SAINT JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH - MEMORIAL DAY SUNDAY

On the Sunday, of Memorial Day Weekend, the congregation of Saint John’s Lutheran Church (Wapakoneta) began its worship day with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Saint John’s opens with the Pledge a few times each year, on special Sundays.  This time, members of Boy Scout Troop 11 from Lafayette, Ohio, added to the joy of the Pledge.  Scouts from Troop 11 performed the Presentation of the Colors, and led the Pledge of Allegiance.  This introduced the combined Day of Pentecost/Memorial Sunday theme.

The sermon spoke of how the colors of the day are set to remind us of important virtues.  The color red of Pentecost, compares to the red, white, and blue of the American flag.  Many congregation members wore red to honor both Pentecost and Memorial Day.

The prayers thanked God for our nation; thanked God for sending brothers and sisters willing to serve our nation; and thanked God the Father for sending God the Holy Spirit, to teach us to choose what is good, and avoid what is evil.

The Pastor and Congregation of Saint John’s Lutheran Church wants to pass on their gratitude for Boy Scout Troop 11 from Lafayette, Ohio.  Their assistance helped make the day even more memorable.

WHAT 5 THINGS DOES OUR CHURCH OFFER?

Months ago, we formed a 'Tiger Team.'  This team was a small group of people, representing different facets of our congregation; who focus on one, short-term task: Determine “What 5 Things Does Our Church Offer?”

The idea was to use these findings in advertising, and telling others about our church.

Our Tiger Team included the Pastor, an Elder, the Sunday School Director, a Youth Member, and a Grandma.

We began with it being “given,” that Saint John’s, "Proclaims the Word of God in truth and purity, and rightly administers the Sacraments."

After months of prayer, meditation, and coordination, here are the top five things our Church offers according to the work of our Tiger Team:

• Church is set in calm, pastoral, country surroundings, but only a couple miles from town.
• Our church gives a guiding hand to help those in need, like Japan.
• Our church gives encouragement to children to participate in the church service.
• The comfort of the traditional, liturgical worship of your grandma and grandpa, while addressing contemporary issues, and challenges that you face each day.
• We teach that the Bible is God's word and contains no errors.

Below are other findings, which did not make the top five:

• Service starts at 10am and almost always gets finishes by 11am.
• Small Church in which you can know everyone – know your brothers and sisters in Christ.
• We are a small church, but we are continually supporting the local food banks.
• We are a small church, but we have a special worship service/event almost every month.
• We are a small church, but we have the heart and dedication to do anything God throws at us.
• We are a small church, but we offer a variety of programs to choose from, that will enable you to grow spiritually.
• We are excited when a visitor is in attendance, and show them they are welcome.
• We don't give up when trials/issues threaten to divide us.
• When a job needs to be done, whether with the physical or spiritual aspects, someone jumps in.

Consider telling your un-churched acquaintances about what Saint John’s offers.