St. John’s Messenger St. John’s Lutheran Church 100 E. Illinois St Sibley, Illinois 61773

May 2019

From Pastor Jim Davis

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! We celebrate the Easter season with great joy, knowing that Jesus rose from the dead and promises that if we believe in him, we will have eternal life. But Jesus also wants our old self to die to sin every day, so that new life in Christ can emerge, and we can be the people that God created us to be. The Rev. Richard Rohr has written a book called Immortal Diamond:

The Search for Our True Self, and he offers twelve ways to help each one of us get in touch with our True Self every day:

1. Control what you say and do to others. Refuse to let negative, blaming, or mean thoughts affect how you respond to others.

2. Offer an honest and sincere apology to those whom you hurt. Talk with them privately to truly understand what you did wrong or how you hurt them.

3. Your mind often replays – over and over again – the most embarrassing moments and the worst things you do. Learn what you can do in the future to better address similar situations.

Do something to correct what you did to the person or the situation that you caused.

4. Do not listen to the lies that your mind or other people say about you, for instance: You are not good enough; you are not very smart; or you are not very attractive. Replace them by identifying and focusing on your God-given gifts and talents.

5. Make it a top daily priority to deepen your connection with God. It is difficult to feel lonely or hopeless when you know the Creator of the universe is watching over you and guiding you.

6. Learn who you really are on the inside, not who others want you to be. Find out what gives you joy, and what gives you fulfillment and meaning in life.

7. Live life by choosing to give to others, rather than having them give to you. You will feel an incredible sense of satisfaction that will drive you to continue to help other people through life.

8. Do good deeds for other people. This makes people around you happier, and also gives you meaning and purpose in life.

9. Help those who are in pain, excluded, or disabled. Show compassion, understanding, and love to all in need – both those who are close to you, and complete strangers.

10. Donate money and your time to seek justice by helping people to heal and succeed in the long term. As the old saying goes: If you give a person a fish, you will feed them for a day; but after that day is over, they will need another fish. Instead, teach the person how to fish, so they can provide for themselves and teach others how to fish for themselves.

11. Your words matter, so be very careful what you say. If mean words form in your mind, do not say them with your lips; instead, speak words that are kind and true. You only have one voice; be sure that it matches up with who you really are inside.

12. L-O-V-E: Love is what keeps us going while we are here on Earth. Love your friends; love your neighbors; do not forget to love yourself; and love your enemies in the same way as well. How you treat yourself will influence how you treat everyone else.

In order to live as the person that God has created you to be, you must live a life that is truly yours – and not a life that someone else has imagined for you – or that they have forced on you. Your ego must be put to death daily, in order for your truest self to grow and flourish. May you live out a life with God that is truly yours from this day forward!

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WOMEN OF THE ELCA

OUR PURPOSE -- As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our calling, engage in ministry and action and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

WELCA OFFICERS for 2019 – President - Camilla Lohmeyer; Vice President - Sharon Benway; Secretary – Gerry Gallagher; Treasurer - Carol Tjarks; COMM/ACT: Carol Tjarks.

May: Intergenerational devotional – From generation to generation: Two-way blessings “One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

For Gather’s May 2019 intergenerational devotional, the Rev. Christa von Zychlin brings us “Two way

blessings,” a study of intergenerational relationships in Scripture. Looking at the stories of Miriam, Anna and

Simeon, as well as the miracle feeding of the 5,000, we’ll see how God uniquely shares wisdom among each of

us—and how our lives are enriched in community with all ages! A frequent Gather contributor, von Zychlin has

served Lutheran churches around the world through ELCA Global Mission. She currently pastors Trinity

Lutheran Church of Las Cruces, New Mexico.

CIRCLE will meet on May 9th at 2:00 pm. Kathy Fabian will be leading the Bible Study and Sharon Nunamaker will be the Hostess.

FLOWER AND ALTAR COMMITTEE FOR May is Carol Gentes.

LOOKING AHEAD –– Circle meeting will meet on June 13th at 2 pm. Carol Bielfeldt will be the Bible Study leader and the hostess. Altar Committee for June will be Carol Tjarks.

32nd Annual Synod Assembly ~ June 6-7-8, 2019

The BOS (Bank of Springfield) Center in Springfield, Illinois

Let Pastor Jim or Gerry know if you are interested in attending as a representative of Servants United Parish.

http://stayatthei.com/

Church Cleaning is scheduled for every 4 weeks or when needed. Carla Harris Cleans the Church and Parish Hall for us. OUTSIDE WORK AT CHURCH FOR 2019: SNOW REMOVAL: Church Council Memorial Garden: Les and Barb DeFries

GRASS MOWING, WEEDS, TWIGS & LEAVE

Jeff & Gerry Gallagher April & September Merlin Tjarks and Charles DeMoss May & October

Ray Ronk June

Les DeFries July Karl DeFries August

(NOTE – Barb DeFries has agreed to mow for anyone anytime they cannot do it – Just let her know)

PRAYER CHAIN: We are trying a texting prayer chain. Please let Gerry know if you want to start the prayer chain for someone. Gerry can be reached at either 217-745-2445 or 217-637-2177. If you do not text and wish

to be notified we will continue the phone tree.

PRAYER CHAIN for Home Phone: Camilla Lohmeyer 217-369-7811

Helen Andreae 745-2242

Ron & Carol Bielfeldt 217-781-0935

Charles and Beth DeMoss 745-2361

A NOTE FROM THE FLOWER AND ALTAR COMMITTEE

Anyone wanting to put flowers on the altar should write your name on the date you wish to give flowers and then contact

a member of the flower committee. Following is a list of the Flower and Altar Committee and the month they serve.

May – Carol Gentes June – Carol Tjarks July – Ruth Tjarks August – Carol Gentes September – Carol Tjarks

October – Ruth Tjarks November – Carol Gentes December – Carol Tjarks

LAY READERS FOR –

May5—Beth Meyer; 12- Gerry Gallagher; 19- Ruth Tjarks; 26- Beth DeMoss; June 2 – Carol Gentes; 9- Beth Meyer; 16– Gerry Gallagher; 23 – Ruth Tjarks; 30 -Beth DeMoss

July 7- Carol Gentes; 14 – Beth Meyer; 21 – Gerry Gallagher; 28 – Ruth Tjarks.

August 4- Carol Gentes; 11 –Beth Meyer; 18 –Gerry Gallagher; 25 – Ruth Tjarks

September 1- Beth DeMoss; 8–Carol Gentes; 15–Beth Meyer; 22–Gerry Gallagher; 29 – Ruth Tjarks

October 6- Beth DeMoss; 13 –Carol Gentes; 20- Beth Meyer; 27-Gerry Gallagher;

November 3- Ruth Tjarks; 10 – Beth DeMoss; 17 – Carol Gentes; 24 – Beth Meyer

December 1- Gerry Gallagher; 8- Ruth Tjarks; 15-Beth DeMoss; 22 – Carol Gentes; 29 – Beth Meyer

Our Council Members President – Greg Brucker, Vice President –Merlin Tjarks, and Church Officers Secretary- Gerry Gallagher, Beth Meyer, Ray Ronk, Kathy Fabian; Treasurer – Carol Tjarks; Memorial/Building Fund - Carol Tjarks,

Financial Offering Secretary – Ray & Kathy Ronk

Church Office Hours

Gerry – Tue, Wed & Thu – 9:00 am – noon at American Lutheran (784-4841) Gerry – at home – 745-2445 or 217-637-2177

Pastor Jim is in his office at American – Thursday – 9:00 am – noon Other times by Appointment ~ (Pastor’s day off is Monday)

Parsonage: (217) 784-5444 ~ Cell: (309) 826-4968

May 2019

1 Wednesday

2 Thursday

3 Friday

4 Saturday

5 Sunday** Worship – 8:30 am – Pastor Christine McNeal Servants United Council Meeting – Trinity Lutheran, Chenoa – 2:00 pm

6 Monday

7 Tuesday

8 Wednesday

9 Thursday Northeast Conference Pastor’s Meeting – 9:00 am – Forrest, IL WELCA Bible Study – St. John’s Lutheran, Sibley – Parish Hall – 2:00 pm

10 Friday

11 Saturday

12 Sunday** Mother’s Day Worship – 8:30 am – Pastor Emil Blobaum

13 Monday

14 Tuesday

15 Wednesday

16 Thursday Pastors Prayer Meeting – 8:00 am

17 Friday

18 Saturday

19 Sunday** Worship – 8:30 am – Pulpit Exchange – Pastor Chrissy Salser

20 Monday

21 Tuesday Coffee & Conversation – 9:00-10:00 am – Guest Speaker to be Announced

22 Wednesday Church Council Meeting – 7:00 pm

23 Thursday Pastors Prayer Meeting – 8:00 am

24 Friday

25 Saturday

26 Sunday** Worship – 8:30 am

27 Monday Memorial Day

28 Tuesday Pastor at Ford County M-Team Meeting – Noon

29 Wednesday

30 Thursday Pastors Prayer Meeting – 8:30 am

31 Friday

** Each Sunday, tune in to WGCY Radio, 106.3 FM for “Sing for Joy” from St. Olaf College (MN) from 7:00 – 7:30 am, sponsored by St. John’s, Anchor; and “Moments of Grace” featuring Pastor Jim from 7:30 – 7:45 am, sponsored by American, Gibson City.

Congratulations and God’s Blessings to all 2019 Graduates!

~~~CHURCH FAMILY NEWS~~~~

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS Philip Meginnes Roger Meiss Scott Meiss Charles DeMoss Shawn Arnold Helen Andreae Ron & Carol Bielfeldt Baby Frank Allen Brucker

Florence Hutson resides at Brookstone Estates, 300 Twin Lakes, Rantoul, IL 61866.

Camilla Lohmeyer resides at Villas of Holly Brook, 1400 North Melvin Street,

Gibson City, IL 60936.

Wayne Rork resides at Room 219, 24588 Church St., Chenoa, IL 61726.

Easter Lilies adorning our worship on Easter morning were given to the Glory of God by: Ray & Kathy Ronk Jeff & Gerry Gallagher in celebration of our Grandchildren Sharon Benway and Family in loving memory of Keith Camilla Lohmeyer in loving memory of loved ones

Helen Andreae and Family in loving memory of Ralph and Martin Don & Linda Armstrong Roger & Judy Meiss in loving memory of loved ones Kathy Fabian in loving memory of Abby Charles & Beth DeMoss Ron & Carol Bielfeldt in loving memory of their parents Randy & Beth Meyer in loving memory of loved ones Pastor Jim & Cynthia Davis in thanksgiving for our Risen Savior

We had a wonderful Easter Breakfast follow our

Easter morning Worship Service. There were 30

people who enjoyed a lot of good food and

fellowship. Thank you to everyone who fixed food

and for all those who joined us!

Mother’s Day

May 12th

May 2, 2019 is

Servant United Update . . . . . . Activities happening at other churches . . . .

➢ Women’s Bible Study on Book of Revelations led by Pastor Chrissy Salser at

the home of Cheryle Hudelson, 1307 Navaho, Pontiac, IL – will resume meeting

every Friday at 9:30 am after Pastor Chrissy recovers from her recent foot

surgery.

➢ AWANA Club, outreach program of four churches in Cornell for young children,

beginning soon from 5:30 – 7:07 p.m., on Sunday evenings for 1 ½ hours,

Community Lutheran Church (Cornell).

➢ Bible Study, 8:30 a.m., 2nd Wednesday of the month at Old Log Cabin for

breakfast, then to announced location for Bible Study, Community Lutheran

Church (Cornell).

➢ Quilting, 8:00 – 11:00 a.m., 1st, 2nd & 3rd Tuesdays of the month, Community

Lutheran Church (Cornell).

➢ Quilting, 9:00 – Noon, 4th Monday and 4th Tuesday, St. Peter’s ELC (Dwight).

➢ Food Distribution and serve food to families, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m., 1st Monday of the

month; unload trailer of food from Midwest Food at Noon, St. Peter’s Evangelical

Lutheran Church (Dwight).

➢ “Sing for Joy” from St. Olaf College (MN) from 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. each Sunday

morning on WGCY 106.3 in Gibson City, sponsored by St. John’s Evangelical

Lutheran Church (Anchor).

➢ “Moments of Grace” radio program featuring Pastor Jim Davis of Servants

United on WGCY 106.3 in Gibson City broadcasts every Sunday morning from

7:30 – 7:45 a.m., sponsored by American Evangelical Lutheran Church (Gibson

City).

➢ Quilting, 9:00 – Noon, 2nd Wednesday of the month, American (Gibson City).

The next Pulpit Exchange will be held on May 19, 2019

Community LC (Cornell) & St. Peter’s ELC (Dwight): Pastor Ruth Hansen

St. John’s ELC (Sibley) & American ELC (Gibson City): Pastor Chrissy Salser

Trinity LC (Chenoa) & St. John’s ELC (Anchor): Pastor Jim Davis

Ten Things You Will Probably Never Hear in a Lutheran Church

1. Hey! It’s my turn to sit in the front pew!

2. I was so engaged, I did not notice that your sermon went 25 minutes over time.

3. Personally, I find witnessing much more enjoyable than golf.

4. I’ve decided to give our church the $500 a month I used to send to TV evangelists.

5. I volunteer to be the permanent teacher for the Junior High Sunday School class.

6. Forget the denominational minimum salary suggestions; let’s pay our pastors

so they can live like we do.

7. I love it when we sing hymns I have never heard before!

8. Since we are all here, let’s start the service early.

9. Pastor, we would like to send you to this Bible seminar in Hawaii.

10. I could not find space to park outside. Praise God!

St. John's Lutheran Church Anchor

Presents

The St. John's Players in

Dinner Theater for Both Shows Saturday June 8, 2019 Doors open 6:00 Curtain 7:30

Sunday June 9, 2019 Doors Open 12:00 Curtain 1:30

Adults $20.00 12 & Under/ 62 & Over $15.00

For Reservations Contact Jeff Dowell

Call/Text (309) 369-4395 Email: jeffreyjtd@yahoo.com

mailto:jeffreyjtd@yahoo.com

ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH 100 East Illinois St P.O. Box 184 SIBLEY, ILLINOIS 61773 Address Service Requested

MAY BIRTHDAYS 1 Jordan DeFries 25 Grace Ann Lindsay

2 Ronald Benway 26 Shawn Arnold

Colten Thackeray Kasen DeFries

7 Steven Mathes 29 Don Swenson

8 Harold Livingston 31 Keith DeFries

Robin Meurer

Jeff Tjarks

Peter Allen Tjarks

9 Cynthia Davis Happy Anniversary to... Roger Meiss 19 Greg and Dena Tjarks

13 Jamie Meyer 29 David and Bonnie Berner 14 Karl DeFries

17 Annette Wilkey

20 Michael Benway

23 Laura Meyer Hensen