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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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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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!!