To: News
Subject: RE: Friday Blessings

You are receiving this update because you are a member or friend of St. John's. Click here to unsubscribe.

Our Senior Pastor welcomes you to our weekly Friday Blessings update!

In This Issue

Fearless Living Sermon Series

Team Ecuador

Small Group Update

Midwest Flood Relief

Preaching

Join us for worship each week. Pastor Wells is preaching at the Saturday Evening service (5:00 p.m.) and at Traditional Services (8:00 and 10:15 a.m.) Pastor Skillrud is preaching at Community of Joy worship (9:00 and 10:15 a.m.) and at a special L.I.G.H.T. worship service on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. All worship services are in the Parish Life Center with the exception of our Traditional worship which is in the Sanctuary.

For More Info

Fearless Living

This weekend begins a new and inspirational sermon series, "Fearless Living." As Christians, Jesus dares us to live a fearless life . . . a life that loves beyond reason, a life that trusts beyond expectation, a life that hopes beyond the present and gives beyond what is practical. Jesus dares us to live a fearless life, fully open to the possibilities of the Kingdom of God in our midst, fully open to God's power in the real world in which we live. Each week we will be focusing our thoughts on an aspect of "Fearless Living" . . . fearless living with ourselves, with our family, at work, with our neighbors, with our money, and in church. These messages will challenge you to step out in faith and embrace the life to which God is calling you.

Team Ecuador

Team Ecuador leaves on their mission trip on Saturday, July 12th - please keep them and the people of Auypud, Ecuador, in your thoughts and prayers for these next days.

Small Groups

Are you interested in being in a Small Group this fall? Are you interested in forming a Small Group this fall? There are some excellent opportunities available for both participation and leadership. In addition to the Small Groups that are meeting in homes, 3 other small groups are forming this fall (2 on Sunday mornings @ 9:00 and 10:15 a.m. and 1 on Wednesday Evening @ 6:30 p.m.) Our topic, which also is connected to our Fall Sermon Series, is based on an outstanding book by Mark Allan Powell, entitled Giving to God. It will provide excellent discussion materials as well as challenging grace-filled perspectives on giving and receiving in our lives. St. John's has purchased these books with a 20% discount, so the cost is only $11 each. Books are available for Small Group Leaders to purchase for their individual groups. You may see Tanja Mahner for your order and pick them up at the Church Office. If you are thinking about a Small Group this fall, please contact me, pastorkwells@stjohnsbloomington.org

Midwest Flood Relief

Immediate Response Needed. Open Door Missions is forming a team to work with Samaritan's Purse to bring relief and hope to our neighbors in Cedar Falls and Cedar Rapids, IA. Volunteers are needed for 4-5 days to "mud out" flooded homes in the name of Jesus Christ. If you are available to serve anytime between now and August 7th please contact Tom Anderson at 275-7770 or tom.barb7@gte.net. The team will coordinate transportation and Samaritan's Purse will provide food and lodging.

PRAYER: Gracious God, you call us to be more than we think we can be. You challenge us to place our fears and uncertainties into your loving care. You move us to take those courageous steps that send us on the road to faithfulness and confidence. Encourage us and inspire us to fearless living for your promise to be with us always. In Jesus name, AMEN.

Alive in Christ,

The Rev. Knight Wells, Senior Pastor
pastorkwells@stjohnsbloomington.org

If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, or need to update your address, phone number, email address, etc., please let us know by sending an email to news@stjohnsbloomington.org

St. John's Lutheran Church
1617 E. Emerson St. Bloomington, IL 61701
309.827.6121 (office) 309.829.3866 (fax)

ELCA