third sunday after the epiphany january 20–21, 2018 adoring · pdf fileadoring...

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701 ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH 410 N. Cross Street, Wheaton, IL 60187 630-668-0701 www.stjohnwheaton.org FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER APRIL 21–22, 2018 ADORING Persecuted Christians in: Columbia Djibouti Nigeria Russia Syria Turkey Partner Church: Lutheran Church of Togo Anniversary of marriage: Jeannie and William Cooper (50 years) Susan and Paul Schuett (35 years) Comfort, health, recovery: Dale (friend of Kathleen McDonald Tompkins) Gene (neighbor of the Zoeller family) George Peter Bohr Olivia Capasso (friend of the Bruzeks) Michael Carey (friend of Tim Loest) Jennifer Conrad and daughter (coworker of Craig Scheel) Jeanne Engel and family (friends of the Musa family) Candice Garcia (niece of Kathy and Rick Deist) Janice Gatbunton (friend of Cindy and Tim Loest) Ron Gifford (father of Dan Gifford) Louise Guethle (friend of Debbie Feyerabend) John Hendrickson (father of Rachel Zoeller) Carol Jablonsky (friend of Debbie Feyerabend) Natalie Marcus and baby (daughter-in-law of George Marcus) Amy Piunti (niece of Jim Williams) Bonnie Roberts (mother of Gretchen Musa) Brittney Samek (granddaughter of Toni Breseman) Dolores Schlesselman (mother of Dave Schlesselman) Lucy Shannon (great-niece of Debbie Wren) Paul Sokolowski (friend of Karen and Dave Crawford) Evelyn Stieg (sister of Toni Breseman) Alan Stuart (brother-in-law of Dave Richardt) Those who need our ongoing prayers: Diane Dumper (sister of Marianne King) Peggy Elrod (friend of Debbie Feyerabend) Eldon Geyer (cousin of Joan Kaliher) Maxine Hamilton (grandmother of Katherine Engel) Jeremy Kadletz (relative of Joan Kaliher) Jacqueline Kandora Lily Kostecki John Lange (cousin of Debbie Sajdak and Sue Schuett) Rev. Norman Nagel Carol Schmidt (niece of Toni Breseman) Janyce Thomas (sister of Denyce Wendte) Gwendolyn Veldhuis-Kroeze (daughter of Jeanette Marti) Jason Vogt (friend of Anna Piro) Rhonda Zacharias Sara Zeigler (daughter-in-law of Shirley and Jim Zeigler) The Prayer of the Church Please submit your prayer requests to the website or call the church office at 630-668-0701 x400.

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Page 1: THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY JANUARY 20–21, 2018 ADORING · PDF fileADORING Persecuted ... Sherry Speckels (co-worker of Gerry Gallagher) Kallie Thoren Kathie Thorne Debra Verdico

www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH 410 N. Cross Street, Wheaton, IL 60187 630-668-0701 www.stjohnwheaton.org

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

APRIL 21–22, 2018

ADORINGPersecuted Christians in: ColumbiaDjiboutiNigeriaRussiaSyriaTurkey

Partner Church:Lutheran Church of Togo

Anniversary of marriage:Jeannie and William Cooper (50 years)Susan and Paul Schuett (35 years)

Comfort, health, recovery:Dale (friend of Kathleen McDonald Tompkins)Gene (neighbor of the Zoeller family)GeorgePeter BohrOlivia Capasso (friend of the Bruzeks)Michael Carey (friend of Tim Loest)Jennifer Conrad and daughter (coworker of Craig Scheel)Jeanne Engel and family (friends of the Musa family)Candice Garcia (niece of Kathy and Rick Deist)Janice Gatbunton (friend of Cindy and Tim Loest)Ron Gifford (father of Dan Gifford)Louise Guethle (friend of Debbie Feyerabend)John Hendrickson (father of Rachel Zoeller)

Carol Jablonsky (friend of Debbie Feyerabend)Natalie Marcus and baby (daughter-in-law of George Marcus)Amy Piunti (niece of Jim Williams)Bonnie Roberts (mother of Gretchen Musa)Brittney Samek (granddaughter of Toni Breseman)Dolores Schlesselman (mother of Dave Schlesselman)Lucy Shannon (great-niece of Debbie Wren)Paul Sokolowski (friend of Karen and Dave Crawford)Evelyn Stieg (sister of Toni Breseman)Alan Stuart (brother-in-law of Dave Richardt)

Those who need our ongoing prayers: Diane Dumper (sister of Marianne King)Peggy Elrod (friend of Debbie Feyerabend)Eldon Geyer (cousin of Joan Kaliher)Maxine Hamilton (grandmother of Katherine Engel)Jeremy Kadletz (relative of Joan Kaliher)Jacqueline KandoraLily KosteckiJohn Lange (cousin of Debbie Sajdak and Sue Schuett)Rev. Norman Nagel Carol Schmidt (niece of Toni Breseman)Janyce Thomas (sister of Denyce Wendte)Gwendolyn Veldhuis-Kroeze (daughter of Jeanette Marti)Jason Vogt (friend of Anna Piro)Rhonda ZachariasSara Zeigler (daughter-in-law of Shirley and Jim Zeigler)

The Prayer of the Church

Please submit your prayer requests to the website or call the church office at 630-668-0701 x400.

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701

MATURING SUNDAYS

Adult Bible StudyLove Living Graciously: How St. John Leads Us through Life Sacramentally

• Place: The Study• Time: 10:00 a.m.• Commitment: 45 minutes• Contact: Pastor Bruzek [email protected]

After centuries of privilege, our story seems to be falling out of favor. All around we sense the challenges—political, (a)moral, atheist, philosophical, materialist, religious—and suddenly things feel much like they did at the start of Christianity, when disciples of Jesus were considered alien and even outlaws. Now what? Has the world really moved beyond the story of the Crucified? And if not, how do we continue to tell the only story this world’s got, the only story that really matters? The Gospel of St. John remains a compelling narration of Christ’s Way through this world and then Home again in joy.

High School Youth Catechumenate: What’s next?

• Place: Lower Level High School Room• Time: 10:00 a.m.• Commitment: 45 minutes• Contact: Pastor Buchs [email protected]

Forty-five minutes a week! We have so much to do. Come along as we work together to build on all the things you’ve learned so far. This class is driven by your interests and participation as you learn to follow Jesus with maturity—as we work to answer the question: what’s next?

Trouble Hearing the Sermon?

Bring your own headphones and listen directly through your phone. Just a few simple steps:

1) Connect to the wi-fi network named Listen.2) Download and open the AudioFetch App

(search for “AudioFetch” in your app store).3) Listen in during the service!

Questions? Ask John Crowe or Pastor Buchs.

Confirmation

• Place: Lower Level Youth Room• Time: 10:00 a.m.• Commitment: 45 minutes• Contact: Pastor Nelson [email protected]

Confirmation at St. John is a three year process beginning in 6th grade. The focus of this year’s study is The Christian Life and our lessons will be divided into units on Prayer, Liturgy and Theology of the Body. Friends are encouraged to come.

Sunday School

• Place: Lower Level• Time: 10:00 a.m. • Commitment: 45 minutes• Contact: Gretchen Scheel [email protected]

Children in preschool 3’s through grade 5 are invited to come along for Sunday School each week. This is sure to be a fun year filled with God’s word, sacred music, good friends, and lots of Bible adventures! Bring a friend and join us. Parents are asked to sign in and sign out children in preschool through grade 2. Older students will be dismissed at 10:50 a.m. Childcare is available for infants through age 3 in the ARK from 9:45 to 10:50 a.m. Please remember to sign in and sign out.

WEDNESDAYS

J.O.Y. Group (Jesus. Others. You.)

• Place: The Study• Time: 9:00–10:30 a.m.• Commitment: 90 minutes• Contact: Vicar Joshua Ralston 630-668-0701 x412

[email protected]

As the church year shifts from showing who Jesus is into a period of repentance leading up to His death, we will look at the last week before Jesus’ death and resurrection. There’s a lot that Jesus did that week! Jesus’ teachings and actions point us to His sacrifice and what exactly this means in our lives. Join us in this meditative study as the church year disciplines us in Jesus’ life.

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701

Pastor Chats

• Place: Gym• Time: 4:00–5:20 p.m.• Commitment: 80 minutes• Contact: Gretchen Scheel [email protected]

or Val Gaede 630-668-0701 x436 [email protected]

Children are invited to join our pastors as they help us learn more about the sanctuary. All are welcome to bring friends. We’ll gather in the gym, and then enjoy snacks in The Study. We will rotate smaller age groupings through Taizé singing, lessons in the Sanctuary with Pastor, and fun fellowship activity time.

THURSDAYS

Men’s Bible Study

• Place: The Study• Time: 6:30–7:15 a.m.• Commitment: 45 minutes• Contact: Vicar Joshua Ralston 630-668-0701 x412

[email protected]

Men are welcome to come join our Bible study as we continue to dig deep into the book of Acts. Come join us and stay also for the morning Eucharist service at 7:40 a.m.

FRIDAYS

Friday Morning Women’s Bible Study The beginning of the good news: The Gospel of Mark

• Place: Chapel and The Study• Time: 9:00 a.m.–10:15 a.m.• Commitment: 75 minutes (childcare provided)• Contact: Pastor Buchs [email protected]

or Pastor Nelson [email protected]

Join us as we make our way through the Gospel of Mark—a fast-paced, joy-filled, thoroughly hopeful account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Find out what makes Mark unique in his telling, and hear anew the story of God’s mercy and salvation!

EMBODYINGRace for ESSE • Saturday, April 28

• Place: The Esplanade at Locust Point 1901 W. Butterfield Road, Downers Grove

• Time: 9:00 a.m.• Commitment: 2 hours• Contact: Cathy Davit 630-260-3773

[email protected]

NEW! Register for the 7th annual DuPage Human Race, a family-friendly community event that benefits more than 70 non-profit organizations serving DuPage County. Participate in the 5K Run, the two-mile Fitness Walk or as a Virtual Racer. When you specify Ecumenical Support Services for the Elderly (ESSE) as your charity of choice, they will benefit from your registration or donation. Children 13 and under are free. Dogs, strollers and wheelchairs are also welcome on the Fitness Walk route. Visit dupagehumanrace.org for details and registration.

Coins for CareNet Baby Bottles

• Place: The Commons• Time: Weekend Worship• Commitment: daily as you collect loose change• Contact: Jill Quinte 630-462-0835 [email protected]

The Annunciation of Our Lord reminds us that God so loves and values every human life, from conception through death, that he sent Jesus to be our Savior. This is the Good News that CareNet Pregnancy Services of DuPage brings to women and families struggling with an unexpected pregnancy. Through Christian counseling, medical/material support, parenting classes, post-abortion care, and youth outreach, lives are saved. Please support their work by taking a baby bottle from the display, filling it with your loose change and returning it by May 27.

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701

Fourth of July Parade and Social Committee Mondays

• Place: The Commons• Time: 7:00 p.m.• Commitment: 2+ hours• Contact: Jodie Chester [email protected]

The Fourth of July is not far off! That means it’s time to start planning festivities and designing our float for the Wheaton Independence Day parade. St. John has had several award-winning entries in recent years. This year’s parade theme pays tribute to American Heroes. Stop by on Monday nights and join in the fun of this annual event; no experience is required.

Afternoon Circle: Happy Birthday! Wednesday, May 2

• Place: Room 203• Time: 12:00 p.m.• Commitment: 2 hours• Contact: Marilyn Hess 630-510-3055

text 630-414-0845 [email protected]

NEW! Please join the ladies of the Afternoon Circle for the annual May Birthday Party meeting. In addition to a light luncheon and election of officers, we will play games and exchange presents. We always have a fun time and a lot of laughs! To participate, just bring a wrapped gift costing no more than $10. We look forward to sharing Christian fellowship with you.

Men’s Discussion & Bible Study Thursday, May 3

• Place: Emmett’s Brewing Co. 121 W. Front St., Wheaton

• Time: 8:00–9:30 p.m.• Commitment: 90 minutes• Contact: Aaron Zoeller 630-818-5123

or [email protected]

We have a great group of men at St. John and would like to offer more opportunities to get to know one another. The Steak Fry and the Men’s Retreat are excellent, but they only happen once each year. So please join us at Emmett’s the first Thursday of each month for a “Man Date!” One or more of our Pastors will be in attendance to facilitate discussion and keep us between the lines. The format will be pretty open; so bring your ideas, questions and insights to share.

L.E.R.T. Training: Help in Times of Disaster Saturday, May 5

• Place: Lord of Life Lutheran Church (LaFox) 40W605 Route 38, Elburn, IL

• Time: 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.• Commitment: 5 hours, $35 registration fee• Contact: Jan Gerzevske 630-294-5014

[email protected] also Marty Johnson, Byron Heidorn or Steve Chester

Would you like to join the Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) volunteers when asked to help after a disaster? Chainsaw work, flood clean up and rebuilding are some of the ways we respond. Requests for assistance come from here in the community and elsewhere. Currently, help to rebuild is urgently needed in Texas.

• Place: Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne, Indiana

• Time: Assignment of Vicarages and Internships: Tuesday, April 24, 7:00 p.m. (EDT)

Assignment of Calls: Wednesday, April 25, 7:00 p.m. (EDT)

• Commitment: 1 or more hours• Connect: callday.ctsfw.edu

• Place: Concordia Seminary St. Louis, Missouri

• Time: Assignment of Vicarages and Internships: Tuesday, April 24, 3:00 p.m. (CDT)

Assignment of Calls: Tuesday, April 24, 7:00 p.m. (CDT)

• Commitment: 1 or more hours• Connect: callday.csl.edu

Call Day Services • April 24 and April 25

NEW! Please join our Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod Seminaries through streaming audio and video to celebrate as our future workers learn of their calls, vicarages and deaconess internships.

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701

Training before entering a disaster area is required by FEMA and other responding agencies. This training is provided by Lutheran Church Charities. Anyone teenaged and older may participate, so make it a family event! For registration details, visit lutheranchurchcharities.org > disaster response. The registration fee includes a training manual and LERT vest.

Women’s Book Club • Tuesday, May 8

• Place: The Commons• Time: 7:00 p.m.• Commitment: 1–2 hours, plus reading time• Contact: Gretchen Scheel [email protected]

Join us the second Tuesday of each month for an evening of fellowship and book discussion. The May selection is Under Our Skin by Benjamin Watson. Part memoir and part social commentary, this book offers a look at both sides of the race debate and appeals to the power and possibility of faith as a step toward healing.

Upcoming dates and titles include: • June 12—Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger • July 10—Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and

Culture in Crisis by J. D. Vance

Bethany Lutheran College Choir Concert Wednesday, May 16

• Place: The Sanctuary• Time: 7:00 p.m.• Commitment: 1–1.5 hours• Contact: Pastor Buchs 630-668-0701 x408

[email protected]

NEW! The choirs of Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota will perform at St. John while on their annual tour. Fifty student musicians will present a diverse program including music from many centuries (Bach, Luther, Lindeman, Stanford, SS. Wesley and others), as well as an original choral composition based on the hymn, “Be Still, My Soul.” The concert is free and open to the public. An offering will be received to help defray the costs of the tour.

Feed My Starving Children • Saturday, June 2

• Place: Feed My Starving Children 555 Exchange Court, Aurora IL

• Time: 4:30 p.m. • Commitment: 2 hours• Contact: Jan Gerzevske 630-294-5014

or [email protected]

Packing meals at Feed My Starving Children is a one-of-a-kind, fast paced activity that makes a tangible difference in the lives of hungry children around the world. St. John has reserved 58 spots for this all-church event. Volunteers ages five and older, teens, adults and families are encouraged to join the group. Register under the group name St. John at www.volunteer.fmsc.org or contact Jan Gerzevske.

Take Me Out To the Ball Game! Kane County Cougars vs. Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Friday, June 15

• Place: Northwestern Health Ballpark, Geneva, IL• Time: 6:30 p.m. game time• Commitment: 3-4 hours; $25 adults, $15 children,

$80 family maximum• Contact: Laura Scheidt 630-853-2064

or [email protected]

NEW! St. John has reserved the third base rooftop area for this year’s Kane County Cougars family baseball outing. There will be plenty of room to visit and kids won’t be stuck in a seat. Ticket price includes admission to the ballpark plus a dinner buffet; hamburgers, brats, salads, chips, ice cream and more. Sign up and pay at www.stjohnwheaton.org/baseball.

Youth Summer Mission Trip Friday, July 20–Monday, July 23

• Place: New Paris, Ohio• Time: July 20–23• Commitment: 4 days, $400• Contact: Tiffany Brackmann 630-606-3958

[email protected]

Calling all youth entering 7th–12th grades! Come along for a fun summer adventure serving others. St. John is teaming with Group Workcamps to offer a four-day mission trip in Ohio. Join youth from around the country to paint, build/repair porches and decks and other general home repairs. It is sure to be a memorable experience!

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701

Food Pantry Donations

• Place: Lower Level• Time: Before/after weekend worship• Commitment: 5 minutes• Contact: Ann Williams 630-665-3315

or [email protected]

Please help provide for our hungry neighbors in need by filling one or more grocery bags with non-perishable food and household items. Place donations in the grocery cart at the bottom of The Commons stairwell and we’ll get them to our local food pantries. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

Most needed food items: Household items:bagged rice/beans baby wipesboxed pastas and noodles bar soapcanned pasta and soups cleaning suppliescanned fruits/vegetables diaperscanned tuna/chicken dish soapcereal laundry detergentcoffee/tea/juice paper towelsflour/sugar tissuespasta sauce tooth brushes/tooth pastepeanut butter and jelly toilet paper

Summer Programs at Walcamp

• Place: Walcamp Outdoor Ministries, Kingston, IL• Time: Throughout June and July• Commitment: One week, cost varies• Contact: Brad Weiss, Executive Director

815-784-5141 [email protected]

Registration is open for Summer Camp 2018 at Walcamp Outdoor Ministries and Retreat Center. Classic overnight camps as well as a wide variety of special interest programs are available for all grade levels. Day camp and programs for campers with disabilities are also offered. Brochures and registration information are on the shelves in the corner of The Commons. www.walcamp.org

ME and MY Shadow • Every other Tuesday

• Place: Hosted in homes• Time: 9:30–11:00 a.m.• Commitment: 90 minutes or as long as you can stay

or play• Contact: Anne Jackson 312-340-8898 or

[email protected]

Me and My Shadow gives little ones a chance to play and interact socially while moms and dads do the same! Upcoming dates are May 1, 15 and 29; June 12 and 26. Contact Anne for the location or if you have questions.

The Pastors were notified about this employment opportunity within the LCMS:

Mission Opportunities Short Term (MOST Ministries) is seeking a full-time Executive Director. MOST is a Recognized Service Organization of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod which connects, trains, and sends short-term mission teams throughout the world. The Executive Director is responsible for managing the overall business and operation of MOST programs and services, all strategic relationships with missionaries and national church leaders in the field, and serves as primary representative to congregations, organizations and funding sources. LCMS membership and international mission experience required. Learn more at www.mostministries.org/job_opportunity. Resumes may be submitted to MOST Search Committee, 643 Ironwood Way, Saline, MI 48176 or [email protected].

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701

CALENDAR FOR THE WEEKSunday • April 22 8:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study (The Study) 10:00 a.m. High School Bible Study (Lower Level) 10:00 a.m. Confirmation (Lower Level) 10:00 a.m. Sunday School (Lower Level) 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Monday • April 23 CLOSED 7:00 p.m. Parade Committee (The Commons)

Tuesday • April 24 7:40 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Chapel) 6:45 p.m. St. John Ringers (Balcony)

Wednesday • April 25 7:40 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Chapel) 9:00 a.m. JOY Group (The Study) 4:00 p.m. Pastor Chats (Gym) 7:00 p.m. Kantorei (Balcony)

Thursday • April 26 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study (The Study) 7:40 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Chapel) 9:00 a.m. Garden Club

Friday • April 27 7:40 a.m. Holy Eucharist (Chapel) 9:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study (The Study)

Saturday • April 28 5:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist

Sunday • April 29 8:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study (The Study) 10:00 a.m. High School Bible Study (Lower Level) 10:00 a.m. Confirmation (Lower Level) 10:00 a.m. Sunday School (Lower Level) 11:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist 3:00 p.m. Inaugural Organ Concert

You can prepare for next weekend’s worship by reading: Acts 8:26-40 1 John 4:1-21 John 15:1-8

UPCOMING INFORMATION AND VOTERS MEETINGS PLEASE SAVE THE DATES!

The Governing Board has set the dates for Voters Meetings for the upcoming elections and fiscal year 2018-2019 budget. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend the following two meetings:

Sunday May 20, 2018, 10:00 a.m.—Voters Information Meeting Sunday, June 3, 2018, 10:00 a.m. —Voters Meeting

The Governing Board has also approved the 2018 Nominating Committee, whose responsibility is to develop a list of candidates for all elected offices and to carry out the nomination procedure. The proposed slate of candidates will appear in the May 5/6 LifeTogether.

The members of this year’s Nominating Committee are:Nancy Beutjer, Jim Braun, Pastor Scott Bruzek, Pastor David Buchs, Mike Bytner, Karen Crawford, Brittany Holmen, Jeff Johnston, Pastor Marcus Nelson, Judy O’Neill, Tina Simpson, and Nancy Zarndt.

More information will be forthcoming; meanwhile, please save the dates!

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701

Dear St. John,

In March of 2016 the governing board with the elders support approved a sabbatical policy for

pastors. The policy states that for every 10 years of service at St. John, a pastor is eligible for an

up-to-three month sabbatical. Prior to receiving a sabbatical, the pastor submits a written plan

to the elders outlining his time. During the sabbatical, the pastor is relieved of his duties, both

routine and emergency, and is encouraged to focus on rest, reflection, and renewal.

In January 2017 at Adult Bible Study, I presented my sabbatical idea which was to be a

pilgrimage of pastoral care. Next, in March 2017, I submitted a grant proposal to the Clergy

Renewal Program funded by the Lilly Foundation. Then, in August 2017, I received word that

my grant was refused; so I went back to the drawing board. After much prayer and discussion

with pastors, sabbatical team, elders, governing board, and others, I came up with a plan B.

My sabbatical will begin Memorial Day and end Labor Day 2018. I will start with

disengaging from pastoral duties through a prayer retreat at Holy Hill in Hubertus, WI. Then,

at various times my family will be in Wheaton, and traveling to the Baltic countries, Wisconsin,

and North Carolina. While in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania we will meet with Lutheran

pastors, enjoy nature, and take in the culture. Wisconsin will be for rest and reflection; I will

be reading a few books on children’s spirituality and considering how St. John tends the souls

of children. We will return in time for the school year and adjust back to our normal routines.

During the last week I’ll re-engage by spending a couple hours each day at church prepping

for regular service that will begin on September 4.

As May 28 approaches here are a few things to pray for:

1) St. John’s pastors and staff. Pastors along with their normal workload will take on

teaching early Lord’s Supper class, the extra preaching, and visits, The staff will

take on extra responsibilities to help run summer Sunday school smoothly, and

prepare for the fall schedule.

2) My family. Every pastor who is a father wants his children to grow up in the faith

with joy and thanksgiving. While this Sabbatical produces gratitude in me, I’m

most excited for my family to see how a healthy Church loves her pastors.

3) My service to Christ and His Bride: the Church. While I’m very excited about this

opportunity, I’m also a little nervous of the unknown. I hope that I take advantage

of every opportunity to grow, and at the same time to rest and reflect so that I’m

ready for the next 10 years of service.

Lastly, thank you St. John for loving me. I’m so proud of you and I love you all.

As May 28 approaches feel free to ask me any questions.

Joy,

Pastor Nelson

April 10, 2018

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701

The FAQ’s:

1) What is a sabbatical?

A sabbatical is an extended period of time set apart from the normal pressures of life

and service, that is devoted to rest and renewal.

2) What is the purpose of the sabbatical?

The sabbatical gives pastors an opportunity to step back from the constant demands

of service in order to deeply rest, recharge, reflect, refocus and renew their service.

It is designed to help pastors improve in overall health and long-term faithful service.

3) Why a sabbatical?

St. John’s leadership actively seeks ways to care for her pastors so that their service

would increase in longevity and faithfulness. According to statistics from Barna

Research, Focus on the Family, and Fuller Seminary, almost 1,500 pastors leave their

ministry positions each month due to spiritual burnout, moral failures, or issues

within the church. 80% of pastors feel discouraged in their roles. 50% of pastors say

they would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a living.

80% of seminary and Bible school graduates leave the ministry within the first five

years. 70% of pastors constantly fight depression.

Thank goodness none of those statistics describe me. I love serving St. John and

I cannot imagine doing anything else or being anywhere else. I mention those

statistics because that is what lies ahead of many pastors unless he and the

congregation seek ways to care for each other. It’s important to St. John’s leadership

and me to proactively care for pastors to ensure personal, spiritual, and emotional

health so that I can shepherd in a way Christ would have me. –Pastor Nelson

4) What does this mean for St. John?

A healthy pastor leads healthy congregations. Statistics from Louisville Institute

show that 94% of church members claim their pastor was refreshed and re-energized

by his sabbatical and 75% of congregations reported the pastor’s sabbatical tangibly

benefited the life of the church.

5) Who pays for the sabbatical?

Through the St. John budget, and donations of family, and friends, Pastor Nelson

is able to afford his sabbatical.

6) Is everything ok with Pastor Nelson?

Pastor Nelson is doing well. In fact, the sabbatical is a sign that St. John is healthy and

doing well. Like weekly Divine Service, tithing, daily prayers, being proactive about

the health of the pastor is a normal part of the Church’s life.

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www.stjohnwheaton.org • 630-668-0701

Faith Lutheran Organ Dedication and Hymn Festival

The Rogers 807 Trillium digital organ has been relocated from the balcony to Faith Lutheran

Church in Oak Lawn for continued use there during worship. In appreciation of this donation, everyone at St. John is invited to an organ dedication service and Hymn Festival.

Sunday, May 6

3:00 p.m.

Faith Lutheran Church 9701 Melvina Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL

Reception following

For information, or to watch the service online (live or later)

f visit www.facebook.com/faithoaklawn or contact Rev. Mark Birkholz 708-424-1059.

St. John Organ Debut SeriesJoin us as we celebrate the completion of the M. P. Rathke Opus 5 organ at St. John:

• Sunday, April 22: Organ debut in worship and pastoral blessing

• Sunday, April 29, 3:00 p.m.: Inaugural concert of psalm settings; Nathan LeMahieu, organist

• Summer Sunday School (dates TBA): Organ 101—an introduction to the St. John organ

• Friday, September 21, 7:00 p.m.: Dedication concert gala; Stephen Tharp, organist

• Sunday, November 11, 3:00 p.m.: St. John musicians concert featuring organ in combination with trumpet, voice, cello, flute, saxophone, and others