December was a busy month of Advent and special activities! It was a wonderful season of integrated church and school activities and lots of Christmas cheer! Here’s a bit of what was going on around the campus outside of worship.

Bonhoeffer movie and discussion

A group from St. John’s enjoyed a private movies theater viewing of the film and an intriguing discussion on the theology and life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. They also discussed the world history surrounding the film, and how Bonhoeffer and his situation continue to be an example for us to learn from, as we live out the Christian faith in a secular world.

Chrismon Crafting

Several members of the St. John’s community gathered to repair chrismons, made in the 50’s, and create about 30 new ones. They also got to learn about the history of chrismons and the theological teachings that the various designs point to. The trees in the church were beautifully decorated by the variety of old and new chrismons. For more info and photos of the event, click here. To learn more about the meaning behind various chrismons designs, click here.

La Porte Candlelight Tour

The sanctuary was beautifully decorated for Christmas to welcome the approximately 750 people who toured the church during the Candlelight Tour. It was a great weekend of welcoming people into the building, many of whom have seen the building their whole lives but never been inside. Additionally, a description of the meaning of each stained glass window design was posted so that attendees could learn about the Gospel through the artwork. If you would like to read these stained glass window descriptions, please contact the church office and a copy can be prepared for you. Please continue to pray for those who toured and are unchurched, that they would be led by the Holy Spirit to return for worship to hear the Gospel. 

School Christmas Craft Day

12 different crafts were available for students to choose from, as a way for them to create their own gifts for family members. The students enjoyed this special time of crafting, activities, and games during the high-energy final weeks of the semester. 

Trivia Night

11 tables of school and church families tested their Christmas trivia knowledge and enjoyed the evening of fellowship, pizza, snacks and basket raffles. The evening was a success both as a fun evening and as a fundraiser for the upcoming 6-8th grade trip to Washington, D.C..

Children’s Christmas Concert

The student choirs, handbells, and Scripture readers beautifully told the story of our need for a savior, the promises throughout the Old Testament that foretold His coming, and the Christmas story from Luke 2. Their performances were a wonderful way to prepare for celebrating Christ’s birth.