Applications are officially open for the 2027 Gathering Planning Teams! Whether you’re all about logistics,
storytelling, worship, or community, there’s a team for your gifts. This is your chance to help shape something unforgettable. Let’s build it together. Apply now through June 30. To learn more, visit: elca.org/Gathering
Registration is now OPEN for Community VBS 2025! Join us July 20–24 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock
Falls for True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World—an unforgettable week of adventure, worship, and faith-building fun for kids entering Pre-K through 5th grade. VBS runs from 6:00–8:00 PM each night, with a free dinner served at 5:30 PM. We’re also looking for volunteers (6th grade through adult) to help lead games, crafts, music, Bible stories, and more. Whether you love being on stage or serving behind the scenes, there’s a place for you! Scan the QR code to register kids or sign up to volunteer. Let’s help kids discover that when life gets wild, Jesus is our True North!
We host Sunday School classes for all ages from mid-September to mid-May annually. Check the Calendar for exact dates and times of classes.
7th-9th grade students, staff and parent leaders gather each Wednesday evening from September through May with their peers from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Falls, using the “Co-laborate” Confirmation curriculum. This two-and-a-half-year program involves parent participation, learning, service to others, and safe, fun events led by caring adults.
Our junior high and high school students meet regularly throughout the year for classes, service events, fun events and trips. Events are updated and advertised on the Calendar, and on our Branches Youth & Family Ministries Facebook page.
Each summer St. John’s participates in the Sterling-Rock Falls CommUNITY VBS (a collaboration of local congregations providing VBS as a free 1-week event for families in our communities with Pre-K age 4 through fifth grade). Location moves to a new church location each year. VBS Meets in the evening, Sunday through Thursday, with a free dinner each night.
