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Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. |  | |
The disciples didn't get it. In the Gospel lesson for this past Sunday (Mark 9:30-37), Jesus had just told them what was on the horizon: his betrayal, suffering, death, and resurrection. Their response to this? They got into an argument about who among them was the greatest. Really? All of this became a teachable moment for Jesus to help his disciples then and now to understand that life in the kingdom of God is not about power, prestige and preeminence. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Jesus makes clear that whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all, as the sermon pointed out. Jesus' upside-down kingdom doesn't make sense from a worldly perspective, but Jesus' kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Jesus doesn't ask us to do something that He himself is unwilling to do. He set aside his heavenly glory and power to become the "leastest." Having offered his life for us on the cross, Jesus now calls us to a life of humble and loving service to others in his Name.
Pastor Meehan's Blog - September 2024
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Building for Eternity Campaign Update
Thanks to the gracious support of many of you, our Building for Eternity capital campaign is off to a tremendous start! Already we have received pledges of over $896,000 toward our initial goal of $1 million. We now have an excellent opportunity to exceed our goal if everyone does their part.
That said, we have not yet heard from a number of you. Remember that the more we raise at the beginning of the project, the less borrowing and less interest the church will pay over time. Please be prayerful as you decide what level of support you and your household can provide.
The renovation and expansion efforts continue to be crucial for our church. Having a building up to code and ready to greet new members is key to our long-term ability to carry out our mission here in Northern Virginia. By fixing longstanding repair issues and then enlarging our narthex and office space, we will be ready to launch our mission into the community for decades to come. This is our chance to replicate the groundwork laid by St. John’s founding families back in the 1950s.
We ask that you please return your pledge card by this Sunday September 29. Anyone who has not yet responded by then will be reached out to by the campaign to solicit his or her support. We need everyone to do his or her part to make this project a reality. If we all do sacrificial giving, we will achieve our goal and beyond.
If you have any questions about making your pledge, please contact Jennifer Smith, St. John's Financial Administrator, in the church office at finance@sjlc.com. You can drop your card in the mail or use the box in the Narthex. You can also put your card in the offering plate this Sunday or go online to make your estimate of giving. Use whatever method works best for you.
Thank you for your support. May God bless St. John’s and the generosity of its people. Together we will keep our church a beacon of light for our region.
Mike Waring
"Building for Eternity" Campaign Committee Member
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Want to be part of something big?
We can't fix everything, but we can help others, one by one. St. John's is providing short-term assistance to 7 different families who recently immigrated to the U.S. We do not advertise. They come to us through English classes or friends in classes. We adapt to their circumstances and what they need most. Every story is different. All have difficult reasons for leaving their home country and seeking a new life in America. Some families need refurbished laptops, some need kitchen equipment, and beds. Others need rent paid as they look for employment.
You can join the Humanitarian Community Support Group in CCB, give to the Humanitarian Support Fund, or contact Angela Schulze and Jan Swicord to learn more. Something positive happens almost every day without much experience or language skills. We are joining Jesus as he invites us into these lives. Immediate prayer needs include employment opportunities for 5 people who speak Level 2 English and 2 different donated vehicles.
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Thrivent Luncheon - Economic Update
Can your portfolio withstand market volatility? Get Thrivent’s perspective on the economy and how it could affect your financial strategy. If you’re concerned about market fluctuations, interest rates and economic uncertainty, don’t miss this opportunity to help you invest with greater confidence.
Wednesday, September 25, 12:00PM
La Fiamma Italian Kitchen
6124 Franconia Rd.
Alexandria, VA 22310
This session is hosted by Sheri Swackhamer, RICPr®, CLTCr®, CKAr®, FIC, Victoria Neeley, AFCr®, MBA, FIC, with guest speaker Chuck Etzweiler, Chief Research Officer & Senior Vice President MBA, CIMA®, CMT, CFP® from Nepsis.
Reserve a spot for you and a guest today. Please call at: (858) 252-4004 or email Linda Smith to reserve a place for yourself and a guest. Lunch will be provided.
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Food Truck Thursday
Our first Food Truck Thursday was on September 5 in the church parking lot. As a service to the community around St. John's, we will be hosting food trucks in our church parking lot on a trial basis once a month for the fall season. This new initiative was brought before the Church Council at its August meeting, and after consideration, approval was given.
There is no cost to our congregation for hosting this, and each food truck vendor is fully licensed with insurance and bonding. The trucks will be parked in our church parking lot and will be open for business on the following dates:
October 3 from 4:00 - 7:30PM - Bliman Indonesia
November 7 from 4:00 - 7:30PM - El Sazon Mexicano
We will be publicizing the above information to the local community, and you are encouraged to share this information with friends and neighbors.
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Bridges - Christians Connecting with Muslims
On October 5, 2024, from 9:30AM to 3:30PM, Living Savior will host a Bridges Seminar, Christians Connecting with Muslims. This study equips believers to share their Christian beliefs with their Muslim neighbors with compassion and understanding. Sessions help participants to learn to bridge the Gospel, understand the New Testament's credibility, understand Jesus' sacrifice, and more. It demystifies Islam for believers who have no knowledge of basic Islamic belief. Cost: $30 for workbook with lunch provided.
Living Savior Lutheran Church
5500 Ox Road
Fairfax Station, VA 22039
RSVP to Yvette Moy.
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Sabbatical Sharing
Jennifer Hills will be giving her post sabbatical sharing on Sunday, October 6 at 9:15AM during the Education Hour in the fellowship hall. Everyone is invited to come and join Jennifer as she shares insight into her sabbatical experience and debriefs the congregation on her learnings.
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11th Annual SJLC Men’s Octoberfest & Pig Roast
Men of St. John’s, come join us for our 11th Annual Men’s Octoberfest and Pig Roast on Saturday evening, October 12, from 5:00 – 9:00PM. This event is for the men at St. John’s. If you are a father, bring your son along. We will meet at the fire pit by the back parking area at St. John’s. Come early if you plan to play corn hole and pitch horse shoes. We will build a camp fire, tell stories, share our faith and enjoy fellowship. We will have smoked pulled pork, beef hot dogs, veggies, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, salad, soda, water, and some desserts. There are benches around the fire pit, but you may want to bring a chair and your own favorite beverage.
Additionally, we are inviting the local Franconia Police to join us as part of the National Faith & Blue Weekend. Please RSVP by Thursday, October 10, by emailing SJLCMen@sjlc.com and let us know if you plan to attend so we can get a count and estimate how much food to prepare.
If you would like to bring a dish or dessert, please let us know. If you have any questions, please email us or contact Joe Godwin, Greg Miller, Rodney Smith, Paul Swicord, Jim Burroughs, or Greer Putnam.
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ESL Volunteers Needed
Want to make a big difference in someone’s life? Join us teaching English to our immigrant neighbors. We have an immediate need for a volunteer to teach in the morning on Zoom from now through Nov. 21. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11:30AM. (Our adult students attend both days, but volunteers teach once a week.) No experience necessary—just a smile and desire to help people from other countries! Teacher books and training are provided. For more information, contact ESL Coordinator Dori McCormick.
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Truck or Treat 2024
Join us Friday, October 25 at 5:30PM for a combined SJLC and ECEC Trunk or Treat! We’re looking for families or SJLC ministry groups to work together to host a trunk for Trunk or Treat. This is a combined event for our families at SJLC and our ECEC families. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with these two groups of people.
Here’s how to host a trunk for Trunk or Treat!
*Candy and decorations will be provided, or choose your own theme and provide your own decorations.
For questions or more information, please contact Jennifer Hills via email or call 703-971-2210.
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Collecting Candy Donations for Trunk or Treat
We are accepting Halloween candy donations for our SJLC & ECEC Trunk or Treat. Please make sure all donations are nut-free. This means no peanut butter candy. All donations can be left in the church office or given to Jennifer Hills. All donations should be dropped off by Wednesday, October 23.
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SED High School Gathering 2024
SJLC high school teens are invited to the SED High School Gathering on Friday, November 1, through Sunday, November 3, 2024. This year’s district gathering will be held at Watermarks Camp in Scottsville, VA.
Our theme is “God’s Plan” based on Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Teens are faced with many decisions. Helping them to see the choices they make through the eyes of faith is a vital part of spiritual growth. Guest speaker Reverend Nicholas Gonzalez joins us this year to help our teens have a cohesive and engaging message. This gathering will seek to begin that grounding by providing a weekend filled with challenging conversations, outdoor activities, a passionate and relevant speaker, interactive Bible studies, powerful worship experiences, group bonding, intentional relaxation, and so much more.
This retreat costs $160.00, covering all Saturday meals, breakfast on Sunday, lodging, a T-shirt, and camp amenities like high ropes, paintball, challenge course, corn maze, rock climbing, and more. DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6.
Click here to register and pay for the SED High School Gathering.
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September Council Meeting
Your Church Council met on September 15th. The meeting started with reflections on how God has been at work in our lives, and the impact in our community. God continues to bless our Congregation!
The capital campaign has begun, and under the guidance of the Committee of Ministry Expansion, the thermometer is now at $797,000 already! This is exciting news which means you, the Congregation, are willing to make commitment to the SJLC long-term vision. We are thankful for a generous congregation!
The Council next reviewed the newly drafted SJLC Facility Use Agreement. The intent of the form is to collect pertinent info on the requester using space; will help track any after actions needed on the facility; and will share rules for proper use of the church spaces. The Council will review and vote on accepting the Facility Use Agreement form next month.
Next the Council discussed replacement of our electronic sign. The sign is malfunctioning and has been difficult to keep operating. We will replace the electronic sign with a static sign, and we will use yard banners for special events such as ESL registration, Shalom Ethiopian Church, National Night Out, etc. A motion was made to approve the purchase of the sign and banners, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
Next we turned to building security. The first phase has been completed and you have probably noticed the modifications around the front door. We received very good news that Greg Miller and Jennifer Smith, who worked tirelessly to apply for a FEMA grant, were successful! SJLC will receive approximately $120,000 for security upgrades starting in January.
Finally, we discussed the Annual Stewardship campaign. Recognizing the impact of the capital campaign, this year will be a quiet campaign with the theme of rededication, starting on October 27th and concluding November 3rd. The intent is to use 2024 pledge amount for each giving unit for 2025.
Elisabeth Auld
Congregational Secretary
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LCMS Youth Gathering Information Meeting
Teens currently in grades 8-12 are invited to join us next summer, July 19-23 in New Orleans, Louisiana for the LCMS Youth Gathering. Held every 3 years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to be encouraged in their walk with Jesus Christ and learn about the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity.
The Gathering is more than the five days of the event. The preparation process for the Gathering brings together young people and supportive adults to encourage each other in their baptismal identity. The Gathering provides young people a vision for the vastness of Christ’s Church and equips them for vocational service as they continue their walk with Jesus. A parent and youth information meeting will be held Sunday, October 6 at 5:30PM in the fellowship hall. Information on cost, travel, and what to expect will be given. If you have any questions please speak with Jennifer Hills for more information.
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Looking Ahead
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October 13 - Church Council meets
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October 14 - Church office and school closed for Columbus Day Federal holiday
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October 27 - Reformation Sunday. Remember to wear red to church today!
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November 3 - Fall back one hour - Daylight Saving Time ends! All Saints Sunday with chili cook-off after worship.
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November 9 - The 29th annual Craft Fair and Bake Sale takes place from 9AM - 3PM at the church.
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Important Links
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Facebook Live for viewing live services or educational opportunities as well as those previously recorded.
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YouTube for viewing church services
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Click here for the bulletins
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Stay up to date on all things SJLC.
Download our church app at by texting "app" to (877)776-1304.
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