Thursday, September 29, 2022

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 SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

October 2, 2022

 

O God, our refuge and strength, the author of all godliness, by Your grace hear the prayers of Your Church. Grant that those things which we ask in faith we may receive through Your bountiful mercy; 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 2, 2022

   8:30 am     Sunday School/Adult Class

   9:30 am     Divine Service  

         

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

     10:00 am   Morning Prayer

 

  Wednesday, October 5, 2022

      6:00 pm    Wednesday Catechesis                                    

  Sunday, October 9, 2022

      8:30 am     Sunday School/Adult Class

    9:30 am     Divine Service   

   10:00 am    Council Meeting

    

 THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR  

    

   October 7, 2022

    Commemoration of Henry Melchior 

          Muhlenberg, Pastor

 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna 

Elder:  Jerry Koestler

Asst. Usher:  Roger Evans

Acolytes:  Kenna Hatten and Taylor Parsons

Greeters Today:  Darrel and Mary Schmidt

Greeters Next Week: Jerry and Betty Koestler

 

Adult Bible Study - During Bible study, we are asking volunteers to share one or several devotions from their favorite devotional resources.  Pastor Cowell will have several devotion books available as well if you would like to read from them.  Sign up for a Sunday in the back of church, and contact Pastor Cowell with questions. 

 

Pastoral Call Process Update 

-The Partnership Associate pastor call committee has received a list of pastoral candidates who were nominated for our consideration by members of our congregations and by President Turner.  

 

-The committee is now in the process of reviewing the candidates’ information and availability for a call and selecting several to interview to get a better idea if they would be the right pastor for our congregations. 

 

-The self-evaluation documents of each of these eight pastors in which they describe their ministry style as well as their preferences regarding various church practices and traditions are available in the church office.  You are welcome to read these documents for yourself in the church office Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 am-12:00 pm, or by special appointment. **These documents cannot be copied or leave the church office.

 

4th Quarter Council Meeting will be held Sunday, October 9, 2022 following the church service.  The Voter’s Meeting will be Sunday, October 16, 2022.

 

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

 

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.

 

St. John’s Help Wanted List - Check the back table the next few weeks to see a number of one-time, short-term, and recurring tasks related to human care, evangelism, and mercy that Pastor Cowell needs your help with.  These are all tasks which would benefit our congregation and our community, and which our members are well equipped to lead on behalf of St. John’s. Take a look and see if you would be able to help out with any of these special projects, and talk to Pastor Cowell if you have any suggestions of your own!

 

A Sunday School Teacher is needed beginning this fall for the 3-5th grade class.  If you are interested in serving on a regular or occasional basis, please talk with Karla Schutter. 

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity Bible Study - You are invited to Bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Life Center conference room.

 

TLC Quilts Available - Don’t forget about the TLC Quilter’s “giving pew” by the east doors of St. John’s.  Feel free to take and give away as many quilts and bears as you’d like!  

 

Young Adult Bible Study - You are invited to attend a young adult (post-high school) Bible study opportunity hosted in our circuit.  The Bible study is every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in the old parsonage next to Zion Lutheran Church in LuVerne.  Contact Pastor Steve Struecker at 515-320-2014 with questions. 

 

Fall Volunteer Weekend - October 7 - 9th  at Camp Okoboji is just a month away.  Save the date and make plans to come and share your time and talents to help us wrap up summer and prepare for winter!!  Room and board will be provided for volunteers.  For room and board accommodations, please call the office at (712) 337-3325!!

 

Trinity Quilting Convocation - The Trinity TLC Quilters invite you to our first ever Quilting Convocation on Saturday, November 12th. This is a day of fellowship with fellow Christian quilters, observing new quilting techniques, participating in hands-on demonstrations, and learning more about operating a Christian quilting organization.  Information and registration forms are on the table in the back. Registration is due October 17th.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Life Chain Sunday - Kossuth County Right to Life invites you to join them in prayer and support for God's gift of life by participating in National Life Chain Sunday on October 2nd.  The group will meet in the front parking lot of Louscher's Dental Clinic at 1:30 p.m. on October 2nd and will stand along Highway 169 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.  Contact Jim Lauer at 515-782-3749 with questions. 

 

Truck 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: Monday, October 31 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. If you would like to host a trunk or volunteer in any way, please text or call Hannah Cowell at 712-294-4962.

 

Our Savior Lutheran Little Lambs Preschool Soup Dinner will be held on Sunday, October 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Swea City Fire Station. Serving Chili/Chicken Noodle Soup, grilled cheese, sandwiches and cake/bars. Free Will Donation.          

 

In Concert - The Lone Rock Presbyterian Church will be hosting the fabulous “Blackwood Quartet” tonight at 7:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome!   

 

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 22)

Old Testament: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

Habakkuk cries to the Lord for help. The Lord replies that a vision is coming at its appointed time. 

 

Epistle: 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Paul tells Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God which is in him through the laying on of Paul’s hands, and to guard the good deposit entrusted to him. 

 

Gospel: Luke 17:1-10

Jesus teaches about temptation, forgiveness, faith, and service to God. 


FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

[Commenting on 1 Ti. 1:12 - “By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”]: “What is ‘that which has been entrusted to me’? The faith, the preaching of the gospel. God, who committed this to us, will preserve it unimpaired. I suffer everything, that I may not be despoiled of this treasure. I am not ashamed of these things, so long as the faith is preserved unijured. Or by ‘that which is entrusted to me’ he may be referring to the faithful people who God has committed to him.” - John Chrysostom, Homilies on 2 Timothy 2. Qtd. in ACCS: Colossians-Philemon, p. 236. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

 

Apology of the Augsburg Confession, Article XII: Repentance, paragraphs 46-48

When Paul describes conversion or renewal, he almost everywhere designates these two parts, making dead and making alive, as in Colossians 2:11, "In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands," namely, "by putting off the body of the flesh." And afterward, "in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God" (2:12). Here are the two parts. One is putting off the body of sins, the other is the rising again through faith. Neither should these terms "making dead," "making alive," "putting off the body of sins," "rising again" be understood in a Platonic way, about a fake change. Rather, "making dead" means true terrors, such as those of the dying, which nature could not sustain unless it were supported by faith. Paul calls that "the putting off the body of sins," which we ordinarily call contrition. In these griefs the natural, lustful desire is purged away. The "making alive" should not be understood as a Platonic fancy, but as comfort that truly sustains life that flickers in contrition. There are two parts: contrition and faith. For conscience cannot be quieted except through faith. Therefore, faith alone makes alive, according to this declaration: "The righteous shall live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17). Faith reverses [contrition] and gives peace and life to the heart. 

 

 

 

 

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Burt, IA.

Phone: 515-924-3344

Email:  churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

 

 

Thursday, September 22, 2022

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 SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

September 25, 2022

 

God, You are the strength of all who trust in You, and without Your aid we can do no good thing. Grant us the help of Your grace that we may please You in both will and deed; 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,  September 25, 2022

   8:30 am     Sunday School/Adult Class

   9:30 am     Divine Service  

   4:00 pm    Baptism of Magdalena Jo Cowell

   

Monday, September 26, 2022

   6:00 p.m.   Partnership Call Committee Meeting

 

 Tuesday, September 27, 2022

   10:00 am   Morning Prayer

 

 Wednesday, September 28, 2022

    6:30 pm      Wednesday Catechesis (at the theater)          

   Sunday, October 2, 2022

    8:30 am    Sunday School/Adult Class

    9:30 am     Divine Service   

    

 THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR  

    September 29, 2022

      Feast of St. Michael and All Angels 

 

  September 30, 2022

    Commemoration of Jerome, 

        Translator of Holy Scripture

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna 

Elder:  Tony Hatten

Acolytes:  Ryder and Taylor Parsons

 

Adult Bible Study - During Bible study, we are asking volunteers to share one or several devotions from their favorite devotional resources.  Pastor Cowell will have several devotion books available as well if you would like to read from them.  Sign up for a Sunday in the back of church, and contact Pastor Cowell with questions. 

 

Pastoral Call Process Update 

-The Partnership Associate pastor call committee has received a list of pastoral candidates who were nominated for our consideration by members of our congregations and by President Turner.  

-The committee is now in the process of reviewing the candidates’ information and availability for a call and selecting several to interview to get a better idea if they would be the right pastor for our congregations. 

-These self-evaluation documents of each of these eight pastors in which they describe their ministry style as well as their preferences regarding various church practices and traditions are available in the church office.  You are welcome to read these documents for yourself in the church office Tuesday-Thursday 8:00 am-12:00 pm, or by special appointment. **These documents cannot be copied or leave the church office.

 

Parish Messenger for the September/October edition is on the table in the back of the church.

 

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

 

4th Quarter Council Meeting will be held Sunday, October 9, 2022 following the church service.  The Voter’s Meeting will be Sunday, October 16, 2022.

 

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.

 

A Sunday School Teacher is needed beginning this fall for the 3-5th grade class.  If you are interested in serving on a regular or occasional basis, please talk with Karla Schutter. 

 

St. John’s Help Wanted List - Check the back table the next few weeks to see a number of one-time, short-term, and recurring tasks related to human care, evangelism, and mercy that Pastor Cowell needs your help with.  These are all tasks which would benefit our congregation and our community, and which our members are well equipped to lead on behalf of St. John’s. Take a look and see if you would be able to help out with any of these special projects, and talk to Pastor Cowell if you have any suggestions of your own!

 

The Baptism of Magdalena Jo Cowell will take place this Sunday, September 25 at 4:00 p.m. at St. John’s. The congregation is invited to attend and to stay for supper. 

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity Bible Study - You are invited to Bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Life Center conference room.

 

TLC Quilts Available - Don’t forget about the TLC Quilter’s “giving pew” by the east doors of St. John’s.  Feel free to take and give away as many quilts and bears as you’d like!  

 

TLC Quilters need flat sheets (any size and color). Thanks sew much for helping us help others in need!

 

Young Adult Bible Study - You are invited to attend a young adult (post-high school) Bible study opportunity hosted in our circuit.  The Bible study is every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in the old parsonage next to Zion Lutheran Church in LuVerne.  Contact Pastor Steve Struecker at 515-320-2014 with questions. 

 

Fall Volunteer Weekend - October 7 - 9th  at Camp Okoboji is just a month away.  Save the date and make plans to come and share your time and talents to help us wrap up summer and prepare for winter!!  Room and board will be provided for volunteers.  For room and board accommodations, please call the office at (712) 337-3325!!

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Life Chain Sunday - Kossuth County Right to Life invites you to join them in prayer and support for God's gift of life by participating in National Life Chain Sunday on October 2nd.  The group will meet in the front parking lot of Louscher's Dental Clinic at 1:30 p.m. on October 2nd and will stand along Highway 169 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.  Contact Jim Lauer at 515-782-3749 with questions. 

Burt Woman’s Club Fall Decorating Contest!  Sign up now to decorate one of the flowerpots along Walnut Street. Judging will be the last week in October. Let Kelly at City Hall know which pot you want to decorate. Join the fun and help decorate Burt for fall!

Our Savior Lutheran Little Lambs Preschool Soup Dinner will be held on Sunday, October 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Swea City Fire Station. Serving Chili/Chicken Noodle Soup, grilled cheese, sandwiches and cake/bars. Free Will Donation.

In Concert - The Lone Rock Presbyterian Church will be hosting the fabulous “Blackwood Quartet” on October 2, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome!   ** More information on the quartet is posted on the ramp bulletin board.

 

 

 

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Burt, IA.

Phone: 515-924-3344

Email:  churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

 

 

Thursday, September 15, 2022

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 FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

September 18, 2022

 

O Lord, keep Your Church in Your perpetual mercy; and because without You we cannot but fall, preserve us from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; 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,  September 18, 2022

   8:30 am     Sunday School/Adult Class

   9:30 am     Divine Service  

   1:00 pm     Highway Clean-Up

 

 Tuesday, September 20, 2022

     10:00 am   Morning Prayer

 

    Wednesday, September 21, 2022

      6:00 pm      Wednesday Catechesis    

 

    Thursday, September 22, 2022

      3:00 pm    Titonka Care Center

Sunday, September 25, 2022

      8:30 am    Sunday School/Adult Class

    9:30 am     Divine Service   

    

 THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR  

  

  September 21, 2022

    Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist 

 

  September 22, 2022

    Commemoration of Jonah

 

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna 

Elder:  Tony Hatten

Acolytes:  Ryder and Taylor Parsons

Greeters Today:  Jesse and Kelly Fitzgerald, Alex & Reyna

Greeters Next Week: Vern and Joan Koestler

 

Adult Bible Study - During Bible study, we are asking volunteers to share one or several devotions from their favorite devotional resources.  Pastor Cowell will have several devotion books available as well if you would like to read from them.  Sign up for a Sunday in the back of church, and contact Pastor Cowell with questions. 

 

Parish Messenger for the September/October edition is on the table in the back of the church.

 

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

 

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.

 

A Sunday School Teacher is needed beginning this fall for the 3-5th grade class.  If you are interested in serving on a regular or occasional basis, please talk with Karla Schutter. 

 

St. John’s Help Wanted List - Check the back table the next few weeks to see a number of one-time, short-term, and recurring tasks related to human care, evangelism, and mercy that Pastor Cowell needs your help with.  These are all tasks which would benefit our congregation and our community, and which our members are well equipped to lead on behalf of St. John’s. Take a look and see if you would be able to help out with any of these special projects, and talk to Pastor Cowell if you have any suggestions of your own!

 

SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity Bible Study - You are invited to Bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Life Center conference room.

 

TLC Quilts Available - Don’t forget about the TLC Quilter’s “giving pew” by the east doors of St. John’s.  Feel free to take and give away as many quilts and bears as you’d like!  

 

TLC Quilters need flat sheets (any size and color). Thanks sew much for helping us help others in need!

 

Young Adult Bible Study - You are invited to attend a young adult (post-high school) Bible study opportunity hosted in our circuit.  The Bible study is every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in the old parsonage next to Zion Lutheran Church in LuVerne.  Contact Pastor Steve Struecker at 515-320-2014 with questions. 

Highway Clean-Up of our Partnership’s adopted portion of highway 169 just south of Burt will take place today at 1 p.m.  For more details contact Lynn or Kitty Bierstedt.

 

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). This Biblical instruction isn’t written just for young people! No matter your age, take time this week to do something that will make your body stronger or healthier. Fix a healthy snack, 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 wellbeing, including the importance of faith, and spiritual wellness. Honor God with your body, no matter how many years it’s been around! Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org.

Fall Volunteer Weekend - October 7 - 9th  at Camp Okoboji is just a month away.  Save the date and make plans to come and share your time and talents to help us wrap up summer and prepare for winter!!  Room and board will be provided for volunteers.  Volunteer Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for a congregation retreat or youth group retreat and growing church community and relationships.  For room and board accommodations, please call the office at (712) 337-3325!!

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

Life Chain Sunday - Kossuth County Right to Life invites you to join them in prayer and support for God's gift of life by participating in National Life Chain Sunday on October 2nd.  The group will meet in the front parking lot of Louscher's Dental Clinic at 1:30 p.m. on October 2nd and will stand along Highway 169 from 2:00-3:00 p.m.  Contact Jim Lauer at 515-782-3749 with questions. 

Burt Woman’s Club Fall Decorating Contest!  Sign up now to decorate one of the flowerpots along Walnut Street. Judging will be the last week in October. Let Kelly at City Hall know which pot you want to decorate. Join the fun and help decorate Burt for fall!

In Concert - The Lone Rock Presbyterian Church will be hosting the fabulous “Blackwood Quartet” on October 2, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome!   ** More information on the group is posted on the ramp bulletin board.

Lasagna Dinner - The Good Hope Lutheran Women of Titonka will be hosting a Lasagna Dinner on Sunday, September 25, from 11:30 am - 1:00 p.m. at the church.  Free will offering. Proceeds will be used for Titonka Care Center’s new cafeteria tables.

 

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 20)

Old Testament: Amos 8:4-7

 

Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1-15

 

Gospel: Luke 16:1-15

Jesus tells the parable of the shrewd manager. 

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

Small Catechism, Preface, paragraphs 6, 13, 17-18

I beg you all for God's sake, my dear sirs and brethren, who are pastors or preachers, to devote yourselves heartily to your office. Have pity on the people who are entrusted to you and help us teach the catechism to the people, and especially to the young. And let those of you who cannot do better take these tables and forms and impress them, word for word, on the people. […]

     Although we cannot and should not force anyone to believe, we should insist and encourage the people. That way they will know what is right and wrong for those among whom they dwell and wish to make their living. For whoever desires to live in a town must know and observe the town laws, because he wishes to enjoy the protection offered by the laws. […]

     After they have learned the text well, teach them the meaning also, so that they know what it means. In particular, urge the commandment or part that most suffers the greatest neglect among your people. For example, the Seventh Commandment, about stealing, must be strongly urged among mechanics and merchants, and even farmers and servants. For among these people many kinds of dishonesty and stealing prevail. You must always offer many examples from the Scriptures to show how God has punished or blessed such persons. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Burt, IA.

Phone: 515-924-3344

Email:  churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org

 

 

Thursday, September 08, 2022

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 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

September 11, 2022

 

Lord Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd, without whom nothing is secure. Rescue and preserve us that we may not be lost forever but follow You, rejoicing in the way that leads to eternal life; 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,  September 11, 2022

   8:30 am    Sunday School/Adult Class

   9:30 am    Divine Service  

    

 Tuesday, September 13, 2022

    10:00 am    Morning Prayer

 

   Wednesday, September 14, 2022

     6:00 pm    NO Wednesday Catechesis 

         

   Friday, September 16, 2022

     3:00 pm      Highway Clean-Up

Sunday, September 18, 2022

      8:30 am    Sunday School/Adult Class

    9:30 am     Divine Service   

    1:00 pm     Highway Clean-up

 

 THIS WEEK IN THE CHURCH YEAR  

  

  September 14, 2022

    Feast of the Holy Cross 

 

  September 16, 2022

    Commemoration of Cyprian of 

        Carthage, Pastor and Martyr

 

ST. JOHN’S NEWS

 

Organist Today:  Marcia Hanna  ~  Elder:  Tony Hatten

Acolytes:  Taylor Parsons and Kenna Hatten

Greeters Today:  Kenna Hatten & Taylor Parsons

Greeters Next Week:  Jesse and Kelly Fitzgerald, Alex & Reyna

 

Adult Bible Study - During Bible study, we are asking volunteers to share one or several devotions from their favorite devotional resources.  Pastor Cowell will have several devotion books available as well if you would like to read from them.  Sign up for a Sunday in the back of church, and contact Pastor Cowell with questions. 

 

Parish Messenger for the September/October edition is on the table in the back of the church.

 

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.

 

A Sunday School teacher is needed beginning this fall for the 3-5th grade class.  If you are interested in serving on a regular or occasional basis, please talk with Karla Schutter. 

 

St. John’s Help Wanted List - Check the back table the next few weeks to see a number of one-time, short-term, and recurring tasks related to human care, evangelism, and mercy that Pastor Cowell needs your help with.  These are all tasks which would benefit our congregation and our community, and which our members are well equipped to lead on behalf of St. John’s. Take a look and see if you would be able to help out with any of these special projects, and talk to Pastor Cowell if you have any suggestions of your own!



SYNOD, DISTRICT & PARTNERSHIP NEWS

 

Trinity Bible Study - You are invited to Bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the Life Center conference room.

 

TLC Quilts Available - Don’t forget about the TLC Quilter’s “giving pew” by the east doors of St. John’s.  Feel free to take and give away as many quilts and bears as you’d like!  

 

TLC Quilters need flat sheets (any size and color). Thanks sew much for helping us help others in need!

 

Young Adult Bible Study - You are invited to attend a young adult (post-high school) Bible study opportunity hosted in our circuit.  The Bible study is every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in the old parsonage next to Zion Lutheran Church in LuVerne.  Contact Pastor Steve Struecker at 515-320-2014 with questions. 

 

Highway Clean-Up of our Partnership’s adopted portion of highway 169 just south of Burt will take place on two dates: Friday, September 16 at 3 p.m. and Sunday, September 18 at 1 p.m.  For more details contact Lynn or Kitty Bierstedt.

 

Building Healthy Families - In our world of 24/7 news cycles, on every hour of any given day we hear bad news and know we can do nothing about most of it. It’s overwhelming. As a result, a lot more people are experiencing anxiety. Here are three things you can do this week that will make a difference: 1) give someone the gift of your time. Visit someone who is lonely or afraid. Listen to their concerns and share encouraging words; 2) remind them (and yourself) that God is still on His throne, and Jesus is still seated at His right-hand, aware of all that is happening and actively involved in daily events; and finally, 3) take a “news” vacation by turning off the TV for a week. The world will go on and you’ll feel much better! Lutheran Family Service - www.LutheranFamilyService.org.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

Burt Woman’s Club Fall Decorating Contest!  Sign up now to decorate one of the flowerpots along Walnut Street. Judging will be the last week in October. Let Kelly at city hall know which pot you want to decorate. Join the fun and help decorate Burt for fall!

 

 

LECTIONARY SUMMARY (Proper 19)

Old Testament: Ezekiel 34:11-24

The Lord will search for His sheep and seek them out. 

 

Epistle: 1 Timothy 1:5-17

Paul proclaims, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”

 

Gospel: Luke 15:1-10

Jesus tells the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. 

 

FROM THE CHURCH FATHERS

“There is a breadth of patience in our Lord’s parables, the patience of the shepherd that makes him seek and find the straying sheep. Impatience would readily take no account of a single sheep, but patience undertakes the wearisome search. He carries it on his shoulders as a patient bearer of a forsaken sinner.” - Tertullian, On Patience, Qtd. in ACCS: Luke, p. 244.  

 

FROM THE BOOK OF CONCORD

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

The term repentance is not used in the Holy Scriptures in one and the same sense. In some passages of Holy Scripture it is used and taken to mean a person's entire conversion. For example, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:5). And, "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:7). But in Mark 1:15 and elsewhere, when repentance and faith in Christ (Acts 20:21), or repentance and forgiveness of sins (Luke 24:46-47), are mentioned as distinct, to repent means nothing other than to truly acknowledge sins, to be heartily sorry for them, and to stop doing them. This knowledge comes from the Law. It is not enough for saving conversion to God if faith in Christ is not added. The comforting preaching of the Holy Gospel offers His merits to all penitent sinners who are terrified by the preaching of the Law. The Gospel proclaims the forgiveness of sins, not to coarse and self-secure hearts, but to the bruised or penitent. The preaching of the Gospel must be added so that the repentance may lead to salvation and not to the Law's contrition or terrors.

     Merely preaching the Law, without Christ, either makes proud people, who imagine that they can fulfill the Law by outward works, or forces them utterly to despair. Therefore, Christ reveals His wrath from heaven on all sinners and shows how great it is. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. John’s Lutheran Church – Burt, IA.

Phone: 515-924-3344

Email:  churchoffice@stjohnsburt.org