CONNECT ... in Worship
Installation of Sunday School Teachers & Helpers
This Sunday, September 16, we will be Installing our Sunday School Teachers & Helpers during both Worship Services, 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Sunday Worship Services
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, September 16, 2018
"Distinctive Strangers"
(Week 2 of 6)
Pastor Ben Roberts

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 7:6-11
Epistle: 1 Peter 1:13-21
Holy Gospel: John 17:1-11
Let’s face it: the “good ol’ days” are gone, or going fast. Church attendance and membership is declining among many congregations. The Church no longer holds a prominent place in the prevailing culture. Instead, we are on the margins. Many people are unaware of the Christian story, indifferent to it and, increasingly, hostile towards it. We live in a “Post-Christian” culture. As we look out at the surrounding culture, we perceive that we are strangers…strangers living in a strange land.

This was the situation for the readers of Peter’s first letter. They found themselves “strangers and exiles” in the first-century Roman Empire. They were facing slander and abuse for their faith in Jesus. But Peter’s words in his letter are words of hope, courage and faithful witness to those they were called to “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light.”

1 Peter is also God’s Word to His Church today living as “strangers and exiles”, giving us the same hope and courage in the face of the “strange land” we live in. In this sermon series, “Strangers in a Strange Land”, we will be looking at the new situation we find ourselves in, at the challenges we face, and especially at the ways the Lord shapes our life by His grace and salvation in such a way that those who observe these “strangers” would “glorify God on the day of visitation.”

9/23: Caring Strangers (1 Peter 1:22-2:3)
9/30: Honorable Strangers (1 Peter 2:9-14, 18, 3:1-2, 7)
10/7: Answering Strangers (1 Peter 3:8-17)
10/14: Hopeful Strangers (1 Peter 4:12-19)
GROW ...in the Word
Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study
"The Challenge of Islam"
Sunday at 9:25 a.m.
Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Ben Roberts
To the Western mind, the faith and practice of Islam are often a profound mystery. In recent years, this religion has emerged as a prominent -- yet misunderstood -- belief system. Listen as Sam Shamoun, an Arab-Christian, unveils some of the mystique surrounding this religion first preached by Muhammad and today practiced by more than one billion people worldwide. 
In Part One of this two-part Bible study, the teachings of Islam are brought into focus. In addition to learning about the "Five Pillars of Islam," participants will examine what the Quran says about the role of Abraham, the Trinity, angels and jinn (genies), the attributes of Jesus Christ, the character of Muhammad, Judgment Day, and paradise. 
The Quran is the premier Muslim holy book. As such, its 114 chapters are the faith-guide for Muslims everywhere. For instance, did you know the Quran claims Jesus is not God, nor is He the Son of God? Were you aware Quranic teaching says the religion of the patriarchs -- Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all the prophets -- is Islam? Shamoun asks, "Christians, do you see the challenge of Islam, and are you prepared to deal with this challenge?" 
While Islam is a religious force to be reckoned with, it already has been dealt its deathblow through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Armed with love and an attitude that considers Muslims -- like everyone else -- those for whom Christ died, Christians can share the same Good News that gives them salvation. As Shamoun says, "The only thing that can defeat Islam is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."
Sunday Morning Parenting Bible Study Kick-Off
Saturday, September 15 - 3:00 p.m.
(Hemminger's House)
Did you realize that your children are like "arrows in the hands of a warrior?" Find out more...Join us in the Nursery on Sunday, September 16 at 9:25 a.m. for "FamilyLife's Art to Parenting: Aiming Your Child's Heart Toward God."

In addition...let's gather at the Hemminger House on Saturday, September 15 at 3:00 p.m. for a BBQ Kick-Off! Bring your kids and a favorite dish to share...we will provide the meat and drinks!
High School Youth Bible Study
"What Does God Say about Worry & Anxiety for High School Students?"
Beginning, Sunday, September 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Youth Room
Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
As a High School student, do you worry? Does anxiety wear you down? Are there times where you would just rather stay in bed? Come to this brand new Bible Class that will be taught by Pastor Stapleton in the Youth Room, located downstairs next to the School Cafeteria. We will meet this Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. This class will last 4-5 weeks.
Session 1: "Is This Normal?"
Beginning, Monday, September 17 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
The topic for our first session will be, "Is This Normal?" Why the grief experience may be harder than we imagined. Discusses the intensity and duration of emotions that are normal and appropriate. Despite your feelings right now, there is a reason to hope.

The Fall GriefShare Sessions will consist of 13 week video classes. There is a $15 fee for the workbook that goes along with the videos. Please register by contacting Marnie Smith at  marnie_rev@comcast.net  or call (630) 440-6542.
2nd Grade Bible Presentation
Sunday, September 23 during the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service
One of the most precious gifts that God has given us is His Word written in the Bible. We value that gift at St. John's and we give each child a Bible when they are in Second Grade. During our 10:45 a.m. Worship Service will we invite all Second Graders, along with their parents, up to the Altar to receive their Bible and a blessing. If you know a Second Grader, we ask that you invite them to attend this special day. Questions? Contact the Church Office at churchoffice@sjlagrange.com or call, (708) 354-1690 x210.
CONNECT New Member Class
Sunday, October 7 from Noon to 2:00 p.m.
Heritage Room
Interested in membership at St. John's? Want to know more about what St. John's is all about? Click on the button below for details, or pick-up a form at the Connection Center in the narthex.
Weekly Bible Studies
Women's Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
(Heritage Room)

Our Bible Study will begin on Tuesday, September 18 at 10:15 a.m. in the Heritage Room. We will continue reading Billy Graham's "The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your life". Questions? Contact Lynn Kahl at lynnkahl50@gmail.com or call, (312) 890-0020. All women are welcome to attend.
Early Risers Bible Study
Thursdays at 6:15 a.m.
(Heritage Room)
Men's Weekly Bible Study
MEN'S MOVIE NIGHT
Thursday, September 20 at 7:00 p.m.
(Heritage Room)
The Men's Bible Study Group would like to extend an invitation to the rest of the men of the congregation for a viewing of "Paul, Apostle of Christ". Attendance to our previous study, Acts, is not necessary. You are also welcome to join us for a study of the Gospel of Luke, which begins the following week. If you have any questions, please contact Jon Fredrickson at jon_fredrickson@yahoo.com .
SHARE ...with Your Service
Raising Our Outreach Temperature
Every follower of Jesus has an outreach temperature. This impacts the way we live and interact with those who are far from God. Using a scale of one to ten, one would be a heart that is cooled off where we walk past opportunities to let the light of Jesus shine; a ten would represent a season where Jesus’ light is shining, we speak of our faith often and share stories of what God is doing in our lives, and share the Gospel naturally. With the Holy Spirit to guide us, let’s individually raise our temperature one degree to grow and increase our passion to reach out to others who are spiritually hungry and thirsty. (adapted from Kevin G. Harney’s book on outreach for churches) The Evangelism Committee will share an idea each month in the Mission pages to help us raise our outreach temperature.

This month set a goal to ask someone:  How can I support you in prayer?
St. John's 3rd Grade Class Invites You to FMSC!
St. John's 3rd Grade is going to Feed My Starving Children in Aurora on Thursday, September 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If any church member would like to join us, you can sign-up online at fmsc.org .  Our group code is 1504058. Questions? Contact Julie Strasser at j.strasser@sjlagrange.com
Volunteer to Host Coffee Hour!
Serving Coffee is a great way to have fellowship with St. John's family and bring a smile to everyone's faces by providing them with hot coffee and treats! If you think you may be interested in hosting a Sunday Morning Coffee Hour, click the link below to register for a Sunday that best fits your schedule. Thank you for serving!

SCHOOL NEWS
3rd Grade Eagles in Action Project:
La Grange Area Food Pantry
3rd Grade is collecting chapel offerings for the month of September for La Grange Area Food Pantry. Throughout the school year, we will purchase items from our chapel offerings collected in September to donate to the food pantry. There are collection bins located in the church narthex if you would like to donate.

  • Are you able to deliver the items that are collected each week maybe once a month, twice a month, or for a whole month? Contact j.strasser@sjlagrange.com Thank you for considering this service opportunity. Donation drop-off times are Mondays at 8 a.m, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. or Fridays from 8 to 10 a.m.

  • The Pantry in need of regular sized canned goods that a family can use (not restaurant-sized containers) especially canned corn and canned beans, and non-food items which are not covered by food stamps.

  • Each month we have a featured item to shop for in addition to the regular items that can be donated.

We look forward to serving God through our Food Pantry donations, and helping people in need in our community. Thank you for helping us share Christ's love.
Sunday Morning Mission Cafe
Mission Focus for September:
L a Grange Area Food Pantry
September's Mission Cafe collection will be partnering with the 3rd Grade class as we raise funds for the La Grange Area Food Pantry.  

The Food Pantry opened its doors in 1999 under the leadership of Pastor Raymond L. Giddens.  In the beginning the pantry served approximately 100 families per month and now serves approximately 300 families, that is 500-700 individuals, all from the greater La Grange community without regard to race, creed, color or religious affiliation. The Pantry distributes more than 5,000 pounds of food a month. Thank you in advance for your generous donations!!!
The La Grange Area Food Pantry item for the Month of September is: SHAMPOO

Please drop off donations in the Church Narthex in the marked box for Food Pantry items. Thank you.
TRIP Program
September is here! Time to start shopping for cooler weather clothing to get ready for Fall! If you just plan on dining out or treating yourself, take time to evaluate your shopping needs and order your TRIP cards...click on logo above to learn more!

Upcoming order dates: September 17 & 24
UPCOMING ST. JOHN'S EVENTS
Every lady at St. John's is considered to be a part of the Lutheran Women in Mission, and each of you is welcomed to attend our meetings. The September meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 25, at 7:00 p.m., in the Heritage Room.  We will have a lot to discuss that evening. The LWML Northern Illinois District Convention will have just taken place from September 21-23; so delegates Pam Christensen and Rebecca Hemminger, along with others who will have attended, will be excited to give a report. Ladies, we hope you can be with us on Tuesday, September 25!
Save the Dates!
Trunk or Treat!
Saturday, October 27
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
More details to come!
Coming in October!
Operation Christmas Child
Advent Tea
Saturday, December 1
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
More details to come!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Interfaith Community Partners
16th Annual Fall Benefit
"On the Road Again"
Friday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Do you know a family who is looking for an excellent, Christian school for their 9th through 12th grade student? Invite them to consider Walter Christian Academy. Our Open House will be Thursday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (708) 344-0404, ext. 245, or email alma_calleros@walther.com
Michael W. Smith LIVE at Wheaton College
Thursday, October 18 at 7:30 p.m.
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
Worship Attendance
Sunday, September 9 = 187