From Pastor David

First off, a weather-related note: I really don't like to cancel worship, but when we do, it is nice to know we have options. Last weekend, Saturday night was held, as usual, so you can watch the service on YouTube at www.bit.ly/sjlcyoutube. If we ever have to cancel both days, we will endeavor to provide at least the weekly scriptures and sermon online.

Second, Pastor Shemiah is being ordained on January 31. She will be here on staff on February 2. While I know many of us “can't wait to welcome her,” but please allow her some time to settle in! Cards of welcome are always appreciated. Installation is still in the works, but we should have a fixed date next week. Senior high students and families are invited to a Meet, Greet, and Eat on Sunday, February 15 at 6:30 PM. See details inside.

More good news, staffing-wise: we are thrilled that Gabriella Fabiano will be joining the staff on March 2 as part-time Children’s and Junior High Ministry Assistant!

In other news...

• Lent is coming! If you have not yet ordered your book, please do so now at www.bit.ly/SJ_BigRelief. If you are interested in being part of a small group for this study, contact Marvin.

• Please plan to attend the Annual Meeting next Sunday at 9:30 AM. In preparation, I ask that you please look over the Annual Report, found on the Resource Counter or at www.stjblm.org/annual to see all the wonderful ministries that St. John’s undertook in this past year.

Finally, a word to the political and social events of recent weeks: yes, they are deeply troubling. Our daily calling remains the same: to love God and our neighbors. While the news is often disturbing and social media often echoes back our darkest fears, the work of justice, mercy, and grace continues. Rather than reacting, we seek to respond with thoughtfulness and faithfulness. A metaphor I use frequently is that we keep our foot on the gas, not floored, but remaining in control enough to consistently and steadily aim for whatever God is calling us into.

Along these lines, I encourage you to watch the message from Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and the Minnesota Synod Bishops, “We Will Not Grow Weary”—www.bit.ly/WeWillNotGrowWeary.

In difficult times, it’s easy to feel discouraged, but this work is ongoing as we strive to bring God’s kingdom into a hurting world. If you need space for prayer, the chapel is open, and we will continue offering resources for reflection and action. If you’re looking for a tangible next step, serve your neighbor and our community where needs are real and daily. Keep doing what God has called us to do—in love, there is the possibility of growth, and in the love of Christ, there is hope for ALL. Let us not grow weary.

Next Weekend—Serve
Matthew 5:13-20

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).

Ash Wednesday and Lent Midweek Worship
Ash Wednesday, February 18, 12 and 6:30 PM
Wednesdays, February 25–March 31, 12 and 6:30 PM
Begin the season with this special worship service, receiving ashes and entering a time of reflection and prayer. Continue the Lenten journey with midweek services, gathering for reflection and renewal as we prepare for Jesus' Resurrection.

Grief Support for Those Who Have Lost a Spouse
Wednesday, February 4, 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.

Pastor Shemiah Meet, Greet, & Eat for Senior High
Sunday, February 15, 6:30-8 PM, Senior High Room
Pastor Shemiah will lead a short devotion, followed by pizza and fellowship. Contact Marvin for more information.

Lenten Midweek Meals
Wednesday, February 25, 11:15 AM Lunch and 5:30 PM Dinner, Gathering Area
Everyone is invited to a simple Lenten meal before worship, a meaningful time to gather around the table, share conversation, and build deeper connections with one another. Lunch will consist of soups and desserts. Dinner, hosted by ministry groups, will have varying menus. There is no cost or reservation required for lunch, although freewill donations are appreciated. For the evening meal, the cost is $5 for ages 3 and older and registration is needed to ensure plenty of food. Register at www.bit.ly/SJ_LentMeal26. Please note: there will not be a meal on Ash Wednesday.

Lenten Midweek Meals Volunteers Needed
Lenten meal time offers a gentle pause in the week as we prepare our hearts for worship together. Your help is needed.

• To help with soup lunch, sign up at www.bit.ly/SJ_LentLunchVol26.

• If your small group or group of friends would like to plan, prepare, and host one of the dinner meals, sign up at www.bit.ly/SJ_LentDinnerHost26.

• If you would like to provide dessert for one of the weeks, sign up at www.bit.ly/SJ_LentDessert26.

CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Saturday, February 21, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (for healthcare providers)—12:30 PM-3 PM—$70
St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown, to register or for more information.

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.

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 of Romans.

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.

Kaffehuset
Wednesday, February 4, 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: Matt Burgess, CEO of Home Sweet Home Ministries will present The Bridge Project for Unhoused. He will describe the development of the community’s first non-congregate emergency shelter village, located on Oakland Avenue and Main Street.

Coping With Anger Class at INtegRIty Counseling
Tuesdays, February 10–March 17, 502 S. Morris Avenue, Bloomington
INtegRIty Counseling offers classes and groups to build life skills. Facilitators Rolaine Walsh and Cale Adams will guide this class with practical tools and insights. Cost is $10. Class is limited to eight people. Visit www.bit.ly/iccope to register.

Lenten Book Read
The weekend theme for Lent will be The Way of Grace with a book read of The Big Relief, the Urgency of Grace for a Worn-out World. Study groups will be offered to discuss the book during Lent. The book can be purchased and picked up from church at www.bit.ly/SJ_BigRelief for a cost of $16. Deadline to order is Monday, February 9.

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, February 2, March 2, April 13, and 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. The student leadership plans and shops for the meal. 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. Please contact Marvin for more information.

Calendar Collection
Thank you to everyone who contributed cards and calendars to the residents at the Logan Correctional Facility. Nearly 1,000 greeting cards have been delivered. Unfortunately the chaplain is no longer able to distribute calendars to the residents; however the 250 calendars were taken to the Midwest Food Bank where representatives from food pantries take them to their clients. Please feel free to continue to contribute calendars for distribution and greeting cards for the Logan residents. Contact Jane Frieden, (309) 831-6156, with questions.

Faith In Action Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, February 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.

Tool and Hardware Drive
Through Sunday, February 15
The Bloomington/Normal Community Land Trust is hosting this drive to collect nails (finish/brad, drywall, roofing clout, and galvanized nails, 8cm to 16cm), screws (wood, drywall, and deck), tools (lightly used hammers, screwdrivers, levels, wrenches, and drills), roller brushes, and paintbrushes. Please drop off items in the designated bins in the Fellowship Hall entrance. Please visit www.blonoclt.org for more information.