Sunday, December 12, 2021

This Week @ St. John


TUE 12/14 8:45am Pastors Conference in Schleswig

WED 12/15 3:30pm Confirmation
                    5:15pm 4th-8th Grade Sunday School Christmas Practice
                    6:45pm Pre-Worship Caroling
                    7:00pm Midweek Advent Worship
                    8:00pm Elder's Meeting

THR 12/16 9:30am Ricketts Bible Study

SAT 12/18  9:00am-11:00am All Children Sunday School Christmas Practice
                    5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
                    6:00pm Worship at St. Paul

SUN 12/19 8:45 Sunday School
                    9:00am Adult Bible Study
                    1000:am Worship with Communion
                    6:30pm Children's Christmas Service
                    

Monday, December 06, 2021

This Week @ St.John

 
TUES 12/7- 6:30am Men's Bible Study
6:00pm LWML Christmas Party

WED 12/1- 3:30pm Confirmation
                  7:00pm Advent Worship at St. John

THRS 12/2- 9:30am Ricketts Bible Study

SAT 12/4- 5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
                 6:00pm Worship at St. Paul

SUN 12/5- 8:45am Sunday School
                  9:00am Adult Bible Class
                 10:00am Worship with Communion
                 11:00am Finance Board Mtg

ADVENT MIDWEEK WORSHIP
Every Wednesday in December at 7:00pm
"Symbols of Salvation"

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PRACTICES
WED DEC 8
- 5:15pm-6:15pm 4th-8th Grade
WED DEC 15- 5:15pm-6:15pm 4th-8th Grade
SAT DEC 18- 9:00am-11:00am All Children PK-8


Sunday, November 28, 2021

This Week @ St.John


WED 12/1- 3:30pm Confirmation
                    7:00pm Advent Worship at St. John

THRS 12/2- 9:30am Ricketts Bible Study

SAT 12/4- 5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
                  6:00pm Worship at St. Paul

SUN 12/5- 8:45am Sunday School
                   9:00am Adult Bible Class
                   10:00am Worship with Communion
                    11:00am LWML Cookie & Candy Bazaar 

ADVENT MIDWEEK WORSHIP
Every Wednesday in December at 7:00pm
"Symbols of Salvation"

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PRACTICES
WED DEC 8
- 5:15pm-6:15pm 4th-8th Grade
WED DEC 15- 5:15pm-6:15pm 4th-8th Grade
SAT DEC 18- 9:00am-11:00am All Children PK-8

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Sunday, November 21, 2021

This Week @ St.John

Sunday November 21, 2021 Worship

 WED 11/24- No Confirmation Class
    5:30pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship at St. Paul, Hanover TWP

    7:00pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship at St. John

THRS 11/25- Happy Thanksgiving- Office Closed

SAT 11/27- 5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul
    6:00pm    Worship with Communion at St.Paul

SUN 11/28- 8:45am Sunday School
    9:00am Adult Bible Class
    10:00am Worship

Sunday, November 14, 2021

This Week @ St. John NOV 14-21, 2021


WED NOV 17- 3:30pm Confirmation
                           7:00pm Elder's Meeting

THRS NOV 18- 9:30am Rickets Bible Study

SAT NOV 20- 5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
                        6:00pm Worship with Communion at St. Pau

SUN NOV 21- 8:45am Sunday School
                        9:00am Adult Bible Class
                        10:00am Worship with Communion
                        1:00pm Pastor at Denison Care Center
                        1:40pm Pastor at Silveridge
                        2:15pm Pastor at Eventide

Sunday, November 07, 2021

This Week @ St.John

Sunday Worship; Nov. 7, 2021

TUES 11/9- Pastor at Circuit Conference Ida Grove

WED 11/10- 3:30pm Confirmation Class

THRS 11/11- 9:30am Ricketts Bible Study

SAT 11/13- 9:00am LYF set-up for Thanksgiving Dinner
            5:00pm Sunday School at St. Paul, Hanover TWP
            6:00pm Worship with Communion at St. Paul

SUN 11/14- 8:45am Sunday School
            9:00am Adult Bible Class
            10:00am Worship
            11:00am Finance Board Mtg
            11:00am Annual LYF Thanksgiving Dinner

Wednesday, November 03, 2021

Monday, November 01, 2021

30 WAYS PASTOR MERRILL MINISTERS TO US

 IN HONOR OF PASTOR RICHARD C. MERRILL’S 30 YEARS OF MINISTRY,

WE GIVE THANKS AND HIGHLIGHT 30 WAYS PASTOR MERRILL MINISTERS TO US. 


Pastor Merrill is our Good Shepherd who looks after his whole flock by…

 1.  administering the Holy Sacraments and prayerfully delivering his daily devotions.

 2.  his confirmation and premarital instruction.

 3.  teaching Adult Bible Class and leading Bible Study.

 4.  his love of all of our children and grandchildren.

 5.  his faithful visits to our nursing home residents and hospital patients.

 6.  his wonderful sermons based on Scripture accentuated by music.

 7.  delivering enlightening children’s messages sharing the love of Jesus.

 8.  comforting bereavement and funeral messages emphasizing the gift of eternal life.

 9.  faithfulness to LWML, LYF and the various branches of our church council.

10.  willingness to serve three parishes and being accountable to all.

11.  being so knowledgeable about Scripture but continuing to study and share.

12.  accepting responsibility for circuit and district duties.

13.  biking for church causes and staying healthy, leading by example.

14.  opening his office to us for counseling and private communion.

15.  always being kind and never disparaging others.  Never!

16.  always thinking of ways for children to know Jesus...inviting them to Vacation Bible School, Sunday School and encouraging them to play on the playground.

17.  inviting the community to learn more about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

18.  making his presence at the Charter Oak-Ute and MVAOCOU Schools sharing lunch, attending events, showing our students he cares about them even if only one of our students is involved.

19.  his commitment to the mission field at home and abroad.

20.  his dedication to Concordia Cub Weeks at Camp Okoboji.

21.  his knowledge of our church constitution and Robert’s Rules of Orders so the St. John Council and Voters Assembly can proceed properly.

22.  his strong faith and devotion to the ministry.  

23.  his clear voice helping us to understand faith, grace and the Word.

24.  knowing us by our names.

25.  being observant, patient, and listening to our concerns.

26.  being open to technological changes.

27.  not being deterred in his ministry by rain/snow/sleet/hail or the pandemic!

28.  being aware of the community at large, attending town council meetings, and supporting emergency needs.

29.  serving others, expecting nothing in return, as he walks in the light of God.

30.  following God’s will through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.


We are thankful Pastor Merrill accepted our call to St. John Lutheran Church,

Charter Oak, Iowa, in 2005, and continues to stay by our side, imperfect as we are!














2021 October 31 | Reformation Worship

Sunday, October 31, 2021

This Week @ St.John

TUES 11/2- 6:30am Men's Bible Study
    4:00pm LWML mtg.

WED 11/3 3:30pm Confirmation
    6:30pm LYF Mtg.

THRS 11/4 9:30am No-Ricketts Bible Study this week, Pastor at District Conference in Ft. Dodge

SAT 11/6 5:00pm "Sunday School" at St.Paul
    6:00pm Worship with Communion at St.Paul

SUN 11/7  Sunday All Saint's Day
    8:45am Sunday School
    9:00am Adult Bible Study
    10:00am Worship with Communion, Mite Box Sunday

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOV 14 LYF Thanksgiving Dinner
NOV 19-21 LYF District Sr High Youth Gathering
NOV 24 Thanksgiving Eve Worship
DEC 5 LWML Cookie & Candie Bazaar

Celebrating 30 years in ministry

 Pastor Richard C. Merrill Honored

 

In honor of Pastor Richard C. Merrill’s 30th Anniversary in the ministry August of 2021, a surprise recognition was held in his honor by the three congregations he serves at St. John Lutheran Church, Reformation Sunday, October 31, 2021, as a culmination to LCMS Pastor Appreciation Month.

 

A presentation of several meaningful gift offerings was made to Pastor Merrill following the service and all were invited to join in a social gathering in the Fellowship Hall lobby after the service with an opportunity to offer personal congratulations and thankfulness.

 

Since 2005, following his initial ministry as assistant pastor at Humboldt, Iowa, Pastor has served the congregation of St. John and in more recent years has ministered faithfully to the members of the congregations of St. Luke, Ricketts; Immanuel, Soldier Township; and St. Paul, Hanover Township. Pastor Merrill has also served as Pastoral Adviser to IDW Singles Ministry, Zone Counselor for the Mapleton Zone LWML, Circuit Visitor of the Mapleton Circuit, staff member at Concordia Cub Week at Camp Okoboji and most recently, Board Secretary of Iowa District West.  

 

We congratulate Pastor Merrill on this 30th milestone anniversary and give praise to God for the talents He has bestowed upon him in this service as our pastor.  God’s blessings for continued good health and continuing ministry to us all!  

(Wonderful job on this write-up you two). Marge

Saturday, October 30, 2021

Monday, October 25, 2021

This Week @ St. John

 

WED 10/27- 3:30pm Confirmation
    6:30pm LYF Mtg.
    8:00pm Elder's Mtg

THRS 10/28 9:30am Ricketts Bible Study

SAT 10/30 5:00pm "Sunday School" at Immanuel
    6:00pm Worship with Communion at Immanuel

SUN 10/31 Reformation Sunday
    8:45am Sunday School
    9:00am Adult Bible Study
    10:00am Worship

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOV 14 LYF Thanksgiving Dinner
NOV 19-21 LYF District Sr High Youth Gathering
NOV 24 Thanksgiving Eve Worship
DEC 5 LWML Cookie & Candie Bazaar


Thursday, October 21, 2021

NEW 2022 Church Officers & Committee Members

Elected at the Wed Oct 20, 2021 Quarterly Voters Assembly Meeting

Church Council

  • President Steve Kuhlmann
  • Vice President Adam Dorale
  • Secretary Linda Nepper
  • Treasurer Backy Dorale

Board of Elders (6 year term)

  • Verdeen Hennings

Board of Education

  • Michael Meeves

Board of Finance

  • Finance Secretaries Steve & Karleen Beeck
  • Assistant Finance Secretaries Brian & Valeta Pautsch
  • Member Bud Vogt
  • Member Melvin Neddermeyer

Board of Trustees

  • Jason Kuhlmann

Stewardship Secretary

  • Lee Kuhlmann

Mission Secretary

  • Joel Kuhlmann

Sunday, October 17, 2021

This Week at St.John


OCT  18- 23 MON-SAT  6:25AM a 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  OCT 20; 3:30PM Confirmation
    7:30PM Quarterly Voters' Meeting in Fellowship Hall
THR OCT 21; 9:30AM Ricketts Bible Study
SAT OCT 23; "5:00PM "Sunday School" at Immanuel
SUN OCT 24; 8:45AM Sunday School
    9:00AM Adult Bible Class
    10:00AM Worship


Sunday, October 10, 2021

Tuesday, October 05, 2021

This Week at St.John

 WED 10/6 

  • 1:00pm LWML mtg at St.Paul, Hanover TWP
  • 3:30pm Confirmation Classes
  • 7:30pm Budget Committee mtg

THRS 10/7

  • 9:30am Ricketts Bible Study
SAT 10/9
  • 5:00pm Sunday School at Immanuel, Soldier TWP
  • 6:00pm Worship w/ Communion at Immanuel, Soldier TWP

 SUN 10/10

  • 8:45am Sunday School
  • 9:00am Adult Bible Study
  • 10:00am LWML Sunday
  • 11:00am Finance Board Mtg
SUN 10/10- TUES 10/12 District Pastor's Conference at Gloria Dei in Urbandale

SAT OCT 30 BENEFIT DINNER FOR BLAKELY CHRISTIANSEN; Silent Auction 4-6pm; Staley's catered meal at 4:00pm. T-Shirts available, contact Brenda Christiansen

SUN OCT 4, 2021

Sunday, July 11, 2021

2021, July 11 'Who is this "us" anyway?'


Guest minister; Pastor Keith Haney. Haney serves the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Iowa District West as the Assistant to the President for Missions, Human Care, and Stewardship. He has been an ordained pastor for 27 years and has served multi-ethnic urban congregations in Detroit, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. Rev. Haney is the author of numerous devotionals, including One Nation Under God: Healing Racial Divides in America. He is also the author of the blog, The Light Breaks Through, where he writes on his study of God's Word. He is married to Miriam (Bickel) Haney and they have six children and one grandchild. https://alightbreaksthrough.org/meet-...

Sunday, July 04, 2021

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Sunday, June 20, 2021

2021; June 20-27

  • 6/24-27 LWML National Convention in Lexington, Kentucky
  • SAT 6/26: 6PM Worship with Communion at Immannuel, Soldier TWP
  • SUN 6/27: 8AM Adult Bible Study @ St. John
    • 9AM Worship @ St.John
  • OFFICE HOURS CHANGE 8:30AM-Noon M-F while Linda is recovering from surgery
  • SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS NEEDED: TK & K; 5-6th Grade. Please let Pastor, the Office, or Sun.Sch. Supt. Peggy Sue Henschen know if you're able to serve.
  • CONCORDIA CUB WEEK @ CAMP OKOBOJI: For grades 3-5. July 18-24. Register now for Jr.High Week, grades 6-8 July 11-17 and Youth Week July 25-31
  • STEP-UP FOR LIFE: Pastor Merrill ti bike 500 miles in 6 weeks for Lutherans For Life. Donate & keep track of his miles on Chairityfootprints
  • TECHNOLOGY GRANT: St.John received a $1,150.00 technology grant from the LCMS to purchase a new computer & digital video camera to allow us to live-stream worship services and archive them to our YouTube channel and to improve the quality of our video recording. Because the equipment is estimated to cost about $5,000.00 a special voters meeting was held after worship Sunday, June 20, 2021 where it was approved to permit the board of Trustees to purchase and install this equipment. If you would like to contribute to the costs, or allocate your Thrivent Choice Dollars or unassigned memorial funds on behalf of your family, please let Church Treasurer Becky Dorale, or the Church office know. Thank you.
  • VBS 2021;'Rain-forest Explorers': July 25-29 for PK-6 grade. Volunteers needed! Please help make VBS possible. Contact VBS Director Bethany Mallory to help.

 

Sunday, June 06, 2021

Monday, May 17, 2021

Sunday, May 02, 2021

Sunday, April 25, 2021

Thursday, April 15, 2021

Monday, April 05, 2021

Sunday, April 04, 2021

Friday, April 02, 2021

Thursday, April 01, 2021

Monday, March 29, 2021

2021 SUN MAR 14



Apologies for this being a week late. For some reason, our video recorder has started dividing services up into 10 files instead of just one. Consequently, I had to find software that would allow me to merge all ten segments into one, export it and then upload it to YouTube. This has made a 15 minute process into an hour long process. We are looking into a grant to update our recording equipment so that we can live-stream services and have them automatically archived here. Meanwhile I'll be working on combining and uploading our "back-log" of videos (March 2021).

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Sunday, February 21, 2021

Thursday, February 18, 2021

2021 FEB 17 | Ash Wednesday Midweek Lenten Worship


Join us every Wednesday evening at 7:00pm in Lent

Sunday, February 14, 2021

Lenten Midweek Services


"Return to the Lord" Wednesdays 7:00PM at St. John





 

Tuesday, February 09, 2021

2021 FEB 14 Worship

 

Link to Full Online Bulletin

THE TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

February 14, 2021

DIVINE SERVICE, SETTING ONE         Page 151


Hymn of Invocation: 414 'Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here LSB 414

Confession & Absolution

Introit Ps. 99:1–5; antiphon: Ps. 99:9

Gloria in Excelsis  (sung) Page 154

Salutation and Collect of the Day

Old Testament Reading 2 Kings 2:1–12

Alleluia and Verse  (sung) Page 156

Holy Gospel Mark 9:2–9

Children's Message

Hymn of the Day:  "O Wondrous Type! O Vision Fair" LSB 413

Sermon 2 Kings 2:1-12

"A Visions for the Future"

Apostles’ Creed

Prayer of the Church

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Hymn: 416 Swiftly Pass the Clouds of Glory LSB 416


Tuesday, February 02, 2021

2021 FEB 7 Worship


Full Online Bulletin

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

February 7, 2021


DIVINE SERVICE, SETTING FOUR         Page 203


Hymn of Invocation:  "Praise to the Lord, the Almighty" LSB 790

Introit Ps. 13:3–5; antiphon: Ps. 13:6

Gloria in Excelsis  (sung) Page 204

Salutation and Collect of the Day

Old Testament Reading Isaiah 40:21–31

Holy Gospel Mark 1:29–39

Nicene Creed

Children's Message

Hymn of the Day:  "My Soul, Now Praise Your Maker" LSB 820

Sermon Mark 1:29-39

"And Miles to Go..."

Prayer of the Church

Lord’s Prayer

The Words of Our Lord

Pax Domini

Distribution with Dismissal at End

Post-Communion Collect

Benedicamus Page 212

Benediction

Hymn to Depart:  "O Jesus, Blessed Lord, to Thee" LSB 632

 

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

2021 JAN 31 Worship


Link to Full Online Bulletin

FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

January 31, 2021

DIVINE SERVICE, SETTING ONE         Page 151

Hymn of Invocation: 605 Father Welcomes LSB 605

Order of Holy Baptism     Page 268ff.

Baptism of Teryn McCarlie Goslar

(congregational responses printed)

P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C Amen.

P (Address to sponsors)  Is it your intention to serve [name of candidate(s)] as sponsors in the Christian faith?

R (sponsors) Yes, with the help of God.

 

P God enable you both to will and to do this faithful and loving work and with His grace fulfill what we are unable to do.

C Amen.

P Hear the Holy Gospel according to St. Mark.

 

P ...This is the Word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Lord’s Prayer

Confession & Absolution

Gloria in Excelsis  (sung) Page 154

Salutation and Collect of the Day

Old Testament Reading Deuteronomy 18:15–20

Holy Gospel Mark 1:21–28

Hymn of the Day:  "O God of God, O Light of Light" LSB 810

Sermon Mark 1:21-28

"Amazing Authority"

Apostles’ Creed

Prayer of the Church

Lord’s Prayer

Benediction

Hymn: 842 Son of God, Eternal Savior LSB 842