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St. John's Lutheran Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
For the week of January 28, 2018
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Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
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Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 28, 2018
Sermon Series: Week Four
“New Ways...with Your Freedom"
Pastor Ben Roberts
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Holy Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
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"New Life, New Ways: Living Out A Grace-Filled Identity"
Based on passages from 1 Corinthians
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Ever make New Year’s Resolutions? Hit the gym, be more kind, not worry so much... Many people make resolutions like this at the beginning of every year, yet too often get frustrated when they are unable to keep them and eventually give up. Perhaps this happens because they are trying to make something part of their life that wasn’t there before.
But for the Christian, it’s not a matter of stuffing things into our lives, but living out of everything that Jesus gives us in our baptism. His gift of new life flows out into our lives and into the lives of others. In this five week sermon series, we will start off the new year by experiencing how the gift of new life given to us by Jesus guides and directs the way we live out our lives as His disciples.
- 2/4: New Ways…with Your Relationships (1 Corinthians 9:16-27)
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St. John's Lenten Devotions for 2018
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Thank you to everyone that has chosen to take a verse home and complete a devotion for this year's booklet. As of today [1/26], we still have (9) verses remaining. Please review the list of remaining verses below and consider picking one up on Sunday. If you have already taken a verse, your draft is
due no later than Wednesday, January 31, 2018
. You can send all drafts to Michelle La Velle,
m.lavelle@sjlagrange.com
. We appreciate your dedication to this wonderful St. John's tradition and look forward to the finished booklet which will be ready to hand out on Sunday, February 11th.
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The Word of Grace
Grace-"full" Words in the Midst of Lent
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The season of Lent is our yearly reminder of how desperately we need Jesus. We may think we’re doing alright. Things may be going great. We may think of ourselves “more highly than we ought to think” (Romans 12:3). But it’s a facade. Deep down we know things are not right in our world, in our lives, in ourselves. All of this because of our sin. When we are faced with our sin and its consequences, when we run up against our limits, when we cannot do anything more, we cry out to our Lord, “Save us!” But why should He listen? Why should He save us? Why does He not just leave us in our pitiful state or, worse, punish us for rebelling against Him?
The answer is grace. It has been often stated that grace is “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense”. Yes, Jesus is the fullest picture of God’s grace to us. Jesus is the One who came among us, suffered and was crucified…all for us. All for our sin. All to give us hope in midst of the deepest darkness we know.
This year, you will be given entire passages to read, some of them fairly lengthy. If, however, you are pressed for time, many of the devotions will have a verse, a “Word of Grace”, provided. Also, as an option, at the end of each devotion, there will be a space to write down your response to the day’s “Word of Grace”, how your faith in God’s Word can be active in love (Galatians 5:6).
A sign-up table has been set-up in the Church Narthex for you to review the Days/Verses for the 2018 Lenten Devotional. If you would like to preview the Days/Verses, please click the button below. **Please note, verses that are available have been highlighted in "BLUE".
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Sunday Morning Children's Message
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
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A carpenter would be the best person to teach us about working with wood. Jesus is the best person to teach us about love. We can see by the things that He did and said that He is the authority on love. We can see the power of God's love through Jesus.
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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, January 28, 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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Sunday School Education Hour
9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
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Today in Sunday School, the children studied “The Conversion of Paul” and learned that as God did with Paul, so God does with us. Through the Law, we are crushed by the weight of our sin and are helpless. As God revived Paul through Ananias (Acts 9:1–31), He revives us through our pastors with the proclamation of His Word and the administration of His Sacraments granting forgiveness, life, and salvation to all who believe. Talk to your children about how the Sacraments and God’s Word revive you so that you may live as God’s child.
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High School Sunday Morning Bible Study
9:25 - 10:25 a.m. (Youth Room)
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Calling All High Schoolers!
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Now that Christmas Break is over and we are (sorta) getting back into the swing of things, we are starting a new High School Bible Study called
“A Faith of My Own”
. We are going to be looking at the gift God has given us, faith in Jesus, as well as how we can strengthen and sustain that faith in a world that wants nothing more than to destroy it.
WHAT:
4 Week Study, “A Faith of My Own”: “Begin The Journey”, “In The Know”,
“Listen Up” & “The Power Of Faith”
WHEN:
Sunday mornings, 9:25-10:25, January 14, 21, 28 and February 4
WHO:
All High Schoolers, led by Pastor Ben and Melissa Roberts
WHERE:
Downstairs in the Youth Room
HOW:
Digging into God’s Word, asking questions, discussion (no lectures!)
WHY:
A chance to grow in your faith in Jesus, to encourage each other’s faith and to equip yourself to share that faith with others
Grab a Starbucks, your Bible, a friend (and, possibly, a ride!) and come! Contact Pastor Ben at
b.roberts@sjlagrange.com
with any questions. See you there!
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St. John’s Music Ministries Presents
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The Stonegate Brass Quintet
A concert titled “Amazing Space”
featuring works of Mahler, Ewazen, Copland and others
Sunday, January 28, 2018
4:00 p.m.
For more information, please call (708) 354-1690 x222
A free-will offering will be taken at all concerts
NEXT 2017-2018 CONCERT SERIES EVENT:
The Agape Ringers
on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
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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)
The new study we are beginning is entitled, "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)
GriefShare Sessions
Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m.
(Heritage Room)
Tuesday, January 30 - Heaven
What is heaven like? Near death experiences...God's promises.
Early Risers Bible Study
Thursday at 6:15 a.m.
(Heritage Room)
Men's Thursday Night Bible Study
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
(Heritage Room)
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Super Bowl Cookie Decorating!
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Youth Event: Super Bowl Cookie Decorating
// Saturday, February 3, 2018, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 (noon) // School Kitchen // Doughnuts will be served! Let Sherrie Smith know you are coming so we have enough doughnuts for everyone,
s.smith@sjlagrange.com
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Help Support the 7th & 8th Grade Bake Sale
Sunday, February 4 at the end of both services (8:00 & 10:45 a.m.)
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Team up and let’s help support the 7
th &
8
th
Grade Super Bowl Sunday Bake Sale, February 4. The proceeds from this sale will be used to support the 2018 class trip to Washington D.C. Let’s kick off the day by making a donation for some “Super” sweets and treats. We will be “teaming” up with our Youth Group who will be selling Decorated Chocolate Cookies as well! Questions? Contact Renee Hull at
r.hull@sjlagrange.com
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Calendar of Events - Click Below
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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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Lutheran Witness New Subscription/Renewal Time
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If you are interested in subscribing to the Lutheran Witness Magazine, or renewing your existing subscription, please contact Michelle La Velle in the Church Office at
m.lavelle@sjlagrange.com
or (708) 354-1690 x210. The cost is $15.96 for a (12) month subscription. The deadline is Friday, February 23, 2018.
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Timeless Truth for Every Generation
Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation, 2017 edition
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The Small Catechism you know and love, now with an updated and expanded Explanation. The 2017 Explanation helps you faithfully understand God's Word as you encounter today's issues. With 374 questions and 1,142 Scripture references, there's more biblical teaching and devotional aids to nurture your faith than ever before. Times may change, but the Word of the Lord endures forever, and the Luther's Small Catechism guides you to the answers.
RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW!
Introductory price is $14.49 per copy through December 31, 2018. Regularly $15.99; Hardback 432 pages.
To reserve your copy, email Michelle La Velle in the Church Office,
m.lavelle@sjlagrange.com
. Please include your name, phone number and the quantity you would like to order.
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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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St. John's FUNdraiser
Saturday, February 10, 2018
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We are excited to announce
St. John's 2nd Annual FUNdraiser is Saturday, February 10th
. Last year, the FUNdraiser was a huge success. Not only was it a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet current St. John’s families and members, but a great evening to connect with the wonderful staff and friends of St. John’s. Those who attended had a great time participating in the fun raffles and taking home some fabulous live auction items.
Once again, our goal this year is to bring all of you together for a fun evening with great conversations, delicious food and drink, fabulous prizes and more. Tickets are $25 per person in advance or $30 at the door. Tickets are on sale now in the School and Church Offices.
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Our 2nd Annual FUNdraiser is scheduled for February 10, 2018. We are excited for all the fun and FUNdraising that evening, but we need a lot of help for the event to be successful and run smoothly. Thank you for all your help and support! Click the link to see all the FUN places you can volunteer!
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Click on the "TRIP" logo to learn about the February order dates!
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Looking for a Babysitter?
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Contact Jill Krezel at (708) 657-0604
Available M/T/W/F afternoons/evenings
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January Mission Cafe
The Obaidi Family
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January's Mission Cafe donations will help to support the Obaidi family. They fled Iraq in 2013 and have lived in Chicago since that time. Dhahir (father) has been working at Walmart, Ibtisam (mother) is a stay-at-home mom of 4 children, Aeshah (15), Hajir (12), Maria (9) and Jacob (7 mos.). The girls speak fluent English now and are doing well in school. Their parents are being tutored and will be eligible for citizenship in about a year. They struggle to make ends meet, but are so thankful for the blessing of living in the U.S. Please consider a monetary gift, gas card, or gift card to assist this needy family. Thank you so much!
The Mayor Small Group
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Adoption Options Workshop
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The Northern Illinois Life Task Force presents “Adoption Options Workshop” on February 3, 2018 from 8:30 to Noon at St. Peter Lutheran Church (202 E Schaumburg Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194). Registration is $10 payable at door with checks payable to NID, memo Life Task Force. Reserve your seat by calling Kris Blackwell 630.234.1491 or emailing her at
kbwrk123@gmail.com
. Women who choose not to abort their unborn child often will look to have that child adopted upon birth. But did you know that fertilized eggs leftover from the in vitro fertilization process may also be adopted rather than killed? Then for others, fostering children can provide temporary love and support to families in crisis. All these are ways that Love Affirms Life! Topics for this workshop include
Understanding the Adoption Process in Illinois, Embryo Adoption, and A different kind of Foster Care program called Safe Families.
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Interfaith Community Partners Now Offers Delivery Service from Area Libraries to Home-bound Older Adults
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Interfaith Community Partners has united with four local libraries to offer home-bound delivery service for older adults, 60 and better, with the intention of providing library materials to people who would have no other way to receive them. These partnering libraries include La Grange, La Grange Park, Western Springs, and Hodgkins. How it works is that every two weeks, volunteers from ICP will deliver books and other library material to your door on a Saturday. After two weeks, a volunteer will pick them up and drop off a new batch. To sign-up and request your library materials, you need to have a valid library card from your respective library in the town in which you live and you need to complete a form which you may download and print by visiting
www.InterfaithCommunityPartners.org
and clicking on Services. If you have further questions, please call the ICP office at
708-354-9328
.
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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 January is: DISH SOAP
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, January 21, 2018 = 240
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