Eagle Newsletter
September 2026
St. John's Lutheran Church and School
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
-Colossians 2:6-7
Catechesis
Catechesis is the church’s way of teaching the faith with questions and answers. Literally, it
means, “with an echo.” Just as Jesus asked questions and answer those who questioned Him,
the Church continues to ask and answer questions.
While catechesis is ongoing for every Christian, the Church has offered a formal course of
catechesis for those who are new to the Church. In the ancient Church it was known as the
Catechumenate, which could last up to 3 years or more. In our time, a formal course of
catechesis could last several months for adult converts or several years for children.
This fall we will have an opportunity for more focused catechesis beginning September 13. The
formal course that I teach is called Didachē, named after a second-century catechetical text and
a more recent outline of Luther’s Small Catechism. Didachē means “teaching” and this course is
designed to present the basic teaching of the Christian faith, which are the teachings of Jesus. I
have included a schedule of topics below. The classes will be held during our Family Bible Hour
after Church on Sunday mornings.
Who should attend this course of catechesis? Anyone who wishes to pursue a life of faith and
fellowship with our congregation in the Lord’s Supper. Catechesis prepares Christians to
confess their faith and to receive the Lord’s Supper in a worthy manner. The Rites of
Initiation—Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist—are the goal of formal catechesis.
But it is also for every Christian. Martin Luther once said that, although he was a doctor of
theology, he continued to study and meditate on the catechism. Christians never outgrow
catechesis. There is always more to learn.
Mature Christians also have the opportunity to support new Christians who are learning the
Christian faith and the Lutheran confession. We anticipate welcoming some new members to St.
John’s through this fall’s catechesis, and longtime members of St. John’s have a role supporting
and encouraging new members.
Because Didachē will be held during family Bible hour, we will also have a family portion and a
separate children’s portion of the course. And, of course, there will also be coffee, treats, and
other refreshments available.
As a pastor, one of my rules is ABC—Always Be Catechizing. I hope you will join us this fall.
In Christ,
under the cross,
Pastor Ehrhard
It was a joy to welcome 165 students on Wednesday, August 19 for our first day of the 2026-2027 school year! Since then, our students are adjusting well to their classroom routines and already making memories with their classmates.
This week our PTL kicked off their first fundraiser of selling World's Finest Chocolate bars. This year fundraising will go towards school improvements - such as new blinds for our classrooms.
As we look to September, we have several items on our calendar. The first two weeks of September are for students to take their fall NWEA Map test. The data from these results help our teachers drive instruction for the first two quarters.
In September our fall sports begin with cross country and volleyball. Please check the school website for dates and times for meets and games.
At the end of September, our student body will take their fall pictures. Join us Friday, September 25 for a Food Truck Fellowship starting after school until 6:00 pm. A variety of food trucks will be parked on Montrose Ave. for our community to enjoy. A portion of the sales from each truck will be given back to the school.
Save the Dates -
Friday, November 6 - Fall Play
Saturday, November 7 - Trivia Night
Saturday, November 14 - Craft & Vendor Fair along with our Book Fair
Michelle Runge
Principal
We are excited to welcome 32 new students to St. John’s this school year! Our current enrollment is 165 students, and we are thankful for the continued growth of our school community. In fact 3rd and 5th Grades are completely full with waiting lists!
A special thank you to the families who continue to recommend St. John’s and share their positive experiences with others!
Know a family looking for a school? Invite them to visit St. John’s! Personal recommendations from families are one of the best ways new families learn about our school. Tours are available throughout the year, and we love meeting new families from the community and sharing what makes St. John’s such a wonderful place for students to learn, grow, and belong. Please continue to spread the word and share our school with friends, neighbors, and families in your community!
Save the Date – Craft & Vendor Fair!
Our Craft & Vendor Fair returns on Saturday, November 14, from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. All proceeds from vendor table fees will benefit St. John’s Agape Fund.
Do you or someone you know create or sell unique, new items? We are looking for local crafters, makers, and vendors to join us! Please help us spread the word. Those interested in hosting a table can contact jscifo@stjohnschicago.org for more information.
Not a vendor? Come shop! Mark your calendar and join us on November 14 to support our vendors and enjoy a fun day at St. John’s. New this year- St. John's will be hosting Anderson's Book Fair in the Fellowship Room while the Craft & Vendor Fair is taking place!
You are our best ambassadors! Thank you for helping us share St. John’s with our community and continuing to help our school grow.
Jenna Scifo
Director of Student Services &
Instructional Support
Ladies Book Club
In September, the Ladies Book Club will be reading Bone Thief by Thomas O’Callaghan. This work of fiction follows a troubled detective as he works to solve a series of mysterious crimes in New York City. The Ladies Book Club continues to meet on the last Tuesday of the month via Zoom at 7:30 PM.
Please contact Betty Carey if you would like to join us bettydot65chevy@msn.com.
St. John's Lutheran Church & School
Sunday Morning Service 9:00 AM
Sunday Evening Service 6:00 PM
4939 W. Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60641
773-736-1196