St. John's Orange

St. John's happenings for the week of January 18-24, 2021... Please check out http://www.stjohnsorange.org and http://www.sjls.org for more information. May God bless your week!

Sunday School is going LIVE every Sunday at 10:00am! Check out our website to request the Zoom link. St John’s Kids’ Sunday School curriculum works alongside our discipleship pathway, Connect to God, Grow Together, and Share Christ, as we deliver the Restorative Hope of Jesus in a way that is made relevant to each child's age and stage of life. See you there!

KIDS MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY ONLINE via Zoom Kindergarten through 5th Grade Wednesday Evenings at 6:30pm: Jan. 13th - Feb. 10th Big Heroes Serve a Big God... Courage, commitment, loyalty, and honor. These are some of the virtues that the heroes of old possessed. By following their example, and putting our trust in God, we can live heroic lives ourselves. Church on Wednesday aka COW is now on ZOOM! We want your kids to join us for this COW event every week during our Mid-week Study of Bible Heroes. How do you get in on the fun? Simply log into our 5 week zoom every Wednesday for a chance to win prizes! Want even more ways to win? Bring a friend (share the zoom link), have your bible handy each week, Eat at Chick- fil-A and tag us in your post @stjohnskidsorange and every yummy meal will get you closer to weekly prizes!

TURN THE PAGE SERMON SERIES // SUNDAYS thru FEB. 14 In this new year, let’s focus on how God is continually providing opportunities for us to move on to new involvements and activities-- opportunities to make a fresh start, to Turn the Page. It’s not about a one-time commitment or making a resolution. God is giving us an invitation to the abundant life a journey in which, even in the struggle, we trust God to provide new pathways, helping us to confidently move forwar...d in our life with Him. Don’t look back, Turn the Page to the future God has in store for you! Sunday, January 17, 2021 CHURCH ONLINE @ 8:00am from the Sanctuary w/ Pastor Tim Klinkenberg CHURCH IN-PERSON*** @ 9:00am under the Tent w/ Pastor Tim Klinkenberg CHURCH ONLINE @ 10:30am from Walker Hall w/ Pastor Michael Hayes Isaiah 43:19 - God Calls Us // 1 Samuel 3:1-10, John 1:43-51 *** In-Person service requires an RSVP here: http://www.stjohnsorange.org/rsvp And more>>> GIVING: https://www.stjohnsorange.org/give CONNECTION CARD: https://www.stjohnsorange.org/connectioncard BULLETIN : https://www.stjohnsorange.org/bulletin SUNDAY SCHOOL at Home: https://www.stjohnsorange.org/SundaySchool SERMONS ONLINE: https://www.stjohnsorange.org/media Isaiah 43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. https://www.youtube.com/c/stjohnsorange

Each Friday, St. John’s students come together in the Word of God to focus on strengthening their faith. This week’s Faith Focus Friday focuses on creation. How awesome to have a powerful and miraculous God who loves us! Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.... And God said, Let there be light, and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light day, and the darkness he called night. And there was evening, and there was morningthe first day.

Book your tour NOW for limited openings in our fully face-to-face OPEN K-8 school! Private tours for the 2021-2022 school year are available by contacting Jodi Holte at 714-288-4495 or [email protected]. Join the Mustang family and be St. John's Strong! http://www.sjls.org | http://www.sjlslearning.com

Hey Mustangs, Denim 4 Dollars is tomorrow! The January D4D is supporting Operation Gratitude. Students pay $1 and may wear appropriate denim (see dress code guidelines) with their uniform shirt or Faith Over Fear theme shirt!

A special video message from Pastor Tim "...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." --ROMANS 8:37-39

Hey St. John's KIDS - We are celebrating the New Year together... just a little late! Pop on your PJ’s and get your pizza ready cause it’s gonna let loud and yummy on this Zoom! Join us Friday, January 8th for games and more as we kick this new year off to a fantastic start! (Siblings are always welcome to share the zoom times) Kinder - 2nd Grade Zoom is at 5:30pm 3rd - 5th Grade Zoom is at 7:00pm $5 Kits will be ready to be picked up on Wednesday, January 6th so be sure to sign up!

Arise, shine, for your light has come Isaiah 60:1 May the bright light of Christ guide your heart in 2021. Like the Magi, let’s follow his light, worship him anew, and bring him our gifts so the whole world will see! Blessed Epiphany! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Drummers Drumming The final gift is tied directly to the Christian Church. The drummers are the 12 points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He ...descended into hell. On the third day, he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen! As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

JANUARY 2021 CHURCH-WIDE STUDY Sunday, January 10, 2021 - Sunday, February 14, 2021 LIVE LIFE KINGDOM-SIZED Join us for LIVE LIFE KINGDOM-SIZED with Nilav Kolay which helps us understand what is means to live as a citizen in the Kingdom of God while we’re still here on earth. Please be encouraged to Join a group... to start a group.. or continue with your current Life Group. And, as we did in the FALL, we’ll offer a Large Zoom Group on Wednesday Nights- hosted by Past...or Mike for this January, Church-wide study! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/lifegroups

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Eleven Pipers Piping This is almost a trick question, as most think of the disciples in terms of the dozen. But when Judas betrayed Jesus and committed suicide, there were only eleven men who carried out the gospel message. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to ...Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

St. John's happenings for the week of January 4-10, 2021... Please check out http://www.stjohnsorange.org and http://www.sjls.org for more information! May God bless your week and let's get this year going St. John's STRONG!

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Ten Lords a-leaping This is probably the easiest gift to understand. As lords were judges and in charge of the law, this code for the Ten Commandments was fairly straightforward to Christians. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive s...eason. For Christians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Nine Ladies Dancing These nine dancers were really the gifts known as the fruit of the Spirit. The fruits are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred an...d festive season. For Christians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

On the Eighth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Eight Maids a-Milking As Christ came to save even the lowest of the low, this gift represents the ones who would receive his word and accept his grace. Being a milkmaid was about the worst job one could have in England during this period; this code conveyed that Jesus cared as much about servants as he did those of royal blood. The eight who were blessed included the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who ...hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

On the Seventh Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Seven Swans a-Swimming It would take someone quite familiar with the Bible to identify this gift. Hidden in the code are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: prophecy, ministry, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and compassion. As swans are one of the most beautiful and graceful creatures on earth, they would seem to be a perfect symbol for the spiritual gifts. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), w...e’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

We celebrate this New Year’s Day to praise God for the past year, to thank God for the wonderful gifts he has given us, and to remember his wonderful deeds. But what if our year has not been good? What if, when we think back on the year, all we can remember is pain and heartache? What if we lost someone we dearly loved? What if we drifted away from a loving friend? What if we lost our job and are struggling to make ends meet? What if we’ve fallen into sinful behavior and... find it difficult to break free? What if we feel abandoned by God? TRUST We all know that New Year's Eve is a time that people make a resolution to live differently in the new year. As believers, the new year is a great time for us to evaluate and be honest about the gap that we may have between where we are in our walk with Jesus and where God would like us to be in that journey. Trust in the Lord and His Word. James 1:12 niv Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 niv Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Join us in starting your year with this prayer: Lord Jesus, you are our guide, the joy of our heart, and author of our hope. We give you thanks for all we have, all that we have come through, and all that is yet to come. We ask that this year would be filled with your mercy, your compassion, your truth. Bless us that we may grow in faith, hope and love as we follow your Son Jesus and enliven our faith to reach out to those in need. http://www.stjohnsorange.org | www.sjls.org

Special Message ONLINE TODAY! Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom // Premiers at 4pm on DEC. 31 Join us online for a time of prayer and encouragement in Gods word as we close out the year.

St. John’s Strong... a mantra for 2020 and an inspiration for 2021. Don’t forget to end the year St. John’s Strong and make your year-end donation today. Visit http://www.stjohnsorange.org/annualfund to make an impact on the St. John's Community.

On the Sixth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Six Geese a-Laying These lyrics can be traced back to the first story found in the Bible. Each egg is a day in creation, a time when the world was hatched or formed by God. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christ...ians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

Our New Year’s wish for you: May all your 2021 trials and troubles last as long as the New Year Resolutions you’ll never keep. Keep your 2020 resolution to live generously by making your Year End Gift today. Just one more day to make any tax-deductible donations to St. John’s Orange. Visit http://www.stjohnsorange.org/annualfund and make an impact today!

On the Fifth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Five Gold Rings The gift of the rings represents the first five books of the Old Testament, known as the Torah or the Pentateuch. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christians who lived during this extremely difficul...t age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

The St. John’s community doesn’t quit. We rise up with the love of Jesus. At the end of this season, we will stand firm, stand strong and stand together. We are beacons of hope. Over 130 years of tradition and longevity have shown us that nothing can stop a God loving people on a mission of hope, pressing on in the face of adversity. We look forward in hope with a grateful and generous spirit. Make a year-end gift to St. John’s today. And leave an imprint of generosit...y on the souls of others. Visit http://www.stjohnsorange.org/annualfund and make an impact today!

Special Message ONLINE Pastor Trevor Van Blarcom // Premiers at 4pm on DEC. 31 Join us online for a time of prayer and encouragement in Gods word as we close out the year.... https://www.stjohnsorange.org//682014-2020-12-31-new-year/

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Four Calling Birds One of the easiest facets of the song’s code to figure out, these fowl are the four Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christians who lived during this ext...remely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

Hope you are enjoying that post-Christmas glow you know, the one you get when you change out of your Work From Home PJs into the fancy new ones you got for Christmas. Give to celebrate a new year, the chance to make a new difference, and the opportunity to wear new PJs! Visit http://www.stjohnsorange.org/annualfund and make an impact today!

On the Third Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Three French Hens These birds represent faith, hope, and love. This gift hearkens back to 1 Corinthians 13, the love chapter written by the Apostle Paul. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christians who lived during... this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

Because of your encouragement of one another, we are a family of dreamers and discoverers, of helpers and heroes. We courageously strive to pay it forward to the next generation of believers. There’s more than one place your gift will make a difference: the General Fund (Church Needs), the Annual Fund (School Needs), or the Endowment Fund (Tuition Assistance). ... Visit http://www.stjohnsorange.org/annualfund and make an impact on the St. John's Community!

On the Second Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: Two Turtledoves These twin birds represent the Old and New Testaments. In this gift, the singer finds the complete story of Judeo-Christian faith and God’s plan for the world. The doves are the biblical roadmap that is available to everyone. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the twelve days fr...om Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

Sunday, December 27, 2020, 9:30 AM - Just One CHURCH ONLINE Service. We will worship together at 9:30am ONLINE from the Sanctuary on Sunday, December 27. (No other worship services will be held on the Sunday after Christmas -- Sunday DEC. 27, 2020) http://www.stjohnsorange.org

On the First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree The partridge in a pear tree represents Jesus, the Son of God, whose birthday we celebrate on the first day of Christmas. Christ is symbolically presented as a mother partridge, the only bird that will die to protect its young. As we celebrate the birth of our Lord (HBD Jesus!), we’re taking a look at the significance of the 12 days of Christmas. In 567, the Council of Tours "proclaimed the tw...elve days from Christmas to Epiphany as a sacred and festive season. For Christians who lived during this extremely difficult age, the 12 days were a time of rededication and renewal. So, let’s go for it rededicate and renew our lives in Christ Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org | http://www.sjls.org

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7 May the birth of... our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the wonderful promise of Christmas fill your days with the light of hope. Merry CHRISTmas from all of us at St. John’s Orange! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

Friday, December 25 CHURCH ONLINE 9:30am from St. John's Historic Sanctuary Christmas Day Message from Pastor Tim Klinkenberg Available On-Demand beginning at 9:30am on DEC. 25... http://www.stjohnsorange.org/christmas

Now you have heard the story of long ago about the birth of Jesus. This is what Christmas is all about... the coming of the Savior. Christmas is a special season, as we celebrate with our families the gift that God sent us all... His Son, Jesus. A Christmas Prayer Dear God, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Accept our worship and all our gifts as signs of our love and faith. Amen.... http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

Give the Gift of Christmas PARKING We are expecting a full "Covid-friendly" house for our outdoor tent services this Christmas Eve. If you can make the short walk from the Orange Library, please park in the Public Library Parking Lot so other guests can park a bit closer. Thank you and Merry CHRISTmas! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/christmas

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP @ St. John's Orange Please join us for one of our fantastic CHURCH ONLINE Christmas Worship experiences, available On-Demand beginning at 7:00am on DEC. 24th! CHURCH ONLINE from St. John's WALKER HALL Contemporary Christmas Worship - Praise Band... CHURCH ONLINE from St. John's Historic Sanctuary Festival Communion Service - Jubilate Choir, Cathedral Bells http://www.stjohnsorange.org/christmas

It was evening once again, and the sun went down. The stars began to shine once more, and suddenly the wise men saw the star again! How happy they were! There was the beautiful star which they had seen ahead of them in the sky. It was leading them to Bethlehem. They followed the star until it stopped, and then they got down off their camels. They were in front of a little house, and the star shone right above them. The wise men opened the door and went inside. In this house l...ived Joseph and Mary and the little baby Jesus. He looked like any other baby. This was the young King for whom they had looked for such a long time. He was the one who would someday be the mightiest king in the whole world! Reverently they kneeled before him. Oh, King Jesus, they said, how glad we are to have found you! Then they brought in their presents and laid them before him. There was a chest of gold, a jar full of incense, and a box of myrrh. They were beautiful and expensive gifts, but the wise men gave them to Jesus gladly, for their hearts were full of joy and happiness. http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

In-Person CHRISTMAS WORSHIP at St. John's Orange... Plan to Join us In-Person** for a cozy worship experience filled with LIGHT Under the TENTS! Christmas Eve-Eve IN-PERSON on Wednesday, December 23 All is BRIGHT - Family Candlelight Service 5:00pm In-Person Under the TENTS**... Christmas Eve IN-PERSON on Thursday, December 24 All is BRIGHT - Family Candlelight Services 5:00pm In-Person Under the TENTS** 7:00pm In-Person Under the TENTS** **RSVP IS REQUIRED for In-Person Worship Services. Please bring your own CHAIR. http://www.stjohnsorange.org/christmas

Wicked King Herod had the scribes come to the palace. These men were the ones who knew all about the Bible, so he asked them, Do you know where the Savior will be born? Of course, they could tell him this! He will be born in Bethlehem, oh king, for it has been written in the Bible. Thank you, said the king, I will remember this. Then the king secretly called the wise men. He was most friendly and kind as he asked, When did you see this beautiful star you told me about?... Oh king, it was a long time ago, they answered, we first saw it when we were still in our own country, far away. We have been looking for the young king for a long time, but we haven’t been able to find him. Then I will help you, said King Herod. He is in Bethlehem. Go there quickly and look. I also want to kneel before him. king Herod said this, but he really meant to kill the child! The wise men didn’t know the king was so wicked and they quickly went on their way to Bethlehem. http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

There are many people who have left imprints on our soul this year - such as loved ones going above and beyond for their families and others - through strength in service. At St. John’s, we are a community of impact. Much has changed this year, but the biggest things haven’t; we get our strength through God and we generously share that strength with others. Through Him we speak words of Peace, of Challenge, of Resiliency. Make a year-end gift to St. John’s today, and le...ave an imprint of generosity on the souls of others. http://www.stjohnsorange.org/annualfund

The wise men rode through Jerusalem until finally they came to the palace of the king. Perhaps the newborn would be here, but no, there was no young king in the palace! There was only an old king, whose name was Herod. King Herod was a cruel and selfish man and when he heard what the wise men wanted, he was scared. I am the king! thought Herod, and I want to remain the king. These men aren’t looking for me though. Could there possibly be another king? A young king who has ...just been born? Is it possible the Savior has been born, for whom the people have waited so long? Herod was upset by these thoughts, for he was a wicked king who wanted to remain the ruler, even though he wasn’t a worthy man. I must know where I can find him, he thought, and then I had better kill him! This child must not become the king, for I want to remain on the throne! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

St. John's CHRISTmas happenings for the week of December 21-27... Please check out http://www.stjohnsorange.org and http://www.sjls.org for more information! May God bless your week and have a very Merry Christmas... Happy Birthday Jesus!

CHRISTMAS 2020 with St. John's Orange! The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:2... CHRISTMAS WORSHIP Plan to Join us In-Person** for a cozy worship experience filled with LIGHT Under the TENTS -or- join us online for one of our fantastic CHURCH ONLINE Christmas Worship experiences. Christmas Eve-Eve IN-PERSON on Wednesday, December 23 All is BRIGHT - Family Candlelight Service 5:00pm In-Person Under the TENTS** Christmas Eve ONLINE from the Sanctuary on Thursday, December 24 7:00am Online Premier - Watch any time! Festival Communion Service - Jubilate Choir, Cathedral Bells Christmas Eve ONLINE from Walker Hall Auditorium on Thursday, December 24 7:00am Online Premier - Watch any time! Contemporary Christmas Worship - Praise Band Christmas Eve IN-PERSON on Thursday, December 24 All is BRIGHT - Family Candlelight Services 5:00pm In-Person Under the TENTS** 7:00pm In-Person Under the TENTS** Christmas Day ONLINE on Friday, December 25 9:30am ONLINE from the Sanctuary Christmas Day Message from Pastor Tim Klinkenberg **RSVP IS REQUIRED for In-Person Worship Services. Please bring your own CHAIR.

Happy happy CHRISTmas week, Church! Here is the Weekly Church News for the week of December 21st. May God richly bless you and yours and have a very Merry CHRISTmas!

For a long time, they watched the star, and talked about this royal child. They couldn’t think of anything else! Then one of them said, Do you know what we will do? We will try to find the little king, and when we find him, we will kneel before him. There has never been so rich and mighty a king on this earth before. So it was that the wise men started out to look for the newborn child. Their servants went to fetch the camels from the barn and the wise men prepared beautifu...l, expensive gifts. They even took a chest of gold! Then they mounted their camels and off they went looking for the newborn baby. Camels are very big animals, even bigger than horses, and they are fun to ride. The wise men rode toward the place where they had seen the star, for somewhere in this direction must be the newborn king. It was a long trip over high mountains and through great forests. They had to ride through strange lands where they had never been before. On they traveled until finally they came to the land of the Jews. The young king for whom they were looking must be in this land, but how could they find him? The wise men rode through the land of the Jews until they came to the great city of Jerusalem. Everywhere they went they asked the people, Where is the King of the Jews? We have seen his star in the east and have come to kneel before him. None of the people knew anything about it! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP AT ST. JOHN'S ORANGE Plan to Join us In-Person** for a cozy worship experience filled with LIGHT Under the TENTS - or - join us online for one of the fantastic CHURCH ONLINE Christmas Worship experiences! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/CHRISTMAS... **ONLINE RSVP IS REQUIRED for In-Person Worship Services. Please bring your own CHAIR.

High School Small Groups - Every Monday! Want to join us in small group throughout the week? Let us know! Sign up at http://www.stjohnsorange.org/highschool and we will put you in a group!

Each morning the sun rises in the east. As a matter of fact, if you should ever forget what direction you are going, you can always find it by watching the sun. It always rises in the east and sets in the west. A long time ago, far in the east, lived some wise old men. They had read many big books and they were wiser and more clever than anyone else. At night they liked to look up at the stars, because they were so beautiful. God made them, and He lets them shine every night..., they said. God is wiser than all men! One night as they watched the stars, they saw a new one. It was a star they had never seen before. What a big star it was, and how brightly it shone! It seemed to be the king of all the other stars. The wise men sat watching it in glad surprise. A new star, they said. Do you know what it means? It means a child has been born somewhere and it is such a beautiful star, so it must mean the child is very wealthy and important. It must be the child of a king! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

Join us on SUNDAY, DEC. 20, 2020 -- ADVENT message series- A Familiar Christmas - Familiar STORY // 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38 // CHURCH ONLINE-- 8am & 10:30am // OUTDOOR Worship-- 9AM // Peace Tustin Outdoor: 9:30am RSVP to Attend: https://www.stjohnsorange.org/rsvp CHURCH ONLINE: https://www.youtube.com/c/stjohnsorange

‘Tis the season to Add To Cart. But what if instead of adding to your cart, you helped St. John’s add to theirs? Each week, we add art supplies, books, audio equipment, toilet paper you name it to our cart. It takes a lot to operate a school and church of our size and scope! Your gift to St. John’s Orange helps us Add To Cart, servicing a community of hundreds of students, thousands of congregation members, and many more in our community and the world. Thank you for your click to Give Now to St. John's Annual Fund, and enjoy the rest of your personal Add To Cart clicks this holiday season. Visit http://www.stjohnsorange.org/annualfund and make an impact today!

Then a little old woman, eighty-four years old, came shuffling along. Her name was Anna and she knew about the Savior too. As she looked down on Jesus, she cried, This is the Savior! How happy I am now, for he has come at last! Anna hurried down the street to tell everyone that she had seen the Savior. Joseph and Mary took the baby Jesus home with them. He had been to the temple for the first time and had already made people happy.... http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

Preschool Holiday Storytime - Every Friday, from 12/04/2020 to 12/18/2020, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Join us for a FREE Storytime via Zoom on Dec. 4, 11, and 18! Get cozy and sip on some cocoa while your kiddos join us under the Christmas tree for some holiday fun. You don’t want to miss out the fun! Register for the Zoom link here:

Bring on those ugly sweaters, candy cane-striped leggings, happy birthday Jesus hats, and reindeer headbands... it's Christmas Spirit Day at St. John's! On Friday, December 18th, we encourage everyone to wear their Christmas best - or maybe their ugliest - on the last day before break! We can't wait to see how you express your Christmas spirit. Student's attire must follow free dress guidelines. http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

At the temple there were many people, but no one looked at the baby there either. Joseph bought the two doves and gave them to the priest, who held his hands above the child and said, the Lord bless you. The priest didn’t know who the child was either. Suddenly an old man came walking straight towards Mary. Tears rolled down his cheeks because he was so happy to see the child in her arms. His name was Simeon, and he knew who the baby was. Simeon had longed for the coming of... the Savior and he often had been sad because it seemed such a long time to wait. The Lord had said, Don’t be sad, Simeon! Before you die, you will see the Savior. Now the child was here, the One for which Simeon had waited so long. He was so happy, he took the little Jesus in his arms and said, Now I am ready to die, Lord, for I am at peace. My own eyes have seen the Savior! Then he sang for joy just as the shepherds had done, after they had seen the baby Jesus! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

Fourth Saturday Outreach - ON THE THIRD SATURDAY OF DECEMBER! This Saturday, St. John’s becomes a place where people from our community, and neighboring communities, come to receive fresh, healthy food for their family. In partnership with Second Harvest and Cool Water Ministry, we give eight tons of food to more than 100 families each month. If you are in need of fresh fruits and vegetables for your family, you are welcome to participate in our food distribution, which begin...s at 12pm. Please bring a cart, wagon, tote bag or something to transport your food items. Please know we will be unable to provide food before 12pm, so plan to arrive at St. John’s no earlier than 11:30am. Our distribution takes place on the corner of Shaffer Street and Almond Avenue, across the street from our office (154 S. Shaffer Street). http://www.stjohnsorange.org/share

Joseph and Mary remained a little while longer in Bethlehem, and then they took their baby for his first outing. Mary and Joseph wanted to tell the Lord how happy they were with the baby, and they wanted to ask him to bless and care for their little child. They did as all fathers and mothers like to do when they have a new baby. Mary and Joseph went to Jerusalem, where the beautiful temple stood. Had they been rich, they would have brought a lamb in the outer court, but they ...were very poor, so they would have to buy two doves instead. When they arrived in the beautiful city of Jerusalem, Mary carried Jesus through the streets. Many people were walking along these same streets, but no one paid any attention to the little baby in Mary’s arms. No one said hello, dear Jesus, for they didn’t know the child at all. No one knew he was the Savior for whom they had waited so long! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

St. John's MomsLife is a community for moms to find joy and learn together while growing in God's Word. We have fun sharing and supporting each other in the journey of motherhood. NEW! For Fall 1st Thursdays- Large Group Session with Speaker (via Zoom) 3rd Thursdays- Community Small Groups (via Zoom or off campus) Join moms in community, as we hold fast to the God who created all things and gives hope for a future because of His love and faithfulness to us. Register to re...ceive the Zoom link. Dates: September 3, 17 October 1, 15 November 5, 19 December 3,17 Find out more visit http://www.stjohnsorange.org/momslife or text MomsLife to 94000 See more

Hey St. John's our friends at Concordia University Irvine have a Christmas Special premiering on PBS! The hour-long broadcast will premiere on Tuesday, December 22 at 8 p.m. on PBS SoCal and will be made available at https://CUI.edu/Christmas

Pastor Tim Klinkenberg shares an devotional from St. John's Sanctuary - Wednesday, DEC. 16, 2020

Jolly Christmas Zoom Friday, December 18, 2020 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Cost: $5.00... HEY JR. HIGHERS! We are going to be celebrating Christmas with a Holly Jolly CHRISTmas Zoom! Join us Friday, December 18th from 7-8 for the most festive night you will have ALL season! Be sure to sign up online and wear your winter best! These kits will be ready to be picked up the Wednesday, December 16th so be sure to sign in time! https://www.stjohnsorange.org//1933350-2020-12-18-jh-joll/

Kids Fun Night // Kindergarten - 5th Grade Friday, December 18, 2020 Kinder, 1st and 2nd @ 5pm 3rd, 4th and 5th Grades @ 6:30pm... Do you wanna build a snowman? Come have Snow Much Fun with us on December 18th as we get crafty this Christmas! Everything you need to complete the craft and MORE is included in your kit bag for $5. Sign up to receive your ZOOM link and pre-made craft kit.

The shepherds kneeled down in front of the manger and worshipped the baby. Dear Jesus, they said. Dear Savior, how wonderful that you have come! We cannot give you anything, for we are only poor shepherds, but we want to honor you always. We want to love you. Will you make us happy also? They told Mary what had happened in the field, and then they had to return to their sheep. As they walked through the dark fields, they sang together, glory to God in the highest! And pe...ace on earth to men! They couldn’t sing as well as the angels, but they sang with great reverence, for they had to sing because they were so happy! The baby in the manger had already made them happy! http://www.stjohnsorange.org/Christmas

In a season rich in the spirit of generosity, we reflect on our deep capacity to do good. Your giving reflects two things: an interest in knowing how your gift is spent, and your enthusiasm for building a community. For some families, that is $10. For others, it is $1000 or more. The beauty of an Annual Fund donation is that whatever the size of your gift, it is your intent and purpose for those gifts that make the difference! First Time Donors Make that first time gift to th...e people and programs that mean the most to you. Cheerful Givers Consistent givers are encouraged to make their donations a year-round act of thanksgiving, and establish a recurring gift to the fund of their choice. Investing Partners Already have an automatic payment set up? Consider an increase or watch your gifts do exponentially more with a sacrificial one-time gift or planned estate gift. Please consider your gift to St. John’s today. Give in gratitude for Creativity. Give in empathy for Need. Give in celebration of Hope. http://www.stjohnsorange.org/annualfund