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CELEBRATE JESUS!
SEPTEMBER 20, 21, 2008
On Sunday, July 20 we heard the song Celebrate Jesus sung by the Praise Band in the balcony. What an up-lifting spiritual song to hear and to learn as we approach the 150th Anniversary. Of course, Celebrate Jesus is the theme of the weekend (September 21-21}. If you have not already, please do extend an invitation to your family and friends to join us in the celebration activities.
Golf tournament on Saturday at 11:00
Outdoor games & bingo at Blackstone Park from 3-7 with food & fun contests.
Worship with Bishop Wollersheim preaching on Sunday at 10:30, and
Dinner, speaker, introduction of former clergy and entertainment at a banquet - noon.
You only celebrate 150th birthdays once. Be sure to invite any one you know who has been connected with St. John's as member, staff, or clergy.
St. John's Church Council voted at the July Meeting to become a Book of Faith Congregation.That means, we want to participate in the ELCA's 2007 Book of FAith Scriptures. Augsburg, the ELCA publisher will be releasing books beginning in August that encourage and invite the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of scripture. The reason: "in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, and empoweed by the word." For more information log on to elca.org and pull up the "Book of Faith" information first hand. You will find individual and group assessments on the ELCA website that compose the first step in this Book of Faith Initiative.
Jean Riegel was a lifelong member of St. John's who spent her last four years at Mendota Lutheran Home. The celebration for her life was held July 9, appropriately in the Te Deum Chapel where she worshiped regularly at 5:00 Saturday services. Your prayers, cards, visits and expressions of sympathy for her family are very much appreciated.
The Christian Education Team is starting to plan and organize for the next school year. We are looking for dedicated, enthusiastic Sunday School teachers. Is God calling you to be part of this wonderful aspect of the Church? Please consider saying YES to being a teacher for this upcoming school year. You may speak to Karen Goy orLauren Anderson if you have questsions or if you would like to sign up.
150th Anniversary
Our 150th Anniversary is quickly approaching!!! In preparation we have been blessed with some wonderful banners that are attached to the light posts, be sure to take notice as you enter and leave worship and other church activities.
Remember that the 150th Anniversary Celebration will take place September 20th and 21st. Bring your friends and extended family to join in the celebration. There will be many opportunities for fun and fellowship and some time to reminsce about the wonderful memories you've made here at St. John's!!
W.E.L.C.A.
SUMMER BIBLE STUDY
The three summer months' Bible Study has been Come to the Waters.
These sessions have expanded on the theme of the 2008 Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering in Salt Lake City, Utah, "Come to the Waters". The Rev Karen Bockelman, assistant to the bishop in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, will guide readers through rich images and meanings of baptism and how that sacrament shapes our lives and vocations. Come to the Waters is an invitation to "walk wet" - to remember, affirm, and celebrate baptism throughout life. These sessions will look at the waters of baptism through the lenses of Scripture, Lutheran tradition, personal experience, and the call to act boldly in and for justice.
June's focus on health was The Price of Perfection. Teens afraid to "look fat" in their summer clothes were beginning to starve themselves before summer began. Studies show that anorexia carries a 6% death rate - and 40% of college students say they would sacrifice a year of their lives to remain thin forever.
July and Augusts' focus on health was to Treat Your Feet. Your feet have26 bones, 33 joints, 19 muscles, and 107 ligaments. Women, who have four times as many foot problems as men, must exercise extra care.
The Triennial Convention has ended. We are looking forward to learning about what went on and how our fellow sisters in Christ's faith was renewed and expanded.
NISWO CONVENTION: Saturday, September 20 at Faith Lutheran Church in Joliet, IL. Registration forms can be found on the Parish Bulletin Board or on the table in the library. Gift cards from Jewel, Food for Less, and Wal Mart are being collected. Other items collected will be canned fruits and vegetables, Macaroni & Cheese boxes, and cereals of all types.
NISWO LEADERSHIP GATHERING: November 1 at Prince of Peace Chruch in Freeport, IL.
The 2008-2009 Bible Study in Lutheran Women Today will be The Hidden Hand of God: Wisdom Stories from Ruth, Daniel & Esther. More details in the September Eagle.
Coming September 13 & 14....THANKOFFERING WEEKEND. WELCA will be participating in the weekend church services with a temple talk, our quilts will be on display, special liturgy, and we will collect the Thankoffering from all the women (and men) of the church. We look forward to seeing you that weekend.
Mission Action work days have continued during the months of April - June. The group of ladies worked to make 49 quilts and assembled 20 health kits and 15 layettes.
After much thought and prayer, due to cost factors and supplies, we have decided to discontinue making the health kits and layettes. We do plan on continuing to assemble (tie and bind) quilts and school kits. We do have some school kits on hand, but could use more: blunt scissors, rulers, construction paper and spiral notebooks. All the school items are placed in a cloth bag; the cloth bags are needed too.
Next work day is scheduled for August 26th beginning at 9 am in the Parish Hall. Everyone is welcome. Hope to see you there.
OUR CHALLENGE IS A DOUBLE EDGED DILEMMA
St. John's Council challenged the other other 167 congregations of the ELCA to match $5000 to be given to each of three needed areas: (1) Camp Lutherndale, (2) NIS funds for graduating seminarians, and (3) ELCA funds to relieve clergy and spouses whose retirement benefits do not meet current living and health costs. Lutherdale has faced extraordinary expenses with the aging infrastructure of buildings and property. Seminarians are graduating with an average of $37,000 debts that can't be paid with low salaries in many worthy parishes. The needs are great, and your Council challenges all members to give as you are able.
Already some of our members have given generously to make this 150th Anniversay gift challenge happen here in Mendota. But the second challenge is to inspire other congregations to meet these needs in partnership with us. The economy around us is depressed, but it was in times like these that Mendota Lutherans built a beautiful building, proving again, "with God, nothing is impossible". Please include these three challenges in your daily prayers and with your sacificial giving in honor of St. John's 150th Anniversary.
MUM IS THE WORD!!!
BUT PLEASE SPREAD IT!!
St. John's 150th Anniversary worship committee would like to FILL the church with COLOR on Sunday, September 21, 2008 in celebration of our 150th Anniversary. Would you be willing to purchase a colorful Mum plant in memory or honor of a loved one, Pastor, Sunday School teacher, former member or mentor? cost is $9.00. Sign-up sheets are available in the narthex and library or you may call the church office (815-539-5626) to place your order. Prompt payment is appreciated. Order deadline is August 15, 2008. Lets COLOR St. John's world.
Thank you for your support.
St. John's 150th Anniversary Worship Team
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