Sunday School

If you still need to register your child for the 2008-09 Sunday School year please contact Beth Anderson.

Mail checks made out to St. John’s Lutheran to: Beth Anderson, 12831 Link Drive Shakopee, MN 55379 Questions, call Beth @ 952-445-0784.

We are looking for additional volunteers for our Sunday School program. We are in need of teachers and are interested in providing an even easier schedule/commitment than we’ve had in the past. If there are enough volunteers, we will be able to offer even more flexible scheduling. All confirmed members are invited! If you aren’t interested in teacher, but would like to help in another way, there are plenty of other opportunities, even on a one-time basis, so please contact Beth or Jonette for more information.

We will be accepting general craft supplies again this year. We do NOT need crayons (new or used) or markers. Some of the following would be greatly appreciated:

Digital camera

Felt pieces to use with felt boards for younger students (preferably biblical figures)

Video playback equipment (TVs/DVD players/VCRs)(in working order, please)

Construction paper (particularly low on yellow and green)

Plastic Easter eggs (if you notice them on sale, we can use them)

“Apples to Apples” and other bible-themed games

A Message from Karena

“He Himself is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

~ Colossians 1:17

There is so much hate in the world we live in. Just look around, and I bet you will see it. We can see it on TV programs when different characters get in fights with each other, but we see it in our everyday lives too. America is at war right now. If that isn’t hate, I don’t know what is. Hate doesn’t have to be that big, however. Even at sporting events we have rivals. The Shakopee/Prior Lake rival seems to be all in good fun, but why do we have to have rivals and hate in the first place? With all this hate all around us, it seems like nothing can bring everyone together.

There is one thing that comes to mind though. I don’t know how it happens but when this one event comes along, it seems as though the whole world is there, cheering. It’s the Olympics! The 2008 Summer Olympics happen this month, and I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait! I love the Olympics! I’m sure everyone can think of their favorite Olympic moments, even if they weren’t alive to actually see them. One Olympic moment that I wasn’t around for was the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team winning the gold medal. I feel like I was around for it though, because I saw the movie Miracle, which makes me think, I’m not the only person who’s crazy about the Olympics. I actually do remember when Kerri Strug had to land a vault… perfectly… on one foot, what?!

The Olympics brings out the best in people. It makes people work just a little harder, and have just a little more heart at their sport. It brings America together, because we are all rooting for our favorite athletes. The Olympics brings the world together. We may not all be cheering for the same athlete, but we are all looking on, watching and cheering. I think that this is just how God intended life to be. He wants His children to look out for each other and cheer each other on. I think He hates it when we hate each other. So this August as you are watching the Olympics and cheering, remember the people in your everyday life that could probably use a little cheering on too and share God’s love with them too.

CONFIRMATION

Our new and original Confirmation Ministry, “SOAR” will begin with an orientation and registration event at 6:30pm on Wednesday night, September 3.  All those entering grade seven, eight or nine are encouraed and invited to attend with their parents.  The first SOAR classes begin on September 10 at 6:00pm with a Simple Supper at St. John’s, with worship to follow at 6:30pm for all ages, and led by our confirmation students.  “SOAR” stands for

Spirit Led

Offering Ourselves

Affirming God’s Grace

Responding to God’s Call

SOAR will encourage a growing faith and discipleship in Jesus Christ.  SOAR Disciples will be confirmed this fall on October 26.