A Word from Pastor Dille
This past weekend, Katie, Kaleb, and I went on a road trip with my family. We visited the small town in northwest Ohio where my parents grew up and attended my cousin Charlie’s high school graduation. On the drive, we listened to what felt like every children’s song — everything from Jesus Loves Me to Kaleb’s favorite, Choo Choo.
Somewhere between all those songs, I was reminded that we often make life more complicated than it needs to be. One simple song has been stuck in my mind the last couple of days — a song many of us know well, the one that reminds us that God holds the whole world in His hands. Let that sink in for a moment. God truly does hold the whole world — and each of us — in His hands.
The verses walk through the people we love: siblings, parents, tiny babies, and more. Each line repeats the same comforting truth: God holds them. God holds us. God holds everything.
All we have to do is cling to His promises and receive His good gifts. Brothers and sisters, this has been a reminder for me and for you — to look to Jesus, to remember that God’s got it, that He will never leave you or forsake you.
— Pastor Dille
Vacation Bible School
June 8 – 11 | 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Theme: Countdown to Victory — Watching for Jesus
VBS Volunteers Needed
Set up: Sunday, June 7 at 11:30 a.m. (if you can help later, call to check if we’re still working)
Take down: Monday, June 15 at 9:00 a.m.
All VBS volunteers — please find your name and assigned duty on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. Those helping with VBS need to meet in the sanctuary on Monday, June 8 at 5:15 p.m. for a short meeting and prayer. We will be wearing our gray St. John’s T-shirts. If you don’t have one, contact Carolyn or Donetta and we’ll have one ready for you.
MinistrySafe reminder: All who work with youth (staff or volunteers) must complete the MinistrySafe Sexual Abuse Prevention Training online. Please let VBS leaders know you’re volunteering so the email link can be sent to you. If you have not received your email, contact Carolyn Wendte at 217-821-6541 as soon as possible. Thank you for your service!
Church Picnic — June 14
After VBS wraps up, our Church Picnic will be held on Sunday, June 14. There will be a single worship service at 10:00 a.m., followed by a potluck lunch. Meat, drinks, and table service will be provided. There will be bounce houses, snow cones, and popcorn for all ages. Put it on your calendar! A sign-up sheet is on the main bulletin board.
After Vacation Bible School
Following VBS, we will be reorganizing storage areas around the church. Numerous boards and groups will evaluate what items should be kept and what can go to the Rummage Sale in late July.
Sunday School
We are looking for volunteers to help with summer Sunday school. If you could teach even one Sunday, please let Kiley Bohnhoff know. It’s a great way to give our wonderful teachers a well-deserved break.
This Week’s Sunday School Lesson — Lesson 6
Students will study “A Living Truth.” The women who witness Christ’s burial are the first to witness His resurrection. With great joy, they run to tell His disciples that Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! Family discussion question: How can we as a family spread the word of Christ’s resurrection?
Youth Corner
The Flock — High School
High schoolers are invited to join us for The Flock this summer! Gatherings will include time in God’s Word, meaningful fellowship, and encouragement. Friends are always welcome!
Dates: June 7 & 21 | July 5 & 19 | August 1 & 15
We are looking for volunteer families to host. Hosting is a wonderful opportunity to help build community. Contact Pastor Dille if interested.
Jr. High LYF
Jr. High youth are invited to Youth Group this summer! We look forward to time together in God’s Word, fellowship, and encouragement. Friends are welcome!
Dates: June 3 & 17 | July 1, 15 & 29 | August 5
We are looking for volunteer families to host. Please talk to Pastor Dille if you’d like to host.
Young Adults Bible Study
Friday, June 5 | 6:30 p.m.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Vandalia
Man Up! Study — Returning in August
We have a group of men interested in a reprise of the Man Up! Study, launching in August. One or two chapters will be discussed at each monthly meeting. Last time, about 25 men participated. Families with high school and older boys are encouraged to discuss having those young men read this book. More details to come!
Garage Sale
Sale Dates:
July 30 | 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
July 31 | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
August 1 | 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
August 1 | Cleanup: Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Drop-off Dates:
Sunday, July 26 | Noon – 1:00 p.m.
Monday, July 27 | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Upcoming Events
Cross Dedication — Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Dutch Lane
Sunday, July 5 at Noon
Volunteer Luncheon — Large Print Center Volunteers
Tuesday, July 14 at Noon
Special guest: Rev. Dr. Robert Hartwell, President of Lutheran Braille Workers
Sign up in the work room before July 6. If unable to sign up in person, call Marilyn (217-821-0508) or Kathy (217-254-9360). The catered meal will be hosted by St. John’s.
Larry Brandt Golf Outing
Saturday, September 19 | 1:00 p.m. Tee Off
St. John’s Cards Ministry
Would you like to help reach out to the shut-ins of our congregation? We have a group that sends cards each month to say we care. It’s a simple, organized system that brings great joy to the family of God. Sign up on the bulletin board or call Kathy Burdick at 309-255-8343.
New Members
Next Sunday and beyond, we will be welcoming new members to St. John’s by Baptism, Confirmation, and transfer. The Word does the work!
One of the older members who receives cards, calls, and visits from our visitation teams recently said: “I hope they never stop doing that. It means so much to us.” Praise God. — Pastor B
District Scholarships for Church Workers
The Central Illinois District offers a scholarship program for students of CID congregations pursuing a degree to become full-time church workers at a synodical institution. Your gifts to the Scholarship Fund bless future church workers! Find envelopes at the Welcome Center and the bulletin board.
LCMS Foundation — Estate Planning
A good estate plan includes inheritance for family and gifts to ministry. An LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor can help coordinate attorneys, tax preparers, financial planners, ministry leaders, and family members to build a plan that lasts. Contact Scott Radden at 618-977-4049 or scott.radden@lfnd.org.
Stewardship Moment
“When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.” Pentecost is the Old Testament harvest festival, taking place around the time when wheat and oats are ready to be brought in. This was an image and foreshadowing of the great harvest of humankind that God means to carry out through the preaching of His Word. God gives the seed, and God brings about the harvest. From first to last, in things temporal and things eternal, we stand only by His grace.
Life Quote — Lutherans for Life
“If we want to save more Trinitarian-valued lives, then we need to knock a Humpty Dumpty way of thinking about words off the wall. We need to speak of the reality behind the word ‘abortion’ and use such a time as this to speak of the reality behind the Word made flesh to dwell among us and in us and for us. You have been called for such a time as this.” — Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb, former Executive Director of Lutherans For Life
Positions Open — St. Peter Lutheran School
The Board of Christian Education is seeking Kindergarten and 1st & 2nd Grade Teachers for the upcoming school year. To apply, mail your resume to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 605 E. Third St., St. Peter, IL 62880, ATTN: Board of Education, or email the board chairman at nathanjacquin@gmail.com.
Response to the Gospel
Attendance — Sunday, May 24
Worship: 348
Sunday School: N/A
Adult Sunday School: 38
Offering — Sunday, May 24
Sunday Offering: $8,955
Online Offering: $3,469
Total General Fund Offering: $12,424
Prayer List
Sharon Moss, Marty Vail, Paul Lash Jr., John Jackson, Donetta Ohnesorge, Gary Wenthe, Bryce Beccue, Roger Fritch, Steve Rubin, Steve Martin, Gerry Thoman, and Lois Budde.
Anniversaries This Week
June 2 — David & Linda Wells (1973)
June 3 — Blake & Laura Bahrns (2016)
June 3 — Carissa & Andrew Snow (2017)
June 6 — Dick & Carol Hulskotter (1959)
June 6 — Greg & Kara Koester (1992)
June 6 — Jeff & Pam Baker (1981)
June 6 — Scott & Joyce Marxman (1987)
Birthdays This Week
May 31 — Becky Wenthe, Trey Koester
June 1 — Brian Overbeck, Jackson Wendling, Samuel Hewing, Valena Soltwedel
June 2 — Chris Niebrugge, Jake Niebrugge, Rick Kohnert
June 3 — Ryan Budde
June 4 — Jonathan Summers
June 5 — David Wall, Eric Whitaker, Todd Anderson
June 6 — Ainsley Jeffries, Alivia Wahl, Cherilla Junge, Richard E. Ohnesorge
This Week’s Calendar — May 31 – June 6, 2026
Sunday, May 31
8:00 a.m. — Worship
9:15 a.m. — Sunday School
10:30 a.m. — Worship
Monday, June 1
Pastor Dille Sabbath
Tuesday, June 2
5:30 p.m. — Board of Trustees
5:30 p.m. — Board of Education
6:00 p.m. — Lydia Guild
6:30 p.m. — Adult Catechism
Wednesday, June 3
10:00 a.m. — Bible Study
1:00 p.m. — Office Staff Devotion and Meeting
6:00 p.m. — Youth Fellowship
Thursday, June 4
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. — Hall Rental
5:30 p.m. — Board of Elders
Friday, June 5
Pastor Burdick Sabbath
6:30 p.m. — Young Adult Bible Study
Saturday, June 6
8:00 a.m. — Band Practice
8:00 a.m. — Women’s Bible Study
8:00 a.m. — Men’s Bible Study
5:30 p.m. — Worship with Holy Communion