From Pastor David
Thank you to everyone who responded to our call for help as we prepare for the Central/Southern Illinois Synod Assembly from June 5–7. I am continually impressed by how St. John’s steps up during ministry needs!
We are also updating our guest internet connections. While they work well in the Worship Center, the Parish Life Center and education areas need improvement for the Assembly. During this process, our tech specialist, Mark, temporarily shut down the firewall, giving me a chance to step outside for a bite to eat.
As I stepped out, the sun shone brightly, and our newly sealed parking lot glistened from the rain. The vibrant green of the grass and trees against the blue sky and white puffy clouds was stunning. All I could say was, “Wow!”
This experience reflects the purpose of a pastoral sabbatical—a time to step outside for a time rest and renewal that equips a pastor to face future challenges. While I will not be present with you for worship this week or next (it is family graduation season), my sabbatical doesn’t start until June 14, and I will be back in the office on September 8. Your understanding and support during this time are invaluable, and I am grateful for your role in making this sabbatical possible.
Many of you have asked where I will be going on my sabbatical, and the answer is that I won't be going anywhere exotic or adventurous. I do have a couple of week-long trips planned to visit family and one set aside for reading and reflection, but for the most part, I will be in Bloomington/Normal for the duration of my sabbatical.
I do plan to intentionally visit various congregations in our community. One of my goals is to worship with as many area congregations as possible. After attending a service, I will invite their senior pastors to lunch, where we can discuss our ministries, if they are interested. I hope to build deeper relationships with other local congregations and their pastors.
While we may have differences in theological views or political opinions, I want to emphasize that we are united in Christ. If you have any suggestions for churches I should visit, please e-mail me and let me know why you think I should check them out. You are also welcome to reach out if you have any questions about my sabbatical.
Finally, please attend the congregation forum between Sunday services this week where you may learn more about this and other topics.
Next Weekend—Unstoppable
Acts 16:9-15
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. Her final day in the office will be Thursday, July 17.
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).
Pastor Dick Hanson Retirement Open House
Sunday, May 18, 3-5 PM, Lutheran Hillside Village, 6901 N. Galena Rd., Peoria
All are welcome to help celebrate Pastor Hanson who served our congregation during his 65 years of ministry. In lieu of gifts, a donation can be made to St. Mark's Lutheran Church for the Pastor Hanson Scholarship Fund for Leadership Lab or to Lutheran Hillside Village.
St. John's Book Club
Monday, May 19, 1 PM, Gathering Area
The group will discuss The Briar Club by Kate Quinn. The meeting on June 30, will cover This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel.
Summer Family Fellowship Potluck and Playtime
Beginning Sunday, June 8, 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 dates: July 13 and August 10.
New Member Opportunity
New members will be received the weekend of June 21/22 at all worship services. If you're interested in learning more about the membership process at St. John's, please contact Kerri. To be included in the next membership group, please let Kerri know by Monday, June 16.
Faith On Tap 2025 Returns
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM
Mark your calendars for Faith on Tap—conversation and a cold beverage at a local brewery. Wear your nametag!
• June 25—Lil Beaver
• July 2—Fiala Brothers
• July 9—White Oak
• July 16—Casper
• July 23—Analytical
• July 30—Keg Grove
• August 6—Destihl Beer Hall
In order to give the breweries approximate attendance counts for staffing purposes, please sign up at www.bit.ly/FOT25_RSVP if you plan to attend. You can always change your mind—you are not committed. There are new t-shirt design and pricing ($17-20) this year, as well. T-shirt orders must be submitted by Sunday, June 1. Place your order at www.bit.ly/FOT25_shirt.
Weekend Adult Studies
Saturday, 4:05-4:55 PM, Gathering Area
Sundays, 9:30-10:30 AM, Conference Room
This weekend is the final day of weekend adult studies for the school year.
JoyZone Children’s Ministries
This Sunday is the final day of JoyZone for the school year. Pew projects will be available to occupy wiggly children during worship beginning Sunday, June 1.
Monday Afternoon Study
Mondays, 2:30-3:30 PM, Loft
Everyone is welcome to a study on the book of Job, led by Gloria Jameson. Contact Gloria for more information.
Faith and Life Bible Study
Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays, 10 AM, Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor Lyn for a study on the book of James.
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.
Thrive Junior High Program
The final night of Thrive will be Wednesday, May 21.
Thrive 5th Grade Visit
Wednesday, May 21, 6:30-8:15 PM
Students entering 6th grade in the fall are invited to join Thrive. Incoming students will participate in youth worship, small group activities and enjoy fellowship with 7th and 8th graders. Parents are welcome to join. Information will be sent home with the 5th grade students regarding registration and the upcoming program in the fall. Drop-off and pick-up in the Parish Life Center in the Atrium.
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) Summer Camp Sign-up
Sunday, July 13–Friday, July 18
Reserve your student's spot for camp at LOMC in Oregon, Illinois. Camp is open to all incoming 6th-12th grade students, and students are welcome to bring a friend! Fees will not be collected at this time. The total cost to attend is $550; however, proceeds from the Garage Sale will help offset the total. Reserve a spot at www.bit.ly/SJ_LOMC25. Cost and other details will be provided soon.
Save the Date—Back to School Party
Sunday, August 10, 12-2 PM
Incoming 6th-12th grade students are invited. Watch for more details to come.
Vacation Bible School
Registration for Children
Monday, June 16–Friday, June 20
For kids ages 3 years through 5th grade; no cost to attend! Register at www.bit.ly/SJ_VBS25.
Deadline for registering a child is Friday, May 30.
VBS Wish Lists
Oriental Trading Wish List—www.bit.ly/VBS25_OT
Amazon Wish List—www.amzn.to/432FMeK
Please ship items directly to: Amy Rademacher, St. John's Lutheran Church, 1617 E. Emerson Street, Bloomington, IL 61701. Please provide your name on the shipping label.
Volunteer
Help is needed before, during, and after VBS. There are still plenty of openings. Visit www.bit.ly/SJ_VBSVols25 to find the perfect opportunity! The following roles still need to be filled:
• Crew and Station Leaders—more adult or high school volunteers are needed in these roles, but welcome anyone that wishes to help!
• Photographer—one or more people to take pictures throughout the week are needed.
If you are available for any time during the week of June 16-20, please contact Amy. If your schedule only allows for you to work a couple of days, that is fine, we can be flexible!
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.
Technology Booth Training Sessions
Wednesday, May 21, 5:30 PM, or Sunday, June 1, 9:30 AM, Tech Booth
Volunteers are needed for the Technology Booth Team, an important ministry that enhances the worship experience, in-person and online. No prior experience is required. Contact Kerri to confirm your attendance.
American Red Cross Blood Drive at St. John’s
Saturday, May 31, 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. Contact Lynn Carpenter, (309) 830-2588, with questions or to donate food.
Central/Southern Illinois Synod Assembly Volunteer Opportunities
Wednesday, June 4–Saturday, June 7
St. John's is excited to host this year's Synod Assembly. Many opportunities are available from room set-up, coffee/beverage prep, greeters, and more. Sign up for as many opportunities as you like at www.bit.ly/SJ_CSIS25. Please contact Shari for more information.
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
Fran Davis
New Babies
• Kailey Marie Watts, daughter of Taylor and Kristen Watts and granddaughter of Randy and Sara White and Stephen and Karin Watts
• Miles David Prohaska, son of Brendon and Mara Prohaska
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, Amy Hurliman Parry, Lois Skillrud, Dan Thames, Bev Wunderlin, 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.
Altar Flowers
In memory of David Hill, given by his wife Dianne