St. John's Lutheran Church and School
505 S Park Road (47th and Brainard)
La Grange, IL 60525
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

During their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on March 17 th , 2020, St. John’s Lutheran Church Coordinating Council approved the decision to suspend in-person worship services until further notice. This decision was not taken lightly and done with much prayer, research and discussion. This decision was made based on CDC recommendations of practicing social distancing and self-isolation in order to prevent any further transmission of the coronavirus during this global pandemic.

Though we are suspending in-person worship, we will be moving our worship services online.


  • In addition, we will be posting worship bulletins through Constant Contact and on our website. (A link for the bulletin for today’s Midweek Lenten Worship can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JzTcyPJWfIHSJWsBQA8maw9PlyN0npGs/view?usp=sharing)
  • Even though worship will be online, you are still encouraged to give generously as you are able to in order to support the ongoing ministry of St. John’s. You may utilize our online giving option: https://www.sjlagrange.com/church/vanco-online-giving/ You may also mail in your offering or drop it in the mail slot outside the church office. Your ongoing generosity during these tumultuous times is truly appreciated!

(Due to the suspension of in-person worship services, Altar Guild will not be selling lilies for Easter and there will be no distribution of palms on Palm Sunday.)

St. John’s leadership will be looking in the coming days and weeks ahead for ways to connect with members outside of in-person and online worship, utilizing online resources, Constant Contact emails and by phone. We will also be looking for ways to help and serve others in need during these trying times.

Even as we practice social distancing and self-isolation in order to help reduce the transmission of the coronavirus, you are encouraged to check in with members and neighbors, being ready to help and serve as you are able to while still maintaining social distancing.

As recommended before, please consult and follow CDC guidelines during this global pandemic: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Practice good hygiene habits, especially washing hands, and maintain social distancing and self-isolation.

Both myself and St. John’s Leadership will be constantly monitoring the pandemic and communicating as necessary through available channels.

Though we know that the suspension of in-person worship will not last forever, it is definitely discouraging. We are living in unprecedented times! This is a time to do what Christians have always done in the midst of trials and tribulations: “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2) As I said at Church Council last night, our lives are hidden with God in Christ (Colossians 3:3) and NOTHING with be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39)! Though things may look different in the coming days and weeks than what we are used to, we cast all our anxiety upon the Lord because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), while loving Him and loving our neighbors as ourselves. (Mark 12:30-31)

Please contact the church office at 708-354-1690. My extension is 213. As well, you may contact me by email at b.roberts@sjlagrange.com with any questions.

To those members who do not have e-mail and need to hear this information, please contact them as soon as possible. Thank you!

May the Lord bless and keep you all of you! You are all in my prayers.

Pastor Ben