This weekend, October 3 and 4, brings us to an extremely important focus on our inspirational sermon series based on Giving to God by Mark Allan Powell. The message is about "Faithful Living" and "100% stewardship."

Many Christians unfortunately equate "giving to God" with "giving to the church". They are not the same! When we think about 100% stewardship we're talking about everything coming under the rule of God, the lordship of Jesus Christ and the direction of the Holy Spirit, not just a portion of it! To quote Powell, "Giving to the church is but one part of a much bigger picture. We are to consider the matter of financial stewardship in terms of what we give to God -- and God wants it all, not just a percentage. But this, again, is not to be construed primarily as an obligation or a requirement. Think of it, rather, as an invitation, as an offer from God to take charge of this often troubled area of our lives and to bring us to that place of integrity and satisfaction that the apostle Paul calls contentment (Philippians 4:121-12)."

Come to worship this weekend and discover more about acquiring, regarding, managing and spending our money in God-pleasing ways as an opportunity to experience 100% stewardship. It is a message that you won't want to miss!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: During this coming week, there are several "Tell the Story" events taking place throughout St. John's Lutheran Church:

Wednesday, October 8 @ 10:00 a.m. (part of the regular Kaffehusset Program) in Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, October 8 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Children's Discovery Museum
Thursday, October 9 @ 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Life Center

During the month of October, there will be even more opportunities to hear and learn more about St. John's exciting building initiative known as "A Church Alive!" Capital Campaign. The DVD presentation, produced in an excellent way by St. John's members, Kirk and Norma Fagerland, is combined with special witnesses from other members of the congregation and staff of our church. Every member of St. John's should make it a point to attend a "Tell the Story" event during the month of October. Postcards have been mailed, based on the demographics of the congregation, but all of the events are listed in the Campaign Packet, which was also sent to each congregational member. Please make every attempt to attend one of these important "Tell the Story" sessions. Remember that an R.S.V.P. to the church, about your attendance at any of these events, is extremely helpful as we prepare for refreshments.

St. John's

PRAYER: Gracious Heavenly Father, you have given us all that we have and all that we are. We humbly ask you to empty us of our own self-centeredness and fill us with the power of the Holy Spirit. Overwhelm us with your presence. Draw us closer to you. May we devote ourselves, family, possessions and talents to your will. Place your hand of protection over our church. Give us unity in Christ. We are a "Church Alive!" living for you. May all we do, bring you glory and honor. Amen.

Alive in Christ,