News of St. John's Lutheran Church
From the Pastor...
Dear friends,
This past month a new team began its work here at St. John’s. Our team is learning about “human-centered design.” You might be thinking, what does that mean? Human-centered design takes the approach of listening to what people’s needs are, then developing a product (or in our case ministry) that connects with people. A lot of times in churches, we decide what people need, or what we want from them, without really listening to what the real needs or concerns are. Then we wonder why something didn’t connect. Human-centered design is something we in the church can learn from the business world. A wise business does not just develop a product. They first need to find out whether people need it or would want it and would pay for it. The approach for us in ministry is not to assume that we (in leadership) know what will work for other people. We need to listen first, then adapt our ministry or create a ministry that meets people’s needs. This past month our team interviewed people inside and outside of our congregation to hear their perspectives about people’s lives in Mendota. (Yes, this isn’t too different than the ReImagine Mendota process.) Over the next months we will prototype a ministry, and then see how it works. We will fill you in more as we go. Many of you recognize that the way we “did church” even just a couple of decades ago, does not fit our changing landscape. People don’t just “join churches” like they used to. Sunday mornings (and Wednesday evenings) are no longer “protected” time for families to be part of a faith community. Church does not have a privileged place in society like it used to. In some ways being a committed disciple of a faith community is much more like it was in the first centuries of Christianity. It takes commitment from those who feel called by Jesus to be part of the community. It also takes flexibility and adaptability – and the willingness to invite others. That invitation might be to worship. But it might also be to a service project or Sunday School or Bible Study. There’s an epidemic of loneliness and isolation in our country. We in the church know something about being community. If you have ideas about ways and places we can invite others into community and a sense of belonging, share them with me, the St. John’s council and teams. Your insights and ideas are gifts of the Holy Spirit for the whole church! Yours in Christ, Pastor Elise Young Adult Bible StudyAll young adults out of high school are invited to share in a Bible study. The group meets at St. John’s every other week at 6:00 PM and is led by Ted Landgraf and Tim Miller.
The next dates are May 12 and 26. Pastoral Care
If you would like a visit from Pastor Elise or you or a family member are hospitalized, please contact the church office. Remember that because of privacy laws, the hospitals do not contact us when you or a family member are admitted.
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Online Giving to St. John's
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To set up or adjust recurring gifts, contact Le Roy in the church office, follow the QR code to the right, or click the "donate now" button below. You will be asked to create an account and set up donations with a credit, debit, or bank account.
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Thank you for supporting the mission of St. John's!
Join us for worship on YouTube!
Simply click on the button above to go to our YouTube page. Once there, you can watch any of our worship services (just double-check the date).
What Are Your Gifts?
As the church, we combine our talents and skills for a thriving ministry that shares Jesus’ love with our neighbors. How might you offer your gifts at St. John’s? On Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 PM, we gather to discuss our ministry and the roles teams and individuals play.
You are invited to JOIN US!
We will talk about plans for the summer and fall months: how we serve our neighbors, how we invite others, how we will worship, and take care of our property. Your voice and your presence matter to us. Share your thoughts and together we will be led by the Spirit.
You are invited to JOIN US!
We will talk about plans for the summer and fall months: how we serve our neighbors, how we invite others, how we will worship, and take care of our property. Your voice and your presence matter to us. Share your thoughts and together we will be led by the Spirit.
Bible Study on the Book of Revelation
Join Pastor Elise as she leads a study on the book of Revelation Wednesday evenings at 7PM. The study is a video presentation and discussion. Everyone is welcome!
Cemetery Policy Update
Due to the increased cost of cemetery maintenance in 2026, the church council voted to increase the cost of cemetery plots. This will help defray the cost of cemetery maintenance to the church. The last time the prices were increased was in 2012. The new plot prices will be $600 for members and $700 for nonmembers.
The price increase will take effect June 1st, 2026.
All quotes made prior to June 1st, 2026, will be honored at the previous published quotes of $400 per plot for members and $500 per plot for non-members.
St. John’s Council also voted to approve a new policy and procedure manual for the cemetery. If you would like to have a copy, they are available in the church office.
The price increase will take effect June 1st, 2026.
All quotes made prior to June 1st, 2026, will be honored at the previous published quotes of $400 per plot for members and $500 per plot for non-members.
St. John’s Council also voted to approve a new policy and procedure manual for the cemetery. If you would like to have a copy, they are available in the church office.