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://us02web.zoom.us/j/87532684407?pwd=azJYditpY2lGTXVVZVpJUWkvUmw3Zz09

Meeting ID: 875 3268 4407

Passcode: 909287

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:

August 17 - Community: An Unexpected Family – Doug Pagit was the founding pastor of Solomon’s Porch, part of the emerging church movement, which closed in 2023.

August LLL Book Club

Thursday, August 21 at 11:00am in the St. John's Library

The LLL Book Club will gather in August to discuss Reza Aslan's An American Martyr in Persia: The Epic Life and Tragic Death of Howard Baskerville. "Howard Baskerville, a young American missionary, joined Iran's 1907 democratic revolution after being inspired by his students, ultimately dying in battle alongside them and becoming a national martyr. His story, as recounted by Aslan, serves as both a gripping historical tale and a profound reflection on America’s commitment to democratic ideals abroad."

Service of Ordination + Installation of Sarah Street

Saturday, August 23rd at 2:00pm at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lafayette (1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette, CA)

We're delighted to announce that former St John's staff member, Sarah Jessop Street, has received a call from Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lafayette. She will be ordained and installed as a pastor at Our Savior's on August 23rd and welcomes all who would like to make the trip to support (livestream will be available as well for those who cannot attend in person, but would still like to join the festivities). Let's celebrate the ministry has shaped Sarah and all the possibilities that God has set before her!

Save the Date: Return to Learn Fest

Sunday, August 24 at 10:15am in The Gathering Place

Back-to-Faith Formation season is coming soon! To welcome the Sunday School, Confirmation, Youth Group, Luminaria, and Adult Education classes, we'll gather for a potluck brunch and school supply fundraiser.

Throughout August, we invite you to join us in a school supply fundraiser for Mustard Seed School (a program of Loaves & Fishes), a free private school for children ages 3-15 years-old who are currently homeless. You can drop-off your donations in the church office beginning August 4 - donation needs can be found here.

This brunch will include fan-favorite breakfast items, along with a few kid-friendly additions. Please sign-up to bring any of the following items here!

The Community Engagement Committee continues to host these events, but needs some extra hands to bring the event to life! Please sign-up to volunteer for the following areas on Sunday, August 24 here.

Luminaria New Member Class

Beginning Sunday, August 31 at 10:15am

Luminaria is our entry program into St. John’s and the 2025-26 class begins this August! Luminaria is how someone becomes a “member” here at St. John's, and involves so much more than a brief course on Reformation history, discovering where the bathrooms are and giving newcomers offering envelopes. Luminaria is a journey that intentionally seeks to open one’s mind and heart into the life of faith as people make their way into our congregation.

If you are interested in learning more about Luminaria or joining this year's class, email luminaria@stjohnslc.org.

Sunday School, Confirmation, and High School Youth Group Launch

Sunday, August 31 at 10:15am in Classrooms

Sunday School programming at St John's begins this August! Like trees, we are all growing in our faith, knowledge of God, and ways to express God's love in the world.

Sprouts - our youngest students who learn about God's love entirely through play and music. These students may not be talking, crawling, or walking. They are often in diapers but may be potty training. They do not have any formal lessons or crafts but they will get their first experiences of God's love in the world. You might know this spot as the Nursery.

Seedlings - our lower elementary students. These students are still wiggly but able to participate in short sessions of listening to and talking about stories. Bible stories are read from the Spark Story Bible or told using Godly Play. They often use arts and crafts to express features of the weekly story. These students are potty trained and meet in room 210.

Saplings - our upper elementary students. These students have the ability to read stories directly from the bible (some might need a little help) and can sit for longer periods of time. They still use arts and crafts as well as other quiet activities to help with focus and comprehension during discussions. They meet in room 311!

Confirmation - our middle school students (usually 6-8th grades). These students dive a bit deeper in what faith and the Lutheran Church mean in their personal life. They explore topics such as Luther's Small Catechism, bible stories, church practices, and church history. These students may or may not choose to affirm their baptism publically. These students may develop a personal faith statement and meet upstairs in The Gathering Place Loft.

Growing Trees - our high school students. These students gather to foster their personal faith, build friendships, and seek opportunities to live God's love in the world. These students have deep discussions on faith and life, as well as plenty of time still playing silly games. They meet in the Youth Room!

To register your child for any of the following sunday school classes this school year, please fill out this form.

Volunteer for Pastor Frank's Retirement Party!

Friday, Sept. 5 & Saturday, Sept. 6

After nearly 20 years of faithful service, Pastor Frank Espegren will retire as Senior Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church on Sunday, September 7, 2025. To honor his ministry and the life he and Rhonda Holmen have shared with our community, we’re throwing a celebration—and we need your help to make it happen!

Whether it’s setting up tables, greeting guests, serving food, or helping behind the scenes, there’s a place for you to pitch in. Sign up to volunteer and be part of this meaningful day as we say thank you and toast to a joyful retirement!

Sign-up to volunteer here.

Pastor Frank & Rhonda's Going Away Party

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

Unfortunately, we have hit capacity for this going away party! Luckily, the festivities and goodbyes will continue on Pastor Frank and Rhonda's final Sunday at St. John's - Sunday, September 7. Please join us for worship at 9:00am or 11:30am, and for a going away gathering in-between services at 10:15am.

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!

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.

Young Adult Bowling Night with Gather Sacramento

Sunday, September 14 from 2:00-4:00pm at Punchbowl Social Sacramento

Join Gather Sacramento for games, food, and casual fellowship! Gather Sacramento is a new inclusive faith community of young adults (18-35) in the Sacramento region. Together, we are building a multi-denominational community committed to justice and connection. Join us to learn about this new community and meet other young adults from around Sacramento.

Gather is grounded in the ELCA Lutheran ministry and is intended to extend beyond our home churches to bring together people from all faith traditions. All young adults from across race, faith background, gender, sexuality, and perspective are welcome here to meet, to be, to gather.

2 hours of bowling and snacks are included for all attendees. Please register to ensure we have an accurate headcount.

RSVP to attend here!