This Week @ St.John

• TUES 1/1/19- BLESSED NEW YEAR- Office Closed
• WED 1/2- No Confirmation Class this week, No LYF Mtg.
• THR 1/3- 9:30AM Ricketts Bible Study
• SAT 1/5- 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
• SUN 1/5- 8:45Am Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box Sunday)

This Week @ St.John

• WED 12/19- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 6:45PM Carol Singing
• 7:00PM Midweek Advent Worship
• 8:00PM Elders' Meeting
• THRS 12/20- 9:30AM Ricketts Bible Study
• SAT 12/22- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
• SUN 12/23- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
• 10:00AM Worship
• MON 12/24- 5:00PM Triple Parish Children's Christmas Service at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
• 6:30PM Christmas Eve Worship, St. John's
• 9:30PM Candle Light Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
• TUES 12/25- 9:00AM Christmas Day Worship with Communion, St. John

This Week @ St. John

• TUES 12/11- 8:45AM Pastor at Circuit Conference at St. Matthew's, Mapleton
• WED 12/12- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 5:15PM Sunday School Christmas Practice; Grades 3-8
• 6:45PM Carol Singing
• 7:00PM Midweek Advent Worship
• THRS 12/13- Ricketts Bible Study
• SAT 12/15- 9:00AM-11:00AM Sunday School Christmas Program practice- All Ages
• 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
• SUN 12/16- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion (free will offering for Amigos de Christo)
• 6:30PM Children's Chrismas Service

Advent Message

Dear Friends in Christ,

Advent is almost here,and one of the traditions we have in the Church is the use of the Advent
wreath. Four colored candles(three blue,one pink)are nestled within the green wreath itself,with a
white candle seated in the center. Each Sunday in Advent an additional candle is lit,until all five candles
burn brightly on Christmas Eve to welcome Jesus,the true light who has come into the world.(John 1:9)
There are two different traditions as to the meaning of the individual candles on the Advent wreath.
For our Sunday sermons in Advent this year we will use the one that fits most closely with our Old
Testament readings.

The first candle(blue)is the Candle of Hope. Just as the promise of a Savior,the righteous Branch
from the stem of Jesse(Jeremiah 33:14-16)brought hope to God's people in their exile in Babylon,so the
coming of that Savior,the one who will reign on the throne of David forever(Luke 1:32-33),has brought
hope to sinners separated from their true home in heaven through the exile of sin.

The second candle(blue)is the Candle of Preparation. At the end of the Old Testament God
promised to send His messenger to prepare the way before Him. (Malachi 3:1) Four hundred years later,
the Word of God came to John the Baptizer in the wilderness,and he began proclaiming a baptism ofrepentance for the forgiveness of sins. John was the Messenger. He prepared the way for Jesus. The
second candle reminds us also to be prepared,through God's gift of repentance and faith,when Jesus
comes again in glory.

The third candle(pink)is the Candle of Joy. One of the all-time favorite Christmas hymns is"Joy to
the World"(LSB 387). We sing of the joy that the coming of Jesus brings to us and to all creation.
Zephaniah 3:17 has a little different take on the joy of Christ's coming. At Jesus'coming,says Zephaniah,
it will be said to God's people,"Fear not,O Zion...The LORD your God is in your midst,a mighty onewho will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over
you with loud singing." Jesus'coming to save us brings joy to God!Now He can have us with Him in
heaven forever!

The fourth candle(blue)is the Candle of Love. This is the hardest candle to fit with the Old
Testament lessons.The lesson for the Fourth Sunday in Advent is from Micah,promising that the Christwill be born in Bethlehem(Micah 5:2). Yet it also talks about the Savior as the one who"shall stand and
shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord." (Micah 5:4)"The King of Love My Shepherd Is." (LSB709) And of course,why did God send His Son to be born? He"so loved the world that He gave His oneand only Son." (John 3:16)

The center candle (white)is the Christ Candle. Lit first on Christmas Eve,it celebrates the coming
of Jesus,the Light of the World.Jesus,who came once in our human flesh and blood as a tiny babe in
Bethlehem's manger,is present with us in His Word and Sacraments as we journey through this life onour way to our true home in heaven. He promises to come again in glory to take us to that heavenly
home. Whoever follows Jesus will not walk in darkness,but will have the light of life.(John 8:12b)
God give you HOPE this Advent season as you PREPARE to celebrate with JOY the LOVE of

CHRIST our Savior!
Pastor Merrill

This Week @ St. John

SUN DEC 2 YouTube Sermon

• TUES 12/3- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
• 5:30PM LWML Christmas Party at Ada J's in Ute
• WED 12/4- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 5:15PM Christmas Practice 3rd-8th Grades
• 6:45PM Carol Singing
• 7:00PM Midweek Advent Worship
• THRS 12/5- Ricketts Bible Study
• SAT 12/7- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel
• 7:30PM LYF Christmas Party at Pizza Ranch in Denison
• 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00AM Worship
• 1:00PM Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
• 2:00PM Pastor preaching at Eventide
• 2:45PM Pastor preaching at Silveridge
• 3:00PM Christmas Carolling in Denison with Immanuel & St. Paul

'What Child is This?'

Advent services will begin December 5. Services will begin at 7:00pm. Christmas carol-singing will begin at 6:45pm, before the worship service itself.

Wed. Dec. 5- 'The Child Who is Zechariah's Hope' Isaiah 40:1-5; Luke 1:5-25
Wed. Dec. 12- 'The Child Who is a Virgin's Great Son' Judges 13:2-7; Luke 1:26-38
Wed. Dec. 19- 'The Child Who is John's Joy' 2 Samuel 6:12-23; Luke 1:39-45

Wed. Dec. 24- Christmas Eve 'The Child Who is Lord' Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-4

• 6:30PM at St. John
• 9:30PM Candlelight service at Immanuel, Soldier TWP

Come worship Him! Come early & sing His praises as we prepare for the celebration of His birth. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL PRACTICES

• WED DEC 5- 5:15PM Grades 3-8
• WED DEC 12- 5:15PM Grades 3-8
• SAT DEC 15- 9:00-11:00AM PK-8
• SUN DEC 16- 8:45AM Final Rehearsal, During Sunday School

SUN DEC 16- 6:30PM Children's Christmas Service

This Week @ St. John

MON-SAT Nov. 25- Dec. 2, 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. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com

• WED 11/28- 3:30PM Confirmation
• THRS 11/29- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
• SAT 12/1- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
• SUN 12/2- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box Sunday)
• 11:00AM-12:30PM LWML Cookie & Candy Bazaar
• NEED A LARGE PRINT BULLETIN? Just ask an usher.
• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WINTER SNOW REMOVAL; We'll need tractors & loaders to scoop the parking areas. If you're interested, please let us know in the office. The more volunteers we have, the less any one person will need to do it. Thank you.
• ADVENT DEVOTION BOOKS are available on the counter in the entryway. 37 days of devotions guide you from December 1 through Epiphany (January 6). What Child Is This? The angel answers the question this way in the presence of the shepherds: “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). The hymnwriter answers it this way: “This, this is Christ the king” (LSB 370:1). They both want to leave us with no doubt regarding the identity of this Child. This year CPH is also offering an E-Book edition online
  
  

COLLECTION FOR TEMPORARY AID PROGRAM (TAP) For TAP to meet the needs of people in Crawford County they depend on regular contributions of basic food items and children's clothing. They always need canned goods of all types.

Many necessities can't be purchased with food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Aid Program SNAP); paper towels, toilet paper, diapers and personal care items like soap, shampoo and laundry detergent. So, donations of these kinds of donations are particularly welcome.

Cash donations are also very helpful as they enable TAP to buy in quantity and take advantage of sales. They buy ONLY food. If you'd like to give a monetary donation, please give it to Linda Kuhlmann, our church secretary, who will make sure that it goes to TAP at the end of the month.

St.John's donation location is the table underneath the bulletin boards in the front entrance, between the offices and the Fellowship Hall. TAP is located at 210 S. 25th Street. in Denison and is open Mon-Thr 9:00AM-Noon. Or call Connie McGee if you have questions at 263-3538.

If you have adult-sized clothing to donate, TAP asks that you take them to West Central Community Action at 145 N. 7th Street in Denison. PH: 712-263-3538. HOURS: M - F, 9:00 - 3:00

Sunday, December 2
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. 1

ADVENT WORSHIP

Wednesdays December 5, 12, & 19at 7:00PM

Pre-Worship Carolling at 6:45PM

This Week @ St.John

2018 NOV 16 YouTube Sermon | "A Sure Thing"

• TUES 11/20- 6:30PM Chairmen & Elders Meeting with Immanuel & St. Paul
• WED 11/21- NO CONFIRMATION THIS WEEK
• 5:30PM Thanksgiving Eve at Immanuel
• 7:00PM Thanksgiving Eve Worship at St.John
• 8:00PM Elder's Meeting
• THRS 11/22- HAPPY THANKSGIVING; Office Closed
• No Ricketts Bible Study this week
• Pastor Merrill gone 11/22-11/25
• SAT 11/24- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
• SUN 11/25- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00AM Worship, Guest preacher Rev. R. Riggert

This Week @ St. John

• TUES 11/13- 8:45AM Pastor at Pastors' Conference in Midway, IA
• WED 11/14- 3:30PM Confirmation Class
• THRS 11/15- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
• SAT 11/17- 9:00AM LYF set up for Thanksgiving Dinner
• 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
• SUN 11/18- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00AM Worship
• 11:00AM Annual LYF Thanksgiving Dinner

Annual LYF Thanksgiving Dinner Nov. 18

Thanksgiving Dinner 
NOV 18 11:30 AM -12:30 PM
Please join us in the St John Fellowship Hall 
for turkey and all the trimmings! 
Free-will Offering

This Week @ St.John

• TUES 11/6- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
• 4:00PM LWML
• WED 11/7- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 6:30PM LYF Meeting
• THRS 11/8- No Ricketts Community Bldg Bible Study this week
• FRI 11/9-SUN 11/11 IDW HS Youth Gathering in Des Moines
• SAT 11/10- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
• SUN 11/11- VETERANS' DAY
• 8:45AM Sunday School/Bible Study
• 10:00AM Worship
• 11:00AM Recognition of the Centennial of the Armistice ending WWI at 11:00AM, 11/11/1918 and the anniversary of the establishment of the American Legion
• 11:00AM Finance Board Mtg.
• 1:00PM Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
• 2:00PM Pastor at Eventide
• 2:45PM Pastor at Silveridge
• SUN 11/18- Annual LYF Thanksgiving Dinner 11:00AM-12:30PM

This Week @ St.John

MON-SAT Oct. 28- Nov. 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. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com

• WED OCT 31- 3:30PM Confirmation Class
• THRS NOV 1- Ricketts Community Bldg Bible Study
• SAT NOV 2- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS; Remember to set clocks back one hour ("Fall Back")
• SUN NOV 3- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion
• VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR WINTER SNOW REMOVAL; We'll need tractors & loaders to scoop the parking areas. If you're interested, please let us know in the office. The more volunteers we have, the less any one person will need to do it. Thank you.
• FREE WILL OFFERING NEXT SUNDAY (NOV 3)- For Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Callaway, FL, damaged in Hurricane Michael. Their pastor, Rev. Randall is Art & Lorraine Beeck's son-in-law.

This Week @ St.John

• WED 10/24- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 8:00pm Elders' Meeting
• THRS 10/25- 9:30AM Bible Study, Ricketts Community Building
• SAT 10/27- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover
• SAT-SUN 10/27-28 Junior High District Youth Gathering, Des Moines
• SUN 10/28- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion

This Week @ St. John

• WED 10/17- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 7:30PM Quarterly Voters Meeting
• THRS 10/18- 9:30AM Bible Study at Ricketts Community Bldg
• 6:00PM Wedding Rehearsal
• FRI 10/19- Amy Goslar/Danny Lenninger Wedding
• SAT 10/20- 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover
• SUN 10/21- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion
• 1:00PM Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
• 2:00PM at Eventide
• 2:45PM at Silveridge

This Week @ St.John

• TUES 10/9- 8:45AM Circuit Pastors' Conference at Zion, Denison
• WED 10/10- 3:30PM Confirmaiton
• 6:30PM LYF Bonfire at Kyle & Christy Schultz's farm
• 7:30PM Church Council Meeting
• THR 10/11- 9:30AM Bible Study at Ricketts Community Building
• FRI 10/12-MON 10/15 Pastor gone
• SUN 10/14- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
• 10:00AM Worship, Rev. Gerken preaching
• 11:00AM Finance Board Mtg.
• 7:00PM Circuit Forum at St. Paul, Ida Grove
• WED 10/17- 7:30PM QUARTERLY VOTERS' MEETING; Approval of 2019 Budget & Election of 2019 Officers

MINUTES; Special Voters Meeting, Sun. Sept. 30, 2018

Voters Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER

Meeting Called to Order by Congregation President Dwight Goslar after worship, Sunday, September 30, 2018.

NOMINATION OF SYNOD CONVENTIONAL DELEGATE

Pastor reported that the District provided the costs for transportation for Circuit Lay-Delegate to the LCMS National Synodical Convention in Tampa Florida July 20-25, 2019. Brent Friedrichs volunteered.

It was moved by Byron Weiss and seconded by Steve Kuhlman to nominate Brent. Motion carried.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

Steve Kuhlman moved to adjourn, seconded by Byron Weiss.

Respectfully submitted by acting secretary Ted Mallory in the absence of Church Council Secretary Linda Nepper

This Week @ St.John

MON-SAT Sept. 30- Oct. 7, 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. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com

• TUES Oct 1- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
• 4:00PM LWML Meeting
• WED Oct 3- 3:30PM Confirmation
• 7:30PM Budget Committee Meeting
• THRS Oct 4- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
• SAT Oct 6- 6:45PM Worship St. Paul, Hanover TWP
• SUN Oct 7- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
• 10:00AM Worship with Communion, LWML Sunday, Mite Box Sunday "Noisy Offering"
• WED. Oct.10, 6:30PM LYF BONFIRE- at Loryn's BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin- for carving) 

LYF Annual Planning Meeting

Wednesday, September 26  at 7 PM – 8 PM

Annual Planning Meeting
Items to discuss:
July 11-15, 2019, National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, Minnesota (Planning, Registration, & Fundraising)

SUN. OCT. ?
November 9-11 IDW HS Youth Gathering
SAT. NOV. Set up for Thanksgiving Dinner & Brief Meeting
SUN. NOV After Church, Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
SUN. NOV ??? Games with residents at Nursing Home (time TBD)
SAT. DEC. 7:00pm, LYF Christmas Party?
SUN. JAN. 7:00pm, Meeting at Pastor’s
SUN. FEB. Super Bowl Pizza Fundraiser
SUN. MAR. ?
SAT. APR. ? Set up & rehersal for Easter Sunrise Service
SUN. APR. ? Easter “Son-Rise” Worship & Breakfast
SUN. MAY. ? Baccalaureate Worship (Graduation Day)
SUN. JUN. ?
EVERY SUN, SEP-MAY 8:45AM- HS Bible Study in the Library with Leon

SENIORS- Skyler Kelm, Alya McCartney, Madison Young, Krista Gierstorf, Aric Christiansen & Lizzy Jepsen
JUNIORS- Ellen Mallory, Evelyn Henschen, MaKenzie Smith, Tanner Hoffman, Erin Hansen
SOPHOMORES- Adam Castillo, Justice McCartney, Jayden Askew, Trey Kunze, Carter Schultz, Loryn Schultz
FRESHMEN- Hailey Meseck, Keely Kuhlmann, Taryn Funkhauser, MaKia Smith, Gage Elwell, Tayen Cornelious, Travis Webster, Tara Baker

EIGHTH GRADE- Annamarie Mallory

MINUTES; Special Voters Meeting, Sun. Sept. 23, 2018

Voters Meeting Minutes

CALL TO ORDER
Meeting Called to Order by Congregation President Dwight Goslar after worship, Sunday, September 23, 2018.

NOMINATION OF CIRCUIT FORUM DELEGATE
Steve Kuhlman volunteered to serve as St. John's Lay-Delegate to the Circuit Forum, Sunday, October 14.

Melvin Goslar moved to accept Kuhlman as lay delegate, seconded by Ted Mallory. Motion carried.

NOMINATION OF SYNOD CONVENTIONAL DELEGATE
There was discussion about who to nominate for Circuit Lay-Delegate to the LCMS National Synodical Convention in Tampa Florida July 20-25, 2019.  Brent Friedrichs showed interest but felt like he needed more information before committing.

It was moved by Steve Kuhlman and seconded by Joel Kuhlman to table nominations until closer to the Circuit Forum so that research could be done regarding flights, accommodations, responsibilities and the possibility of financial support from the circuit and/or congregation. Motion to table discussion carried.

MOTION TO ADJOURN
Byron Weiss moved to adjourn, seconded by Steve Kuhlman.

Respectfully submitted by acting secretary Ted Mallory in the absence of Church Council Secretary Linda Nepper

This Week @ St.John

SEP 23 Worship/Sermon on YouTube

• MON&TUES 9/24-25 Pastor at District Pastor's Conference
• WED 9/26- 3:30PM Confirmation
• THURS 9/27- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
• SAT 9/29- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
• SUN 9/30- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
• 9:30AM Coffee & Donuts
• 10:00AM (5th Sunday) Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall
• Junior High District Youth Gathering October 27-28, If you're interested in going, please  let Pastor & Peggy Sue Henshen know as soon as possible. 2018 IDW JrHi Youth Gathering Registration Forms |
  Theme: "Delivered"Topic: BaptismBible Verse: Titus 3:5Dates:  October 27-28, 2018Presenter: Pastor Ben Johnson, Gloria Dei-UrbandaleWhere:  All Gathering programming/lodging will be at the Sheraton in West Des Moines (1800 50th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266).

Letter to the members of St. Luke, Ricketts

Brothers and Sisters in Christ of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Ricketts,

St. John, Charter Oak would like to recognize your sixty-nine years of ministry in the area and the many ways in which God has used you and worked through you. God has blessed many people, both individuals and families through your congregation’s dedication to sharing His love in Word and sacrament.  

Our arms are open to you and our prayers will be with you as you now seek new fellowship. May our God guide and direct each of you to your new church homes.

Thank you for your decades of partnership in the Gospel. Remember that our true home is in Heaven and that you yourselves have been built into living stones; each one a temple of the Holy Spirit. Together, we are the church, wherever two or more are gathered together in Jesus’ name.

Be these things as they may, we realize the genuine and deep sorrow of this time, and hope that you know that you have our respect, our sympathy and our prayers.

Well done, good and faithful servants.

In Christ,

The Elders and congregation of

St.John Lutheran Church, Charter Oak, Iowa

This Week @ St.John

SEPT 16 Worship/Sermon on YouTube

• WED 9/19- 3:30pm Confirmation
• 8:00pm Elders Meeting
• THRS 9/20- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
• SAT 9/22- 6:00pm Worship with Communion, Immanuel, Soldier TWP
• SUN 9/23- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00am Worship
• SPECIAL VOTERS MEETING AFTER WORSHIP; We will be electing a lay delegate to the Circuit Forum held October 14 in Ida Grove. We also have ab opportunity to nominate a lay delegate from our circuit for next Summer's Synod Convention in Tampa, Florida.
• Main Street Living is a Lutheran Television Program that is endorsed by Iowa District West of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod. The program is financially supported through the support of the viewers and congregations of the viewing area.
  
  Main Street Living is coming to KCAU-ABC Channel 9 in Sioux City at 10:00am every Sunday morning beginning October 7 of this year. The first half an hour of the program will include digitally remastered episodes of 'This is the Life,' a critically acclaimed series produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries in the 1950s-80s. The final 30 minutes is a modified LCMS worship service featuring pastors from the Sioux City area, a different pastor each week.
  
  Main Street Living began broadcasting each Sunday in 2001 on KDLT-NBC, Sioux Falls, at 10 AM Central time, and KEVN-FOX, Rapid City, at 9 AM Mountain Time.

This Week @ St. John

• TUES-THRS 9/11-9/13- Pastor in St.Louis training as IDW District Secretary
• WED 9/12 3:30pm 5th&6th Grade Confirmation ( No 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation this week)
• SAT 9/15-  6:00pm Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
• SUN 9/16- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Classes
• 10:00am Worship with Communion
• 2:00pm Celebration of 69 Years of Ministry Worship at St. Luke, Ricketts; Pastor Ernst preaching, music by Pastor Frank.

This Week @ St. John

• MON 9/3- LABOR DAY; Office Closed
• TUES 9/4- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
• 4:00PM LWML meeting
  
• WED 9/5- 3:30PM Confirmation Classes
• SAT 9/8- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
• SUN 9/9- RALLY SUNDAY | Sunday School Resumes; First Graders receive Bibles, Fifth Graders receive Catechisms, Installation of Teachers/Helpers. Mission Dinner after worship; Grilled burgers, hot dogs, beans, chips, coleslaw & deserts. Proceeds go to mission projects.
• 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Studies
• 10:00AM 'Rally Day' Worship
• 11:00AM Mission Dinner
• 1:30PM LWML Fall Rally, St. Paul Ute
• SUN 9/16- 2:00PM Celebration of Ministry Service at St. Luke, Ricketts; Music by Rev. Tim Frank, Message by Rev, Eugene Ernst.

This Week @ St.John

• WED 8/29- 7:00PM Confirmation Orientation for 5th-8th Graders & their Parents
• SAT 9/1- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier
• SUN 9/2- NEW FALL SCHEDULE:
• 8:45AM Adult Bible Study
• 10:00AM Worship
• SUN 9/9- RALLY SUNDAY | Sunday School Resumes; First Graders receive Bibles, Fifth Graders receive Catechisms, Installation of Teachers/Helpers.  Mission Dinner after worship; Grilled burgers, hot dogs, beans, chips, coleslaw & deserts. Proceeds go to mission projects.
• SUN 9/16- 2:00PM Celebration of Ministry Service at St. Luke, Ricketts; Music by Rev. Tim Frank, Message by Rev, Eugene Ernst. 

This Week @ St, John

• WED 8/22- 6:00PM Elder's MTG at Pastor's Home
• THR 8/23- First Day of School! Pray for all of the students, teachers, parents, administrators at support staff in the Charter Oak community
• SAT 8/25- 8:45AM Meet at St. John to carpool to Faith Lutheran, Sioux City where the  Mapleton Zone LWML packaging "Mercy Meals." Anyone interested is welcome, you don't have to be a member of LWML or a woman! Just the Church office know ahead of time. Thank you,
• 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St/ Luke's, Ricketts
• SUN 8/26- 9:00AM Worship
• 1:00PM Pastor preaches at Denison Care Center
• 2:00PM Pastor at Eventide
• 2:45PM Pastor at Silveridge

This Week @ St.John

• SAT AUG 18- 6:00PM Worship at St. Luke, Ricketts
• SUN AUG 19- 9:00AM Worship with Communion

• LWML COLLECTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES for COU students this Fall. Items needed include; Crayons (16 or 24); Scissors (blunt tip); folders; notebooks; Elmer's glue (4oz); pink erasers; Kleenex; dry-erase markers; Crayola markers; #2 pencils; colored pencils; black & blue ballpoint pens; highlighters; and backpacks. Many kids get the things they need to begin the school year but many don't. Help us give ALL kids a chance. There is a basket in the walkway for donations. Thank you. (FYI- this is where this year's VBS Mission Offering is going too)
• HELP NEEDED- Four children need clothing for school. Boy (1); Pant size 8, Shirt size 8-10
  Boy (2); Pants size 8, Shirt size 7-8, Boy (3); Pants size 5, Shirt size 5-6, Girl; Pants size 4-5, Shirt 4-5. If you can help please leave items with Linda in the church office.

Come Celebrate the Ministry of St. Luke, Ricketts

VACANCY NEWS- Pastor Merrill continues to serve the vacancy at the Triple Parish (Immanuel, Soldier TWP/St. Luke, Ricketts/St. Paul, Hanover TWP). Voters of St. Luke, Rickets have voted to dissolve as a congregation.St. Luke will host Triple Parish services in August. The final two services as St. Luke as a congregation will be in September. 

Leaders from St. Paul & Immanuel have approached St. John about sharing Pastor Merrill. St.John Elders & Church Council members asked them to prepare financial plans. The three groups will have meetings throughout the Fall and have invited IDW President Rev. Steve Turner to offer guidance and advice as well. Please keep this process and all four of our congregations in your prayers in coming months.

• SUN SEP 16 - 2:00PM Service celebrating St. Luke, Ricketts' sixty-nine years of Ministry featuring Pastor Gene Ernst preaching and Pastor Tim Frank leading music. A time of food & fellowship will be held outside after worship. Come join our neighbors for this special service.
• SUN SEP 30- Official Closing with Iowa District West President Rev. Steve Turner offering a message of encouragement and officially decommission the building. There will be a catered meal following worship.

Thank be to our God and to our Lord Jesus Christ for His grace and blessing throughout the sixty-nine years of ministry He has granted to St. Luke as a congregation. Please keep the members of St. Luke and the community of Ricketts in you prayers.

This Week @ St. John

Sun Aug 5 Sermon; 'Truly Heavenly Food' John 6:22-35
VBS2018 Closing; 'SplishSplash' Song by Pastor Merrill about Baptism

MON-SAT July 5-12, 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. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com

• AUG 6-10- Creation Museum Trip
• AUG 6-17- Pastor on vacation; If you have pastoral needs, please call the office 678-3630 & we can direct you to another area pastor
• SAT AUG 11- No worship at St. Luke, Ricketts
• SUN AUG 12- 9:00AM Worship; Guest preacher Rev.Andrew Johnson (Trinity, Manilla)
• 10:00AM Finance Board Mtg.

Be sure to visit & like our Facebook page and visit & subscribe to our YouTube Channel

• LWML COLLECTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES for COU students this Fall. Items needed include; Crayons (16 or 24); Scissors (blunt tip); folders; notebooks; Elmer's glue (4oz); pink erasers; Kleenex; dry-erase markers; Crayola markers; #2 pencils; colored pencils; black & blue ballpoint pens; highlighters; and backpacks. Many kids get the things they need to begin the school year but many don't. Help us give ALL kids a chance. There is a basket in the walkway for donations. Thank you. (FYI- this is where this year's VBS Mission Offering is going too)
• HELP NEEDED- Four children need clothing for school. Boy (1); Pant size 8, Shirt size 8-10
  Boy (2); Pants size 8, Shirt size 7-8, Boy (3); Pants size 5, Shirt size 5-6, Girl; Pants size 4-5, Shirt 4-5. If you can help please leave items with Linda in the church office.

VACANCY NEWS- Pastor Merrill continues to serve the vacancy at the Triple Parish (Immanuel, Soldier TWP/St. Luke, Ricketts/St. Paul, Hanover TWP). Voters of St. Luke, Rickets have voted to dissolve as a congregation.St. Luke will host Triple Parish services in August. The final two services as St. Luke as a congregation will be in September. 

Leaders from St. Paul & Immanuel have approached St. John about sharing Pastor Merrill. St.John Elders & Church Council members asked them to prepare financial plans. The three groups will have meetings throughout the Fall and have invited IDW President Rev. Steve Turner to offer guidance and advice as well. Please keep this process and all four of our congregations in your prayers in coming months.

• SUN SEP 16 - 2:00PM Service celebrating St. Luke, Ricketts' sixty-nine years of Ministry featuring Pastor Gene Ernst preaching and Pastor Tim Frank leading music. A time of food & fellowship will be held outside after worship. Come join our neighbors for this special service.
• SUN SEP 30- Official Closing with Iowa District West President Rev. Steve Turner offering a message of encouragement and officially decommission the building. There will be a catered meal following worship.

Thank be to our God and to our Lord Jesus Christ for His grace and blessing throughout the sixty-nine years of ministry He has granted to St. Luke as a congregation. Please keep the members of St. Luke and the community of Ricketts in you prayers.

This Week @ St.John

SUN JUL 29 Children's Message

SUN JUL 29 Sermon

VBS This Week- We Appreciate Your Prayers for 'Splash Canyon' our Vacation Bible School beginning Sunday, July 29 thru Thursday, August 2. Ask God to bring children to our program so that they can know and grow in Jesus our Savior. Ask God to strengthen and encourage our leaders and volunteers for this important mission. Please cover our experience with safety and joy.

VBS SNACKS NEEDED: We still need some volunteers to  help us with bars and treats for our snack time each day and then for our closing celebration on Thursday. Please sign up in the church lobby. Thank you.

VBS CRAFT SUPPLIES NEEDED: Foam shapes; dark greene tissue paper; colored sand (red, yellow orange); paper towel tubes. Please call Peggy Sue 253 - 5972

• MON-THURS 7/30-8/2- 5:45PM VBS Sack Lunch, 6:00PM VBS
• THRS 8/2- 8:00PM VBS CLOSING PROGRAM
  YOU'RE INVITED! Come and let the children lead you in praising God & let them show & tell you what they've learned this week. See the projects they made & enjoy some refreshments following the program. EVERYONE'S WELCOME (not just parents & family of VBS attendees)
• SAT 8/4- 6:00PM Worship at St. Luke's, Ricketts
• SUN 8/5- No Adult Bible Class in August
• 9:00AM Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box Sunday)
• 1:00PM Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
• 2:00PM Pastor at Eventide
• 2:45Pm Pastor at Silveridge
• SCHOOL LUNCHES- July 30- August 3, 11:30AM-1:00PM St. John is providing free lunches for the children of Charter Oak while COU school is closed for cleaning. The first four days are the same as St.John's VBS. We're seeking volunteers to help with meals again this year. Children are always very appreciative and sometimes we even have guests from other communities. If you'd be willing to help with a meal for a day, please sign up on the counter in the church lobby or let Linda inn the office know.
• LWML COLLECTING SCHOOL SUPPLIES for COU students this Fall. Items needed include; Crayons (16 or 24); Scissors (blunt tip); folders; notebooks; Elmer's glue (4oz); pink erasers; Kleenex; dry-erase markers; Crayola markers; #2 pencils; colored pencils; black & blue ballpoint pens; highlighters; and backpacks.  Many kids get the things they need to begin the school year but many don't. Help us give ALL kids a chance. There is a basket in the walkway for donations. Thank you.
• HELP NEEDED- Four children need clothing for school. Boy (1); Pant size 8, Shirt size 8-10
  Boy (2); Pants size 8, Shirt size 7-8, Boy (3); Pants size 5, Shirt size 5-6, Girl; Pants size 4-5, Shirt 4-5. If you can help please leave items with Linda in the church office.

This Week @ St.John | 5th SUN Contemporary Worship

Good Luck at the Crawford County Fair this week 4H Boosters, Achievers & COU FFA!

• WED 7/25- 6:00PM St.John volunteers man the LWML/Lutheran Hour Fair Booth at the Crawford County Fair in Dension.
• 8:00PM Elder's Meeting
• THR 7/26- 8:30AM-Noon Volunteer Opportunity; The Orphan Grain Train in Ida Grove will be loading a container to be shipped to the Republic of Georgia. NEEDED: A wheelchair in good condition. 

• SAT 7/28- 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover
  
• SUN 7/28- 8:00AM Adult Bible Class
• 8:30AM Refreshments (like Homemade Pie!!!)
• 9:00AM 5th Sunday Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall
• 5:45PM Brown-Back Snack Supper
• 6:00PM 'Splash Canyon' VBS Begins!

RAGBRAI Housing NEEDED;

RAGBRAI Housing NEEDED! Can you help?

Paul Melin, program director of the Lutheran Worship broadcast 'Worship Anew' from Fort Wayne, IN and two other bike riders (gentlemen in their 70's) are in need of a place to stay Sunday night (July 22). If you would be willing to host them for the evening, or know someone who might, please call Linda Kuhlmann in the church office as soon as possible.

• http://www.worshipanew.org/about
• https://www.facebook.com/Sparky5404

STEWARDSHIP | Finding Financial Peace

God is the owner of everything (Psalm 24:1-2; Psalm 89:11) and bestows financial blessings upon us that we might be good stewards in managing them according to His desire.

As the hymn goes, "We give the but Thine one, what 'er the gift might be. All that we have is Thine alone, a trust oh God from Thee."

These financial blessings also have the potential for great temptation, idolatry and even leading people from saving faith (Matthew 6:24; 1 Timothy 6:9-10).

Let's face it, we all know that financial mismanagement brig a lot of heartache.

Another fact is that excessive debt often keeps us from giving sacrificially and experiencing the joy of giving; and from generously supporting our churches, pastors, professional church workers, missionaries, district and synod ministries.

Iowa District West in Convention June 24-26, 2018 voted to encourage congregations to utilize a recourse called Financial Peace University (FPU) by Dave Ramsey which approaches money management from a Christian perspective and has been proven to help many practice better and God-pleasing money management.

Before undertaking Ramsey's course, please read the following preview;  Rev. Jonathan Conner, Zion, Manning has written at the request of the Synod a helpful “Preview and Review of Financial Peace University” that faithfully, but kindly, points out where Ramsey’s theology departs from our own and presents helpful suggestions for Lutheran pastors and lay leaders who would like to use FPU in their congregations.

SEE ALSO; 

• The 'Stewardship' Playlist on St.John Charter Oak's YouTube Channel
• THRIVENT'S 'Wise With Your Money'