Letter to the members of St. Luke, Ricketts

Brothers and Sisters in Christ of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Ricketts,

St. John, Charter Oak would like to recognize your sixty-nine years of ministry in the area and the many ways in which God has used you and worked through you. God has blessed many people, both individuals and families through your congregation’s dedication to sharing His love in Word and sacrament.  

Our arms are open to you and our prayers will be with you as you now seek new fellowship. May our God guide and direct each of you to your new church homes.

Thank you for your decades of partnership in the Gospel. Remember that our true home is in Heaven and that you yourselves have been built into living stones; each one a temple of the Holy Spirit. Together, we are the church, wherever two or more are gathered together in Jesus’ name.

Be these things as they may, we realize the genuine and deep sorrow of this time, and hope that you know that you have our respect, our sympathy and our prayers.

Well done, good and faithful servants.

In Christ,

The Elders and congregation of

St.John Lutheran Church, Charter Oak, Iowa

This Week @ St.John

• WED 8/29- 7:00PM Confirmation Orientation for 5th-8th Graders & their Parents
• SAT 9/1- 6:00PM Worship at Immanuel, Soldier
• SUN 9/2- NEW FALL SCHEDULE:
• 8:45AM Adult Bible Study
• 10:00AM Worship
• SUN 9/9- RALLY SUNDAY | Sunday School Resumes; First Graders receive Bibles, Fifth Graders receive Catechisms, Installation of Teachers/Helpers.  Mission Dinner after worship; Grilled burgers, hot dogs, beans, chips, coleslaw & deserts. Proceeds go to mission projects.
• SUN 9/16- 2:00PM Celebration of Ministry Service at St. Luke, Ricketts; Music by Rev. Tim Frank, Message by Rev, Eugene Ernst. 

Come Celebrate the Ministry of St. Luke, Ricketts

VACANCY NEWS- Pastor Merrill continues to serve the vacancy at the Triple Parish (Immanuel, Soldier TWP/St. Luke, Ricketts/St. Paul, Hanover TWP). Voters of St. Luke, Rickets have voted to dissolve as a congregation.St. Luke will host Triple Parish services in August. The final two services as St. Luke as a congregation will be in September. 

Leaders from St. Paul & Immanuel have approached St. John about sharing Pastor Merrill. St.John Elders & Church Council members asked them to prepare financial plans. The three groups will have meetings throughout the Fall and have invited IDW President Rev. Steve Turner to offer guidance and advice as well. Please keep this process and all four of our congregations in your prayers in coming months.

• SUN SEP 16 - 2:00PM Service celebrating St. Luke, Ricketts' sixty-nine years of Ministry featuring Pastor Gene Ernst preaching and Pastor Tim Frank leading music. A time of food & fellowship will be held outside after worship. Come join our neighbors for this special service.
• SUN SEP 30- Official Closing with Iowa District West President Rev. Steve Turner offering a message of encouragement and officially decommission the building. There will be a catered meal following worship.

Thank be to our God and to our Lord Jesus Christ for His grace and blessing throughout the sixty-nine years of ministry He has granted to St. Luke as a congregation. Please keep the members of St. Luke and the community of Ricketts in you prayers.