9/2/2009

Dear St. John Members and Friends,

Life is full of trouble.

• If you have been watching the news lately, you have seen the horrible fires that are spreading across southern California. 
• If you’ve been reading these “Thoughts from the Pastor” you’ve heard about our financial challenge. 
• If you have listened to prayers in church, you’ve heard about a number of people who are seriously ill. 
• In addition, I’ve been praying especially hard lately for some folks who are facing difficulty, frustration, and hardship. 

Sometimes in all the struggles of life we can become overwhelmed.  We wonder why these tragedies happen, and why they happen to us.  We can be led to doubt and wonder where God is.  But, have you recently considered the blessings included in life’s trials? 

I am preparing for a class on 2 Corinthians.  One of my favorite Bible sections is 2 Corinthians 1:8-10.  Paul is writing to a church that has gone through difficult trials, so Paul relates his own trials.   

8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. 10 He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us,

Paul does not say that the hardships or sufferings or trials don’t or won’t happen.  We live in a sinful world, and pain and trouble are part of this world.  But, Paul points out that even from the despair of his trials he received two blessings.

• Paul learned (again) not to trust in himself, but to trust in God.
• Paul then remembered God’s previous deliverances, and found hope even during despair because He knew God had delivered him and He would deliver him.

The fact that God works in tragedy should not surprise us.  In the death of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, God worked forgiveness and eternal life for the whole world.  He has delivered us eternally.  Surely, God can and does work in our present trials. 

As life challenges you, listen to the whisper of God’s love.  Can you see His blessings in your trials?

A Child of God Leaning on the Everlasting Arms of My Heavenly Father,
Pastor Rockey

P.S.  Adult Bible Classes start in two Sundays.  This is an invitation to join me in studying and encouraging one another in the 2 Corinthians Class.

P.P.S.  Jamie tells me the Education Board needs station leaders for our new Sunday School.  They need someone to help in a) Crafts, in b) Games, and in c) Bible Application.  CAN YOU HELP?  Please call Jamie if you can.

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.

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASSES FOR FALL AND WINTER 2009, starting Sunday, September 13!!
The Following Classes are being offered:

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

• 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.  WE NEED TEACHERS AND ‘ADVENTURE GUIDES’ FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS YEAR.  Call Jamie at 355-1456.

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

 Adult Bible Classes – Three Adult Classes are scheduled for Sundays this year –

• “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.)
• 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.
•  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. 

CONGREGATIONAL FINANCES.  Please keep St. John congregational finances in your prayers!  Here is a possible help:
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! 

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.

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