ADVENT - Watching and Waiting for Jesus

Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

 

When traveling recently, a seemingly passing incident struck a nerve.  Kathy and I were eating in a restaurant in an airport as we were waiting for a plane. The restaurant was not busy, but a waitress was seating a new customer and preparing the table with a place setting.  As she walked to the table, the silverware she was carrying fell out of her hand and onto the floor.  Perhaps the waitress had already experienced troubles earlier that day, but she was frustrated, perhaps even more than might be expected. As the silverware dropped the waitress uttered the words so others could hear, “I give up on life!”

 

We’ve all dealt with situations that turn out to be more difficult, or more complicated, than they need to be.  For example, recently one of our blinds in our home was tangled.  I figured I could take a minute to untie the knot that had worked its way into the pull cord.  But, it turns out there was more than just a tangle.  The cord had disconnected from the blind.  Instead of standing on the floor by the window and untying a knot, I needed to get a ladder.  The blind had to come down so I could determine the problem.  Then I required tools to re-connect the cord.  Finally after putting the blinds back up, I had to re-adjust the length of the cords.  What seemingly should have been a 1 – 2 minute job became a half hour – 45 minute adventure in learning the truth of Murphy’s law: “If something can go wrong it will, and at the worst possible time.” 

 

Yet, fixing a blind is a small task compared to the many real life challenges we face daily.  Have you ever hurt someone’s feelings and then tried to make amends, only to have matters go from bad to worse?  Have you gone to the doctor for what seemed like a small issue, and been told there is a major problem?  Have you struggled with a substance issue?  A family issue?  A weight issue?  Have you watched elected officials try to solve the problems of our state or nation to the best of their ability and have you then grown in frustration with them as even the best thought out solutions don’t seem to work?

 

Why is life so hard?  Perhaps at times you understand the frustration and emotions of that waitress who said, “I give up on life!” 

 

God gives us some answers in Scripture to our questions and frustrations that can give us help in dealing with the struggles of life.

 

First, even though we think life should be easy, life became complicated when we human beings rebelled against our Creator.  Do you remember God’s words to Adam following the first sin?  “17 To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' "Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. 18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. 19 By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return."  (Genesis 3:17-19)  There is no “victimless crime.”  Our transgressions against God’s lordship in our lives have had consequences.  Even the earth is cursed.  In other words, now life is complicated.  This is not what we want to hear, but dealing with the truth is always the best place to start.

 

Second, there is a basic truth we often forget.  Only God is Ruler and Lord of the world.  We may want to be in charge, but we are not God.  God’s words through David in Psalm 46 are deep words, and words worth committing to memory.  10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  In a sinful world we will face frustrations.  Life is broken.  Only the Lord is God.  Only God is in charge.

 

Finally, thankfully, God comes mercifully and graciously to save us.  God constantly stepped into history to save His chosen people in Old Testament times from their missteps and sinfulness.  God lovingly sends His Son to save a fallen world by the unbelievable sacrifice of Jesus’ life to pay for our sin.  Jesus’ gracious presence in our lives gives us strength for today and hope for the future.  No wonder the Psalmist writes, “6 My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7 O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.”  (Psalm 130:6-7)  In the middle of the frustrations of life, God is what we always needed.  In the middle of the frustrations of life, God and His love, and forgiveness, and help, and salvation are worth waiting for.

 

This Sunday we begin the church season of Advent, the time before Christmas.  The word “Advent” means coming.  Advent is a season of hopeful waiting and joyful anticipation because we wait for God to come to us in Jesus.  Often Advent is mis-understood, because we lack patience and because we don’t like to wait.  But, in the middle of the frustrations of life, God is what we always needed.  In the middle of the frustrations of life, God and His love and forgiveness and help and salvation are worth waiting for.

 

Perhaps you understand the frustration of that waitress who uttered, “I give up on life!!!”  Life is bigger than we are.  But God is bigger than life.  God and His love, and forgiveness, and deliverance are worth waiting for today and eternally.  And waiting for God is what Advent is all about!

 

A Child of God, Watching and Waiting for Jesus,

Pastor Jonathan   

 

P.S.  Here are some pictures of the St. John outing to the Valley Performing Arts, play, “Miracle on 34^th Street.”  https://photos.app.goo.gl/e4RxBFqQeVVSu1S27

 

 

P.P.S.  I did not go shopping on Black Friday.  I went fishing to see if the ice was safe and check out my equipment.  I thought I might have some grandkids, but ended up going by myself.  Here are pictures from 1 hour of fishing.  (By the way, the ice near my house is 10” thick.)   https://photos.app.goo.gl/ea4L3qcRgvNwCeTM8

 

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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 regularly adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you do not want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message.

 

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OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE GOD AND HELP OTHERS

 

IMPORTANT! - VOTERS’ MEETING – DECEMBER 2 – Our Annual Voters meeting is held after late worship on Sunday, December 2.  We will vote on a budget and elect officers and board members.  In addition, we will discuss a new vent hood for the kitchen, and possibly take a first look at Bylaws revisions.

            This meeting is the one planned time we meet each year as a congregation to vote on plans for God’s work at St. John.  It is good to have as many of our members present as possible for this meeting.   We will be dealing with MANY IMPORTANT ITEMS OF BUSINESS!

            There is a POT LUCK MEAL before the meeting.  Please bring a main dish and a side dish.

 

 

A SPECIAL OFFERING WILL BE RECEIVED IN WORSHIP ON SUNDAYS DECEMBER 2 AND DECEMBER 9.  For a number of years we have received these offerings and used the funds to help members of our church, or members of our community, in times of need or crisis.  If you want to help others this Christmas, you can donate to these offerings.

 

COMMUNITY ADVENT MEAL – The Fellowship Board needs help preparing the Meal for the Community Advent Service on Wednesday, December 5.  The Fellowship Board has accepted responsibility for this meal, but a number of the board members will be unable to be present.  The meal is planned as a spaghetti meal with salad.  The food will be purchased.  We have people who will help to cook.  Salad will be made.  The help needed is only for the labors and time.  A sign-up sheet will be on the counter in the narthex.  We need help in the following areas

 

TUESDAY, December 4:              

·       Cooking with Karen Gillund and Dorothy Jacobson.

 

WEDNESDAY, December 5:      

·       Warming sauce with Karen Booth-Wood, Ruth Zellar, and Dorothy Jacobson after Lifelight Class at noon.

·       Decorating tables with John and Cathy Glaser

·       Serving Food NO ONE SIGNED UP YET

·       Hosting and greeting with Mary Colberg and John and Cathy Glaser

·       Cleaning up after the meal and preparing for the Dessert Reception with Glasers and Rod and Temple Christiansen.

 

IF YOU CAN HELP with this meal please sign up on the sign-up sheet on the counter.  The Fellowship Board THANKS YOU!

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – The Sunday School Christmas Program will be presented on Sunday, December 9 in late worship.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING – We plan to visit the homes of some of our shut in folks on Sunday afternoon, December 9 to sing carols.  I usually organize this and the Fellowship Board helps.

 

 

THANK YOU!!!

 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – St. John members donated a number shoe boxes to bring Christmas to children around the world. 

 

THANKSGIVING BLESSING – We had received donations of over 1000 cans of corn and beans to help the needy this Thanksgiving.

 

VPA PLAY OUTING – “Miracle on 34^th Street” – THANK YOU to The St. John Fellowship Board.  We had 30 people attend the VPA play together, and we met others there.  The Taco Bar Meal and the enjoyment of the play were a real blessing.

 

ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

 

• MID WEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES will be held in December on Wednesdays December 12 and 19.  These services help us to prepare our hearts for the coming of God’s Christmas gift of His Son, our Savior, Jesus.  These services will be held at 6:30 p.m. following the Advent Meal.  This year in Advent we will be looking at the prophecies of Isaiah and how they help us to live in God’s promise of love in Jesus.  There is a rumor that Isaiah himself might even show up in our evening worship.

 

·       ADVENT MEALS. We hope to also have Advent meals at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, and Wednesday, December 19 before our 6:30 p.m. Advent Worship Services.  There are sign up sheets on the counter in the narthex.  These meals become a real time of fellowship for our congregation.  Please sign up to serve in this way.

 

·       CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLE-LIGHT WORSHIP will be held again at St. John on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24.  A Children’s Christmas Eve Service will be held at 6:00 p.m.  A Traditional Christmas Carol Candle-light worship will be held at 8:00 and 10:00 p.m.  Plan on attending and inviting your friends!

 

·       CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP – Christmas Day worship will be held on Christmas morning, Tuesday, December 25, at 11:00 a.m.  Our worship is a quieter opportunity to share with one the good news of God’s Christmas love.  Often, after the large Christmas Eve services, the quiet meditation of Christmas Day provides a time of peace and quiet joy.  Plan now to attend.

 

·       NEW YEAR’S EVE WORSHIP will be held at St. John on Monday night, December 31, at 7:00 p.m.  This is a good way to end one year and begin another, with the Lord and His blessings.  This also will be a communion service. 

 

OTHER OPPORTUNIES FOR CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS

 

• Christmas Baskets – St. John has encouraged members to make donations to the Palmer Food Bank to help provide holiday food baskets to the needy. 

 

• A SPECIAL MANGER SCENE IS AGAIN DISPLAYED THIS YEAR IN THE ENTRY WAY.  A stained glass manger scene was donated to St. John by long-time Palmer resident, June Tull, when she was helping an elderly friend break up his home. Thanks, June!

 

 

 

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES AT ST. JOHN

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR IS OFFERED EACH SUNDAY MORNING FROM 9:45-10:45 a.m. – COME AND GROW!

 

·       CLASSES ARE OFFERED FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES from birth through High School.

·       ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES

 

o   Dave Nufer is teaching a class in the South Fellowship Hall, December 2 and 9.

 

o   Christmas – Jim Summers will teach a class that helps us grow in understanding Christmas on Sundays, December 16 and 23.

 

o   Christian Stewardship – is offered by the Stewardship Board.  This class, taught by Eric Wyatt and Pastor Rockey will look at all areas of Christian faith and service as part of our stewardship / management of God’s gifts to us.  This class from Synod will be taught in the library or Pastor Rockey’s office .

 

PRAYER MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY!! – There are Elders in Pastor Allen’s former office between worship who are available for prayer each Sunday between services.  Prayer is one of the greatest gifts God gives His people.  Come bring your prayer requests.  Come join in praying for God’s work, and for others.

 

 

PERSONAL DEVOTIONS FOR 2019-2020?  Will you to join me in studying God’s Word together? I plan to use the “Today’s Light Devotional Bible” from Concordia Publishing House in 2019 and 2020.  .  If you want to buy one of these Bibles and study with me starting in January here are links for the Bible.

o   From CPH (Our Church’s publishing house) for $26.39 + $7.00 shipping - https://www.cph.org/p-22950-todays-light-devotional-bible.aspx

o   From Amazon for $32.99 + free shipping - https://www.amazon.com/Todays-Light-Devotional-Bible-Fryar/dp/0758643519/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540403689&sr=8-1&keywords=Today%27s+Light+Devotional+Bible

 

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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.stjohnpalmer.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 judy@stjohnpalmer.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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