St. John's Lutheran Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
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Week of February 24, 2019
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Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
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Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany
Sunday, February 24, 2019
"What Is God's Calling in Your Life?"
(Consecrated Stewards, Week 4)
Reverend Keith Haney, Guest Pastor
Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Holy Gospel: Mark 2:23 - 3:6
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CONSECRATED STEWARDS
Fourth Week: "What Is God's Calling in Your Life?"
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This Sunday, February 24, we will:
- Celebrate the ministry of GriefShare, a friendly caring group of people who walk alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences. We welcome GriefShare leader, Marnie Smith to share more about this powerful ministry.
- Hear the Stewardship Journey of Pastor Mark Stapleton.
- Our Bible Study Lesson today will be led by Pastor Keith Haney, who is serving as our Guest Leader during this emphasis. Our topic will be "The Lutheran Perspective on Stewardship". Join us at 9:25 a.m. in the Heritage Room.
- Leaders Luncheon Following the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service today, there will be a luncheon in the School Gymnasium for our Church leaders where a fuller explanation will be given on the events about Consecration Sunday.
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CONSECRATION SUNDAY IS MARCH 3, 2019
Every member is asked to make a special effort to attend Worship on Sunday, March 3 at 8:00 or 10:45 a.m., and to make a reservation for a special luncheon to be held in the School Gymnasium following the 10:45 service that day. More details will soon come your way, but please reserve this day now.
Consecration Sunday is a time when we celebrate the gifts God has given us and respond with a commitment of financial stewardship. Commitments are made during the Worship Service in a private and prayerful way.
Reservation cards for the service and luncheon will be distributed during our services today. Please fill out this cars to enable our planning. Those who do not fill out a card will be contacted to confirm their attendance at the service and luncheon.
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Operation Christmas Child in Action!
Follow-up from last weeks Ministry Focus
Operation Christmas Child was our Consecrated Stewards Ministry Message in worship last week (2/17). A number of our members have asked for more information regarding OCC - the following summary including the links to articles and videos will provide an overview of Operation Christmas Child in action, including how St. John's Sunday School is participating in this great ministry.
Our Sunday School’s Operation Christmas Child adventure began when we packed Christmas boxes last November as our service project. We used our offerings to purchase toys, toiletries, and school supplies and had a packing party, enclosing a handmade Christmas card in each box and registering them so we could track their delivery. We were excited to learn that our boxes traveled to Rwanda, Africa, and found many great videos and articles on the Operation Christmas Child website, giving us a clear vision of our part in the outreach to Rwanda.
One of the most exciting videos showed Alex Nsengimana, a young native of Rwanda whose family was killed in the country’s deadly genocide in 1994. Alex was sent to an orphanage, and there he received an OCC box when he was seven years old. This was his first opportunity to hear about Jesus, and it began his faith journey. He became a Christian, came to the United States, was adopted by an American family, and after college in the U.S., began his work with Operation Christmas Child in Rwanda. He ultimately met the man who killed his family, now in prison, prayed with him, and offered his forgiveness. We contacted Alex, and he sent us a wonderful video greeting, thanking us for sending our boxes to Rwanda.
All children receiving boxes are invited to attend a 12-week Bible class called The Greatest Journey, and many come to faith along with their families. Many churches have been established through the Operation Christmas Child Bible course. Our children will be going through that same course in our classes beginning in March, so we will learn firsthand how our contributions teach children about Jesus.
Later this year we will be visiting a new Samaritan’s Purse distribution center in Glen Ellyn and also a large packing warehouse near O’Hare where thousands of boxes are prepared for delivery to hundreds of locations worldwide – 1.6 million boxes in 2018.
Operation Christmas Child is a year-round ministry and offers many service opportunities for High Schoolers and adults, including mission trips. Operation Christmas Child was established in 1970 by Samaritan’s Purse, led by Franklin Graham. Please call the church office for more information about this exciting ministry (708) 354-1690.
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7th & 8th Grade Bake Sale!
Sunday, February 24 from 9:30 am til 12:00 p.m.
Church Narthex
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Be sure to stop and see the 7th and 8th Graders in the Church Narthex to purchase some delicious homemade treats this Sunday before, after, and between Worship Services. All proceeds will be used for the 7th and 8th grade class trip to Springfield, IL on May 24, 2019.
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Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, March 6 at 7:00 p.m.
(Ashes & Holy Communion will be distributed)
A Chili Supper hosted by the Elders, will be held in the School Gymnasium at 6:00 p.m. More details regarding Midweek Lenten Worship and Suppers can be found in next week's Mission.
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Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"The Lutheran Perspective on Stewardship"
Sunday, February 24 at 9:25 a.m.
Heritage Room
Guest Leader: Pastor Keith Haney
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Sunday Morning High School Bible Study
"Why Should I Trust the Bible?"
Sunday, February 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Downstairs Youth Room
Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
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The next Bible class that will be offered will be titled "Why Should I Trust the Bible". This class will identify and respond to the many baseless arguments against the Holy Bible. This class will start this Sunday in the Youth Room at 9:30 a.m.
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We're Off to Jericho in Sunday School!
Sunday, February 24 at 9:30 a.m.
Second Floor, Music/Choir Room
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A famous news reporter will be there interviewing the townspeople for an important newspaper article in the
Jerusalem Journal. The whole town will be there, and you'll be part of the crowd. Photographers will be taking pictures - you might be on the front page! Don't miss the excitement!
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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
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We look forward to seeing you!
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Early Risers Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:15 a.m.
Heritage Room
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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
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SHARE
...with Your Service
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Raising Our Outreach Temperature
Board of Evangelism
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Here is the
"Raising our Outreach Temperature"
for this month:
“Extend a personal invitation to an event with you like the Pancake Breakfast on March 10 2019, Church, or another event to connect with a person who might be outside your regular contacts. Your personal invitation might reach just the person who needs a friend.”
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In the Church Narthex you will see a huge board with envelopes tacked on it. Each of the envelopes has a number written on it which indicates the amount of money you are being asked to donate to our National Youth Gathering Group. When you pick a number you would like to donate, you open it up. Inside you will find (3) things.
The first is a letter from one of the youth who is attending the NYG
. The letter tells you who they are and why they want to attend the gathering. It also asks for your prayers.
The next thing you will find is a green card
for you to fill out with information so that we can invite you to our after NYG Meal where we will feed you and share our experiences with all who donated to help us.
The last item is a red envelope.
All you need to do is put your donation money (for example: if you picked the envelope with the number 34 on it, you are agreeing to give $34, you can give more than the number too) and the completed green card into this red envelope and give it to either Amy Strombom, Vicki Wykert, or turn it into the offering basket. All checks can be made out to "St. John's Lutheran Church" - memo: NYG 2019. A BIG THANK YOU for your love, prayers and support! Any questions, email
v.wykert@sjlagrange.com
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Interfaith Community Partners
Volunteer Request
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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. Over 130 volunteers provide accompanied transportation to medical appointments, therapies, and life-enhancing errands such as the grocery store, bank, hairdresser, and church. There is no cost to our clients, we ask for them to donate, if able. 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!
Attention parents:
Are you looking to volunteer in the community over the Summer with your children? Interfaith Community Partners has opportunities to deliver flowers to our older adult clients, take an older adult grocery shopping, or just visit with them for a half hour or so. Call our office for details at (708) 354-9328.
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MISSION Café donations and St. John’s Sixth Grade Eagles in Action for the month of February will benefit "Phil’s Friends"
.
1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer this year in the United States. Many of these people with cancer find themselves in hopeless situations in hospital rooms and homes across the country. Phil’s Friends brings hope through the distribution of our hand assembled Care Packages to cancer patients and their families, consistent weekly support through Cards of Hope and prayer.
In addition to providing monetary support, the Board of Caring Ministries will have a
“Giving Tree”
on display in the Church Narthex. They will be collecting items for organizations such as Phil’s Friends
(click here for list of items)
, changing every two months throughout the year. Information about each organization will be featured in the Mission and there will be a display in the Church Narthex near the Mission Café area. Please take a look at the list posted near the tree and on Mission Café. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
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Food Pantry Item for the Month of February:
Paper Towels
Donations can be dropped off in the Church Narthex near the Connection Center.
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THANK YOU!!!
St. John's Lutheran School FUNdraiser 2019
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THANK YOU!!! Your
generous donations, sponsorship's, and attendance at the FUNdraiser on February 9, 2019, helped raise over $27,000 for St. John's School!
It was a great evening with good food, great fellowship and fun was had by School and Church families and returning Alumni. Your generosity will continue to support the mission of providing a quality Christian education to St. John's Lutheran School's students. Check out all the FUN below!
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Remember Random Acts of Kindness week is February 18-22, 2019. Whether you are starting your Spring shopping, or updating your wardrobe for the season, don't forget to order your TRIP cards! Click on the logo about for more details!
We will be placing TRIP orders on these upcoming dates:
February 25, March 4 & 19
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St. John's Lutheran School Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, March 10 from 7:00 am to 12:30 p.m.
School Gymnasium
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Breakfast includes: Pancakes, Sausage, Fruit, Coffee and Juice
Admission: $5.00
6 yrs. and younger: FREE
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Membership Forms are Due!
If you haven't done so already, please return your cream colored
St. John's Church Membership Form
that you should have received in the mail to the Church Office, or place in the bin located on the Connection Center in the Church Narthex. Thank you again for taking the time to fill out this important form. Questions? Contact the Church Office at
churchoffice@sjlagrange.com
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LCMS Northern Illinois District
Visioning Events Invitation
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We are in this together...Please join the LCMS Northern Illinois District President Allan R. Buss and the leadership of the LCMS Northern Illinois District at one of our Visioning Events.
The LCMS Northern Illinois District Team is engaging in a period of prayerful planning and seeking the Lord's vision for the NID. The first step is this process is hearing from you, the members of the district. All information is available at
www.nidlcms.org/vision
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Weekly Report from Board of Finance
Weekly Statistics on Congregational Giving to St. John's Lutheran Church & School
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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
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Weekly Worship Attendance
Sunday, February 17, 2019 = 226
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GIFT APPEAL UPDATE
G
iving
I
n
F
aith
T
ogether
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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 2019. From November 25, 2018 through February 17, 2019:
$70,123
. Look for weekly updates in the Mission.
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The Qualified Charitable Distribution rules have been made permanent. This allows you to make annual direct transfers from your IRA to a qualified charity like St. John’s. In order to qualify for this bypass, you must be 70 and 1/2 or older.
Transferring an IRA distribution directly to a charity allows you to avoid taxes and the charitable contribution helps satisfy the required minimum distribution. By redirecting your distribution directly to St. John’s, it is not considered income nor a charitable deduction; it “bypasses” your tax return. Speak with your tax/investment Advisor if you have questions or contact:
Bob Roth (630) 325-7305
Jeff Baker (708) 446-9567
Tom Braun (708) 207-3720
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"Caregiver Support Program"
The Savvy Caregiver Program Series Begins March 6, 2019
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The Savvy Caregiver is an educational program for family members caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia at home. This 6-week series will help you better understand the changes your loved one is experiencing. You will also learn how to provide individualized care throughout the progression of the disease. To register, contact Jessica Haines at (708) 603-2260 or email,
jhaines@agingcareconnections.org
Class size is limited. Registrations will be accepted until class is full or February 27, 2019. Click
here
for additional information.
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Cossitt School Clothing Sale
Saturday, March 9, 2019
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Cossitt School, conveniently located at 115 West Cossitt Ave in La Grange, IL, will hold its bi-annual children's consignment sale on Saturday, March 9, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Don’t miss this huge selection of over 25,000 name-brand items from Infant to Size 16! Find amazing deals on gently-used items including clothing, shoes, baby equipment, sports gear, bikes, books and so much more! Come early for the best selection! Many items half-price from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Adults only from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., children admitted with adult from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please bring a basket or bag to carry your items throughout the sale. For more details, please visit our website at
www.cossittptc.org/clothingsale
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Sunday Worship Schedule
Worship Service 8:00 a.m.
Education 9:25 - 10:25 a.m.
Worship Service 10:45 a.m.
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Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210
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