St. John Lutheran Church THE ST. JOHN NEWS

February 2017

Remembering your Baptism One of the best outcomes from the events of the Reformation was the renewed emphasis on Holy Baptism in the life of the Christian. For 1,450 years of the Church before Luther, Baptism was cherished by Christians as the sacrament that brought the sinner into fellowship with God. While Luther and the Catholic Church did not match up perfectly on their beliefs and teaching about Baptism, they were united for the most part. Attacks on Baptism started to come from outside of the Catholic and Lutheran teachings. The Anabaptists began to teach that bap- tism as a child was not valid. A baby or a child was not able to rightly receive baptism mentally, and so infant baptism and the baptism of young children was forbidden. Adding insult to injury, the Anabaptists insisted that any Christian who was baptized in the Catholic or Lutheran Church must be baptized again, hence the name “Anabaptist”, which means to baptize again.

What arose from the work of the Reformation was great comfort and peace that comes from remembering one’s own baptism. Even though we are only baptized once, the benefits received last our whole lives through. The seal of the cross and the Triune name of God placed on the baptized never wash away (Revelation 7:3; 9:4). A that was written over 250 years ago has recently gained in popularity among Lutherans. It is the hymn written by Erdmann Neumeister and is called “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It” (LSB 594). While it was not included in or in , this hymn was placed in , right at the beginning of the “Baptismal Life” section.

Erdmann Neumeister was a Lutheran pastor in well over 100 years after died. In his work for the Church, Pastor Neumeister fought especially hard against , the teaching that focuses on man’s efforts to live a God-pleasing life for the sake of keeping God’s favor and as a sign that one is truly saved. Pastor Neumeister recognized this teaching as a detriment to the focus on the pure Gospel message salvation and how it could detract from the comfort that comes from the Gospel. The words of his baptismal hymn steer the Christian back to the Gospel power present in the Sacrament and strips away any part you or I may play in it.

Some of the Gospel chords that are clearly struck in this hymn include these lines of verse 1: God’s own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ! He, because I could not pay it, Gave my full redemption price. Do I need earth’s treasures many? I have one worth more than any That brought me salvation free Lasting to eternity!

Knowing man’s work is always tainted with sin, Pastor Neumeister targeted sin’s power to disrupt the Christian’s faith with these words from verse 2: Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ! I have comfort even stronger: Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice. Should a guilty conscience seize me Since my Baptism did release me In a dear forgiving flood, Sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?

And knowing fully the dreadful fear that death can cause even the strongest Christian, Pastor Neumeister penned these words of power over death given by Jesus in Baptism in verse 4: Death, you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ! When I die, I leave all sadness To inherit paradise! Though I lie in dust and ashes Faith’s assurance brightly flashes: Baptism has the strength divine To make life immortal mine. Backtracking to verse 3, the very work of Satan himself is opposed by the waters of Holy Baptism, giving the Christian the certainty that the devil is powerless over Christ’s holy Sacrament: Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ! Drop your ugly accusation, I am not so soon enticed. Now that to the font I’ve traveled, All your might has come unraveled, And, against your tyranny, God, my Lord, unites with me!

God gives forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation in the waters of Holy Baptism; there is no doubt about it! And to know that God is united with us in that sacred act gives comfort and assurance that the world cannot give, com- fort and assurance that will last forever! And so, Pastor Neumeister ends his hymn with these words: There is nothing worth comparing To this life-long comfort sure! Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I’ll sleep secure. Though my flesh awaits its raising, Still my soul continues praising: I am baptized into Christ; I’m a child of paradise!

Meditate on these words from hymn 594 of Lutheran Service Book as you remember your baptism daily! The Lord Jesus did not mean for you to be baptized and then to not think about it every again. Rather, he made it your entrance into his family, uniting you unto himself, now and forever, as St. Paul emphasized so beautifully in Ro- mans 6:1–5: What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.

You are baptized into Christ! God’s peace is yours!

In service to you, his baptized saints,

Pastor Caithamer

Let Us Pray

For Peace and Comfort: Suzanne and family at the death of husband Paul, Jim & Jennifer and family at the death of Jim’s mother Judy , Norma and family at the death of husband Ronald, Nancy and family at the death of mother Charlene

Following Surgery: Lois , Lorene

Hospitalized: Walt, Lea, Esther

For Healing and Recovery: Pastor Mark Elliott, Maria, Merv, John, Anita, Mary, Lucille, Leona, Aaron -nephew of Roger & Norma , Ed , Steve -son of Bob & Joan , Todd -grandson of Harold , Tom , Linda -sister of Keith , Kent , Wayne & Leona , Larry -brother of Pastor, Bob

For Successful Treatments: Jennifer -sister in law of Ellie, Jeannette, Linda, Joan, Joe, Lea, Nancy, Maxine, Ken, Jason -grandson of Lois

For Comfort, Strength & Peace: Lea , Harriet -aunt of Joan

For our Military: Ashley, Taylor, Andy, Jim, Brandon, Luke, Christopher, Suzzanna, Ben, Allyson, Tom

For our Missionaries: Pastor Randrianasolo Dembiniana Havanjanakary and the Madagascar Lutheran Seminary, Pastor Magnus Bengston and Lielsalaca Lutheran Church in Latvia, Pastor Obot Ite and the Lutheran Mission in Kingston, Jamaica Men's Prayer Breakfast Ash Wednesday, March 1 The men of the congregation are invited the 3:30pm & 7:15pm Services second Thursday of each month to Original Pancake House for food and fellowship, and Lenten Midweek Services, March 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5 devotion and prayers led by 3:30 & 7:15pm Services Pastor Caithamer. Please join us this month on Thursday, Palm Sunday, April 9 February 9th, at 7:00am. 8:00am & 10:45am

Maundy Thursday, April 13 7:15pm

Save the Date!! Little Lamb and Good Friday, April 14 Kindergarten/First Grade Open House 7:15pm

St. John Lutheran School will have a Little Easter Sunday, April 16 Lamb and Kindergarten open house on 6:00am, 8:00am & 10:45am February 28 from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. You will have a chance to visit with the teachers, see the classrooms and have your questions VBS Planning Meeting answers. Watch the bulletin for more To all those who would like to help with VBS information. planning for this summer, please join us for a meeting on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 9:00am. Our program this year from CPH is “A Mighty Fortress” in celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Come with your ideas and ex-

From the Finance Board In an effort to keep the members of St. John informed about the financial condition of the Church we are including information about our current financial situation. From Jim Mohr: The Collapsed Income and Expense report on the next My family offers our sincerest appreciation and love to page shows the amount of income and expenses for the the congregation of St. Johns for their ongoing prayers year to date. and well wishes during my mothers prolonged death. In the printed bulletin, there is a report showing the quantity Revelation 7:13-17 provides us all comfort. of envelope giving for the month of Dec 2016.

13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are May God continue to bless all the they, and where did they come from?”14 I answered, “Sir, you members of St. John! know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes Finance Board and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.16 Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat.17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living wa- ter. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Mission Statement: United in faith, we serve the Kingdom of God by building lives that are rooted in the Word, centered on Christ, and motivated by Grace; to reflect Christ’s love and share His Gospel with all. Music Notes

This month, in addition to our singers and ringers, we’ve en- of Martin Luther continues in February. During Communion joyed the sounds of violin, piano, clarinet, flute, and trumpet. each Sunday in February we will sing one of Luther’s Thanks to all who lend their talents – please speak to Keith if of hope and comfort “In the very midst of Life” (LSB 755.) We you’re an instrumentalist ready to join the fun! will hear organ preludes based on this throughout the month as well. The tune of this hymn is by Johann Walther, another Rehearsals continue in the church balcony, and we musical icon of Luther’s time. continue to welcome everyone, newcomers and seasoned regulars alike! We will also sing Luther’s hymnification of the Canticle Gloria in excelsis - “All glory be to God alone” (LSB 948) on the final Mixed Choir – Thursdays from 6:45 – 7:30 Sunday of the month, along with his version of the Nunc di- Next performances Sunday, February 5 at 10:45 service and umittis– “ In peace and joy I now depart” (LSB 938). Sunday, February 26 at 10:45 service. No rehearsal on February 2. We may not always realize it, but here at St. john we are one of the “singingest” congregations there is! Many people who Men’s Choir – Thursdays from 6:00 – 6:45 visit us remark upon the fact that our hymn singing is among Next performances Sunday, February 19 at 10:45 service. the most vibrant they have experienced anywhere. Certainly No rehearsal February 2. our connection with Luther’s hymnody is an important part of

Alleluia Ringers – Wednesdays at 6:00 this, for which I am always grateful.

Next performances Sunday, February 5, and Sunday, March 5 Soli Deo Gloria! (early service and possibly Prelude at late service.) No rehearsal February 15. Keith Williams

Our Reformation 500th anniversary exploration of the hymns ATTENDANCE FEBRUARY FIGURES FOR JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES

2 David & Loretta (59) Sunday Jan 1 10:00am 220 Comm 187 3 Pat & Cindy (27) 8 Larry & Gale (37) Sundays 8:00 Comm 10:45 Comm Jan 8 178 127 128 112 10 Dave & Michelle (16) Jan 15 138 109 112 91 11 Scott & Katie (11) Jan 22 190 147 130 102 13 Marvin & Esther (60) Jan 29 14 Brad & Sarah (6) Wednesdays 7:15 Comm 15 Gary & Tricia (4) Jan 4 30 27 Epiphany 16 Tony & Jill (37); Doug & Christy (43); Jan 11 23 19 20 Terry & Janice (51) Jan 18 27 25 21 Glen & Diane (58) Jan 25 23 19 25 Gary & Ronda (39)

PLEASE notify the church office (359-1123 if your birthday or anniversary is missing or incorrect. Unfortunately, we don’t have 100% of our members’ birthdays & anniversaries on file. Letting us know is a great way to help us complete & correct our records. FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

1 Faith, Kris, Elijah 22 Jonathan, Brad, Hannah, Travis 2 Glen, Susan, Morgan, Kelsey 23 Emily, Mark 3 Elise, David, Chris, Cindy 24 Bob, Gered, Fiona 4 Erica, Andy, Bill, Derek 26 Christopher, Loretta 5 Dan, Alex, Justin, Eden, Ben, Jay 27 Leona, Ella, Frank, Chris 6 Elizabeth, Brendan 28 Donavan, Louis 7 Sara, Eunice, Dee, Don, Henry 8 Blake, Nicki 9 Chris, Jill 10 Lynn 11 Peter 12 Emily 13 Anne, Caitlin 14 Alicia 15 Mar, Payton, Peter, Carol 16 Dan, Yvonne, Julie 17 Allie, Beth, Luke 18 Barbara, Ingrid, Ralph 19 Linda, Jessica, Jenna, Chris, Paulos, Kelly , Emma 20 Laura, Thelma, Sherry, Lisa 21 Dominic, Riane , Ella, Joyce St. John Lutheran School Calendar - Febuary 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 4

Group Photos for Yearbook (Wear a St. John shirt or school colors)

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Ram Rebate Orders Due! Volleyball @ St. Mary's Bloomington, Chapel 8:05am Volleyball @ 6pm Volleyball @ St. Campus Middle, John Mattoon, 6pm 6pm 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 NO SCHOOL Parent Teacher 4th-8th Grade Volleyball @ Conferences Choir Sings in Cornerstone Chapel 8:05am NO SCHOOL 8:00am Service Christian, 6pm HOME Volleyball vs. Thomasboro, 6pm

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Middle School Play, Chapel 8:05am "Chivalry Me Timbers" Middle School Volleyball @ St. NO SCHOOL Reading Buddies, 6pm Play, "Chivalry Me John Buckley, President's Day 1pm PTF Meeting, Timbers" 11am in 6pm Ice Cream Social, 5:30pm the Gym 7pm (Fellowship Hall) 26 27 28

Ram Rebate Orders Due!

Home Volleyball vs. Campus Middle, 6pm Dates/times are subject to change (especially for sporting events). Please check the school and athletic calendars at www.stjohnls.com to confirm. 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Devotions & Church Office Pastor Caithamer’s day 1 2 3 4 Hymn-sing at 359-1123 off: Fridays 8:05 Chapel 9:00 Lifelight 1:30 Geography Bee Amber Glen on the School Office 5:45 Midweek School 12:30 Widow’s Group 12h & 26th at 2:30pm 359-1714 5:45 Lifelight 6:30 Lifelight 6:00 Handbells 7:15 Holy Communion 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 8:00 Holy Communion (AR) 6:00 Finance Board 10:00 Adult Bible Class 8:05 Chapel 7:00 Men’s Prayer 9:00 VBS Meeting 9:30 Adult Bible Class, 5:30 Fellowship Board 5:45 Midweek School Breakfast Sunday School 6:30 School Board 5:45 Lifelight 9:00 Lifelight 10:45 Holy Communion (MxC) 7:00 Trustees 6:00 Handbells 10:00 Evangelism 7:15 Holy Communion 1:30 Mary Martha 6:00 Men’s Choir 6:30 Lifelight 6:45 Mixed Choir 12 13 14 15 16 No School 17 No School 18 8:00 Holy Communion 9:00 MOPS 6:00 Elders 8:05 Chapel 9:00 Lifelight 9:30 Adult Bible Class, 10:00 Adult Bible Class 6:00 Men’s Choir Sunday School 5:45 Midweek School 6:30 Lifelight 10:45 Holy Communion 5:45 Lifelight 6:45 Mixed Choir 7:15 Holy Communion 19 20 No School 21 22 23 24 25 8:00 Holy Communion 10:00 Adult Bible Class 8:05 Chapel 9:00 Lifelight 9:30 Adult Bible Class, Newsletter Deadline 1:00 Reading Buddies 5:30 PTF 6:00 Men’s Choir Sunday School 6:00 Council 5:45 Midweek School 6:30 Lifelight 10:45 Holy Communion (MC) 5:45 Lifelight 6:45 Mixed Choir 6:00 Handbells 7:15 Holy Communion 26 27 28 Ash Wednesday 8:00 Holy Communion (MxC) 9:00 MOPS 10:00 Adult Bible Class with services at 9:30 Adult Bible Class, 5:00 LL/K/1st Grade Sunday School Open House 3:30 and 7:15 10:45 Holy Communion 6:00 Parish Ed 1:00 Voter’s Meeting 6:30 Stewardship 7:00 Youth Board