This Week’s Event Calendar

Worship attendance Sunday, September 1st 170

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA 331 W Harrison St, Annandale, MN 55302 Office Phone: 320-274-8827 Office Fax: 320-274-7283 Precious Gifts Phone: 320-274-9722

Email: info@stjohns-annandale.org Web site: www.stjohns-annandale.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm Sunday Worship: 8:30am Traditional; 10:00am Contemporary Sunday Christian Education: (during the school year) 9:30 am

Please drop any prayer requests in the offering plate or the slot by the office—Thank you!

Condolences Family and Friends - Death of Lorraine Johnson Family and Friends - Death of Marvin Brunsell Family and Friends - Death of Warren Hogberg Family and Friends - Death of Bernadine Buranen Family and Friends - Death of Russell Ottenstroer Family and Friends - Death of Betty Olson Family and Friends - Death of Arthur Berglund Family and Friends - Death of Debbie Porter Milt & Meredith Froehlich and family - Death of Milt’s Brother

Healing-Members of St. John’s Ruby Geisinger - prayers for healing Harvey Dahl - prayers for healing Melissa Perry - prayers for healing Samantha Duret - prayers for healing from hip surgery Peggy Bodell - prayers for healing after rotator cuff surgery Duane Sprague - prayers for continued healing after quadruple bypass Vernette Heidenrich - prayers for healing Barb Cichosz - prayers for healing Verna Dahnke - prayers for healing Pam Lamb - prayers for healing Tom Johnson - prayers for healing Charles Lamb - prayers for healing Duane Dietz - prayers for healing Mary Schultz - prayers for healing Pat Larson - in remission from multiple myeloma Eloise Stram - prayers for healing after aortic aneurysm surgery Maria Johnson - prayers for healing Delores McPadden - prayers for healing Frances Snabb - entering hospice Shirley Schmitz - prayers for healing Virginia Marohn - prayers for healing Mara Jacobson - prayers for healing Bob & Vivian Henry - health concerns Wayne Mader - health concerns Gladys Johnson - health concerns Jenny Klein - prayers for continued treatment and scans for metastatic breast cancer Pastor Dave - health concerns Larissa Wadman - medical concerns Laverna Anderson - health concerns

Assisted Living/Care Center Facilities Geraldine Nelson - Annandale Care Center Hazel Strand - at Watkins Assisted Living Elizabeth Olson—Annandale Care Center Lorenchia Scott - at Big Lake Assisted Living Verna Dahnke - at Watkins Assisted Living Barb Beals - at Annandale Care Center Betty Freeman - Centennial Villa Annandale Assisted Living Ruby Geisinger - Memory Care Don Hausken - at Guardian Angels in Elk River, MN; health concerns Barb Tasa - at Parkview Care of Buffalo, hospice

Elizabeth Olson - Centennial Villa Annandale Assisted Living

Healing-Family & Friends of St. John’s Bev Brouillard’s Brother Rodney Carlson - Prayers for healing Earl Baker’s Son David Baker—Work Accident—prayers for healing Jim McBride - Father of Diane (Pr. Dave) Nelson—kidney failure—on hos-pice care chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Ralph - Father of Mitch Uecker—doing well after having a stroke Dean Mattila - Son of Karen Larson—prayers for healing after accident Richard (Dick) Radisewitz - fell and has brain injury—prayers for healing Brother of Duane (Cindy) Sprague—prayers for healing from infection David Stay - Son-in-law of Pat & Lonnie Baack - prayers for healing Richie - Son of Roger & Peg Beuning Orma Lou Jacobsma - heart health concerns Pr. Ed Groop and Margaret Groop - health concerns Lynda Leonard - health concerns Andy McBride - Nephew of Pr. Dave & Diane Nelson— Recovering from West Nile Virus - prayers for healing Robyn - Daughter of Dan & Sue Nelson—prayers for healing Barb Weigand & Family - Friend of Shirley Schmitz—prayers for tests & procedure for a tumor in her esophagus Gracie Krohn - Family of Mary Gunnerson—12 year old Gracie diagnosed with brain tumor—prayers for successful surgery and recovery Jane - Cousin of Shirley Schmitz—prayers for favorable test results Curtis Hermanson - Father of Mindy Carlson—cancer Paige (12yrs)-friend of Iona Rozenberg—in residential mental health treatment Nick Bodell - Son of Peggy Bodell - prayers for his PTSD Ena - Cousin of Tom & Jo Heyd - comfort for her broken back Carol Oldham - Samantha (Steve) Duret’s mother - health concerns Kevin Lehse - Son of Lloyd & Alois Lehse—receiving chemo, in remission Henry Dolan - grandson of Skip & Cathy Dolan—recovery from surgery Kathy Ruprecht - Nikki Neumiller’s mother— cancer has shrunk slightly— continue to pray Andy Beuning - Son of Roger & Peg Beuning— diagnosed with multiple sclero-sis

Support Alex Steffen—Deployed Zac Sykora - Son of Hope & Todd Sykora; MN National Guard Jessica Forness - Joint Base Goose Creek, SC - US Navy Lorenzo Swanson - Grandson of John & Diane Swanson-Camp Lejeune, NC Marines Alec Swanson - Grandson of John & Diane Swanson-Columbus, MS Air Force Seth & Samantha Johnson - Grandson of Lloyd & Maria Johnson-US Navy, Norfolk, San Diego—deployed Sean & Courtney Johnson - Grandson of Lloyd & Maria Johnson-US Navy– PT Hueneme, CA - deployed Robin (Ekholm) O’Connor & Jesse O’Connor - Daughter and son-in-law of Bryan & Lucy Ekholm-Okinawa, Japan-Air Force McKenna Ekholm - Daughter of Bryan & Lucy Ekholm-Co. Springs,CO-Air Force Erin Schwanke - Daughter of Ron & Sue Schwanke, Coronado, CA- U.S. Navy Gregg Snabb - Prayers for a speedy recovery for surgery Clinton and Alvina Bliss - Life Challenges

Note: If a correction is needed or you would like a name removed or added

Today \

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

9:30am

11:00am

8:00am

10:00am 3:30pm 7:00pm

9:00am 1:00pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:15pm 7:30pm

Unity Sunday Worship w/Communion Funeral for Men’s Bible Study Women’s Bible Study Executive Meeting Hospitality Meeting

Rachel Circle Staff Meeting Chancel Choir Practice D-Way Parents Meeting D-Way Guide Meeting AA Meeting - Ed Building

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

9:00pm 10:00pm

3-4:30pm

8:15am 9:30am

9:30am

10:30am

Annandale Christian Women Newsletter Deadline Pastor Dave at McDonald’s

Fall Schedule Begins/Bible Presentation Traditional Worship Sunday School Open House First Communion Registration JOLT Contemporary Worship

September 8th, 2019

Welcome to St. John’s We give thanks that the Holy Spirit has gathered us together on this day. We pray that in this time of worship you will EXPERIENCE the good news of God’s love, so that to-

gether we might be sent out into the world to LIVE as DiSCIPLes and SHARE the love of Jesus Christ.

To enhance your worship experience several items are available on table near the Usher's Cart at the entrance of the Sanctuary: -- Activity bags for children, SPARK Bibles -- Children’s bulletins -- Hearing enhancement devices (available at the Sound table) -- Large print Bibles Attended Nursery An attended nursery is available for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. It is located down at the end of the hall to the left of the sanctuary as you enter the building (southwest corner of the building). Restrooms Are located down the hall to the left of the sanctuary as you enter the building (southwest corner of the building). Welcome pads are at the end of each pew. Please fill them out completely and pass them to those sitting next to you. Offering Envelopes For your convenience, general offering envelopes are available at the Usher’s Cart.

Bibles Members and friends are encouraged to utilize the pew Bibles that are available in worship. If you do not have a Bible, please visit our Welcome Center and St. John’s will be happy to give you one. Bulletin Board & Tract Rack Available on the Bulletin Board / Tract Rack in the hallway (and free for your taking) are the current Good News Newsletter, The Lutheran magazine, and Christ in Our Home devotional booklets. Welcome Center We invite our first time guests to stop by the Welcome Center near the front doors where each family will receive a gift from our congregation. Our Website Information regarding St. John’s, a list of upcoming events, and sermon podcasts can be found at www.stjohns-annandale.org.

Ministers - All the baptized Lead Pastor - Dave Nelson Pastor - Alex Becker Accompanist - (8:30am) Orma Lou Jacobsma (10:00am) Rejoice Band Acolytes Emma McGinnis Weston Miller Greeters/Welcome Center Ken & Debbie Schumacher Altar Guild - Val Gunderson Tami Ramstad

Reader Peggy Bodell Audio/Video Techs (A) (V) Esther Hanlon Ushers Kevin and Sue Geisinger Stan and Shirley Hillestad Mitch and Kim Uecker (Family) Drew and Donna Jacobson

Unity Sunday

In the second of the Creation stories we find in the Bible, we are told about the time before names, when the earth was yet young, and fertile. A time when humanity was represented by just one person in

a garden, and we had not yet determined what to do with this generous gift of a world.

Parents of Young Children We are so glad you are here and that you brought your children with you! Thank you! We have a few suggestions for your worship experience: Relax! God put the wiggle in children; don’t feel you have to suppress it in God’s house. It can be helpful to sit toward the front where it is easier for children to see and hear. Sing songs loudly, pray, and voice the responses with enthusiasm. Children learn behavior by copying you. If you are excited about God, they will be,

too! There are Story Bibles at the back of the worship space. Your child is welcome to read, look at, and use this Bible. If you would like to take one home,

talk to Pastor Dave. Teach children some of the basic prayers. Being able to join in with the prayers helps them feel they are contributing, too. Also, it can be helpful to

explain to your child what is happening during the service. To those who are sitting near worshiping parents and children: A smile of encouragement is always welcome to parents with small, active children. Jesus welcomed the little children, and so do we. Whether talking, crying, laughing, or singing, the sounds of children in worship are joyful songs of praise.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

You placed us amid such glory and diversity. Teach us to look and listen and choose well.

Teach us to reach out to those in need, and help us to love all people, as you love them.

Amen.

Next week’s reading - Genesis 18:1-15; 21:1-7

For your convenience we have provided a QR code you can scan from your QR reader app on your phone.

“I Give Electronically” cards are now available at the Usher Cart - please place

9:30am Service Gathering Songs “We Are Called” ELW #720 Welcome Invocation Confession Announcement of Forgiveness Song Of Praise: “No Longer Slaves” Prayer of the Day Chancel Choir Reading: Genesis 2:4b-17 Kids Time Reading: Genesis 2:18-24 Sermon: Pastor Alex Becker Song of the Day: “How Great is our God/How Great Thou Art Service of Holy Baptism Baptism Song “ Baptized and Set Free” v. 1 & 4 Prayers of Intercession Sharing of the Peace Offering Offertory Song: “Come Thou Fount” Offertory Prayer Great Thanksgiving Words Of Institution The Lord’s Prayer Invitation The Meal Song: “ O Come To The Altar” Bread for the Journey Prayer After Communion Blessing Sending Song: “We Are Marching” ELW #866

Dismissal P: God calls us….. C: To experience, live and share the love of Jesus Christ! P: Go in peace. Share the Good News C: Thanks be to God. *St. John’s Mission Statement

Church & Community Events

Unity Sunday—TODAY! We are hopeful that coming together as one church for one service will present new opportunities for fellowship and faith formation. Following worship this morning we hope that you can stay and join us for a congregational lunch, games, bounce houses and more. We will have a ministry fair before and after our unity service. This will be an opportunity for the many ministries of St. John’s to share what they are doing and give people the option of signing up for various ministries and events.

J.O.L.T. (Joy of Learning Together) We will resume our Sunday morning JOLT classes on September 15th. Our classes meet in the library from 9:30 to 10:15am. September 15 – Reflections on the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly with Mark Nelson, Voting Member – and discussion of the Assembly’s decisions. New Series: Christianity and World Religions – based on materials by Adam Hamilton with additional references to Barbara Brown Taylor’s book: Holy Envy September 22 – The Wise Men September 29 - Hinduism October 6 - Buddhism October 13 – Judaism October 20 – Islam

Coffee and Conversation You are invited to stop by McDonald’s on Thursday afternoons. Pastor Dave will be “hanging out” there from 3-4:30pm each Thursday in September EXCEPT September 5th (unless a Funeral or some other kind of emergency arises). You are encouraged to stop by and visit (it can be about something at church, or what God is up to in your life, or anything at all). Just to be sure, you can call the church to find out if Pastor Dave will indeed be there on a given Thursday or not.

Wednesday Worship We will once again be offering a 7:05pm Wednesday evening worship service (40-45 minutes in length) beginning on September 18th.This service will be held each Wednesday when D-Way is scheduled.

Sunday School Christmas Program Volunteer Director Needed With the school year gearing up, St. John's is getting rolling with Faith Formation - our Sunday School and D-Way programs. Because of the tireless work of our volunteers, we are able to help guide our youth on their journey to know the life and message of Jesus Christ. A Christmas Program is an exciting way to help our Sunday School students learn the story of Christ and his birth. In order to make the Christmas Program a reality, we are in search of the right individual that can help coordinate and direct the program. Christmas may seem like a long ways away, but planning should get underway soon. If you or anyone you know

is interested, please contact the church office as soon as possible. Thank you!

Preschool Update At our last Church Council meeting, the Council voted to suspend our Preschool for this school year. Why? Well, about a month ago, we received the resignation of Robin Jacobson as our Precious Gifts Preschool Director/Teacher. Robin had been working another part-time job in addition to the Preschool, and she was offered to go “full time” at that other job – and so, while it saddened us to lose her, we totally support her decision and wish her the very best. With Robin’s resignation, the Preschool Board (in cooperation with our Personnel Committee) posted the position – but we did not receive any qualified applicants. With the start of another school year quickly approaching, the difficult decision was made to suspend the Preschool for this school year. So, what’s next? The coming year will be a time of discernment. We have, at this time, every hope of re-opening the Preschool come next fall; but over the course of this next year we will seek to discern what is the great need within our community when it comes to caring for young families and children. We would appreciate your feedback, ideas, and suggestions as we move forward. You can address those to the members of our Preschool Board: Marilyn Hallstrom, Hope Sykora, Ardis Nelson or Meggan Caird; to any members of the Church Council, or to either of the pastors. ~ Pastor Dave Nelson

Hands for Hope Due to a Funeral Hands for Hope will not be meeting Monday

September 9th. The Next meeting will be September 23rd.

Joyful Jar This month the Joyful Jar donations will go to the Annandale Free Store. For those that may not know, the Free Store is lo-cated in the Midtown Hwy 55 building which is across the street from Cenex Gas Station. We have no funding to support the store. The monthly rent comes from private donations. For additional info please visit the Welcome Desk.

Ruth Circle Due to a Funeral Ruth Circle will not be

meeting Monday September 9th.

LIFE GROUPS We believe God created us to live in relationship with others so that we can grow in our faith, walk with each other in the many seasons of life, and to serve others. That’s why Lifegroups exist—to make these life- changing connections relevant and accessible to you. Lifegroups meet at all different times, days, and locations and there many different groups to choose from. But maybe, just maybe, you feel called to start your own? We are in need of people willing to be the point person for their life group. You'd pick the day and time that would work best for you and then on September 8th, the day of our Unity Sunday, people can sign up. If interested or if you have questions, please contact Pastor Alex.