that while earthly kingdoms, governments, and cultures will rise and fall, the Word of the Lord remains forever. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Smalcald Articles, Article I: The Chief Article, paragraphs 1-5

The first and chief article is this:

     Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins and was raised again for our justification (Romans 4:24-25).

     He alone is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29), and God has laid upon Him the iniquities of us all (Isaiah 53:6).

     All have sinned and are justified freely, without their own works or merits, by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, in His blood (Romans 3:23-25).

     This is necessary to believe. This cannot be otherwise acquired or grasped by any work, law, or merit. It is clear and certain that this faith alone justifies us. As St. Paul says: For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (Romans 3:28) That He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. [Romans 3:26]

 

 

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 TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

October 24, 2021

 

O God, the helper of all who call on You, have mercy on us and give us eyes of faith to see Your Son that we may follow Him on the way that leads to eternal life; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S   Today, October 24, 2021    8:30 a.m.   SS School/Adult Class                       9:30 a.m.   Divine Service      Tuesday, October 26, 2021    10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer   Wednesday, October 27, 2021     6:00 p.m.   Christian Catechesis   Thursday, October 28, 2021     3:00 p.m. Titonka Care Center Service

Sunday, October 31, 2021      8:30 a.m.    SS School/Adult Class       9:30 a.m.    Divine Service           THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR     October 25, 2021     Commemoration of Dorcas, Lydia, and Phoebe,          Faithful Women   October 26, 2021     Commemoration of Philipp Nicolai, Johann          Heermann, and Paul Gerhardt, Hymnwriters   October 28, 2021     Feast of St. Simon and St. Jude, Apostles

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna   

Elder for October:  Jerry Koestler 

 

Share the Blessings is your opportunity to give thanks to God by giving a monetary offering in praise of Him and in service to His Church.  While Share the Blessings originated as Corn, Bean, Cash as an opportunity for farmers to give of the firstfruits of their harvest, all at St. John’s are welcome to take this special opportunity to give back to God from the abundance of the good gifts He has given to us.  There is a letter and special envelope in your church box if you would like to participate. 

 

Parish Messenger Articles for the November/December edition are due to Linda Kerkove today.

 

Church Year Resource - Would you like to know more about the special people and events we commemorate throughout the Church Year?  You can read a short introduction into each commemoration and feast day as they come up in the calendar year at communication.cph.org/

lutheran-church-calendar.  

 

Worship by Phone - Beginning October 24th, if you would like to receive the audio of the worship service on Sunday through your phone, you will need to dial area code 515 along with the worship-by-phone number of 924-4444, even if you are calling locally. This change is due to a new rule requiring all numbers in the 515 area code to add the area code to all local calls. 

 

Service Livestream Operator Informational Meeting - If you have any interest in assisting with the weekly setup of our service livestreams at St. John’s, or would simply like to learn how to set up a video livestream, please plan to attend a short meeting today after church in the church basement. 

 

Flocknote Prayer Chain Coordinator Wanted - St. John’s is looking for a volunteer to be our Flocknote Prayer Chain coordinator.  This volunteer would be responsible for scheduling (in advance) our daily prayer text messages, including creating prayers submitted by members and prayers in light of various contemporary events.  While the volunteer should be comfortable operating the basic functions of a computer, the Flocknote program is very easy to work with and Pastor Cowell will give you a step-by-step training for how to schedule the prayers.  You can expect the time commitment for this position to be around 1-2 hours a month.  Please speak with Pastor Cowell if you are interested in helping in this way. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirts are available in the church office for $6.00.

 

Greeter and Usher Sign-up - There are still plenty of open spots for greeters and ushers! The sign-up sheet is on the back table. 

 

Hymn of the Month devotions for October are available on the lectern in the back of church. You can also view a digital version of the Hymn of the Month devotion at: 

trinityalgona.org/blog/2021/09/29/rise-my-soul-to-watch-and-pray. 

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Need prayer, Scripture, Communion, Absolution, or a listening ear? Feel free to call or text Pastor Cowell anytime for a visit at 319-464-5548.

 

Thank You so much for your gift of $800. May God continue to bless you in every way!  Trusting in Jesus our Savior!     Kirk Warnke, Camp Okoboji

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity Weekday Bible Class - All are welcome to attend a weekly Bible study on Wednesdays at 9:30 in the Trinity Life Center conference room.  They are currently studying 1 Corinthians.

 

Trinity, Algona Resources - Visit trinitalgona.org or search “Trinity, Algona” on YouTube and Facebook to view Trinity’s several digital resources for your faith. 

 

Building Healthy Families: Have you prayed for your spouse today? Consider changing your routine question of your spouse from, “How was your day?” to, “How can I pray for you today?” Choosing a Bible verse to pray over his/her day is a good choice if you’re unsure what to pray for. Consider asking God to bless them through this verse: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Trunk-or-Treat - The Churches of Burt will be hosting a trunk-or-treat in the Presbyterian parking lot in conjunction with the town of Burt's trick-or-treating night: Saturday, October 30 from 5:00-7:00.  The trunk-or-treat will feature candy, a meal you can either sit down and eat or take to-go, and other fun activities.  If you would like to host a trunk or volunteer in any way, please text or call Hannah Cowell at 712-294-4962.  Feel free to take and distribute a Trunk or Treat flier on the back table. 

 

Burt Lions Club is hosting their annual Omelet Breakfast today (October 24) from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at the Activity Complex.

Lakota Ambulance Annual Fundraiser Meal of turkey, gravy over mashed potatoes, roll and applesauce will be held on Sunday, November 7 from 10 a.m -1 p.m. at Lakota Fire Station. Dine in or take out will be provided.

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 22)

Old Testament: Genesis 2:18-25

God creates woman from man’s rib to be a helper fit for him. 

 

Epistle: Hebrews 2:1-18

Jesus is both the Son of God and our brother in the flesh, and is able to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

 

Gospel: Mark 10:2-16

Jesus teaches about divorce and about the place of children in the kingdom of God. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“‘For a woman is bound, as long as her husband is alive.’ As a consequence, therefore, the husband is also bound, as long as his wife is alive. This bond renders any further union impossible without the implication of adultery.” - Augustine, Adulterous Marriages, 2.9.8, qtd. in ACCS: Mark, 136. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

What is the Bible?

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

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Large Catechism, Preface, paragraphs 4-5, 7-8

What would be achieved if we were as negligent and lazy as we were under the papacy?

     To this laziness such preachers add the shameful vice and secret infection of security and contentment. In other words, Many see the catechism as a poor, common teaching, which they can read through once and immediately understand. They can throw the book into a corner and be ashamed to read it again.

     But I say this: I am also a doctor and preacher; yes, as learned and experienced as all the people who have such assumptions. Yet I act as a child who is being taught the catechism. Every morning - and whenever I have time - I read and say, word for word, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Psalms, and such. I must still read and study them daily. Yet I cannot master the catechism as I wish. But I must remain a child and pupil of the catechism, and am glad to remain so. Yet these delicate, refined fellows would in one reading promptly become doctors above all doctors, know everything, and need nothing. Well, this, too, is a sure sign that they despise both their office and the souls of the people. Indeed, they even despise God and His Word. They do not have to fall. They have already fallen all too horribly. They need to become children and begin to learn their alphabet, which they imagine they have long outgrown [Mark 10:15]. 

 

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 TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

October 17, 2021

 

O God, Your divine wisdom sets in order all things in heaven and on earth. Put away from us all things hurtful and give us those things that are beneficial for us; 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, October 17, 2021    8:30 a.m.   SS School/Adult Class                       9:30 a.m.   Divine Service    10:30  a.m. Voter’s Meeting      Tuesday, October 19, 2021    10:00 a.m. Morning Prayer     Wednesday, October 20, 2021     6:00 p.m.   Christian Catechesis

Sunday, October 24, 2021      8:30 a.m.    SS School/Adult Class       9:30 a.m.    Divine Service           THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR       October 17, 2021      Commemoration of Ignatius of Antioch, Pastor        and Martyr     October 18, 2021       Feast of St. Luke, Evangelist      October 23, 2021        Feast of St. James of Jerusalem, Brother of          Jesus and Martyr

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:        Marcia Hanna    Elder for October: Jerry Koestler 

 

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

 

Share the Blessings is your opportunity to give thanks to God by giving a monetary offering in praise of Him and in service to His Church.  While Share the Blessings originated as Corn, Bean, Cash as an opportunity for farmers to give of the firstfruits of their harvest, all at St. John’s are welcome to take this special opportunity to give back to God from the abundance of the good gifts He has given to us.  There is a letter and special envelope in your church box if you would like to participate. 

 

Parish Messenger Articles for the November/December edition are due to Linda Kerkove by Sunday, October 24.

 

Portals of Prayer for October-December are now available along the east wall in the back.

 

Church Year Resource - Would you like to know more about the special people and events we commemorate throughout the Church Year?  You can read a short introduction into each commemoration and feast day as they come up in the calendar year at communication.cph.org/

lutheran-church-calendar.  

 

Worship by Phone - Beginning October 24th, if you would like to receive the audio of the worship service on Sunday through your phone, you will need to dial area code 515 along with the worship-by-phone number of 924-4444, even if you are calling locally. This change is due to a new rule requiring all numbers in the 515 area code to add the area code to all local calls. 

 

Service Livestream Operator Informational Meeting - If you have any interest in assisting with the weekly setup of our service livestreams at St. John’s, or would simply like to learn how to set up a video livestream, please plan to attend a short meeting Sunday, October 24 after church in the church basement. 

 

Flocknote Prayer Chain Coordinator Wanted - St. John’s is looking for a volunteer to be our Flocknote Prayer Chain coordinator.  This volunteer would be responsible for scheduling (in advance) our daily prayer text messages, including creating prayers submitted by members and prayers in light of various contemporary events.  While the volunteer should be comfortable operating the basic functions of a computer, the Flocknote program is very easy to work with and Pastor Cowell will give you a step-by-step training for how to schedule the prayers.  You can expect the time commitment for this position to be around 1-2 hours a month.  Please speak with Pastor Cowell if you are interested in helping in this way. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirts are available in the church office for $6.00.

 

Greeter and Usher Sign-up - There are still plenty of open spots for greeters and ushers! The sign-up sheet is on the back table. 

 

Hymn of the Month devotions for October are available on the lectern in the back of church. You can also view a digital version of the Hymn of the Month devotion at: 

trinityalgona.org/blog/2021/09/29/rise-my-soul-to-watch-and-pray. 

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Need prayer, Scripture, Communion, Absolution, or a listening ear? Feel free to call or text Pastor Cowell anytime for a visit at 319-464-5548.

 

Thank You so much for your gift of $800. May God continue to bless you in every way!  Trusting in Jesus our Savior!     Kirk Warnke, Camp Okoboji

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity Weekday Bible Class - All are welcome to attend a weekly Bible study on Wednesdays at 9:30 in the Trinity Life Center conference room.  They are currently studying 1 Corinthians.

 

Trinity, Algona Resources - Visit trinitalgona.org or search “Trinity, Algona” on YouTube and Facebook to view Trinity’s several digital resources for your faith. 

 

Building Healthy Families: Did You Know: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18) Even on the bad days, we can still look for God’s blessings. As this quote by Alice Morse Earle reminds us, “Every day may not be good but there is something good in every day.” We all experience dark days when blessings are hard to recognize. If you’re feeling stuck in darkness, talk to your pastor or reach out to an LFS counselor. We can help; it’s why we’re here. Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Trunk-or-Treat - The Churches of Burt will be hosting a trunk-or-treat in the Presbyterian parking lot in conjunction with the town of Burt's trick-or-treating night: Saturday, October 30 from 5:00-7:00.  The trunk-or-treat will feature candy, a meal you can either sit down and eat or take to-go, and other fun activities.  If you would like to host a trunk or volunteer in any way, please text or call Hannah Cowell at 712-294-4962.  Feel free to take and distribute a Trunk or Treat flier on the back table. 

 

Burt Lions Club is hosting their annual Omelet Breakfast on Sunday, October 24th from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at the Activity Complex.

Lakota Ambulance Annual Fundraiser Meal of Turkey Gravy over Mashed Potatoes, Roll and Applesauce will be held on Sunday, November 7 from 10 a.m -1 p.m. at Lakota Fire Station. Dine in or take out will be provided. 

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 24)

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 5:10-20

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 

 

Epistle: Hebrews 4:1-16

There remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

 

Gospel: Mark 10:23-31

Jesus tells His disciples that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“Teach us, O Lord, this difficult lesson: to manage conscientiously the goods we possess, and not covetously desire more than you give to us.” - Augustine, Sermon 133, qtd. in ACCS: Mark, 145. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

May those who are weak or struggling in faith come to the Sacrament?

Yes. The words “for you” show us that Christ instituted this Sacrament for weak and struggling sinners like us, to draw us to Himself and to strengthen our faith in Him.  See Mark 9:24; John 6:37; Isaiah 42:3.  “Such people must learn that it is the highest art to know that our Sacrament does not depend upon our worthiness [...]. On the contrary, we go exactly because we are poor, miserable people.  We go exactly because we are unworthy.  This is true unless we are talking about someone who desires no grace and Absolution nor intends to change” (Large Catechism, V, 61).  - An Explanation of the Small Catechism (2017), p. 341-342

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Large Catechism, Ten Commandments, paragraphs 16-20

Here you have the meaning of the true honor and worship of God, which pleases God, and which He commands under penalty of eternal wrath. The heart knows no other comfort or confidence than in Him. It must not allow itself to be torn from Him. But, for Him, it must risk and disregard everything upon earth. On the other hand, you can easily see and sense how the world practices only false worship and idolatry. For no people have ever been so corrupt that they did not begin and continue some divine worship. Everyone has set up as his special god whatever he looked to for blessings, help, and comfort.

     For example, the heathen who put their trust in power and dominion elevated Jupiter as the supreme god. Others, who were bent on riches, happiness, or pleasure, and a life of ease, elevated Hercules, Mercury, Venus, or other gods. Pregnant women elevated Diana or Lucina, and so on. So everyone made his god that interest to which his heart was inclined. So even in the mind of the heathen to have a god means to trust and believe. But their error is this: their trust is false and wrong. For their trust is not placed in the only God, beside whom there is truly no God in heaven or upon earth [Isaiah 44:6]. Therefore, the heathen really make their self-invented notions and dreams of God an idol. Ultimately, they put their trust in that which is nothing. 

 

 

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 TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

October 10, 2021

 

Lord Jesus Christ, whose grace always precedes and follows us, help us to forsake all trust in earthly gain and to find in You our heavenly treasure; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

 

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN’S   Today, October 10, 2021    8:30 a.m.   SS School/Adult Class                       9:30 a.m.   Divine Service    10:30  a.m. Council Meeting    1:00  p.m.  Partnership Highway Clean-Up   Tuesday, October 12, 2021    NO Morning Prayer    Pastor at Fall Pastor’s Conference

Wednesday, October 13, 2021     6:00 p.m.   Christian Catechesis     Sunday, October 17, 2021      8:30 a.m.    SS School/Adult Class       9:30 a.m.    Divine Service         10:30 a.m.  Voter’s Meeting     THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR         October 11, 2021       Commemoration of Philip, Deacon

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Kitty Bierstedt
Elder for October: Jerry Koestler 

Greeters:  Hannah, Penny and Amelia Cowell

 

Quarterly Council Meeting will be held today immediately following the service. The Voter’s Meeting will be held Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 10:30 a.m.

 

Share the Blessings is your opportunity to give thanks to God by giving a monetary offering in praise of Him and in service to His Church.  While Share the Blessings originated as Corn, Bean, Cash as an opportunity for farmers to give of the firstfruits of their harvest, all at St. John’s are welcome to take this special opportunity to give back to God from the abundance of the good gifts He has given to us.  There is a letter and special envelope in your church box if you would like to participate. 

 

Parish Messenger Articles for the November/December edition are due to Linda Kerkove by Sunday, October 24.

 

Portals of Prayer for October-December are now available along the east wall in the back.

 

Church Year Resource - Would you like to know more about the special people and events we commemorate throughout the Church Year?  You can read a short introduction into each commemoration and feast day as they come up in the calendar year at communication.cph.org/

lutheran-church-calendar.  

 

Worship by Phone - Beginning October 24th, if you would like to receive the audio of the worship service on Sunday through your phone, you will need to dial area code 515 along with the worship-by-phone number of 924-4444, even if you are calling locally. This change is due to a new rule requiring all numbers in the 515 area code to add the area code to all local calls. 

 

Service Livestream Operator Informational Meeting - If you have any interest in assisting with the weekly setup of our service livestreams at St. John’s, or would simply like to learn how to set up a video livestream, please plan to attend a short meeting Sunday, October 24 after church in the church basement. 

 

Flocknote Prayer Chain Coordinator Wanted - St. John’s is looking for a volunteer to be our Flocknote Prayer Chain coordinator.  This volunteer would be responsible for scheduling (in advance) our daily prayer text messages, including creating prayers submitted by members and prayers in light of various contemporary events.  While the volunteer should be comfortable operating the basic functions of a computer, the Flocknote program is very easy to work with and Pastor Cowell will give you a step-by-step training for how to schedule the prayers.  You can expect the time commitment for this position to be around 1-2 hours a month.  Please speak with Pastor Cowell if you are interested in helping in this way. 

 

St. John’s T-Shirts are available in the church office for $6.00.

Greeter and Usher Sign-up - There are still plenty of open spots for greeters and ushers! The sign-up sheet is on the back table. 

 

Hymn of the Month devotions for October are available on the lectern in the back of church. You can also view a digital version of the Hymn of the Month devotion at: 

trinityalgona.org/blog/2021/09/29/rise-my-soul-to-watch-and-pray. 

 

Pastoral Care On Demand - Need prayer, Scripture, Communion, Absolution, or a listening ear? Feel free to call or text Pastor Cowell anytime for a visit at 319-464-5548.

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Highway Clean-Up - Our fall Partnership highway clean-up day is scheduled for today at 1:00 p.m.  This event is open to all ages as long as children have an adult with them (this would make a great Catechesis mercy project!).  When you sign up in the back of church, please indicate if you’ll be meeting in the Trinity or St. John’s parking lot. 

 

Trinity Weekday Bible Class - All are welcome to attend a weekly Bible study on Wednesdays at 9:30 in the Trinity Life Center conference room.  They are currently studying 1 Corinthians

 

Trinity, Algona Resources - Visit trinitalgona.org or search “Trinity, Algona” on YouTube and Facebook to view Trinity’s several digital resources for your faith. 

 

Did You Know: Today is World Mental Health Day. Trauma, emotional distress, or mental illness negatively impact many people, including those within our church fellowship. When it does, we are often left searching for answers without knowing where to find help. Lutheran Family Service offers professional mental health counseling from master’s prepared and licensed therapists, now available to all regardless of location through telehealth. Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Trunk-or-Treat - The Churches of Burt will be hosting a trunk-or-treat in the Presbyterian parking lot in conjunction with the town of Burt's trick-or-treating night: Saturday, October 30 from 5:00-7:00.  The trunk-or-treat will feature candy, a meal you can either sit down and eat or take to-go, and other fun activities.  If you would like to host a trunk or volunteer in any way, please text or call Hannah Cowell at 712-294-4962.  Feel free to take and distribute a Trunk or Treat flier on the back table. 

 

Burt Lions Club is hosting their annual Omelet Breakfast on Sunday, October 24th from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at the Activity Complex.

Festive Fall on Walnut Street - Burt Woman's Club is sponsoring the decorating of the flower pots on main street. If you would like to decorate one, contact Kelly at City Hall. Judging will be the last week in October.

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 23)

Old Testament: Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you.

 

Epistle: Hebrews 3:12-19

Take care lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from God. Exhort one another that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 

 

Gospel: Mark 10:17-22

Jesus tells a rich man: “go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me,” and the man goes away sorrowful. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“The young man went away sad, so anyone can see how far he kept those commandments of the law. I think he spoke with more pride than truth when he answered that he had kept them.” - Augustine, Letters, 157, To Hilarius, qtd. in ACCS: Mark, 142. 

 

LESSONS ON THE LITURGY 

The Law and the Gospel

The Law teaches what we are to do and not to do; the Gospel teaches what God has done, and still does, in Jesus, for our salvation.  The Law shows us our sin and the wrath of God; the Gospel shows us our Savior and brings God’s grace and favor.  The Law must be proclaimed to all people, but especially to sinners who refuse to repent; the Gospel must be proclaimed to sinners who are troubled by their sins.  See Romans 3:20; John 6:63; Romans 1:16. - An Explanation of the Small Catechism (2017), p. 49

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article V: Love and Fulfilling the Law, para. 170-171

The Gospel has not been given in vain to the world, and that Christ has not been promised and set forth, has not been born, has not suffered, has not risen again in vain. We are justified not by reason or by the Law. Therefore, in regard to justification, we are compelled to disagree with the adversaries. For the Gospel shows another way. The Gospel compels us to make use of Christ in justification. The Gospel teaches that through Christ we have access to God through faith. It teaches that we ought to set Him as Mediator and Atoning Sacrifice against God's anger. The Gospel teaches that through faith in Christ the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation are received, and the terrors of sin and of death are overcome. Paul also says that righteousness is not of the Law, but of the promise. The Father has promised that He wants to forgive, that for Christ's sake He wants to be reconciled. This promise, however, is received through faith alone, as Paul testifies in Romans 4:13. This faith alone receives the forgiveness of sins, justifies, and regenerates. Then love and other good fruit follow. Therefore, we teach that a person is justified (as we have said above) when conscience, terrified by the preaching of repentance, is cheered and believes that for Christ's sake it has a reconciled God. "Faith is counted as righteousness [before God]" (Romans 4:3, 5).