Looking for St. John’s?

Look around our community and

you’re likely to find us!

During the past month, St. John’s was spotted in a number of places around town, sharing Christ in word and deed by serving others!

On Friday, October 26, the Social Ministry Committee of St. John’s served its annual appreciation breakfast to the Staff and Faculty of Harvard Park Elementary School. In addition to this delicious annual tradition, St. John’s can be found at Harvard Park each week through our disciples of Jesus who serve as reading mentors to the students there.

During the weekend of November 3-4, St. John’s gathered in nearly 300 bags of groceries to be shared with the Grace Food Pantry housed at Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Springfield, restocking its shelves for the busy holiday season. A number of St. John’s disciples also serve at the pantry each week, filling and sharing boxes of food with the many individuals and families who depend on this vital ministry.

On Tuesday, November 6, the Read and Remolina families prepared and served dinner to the 40 residents of the Salvation Army Homeless Shelter. St. John’s can be

found there on the first Tuesday of every month, serving a delicious home-cooked meal to these very appreciative men and women!

On Wednesday, November 7, our midweek Sprout! Senior High and Young Adult classes traveled to Concordia Village for a game night with some of Concordia’s residents. A good time was had by all!

On Sunday, November 18, nine of our confirmation students prepared and served the noon meal at St. John’s Breadline to the hundreds of Springfield residents who depend on the Breadline each day for a hot, nutritious meal. Two more groups of confirmation students will serve at the Breadline on December 23 and 30. In addition, during the weekend of November 17-18, our congregation raised nearly $800 to support the Breadline’s ministry through our annual bread sale.

Also, on Sunday, November 18, disciples of Jesus of all ages from St. John’s enjoyed an afternoon of bowling at Strike ‘n Spare West, raising money for Fifth Street Renaissance, a new Springfield ministry providing transitional housing to veterans in need.

Each and every month, St. John’s leaves its building to serve in these and many other places around town, being the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. Look around! You might just see Jesus working through us!

St. John’s Lutheran Church

NEWSLETTERVolume 2012 • Issue 6DECEMBER

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 TEXTPaSToR’S MESSagE

TaBLE of CoNTENTSPage 2 - Pastor’s MessagePage 3 - Worship & MusicPage 4 - Children & familyPage 5 - Youth & Young adultPage 6 - adult MinistriesPage 7 - fellowshipPage 8 - Stephen MinistryPage 8 - global Missions Page 9 - Local MissionsPage 10 - StewardshipPage 11 - Calendar

Keep Watch! A year ago at this time Sara and I kept watch as we waited for little Ethan to come into our world. We heard a lot about how great it would be as new parents. We heard about all the work and great memories we would have when he was born. We heard about the sleepless nights and the days when we would realize that we were in over our heads.

To repeat what many of you told us... HE WAS WORTH THE WAIT. Little Ethan is truly a blessing and the joy of our lives. He was worth the wait. There are no words to express how happy and blessed we are to have little Ethan in our lives. Already he has taught us so much and we know he will continue to teach us a lot more.

As we Advent (wait for the coming of the Christ Child) together, we too get to slow down and think of what it means to have a God who loves us so much that he would become incarnate to be with us as a babe wrapped in swaddling cloth. Before Ethan was born, some of my greatest memories were

waiting each day to hear the words, “We need to go to the hospital.” I always had my phone with me waiting and checking for Sara’s call or text.

The same is true for us. During the season of Advent we don’t just wait for December 25th. We wait and look each day to see how Immanuel has already come to us that day to reveal to us the promise that He is with us. Christ is already there providing us the strength and guidance we need to make it through another crazy Christmas season with all the gift wrapping, Christmas parties, events, and, yes, cooking. It’s so easy to find ourselves caught up in the to-do lists of Christmas that we forget that He is already right here with us. Christ is waiting to reveal the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Old Testament: “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

At St. John’s we want to help you find time to slow down and “Keep Watch.” We will be hosting several times

this month when you can join us to slow down and wait for God, whether it is during the Annual Cookie Walk on the 1st, the Advent Celebration on the 2nd, the Cantata Services on the 8th and 9th, the Children’s Christmas Musical on the 16th at the 10:30 a.m. combined service, or the Christmas Eve worship services on the 24th. Come and keep watch with us. I promise that it will be worth the

wait!

In Christ,

Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 WoRSHIP & MUSIC

Christmas Worship ScheduleKeep watch with the shepherds this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child in our midst!

Christmas Eve, December 243:00 p.m. Children’s Service for Preschool-Aged

Children and their Families (PLC) Designed especially for the young at heart, this service presents the Christmas story in a kid-friendly, multi-sensory way. Includes Holy Communion.

4:30 p.m. Family Service of Communion and Candlelighting (Sanctuary) Featuring the music of our St. John’s children, this traditional Christmas Eve service combines word and music to tell the story of Christ’s birth, culminating in the celebration of Holy Communion and the profoundly moving service of Candlelighting.

7:30 p.m. Contemporary Service of Communion and Candlelighting (Sanctuary) Featuring the musical leadership of our St. John’s Praise Band, this service gives the traditional songs and stories of Christmas a contemporary twist, celebrating the coming of Christ among us still today. Holy Communion and the service of Candlelighting are both included.

11:00 p.m. Festival Service of Communion and Candlelighting (Sanctuary)

Featuring the music of our St. John’s Chancel Choir and Bells of Glory, this festival service pulls out all the stops to celebrate the birth of the Christ-child in both Word and Sacrament, ending with the candlelit stillness of “Silent Night.”

Christmas Day, December 2510:00 a.m. Service of Holy Communion (Sanctuary) Celebrate the dawning of Christmas day

as we greet the Christ-child with traditional Christmas hymns, hear the mysterious good news of the Word made Flesh, and gather around God’s table to be fed again with God’s wondrous grace.

Chancel Choir Cantata“Behold the Star!” will be presented on Saturday, December 8 (5 p.m.) and Sunday, December 9 (8 and 10:30 a.m.) in tshe sanctuary. The choir will be accompanied by St. John’s orchestra.

Jazz Vespers ServiceAt the 5 p.m. worship service on Saturday, December 15, the Mark McKnight Trio from Springfield will be leading a Jazz Vespers service.

“Blue Christmas” Worship Service On Friday, December 21st, a group of ELCA churches will be offering a Blue Christmas Worship Service at Atonement Lutheran Church.

“Blue Christmas,” if you don’t know, is a worship service that takes place on the longest night of the year. It is a service created for anyone who is hurting, whether it be because of the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a marriage. This service is low key and centered around music, prayers, scripture readings, short reflections, meditation, candle lighting and communion. The hope of this service is to bring hope and comfort to all those in need.

The Advent Soup & Song luncheons begin on Wednesday, November 28 and continue on December 5, 12 and 19. Doors open at 12 p.m. and homemade soup, sandwich, and dessert will be served at 12:15. A donation of $5 will help defray the cost. The following local entertainment groups will provide music: November 28 - Gus Pflugmacher Trio; December 5 - Ed Clark Trio; December 12 - Sangamon Brass Quintet (featuring Aaron Duncan, member of St. John’s); December 19 - Jane Hartman Trio. Come and relax a while during this busy holiday rush and enjoy good food and fellowship.

For more information, contact the church office or visit St. John’s website: www.stjohns-springfield.org.

&SoUP SoNgaDVENT

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 CHILDREN & faMILY

Do we have a treat for you! St. John’s children’s department will be sharing a Christmas

musical “THE CHRISTMAS CUPCAKE”. In this “sweet” program, Noelle receives the news that she and three

church friends will be appearing on the Foodie Network. They will be competing in the “Cutest Christmas Cupcake Contest”! Will Noelle get so distracted about being a star chef that she forgets the real meaning of Christmas? Join us on Sunday, Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the PLC to find out!

advent festivalCome to the Advent Festival on Sunday, Dec. 2 from noon-2 p.m. After a great lunch, you can

choose from several activities. At our table, you will make 2 ornaments-one for your family and one

to give away.

Parents Night out/Christmas Caroling Parents, would you like a break? Friday, Dec. 7 is your PARENTS NIGHT OUT! Pizza supper and activities will be provided for kids from 6-9 p.m. in the PLC lobby. There will

be games and a movie for younger kids. Older children will go caroling in our St. John’s neighborhood. We’ll hand out the ornaments

we made at the Advent Festival. Dress for the weather! Be sure to contact Kathy Lasley to sign your children up. Extra carolers are welcome! 793-3933 or klasley@stjohns-springfield.org

Tell Me about Sunday School!FaithWeaver curriculum brings your family together with a shared scripture passage and Family Connect Newsletter. What makes Sunday School really awesome? Our teachers! Meet Preschool teachers John Lee and Peter Province. John has been teaching for 9 years and it is all about the kids. His favorite poem is “Footprints”. The story of John the Baptist is the most fun to teach because it is about locusts, camel hair clothes and honey. Peter started teaching 4 years ago. He really likes sharing the story of The Good Samaritan because it can be understood on so many levels. John 3:16 is his favorite verse.

THECHRISTMaSCUPCaKE

Sunday, Dec. 16 10:30 a.m. in the PLC

4

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 YoUTH aND YoUNg aDULT

Youth Explore “Tough Stuff” at EncounterThe youth of St. John’s just recently experienced their 3rd “Encounter” event on Sunday, November 11th. Amidst the hilarious ping pong games, Jenga towers, jewelry making, delicious coffee drinks, and rockin’ music, there was a time for being serious as well. Youth and adults explored the stresses they were currently facing in their lives. Through video, song, an encouraging message delivered by Pastor Ladd, and in small groups that they chose based on their individual “tough stuff,” youth explored what it means to find God in the midst of struggle. We all came away inspired, as we shared life’s experiences together. “Encounter” will take place two more times before the new year, on November 25th and on December 9th.

Spotlight on our Youth - Morgan JustisonWhat is your favorite food? Pizza or SteakExtracurricular activities? Soccer and BasketballWhat do you do for fun? Hang out with my friends and family or play soccer and basketballWhat is your biggest dream for the future? To get a good job and live on the beach in Florida Tell about your favorite God moment. When my friend Kailey Wilmarth died, I knew God was there for me and helped me through this hard time

Junior and Senior High YouthThere are several awesome opportunities for youth in December! On Saturday, December 8th, join us at the Walmart in Parkway Pointe at 11:00 a.m. to shop for UCP gifts. Afterwards, we will walk somewhere to eat lunch in Parkway Pointe, meeting back at 1:00 p.m. at Walmart for youth pick-up. On Sunday, December 9th, we will have our next Encounter from 6:30-8:30 p.m. At this event, we will be giving away an IPOD! Winner will need to be in attendance. Lastly, we will have a Senior High Sunday School lunch and gift exchange on Sunday, December 16th from Noon-1:00 in the PLC lobby. Bring a small gift to exchange, worth no more than $10.00.

Young adultsThe young adult group enjoyed an awesome night of food and games at Coz’s Pizza in November. Young adults and their friends are encouraged and invited to attend our Christmas Party and Gift Exchange at the Wabash Dublin Pub on Monday, December 17th, starting at 7:30 p.m. Food will be provided. Bring a gift to exchange (priced at about $10.00), and we will play Christmas games and have a great time! Hope to see you there!! :)

5

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 aDULT MINISTRIES

Sprout annual Christmas PartyOn Wednesday, December 19th we will be hosting our 2nd annual Sprout Christmas Party. We will be gathering in the PLC from 6-7:30 p.m. for dinner which will be catered by Nelsons. We will also have time for our children, youth, young adults and adults to share in the Christmas festivities by sharing their gift of music and singing during our talent show. Please pick up and fill out a sign up form in the office to let us know that you are interested in partaking in this talent show. We will also be having Chris McBrien who is a Christian comedian, magician, ventriloquist and mime. To learn more about Chris and his ministry go to www.chrismcbrien.com. You won’t want to miss this!

Preschool gift WrappingNeed some help wrapping Christmas gifts for your preschoolers? Let St. John’s Adult Ministries help! We will provide paper and labels (no boxes) and wrap your gifts! Please register by November 30th if you are interested (see church or the preschool office for your registration form). Bring gifts, limit of 10 per family, in a black plastic bag to either of the upstairs entrances on the days listed below.

Drop off gifts before picking up your child:December 10thMonday, Wednesday, Friday A.M. Classes - 11:15 a.m.Monday, Wednesday, Friday P.M. Classes - 3:00 p.m.December 11thTuesday, Thursday A.M. Classes - 11:15 a.m.Tuesday, Thursday P.M. Classes - 3:00 p.m.

Pick up gifts after dropping off your child:December 12thMonday, Wednesday, Friday A.M. Classes - 8:45 a.m.Monday, Wednesday, Friday P.M. Classes - 12:30 p.m.December 13thTuesday, Thursday A.M. Classes - 8:45 a.m.Tuesday, Thursday P.M. Classes - 12:30 p.m.December 14thFor anyone who has not picked up your gifts, you will find them in the preschool office.

Cooking ClassThank you so much to all of you who came to our cooking class on Saturday, October 27th. We had about 30 people there, including six who demonstrated and/or shared some of their favorite recipes. The audience watched, and in some cases participated in, the making of such items as French silk pie, won ton wrapper appetizers, Buffalo chicken dip, Santa salsa, cake balls, spinach balls, punch and more. Then came the best part of the class, which was the TASTING of all the delicious foods and beverages that had been prepared. If you missed this event and would like some of the recipes they are available on the church web site under “Home” then “Church Events” - scroll down until you see the Cooking Class Recipes.

6

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 fELLoWSHIP

Advent FestivalDecember 2ndNoon - 2 p.m.In the PLC

• Food: Soup (Potato and Chicken Noodle), Sandwiches, Apple Slices, Cookies,

Brownies, and Potato Chips

• Crafts: Advent Calendar, Picture Frames, Coloring Pages, Ornament Making, and So Much More

• Activities: Picture with Nativity Scene (Dress Up Clothes Provided), Games/Prizes, Santa Reads “Santa and Christ Child” -Nicolas Bakewell

7

St. John’s Stephen Ministry Training Class

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012

gLoBaL MISSIoNS

STEPHEN MINISTRY

®Living out your faith from day to day can sometimes be difficult, especially when you are walking through a difficult journey in your life. Stephen Ministry, sponsored by St. John’s, has individuals trained to walk with those experiencing a difficult time: the death of a loved one, the illness of a family/friend, a divorce, the overwhelming gift of a new baby, youth experiencing the teen-age years, and other situations that can be draining emotionally, spiritually, and physically. A Stephen Minister provides a listening ear, love, encouragement, and prayer. If you or someone you know needs a listening ear, a hug, a prayer, a friend to walk through a difficult journey…a Stephen Minister can help. Please contact one of the pastors for further conversation.

fair Trade fair on Cantata Weekend! Half of the people on the planet live on less than $2 a day. On so little income, buying clothes, school supplies or medicine is out of the question. Parents live with a constant pit in their stomachs, worrying whether they can feed their children. And children must work to help support their family rather than going to school. It’s frustrating how many people struggling this way actually have the skills to create beautiful items that people would love to buy. They just don’t have the resources to market these items to people who can pay a good price for them. This is why Lutheran World Relief contracts with disadvantaged artisans, pays them a fair price and sells their beautiful creations to you. You can help the world while you buy beautiful gifts for your friends and family this Christmas! Our Fair Trade Fair will be held in the PLC on the weekend of December 8-9, both Saturday evening and Sunday morning. We accept cash, checks and credit cards (with 3% surcharge). All proceeds support the third-world artisans who create the beautiful items in our sale. Children’s Fair Trade Fair! We will have a special sale for the children of our congregation on December 2 during the Advent Festival. All items will cost $10 or less and assistants will be on hand for wrapping.

8

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 LoCaL MISSIoNS

United Cerebral Palsy Christmas giftsEach year our congregation has enthusiastically supported United Cerebral Palsy with Christmas gifts for the clients of this agency. The opportunity is provided for members to pick out one of the clients, purchase a gift(s) for that client according to their Christmas list attached and then return the gift(s) with the client’s name attached to the gift(s).

Please return the gifts to the church by Sunday, December 16th. Staff from United Cerebral Palsy will pick up the gifts on Monday for distribution to the clients before Christmas.

Thank you for your generous sharing with those in need in our community. Your gift giving will make their Christmas a joyous time.

Harvard Park MentorsThere is a real need for reading mentors at Harvard Park Elementary School. Being a reading mentor is fun and very rewarding. It takes very little time and accomplishes so much. The results are improved test scores for the students, and a good feeling for you! A brief training session is provided. If you think this is something you would be interested in, contact Norma Jean Sanders at 726-5230 or Suzie Weissberg at 753-4622.

Thank YouIn the past three months, the people of St. John’s have been working hard to reach out into our community. First with the schools supplies and uniform money for Harvard Park and other places around our community, then with the ladies of the church furnishing sweets and goodies for the Harvard Park teachers brunch. Let’s not forget the wonderful soap collection and the money that was made to help support the Storybook Project. This was a big success this year. November brought the grocery bags filled with easy to make meals and staples for the Grace food pantry. We thank not only all of you for bringing the food but also to the men who loaded it all up and transported it and the strong young people who took the food from our cars. Also in November, the support that is always given to Breadline Sunday by the purchase of bread or just the donations that are given. Your social ministry committee and all the people you have helped thank you. God is truly at work through you!

Mitten TreeDecember is upon us and it is once again time for Mitten Trees to appear in the church lobbies. We accept donations of mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and socks for the people in need around our community. If you also have good used children’s coats or boots, those are always needed too. Just place the lighter items on the trees and the heavier items in the baskets under the trees. We wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Don’t forget to sign up to bring a few dozen home-baked cookies, some sweet breads, or candy to sell at our annual cookie walk which will take place on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (unless we run out sooner)! Christmas cookies are needed most! As in the past two years, all proceeds will benefit the Committee for Children’s “Someone Special Program”. Please bring the cookies to church by Friday afternoon, November 30, and be sure to mark any containers with your name if you would like to have them back. If you have any questions, please call Rose Moser at 483-4354 or 217-622-3057.

9

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 STEWaRDSHIP

Where did they go?With our new Eagle format, the Daily Word, monthly Council Highlights, and monthly Serving in Worship schedule, are now available on-line at www. stjohns-springfield.org. Simply visit our church website, click on “Resources,” and then click on whichever item you are looking for. If you do not have Internet access, simply call the church office (793.3933) and request that a print copy of these items be mailed to you each month.

Stewardship Matters

Financial Snapshot

General Operating Building Fund October 2012 October 2012Income: $59,274.81 $14,828.00Expenses: $76,146.81 $ 5,448.18 $(16,872.00) $ 9,379.82

Year-to-Date 2012 Year-to-Date 2012Income: $716,619.80 $158,513.50Expenses: $705,237.99 $ 74,750.79 $ 11,381.81 $ 83,762.71

Monthly Principal Payments YTD: $50,180.63 Additional Principal Payments YTD: $30,079.00

Thanks for giving!Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! As we approach the end of our 142nd year of mission and ministry in the name of Christ here at St. John’s, thank you to each and every one of you for your faith-filled stewardship of Time, Talents, Treasure, and Touch. Through you and your gifts, Christ is being made known in powerful ways! Thanks also to all those who have already turned in your financial pledge for 2013. Your financial commitment to our congregation’s mission to be and make disciples of Christ is vital to our congregation’s ability to live into our four ministry priorities for 2013: 1) Growing our Children, Youth, and Family Ministries; 2) Growing our Adult Ministries; 3) Seeking a Full-Time Pastoral Intern; and, 4) Growing our Major Maintenance Reserve Fund. If you have not yet made a pledge for 2013, please consider doing so soon! You may return your completed 2013 Pledge Card in the offering plate or to the church office (2477 W Washington St, Springfield, IL 62702). We only budget for each year the amount that has been pledged in order to present a balanced budget to the congregation at the annual meeting in January. Your pledge = ministry! Your pledge = mission! Your pledge counts!!! Thanks for giving!

“Stewardship is our mission: it is a way of life marked by participation in god’s mission. Every Sunday the missional church proclaims the good news that we belong to god and explores what it means to belong to god, to be stewards and not owners” - The Rev. Dr. Mark allan Powell (Keynote Presenter at this year’s Central/Southern Illinois Synod assembly)

10

The Eagle NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2012 DECEMBER 2012 CaLENDaR

Decem

ber 2012

 Su

n Mon

 Tu

e Wed

 Th

u Fri 

Sat 

* Sund

ay W

orship Sched

ule 

  8am W

orship – Sanctuary  

10:30am W

orship – Sanctuary, 10:30

am Con

tempo

rary W

orship – PLC 

9:15

am Sun

day Scho

ol/Adu

lt Forum, 9:15am Fellowship, 9:15am Prayer W

arriors 

9:15

am Knitting Ministry 

  

 Adven

t I   

    

    

    

  1 

  

 7am You

ng Adu

lts German

 Ch

ristmas in

 Chicago

 8:30

am Coo

kie Walk 

2:30

am Canne

bury W

edding

 5p

m W

orship/Com

mun

ion 

Adven

t I  

   

Adven

t II 

    

    

    

    

 2 

3 4 

5 6 

7   

    

    

    

  8 

* Sund

ay W

orship Sched

ule 

  12

pm Sun

day Scho

ol Adven

t Festival 

6pm Paren

ting Sm

all G

roup

 at 

Hun

tley’s 

7pm Cantata Practice 

9am Paren

ts of P

rescho

olers 

4:30

pm W

orship and

 Music M

tg. 

5:30

pm Prope

rty Mtg. 

7pm Hom

e Re

pair Group

 Mtg. 

9am Staff M

eetin

g 9am W

omen

’s Bible Study

 9am M

en’s Bible Study

   12

pm Deb

orah

 Circle 

5:30

pm Steph

en M

inistry 

Training

 Class 

6pm Salvatio

n Arm

y Meal 

7pm Cantata Practice 

12pm

 Sou

p and Song

 1p

m Frien

ds in

 Christ 

‐ Con

cordia Village 

 

5:30

pm Sprou

t! M

eal 

5:30

pm Encou

nter Band 

Practice 

6:30

pm Sprou

t! Classes 

8pm W

orship Band Practice 

5:30

pm Bells of 

Glory 

6:30

pm Chancel 

Choir 

6:30

pm SEA

 Group

 

6pm 

Parent’s 

Night 

Out/Childre

n’s 

Christmas 

Caroling 

Fair Trad

e Fair & Coffee Sales 

9am Sun

day Scho

ol Christm

as 

Program Reh

earsal 

10am

 You

th UCP

 Gift Sho

pping 

at M

all 

5pm W

orship/Cantata 

 

Adven

t II   

 Adven

t III

    

    

    

    

 9 

10 

11 

12 

13 

14 

    

    

    

   15 

Fair Trad

e Fair & Coffee Sales 

8am Cantata Service – Sanctuary  

  

9am Cho

ir Potluck between services 

9:15

am Fellowship and

 Knitting 

 9:15

am Sun

day Scho

ol/Adu

lt Forum 

9:15

 Prayer W

arriors 

10:30am Com

bine

d Cantata Service 

– Sanctuary 

6:30

pm Jr./Sr. Encou

nter Christm

as 

Party 

10:30am Steph

en M

inistry Supe

rvision 

Mtg. 

12pm

 Executiv

e Co

mmittee

 4:30

pm Prescho

ol Board M

tg. 

6pm Finance M

tg. 

7pm Steph

en M

inistry Supe

rvision 

Mtg. 

9am Staff M

eetin

g 9am W

omen

’s Bible Study

 9am M

en’s Bible Study

 9am Paren

ts of 

Preschoo

lers 

12pm

 Adu

lt Ministries Gift 

Wrapp

ing 

6pm Steph

en M

inistry 

Training

 Class 

6pm Group

 Loyal 

12pm

 Sou

p and Song

 12

pm Adu

lt Ministries Gift 

Wrapp

ing 

5:30

pm Sprou

t! M

eal 

5:30

pm Encou

nter Band 

Practice 

6:30

pm Sprou

t! Classes 

8pm W

orship Band Practice 

5:30

pm Bells of 

Glory 

6pm GPA

 Ch

ristCare 

6:30

pm Chancel 

Choir 

 

 8am End

owmen

t Com

mittee

 9am Sun

day Scho

ol Christm

as 

Program Reh

earsal 

5pm W

orship/Com

mun

ion/ 

Jazz Vespe

rs 

 

Adven

t III 

 Adven

t IV

    

    

    

    

 16 

17 

18 

19 

20 

21 

    

    

    

   22 

8am W

orship Service – Sanctuary    

9:15

am Fellowship and

 Knitting 

9:15

am Sun

day Scho

ol/Adu

lt Forum 

9:15

 Prayer W

arriors 

10:30am Com

bine

d Worship with

 Ch

ildren’s Ch

ristmas Program

 – PLC 

12pm

 Sr. High Sund

ay Schoo

l 

9am Paren

ts of P

rescho

olers 

5:30

pm Children, You

th, and

  Adu

lt Team

 Mtg. 

6pm Cou

ncil Mtg. at C

oncordia Village 

6pm Prescho

ol Christm

as Program

 7:30

pm You

ng Adu

lts Christm

as Party 

at Pizza M

achine

  

9am Staff M

eetin

g 9am W

omen

’s Bible Study

 9am M

en’s Bible Study

 12

:30p

m Prescho

ol 

Christmas Program

 2p

m Social M

inistry Mtg. 

6pm Prescho

ol Christm

as 

Program 

6:30

pm Bells at the

 Mall 

No Preschoo

l 12

pm Sou

p and Song

 1p

m Frien

ds in

 Christ 

‐ Con

cordia Village 

 

5:30

pm Encou

nter Band 

Practice 

6pm Sprou

t! Christm

as 

Party 

8pm W

orship Band Practice 

5:30

pm Bells of 

Glory 

6:30

pm Chancel 

Choir 

 

6:30

pm Blue 

Christmas at 

Atone

men

t Lutheran

 

5pm W

orship/Com

mun

ion 

 

Adven

t IV  

Christmas 

Chri

    

    

    

    

 23 

Eve 

    

    

    

    24

 stmas Day  

    

 25 

26 

27 

28 

First Weekend

 of C

hristm

as 9 

No Preschoo

l * Sund

ay W

orship Sched

ule 

  6:30

pm Jr./Sr. Encou

nter Christm

as 

Worship 

3pm W

orship Service – PLC 

4:30

pm W

orship Service – Sanctuary 

7:30

pm W

orship Service – Sanctuary 

11pm

 Worship Service – Sanctuary 

10am

 Christm

as Day 

Service 

5:30

pm Encou

nter Band 

Practice 

8pm W

orship Band Practice 

5:30

pm Bells of 

Glory 

6pm GPA

 Ch

ristCare 

6:30

pm Chancel 

Choir 

 5p

m W

orship/Com

mun

ion 

 

First

New

 Year’s

  

  

  

 Sun

day of Christm

as  

    

 30 

 Eve  

    

    

    

   1

* Sund

ay W

orship Sched

ule 

   

  

  

 

 

11

NEWSLETTER

Do you have a home repair or yard work need that you could use some assistance with? The Home Repair ChristCare small group is ready and available to help you at no cost. No job is too small. Please feel free to call Jim Sanders at 726-5230, to schedule a date.

St. John’s Lutheran Church 2477 West Washington Springfield, IL 62702

Phone: 217-793-3933 Fax: 217-793-4564 www.stjohns-springfield.org

Mission StatementTo be and make disciples for Christ in response to God’s grace.

Vision StatementBy God’s grace, we serve the Father, proclaim the Son, and are alive with the Spirit.

Address Service Requested

NEXT DEaDLINE foR THE EagLE IS 12-10-2012

St. John’s Lutheran Church Staff

Lead Pastor Pastor Greg BusboomPastor of Faith Connections Pastor Ladd SonnenbergVisitation Pastor Pastor Lee UdenSeminarian Linda StraderChurch Administrator Linda ToroOffice Assistant/Receptionist Nell VanSiceGraphic Designer William MosherDirector of Children and Family Ministry Kathy LasleyDirector of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Christie Lazarides-PurdyDirector of Music/Organist/Handbell Choir Jean WelchChancel Choir Director Jill GumChancel Choir Accompanist Jean WelchChildren’s Music Co-Directors Rachel Gamble & Melissa RoselleDirector of Contemporary Worship Christie Lazarides-PurdyKeyboardist-Contemporary Worship Valerie HunterLead Custodian Ken BarnesCustodian Brian Yokem Preschool Administrative Staff Terri Harms, Anne Van Berkom,

Courtney PetersNursery Attendant Lori Spear

SCHEDULEWorshipDECEMBER Saturday - 5 p.m. Traditional Service in Sanctuary

Sunday - 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Traditional Service in Sanctuary

Sunday - 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Service in Parish Life Center

*See Page 3 for Christmas Eveand Christmas Day Worship Times