St. John's Lutheran Church

Animate Faith Summer Faith Formation Series

Summer Sundays at 10:15am in The Gathering Place

To animate means to bring to life! Animate Faith is an ELCA faith curriculum we'll be utilizing this summer at St. John's. All are invited to join this summer's animated conversation and reflection around different aspects of our life together as church.

Topics and video presenters include:

Prayer: Oriented toward God – Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, and fly fisherman. His most recent book is: We Make the Road by Walking.
Community: An Unexpected Family – Doug Pagit was the founding pastor of Solomon’s Porch, part of the emerging church movement, which closed in 2023.
Service: The Needs Right Around You – Enumo Okoro is a poet, speaker and author. Eunumo spent her childhood in Nigeria and England and went to college in Minnesota.
Money: The Joy of Sharing – Shane Claiborne is an activist, author, and the founder of Simple Way, a faith community which is a gathering of people who are learning to live life with God at the center of everything.
Sacraments: A Tapestry of Traditions – Phyllis Tickle grew up Presbyterian and became an Episcopalian as an adult. She has written extensively about reclaiming ancient practices.
Worship: Seeking God’s Presence -Mike Slaughter is an author and pastor emeritus of Ginghamsburg church near Dayton, Ohio.

Updates from the Lutheran Church of Rwanda: with Pastor Edward Makara

Sunday, July 6 at 10:15am in The Gathering Place

Pastor Edward Makara of the Lutheran Church of Rwanda is coming to St. John's! In addition to preaching, Pastor Edward will spend the 10:15am hour sharing updates on the state of the Lutheran Church in Rwanda, especially amidst a Bishop transition. Pastor Edward services as the Pastor of the Masaka Parish and English worship service at Kigali Church, as well as the Director of Theological Education of all Lutheran Church of Rwanda Pastors. Pastor Edward also teaches and serves as the Pastor at the Rwamagana Leaders School.

Mt. Cross Day Camp: Word of Life

July 28-August 1 from 9:00am-3:00pm at St. John's Lutheran Church

Registration for Vacation Bible School is LIVE! Camp Counselors from Mt. Cross Ministries will lead this year's VBS - themed "Word of Life". Open to youth in grades Kindergarten-5th, with volunteer opportunities for middle and high schoolers, campers will participate in music, bible studies, crafts, games, and so much more. Admission is $60 for campers & $20 for youth helpers and includes snacks and a t-shirt for the week.

Register your child(ren) here today!

Pastor Frank & Rhonda's Going Away Party

Saturday, September 6 at 6:00pm at St. John's Lutheran Church

After nearly 20 years as Pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church, Pastor Frank Espegren will retire as Senior Pastor on Sunday, September 7, 2025. To celebrate his tenure, we’re throwing a party! Alongside beloved spouse, Rhonda Holmen, the St. John’s community will celebrate the incredible ministry and life the two have built and shared at St. John’s. Come enjoy a delicious dinner, hear stories from their decades of ministry here at St. John’s, and toast to a joyful retirement!

🗓️ Saturday, Sept. 6

⏰ Beginning at 6:00pm

📍 Outdoors at St. John’s Lutheran Church (1701 L St.)

🥂 Dinner & Drinks Provided!

In lieu of gifts, a scrapbook will be available at the event for guests to share a memory, message, or story with Pastor Frank and Rhonda.

Help us prepare the appropriate amount of food and drinks - please RSVP to attend here!