St. John's Lutheran Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
For the week of February 25, 2018
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The 2018 St. John's Devotional Booklet is available in the Church Narthex, School Office or by clicking the button below.
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Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
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Second Sunday in Lent
February 25, 2018
“Get Behind Me"
Pastor Ben Roberts
Old Testament: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Epistle: Romans 5:1-11
Holy Gospel: Mark 8:27-38
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Give Up!
A Lenten Midweek Series based on the Passion of St. Mark
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Many people give up something for Lent. Popular items include meat, chocolate or coffee. This is a kind of “fast” for many, a way to focus on Jesus as they journey to the cross. But while “fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training”, what about what’s
inside
of you? How do those things get in the way of following Jesus? Could you “give them up” for Lent…and beyond?
This series focuses on just that: “giving up” things to the Lord that get in the way of receiving His grace and love. To help us focus, we will be looking at this through the lens of St. Mark and selected accounts from his Passion of Jesus Christ. We will see the challenges, the struggles and the blessings of “giving up” everything to the Lord in order to receive everything from Him this Lent.
- 2/28: Give Up…Your Pride (Mark 14:26-31)
- 3/7: Give Up…Control (Mark 14:43-50)
- 3/14: Give Up…Your Façade (Mark 14:66-72)
- 3/21: Give Up…Your Expectations (Mark 15:1-15)
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Midweek Lenten Worship Services
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
(February 28 - March 21)
Lenten Supper Schedule
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
(February 28 - March 21)
School Gymnasium
Free-will offering
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Baptism of Abigail Adrienne Cornelius
Sunday at 8:00 a.m.
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We welcome this new member of the body of Christ,
Abigail Adrienne Cornelius
during our 8:00 a.m. Worship Service this Sunday. Before Abigail's baptism, her parents, Caron and Stefanie responded to these questions in preparation for this day:
Why are you getting Abigail baptized?
We hope for Abigail Adrienne to learn the Word and values of God and to welcome her into the congregation.
Why at St. John’s?
This church holds a special meaning to us as it was the location of Confirmation for the mother and her two sisters. It is where we share the word and many celebrations of God with our whole family. The baptismal ceremony at St. John's Lutheran is beautiful and meaningful.
What does baptism mean to you and your family?
Confirming our faith and for the admission of Abigail Adrienne into the Lutheran Church. We hope to teach and lead her to uphold Christian values with the help of her Godparent.
What sort of support to you want from St. Johns? What kind of connection do you want to make at St. Johns? With the congregation as well as your baptismal sponsors?
We always feel a warm welcome from the congregation and Pastors. We'd love for you to come by and say hello and introduce you to our one year old daughter. Thoughts and prayers for a healthy and fulfilling life are appreciated.
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Ordination of Mark Stapleton
Sunday, March 17, 2018
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The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has given their blessing to move forward with the Ordination of Mark Stapleton. The date of Ordination and Installation will be Saturday, March 17, 2018. The time still needs to be determined. Mark's new position will be Associate Pastor.
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St. John's New Financial Manager
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Welcome of Julianne Rauch as Financial Manager
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We are pleased to welcome Julie Rauch as our new Financial Manager. Many of you will remember her as Julie Stolarczyk, a student of St. John's School and as a young member of the Church. Julie and her husband, Steve who also has strong ties to St. John's, and their sons Aaron and Adam live in Downers Grove.
Julie received her college degree in Accounting and Business Administration, is a CPA and has audit experience with the State of Illinois and financial experience with a High School in Arizona. She is well qualified for the position, and has interpersonal skills that will fit in well at St. John's.
Julie will be transitioning with Margo Spiess during the next months. Please welcome her back to St. John's when you see her. -
Bob Roth, Chairman, Board of Finance
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Sunday Morning Children's Message
8:00 & 10:45 a.m. (Leader: Marnie Smith)
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The end of the Gospel lesson tells about being ashamed of Jesus and His message. When we see our flag or watch the American Olympians on the podium, we are proud to hear the National Anthem. We cheer for our athletes from the U. S. That is the opposite of being ashamed!
How could we act ashamed of Jesus? This might be when we miss the chance to tell others about Him. Sometimes if people swear, we may also do this, to try to fit in. We may be afraid to say we are a Christian because someone might make fun of us. Jesus is not ashamed of us, though we are sinners. He loved us so much that He gave up His life for us. We can proudly say we are Christians!
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Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
9:25 - 10:25 a.m. (Heritage Room)
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The Reformation in Broader Context:
Movements, Leaders and Legacies
Leader: Kirk Farney
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The Reformation in Broader Context: Movements, Leaders and Legacies
// Sunday, February 25, 9:25 a.m. // Heritage Room // Includes video, lecture and discussion. We will examine key pre-Reformation reformers of the 14th and 15th century, followed by a study of the Reformed movement, the English Reformation, the Anabaptist movements, and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. We will conclude with a brief review of the post-Luther Lutheranism.
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New Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study, Beginning March 4
"Let Me Tell You a Story"
Parables for Lent
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“And He told them many things in parables…” (Matthew 13:3) And with good reason: everyone loves a good story. But with Jesus, He not only is the master story-teller; He tells stories that
make us good
. And this is especially good news during the season of Lent. This 4-week Bible Study will focus on some of the parables Jesus told, but we will view them through the lens of Lent, the time when we focus on our sin and our Savior. Come, renew and rejoice as Jesus tells us a story…for our forgiveness, life and salvation.
3/4: Parables of JUSTICE
The Pharisee and the Tax-Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
The Wedding Feast and The Great Banquet (Luke 14:7-24)
3/11: Parables of MERCY
The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)
The Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35)
3/18: Parables of GRACE
The Laborers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16)
The Hidden Treasure and The Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44-46)
3/25: Parables of DEATH and LIFE
The Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46)
The Sower (Matthew 13:1-8, 18-23)
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Sunday School Education Hour
9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
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Intergenerational Sunday
// Sunday, February 25, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. // Meet in the upstairs Music Room then proceed to School Gym // Our November intergenerational service day was so much fun that families requested to do it again in the Spring and February 25 is our next opportunity to serve! We will partner with the Evangelism Team and stuff Easter eggs for an Easter egg hunt. We will also make cards for the older folks through Interfaith Community Partners and make crosses to give to the families at the Muffins & Donuts and Moms & Dads celebration. Coloring cards for Phil's Friends will be another activity. Jesus calls us to love our neighbors and this is a tangible way to share His love. It is also good to serve side by side. There will be refreshments.
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Candy Donations Needed:
An Egg-citing Easter activity is rolling out that will involve our Church, School and neighbors. Candy donations are needed to fill 2,400 plastic eggs and will be greatly appreciated. Please drop off bags of candy in the Narthex (next to the coffee hour area) or in the school office between now and March 1st. Email
j.strasser@sjlagrange.com
with questions. Thank You!
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Feed My Starving Children Service Event
// Saturday, March 10, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. // Feed My Starving Children Site in Schaumburg IL // Join the Sunday School families at Feed My Starving Children for this wonderful service opportunity. Please sign-up in the back of church or R.S.V.P. to Sherrie Smith at
s.smith@sjlagrange.com
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High School Bible Study
9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
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Real life is long on law and short on grace. The guilt, anxiety, and uncertainty of daily life are heavy burdens for all, and we're in need of some relief. In this 6 part video-based study, author Tullian Tchividjian shows that Christianity is not about good people getting better. Rather, it is good news for bad people coping with their failure to be good.
One Way Love
calls the Church to abandon our play-it-safe religion, and to embrace God’s unflinching grace. Each 10-15 minute video includes teaching, as well as interviews with individuals who have experienced this freedom. Discussion guide and questions will follow each video. Come and grow in your faith as you dig deep into God’s Word and (re)discover God’s grace for you in Jesus Christ!
When:
Sunday mornings, 9:25-10:25 a.m., 6 weeks (Feb. 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 11, 18)
Where:
Youth Room (downstairs, just off St. John’s Lutheran School Extended Care)
Who:
All High Schoolers, led by Pastor Ben and Mrs. Roberts
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Calling All Senior Youth!
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Let’s GET OUR GAME ON and spend an evening playing some great games at Pastor Ben and Mrs. Roberts’ house! Enjoy some snacks. Play fair. And WINNER TAKE ALL!
When:
Friday, March 16
th
, 2018 from 7-9:30 p.m.
Where:
The Roberts Home
Who:
All Senior Youth (9
th
-12
th
)
Why:
To play games and have an awesome time!
Bring a snack if you’d like, but not necessary. Contact Pastor Ben at (720)-357-5626 or
b.roberts@sjlagrange.com
for home address or for more info. See you there!
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Scholarships available for the
LUTHERAN SUMMER MUSIC ACADEMY AND FESTIVAL
Don’t miss out on Lutheran Summer Music (LSM). LSM is a residential performance and training program for young musicians grades 8 – 12. LSM is hosted on different Lutheran college and university campuses each summer. Join over 25 nationally recognized faculty artists and a team of dedicated counselors in our supportive, academic community. This year it is being held at Valparaiso University from July 1 – 15, 2018 (Half Session); and July 1 – 29, 2018 (Full Session).
Please contact David Lincoln at
d.lincoln@sjlagrange.com
for information on the scholarship application process. Any student from St. John’s Church can apply for a partial scholarship. This is made possible by the Eugene Pepich Lutheran Music Summer Camp Scholarship Program.
The DEADLINE to apply for a scholarship is Sunday, February 25, 2018
. Don’t delay as you can save $100 if you apply by February 28, 2018.
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Volunteers Needs for the "Media Presentations Team"
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The Board of Information Systems is looking for volunteers to assist in the creation of Media Presentations used for the screens in the Sanctuary, Narthex, and School Hallways. By publicizing the highlights of upcoming events visibly on the screens, we can better inform everyone, including guests about the great opportunities at St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. General computer knowledge is a plus and one of the programs that can be used is Microsoft Power Point, or any other program that you prefer that creates picture images (jpeg, gif, png, tiff, bmp, etc…). Please contact David Lincoln at
d.lincoln@sjlagrange.com
for information on how to join the “Media Presentations Team”
.
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Weekly Bible Studies
Various Days/Times
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Parenting Bible Study: Spiritual Parenting
Sundays at 9:25 a.m.
(Nursery - Classroom 101)
We are currently studying "Raising Godly Children in an Ungodly World" by Ken and Steve Ham.
Participants will discover that the legacy we leave for our children begins as we love the Lord and accept His Word as our authority, committing to use it to guide us in all areas of our lives.
Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Study
Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.
(Heritage Room)
Early Risers Bible Study
Thursday at 6:15 a.m.
(Heritage Room)
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Men's Weekly Bible Study
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
(Heritage Room)
Beginning March 1 through May 24 we will be studying the second half of the Book of Acts. Questions? Talk with Pete Johnson or contact the Church Office, (708) 354-1690 x210
Give it a try!
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SAVE THE DATE!
A Youth Retreat for the Sixth - Eighth Graders will be held on Friday evening, April 20, 2018. More information will follow.
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St. John's Chapter LWML Meeting
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St. John's Chapter of Lutheran Women in Mission Meeting
// Tuesday, February 27, 7:00 p.m. // Heritage Room // It is really amazing to learn of all the fantastic outreach and Christian witness this organization does both locally and throughout the world. Come and hear all about it and enjoy the fellowship of other Lutheran women. Even if you can only come once, you will be glad you did!
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News from the Church Office
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The Flower Chart for 2018 is now posted in the Narthex on the left brick pillar as you walk into the sanctuary. You may sign-up for flowers for a special Sunday in 2018. Perhaps you want to remember a loved one; have a special occasion or anniversary; or thank God for blessings? Flowers are $42 for two arrangements. If you wish to sign up for a particular Sunday and someone else has already signed up, we invite you to sign up in addition to another person giving flowers – you can split the $42 cost with the person signed up or purchase an additional two arrangements for $42. Multiple floral arrangements to beautify the altar are always welcome! A member of the Altar Guild will contact you in advance for your dedication.
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Top 10 Reasons to Volunteer to be an Usher
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10) You get to wear an usher badge
9) You get to be part of the pageantry involved in worshipping our Lord
8) You get to control the sanctuary lighting for special services; ie Good Friday
7) You get to unlock and/or lock the church doors
6) You get to hand out the bulletins
5) You get to sit in the back of the church
4) You get to ring the church bell
3) You get to help our church in welcoming guests
2) You will get to know our membership
And the number 1 reason for becoming an usher:
1) You get to “Serve the Lord”
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Church Photo Directory Submission
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Our church database allows us to add photos to everyone's profile which gives us an opportunity to put a face to a name and better serve our members. We also have the capability to create a pictorial directory in house which is always helpful to our staff and new members. This means we need your help! If you would like your family/individual picture added to your profile, simply click below and attach your favorite photo to the email. Questions? Contact
Michelle La Velle
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Calendar of Events - Click Below
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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! To all who donated, solicited, typed the ad book, decorated, prepared food, attended and cleaned up, we couldn't have done it without you. The evening was so much fun and the excitement was contagious. I am THRILLED to announce that we raised $27,691.14 "for the kids" as our fabulous emcee, Joe Starr reminded us throughout the night! God is SO good! - Teri Lyn Mannes, Principal
Save the Date: February 9, 2019!
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Click on the "TRIP" logo to learn more. Current upcoming order dates are:
March 5 & 19
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St. John's Sunday Morning Mission Cafe
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Donations given during the month of February to Coffee Hour will be donated to Phil's Friends to assist the 7th Graders with their Eagle's in Action project.
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The weekly televised program "Worship for Shut-ins" has become known as "Worship Anew". Worship Anew celebrates the new life all people have in Jesus with a 30-minute broadcast service. Christ's love is shared through weekly scripture readings, favorite church hymns, prayers and a Pastor's message that reveals God's grace and truth. Visit
www.worshipanew.org
for more information and ways to watch.
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The La Grange Area Food Pantry item for the Month of February are: ROLLS OF PAPER TOWELS
Please drop off donations in the Church Narthex in the marked box for Food Pantry items. Thank you.
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Sunday Worship Schedule
Worship Service 8:00 a.m.
Fellowship 9:00 a.m.
Education 9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
Worship Service 10:45 a.m.
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Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Office: (708) 354-1690
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Worship Attendance
Sunday, February 18, 2018 = 200
Midweek Lenten, February 21 = 71
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