From Pastor David

I was listening to a ballgame as I drove back to work today, and as I listened, I had a thought that took the form of this question.

What does the word “relief” mean to you?

The conversation between innings that triggered this was the phrase “relief pitcher.”

The other reason that word jumped out at me is that I’ve just returned from a week of continuing education. The primary speaker, Dave Zahl, from whom I “borrowed” the Gospel According to Pixar idea, observed that people everywhere seek relief from pressures, regardless of their situation. Experiences of work demands, cultural changes, and managing ever-shifting family activities and dynamics highlight this universal quest for relief.

In many ways, this is exactly why I find this particular event so life-giving.  Each year, the Larger Churches Conference of the ELCA selects a different location, and this year, it was on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. While the destinations are incredible, this is not why I attend. It is a combination of spiritual reflection, time away, and relationships with my fellow clergy where I find relief and am able to “refill my cup.” While he never went to Puerto Rico, we see in the scriptures that Jesus often did this very same thing throughout his ministry. He’s a pretty good role model if you ask me!

Zahl, an Episcopalian, points out that Lutheran theology, particularly its focus on grace, offers the answer to society's pervasive sense of pressure and need for relief. As a church, at our core, we have a gift to offer: a sense of place, peace, and relief in the good news of God’s love for us and for all in Jesus Christ.

I will leave you with a verse to ponder in the coming week.

Jesus said… “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”—Matthew 11:28 - 30

Where do you see this relief in your life, where have you missed or forgotten it, and how might we share this gift of grace with others needing relief?

Next Weekend
Life Stories, Relationships/Trinity—Isaiah 6:1-8

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).

Council Quarterly Forum
Sunday, May 19, 9:30 AM, Chapel
Council members will be on hand to answer your questions.

Join the St. John's Staff
St. John’s Lutheran Church is looking for a part-time Worship Arts Technology Technician. This position is responsible for providing leadership and support to ensure quality and effective technological experiences during worship for all services in-house and streaming. The successful candidate will have technical expertise with audio and video equipment and enjoy problem-solving alongside a dedicated team of volunteers. For a complete job description or to apply, visit www.stjblm.org/jobs.

Pickleball at St. John‘s
Thursday mornings, 9 AM, Parish Life Center*
Interested in playing Pickleball? All skills levels are welcome. Please contact Chris Magnuson, (309) 826-1619, for more information. *Beginning May 30, pickleball will move outdoors to Rollingbrook Park!

St. John's Book Club
Monday, May 20 (a week early due to Memorial Day), 1 PM to discuss Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Claire Pooley. The June selection is Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan.

CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Thursday, May 30, Junior High Room
• BLS Renewal—10:30 AM–2:45 PM (healthcare providers)—$65
• BLS—2–5 PM (traditional course for healthcare providers)—$75

Saturday, June 1, Junior High Room
• NEW OFFERING! Family and Friends CPR Course—11:30 AM–1:30 PM (non-certification course; perfect class for anyone who needs a refresher but not necessarily a certification; great for new parents, grandparents, and babysitters, 13 years and older)—$35

St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown to register or for more information.

Weekend Adult Studies
Saturdays, 4:05-4:45 PM, Gathering Area—discuss weekly scripture lessons. Starting June 1 the Saturday group will study the book of Job using the book Waiting on God in Difficult Times. Everyone is invited to join the study!

Sunday, May 19, 9:30-10:30 AM
Lectionary Study, Loft—discuss the weekly scripture lessons
Video Study, Conference Room—Trite, Not True. Discover how to decipher superficial insights from the real truth of God’s Word, as well as how to apply biblical wisdom to everyday life.

This will be the final week for the Sunday studies. Watch the Weekly News for special studies throughout the summer!

JoyZone Sunday Morning Children's Program
Sunday, May 19, during 10:30 AM worship
Age-appropriate lessons, activities, games, and crafts in the Children's Wing.This is the final week of JoyZone for this school year. Pew Projects will be available for children during the sermon beginning Sunday, June 2.

Faith in Life Adult Bible Study
Wednesdays (except the first of the month), 10 AM, Fellowship Hall
All are invited to this study on the Gospel of Mark.

Thrive Junior High
Wednesday, May 22, 6:30-8 PM, Fellowship Hall
Large- and small-group ministry offering learning, fellowship, and service evenings.

Chaos Senior High
Wednesday, May 22, 6:30-8 PM, Senior High Room
Youth are welcome to a large-group gathering for fellowship, service, and prayer.

Friday Morning Men's Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
The group is studying a new book in the Augsburg Adult Bible study series titled Examining Our Faith. Contact David Roehrig or Kerri for more information.

Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC) Opportunity
Sunday, July 14–Friday, July 19
All students entering 6th–12th grade this fall are invited to attend LOMC this summer for hiking, swimming, canoeing, games, crafts, bonfires, daily Bible study and devotions, and fun in the beautiful Rock River Valley! Cost to participants is just $50; the remaining $450 is provided through the Garage Sale proceeds! Transportation and a St. John's chaperone provided. Contact Amy for more information. Register at www.bit.ly/SJ_LOMC24.

Zambia Drought Relief & Education Fund
The people of St. John's have answered the urgent call to help feed the ELC-Zamba pastors and their families during this devastating drought! You have given a total of $23,592 that will be sent immediately to bring these families relief from famine while continuing to help provide funds for the children's education. Thank you for your generosity and care for these partners in ministry! If you would still like to donate, visit www.bit.ly/SJLCGive (Global and Local Missions Fund / Zambia Education & Drought Relief Subfund).

Quilters
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
Help make quilts for Lutheran World Relief and local charities. Donations of
cotton fabric and flat sheets, new or gently used, are needed. New people are welcome on Tuesdays in addition to fellow quilters and sewers who prefer to work from home. Contact Marsha Johnson, (309) 299-9338, or Vicky Kramer, (309) 530-1604, for more information.

Seeking Congregation Council Nominees
The Congregation Council Nominating Committee is accepting nominations for Church Council. You may nominate yourself or another member of the congregation by visiting www.stjblm.org and selecting the ‘About’ tab. Choose Congregation Council and then click on “nominate yourself” or “nominate someone” button. Forms will also be available at the Resource Counter. Nominations are due by July 31. Contact Council President Dean Brown or Pastor David or Nominating Committee Chair Debbie Whelton to learn more about council.

Nursery Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to care for St. John's littlest ones during the 10:30 AM service. Contact Alecia Crook, Nursery Coordinator or Amy for more information.

Faith In Action Volunteer Orientations
Tuesday, June 4, 1–2:30 PM, ARC Center, 600 East Willow Street, Normal
Contact Stacey, (309) 827-7780, to learn more or fill out the volunteer interest form at www.bnfia.org/post-3988 and someone will follow up with you.

VBS Decorating Work Nights
Thursdays, May 23, May 30, June 6, and June 13, 6-8 PM, Parish Life Center
Tuesdays, May 28, June 4, and June 11, 6-8 PM, Parish Life Center
Your help is needed to help decorate for Vacation Bible School! Come join in the fun! Other dates and times may be scheduled as needed. Please contact Stacy Barr if you can help decorate, build sets, and set up or would like more information about daytime work hours available!

VBS Supplies Work Nights
Thursday, May 30, 6-8 PM, Parish Life Center
Are you an organizer? We need your help with organizing and gathering the many supplies needed for Vacation Bible School!