From Pastor David

This past Tuesday afternoon, I was blessed to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Home Sweet Home’s The Bridge. I saw many St. John’s members there, and I know countless more of you have given, painted, and assembled furniture to help make this non-congregant housing project take shape. They are not officially open; there is still work to do, but I believe in a few weeks every tiny house will be filled with someone who is currently living without stable shelter.

While this aspect of The Bridge is great, what I find more heartening is the commitment that all sorts of agencies, churches, and others have made to helping the residents bridge into life beyond the streets and difficult life circumstances. Over the years, as I have been a part of helping ministries in each community I have served, I have seen that it is this cooperation, this bringing together of diverse agencies and experts, that can make a real difference. You see, while this project wasn’t cheap and will not be inexpensive to keep running, money isn't the biggest expense in changing lives; it is time.

In this age of expediency, to walk with a brother or sister through the valleys of the shadow of death, through the struggles of chemical dependency and mental health issues, and so many other unique circumstances, takes time, care, and skill. It takes time to change lives, it takes care that lasts beyond a moment, and it takes skill that sometimes takes years to develop to bring the life-giving grace of God to light. While we love the thought of instantaneous miracles, I have found that this is not how it works.  Even when there is a “miraculous” change, it is always just the beginning.

I am proud of the many ways that St. John’s and its members donate, not just financially, but partner with both local and global organizations to do far more than we can do alone. This is our call to serve. In many ways, St. John’s is not an organizer or owner of these ministries, but we provide the time, skill, and care needed to enable those partners to do what only they can to serve Christ in this community and the world.

As The Bridge begins, it is exactly that, a start, not a solution, but rather a step on the way to living in a better world and community right here in Bloomington/Normal. Our baptismal calling is much the same; it is an ongoing way of life that points to our creator and redeemer through whom we are and what we do. No matter where God is calling you to serve, know that you are part of a bridge from what was into what is in God’s grace.   Thank you for all you are and all you do in Jesus' name.

Next Weekend—Serve
John 1:29-42

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).

Prayer Shawl Ministry
If you like to knit or crochet, come to a Prayer Shawl gathering. Enjoy a time of fellowship while creating prayer shawls, prayer squares or chemo caps for St. John’s members, cancer centers, etc. New members are always welcome. If you or a loved one would benefit from one of these articles that are made with love and prayed over, please contact Kerri. Contact Lynda Bogue, (309) 532-2083, for more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry.

Faith and Family Night
Tuesday, February 3, 6 PM, Redbird Arena
Enjoy an evening of Illinois State Men’s Basketball vs. Southern Illinois. Visit www.goredbirds.com/promotions and use the promo code FAITH26 for $10 lower bowl tickets.

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.

Give the Gift of Life Through Organ Donation
There are Lutheran church members in our synod who are awaiting transplants. For more information, please see Pastor Lyn or visit www.donatelife.net.

Grief Share
Tuesdays, January 20–April 14, 5:30–7 PM, Loft
GriefShare Support Group is a special seminar and support group designed to help rebuild life after the death of a loved one. A one-time registration fee covers the cost of the workbook. For more information or to register, contact Debbie Whelton, (309) 846-1965, or visit www.bit.ly/SJ_GriefShare26.

Adult Studies
Saturdays through January 17, 4-4:45 PM, Gathering Area
A Christmas Carol continues—For more information, please contact Debbie Whelton.

Sundays, 9:30 AM, Loft
Servant of God—explore the important theme of servanthood. Contact Marvin for information or if interested in facilitating.

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.

Faith and Life Bible Study
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
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
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.

Noah's Ark Preschool
Registration for 26/27 opens January 16
Noah’s Ark Preschool is a loving environment based on Christian values, upholding the highest standards in childcare and education. Noah’s Ark offers classes for children 2 years through 5 years.

Adult Faith Formation: New Testament
Saturdays, January 24 and 31, February 7, 21, and 28, and March 7, 9 AM-12 PM
Learn the history, theology, and significance of the books of the New Testament with the Rev. Dr. Mark Allan Powell. Classes will take place via Zoom. Cost is $25 for general learners and $50 for Synod-Authorized Ministry students. Please visit www.bit.ly/CSIS_Class26 to register.

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.

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.

Fellowship Meals at Agape House
Mondays, January 12, February 2, March 2, April 13, and May 4, Agape House, 300 Normal Avenue, Normal
Agape House, campus outreach of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod and Judson Fellowship, hosts weekly fellowship dinners for students and others. The student leadership plans and shops for the meal. 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. After cleaning up, volunteers are welcome to stay to eat with students. Sign up at www.bit.ly/SJ_Agape26. Please contact Marvin for more information.

Midwest Food Bank Work Day
Tuesday, January 13, 6–8 PM
Midwest Food Bank strives to alleviate hunger and poverty by gathering and distributing food donations to not-for-profits and disaster sites without cost to the recipients. Visit www.bit.ly/SJ_MWFB to sign up through their volunteer portal, Golden. New volunteers need to fill out a disclaimer form prior to serving. If you do not see the date listed that you wish to serve, please contact Steve Pruett.

Beat the Heat Competition Fundraiser
Sunday, January 25, 4:30 to 7 PM, Bloomington VFW
Sponsored by the Bloomington Normal Community Land Trust, a not-for-profit working to bridge the affordable housing gap in Bloomington/Normal, to raise $54,000 to purchase their first home. The event is free to attend with the goal to raise $10,000 that evening through the competition and silent auction.

Red Cross Blood Drive at St. John's
Saturday, January 31, 8 AM–12 PM, Fellowship Hall
The need for blood is constant, and every contribution is important for a healthy and reliable blood supply. Visit www.bit.ly/redcross25 to sign up. Get a $20 e-gift card to the merchant of your choice when you donate blood. Contact Lynn Carpenter, (309) 830-2588, with questions or to donate food.

Faith In Action Fundraiser—Mardi Gras Bingo Bonanza
Thursday, February 12, 5:30-8:30 PM, Destihl Beer Hall
Enjoy a night of fun with food, bingo, and prizes. Purchase tickets for $65 at www.bnfia.com/bingo.

Calendar Collection
Thank you to everyone who contributed cards and calendars to the residents at the Logan Correctional Facility. Nearly 1,000 greeting cards have been delivered. Unfortunately the chaplain is no longer able to distribute calendars to the residents; however the 250 calendars were taken to the Midwest Food Bank where representatives from food pantries take them to their clients. Please feel free to continue to contribute calendars for distribution and greeting cards for the Logan residents. Contact Jane Frieden, (309) 831-6156, with questions.

Pledge Cards and Giving Statements
If you have not turned in your pledge card for 2026 you may do so online at www.bit.ly/SJ_Pledge26 or drop it off at church. Giving statements are available from your Shelby Membership account. For help logging in, contact Shari.