Receive Your 2023 Star Word this Sunday
The use of star words, also called “star gifts,” is a prayer practice connected to Epiphany and the new year that has been growing in popularity in Protestant churches for the last decade. The Magi followed a star that ultimately led them to Jesus. On this Epiphany Sunday, we, too, seek to use all the resources available to us, including creative prayer practices and intention words, to move closer to Jesus during this new year.
During worship this Sunday, you will receive your own star word, written on a yellow wooden star. This star word is a word of intention and guidance that you can reflect on each day of 2023 to notice how God is working in and around you in relation to this word. We encourage you to post your star word in a place where you will see it each day - maybe on your refrigerator, taped to your mirror, etc. Whenever you see it, consider the ways God might be moving through the meanings and definitions the word contains. Just as the Magi followed the star as it led them to the baby Jesus, you can use your star word to bring you closer to Jesus during the coming year.
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A Thank-You from Our Staff
Dear Members and Friends of St. John’s,
The St. John’s staff would like to extend our deep gratitude and appreciation for your generous contributions to this year's staff gift. Thank you also for the many greetings of love and support this Christmas season. Your encouragement and willingness to work together to make our ministries thrive is such a blessing. We couldn’t do our jobs without you!
Wishing you God’s peace and love in this new year,
Pastor Allison Bengfort, Jan Wendel, Luke Duroc-Danner, Efren & Zaira Fausto
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Happy Birthday to those born 1/6-1/12:
- Ben Rasmussen, 1/6
- Buckley Crist, 1/12
- Peter Hauser, 1/12
Happy Anniversary to those celebrating this week:
- Stephanie & Craig Gonder, 1/6/22
Additions to the Prayer List:
- Steve Morrison, son of Judy & Tom Morrison, recovering from back surgery
- Ruby Winter, hospitalized for pneumonia
We apologize for any omissions. If your birthday, anniversary, or new intention on the prayer list is not included, please contact churchoffice@stjohnswilmette.com to be added. Please also let us know of any personal or family milestones, including happy occasions or serious lifecycle events that you would like to share with the St. John's community.
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Children’s Church & Youth Choir Resume January 15th
For all parents, Children’s Church makes its return during the service on Sunday, January 15th. For further information, please contact the Youth Ministry Team (Luke & Erin Rasmussen and Jason Shutters). Rehearsals for the Youth Choir will also resume on the 15th from 11-11:30 am in the sanctuary. All children are welcome to sing; participation in the Fall is not required. The youth choir will be providing special music at select services during the Winter and Spring. For more information, please email Luke Duroc-Danner (luke@stjohnswilmette.com).
Our RIC Journey Begins: Confronting the Biblical “Clobber Passages”
This winter and spring, our congregation will be doing the internal reflection and learning necessary to become not just welcoming, but fully affirming of the LGBTQIA+ community. This is called the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) process, which our RIC Team (Chris Maglocci, Chad Johnson, Molly Bolash, and Luke Rasmussen) hopes will culminate in an affirmative vote at our June congregational meeting to become an RIC church. The first event in our RIC process will take place promptly after worship on Sunday, January 15, and will focus on passages in the Bible that are often misused to argue that homosexuality is a sin. The Rev. Kaari Reierson, Social Responsibility Associate for the ELCA, founder of the Journal of Lutheran Ethics, and contributor to the ELCA's social statement on Human Sexuality, will be our presenter as we engage with these tricky passages. Please bring your questions and curiosities!
Bible Study
Tuesday Bible Study meets on Tuesdays at 11 am in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited to join us for prayer, study, reflection, and connection.
“Have A Heart” Valentine Benefit Luncheon for Holy Family
The Women of Trinity Lutheran Church cordially invite the Women of St. John's Lutheran Church to join them for a Holy Family Benefit Luncheon on Saturday, February 11 at 11:30 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3637 Golf Road, Evanston. Please make your reservation by Sunday, February 5, by signing up in the gathering area or contacting Cindi Rachowicz by phone at 224-307-3513 or email att41623@sbcglobal.net Let's show our support with a table for eight. All proceeds will fund the annual tuition for a child at Holy Family School.
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Sunday, January 8 Epiphany Sunday
9:30 am Hybrid Worship with Children’s Message
10:30 am Coffee Hour
12:30-2:00 pm Confirmation Class at Grace Lutheran Church, Evanston
Tuesday, January 10
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Bible Study
Wednesday, January 11
7:00 pm – 8:30 pm Church Council Meeting
Thursday, January 12
12:00 - 1:00 pm Zoom-only Men’s Lunch
Sunday, January 15
9:30 am Hybrid Worship with Children’s Church
10:30 am Coffee Hour
10:45-11:45 am Confronting the Biblical "Clobber Passages"
11:00-11:30 am Youth Choir Reharsal
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Sunday Sermon Video
If you missed last week's service or want to watch it again, you can view it here.
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First Sunday after Christmas
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Preaching & Presiding Minister: The Rev. Allison Bengfort
Assisting Minister: Jason Shutters
Minister of Music: Luke Duroc-Danner
Cantor: Audrey Neace
Violin: The Rev. Allison Bengfort
Minister of the Word: Mylene Pollock
Usher: Tom Morrison
Altar Guild: Jan Wendel
Camera Operator & Zoom Host: Aidan Maglocci
Coffee Hour Hosts: The Flachsbart Family
Cover Art: A Sanctified Art
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