St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church

3800 East Third Street

Bloomington, Indiana 47401

(812) 332-5252

News & Events

Worship with Holy Communion at 8:30 and 10:15 a.m. Sundays

On Wednesday evenings, LCM students meet at Rose House at 6:30 p.m. for a relaxing midweek meal, faith conversation, and fellowship.



Monthly Emphasis for the Food Pantry

St. Thomas support of MCUM continues to increase substantially. The increase is the good news; the bad news is that the tremendous need goes on.

Please remember the poor on your next shopping trip and remember this month's focus of greatest need is Jell-o, pudding mixes, Ramen noodles, all kinds of canned food. Non-food items needed are laundry detergent, and size 5-6 diapers.

Reminder: Perishable, expired or home-canned foods or open food packages are not accepted.

July 13 to 18, 2008

Pioneers at Lutheran Hills

A lively week packed with activities for upper elementary youth entering grades 4-6: hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, Bible study, singing, campfire programs, small group and all camp games. $260.

Trailblazers at Lutheran Hills

A week geared for young teens entering grades 7-9, involving more advanced activities and more individual choice than for younger campers. Activities included: Bible study, canoe/hiking trips, swimming, a cookout/campout, campfire programs, and special evening activities. $260.

Friday July 18, 2008

[ACNS News: Retreat provides a strong foundation for the work ahead]

[ACNS News: Spouses begin to share their stories]

[ACNS News: Book Launch of 'Marriage, Mitres and Myself' by Jane Williams]

[ELCA News: ELCA Wittenberg University's alumni embark on 7,000-mile tour ]

[ELCA News: Northwest Synod of Wisconsin earns discount in contributions to health plan]

[ENS News: Lambeth Conference Daily Account: New Jersey Bishop George Councell]

[LWF News: LWF President Hanson Assures Zimbabwean Churches of Lutheran Solidarity]

[Religion and Ethics Newsweekly News: Lambeth Preview]

[Religion and Ethics Newsweekly News: Police Chief with Altzheimer's]

[Religion and Ethics Newsweekly News: Sweeping the Graves]

[Religion and Ethics Newsweekly News: The Next Anglicanism?]

[WCC News: Churches' feedback greatly needed, committee says]

[WCC News: WCC congratulates Nelson Mandela on his 90th birthday]

Saturday July 19, 2008

Young Women's Group meets at 10:00 a.m. at the Bakehouse.

Retired's Group Event

Meet in the St. Thomas parking lot at 4:30 p.m. to carpool to dinner and then to the Bloomington Community Band concert at McCormick's Creek State Park. Please RSVP to Jane Warner.

The Bloomington Community Band invites all members of St. Thomas to a very special 30th anniversary concert at the McCormick's Creek State Park Amphitheater at 7:30 p.m. Parking is available in the area and the newly remodeled therater is easily accessible. The concert is free: park admission fees will apply. There are benches for seating; however a lawn chair would add to your comfort. The concert will not only celebrate the Bloomington Community Band's birthday, but recognize member of the band and the people of St. Thomas for their years of contribution and support. Many members of our church have been participants throughtout the years. It would be nice to have a sizable group there to represent St. Thomas. Sitting in with the band will be Tony Sadlon, a senior at IU and an outstanding trumpeter. Don't forget this is the night of the famous kazoo feature. In case of inclement weather at the park, the concert would be cancelled.

[ENS News: Preparing congregations for mission is focus of Black Ministries Triennial Conference]

[ENS News: Lambeth Conference Daily Account: El Camino Real Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves and Chicago Bishop Jeffrey Lee]

[ENS News: Bishops say Lambeth retreat set strong foundation for conference]

Carl Ziegler's Birthday

July 20 to 25, 2008

Performing Arts Camp (grades 5 to 10) at Lutheran Hills

A special week offered at Lutheran Hills. Performing Arts Camp is for youth who love singing and performing. Campers spend 4-5 hours each day working on a high energy Christian musical. A final choreographed production is presented to parents, families, and participants of XYZ Day on Friday afternoon, July 25 at 1:30 pm. Mr. Bob Sisson returns for his 15th season as director. $260.

Guitar Camp (grades 6 to 9) at Lutheran Hills

A week for beginning guitarists who want to learn to play their favorite camp songs, refine guitar skills, or simply want to learn playing the guitar for the first time. Along with the usual great camp activities, participants spend three hours daily in class. Luke Simpson, professional musician, will lead the program and be assisted by other guitar-playing summer staff. Participants will take home a personal copy of the camp songbook, give a guitar concert at a local nursing home, and play a concert for family members prior to Friday afternoon pickup on July 25. (This same program is also offered at Lake Luther, June 10-15). $260.

July 20, 2008

Tenth Sunday After Pentecost (Lectionary 16) (Liturgical Color: Green)

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart to revere your name. (Psalm 86: 11)
Worship at 8:30 a.m.

The liturgy is reprinted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, setting 1 copyright © 2006 by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

A Time of Preparation

Prelude: Prelude on "Father, We Thank Thee" — Robert Powell

Entrance Hymn: Gather Us In (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 532)

Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: Isaiah 44: 6-8
Responsive Reading: Psalm 86: 11-17
Second Lesson: Romans 8: 12-25
Holy Gospel: Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43

Homily: Pastor Kelli Skram

Hymn of the Day: Sing to the Lord of Harvest (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 694)

Responses to the Word

Offertory Anthem: Sonata VI, Op. 5 — Johann Joachim Quantz

Anna and Sarah Isaacson, flute duo

The Liturgy of Holy Eucharist

Communion Hymn: Father, We Thank You (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 478)

Communion Hymn: We Come to the Hungry Feast (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 479)

Sending Hymn: Sent Foth by God's Blessing (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 547)

Postlude: March for a Joyous Occasion — Conrad Susa

Presider: Doug Bauder

Deacon: Kris Stewart

Lector: Mike Laros

Acolyte: Haley Garl

Server: Jean Brown

Ushers: Jim and Marti Doering

Greeters: Bruce and Susan Colston

Council Coordinator: Melissa Eichmiller

Worship at 10:15 a.m.

The liturgy is reprinted from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, setting 1 copyright © 2006 by permission of Augsburg Fortress.

A Time of Preparation

Prelude: Prelude on "Father, We Thank Thee" — Robert Powell

Entrance Hymn: Gather Us In (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 532)

Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: Isaiah 44: 6-8
Responsive Reading: Psalm 86: 11-17
Second Lesson: Romans 8: 12-25
Holy Gospel: Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43

Homily: Pastor Kelli Skram

Hymn of the Day: Sing to the Lord of Harvest (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 694)

Responses to the Word

Offertory Anthem: Sonata VI, Op. 5 — Johann Joachim Quantz

Anna and Sarah Isaacson, flute duo

The Liturgy of Holy Eucharist

Communion Hymn: Father, We Thank You (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 478)

Communion Hymn: We Come to the Hungry Feast (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 479)

Sending Hymn: Sent Foth by God's Blessing (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 547)

Postlude: March for a Joyous Occasion — Conrad Susa

Presider: Doug Bauder

Deacon: Ben Eichmiller

Lector: Margrethe O'Connor

Acolyte: Bailey Arnold

Server: Rita Pavolka

Usher: Kaye Hill

Greeter: Chris Ogan

Nursery: Sandy and Sydney Arnold

Council Coordinators: Brad Dahlberg and Dennis Delap

Altar Care: Beverly Lingvai and Renée Steele

Bread and Wine: Allan and Helen Mayfield

Flowers: Carolyn Sowinski and Carl Ziegler

Youth Lake Event following the worship service.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, water bottle and snacks. Hot dogs, hamburgers, brats, mac & cheese, lemonade and ice cream will be provided. RSVP to Doug Doblar.

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily Interview: Sue Parks Lambeth Conference Organiser]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Spouses Conference Plenary Session - Family Life]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Sermon given by the Right Reverend Duleep de Chickera, the Bishop of Colombo]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Order of Service from Today's Lambeth Conference Eucharist]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Cathedral Welcomes International Anglican Family]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Dr Williams calls for reflection and a focus on strengthening the Communion]

[ENS News: Lambeth Conference welcomes ecumenical partners]

[ENS News: Lambeth Conference worship highlights diversity, conflict]

[ENS News: Archbishop of Canterbury delivers Lambeth Conference presidential address]

[ENS News: Lambeth Conference Daily Account: San Diego Bishop James Mathes and Western Massachusetts Bishop Gordon Scruton]

[ENS News: Lambeth Conference structure meant for 'intense engagement,' planners say]

Monday July 21, 2008

Spinners and Weavers meets at 7:00 p.m.

Bloomington Community Band rehearses at 7:00 p.m. in Heritage Hall.

August Newsletter Deadline

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Primate of Japan prays for peace and friendship with Korea]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Audio from Today's Press Conference]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Church should lead way on curbing demand for prostitution, advocate says]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Korean Peace Project]

[ELCA News: Thrivent Financial to Fund Lutheran Efforts for Midwest Flood Relief]

[ENS News: Lambeth Peace Project hopes to tell Korea's story to Anglicans]

[ENS News: Lambeth Conference Daily Account: Bishops Neil Alexander of Atlanta, Don Johnson of West Tennessee, Cate Waynick of Indianapolis]

[ENS News: Lambeth panel explores questions of Anglican identity, postcolonialism]

[PNS News: Survey suggests 'unchurched' are a fluid group]

[PNS News: Southern African churches want economic sanctions on Zimbabwe]

[PNS News: Inter-religious dialogue is a top concern for WCC and Ecumenical Patriarchate]

[Religion and Ethics Newsweekly News: Rick Warren: A Broad Moral Agenda]

[UCC News: Kinnamon: NY Times, CBS poll on race stresses need for "sacred conversations"]

[UCC News: UCC youth gather for NYE 2008]

[WCC News: Inter-religious dialogue is a top concern for WCC and Ecumenical Patriarchate ]

Kari Isaacson's Birthday
Alexis Smith's Birthday

Tuesday July 22, 2008

Women's Yoga meets at 10:00 a.m. in Heritage Hall.

Youth Group at MCUM from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

[ACNS News: Evangelist praises passion of bishops]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Vocation Vocation Vocation]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: A Chat with Brian McLaren]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Lambeth — the Market Place]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Working things out at Lambeth!]

[ENS News: Emergent evangelist challenges Lambeth Conference to speak to a new world]

[ENS News: Lambeth Conference Daily Account: Bishops Nathan Baxter of Central Pennsylvania, Bruce Caldwell of Wyoming]

[ENS News: Sudanese primate wants Robinson's resignation]

[ENS News: Bishops at Lambeth engage questions of evangelism]

[ENS News: Lambeth Digest, Day 2]

[PNS News: Sabbath-keeping key to experiencing God's love, Yaconelli tells Cascades conferees]

[PNS News: East Iowa Presbytery appeals for immediate help: Structural engineer, home inspector, volunteers needed ASAP]

[UCC News: Steeples to the People off and running]

Mary Magdalen, Apostle (Liturgical Color: White)

But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, to tell of all your works. (Psalm 73: 28)

Haley Chrzastowski's Birthday

Wednesday July 23, 2008

Habitat for Humanity Pitch-in at 6:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church for all congregations involved in the interfaith build — bring a dish to share and come join the fellowship. Please sign up in the narthex by the 21st if you plan to attend.

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: The church needs apologists, not apologisers, Cardinal Dias says]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Women's needs must be met to meet Millennium goals]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Anglican Church Provides Education in Developing Countries]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Statement of the Sudanese Bishops to the Lambeth Conference on the Situation in Sudan]

[ACNS News: Lambeth Daily: Bishops need to be 'permission givers' to fresh expressions]

[ENS News: Cardinal to Lambeth: Be proactive, not reactive, in combating 'culture of death']

[PNS News: Construction firm for new Louisville arena leases Presbyterian Center space]

[PNS News: Peacemaking and the 'mustard seed': Conference-goers urged to confront poverty, work for justice]

[PNS News: 'A little picture of heaven': Immigrants' dreams and visions forge a new multicultural church]

[Religion and Ethics Newsweekly News: Kim Lawton: Religious Voters on Vice-Presidential Possibilities ]

[Religion and Ethics Newsweekly News: Religious Voters and Election 2008: Picking a Vice President]

Birgitta of Sweden, renewer of the church, 1373 (Liturgical Color: White)

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. (Psalm 46: 7)

Thursday July 24, 2008

Andrew Fawbush's Birthday

Friday July 25, 2008

Organ Recital at 7:00 p.m.

XYZ Senior Citizen Day at Lutheran Hills

XYZ Day is the annual gathering of senior citizens from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Lutheran Hills program includes morning Bible study, a noon luncheon, and the Lutheran Hills Performing Arts Camp final performance at 2:00 pm. This event is sponsored by the Indiana-Kentucky Synod Committee on Older Adult Ministry and is FREE to senior citizens and their guests.

Meet at the church at 9:15 a.m. to carpool. RSVP to Jane Warner.

St. James, Apostle (Liturgical Color: Red)

God is my shield, who saves the upright in heart. (Psalm 7: 10)

Saturday July 26, 2008

Ana Hanson's Birthday

July 27 to August 1, 2008

Pioneers at Lutheran Hills

A lively week packed with activities for upper elementary youth entering grades 4-6: hiking, swimming, arts and crafts, Bible study, singing, campfire programs, small group and all camp games. $260.

Trailblazers at Lutheran Hills

A week geared for young teens entering grades 7-9, involving more advanced activities and more individual choice than for younger campers. Activities included: Bible study, canoe/hiking trips, swimming, a cookout/campout, campfire programs, and special evening activities. $260.

July 27 to 31, 2008

Friendship Trek, our 2008 VBS, will be held July 27-31 with supper from 5:30-6 and fun activities from 6-8. If you'd like to participate either as a student or as a leader, please sign up in the narthex on Sunday morning or contact Tiffany Shupe or Sharon Fawbush. We're looking forward to a great time learning about Jesus, our Forever Friend!

July 27, 2008

Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost (Lectionary 17) (Liturgical Color: Green)

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119: 130)
Worship at 9:30 a.m.
Liturgy of the Word
First Lesson: 1 Kings 3: 5-12
Responsive Reading: Psalm 119: 129-136
Second Lesson: Romans 8: 26-39
Holy Gospel: Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52

Deacon: Carolyn Sowinski

Lector: Mike Laros

Acolyte: Kaleb Rich

Server: David Ellies

Ushers: Frank and Mary Lou Nierzwicki

Greeters: John and Renée Steele

Council Coordinator: Deborah O'Brien

Altar Care: Barb Unger and Karen Blaisdell

Bread and Wine: Frank and Mary Lou Nierzwicki

Flowers: David Ellies

Jaydene Laros' Birthday
Dawn Smith's Birthday
Carolyn Sowinski's Birthday

Monday July 28, 2008

Vacation Bible School from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Bloomington Community Band rehearses at 7:00 p.m. in Heritage Hall.

Johann Sebastian Bach, 1750; Heinrich Schütz, 1672; George Frederick Handel, 1759, musicians (Liturgical Color: White)

Worship the Lord in holy splendor; tremble before him, all the earth. (Psalm 96: 9)

Ashley Reynolds' Birthday
Carl Smith's Birthday

Tuesday July 29, 2006

Vacation Bible School from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany (Liturgical Color: White)

Olaf, King of Norway, martyr, 1030 (Liturgical Color: Red)

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult in you. (Psalm 5: 11)

Wednesday July 30, 2008

Vacation Bible School from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Natalie Johnson's Birthday

Thursday July 31, 2008

Vacation Bible School from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Hannah Wood's Birthday

August 1 to 3, 2008

Family Weekend at Lutheran Hills

A special weekend (Friday evening through Sunday noon) for families of all shapes and sizes. Housing is provided comfortable Shedron Lodge, our cabins, or tent/RV camping at our lake campground. For more information, check out the Family Camp page.

The 2008 "Coming of Age" Lutheran Men's Gathering will be held at the Hilton Hotel and Qwest Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Featured speakers include Tom Osborne, interim athletic director, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Osborne was head football coach of the Cornhuskers for 25 years, helping the school claim three national titles before he was inducted in 1999 to the College Football Hall of Fame. Nebraska's 3rd Congressional District elected him to three terms during 2001-2007 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Gathering's purpose is to bring men of all ages into a deeper relationship with God and assist younger and older men in building intergenerational relationships. A 48,000-square-foot interactive center will include room for building Habitat for Humanity sheds, high-ropes courses and other games.

For more information and to register, visit the Men in Mission Web site.

Friday August 1, 2008

Lammas - Christian

Fast in honor of Holy Mother of Lord Jesus - Orthodox Christian

Saturday August 2, 2008

Indiana-Kentucky Synod Finance Committee meets in the Synod Office Chapel.

Ron Brown's Birthday

Last update: Wednesday 23 July 2008 16:35

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