CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, October 7, 2018
"Answering Strangers"
(Week 5 of 6)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament: Isaiah 2:2-5
Epistle: 1 Peter 3:8-17
Holy Gospel: Luke 21:10-19
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.”

10/14: Hopeful Strangers (1 Peter 4:12-19)
October is LWML Month
October is LWML month and our Church will happily be supporting it. The Lutheran Women's Missionary League is very active with its outreach throughout the United States and all around the world.  During this month there are several ways that you can help support the current projects.

Donations will be collected in a box, located in the Church Narthex, which will help to support the homeless people in our own area through the BEDS program. Items such as toothpaste and tooth brushes, deodorant, shampoo, socks, paper plates, napkins, plastic eating utensils, and other items which are listed on the box will be greatly appreciated!

Cancelled stamps will continue to be collected. When cut from the envelopes, please leave some paper around them. Stamps which have come on postcards should not be cut off, but left on the postcards. All of these stamps bring quite a few hundred dollars to help support current mission projects. A yellow envelope which hangs over the table in the narthex; and is marked for LWML stamps is where your cancelled stamps can be put.

Mite boxes can be used to collect money for mission projects, and so can donations in church envelopes. Simply mark the donation for LWML. The newly elected 12 mission projects that total $120,000 can be read about on the LWML e news web page.
GROW ...in the Word
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.
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"The Challenge of Islam"
Sunday, October 7, 2018
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
To the Western mind, the faith and practice of Islam are often a profound mystery. In recent years, this religion has emerged as a prominent -- yet misunderstood -- belief system. Listen as Sam Shamoun, an Arab-Christian, unveils some of the mystique surrounding this religion first preached by Muhammad and today practiced by more than one billion people worldwide. 
In Part One of this two-part Bible study, the teachings of Islam are brought into focus. In addition to learning about the "Five Pillars of Islam," participants will examine what the Quran says about the role of Abraham, the Trinity, angels and jinn (genies), the attributes of Jesus Christ, the character of Muhammad, Judgment Day, and paradise. 
The Quran is the premier Muslim holy book. As such, its 114 chapters are the faith-guide for Muslims everywhere. For instance, did you know the Quran claims Jesus is not God, nor is He the Son of God? Were you aware Quranic teaching says the religion of the patriarchs -- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all the prophets -- is Islam? Shamoun asks, "Christians, do you see the challenge of Islam, and are you prepared to deal with this challenge?" 
While Islam is a religious force to be reckoned with, it already has been dealt its deathblow through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Armed with love and an attitude that considers Muslims -- like everyone else -- those for whom Christ died, Christians can share the same Good News that gives them salvation. As Shamoun says, "The only thing that can defeat Islam is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Sunday School
Sunday, October 7 at 9:30 a.m.
Music/Choir Room
Join us upstairs in the Music/Choir Room for a Bible Story, games and crafts. Parents and caregivers are welcome to join. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
St. John's Sunday School needs several volunteers to assist on Sunday mornings. The activities are planned, but extra hands are needed to help with games, crafts and snacks. While help is needed through the end of December, you need not be committed for every week. If you can help out, please contact the Church Office, 708-354-1690 or Daylne Shinneman or Jim or Barb Paulsen.
Sunday Morning Parenting Bible Study
"The Art of Parenting: Aiming Your Child's Heart Toward God"
Sunday, October 7 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, October 7 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
We will gather on Monday, October 8 to study 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.
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 4, we will began our 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 .
Operation Christmas Child
Shoebox Collection Begins!
Operation Christmas Child Project begins this Sunday through the month of October.  Please make sure your box is back in the church narthex or in the church office by Sunday, November 11 ! This is the last possible Sunday, as they will be dropped off at a Collection location within the following week.  

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. Our mission is to provide local partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. They ship these simple gifts outside the United States to children affected by war, poverty, natural disaster, famine, and disease; and to children living on Native American reservations in the U.S.

Please see the displays in the Narthex or in the School office lobby for more information as to how to pack your boxes or go to www.SamaritansPurse.org and click on the Operation Christmas Child link for more information.  
Mission Cafe Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour donations for the month of October will benefit the CROP Walk that will take place on October 21. Please support our Youth Group as they will be representing St. John's on the walk.

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
Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, 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 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 30 = 203
UPCOMING ST. JOHN'S EVENTS
Jewelry Fundraiser

St. John's Lutheran School
Wednesday, October 17
2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
All pieces are 18k gold or Rhodium plated and are competitively priced. Stop by to check it out and do some early Christmas shopping!

Cash, checks, credit cards accepted. Contact Chris Kirchenberg at 708-345-9353 or email, ckirchenberg@gmail.com for more information. Visit www.niceonline.com to view collection.
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!
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
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.
Chopin Recital
Sunday, October 21 beginning at 1:00 p.m.
On Sunday, October 21, the students of the Salt Creek Music Teachers Association will be presenting 3 recitals of Chopin music, at 1:00, 2:30 and 4:00 p.m. These recitals will raise money to help support the construction of a statue of Chopin, just like the one in Warsaw, Poland, in Grant Park, Chicago. There is no charge for attending these recitals. All are welcome to come and enjoy the beautiful music of Chopin!
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