“By grace you have been saved … [as a] gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

All are welcome here! Let us worship together.

SERVING IN OUR WORSHIP THIS WEEK

We praise and thank you, God, for richly blessing us. Open our hearts to you, and to one another.

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Katherine Bickett, Kathy Bishop, Harry Bishop, Tom Burkhardt, Edith

Cavanaugh, Justin Hecht, Janet Hession, Jessica Hughes, Larry Melady, Mitchell Ply, Tom Roller,

Millie von Stein, and John Widau.

DEATHS: Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Doris Jane Cottingham and of George

Santa Cruz (brother of Noli Freel). Please keep them in your prayers as they mourn their loss.

ALTAR FLOWERS

The flowers today are sponsored by Mike & Julie Grott in celebration of their children’s - Kyle, Kaitlyn,

and Kelly’s - March 17 birthday, and by Tom & Kristy McCain in celebration of their daughter Abby’s

March 10 birthday. If you would like to sponsor flowers to commemorate a special day in your life,

please sign up on the flower chart in the church office. We are currently seeking additional sponsors for

March 18 & 25. The cost of sponsorship is $30 per bouquet.

NURSERY

Have a little one crying or needing a diaper changed? We want you to know that the nursery/cry room

is always open for your use during worship services. There is a television in the room so that you won’t

miss out on anything happening in the sanctuary. The nursery/cry room is P204 (yellow classroom).

Preacher: Rev. Peter Heckert

Liturgist: Rev. David French

Elder: Michael O’Donnell

Organist: Randy Strakis

Special Music: Messenger Choir

Greeters: Sat.-Ed & Rosie Swanson; Sun. 8:00-

Barbara Francis, Donne & Stephanie Fahler;

Sun. 10:30-Richard & Beth Lancaster

Ushers: Sat.-Dick & Cathy Collison; Sun. 8:00-

Wayne & Eileen Luke, Scot & Ann Benham;

Sun. 10:30-Dave & Nancy Sattler, Tom & Kristy

McCain

Acolytes: Sun. 8:00-Katie Baumgartner, Lilly

Kult, Laura Owens, Robert Owens; Sun. 10:30-

Harrison Shaffer, Kuentin Schultz, Kelby Tarter,

Jaeda Clark

Week of March 11, 2018

SUNDAY ADULT CLASSES (9:15-10:15 A.M.)

WILL THE REAL JESUS PLEASE STAND UP?: 12 FALSE CHRISTS led by Pastor French in the

cafeteria (Room P212). When’s the last time you stepped up to the counter and ordered one medium-

size Jesus, extra generous, and heavy on the bling? Or maybe you like your Jesus supersized! No?

Perhaps you prefer yours extra small, and hold the onion please. Here’s the same question: When’s

the last time you took a hammer and a chisel to the Jesus of the Bible and formed Him into your own

personal Jesus? Will the Real Jesus Please Stand Up?: 12 False Christs by Matthew Richard not only

reminds us who the real Jesus of the Bible is, but it also reveals to us twelve false christs who are

embraced, loved, promoted, and revered—even by well-meaning Christians. To participate in this study,

you will need a copy of the book in order to read a chapter each week before class. There is an e-book

version available through Concordia Publishing House for $9.99. If you are interested in purchasing a

paperback copy for $11 from the church office, we still have a few copies left.

LUTHERANISM 101 led by Pastor Heckert in the fellowship hall (Room F202). This adult

information (new member) class will introduce you to Christian doctrine as revealed by God through

Scripture. Pastor will explain the essentials of our faith: what the Church believes and what it means

to live “in Christ.” If you would like to brush up on your fundamentals of the faith and meet some

potential new members, we would love to have you join us!

A DEEPER LOOK moderated by Grace Gillespie in Room P202 (green classroom). This group

discusses the Bible lessons (pericopes) which are read in church each Sunday. You are invited every

Sunday, but will not be lost if you miss a Sunday. This is a casual class with lots of interaction. We

pray for each other and care for each other. Join us today and every Sunday.

SUNDAY SCHOOL (9:15-10:15 A.M.)

The following grades will start in the sanctuary for the opening of Sunday school, go to their individual

rooms (listed below), and then will end up in the cafeteria for pickup:

Pre-K - Kindergarten: P205 (orange classroom)

1st - 2nd Grade: P101 (kindergarten classroom)

3rd - 4th Grade: P104 (2nd grade classroom)

5th - 6th Grade: P112 (library)

The following grades will not attend the opening in the sanctuary, but will just meet in their rooms:

Preschool 2s & 3s: P204 (yellow classroom)

7th - 8th Grade: F109 (church office work room)

High school: F104 (church office conference room)

If you have questions, contact Rebecca Rowan at rowanrm@gmail.com or (423) 322-7326.

WEEKDAY BIBLE STUDIES

LETTER OF JAMES led by Pastor Barton on Mondays 7-8 p.m. in the fellowship hall (Room F202).

Martin Luther is famous for calling James “an Epistle of straw.” What did he mean? Did he always say

that? What is the challenging message of James for us today? This class will meet weekly, and this

would be a good time for more to join the group which includes people from St. James and Grace and

University Lutheran. We welcome you … just bring a Bible and come when you can.

LADIES LIFELIGHT BIBLE STUDIES:

Ruth led by Barb Kirkpatrick on Mondays 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the conference room (Room F104).

Yahweh has so much to say through Ruth. It isn’t about you and me. It isn’t about how to be a

better woman or about marriage relationships. This story will point us to deeper truths embedded in

the historical narrative of Ruth’s life, truths that reveal how God in Christ loves us and cares for us.

Ruth is about Jesus. Ruth is about God. Ruth is about salvation. This little book in the Bible is

bigger than you thought! Come join us and learn more!

Proverbs led by Jan Harris on Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the conference room (Room F104). As

we desire to gain God’s wisdom, we can look to the powerful words in Proverbs 2:1-11 to learn to

receive it in our lives. There, we read action words and phrases that guide in the quest for wisdom:

“treasure up,” “making your ear attentive,” “inclining your heart,” “call out,” “raise your voice,”

“seek it like silver,” and “search for it as for hidden treasure.” The Holy Spirit listens to our desires

and uses every avenue possible to grant us the wisdom of God. We invite all women of our church

to join us in this in depth study of His Word.

COFFEE CLUB led by Pastor French on Thursdays 7:00-7:45 a.m. in the conference room (F104).

THURSDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY led by Pastor Heckert on Thursdays 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the

conference room (Room F104). Join Pastor for riveting discussion of biblical text, real-life implications,

and the occasional humorous anecdote! We’ll see you there!

MEN’S BIBLE BREAKFAST led by Pastor Barton on Fridays 6:00-7:00 a.m. at the Downtowner

Restaurant. You can come for coffee or breakfast at 6:00 a.m. or just for the Bible study on the

Scripture lessons for the coming Sunday which begins about 6:25 a.m.

“SURPRISE BY JOY” WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY led by Brenda Owens and Rebecca Rowan on

the first Friday of the month 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall (F202). We will be looking into the

works of several Christian authors, including C.S. Lewis, as we focus on how our Christianity can help

us live joyfully and, as we say in our confession, to “delight in His will and walk in His way.” Please

join us if you are looking for ways to live by your faith.

TV & RADIO MINISTRIES

LUTHERAN PUBLIC RADIO: Music of the Church anytime at www.LutheranPublicRadio.org.

WORSHIP ANEW: This 30 minute Lutheran television worship service includes the readings for the

day, prayers, and a Lutheran pastor delivering a message that is one-on-one to the viewer. Worship

Anew is aired each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WHMB-TV40. Visit www.WorshipAnew.org for more

information about this exciting program!

ISSUES, ETC.: Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced

by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. You can listen to what you want, when you want at

www.issuesetc.org.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: The desire to advance your own interests can alienate you from others and

God. Serving others without thought of reward is God’s way forward for followers of Jesus (Mark

10:32-45). In next week’s broadcast on March 18, Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer speaks on the topic, “Thrown

into the Arms of God.” The Lutheran Hour is heard every week in our listening area at 7:00 a.m. on

station 720 AM, at 7:30 a.m. on 97.3 FM, at 9:04 a.m. on 107.7 FM, or at 10:00 a.m. on 97.3 FM.

LUTHERAN RADIO STATION - KFUO: Listen to Worldwide KFUO.org, your radio station for

practical Lutheran talk, daily Bible and Confession studies, current issues from a Lutheran worldview,

and daily worship opportunities. All programs are archived at KFUO.org for 24/7 on-demand listening.

You can also find our programming wherever you get your podcasts! Have a question or comment?

Find us at @KFUOradio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Call (800) 730-2727 or e-mail

letstalk@kfuo.org to join the conversation on “Let’s Talk!”

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIFE THOUGHTS IN THE CHURCH YEAR: Life Thoughts are designed to help pastors and

congregations see the church year through the lens of the sanctity of human life; they are based on the

appointed readings from Lutheran Service Book. March 11 – “[Y]ou were dead in trespasses and sins

… like the rest of mankind” (Ephesians 2:1, 3b). One’s own capacities or activities don’t give human

life its value (Ephesians 2:9). The love of God in Christ does that, and it does so universally and

infinitely (John 3:16). The very heart of the Gospel holds human life precious, even when impaired

by infection or immaturity (Numbers 21:8). We rest refreshed in this grace! Gracious God, cause

fountains of Your grace to flow through us. Amen.

WHY WEAR NAMETAGS? Nametags invite conversation. Are you wearing your nametag today?

RETURN FROM EXILE: A LENTEN JOURNEY: Life is full of journeys — even life itself is a

journey. Much takes place between the beginning and the end, and our Lenten journey is no different.

As Christians, we embark upon a daily movement from exile — from life under the burden of sin to the

joy of the Gospel that is ours in Christ Jesus. As we begin each leg of the journey, do not be surprised

to discover that Christ travels with us. He has always been our guide from the beginning, and He will

journey with us to the end. We embark on this Lenten journey contemplating the reality of our earthly

journey but with eyes fixed on the destination — the empty tomb and the open gates of everlasting life,

with the confidence of knowing that we do not walk alone!

March 14 - “Tree to Tree: The Tree of Life to the Cross”

God created man and woman, and they began their journey in the garden. In the midst of that

Garden of Eden were two trees more beautiful than the rest. The tree of the knowledge of good

and evil and the tree of life—what joy for the man and woman to come to these trees and

worship God, giving thanks for His good and gracious gifts. But one day there was an

unwelcome visitor to their worship service: Satan. He had things to say, things which seemed

wise. They were lies, but the man and woman listened and sin came. Adam and Eve were

exiled from the garden and from the tree of life. How they longed to return to the garden and

the beautiful tree, and God promised that He would lead the way. Jesus Christ leads us from

one garden to the next and from one tree to the tree of life in the courts of heaven. It is a hard

and treacherous journey for our Leader, and it required a stop at another tree: the cross. The evil

Satan, who used a tree to bring sin into world, was conquered by another tree, and our sin was

washed away. © 2017 Concordia Publishing House. Scripture: ESV®.

Dinner sponsor: Music Ministry

March 21 - “Death to Resurrection: The Wilderness to the Promised Land”

Dinner sponsor: Board of Elders

During Lent, dinner will be served each Wednesday from 4:45-5:45 p.m. in the cafeteria followed by

the worship service at 6:00 p.m.

ATTENTION THRIVENT MEMBERS: Eligible members have until March 29 to designate Choice

Dollars to a charity of their choice, which includes St. James! To determine if you are eligible, and if

so, how much you have to direct, contact Thrivent Financial at (800) 847-4836 between the hours of 9

a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday thru Friday. When prompted, say “Choice Dollars” and you will be directed to

the appropriate department.

EASTER ENCOURAGEMENTS: It is the season of Lent, and we have a lot to contemplate. One way

to enhance our Easter joy is to think about ways in which we can encourage those attending the Easter

services. Last year, approximately 1,000 people entered the doors of St. James on Easter Sunday. The

greeters handed Easter Encouragement cards to everyone. We had enough cards, thanks to the help of

some remarkable card makers. This year gives us another opportunity to encourage everyone who

walks in our doors. Please put your cards in the basket located to the left of the Scrip counter. Each and

every card will be very much appreciated.

ENJOY EASTER BREAKFAST AT ST. JAMES: Our St. James Youth Ministry will be sponsoring

the Easter Breakfast on Sunday, April 1 from 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the cafeteria as a fundraiser

for the July 2019 LCMS National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The menu includes

eggs, sausage patties, potato rounds, french toast sticks, cereal, and fruit. A freewill offering will

gratefully be accepted as we raise funds for the Gathering. Right now, we need your help! There are

Easter eggs posted on the bulletin board in the cafeteria with various items to donate. If you would like

to donate an item, select an egg with the item of your choice and fill out your information on the form.

All donated items need to be brought to the cafeteria by Friday, March 30. Thank you for your support

of our St. James Youth Ministry.

CALLING ALL CURRENT 8TH, 9TH AND 10TH GRADERS: A call-out for the 2019 LCMS

National Youth Gathering (theme of “Real. Present. God.”) will be held on Sunday, April 15 at

12:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. If you would like information regarding the National Youth Gathering,

join us for pizza and an informational meeting for both youth and their parents. The Gathering is only

15 months away! If you are interested and cannot attend the meeting, please notify Karrie Tarter at

karrieatarter@gmail.com or (765) 491-2805. General information about the Gathering can be found at

www.lcmsgathering.com.

ST. JAMES AUCTION AND GALA EVENT: As you are well aware by now, the St. James Auction

and Gala Event is fast approaching. If you haven’t put the date on your calendar or reserved your seat,

you don’t want to wait much longer. We are filling up quickly. This year we are going with a tropical

theme. New decorations, new games, new atmosphere, and a new, easier way to bid on what you would

like to take home with you. Fun, fun, fun! We are looking for about 10 people who would be willing

and able to help sponsor the Social Hour with a donation of $200. This will help offset the cost of hors

d’oeuvres and beverages for the evening. If you would like to make your donation in celebration of, in

memory of, or sponsored by your business, please indicate so when you give us your check. This is tax

deductible. Donations may be made at the auction table in the east lobby on Sunday mornings or mailed

to the St. James Auction Committee, Attn: Mary Prill, 615 N. 8th Street, Lafayette, IN 47901. We truly

appreciate your continuing support. Remember – April 21.

2018 INDIANA DISTRICT CONVENTION COUNTDOWN - 19 Weeks Until Convention: All

women are invited to attend the LWML Indiana District Convention, Walk in the Light of the Lord.

When: June 29 – July 1, 2018,

Where: Valparaiso University

Verse: Isaiah 2:5b – … let us walk in the light of the Lord.

Mission Statement: To reflect Jesus’s light to the world

Convention , registration, and housing information will appear in the February Good News.

Registration for the convention is encouraged online. Each society has the opportunity to send two

delegates who will be voting on bylaws, officers, and mission grants. See the Delegate Registration

Form in the upcoming issue of the Good News.

Prayer requests:

Pray for the VP of Missions and Committee as they select grants requests to be presented.

Pray for the SRD VP and Committees as they meet and prepare for the convention.

Pray for the societies as they select their delegates.

Pray for speakers and other special guests as they are being asked.

Pray for a full slate of candidates and those women who have chosen to serve.

Watch for weekly announcements, information, and prayer requests as we count down the weeks to

convention. Start making plans to attend!

“LIFE QUOTES” FROM LUTHERANS FOR LIFE (www.lutheransforlife.org): “My heart goes

out to those struggling with guilt from the secret sin of abortion—a burden carried by millions. These

women and men should not be deprived of the forgiveness Jesus earned for them when they have a

repentant heart. We need to speak up and let them know they can have the forgiveness Jesus bought for

them through His life, death, and resurrection.” Virginia Flo, Lutherans For Life Regional Director of

Minnesota (For those who have made an abortion decision, there is a Word of Hope, Lutherans For

Life’s post-abortion healing ministry. Call 888.217.8679 or e-mail info@word-of-hope.org.)

$ FINANCIAL NEWS FROM MINDY SCHLOTMAN $

WEEKLY OFFERINGS:

January 29 - February 4: $13,151.59

February 5-11: $7,458.63

February 12-18: $12,015

February 19-25: $10,330.61

Feb. 26 - March 4: $14,397.52

February: $43,320.83

$0 $50,000 $100,000 $150,000 $200,000

Income

Expenses

Line of Credit

Income Expenses Line of Credit

February 154137.96 133923.9 60000

February Income and Expenses

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

12 Month Income and Expenses

Income Expenses Line of Credit

56642.11

82368.71

35339.81

0

15000

30000

45000

60000

75000

90000

November December January February

Annual Monthly Offerings

Offering Monthly Offering Goal Monthly

SCHOOL NEWS FROM JAKE ROGERS

With God as our foundation, we educate & equip for service, for Christ,

the mind, heart, and spirit of today’s 21st Century learner.

TESTING: ISTEP testing, Part 1, is complete. Our 3rd graders will now participate in the IREAD-3

reading comprehension tests. We wish our students, and all the schools and students of Indiana God’s

blessings during this 1st phase of testing.

SPRING BREAK: St. James Lutheran School will be on Spring Break March 16-25. We wish God’s

blessings and safe travels to all of our school. Classes resume on Monday, March 26.

ST. JAMES AUCTION: The auction is just around the corner (April 21). Tickets are going fast!

Get yours today! We also could use your donations and baskets. We are so appreciative of everyone’s

generosity of their time, talents, and treasures to make this event such a huge success for our school.

Please keep our school and auction in your prayers as we enter the final few weeks of preparations!

**School families wishing to receive Auction Tuition Assistance for the 2018-2019 school year must

contribute their time, talent, and/or treasure to the auction preparations (does not include attending the

auction), in addition to attending an orientation meeting at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.

Please fill out the point tally sheet.**

UPCOMING DATES:

March 12-16 ........... IREAD-3 Testing

March 16-25 ........... Spring Break

FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT

March 18, 2018

Jeremiah 31:31–34

Hebrews 5:1–10

Mark 10:(32–34) 35–45

In the Holy Sacraments, We Share the Glory of the Cross of Christ

Jesus catechizes His disciples in the way of the cross, revealing that He will be condemned and

put to death “and after three days he will rise” (Mark 10:33–34). But the Twelve do not

understand. Instead, they argue among themselves about who will be the greatest, with James

and John requesting the places of honor on either side of Jesus in His glory. However, Jesus has

come to make Himself the “slave of all” and “to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark

10:43–45). He shares the true glory of His cross with all who are baptized with His Baptism

and with those who drink His cup of salvation, the New Testament in His blood (Mark 10:39).

By these Holy Sacraments, the Lord makes Himself known to all His people, forgiving their

sins “from the least of them to the greatest” (Jeremiah 31:33–34). Though He is the very Son of

God, “he learned obedience through what he suffered” and so became our great High Priest, that

we may enter His glory by the way of His sacrifice (Hebrews 5:8–10).

BIRTHDAYS

Mar. 11 Haley Hamelman, Jessica Kern,

Ray Owens

Mar. 12 Aaron Warner

Mar. 13 Anna Liedtky, Dave Sattler

Mar. 14 Heather Johnson, Barbara

Kirkpatrick

Mar. 15 Betty Burkhardt, Samantha Ford,

Erika Shaw

Mar. 16 Lauren Burkhardt, Lindsey

Burkhardt, Tom Dietel

Mar. 17 Marleigh Bishop, Fletcher Myers,

Tyce Parker, Candy Shaffer

Sun. 3/11

Mon. 3/12

Tue. 3/13

Wed. 3/14

Thu. 3/15

Fri. 3/16

Sat. 3/17

Worship

Adult Education/Sunday School

Worship (C)

“Letter of James” Bible Study

Ladies LifeLight Bible Study - Ruth

Financial Committee Meeting

Ladies LifeLight Bible Study - Proverbs

Lenten Dinner

Lenten Service

7th & 8th Grade (Public School) Confirmation Classes

Coffee Club

Bell Choir Rehearsal

Adult Choir Rehearsal

Thursday Evening Bible Study

Men’s Bible Breakfast

Worship (C)

08:00 AM - 09:00 AM

09:15 AM - 10:15 AM

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

07:00 PM - 09:00 PM

09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

09:30 AM - 11:30 AM

04:45 PM - 05:45 PM

06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

07:00 AM - 07:45 AM

05:30 PM - 06:30 PM

06:30 PM - 07:30 PM

07:00 PM - 08:30 PM

06:00 AM - 07:00 AM

06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

BAPTISMAL BIRTHDAYS

Tom Dietel, Joey Goodspeed, Faith Helton,

Marlene Maassen, Caroline Minjarez,

Matthew Minjarez, Hope Plassard, Joan Tietz,

Nick Walschlager, Anne Wilcox

CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

Please take a moment to sign the Record of Fellowship pad today.

The birthday, anniversary, and baptismal birthday lists are generated from those records.

Bless you as you celebrate!

ANNIVERSARIES

Mar. 12 Ken & Sandy Luedtke (14 years)

Mar. 16 David & Mary Ancil (67 years)

Travis & Peggy Richardson (33 years)

Mar. 17 Kevin & Tamera Bowditch (34 years)

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville, IL 62234

FEATURING

Hank Hanegraaff - The Bible Answer Man Making the Case against Islam and the Prosperity GospelScott Klusendorf - Life Training InstituteMaking the Case for LifeRev. Will Weedon - LCMS Worship Making the Case for GodlinessRev. Hans Fiene - Lutheran SatireMaking the Case for the Centrality of JustificationDr. Angus Menuge - Concordia University Wisconsin Making the Case against ScientismAlso featuring Rev. Jonathan Fisk and Craig Parton during the live broadcast of Issues, Etc.

For information or to register online go to www.issuesetc.org.

REGISTER BY MAIL:

Name __________________________________________________Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________Email __________________________________________________

Mail to:

Issues, Etc., Box 83, Collinsville, IL 62234Registration Fee: $120 payable to “Issues, Etc.”

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

1300 Beltline Road, Collinsville, IL 62234

FEATURING

Hank Hanegraaff - The Bible Answer ManMaking the Case against Islam and the Prosperity GospelScott Klusendorf - Life Training InstituteMaking the Case for LifeRev. Will Weedon - LCMS WorshipMaking the Case for GodlinessRev. Hans Fiene - Lutheran SatireMaking the Case for the Centrality of JustificationDr. Angus Menuge - Concordia University WisconsinMaking the Case against ScientismAlso featuring Rev. Jonathan Fisk and Craig Parton during the live broadcast of Issues, Etc.

For information or to register online go to www.issuesetc.org.

REGISTER BY MAIL:

Name __________________________________________________Address ________________________________________________________________________________________________________Email __________________________________________________

Mail to:

Issues, Etc., Box 83, Collinsville, IL 62234Registration Fee: $120 payable to “Issues, Etc.”

Now is the time to order your Easter lilies and/or spring potted plants to decorate the cross for Easter

Sunday. Orders must be received by March 28, 2018. If paying by check, make it payable to

“St. James” and write “Easter Lilies” in the memo area. The cost for each plant is $15. Thank you.

Please fill out this form and return to:

St. James Lutheran Church

Attn: Nola Hecht

800 Cincinnati Street

Lafayette, IN 47901

I/we, ________________________________________________________

wish to sponsor an Easter plant

in memory of, in honor of, or in celebration of

_____________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________