St. John's Lutheran Church and School
October 2 - 8, 2021
CONNECT...in WORSHIP
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
with Holy Communion
Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021
"The 505" Contemporary Worship
Service at 5:05 PM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021
Traditional Worship Services
at 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
”Tensions: All-Powerful Word Resisted”

As we conclude our series, “Tensions”, we confront a tension that comes, literally, from the “Word”. As Isaiah 55 and Hebrews 4 proclaims, the Word of God will accomplish what it sets out to do. It will not come back empty. It is living and active! Yet, also from the same “Word”, comes Romans 10: “Not all obeyed the Gospel”. The seed sown does not always produce fruit. Even as we live with this tension, we trust that God’s Word is always powerful. The Holy Spirit will continue to use it to create and sustain faith and restore those broken by sin.

Preaching: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 55:6-11
Epistle: Romans 10:9-17
Holy Gospel: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
St. John's Meet & Greet Reception
Say Hello to our New Members

St. John's is having a meet and greet reception at the Mission Cafe between our Sunday services this weekend to welcome new members. We haven't been able to have an in-person opportunity to greet our new members for a long while. Here's a fantastic opportunity to have a conversation with each other. Stop by the poster of new faces and then introduce yourself!
Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 5:05 PM you are invited
to attend the “505” Contemporary Worship Service
that will take place outside (weather permitting).
 
  • Bring your own chair if you wish (chairs will also be provided).
  • Lyrics for the songs will be provided in a bulletin handout (you can also view the lyrics online from your phone if you wish).
  • Worship will take place inside the church if weather is unfavorable for an outdoor worship.
NEW MESSAGE SERIES STARTS OCTOBER 9/10th!

Sometimes, it just helps to “get back to basics”. The same can be said for disciples of Jesus Christ. If we were to reduce our faith down to the bare bones, what would it be about? What is the “foundation” that we build our faith and life on “alone”? As another anniversary of the Reformation on October 31st comes around, we will engage in our series, “The 5 Solas”. We will consider each one as the bedrock of our Biblical and Reformational faith: Scripture Alone, Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone and God’s Glory Alone. In a day and age when our faith is both criticized by and open to others, it is good to remind ourselves once again what it is that we believe, teach and confess, so that our faith and witness is strengthened today and always.
~~~~CHURCH NURSERY~~~~

The Church Nursery is open! Nursery services will be available from 7:45 a.m. until 12:00 Noon during our worship services and education hour each Sunday. Please feel free to use our Nursery when your child needs a break from worship or class. The air-conditioned room will be supervised by qualified caregivers, and pagers will be available to communicate with parents as needed. The Nursery is the first room at the entry of the school building from the A Door hallway. Ask an usher to guide you if you need assistance.
GROW...through EDUCATION
ADULT EDUCATION MEETS 9:30 - 10:30 SUNDAY MORNINGS
THIS WEEK'S TOPIC IS:
For many of us, the Nicene Creed is just something we recite together during worship when Holy Communion is served. It's just one part of the service and then we move on.
But the Nicene Creed is not "just" a statement of belief we recite 2-3 times per month in worship. It is an ancient expression of faith that is as important and revolutionary today as it was back when it was first "formed".
In this Bible Study, we will unpack the seemingly simple lines of the Nicene Creed with supporting Bible texts and discussing why the faith the Nicene Creed proclaims is at one time universal in scope and yet strikingly particular in a world of pluralism, multiple worldviews and unbelief. We will discover and appreciate both the simplicity and depth of the creed that we declare: "We believe".
Sunday School 9:30-10:30 AM
GOD KEEPS A BABY SAFE!
Our Bible story is about a baby boy born long ago to Israelite parents who wanted to keep their child safe from Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt. Hiding their little son was the only way they could protect him. Where would he be safe? They decided to take him to the river nearby, and they made a strong little basket, a baby-sized boat that would float on the water. What happened next was all part of God's plan for this little boy. God had chosen him to lead His people - the baby's name was Moses. 
Sunday School will meet in the Music Room on the second floor from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (masks are optional). After our story and some songs, we'll play a game. Lesson materials will also 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.  
Note: There is a lot going on at St. John's.
If your Mission gets clipped in your email, please click your "view entire message" link to go on reading about opportunities at St. John's.
CONNECT...through CHURCH NEWS!
JOIN US TONIGHT!!!
Bringing it for Belize
Save the dates!!!

Bringing It For Belize is a LCMS Northern Illinois district event in which all ages can participate!! During Oct. 17-23, you, your family, or your group can exercise any way you want and record minutes. Pledge forms will be available and all funds will go to the Belize Children’s Sports Camp, held alongside their VBS. Stewardship Board is sponsoring this for our congregation. Look for more info coming soon.
-Marnie Smith 630-440-6542
Please consider helping others by supporting the Crop Walk. St. John's is hosting the walk this year! The Crop Walk is scheduled for Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. outside the church.
What can you do?  
  • Volunteer to help set up before it starts
  • Give a donation to our Crop Walk Team at St. John's Crop Walk Team 2021
  • Pray for all who are involved and for those who receive the food and money
  • Join our Crop Walk Team!  St. John's Crop Walk Team 2021
  • Be here to pass out waters and snacks as walkers return 
  • Donate non-perishable food items for the local food pantries
On October 17, after registration, a prayer will send walkers on their way to a water and rest stop before returning to the starting location for refreshments outside. The walk is a little over 2 miles. 
Online donations are preferred, but checks can be made payable to CWS/CROP. 
Any Questions please ask Vicki Wykert - v.wykert@stjohnslagrange.org
Job Openings at St. John's Lutheran School

St. John’s Lutheran School is seeking candidates immediately for the following positions:

~4th grade teacher (part-time)

Interested candidates please send your resume to Teri Lyn Mannes at t.mannes@stjohnslagrange.org
Church Office Hours

Monday - Thursday: 10 AM – 3 PM, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: Office is closed

If help is needed outside of these hours, you may leave a message by email
or phone voicemail by using the following information:
Phone: 708-354-1690, ext. 210, or Email - churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org 
GROW...in BIBLE STUDY AND SMALL GROUPS!
Lutheran Women's Missionary League
If you have any questions regarding LWML, please phone Mrs. Pamella Christensen (708) 354-6977 or email her at BPChristensen@comcast.net .
Gentlemen of SJLG! Let's get to know one another...
Our 5K "run" has begun, and we now have 'critical mass' for an informal gathering on Saturday, Oct. 16th from 1:00 - 3:00 pm. Along with members of the Council, please join us at Dave & Michelle Thomas’ home from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, 518 S. 10th Ave., La Grange, 60525. Fire Pit, Bavarian Bier, Bags, Brats and laughs. Please RSVP via text (preferably) to 312-576-9421 or email to: southbranch0604@gmail.com.
We look forward to seeing you for a great Fall afternoon!
Dave Thomas
Board of Stewardship
Youth Group Events
are being planned for
October 15 6:15 - 9 pm
November 12 6:15 - 9 pm

If you have any questions about our youth group, please email: 
Nic Stolarczyk at nicstolarczyk@gmail.com
SERVE...through ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES!
October's Mission Cafe collection
will benefit St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Beecher, Illinois.

As you may have heard, a devastating fire burned their church building to the ground.
Please continue to pray for the congregation, their pastor and his family, and community of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Beecher Illinois. Their church building is a total loss from a fire the afternoon of September 19, 2021.
From Rev. Michael Stein, Pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – “We have a hymn which reflects where we are today:
“Built on the Rock the Church doth stand, even when steeples are falling”
Looking at the smoldering rubble is gut wrenching. All that remains of the steeple are charred and smoking timbers. Devastating. Tragic. My heart aches as the church and legacy that was lost as the church burned. The building is gone, but the church remains. The building served the church of St. Paul’s well for our first 150 years. The church, the people of St. Paul’s still stands. We proclaim the comfort, the forgiveness, the peace, and the joy of Jesus. We are reminded that even when things seem darkest, Christ’s light shines brighter.
Thank you to all the firefighters, EMT, police, and rescue personnel who came from so many different towns. You are appreciated and valued, and we pray for your continued safety.
This weekend our church will kick off the Diaper Derby for families served by Caring Network. As a church, we will be collecting diapers, especially sizes 4, 5 & 6, wipes, lotions, soaps and gift cards to Walmart. Please bring in supplies by October 31st and leave them in the basket labeled Caring Network Diaper Derby in the narthex. Supplies benefit Caring Network’s baby bank programs, providing material goods, parenting classes, and spiritual support to new parents in need.
Our "St. John's Ministries" e-mail is sent out every Monday.
To view the current e-mail and obtain additional information about our wonderful in-reach and outreach events, such as:

MOVIE NIGHT
BEDS MINISTRY
LIFE LINE SCREENING
MEALS TO GO - OKTOBERFEST
CHARLESTON WRAP FUNDRAISER
MISSION CAFE HOSTS NEEDED
CHURCH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

click the button below.
CONNECT...with ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL!
EAGLES IN ACTION
3rd grade is collecting chapel offerings for the month of September for LaGrange Area Food Pantry. Throughout the school year, our class will purchase items from chapel offerings collected in September to donate to the food pantry.
You can help, too! 
Each month we have a featured item to shop for. September’s featured item will be shampoo. We look forward to serving God through our Food Pantry donations, and helping people in need in our community throughout the school year. Thank you!

Try the RaiseRight App!

Click on the TRIP logo for more information!
Get motivated and in the habit to start earning on your everyday purchases with TRIP cards. Reduce your family's tuition for the next school year. Online sales are convenient for your busy family. Earn right from home on the website or on-the-go with the RaiseRight app. See the new attached article by clicking on the TRIP logo to see participating retailers and regular order dates.

  • October 4
  • October 12 (Tuesday)
  • October 18
  • October 25
THE FOOD PANTRY ITEM FOR OCTOBER IS DEODORANT
Please place donations in the baskets in the narthex. THANK YOU!
MOVIE NIGHT:
  • October 1, show @ 7PM
  • "The Peanuts Movie"

LIFELINE SCREENING:
  • October 8

YOUTH GROUP EVENT:
  • October 15

MENS FELLOWSHIP:
  • October 16

CROP WALK:
  • October 17

BRINGING IT FOR BELIZE:
  • October 17 - 23

MISSION CAFE:
  • Sign up when you can help!
Saturday Worship
505 Contemporary
Worship Service at 5:05 p.m.
(Click "here" for the song playlist)
 
Sunday Worship
Traditional Worship Services
at 8:00 & 10:45 a.m.

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
St. John's Lutheran Church and School
505 S. Park Rd. La Grange, IL 60525