Northern Illinois Synod
Assembly Report

The 30th annual Synod Assembly was held June 16-17, 2017 at Augustana College, Rock Island, IL under the theme “Called Forward Together In Christ.” Over 450 voting members from across the synod worshipped, learned, laughed, celebrated, and deliberated together as the highest legislative body of the Northern Illinois Synod. During Bishop Clements’ report to the assembly, he spoke of his goal to revitalize the synod together by discerning where God is leading us.
 
Festive services of Holy Communion opened the Assembly on Friday and closed the Assembly on Saturday. Rev. Malpica Padilla preached on Friday and Bishop Clements preached at Saturday’s service. The offering of $3,619 will be divided between Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and the ELCA Global Mission Unit.
 
The assembly passed both resolutions as written: R-1 Lutheran Social Services of Illinois Celebrating 150 Years of Ministry and R-2 To Maintain Foreign Assistance and Domestic Safety Net Programs.
 
Delegate Dennis Bieser noted that the Assembly is a combination of things: an opening ceremony like the Olympics or World Series, music and entertainment like a concert, reports and budgets like a business meeting, forums and lectures like school and the election of officers and committee members like local elections. And last, but not least, there were Worship Services with Holy Communion.
 
Delegate Melissa Nosalik said the music was phenomenal – very upbeat and in languages from around the world.  She said it made her feel closer to Lutherans from around the globe.  “Gado de wan bun Gado, So a De!!” in Surinamese means “Our God’s a good God, Yes He Is!!”  Rev. Rafael Padilla shared with us that Jesus didn’t come to this world to die; He came to live.  It was his mission here that led him to the cross.  It is up to us now to carry on Jesus’ mission.  Rev. Padilla also shared with us Bishop Eaton’s message that “We only have this Ministry for a season and this is our season.”  It is our season now to share our mission in Christ with each other, in our community, and with the rest of the world.  Jesus came to this earth to help ALL those in need, and as followers of Christ we are expected to continue his mission. 
 
Delegate Carol Dilbeck said there was so much packed into the 2 days, that it is hard to pick just a few items as highlights.  “So many wonderful people attended, each with something enlightening to share.”  One of the best highlights for her was the honoring of the 50th Ordination Anniversaries of nine pastors.  She also appreciated Bishop Clements leadership. “His unique sense of humor really helped the whole experience move along almost seamlessly.”
 
All of our delegates considered it a privilege to attend and represent St. John’s; and they encourage others to attend future Northern Illinois Synod Assemblies.

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Feed The Need in Mendota

The third activity of our Feed The Need project, Backpack Blessings, is underway and will continue through the summer months.  If you are able to help with distributions on Saturday, July 15th—9am to noon and Saturday, August 19th—9am to noon, please contact Valerie at (815) 866-4946 to sign up.

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Why Sunday Fellowship?

The Merriam–Webster online dictionary defines a fellowship as a “community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience,” and “a company of equals or friends.”

God designed His church to be a fellowship, not just a community, but a family of brothers and sisters who share God’s ideals and beliefs, and who can help us improve ourselves.

The importance of fellowship in our lives is part of the reason that the people of God are commanded to consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.  Every week, on Sunday, Christians gather both to hear the Word of God taught and to strengthen each other through fellowship.

Sunday Fellowship at St. John’s requires your participation.  We are the Church.  Please consider signing up for one Sunday during the year to make coffee and serve donuts to your fellow members so that we can meet, get to know each other and focus on God’s desires and goals for us.

There is a calendar in the Church kitchen, pick a Sunday to do your part as a member of the St. John’s community.

Help Yourself...

Our quilting ladies have been working on “Walker Bags” for residents of area nursing homes.  They are also making them available to members of our congregation.  You will find a basket full of these colorful and handy fabric bags in the Narthex.  Please feel free to take one for yourself or someone you know.

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