CONNECT...in Worship

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 5:05 PM (The 505)
Sunday, October 4, 2020 at 9:00 AM (Traditional)

"Outrageous! The Rejected Son and the Fruit He Bears"

Preacher: Senior Pastor Ben Roberts
Worship Leader: Associate Pastor Mark Stapleton
Old Testament: Isaiah 5:1-7
Second Reading: Philippians 3:4b-14
Holy Gospel: Matthew 21:33-46
Jesus tells a story about an owner of a vineyard who keeps sending his servants to gather fruit from the tenants of the vineyard…and they are beaten up, killed and stoned! Outrageous! Who do these people think they are? But in response to these murderous tenants, the owner sends…his own son! Even more outrageous! Why would he do that, knowing that the fate of his son would be the same as the others? As we continue our series “Outrageous!”, Jesus points out that the rejected son is, indeed, Himself. And that His rejection at the hands of sinners is made all the more outrageous when “the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone”. In a stunning move of grace, the Son we rejected at the cross becomes the foundation for our eternal lives of faith, hope and love. What fruit the rejected Son bears!

MESSAGE SERIES
Outrageous! The Stunning, Backwards, Upside-Down Grace of Jesus Christ

Some of the things that Jesus said really riled up some people up. Leave 99 sheep for one that is lost? Pay all workers the same, even though some had only been working one hour? Killing the son of the owner of the vineyard you’re working for? It had them saying, “Outrageous!” Why were they so upset? Because everything Jesus said pointed towards His grace for sinners. Those who were puffed up with pride in their own righteousness, blinded by their skewed beliefs and assured in their mockery of the “outcasts” of society…Jesus turned it all upside-down! And that is Good News for you and me! In this 6-week series, we will be looking at some of the “outrageous” things Jesus said that points to His “outrageous” grace He shows to us sinners through His death and resurrection. Each time, we will hear things Jesus says that have us shaking our heads…at how much He loves us and what He does to be with us and save us!

  • 10/3 & 10/4: Outrageous! The Rejected Son and the Fruit He Bears (Matt. 21:33-46)
  • 10/10 & 10/11: Outrageous! Invitation To The Feast (Matthew 22:1-14)

SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION & WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES UPDATE!
 
(Everyone should have received an e-mail titled "Worship Services Update at St. John's" that was sent on Thursday, September 17. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our new Worship Services and Education Schedule.)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020
 
Saturday Schedule
"The 505" - Contemporary Worship Service at 5:05 PM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
 
Sunday Schedule
Traditional Worship Service at 9:00 AM
(In-Person and Livestreamed)
 
Sunday Education Opportunities
10:15 - 11:15 AM - Pastor Mark Bible Study
(Held outside on Park Road - weather permitting, or it will be held in the School Gym)
 
10:15 - 11:15 AM - Sunday School Education Hour
(Held outside on the Playground - weather permitting, or it will be held in the Heritage Room)
 
10:30 - 11:15 AM - Pastor Ben Bible Study
(Held on ZOOM)

WORSHIP INFORMATION
 
(Everyone should have received an e-mail titled "In-Person / Livestreamed Worship Services" that was sent on Wednesday, September 30. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about our In-Person and Livestreamed Worship Services that being this weekend.)

SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
MORE THAN THE MESSAGE RETURNS!

Every Sunday until October 11, 2020, join Pastor Ben online on Zoom from 9:30 - 10:15 AM to unpack the “theme” of the weekly message (no need to have heard it beforehand). Even if you cannot make it, feel free to use the study for personal or family use. Dig into God’s Word…dig into the “message”!

Topic: More Than The Message

Time: Every Sunday from August 30 to October 11, 2020 from 10:30 - 11:15 AM

Join Zoom Meeting: http://bit.ly/BibleStudy_083020
Meeting ID: 740 8148 6754
Passcode: 505

Call by Phone: 312-626-6799

Weekly Handout: Outrageous! The Rejected Son and the Fruit He Bears - Matthew 21:33-46 (CLICK HERE)

Calendar Import: You may download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system: http://bit.ly/Calendar_083020

NEW OUTDOOR BIBLE CLASS AT CHURCH

Every Sunday, until October 11, 2020, Pastor Mark will host a one hour Bible Class on the church grounds. It will be held on the west side of the building (by the school lobby doors), it will start immediately after early service (approximately 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.). We invite you to bring your own lawn chair and Bible. This six week Bible Study will be on the Gospel of Luke.

PLEASE NOTE: Weather permitting the class will be held on Park Road, or the School Gym.

ST. JOHN'S MINISTRIES (Inreach and Outreach)
 
(You all should have received our "St. John's Ministries - NEWS TO SHARE!" e-mail that was sent on Monday, September 28. Click "HERE" to view that e-mail and obtain additional information about these wonderful outreach events.) 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONDAY EMAIL THAT WAS SENT ARE BELOW!
Family, Friends, and Supporters
of St. John's Lutheran School, 

We are officially kicking off our fundraiser with Charleston Wrap® – and we need YOUR help! To reach our goals and make this fundraiser a success, we need everyone to do their part. Luckily, it’s super easy! Attached to this message, you’ll find a flyer with detailed instructions about how you can register online and support our goals. We appreciate all of your support and encourage you to spread the word to your friends & family, near and far! The more people who shop, the more money we can raise for our organization!
Together, we can ensure our organization reaches its goal – and even surpasses it! 
 
Thank you for your help!
 
- St. John's Lutheran School -

GIFT CARDS ARE NEEDED FOR THE MEALS-TO-GO PROGRAM:
  • Click "HERE" to learn more about the GIFT CARDS for people in need!

MEALS TO GO: Sunday, October 18, 2020 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM
 
FAMILY FALL FUN FEST: Saturday, October 24, 2020 from 10 AM - 12 NOON
  •  More Information Forthcoming.

TRIM A TREE AT THE ZOO: Sunday, November 22, 2020
  • More Information Forthcoming.

(Click "HERE" to obtain additional information about these wonderful events.) 

CHURCH NEWS!
"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.

PLEASE NOTE: The Board of Church Properties has noticed a number of vehicles using our parking lot as a through street. Therefore, after checking with the Village police, a chain has been installed at the west entrance. The Board’s intent is to close this entrance from time to time to deter through traffic, but have it open during church and school events. However, should it be in place before a scheduled event, it can be opened.  It is currently using a snap lock, and hopefully that will be sufficient to deter traffic.

E-SUNDAY SCHOOL AT ST. JOHN'S
GOD KEEPS BABY MOSES SAFE!
Last week we learned about Jacob and the special dream God gave him. Just as God had promised in the dream, He watched over Jacob and his family. Jacob's many children had children and their children had children, and soon there were too many to count. The Egyptians who lived nearby were jealous of God's people, and Pharaoh, the Egyptian ruler, wanted to do away with the children of Jacob's family. Moses was one of Jacob's grandchildren - he was just three months old when his parents found a way to keep him safe. They made a little basket, a baby-sized boat and hid their son in the river grass, floating in his little boat. God kept baby Moses safe - we'll hear what happens next in this week's story.  

Lesson materials will be emailed to all Sunday School and Wednesday Bible School families. If you do not receive your package, contact Dalyne Shinneman at [email protected] or call 630-772-1688.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP
Attention All High School Youth!

Come join us this Saturday, October 3, from 3:00 - 4:30 PM. We are meeting at Waiola Park! Bring your chair, a mask, and a water bottle! We are planning a few organized games. There will be something for everyone!

If you have any questions about the Youth Program at St. John's please contact Vicki Wykert at [email protected]

CONNECT...in Bible Study and Small Groups
All three small groups have new topics
Click "HERE" for additional information on these opportunities!

SCHOOL OFFICE
Click on the TRIP logo above for more information on
how to donate gift cards to families in need during COVID-19
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.
Click on the TRIP logo above for more information!
October is here! 

Time to start shopping for cooler weather clothing to get ready for fall or for anything – start with TRIP cards. See attached article for regular order dates.

Our next order dates are: Monday, October 5; Tuesday, October 13;
Monday, October 19; and Monday, October 26 at 7:45 AM at Door A.

Please email Amy Buonassisi at [email protected]
if 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.
Church Office
Office: (708) 354-1690 x210