CONNECT...IN WORSHIP
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Second Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, June 3, 2018
"Treasure in Clay Jars: Jesus"
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament: 1 Kings 19:9-18
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Holy Gospel: Luke 9:18-26
New Sermon Series
"Treasures in Clay Jars: Extraordinary Power in Ordinary Lives"
Beginning this Sunday, June 3
“We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Clay jars. Back in Paul’s day, they were nothing special; not much to look at or value. That’s what made them especially good for anyone who wanted to hide valuable “treasure” in them!

Being a follower of Jesus Christ is not easy nowadays. In a world focused on displays of power, living perfect lives and having it altogether, others may look down on us when we stumble, suffer and show weakness. But the “power” to live as the Lord’s disciples does not come from our own strength, but from God’s “treasure” that shines forth in our weakness.

In this sermon series based on passages from 2 Corinthians, we will be looking at some of the extraordinary “treasures” that God places within our ordinary lives. Come, receive and be encouraged to “live weak” in a world driven by human power.

  • 6/10: Treasure in Clay Jars: Hope (2 Corinthians 4:13-18)
  • 6/17: Treasure in Clay Jars: Faith (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)
  • 6/24: Treasure in Clay Jars: Witness (2 Corinthians 6:1-13)
  • 7/1: Treasure in Clay Jars: Generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15)
  • 7/8: Treasure in Clay Jars: Grace (2 Corinthians 12:1-10)
Holy Baptism of Abigail Eleanore Serwas
Sunday, June 3 at 10:45 a.m.
We welcome this new member of the body of Christ, Abigail Eleanore Serwas during our 10:45 a.m. Worship Service this Sunday. Before Abigail's baptism, her parents, Daniel and Jennifer responded to these questions in preparation for this day:

Why are you getting Abigail baptized?
We are getting Abigail baptized so that she is recognized by God and has an official beginning to her journey in the spiritual community.

Why at St. John's?
We chose St. John's because Dan's family belongs to the Church and it is important to him to share a part of his faith with her.

What does baptism mean to you and your family?
Baptism means joining the religious community. It is Abby's introduction to Church and the beginning of her journey of faith.

What sort of support do you want from St. John's? What kind of connection do you want to make at St. John's? with the congregation as well as your baptism sponsor?
I hope that the congregation at St. John's will always be there for Abby and be available to answer any questions that Abby may have in the future.
GROW...IN THE WORD
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
Begins this Sunday, June 3 at 9:25 a.m. (Heritage Room)
Led by Pastor Mark Stapleton
"Worry"
Do you worry? Do you worry more than you should? Pastor Stapleton will start a new Bible class in June about “Worry”. We know that we should not worry, however, we do it anyway! How does God help us through these trying times? Come and listen, and participate in this Bible class. This Bible class will meet between services every Sunday in June. Hope to see you there. 
Sunday School Education Hour
NO Sunday School on June 3 or June 10. See you at Summer Sunday Schoo l which begins on June 17 , led by Vicki Wykert.
Weekly Bible Studies
Early Risers Bible Study
Thursday at 6:15 a.m.
(Heritage Room)
Men's Weekly Bible Study
On Thursday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Heritage Room , we will begin a study on the book of Nehemiah, a record of construction and controversy which ends the Exile and sets the stage for the arrival of the Messiah. We will be following Warren Wiersbe's "Be Determined: Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition," covering roughly one chapter every week through the end of August. If you have any questions, please contact Jon Fredrickson at jon_fredrickson@yahoo.com
SHARE...WITH YOUR SERVICE
Summer Special Music
Share Your Talent
We are looking for singers and instrumentalists that would like to participate in our Summer Worship Services from July 1 – September 2. If you are interested in playing an instrument or singing at our 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. Summer Worship Services please contact David Lincoln at 708-354-1690 (ext. 222), or by e-mail to: d.lincoln@sjlangrange.com
Sunday Morning Mission Cafe
Mission Focus for June:
Vacation Bible School 2018

Mission Cafe donations will help defray the cost of Vacation Bible School. Please see "Donations Board" next Sunday, June 10 and help provide items needed for the week. Thank you in advance for your generosity.
Volunteer to Host Coffee Hour

Would you consider volunteering for this fun, least time consuming way to serve at St. John’s? We are doing sign-ups through July utilizing “Sign-up Genius”. You will notice there are two columns that say Serve Coffee Only or Service Coffee & Bring Treats. If you only with to serve coffee, there will be baked goods provided.
St. John's Kitchen Angels
Providing Homemade Meals for Those in Need
If would like to receive more information on how to become a "Kitchen Angel", please contact Rebecca Schiltz at schiltz4@sbcglobal.net Providing meals for members of our congregation is greatly appreciated by the recipients.  
Volunteer Drivers Needed

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. Over 95 volunteers provide escorted transportation to medical appointments, therapies, and life-enhancing errands such as the grocery store, bank, and church. There is no cost to our clients, we ask for them to donate, if able. We rely solely on private donations, grants, special events, and church support for funding. Contact us at (708) 354-9328 for an information packet, visit us on the web at interfaithcommunitypartners.org and like us on Facebook. Can you spare an hour a week? We will work around your busy life!
Attention Moms with Kids!

Are you looking to volunteer in the community over the Summer with your children?

Interfaith Community Partners has opportunities to deliver flowers to our older adult clients, take an older adult grocery shopping, or just visit with them for a half hour or so. Call our office for details.
SCHOOL NEWS
3rd Grade Eagles in Action Update
Last September, 3 rd grade collected chapel offerings to buy items monthly for the La Grange Area Food Pantry. We used $26 each month this school year to purchase: 13 bottles of shampoo, 9 deodorant sticks, 50 bars of soap, 29 pump soap, 24 dish soap, 24 rolls of paper towels, 44 rolls of toilet paper, 5 packages of diapers, and 15 boxes of band-aids. We will spend the remaining $37 on laundry soap. We also received two $25 gift cards to Jewel which we purchased almost 50 boxes of cereal. We are grateful to Angie Lally, Chad Hemminger and Karen Hitterman who have faithfully delivered the supplies. If you are interested in helping drop off donations in the future, please contact j.strasser@sjlagrange.com  Praise God from whom all blessing flow!
The La Grange Area Food Pantry item for the Month of June is: Laundry Soap

Please drop off donations in the Church Narthex in the marked box for Food Pantry items. Thank you.
Hot Shots Sports Summer Youth Sports Camp
Where: St. John's Lutheran School
Who: Grades 1-5
When: July 30 - August 3
12:00-3:00 p.m.
For more information, please see flyer below:
Click on the "TRIP" logo to learn more.

Current upcoming Summer order dates are:
June 18, July 30 & August 13
CHURCH OFFICE INFORMATION
Sherrie Smith Accepts Call to Zion, Hinsdale
Zion Lutheran in HInsdale has offered me a full-time position which includes playing the organ on Sunday mornings. I prayerfully struggled with this Call for awhile, but I feel the Lord is leading me to accept that position. This makes it impossible for me to continue to serve at St. John's La Grange.
 
I have been blessed by serving with you at St. John's. The amazing St. John's Mission Team to Haiti was one of the highlights. Your support was greatly appreciated. Feed My Starving Children outings and caroling at the Meadowbrook Nursing Home were also highlights. When I think of the Birthday Party for Angel and the Starbucks adventures, I smile. I cherish sharing Jesus with your families during the children's messages. The weekly Sunday School sessions put me in touch with the children. There is nothing better than being a part of children learning about Jesus. 
 
There are many volunteers that I need to thank. The Board of Parish Education has supported the family ministry in so many different ways. Thank you to the Sunday School staff!! Thank you to the prayer team and everyone else who did anything to support the family ministry. And I am thanking the 2018 Vacation Bible School team in advance. 
 
I will begin playing the organ on Sundays at Zion in July. I am coordinating St. John's 2018 VBS and I am very thankful for any help you can give.
 
May God continue to bless the ministry of St. John's Lutheran in La Grange!
Sherrie
A Note from the Memorials and Gifts Committee

The Memorials and Gifts Committee reconvened about three years ago and began the process of looking over the financial reports and the balance of funds. With the help of Congregational Secretary, Harlan Hirt and Finance Committee Representative, Amy Buonassisi, who diligently went through all the financial reports and records dating back to 2005, the committee has been able to update it's files. The purpose of the Memorials and Gifts Committee is to distribute funds according to the wishes of the loved ones of those memorialized. There is a list of projects that can be designated, but at times, monies come in with non-designation. It is up to the committee to contact the families and ask where they would like the non-designated money to go.

We would encourage our members and friends of St. John's to remember loved ones through donations made to one of the many approved funds and projects here at St. John's. Such gifts can be made at any time and placed in the offering plate or mailed to the Church Office. Listed below are the approved funds and projects for your prayerful consideration.

  • St. John's General Operation Account
  • St. John's Debt Retirement Account
  • A.H. Miller Scholarship
  • St. John's Annual School Fund
  • St. John's Music Fund
  • Church Landscaping
  • Cemetery Landscaping
  • Parking Lot
  • Capital Fund
  • Comfort Dog
  • VBS
  • Altar Guild

Please contact any member of the Committee with any comments or questions.

In His Service,
The Memorial Committee: Sharon Broz, Karen Ciango (Committee Chair), Patricia Contraveos, Marie Fukar, Judy Hirt, Marjorie Newpher, Alice Sekal
UPCOMING EVENTS
LWML Annual Potluck Dinner
Tuesday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m. (Heritage Room)
our LWML Potluck with include a main course of chicken, which will be provided, and so will beverages. Each attendee is asked to contribute either a salad or a dessert. The dinner will be followed by a brief meeting. After that, Jenny Rohr, a talented Lutheran musician, will present a piano program of music that takes us through the church year.

If you can attend this event, and we hope you can, please respond by Friday, June 23, so that we will know how much chicken to order and how many tables and chairs to set up. Either email Pam Christensen at  BPChristensen@comcast.net ,  or phone her at (708) 354-6977. We look forward to your attendance!
St. John's Family Theater Production
This Summer will mark the 10th year of the St. John's Family Theater and plans are currently underway for a show that will highlight some of our favorite songs from the previous years!
 
Our cast is made up of a mix of congregation members as well as school families. In addition to just having a lot of fun, Family Theater also makes for a great environment to spend time with and get to know members of the St. John's family that you may not have had the opportunity to meet yet! We would love to have new faces in our cast this year too, so please consider being a part of this fun ministry! 
 
Our rehearsals times are "family vacation & summer activity friendly" so I'm sure we can work around whatever you have going on. Our performance dates will take place during the weekend of August 10-12.
 
More information will be coming out soon but for now, please contact Heidi Dahlstrand at heidi827@msn.com or (847) 302-3967 to let her know know if you are interested in being a part of this summers show!  
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2018!
St. John's Lutheran Church and School
Monday, July 30 - Friday, August 3, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Four Year Old's - 5th Grader's
Sunday Worship Schedule
Worship Service 8:00 a.m.
Fellowship 9:00 a.m.
Education 9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
Worship Service 10:45 a.m.
Church Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Office: (708) 354-1690
Worship Attendance
Sunday, May 27 = 170
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