CONNECT...in WORSHIP
The Baptism of Our Lord

Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 5:05 PM (The 505)
Contemporary Worship Service at 5:05 PM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)

Sunday, January 10, 2021 at 9:00 AM (Traditional)
Traditional Worship Service at 9:00 AM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
"I Have an Announcement to Make"

Preaching: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Worship Leader: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Epistle: Romans 6:1-11
Holy Gospel: Mark 1:1-11

Today we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus. Such a day is also a good time to remember our own Baptism. In Baptism, we are buried with Christ. We are united with Him in a death like His. In Baptism, we are also raised to new life as re-creations. As we are united to Christ in death, we will also be united with Him in resurrection when He returns and raises the dead.
An e-mail titled "The Baptism of Our Lord" was sent to church members on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Click "on the button above" to view that email, obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services and to register for worship services being held this weekend.
New Sermons Series Starting Next Week

I Bring you Good News!
Sharing the Gospel with Those Who Need to Hear It
Jesus’ public ministry began with this stunning proclamation: "The time has come…The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"; (Mark 1:15, NIV) When Jesus walks into His hometown synagogue, He boldly declares: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to proclaim good news to the poor.” (Luke 4:18, ESV) Jesus was all about sharing the good news with everyone…because He IS good news! And those whom He has chosen in baptism, those who are united with Jesus, His death and resurrection, those who believe in the good news that Jesus speaks and embodies…WE continue His ministry of sharing the good news!
In this series for the season of Epiphany, “I Bring You Good News!”, we will look at the Good News we share with others, but looking at it through the special lens of Jesus’ own words, fulfilling what the prophet Isaiah spoke so long ago. We will also look at the Good News that we have received and that this Good News is for ALL people! “I bring you good news!” is not just something Jesus spoke; it is something Jesus speaks through us!
CONNECT...in SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION
Adult Education Class ~ MORE THAN THE MESSAGE ~ 10:15-11:15am
Join Pastor Ben, either in-person at St. John's or online on Zoom, for a study of the passage that his 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.
More Than the Message

"I Have an Announcement to Make"
In-person: St. John's Sanctuary
Online: Zoom

Ben Roberts is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Join Zoom Meeting

Or join by Phone:
Phone #: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 762 7752 9382
Passcode: 505
Topic: More Than The Message
Time: Jan 3, 2021 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
    Every week on Sun, until Feb 14, 2021, 7 occurrence(s)
    Jan 10, 2021 10:00 AM
    Jan 17, 2021 10:00 AM
    Jan 24, 2021 10:00 AM
    Jan 31, 2021 10:00 AM
    Feb 7, 2021 10:00 AM
    Feb 14, 2021 10:00 AM

Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Sunday School
"A WARNING FROM AN ANGEL!"
Jesus was in great danger! Evil King Herod was searching everywhere for him, determined to destroy anyone who challenged his power. God knew that Jesus and his family needed help and sent an angel to warn them. The angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and told him that they must leave immediately for Egypt. It would be a very long trip, but this would keep Jesus far away from the evil King. Mighty God, who controls all things, provided a way of escape - Jesus would be safe and King Herod's awful plot would never succeed. Our Bible story will tell us all about it!

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 in-person will meet January 10th in the Heritage Room from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Come join us!

CONNECT...through CHURCH NEWS!
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.
LENTEN DEVOTIONS
SIGN - UP NOW!
Our 2021 Lenten Devotional is coming soon! For the last 35 years, the members of St. John’s have written wonderful, thoughtful devotions that enrich our daily lives throughout Lent. This year, we will need your help to continue this wonderful tradition. Please consider writing a short devotion to be included in our booklet. Our theme is “My Weakness, His Strength”, and will focus on our sinful weakness and His righteous strength. We will read passages from both Old and New Testaments that show just how “weak” many “heroes of the faith” were…and how the Lord was their strength in their weakness. Please click "HERE" to read more detailed information regarding the program and passages.
Sign-up TODAY to write a devotion by clicking on the button above or pasting
Select your date and verse, then follow the directions to complete the sign-up. It’s that simple! You will receive an email from nancy.mayor@gmail.com with all of the details you will need to complete your devotion. All devotions are be due by Sunday, January 24.
Thank you so much for helping us to make this Lenten Devotional possible again this year! 
Meet your 2021
High School Youth Mission Team…
Seven high school youth and four adult leaders are making plans to attend the Group Mission Trips Workcamp in Erie, PA the week of June 27, 2021. This team will be going to assist those less fortunate with home projects, such as porch construction/repair, wheelchair ramp construction, and indoor and outdoor painting. They will be joining with 400 other youth from across the country who will grow closer to Jesus during this experience. The youth members of the team are Analiese Buono, Emma Murphy, Sophie Rambeaux-Olson, Grace Roberts, Katie Westfall, Lizette Williams and Rachel Wykert. They will be accompanied by Vicki & Tom Wykert and Nancy & Gary Mayor. It is estimated this trip will cost about $730.00 per person.
With the current restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, our normal fund-raising opportunities are limited. You will see an order form available for Super Bowl Sub Sandwiches and Decorated Cookies below this article. We also have an ongoing collection site in the form of a gas can in the church Narthex where you can drop donations. Another great way to support us is to be a sponsor for one of the students attending! We thank everyone who has already supported our youth, and ask that you prayerfully consider helping out our team in the coming months. Please email any questions to Gary Mayor at gwmayor@gmail.com Thanks!
A few local friends are looking for help with rides and other household chores (ex. laundry, light cleaning). If you are interested and able to help please contact Katie Pece k.pece@stjohnslagrange.org.
FLOWER CHART
 
Do you enjoy fresh flowers? Each week the altar is beautified with fresh flowers given by individuals  of St. John’s congregation.   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 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.   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.  If you wish to sign up for a particular Sunday and someone else has already signed up, we invite you to sign up in addition to another person giving flowers – you can split the $42 cost with the person signed up or purchase an additional two arrangements for $42.  Multiple floral arrangements to beautify the altar are always welcome!  A member of the Altar Guild will contact you in advance for your dedication. If you would like to sign up for flowers, but are unable to enter the building due to COVID restrictions, please email the date for which you would like to sign up to give the flowers to clm4961@gmail.com and you will be contacted by a member of the Altar Guild.
Stewardship
Praise God and all His Stewards who were able to give financially to SJLG this past year. Thank you on behalf of everyone for making our 134th year fiscally healthy in very difficult times! Looking ahead to 2021, we will be presented with new and exciting opportunities to 'give' and apply our God-given gifts in Christ's mission field. January's focus will be working with The Center For Independence Through Conductive Education in Countryside. Please watch this inspiring video as we prepare to volunteer our time and talents with the Center and their amazing children and adults just around the corner!

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.
Portals of Prayer

The Portals of Prayer devotionals for January - March 2021 are available for pick up in the grey bin outside Door A.
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.

CONNECT...in BIBLE STUDY AND SMALL GROUPS!
St. John's currently has three small groups meeting
Click "HERE" for additional information on these opportunities!
Attention All High School Youth!

Happy 2021!
If you have any questions about our youth group, please email: v.wykert@sjlagrange.com.
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.
CONNECT...through ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES!
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.
Chipotle Fundraiser
Click button above for information
January
Diaper Derby and Baby Bottle Drive
Click button above for information
Thank you for the donations of new and gently used coats that were made to BEDS. They were welcomed and appreciated by many. Our collection at church is over at this time, but if you would like to drop off at a future date, please do so to BEDS Plus, 9601 Ogden Avenue La Grange. They can be dropped off at the front desk.
JANUARY MEALS TO GO:
  • Soup, Sandwiches and Sweets!
  • Sunday, January 24th 1-2PM Pickup
  • (signup link will follow)

CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER:
  • January 25, 4 PM - 8 PM
  • 5801 S La Grange Rd, Countryside, IL
  • Order online for pickup, use promo code DTPTPWH

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS:
  • January's featured item is DISH SOAP
  • Please deposit featured item in the box in the narthex.
CONNECT...with ST. JOHN"S SCHOOL!
Now including access to our St John's school newsletter!
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. 
Click on the DONATE GIFT CARDS button for more information on
how to donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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.
January is here!
Start the year with your TRIP cards New Year’s resolution and get ready for colder weather clothing or for anything – start with TRIP cards. Click on the TRIP logo to download the attached article for more information and our regular order dates.
Our next order dates are: January 11 & 25 and February 8 & 22.
Please come to Door A at 7:45 am.
Please email Amy Buonassisi at TRIP@stjohnslagrange.org
when 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 9:00 a.m.

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