December 19, 2025------

This Sunday's Sermon - "What's in a Dream?"

Sunday @ 10:00 am

Our gospel lesson this Sunday is Matthew 1:18-25. An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, and tells him what he needs to do.

Join us in the pews, in the Zoom or streamed on facebook. Preview the service here.

Practice

Ashleigh Altemann provides a transcript of the reflection she shared at the Christmas Peace service. You can read it here.


If you missed the Christmas Peace Service, you can view it on our YouTube channel here.

In Christian Sympathy...

we express our condolences to the family and friends of Sally Stauffer who passed away December 6.

 

Her memorial service will take place on Saturday, December 20 at 1:00 pm at:

-----St. John Lutheran Church

-----23225 Gill Rd.

-----Farmington Hills MI 48335 (map)

 

You can read her obituary here.


Rest eternal grant Sally, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.


Following the service, rather than having a luncheon, the family has requested snacks and desserts. All are welcome to join. If you can assist with the reception please sign up here. Contact Nancy Janik if you have questions.

Christmas Eve Service

Wednesday, December 24 @ 6:00 pm

Celebrate the birth of Christ with this service of music, lessons and Holy Communion. Hear the old, old story, sing your favorite carols and join as we sing "Silent Night" by candlelight. 


Join us in the pews, in the Zoom or streamed on facebook. Zoom Meeting ID 856 7037 7209.

New Year's Eve Celebration!

Wednesday, December 31, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Welcome the New Year with joy and excitement! Big fun for adults and kids! Scavenger Hunt! NYE Bingo! Snacks! Prizes! 9:00 PM Toast with Sparkling Juice!

​​

This event is FREE and ALL are welcome!

Please register at this link so we know how many are coming. And here's a flyer you can share with your friends.

2026 Envelopes Available Now

If you are using envelopes for your Regular Giving, please pick up your 2026 set in the Narthex. Envelopes are not assigned if you give online or through your financial institution.  

 

If you'd like a set or have any questions about giving, please see Barbara Dresden.


To ensure that your 2025 gifts are included in your 2025 Statement of Giving, please be sure your gifts reach us by December 30th.

Thank You!

On behalf of the Oxford Virtual Academy National Honor Society, I want to thank everyone who donated winter clothing during our recent drive. Your support will keep many families warm this winter season, and we truly appreciate the kindness you have shown.


Thank you again for your support!


Best,

Oziel Cantu Jr.

President, National Honor Society

Hearts Hands and Voices in Singapore

Michael Burkhardt recently spent 3 weeks in Singapore. Here's what he had to say:

"Two sold-out performances. Choirs and orchestra were fabulous. 55 adults, 65 children, 40 orchestra. Photo taken on second evening prior to concert. Adults are holding up the card mom and I made for them! So much to tell and share when I return home. Amazing time! Please share the photo with HHAV children. Love to all, Michael."

Hearts Hands and Voices Resumes January 5

Our school-year Monday Night program resumes January 5. We would love to have you and your friends join us. Click here for Monday Night information and registration.

 

And registration for the 2026 HHAV Summer Camp (Aug 3-6) is now open. Click here for Summer Camp information and registration.

 

Thanks so much for sharing your children with us and making this all possible!

 

Ellen Batkie, Program Coordinator

The First Thursday

Thursday, February 5 @ 6:00 pm

We gather on the first Thursday of each month for fellowship, food and conversation. Please bring:

  • a dish to share
  •  a beverage
  • friends!

The first Thursday in January is New Year's Day,
so this event will resume in February.

Support CARES of Farmington Hills!

Thank you for your food/personal care/cleaning product contributions for our neighbors in need. Please continue to buy a couple of items each week and bring them to the shelf by the coffee area. If you are a Meijer shopper, they have gone to a pricing policy where you need to buy two (or 3) of an item to get a good sale price. Why not bring the extra to CARES? Thank you for your participation in this important ministry. For more information click this link

Bible Study

Thursday Bible Study

Thursdays @ 10:30 am in the conference room

Each week, Pastor Mark leads a study of the coming Sunday's lessons. There will be no Bible Study the next two weeks due to the holidays. Bible Study will resume on January 8.

Women of St. John

Wednesday, January 14 @ 10:00 am

We meet at 10:00 am at Blue Hat Coffee in downtown Farmington on the second Wednesday and the fourth Monday of each month for brunch and fellowship.​​​​​ All women are invited to join us!

The meeting for Monday, December 22 is canceled due to the holiday. 

Men's Breakfast

Thursdays @ 7:00 am

All men are welcome! We gather every Thursday morning at 7:00 am for fellowship. We order breakfast at 8:00 and begin Bible study shortly after. Please join us at:

L. George's Restaurant

24250 Sinacola

Farmington 48335 map

Men's Breakfast will not take place for the next two weeks due to the holidays. We will resume on January 7.

Birthdays this Week

Dec 24---Peren Brannon

----------- -Kristina Stenson

Dec 27---Beth Fisher

Commemorations This Week

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Katharina von Bora Luther, renewer of the church, died 1552

Born to an impoverished nobleman, Katie eventually took vows as a nun, but around age twenty-four she and several other nuns who were influenced by the writings of Martin Luther left the convent. Six children were born to Katie and Martin.

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