June 19-20, 2021

The Bible teaches that along with the bread and wine of Holy Communion we also receive the true body and blood of our Savior. Jesus’ own words, “this is my body” and “this is my blood for the forgiveness of sins” reveal His Real Presence in the sacrament (Luke 22, I Cor. 10:15-16). The Bible also teaches (1 Cor. 11:23-32) the Lord’s Supper, properly received brings great blessings, but improperly received without understanding can actually incur God’s judgment. If you are a baptized Christian who has been instructed in the Biblical teaching of communion, please feel free to commune today. However, if you have any questions, please first speak to a pastor.

OLD TESTAMENT READING: Job 38:1–11 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? “Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?

EPISTLE READING: 2 Corinthians 6:1–13 As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation. We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

HOLY GOSPEL: Mark 4:35-41 That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE LORD’S SUPPER

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Week of June 20, 2021

“Don’t you care?” I’m sure at some point in our lives those words have crossed our lips. Especially when the storms of life threaten us so much that we feel like we’re about to sink. Maybe it’s comforting to know we’re in good company with Jesus’ disciples who asked the same thing of Him and found out just who it is that walks alongside us, watches over us, directs our outcomes, and plans for our future. This weekend we will examine the things that sometimes make us ask that question, and the answer Jesus has for us.

HOLY BAPTISM – This weekend we celebrate the baptism of Adriana Jane Shaheen, daughter of Michael & Stephanie. May God richly bless Adriana and her family!

ALTAR FLOWERS – The flowers in the church sanctuary were generously donated by Candi and Chuck Bartley in thanksgiving for their granddaughter, Kaylee’s, healing. Thanks to God! IMPORTANT COVID PROCEDURE UPDATE Over this past year we have sought at every turn as a church and school to honor national and local mandates and recommendations. In keeping with this intent: Any person who has been fully vaccinated may choose to wear or not wear a mask on our St. John campus, with the exception of any school functions. At this time, our communion serving protocols will remain in effect along with full sanitizing procedures between worship services.

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY @ 9:30 AM in Concordia Hall (downstairs) – all are welcome! In June, the study will focus on the book of Exodus, led by Cathy Evans.

WEEKDAY BIBLE STUDY GROUPS:

Men’s Small Group Bible Study – Monday, June 21, 7:00 AM, Church Library, led by Dan McCallum.

BIBLICAL DISCOVERY

THE WEEKLY CONNECTION ONE IN JESUS…REACHING MANY!

WORSHIP CELEBRATION

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS are now in effect. The main office will be open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The phones and entrance doors will not be answered after 1 PM so if you need to meet with a staff member after that time, please schedule an appointment. Thank you! NEW POSITION | ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - St. John Lutheran Church & School is currently accepting applications for the position of half-time Assistant Principal. This position is a 12-month (half-time) position. Major responsibilities include (but are not limited to) curriculum, working one on one with teachers and professional development, and creating ways to build community with staff as well as students. A full job description is available in our school office. Please submit a letter of intent and resume to the school office by 12:00 PM Friday, June 25. NEW POSITION | MANAGER OF FINANCE & OPERATIONS - St. John Lutheran Church & School is currently accepting applications for the position of part-time Manager of Finance & Operations as additional staff in the finance area. This position is a 12-month (part-time) position. Major responsibilities include (but are not limited to) working with the ministry team(s) to prepare and execute a balanced annual budget, prepare monthly financial statements and bank reconciliations, supervise, and support the full-time building manager, and other functions. A detailed job description is available upon request. Please submit a letter of intent and resume to the church office by June 30.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS FULL! 400 children are registered to participate in VBS on our campus this week and learn about Jesus’ Power Pulling Us Through! Praise to God for this opportunity to share His love with so many children!

SCHOOL NEWS If you are seeking a Christ-centered school with outstanding educators, a challenging curriculum, and a variety of extra-curricular opportunities for your children, we invite you to learn more about St. John Lutheran School! Tours are available by appointment throughout the summer. For more information visit stjohnrochester.org/school or call Admissions at 248-402-8012. We welcome your visit!

SHARED LIFE

CHILDREN, YOUTH & FAMILIES

LIGHTHOUSE – MIDDLE SCHOOL MINISTRY GRADES 6-8 Lighthouse will meet next on June 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM. For more information, contact Steve Wilson, Child & Family Ministry Director, swilson@stjohnrochester.org.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY GRADES 9-12 Thank you to all the students who served this week in setting up for VBS. Your hard work was so appreciated! Disc Golf started this week and will resume the week after VBS on June 30 from 1:00-3:00 PM. We will NOT meet this Sunday due to Father’s Day. Please take a moment to honor your own father, if still living or with Jesus.

For more information, please contact Melissa Hammett, Director of High School Youth Ministry, at 248-402-8008 or mhammett@stjohnrochester.org.

FINANCIAL UPDATES We have a week left in the current fiscal year (ends June 30) to do some catch up on our offering shortfall. As you are able, please prayerfully consider how you might help us finish the year strong. As in all things we need to continue praying, “Lord, what would you have us do” and “cheerfully” respond. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)

GENERAL MISSION & MINISTRY OFFERINGS (as of 6/13/21)

Offerings for week ending June 13……………… .......... $92,696

As of 6/13/21 Y.T.D. Budgeted Offerings: $ 2,540,000 As of 6/13/21 Y.T.D. Actual Offerings: $ 2,433,342 As of 6/13/21 Y.T.D. Variance to Budget: $ (106,658)

(St. John’s fiscal year is 7/1/20 through 6/30/21.)

Budget to Actual (Week of June 13) = 192.1%

Year-to-Date Offering Budget to Actual = 93.9%

SACRIFICIAL GENEROSITY

WE WOULD LOVE TO PRAY FOR WHATEVER IS ON YOUR HEART. To submit a prayer request, please text or email it to prayer@stjohnrochester.org at any time or submit a prayer request on our website. THIS WEEK’S PRAYERS: Healing & Peace: Steve Laske (brother of Michelle Garland) - progressive and incurable lung disease / Elsie Quitmeyer / Lawrence Walsh (friend of Judy Bradley) – heart issues / James G. Schmidt (JJ’s father) - continuing heart and lung complications / Debra Jankovich – complications from COVID / Debra Kernes / George Jankovich - Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease / Ryan Jankovich - at the Mayo Clinic / Kaylee Bartley (4 month old) - thanksgiving that she will not need kidney surgery / Jodi Simms – final cancer treatments / Kerry Albertson – good test results / Colin Jones / Larry Hartwick – hospitalized for heart issues / Jeff Leczel - cancer treatment / John Kampson – diagnosis & treatment / Jim Bowman (son-in-law of Richard & Mitzie Garnett) Bereavement: – “for the family & friends of:” Julia Metris (mother of Paula Grube) / Bill McColeman (father of Mike McColeman) Strength & Guidance: Pavka family (Ashley Wright’s fiancé’s family) – total loss house fire (everyone is safe) / VBS – those who do not know Jesus, all the volunteers and plans & preparation / Rebecca Eagen – discernment Thanksgiving: Peter Grund – 80th birthday / For the gift of godly Fathers

CONSTANT PRAYER

Worship Celebration Schedule

Traditional Praise: Sundays @ 8:00 AM (ALSO LIVE STREAMED AND POSTED ONLINE), 9:30 AM & 11:00 AM

Modern Praise: Saturdays @ 5:00 PM | Sundays @ 10:45 AM (ALSO LIVE STREAMED AND POSTED ONLINE)

1011 W. University Dr. | Rochester, MI 48307 | 248.402.8000 | stjohnrochester.org