Sharing What's Really Important: August 2011

Monday, August 29, 2011

Tears of Joy?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

When was the last time you saw or experienced tears? I know a tear or two was shed at St. John on August 14 when my grand-daughter, Kendall, was baptized. In the last week or so I’ve also seen tears as our son, Timothy, leaves home for school at the University of Montana. Tears don’t always mean pain or sorrow, though they can. Sometimes tears can reveal nervousness. Sometimes tears show joy. But tears almost always mean that someone cares, usually cares about someone else. You might say that tears are ‘love spilling over.’

· Paul talks about the tears of his Timothy as Paul left him for work elsewhere. But, these tears pointed to future joy Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. (2 Timothy 1:4) Can you hear Paul’s love?

· The Psalmist reminds us that tears often point to future joy. Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. (Psalm 126: 5) Have you shed a tear in a time of joy?

I was blessed by a great devotion this week. The pastor asked, “How much do you love your family, your children? How much greater is God’s love than yours? Now consider how much God loves you.” When God’s love spilled over He did more than shed a tear or two. He sent His beloved only Son, Jesus. Jesus love spilled over when he went willingly to the cross and rose from the dead for us.

Love cannot help but show itself, in tears, or words, or actions. So, when you know God’s love for you, and when His love spills over in your life, what does God’s love look like as it flows from you?

A Child of God, Thankful that God’s love has spilled over on me,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here is a picture from this morning. This was Tim’s first day of school. However, there is a river that runs through Missoula and beside the campus. I made sure he has plenty of fishing equipment. His first class started at 9:10 a.m., but we left to go fishing at 6:30 a.m. https://picasaweb.google.com/114993745799525883148/TimGoesToCollege#5646426525493500530

P.S. Please note the announcement below about the “Tracking the Spirit” presentation that will give us an opportunity to consider living in God’s love and sharing God’s love.

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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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Thursday, August 25, 2011

Remembering to Say 'Thanks'

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Life is full of worries and troubles. Then on Sunday, in addition to troubles around the world and troubles in our own country, one of our family members ended up in the emergency room for a quick visit! But, life is not all trouble and struggle. Life in this world is also full of the blessings of God. We live in God’s eternal love in Jesus. God blesses us with His love and mercy daily. However, it is often so easy to focus on the troubles that we forget the blessings. Forgetting the blessings we can forget to thank God. We then miss the joy and peace that comes from a thankful heart.

Psalm 103:1-2 say, 1 Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits It is good to remember God’s blessings even when trouble comes. And Sunday and Monday were also full of blessings at St. John and blessings in our family, blessings I don’t want to forget.

· School is back in session and it was GREAT to see all the children in church. I counted 8 children in the children’s message in early worship, and 22 in late worship. Thank you, Lord!

· After late worship the Fellowship Board sponsored the St. John Back to School Picnic. Now, the weather forecasts had been for rain. But the weather was sunny, the turnout was great. And I loved seeing the children playing games. Thank you, Lord! https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/StJohnChurchPicnic8212011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

· Monday was our last day at home before leaving to take Tim to college and to attend 2 church meetings. It is probably no surprise I took church friends fishing. What a day! We limited out on silver salmon! Thank you, Lord!! https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/SilverFishing8222011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

· Monday night before Tim left for school some family came over for a spaghetti dinner. It was a good time of relaxing. Tim and Josh played catch. The grandkids spent time with their grandmother. What a blessing when family can be together in love and faith! Thank you, Lord! https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/RockeyFamilyLastNightBeforeCollegeTrip8222011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Yes, life has plenty of trials. But God is good and we don’t want to “forget all his benefits.” What blessings have you recently experienced? Have you thanked the Lord?

A Child of God, Thankful for God’s blessings,

Pastor Jonathan

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Thursday, August 18, 2011

Where is Your Treasure?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

For a number of weeks the top story in the national news has been concern about the United States economy, especially the level of national debt. Perhaps this story should have been news before we got to the point of today’s financial difficulties. However, the news is not only political, but in a lot of cases the news about the economy affects us personally. What if our income buys less than it used to buy? What happens when people’s investments or retirement funds diminish? What if the U.S. government can’t meet its obligations? So, concerns about our national the economy are on the minds of many.

But, do we have the same kind of concern about another kind of treasure? Do we spend as much time or energy working to strengthen our faith? Do we work as hard to grow in patience and kindness and love as children of God? Do we spend as much effort to strengthen our relationship with our Lord through prayer and worship as we spend caring for our earthly possessions?

Listen to what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount.

19 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

I am not saying that we should ignore earthly possessions. God calls us to be good stewards so we can use the earthly blessings He gives us to strengthen Him and love others. But, as Jesus said, our Heavenly treasures last forever compared to the things of this world. What Jesus did not say in this verse is that our eternal life is more valuable than the possessions of this world. Jesus, the Son of God, paid for our eternity with His own life! In God’s sight we are worth dying for!!!

What and where is your treasure? Know that as the Father in heaven gave His Son for you, HE treasures YOU!

A Child of God, Seeking treasure that lasts,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. On August 1 I took Pastor Jonathan Goeke and his family fishing. He used to be pastor in Fairbanks, and is now in Texas. While he was visiting Alaska again, we went fishing on the Deshka River. Here are pictures of that trip. Even the children caught fish!! https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/DeshkaSilversAugust12011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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Big Troubles - Bigger Help!

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Today’s Thoughts from the Pastor is a letter to my granddaughter, Kendall, who was baptized this past Sunday.

Dear Kendall,

As I write you this letter the world is facing many serious troubles. In our country there is serious division between different ideas about how to live and how to be a country. Among other things this division has led to financial problems like our country has seldom seen. There are troubles around the world too. People are experiencing war and fighting in Libya and Afghanistan. There is unrest in Iraq and Syria. Somalia is in anarchy and children are starving. And, in many ways this world has been turned upside down. What God says is right has been called evil, and what God calls evil has been called ‘enlightened.’ Families are struggling. This may sound confusing and it is. However, Kendall, I can tell you that the world is full of trouble. You might wonder what the future holds for you!

But, Kendall, on Sunday something happened that changed your future for the good, FOREVER! God broke into this world of trouble and confusion to bring you love and life. On Sunday, Kendall, you were baptized! Someday I will share more with you about what this means. However, in the Bible God says that in baptism He forgives our sins and gives us the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). In baptism God works through His Son, Jesus to save people from the sin and the troubles of this world for eternal life in heaven (Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 3:21). In other words, while the world is falling apart, God has taken you in His loving arms forever.

Kendall, I wish I could tell you that you will never face any problems, but I know that is not true. However, I can tell you this. In a world of big troubles, there is bigger help and bigger love. God has given that to us in Jesus. Last Sunday He called you to His love when you were baptized. (I confess to having shed a little tear of joy and love as God worked in your life.)

Don’t worry, you are not alone. God has many other children who share this hope and blessing with you. So, in life’s big trouble, there is bigger help and bigger hope. Let’s talk more about this hope and promise when you grow older.

Love,

Poppy Jon

Thankful to be A Child of God,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here are pictures from Sunday’s baptism and from a recent family outing; https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/RockeyFamilyJulyAndAugust2011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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ST. JOHN NEWS

BACK TO SCHOOL CHURCH PICNIC - The Fellowship Board is organizing a “Back to School Church Picnic” after late worship THIS SUNDAY, August 21. We have about 200 hot dogs and buns and 80 hamburgers left in their packages from the Community Picnic. This will hopefully be a time of Christian fellowship and fun as we enter a new school year at St. John.

Please bring a) a side dish of salad, or chips, etc, and b) a dessert. We could possibly use a few more hamburgers and hamburger buns.

Plan on a time of fun and fellowship.

AUCTION ALTERNATIVE – Jamie Walters, St. John DCE, has asked me to remind the congregation that there is not going to be a youth auction this year. Jamie and the youth board have talked about having an Oktoberfest for families in place of the auction. If you would like to help with this plan, please call Jamie.

THE BLESSINGS OF WEDNESDAY WORSHIP –Wednesday worship continues each week at 6:30 p.m. The goal for Wednesday worship is to provide an alternate opportunity for those who can’t make Sunday worship, and to provide extra opportunities for time with the Lord and His people for people who nevertheless can attend on Sundays. The services and sermons on Wednesday are different from the Sunday service and sermon.

SUNDAY SCHOOL starts the Sunday after Labor Day, September 11. Plan now to attend, and to bring your children!

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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!!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Where is Your Treasure?

Dear Fellow Children of God,

Listen to what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount.

What and where is your treasure? Know that as the Father in heaven gave His Son for you, HE treasures YOU!

A Child of God, Seeking treasure that lasts,

Pastor Jonathan

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ST. JOHN NEWS

A WEDDING RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AT ST. JOHN ON SATURDAY FROM 1-4:00 P.M. for Kristin Kopperud and Kevin Stinn! Come and celebrate God’s blessings in the lives of these two children of His!!

BACK TO SCHOOL CHURCH PICNIC The Fellowship Board is organizing a “Back to School Church Picnic” after late worship on August 21. We have about 200 hot dogs and 80 hamburgers left from the Community Picnic. This will hopefully be a time of Christian fellowship and fun as we enter a new school year at St. John.

There are sign up sheets in the narthex. We need

· Cooks

· People to set up during late worship.

· Everyone to bring a) a side dish of salad, or chips, etc, and b) a dessert.

· We could use a few more hamburgers and hamburger buns.

Plan on a time of fun and fellowship.

THIS WEDNESDAY we will look at Isaiah 56 and consider the breadth of God’s love. Come and join us some Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL starts the Sunday after Labor Day, September 11. Plan now to attend, and to bring your children!

Prayer Needs – Please pray for:

THANKS

· Kristin Kopperud and Kevin Stinn – Kristin and Kevin were married in Iowa last Friday.

· Andrew Elliott and Emily Nelson – They were married on Saturday in the front yard of Andrew’s grandmother, Dee McNeese.

· Pete Probasco - Pete was in church Sunday for the first time since his fall and injury.

NEEDS

· Barb Thomas, whose husband, Bob, died on Sunday from a stroke suffered last Tuesday.

· Herman Griese’s mom, Margaret. She is on hospice care. Herman and Linda are traveling on Friday to take care of her for about a week.

· Pam Butcher – in the hospital with the symptoms of Muscular Dystrophy

· Dawn Brettrager – Dawn is recovering from knee replacement surgery.

· Our Country – Pray for the hearts of our people to turn to God, and for our leaders to follow God’s leading.

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Jonathan Rockey

Husband, Father, Son, Grandfather

Senior Pastor, St. John Lutheran Church

907-841-4066 cell

907-746-5131 - home

907-745-3338 - church

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:17)

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Back to the Basics

Dear Fellow Children of God,

On Tuesday night some of the St. John Stephen Ministers made a trip to the Palmer Pioneer and Veterans Home. You see long time St. John member and original St. John Stephen Minister, June Liebing, was turning 90on Wednesday. We wanted to let June know she is not forgotten and that she is still loved. We also wanted to celebrate God’s goodness in June’s life. Time and again June reiterated how blessed she is.

Then someone asked June, “So after 90 years, do you have any words of wisdom?” June’s reply was short. “Love your neighbor.” That simple statement is good advice for anyone.

Actually, these are words from Scripture that Jesus used as well. In Matthew 22 Jesus was asked by a religious leader what the greatest commandment was. Quoting the Old Testament Jesus replied, “37 "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

So, after 90 years of life’s trials, the principle that stuck first in June’s mind is the simple call to love others. Actually, loving our neighbor is part of how we love God. But when life seems so complicated and difficult the simple guidelines are still the best. ‘Love God.’ ‘Love our neighbors.’

However, these guidelines may be simple to remember, and good to follow, but not simple to keep. That is why the words of 1 John 4 are so important. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. It is God’s undeserved love for us in the dying and rising of Jesus that leads us to love Him, and then strengthens us to love others.

Look at the problems in today’s world. It might be the world economy. It might be terrorism. It might be dealing with poverty, or illness. Imagine how much better our world would be if we could hear and follow the call of our Lord. "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' . . . 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Thanks, June!

A Child of God, seeking God’s simple wisdom in life’s confusing complexity,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here are pictures June’s birthday party. https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/StephenMinistersCelebrateJuneLiebingS90thBirthday822011?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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Jesus' Help in Times of Trial

Dear Fellow Children of God,

I was saddened this week to read the newsletter of Trinity Lutheran Church, the church in which I was baptized and my faith was nurtured as a young child. I am part of the 5^th generation in my family to live in Easthampton, MA, and worship at Trinity Lutheran Church. My great grandparents were charter members of the congregation over 100 years ago and as I young child I watched my large family attend and serve in the congregation. However, today Trinity Lutheran is going through difficult times as traditional churches are declining in New England. The people of Trinity are trying to decide if they can even afford a full time Pastor. Being a Christian congregation has never been easy. And, there are ways in which living the Christian faith is even more difficult in today’s western culture than in past times.

But, there are other ways in which being a Christian can be difficult. This Sunday evening Darcie Gill of “Voice of the Martyrs” will speak at St. John at 7:00 p.m. about the persecuted church. It is not just in the Bible that children of God were persecuted or even lost their lives as they followed our Lord, Jesus. Today, perhaps more than ever, there are places in the world where people are living in danger for simply believing in our Lord and seeking to live for Him.

We should not be surprised when we face difficulties as God’s children. In fact, we should expect it. In many places during His ministry Jesus tells us, “If they hated you they will hate me..” (E.g. John 15:18-20) However, knowing that this trouble comes, Jesus gives us encouragement. In Matthew 16 Jesus assures His disciples after Peter confessed that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” “ . . . you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. (Matthew 16:18) Jesus says the church will not be overcome by Satan and his efforts.

Yes, the church will face trouble. But Jesus is ultimately victorious over Satan and His efforts through His dying on the cross to pay for sin and His rising from the dead in victory over sin and His enemies in this World. And, the church shares in Jesus’ victory. As children of God as we continue in faith we have God’s promise of eternal life in heaven no matter what kind of trouble or evil assaults us.

Nevertheless, Jesus still reminds us of coming struggles. He not only predicts His own suffering, but He calls us to the cost of discipleship. "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24)

I am saddened at the struggle of the congregation that helped give birth to my relationship with my Lord. But, I know that we are ultimately victorious, so we continue to serve, even as it means picking up our own cross in order to follow Jesus.

A Child of God, Encouraged in Life’s Troubles by Jesus Eternal Victory,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S. Here are fishing pictures from last week’s trip with family on the Kenai at the cabin of friend, Pastor George Rakos. https://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/RedFishingKenaiJuly1821?authuser=0&feat=directlink

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