January 30, 2026---------

This Sunday's Sermon: 
"A Sermon of Hope for the Poor"

Sunday @ 10:00 am

This week's Gospel lesson is from Matthew 5:1-12, which contains the "Beatitudes."

Join us in the pews, in the Zoom or streamed on facebook. Preview the service here.

Refresh - Refresh - Refresh

Ashleigh Altemann is taking a break from teaching to take some time to refresh. With all that's going on in the world it can be hard to refresh.

FREE Concert

THIS SUNDAY!!! February 1 @ 4:00 pm

Back by popular demand! Sean Michael Jackman (piano and organ), this time joined by MinkYung Lee (violin) and Timothy Michling (oboe and pipes) once again presents a program of music on themes of Light and Darkness as we celebrate "the season of light" at the darkest time of the year.

The concert will be followed by a reception with refreshments and you will be able to meet the artists. There will be a free-will offering, but the program is FREE and open to all!

Invite your friends! Here's a flyer to share! Here's a video message from Sean Michael

In Christian sympathy we express our condolences to the family and friends of Linda Percy who passed away last week.

Her memorial service will take place this evening, Friday, January 30 @ 5:00 pm at:

St. John Lutheran Church
23225 Gill Rd.
Farmington Hills MI 48335 (map)

Following the service there will be a dinner in the MPR. All are welcome to attend. The family requests that guests not wear black, and in lieu of flowers, they will have an opportunity to donate to a local charity.

Rest eternal grant Linda, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon her.

Speaking Peace

Thursday, February 12 @ 6:00 pm

St. John welcomes Lauren Fisher - Director of Development and Campaigns for Lighthouse for a peace talk about sharing hope with those who are struggling in North Oakland County and the legacy of the larger church in supporting these efforts.

We begin with a light meal at 6:00 pm, and follow with a presentation and Q&A. This free event is open to all and offers a valuable opportunity to engage, learn, and reflect on strengthening communities. Child care can be provided on request. This event is FREE and open to all. Click here to register in advance.

The First Thursday

Thursday, February 5 @ 6:00 pm

We gather on the first Thursday of each month for fellowship, food and conversation. Please bring:

• a dish to share
•  a beverage
• friends!

Enjoy Music and Fight Hunger!

Saturday, January 31 beginning at 4:00 pm 
at the South Lyon Theater

Firenight Records Presents Ernesto & Friends Midwinter Concert Benefitting Active Faith Food Pantry.

Come for a night of music and giving back at the South Lyon Theater aka The Lyon Theater in South Lyon. Ernesto and his talented friends will be performing live to support the amazing work of Active Faith. Enjoy great music and make a positive impact on our community. Jean Marie and the Lads start off the festivities at 4:00 pm. More information here. Get tickets here.

New Years Celebration with St. John House

We celebrated Happy New Year 2026 with our St. John Residents on January 7 in the MPR room. There was pizza, pop, cookies, Bingo and prizes. A good time was had by all. Look for our movie and popcorn event at the Civic Theater on Sunday, February 15. Come and join Ryan, Nick, Michael and our Team for GOAT.

We will meet at the theater around 3:15 or so. Movie starts at 3:40. The guys are transported there by a CLC staff member who accompanies them on all activities. You don't have to join our team to enjoy an activity with St. John House.  

If you are interested in joining our team or just finding out about our mission, please call Karol Niskanen at 248 470 5023. We are always looking for ideas and activities for our guys at St John House. Just pass them along or show up at one of our activities.  

Thank You!

We received a lovely Thank You note from Neighborhood House for our participation in the 2025 Adopt-a-Family program. Thanks to all who provided gifts! Read it here.

Synod Assembly

Friday and Saturday, May 29-30

Each year, representatives from all the congregations in the SEMI Synod gather to do the business of the church. At the Annual Meeting on March 8 we will elect two people to represent St. John. If you think you might be interested, please speak to John Dresden, Glenn Ming or Pastor Mark.

This year's assembly will be at St. John! We will have 250-300 guest in our building for two days! Watch for opportunities to participate in providing hospitality to our guests.

Support CARES of Farmington Hills!

Thank you for your food/personal care/cleaning product contributions for our neighbors in need. Please continue to buy a couple of items each week and bring them to the shelf by the coffee area. If you are a Meijer shopper, they have gone to a pricing policy where you need to buy two (or 3) of an item to get a good sale price. Why not bring the extra to CARES? Thank you for your participation in this important ministry. For more information click this link. 

Thursday Bible Study

Thursdays @ 10:30 am in the conference room

Each week, Pastor Mark leads a study of the coming Sunday's lessons. Lessons for February 1 are:

• Isaiah 58:1-12 The fast God chooses.
• Psalm 112:1-10 Light shines in the darkness for the upright.
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-16 God’s wisdom revealed through the Spirit.
• Matthew 5:13-20 The teaching of Christ: salt and light.

Men's Breakfast

Thursdays @ 7:00 am

All men are welcome! We gather every Thursday morning at 7:00 am for fellowship. We order breakfast at 8:00 and begin Bible study shortly after. Please join us at:

L. George's Restaurant

24250 Sinacola

Farmington 48335 map

Commemorations This Week

Monday, February 2, 2026

Presentation of Our Lord

Forty days after the birth of Jesus we mark the day Mary and Joseph presented him in the temple in accordance with Jewish law. There they were greeted by Simeon, an aged priest who offered the song "Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace," as well as by the prophet Anna, who spoke of the redemption of Israel.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Ansgar, Bishop of Hamburg, missionary to Denmark and Sweden, 
died 865

A monk who helped bring Christianity to Scandinavia, Ansgar returned to Germany where he was named bishop of Hamburg. He is remembered for his love for poor people.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

The Martyrs of Japan, died 1597

Christianity was brought to Japan in the sixteenth century by Jesuit and Franciscan missionaries. The religion was suppressed, however, and in 1597 twenty-six missionaries and converts were crucified. Nevertheless, Christianity survived and later prospered.

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