St. John's Lutheran
Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
January 30 - February 5, 2021
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Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 5:05 PM
"The 505" Contemporary Worship Service
with Holy Communion
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday, January 31, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Traditional Worship Service
with Holy Communion
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
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"I Bring You Good News...of Freedom"
Preaching: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Epistle: Romans 6:15-23
Holy Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
If there is one thing we value, it’s our freedom. When that is taken away and we are in bondage, life is truly one of fear and despair. As we continue our series, “I Bring You Good News!”, we see Jesus freeing a man possessed by an “unclean spirit”. This incredible miracle, this “new teaching with authority”, points to the One who “sets the captives free”…those who are in bondage to sin, death and the devil…you and me. The Good News of Jesus…that your sin is forgiven…that death is defeated…that the devil has “come out” of us…is freeing indeed! What wonderful news to share with others who are oppressed by demons, addictions, guilt, shame and fear. We get to share the One who breaks their chains and frees them to trust and live for the One who liberates them with His grace and love!
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An e-mail titled "Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany" was sent to church members on Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Click on the button above to view that email, obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services and to register for worship services being held this weekend.
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Current Sermons Series
I Bring you Good News!
Sharing the Gospel with Those Who Need to Hear It
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Jesus’ public ministry began with this stunning proclamation: "The time has come…The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"; (Mark 1:15, NIV) When Jesus walks into His hometown synagogue, He boldly declares: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18, ESV) Jesus was all about sharing the good news with everyone…because He IS good news! And those whom He has chosen in baptism, those who are united with Jesus, His death and resurrection, those who believe in the good news that Jesus speaks and embodies…WE continue His ministry of sharing the good news!
In this series for the season of Epiphany, “I Bring You Good News!”, we will look at the Good News we share with others, but looking at it through the special lens of Jesus’ own words, fulfilling what the prophet Isaiah spoke so long ago. We will also look at the Good News that we have received and that this Good News is for ALL people! “I bring you good news!” is not just something Jesus spoke; it is something Jesus speaks through us!
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CONNECT...in SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION
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Adult Education Class ~ MORE THAN THE MESSAGE ~ 10:15-11:15am
Join Pastor Ben, either in-person at St. John's or online on Zoom, for a study of the passage that his message is based upon. Gain more insights and teachings than can be packed into a 15 minute message! Strengthen your faith in Jesus and the life He has for you! See the article below for details.
Sunday School Education ~ 10:15 - 11:15 AM
Join the Sunday School Class either in-person or online. Lesson materials will be sent to all Sunday School and Wednesday Bible School families. If you do not receive your package, contact Dalyne Shinneman at dalyne.shinneman@gmail.com or call 630.772.1688. See the article below for details.
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More Than the Message
"I Bring You Good News...of Freedom"
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In-person: St. John's Sanctuary
Online: Zoom
Ben Roberts is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
Or join by Phone:
Phone #: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 762 7752 9382
Passcode: 505
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Topic: More Than The Message
Time: Jan 31, 2021 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Sun, until Feb 14, 2021, 3 occurrence(s)
Jan 31, 2021 10:00 AM
Feb 7, 2021 10:00 AM
Feb 14, 2021 10:00 AM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
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Jesus’ ministry on earth began with a special sign – his baptism.
God wanted everyone to know that Jesus was God’s Son, and this event was proof that God had sent him to us. What an amazing day this must have been! As Jesus was baptized, God’s Holy Spirit came down from heaven in the form of a beautiful dove, and a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son; with Him I am pleased”.
We'll learn more about Jesus' baptism in our Bible story. Lesson materials will be sent to all Sunday School and Wednesday Bible School families. If you do not receive your package, contact Dalyne Shinneman at dalyne.shinneman@gmail.com or call 630.772.1688.
NOTE: Sunday School in-person will meet January 31st in the Heritage Room from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Come join us!
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CONNECT...through CHURCH NEWS!
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Note: If your Mission gets clipped in your email,
click your "view entire message" link to go on reading
about opportunities at St. John's.
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The Lutheran Witness
Interpreting the Contemporary World From a Lutheran Christian Perspective
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Published 11 times a year—monthly, with a combined June/July issue—The Lutheran Witness keeps you updated with news from around the Synod, and addresses topical issues with feature articles, columns, Q&As, and more that will both inform and inspire. View a free sample by clicking here. Subscriptions are $15.96 a year. To receive a copy of The Lutheran Witness by mail for 2021 please contact the Church Office at churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org before February 14, 2021. Checks are to made out to St. John's Lutheran with the memo line note "Lutheran Witness" and can be mailed to or dropped off at the church, 505 S. Park Ave, La Grange, IL 60525. |
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***Meet Our High School Mission Team*** |
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We continue with another week of meeting the members of our high school mission team who will be adventuring to Erie, PA this summer to help those in need. We add three more faces for you to meet and again thank you for your continued support.
This week you get to meet Katie Westfall, Sophie Rambeaux-Olson and Lizette Williams who are excited to serve this summer. Please click on the button below to read their personal introductions.
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With the current restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, our normal Mission Trip fund-raising opportunities are limited. You will see an order form available for Super Bowl Sub Sandwiches and Decorated Cookies below this article. We also have an ongoing collection site in the form of a gas can in the church Narthex where you can drop donations. Another great way to support us is to be a sponsor for one of the students attending! We thank everyone who has already supported our youth, and ask that you prayerfully consider helping out our team in the coming months. Please email any questions to Gary Mayor at gwmayor@gmail.com Thanks!
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FLOWER CHART
Do you enjoy fresh flowers? Each week the altar is beautified with fresh flowers given by individuals of St. John’s congregation. Flowers may be given in memory or in honor of someone or some occasion, in thanksgiving of something or to the Glory of God. The flowers may be taken home after the Sunday services for you to enjoy at home or perhaps share with a loved one or someone you wish to share an invitation to worship at St. John’s. The Flower Chart for 2021 is posted in the narthex on the left brick pillar as you walk into the sanctuary. 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.
If you would like to sign up for flowers, but are unable to enter the building due to COVID restrictions, please email the date for which you would like to sign up to give the flowers to clm4961@gmail.com and you will be contacted by a member of the Altar Guild.
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Let’s Make a Child’s Day!
Do you have a soft-spot for children and enjoy making them smile, laugh and grow in their self-confidences? If so, here is your chance to do exactly that: The Center For Independence Through Conductive Education in Countryside is a nationally-recognized organization helping kids and young adults with Cerebral Palsy achieve greater levels of self-sufficiency. In February, St. John’s will be hosting with the Center virtual craft projects created by our very own Dalyne Shinneman (thank you Dalyne!). If you have a talent for teaching and would enjoy making a child’s day, please contact Stewardship via email at: southbranch0604@gmail.com. Look for videos in coming weeks with Western Springs Founders Patti & Chuck Herbst and their son Justin from the Center. 😊
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Portals of Prayer
The Portals of Prayer devotionals for January - March 2021 are available for pick up in the grey bin outside Door A.
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Church Directories are here!
If you had a photo taken for the church directory the directories have arrived and are available for pick up at the church. They are in the grey pick up bin outside Door A. Please take the one labeled with your name.
If you did not have a photo taken for the directory please see the Church Office Manager about acquiring a church directory.
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CONNECT...in BIBLE STUDY AND SMALL GROUPS!
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St. John's currently has three small groups meeting
Click "HERE" for additional information on these opportunities!
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Attention
All High School Youth!
Look Forward to these events:
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February 6 Watch for more info… possibly sledding 3 - 5 pm ????
February 20 Volleyball @ St. John’s 6:15 - 7:30 pm.
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Winter LWML Quarterly magazines are available for pickup at the church. They are in the grey pickup bin outside Door A. Please pick one up at your convenience. |
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Connections in Business
Let’s face it, while a small number of business sectors have benefitted from the pandemic, many have been hit hard during the past year. Chances are you or someone you know could benefit from a SJLG business networking small group. More so than ever, people need to know what other people do for a living and understand each other’s gifts & talents. There are still many unemployed and underemployed people all around us. Yet, time and time again, God takes care of His flock by connecting people with people…one prayer and introduction or email or phone call or handshake (or COVID fist-pump) at a time. It’s one of God’s greatest gifts to all of us: each other. If you would like to be a part of such a virtual group, please email Stewardship at: southbranch0604@email.com
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CONNECT...through ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES!
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To view the current e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful in-reach and outreach events, click the button below.
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Diaper Derby and
Baby Bottle Drive
ongoing in January
Click button above for information
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how to donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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As COVID-19 widens and families are impacted by hardships related to closed schools, limited access to childcare, work limitations, and more, we have a unique opportunity to help support our community and families.
Purchase gift cards through our school’s fundraiser for essential goods such as groceries, gas, restaurants, and cleaning supplies, to donate to those in our community.
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WAFFLE FUNDRAISER:
- Winter Waffle Zoom Party January 30, 10 AM
YOUTH GROUP FUNDRAISER:
- Super Bowl Sub Sandwiches and Decorated Cookies
- Order through January 31st
- Pickup is February 7th, 10-11AM
- "Click here to order".
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS:
- January's featured item is DISH SOAP
- Please deposit featured item in the box in the narthex.
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CONNECT...with ST. JOHN"S SCHOOL! |
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Now including access to our St John's school newsletter! |
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St. John's Lutheran School Mask Fundraiser
Information is in the Wings!
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Re-Enrollment Information is coming soon! Keep an eye on the Wings for more information. |
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Get ready for the big game!
Use your TRIP cards with many choices for your shopping needs and get ready for colder weather clothing or for anything – start with TRIP cards. Click on the TRIP logo for more information and for regular order dates.
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Our next order dates are: February 8 & 22.
Please come to Door A at 7:45 am.
when you are placing an order.
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Saturday Worship
505 Contemporary
Worship Service at 5:05 p.m.
(Click "here" for the song playlist)
Sunday Worship
Traditional Worship Service
at 9:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: All Worship Services will be available on our Livestream YouTube Page shortly after they are Livestreamed.
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Office: (708) 354-1690 x210
St. John's Lutheran Church and School
505 S. Park Rd. La Grange, IL 60525
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