St. John's Lutheran
Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021
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First Sunday after Christmas
Sunday, December 27, 2020
at 9:00 AM (Traditional)
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"THERE HAS TO BE A HYMN IN HERE SOMEWHERE"
Preaching: Kirk Farney
Worship Leader: Tom Wykert
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm 111
Epistle: Galatians 4:4-7
Holy Gospel: Luke 2:22-40
The Gospel for the First Sunday after Christmas takes us to the temple in Jerusalem, where Jesus is brought by Mary and Joseph. In presenting Him there, they are affirming that He is dedicated to God as a firstborn son. But He is much more than a son—He is the Son. In her classic hymn text, German hymnist Elisabeth Cruciger celebrates His coming as she writes, “The only Son from heaven, foretold by ancient seers, By God the Father given, In human form appears. No sphere His light confining, No star so brightly shining As He, our Morning Star” (LSB 402:1). Jesus is the One in whom we see our salvation, whose light guides our way through life, and whose presence enlightens our world. With joy, we worship Him!
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE & SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION |
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December 26 - 27, 2020
There will not be a 505 service on Saturday, December 26
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.
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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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E-SUNDAY SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN'S |
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THE WISE MEN MEET AN EVIL KING |
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As the Wise Men followed the star in search of Jesus, they met an evil king in Jerusalem named Herod. This king wanted to be the ONLY ruler in the realm, so when the Wise Men told him about Jesus the newborn King, he was furious. Herod told the Wise Men he wanted to find this king and worship him, but he was making evil plans instead. Our story tells us how God used the Wise Men to protect Jesus from Herod. God, who controls heaven and earth and all the events of history, kept Jesus safe from harm!
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: Sunday School will not meet in-person December 27th, and will resume on January 3rd.
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Attention All High School Youth!
Merry Christmas and Happy 2021!
See you next year!
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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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The Church Office will be closed Dec 24 and 25,
and operating remotely from Dec 28 to Dec 31.
The office will also be closed on Jan 1, 2021.
Emails and messages will be returned,
or call 708-354-1690, ext. 210.
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Church Directories are here!
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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Portals of Prayer
The Portals of Prayer devotionals for January - March 2021 are available for pick up in the grey bin outside Door A.
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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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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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"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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Thank to those who participated in Angel's birthday party and in our Caroling Around the Campfire events! |
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ADVENT CALENDAR FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
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 continue as follows:
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!
Thanks to all of you who have given to the 6th Grade Eagles in Action Food Pantry Advent Calendar.
If you have not had a chance to drop off your items yet, it is not too late. You can still drop them off on the tables just inside the A-Door by the church. Pick up by the people from the food pantry will not be until January 4th, so feel free to drop off anytime before then.
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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 download the attached article for more information and our regular order dates.
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Our next order dates are Jan. 11 & 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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