8/19/09

Dear St. John Members and Friends,

 One of the regular e-mails I get is from a friend, Dr. Dale Meyer who is past Lutheran Hour Speaker, and current president of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.  Dr. Meyer preached at St. John in May 2003.  He sends out daily devotional e-mails which some of you also receive

 As I was considering what to write for this week I received today’s e-mail for Dale Meyer.  This e-mail touched my heart, and I felt worth sharing.  So, my e-mail this week comes from him.

 Last weekend I read, “A Mother’s Search for Meaning” by Roberta Bandy.  The cover led me to believe it’s about raising a special needs child and it is, but I discovered early on that the book was much more about me.  Through Roberta Bandy’s severely disabled son Rob, God taught the family lessons we all need to take to heart.

 Like this: “People turned away quickly as we passed in stores.  Children pointed and asked loud questions.  Other mothers were embarrassed or apprehensive about making contact at the park or in the neighborhood.  There was sympathy, curiosity, and fear behind their actions.  To get close to someone’s suffering is to make it part your own, and who among us purposely chooses suffering?” (p. 37)

 As the Bandy family well knows, Jesus did.  He spent much of His ministry with the rejected, the sick, the outcast, and even touched the dead and their families with His love.  “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’  For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”  (Matthew 9:12-13) Jesus still goes to hurting people.  Shouldn’t His followers do the same?  Shouldn’t we?

  To subscribe or unsubscribe send any email to daleameyer@aol.com 

 I pray that these thoughts from Dr. Meyer are a blessing to you as they were to me.

 A Child of God always needing God’s guidance,

Pastor Rockey 

P.S.  Please remember THE CONGREGATIONAL PICNIC AND POSSIBLE OUTDOOR WORSHIP during the SECOND SERVICE is planned THIS Sunday, August 23.   

• For the food we are asking people to bring a main dish to grill, and side dish to share. 

• For the worship, we will plan to enjoy God’s creation and worship on the grass to the East of the Church Offices during late worship.  (We can use help between services setting up.)  If there is bad weather, we will still have late worship in the sanctuary, and cook under the drive through. 

• Games are planned for young and old.

 PLAN TO ATTEND and enjoy the fellowship with other members and friends from St. John!

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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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CONGREGATIONAL FINANCES   Much of the time in the August Council meeting was on congregational finances.  Here are some of the figures we looked at.

• Year to date spending has out-stripped income by $41,986. 
• Spending is below budget by about $3,000.00 - $331,980 spent compared to a budget of $335,039. 
• Our budget was prepared with a need for an increase in giving of about 8 ½ % over 2008.  Through April our giving exceeded that need.  But, at the current time giving for 2009 exceeds 2008 by $3.69 %. 

The Council has responded in a couple of ways.

• A freeze was put on spending at the June Council meeting.  (This has been previously been announced in worship.)
• Our treasurer has offered to meet and is meeting with each board to go over spending.
• We are praying for God’s blessing of income to match expenses, and praying for wisdom in our spending and in ways to save money. 

I am writing this as pastor to inform the congregation as we seek God’s wisdom in living as His people. 

Please keep St. John congregational finances in your prayers!

 PERMANENT FUNDS Soon Alaskans will receive their permanent fund checks again.  For many years members have been asked to consider at least tithing from their permanent funds toward the work of the Lord at St. John.  Many of you remember Pioneer Alaskan June Liebing standing up in worship and saying, “God made the earth.  The oil is in the earth.  My permanent fund is a gift from God.  I encourage you to give to the Lord from this gift from God.”  (June is now in the Pioneer Home.)

            Please consider returning to the Lord as He has blessed you with this permanent fund.  Considering estimates for this year’s check, if every St. John member gave 10% from their permanent fund (not the whole permanent fund) to God’s work at St. John, our deficit for the year would be wiped out!   

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASSES FOR FALL AND WINTER 2009 – The Following Classes are being offered. 

• v      18 months – 3 years old  - “Wooly Lambs Sunday School is taught by Carol Gustafson and friends! 

• v      3 years through 5th Grade – Sunday School this year will be held in VBS style, with classes attending each of 4 stations.  This whole years classes focus on Jesus and His work and life. 

• v      Middle School and High School Classes – These are held each Sunday.  High Schoolers meet in the portable classroom building in the parking lot. 

• v      Adult Bible Classes – Three Adult Classes are scheduled for Sundays this year –
• o        “How We Got the Bible” – This is a Lutheran Hour Ministry study using video written is by Dr. Paul Maier.  Dr.  Maier is professor of ancient history at Western Michigan University, a pastor in the LCMS, and a vice president of Synod.  Dr. Maier is currently scheduled to visit St. John and make a presentation at our congregation this coming January 8-10 next year.  This class will be taught by Dave Nufer.  (The follow up to this class is tentatively scheduled to by “The First Christmas” written by Dr. Maier.) 

• o        2 Corinthians – Pastor Rockey will teach this class which looks at a book of the Bible that focuses on living encourageed as God’s children through tough times. 

• o        Women’s Class - “Nooma” – This video based Bible Class has been used this summer and received positive feedback.  The word ‘Nooma’ is a transliteration of the Greek word for ‘spirit.’  This class looks at every day events and how God is part of those events and our life.  Mary Jo Lentz will help lead this class. 

A “BASIC CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS CLASS” will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The purpose of this class is to give an overview of the teachings of our church based on Scripture.  Anyone wishes to join our congregation but is not a Lutheran and may prepare themselves for membership by attending this class.  Those who have been Lutheran in the past may also want to use this class as an opportunity to refresh their knowledge of the Scriptures.  However, just because someone attends this class does not mean they have committed to join the congregation.  That is a decision that someone might make after attending the class. 

This class is different than most of our membership classes because it is being held in a one day session.  We won’t get as far in depth on some topics, but for those with busy schedules this class may be more convenient. 

Lunch will be provided during this class.  Also, if I am informed of the need we will provide for a nursery for those with small children.  Please let Pastor Rockey know if you need a nursery.  A number of people have indicated an interest in attending a membership class.   It is hoped those who attend will find the class both interesting and informative, and an opportunity for personal growth. 

 LIFELIGHT BIBLE CLASSES have been held on Wednesday noons for about 18 years.  A group of St. John members and friends meet at noon to study God’s Word and share pot luck lunch.  This year we will study Ruth and Esther.  Class starts on September 30 at noon this year. 

            Class members usually pay for their books.  Because of the spending freeze, we are asking class attendees to pay for the books up front so we can order them.