From Pastor David

I pray that you had a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving. Thank you so much to all of you who have already returned your ThanksLiving pledge cards, and for all you do for and with the body of Christ that is St. John’s as we minister together through every season.

But I do have a concern: whoever came up with the idea of celebrating Thanksgiving on the forth Thursday of November must not have lived in the Midwest. Have you seen the forecast? Maybe by the time you read this, the weather will have come and gone, but, uff, it can cause us to worry so.

Suppose you have loved ones coming from the north like we do or are venturing that direction—before you head home make sure your tires are good, cell phone charged, also double check that your fuel and washer fluid are topped off, and maybe stash a little emergency kit in the back just in case, because while the song goes “the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh though the white and drifted snow… your car doesn’t, at least not yet. My hope and prayer is that all who travel will be kept safe, no matter what the weather.

Speaking of the forecast, Advent can serve as a spiritual forecast for us as we prepare for Christmas and the new year. The readings for this time of year all announce to us that we need to be ready, we need to prepare, for the Lord is coming. Not just at Christmas long ago, not just at the end of all things—both of which are true—but in the here and now. Our prayers begin with “Stir up,” like making cookies; we ask God to prepare us, to put us together so that we might bring the sweetness of God’s grace into the world around us.

As you know, sometimes that is easier said than done. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all the expectations of this season. We can be overwhelmed by all the “shoulds” and “oughts” in our lives that we miss the blessings of the season. When we pray these “stir up” prayers, the Latin word translated as “excitata” means “to excite” or “to rouse.”  Like children at the cusp of Christmas, we are to live our lives in joyful expectation of what God is doing in our lives and the world around us.

Our forecast calls for a 100% chance of grace, mercy, and forgiveness through Christ Jesus. This is one prediction that never fails. Whatever storms life may bring, we are assured that we will never walk alone. Instead, we journey in faith, grounded in profound gratitude for all that God accomplishes in and through us during Advent, Christmas, and each day of the year.

Next Weekend—Insisting on Hope, Advent 1
Isaiah 11: 1-10

Blue Christmas Worship Service
Sunday, December 7, 1:30 PM, Worship Center
The holidays can be difficult for those experiencing grief, loss, or illness. This worship acknowledges feelings of sorrow amidst the celebration of Christmas.

Kaffehuset
Wednesday, December 3, 10 AM Refreshments, 10:30 AM Program, Fellowship Hall
All are welcome—young and not-so-young, members and guests. This month: The Holiday Spectacular Cast will present Music for the Holidays. Along with our own Fred Render, a group from the cast will share favorite songs from performances of the 2025 season. Come to enjoy music of the holidays!

Grief Support
Wednesday, December 3, 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.

Immanuel Bible Foundation’s Women’s Christmas Celebration
Saturday, December 6, 8-11 AM, DoubleTree, 10 Brickyard Drive, Bloomington
Music, food, fellowship, and a heartfelt message will usher in the season as women meet, relax, and enjoy a special Saturday morning. Tickets are $40 and include breakfast, inspirational message from author Debbie Alsdorf, and the Artisan Showcase. Visit www.ibfoundation.org to purchase tickets.

Poinsettia Dedications
Dedicate a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one at www.bit.ly/SJLCGive or contact Georgia, georgia@stjblm.org or (309) 827-6121 ext. 214. Deadline to order is Wednesday, December 19. Cost per dedication is $12. Flowers will be white this year and may be taken home after Christmas Eve services or the following weekend. Remainders will be taken to care facilities and homebound beginning December 29.

Adult Studies
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
All are welcome to an Advent study, A Christmas Carol. Contact: Debbie Whelton, dkwhelton@gmail.com.

Sundays through January 4, 9:30 AM, Loft
Hopes and Fears of All the years—Biblical readings focused on individuals who are part of the Nativity story.

JoyZone Children’s Ministries
Sundays, during the 10:30 AM Worship Service
JoyZone will not meet this Sunday
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. Parents are encouraged to volunteer at www.bit.ly/JZVolunteer.

Monday Afternoon Study
Mondays, 2:30-3:30 PM, Loft
What the Women Saw—study the lives of Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene to learn from their faith and failures. Contact: Gloria Jameson.

Faith and Life Bible Study
Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays, 10 AM, Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor Lyn for a study on the book of Acts.

Friday Morning Men’s Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
Contact: David Roehrig

Thrive Junior High Program
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM, Parish Life Center
Thrive will not meet Wednesday, November 26
Open to all Junior high students. Please register at www.bit.ly/JHThrive2025.

CPR Courses Offered at St. John’s
Wednesday, December 3, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (healthcare provider)—1-4 PM—$70
Saturday, December 6, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (healthcare provider)—11 AM-2 PM—$70
Heartsaver Skills Session (blended learning option for community and workplace)—2:30-4 PM—$60
St. John’s members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown to register or for more information.

Hope for the Holidays
Cards will be accepted through this weekend
Bring joy and hope to immigrants this season. Global Refuge sponsors this program bringing joy and hope to those who receive services through Global Refuge agencies, including children who have crossed the borders alone, by sending holiday cards in English and Spanish. Place signed cards (first name, city, and state) in the bin in the Lobby.

Noah’s Ark Volunteer Opportunity
Thursday, December 11, 5-7 PM
Noah’s Ark Preschool, a ministry at St. John’s, needs volunteers to help with the Pizza with Santa event, serving pizza, welcoming and directing guests and assisting with crafts. Please sign up at www.bit.ly/NA_Pizza25.

Global Refuge
Global Refuge is now focusing on strengthening their privately-funded programs for refugees—Legal Services, Economic Empowerment, and International Programing (Camino a Casa).
Camino a Casa—Hundreds of thousands of adults and children attempt to flee poverty, instability, and violence in Central America each year. Under current U.S. immigration law, many are quickly returned to their home countries. Through compassionate individualized support, Global Refuge’s repatriation program helps youth in Guatemala and Mexico achieve their goals and build a brighter future at home, supporting youth for up to twelve months to ensure successful reintegration. Global Refuge has served more than 1,200 people through Camino a Casa in 2025. In conjunction with local partners, the program offers clinical support, case management services, and referrals for the unique needs of minors, as well as supplementary income and connections to community resources. Each young person receives an individualized plan focused on their goals, including family reunification, transportation, mental health and family counseling, educational support, vocational training, financial literacy, mentorship/peer support programs, and medical/legal assistance referrals.

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. Contacts: Marsha Johnson, (309) 299-9338, or Vicky Kramer, (309) 530-1604.

Volunteer Opportunities
The holiday season is a great time to serve in worship as greeters, ushers, or communion assistants. Children and youth are also invited to volunteer. Simple training sessions will be provided. Contact Kerri specifying which service and roles you would like to step into.

Senior High Service Opportunities
Giving Tree Shopping—Wednesday, December 3, 6:30-8:30 PM
Each year, a few Giving Tree tags go unclaimed. With donated funds, youth will shop for remaining items to ensure every family receives a gift. Sign up at www.bit.ly/SJ_youth25.

Adult Education Facilitators Needed
Opportunities are offered each Sunday during the school year between services and lasting about approximately 45 minutes. Staff identifies the study topic and provides access to materials. The facilitator will introduce the topic and guide the discussion. If you are interested, please contact Marvin.

Home Sweet Home Ministries Opportunities
Can you spare a few hours a week? Home Sweet Home has an opportunity for you! Saturday morning Grocery Store Drivers/Loaders (8:30-10:30 AM) and weekday Dishwashers (12:30-2 PM or 5:30-7 PM). Sign up for once a month, week, or day! Visit www.bit.ly/HSH25 to learn more and sign up.

Volunteer Receptionist
St. John’s is looking to add a volunteer to our reception team on Thursday mornings, 9 AM-12 PM. The start date will be January 8. If you are interested, contact Georgia at (309) 827-6121 ext. 214.

Giving Through Stock or Required Minimum Distribution
Donations of stock are processed through the St. John’s Wells Fargo account. If you would like to donate stock, please contact Shari for instructions. There are substantial tax benefits for gifts made to St. John’s as a qualified charitable distribution from a taxable IRA. If you are over 70½ you may donate up to $108,000 to a qualified charity directly from a taxable IRA. The amount of the donation will not be included in your taxable income.
Please contact your tax professional to see if this would be of benefit to you.

Pledge Statements
This time of year many people wonder if they are current with their pledge. Find your answer on your Shelby Account. Visit the St. John’s website, scroll to the bottom, and click on the log in button. If you’ve logged in before you will be directed to your profile page. Click on giving for a summary of your pledges at the top and a detailed giving history at the bottom. If you have not logged in before or have forgotten your password, click on ‘forgot password’ and a new one will be e-mailed. Review your giving information and see a detailed giving history through your ShelbyNext account. If you need help logging in, please contact Shari.