CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Christ the King Sunday
Sunday, November 25, 2018
"Prophet, Priest, King: Jesus...the King"
(Final Week)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
The Second Reading: Revelation 1:4b-8
Holy Gospel: John 18:33-37
The work that Jesus did while He was on earth is often summarized as an “office” He held: the 3-fold office of “prophet”, “priest” and “king”. In this office, He speaks God’s all powerful Word, He intercedes for those needing salvation from sin and He rules over all things, including His Church. But Jesus continues to embody His 3-fold office through His body, the Church. In this sermon series, we will be taking a look at what the ministry of Jesus looks like as our Prophet, Priest and King; how He embodies this office for our sake; and how He uses His Church to continue His ministry wherever He sends them.
Holy Baptism of Orech Family
Sunday, November 25 during 10:45 a.m. Worship
We welcome these new members of the body of Christ, Steffany Lee Orech , and her two children, Paige Dorothy & Benjamin Steven Orech , during our 10:45 a.m. Worship Service this Sunday.
Advent Sermon Series
"Christmas Presence: Gifts We Receive, Gift We Give"
Beginning Sunday, December 2
Christmas is a time for sharing gifts. Some gifts we want; others…not so much. But one common element seems to run through every gift we receive and give: these gifts are something APART from us. A toy…A screen…A piece of clothing…An appliance…they are handed to us, we open them up, smile (or frown) and…eventually put away, forgotten, or no longer matter.

But what if the gift we could give people was US?
What if the gift we could give people would NOT be put away, forgotten or no longer matter?
What if the gift we could give them was not a toy, a screen or a piece of clothing…but HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE?
What if we could give them the gift…of JESUS?

  • We will look at Jesus riding into Jerusalem, giving the gift of HOPE.
  • We will look at John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness, giving the gift of PEACE.
  • We will look at Jesus responding to John’s disciples, giving the gift of JOY.
  • We will look at Mary coming to see Elizabeth, giving the gift of LOVE.
  • And, in turn, we will discover how Jesus gives us these gifts…and encourages us to give them to everyone…by BEING THE GIFT!

12/2: The Gift of HOPE (Luke 19:28-40)
12/9: The Gift of PEACE (Luke 3:1-17)
12/16: The Gift of JOY (Luke 7:18-28)
12/23: The Gift of LOVE (Luke 1:39-56)
Midweek Advent Sermon Series
"A Baby Changes Everything"
Beginning Wednesday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Once a child is born into the lives of a mother and father, things change in an instant. You no longer can just go out to dinner and a movie. It’s no longer just the “two of us”; now you are a family. And, gradually, this baby becomes woven in the fabric of your very lives. What a challenge! What a joy! What a blessing!

It is no different when that baby born is Jesus Christ. Based on the popular Christmas song “A Baby Changes Everything” sung by music superstar Faith Hill, this series will explore the lives of Mary, Joseph and the shepherds and how the baby Jesus changed their lives…and how He changes ours as well.

12/5: A Baby Changes…Your Priorities (Luke 1:26-38)
12/12: A Baby Changes…Your Relationships (Matthew 1:18-25)
12/19: A Baby Changes…Your Life (Luke 2:8-20)
Midweek Advent Suppers & Worship
Wednesdays, December 5, 12 & 19
Supper at 6:00 p.m.
Worship at 7:00 p.m.

Join us for a light supper at 6:00 p.m. in the School Gymnasium before Worship on at 7:00 p.m.
Poinsettia Orders
Beginning Sunday, December 2
It is a long tradition at St. John’s for the congregation to place poinsettias on the Altar at Christmas. Although poinsettias thrive in tropical regions, their brilliant red flowers and green leaves make them popular for Christmas. The poinsettias may be planted outdoors in the warm season of Chicago where they may grow into a bush several feet tall.  A member of the Altar Guild will be in the Church Narthex after each Sunday service on December 2, 9 and 16, to take orders for poinsettias to be placed on the Altar for the Christmas services. Plants are $14.00 each and may be taken home after the Christmas Day service.  
GROW ...in the Word
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"The Challenge of Islam (Part Two): Defending the Christian Faith
Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 9:25 a.m.
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
In Part Two of this Bible study, Sam Shamoun, an Arab-Christian, examines key texts from the Qur'an and the Bible. Among the items he sheds light on are Islamic presuppositions concerning the priority of the Qur'an, Bible texts considered corrupt by Muslims, the sonship of believers, and Islam's position on the Trinity.

Shamoun's compelling explanation of the three phases of jihad or Muslim "holy war" is of particular benefit to users of this Bible study. This term-oft heard and oft misunderstood over the last few years-is essential for the non-Muslim to understand. As delivered in the Qur'an, jihad is a three-stage process describing how Islam is to be advanced throughout the world. Whether expressed as peaceful co-existence, a defensive stance, or an offensive posture, the level of jihad depends on the prevailing social and political milieu Muslims find themselves in. The study's final lesson shows how society might be altered if non-Muslims' conduct and beliefs were subjugated to the tenets and practice of Islam. Finally, Christians are offered encouragement and talking points when encountering Muslims on faith issues and sharing the hope they have in Christ Jesus.
Don't Miss Our Sunday School Skit!
Sunday, November 25 at 9:25 a.m.
Music/Choir Room
Be one of our Bible story characters in a Sunday School Skit this week. The story takes place in a very crowded Jewish temple, so we need a large crew of actors. Following our story, we'll make cool origami boxes. We'll play a coin-toss game based on our Bible story, and our two teams will compete for the best score. Bring a friend! 
Sunday Morning Parenting Bible Study
"The Art of Parenting: Aiming Your Child's Heart Toward God"
Sunday, November 25 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 Hemminger at 630-660-3602.
High School Youth Bible Study
Sunday, November 25 from 9:25 to 10:25 a.m.
Youth Room
Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton

This study is primarily for High School students. Study will be held in the Youth Room, located downstairs next to the School Cafeteria. Join us as we continue our study on the Book of Ephesians.
Session 10: Lessons of Grief, Part One
Monday, November 25 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
You'll become aware of an often-overlooked reason that grief is so painful; Why going to Church can be so difficult; The benefits of helping others.

Questions? Contact Marnie Smith at  marnie_rev@comcast.net  or call (630) 440-6542.
Weekly Bible Studies
Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Class
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Heritage Room

We are currently reading, "One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World" . If you would like more information regarding the Tuesday Morning Women's Bible Class, please contact Lynn Kahl at (312) 890-0020 or at lynnkahl50@gmail.com
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 now studying the Gospel of Luke, following Warren Wiersbe's "Be 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
For the month of December , the Evangelism Committee invites you invite a friend or neighbor to attend our Annual Christmas Concert and go caroling at Meadowbrook Manor with Sunday School or another caroling event that shares the joy of Christ's birth with those you meet.
Volunteers Needed!

  • Christmas Tree Set-Up and Decorating
  • Christmas Concert Volunteers Needed!
Our Christmas Concert is five weeks away on December 9, and we are in need of many volunteers to help make that evening special. We need people for setting-up and decorating Christmas trees, setting-up risers and chairs, baking cookies and bars for the reception, setting-up and serving the reception as well as clean-up, Ushers, Greeters, and directing traffic. Please consider helping out in any way you can. Look for the sheets on the sign-up board along the west wall of the Church Narthex or if you prefer you can click this link and use Sign-Up Genius ( http://bit.ly/StJohnsDec2018 )

You can also send an email to Mr. Lincoln at d.lincoln@sjlagrange.com , or call him at (708) 354-1690 x222. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Times of Volunteer Help Needed:

  • Christmas Tree Set-up—Thurs, Nov. 29 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Christmas Tree Decorating—Fri, Nov. 30 at 7:00 p.m.
  • Riser Set-up—Sun, Dec. 2 from 12 to 1:00 p.m. (lunch served at 1:00 p.m.)
  • Reception Set-up—Sat, Dec. 8 at 10:00 a.m.
  • Concert Set-up—Sun, Dec. 9 at 12:00 p.m.
  • Kitchen Preparations / Reception Serve / Clean Up—Sun, Dec. 9
  • Assist Directing Traffic —Sun, Dec. 9 (start at 5:30 p.m.)
  • Serve as Greeter for the Concert —Sun, Dec. 9 (start at 5:45 p.m.)
  • Riser Take-down—Mon, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Mission Cafe Coffee Hour
November’s Mission Café donations will benefit the People’s Resource Center . St. John’s First Graders will be hosting a “Christmas Toy Drive” as their Eagles In Action” project. In addition to their toy drive, we will collect monetary donations. 

Since 1975,   People's Resource Center (PRC) has been bringing neighbors together to respond to hunger and poverty in DuPage County. Nearly 30,000 DuPage residents rely on PRC for help each year. With a team of over 2,500 volunteers, they offer nutritious food and other basic necessities like clothes and rent assistance for people facing tough times. They also connect people with resources—education and tutoring, jobs, technology, art, a caring community—to create a future of hope and opportunity for all.

Interested in Hosting a Sunday Morning Coffee Hour? Sign-up below!
UPCOMING ST. JOHN'S EVENTS
Third Annual Women's Advent Tea
"The Story of the Christmas Tree"
Saturday, December 1
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
School Gym
Join us for a morning of fellowship, devotion and breakfast a the Third Annual Women's Advent Tea on Saturday, December 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The cost is $10 per person. You may sign-up in the church narthex.

If you would like to HOST a table, please contact Rebecca Schiltz at schiltz4@sbcglobal.net or Katie Pece at k.pece@sjlagrange.com
Congregational Voter's Meeting
Sunday, December 2 at 9:15 a.m.
Heritage Room
We encourage all confirmed members of St. John's to attend our Annual Voter's Meeting. Names of those listed on the ballot can be found on the Connection Center in the church narthex, or click the button below.

Revised Salary and Benefit Policy

A major action on the Congregational Assembly agenda for the December 2 meeting will be the approval of a revised Salary and Benefit Policy. This Policy defines the entitlements of Congregational employees, such as salaries, health benefits and various types of leaves. An identification of major changes to the Policy, as approved in 2004, is also included. Questions may be directed to Congregational Secretary, Harlan Hirt 354-3306 or hdh_39@sbcglobal.net

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 scared music and familiar carols. Help us spread the word to the community. Informational posters are available at the Connection Center.

The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken. You can also make a personal contribution to our Music Fund to support the music program at St. John’s. Donations to our Music Fund help support musicians for Festive Worship Services like Reformation Sunday; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Eve; and our upcoming Christmas Concert. We thank you in advance for your generous support!
Christmas Concert DVD’s or CDs

Need a last-minute gift, sharing the message of Jesus, for your friend, neighbor or co-worker?

Please consider ordering a professionally recorded DVD or CD of the 2018 Christmas Concert “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” featuring beautiful music by St John’s choirs, handbells and orchestra. This years’ concert date is Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.

Pre-orders for the concert are available: Video DVDs for $20 each and Audio CDs for $10 each. Click this registration link , print your order form and drop-off your check or cash order in the DVD order box at the Connection Center at the Church Narthex. The Christmas Concert DVDs or CDs will be available for pick-up before Christmas Eve for your listening enjoyment.
Parents' Night Out & Birthday Party for Angel
Friday, December 14 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Happy Birthday, Angel! Friday, December 14 is Parents' Night Out, sponsored by the Board of Parish Education. And to make it even more fun, it is a Birthday Party for our Comfort Dog, Angel.

If you need some time to finish Christmas projects, or just a night to relax, the Board of Parish Education would like to take care of your child/ren for you. Drop your child/ren off anytime after 6:00 p.m. and pick them up by 8:30 p.m. This is for children ages 4 to 10 years old. Please R.S.V.P to the Church Office at churchoffice@sjlagrange.com or call (708) 354-1690 x210.
Christmas Cookie Drop-Off
Saturday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m.
The Board of Caring Ministries invites you to join us for a "Cookie Drop-Off" on Saturday, December 15 at 1:00 p.m. Please help us take Christmas Cheer to those who cannot join us for Church on Sundays. More information to follow!
Christmas Caroling at Meadowbrook Manor
Sunday, December 16 at 9:30 a.m.

Come join the Sunday School families as they Christmas carol at Meadowbrook Manor.  We will meet in the back of the church at 9:30. Or meet us at Meadowbrook Manor, 339 9th Ave, La Grange. What a great opportunity to share the real meaning of Christmas!

SCHOOL NEWS
Opportunity to Help St. John's School
The Board if Education is looking for 4-5 people to help with research and data entry to build an electronic Alumni database. This list of names, addresses and email addresses will make it easier to keep our Alumni up to date with the successes, plans, and needs of our School. The time commitment can be as much or as little as you would like.

Needs are:
1. Enter names and addresses into Excel spreadsheet.
2. Research former students, to find current name/location (social media, Google search)

Volunteers of any age are welcome. Volunteer Hours may be eligible for Service Hours for School Projects. Please contact Mrs. Teri Lyn Mannes if you are able to help, t.mannes@sjlagrange.com

Even if you are not able to help, please provide any information you may have, regarding names and addresses of Alumni with whom you may still be in contact. Thank you!
New Lending Library
Have you seen the new Lending Library outside Door A? The Faculty of St. John’s thought it would be great to share books with you that we have found helpful on a variety of topics.

Feel free to take what you’d like, and drop off what you want to share. We would like to offer books to adults at this time, but will switch up the age group throughout the year.

A HUGE thank you to Phil and Liz Willig and Patrick Mannes for their construction of the house and the pillar. Thank you also to Lucy Christoffer for clearing out the space for the library. May God bless your reading!
TRIP Program
Click the TRIP logo to learn more!
Whether you are starting your Thanksgiving Day shopping, or stocking up for the winter season, don’t forget to order your TRIP cards! If you just plan on dining out or treating yourself, take time to evaluate your shopping needs and order your TRIP cards! If you are hosting or attending any fall gatherings, start your shopping with TRIP cards. 

We will be placing TRIP orders for your shopping needs on these upcoming dates: November 26
Walther Christian Academy Open House
Placement Tests for Prospective Students
Do you know a family who is looking for an excellent, Christian High School? Invite them to consider Walther Christian Academy. The next Open House is Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m. Placement testing for prospective students begins on Saturday, December 8 at 9:00 a.m. Register today by calling (708) 344-0404 x245 or email, alma_calleros@walther.com
CHURCH OFFICE
Weekly Report from Board of Finance
Weekly Statistics on Congregational Giving to St. John's Lutheran Church & School

The chart showing Weekly Cumulative Giving for Operations has been modified to show our cumulative year-to-date deficiency to need as a negative number beneath cumulative weekly giving.
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, November 18, 2018 = 205
Thanksgiving, November 22, 2018 = 207
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