CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Second Sunday in Advent
Sunday, December 9, 2018
"The Gift of PEACE"
(Week 2 of 4)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament Reading: Malachi 3:1-7b
Epistle: Philippians 1:2-11
Holy Gospel: Luke 3:1-18
Advent Sermon Series
"Christmas Presence: Gifts We Receive, Gift We Give"
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!

12/16: 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"
Wednesdays 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.

12/12: 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 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.
St. John's 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 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.

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.
Poinsettia Orders
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 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.  
2019 Altar Flower Sign-Up Chart
The Flower Chart for 2019 is now posted in the church narthex on the left brick pillar as you walk into the sanctuary. You may sign-up for flowers for a special Sunday in 2019. Perhaps you want to remember a loved one; have a special occasion or anniversary; or thank God for blessings?   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.  
GROW ...in the Word
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"The Challenge of Islam (Part Two): Defending the Christian Faith
Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 9:25 a.m.
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
Sunday School Puppet Show
Sunday, December 9, 2018 at 9:25 a.m.
Music/Choir Room
Hey, Kids! Come to Sunday School and be part of our Puppet Show! We will tell the Christmas Story with our puppets...there are 17 of them, so we need a big team to tell our story. Next we'll watch more of our Christmas video and paint our salt dough ornaments. See you in Sunday School!
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 a.m. Or meet us at Meadowbrook Manor, 339 9th Ave, La Grange. Parents, friends, EVERYONE is welcome to join us!
Session 10: Lessons of Grief - Part One
Monday, December 10 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
Why going to church maybe so difficult and 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
Thank You!
THANK YOU to all who attended the Advent Tea this past weekend and to the hostesses who helped host the tables! The gym was beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, we enjoyed a nice breakfast, and fun was had by all as we decorated cookies, made Christmas cards and made an ornament.   
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 Concert Volunteers Needed!
Our Christmas Concert is this Sunday, December 9, and we are in need of additional volunteers to help make this evening special. We need people for 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:

  • 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
December's Mission Café donations will benefit the BEDS Shelter Operations. Winter is here and the BEDS emergency overnight homeless shelters have opened throughout Southwest Suburban Cook County. On an average night, they give 60 people experiencing homelessness warm meals and safe places to sleep. Last year, our shelters reached 306 people over the course of 224 days for a total of 13,516 nights of shelter. We relied on volunteers to set-up, cook, clean, and supervise shifts each night, and we would love to have you join us this year! Additionally, we are always in need of supplies for the shelters.

For the month of December, all donations to the Mission Café will help support BEDS shelter operations, mostly through the purchase of shelter supplies, including the Sock Donation Tree. Your donations will help provide items like paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, zip lock bags, bedding, powdered drinks, decaf coffee, snacks, etc. You are also most welcome to drop-off shelter supplies at our center at 9601 E. Ogden Avenue in La Grange. Thank you for supporting the BEDS Plus mission!

Interested in Hosting a Sunday Morning Coffee Hour? Sign-up below!
UPCOMING ST. JOHN'S EVENTS
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. Click the button below to sign-up!
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!
Varsity Basketball Tournament Help Sign-Up
Volunteers are needed to help with
St. John's Annual Basketball Tournament!

Please click the button below to sign-up!
TRIP Program
Click the TRIP logo to learn more!
Starting your Christmas shopping? Or updating your wardrobe for the Holiday season? Don't forget to order your TRIP cards! To learn more, click on the TRIP logo above!

We will be placing TRIP orders for your shopping needs on these upcoming dates: December 3, 10, 17
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, December 2, 2018 = 233
Midweek Advent, Wednesday, December 5 = 56
GIFT APPEAL UPDATE
G iving I n F aith T ogether
We are well on our way!!

The GIFT appeal is for $120,000 over and above regular contributions to close our projected budget deficit by March of next year. From November 25 through December 2: $27,530 has been received. We are indeed well on our way! Look for weekly updates in The Mission.
Electronic Giving Available
The Board of Finance has established a way for you to make electronic donations to St. John’s Lutheran Church, using software provided by Vanco. The procedure is fast, easy and secure. You can set up either a onetime donation or a set of recurring donations. 

A onetime donation is for a specific date, and amount and fund to be credited.

A recurring donation is a set of donations for dates in the future. These will be sent to St. John’s on the dates you decide, in the amounts you decide and the funds you have decided to be credited.

These automated donations insure that the first fruit you have planned to give to St. John’s are received by St. John’s as you have planned, even if you are on vacation. This saves you the problem of writing out individual checks on weeks you are away.

Recurring donations can be changed or deleted at anytime up to three days of the future date of the donation. You can even do a combination of recurring and one time donations. You can make a onetime donation to the GIFT program, or Christmas, or any other holiday which does not fall on a Sunday.

It is easy to sign up for this program:
·          Log into sjlagrange.com
·          Go to church page
·          Giving tab
·          Sign in or Sign up
·          One time donation
  • No need to set up account
·          Recurring donations
Set up your account
  • YOU decided the amount
  • You decide the frequency
  • You decide the funds to be credited
  • Can be changed up to three days prior before the donation is to be paid.

GIFT Program is included as a choice.

The attached explains the process of setting up your electronic gift giving.

Any questions on this process be can addressed to, Tom Braun at tjbraun54@gmail.com
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