5 p.m. Sanctuary ServiceGreeter Marla Fox

Ushers Roland Cummins, Nicolas Evans, Fred Riecks

Reader Reggie WagnerAltar Guild Debbie AlexanderCommunion Assistants Ralph Chambers, Reggie WagnerMusician Greg HuntleyPreaching/Presiding Minister Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg8 a.m. Sanctuary ServiceGreeters Anita Hayes and family

Ushers Mike Bloechle, Mark Books, Dale Gronewold, Brian Metz, Ed Skube

Reader Lynne EwanAltar Guild Diana SkubeAcolytes Elizabeth Barkley, Jillian KorteCommunion Assistants Lynne Ewan, Amy Hamann,

Diana Skube, Dick WietiesPreaching Minister Pastor Greg BusboomPresiding Minister Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg10:30 a.m. Sanctuary ServiceGreeter Mary AdamsUshers Terry Ahrens, Jim Sanders,

Pam Sanders, Nicole ThompsonReader Ed SmithAltar Guild Bob and Bev SchenebrickerAcolytes Alex Remolina, Logan Young

Communion Assistants Jan Cazel, Carol Lange, Jonathan Sammons, Ed Smith,

Roger Williams Flower Delivery Jolene ReddyPreaching/Presiding Minister Pastor Greg Busboom10:30 a.m. Contemporary Service - Parish Life CenterHospitality Karl, Sara, Eric, David, and Carly SchmittReader Marilyn WitkopCommunion Assistants Charles Bell, Sharleen Bell, Barb Kuhnly,

Brian O’Neill, Sara SchmittPraise Team Sharon Cassens, Sundae Johnson, Lucas O’Neill,

Cayleigh Overlin, Christie Lazarides Purdy

Keyboardist Valerie HunterInstrumentalists Gabe Cowan, Mitch Goldberg,

Andy Lazarides, Dave LazaridesTechnical Team Thi Bowden, Aaron Duncan,

Ron EngstromPreaching/Presiding Minister Pastor Ladd Sonnenberg

Weekly Bread Baker Patti Kelley

Sixth Weekend of Easter

SHAPED BY THE CROSS TO GO is our theme this spring here at St. John’s. Over the past month you have learned (via the Messenger and the Eagle) about different ways we have been and are able to go as the angels told the women at Jesus’ tomb that Eas-ter morning in Mark 16. One of the greatest things about being a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is that we realize that we aren’t called to go create new things all the time, but to go and partner with already existing groups and organizations to share the Good News of Jesus Christ through our words and actions.

One organization that we have teamed up with to go and share the Good News is Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County whose mission it is to create, “A world where everyone has a decent place to live.” In the years 2007 and 2012, St. John’s support-ed multiple home builds. These projects gave us the opportunity to partner with other Lutherans and individuals from the community to provide housing for families who otherwise would not have been able to afford it.

Habitat for Humanity is not an organization that “gives away homes” to people in need. Instead they work with people in need to make homeownership possible. Future Habitat homeowners must qualify through a lengthy process. This process consists of interviews, financial classes, and hundreds of hours of labor dedicated to building their own house and those of others. The homeowner actually purchases the house from Habitat for Humanity at no profit with financing for the individual or family with afford-able loans. This means that each homeowner pays a monthly mortgage on the home. To learn more about this process, visit www.habitatsangamon.com and click on About Us > How Habitat Works.

This year St. John’s is teaming up with Thrivent Financial as well as with other Luther-an churches to build a home for St. John’s members, Sundae and Darviel Johnson. Together with the Habitat for Humanity Steering Committee, that includes St. John’s members John Moulton and Cheryl McBride, we will help raise money and recruit volun-teers to help with their home build.

Habitat for Humanity allows people of all ages to be SHAPED BY THE CROSS TO GO by working side-by-side in improving someone else’s life by sharing the love of God through both our words and deeds. When we partner with other organizations like Habitat for Humanity we are able to live out Jesus’ command to us in today’s gospel reading, “This is my command that you love one another as I have loved you.” Shaped by the cross

BULLETIN INSERT Weekend ofMay 9 & 10, 2015

The MessengerSt. John’s Lutheran Church

2477 West Washington • Springfield, IL 62702(217) 793.3933 • www.stjohns-springfield.org

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Serving in Worship

Pastor’s Message

Next Friday!

Summer Worship Schedule ResumesBeginning Memorial Day Weekend, May 23 and 24, and continuing through Labor Day Weekend, we will resume our Summer Worship Schedule. Worship times during the summer months are: 5:00 p.m. Saturday (Casual Traditional in Sanctuary) 8:00 a.m. Sunday (Traditional in Sanctuary) 9:45 a.m. Sunday (Traditional in Sanctuary) 10:30 a.m. Sunday (Contemporary in Parish Life Center)Come find rest and renewal in your relationship with Christ this summer as we worship together every week! And, if you happen to be out of town, find a church wherever you are and experience worship with a different part of the Body of Christ!

Worship

Mission Trip 2015Project Crossroads VIII

June 28 - July 4

To sign up or for more information, contact Pastor Ladd

Still somespots left!

Outreach and MissionWednesday Night Summer Meals- Starting June 3 we are inviting all disciples at St. John’s to join us in connecting with our neighbors at the Georgetown Apartments over food and fellowship. One way you can be a part of this great opportunity is through bringing a side dish to share each Wednesday night through August 12. Another way you, your family, your friends, and even your small group can be a part of this is by hosting a Wednesday night. This involves preparing the main dish and serving as host and hostesses to our disciples and guests. St. John’s will provide the funds for the main dish, drinks, and paper products so you don’t have to worry about the funding! If you or your group would like to host a Wednesday Night Summer Meal on the Lawn, please contact Carolyn Isham at 544.2286 or cisham@sbcglobal.net.Salvation Army Meal Ministry Update- The Salvation Army has recently sold their building on 6th and Carpenter Streets and has moved out. They found places for the women to live but there was no place for the men to go. As a result, we will no longer be serving meals there on the first Tuesday of each month as we have for the past 8 years. I want to thank everyone who has helped serve a meal to this group. The people were always gracious and thankful for the meals.Any family or small group that had signed up to provide a meal for the Salvation Army for the remainder of the year is welcome to be the host for one of the Wednesday night neighborhood ministry picnics. These will be held on the lawn at church every Wednesday for St. John’s disciples and our neighbors. Tables will be set up and taken down for you. St. John’s will pay for the meat or main dish. We do ask that you purchase the food and prepare it. We are asking everyone who attends to bring a covered dish. The church will furnish plates, napkins, silverware, cups and drinks.If you have any questions please contact Carolyn Isham at 217.544.2286 or cisham@sbcglobal.Mission Trip- There are still some spots available for the 2015 Marion, VA Cross-Generational Mission trip! On June 28 you can join a group of youth and adults as they take part in the 8th annual Marion, VA mission trip. We will be spending time working on homes, eating, playing, singing, learning and so much more together. We will be staying at Hungry Mother Lutheran Retreat Center that is nestled in the Jefferson National Forest. If you are wanting to go please pick up and return a brochure on one of the Welcome Centers at church or give Pastor Ladd a call at church.

Saturday, May 9LWR Coffee Sales5:00pm Worship/Communion- SanctuarySunday, May 10LWR Coffee SalesSixth Sunday of Easter8:00am Worship/Communion- Sanctuary9:15am Sunday School9:15am Fellowship10:30am Worship/Communion- Sanctuary10:30am Contemporary Worship/ Communion- PLC6:00pm EncounterMonday, May 1110:30am Stephen Minister Peer Support4:30pm Preschool Board 5:15pm Chair Yoga5:15pm Property Ministry Team5:30pm Personnel Committee7:00pm Finance CommitteeTuesday, May 128:30am Staff Meeting9:00am Women’s Bible Study9:00am Men’s Bible Study10:30am Community Care Vision Team6:00pm Group Loyal6:30pm Stephen Ministry Peer Support6:30pm Stamp Up for Jesus Small Group

Wednesday, May 135:30pm Encounter Band Practice5:30pm Sprout! Meal6:30pm First Communion Class6:30pm Sprout! Classes8:00pm Worship Band Practice

Thursday, May 1410:00am St. John’s Golf Group3:30pm Youth to MacArthur Literacy Center5:30pm Bells of Glory6:45pm Chancel Choir Friday, May 156:00pm NYG Family Trivia NightSaturday, May 165:00pm Worship/Communion- SanctuarySunday, May 17Ascension Sunday8:00am Worship/Communion- Sanctuary9:15am Sunday School9:15am Fellowship10:30am Worship/Communion- Sanctuary10:30am Contemporary Worship/ Communion- PLC6:00pm Parents in Christ Small Group

Heidi Atkins, Claryce Aull, Kathy Beall, Sarah Ely, Dorothy Embree, Gloria Fafoglia, Donna Gleason, Steve Hardy, Bud Herter, Jan Kaitschuk, Neil Kelley, Harold Kluckman, Karen Krenz, Keith Larson, Mark Lohnes, Shirley Maier, Barb McCarty, Walt Melcher Jr., Judy Nika, Sheldon Nordstrom, Terry Pencek, Gene Poehlman, Debbie Renner, Margaret Rosenberg, Liz Saner, Mary Lou Senalik, Sherry Sinnott, Pat Sriner, James Storm, Sandra Stoye, Bill Stuemke, Carol Tungett, Norm Weiskopf, Larry Wieties

Stephen Ministry... people caring about people, if you are interested in talking with a Stephen Minister, please contact one of the Pastors at (217) 793.3933.

GRACE FOODPANTRY500CLUB

Welcome to St. John’s Lutheran Church on this Sixth Weekend of Easter as we gather around Word and Sacrament to celebrate Christ’s resurrection and be fed by our Triune God. We are glad you are here! If you do not yet have a church home in Springfield and are interested in becoming part of St. John’s, we invite you to visit with one of our pastors. In today’s gospel from John, Jesus delivers a final testimony to his disciples to help them in the days ahead. Here, he repeats the most important of all his commands, that they love one another.

Family Trivia Night Fundraiser-THIS FRIDAY, May 15 - 6:00-9:30 p.m.Ticket sales for Family Trivia Night will continue through this Friday, May 15. Tickets are $10 per person. The WHOLE family is invited! The nursery will be open for children 5 and under, Disney Trivia for 12 and under will be in the AMR, and Family Trivia (teams of 8) will be in the PLC! Purchase your table’s tickets TODAY to reserve your spot! There will be concessions for sale, a silent auction, bonus balloons, mulligans, and fun games at intermission! ALL money raised will benefit our 22 youth headed to Detroit for the ELCA National Youth Gathering this summer!Fraase Farms Fundraising Dinner - May 24Join us for wine and a fabulous meal while supporting the 22 youth who are attending the ELCA National Youth Gathering this summer! The Fraase Farms dinner will be held on Sunday, May 24. We will welcome guests at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. Tick-ets are limited, so make sure to get them early. Tickets are $40 per person. You can buy your tickets in the church office. If you have questions, please call Alison Storm at 299.9098 or email at alisonstorm@sbcglobal.net.Unplugged Bible StudyJoin us in the youth room from 6:30-7:45 p.m. each Wednesday to explore the religions of the world. Together, we will study different religions to deepen our understanding of our own Christian faith and be better equipped to share the love of Jesus with our neighbors. May 13- Judaism Mentor Assignments

Our “Journey to the Heart of Friendship” will wrap up in a powerful way! If you signed up for a mentor, on Sunday, May 10 you will be presented

with your mentor assignments! Those who didn’t sign up for a mentor, STILL COME! We will have sno-cones, a message by Ashlynne, and games. Summer “Encounter On the Road” will begin on June 14!ELCA National Youth Gathering Fundraising Garage SaleStop by this Friday, May 15 from 4:00-7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 16 from 7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. for the Mill Creek Garage Sale! The Wells Family (3815 Surry Place Lane, Springfield) will be hosting our 2015 NYG Fundraising Garage Sale where all proceeds will benefit our youth!

Christianity and Radical IslamThis coming Wednesday, May 13, Pastor Jon Berg from Atonement Lutheran Church will be leading a conversation on our Christian response to radical Islam here at St. John’s beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Adult Meeting Room (AMR). Pastor Berg holds a masters degree in Islamic studies and has spent many years in Africa serving as a missionary. All are welcome and invited to attend!St. John’s Golf GroupWe play 9 holes on Thursday or Friday mornings at 10:00 a.m. at Longbridge Golf course. We usually have lunch and fellowship after playing. Our goals are; fellowship, being outside and playing golf. If you are interested, call Mike Bohl at 698.8195.Men and Women’s Bible Study continues every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. The Men’s Bible Study will use a DVD entitled The Story of the Bible to continue their study. The lecturer leading the video presentation is Professor Luke Timothy Johnson, Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Emory University. All men are invited to come and listen to Professor Johnson and to take part in interspersed discussions concerning the subject. You will learn how the Bible’s story originated and how it continues today. The Women’s Bible Study continues their study titled Waiting for God. Sometimes waiting can cause us to feel stuck. This study helps us to see that waiting time is not wasted time. These studies help us to rest in God’s timing, God’s work, and God’s love for us. Questions? Call Marilyn Witkop at 546.8769.All Church Camping Trip- June 19-21It’s that time again to get your bags packed for our 2nd Annual All Church Camping Trip! You are invited to join us for a day or the whole weekend. We will be camping at Camp CILCA near Cantrall, IL (about 15 minutes north of Springfield.) We will be sharing in food, fun, fellowship, worship, and camping. If you have never gone camping or don’t have camping supplies, don’t worry. Let Joe Fortner or Pastor Ladd know and we will help get you all that you need to have an awesome weekend in nature. To learn more about this great event, pick up a brochure on one of the Welcome Centers or contact Joe Fortner at 698.5782 or Pastor Ladd.Adult ForumEver wonder how God has and continues to journey with us throughout our lives? If so, join us for our Adult Forum titled Adult Crossings: God’s Journey with Us in the Adult Meeting Room at 9:15 a.m. each Sunday. If you have not been part of it, please know that you are still welcome and encouraged to take part as often as you can.Group LOYAL will meet May 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the Parish Life Center Lobby.Hosts and hostesses are Lee and Lyle Wind at 546.4000 and Shirleyand Jack Stoldt at 670.2445. Please call for your reservation. Field and Stream GroupHave you been searching for a place where like-minded sportsmen and their families can experience the love of Jesus Christ through the shared passion of the great outdoors? Well, your hunt has just taken a new path. St. John’s is seeking men and women who are looking for fellowship with purpose through outdoors ministry. Please accept this invitation to seasoned and novice sportsmen, and anyone who admires the fish, fowl, and fauna of Central Illinois, takes pleasure in boating and fishing, loves to hunt, enjoys target shooting and strives for the safe use and storage of firearms. For more information and the opportunity to help create this outdoors ministry, please contact John Moulton at 971.9555 or jmoul537@hotmail.com.Dinner Night Out will be at Olive Garden, 2991 S. Veterans Parkway, on May 19 at 6:00 p.m. Please call Loretta Johnson at 546.8233.

The flowers on the altar are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Frank Embree by his daughter, Vickee Embree Huff, and in loving memory of grandson Clayton’s birthday on May 10 by Grandma and Grandpa Bruntjen.

May Food Items: Canned Fruit

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EVEREST Vacation Bible School, June 22-26, 6:00-8:15 p.m.Please stop at one of the “Outposts” to volunteer your time, donate items, or register for VBS! We still need assistants for crews and stations. You can also complete all sign ups from the church website! Look under Church Events for “Everest.” Thank you!

Sunday, May 17 is a big day!9:15 a.m.: Sunday School Celebration! All classes will meet in the gym for our last Sunday School before summer. We will honor all 6th graders and enjoy games and snacks. Our VBS mission collection begins this day. Everyone is asked to bring packages of toilet paper or paper towels. One of our games is building a mountain of paper goods for Contact Ministries! We will be collecting items May 17-June 28. Thank you!10:15 a.m.: First Communion Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary Service. Please turn in all completed banners May 13. Reminder that all of our children will sing at the 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary Service. If you like cuddles and hugs, St. John’s nursery is the place for you! We are looking for volunteers to help out in the nursery for all worship days and times. Please talk to Miss Lori or Miss Amanda in the nursery or contact Kathy Lasley if you would like to help. Thank you!Sprout!Our final Sprout! before summer takes place this coming Wednesday, May 13. K-6th grade will celebrate with a recital and outside games. Contact Melissa or Alicia if you would like to perform for the recital.

Flowers

Remember in Prayer

Welcome

Calendar

Discipleship Adult

Discipleship Youth and Family

Discipleship Children and Family

Discipleship Young AdultSprout! Book Study- Bo’s Cafe!Join us each Wednesday evening during Sprout! for great discussion as we read through Bo’s Cafe and learn what it means to live authentically in God’s grace. Friends welcome! For more information or to get a book please contact Amanda Johnson at ealynn@hotmail.com.Service & SupperOn Tuesday, May 12, the young adults of St. John’s will be making pizza, salad, and dessert for the residents of the Ronald McDonald House starting at 5:15 p.m. Please contact Amanda Johnson at 309.241.4860 if you would like to help prepare the meal or donate a food item. Afterwards we will dine out for dinner.Dave and Busters!On Saturday, May 16, it is time for our annual trip to St. Louis for a fun night of food, games, and fellowship at Dave & Busters. The church will provide the transportation to and from the event and you will pay for any food, beverages, and games you wish to enjoy. Bus leaves the church at 4:30 p.m. and will return around midnight. To RSVP please contact Amanda Johnson at 309. 241.4860. Seats are limited so RSVP and bring friends to this great event!