| Pastor Biermann's Message The signs are all around us: the calendar now says August, some mornings there is an almost crisp feel to the air, the big box stores are advertising crayons, paper, and backpacks, and this weekend you can shop for essential supplies tax-free (at least in some municipalities). It is back-to-school season. For many area schools, the first day of classes is less than a fortnight away. Obviously, depending on your place in life, the beginning of another academic year may or may not be significant in your home. For those whose lives are built around the world of education and who must yield the routine and schedule of their lives to the demands of an institutional structure, the beginning of a new school year can't be ignored. But, if other rhythms dictate your routine, then it probably seems like no big deal. I think, though, that for all of us, "back-to-school" can serve a useful purpose in our lives. Learning is not only for those enrolled in classes. Of course, we all know this, or can at least state it as a great truism of human existence; but I wonder how many people actually believe, much less practice, it. Learning can have pragmatic ends and purposes, no doubt; but there is also an aspect of learning that should be implicit in every Christian's life. To learn something about anything is to learn and understand more about God's world. Whether learning about eclipses, the cultivation of roses, the acquisition of speech in infants, the physics of mechanized flight, of the forces at work in small group dynamics, you are learning more about the workings of the world that God designed, created, and governs. When you learn, you are thinking God's thoughts after him. That's how the great astronomer and mathematician, Johannes Kepler put it...oh, and he was a pious Lutheran. It is a beautiful and accurate sentiment. When we learn about how God's world works, we are gaining an ever-deepening appreciation for God's greatness, wisdom, and mystery. And, we are gaining an increasing awareness of the wonder of being loved by such a God. So, as another school year looms, regardless your place in life, make a fresh commitment to learn more about God's world. Any subject qualifies, it all belongs to God after all. And, as you learn new things about this world and its creatures and cultures remember that you are learning about your Creator, busily and thoughtfully thinking God's thoughts after him. |
| Special Choir Rehearsal Special Notice: There will be Choir Rehearsal on Wednesday, August 9 at 7:00pm, to begin practicing for Pastor Scott's installation service.
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| Eagle Scout Project - Pet Rescue Supply Collection Hello, I am Spencer Moore and I am a member of Boy Scout Troup 319. For my Eagle Scout Project, I am collecting supplies for Country Acres Animal Rescue between July 23-August 6. A flyer is posted on the kiosk with more information. Some needed items include: - Dry and wet cat and dog food
- Creamy peanut butter
- Paper towels
A box to receive donations will be located in the main entryway. I appreciate your help. Thank you! - Spencer Moore |
| Funnies (used with permission)  |
| Worship Attendance Saturday 7/28, 9; Sunday 7/29, 114 = 123 Total |
| Worship Leaders
Worship Leaders
| This Sunday (8/6)
| Next Sunday (8/12)
| Preacher/Celebrant
| Pastor Biermann | Pastor Biermann | | Liturgist | Pastor Biermann | Pastor Biermann | Lector
| Tim Cosby | Frank Moret
| | Pianist (Saturday) | Carol Benninghoff | Bill Lubben | | Organist (Sunday)
| Bill Lubben | Bill Lubben | | Acolyte | David Moore | -- | Communion Assistant
| Mike Toney | Joel Hempel | | Lay Assistants
| Andy & Tracey Ortstadt
| Jack & Norma Bentzinger | Greeters
| Jules & Mary Bush | Jean Peterson, Ruth Wussler | Sound/Video
| Jerry & Beth Nicolaus | Tony Petzoldt, Layton Wille | Ushers
| Tony Petzoldt, Frank Moret, Gary Riley, Gerry Lucas | Deb Toney, Judy George, Becci Sasser, Theresa Canania | Nursery
| Vicki Devenport, Grace Ortstadt | Cyndi Moore, Spencer & David | Children's Message
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| Next Sunday's Bible Readings PREPARE FOR NEXT WEEK'S WORSHIP through a careful, prayerful reading of the appointed lessons for the day: Job 38:4-18; Romans 10:5-17; Matthew 14:22-33
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| August Birthdays & Anniversaries 2 - Ken Kight 3 - Theresa Canania Breanna Ladd 6 - Ben Lee 7 - Alan Schultz 8 - Andy Ortstadt 9 - Mike Grossenheider 10 - Paul Schultz 12 - Ashley Phillips Annemarie Schloeman 14 - Katie Blake 16 - Craig Oberle Devin Sauer 17 - Beth Nicolaus 19 - Jan Cosby Kira Moore 20 - Ed Nelson Josh Nelson 21 - Tyler Buchholz 23 - Jane Keathley 24 - Mary Aufderheide Josh Boehme Terry Buchholz Judy Hartung Patrick Toney | 25 - Pam Bert Jennifer Buchholz 27 - Steve Phelps Anna Rawlings Hank Schlichter 30 - Miriam Reimnitz 31 - Lauren Mistler
6 - Dan & Susan DeFosset 8 - John & Kathy Brugere Lyle & Carol Fisher 12 - Brent & Nora Steele 13 - Ron & Carol Froesel 16 - Kevin & Gail Metzler 19 - Bill & Judy George 21 - Jane & Gerald Keathley 26 - Joel & Marcia Hempel 27 - Robert & Krissa Lubben Jerry & Beth Nicolaus 28 - Bruce & Judy Hartung |
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