The second distribution hymn in the 5:30 p.m. (Saturday) and 8:00 a.m. (Sunday) services this week is Hymn #425, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross. At first glance, it might have you thinking something along the lines of: It’s the middle of August. Why in the world are we singing a Lenten hymn? If you find yourself thinking that, take a look at verse two:
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His Blood.
These words highlight the fact that we are not saved by our own works. That would be impossible because we are sinners. They remind us that the only way we can be saved is through Jesus and His sacrifice. They also help us understand what it truly means to repent. Repentance means not only confessing our sins but also leaving them at the altar. It means turning away from our sins as we trust in His loving forgiveness. The final verse of the hymn highlights what full repentance looks like. We sing:
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a tribute far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all!
Brothers and sisters in Christ, are you giving Him your all? That’s what repentance looks like. You will hear in the sermon that you are God’s creation. Let that sink in. You are God’s creation. Even though we fall short, He chooses to love and bless us anyway—will you respond with full repentance both confessing sin and turning away from it?
Remember, The Lord’s mercy endures forever and you receive the fruits of His mercy through his love and forgiveness.
The Lord bless you,
Pastor Dille
Fifth Sunday Door Offering
On the 5th Sunday of the month, we will receive a door offering in support of Lutheran Care Center for the “Chapel Challenge.” The August 29 & 30 door offering will help LCC place new carpet in the Chapel, because the original carpet has ripples that make it unsafe. Thank you for taking up the challenge and helping the LCC worship life! Make checks payable to LCC-Chapel Challenge.
Installation Service of Rev. Stephen Rutherford
Please join us for the Installation Service of Rev. Stephen Rutherford as Principal of Holy Trinity Lutheran High School. August 23, 2026 at 3:00 pm, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 901 W Jefferson Ave Effingham, IL. All are welcome to a cake and punch reception following the service.
Response to the Gospel
Our Attendance Last Week
Sunday August 9 ……………………………. 389
Our Offering
Sunday August 9 …………………… $7,605.20
Online Offering ……………………… $4,672.25
Total Gen. Fund ………………….. $12,277.45
Life Quote
“The message concerning the work and person of Christ is meant to bring joy to the sorrowing and light to those in the darkness. The light of God’s mercy shines into the darkest of situations; the Holy Spirit guides people to confess their sins and brings forgiveness to those who have participated in abortions, pointed people to end their own lives, or suggested that someone be harmed in some other way.” — Rev. Dennis Norby, Grace Free Lutheran Church, Valley City, North Dakota – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • lutheransforlife.org
Family Life Center Annual Vision Dinner
Sept. 11, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. Keller Convention Center
LCMS Foundation
In putting together a Christian estate plan, initiation of your efforts is the most difficult part. Sometimes your plan may have seemingly competing priorities, including inheritance to family and gifts to ministry. In that tension, you may have been finding it easier just to ignore the heavy thinking required. Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can help you discover the Lord’s plans for you that have been buried in your heart all along. Contact Scott Radden @ 618-977-4049 or scott.radden@lfnd.org.
Blessing of the Backpacks
All Services, August 22-23
Students of all ages, bring your backpacks!
Excess Garden Produce
Garden produce is always very well received by our food pantry, so if you have been abundantly blessed, we would gladly accept it. However, we can only accept “fresh” produce the Sun., Mon., or Tues before our pantry distribution, which is the 2nd & 4th Tues of the month. Please place items in the kitchen marked PANTRY no later than Tuesday 11:00 a.m.
Our next Food Pantry Distribution
Is August 25 from 3-4pm
The Pantry could use Boxed Cereal, Beefaroni/Ravioli, Crackers (No Saltines) & Canned Fruit.
Stewardship Moments
Matthew 15:27 – “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” These are the words of faith, for faith means receiving what God gives. And God has given us so much more than just the crumbs that fall from the table — He has given us life, salvation, body and soul, eyes and ears, possessions and income. That’s where our stewardship starts: with faith in the God who is the greatest Giver.
Lifelight Bible Study
Lifelight Bible study group will start back up on Sunday, September 13. The study is titled Miracles. Please sign up by August 31.
Prayer List
Pastor Bob Backhus, Ryan Jennings, Roger Fritch, Larry Gehle, Steve Rubin, and Gerry Thoman.
Youth Corner
Cruise Night
Cruise night is set for Saturday, September 12. Food from 4 p.m. until we are sold out! More details will be coming soon.
Larry Brandt Golf Outing
Sept. 19th, 1 p.m. Tee Off
Choir
Choir practice is resuming Monday, September 14th. Rehearsal time is at 5:15 pm in the church balcony, and new singers are welcome. If anyone has questions, feel free to contact Dennis Lading at 217-821-8483.
New Directory
It’s time for an upgrade of our Church Directory. In August we’ll gather information, in September we’ll publish a new Directory. Please help us ensure that the church office has your accurate address, phone number(s), and email address. Photos for the directory will usually be gleaned from public photos on Facebook. If you want to submit a photo to appear in the Directory, please email it to office@stjohnsLCMS.net Thank you!
Man Up!
Books are only $10 in the Atrium. Kickoff event for this study is August 30 at 7:00pm; after that we meet the last Sunday of each month to discuss two chapters. High School guys and older are urged to participate! Old books from the previous study are still good – don’t buy a new one – but do signup if you’re studying with us this Fall. – Pastor Burdick
Fire Extinguishers for Sale
There are eight fire extinguishers for sale in the fellowship hall for $20.00 each. If you have questions, contact a member of the Board of Trustees.
Altar Flowers
Flowers on the Altar may be placed in remembrance of or in thanksgiving. There is a calendar at the top of the stairs in the atrium. Altar flowers are $60.
Flowers are still needed for these dates:
September 12
September 19
If questions, contact the church office 217-342-4334.
We extend our Christian condolences to Norma Wendling and family following the death of her sister-in-law, Ruth (Wendling) Roderick, who was Bob’s sister. She died August 8 in the Danville area. Alleluia, Christ is risen!
Thank You
to the youth and adults who helped clean out the basement storage of the Education building on Monday. You filled the dumpster quickly and safely … and with joy. THANKS. Depending upon what the Trustees discover and decide in the coming days, we may need helpers to remove carpet from the south end of the first floor of the Ed Building. Adults would be needed for this task. Be thinking about helping, please…and thank you.
Golden Eagles Dinner
August 27 at Noon
The menu will be a Hawaii theme and will include ham or turkey sliders, fruit tray with marshmallow cream, spinach salad, 7-layer salad, veggie pizza & desserts. The cost per person is $10.00. If you plan to attend, please sign your name on the sign-up list on the bulletin board.
Anniversaries This Week
8-16-1997 Alan & Debbie Koester
8-16-1975 Donald & Pat Wendte
8-16-1986 Jeff & Lonni Weis
8-17-2024 Adam & Courtney Helregel
8-19-1972 Dale & Glenna Schagemann
8-19-2020 Dalyn & Brianne Brach
8-19-2005 Matt & Stephanie Gordon
8-20-2016 Haven & Jill Boone
8-21-2010 Bradley & Tricia Miller
8-21-2021 Derek & Kori Heuerman
8-22-1981 Ray & Eileen Hartman
8-22-1971 Alan & Connie Phelps
Welcome, Kiley
We’re glad to announce that Kiley Bohnhoff will be working parttime in the church office this Fall as Office Assistant. Welcome, Kiley
Birthdays This Week
8-16 Alexa Westjohn, Austin Bushue, Palmer Brown
8-17 Casey Trupiano, Sharon Field
8-18 Howard Haake, Jacob Sigg, Julie Stuckemeyer, Reese McWhorter
8-19 Abby Gordon, Jeff Pryor
8-20 Colton Dasenbrock, Cory Courson, Jill Haake, Landon Courson
8-21 Carsyn Gibbons, Hank Probst, Knox Probst, Marissa Brown,
8-22 Mary McGowan, Sandra Hanks
Rally Day 2026
Sunday, August 23rd. Breakfast will be at 9:00 a.m. Bring your backpacks for a backpack blessing and a tag!
Calendar — August 16 – August 22, 2026
Sunday 16
8:00 a.m. Worship w/HC
9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship w/HC
Monday 17
Pastor Dille Sabbath
4:00 p.m. Board of Evangelism
Tuesday 18
Wednesday 19
10:00 a.m. Bible Study
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Quilting
1:00 p.m. Office Staff Devotion and Meeting
Thursday 20
5:00 p.m. Board of Youth
Friday 21
Pastor Burdick Sabbath
Saturday 22
8:00 a.m. Band Practice
5:30 p.m. Worship w/HC