St. John Lutheran Church September 2017________________________________________________________________________

Church Office: 563-242-5588Pastor Dan Pool: 321-6757, home

e-mail: dpool@stjohn-clinton-ia.orgWeb Site: www.stjohn-clinton-ia.org

________________________________________________________________________

Preschool News

St. John Preschool will open its doors on Tuesday, September 5 at 8:50 a.m. We are excited to announce that all 16 spots for the 2017-2018 school year have been filled and we thank you

for helping us spread the word about our preschool and enabling us to reach so many young children in our community.

This is the 46th consecutive year that we have shared the love of Jesus with young children! For many of our preschool students, learning about God’s great love for each of them is only a continuation of what they have been taught in their

homes by loving parents. For other students, this will be the first time they have ever heard of Jesus and his love.

Please remember our staff, Cindy Sperry and Gina Andresen, and the children of St. John Preschool in your prayers as they begin another school year with Jesus at the center of all they do and learn.

Our Processional Cross

At Reformation, we are adding something new to our chancel area and our Sunday morning experience. To celebrate the 500th

Anniversary of the Reformation, our Board of Elders has decided to use some of our memorial funds to purchase a processional cross for our congregation. Let me tell you why.

There is great history and tradition behind the use of a processional cross. This practice goes back before the 7th

Century. Presbyterian, Anglican, Orthodox, Roman, and Lutheran Churches, among others, use processional crosses.

Much like the tolling of our bell, the entrance of the cross into the sanctuary marks the beginning of the service. But it focuses the service very specifically on Christ. Bringing the cross into the sanctuary through the midst of the people reminds us that Christ comes to us in the Divine Service. He comes and serves us with His gifts, forgives our sins, and grants us strength for godly lives. Lutherans are cross-centered Christ-focused in all of life, but especially as we gather around His Word and Sacraments.

We will use our processional cross on special feast days and other special occasions. Our confirmed youth will be our normal crucifers (those who carry the cross into and out of the sanctuary). Reverence may be shown to Christ as we turn and face the cross. You may bow as the processional cross goes by, very much like what we do at the altar.

If you have any questions, please come and talk with me. I think this will be an excellent addition to our sanctuary. It will remind us of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. And it will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

- Pastor

Pastor Pool’s Sunday Bible StudyEcclesiastes:

Finding the True Purpose of Life

We are beginning a new study in September on the Old Testament wisdom of King Solomon found in Ecclesiastes. Join us for a journey into the meaning of life as we look at the successes and failures of the wisest man who has ever lived.

Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Bring your Bible. No previous Bible study experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome!

Sept. 3: King SolomonSept. 10: Why Are You Here? Sept. 17: Ecclesiastes 1:1-11: Vanity of VanitiesSept. 24: Ecclesiastes 1:12-18: An Unhappy Business

Lutheranism 101

Are you interested in becoming a member at St. John? Do you have a friend who would like to know more about what it means to be Lutheran? Pastor Pool is willing to offer a basics of the faith class for those who would like to join us in our confession of faith. Contact the office at 242-5588 if you are interested.

Oktoberfest

On Reformation Sunday, October 29 after the late service, we will host a special Oktoberfest in true Reformation fashion. We will be serving brats and root beer, with a German style potluck. More information will be coming soon!

Saints of Old:God at Work in the Old Testament

In September, Pastor is beginning a new sermon series called Saints of Old. In this series, we will look at the lives of Old Testament believers and the struggles they faced. These people were exceptional characters who anticipated and longed for the fulfillment of the promises of the coming Christ.

September 3: Job September 10:

EstherSeptember 17:

SamsonSeptember 24:

Amos

Martin Luther:The Idea That Changed the

World

We are hosting a movie night at the Clinton 8 Theater on Monday, September 11 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now online for $11. We also have tickets available in the fellowship hall or church office. You can find a preview and buy tickets at our church website: www.stjohn-clinton-ia.org.

Check It OutIn Our Church Library

Love Casts Out Fear by Brother Nathan

As a boy in Egypt, Brother Nathan witnessed and unthinkable attack on his father, a Christian pastor in a majority-Muslim country. After the attack Nathan sought revenge and vowed to avenge his father. As a man, By God’s incredible provision, Nathan ministers in the village where his father was targeted, as well as in countless other cities and villages across Egypt and throughout the Middle East.

This is a Jihad survivor’s journey from revenge to redemption. You will see the difficulties Christians face in the persecuted church in the Middle East, one of the most dangerous places in the world to claim Christ as Lord. [a very interesting book to read]

Meet Mrs. Smith by Anna Smith

With six kids, one rockstar husband and a heart to fight poverty, Anna Smith lives a life of kids, craziness, and world tours. She offers a feat of behind-the-scenes insights and a look at one family’s quest to foster a spiritual life and care for others while living well in a consumption-driven world.

A Horse Called Bear [a family video]

This is a delightful redemption-themed family movie that will appeal to children, teens, horse lovers, and people of all ages.

The Sunday School classes will have a party with refreshments and will move up to the next grade level on September 3.

Our Sunday School and Bible Classes meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Following is a list of the rooms, teachers, and grades meeting for Sunday School and Bible Class:

Room 1 – Kurt Flathers, Adult Bible StudyRoom 2 – Ross Eberhart, high school & collegeMother’s Room – Sallie Pool, grades 6-8Room 4 – Janice Wheelock & Jackie Kammerer, grades 3-5Room 5 – Angie Stewart, grades 1-2Room 9 – Sheryl Jindrich, preschool & kindergarten

Church Fellowship Hall – Pastor Pool’s Bible Study – Ecclesiastes: Finding the True Purpose of Life

New Tuesday Bible Study with PastorPastor is offering a new small group Tuesday Bible Study beginning September 5. We will meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at either 9:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. in classroom #1. This study is for men,

women, and teens. We will be studying the book of Revelation, but we will take our time with lots of discussion and questions. Classes begin September 5. Bring your Bible.

Sunday School & Bible Classes

CALLING ALL SINGERS!!

This year the choir would like to invite YOU to sing with us! You can choose to sing one, two, three, or ALL four of the anthems that we'll be doing throughout the choir season (Sept.-May).  Take a look at the music beforehand, download a practice recording, and come to at least two Wednesday evening rehearsals prior to the Sunday we will be singing.  If you like it as much as we think you will, consider joining us for regular weekly practices, where we'll be learning new hymns to teach the congregation or taking a stab at chanting the Psalms for Sunday service. Sign up in the fellowship hall. 

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS!!

Dust off that trombone, and shine up your flute!  If you play an instrument and would like to know more about occasionally playing for services, please sign up in the fellowship hall to receive upcoming information regarding times/dates and music. 

Higher Things

Our annual Higher Things youth conference will take place in Northfield, Minnesota on July 3-6, 2018. Registration begins in October. Let Pastor know if you plan to attend! The Church will help raise funds for the conference! Confirmed youth and college students are welcome to attend.

Youth Catechesis

Youth Catechesis begins on Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 7:15 p.m. There will be a parent and student meeting in classroom #1 from 7:15 - 7:45 p.m. and then the students will have class from 7:45 – 8:45 p.m. Youth Catechesis will meet each Wednesday from 7:15 – 8:45 p.m. September – April, except when the

public school schedules vacation or closes school because of bad weather. If you have any questions please call the church office, 242-5588.

College Students

Parents of college students are asked to give a note to Angie Stewart or to call the church office, 242-5588, with their student’s address. Students will be added to our mailing list and will receive the monthly newsletter.

Ladies Aid

Ladies Aid will meet at 1:30 p.m. on September 2 in the fellowship hall. Dawn Adamiec and Claudia Schenk will be serving as hostesses.

The LWML Fall Rally will be held Saturday, Sept. 23 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grand Mound. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. followed by the meeting and lunch at a cost of $4.00 per person. Pastor Tim Bickel will be speaking about the POBLO organization. The ingathering will be a monetary donation for POBLO. All women in the congregation are invited to attend!

Mary Martha

The Mary Martha Anniversary Dinner will be on Tuesday, September 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The dinner will include salads, sandwiches, and dessert.

Quilts for Lutheran World Relief

All ladies are invited to the Quilting Bee, which meets on Thursday, September 21 at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

Nursery Volunteers

The nursery volunteer schedule for October 2017-September 2018 is currently being updated. If you would like to volunteer please call the church office, 242-5588, so we can add you to the rotation. All previous volunteers will be added to the schedule unless you request to be removed.

Board of Elders

The Board of Elders will meet on Monday, September 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, September 11 at 6:00 p.m.

Board of Stewardship

The Board of Stewardship will meet on Monday, September 18 at 6:00 p.m.

Board of Education

The Board of Education will meet on Monday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m.

Board of Evangelism

The Board of Evangelism will meet on Tuesday, September 19 at 6:00 p.m.

Voters’ Assembly

Our Voters’ Assembly will meet on Monday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to the Voters’ Assembly. Come and get involved in the work of the Church.

Board Meetings

Labor Day

Please note that the church office will be closed on September 4, Labor Day.

Food Pantry Collection September 3

Donations of nonperishable food items, paper, and soap products may be brought to the fellowship hall on Sunday, September 3, for the food pantry collection at the Victory Center. These items will be distributed to the unemployed of the community.

Private Communion Calls

Pastor Pool makes his visits to those in nursing homes throughout the month. Those at home who would like to

receive a communion visit are asked to call Pastor anytime at the church office, 242-5588, to schedule a convenient time.

September Birthdays & Anniversaries

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!

Happy Birthday to: Arlene Lahann, who will be 94 on Sept. 9. Jody Lueders, who will be 84 on Sept. 16.Caroline Andresen, who will be 91 on Sept. 17.Alice Koenes, who will be 87 on Sept. 18.Arline Matzen, who will be 89 on Sept. 24.Lila Krueger, who will be 90 on Sept. 27.

Happy Anniversary to:Joshua & Lyndsey Hagge, 10th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 1.

Ben & Jessica Williamson, 1st Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 10.

Paul & Marianne Wenzel, 15th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 14.

Jeffrey & Rhonda Keister, 35th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 25.

We list birthdays 80 and above and anniversaries for year one and every five years thereafter unless we receive a request not to do so.

THOSE WHO SERVE IN SEPTEMBER

Early

Elders: Rick Eizenga Jim Schnitzmeyer

Ushers: Jay Mueller Brian Wall Calvin Lange Wesley Melchin

Nursery Attendants (Late)3 – Pete & Tara Sirna

10 – Heather Becker

17 – Barb Bialas

24 – Sandy Bovis & Moriah Stewart

Recording 3 – Darlene Paysen10 – Paul Wenzel17 – Darlene Paysen24 – Paul Wenzel

Late

Elders: David Becker Tom Hardersen

Ushers: Bryce Petersen Randy Housenga Harlan Dell Kevin Dell

Acolyte Schedule3-Early – William Schemers3-Late – Elder

10-Early – Elder10-Late –Kaleb Bovis

17-Early – Elder17-Late – Elder

24-Early – Maya Murtha24-Late – Elder

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: SEPT. 20If you would like to put any information in the newsletter, contact Angie Stewart, and get her the information by September 20.