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March 2008
Fellow Servants of the Lord,
My trip to India ended three weeks ago. Our hosts, Mission India, invited 18 pastors to observe ministry. What I observed is a fantastic outreach of the Gospel in locations which have seen little if any Christianity. I've been pleased to reflect on these things through several sermons. More will follow. You have heard about Children's Bible Clubs, 10 day clubs for children from 4-18 years of age. If you were at worship on one weekend, you saw a video of little Raysumi, and the (eternal) life saving effect one of these clubs had on her and much of her family.
You may have heard me speak of Adult Literacy Classes offered to teach what we mostly take for granted. Through these classes women (primarily) learn to better deal with elements of society previously foreign to them. I was recently asked to name the one thing that really impacted me, of all I saw. Of course there were many and I had not really singled one out. But my answer to the inquiry was a fresh recollection of a visit to an Adult Literacy Class. There a women in her 30's (?) expressed that the reason she was devoting five nights a week for a full year in order to learn to read, was that she had recently become a Christian. For her becoming a Christian meant needing to be able to read the Bible. I expect that even with all the dirt and dust in her small rural village, her Bible will never gather dust! This is the Gospel at work.
It was my privilege and honor to be welcomed into the lives of people I'll likely never see again (this side of heaven). And now it is my privilege, honor, duty, and delight to share with you all I can about the workings of our gracious Lord in that place. Through many humble servants the Gospel of Jesus Christ is reaching the lost. Each new believer is a shining light in a dark world. The darkness retreats one Club, one Class at a time.
I've just started organizing pictures and thoughts for group presentations. I hope to share much more with you soon.
In Christ
Pastor Stroup
Preschool Registration Now Open to the Community
St. John’s Lutheran Church & School Preschool
Registration for the 2008/2009 Preschool Year is now open to the
community.
St. John’s preschool program curriculum,
developed by an experienced staff, includes a focus on faith,
academics, problem solving, literacy skills, science, creative
experiences, small & large motor development, play time and lots of
love. All are welcome! (Membership at St. John’s Church is not a
requirement).
Click for more info.
* Note that class size is limited and
is available on a first-come, first serve basis.
MEN OF HIS WORD
Men of His Word" Bible
Men of His Word" Bible Study will meet on Saturday, March 15th, at 7:00 a.m. in the mezzanine. They usually meet the third Saturday of each month. Its a great opportunity for fellowship as well as Bible study and discussion on relevant issues of todays world. Afterward the men meet at a local restaurant for breakfast. All are welcome! The group is averaging eight men or more of all ages. If you are 18 years of age or older, a member or non-member of St. Johns, you will enjoy this well-established small group of Men of His Word! If you have questions please call Ed Peters (847) 658-5658.
PINOCHLE ANYONE?
The next scheduled fun nights of Pinochle,
other games and goodies are scheduled for:
March 29th
April 19th and May 17th
7:00pm in the actitvity center.
Pinochle cards will be furnished; but, also
bring your favorite game cards. ffering prizes of free pinochle, fun, fellowship and refreshments.
So, mark your calendar for another fun night of games and
fellowship. We'd Love to see you there!
Linda, Anna and Donna.
Board of Discipleship
Heartland Blood Drive,
Monday, March 10th
3:30p.m. to 7:30p.m -
The mezzanine
Look for our appointment registration table [in the narthex]
on February 23 and 24 and on March 1 and 2.
`Our goal is 30 donors!
Please give this gift of life.
Questions- Sue Stroup [847-458-6857]
Drive Coordinator
PADS (1st Sunday) Carol Otto
Wayside (2nd Saturday) Linda Klbecka
Crisis Center (4th Tuesday) Tuesday night Bible study.
IN-Reach
– In-Reach will be meeting with the Board of Discipleship on Monday, March 3rd at 7 p.m. in the Loft. We will be continuing the development of the new board. Anyone welcomed to join. RSVP or questions to Anna Martell (847-302-6635), Linda Burmeister (847-658-8977), or Jackie Danz (847-515-3403)
Alumni Search
– If You, any member of your family (immediate and other relatives), or if you know of someone who attended St. Johns school at any time would you, or they, provide us with a picture and an explanation of what they have done since being at St. Johns? We are putting them on our bulletin board in the activity center. Leave in church or school office Attention: Char.
Adopt a Highway
– our summer clean up – is - To be determined.
Founders’ Day
Booth
-
Friday, July 25th at Angel Towne Park.
Set up
begins at 7:30
a.m. Booths are then open
from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Our
covered booth
features advertising for St. John’s church and school, Free
Christian
“give – a – ways” and books, and a craft for children.
The craft
this year is a
multicolored beaded bracelet with Christian symbolism.
Board
and church
members have this opportunity to help showcase St. John’s to the
community and
enjoy Founders’ Day outdoors in the park.
We are setting up
a schedule of 3
person, 2 hour shifts throughout the day.
To volunteer,
please call Liz
Fischer at 847-658-8324.
Thanks for serving!
MARKET DAY
Market Day offers quality frozen dinner entrees, meats, poultry, fish, side dishes and more.
Nothing currently scheduled.
MUSIC***MUSIC***MUSIC!!!!!!!
The Lord is looking for dedicated people who love to
sing or play any instrument. He has given all of us special
talents and interests. Now is a good time to use your talent
to praise and worship our God. Let me tell you a little about
our Music Department here at St. John's.
Chancel Choir - This is our
adult choir, which sings twice a month in church. We sing the
first Sunday of every month at the 10:30 a.m. service and the third
Sunday at the 8:00 a.m. service. We also sing for all holiday
services and special events during the church year. Rehearsal
is held between the services on Sunday mornings starting at 9:15
a.m. in the church. Anyone high school age or older is welcome
to join us.
.
Gloria Dei Bells - This is our adult bell choir,
for people who can read music and have had some bell experience.
We will play at least once a month for church and will also play for
holidays and special events during the year. Our rehearsal
time is every Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m., in the church.
Celebration Band & Singers -
This group is for people who enjoy praising God in a more
contemporary fashion. We have a Contemporary Service the
second Saturday of every month at 5:30. The musicians
rehearse in the church on that Saturday at 4:00 and the singers join
us at 4:30. The music is lively and uplifting. All ages
are encouraged to participate.
The Carillon Bell Choir -
This is a new group for people high school age and older who are
interested in learning to play bells. We welcome beginners who
have no musical training at all. If you can count and keep a
beat, you can play in this choir. Please call me if you
are interested.
If you are interested in any of our musical
groups or have any suggestions, please do not hesitate to call me at
(847) 658-6010 any evening after 6:00. Let us join together to
“Make a Joyful Noise Unto the Lord.”
Yours in Christ,
Valerie
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