St. John’s Schedule of Events and Important Dates.....(Cut and keep for your use)

July 4 - Independence Day (Following service ) - Patriotic Caroling

July 4 Mite Sunday

July 6 - 2:pm Ladies Aid

July 11 SHARE Sunday July 11 - (following service)

Fellowship Luncheon

July 11 - 1:pm Voters meeting

July 13 - 9:amMorning Bible Study

July 15 -7:30pm Elders

July 20 - 2:pm Ladies Aid visits

July 25 4 Sunday - Seminary student th

July 23 Wharton Manor Birthday party

July 27 - 9:am Sewing Day July 27 - 9:am

Newsletter DeadlineJuly 27 - 7:30pm

Church Council

Special Dates.....

Independence Day - July 4

Directory

Congregational ItemsBirthdays/Anniversaries pg 2

Upcoming events Cover

ITEMS OF INTERESTBible Quiz pg 4

Scripture Reading pg 2Directory Update pg 4Thank you pg 5Kids pg 5

ReportsLadies Aid pg 4Education pg 3Stewardship pg 5

Pastor’s E-mail address:pastorsharp@sbcglobal.net

Ushers for July: Philip Wuthrich,Ryan Wuthrich, Emil Zahradnik,Gerald Nixon July Elder: Keith Bahn

S T. J OHN'S LUTHERAN

J ULY 2 0 1 0 NEWS LETTER 6 1 4 Pecan S t. - Wh arton , Texas 7 7 4 8 8

Ch u rch office: 5 3 2 -4 5 2 2 Pas tor’s S tu dy: 5 3 2 -2 3 3 6

BIRTHDAYS &ANNIVERSARIES......

July 2 Grant Koenig July 2 Bobbie Stall July 3 Billy Rodgers July 3 Howard Albert July 3 Zachary Zahradnik July 4 Grayson Shackelford July 4 Mike BarnesJuly 7 Ronnie Schmidt July 8 Lonnie Beard July 15 Calyn Grymes July 16 Jamie ZahradnikJuly 17 Mary Jo Ramey *July 18 Emilee Nixon July 19 Betty Jerkins July 20 Ervin Zahn July 20 Kristin ThonsgaardJuly 24 Raymond Wittig July 26 Linda JohnsJuly 27 Deana OndriasJuly 28 Douglas Grymes

* Notes the “Milestoners” - those who have reached orpassed their 75 birthday and/or their 20 Anniversary.th th

Birthdays.....

Mrs. Mary Jo Ramey was born July 17, 1927 in SanSaba, Texas. She became a member of St. John’s Lutheranin 1965. She is celebrating her 83rd

birthday.

ANNIVERSARIES....

July 12 Sandra & Freddie Zahn * July 19 Barbara & Henry Thiele * July 22 Jeanie & Andy Gunter *

Mr. & Mrs. Freddie Zahn were married on July 12,1975 here at St. John’s, Wharton. They arecelebrating their 35th Wedding Anniversary.

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Thiele were married on July 19,1953 in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Houston. Theyare celebrating their 57 Wedding anniversary.th

Mr. & Mrs. Andy Gunter were married on July 22,1978 here at St. John’s, Wharton. They are celebratingtheir 32 Wedding Anniversary.nd

America stands on two great pillars —faithand morality. Without these, our

foundation crumbles.-------George Washington

SUNDAY MORNINGSCRIPTURE READING

Sunday, July 4, 2010 Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14 Epistle Reading: Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18 Holy Gospel: Luke 10:1-20

Sunday, July 11, 2010Old Testament Reading: Leviticus 19:9-18 Epistle Reading: Colossians 1:1-14 Holy Gospel: Luke 10:25-37

Sunday, July 18, 2010Old Testament Reading: Genesis 18:1-10 Epistle Reading: Colossians 1:21-29 Holy Gospel: Luke 10:38-42

Sunday, July 25, 2010Old Testament Reading: Genesis 18:20-33 Epistle Reading: Colossians 2:6-15 Holy Gospel: Luke 11:1-13

WHY THE AMERICAN FLAG IS

FOLDED 13 TIMES

The First fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The Third fold is made in honor and remembrance of theveterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of theirlives for the defense of our country to attain peacethroughout the world.

The Fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for asAmerican citizens trusting, it is to Him we turn in times ofpeace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The Fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the wordsof Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with othercountries may she always be right; but it is still our country,right or wrong.”

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The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with ourheart that we pledge allegiance to the Flag of the UnitedStates of America, and to the Republic for which it stands,one Nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justicefor all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it isthrough the Armed Forces that we protect our country andour flag against all her enemies, whether they be foundwithin or without6 the boundaries of our Republic.

The Eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into thevalley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light ofday, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’sDay.

The Ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for is has beenthrough their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that thecharacter of the men and women who have made thiscountry great has been molded.

The Tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, havegiven his sons and daughters for the defense of our countrysince they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizenrepresents the lower portion of the seal of King David andKing Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God ofAbraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The Twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen,represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes,God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

When the Flag is completely folded the stars are uppermostreminding us of our Nation’s motto, “In God We Trust.”After the Flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takeson the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of thesolders who served under General George Washington, andthe Sailors and Marines who served under Captain JohnPaul Jones, who were followed by their comrades andshipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States,preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms weenjoy today.

Why? Why? Why?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath youuse, the bubbles are always white?

Why is it that no plastic bag will open from the endyou try first?

Why doesn’t glue stick to the bottle?

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Jesus said, “The work of God is this: tobelieve in the one He has sent.” John 6:29 NIV

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JUNE 14-18, 2010

Planet Zoom was the theme for our VBS this year. Thestudents learned1. Jesus, our Savior came to seek and save the lost.

2. Jesus, our Savior, does big things.

3. Jesus, our Savior, says, “Believe!”

4. Jesus, our Savior, tells us to go and tell.

5. Jesus, our Savior, works through His people. Thank you, to the following dedicated teachers.3,4 year class – Audrey BarnesK.1 – Katie Kunzst

2 , 3 – Michele Grymesnd rd

4 ,5 – Gay Thonsgaardth th

6 ,7 ,8 – Kathy Woodruffth th th

6 ,7 ,8 – Anna Olivarezth th th

The music teachers were Jeanie Gunter, Elaine Sharp,and Kay Bollom. Edith Albert and Frieda Hacker werein charge of the refreshments. Bonnie Sharp- crafts, CarolKoenig was in charge of publicity - Jerry Bahn andSharon Zahn – Nursery. Helpers in the classrooms –Diana Wuthrich, Gina Wuthrich, Ryan Wuthrich,Kristen Thonsgaard, and Joseph Whitely.

The staff included Sandra Zahn, Susan Horak, and HollyDornak.

THANK YOU, also to all of you who furnished cookies,made cash donations, and assisted in any manner. Wecould not have done it without each of you. Thank you,Freddie and Ervin Zahn and R. C. Albert for setting upthe tables and chairs.

The average daily attendance of students was 36.

Believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love oneanother, just as He has commanded us. 1 John 3:23.Jesus, our Savior, works through His people to shareHis Word with others.

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Bible Quiz ?????

The New Testament encourages Christians toremember that we have a responsibility to respectgovernmental authority. Good government is seen tobe “God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:4) It was for that reason that St. Paul told the RomanChristians to “pay to all what is due them- taxes towhom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due,respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honoris due” (Romans 13:7) But what if a government is corrupt and againstGod and the Church? St. John, toward the end of thefirst century, would not bow down to Caesar and hailhim as a god. Neither would many other Christians. What was John’s advice to his fellow Christiansunder such circumstances?

A. No longer bow down to those who defile you and the name of the LordB. Ignore the ruler who is a haughty and blasphemous beast.C. Endure the pain and remain faithful to God.

The answer is in the finalphrase of Rev. 13:10

DIRECTORY UPDATE!!

Profession of Faith......

James Petersen

Erin Tucker

LADIES AID NEWS.....

Jane Smith shared an article, “A Little ColtThat Took Jesus into Jerusalem,” with 8members when they met in the Director’sRoom on June 1, 2010. Reports revealed that no visits were madeon Visitation Day. Updates were shared onHenry Thiele, Vernon Ullmann, AnnWuthrich, Alma Matthys and MaryWuthrich. Four attended Sewing when squares werecut and a new Altar cloth was prepared forhemming. Five members helped with Bingo at Avalon onMay 28. Four quarters were given to 10 Bingo winners. Members brought bar soap to be given to SHARE. President Eileen reported that there were no youthConfirmands and High School graduates this year amongthe Church membership. Members were encouraged to helpwith VBS. Edith and Frieda managed the refreshments. Three members attended the District Convention inAustin on June 18-20. Eileen served as our delegate. Frieda served refreshments during the fellowship period. The next Bible Study will be July 13 at 9:am with EdithAlbert leading the lesson, “I Love to Tell the Story,” andFrieda serving as hostess. Come join us.

As you celebrate your freedom andindependence as a citizen of thisgreat country, take time also todeclare your independence fromsin. Establish your personalconstitution to seek justice andpeace, to defend the poor and helpthe needy, to know the fruits of theSpirit. Pledge your allegiance tothe cross of Christ and the one whosuffered and died on it. And by

that allegiance know the true peace and joy that servanthood can give.

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S T E W A R D S H I PTHOUGHT....

Summer is here! It is time forchildren to be out of school (andteachers too!!!) VBS is now overand some families will betraveling across this country inthe months of July & August.

Summer is also a time for your church’s expenses toaccelerate. Yes, even though you might be gone and thefamily that sits in front of you each Sunday is gone theexpenses at St. John’s continues just like it does at yourhome. And it does increase during the summer months ofJune through August. For all of 2009, our home offerings exceeded the expensesby $4,300. However, during the months of June throughAugust, the expenses exceeded offerings by $5,000!!!Expenses for these months represented 27.4% of the total2009 expenses while offerings represented 23.4% of thetotal 2009 offerings. Amazing how the summer expensescontinue!

Just a thought.....................

THANK YOU.....

I would like to thank my Christian brothers and sisters fortheir donations. The yard sale brought in $600 and I stillhave more to sell when it gets cooler. I have applied forthree grants for the Serenity House. God blessed us with an$8,000 grant for recovery books, jail and prisoncorrespondence Bible lessons. The jail and prison lessonshave been pouring through the doors. Rhonda has sent outabout 775 booklets this month. This is the biggest amountI have seen in years. MAY GOD BLESS EACH ANDEVERYONE OF YOU!

In Christian Love,Annette Brockman

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