ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL

LUTHERAN CHURCH

Rev. Joseph E. McInnis, Lead PastorEric Schaefer, VicarRobert McConnell, Music Director and OrganistJanis B. Wendel, Administrative AssistantEfren Frausto, Custodian

1235 Wilmette AvenueWilmette, Illinois 60091

phone 847 251 1730fax 847 251 5336

web stjohnswilmette.come-mail

churchoffice@stjohnswilmette.co m

JANUARY, 2017

My Hope(Editor’s Note: Below, find Pastor Joe’s responses to the questions I posed as the theme for this month’s Eagle.)

QUESTIONS: What is your hope for your ministry in 2017? What do you hope to achieve with God’s guidance?

My hope for my ministry in 2017 is…

o That everyone would grow closer to Christ.

o That everyone would put Christ first in their life, instead of sports and all the other pleasures they put ahead of Him.

o That everyone would take a sincere and greater interest in our church and devote more of their time, talent and treasure to making it the beacon of light it could be if we all did.

o That everyone would be truly grateful for everything they have and recognize that everything they have is a gift from God.

o That those who haven’t yet, would make a generous gift to our building project.

With God’s guidance I hope to…

o Assist the congregation and its leaders in the development and implementation of a new comprehensive outreach strategy to coincide with the completion of the building project.

o Find ways to more fully engage the congregation and its leaders in Christ’s mission and ministry.

- continued

o Inspire the congregation and its leaders to be the church God has called them to be!

o Find ways to more fully engage the congregation and its leaders in the Christian life.

o Help the congregation and its leaders to grow spiritually through regular worship, prayer, study and service!

MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS

1. My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.No merit of my own I claim, but wholly lean on Jesus name.On Christ the solid rock I standAll other ground is sinking sand.

Happy New Year!

Pastor Joe

From Our VicarThe parties have settled down, the leftovers have been eaten, the decorations

are in the boxes (though the boxes might not be where they belong yet), the lights are still on the house because it’s too cold, and the reality sets in. It’s time to start those New Year’s resolutions. We make promises to start working out, eating better, spending more time with our children, with our parents, with our spouse, with friends and family. We promise to quit certain habits or start up new habits. We decide this will be the year to take on a big project, start or finish a scrapbook/photo album. We make these promises with good intentions. They are hopes and goals which we have. We have every intention to work on the list. But then we realize that we can’t do one task because an event came up. Time starts slipping away and after all we need some time for ourselves too. Before we know it summer is here and then it’s time to relax and take a vacation. Once our vacation time is over, then the faster pace toward fall and winter begins and before you know it, it’s time to make those New Year’s resolutions again. Different things in our lives compete for our time and we do our best to dole out the time we have.

Isn’t it refreshing to know that God doesn’t need to make New Year’s resolutions? God’s promises are always fulfilled. God made a promise to come to earth and did. Jesus came and fulfilled the promise made through the prophets. Jesus promised that he will come again and we look forward to that promise whenever that may be. Our God is a promise keeper. Take comfort in trusting that God will fulfill the promise made and know that we can trust that God will be with us every step of the way.Vicar Eric Schaefer

Musical Hopes for 2017In 2016, I was fortunate enough to direct two Bach Cantata Vespers services at St.

John’s, and my hope for 2017 is to continue and expand this ministry. Series of this sort are not uncommon throughout the country (consider for example the Bach Vespers series at Holy Trinity Lutheran on New York’s Upper West Side: http://www.holytrinitynyc.org/bach-vespers/) and for some time now, it has been a dream of mine to start a cantata series on the North Shore.

My vision is to present the cantatas of Bach in the form in which they first appeared, as part of a liturgical celebration. Bach’s music was, first and foremost, for the church and her children; an adornment to worship, a comfort to those in sorrow, a challenge to the straying, an offer of assurance for the doubting, and a crown for the rejoicing. The collection of over 200 cantatas represents the pinnacle of Lutheran music and a moving synthesis of Lutheran theology. It seems to me that a Lutheran church is their proper home.

The present is both very different and yet eerily similar to 18th century Leipzig. Two and a half centuries of cultural and technological change make Bach’s word seem very alien to us, but the concerns of people have not much changed. We still seek to know our place in the cosmos, we still have the collective sense that something has gone wrong with the world, we still fear death, and we still yearn for redemption. My aim in these Vespers series is to show the continued relevance of Bach’s works by juxtaposing them with contemporary cultural expressions, be they new music, dance, poetry, or visual art. It is through the music of Bach, expressed in a setting of worship, that I hope to unite the Church and the Arts in areas of common mission: the uncovering of truth, the full realization of our humanity, and above all, consolation.

Realizing this as yet abstract goal will require two concrete things, resources and audience, and cultivating both will be an important focus of mine for 2017. This will entail finding sponsors, both inside and outside of the church, and developing creative ways to keep costs down. It will also require vigorous networking and advertising to get the word out about this unique offering. These will not be easily achieved but there is one advantage in our favor. Chicago is full of young and talented musicians eager to explore this repertoire. Partnering with them will be a great benefit to us and to them.

2017 will be a building year for our church in ways both physical and spiritual. It is my hope that an ongoing Bach Vespers series could be an important element in the outreach strategy of the church and potent Gospel light on the North Shore. Let’s spend the next year together seeing if this is so.Keep singing,

Robert McConnellMusic Director and Organist

OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ALL VOTING MEMBERS: Congregational Meeting!

On Sunday, January 22, 2017, a meeting will be held after the 9:30 a.m. service, at which time the proposed 2017 budget for St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Wilmette will be presented for approval. No other business will be

conducted. In the event that a quorum is not achieved, the meeting will be held the following Sunday, January 29, following the 9:30 a.m. service.

Your attendance is important.

Building Project UpdateIn November, we were treated to a sneak peek at what the renovations will look like.

Peter Damsgaard of Groth Design was with our congregation on Sunday, November 13, and was available to provide information and answer questions. Several displays are still available showing the selected color schemes.

Our general contractor, Shales McNutt, continues to work with securing sub-contractor bids, which will be returned in the beginning of January. The Building Committee will meet on January 16th to review the status of the bidding process, and anticipate that all sub-contractors will be selected by mid-January.

Plans are being submitted to the Village of Wilmette this month for their review. Pending approvals and the selection of sub-contractors, the current plan is to break ground on February 13, 2017, which would lead us to a completion around mid-May. We will have more details in the coming weeks to confirm the groundbreaking date, and hope that many of you can join us in celebration!

Luke RasmussenCommunications and Outreach Committee

Sunday School

HAPPY NEW YEAR! The start of a new year is always filled with hope. A hope of exciting things to come. My hopes for the New Year are that Funday School continues to grow and the kids look forward to coming. I have a lot of hopes for Children’s Ministry.Hopes that Funday School is a base where kids build friendships that take them through Confirmation, high school and then some. Hopes that families encourage their kids to be a part of the church. For kids to get involved in church activities. We have all been brought together to bring out the best in each other. Let’s do it!Praying that your hopes for 2017 come true.Happy & Healthy New YearLaura Witt

Sunday School Superintendent

Women of St. John’sALL women in the congregation are included in the Women of St. John's

group. There are no dues, meetings or other requirements for membership. Our primary goal is fellowship.

QuiltingEscape the winter doldrums—join us for quilting!

Thursdays 1/12 & 1/26We begin at 10 a.m. and usually wrap up at 2 p.m.Come for an hour or bring a lunch & stay the day.

Book ClubJoin us in reading “I Am Malala” by Malala Yousafzai,

the youngest recipient of the Nobel Prize.Watch for our meeting date in January!

*Watch for more activities in the Sunday bulletin and email!*

Adult ForumOur schedule for DVD study has expanded due to the expansion of presentation

timeand discussion material in our latest study series.  We decided to take a break in the middle and have been looking at an Advent book by Walter Brueggemann titled "Namesfor the Messiah".  

We will not be meeting on Sunday, Jan. 1st. (although we will be attending the 9:30 am worship service and coffee hour). On Jan. 8th, we will finish "Names for the Messiah" and continue with the second half of Dallas Willard/John Ortberg's "Living in Christ's Presence".

We’re trying something new. Lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m. after our Adult Forum on Sunday, Jan. 15 for anyone who wishes to stay. Please add your name to the sign-up sheet, so that we know how many to prepare for. Our Adult Forum is held from 11:00 am until noon. While you are always welcome to join us for Adult Forum, you don't have to come to the Forum to join us for lunch. We will plan for a few extra in case you forget to sign up. Our motto for the 15th will be: "Growing in Spirit, mind and body". Choose your portion.

Peter KnobelAdult Forum

A Living SacrificeThe beginning of this New Year finds us a nation divided. The people have

spoken. A vote for Trump is a vote for change. The question is, what sort of change is wanted or needed? What sort of change shall we seek? Pray for? Strive for?

Romans 12:1-2 has a word for us:“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.”The change we seek is a spiritual one, the spiritual transformation, not just of

a highly dysfunctional political system, but of a nation longing for something better. And for this, I suggest the Prayer of St. Francis as the path to the transformation we seek. However, to walk it, we are going to need God’s help.

The change begins with us and not the other guy, and it begins with us putting the other guy first instead of ourselves. Or as the writer of Romans puts it, it begins with us “presenting our body as a living sacrifice” and the renewing of our minds.

To be a transformative power in this world, the church must first allow itself to be transformed. We must first offer ourselves up to the transforming power of God’s love and allow it to transform us in the image of God our Father and Christ our brother. Therefore, it will not be enough for us to just pray the prayer of St. Francis, we must also seek to live it, to embody it in all we say and do.

Pray the words of the prayer every day. Pray them over and over again. Meditate on each phrase and ponder what it is that you are asking God to help you do. And then go out and try to do it to the best of your ability.

Ask yourself, what would my life look like if I were able to live it out? How would it be different? How would it be transformed? How would I be different? How would I be transformed? Then ask yourself, how would my transformation help transform the lives of those around me?

The Prayer of St. FrancisLord, make me a channel of your peace,That where there is hatred, I may bring love,That where there is wrong, I may bring the spirit of forgiveness,That where there is discord, I may bring harmony,That where there is error, I may bring truth,That where there is doubt, I may bring faith,That where there is despair, I may bring hope,That where there is darkness, I may bring light,That where there is sadness, I may bring joy.

- continued

Lord, grant that I might seek Rather to comfort, than to be comforted,To understand, than to be understood,To love, than to be loved.For it is by self-forgetting, that one finds,By forgiving, that one is forgiven,And by dying, that one awakens to eternal life. Amen.

May the blessing of peace follow you all the days of your life!Pastor Joe

Treasurer’s AlcoveThe time is upon us to implement a new operating budget for 2017. The budget preparation process first begins with a meeting of a task force consisting of myself, Alan Swanson, Vicar Eric, Millie Braun and Pastor Joe. Prior to our first meeting, program leaders have been asked to estimate what they plan to spend in the next year in their ministry. A preliminary

budget was presented to the task force, categories were review and revised. Then this proposed budget is presented to the Council for review on January 10. When the Council approves the proposed budget, it will be mailed out to the congregation. The Sunday prior to the congregation meeting, there will be a budget review open forum for any members of the congregation to ask questions or make suggestions. At this writing, the open forum will be on January 15 and our Congregation Meeting will be on January 22. Your involvement in this process is welcomed and encouraged.Cindi Rachowicz, Treasurer

Council HighlightsHere are highlights from the December 13, 2016 Council meeting:

o As of the December Council meeting, there have been 36 estimate of giving cards returned for $155,000. There is an overall increase of 0.5% in pledges for 2017.

o Over 60 stewardship coupons have been returned from the congregation. A bulletin board will be installed to post requests for help during the year.

o Parking rentals are anticipated to be a big revenue stream for 2017.o The current 2017 budget has a projected deficit of $46,230. With the apartment, this

would be a deficit of $19,530.o Presentation of the budget to the congregation will be as follows: The budget forum

will be held on January 15. The congregation meeting and vote on the budget will take place on January 22. The back-up date for the meeting will be January 29.

o The large Sunday School room will be given a facelift with fresh paint and lighting.o Building Project Update – The schedule proposes that work will begin on February 13,

2017, with completion mid-May. As of the end of November, we have received $573,000.

o As of the end of November, we have approximately $251,000 in revenue (100% of budget). Fundraisers totaled $25,600, although our budgeted amount was above

that. With in-kind giving, our benevolences total is closer to $32,000. Expenses are at 96% of budget or $283,170. We currently have a $32,174 deficit - $7,245 deficit with apartment.

The Women of Trinity Lutheran Church

Cordially InviteThe Women of

St. John's Lutheran Churchto join them for the

Have A Heart for Holy Family Valentine Benefit Luncheon

Saturday, February 11 11:30 am

Trinity Lutheran Church3637 Golf, Evanston

Join us for this festive luncheon to support Holy Family School.Special music provided by our own Alison Wahl.

Please RSVP on the sign up sheet by February 5th or call Cindi 847-491-6265

All proceeds will go towards raising $5,000 to fund the annual tuition for one child at

Holy Family School

THANK YOU FROM HOLY FAMILY

Santa was busy sorting and packing all those wonderful presents you provided for the children of Holy Family. Their Christmas party was December 22th and the kids were thrilled with your gifts. A big Thank You from the second and third graders at Holy Family School.

Birthdays & AnniversariesGod’s blessings to the following members who are celebrating special days during the month of January:

Happy Birthday to:

Jose Cano (1/1) Karen Clarke (1/12) Joshua Schaefer (1/21)Frank Scholz (1/1) Buck Crist (1/12) Jeff Knobel (1/23)Brad Bergman (1/2) Peter Hauser (1/12) Lee Schwerin (1/23)Vicar Eric Schaefer (1/5) Jeongok Kang (1/15) Jane McInnis (1/28)Benjamin Rasmussen (1/6) Susanna Kvam (1/17)Cleland Noe (1/28)Pam Schwerin (1/7) Alan Beutelspacher (1/20) Paul G. Hoffmann (1/29)Ken Johnson (1/10) Bob Oakes (1/21) Kyle Swanson (1/30)

Happy Anniversary to:

Pastor Joe & Jane McInnis (1/31)

Thank You!!

Dear St. John’s Family,We wish to thank you very much for your many expressions of love, kindness and generosity toward us this Christmas season. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated. It is a joy to be serving our Lord in ministry with all of you.May God richly bless you in the new year!Your Church Staff,Rev. Joseph McInnis, Lead Pastor, Vicar Eric Schaefer,Robert McConnell, Music Director & Organist, Jan Wendel, Administrative Assistant,Sue Stanfa, Nursery Attendant, Efren Frausto, Custodian.

WHO’S SERVING IN JANUARY, 2017

JANUARY 1, 2017 – 9:30 A.M.Assisting Minister: Jan Wendel

Communion Minister: Bill Kaspar, Susan CristMinister of the Word: Buck Crist

Ushers: Peter Knobel, Chad JohnsonGreeters: Nancy & Larry WoodCarillon: Jan Wendel

JANUARY 8, 2017 – 9:30 A.M.Assisting Minister: Vicar Eric Schaefer

Communion Minister: Ken Kastman, Mylene PollockMinister of the Word: Alla Rusz

Ushers: Luke Rasmussen, Tim WittGreeters: Ralph & Janet KiernickiCarillon: Susan Crist

JANUARY 15, 2017 – 9:30 A.M.Assisting Minister: Dave Brunn

Communion Minister: Ken Kastman, Mylene PollockMinister of the Word: Millie Braun

Ushers: Luke Rasmussen, Tim WittGreeters: Bob & Margye SmithCarillon: Tina Ziegler

JANUARY 22, 2017 – 9.30 A.M.Assisting Minister: Dave Brunn

Communion Minister: Alan Swanson, Jan WendelMinisters of the Word: Jim Dossa

Ushers: Tom Morrison, Paul KnobelGreeters: Tina Ziegler, Cathie KnobelCarillon: Rachel Cordts

JANUARY 29, 2017 – 9:30 A.M.Assisting Minister: Alan Swanson

Communion Minister: Chad Johnson, Jan WendelMinisters of the Word: Christian Hiebl

Ushers: Tom Morrison, Paul KnobelGreeters: The Hiebl Family Carillon: Tina Ziegler

ALTAR GUILDSusan Crist