From Pastor David

Last summer, we replaced our aging and decaying deck with a patio. Not only was it far cheaper, but it has also proved much more practical, a win/win situation. This summer, for me, has been all about growth, as Kristi and I have been laboring to turn the area around the patio into flower beds and to finish off some landscaping details. This, together with this weekend's scripture, has me thinking about spiritual growth.   This growth is not about becoming a "better" Christian by trying harder. In our Lutheran tradition, growth begins with God's grace and continues as the Holy Spirit shapes us through ordinary, everyday practices. Faith is a gift, and like a garden, that gift flourishes when it is nurtured.

Here at St. John’s, we can use our four vision words to help us nurture that gift.

Worship is one of the primary ways we grow. In worship, we gather around God's Word and Sacraments. We hear the promises of forgiveness, receive Christ's presence in Holy Communion, and are reminded again and again whose we are. Worship re-centers our lives when the world pulls us in a hundred different directions.

Growing in faith also means intentionally learning and practicing discipleship. We read Scripture, pray, ask questions, and gather with others for study and conversation. Luther encouraged Christians to return daily to their baptism, remembering that each day as an opportunity to die to sin and rise to new life in Christ. Spiritual growth is less about having all the answers and more about continually opening ourselves to God's transforming work.

Loving is faith put into action. Martin Luther wrote that faith is "a living, busy, active thing." As we experience God's love, we are sent into the world to serve our neighbors, seek justice, offer compassion, and care for those in need. We grow spiritually not only by what we receive, but also by what we give away in Christ's name.

Giving is another spiritual practice that forms us. Generosity reminds us that everything we have belongs first to God. Offering our time, abilities, and financial resources is an act of trust and thanksgiving. Giving loosens the grip of fear and scarcity and teaches us to live with open hands.

Spiritual growth is not a ladder we climb. It is a life we receive and practice, rooted in God's grace and nourished through worship, growing, loving, and giving, all while resting in Christ's promises. May God continue to bless us as we seek to grow in grace and mercy each day.

Next Weekend—The Gospel According to Pop Culture
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

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).

Children's Worship Bags and Pew Projects
Worship bags are available from the Gathering Area for preschool (orange bags) and elementary (blue bags) with activities to keep children engaged during worship. Please return the used bags to the bin as you leave the worship space, not the cart.  Children are also invited to take and keep a pew project sheet on top of the bag cart.

Faith On Tap
Wednesdays, 6:30 PM
Everyone is welcome! To be added to or removed from the e-mail list, visit www.bit.ly/SJ_FOT26. Weekly e-mails will be sent regarding food options at the week's brewery. Schedules are available from the Resource Counter.
July 15—White Oak
July 22—Fiala Brothers
July 29—Keg Grove
August 5—Destihl Brewery and Beer Hall

Pickleball
Thursdays through September, 9 AM, Rollingbrook Park, Bloomington
Everyone is invited to play pickleball with other members and friends of St. John's including those wanting to learn to play! For more information, please contact Chris Magnuson, cmagnuson26@yahoo.com, for information.

2027 Congregation 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 Joel Murphy by August 15. Contact Joel, joelamurphy@gmail.com (217) 653-1358, for more information. Elections will be during the congregational business meeting on October 17 and 18.

Noah’s Ark Job Opening
The Early Education Preschool at St. John’s seeks a part-time Lead Teacher for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday classes for three-year-olds for the 2026/2027 school year. Candidates need to be Lead Teacher qualified per DCFS requirements and available 7:45 AM to 2 PM on class days. If interested, please contact Megan Thoennes, noahsark@stjblm.org, or Shari, shari@stjblm.org.

Saturday Adult Study
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
Everyone is invited to a study on the book of 1 Samuel. For more information, contact Debbie Whelton, dkwhelton@gmail.com.

Friday Morning Men’s Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
Contact David Roehrig, xusaf1@gmail.com, for information.

Simple Living/Declutter Group
First Sunday of each month, 9:30 AM, Library
ALL are welcome! The group is discussing Uncluttered Faith by Joshua
Becker and helping each other with decluttering tips. Contact Ellen Cantrell, ellendeecan@gmail.com, for more information.

Monday Afternoon Study
Monday, July 13, 2:30-3:30 PM, Loft
The group will study The Daniel Prayer: The Prayer That Moves Heaven and Changes Nations by Ann Graham Lotz. All are welcome to join.

Refugee Book Discussion
Thursday, July 16, 6:30-8 PM
Refugee, a novel by Alan Gratz for middle schoolers through adults, features three young people on harrowing journeys in search of refuge. Books are available for no cost at local libraries and on the hoopla app. The intergenerational book discussion, sponsored by St. John's Mission Outreach team, will take place in-person and via Zoom. To register, visit www.bit.ly/SJ_REFUGEE or contact Betsy Huls, blhuls@live.com.

CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Saturday, July 18, Junior High Room
BLS (traditional healthcare provider course) 11 AM–3:30 PM—$75
St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown, michelleabrown1985@gmail.com, to register or for more information.

Sanctuary Course
Mondays, July 20, and August 17, 6-7 PM, Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to these faith-based programs designed to raise awareness about mental health and provide practical ways to support those facing mental health challenges. Topics: July 20—Companionship; August 17—Caregiving. Contact Kerri, kerri@stjblm.org, with questions.

Housing Coalition Community Forum at St. John's
Thursday, July 23, 5:30 PM, Worship Center
St. John’s is pleased to host a day-long conference for the Central Illinois Continuum of Care network, bringing together service providers, community partners, and advocates committed to advancing stable, safe, and equitable housing for all. As part of the conference, the entire community is invited to this forum.

Traditional Worship Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed in the roles of ushers, greeters, and communion servers. Please consider serving in one or more areas. Training is available. Contact Kerri, kerri@stjblm.org, for more information.

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.

Midwest Food Bank Work Day
Tuesday, July 14, 6–8 PM
Midwest Food Bank strives to alleviate hunger and poverty by gathering and distributing food donations to not-for-profits and disaster sites without cost to the recipients. Visit www.bit.ly/SJ_MWFB to sign up through their volunteer portal, Golden. New volunteers need to fill out a disclaimer form prior to serving. If you do not see the date listed that you wish to serve, please contact Steve Pruett, stevepruett829@gmail.com.

Faith In Action Rob Dob's Fundraiser
Wednesday, July 15, all day
Enjoy a meal (dine in or carry out) or purchase a gift card from Rob Dob's. Tell your server/cashier that Faith in Action sent you (no flyer needed), and Faith in Action will receive 10% of the sale!

Faith In Action Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, July 21, 1–2:30 PM, ARC, 600 E. Willow Street, Normal
Contact Stacey at (309) 827-7780 to learn more or fill out the volunteer interest form at www.bnfia.org/post-3988and someone will get back to you. Volunteers are needed to provide rides to medical appointments and as friendly visitors.

Lutheran World Relief—What the World Needs Now is LOVE!
It’s time to start buying pencils, towels, and soap for St. John's Lutheran World Relief collection. Look for the display in the Lobby next weekend. Your donations help in the US and abroad to give relief from natural disasters and in areas of political upheaval.