St. John's Lutheran
Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
January 23 - 29, 2021
|
|
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 5:05 PM
"The 505" Contemporary Worship Service
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 9:00 AM
Traditional Worship Service
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
|
|
"I Bring You Good News...of Truth"
Preaching: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 3:1-10
Epistle: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Holy Gospel: John 1:43-51
“Truth” these days has become relative. What may be true for one person may not be true for another…a truth they don’t want to hear! As we continue our series “I Bring You Good News!”, we hear about Nathanael when he heard from his brother Philip that they had found the promised Christ, Jesus of Nazareth. He cries out in skepticism and disbelief, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” And Philip simply replies, “Come and see.” When we hear the Good News of Jesus as Lord and Savior, the truth of who He is and what He came to do, it can be something we don’t want to hear. Us? Sinners? But the truth of our sin meets the greater truth of His grace and love for us. When the Good News gives “sight to the blind”, we boldly proclaim: “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” What wonderful truth to share with others who are dead in their sins and trespasses! It may not be truth they want to hear, but through faith, they see Jesus as “the Way, The Truth and the Life”.
|
|
An e-mail titled "Third Sunday after the Epiphany" was sent to church members on Wednesday, January 20, 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.
|
|
Current Sermons Series
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 Bring You Good News...of Truth"
|
|
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 24, 2021 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Sun, until Feb 14, 2021, 4 occurrence(s)
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.
|
|
"MARY AND JOSEPH CAN'T FIND JESUS!" |
|
Mary and Joseph had just celebrated the great festival of the Passover - all Jewish families traveled to Jerusalem each year for this important event. Now it was time for the long journey home, but Jesus was nowhere to be found! Where could he be? Mary and Joseph searched everywhere, and they were frantic when he was still missing after several days. Finally they found Jesus in the temple, sitting with the great teachers there and asking them many questions. Everyone was amazed at the wisdom of this young boy - they realized that he was a very special child, but they didn't know that Jesus would grow up to be the greatest teacher of all!
We’ll learn more about Jesus' temple visit in our Bible story. Come to Sunday School in–person in the Heritage Room from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Lesson materials will also 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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. 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. If you have questions regarding the devotional booklet you may address them to nancy.mayor@gmail.com. For those who signed up to write devotions this year please remember that all devotions are due by Sunday, January 24.
Thank you so much for helping us to make this Lenten Devotional possible again this year!
|
|
***Meet Our High School Mission Team*** |
|
Over the next few weeks, you will get a chance to meet the youth that will be attending the Mission Trip event to Erie, PA this summer. With this opportunity, you can put the faces with the messages they have to share with you. We thank you for your support of this team.
This week you get to meet Grace Roberts and Rachel Wykert, who will be graduating from High School later this spring and are looking forward to this trip before they embark on their college adventures. Please click on the button below to read their personal introductions.
|
|
With the current restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, our normal Mission Trip 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!
|
|
Cameron Wilkins, St. John’s alumni, recently completed his senior vocal recital. He will be receiving a vocal performance degree from Lawrence Conservatory in Appleton, Wi. Cameron is a 2012 graduate of St. John’s and a 2016 graduate of Lyons Township High School. He hopes to perform as a vocalist, and string musician and to get his teaching certificate. Cameron would like to thank the many members of St. John’s who have supported and encouraged him as a musician. Cameron’s recital can be viewed at this video link: http://bit.ly/CWSeniorRecital
|
|
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.
|
|
Let’s Make a Child’s Day!
Do you have a soft-spot for children and enjoy making them smile, laugh and grow in their self-confidences? If so, here is your chance to do exactly that: The Center For Independence Through Conductive Education in Countryside is a nationally-recognized organization helping kids and young adults with Cerebral Palsy achieve greater levels of self-sufficiency. In February, St. John’s will be hosting with the Center virtual craft projects created by our very own Dalyne Shinneman (thank you Dalyne!). If you have a talent for teaching and would enjoy making a child’s day, please contact Stewardship via email at: southbranch0604@gmail.com. Look for videos in coming weeks with Western Springs Founders Patti & Chuck Herbst and their son Justin from the Center. 😊
Connections in Business
Let’s face it, while a small number of business sectors have benefitted from the pandemic, many have been hit hard during the past year. Chances are you or someone you know could benefit from a SJLG business networking small group. More so than ever, people need to know what other people do for a living and understand each other’s gifts & talents. There are still many unemployed and underemployed people all around us. Yet, time and time again, God takes care of His flock by connecting people with people…one prayer and introduction or email or phone call or handshake (or COVID fist-pump) at a time. It’s one of God’s greatest gifts to all of us: each other. If you would like to be a part of such a virtual group, please email Stewardship at: southbranch0604@email.com
|
|
Portals of Prayer
The Portals of Prayer devotionals for January - March 2021 are available for pick up in the grey bin outside Door A.
|
|
|
|
The Lutheran Witness
Interpreting the Contemporary World From a Lutheran Christian Perspective
|
|
Published 11 times a year—monthly, with a combined June/July issue—The Lutheran Witness keeps you updated with news from around the Synod, and addresses topical issues with feature articles, columns, Q&As, and more that will both inform and inspire. View a free sample by clicking here.
|
|
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.
|
|
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!
February 6 Watch for more info… possibly sledding 3 - 5 pm ????
February 20 Volleyball @ St. John’s 6:15 - 7:30 pm.
|
|
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!
|
|
To view the current e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful in-reach and outreach events, click the button below.
|
|
Event: January 25, 2021
Click button above for information
|
|
Diaper Derby and Baby Bottle Drive
ongoing in January
Click button above for information
|
|
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 MEALS TO GO:
- Soup, Sandwiches and Sweets!
- Sunday, January 24th 1-2PM Pickup
CHIPOTLE FUNDRAISER:
- January 25, 4 PM - 8 PM
- 5801 S La Grange Rd, Countryside, IL
- Order online for pickup, use promo code DTPTPWH
WAFFLE FUNDRAISER:
- Waffles delivered Jan 29
- Winter Waffle Zoom Party January 30, 10 AM
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! |
|
First Day of Full Day School for K-8 on Monday!
To ease into our full day routine, Monday, January 25, is Pajama/Comfy Day!
Don't forget your lunch!
Drop off times and doors remain the same.
Kindergarten through 4th grade ends at 2:30pm
5th-8th ends at 3:00pm
Preschool schedules remain the same.
|
|
|
|
Fourth Grade
Eagles in Action
|
|
|
For the month of January, Fourth Grade has chosen to support BEDS Plus as their Eagles in Action project. The mission of BEDS Plus Care is to help vulnerable individuals stabilize their lives through housing and supportive services. Their vision is to end homelessness. They believe that everyone deserves a home.
We will be making and delivering over 70 bag lunches for their current residents. In addition to monetary offerings to support this project, we will be collecting the following items:
- Kraft Mac and Cheese microwaveable cups
- creamy peanut butter
- individual packets of Instant Oatmeal
- individual size Cheez-It crackers
- sandwich, quart and gallon size Ziploc bags.
Fourth Grade thanks you for your support!
|
|
|
|
Get ready for the big game!
Use your TRIP cards with many choices for your shopping needs and get ready for colder weather clothing or for anything – start with TRIP cards. Click on the TRIP logo for more information and for regular order dates.
|
|
Our next order dates are: January 25 and February 8 & 22.
Please come to Door A at 7:45 am.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
