Volume 94, Issue 13 June 25, 2014
“What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need..” Matthew 6:33
The verse printed above is from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus asks the disciples not to worry about clothing, food, and other needs, because God will provide. Instead, they are to focus on obeying God, doing what God wants. Jesus assures them that they will be all right.
Jesus is defining our priorities as members of the family of God. In the Easy to Read Version quoted above he states that what we should want most is God’s kingdom.
Often in wedding sermons I describe the C’s of matrimony, using the image of setting out on an ocean journey. The first C is Commitment, the single-minded dedication to making the marriage work. I state that the “D” word is not to be thought or said. When things get rough, they work it out rather than giving up.
The same is true of our faith. As part of God’s family, we are also on the journey of life, traveling to our ultimate goal to be united with Christ. Our absolution commitment to Jesus Christ keeps us faithful even when we have periods of questioning, frustration, ordoubt. Being part of a Christian community is vitally important to keep our faith strong; continuing to worship even when our hearts are not there will in time renew our faith. ( I speak from experience!)
The second C is communication. Our natural tendency is to talk about our concerns with everyone but the one who can to something about them. But that gets us nowhere. We need to own our thoughts and speak directly to those with whom we are upset. If we fear the conversation, it is OK to include a neutral third person.
I have advised the council that when we hear that “people are saying …” or “people are upset about … “ but won’t identify the “people”, it is usually the speaker him/herself who feels that way. And anonymous statements should be ignored, because without knowing the source of the problem, they can’t take steps to resolve it. Open, honest communication with one another done with love is the best way keep small issues from ballooning into large ones.
The other piece of communication is listening. Included in this newsletter are some tips for listening that lead to healthy dialogue. Please read them and try to practice them.
The final C is Christ. With Christ at the center of our lives, we will keep focused on our chief purpose for existing. Several groups have participated in an activity called “Build a Church”, in which they learned how easily our personal agendas, even lofty ones, can keep us from working toward our primary purpose, which is to serve God and one another.
You may feel as though you are wandering in a wilderness for a few months. It may seem that you are standing still. But you are always a child of God, claimed and loved. When you were baptized, God affirmed this and made promises to you. Your parents responded with promises to help you grow in faith. When you affirmed your baptism (confirmation), God reaffirmed the promises of love, forgiveness and life eternal and you affirmed your response of faithful worship and service to God and God’s people. Now is the time to exercise your commitment muscles, to work with your fellow believers to keep St. John’s church alive and healthy. You can do it. God promises help and hope. And a new pastor will come in God’s time; then you will rejoice
God grant you hope, faith, and courage. God’s peace be with you. In Christ's love, t Pastor Moll
Thursday, June 26Lighthouse Café, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
Friday, June 27Vacation Bible School, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 28Chicken Bar-b-q, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 29VBS Program, 10:15 service, followed by
gathering in Fellowship Hall
Monday, June 30Cake Wheel, 6-10 p.m., Pineknotter Days
Drop off goodies at church by 2:30 or
in the park at 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 1HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Bible Study, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 2HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 3HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
BINGO Stand, 6-10:00 p.m., Pineknotter Days
Friday, July 4OFFICE CLOSED – Independence Day
Monday, July 7Finance Committee, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, July 8Bible Study, 7:00 p.m.
HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9Council picnic and meeting
HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 300 Queen Street, Northumberland, PA 17857
Periodical postage paid at Northumberland, PA.
POSTMASTER: Send address change to St. John’s Messenger,
300 Queen Street, Northumberland, PA 17857.
ST. JOHN’S MESSENGER June 25, 2014 Volume 94, Issue 13
St. John’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church
570-473-3770
This Sunday at St. John’s
June 29, 2014
8:00 a.m. Worship Service with Communion
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
10:15 a.m. Worship Service with Communion
Next Sunday at St. John’s
July 6, 2014
8:00 a.m. Worship Service with Communion
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
10:15 a.m. Worship Service with Communion
Church Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Fri 8:30 a.m.-Noon
MarthaSue Moll, Pastor
William J. Jacavage, Director of Music