CONNECT...in Worship
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 5:05 PM (The 505)
Sunday, September 20, 2020 at 8:00 and 10:45 AM (Traditional)

PLEASE NOTE: beginning on Sunday, September 27th
we will be updating to ONE Worship Service on Sunday's at 9:00 AM

"Outrageous! Equal Generosity"

Preacher: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Old Testament: Isaiah 55:6-9
Second Reading: Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30
Holy Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
It’s a commonsense rule that hard work should be rewarded. And if you’ve been working harder and longer than others, you should get more pay. But what if you got paid the same amount for hours and hours of work as someone who barely worked an hour? Outrageous! As we continue our series “Outrageous!”, we find this exact situation as Jesus tells the story of workers in a vineyard. When those who have worked longer begin to grumble against the master of the house, the master merely responds: “It’s my money; I can pay however I want to; or do you begrudge my generosity?” Jesus is pointing to His grace towards sinners. Whether they enter the kingdom of heaven sooner or later, they all receive the same grace without any hint of merit or earning. Rather than grumble at Jesus, we should rejoice, that the kingdom is freely…and equally…given to all!

MESSAGE SERIES
Outrageous! The Stunning, Backwards, Upside-Down Grace of Jesus Christ

Some of the things that Jesus said really riled up some people up. Leave 99 sheep for one that is lost? Pay all workers the same, even though some had only been working one hour? Killing the son of the owner of the vineyard you’re working for? It had them saying, “Outrageous!” Why were they so upset? Because everything Jesus said pointed towards His grace for sinners. Those who were puffed up with pride in their own righteousness, blinded by their skewed beliefs and assured in their mockery of the “outcasts” of society…Jesus turned it all upside-down! And that is Good News for you and me! In this 6-week series, we will be looking at some of the “outrageous” things Jesus said that points to His “outrageous” grace He shows to us sinners through His death and resurrection. Each time, we will hear things Jesus says that have us shaking our heads…at how much He loves us and what He does to be with us and save us!

  • 9/19 & 9/20: Outrageous! Equal Generosity (Matthew 20:1-16) 
  • 9/26 & 9/27: Outrageous! A Tale Of Three Sons (Matthew 21:23-32)
  • 10/3 & 10/4: Outrageous! The Rejected Son And The Fruit He Bears (Matt. 21:33-46)
  • 10/10 & 10/11: Outrageous! Invitation To The Feast (Matthew 22:1-14)

IMPORTANT - WORSHIP SERVICES UPDATE
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES UPDATE!
 
(Everyone should have received an e-mail titled "Worship Services Update at St. John's" that was sent on Thursday, September 17. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our new Worship Services and Education Schedule that will be implemented the weekend of September 26 - 27, 2020.)

WORSHIP INFORMATION
 
(Everyone should have received an e-mail titled "Worship Services Update and In-Person Registration" that was sent on Wednesday, September 16. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services that being this weekend.)

SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
MORE THAN THE MESSAGE RETURNS!

Every Sunday until October 11, 2020, join Pastor Ben online on Zoom from 9:30 - 10:15 AM to unpack the “theme” of the weekly message (no need to have heard it beforehand). Even if you cannot make it, feel free to use the study for personal or family use. Dig into God’s Word…dig into the “message”!

Topic: More Than The Message

Time: Every Sunday from August 30 to October 11, 2020 from 9:30 - 10:15 AM

Join Zoom Meeting: http://bit.ly/BibleStudy_083020
Meeting ID: 740 8148 6754
Passcode: 505

Call by Phone: 312-626-6799

Weekly Handout: Outrageous! Equal Generosity - Matthew 20:1-16 (CLICK HERE)

Calendar Import: You may download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system: http://bit.ly/Calendar_083020

NEW OUTDOOR BIBLE CLASS AT CHURCH

Every Sunday, until October 11, 2020, Pastor Mark will host a one hour Bible Class on the church grounds. It will be held on the west side of the building (by the school lobby doors), it will start immediately after early service (approximately 9:00 to 9:15 a.m.). We invite you to bring your own lawn chair and Bible. This six week Bible Study will be on the Gospel of Luke.

PLEASE NOTE: Weather permitting the class will be held on Park Road, or the School Gym.

ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES (Inreach and Outreach)
 
(You all should have received our "St. John's Ministries - GREAT NEWS TO SHARE!" e-mail that was sent on Monday, September 14. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful outreach events.) 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONDAY EMAIL THAT WAS SENT ARE BELOW!

HIGHLAND QUEEN FUNDRAISER: Friday, September 18, 2020 from 11 AM - 10 PM
  • Highand Queen, 1511 W. 55th St., La Grange, IL
  • Click "HERE" to print the fundraiser flyer that you will need!

MEALS-TO-GO: Sunday, September 20, 2020 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
  • Click "HERE" to sign up for a meal!

GIFTS CARD ARE NEEDED FOR THE MEALS-TO-GO PROGRAM:
  • Click "HERE" to learn more about the GIFT CARDS for people in need!

FOOD PANTRY DROP OFF: Sunday, September 20, 2020 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
  • Septembers featured item: SHAMPOO

HOLY COMMUNION WEEKEND: Saturday, September 26 and 27, 2020
  • Click "HERE" for additional information.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 6:30 PM
  • Click "HERE" for additional information.
  • The movie "OVERCOMER" will be shown.

UPDATE: ONE SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE: Beginning Sunday, Sept. 27 at 9:00 AM
  • Click "HERE" for additional information.

DON'T FORGET ABOUT OUR ONGOING SEPTEMBER PHOTO CHALLENGE:
  • Click "HERE" to learn more details about the challenge.
  • 3rd Week Photo Theme: "Sport's Fans" - Deadline: Mon., Sep, 21

(Click "HERE" to obtain additional information about these wonderful events.) 

CHURCH NEWS!
"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.

E-SUNDAY SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN'S
THANK YOU FOR THE BIRDS THAT SING,
THANK YOU GOD FOR EVERYTHING!
How wonderful it is to know that when we pray, God is always listening. He wants to hear our prayers when we are sad or worried or afraid, but He loves to hear our prayers of thanks as well. Our great God deserves our praise every day - our lesson celebrates all the gifts we receive from God and reminds us to thank Him always!  

Lesson materials 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.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
Attention All High School Youth!

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 26, 2020 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.
 
More details forthcoming!

If you have any questions about the Youth Program at St. John's please contact Vicki Wykert at v.wykert@sjlagrange.com

CONNECT...in Bible Study and Small Groups
All three small groups have new topics
Click "HERE" for additional information on these opportunities!

SCHOOL OFFICE
Click on the TRIP logo above for more information on
how to donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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.
Click on the TRIP logo above for more information!
September is here! 

Time to start shopping for cooler weather clothing to get ready for fall or for anything – start with TRIP cards. See attached article for regular order dates.

Our next order dates are September 21 & 28 at 7:45 AM at Door A.
Please email Amy Buonassisi at amybuonassisi@gmail.com
if you are placing an order.


Saturday Worship
505 Contemporary
Worship Service at 5:05 p.m.
(Click "here" for the song playlist)
 
Sunday Worship
Traditional Worship Service
at 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Beginning on Sunday, September 27 we will be updating to ONE Worship Service on Sunday's at 9:00 AM

PLEASE NOTE: All Worship Services will be available on our Livestream YouTube Page shortly after they are Livestreamed.
Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210