CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, September 30, 2018
"Honorable Strangers"
(Week 4 of 6)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament: Isaiah 43:16-21
Epistle: 1 Peter 2:9-14, 18; 3:1-2, 7
Holy Gospel: Matthew 5:13-16
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.”

10/7: Answering Strangers (1 Peter 3:8-17)
10/14: Hopeful Strangers (1 Peter 4:12-19)
A Blessed 50th Anniversary!
Celebrating 50 years in the New Church Building
Sunday, September 30, 2018
On September 29, 1968, our current Church building was dedicated to the service of our Lord. We will be celebrating this dedication 50 years later, on Sunday, September 30, 2018 during our 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Worship Services.

St. John's member, Barbara Kellert will give a slide presentation with significant and some humorous anecdotes on how and why our present Church building exists. This presentation will also contain additional information which was not in her 130th Anniversary presentation which she gave two years ago.

All are invited to hear and see this informative and enlightening presentation this Sunday, September 30 at 9:25 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

We also hope you will enjoy the wonderful display of pictures and memorabilia in the Church Narthex. Be sure to take few moments to look over this collection from our archives and take in the history of St. John's.
GROW ...in the Word
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"The Challenge of Islam"
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts

No Adult Bible Study on Sunday, September 30th
(On this day, we encourage everyone to enjoy the 50th Anniversary Celebration Presentation held in the Sanctuary.)
Sunday Morning Parenting Bible Study
"The Art of Parenting: Aiming Your Child's Heart Toward God"
Sunday, September 30 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 30 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 3: "The Journey of Grief - Part One"
Monday, October 8 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
Due to travels, GriefShare will not meet on Monday, October 1st.

We will resume on Monday, October 8 with Session 3: "The Journey of Grief - Part One". Helpful goals to set on the journey. Dealing with those who try to rush you through your grief. How long the process of grieving typically lasts.

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
Chipotle Night School Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 23 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Make dinner a selfless act by joining us for a fundraiser to support our School! Visit Chipotle at 40 North LaGrange Road in La Grange on Wednesday, October 23 between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m . Bring in the flyer show it on your smartphone or tell the cashier you're supporting the cause to make sure that 50% of the proceeds will be donated to St. John's Lutheran School. Share with friends and family - anyone can support our School!
TRIP Program
October is here! Time to start shopping for costumes and candy, along with cooler weather clothing! If you just plan on dining out or treating yourself, take the time to evaluate your shopping needs and order your TRIP cards! Click on the "TRIP" logo above for more details!

Upcoming order dates: October 1, 9, 15, 22 & 29
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, September 23 = 258
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)
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!
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS
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