ALTAR FLOWERS
Today the altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of our sister, Martha Ann Richardson, by Julia, Clarence and Joe Richardson.
 
SC SYNOD ASSEMBLY
The South Carolina Synod Assembly was still ongoing at the Brookland Baptist Banquet and Conference Center in West Columbia, SC, when these announcements were prepared. The Assembly convened on Thursday, June 11, 2026, and will conclude on Saturday, June 13, 2026. At the end of Friday’s session and after the fourth ballot, two candidates remained for the election of bishop to a six-year term: the Rev. Rick Carter and the Rev. Wade Roof.

The bishop is elected by ecclesiastical ballot. In an ecclesiastical ballot, the first written ballot functions as a nominating ballot. Nominees from the first ballot may remove their names for consideration before the second ballot. Subsequent ballots narrow the field until a nominee receives the required number of votes for election.

The bishop serves as the synod’s pastor and as the synod’s chief executive and administrative officer. The newly elected bishop officially takes office on September 1, 2026, and ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry will install the new bishop on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

We thank Pastor Michele, Don Alcorn, and Jan Samson for attending the Assembly and for serving as St. John’s voting members.

COUNCIL MEETING
Council will hold its regular monthly meeting today following the worship service. In addition to conducting regular business at this meeting, Council will continue working on draft updates to our cemetery policy and our constitution.

Cemetery Policy:
St. John’s cemetery policy was adopted in 1983. That policy is very brief and fails to address many modern concerns and risks involved with management of a cemetery. Following this meeting, Council hopes to share the draft policy with the congregation for additional input.

Constitution:
St. John’s constitution was last updated in 1999. The ELCA provides a Model Constitution for Congregations, which is rooted in Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, and it includes required and recommended provisions to ensure unity, flexibility, and faithful witness. Congregations are called to regularly review and update their constitutions, and we are trying to bring our constitution in compliance with the current Model Constitution. Once a draft has been finalized by Council, it must be presented to the congregation for approval.

Members of the congregation are always invited to attend our Council meetings.

HOMECOMING
The 112th anniversary of the founding of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Irmo will occur on Saturday, July 4, 1914, which is also the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation. We will observe homecoming on Sunday, June 28, 2026, the Sunday prior to the anniversary. Coleen and Homer Thompson will provide lunch (including desserts!) in the fellowship hall following the worship service.

We have invited Pomaria Lutheran Church to join us for worship and lunch. We hope you will mark Sunday, June 28, 2026, on your calendar and plan to join us! Invite your friends and neighbors, too! A special slide show of pictures from years past will be shown on the television in the fellowship hall during lunch.