From Pastor David
He has risen!
He has risen indeed, Alleluia!
This Easter, we conclude our Lenten theme of ReLENTless Prayer with one final "re" word: Renew. In Christ's resurrection, we discover that not only are our faith and hope renewed, but all of creation is, as well.
Unlike a library book that you can only renew a limited number of times, the promise of Easter comes to us repeatedly and, even better, there are no overdue fines. God wants to renew you, regardless of how late you are or where you have been.
As stated in Ephesians 2:4-5: “But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us—even when we were dead in our trespasses—made us alive together with Christ. By grace, you have been saved!”
In this grace, we find the hope that renews us each day, reminding us that we are baptized into Christ's death and resurrection. Daily, we are renewed and strengthened by God’s grace to share and extend this same grace and love into the world, in countless ways, through our homes, jobs, and communities.
For me, the word 'renew' also carries with it an additional promise for me this Easter. As many of you know, I am preparing to take a sabbatical this summer, and the main purpose of a sabbatical is to allow the time and opportunity to experience renewal. If you are unfamiliar with the concept, it is a prolonged sabbath, or time of rest, thus the name. This concept is deeply biblical, and it is designed not only for me, but to benefit the entire congregation in the long run. I will add details in the weeks to come through the Weekly News, but I am always open to discussing any specific questions you may have.
Finally, as we celebrate Easter and renew our hope in Christ as we worship together, may we continue in relentless prayer for each other and the ministry we share as the body of Christ in this place, St. John’s.
He has risen! He has risen indeed, Alleluia!
Next Weekend—Unstoppable
Revelation 1:4-8
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). .
Possible Parking Conflicts
It's Prom season once again, and our parking lot is used for those taking photos at Ewing Manor. Be advised that parking in the South Parking Lot might be needed on the upcoming Saturdays: April 26 and May 3.
Flute Concert—Route "Flute" 66
Sunday, April 27, 4 PM, Worship Center
Bloomington/Normal Flute Ensemble will present a musical cross-country concert.
Congregation Council Forum
Sunday, May 18, 9:45 AM, Chapel
This forum will include updates on the call process for an additional Associate Pastor and information about Pastor David’s sabbatical this summer.
Summer Family Fellowship Potluck and Playtime
Beginning Sunday, June 8, 11:30 AM-1 PM, Gathering Area/St. John's Playground
It is a blessing to welcome new families with young children to St. John's! These families are invited to get to know each other better! Each event will kick off with a potluck lunch (please bring a dish to share) in the Gathering Area. Following lunch, families are invited to the playground for fellowship and play. For more information, contact Meghan Frizzell, (847) 436-7512. Mark your calendars for the remaining summer dates: July 13 and August 10.
Get Ready for the Return of Faith on Tap!
Wednesday, June 25, 6:30-8 PM, Lil' Beaver Brewery
Mark your calendars for the start of this summer's Faith on Tap! Each week meet at a different local brewery for conversation, fellowship, and a cold beverage.
Weekend Adult Studies
Returning next weekend; all adults are invited and encouraged to attend!
Saturdays, 4:05-4:55 PM, Gathering Area—six-week study on Simon Peter
Sunday mornings, 9:30-10:30 AM
Lectionary Study, Loft—discuss the weekly Scripture readings
Video Study, Conference Room—Holy Habits by Derwin Gray
JoyZone Children’s Ministries
Returning Next Weekend—Sundays, during the 10:30 AM Worship Service
Children ages 3 years through 5th grade are invited to the Children's Wing following the Children's Sermon.
Monday Afternoon Study
Mondays, 2:30-3:30 PM, Loft
Everyone is welcome to a study on the book of Job, led by Gloria Jameson. Contact Gloria for more information.
Faith and Life Bible Study
Second, third, and fourth Wednesdays, 10 AM, Fellowship Hall
Join Pastor Lyn for a study on the book of James.
Friday Morning Men's Group
Fridays, 7:30-8:30 AM, Loft
The group is discussing Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White: Thoughts on Religion, Morality, and Politics. Contact: David Roehrig
Thrive Junior High Program
Wednesdays, 6:15-8:15 PM, Parish Life Center
Youth worship, small-group Bible lessons, and large-group fellowship and service.
CPR Courses Offered at St. John's
Friday, April 25, Junior High Room
• BLS Renewal—10 AM–1 PM (traditional course for healthcare providers)—$75
Saturday, April 26, Junior High Room
• BLS Renewal—11:30 AM–1:45 PM (healthcare providers)—$65
• Heartsaver CPR/AED—3–5:30 PM (workplace and community)—$65
St. John's members receive a 20% discount. Please contact Michelle Brown to register or for more information.
St. John's Book Club
Monday, April 28, 1 PM, Gathering Area
Discussing The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple. New readers are welcome! May 19—The Briar Club by Kate Quinn.
Decluttering Group
First Sunday of each month, 9:30-10:30 AM, Loft
All are welcome to a new group with decluttering topics including: resources to responsibly pass on items, tips and tricks to keep motivated, photos and family memorabilia. Ellen Cantrell will be your leader and cheerleader. Please contact Ellen if you want to be added to the group for notices.
Senior High/College Age Fellowship Night
Sunday, May 4, 6-8 PM, South Lawn
Students entering high school this fall through college age are invited to a night of outdoor games and a bonfire. The evening will include hot dogs, s'mores over the fire, Spikeball, bags, Nine-Square, and more. Be sure to invite your friends! For more information, contact Kerri or Kathy Olson.
True North Vacation Bible School Registration
Monday, June 16–Friday, June 20
This summer's VBS is open to kids ages 3 through 5th grade, and registration costs have been paid through proceeds from the Garage Sale, so there is no cost to participants! Register your child today at www.bit.ly/SJ_VBS25.
Tuesday Tee Time Grounds Crew
Tuesdays, 9-11 AM, Morton Building
Help beautify the church grounds with this dedicated group of volunteers. Contact Dave Lowe, (309) 824-9726, for more information.
St. John’s Quilters
Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 AM, Fellowship Hall
Everyone is invited to help make quilts for Lutheran World Relief and enjoy a time of fellowship. We also are in need of home sewers. Supplies can be taken home and sewn on your own time. If you have a Thrivent Action Team available and aren't sure what to do with it, the Quilters can use it for supplies! Contact Marsha Johnson, (309) 299-9338, or Vicky Kramer, (309) 530-1604.
Midwest Food Bank Volunteer Fair
Tuesday, April 22, between 10 AM and 1 PM, Midwest Food Bank
Join us for a fun event featuring behind-the-scenes warehouse tours, food trucks, and interactive stations where you can explore the many volunteer opportunities. Connect with Midwest Food Bank family and discover ways to give back to your community.
Noah's Ark Trike-a-Thon
Thursday, April 24, and Friday, April 25
Preschool kids will be riding their trikes and bikes to raise money and awareness for St. Jude's Research Hospital next week. You can help the kids reach their fundraising goal for the children of St. Jude, who are battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. To donate, visit www.bit.ly/NA_SJRH25.
Faith In Action Volunteer Orientation
Tuesday, May 6, 1–2:30 PM
Contact Stacey or Mary, (309) 827-7780, to learn more or fill out the volunteer interest form at www.bnfia.org/post-3988 and someone will contact you.
Serve in our Community
Serve at Safe Harbor, Midwest Food Bank, or other local agency. Please visit www.stjblm.org/local to sign up or learn more about opportunities to serve.
Central/Southern Illinois Synod Assembly Volunteer Opportunities
Wednesday, June 4–Saturday, June 7
St. John's is excited to host this year's Synod Assembly. This will be a wonderful opportunity to serve our Lutheran brothers and sisters from across Central and Southern Illinois, and help is needed! Many opportunities are available from room set-up, coffee/beverage prep, greeters, and more. Please sign up for as many opportunities as you like at www.bit.ly/SJ_CSIS25. Please contact Shari, shari@stjblm.org, for more information.
St. John’s is Hiring an Administrative Assistant
This position will provide administrative support for pastors and the Caring and Connections Ministries, as well as manage the reception team and member records and monitor the building schedules. This position may be full- or part-time. Prior administrative or executive assistant experience is required. A complete job description and application is available at www.stjblm.org/jobs. Contact Shari for more information, or send your resume along with a completed application.
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 Gudrun, (309) 827-6121 ext. 214. If you or a loved one is listed and should be removed, please let Gudrun know.
Hospitalized/Recovering or in Need of Healing
George Childers, Charlie Farner, Laura Mize
Condolence
Marlon and Betsy Huls, Dee Hichrichsen, and their families upon the death of Marlon and Dee’s mother Lela Huls
Partners in Ministry and Healing
• The Lutheran Church of Madagascar
• Christ Lutheran Church, Quincy, Illinois
• Carle BroMenn Patient Access
• 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, Andrea Choban, Nancy Clark, Marilyn Dichsen, Bryan Fischer, Cyrus Garnett, Bunker Kuethe, Mark Kuhn, Tom McKenna, Julie Megli, Nicholas Mueller, Amy Parry, Lois Skillrud, Dan Thames, Bev Wunderlin, those who live in senior living communities and 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, Zach Poehlman, Jaxon Themanson, John Allen Wagner, A.J. Wunderlin
For Our Congregation
For God's wisdom to fill our Council and Call Committee as we seek a new Associate Pastor. For the candidates who may be seeking a call; that they are filled with discernment from the Holy Spirit.
Altar Flowers
In memory of John and Gail Bazzarre and Charles and Carrie Byerly given by the Byerly family