St. John's Lutheran Church and School
June 26 - July 2, 2021
CONNECT...in WORSHIP
St. John’s Lutheran Church and School
Updated COVID Policy
June 16, 2021

Early in 2020, St. John’s rightly took the initiative to protect worshipers from the COVID-19 virus with a number of rules and restrictions. With what we know now, it is time to lift these initiatives and shift the responsibility for health safety from the church back to the individual. We want to do everything possible to accommodate all worshipers and return to a normal worship experience as soon as possible.

To that end, on June 15th the Church Council approved the following changes which will take place immediately:
 St John’s will not ask the vaccination status of those who come to worship or to serve.
 Online registration to attend church in person is no longer required. There are no capacity limits. For those attending online, registration is requested.
 The main narthex doors will be reopened; temperature checks will be discontinued; hand sanitizers will continue to be available.
 Bibles, hymnals, connection cards and pens will be returned to the pews.
 Wearing of masks is optional. Children may or may not wear a mask – it is their parents’ decision.
 A seating area [the leftmost pews as identified by a sign] will be reserved for those who prefer to social distance. Those sitting in this area are requested to wear a mask in consideration for others in that area.

In the near future:
 Printing and distribution of paper service bulletins will resume on June 27th
 We will still leave an offering plate in the back, but the ushers will resume passing the plates on June 27th
 We will return to two Sunday services [8:00am and 10:45am] on August 22nd
 For Sunday School and VBS - It is the individual teacher’s/helper’s decision whether or not to wear a mask. Children may or may not wear a mask – it is their parents’ decision.
 Bible Class will resume in the Heritage room on July 4th with regular [not socially distant] seating
 Elders will address changes to communion at their July meeting

In summary, St. John’s has returned responsibility to the individual for his or her health decisions and that of their household. Worship has essentially returned to normal with the addition of a reserved seating accommodation for those who wish to socially distance.
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Saturday, June 26, 2021
"The 505" Contemporary Worship
Service at 5:05 PM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday, June 27, 2021
Traditional Worship
Service at 9:00 AM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
"Breaking Boundaries: The Hardhearted"

As we continue our series, “Breaking Boundaries”, we continue to see just how “hardhearted” the Pharisees were (and are). Pharisees could care less about the needs of others because they are so focused on maintaining their own righteousness. Jesus, however, loves sinners in need, giving them righteousness and healing through His death and resurrection. This righteousness and healing we receive flows out in love to others because we have “forgotten ourselves” and the need to maintain our own righteousness.

Preaching: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Lector: Eric Smith

Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 36: 24-28
Epistle: Romans 13:8-10
Holy Gospel: Mark 3:1-6
GROW...in SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION

NEW BIBLE CLASS IN THE HERITAGE ROOM - Starts 7/4

On Sunday, July 4th, Pastor Mark will start a brand-new Bible study on “The End times”. This class will be held in the Heritage room immediately following the 9:00 church service. Topics will include: What happens on Judgement Day? Do we believe in the rapture? Is there really going to be an Antichrist? What happens to me when I die? This will not be a “zoom” Bible class, everyone is welcome to get a cup of coffee and learn about the end times and Judgement Day.
Sunday School ~ 10:15 - 11:15 AM
IT ALL STARTED WITH A BEAUTIFUL COAT!
When Jacob gave Joseph a beautiful coat, his ten brothers were very jealous. That's when the trouble began. After his brothers took the coat and threw him into a pit, they sold him to strangers who were on their way to Egypt. Now he was a slave in a strange land. How could he escape? We'll follow Joseph's adventures and find out what happens next!
Sunday School in-person meets upstairs in the Choir Room from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Lesson materials will also be sent by email 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.
Registration for Wednesday Bible Study and Vacation Bible School
is now open!
Click on each picture to read the details.
CONNECT...through CHURCH NEWS!
Note: 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.
We have a lot going on this week.
Meet our Newest Member!
Brooke Isabella
Laiter

Child of Steven & Janessa Laiter
"Baptism to our family means a demonstration of faith that showcases our trust in Christ. During Baptism we are sprinkled/immersed in water before a supportive congregation of believers, Publicly symbolizing the death of the lives we've lived devoted to sin. When we are baptized it is a symbol of birth into our new life in Jesus which offers us a wonderful reason to celebrate."
"As Brooke’s parents we want to give Brooke a good foundation of faith and we
believe that it starts with baptism. We want Brooke to be able to grow her faith in
God. We chose St. John’s Church because of the inviting environment that it offers.
Steve and I both grew up in the Lutheran faith. We were married at St. John’s in
2016, baptized our first daughter at St. John’s in 2019, and continue to grow in our
faith here at St. John’s. We want our children to learn and grow in the Christian
faith just as we did and we feel that St. John’s is the perfect place for our family to
continue to grow and hear the word of God. Our hope is that St. John’s continues to be there for us as we grow in faith."
-Janessa & Steven Laiter
Summer Mission Cafe

Mission Cafe is back! Are you willing to help serve this summer? We will offer this fellowship time as often as we have volunteers this summer. Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. If you have questions please email churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org. Thank you!
9 Activities, 90 Days
(Re)Connecting with Jesus, His Church and the World
It’s been a long haul since the pandemic started back in 2020. For many of us, we can’t help but feel a little “disconnected” from our Lord, His Church and the world around us. And with summer 2021 right around the corner, that disconnection has the potential to feel even bigger.

That’s why this summer you are encouraged to participate in St. John’s church-wide campaign, “Summer in the SON”. Starting June 1st and going all the way through the end of August, you are encouraged to “(Re)Connect” through these suggested activities:
WORSHIP - READ - PRAY - GROW - FAMILY - GIVE - SERVE - SHARE - CONNECT
Throughout the summer, take a photo of your activity and send it to St. John’s (digital or print), tagging your name and which activity you’re doing/completing. These photos will be posted to St. John’s Facebook page, the weekly Mission and also put up on a “Summer in the SON” Celebration Wall in the church narthex.

Check out St. John's Facebook page for more information about these activities. Sign-up sheets are available below or in the church narthex. Let’s enjoy doing these activities this summer, because we are “in the SON” through His gracious work for us!
Summer Church Office Hours
PLEASE NOTE: The Church Office will be open Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 3 PM. The Church Office Manager will be in on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 9 AM to 3 PM. If assistance is needed outside of these hours please leave a voicemail message at 708-354-1690 or email churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org.

GROW...in BIBLE STUDY AND SMALL GROUPS!
If you have any questions about our youth group, please email: 
Nic Stolarczyk at nicstolarczyk@gmail.com
SERVE...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 our wonderful in-reach and outreach events, such as:

SUMMER DINNER SERIES
WEDNESDAY BIBLE SCHOOL
STAN'S DONUTS FUNDRAISER

click the button below.
CONNECT...with ST. JOHN'S SCHOOL!

Try the RaiseRight App!

Click on the TRIP logo for more information!
Use the RaiseRight App or your TRIP cards with many choices for your shopping needs. When buying clothing, home decor, yard and garden updates, or anything – start with TRIP cards. See the new attached article by clicking on the TRIP logo to see participating retailers and regular order dates.
 
·    July 26th, 2021 orders due by 7:45 am (VBS Week)
·    August 9th, 2021 orders due by 7:45 am  
St John's
Vacation Bible School
July 26 - July 30

WEDNESDAY BIBLE SCHOOL:
  • June 30 - July 21
  • Wednesday afternoons
  • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

SUMMER DINNER SERIES:
  • Next - Wed., June 30
  • 5:00 - 6:00 PM

GOLF OUTING FUNDRAISER:
JUNE FOOD PANTRY NEEDS:
  • Featured item is BANDAIDS.
  • Deposit featured item in the box in the narthex!
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.
Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210
St. John's Lutheran Church and School
505 S. Park Rd. La Grange, IL 60525