St. John Lutheran Church September 2019________________________________________________________________________

Church Office: 563-242-5588Pastor Daniel Pool: 321-6757, homee-mail: dpool@stjohn-clinton-ia.org

cdell@stjohn-clinton-ia.orgWeb Site: www.stjohn-clinton-ia.org

________________________________________________________________________

Preschool News

St. John Preschool will open its doors on Tuesday, September 3 at 8:50 a.m. We are excited to announce that we have filled 13 spots and have 3 spots left to fill for the 2019-2020 school year. 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 48th

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.

Three Functions of the LawIn the Catechism, we learn that the law of God has three functions or uses. We remember them as curb, mirror, and guide. The Formula of Concord addresses a controversy about the function of God’s Law in the life of believers. But first, they explain the uses:

The Law was given to men for three reasons: first, that thereby outward discipline might be maintained against wild, disobedient men [and that wild and intractable men might be restrained, as though by certain bars]; secondly, that men thereby may be led to the knowledge of their sins; thirdly, that after they are regenerate and [much of] the flesh notwithstanding cleaves to them, they might on this account have a fixed rule according to which they are to regulate and direct their whole life.

This controversy is with us still today as some Lutherans reject the third use of God’s moral Law. They see the Law functioning almost exclusively negatively in the life of the believer. The law only accuses them of sin, and thus the Law is something less than God’s Word.

But that is not how the Scriptures read. The Law is blessing for believers. We can read Psalm 119 and rejoice in the goodness and guidance of the Law for believers. Our sanctification allows us to embrace the Law’s work transforming our lives. It is the Word of God. 

We believe, teach, and confess that, although men truly believing [in Christ] and truly converted to God have been freed and exempted from the curse and coercion of the Law, they nevertheless are not on this account without Law, but have been redeemed by the Son of God in order that they should exercise themselves in it day and night [that they should meditate upon God's Law day and night, and constantly exercise themselves in its observance, Ps. 1:2 ], Ps. 119. For even our first parents before the Fall did not live without Law, who had the Law of God written also into their hearts, because they were created in the image of God, Gen. 1:26f.; 2:16ff; 3:3.

We believe, teach, and confess that the preaching of the Law is to be urged with diligence, not only upon the unbelieving and impenitent, but also upon true believers, who are truly converted, regenerate, and justified by faith.

“The Law of God is good and wise. And sets His will before our eyes.” (LSB, 579).

Pastor

Pastor Pool’s Sunday Bible Study

The Gospel of Mark   In September, we continue our new study on the Gospel of Mark. This class meets Sundays at 9:00 a.m.

in the Fellowship Hall. No previous Bible study experience is necessary and it is always fine to sit and listen. Now is a great time to join us!

September 1: Mark 6:45-56: Jesus Walks on WaterSeptember 8: Mark 7:1-13: The Traditions of MenSeptember 15: Mark 7:14-23: Follow Your Heart?September 22: Mark 7:24-37: The Dogs at the TableSeptember 29: Mark 8:1-13: Feeding the 4000

Genesis Bible Study with PastorOur Tuesday Bible study is exploring Genesis verse by verse. We normally meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays. Our study is at 9:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. in classroom 1. New people are always welcome, so join us! Bring your Bible.  

September 3: Genesis 45-46: Israel in EgyptSeptember 17: Genesis 47-48: Joseph and the Famine

Youth GroupWe are starting a new adventure for our confirmed or high school youth. Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. beginning September 4, our youth will meet for an hour each week with Pastor to study apologetics. We will discuss speaking the truth, defending the faith, the reliability of the Bible, creation and evolution, and human identity. This class is meant to prepare our young people for the pressures they face in the world. Bring your Bible!

Operation Christmas ChildThis year for our Mission Festival Project, we are once again participating as a congregation in Operation Christmas Child. This is a chance for our congregation to help children across the world with a Christmas gift to meet their basic needs. Boxes and brochures are now available for you to pick up.

Boxes start with a quality “wow” item such as a stuffed animal or clothing outfit that will capture the child’s attention the instant he or she opens the box. Items such as food, candy, toothpaste, used or damaged items, war-related toys, liquids, vitamins, or breakable items cannot be included. We have other gift suggestions according to age and gender available at our table in the Fellowship Hall for other fun toys, hygiene items, and school supplies to fill the shoebox.

$9 covers shipping for each box. Our goal is to fill 200 boxes. Everything is due at Church by November 3. You can find out more at: samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-

christmas-child.

Higher Things

Mark your calendar! We are already planning for our youth Higher Things conference next summer, July 21 – 24, 2020 in Grand Rapids, Michigan at Calvin University. This is for confirmed young people, 8th grade through early college age. Put this on your calendar now. Registration information coming soon!

Youth Catechesis

Youth Catechesis begins on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 7:00 p.m. For the first class, parents and students will meet in classroom #1 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Youth Catechesis will meet each Wednesday from 7:00 – 8:00 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.

Financial Peace UniversityDo you have too much MONTH at the end of your MONEY? Join us Sunday, September 15 at 3:00 p.m. for Financial Peace University. Learn how to manage your money, instead of it managing you!

~A special preview of FPU will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3 in Classroom 1. No cost or obligation. Bring your questions! Thank You!

College StudentsParents of college students are asked to give a note to Camil Dell 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.

Labor DayPlease note that the church office will be closed on September 2, Labor Day.

Check It OutIn Our Church Library

For the kids…

2 - “I CAN READ” books have been added to the library. These books have short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for the beginning reader.

Also for the kids…

”THE RYME BIBLE”. Rhyming books are always among children’s

favorites. There are 35 bible stories retold through lilting verse and read aloud rhyme. This is a delightful book that even the parents and other adults will enjoy reading.

THE ROAD HOME by Richard Paul EvensChicago celebrity and pitchman “Charles James” is

supposed to be dead. Everyone believes he was killed in a fiery plane crash. But thanks to a remarkable twist of fate, he’s very much alive.

Do you shop at Amazon.com?AmazonSmile will make a donation to St. John each time you make a purchase. Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/42-6005460 to register your account. After registering your Amazon account, start each purchase at smile.amazon.com.

Scrip FundraiserWe have an updated order form for our Scrip preschool fundraiser. Orders may be left in the new blue box in the Fellowship Hall.  Through Scrip, we raise money in places we already shop. Buy prepaid cards for your regular shopping at

grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants. These organizations then make donations to us! The typical donation can vary from 2-16%.

Our next Scrip order is due September 1. Cards will be available for pick-up by September 8. We will put your cards in your box in the narthex. 

We Are On the WebCheck out our Facebook page at St. John Lutheran Church, Clinton. And, don’t forget to visit our website at www.stjohn-clinton-ia.org. The website includes a monthly calendar and a copy of the newsletter. Both sites are great places to find out what’s happening at St. John. Stay connected!

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). 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. Choir practice starts on Wednesday, September 11 at 7:30 p.m.

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 talk with Pastor or Debbie Pladna.

Quilts for Lutheran World ReliefAll ladies are invited to the Quilting Bee, which meets on Thursday, September 19 at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. ~The Quilting Bee is in need of bed sheets. Please donate if you can. Thanks!

Parents of Young Kids ClassParents of Young Kids Sunday school class will begin on September 8 at 9:00 a.m. This class is for parents with young children, preschoolers, and kids on the way. Young children are

welcome and will be included in the class time. Join us as we study “Paul’s Word to Families”.

Sunday School and Bible ClassesWeekly Sunday school classes will resume on September 1. Students will move up to the next grade and will begin the day with refreshments. Our Sunday School and Bible Classes meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Below is a listing of the classrooms and teachers:

Room 1 Kurt Flathers Adult Bible StudyRoom 2 Ross Eberhart & Grades 6 & up

Sallie PoolRoom 4 Janice Wheelock & Grades 4 & 5

Jackie KammererRoom 5 Christine Frett & Grades 2 & 3

Lisa HagenRoom 7 Sarah Flathers Grades K & 1Room 9 Sheryl Jindrich PreschoolRoom 6 Jake & Heather K. Parents with Young Kids

(Begins September 8)Fellowship Pastor Pool Adult Bible StudyHall

MercyOne Hospice – Volunteers NeededMercyOne Hospice, a service of Mercy Medical Center, Clinton, Iowa and providing support in Clinton, Jackson, Whiteside and Carroll counties, is searching for that special someone who wants to make a difference in the lives of patients and families. To inquire about the hospice volunteer program please call 563-244-3734 or email maloneci@mercyhealth.com.

Nursery VolunteersThe nursery volunteer schedule for October 2019 - September 2020 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.

Ladies Aid

Ladies Aid will meet at 1:30 p.m. on September 6 in the fellowship hall. Discussion will include the Fall Rally in October and the 2020 Fall Retreat which Clinton Zone will host. Claudia Schenk is hostess. All ladies are invited.

Mary Martha

The Mary Martha Anniversary Dinner will be on Tuesday, September 10 at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The menu will include salads, sandwiches, and dessert. We are excited to be participating in the “Operation Christmas Child” project again this

year. Denvil & Carol Cain from Delavan, IL. will be present, at our meeting, to explain how the processing centers check over the Christmas shoe boxes before they are shipped out. Any questions please call Janice Wheelock or Kathy Schrader.

Food Pantry Collection September 1Donations of nonperishable food items, paper, and soap products may be brought to the fellowship hall on Sunday, September 1, for the food pantry collection at the Victory

Center. These items will be distributed to the unemployed of the community.

Board of Elders

The Board of Elders will meet on Monday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet on Monday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m.

Board of Stewardship

The Board of Stewardship will meet on Monday, September 16 at 6:00 p.m.

Board of Education

The Board of Education will meet on Monday, September 16 at 7:00 p.m.

Board of Evangelism

The Board of Evangelism will meet on Tuesday, September 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Voters’ Assembly

Board Meetings

Our Voters’ Assembly will meet on Monday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. All are invited to the Voters’ Assembly. Come and get involved in the work of the Church.

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 96 on Sept. 9. Caroline Andresen, who will be 93 on Sept. 17.Lila Krueger, who will be 92 on Sept. 27.

Happy Anniversary to:

Doug & Lori Susie, 30th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 2.

Eugene & Helen Niebuhr, 70th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 4.

Richard & Robin Pladna, 25th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 10.

Thomas & Melanie Stock, 10th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 12.

Laverne & Kathryn Borgman, 45th Wedding Anniversay on Sept. 14.

Glen & Shirley Gray, 65th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 19.

Jerry & Janice Edwards, 60th Wedding Anniversary on Sept. 20.

~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.~

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.

THOSE WHO SERVE IN SEPTEMBER

Early

Elders: Rick Eizenga Kurt Flathers

Ushers: Sam Reynolds Brian Wall Calvin Lange

Nursery Attendants (Late)1 – Kristi LaShelle

8 – Tara Sirna

15 – Heather Becker

22 – Barb Bialas

29 – Sandy Bovis

Recording 1 – Darlene Paysen8 – Darlene Paysen15 – Darlene Paysen22 – Darlene Paysen29– Darlene Paysen

Late

Elders: Tom Hardersen Wesley Melchin

Ushers: Bryce Petersen Randy Housenga Ryan Dell Kevin Dell

Acolyte Schedule1-Early – Elder1-Late – Hunter Holesinger

8-Early – Carver Lange8-Late – Elder

15-Early – Elder15-Late – Elijah Mueller

22-Early – Elder22-Late – Drew Steiner

29-Early – Nolan Lange29-Late – Elder

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