9/9/09

Dear St. John Members and Friends,

A number of years ago renowned scientist Linus Pauline, who helped unlock the secrets of the DNA molecule, became convinced that vitamin C was a “miracle drug.”  The benefits he listed included physical blessings including being a cure for the common cold, providing resistance to cancer, and helping to give longer life.  Many listened to this famous scientist and started taking vitamin C regularly.  They took action because they wanted all these benefits for themselves.

What if today someone told you there was something that would give you guidance, truth and holiness, protection, faith, new life, and even eternal life?  Would you run out to take advantage of this blessing or this gift?  Do you know God makes all these promises about His Word?  God’s Word gives:

• GUIDANCE “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

 

• TRUTH AND HOLINESS  Jesus prayed in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

• A WEAPON AGAINST SATAN’S ATTACKS  Paul tells the Ephesians to put on the whole armor of God, in verses 16 and 17 he says, “16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

 

• A SOURCE OF FAITH – In Romans 10:17 we are told, ”faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”

• A SOURCE OF NEW LIFE – In 1 Peter 1:23, we are told, “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

 

• A TOOL TO LEADS US TO SALVATION – In 2 Timothy 3:14-15 we are told, “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

In all honesty, the teachings of Pauling on vitamin C were and continue to be controversial.  Yet people still flock to that vitamin for possible help with their health.  God’s Word is a real strength and health for Christians living in a confusing and sinful and troubling world.  Should not people flock to opportunities to study the Word of God for the help and strength God gives?

This week Sunday School and regular Sunday Adult Bible Classes begin again on Sundays at St. John.  Please take advantage of this opportunity to study God’s Word and grow in faith.  Bring young children and grandchildren to Sunday School.  Come yourself to a Bible Class.  God’s Word is powerful and a strong blessing to His children.

A Child of God Needing God’s strength in this world,
Pastor Rockey

P.S.  Jamie tells me the Education Board needs station leaders for our new Sunday School Program.  We need someone to help in Games, and to lead the 4th and 5th graders from station to station.  CAN YOU HELP?  Please call Jamie at 355-1456 if you can.
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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 SCHOOL AND BIBLE CLASSES FOR FALL AND WINTER 2009, starting this 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. 

• 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.

CONGREGATIONAL FINANCES.  Please keep St. John congregational finances in your prayers!  Income is behind expenses and the Church Council has instituted a spending freeze.
Here is one 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! 
A MENS’ / PROMISE KEEPERS’ BREAKFAST will be held at the Noisy Goose restaurant on Saturday at 7:00 a.m.  Come for fellowship and prayer.

A “BASIC CHRISTIAN TEACHINGS CLASS” will be held THIS 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. 

A YOUNG ADULT MEAL AND FELLOWSHIP is being held at the Rockey’s this Saturday at 6:00 p.m.  Kathy Rockey is cooking.  Any high school graduates near the age between 18 and 30 who would like to come feel free to call the Rockeys at 746-5131 and come to the meal.

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 October 7 (new date) 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.

 

MEMBERS IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
This week Amanda Leonard was deployed to Afghanistan.  Amanda is a St. John member who serves on the Board of Education, is an LWML member, husband of Tom and mother of 3 young daughters.  Elizabeth, Mattison, and Alexandra.  Hopefully this deployment is only for 6 weeks  Below is a message from Amanda.

If any of you want to e-mail or write me here is my address.  If you mail something it takes about
two weeks, and it is regular mail not air mail.
                        774 EAS/OPS
Amanda Leonard  (ABSOLUTELY NO RANK)
            APO AE 09354

Amanda.Leonard@afghan.swa.army.mil

We have also been praying for members and sons of members Peter Isaakson, Justin Gallegos, Augie Manelick, and Zach Alsterberg who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.   I’ll share with you the e-mail addresses I have from these people.
Justin Gallegos  jtg0508@yahoo.com
Peter Isaakson              Peter.r.isackson@us.army.mil
Augie Manelick            danaaugust.manelick@us.army.mil

These men and women are serving us by putting their lives on the line.  Please keep them in prayer.  In addition, you may want to e-mail them.

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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.