St. John s Lutheran Church Newsletter Sand Prairie Green Valley, IL November The. ParishScope ADVENT

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Piers Henderson
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November 2018 ADVENT What Child is This A Series of Sermons for

st 5:30pm Advent 1 The Child Who is Zechriah s Hope December 5 th

12 th 5:30pm Advent 3 The Child Who Is John s Joy December 19 th

1 The ParishScope St. John s Lutheran Church Newsletter Sand Prairie Green Valley, IL November 2018 ADVENT What Child is This A Series of Sermons for Advent Sermon plans are as follows: Thanksgiving Eve November 21 st 5:30pm Advent 1 The Child Who is Zechriah s Hope December 5 th - 5:30pm Advent 2 The Child Who Is a Virgin s Great Son December 12 th 5:30pm Advent 3 The Child Who Is John s Joy December 19 th 5:30pm Christmas Eve 4:30, 7:00 & 11:00pm Christmas Day The Child Who Is The Lord - 10:00am New Year s Eve 5:30pm

2 At least right now we are all gearing up for Reformation Sunday. We have so much going on. We have music being prepared for, sermons being written. We even have our Harvest Fest for this coming Sunday. A lot of things are going on in the midst of Reformation Sunday. These things are not without good reason. However, even with all those reasons I think we sometimes forget about the holiday that takes place a day later, All Saints Day. All Saints Day is celebrated on November 1st. It is a day where we take time to remember those people who have died in the faith. We usually wait and celebrate it on the first Sunday in November, whichever one that is. This year it will be the 4th of November. The scripture that is read will focus upon this topic, and at some point in the service we will read off the names of those that have died in the faith during this past year. The holiday dates all the way back to 373 AD, although, not always on November 1 st, and has all kinds of traditions around it. In fact, the holiday that usually comes to mind around this time, is all thanks to a misunderstanding of All Saints Day. On the eve of All Saints Day, or All Hallows Eve (Halloween for short), a tradition rose up around the middle ages to scare away demons or other bad spirits that might stop the, saints or spirits from visiting. Around that time, a tradition of begging also became popular, especially among the poor. They would sing and dance in order to get gifts, and eventually it became known as trick or treating. All that is well and good, but let us not forget about All Saints Day. After the candy has been packed away, and the costume is no more on November 1st sit down with your children or grandchildren and talk to them about those that have gone before us. Talk to them about that relative they never met that used to sing in the church choir and knew the Bible forwards and backwards. Take some time, to remember the saints that have gone before us, and died in the faith. And with that in mind, head to church on November 4 th, and be reminded again of all that Christ has done for us, the whole reason we can talk about Saints in the first place. In Christ s Love, Pastor Chris Sansom

3 ALL SAINTS DAY is November 4 th, we will be remembering the following: William F. Furrow Sue Lynn (Weyhrich) Reining Mildred Friedrich Phyllis Jean Willard Helen Louise Leesman PROJECT TO HELP US REMEMBER OUR MILITARY MILITARY BIBESTICKS are small personal listening devices pre-loaded with the Audio New Testament and selected Psalms. Hundreds of thousands of these have been provided to chaplains in every branch of our armed forces. The chaplains, then give them to troops, often those on the front lines, who have courageously volunteered to serve our country. Chaplains are currently requesting up to 2,000 BibleSticks each week, so demand continually exceeds their ability to respond to the need. A 3-minute DVD that explains the Bible Sticks, will be shown on Sunday, Nov. 4 and Sunday Nov. 11 (Veteran s Day) in both services. Military BibleStick is asking if our church could set a goal of raising $2,500 to impact an entire company of 100 servicemen and women. DOOR OFFERINGS will be taken after each service on Nov. 11 (Veteran s Day), and the following Sunday, November 18, in order to allow more of our members to participate. Each family is asked to prayerfully consider gifting a Military Biblestick for one service member at a cost of $25.00 Every gift will also impact a service member s family, as each BibleStick includes a card that offers free MP3 Bibles for spouses and children. God s Word in this unique format could change the life of a service member and their family members forever. FOLLOWING ARE A COUPLE OF TESTIMONIES It has been such an inspiration to me. It is so convenient to use and share ; Thank you so much! These deployments can be tough. Thoughts of family can leave one feeling lonely. I ve found peace in listening to the BibleStick, and it encourages me ; This BibleStick has blessed me with its convenience, realistic sounds, and most of all the pure Word of God. Thank you and keep up the great work of spreading the Gospel.

THE HISTORY OF THE EPIPHANY SOCIETY (part 2) (written by Anna Straub in 1952) THE EPIPHANY SOCIETY PROVIDED MANY GIFTS TO THE CHURCH THROUGHOUT IT S EXISTANCE: Some of the major gifts of the Society

4 THE HISTORY OF THE EPIPHANY SOCIETY (part 2) (written by Anna Straub in 1952) THE EPIPHANY SOCIETY PROVIDED MANY GIFTS TO THE CHURCH THROUGHOUT IT S EXISTANCE: Some of the major gifts of the Society in support of the Church at home and at large were purchased: the first light plant in the old church in September 1919 at a cost of $174.25; purchased chairs for both Sunday School and church basement; papered of the old church and decorated of the basement; gave to the building fund for the new church; bought the new organ; paid to finish the organ chamber; furnished the church kitchen; bought tables, coat racks, part of the water system, church flags, and motion picture projector; installed cabinets, and sink in the old parsonage, contributed to the new parsonage building fund. The Society made a generous offering for the Pekin Hospital Fund, sent eggs to Lutheran Teachers College, each year, and also to the seminary in Springfield; donated cookies for Christmas packages at Bartonville and Lincoln institutions; sent clothing for European relief; adopted a German family, and sent packages of clothing and food at different times; made articles of clothing and bedding for the Addison home and curtains for Springfield Seminary; canned fruits and vegetables were donated to the Seminary; Christmas boxes were sent to all our members in the Armed Service; remembered all sick and shut-in members of our congregation with gifts at Christmas time. On the social side, we had picnics and Christmas parties with the usual gift exchange. Once a year a Guest day pot-luck dinner was held. We sponsored 2 bus trips to Springfield and Chicago. Committees of the Society were: Altar Committee Memorial Wreaths Baby Gifts Sales Christian Service Sick Committee Flower Committee Stamp Mission

JFC LOCK-IN will be held Friday night, November 9 th at 8:00pm, concluding at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning, November 10 at Five Points, Washington.

Church members who have been in the service have been included in our Veteran s Day slide show.

office before November 4 th. 6 th ANNUAL EWELE WALK will be Sunday, November 4 th from 11:00 to 2:00 at Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Pekin.

5 JFC LOCK-IN will be held Friday night, November 9 th at 8:00pm, concluding at 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning, November 10 at Five Points, Washington. Drivers and all-night chaperones are needed. Call the church office if you can help. MILITARY SERVICE? Church members who have been in the service have been included in our Veteran s Day slide show. If you know of corrections that need to be made, especially if someone should be added to the slideshow, please get any additions or changes to the church office before November 4 th. 6 th ANNUAL EWELE WALK will be Sunday, November 4 th from 11:00 to 2:00 at Good Shepherd Lutheran School, Pekin. Come and join us for a delicious chicken and noodle dinner and some Christmas shopping at our many vendor booths! Special music will be provided by students. All funds raised will be used to purchase items for the silent auction tables in March. Come by for one stop Christmas shopping and fun!

6 2019 OFFICERS Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Financial Secretary Missions Secretary Sunday School Supt. Asst. Sunday Sch. Supt. S.S. Treasurer/Secretary Head Usher Trustee Rick Huse Ryan Fairchild Jerry Shay Marlene Baker Carol Krohn & Anna Palm Angie Evans Judi Hicks Jennifer Norman Andrea Cantrall Lou Klockenga Scott Friedrich, Larry Ary, Kenny Becker Elders Bill Anderson John Fuelberth Mark Schleder Carl Babb Dale Moehring Mark Simpson Charlie Berndt John Breedlove Jim Tometich Kevin Bresnahan Don Lutz Eric Walker Jim Fairchild Karl Lutz Ron Weiland Adam Simpson Chris Martis Frank Weindel Mike Flier Les Miller David Woodruff Keith Friedrich Josh Norman Scott Urish

7 MUSIC NEWS INSTRUMENTALISTS are needed for upcoming services between now and Christmas. If you play a brass, woodwind, or stringed instrument, please call or speak with Don Lutz at (309) CHOIR NEWS: "When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see, 'Twill be my joy through the ages To sing of His love for me. --taken from the song "My Savior's Love" by Charles H. Gabriel "His servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face." Revelation 22:3-4 The choir is in preparation of the upcoming Thanksgiving, Advent/Christmas seasons. There is still a need for extra singers. For more information, please contact Connie Ary at , or Director, Chris Fisher at MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! - - CHRISTMAS CAROLING will be on DECEMBER 9th at 4:00 PM. This is not just for choir members, but involves our Sunday School children, JFC, TFC, and is open to the entire congregation. Our congregation has many shut-ins who we will be sharing the Christmas story with in song, so we need all who enjoy singing Christmas music!! (watch for more details next month) MUSIC REQUEST: If you are a former member of the Sanctuary Choir and are unable to sing with us this year, we ask that you return any sheet music or books that you have at home. If you cannot bring these to church and need a choir member to pick up your folder/music, please call Sue Woodruff SUNDAY SCHOOL & BIBLE CLASSES ADULT BIBLE CLASSES: In November Pastor Chris will begin a study on the Apostle Paul. Jim Fairchild will continue his class on Spiritual Warfare in the memorial room. Even if you can t come every Sunday, come when you are able. PERFECT ATTENDANCE SEPTEMBER: 1 st Jacob Sansom; 3rd: Eliya Sansom, 4 th Peyton Johns; 7 th Hanna Cantral, Kyle Dodd, Autumn Evans; 8 th : Kale Lutz OCTOBER: 4 th : Dylan Hicks, Ethan Miller, Benji Wyss 6 th : Addi Ledgess; 7 th : Aiden Ledgess Students will soon be practicing on their Christmas program that will be presented on Wednesday, Dec. 21 st at 5:30 p.m.

EPIPHANY SOCIETY NEWS: WCO NEWS (Women s Church Organization NEWS) Thanks to everyone who helped in any way to make this year s Bazaar a success.

The Business meeting will include voting for officers for 2019. Hostesses of the month are Judy Ripper and Marilyn Kenney. The program will be given by Alex Lamprecht, our Thrivent representative.

REBEKAH CIRCLE NEWS Guest Night was a huge success with speaker/horticulturist Ella Maxwell in attendance!

Bible". All are welcome at our next gathering on Thursday, November 8th.

8 EPIPHANY SOCIETY NEWS: WCO NEWS (Women s Church Organization NEWS) Thanks to everyone who helped in any way to make this year s Bazaar a success. God gave us a beautiful day to put our hanks to work for missions. The Epiphany Society ladies will meet November 1st at 1:00pm in the Parish hall. The Business meeting will include voting for officers for Hostesses of the month are Judy Ripper and Marilyn Kenney. The program will be given by Alex Lamprecht, our Thrivent representative. All are welcome to join us in learning ways to save. LYDIA GUILD will meet on Tuesday November 27 th at 9:00am to assemble and mail the ParishScope. REBEKAH CIRCLE NEWS Guest Night was a huge success with speaker/horticulturist Ella Maxwell in attendance! Many members and guests enjoyed an evening of delicious Sand Prairie desserts; Ella's demonstration, tips, humor & gifts, and an interesting Bible Study, led by Nancy Proehl, titled "Plants in the Bible". All are welcome at our next gathering on Thursday, November 8th. We will meet at the church and then proceed across the road to Autumn Accolade where we will share the making of a craft and devotions with the residents there. Following, we will return to the church for our regular meeting and refreshments served by Carol Breedlove. ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT: Sunday, Nov. 18th, 5:30 PM. If you would like to make a reservation to attend, please contact Christie Martis at Seating is limited, so reservations are on a first come, first serve basis. If any lady from our congregation is interested in decorating/hosting a table, please call Christie. MITES FOR NOVEMBER: Each month our LWML organizations (Rebekah and Epiphany) gather money from mite boxes, found in the old narthex as well as in the office), or loose change. In November all mites received will go to the two following places: Nursing Students Serving With Mercy Medical Teams, and the Fort Wayne and St. Louis Seminary Food Banks. NURSING STUDENTS in the Concordia University System would be afforded the opportunity to participate in a short-term mission trip to Madagascar with a Mercy Medical Team, working with medical professionals in providing medical and/or spiritual care to the under-served. The FOOD BANK GRANT will assist the staff at these seminary food banks in buying food, toiletries, and other items that are needed to keep the doors open and the shelves stocked for the needy students studying to become pastors. FREEZER MEALS: If you know of someone from our congregation who is homebound or recovering from illness or surgery, or just in need, please contact the church office, your assigned elder, or any Rebekah Circle member.

THIS AND THAT NEWS FOOD PANTRY will be held on Tuesday November 6 th from 9:00 to 10:00am. MIDWEST FOOD BANK DELIVERY will be on Thursday, November 8 th at 10:00am. Volunteers are always welcome.

9 THIS AND THAT NEWS FOOD PANTRY will be held on Tuesday November 6 th from 9:00 to 10:00am. MIDWEST FOOD BANK DELIVERY will be on Thursday, November 8 th at 10:00am. Volunteers are always welcome. PARISHSCOPE DEADLINE: The ParishScope Deadline will be November 11 th. Please get your ParishScope news to the church office on or before that date. MEDICAL EQUIPMENT: Just a reminder that basic medical equipment, such as crutches, walkers, or wheel chairs are available to our members. Please contact Len or Diane LaLone ( ) if you have a need to borrow any of this equipment. Wheel Chairs and Walkers with seats are needed. ANGEL TREE We are awaiting names of children from Prison Fellowship who have a parent in prison. (Last year we received them the last week of October) A Christmas tree will soon be set up in the vestibule where Angel cutout may be taken from the tree on Sunday mornings. Each child is to receive two gifts: one for clothes, and one for toys (each worth around $20), or a monetary gift may be given by an individual, family, or organization. In addition, each child receives a Nativity book, reminding him/her that Jesus is the best gift of all. Last year a record 41 children s Christmases were made happier due to the generosity of members of our congregation. If you have any question, please contact Cheri Reagan, coordinator, , or Bill Krueger ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKS, entitled The Coming King produced by the Lutheran hour ministries, will be handed out to each family towards the end of the month. The first day of Advent is Dec. 2 nd. A PANCAKE AND SAUSAGE SUPPER will be served by our Thrivent group on December 5 th, the first Wednesday in Advent, following the 5:30 p.m. service. A free will offering will be taken to help support projects within our church, which include funding the cradle roll, purchasing medallions for those who are baptized, and Happy Times for preschoolers, providing assistance for students to attend Camp CILCA, funding the Sunday morning Thrivent fellowship, etc. SHUT-INS OF THE MONTH: Even though some of our members cannot attend church, we want to keep them in our thoughts and prayers, let them know they are not forgotten. Please send a card or pay a visit to these shut-ins who have a birthday this month: Virginia Urish 11/1, Ron Friedrich 11/2,, Julie Rich 11/18, Billy Moore 11/23 Norm Tisdale 11/25, Earl Urish 11/28,. MEMBERS WITH HEALTH PROBLEMS: Please pray for them: Donna Barth, Steve Bong, Ron Friedrich, Galen Gathman, Dick Jones, Jerry and Kelly Kerley. Lin Reaves, Julie Rich, Kay Schimmelpfenning, Norman Tisdale, Margaret White. PLEASE PRAY FOR THEM: Members, and their family members, and friends that are battling cancer: Tammy Glass, Cathy Green, Jaxson Harper, Chris Miller, Billy Moore, Camilla Coy, Christy (Urish) Hancock, Debra (Hardin) Jamieson, and Dick Ronna. KEEP IN YOUR PRAYER: Members and relatives of members who are serving in the military: Travis Banks, Allison Barth, Charles Barth, Madeline Barth, Nicholas Barth, Drew Brown, Nathan Hoehn, Ian Krueger, Abby Lutz, Ben Lutz, Derek Lutz, Stephen Watts, and Tanner Zeck. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: In order to have a DVD of each of the Sunday morning services, an additional videographer is needed for the 1st service and one for the second. This person would serve one Sunday a month. At the present time DVDS are taken to six retirement homes, and 6 family members. Please prayerfully consider this important ministry of our church. Consider observing a service being taped.

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Nov 3 Ed & Jody McFarlin Nov 8 Jim & Linda Turney Nov 9 Jim & Sharon Lemon, Jerry & Phyllis Privett Nov 10 Ryan & Nancy Fairchild Nov 11 Brian & Sara Becker Nov 15 Dave &

Amanda Hamann Nov 4 Lauren Bresnahan, Don Herrmann *, Lauren Shissler, Nate Smith Nov 5 Phyllis Lutz * Nov 6 Vergie Friedrich * Nov 7 Taylor Becker, Brian Bong Nov 9 Dick Beebe, Debra Null Nov 10

Knott Nov 20 Kallie Herrman Nov 21 Gary Shay Nov 22 Eloise Golden *, Andrea Simpson, Steven Brush, Dustin Lutz Nov 23 Billy Moore Nov 25 Charlie Larimore, Norman Tisdale *, Jessica Armstrong, Wesley

10 NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Nov 3 Ed & Jody McFarlin Nov 8 Jim & Linda Turney Nov 9 Jim & Sharon Lemon, Jerry & Phyllis Privett Nov 10 Ryan & Nancy Fairchild Nov 11 Brian & Sara Becker Nov 15 Dave & Cherie Reagan Nov 16 Glen & Gretchen Evans Nov 18 Keith & Christen Friedrich Nov 25 John & Carol Breedlove Nov 27 Alan & Kim Hall NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS Nov 1 Virginia Urish * Nov 2 Ron Friedrich Nov 3 Amanda Hamann Nov 4 Lauren Bresnahan, Don Herrmann *, Lauren Shissler, Nate Smith Nov 5 Phyllis Lutz * Nov 6 Vergie Friedrich * Nov 7 Taylor Becker, Brian Bong Nov 9 Dick Beebe, Debra Null Nov 10 Andy Reagan, Ryan Hoeft Nov 11 Andrea Cantrall, Nov 13 Taylor Kilgus Nov 16 Judy Ripper, Amy Weyhrich Nov 17 Sharon Lemon *, Joshua Graff Nov 18 Julie Rich, Stephen Watts Nov 19 Jim Turney, Amber Knott Nov 20 Kallie Herrman Nov 21 Gary Shay Nov 22 Eloise Golden *, Andrea Simpson, Steven Brush, Dustin Lutz Nov 23 Billy Moore Nov 25 Charlie Larimore, Norman Tisdale *, Jessica Armstrong, Wesley Armstrong Nov 26 Sheri Catton, Christie Martis Nov 28 Earl Urish *, Matthew Null Nov 30 Davin Fairchild * represent 75 or older ELDER ASSIGNMENT Each family of our congregation has been assigned to one of the eight Senior Elders. If you have any questions, or comments, please feel free to contact them: Bill Anderson: Allen, Tom & Diane to Clark, Brad Jim Tometich: Clark, Jerry and Carol-Friedrich to Bob and Vergie Christopher Martis: Friedrich, Dave to Hasty, Marilyn Keith Friedrich: Hasty, Ryan to Krohn, John Charlie Berndt: Krohn, Paul to Mills, Barb Jim Fairchild: Moehring to Schaefer, Jeffrey and Patti Mark Simpson: Schaefer, Norb and Jean to Tisdale, Kevin and Beverly Mark Schleder: Tisdale, Norm and Judy to Zeeck, Angela

FUTURE EVENTS TO REMEMBER SAVE THE DATE For Good Shepherd Lutheran School s 13th Annual Benefit Auction which will be held on March 23, 2019, at the Par-A- Dice Hotel!

11 FUTURE EVENTS TO REMEMBER SAVE THE DATE For Good Shepherd Lutheran School s 13th Annual Benefit Auction which will be held on March 23, 2019, at the Par-A- Dice Hotel! Former and current Service Members will be honored at this patriotic Red, White, Blue, & Ewe! evening. (Stay tuned for details about picture requests.) We anticipate that this evening will also be a special milestone for our auctions. The past 12 auctions have raised a total of $980, for GSLS, and, God willing, we will top the $1,000, amount at this year s auction. We plan to mark this milestone with a special celebration, too. How can you help? First, pray for our school and for the success of the auction. Second, plan to attend and purchase your tickets when they become available. Third, watch our bulletin announcements for special requests. One current special request that we have: please save your empty Pringles cans we will be using these to craft firecracker decorations. You may bring them to GSLS or to the churches: please give them to Sue Woodruff at Sand Prairie, Pam Woolsey at St. John s Pekin, or Cori Spaeth at Trinity. We hope that all of you are as excited as your auction committee is! ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT: This event will begin at 4:30 PM on November 18th. If any ladies of the congregation are interested in hosting/decorating a table, please contact Christie Martis at More details will be coming soon! ALL are welcome anytime to visit our group and join us for Bible Study or any of our servant events!! Call Connie Ary or Nancy Proehl for more information.

12 The ParishScope St. John s Lutheran Church Newsletter Sand Prairie Green Valley, IL TABLE OF CONTENT Advent Schedule 1 From Pastor Chris 2 All Saints/Military Biblesticks 3 History of the Epiphany Society (part 2) 4 JFC Lock-in/Military Service/6 th Annual Ewele Walk Officers 6 Music News/Adult Bible Class 7 WCO NEWS 8 This & That News 9 Anniversaries/Birthdays/Elder Assignment 10 Future dates to Remember 11

Church Announcements - Take Home Page

Church Announcements - Take Home Page St. John s Lutheran Church - 13443 Townline Rd Green Valley, IL 61534 Phone: 309-348-3180 - www.sandprairielutheran.org OUR SERVICE FOR CHRIST - Week of April 24 th,