Ok, raise your hand if you love these long weekends. And then to match it up with gorgeous weather, wow! Praise God!
I certainly hope that you kept your Pilgrim and had your calendar out. We had a couple of things finish up and a number of things to begin. I know I have had to write it down because there is too much to remember. Let’s talk about the things that have come to a close.
One, we have finished up our drive for the ELCA World Hunger Fund. Before last weekend, we had 4,003 dollars. I know the jar had quite a bit more after Sunday’s worship. Maybe Eloide, after proofing this letter, can let us know? $4,582. Regardless, you all did an awesome job. Thank you for meeting the needs of our world community.
Closer to home, we finished our Northview clothing drive. They were here last week, so I sent 4 boxes home with them. I noticed we have another box that needs to get over there. Again, you showed your generosity to our neighbors down the street. You see the need regardless of wherever it is, and you always rise to the occasion. Thank you. That is why St. John’s is well known at the Synod Office and in our community. Well done.
Our reading of the Bible in a year also comes to a close. We will be finished this week on Wednesday. I am wondering how many stuck with it? It was quite a journey, and I hope you found it both enjoyable and worth the time. Now what are you going to do? Are you going to read it again? Or are you going to take one book or letter and study it? Let me know if you need any help.
We also ended our last Sunday service outside… maybe. I will ask the Church Council to consider the last Sunday in September (28). We will see what they say. Of course, the weather is a big issue either way.
Okay, let’s talk about the things that are just getting started. First of all, please do not forget that Sunday’s worship begins at 10:15. We are in our Fall schedule.
The big thing coming up is our Sunday School program starting on the 7 of September. They will start out having Rally Day, and then classes will get started on the 14. We have missed your children this summer. It is time to come back and start learning about Jesus Christ again. Don’t forget about Paul Baker’s class during this time. Parents, you have no excuse for not staying and learning along with your children. It is an excellent model to show them. The optics of dropping them off and then picking them up again, not so good.
Two opportunities to learn the discipline of Scripture will also start this week. Tuesday, at 12:00 p.m., we will be at the YMCA in Peru. The room is immediately to the left when you walk in. The second opportunity is at 5:00 pm on Wednesday at the church. We will meet in Pastor Sue’s room, which is immediately to the left when you walk into the Sunday School wing. This will be a 4-week session. You do not have to have taken the 8-week course on discipleship. Would love to see you at either one or the other.
Saturday, September 6, I hope to have a number of us going to St. John’s Church in Mendota. We will be packaging meals for the hungry. I did this in Michigan during my internship and had a lot of fun. It will start at 10:30 a.m. and go to 12:30 p.m. Everyone is invited.
Not only do we have Rally Day next Sunday, but we will be baptizing another baby. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do. Most of us know the couple. It is Tim and Bethany Wold. Some of you know Mom and Dad, Mark and Susan. Others might remember we baptized their first baby March 5, 2023. But today, we will be baptizing Claire Mae Wold. There are a couple of parents that I have a soft spot for in my heart. The reason is that I married the couple, and now I am baptizing their child. Ross and Ali Baker are like this. So is Tim and Bethany Wold. It will always be listed as one of my highlights of my pastoral career.
The choir also begins singing next Sunday. I believe that they will be having a short practice before church on Sunday and then start up on Wednesday to practice. All are welcome to join. Give our Choir Director, Barb Kromphardt, a call or email to let her know you would like to join.
I hope you are proud of your church. So much is happening. I hope you come join us in some of our activities. I am not saying we always get it right, but one thing we try to do is to do God’s will. I am very appreciative of this congregation. God bless.
Crossed marked and spirit sealed,
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for the 13 Weekend after Pentecost– Weekend of September 6 & 7
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 1 Philemon 1-21 Luke 14:25-33
Reading the Bible in a Year- Tuesday, September 2, to Wednesday, September 3
Day Nehemiah Psalms Proverbs Revelation
Monday Holiday
Tuesday Ch 11:22-Ch 12:47 31:21-31 Ch 21
Wednesday Ch 12 150:1-6 Ch 22