St. John s Epistle. February 2019

Transcription

1 St. John s Epistle February 2019 A Newsletter of St. John s Lutheran Church LCMS 515 College Ave. W. Ladysmith, WI stjohnladysmith@centurylink.net

2 2 Ugliness Made Beautiful For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and was one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:2-3) We have a fascination with beauty. One of my favorite reporters when I was younger was Charles Kuralt. For all of you who don t know who Charles Kuralt was, he was a reporter for CBS. He anchored the Sunday morning news. His most famed show was On the Road where he reported about every day people. He traveled around America in a travel trailer looking for something to report on. Yet, today very few people remember his name or even remember what he looks like. Before Charles Kuralt died, he said that a guy like him starting out in journalism would have a hard time finding a job today. He said that possibly a job could be found in a small radio station, or newspaper, but it would be hard for them to be in a major market. When asked why, he said look at me. The whole point was Charles Kuralt was normal looking. He was bald headed. He was short and a little heavy which is something you don t see in major television markets. Today, most journalists in large markets, male or female, are what we would categories as a ten ; thus, the fascination of beauty in America. But God reverses the process. Isaiah describes the suffering servant as being physically ugly. Isaiah wrote, he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty

3 that we should desire him. (Isaiah 53:2) Jesus, the Son of God, our Savior, became a true man in Bethlehem. He was clothed in human flesh just like an everyday man. Although a king, He chose to serve by suffering. He was nailed to a cross, the most despised death available. From a human standpoint, Jesus birth, life, suffering, and death were ugly. It wasn t the kind of life, or death, that most people in America would ever want or wish for their loved one, or for anyone else. Yet, God saw beauty in this event. Isaiah wrote, He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace. (Isaiah 53:4) Notice how Isaiah points out that He was wounded for us. Jesus wasn t wounded for His own transgressions, but for ours. Jesus had no sin, but He loved all of us so much that He was willing to be wounded and crushed for us. He did it so that we could have forgiveness. What beauty! What love! We can only look to Jesus in amazement. He did what we couldn t do. In fact, He did what we don t desire to do. For that reason, we are so blessed that we have been chosen to be a part of the body of Christ. Jesus bought, purchased, and won us through His Holy precious blood and His perfect life. We who were once ugly with sin have now been made pure through the blood of the Lamb. Because of Jesus, we glory in His beauty. This is absolutely amazing and it is ours as a free gift from God! Amen. In His Service, Pastor Craig S Zandi 3

4 4 ASSISTING FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY Acolytes: Ushers Altar Guild: Kim Grabowski Finance: Joanne Phetteplace & Glen Hoople Fellowship: Sunday School & Preschool Teachers, VBS Staff, Christian Education Board Worship Assistants for February Sunday Services at 9AM Sunday, Feb 3 Elder: Mark Grabowski Greeters: Neal & Jan MacLachlan Ushers: Team 2: Gary Hahn, Glen Hoople, Dave Kmosena, Mike Kuchta, Jim Rodd Sunday, Feb 10 Caring & Sharing Elder: Sam Barg Greeters: Kim Grabowski & Dana Woebbeking Ushers: Team 3: Dennis Flater, Captain, Bob Hauser, Alden Hook, Bill Myers, Ray Tousey Sunday, Feb 17 LWML Mites In Gathering Elder: Ray Tousey Greeters: Jim Kuchta Ushers: Team 4: Sam Barg, Dave Werner, John Monnier, Chuck Perenchio, Gene Zillmer Sunday, Feb 24 Charity of the Month Elder: Randy Scott Greeters: Duane & Joanne Phetteplace Ushers: Team 5: Jim Kuchta, Captain, Gary Drohman, Don Josi, Dave Thompson, Russ Thompson

5 5 Birthday Tuesdays! The February birthday luncheon will be on Tuesday, February 12th, 11:30 a.m. at the Ladysmith Restaurant. All are welcome! Men s Breakfast and Study J&S Supper Club Thursdays, February 7th & 21st At 7:00 AM The Next Caring and Sharing Sunday is February 10th This is your opportunity to show you care for the hungry in our community by making a donation to the Hope Food Pantry or show your concern for the hungry children in our community by making a donation to the Back Pack Program.

6 6 Crafty Stitchers The hats, mittens, and scarves have been delivered to five area schools. There were approximately 22 hats, 28 pairs of mittens, 4 scarves, and 2 headbands, which were all hand made. There were also five Wisconsin Badger hats with gloves! Hats, mittens and WI Badger gear have already been worn by kiddos at the Ladysmith Elementary School! Thank you to all who donated to this mission! If you are interested, it might be nice to make some items for the tree next year. It s never too early to start! Members of our group would be happy to share patterns if you need. There is also a nice supply of yarn in the supply closet. We recently gave away two prayer shawls and one lap afghan. One shawl went to a gal who lost her mother, another to a gal who is dealing with some health issues and the lap afghan to a man who had knee replacement. Next meeting will be on February 16, at 10:00 a.m. Join us! Happy knitting and crocheting!

7 7 Preschool News The month of February will be a busy one for our Preschoolers! We will start the month off with learning about space. We will have units on Valentine's Day, President's Day, and author Laura Numeroff. This month, we will be doing a lot of cooking! Our Bible lessons will focus on the very beginning of Jesus' ministry on Earth. We will be learning about some of His miracles. As always, we are busy practicing colors and shapes. We have begun to write our names too! We are getting to be great writers! Thank you to our Bible Buddies for stopping in to see us! We enjoy your visits!

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9 9 What Luther says: In a sermon of November 3, 1537, on John 1:29, Luther says that this passage places man before an either or. Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved. Now choose what you want. According to law and justice, your sins should no doubt remain on you; but grace has cast them upon Christ, the Lamb. If God were minded to reason with us on other terms, we would be done for. (WLS p. 607) February 18, 2019, 4:30 pm LWML Bible Study entitled "Shh! Peace. Be Still" found on page 18 of the Lutheran Women's Quarterly, Winter After the meeting there will be a business meeting. All the women of St. John's are invited to attend the Bible Study, the meeting or both. If you would like a copy of the Bible Study see Paula Hook.

10 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 February Sub-sandwich Extravaganza 9:00AM Worship 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30 Sunday School 11:30AM Board of Elders 4 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 5 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 9:00AM Quilters 6:00PM BOCE/YM 6 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 6:30PM Confirmation 7:00PM Choir 7 7:00AM Men s Breakfast & Study 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 10:00AM Thrift Store Rice Lake St John s Volunteers serve meals at the Senior Center Meal Site the week of February 4th Caring & Sharing 8:15AM Finance Meeting 9:00AM Worship+ HC 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30 Sunday School 11 No Preschool 12 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 9:00AM Quilters 11:30AM Birthday luncheon 13 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 1:00PM Ladies Aid 7:00PM Choir 14 8:30-11:30AM Preschool :00-12:00PM Crafty Stitchers 17 LWML Mites Ingathering 8:45AM Pre-service Hymn Sing 9:00AM Worship 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30 Sunday School 18 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 4:30PM Ladies Bible Study 19 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 9:00AM Quilters 6:00PM Council NEWS LETTER ITEMS DUE TODAY! 20 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 1:00PM Rachel Circle 21 7:00AM Men s Breakfast & Study 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 10:00AM Thrift Store Rice Lake 1:00PM Deborah Circle Stewardship Charity of the Month- Care Net PRC 9:00AM Worship + HC 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30 Sunday School 25 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 26 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 9:00AM Quilters 27 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 6:30PM Confirmation 28 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 7:00PM Once a Month Bible Study

11 12 Once a Month Bible Study Join us for our once a month Bible Study on February 28th at (7:00PM). We will be watching a DVD Titled Big Questions-Biblical Answers Go from confusion to clarity with the help of God s Word. Using short, memorable acrostics, Brad helps viewers get answers to some of life s biggest questions: 1. Why study the Bible? 2. Does science confirm the Bible? 3. Does human life have value? 4. Why listen to the Bible about sex and marriage? 5. What is the purpose of life? 6. Why believe in a 6-day creation? 7. Does the age of the earth matter? 8. Did dinosaurs and humans live together? 9. What about the missing link? 10. From where did the different races come? Brad Alles is an education professor at Concordia University Wisconsin. Known for his ability to break down scripture so it s easily understood and applied, adding humor along the way, he is a frequent Bible study teacher at Milwaukee area churches. In addition, he is a featured speaker at state and national youth gatherings, as well as youth worker, teacher, and pastor conferences. His passion for God s Word comes through clearly in his teaching style.

12 Restoration Programs for Native Hawaiians Mission Grant 18 $75,000 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound... (Isaiah 61:1). Hawaii to most Americans is a vacation paradise with beautiful beaches, warm sunshine and carefree days. But to the native Kanaka people life has been full of pain and suffering since the island was colonized. Many were victimized in ways similar to the Native Americans of the mainland during the expansion of the west. Now, many social issues face this proud people. In recent years the homeless population has grown. Many of homeless are native Hawaiians who are hardworking people but can t afford the extremely high cost of living. So, even though they work two jobs, they struggle with poverty and the resulting problems of crime, violence and suicide. Lutheran Indian Ministries (LIM) is at work in Hawaii with the Kanaka people but they have found that the ministry works best if it is done by Kanaka people so a Kanaka to Kanaka program was started. One of the Kanaka men, Clarence, has completed two years of theological training. He is working with LIM to be a witness of God s love to his people, to train new leaders in the faith and to address the spiritual, social and emotional needs of his people. This grant will help pay for Clarence s theological training; set up a VBS/Teen Camp; provide materials for Bible studies and set up seminars about sexual abuse and leadership training. A former church building is available for these programs provided through this grant. Because of LIM and Clarence, a soon to be LCMS pastor, the Kanaka people will have someone they know and trust to bring the life-saving message of Jesus Christ to them and their families.0 Prayer - Gracious Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for Clarence and his desire to bring the Gospel to his people. We pray that he will be encouraged through this grant to step out in faith and show the love of Jesus to the homeless and desperately poor in his community. Help him to spread the Good News of Jesus birth, death and resurrection for the salvation of all people. Send Your Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of all who hear his words that they may come to faith in You. We pray for this grant that it may be a tool to bring new believers to the family of Christ. In Jesus Holy name we pray. Amen. 13

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14 15 Rada Knives If you are interested in purchasing Rada Knives, please contact Lorraine Flohr at All proceeds go to the St. John's Ladies Aid. Orders are processed quickly! They make great Christmas and wedding gifts. Dish Cloths If you are interested in purchasing Dish Cloths, please contact one of the Ladies Aid. All proceeds go to the St. John's Ladies Aid. They are on hand! Please, leave only aluminum cans! We cannot take aluminum foil, plates, etc.; aluminum cans only! Thanks for your assistance. ONGOING COLLECTIONS Aluminum cans for Preschool Canceled Stamps (LWML) Paper for recycling Greeting cards Milk Moola TM caps and bag tops until March 15, 2019 Used eye glasses RECYCLING PAPER We have an ongoing paper recycling project for the congregation with help from the Deborah Circle. Items to be recycled: Stationery, envelopes, mail, notebook paper - no newspaper material! Bundle or bag magazines. Paperback books are also recyclable. Keep magazines separate from the other paper items. Thank you for helping!

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16 Please note: March 15, 2019, is the last day we can take in Milk Moola caps. They are ending the program. Thanks for all you have done for the preschool! 17

17 18 STEWARDSHIP A godly attitude in using our time, talents, and treasures for Christ and His Kingdom. February Charity of the Month On February 24th, our charity will be Care Net PRC. Please use the designated envelope from your packs and mark on them the charity for that month. Only monies that are specifically designated will go to that charity. If you have any questions about the Charity of the Month, please speak with a member of the Stewardship Board. Members are: Debbie Flatter, Bonnie Plockelman, Diane Rodd, Marie Perenchio, Lois Hoople, Donna Howard ITEMS FOR BULLETINS are due on Tuesday by close of day each week (unless indicated otherwise in bulletins due to holidays). Newsletter items are due in the office no later than close of day on the Tuesday preceding the last Sunday of the month. E mail to: stjohnladysmith@centurylink.net (preferred method). Don t forget that LARGE PRINT bulletins and newsletters are available for those who need them. Contact the office to get your name on the list!

18 19 5 Tyler Holman 6 Denise Webster 8 Stu Pask 9 Lynnea Holman, Jackson Rodd 10 Larry Zehner 11 Ken VanTreese 13 Susan Monnier 15 Miles Witt, Joe Zandi 16 John S Kmosena 18 Ruth Justus, Diane Rodd, Brandon Rosolowski 20 Michelle Morgan 22 Rochelle Boss, Carolyn Droege 23 Andrea Balko 24 Kathryn Flohr 25 Kelsey Wilson 28 Heidi Hartmann 5 Joe & Elena Zandi 8 Judith & James Bishop

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