February 2009                                                   

Friends Sisters in Christ,

Friends, It may seem a little late for the following comments, but deadlines don't lend themselves so well to a January notice. Sue and I thank you for so many graciously offered Christmas greetings and cheer through cards, comments, gifts, and smiles. We treasure your kindness and thoughtfulness. Thank you to all who labored to make the Christmas season special in so many ways for our church.

Our nation now has a new president. Perhaps you followed some of the inauguration festivities, saw interviews, and noticed that many seemed to be overwhelmed by the occasion. The enthusiasm of the campaign's Yes We Can! now begs the question How?. If you see the answer as Together, surely that is a start. Our leaders at all levels of government face tremendous challenges and they do need our support. I encourage you to pray for our leaders, particularly those who assume new roles, that they may clearly understand the tasks at hand and how best to address them. Pray for President Obama, his staff, and each of his cabinet members.

On the leadership front, our own congregation is in need of a few special people to step forward to serve. You may recall that the slate of candidates presented at the December Voters' Meeting had no nominations for Chairman, Vice-Chairman, or Secretary! This is for real! The term of each office is one year according to our current constitution. Our January Church Council meeting operated without an elected Chair, Vice-chair, or Secretary! Perhaps you could pray over this, consider serving, or encourage someone you know.

In Christ, Pastor Stroup

Preschool Registration Now Open to the Community

St. John’s Lutheran Church & School Preschool Registration for the 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

We will meet at 7 a.m. in the church mezzanine on Saturday, February 21. The topic for discussion will be Masons, Christians or Anti-Christian. All men are welcome to attend. For more information call Ed Peters 847-658-5658.

PINOCHLE ANYONE?

Last meeting was on January 17th
Pinochle brings about offering
prizes of free pinochle, fun, fellowship
and refreshments. We'd Love to see you there!
Next Date to be determined.
Linda, Anna & Donna

Board of Discipleship

Heartland Blood Drive, Monday, March 9th

3:30p.m. to 7:30p.m - The mezzanine

St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church & School in Algonquin is holding its Annual Heartland Blood Drive on Monday March 9th from 3:30 pm to 7:30 pm. St. John's is located at 300 Jefferson Street in Downtown Algonquin, just 1 block west of Route 31 and 1 block South of Route 62. Walk-Ins are accepted but pre-registration is encouraged. Thanks to everyone who volunteers to help others through giving! All members of the community are invited. For more information or to register, call 847-458-6857.

PADS -- Public Action to Deliver Shelter

Can you help by serving, baking, or contributing food? Contact Carol Otto 815-459-7131.

Wayside (2nd Saturday) Noon

Crisis Center (4th Tuesday) 5:30pm.

IN-Reach –  Currently sponsoring Evy's cafe - and Fireproof Bible Study. Anyone welcomed to join. RSVP or questions to Anna Martell (847-302-6635), Linda Burmeister (847-658-8977)

Thanks,

Duke Otto

Mission India -   MISSION INDIA Please continue to keep these fourteen Christians in your prayers, as their work is our work is the Lord's work. Ms: Naidha Khursheed Naomi Bindu Ranjan Subbamma Mr: A.C. Anil A. Chiranjeevi C. Daniel John David D. Gopi Jehangir Khan C. Raju Daniel Raju Umar Tariq John Wesley Correspondence from Mission India indicates that hundreds of thousands of children are currently being served by Children's Bible Clubs, tens of thousands of adults are learning to read through Literacy Classes, and 1600 Church Planters (including these 14) are diligently at work sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This continues in the face of severe persecution in some area. Thanks be to God for your continued financial and prayer support of these brothers and sisters. Pastor Stroup

Santuary Service Flowers -   Would you like to place flowers in the sanctuary to commemorate a special event or in memory of someone? A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board at the south end of the narthex. Weekend dates are listed. Generally, the first two floral pieces needed each weekend are signed for at a cost of $22 for each bouquet. Then any additional pieces will be chancel arrangements at $22 each. During the month prior to the date you have chosen, you will receive a letter asking for whom or what you are placing the flowers and explaining payment. You will be asked to mail this to the Sanctuary Service Committee so that information can be given to the church office for the bulletin announcements. You are welcome to take the flowers with you after the final service of the weekend. Flowers are from Accent Floral Company in Algonquin. If you have further questions, please call Shirley Goebbert at 224-858-4188 or Joan Stone at 847-854-2959.

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

stjohnsalgonquin.org © 2007

Comments/Suggestions - e-mail