From Pastor David

Her name was Eleanor, and she had a bit of a reputation around the church.

During my first month as the new pastor, I heard quite a bit about her. She was described as grumpy, controlling, and severe. So naturally, I was a little nervous as I prepared to visit her at the county home and share communion.

So I was a little nervous when I stepped off the elevator on the fifth floor. Eleanor was sitting by a window, looking out at the vibrant green fields surrounding the home. It was quite a view.

And Eleanor was lovely.

As I got to know her and heard her story, I found one of the reasons she had her reputation was in part due to the fact that she “felt obliged” to do certain things at church. Things I would describe as not in her area of giftedness. She taught Sunday School for more than 40 years, and I do not believe she ever enjoyed it. Doing ministry without joy is a recipe for disaster!

Being a good steward has little to do with what we can’t do, or be. The heart of stewardship is found in the fact that God sees us and values us—not because of how much we accomplish, but because we are God’s beloved children. And the gifts we offer, however ordinary they may seem to us, can make a difference.

Eleanor’s story is a good picture of what stewardship is really about: every one of us has something to offer, and it matters more than we know.

That connects with our Built Different stewardship theme. As I mentioned in last week’s sermon, stewardship is how we care for and use the freedom and gifts God has given us, and one of the ways we respond is through service. There are hundreds of ways to share your time and talents through St. John’s and organizations throughout our community. A listening ear, a meal, a ride, a helping hand—each can be a gift to a neighbor.

Whether you can offer a little or a lot, making a joyful and prayerful pledge is an act of faith that blesses many. If you haven’t received your stewardship packet yet, you should soon. And if your pledge card is in by next weekend, you’ll be entered to win the “Built Different” unicorn quilt! Thank you for the many ways you already share your gifts. May God bless you this weekend, and may you know that you are seen, valued, and beloved.

Next Weekend—Built Different, The Least of These
Matthew 25:31-46

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). Worship bags are available from the Gathering Area for preschool (orange bags) and elementary (blue bags). Please return the used bags to the bin as you leave the worship space.

Multifaith Thanksgiving Service
Sunday, November 22, 3–4 PM, YMCA, 202 St. Joseph Drive, Bloomington
Gather to celebrate unity, gratitude, and community. All faiths are invited to come together in the spirit of thanksgiving to reflect on the many blessings we share. A freewill offering will be taken during the service. Refreshments will be provided after the service.

Advent Wreath Lighting
Individuals and families are invited to light the Advent wreath candles and share a brief Scripture reading in worship during Advent weekend worship services. Readings will be provided in advance. Visit www.bit.ly/STJ_AdventReaders2026. If you have questions, please contact Kerri, kerri@stjblm.org.

Advent Worship
Visit www.stjblm.org/advent to see the advent and Christmas Eve worship schedules and more.

Housing Coalition Community Forum
Tuesday, November 17, 5:30 PM, Worship Center
Join WGLT and the Housing Coalition for a community forum on local efforts for affordable housing—what's working, what's next, and how you can help. Panelists include Kelby Cumpston, B/Nl Community Land Trust; Jeremy Hayes, Bloomington Housing Authority; Robbie Osenga, Catalyst Construction; Luke Talavera, McLean County Regional Planning Commission; Tyler Wiggs, Habitat for Humanity.

Advent Meals
Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16, and 23, 11:15 AM and 5:30 PM, Gathering Area
You are invited to a light meal of soup and dessert before midweek worship services. Worship will begin at 12 PM in the Chapel and 6:30 PM in the Worship Center. There is no cost for lunch and a freewill offering will be collected; dinner costs $5 per person (2 and under are free). Register at www.bit.ly/SJ_Advent26 so we know how many to expect.

The Longest Night: Prayer and Reflection Stations
Monday, December 21, Chapel, open 4–8 PM
The Advent and Christmas seasons can bring feelings of loneliness, grief, and loss for many. Whether missing a loved one, distant family or friends, or facing other life challenges, this time of year can be especially difficult. You are invited on this longest night of the year to visit the Chapel for a quiet time of prayer, meditation, and reflection in God's presence. Come as you are and spend time at your own pace. Please contact Kerri Cordray, kerri@stjblm.org, with questions.

Save the Date—Quilters' Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser
Sunday, January 17, 2027, 8 AM-12 PM, Fellowship Hall
Help support the Quilting Ministry to purchase materials.

Guidebook and Directory
A new directory will be printed in the new year. If you have a business you would like to advertise in the directory, please contact Georgia, georgia@stjblm.org.

Weekend Adult Studies
Saturdays, 3:50-4:35 PM, Gathering Area
Sundays, 9:45 AM, Loft
The Countercultural Way of Jesus—Throughout this series, explore how the gospel changes the way we understand ourselves and relate to others.

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 in the Children's Wing. Volunteers are needed to assist the Leadership Team. Please sign up at www.bit.ly/JZ_Volunteer.

Thrive Junior High Program
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM, Junior High Room
All junior high students are invited to a time of learning with Pastor Shemiah, followed by snacks and fellowship.

Chaos
Wednesday, December 2, 7-7:30 PM, Senior High Room
All senior high students are invited to a time of learning and fellowhip.

Faith and Life Bible Study
Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays, 10 AM, Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor David for The Countercultural Way of Jesus.

Friday Morning Men’s Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
The group is studying Adventures through Paul's Epistles by Ray C. Stedman, from the church library. Contact David Roehrig, xusaf1@gmail.com, for details.

CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Friday, November 20, Junior High Room
10 AM–2:30 PM—BLS traditional course (healthcare provider)—$75
St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown, michelleabrown1985@gmail.com, to register or for more information.

2026 Global Refuge Hope for the Holidays
Thanks to last year's generous response, Global Refuge has enough Christmas cards to meet its clients' needs this year. With fewer refugees entering the U.S. and restrictions on sending cards to detention centers, we will not be writing Christmas cards this year. Instead, Global Refuge is asking congregations to write advocacy postcards encouraging local, state, and national representatives to support welcoming policies. Visit the Global Refuge table in the Lobby through November 22 to participate. Postcards and instructions will be provided, and stamps will be added when they're returned. St. John's will once again serve as a regional hub, reviewing postcards from area congregations before mailing them to representatives across the country. Thank you for your continued support and for adapting as needs change! Your support in welcoming our neighbors is appreciated! Contact Janie Houchin, thouc10626@aol.com, for more information.

St. John’s Quilters
Tuesdays, 9-11:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to help make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Contact Marsha Johnson, (309) 299-9338, or Sue Stombaugh, (309) 825-7553, with questions.

Church Decorating for the Holidays
Monday, November 23, beginning at 9 AM
Help decorate the church for the season. Come for as long as your schedule allows. Volunteers are needed to help bring Christmas trees and decorations up from the basement following the 10:30 AM worship service on Sunday, November 22. Please contact Shari, shari@stjblm.org, with questions or to RSVP.

Midweek Advent Meal Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to help prep desserts, serve the soup, and clean up. Learn more and sign up at www.bit.ly/SJ_MealHelp26.

Pizza with Santa Volunteers Needed
Thursday, December 10
This is an annual event for Noah's Ark Preschool families. Volunteers are needed to serve pizza, bus tables, assist with the line for Santa and Batman, and clean up at the end of the evening. Shifts are 4:30-6:30 PM and 6:15-7:45 PM. Please visit www.bit.ly/NA_Pizza26 to sign up.

The Giving Tree
Visit the Giving Trees in the Gathering Area and Lobby to get a tag of wishlist items for members of our community. Please take a tag and write your name on the list. Bring your gift donations to the Parish Life Center on Saturday, December 5 from 9 AM to 12 PM, or Sunday, December 6, from 8 AM to 12 PM.

Lorene Anderson's 100th Birthday
Help celebrate a dear St. John’s member’s 100th Birthday by participating in a card shower! Cards will be collected through the weekend of December 5-6. Please leave your cards in the basket at the Resource Counter, next to the doughnut/coffee counter. Let’s shower Lorene with birthday wishes, love, and blessings as she celebrates this milestone! Please contact Kerri Cordray, kerri@stjblm.org, with questions. Thank you for helping celebrate Lorene!