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Our Senior Pastor welcomes you to our weekly Friday
Blessings update for November 13, 2009!
In This
Issue
Congregational Meeting - This
Sunday (11:30 AM)
Grand-reopening of Newly
Remodeled Areas
Preaching
Pastor Wells is preaching at all worship
services this weekend. Please join us!
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
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WORSHIP THIS
WEEKEND
In the beginning of the 13th Chapter of
Mark's gospel, J esus
refers to the destruction of the
Temple of Jerusalem. He does so in response to one of the
disciple's observations about the strength and enormity of the
building itself. "Jesus
said to him, 'Do you see these great buildings? There will not be
left here one stone upon another, that will not be thrown down."
(Mark 13:2) We can all be impressed with buildings and
structures, with what appears to be solid and strong, but Jesus
points out that all human creations are not permanent. And in the
passing of time, what was once symbolic of that which will last
forever, crumbles and is destroyed. It is a sobering reminder to all
of us that we dare not trust in the things of this world, for they
pass away. But rather, our trust must always be in God.
That trust in the future of God's world stands in
distinct contrast to whatever can be envisioned from our
human efforts.
While
some Christians unfortunately like to focus on such passages from
the Bible, as dire predictions of the future, Jesus' message is
one of hope and ultimate trust. If we just read the headlines
and watch the sensational stories that stream from the
media, about the tragic and
horrible things that happen in our
world each day, we can easily lose perspective and we are
tempted to lose faith. We can make faulty decisions and assume
that there is a crisis around every corner. We can focus on the
destruction and the words of doom and gloom! The Biblical witness
calls us to FEAR NOT, but rather to trust in the Lord and be
careful "that no one leads
you astray . . . for many will come saying, 'I am he,' and they
will lead many astray. And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars,
do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is not yet."
(Mark 13:5-6) The message of the Gospel is not
destruction. The message of the Gospel is GOOD NEWS and
life!
Remember to make plans to attend the
congregational meeting to call David Bruner as Associate Pastor at
St.
John's. The meeting begins immediately
following our worship services (approximately 11:30
AM) in the
Parish Life Center. All voting members of the congregation
are urged to be present. In addition, we are excited and
pleased to invite members of the congregation to attend our "Grand
Re-opening Celebration" of the newly remodeled portions of our
A Church Alive!
Building Project. Times for viewing the Fellowship Hall and the
Noah's Ark/Joy Zone Preschool area will be immediately after the
Saturday Evening Worship Service and on Sunday morning between
8:00-9:00 AM and 11:30-12:30
PM. Staff will be
available for conversations and tours of the remodeled
facilities.
I am happy to report that we had a good
initial response from our annual pledge drive which began last
weekend. However, we still are anxious to hear from more members of
the congregation who have not yet turned in their pledges for
2010. Please bring them with you to worship and place them in
the offering plates OR return them to the Church Office. Your
financial support is crucial to the effectiveness of our ministry!
We need to hear from all of St.
John's
members!
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Almighty God, your
sovereign purpose brings salvation to birth. Give us faith to be
steadfast amid the tumults of this world, trusting that your kingdom
comes and your will is done through your Son, Jesus Christ, our
Savior and Lord. Amen.
Alive in
Christ,
The Reverend
Knight Wells
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