From Pastor David
This weekend we begin our next sermon series, “Unstoppable.” If we learn nothing else from the resurrection of Jesus Christ it is, as Paul reminds us in Romans 8, that there is nothing in all of creation that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, and that includes death. During the season of Easter (yes, Easter is more than a day), we will examine how the unstoppable love of God formed and shaped the early church, and how that same love shapes and guides our lives today.
One of the avenues that this unstoppable love takes is working with others outside our walls and immediate community. As part of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod, we are bound together by God’s grace to work together and do things and reach people we could never reach on our own. Each year delegates from each of the churches in our synod gather together to worship, to learn, and to help guide the work of the synod. This year the gathering will be held here at St. John’s. We would love to have your help in hosting, and welcoming our family in Christ as they gather here. Many of you have already stepped up and offered your assistance, and for that I am grateful. We still could use a few folks to help this undertaking be a blessed one. Please sign up for as many opportunities as you like at www.bit.ly/SJ_CSIS25. Please contact Shari, for more information.
Finally, my sabbatical will start after the Synod Assembly, and once the council has a chance to look over my plan this next week, I will start to lay out a few of the details for you. I did find out that I am going to be in good company when I helped lead the community Good Friday Service. No fewer that five of my ministerial colleagues will also be on sabbatical. It seems to the be the season for it. As always, I covet your prayers for the work of this congregation and its staff at work and at rest.
Next Weekend—Unstoppable
Acts 9:1-20
Staff Retirement
Gudrun Dunt, Membership and Member Care Coordinator, has announced her retirement, effective August 1. Her last day in the office will be Thursday, July 17. Gudrun has been an integral part of the St. John’s staff since 2008, and she has exemplified the love of Jesus as she coordinated BeFrienders and Caring Ministries, wrote for Daily Blessings, managed the Shelby Membership database and so much more. Everyone is invited to an Open House Thursday, July 17, 3–5 PM, in the Gathering Area, to help celebrate Gudrun and all she has brought to St. John's.
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). .
Possible Parking Conflicts
It's Prom season once again, and our parking lot is used for those taking photos at Ewing Manor. Be advised that parking in the South Parking Lot might be needed on Saturdays, May 3.
Flute Concert—Route "Flute" 66
Sunday, April 27, 4 PM, Worship Center
Bloomington/Normal Flute Ensemble will present a musical cross-country concert.
Congregation Council Forum
Sunday, May 18, 9:45 AM, Chapel
This forum will include updates on the call process for an additional Associate Pastor and information about Pastor David’s sabbatical this summer.
Summer Family Fellowship Potluck and Playtime
Beginning Sunday, June 8, 11:30 AM-1 PM, Gathering Area/St. John's Playground
It is a blessing to welcome new families with young children to St. John's! These families are invited to get to know each other better! Each event will kick off with a potluck lunch (please bring a dish to share) in the Gathering Area. Following lunch, families are invited to the playground for fellowship and play. For more information, contact Meghan Frizzell, (847) 436-7512. Mark your calendars for the remaining summer dates: July 13 and August 10.
Get Ready for the Return of Faith on Tap!
Wednesday, June 25, 6:30-8 PM, Lil' Beaver Brewery
Mark your calendars for the start of this summer's Faith on Tap! Each week meet at a different local brewery for conversation, fellowship, and a cold beverage.
True North Vacation Bible School Registration
Monday, June 16–Friday, June 20
This summer's VBS is open to kids ages 3 through 5th grade, and registration costs have been paid through proceeds from the Garage Sale, so there is no cost to participants! Register your child today at www.bit.ly/SJ_VBS25.
Weekend Adult Studies
All adults are invited and encouraged to attend!
Saturdays, 4:05-4:55 PM, Gathering Area—six-week study on Simon Peter
Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:30 AM
Lectionary Study, Loft—discuss the weekly Scripture readings
Video Study, Conference Room—Holy Habits by Derwin Gray
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 following the Children's Sermon.
Monday Afternoon Study
Mondays, 2:30-3:30 PM, Loft
Everyone is welcome to a study on the book of Job, led by Gloria Jameson. Contact Gloria, ggjameson1954@gmail.com, for more information.
Faith and Life Bible Study
Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays, 10 AM, Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor Lyn for a study on the book of James.
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.
Thrive Junior High Program
Wednesdays, 6:15-8:15 PM, Parish Life Center
Youth worship, small-group Bible lessons, and large-group fellowship and service.
CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Friday, May 16, Junior High Room
• BLS Renewal—10 AM–12:30 PM (healthcare providers)—$65
• BLS—1:30–4:30 PM (traditional course for healthcare providers)—$75
Saturday, May 17, Junior High Room
• Heartsaver CPR/AED—11 AM–2 PM (workplace and community)—$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, April 28, 1 PM, Gathering Area
Discussing The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple. New readers are welcome! May 19—The Briar Club by Kate Quinn.
Decluttering Group
First Sunday of each month, 9:30-10:30 AM, Loft
All are welcome to a new group with decluttering topics including: resources to responsibly pass on items, tips and tricks to keep motivated, photos and family memorabilia. Ellen Cantrell will be your leader and cheerleader. Please contact Ellen if you want to be added to the group for notices.
Senior High/College Age Fellowship Night
Sunday, May 4, 6-8 PM, South Lawn
Students entering high school this fall through college age are invited to a night of outdoor games and a bonfire. The evening will include hot dogs, s'mores over the fire, Spikeball, bags, Nine-Square, and more. Be sure to invite your friends! For more information, contact Kerri or Kathy Olson.
Gratitude Journaling Class
Tuesdays, May 6–May 27, 5:30-7 PM, INtegRIty Counseling
INtegRIty offers this class in honor of Mental Health Awareness month. Cost is $10 and includes all materials; no prior experience is needed. Get creative and have fun! Sign up at www.bit.ly/icgratitude. Contact INtegRIty Counseling, (309) 827-9100, for more information.
Tuesday Tee Time Grounds Crew
Tuesdays, 9-11 AM, Morton Building
Help beautify the church grounds with this dedicated group of volunteers. Contact Dave Lowe, (309) 824-9726, for more information.
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. Supplies can be taken home and sewn on your own time. If you have a Thrivent Action Team available and aren't sure what to do with it, the Quilters can use it for supplies! Contact Marsha Johnson, (309) 299-9338, or Vicky Kramer, (309) 530-1604.
Faith In Action Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, May 6, 1–2:30 PM
Faith In Action is in desperate need of drivers. They are experiencing twice the number of ride requests as this time last year. This ride service helps senior in our community stay in their homes. 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 Opportunities
Thursday, May 8, 11–3 PM, Midwest Food Bank
Join the St. John's staff for this load out day. Lots of lifting! Contact Steve Pruett, prucru4@msn.com, to sign up for this day.
Tuesday, May 13, 6-8 PM, Midwest Food Bank
Regular work day. Sign up for this evening at www.stjblm.org/local.
Central/Southern Illinois Synod Assembly Volunteer Opportunities
Wednesday, June 4–Saturday, June 7
St. John's is excited to host this year's Synod Assembly. This will be a wonderful opportunity to serve our Lutheran brothers and sisters from across Central and Southern Illinois, and help is needed! Many opportunities are available from room set-up, coffee/beverage prep, greeters, and more. Please sign up for as many opportunities as you like at www.bit.ly/SJ_CSIS25. Please contact Shari, shari@stjblm.org, for more information.
St. John’s is Hiring an Administrative Assistant
This position will provide administrative support for pastors and the Caring and Connections Ministries, as well as manage the reception team and member records and monitor the building schedules. This position may be full- or part-time. Prior administrative or executive assistant experience is required. A complete job description and application is available at www.stjblm.org/jobs. Contact Shari for more information, or send your resume along with a completed application.
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 or in Need of Healing
Laura Mize, Karyl Reents
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 Parry, Lois Skillrud, Dan Thames, Bev Wunderlin, 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.