News of St. John's Lutheran Church
From the Pastor...
Dear friends in Christ,
This month we enter the season of Lent. Lent calls us to a time of introspection, a time to become rooted, like a seed planted in good soil, strengthening roots first, so that the shoot can come forth secure and sure. It is an intentional time of drawing near to Christ, to participate more fully in his death and resurrection. It is a personal endeavor, resulting in a life lived outwardly, bearing the fruit of Christ’s love in our lives. It is not always easy, especially in these days of increased polarization, where perspectives vary on what is true and what is right. Our Sunday worship readings over these months are from John’s Gospel, where beloved community, bound together by Christ is emphasized. It is not easy to be beloved community when we know people disagree with us, even when we all believe that we are being faithful to God’s values and the call of Christ to love our neighbor. One of the gifts of our Lutheran theological heritage is understanding that God’s Word comes to us as both law and gospel. That is, God’s Word both convicts us and frees us. We stand under the judgement of God’s Word, and we recognize our sins. We turn to Christ for forgiveness, orienting us anew to life in God’s beloved community. Whether we hear a word as law/judgement or hear it as grace will often depend upon where we are sitting at any given time. One time, after a Holden Evening Prayer service, one of the worshippers, who had been to that service many times before said, “Pastor, where is this coming from? We sang that God has ‘left the wealthy no part.’ I don’t like that.” She was someone who had financial resources, and discovering these were the words of Mary, Jesus’ mother left her convicted but also thoughtful. For the gospel, the good news, is more than one verse of Scripture, and life in Jesus is open to all, in the times we feel convicted and in the times we are Spirit-led to embrace the way of Jesus. We are beloved community, bound to one another in Christ Jesus, bearing one another’s burdens, rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep (Romans 12:15). I am saddened that so many of us can only speak to one another with “surface” talk and feel unable to say publicly what weighs on our hearts. It is difficult to talk with one another and it is difficult to listen. But we are assured that Christ is the one who has bound us one to another in this community of faith. I encourage you to find resources that help us be open to one another in these days. Two I recommend: Romans 12:9-21, and a social statement published in 1995 “For Peace in God’s World,” which you can find by typing that title and ELCA in your browser search bar or ask for a print or digital copy through the church office. On a personal note, thank you for prayers for my mother, Mari Eklund, over the past year and especially as she has been under hospice care. I appreciate your prayers for her comfort in these days, and all the care you have shown me and my family. Your servant in Christ, Pastor Elise Pastoral Care
If you find yourself in need of pastoral care 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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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!
Young Adult Bible Study
All 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 February 17 and March 3.
The next dates are February 17 and March 3.
All Teams Meeting - Thursday, Feb 12
All teams of the congregation are invited to our first 2026 All Teams meeting night, Thursday, February 12th at 7pm. We will meet in the fellowship hall. The goal of this time together is both to have a better understanding of the goals of each team and time for us to work with one another. If you are not yet part of a team but would like to be, show up and we will connect you to the right ministry!
Lent 2026
Lent is the time of the church year when we are invited into an intentional focus on who Jesus is for us, and prepare ourselves to die and rise with him. The word Lent comes from an old English word that meant “springtime.” Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, February 18.
Ash Wednesday
We will observe the start of the season with Ash Wednesday worship at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary. The service will include imposition of ashes and Holy Communion, offered at the altar rail and on the main floor.
Wednesday Evenings with Holden Evening Prayer
We will gather each Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM in the chapel for worship with the beloved Holden Evening Prayer service. Our theme will be “Conversations with Jesus.”
There will be no Wednesday suppers this year.
Ash Wednesday
We will observe the start of the season with Ash Wednesday worship at 6:30 PM in the sanctuary. The service will include imposition of ashes and Holy Communion, offered at the altar rail and on the main floor.
Wednesday Evenings with Holden Evening Prayer
We will gather each Wednesday evening at 6:30 PM in the chapel for worship with the beloved Holden Evening Prayer service. Our theme will be “Conversations with Jesus.”
There will be no Wednesday suppers this year.