This Week @ St.John

• MON JAN 1- Office Closed; Blessed New Year
• TUE JAN 2- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study (pending weather)
• NO LWML THIS WEEK- Moved to next Tues, Jan 9
• WED JAN 3- 3:30PM Confirmation resumes (unless school is cancelled)
• SAT JAN 6- 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Triple Parish
• SUN JAN 7- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion
• NEXT TUES JAN 9- 4:00PM LWML Guest Day; Gary Thies will discuss new creation theater at Mission Central outside of Mapleton. Treats & Hot Cider will be served. ALL women are invited, not just LWML members.
  
• POINSETTIAS- If you purchased flowers for the alter this Advent season, you may take them home if you'd like. Thank you.
• YEAR-END REPORTS- Please submit reports to the office as soon as possible before the January Voters' meeting. Thank you.
• OFFERING ENVELOPES- Family boxes are available on the tables in the back of the sanctuary.
• PORTALS OF PRAYER- Daily devotionals from Concordia Publishing House (CPH) are available free for Jan-March in the narthex (hallway in the back of the church) or on the counter in the walkway between the office and fellowship hall.
• ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS- Pastor will be starting an adult information/confirmation class after the first of the year. This class is for those interested in membership, those who would like to know more about the Lutheran faith, and those who feel the need for review. If you're interested or know someone who might be, please let Pastor Merrill know.

WHY STOP NOW? Many of you took up Pastor's challenge to read the Bible in a year last year as part of the 500th anniversary of the reformation. There's no reason not to do it again? If you didn't give it a shot last year, there's no reason not to make it THIS year's New Year's resolution! Draw close to God and He will draw close to you (James 4:8) God says seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13). Let God transform you through His Word, even if you end up being "hit-and-miss," every day you spend time with Him, He will bless you!

• Consider these resources from Concordia Publishing House
• ONLINE reading plans at Bible Gateway.com
• Download a free app to your phone or tablet, where you can read for yourself, or have God's Word read to you, along with daily commentaries

This Week @ St.John

• TUES-FRI DEC 26-30 Pastor on vacation
• No Confirmation Classes this Week 
• SAT DEC 30- 6:00pm Worship at St. Luke's, Ricketts
• SUN DEC 31- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Class
• 10:00am Worship

This Week @ St.John

• WED 12/20- 3:30pm Confirmation
• 6:45pm Carol Singing
• 7:00pm Midweek Advent Worship
  "A light with a SPecial Purpose" Romans 1:1-7
• 8:00pm Elders' Meeting
• FRI 12/22- Offices Closed
• SAT 12/23- 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul
• SUN 12/24- Christmas Eve
• 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00am Worship
• 1:00pm Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
• 2:00pm Pastor preaching at Eventinde
• 2:45pm Pastor preaching at Siveridge
• 6:30pm St. John Christmas Eve worship
  "The Brightest Light" Isaiah 9:2-7
• 10:00pm Candlelight Worship at St. Luke, Ricketts
• MON 12/25- Christmas Day
• 9:00am (10:30am at St. Paul)
  "Life in the Light" John 1:4-5
• TUE 12/16- Pastor leaves for vacation!

This Week @ St. John

• TUE DEC 12- 8:45Am Pastor at Circuit Pastors' Conference in Ida Grove
• WED DEC 13- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 5:15 Sunday School Christmas Program Rehearsal
• 6:45PM Carol Singing
• 7:00PM Midweek Advent Worship
• SAT DEC 16- 9:00AM-11:00AM All Grades Sunday School Christmas Program Rehearsal
• 6:00PM Worship  at Immanuel
• SUN DEC 17- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00AM Worship with Communuion
• 6:30PM Children's Christmas Program

MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP

This year Advent began Sunday, December 3. We will  once again be having midweek services at St. John on Wednesday nights and the Triple Parish will be joining us. Services will be at 7:00PM and we will also have carol singing before each service at 6:45PM. The theme this year is "Behold the Light!" Advent candles, the lights on our trees, the lights that decorate the church during Advent and Christmas seasons, all point us to Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, the Light which no one can overcome.

• WED DEC 6 "Put on the light!" Romans 13:11-14
• WED DEC 13 "Many lights are brighter -together!" Romans 15:4-7
• SUN DEC 17, 6:30PM Sunday School Children's Christmas Program
• WED DEC 20 "A light with a special purpose." Romans 1:1-7
• SUN DEC 24 Christmas Eve, "The brightest light." Isaiah 9:2-7
   6:00PM at St.John, 10:00Pm at St. Luke
• MON DEC 25 Christmas Day, "Life in the Light." John 1:4-5
  9:00AM at St.John, 10:30AM at St.Paul

Sunday School Christmas Program Practices

• WED DEC 6, 5:15PM (after Confirmation) Grades 3-8
• WED DEC 13, 5:15PM Grades 3-8
• SAT DEC 16, 9:00AM ALL GRADES
• SAT DEC 17, 8:45AM Final Run-Thru during Sunday School
• Children's Christmas Service 6:30PM

This Week @ St. John

• TUES DEC 5- 6:30AM Mens' Bible Study
• 5:00PM LWML Christmas Party
• WED DEC 6- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 5:15PM Sunday School Program Prctice
• 6:45PM Carol Singing
• 7:00PM Midweek Advent Worship
• SAT DEC 9-  6:00PM Worship at St. Luke, Ricketts
• 7:30PM LYF Christmas Party (Location TBD)
• SUN DEC 10- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
• 10:00AM Worship
• 11:00AM Finance Board Meeting
• 3:00PM Caroling in Denison with Triple Parish
• NEW ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS beginning the first of the year. Please let Pastor know of you're interested or know someone who might be.
• POINSETTIA TIME- If you'd like to help decorate for Christmas, you may purchase a poinsettia. Sign up in the walkway. Be sure to put who it is from, who it is in memory of, check if you paid for it, and let us know if you want to keep it after Christmas. The cost is $10. There is an envelope by the sign-up sheet for payments.
• PRAYER CHAINS- If you would like to be on the Prayer Chain, please let the office know. We have two prayer chains- one email and one phone.

This Week @ St.John

Happy New Church Year!

•  MON-SAT NOV 27-DEC 3- 6:25AM Pastor Merrill hosts 'Thy Strong Word' on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM, FYI-We need funding to help pay KDSN for this program. If you would like to make a donation toward 'Thy Strong Word,' please let either the office or KDSN know. Thank You.
• MON NOV 27- 6:00PM Board of Christian Education setting up the Christmas Tree
• WED NOV 29- 3:30PM Conformation
• SAT DEC 2- 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul (Triple Parish)
• SUN DEC 3- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box Sunday)
• 11:00AM LWML Cookie Bazaar
• 1:00PM Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
• 2:00PM Pastor preaching at Eventide
• 2:45PM Pastor preaching at Silveridge
• SUN DEC 10- 3:00PM Christmas Caroling with Triple Parish members
  
  
  
  
  

  Sunday, December 3
  11:00am-12:30pm

  Come fill your box with lots of goodies!
  Just $6 per pound.

  Cookie & Candy Donations Welcomed
  Please bring your treats you're contributing to church by Noon On Saturday, Dec. 2
  
  
  ADVENT WORSHIP; 'Behold the Light!'
• Wednesdays December 6, 13, & 20 at 7:00PM
• Pre-Worship Carolling at 6:45PM
  
  

This Week @ St. John

• WED 11/22- No Confirmation
• 5:30pm Thanksgiving Eve Service, St. Luke Triple Parish
• 7:00pm Thanksgiving Eve Service, St. John
• THRS 11/23- Office Closed; Happy Thanksgiving
• FRI 11/24- Pastor gone
• SAT 11/25- 6:00pm Worship with Comunuion at Immanuel, Triple Parish
• SUN 11/26- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Study
• 10:00am Worship
• 4:00pm Circuit Forum at St. Matthew, Mapleton

This Week @ St.John

• MON 11/13- Pastor at Camp Okoboji for Cub Week meetitng
• TUES 11/14- 8:45AM Pastor at Pastors' Conference, Kiron
• 4:00PM LWML Meeting
• WED 11/15- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 7:00PM Elders' Meeting
• FRI-SUN 11/17-19- Tri-District Youth Gathering in Omaha
• SAT 11/18- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel
• SUN 11/19- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion
• TUES 11/21- 7:00PM Multi-Parish Meeting discussing the future of the Triple Parish and area congregations will be held at St. John. President Turner of Iowa District-West will join us.
• WED 11/22- 5:30PM Thanksgiving Eve worship at St.Luke, Triple Parish and 7:00PM at St.John

Annual LYF Thanksgiving Dinner

This Week @ St.John

• TUES 11/7- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
• WED 11/8- 3:30PM Confirmation
• SAT 11/11- 9:00AM LYF Set-up for Thanksgiving Dinner
• SUN 11/12- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
• 10:00AM Worship
• 11:00AM Finance Board Mtg.
• 11:00AM Annual LYF Thanksgiving Dinner

This Week @ St.John

• TUES 10/24- 1:00pm Quiltinng
• WED 10/25- 3:30pm Confirmation
• 8:00pm Elder's Meeting
• SAT 10/28- 6:00pm Worship at St. Luke, Ricketts
• SUN 10/29- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Class
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion
• 1:30pm "Martin Luther and the Bible" study, led by Rev. Jeff Kloha, former Seminary professor
• 3:00pm Circuit Reformation Service. 
• Schleswig German Band performing afterward
• Dart-Ball Tournament
• 5:00pm German Supper

This Week @ St.John

• MON 10/16- Pastor Returns
• TUES 10/17- 1:00PM Quilting
• WED 10/18- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 7:30PM Quarterly Voters' Meeting

• SAT-SUN 10/21-22- JrHi Youth Gathering in West Des Moines
• SAT 10/21- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St. Luke, Ricketts
• SUN 10/22- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
• 9:30 Coffee & Donuts
• 10:00AM Contemporary Worshsip
• 5:00-7:00PM St. Luke's Soup Supper:
  Vegetable Beef, Chili and their famous German Cherry Soup
  Egg salad & Cheese sandwiches on homemade buns and homemade rye
  Beverages & deserts; $8 Adults, Ages 5-10 $5, Under 5 eat free.

This Week @ St.John

• TUES 10/10- 8:45AM Pastor at Circuit Pastor's Conference at St.John, Battle Creek
• WED 10/11- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 7:30PM Church Council Meeting
• FRI-MON 10/13-10/16- Pastor on Fall Break
• SAT 10/14- 6:00PM Worship at St. Luke, Ricketts; Rev. Vogel, guest preacher
• SUN 10/15- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study (guest presenter, Brent Friedrichs)
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion; Rev. Firby, guest preacher
• ANNUAL REPORTS DUE- if you're a committee or church-organization officer, please prepare your reports for the October Quarterly Voters' Meeting to Linda Kuhlman in the office as soon as possible, thank you. 
• SUN 10/29- 1:30pm "Martin Luther and the Bible" study, led by Rev. Jeff Kloha, former Seminary professor
• 3:00pm Circuit Reformation Service. 
• Schleswig German Band performing afterward
• 5:00pm German Supper
• CALLING ALL SINGERS- If you would like to be in the choir for the Oct 29 Reformation service, please go to a rehearsal on Thurs Oct 26 at 6:00PM at Our Savior in Denison. the choir hymn is "Built on the Rock." For more information, call Nancy Bielenberg at 676 - 3610 or 269 - 1815 or contact nteutb @ hotmail.com
• ARE YOU READY FOR SOME DART-BALL?! If we have enough entries, there will be a Dartball Tournament following the Circuit Reformation 500 service at St. John Oct.29. There's a sign-up sheet on the counter in the walkway for those interested in playing on a team,
  

This Week @ St.John

• MON-SAT. OCT 1-8- 6:25AM Pastor Merrill hosts 'Thy Strong Word' on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM,
• TUES 10/2- 6:30am Men's Bible Study
• 4:00pm LWML meeting
• WED 10/3- 1:30pm Quilting
• 3:30pm Confirmation
• 7:30pm Budget Meeting
• SAT 10/7- 6:00pm Worship with Communion at St. Luke's Ricketts
• SUN 10/8- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Study
• 10:00am Worship- LWML Sunday
• 11:00am Finance Board Meeting
• 1:00pm Pastor preaches at Denison Care Center
• 2:00pm Pastor at Eventide
• 2:45pm Pastor at Silveridge
• SUN 10/29- 1:30pm "Martin Luther and the Bible" study, led by Rev. Jeff Kloha, former Seminary professor
• 3:00pm Circuit Reformation Service. 
• Schleswig German Band performing afterward
• 5:00pm German Supper

This Week @ St.John

• MON/TUE SEP 25-26- Pastor Merrill at IDW Pastor's Conference in Urbandale
• WED SEP 27- 3:30pm Confirmation
• SAT SEP 30- 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul, Hannover
• SUN OCT 1- 8:45am Bible Study & Sunday School
• 10:00am Worship with Communion
• TUES OCT 3- 1:00pm Quilting

Interested in becoming a Confirmation Mentor?

THRU THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

It's never too late! Don't think that you can't read the Bible daily just because you're starting in September or October. This challenge wasn't about proving that you could read the entire Bible in one year. It's always about digging in to God's Word so that He can work on you, in you and through you. Read at your own pace, But even if you've missed days or weeks or never even started until now- read. Meet God in His Scriptures and let it bless you.

September 24	Song of Solomon 4-5, Galatians 3
September 25	Song of Solomon 6-8, Galatians 4
September 26	Isaiah 1-2, Galatians 5
September 27	Isaiah 3-4, Galatians 6
September 28	Isaiah 5-6, Ephesians 1
September 29	Isaiah 7-8, Ephesians 2
September 30	Isaiah 9-10, Ephesians 3

This Week @ St.John

• TUES 9/19- Linda at Secretaries' Conference
• WED 9/20- 3:30pm Confirmation
• 7:00pm Nominating Committee Meeting
• 8:00pm Elder's Meeting
• THUR 9/21- 9:00am LWML Rally at St. Paul, Ida Grove
  'The God of all Comfort' (2 Corinthians 1:3-5)
• SAT 9/23- 6:00pm Worship with Communion at St.Paul, Hanover (Triple Parish)
• SUN 9/24- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Class
• 10:00am Worship
• 4:00pm Soup Supper at Immanuel, Soldier (Triple Parish)
  $8 Adults, $5 Children 6-12, Kids under 6 are free. Offering Potato Soup, Chili, Vegetable Beef along with sandwiches and desserts.
• TUES 10/3- Quilt tying begins at 1:00pm every Tuesday in October 1-4pm with coffee break at 2:30pm. 

Continue on the REFORMATION500 Challenge to Read

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

September 18	Proverbs 30-31, 2 Corinthians 11:1-15
September 19	Ecclesiastes 1-3, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33
September 20	Ecclesiastes 4-6, 2 Corinthians 12
September 21	Ecclesiastes 7-9, 2 Corinthians 13
September 22	Ecclesiastes 10-12, Galatians 1
September 23	Song of Solomon 1-3, Galatians 2
September 24	Song of Solomon 4-5, Galatians 3
September 25	Song of Solomon 6-8, Galatians 4

This Week @ St.John

Rally Sunday, September 10, 2017 Sunday School children enjoyed donuts
before learning about God's gift of wisdom to King Solomon found in 1 Kings 1:3 and His offer of wisdom to us found in James 1:5

• TUES 9/12- 6:30pm Rural Ministry Meeting
• WED 9/13- 3:30pm Confirmation
• 6:30pm Reformation Walk Dress-Rehearsal
• SAT 9/16- 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul, Triple-Parish
• SUN 9/17-  8:45am Sunday School & Bible Study
• 10:00am Worship with Comminion
• 11:00am Mission Dinner (Free Will Offering)
• 1:00pm Reformation Walk

Many volunteers have decorated St. Johns' to resemble medieval Germany in preparation for the'Reformation Walk.' Come visit all ten stations to learn about the history of our denomination and how God used this humble monk to bring the church back to the Biblical truths of Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone through Christ alone for God's Glory Alone.

One of the 'Reformation Walk' actors portrays Martin Luther nailing his '95 Theses' to the bulletin door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany in 1517.

This Week @ St.John

The new slide at the St.John playground

• MON 9/4- Offices Closed; Happy Labor Day
• TUES 9/5- 6:30am Men's Bible Study
• 4:00pm LWML 
• WED 9/6- 3:30pm Confirmation Classes resume
• MENTORS- Especially because we may be blessed with new students who come from non-member and un-churched families, we're seeking adults (couples or singles) who would take confirmation students under their wing, pray for them regularly and encourage them in their faith. See more details in the Sunday bulletin. If you would be interested, please let Pastor or the church office know. Thank you.
• 7:00pm ReformationWalk cast rehearsal
• SAT 9/9- 6:00pm Worship with Communion at St. Paul
• SUN 9/10- "Rally Sunday" Sunday School resumes, teachers installed, 5th Graders will receive copies of Luther's Small Catechism which they can use in Confirmation classes and 1st Graders will receive Bibles.
• 8:45am Adult Bible Class
• 10:00am Worship
• 11:00am Finance Board Mtg.
• 1:00pm Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
• 2:00pm Pastor preaching at Eventide
• 2:45pm Pastor preaching at Silveridge
• TUES SEP 12- 6:30pm Rural Ministry Meeting  held here at St.John, The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the future of ministry in in this area, including small rural congregations like our neighbors in the Ricketts Triple Parish, as well as those like our own and St. Paul Ute.
• SUN SEP 17- Mission Lunch & "Reformation Walk"
  
  
• MEETING OUR NEEDS- Please notice in the weekly bulletin the "WEEKLY REPORT" on offering, The first amount is what was received in offerings the previous week ($1,863.09). The number in parentheses ($3,588.47) represents how much is needed to meet our budgeted needs including things like utilities, insurance, and maintenance. God wants us to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-7); this report isn't included in the weekly bulletin because our situation is dire or to create guilt, but to remind us that prayer, participation, attendance and giving are all part of "stewardship." We are all called to be stewards of God's church, and the time, talents, and resources He has blessed us with.
  
  We ARE the church, not just customers of the church. You ARE St.John, Charter Oak. Please attend regularly, invite your family and neighbors to too. Please ask God how He can use you as a more active participant. Would that be as simple as attending Bible class or serving as a greeter, usher or acolyte? Or something more involved like helping with Sunday School, Confirmation or VBS? Would you like to become a part of LWML, quilting or helping provide for funeral meals? Perhaps God can use you on the altar committee, church council or as a trustee or elder?
  
  Ask God how He can use your time, talents or treasure. See what God can do through you, how you can not merely attend church but BE the church and thereby help share the with open arms, the love of Christ.
  
  If you're open to serving on a committee or as an officer, please speak to Brian Pautsch or another member of the Nominating Committee. If you'd like to discuss ways in which you can contribute financially to the ministries of St.John beyond the offering plate on Sunday mornings, please speak with Treasurer Becky Dorale. Or talk with Pastor Merrill about anyways in which God can use you as a steward of the gifts He's given you.
  
• HURRICANE HARVEY HELP- Sunday, September 10 we will be taking a free-will door offering for those affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. We will send the funds to the LCMS~IDW district office and 100% of the money will be sent to Texas and Southern LCMS districts. Checks should be made payable to "Iowa District West Disaster Relief." Let's remember our brothers and sisters whose lives have been uprooted by this storm. You may also give online to LCMS World Relief at www.lcms.org/givenow/disaster.

THRU THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

September 3	Psalm 140-142, 1 Corinthians 14:1-20
September 4	Psalm 143-145, 1 Corinthians 14:21-40
September 5	Psalm 146-147, 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
September 6	Psalm 148-150, 1 Corinthians 15:29-58
September 7	Proverbs 1-2, 1 Corinthians 16
September 8	Proverbs 3-5, 2 Corinthians 1
September 9	Proverbs 6-7, 2 Corinthians 2
September 10	Proverbs 8-9, 2 Corinthians 3
September 11	Proverbs 10-12, 2 Corinthians 4

This Week @ St.John

 While repairs & remodeling continue in the Northeast (bell tower) stairway, please use the elevator if you need to get to the balcony for any reason. Thank you.

• WED AUG 30- 7:00pm Confirmation Orientation Meeting for students & parents. Confirmation Orientation for all 5th-8th graders and their parents in the fellowship hall. Schedules & other materials will be handed out. Please plan to attend, this meeting is mandatory.
• SAT SEP 2- 6:00pm Mission service (Triple Parish) at Mission Central's barn just East of Mapleton
• SUN SEP 3- Adult Bible Study resumes at 8:45AM
• 10:00am Worship with Communion (Fall time-schedule resumes)
• SUN SEP 10- "Rally Sunday" Sunday School resumes, teachers installed, 5th Graders will receive copies of Luther's Small Chatechism which they can use in Confirmation classes and 1st Graders will receive Bibles.
• SUN SEP 17- Mission Lunch & "Reformation Walk"

MEETING OUR NEEDS- Please notice in the weekly bulletin the "WEEKLY REPORT" on offering, The first amount is what was received in offerings the previous week. The number in parentheses ($3,588.47) represents how much is needed to meet our budgeted needs including things like utilities, insurance, and maintenance. God wants us to be cheerful givers (2 Corinthians 9:6-7); this report isn't included in the weekly bulletin because our situation is dire or to create guilt, but to remind us that prayer, participation, attendance and giving are all part of "stewardship." We are all called to be stewards of God's church, and the time, talents, and resources He has blessed us with. 

We ARE the church, not just customers of the church. You ARE St.John, Charter Oak. Please attend regularly, invite your family and neighbors to too. Please ask God how He can use you as a more active participant. Would that be as simple as attending Bible class or serving as a greeter, usher or acolyte? Or something more involved like helping with Sunday School, Confirmation or VBS? Would you like to become a part of LWML, quilting or helping provide for funeral meals? Perhaps God can use you on the altar committee, church council or as a trustee or elder?

WORSHIP SCHEDULE- 10AM Worship resumes in September. Adult Bible class resumes September 3 and Sunday School for PK-6 will resume September 10 at 8:45am. 7-8 grade Sunday School will resume September 17.

CONFIRMATION NEWS-  

• MEETING WED Aug 30, 7:00PM Orientation Meeting 
• CLASS WED Sep 6, 3:30pm Confirmation Classes resume
• URGENT- Since we are blessed with 18-20 students in the 5th/6th grade class, we are seeking second teacher so that we can break it into two smaller groups.
• MENTORS- Especially because we may be blessed with new students who come from non-member and un-churched families, we're seeking adults (couples or singles) who would take confirmation students under their wing, pray for them regularly and encourage them in their faith. See more details in the Sunday bulletin. If you would be interested, please let Pastor or the church office know. Thank you.

As part of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, members of several area churches, including St.John will bring 16th century Wittenburg, Germany to life in Charter Oak, Iowa, Sunday, September 17. Come see Professor Luther nail his 95 Theses to the Castle Church doors, see Johannes Guttenburg operate his new invention, the printing press, help Katie (eventually Luther) and her fellow nuns escape the Emperor's henchmen in fish barrels, and hear Friar Johann Tetzel try to convince you to buy indulgences to keep you our of purgatory!

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR-

August 27  Psalm 120-122, 1 Corinthians 9

August 28  Psalm 123-125, 1 Corinthians 10:1-18

August 29  Psalm 126-128, 1 Corinthians 10:19-33

August 30  Psalm 129-131, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

August 31  Psalm 132-134, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

September 1 Psalm 135-136, 1 Corinthians 12 September 2 Psalm 137-139, 1 Corinthians 13 September 3 Psalm 140-142, 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

September 1 Psalm 135-136, 1 Corinthians 12
September 2 Psalm 137-139, 1 Corinthians 13
September 3 Psalm 140-142, 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

This Week @ St.John

• MON-SAT. AUG 6-13- 6:25AM Pastor Merrill hosts 'Thy Strong Word' on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM, FYI-We need funding to help pay KDSN for this program. If you would like to make a donation toward 'Thy Strong Word,' please let either the office or KDSN know. Thank You.
• AUG 7-17 Pastor Merrill on vacation. Pastor John Schauer from Carroll will be our guest preacher on Sunday, AUG 13. Pastor Loeschen from Denison will be available for any emergency pastoral needs. If you need help while Pastor is on vacation, please contact the church office or one of the elders and they will contact Pastor Loeschen.
• WED AUG 30, 7:00PM- Confirmation Orientation for all 5th-8th graders and their parents in the fellowship hall. Schedules & other materials will be handed out. Please plan to attend, this meeting is mandatory.
• SAT AUG 14- No Worship at Triple Parish
• SUN AUG 15- 9:00AM Worship- Rev. Schauer, guest preacher
• 10:00AM Finance Board Mtg

Reformation Walk

This Week @ St. John | VBS2017

• SUN JULY 30- THRS AUG 3-  5:45pm VBS Snack
• 6:00pm Vacation Bible School (VBS) 'A Mighty Fortress'
• MON JULY 31- FRI AUG 4- 11:30am Free Summer School Lunch Program (at St. John this week, while COU is being cleaned)
• TUES AUG 1- 6:30am Men's Bible Study
• 4:00pm LWML Meeting
• THRS AUG 3- 8:00pm VBS Closing Program; parents, community & congregation welcome
• FRI AUG 4- Church Office closes at Noon
• SAT AUG 5- 11:00am Memorial Service for Helen Berens
• 6:00pm Triple Parish Worship at Immanuel, Soldier Township
• SUN AUG 6- 9:00am Worship, "LWML Mite-Box Sunday" (First Sun of every month)
• AUGUST Worship Schedule: No Sun Adult Bible Study in August, Sun worship at St. John at 9am Sundays, Triple Parish at 6pm Saturdays. No Sat service on Aug 12 while Pastor is on vacation, please worship with St. John or another area LCMS congregation on that day.
• Pastor Merrill will be on vacation Aug 7-17. Pastor John Shauer from Carrol will be guest preaching on Aug 13. Pastor Loeschen from Denison will be available for any emergency pastoral needs. Any of the Elders will also be available.

THRU THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

July 30	Psalm 51-53, Romans 2
July 31	Psalm 54-56, Romans 3

August 1	Psalm 57-59, Romans 4
August 2	Psalm 60-62, Romans 5
August 3	Psalm 63-65, Romans 6
August 4	Psalm 66-67, Romans 7
August 5	Psalm 68-69, Romans 8:1-21
August 6	Psalm 70-71, Romans 8:22-39
August 7	Psalm 72-73, Romans 9:1-15

This Week @ St. John

Pastor Merrill will be at Camp Okoboji's Concordia Cub's Week this week. For any pastoral needs, call Linda in the office & she will put you in touch with Pastor Manly of St. Paul's in Ute.

• SAT 7/22- No Worship at St. Luke's, Ricketts, "Visitation Sunday" for Triple Parish as Pastor Merrill will be at camp
• SUN 7/23- Guest preacher from Food For the Poor ministries
• 8:00am Adult Bible Study
• 9:00am Worship
• Good Luck 4-H & FFA members at Crawford & Monona County Fairs!

THRU THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

July 17	Psalm 18-19, Acts 20:17-38
July 18	Psalm 20-22, Acts 21:1-17
July 19	Psalm 23-25, Acts 21:18-40
July 20	Psalm 26-28, Acts 22
July 21	Psalm 29-30, Acts 23:1-15
July 22	Psalm 31-32, Acts 23:16-35
July 23	Psalm 33-34, Acts 24
July 24	Psalm 35-36, Acts 25

This Week @ St.John | Week of the Charter Oak Achievement Days

Good Luck this week to all the members of the Charter Oak 4-H Boosters & Achievers & COU FFA, & other area 4-H & FFA groups participating in the annual Achievement Days! Welcome home alumni participating in class reunions!

• TUES JUL 11- 6:30am Men's Bible Study
• 4:00pm LWML Meeting
• THRS JUL 13- 4:00pm Reformation Walk Meeting
• 7:30pm Quarterly Voters' Meeting
• SAT JUL 15- 6:00pm Worship with Communion at St. Luke's, Ricketts
• SUN JUL 16- 8:00am Adult Bible Study
• 9:00am Worship with Communion

THRU THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

July 9	Job 38-40, Acts 16:1-21
July 10	Job 41-42, Acts 16:22-40
July 11	Psalm 1-3, Acts 17:1-15
July 12	Psalm 4-6, Acts 17:16-34
July 13	Psalm 7-9, Acts 18
July 14	Psalm 10-12, Acts 19:1-20
July 15	Psalm 13-15, Acts 19:21-41
July 16	Psalm 16-17, Acts 20:1-16

VBS; "What can I do?"

Dear Friends in Christ,

July is a busy month for Summer activities in Western Iowa. The high school softball and baseball seasons are wrapping up. The Fourth of July is upon us, and many will probably take a four-day weekend this year. Then comes Achievement Days, followed by the Monona and Crawford County Fairs. For those going to Camp Okoboji, Cub Week and Youth Week also take place in July, It seems like we are going from one thing right to the next.

At St. John the last several years, the last Sunday in July means Vacation Bible School! Out VBS has been a huge opportunity the last few years to reach out to children and families of our community and to tell them the saving message of Jesus and His gift of eternal life. Two years ago over 100 children participated; last year we served over 90, and this year we're hoping to bring the good news of Jesus to even more!

The theme of our Vacation Bible School this year is "Mighty Fortress." It's an appropriate title for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, but the Reformation anniversary is not really the emphasis. VBS, as always is all about Jesus. The theme statement is "In Jesus, the Victory is Won!" The key Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 15:57: "Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." The goal, according to the pastor's overview, is that , "At Mighty Fortress, children learn that God is our sure defense who strengthens us and is our refuge in trouble. Let's show kids we can joyfully celebrate Jesus, our champion, who has won the battle over our enemies, By faith, God gives us that victory in Jesus. Let the celebration begin!"

Of course, it requires a lot of work from many different people to put on a VBS, but it really is the congregation's ministry. Every member of St John has an important role to play in this outreach.

 "What can I do?" Glad you asked! Here are some things we need:

1. PRAY. Even if you can't help with an of the activities, every member of St. John can pray for this event. Pray that God would lead many children from our community to participate. Pray for wisdom and strength for our volunteers. Pray that children who come, especially those without a church home, would be led to faith and strengthened in their faith in Jesus.
2. BRING or SEND YOUR CHILDREN. Member children are still the core of VBS. Ans what an opportunity for them to share the love of Jesus with their friends!
3. INVITE. Whom can you invite to VBS this year? Your grandchildren? Your neighbor children? The kids on your child's ball team or in their 4H club? Help us get the word out- VBS at St.John is a fun way to celebrate Jesus!
4. DONATE. We will need donations of food and supplies for each day of VBS. Check the bulletin or in the monthly newsletter for a list of items needed.
5. VOLUNTEER. We need group leaders, snack helpers, craft helpers, recreation helpers, and kitchen help. Or maybe you have a talent for publicity or set construction. Let Bethany know. We have a place for you!

Vacation Bible School is truly one of the best outreach tools we have for unchurched families in our 

community. Let's pray ans work to make this year's VBS a place where the children of Charter Oak can celebrate as they learn that God is their refuge in trouble because Jesus has won the battle over all our enemies. In Jesus, the victory is won!

Peace to you in Christ,

Pastor Merrill

JULY2017 VOLUNTEERS

• Head Elder: Ralph Dorale
• Head Usher: Kevin Clausen
• Ushers*: Josh Meseck, Carlos Castillo, Keith Stoltze, Trey Kunze, Allan Kuhlmann, Nolan Neddermeyer, Tanner Hoffman
• Greeters: Ralph & Becky Dorale
• Betty Henschen (July 9 & 23)
• Deb Kuhlmann (July 2 & 23)
• Frances Nemitz (July 2 & 16)
• Joann Maack (July 16 & 30)
• Marilyn Pirwitz (July 9 & 30)
• Altar Committee: Mona Pithan & Dee Kruse
• Acolytes*:
• July 2; Keely Kuhlman & Gaige Elwell
• July 9 & 16; Taryn Funnkhouser & Adam Castillo
• July 23 & 30; Hailey Meseck & MaKia Smith

*Ushers & Acolytes- If you are unable to serve on your days, please find a substitute for your day and let either the office or head usher know who your sub will be. Thank you for your help.

This Week @ St.John

• TUES JULY 4- Office closed;  Happy Independence Day  
• WED JUL 5- 9:00AM Reformation Walk Committee Meeting
• 7:30PM Church Council Meeting
• SAT JUL 8- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St. Luke's, Ricketts
• SUN JUL 9- 8:00AM Adult Bible Class
• 9:00AM Worship
• 10:00AM Finance Board Meeting
• SUMMER LUNCH PROGRAM- Interested in filling a need in our community? Last year St.John provided lunches for the children of Charter Oak while the school was closed for cleaning. We have the opportunity to do it again. This year there are five days the school will not be open for the lunches- July 31- August 4. The first four days correspond with St.John's VBS. If we can get enough volunteers, we can help out again. If you would be willing to help with a meal for a day, sign up in the counter in the walkway or talk to Linda in the office.
• VACANCY NEWS- At their meeting June 24 the Triple Parish congregations voted not to extend a call to a new pastor at this time due to financial concerns. They will be evaluating their position in another month or so. Pastor Merrill continues to serve their vacancy in the meantime. Worship services are on Saturday nights at 6:00PM. The service schedule for the Summer is: July at St. Luke, August at Immanuel. There will be no service on July 22 as Pastor will be returning from Cub Week and there will be no services on August 12 since Pastor will be on vacation. Triple Parish members are encouraged to attend St.John or visit another congregation that weekend.

THRU THE BIBLE IN A YEAR-

July 1	Job 20-21, Acts 10:24-48
July 2	Job 22-24, Acts 11
July 3	Job 25-27, Acts 12
July 4	Job 28-29, Acts 13:1-25
July 5	Job 30-31, Acts 13:26-52
July 6	Job 32-33, Acts 14
July 7	Job 34-35, Acts 15:1-21
July 8	Job 36-37, Acts 15:22-41
July 9	Job 38-40, Acts 16:1-21
July 10	Job 41-42, Acts 16:22-40

This Week @ St. John

• SAT JULY 1- 6:00PM Worship at Hanover
• SUN JULY 2- 8:00AM Bible Study
• 9:00AM Worship

THRU THE BIBLE IN A YEAR-

June 26	Job 5-7, Acts 8:1-25
June 27	Job 8-10, Acts 8:26-40
June 28	Job 11-13, Acts 9:1-21
June 29	Job 14-16, Acts 9:22-43
June 30	Job 17-19, Acts 10:1-23

July 1	Job 20-21, Acts 10:24-48
July 2	Job 22-24, Acts 11
July 3	Job 25-27, Acts 12

This Week @ St.John

• THR 6/22- Linda out of the office in the afternoon

• SAT 6/24- Pastor on bike ride at Okoboji
• 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover
• 7:00PM Triple Parish Call Meeting

• SUN 6/25- 8:00AM Adult Bible Study
• 9:00AM Worship

OCT 29, 2017; CIRCUIT REFORMATION SERVICE- 2017 is the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. St. John, Charter Oak will be hosting the Circuit's observance of the anniversary. We need a committee to plan a supper for after the service. If you'd be willing to serve on this committee (or even chair it) please let Pastor or the church office know. Thank you

REFORMATION WALK- As we prepare to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation, St.John Charter Oak is planning a special observation of this milestone and is asking our friends in the circuit if anyone is interested in participating.

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) released a special resource to help congregations with their Reformation Anniversary celebrations. 'Reformation Walk' immerses participants in the sights, sounds and flavors of the Reformation era. Participants visit ten stations to experience the story of Martin Luther and learn how his work and writings started a movement that would change the course of history. They will meet Luther's parents and other guests, make pretzels, learn some German, play a game and more. This active events will really bring history to life.

Plans are being made for September. If you are interested (or know someone who would be) in being an actor in one of the ten stations or helping or participating in other ways in the day's events, please call Linda at 678-3312 by June 30. Scripts are two pages or less. Time commitment would be the day of the event plus some conferencing with the Reformation Walk Team for a few hours in the week prior to the event.

CONCORDIA CUBS WEEK- at Camp Okoboji is July 16-22. This is a camp for those who have completes 3rd-6th grades. Activities include Bible study, crafts, sports, swimming, evening recreation time and campfire devotions. Pick up forms in the office. Returning Cubs can get a discount this year by bringing a friend- ask Pastor for more information.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL- Mark your calendars, Register your children, VOLUNTEER to help! July 30-August 3, 6:00-8:30 All children ages preschool (potty trained) - grade 6 invited Free brown bag snack @ 5:45 each evening Call or text Bethany @ 269.5970 or Linda at 678.3630 Volunteers Needed, Call Bethany

THRU THE BIBLE IN A YEAR-

June 19	Nehemiah 12-13, Acts 4:23-37
June 20	Esther 1-2, Acts 5:1-21
June 21	Esther 3-5, Acts 5:22-42
June 22	Esther 6-8, Acts 6
June 23	Esther 9-10, Acts 7:1-21
June 24	Job 1-2, Acts 7:22-43
June 25	Job 3-4, Acts 7:44-60
June 26	Job 5-7, Acts 8:1-25