St. John's Lutheran
Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
December 19-25, 2020
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Fourth Sunday in Advent
Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 5:05 PM (The 505)
Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 9:00 AM (Traditional)
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"He Comes Among Us...as Light in the Darkness"
Preaching: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 60: 1-5
Epistle: 1 John 5-9
Holy Gospel: John 1:1-5, 9-13
December 21, 2020 is the Winter Solstice, commonly called “the shortest day of the year” for the northern hemisphere. This is the day we have the least amount of light and the greatest amount of darkness. But we know that “darkness” is all around us every day, even right before Christmas. The darkness of death…the darkness of evil…the darkness of ignorance… Our world and lives need some light! Maybe that’s why John begins his Gospel by describing the incarnation of the Son of God as “the true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” As we conclude our series “He Comes Among Us”, we will look at the incarnation according to John. He speaks of a light that is greater than the sun. He speaks of a light that shines brighter than any light…and the darkness cannot overcome it. The light, Jesus, shines forth from the manger in Bethlehem, the cross of Calvary and the empty tomb of the resurrection. We who believe this light are no longer in darkness…we are the children of God!
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Current 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.”
- 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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December 19-20, 2020
Saturday Schedule
"The 505" - Contemporary Worship Service at 5:05 PM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
(No 505 Worship on Saturday, December 26, 2020)
Sunday Schedule
Traditional Worship Service at 9:00 AM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday Education Opportunities
Please Note:
Classes will not meet on December 27 but will return on January 3, 2021.
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 " Fourth Sunday in Advent and Christmas Worship Services" that was sent on Wednesday, December 16. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services being this week.)
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PLEASE NOTE:
There will not be a More than the Message class on December 27, 2020.
There will be a MTTM class on January 3, 2021.
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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: Dec 20, 2020 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
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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Please Note:
Classes will not meet on December 27 but will return on January 3, 2021.
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WE'RE HAVING A PARTY AND YOU'RE INVITED!
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10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Heritage Room
We’re having a Birthday Party for Jesus! First we’ll make some decorations to set the stage for our party. Then we'll play a game and have a special birthday treat while we watch a Veggietales Christmas story. We'll continue our celebration outside at 11:00 a.m. - a group of adults at St. John's will join us to sing Christmas carols for two shut-ins near our church, so be sure to wear a warm coat. See you at the party!
Our E-Sunday School Lesson this week tells the story of the Wise Men and their journey as they followed the star in search of Jesus. 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!
St. John's Caroling Around the Campfire is this Saturday, Dec. 19. We have from 8:00-8:30 pm just for the youth to enjoy together. Come with a blanket, a chair, and a mask. We will enjoy singing carols while roasting marshmallows for Smores. Our limit is 15 people, so let me know if you are coming as soon as possible.
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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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St. John's Christmas services schedule will be as follows:
Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Candlelight Family Worship Service – 4:30 PM
Holy Communion Candlelight Worship Service – 7:00 PM
Friday, December 25, Christmas Day
Holy Communion Worship Service – 10:00 AM
In-Person Holy Communion will also be offered
from 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, December 26
No 505 Service on this date
Sunday, December 27
Traditional Worship Service at 9:00 AM
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In response to the concern which was brought up at our congregational meeting we would like to have some additional insight into the idea that St. John's does not always seem to be supportive of the beliefs and teachings of LCMS. Additional information would be very helpful in order for church leadership to make a determination as to whether or not this is the case.
Please feel free to reach out to:
If you prefer, please feel free to mail your response to St. John's directed to the Board of Elders. The church address is 505 S Park Rd, La Grange, IL 60525. We would like for any response to be made by the end of the year so that we can address the concern in a timely manner.
Thanks for your help to us in addressing this issue.
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Altar Flower Calendar Openings
Altar 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 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.
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Multiple floral arrangements to beautify the altar are always welcome! If you wish to sign up for a particular Sunday and someone else has already signed up, we invite you to sign up as well – you can split the $42 cost with the person signed up or purchase an additional two arrangements for $42. A member of the Altar Guild will contact you in advance for your dedication. 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. |
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Hymnal Checkout
Lutheran Service Books, our hymnals, may now be checked out for use by church members. In addition to hymn lyrics and music, the Service Books include the Psalms, the Small Catechism, the Creeds as well as daily prayers, a daily lectionary (suggested Bible verses for daily reading), and various service settings. You will need to give your name, signature, and contact information for the book you are taking home.
Please contact Mari Smith at churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org and let her know of your desire to check out a hymnal. Book checkout times can be arranged within business hours to fit parishioners' needs.
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Church Directories are here! |
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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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"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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St. John's currently has three small groups meeting
Click "HERE" for additional information on these opportunities!
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Dear LWML ladies and other St. John's Church members,
Attached "HERE" is the December Mission Grant Poster for the grant request to support Worship Anew. Do you ever watch that wonderful Lutheran Church worship service on television? It is a half-hour presentation every Sunday morning, very inspiring to watch along with attending our own church services. Please help to support this through an LWML mite donation. Thank you!
Click "HERE" to download and read a letter from the President of LWML, Northern Illinois District. Use the button above to read the most recent LWML News and Events newsletter. |
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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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ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES (Inreach and Outreach) |
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ADVENT CALENDAR FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
CAROLING AROUND THE CAMPFIRE:
- Sign up "HERE"
- Saturday, Dec 19, 6-8 PM
CHRISTMAS MEAL:
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS:
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December's featured item is PUMP SOAP
- Please deposit featured item in the box in the narthex.
COAT DRIVE:
- Sturdy warm, winter coats, adult sizes XL,XXL and 3XL
- Deposit coats in the box in narthex.
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St. John's Christmas services schedule will be as follows:
Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Candlelight Family Worship Service – 4:30 PM
Holy Communion Candlelight Worship Service – 7:00 PM
Friday, December 25, Christmas Day
Holy Communion Worship Service – 10:00 AM
In-Person Holy Communion will also be offered
from 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, December 26
No 505 Service on this date
Sunday, December 27
Traditional Worship Service at 9:00 AM
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Now including access to our St John's school newsletter! |
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6th Grade Eagles in Action - Prepared to Help!
Please help St. John's 6th graders with their Eagles in Action project. The link below 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. Additional details are in the Ministries email.
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how to donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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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.
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.
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Time to work on your New Year shopping and get ready for colder weather with clothing or anything - start with TRIP cards.
Click on the TRIP logo to see the attached article for more information and our regular order dates.
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Our next order dates are January 11 and 25, 2021. Come to Door A at 7:45 AM. Please email Amy Buonassisi at TRIP@stjohnslagrange.org
if you will be placing an order.
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Saturday Worship
505 Contemporary
Worship Service at 5:05 p.m.
(Click "here" for the song playlist)
NO 505 ON DEC 26, 2020
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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