ST. JOHN’S EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL
ALGONQUIN, ILLINOIS
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
About a month ago, June 29, a Prayer Vigil was held at St. John's. Between 3:00 – 9:00 pm., people came to speak to the Lord from within His house. Some likely came knowing precisely what they were going to pray for, while others arrived expecting to be guided. A “script,” graciously provided by the sponsoring Board of In-reach, encouraged prayer for the pastor and his family, for St. John's congregation, it's leaders and various boards, as well as for our witness to our community. We asked for a pouring out of the Holy Spirit to grow us, individually and corporately, in our work and commitment to furthering God's kingdom. Of course, I'm not privy to the content of each individual prayer, but I believe I see the answers to many of those prayers, right here, right now.
At our July 17 Voter's Meeting we gathered to consider some challenging financial decisions. Following discussion, important decisions were made. Thank you to all who were party to those actions.
But consider what else happened. [1] As a job description for Youth Activity Director was presented and we again lamented our need for leadership in the this area, DeLynn Griffith and Sarah Wilke stepped forward and emphatically committed to a dedicated effort in this area. [2] As a committee was authorized to address specific actions for spiritual growth, Linda Muscat confirmed her eagerness to head up such an effort. [3] After seven months with out a chairman for our congregation, Bill Yocius resolved to step down as a Trustee to serve as St. John's chairman. Voters approved. Bill's commitment was illustrated in his brief “acceptance speech.” [4] With the new vacancy on the Board of Trustees, Brian Muscat immediately responded to a simple invitation to serve.
Can God answer prayer any more convincingly than this? I suppose He can. But let us not ignore the obvious. God is working in this place and He is working through His people to accomplish His will! Continue to pray for guidance, strength, and willingness to be an instrument of the Lord and to be a blessing to others.
In Christ, Pastor Stroup
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STANDING IN THE NEED OF PRAYER
Please continue to pray for those you find listed in need of prayer elsewhere in this newsletter.
At the same time, consider this. An old song goes, “Not my brother, not my sister, but it's me, O Lord, standing in the need of prayer.” And so it is. Perhaps the most natural prayers are those we pray for ourselves, each of us, individually, speaking to God on our own behalf. Throughout August pray for yourself, for the things you need, even for the things you want. Pray for the things that would make you a better disciple of Christ. Pray for a constant strengthening of faith and commitment to serving the Lord. Pray for opportunities to witness to the life, death, resurrection, and love of Jesus. Pray for doors to open which will allow you to serve your Lord with joy. Pray for motivation to open Scripture and read it, even small sections at a time. Then pray for understanding and appreciation of what God reveals of Himself in what you have read. Perhaps follow that up with prayer for direction in how to respond to what God is saying in His Word.
And in all things, give thanks. Pray with joy and thanksgiving for the many ways in which the Lord continues to bless you, realizing that as He blesses you, you are to be a blessing to others.
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BREAKING NEWS
In an effort to minimize our postage costs, St. John’s Voters Assembly has decided that by the end of 2011, the Church will no longer be sending this newsletter via US Postal Service. Instead, an electronic version of the newsletter will be provided.
If you would like to continue to receive the newsletter as well as other Church related communications, please contact the Church office prior to October 1 at 847-658-9300 or via e-mail at
and provide our staff your e-mail address. A limited number of paper versions of the newsletter will still be available in the Narthex of the Church every month.
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A TIME TO CELEBRATE!
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
"And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love"
On Sunday, August 14 St. John’s Church & School will celebrate Pastor Stroup’s 10 Year Anniversary following the 9:00 am service. Please join us in offering thanksgiving to Pastor and his wife Sue for their service to St. John’s on this special morning.
We will have a “Celebration Book” for all to note memories, thanksgivings, and words of encouragement for all to share.
If you would like to sign the book, it will be available before and after Sunday’s 9:00 am Church Service. If you would like to write a note in advance, please send it off or drop it in the church office by Friday, August 12.
Evy’s Café will be offering a morning brunch of French toast, bacon, fruit and sweets along with coffee and juice refreshments.
Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do."
Hebrews 13:7
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We are preparing for planting!
Get ready to grow with St. John’s Sunday School
Sunday School is making plans for planting seeds of God’s love. Our growing season kicks off with our Rally Day opening on Sunday, September 11, 2011.
Sunday School will again meet this season during the 10:30 worship service following the children’s message. Our staff is excited as we gather our ‘gardening’ tools and prepare for planting.
What can you do?
· Pray for us!
• Please include the Sunday School staff in your prayers, asking for guidance, wisdom and a
servant's heart.
• Pray for all families of St. John’s to bring the children to Sunday School.
• Pray for the Lord to bless our program abundantly with children and support.
· Mark your calendar for Rally Day on Sunday, September 11!
· Bring your 3 year old – 6th grade children to the 10:30 service and encourage them to attend Sunday School.
· Bring your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and your neighbor’s children.
· Tell others about St John’s and encourage them to join us as we plant a seed of God’s love.
· Share your ideas with Linda Muscat and the Sunday School staff.
· Keep praying!
St. John’s Sunday School
Linda Muscat
(847) 428-2114
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Coming Soon:
St. John’s First Ever Ministry Fair on Saturday October 15 and Sunday, October 16 after each service.
Come on in and see exciting displays and hear valuable info from St. John’s many church & School ministries and boards.
Learn more about what St. John’s offers and what is being planned in the future!
Bring your friends, bring your neighbor and bring your children – something for everyone J
We look forward to seeing you there!
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ST. JOHN’S GIRL SCOUTS
The Girl Scouts are collecting aluminum cans from now until December 31 in a campaign to fund their new Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois program center off I-90/Hwy 20 in Cherry Valley, IL
Needless to say, they will need to collect a “jillion” cans to reach their goal., so if you would like to donate your cans, you may drop them off in the Activity Center – look for a container identified as Girl Scout can collection; or, if you have no way of delivering your cans, call Char @847-854-2304 for a pick up. Thank you for helping the Girl Scouts!
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PRAYER CHAIN
Did you know that St. John’s has a group of members who are available to pray for your concerns? All requests are kept confidential between prayer chain members. If you have a prayer request,
please contact chairperson, Linda Homuth,
at 847-658-1733 or at
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DATES TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
St. John’s Church and School – Working Together, Invites You To:
Turkey Dinner Sunday, September 25
Pork Dinner Friday, November 11
Arts & Crafts Fair Saturday, December 3
St. JOHN’S “Working TOGETHER to make us STRONGER!!
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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
If you limit your actions in life to things that nobody can possibly find fault with, you will not do much.
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HIGHWAY CLEANUP
Many thanks to those who helped with our April and June cleanups. Our next date is Saturday, August 20th!! We meet at the activity center at 8:00 am. The more help, the quicker we get finished. Any questions, call Duke Otto at (815) 459-7131.
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LADIES OF ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL PICNIC:
Our annual picnic will be on Thursday, August 11 at Pastor and Sue's home, 6 Walnut Lane in Algonquin. We will gather at 6:30 p.m. Bring a favorite dish to share, meat for grilling as you wish, and lawn chairs. Please R.S.V.P. to Sue by 8/8 if you and your family plan to attend. Everyone is welcome to join us for wonderful
food and fellowship! (It's rain or shine!)
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MEN OF HIS WORD
We will meet the 4th Saturday in August – August 27 at 7:00 a.m. in the church mezzanine. The subject for discussion will be, “The Bible on Trial: Hard Evidence From the Ancient World.”
All men are welcome to attend. After discussion, at 8:30 a.m., we eat breakfast at a local restaurant.
For further information call
Ed Peters
847-658-5658
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CHURCH RECORDS
Month of June, 2011
Worship Attendance Ascension 14
Worship Attendance Saturdays 198
Worship Attendance Sundays 450
Worship Attendance Mondays 36
Baptism 1
Madison Taylor Hayden
Funerals/Memorial Service 3
Gerald F. Fix
Robert and Rebecca Duensing
New Members 3
Connie Bell
Joan Naatz
Stephanie Olofson
Transfers Out 5
Scott and Dawn Pachniak
Brenden and Tyson
Nona Naatz
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KEYSTONE – by Mildred Allen Jeffrey
At first I only gave God thanks
If I felt well that day,
And everything was transquil
And going just my way;
But when I learned to thank our Lord
When not one thing went right –
I found His hand was leading me,
His presence my delight,
His keystone faith, not sight.
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MEMORIALS
In memory of Bob and Becky Duensing:
Bill and Betty Rudsinski
Evelyn Mertens
In memory of Jerry Fix:
Dale and Cathy Zange
Betty Fix
In memory of Donald Holmes:
Bill and Elaine Buck
In memory of Walter Goebbert:
Dale and Cathy Zange
In memory of Alice Hart:
Joyce and Ken Lange
In memory of Dorothy Christian:
Cedric and Loretta Syrdahl
Carl and Else Kristensen
James and Mary Hollquist
In memory of Jean Schulz:
Fred Sculz
Living Memorials received:
Honoring the Baptism of Austin and Rhys Fitzsimmons
Honoring the Baptism of Jackson Spears
Honoring the 50th birthday of Joan Illyes
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BIBLE READINGS FOR AUGUST
August 6 and 7:
Job 30:4-18
Romans 20:5-17
Matthew 14:22-33
August 13 and 14:
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Romans 11:1-2a, 13-15, 28-32
Matthew 14:21-28
August 20 and 21:
Isaiah 51:1-6
Romans 11:33-12:8
Matthew 16:13-20
August 27 and 28:
Jeremiah 15:15-21
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28
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“But those who
hope in the LORD
will renew their STRENGTH.
They will SOAR on
Wings like eagles;
they will RUN and
not grow weary,
they will WALK and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
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THE GREAT GIVER
By Annie Johnson Flint
He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength, when the labors increase,
To added affliction, He addeth His mercies,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
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JESUS Lights the Way
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A KITCHEN WISH
The ladies in the kitchen are hoping that anyone who has borrowed serving plates from the kitchen, those special ones we use to serve desserts (cookies, cakes, coffee cake, etc.), will return them. If there are none ‘found’, it would be very much appreciated if some generous folks would kindly purchase a plate or donate one from their kitchen cabinet. (The kitchen also needs vegetable bowls if you might have extras.)
Thank you for considering the needs of St. John’s kitchen - All the more urgent as the dates of those special fall dinners approach. (Marilyn)
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Cool It with T’ai Chi
Get your exercise in St. John’s cool mezzanine! T’ai Chi is an exercise which can help you grow in flexibility, balance, coordination, leg strength, and bone density.
A new ten-week class of T’ai Chi exercises led by certified instructor, Allison Deputy, will begin Tuesday, August 9, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.. All St. John’s members and their friends are welcome. If you are interested in joining this new class, please call Liz Fischer (847-658-8324).
You are welcome to visit the class any Tuesday to see if this is an activity which might benefit you.
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CLUB 55 MEMBERS
THUR AUGUST 18, 2011 ACTIVITY
PROGRESSIVE PICNIC OUTING
12 NOON: LEE POPP’S HOME
1617 Cary Road Algonquin 847-658-1049
Last Names A B C D E F – Please Bring Appetizers To Share
G H I J K L - Please Bring Main Dish To Share
M N O P R S – Please Bring A Salad To Share
Lemonade Will Be Provided
Gather
at the River
DICK RITT’S HOME
1517 Lowe Drive Algonquin 847-658-8050
Last Names T U V W X Y Z – Please Bring Dessert To Share
Refreshments And Coffee Provided
Isaiah 43;19
Behold, I Am Doing A New Thing.
I Have Already Begun It. Do You Not See It?
I Will Make A Way –
I Will Clear A Pathway In The Dessert
I Will Make Rivers On Dry Land.
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SERVANT EVENT MINISTRY
2nd Saturday, Noon - Wayside
4th Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. - Crisis Center
Volunteer help would be greatly appreciated – preparing or serving. Please call Linda Klbecka 847-658-5948 with questions or to volunteer for Wayside. Please call Bill Breytung 847-658-5495 if you would like to volunteer for Crisis Center.
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PINOCHLE/CARD/GAME NIGHT
AT ST. JOHN’S
Our next scheduled time for fun and games is: Saturday, August 20 . (If you attend Saturday worship, you can walk right into the activity center as you leave.)
We meet in the activity center at 7:00 p.m. offering prizes of free pinochle, fun, fellowship and refreshments.
We’d Love to See You there!
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SCHOOL HOUSE NEWS!
Dear Lord.
The room looks so empty
With its block walls and the
Oh-so-straight mortar joints.
Empty bulletin boards, assorted cardboard boxes filled with dog-eared teacher manuals, and various teaching aids packed away.
The halls are empty and dark.
Students and their families are gone now that summer vacation is here.
But I wanted to stay and say
“Thank You”, Lord.
Thank you for giving me patience, thank you for giving me a sense of humor, thank you for wisdom, energy, and opportunities.
THANK YOU FOR TRUSTING ME!
Oh yes Lord, thank you for summer vacation.
Mary lou coarney
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BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
All of our St. John’s Lutheran Church & School children are invited to attend a very special church service on
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14, 9:00 A.M.,
Where your school backpack will receive a blessing
For the coming school year AND receive a very special gift!
Whether you’re in preschool, elementary school,
Middle school, high school, or college, bring your school bag to church and start your school year off right…with God’s blessings.
AND
Moms, dads, grandparents, and anyone who carries a backpack, briefcase, or tote bag are invited to join the children and be blessed too.
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BOARD OF EDUCATION
Although our school doors are closed for the summer your Board of Education is still working and planning as St. John’s Lutheran School bell is about to ring welcoming its students to our 135th term. We are happy to report to the Voters of our church:
• our enrollment numbers are continuing to
increase from our initial May pre-registration
count
• our marketing program has resulted in an
increase in both interest and registration in
our school ministry
• plans are being made to continue to enhance
our technology program with a cross curricular
writing program
• as our society needs change we are working
with our faculty and staff in preparing new
programs to meet the educational and spiritual
needs of our students and families
• AND, as always, we continue to bring the
Gospel message of salvation to all who enter
the doors of our school and classrooms.
Talk “UP” your school St. John’s because “YOU” are making a difference in the lives of the children and their families, “OUR”
future!
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ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN SCHOOL
providing “A Future Filled With Hope” since 1876
FROM THE PRINCIPAL……………..
Ralph Peterson
CELEBRATING 135 YEARS…
of educating the children of both our congregation and surrounding communities!
For 135 years SjS has laid the academic and moral foundation to thousands of children who have gone on to universities, colleges, and military academies.
Students who have become doctors, lawyers, ministers, missionaries, teachers, business leaders, builders, laborers, moms, dads, AND faithful laity of HIS church.
During these times of concern please continue to pray for your school, your church, your family, and yourself.
So, I invite you to join our school family NOW where YOUR children will know ALL of their classmates names and not get lost in a classroom of OVER 30, or more, students. Where YOUR children WILL BE challenged to work at their ability and not be taught in a “cookie cutter” institution. AND, where your children WILL BE taught and develop within a Christian environment with the Word of God used as our moral compass.
THE TIME TO REGISTER IS NOW!
Call 847-658-9311 or look us up on the web at stjohnsalgonquin.org
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AUGUST 2011 Prayer List - Please, remember the following people in your prayers:
MEDICAL CARE – MEMBERS