St. John Lutheran Church July 2018________________________________________________________________________

Church Office: 563-242-5588Pastor Dan Pool: 321-6757, home

e-mail: dpool@stjohn-clinton-ia.orgWeb Site: www.stjohn-clinton-ia.org

________________________________________________________________________

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School will be July 16-20, 2018. Our theme this year is “Splash Canyon.” VBS is for children 4 years old or enrolled in St. John Sunday School or Preschool through those entering grade 7. Older children and adults are welcome to volunteer as helpers. Mark your calendars and plan on joining us for another exciting adventure!

Register now in the fellowship hall!!!

V.B.S. Teachers Needed

We are still in need of teachers for VBS classes. You do not need a degree in Biblical Studies to share the love of Christ with a child. In fact, you will learn quite a bit preparing these simple lessons for

your class. It’s a win/win!! Talk to Angie or Sallie to get teaching materials and leader devotion pages. Please consider helping!

Those interested in teaching/leading are invited to a volunteer meeting Sunday, July 1

at 2:00 p.m.

HELP WANTED

Help is requested for tracing and cutting out materials needed for VBS craft projects. Please

check out the VBS table in the fellowship hall for what is needed. Completed materials can be returned to the church by July 15. See Debby Gosnell if you have any questions or contact her at debbygosnell@hotmail.com.

V.B.S. Refreshments

We welcome donations of cookies and bars for refreshments for Vacation Bible School. Any kind of cookie is appreciated, but two of the favorites are rice crispy bars and chocolate chip cookies. These may be left in the church kitchen on July 15 or during the week of V.B.S.

V.B.S. Donations

A list of needed supplies is on the VBS registration table in the fellowship hall. If you would like to donate an item or two, write your name next to the item and take the reminder slip that correlates to the number on the list. Donations should be left in Room 3 (copy room) by July 13. Thank you!

V.B.S. Classroom Setup

The church will be open for all teachers to set up and decorate their classrooms on Sunday, July 15 from 2:00-6:00 p.m.

Spiritual Conversations

At our Higher Things conference this summer I am speaking on the Lost Art of Spiritual Conversation. I am basing this presentation on a recent study by Barna and Lutheran Hour Ministries called Spiritual Conversations in the Digital Age.

Much of this study is about evangelism. But even more broadly, American Christians are not talking about the faith with anyone, Christian or not. Outside of Church activities (services, Bible studies), 66% of American Christians have had less than five conversations about the faith in the last year. 44% of American Christians have had less than two.

This same survey suggested that the preferred partner for spiritual conversations was not “a cleric or religious professional.” People often do not like to talk to pastors about spiritual things (although please do this anyway!). The preferred partners are friends, spouses, and children. The most productive and valuable spiritual conversations happen with people who are trusted and safe.

So how about you? Are you having spiritual conversations? Do you recognize the value of personal evangelism? How many religious or spiritual conversations have you had this last year away from Church? What keeps you from talking about your spiritual life and what it means to you? Have you learned to talk about the faith in ways that don’t cause tension or arguments?

Spiritual conversations can take many forms. This isn’t just about relating the Gospel to your friends—although it is that. It isn’t just arguing about methods of Baptism or who has the best Church. Talk with people about the brokenness of the world. Talk about sin and the destruction it brings to human lives. Talk about faith as an eternal perspective and a way of life. Talk about virtue and godliness. Talk about Jesus and what He means to you every day.

The best preparation for spiritual conversations is time in the Word every day. The Large Catechism is another excellent resource to give you fodder for conversation. Christianity is fundamentally about a confession of faith (1 Timothy 6:12-13). Let’s make Christ known in all of our conversations.

Pastor

Altar Flowers

Flowers may be placed on the altar on any Sunday except during Lent. This may be done in memory of someone, commemorating a birthday or anniversary, or as a service of love. The sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board in the narthex.

Hy-Vee, Flowers on 5th, and Clinton Floral have keys to St. John so if you are ordering flowers from them they should be able to pick up the vase liners and deliver the flowers when it is convenient for them. If you would like to use a different florist, you may stop by the church office the week before you are signed up for flowers and pick up a church key and the vase liners for the florist. Please ask the florist to leave the church key in the sacristy when they deliver the flowers.

Please contact the church office, 242-5588, by Thursday at Noon with your altar flower bulletin announcement, the florist who will be delivering the flowers, and whether or not you would like to keep the altar flowers after service or have them delivered to the sick or shut-in members of the congregation.

Revelation Bible Study with Pastor

We have been working our way verse by verse through Revelation. This month we will meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. in classroom 1. New class members are always welcome. Bring your Bible.

July 10: The Fall of Babylon: Revelation 18:1-24July 24: Heaven Conquers: Revelation 19:1-21

Pastor Pool’s Sunday Bible StudyMere Christianity

Join us for our summer study based on Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis, one of the most important books of the last century. It is “a bold act of storytelling and healing in a world gone mad.” Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

July 1: The Invasion & The Shocking AlternativeJuly 8: The Perfect Penitent & The Practical ConclusionJuly 15: The 3 Parts of Morality & The Cardinal VirtuesJuly 22: Social Morality & Morality and Psychoanalysis July 29: Sexual Morality & Christian Marriage

Summer Wednesday Services Stump the Pastor

Join us for Wednesday services in July and August at 7:00 p.m. We will not meet on Wednesday, July 4, as pastor will be away at the Higher Things Youth Conference.

Your Stump the Pastor Questions for July:

July 4: No Service July 11: What about Predestination and Election? July 18: What about Cooking Goats in Milk?July 25: What is the High Priestly Prayer?

Summer Sunday School

Children’s Summer Sunday School will only meet on the first Sunday of each month (July 1 & August 5). We are watching a special video series called Friends and Heroes, with popcorn and prayers. On the other Sundays, we will not have children’s classes. Both adult classes will continue to meet. Teens and kids are welcome to attend with their parents.

Higher Things

Higher Things is coming soon! We plan to drive away Tuesday, July 3 at 6:00 a.m. We will return on the evening of July 6. Pray for our young people. Ask them what they learned after they get back. If you are a Thrivent member, please consider donating Thrivent Choice dollars to St. John.

Board of Elders

The Board of Elders will meet Monday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet Monday, July 9 at 6:00 p.m.

Board of Stewardship

The Board of Stewardship will meet Mon., July 16 at 6:00 p.m.

Board of Education

The Board of Education will meet Mon., July 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Board of Evangelism

The Board of Evangelism will meet Tues., July 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Voters’ Assembly

Our Voters’ Assembly will meet on Monday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to the Voters’ Assembly. Come and get involved in the work of the Church.

Board Meetings

Office Closed

The Church Office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 in celebration of Independence Day.

Ladies Aid

The July meeting of Ladies Aid will be held Friday, July 6 at 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Pastor Pool will be leading the Bible study. June Hardersen and Claudia Schenk will serve as hostesses. All ladies of the congregation are invited to attend.

Mary Martha Potluck Picnic

The Mary Martha Potluck Picnic will be Tuesday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the St. John Fellowship Hall. Members are asked to bring a dish to share. The meat, beverages, and table service will be furnished. After the meal, we

will play cards and “Dirty Bingo”. Each member is asked to bring a wrapped gift to be used as a prize. Altar volunteers and guests are welcome to join us.

Quilting Bee

Due to scheduling conflicts, the Quilting Bee will not meet in July. Their next meeting will be on Thursday, August 16.

Food Pantry Collection – July 1

Donations of nonperishable food items, paper, and soap products may be brought to the fellowship hall on Sunday, July 1 for the food pantry collection at the Victory Center. These items will be distributed to the unemployed of the community.

Save the Date

The St. John Church Picnic is August 26 this year. We look forward to seeing you there!

Facebook

Did you know the Church has a Facebook page? You can like us on Facebook at St. John

Lutheran Church, Clinton.

Do you shop at Amazon.com?

AmazonSmile will make a donation to St. John each time you make a purchase. Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/42-6005460 to register your account. After registering your Amazon account, start each purchase at smile.amazon.com.

Check It OutIn Our Church Library

Condiby

Mary Beth Brown

“One day I’ll be in that White House,” said Condoleezza Rice. Condi made good on that promise. From her humble beginnings in segregated Alabama to her academic career, to her appointment as Secretary of State hers is a story of inspiration, of principle, and of the limitless opportunities for those who pursue their dreams. Condi’s strong faith, her parents, and mentors helped her grow into a position of power and global influence.

Best Loved Hymns Of The ChurchCD

Concordia

Look for this CD on the DVD rack in our church library. It includes some of our favorite

hymns such as A Mighty Fortress, Amazing Grace, Just as I Am and many more.

Preschool Registration

The preschool is now accepting students for the 2018/2019 school year. We will continue to have a multi-age classroom setting with 3 year olds attending 3 days per week and older children attending 5 days per week. Our hours of operation are 8:50 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. to be more accommodating to parents and to

provide more for our students. Tuition will be $135.00 per month for 1st year 3-day students, $165.00 per month for 1st

year 5-day students, and will be free for 2nd year returning students. Contact the church office, 242-5588, for more information or enrollment forms.

Hospitalization

Please be sure to mention St. John Lutheran Church if you are admitted at Mercy Medical Center, Clinton. Your pastor wants to visit you when you’re hospitalized, but the only sure way for him to know is for you or a family member to call the church office, 242-5588. If you would like pastor to visit, but not have your name announced on Sunday, your request will be honored.

July Birthdays & Anniversaries

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !

Happy Birthday to: Lois Meyermann, who will be 89 on July 2. Ken Ketelsen, who will be 90 on July 7.Edward Baasch, who will be 88 on July 12.Helen Niebuhr, who will be 91 on July 20.Sylvia Lorenzen, who will be 83 on July 21Carla Scott, who will be 91 on July 22.Bill Martzahn, who will be 93 on July 26.

Happy Anniversary to: Jake & Heather Kingery, 10th Wedding Anniversary on July 5.Jerry & Nadeen Morden, 25th Wedding Anniversary on July 10.Ken & Cindy Decker, 35th Wedding Anniversary on July 30.

We list birthdays 80 and above and anniversaries for year one and every five years thereafter unless we receive a request not to do so.

Private Communion Calls

Pastor Pool makes his visits to those in nursing homes throughout the month. Those at home who would like to receive a communion visit are asked to call Pastor at the church office, 242- 5588, to schedule a convenient time.

THOSE WHO SERVE IN JULY

Early

Elders: Kurt Flathers Dave Reynolds

Ushers: Daniel Stewart Matthew Stewart Donivan Sirna Parker Sirna

Nursery Attendants (Late)1 – Jennifer Kammerer

8 – Sheryl Jindrich

15 – Moriah Stewart

22 – Tara Sirna

29 – Heather Becker

Recording 1 – Paul Wenzel8 – Darlene Paysen15– Paul Wenzel22 – Darlene Paysen29 – Paul Wenzel

Late

Elders: Troy Bialas Tom Hardersen

Ushers: Kevin Montgomery Pete Sirna Dale Schroeder Stephen VanVuren

Acolyte Schedule1-Early – Sam Reynolds1-Late – Elder

8-Early – Elder8-Late – Elder

15-Early – Elder15-Late – David Graham

22-Early – Elder22-Late – Elder

29-Early – Elder29-Late – Aaron Becker

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: JULY 20If you would like to put any information in the newsletter, contact Angie Stewart, and get her the information by July 20.