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6/23/2009

Dear St. John Members and Friends,

Today, Tuesday, June 23 is the longest day of sunlight which I’ll spend in the office.  (I believe the longest day of sunlight was actually this past Sunday, June 21, or Fathers’ Day.)  For those who have experienced an Alaskan summer they know when there are long hours of light that spirits are raised, that activity increases, and that people generally enjoy being outdoors in the long hours of daylight.  I personally was out working on my yard and pulling weeds in the garden at 11 p.m. last night.  And, I’ve often been out later than 11.  There is nothing like an Alaskan summer!

At times like this I am led to look to the Lord and Creator of the universe in thanks and worship.  There are moments that God’s goodness is overwhelming and beyond understanding. 

Psalm 136 (and many other Psalms) tell us, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.”

So, when you are experiencing the blessings of God in your life, how do you give thanks to God?  That’s worth considering, is it not?  (Feel free to share your responses with me by e-mail.)

Another Child of God Blessed by our Heavenly Father,
Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  I also found time to go fishing yesterday as well.  Even though there are not many kings in the rivers and we did not catch any fish, fishing is always a blessing, and  . . . God is good!

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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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SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE CLASS – “Nooma”  Our Sunday “Nooma” Bible Classes examine everyday events in our lives as an opportunity to see how God is working in our lives, or how we could be living for God.  These classes will be held in the South Fellowship Hall outside the kitchen beginning this Sunday at 9:45 a.m.  This week’s video study is called, “Sunday.”  Please come and join us.

NEW BASIC CHRISTIANS TEACHINGS / ADULT MEMBERSHIP CLASSES. 
We will start Sunday Basic Christian Teachings Classes, on Sunday, July 12, after the July 4th weekend in over.  These classes will be held between worship services in addition to the Nooma classes.  The Nooma classes are in the fellowship hall.  These Basic Christian Teachings Classes will be held in Pastor Jonathan’s office.  
The purpose of a “Basic Christian Teachings Bible Class” is either so current St. John members can refresh their knowledge of Scripture, or so those wishing to join our congregation may attend these classes and then officially join St. John.
Even though I’ve been asked about these classes, I have not had any responses yet to my e-mail inquires about timing for the classes.   Hopefully this schedule will work for those who are interested.
In addition, when these Sunday Classes are over, at the end of the summer we will hold a one day make up session. 

           
CHECK OUT THE NEW PRAYER ‘CLOSET’ in the West entry in the old coat area.  Thanks to our Trustees, especially Noel Woods for helping with this Prayer Closet.  The idea is that this may provide a quiet place of meditation for individuals.

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DID YOU KNOW THAT MUCH INFORMATION ABOUT ST. JOHN is available on our church website?  The link is:  http://www.st-john-lutheran.org  At the current time our web master, Jacki Rose, is revising our web site with some new pictures and software.  The new version will be available soon.