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

God's Abundance, Our Response Adult Education Class

Sundays at 10:15am in Oehler Hall


The community of St. John's is no stranger to responding to God's Abundance in our lives - we sing boldly, serve graciously, and gather frequently. Over four weeks, we'll share more about our collective response! Think, ministry fair meets storytelling meets finding new ways to get involved. Come learn more about various ministry areas and wonder how God might be calling you to respond to God's abundance this fall.

Volunteer Training: Children & Youth Volunteers

Sunday, September 28 at 12:30pm in Oehler Hall


On Sunday, September 28, all volunteers who work with children and youth are invited to attend a Volunteer Training! This training is for volunteers who currently serve or are interested in getting involved in Sunday School, Confirmation, the High School Youth Group, youth summer trips, Vacation Bible School, the Nursery, or other areas with congregants under the age of 18. 


The training will begin with a catered lunch and an opportunity to meet other volunteers serving with youth, as well as holistically learn about the children and youth ministries at St. John’s. We’ll then welcome a Guest Speaker to share communication strategies and best practices when working with children and youth, particularly those with special or unique needs. After the Guest Speaker, volunteers will divide into small groups based on ministry areas (Sunday School, Confirmation, Nursery, etc.) to meet with volunteer leads to learn more about a specific area and plan for the semester ahead. 


This is a wonderful entry point for someone looking to begin volunteering in this ministry, or for a long-time volunteer to learn new skills and connect with other volunteers. While this training is not required, it is strongly encouraged for all volunteers working with children and youth in 2025-26. 


Please RSVP to attend here!

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 4 at 10:00am Outdoors at St. John's


One of the most venerated of the saints, Francis of Assisi is associated with care of animals and the environment. It has become a practice for churches to hold ceremonies blessing animals on his feast day of 4 October, which is World Animal Day. All are invited to a Blessing of Animals on Saturday, October 4 at outdoors at St. John's! Bring your pet, a photo of your pet, or a stuffed pets for a blessing. We will have a short service of blessing and fun picture opportunities for all furry friends!


This service of blessing is presented by the St. John's Justice Making Ministry.

La Frontera: Arbitrary Lines & Red Walls (maybe black)

A Lunch & Learn with Pastor Manuel Retamoza

Sunday, October 5 at 12:30pm in The Gathering Place


St. John's welcomes Pastor Manuel Retamoza to share his personal story, discuss immigration rights, and how the word of God inspires us to act in times of injustice. Come learn over lunch and be in community as we reflect and discuss actions that embody God's love, presence and challenge in our lives.


Pastor Manuel currently serves as Pastor at St. Andrew's Church in San Diego and the Border Church at the Tijuana-San Diego border. 


Please note the suggested lunch donation of $5 per person. This lunch & learn is presented by the St. John's Justice Making Ministry.


RSVP to attend here!

LGBTQ+ History Month Book Read

Mondays in October at 7:00pm via Zoom


In honor of LGBTQ+ History Month, the Sacramento Area Rainbow Faith Alliance will hold a month-long book study - exploring The Deviant's War: The Homosexual vs. The United States of America by Eric Cervini. 


According to it's publisher, "based on firsthand accounts, recently declassified FBI records, and forty thousand personal documents, Eric Cervini's The Deviant's War unfolds over the course of the 1960s, as the Mattachine Society of Washington, the group Kameny founded, became the first organization to protest the systematic persecution of gay federal employees. It traces the forgotten ties that bound gay rights to the Black Freedom Movement, the New Left, lesbian activism, and trans resistance."


The book study will discuss five chapters each week - come be a part of the discussions!


https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84106401287?pwd=ep5jUZ4UapcDCP1B5Xdckk5ZOCJtID.1

Meeting ID: 841 0640 1287

Passcode: 379670

The Right to Exist Private Test Film Screening

Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00pm in The Gathering Place


Director Nick Anderson presents "The Right to Exist,"  a documentary exploring Sacramento’s homelessness crisis through personal stories and analysis. The film follows Camp Resolution, the self-governed, woman-run encampment whose fight for survival drew national attention.


This screening is hosted by the St. John’s Justice Making Ministry. Attendance is by invitation only, but you may request an invitation by submitting an RSVP here!

Stories of Joy: A Lunch & Learn with St. John's LGBTQ+ Ministry

Sunday, October 12 at 12:30pm in The Gathering Place


In celebration of National Coming Out Day, the LGBTQ+ Ministry of St. John's will host Stories of Joy: A Lunch & Learn! Ever wonder what all those letters mean in “LGBTQ+”? Or why there are so many pronouns? What is “coming out”? What is the story? Gather over lunch as we ask questions, learn and share stories in a safe space. Come hear and share stories of joy!


Please RSVP to attend here!

October LLL Book Club

Thursday, October 16 at 11:00am in the St. John's Library


The LLL Book Club will gather to read and discuss Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make us Whole by Susan Cain. "Cain shows how a bittersweet state of mind is the quiet force that helps us transcend our personal and collective pain, whether from a death or breakup, addiction or illness. If we don’t acknowledge our own heartache, she says, we can end up inflicting it on others via abuse, domination, or neglect. But if we realize that all humans know—or will know—loss and suffering, we can turn toward one another."

Fresh Expressions Retreat

October 17-18 at St. John's Lutheran Church


Are you passionate about reimagining church and discovering new ways to connect with your community? Are you curious about how your church can engage your neighbors more deeply? This two-day retreat is designed for innovators, dreamers, and doers who sense God’s spirit stirring something fresh in their midst. Together, we’ll explore how everyday passions—like cooking, fitness, caring for animals, or serving neighbors—can become the seeds of new Christian community.


This gathering isn’t about adding more programs, but about unleashing creativity, experimenting with new forms of church, and walking alongside others who want to see lives and neighborhoods transformed. Whether you’re a pastor or lay leader, if you’re ready to try something new, this retreat will equip and inspire you to take the next step.


Hosted by the Sierra Pacific Synod Office of the Bishop. Please RSVP to attend here!

Oktoberfest 

Saturday, October 25 from 3:00-7:00pm at St. John's


St. John’s is hosting the 2nd annual Oktoberfest! Sponsored by SKK Developments, The Handle District, and Lofing Lighting, this year's Oktoberfest will welcome  food vendors, breweries, wineries, a caricature artist, live music, and extravagant decor and ambiance for a family-friendly festival. We're thrilled to welcome:

  • Mulvaney's B&L
  • The Rind
  • Old Soul Co.
  • Mattie Groves Brewery
  • Touchstone Brewing
  • Kirchhoff Family Wine
  • KC Kombucha

Admission is free and food + drink tickets will be available at the door! Invite a neighbor or a friend, Prost!