From Pastor David

For as long as I can remember, Memorial Day weekend marked the beginning of summer, and Labor Day weekend its close. Meteorological calendars aside, that in and of itself is not unusual, but I read something last week that will make this summer unique. Did you know that this year, Memorial Day was the earliest it could be? It’s true, or at least so says the internet! Moreover, did you know that this year's Labor Day weekend will be as late as possible? If the internet is correct, this means that this summer will be as long as summer can be!

Did you also know that the Gospel is not contained only in the biblical books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? Yes, I know we call them the Gospels, and they are, but the world gospel itself is bigger than four books; it is the whole of scripture, and more so—all of God’s intent for all of creation.

The word gospel comes from the ancient Greek word euangelion, which means “good news” or “good message.” The Old English word gōdspel is a translation of that Greek term, and it is the source of our English word gospel.

So, what is good news for you? This summer will have two sermon series the first focuses on the word gospel and how we see the good news of Jesus Christ operating in all sorts of places. We will hear The Gospel According to: J.R.R. Tolkien, Star Trek, Peanuts, Social Media, Vacation, Minecraft, Pop Culture, Nature, Ted Lasso, and Jazz.

You will note it is quite the range from very specific to broader topics, but in all these areas, we will find that God’s good news for all is found in Jesus Christ. During this summer's Faith On Tap, we will dig a little deeper into just what is good news for us, our neighbor, and our world.  From the four Gospels, we receive a witness that brings this good news into the world in all sorts of ways. As this is a long summer, as I pointed out, this is just for the first part of summer, the second series is still “cooking” but will be ready to serve by the time of the One Worship Service on August 16! This summer, may you find the gospel according to Jesus Christ coming to you afresh each day in all you are and do!

Next Weekend—The Gospel According to …
Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

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).

Children's Bags Update
Worship bags are available from the Gathering Area for preschool (orange bags) and elementary (blue bags) with activities to keep children engaged during worship.

Kaffehuset
Wednesday, June 3, 10 AM Refreshments, 10:30 AM Program, Fellowship Hall
Kaffehuset meets the first Wednesday of the month and presents a variety of programs. All are welcome! This month: Staci Coussens, Extension Educator, SNAP-Ed, University of Illinois Extension will present Eating for Brain Health: What you eat today can shape how your brain functions tomorrow. The Eating for Brain Health program empowers you with the knowledge, tools, and recipes to nourish your brain, boost your mood, and support healthy aging!

Retirement Reception for Pastor Lyn
Saturday, June 20, and Sunday, June 21, following all worship services
Everyone is invited to say farewell and Godspeed to Pastor Lyn as she begins
her retirement. Cookies will be served on Saturday and cake on Sunday.

Faith On Tap Returns
Wednesdays, beginning June 24, 6:30 PM
If you would like to order a t-shirt, visit www.bit.ly/SJ_FOT26shirt.Orders must be placed by Monday, June 1 to guarantee delivery before the first gathering. If you would like to be added to or removed from the e-mail list, please visit www.bit.ly/SJ_FOT26. Weekly e-mails will be sent regarding food options at the week's brewery. Schedules are available from the Resource Counter.
June 24—Lil Beaver
July 1—Casper          
July 8—Analytical
July 15—White Oak
July 22—Fiala Brothers
July 29—Keg Grove
August 5—Destihl Brewery and Beer Hall

Weekend Adult Study
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
Everyone is invited to a study on Ruth. For more information, contact Debbie Whelton, dkwhelton@gmail.com.

Friday Morning Men’s Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
Contact David Roehrig, xusaf1@gmail.com, for information.

Simple Living/Declutter Group
First Sunday of each month, 9:30 AM, Library
ALL are welcome! The group is discussing Uncluttered Faith by Joshua
Becker and helping each other with decluttering tips. Contact Ellen Cantrell, ellendeecan@gmail.com, for more information.

Monday Afternoon Study
Mondays, June 1, 15, and 29; and July 13, 2:30-3:30 PM, Loft
The group will study The Daniel Prayer: The Prayer That Moves Heaven and Changes Nations by Ann Graham Lotz. All are welcome to join.

Vacation Bible School
Monday, June 15–Friday, June 19
Kids 3–5th grade are invited to register. Registration closes Sunday, May 31.

The Sanctuary Course
Mondays, June 15, July 20, and August 17, 6-7 PM, Fellowship Hall
All sessions are open to anyone interested in learning more about mental health issues and what it means to accompany and care for others.

CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Friday, June 26, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (for healthcare providers)—10 AM-2 PM—$70
Heartsaver CPR/AED (workplace and community)—2:30 PM-4 PM—$60
St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown, michelleabrown1985@gmail.com, to register or for more information.

Vacation Bible School Volunteers Needed
Monday, June 15–Friday, June 19
Many kids are signed up for an exciting week of fun, and Crew Leaders and helpers are needed to help shepherd the kids from station to station. No
experience is needed; simply help safely get the kids where they need to be and have fun while doing it!

Decorating Days
Wednesday, June 3; Thursday, June 4; Wednesday, June 10; and Thursday, June 11; 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM
Help turn the church into a Rain Forest for the kids attending Vacation Bible School. Come to one or all sessions! Stay as long as you can. Contact Gabriella, gfabiano@stjblm.org, with questions.

St. John’s Quilters
Tuesdays, 9-11:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to help make quilts for Lutheran World Relief and enjoy a time of fellowship. Please note the earlier time. Contact Marsha Johnson,
(309) 299-9338, or Sue Stombaugh, (309) 825-7553, for more information.

Traditional Worship Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed in the roles of ushers, greeters, and communion servers. Please consider serving in one or more areas. Training is available. Contact Kerri, kerri@stjblm.org, for more information.

Worship Technology Team Orientation Sessions
Wednesday, June 3 (streaming) and June 10 (sound), 5:30 PMBe part of the team that supports worship through livestreaming and sound. New volunteers are required to participate in one or more training sessions, before they are scheduled to serve for a worship service. Please sign up for as many training sessions as you'd like at www.bit.ly/SJ_Tech26. Contact Marvin, marvin@stjblm.org, to learn more about the Tech Team.

World Refugee Day
Observed annually on June 20, this day is an international United Nations designated day to honor the strength, courage, and resilience of more than 123 million forcibly displaced people worldwide. St. John's Mission Outreach team will have a display on June 13/14, featuring missions partner Global Refuge and the book Refugee by Alan Gratz. An intergenerational in-person and Zoom book discussion will take place on Thursday, July 16, from 6:30-8 PM. A limited number of books and graphic novels will be available at the display, courtesy of a Thrivent Action Team grant.

Serve in our Community
Serve at Safe Harbor, Midwest Food Bank, or other local agency. Please visit www.stjblm.org/local to sign up or learn more about opportunities to give your time and talents.

Madagascar—Did You Know?
Madagascar is an island 250 miles off the southeast coast of Africa. Nearly the size of Texas, it is the fourth largest island in the world. St. John’s and the
Central/Southern Illinois Synod help support the Malagasy Lutheran Church. Madagascar produces 80% of the world’s natural vanilla from the cured
seed pods of a tropical, climbing orchid species. Another plant found only in Madagascar, the small Rosy Periwinkle, is the source of drugs used to treat childhood leukemia.

Noah’s Ark Job Opening
The Early Education Preschool at St. John’s Lutheran Church seeks a part-time Lead Teacher for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday classes for three-year-olds for the 2026/2027 school year. Candidates need to be Lead Teacher qualified per DCFS requirements and available 7:45 AM to 2 PM on class days.
If interested, please contact Megan Thoennes, noahsark@stjblm.org, or Shari, shari@stjblm.org.