First Communion
First Communion for our 3rd graders will take place on Sunday, April 26th. We hope everyone will join us in the PLC Lobby for a cake reception between worship services to celebrate this exciting milestone!
Questions?
Contact Sarah Hembrook
Director of Children and Family Ministries
Our Novel Bunch Book Club meets at Laguna Brava Mexican Restaurant from 6:30-8:30pm the first Friday each month. Grab a copy of the book and join us for a fun night! Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday, May 1 as we discuss Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant by Stephanie Kiser .
2026 Book List:
MAY 1 Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant by Stephanie Kiser
JUNE 5 My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
JULY 3 (Book T.B.D)
AUGUST 7 The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
SEPTEMBER 4 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
OCTOBER 2 The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
NOVEMBER 6 The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
DECEMBER 4 David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
FEBRUARY 5, 2027 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Questions?
Contact Mary Kay Cravens
We encourage all to join us on Sunday, May 3 for one combined worship at 10:00am in the Parish Life Center followed by our Annual Meeting at 11:00am! The worship service will be live streamed, however the Annual Meeting is in-person only.
During the Annual Meeting we will be voting on our 2026-2027 Budget, Proposed St. John's Lutheran Constitution, as well as other elections. To prepare yourself please make sure to review our 2025 Annual Report as well as the Current and Proposed Constitutions.
LITTLE FREE FOOD PANTRY DONATION ONLY SALE VOLUNTEER MEETING
Wednesday, May 13 | 6:00pm | The Parlor
The sale is at the church this year on Friday, June 26 (8:00am-4:00pm) and Saturday, June 27 (8:00am-1:00pm). We will have more space, but will also need A LOT more volunteers to help make the event successful! Our next volunteer meeting is Wednesday, May 13 at 6:00 pm in The Parlor. All volunteers are welcome to this event. We will start building the volunteer schedule. Help is needed with setup, cleanup and both days during the sale.
Can't make the meeting, don't worry! We will have tables set up after worship on May 16/17 & 23/24 where you can sign up and ask questions! See May Eagle for more information or reach out to Carolyn Chambers with any questions or to sign up.
Questions? Contact Carolyn Chambers or Church Office
The last day of Sunday School will be May 17. It’s been an amazing program year! We have truly enjoyed every minute of the time we’ve had! Thank you for making it so wonderful!
Sunday School takes a break for the Summer and will return in the Fall on Rally Day!
Our Novel Bunch Book Club meets at Laguna Brava Mexican Restaurant from 6:30-8:30pm the first Friday each month. Grab a copy of the book and join us for a fun night! Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday, June 5 as we discuss My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.
2026 Book List:
JUNE 5 My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult
JULY 3 (Book T.B.D)
AUGUST 7 The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
SEPTEMBER 4 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
OCTOBER 2 The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
NOVEMBER 6 The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
DECEMBER 4 David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
FEBRUARY 5, 2027 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Questions?
Contact Mary Kay Cravens
This year our TEE IT UP FORE THE KIDS GOLF OUTING will be Friday, June 19 at Edgewood Golf Club in Auburn, Illinois. We hope you can join us as we raise money for our St. John's Preschool and Compass For Kids!
Questions?
Contact Steve Barteau
The cost of items will be “donation only” and all proceeds
will go to purchase food for our Little Free Food Pantry.
Our Novel Bunch Book Club meets at Laguna Brava Mexican Restaurant from 6:30-8:30pm the first Friday each month. Grab a copy of the book and join us for a fun night! Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday, July 3! The book is T.B.D. still.
2026 Book List:
JULY 3 (Book T.B.D)
AUGUST 7 The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
SEPTEMBER 4 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
OCTOBER 2 The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
NOVEMBER 6 The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
DECEMBER 4 David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
FEBRUARY 5, 2027 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Questions?
Contact Mary Kay Cravens
Our Novel Bunch Book Club meets at Laguna Brava Mexican Restaurant from 6:30-8:30pm the first Friday each month. Grab a copy of the book and join us for a fun night! Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday, August 5 as we discuss The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
2026 Book List:
AUGUST 7 The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides
SEPTEMBER 4 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
OCTOBER 2 The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
NOVEMBER 6 The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
DECEMBER 4 David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
FEBRUARY 5, 2027 11/22/63 by Stephen King
Questions?
Contact Mary Kay Cravens
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music performed by Carlo van Ulft! From thunderous power to the softest whisper, come hear the organ fill the sanctuary with breathtaking sound. This free concert is open to all, so don't forget to invite your family and friends.
Questions? Contact Carlo van Ulft
CHURCH CONSTITUTION INFORMATIONAL SUNDAY FORUM
April 12 | 9:45-10:30 am | Meeting Room
All are invited to join us this Sunday, April 12 for our Church Constitution Informational Session during the Sunday Forum. This is a great opportunity for robust discussion on the changes. At the Annual Meeting on May 3, we will discuss and vote on the Proposed Constitution.
Comments and questions are welcome at any time, please contact Pastor Ryan or another member of the Leadership Board. Yours in Christ, The Leadership Board
Our Novel Bunch Book Club meets at Laguna Brava Mexican Restaurant from 6:30-8:30pm the first Friday each month. Grab a copy of the book and join us for a fun night! Everyone is welcome to join us on Friday, April 10 as we discuss Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. We will meet the 2nd Friday due to Good Friday.
For the full 2026 Book List click here to see it in the March Eagle.
Questions?
Contact Mary Kay Cravens
Carry-Out Chicken Dinner Pickup
April 16 | 4:00-6:00pm | PLC Entrance
On April 16 from 4:00-6:00pm please drive up to the Parish Life Center (PLC) Entrance, and your meals will be brought to your vehicle. Thank you for your continued support!
Questions?
Contact Preschool Office
Little Free Food Pantry Donation Only Sale Planning Meeting
Wednesday, April 8 | 6:00pm | The Parlor
This year we are moving the sale to the Church, which means we have more space and will need a lot of help with setup, cleanup and during sale! If you are interested in helping with this event, come to the planning meeting. You don't have to be part of this ministry team to help at this event. If you have questions, please reach out to Carolyn Chambers or Church Office.
Easter Sunday Worship
7:30 AM | SANCTUARY
(In-Person Only)
9:30 AM | SANCTUARY
(In-Person & Live Streamed)
10:45 AM | PARISH LIFE CENTER
(In-Person & Live Streamed)
On Easter Day, we rejoice. We are able to move Forward in Faith, we become Disciples in Motion, because of Jesus’ Resurrection. Jesus bursts out of the tomb, so that we need never fall back into fear. Jesus, the firstborn from the dead, leads us Forward to New Life.
For full Holy Week Worship schedule visit www.stjohns-springfield.org/holyweek
EASTER VIGIL WORSHIP
5:00 PM | SANCTUARY
(In-Person Only)
The Vigil of Easter is about anticipation. We meet shrouded in the darkness of the Cross and tomb. Yet, by the end of the hour, our hearts are lifted up at seeing the first glow of the rising Son. We move forward to the tomb (about to find out it is empty). Sacred time and divine grace carry us Forward to Dawn, to the beginning of spring, to the promise of new life that is about to be fulfilled.
For full Holy Week Worship schedule visit www.stjohns-springfield.org/holyweek
APRIL 4 | 8:30-10:00 AM | PARISH LIFE CENTER
Mark your calendars for our annual Easter Egg Hunt happening on Saturday, April 4 from 8:30-10:00. Donuts and fruit will be served followed by a children’s message and the big hunt! This is a rain or shine event! No need to register, just come enjoy the morning with us!
Questions? Contact Sarah Hembrook at shembrook@stjohns-springfield.org.
GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP
NOON | SANCTUARY
(In-Person Only)
7:00 PM | SANCTUARY
(In-Person & Live Streamed)
On Good Friday, Jesus opened wide his arms, and on the Cross gathered all of humanity to himself. We step Forward to the Cross, to witness the greatest act of love the world has ever seen. We reach out our hands to receive salvation as a free gift.
For full Holy Week Worship schedule visit www.stjohns-springfield.org/holyweek
MAUNDY THURSDAY WORSHIP
NOON | SANCTUARY
(In-Person Only)
7:00 PM | SANCTUARY
(In-Person & Live Streamed)
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus stooped down to wash the disciples’ feet. Thus he showed that he “came not to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). Jesus follows up this act of service with a new commandment for us: we are to serve one another as Christ has served us, to love one another as Christ has loved us. Jesus sets us in motion—we move Forward to Serve!
For full Holy Week Worship schedule visit www.stjohns-springfield.org/holyweek
Palm Sunday Weekend
SATURDAY | 5:00 PM
(In-Person Only)
SUNDAY | 8:30 & 10:45 AM
(In-Person & Live Streamed)
On Palm Sunday, we travel, with Jesus, the whole week leading up to that first Easter. We start shouting “Hosanna!” We are in the crowd that demands “Crucify!” We feel the deep sorrow of Jesus’ Passion. We are led forward through Palm & Passion by the St. John’s Chancel Choir & Orchestra (5:00PM & 8:30AM) and by the St. John’s Praise Band (10:45AM).
For full Holy Week Worship schedule visit www.stjohns-springfield.org/holyweek
March 28 at 5:00pm in the Sanctuary
March 29 at 8:30am in the Sanctuary
The Holy Week Cantata leads us forward to the cross. In It is Finished by Mary McDonald choir and orchestra tell the powerful story of Jesus’ final days and the greatest act of love Jesus accomplished on the Cross. The cantata will be on Palm Sunday Weekend—March 28 at 5:00pm or March 29 at 8:30am in the Sanctuary.
All singers, no matter the skill level, are welcome to sing in the Cantata! Rehearsals are held each Thursday from 8:00-9:00 p.m. in the Music Room. If you have questions, please contact Matthew Woodson at mwoodson@ stjohns-springfield.org.
Our Scouts are scouting for food to help our neighbors in need. They will be distributing grocery sacks weekend of March 14 and 15. Please take a bag, fill it with nonperishables, and bring it with you to worship the on the weekend of March 21 and 22. Scouts will be on hand to help carry your grocery bags! All donations will be delivered to the Grace Food Pantry.
CHURCH OUTDOOR WORK DAY
SATURDAY, MARCH 21 | 9:00 AM - NOON
Help prepare our grounds for Spring—and Easter! We want everything looking as new as the resurrection. Work will include mulching, weeding, trimming, garbage pick up, and other types of regular yard work. Feel free to come and go; if you can spare an hour, it will be a big help!
PLEASE BRING:
Yard Tools (portable things: shovel, rake, pitchfork, powered/hand clippers, leaf blower, etc.)
Work gloves
Proper attire for the weather
NOTE: Rain Date is March 28th, 9am to 12noon
During Lent, as part of a confirmation project, one of the small groups is collecting hygiene items to assemble Care Kits for our St. John's Little Free Food Pantry. Please consider purchasing some of the following items and dropping them off in the Welcome Center using the bins provided. Please drop off all items by Sunday, March 15.
CARE KIT LIST:
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes (individually packaged)
Deodorant
Hairbrushes/Wide-Toothed Combs
Band-Aids
Body Soap/Cleanser
**Items should be small enough to fit into a one-gallon bag.
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
St. John’s Lutheran Church will be hosting the worship service and meal at the Washington Street Mission on March 7 at 8:30 a.m. We are looking for disciples to serve/clean up breakfast and visit with guests or prepare breakfast casseroles. Those preparing a casserole please use a disposable aluminum pan to serve 10-12 people. We will meet at St. John’s and go to Washington Street Mission together.
If interested, please sign-up on REALM or click below button.
Questions? Please contact Steve Barteau at 660.349.8095 or bartowbog1@yahoo.com.
Engage gatherings are conversations about St. John’s and our mission. The Leadership Board has identified some short-term goals, and we need you to weigh in. We are encouraging all member-disciples to come to one (1) of the gatherings below to help us assess where we are and where God is leading us.
In this round of Engage, you will hear and see information about the congregation. Most importantly, you will have the chance to help set some goals for church growth…how might we intentionally grow in faith, in making disciples, and, yes, in numbers over the next year? You will also get a sneak peak at our 2026-27 program year theme, and there will be food!
God is giving St. John’s the growth—we want everyone to rejoice and be a part of that growth. The first step is for everyone to…ENGAGE!
Tuesday, March 3
10:00AM—11:30AM
Parish Life Center Lobby
Tuesday, March 3
6:00PM—7:30PM
Welcome Center
Saturday, March 7
6:00PM—7:30PM
Welcome Center
Sunday, March 8
Noon—1:30PM
Welcome Center
**A simple meal will be provided at the three sessions held in the Welcome Center; refreshments provided at the Tuesday morning session in the Parish LIfe Center Lobby
You can sign up on REALM or in-person when you come in to worship.
Community Garden Planning Meeting
February 25 | 6:00pm | The Parlor
Do you love gardening? Join the St. John’s Community Garden Ministry Team! Those who expressed an interest in our garden team on Time and Talent forms have been added in REALM and will be contacted soon! If you didn’t express interest, but would like to join this ministry team, come to our Community Garden Planning Meeting. We will meet on February 25 at 6:00 pm in The Parlor. Join us in praying for another successful garden season to help feed our neighbors and community.
Questions?
Contact Carolyn Chambers
Our Lenten worship experiences are intended to center and ground as we move forward in faith and strive to live out our core congregational values: Grace, Worship, Generosity, Compassion, and Inclusivity.
Sunday Evening Worship
Sundays at 6:00 p.m. (February 22-March 22)
Worship will take place in the Sanctuary. Some of the youth will serve as greeters, ushers, and lectors.
Midweek Lenten Lunches
Wednesdays at Noon (February 25-March 25)
A light lunch will be served in the Parish Life Center followed by a short worship service.
SIGN UP TO HELP!
If you would like to contribute a pot of soup (8-10 servings) for one or more of the lunches or help setup/serve/cleanup, please sign up on Realm by clicking below button. When Registering choose the date(s) you wish to provide soup for and/or help setup/serve/cleanup.
Mother Road Bones Trombone Quartet
February 20 | 7:00pm | St. John’s Lutheran Church
Join us for an evening of outstanding music with the Mother Road Bones Trombone Quartet on Friday, February 20 at 7:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church.
This free, hour-long concert will feature music in a wide variety of styles, showcasing the rich and powerful sound of the trombone quartet. Several selections will be accompanied by St. John’s organ, highlighting its broad range of tonal colors and adding a unique dimension to the performance.
We invite you to mark your calendars and join us in the Sanctuary for this special concert event.
For more information, please contact Carlo van Ulft or the Church Office.
Ash Wednesday Worship
FEBRUARY 18 AT NOON & 7:00 PM IN THE SANCTUARY
Services of Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a 40-day season during which we move forward to the cross with Jesus. Ash Wednesday is so named because the cross is traced on our foreheads as a reminder of our sin and mortality. Yet, through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, God gives us victory over sin and death. We invite you to join us for Ash Wednesday and Lent as we deepen our trust in God’s forgiveness and promise of new (and eternal) life.
The Scouts are an important part of our ministries here at St. John’s, and we invite you to celebrate our partnership on St. John’s Scout Sunday, which is February 15, 2026. The Scouts will be hosting a pancake breakfast in the Parish Life Center Lobby from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. A free-will offering will be collected for Scout projects, and some of the Scouts will be serving as greeters and lectors during the 10:45 a.m. service.
Sew comforting, helpful, and enjoyable items for people in need in our church, community and world, sharing tangible signs of God's love. Meets at 1:30 p.m. on the second Friday of the month in the The Parlor to share completed service projects, such as pillowcases for St. John's Women and Children's Center, baby blankets and toys for Ronald McDonald House, pockets for cancer patient drains, and school bags for Lutheran World Relief.
The DLT (Disciples Lunching Together) Lunch Group of St. Johns meets at LePeep on the second Wednesday of each month. To ensure seating and service, please contact Roy Booker at by 4:30 p.m. on Monday before we meet. We look forward to sharing Breakfast or Brunch and fellowship with you!
All are welcome to join us as we discuss "The Mystery Guest" by Nita Prose. Grab a copy and invite a friend for a fun night! Questions? Contact Mary Kay Cravens or Church Office.
➡ FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6
⏰ 6:30-8:30 P.M.
🌮 AT Laguna Brava Mexican Restaurant
‼️ Due to the Holidays we won't meet in January!
Rehearsals for our Holy Week Cantata will begin on Thursday, January 22 at 8:00pm in the Music Room. All singers, no matter the skill level, are welcome! The Cantata will be on Palm Sunday Weekend (March 28 at 5:00pm & March 29 at 8:30am).
Questions? Contact Matthew Woodson at mwoodson@stjohns-springfield.org
DLT WILL NOT BE MEETING IN DECEMBER
The DLT (Disciples Lunching Together) Lunch Group of St. Johns meets at LePeep on the second Wednesday of each month. To ensure seating and service, please contact Roy Booker at by 4:30 p.m. on Monday before we meet. We look forward to sharing Breakfast or Brunch and fellowship with you!
TUESDAY MORNING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY is starting back up on Tuesday, January 13 at 9:30am! We meet every Tuesday and invite all to join us as we dive into the Word and enjoy fellowship.
Questions? Contact Lee Wind or Church Office
We meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm downstairs in the gym. All ages are welcome! No experience or equipment is needed. We will explain the game and help you get started. Join us for some fun and fellowship!
Questions? Contact Lori Crossmock, Barb Louden, or Church Office
Move Forward to The Manger this Christmas with St. John’s! Invite your friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers to join us as well! Christmas is a great time to invite others to church, and share the love of Jesus with others.
10:00 a.m.
A festival Christmas Day worship service.
Includes Holy Communion. Located in Sanctuary.
(In-person only)
NOON
Christmas Day Dinner
If you will not be spending Christmas Day with family or friends, please join us for Christmas dinner at St. John’s! Ham, turkey, dinner rolls, and beverages will be provided. You are invited (but not required) to bring a side dish or dessert to share.
10:00 a.m. Christmas Day Worship.
Appetizers will be served right after worship.
Meal will begin at NOON.
Guests are welcome to stick around after dinner to visit and/or play board games until about 3:00 p.m.
Please make a reservation by through Realm by clicking above button or by calling the church office by December 21.
