CONNECT ...in Worship
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 5:05 PM (The 505)
Sunday, July 19, 2020 at 8:00 and 10:45 AM (Traditional)
"This Is The Kingdom: Swimming Inside The Same Net "

Preacher: Pastor Mark Stapleton
Worship Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
Old Testament Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-10
Second Reading: Revelation 20:11-21:4
Holy Gospel: Matthew 13:47-52
Fishing back in Jesus’ time was done with large nets that would catch many types of fish…but it wasn’t known if they were good or bad until they were hauled onto the boat and taken to shore. It was there that any “bad” fish were thrown away while the good fish were kept. As we conclude our series, “This Is The Kingdom”, Jesus says that is what it will be like at the end of the age when He comes again. The evil ones, who rejected the Lord and Hid people, will finally be dealt with, while the ones made righteous by Jesus will live eternally with Him. What comfort this brings when we look at the evil and sin in our world! Jesus will sort everything out on the Last Day…and we will be with Him forever!

SERMON SERIES
This Is The Kingdom: God’s Ways Revealed in the Stories Jesus Tells

“And he told them many things in parables…” A “parable” is a story that Jesus tells to “make a comparison”, to show on the surface the deep riches of the reign of God. When Jesus tells stories, it is not just to make a point. It is to point to the hidden but altogether true reality that breaks forth in Him. These are some of the most beloved passages in the Bible, and for good reason: the reality they reveal impacts our daily lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. In this series, we will focus on these wonderful and challenging stories that Jesus tells, as we discover the “kingdom” of Jesus that is at work among us and through us.

  • 7/18 & 19: Matthew 13:47-52 (The Net of Many Fish)

NEW SERMON SERIES - Starting July 25th
The Gospel According To David

King David is often portrayed as a spiritual giant, a great king and a caring shepherd. From writing beloved Psalms to conquering mighty enemies, David is often held up as a great example of faithful living. But when you look at the stories of David’s life, you see not an example of faithful living; you see a faithful God who gives David everything by His grace. In this 6 week series, “The Gospel According To David”, we will look at some of those stories and see that the Lord almighty was working in and through His sinful, chosen King, to make David an example of the glorious grace that He shows to all sinners. We will also see how the life of David ultimately points to God’s grace that He shows us in our true King, Jesus Christ, and His love, strength and power that He shows through His death and resurrection.
 
  • 7/25 & 26: Call of David as King (1 Samuel 16:1-13b)
  • 8/1 & 2: David & Goliath (1 Samuel 17:40-50)
  • 8/8 & 9: David Spares Saul’s Life (1 Samuel 24:1-15)
  • 8/15 & 16: David Dances Before the Ark (2 Samuel 6:12-23)
  • 8/22 & 23: God’s Promise to Build a “House” for David (2 Samuel 7:1-17)
  • 8/29 & 30: Nathan rebukes David (2 Samuel 12:1-13)
IN-PERSON / LIVESTREAMED WORSHIP
and
A MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF PROPERTIES
(Everyone should have received an e-mail titled " In-Person Worship Services - Additional Information that was sent on Wednesday, July 15. Click " HERE " to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services that being this weekend.)
Dear Members:

I would like to take this opportunity to share what we have been doing to keep our church safe during our recent re-opening. The Board of Properties has been working diligently to prepare and maintain our church for worship services. We have carefully prepared an Operating & Cleaning Plan based on CDC Guidelines for faith-based communities. Ushers are screening members as they arrive by ensuring that masks are properly worn, by taking temperatures with infrared thermometers, and by asking Covid-19 health related questions. Three touchless hand sanitizing stations have been installed that members can use before, during and after the service. Social distancing is maintained as members are escorted to their pre-arranged pew locations, which provide ten-foot separations between individuals. This seating plan also allows us to perform contact tracing, should someone become ill shortly afterwards. Procedures have been developed to clean and disinfect the church between services. We have upgraded our HVAC filtration system with MERV-14 filters, which remove 90% of 1 - 3µm sized particles and at least 75% of 0.3 - 1µm particles, virtually eliminating the airborne load of Covid-19.

As we gain a better understanding of how to deal with this pandemic, we will improve our plan through additional measures. Our goal is to ensure the safety of each member, such that worry-free worship can be offered in our church again.

In His Service,

William Newren
Chairman, Board of Properties

ST. JOHN'S OUTREACH MINISTRIES!
ST. JOHN'S VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
CHECK OUT ALL THE INFORMATION ON OUR
VIRTUAL VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!

MONDAY, July 27 - FRIDAY, JULY 31 from 9 - 11 AM

(You all should have received our " VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL " e-mail that was sent on Thursday, July 16. Click " HERE " to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful outreach events.)


VBS ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 PM (Rain Date: 7/31)

MEALS-TO-GO: Sunday, August 16, 2020 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM

BLOOD DRIVE UPDATE: Monday, August 17, 2020 from 1:00 - 6:00 PM

St. John's will be hosting an American Red Cross blood drive on August 17th from 1:00 - 7:00 PM. As you may have heard, there is high demand for blood throughout our area. If you have tried to sign up, you will notice that time slots have filled up.  American Red Cross tests for the COVID-19 antibody therefore the time slots fill up quickly. We are working on scheduling another one in the fall and will publicize as soon as a date is set.  They discourage walk-ins at this time.  Please email Rebecca Schiltz at schiltz4@sbcglobal.net if you would like to volunteer. We need 5 volunteers to cover two shifts.  

POPSICLES IN THE PLAYGROUND: Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM

CHECK OUT ALL THE GREAT OUTREACH MINISTRIES
THAT ARE OCCURRING THIS MONTH!

(You all should have received our " OUTREACH MINISTRIES " e-mail that was sent on Monday, July 13. Click " HERE " to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful outreach events.)

CHURCH NEWS!
LOOKING FOR OUR NEW CHURCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR!
 
Click on the icon above or click " HERE " for
additional information on this immediate position!

"Thank You All!" from the Board of Stewardship. During these tough times, for those who have been financially able to donate money to St. John's normally spent on things like gas, dry cleaning, auto maintenance, car washes, haircuts and restaurants/entertainment...the church thanks you greatly! Your generosity is appreciated.
CONNECT ...in Bible Study and Small Groups

Pastor Ben is currently discussing
Keith Haney’s book “One Nation Under God"
C lick " HERE " for additional information on weekly opportunities!



All three small groups are currently discussing
Keith Haney’s book “One Nation Under God"
C lick " HERE " for additional information on these opportunities!


E-SUNDAY SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN'S
PETER HAD AN AMAZING DREAM!
Peter was wondering what his dream meant.
Why were all these animals wrapped in a sheet?  
It seemed silly at first....
But then a voice from heaven explained everything Peter saw.
It was the best dream ever!

Lesson materials will be emailed 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.

CONNECT ...with Youth Group
Saturday, July 18th from 7-9 pm at St. John's Parking Lot!

Come join us as we safely socialize, play various games such as water balloon toss, bean bags, Yard Yahtzee, and Pass the Pig, have time with God, and enjoy a treat 🙂.  Bring a chair, a mask, and a water bottle. 

Any questions? Email Vicki Wykert at v.wykert@sjlagrange.com

SCHOOL OFFICE
Click on the TRIP logo above for more information on
how to donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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.

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.
Click on the TRIP logo above for more information!
Whether you are starting your summer seasonal shopping or shopping for an all-important graduate – start with TRIP cards. Click on the TRIP logo above for summer order dates.

Our next order date is Monday, July 27 at 8:30 AM at Door A in the Church Parking Lot . Please e-mail Amy Bounassisi at amybuonassisi@gmail.com if you are placing an order.


Saturday Worship
505 Contemporary Worship Service
at 5:05 p.m.
(Click " here " for the song playlist)
 
Sunday Worship
Traditional Worship Service
at 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE: All Worship Services will be available on our Livestream YouTube Page shortly after they are Livestreamed.
Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210