From Pastor David

This past Wednesday we began Lent with the sign of the cross on our foreheads, pointing us to this year’s theme, Grace to Go. I first heard the phrase at Pastor Shemiah’s ordination and realized it fit perfectly with the ideas we’d been shaping. Each weekend, we’ll reflect on scripture and on The Big Relief by David Zahl, remembering both the cost and the abundance of God’s grace—and our call to carry that grace into the world.

I invite you to take Grace to Go into your daily life. Take part in something for Lent. Take something up and give something up, but I ask that you engage in something! There are lots of somethings and ways to do this, and here are a few links and ideas that may be helpful.

Daily devotionals—Written by Pastor David and many colleagues, some of whom you may know! www.stjblm.org/lent

Lent Photo-a-day—This is a way to engage with the devotionals with a social media focus. www.facebook.com/LENTPHOTOADAY

You may also chose to read The Big Relief and join in one of the small groups or classes that meet—Wednesdays at 10:30 AM in the
Fellowship Hall led by Pastor Lyn and 5:30 PM led by either Pastor David or Marvin Rasch.

For going deeper for our midweek service, you may choose to download and review this ELCA document on the Means of Grace—www.bit.ly/SJ_MeansOfGrace

Finally, I encourage you to share some fellowship time this Lent. Yes, this counts for your something! Sign-ups can be found elsewhere in the News. Take some time for food and fellowship, then join us for worship at noon for a brief hymn-based reflective service or 6:30 PM for a service based on Holden Evening Prayer.

There are many ways to do your something  for Lent. You might wear purple on Wednesdays, give up coffee or chocolate, or choose to be more mindful about what you eat. These practices—and Lent itself—are not ends in themselves. Lent prepares us for Holy Week and the gift of Easter, helping us remember God’s daily work in our lives and calling us in the promises of Baptism to live for the sake of others. This season invites us to lift our heads, repent, return to God, and take Grace to Go into a world in need of The Big Relief of God’s grace.

Next Weekend—Grace to Go
John 3:1-17

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).

CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Friday, March 6, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (healthcare providers)—10 AM-1 PM— $70

Saturday, March 7, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (healthcare providers)—11:30 AM-2:30 PM—$70

Saturday, March  28, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (healthcare providers)—11:30 AM-2:30 PM—$70
Heartsaver CPR/AED (workplace and community)—3-5:30 PM—$65

St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown to register or for more information.

St. John's Book Club
Monday, February 23, 1 PM, Gathering Area
The group will discuss The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall and Run by Ann Patchett. March's book selection is My Friends by Fredrik Backman.

Adult Studies
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
Psalm 23—For more information, contact Debbie Whelton.

Sundays, 9:30 AM, Loft
Servant of God—explore the important theme of servanthood. Contact Marvin for information or if interested in facilitating.

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 the book The Big Relief.

Friday Morning Men’s Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
The group is discussing Daniel by J.D. Greear. Contact David Roehrig for information.

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 David, followed by snacks and fellowship. Please register at www.bit.ly/JHThrive2025.

Noah's Ark Preschool
Registration for 26/27 is Open Now!
Noah’s Ark is a loving environment based on Christian values, upholding the highest standards in childcare and education. Noah’s Ark offers classes for children 2 years through 5 years. Visit www.bit.ly/NA_2026 to register.

Simple Living Decluttering Group
Sunday, March 15, 9:30 AM, Library
The group will discuss: "What are the biggest challenges in Decluttering for you?" In April we will be discussing Uncluttered Faith by Joshua Becker. Everyone is welcome. Contact Ellen Cantrell with questions.

Immanuel Bible Foundation's Men's Lenten Breakfast
Thursday, April 2, 7-8:30 AM, DoubleTree Hotel
Enjoy breakfast and a message from speaker, John Desser, VP and Head of Government Affairs at HealthEquity, and Deputy Director at the Alliance for Israel Advocacy. He'll offer insight and inspiration that will last long after the morning ends. Visit www.ibfoundation.org for more information and tickets.

Senior High Gatherings
Mondays, March 16, April 20, May 18, 6:30-8 PM, Senior High Room
All senior high students are invited to a short devotion and fellowship time.

Lutheran Men in Mission One Life to Live Retreat
Friday, March 20, 5:30 PM–Sunday, March 22, 3 PM, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center, Oregon, Illinois
Men of all ages yearn for real friendships and a closer relationship with Christ. Join for a genuine and spiritual time, connecting with other men for the weekend. Cost is $150 if registered by March 1 and $175 by March 10 and includes lodging, six meals, and materials. For more information and registration information, visit www.bit.ly/LOMC_Brochure.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School
Monday, June 15, through Friday, June 19
Kids, age 3–5th grade will plunge into exploring the nature of God. They’ll explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, a safe place in life’s storms. Registration opens on Easter!

St. John’s Quilters
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to help make quilts and enjoy a time of fellowship. Contacts: Marsha Johnson, (309) 299-9338, or Sue Stombaugh, (309) 825-7553.

Fellowship Meals at Agape House
Mondays, March 2, April 13, May 4, Agape House, 300 Normal Avenue, Normal
Agape House, campus outreach of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod and Judson Fellowship, hosts weekly fellowship dinners for students and others. Student leadership plans and shopsl. Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve, and clean up. Volunteers should arrive by 4:30 PM to prepare to serve the meal by 6 PM. After cleaning up, volunteers are welcome to stay to eat with students. Sign up at www.bit.ly/SJ_Agape26. Contact Marvin for details.

Lenten Collection for Oasis
Oasis helps McLean Couty families and individuals break and avoid cycles of poverty through food distribution and clothing distribution and referral networking. During Lent, St. John's will once again collect paper and cleaning products to help support this vital mission. Needed items include: baby
supplies—diapers and wipes; paper products—toilet paper, paper towels, tissues; and cleaning supplies—laundry detergent and all-purpose cleaner. Please place donations on the display in the Lobby through Easter Sunday.

Worship Technology Team Volunteers Needed
The Tech Team is looking for additional volunteers with sound, streaming, and slides. Please contact Marvin.

Faith In Action Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, March 3, 1–2:30 PM, ARC, 600 E. Willow Street, Normal
Contact Stacey or Mary, (309) 827-7780, to learn more or fill out the volunteer interest form at www.bnfia.org/post-3988 and someone will contact you.

Midwest Food Bank Work Day
Tuesday, March 10, 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. Contact Steve Pruett with questions or help signing up.

St. John’s Garage Sale
Saturday, April 18, 8 AM-1 PM
NEW drop-off times for your unwanted treasures:
• Wednesday, April 15, 4-6 PM
• Thursday, April 16, 4-6 PM
• Friday, April 17, 9 AM-12 PM
Lots of help will be needed unloading cars and sorting donations! Sign up will be open March 1.