Congregational Announcements for November, 2021
Poinsettia Sign-up: A sign-up sheet is on the resource table for anyone who would like to donate a red poinsettia for the Christmas Season. They will be purchased from “Flowers by Shayna” in Walker, Iowa. They are 6 1/2 inch red poinsettias that cost $13.91, per plant, tax included. Payment is to be given to Marilyn Nielsen (checks can be made out to her). Deadline to sign up is November 28th.
Daylight Saving Time ends, November 7, 2021. Set clocks back one hour Saturday Night!
Thanksgiving Divine Service will be held November 24th at 7:00 p.m. Bring a pie to share for fellowship after the service.
Wednesday Advent Services will begin December 1st at 12:00 (noon) and 7:00 p.m. A congregational dinner will be provided starting at 6:00 p.m.
Christmas Crib will be accepting donations during November for Bridgehaven Crisis Pregnancy Center. Donations should be appropriate for newborn infants up to 18 years of age.
Wednesday Morning Bible Class continues Wednesday mornings at 9:00 with the LifeLight study of Ephesians/1 & 2 Thessalonians. Study guides are available on the resource table in the narthex. Matins will start at 8:30 a.m. with devotions beginning at 8:45 a.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend! The last Wednesday for this study will be November 17th. A new LifeLight study will begin January 5, 2022.
Bulletins & Newsletters: If you have anything you would like printed in the weekly bulletins or monthly newsletters, please contact Pam Swales by the Wednesday before the Sunday Service.
November Plate Offering is designated for Lutheran World Relief/World Hunger.
Altar Guild serving for November is Marilyn Nielsen.
November Elders are Darrell Beaver and Jeff Hansohn.
Elders’ Meeting, Monday, November 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Advent and Christmas at St. John Lutheran Church
The church year begins with Advent, the preparatory season before Christmas. It starts with the Sunday nearest St. Andrew’s Day, November 30, or the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year the first Sunday in Advent is November 28th. The propers of this penitential season refer to our Lord’s three “advents.” 1. His advent in “the fullness of time.” 2. His advent in His Word and Sacraments. 3. His advent at the end of time.
During this season, we are preparing for the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord (December 25th) where we celebrate the present reality that our God became a man to atone for our sins and to be raised from the dead for our justification. Congregations of the Lutheran Church have usually held extra worship services during the week with the hope that Christians will attend to assist their own preparation for the joys of Christmas.
Therefore, you are encouraged to make use of Advent customs that aid you in your devotion and, specifically, to make an increased use of the Means of Grace. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Matins will continue to be prayed every Monday through Thursday at 8:30 a.m. and a brief prayer service will be held at noon on Wednesdays during Advent. Vespers will also be prayed at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays during Advent. Solemn Vespers will be prayed Wednesday, December 22nd at 7:00 p.m. This year will also see the return of our midweek dinners prior to Vespers in the church basement, starting at 6:00 p.m.
St. John Lutheran Church Advent Service Schedule
Monday through Thursday (every week)
Matins, 8:30 a.m.
Sunday, November 28, The First Sunday in Advent – Ad Te Levavi
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 1
Midweek Prayer Service, 12:00 p.m.
Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.
Vespers, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 5, The Second Sunday in Advent – Populus Zion
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 8
Midweek Prayer Service, 12:00 p.m.
Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.
Vespers, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 12, The Third Sunday in Advent - Gaudete
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 15
Midweek Prayer Service, 12:00 p.m.
Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.
Vespers, 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 19, The Fourth Sunday in Advent - Rorate caeli
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 22
Midweek Prayer Service, 12:00 p.m.
Congregational Dinner, 6:00 p.m.
Solemn Vespers, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 24, The Eve of the Nativity of our Lord
Divine Service, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 25, The Nativity of our Lord
Divine Service, 9:00 a.m.
