5 p.m. Sanctuary ServiceGreeters Jeff and Coleen Koester

Ushers Bonnie Bloome, Kay VanFossan

Reader Reggie WagnerAltar Guild Rose LambertCommunion Assistants Ralph Chambers, Reggie WagnerMusician Sheryl MeyerPreaching/Presiding Minister Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg8 a.m. Sanctuary ServiceGreeters Ray and Barbara Boosinger

Ushers Michael Bowden, Casey Draughan,Del Smith, Dick Wieties

Reader Bonnie DraughanCommunion Assistants Linda Bryant, Michael Bloechle,

Jonathan Sammons, Bonnie DraughanAltar Guild Jolene Reddy, Diana Skube, Shirley Stoldt

Acolytes Madi Arnold, Alex RemolinaPreaching Minister Pastor Greg BusboomPresiding Minister Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg10:30 a.m. Sanctuary ServiceGreeters Robert and Marjorie Koester

Ushers Dennis Bomke, Bonnie Busby, Keith Hamann, Steve Umland, Bob Walbaum

Reader Jeff PirmannAltar Guild Marcia BurrisCommunion Assistants Marcia Burris, Carol Lange, Pam Sanders,

Reggie Wagner, Roger WilliamsAcolytes Drake Lewis, Adam Sevener

Flower Delivery Don LindsayPreaching/Presiding Minister Pastor Greg Busboom10:30 a.m. Contemporary Service - Parish Life CenterHospitality Mike Bowden, Cayleigh Lazarides, Nancy TaylorReader Hannah LeeCommunion Assistants Jay Barnard, John Lee, Christy Louveau, Dustin

Louveau, Mike PurdyPraise Team Becky Eiter, Christie Lazarides Purdy,

Carmen Remolina, Greg Weickart, Craig Williams, Carla Wilson

Keyboardist Valerie HunterInstrumentalists Gabe Cowan, Andy Lazarides, Dave Lazarides,

Matt MifflinTechnical Team Thi Bowden, Aaron Duncan,

Ron EngstromPreaching/Presiding Minister Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg

Weekly Bread Baker Alicia Huntley

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Transfiguration of Our Lord

BULLETIN INSERT Weekend ofFebruary 6 & 7, 2016

The MessengerSt. John’s Lutheran Church

2477 West Washington • Springfield, IL 62702(217) 793.3933 • www.stjohns-springfield.org

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Serving in WorshipStewardship What are your God-given strengths?“God has loaned spiritual gifts to us so that we may use them in ministry. When you use your gifts in ways that truly benefit others and that give you a sense of deep, personal fulfillment, you will have found the ministry God created and called you to do.” -- Kenneth C. HaugkAn example from the Haugk Spiritual Gifts Inventory is Servanthood: “a humble and unpretentious way of thinking, being and doing … Jesus is the incomparable model of servanthood. He told his disciples, ‘For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many,’ (Mark 10:45).”Contact Coordinator of Spiritual Gifts Ministries Kristen Schmid Schurter at 793.3933 x203 or ksschurter@stjohns-springfield.org to take a spiritual gifts inventory and find out what unique strengths God has given you.Ministry Opportunities - Creation Station Assistants needed to set out materials and/or help mail artwork; contact Kathy Lasley, klasley@stjohns-springfield.org, 793.3933 x207.Communion Assistants needed for contemporary worship service; contact Cindy Engstrom, rwhippet@aol.com.February feature: Caregiver Interfaith Volunteer Services - If you would like to help seniors and volunteer on a flexible schedule, consider CIVS. It is a network of area religious congregations that helps older adults remain independent in their homes. Volunteers give rides to medical appointments, run errands and go grocery shopping, do minor home repairs, provide limited respite care and visit over the phone. To volunteer, contact St. John’s disciple Fran Myers at 789.1961. To receive services, contact program facilitator Kay Alberts at St. John’s Hospital, 757.6621.Currently there is a high need for men in caregiving roles such as CIVS, Communion Ministers/Family Friends, and Stephen Ministers. Contact Coordinator of Spiritual

Gifts Ministries Kristen Schmid Schurter at 793.3933 x203 or ksschurter@stjohns-springfield.org for more information.

“They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem” (Luke 9:31).

The Transfiguration of Our Lord, which we celebrate this weekend, serves as a kind of hinge between the glory and light of Epiphany (the season we have been celebrating since Christmas) and the somberness and darkness of Lent (the season that begins this coming Wednesday). Today, Jesus shines in all his glory on top of the mountain, but he cannot stay there. He must come down. His journey must continue. His destination is Jerusalem and the cross that awaits him there.

The season of Lent is the 40-day journey that begins on Ash Wednesday (this coming Wednesday, February 10) and continues until Easter Sunday on March 27. It is a season of repentance and renewal, a kind of spiritual boot camp, if you will, as we daily return to the waters of our baptism and cleanse our hearts in preparation for the joy and celebra-tion of Christ’s resurrection. Historically, the season of Lent served as a time of prepara-tion and instruction for new Christians preparing to be baptized at the Easter Vigil. More recently, the season of Lent has served as a time for all Christians to renew their faith and discipleship to Christ through worship, prayer, and acts of service on behalf of those in need.

I invite each of us this year to commit ourselves anew to the disciplines of Lent. Join us for worship this coming Ash Wednesday at either 12:10 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. as we confess our sin, receive the imposition of ashes on our foreheads as a sign of our mortality and need for God’s forgiveness, and share in the meal of forgiveness in Holy Communion. Then, join us each Wednesday during Lent for worship at either 12:15 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. as we meditate on the Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross, reflecting on what the cross means for our lives of discipleship today. These quiet, reflective, meaningful ser-vices provide a much needed respite from the hectic-ness of our daily schedules. Lastly, instead of giving something up this Lent, consider upping your giving as we join together to gather $10,000 for the ELCA’s World Hunger Appeal during these “40 Days of Giving.” As Christ cares for us, so we are sent into the world to care for others, especially those who hunger.

We can’t remain in the glory of Transfiguration. We are called to come down off the mountain to take up the cross of discipleship as we follow Jesus all the way to Jerusa-lem. Commit yourselves to the journey that lies ahead. Though the journey is not an easy one, it is the only journey that leads us beyond the grave and into the promise of eternal life that Jesus gives. In Christ’s Care

Fellowship New Disciples Class - Our next New Disciples’ Class series begins Sunday, February 21, for anyone interested in learning more about becoming a disciple of Jesus here at St. John’s! Classes will be held on four consecutive Sunday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. as well as a spiritual gift retreat on Sunday, March 20 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Supper and childcare are provided! Come and learn what it means to be…in community, a Christian, a Lutheran, a disciple, and a servant! All are welcome. For more information or to sign-up, please contact Alison Storm or one of the pastors. New disciples will be received into the life of the congregation on Palm/Passion Weekend, March 19/20.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

Lenten ChallengeKick-Off Event

Sunday, February 7 9:15 a.m.

Parish Life Center • Breakfast Included

Kurt Flaherty takes fellow St. John’s disciple Gene Poehlman for weekly outings. After much “guy talk” about cars and building things, the two men are friends. Flaherty says he receives a lot as a caregiver. Poehlman says, “It makes you feel worthwhile, having someone like that come around.”

Ash Wednesday Worship12:10 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

This Wednesday, February 10In the Sanctuary

Including Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes

Eunice Avart, Dorothy Beach, Kathy Beall, Clarence Bomke, Marie Bomke, Marlene Carnduff, Jan Cazel, June Ann Deaner, Marion Dickman, Dorothy Embree, Marla Fox, Marilyn Gorsek, Nathaniel Harney, Bud Herter, Evelyn Kluckman, Keith Larson, Mark Lohnes, Betty Lunik, Connie Marzinzik, Fran Myers, Judy Nika, Paul Nika, Sheldon Nordstrom, Terry Pencek, Gene Poehlman, Debbie Renner, Liz Saner, Mary Smith, Pat Sriner, Bill Stuemke, Maude Tatman

Welcome to St. John’s Lutheran Church on this Transfiguration of Our Lord Weekend as we are gathered for worship, equipped for discipleship, and sent to care. We are glad you are here! If you do not yet have a church home in Springfield and are interested in becoming part of St. John’s, we invite you to visit with one of our pastors. In today’s second reading from 2 Corinthians, Paul contrasts the glory of Moses with the glory of Christ. The Israelites could not see Moses’ face because of the veil. In Christ, we see the unveiled glory of God and are transformed into Christ’s likeness.

Senior High “Unplugged” Bible Study will take a break until March 30. Please enjoy Wednesday Night Lenten Services with your family. See you there!Encounter is coming up on February 14! Yes, Valentine’s Day! Don’t forget to bring your collected items for the “spa” toiletry kits benefiting Contact Ministries! The guy and gal who donate/collect the most will be presented as king and queen! They will be served by a “Butler” and win the right to sit in a recliner for a MONTH of Encounter! Senior High Career Carousel- February 28 - During the Fellowship Hour (9:15-10:15 a.m.) on February 28, we are looking for adult participation for our first Senior High Career Carousel. During this event, youth will rotate through a “carousel” of adults sharing about their career, giving advantages and disadvantages about their profession, and advising through faith based principles. No rehearsing is necessary. If you are interested in participating, please contact Ashlynne Steen (971.4915) or Jennifer Read (691.8492).Save the Date: March 4, 7:00 p.m. - March 5, 7:00 a.m.Junior and Senior High FAITH and SCIENCE LOCK-IN

Christianity and World Hunger Study - Everyone is invited to join us each Sunday from 9:15-10:15 a.m. starting on February 14 in the Adult Meeting Room for the Adult Forum as we will explore hunger, hope, and God’s love in a world of both abundance and need. Pastor Greg, Pastor Ladd, and St. John’s disciple Reggie Wagner co-lead this engaging Bible study looking at key texts that help us more fully understand how God desires us to respond to the issue of World Hunger.Men’s Bible Study continues their weekly study each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. in the parlor. Led by George Lambert, this group is currently focusing on study of the New Testament book of Revelation by Luther Seminary Professor Craig Koester. Over six podcasts, Dr. Koester guides learners through the visions of Revelation and emphasizes the centrality of God and Christ who hold our future. All men are welcome and invited to attend!Women’s Bible Study continues their weekly study at 9:00 a.m. in the Adult Meeting Room (AMR). Led by Marilyn Witkop, this group is currently studying A Confident Heart by Renee Swope. Renee is co-host of Proverbs 31 Ministries Radio Show, a popular conference speaker, and a best selling author. Come join us as we experience the journey Renee has walked and as we experience the gift of God’s security, fulfillment, and confidence we all long to experience in our lives. Looking forward to having you join us! Questions? Call Marilyn Witkop at 546.8769.Stitch and Share and Knitting and Crocheting will meet Friday, February 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Parish Life Center Lobby. St. John’s Hospital’s Women and Children Center can use all the pillowcases we can make, so we will continue making those. We had a request to make hand puppets for the Sonshine Bags for church. Please bring completed pillowcases and any patterns and materials for puppets. All are welcome to come help with these projects! If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Eleana Bee, mcbee@att.net or Mary Ann DeFend, defend121@yahoo.com.All Church Hockey Game - Have you ever been to a hockey game? Now is your chance! On Saturday, February 13, we will be attending a Jr. Blues hockey game at Nelson Center. Prices at the door are $12.00/adult and $8.00/children 12 and under. In advance, $8.00/adult and $5.00/children 12 and under at Quik N EZ or the YMCA. The game will start at 7:05 p.m. Please feel welcome in joining us. If you plan to attend, contact Pastor Ladd at psonnenberg@stjohns-springfield.org.

The altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of their grandson, Clayton Bruntjen, by Harold and Darlene Bruntjen. The additional flowers are given in celebration of the baptism of Winnie Marie Jackson by her family.

Altar Flowers

Welcome

Calendar

Discipleship Adult

Discipleship Youth and Family

Remember in Prayer

GRACE FOOD

PANTRY

500CLUB

FebruaryFood Item:

Peanut Butterand Jelly

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Discipleship Children and FamilyA Challenge, a Pair of Shoes, and a Coloring Contest! - Everyone is invited to the Parish Life Center at 9:15 a.m. this Sunday, February 7. On this special day, we will enjoy breakfast, fun activities, and learn about our “40 Day Lenten Challenge”. During this time, you can leave your shoes at church and worship in your socks! We have collected over 1000 pairs of shoes so far and February 7 is our last shoe collection day. There will also be coloring sheets available for anyone who would like to take part in our Lenten coloring contest. Younger children can pick up a basic coloring page and older children and families can choose a more detailed, poster size paper. All papers will be displayed in the Parish Life Center lobby throughout Lent. For fun there will also be a coloring table set up in the PLC Lobby throughout the Lenten season! Feel free to sit down and color any time you have a few extra minutes. What’s more fun than coloring? Coloring with a friend!*All Sunday School classes will meet in the Parish Life Center February 7. Regular programming will resume next Sunday, February 14. Preschool Registration - Preschool registration for the 2016-2017 school year is in progress. School will start in September. Classes are available for children who will be 2 ½, 3, or 4 years old by August 31. Classes meet two days, three days, or five days per week in the morning (8:45-11:15 a.m.) or afternoon (12:30-3:00 p.m.). Extended care is also available before and after school. We also offer a parent and child class for toddlers (ages 18-30 months) on Friday mornings. The registration deadline is Friday, February 19. Please contact the preschool office for more information.Key Verse for February - Our key verses this month come from our “Step into My Shoes” Sprout! class. All of our Wednesday night kids can teach you these verses, complete with motions! “ ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:36-39).Hearts at Home - The Hearts at Home National Conference will be Friday and Saturday, April 22-23 at the Peoria Civic Center. Pick up a flier at the Welcome Centers for all of the information and start calling your friends! If you are interested in organizing a group from St. John’s, please contact Kathy Lasley. This is a fantastic conference for moms! Safeguarding God’s Children Training - Please mark your calendars for Sunday, February 28, Noon-1:30 p.m., in the Adult Meeting Room. St. John’s will be offering Safeguarding training for all volunteers who work with children ages birth through 18 years. Participants will be asked to sign background permissions. All materials, training, and background checks are provided at no cost. Safeguarding God’s Children training is part of St. John’s commitment to our children and families to provide a safe, loving environment for everyone to share and grow together in their faith. Please contact Kathy Lasley to sign up or if you have any questions. Thank you!

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People caring about people, if you are interested in talking

with a Stephen Minister, please contact one of the Pastors at

(217) 793.3933.

Discipleship Young AdultMonthly Fellowship Event - Come and join us on Friday, February 19 for dinner at Mario’s in Chatham at 7:00 p.m. This is a great time to enjoy some great food, conversation, and meet new people. Friends are welcome to come and be a part. If you have any questions, please contact Amanda Johnson (309) 241.4860. Hope to see you there!

Worship and Music Ash Wednesday: “Father, Forgive Them” - The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday this coming Wednesday, February 10. Ash Wednesday Worship services take place here at St. John’s at both 12:10 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Both services will include Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes. During this year’s Midweek Lenten worship services, Pastor Greg and Pastor Ladd will share in a sermon series on the Seven Last Words of Christ from the cross. Come and join us on Ash Wednesday as we meditate on Jesus’ words, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). Midweek Lenten Worship - Our Midweek Lenten Worship series continues each Wednesday in Lent - February 17-March 16 - at both 12:15 p.m. in the Parish Life Center Lobby and at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. A delicious homemade lunch is served beginning at 12:00 noon each Wednesday and a delicious homemade soup supper is served each Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. Come and enjoy great food, great fellowship, and meaningful worship as we journey together through Lent. Wednesday, February 17 - “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43) Wednesday, February 24 - “Woman, behold your son! Behold, your mother!” (John 19:26-27) Wednesday, March 2 - “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) Wednesday, March 9 - “I am thirsty” (John 19:28) Wednesday, March 16 - “It is finished” (John 19:30)Dual Piano Concert - Once again we have the pleasure of hosting the Dual Pianos of Damien Kaplan and Mark Gifford on Friday, February 12 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. A free-will offering will be gathered to support the 2016 St. John’s mission trip to Marion, Virginia. Plan to join the fun of this musically talented, comedic duo!Augustana Symphonic Band - On Monday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary we will have the pleasure of hearing the Augustana Symphonic Band from Rock Island, Illinois. These talented students are on winter tour and are making a stop here for us! The concert is free but a free-will offering will be taken to help support Augustana. Plan to come for some great music!

Saturday, February 65:00pm Worship/Communion-Sanctuary7:00pm Senior High Craft and Game NightSunday, February 7Transfiguration of Our Lord8:00am Worship/Communion-Sanctuary9:15am 40 Day Lenten Challenge Kick-Off10:30am Worship/Communion-Sanctuary10:30am Contemporary Worship/ Communion-PLC12:00pm Worship Vision Team6:00pm Parents in Christ Small GroupMonday, February 810:30am Stephen Minister Peer Support7:00pm Finance CommitteeTuesday, February 99:00am Staff Meeting9:00am Men’s Bible Study9:00am Women’s Bible Study6:00pm Group LOYAL6:30pm Stephen Ministry Peer Support6:30pm Stamp Up for Jesus Small GroupWednesday, February 10Ash Wednesday12:10pm Ash Wednesday Worship/ Communion-Sanctuary5:30pm Encounter Band Practice7:00pm Ash Wednesday Worship/ Communion-Sanctuary8:00pm Worship Band PracticeThursday, February 115:30pm Bells of Glory6:40pm Chancel Choir8:00pm Cantata RehearsalFriday, February 121:30pm Stitch and Share6:15pm Parenting the Early Years7:00pm Dual Pianos Concert

Saturday, February 13LWR Coffee Sales5:00pm Worship/Communion-Sanctuary7:05pm Springfield Jr. Blues Hockey GameSunday, February 14First Sunday in LentLWR Coffee Sales8:00am Worship/Communion-Sanctuary9:15am Sunday School/Adult Forum9:15am Cantata Rehearsal9:15am Fellowship10:30am Worship/Communion-Sanctuary10:30am Contemporary Worship/ Communion-PLC5:00pm KFC Youth Choir6:00pm Encounter

We rejoice in the baptism of Winnie Marie Jackson, daughter of Brett and Paula Jackson, at this weekend’s 10:30 sanctuary service. Winnie’s baptismal sponsors are Chuck and Keli Hitchcock and Derek and Jennifer Kowal. We pray that God’s Holy Spirit might fill Winnie with the gift of faith as she grows in her life of discipleship to Christ.

Holy Baptism

Group LOYAL - February social for Group LOYAL is scheduled for this coming Tuesday, February 9 in the Parish Life Center. This month’s gathering will be a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. Hosts for February are Roy and Mary Lou Booker (546.2422) and Lyle and Lee Wind (546.4000). Please contact either hosts if you would like to attend. New members are always welcome for an evening of good food and good company.