Sunday, December 15, 2019

This Week @ St. John


MON-SAT DEC 16-21  6:25AM Pastor Merrill hosts 'Thy Strong Word' on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM, FYI-We need funding to help pay KDSN for this program. If you would like to make a donation toward 'Thy Strong Word,' please let either the office or KDSN know. Thank You. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com

  • WED 12/18 - 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 6:455pm Carol Sing
    • 7:00pm Midweek Advent Worship
    • 8:00pm Elders' Meeting
  • THRS 12/19- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 12/21- 5:00pm Sunday School at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
    • 6:00pm Worship with Communion at Immanuel
  • SUN 12/22- 8:45pm Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE
  • TUES 12/24- 5:00pm St.Paul & Immanuel's Children's Service, at Immanuel
    • 6:30pm Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols, at St. John
    • 9:30pm Christmas Eve Candlelght Service, at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • WED 12/25- 9:00am Christmas Day Worship with Communion, at St. John
RIDES TO CHURCH
If you are inn need of a ride to church on one of these winter Sunday mornings, please call the church office at 678-3312 & we'll send someone over. if you know someone who could use this service, please give their name to the church office. Thank you.

Sunday, December 08, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • TUES 12/10- Pastors' Conference in Ida Grove
  • WED 12/11- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 5:15pm- Children's Christmas Service practice, 3-8th Grades
    • 6:45pm Carol Sing
    • 7:00pm Midweek Advent Worship
  • THRS 12/12- Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 12/14- 9:00am Sunday School Christmas Service Practice- all grades; PK-8
    • 5:00pm Sunday School at Immanuel
    • 6:00pm Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 12/15- 8:45am Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship with Communion
    • 1:00pm Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
    • 2:00pm Pastor preaching at Eventide
    • 2:45pm Pastor preaching at Silveridge
    • 6:30pm Children's Christmas Service

Sunday, December 01, 2019

This Week @ St.John

FIRST WEEK IN ADVENT

  • TUES 12/3- 6:30AM Men's Bible Class
    • 5:00PM LWML Christmas Party, Battle Creek Inn
  • WED 12/4- Noon Immanuel/St,Paul LWML Christmas party at Pizza Ranch, Denison
    • 3:30PM Confirmation
    • 5:15PM Children's Christmas Service Practice, 3-8th Graders
    • 6:45PM Carol Singing
    • 7:00PM Midweek Advent Worship 
  • THRS 12/5- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 12/7- 5:00PM Sunday School at St.Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 6:00PM Worship at St.Paul
  • SUN 12/8- 8:45AM Bible Study & Sunday School
    • 10:00AM Worship
    • 11:00AM Finance Board Meeting
    • Noon LYF Christmas Party @ Pizza Ranch & Shopping
    • 2:30Pm Caroling @ Care Centers followed by supper @ Pizza Ranch
    • 7:00PM Adult Instruction Class

Monday, November 25, 2019

Special Dates & Services


  • NOV 27 Thanksgiving Eve Worship; 5:00pm at St. Paul, Hanover TWP  7:00pm at St. John, Charter Oak
  • DEC 4, 11, & 18 Midweek Advent Worship at St. John 7:00pm
  • DEC 15 Children's Sunday School Christmas Service, 6:30pm
  • CHRISTMAS EVE Worship
    • 5:00pm Immanuel, Soldier TWP Children's Service
    • 6:30pm Christmas Eve Worship at St. John, Charter Oak
    • 9:30pm Candlelight Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • CHRISTMAS DAY Worship with Communion at St. John, Charter Oak
  • DEC 29 Brent Smith from Mission Central guest preacher, 10:00am worship in St. John Fellowship Hall; refreshments at 9:00am

This Week @ St. John


  • WED 11/27- No Confirmation Class this week
    • 5:00pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 7:00pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship at St. John
  • THRS 11/28- Offices Closed, Thanksgiving Blessings
  • SAT 11/30- 5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN Dec 1- 8:45am Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship with Communion
    • 11:00am LWML Cookie & Candy Bazaar
    • No Adult Instruction this week

Sunday, November 17, 2019

This Week @ St.John's


  • WED 11/20- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 7:00pm Elder's Meeting
  • THRS 11/21- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 11/23- 9:00am LYF Set-up for Thanksgiving Dinner
    • 5:00pm Sunday School at St.Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul
  • SUN 11/24- 8:45am Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship
    • 11:00am Annual LYF Thanksgiving Dinner
    • 7:00pm Adult Instruction Class

Sunday, November 10, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • TUES 11/12- Circuit Pastors' Conference; Faith Lutheran, Deloit
  • WED 11/13- 3:30pm Confirmation
  • THRS 11/14- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • FRI-SUN 11/15-11/17- SR HI District Youth Gathering in Des Moines
  • SAT 11/16- 5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul, Hanover
  • SUN 11/17- 8:45am Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship with Communion
    • 7:00pm Adult Instruction Class
  • SUN 11/24- Annual LYF Thanksgiving Dinner 11:00am-12:30pm
  • WED 11/26- Thanksgiving Eve Worship
    • 5:00pm St.Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 7:00pm St. John, Charter Oak

Sunday, November 03, 2019

This Week @ St.John



MON-SAT NOV. 4-9  6:25AM Pastor Merrill hosts 'Thy Strong Word' on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM, FYI-We need funding to help pay KDSN for this program. If you would like to make a donation toward 'Thy Strong Word,' please let either the office or KDSN know. Thank You. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com


  • TUES 11/5- 6:30am Men's Bible Class
    • 4:00pm LWML Meeting
  • WED 11/6- 3:30pm Confirmation
  • THRS 11/7- Pastor in Ft. Dodge
  • SAT 11/9- 5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 6:00pm Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 11/10- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Study
    • 10:00am Worship
    • 11:00am Finance Board
    • 1:00pm Pastor at Denison Care Center
    • 2:00pm Pastor at Eventide
    • 2:45pm Pastor at Silverridge
    • 7:00pm Adult Instruction Class
COLLECTION FOR TEMPORARY AID PROGRAM (TAP)
For TAP to meet the needs of people in Crawford County they depend on regular contributions of basic food items and children's clothing. They always need canned goods of all types.

Many necessities can't be purchased with food stamps (Supplemental Nutrition Aid Program SNAP); paper towels, toilet paper, diapers and personal care items like soap, shampoo and laundry detergent. So, donations of these kinds of donations are particularly welcome.

Cash donations are also very helpful as they enable TAP to buy in quantity and take advantage of sales. They buy ONLY food. If you'd like to give a monetary donation, please give it to Linda Kuhlmann, our church secretary, who will make sure that it goes to TAP at the end of the month.

St.John's donation location is the table underneath the bulletin boards in the front entrance, between the offices and the Fellowship Hall. TAP is located at 210 S. 25th Street. in Denison and is open Mon-Thr 9:00AM-Noon. Or call Connie McGee if you have questions at 263-3538.

If you have adult-sized clothing to donate, TAP asks that you take them to West Central Community Action at 145 N. 7th Street in Denison. PH: 712-263-3538. HOURS: M - F, 9:00 - 3:00

Sunday, October 27, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • WED OCT 30- 3:30pm Confirmmation
  • THR OCT 31- REFORMATION
    • 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT NOV 2- 5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul
  • SUN NOV 3- (Daylight Savings Ends; "Fall Back")
    • 8:45am Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box Sunday)
    • 7:00pm Adult Instruction Class

Sunday, October 20, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • TUES 10/22- Pastor Merrill will be back in the office
  • WED 10/23- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 6:30pm LYF Meeting; We'll touch base about the Dist. Gathering next month but also the annual Thanksgiving Dinner & any Fall/Winter activities you'd like to participate in. Remeber bonfires, Christmas shopping, caroling and SLEDDING??!
    • 8:00pm Elders's Meeting
  • THRS 10/24- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study- Join us for coffee & goodies!
  • SAT 10/26- 5:00pm "Sunday" School at Immanuel
    • 6:00pm Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 10/27- 8:45am Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship, followed by a brief presentation by a representative of the Gideons.
    • 7:00pm Adult Instruction- want a refresher on Lutheran teachings? Or would you like to become a confirmed, communing member at St. Johns? Drop in & see what it's like. Let Pastor know if you're interested in the full course.
  • THRIVENT MEMBERS; there are $6,755 in undesignated Thrivent "Choice Dollars" are available to any church group that need funds. Please contact a Finance Board member, the Financial Secretary or Church Secretary to request some.
  • OCTOBER 16, 2019 VOTERS MEETING RESULTS;
    • President Brian Koeppen
    • Vice President Steve Kuhlmann
    • Council Secretary Linda Nepper
    • Treasurer Becky Dorale
    • Finance Secretaries Steve & Karleen Beeck; Assistant Secretaries Brian & Veleta Pautsch
    • Board of Elders; Ted Butler & Roger Kunze (1yr)
    • Board of Education; Leon Meseck
    • Board of Finance; Rod Kunze & Jerry Jors
    • Board of Trustees; Brad Bramley
    • Stewartship Secretary; Byron Weiss
    • Mission Secretary; Joel Kuhlmann
    • Mission monies allocated $500 each to Brent & Eugenie Fredrichs, Joel Stltenow, Mark & Megaan Mantey, and Courtney Zalmanoff. As well as a $50 gift to missionary Carl Hanson in memory of Fort Dodge Rev. Allen Henderson.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • WED 10/16- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 7:30pm Voters' Meeting
  • THRS 10/17- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 10/19- Junior High Youth Gatheirng in Des Moines
    • No Worship at Immanuel, Pastor gone
  • SUN 10/20- 8:45am Bible Study & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worshsip with Communion, guest preacher Rev. Winterrowd

Sunday, October 06, 2019

This Week @ St. John

  • TUES 10/8- 8:45am Circuit Pastor's Conference, Correctionvill
  • WED 10/9- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 7:30pm Church Council Meeting
  • THR 10/10- 9:30am RIcketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 10/12- 5:00pm Sunday School at Immanuel
    • 6:00pm Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 10/13- 8:45am Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship

Sunday, September 29, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • TUES OCT 1- 6:30am Men's Bible Study
    • 4:00pm LWML Meeting
  • WED OCT 2- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 7:30pm Budget Meeting
  • THRS OCT 3- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT OCT 5- 5:00pm Sunday School at Immanuel
    • 6:00pm Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP (LWML Day)
  • SUN OCT 6- 8:45am Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box Sunday)
    • 7:00pm Adult Information Class
ADULT INFORMATION CLASS- Sunday evenings at 7:00pm. If you're interested or no anyone who is, talk to Pastor.

HELP WANTED-  Custodian. Please contact Trustees Brent Friedrich, Brad Brmaley or the church office as soon as possible.

NOISEY COLLECITON- Collect those mites for the LWML's annual "Noisey Collection," Sunday, October 13. 

OCTOBER COUNCIL & VOTERS' MEETINGS-  The most impostant every year. Make your voice heard. Be part of St. John.
  • 2020 BUDGET MEETING-Wed Oct 2, 7:30pm Church Council Members & Finance Board
  • CHURCH COUNCIL MTG Wed Oct 9, 7:30pm
  • VOTERS ASSEMBLY MTG Wed Oct 16, 7:30pm
    • Approval of 2020 Budget
    • Election of 2020 Officers
    • Allocation of Mission gifts 
RICKETTS COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY- Join us Thursdays at 9:30am at the Ricketts Community Center for coffee & goodies. We are studying the book of Acts.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

This Week @ St. John




MON-SAT SEPT. 23-28 6:25AM Pastor Merrill hosts 'Thy Strong Word' on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM, FYI-We need funding to help pay KDSN for this program. If you would like to make a donation toward 'Thy Strong Word,' please let either the office or KDSN know. Thank You. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com
  • TUES 9/24- 9:00am-11:00am Quilting
  • WED 9/25- 3:30pm Confirmation
  • SAT 9/28- 6:30pm Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 9/29- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Study
    • 9:30am donuts in the fellowship hall
    • 10:00am 5th Sunnday Contemporary Worship
    • 1:00pm Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
    • 2:00pm Pastor at Eventide
    • 2:45pm Pastor at Silveridge

Sunday, September 15, 2019

This Week @ St. John

  • MON 9/16- 7:30pm Multi-Parish Committee meeting at St.John
  • TUES 9/17- 9:00am-11:00am Quilting
  • WED 9/18- 3:30pm Confirmation
  • THRS 9/19- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 9/21- 9:00am LWML IDW Fall Retreat at Mission Central
    • 9:30am Regional Youth Gathering at Our Savior, Denison
    • 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 9/22- 8:45am Bible Class & Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship
    • 2:00pm Pastor's Installation at St. Paul, Hanover

Sunday, September 08, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • MON-TUES SEP 9-10: Pastors' Conference in Fort Dodge
  • TUES SEP 10: Office Closed, Linda gone
  • WED SEP 11: 3:30PM Confirmation
  • SAT SEP 14: 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN SEP 15: 8:45AM Bible Study & Sunday School
    • 10:00AM Worshio with Communion
    • 11:00AM Mission Dinner
    • 1:30PM LWML Fall Rally in Battle Creek

Sunday, September 01, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • MON SEP 2- Office Closed, Happy Labor Day
  • TUES SEP 3- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
    • 4:00PM LWML Meeting
  • WED SEP 4- 3:30PM Confirmation
  • SAT SEP 7- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN SEP 8- 8:45AM Adult Bible Class & SUNDAY SCHOOL
    • 10:00AM Worship; RALLY SUNDAY
    • Instalation of Sunday School Teachers & Volunteers
    • First Graders receive Bibles, Fifth Graders receive Small Catechism
  • NEEDED; 2 or 3 adult helpers for 7th &8th Grade Confirmation 4:30-5:3- Wednesdays. Please let Pastor know.
  • ADULT INFORMATION CLASS- If you  or someone you know would be interested in membership at St. John, let Pastor know, he's hoping to have an adult class this Fall.
  • THE TRUSTEES are looking for volunteers for snow removal this winter. Please let Brent Friedrichsm Brad Bramley, or Jason Kuhlmann know if you'd like to help.
  • SEE PASTOR or STEVE KUHLMANN if you'd like to serve on the new Multi-Parish Planning Committee. 
  • MISSION DINNER- Following worship, Sunday, September 15. 
  • LWML FALL RALLY- Hosted by St. John, Battle Creek on Sunday, September 15 at 1:30PM
  • SENIOR HIGH YOUTH EVENT- Saturday, September 21 from 10:00AM-2:00PM at Our Savior, Denison, 
  • PASTOR MERRILL'S INSTALAION-  as Pastor for St. Paul, Hanover TWP and Immanuel, Soldier TWP on September 22.



Sunday, August 25, 2019

This Week @ St. Jonn


  • MON 8/26- 9:00AM Pastors' Golf Tournament, Ida Grove
  • WED 8/29- 7:00PM Confirmation Orientation
  • SAT 8/31- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 9/1- Fall Schedule Resumes
    • 8:45AM Adult Bible Class
    • 10:00AM Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box Sunday)
  • SUN 9/8 'RALLY SUNDAY' Instalation of Sunday School & Confirmation Teachers & Volunteers. First Graders will receive Bibles and 5th Graders will receive Small Catechisms.
    SUNDAY SCHOOL RESUMES SEP 8 at 8:45AM
  • ADULT INFORMATION CLASS- Pastor Merrill is hoping to start an class for those interested in becoming members of St. John. If you are interested, or know someone who is, please let Pastor know.
  • MULTI-PARISH PLANNING COMMITTEE- We are lookinng for volunteers to represent St.John as delegates to this committee with St. Paul & Immanuel. This committee needs to meet in September to discuss budgets and salaries and again in January to plan special services for 2020. If you're interested, please contact either Pastor Merrill or Head Elder Steve Kuhlmann.

Sunday, August 04, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • TUES AUG 6; 4:00PM LWML Meeting
  • SUN AUG 11; 9:00AM Worship, Pastor Schauer preaching
    • 10:00AM Finance Board Meeting
  • AUGUST WORSHIP SCHEDULES; There is no adult Bible class in August. Worship at St. John is 9:00AM Sunday, Immanuel &St. Paul worship will be 6:00PM Saturday at Immanuel, Soldier TWP.
  • PASTOR MERRILL will be on Vacation August 5-14. Rev. John Schauer from Carroll will be our guest pastor Aug 10/11. Rev. Josh Keinath from Zion, Denison, will be available for any emergency pastoral care needs. 
  • MULTI-PARISH AGREEMENT; St. John Charter Oak, St. Paul (Hanover Township) & Immanuel (Soldier Township) voters have all ratified the multi-parish agreement proposed by the study committee. This agreement now goes to the Iowa District West office for final approval. St. Paul & Immanuel will issue a call to Pastor Merrill so that he will now be called by all three congregations to be their pastor. A multi-parish committee will be formed and will begin meeting in September. Please pray for out three congregations as we now work together for the sake of the Gospel in the communities of Charter Oak and Ricketts. 

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • SUN-THRS JUL 28-AUG 1; Miraculous Mission Vacation Bible School
  • MON-FRI JUL 29-AUG 2; Free Meals for Children while COU school is closed for cleaning
  • THRS JUL 28 8:00PM- VBS Closing Program, parents/grandparents/families/community invited!
  • SAT AUG 3- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN AUG 4- 8:00AM Adult Bible Class
    • 9:00AM Worship with Communion
YOU CAN HELP! LWML Collecting School Supplies 

Sunday, July 21, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • MON & TUES JULY 22-23; Church Office will close at Noon
  • THRS 7/25- Pastor returns from LCMS Convention in Tampa, FL
  • SAT 7/27- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 7/28- 8:00AM Adult Bible Class
    • 9:00AM Worship with Communion
    • 5:45PM VBS Snack Time
    • 6:00PM-8:30PM Vacation Bible School (VBS), Sun-Thurs

Sunday, July 07, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • THRS 7/11- Quarterly Voters' Meeting
  • SAT 7/13- 6:00PM Worship wwith Communion at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 7/14- 8:00AM Adult Bible Class
    • 9:00AM Worship
    • 10:00AM Finance Board Meeting

  • THRS-MON JULY 11-15- LCMS Youth Gathering in Minneapolis,  MN. Please pray for the saftey and spiritual growth of our LYF members who will be attending. https://www.lcmsgathering.com
Eventide Senior Living Community Announces Grow Bold With Us Capital Campaign Please consider contributing to the Eventide Lutheran Home buildinng campaign and continue to keep them in your prayers.

ST.JOHN PROVIDING SUMMER LUNCHES JULY 29-AUG 2 while Charter Oak-Ute school is closed for cleaning. The first four days coinside with VBS. Volunteers are needed. Sign up on the counter in the walkway or speak to Linda the office.

ST.JOHN VBS 2019 is a 'Miraculous Mission' July 28-Aug 1
We're asking for your PRAYERS...
  • For wisdom, direction, and guidance for our church leaders in planning.
  • For the Holy Spirit to raise up workers for this week.
  • For the children, that God would send His children and bless our words and ways as St. John offers with open arms the love of Jesus
Call or text Bethany at 269 - 5970 to volunteer your time and talents for this 'Miraculous Mission' opportunity, She's waiting to hear form you!

Dear Friends in Christ,

Dear Friends in Christ,

The 67th regular convention of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod takes place this month in
Tampa, Flonda: I was elected pastoral delegate for the Mapleton Circuit, so I will be attending my first Synod Convention.

A synod is. a group of congregations who have agreed to join together to support needed work that
they cannot do individually. One congregation cannot operate a seminary to train pastors, for example, but a synod can . The word synod means "walking together," and the congregations of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod are committed to "walking together" in doctrine and practice, based on the Scnptures and the Lutheran Confessions.

A Synod Convention is the place where the business of our church body is discussed. Some
important business is done before the convention takes place. As I write this, voting for the President of Synod is taking place online; by the time you read this either Rev. Matthew Harrison, Rev. Timothy Klinkenberg, or Rev. David Maier will have been elected to a three-year term as President of our Synod.

Whoever is elected President will have the opportunity to set the vision for the work of the Synod for the next three years. Each congregation has a pastoral and a lay voter in the election for Synod President. (Brent Friedrichs was our lay voter.)

The convention has the responsibility of election the other officers of the Synod, including the First
Vice-President, five Regional Vice-Presidents, Secretary of Synod, several positions on the Synod Board of Directors, and positions on several boards and commissions of Synod and its institutions, including the Boards of  Regents of the two seminaries and the eight schools in the Concordia University System.

The preliminary work of the convention is done in twelve floor committees, each responsible for an
area of ministry. Each floor committee reviews overtures sent in by congregations, districts, and
seminary faculties, and decides whether they will be brought to the floor of the convention as resolutions. Sometimes similar overtures are combined into a single resolution. The resolutions will be presented to the convention delegates for a vote.

Many important resolutions will be up for discussion at the convention. One that affects Iowa
District West (and our area in particular) is Resolution 1-03: To Study Shared Ministry Among Small
Congregations. Part of this resolution directs "That the congregations, circuits, and districts of the Synod be encouraged to explore greater opportunities for collaboration for the care of members and the mission to proclaim the Gospel to those who have not yet been brought to faith in our communities". The resolution recognizes that the changing rural and small town landscape and the declining number of seminary graduates have increased the need for congregations to work together in order to provide Word and Sacrament ministry to our members.

Another important issue at the Tampa Convention will be the recruitment of students for the pastoral
ministry, including the continued exploration of the best routes to ordmat!on to the m1mstry. Resolution 6-02: "To Promote Residential Seminary Education as the Preferred Option for the Preparation of Men for the Pastoral Ministry" and Resolution 6-03: "To Enhance the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program." are likely to receive considerable discussion. Our Savior in Denison recently ordained Rev. John Jacobsen as an SMP Pastor, meaning that as a member of Our Savior he has completed the necessary education for ordination into the pastoral ministry and is now called to serve Our Savior while continuing to work at his previous vocation.

The Synod Convention is the business side of the church, but it is important work. Please pray for
the delegates as they consider the resolutions and make decisions for the good of the church-at-large.
Ours is a "partnership" in the Gospel" (Philippians 1 :5) as we continue "walking together" as "JOY:
FULLY LUTHERAN" Christians committed to proclaiming the pure Gospel of salvation by grace
through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

God's Peace in Christ,
Pastor Merrill


Sunday, June 30, 2019



MON-SAT JUNE 30-JULY 7 6:25AM Pastor Merrill hosts 'Thy Strong Word'
on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM, FYI-We need funding to help pay KDSN for this program. If you would like to make a donation toward 'Thy Strong Word,' please let either the office or KDSN know. Thank You. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com

  • TUES 7/2- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
    • 4:00PM LWML
    • 7:30PM Church Council Meets
  • THRS 7/4- Office Closed; Happy Independence Day!
  • SAT 7/6- 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 7/7- 8:00AM Adult Bible Class
    • 9:00AM Worship with Communion
    • 10:00AM Elder's Meeting
  • THRS 7/11- 7:30PM Quarterly Voters Meeting
  • THRS-MON JULY 11-15- LCMS Youth Gathering in Minneapolis,  MN. Please pray for the saftey and spiritual growth of our LYF members who will be attending. https://www.lcmsgathering.com
Eventide Senior Living Community Announces Grow Bold With Us Capital Campaign Please consider contributing to the Eventide Lutheran Home buildinng campaign and continue to keep them in your prayers.

ST.JOHN PROVIDING SUMMER LUNCHES JULY 29-AUG 2 while Charter Oak-Ute school is closed for cleaning. The first four days coinside with VBS. Volunteers are needed. Sign up on the counter in the walkway or speak to Linda the office.

ST.JOHN VBS 2019 is a 'Miraculous Mission' July 28-Aug 1
We're asking for your PRAYERS...
  • For wisdom, direction, and guidance for our church leaders in planning.
  • For the Holy Spirit to raise up workers for this week.
  • For the children, that God would send His children and bless our words and ways as St. John offers with open arms the love of Jesus
Call or text Bethany at 269 - 5970 to volunteer your time and talents for this 'Miraculous Mission' opportunity, She's waiting to hear form you!

Sunday, June 23, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • SAT 6/29- 6:00pm Worshsip at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 6/30- 8:00am Adult Bible Class
    • 8:30am Coffee & Donuts
    • 9:00am 5th Sunnday Contemporary Worship in the Felloship Hall
      Welcome Ricketts Transfer New Members
    • 1:00pm Pastor at Denison Care Center
    • 2:00pm at Eventide
    • 2:45pm at Silveridge
  • JUNE 23-29 Pastor at 'Cubs Week' at Camp Okoboji
  • JUNE 23-27 Ricketts Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Sunday, June 16, 2019

This Week @ St. John

  • WED 6/19- 'Lutheran Day' at Adventureland
    • Food distribution day in Mapleton
    • 8:00PM Elder's Meeting
  • SAT 6/22- 6:00pm Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 6/23- 8:00am Adult Bible Study
    • 9:00am Worship
  • JUNE 20-23 LWML National Convention in Mobile Alabama
  • JUNE 23-29 'Cub Week' at Camp Okoboji
  • JUNE 23-27 Ricketts VBS
  • St.John VBS 2019 is a 'Miraculouus Mission' July 28-August 1
    We're asking for your PRAYERS...
    1. For wisdom, direction, and guidance for our church leaders in planning.
    2. For the Holy SPirit to raise up workers for this week.
    3. For the children, that God would send His children and bless our words and ways as St. John offers with open arms the love of Jesus

      Call or text Bethany at 269 - 5970 to volunteer your time and talents for this 'Miraculous Mission' opportunity, She's waiting to hear form you!

Sunday, June 09, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • WED JUNE 12- 7:00PM Meet Missionary Courtney Zalmanoff in the Fellowship Hall & learn about her upcoming ministry in Larin America. Refreshments served by the LWML
  • SAT JUNE 15- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN JUNE 16- 8:00AM Adult Bible Class
    • 9:00AM Worship with Communion
  • St. Paul, Hanover & Immanuel, Soldier are holding their VBS June 23-27 at the Ricketts City Park 5:30-8:00PM. Call Amanda Meyer or Amy Meseck for more information

Sunday, June 02, 2019

This Week @ St,John

  • TUE 6/4- 6:30AM Men's Bible Class
    • 4:00PM LWML meeting
  • SAT 6/8- 6:00PM Worship with communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 6/9- 8:00AM Adult Bible Class
    • 9:00AM Worship
    • 10:00AM Finance Board Mtg.

Sunday, May 26, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • MON/TUE MAY 27-28- Church Offices Closed
  • THRS MAY 30- Ascention Service at Mission Central, Mapleton
    5:30PM Dupper, 7:00PM Worship
  • SAT JUNE 1- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN JUNE 2- Summer Hours begin
    8:00AM Adult Bible Class
    9:00AM Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box Sunday)

Sunday, May 19, 2019

LYF NYG Minneapolis Fundraising Envelopes

Several members of our youth group are gearing up for a 'Real. Present. God' experience in Minneapolis this Summer at the LCMS-Natnional Youth Gathering. This year we are trying a different sort of fundraisng opportunity. Instead of insisting that you buy something, we are simply asking for donations- in whatever amount you would be willing to contribute.

In return for your support, the LYF will do service activities for our church. Our first service will be to "Spring clean" the playground when our contributions hit the $200 mark. We have a lot of other service ideas in the hopper but are open to suggesstions from our church family.

An envelope board is on display in the fellowship hall. If you are able to support us in our faith walk journey, please take an envelope from the board and return the envelope (filled) to the nearby LYF box.

If you're reading this online, far from Charter Oak and would like to support St. John's LYF, make checks payable to "St.John LYF," put "2019 NYG" on the memo line and send it to:

St.John Lutheran Church- LYF
104 Birch Ave.
Charter Oak, IA 51439

Thank you for your financial and spiritual support & encouragement.



This Week @ St. John


  • MON 5/20- Pastor gone
  • THRS 5/23- 9:30AM Ricketts Bible Study
  • SAT 5/25- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 5/26- 8:45AM Adult Bible Study (PK-MS Sunday School & HS Bible Study on haiatus for Summer)
    • 10:00AM Worship & Memorial Day Ceremonies
    • 1:00PM Pastor preaching at Denison Care Center
    • 2:00PM Pastor at Eventide
    • 2:45PM Pastor at Silveridge

Sunday, May 12, 2019

This Week @ St.John

  • TUES 5/14- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
  • WED 5/15- 8:00PM Elders' Meeting
  • THR 5/16- No Ricketts Bible Study this week
    • Pastor at IDW Board of Directors Meeting
  • FRI 5/17- Linda has day off
  • SAT 5/18- 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 5/19- 8:45AM, last day of Sunday School & Bible Study
    • 10:00AM Baccalaureate Worship with Communion;
      • Graduating from MVAOCOU; Aric Colton Christiansen and Skylar Paige Kelm
      • from Denison-Schleswig; Crystal Laine Gierstorf, Elizabeth "Lizzie" Ann Jepsen, and Alyah Ignati Kay McCartney
      • and from Boyer Valley; Madison Rose Young

Sunday, May 05, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • MON-TUES 5/6-5/7- Pastor at conference in Fort Dodge
  • TUES 5/7- 4:00pm LWML Meeting
  • THRS 5/9- 9:30AM Ricketts Bible Study
  • SAT 5/11- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 5/12- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
    • 10:00AM Worship
    • 11:00AM Finance Board Meeting
  • 'MAIN STREET LIVING'- Pastor Merrill will be hosting this LCMS/IDW television ministry on KCAU ABC 9, Sioux City at 10:00AM, Sunday, May 12. Set your DVR so you can come to church and see him in real life!

Wednesday, May 01, 2019

SPRING; Through Jesus' Resurrection, In Christ YOU are a New Creation

Dear Friends in Christ,

It's spring! As I have been driving through the countryside this spring I have noticed a lot of
newborn calves. Some of them are still very small and in need of a mother's constant care and
supervision. Newborn calves, baby chicks, puppies and kittens--there's a lot of new life to
celebrate in the spring!

New life is God's gift to us at Easter. Christ was raised from the dead, and that means we
are set free from sin to live as new creations in Christ. Lent in the early church was traditionally
the season of preparation for Baptism. At the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday the candidates who
had been instructed were baptized, and on Easter, they began their new lives as children of God.
No wonder St. Paul wrote, "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been 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 oflife." (Romans 6:3-4 ESV) Easter, baptism, resurrection, new life-see
the connection?

The Introit for the Second Sunday of Easter begins with this antiphon from 1 Peter 2:2-3:
"Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual mile, that by it you may grow up into
salvation--if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." Now that we have been reborn in
Christ, we are to "grow up" in our faith. What awaits us when we "grow up"? Salvation!
What do we need as we grow? What do babies need for growth? What are calves and kittens and puppies nourished on in the newborn stage of life? Milk! The spiritual milk Peter is describing is the Gospel, God's nourishing Word and in particular the good news of God's love for us in Jesus. All of our lives as children of God (which is every day of our lives), we are growing in faith as we are nourished on the pure Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

In May we observe Mother's Day, and as God's children we are reminded what a blessing Christian mothers are to their families. The example of the father is certainly important, as we heard in a recent sermon, but a Christian mother is often the primary spiritual caregiver for her children. Timothy's mother Eunice and grandmother Lois were instrumental in Timothy's faith formation. (2 Timothy 1 :5) Many of us can remember our own mothers reading us Bible stories, talking about faith with us, even making sure we learned our memory work!

A Christian mother is a special gift of God. As we remember our mothers this Mother's
Day, both those who are still living and those who have gone to be with the Lord, let us take time
to give thanks to God for the care that they have given us in feeding us with the pure spiritual
milk of God's Word. Let us pray for those mothers who are raising their children today, that they
themselves may drink deeply from God's Word so they can pass that Word on to their children.
Finally, let us rejoice in being children of God, and in the new life He has given us through the
resurrection of Jesus. In Christ you are a new creation! Hallelujah!

Peace to you in Christ,
Pastor Merrill

Sunday, April 28, 2019

This Week @ St.John

  • MON 4/29- 9:00am-11:00am Volunteer Coffee
  • WED 4/30- Pastor at conference in Colorado until Sunday
  • SAT 5/4- No service at St. Paul, Hanover TWP this week
  • SUN 5/5- 8:45am Sunday School
    • 10:00am Worship with Communion; Guest pastor Rev. Johnson from Trinity, Manilla

Sunday, April 21, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • WED 4/24- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 8:00pm Elder's Meeting
  • THRS 4/25- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 4/27- 8:30AM Kitchen Cleaning
    • 6:00pm Worship with Communion, Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 4/28- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Classes
    • 10:00AM Worship with Communion
    • LWML Mapleton Zone Rally; 1:00PM Registration, 1:30 PM Program
  • MON 4/29- 9:00Am-11:00AM Volunteer Coffee

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Sunday, April 14, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • WED 4/17-  3:30pm Confirmation
    • 7:30pm Quarterly Voter's Meeting; (Vote on shared ministry agreement with Immanuel & St. Paul)
  • THR 4/18- No Ricketts Community Bible Study this week
    • 5:30pm Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 7:00pm Maundy Thursday Worship w/ Communion at St. John; "Access!" Exodus 24:1-11
  • FRI 4/19- 2:30pm Pastor preaching at Eventide
    • 7:00pm Good Friday Tenebrae Service at St. John; "Agnus Dei" Exodus 12:1-13
  • SAT 4/20 - 9:00am LYF decorate/rehearse for Easter Breakfast & Worship processional
    • No worship at Immanuel, Sodier TWP
  • SUN 4/21- 6:30am Easter Son-Rise Worship with Communion at St. John
    • 7:30am LYF Annual Easter Breakfast; "Against All Odds" Exodus 15:1-18
    • 8:15am Easter Festival Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SAT 4/27- 8:30am Kitchen Cleaning
  • SUN 4/28- LWML Mapleton Zone Rally 1:30pm (registration at 1:00pm)
  • MON 4/29- 9:00am-11:00am St. John's Volunteer Coffee

Sunday, April 07, 2019

This week @ St. John


  • TUES 4/9- Pastors' Day at the Capital
  • WED 4/10- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 7:00pm Midweek Lenten Worship
    • 8:00pm Church Council Mtg.
  • THRS 4/11- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • FRI 4/12- 2:30pm Eventide Volunteer Tea
  • SAT 4/13- No worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 4/14- 8:15am Worship with Communion ar St. Paul, Hanover TWP
    • 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Class
    • 10:00am Worship
    • 11:00am Finance Board Mtg.
    • 7:00pm Lenten Bible Study

Sunday, March 31, 2019



  • TUES 4/2- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
    • 4:00PM LWML Meeting
  • WED 4/3- 3:30PM Confirmation
    • 7:00PM Midweek Lenten Worship
  • THR 4/4- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 4/9- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 4/10- 8:45AM Sunday School & Boble Class
    • 10:00AM Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box 1st Sunday)
    • 7:00PM Lenten Bible Class
  • Thrivent Collecting Gift Cards for Relief; Denison Area Thrivent Representative Niel Meseck is collecting gift cards for flooding victims in Western and Southern Iowa. Bring Casey's, WalMart and Bombgaars gift cards in any denomination to the church office and he will collect them for distribution to those in need April 15.
    You may also donate directly to Iowa District West for flood relief. Donations can be directed to Iowa District West-Flooding and sent to Iowa District West, 409 Kenyon Road- Suite B, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Please contact Ellie Menz, IDW Disaster Response Coordinator, with questions, concerns, or if you hear of individuals and/or communities who need help with flood relief. Contact Ellie at 515-370-1159 or ellie@iowadistrictwest.org.
  • Lenten Bible Study held every Sunday evening in Lent at 7:00PM. 'Foundations: Why Truth Matters' featuring Ken Ham from 'Answers in Genesis.'
MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP & HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:
Wednesdays at 7:00PM 'Let My People Go' based on the book of Exodus
  • WED APRIL 3; "Mine!" Ex. 20:1-17
  • WED APR 10; "Digging ourselves into a hole" Ex. 32:1-14
  • PSALM SUN APR 14; 8:15AM at St. Paul, Hanover TWP, 10:00AM at St.John
    "A New Beginning" Ex.34:1-8
  • MAUNDY THR APR 18; 5:30PM at St. Paul, 7:00PM at St.John
  • GOOD FRI APR 19; Tenebrea 7:00PM at St. John, "Agnus Dei" Ex. 12:1-13
  • EASTER SUN APR 21; "Against All Odds" Ex.15:1-8
    • Son-Rise 6:30AM at St.John, Annual LYF Breakfast Following
    • Easter Festival 8:15AM at Immanuel, Soldier TWP, 10:00AM ar St. John

Sunday, March 24, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • WED 3/27- 3:30PM Confirmation
    • 7:00PM Midweek Lenten Worship
  • THR 3/28- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
    • 1:00PM Quilting
  • SAT 3/30- 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 3/31- 8:45AM Sunday School & Boble Class
    • 9:30AM Coffee/Donuts
    • 10:00AM 5th Sunday Contemporary Worship (Fellowship Hall)
    • Brief Informational Meeting/Update RE: Shared Ministry with St. Paul & Immanuel
    • 7:00PM Lenten Bible Class
  • Thrivent Choice Dollars. Eligible members can recommend where Thrivent distributes a portion of its charitable funding by directing Choice Dollars®. The deadline is March 29 by phone  800-847-4836,  or March 30 online. https://www.thrivent.com/making-a-difference/living-generously/thrivent-choice
  • Lenten Bible Study held every Sunday evening in Lent at 7:00PM. 'Foundations: Why Truth Matters' featuring Ken Ham from 'Answers in Genesis.'

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP & HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE:


Wednesdays at 7:00PM 'Let My People Go' based on the book of Exodus
    • WED MARCH 27; "Strike the Rock" Exodus 17:1-7
    • WED APRIL 3; "Mine!" Ex. 20:1-17
    • WED APR 10; "Digging ourselves into a hole" Ex. 32:1-14
    • PSALM SUN APR 14; 8:15AM at St. Paul, Hanover TWP, 10:00AM at St.John
      "A New Beginning" Ex.34:1-8
    • MAUNDY THR APR 18; 5:30PM at St. Paul, 7:00PM at St.John
    • GOOD FRI APR 19; Tenebrea 7:00PM at St. John, "Agnus Dei" Ex. 12:1-13
    • EASTER SUN APR 21; "Against All Odds" Ex.15:1-8
      • Son-Rise 6:30AM at St.John, Annual LYF Breakfast Following
      • Easter Festival 8:15AM at Immanuel, Soldier TWP, 10:00AM ar St. John

Sunday, March 17, 2019

This Week @ St.John


YouTube Sermon; 2019 MARCH 17 | Confessing Jesus as Savior
  • WED 3/20- 3:30PM Confirmation
    • 7:00PM Midweek Lenten Worship
    • 8:00PM Elder's Meeting
  • THR 3/21- 9:00AM LWML Prayer Service at Midway
    • 1:00PM Quiltingn
  • SAT 3/23- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover
  • SUN 3/24- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
    • 10:00AM Worship
    • 7:00PM Lentrn Bible Study

Sunday, March 10, 2019

This Week @ St. John

  • TUES 3/12- Pastor at CIrcuit Conference at St. John, Battle Creek
  • WED 3/13-  3:30pm Confirmation
    • 7:00pm Midweek Lenten Worship
  • THRS 3/14- 9:30am Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 3/16- 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 3/17- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Class
    • 10:00am Worship with Commmunion , free wil loffering for Denison Hispanic Mission
    • 11:00am LWML Soup & Sandwitch Luncheon
    • 1:00pm Sunday School Family Fun Day at Petersen Rec Center in Harlan
    • 7:00pm Lenten Bible Study

Monday, March 04, 2019

Making it Easier to Find

  • Sorry, there's no real way to rename our YouTube channel to something easier to remember, we're stuck with "UCKnSxRLA32sh44z5nrLgilA," but- the good news is that the more often you visit, like, subscribe, or share, the easier it will get to find in google or other search engines.
    • AND, don't forget, there's a link on our facebook page
    • and one on the right-hand menu of THIS website too.
    • Once you "favorite" or "bookmark" it in your browser or on your phone, that will make it easier to find too.
    • If you subscribe to our youtube channel, it will become easier to find in the YouTube app too
  • I've added "tags" to every video which should also improve our search engine optimization (SEO), in other words, make them easier to seach for.

Making videos Easier to View (& Hear)

  • I've begun trimming videos from the full hour worship service to approx 30min of children's sermon & sermon. Eventually, I'll try to edit them and split them into short children's message videos and sermon videos.
  • we know there's been a lot of trouble with poor audio- you may need to turn your computer or phone's volume way up. Well, Brad Bramley believes that he may have adjusted something in our master sound board in the balcony which will boost the sound quality both on our DVDs and YouTube videos.
Remeber- The more you visit, watch, comment, link, share, like and subscribe, the easier our videos will be to find for others. So PLEASE, spread the gospel by sharing sermons.
Thank you!
So faith comes from hearing (and watching videos), that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. Romans 10:17


Sunday, March 03, 2019

This Week @ St. John

  • TUES 3/5- 6:30AM Men's BiblelStudy
    • 9:00AM Quilting at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
    • 4:00PM LWML Meeting
  • WED 3/6- 3:30PM Confirmation
    • 5:30PM Soup Supper seved by Sunday School
    • 7:00PM ASH WEDNSEDAY Lenten Midweek Worship
  • THRS 3/7- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 3/9- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 3/10- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
    • 10:00AM Worship
    • 11:00AM Congregaational Meeting- The Multi-Parish Exploraatory Commmittee (for developing a ministry partnership with the former Triple-Parish congregaations, Immanuel, Soldier TWP & St. Paul, Hanover TWP) will be presenting a proposal that will be voted on at the April Voter's meeting. Everyone will have the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns. We want everyone to be informed about the committee's work.
    • 1:00PM Pastor Merril preaches at Denison Care Center
    • 2:00PM Pastor at Eventide
    • 2:45PM at Silveridge
    • 7:00PM Lenten Bible Study- Youth & adults are encouraged to come study this series entitled 'Foundations: Why Truth Matters' featuring Ken Ham from Answers in Genesis, the organization that operates the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter. Please sign up on the counter in the walkway.
  • SUN 3/17- SUNDAY SCHOOL FAMILY DAY- at Petersen's Rec Center in Harlan. We will leave church at 1:00PM and get supper at Pizza Ranch in Denison on the way home. $8 Admission for adults, $5 for children. Please sign up on the counter in the walkay, because if we have more than 30 attending, there is a $2/person discount.

Friday, March 01, 2019

Lenten Exodus

Dear Friends in Christ,

After a longer than usual Epiphany season, Lent is almost upon us. Once again we journey with Jesus to Jerusalem and to His suffering and death on the cross. It is a sad journey because we feel the weight of our sins which caused Jesus to be crucified. Yet the ending is a happy one as Jesus finishes His work for our redemption on Good Friday and rises victorious from the grave on Easter.

The book of Exodus chronicles the journey of God's Old Testament people out of slavery in Egypt as they start on their way to the land God has promised them. This year's Lenten series of sermons explores some of the traditional themes of Lent through the journey of the children of Israel. We will see sin revealed in the lives of God's people, from lack of trust in God (the water at the rock,) to brazen idolatry (the golden calf). We will see God choosing for them a savior (small "s") in Moses, who will lead His people out of their slavery in Egypt. We will see God at work bringing His people to repentance and showing them mercy and forgiveness. We will see His glorious salvation as He brings His people through the Red Sea on dry land. We will experience the joyful "resurrection" of God's people as they stand on the other side of the Red Sea, with their enemies drowned in the water, never to oppress them again.

In all of these events, the picture of Jesus as our Savior from sin comes clearly into focus. Moses, the deliverer, is a picture of Jesus who rescues us from slavery to sin and death. The rock which is struck to provide water for the children of Israel in the desert is a picture of Jesus, who was "stricken, smitten, and afflicted" for us to provide us with eternal life which now is given to us through the waters of Baptism. The crossing of the Red Sea also recalls our Baptism, as our Old Adam is drowned and we emerge from the water with new life. The unblemished lambs sacrificed for the Israelites in the Passover event bring us face to face with Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, whose blood spares us from death. Finally, on Easter we stand on the other side of the tomb, seeing our great enemies--sin, death, and the devil--defeated by Jesus-through His death and resurrection, never to oppress us again.

I want to take this space to encourage all of you to join us not only for weekly worship on Sundays during Lent, but for our midweek and Holy Week services as well. The life of the church is inseparably connected with the life of Jesus. In Lent we deny ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Him, through suffering and death to resurrection and life. The Lenten liturgical themes of cross and suffering, repentance and forgiveness, are part of our daily lives as God's people. Our Lenten journey with Jesus leads us to a deeper trust in Him as our Savior from sin and a joyful confidence in our own resurrection with Him to eternal life.

Midweek services begin with the Ash Wednesday communion service on March 6, and continue on Wednesday nights during Lent at 7 p.m. The full schedule is printed elsewhere in this newsletter. We will once again be sharing Lenten services with our brothers and sisters at St. Paul and Immanuel. All midweek services will be here at St. John. Please see the schedule for dates and times of Holy Week Services.

God bless you as you prepare to begin your Lenten journey with Jesus!

Peace to you in Christ,
Pastor Merrill

Sunday, February 24, 2019

This Week @ St,John

NO WORSHIP THIS MORNING (SUN 2/24) DUE TO BLIZZARD

Famlly Movie Night Rescheduled for 6:00PM NEXT Sunday, March 3


YouTube SERMON 2019 FEB 24 | Loving, Judging, ForgivingLuke 6: 27-38 the Beatitudes & the Golden Rule from Jesus' Sermon on the Plane.

MON-SAT FEB 25-MAR 3, 6:25AM Pastor Merrill hosts 'Thy Strong Word' on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM, FYI-We need funding to help pay KDSN for this program. If you would like to make a donation toward 'Thy Strong Word,' please let either the office or KDSN know. Thank You. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com

  • WED 2/27- 3:30PM Confirmation
  • THRS 2/28- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 3/2- 6:00PM Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 3/3- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
    • 10:00AM Worship with Communion (LWML Mite Box Sunday)
    • 6:00PM (RESCHEDULED) Family Movie Night; 'I Can Only Imagine' c.2018, the true story of the band Mercy Me & it's lead singer/song writer Bart Millard. Free admission & free popcorn & pop provided by St. John's Board of Christian Education.
  • MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP- Begins with Worship with Communion on
    Ash Wednseday
    March 6 at 6:00PM. The Sunday School will serve a supper at 5:30PM.

    MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP Wednseday evenings at 7:00PM with refreshments following each sercice. Theme: 'Let My People Go' based on the book of Exodus.

Sunday, February 17, 2019

This Week @ St. John


  • TUES 2/19- 7:00PM Multi-Parish Exploratory Committee Mtg.
  • WED 2/20- 3:30PM Confirmation
    • 7:00PM Elders' Mtg.
  • WED/THR- Linda out of the office
  • THRS 2/21- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 2/23- 6:00PM Worship with Communion  at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 2/24- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
    • 10:00AM Worship
    • 6:00PM Christian Board of Education sponsors Family Movie Night featuring 'I Can only Imagine

Sunday, February 10, 2019

This Week @ Sr. John


  • TUES 2/12- 9:00AM Pastors' Conference in Des Moines
  • WED 2/13- 3:30PM Confirmation
  • THRS 2/14- 9:00AM Board of Directors Meeting, No Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 2/16- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel
  • SUN 2/17- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
    • 10:00AM Worship
  • Iowa West Branch Orphan Grain Train will be loading a container to be shipped to the Red Cross in Riga, Latvia on Thursday, February 21. Anyone that can come and help will be appreciated. Loading starts at 9:00AM
  • Family Movie Night- February 24 at 6:00PM, featuring 'I Can Only Imagine,' the story behind MercyMe's hit song. Free admission. Bring your friends, invite your neighbors. The Board of Christian Education priding free popcorn & soda.
  • Lenten Bible Study- 'Why the Truth Matters' Sunday evenings in March, beginning 7:00PM, March 10. 

Sunday, February 03, 2019

This Week @ St. John

Call the office for extra LYF Pizzas!

  • TUES 2/4- 6:30AM Men's Bible Study
    • 4:00PM LWML Meeting
    • 7:00PM Multi-Parish Meeting
  • WED 2/5- 3:30PM Confirmation
  • THRS 2/6- 9:30AM Ricketts Bible Study
  • SAT 2/8- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 2/9- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Study
    • 10:00AM Worship
    • 11:00AM Finance Board
    • 5:00PM Potluck Supper & presentation by Missionary Mark Mantey

Sunday, January 27, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • MON/TUE JAN 28/29- Linda out of office
  • WED 1/30- 3:30pm Confirmation
  • THR 1/31- 9:30am Ricketts Bible Study
  • SAT 2/2- 9:00am LYF Making Pizzas
    • 11:00am-Noon- Pizza Pick-up
    • 1:00pm-3:30pm LYF Snow Tubing in Sioux City
    • 6:00pm Worship at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 2/3- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Study
    • 10:00am Worship with Communoin (LWML Mite-Box Sunday)
QUILTING at Immanuel, Soldier TWP every Tuesday starting January 15 at 9:00am with Noon potluck. No experience necessary- we will train you! St. John members invited.

Monday, January 21, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • MON 1/21- 7:00PM Meeting with leaders of St.Paul, Hanover TWP & Immanuel, Soldier TWP about transitioning from vacancy to shared ministry
  • TUE 1/22- Linda out of the office
  • WED 1/23- 3:30PM Confirmation
    • 7:00PM Elders' Meeting
  • THRS 1/24- 9:30AM Ricketts Community Bible Study
  • SAT 1/26- 6:00PM Worship with Communion at St.Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 1/27- 8:45AM Sunday School & Bible Class
    • 10:00AM Worship

Sunday, January 13, 2019

This Week @ St.John


MON-SAT JAN 14-19, 6:25AM Pastor Merrill hosts 'Thy Strong Word' on KDSN 107.1FM/1530AM, FYI-We need funding to help pay KDSN for this program. If you would like to make a donation toward 'Thy Strong Word,' please let either the office or KDSN know. Thank You. Start your day off with this devotion on God's Word. http://www.kdsnradio.com
  • MON 1/14- Linda out of Office
  • WED 1/16- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 7:30pm Annual Voter's Meeting
  • THRS 1/17- 9:30pm Ricketts Bible Study
  • SAT 1/19- 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 1/20- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Class
    • 10:00am Worship
  • LYF Superbowl Sunday Pizza To-Go:


Monday, January 07, 2019

This Week @ St.John


  • TUES 1/8- Pastor at Conference at Our Savior, Denison
    • Offices closed over Noon hour
    • 4:00pm LWML mtg.
  • WED 1/9- 3:30pm Confirmation
    • 6:30pm LYF Mtg
    • 7:30pm Church Council Mtg.
  • THRS 1/10- No Ricketts Bible Study, Pastor at meeting in Fort Dodge
  • SAT 1/12- 6:00pm Worship with Communion at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
  • SUN 1/13- 8:45am Sunday School & Bible Class
    • 10:00am Worship
    • 11:00am Finance Board Mtg.