Friday, August 16, 2013

One Sure Thing - The Presence and Love of God


Dear Fellow Children of God,

 

Saturday, August 10, was a busy day for St. John members when it comes to weddings.  A wedding ceremony for Kathryn Hermon Jordan and Jacob Jordan was be held at St. John in Palmer with Pastor Allen celebrating.  A ceremony for Shawna Crosley and Trenton Berberich was held in Shawna’s home town of Olympia, WA, with Pastor Rockey officiating.

 

Marriage has been the traditional relationship for men and women since the beginning of time.  Genesis 2 tells us that it is God’s plan that a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.  These young couples are excited and full of joy to live the adventure of marriage which is part of God’s creation plan.

 

But today many fear and refrain from the adventure of God’s plan of marriage.  Most of us have seen marriages that have broken up, and more difficultly, we have seen the pain that friends and loved ones experience when families struggle. 

 

It is true that little is sure in life.  Will my job last?  Will health last?  Will the love for my spouse that I feel and live today continue through life’s struggles?  When a man and woman make vows and promises to continue in faithfulness and love, it can be a scary leap of faith because life is so uncertain.

 

But, though life may seem uncertain, there is one thing that is certain.  In Matthew 18:20 Jesus tells his disciples, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

 

Health may leave, but God’s presence and love continue.  Jobs may disappear, but God continues to love us.  Relationships change and sometimes marriage break up, but God’s love remains the same – faithful, merciful, forgiving, and strong in Jesus’ sacrificial love for us.  We can’t always be sure of life situations.  Nor can we be sure of ourselves.  But we can be sure of God.  He is with us in love and forgiveness through Jesus.

 

The promises and commitment of marriage can be scary, but faith trusts God’s love even when life is not sure.  I have recently become aware that August 10 is special for another reason.  I performed a funeral on August 3 for Alison Lewis, but August 10 of this year would have been the 50th anniversary for Gary and Alison.  Pastor George Rakos and Carolyn also celebrate their 50th anniversary this Saturday, August 10.  Life was not always easy for these couples.  Life has challenges for everyone.   But God’s love is real.  It is there in the midst of life’s joys, such as the ceremonies this Saturday.  God is there when the trials of life seem bigger than we are.  His love can and does make a difference.  It made a difference for the Rakos’ and Lewis’.  God’s love can help us face whatever challenges life brings.

 

God bless you Jake and Kathryn, Trent and Shawna.  Congratulations and continued blessings, George and Caroline, (Gary and Alison)!

 

A Child of God, Leaning on God’s love to face the adventures of life.,

Pastor Jonathan

 

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

 

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·         Bible Class on Philippians – Jim Summers started teaching a Bible Class on Sundays between worship services (at 9:45 a.m.) in the library.  This class is growing through studying the book of Philippians.

 

·         Installation at Our Redeemer Chugiak for Ryan Strehlow – DCE, Ryan Stehlow, will be installed as Director of Christian Education at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.  It would be great to have a nice representation of St. John members for this event.  A meal will follow the worship service.

 

JOINT PICNIC – St. John is planning a congregational picnic for Sunday, August 18, after worship on that day.  We will also share this pot luck picnic time with our neighbors, the members of St. Michael Roman Catholic Church and Palmer United Protestant Church.  (In fact St. Michael will be bringing hot dogs and hamburgers to supplement what people bring to share)

            A grill will be available to cook meat.  Some games will be provided.    Some hymns will be sung.  We even hope to have a pick up softball game.  Plan to bring meat to cook and a side dish to share.  There are 8 gallons of ice cream in the freezer already!  More details will follow.

            PLAN TO ATTEND AND ENJOY A DAY OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP!

 

 

THANKS JOE AHRENS, and other Community Garden Volunteers!  Have you seen the community garden on our east property?  It is really looking good.  The idea is that these vegetables can first be shared with St. John members, and then the local food bank.  Thanks to all who have participated in this activity of witness and love.  If you are interested in helping Joe, please let him know.  You can call Joe at 746-2232.

 

 

 

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP continues.  These Wednesday worship services focus on the readings and themes of the coming Sunday.  These services are intended to provide an alternative service for those who cannot attend worship on a Sunday, or an extra worship service for those who wish another opportunity for growth and fellowship and worship.  Come and join us at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday evening! 

 

 

 

A VISIT FROM THE SEMINARY – St. Louis seminarian, Glen Emery will be in the Mat-Su Valley on August 25 visiting family in Wasilla.  In fact, there will be two baptisms for the Emery family at St. John on that day.  Ryan and Asher Emery will receive God’s grace through this concrete promise of God.

            In addition, Glen has offered to share his experiences as a seminary student between services.

 

ST. JOHN SEMINARIAN – HUNTER RICHARDS - Many of you know that St. John has its own member attending seminary, Hunter Richards.  Hunter is now serving his vicarage (an internship for being a pastor) in North Canton, Ohio.  In fact, St. John supports Hunter and Elizabeth with a small gift each month.  We have budgeted $100.00 a month for them as they work to finish school and serve as Pastor.  Also, at the same time, if others give extra gifts (as a number of people do) these gifts are also sent along in addition to help Hunter and Elizabeth in their educational expenses so they can serve the Lord.

Please also keep Hunter and Elizabeth in prayer as they learn and grow!

 

 

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DID YOU KNOW THAT MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT ST. JOHN is available on our church website?  On our web page you can find sermons, newsletters, and these weekly devotions.  The link is:  http://www.st-john-lutheran.org 

In fact, IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE YOUR MONTHLY CHURCH NEWSLETTER BY E-MAIL please e-mail Judy Stahancyk and let her know.  You can call at 745-3338, or e-mail Judy at jstahancyk@st-john-lutheran.org. If you receive the newsletter by e-mail it saves printing, postage, and time compiling the newsletter.  Also, you receive the monthly newsletter more quickly!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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