From Pastor David

To all the saints that are collectively known as St. John’s Lutheran Church of Bloomington, grace and peace are yours in Christ Jesus. Amen

The last weekend of October and the first weekend of November are two of my favorite dates of the church year. So much goes on—Ingathering for Lutheran World Relief, Confirmation, Reformation, All Saints, and this year a vote for an associate pastor!

Since last week, I’ve fielded a few questions from folks that fall under the “what’s next” category. First off, I will assume the vote will be positive, and we, as a congregation, will offer Candidate Shemiah Curry a letter of call.  Under ELCA guidelines, she will have up to 30 days to respond. Then, assuming she accepts the call, she will submit a response to our Council president with a proposed starting date, usually within a month or two. Someone asked, “Why so long?” Well, I responded, have you moved recently? To which they shook their heads and made sour faces! Not everyone likes moving! This process alone takes time—finding housing, packing, and moving in. Also, in this case, our candidate will need to be ordained. This, too, takes time to plan and can be complicated, as it must align with our bishop’s schedule. So, I recommend prayers for discernment for Candidate Curry and for patience for all the rest of us!

What’s next for St. John’s? In the months to come, the staff and council have committed to learning more about working with and alongside leaders of color, and the congregation will likely have opportunities to do so, as well.

Also, as part of the planning process for this new Associate Pastor of Youth and Family, the Missions portfolio will be added to her workload, and she and Marvin Rasch will coordinate these two areas. Pastor Lyn has indicated a desire to reduce her number of work hours she works. As we prepare for the Associate Pastor to start, we are putting together a plan to harmonize St. John’s ministry needs with Pastor Lyn’s gifts to meet those needs on a part-time basis, working with existing staff and volunteers. As this plan takes effect, we’ll keep you informed with clear, timely updates.

Finally, this past Monday, St. John’s congregational council elected new leadership for the upcoming year: Carlton Potts, president; Jodi Albert, vice president; Tammy Fahling, treasurer; and Jolie Hoffmann, secretary.   Many thanks to current president Mark Scott and vice president Randy Holthaus, who have graciously served this past year.

Exciting times for life and ministry at St. John’s! No matter what the future brings, together we will continue to engage and equip people to embrace Jesus Christ.

Next Weekend—ThanksLiving
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

Rolling Congregational Meeting
This weekend following all worship services
All members are encouraged to attend the meeting to vote on calling Candidate Shemiah Curry as St. John’s Associate Pastor.

Stewardship Campaign
This year’s annual stewardship theme reflects the sermon series ThanksLiving. In mid-November you will receive a packet in the mail with details about next year’s budget and your pledge card. Your pledge supports every ministry, mission, and life touched by St. John’s.

Budget Information Forum
Sunday, November 16, 9:30 AM, Chapel
The 2026 budget will be available and members of the finance team will be on hand to share information and answer questions.

Multifaith Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 24, 4-5 PM, YMCA, 202 St. Joseph Drive, Bloomington
All are invited for a service around what unites us, focusing on community. An ASL interpreter will be present. Refreshments will be provided following the service. A freewill offering will be collected for the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

Kaffehuset
Wednesday, November 5, 10 AM Refreshments, 10:30 AM Program, Fellowship Hall
Kaffehuset 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: Dave and Jeri Peters will present The Bible Alive Today (Volume 2), sharing the beauty of God’s creation with Bible verses and other inspirational quotes. A drawing will be held at the end for one of their books.

Judson University Choir
Saturday, November 8, and Sunday, November 9, during worship
The choir will share their music with all worship services. If you are able to host two or more students overnight (Saturday to Sunday) or organize/help with a meal Saturday, please contact Walter, as soon as possible.

Simple Living Decluttering Group
Sunday, November 9, 9:30 AM, Library (new location)
The group is reading Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life by Joshua Becker. This month will cover part 3. The next meeting will be January 4 with part 4. Contact: Ellen Cantrell.

Surviving the Holidays
Sunday, November 9, 1 PM, Loft
A two-hour event designed to give those who are grieving encouragement and practical strategies for navigating the season. Please register at: www.griefshare.org/events/268191. Contact: Debbie Whelton, (309) 846-1965.

Holiday Decorating
Monday, November 24, 10 AM-3 PM
Help beautify for the church for Advent! Help for an hour or the whole time! Volunteers are also needed Sunday, November 23, to help bring decorating items from the basement.

Advent Meals
Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17, 11:15 AM and 5:15 PM, Gathering Area
You are invited to a light meal of soup and dessert before midweek worship services. Worship will begin at 12 PM and 6:30 PM. No registration is needed. Donations are appreciated to cover the cost of the meal. Volunteers are needed to help prep, serve, and clean before and after each meal. Sign up to help by visiting www.bit.ly/SJ_advent25.

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.

Join the St. John’s Staff
Do you enjoy developing an environment where children feel heard, valued, and are excited to learn about Jesus? Consider applying for St. John’s Children’s and Junior High Ministry Assistant. This position will coordinate, facilitate, and support the ministries of St. John’s for children from birth through 8th grade as directed by the Pastoral staff. This is a part-time, hourly position averaging between 20-24 hours per week, including Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings during the program year. The full job description is available at www.stjblm.org/jobs. Please send your resume and letter of interest to Shari.

Adult Studies
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
Study on the book of Luke. Contact: Debbie Whelton. November 22, the group will begin a new 5-week Advent study, A Christmas Carol.
Sundays through November 16, 9:45-10:30 AM, Loft
Gratitude is Not Thanksgiving—In this video study, Pr. Jason Turner will convey a biblical understanding of the need for authentic gratitude in the life of a faithful follower of Jesus.

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. 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.

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
The group is studying the book of Romans, using the study guide Together by Grace—Romans by Augsburg. Contact: David Roehrig.

Thrive Junior High Program
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM, Parish Life Center
Open to all Junior high students. Please register at www.bit.ly/JHThrive2025.

CPR Courses Offered at St. John’s
Friday, November 7, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (healthcare provider)—10 AM-1 PM—$70
Saturday, November 8, Junior High Room
BLS (traditional course for healthcare providers)—1-4:30 PM—$75
St. John’s members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown to register or for more information.

Global Refuge
In January, the U.S. Department of State issued a Stop Work order to organizations involved in refugee resettlement, suspending funding and halting work, impacting vital services for refugees already in the U.S. Under this order, Global Refuge was ordered to cease serving thousands of refugees, and refugees from many countries were no longer permitted to enter the U.S. Despite court decisions, refugee and asylum seeker families face fear and uncertainty across our country. Even with the loss of federal funding, Global Refuge is committed to their work and invites support through financial gifts, prayer, advocacy, mobilization, education, and volunteerism. Language tutoring, employment opportunities, and providing a welcoming environment can significantly help in rebuilding lives. Visit www.globalrefuge.org/act-now for seven ways you can help immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers.

Care Fair—Connecting Care to our Unhoused Community
Thursday, November 13, 10 AM-2 PM, Eastview Christian Church Community Center (former YMCA), 602 South Main Street, Bloomington
St. John’s is part of the Bloomington/Normal Housing Coalition—a group of local social service agencies and faith-based organizations working together to help address homelessness in our community. The Cold Weather Response working group will sponsor the Care Fair for area homeless and individuals in need. The group is seeking donations of blankets, socks, and tents. Items may be dropped off at Home Sweet Home—The Junction (former Mission Mart) any weekday, 10 AM-4 PM, prior to November 12. Volunteers are also needed to help with set-up, distribution, and event support throughout the day. Please visit www.bit.ly/CareFair25 to sign up.

The Giving Tree
Next weekend trees will be filled with tags of wishlist items for local families facing hardship.

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.

Prayer Shawl Ministry
Enjoy a time of fellowship while creating prayer shawls, prayer squares or chemo caps for St. John’s members, cancer centers, etc. If you or a loved one would benefit from one of these articles, contact Kerri. Contact: Lynda Bogue, (309) 532-2083.

Volunteer Opportunities
As the holiday season approaches, it’s a great time to think of others and serve in worship services 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, and a coordinator will follow up with you.

Hope for the Holidays Card Collection
November 15–November 30
St. John’s will once again serve as a regional hub to collect holiday cards to be mailed to detention centers or agencies. Visit the display in the Lobby next weekend to learn more.