St. John's Lutheran Church and School
November 20-26, 2021
CONNECT...in WORSHIP
Last Weekend of the Church Year
with Holy Communion
Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021
"The 505" Contemporary Worship
Service at 5:05 PM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021
Traditional Worship Services
at 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
”Gathering Before The Gathering”

The Last Sunday of the Church Year is here as we prepare to celebrate the return of Christ our King. When will it be? How will we know so that we are ready? There are the signs in nature, the sight of the Son of Man, and the angels. For these things, we keep an eye on the sky while we watch and wait, living our lives under God’s grace as His righteousness draws near.

Preaching: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Worship Leader: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts

First Reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Epistle: Revelation 1:4b-8
Holy Gospel: Mark 13:24-37
A Thanksgiving Day Worship Service
with Holy Communion
will be held November 25th at 10:00 AM.
COMMUNION ASSISTANCE NEEDED

The Board of Elders would like to extend the opportunity to the men of our congregation to assist the elders and pastors with the distribution of Holy Communion.
If you are interested, please contact either Pastor Ben (708-354-1690, ext. 213; b.roberts@stjohnslagrange.org) or Pastor Mark (708-354-1690, ext.212; mstapleton1@comcast.net) for further information. Thank you.
Scripture Readers Wanted

Readers are wanted for our Weekend Worship Services during Advent. If you would like to sign up to read the scripture readings during one of the three services please click the link below.
Our Nursery Room is available to serve families with young children each Sunday from 7:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.  We are happy to care for your child during worship or the education hour. The Nursery is the first room on the school hallway adjoining the sanctuary. Ask one of the ushers to guide you.
If you have questions about our Nursery, please call the Church Office at 708.354.1690 or contact Dalyne Shinneman at 630.772.1688 or dalyne.shinneman@gmail.com .
GROW...through SUNDAY EDUCATION
ADULT EDUCATION CLASS 9:25 - 10:25 AM
Heritage Room
For many of us, the Nicene Creed is just something we recite together during worship when Holy Communion is served. It's just one part of the service and then we move on.

But the Nicene Creed is not "just" a statement of belief we recite 2-3 times per month in worship. It is an ancient expression of faith that is as important and revolutionary today as it was back when it was first "formed".

In this Bible Study, we will unpack the seemingly simple lines of the Nicene Creed with supporting Bible texts and discussing why the faith the Nicene Creed proclaims is at one time universal in scope and yet strikingly particular in a world of pluralism, multiple worldviews and unbelief. We will discover and appreciate both the simplicity and depth of the creed that we declare: "We believe".
Miracles
Pastor Mark will start a brand new Bible Class between church services starting Sunday Nov. 28th. The topic will be “The Miracles of Jesus”. We will be studying such miracles as Jesus walks on the water, the 10 lepers, power over demons. Please join us at 9:25 AM for this exciting new Bible study.
Sunday School 9:25 -10:25 AM
2nd floor Music Room
It's time for Sunday School Theatre!
Come to Sunday School and play a part in our SKIT!  
Choose a costume and you'll be ready to go on stage with us. 
We'll have lots of fun!  
We're meeting in the Music Room on the second floor at 9:25 a.m.

If you are receiving St. John's Sunday School by email, download the SKIT and you can have your own home theater. 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.
Note: There is a lot going on at St. John's.
If your Mission gets clipped in your email, please click your "view entire message" link to go on reading about opportunities at St. John's.
CONNECT...through CHURCH NEWS!
Christmas Tree Set-Up and Decorating
Christmas Concert Volunteers Needed!

Our Christmas Concert is five weeks away on December 12, 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, ushering, greeting, 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, http://bit.ly/StJohnsDec2021 and use Sign-Up Genius to volunteer. You can also send an email to Mr. Lincoln at  d.lincoln@stjohnslagrange.org , or call him at (708) 354-1690 x222. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Times of Volunteer Help Needed:
  • Christmas Tree Set Up - Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7:00 pm
  • Christmas Tree Decorating - Friday, Dec. 3 at 7:00 pm
  • Riser Set Up - Sunday, Dec. 5 from 12 to 1 pm (lunch served at 1:00 pm)
  • Concert Set Up - Sunday, Dec. 12 at 12:00 pm
  • Assist Directing Traffic - Sunday, Dec. 12 (start at 5:30 pm)
  • Serve as Greeter / Usher for the Concert - Sunday, Dec. 12 (start at 5:45 pm)
  • Riser Take Down - Monday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 pm
  • Christmas Tree Take Down - Sunday, Jan. 9 at 12:00 pm
Christmas Concert: "Silent Night"
Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 6:30 pm

St. John’s will again host our Annual Christmas Concert: “Silent Night” on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 6:30 pm. This evening of music will feature St. John’s adult and youth choir, and many instruments. The program will include a variety of sacred music and familiar carols. The concert is free and open to the public. A free-will offering will be taken. Because of COVID-19 precautions, there will be no reception following the concert this year.
 
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 the Memorial Service for Pastor Haberkost; Reformation Sunday; Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Eve; and our upcoming Christmas Concert. All contributors between July 1 of this year and December 1, will be listed in our Concert Program on December 12. We thank you in advance for your generous support.
Church Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 10 AM – 3 PM, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Office is closed

If help is needed outside of these hours, you may leave a message by email
or phone voicemail using the following information:
Phone: 708-354-1690, ext. 210, or Email - churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org 
GROW...in GROUPS!
New small groups will be starting in the new year. If you are looking for a small group to join, have an idea for a small group or would like to host a small group using church resources, please contact the church office at churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org.
Lutheran Women's Missionary League
Meeting November 23

If you have any questions regarding LWML, please phone Mrs. Pamella Christensen (708) 354-6977 or email her at BPChristensen@comcast.net .
Youth Group Events

Next Event: November 19, 6 - 9 pm
Board Game Night

If you have any questions about our youth group, please email: 
Nic Stolarczyk at nicstolarczyk@gmail.com
SERVE...through ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES!
November’s Mission Café donations will benefit
Samaritan’s Purse/Operation Christmas Child 

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. Stay tuned for more information. 
Thank you for your continued support!!!!
Our "St. John's Ministries" e-mail is sent out every Monday.
To view the current e-mail and obtain additional information about our wonderful in-reach and outreach events, such as:

VETERANS' DAY CHAPEL SERVICE
MEALS TO GO THANKSGIVING
VERSITI BLOOD DRIVE
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
MISSION CAFE
CHURCH VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

click the button below.
CONNECT...with ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL!
6th Grade
Outdoor Education Trip
Fundraiser
The 6th graders are raising money to go to Walcamp for their Outdoor Education Trip this Spring. We are selling Fannie May Candies for $14/box. Checks can be written out to St. John's Lutheran School. All orders need to be placed by Monday, November 22. The candies will be here before Christmas!  
Vicki Wykert will taking orders after church services this weekend. You can click on the picture to see a full page copy. For more information, email Vicki at v.wykert@stjohnslagrange.org.
Final chance to support
St. John's Lutheran School’s fundraiser!
Job Opening at St. John's Lutheran School

St. John’s Lutheran School is seeking candidates immediately
for the position of 4th grade teacher (part-time).

Interested candidates, please send your resume to Teri Lyn Mannes at t.mannes@stjohnslagrange.org
HELP!!! Basketball Coach Needed!!!
We are looking for someone to serve as our Varsity Basketball Coach for this school year. The season runs for the months of January and February including participating in our home Varsity Tournament. If you are interested or have questions about this please email Mr. Wykert at t.wykert@stjohnslagrange.org

Try the RaiseRight App!

Click on the TRIP logo for more information!
Get motivated and in the habit to start earning on your everyday purchases with TRIP cards. Reduce your family's tuition for the next school year. Online sales are convenient for your busy family. Earn right from home on the website or on-the-go with the RaiseRight app. See the new attached article by clicking on the TRIP logo to see participating retailers and regular order dates.

  • November 29
  • December 6
  • December 13

THE FOOD PANTRY ITEM FOR NOVEMBER IS BARS OF SOAP.
Please place donations in the baskets in the narthex. THANK YOU!
YOUTH GROUP:
  • November 19, 6 PM - 9 PM

MEALS TO GO PICK UP:
  • November 23

LWML MEETING:
  • November 23, 7 PM

THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICE:
  • November 25, 10 AM

BLOOD DRIVE:
  • December 1, 3PM-7PM
  • LaGrange Public Library

MEALS TO GO:
  • December 5

CHRISTMAS CONCERT:
  • December 12, 6:30 PM

MISSION CAFE:
  • Sign up when you can help!
Saturday Worship
505 Contemporary
Worship Service at 5:05 p.m.
(Click "here" for the song playlist)
 
Sunday Worship
Traditional Worship Services
at 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.

PLEASE NOTE: All Worship Services will be available on our Livestream YouTube Page shortly after they are Livestreamed.
Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210
St. John's Lutheran Church and School
505 S. Park Rd. La Grange, IL 60525