St. John's Lutheran Church

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

LLL Book Club and Justice Making Ministry Joint September Book Read

Thursday, September 17 at 11:00am in the St. John's Library OR 6:30pm via Zoom

Please join the LLL Book Club and Justice Making Ministry in September to read and discuss Cobalt Red by Siddharth Kara. Cobalt Red challenges us to examine the ethical cost of modern technology and ask ourselves what this means to us as Christians. As an essential mineral used to modern technology and electronics, cobalt need has created a humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the majority of the world's cobalt resources are concentrated. The book discusses the impact - from unregulated and manual labor to hazardous working conditions, environmental impacts, and economic exploitation. Please come to one of two discussions!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86197139978

Meeting ID: 861 9713 9978

Sunday Farewells for Pastor Jon Haug

Sunday, September 20 and 27 at 10:15am in Oehler Hall

Come celebrate Pastor Jon Haug's 11+ years of ministry with the people of St. John's in between worship services on Sunday, September 20 and Sunday, September 27. On the 20, we'll share cherished stories and memories of Pastor Jon's time in Sacramento, and enjoy a delicious cake reception on his final Sunday, September 27. Bring your stories, goodbyes, and well wishes as we send Pastor Jon off on his next adventure in Chaplaincy!

Luminaria New Member Class Launch

Classes begin Sunday, September 27 at 10:15am in the Gathering Place

Calling all who are new, or new-ish, to St. John's! The Luminaria New Member Class will begin Sunday, September 27 at 10:15am in the Gathering Place. Not sure what Luminaria is? Luminaria is the pathway to becoming a “member” of St. John’s. This involves so much more than a brief course on Reformation history and learning where the bathrooms are. Luminaria is a journey that intentionally seeks to open one’s mind and heart to the life of faith as people make their way into the congregation.

Are you interested in being a part of Luminaria, either as a Lumen or a Companion, or simply learning more? Please send an email to Luminaria@stjohnslc.org.

Faith in Action: Living out Your Faith with Hope + Courage

Saturday, October 3 at St. John's Lutheran Church

St. John's Lutheran Church is thrilled to be hosting a one-day workshop titled, "Faith in Action: Living out Your Faith with Hope + Courage" on Saturday, October 3 from 8:30am-3:00pm. The event will center primarily around how we as people of faith and as congregations can better organize and take action in response to issues of immigration. We'll welcome guest speaker the Rev. Ingrid Rasmussen from Minneapolis who has been on the front-line of ICE occupation in the city. In the afternoon, we'll host 4 different workshops led by nonprofit leaders currently involved in migration justice issues.

This event will use a faith-based lens and be rooted in Lutheran values, however, it is open to all people interested in migration justice and looking to live out their values in the world! There is a $15 registration fee that includes lunch and refreshments - gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options provided. Financial assistance is available, please email jahoffme@gmail.com if in need.

Purchase your tickets here!

Direct Service Volunteer Training

Sunday, October 4 at 12:30pm in Oehler Hall

All volunteers who work in Direct Services are invited to attend a Volunteer Training! This training is for volunteers who currently serve—or are interested in getting involved—in the Pilgrimage Meal, Tuesday Midtown HART Respite, Afternoon Snack Stop, or Community Thanksgiving Meal.

We’ll begin with a catered lunch and an opportunity to connect with other volunteers serving in direct services, as well as gain a broader understanding of the many services offered at St. John’s. After lunch, we’ll welcome Joanna Roberto, the Program Manager for the Sacramento County Opioid Coalition. She has graciously agreed to share with us a little bit about the opioid epidemic in Sacramento, as well as a short training on Narcan, the lifesaving overdose medication.

Following Joanna’s talk, volunteers will break into small groups based on ministry areas (Pilgrimage, Snack Stop, etc.) to meet with volunteer leads, learn more about a specific program, and receive hands-on training.

RSVP if you're able to attend here!

Order of St. John Training + Luncheon

Sunday, October 4 at 12:30pm in the Youth Room

This is a chance for middle and high schoolers to learn how to use their gifts and talents to serve at the altar of God by serving in the Order of St. John. They’ll learn to ring the bells, light the candles, lead processions, assist with communion, present the banners, hold altar books, lead the children to music practice and perform countless other tasks to assist the pastors each Sunday.

Led by lay leader Betsy Long, the Order of St. John is open to anyone ages 10-18, and is a long-standing, beloved tradition here at St. John’s. Youth serve on acolyte teams once a month and are an integral part of the worship leadership team. Joining the Order of St. John is a wonderful leadership opportunity that centers our young people in every worship service, as we continually strive to witness the diverse, unique body of Christ in all that we do.

RSVP if your youth is able to attend here!

Truth Matters: How a Bible Mistranslation Shifted a Culture

Saturday, October 10 from 8:30am - 4:00pm at Carmichael Presbyterian Church

On Saturday, October 10, LGBTQ+ advocate and author Kathy Baldock will lead a day of learning and discussion about how the term "homosexuality" was incorrectly included in a Bible translation, and how that single decision reshaped church teaching, family relationships and countless communities across multiple generations. St. John's Lutheran Church, Carmichael Presbyterian, and the Sacramento Area Rainbow Faith Alliance will co-host this day at Carmichael Presbyterian.

Purchase your tickets here!

Kathy Baldock, author, LGBTQ+ advocate, and founder of Canyonwalker Connections, based in Reno, NV, is a leading expert on historical and present discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community - in particular, discrimination from the socially conservative Christian church and political sectors. Baldock is one of the main researchers featured in the award-winning documentary 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture. Her new book, Forging a Sacred Weapon: How a 1946 Bible Mistranslation Shifted Culture, is a historical and contextually-based survey following human sexuality, same-sex behavior, procreation, and Bible translations, as impacted by cultural, social, medical, political, legal, and military influences from ancient to current times. The book focuses on original research into the reasons the word “homosexuals” was included for the first time in the 1946 Revised Standard Version NT Bible.

3rd Annual Community Oktoberfest

Saturday, October 24 from 4:00-7:00pm at St. John's Lutheran Church

St. John's is thrilled to host the 3rd annual Community Oktoberfest! A family-friendly festival with live music and remarkable Sacramento vendors - admission is free, food and drinks (non-alcoholic included) will be available for purchase.

We're thrilled to welcome these Sacramento favorites to the event! Food will be provided by Mulvaney's Building & Loan, Old Soul Co., and The Rind; beer and wine by Mattie Groves Brewery, Touchstone Brewing Company, and Kirchhoff Family Wines; non-alcoholic beverages by KC Kombucha and Palm Tree Pop Dirty Soda; and dessert from Dutchman's Stroopwafels - a Midtown Farmers Market favorite!

Admission is free and food + drink tickets will be available at the door! Invite a neighbor or a friend, Prost! Free parking will be available in the parking garage located on the corner of 18th & K Street.