Tell children stories about real life heroes. They will be encouraged.
Lots of folks know something about October 31, 1517, the day on which Martin Luther hammered 95 Theses to the church door for Biblical debate. That was the start of the “Reformation” we say. Not many of us know much about what was going on thirty years later.
By 1547 Luther was dead, and the Gospel message of being right with God only on the basis of His grace, through faith, was seemingly in trouble. The Smalcaldic religious war had broken out, the emperor was killing the first evangelicals, and many were willing to compromise in order to live. However, there are true and wonderful stories of evangelicals who stood fast and feared God more than death. John Frederick the Magnanimous was one such hero.
He believed the Gospel, and he was willing to defend his land and his churches rather than compromise the truth. He bore a huge scar under his left eye after a battle. He was captured, and wouldn’t renounce his faith in Christ alone in exchange for freedom. He was playing chess in prison when he received word that he was to be put to death. He took it calmly, finished his game of chess, and sent a message to his wife and children. He was later freed and died of natural causes. He was reportedly neither panicked nor bitter. He was “magnanimous.” It must have been because his faith was not in man, nor himself, but in the crucified and risen Lord of His life, Jesus. John Frederick, Elector of Saxony, is a hero worth sharing with our children.
The world needs more men and women and children who are magnanimous on account of Christ. We have many! More are needed. For — 500 years after the hammering that launched the Reformation — the world is not a better place, because we’re not better.
But in Christ, God is truly magnanimous. And trustworthy. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
This Saturday we are dedicating new white paraments in the Chancel. To the glory of God we set apart these paraments that will be used at future All Saints and Epiphany Services. They were purchased with memorial funds in memory of our former member, Bobbie Conour, by her husband and others. Bobbie died in Christ earlier this year. Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Bring your LSB hymn requests to the Lutheran Care Center Congregational Service here at St. John’s today at 3:00pm. After the brief Service, we’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall with members of many LCC owner congregations for the “Pastors’ Bake-Off” auction. All proceeds go to the LCC Care Campaign.
Catechism Bible Study
Our Catechism Bible Study is the path toward membership for those who wish to learn what Lutherans believe and practice. It’s also an excellent refresher for all members who desire to review the faith. The next five-week series will be Tuesdays, November 3, 10, 17, 24 and December 1. Each class is from 6:00-8:00pm, and participants will prepare for each session with readings from Luther’s Small Catechism (and the Scriptures included in it). Who will you invite to study alongside you?
Response to the Gospel
Our Attendance Last Week
Sunday October 25: 391
Sunday School: 41
Adult Sunday School: 45
Lifelight: 14
Our Offering
Sunday October 25: $7,190.15
Online Offering: $3,979.00
Total Gen. Fun : $11,169.15
Stewardship Moments
All Saints’ Day – Matthew 5:7 – “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” This is one of many Bible passages that remind us that we reap what we sow. Likewise, what God puts into us (His own love, mercy, kindness and generosity) — flows back out of us. It all starts with His self-giving.
LCMS Foundation
You need help to construct a good estate plan and the gift plan within it to family and ministry. But it is also true that no one else can tell you what your plan must look like. God has given you the responsibility to steward these assets. You should never go to your attorney expecting them to tell you what your estate plan is. You go with goals and lean on them to legally and clearly lay them out so that they are carried out. Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can help you begin working on your goals for family and ministry gifts. Contact Scott Radden @ 618-977-4049 or scott.radden@lfnd.org.
Regarding Offering Envelopes
If you are giving your offerings online & no longer wish to use envelopes, please let us know in the church office so we may release your envelope number. If you are currently not using offering envelopes, but would like to, please contact the office. Deadline is Tues., Nov. 17th
The Haiti Hunger Fight Breakfast is just one week away on Nov 8. Support Trinity Hope! Support the children of Haiti with meals and readiness to hear the Good News About Jesus! While the breakfast will include eggs and ham, you are also urged to experience a bit of what the children of Haiti truly appreciate receiving: rice and beans. The Evangelism Board is preparing a batch of the life-sustaining beans and rice that Trinity Hope provides. We hope you’ll try a small amount … and you’ll help Trinity Hope feed kids!
It’s time to set your clocks back 1 hour Sunday, Nov 1st
Operation Christmas Child
How to pack a shoebox: Get a standard size shoebox, wrap it (optional). Pack with items like toiletries, school supplies, flashlights and sunglasses. DO NOT include soap, candy, toothpaste, gum, used or damaged items, scary or war-related items, seeds, food, liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items or aerosol cans.
The Flock
Join in fun and fellowship this Sunday evening, November 1st at Pastor and Kathy’s house! 7:00 – 8:00p.m. 717 S First St.
Poinsettias
The 8” poinsettia will be $22. Please place your orders in the office by Sunday, December 4.
Angel Tree
It’s time again to bring new, unwrapped toys to the Atrium for the FISH program.
Youth Corner
Music Jam
November 15 from 4:00 – 7:00 The youth board is planning a fun night of music and fellowship! Come hungry, as they will be serving Sloppy Joes, Hot Dogs, Chips, Veggies, Dessert & Drinks. Free Will Offering If you have a musical talent to share, please sign up on the bulletin board. You can sing, play an instrument or participate in Karaoke! All members are invited and encouraged to come enjoy an evening with your church family!
Life Quote
“I would also like to remind you that we are part of something much bigger than a nation or a political party: the Kingdom of God. It is the eternal reign of God that shows itself in time, and it can do things we think impossible. It is the true source of justice and peace and our shelter when the storms of life are raging. No matter what happens … in the days to come, our hope is in the true King, Jesus Christ, who works through, around, or in spite of our human institutions.” Rev. Chris Wheatley – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • lutheransforlife.org
Sunday School Christmas Program
The program will be December 20 at 10:30. If you would like to help in planning, let Kathy Burdick or Kiley Bohnhoff know.
Soup Supper
St. Paul Blue Point Ladies Aid will host their Annual Soup Supper on Sunday, November 8 starting at 4:00.
Altar Flowers
If you are interested in placing altar flowers for the weekend of November 14/15th, please sign up on the calendar in the atrium.
Chili Supper and Bake Sale
St. John’s Louisville November 1 from 4:00-7:00.
Office Closed
The Church office will be closed Wednesday, November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day. There will be confirmation classes.
This Week’s Sunday School Lesson
Lesson 10
“A Basket of Hope” is today’s lesson in which participants explore the birth of Moses. Three hundred years after the death of Joseph, Egypt’s new pharaoh despises the Hebrews. Pharaoh demands greater work output from the Hebrew slaves while seeking to reduce their population through infanticide. Moses’ mother manages to hide baby Moses until he is three months old, when she finally sets him afloat in a basket. Discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses enters a life of privilege.
Go up to the balcony around the Atrium and spend time reading the history timeline. People are saying it’s pretty fascinating.
Prayer List
Ted Meislahn, Derek Robertson, Kay Klepzig, Steve Rubin, Alan Phelps, Terry Simmons, Lynn Kuhn, Eileen Wall, Kathy Shingler, Audrey Thoman and family at the death of her mother, Gerry Thoman.
Food Pantry
For the month of Nov., the food pantry could use chili beans, tomato juice, elbow noodles and tuna helper. They no longer need egg cartons or plastic bags.
Greeting Cards
Orders are due today!
Birthdays This Week
11-01 Anna Rieman, Jackson Fritch
11-02 Brendan Keller, Kyle Pennington, Synda Overbeck, Tate Bloemer, Walter Koester
11-04 Dan Jansen, Kiley Bohnhoff, Roberta Jenkins
11-05 Christina Kinkelaar, Mike Cushman, Nolan Bohnhoff
11-06 Brian Milleville, Jason Niebrugge, Kim Rogers
11-07 Avery Nelson, Joyce Barr
Anniversaries This Week
11-03 Dutch & Emily Klitzing
11-07 Jeffrey & Erin McDevitt
Church Directories
There are new directories in the atrium. Please enjoy one per household.
CALENDAR
November 1 – November 7, 2026
Sunday 1
8:00 a.m. Worship w/HC – All Saint’s Day
9:15 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Worship w/HC – All Saint’s Day
3:00 p.m. LCC Service
6:00 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran High School
7:00 p.m. The Flock (Burdicks’)
Monday 2
5:15 p.m. Choir Practice
7:00 p.m. Lutheran Care Board
Tuesday 3
5:30 p.m. Board of Trustees
5:30 p.m. Board of Christian Education
5:30 p.m. Lydia Guild
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Adult Confirmation Class
Wednesday 4
9:30 a.m. Preschool Chapel
10:00 a.m. Bible Study
10:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Quilting
1:00 p.m. Office Staff Meeting and Devotion
5:00 p.m. Confirmation
Thursday 5
9:30 a.m. Preschool Chapel
12:00 p.m. Food Pantry Volunteer Luncheon
5:15 p.m. Bell Practice
Friday 6
Pastor Burdick Sabbath
Saturday 7
8:00 a.m. Band Practice
8:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study
8:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study
9:30 – 11:00 a.m. E.A.S.T.E.R.
5:30 p.m. Worship w/HC – Bells
Card Shower
George and Ann Young will celebrate 75 years of marriage on Nov. 11. Cards can be mailed to: Lutheran Care Center, 702 W Cumberland Rd #11, Altamont, IL 62411.