CONNECT ...in Worship
The Baptism of our Lord
Sunday, January 12, 2020
8:00 A.M. & 10:45 A.M.
"United in Death and Life"

Preacher: Pastor Benjamin Roberts
Worship Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton

Old Testament: Isaiah 42:1–9
Epistle: Romans 6:1-14
Holy Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17
Baptism can seem so simple: water, words and…that’s it. We know that more is happening in baptism, but we struggle to see its significance after the “rite” is over. But as we begin our series, “No Ordinary Water”, we will be looking at just how life-altering Holy Baptism actually is. And we begin, as we celebrate our Lord’s baptism, with a shocking truth: baptism kills and makes alive! We have truly died in the waters of baptism and risen to a newness of life that we get to enjoy for the rest of our lives! But the question before us today is: what does it actually mean to “consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus”?
Installation of Church Officers
Sunday, January 12, 2020
During both Worship Services; end of the 8:00 a.m. and beginning of the 10:45 a.m.
Join us next Saturday, January 18th for The "505" Service at 5:05 p.m.!
(Every 1 st and 3 rd Saturday of the month at 5:05 p.m.)

505 Worship Songs for Saturday, January 18th: http://bit.ly/505PlayList011820
Sermon Series
"No Ordinary Water: What God Does With His Word and H20"
Begins this week
Baptism, as wonderful as it is, can seem anticlimactic. Water is poured, words are spoken…and that’s it. But that simple act brings about a change in a person’s life that has mind-blowing implications. Like turning a diamond in the light, there are many incredible, life-altering aspects that many Christians fail to appreciate after the “rite” is over. In this series, we’re going to look at what God’s Word says about this simple act of combining water and Word. Looking at the wonder that is baptism, we will see that when God baptizes someone into His Name, it’s far from “that’s it”.

1/19: No Ordinary Water: Born Again
1/26: No Ordinary Water: Sealed With The Holy Spirit
2/2: No Ordinary Water: Welcome to the Body of Christ!
Missed Worship Service this past Sunday?
Catch up by listening to the audio here:
* 2020 St. John's Lenten Devotional coming soon!
GROW ... in the word
Adult Bible Study led by Pastor Ben Roberts
Sunday, January 12th at 9:30 a.m., Heritage Room
Sunday Morning Youth Bible Study
Sunday, January 12th at 9:30 a.m.
Youth Room
Sunday Morning Parenting Bible Study
"Effective Parenting"-2 weeks left
Sunday, January 12th, 9:30 a.m.
The Nursery
New Parenting Bible Study Starting in 2 weeks!
Come on the 26th for a kickoff breakfast! Meet in the nursery at 9:30!

This 6-part DVD series will help empower parents to be the primary nurturers of their children's faith. Families will be transformed as they learn how to create space for God-encounters in everyday life.  
Sunday School at St. John's
January 12th at 9:30 a.m. Class,
9:30 a.m. Class, MUSIC ROOM, 2nd FLOOR
10:45 a.m. Class, KINDERGARTEN ROOM

It's movie time in Sunday School - c ome join the fun!  
Women's Bible Study
Tuesday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m.
Heritage Room
Early Risers Bible Study
Thursday, January 16th at 6:15 a.m.
Heritage Room
Men's Weekly Bible Study
Thursday, January 16, 7:00 p.m.
The Heritage Room

We are continuing our study of Genesis with Warren Wiersbe's Be Obedient: Learning the Secret of Living by Faith, which covers the life of Abraham. For further details, please contact Jon Fredrickson at jon_fredrickson@yahoo.com.
Ready ... to CONNECT?
-Looking to Connect With Others?
 
-Looking to Grow Deeper In Your Faith?
 
-Looking to Make A Difference?

Small Group Ministry is starting at St. John’s this January!

Small groups are a gathering of people in a certain place according to the scheduled day and time. St. John’s Small Groups are intended to be:

o   A place of Spiritual Growth through God’s Word;
o   A place of Finding Strength for life’s struggles and Celebrating life’s blessings;
o   A way to Connect Relationally with others.

Here at St. John’s, Group life will be based on the following framework:

o   SHARE LIFE: Group participants will share the high’s and low’s of each other’s lives.
o   GOD’S WORD: Group participants will read, discuss, apply the Bible.
o   PRAYER: Group participants will pray for themselves, group members and for anyone.
o   FELLOWSHIP: Group participants will gather outside of regular group gathering times at least once for fun and fellowship.

***SIGN-UP’S BEGIN THIS SUNDAY, JANUARY 12 TH, IN THE NARTHEX!*** Prayerfully consider joining a group…or starting one yourself! For more information, contact Pastor Mark at m.stapleton@sjlagrange.com or the church office at churchoffice@sjlagrange.com and 708-354-1690.
SHARE ...with Your Service
Mission Cafe Sunday Morning Coffee Hour hosts are needed! This is a great way to volunteer for a short period of time to enjoy fellowship and meet new people. It is not difficult... making the coffee is easy and you can provide breakfast pastries if you would like, but not necessary. 

Please see attached link and consider hosting!  
Our Mission Café donations for January will benefit Yarn Over Missions. Yarn Over Missions is a group of knitters and crocheters, of all ages, that meet every month at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Burbank, IL. They have been meeting for over ten years.  The group knits and crochets Prayer shawls, hats, scarves, mittens, sweaters, baby items and toys. All of these items provide comfort and remind their recipients of God’s love while going through difficult times whether treatment for an illness, death of a family member, babies in the hospital or Operation Gratitude (for soldiers). They do not sell any of their handcrafted items. 

There are also volunteers who are not able to attend the meetings but generously donate items to Yarn Over Missions. The group also accepts donations of yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks. Their meetings are uplifting and inspiring. They also welcome new knitters and crocheters. If you have any questions, please contact Caroline Craig at 708-372-7758 or via email at  ccraig124@gmail.com . Thank you for your contributions at the Mission Cafe
FLOWER CHART 2020

Do you enjoy fresh flowers? Each week the altar is beautified with fresh flowers given by individuals  of St. John’s congregation.   Flowers can 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 10:45 service 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 2020 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.  
CHURCH OFFICE
Estate Planning Seminar
Tuesday, January 14th at 7:00 PM, Heritage Room

This is a great way to learn about the importance of having an Estate Plan. All of your questions will be answered in an informative presentation hosted by Marc Gugliuzza. For more information, contact Rebecca Shiltz at schiltz4@sbcglobal.net.
Church Board Vacancies

Elections were held at the Congregational Assembly on Sunday, November 29, 2019. Many people stepped forward to either fill a vacancy or to be reelected to their same position. I would like to thank all who decided to give their time and talent to our Church. Even with people stepping forward there are a number of open Board Positions as well a Chair for the Board of Evangelism and for the office of Secretary of the Congregation. These are two very important positions which need to be filled as soon as possible.

I ask you to pray and consider filling one of these key roles of the congregation. Many people have accepted the challenge to give up some of their time and use their talents to help lead our Church into the future. I am asking you to step out of your comfort zone and fill one of the open board positions or more important to volunteer to lead the Board of Evangelism or become the Congregational Secretary.

If you have any questions or want to volunteer for one of these positions, email me at  tjbraun54@gmail.com. Thank you, Tom Braun.
Weekly Report from Board of Finance
Weekly Statics on Congregational Giving to St. John's Lutheran Church & School
Anyone wishing further information on Congregational giving or the Church’s overall financial situation is invited to contact either Marty Haugen, Chair, Board of Finance, or Jeff Baker, Congregational Treasurer, through the Church office, churchoffice@sjlagrange.com or (708) 354-1690 x210.
Lutheran Witness Subscription Renewals

It's that time of year again! If you are interested in subscribing to the Lutheran Witness magazine or renewing your Lutheran Witness subscription, please contact the Church Office at  churchoffice@sjlagrange.com  or call (708) 354-1690 x210. The cost for the (12) month subscription is $15.96.  Deadline is Friday, February 28, 2020.
UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS
Youth Servant Event - Summer 2020
Please click on link for exciting opportunity to participate!
SCHOOL OFFICE
All School Open House
Sunday, January 12, 2020
12:00pm-2:00pm

On January 12, we will open our school to prospective school families and give them the opportunity to tour the school, receive information, meet staff, and get answers to any questions they may have. Our best recruitment comes through the words of parents, children, and congregation members.
Click on the TRIP logo above for more information!
Are you ready for New Year? 
There are many choices for your shopping needs for a…
St. John's Basketball Tournament
Thursday, January 16, 2020 – Sunday, January 19, 2020

Please support our St. John's Basketball Tournament. Click below for our Ad booklet forms. Coming soon: opportunities to donate and volunteer.
Volunteers needed!
St. John's basketball team needs you! Please click the link below to help with
St. John's Annual Basketball Tournament!
St. John's Lutheran School Annual FUNdraiser
Saturday, February 8, 2020, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Contact Renee Hull for more information at r.hull@sjlagrange.com or auction@stjohnslagrange.com

Donations still needed:
Auction Baskets/Items
Beer or Wine items
Gift Cards/Certificates
Services (i.e. - paint a room)

Volunteer to Help for the Event via the button below!
Community News
Weekly Worship Attendance
January 4 & 5 = 245
Saturday Schedule
Worship Service 5:05 p.m.
(1st and 3rd Saturday)

Sunday Schedule
Worship Service 8:00 a.m.
Education/Sunday School 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service 10:45 a.m.
Sunday School 10:45 a.m.
Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210
r.suarez@sjlagrange.com