Jesus Christ is Risen!
He is risen indeed!
Okay, now, what are you going to do?
That is the big question, isn’t it?
Once death no longer has the final word, once God’s grace has broken the bonds of sin and death… now what?
Well, if we take a clue from the Gospels, those who first experienced the resurrection couldn’t keep it to themselves; they had to spread the news. They were compelled to take “grace to go,” to continue to use our Lenten theme.
And go they did! They took it with them into every aspect of their lives. Many of those first disciples never made it much past their neighborhood or, at most, a few hundred miles, and yet you and I sit here some 2,000 years later and on the opposite side of the world.
The message of life in Christ was blown by gusts of the Holy Spirit, and the world has never been the same.
So now—knowing you are freed in Christ, knowing God loves you with a love that not even death can snuff out—where will you carry the gift of life you’ve been given?
Perhaps it begins at home, where you weave God’s grace into the small, everyday gestures of family life. Maybe it takes shape at work or in your community, where the excellence you offer becomes like cool water to a neighbor who needs refreshment. Or perhaps you’ll step into one of the many ministry opportunities within the News, letting your gifts spill into places that hunger for hope. I can’t tell you where God is calling you, but I can tell you with certainty: you are called. Life—God’s most precious gift—is poured into our hands in abundance, now and forever, and like any gift that is truly alive, it is meant to move, to be given, to be used, to go!
Following the example of our risen Lord and Savior, we learn that life is not meant to be clutched tightly but poured out generously for the good of others. And we learn, too, that in God, our supply never runs out; the well never runs dry. God provides everything we need to become exactly who we are called to be.
Christ is Risen!
He has risen indeed!
Thanks be to God!
Next Weekend—The Power of Promise
John 20:19-31
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).
EncourageMINT for Finals Week
Send some love to St. John’s High School and College Students with an encouraging card! Visit the Gathering Area to learn more! Cards will be distributed to students during their finals weeks along with mints and a special trinket. Place completed cards in the collection box.
Faith On Tap Returns
Wednesdays, beginning June 24
Summer will soon be here, which means the fourth annual Faith on Tap will kick off soon! The line-up of breweries hasn't been finalized, but mark your calendar for the start of this summer tradition! More information will be coming soon, including t-shirt orders in May.
Weekend Adult Studies
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
The Big Relief concludes this weekend. On April 11, the group will begin a six-week study called Choosing Forgiveness. Everyone is invited! The group will not meet Easter weekend. Contact Debbie Whelton, dkwhelton@gmail.com for information.
JoyZone Children’s Ministries
Sundays, during the 10:30 AM Worship Service
Children ages 3 years through 5th grade are invited to the Children’s Wing after the Children’s Sermon. Parents, please sign in your children prior to
worship. Volunteers are needed to assist the Leadership Team. Please sign up at www.bit.ly/JZ_Volunteer26.
Faith and Life Bible Study
Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays,10 AM, Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor Lyn for a study on Romans.
Thrive Junior High Program
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM, Parish Life Center
All junior high students are invited to a time of learning with Pastor Shemiah, followed by snacks and fellowship. Please register at www.bit.ly/JHThrive2025.
Simple Living Decluttering Group
Sunday, April 12, 9:30 AM, Library
The group will discuss chapters 1-3 of Unclutterd Faith by Joshua Becker. Everyone is welcome even if you have not yet purchased the book. Contact Ellen Cantrell, ellendeecan@gmail.com, with questions.
Senior High Gatherings
Mondays, April 20 and May 18, 6:30-8 PM, Senior High Room
All senior high students are invited to a short devotion and fellowship time.
St. John’s Quilters
Tuesdays, 9-11:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to help make quilts for Lutheran World Relief and enjoy a time of fellowship. Please note the earlier time. Contact Marsha Johnson,
(309) 299-9338, or Sue Stombaugh, (309) 825-7553, for more information.
Growing Hope Globally (GHG) Meet and Greet
Thursday, April 9, 6:30 PM*, Fellowship Hall
Meet guest Julio Martins da Costa, Executive Director of Fundasaun Sosial Naroman, the humanitarian and development agency of the Protestant Church of Timor-Leste and learn how GHG is helping to make a lasting difference there. *A light meal will be available at 6 PM for those attending. Please contact Jim Dumouchel, jldumo@msn.com, if you plan to attend the meal.
Fellowship Meals at Agape House
Mondays, April 13 and May 4, 4:30 PM, Agape House, 300 Normal Avenue, Normal
The campus ministry of the synod hosts fellowship dinners for students who plan and shop. Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve, and clean up. Please sign up at www.bit.ly/SJ_Agape26. Contact Marvin, marvin@stjblm.org, for details.
Red Cross Blood Drive at St. John's
Saturday, May 30, 8 AM–12 PM, Fellowship Hall
The need for blood is constant, and every contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. Visit www.bit.ly/redcross25 to sign up. All presenting donors will receive a Red Cross beach towel as a thank-you for taking the time to donate. Contact Lynn Carpenter, (309) 830-2588, with questions or to donate food.
2026 Central/Southern Illinois Synod Assembly Delegates
Saturday, June 6, 9 AM–3 PM (break for lunch), via Zoom
Voter orientation—Thursday, May 28, 7–8 PM, via Zoom
St. John’s seeks five delegates for the Assembly. If you are interested in representing St. John’s or would like to learn more, please contact Pastor David, dglesne@stjblm.org, or Carlton Potts, Council President, cpotts1911@gmail.com.
Worship Technology Team Volunteers Needed
Please contact Marvin, marvin@stjblm.org, to learn more about the Tech Team.
Serve in our Community
Learn more at www.stjblm.org/local.
Faith In Action Volunteer Opportunities
Learn more and fill out an interest form at www.bnfia.org/i-want-to-volunteer.
St. John's Garage Sale
Saturday, April 18, 8 AM-1 PM, Parish Life Center
Drop-off times: Wednesday, April 15, 4-6 PM;
Thursday, April 16, 4-6 PM; and Friday, April 17, 9 AM-12 PM
We cannot accept donations of baby equipment (beds, cribs, strollers), VHS tapes, mattresses, or broken/incomplete items. Lots of help will be needed unloading cars and sorting donations! Please sign at www.bit.ly/SJ_Sale26. If you are connected to an area not-for-profit, senior facility, or community organization that could benefit from the items remaining after the garage sale, please contact Shari, shari@stjblm.org to discuss the types of needed items and delivery arrangements. Typical items include clothing, linens, picture frames, craft supplies, and kitchen/household items.
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 Kerri, (309) 827-6121 ext. 223. If you or a loved one is listed and should be removed, please let Kerri know.
Hospitalized, Recovering or in Need of Healing
Lucas Giebelhausen, Russ Higgins, Jan Render, David Roehrig
Condolence
Fred and Jan Render on the passing of his sister, Nancy Semingson
For Our Congregation
We pray for all those here today and those yet to come. May they hear the good news of your love and spread that lovethroughout our community and beyond.
Partners in Ministry and Healing
• The Lutheran Church of Madagascar
• Christ Lutheran Church, Quincy, IL
• Carle BroMenn Medical Center Human Resources Department
• The 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, Nancy Clark, Brian Conway, Marilyn Dichsen, Bryan Fischer, Janet Fischer, Cyrus Garnett, Sandy Irwin, Mark Kuhn, Tom McKenna, Julie Megli, Nicholas Mueller, Amy Hurliman Parry, Jack Petersen, Teresa Myers Pickle, Alexis Schulze, Steve Terry, Elaine Thompson, Vern Veal and those who live in senior living communities, 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, Parker Partello, Zach Poehlman, Jaxon Themanson, John Allen Wagner, A.J. Wunderlin