ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH
(The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod)
Alma, Kansas
A family united by faith in Christ gathering around God's Word and Sacraments.
To reach out in Christ-like concern and Christ-borne love to each other and to those without Christ!
March 2025 Friendship Circle News
Meeting Date: Wednesday, March 19 at 1:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall
Hymn: "Were You There" LSB 456, vv. 1 & 4
Devotion: Rejoice in Hope - given by Ruth Wille
Roll Call: Name your favorite parament color
Bible Study: Women with Jesus at the Cross and Tomb - led by Ruth Wille
Business: Spring Event April 5th, Confirmation
Service Activity: Confirmation Gifts
The next NOISY SUNDAY will be March 30th.
JUBELLATION: JuBellation will continue to practice on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. during lent.
VOICES FOR GOD: This season, the choir practices on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. We have selected some songs that we have done in the past to sing through May. We are still inviting people to sing with us.
LUNCH BUNCH will meet at The Friendly Cooker on March 9th. Join us for fellowship and good food
BOOK STUDY: The bThe group is looking at “The Hammer of God.” They will meet again at 7:00 p.m. on March 6th at Bruce and Kathy Schultz's home and on the 27th at Elaine Becker's home.
CARING NEIGHBORS CANCER FUND: This fund was established in 2015 by a group of local community members whose goal is to financially assist people living in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties who are currently receiving treatment for cancer. The committee’s purpose is to help defray some expenses for patients not covered by health insurance, such as insurance deductibles, airfare, lodging, and food.
Money is generated through donations, memorials, and fundraising events. The fund is a 501(c)3 with no administrative costs since the committee is an all-volunteer team. The criteria for assistance are to be currently receiving cancer treatments and living in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee counties. There is a simple application form that needs to be filled out with two committee members present. The names of those who receive assistance are kept in the strictest confidence. For more information, or to request assistance, you may contact either Chris Day at 785-456-5325 or Donna Goehring at 785-458-9205.
FREE TAX PREPARATION: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation services for individuals and / or households with income of less than $67,000. Volunteer tax assistors prepare Federal Income Tax Returns, Kansas State Returns, and KS Homestead. This assistance will be provided on Thursdays from February 6th through March 27th from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. only at the Alma Community Center located at 1050 Ohio Street. Forms can be picked up at the Alma Library during regular business hours. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. For more information you may call 785-238-2117.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR is now available on a multitude of online platforms beyond traditional radio. People everywhere are being reached weekly with Christ’s messages of love and hope.
Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler has an extensive sermon series planned for the balance of the 2025 broadcast season, which ends in late August. It will explore the Gospel of John. Upcoming guest speakers are familiar to the program’s audience. They will include Rev. Dr. Daniel Paavola, Rev. Dr. Jason Broge, Rev. Keith Haberstock (Lutheran Church – Canada), and Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison (President of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod).
From the Parish Nurse…
We Are What We Eat. . .
One of the recent February flocknotes sent out to members suggested fasting and abstaining from sugars as an action for the day. Abstaining from added sugars isn’t a bad idea at all for any of us. Our desire for sweetness in foods can become a gluttony of over-indulgence and over-consumption. The excessive desire for foods high in fats, added sugars, and refined sugars can lead to a lack of control over one’s health and well-being, resulting in overweight and obesity. The slippery slope of sweetness can be curbed with a conscientious effort to avoid added sugars such as found in soda pop and candy. Perhaps you might substitute a dark chocolate bar for the pop and candy. A good rule of thumb when considering this type of swap is to make sure the dark chocolate is at least 70% cocoa, and that cocoa is the first ingredient listed. High quality dark chocolate should not contain milk. (I checked my favorite dark chocolate pieces and sadly report that they either listed sugar first or were less than 70% cocoa.) So let’s talk a little bit about the benefits of true dark chocolate, i.e. cocoa. Cocoa contains flavonoids which were once known as vitamin P. Flavonoids are a large class of plant compounds found in other foods with vibrant colors such as cherries, citrus fruits, apples, and leafy vegetables, as well as tea and coffee. Flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. The flavonols can protect against sun damage, improve blood flow to the skin, and increase skin density and hydration. Antioxidants improve blood vessel function and reduce the risk of blood clots. Cocoa contains an abundance of antioxidants to protect against cell damage. It’s conceivable that dark chocolate, or cocoa may improve brain function by increasing blood flow. Because cocoa also contains stimulants such as caffeine, consumption should always be done in moderation with consideration for other body system interactions. Self-control is the central action to control any over-indulgent behavior or habit. Choose your foods wisely and consume them with self-control for good nutrition and healthy living.HEALTH CHECK: The Parish Nurse will be available after the service on March 9th to check blood pressures and address any health-related concerns. This is a free service and available for anyone.
Janet Wertzberger, RN
Parish Nurse
In This Month's
St. John Witness
MARCH WITNESS
Miscellaneous News
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