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Welcome to St. John's Lutheran Church
Baby Care Kits
Baby Care Kits for 2026
Our first delivery will be going out in May! We are grateful to share that 36 Baby Care Kits have been assembled and will be sent to World Relief.
Thank you to everyone who contributed—your generosity is making a meaningful difference for families in need.
· Two lightweight cotton T-shirts (no Onesies).
· Two long or short-sleeved gowns or sleepers (without feet).
· Two swaddling blankets, medium-weight cotton or flannel or crocheted or knitted with lightweight yarn minimum 36” to maximum 52” square or rectangular.
· Four cloth diapers, flat fold preferred.
· One jacket, sweater or sweatshirt with a hood, or include a baby cap.
· Two pair of socks.
· One hand towel, cotton or cotton blend. Dark colors recommended. Size 15” to 18” wide x 25” to 30” long.
· Two or three bath-size bars of gentle soap equaling 8 to 9 oz., any brand, in original wrapping: no mini or hotel size bars.
· Two diaper pins or large safety pins.
Baby Bottle Campaign
More about the campaign
The Baby Bottle Campaign is a key annual fundraiser for the Hope Family Resource Center (HFRC), a program of Hope Pregnancy Ministries. This initiative relies on "pocket change" to provide life-affirming medical care, education, and material support to local families.
How the Campaign Works The process is designed to be simple for individuals, families, and community groups:
- Pick Up a Bottle: Participants collect a physical baby bottle from HFRC or a participating partner.
- Fill with Donations: Over a set period—often between Mother's Day and Father's Day—participants fill the bottle with loose coins, cash, or checks.
- Return for Impact: Bottles are returned to the center or a designated drop-off point to be tallied.
What Your Donations Support Funding from the campaign goes directly toward HFRC’s free services:
- Medical Care: Including pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds.
- Education: Parenting classes and mentoring for new mothers and fathers.
- Material Assistance: Stocking the "Baby Boutique" with essentials like diapers, wipes, and clothing.
- Emotional Support: Counseling and a safe space for families facing unplanned pregnancies.
For the most current campaign dates or to register your group, you can contact the center via the Hope Family Resource Center Facebook Page or the Hope Pregnancy Ministries website
First Holy Communion
More about Holy Communion
Lutheran First Holy Communion is a significant milestone where children, typically around ages 8–10 (or 2nd-5th grade), receive the sacrament for the first time. It emphasizes understanding the real presence of Christ in bread and wine for forgiveness. Preparation includes workshops for families, often culminating in a special service during Easter Season.
Key Aspects of Lutheran First Communion
- Preparation: Families usually meet with a pastor for classes to study Scripture, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostles' Creed.
- The Service: Often, but not exclusively, held during services to honor the institution of the Lord's Supper.
- Significance: It is viewed as a gift of God's grace and a means to experience Christ's presence.
Preparation and Celebration
- Instruction: Children are taught that Holy Communion is a meal where Jesus is truly present, offering forgiveness and love.
- Readiness: Signs of readiness often include a child being baptized, expressing curiosity, and showing respect for the sacrament.
- Celebration: After training, students are recognized on their First Communion Sunday.
St. John's Prayer Chain
Prayer Chain
A prayer chain is an organized group of people (often church members) who pray consistently for specific needs, such as illnesses, crises, or urgent requests. These networks, commonly managed via email, text, or apps, turn requests into a "chain" of intercessory prayer. They offer confidential, focused spiritual support for members.
Key Aspects of a Prayer Chain:
- Purpose: To share urgent or ongoing prayer needs, ensuring no one suffers alone and burdens are shared within a community.
- How it Works: A prayer request is sent to a coordinator, who then alerts the "prayer warriors" through a phone tree, email list, or messaging app to initiate prayer.
- Methods: While traditionally telephone-based, modern chains use email, text messaging, and dedicated platforms.
- Confidentiality: It is crucial that prayer requests remain private within the chain, like we do here.
- Types of Prayers: Requests can cover healing, financial struggles, family issues, or general intercession, often including prayers for community and world events.
If you would like to be added or have someone to add to our prayer chain contact the Church Office at 563.568.3623 or email stjohnswaukon@gmail.com Your information will be shared with the coordinator and will be kept confidential.
First Communion Pottery Class with Dawn Deines-Christiansen
First Communion and Parents, Pottery Class - making chalices and patens.
First Communion and Parents, Pottery Class - making chalices and patens.
First Communion and Parents, Pottery Class - making chalices and patens.
First Communion and Parents, Pottery Class - making chalices and patens.
First Communion and Parents, Pottery Class - making chalices and patens.
Growing Hope Globally - Corner of Hope
More about the presentation held on February 22, 2026
Mark Swanson is a Regional Director (Upper Midwest & West Coast) for Growing Hope Globally, Growing Hope Globally provides an opportunity for Christians to make a lasting impact on global hunger, linking the grassroots energy and commitment of rural communities in the U.S. with the capability and desire of smallholder farmers in developing countries. Previously he was a pastor serving churches in South Dakota and most recently Washington state, where he led a Growing Project with Growing Hope Globally. Mark and his family live in Decorah, Iowa.
Key Details about the Allamakee County Corner of Hope include::
- Focus: Agricultural projects to fight hunger.
- Purpose: The initiative is part of the Growing Hope Globally network (formerly Foods Resource Bank), aimed at helping people in developing nations learn to grow their own food.
- Operations: Local farmers and community members donate land, labor, and resources to grow crops, with proceeds donated to the global initiative.
- Location: The project is rooted in the Waukon area, with key activities taking place on local farms.
- Impact: The project has been active for over 17 years, significantly contributing to international hunger relief.
- Support: The project has received funding and recognition from organizations and donations.
The Allamakee County Corner of Hope is a agricultural growing project in Northeast Iowa that works with
Growing Hope Globally to support agricultural development and fight global hunger. It often collaborates with the Winneshiek County Community of Hope on local events, such as annual summer celebrations held at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds in Decorah.