News of St. John's Lutheran Church
From the Pastor...
Dear friends,
How are you? How are your neighbors? As I write this, things are looking difficult for many of our neighbors and maybe for yourself. We continue to face economic uncertainty, and it is exacerbated by the government shutdown. We can send blame any number of directions, but the reality is that many people face insecurity and worry. A couple weeks ago, I was at a restaurant; our server apologized for her inexperience and said she was just there helping her sister out. It turns out she works remotely for the Department of Agriculture and was furloughed; she was finding ways to keep busy and serve others. How many others around us are facing difficult circumstances? Farmers are feeling unsupported as governmental assistance is not forthcoming, prices are low, compounded by the effects of drought on this year’s harvest. How are our neighbors in the Hispanic community and other immigrant communities faring? This is a stressful time, especially since we have seen targeting based on race alone and even citizens being picked up. Even if we don’t see this in Mendota, people have loved ones living in Chicago and other communities, and we don’t know if or when we may see raids here. For other neighbors, hunger is a real issue. Even though contingency funds could be released for SNAP benefits during a government shutdown, those funds are not being made available and information is hard to come by. Please find ways to support our neighbors who are short on food in the coming weeks. Pray for our government and political leaders, that they would feel the pressure to solve the current stand off. Consider taking action by writing your congressional representatives to let them know that as a Christian these issues matter to you and to your neighbor, and to the well-being of our country. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out the elca.org/advocacy pages. As Christians, we heed Jesus’ call to love God and love our neighbor. Check in with your neighbors; ask them how they’re doing. Do not despair about the things you cannot change, but simply ask God for guidance how you can best be a good neighbor in these times. Yours in Christ, Pastor Elise The Angel Tree Has Returned!We invite you to come to the Fellowship Hall for the return of the Angel Tree. Once again, you can help brighten the lives of residents at Allure with gifts listed on the Angel Tree tags.
Please bring your unwrapped items to the large box marked “Angel Tree” in the Fellowship Hall by December 14th. And then count yourself as a Christmas angel. Thank you! Pastoral Care
If you find yourself in need of pastoral care or you or a family member are hospitalized, please contact the church office. Remember that because of privacy laws, the hospitals do not contact us when you or a family member are admitted.
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Join us for worship on YouTube!Simply click on the button above to go to our YouTube page. Once there, you can watch any of our worship services (just double-check the date).
Online Giving to St. John's
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To set up or adjust recurring gifts, contact Susan in the church office, follow the QR code to the right, or click the "donate now" button below. You will be asked to create an account and set up donations with a credit, debit, or bank account.
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Thank you for supporting the mission of St. John's!
Stewardship Time, Skills, and Talents
& Stewardship Intent Form
(click images below to enlarge)
LSSI: Holiday Hope Chest
We are once again collecting $25 gift cards for children and families that are served by LSSI. Below is a list of where to get gift cards to.
Gift cards are due to the office by Tuesday, November 30th.
Shell Caseys Aldi Walmart Target Kohl’s
Subway Wendy’s Arby’s McDonald’s Starbucks Dunkin
Hobby Lobby Netflix
Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness,
it is always appreciated.
Gift cards are due to the office by Tuesday, November 30th.
Shell Caseys Aldi Walmart Target Kohl’s
Subway Wendy’s Arby’s McDonald’s Starbucks Dunkin
Hobby Lobby Netflix
Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness,
it is always appreciated.
Church Office Hours
The church office is open Tuesday through Thursday from 9am to 2pm.
The church office is CLOSED on Mondays and Fridays.
The church office is CLOSED on Mondays and Fridays.