October 2019 The Caller - Saint John Lutheran...

6
Followers of Christ who seek to HEAR the Word, LIVE the Word and SHARE the Word. October 2019 The Caller Saint John Lutheran Church Pastor Jon Benson Deacon Lisa Johnson Worship Saturday, 5:30 pm Sunday, 8:30 am & 11:00 am “CONSECRATED, LORD, TO THEE” 2019 Stewardship Theme It’s only four words, but my guess is that those who are regular in their attendance in worship will recognize them as coming from the beloved hymn by Frances Havergal, “Take My Life, That I May Be.” Each line begins with that one word of relinquishment to God: “TAKE….” Take my LIFE…. my MOMENTS and my DAYS…. Take my HANDS…. my FEET…. Take my SILVER and my GOLD…. my INTELLECT…. Take my VOICE…. my LIPS…. Take my WILL…. my HEART…. We ask, in the end, that God take from us pretty much everything we HAVE and ARE, that it all be “consecrated, Lord, to Thee.” Usually, the word, “consecrated,” has been understood as “something set apart for sacred and religious use” (Webster’s New World Dictionary). With this understanding came the consecration of bishops, pastors and deacons – even monks and nuns – being set apart for work in the church. Likewise, objects such as communion ware and paraments are set apart for use in worship services (again, in the church). Such is the great divide between the “sacred” and the “secular,” one that often separates the church (and all that pertains to it) from everyday life. Generally speaking, then, the “tithe” is the percentage of a Christian’s income set apart for use in the church, leaving the remaining income for our “every-day, secular lives.” Apparently, Frances Havergal must have missed that memo, suggesting as he does in his song that God take EVERY- THING! All this changed, however, when Martin Luther (re)discovered the notion of VOCATION, that all Christians – by virtue of their baptism – are called by God to live out their faith in the home, the work place and everywhere else their lives are lived. According to Luther, “Even a milkmaid can milk a cow to the glory of God!” In effect, Luther’s discovery greatly diminishes the divide between “sacred” and “secular” and, much like what we read in the Vibrant Faith Framework – “Where Christ is present in faith, the home is church, too” – helps us see how important “taking faith home” truly is and that, really, our whole lives are to be “consecrated” for service in God’s kingdom. “CONSECRATED, LORD TO THEE” is the theme for the in-gathering of our pledges set for the weekend of October 26-27. For each of the four weekends in October, we will sing a verse from the hymn, “Take My Life, That I May Be” (using the “spiced-up” version from the ELW!) and hear a brief devotion based on that verse. Please join me in praying for a deeper understanding of our vocation as Christians; and praying that our whole lives be consecrated to the work to which God has called us. Pastor Jon

Transcript of October 2019 The Caller - Saint John Lutheran...

Page 1: October 2019 The Caller - Saint John Lutheran Churchsaintjohnelca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-Caller-October-2019.pdfSaint John Lutheran Church God!” In effect, Luther’s

Followers of

Christ

who seek to

HEAR

the Word,

LIVE

the Word

and

SHARE

the Word.

October 2019

The Caller Saint John Lutheran Church

Pastor Jon Benson

Deacon Lisa Johnson

Worship

Saturday, 5:30 pm

Sunday, 8:30 am & 11:00 am

“CONSECRATED, LORD, TO THEE” 2019 Stewardship Theme

It’s only four words, but my guess is that those who are regular in their attendance in worship will recognize them as coming from the beloved hymn by Frances Havergal, “Take My Life, That I May Be.” Each line begins with that one word of relinquishment to God: “TAKE….” Take my LIFE…. my MOMENTS and my DAYS…. Take my HANDS…. my FEET…. Take my SILVER and my GOLD…. my INTELLECT…. Take my VOICE…. my LIPS…. Take my WILL…. my HEART….

We ask, in the end, that God take from us pretty much everything we HAVE and ARE, that it all be “consecrated, Lord, to Thee.”

Usually, the word, “consecrated,” has been understood as “something set apart for sacred and religious use” (Webster’s New World Dictionary). With this understanding came the consecration of bishops, pastors and deacons – even monks and nuns – being set apart for work in the church. Likewise, objects such as communion ware and paraments are set apart for use in worship services (again, in the church). Such is the great divide between the “sacred” and the “secular,” one that often separates the church (and all that pertains to it) from everyday life. Generally speaking, then, the “tithe” is the percentage of a Christian’s income set apart for use in the church, leaving the remaining income for our “every-day, secular lives.” Apparently, Frances Havergal must have missed that memo, suggesting as he does in his song that God take EVERY-THING!

All this changed, however, when Martin Luther (re)discovered the notion of VOCATION, that all Christians – by virtue of their baptism – are called by God to live out their faith in the home, the work place and everywhere else their lives are lived. According to Luther, “Even a milkmaid can milk a cow to the glory of God!” In effect, Luther’s discovery greatly diminishes the divide between “sacred” and “secular” and, much like what we read in the Vibrant Faith Framework – “Where Christ is present in faith, the home is church, too” – helps us see how important “taking faith home” truly is and that, really, our whole lives are to be “consecrated” for service in God’s kingdom.

“CONSECRATED, LORD TO THEE” is the theme for the in-gathering of our pledges set for the weekend of October 26-27. For each of the four weekends in October, we will sing a verse from the hymn, “Take My Life, That I May Be” (using the “spiced-up” version from the ELW!) and hear a brief devotion based on that verse. Please join me in praying for a deeper understanding of our vocation as Christians; and praying that our whole lives be consecrated to the work to which God has called us. Pastor Jon

Page 2: October 2019 The Caller - Saint John Lutheran Churchsaintjohnelca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-Caller-October-2019.pdfSaint John Lutheran Church God!” In effect, Luther’s

Faith Formation Page 2

Confirmation (6th, 7th & 8th grade)

October 2: Mentor Night October 9: Small Group October 13: Family Bonfire 4:00pm-6:00pm at Thompson’s house, 57584 Hains Road, Glenwood, IA (If it rains it is canceled.)October 16: No Class October 23: Large Group October 30: Large Group

High School Youth

October 2: 6:30-7:30pm Mentor Night with Confirmation October 9: 6:00-7:00pm Barnabas Bags, Acts 4:36 October 16: 6:00-7:00pm Board Games and pizza October 23: 6:00-7:00pm Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Tie Blankets October 30: 6:00-7:00pm Bring ingredients and make Meal for LFS

Exhale Exhale, a group for families with children, meets on the fourth Friday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Please join us on October 25 for food and family activities as we “unwind” from the busy week.

G.I.F.T. Growing in Faith Together – 5:30-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday nights. GIFT is designed to equip homes and families with various faith practices, teach Bible stories, and create community. Hands-on activities are geared towards birth- 8 years old, though all ages are invited to be a part of this learning together. Dinner at church following GIFT is a wonderful way to finish your day together.

Chancel Choir The Chancel Choir will begin regular rehearsals on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 7:30 pm. Everyone is invited and no prior experience necessary! Come have fun and learn some great music! If you have any questions, feel free to email Eric Wyler at [email protected]

Praise Team Do you play an instrument and/or love to sing? The Praise Team will practice every Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome, come join us.

Baptism Class If you plan to have a child baptized in the near future or want to learn more about the rite of baptism there will be a class offered on Sunday, October 6 at 12:45 pm. This class is mandatory for parents who wish to have their child baptized. Please call the church office if you are interested.

Bibles for 3 Year Olds and 3rd Graders Each year our 3 year olds and 3rd graders receive a Bible as a gift from the church, thus fulfilling one of the baptismal promises. Parents are invited to present the Bible to their child during either worship service on Sunday October 27.

Wednesday Morning Adult Bible Study

Each Wednesday at 9:00 am we meet to explore the scripture lessons for the upcoming weekend worship services. Meet in the Welcome Center as we learn together.

Wednesday Night Adult Bible Study We meet on Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm in the Board Room. It is not required that you attended last year’s class, but only that you come with a desire to learn. If you have any questions, talk with Pastor Jon.

Wednesday Night Meals Food and fellowship was a huge success last year and we are going to continue this year. We will begin serving at 5:30 pm. Be sure to make a reservation so that we prepare enough food for everyone. If you would be willing to help with a meal, or if you are feeling brave and would like to chair a meal, it would be much appreciated. Please call or email the church office.

Prayer Chain Volunteers Needed

Duties include receiving a phone call with names of those needing prayers and calling the next person on your chain. Please call the church office (712-323-7173) if you are interested or have any questions.

Altar Guild Members Needed

Altar Guild needs some new members. Altar Guild is responsible for setting up the altar area for all church services held throughout the year. Each person is assigned a team and are responsible for preparing for all services held for one week each month. Please contact Mary Lou Burke at 712-322-0003 or sign up on the bulletin insert.

Saint John App

Have you downloaded the new Saint John app? Everyone can experience Saint John Lutheran Church whenever and wherever they want on their phones. Whether it’s checking for upcoming events, consulting the church calendar, or looking at confirmation & high school activities, you will now be able to stay connected 24/7 on your phone. Just text ‘saintjohnelca app’ to 77977 and follow directions.

Page 3: October 2019 The Caller - Saint John Lutheran Churchsaintjohnelca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-Caller-October-2019.pdfSaint John Lutheran Church God!” In effect, Luther’s

Page 3 Community Life

If you have information you would like to be included in our newsletter, please submit it in a timely manner. Whether it is about your committee, group, or even a “Thank you” please have it to me by the 15th of each month. I cannot guarantee that it will be included if it is submitted later. Thank you, Terri Damgaard Editor of The Caller

Possible New Women’s Group

The women of the Church are exploring an opportunity for women at Saint John to form a new group for those unable to attend the groups who meet at the present times. Meeting perhaps in an evening or a Saturday, you would find fellowship, a Bible Study as well as a support group. Please be in touch with Edie Godwin at 402-651-5160 for more information.

Men’s Club The Men’s Club will meet on Thursday, October 17 at 11:30 am at Sugar’s, 2725 E. Kanesville Blvd. Men of all ages are welcome to join us for a good lunch and great conversation. Call the church office (323-7173) or sign up on the worship bulletin insert if you plan to attend.

The Good Time Group

The Good Time Group will meet on Saturday, October 12 at 7:00 p.m. at Johnny’s Café, 27th & L Street in Omaha. Please RSVP to Peggy & Keith Tye by text (712-308-1203) or email ([email protected]).

Players Group

The Players Group will meet on Friday, October 4 at 6:00 p.m. at Lincoln’s Pub, 157 West Broadway. Hope to see you there!

Saturday Coffee Hour Please join us before the 5:30 service on the first Saturday of the month. Come early around 5:00 pm) for refreshments and fellowship on October 5. If anyone would like to volunteer to bring treats please see Becky Taylor or Deb Ingwersen.

Bethany Lutheran Health Services

Halloween Candy We are collecting candy for our annual Halloween Bash! We will need at least 50,000 pieces of candy. Any donation is the perfect donation!

Please bring candy donations to the front desk at Bethany Home or Bethany Heights by Tuesday, October 15. Thank you.

Trick or Treat Wednesday, October 30 at Bethany Home and Bethany Heights from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Bring a bucket and a friend for trick or treat night at Bethany!

Five Wishes An Educational Seminar

with Catherine N. Swiniarski, Attorney-at-Law at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

on Monday, October 14th at 7:00 p.m.

Advance care planning for you and your loved ones. More than 35 million families have used Five Wishes to capture their wishes. Five Wishes has changed the way we talk about advance care planning by ensuring that it is not just an end of life planning tool, but the beginning of an important family conversation.

Alzheimer’s Seminar Saturday, October 12, 9:00 a.m. to noon

“Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia” Presented by the

Alzheimer’s Association, Nebraska Chapter This is a free seminar. No registration required.

West Hills Church 3015 S 82nd Ave. Omaha, NE 68124

402-391-8788

Sponsored by West Hills Church Stephen Ministers

Women Helping Women “Acts of Loving Kindness”

Breast Cancer Awareness & Recognition Event October 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

St. Peter’s Parish Hall, 1 Bluff Street, Co. Bluffs Soup & Salad Buffet Free Will Donation

RSVP to 712-325-8970 (required)

Page 4: October 2019 The Caller - Saint John Lutheran Churchsaintjohnelca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-Caller-October-2019.pdfSaint John Lutheran Church God!” In effect, Luther’s

Oct. 5-11 Oct. 12-18 Marlys Lien Jan Girton Mary Jensen Cookie Johnson Becky Taylor

Oct. 19-25 Oct. 26—Nov. 1 Patricia Minchin Mary Lou Burke Elaine Von Gillern Norma Jones Bonnie Dunkelberger Joyce Mlynarik Marie Neal

Ruth Group: Mon., Oct. 7 at 1:30 p.m. Esther Group: Tuesday, October 8 at 9:30 a.m.

Mary Group: Oct. 10 at 9:00 a.m.

Women’s Board meeting: Tuesday, October 22 at 9:30 a.m.

Comfort Items: Tube socks, boot shoelaces, foot powder, emery boards, combs, cotton balls, Q-tips, band aids, lip balm, handiwipes, hand sanitizer, cough drops, stationery & envelopes, pens, nail clippers, eye drops, small tubes of moisturizing cream, nice bars of soap, nail polish, tampons, disposable razors, shampoo, mouth wash, deodorant, body wash, small flashlights, batteries

Snack Items: Beef jerky, canned or packaged meat or fish, crackers, nuts, energy bars, hard candy, small mini-chocolate bars, Tootsie Rolls & Tootsie Pops, individually wrapped red licorice, energy drink mixes, Kool Aid individual packets, small cans of fruit with pull off lids, small cans of Pringles, snack crackers, trail mix, sunflower seeds, M&Ms, instant oatmeal and soup, instant cocoa & coffee, tea bags

2020 Calendars They like to mark off days until they go home.

Anything else you can think of that would fit into the Christmas stockings or the boxes that might bring a smile to their faces.

Postage donations are gratefully accepted. For more information, contact Abbie Crawford at: iowacookiecrumbs @hotmail.com Thank you, Iowa Cookie Crumbs

Sewing Group

"When you go through deep waters, I

will be with you" - Isaiah 43:2

“Morning is God's way of telling us to go and make a difference, touch a heart, encourage a mind, inspire a soul, and enjoy the day” (author unknown). When we make quilts, we are making a difference through our fellowship. We are creating a tangible message of love, caring, and encour-agement to strangers in a far-off land. And we are delivering warmth and comfort to those who need it most. Come and join us in making quilts to help others. The Saint John Sewing Group is always looking for a new pair of hands to help tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief! We’ll try to make you feel right at home, whether you come just once or wish to become part of this ministry. Please come and share in fellowship, devotions, and snacks. Next meeting will be October 16th, between 9:00 A.M. and Noon. See you then! For more information, please call Sue Pagan at 325-0257.

We are again collecting items for the Holiday Comfort Boxes to be sent to our deployed military personnel. Hereis a list of items that we hope to send this year.

The deadline is Sunday, Nov. 3

Due to postage costs, we will be sending in Military Flat Rate boxes. Please - small items only that will fit in the 12 1/2 x 12/1/2 x 5 1/2 box.

Holiday Related Items: Wrapped Christmas candy for the stockings New holiday cards (no religious ones) with envelopes for soldiers to send to their loved ones back home Paper products – napkins and paper plates Small Christmas decorations Holiday CDs, holiday movie DVDs, new and used

Games: Board games (Sorry, checkers, Scrabble, etc.) Card games (UNO, Rook, Skip Bo) Yahtzee, cribbage, dominos Puzzle books (word search, crossword, Sudoku) Small dart boards, Frisbees, handheld games Small foam footballs or basketballs

Crafters If you like to sew, knit or crochet: we send fabric pouches with silverware, knitted helmet liners and knitted or crocheted scarves.

Serve Page 4

Page 5: October 2019 The Caller - Saint John Lutheran Churchsaintjohnelca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-Caller-October-2019.pdfSaint John Lutheran Church God!” In effect, Luther’s

August 31 Gracie Jean VanderHelm, daughter of Joey & Kyle VanderHelm, and granddaughter of Becky & Steve VanderHelm

Calvin Nichalaus Johnston, son of Mallory & Nick Johnston, and grandson of Becky & Steve VanderHelm

September 22 Shaely Patrice Thomas, daughter of Janna & Cody Thomas

New Arrival Levi James VanderMeulen, son of Kelsey & Andy VanderMeulen and grandson of Lori & Mark Preston, was born on September 6, 2019.

Sympathy To the Family of … Ruth Campbell who passed away on July 11. Her memorial service was here on September 21.

A sincere thank you to everyone for the prayers, cards and friendship during Ken's illness. Thank you also to all who prepared and served the funeral luncheon, and to Pastor Jon, Pastor Sharon, and Deacon Lisa for their visits and support. Julia Taylor

News and Events Page 5

Milestones

93rd

Birthdays

Phyllis Davis (October 4) 3121 Kings Way Co. Bluffs, IA 51503 James Moss (October 31) 210 East Graham Co. Bluffs, IA 51503

Would your college student enjoy receiving

the Caller each month? Send college mailing

addresses to [email protected] or call the church office

712-323-7173.

Altar Flowers If you would like to provide altar flowers in memory of, or in honor of someone, please call the church office, 712-323-7173.

Weekends in October and November are open.

Altar flowers (set of 2) are $32.00 and Chancel flowers (1) are $24.00

Saint John Lutheran Church Staff

Senior Pastor: Rev. E. Jon Benson ([email protected]) Children, Youth & Family Minister: Deacon Lisa Johnson ([email protected]) Parish Ministry Coordinator: Patricia S. Minchin Chancel / Bell Choir Director: Eric Wyler ([email protected]) Pianist / Organist: Joan Ebersold Choir On Fire Director: Tracy Frush

Foundation Board President: Ross Jensen (402-681-1383) Missionary: Gustavo Driau

Nursery Attendant: Susan Stellish Children’s Hour: Katie Brougham Stephen Minister Leaders: Alan Meilike (328-1671) Debbie Plugge (256-5310) Pastor Jon Benson (323-7173) Office Manager and The Caller Editor: Terri Damgaard ([email protected]) Office Assistant: Kim Malskeit (712-323-7173) Custodian: Debbie Baird

Church 712-323-7173 ~ Fax 712-323-7174 Email: [email protected] ~ Website: www.SaintJohnELCA.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SaintJohnCouncilBluffs

Page 6: October 2019 The Caller - Saint John Lutheran Churchsaintjohnelca.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/The-Caller-October-2019.pdfSaint John Lutheran Church God!” In effect, Luther’s

Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Council Bluffs, IA

Permit No. 68 Zip Plus Four

Change Service Requested

633 Willow Ave.

Council Bluffs, IA 51501-4242

S a i n t J oh n Lu the ra n C h u rc h

Please call us (712-323-7173)

if you no longer wish to receive this newsletter.

Thank you.

Saint John App

Have you downloaded the new Saint John app? We want to make sure that everyone can experience Saint John Lutheran Church whenever and wherever they want on their phones. Whether it’s checking for upcoming events, consulting the church calendar, or looking at confirmation & high school activities, you will now be able to stay connected 24/7 on your phone. Just text ‘saintjohnelca app’ to 77977 and follow directions.

Trunk or Treat Wednesday, October 30

Dress up and come “trick” the trunks in the parking lot.

Watch for more details soon!