New Church Office Hours
Please note these new church office hours beginning in January! The church office will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00am-4:00pm.
January Special Offerings
Whiteside County Senior Center The Whiteside County Senior Center will be the recipient of the January 2026 Special Offerings. This facility provides companionship, conversation, and community for seniors year-round. Their services include shared meals, game days, wellness checks, and education. During the holiday season, not all seniors have family nearby with whom they can celebrate. […]
Choosing A Pet For Your Health & Lifestyle
Pets are known to improve the lives of their human family members. Not only are pets great companions, but they can also boost your mental physical health and your social life. Most people can find a pet to love, no matter their health concerns. Talk to pet adoption coordinators about finding a good match for […]
New Guidelines For High Blood Pressure
If you haven’t talked to your doctor lately about your blood pressure, it may be time for a check-up. The definition of high blood pressure (hypertension) changed in November 2017, when the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released new guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of the condition. High blood pressure used […]
December Special Offerings
The Special Offerings for December have once again been designated by the Congregation Council to be donated to the Sterling Buddy Bag Program. The need for this community food program becomes more pronounced each month. Food insecurity in our community is often related to housing insecurity, and both issues affect our school-age children. The food […]
Share Your Time & Talents at St. John’s
Hello, St John’s Family! Since our congregation has become considerably smaller in recent years, we have fewer hands to help with our church services, committees, and activities. There are many components needed to keep our church thriving, and just a handful of people are helping. Prayerfully consider sharing some of your time or talents. Below […]
Poinsettias Wanted!
Poinsettias are wanted to decorate St. John’s Chancel for Christmas.You can order from the group order or purchase your own. If you purchase your own poinsettia and plan on picking it up, please place a tag on it with your name and bring it to the church no earlier than December 23rd. All poinsettias should […]
November Special Offerings
The November Special Offerings will support the LSSI Holiday Hope Chest initiative. This program establishes a wish list for a child being served by Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. Gifts are purchased from that list to be given at Christmas. The St. John’s Children’s Offerings are also supporting this program, and our youth will purchase items for […]
How to Treat a Nosebleed
Most everyone experiences an occasional nosebleed. It can be scary, but usually it’s a minor annoyance. Common nosebleed causes can include change of seasons, dryness, scratching certain medications and injuries. People on blood thinners may have worse nosebleeds than others. Most nosebleeds stop on their own or stop after a few self-care steps: Talk to […]
Cold Sore Care
A cold sore is a fluid-filled blister — or a group of blisters — that typically develops around the lips. It’s caused by the herpes simplex virus, which is typically passed from skin-to-skin contact. To manage cold sores: Stop the spread — Avoid touching the sore, as that can make it worse and lead to […]
October Special Offerings
UMC Loaves & Fishes Program The special offerings for October have once again been designated by the Congregation Council to be donated to the First United Methodist Church Loaves and Fishes program. This program, located at 501 Broadway, relies solely on contributions to host a free community breakfast and serve more than 400 breakfasts per […]
September Special Offerings
Lutheran Social Service of Illinois (LSSI) has served in our state since 1867. It is one of the largest nonprofit, statewide social service providers and welcomes and serves people from diverse backgrounds. Critical social and human services include foster care, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment, affordable senior housing, home care services for older […]
Who Should Get The Shingles Vaccine?
The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for adults ages 50 or older, even if you: It’s unclear how long you should wait to get the shingles vaccine if you’ve just had shingles. At a minimum. Wait until after all signs of shingles have resolved. Some experts recommend waiting a year. Don’t get the vaccine if […]
Seeking Student Musicians
This summer, the UNITE churches are again hosting student musicians from the Sterling/Rock Falls area. This includes any student completing 7th grade – a just graduated college student. We ask that students share a piece with us at St. John’s and then arrange to play that piece at other UNITE congregations, where you will be […]
God’s Work Our Hands – Cledy’s House of Hope
Cledy’s House of Hope was introduced in the May newsletter as a Tri Church God’s Work Our Hands project. Cledy’s is a sober living home for women with a current wait list of 10 women located in the former Arrowwood facility in Rock Falls and next to the former Rock Falls Rehab Nursing Home. On Sunday, […]