ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH
DICKINSON, ND
Living in Service to Christ
2ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
MAY 25, 2008
8:00 & 9:30 a.m. Sunday

Announcements

GATHERING

The Entrance Hymn #825
The Apostolic Greeting p. 120
Hymn of Praise: This Is the Feast of Victory p. 122
Prayer of the Day Insert

WORD

First Reading Isaiah 49:8-16a
The Word of the Lord Assembly: Thanks be to God
The Psalm Psalm 131 (Insert)
Second Reading 1 Corinthians 4:1-5
The Word of the Lord. A: Thanks be to God
Gospel Acclamation p. 124
Gospel Matthew 6:24-34
Responses: The Gospel according to . . . A: Glory to you, O Lord
The Gospel of the Lord A: Praise to you, O Christ
Sermon
Hymn of the Day #876

THE AFFIRMATION OF CHRISTIAN VOCATION

Assisting Minister:
In response to Jesus’ invitation, “Let the children come unto me and do not hinder them,” the young men and women of this congregation who graduate from high school were baptized into Christ and clothed with Christ. As members with them in the body of Christ we ask God to guide them into their futures and to walk with them as they begin to discern where God is calling them in the world. The following young men and women seek the prayers and support of this community of faith as they graduate from high school:

Whitley Abrahamson
Skyler Beaudoin
Marissa Bercier
Amanda Brezden
Taylor Bruhschwein
Jake Decker
Jade Fandrich Foss
Rebecca Havemeier
Kelsey Hoffmann
Jordan Mork
Amanda Parsons
Elise Schoch
Nolan Schwartz
Chelsea Sorenson
Lindsay Splichal
Michael Tavis
Jordan Wanner

The Affirmation

AM: Dear friends in Christ, both your work and your studies are in God. Will you continue to pattern your life on the Lord Jesus Christ, in thanks to God and in service to others, at morning and evening, at work and in study, all the days of your life?

R: I will, and I ask God to help me.

The Prayers (spoken response is “Hear our prayer.”)
The Peace (spoken response is “And also with you.”)
Pictures of Graduating High School Seniors

MEAL

Offering & Presentation of the Gifts
Offertory Hymn: We Praise You, O God (#870, st. 1)

We praise you, O God, our redeemer, creator;
in grateful devotion our tribute we bring.
We lay it before you; we kneel and adore you.
We bless your holy name; glad praises we sing.

The Prayer & Great Thanksgiving p. 129
Distribution Hymns #482, #829, #508
The Table Blessing p. 136

SENDING

The Closing Prayer and Blessing p. 136
The Sending Song .On Our Way Rejoicing (#537, st. 2)

Unto God the Father joyful songs we sing.
Unto God the Savior thankful hearts we bring.
Unto God the Spirit bow we and adore.
On our way rejoicing now and evermore.
On our way rejoicing, as we forward move.
Hearken to our praises, O blest God of love!

Dismissal: Go in peace; serve the Lord A Thanks be to God.
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Presiding Minister: Pastor Lisa Lewton
Assisting Ministers: Kathi Nygaard (8:00 a.m.), Mike Stevenson (9:30 a.m.)
Deacons: Dream O’Brien & Marcy Decker (8:00 a.m.)
Jared Andrist & Chad Hysjulien (9:30 a.m.)
Organist: Barb Arneson
Cantors: Kathi Nygaard (8:00 a.m.), Mike Stevenson (9:30 a.m.)
Servers: Austin Maus (8:00 a.m.), Nicole Urlacher & Austin Mack (9:30 a.m.)
________________________________________________________________

WELCOME TO WORSHIP: All the baptized are invited to the Lord’s Table. You may stand or kneel to receive the elements. We ask children who commune to extend their hands to receive the elements. Children who do not yet commune should have hands folded to receive a blessing from the pastors. You may ask a server to provide a gluten-free wafer or grape juice if needed.

THIS WEEK AT ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Monday: CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. Quilting
7:00 p.m. VBS Leader Training Meeting
Thursday: 7:00 p.m. Midweek Worship
Friday: 6:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study at Days Inn
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Vacation Bible School
Sunday: 8:00 & 9:30 a.m. Worship

YOUR CHURCH PHOTO: If you had your picture taken during the month of April you can pick up your free photo in the church office from Bev Olheiser during office hours.

WORSHIP INFORMATION: Attendance last week was 497 . . . Transmitters are available for the hearing impaired. Ask an usher for help . . . If it is uncomfortable for you to stand during the service, please feel free to remain seated . . . The nursery, located in the Commons Area, is not staffed during the summer, but may be used for infants and children when an adult is present . . . Children’s bags are available during worship in the Commons Area and in the church entry . . .

MISSION TRIP PRAYER PARTNERS: Jess Throlson is looking for prayer partners for the youth and adults going on this year’s mission trip. After telling Jess you are interested, you will be paired with one or two mission trippers. You will receive a booklet with the same devotions we will be doing on the trip. Each day we are gone, you will be asked to pray for something from that day’s devotion. This is a great way to support the ministry of these trips and is perfect for families. If you are interested, talk to Jess Throlson at the church office.

CONGRATULATIONS to Lindsay Splichal who received the Girl Scout Gold Award. The award is the highest honor a girl can receive in Girl Scouting. To earn this award, a girl must plan and implement a community service project that reflects her interests and helps solve a community problem. Fall into Art was the title of the project.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL registration forms are available on the bulletin board in the Commons Area, or on the web site at www.stjohnelc.org. VBS is Friday, May 30, June 6, 13, and 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and Thursday, June 26 in the evening. VBS is for kids who are three years old through those entering the sixth grade. There is no cost for VBS.

INCOMING HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS and graduates are invited to a weekly summer Bible study beginning Sunday, June 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Youth Room. The study is led by college student Jon Fuehrer, a 2006 DHS graduate, who says, “Going into college I had a lot of questions and doubts and through the first two years I have learned so much about life and about my faith. The reason I am excited about having this Bible study is because it gives me the opportunity to share those experiences with people who are going to be going through the same thing . . . Come and learn what it means to lead a Christ centered life from someone who is going through the same stage in life.” For more information contact Jon at jwfuehrer@gmail.com or Jess Throlson at jthrolson@stjohnelc.org.

WILL YOU HELP? We need both donated and loaned items for Power Lab Vacation Bible School. We need 80 empty water bottles (16.9 oz size - straight sides, not curved like Coke bottles) for a craft project; please put bottles in the box in the Commons Area. We also need ingredients for our "Test Tube Treats" which match each day's theme and 24 one-pound boxes of cornstarch! We need to borrow items like two kiddie wading pools, five or six buckets, two cinder blocks -- put your name on any items you'd like returned. Please check the VBS bulletin board in the Commons Area for our list of items and help in any way you can!

NEW BIBLE CAMP: There’s an information sheet on the entry tables with the schedule for the dedication of the new Bible Camp to be held on Saturday morning, May 31.

The page also has information about registering for the camp’s 9th Annual Golf Tournament to be held at the Bully Pulpit Golf Course in Medora on Sunday, June 8.

THE SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE has begun with Sunday worship services at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Thursday services at 7:00 p.m. continue all year. The church office will be closed on Memorial Day (Monday, May 26).

SUMMER MUSIC: If you are willing to provide special music during summer worship services on Thursday and/or Sunday, contact the church office at 225-6747 or email tangen@stjohnelc.org.

CHRIST IN OUR HOME booklets for July through September are available in the narthex.

HELP WANTED: We are seeking applicants for the position of Children’s Choir Director. There are job applications for this paid position, and copies of the job description in the church office for anyone interested in the position. The time requirement for the paid position includes Wednesday evenings and two Sunday mornings each month during the school year

SUMMER CONFIRMATION CLASSES for students who will be in the 7th and 8th grades this fall will be held on Wednesday & Thursday afternoons from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on the following dates:
June 4 & 5 - Old Testament - Section 1
June 11 & 12 - Old Testament - Section 2
July 9 & 10 - New Testament - Section 1
July 16 & 17 - New Testament - Section 2

“GRANDPARENTS” WANTED: If you are retired, we invite you to consider helping with Vacation Bible School by accompanying groups of 5 to 7 elementary students throughout the morning. You will not be asked to lead any activities. VBS meets Friday, May 30, June 6, 13, and 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you are interested, please contact Susan Moberg at moberg@stjohnelc.org, or call the church office at 225-6747.

FAMILY RETREAT: Families, it’s time to check your summer schedules! We will have a family retreat at Badlands Ministries the weekend of June 27-29. The theme is “God’s Power.” The deadline to sign up with Jess Throlson in the church office is June 15. The cost is $25 per person.

KDIX BROADCAST: Beginning Sunday, June 1 the broadcast time will be 9:30 a.m. for the summer months.

SHARE SAVE SPEND STORIES? Do you have a story about our stewardship ministry called “We Say Yes to Share Save Spend”? E-mail stories to Pastor Tangen (tangen@stjohnelc.org).