THE VICTORY St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Newsletter March 2015 Spring Cleaning During the Season of Lent Lent, which comes from an Anglo-Saxon word for “spring,” can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out everything which hinders a relationship with Christ. A tradition which sprang out of Lent was placing ashes mixed with oil on one’s head or forehead. This day is known as Ash Wednesday. We must realize that any Lenten disciplines we demonstrate before God, however, don’t help us become closer to Christ, or gain us any spiritual favor. Only the gospel does that. It’s true that for Christians in the early centuries, this sacred season before Easter was usually a time of training for new disciples. Scripture teaches us, however, that whether someone is a new believer or a seasoned one, intense spiritual training is always in season. In 2 Timothy 2:20-22 Paul gives us an example of what living a sanctified life looks like: “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” This passage is part of Paul’s warning to Timothy about false teachers. In our culture’s bent toward what many call a “prosperity gospel,” (the claim that if we commit ourselves to God and live in a way that pleases Him, we will have little or no troubles in life) it is particularly important to heed Paul’s warning. How do we, then, best prepare for Lent? For spiritual preparation, it is important to hear sound, biblical teaching. How will we know the difference between sound doctrine and words spoken to make us “feel” better? By studying and knowing Scripture. Worship Service Sunday at 10 a.m. Sunday School Bible Class Sunday at 9 a.m. Service Broadcast * Sunday 8 a.m. Radio WKCQ 98.1 FM * Monday 7 p.m. Charter Cable TV Channel 191 Church Office Church office hours are: Monday—Friday, 10 a.m.—2p.m. Finally, the best way to prepare during the Lenten season as disciples of Christ is to hear and believe what our Savior has lovingly done to save us on Calvary. Office Phone: (989) 652-6201 Forever in His Service Pastor Jeffery J. Luplow: (989) 295-3240 Stan Szuber Happenings † If you know… of anyone who is ill, in the hospital, or desiring a pastoral visit, please notify Pastor Luplow or the church office. † Facebook.com/StJohnsFrankenmuth is a great site to find a biblically inspiring message to start your day. † Remember Friendship Sundays are the second Sunday of the month. Reach out to a neighbor or friend and invite them to church. March 8 is the next date for Friendship Sunday. † Christian Compassion Group is meeting the second Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m. If you have any questions regarding this group, please contact Stan Szuber or the church office. † Check out St. John’s selection of cards for Easter and all occasions. Cards are located in the gathering space of the church and in the Gift Shop/Library. Also note that St. John’s sweat shirts are available in the Gift Shop/ Library. 2015 Church Council Installation of the council was held Sunday, January 25. Below is a list of the current members. Please contact them or fill out a green card located in the pew for comments or concerns. President – Walt Koester Secretary – Herb Zeilinger Treasurer – Cliff Nauss Financial Secretary – Todd Jammer Christian Education – Stan Szuber Cemetery Committee Chairman – Chuck Nemec Elder Chairman – Dale Jammer Elders: Ed Bergman, Wil Swartz, Ryan Frahm, Larry Frahm, John Wojt, Ken Jammer, Jim Tackabury, Marv Hauck, Tim Brown, Dave Lawrence Trustee Chairman – Dale Warnemuende Trustees: Gary Bierlein, Cliff White, Dave Miller A special thank you to Tom Conzelmann for serving as Christian Education for the past six years. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 Easter Flowers Sunday, March 29th, is the deadline for signing up and payment for Easter flowers to enhance the church in memory of or in honor of loved ones. Below is a list with prices for the flowers that are available. Daffodils, Hyacinths, Tulips are $12.25 Easter Lilies are $15.25 Azalea’s are $25.25 A sign-up sheet is available on the kiosk. Please make checks payable to St. John’s Altar Guild. Did you Know?  St. John’s started a food pantry in 2014 to assist needy families in the community. A box for donated items is available outside the office on the pew.  St. John’s Archives has a 38 star American flag. The 38 star flag was flown from 1877 to 1890. Our church was established in 1879. That is the significance of this artifact. God’s Grace for our Salvation through His Son Jesus Christ is in action through St. John’s media ministry. I have been blessed to witness the impact St. John’s worship services through cable T.V. has had on others; and I feel it is worth sharing with you. I regularly visit two residents at a facility. One is a member of St. John’s and one is not. They have been in the practice of watching our church’s broadcast together on Monday evenings. (Charter Cable T.V. Channel 191 at 7 p.m. on Monday evenings) Both have shared with me how wonderful it is to hear the gospel and how much it strengthens their faith. The one who is not a member is always willing to seek out others who may be new to the facility or seem to look lonely. She invites these people to dine with her, go to activities, etc. She told me that she invited one of these women to watch our church broadcasts with her. Now these three women are all watching our church services together. They keep the door open so others may join them. They discuss how wonderful it is to hear the word of God, to see all the worshipers and hear the choir sing. They discuss all this at the dinner table where others are invited to dine with them. Who knows how many will start watching and be able to hear of God’s saving grace? I encourage each of you who are able to take a few minutes and go see a shut-in, stop by a nursing facility or group home and visit someone there. Invite them to watch our cable broadcast or listen on the radio. (WKCQ 98 FM at 8 a.m. on Sunday mornings) You just may be the next person to witness God’s saving grace shown to others through our media ministry here at St. John’s. Your sister in Christ, Joni Szuber Martin Luther Corner The Second Article I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead. What does this mean? I believe that Jesus Christ is true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the virgin Mary; and that He is my Lord, Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, purchased and won me from all sins, from death and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood, and with His innocent suffering and death; in order that I might be His own, live under Him in His kingdom, and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness; even as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true. Luther’s Catechism, The Small Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther, third printing, pg. 4, 5 Thoughts and Prayers I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for everyone~ for kings and all those in authority. I Timothy 2:1-2 The family and friends of Marion Reif, Oscar Ranke, Bob Rau, Frieda Kern, Herbert Beyerlein, Edward Schiefer, Henry Reinert, Jerry Nuechterlein, and George E. Day, who have fallen asleep in Jesus, have given memorials in their honor. May God’s comfort surround them and give them peace in knowing that their loved ones have found eternal peace. The following Memorials were made in their honor. Organ Fund—$2608 General Fund—$2257 Media Ministry—$510 Altar Guild—$350 Christian Compassion Group—$20 VIRUTAL WALK TO JERUSALEM Just a reminder that anyone can take the virtual walk to Jerusalem. Just let the office know how many miles. Twenty minutes of either spiritual or physical activity is one virtual mile! TENNIS Tennis is at St. John’s on every other Saturday in the gym. It begins at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come!!! If you have any questions, please speak to Stan Szuber or contact the church office. Holy Week Schedule 2015 Even secular historians consider Jesus’ resurrection from the dead to be of necessary and unique significance for the Christian faith. Our faith is dependent on this absolute truth, and that’s why that truth remains a part of every worship service at St. John’s. Paul says, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is our faith…you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:14ff). But Jesus has indeed been raised from death’s grave. Therefore, we can be confident of all His claims as our true Savior-God. March 29 – Palm Sunday Order of Service: Morning Praise (CW pg.45ff) – Choir: Palm Sunday Sermon Text: Mark 11:1-10. Theme: “The Lord Needs It” Hymns: 226, 370, 485 (3-4), 131, 133 April 2 – Maundy Thursday Order of Service: Special Service © - Choir: In an Upper Room Sermon Text: Mark 14:22-25. Theme: “Until I Drink It Anew In The Kingdom Of God” Hymns: 104, 129, 135, 119 April 3 – Good Friday Order of Service: Special Service – Choir: O Darkest Woe! & Jesu, Blessed Jesu Sermon Text: Luke 23:39-43. Theme: “Today You will Be With Me In Paradise” Hymns: 100, 125, 127, 105, 121 April 5 – Easter Order of Service: The Common Service © (CW pg.15ff) – Choir (see below) Sermon Text: John 16:16-22. Theme: “Your Grief Will Turn To Joy” Hymns: 143, 145, 162, 397, 157 Choir Anthems: Christ Is Risen! Raise Your Voices; Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands; He Is Risen; Crown Him With Many Crowns. There will be an Easter Brunch held between the 7am Easter Sunrise service and the 10 am service. www.stjohns-frankenmuth.org St. John's mission is to proclaim & teach to all ages God's law and loving gospel trusting the Holy Spirit's blessing on bringing people to repentance & faith in Jesus Christ for life and salvation; to administer God's means of grace, namely Baptism and the Lord's Supper, trusting the Holy Spirit's blessing on believers' growth in faith and holy living to God's glory. St. John’s updated website is up and running-what a wonderful site for visitors as well as our members. Let’s take a brief tour. The Home (www.stjohns-frankenmuth.org) page includes Church Information, Welcome and Quick Links, which includes: Current Calendar, Sermon Links, Daily Devotions (linked to ELS website), Current Newsletter and CCG (Christian Compassion Group). About Us you will find Our Beliefs, Our Heritage, Our Staff and ELS. Resources you will find: Sermons, Daily Devotions, Newsletter and CCG (Christian Compassion Group). At present the sermons are available to read, and in the near future to listen as well as view. Fellowship which includes: Ask the Pastor, Friendship Sunday, Adult Instructions and Sunday School. There is a link under Sunday School for JC Playzone which has many things for children to do– games, Parables, Daily Devotions, Bible Stories & Music, Coloring, Cards, Crafts & Recipes and Memory Verses. This is a good source for families with young children as well as when grandchildren are visiting. Calendar you will find the current church calendar. Bulletins are the current bulletin as well as past bulletins, also (present and past). Calendars and Newsletters Be sure to explore at the new site. If you have any questions or ideas for the website, please notify the church office. There is a wealth of information about our church for us to use as well as sharing it with others—those in college, away from home, military, shut –ins, friends and family. Share God’s News with others, this is a simple way to reach out to others and do some evangelism. Many thanks to all those who have and continue to work on the website to make this happen. So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. Galatians 3:26 John 16:22 Word Search Scramble Find the words listed below and unscramble to discover the verse. one know see grief time and you M A is again away will of with joy will take so now I you you your and but rejoice will R C H Resurrection Eggs Sweet the Moments, Rich in Blessings Sweet the Moments, Rich in Blessings, Which before the cross we spend, Life and health and peace possessing From the Sinner’s dying friend. 2 0 1 5 Here we rest in wonder, viewing All our sins on Jesus laid; Here we see redemption flowing From the sacrifice he made. Here we find the dawn of heaven While upon the cross we gaze, See our trespasses forgiven, And our songs of triumph raise. Oh, that, near the cross abiding, We may to the Savior cleave, Naught with him our hearts dividing, All for him content to leave. Lord, in loving contemplation Fix our hearts and eyes on you Till we taste your full salvation And your unveiled glory view. Christian Worship, page 111. Materials needed: Plastic eggs, a basket, story objects that can fit in the eggs - small cross, nails, a small sponge dipped in vinegar, coins, (Judas or the thief on the cross), black cloth (the temple curtain or dark day), a small grapevine wreath (crown of thorns), flowers (Easter), a small numeral 3 (three days), a small piece of evergreen (palm branch), a cracker (Last Supper), a stone, and any other objects you wish to use to tell the Easter story. Directions: Put the story object in the eggs. Be sure to leave one egg empty (the empty tomb). The number of eggs you use depend on the number of objects you choose from the list and also on the age of children in the family. The eggs can be numbered to the order of the Easter story. Place eggs in a basket and share the Easter story with family and friends.