November 2010 Newsletter

 Dear Friends,

   “God’s Gifts”

  “We give Thee but Then own, Whate’er the gift may be: all that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord from Thee.”

  It is obvious that there is nothing we can give to the Lord that is our own. Our mental faculties, our individual talents and abilities—these have been given to us by God.

  The food we grow comes from seed created by the Lord, planted in soil provided by the Lord, nurtured by the warmth of the sun given by the Lord, and watered by the rain sent by the Lord.

  The goods and produce we manufacture with iur hands and machines are made possible through abilities given by God, just as Moses reminded the Israelites. “But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth. . .” (Dueteronomy 8:18). The benefits from our occupations are blessings received from God. God gives us the abilities, and we have the responsibility to use His gifts with energy and wisdom. God makes our income and wealth possible.

  When we contribute to our church we are simply returning to God what He has already entrusted to us. “What do you have that you did not first receive? (1Corinthians 4:7). We have nothing to give Him that is our own. If Gid in His wisdom determines to give us much, much will be expected of us (Luke 12:48).

  God gave—this is the reason for our being and our giving. He gave His all—Jesus Christ so we might have abundant life. We find this life by losing our lived in total commitment to God through Christ.

  Stewardship is an open hand to receive God’s gift of love and an extended hand to share it with others. Your willingness to share your time, talent, and treasure is the measure of your gratitude and commitment to Christ. During this Thanksgiving Season, may God help us all to live with gratitude for who God is and what He has done and continues to do for us.


Blessings to You
Pastor Curt

LLL    LLL will be going to Branson to see “Miracle of Christmas” on December 4th. We will meet on November 7th at 6:00PM to plan the Christmas Party and TMR Party.

Sr. Youth    Sr. Youth went bowling and to eat pizza the first week of October. Nora Woodsmall helped take kids to Jonesboro where we all had a great time. Eight youth attended. We have several youth in Confirmation who are moving up this fall ­ Connor, Jacob, McKenzie, Shanda, and Skylar.     District will not be having a Sr. Youth gathering next summer, therefore we will begin making plans to attend the national youth gathering in San Antonio in July of 2013. We will have 11 youth eligible to attend the gathering. The kids who attend New Orleans this summer hosted a “thank you” dinner to the congregation in September and shared many of their experiences. They are looking forward to the next NYG.

BASIC    BASIC had a “back to school fun night” two weeks ago and was enjoyed by most. Robin Moyer served as chaperone along with me and took kids to Pizza Inn and to Jonesboro for Putt Putt. We had a great time, but realize the kids in 6th, because they are in Confirmation, need to be moved up to Sr. Youth with those they go to class with. BASIC is for those in 3rd through Pre-Confirmation age. We hope to help set up tables and prepare the Sr. Meal with Tammy for Thanksgiving. BASIC will also have a Christmas Party over Christmas break.

Seniors Lunch    Lunch will be Wednesday November17, at 11:30AM. . We will have Turkey, Dressing and all the trimmings of a BIG Thanksgiving Dinner!! As always there will be diabetic dessert available. Invite Your Friends & Neighbors!!! We will draw for door prizes.

LWML    LWML held its October meeting on the 6th. We met at 6:00PM for kitchen cleaning and regular meeting at 7:00PM. We will host a Celebration Tea on Sunday afternoon, November 7th at 2:30, in honor of Barbra Stroble and her upcoming marriage to Johnny Carr on the 13th. All ladies of the congregation are invited. Our annual Bazaar will be November 20th beginning at 8:00AM. All donations of baked goods and craft items will be greatly appreciated. We will discuss set-up and other details at the November meeting on the 3rd. We will plan our calendar for 2011 and elect officers and plan our Christmas Party at this meeting.

Weekday School    Weekday began September 8th and we were surprised by how many showed up because our numbers have doubled! This is where we have seen the most growth from Sonshine Station. Thirty three children have attended this year, with 13 nonmembers, 4 young first timers, and the rest from last year. Judy Bell, Nancy Compton and Nora Woodsmall are teachers, with Renee Dwyer serving as Supplies coordinator each week. They do a FABULOUS job!

LWML Bazaar - Saturday, November 20    The annual LWML Bazaar will begin at 8:00AM. We will be receiving donations of craft items Thursday-Saturday and Baked Goods Friday and Saturday. All donations will be greatly appreciated.

Christmas Eve Practice     Christmas Eve practice will begin Sunday, December 5th. Parts will be handed out November 28th at church and December 1st at weekday. All children and youth are encouraged to participate. We will have a final dress rehearsal on Wednesday, December 22nd.

Serving in October
Head Usher:    Nahan Compton
Elder:     Winston Tritch
Acolyte:     Luke Whitby-Lange
Birthdays & Anniversaries now appear on Calendar
  Click Here

Office Hours
Pastor Curt and Tammy will be in the church office each week during the following hours:

Pastor Curt
Monday through Thursday 8:00 ­ 11:30 AM
Other times by appointment or happy coincidence. Hours may vary slightly due to pastoral necessity.

Tammy
Monday 11:00 AM ­ 5:00 PM
Wednesday 10:30 AM ­ 2:30 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM ­ 10:00 AM ; 2:00 PM ­ 5:00 PM


Office Deadlines
Items for bulletin Thursday
Items for newsletter 20th of month
Prayer requests (printed) Thursday
Prayer requests anytime


E-mail
Website: www.stjohnslafe.org
Tammy: secretary@stjohnslafe.org
Tessa: dce@stjohnslafe.org
Pastor Curt: pastor@stjohnslafe.org

Phone Numbers
Church: 586-0319
Pastor cell: 450-1199
Pastor Home: 215-0812