St. John's Lutheran Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
May 23 - 29, 2020
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Ascension Sunday
Sunday, May 24, 2020 at 9:30 AM
(Worship Service will also be available after the Service has concluded.)
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"
Resurrection Truth: God's Plan Is Clear"
Preacher:
Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Pastor Mark Stapleton
First Reading: Acts 1:1-11
Epistle: Ephesians 1:15-23
Holy Gospel: Luke 24:44-53
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Without a doubt, COVID – 19 has disrupted the plans of the entire world. From social distancing to canceled schools to quarantine moments at home, we have lived a new reality. And in that new reality, we can’t but wonder: what of God’s plan? As we conclude our Easter series “Resurrection Truth” on this Ascension Sunday, we are reminded in our reading from Acts that, despite whatever the world throws our way, God’s plan to spread the Gospel throughout the world has never changed. Just as Jesus promised to the apostles that they would be His witnesses, so too does He promise that we will be His witnesses of His plan of salvation in our local community, throughout our region, and to the ends of the earth!
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Livestream Worship Starting on Sunday, May 24, 2020
For the past 10 weeks at St. John's, we have pre-recorded the elements of our Worship Services and provided a link to view the services on-line using our YouTube page. As we are all very much looking forward to having in-person Worship Services again we are preparing for this joyous moment in advance. Livestreaming will allow people that might not be comfortable coming to church right away to be able to experience the same wonderful celebration together from their home. In addition to being a blessing for our homebound members, livestreaming provides potential guests another “front door” they can worship with us before coming through our doors. Please tune in to our Livestream this Sunday!
This Sunday, May 24, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. our
Traditional Worship Service will be
Livestreamed on our New YouTube Web Page.
PLEASE NOTE: All Worship Services will be available on our New YouTube Web Page shortly after they are Livestreamed.
Livestreaming
refers to the online
streaming
of media simultaneously recorded and broadcast in real time.
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505 Worship Service
Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 5:05 PM
(Worship Service will also be available after the Service has concluded.)
505 Worship Service will be offered WEEKLY beginning on Saturday, May 30, 2020
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The 505 Worship Service
The 505 Contemporary Worship Service is in need of volunteers to join several Worship Teams that will provide a meaningful worship experience on Saturday's at 5:05 p.m. The 505 will be offered weekly beginning on Saturday, May 30, 2020. We are in need of the following volunteers:
- Vocalists
- Guitarists
- Bass Players
- Keyboard Players
- Percussionists
- Instrumentalists
- Audio-Visual
- Scripture Readers
- Greeters and Ushers
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Additional Volunteers needed for the:
“AUDIO VISUAL TEAM”
With our Worship Services being Livestreamed this brings the need for MANY more volunteers to make this happen. We need three people at each Worship Service. Please, consider volunteering when you can to help us out with this very important ministry.
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Missed a sermon from a past Worship Service?
Catch up by listening to the audio here:
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PRAYER REQUEST ONLINE
We have added an option on our church web site to submit a prayer request. Your prayer will be shared with members of the congregation that receive our "Weekly Prrayer Chain" e-mail that is sent out by Constant Contact.
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CONNECT
...with our 8th Grade Graduates
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Help Celebrate Our Graduates
Originally, our 8
th grade graduation was scheduled for Thursday, June 4. We have decided to postpone the ceremony until larger groups can gather so we can offer our 8
th graders the sendoff they deserve. In the meantime, we would like to shower them with cards from our congregation members. We are asking that you send a graduation card or words of encouragement to our 10 graduates during the week of June 1. Their names and addresses are below. Please also keep these fine young men and women in your prayers.
- Alex Carrillo / 3744 Wenona Ave. Berwyn, IL 60402
- Brian Dahlstrand / 8041 42nd Court Lyons, IL 60534
- Jordyn Krezel / 4510 Grove Ave. Brookfield, IL 60513
- Mateo Magana / 3615 S. 61st Ave. Cicero, IL 60804
- Jason Neill / 8839 Plainfield Rd. Brookfield, IL 60513
- Maddy Nichols / 1224 W. Hubbard Chicago, IL 60642
- Lealani Presa / 7436 W. 57th Place Summit, IL 60501
- Jacob Raschke / 5111 S. Newcastle Ave. Chicago, IL 60638
- Greta Sandman / 521 S. Catherine Ave. La Grange, IL 60525
- David Weber / 5528 S. Nottingham Chicago, IL 60638
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LOOKING FOR OUR NEW CHURCH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR!
Due to t
he coronavirus pandemic and stay-at-home order, you may not know that our Church Office Administrator, Renei Suarez, had her last day on April 17
th
. She has since moved to South Carolina with her family after her husband accepted a job offer there. We greatly appreciate her contribution to the ministry of St. John’s! She will be missed!
St. John’s Lutheran Church in La Grange, IL is now looking for our new Church Office Administrator. Job description with overview, duties and qualifications is attached
"HERE"
. Please send cover letter, resume and references to Pastor Ben Roberts at
b.roberts@sjlagrange.com
or by mail to: St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, 505 S. Park Road, La Grange, IL, 60525.
Being understanding of the economic hardship this pandemic has caused for many people, serious inquiries only. We are looking for an individual who will invest in the mission and ministry of St. John’s for the long-term. Upon hire, job duties will be adjusted based on current governmental policies from shelter-in-place orders. Thank you!
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CONNECT
...in Bible Study
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Pastor Ben's Online Bible Study
Since our stay-at-home order has been extended, Pastor Ben will be having an online Bible Study using the online Zoom application! This study will be on the book of Galatians. This letter from St. Paul to the churches in Galatia is a full-throated defense of the Gospel of grace in Jesus Christ, apart from works...both before AND after our salvation in Him. It is a call to freedom in the work of Jesus for us and not to be enslaved by anything the departs from this Gospel. Grace, freedom, righteousness, the Law, the Gospel...all in this letter!
We will be digging into a portion of the text of Galatians each week, gaining truth and insights from Pastor Ben, discussing these with one another and applying God's Word to our lives of faith. A time of prayer will conclude our time together. All you need is your Bible and, if desired, something to take notes. Each session will last about 45 minutes to an hour. Just God's Word and God's people growing in His grace!
Below is the link to this Zoom meeting. Feel free to look at the Zoom website for information on how it works:
https://www.zoom.us/
Contact Pastor Ben at
b.roberts@sjlagrange.com
for more information and/or if you need help with Zoom.
Topic:
Pastor Ben's Galatians Bible Study
Time:
Began on April 30, 2020 at 4:00 PM
- Every week on Thursdays until Jun 11, 2020.
Upcoming Dates
: May 14; May 21; May 28; June 4; June 11 at 4:00 PM.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID:
735 0511 6653
Password:
2XmbF1
Call by phone
: (312) 626-6799
Calendar Reminders
: Download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system by clicking “
HERE
”.
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Additional Online Bible Study Opportunities
Since our stay-at-home order has been extended, we have enlarged our online Bible Study using the online Zoom application. Several people have volunteered to host groups, these five groups are noted below. The starting dates for these groups will be next week.
MARI'S GROUP:
Mari Smith will host a Zoom meeting on Tuesdays at 2:30 pm. The topic is: Weaving the Bible into Daily Life - a group for needleworkers (knitters, crocheters, weavers, quilters, sewers, embroiderers and others crafting in the fiber arts...) discussing the fiber arts mentioned in the Bible, the spirituality of creating, and how to share the good news with others (possibly through our art and work). If you are interested or have questions, please contact Mari Smith at
mssmith468@gmail.com or by phone at 847-913-3485.
TOM'S GROUP
:
Tom Braun (president of the congregation): will host a Zoom meeting on Thursdays at 7:00 pm. The topic will be the book of Daniel. This six week study will focus on the integrity of Daniel’s life and how it relates to us in 2020. Study guide materials will be provided to you by Tom. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Tom Braun at
tjbraun54@gmail.com
NANCY and GARY'S GROUP
: Nancy and Gary Mayor: The Mayor’s will host a Zoom meeting on Thursdays at 7:00 pm. The topic is “The Wired Word”, a current event topical study that varies week to week. Each week there are several Bible passages referenced for discussion. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Nancy Mayor at:
nancy.mayor@gmail.com
TOM and VICKI'S GROUP
: Tom and Vicki Wykert: The Wykert’s will host a Zoom meeting on Mondays at 4:30. The topic will be an Online Being Challenge by Zach Zehnder, an extension of the Red Letter Challenge. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Tom Wykert at:
t.wykert@sjlagrange.com
PASTOR BEN'S GROUP
:
Pastor Ben: Pastor Ben has already started a Zoom meeting on the Galatians. Additional information is available in this issue of the "Mission". This Bible study meeting will meet on Thursdays at 4:00 pm. All you will need is a Bible! If you are interested or have questions, please contact Pastor Ben at:
b.roberts@sjlagrange.com
Topic:
Pastor Ben's Galatians Bible Study
Time:
Began on April 30, 2020 at 4:00 PM
- Every week on Thursdays until Jun 11, 2020.
- May 14; May 21; May 28; June 4; June 11 at 4:00 PM.
Join Zoom Meeting:
Meeting ID:
735 0511 6653
Password:
2XmbF1
Call by phone
: (312) 626-6799
Calendar Reminders
: Download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system by clicking “
HERE
”.
PASTOR MARK and KRISTEN'S GROUP
: Pastor Mark: Mark and Kristen will host a Zoom meeting on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. The topic will be examining several Bible stories, starting with the resurrection and the Bible stories that follow (Thomas, Jesus appearing to the disciples, etc.). This will be a 6-7 week study guide, materials will be provided to you by Pastor Mark. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Mark at:
mstapleton1@comcast.net
REBECCA'S GROUP
: Rebecca Schiltz: Rebecca will host a Zoom meeting on Saturdays at 9:30 am. This class will be studying the continuation of Zack Sanders Red Letter Challenge called “ Being".
If you are interested, please contact Rebecca Schiltz at:
schiltz4@sbcglobal.net
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SHARE
...with Your Service
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
Offerings and contributions can be sent by mail (505 South Park Road, La Grange, IL 60525) or by dropping off a check at the church. If no one is in the church or school, just drop the check in the mailbox on the west side of the building, to the left of the doors as you face them. Secure contributions can also be made electronically using Vanco. This is a very easy system to set up! You can use this link:
www.vancopayments.com/login
to set up your account. Or you can visit our website:
You can set up the amount and frequency of your payment and it can be stopped once we begin in-person Worship services again
If you have any questions on this, feel free to contact either Pastor Ben, Pastor Mark or anyone listed below.
God bless everyone. Continue to pray and we will be back worshiping our Lord together face to face!
Thomas Braun
President
Adam Fuller
Treasurer
Marty Haugen
Chairperson Board of Finance
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THANK YOU - Meals To Go and Food Pantry
Thank You for all the Generous Food Pantry Donations
and Continued Support for our Meals To Go Ministry!
Next Meals To Go Date: Monday, June 8th (3:00 - 4:00 PM)
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The 75th annual La Grange Pet Parade is virtual this year!
Theme:
"The Roaring Twenties: Then & Now"
When:
Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
Entry guidelines:
a 10 second video
Click "
HERE
" to get a sneak peek at our St. John's Lutheran Church and School video clip.
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A reminder that if you are unable to get to the grocery store, please email Dave Thomas @
southbranch0604@gmail.com
(or, if emailing is not an option, call Dave’s mobile at (312)576-9421. Given our state’s shelter-in-place situation, one of our members will do their very best to shop for you SAFELY if a detailed grocery list is provided. Members who are willing and able to shop for you will wear gloves and masks when shopping and will only purchase packaged goods (e.g., only fruits and vegetables that are wrapped.) Groceries can be delivered to your home and a receipt can be provided so you can reimburse with cash or check upon delivery (we will try to phone you in advance). In your email or phone call to Dave, please provide your email address, mobile and/or home phone number and home address.
Be as specific as possible in your item descriptions
and let us know one store where, ideally, you would like us to shop.
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ANYBODY NEED HELP WITH THE HEAVY INTENSE RAIN!
If anyone needs any help with the intense rains please contact Dave Thomas and he will assemble volunteer and assist as possible in a Covid-friendly Manner.
please email Dave Thomas at
southbranch0604@gmail.com
(or, if emailing is not an option, call Dave’s mobile at 312-576-9421
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St. John's
has secured a date for sponsoring
a blood drive to help during this COVID-19 time.
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Details will follow as soon as they become available.
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These are difficult financial times not only for our members but also for all churches across the nation. As many people are working from home these days, please consider making a SJLG
Gift2
donation by giving a portion of your weekly gas savings to SJLG. Or, as you may have curtailed family brunches after Sunday services, please consider these savings as well. Other savings might include dry cleaning, auto maintenance/car washes, haircuts and restaurants/entertainment. These dollars will add up quickly and help the church tremendously. Most importantly, we understand these are tough financial times for everyone, so by all means,
please only consider giving as you may be able
. As our offerings are needed more so than ever, your consideration is greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
The Board of Stewardship
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E-SUNDAY SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN'S
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E-Sunday School at St. John's
IT ALL STARTED WITH A BEAUTIFUL COAT!
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When Jacob gave his son Joseph a beautiful coat made especially for him in a rainbow of colors, his ten brothers were very jealous. That's when the trouble began. After his brothers took the coat and threw Joseph into a pit, they sold him to strangers who were on their way to Egypt. Now he was a slave in a strange land. How could he escape? We'll follow Joseph's adventures and find out what happens next!
This week's story and activities 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.
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SAVE THE DATE: JULY 27 – JULY 31
9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL - "TIME LAB - DISCOVERING JESUS"
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL
505 S Park Road (47th and Brainard), La Grange, IL 60525
We invite you to register your children on our
Please feel free to contact Dalyne Shinneman at
630-772-1688, or
about our Vacation Bible School program
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Eagles in Action - La Grange Area Food Pantry Update
3rd grade collected chapel offerings in September to buy items for the La Grange Area Food Pantry over the course of this school year. We have spent $32 each month to purchase:
31 bottles of shampoo in September
32 deodorant sticks in October
64 bars of soap in November
42 bottles of pump soap in December
32 bottles of dish soap in January
32 rolls of paper towels in February
32 rolls of toilet paper in March
11 packages of diapers (also used a $25 gift card) in April
11 bottles of laundry soap in May
band-aids will be purchased for our June donation with the remaining $32
Praise God for this opportunity to serve Him by serving others. Thank you for your offerings!
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Click on the TRIP logo above for more information on
how to
donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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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.
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Click on the TRIP logo above for more information!
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Whether you are starting your Spring shopping or shopping for an all-important graduate, Memorial Day or Father’s Day – start with TRIP cards. Click on the TRIP logo above for summer order dates.
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St. John's Boon Supply Fundraiser is here through June 15!
Here is your chance to support St. John's by purchasing attractive,
durable and fun bags and items that will give back to St. John's School.
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Saturday Worship
NEXT SERVICE: May 30
505 Contemporary Worship Service
(Begins weekly on May 30, 2020)
Sunday Worship
Traditional Worship Service
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Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210
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