PREACHING THIS WEEKEND
Chris Magnuson
I’m looking forward to sharing a message with you this weekend!
My wife Susie and I have been members of St. John’s since 1987, with a seven year absence when we lived in the St. Louis area. We have three daughters, Shelby (Stephen) Brooks, Nashville, Tennessee, Hannah Magnuson, Brooklyn, New York, and Grace Magnuson, Chicago.
I’ve served at St. John’s in various capacities including on the Stewardship Ministry Team, as a Sunday School Teacher, usher coordinator, on the Church Alive building project, on Church Council, and as Congregation President.
I grew up on a farm outside Walnut, Illinois, and spent my career working for farm organizations. I retired from the Illinois Farm Bureau in 2023. In retirement, I have been taking classes as part of the Synod-Authorized Ministry (SAM) Program in the Central/Southern Illinois Synod. For the past two years I have provided pulpit supply for Servants United Parish churches in East Central Illinois and First Lutheran Ohio, Illinois, the church I attended while growing up.
As many of you are aware, there is a real shortage of pastors!
62% of the churches in the Central/Southern Illinois Synod have an active call for a pastor. In particular, churches in rural communities struggle to find and retain pastors. SAMs help fill this void by serving in churches full-time, part-time, or providing occasional pulpit supply.
Since my faith was formed in a small ELCA church, I felt called to assist through the SAM program. Training to become a SAM involves
completing nine required courses, focused on how scripture was developed, Lutheran doctrine, and the history of Christianity.
These Adult Faith Formation courses are open to anyone! You do not need to be in the SAM program. They are held on Saturday mornings via Zoom, and classes are recorded. Please let Pastor Lyn or me know if you’d like more information.
Next Weekend—One Word, Many Voices
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
Preaching: Pastor Lyn Kern
Retirement Open House for Gudrun Dunt
Thursday, July 17, 3–5 PM, Gathering Area
Everyone is invited to help celebrate Gudrun and all she has brought to St. John's through her work with BeFriender and Caring Ministries. Gudrun has been an integral part of the St. John’s staff since 2008, and she has exemplified the love of Jesus. A BeFriender Ministry Scholarship has been opened in her name for those who would like to honor Gudrun in this way. Visit www.bit.ly/SJLCGive and choose the Special Giving Fund.
Staff Updates
Georgia Hash part-time Administrative Assistant, will lead the volunteer reception team and assist staff with administrative tasks, beginning July 1.
Marvin Rasch, part-time Ministry Assistant, will assist with worship technology, adult education, youth and missions, beginning July 1.
Kerri Cordray, Director of Member Connections, will add Caring Ministries to her duties, connecting members to caring ministries and pastoral care. She will be the staff liaison for BeFrienders, GriefShare, and Prayer Ministries.
Regular Worship Times
Saturdays, 5 PM / Sundays, 8:30 and 10:30 AM
All worship services are also live-streamed on our Facebook page and YouTube channel (click on the LIVE tab for the latest videos).
SAVE THE DATE—One Worship Service
Sunday, August 17, 10 AM
Mark your calendar for this special annual event when the entire congregation will worship together! Everyone who will be attending school in the fall is encouraged to bring their backpack for a special Backpack Blessing during the service. Fellowship and food will follow worship. Watch for more details and volunteer opportunities soon!
St. John’s Book Club
Monday, June 30, 1 PM, Gathering Area
The group will discuss This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel. The selection for July 28, is Horse by Geraldine Brooks. New book lovers are always welcome.
Kaffehuset
Wednesday, July 2, 10 AM Refreshments, 10:30 AM Program, Fellowship Hall
Kaffehuset meets the first Wednesday of the month and presents a variety of programs about St. John’s and the central Illinois community. All are welcome—young and not-so-young, members and guests. This month: Mason Cordray, St. John’s member, will present Permaculture Design. Permaculture is an agricultural design philosophy rooted in systems-thinking with an emphasis on permanence, sustainability, and interconnectivity. Mason received a certificate in Permaculture Design from Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa, and has independently researched since then. He will share this paradigm and challenge people to see beyond the surface of plants, animals, and landscapes they interact with. Mason has played the guitar for the 10:30 AM worship service for several years. He will end the program with some patriotic music!
Grief Support
Wednesday, July 2, 4-6 PM, Loft
Join Debbie Whelton and Kathleen Elder for a monthly support group (meeting the first Wednesday of each month) focused on managing the day-to-day challenges of living without your spouse. To sign up or receive additional information, contact Debbie Whelton, (309) 846-1965.
Faith On Tap
Wednesday, July 2, 6:30-8 PM, Fiala Brothers Brewery
Enjoy conversation and a cold beverage at a local brewery. Wear your nametag! Please sign up at www.bit.ly/FOT25_RSVP. You can always change your mind—you are not committed. Next week: July 9—White Oak Brewery
Senior Connections Boat Ride and Lunch
Thursday, July 10, Lake Bloomington
All seniors (ages 60+) are invited for a pontoon boat ride followed by lunch at Green Gables. Participants must be able to enter the boat independently and have secure footing. Please visit www.bit.ly/STJSeniorConnection to sign up and fill out a liability release waiver. You may sign up to share a ride on the sign-up form or drive yourself, but meet in the church parking lot at 9 AM to caravan to the lake. Contact Karen Timmerman, (309) 824-6399, or Kerri with questions.
Summer Family Fellowship Potluck and Playtime
Sunday, July 13, 11:30 AM-1 PM, Gathering Area/St. John's Playground
Families with young children are invited to get to know each other better! Start with a potluck lunch (please bring a dish to share) in the Gathering Area, and following lunch, families are invited to the playground for fellowship and play. For more information, contact Meghan Frizzell, (847) 436-7512. Mark your calendars for the remaining summer date: August 10.
Saturday Study
Saturday, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
All are invited to a new study on the old testament book of Daniel. Contact Debbie Whelton, (309) 846-1965, for more information.
Faith and Life Bible Study
Faith and Life Bible Study is taking a break this summer and will resume on Wednesday, September 10.
Monday Afternoon Study
Mondays, starting July 14, 2:30-3:30 PM, Loft
Everyone is welcome to a study on the Sensible Shoes Series by Sharon Garlough Brown’s book 3, Barefoot, available on Amazon, led by Gloria Jameson. Contact Gloria for details and a study guide.
Friday Morning Men's Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
The group is discussing Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality, and Politics. Contact: David Roehrig.
Back to School Party
Sunday, August 10, 12-2 PM, South Lawn by the Morton Building
All incoming 6th-12th grade students are invited to the party. A light lunch will be served followed by water games, slip ‘n slide, kiddie pool kickball, and color wars! Wear a swimsuit or something that can get wet and messy. Bring a friend! There is no cost to attend. Watch for sign-up information in July.
Bible Presentations and Blessings
Sunday, August 24, during the 10:30 AM worship service
All kindergarten, 3rd, and 6th grade students, or any child through 6th grade who doesn’t have a Bible, are invited to receive an age-appropriate Bible at the 10:30 AM worship service. Students receiving a Bible will have the opportunity to attend a Bible Workshop class following the Children’s Sermon. Parents can pick up Children in the JoyZone Wing following worship.
6th-8th Grade Thrive and Confirmation Orientation
6:30-8 PM, Wednesday, August 27, Fellowship Hall
All incoming 6th-8th grade students and at least one parent/guardian are invited to this orientation to learn about the upcoming Thrive year. In addition, the Confirmation process will be explained to 8th grade students and parents.
Zambia Education Fund
St. John’s has provided education funds for the families of the pastors of the ELC-Zambia for the past 14 years. These pastors are paid only $10 per month and must also do other work to support their families. They have told us that without our help, most of their children would not be able to go to school. The goal this year is to raise $12,000 for the school expenses of the 80 children of these pastors. To help reach this goal, please visit www.bit.ly/SJLCGive and choose Global and Local Missions Fund and Zambia Education Subfund.
St. John’s Quilters
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to help make quilts for Lutheran World Relief and enjoy a time of fellowship. We also are in need of home sewers. Contact Marsha Johnson, (309) 299-9338, or Vicky Kramer, (309) 530-1604.
2026 Council Nominations
Nominations for Council Members are now being accepted. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else from the congregation, please complete the application online at www.stjblm.org/council or pick up a paper copy from the Resource Counter in the Gathering Area. Completed applications should be sent to Steve BeMiller by August 17. Contact Steve, (309) 825-4962, for more information.
At St. John’s we use a member database called ShelbyNext. The ShelbyNext Database allows you to access the St. John’s directory, view your personal giving or make a financial gift, register worship attendance, view service opportunities, and more. Access the database visiting the St. John’s website: www.stjblm.org. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Log In button. If you do not know your username, contact Shari, and you will be sent a log in link to get started. In addition to the database, you can also download the ShelbyNext Membership App to access the directory, check in to worship, give online, or check the calendar directly from your smartphone. Visit your app store and search for ShelbyNext Membership. Use the domain name stjohnsbloomington to sign in. Your username and password are the same as your log in for the ShelbyNext database on your computer. Contact Shari for login help.
Prayers and blessings
If you or a loved one will be hospitalized or undergoing outpatient care, please let us know. Contact Gudrun, (309) 827-6121 ext. 214. If you or a loved one is listed and should be removed, please let Gudrun know.
Hospitalized/Recovering or in Need of Healing
Lisa Myers
Baptisms
• Kenneth Hayes Secord, son of Josh and Megan Secord
• Crew Alan Dozier son of Sean and Trish Dozier and grandson of Carol Waibel
Condolence
Mary Fisher Miller and family upon the death of her stepson Douglas Hurt
Partners in Ministry and Healing
• The Lutheran Church of Madagascar
• Christ Lutheran Church, Quincy, Illinois
• Carle BroMenn Patient Access
• Staff and patients of OSF St. Joseph Hospital
• Agape ISU—A partnership of the Lutheran Student Movement and Judson Fellowship
Keep in Prayer
Curt Addicks, Chris Behl, Gary Brandenburg, George Childers, Andrea Choban, Nancy Clark, Marilyn Dichsen, Bryan Fischer, Cyrus Garnett, Bunker Kuethe, Mark Kuhn, Tom McKenna, Julie Megli, Nicholas Mueller, Marilyn Otto, Amy Hurliman Parry, Joanne Scanken, Lois Skillrud, Dan Thames, those who live in senior living communities and care facilities, and the homebound.
Prayers for Those in the Military
Dustin Ahlschwede, Benjamin Baur, Sara Coakley, Casey Grogg, Mike Heuer, David Lehr, Jason Lenz, Andrew Mueller, Jason Murphy, Richard Mutari Jr., Tyler Nelson, Zach Poehlman, Jaxon Themanson, John Allen Wagner, A.J. Wunderlin
For Our Congregation
For God's wisdom to fill our Council and Call Committee as we seek a new Associate Pastor. For the candidates who may be seeking a call; that they are filled with discernment from the Holy Spirit.