Wednesday Bible Study

Every Wednesday at 12:00pm via Zoom

All are invited to join the mid-week bible study where we look at the readings for the coming Sunday’s worship, following the style of Lectio Divina. Together, we wonder, wish and notice how these ancient words still speak to us.  Some days we even look for what might be “shimmering” for us!

Some of the current bible study participants say:

• Our discussions help me connect ancient writings with my own lived experience.
• I am always grateful for what I learn from everyone’s various experiences and feedback.
• I like that everyone is welcome to this Bible Study.
• This group is so meaningful to me.
• Getting to know folks better through our “check-in” time.
• It’s a mid-week refocusing on God’s word and living God’s love in the world.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82438003387?pwd=oHKJ6n1qCAcea2Y5yJEEIH69TSCE2h.1

Meeting ID: 824 3800 3387

Passcode: 640001

Social Justice and Faith-Aligned Investing

Sundays in May + June

Whether you have a few dollars or millions, you have the power to take control of your finances in a values-aligned way. This upcoming workshop series will help participants identify and apply their financial goals alongside their social justice and Lutheran values. This series is for everyone - all levels of financial experience are welcome. 

This workshop series will be lead by Elizabeth Gilbert Kaetzel*. Elizabeth will bring learnings and resources from her work creating an ELCA values-aligned investment stratetgy as part of the Sierra Pacific Synod’s Investment Committee and her decade of experience working in values-aligned and faith investing. Each workshop will also have time for reflection and discussion and include materials to take home. 

Sunday, May 31 | 12:30-2:30pm 

Lunch & Learn #1: Mapping Your Money

Whether you have cash savings, a 401k, or a complex investment portfolio, this workshop will help find out where your money is, how it’s currently invested, and what your options are for taking action.

Sunday, June 7 | 12:30-2:30pm 

Lunch & Learn #2: Mapping what Matters

In part 2, your will learn how to identify the right financial needs and goals for you and your family and your social justice priorities, as well as some practical frameworks for applying those to your investments. 

We will be using the book ‘The Social Justice Investor,’ as a resource and guide for much of this series. If you are interested in purchasing the book you can find it here. 

Disclaimer: Elizabeth Gilbert Kaetzel is a not a registered financial advisor and information provided during these workshops should be considered educational only and not taken as investment advice. Talk to a certified financial professional for all investment and financial decisions.

Sign-up to attend the May 31 and/or June 7 lunch and learn here!

The Emmaus Group

Beginning Monday, June 1 at 4:00pm in Cana Room

The Emmaus Group is a newly developed small group at St. John’s for individuals walking through recovery, or supporting loved ones walking through recovery. To begin, conversation will center around Richard Rohr’s book Breathing Under Water. Attendees are invited to begin reading the book prior to this first gathering.

Creating a Closure Map

Sunday, June 7 at 10:15am in Oehler Hall

Heidi Struve Currey is the co-author of Create Your Own Closure Map, a workbook designed to organize end-of-life logistics. In this adult education class, Currey will introduce us to the idea of a closure map, how to create your own closure map, and how it can be helpful for you and for your family and/or loved ones. She will also suggest ways to spark important family conversations. This class will be practical, personal, and fun. Copies of her book will also be available for purchase for $25.

Sacramento Pride Poster Party

Tuesday, June 9 from 5:00-8:00pm in Oehler Hall

Come prep for Sacramento Pride at the Poster Party! Bring craft supplies or use items here at the church to make posters for the Sacramento Pride Festival + March. RSVP to jahoffme@gmail.com if you're able to attend!

Planning Your Memorial Service

Sunday, June 14 at 10:15am in Oehler Hall

Following up on the previous Sunday's introduction to creating a Closure Map, our focus will turn to one's own funeral or memorial service. Whether you want to plan every detail or simply give some hints about what's been important in your life, this discussion will lead you to think about how you might communicate with friends and family about your celebration of life.

St. John's at Sacramento Pride

Saturday, June 13 - Sunday, June 14 on the Capitol Mall

St. John’s is joyfully and proudly walking with our LGBTQ+ neighbors and friends at this year’s Sacramento PRIDE Festival + March, and we would love to have you be a part of it! We’re inviting volunteers, families, and people from every walk of life to be a part of the weekend's festivities.

Help staff the St. John's booth at the festival, or walk in the Pride parade! Sign-up for either or both here.

June LLL Book Club

Thursday, June 18 at 11:00am in the St. John's Library

The LLL Book Club will gather in June to discuss For the Sun After Long Nights by Fatemeh Jamalpour and Nilo Tabrizy. This book is "a moving exploration of the 2022 women-led protests in Iran, as told through the interwoven stories of two Iranian journalists." Come join the conversation!

"Wear Love" Mt. Cross Day Camp

July 27-31 from 9:00am-3:00pm

Mt. Cross Ministries is back to host Vacation Bible School - "Wear Love"! Happening July 27-31st from 9:00am-3:00pm, this Day Camp is for youth in Kindergarten-5th grade, with volunteer opportunities for middle and high school students. 

Registration is $60/camper, with a $20 off sibling discount. Middle and High School volunteer registration is $20/student.

Register here and select “Traveling Day Camps” St. John’s Lutheran.