Our Ministries
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:16-17
St. John’s shall be to serve its members and to spread the kingdom of God by the preaching of the Word of God, by the administration of the Sacraments, and by the religious instruction of youth and adults, according to the confessional standard of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and to foster Christian fellowship and charity.
Lutheran Women
in Mission
As Lutheran Women in Mission, LWML members joyfully proclaim Christ, support missions, and equip women to honor God by serving others.
The LWML is an official auxiliary of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Since 1942, the LWML has focused on affirming each woman’s relationship with Christ, encouraging and equipping women to live out their Christian lives in active mission ministries and to support global missions.
Through the collection of MITES, mission grants are funded in our LCMS - Central Illinois District as well as worldwide through the national LWML. Since 1942 over 100 million dollars has been given for the support of these mission grants.
Active members of the LWML at St. John’s meet the first Tuesday of those months as listed on the monthly calendar at 1:00 p.m. in the church library. Mailbox Members receive monthly devotions and news online or in their church mailbox.
Annually, we provide funding for an LCMS missionary, provide materials for the “National Day of Prayer,” and an LWML Sunday in October. We invite the congregation to participate in ingatherings for local food pantries, Christian Care, and other charities.
MEN’S MINISTRY
Men’s Bible study meets the first Thursday of each month @ 7 pm in the church Library. This is an opportunity for learning God’s Word through videos, Bible study and current topic discussions as they pertain to the Christian man. It also allows for great fellowship for all men.
Youth Growing
in God's Word
Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14
All ages are important at St. John’s therefore we encourage children to be brought into God’s family through the washing of Holy Baptism. Children are then enrolled in our ‘Cradle Roll’ program which provides loving support for child and parents through prayer and Christian materials. All children are encouraged to attend weekly Sunday school beginning at age 3 – high school graduation.
Confirmation classes involve students in the 7th and 8th grades. These weekly classes center on bringing the basic teachings and faith of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Confirmation Sunday is a special day in the lives of the 8th grade student who has completed his two year study of the Lutheran faith. These young people are then brought into the congregation as a Communicate member. Learning is not completed at this point but only truly begun as they go forward as God’s child. Confirmation classes are held from September through April on Wednesday evenings 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. with confirmation on the first Sunday of May.
Vacation Bible School is an annual week long time of learning, crafts, games, and food. St. John’s VBS program is held in the summer Sunday – Thursday from 5:30 pm – 7:45 pm. Each night the evening begins with light meals for the children. Then they are off to learning new songs and Bible stories which reinforce the reason we need Jesus and the wonderful news of salvation that only come through Him.
Y.O.W. (Youth Group – All students in 7th grade through 12th grade are invited to participate meeting the third Sunday each month after the worship service. Y.O.W. meets each Wednesday evening after Confirmation classes at 6:30 pm. Food, Bible study, fellowship, mission projects, and fun are a part of this group. All youth of this age are invited to join us. You don’t have to be a member of St. John’s to attend.
Adult Bible
Studies
Adults of all ages are encouraged to attend weekly Bible studies each Sunday at 8:45 am. Various books of the Bible are studied and current events or questions are addressed as directed by the Word of God.
Adult instruction (Confirmation) - This study uses Holy Scripture and Luther’s Small Catechism to prepares those interested in becoming a communicant member of this congregation and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. It is also very beneficial as a refresher for those who are already members of this church.
PRAYER
CHAIN
“Before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24
If you have a prayer request to put on the prayer chain, contact the Pastor or the church secretary at (309)949-2516.
All are encouraged to join as a ‘Prayer Warrior’. Simple request to participate by receiving prayer notifications through your email from our Pastor.
CHURCH COUNCIL/
VOTERS’ ASSEMBLIES
In an effort to be good Stewards.
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Church Council or 2024:
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Chairman – Dave Schmidt
V. Chairman – Rollin Miller
Council Secretary – Carl Freeman
Elders –Aaron Raschke, Preston Smith, Mike Dahl
Trustees –Thad Curry, Larry Kane, Randy Rasmussen
Financial Recorder – Gayla Kroll
Treasurer – Jan Dahl
Sunday School – Carolyn Werner, Barb Miller
Stewardship –Linda Aper
Evangelism – Marilyn Woods
Lay Delegate – Mike Kolb
Youth Counselor – Sandy Rahn
