March 2026
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Lena: Faithful Service, Bold Witness, and Trust in the Spirit’s Work
In the rural community of Lena, Illinois, the challenges facing families, seniors, and individuals are increasingly complex. Economic pressures are felt across generations—seniors and single adults struggle to meet basic nutritional and hygienic needs, while young families face rising childcare costs and limited financial margin. At St. John’s Lutheran Church, these realities have sharpened the congregation’s awareness of its calling to serve neighbors with compassion, generosity, and the hope of the Gospel.
Much of this work builds on a strong foundation laid by longtime pastor, Rev. Rick Bader, who served St. John’s for 43 years. Under his leadership, several significant outreach ministries were established that continue to shape the congregation’s identity today. Among them is the Lena Community Food Pantry, born through a regional Ministerial Association which includes most congregations in the area. Though navigating interdenominational cooperation and government regulations can be complex, the pantry remains one of the community’s most vital ministries, providing food and care to those in need.
Another cornerstone of service is My Friends Closet Thrift Shop. What began modestly in 2003—earning just
$46 on its first day—has grown into an extraordinary ministry, now generating more than $1,000 per day and approximately $365,000 annually. After administrative expenses, every dollar is given away to support charitable efforts and mission work. “To God be the glory,” reflected Rev. Jason Shaw, who currently serves as pastor at St. John’s. He noted that this ministry’s success has far exceeded anything the congregation could have imagined.
From the thrift shop emerged yet another ministry: The Friendship Center, an adult day-care program offering meals, therapy, and activities for aging neighbors. This ministry provides critical support for families caring for loved ones while honoring the dignity of seniors. St. John’s further extends care through the Lena Retreat, a rent-controlled senior housing community that offers stability and support for older residents.
Prayer and Scripture ground every aspect of this work. Rev. Shaw is candid in acknowledging the ongoing need for growth, yet unwavering in conviction: “Nothing happens in ministry apart from prayer and God’s Word.” Each week, the congregation lifts up its ministries, leaders, partners, and the broader Church in prayer, trusting that without Christ, all efforts would be little more than “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1).
While acts of service meet real needs, St. John’s witness remains explicitly Gospel-centered. Conversations about Jesus, devotional materials, prayer, and invitation are woven into community outreach, school partnerships, and events. Through collaboration with local schools and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the congregation seeks to reach students who may not have a church home, offering hospitality and a clear invitation to know Christ.
Rev. Shaw emphasizes that transformation belongs to the Holy Spirit. “The ministry belongs to our Triune God,” he said. “We are simply tools He chooses to use.” While not every interaction leads immediately to visible spiritual fruit, moments of profound change do occur—sometimes suddenly, sometimes quietly—and those moments are treasured.
When asked where he sees God at work most clearly, Rev. Shaw offered a surprising answer: funerals. In a small town, funerals gather the churched and unchurched alike, opening hearts to the reality of death and the hope of resurrection. In these moments, the Gospel of Christ crucified and risen is proclaimed clearly and personally. “Souls are saved,” Rev. Shaw said plainly. “God does something I could never do.”
Looking ahead, St. John’s is prayerfully exploring strategic growth opportunities, trusting God to guide the next chapter while remaining anchored in Christ. The congregation’s unity, generosity, and commitment to service have earned deep trust within the community. When needs arise in Lena, St. John’s is often the first place people turn.
Through faithful prayer, bold witness, and tireless service, St. John’s Lutheran Church continues to live out the Gospel well beyond Sunday morning—confident that Christ remains faithful to His Church and that the best is yet to come.
You must be logged in to post a comment.