1. education
2. school

The Mission
The Journal of St John’s Reaching Farther
St. John’s Lutheran Church and School
Pastor’s Intentional Interim
Report
Pastor W Philip Bruening
p.bruening@sjlagrange.com
708-354-1690 x 213
 BIBLE STUDY: I have begun
teaching a course on the
Gospel of Mark Sunday mornings during
the Adult Bible Study Hour. On February 1st
and 8th, we will have a brief interlude when
Deb Arfsten and I will talk about
Lutheranism in Slovakia.
 CEMETERY: Al Karstens reported to me that
he would like to be relieved of his
responsibilities concerning St. John’s
cemetery. A meeting of those involved
with this issue has been set for Monday,
January 26th at 7p. Those who will be in
attendance will be: Al Karstens, Jeff Baker,
Herb Marohn, Pete Johnson and a new
member, Richard Buss, who works at a
cemetery and is willing to take over some
of Al’s responsibilities.
 PARENT’S WITH YOUNG CHILDREN: We
have sent out 80+ invitations to families
who have children 3 through 8 years of age
to brainstorm how the church can minister
to them. Many of these families are quite
inactive so hopefully this can serve as a
reentry point. Tim Hauschildt will provide
dessert and Julie Wilkins will provide
childcare during the session. We will meet
at 6p on Tuesday, January 27th. Sherrie
Smith will also join us to talk about Sunday
School.
 STAFFING TASK FORCE: I have gathered job
descriptions from all church side employees
and they have been passed along with
compensation information to the Task
Force which consists of Jenn Behnke, Tom
D’Amico and Marty Haugen.
The
Week of January 25, 2015
committee will look at a comparison of
compensation with work produced. If
there are tasks that could be done by
volunteers, they will make those
recommendations.
After committee
review, job descriptions will be placed on
our website.
 NEW MEMBERS RECEPTION: We are
scheduling this event tentatively for the last
Sunday in April when we will introduce new
members to the congregation at both
services. There will be a reception during
the Bible Study Hour so we can all greet
and welcome them. Brief biographies of
each will be included in the Mission that
Sunday. We are anticipating welcoming
approximately 30 new adults and children.
 FINANCIAL SITUATION: We are truly
thankful that many people are stepping
forward in their contributions to support
the work of the church and school. Giving
toward our operating expenses and school
tuition are both up considerably. The net
increase is only up 2% over last year
because there were substantial gifts to “Go
the Distance” (a special fund drive to
support St. John’s missionary effort last
year that has not been renewed); however,
it demonstrates a real commitment to the
work of St. John’s by its members.
Expenses are down substantially which has
resulted in a current surplus of over
$32,000 for the first half of the 2014-2015
fiscal year. This certainly gives us an
opportunity to thank God for His many
blessings to this congregation and as Paul
told the Philippians: “I thank God because
of your partnership in the Gospel.”
In His Service,
Sunday Morning and Weekly Adult Study
Biblical | Challenging | Relevant
Sunday Morning Adult Studies 9:25a
Week Day Adult Studies—Various Days and Times
The Gospel of St. Mark
Early Risers Bible Class
SUNDAY’S The Heritage Room
Leader: Pastor Philip Bruening
Thursday’s The Heritage Room—6:15a
In the three year cycle we are
in for the scripture readings,
this year the focus is on the
second Gospel. The symbol for the Gospel
is the winged lion because the Gospel is a
Gospel of action. The Greek word
“εὐθὺς” (euthus) translated “immediately”
or “just then” or “straightway” is used (42)
times in the Gospel inviting us to be people
of action for Jesus Christ.
We will also be looking at the significance
that geography plays in this Gospel and the
impact that should have on us today as we
are in ministry.
Impacting Culture
SUNDAY’S The Library (2nd Floor of School Building)
Leaders: Andy and Sue Kunz
TODAY, we will discuss aspects of our
culture and explore the ways in which we
reach people in our surrounding
community. This week our focus will be on
Engaging the Culture. Should Christians
attack false theories, engage in dialogue
with the wider culture, or keep our
distance? We will address these questions
and examine how we should live as
Christians in the world around us. Join us
at 9:25a in the Library on the second floor
of the School Building.
2
St John’s Lutheran Church and School
THE COFFEE POT IS ON! Come join the Early
Risers Bible Class! We meet every Thursday
morning beginning at 6:15a in the Heritage
Room. This is a great opportunity to get
into the Word before you start your busy
day. All are welcome!
Young Adult Bible Study
Kirsten Smith kismith683@gmail.com
Beginning Sunday, February 15, 2015—2:30p-4p
Leader: Kirsten Smith
Hey Young Adults! We will start our Young
Adult Bible Study on Sunday, February 15,
2015 from 2:30p—4p. On this day we will
meet, get to know one another, and pick a
Bible Study topic. I can’t wait to see you all
there!
Music Ministry
Gerald Kuker g.kuker@sjlagrange.com
708-354-1690 x 222
TODAY—Sunday, January 25, 2015
4p—7p
Holiday Inn William Tell Banquets
6201 Joliet Rd
Countryside, Illinois
$25 per person
$50 per Family of Four
We welcome everyone to join us TODAY as
we continue to support BEDS Plus in our
community and assist in their Mission to
help individuals stabilize their lives through
housing and supportive services.
Their Soup and Bread Event is a great way
to show your support! Join us TODAY for
this cozy, family friendly gathering
featuring live acoustic music by Mark
Dvorak and Sharon Speziale and The
Acoustaholics, craft beer tasting and great
local food. Tickets are available online at
www.beds-plus.org or call, (708) 354-0858
x2
Festival Handbells
It is time to make plans for the Festival
Handbells to ring for Easter. For this
season, we will rehearse on Thursdays
from 6:30—7:30p. This ensemble is open
to all High School age youth and
adults. Reading music is a prerequisite
and you must be available for all four
rehearsals, March 5, 12, 19, and 26. We
will not rehearse during the week of
Spring Break which is also Holy Week, but
will rehearse at a mutually agreed upon
time the day before Easter Sunday, April
5th. Please contact Director, Jerry Kuker
with your questions and to express your
interest in participating. Jerry needs to
know by February 15th who is
participating.
Calling All Singers!
Our Senior Choir is starting
another
semester
of
singing praises to our Lord and Savior. If
you have given any thought to joining in
the music making and fellowship that goes
along with it, be sure to join us this
Wednesday at 7p in the Music Room, 2nd
floor of the school. It's not too late. This
Choir is open to all High School youth and
adults, St. John's member or non-member.
Don't wait for a personal invitation.
Just show up for our rehearsal and join in
the fun. We know you won't regret it. Talk
with Director Jerry Kuker if you have any
questions.
Meet! Experience! Live !
3
Children’s Ministry
Youth Ministry
Sherrie Smith s.smith@sjlagrange.com
708-354-1690 x 212
Kirsten Smith kismith683@gmail.com
Emily Jung crf_jungea@cuchicago.edu
Sunday School
Sunday Morning Youth Bible Study
Sunday, January 25, 2015—9:25a
School Classrooms
Sunday, January 25—9:25a; Youth Room
Leader: Emily Jung
In Sunday School today students learned
the story “Jesus Calls Matthew.” We
sinners rejoice, for we, too, have been
called from our own sin to dine with Jesus
around His table, and to be a friend of the
Friend of sinners. Consider discussing,
“How did Jesus call Matthew to be one of
His followers? How and why does Jesus call
us to follow Him?”
Come join us for a New Year’s Study and
Discussion! We will also be talking about
what topics we will be studying this new
year! Can’t wait to see you all!
Children’s Message
Whose job is it to be fishers of men? Jesus
calls us all to be fishers of men. What does
being fishers of men mean? It means to
share the story of Jesus' love with the
people around us. We cannot do this on
our own but Jesus promises to make us
fishers of men.
It is not just the pastor's job, but it is all of
our jobs to go out there and tell of Jesus'
love. The pastor can only reach so many
people, but together we can reach very
many people. We can show love and care
to other people. We can tell people about
Jesus and His wonderful love. We can pray
for them. And we can invite them here to
this church where they can meet Jesus and
experience the support of the church. With
the Holy Spirit's help, they may become
followers of Jesus also.
4
St John’s Lutheran Church and School
Youth Group
Sunday, January 25—6p
Leader: Kirsten Smith
Hey Youth! Join us tonight for some
ultimate Frisbee in the School Gym (for real
this time) and we are also starting a new
Bible series called "Choose". Homework
time starts at 5p and Youth Group starts at
6p. See you all there!
Youth Super Bowl Party!
Sunday, February 1—5:30p
Location: Kirsten’s House
Join us on Sunday, February 1st as we cheer
on the Patriots or the Seahawks. Kickoff
starts at 5:30p. We will meet at Kirsten's
house (Email for address). No worries
there will be snacks. Bring friends.
St. John’s School
Lynn Kahl, Principal
l.kahl@sjlagrange.com 708-354-1690 x 218
Where Kids Soar!
All School Open House
Wonderful Wednesdays!
TODAY, Sunday, January 25, 2015
&
Sunday, March 15, 2015
12:00p—2p
Visit during the School day for as
long as you like, sit in on classes,
join us for Chapel and receive
information!
NOW ENROLLING 2015-2016
Beginning—
Wednesday, January 28, 2015!
Tour the School,
Meet Teachers & Parents, receive
School Academic, Spiritual and
Enrollment Information
St. John’s Lutheran School
47th & Brainard Ave
La Grange IL 60525
(708) 354-1690
www.kidsoar.com
Meet! Experience! Live !
5
Confirmation Students
Congregational Directory
Sherrie Smith s.smith@sjlagrange.com
708-354-1690 x 212
Michelle La Velle—Church Office Manager
m.lavelle@sjlagrange.com 708-354-1690 x 210
Confirmation Session
Sunday, February 1, 2015—Noon (This is a date change)
Heritage Room
Sunday, February 1st is the next
Confirmation Session beginning at Noon.
See you there!
PTO
pto@sjlagrange.com 708-354-1690 x 253
Market Day
Amy Strombom snipsnsnails05@gmail.com
708-863-4194
Our next Market Day pick up will be
Saturday, February 14 at 10:45a. Thank
you for your continued
support of this program.
Christmas Concert DVD’s/CD’s
Gerald Kuker g.kuker@sjlagrange.com
708-354-1690 x 222
We have 3 DVD’s and 5 CD’s remaining for
purchase at $15.00 each. If you would like
to purchase any of these, please see Jerry
Kuker.
Articles for The Mission are due Wednesday
by Noon and can be submitted to Michelle La
Velle, m.lavelle@sjlagrange.com or by calling
the Church Office (708) 354-1690 x210
The Church Office reserves the right to edit
submissions for length and/or writing style.
6
St John’s Lutheran Church and School
Advertising Opportunity
We have contracted Guide Book Publishing
to publish a Guide Book and Directory for
St. John’s that will be updated and
delivered directly to your homes annually.
This book is being provided at no cost to
the Church. Local businesses are being
solicited to advertise in our book, please
call the Church Office at (708) 354-1690
x210.
Update Membership Information
Does our Church Database have YOUR
family membership record correct? Here is
your chance to update YOUR record for our
annual Guide Book and Directory (if you
haven’t already done so). It is time for us to
update our database with any changes,
additions, or deletions that may have
occurred in YOUR family over the past
year/s. Have you changed your phone
number? Have you moved? Are you
preparing to move soon? Are all of your
children still at home and are they all
included in your membership record?
Do you want your record published? If you
have not already informed the Church
Office about changes to your records,
please call the Church Office so our
GuideBook is accurate. You’re cooperation
is greatly appreciated!
Upcoming 2015 Events
Annual Woman’s Retreat
Rebecca Schiltz r.schiltz@sjlagrange.com
708-354-1690 x 210
Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7, 2015
Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge
1200 Burr Ridge Parkway, Burr Ridge IL 60527
It is time to start making plans for
2015! Don’t forget to sign-up for the 15th
Annual Women’s Retreat to be held on
February 6—7 at the Marriott Hotel in
Burr Ridge, IL. Make a resolution to join
us
for
this
great,
fellowship
weekend!!!
Registration forms are
available in the Church Narthex or on line
at www.sjlagrange.com. Just click on
Women’s Retreat to register.
SAVE THE DATE!
Friday, February 13 to Saturday, February 14
Leader: Kirsten Smith kismith683@gmail.com
A Lock-In for Jr. and Sr. High Youth will be
held on February 13-14. Think about a
friend you would like to invite and put this
date on the calendar. More details to
come!
January's Mission Cafe donations will go
towards a great organization called "Phil's
Friends. "Phil’s Friends", is a faith-based
charity that seeks to provide “the hope” we
all need.
One of the main ways they are able to bring
this sense of ease into one’s life is by
delivering God’s Word. People are diagnosed
with cancer every day. People with cancer
often experience support needs. Many have
no place to turn. We all need comfort, peace,
and joy.
So, what can we do? In addition to prayer,
"Phil's Friends" reaches out to cancer
patients by delivering care packages. Care
packages are gender specific and are filled
with spiritually encouraging and physically
comforting gifts.
They also provide blankets for people who
are going through cancer treatment. The
children from St. John's are putting together
these blankets to send to "Phil's
Friends". We can help them financially by
giving a donation to support this ministry of
care packages and blankets.
Meet! Experience! Live !
7
Offerings of the People
This Week At St. John’s
Preacher: Reverend W. Philip Bruening
Organist: Gerald Kuker
Choir: Senior Choir—10:45a
Flutist: Christina Lass-Moore—10:45a
Children’s Message: Sherrie Smith
Altar Guild: Sharon Broz
Altar Flowers: The Altar Flowers are given to
the Glory of God at the Altar by Ron and Ruth
Gallman in memory of Ken Jason and Dee
Gallman.
January 25—February 1, 2015
Coffee Hour Host: Rebecca Schiltz
Serving at 8:00a
Acolytes: Frances Zaloudek
Elder: George Birmingham
Ushers: *Ken Fukar, Wayne Kardatzke,
Mark Kenning and Tim Walsen
Serving at 10:45a
Acolytes: Emily Flores and Laura Flores
Elder: Bruce Smith
Ushers: Dave Meador, *Rick Noerenberg,
Glenn O’Brien, Matt Strubbe and Frank
Vondra
Worship Attendance:
Last Week Sunday [01/18] = 248
Sunday
8:00a Worship
9:25a Adult Bible Study—The Gospel of Mark
9:25a Adult Bible Study—Impacting Culture
9:25a Sunday School
9:25a Sunday Morning Youth Bible Study
10:45a Worship
12:00p ST JOHN’S ALL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
4:00p BEDS Bread & Soup Fundraiser (Offsite)
6:00p Youth Group
Monday
3:15p SJLS Bread Baking Class
Tuesday
7:25a Jubilee Handbell Rehearsal
6:00p SHARING SESSION with PARENTS
6:30p Board of Education Meeting
7:30p Basketball Group
Wednesday
ST. JOHN’S SCHOOL WONDERFUL
WEDNESDAY OPEN HOUSE
7:25a Joy Handbell Rehearsal
7:40p Children’s Prayer Ministry
8:20a School Chapel Service
9:50a ECH Chapel Service
7:00p Senior Choir Rehearsal
Thursday
7:15p Volleyball Practice
Friday
7:30a School Band Rehearsal
6:30p Varsity Basketball Awards Night
7:00p Recovery Group Meeting
Saturday
Sunday
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
8:00a Worship Service w/Holy Communion
9:25a Adult Bible Study—The Gospel of Mark
9:25a Adult Bible Study—Impacting Culture
9:25a Sunday School
9:25a Sunday Morning Youth Bible Study
10:45a Worship Service w/ Holy Communion
12:00p Monthly Confirmation Session
6:00p Youth Group
“The Mission” is the weekly journal of St. John’s Lutheran Church and School. Our mission is to engage the people
we live, work with and meet along our way in such a way that they,
Meet Jesus, Experience the support of a church, and Live as disciples!
St John’s Lutheran Church and School | 505 S Park Road, La Grange IL | 708-354-1690
www.sjlagrange.com | Facebook: sjlagrange