St John's Lutheran Church, La Grange IL 60525 (LCMS)

St. John's Lutheran Church and School
47th Street and Brainard Avenue, La Grange, Illinois 60525

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Music At St. John's

If you like to sing … David Christian, Minister of Music
Sandi Geis, Assistant in Music Ministry


We are Easter People … and “Alleluia!” Is Our Song —On Easter Sunday the “Alleluia”, returns to the song of the church. During Lent, that great celebratory word was absent from our communal prayer and praise in order to honor the memory of our Lord’s suffering and death. But today it returns to our holy conversation with each other and with the world. For the next 50 days of Easter, “alleluia” is part of our greeting to each other as we gather for worship.

What we hope and pray for beyond the walls of this building, though, is that our “alleluias” would spill out into our daily lives – that what we sing and say in church would shape our conversation in all the places to which the Spirit of the risen Christ sends us. A popular quote from the ancient church father, St. Augustine is: “A Christian should be an Alleluia from head to foot.” That is, we should reflect a living and active life of praise that is contagious among those with whom we interact.

Tuning our Song— In worship during these 50 days we will sing and speak together strong and repetitive “alleluias,” we will joyfully feast at the table of our Lord and we will extend that “feast of victory” into our community. We will celebrate and remember our baptisms, and this year we do that with our junior confirmands on the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 5, when they, in our presence, reaffirm their baptismal covenants. That rite of confirmation sends them, and all of us, into the world to be about our baptismal mission. On Mother’s Day, May 12, children from our school lead the song of the church with solos learned for the annual Fine Arts Festival. Their songs join the variety of musical expressions that we sing.

Rehearsing our Song— Our Easter song is not just for Sunday; it is rehearsal for our prayers and conversation throughout the week. Leading that song falls to the people who serve in our choirs and instrumentalist ensembles week after week. If God’s Spirit is leading to join us in the music ministry of this parish, here are some ways:

Senior Choir – rehearses Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:00p
Praise Singers – rehearses Tuesdays, 7:30 – 8:30p
Sunday School Singers – rehearses during Sunday School and sings several times a year.
Festival Handbells – gathers and rehearses several weeks prior to Christmas and Easter
Instrumental Groups – gathers for church festivals and other times as needed.
Family Theater – rehearses throughout the summer with performances in late August.

Sharing our Song—Our “alleluia” song can be articulated in many ways. It can be spoken in our conversations with others and it can be expressed through visual art, dance, drama and other fine arts. One way we can share our song is through our Fine Arts Camp for children ages 5—14, which will be held this year the week of June 24-28, from 9:00am-12:30pm.

 

 


 

Under the theme “The World is God’s Tapestry,” this creative camp encourages and challenges children’s artistic expression through music, drama, movement and visual arts. But most importantly, kids will grow closer to Jesus and learn that they are valuable members of a Christian community who, by sharing gifts and ideas, can have a big impact in the Kingdom of God. Thus...the “alleluias” continue beyond this generation. To register for this creative camp please click here!

 


"God & music have always been a part of my life and has always gone hand in hand. God has always guided me through my music. When I was growing up, neighbors were very religious. They wanted to start a band. Not a secular band, a religious one. Ever door God has opened to me has always had music behind it and this has shaped my faith.

Becoming involved in playing drums at St. John’s has made me realize that my faith and trust in God has grown. I know that God will take me where He wants me to be. We were looking, we were lost and God opened St. John’s door.

I now feel a sense of peace and God’s presence when I play. He has given me this gift and wants me to use it for Him. He gave me the door and asked me to take the challenge: Will you walk thru the door? God has built my confidence and He is pushing me to stay grounded and focused on what He wants me to do and where He wants me to be." Mike (Drums)
 

"From the very first time that I visited St. John’s, I knew that I had finally found the church that I had been searching for. I was immediately struck by the musical abilities of the entire congregation and the way that the music was woven throughout the service. I have been a cantor for nearly 40 years and have never felt so welcomed by a congregation. I was so blessed to be a latecomer involved in the “Joseph” Family Theater Production where again I was so amazed with the talent within St. John’s.

When I joined the Music Ministry, I was warmly welcomed by all. The effect on my life is simply a deep feeling of peace, fellowship, and appreciation. The effect outside of St. John’s is demonstrated by sharing my experience with family and friends. God has blessed me with a pleasant voice and I want to assist the Music Ministry and Church in any way that I can.

It is very profound to me that having been musical since a very early age, it has come full circle in my life. While you never really know what lies ahead, you always know that everything in your life happens in “Gods time”. I have been so blessed to have met my wife through music. This blessing continues to give, in that I now also have her amazing family, her amazing church, and her amazing friends in my life. Through it all, along with God, there is a musical thread. I am sincerely grateful for all these blessings." John (Choir)


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Jesus!


Weekly Worship

Sunday Worship
8:00 & 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Education Hour
9:25-10:25 a.m.

Monday Night Worship
7:00 p.m.


Experience the
Support of the Church


 

Prayer is the center of everything. People need prayer. Through prayer we can now boldly say “send me God.” A strong bond is created and we connect through personal experiences and through these connections we get to pray for others. We see God is raising others to prayer and to grow in this ministry. We are growing in like mind, body and soul as a church family. ~Louis & Rosa – Prayer Ministry


When I am in the word daily, I feel God’s presence. I have an easier time resisting temptation and discerning His will. Reading daily doesn’t have to be doggedly endured. There are fresh new ways to do it. I can be on autopilot and it allows God to be in charge. With Him in charge, it gives Him the glory. Our genuine act of worship is giving God all the glory. It’s not from within me, it’s from God. ~Pete – Adult Studies/Bible in a Year


 

Sunday youth studies have helped me grow in my faith. Mr. Zagone listens to us, respects where we are coming from and values us as part of the church. I go to youth group because I always wanted a teen example in my life growing up and I found one in Danielle. Youth group lets us create strong bonds and friendships. God is leading me to do this for others. I can be a role model to the younger kids at St. John’s and show them that you can hang out with lots of different people, be goofy, have fun and still be a good Christian and praise God. ~Katie – Youth Ministry


Being involved in choir has been great. I get to know people and create friendships with a common bond over the love of music. Sure beats sitting in a pew on Sundays and not getting involved. The songs we’re learning really stick with you and I find myself walking around singing while I am tutoring. This has opened doors for sharing my faith when they ask me what I am singing about. It’s so easy to reach people through singing. Everyone loves music! ~Kirsten – Music Ministry


I started small groups because I was invited. That simple gesture has led to making connections and starting other new small groups. I am open to meeting new people and seeing the resources God has given us with people and we get to see how He works in our lives. People can be threatened by church. Small groups are safe and caring. God called groups of people at a time. I am using small groups to share, pray and care for others. We come together and our belief becomes stronger. ~Roger – Small Groups


I was searching for a church. We brought my son Cam to St. John’s to look at the school. I was so impressed with the school that we started attending church also. After two services I told my mom, “This is where I want to be!” Everyone was so welcoming and St. John’s school has such a friendly atmosphere. You can truly see the love and care between teachers, students, parents and volunteers. I felt welcomed and appreciated almost immediately. ~Amy – School Ministry
 


Live As Disciples!


Download St. John's 2013
Easter Mission Edition

Download St. John's 2013
Annual Report

Download St. John's 2012 Christmas Mission

 

 

 

 

Meet! Experience! Live!   
Meet Jesus... Experience the Support of a Church... Live as His Disciples