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Final thoughts from Pastor Randy

Date: October 11, 2016
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger

RandyFettPastor Randy Fett
Lead Pastor

Friends,

“Peace I leave with you… Do not let your hearts be troubled, and neither let them be afraid… As the Father loves me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love… I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.” (John 14)

These are Jesus’ words to His disciples before his journey to the cross. May these words guide you in the days to come. They will be my prayer as I enter this time of discernment.

Confirmation day was Sunday, October 2, at the 10:15 am worship service. We are excited for the 33 students who affirmed the faith journey that began in Baptism. This is one of treasures of the church, one of the most important things that we do as a church. Budgetary needs for 2017 are prepared by our church’s commissions and committees in the month of October. It is also Lutefisk Dinner month. It has been fun to work with the lefse makers each week. I have gotten the hang of rolling and flipping. Last year my daughter in law learned how to bake lefse. I told her that we have a date this Fall to do this together.

Thank you for your faithfulness. May Jesus be your constant light. May you stay faithful? Keep the spiritual disciplines of faith alive. Worship regularly. May you continue to give of yourselves and your time and treasures. Give to the mission of Christ. May you continue to lift up the light of Christ so that we have a more enlightened world. Keep Christ at the center. Safeguard and protect the children. Tend to the needs of the world. Nurture the faith of all who have been baptized. Celebrate as couples exchange vows in marriage at the altar. Pray for those who have lost loved ones. Be the light.

What’s coming up in youth ministry

Date: October 11, 2016
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger

LindsayCowell2Lindsay Colwell
Youth Ministry Coordinator

The air is turning crisp and the first leaves have started to change color. There is no denying that fall is upon us. Of course, with fall comes the hectic pace of school as well as programs here at St. John’s. Confirmation is in full swing as we organize small groups and get schedules in place. High school youth are getting themselves plugged in to opportunities for service throughout the congregation as junior leaders for confirmation, Sunday School and Oasis teachers/assistants, and being of service to the larger Kasson-Mantorville community.

This year we will be concentrating on equipping parents, students, and everyone in the congregation to live out their passion for service, provide opportunities for learning, and continue the work of being God’s hands and feet in the world. In an attempt to make serving easier in the midst of busy schedules the St. John’s Youth and Family Commission is committed to providing a congregational wide (open to all ages) service opportunity and learning opportunity each month. This month’s service opportunity will be a highway clean-up on Saturday, October 8 from 10am-12pm. We will meet at the church and head out to do some work beautifying our community. Our learning opportunity will be the 3rd in our Bible introductory sessions during confirmation on Wednesday evenings. Join us for an evening of delving into the New Testament on Wednesday, October 5 at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall.

During confirmation interviews we have been reviewing the Affirmation of Baptism service that they will take part in (this is the confirmation service). As a part of the vows that students will agree to is the line “live among God’s faithful people.” Every time we help others, every time we participate in service, or take part in our community whether in the church building or in the wider world we are living out our lives among God’s faithful people. I look forward to continue to serve with you all as God’s hands and feet in the world. If you have any questions or suggestions of events, please let me know!

Lifelong Learning Opportunities

Date: October 11, 2016
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger

At St. John’s we believe that faith formation is ongoing and for all ages.

  • Sunday School or Oasis Education (Wednesday evenings) – 3-year-old through 4th grade students gather to learn about God and grow in their faith
  • Club 56 – (Sunday morning or Wednesday evenings) – 5th and 6th graders gather to learn about God and grown in their faith
  • Oasis Afterschool – faith-based programming after school for kindergarten through 6th grade.
  • Confirmation – 7th & 8th grade programming, confirmation celebration is held for 9th graders
  • Adult Education – various opportunities are offered throughout the year. Always check news and the webpage for what’s coming up!

If cost is keeping you from participating in any of St. John’s educational opportunities, download the Education Scholarship Form.

 

Story from recipient of Operation Christmas Child gift

Date: October 11, 2016
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger

occ-recipient-alex-nsengimanaA survivor of the 1994 Rwanda genocide shared his heartbreaking, but inspiring, story Saturday in Boise. Alex Nsengimana spoke to new immigrants from Africa about how he found light during a time in darkness.

He shared his experiences of living through Rwanda’s genocide when he was younger, witnessing the deaths of family members. Alex fled for his life and ended up in an orphanage.

The story he shared Saturday was about the gift he received from Operation Christmas Child while he was at that orphanage – a shoe box filled with school supplies and hygiene items.

“That was the very first time receiving a gift in my life, and I knew someone was thinking about me,” Nsengimana said. “When I was in high school I saw these boxes again. And I remembered what they did in my life. I went to pack more boxes myself.”

A few years ago, Nsengimana went back to Rwanda with Operation Christmas Child and brought back shoe box gifts to children at the same orphanage he grew up in.

He is spreading the message, and encouraging people to participate in Operation Christmas Child.

 

Operation Christmas Child Gift Suggestions

Date: October 11, 2016
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger

St. John’s is collecting items for Operation Christmas Child. Bring in your items or financial contributions now through November 13.

Suggested items:

TOYS: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries)

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, spiral or small notebooks, paper, solar calculators, colored pencils, erasers, rulers, scissors with rounded edges, water color paints, coloring and picture books

NON-LIQUID HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrushes, toothpaste, bar soap, combs, washcloths, small package of Kleenex

ACCESSORIES: t-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)

A PERSONAL NOTE: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you include your name and address, the child may be able to write back.

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

QUESTIONS:  CONTACT TANYA YOUNG (316) 390-5368; OR TYOUNG8550@YAHOO.COM