From Pastor Lyn

As we continue our study of the book of Acts, we hear the life story of Peter and the church becoming a church of inclusion. Inclusion has become somewhat of a buzzword these days, along with diversity and equity. All great words when put into practice!

I would venture that all the family of God at St. John’s wants to be inclusive! We want to welcome people, be hospitable and create a safe space for all. Jesus modeled inclusion as he traveled and preached… the woman at the well, Matthew the tax collector, the short in stature Zaccheus and the open arms for all the children!

I wonder if it takes more than a verbal invitation and open arms to truly be inclusive?

I think being inclusive means more than the word itself. To be inclusive, we also must be intentional.

To be intentional means we ask questions. We listen. We put actions with the word inclusive: Does our space feel welcoming to all? How do we greet people? How do we include new members in events or outreach? When was the last time you invited someone to worship? I think we are doing a wonderful job of many ways to be inclusive, but with reflection is there any more ways to be inclusive?

When the Holy Spirit blows—will we be ready to change direction? To take on a new course? I hope so! I think we will!

It seems as if the Holy Spirit has proceeded a very new and exciting thing for St. John’s. Next summer, July 13-19, 2025, we will be partnering with other organizations to bring a Group Work Camp to Bloomington! This is an opportunity to practice intentional inclusion—by all the efforts it will take to sponsor a work camp. And the benefits of this intentional inclusion will be great—new relationship made, many homes in our community will be painted, etc. AND the residents of the homes and the campers will have an opportunity to experience Jesus in a new and different way! Stay tuned to more opportunities for inclusion through work camp next summer!

Next Weekend
Life Stories, Discerning—Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 21-26

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).

Save the Date—Council Quarterly Forum
Sunday, May 19, 9:30 AM, Chapel
Council members will be on hand to ask questions.

Staff Transitions
Natalie Fowler, Contemporary Worship and Senior High Youth, will be leaving the staff as of May 10. Jai Wright, Graduate Assistant, is graduating from Illinois State University, and will be leaving the staff as of May 8. This weekend at worship, there will be a special blessing for both Natalie and Jai. We are grateful for the time that we have had with these young people and pray that God will guide them on their next journeys.

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.

CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Saturday, May 18, Junior High Room
• BLS Renewal 11:30 AM–1:45 PM (for healthcare providers)—$65
• Heartsaver CPR/AED— 3–5:30 PM (for workplace and community members)—$65
St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown to register or for more information.

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. For more information, contact Lynda Bogue, (309) 532-2083.

Weekend Adult Studies
Saturdays, 4:05-4:55 PM, Gathering Area—discuss the weekly scripture lessons
Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:30 AM

Lectionary Study, Loft—discuss the weekly scripture lessons
Video Study, Conference Room—Trite, Not True. Much of what passes as wisdom today has the ring of biblical truth. How do you tell the difference?
Jarrett Stephens tackles these statements in this series. 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.

JoyZone Sunday Morning Children's Program
Sunday mornings, returning April 7, during 10:30 AM worship
Age-appropriate lessons, activities, games, and crafts in the Children's Wing.

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
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 PM, Fellowship Hall
Large- and small-group ministry offering learning, fellowship, and service evenings.

Chaos Senior High
Wednesdays, 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.

JoyZone Volunteers Needed
Volunteers for JoyZone are needed. Students 6th-12th grade and adults are encouraged to help with this ministry—once a month, every week, or as often as you’d like! Please contact Amy for more information.

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 Lori Syring, (815) 641-7159 or Vicky Kramer, (309) 530-1604, for more information.

Faith In Action Volunteer Orientations
Tuesday, May 7, 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.

Carle BroMenn Compassion Cupboard Service Event
Thursday, May 9, 12 PM-5 PM Drop-off
Carle BroMenn provides basic food and resource information for those in need in addition to the Compassion Closet (which provides clothing). Items such as tuna/chicken packages, protein bars and drinks, granola bars, jerky sticks, peanut butter, are sought. Cans with pull tab tops and items that are easily transported are appreciated. Donations can be taken to the hospital's Conference Center entrance, by parking Lot E, during drop-off hours.

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.stjohnsbloomington.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.