To: News
Subject: RE: Friday Blessings
 
Friday Blessings

 

 

Our Senior Pastor welcomes you to our weekly Friday Blessings update!

In This Issue

New Member Reception 9-10 AM Balcony

"I am She" Women's Retreat - Saturday, October 24 (8 to 3 PM)

Preaching

Pastor Reents is preaching at all worship services this weekend.

 

Traditional Services are held in the Sanctuary. All other services are in the Parish Life Center.

 

Join us for worship at St. John's!

 

For More Information

St. John's Website



 

 

 

 

 

WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND

 

The Gospel for this weekend comes from Mark 10:35-45. On their way to Jerusalem, Jesus' disciples ask for special recognition and positions of influence as thanks for their loyalty. TSt. John'shey are looking for positions of power and significance in the new Kingdom of God. But the disciples are no different than most of us who want to be thanked for what we do, who want to be publicly recognized for our contributions, who want to at least be seen in the community as significant leaders and influential people.

 

Jesus turns this human tendency upside down! In God's Kingdom, what appears insignificant is just the opposite! And the issue of position and importance takes second place to servanthood!  These are difficult lessons to learn. But they are part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus! We all like applause. We all like to be recognized. We all like to be thanked and appreciated. But Jesus tells us, "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be servant of all.  For the Son of Man also came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  (Mark 10:43-45) 

 

On Sunday, we are receiving 24 adults and 8 children as new members into our congregational family here at St. John's. A special reception for these new members will take place on the balcony between 9:00 - 10:00 AM, with their formal reception at the Community of Joy worship service at 10:15 AM. Join us for the new member reception and welcome the newest members of our St. John's family!

 

PRAYER OF THE DAY: Sovereign God, you turn your greatness into goodness for all the peoples on earth. Shape us into willing servants of your kingdom, and make us desire always and only your will through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

 

Alive in Christ,

The Reverend Knight Wells
 

 

"I Am She -- Reclaiming God's Presence"

 Women's Retreat

Saturday, October 24, 2009

8:00 to 3:00 PM - Fellowship Hall

 

Sign up this weekend at both Welcome Centers or by Wednesday, October 21st in the church office. 

 

This retreat will bring women together to reclaim God’s presence and deepen the spiritual practices in women’s lives. Our keynote speaker, Inez Torres Davis, from Women of the ELCA, will speak about creating “Sacred Space” in our lives, and breakout sessions led by St. John’s women will focus on a variety of prayer practices for daily life. 

 

Cost for the retreat is $30 per person and includes catered continental breakfast, lunch, and a special prayer resource. Scholarship funds are also available by speaking with Pr. Elyse.

 

 

 
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St. John's Lutheran Church
1617 E. Emerson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
309.827.6121 (office) 309.829.3866 (fax)

ELCA