As you likely noticed our Holy Week schedule is on the front. With Easter early this year and spring break approaching, we wanted to share these dates now.
A nondenominational pastor friend once asked if all the Holy Week “stuff” really mattered. I understood that they didn’t do any of it. I told him it does—too often we want to jump from Palm Sunday’s joy to Easter’s joy without walking through the valley of the shadow of death and the way of the cross. That seemed to resonate; he later regularly attended both our Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services.
As we conclude Palm Sunday worship on March 28 and 29, we’ll end with a Scripture reading to set the tone for Holy Week. Engaging in this week invites us into hard truths but also surrounds us with hope, helping us more deeply grasp the breadth of God’s grace.
Holy Monday to Holy Wednesday the chapel will be available for prayer and reflection. Focus on the Grace to Go daily devotional or read the Passion to reflect on what God is up to in all of this. (Matthew 26:14-27:66) Just a heads up, this may not be a time of silent reflection! There still might be sounds of the life of the church happening in the background, but this, too, is part of the walk of faith during Holy Week.
On Maudy Thursday both services we will celebrate the gift of Grace known as Holy Communion and its use as the focal point for Jesus’ command to love one another. The days to come can be difficult, but fed and nourished at the table and bound together in love, we are given the grace we need to live fully in them.
On Good Friday you are invited to join St. John’s pastoral staff at the community service held at Centennial Christian Church at 12 PM. The evening service held at St. John's will take a different shape this year as we follow “The Stations of the Cross,” guided by scripture, song, and visual imagery. Rooted in ancient Christian tradition, this modified practice uses the biblical story, broken into fourteen stations, to lead us through the events of Good Friday. Somber and reflective, this experience prepares our hearts to fully receive the astonishing good news of Easter Sunday.
May the rest of your Lent be blessed as together we take “Grace to Go” into the world in need of this good news.
Next Weekend—Grace to Go
Romans 8:6-11
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).
Lent Midweek Worship
Wednesdays through March 25, 12 PM, Chapel, and 6:30 PM, Worship Center
Continue the Lenten journey with midweek services, gathering for reflection and renewal as we prepare for Jesus' Resurrection. Visit www.stjblm.org/lent for the complete Lent and Holy Week schedule.
Lenten Midweek Meals
Wednesdays through March 25, 11:15 AM Lunch and 5:30 PM Dinner
Enjoy a simple meal before worship, a time to gather, share conversation, and build connections. Lunch will consist of soups and desserts. Dinner, hosted by ministry groups, will have varying menus. There is no cost or reservation needed for lunch, although freewill donations are appreciated. For the evening meal, the cost is $5 for ages 3 and older and registration is needed to ensure plenty of food. Register at www.bit.ly/SJ_LentMeal26.
CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Saturday, March 28, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (healthcare providers)—11:30 AM-2:30 PM—$70
Heartsaver CPR/AED (workplace and community)—3-5:30 PM—$65
St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown to register or for more information.
Easter Lily Dedications
Purchase a lily in honor or memory of a loved one for Easter. Cost is $10. Payment can be made by check (note Easter Lily in the memo and place in the offering basket) or online at www.stjblm.org/give. Please contact Georgia with the dedication or specify dedication information in the online order form. Deadline to order is Monday, March 30.
Weekend Adult Studies
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
The Big Relief—Contact Debbie Whelton, dkwhelton@gmail.com for information.
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. Volunteers are needed to assist the Leadership Team. Please sign up at www.bit.ly/JZ_Volunteer26. JoyZone will not meet March 22 or April 5.
Faith and Life Bible Study
Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays,10 AM, Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor Lyn for a study on the book The Big Relief.
Thrive Junior High Program
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM, Parish Life Center
All junior high students are invited to a time of learning with Pastor David, followed by snacks and fellowship. Please register at www.bit.ly/JHThrive2025.
Friday Morning Men’s Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
The group is discussing Daniel by J.D. Greear. Contact David Roehrig for information.
Simple Living Decluttering Group
Sunday, March 15, 9:30 AM, Library
The group will discuss: What are the biggest challenges in decluttering for you? In April they will discuss Uncluttered Faith by Joshua Becker. Everyone is welcome. Contact Ellen Cantrell with questions.
Senior High Gatherings
Mondays, March 16, April 20, May 18, 6:30-8 PM, Senior High Room
All senior high students are invited to a short devotion and fellowship time.
Lutheran Men in Mission One Life to Live Retreat
Friday, March 20, 5:30 PM–Sunday, March 22, 3 PM, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center, Oregon, Illinois
Join for a genuine and spiritual time, connecting with other men. Cost is $175 and includes lodging, six meals, and materials. Visit www.bit.ly/LOMC_Brochure for more information and registration. Please register by March 10.
Immanuel Bible Foundation's Men's Lenten Breakfast
Thursday, April 2, 7-8:30 AM, DoubleTree Hotel
Enjoy breakfast and a message from speaker, John Desser, VP and Head of Government Affairs at HealthEquity, and Deputy Director at the Alliance for Israel Advocacy. Visit www.ibfoundation.org for more information and tickets.
Spring BeFriender Ministry Training
Friday, April 24, 5-8 PM, and Saturday, April 25 , 9 AM-3 PM
Do you have a heart for listening? St. John’s has been a part of BeFriender Ministry for 14 years. BeFrienders complete training to be a “friend” for those experiencing loss, illness, or loneliness. Friendly visits can be done by phone or in person, reaching out about once per month. Contact Kerri or Pastor Lyn if you are interested or to learn more.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School
Monday, June 15, through Friday, June 19
Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering birds and howling monkeys, kids—ages 3 through 5th grade—will plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God. They’ll explore what it means to be rooted in relationship with God, their creator, a safe place in life’s storms. Mark your calendar and makes plans to attend!
Registration opens on Easter for kids and volunteers!
Lenten Collection for Oasis
St. John's will is collecting the following items to help support this missions partner: baby supplies, diapers and wipes; paper products, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues; and cleaning supplies, laundry detergent and all-purpose cleaners. Please place donations on the display in the Lobby through Easter Sunday.
St. John’s Quilters
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to help make quilts and enjoy a time of fellowship. Contacts: Marsha Johnson, (309) 299-9338, or Sue Stombaugh, (309) 825-7553.
Fellowship Meals at Agape House
Mondays, April 13 and May 4, Agape House, 300 Normal Avenue, Normal
Agape House, campus outreach of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod, hosts weekly fellowship dinners for students and others. Student leadership plans
and shops. Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve, and clean up. Volunteers should arrive by 4:30 PM to prepare to serve the meal by 6 PM. Sign up at
www.bit.ly/SJ_Agape26. Contact Marvin for details.
Worship Technology Team Volunteers Needed
The Tech Team is looking for additional volunteers with sound, streaming, and slides. Please contact Marvin.
St. John's Garage Sale
Saturday, April 18, 8 AM-1 PM, Parish Life Center
Spring is the perfect time to clean out your closets, basements, and attics! Please donate your gently-used treasures to the St. John's Garage Sale! NEW drop-off times: Wednesday, April 15, 4-6 PM; Thursday, April 16, 4-6 PM; and Friday, April 17, 9 AM-12 PM. Have time to help sort donations during the week, help with sale, or help with the clean-up? Please sign up for as many slots as you'd like at www.bit.ly/SJ_Sale26.
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 Kerri, (309) 827-6121 ext. 223. If you or a loved one is listed and should be removed, please let Kerri know.
Baptism
Oliver John Wagner, son of Julie and Dan Wagner
For Our Congregation
We pray for all those here today and those yet to come. May they hear the good news of your love and spread that love throughout our community and beyond.
Partners in Ministry and Healing
• The Lutheran Church of Madagascar
• Christ Lutheran Church, Quincy, Illinois
• Carle BroMenn Medical Center Human Resources Department
• The 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, Nancy Clark, Brian Conway, Marilyn Dichsen, Bryan Fischer, Janet Fischer, Cyrus Garnett,
Sandy Irwin, Mark Kuhn, Tom McKenna, Julie Megli, Nicholas Mueller, Amy Hurliman Parry, Jack Petersen, Teresa Myers Pickle, Alexis Schulze, Elaine Thompson, Vern Veal and those who live in senior living communities, 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, Parker Partello, Zach Poehlman, Jaxon Themanson, John Allen Wagner, A.J. Wunderlin
Altar Flowers
• In memory of Tami Clark, given by Jeff and Sara Mayer
• In memory of Doris Decker, given by Jim and Laura Hoeniges and family