April 10, 2021

In Person Services Resume

We are currently hosting in person worship services at 9:00am each Sunday. It is so good to be back in church and able to worship together,
but let us remember that there are still guidelines. Everyone is encouraged to wear a face mask, respect social distancing and continue to wash and sanitize your hands. We look forward to seeing you at a service soon.

One exception to our weekly services will be June 20, 2021.  Our congregation is taking part in the community church service with Prairieland Christian Church. Join us at the bandstand in uptown Hartsburg, Illinois and share in the community-wide celebration of faith.

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April 17, 2018

Participate in St. John’s Outreach

There is always time to participate in St. John’s outreach programs. Prayers and generous donations of time or monetary support are always appreciated! Here are a couple ways you can get involved this spring.

Global Barnyard

ELCA Good Gifts provides more than 50 different gift-giving options that grow the church, fight hunger and transform lives. One of those is the Global Barnyard initiative. St. John’s Hartsburg is collecting donations for the Barnyard and we’re hoping to surpass last year’s total.

In 2017, we were able to purchase 5 piglets, 2 goats, 5 chicks, 1 rooster, a share of a cow, 3 sets of water purifications tablets and school fees and uniforms for 3 girls. These gifts keep on giving and help people around the world. Thank you for your help in providing these gifts.

Lutheran World Relief

The LWR group had another successful day, completing 14 quilts. The crew consisted of Nancy, Doris, Geneva, Ruth, John, Don, Ron, Dean, Marilyn and Myrna.  A big thanks to Nancy who brought completed quilts from home and the ones that were put together and stitched by the working crew. The knotting team had very little down time.

As always the day ended with lots of good food for lunch. We can always use an extra pair of hands, even if you can only work for a short period of time. Our next work day will be April 25 at 9:00am. Hope to see you there!

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November 23, 2014

Service of Solace to be Held December 7

As we start Advent and preparatioSt. John's Alter - Closens for Christmas, we often find ourselves over-scheduled and tense. For those dealing with the recent or impending death of a loved one, sadly the holidays can be a very dreary time.

For all those facing anxiety and loss, St. John’s Hartsburg is hosting a Service of Solace – a time to worship, share memories and remember those we hold dear but are no longer with us. As a community of faith, we share in each other’s joys and pain. All are invited to join together for a quiet service interspersed with songs and a hopeful message for those who are grieving.

According to Pastor Lisa Goodwin, the service will be a time to reflect but also to celebrate and be thankful.

“The Service of Solace is a time we set aside to pause and honor those we miss, especially at Christmas,” Goodwin said. “We gather together in fellowship to sing traditional Christmas songs and remember the blessings God has given on each of us.”

The service will take place at 4:00pm on Sunday December 7. A soup supper will be served in the church fellowship hall directly following the service.

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November 3, 2014

Praise and Pie Scheduled for November 26

In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, St. John’s Hartsburg will host its annual “Praise and Pie” service on Wednesday, November 26 at Pie & Praise Graphic7:00pm.

The service, led by several ladies in the congregation, will feature scripture readings and songs relating to Thanksgiving. Refreshments including pie and coffee will be served after the service.

Praise and Pie is a tradition started several years ago at St. John’s to give our congregation time to share the blessings that have been bestowed on our community. A time to come together as a church family and reflect on what makes us truly thankful.

What better way to praise the Lord and enjoy holiday fellowship? Out of town family and friends are more than welcome to attend!

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July 20, 2014

Pastor Lisa Goodwin Installed at St. John’s

St. John’s Lutheran Church will install Pastor Lisa Goodwin during a special ceremony on Sunday, July 27, 2014 at 2:00pm.  Community residents and present and past church members are invited to join the celebration.St. Johns Lutheran Church Pastor Lisa Goodwin Installation

Both church council members and Pastor Lisa are pleased to make this position official.  She has served as interim pastor for more than a year.

“When I was called to serve as interim pastor at St. John’s, I knew immediately I would enjoy working with the congregation,” said Pastor Goodwin.  “I am honored they called me to serve this congregation and that the ELCA leadership approved the placement.”

Council members agree that Goodwin is a good fit for the church.

“Pastor Goodwin brings a sense of community,” said Tom Anderson, church council president.  “At some point we have all been able to relate to a story or message that she shared and have appreciated her leadership and guidance.”

The installation will be conducted by Bishop John Roth. Roth serves as Bishop for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s Central/Southern Illinois Synod.  Pastors and other officials from the Synod have been invited to attend the ceremony.

The day will begin with a Service of Holy Communion at 9:00am.  The installation service will start at 2:00pm with a reception and refreshments immediately following the service in the church meeting hall.

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October 15, 2013

Welcome Interim Pastor Lisa Goodwin

The Church Council is pleased to welcome Lisa Goodwin as Interim Pastor for St. John’s congregation.

Pastor Lisa joins us from Anchor, Illinois where her husband, Stephen, serves as Pastor. She recently celebrated her 25th year in the ministry having served congregations in Iowa, Virginia and Illinois.

In addition to her interim duties, she volunteers at her husband’s church – mostly working with youth.

Lisa studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, and after being inspired by her involvement with campus ministry there, pursued ordination at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago.

We’re excited she can join us while the Call Committee continues the search process for a permanent pastor.

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