Week of February 17, 2019
CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
Sunday, February 17, 2019
"Risky Living"
(Consecrated Stewards, Week 3)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 8:11-18
Epistle: 1 Peter 4:10-11
Holy Gospel: Matthew 25:14-29
CONSECRATED STEWARDS
Third Week: "Risky Living"
This Sunday, February 17th, we will:

  • Celebrate the ministry of OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD through Samaritan's Purse International Relief.

  • Hear the Stewardship Journey of Chad & Rebecca Hemminger.

  • Our Bible Study Lesson today is entitled, "Risky Living." We invite you to join us for this stewardship series at 9:25 a.m. in the Heritage Room and use the bulletin insert for home study.
CONSECRATION SUNDAY IS MARCH 3, 2019

Every member is asked to make a special effort to attend Worship on Sunday, March 3 rd at 8:00 or 10:45 a.m., and to make a reservation for a special luncheon to be held following the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service in the School Gymnasium that day. More details will soon come your way, but please reserve this day now.

Consecration Sunday is a time when we celebrate the gifts God has given us and respond with a commitment of financial stewardship. Commitments are made during the Worship Service in a private and prayerful way.

Reservation cards for the Worship Services and luncheon are available on the Connection Center in the Church Narthex.  Please fill out this card to enable our planning. Those who do not fill out a card will be contacted to confirm their attendance at the service and luncheon.
Holy Baptism of Hannah Lynne Braun
Sunday, February 17 at 10:45 a.m.
We welcome this new member of the body of Christ, Hannah Lynne Braun during our 10:45 a.m. Worship Service this Sunday. Before Hannah's baptism, her parents responded to these questions in preparation for this day:

Why are you getting Hannah baptized?
We would like for her to begin to learn about her Christian roots and feel that this is the best start to that journey.  

Why at St. John's?
Our family has attended St. John's for over 30 years and we feel that our child should be baptized at the same place as her father and aunt. The congregation has always provided amazing support to our family and has been a mainstay in our lives.   

What does baptism mean to you and your family?
Baptism means that Hannah will start the process of learning about her Christian traditions and values.   

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?
The same spiritual support we have experienced over 35+ years as members.  
GROW ...in the Word
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"Risky Living"
Sunday, February 17 at 9:25 a.m.
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
Kids, Be a Part of Our Lego Contest!
Sunday, February 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Second Floor, Music/Choir Room
Bring your LEGO skills to Sunday School this week - we’ll see who can finish their LEGO Heart Sculpture first! Next we’ll have a fun Heart-Maze Puzzle contest.  Giving with a Grateful Heart is our theme - we’ll watch a VeggieTales video about giving and talk about how we can give. See you Sunday!
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday Women's Bible Class
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Heritage Room

We are currently reading "Waiting - A Bible Study on Patience, Hope & Trust" by Sharon Fritz. If you have any questions, contact Lynn Kahl at (312) 890-0020 or email at lynnkahl50@gmail.com . We look forward to seeing you!
Early Risers Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:15 a.m.
Heritage Room
Men's Weekly Bible Study
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.
Heritage Room

We are continuing our study of the Gospel of Luke, following Warren Wiersbe's "Be Courageous: Take Heart from Christ's Example." If you have any questions, please contact Jon Fredrickson at jon_fredrickson@yahoo.com .
SHARE ...with Your Service
Raising Our Outreach Temperature
Board of Evangelism
Here is the "Raising our Outreach Temperature" for this month:  “Extend a personal invitation to an event with you like the Pancake Breakfast on March 10 2019, Church, or another event to connect with a person who might be outside your regular contacts. Your personal invitation might reach just the person who needs a friend.”
Next Meeting, Tuesday, February 26 at 7:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
Our meeting of Lutheran Women in Mission will take place on Tuesday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room at St. John's. All women, High School age and older, are welcome to join us that evening. We will discuss current mission projects; the Spring Rally for our district; and the upcoming National Convention that will be held in Mobile, Alabama, at the end of June, among other things. (We will also enjoy refreshments.)

The LWML is a source of wonderful Christian outreach throughout the United States and around the world. Please join us!
Interfaith Community Partners
Volunteer Request
Volunteer drivers needed to transport older adults: Can you spare an hour or more a week to drive an older adult? Interfaith Community Partners is a non-profit organization that works together with volunteers to provide rides to older adults in the Lyons, Proviso, and Riverside Townships. Over 130 volunteers provide accompanied transportation to medical appointments, therapies, and life-enhancing errands such as the grocery store, bank, hairdresser, and church. There is no cost to our clients, we ask for them to donate, if able. Contact us at (708) 354-9328 for a volunteer application, visit us on the web at InterfaithCommunityPartners.org , and like us on Facebook. We will train you and work around your busy life!

Attention parents: Are you looking to volunteer in the community over the Summer with your children? Interfaith Community Partners has opportunities to deliver flowers to our older adult clients, take an older adult grocery shopping, or just visit with them for a half hour or so. Call our office for details at (708) 354-9328.
Mission Cafe Coffee Hour
MISSION Café donations and St. John’s Sixth Grade Eagles in Action for the month of February will benefit "Phil’s Friends" .

1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year in the United States. Many of these people with cancer find themselves in hopeless situations in hospital rooms and homes across the country. Phil’s Friends brings hope through the distribution of our hand assembled Care Packages to cancer patients and their families, consistent weekly support through Cards of Hope and prayer. 

In addition to providing monetary support, the Board of Caring Ministries will have a “Giving Tree” on display in the Church Narthex. They will be collecting items for organizations such as Phil’s Friends (click here for list of items) , changing every two months throughout the year. Information about each organization will be featured in the Mission and there will be a display in the Church Narthex near the Mission Café area. Please take a look at the list posted near the tree and on Mission Café.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Food Pantry Item for the Month of February:
Paper Towels
Donations can be dropped off in the Church Narthex near the Connection Center.
SCHOOL NEWS
TRIP Program
Remember Random Acts of Kindness week is February 18-22, 2019. Whether you are starting your Spring shopping, or updating your wardrobe for the season, don't forget to order your TRIP cards! Click on the logo about for more details!

We will be placing TRIP orders on these upcoming dates: February 25, March 4 & 19
CHURCH OFFICE
LCMS Northern Illinois District
Visioning Events Invitation
We are in this together...Please join the LCMS Northern Illinois District President Allan R. Buss and the leadership of the LCMS Northern Illinois District at one of our Visioning Events.

The LCMS Northern Illinois District Team is engaging in a period of prayerful planning and seeking the Lord's vision for the NID. The first step is this process is hearing from you, the members of the district. All information is available at www.nidlcms.org/vision
Weekly Report from Board of Finance
Weekly Statistics on Congregational Giving to St. John's Lutheran Church & School
Anyone wishing further information on Congregational giving or the Church’s overall financial situation is invited to contact either Bob Roth, Chair, Board of Finance, or Jeff Baker, Congregational Treasurer, through the Church office, churchoffice@sjlagrange.com or (708) 354-1690 x210
Weekly Worship Attendance
Sunday, February 10, 2019 = 195
GIFT APPEAL UPDATE
G iving I n F aith T ogether
We are well on our way!!

The GIFT appeal is for $120,000 over and above regular contributions to close our projected budget deficit by March of 2019. From November 25, 2018 through February 10, 2019: $63,603 . Look for weekly updates in the Mission.
Can You Avoid Taxes?
The Qualified Charitable Distribution rules have been made permanent. This allows you to make annual direct transfers from your IRA to a qualified charity like St. John’s. In order to qualify for this bypass, you must be 70 and 1/2 or older.

Transferring an IRA distribution directly to a charity allows you to avoid taxes and the charitable contribution helps satisfy the required minimum distribution. By redirecting your distribution directly to St. John’s, it is not considered income nor a charitable deduction; it “bypasses” your tax return. Speak with your tax/investment Advisor if you have questions or contact:
Bob Roth (630) 325-7305
Jeff Baker (708) 446-9567
Tom Braun (708) 207-3720
COMMUNITY EVENTS
"Caregiver Support Program"
The Savvy Caregiver Program Series Begins March 6, 2019
The Savvy Caregiver is an educational program for family members caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia at home. This 6-week series will help you better understand the changes your loved one is experiencing. You will also learn how to provide individualized care throughout the progression of the disease. To register, contact Jessica Haines at (708) 603-2260 or email, jhaines@agingcareconnections.org Class size is limited. Registrations will be accepted until class is full or February 27, 2019. Click here for additional information.
Cossitt School Clothing Sale
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Cossitt School, conveniently located at 115 West Cossitt Ave in La Grange, IL, will hold its bi-annual children's consignment sale on Saturday, March 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Don’t miss this huge selection of over 25,000 name-brand items from Infant to Size 16! Find amazing deals on gently-used items including clothing, shoes, baby equipment, sports gear, bikes, books and so much more! Come early for the best selection! Many items half-price from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Adults only from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., children admitted with adult from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please bring a basket or bag to carry your items throughout the sale. For more details, please visit our website at www.cossittptc.org/clothingsale
Sunday Worship Schedule
Worship Service 8:00 a.m.
Education 9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
Worship Service 10:45 a.m.
Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210