PASTOR KERN SEMINARIAN GERKEN
“The Nobody, Nobody Noticed” “Who, Me? Yes, You.”
1 Samuel 15:7, 13 Matthew 9:9-13
ALTAR FLOWERS
The altar flowers for this week are from Pam Haviland and family in memory of Hal Haviland.
FAITH STRING SEXTET
We are blessed to have these musicians from Northwest Ohio enhancing our worship at the 5:30 service this weekend. They will be playing special music and accompanying the hymns. The members are Trevor Achtyes (First Violin), Debbie Achtyes (Second Violin), Emma Maddock (First Violin), Avery Badenhop (Second Violin), Carli Rossow (Viola), and Marlyn Krueger (Cello). We thank them for sharing their talents with us.
THIS WEEK
*We welcome Rev. Dale Kern, former pastor of St. John Lutheran in Stryker, who will be preaching this weekend, his sermon text and title is “The Nobody, Nobody Noticed” from 1 Samuel 16: 7, 13. We also welcome Seminarian Gerken preaching on Sunday, his sermon is “Who, Me? Yes, You.” based on Matthew 9:9-13.
*Pastor Mews and Lisa are on vacation this week in Illinois visiting family. They will be back on Friday, June 16.
*Pastor Holman is beginning limited office hours this week. If you would like to meet him to get to know him better, or to stop in simply to say hi, let the Church Office know so that he can be available at that time.
*SJL June/July Epistle is ready, and it has also been placed on Realm. Used by permission from The Lutheran Witness is a timely article, “Multi-Congregation Parishes, Lively Word and Sacrament Ministry,” from their May volume. This article can bring great encouragement and insight into our pastoral ministry arrangement with Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church here in Defiance. Be
sure to read it.
Meetings:
Endowment, June 7, 11:30 AM
Parish Planning, June 8, 7:00 PM
PASTORAL INSTALLATION
Mark your calendars: the installation of Rev. Ray Holman, our associate Pastor, will be Sunday, June 18 at 4:00 p.m. with a meal following.
THANKS FROM PASTOR HOLMAN
Thank you to all who assisted my family and me in moving into the Defiance area. We are very blessed by the outpouring of support and care. We look forward to becoming part of the community of faith at St. John and Christ Our Savior!
SJL SHEPHERDING MINISTY
The elders of St. John Lutheran Church are in the process of contacting all members to assist with their spiritual needs. The elders desire to touch and bless each member with the love and care of God.
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
Congratulations on the birth of Britt and Megan Gerken’s son, Collin Michael Gerken, on May 17.
ARK ENCOUNTER DAY TRIP
A bus day trip to the Ark Encounter is planned for Tuesday, September 19 by R&R Tours. Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible, spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high. Have you ever wondered “How big was Noah’s Ark? How did Noah feed and care for all the animals? How did Noah fit all the animals in the Ark? How did Noah build the Ark?” As you enter Noah’s world aboard the massive Ark, you’ll tour three decks filled with scores of world-class exhibit bays. These stunning exhibits allow you to experience what Noah’s life may have been like. Join us for a wonderful experience! Flyers are available at the church entrance stand, the south parking lot entrance or the church office. Janet Koch, Carolyn Richard and Diana Grim will also have flyers available. Deadline for registration is August 5.
VBS REGISTRATION LINK
2023 VBS will be held from July 23 to 26 jointly with/at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church from 5:30-8:00 p.m. with family meals at 5:30 each night. Registration is now open for volunteers and children who will attend. Please use the link to sign up: http://vbspro.events/p/events/sjl23
CHRIST OUR SAVIOR ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Christ Our Savior will be holding an ice cream social on June 25 from 11:30 to 1:00. There will be a free will donation, with proceedings going to Evergreen Lutheran Church & School in Detroit.
TIGERS’ DEN CLOSED
The Tigers’ Den Christian Childcare Center will be closing for the Summer. Have a great summer break and we will see you when we open back up on the first day of school, Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023!
NEW SUMMER BIBLE STUDY
The new summer Bible study is called The Reason for God! by the acclaimed author Rev. Timothy Keller. It will be led by Pastor Mews in the Fellowship Room. It is an in-depth, apologetic, real life, DVD, Scripture-led discussion. This is held on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:45 beginning June 7 and ending July 19. If you would like to join the class, call the church office. We are asking for a $5 donation for the book.
IN-DEPTH BIBLE STUDY “THE PRODIGAL GOD”
Written by the acclaimed author Rev. Timothy Keller, this profound, yet very practical and heart-touching study leads participants to look at the familiar parable of “The Prodigal Son,” with new, refreshing and life-changing insights. Books and discussion guides are provided! Class is led by Pastor Mews. Please join us in the fellowship room on Wednesdays at 2pm.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASS
Revelation! Have you ever had questions over the Book of Revelation? We continue this class over Revelation that answers your questions and gives hope in our victory in Christ. The class gathers 10:00-11:30 A.M. in the fellowship hall. Feel free to join us! Our outreach ministry is to the Path Center of Defiance.
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDIES: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Sandy Gyurnek: “You Were Made for This Moment” by Max Lucado (Fellowship Room)
Phil Rohlf: “Conversations with Jesus” (Lunch Room A)
Faye Luhring: “Making it Through a Life Shift” (Lunch Room B)
Jeff Rohlf: “The Foundations” by Ken Ham, (Adult Room A)— Men’s Bible Study
We welcome you to join any of these Bible studies!
June 3 5:30 PM 51
June 4 8:00 AM 53
9:30 AM 121
11:00 AM 58
TOTAL: 283