Why the Reformation? Is it Still Relevant?

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Written by Joan Crouse Joan Crouse

Created: October 06 2016 October 06 2016

2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Saint John’s Lutheran Church began this anniversary year with a special presentation on November 3, 2016: “Why the Reformation? Is it Still Relevant?”

Rev. Dr. Rod Rosenbladt (Ph.D. University of Strasbourg), professor emeritus of Systematic Theology and Apologetics (Concordia University, Irvine, California), co-host of the White Horse Inn radio program and author of works including Christ Alone and “The Gospel for those Broken by the Church,” shed light on the reasons for the Protestant Reformation and its ongoing significance for the Church today.

What started on the Eve of All Saints Day, 1517, with Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses Against Indulgences, would greatly impact Western culture, affecting and changing the economic, political and social landscape of sixteenth-​century Europe. However, the Reformers’ primary concern was seeking the pure and clear teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, setting it free from the shackles of medieval theology and practices that had obscured and distorted Jesus’ person and work.

A New Church Brochure!

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Written by Joan Crouse Joan Crouse

Created: September 02 2015 September 02 2015

The Board of Outreach is happy to finally have a new church brochure! This bright and colorful piece shows Saint John’s in action and gives visitors and prospective members a glimpse at our church family.

The brochures are available at the Welcome Center. Please take one if you’d like one for yourself or—especially—if you have someone to pass it along to. The brochures will also be placed at the Fort Collins Visitor Center and out at the State Welcome Center (on Prospect Road) soon.

Pastor Nettleton’s message reads:

We are delighted and honored to have you visit us! At Saint John’s we joyfully believe, teach and confess the Biblical teaching that by His death and resurrection Jesus Christ has won forgiveness, life and salvation for us and all people.

As the Holy Spirit has called and gathered us together to be His church in this place, God richly and abundantly strengthens and nourishes our faith with His gifts of Word and Sacrament. Gathered around Christ’s life-giving gifts, we serve one another and our neighbors near and far with the grace, love and mercy He has shown us. We hope and pray that God will move you to join us in this life we share together in Christ!

We hope you like this new publication piece. Please let a board member—RoxAnn Karkhoff-Schweizer, Pastor Nettleton, Tom Miles or Tracy Young—know if you have any ideas about improvements or other places where we might be able to put the brochure to let our community know about Saint John’s!

The Board of Outreach enlists God’s people at Saint John’s in the work of spreading the gospel to the unchurched and works to deepen the faith and activity of the members of the congregation.

Website Updates

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Written by Joan Crouse Joan Crouse

Created: January 27 2014 January 27 2014

We’ve been working hard on tidying up and improving this site, and would appreciate your feedback.

In November and December, Bob Gann updated the site to a newer framework that has made the site responsive, cleaner and a bit easier to manage. The look is mostly the same, but the underlying technology is more up-to-date.

Mary Harp, one of our faithful office volunteers, has been working to keep the banners at the top of the page current. She’s also been putting up fresh content at our Facebook page every week. If you have a Facebook account, you really ought to “Like” Saint John’s. You’ll then see the photos and event announcements that Mary puts up and be able to take part in the conversations that happen in the online Saint John’s community.

We continue to offer the bulletin and message from each worship service for viewing/listening and download right on the front page (with older services available on the “Worship” page). And you can now share Saint John’s worship live with your friends and family from out of town or who may not be able to make it to Saint John’s! Look for the “Website UpdatesWorship Stream” link on the left side of the page (it’s under the Facebook link). All of our services are streamed live after a brief ad (which allows us to stream for free).

Tom Miles is the Parish Administrator at Saint John’s. You can reach him at the church office Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm, at 482-5316 or at miles@StJohnsFC.org.

Share the Celebration

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Written by Kevin Seiler Kevin Seiler

Created: November 22 2011 November 22 2011

Here we are again. What a wonderful time for Christians! Advent, Christmas—the celebration of Jesus’ birth are times to rejoice. Are you making plans for all the festivities, and most importantly, for sharing your faith? The Board of Outreach would like to encourage everyone to think, plan and pray for opportunities to invite someone you know to share in the celebration of Christmas.

There will be a Family Service on Sunday, December 18, a single service that is enjoyed by all. It is a popular service that includes the children, youth and adults that brings blessings and a smile while worshiping our Lord. This year it will be a joyful service that will help us rejoice in our Savior’s birth.

On Christmas Eve, there will be two candlelight services with special music and a celebration for anyone to enjoy.

The Christmas Day service is a joyful way to truly get our hearts focused on what Christmas means to Christians everywhere—the Christ coming to live among us.

The Outreach Board has looked at how to best use available funds toward advertising and try to reach as many as possible with information about Saint John’s festival services. We also think the most effective way to bring people into Christ’s church over the holiday season is by a personal invitation. We are asking you to be aware of the people in your personal circle outside the church who don’t have a church home. These people could be neighbors, co-workers, friends, family members, bank tellers, or even people who check your groceries with whom you have a relationship. If you have someone specific in mind, pray for the opportunity to invite them. Pray for the words to say with love and sharing the good news of the gospel. Pray for courage that you may be bold in sharing Christ’s love with those who do not know the peace and comfort that comes with a humble Savior, born in a manger some 2000 years ago.

There will be invitations printed and handed out on Sunday mornings with the information detailing Saint John’s festival services. We encourage you to take them and get them into the hands of those who do not have plans for worship around the Christmas season. All you can do is invite, follow up with prayer, and let God work in their hearts. He can change hearts, we cannot.

My wife shared a devotion with me from Oswald Chambers. It focuses on this passage, from John 7:38: “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Then Chambers goes on, “A river reaches places which its source never knows.” Jesus is the Source. “If we have received his fullness, ‘rivers of living water’ will flow out of us, reaching in blessing ‘to the end of the earth.’” Chambers talks on about how the river moves around obstacles, obstacles that give us doubt, or fear, or insecurities. But if we focus on the Source, he will take us around or remove the obstacle. “Never focus your eyes on the obstacle or the difficulty.”

Chambers finishes the devotion with these words: “If you believe in Jesus, you will find that God has developed and nourished in you mighty, rushing rivers of blessing for others.”

Be a blessing to others and give someone the best Christmas gift that you may ever give—a simple invitation to join us in a Christmas Celebration.

The Board of Outreach enlists God’s people at Saint John’s in the work of spreading the gospel to the unchurched and works to deepen the faith and activity of the members of the congregation.

Final Signage Project News

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Written by Dorothy Hull Dorothy Hull

Created: December 24 2010 December 24 2010

The Board of Outreach joins the congregation in celebrating the final completion of the exterior signage project. This past month, additional funds were donated by a variety of individuals and families to enable the lighting to be completed on the exterior signs. Our church is now a more visible and friendly place to worship and attend evening services, meetings, and programs, especially in these dark winter months.

Again, thank you to all who have made the signage project a success. If you have questions, please contact any member of the Board of Outreach for additional information.

This is the new sign on the Elizabeth Street side of the church, pointing guests to the lower office door.

This sign is attached to the flower bed in front of the old front doors facing Elizabeth Street. Note that we’re now calling the Sanctuary the “Worship Center” in a move to make our churchy nomenclature a bit more visitor-friendly.

We have three signs guiding guests to the parking lot behind the church, one at each entrance. This is the one on Elizabeth Street.

This is the parking lot sign off of Garfield Street.

There is a new sign pointing visitors to the church offices, the felllowship halls and the preschool. It’s near the entrance by the Large Fellowship Hall.

Finally, this placard-type sign was added above the “new” main entrance on the south side of the church.

The Board of Outreach enlists God’s people at Saint John’s in the work of spreading the gospel to the unchurched and works to deepen the faith and activity of the members of the congregation.

A Little Farther to Go

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Written by Dorothy Hull Dorothy Hull

Created: November 01 2010 November 01 2010

Anyone who has visited the church in the last month has probably noticed that the long-awaited exterior signs around the church building were installed. Saint John’s now has signs on the north side of the church building to guide visitors to the Worship Center, church office and fellowship halls, a large sign over the south entrance of the building and signs at each of the entrances to the parking lot (at Elizabeth, Mathews and Garfield Streets). The Board of Outreach is celebrating the completion of this portion of the signage project!

The final phase of this endeavor, which the Board of Outreach will be addressing in the coming months, is choosing light fixtures and wiring the signs. It is important that the exterior signs be lit up and visible at night to help guide people to evening worship services, music concerts and other evening meetings, especially as the winter months bring shorter days.

An original misquote for the cost of the lighting and installation means that the board needs a small amount of additional funding in the coming months to complete this portion of the signage project, and asks for your prayerful consideration in addressing this need. The new estimate is approximately $500. If you would like to donate to this need, please indicate in the memo of your check “signage lighting” and drop it in the collection plate or deliver it to the church office. Once the Board of Outreach raises this final $500, they will immediately move forward to complete the project.

The Board of Outreach would like to thank all who have made the interior and exterior signage projects such a wonderful success. The gifts of time and talent you have provided have made the goal of making the church building a more welcoming place to visitors and members has become a reality!

The Board of Outreach enlists God’s people at Saint John’s in the work of spreading the gospel to the unchurched and works to deepen the faith and activity of the members of the congregation.

Signage Project Funded!

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Written by Dorothy Hull Dorothy Hull

Created: June 30 2010 June 30 2010

The exterior signage project is a go! Thanks to donations from members and from the Saint John’s Foundation, the project is now fully funded. The Saint John’s Lutheran Foundation provided a significant portion of the money from its undesignated fund and from a couple of memorial funds. In addition, many individuals made special donations. Thank you to all who contributed to the Signage Fund Project!

As you have no doubt noticed, the new blue interior signs are already up, placed at strategic locations throughout the church building to mark rooms around the church and to help guide visitors to appropriate locations. The Board of Outreach is now ordering the exterior signs, including a large sign outside the south entrance, several signs on the north side of the church, guiding visitors to the Sanctuary, office and Fellowship Halls, and signs at each of the entrances to the parking lot—on Elizabeth, Mathews and Garfield Streets. Each of the signs will be wired for lighting.

It will take some time to assemble and install the signs. Each sign will be hewn from sandstone to match the current exterior Saint John’s sign located on the north side of the church and installed with appropriate lighting once they arrive. The Board of Outreach hopes to complete installation sometime prior to the arrival of winter. Watch the newsletter and bulletin for progress reports!

Again, thank you to all who have made this signage project such a wonderful success. If you have questions, please contact any member of the Board of Outreach for additional information.

By the way, if you tune in to AM 600 KCOL, listen for the radio spots promoting Saint John’s special Independence Day services. Let a Board member know if you hear the ads!

The Board of Outreach enlists God’s people at Saint John’s in the work of spreading the gospel to the unchurched and works to deepen the faith and activity of the members of the congregation.

Signage Project Fundraising

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Written by Dorothy Hull Dorothy Hull

Created: April 23 2010 April 23 2010

Have you noticed the new signs in the church building? Our Signage Project is moving forward! Many thanks to the Board of Trustees and the Board of Outreach members, who mounted the great-looking blue signs. These interior signs will make our building more accessible to guests and visitors!

The Board of Outreach extends a big “Thank you” to the Foundation and to the members who have so donated so generously to this project. We have raised $2,450 so far. This covers the $500 cost of the interior signs and leaves just $2,100 left to collect to complete Phase II, the exterior signs.

The exterior signs will include a large sign at the south entrance, signs on the north side of the church building, parking signs at the three entrances to the lot and improved lighting for better sign visibility at night events. They will be hewn from the same type of sandstone that was used to create the large sign in front of the church. We will save money by having all of the signs cut and installed at the same time.

Please continue to make your donations toward this project’s final phase! Write “signage” in the memo line of your check and drop it into the Sunday collection plate or deliver it to the church office.

Speaking of signage: watch for a fun upcoming fun event for the ole’ historic “Office” finger sign currently on the north side of the building. The Outreach Board is planning to sell the sign in a silent auction. Watch the bulletin for information!

If you have questions, please contact any member of the Board of Outreach.

The Board of Outreach enlists God’s people at Saint John’s in the work of spreading the gospel to the unchurched and works to deepen the faith and activity of the members of the congregation.

Signage Project Proposal

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Written by Dorothy Hull Dorothy Hull

Created: January 28 2010 January 28 2010

On November 15, the Board of Outreach shared information about a fund raising project for additional signage needed inside and outside of the Saint John’s building. Since that date, $350 has been donated to the initial Foundation fund that was available for the project.

Additional donations, however, are still needed to cover the entire cost for all the signs to help guide visitors to appropriate locations at Saint John’s. If you would like to join those who have already contributed toward the signage project, please designate the term “signage” on your donation in the coming weeks and months and drop it in the collection plate or drop your donation off at the church office.

The Board of Outreach enlists God’s people at Saint John’s in the work of spreading the gospel to the unchurched and works to deepen the faith and activity of the members of the congregation.

Saint John's Tumbler Project

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Written by Dorothy Hull Dorothy Hull

Created: January 28 2010 January 28 2010

Many of you have purchased the great looking Saint John’s tumblers to support the local first-time visitors project. The dark blue tumblers with the Saint John’s logo will continue to be available for sale for $15 at the Welcome Center after services or during the week at the church office. They make great gifts for friends or loved ones or for yourself!

The proceeds from the sale of tumblers are used to continue the project of providing tumblers in the gift bags for first-time local visitors. The blue Saint John’s gift bags, which contain information about Saint John’s and the tumbler, have been well-received by local people visiting our church for the first time. Remember to take a moment to welcome newcomers and invite them back to Saint John’s!

The Board of Outreach would like to thank all who have participated in setting up this wonderful outreach project and the more than 24 members who have volunteered to greet first time local visitors after services on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in helping to greet our visitors, please contact Dorothy Hull or Cheryl Poole of the Board of Outreach.

The Board of Outreach enlists God’s people at Saint John’s in the work of spreading the gospel to the unchurched and works to deepen the faith and activity of the members of the congregation.