Week of March 24, 2019
CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Service
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Third Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 24, 2019
"ReFocus...on Removing Barriers, not Building Walls"
(Sermon Series, week 3 of 6)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament: Micah 6:1-8
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Holy Gospel: John 4:4-26
Holy Baptism of Jaxson Dean Wenzel
Sunday, March 24 at 10:45 a.m.
We welcome this new member of the body of Christ, Jaxson Dean Wenzel during our 10:45 a.m. Worship Service this Sunday. Before Jaxson's baptism, his parents responded to these questions in preparation for this day:

Why are you getting Jaxson baptized?
We are having Jaxson baptized because we would like to have him brought up under the same faith as us. Chris and I were both baptized as well as our daughter, Chloe. We will teach Jaxson and hope he will follow the same beliefs in the Lord as we do.

Why at St. John's?
We chose St. John’s because of my (Alyssa) long history with the School and Church. This is such a wonderful place to join in praising God. I attended St. John’s School from preschool all the way until 8th grade. I even made lifetime friends to this day from preschool. My entire family on my Mother’s side also went to St. John’s. I was baptized here as well as my daughter. My husband, Chris and I were also married at St. John’s by Pastor Haborkost. There are so many precious memories I will hold onto forever. That is why we chose to have our son baptized in this Church.  

What does baptism mean to you and your family?
Baptism means to identify yourself to Jesus. It means we are proclaiming the gospel message and that we are dead to the power of sin. When the water is sprinkled on is it expresses our new life in Christ, just as when He gave His life under the glory of the Father so we could live. 

What kind of support do you hope to get from St. John's?
We hope to have the congregation as well as our sponsors give spiritual and moral guidance through my sons spiritual journey. We hope that they will provide support to Jaxson in the place of our absence.
Sunday Lenten Sermon Series
"Refocus"
Sundays, March 10 - April 14
Distracted?
Focusing on other things?
Not focusing on…Jesus?

In this Lenten series, “ReFocus”, we are looking at those things in our lives that currently take our eyes off Jesus and threaten our relationship with Him and with others. We’ll examine everything from our obsession with smart phones to our “age of outrage”, from our busyness to our sense of entitlement. When our focus is so much on these things, we can easily lose focus on the One who matters most: our Lord Jesus Christ. We’ll also see what God’s Word says about these things and how Jesus should be the ultimate One we “focus” on and the mercy and grace He shows. This Lent, come and “refocus” on Jesus and His eternal love for you in the midst of so many things that distract.
  • 3/31: ReFocus…on Working From Rest, not Resting From Work
  • 4/7: ReFocus…on Serving Others, not Expecting Rewards
  • 4/14 (Palm Sunday): ReFocus…on the Interest Of Others, not Only Your Own
Midweek Lenten Worship Series
"Sermon on the Mount"
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
March 13 - April 10
Our Midweek series for Lent takes you through some of the most familiar teachings of Jesus from His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 and relates them to the events surrounding Christ’s life, death and resurrection. In the process, they will powerfully reveal that the cross itself is the ultimate sermon on the mount for our journey of faith in this sacred season.
  • 3/27: Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)
  • 4/3: Judge Not (Matthew 7:1-5)
  • 4/10: Build on the Rock (Matthew 7:24-27)
Lenten Suppers
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
School Gymnasium
Free-will Offering
Wednesday, March 27
Soup Supper
Hosted by the Board of Worship & Choir Members

Wednesday, April 3
Taco Bar
Hosted by the Board of Caring Ministries

Wednesday, April 10
Baked Potato Bar
National Youth Gathering Youth & Mayor Small Group
2019 St. John's Lenten Devotional
"7 Days...One Week That Changed the World"
The 2019 Lenten Devotional is ready! Paper copies can be picked up in the Church Narthex. You are welcome to download a PDF version by clicking the button below, or click here to view the daily devotion on our website.
Palm Sunday, April 14
8:00 a.m. - Worship w/Holy Communion
10:45 a.m. - Worship w/Holy Communion

Maundy Thursday, April 18
12:00 p.m. - Worship w/Holy Communion
7:00 p.m. - Worship w/Holy Communion

Good Friday, April 19
12:00 p.m. - Worship Service
7:00 p.m. - Tenebrae Service

Easter Sunday, April 21
8:00 a.m. - Festival Service w/Holy Communion
10:45 a.m. - Festival Service w/Holy Communion
Easter Breakfast
Sunday, April 21 at 9:00 a.m.
School Gymnasium
Easter Lily Sales
St. John's Altar Guild
Throughout Lent, as Easter approaches, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter that we may have eternal life with Him. On Easter Sunday, Easter Lilies are placed on the Altar in celebration of our Savior’s resurrection.  Please consider purchasing an Easter Lily to beautify the Sanctuary on Easter Sunday and in thanksgiving for the gift of eternal life.  A member of the Altar Guild will be in the Narthex taking orders for lilies after each Sunday service on March 31, April 7 and April 14. The price per lily is $14.00.  Easter Lilies may be taken after the Easter services.  
GROW ...in the Word
Ready...to CONNECT?
Want to know more about the faith and practice of St. John’s? Get connected! St. John’s offers a free, online 12 session course in Christianity called “God Connects” from Lutheran Hour Ministries. This course has short videos, discussion guides and opportunities for online questions and comments for Pastor Ben to answer and respond. Because it is online, you can go at your own pace and finish whenever you want!

To access this course, either sign-up on your Greeting Card or at the St. John’s Connection Center. Take this opportunity to get connected with God and His Son, Jesus!

( Note: Those who are new to the faith and practice of St. John’s and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod are required to complete this course before attending St. John’s CONNECT Class for joining the community of St. John’s.)
St. John’s next “CONNECT” Class, where you can find out all about joining the community of St. John’s, is coming on SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019! More details coming soon; contact the Church Office at (708) 354-1690 or churchoffice@sjlagrange.com
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"ReFocus"
Sunday, March 24 at 9:25 a.m.
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
High School Youth Bible Study
"Why Should I Trust the Bible?"
Sunday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Downstairs Youth Room
Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
Our current Bible class is titled "Why Should I Trust the Bible". This class will identify and respond to the many baseless arguments against the Holy Bible.
Sunday Morning Parenting Bible Study
Sunday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Noah Ark's Nursery Classroom
Our Christ-Centered Parenting Bible study will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you!
Sunday School
Sunday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Second Floor, Music/Choir Room
Jesus performs a great miracle - He heals ten men with leprosy. We'll watch a video, play a fun game, and do an amazing science experiment. Come join the fun!
Vacation Bible School
SAVE THE DATE!
July 29 - August 2, 2019
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Vacation Bible School
St. John's Lutheran Church and School
(708) 354-1690
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday Women's Bible Class
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Heritage Room

We are currently reading "Waiting - A Bible Study on Patience, Hope & Trust" by Sharon Fritz. If you have any questions, contact Lynn Kahl at (312) 890-0020 or email at lynnkahl50@gmail.com . We look forward to seeing you!
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 continuing our study of the Gospel of Luke, following Warren Wiersbe's "Be Courageous: Take Heart from Christ's Example." If you have any questions, please contact Jon Fredrickson at jon_fredrickson@yahoo.com .
SHARE ...with Your Service
Candy Donations Needed
Board of Evangelism
Julie Strasser, j.strasser@sjlagrange.com
An Egg-citing activity is rolling out that will involve our Church, School and neighbors. Individually wrapped candy donations are needed to fill 2,400 plastic eggs and will be greatly appreciated. Please drop off bags of candy in the Church Narthex or in the School Office between now and March 31, 2019. Thank you!
Interfaith Community Partners
Volunteer Drivers Needed to Transport Older Adults
Can you spare an hour or more a week to drive an older adult? Interfaith Community Partners is a non-profit organization that works together with volunteers to provide rides to older adults in the Lyons, Proviso, and Riverside Townships. Volunteer drivers provide accompanied transportation to medical appointments, therapies, and life-enhancing errands such as the grocery store, bank, hairdresser, and church. Contact us at (708) 354-9328 for a volunteer application, visit us on the web at InterfaithCommunityPartners.org , and like us on Facebook. We will train you and work around your busy life!
$5.00 Mite Challenge
If every LWML Members donates just $5.00 between now and March 31, 2019 we can reach the Mission Goal. Click here for more information.

Food Pantry Item for the Month of March:
Toilet Paper
Donations can be dropped off in the Church Narthex near the Connection Center.
SCHOOL NEWS
2019 St. John's Plant Sale
Friday, May 10 from 10 :00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 11 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Spring is around the corner and it's time to think about St. John's Plant sale! Click here to view the order form. Preorders do not have to be paid in advance; payment at pick-up is fine. Completed forms can be placed in the "Plant Sale" boxes located the Church Narthex and School Office.
TRIP Program
Whether you are starting your Spring shopping, or updating your wardrobe for the season, don't forget to order your TRIP cards! There are many choices for your shopping needs...click the TRIP logo above to learn more!

We will be placing TRIP orders on this upcoming date: April 1
CHURCH OFFICE
THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Consecrated Stewards program and celebration! The Committee would like to provide you with an update (click here) of how God's people responded to His great love with generous giving to the mission of St. John's Lutheran Church and School.
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, March 17 = 216
GIFT APPEAL UPDATE
G iving I n F aith T ogether
The GIFT appeal is for $120,000 over and above regular contributions to close our projected budget deficit by March of 2019. From November 25, 2018 through March 17, 2019: $75,048 . Look for weekly updates in the Mission.
Attention Thrivent Members
Thrivent Choice Dollars
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