Archives

Exploring our faith together

Date: June 4, 2019
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger

Pastor Dave Efflandt
Lead Pastor

Greetings everyone! I hope this message finds you well, and that your summer is off to a great start!

Over the past month, I’ve been spending time with many of you at our table talk conversations, learning about you and your families, hearing some of your cherished stories about St. John’s, and also dreaming with you about what possibilities await our congregation out there in the future. It has been so uplifting to share this holy space with you, gathered in fellowship with God in our midst. (There are still more times available—sign up on the board in the Narthex, right inside the main doors.)

From those conversations, I’ve been reflecting a great deal on how we, as people of faith, navigate a world that often doesn’t provide us with easy decisions or clear answers. In short, I’ve been pondering how we remain faithful during times of doubt, fear, uncertainty, confusion, and grief. And what a better place to engage and explore those difficult questions than with each other, gathered together worship on Wednesday evenings. We will be utilizing the book series: Can I Ask That? from the Sticky Faith Curriculum to help us on our journey. Take a look at the subjects below, and come join us as often as you are able:

  • June 5: Can I Trust the Bible? Does the Bible Contradict Itself?
  • June 12: Does God Discriminate Against Women?
  • June 19: Can I be a Christian and Believe in Evolution?
  • June 26: VBS Family Fun Night
  • July 10: Is Jesus Really the Only Way to God?
  • July 17: Does God Test People in Their Faith?
  • July 24: Does God Endorse Violence?
  • July 31: How Can I Follow a God Who Would Let Christians Do Such Bad Things?
  • August 7: Is it Wrong to Doubt God?
  • August 14: Is Hell Real? How Could God Send Someone There?
  • August 21: Can I Do Something So Bad God Won’t Forgive Me?
  • August 28: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
  • September 4: Is Sex Outside Marriage Wrong?

May God continue to bless your walk of faith, encouraging you to ask the difficult questions, to be comfortable with the uncertainty, and courageous as you face the mysteries of life. Amen.

Summer worship 2019

Date: June 3, 2019
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: Blog, Featured, The Messenger

We’re now in our summer worship schedule. Sunday worship is at 9:00 am followed by fellowship.

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 pm by the fire pit (inside if weather requires a move). Bring a chair, stay for s’mores, and engage with some tough topics on Wednesdays this summer!

Wednesday topic schedule:

  • June 5: Can I Trust the Bible? Does the Bible Contradict Itself?
  • June 12: Does God Discriminate Against Women?
  • June 19: Can I be a Christian and Believe in Evolution?
  • June 26: VBS Family Fun Night
  • July 10: Is Jesus Really the Only Way to God?
  • July 17: Does God Test People in Their Faith?
  • July 24: Does God Endorse Violence?
  • July 31: How Can I Follow a God Who Would Let Christians Do Such Bad Things?
  • August 7: Is it Wrong to Doubt God?
  • August 14: Is Hell Real? How Could God Send Someone There?
  • August 21: Can I Do Something So Bad God Won’t Forgive Me?
  • August 28: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?
  • September 4: Is Sex Outside Marriage Wrong?

Missionary Karen Anderson to preach August 18

Date: June 3, 2019
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger

The congregation at St. John’s supports the work of Karen Anderson, an ELCA missionary in Chile. On Sunday, August 18, she will be here preaching during worship (9:00 am) and sharing a presentation during the breakfast fellowship time (10:00 am). Come hear more about her work with EPES, an organization that annually reaches over 145,000 women and their families in poor communities with innovative strategies and tools for collective action for better health and empowerment.

Summer Worship Schedule

Date: May 4, 2019
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: Blog, The Messenger

This summer we worship together Sunday at 9:00 am and Wednesday – outside! (weather permitting) – at 6:30 pm. Sunday schedule begins May 26, 2019. No Wednesday worship on May 29, 2019. We move outside beginning June 5, 2019.

Milestone Recognition Days

Date: April 9, 2019
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger

Sunday, April 28 & Wednesday, May 1

During and between services on these days, students will share the Milestones they have been working on during this past school year. The purpose of our milestone ministries is to name both sacred and ordinary events in our daily lives by creating rituals and traditions that shape our identities and give us a sense of belonging to the family of God. By learning about sacred texts it is our hope to help students as they build a foundation of faith.

Lent & Holy Week Worship

Date: March 4, 2019
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: Blog, The Messenger

Join us on the journey to the cross this Lent and Holy Week:

  • Ash Wednesday
    March 6 | 5:20 pm & 6:30 pm
  • Wednesday Lenten Worship
    March 13-April 10 | 6:30 pm
    Soup Suppers at 5:15 pm (benefiting our youth: the summer service trip, Sugar Creek Bible Campers, and Creation Kids Preschool)
  • Maundy Thursday
    April 18 | 11:00 am & 6:30 pm
    (evening service includes First Communion)
  • Good Friday
    April 19 | 6:30 pm
  • Easter Sunday
    April 21 | 6:30 am, 8:00 am, & 10:15 am

Easter Lilies for Sale

Date: March 4, 2019
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger

The Altar Guild will be selling Easter lilies to decorate the building for Easter Sunday. Sales begin Wednesday, March 13. Purchase before Wednesday worship or between Sunday services OR from the office. One for $15 or two for $25. The last day to purchase flowers will be Sunday, April 7.

Christmas & Advent Special Events

Date: December 2, 2018
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: Blog, The Messenger
  • Festival of Lessons & Carols
    Dec 9 | 8:00 am & 10:15 am
  • Grief Support Program & Lunch
    Dec 10 | 11:00 am
  • Children’s Christmas Program
    Dec 16 | 10:15 am
  • Senior Christmas Worship
    Dec 20 | 2:00 pm, dessert to follow
  • Christmas Eve
    Dec 24 | 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm, 10:00 pm
  • Christmas Day
    Dec 25 | 9:00 am
  • No worship
    Wed, Dec 26 or Jan 2
  • One service, coffee to follow
    Sun, Dec 30 | 9:00 am

More times and details about worship at St. John’s here.

Full schedule of events at stjohnskasson.org/calendar

St. John’s Lessons and Carols: December 9

Date: November 8, 2018
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: Blog, The Messenger

St. John’s will be alive with the wonderful music of a service of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 9 at the 8:00 am and 10:15 am services. This is the 26th year musicians of St. John’s have shared advent and Christmas music with the congregation.

Mary Schneekloth

The musicians are very excited to welcome Mary Schneekloth, a professional harpist, to our services this year. Mary will perform as a soloist and collaborate with the Senior Choir on three selections. The beautiful, unique sound of the harp will fill our sanctuary with joyous and reflective music. Liz Harwood, K-M Middle School instrumental music teacher and St. John’s member will also enhance the program with her outstanding oboe playing. Mary and Liz will play a beautiful setting of “O Come, O Come Immanuel.” Liz will also join the choir on two pieces, “Celtic Advent Carol” and the French carol “He is Born” arranged for choir, oboe, harp and percussion.

This joyous service of spoken word and music will tell the Christmas story from the prophesy of the ancient prophets to the celebration at Jesus birth. Please invite your friends to join us.

Full list of Advent and Christmas services at stjohnskasson.org/worship

All Saints’ Celebration

Date: October 2, 2018
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: Blog, The Messenger

On Wednesday, October 31 and Sunday, November 4 we will be celebrating All Saints Day during worship.

Both days will include a reading of names of saints lost in the past year (if a loved one died in the last year that we didn’t know about, submit names to the office by October 22) and include a lighting of candles in remembrance of all the saints.

On Wednesday, October 31 the Youth and Family Commission will be hosting an interactive learning event for remembering our loved ones we have lost. This event will take place in the Narthex Wednesday afternoon through evening programming.

Joyful noises for the fall

Date: August 30, 2018
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: Blog

If you have a song in your heart, now is a great time to jump in to help make a joyful noise to the Lord! Rehearsals are getting going for the fall and all our musical groups are welcoming new members:

Senior Choir

The St. John’s Senior Choir and their director Clark Johnson invite you to join us in offering your musical talents in praise to God. This fall we will sing several songs with the congregation to encourage everyone to share their gift of music. We will also celebrate Reformation and conclude 2018 with our annual Service of Lessons and Carols on December 9.

The choir is always excited to receive new members. Membership is open to high school students and adults. The choir sings four services per month, normally two services on two Sundays. New to our schedule this year are two rehearsal breaks in the winter. This will provide members an opportunity for refreshment and perhaps a welcome escape from the long Minnesota winter!

The Senior Choir’s first rehearsal is on Wednesday evening, September 5 from 7:00-8:00 pm. On Sunday, September 9, we will be joining with our congregation to sing the hymn “God, You Made All Things for Singing.”

If you like to sing, please come join this wonderful group of musicians. If you have any questions, call Clark Johnson at (507) 635-5465.

Handbells

Do you enjoy hearing the bells ring on Sunday morning? Would you like to give it a try and be a part of making that joyful noise and giving those angels their wings? Come and try it out at our first practice in September 5 at 6:15 pm in the music room. You will be surprised as to how easy it is. If you have questions, contact Ann Brenke at (507) 951-8750 or abrenke55@gmail.com.

Praise Teams (adult or youth)

We have had a couple of worship bands that help lead music on Wednesday nights. As we get back to our regular worship schedule, it’s a great time to jump in if you have ever wanted to help sing or play an instrument in one of these groups. Interested adults can speak with Wes Evans, Amy Evans, or Sam Marsland. Youth wanting to get involved can talk with Amber or Jason Foster. Or anyone with questions or interest can talk with Lindsay Colwell (lindsay@stjohnskasson.org or (507) 634-7110).

July Special Events

Date: June 30, 2018
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger
  • Office Closed
    July 4
  • Action Packed Day Camp
    July 9-12
  • Prairie Meadows Worship*
    July 12 at 2:00 pm
  • Fairview Worship*
    July 19 at 9:30 am
  • Sunwood Worship*
    July 19 at 2:00 pm

* These worship services happen monthly. You are invited to join residents with us. These services are always on the online calendar or printed calendar in the Snippets.

Find a full schedule of events at stjohnskasson.org/calendar

 

June Special Events

Date: June 10, 2018
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger
  • Confirmation Camp
    June 10-15
  • Vacation Bible School
    June 18-22
  • Family Fun Night
    June 20, 5-8 pm
  • ELCA National Youth Gathering
    June 25-July 2

Find a full schedule of events at stjohnskasson.org/calendar

Summer Worship

We’re now on our summer worship schedule!

  • Sundays – 9:00 am followed by fellowship
  • Wednesdays – 6:30 pm at the fire pit
    (weather permitting, inside in case of rain)

Summer 2018 Wednesday Worship Schedule

Date: June 7, 2018
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: Blog

During this summer we will worship outdoors by the fire pit (weather permitting – we’ll be inside if weather doesn’t cooperate) on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm.

All are welcome to this casual service. We’ll celebrate communion (2nd and 4th weeks of the month), sing, have a short devotion, have some themed celebrations, and end with some s’mores. Bring a chair. You’re also welcome to bring snacks and beverages!

Our readings will come from the Narrative Lectionary, another structure of reading through the Bible in a worship setting. This summer will include 5 weeks of the Psalms, 4 weeks on the Sacraments, and 4 weeks on Revelation.

We’ll have piano music every week, but this is a great chance for anyone else who wishes to share their musical talents to get involved, no matter how experienced! Have a guitar – bring it! Want to get into the rhythm – bring some bongos! Have an accordion – ok, that too… All levels, all instruments welcome.

During our weeks on the Psalms, we’ll be reading from Psalms for Sojourners by James Limburg. During the weeks on Sacraments we’ll look at By Heart: Conversations with Martin Luther’s Small Catechism from Augsburg Fortress. And finally, for the weeks on Revelation we’ll read from Revelation and the End of All Things by Craig Koester.

  • June 6 – Psalm 100
    Celebration of first night of summer worship and a prayer station
  • June 13 – Psalm 13
    Blessing of all things that roll (bikes, tractors, strollers, etc.)
  • June 20 – Psalm 23
    Family Fun Night/VBS Celebration
  • June 27 – Psalm 30
    Pet Blessing (Real or stuffies, real pets should be leashed or contained)
  • July 4 – No worship
  • July 11 – Psalm 150
    Report from those who attended confirmation camp and celebrate Action Packed Day Camp
  • July 18 – Baptism: Psalm 46 and Acts 2:37-42
    Remembrance of baptism
  • July 25 – Baptism: Psalm 84 and Romans 6:1-11
    Affirmation of Baptism/Celebration of baptismal birthdays
  • August 1 – Lord’s Supper: Psalm 65 and 1 Corinthians 11:17-34
    Sundaes on Wednesday (ice cream Sundaes) and talk about seeing God in every day
  • August 8 – Lord’s Supper: 1 Samuel 21:1-9 and Matthew 12:1-8 or Mark 14:12-25
    Collect food for the food pantry and Food for Friends, we’ll also be talking about our Southeastern Minnesota Synod’s initiative Enough Food for All
    Bring peanut butter, jelly, and/or mac and cheese (no glass jars) for Food for Friends
  • August 15 – Revelation 4:1-11 (John 17:1-5)
    Praise the Lord all creatures! (Make a joyful noise, kids use noise makers)
  • August 22 – Revelation 5:1-13 (John 1:29-31)
    Report from those who attended the National Youth Gathering
  • August 29 – Revelation 6:1-8; 7:9-17 (John 14:1-4)
    Backpack Blessing (students from preschool through graduate school, teachers, staff, anyone going back to school can bring their bag!)
  • September 5 – Revelation 21:1-6; 22:1-5 (John 16:20-22)
    Back to School Celebration

May Special Events

Date: May 8, 2018
Author: Katie Livingood
Categories: The Messenger
  • Rummage Sale
    May 11 (2 pm—6 pm) & May 12 (9 am—2 pm)
  • Milestone Celebrations
    May 13 & 16 at worship
  • Senior Recognition
    May 16 & 20 at worship
  • Breakfast Fellowship
    May 20 between services
  • First Day of Summer Worship Schedule
    May 27 at 9:00 a.m.
  • No Worship
    May 30

Find a full schedule of events at stjohnskasson.org/calendar