St. John's Lutheran
Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
March 13 - 19, 2021
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Fourth Sunday in Lent
Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 5:05 PM
"The 505" Contemporary Worship Service
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Traditional Worship Service
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
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"The POWER of the Cross:
Giving Your Life"
Preaching: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Epistle: Hebrews 5:1-10
Holy Gospel: Mark 10:35-45
How often have you seen someone in need that you can help…and hesitated. How does my use of power ultimately benefit me and make me look good? Would this use of power in “loving” others still be self-conscious, manipulative and self-serving? As we continue our Lenten series “The POWER of the Cross”, we see James and John coming to Jesus, seeking power, thinking only of themselves, even though Jesus had called them to a life of service. But Jesus says that true greatness in His kingdom is through compassionate service for others. How did they know this? “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Whereas James and John was “looking out for number one”, Jesus was looking down from the cross at those He had come to save…which was everyone, including you and me. Because of the ransom Jesus paid at the cross, we are not only saved from our sinful selfishness, but also freed to compassionately serve others, putting them first.
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Click on the button above to register for this week's worship opportunities and to obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services.
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Sunday Sermon Series
"The POWER of the Cross:
The World’s, The Lord’s and Ours"
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Every day we turn on the news, check our social media feeds or engage in our day-to-day relationships, we see people of all kinds striving to obtain and exercise “power”. Even though it may not seem like it, in this day and age, we as Christians have “power” that we get to exercise. But the power that we exercise in relation to others can be for their good…or for their harm. Furthermore, this power that we possess can reveal our faith in Jesus Christ…or it can reveal the sin deep within us, deserving of God’s wrath and death. But when God’s Son, Jesus, comes among us, He brings with Him a power that only He possesses. As He makes His way to Jerusalem, He demonstrates a power that is “not of this world”. As He suffers and dies on a cross, He shows a power that is in opposition to the world’s power…and, at the same time, conquers it. In this Lenten series, “The POWER of the Cross”, we will take a look at all kinds of power:
· Worldly power, which the evil one, “the prince of this world”, uses in fallen humanity to manipulate, dominate and control;
· How our use of worldly power reveals our sinfulness and need for deliverance;
· The power that Jesus possesses offers that deliverance, demonstrated not only during His earthly ministry, but especially in His humiliation, suffering and death on the cross of Calvary;
· How the power of Jesus transforms us by forgiving our sinful use of power and giving us His power to share with the world.
In a day and age when so many are tempted to use their power for evil, Jesus gives us hope, forgiveness and new life through “The POWER of the Cross”!
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Lenten Opportunities
Midweek Lenten Series: O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
The mercy of God for Christ’s sake, illumined for us in the Scriptures, is no small, generic, everybody-knows-that kind of mercy. God is “rich in mercy” (Eph. 2:4 ESV) and “abounding in steadfast love” (Ex. 34:6 ESV). The enormity of God’s mercy drove Paul to his knees. He fervently pleaded that others, too, might “have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (Eph. 3:18–19 ESV). Such mercy stirred the souls of God’s Old Testament people as well, who exulted, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him. … The steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting” (Ps. 103:11, 17 ESV). This Lenten Series explores different facets of God’s enormous mercy for sinners, as we meditate on the holy sufferings of our Lord during the Lenten season. Interwoven throughout our meditation is Jesus’ summons to reflect God’s enormous mercy to our neighbor: “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36 ESV).
Lenten Midweek Services
Wednesday, February 24 - Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 7 PM (30 min.)
Small Group Bible Study Sessions
This year's Lenten Bible Study will be led by Pastor Mark on a variety of weekdays/times, and on Sunday mornings by Pastor Ben. All sessions will be held on Zoom. The Sunday morning session will be held in person and on Zoom. The study will last 5 weeks. Study Sessions began the week of February 22 and go through Thursday, March 25th. Each Study Session will last approx. 1 hour. The Study will be: Max Lucado's "He Chose the Nails".
St. John's Lenten Devotional Booklet
Our yearly Lenten Devotional booklet was sent electronically to members in the Lenten Opportunities email linked below and is available through our website.
Print copies are available in the grey bin outside door A
and on the table just inside door A.
Additional and sign up information regarding Lenten Opportunities may be found in the Lenten Information email that was sent on Thursday, February 11. You may view that email by clicking on the link below.
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CONNECT...in SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION
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Adult Education Class ~ MORE THAN THE MESSAGE ~ 10:15-11:15am
NOTE: More Than the Message will return with a new series after Easter.
Join Pastor Ben, either in-person at St. John's or online on Zoom, for a study of the passage that the worship service 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! See the article below for details.
Sunday School Education ~ 10:15 - 11:15 AM
Join the Sunday School Class either in-person or online. 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. See the article below for details.
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Jesus Can Do Amazing Things! |
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Four friends of a paralyzed man had a lot of faith in Jesus. The poor man could not move his arms or legs, so they carried him on a mat to see Jesus, because they believed He could heal their friend. When Jesus saw their great faith, He wanted to help the man, and what He did was amazing. Our Bible story shows us Jesus' miraculous power and His love for those who have faith in Him.
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@gmal.com or call 630.772.1688.
Sunday School in-person meets in the Heritage Room from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Come join us!
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CONNECT...through CHURCH NEWS!
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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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Worship Service Schedule for Holy Week and Easter
Palm / Passion Weekend Worship Services with Holy Communion:
· Saturday, March 27th at 5:05 PM - The 505 Worship Service
· Sunday, March 28th at 9:00 AM - Traditional Worship Service
Maundy Thursday Worship Service with Holy Communion:
· Thursday, April 1st at 7:00 PM - Traditional Worship Service
Good Friday Worship Services:
· Friday, April 2nd at 12:00 PM - Traditional Worship Service
· Friday, April 2nd at 7:00 PM - Tenebrae Worship Service
In-Person Holy Communion:
· Saturday, April 3rd from 2:30 – 3:00 PM
Easter Weekend Worship Services with Holy Communion:
· Saturday, April 3rd at 5:05 PM - The 505 Easter Service
· Sunday, April 4th at 8:00 & 10:45 AM - Traditional Worship Service
Registration for the above listed Worship Services will be available on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at 5:00 PM via Constant Contact e-mail, and our Church Web Site.
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Winter LWML Quarterly
Magazines are available for pickup in the grey pickup bin outside Door A. Please pick one up at your convenience.
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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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Church Directories are here!
Church directories are available for pick up 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.
NOTE: Church directories not picked up by the Monday after Easter will be removed from this location and returned to the church office for pick up.
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CONNECT...in BIBLE STUDY AND SMALL GROUPS!
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Attention All High School Youth! |
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New events coming soon!
Look forward to these dates:
March 20 - 6 to 8:30 pm
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Pizza and Escape Room - Pickup and drop off at St. John’s. Please RSVP by March 17th to Nic Stolarczyk.
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St. John's currently has five small groups meeting
Click "HERE" for additional information on these opportunities!
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CONNECT...through ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES!
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Our "St. John's Ministries" e-mail is sent out every Monday.
To view the current e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful in-reach and outreach events, click the button below.
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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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Try the RaiseRight App!
Click on the TRIP logo for more information!
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Use the RaiseRight App or your TRIP cards with many choices for your shopping needs. Get ready for spring weather! When buying clothing, home decor, or anything – start with TRIP cards. See attached article by clicking on the TRIP logo to see participating retailers and regular order dates.
Our next order dates are:
March 15 & 29, 7:45 am at Door A.
when you are placing an order.
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ANTONINO'S EASTER BUNNY PICK UP
MEALS TO GO
- Meals in March as needed
- Sign Up "HERE"
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS:
- March's featured item is TOILET PAPER.
- Deposit featured item in the box in the narthex!
TRIP ORDER DATES:
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CONNECT...with ST. JOHN"S SCHOOL! |
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VIP Day Video Presentation!
Our special VIP Presentation will air on our YouTube channel
on Friday, March 12, at 11:00am!
This video will include our amazing Spring Musical -
Escape from the Temple of Zoom!
- featuring our 4th grade class!
There will be highlights from all of our classes!
Please share the link with your friends and family so they can tune in!
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St. John's Annual Plant Sale Returns
Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8!!!!
Order Forms will be coming soon!
Please keep an eye on the Wings for more information
and volunteer signups!
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Saturday Worship
505 Contemporary
Worship Service at 5:05 p.m.
(Click "here" for the song playlist)
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
St. John's Lutheran Church and School
505 S. Park Rd. La Grange, IL 60525
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