Dear Partners in the Gospel:

Ah, can we breathe a bit easier? We start this summer more hopeful and less fearful than last summer. That's good news! It doesn't mean that Covid is a thing of the past (certainly not in large swaths of the world). But it does mean we have some of our freedoms back and some of our activities back.

We'd like to put all this pandemic stuff behind us. It's been exhausting. Some have lost loved ones. Others have not regained their health. There are parts of this ordeal we want to forget. And there are parts of it we dare not forgot! (Bishop Paul Erickson reminds us: "The choices and sacrifices you have made have saved lives!" I believe that, too!)

One thing I do not want to forget is to say thank you! We have adjusted, adapted, sacrificed, and navigated this time as a church-together. We have found ways to worship, to care for one another, and do our essential work. We have discovered anew that God is good, and that the Lord does provide!

Let me also share a special word of thanks for Wendy and managing the office and our communications. And for Marcia and Bonnie and Tim and the Celebration Team and the Bell Choir for continuing to make a joyful noise to the Lord! And for singers: Ty, Scott, Kim, Kristen, and Kassi. And for extra gifts of music from people like Jake and Kayla and Paul and Jim and Becky. Worship is how we praise God and recharge!

And worship wouldn't have happened without our Tech folks, especially: Jenny & Scott Trick, Sam & Ed Eisenhauer, Scott Kinter, and our Power Point helpers. Thanks to ushers and readers too!

We share our extra gratitude also for Staci (Sunday School Coordinator), Confirmation Guides-Megan, Nicole, and Jamie, First Communion Leaders-Ellen and Kathy, Education Team, parents and students for the efforts that have helped teach the faith at church and in the home!

I'm thankful we have a Church Council that is thoughtful and responsive! And Committees and Teams that have kept going! And our Youth Ministry Interns: Kassidy and Michael, and our Youth Ministry Team and our Prayer Team who have been working faithfully all along the way.

And then there's all of you who have reached out, stayed connected, demonstrated patience, given generously, and pitched in as needed. To our custodians Darlene & Gerald; to Altar Guild helpers; to outdoor worship setter-uppers and pickup truck-lenders; to Keith filling up groundhog excavations and Susan watering plants; and Barb and Dick tending plantings and Scott taking care of the yard; to card writers and phone callers and everyone else whom I couldn't possibly list by name-Thank you! Asante sana! You are a blessing. And we are blessed as a church community!

Oh, and one more group: there are some of you who have been bold enough to look for a church during the pandemic, and you've joined in, online or in-person. Thank you for finding St. John's! We pray you experience God's welcome among us.

Our friends at All Peoples' Church use the tag line "We are better together!" That has never been more true! Thank you! -Pastor Paul