Our RIC Journey Begins
by Pastor Allison
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.
Up until 2009, the ELCA and its predecessor Lutheran denominations did not allow same-sex marriage or the ordination of clergy who were publicly out as LGBTQIA+. In 2009, the ELCA voted to allow each congregation to decide for themselves if they would like to be affirming of queer folks, allow same-sex marriages in their sanctuaries, and call queer pastors. Obtaining the RIC designation would indicate to others that we are fully welcoming and affirming of LGBTQIA+ folks. You can learn more about becoming RIC on the ReconcilingWorks website. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Pastor Allison or a member of the RIC Team (listed above).
Thanks to everyone who attended our first gathering this past Sunday! Unfortunately, our guest speaker was not able to join us, so we focused on the RIC process itself rather than on scripture. However, I'm happy to say that we have rescheduled our speaker for February 12. See below for info about the February 12th event, and stay tuned for more events throughout the winter and spring!
Next RIC Event:
Confronting the Biblical “Clobber Passages”
This event, which will focus on passages in the Bible that are often misused to argue that homosexuality is a sin, has been rescheduled for Sunday, February 12, from 10:45-11:45 am. 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!
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Congregation Meeting & 2023 Budget Forum
Our Congregational Meeting will be held next Sunday, January 29, during the 9:30 am service. The congregation will vote on the 2023 budget, vote on the proposed Missional Identity statements, and elect representatives to the 2023 Metro Chicago Synod Assembly. This Sunday, January 22, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the proposed budget during a Budget Forum with members of the Finance Team from 11:00 am to noon. The proposed 2023 budget, in summary and in full, can be found below.
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Happy Birthday to those born 1/20-1/26:
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
For all parents, Children’s Church continues during the service this morning. For further information, please contact the Youth Ministry Team (Luke & Erin Rasmussen and Jason Shutters). Rehearsals for the Youth Choir also continue today 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.
“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 22
9:30 am Hybrid Worship with Children’s Church
10:30 am Coffee Hour
11:00 - 11:30 am Youth Choir Rehearsal
11:00 am - 12:00 pm 2023 Church Budget Forum
12:30 - 2:00 pm Confirmation Class at St. John’s
Tuesday, January 24
11:00 am - 12:00 pm Bible Study
Thursday, January 26
12:00 - 1:00 pm Zoom-only Men’s Lunch
Sunday, January 29
9:30 am Hybrid Worship with Children’s Church & Congregation Meeting
10:30 am Coffee Hour
11:00 - 11:30 am Youth Choir Rehearsal
12:30 - 2:00 pm Confirmation Class at Grace Lutheran Church, Evanston
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Preaching & Presiding Minister: The Rev. Allison Bengfort
Assisting Minister: Chris Maglocci
Minister of Music: Luke Duroc-Danner
Cantor: Audrey Neace
Minister of the Word: Emma Radde
Ushers: Buckley Crist, Brandon Leinberger
Altar Guild: Jan Wendel
Camera Operator & Zoom Host: Jason Shutters
Coffee Hour Host: Nancy Wood
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