Daylight Savings Time Ends!
Remember to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday!
CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
All Saints' Sunday
Sunday, November 4, 2018
"Celebrating the Victory of All Saints' Day!"
Pastor Mark Stapleton

First Reading: Revelation 7:9-17
Epistle: Romans 3:19-28
Holy Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12
New Sermon Series
"PROPHET, PRIEST, KING: What Jesus Does...For Us and Through Us"
Beginning, Sunday, November 11th
The work that Jesus did while He was on earth is often summarized as an “office” He held: the 3-fold office of “prophet”, “priest” and “king”. In this office, He speaks God’s all powerful Word, He intercedes for those needing salvation from sin and He rules over all things, including His Church. But Jesus continues to embody His 3-fold office through His body, the Church. In this sermon series, we will be taking a look at what the ministry of Jesus looks like as our Prophet, Priest and King; how He embodies this office for our sake; and how He uses His Church to continue His ministry wherever He sends them.

11/11: “Jesus…the Prophet” (Luke 4:16-21)
11/18: “Jesus…the Priest” (John 17:1-10, 20-23)
11/25: “Jesus…the King” (John 18:33-37)
Thursday, November 22, 2018
10:00 a.m.
(Holy Communion)
GROW ...in the Word
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"The Challenge of Islam"
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
To the Western mind, the faith and practice of Islam are often a profound mystery. In recent years, this religion has emerged as a prominent -- yet misunderstood -- belief system. Listen as Sam Shamoun, an Arab-Christian, unveils some of the mystique surrounding this religion first preached by Muhammad and today practiced by more than one billion people worldwide. 
In Part One of this two-part Bible study, the teachings of Islam are brought into focus. In addition to learning about the "Five Pillars of Islam," participants will examine what the Quran says about the role of Abraham, the Trinity, angels and jinn (genies), the attributes of Jesus Christ, the character of Muhammad, Judgment Day, and paradise. 
The Quran is the premier Muslim holy book. As such, its 114 chapters are the faith-guide for Muslims everywhere. For instance, did you know the Quran claims Jesus is not God, nor is He the Son of God? Were you aware Quranic teaching says the religion of the patriarchs -- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all the prophets -- is Islam? Shamoun asks, "Christians, do you see the challenge of Islam, and are you prepared to deal with this challenge?" 
While Islam is a religious force to be reckoned with, it already has been dealt its deathblow through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Armed with love and an attitude that considers Muslims -- like everyone else -- those for whom Christ died, Christians can share the same Good News that gives them salvation. As Shamoun says, "The only thing that can defeat Islam is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Sunday School
Sunday, November 4 at 9:30 a.m.
Music/Choir Room
Join us upstairs in the Music/Choir Room for a Bible Story, games and crafts. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Sunday Morning Parenting Bible Study
"The Art of Parenting: Aiming Your Child's Heart Toward God"
Sunday, November 4 at 9:25 a.m.
Noah's Ark Nursery
Did you know that your child/ren are like "arrows in the hands of a warrior?" Join us this Sunday as we begin FamilyLife's "The Art of Parenting: Aiming Your Child's Hear Toward God". Parents and grandparents are welcome! Questions? Contact Rebecca Hemminger at 630-660-3602.
High School Youth Bible Study
Sunday, November 4 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Youth Room
Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
This class is primarily for High School students. Class will be held in the Youth Room, located downstairs next to the School Cafeteria. Join us as we study the Book of Ephesians for the next few weeks.
Session 7: Guilt & Anger
Monday, November 5 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
Regret, guilt and anger are three emotions that can create barriers against the peace and healing God has for us. How to deal with false guilt, and how to handle grief-related anger.

There is a $15 fee for the workbook that goes along with the videos. Please register by contacting Marnie Smith at  marnie_rev@comcast.net  or call (630) 440-6542.
Weekly Bible Studies
Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Class
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Heritage Room

We are currently reading, "One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World" . Please consider joining the class. If you would like a book to be ordered for you, contact Lynn Kahl at (312) 890-0020 or at lynnkahl50@gmail.com and one will be waiting for you on the first day of class.
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 now studying the Gospel of Luke, following Warren Wiersbe's "Be Compassionate: Let the World Know That Jesus Cares" . This is the first of two books covering Luke's Gospel, through chapter 13, which we will read sequentially. If you have any questions, please contact Jon Fredrickson at jon_fredrickson@yahoo.com .
SHARE ...with Your Service
Join the Senior Choir this Christmas Season
I hope many of you will consider this open invitation to all adults and high school youth, to join the Senior Choir on Sunday, December 9 at 6:30 p.m. at our St. John’s Annual Christmas Concert. You are also invited to sing on Monday, December 24 at our 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship Service.

You would need to attend at least two of the rehearsals that are listed below. It is also very helpful if you can attend our final dress rehearsals that occur on Sunday, December 2 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., and on Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon. Special arrangements will be made to accommodate your schedule as we would like as many singers as possible for our Christmas Concert and Christmas Eve Worship Service.
·          Wed., Nov. 7, from 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. 
·          Wed., Nov. 14, from 7:00 - 7:45 p.m.
·          Wed., Nov. 28, from 7:00 - 7:45 p.m.
·          Wed., Dec. 5, from 7:45 - 8:45 p.m.

4 TOP REASONS TO SING IN A LARGE CHOIR DURING CHRISTMASTIME:
# 4 – The church is so full you want to ensure that you will have a seat.
# 3 – The chairs for the choir are the most comfortable in the Sanctuary.
# 2 – Your favorite movie is “Mr. Holland’s Opus”.
# 1 – For the Glory of God !
Raising Your Outreach Temperature
Every follower of Jesus has an outreach temperature. This impacts the way we live and interact with those who are far from God. Using a scale of one to ten, one would be a heart that is cooled off where we walk past opportunities to let the light of Jesus shine; a ten would represent a season where Jesus’ light is shining, we speak of our faith often and share stories of what God is doing in our lives, and share the Gospel naturally. With the Holy Spirit to guide us, let’s individually raise our temperature one degree to grow and increase our passion to reach out to others who are spiritually hungry and thirsty. (adapted from Kevin G. Harney’s book on outreach for churches) The Evangelism Committee will share an idea each month in the Mission pages to help us raise our outreach temperature.
For the month of November, the Evangelism Committee invites you to pray daily that you can naturally share the joy and hope that are found in Jesus.
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
Shoeboxes are due no later than Sunday, November 11th! You can drop them off in church narthex, or the church & school offices. Thank you for supporting this awesome ministry!
Volunteers Needed!

  • Christmas Tree Set-Up and Decorating
  • Christmas Concert Volunteers Needed!
Our Christmas Concert is five weeks away on December 9, and we are in need of many volunteers to help make that evening special. We need people for setting-up and decorating Christmas trees, setting-up risers and chairs, baking cookies and bars for the reception, setting-up and serving the reception as well as clean-up, Ushers, Greeters, and directing traffic. Please consider helping out in any way you can. Look for the sheets on the sign-up board along the west wall of the Church Narthex or if you prefer you can click this link and use Sign-Up Genius ( http://bit.ly/StJohnsDec2018 )

You can also send an email to Mr. Lincoln at d.lincoln@sjlagrange.com , or call him at (708) 354-1690 x222. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Times of Volunteer Help Needed:

  • Christmas Tree Set-up—Thurs, Nov. 29 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Christmas Tree Decorating—Fri, Nov. 30 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Riser Set-up—Sun, Dec. 2 from 12 to 1:00 p.m. (lunch served at 1:00 p.m.)
  • Reception Set-up—Sat, Dec. 8 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Concert Set-up—Sun, Dec. 9 at 12:00 p.m.
  • Kitchen Preparations / Reception Serve / Clean Up—Sun, Dec. 9
  • Assist Directing Traffic —Sun, Dec. 9 (start at 5:30 p.m.)
  • Serve as Greeter for the Concert —Sun, Dec. 9 (start at 5:45 p.m.)
  • Riser Take-down—Mon, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Mission Cafe Coffee Hour
November’s Mission Café donations will benefit the People’s Resource Center .  St. John’s First Graders will be hosting  a “Christmas Toy Drive” as their Eagles In Action” project.  In addition to their toy drive, we will collect monetary donations. 

Since 1975,   People's Resource Center (PRC) has been bringing neighbors together to respond to hunger and poverty in DuPage County. Nearly 30,000 DuPage residents rely on PRC for help each year. With a team of over 2,500 volunteers, they offer nutritious food and other basic necessities like clothes and rent assistance for people facing tough times. They also connect people with resources—education and tutoring, jobs, technology, art, a caring community—to create a future of hope and opportunity for all.

Interested in Hosting a Sunday Morning Coffee Hour? Sign-up below!
CHURCH OFFICE
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, October 28, 2018 = 244
Gift Opportunities
As we approach the end of the year, it is not too late to make a special contribution to St. John's. If you are 70 1/2 you can fulfill the Required Minimum Distribution of your IRA account by contributing a portion of the Distribution to St. John's. Your contribution reduces your Adjusted Gross Income.

Another tax saving possibility is to donate an appreciated security to St. John's. If the security is held in a taxable account, you pay no capital gains tax and receive an itemized deduction for the value of the security donated.

Please review these possibilities with your tax advisor before taking action. You can contact the following members for more information:

Jeff Baker: (708) 446-9567 or jwbaz@aol.com
Tom Braun: (708) 207-3720 or tjbraun54@gmail.com
Bob Roth: (630) 247-1864 or rjrmcr@aol.com
UPCOMING ST. JOHN'S EVENTS
Save the Dates!
2018 Advent Tea
"The Story of the Christmas Tree"
Saturday, December 1
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

$10 per person - Reservation is Required
More information can be found in the church narthex near the Advent Tea display.
Cookie Drop-Off
The Board of Caring Ministries invites you to join us for a "Cookie Drop-Off" on Saturday, December 15th at 1:00 p.m. Please help us take Christmas Cheer to those who cannot join us for Church on Sundays. More information to follow!
Parents Night Out & Birthday Party for Angel
Friday, December 14
More details coming soon!

Christmas Caroling at Meadowbrook Manor
Sunday, December 16
More details coming soon!
A Journey with Harp and Voice
Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
St. John’s will host “Ravel and Britten: A Short Journey with Harp and Voice” , featuring harpist AnnLaura Tapia and soprano Amanda Murphy, on Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. The concert will feature two primary works: “ A Birthday Hansel ” (a setting of Robert Burns Poems by Benjamin Britten); and “ Cinq Melodies Popularies Grecques ” (a setting for harp and voice by Maurice Ravel). The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken. Please help us promote the St. John’s Concert Series!
Christmas Concert: "Of the Father's Love Begotten"
Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
St. John’s will again host our Annual Christmas Concert: “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” on Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. This evening of music will feature St. John’s adult and youth choirs, handbells, and orchestra. The program will include a variety of sacred music and familiar carols. The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken.
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 the academy is being held at Valparaiso University from June 23 – July 7, 2019 (Half Session); and June 23 – July 21, 2019 (Full Session).

IMPORTANT UPDATE:  Thanks to many generous donations, the tuition has been reduced by $1,000 from the past several years. You also can apply for Matching Grants that can reduce your out-of-pocket costs substantially. 

APPLICATION:  Please complete the application that is available on our church web site. The deadline to complete the scholarship application is January 1, 2019.

Please contact David Lincoln at d.lincoln@sjlagrange.com if you have any questions 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.
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