From Pastor David

When you think of the Congregation Council, what comes to mind? Numbers, long meetings, intractable problems—or maybe nothing at all because you have never thought about it before? Whatever your answer, I invite you to consider a different picture: laughter, fellowship, spiritual growth, respectful conversation, and thoughtful direction. That is the work the council is called to do, and it is what council members help make possible at St. John’s. Maybe the better question is this: What does the Congregation Council actually do?

The Congregation Council helps keep the many moving parts of St. John’s working together and pointed in the same direction.

The council includes the Senior Pastor, congregational officers, and up to eleven elected members. Any confirmed, active voting member may be elected. Council members serve three-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive full terms. The council usually meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 6:30 PM. Its work is broader than budgets and leaky roofs, although those things occasionally make an appearance.

Council members help St. John’s:

• Clarify its mission and plan for the future

• Work with the pastors, staff, and key volunteers to set goals and ministry priorities

• Encourage participation in worship, and in ways we can grow, give, and love as the people of God

• Support the pastors and staff

• Promote peace, goodwill, and healthy communication

• Strengthen relationships with the synod, the ELCA, other churches, and the wider community

Simply put, it tends to both the congregation’s mission and machinery. Council members do not need to know everything. I believe the council does best with a wide range of gifts, experience, and interests. What each council member does need is the ability to listen, learn, pray, ask thoughtful questions, and work with others.

This is the time of year when we seek nominations for congregational election to this ministry of oversight and vision. Please prayerfully consider who might bring wisdom, curiosity, faith, and a helpful perspective to St. John’s ministry. That person might even be you.

If you have questions, please speak to me, Council President Carlton Potts, or a member of the Nominating Committee: Steve BeMiller, Beth Colan, Joel Murphy, or Mark Scott.

Next Weekend—The Gospel According to Jazz
Matthew 14:22-33

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. Children are also invited to take and keep a pew project sheet on top of the bag cart.

Faith On Tap
Wednesday, August 5, 6:30–8:30 PM, Destihl Brewery and Beer Hall
Everyone is welcome to the final summer event! Please wear your nametags!

Pickleball
Thursdays through September, 9 AM, Rollingbrook Park, Bloomington
Everyone is invited to play pickleball with other members and friends of St. John's including those wanting to learn to play! For more information, please contact Chris Magnuson, cmagnuson26@yahoo.com, for information.

2027 Congregation Council Nominations
Nominations for Council Members are now being accepted. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else from the congregation, please complete the application online at www.stjblm.org/council or pick up a paper copy from the Resource Counter in the Gathering Area. Completed applications should be sent to Joel Murphy by August 15. Contact Joel, joelamurphy@gmail.com (217) 653-1358, for more information. Elections will be during the congregational business meeting on October 17 and 18.

Kaffehuset
Wednesday, August 5, 10 AM Refreshments, 10:30 AM Program, Fellowship Hall
Kaffehuset meets the first Wednesday of the month and presents a variety of programs about St. John’s and the central Illinois community. All are welcome—young and not-so-young, members and guests. This month: Jim Davis, retired pastor and hospital chaplain will present How Many Times Are You Going to Ask Me That Question? . . . A Discussion on Dementia.  We will identify the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia; discuss patterns that most Alzheimer’s patients follow; talk about normal aging vs. not normal aging; and consider how to address memory concerns.

Grief Support for Those Who Have Lost a Spouse
Wednesday, August 5, 4-6 PM, Loft
Join Debbie Whelton and Kathleen Elder for a monthly support group focused on managing the day-to-day challenges of living without your spouse. For more information, contact Debbie Whelton, (309) 846-1965 or dkwhelton@gmail.com.

Flu Shot Clinic
Sunday, September 20, 9:30-12:30 PM, Office Wing
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). Four shots are available: the standard flu shot, a high-dose option for individuals 65 and older, an egg-free option for those with an egg allergy, and the updated Pfizer COVID vaccine (added this year). No appointment needed; check in at the Reception Desk.

Quilt Raffle
Purchase tickets ($1 each or 6 for $5) before and after worship in August to win a specially-made quilt by the St. John's Quilters. The drawing will take place at the end of the One Worship service with proceeds from the raffle helping with expenses of creating quilts for Lutheran World Relief.

Noah’s Ark Job Opening
The Early Education Preschool at St. John’s 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.

Saturday Adult Study
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
Everyone is invited to a study on the book of 1 Samuel. For more information, contact Debbie Whelton, dkwhelton@gmail.com.

Friday Morning Men’s Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
All men are welcome to a study on Titus. 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.

Sanctuary Course
Monday, August 17, 6-7 PM, Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to a faith-based program designed to raise awareness about mental health and provide practical ways to support those facing mental health challenges. Topic: Caregiving. Contact Kerri, kerri@stjblm.org, with questions.

2026 Central/Southern Illinois Synod Days
Northeast Conference—Saturday, September 12, 10 AM-3 PM, St. Paul Lutheran Church, 210 North Deerfield Road, Pontiac
For the Work of Ministry—Living out our Baptismal Calling—This is a day of worship, learning, fellowship, and relationship-building for all generations in each of the six conferences of our synod. Learn more and register at www.csis-elca.org/synoddays26. Registration closes August 24.

Lutheran World Relief
Did you know that last year, St. John’s donated 581 personal care kits and 619 school kits along with 424 quilts which were sent first to the Lutheran World Relief warehouse in Minnesota and then around the world! Learn more and pick up a shopping list in the lobby. For more information contact Vickie, jbev.robertson@gmail.com.

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. Those who would like to sew at home are welcome to be part of this group. Please contact Marsha Johnson, (309) 299-9338, or Sue Stombaugh, (309) 825-7553, for more information.

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.

Faith In Action 8th Annual Mum Sale
Order beautiful mums and Faith in Action will receive a portion of the proceeds! Mums are from Niepagen Greenhouse. Orders are due by Friday, August 28. Pick-up takes place in the St. John's south parking lot on Thursday, September 10, 9:30 AM-2:30 PM. Choose from a variety of colors and sizes. See options and place your order at www.bnfia.org/event/2026-mum-sale.

One Worship Volunteers Needed
Help is needed Saturday, August 15, to set up tables and chairs or Sunday, August 16 to make drinks, organize and oversee lunch pick-up, and cleaning up. Please sign up at www.bit.ly/OneWorship26.

St. John's ImpactLife Blood Drive
Saturday, August 15, 8-11 AM, Fellowship Hall
Visit https://bit.ly/SJ_ImpactLife or call (800) 747-5401 to schedule an appointment.