One of the things that can chew up hours of my time are those videos about how things are made. How did I develop this interest? Well, I blame Mr. Rodgers. Maybe you remember the little snippet in his show where they showed how crayons were made? Yup, that was how all this got started for me. I’ve watched videos on how to make everything from guitars and golf balls to quite literally how sausage is made (this one may not be for everyone!)
St. John’s is not in ministry alone, not by a long shot. We are part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and are included in the Central/Southern Illinois Synod (C/SIS).
Which leads me to this question: Have you ever wondered how the capital C “Church” gets done? If so, you may have questions like: "What is a Synod?" "Why do we do what we do?" "Who makes these choices?" and "Who is (for lack of a better word) in charge of all of this?" All those things are important.
Put most simply, a Synod is a regional portion of the ELCA. Our local synod is the C/SIS and covers the lower three-fourths of the state. Its offices are in Springfield, and our Bishop is the Rev. Greg Busboom. Our national or Presiding Bishop is the Rev. Yehiel Curry, and our national offices are in Chicago.
Once a year, as a synod, we meet in assembly to listen, learn, and vote on things that help the “Church” be the church in our communities. This year, the C/SIS Assembly will be held online, and St. John’s needs five voting members to be a part of this work of the church. This is your opportunity to see how it’s done and to be a part of the ongoing work of the church outside the walls of St. John’s.
This year, the Assembly will be held online on Saturday, June 6, with a short training on Thursday, May 28. If you would be interested in being part of the Church from the comfort of your couch or desk, let me or Council President Carlton Potts know by Monday, April 27. You can also reach out to Carlton or myself any time if you have questions.
Visit www.elca.org to see the newly revamped website and learn more about the larger ELCA or www.csis-elca.org to find out more about our synod.
Next Weekend—The Power of Promise
John 14:1-14
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).
St. John’s Book Club
Monday, April 27, 1 PM, Gathering Area
The group will discuss The Closest Exit May Be Behind You by Kathi Davidson Davis. Kathi is a local author who'll be joining us to share real-life stories of her life as a flight attendant. Everyone is welcome! The May book selection is The Little Liar by Mitch Albom.
Faith On Tap Returns
Wednesdays, beginning June 24
Summer will soon be here, which means the fourth annual Faith on Tap will kick off soon! The line-up of breweries hasn't been finalized, but mark your calendar for the start of this summer tradition! More information and t-shirt orders will be coming soon!
Weekend Adult Studies
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
This weekend the group will begin a six-week study called Choosing Forgiveness. All are invited! Contact Debbie Whelton, dkwhelton@gmail.com for information.
Sundays, 9:45 AM, Loft
God’s Unbreakable Promises—a six-session study of the promises God.
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. Sign up at www.bit.ly/JZ_Volunteer26.
Faith and Life Bible Study
Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays,10 AM, Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor Lyn for a study on Romans.
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 Shemiah, followed by snacks and fellowship. Please register at www.bit.ly/JHThrive2025.
CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Thursday, April 30, Junior High Room
BLS Renewal (for healthcare providers)—11 AM-3 PM—$70
Heartsaver CPR/AED (blended workplace/community)— 3:30-5 PM—$60
St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown, michelleabrown1985@gmail.com, to register or for more 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.
Kaffehuset
Wednesday, May 6, 10 AM Refreshments, 10:30 AM Program, Fellowship Hall
Kaffehuset meets the first Wednesday of the month. All are welcome—young and not-so-young, members and guests. This month: Chris Magnuson, St. John’s Member and Synod Authorized Ministry (SAM), will describe his journey as a Synod Authorized Ministry (SAM) student. He will discuss Adult Faith Formation opportunities within the Central/Southern Illinois Synod, what is involved in the SAM program, and why SAMs are an important part of future ministry within the ELCA.
Senior High Gathering
Monday, May 18, 6:30-8 PM, Senior High Room
All senior high youth are invited to a short devotion followed by fellowship time.
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.
Worship Technology Team Volunteers Needed
Please contact Marvin, marvin@stjblm.org, to learn more about the Tech Team.
Faith In Action Volunteer Opportunities
Do you have a few hours to share with an older adult wanting to age in place? Seniors in our community need rides to medical appointments and grocery shopping in order to stay in their own homes. Learn more and fill out an interest form at www.bnfia.org/i-want-to-volunteer or contact Stacey at (309) 827-7780.
Lutheran World Relief
Small/medium moving boxes, Amazon boxes, and copy paper boxes are in need for this year's Lutheran World Relief. The appropriate size should hold approximately 10-15 rolled bath towels. If you have unwanted boxes, please contact Vickie Robertson, jbev.robertson@gmail.com, to arrange pick-up.
Reception Desk Volunteers Needed
There are a variety of opportunities—substitute, Tuesday morning rotation, or a permanent Thursday morning or afternoon slot. If you would enjoy interacting with people that stop in or call and providing support with simple clerical tasks, this is a great chance to get involved. For more information, contact Georgia, georgia@stjblm.org or (309) 827-6121 ext. 214.
Fellowship Meals at Agape House
Monday, May 4, 4:30 PM, Agape House, 300 Normal Avenue, Normal
The campus ministry of the synod hosts fellowship dinners for students who plan and shop. Volunteers are needed to prepare, serve, and clean up. Please sign up at www.bit.ly/SJ_Agape26. Contact Marvin, marvin@stjblm.org, for details.
2026 Central/Southern Illinois Synod Assembly Delegates
Saturday, June 6, 9 AM–3 PM (break for lunch), via Zoom
Voter orientation—Thursday, May 28, 7–8 PM, via Zoom
St. John’s seeks five delegates for the Assembly. Learn more by contacting Pastor David, dglesne@stjblm.org, or Carlton Potts, cpotts1911@gmail.com.
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.
Hospitalized, Recovering or in Need of Healing
Myra Fincham, Marvin Sheppleman
Condolence
• Eleanor Mede and family upon the passing of her husband, Gary Mede
• Lisa Thames, upon the death of her son, Ryan.
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, IL
• 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, Steve Terry, Karyn Therman, 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