A greeting from our pastor:
Rev. Timothy Kenyon
Welcome to St. John’s Lutheran Church website. I invite you to explore the many ministry links which more fully describe who we are as a congregation of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Each week we gather for worship to hear the Word of God and receive the precious gift of Holy Communion. In the eating of the bread and drinking of the wine (or grape juice) along with Jesus spoken words, we receive the real presence of Christ who promises forgiveness of sins, strength for each day and eternal life with him. We cannot earn God’s favor, but living in God’s grace we are free to love and serve God through our families, the community and the world. Please stop by and worship with us anytime.
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Church Staff
Director of Youth and Children's
Ministries:Aaron Shoppa
Church Council
President - Jeff Whalen
Vice President - Gary Morse
Treasurer - Susan Koepke
Secretary - Monica Nedza
Parish Education Board
President - Michelle Carmean
Vice-President - Lori Scarpaci
Treasurer - Lori Whalen
Secretary - Diane Hunt
Youth Board
President - Don Anderson
Secretary - Kay Raineri
Choir Director: Barb Kromphardt
Youth Bell Choir Directors: Jeff & Lori Whalen
Organist: Pam Engels
Pianist: Rachel Garthe
Office Secretary: Eloide Pinter
Custodians: Jim & Melody Miller
NEW MEMBER CLASSES will be held on Sundays, September 19, 26 and October 3 and 10 in Liefeld Lounge (next door to the church offices) at 9:00 a.m. during the Sunday School hour. This informal class is offered to give visitors who are interested in membership at St. John’s, an opportunity to (1) inquire about the teachings of scripture from a Lutheran perspective, (2) review the historical context of the church, (3) and learn about the ministry opportunities of the congregation. Those who then desire to join the congregation as baptized/confirmed members will be received into membership at the 10:15 a.m. worship service on October 10. Members who are transferring from other ELCA Lutheran congregations are invited to attend all four sessions, but especially the last session on October 10.
Thank you to everyone who donated items for the school kits.
Pastor Sue will be taking nine completed kits with her to the NIS Women’s Convention on September 18th.
Fair Trade Coffee/Tea cabinet is always open and available for you to purchase your coffees, teas, and cocoa. Also, available are almonds, pecans, cranberries and candy bars. Tanzanian Jubilee is back in a new package, but same great taste. Thank you to everyone who supports this ministry
Confirmation Orientation:
A Confirmation Orientation for all 6th, 7th and 8th graders and their parent(s) will be held in the fellowship hall on Wednesday, September 8, at 7:00 p.m. A thorough presentation of our Confirmation program and expectations will be presented by Pastor Kenyon, Aaron Shoppa (Director of youth ministry), and Sunday School teachers for grades 6-8. Confirmation materials will be presented and a Confirmation directory will also be handed out. Please mark your calendars and save Sunday, September 19, 2 p.m.-6 p.m. for an afternoon of hiking followed by a picnic at Matthiessen Park. In the event of bad weather, we will plan to meet in the fellowship hall at the church. More details will be available in the September newsletter, and on this website | Teachers are needed for Kindergarten and first grade. We also need someone to lead the younger children in songs for the Sunday School year. If you can help, please contact Aaron Shoppa as soon as possible.
Shake-it-up on Rally Sunday September 12:
The fun starts at 9:00 a.m. Come and see how we kick-off the Sunday School year with style…wear your craziest clothes to church, decorate the church with balloons and banners, and eat ice cream for breakfast! Plan to stay and enjoy the family friendly worship service with praise band and children and youth participation.
Bible Sunday is September 19 at the 10:15 a.m. worship service. If your child is entering preschool, third grade, sixth grade (and this year only, seventh grade) please plan to attend service with your child. We have brand new Bibles to help your child grow in the Christian faith.
The sewing season begins September 7 at 9:00 a.m. It’s that time of year when as you walk into the fellowship hall on any Tuesday morning, you can hear laughter, the coffee pot perking, chatter, and the humming of sewing machines. There’s something special/spiritual about the fellowship hall on Tuesdays. You feel it the minute you walk through the doors! Plan to join us on any Tuesday morning, bring a lunch and stay for the afternoon.
Altar Guild will meet on Thursday, September 9, at 6:00 p.m. We will be planning the 2010-2011 monthly work schedules at this meeting. All members are encouraged to attend.
It’s September!! Nights are getting cooler, the corn is turning brown – it must be time for choir to start. Everyone is welcome to join us as we make a joyful noise to the Lord. Practices are every Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Joyful Hearts will meet on Thursday, September 9, at 11:30 a.m. at Delaney’s in Oglesby. They invite all women of the church to join them.
Hike and Picnic at Matthiessen Park
All 6th, 7th and 8th grade students (and their parents) are invited to attend a Confirmation outing to Matthiessen State Park on Sunday, September 19 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. Come and have some good food and fun outdoors as we bond and grow together. What a great way to kick-off the Confirmation year!
The OWLS (Older, Wiser, Lutheran Seniors) will be dining out on Thursday, September 23, at Mona’s Italian Restaurant in Toluca. Cocktails will be begin at 5:00 p.m. with dinner following at 5:30. Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex, if you plan to attend.
"TO SAVE A LIFE" movie at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota, IL. All high school youth and interested parents/adults are welcome to attend this event on Sunday, September 12th at 6:00 p.m. Pizza, pop, and snacks will be provided. We will watch the movie and then there will be time for discussion. There will also be a follow-up discussion time during the week. The following is a short description of the plot:
TO SAVE A LIFE is the story of all-American teen Jake Taylor, who seems to have it all. But after a childhood friend’s death, Jake’s world turns upside down, and he is forced to make a decision that could change his life forever. TO SAVE A LIFE is about making unexpected choices and sacrifices, while having the courage and determination to persevere against all odds.
At some point, every teen has to decide: “What’s my life going to be about?” TO SAVE A LIFE dares to bring that question into their world, encouraging them to answer it with boldness, honesty, and compassion.
Parents, I encourage you to attend the movie showing with your high school youth and to visit their website to learn more: www.tosavealifemovie.com. Sign-up sheet will be posted in the Narthex. We will need willing adult drivers as well. Please indicate on the sign-up sheet if you are willing to drive others. As always, feel free to contact Aaron Shoppa for more information.
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Please keep Rachel Garthe in your prayers as she soon leaves to travel and study abroad at Glascow University (Scotland). She will return to her pianist position at St. John’s after Christmas. Carol Eckwall, Linda Brant, and Pam Engels will be serving as our pianists/organists during Rachel’s absence.
High School Breakfast Club. All High School Youth are invited to join us every Wednesday during the school year for breakfast at Hy-Vee at 6:45am. (Leave early if you need to, and if you need a ride to L-P High School we can accommodate).
Adult Bible Study
Adult Bible Study – Paul Baker will lead an adult bible study on Sunday evenings beginning September 12. The Bible Study is a 12-week course, the theme is on each person’s calling, and how that relates to their work life. The bible study written by OS Hillman is based upon his daily devotional book called “Today God is First” or TGIF for short. This bible study will help all of us learn how to integrate our faith life into our work life. Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex if you are interested in attending this bible study
Labor of Love September 18, 2010:
This year’s house is located at 2228 Main St., Peru. The house is very clean and well maintained, so we will only need to do some minor repairs. We will be installing a new floor in a small bathroom. There is a bedroom ceiling that needs to be painted or replaced (tile). The washing machine faucets and hoses need to be replaced. The rest of the work is outside painting, cleaning gutters and a little yard work. If you are interested in helping, you can sign up at any time. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me and a big “Thank You” to all of you that are able to help.
Mark Theesfeld - 815-223-5068
maalthee@live.com
September 26, 2010 is the kick off date for our “Lets cover up that floor!” mini-capital fund drive. We want to cover up the Narthex floor with a beautiful new floor. Hot dogs, hamburgers, brats and dessert will be served after service. Come one, come all. Open to everyone (invite your friends, especially the ones with a lot of money to share). We will have bag games, face painting, and more… Let’s kick off this event in grand style and “Cover up that floor!!!!!!!!!!!” Keep watching the bulletin for more information as the date approaches.
The Northern Illinois Synod Women of the ELCA 22nd Annual Convention will be September 18, at First Lutheran Church, DeKalb beginning at 8:00 a.m. with registration. The theme will be “Act Boldly-Seek and Support Equal Justice.” The keynote speaker is from Lutheran World Relief. If you are not registered and would like to attend, call Ann Lindahl at 815-758-1121. All are welcome.
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