St. John’s Lutheran Church A Member of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod 980 West Fourth Street • P.O. Box 368 • Rush City, MN 55069 Karen Peterson, Church Secretary Church Phone/Fax: (320) 358-3623 [email protected]

Pastor John E. Beck Res. Phone: (320) 358-4906

www.stjohnsrushcity.org

[email protected]

March 2015 "The Sense of Sin" A Christian woman came to her pastor with a perplexing problem. She had been regular in her church attendance, conscientious in her daily prayers, and consistent in her attendance at the Lord's Supper. However, she had been unable to rid herself of a haunting sense of sin. "Why it is," she asked, "that my girlfriends who never go to church, and who freely admit that they have never taken religion seriously, are never troubled by any consciousness of guilt?" Her problem was not new to the pastor. "Tell me," he said, "if I were to lay a hundred pounds of steel on a corpse, would it feel the load?" "No. I'm sure it wouldn't," the woman replied. "Why not?" he asked. "Because the corpse has no life in it and is unable to feel the weight," she answered. "Exactly!" replied the pastor. "And that is why the person who is still indifferent to spiritual needs can say that she doesn't feel the weight of sin. She's dead---spiritually." It always has been true that the Christian is more conscious of personal unworthiness---in the sight of God--- than the careless unbeliever. David admitted: "I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me" (Psalm 51: 3, NIV). The apostle Paul, whom God used mightily to spread the Gospel, lamented: "I know that nothing good lives in me ... What a wretched man I am!" (Romans 7:18, 24 NIV). There is really nothing surprising in the Christian's consciousness of sin. People who walk in darkness are unconscious of smudges on their bodies; but if they walk into the light, they immediately become conscious of their dirty hands. Christians walk in light. And the closer we walk to the Light of Life, the more conscious we become of our soiled garments. Nor is there anything surprising in our sensitivity to personal guilt. We have seen our sin in terms of Calvary. It was a sensitive heart, a Christian heart, that wrote: You who think of sin but lightly Nor suppose the evil great Here may view its nature rightly, Here its guilt may estimate. No, there was nothing at all surprising in the woman's concern over her personal sin. In fact, her deep concern was a sign that the Spirit of God was working in her heart. Yet she had no reason to worry. For the same Bible that told her that she was a sinner in God's sight also tells her: "Whenever our hearts condemn us ... God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything" (1 John 3:20 NIV). God, who is greater than our hearts, looks at us not in our sins, but in Christ. In Christ there is abundant pardon and mercy. As the apostle Paul assures us; "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1 NIV).

Sinners? Yes. But forgiven sinners. Forgiven through Christ. [Taken from My Hand in His: Ancient Truths in Modern Parables by Herman W. Gockel (12-4039); (c) 1961, 1999 Concordia Publishing House.]

In Christ,

Pastor John E. Beck

From Pastor’s Study “THE PASSION AS I REMEMBER IT”

HOLY WEEK -- March 29-April 5

This midweek Lenten series continues on the remaining Wednesdays of Lent with worship at 7:00 pm. It was rather disappointing to see our attendance drop by 50% from Ash Wednesday to the second week.

Our Holy Week worship schedule is:

Do Jesus’ words to his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane have any application in our lives: “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Lenten services are about 40 minutes).

Mar 4

Pilate: I Couldn’t Make the Hard Decision John 18:18-40; 19:1-16

Mar 11 Annas: I Can’t Believe that Jesus Is Lord

John 18:12-14; Matthew 26:57-68 Mar 18 Mar 25

Mary: I Know My Son as My Savior and Lord John 9:17-30 Joseph of Arimathea: I Tried to Do My Best John 19:31-42

 Palm/Passion Sunday

9:00 am

 Maundy Thursday with Holy Communion

7:00 pm

 Good Friday

7:00 pm

 Easter Sunday with Holy Communion

9:00 am

Note the change to one service for Easter Sunday on a trial basis for this year. This intended change was announced last spring and has been discussed with the elders & council and reported at voter Considerations for the change include:

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LENTEN SUPPERS Enjoy the pre-service soup ‘n sandwich suppers on Wednesdays from 6:00-6:35 PM. Thank you to all the volunteers who signed up to prepare and serve the suppers. Free will offerings are designated for the Rush City Food Shelf.

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The sanctuary will accommodate the total number of worshipers from the two services. Easter is the high festival of the church year. It has been expressed that combining into one service and seeing and hearing the singing with the church filled will be an encouragement to all worshipers on this festive day. The pattern seems to be that members attend one service and guests predominate at the other. It is a poor witness to our guests to see so few members in that service.

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At times it has been difficult to have enough people to serve for the two services. Please remember is trial change for this Easter and will be evaluated for the future

LUTHER’S SEAL EXPLANATION Thank you to Dick Lindig for the framed plaque with an explanation of Dr. Martin Luther’s seal. It has been mounted below the stained glass in the front entry lobby. As you read the explanation you can look up at the seal.

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EASTER BREAKFAST Easter break will be served on Easter Sunday from 8:00-8:35 am. This allows time for all kitchen workers to participate in worship at 9:00 am

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SIX MARKS OF DISCIPLESHIP* COMMUNITY CHOIR Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at First Lutheran at 7:45 pm (they are aware that St John’s members may not get there until 8:00 pm due to our Lenten worship schedule). Music is being provided for the choir. The cantata, “Lenten Sketches,” will be performed on Palm Sunday at 3:00 pm at First Lutheran.

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To the glory of God, I believe I am called…“to the measure of the full stature of Christ” (Eph 4:12). I will strive to…  Pray daily  Worship weekly  Read the Bible  Serve at and beyond my congregation  Be in relationships to encourage spiritual growth in others  Give of my time, talents, and resources *[from the book, “Power Surge: Six Marks of Discipleship for a Changing Church” by Michael W Foss]

WORDS OF APPRECIATION this month are expressed to: … those who serve weekly in worship: pastor, musicians, lay readers, ushers, greeters, PA technicians, elders, acolytes and altar guild. … those who served the meals before the Lenten worship services in February, Pastor & Judy Beck, Tricia, Lindsey & Taylor Williams, Gary & Cindy Wendorf, and Ray & Jeanette Polzin. … to Fred Asche, (Karen Peterson’s dad), for the beautiful black walnut crosses for our fellowship hall tables.

OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY is extended: … to Wendy Fehrman and the family at the death Wendy’s father, Ray Anderson who died on January 25. Ray’s memorial service will be held at First Lutheran of Rush City on Saturday, March 7 at 1:00 pm with visitation on the 6th from 4:00-8:00 pm also at the church. May the Lord bring His comfort in Christ to all who grieve.

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… those who counted and posted the offerings. … those who brought refreshments on Sunday morning.

EASTER GARDEN 2014

… those who helped with prison ministry and the Golden Living Center services.

You are invited to make contributions toward the Easter garden for our Easter Sunday worship to decorate the sanctuary. You may order plants through the altar guild or bring them from home. Following the 9:00 a.m. worship service on Easter Sunday you may take them home with you.

… East Central Sanitation who provides free refuse and recycling service for SJLC. … those who helped to assemble this newsletter. … our gracious God who makes all these things possible through the priceless gift of His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

       MARCH BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES 1 4 10 11 13 17 18 19 21 25 28 30 31

Brandi Lewis Melissa Shoemaker Rustin Hahn Gary & Susan Scheff Marc Blomquist, Ray Gagnon Richard & Diane Friday Taniel Schellbach Odin Brown, Marlene Reiser Pastor John Beck Bill Volk Kyle Blomquist Alma Ohnstad Michelle Volk

Have a happy & blessed day!        RUSH CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOWLING TOURNAMENT April 25 at 1:30 pm Cost $25/person –4 people per team Sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the back of the church.

       PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH …when a member of your family is in the hospital. …when you are in need of spiritual care or counseling. ---when you have a question or concern. ---when the church can assist you in any way.

Easter plants available for purchase through the Altar Guild are:  Easter Lily -- $14.00  Begonias -- $17.00  Chrysanthemums -- $17.00  Tulips -- $15.00  Hyacinths -- $15.00 Please submit your donation along with the form available at the church to the church office or Cathy Gagnon. Information for the Easter bulletin will be taken directly from this form. Please PRINT clearly and list any information needed for the bulletin. Please have the form and contribution in by Sunday, March 22. If you are bringing a plant from home, please complete the form by March 22 and leave your plant at the church on or before Saturday, April 4. Thank you.

       WINTER WEATHER CANCELLATIONS In the event of winter storms, listen to WCMP (1350 AM or 100.9 FM) for cancellation notices. We will also place an announcement on the church answering machine (320) 3583623 not less than one hour before the activity or event. You can also call my home phone (320) 358-4906.

       REMEMBER DST BEGINS: Turn your clocks ahead one hour For Sunday, March 8

BIBLE READING CHALLENGE FOR 2015 Daily Bible Reading for March

How can I help? ++ Two ingatherings at the District Convention ++ LUTHERAN ISLAND CAMP SHOES FOR THE MISSION LIC is going to generate 25,000 pounds of shoes for use in third world countries. They will then be blessed with $10,000 that will be available for Lutheran Island Camp and Christ Serve Ranch. Funds raised will be used to support their campership fund and for special projects at Christ Serve Ranch.

day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7/8 9 10 11 12 13 14/15 16

Here is what you can do to help!

chapter Lam. 1 2 3 4-5 Eke. 1 2-3 4-5 6-7 8-10 11-12 13-15 16-17 18-19 20-21

March

Read

Lamenta -tions & Ezekiel

day 17 18 19 20 21-22 23 24 25 26 27 28-29 30 31

chapter 22-23 24 25-28 29-32 33-34 35-36 37 38-39 40-42 43 44-45 46-47 48

Note: Sat-Sun readings are combined

1) Gather shoes of any kind (except flip-flops) 2) Make sure that you tie or rubber band them together. They must be in pairs.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*        ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN COLLECTION OF NEW SOCKS & UNDIES All congregations in the Minnesota North District are invited to collect NEW socks and undies for Orphan Grain Train. These items will be taken to Texas border missions and other places where new items are allowed. All sizes of undies and socks, (for men, women and children) are being collected, but children’s socks (for ages 3 to 6 th grade) are very much needed as children in Mexico cannot go to school without socks and shoes. Money to help with shipping costs is also welcome. Monetary donations may be mailed to: Orphan Grain Train, PO Box 61, Morris, MN 56267, or brought to the church prior to April 12. If you have any questions, please contact Gene Pasche— Chairman of MN North Branch Orphan Grain Train, at 320589-2796.

WHEN to begin? Gather your items for these two ingatherings at home during the month of March (we don’t want to store them all month at church as presently we are gathering for MN FoodShare month). Please wait to bring them to St. John’s between March 29 & April 12 (two week period begin during Holy Week) An area will be designated at that time where to gather the items.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR Sundays at 6:05 a.m.  on WCCO 830 AM) March 1 "The True Author of Your Life Story" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz When Christ's story becomes yours by faith, life changes. (2 Corinthians 7:10) March 8 "Lifted Up" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz When sinful pride lays us low, God's grace in Christ lifts us up again. (Psalm 103:8-12) March 15

"The Power of God's Enduring Forgiveness and Grace" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz Jesus offers reconciliation and restoration to those overcome by trouble and regret. (John 16:33) March 22 "No Regrets? Follow Jesus!" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz In the end, forgiven sinners will not regret having followed Jesus. (Matthew 16:21-26) March 29 "Show Me" Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour: Rev. Ken Klaus Jesus really did die and three days later He really did conquer death through His resurrection. (John 19:17-18)

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CHOICES Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it. -J. I. Packer Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. -Rick Warren Life is all about choices… And you are defined by those choices. Sometimes our choices involve the “good” verses the “bad”. And certainly there is a great degree of validity in that thinking. As the children of Israel prepared to settle into the Promised Land, Joshua exhorted them to “choose this day whom you will serve”, and then boldly declares, “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15 ESV) Joshua was choosing to make a strong commitment to serve the Lord God Jehovah rather than the false gods worshipped all around them. At other times our choices involve the challenge of the “good” becoming the enemy of the “best”. This principle is masterfully illustrated in Luke 10. Upon entering a village, Jesus is welcomed into the house of a woman named Martha. She has a sister "called Mary" who is also present. While attempting to do all of the right things as a hostess, Martha is at first distracted, and quickly becomes distraught. Her frustration spills out – all over Jesus – “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” (vs. 40 ESV)

At the end of the day, life is all about choices. You even made a few “good” ones… “bad” ones… “ugly” ones… or the “best” ones… today. The good news is that tomorrow is coming. A new day – with new opportunities. Choose wisely. It will turn your life around. [From Hunger and Thirst, a weekly devotional by Dr. Tim Clinton, January 18, 2012]

LWML NATIONAL CONVENTION Have you heard the news? When we gather June 25-28 in Des Moines, Iowa for the national convention, we will have the theme "Bountiful! Sow • Nourish • Reap"”. Our Keynote Speaker will be Rev. James Lamb from Lutherans for Life and our Mites in Action Mission Speakers will be Carly Hatcher from MOST Ministries, Rev. Jim Hetzner from Lutheran Church Charities (Comfort Dogs), Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mendetto from Concordia, Selma, and Rev. E. James Rivett, Prison Ministry. The Rev. Gregory Seltz from Lutheran Hour Ministries will be the proclaimer on Thursday evening, and we look forward to Saturday evening entertainment provided by Jan Struck and Dr. Dina Vendetti. Won’t you join us?

What’s interesting is the answer Jesus gives her – “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (vs. 41-42 ESV)

Registration forms and more information can be found in the winter issue of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly and online at www.lwml.org. We can’t wait to see you there!

Mary had chosen the “good portion”. In the Greek, this phrase infers the excellent part as distinct from the whole. Mary had chosen the “best” over the “good”. And what exactly had Mary chosen?

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She “sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching” (vs. 39 ESV) Mary had chosen to “be” rather than to “do” in that moment. Too often we piously pronounce that we also would have made the “Mary” choice. Would we? Do we? Or do the good things in our lives squeeze out the best? Times in the “secret place” with our Father are often stolen by things that “must” be done. Unnecessary meetings. Errands to run. T. V. programs to watch. Too much time spent online – “surfing” the web – Facebook – Twitter. Even commitments made at church. I am reminded of a pastor I was working with who was leaving his home to go on weekly “visitation”. As he left his young son asked, “Dad, when are you going to visit us?” Ouch.

“A CUP WITH KAY” St. John’s LWML would like to invite all members to join in “A Cup with Kay”, a Bible study with the LWML National President, Kay Kreklau, during the month of March. You will take the lessons home on Sundays with a free tea or coffee packet. The following week you will answer a 3 question ticket about that lesson. Every correct ticket will be put in a drawing for a coffee cup. There will be two winners—men and ladies. A link to find the lessons online will be posted in the weekly bulletins and they will be available on the back counter along with the box to put the tickets in for the drawing.

MN FOODSHARE MONTH March is Minnesota FoodShare Month. For 33 years the goal of the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign has been consistent: To raise enough money and food to provide more than half the food distributed annually by 300 food shelves statewide. This year will be no different. Though the economy is improving, thousands of our neighbors still need the help provided by food shelves across the state to make ends meet. Without the assistance, more than 500,000 Minnesotans who experience hunger would have nowhere to turn. Last year, thanks to the help of individuals, businesses, schools and congregations like ours, the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign raised more than $8 million and more than 4 million pounds of food during March. Let’s see what members of St. John’s can contribute this year to help meet the need in the Rush City area! Donations during the month of March we can receive a variety of matches from various corporations. Bring your food or cash donations to the church. Thank you for your helping to stock our local food shelf.

Week of

A Measure of our Discipleship Together in Christ Family Bible Hour Monday Bible Class Worship Communed Offering Students + Youth + Longer Look Attendance Adult Class + Staff

2-1-2015 2-8-2015

44 40

39 -------

$1,986.00 $1,601.70

0+4+7+2=13 3+nc+nc+3=6

4 6

2-15-2015 2-18-15

56

48

$1,395.25

4+4+16+5=29

6

40

33

$224.00

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41

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$593.00

0+0+9+1=10

4

28

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$572.95

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Ash Wednesday Service

2-22-2015 2-25-15 Lenten Service

A question for each of us: Is my example of discipleship strengthening and encouraging others in our life together in Christ?