In This Issue
2nd Sunday Social
Congregational Meeting
Parking at Rejoice
Volunteer Opportunity
Journey Through the Bible
Feed My Starving Children
Vision Advance 2.0
Rejoice Revue
Become a Prayer Minister
Silent Auction Items Needed
Weather Cancellations
Literacy Volunteers Needed
Children's Ministry
MATRIX (Middle School)
SUMMIT (High School)
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Grace and Peace to you!  Read on to find out what's happening at Rejoice this weekend and what God is doing in and through our church community.
Scripture Text  
For Sunday, January 12th

 

Luke 9:28-36 

 

"Thin Places and Thin Faces - God Unexpectedly Shows Up"

 

This Sunday we reflect on encounters with God, where we have feelings of awe, gratitude, and deep inner peace; where we feel the giving and receiving of compassionate love.  Join us as we reflect and celebrate how you - the people of Rejoice - have shown up with love this past year!
Second Sunday Social      
This Sunday!

 This Sunday we return to two services at 9:00 & 10:30.  Be sure to join us for Second Sunday Social after each service,  where we will celebrate the many ways Rejoice has served in mission - locally, nationally & globally - this past year!

 

Congregational Meeting        
Sunday, January 26 

 

Our annual congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, January 26th from 10:00am to 10:30am (between the two services). All voting members are encouraged to attend. The annual meeting agenda will include (as applicable): 

  • Review of 2013 Financials
  • Election of new council members
  • Adoption of 2014 Budget

We will also have a budget informational meeting next Sunday, January 19th at 10:00 am where you can hear about the budget details, and have any questions answered in advance of the congregation meeting.

Parking Reminder         
Don't block sidewalk cutouts! 

 

Just a reminder when parking around the building - especially in the back - to not block the sidewalk cutouts, those areas where the curb is flat to the road allowing easy access to the sidewalk.  We have a number of members recovering from foot surgery who rely on this to safely navigate their walkers & crutches, especially entering the back of the building so they can use the elevator.  Thank you for your help keeping those areas clear!  
Important Volunteer Opportunity at Rejoice        
Blood Drive Coordinator Needed 

 

Are you looking for a significant way to serve Rejoice and our community... without a big time commitment?  We are seeking an organized & energized person to lead our Blood Drive Ministry.  Twice a year (April & October) Rejoice hosts blood drives through Heartland Blood Center.  The Blood Drive Coordinator is the point-person who will work with Heartland to organize the drive, gather drive day volunteers and help get the word out to donors!  The amount of time needed to coordinate this ministry is minimal... but the impact is maximum as our blood donors
drive helps make surgery and treatments possible in our neighborhood.

If you are interested in becoming part of this lifesaving community service, please contact the Rejoice office! 

 

Journey Through the Bible with Pastor Lou       
5 Wednesdays beginning January 29th 

 

Here is your chance to feel the vibe, the pulse and the essence of the Bible's message!  Pastor Lou will teach a class on the core messages of the Old and New Testaments for 5 Wednesday nights starting on Jan 29 from 7-8pm.  This will be a riveting and provocative overview on the history, theology and story of the documents of our faith.  If you ever wanted a brief survey of the Bible... this is your class!  Expect to learn, grow in your faith and have fun - join us!
Feed My Starving Children       
Saturday, Feb 15

 

Rejoice returns to Feed My Starving Children for an evening of serving on Saturday, February 15th from 7-9 pm.  If you weren't able to join us during Advent... or if you were and had so much fun you want to go back... then join us!  We have 70 spots available, so feel free to invite your friends and family.  Sign up in the narthex. 

Questions?  contact Amy Frazer.

 

Vision Advance 2.0      
ALL invited & encouraged to join us Jan 24-25!
 
 

 

Save the Date!        
Rejoice Revue is Feb 23rd 

 

Mark your calendars for a great evening of food, fun & feats at our annual Rejoice Revue... aka: the No Talent Talent Show!  Plan to join us on Sunday, February 23rd.  Do you have an act?  We want to see it!  Don't have an act?  Then come and cheer for your fellow Rejoicers and support our high school missionaries who will travel to the Jersey Shore this summer to take part in Hurricane Sandy relief.

 

Use Your Gifts at Rejoice         
Become a Prayer Minister 

 

Has the Lord been nudging you about becoming a Prayer Minister at Rejoice?  Prayer Ministers are available each service during Communion to pray with anyone who has a special need for themselves or others. You would serve approximately once every two months.

If you would be interested in this opportunity to be blessed by interceding in prayer on behalf of others or if you have any questions about this ministry, please contact Helen Shullaw.
Looking for Silent Auction Items          
To Raise Funds for High School Mission Trip 

 

We are also looking for items for the Rejoice Revue Silent Auction!  We have had some awesome items in the past which have included Bears and Cubs tickets, weekend getaways, spa packages... If you own your own business, it is a great opportunity to highlight your products or services!   

 

If you are able to donate to our Silent Auction, please contact Jake.  All proceeds from the Silent Auction sale will benefit our high schoolers who will travel to the Jersey Shore for Hurricane Sandy relief this June. 


Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful...  
Weather Cancellation Policy

During the winter months when weather can be a bit questionable, our ministries will be depending on the National Weather Service as the driving force for our weather cancellation policy. We will be paying particular attention to the weather statements issued in Kane County. However, if there is a storm watch in effect for Kane County at 1pm and the radar shows a massive storm barreling toward Geneva expected to hit later that afternoon, that will be a factor for cancellation as well.

Cancellations of programs and events will happen if the National Weather Service issues:

-a travel advisory/ hazardous conditions
-a winter storm warning
-severe weather warning
-weather bulletins wherein travel is not recommended

Programs will proceed as scheduled if:

- there is a wind chill advisory (if programs are held indoors)
- there is a winter storm watch
- there is a severe weather watch

Literacy Volunteers Needed   
Tutor Training begins January 20th

Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley needs volunteers to teach English to adults. A four-session tutor training workshop will be offered Mondays and Wednesdays, January 20, 22, 27, and 29 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm at the St. Charles Public Library. The workshop will teach all you need to know to tutor adults in English and, in the process, dramatically change the person's life.

To sign up for the workshop or for more information visit www.lvfv.org or call 630-584-4428.
Children's Ministry
Preschool - 5th Grade 

 


STOP Resumes 1/15 - Our Student Tutoring Outreach Program (STOP) will resume on Wednesday, January 15th.  Please note our new hours will be each Wednesday from 4:00-5:30 pm.

 

 

That was so much fun, let's do it again!  In December, the Mid-week group who attended our special trip to  hang out with the residents of Greenfield's Residential Community of Mill Creek had such a blast they asked to do it again! And the residents loved playing games and talking with our kids so much that they have invited us back on Tuesday, February 18th. This time, we are going to put on a little variety show for the residents so we need your help! We are looking for children in grades 2nd-5th to show off their talents. Depending on how many participants sign-up, each child will have approximately 3-5 minutes for their act. Ideas for acts include: magic tricks, telling jokes, singing, dancing etc. If you are interested, contact Angel Slawinski by January 21st and GET PRACTICING!

MATRIX - Middle School Ministry
6th-8th Grade

  

Matrix WinterXtreme - We depart for Timberlee next Friday!  Click here for links to download the packing list/schedule, as well as the medical release form.  PARENTS:  to avoid having to rent vans (and an increase in price) we could use a few more drivers to transport students to and from Timberlee.  If you are able to help us out, please email Jake.    

 

 Our Next Confirmation Workshop Jan 15th - here's what's due: 

  

1. 2 Sermon Notes

2. Clear Chapter 6- Salvation                             
                              
---- Interaction 1: What is Salvation?
---- Interaction 2: What Are the Components of Salvation?

3. Clear Chapter 7- The Church
 
---- Interaction 1: What is the Church?
---- Interaction 2: What Role Does the Church Play in the Life of a Christian?
 
If you have any questions or concerns about confirmation workshop, please contact Jake.

 

Update Newsletter Preference - Are you the parent of a new middle school student and would like to receive the eMatrix emailed newsletter?  Click here to update your preferences! 

SUMMIT - High School Ministry
9th-12th Grade

  

Summit resumes this Thursday, January 9th from 7-8pm - Join us for The End, part 3. The Tribulation. This is when stuff gets interesting. As we continue this series we will focus on two very important questions as it relates to the end times: What has God already done? And what will God likely do again?


Register now for Summit WINTERXTREME - We return to Timber-lee January 31- Feb 2nd, 2014!  Registration form & non-refundable deposit of $75 are due now if you are interested in going.  Registration deadline is 1/16.

theLOVEproject 2014: Jersey Shore - Registration forms will be out next week. There are only 25 spots available and will be given on a first come, first served basis.  A complete registration includes these two items: a completed form and a security deposit.  Both must be turned in to officially be registered. 

 

Update Newsletter Preference - Are you the parent of a new high school student and would like to receive the eSummit emailed newsletter?  Click here to update your preferences and choose which newsletters you would like to receive! 

For more information...

If you would like more information on any of the articles above, or if you would like pastoral care, please call the church office at 630.262.0596.

Our office hours are:
  • Tuesday -- 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • Wednesday -- 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • Thursday -- 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
  • Friday -- 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
We pray God's peace, joy and hope for you this week!
 
Rejoice Lutheran Church
0N377 North Mill Creek Drive
Geneva, Illinois 60134