St. John's Lutheran
Church and School
The Mission
The Journal of St. John's Reaching Farther
December 12 - 18, 2020
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Third Sunday in Advent
Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 5:05 PM (The 505)
Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 9:00 AM (Traditional)
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"He Comes Among Us...as The Promised King"
Preaching: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Old Testament Lesson: 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16
Epistle: Romans 16:25-27
Holy Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Have you ever waited for a long time for something to happen? And when it does happen, it happens in the most unexpected way? That describes the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she would bear a son. But this was no ordinary baby: “He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High.” As we continue our series, “He Comes Among Us”, Luke describes in His Gospel that the incarnation of the Son of God is none other than the promised King of God’s people. But this King will rule and reign in a way that not even Mary expected. Do we expect our King, the Christ child, to rule and reign in a way we expect? Or does the rule and reign of the promised King bring us good news beyond our expectations? “For nothing will be impossible with God.” This is true at Christmas…and every day of our lives!
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Current Sermon Series
He Comes Among Us:
The Incarnation Of Jesus According To Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
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At the beginning of each Gospel, the coming of the Son of God in the flesh is described in each author’s varied way. For them, the “incarnation” (literally “in the flesh”) meant something different to them, all while they are describing the same Jesus. Why did the authors of the Gospels speak of the coming Jesus in their particular way? What did it matter to them? Why does it matter to us? During the season of Advent, we will be going through a series called “He Comes Among Us”. During this series, we will be looking at the various ways that the incarnation of the Son of God is described in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We will be unpacking why this description was so meaningful to the Evangelists, and why it continues to be meaningful to His people today…and for the whole world. As we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus at Christmas, this series will help us prepare, focus and celebrate just who this baby is as “He comes among us.”
- 12/12-13: He Comes Among Us...as The Promised King (Luke 1:26-38)
- 12/19-20: He Comes Among Us...as Light in the Darkness (John 1:1-5, 9-13)
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE & SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION |
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December 12-13, 2020
Saturday Schedule
"The 505" - Contemporary Worship Service at 5:05 PM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
(No 505 Worship on Saturday, December 26, 2020)
Sunday Schedule
Traditional Worship Service at 9:00 AM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
Sunday Education Opportunities
MORE THAN THE MESSAGE
Sundays, 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!
In-person: St. John's Sanctuary
Online: Zoom
10:15 - 11:15 AM - Sunday School Education Hour
( E-Lesson materials will be sent. See the article below for details.)
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Everyone should have received an e-mail titled "In-Person / Livestreamed Worship Services" that was sent on Wednesday, December 9. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services being this weekend.)
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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!
Sundays, 10:15-11:15am
In-person: St. John's Sanctuary
Online: Zoom (link below)
Ben Roberts is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
Or join by Phone:
Phone #: 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 749 0994 2552
Passcode: 505
Topic: More Than The Message
Time: Dec 13, 2020 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Sun, until Dec 20, 2020, 2 occurrence(s)
Dec 13, 2020 10:00 AM - Dec 20, 2020 10:00 AM
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
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E-SUNDAY SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN'S |
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A VISIT FROM THE ANGELS!
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It was just another night in the fields for a group of shepherds until an angel appeared, telling them that the Messiah had been born and that the baby was in nearby Bethlehem. Now there was a big angel party in the sky as many more appeared, singing and celebrating the birth of Jesus! The shepherds couldn't wait to see the Messiah and started off for Bethlehem to find the baby, rejoicing as they went. It's been a long time since that night, but the gift of Jesus is just as real today as it was then. As we remember how the angels and shepherds rejoiced, we celebrate the birth of Jesus today because we know he is our Savior!
E-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.
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Attention All High School Youth!
This Friday, December 11, from 6:30pm - 8 pm, we are meeting at the Starbucks on LaGrange Road ( 38 South LaGrange Rd) to walk around Downtown LaGrange and enjoy the Christmas decorations. Masks are required! Bring some money to purchase items. Email Mrs. Wykert if you want to join us!
On Saturday, Dec. 19 we have a special time set up just for the youth to enjoy our St. John's Caroling Around the Campfire! Come with a blanket, a chair and enjoy singing carols while roasting marshmallows for Smores from 8:00-8:30 pm. Our limit is 15 people, so sign up now!
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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.
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"A Ceremony of Carols"
Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
Everyone should have received an e-mail titled "Virtual Christmas Concert" that was sent on Thursday, December 10. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services being held this weekend.)
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St. John's Christmas services schedule will be as follows:
Sunday, December 13
St. John’s Virtual Christmas Concert - 6:30 PM
Thursday, December 17
St. John’s Virtual School Christmas Worship Service - 6:30 PM
Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Candlelight Family Worship Service – 4:30 PM
Holy Communion Candlelight Worship Service – 7:00 PM
(Worship sign up available on Wednesday, December 16, 2020)
Friday, December 25, Christmas Day
Holy Communion Worship Service – 10:00 AM
(Worship sign up available on Wednesday, December 16, 2020)
Saturday, December 26
No 505 Service on this date
Sunday, December 27
Traditional Worship Service at 9:00 AM
(Worship sign up available on Wednesday, December 16, 2020)
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In response to the concern which was brought up at our congregational meeting we would like to have some additional insight into the idea that St. John's does not always seem to be supportive of the beliefs and teachings of LCMS. Additional information would be very helpful in order for church leadership to make a determination as to whether or not this is the case.
Please feel free to reach out to:
If you prefer, please feel free to mail your response to St. John's directed to the Board of Elders. The church address is 505 S Park Rd, La Grange, IL 60525. We would like for any response to be made by the end of the year so that we can address the concern in a timely manner.
Thanks for your help to us in addressing this issue.
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Altar Flower Calendar Openings
Altar 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 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.
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Multiple floral arrangements to beautify the altar are always welcome! If you wish to sign up for a particular Sunday and someone else has already signed up, we invite you to sign up as well – you can split the $42 cost with the person signed up or purchase an additional two arrangements for $42. A member of the Altar Guild will contact you in advance for your dedication. 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. |
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Church Directories are here! |
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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.
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"Thank You All!" from the Board of Stewardship. During these tough times, for those who have been financially able to donate money to St. John's normally spent on things like gas, dry cleaning, auto maintenance, car washes, haircuts and restaurants/entertainment...the church thanks you greatly! Your generosity is appreciated. |
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CONNECT...in Bible Study and Small Groups
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St. John's currently has three small groups meeting
Click "HERE" for additional information on these opportunities!
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Your LWML is online with some great resources for you including email subscriptions, blogs, podcasts and videos, even an LWML App for your smartphone or tablet. Click here to learn more.
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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. |
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ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES (Inreach and Outreach) |
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ADVENT CALENDAR FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS
VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT:
ANGEL'S BIRTHDAY PARTY:
- Sign up "HERE"
- Wednesday, Dec 16, 4 PM
VIRTUAL SCHOOL CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE:
CAROLING AROUND THE CAMPFIRE:
- Sign up "HERE"
- Saturday, Dec 19, 6-8 PM
CHRISTMAS MEAL:
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS:
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December's featured item is PUMP SOAP
- Please deposit featured item in the box in the narthex.
COAT DRIVE:
- Sturdy warm, winter coats, adult sizes XL,XXL and 3XL
- Deposit coats in the box in narthex.
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St. John's Christmas services schedule will be as follows:
Sunday, December 13
St. John’s Virtual Christmas Concert - 6:30 PM
Thursday, December 17
St. John’s Virtual School Christmas Worship Service - 6:30 PM
Thursday, December 24, Christmas Eve
Candlelight Family Worship Service – 4:30 PM
Holy Communion Candlelight Worship Service – 7:00 PM
(Worship sign up available on Wednesday, December 16, 2020)
Friday, December 25, Christmas Day
Holy Communion Worship Service – 10:00 AM
(Worship sign up available on Wednesday, December 16, 2020)
Saturday, December 26
No 505 Service on this date
Sunday, December 27
Traditional Worship Service at 9:00 AM
(Worship sign up available on Wednesday, December 16, 2020)
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Now including access to our St John's school newsletter! |
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St. John’s School Christmas Worship Service
is virtual this year!
Thursday, December 17 - 6:30 PM
To attend the virtual worship service please click the button on Dec 17 at 6:30 PM
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6th Grade Eagles in Action - Prepared to Help!
Please help St. John's 6th graders with their Eagles in Action project. The link below will lead you to the St. John's Food Pantry Advent Calendar. Follow the calendar from days 1-24 and learn how you can help by adding an item to a designated box or bag each day. Additional details are in the Ministries email.
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how to donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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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.
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.
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Time to start holiday shopping and get ready for cooler weather clothing or for anything – start with TRIP cards.
Click on Dazzle to see the attached article for regular order dates.
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Our next order date is December 14th
7:45 am at Door A.
when you are placing an order.
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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.
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Office: (708) 354-1690 x210
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