Missions

     St.John's has a long history of being a mission minded congregation. The motto that appears on the back of our bulletin every Sunday states that we are "A Christ centered church in the center of Elgin reaching out to our community and beyond with the Gospel of Jesus Christ." The "beyond" is very important to us. Under God's blessings St.John's reaches beyond its own walls with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the following ways:

     THROUGH DISTRICT AND SYNOD - Each year the members of St.John's contribute about 10% of their regular offerings to support the work at large of our district and synod. Last year the treasurer remitted over $39,000 to the Northern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. About half of the gifts are used to support work in our own district, including new mission congregations and district programs to strengthen existing congregations; and the other half is sent to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod to support world missions, colleges and seminaries, congregational services and other national programs.

     THROUGH SUPPORTING MISSION WORK IN KRYGYSTAN - We are raising $10,000 to help build a new church in Kyrgyzstan as we support the work of missionaries Bob and Sue Pfiel

     THROUGH OUR CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL - Over the years our Christian Day School has been instrumental in reaching many unchurched families and children of our community, and has proven to be a major entry point for many new members. Our school ministry is an important part of the larger mission of St.John's: To welcome people in Christ's love, equip them to be bold disciples, and send them to live for Jesus.

     THROUGH NEIGHBORHOOD PROGRAMS - In the past a group of dedicated volunteers distributed over a thousand copies of the JESUS video in both English and Spanish to homes in our immediate neighborhood. This was followed by a personal survey offering free Bibles and other material to interested families. In past years St.John's has also hosted a Kid's Co-op and tutoring program through Riverwoods Christian Center, helping needy families in the community.

     THROUGH SHARING OUR STAFF WITH THE CHURCH AT LARGE - Our pastors and teachers regularly serve the church at large through volunteering for elected and appointed positions in our circuit and district.

     THROUGH EACH MEMBER OF ST.JOHN'S - Members at St.John's know that "missions" begin with them-- their prayers, gifts, and personal involvement in sharing Christ with their friends and neighbors.