Church News

Innovating for Ministry: The Pen Pal Project

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Our Pen Pal project is up and running. In early September our pen pals will receive letters from second graders at Lincoln; we have been approved for a grant for $1,000 from ELCA Churchwide for our pilot program; and our innovation team is continuing to consider how we are building connections and belonging, not just with second graders, but teachers, staff, and those of us at St. John’s. The innovation team’s work is to be intentional about the process of developing ministries at St. John’s that serve as a conduit for people to live out their baptismal calling in community.

Church Council Highlights

At its August 13th,2026 meeting, the St. John’s council
  • Heard reports from committees regarding the air conditioning, Season of Creation worship, Quilting ministry,  and the fall stewardship season.
  • Began working on team descriptions for the Constitution revisions.
 
Finance Report Year To Date thru July 2026:
Budgeted Income $199,745 Actual Income $219,954
Budgeted Expense $214,480 Actual Expense $228,599
 
We are grateful for your continued financial support, through your offerings in person, through the mail, and through electronic giving.  We are blessed to have such a faithful St. John’s family.

The St. John's ​Pray-ers

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Maybe you wonder, what is required to join those who pray on Wednesday mornings? Or maybe you are pretty sure you don't belong in that group because there is no way that you could pray aloud in front of others? Please know that your prayerful presence is all that's required. While prayers are spoken, no one is obligated to pray aloud. We pray for the needs of people and situations named by our congregation; we pray for St. John's as a whole, our ministry, and the needs of the world. You are welcome to join us every week, or whenever you can make it. 

Quilt Sunday — September 20th

Quilting is one of our most vital ministries at St. John’s. On Sunday, September 20th, we will give glory to God for all the time and skill that have gone into making 100 quilts this year and dedicate the quilts for God’s work of comforting, healing, and protecting our struggling neighbors around the world. In early October the quilts will leave St. John’s to be entrusted to Lutheran World Relief who distributes them on our behalf. The quilters also make bags for walkers and a few quilts for other organizations. As finished quilts leave there is room for new quilts!. 
On Sunday, September 20th, you are invited to bring in gently used or new full-size flat sheets and queen sheets which provide backing for the quilts.

Quilting News

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The Quilting Group meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 9am. You do not need to know how to sew to join. Everyone is welcome!  If anyone has clean bed sheets that they are no longer using, the quilting group could use more. Thank you!
     Next Meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 22nd.

You're So Cool!

Thank you, thank you, to all those who contributed to our special appeal to fund three new air conditioning units in the sanctuary. We brought in just over our actual expenses. The congregation council and property team thank you for your generosity and for continuing to make St. John’s worship a welcoming and a comfortable place to be.

St. John's
​Cemetery Plots

St. John’s Lutheran Church is pleased to offer cemetery plots for sale in the Lutheran section of the cemetery located on Rt. 251. Congregation member prices are $600 and non-members are $700.
​Please contact Carole Eich, cemetery coordinator, for more information at 815-915-5441.