CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, September 23, 2018
"Caring Strangers"
(Week 3 of 6)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament: Isaiah 40:6-11
Epistle: 1 Peter 1:22-2:3
Holy Gospel: John 13:31-35
Let’s face it: the “good ol’ days” are gone, or going fast. Church attendance and membership is declining among many congregations. The Church no longer holds a prominent place in the prevailing culture. Instead, we are on the margins. Many people are unaware of the Christian story, indifferent to it and, increasingly, hostile towards it. We live in a “Post-Christian” culture. As we look out at the surrounding culture, we perceive that we are strangers…strangers living in a strange land.

This was the situation for the readers of Peter’s first letter. They found themselves “strangers and exiles” in the first-century Roman Empire. They were facing slander and abuse for their faith in Jesus. But Peter’s words in his letter are words of hope, courage and faithful witness to those they were called to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

1 Peter is also God’s Word to His Church today living as “strangers and exiles”, giving us the same hope and courage in the face of the “strange land” we live in. In this sermon series, “Strangers in a Strange Land”, we will be looking at the new situation we find ourselves in, at the challenges we face, and especially at the ways the Lord shapes our life by His grace and salvation in such a way that those who observe these “strangers” would “glorify God on the day of visitation.”

9/30: Honorable Strangers (1 Peter 2:9-14, 18, 3:1-2, 7)
10/7: Answering Strangers (1 Peter 3:8-17)
10/14: Hopeful Strangers (1 Peter 4:12-19)
2nd Grade Bible Presentation
&
3rd - 8th Grade New Student Bible Blessing
Sunday, September 23 during the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service
One of the most precious gifts that God has given us is His Word written in the Bible. We value that gift at St. John's and we give each child a Bible when they are in Second Grade. During our 10:45 a.m. Worship Service will we invite all second graders, and new school students of St. John's, along with their parents, up to the Altar to receive their Bible and a blessing. If you know a Second Grader, we ask that you invite them to attend this special day. Questions? Contact the Church Office at churchoffice@sjlagrange.com or call, (708) 354-1690 x210.
GROW ...in the Word
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"The Challenge of Islam"
Sunday at 9:25 a.m.
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 Morning Parenting Bible Study
"The Art of Parenting: Aiming Your Child's Heart Toward God"
Sunday, September 23 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 Hemming at 630-660-3602.
High School Youth Bible Study
"What Does God Say about Worry & Anxiety for High School Students?"
Sunday, September 23 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Youth Room
Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
As a High School student, do you worry? Does anxiety wear you down? Are there times where you would just rather stay in bed? Come to this brand new Bible Class that will be taught by Pastor Stapleton in the Youth Room, located downstairs next to the School Cafeteria. We will meet this Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.
Session 2: "Challenges of Grief"
Monday, September 24 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
The topic of our session will be, "Challenges of Grief". Eye-opening reasons why the pain might be overwhelming. Common effects in the mind, body, and spirit. How do I get things done when I feel like I have no energy?

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.
CONNECT New Member Class
Sunday, October 7 from Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
Interested in membership at St. John's? Want to know more about what St. John's is all about? Click on the button below for details, or pick-up a form at the Connection Center in the narthex.
Weekly Bible Studies
Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Heritage Room

We will continue reading Billy Graham's "The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your life". Questions? Contact Lynn Kahl at lynnkahl50@gmail.com or call, (312) 890-0020. All women are welcome to attend.
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
On October 4th, we will begin a study of the Gospel of Luke, following Warren Wiersbe's "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
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.
This month, the Evangelism Committee invites you to think of someone who you can spend time with who needs to know God's love and grace .
Volunteer to Host Coffee Hour!
Serving Coffee is a great way to have fellowship with St. John's family and bring a smile to everyone's faces by providing them with hot coffee and treats! If you think you may be interested in hosting a Sunday Morning Coffee Hour, click the link below to register for a Sunday that best fits your schedule. Thank you for serving!

SCHOOL NEWS
3rd Grade Eagles in Action Project:
La Grange Area Food Pantry
3rd Grade is collecting chapel offerings for the month of September for La Grange Area Food Pantry. Throughout the school year, we will purchase items from our chapel offerings collected in September to donate to the food pantry. There are collection bins located in the church narthex if you would like to donate.

  • Are you able to deliver the items that are collected each week maybe once a month, twice a month, or for a whole month? Contact j.strasser@sjlagrange.com Thank you for considering this service opportunity. Donation drop-off times are Mondays at 8 a.m, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. or Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m.

  • The Pantry in need of regular sized canned goods that a family can use (not restaurant-sized containers) especially canned corn and canned beans, and non-food items which are not covered by food stamps.

  • Each month we have a featured item to shop for in addition to the regular items that can be donated.

We look forward to serving God through our Food Pantry donations, and helping people in need in our community. Thank you for helping us share Christ's love.
Sunday Morning Mission Cafe
Mission Focus for September:
L a Grange Area Food Pantry
September's Mission Cafe collection will be partnering with the 3rd Grade class as we raise funds for the La Grange Area Food Pantry.  

The Food Pantry opened its doors in 1999 under the leadership of Pastor Raymond L. Giddens.  In the beginning the pantry served approximately 100 families per month and now serves approximately 300 families, that is 500-700 individuals, all from the greater La Grange community without regard to race, creed, color or religious affiliation. The Pantry distributes more than 5,000 pounds of food a month. Thank you in advance for your generous donations!!!
The La Grange Area Food Pantry item for the Month of September is: SHAMPOO

Please drop off donations in the Church Narthex in the marked box for Food Pantry items. Thank you.
TRIP Program
September is here! Time to start shopping for cooler weather clothing to get ready for Fall! If you just plan on dining out or treating yourself, take time to evaluate your shopping needs and order your TRIP cards...click on logo above to learn more!

Upcoming order date: September 24
CHURCH OFFICE
A Message from the Board of Finance
Weekly Report of Congregational Giving
Effective with the September 23, 2018 issue of The Mission, the Board of Finance will begin publishing in chart form weekly statistics on Congregational giving to St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. Giving totals will be reported for monies given in support of the day-to-day operations of the Church including wages & benefits, utilities, and other routine operating expenses. Also reported will be giving to St. John’s for other purposes such as synod & missions, charities, capital fund, memorials, and other designated purposes to show the full breadth of the Congregation’s giving to St. John’s and the Church at-Large. Weekly Giving for Operations and Other Giving are shown in green and orange, respectively, in the chart titled Weekly Giving 2018-2019. Also show in this chart as a solid blue line is the amount of weekly giving for operations required to balance the Church’s operating budget for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.

As can be seen, giving for operations exceeded the amount needed on only one Sunday since the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1. This situation is further displayed in the chart titled FY 2018-2019 Cumulative Weekly Giving for Operations which shows in red a steadily increasing cumulative giving deficit of almost $34,000 through the first twelve Sundays of the fiscal year. Relative to our need, this level of operating giving, which through the month August is 7% behind giving of a year ago, is of great concern to the Board of Finance and the Coordinating Council since the Church’s cash reserves to fund these weekly shortfalls are being depleted rapidly. We will be monitoring this situation closely as the fiscal year progresses and welcome your prayers for the Lord’s continued blessings on the work of our Congregation.

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, September 16 = 207
UPCOMING ST. JOHN'S EVENTS
2018 CROP Hunger Walk
La Grange/Western Springs/Brookfield
Sunday, October 21, 2018
Registration Time: 12:30 p.m.
Walk Time: 1:15 p.m.
Join St. John's team for the 2018 CROP Hunger Walk. Six local food pantries will receive 25% of funds raised. There will also be a shorter family-friendly walk starting at Presbyterian Church of Western Springs, 5250 Wolf Rd., Western Springs IL. At the halfway point, First United Methodist Church of Western Springs, 4300 Howard Ave., there will be a blessing of pets. Questions? Contact Vicki Wykert at v.wykert@sjlagrange.com

  1. Join the Walk
  2. Donate money now to support walkers
  3. Online giving at: https://www.crophungerwalk.org/lagrangeil/vicki
  4. Eat at Panera on October 11th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. (need flyer)
  5. Donate to local food pantries (see the list of items)
Every lady at St. John's is considered to be a part of the Lutheran Women in Mission, and each of you is welcomed to attend our meetings. The September meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m., in the Heritage Room.  We will have a lot to discuss that evening. The LWML Northern Illinois District Convention will have just taken place from September 21-23; so delegates Pam Christensen and Rebecca Hemminger, along with others who will have attended, will be excited to give a report. Ladies, we hope you can be with us on Tuesday, September 25!
Save the Dates!
Trunk or Treat!
Saturday, October 27
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
More details to come!
Coming in October!
Operation Christmas Child
Advent Tea
Saturday, December 1
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
More details to come!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Interfaith Community Partners
16th Annual Fall Benefit
"On the Road Again"
Friday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Cossitt School Annual Clothing Sale
Cossitt School, conveniently located at 115 West Cossitt Ave in La Grange, will hold its bi-annual children's consignment sale on Saturday, September 29th 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!
Thursday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Do you know a family who is looking for an excellent, Christian school for their 9th through 12th grade student? Invite them to consider Walter Christian Academy. Our Open House will be Thursday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (708) 344-0404, ext. 245, or email alma_calleros@walther.com
Michael W. Smith LIVE at Wheaton College
Thursday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Past St. John's School Desk Available
Bruce and Pam Christensen own a school desk that was a part of St.John's school when it was located at Ogden and Kensington. (Pam has a photo of her dad, Norman, sitting at one of those desks when he was there in 4th grade.) Since their children and grandchildren have outgrown the desk, they are willing to donate it to someone else. If you are interested, please phone them at (708) 354-6977 or email them at BPChristensen@comcast.net .
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