Weekly E-news for the People called Saint John’s
email: office@stjohnsmexico.org
Website: www.stjohnsmexico.com
Pastor’s Note:
This Father Forgives...
* Here is a story I found the other day. I believe you will find it quite interesting. It is a letter and it says:
“As the Father of the man whom you took part in murdering, I have something very important to say to you. I forgive you. With all My heart, I forgive you. I realize it may be hard for you to believe, but I really do. At the trial, when you confessed to your part in the events that cost My Son his life and asked for My forgiveness, I immediately granted you that forgiving love from My heart. I can only hope you believe Me and will accept My forgiveness. But this is not all I have to say to you. I want to make you an offer -- I want you to become My adopted child. You see, My Son who died was My only child, and I now want to share My life with you and leave My riches to you. This may not make sense to you or anyone else, but I believe you are worth the offer. I have arranged matters so that if you will receive My offer of forgiveness, not only will you be pardoned for your crime, but you also will be set free from your imprisonment, and your sentence of death will be dismissed. At that point, you will become My adopted child and heir to all My riches. I realize this is a risky offer for Me to make to you. You might be tempted to reject My offer completely, but I make it to you without reservation. Also, I realize it may seem foolish to make such an offer to one who cost My Son his life, but I now have a great love and unchangeable forgiveness in My heart for you. Finally, you may be concerned that once you accept My offer you may do something to cause you to be denied your rights as an heir to My wealth. Nothing could be further from the truth. If I can forgive you for your part in My Son's death, I can forgive you for anything. I know you will never be perfect, but you do not have to be perfect to receive My offer. Besides, I believe that once you have accepted My offer and begin to experience the riches that will come to you from Me, that your primary (though not always) response will be gratitude and loyalty. Some would call Me foolish for My offer to you, but I wish for you to call Me your Father.
With love, The Father of Jesus”
* Obviously God did not write that letter, but that is the meaning of what He did for us. Just in a few weeks we will start Lent and remember the sacrifice of Jesus for us and how God brings forgiveness and life to us when we were in deep trouble.
* So here I have another question... why do we refuse to forgive sometimes? Why do we treat others in a disrespectful manner? Why can’t we get along?
* Here is another story... a story from real life... it was printed in the Minneapolis Star (Newspaper) on September 04, 1970. A woman had written what she called an “open letter” to three young man who had murdered her husband:
“I suppose I will never know what motivated your actions that night, but if the shots were fired out of sheer panic, my heart aches for you and I wish there were only some way I could help you in what you must be suffering now. If hate made you pull that trigger, I can only pray that you can come to know the love of God that fills the heart and leaves no room for hate. If you were under the influence of drugs, please, for my sake and your own, don’t waste your lives too. God help and rid yourselves of that stuff. Please, if you see this, find a church someplace where you can be alone; then read this again. Know that God forgives you and that my family and I forgive you – then go out and make something worthwhile of the rest of your lives. God keep and bless you.”
* Wow! this lady learned forgiveness from God... have you? Have a blessed weekend and shine the forgiveness of Jesus in the all your relationships.
Rev. Don Sonntag
Children’s Ministry at Saint John’s
Come join us as we learn to Follow Jesus and be fishers of men!
Bible Event: Matthew 4:18-25
Key Verse: Matthew 4:19 (NIV): “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
We will help kids know:
- Jesus chose disciples and showed them how to be fishers of men, using Jesus’ love to capture people’s hearts.
- Jesus says to us, “I will make you fishers of men.” That means Jesus will use us to share the message of Jesus’ love with others so they can follow Jesus as well.
We will help kids feel:
- Aware of the importance of their work as fishers of men.
- Compelled to share Jesus’ love with others.
We will help kids do:
- Make a commitment to share Jesus with a friend.
- Pray for that friend to come to know Jesus.
Today is Friday, January 23, 2015
Pastor’s Cell Phone is 573-253-1594 - Please call Pastor Sonntag if you would like him to visit.
MEMBERSHIP INTEREST? If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member, please speak with Pastor Sonntag.
Midweek Worship Wednesday nights - 7 p.m. Casual - Informal - Bible Study - Come Try it!
Confirmation Project - Garage Sale for a poor family in Peru! Mason Carver and Patrick McClarey are having a garage sale to raise money to buy a cow for a poor family in Peru. The organization that does this each year is called Lutheran World Relief. We are asking for volunteers to donate items for the sale as well as help the day of the event. We are hoping to raise $375 which is the average price for a cow. Any profit over that amount will go towards buying a goat. So please come help a family in Peru. We will also have a small donation box in the back of the sanctuary for loose change and will start as soon as possible. Location: Family Life Center, Date: Feb. 14, 2015, Hours 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. When to Bring Items: Feb. 8 – 13th, We are asking for any volunteers to help load items for buyers the day of the event. Al donations are welcome and all money raised will go toward purchasing the cow.
Polar Bear Plunge Warm Up Party, Saturday, February 21 – 2-4 p.m. Need Chili, Soup, Hot dogs, Chips, Cookies. Also need crews to help set up, serve, greet & clean up.
This Sunday, January 25
8:30 am- Preschool – 4th grade – for more information contact Nancy Blaue at blauefamily@alsatwireless.com
8:30 am - Junior High Class – for grades 5 – 8th, for more information contact Jayne Wehmeyer at jaynewehmeyer@gmail.com
8:30 am – LFY – High School – meets in basement in the “Red Room”. For more information contact Martin & Dana Keller at danaevanskeller@gmail.com
8:30 am – Adult Bible Class – meets in the FLC gym and is led by Pastor Sonntag. All are welcome!
9:30 – 10:00 am – coffee & donuts in the FLC gym for fellowship before church.
10:00 am –Worship led by Pastor Donaldo Sonntag. Music by Bev Borgeson. Theme: “A Whale of a Tale – by God, Believe it – by God, Do It!
Scripture: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
Prayers –
Prayers of healing and strength for Michelle Darby
Prayers of healing and comfort for Florence Barron, sister-in-law of Pearl Newbrough
Prayers of strength and healing for Ron Carver, Chris Carver’s dad
Prayers of comfort and peace for Ralph Hudson, Shelly Carver’s grandfather
Prayers of healing and strength for Jerry Sudbrock, Julie Scholting’s dad
To send Prayer Requests email: office@stjohnsmexico.org