St. John's Lutheran
Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
November 28 - December 4, 2020
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First Sunday in Advent
Saturday, November 28, 2020 at 5:05 PM (The 505) with Holy Communion
Sunday, November 29, 2020 at 9:00 AM (Traditional) with Holy Communion
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"He Comes Among Us...as God With Us"
Preaching: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 7:1-14
Epistle: Colossians 2:6-12
Holy Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25
We often hear the phrase, “I’m with you in spirit.” People often say this when they want to be with someone during an important event, but for one reason or another, cannot. So they say this phrase as the next best thing. But as Matthew opens his Gospel account of the life of Jesus, he describes the birth of Jesus as fulfilling the prophecy of the name “Immanuel”, which means “God With Us”. As we begin our series, “He Comes Among Us”, we look at the incarnation of Jesus according to Matthew. This was certainly good news for him, because God had truly come among His people to save them! And God With Us is truly good news for us, especially during the ups and downs of life. No matter how bad things get, we have a God who is with us always to the end of the age, never leaving us nor forsaking us!
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New Sermon Series!
He Comes Among Us:
The Incarnation Of Jesus According To Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
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At the beginning of each Gospel, the coming of the Son of God in the flesh is described in each author’s varied way. For them, the “incarnation” (literally “in the flesh”) meant something different to them, all while they are describing the same Jesus. Why did the authors of the Gospels speak of the coming Jesus in their particular way? What did it matter to them? Why does it matter to us? During the season of Advent, we will be going through a series called “He Comes Among Us”. During this series, we will be looking at the various ways that the incarnation of the Son of God is described in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We will be unpacking why this description was so meaningful to the Evangelists, and why it continues to be meaningful to His people today…and for the whole world. As we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas, this series will help us prepare, focus and celebrate just who this baby is as “He comes among us.”
- 11/28-29: He Comes Among Us...as God With Us (Matthew 1:18-25)
- 12/5-6: He Comes Among Us...as The Mighty One (Mark 1:1-8)
- 12/12-13: He Comes Among Us...as The Promised King (Luke 1:26-38)
- 12/19-20: He Comes Among Us...as Light in the Darkness (John 1:1-5, 9-13)
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE & SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION |
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November 28 - 29, 2020
Saturday Schedule
Holy Communion will be offered on Saturday, November 28 from 2 - 3 PM
"The 505" - Contemporary Worship Service with Holy Communion at 5:05 PM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday Schedule
Traditional Worship Service with Holy Communion at 9:00 AM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday Education Opportunities
MORE THAN THE MESSAGE
Sundays, 10:15-11:15am
Join Pastor Ben, either in-person at St. John's or online on Zoom, for a study of the passage that his message is based upon. Gain more insights and teachings than can be packed into a 15 minute message! Strengthen your faith in Jesus and the life He has for you!
In-person: St. John's Sanctuary
Online: Zoom
10:15 - 11:15 AM - Sunday School Education Hour
( E-Lesson materials will be sent. See the article below for details.)
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Everyone should have received an e-mail titled "In-Person / Livestreamed Worship Services" that was sent on Wednesday, November 25. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services being this weekend.)
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Join Pastor Ben, either in-person at St. John's or online on Zoom, for a study of the passage that his message is based upon. Gain more insights and teachings than can be packed into a 15 minute message! Strengthen your faith in Jesus and the life He has for you!
Sundays, 10:15-11:15am
In-person: St. John's Sanctuary
Online: Zoom (link below)
Ben Roberts is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
Or join by Phone:
Phone #: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 749 0994 2552
Passcode: 505
Topic: More Than The Message
Time: Nov 29, 2020 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Sun, until Dec 20, 2020, 7 occurrence(s)
Nov 29, 2020 10:00 AM - Dec 20, 2020 10:00 AM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
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E-SUNDAY SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN'S |
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A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM AN ANGEL!
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Imagine being visited by an angel – it would be so amazing, and you might think you were having a dream. When God sent an angel to visit Mary, she may have imagined that she was dreaming. But as soon as the angel began to speak, Mary knew that she was wide awake. She was hearing a message especially for her, sent to her by God himself. Our Bible lesson will tell us more about this exciting part of the Christmas story.
Our lesson includes a Christmas craft you can hang on your tree. E-Lesson materials will be sent 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.
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Attention All High School Youth!
We are working on our plans for December,
and waiting to see what restrictions are in place.
Check back next week!
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Note: If your Mission gets clipped in your email, click your "view entire message" link to go on reading about opportunities at St. John's.
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Annual
Christmas Tree
Decorating
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Volunteers Needed
(No Experience Necessary)
Friday, December 4th at 7:00pm
St. John’s Sanctuary
Wear your mask and plan to socially distance as we adorn our trees with ornaments for Christmas
(Trees will be set-up and ready)
Thank you in advance for your help!
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Christmas Concert:
"A Ceremony of Carols"
Sunday, December 13, 2020
at 6:30 p.m.
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St. John’s will host a virtual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 6:30 PM. The concert will feature a choral piece by Benjamin Britten called “A Ceremony of Carols”. The piece is scored for treble chorus and harp. Written for Christmas, it consists of eleven movements, with text from The English Galaxy of Shorter Poems, edited by Gerald Bullett. We will also have a variety of instrumental music and familiar carols everyone can sing along on. Watch future “Mission” newsletters for additional information. |
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Do you enjoy fresh flowers? Each week the altar is beautified with fresh flowers given by individuals of St. John’s congregation. Flowers may be given in memory or in honor of someone or some occasion, in thanksgiving of something or to the Glory of God. The flowers may be taken home after the Sunday services 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 2021 is posted in the 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. |
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Church Directories are here!
If you had a photo taken for the church directory the directories have arrived and are available for pick up at the church. They are in the grey pick up bin outside Door A. Please take the one labeled with your name.
If you did not have a photo taken for the directory please see the Church Office Manager about acquiring a church directory.
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LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION - NEWS AND EVENTS!
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Hello, LWML members,
We are now four months into our new biennium We definitely need to continue contributing to the Mites, either by dropping them off at church or by going to the lwmlnid.org website and clicking on "donate" to give instantly. Please include the name of St. John's Lutheran Church in La Grange when you donate online. You can also click on to the links to view the poster and download the sign-up form for the upcoming LWML Convention in Lexington, Kentucky this coming summer.
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Fall and Winter LWML Quarterly magazines are available for pickup at the church. They are in the grey pickup bin outside Door A. Please pick one up at your convenience. |
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"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. |
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CONNECT...in Bible Study and Small Groups
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Click "HERE" for additional information on these opportunities!
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ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES (Inreach and Outreach) |
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Everyone should have received our "St. John's Ministries" e-mail that was sent on Monday, November 23. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful outreach events.
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6th Grade
Eagles in Action
Get Prepared to Help!
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Please plan to help St. John's 6th graders with their coming Eagles in Action project which starts on the first day of Advent, Sunday, November 29th. Please click on the link below so you can join our sixth grade class in helping provide food for local food pantries. The link will lead you to the St. John's Food Pantry Advent Calendar. Follow the calendar from days 1-24 and learn how you can help by adding an item to a designated box or bag each day.
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BLOOD DRIVE PARTNERSHIP
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH
THE LA GRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND VERSITI WORK TOGETHER!
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St. John's will be hosting a blood drive along with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois on Wednesday December 2nd from 3:00 to 7:00 PM. It will be held at the LA GRANGE PUBLIC LIBRARY. The library has graciously agreed to partner with us and Versiti to have the blood drive so that we can maintain a safe environment for the children, teachers and staff who are in our building daily. Versiti has opened up the "SIGN UP" for our members until Wednesday, November 25th, at which time the "SIGN UP" will be opened to the public.
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Meals To Go
The final Meals to Go is scheduled for December 6th. Please use the sign up link below to sign up for a meal for yourself or a loved one. Pickup will be Sunday, Dec. 6th from 1-2pm in the St. John's Parking lot.
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St. John’s.....you are the best!
Thank you to everyone who dropped off boxes for
Operation Christmas Child!
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180 Operation Christmas Child boxes have been dropped off this week! Thank you to the congregation, school, Sunday School and VBS families for your generosity! What a great way to provide God’s love to children in need around the world and to share the good news of Jesus Christ!
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Note: If your Mission gets clipped in your email, click your "view entire message" link to go on reading about opportunities at St. John's.
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FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: November's featured item is BARS OF SOAP
- Please deposit featured item in the box in the narthex.
ADVENT CALENDAR FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
BLOOD DRIVE:
- December 2 at La Grange Public Library
- Sign up "HERE"
MEALS TO GO: Last pick up on December 6
(Click "HERE" to obtain additional information about these wonderful events.)
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how to donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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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.
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Time to start holiday shopping and get ready for cooler weather clothing or for anything – start with TRIP cards.
Click on Dazzle to see the attached article for regular order dates.
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Our next order dates are November 30th, December 7th and 14th
7:45 am at Door A.
when you are placing an order.
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Saturday Worship
505 Contemporary
Worship Service at 5:05 p.m.
(Click "here" for the song playlist)
Sunday Worship
Traditional Worship Service
at 9:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: All Worship Services will be available on our Livestream YouTube Page shortly after they are Livestreamed.
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Office: (708) 354-1690 x210
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