Happy New Year! As we worship God together, let us pray for a fruitful year of ministry to the glory of his name. Preacher/Liturgist: Rev. Peter Heckert Elder: Steve Schamber Organist: Linda Kyrouac Ushers: Sat.-Dick & Cathy Collison; Sun. 8:00-Brett & Kathy Cowans, Jacob Griffin, Todd Meyer; Sun. 10:30-Tom & Kristy McCain, Clark & Edith Grady SERVING IN OUR WORSHIP THIS WEEK Week of January 7, 2018 Greeters: Sat.-Ed & Rosie Swanson; Sun. 8:00- Ken & Pam Walschlager; Sun. 10:30-Carol Salts Acolytes: Sun. 8:00-Laura Owens, Robert Owens, Liana Douglas, William Crum; Sun. 10:30-Phillip VanLaere, Keaton Brooks, Matthew Minjarez, Isaiah Grady One week into the new year, Lord, we thank you for walking with us through all time and eternity. PLEASE PRAY FOR: Katherine Bickett, Kathy Bishop, Caren Bunch, Chris Gillespie, Justin Hecht, Janet Hession, Donna Hoover, Jessica Hughes, Larry Melady, Scott Meyer, Rosie Skiles, Lucy Smith, Millie von Stein, and John Widau. ALTAR FLOWERS If you would like to sponsor flowers to commemorate a special day in your life, please sign up on the flower chart in the church office. We are currently seeking sponsors for all weekends in 2018. The cost of sponsorship is $30 per bouquet. NURSERY Have a little one crying or needing a diaper changed? We want you to know that the nursery/cry room is always open for your use during worship services. There is a television in the room so that you won t miss out on anything happening in the sanctuary. The nursery/cry room is P204 (yellow classroom). SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES (9:15-10:15 A.M.) LUTHERANISM 101 led by Pastor Heckert in the fellowship hall (Room F202). This adult information (new member) class will introduce you to Christian doctrine as revealed by God through Scripture. Pastor will explain the essentials of our faith: what the Church believes and what it means to live in Christ. If you would like to brush up on your fundamentals of the faith and meet some potential new members, we would love to have you join us! A DEEPER LOOK moderated by Grace Gillespie in Room P202 (green classroom). This group discusses the Bible lessons (pericopes) which are read in church each Sunday. You are invited every Sunday, but will not be lost if you miss a Sunday. This is a casual class with lots of interaction. We pray for each other and care for each other. Join us today and every Sunday.
SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:15-10:15 A.M.) The following grades will start in the sanctuary for the opening of Sunday school, go to their individual rooms (listed below), and then will end up in the cafeteria for pickup: Pre-K - Kindergarten: P205 (orange classroom) 1st - 2nd Grade: P101 (kindergarten classroom) 3rd - 4th Grade: P104 (2nd grade classroom) 5th - 6th Grade: P112 (library) The following grades will not attend the opening in the sanctuary, but will just meet in their rooms: Preschool 2s & 3s: P204 (yellow classroom) 7th - 8th Grade: F109 (church office work room) High school: F104 (church office conference room) If you have questions, contact Rebecca Rowan at rowanrm@gmail.com or (423) 322-7326. WEEKDAY BIBLE STUDIES COFFEE CLUB led by Pastor French on Thursdays 7:00-7:45 a.m. in the conference room. THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY led by Pastor Heckert on Thursdays 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the conference room. Join Pastor for riveting discussion of biblical text, real-life implications, and the occasional humorous anecdote! We ll see you there! MEN S BIBLE BREAKFAST led by Pastor Barton on Fridays 6:00-7:00 a.m. at the Downtowner Restaurant. You can come for coffee or breakfast at 6:00 a.m. or just for the Bible study on the Scripture lessons for the coming Sunday which begins about 6:25 a.m. TV & RADIO MINISTRIES LUTHERAN PUBLIC RADIO: Music of the Church anytime at www.lutheranpublicradio.org. WORSHIP ANEW: Same Program - New Name! Worship for Shut-Ins has changed its name to Worship Anew. While the name of the weekly broadcast is changing, the ministry s mission will stay the same. There are no plans to change the core audience (aging and later in life), program format, pastors, or the ministry focus. The intent is to continue to share Christ s love. Worship Anew is aired each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WHMB-TV40. Visit www.worshipanew.org for more information about this exciting news! ISSUES, ETC.: Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. You can listen to what you want, when you want at www.issuesetc.org. THE LUTHERAN HOUR: It s nice to have someone know and understand you. The Lutheran Hour asks, How do you feel about Jesus knowing you? (John 1:48-51. In next week s broadcast on January 14, Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus speaks on the topic, How Well Does Jesus Know Me? The Lutheran Hour is heard every week in our listening area at 7:00 a.m. on station 720 AM, at 7:30 a.m. on 97.3 FM, at 9:04 a.m. on 107.7 FM, or at 10:00 a.m. on 97.3 FM. LUTHERAN RADIO STATION - KFUO: Listen to Worldwide KFUO.org, your radio station for practical Lutheran talk, daily Bible and Confession studies, current issues from a Lutheran worldview,
and daily worship opportunities. All programs are archived at KFUO.org for 24/7 on-demand listening. You can also find our programming wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question or comment? Find us at @KFUOradio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Call (800) 730-2727 or e-mail letstalk@kfuo.org to join the conversation on Let s Talk! GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS LIFE THOUGHTS IN THE CHURCH YEAR: Life Thoughts are designed to help pastors and congregations see the church year through the lens of the sanctity of human life; they are based on the appointed readings from Lutheran Service Book. January 7 John s baptism convicted every human being all the country of Judea (Mark 1:5). No physical incapacities excused anyone. Jesus s baptism consecrates every human being. God, in giving His Son, identifies with us at our weakest and embraces us at our worst. Even when we don t resemble anything our Maker intended, He doesn t call us unwanted or better off dead. Instead He declares, You are my beloved [child]; with you I am well pleased (Mark 1:11). In this newness of life (Romans 6:4), Christians can also welcome the least among us. Lord, construct Your kingdom of little ones like us. Amen. PORTALS OF PRAYER: The winter quarter edition is now available in the tract racks for you and those you might know. Take a few home and give them to relatives and friends, coworkers and teammates. These devotions are short and very easy reading. It is a great way to start or end each day. PARENTS OF 8TH GRADE CONFIRMATION STUDENTS: Join elder Jeff Wetzel on Sunday, January 7 for a meeting in the cafeteria at 9:15 a.m. to go over dates, times, and a few responsibilities concerning your child s quickly approaching examination and confirmation. HAPPY NEW YEAR, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS: The next High School Youth Get-Together is scheduled for Sunday, January 7 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. This year, we will cover topics of defending our faith. In order to prepare us for interactions with others, we will first talk about understanding ourselves. Our discussion will center on our Lord Jesus Christ and us. As members of Adam s sinful fallen race, we all need the same forgiveness through the blood of Christ. We should receive great comfort from the fact that the story of our salvation is the same as all the Redeemed. There is no room for any good works of ours in God s magnificent plan of salvation. The amazing thing about this plan is that Jesus Christ reaches out to us individually. His methods with us are as unique as our human spirit, given to us by God (Zechariah 12:1). When we look at the Gospels, we appreciate the individuality of His dealings with people. The same is true for us. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy (Psalm 107:2). During our gathering time, we will play a theme-related game. We will also make ourselves wrap sandwiches with our choices of ingredients in order to celebrate our uniqueness in the body of Christ. Please either bring your Bible or use a Bible available in the fellowship hall. CAN YOU HELP? The Altar Guild is asking for volunteers who can help take down the Christmas decorations in the church. We will be meeting in the sanctuary on Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 4:30 p.m. Please come and help if you can. NEW ADULT BIBLE STUDY COMING SOON: When s the last time you stepped up to the counter and ordered one medium-size Jesus, extra generous, and heavy on the bling? Or maybe you like your
Jesus supersized! No? Perhaps you prefer yours extra small, and hold the onion please. Here s the same question: When s the last time you took a hammer and a chisel to the Jesus of the Bible and formed Him into your own personal Jesus? Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?: 12 False Christs by Matthew Richard not only reminds us who the real Jesus of the Bible is, but it also reveals to us twelve false christs who are embraced, loved, promoted, and revered even by well-meaning Christians. The study of this book will begin in the cafeteria on Sunday, January 14, but to participate you will need a copy of the book in order to read a chapter each week before class. If this topic sounds interesting to you, please sign up at the Welcome Center counter. There is an e-book version available through Concordia Publishing House for $9.99. If you are interested in purchasing a paperback copy (for no more than $14.99), please allow the church to order it for you -- we may qualify for a bulk discount. COMING SOON - NEW LADIES LIFELIGHT BIBLE STUDIES: Ruth on Mondays (starting January 15) from 7 to 9 p.m. in the conference room. Yahweh has so much to say through Ruth. It isn t about you and me. It isn t about how to be a better woman or about marriage relationships. This story will point us to deeper truths embedded in the historical narrative of Ruth s life, truths that reveal how God in Christ loves us and cares for us. Ruth is about Jesus. Ruth is about God. Ruth is about salvation. This little book in the Bible is bigger than you thought! Come join us and learn more! Please call Barb Kirkpatrick at (765) 474-3715 by January 8 so she can order a study guide for you. Proverbs on Tuesdays (starting January 16) from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the conference room. As we desire to gain God s wisdom, we can look to the powerful words in Proverbs 2:1-11 to learn to receive it in our lives. There, we read action words and phrases that guide in the quest for wisdom: treasure up, making your ear attentive, inclining your heart, call out, raise your voice, seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasure. The Holy Spirit listens to our desires and uses every avenue possible to grant us the wisdom of God. We invite all women of our church to join us in this in depth study of His Word. Please call Jan Harris at (765) 448-9022 by January 8 so she can order a study guide for you. GOOD MORNING SISTER CHICKS: I hope that you are all staying warm and had an amazing Christmas, celebrating the birth of our Lord. Are you ready to find out who has been praying for you? The Sister Chick reveal party is on Sunday, January 21 at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. I would like for everyone that comes to bring a snack, appetizer, or desert to share along with the recipe. Also would anyone be willing to lead the devotion? Please let me know. In Christ, Karen Walker LIFE QUOTES FROM LUTHERANS FOR LIFE (www.lutheransforlife.org): Our happiness, therefore, does not depend on a new year or a changed situation, but upon the Lord and our changed relationship, our deepened growth, in Him and in terms of His will for us. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33 KJV). R. J. Rushdoony, philosopher, historian, and theologian
CHRISTMAS CAROLING RECAP: On Sunday afternoon, December 10, 18 Christmas carolers visited 17 members in their residences. Everyone that attended enjoyed the outing. We started about 30 minutes late because of parking problems and waiting for more carolers. We tried to visit as many as we could with three groups and less time. Unfortunately we could not fit every selected member into the shortened time and under- staffed singers. I sincerely apologize to anyone who was expecting a visit, but we failed to show up. I will make changes so that we can visit more members next year. A big THANK YOU goes out to those who shared their afternoon caroling: Sue Borges, Mark Bowman, Janet Clark, Matthew Clark, Noli Freel, Grace Gillespie, Amelia Goodspeed, Dann Keiser, Lynn Keiser, Beth Lancaster, Eileen Luke, Wayne Luke, Madison Moffatt, Sydney Moffatt, Jerry Ripke, Kris Ripke, Claire Rowan, and Emily Rowan. Another group of members who contributed to our program were the following: JoAnn DePew (cookies), Jan Harris (cookies), Carol Huth (cookies), Lynn Keiser (hot chocolate), Paula McKinney (cookies), and Starlah Smith (cookies). The members appreciated their thoughtfulness. We hope that everyone had a blessed Christmas and looking forward to a happy new year. ~ Jerry Ripke, event coordinator STEWARDSHIP GENEROSITY THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Mark 1:7 And John preached, saying, After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. John is right: Jesus is immensely greater than any of us, yet behold how He came to serve! That is the upside down, outlandish grace of God: the innocent Jesus takes our sinner s place. This is the greatest act of giving the world has ever known or will know: The Father gives His Son to die in the place of sinners. $ FINANCIAL NEWS FROM MINDY SCHLOTMAN $ HAPPY NEW YEAR: We are moving forward into 2018 with many exciting plans. I hope you will continue to share your time, talents, and treasures as the year progresses. I have really enjoyed each of you! Once again I will note how thankful I am for a very generous congregation and look forward to what this year will bring us in both positives and challenges! Together with God s blessings, we will continue to grow our ministry! WEEKLY OFFERINGS: December 4-10: $11,201.20 December 11-17: $13,767.78 December 18-24: $21,301.30 December 25-31: $14,308.00 December Income and Expenses Line of Credit Expenses Income $0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000 Income Expenses Line of Credit December 186556.41 164217.11 7941.02
$ 78,013.08 80000 70000 $ 58,333.33 60000 50000 40000 30000 20000 10000 Offering Monthly Offering Goal Monthly 300000 12 Month Income and Expenses 250000 200000 150000 100000 50000 0 Income Expenses Line of Credit 90000 Annual Monthly Offerings 75000 78013.08 60000 45000 58333.33 54272.14 56779.97 54132.14 56642.11 30000 15000 0 August September October November December Offering Monthly Offering Goal Monthly
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY January 14, 2018 1 Samuel 3:1 10 (11 20) 1 Corinthians 6:12 20 John 1:43 51 The Lord God Is with You and Reveals Himself to You by the Preaching of His Word The Lord Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael to come and see that He is the Son of God and the King of Israel (John 1:43 49). And they shall see even greater things than these (John 1:50). For His body is the temple of God on earth, and by His priestly sacrifice the heavens will be opened to all who believe and are baptized into Him. Therefore, He calls Philip and Nathanael, first to hear His Word and then to speak as apostles, even as He once called Samuel and established him as a prophet of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:20). As the Lord was with Samuel and let none of his words fall to the ground (1 Samuel 3:19), He also accompanies and upholds the preachers of His Word in our day. Thus, by the Gospel that is preached to you, your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you (1 Corinthians 6:19). Since your body thus belongs to the Body of Christ, is meant for the Lord and shall be raised up like Him, now glorify God in your body (1 Corinthians 6:13 20). SCHOOL NEWS FROM JAKE ROGERS With God as our foundation, we educate & equip for service, for Christ, the mind, heart, and spirit of today s 21st Century learner. CHRISTMAS BREAK: Christmas break runs Saturday, December 23 through Sunday, January 7. Classes will resume on Monday, January 8 at 7:55 a.m. On behalf of the entire community of St. James, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We thank God for His wonderful gift in the sending of His son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins and defeated sin, death, and the power of the Devil as He rose from the dead on Easter morning! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all of the blessings that you give to us. ST. JAMES LUTHERAN SCHOOL AND DAYCARE CANCELLATIONS AND DELAYS: As we are now in the winter season, this is a friendly reminder of our Cancellation and Delay Policy. St. James normally toughs it out unless the weather or outside temperatures become dangerously severe. Daycare will be closed when school is cancelled. Two Hour Delays: School, Preschool/Pre-K, and daycare will start at 9:55 a.m. The early morning room will open at 9:30 a.m. Students are to report to their homerooms. When the 10:15 a.m. bell rings, school periods will run on an alternate schedule to accommodate all classes meeting for the day. Please tune into the following stations for delays or cancellations: TV-18, 98.7 WASK, school text, Facebook and Twitter feeds for St. James, Internet: www.stjameslaf.org or www.wlfi.com.
BIRTHDAYS Jan. 7 Grayson Northington Jan. 8 Joyce Dost Jan. 9 Cruze Guyer Jan. 10 Bob Klaiber Jan. 11 Tammy Buess Jan. 12 Sara Benham, Connie Petzing, Katherine Wilcox Jan. 13 Tanner Sterrett ANNIVERSARIES Jan. 8 Todd & Angela Brewer (18 years) Jan. 9 Michael & Robin Max (30 years) Jan. 12 Wayne & Joyce Reeder (33 years) BAPTISMAL BIRTHDAYS Todd Brewer, Lindsey Keiser, Lauren Knowles, Ken Lah, Deb McDole, Lana Theesfeld Please take a moment to sign the Record of Fellowship pad today. The birthday, anniversary, and baptismal birthday lists are generated from those records. Bless you as you celebrate! CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK Sun. 1/7 Mon. 1/8 Tue. 1/9 Wed. 1/10 Thu. 1/11 Fri. 1/12 Sat. 1/13 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM 09:15 AM - 10:15 AM 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM 07:00 PM - 08:00 PM 04:30 PM 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM 07:00 AM - 07:45 AM 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM 06:30 PM - 07:30 PM 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM 06:00 AM - 07:00 AM 06:00 PM - 07:00 PM Worship (C) Adult Education/Sunday School/8th Grade Jr. Confirmation Parent Meeting Worship High School Youth Group Get-Together No Scheduled Events Board of Church Properties Altar Guild - Dedecorating the Church 7th & 8th Grade (Public School) Confirmation Classes Coffee Club Financial Committee Meeting Bell Choir Rehearsal Adult Choir Rehearsal Thursday Evening Bible Study Men s Bible Breakfast Worship
Operation Emergency Child Hello! My name is Alexis Anthrop. I am collecting small to medium-sized new stuffed animals to be given to children who come to the emergency room at IU Health Arnett. Little children need comfort, as visiting the E.R. can be a scary time. The donation box can be found in the cafeteria. Thank you for your support!