Week of March 17, 2019
CONNECT ... in Worship
Sunday Worship Service
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Second Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 17, 2019
"ReFocus...on Building Up, not Tearing Down"
(Sermon Series, week 2 of 6)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament Reading: Psalm 15:1-5
Epistle: Romans James 3:1-12
Holy Gospel: Luke 9:51-56
Sunday Lenten Sermon Series
"Refocus"
Sundays, March 10 - April 14
Distracted?
Focusing on other things?
Not focusing on…Jesus?

In this Lenten series, “ReFocus”, we are looking at those things in our lives that currently take our eyes off Jesus and threaten our relationship with Him and with others. We’ll examine everything from our obsession with smart phones to our “age of outrage”, from our busyness to our sense of entitlement. When our focus is so much on these things, we can easily lose focus on the One who matters most: our Lord Jesus Christ. We’ll also see what God’s Word says about these things and how Jesus should be the ultimate One we “focus” on and the mercy and grace He shows. This Lent, come and “refocus” on Jesus and His eternal love for you in the midst of so many things that distract.
  • 3/17: ReFocus…on Building Up, not Tearing Down
  • 3/24: ReFocus…on What You Gain, not What You Lose
  • 3/31: ReFocus…on Working From Rest, not Resting From Work
  • 4/7: ReFocus…on Serving Others, not Expecting Rewards
  • 4/14 (Palm Sunday): ReFocus…on the Interest Of Others, not Only Your Own
Midweek Lenten Worship Series
"Sermon on the Mount"
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
March 13 - April 10
Our Midweek series for Lent takes you through some of the most familiar teachings of Jesus from His Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 and relates them to the events surrounding Christ’s life, death and resurrection. In the process, they will powerfully reveal that the cross itself is the ultimate sermon on the mount for our journey of faith in this sacred season.
  • 3/20: Prayer and Fasting (Matthew 6:5-18)
  • 3/27: Do Not Worry (Matthew 6:25-34)
  • 4/3: Judge Not (Matthew 7:1-5)
  • 4/10: Build on the Rock (Matthew 7:24-27)
Lenten Suppers
Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
School Gymnasium
Free-will Offering
Wednesday, March 20
Pot Luck - Everyone bring a dish to share!
Hosted by Members & Friends of St. John's

Wednesday, March 27
Soup Supper
Hosted by the Board of Worship & Choir Members

Wednesday, April 3
Taco Bar
Hosted by the Board of Caring Ministries

Wednesday, April 10
Baked Potato Bar
National Youth Gathering Youth & Mayor Small Group
2019 St. John's Lenten Devotional
"7 Days...One Week That Changed the World"
The 2019 Lenten Devotional is ready! Paper copies can be picked up in the Church Narthex. You are welcome to download a PDF version by clicking the button below, or click here to view the daily devotion on our website.
Palm Sunday, April 14
8:00 a.m. - Worship w/Holy Communion
10:45 a.m. - Worship w/Holy Communion

Maundy Thursday, April 18
12:00 p.m. - Worship w/Holy Communion
7:00 p.m. - Worship w/Holy Communion

Good Friday, April 19
12:00 p.m. - Worship Service
7:00 p.m. - Tenebrae Service

Easter Sunday, April 21
8:00 a.m. - Festival Service w/Holy Communion
10:45 a.m. - Festival Service w/Holy Communion
Easter Breakfast
Sunday, April 21 at 9:00 a.m.
School Gymnasium

More information can be found in next week's Mission...be sure to check it out!
Flower Chart
St. John's Altar Guild
Do you enjoy fresh flowers? Each week the altar is beautified with fresh flowers given by individuals of St. John’s congregation. Flowers can be given in memory or in honor of someone or some occasion, in thanksgiving of something or to the Glory of God.  There are still many opportunities available this year to give the flowers for a particular Sunday. The flowers may be taken home after the 10:45 service 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 2019 is posted in the Church 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.  
GROW ...in the Word
Ready...to CONNECT?
Want to know more about the faith and practice of St. John’s? Get connected! St. John’s offers a free, online 12 session course in Christianity called “God Connects” from Lutheran Hour Ministries. This course has short videos, discussion guides and opportunities for online questions and comments for Pastor Ben to answer and respond. Because it is online, you can go at your own pace and finish whenever you want!

To access this course, either sign-up on your Greeting Card or at the St. John’s Connection Center. Take this opportunity to get connected with God and His Son, Jesus!

( Note: Those who are new to the faith and practice of St. John’s and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod are required to complete this course before attending St. John’s CONNECT Class for joining the community of St. John’s.)
St. John’s next “CONNECT” Class, where you can find out all about joining the community of St. John’s, is coming on SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2019! More details coming soon; contact the Church Office at (708) 354-1690 or churchoffice@sjlagrange.com
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"ReFocus"
Sunday, March 17 at 9:25 a.m.
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
High School Youth Bible Study
"Why Should I Trust the Bible?"
Sunday, March 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Downstairs Youth Room
Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
Our current Bible class is titled "Why Should I Trust the Bible". This class will identify and respond to the many baseless arguments against the Holy Bible.
Sunday Morning Parenting Bible Study
Sunday, March 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Noah Ark's Nursery Classroom
Our Christ-Centered Parenting Bible study will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. We look forward to seeing you!
Sunday School
Be in Our Sunday School Skit!
Sunday, March 17 at 9:30 a.m.
Second Floor, Music/Choir Room
We're going to Capernaum to see Jesus heal a man who can't walk. Come and see what happens when we tell this amazing story!
Vacation Bible School
SAVE THE DATE!
July 29 - August 2, 2019
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Vacation Bible School
St. John's Lutheran Church and School
(708) 354-1690
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES
Tuesday Women's Bible Class
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
Heritage Room

We are currently reading "Waiting - A Bible Study on Patience, Hope & Trust" by Sharon Fritz. If you have any questions, contact Lynn Kahl at (312) 890-0020 or email at lynnkahl50@gmail.com . We look forward to seeing you!
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 continuing our study of the Gospel of Luke, following Warren Wiersbe's "Be Courageous: Take Heart from Christ's Example." If you have any questions, please contact Jon Fredrickson at jon_fredrickson@yahoo.com .
SHARE ...with Your Service
Join the Senior Choir this Holy Week & Easter Season!
David A. Lincoln, Director of Music Ministries
(708) 354-1690 x222
I hope many of you will consider this open invitation to all adults and high school youth, to join the Senior Choir on Friday, April 18 at 7:00 p.m. for our Good Friday Service and Sunday, April 21 at our 8:00 and 10:45 a.m. Easter Sunday Worship Services. Unable to commit to both days? Not a problem! Just let us know what works for your schedule. We have a great time learning music as a group, and being involved in the Worship Service Experience. Come give us a try! Rehearsals begins this Wednesday, March 13. Please contact David Lincoln, the Director of Music if you plan to participate or if you would like additional information.
Rehearsals:
  •  Wed., Mar 20, from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Wed., Apr 3, from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
  • Wed., Apr 10, from 7:30- 8:30 p.m.
  • Wed., Apr 17, from 7:30- 9:00 p.m.
Candy Donations Needed
Board of Evangelism
Julie Strasser, j.strasser@sjlagrange.com
An Egg-citing activity is rolling out that will involve our Church, School and neighbors. Individually wrapped candy donations are needed to fill 2,400 plastic eggs and will be greatly appreciated. Please drop off bags of candy in the Church Narthex or in the School Office between now and March 31, 2019. Thank you!
Interfaith Community Partners
Volunteer Drivers Needed to Transport Older Adults
Can you spare an hour or more a week to drive an older adult? Interfaith Community Partners is a non-profit organization that works together with volunteers to provide rides to older adults in the Lyons, Proviso, and Riverside Townships. Volunteer drivers provide accompanied transportation to medical appointments, therapies, and life-enhancing errands such as the grocery store, bank, hairdresser, and church. Contact us at (708) 354-9328 for a volunteer application, visit us on the web at InterfaithCommunityPartners.org , and like us on Facebook. We will train you and work around your busy life!
$5.00 Mite Challenge
If every LWML Members donates just $5.00 between now and March 31, 2019 we can reach the Mission Goal. Click here for more information.

Food Pantry Item for the Month of March:
Toilet Paper
Donations can be dropped off in the Church Narthex near the Connection Center.
SCHOOL NEWS
TRIP Program
Whether you are starting your Spring shopping, or updating your wardrobe for the season, don't forget to order your TRIP cards! There are many choices for your shopping needs...click the TRIP logo above to learn more!

We will be placing TRIP orders on these upcoming dates: March 18 & April 1
CHURCH OFFICE
THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Consecrated Stewards program and celebration! The Committee would like to provide you with an update (click here) of how God's people responded to His great love with generous giving to the mission of St. John's Lutheran Church and School.
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, March 10 = 310
GIFT APPEAL UPDATE
G iving I n F aith T ogether
The GIFT appeal is for $120,000 over and above regular contributions to close our projected budget deficit by March of 2019. From November 25, 2018 through March 10, 2019: $75,018 . Look for weekly updates in the Mission.
Attention Thrivent Members
Thrivent Choice Dollars
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