From Pastor David
First things first! Merry Christmas! From the staff, my family, and I, we pray that you may live in the peace and promise that this celebration of Christ’s birth offers to all. Second things second! Thank you to all of you who remembered us with gifts and cards, and, oh yes… Christmas goodies. Your generosity and joy are infectious in the best possible way!
Over the remainder of the holidays, the church office will be open sporadically as we, like you, will spend time celebrating and visiting loved ones. We will be checking e-mail and voicemail for emergencies, and you all remain in our prayers daily, so fear not.
After the first, we will get back up to speed programmatically and prepare to welcome Pastor Shemiah Curry to St. John’s as Associate Pastor for Youth and Family. Please keep an eye out for communication, as we have details you may need to know about what is next. Please show her St. John’s well-known hospitality as she begins her ministry on February 2.
This coming weekend, we will have one service only on December 28, gathering for a service of Lessons and Carols at 10 AM. This is a lovely service that surrounds us with the Word of promise at Christmas. There are only so many Christmas carols we can sing in one day, so this is a perfect time to sing those well-loved songs. Speaking of songs, I came across the following prayer in my sermon research this week, and I thought I would leave this with you as my final Christmas thought.
Lord, we know the words,
Teach us now the music of our faith.
We know the forms of celebration,
Give us now the fire, the passion, and the joy.
Break through the curtain of our dark,
And help us to receive You unashamed,
With the abandon of a little child.
In the Savior’s name we pray. Amen
Merry Christmas! May your celebrations, big or small, be blessed. Oh… and a happy New Year, too!
Pastor David
Loose offering from Christmas Eve will be given to The Bridge, Home Sweet Home’s shelter village, a community of tiny homes offering warmth and dignity to neighbors experiencing homelessness. To make a donation directly, click here or place a donation in the container in the Gathering Area. Please makes checks payable to The Bridge.
This Weekend—Lessons and Carols
The church offices and building will be closed Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26.
Weekend After Christmas
Sunday, December 28, 10 AM
You are invited to a service of Lessons and Carols featuring Scripture readings that tell the story of humanity's fall to Jesus' birth, interspersed with carols and hymns. This service will be the only worship service for the weekend.
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).
Altar Flowers
Dedicating a flower is a lovely way to remember or honor a loved one. Dates for 2026 may be reserved by contacting Georgia or (309) 827-6121 ext. 214. Cost per dedication is $45. For those on the permanent list, your dates will be automatically carried over from last year.
New Member Opportunity
New members will be received at all worship services the weekend of February 14/15. If you're interested in learning more about the membership process at St. John's, please contact Kerri. To be included in the next membership group, please let Kerri know by Thursday, January 29.
Christmas Undecorating
Wednesday, January 7, 10 AM
Please plan to come and bring a friend to help take down the holiday decorations. Contact Shari, with questions.
Adult Studies Resume January 3/4
Saturdays, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
Contact Debbie Whelton.
Sundays through January 4, 9:30 AM, Loft
Contact Marvin for information or if interested in leading.
JoyZone Children’s Ministries Resumes January 4
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. Volunteers are needed to assist the Leadership Team. Please sign up at www.bit.ly/JZ_Volunteer26.
Faith and Life Bible Study Resumes January 7
Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays,10 AM, Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor Lyn for a study on the book of Romans.
Friday Morning Men’s Group Resumes January 2
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
The group is discussing Daniel by J.D. Greear. Contact David Roehrig for information.
Thrive Junior High Program Resumes January 7
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.
Declutter/Intentional Living Group
Sunday, January 4, 9:30 AM, Library
All are welcome to wrap up the year discussing The Things That Matter.
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.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
If you like to knit or crochet or want to learn, you are invited to a Prayer Shawl gathering—a time of fellowship while creating prayer shawls, prayer squares or chemo caps. If you or a loved one would benefit from one of these articles, contact Kerri. For more information, contact Lynda Bogue, (309) 532-2083.
Volunteer Receptionist
St. John’s is looking to add a volunteer to our reception team on Thursday mornings, 9 AM-12 PM. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Georgia, (309) 827-6121 ext. 214.
Year-end Giving
To prepay a 2026 pledge during the 2025 calendar year, please mark your check with “2026 Pledge” or contact the finance office. Journey By Faith debt reduction gifts to pay down the mortgage principal are still being accepted. Year-end donations must be received or postmarked by December 31 to be included in your 2025 giving statement. Pledge statements are available from your Shelby Membership account. For help logging in, contact Shari. Donations of stock are processed through St. John’s Wells Fargo account. To donate stock, please contact Shari for instructions.
Pledge Cards
If you haven't already, please turn in your 2026 pledge card by the end of the year.
Join the St. John’s Team
Do you enjoy developing an environment where children feel heard, valued, and are excited to learn about Jesus? 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.
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.
Poinsettia Dedications
Ann Ament in memory of her husband, Jim
Cheryl Anderegg in honor of family and in memory of those who have passed
The family of Phyllis Bean in memory of the 10th anniversary of her passing
Dennis and Lynda Bogue in memory of Harry and Charlene Miller and Harold and Dorathy Bogue, and in honor of our children, grandchildren,
and great grandchildren
Arlene and Lois Brucker in memory of their parents, Clarence and Leora Brucker
Helen Byerly in memory of John and Gail Bazzarre, and Chuck and Carrie Byerly
Jessica Byerly in memory of Walter Davidson and Virginia Bazzarre
Iris Caines in memory of husband and father Dick Caines and in honor of family
Jim and Monica Cavanagh in memory of Gerhard and Henny Schulz and Tom, Isabelle, and Kerrin Cavanagh
The Cox family in memory of Ken Cox
The Cox family in memory of Alice Cox-McAuley
Kathy Crabtree in loving memory of Charlie Crabtree and with gratitude and love for Pastor David, Pastor Lyn, and the St. John’s staff and congregation
Walter and Linda Crowley in honor of the St. John’s clergy and staff
Jim Dumouchel in memory of Jean Dumouchel
Cris Embree and Gary Ploense in memory of Hilda and Carl Ploense
Scott and Lisa Etheridge in memory of their parents, Bernard McDonald, Marge McDonald, Clifford Johnson, and David Etheridge
Linda Feit in memory of Alwin and Ruby Poppen
John Freed in memory of his wife Susan and their parents
Bill and Bev Gale wishing a Merry Christmas to all
Kristi Gleim and Lori McCollum in memory of Ron McCollum
Kristi Gleim and Lori McCollum in memory of Miriam Arentsen Gleim
Steve, Clayton, Reagan, and Braden Haase in honor and memory of Wendy Haase
Elizabeth Haines in loving memory of her parents Frank and Phyllis Haines
Roger and Sharon Hellman in memory of their parents and in honor of their children and grandchildren
Kay Henrichs in memory of her husband Dennis Henrichs
Randy and Mavis Holthaus in memory of Darlene and Donald Gilster and Rufus Holthaus
Betty Hope in memory of William and Ruth Schapmire
Brad and Susan Jones in loving memory of their parents, Robert and Mary Bruce and Leo and Lavonne Jones.
Rick and Candy Jones in memory of their parents
Gregg and Lori McElroy in memory of George and Janet Erickson
Sara Mieczkowski in memory of her parents, Junior and Bette Mohart
Loretta Miller in memory of Jason Miller
Martha Mitchell in honor of her family
Pam Nelson in loving memory of Norman, Dagney, and Ashley Nelson
Denny Otto in memory of his wife, Marilyn K. Otto
Cindy Parli in memory of her husband Tony Huchel and her sister Linda Larkin
Dave and Jeri Peters in memory of their parents
Mary Polley in memory of her husband, Rod Polley
Marvin and Kathy Rasch in honor of their family and loved ones
Linda Redmon and family in memory of William Redmon
Doris Robertson in memory of her sister, Jean
Lauri Sawyer and family in memory of departed loved ones, sadly missed and forever loved
Greg and Sandra Vail in loving memory of their parents, Art and Alma Lee Vail and Irwin and Ruth Ideus
Kurt and Nannette Wagner in memory of John and Dottie Wagner and Bonnie Turgeon
Carolyn Weiland and Sandra Vail in loving memory of their sisters, Jeanne Romer and Marsha Cooper
Reeve and Elizabeth Washkuhn in honor of their mothers, Loretta Miller and Linda Washkuhn-Sutkowski
Randy and Becki Wood in memory of Ryan and his grandparents