Generosity in Many Ways: by Rita & Brian Blomster
October 12, 2023
We first attended St. John’s beginning in 1990 and became members in 1992. Brian grew up in the Lutheran tradition, being confirmed at St. James Lutheran Church in Redding, and Rita became a Lutheran in the early 1980s. We attended a wedding at St. John’s in 1989, and were pretty much hooked on the place from then on.
Beyond worship, we have been active at St. John’s. Rita is a church Council member, works in the snack stop, is former co-leader of Sunday school, is a substitute Sunday school teacher now, organized multiple Summer Blasts, traveled to Mexico with church youth to build homes for two families, works at the annual Thanksgiving community meal, participated in this year’s Sierra Pacific Synod Assembly, helping choose a new bishop, cooked meals for Family Promise, and planned and executed two youth Christmas programs.
Brian was an usher for 15 years, served on the search committee that brought Pastor Jon Haug to St. John’s, served on the Trust Fund Committee, has been a lector for several years, served as cook on the Mexico home-building trip, served on the Family Promise committee, hosted a barbecue for some of our Family Promise guests, worked in the kitchen carving turkeys and performing other tasks for the Thanksgiving community meal for the last 15 years, and currently is a part of the Celebration Singers ensemble.
We believe that generosity is a gift not just to those to whom it is directed, but also to oneself. It fulfills one of Jesus’ teachings and fills the personal spirit. Generosity – of time, gifts, effort, money, friendship – brings us closer to our fellow humans and to God. Growing up, both of our parents provided examples of generosity through giving of their time and talents. We try to make it part of our everyday lives, in what we give and how we interact.
Relative to giving our time, we approach this decision through a realistic assessment of what we can do and accomplish. It always involves both of us in choosing, and most often is determined by the impact the contribution of our time can have, whether that’s handing out lunches to a hungry person or making time to help fill the sanctuary with song. Through this giving of our time, we aspire to share laughter, real connection and community, a sense that we’re all in the right place at the right time.
Beloved people of St. John’s, When I began serving as your bridge senior pastor on October 1, 2025, I could scarcely anticipate the thirteen months that would follow. For me, those months have been filled with joy, gratitude, and excitement. St. John’s is a faithful and vibrant congregation, and it has been a profound privilege and pleasure to serve in ministry with and among you. In my first letter to the congregation, I wrote, “Over the interim period, the spirit of God will begin to move hearts and minds to turn to what is coming. . . My role as your bridge pastor is to provide pastoral leadership and care as [we] prepare for new leadership.” I am delighted to join you in welcoming the Reverend Amy Kienzle as the next senior pastor at St. John’s. Pastor Kienzle accepted the call to serve as senior pastor with the understanding that St. John’s is larger and busier than a one-pastor congregation. Therefore I am also delighted to share the news that I have signed an agreement with our executive leaders to serve as interim associate pastor at St. John’s beginning November 2, 2026. This will be a half-time position subject to review and consideration for renewal every six months. The responsibilities of this position, as arranged with Pastor Kienzle, will be to provide support and assistance to her as our new senior pastor; I will serve under her direction and in collaboration with her leadership. Because this is a half-time contractual position rather than a full-time congregational call, I will be vested in the chancel for worship only when serving as preacher (twice monthly) or presider at the direction of Pastor Kienzle. Otherwise I will be among the worshiping congregation on Sunday mornings. Other duties of my new position at St. John’s will include pastoral visitation and aspects of congregation care as well as involvement in education ministries of the congregation. Additionally, both my wife Sharon and I will, as members of St. John’s, participate in various ministries of the congregation independent of my pastoral duties. I eagerly look forward to working with Pastor Kienzle in my new role as her interim associate, and am grateful for the opportunity to do so. Yours in Christ, Pastor Paul Baglyos
On Sunday, August 30, 2026 Council President Jerry Kilbert led a quarterly Congregation Matters Meeting, sharing updates on behalf of the St. John's Church Council. In case you were unable to be present for this meeting, here are the highlights: Treasurer's Report Strong financial shape At 99% of our year-to-date budget Already planning for the 2027 Annual Budget - in great shape going into the Stewardship season! EV Charger Update Current chargers are obsolete and need replacing Property Committee exploring a solution 1727 L Street Storefront Delays with permitting, expected to open Sanaa Cafe on December 1, 2026 Audit Committee Will have completed a financial audit for Pastor Kienzle Will continue from year to year with staggered membership Arrival of new Senior Pastor Amy Kienzle First day will be Monday, November 2, 2026 Pastor Paul Baglyos ends his Bridge Pastorship on November 1, 2026 Recognition that St. John's is too large for a single pastor, but details for additional clergy will be in discernment with Pr. Kienzle and Council Departure of Pastor Jon Haug Transitioning into chaplaincy, feels like it is where God is calling him Farewell celebration September 18 - final Sunday at St. John's is September 27
As many of you know, over the past two years I have participated in a chaplaincy continuing education program at Sutter Roseville Medical Center (known as Clinical Pastoral Education or CPE), with the intention of transitioning from congregational ministry to a hospital chaplaincy. Over a year ago, I shared with this congregation my intention to leave St. John’s as your Associate Pastor upon the completion of this chaplaincy program and acceptance of a chaplaincy position. The leadership and people of St. John’s have supported me through this intense two-year push, as I developed this professional goal and gained amplified pastoral skills I’ve been able to use in my ministry here.
Every year, St. John's recognizes outstanding graduating high school seniors who all have one thing in common – exemplary commitment to the St. John's mission of living God's love in the world. The St. John’s Scholarship program exists to assist qualified students, who are members of St. John’s, based on academic performance, church life, extracurricular activities, and financial need. Every year, graduating high school seniors are invited to apply for the scholarship. We are thrilled to share that Bella Manley, Nora Riddle, and Elle Lofing are the recipients of this year’s St. John’s Scholarship. There is another award that is given as a surprise! The William and Donna Morgan Award honors long-time St. John’s members, who dedicated years to education in Sacramento and served as long time supporters of the Scholarship fund. This award is presented to St. John’s graduating high school seniors, based on community service and the individual’s commitment to living God’s love in the world. Graduating high school seniors are nominated by members of the St. John’s community. The surprise Morgan Award scholarship will be presented to the recipients this Sunday, August 2 at the 9:00am worship service.
Dear People of St. John’s, I am delighted to be called to serve as your next senior pastor and am eager to begin our work together! And, I want to pass along the important work I do as the Director for Evangelical Mission (DEM) here in the Sierra Pacific Synod office in a way that causes the least disruption. The DEM role has experienced a lot of transition over the last decade. That has been especially difficult for the communities I serve as so much of this work is built on relationships of trust. My call as pastor is to seek the best for those in my care, and I want to attend well to this ending. The hope is that I will overlap a bit with my successor to make introductions and share information to help that person launch successfully. In speaking with Bishop Jeff Johnson and the council leadership of St. John’s, we have agreed on a start date of Monday, November 2nd , with my first Sunday being on November 8th. I will complete my work on the Bishop’s Team by the end of September and have a month to leave behind what has been and prepare for what will be. I am grateful for the supportive messages I have received from many of you. I am also grateful to Pastors Jon and Paul for their help in making this transition smooth for you and for me. I will not be working or visiting St. John’s before my start date, though Pastor Paul and Council President Jerry Kilbert will share information with me on a need-to-know basis. Pastor Paul also remains committed to seeing this Bridge Pastorate through to my start date. I know you are also anxiously awaiting this new chapter at St. John’s, and I ask for your prayers as I make this transition, just as I will continue to pray for you. Grace and Peace,
In the coming weeks, Rev. Kienzle will share more about her timeline for beginning her call. She is excited to learn about the ministries happening at St. John’s and looks forward to sharing a vision for this new way of being Pastor and people together. This joyful milestone would not be possible without the dedication of our Call Committee, which has served tirelessly over the past year and a half holding listening sessions with members of the congregation, preparing our Ministry Site Profile, interviewing candidates, and ultimately recommending our next Senior Pastor for call. We extend our deepest gratitude to Bridget Malme, Chris Dawson, Joel Kimmelshue, Gary Ely-Grisham, Pam Roberts, Karen Ross, Lynne Gilbertson, Piper Brostrom, and Kim Hendricks - along with Call Committee Chaplain, Rev. Susan Scott. These Call Committee members will continue to walk with Rev. Kienzle and the St. John’s congregation to ensure a smooth welcome and transition. Please join us in welcoming Rev. Kienzle to St. John’s as our next Senior Pastor!
“J.S. Bach, one of my favorite composers, frequently signed his manuscripts with “Soli Deo Gloria,” which is Latin for “to God alone the glory." I believe that music acts as refreshment for the soul and has a healing effect on the serious listener,” writes Elie. Elie is delighted by the opportunity to expand his musical horizons, notably in the collaboration with other musicians and choral groups we regularly partner with at St. John’s. “As organist at St. John's, I will create a symbiosis with the congregation, thinking of their benefit, inspired to perform at my highest level,” writes Elie. As Elie relocates from Southern California back home to Sacramento, we ask for your support in welcoming him into the St. John’s community. We are excited for this new chapter in our music ministries, and for the role Elie will step into in this community!
Position Title: Video Technician Reports To: Director of Worship and Music Hours: Part-Time; 5 hours per week; Sundays and holidays required; variable weekday hours to be arranged. Salary: Starting wage $25/hour Purpose: The Video Technician manages the hardware and software used in the production of the livestreamed worship services and church events at St. John's Lutheran Church. Essential Functions: Set up and operate and visual equipment. Confer with meeting or concert director to establish cues and directions. Work closely with the Audio Technician to seamlessly integrate audio and video feeds. Assist in the coordination of graphic and video presentations for the services. Monitor video feeds to ensure quality. Ensure equipment is installed according to designated layout. Maintain hardware and upgrade software as needed. Test and resolve equipment issues. Diagnose and correct media system problems. Coordinate equipment repairs as needed. Maintain inventory of equipment and make recommendations regarding repair and replacement of equipment. Maintain instruction manuals updating the process of video livestreaming. Fully train volunteer(s) and/or substitutes to insure their readiness to managed the livestream equipment on any given Sunday Specific Responsibilities: Set up and operate livestream and visual aids for and during each of two Sunday morning services: generally, 9:00 AM and 11:15 AM (unless otherwise notified in advance); Set up and operate visual aids for the following additional worship services and events: Ash Wednesday (12:00 pm & 7 pm) Maundy Thursday (7 pm) Good Friday (7 pm) Easter Vigil (7 pm) Easter Sunday (8 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am) Santa Lucia (On the third Sunday in Advent in the evening) Christmas Eve (5 pm & 7 pm) Occasional Memorial Services & Weddings Attend meetings and rehearsals in preparation services. Requisite Skills and Abilities: A proven track record in livestreaming performances and presentations in large venues, preferably with a worship focus; Broad experience working with a variety of video, media and lighting equipment; Proven video recording and editing skills; Experience with a variety of editing software; Effective interpersonal and communication skills to communicate technical/complex information both verbally and in writing; Experience as an effective team member and team leader; and, Be reliable and meet deadlines. Education: Associates Degree in Audio Visual Technology, digital media or a job-related discipline. At least two years’ experience working in a video / livestream environment Other equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Applications + Cover Letters can be submitted to Steven Johnson, Director of Worship and Music, steven.johnson@stjohnslc.org.
Additionally, Jeremy is quite familiar with ministry and brings a wealth of theological training and youth ministry experience to this new role. Jeremy holds a bachelor's degree in Cultural Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a masters degree in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. Following his undergraduate and master’s degrees, Jeremy served in various youth ministry roles at First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, Piedmont Community Church, and First Covenant Church of Oakland. In the past 5 years, Jeremy has leaned into his creativity, launching his small business, Leigo Log Builds, specializing in 3D modeling, creative design, and the creative pipeline seeing raw ideas and concepts through to physical creations.
On Sunday, March 22, 2026, the St. John’s Church Council convened the quarterly Congregation Matters meeting – chaired by newly elected Council President, Jerry Kilbert.
