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Fourth Weekend of Advent

BULLETIN INSERT Weekend ofDecember 19 & 20, 2015

The MessengerSt. John’s Lutheran Church

2477 West Washington • Springfield, IL 62702(217) 793.3933 • www.stjohns-springfield.org

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Serving in WorshipStewardship

Outreach and Mission Queen Size Bed NeededThere is an individual in our community who is in need of a queen size bed and due to financial struggles cannot afford one. If there is anyone who has a spare queen size bed they are wanting to get rid of, please contact Pastor Ladd.

Mitten TreeIt’s that time of year when the Christmas trees will be decorated in our homes and at Church. This year you will find a mitten tree in both the narthex and PLC Lobby. These trees are decorated with the mittens, hats, and scarves that you so generously bring in to share with the children of Harvard Park Elementary School, Contact Ministries, and Dubois Elementary School. This year we are asking that you also bring in children size socks to be placed under the tree. We can’t thank you enough for the help you give with this project. If you have any questions please feel free to contact Normajean Sanders at 726.5230.

December Spiritual Gifts OpportunityA little attention gives a big boost to the students at Harvard Park Elementary School. High school juniors and older can work in the classroom with individual students or small groups, in the library, at special events and with teacher projects. Lunchtime mentors can help with homework or just be a friend. Choose which grade you want to work with, what days/times you want to come and for how long. Contact Coordinator of Spiritual Gifts Ministries Kristen Schmid Schurter to find out more about volunteering at Harvard Park or other service opportunities at 793.3933 x203 or ksschurter@stjohns-springfield.org

Thank YouThank you to the 154 disciples who turned in completed Time, Talent and Touch surveys! Your desire to serve is wonderful and we will work hard to be good stewards of your gifts. There is still time to turn in your survey.

Thank You for your Generosity!Thank you to each and every disciple who has already turned in their completed 2016 Financial Pledge Card! We have had a very positive response so far. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! However, it will take all of us working together to be able to afford the calling of a third full-time pastor in 2016. If you have not already done so, please return your completed 2016 Pledge Card as soon as possible. You may place it in the offering plate, mail it to the church office, or drop it by in person! Your generous gift counts!

Gifts for you…God gives all of us unique spiritual gifts to share with others. Do you have a hidden talent for administration, artistry, discernment, evangelism, exhortation, faith, giving, hospitality, intercession, knowledge, leadership, mercy, music, pastoring, service, skilled craft, teaching, wisdom or writing? This quick survey can give you an idea of how you were created to share God’s love: http://bit.ly/ELCAspiritualgifts.

End-of-the-Year GivingThank you for your faithful and generous end-of-the-year giving to St. John’s! A reminder that all year-end gifts for 2015 need to be received in the church office or post-marked no later than Thursday, December 31. You may direct your year-end gift to the General Operating Fund, the Building Fund, the St. John’s Endowment Fund, one of our many outreach ministries, or any fund of your choosing. Again, thanks in advance!

Come and let your hearts be filled with joythis Christmas at St. John’s!

Blue Christmas Worship ServiceSunday, December 20

4:00 p.m. | Atonement Lutheran ChurchMeaningful Service of Reflection for Those

Experiencing Grief or Loss.

Christmas EveThursday, December 24

3:00 p.m. | PLCPlayful Praise Worship for

Preschoolers and their Families4:30 p.m. | Sanctuary

Traditional Family Service with Communion and Candle Lighting

7:30 p.m. | PLCContemporary Service with Communion

and Candle Lighting11:00 p.m. | Sanctuary

Traditional Festival Service withCommunion and Candle Lighting

Christmas DayFriday, December 25

10:00 a.m. | SanctuaryFestival Service with Holy Communion

5 p.m. Sanctuary ServiceGreeters Tom and Jan Harms

Usher Roland Cummins

Reader Mark JanusAltar Guild Jone VanWinkleCommunion Assistants Mark Janus, Betty StuemkeMusician Greg HuntleyPreaching/Presiding Minister Pastor Greg Busboom8 a.m. Sanctuary ServiceGreeter Dick Wieties

Ushers Mike Bloechle, Mark Books, Dale Gronewold, Brian Metz, Ed Skube

Reader Erika MetzAltar Guild Loretta Johnson, Diana Skube

Communion Assistants Bob Borcherding, Jan Cazel, Erika Metz, Dick Wieties

Acolytes Lucas Ryan, Adam SevenerPreaching Minister Pastor Greg BusboomPresiding Minister Pastor Ladd SonnenbergFlower Delivery Jolene Reddy10:30 a.m. Combined Contemporary Service - Parish Life CenterHospitality Vatren, Susie, and Anthony JurinCommunion Assistants Dennis Bomke, Amanda Johnson, Wes Johnson,

Cindy Sedam, Ed Smith, Marilyn Witkop, John Porter, Pam Sanders, Reggie Wagner,

Roger WilliamsKeyboardist Greg HuntleyTrumpet Aaron DuncanGuitar Carmen RemolinaTechnical Team Thi Bowden, Aaron Duncan,

Ron EngstromPresiding Ministers Pastor Greg Busboom, Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg

Saturday, December 195:00pm Worship/Communion-SanctuarySunday, December 204th Sunday in Advent8:00am Worship/Communion-Sanctuary9:15am Fellowship9:15am Sunday School/Adult Forum10:30am Worship/Communion/ Christmas Program-PLC4:00pm Blue Christmas Service at Atonement6:00pm Parents in Christ Small GroupMonday, December 216:00pm Leadership Board MeetingTuesday, December 229:00am Staff MeetingWednesday, December 235:30pm Encounter Band Practice6:30pm Confirmation Christmas Party8:00pm Worship Band Practice

Thursday, December 24Christmas Eve3:00pm Playful Praise Worship-PLC4:30pm Traditional Christmas Eve Worship-Sanctuary7:30pm Contemporary Christmas Eve Worship-PLC11:00pm Traditional Christmas Eve Worship-Sanctuary

Saturday, December 25Christmas Day10:00am Christmas Day Worship Communion-SanctuarySaturday, December 265:00pm Worship/Communion-SanctuarySunday, December 271st Sunday of Christmas8:00am Worship/Communion-Sanctuary9:15am Fellowship10:30am Worship/Communion-Sanctuary10:30am Contemporary Worship/ Communion-PLC

Eunice Avart, Dorothy Beach, Kathy Beall, Clarence Bomke, Marie Bomke, June Ann Deaner, Marla Fox, Don Gleason, Keith Hamann, Nathaniel Harney, Bud Herter, Evelyn Kluckman, Keith Larson, Mark Lohnes, Betty Lunik, Connie Marzinzik, Judy Nika, Sheldon Nordstrom, Terry Pencek, Gene Poehlman, Debbie Renner, Liz Saner, Pat Sriner, Sandra Stoye, Bill Stuemke, Maude Tatman, JoAnn Thrasher, Mary Underwood

Welcome to St. John’s Lutheran Church this fourth weekend in Advent as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. We are glad you are here! If you do not yet have a church home in Springfield and are interested in becoming part of St. John’s, we invite you to visit with one of our pastors. The author of Hebrews uses the image of religious sacrifice to convey the significance of Christ’s coming. Through obedient acceptance of God’s will, Christ allows his own body to become the greatest sacrifice of all, one through which we are made a holy people.

Senior High Youth Group will have Christmas Break from Thursday, December 17- Saturday, January 2. Ashlynne would LOVE to grab a coffee with you, help with your Christmas shopping, pray with or for you, or just chat on the phone! Feel free to call, text, etc! (217) 971.4915.

No Encounter on December 27. Encounter will resume on January 10.

Senior High Sweet 16 Dance PartySunday, January 36:00 p.m. - Dinner at Chili’s on 2891 S. Veterans8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. - Dance Party in the PLC featuring DJ Diabeatz (Noah Schlosser!) Come wearing New Year’s gear and be ready to DANCE!

Why is Grace So Amazing?Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday morning from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Adult Meeting Room for the Adult Forum as we explore the question, “Why is Grace So Amazing?” Pastor Greg, Pastor Ladd, and St. John’s disciple Reggie Wagner co-lead this engaging Bible study looking at key texts that help us more fully understand this core teaching of our Lutheran faith. This week’s topic is “Why should I be generous when others have more than I do?” based on 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. All are welcome!

Men’s Bible Study continues every Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. They meet in the Parlor with George Lambert. Please feel welcome. Classes will not be held on December 22 or December 29 but will resume on January 5 with The Book of Revelation. Craig Koester is Professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota where he has taught since 1986. Over six podcasts, Dr. Craig Koester will guide you through the visions of Revelation and emphasize the centrality of God and Christ who hold our future. Some of the images are disturbing and others are encouraging, but when read together, the visions continue to point us to the God who has created us and the Lamb who redeems us by his blood. When Revelation awakens a renewed sense of faith and hope in its readers, it is having the effect for which it was written.

Women’s Bible Study will not be meeting on December 22 or December 29. Join us on Tuesday, January 5 at 9:00 a.m. as we begin a study entitled A Confident Heart by Renee Swope. Renee is co-host of Proverbs 31 Ministries Radio Show, a popular conference speaker, and a best selling author. In the study, Renee shows us through scripture a closer walk with God as we study His word. Come join us as we experience the journey Renee has walked and as we experience the gift of God’s security, fulfillment, and confidence we all long to experience in our lives. Looking forward to having you join us! Questions? Call Marilyn Witkop at 546.8769.

The altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in celebration of the birthday of Anita Hayes by her family.

Altar Flowers

Welcome

Calendar

Discipleship Adult

Discipleship Youth and Family

Remember in Prayer

GRACE FOODPANTRY500CLUB

DecemberFood Item:

Canned Fruit

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Discipleship Children and FamilyBreakfast with Santa PicturesIf you chose to pick up your photos at the Church Office, you may pick them up during regular business hours (8:30-5:00 Monday-Thursday, 8:30-4:00 Friday). Thank you!

Christmas in the NurseryA “wish list” is posted outside of the nursery door for anyone interested in shopping for our St. John’s nursery this Christmas. Please speak to our nursery staff if you have any questions about the requested items. Thank you!

Baptismal Blanket Tie Party!Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 29. We will meet in the Parish Life Center Lobby at 10:00 a.m. to cut and tie blankets for our Baptismal gift bags. Donations of fleece are also needed. Please bring fabric in a minimum of two yard lengths all of the same color or two coordinating colors. Fabric can be brought to church any time and labelled “Baptismal blankets.” If you have fabric scissors and/or electric scissors, please bring them on December 29. Contact Aimee Johnson or Maressa Busboom if you have any questions. Thank you!

Sunday School and Sprout! are on Christmas Break! Sprout! will begin again on Wednesday, January 6. Sunday School will welcome author, principal, and St. John’s disciple Matt Rhoades on Sunday, January 10, in the sanctuary, for a presentation on bullying. Families are invited to join us for this important presentation.

Key Verse for December“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). Key verse magnets are at the Welcome Centers. Please share them with a friend!

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We rejoice in the baptism of Brody Allen and Taylor Raye Ballinger, twin children of Mark and Stephanie Ballinger, as they are baptized at the 5:00 Saturday service this weekend. May God’s Holy Spirit give to Brody and Taylor the gift of faith that they might know Jesus’ love and live as Jesus’ disciples in the world.

Holy Baptism

Stephen Ministry... people caring about people, if you are interested in talking with a Stephen Minister, please contact one of the Pastors at (217) 793.3933.

Worship and Music Children’s Christmas ProgramThis Sunday at our combined 10:30 worship service in the Parish Life Center the children of St. John’s share with us their annual Christmas program. Come and be reminded of the true meaning of the season as God’s children share with us the good news of Jesus’ birth in both story and song.

Blue Christmas Worship ServiceThe pastors of the ELCA Springfield Cluster congregations will once again host a Blue Christmas Worship Service this Sunday, December 20 at 4:00 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church (2800 West Jefferson Street, Springfield). This service is designed for all those who are grieving loss of any kind during this holiday season. This service is made up of a combination of music, prayers, Scripture readings, short reflections, candle lighting, and communion so that all may experience the hope and comfort that comes in the coming of the Christ Child.

Christmas Worship at St. John’sCome and worship Christ this Christmas here at St. John’s on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Worship times are as follows:Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24)3:00 p.m. (Parish Life Center)Playful Praise Worship designed especially for preschoolers and families4:30 p.m. (Sanctuary)Traditional Family Service of Communion and Candle Lighting7:30 p.m. (Parish Life Center)Contemporary Service of Communion and Candle Lighting11:00 p.m. (Sanctuary)Traditional Festival Service of Communion and Candle LightingChristmas Day (Friday, December 25)10:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)Festival Service of Holy CommunionRemember, Christmas Eve is the perfect time to invite a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker to join you for worship! Come and join us as our hearts are filled with the joy at the coming of the Christ-child!

Knitting and Crocheting Ministries meet every Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. in the Parish Life Center Lobby. If you are wanting to learn, they will help you and if you need yarn, they have some for you to use. Call Lynne Ewan at 546.9632 and she will answer any questions you may have. DISHCLOTHS ARE NEEDED AT THE PRESENT TIME!!!!

The Stitch & Share Sewing group enjoyed hearing from Jeanine Zinch, a volunteer and Samaritan for St. John’s Hospital, on Friday, December 11. We gave her 60 colorful pillow cases that will be used to give to the children in the hospital. We will continue to make pillow cases for St. John’s Children’s Hospital. If you have any cotton or flannel fabric you would like to donate please contact Elena Bee, mcbee2605@att.net, or Mary Ann DeFend, defend121@yahoo.com. The next meeting of the Knitting and Crocheting Ministries and Stitch and Share will be Friday, January 8, at 1:30 p.m.