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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 February 11, 2018
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Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
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Transfiguration Sunday
February 11, 2018
“Changed"
Pastor Ben Roberts
Old Testament: Exodus 34:29-35
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6
Holy Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
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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.
- 2/14 (Ash Wednesday): Give Up…on Yourself (Joel 2:12-19)
- 2/21: Give Up…Your Limitations (Mark 14:1-9)
- 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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Ash Wednesday
February 14 at 7:00 p.m.
Holy Communion & Distribution of Ashes
Midweek Lenten Worship Services
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
(February 21 - March 21)
Lenten Supper Schedule
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
(February 14 - March 21)
School Gymnasium
Free-will offering
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The St. John's 2018 Lenten Devotional Booklet will be available on Ash Wednesday, February 14 in the Church Narthex. Many thanks to everyone that participated in this tradition that is looked forward to by many!
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Baptism of Rory Jane Ferson
Sunday at 10:45 a.m.
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We welcome this new member of the body of Christ, Rory Jane Ferson during our 10:45 a.m. Worship Service. Before Rory's baptism, her parents, Michael and Marisa responded to these questions in preparation for this day:
Why are you getting Rory baptized?
We know God loves Rory as much as we do. Her baptism is a first step in keeping her close to Him throughout her life. To us, Baptism is Rory’s initiation into her church family and a life of faith.
Why at St. John's?
We feel honored that St. John’s will welcome Rory in the same way St. John’s welcomed her sister Marleigh when she was baptized and when Mike and Marisa joined the church. As our family is growing and constantly readjusting to our ever-changing lives, we are thankful for the steady presence and reassurance we receive from the church.
What does baptism mean to you and your family?
We see baptism as a special gift from God to Rory – entrusting her with the Faith, Hope, and Love she will rely on throughout her life.
What kind of support do you hope to get from St. John's? What connection do you want to make at St. John's? with the congregation as well as your Baptismal Sponsors?
Rory’s sponsors, her Uncle Michael and Aunt Kelly, along with St. John’s, will play an integral role in her spiritual upbringing. We will look to you to be living examples for Rory on how to relate to, pray to, trust, lean on, love, worship and honor God. Throughout the challenges and uncertainty Rory will face, her place in St. John’s will remain a constant. We ask that St. John’s help us, and her godparents, in nurturing, guiding and supporting Rory as she grows and builds her personal relationship with God.
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Angel Comfort Dog and the Stapletons are traveling this weekend, so they won’t be with us on Sunday morning. They were invited by Gideon Comfort Dog and Team (St. Michael’s Lutheran, Bloomington, MN) to join them for “Night to Shine” this weekend. This is a prom event for teens and young adults with special needs and is sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. They will return home on Sunday evening
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Sunday Morning Children's Message
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
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Lent begins this Wednesday. This is the time we remember how much Jesus loves us and what He did for us. Things will be a little different in our church services. The Alleluia's will disappear. Today we send Alleluia's home with the children so they can take care of them and bring them back on Easter Sunday.
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Sunday School Education Hour
9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
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As it was for Peter, so it is for us is the message of today’s Sunday School lesson (Acts 12). The Word of God is never proclaimed in vain. Though we suffer because of the sin of others, God’s will is done. Talk with your children about modern-day persecution of the Church of God and how, even in the midst of persecution, God sustains and increases His Church.
How does God’s Word break through the chains of our sin and the suffering it causes?
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High School Bible Study
9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
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New High School Bible Study
Sunday, February 11!
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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
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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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 11, 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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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. Don’t delay as you can save $100 if you apply by February 28, 2018.
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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)
GriefShare Sessions
(Heritage Room)
Our final session will be held on Tuesday, February 13 beginning at 12:30 p.m. served with a light lunch.
Our topic will be "What Do I Live for Now?" Moving forward is a necessity and a process. Peace and pain will always coexist.
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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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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Muffins & Donuts and Moms & Dads
A Family Celebration!
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A Family Celebration!
// Sunday, March 4, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. // Three Year Old Peschool Classroom // Families with young children, Preschool and younger are invited to a special celebration! There will be a Bible story, songs, and a craft for the children and fellowship for the adults. Please plan on attending if you are a parent of a young child. Bring your neighbors or grandchildren.
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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 Church Office will be closed on
Monday, February 19 in observance of President's Day.
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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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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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Calendar of Events - Click Below
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St. John's FUNdraiser
Saturday, February 10, 2018
7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
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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. Tickets: $30 at the Door
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Bedtimes Stories presented by the Early Childhood Department
// Thursday, February 15, 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. // ECH Classrooms // This event is for children and families in Preschool thru 2nd Grade. Come in your jammies, slippers, and robes and settle in for a cozy evening of stories just before bedtime. A fun evening for everyone!
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Click on the "TRIP" logo to learn more. Current upcoming order dates are:
February 5 & 20 (Tues)
March 5 & 19
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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 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 4, 2018 = 283
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