Week of January 13, 2019
CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
The Baptism of Our Lord
Sunday, January 13, 2019
"Epiphanies...at the Jordan"
(Sermon Series Week 2 of 4)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7
Epistle: Romans 6:1-11
Holy Gospel: Luke 3:15-22
Installation of Church Officers
Sunday, January 13, 2019
During both Worship Services; end of the 8:00 a.m. and beginning of the 10:45 a.m.
Church Board Vacancies

Elections were held at the Congregational Assembly on Sunday December 2, 2018.  Many people stepped forward to either fill a vacancy or to be reelected to their same position.  I would like to thank all who decided to give their time and talent to our Church. Even with people stepping forward there are a number of open Board Positions as well a Chair for the Board of Stewardship and for the office of Secretary of the Congregation.  These are two very important positions which need to be filled as soon as possible.

I ask you to pray and consider filling one of these key roles of the congregation. Many people have accepted the challenge to give up some of their time and use their talents to help lead our Church into the future.  I am asking you to step out of your comfort zone and fill one of the open board positions or more important to volunteer to lead the Board of Stewardship or become the Congregational Secretary.

If you have any questions or want to volunteer for one of these positions, talk to me on Sunday or email me at tjbraun54@gmail.com. Thank you, Tom Braun
Sermon Series
"Epiphanies: Shining The Light On God's Work In Our Midst"
Began January 6, 2019
The word “epiphany” can have many meanings. It can mean “appearance”, which leads us to the celebration of Epiphany, where the Magi were led to the Christ by the star shining in the sky. In recent times, however, the word “epiphany” can mean “an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure”. This is when you come to a realization of something that had been previously under wraps.

What if the story of the Magi in Bethlehem revealed an “epiphany” to us? What about the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan river? What about the wedding in Cana? What about the synagogue in Nazareth? Could these stories contain “epiphanies”, shining light on what God in Jesus Christ was doing back then…and today?

In this 4-week series, we will be exploring these biblical narratives, shining the light on the work God was doing then…and the work He reveals that He is doing among us today.

1/13: Epiphanies…at the Jordan (Luke 3:15-22)
1/20: Epiphanies…in Cana (John 2:1-11)
1/27: Epiphanies…in Nazareth (Luke 4:16-30)
Holy Baptism of Sophie Rambeaux-Olson
Sunday, January 13 at 10:45 a.m.
We welcome this new member of the body of Christ, Sophie Rambeaux-Olson during our 10:45 a.m. Worship Service this Sunday. Before Sophie's baptism, her parents responded to these questions in preparation for this day:

Why are you getting Sophie baptized?
We felt it important to have Sophie choose for herself when she got older, whether she wanted to be baptized or not. No that she is attending Confirmation classes at St. John's, she has decided she wants to be baptized. She believes baptism will help her in her Christian walk and affirm the Christian values her family and Church have taught her.

Why at St. John's?
St. John's has been a welcoming place for Sophie, she has attended Sunday Services and VBS for several years. She also has friends here, who are important to her.

What does baptism mean to you and your family?
Baptism means identification. It means we identify with Jesus Christ. Sophie chooses to be baptized as a reminder to turn from the old life of sin and live a new life with Jesus Christ. This is also what her family believes.

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?
We are grateful for the support that has already been shown to Sophie and her family. We look forward to seeing Sophie grow even more in her Christian walk as she continues to attend Confirmation classes here and Sunday Services.
St. John's 2019 Lent Devotional
7 Days
One Week That Changed The World
168 hours…that’s the amount of hours in a week. One can pack a lot in just one week. But…can someone change the world? With only 168 hours to do it?

Jesus did. From the first hour He entered into Jerusalem rising on a donkey’s colt, Jesus changed the world. Jesus packed a lot into the 168 hours He spent in Jerusalem that week: stories, teachings, miracles…washing feet, preparing Supper, praying…crucifixion, burial, resurrection. All of this changed the world. All of this still changes the world…changes you and me.

Our journey this Lenten season will focus on what has become known as “Holy Week”. We’ll dig into the words and actions that Jesus said and did during this week. Of course, we will focus on the death and resurrection of Jesus, but that is not all. We will also consider some of the parables He spoke…some of the teachings He gave…some of the events that happened to Him…all of them ONLY during this week. What do they have to say of our sin and need for salvation? What do they have to say of the only One who could give us that salvation? What do they say of our life in Christ today, in the present?

168 hours. 1 Week. That’s all it took for Jesus to change the world. That’s all it takes to change the world today.
Sign-Up to Write a Devotion
A sign-up table has been set-up in the church narthex for you to review the Days/Verses for the 2019 Lent Devotional. If you would like to preview the Days/Verses prior to Sunday, please click here .
2019 Altar Flower Sign-Up Chart
The Flower Chart for 2019 is now posted in the church narthex on the left brick pillar as you walk into the sanctuary. You may sign-up for flowers for a special Sunday in 2019. 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.  
GROW ...in the Word
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"More Than the Message"
Sunday, January 13 at 9:25 a.m.
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
Join Pastor Ben during the Adult Bible Study hour as he “test drives” a potential resource to be utilized with St. John’s upcoming Small Group ministry!

Ever heard a message from the pastors that you wanted to dig more into? Ever want to take the “message” of the message and apply it directly to your life in a specific way? Ever want to share your insights into the passage of the Bible that the pastors preached on Sunday with others needing the benefits of your insights? Then come to Adult Bible Study from 9:25-10:25 a.m. in the Heritage Room, where Pastor Ben will be giving a “message-based” study. Don’t worry! Whether you have heard the message or not, you will dig deeper into the passages the pastors have preached on, apply the teachings of both the passages and the pastors, and apply those to your lives today. This will be a 4 week study based on the sermon series in January, “Epiphanies”. Come and join us!
High School Youth Bible Study
"Angels"
Sunday, January 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Youth Room
Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
High School Students: A new Bible Class will be offered this Sunday between services. The topic will be "ANGELS"...What are they exactly? Do they still interact with us today? Listen to some fascinating stories about Angels. Pastor Stapleton will be leading this class, it starts at 9:30 in the basement Youth Room.
Calling All Sunday School Kids!
Sunday, January 13 at 9:30 a.m.
Music/Choir Room
Session 12: Monday, February 4, 2019
Session 13: Monday, February 11, 2019
4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
Our topic for Session 12 is "Heaven" ...What is heaven like? Are the near death experiences reliable descriptions of heaven? What does the Bible say?

Our topic for Session 13 is "What Do I Live for Now?" ...Why moving forward is a necessity and a process. Why peace and pain will always coexist.

Questions? Contact 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

The Tuesday Women's Bible Class will be reading "One Way Love - Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World" for two more weeks.

We will begin reading "Waiting - A Bible Study on Patience, Hope & Trust" by Sharon Fritz on January 29th. If you would like a copy reserved for you, contact Lynn Kahl at (312) 890-0020 or email at lynnkahl50@gmail.com We look forward to you joining us in this new year.
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
SHARE ...with Your Service
Raising Our Evangelism Temperature
Board of Evangelism
During the month of January, the Evangelism Committee invites you to:
Reach out to someone who is lonely or sad, and bring them the light of Christ with your call or visit.
Mission Cafe Coffee Hour
January's Mission Coffee donations will benefit St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Chicago.  St. John's has had an on going relationship with them throughout the years. We continue to support them in whatever way that we can. One of their strongest missions is El Comedor Popular,  their popular soup kitchen that was started about 1990. At the present, the congregation’s ministries connect with people from Germany, Poland, Italy, Mexico and lately Venezuela, all through El Comedor Popular.

They have provided meals throughout their 26 years of ministry to the hungry, and they have experienced the presence of Christ in their midst. St. John's has been instrumental in supporting St. Matthew’s outreach ministry to the elderly, unemployed and homeless living in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. Please keep them in your prayers and help support their very important mission.  
Coffee Hour Host Sign-Up
January & February 2019
If you are interested in Hosting Sunday Morning Coffee Hour, click the button below to learn more! Thanks for serving!
Food Pantry Item for the Month of January:
DISH SOAP

Donations can be dropped off in the church narthex near the Connection Center.
SCHOOL NEWS
FUNdraiser Volunteers

Our St. John's Lutheran School FUNdraiser is scheduled for February 9, 2019. 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 here to volunteer!
FUNdraiser Ticket Sales
Please help Support St. John's as we sell tickets to the FUNdraiser! Ticket sales will be on Sundays after both Worship Services. We will also have raffle tickets available to sell. Click here to sell tickets!
TRIP Program
Click the TRIP logo to learn more!
We will be placing TRIP orders for your shopping needs on this upcoming date: January 28
CHURCH OFFICE
Lutheran Witness Subscription Renewals
It's that time of year again! If you are interested in subscribing to the Lutheran Witness magazine or renewing your Lutheran Witness subscription, please contact the Church Office at churchoffice@sjlagrange.com or call (708) 354-1690 x210. The cost for the (12) month subscription is $15.96. Deadline is Friday, February 22, 2019.
Weekly Report from Board of Finance
Weekly Statistics on Congregational Giving to St. John's Lutheran Church & School
PLEASE NOTE:
 With the changes to the 2018-19 Operating Budget approved by the Congregational Assembly on December 2, 2018 (which increased our projected deficit for this fiscal year to approximately $114,000), and taking into account actual giving for operations for this year through December 30, 2018, the amount of giving for operations needed per week to balance the budget this year has been reset. The new level is $17,110.  This amount will be reflected in the weekly giving charts beginning January 6, 2019.
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, January 6, 2019 = 191
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 next year.  From November 25, 2018 through January 6, 2019: $57,517 has been received. We are indeed well on our way!  Look for weekly updates in The Mission.
Electronic Giving Available
The Board of Finance has established a way for you to make electronic donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church, using software provided by Vanco. The procedure is fast, easy and secure. You can set up either a onetime donation or a set of recurring donations. 

A onetime donation is for a specific date, and amount and fund to be credited.

A recurring donation is a set of donations for dates in the future. These will be sent to St. John’s on the dates you decide, in the amounts you decide and the funds you have decided to be credited.

These automated donations insure that the first fruit you have planned to give to St. John’s are received by St. John’s as you have planned, even if you are on vacation. This saves you the problem of writing out individual checks on weeks you are away.

Recurring donations can be changed or deleted at anytime up to three days of the future date of the donation. You can even do a combination of recurring and one time donations. You can make a onetime donation to the GIFT program, or Christmas, or any other holiday which does not fall on a Sunday.

It is easy to sign up for this program:
·          Log into sjlagrange.com
·          Go to church page
·          Giving tab
·          Sign in or Sign up
·          One time donation
  • No need to set up account
·          Recurring donations
Set up your account
  • YOU decided the amount
  • You decide the frequency
  • You decide the funds to be credited
  • Can be changed up to three days prior before the donation is to be paid.

GIFT Program is included as a choice.

The attached explains the process of setting up your electronic gift giving.

Any questions on this process be can addressed to, Tom Braun at tjbraun54@gmail.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sub Sandwiches & Big Cookie Sale!
Place Your Order Now!
Sales support our Youth attending the 2019 National Youth Gathering
Our Youth are preparing to sell subs and big cookies to raise funds for our trip to Minnesota this Summer for the National Youth Gathering. Delicious cookies will be available to purchase on Super Bowl Sunday from 9:00 a.m. til Noon or when they sell out.
For the first time ever, we are going to make delicious sub sandwiches. You must order before January 27th so that we can make your food the way you want it.  Please consider supporting our youth and this amazing trip! There will be order forms available in the church narthex.  Any questions, please contact Vicki Wykert at v.wykert@sjlagrange.com .
St. John's Concert Series - SAVE THE DATE!
Sunday, January 27, 2019
4:00 p.m.

Come join us at our Hymn Festival featuring organists from the "Fox Valley Chapter of the America Guild of Organists". Each hymn will be introduced featuring narrator, Jane Holstein.
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