CONNECT ...in Worship
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Saturday, July 25, 2020 at 5:05 PM (The 505)
Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 8:00 and 10:45 AM (Traditional)
" The Gospel According To David: He Looks On The Heart"

Preacher: Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13b
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
Holy Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13
King David stands out among the kings of God’s people because he was “a man after (God’s) own heart.” (1 Samuel 13:14) He is considered a great ruler, a prolific author, a man of strong faith and morals. Yet, as much as David is held up as a pillar of Israel, his life reveals why he was: he needed the Lord and His grace as much as any other sinner. Examining the life of David reveals how much GOD did for David; how the greatness of God Himself was what made David “great”. As we begin our series, “The Gospel According To David”, we begin with the moment that David is anointed by Samuel to become king of God’s people…even though, looking at him, he did not “fit” the picture of a king. But even though the Lord reveals that He “looks on the heart”, that doesn’t mean that David had something “special” in him that God chose Him. No, it was by pure grace that the Lord made him King, choosing “what is low and despised in the world.” (1 Corinthians 1:28) In the same way, even though we “have become kings” (1 Corinthians 4:8), it is not because our hearts are pure. It is because our true King, Jesus, has made our hearts pure and righteous through His lowly death and glorious resurrection.

SERMON SERIES
The Gospel According To David

King David is often portrayed as a spiritual giant, a great king and a caring shepherd. From writing beloved Psalms to conquering mighty enemies, David is often held up as a great example of faithful living. But when you look at the stories of David’s life, you see not an example of faithful living; you see a faithful God who gives David everything by His grace. In this 6 week series, “The Gospel According To David”, we will look at some of those stories and see that the Lord almighty was working in and through His sinful, chosen King, to make David an example of the glorious grace that He shows to all sinners. We will also see how the life of David ultimately points to God’s grace that He shows us in our true King, Jesus Christ, and His love, strength and power that He shows through His death and resurrection.
 
  • 7/25 & 26: He Looks On The Heart (1 Samuel 16:1-13b)
  • 8/1 & 2: The Battle Is The Lord's (1 Samuel 17:40-50)
  • 8/8 & 9: David Spares Saul’s Life (1 Samuel 24:1-15)
  • 8/15 & 16: David Dances Before the Ark (2 Samuel 6:12-23)
  • 8/22 & 23: God’s Promise to Build a “House” for David (2 Samuel 7:1-17)
  • 8/29 & 30: Nathan rebukes David (2 Samuel 12:1-13)
IN-PERSON / LIVESTREAMED WORSHIP

(Everyone should have received an e-mail titled " In-Person Worship Services - Additional Information that was sent on Wednesday, July 22. Click " HERE " to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services that being this weekend.)


IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP

“Brothers and sisters in Christ,
 
As a final step to ensure that our worshipers at our in-person worship services stay healthy and safe, St. John’s is asking all in-person worshipers to report to St. John’s leadership if they end up testing positive for COVID-19 after attending one of our worship services. Your information will be kept confidential per CDC and HIPPA guidelines. This is to allow St. John’s leadership to contact all worshipers who attended a particular service about the person infected and to take appropriate steps.

Starting with our sign-up for the weekend of August 1st & 2nd, you will be required to agree to this question: ‘For everyone's safety, I agree to contact St. John's Lutheran Church if I contract the COVID-19 Virus.’ Contact information with details on how to contact St. John's Lutheran Church will be provided next Wednesday, July 29 when we send out the registration link for upcoming Worship Services.

Thank you so much for your ongoing efforts at keeping your fellow worshipers healthy and safe and preventing further spread of COVID-19!”

God's peace in our Lord and Savior, Jesus,

Pastor Ben Roberts, Senior Pastor
Pastor Mark Stapleton, Associate Pastor
Cary Preston, Head Elder

CLASS OF 2020 GRADUATION
2020 GRADUATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2020 @ 3 PM

Please join us on our YouTube Livestream this Sunday to watch the 2020 St. John's Lutheran School Graduation that will be taking place in the Sanctuary at 3:00 PM.

PLEASE NOTE: In-Person attendance is by INVITATION ONLY! We hope you will join us and watch it Livestreamed at 3:00 PM.

The Class of 2020 has had to give up many rights of passage as they didn't get to finish out their 8th grade year inside our school building. We are very happy to finally be able to celebrate this important event with them in person.

CONFIRMATION 2020-2021
Parents of potential confirmands,

St. John’s offers a one-year confirmation experience for those in grades 7 and 8. We are looking to finalize our numbers for planning purposes . Please contact Pastor Ben at b.roberts@sjlagrange.com or 708-354-1690, ext. 213 and let him know if your youth will be enrolling in confirmation instruction for the year 2020-2021.

Thank you!
ST. JOHN'S OUTREACH MINISTRIES!
ST. JOHN'S VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
OUR VIRTUAL IncrediWorld
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WILL BE
AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATION:


MONDAY, July 27 - FRIDAY, JULY 31 from 9 - 11 AM

(You all should have received our " VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL " e-mail that was sent on Thursday, July 23. Click " HERE " to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful outreach events.)


VBS ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 PM (Rain Date: 7/31)

MEALS-TO-GO: Sunday, August 16, 2020 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM

BLOOD DRIVE UPDATE: Monday, August 17, 2020 from 1:00 - 6:00 PM

St. John's will be hosting an American Red Cross blood drive on August 17th from 1:00 - 7:00 PM. As you may have heard, there is high demand for blood throughout our area. If you have tried to sign up, you will notice that time slots have filled up.  American Red Cross tests for the COVID-19 antibody therefore the time slots fill up quickly. We are working on scheduling another one in the fall and will publicize as soon as a date is set.  They discourage walk-ins at this time.  Please email Rebecca Schiltz at schiltz4@sbcglobal.net if you would like to volunteer. We need 5 volunteers to cover two shifts.  

POPSICLES IN THE PLAYGROUND: Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 6:15 - 7:30 PM

CHECK OUT ALL THE GREAT OUTREACH MINISTRIES
THAT ARE OCCURRING THIS MONTH!

(You all should have received our " OUTREACH MINISTRIES " e-mail that was sent on Monday, July 20. Click " HERE " to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful outreach events.)

CHURCH NEWS!
LOOKING FOR OUR NEW CHURCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR!
 
Click on the icon above or click " HERE " for
additional information on this immediate position!

"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.
CONNECT ...in Bible Study and Small Groups

All three small groups are currently discussing
Keith Haney’s book “One Nation Under God"
C lick " HERE " for additional information on these opportunities!


E-SUNDAY SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN'S
Calling all Kids - 
This week's Sunday School is a special VBS PREVIEW ! 

We'll travel from Africa to the Arctic Circle and watch some great animal videos! You can see more of these videos at Vacation Bible School - 
there's still time to sign up!

ST. JOHN'S VIRTUAL VBS!
Monday, JULY 27 – Friday, JULY 31, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Registration Link:  vbspro.events/p/461270  

Lesson materials will be emailed 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.

SCHOOL OFFICE
Click on the TRIP logo above for more information on
how to donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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.
Click on the TRIP logo above for more information!
***** Consider dropping off your TRIP order when you pick up your VBS materials! 

Whether you are starting your summer seasonal shopping or shopping
for anything – start with TRIP cards. See attached article for summer order dates.

Our next order date is Monday, July 27 at 8:30 AM at Door A in the Church Parking Lot . Please e-mail Amy Bounassisi at amybuonassisi@gmail.com if you are placing an order.


Saturday Worship
505 Contemporary Worship Service
at 5:05 p.m.
(Click " here " for the song playlist)
 
Sunday Worship
Traditional Worship Service
at 8:00 a.m. and 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