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St. John's Lutheran Church and School
Equipping · Engaging · Encouraging
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Fourteeth Sunday after Pentecost
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Sunday, August 30th, 2026
8AM (In-person & Livestream)
& 10:45AM (In-person)
With Communion
Presiding: Pastor Mark Stapleton
First Reading: Jeremiah 15:15–21
Epistle: Romans 12:9–21
Gospel: Matthew 16:21–28
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Join us live online @ 8:00am or view the service later at your convenience.
Bulletins are also available for viewing or printing by following the link below.
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Have you ever sat strapped into a roller coaster, listening to the heavy clank-clank-clank of the lift hill, and suddenly thought, "I actually paid money for this?” Life in a fallen world can often feel just like that—a series of terrifying drops, unexpected twists, and unexpected plunges. But as Christians, we don't have to live in white-knuckled panic. Join us Sunday as we look at how the Cross of Christ anchors us through every stomach-churning plunge. We can face the wild ride of this earthly life with joy, because Jesus has already secured the final station of everlasting life.
| | Join us between services, in the Heritage Room at 9:25 for Sunday morning Bible class. | | PLEASE NOTE: Our Nursery Room is open available to serve families with young children each Sunday from 7:45 AM – noon. | |
Sunday School will meet in the kindergarten room with Mrs. Demski! All children ages 5-10 are welcome and encouraged to come and learn more about Jesus and His love! | |
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Truth
Travelers
Truth Travelers is for ages 10-14 and meets on Sundays at 9:30 am in the youth room located downstairs in the basement.
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Church Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8AM-4PM
Closed Monday, 9/7/26, in observance of Labor Day
churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org, 708-354-1690 ext 210
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The call committee has been consistently meeting since May. An initial set of names and information from the Northern Illinois District was received at the end of May. After reviewing the information provided to us along with additional research, the committee invited three candidates for video interviews in June. From there, we invited two of the candidates for a second round of video interviews in July. While the two candidates are still in consideration, we have also asked the Northern Illinois District for additional names. We anticipate receiving those names and information this month. After reviewing the information provided to us by the NID, we will determine the next steps and continue to keep the congregation informed. Names from the congregation are also being considered and those nominations can be turned into one of the call committee members.
Please continue to keep St. John’s and the call process in your prayers.
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We welcome Benjamin Siff,
a member of the Royal Trumpet Works, the brass quartet we use here at St. John’s for Easter and special occasions.
With playing described as "poignant" by the Chicago Classical Review, Benjamin Siff is an active member of the Chicago arts community. Benjamin holds an M.M. from DePaul University, studying under Esteban Batallán and Stephen Burns, and a B.M. from the University of Kentucky.
Benjamin is the Music and Gospel Fine Arts Manager at the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center Chicago, where he directs the youth brass band and strives to help under-resourced youth experience music on Chicago's south side. Through the Salvation Army, he has led international workshops and performances that connect musicians from around the world through music and service.
At home, Benjamin enjoys playing Baroque duets with his wife Hayla and helping their chubby cat on her weight loss journey.
Dr. Marc Alan Brunelle
Director of Music
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Are you the parent of a student entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade who is interested in joining our confirmation class? If so, please contact Mark Stapleton for more information.
Classes start in the fall.
mstapleton1@comcast.net
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GRIEFSHARE, a 13-week Biblically based class with weekly videos, will again be offered at St. John's.
Marnie Smith facilitates this group, which will meet in the Heritage Room Tuesday afternoons from 1:00-2:30 beginning September 15. To register, please visit griefshare.org or click the link below.
All are welcome.
Please spread the word to anyone you know who has experienced a loss and could benefit from this welcoming group.
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NEW
WINGS NEWSLETTER
(Note the change to the WINGS Newsletter schedule)
Beginning Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026, a separate School News email will be sent out on the first Wednesday of the month.
Our goal is to keep both our parents and congregation informed about what is happening at the school while making sure our parents can easily find important information and updates that are specifically relevant to them. We have found that when school information is included with the Mission email, it can sometimes be overlooked.
If you are currently on the Mission email list, you will automatically be added to the School News email list.
If you would prefer not to receive the School News emails, please contact the church office, and we will be happy to remove you from the list.
Thank you for helping us keep our school community informed and connected!
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Are you able to help us give a shelf some well-needed TLC? We need someone who can sand and repaint a shelf for us. If you have the skills, supplies, or simply enjoy a good DIY project and would be willing to help, please contact the church office. We would greatly appreciate your time and talents!
churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org
708-354-1690, ext 210.
| | If you are a Thrivent client, you can direct your Choice Dollars by Dec. 31 to St. John’s Church or School. Your support helps strengthen our mission. To learn more or direct your 'Choice Dollars' go to thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice.” Thank you! | | |
Do you enjoy fresh flowers?
Each week the altar is beautified with fresh flowers given by individuals of St. John’s congregation. 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 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. The Flower Chart for 2026 is posted in the narthex on the left brick pillar as you walk into the sanctuary. Flowers are $65 for two arrangements. If you wish to sign up for a particular Sunday and someone else has already signed up, we invite you to sign up in addition to another person giving flowers—you can split the $65 cost with the person signed up or purchase an additional two arrangements for $65. Multiple floral arrangements to beautify the altar are always welcome! A member of the Altar Guild will contact you in advance for your dedication.
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Experience CTSFW for yourself!
The Admission team at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), invites you to campus for our fall 2026 Prayerfully Consider Visit (PCV) October 8–10. PCV is designed to give prospective students insight into the programs and community at CTSFW as they discern whether to pursue becoming a pastor or a deaconess.
This free event includes the following experiences for you and your family:
- Meeting others considering pastoral ministry or deaconess service
- Attending classes with the CTSFW faculty
- Getting to know your Admission counselor
- Worshiping with seminarians and their families
- Touring our campus and Fort Wayne
On-campus room and board are included at no expense during PCV. You will receive details after completing your registration. We hope that you're able to join us for this informative and impactful weekend. To register, visit ctsfw.edu/PCV.
Contact Deaconess Katie Aiello at Katie.Aiello@ctsfw.edu with questions.
May God bless and guide you always.
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About Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne
Founded in 1846, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, forms servants of Jesus Christ in a vibrant, Christ-centered theological community that engages and resources the church and the world, domestically and internationally, with distinctively Lutheran teaching, practice, and worship. To learn more, visit ctsfw.edu
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LIFELONG STEWARDS
Good stewardship is a way of life. We recognize the bounty of God’s gifts to us, and we gratefully use them to help our neighbors, close and far.
When we live as intentional stewards, we serve the Lord from whom all blessings flow.
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What a wonderful first week back to school it has been!
Smiling faces of new and returning friends have filled our hallways and classrooms with excitement, laughter, & joy. It has been such a blessing to see our preschool & kindergarten students settling in, making new friends, and beginning another wonderful year.
We are truly blessed to have our preschool & kindergarten program here at St. John's, and we are looking forward to all the wonderful adventures this school year will bring!
Be sure to watch for our new WINGS School Newsletter! Beginning in September, the WINGS Newsletter will be sent out on Wednesday afternoons on the first Wednesday of each month. It will be a great way to stay connected and see all the wonderful things happening at St. John's School!
| | | | Sign up for a great fellowship opportunity by serving coffee and providing tasty treats in between church services | | |
Upcoming TRIP Dates
- August 31
- September 14
- September 21
- September 28
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THE FOOD PANTRY ITEM FOR
SEPTEMBER IS SHAMPOO
Please place donations in the baskets in the narthex.
THANK YOU!
| | Looking for an easy way to contribute to the Mission of St. John's Lutheran Church and School? Use this QR Code to be able to give a one-time or recurring donation to the fund of your choice, by credit/debit card, or checking account. | | | To give online via Zelle use the email directpay@stjohnslagrange.org & under message to recipient, please put Sunday Offering. You can also scan the QR code to enroll in Zelle Pay. | | | |
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY:
- Sundays, 9:25AM, Heritage Rm
TRIP ORDERS DUE:
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Monday, August 31st, 7:45AM, Parking lot
LADIES OFFSITE BIBLE STUDY:
WOMEN'S SMALL GROUP:
- Tuesdays, 9AM, Heritage Rm
WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
- Classes will resume in the Fall
CONFIRMATION CLASS
- Classes will resume in the Fall
THURSDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUP
PICKLEBALL:
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St. John's Mission email is distributed on Fridays each week. Deadlines for article submissions are 12PM on Thursday, the business day before publication.
To view the current Mission e-mails and obtain additional information about our wonderful in-reach and outreach events, click the button below. If you would like to submit content for our communication emails please email:
churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org.
| | To unsubscribe from one or another of our church and school emails please contact the church or school office. Clicking the unsubscribe link below will cause you to be unsubscribed from ALL emails from St. John's Lutheran Church and School. | | |
Church Office Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8AM – 4PM
Tuesday & Thursday: 8AM- 3PM
Saturday & Sunday: Office is closed
(Holiday hours will vary)
If help is needed outside of these hours, you may leave a message by email or phone voicemail using the following information:
Phone: 708-354-1690, ext. 210,
or Email - churchoffice@stjohnslagrange.org
St. John's Lutheran Church and School, 505 S. Park Rd. La Grange, IL 60525
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