Thursday,November 17, 2022
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Pastor's Corner and Calendar |
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Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored as happened among you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Last week we looked at Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians. Today we continue:
Paul does not just ask for prayers that the Word of the Lord may spread and bring God glory. He also asks that the Christians in Thessalonica pray that Paul and his companions, Silas and Timothy, might be delivered from wicked and evil men. Who are these wicked men, and what is so wicked about them? Are they the Osama Bin Ladens of the world, violent men who are clearly evil in the eyes of all civilized people? Or are they something else, something seemingly good but sinister in their intent and purpose? It seems it is the latter. We can divide these evil men into two groups; those outside the church, whose evil pressed in from without, and those inside the church, whose evil was like a virus that could destroy the church from within.
I mentioned last week those who led perverse lives in the city of Corinth; their evil was a constant temptation to the Christians there. But generally they were a sleeping dog that was content to let things be as they were, as long as the Christians were no threat to them. It was not always that way. In the city of Ephesus, when people became Christians they stopped buying the little silver idols that were a common token in the city. The silversmith Demetrius and other merchants grew alarmed at their loss of income, and caused a riot in the city, risking a military response from the Roman army for their disorder.
Demetrius wanted to destroy the gospel for monetary reasons. There are people today outside the Christian faith, who hate Christ and his followers. Some of them are in the humanities departments in secular universities. It is their delight to destroy the faith of their young students under the guise of “open-mindedness,” “tolerance,” and “diversity.” Others are journalists, or government officials, lawyers, doctors, and other so-called “educated” people. We are naive if we think that these people just misunderstand the faith. There are those who understand it well, and hate it. You and I have no power in ourselves to change this situation. We can be thankful that it is not worse, as in China or in Arab countries, where Christians are actively hunted down and arrested, detained, and sometimes killed. But we should be concerned for them, and for ourselves. We must remember that He who is with us is stronger than he, the devil, who is in the world. We should pray as Paul asks us, because then we can be confident that it is God who fights for us, and that when we are weak, then we are strong.
But there is an even worse evil, and there are worse men, who attack the Christian faith, because they do their evil work inside the visible church, and to many people they appear as Christians! These people have afflicted the church since its beginning. Some of them used to follow Paul around, and after he was done preaching they would step in and claim that Paul was O.K., but that he hadn’t preached the full gospel; now they need to be circumcised and keep the Jewish law if they wanted to be true Christians. There were men like Hymenaeus and Alexander and Demas, people who deserted the faith or betrayed Paul’s mission work. They cause much harm, not just to themselves, and not just to Paul, but also to the Christian Church in its infancy.
There are those today who step into the shoes of these traitors. Often they claim to have good motives. Episcopalian bishop John Shelby Spong said that unless the Christian faith changes there will be no Christian Church in the future, and that we have to become like the world in order to survive. Many churches listen to this. One of our sister Lutheran denominations supports the ordination of practicing homosexuals. Most main-line denominations no longer teach that it is necessary to believe in Jesus Christ in order to be saved. Many teach that the Bible is not God’s Word, but human documents that have no more authority over our lives than the Roman laws of Paul’s days, no more truth in them than a book written by some 20th century author. These things are said, not by the enemies of the church, but by its so-called friends. With friends like this, who needs enemies?
We must remember a few truths. One is that Jesus promises that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Christian Church. The Church is the body of Christ, not our human organization. We do not need to panic. We need to speak the truth, just as we have always done. Remember, that is our calling.
Another is that though our enemy is strong and rages against us, and that we fight not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and the spiritual forces of evil, God has given us marvelous armor with which to fight: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace for our footwear, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. We cannot be defeated with such armor!
Finally we remember who it is that fights for us, “the valiant One, whom God Himself elected,” Jesus Christ. We are chosen; Paul was chosen; Jesus was chosen to fight for us and to conquer the devil, the world, our sinful nature. We know that God will answer our prayer to be delivered from evil men. He will answer our prayer that the Gospel might be spread. Let us do our warfare on our knees, turning to Him alone who has the power to save us from this evil age, and the power to bring many out of this evil age to salvation through the blood of the Lamb.
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TEXT MESSAGING
We have changed over to Church 360 to send out text messages. In order to receive a text message, we must have an email linked to
each person in the household who would like to receive a text
message. Once we have your correct email address an invitation from Church 360 will be sent to you.
You may do this one of two ways:
- Write your name and email address in the attendance book when you attend church.
- Email the church office at elcoroffice@gmail.com.
Once signed up you will receive announcements, invitations, reminders, and prayer requests.
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You now have 3 ways to enter your attendance:
1. Enter it online.
2. Fill it out in the attendance books at the end of the pew.
3. Complete a form on the table at the back of church.
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Attendance for Worship and Holy Communion
You now have 3 ways to enter your attendance: 1. Enter it online. 2. Fill it out in the attendance books at the end of the pew. 3. Complete a form on the table at the back of church.
Read more
docs.google.com
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Sunday,November 20, 2022
All Saints Day
8:00 a.m. Divine Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday school/Bible Class
10:45 a.m. Divine Worship
Monday November 21, 2022
Tuesday, November 22, 2022
8:00 a.m. Quilter's
Wednesday,November 23,2022
7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Service with Holy Communion
Thursday, November 24, 2022
Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 25, 2022
Church Office Closed
Saturday November 26, 2022
Don't forget to register down below!
Sunday, November 27, 2022
8:00 a.m. Divine Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday school/Bible Class
10:45 a.m. Divine Worship
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ALTAR FLOWERS
If you would like to reserve flowers for the altar, please call Jenny in the church office. Orders must be made by Wednesdays for publication in the following Sunday's bulletin.
The cost is $30 for the pair.
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Altar Flower Request Form
The only dates not available are Confirmation, Palm Sunday, Easter, Christmas Eve/Day.
Read more
docs.google.com
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Sundays When Holy Communion in Celebrated |
November 6
November 20
November 23 Thanksgiving Eve
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20th, just in time for ‘THANKS-GIVING, the dee-li-cious, 'Ladies Guild' PECANS will be on sale before and after both services outside the chapel area! Our selection includes Dark Chocolate covered pecans, Milk Chocolate covered pecans, Cinnamon Glazedpecans, Caramel Clusters, (i.e., Turtles) and Pecan Pieces. The cost remains $10.00 per bag. They can make tasty snacks for the Thanksgiving festivities or anytime! Also, candied pecans freeze well for a year, and the plain pecans for up to two years! So, ‘stock up’ and enjoy! The ‘Ladies Guild’ thanks you very much for your wonderful support, and pray you have a very ‘JOYOUS THANKSGIVING!
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Congratulations to Kris Schwend of St. John, winner of the 2022, Our Redeemer Quilters, beautiful, 'Falling Charms' quilt! The Quilters thank EVERYONE for their help in raising $800+ for the ministries of Our Redeemer. A very, very, special 'Thank You' is also extended to AAA Vacuum, Carol's Corner Florist, and Overland Hardware, for their wonderful help in the sale of tickets. Once again, 'A VERY GRATEFUL THANK YOU TO ALL' from the Quilters!!! |
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Thank you to everyone attended and supported Preschool trivia. It was great to see so many people as well former alumni of Our Redeemer. With your support we are getting closer to the goal of our new playground. We appreciate your generosity. God's blessings! The Board of Education and Mrs. Diehl |
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Come one, come all and help out ORCA with the hanging of the Greens! Join us on Sunday, November 27, 2022 immediately following the late service. Hope to see you there! |
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You can once again (for the first time since COVID) listen to the sermon on our church website: http://church.ourredeemerstl.org/ . Just click on the “News and Information” tab, and drop down to “Weekly Sermons.”
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Be sure to join our livestream on Facebook at 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. You can also find it on YouTube. |
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Our Redeemer Lutheran Church-Overland, Missouri
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church-Overland, Missouri, Overland, MO. 409 likes · 39 talking about this · 392 were here. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri...
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Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in St Louis
This channel includes videos created at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, Missouri (St Louis area).
Read more
www.youtube.com
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If you would like the Sunday prayer of the church to include yourself or someone you know, you can now email Pastor Hageman through a dedicated, secure address: pastorhageman@protonmail.com. Our hope is to respond more effectively to your prayer requests and to provide conversation about specific needs.
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Members
Harry Boyts
Ann Krueger
Robin Renner
Don Smith
Kathy Brewer
Marilyn Fink
Tom Phillipps
Sharon Smith
Cindy Heitman
Missy Sanders
Don Niccum, Jr.
Renee Wellman
Emily Sanders
Bernadette Phillips
George Griffith
Inez Bromberg
Mel Young
Bonnie Griffith
Dee Niccum
Dan Flachsbart
Billie Riebeling
Home Centered/Assisted Living/Skilled Nursing
Stefan Huppert
Doug Clayton
Ruth Ann Gaylord
Carol Wibracht
Janice Wones
Helen Harl
Evelyn Wesche
Vera Ruesler
Ruth Ann Shannon
Judy Rivers
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*Please notify the church office when someone needs to be removed from the prayer list. Thank you! |
Friends and Family
Michelle Fiala, niece of Millie Diehl
Cheryl Teil, sister of Ed Heitman
Marianne Adolf, friend of Niesha Dowling
Logan Beaufert, son of Tola and Ben Beauferd, friends of Millie Diehl
David & Elsie Osterholt, friends of the Bishops
Nezziah More, granddaughter of Don & Angie Smith
Jack Shannon, husband of Ruth Ann Shannon
Tim Bromberg son of Inez Bromberg
Phyl Mueller, sister-in-law of Gary & Mary Mueller
Kathy Kern, sister of Cindy Heitman
Sue Baldwin, friend of Annie Krueger
Margaret Chen, cousin of Stefan Huppert
Brenna Lowry
John Newsome, friend of Dee Niccum
Connie Gamache, sister-in-law of Michelle Wesche
Robin Coleman, cousin of Judy Rivers
Ruth Dee, great aunt of Maribeth Esteep
Duane Nevels, brother of Nancy Nichols
Paula Dains, mother of Sherry & Angela Dains
Jamie Gruntman, granddaughter of Carol Wibracht
Mary Lou Britton, grandmother of Maribeth Esteep
Elizabeth Cash, granddaughter of Roger Koepke
Ava & Sophia Kappelmann, family friends of the Dowling family
Corbin Castaloo, friend of Donna Smith family
Michelle Wilson, daughter of Jackie Bohlmann
Sonny Philipps, sister-in-law of Bernadette Philipps
Nicki Ellis, friend of Bernadette Philipps
Theresa Proffer, daughter of Jerry & Carol Rose
Shari Roberson, daughter of Alice Rau
Christopher Castello, friend of Donna Smith
Josh Riegelspergers, grandson-in-law of Alice Rau
Gail Osborne, friend of Judy Rivers
Carol Rathle, cousin of Shirley Clayton
Gail Oliver, friend of Shirley Clayton
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The Mission of the Month for November is the Ritenour Co-Care Food Pantry (https://www.ritenourcocare.org/). Your mission gifts this month will share the love of Jesus with our community in a tangible way They are in need of monetary gifts to help pay for rent and utilities. They also can use donations of the following items: feminine hygiene items and other personal care items, laundry detergent, soup, canned meats, canned fruit, cereal, and peanut butter.
A note from the Treasurer:
Thank you for your faithful contributions to our congregation! Please keep Our Redeemer and our Pastor and staff in your prayers.
The upcoming year may be a challenge for us; we are experiencing hiring and retention difficulties, particularly for PreSchool workers, just like most other businesses are in this day and age. We will be increasing the pay of our lowest paid workers, which will then also be reflected in the salaries of everyone else, too. This may create a strain in our budget; however, if we all can share some of the increases we are each experiencing during this inflationary period, we should be just fine.
If you are a regular weekly or monthly contributor, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! If you are an occasional contributor, please consider becoming a regular contributor. If you have not been contributing, please consider supporting our congregation in the best way that you are able. Thank you for your consideration! Please feel free to call or e-mail me if you would like to set up contributions directly from your account or if you have any questions or comments about our budgetary issues. Thank you!
Daryl Wesche, Treasurer (314-680-3044 or darylwesche@gmail.com)
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WITNESS & OUTREACH
Luke 23:27-43: The end of another church year reminds us to be watchful and prepared for our Lord’s second coming to judge the living and the dead. It will be a Day of rejoicing for believers but a Day of doom for unbelievers. May we use every opportunity we are given to share our saving faith with others who are still in unbelief, so that they may also share in the Paradise that only Christ the true King gives with His life, death and resurrection. He continues to be ridiculed because He is a King who saves through a Cross. But only this King will give Paradise on the Last Day, just as He promises. Now, that’s a King worth putting your trust in for eternity!
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STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT
Colossians 1:18a – “And he is the head of the body, the church.” We are part of the Body of Christ; He is our Head. Where He goes, we follow. His thoughts direct our actions. This is how the people of God learn how to give and why they give. Because Jesus gives, indeed He gives all He has.
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Calling all chili tasters! Immanuel Olivette (9733 Olive Blvd, St. Louis MO 63132) is hosting a Chili Cook Off on Saturday, November 19, noon-3 pm. Come enjoy a variety of chilis, hotdogs, cornbread, desserts and drinks. Cost is $12/person; kids under 3 are free. Interested in entering the cook-off? Contact psce@ilsolivette.org for more information! Cash prizes will be awarded!
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KFUO Radio, the broadcast voice of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, shares Christ for you anytime, anywhere on KFUO.org via worship services, Bible and theology studies, practical talk programs, and sacred music. Find programs on demand at kfuo.org and wherever you get your podcasts! Find us on social: @KFUOradio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
CHRIST FOR YOU this week on KFUO AM850 & kfuo.org: Blessed Thanksgiving! Study Exodus 10-13 on Thy Strong Word (weekdays at 11:00 a.m.), study the 3rd Article of the Creed on Concord Matters (11/26 at 10:00 a.m.), and dive into a curious theological topic with Rev. Tyrel Bramwell on Cross Defense (11/26 at 11:00 a.m.). Find your favorite programs on demand at kfuo.org or the KFUO Radio app!
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Lutheran Witness 1 Year Print + Online Subscription
Subscribe to The Lutheran Witness print magazine and receive unlimited access to the online version and all the latest news in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Read more
www.cph.org
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Words of Peace and Protection: Devotions for Women
52 different women share 52 different devotions to wrap you in God's refuge following the words of Psalm 91.
Read more
www.cph.org
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NURSE NANCY
nmerila@charter.net
It’s that time of year again. Thanksgiving is fast approaching. It’s a day for feasting, family and friends, football and let’s not forget giving thanks.
Our Thanksgiving holiday is a powerful reminder of how important it is to share a meal with the people who matter to us. It’s worth the time, stress and expense of traveling just to be together. This gathering with family and friends often includes welcoming others, who don’t have any close relationships nearby. We all want to belong, but some are isolated due to varying circumstances. The Thanksgiving holiday can be particularly difficult for those, who are missing loved ones in their lives. Even when family dynamics may be troublesome, sharing a meal and time can be a healthy step to finding a resolution. Isolation is unhealthy, so let’s all help build a good social community wherever we may be.
Extending a helping hand in a shelter or retirement community is a great way to use our God given gifts to help other. Giving in this way is a wonderful way to show our gratitude and to support others. When we help others, we reap health benefits for ourself. Our challenge is to make this a part of our life, not just a one and done on a holiday.
Our Thanksgiving meal can be a bountiful meal that feeds our body well if we load it with foods like turkey, vegetables and healthy grains. Portion control will keep us from feeling the ill effects of eating too much, and it will save food for other meals. We don’t have to feel guilty for enjoying the special treats of a Thanksgiving meal if we keep portions realistic. We all want that special stuffing and pumpkin pie with lots of whipped cream, so let’s enjoy each bite.
Thanksgiving can be a time to get some exercise too, by signing up for a Turkey Trot or just taking a walk after eating. Maybe a game of Corn Hole or Washer Toss could get everyone involved in some activity. Movement is good for our body and our brain.
Giving thanks is what Thanksgiving day is all about. Taking the time for everyone to express something for which they are thankful can help us let others know that we appreciate them and the things they do. It’s a bridge builder that connects us to others and to God, who is the giver of everything. Yes, gratitude is good for our health in that it can lower blood pressure, improve quality of life and decrease depression, but also brings us closer to God and others. It can become a way of living, if we practice it every day instead of only on Thanksgiving Day.
Jesus taught us to give thanks over our food, but the Bible is full of thanks , how to give thanks and reasons to give thanks. Psalm 86:12 reads, “Oh Lord, my God, I will give you thanks with my whole heart. I will honor your name continually.” In Philippians 4:6 we read, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Hebrews 12:28 says, “So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe.”
Quote of the week: It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. - David Steindl-Rast
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