AS WE GATHER
(This section is placed at the beginning of our bulletin to use as a pre-service meditation)
This Sunday in the Church Year is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” The appointed Psalm for the day is Psalm 23, which is among the most well-known psalms. The Gospel from John 10 records Jesus revealing Himself as the Good Shepherd. While fewer and fewer people are familiar with what it is like to take care of sheep, this metaphor of God’s protection and provision has become a great source of comfort and hope. God grant that you find such blessed comfort as you dwell securely here in the house of the Lord.
All that we are, have, and hope to be are gifts from God.
WITH SYMPATHY
We pray for the family of Ron Meyer. Ron passed away on Wednesday morning, April 18, 2018. The visitation will be at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta, IA on Sunday, April 22nd from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. The funeral will be here at St. John at 11:00 am on Monday, April 23rd.
THIS WEEK’S NOTES
BUILDING HEALTHY FAMILIES – Someone has said that listening is “love in action.” Listening encourages others to express their feelings. When we don’t listen carefully – or when we quickly pass judgment on or react to what is said – we discourage sharing and relationships become un-safe. Good listening invites open communication and safety. Put your love for your spouse, children, neighbor, or friend into action this week by listening well! This is a message from Lutheran Family Service (712) 276-9000; 4301 Sergeant Rd, Ste 203 Sioux City, IA 51106.
SUNDAY SCHOOL – We begin this quarter with God’s account of the beginning of all things in “God Creates a World.” During the week, point out to your children some of the wonderful things in our world God made and praise Him for these creations. Consider asking, “How did God create the world? What is your favorite part of God’s creation?”
“Life is Puzzling” Bible Study: Junior High and High School youth are invited to the new Youth Group Bible Study during the Sunday School hour 10:15-11:15am. We are playing board and card games of all kinds for our bible study. We will focus on our life in Christ, and how we can be an “echo” of faith. We will search basements, cabinets, garage sales and second hand stores for the right game to talk about how we can live in Christ every day. If you have any questions, please contact Jerry Johnson 732-2775 or johnson@bvu.edu
FINANCIAL INFORMATION MEETING – Attend one of the financial information meetings after church on Saturday evening, April 21st or Sunday morning, April 22nd. At the information meeting, there will be a handout detailing the current financial situation as well as projected financial figures to the end of the year (2018). There will be a discussion of the financial figures, a time for questions and answers, and an opportunity to provide valuable and constructive input from members of the congregation. If you are unable to attend, please pick up a copy of the meeting materials from Celeste for your examination and reflection.
CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SOCIETY will meet Sunday, April 22, at 7 p.m. at the church. Bob and Karen Fletcher who have earned Master Gardener certification will present the program outlining the process of becoming a Master Gardener and sharing horticulture tips. They are also the devotional leaders; Pastor is scheduled to serve. You are invited to share in this evening of fellowship.
RALLY TIME - Schools have rallies to encourage the athletic teams and show support. The LWML women will have a Zone Spring Rally on April 22 at Grace, Storm Lake. We encourage all the women of the congregation to attend for information, inspiration, and getting to know your sisters in Christ. This rally is also right in town, so travel will be minimal! Registration begins at 1:15; a $5 fee is charged to cover rally expenses. The Rev. Mark and Ruth Gerken will tell about Gospel outreach in Ethiopia.
In preparation for the District LWML Convention in June, the group will be collecting travel size deodorant and toothpaste, new wash clothes, $5 McDonald gift certificates to enclose in cards send to servicemen, and new bras. A box has been placed in the narthex for that purpose.
NEWSLETTER & CALENDAR ITEMS DUE on Monday, April 23rd.
FOLD NEWSLETTERS – If you’d like to help fold the May newsletters, please join us on Friday morning, April 27th at 9:15 am.
NEW POINTS TO PONDER
CATECHISMS ARE HERE! – If you ordered one of the new Catechisms from CPH, they have arrived. Please ask Renae or Celeste for yours.
FLOWER AND VEGETABLE PLANT SALE: Once again Thrivent has teamed up with Grace and St. John's Youth programs to hold a flower and vegetable sale. The quality is great and this opportunity gives our members a chance to beautify God's neighborhoods. Take a sheet home and return it to the envelope provided. Sign up for plants now and we will schedule pickup dates as we get closer to planting time. Steve Frank, Coordinator
TRANSFERRED OUT – The approval of the transfer of Dave & Donna Dose to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in West Des Moines was granted by the Lay Ministers on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Although, we will miss Dave and Donna, we wish them God’s blessings at their new church.
CONGREGATIONAL SPRING SALAD LUNCHEON – Join the Parish Relations Board on Sunday, May 6th at 11:30 am for a Spring Salad luncheon! More details will be coming soon. Mark your calendars! Think Spring (it’s coming at some point)!
PREVIOUS POINTS OF INTEREST
HOSPICE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – St. Croix Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit hospice patients in this area. If you have some free time and enjoy visiting with people, contact Jodi Meyer, volunteer coordinator for St. Croix Hospice by phone (712-264-5674) or email (volunteer@stcroixhospice.com). A flyer with additional details is on the bulletin board.
LETTER TO MEMBERS – A letter about St. John’s current financial situation was handed out to members following the Easter services on April 1st. If you did not receive a copy on Easter and you would like one, stop in the office or call Celeste and a letter will be mailed to you.
TREASURER – Karen Fletcher, the faithful treasurer at St. John since 2010, has indicated her desire to retire from her role as treasurer on or before December 1, 2018. To allow smooth transition to a new treasurer, Karen has agreed to train the new treasurer over the next several months. If you are interested in serving as treasurer (or would like to nominate a candidate), please contact Henry Hardt as soon as possible (732-7998 or hardt@bvu.edu).
NOMINATING COMMITTEE – We are still in need of members to serve on the Nominating Committee for the mid-year elections for the 2019-2020 term at St. John. If you are interested in helping, contact Henry Hardt (732-7998 or hardt@bvu.edu).
Looking for an awarding experience that will help our youth, community and church? Do we have an opportunity for you! St. John Youth and Education Board is preparing for St. John/Grace VBS this summer with an exciting program and partnership with Camp Okoboji. We are looking for CONGREGATIONAL CONTACT PERSONS to be a part of the VBS team with Camp Okoboji. The CCP will act as a representative for the congregation. They will assist the Traveling Day/Camp VBS staff in implementing Camp VBS program. This is will be an excellent opportunity for community outreach based on a four-day program. Camp VBS will provide Preschool to 4th graders with opportunity to experience God’s grace, love and guidance through Bible study, interaction with energetic Camp Okoboji staff, skits, games and other activities. The vacation bible school with St. John and Grace is tentatively scheduled for May 29 to June 1. St. John will be hosting this summer’s VBS. Please contact Jerry Johnson 712-732-2775 or johnson@bvu.edu for more information.
ST. JOHN FINANCIAL CONDITION as of April 17, 2018
Funds available in Home fund as of April 11, 2018 to pay future bills $2,529.68
Offerings for Home Fund the weekend of April 14 – 15, 2018 + $ 0.00
(No church due to blizzard)
Funds available as of April 17, 2018 to pay future bills $2,529.68
Bills paid out of Home Fund the week of April 15 - 21, 2018 - $1,238.38
Funds available in Home fund to pay future bills as of April 17, 2018 $1,291.30
(**Note: $4,000 loan still needs to be repaid)
Future Bills (estimated amounts)
Week of April 22 – 28, 2018 $10,286.83
Week of April 29 – May 5, 2018 $858.93
Week of May 6 – 12, 2018 $4,635.20
Week of May 13 – 19, 2018 $1,192.42
Week of May 20 – 26, 2018 $4,031.13
Week of May 27 – June 2, 2018 $6,173.25
I would be happy to visit with anyone who has questions or concerns.
Henry Hardt
Executive Director
Schedule for the Week of April 22 - 29
Sun. April 22 9:00 am Worship
10:00 am Financial Information Meeting
10:00 am Sunday Morning Coffee
10:15 am Faithbuilders
10:30 am Bible Class
2:00 pm Ethiopians
7:00 pm CFS
Mon. April 23 Newsletter and Calendar Items Due
9:00 am Mission Sewing
Tues. April 24 5:00 pm Overeaters Anonymous
Wed. April 25 12:00 pm Narcotics Anonymous
4:30 pm Midweek
7:00 pm Choir
8:30 pm Alcoholics Anonymous
Fri. April 27 9:15 am Fold Newsletters
Sat. April 28 6:00 pm Worship
8:00 pm AA/Al-Anon
Sun. April 29 9:00 am Worship
10:00 am Sunday Morning Coffee
10:15 am Faithbuilders
10:30 am Bible Class
2:00 pm Ethiopian Gathering
