Preaching this Weekend
Bishop Greg Busboom
The Rev. Dr. Greg G. Busboom has served as bishop of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America since the fall of 2023. Prior to being elected to his current role, Bishop Busboom served as Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Carthage, Illinois (1999-2007), Pastor of Outreach and Discipleship at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield, Illinois (2007-2011), and Lead Pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Springfield, Illinois (2011-2023).
The Central/Southern Illinois Synod of the ELCA includes the lower two-thirds of the state of Illinois and comprises more than 110 unique communities of disciples. The mission of the synod is Nurturing communities of disciples, equipped for Christ’s mission. The synod’s current strategic priorities include 1) Growing Healthy Leaders; 2) Building and Advancing Connections; 3) Renewed Engagement of Youth and Young Adults through Cross-Generational Faith Formation; 4) Strengthening Communication, and; 5) Celebrating our Shared Mission and Service. Bishop Busboom is passionate about engaging and equipping leaders and communities of disciples in living out Christ’s mission.
Bishop Busboom grew up near Flatville in Champaign County. He is married to Maressa, an RN/BSN who works as a school nurse in
the Rochester School District. They are the parents of three children: Emma (24), Luke (23), and Liam (14). He enjoys reading all the books on the Washington Post’s annual “Top 10 Books of the Year” list, eating a good plateful of homemade biscuits and gravy, and singing Lutheran hymns in four-part harmony.
Next Weekend—One Word, Many Voices
Luke 11:1-13
Preaching: Pastor Lyn Kern
A Journey of Faith
On August 17 A Journey of Faith Debt Reduction Appeal will kick off. This journey to reduce our debt is not just for today—it’s for those who come after us—the next generation, for future ministries and new opportunities to serve and glorify God. With a certain interest rate increase in February, the cost of our existing debt could increase as much as $120,000 per year.
We are taking intentional steps to reduce our debt now, freeing us to continue our ministry, outreach, and missions. One of the most beautiful things about this journey is that every gift—large or small—will make a difference. Every dollar given will save $2 on future interest and bring us closer to a debt-free future where we can focus fully on ministry
and mission.
Let’s stay strong on this journey to reduce the remaining $4.9 million.
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).
One Worship Service
Sunday, August 17, 10 AM
Everyone is invited for this special annual event when the entire congregation will worship together. Everyone who will be attending school in the fall is encouraged to bring their backpack for a Backpack Blessing during the service. A boxed lunch and kid’s activities will follow worship. There is no cost for lunch, but you must register to have one reserved. There will be a freewill offering basket available. Volunteers are needed to help set up on Thursday, August 14, and to serve and clean up on Sunday. Sign up to reserve a lunch or volunteer to help at www.bit.ly/OneWorship25. If you are not able to sign up online, please call the church office, (309) 827-6121, to reserve your lunch.
Faith On Tap
Wednesday, July 23, Analytical Brewing, 6:30-8 PM
Enjoy conversation and a cold beverage at a local brewery. Wear your nametag! Next week: July 30—Keg Grove Brewery
St. John’s Book Club
Monday, July 28, 1 PM, Gathering Area
The group will discuss Horse by Geraldine Brooks. The selection for August 25 is The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. New book lovers are always welcome.
Summer Family Fellowship Potluck and Playtime
Sunday, August 10, 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.
Saturday Study
Saturday, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
All are invited to a new study on the old testament book of Daniel. Contact Debbie Whelton, (309) 846-1965 , for more information or just show up.
Monday Afternoon Study
Mondays, 2:30-3:30 PM, Loft
Everyone is welcome to a study on the Sensible Shoes Series by Sharon Garlough Brown’s book 3, Barefoot, available on Amazon, led by Gloria Jameson. Contact Gloria for details and a study guide.
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.
CPR Courses Offered at St. John’s
Wednesday, July 31, Junior High Room
• BLS—10 AM–1 PM (traditional course for healthcare providers)—$75
Saturday, August 9, Junior High Room
• BLS Renewal—12:30–3 PM (healthcare providers)—$65
• BLS Renewal—1:30–4:30 PM (traditional course for healthcare providers)—$75
St. John’s members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown to register or for more information.
Back-to-School Party
Sunday, August 10, 12-2 PM, South Lawn by the Morton Building
All incoming 6th-12th grade students are invited to the party. A light lunch will be served followed by water games, slip ‘n slide, kiddie pool kickball, and color wars! Wear a swimsuit or something that can get wet and messy. Bring a friend! There is no cost to attend. Please sign up at www.bit.ly/STJ_BTSParty.
Bible Presentations and Blessings
Sunday, August 24, during the 10:30 AM worship service
All kindergarten, 3rd, and 6th grade students, or any child through 6th grade who doesn’t have a Bible, are invited to receive an age-appropriate Bible at the 10:30 AM worship service. Students receiving a Bible will have the opportunity to attend a Bible Workshop class following the Children’s Sermon. Parents can pick up Children in the JoyZone Wing following worship.
6th-8th Grade Thrive and Confirmation Orientation
6:30-8 PM, Wednesday, August 27, Fellowship Hall
All incoming 6th-8th grade students and at least one parent/guardian are invited to this orientation to learn about the upcoming Thrive year. In addition, the Confirmation process will be explained to 8th grade students and parents.
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.
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.
Music for Food Concert
Sunday, July 27, 3 PM, Worship Center
The Illinois Chamber Music Festival will present a free concert, featuring faculty and staff from Illinois Wesleyan University. Please bring a non-perishable
food item or monetary donation to be give to Oasis Community Outreach, a St. John’s missions partner.
Growing Hope Globally Together in Hope Regional Meeting
Thursday, August 14, 6–8 PM, Fellowship Hall
St. John’s members are invited to attend the dinner and have an opportunity to hear about our shared impact in Burkina Faso and around the world. Please RSVP to www.bit.ly/GHG_Dinner by August 1, so that we can plan for your complimentary meal. The Growing Project that St. John’s supports is the Hopedale Growing Project in the fall. Please contact Jim Dumouchel with questions.
ImpactLife Blood Drive at St. John’s
Saturday, August 9, 8 AM-1 PM, Fellowship Hall
Sign up at www.bloodcenter.org.
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 In Need of Prayers
Dennis Otto, Lois Skillrud
Baptism
Miles David Prohaska, son of Brendon and Mara Prohaska
Condolences
• Lynda & Dennis Bogue & family on the passing of her mother Charlene Miller
• Jill & Brian Waddell & family on the passing of her mother Marilyn Otto
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, Joanne Scanken, Lois Skillrud, Dan Thames, 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 loving memory of husband & father Gerhard Schulz, given by his family—Henny Schulz, Karin Schulz, Monika & Jim Cavanagh, Kiki, Nastya, Nadia & Luda