From Pastor David

I am thrilled to inform you that the weekend of November 1/2, St. John’s will have a congregational vote to call an Associate Pastor for Youth and Family Ministries. While primarily concerned with those areas of ministry, this pastor will also have the responsibility of working with the Mission Outreach team, as well as their share of daily pastoral ministry tasks and working as a team with the staff and body of Christ that is St. John’s Lutheran.

Please see the insert for more information, and mark your calendar to attend an Open House to meet Candidate Shemiah Curry on Wednesday, October 22, from 5:30-7 PM, in the Gathering Area.

The process to call Candidate Curry began nearly two years ago, as I, with staff leadership and Congregational Council, sharpened our conversations about how we might best meet the changing ministry needs of this congregation from a staffing perspective. We were led by several needs and trends to recommend a call for an additional pastor. A Call Committee was convened, and all involved worked diligently to reach the interview stage. I am so appreciative of St. John’s Council and the Call Committee—Chair Mark Scott and members Scott Fahsbender, Carla Snell, David Johnson, Jodi Albert, Mike Wolf, and Ridley Nyman. I am also very appreciative of the Bishop of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod, Rev. Dr. Greg Busboom and Associate to the Bishop for Transformational Leadership, Rev. Amy Ziettlow, for all their work and guidance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

“Candidate Curry, why not pastor?” That will come. In the ELCA, one does not become an ordained pastor until a letter of call has been received and accepted. Once this is done, she will be known as Pastor Shemiah.

“We vote and then what?” If the congregation votes ‘yes,’ the candidate has 30 days to consider the call. If Candidate Curry agrees, a service of ordination will need to be planned, given her recent seminary graduation. These services often take place at the ordinand’s home congregation and can take time to arrange.

“When would she start?” Usually after ordination. Once the ordination is complete and the pastor is serving the congregation, a formal installation service will be arranged as schedules allow.   

“What about Pastor Lyn?” Currently, she has expressed interest in possibly working part-time, and these conversations continue.

This is an exciting time for St. John’s, and I am praying earnestly for us all! As always, if you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me or stop by the office.

Next Weekend—Reformation
John 8:31-36
Please wear red next weekend!

Rolling Congregation Meeting
This weekend following all worship services
All members will have the opportunity to cast three votes for three open council spots and hear an update on the call process for another Associate Pastor.

Confirmation Faith Share Projects
This weekend in the Gathering Area
The Confirmation Class of 2025 present their faith share projects. Please take time to see the projects and talk with the students about their projects. The Confirmation worship service will be Sunday, October 26, at 10:30 AM.

Berghaus Organ Anniversary
Sunday, October 19
In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the organ installation, October 30, 2005, Walter Stout will play a special postlude following the 8:30 AM worship and prelude before the 10:30 AM worship service.

All Saints Weekend
November 1 and 2 at all worship services
Candles will be lit for members of the congregation who have died in the last year. Votives will also be available on the chapel altar for those who would like to light a candle in memory of any loved ones.

St. John’s Flu Clinic
Sunday, October 19, 9:30 AM-12:30 PM, Conference Room
Protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season by visiting the free flu clinic, hosted by the HyVee Pharmacy Department. To receive the vaccine, you will need to provide a pharmacy insurance card. If you are 65 or older, please bring your Medicare card (red, white, and blue). Three options are available: the standard flu shot, high dose for individuals 65 and older, and an egg-free option for those with egg allergy. No appointment needed. Contact Kerri with questions.

Meowsic for the Ages Flute Recital
Sunday, October 26, 2 PM
The Bloomington/Normal Flute Club will present this free recital of animal and spooky-themed performances. A good-will offering will be accepted and raffle tickets will be sold for prizes. Coffee Hound Cafe will serve drinks. All offerings and proceeds from the raffle and drinks will benefit WishBone Canine Rescue. Come in costume if you’d like to be entered into the costume contest.

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.

Surviving the Holidays
Sunday, November 9, 1 PM, Loft
A two-hour event designed to give grieving individuals encouragement and practical strategies for navigating the season. Please register at: www.griefshare.org/events/268191. 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. Author and speaker, Debbie Alsdorf, will be this year’s featured speaker. Tickets are $40 and include breakfast, inspirational message, and the Artisan Showcase before and after the event. Visit www.ibfoundation.org to get your tickets.

Join the St. John’s Staff
Do you enjoy developing an environment where children feel heard, valued, and excited to learn about Jesus? Can you use creativity, humor and energy to make learning fun and meaningful? 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. Contact Shari, (309) 827-6121 ext. 205 for more information.

Saturday Study
Saturday, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
Study on the book of Luke. Contact: Debbie Whelton.

Sunday Study
There will be no study this weekend. Participants are encouraged to view the Faith Share projects.

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. No registration is needed, but parents need to sign in their children prior to worship. Parents are strongly encouraged to volunteer throughout the year. Volunteers can register 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, October 17, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (healthcare provider)—11 AM-1 PM—$70
St. John’s members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown to register or for more information.

Senior High Flannel Fest and Hot Dog Roast
Wednesday, October 29, 6:30–8 PM, South Lawn Firepit
All senior high youth are invited to dinner and s’mores, a devotional activity, Fall fun and games. There is no cost to attend. Please contact Marvin if you plan to attend to ensure there is enough food.

Global Refuge
Global Refuge, formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, works in partnership with the ELCA in welcoming refugees to the U.S. Through November, the Mission Outreach team will share information on immigrants, including refugees and asylum seekers, and how we can support them. Asylum seekers are granted asylum by judges who make decisions based on evidence presented at hearings, including applicant and witness testimony, as well as arguments from both the applicant and the government’s attorney. Asylum cases in immigration courts can take many years. Approximately 3.7 million people are awaiting an asylum hearing. As of March 2025, 76% of the 11,000 cases heard this year were denied. The federal government is asking judges to dismiss many asylum cases for immigrants who have been in the U.S. less than two years. The government is also detaining many immigrants at their immigration court hearings. Contact Betsy Huls or (309) 830-6450, to help with this effort or with questions. For more information, visit www.globalrefuge.org.

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.

Faith In Action Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, November 4, 1–2:30 PM
Faith In Action is in need of drivers to help seniors in our community stay in their homes. Please fill out the volunteer interest form at www.bnfia.org/post-3988.

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.