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EAGLE’S WINGS

NEWSLETTER

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a community of Christians who, through God’s Word and Sacraments, are enabled

by the Holy Spirit to grow and serve Christ at home and in the world.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

Sunday School 9:00am

Worship via YouTube 10:00am

Facebook & Zoom Online Worship 11:00am

Volume 32, Number 2 FEBRUARY, 2021

Pastor Shawn M. Berkebile

atownpastor@comcast.net

Inside this issue Pastor’s Reflection ………………….........2

Worship Information..………….……….....3

St. John’s Happenings...…….................3-5

Christian Education..………….……….…..6

Donations Needed…………………..……..7

Treasurer’s Report………….……………...8 Prayer Concerns/Birthdays..….………… .9 Community Info…………………………...10 Annual Report 2020…………………..11-16

Special points of interest:

Souper Bowl of Caring, Pg. 5

Prayer Concerns/Birthdays, Pg. 9

100 E Water St

Abbottstown, PA 17301

717-259-0796

RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED

DATED MATERIAL

PLACE STAMP HERE

717-259-0796

mailto:atownpastor@comcast.net

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Pastor’s Reflection….

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This newsletter and reflection will serve as an annual review and report for the 2020 calendar year. Included with this newsletter is information about our committee leadership and successful work shared during the year. This information is also updated on our website- www.stjohnsatown.com. Our website is a wealth of information and we do our absolute best to keep the home page and worship page up to

date and the information current.

This has been a challenging year to say the least, but despite all that has happened St. John’s has remained strong and has a positive outlook moving forward. I am hopeful that as positive COVID-19 cases continue to decrease, and the vaccine is distributed we will once again be able to resume in-person worship. The reason we have delayed this from happening sooner is not just because of COVID-19 but also because the sanctuary is currently being painted. I will be sharing pictures and updates online. I am excited to get this project moving forward and I am also excited that our online worship platform has allowed as many people as possible to worship and continue to be connected to our church community.

I hope you enjoy reading about the mission and ministries that have taken place this past year and that you continue to feel connected with our congregation. If there is anything we can do to improve, please reach out to me, or a council member, or to Donna King.

I want to close this introduction by saying thank you. Thank you for your continued support and trust in my leadership. So many people have sent notes and messages, gifts and prayers that have help tremendously. Just when I need a boost, so many people have been there. I hope that I have loved you the same way you have loved me during this unprecedented time. My family and I are truly blessed to share this call with so many faithful and loving people.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Shawn

http://www.stjohnsatown.com

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Sunday Morning Schedule 9:00am- Virtual Sunday School (schedule provided and available online)

10:00am – Online Worship on YouTube @ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLYusK7PV28KOqSVH6xpbFA

11:00am – Online Worship – Zoom and Facebook Live

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9078365134?pwd=OEE2K002VkY4b0JCeWx5T2U3YmRRQT09

Meeting ID: 907 836 5134

Passcode: 407818

Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/St.JohnsAbbottstown/live

Ash Wednesday In Person and From Home February 17, 2021

Dust you are and to dust you shall return. - Genesis 3:19 As Lutheran-Christians, we mark the beginning of Lent with the sacred and meaningful practice, the imposition

of ashes. Ashes remind us of God’s condemnation of sin, of our earthly existence, and the brevity of the human condition. Ashes also suggest cleansing and renewal. St. John’s will host an online virtual service posted on our YouTube channel. In addition, we will have an Outdoor Drive In / Camp Fire Service at 7:00pm in the rear of the church. ***Special note on the imposition of ashes- due to COVID-19- small, sealed cups of ashes will be distributed so that individuals or families can place ashes on the forehead and mark this sacred practice. Cups will be available to pick up and use at home or they will be available at church at the drive in Service.

In Person Worship - Update

The Covid-19 Taskforce and our Church Council will continue to work together to share information with the congregation about in-person worship at St. John’s. The Sanctuary will be painted in February and this will factor into our decision. Please go to the church website for the most updated information or contact the church office during office hours.

https://stjohnsatown.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b290d5e9d69f644eeaf3f1156&id=b9b5823340&e=1985e741adhttps://stjohnsatown.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b290d5e9d69f644eeaf3f1156&id=b9b5823340&e=1985e741adhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/9078365134?pwd=OEE2K002VkY4b0JCeWx5T2U3YmRRQThttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/9078365134?pwd=OEE2K002VkY4b0JCeWx5T2U3YmRRQThttps://www.facebook.com/St.JohnsAbbottstown/live

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Join us for Bible Study on Wednesday! I want to take a few minutes and invite you to Bible Study. I have personally grown because of the group and I think those that join us have experience growth as well. With all the things happen in the world around us, sometimes we just need to take break and be encouraged to pray and let scripture guide

us. I hope you may consider joining us every Wednesday at 10:00am. Click on this link to learn about what texts will be discussed https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/downloads/YearA_2019-2020.pdf. The Zoom link and information is below. Meeting Link with Password:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9078365134?pwd=OEE2K002VkY4b0JCeWx5T2U3YmRRQT09

Meeting ID: 907 836 5134; Password: 407818

To call in use +1 929 205 6099. Use the Meeting ID and Password when prompted.

Sanctuary painting project On January 25, 2021 John Witmer Painting started work on painting the sanctuary. This project will include painting the ceiling, walls and protecting the wood finishes in the sanctuary. This work is being managed by St. John’s Property Planning Committee. This work is being completed with funds acquired from the Window Renovation Fund and will cost just over $19,000.00 with a potential savings of $1,800.00 if the windows and window sashes do not require a 3rd coat of paint. This project is being estimated to take 4 to 6 weeks to complete.

Eagle Scout Project – Parlor Renovation

Spencer Mefford, of Troup 067 has started his Eagle Scout Project by helping us with renovations in the church parlor. In addition to removing the carpet, Spencer will be spending most of his time refinishing the hardwood floors. We are excited to partner with Spencer for this project.

12 E Water demolishing work

The Cemetery Board has contracted H&H of Spring Grove to demolish the house at 12 E Water Street. This project was completed on Monday, January 18th. This decision was agreed upon by the congregation at the 2019 congregational meeting. The plot of land has been turned into grass and the Cemetery Board will resume responsibility for maintenance.

https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/downloads/YearA_2019-2020.pdfhttps://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/downloads/YearA_2019-2020.pdfhttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/9078365134?pwd=OEE2K002VkY4b0JCeWx5T2U3YmRRQT09

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St. John’s February Schedule

Hello St. John families,

We are rolling right along into 2021! We're going to continue to offer Sunday School for our kindergarteners through fifth graders each Sunday in February. If you've got preschoolers, they are more than welcome to join our weekly Sunday School Zoom. We usually spend the first several minutes catching up with each other and sharing a little about our week. I know Zoom isn't the easiest for our littlests to plug into, but if they wanted to come for just the beginning to check in and socialize with some of our other youth, they would be very welcome to do so. The season of Lent will also begin in the month of February. Lent kits will be available to pick up at the church during office hours and Sunday mornings beginning Ash Wednesday February 17th.

Here is the information for connecting to Sunday School through Zoom along with a schedule for February:

Class schedule for Pre K - Grade 5

February 7th, 14, 21, 28 - 9AM Zoom Sunday School: Follow to link and information below

This link can be used for all Pre-K through Grade 5 for February https://zoom.us/j/8320475880?pwd=blVHRy9MNzVXZHE0T3ZBdkRFYUppZz09

Meeting ID: 832 047 5880 Passcode: 1234

Confirmation Schedule

February 7th, 14, 21, 28 - 9AM Zoom Sunday School: Follow to link and information below

Join Zoom Meeting for Confirmation Class for February https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89840893397?

pwd=TGh6UnNKSW1CVklDWlRXZnIwQ1hMUT09

Meeting ID: 898 4089 3397 Passcode: 750324

https://zoom.us/j/8320475880?pwd=blVHRy9MNzVXZHE0T3ZBdkRFYUppZz09https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89840893397?pwd=TGh6UnNKSW1CVklDWlRXZnIwQ1hMUT09https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89840893397?pwd=TGh6UnNKSW1CVklDWlRXZnIwQ1hMUT09

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RUTH’S HARVEST Ruth’s Harvest is a Backpack Ministry in our community. Donations need to be individual servings and individually wrapped. St. John’s Lutheran Church collects food for Bermudian Springs School District. Please remember to

purchase peanut-free products.

Donations should be dropped into appropriately marked bins on the stage of the Fellowship Hall.

SPECIAL NEEDS RUTH’S HARVEST ERMUDIAN SPRINGS

PUDDING CUPS, GOLDFISH CRACKERS & CHEF BOYARDEE SINGLE SERVE BEEFARONI AND

LASAGNA CUPS

Packing February 19 @ 1:30PM

ABBOTTSTOWN/EAST BERLIN FOOD PANTRY

On January 6, 32 families were served at the East Berlin Pantry; which

included a total of 66 individuals and on January 7, 11 families were

served at the Abbottstown Pantry, which included a total of 28 individuals.

Just a reminder that the mobile food pantries for East Berlin and Abbottstown will again be a curbside pickup of a box of food. East Berlin hours will be 3pm—5pm on February 3rd and

Abbottstown from 3pm –4pm on February 4th. We will only need 8 volunteers or less for each

location.

LAUNDRY LOVE—Tuesday, February 2nd St. John's has joined the movement called Laundry Love. On the first Tuesday of the month we offer free laundry to those with financial need at The Sudz laundry mat at the Kennie's Shopping Plaza in Spring Grove. This month we will offer free laundry on Tuesday, February 2 at 6:00pm. Watch the video on our website to learn more. Contact the office if you are interested in joining our team.

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OFFERING: MONTHLY SPECIAL DESIGNATION - During the month of FEBRUARY, the special designation on your envelope will go to Pink Pig-New Hope Ministries. It is our hope that gifts designated to the Special Designation in February go above and beyond someone’s regular giving to the general fund.

ONLINE GIVING AT ST. JOHN’S - Don’t carry cash or checks? Still want to give to the ministry and mission of the church? Click on the QR Code and help us grow in our giving by making an online gift. You will have the option to make a one time donation or a recurring donation. This website is easy, quick and very secure. Thank you for your support!

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REMEMBERING IN PRAYER:

Earl Altland, Deb Keeney, Stacey Riggs, Kevin Shearer, Shirley Crawford, Thomas Niedererr, Joe Heltzer, Amy Ogurcak, Robin Talbott, Janet Heflin, Betty Mauk, Greg Adams, Brenda Shue, Mike Botterbush (brother of Eunice Mentzer), Dorothy Ann Lightner (sister of Jared Tyson), Virginia Houpt (sister of Mary Fogle), Shirley Drummond (sister of Joan & Gary Slonaker), Hayley Thompson (granddaughter of Mary Fogle), Larry Brown, Dolly Hamm (Nancy Emig’s sister), Annie Sharrer, Daylin Bennet, Adam Jones, Frank George, the family of Charlene Atha, David

Trent, Carmen Miranda, Estella Goodall, Lois Martoranna, Josiah Snyder, John Jeffcoat, Mary Lawrence, Lisa Hart, Carl & Donna Gentel, Cheri Yost, Ryan Laughman, Nancy Zavilla, Donald Ruth, Randy Ruth, Craig Miller, Lisa Berwager, Renee Noble, Myra Miller, Leslie Passalacqun, Jim Leonard, Jack McCauslin, Scarlet (Great-Granddaughter of Bonnie Staub) and Nicole Valentine and her son, Dakoda, Dot Bonebrake, Bill Haverstick, and Kaden Decker.

HOMEBOUND:

Erma Becker, Gloria Breighner, Suzanne George, Dorothy Hoffheins, Miriam Huff, Merle Linebaugh and Darlene Rodgers.

Clare Colgan February 1

Ainsley Harmon February 2

*Merle Linebaugh February 3

Luke Sprenkle February 3

Joshua Rickrode February 4

Sarah Legore February 5

Tom Linebaugh February 8

Alexis Cutshall February 9

Cameron Miller February 11

Lisa Hart February 12

Kaitlyn Frey February 13

Darcy Tyson February 13

Kelly Kirchner February 15

Peggy Tyson February 15

Sandy Haverstick February 16

Joan Sauter February 17

Liam Shafer February 17

Gary Landis February 18

Barbara Colandreo February 19

Luke Frey February 19

Vicki Stewart February 20

Peter Petrie February 21

Ethan Garrett February 23

Carol Zeigler February 24

Delores Lillich February 25

Amy DeGroft February 26

Keith Shively February 26

Quynn Menges February 27

Leah Slothour February 27

Glenda Shrader February 28

*Denotes Homebound Member

St. John’s would like to express our sincere sympathy for the family of Carl Wilt,

who passed away recently.

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Church Council Joe Rickrode- President – jrickrode@agcominc.com;

Paul Minnich – Vice President – pfm108@gmail.com;

Katie Neiderer- Secretary – kneiderer@gmail.com

Barbara Colandreo, Sally Grim, Jim Hoff, Linda Hoff, Michele Trent, and Larry Welty

Endowment Committee Steve Sherman – Chair, Kathy Seilhamer – Secretary, Joe Rickrode and Richard Sharrer

Mutual Ministry Committee Richard Sharrer – Chair, Katie Neiderer, Karl Tyson, Amy Colgan, and Tim Colgan

Property Planning Committee Jared Tyson- Chair; Pastor Shawn Berkebile, Joe Rickrode, Barbe Sharrer, Laura Legore, Steve Sauter, Bob Myers, Sally Grim, and Jim Hoff

Christian Education Committee Mindy Shively – Chair; Amy Colgan, Allison Lewis, Jennifer Laughman, Jennifer and Shannon McEvers, Kelly Kirchner, and Crystal Wilcox

PAL LUNCH (Hanover Area Council of Churches) Larry Welty – Chair; Shirley Arnold, Linda Robrbaugh, Carolyn Holsapple, Jim Hoff, Pastor Shawn Berkebile, Bonnie Staub, Margret Linebaugh, Bob Meckley, and Linda Meckley

Worship and Music Committee Donna Renaut – Chair; Sally Grim, Bob Meckley, Ivonne Gabrielson, Darcy Tyson, and Lynne Miller

Cemetery Board Terry Rodgers – President; Larry Welty- Treasurer; Dan Wildasin, and Mike Omlor – Caretaker Liaison, Jim Hoff

Church Staff Pastor – Rev. Shawn M. Berkebile – atownpastor@comcast.net & shawn.berkebile@gmail.com

Office Administrator and Financial Secretary – Donna King – stjohnsatown@comcast.net

Director of Christian Education – Mindy Shively- mindyshively@gmail.com

Director of Church Music – Donna Renaut

Treasurer – Bambi Barnhart Golden

mailto:jrickrode@agcominc.commailto:pfm108@gmail.commailto:kneiderer@gmail.commailto:atownpastor@comcast.netmailto:shawn.berkebile@gmail.commailto:stjohnsatown@comcast.netmailto:mindyshively@gmail.com

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Property Planning Committee Report The following projects were worked on in 2020:

Rental Properties 106 E King St property: Light fixture ballast replaced in December as well as several

bulbs - funding from the Rental Fund 130 E Water St property: The property was rented January through June and rented to

another tenant in August. The following work was done: 1) window air conditioners were installed in the Spring and removed in the

Fall 2) the lease is month to month with renewal August 1, 2021 3) three large yellow jacket nests were removed from the attic above the rear

second floor bathroom; attic floor boards need to be reattached; exterior fascia and soffit need to be replaced and sealed where the yellow jackets gained entry on the north east corner of the house

HVAC systems All units and systems serving the Sanctuary, Education Building, 106 E King Street, and Parsonage (boiler only) properties were serviced in the Spring and Fall of 2020; After the Fall service, the Sanctuary boiler experienced issues with a value that controls heat to the Sanctuary. Davidson Plumbing patched the problem by keeping the value permanently open for our current heating season. The system issue needs to be further explored and resolved for the next heating season.

Ed Building Exterior Steps Bids were secured for replacement of the steps and side walk leading to the Education

Building. In March, Council approved the H&H bid of $4,250. H&H was never engaged. As the COVID issue rapidly expanded, the project was put on hold and remains in that

status.

Emergency equipment Fire extinguishers and emergency lighting were inspected with appropriate batteries replaced Cont’d

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Property Planning Committee Report, cont’d Window Weatherization Project completed All building (Sanctuary and Education Building) wood framed windows were stripped, re-glazed, primed, repainted, and covered with vented glass. Windows in the three and four year old room and both boiler room windows were not sealed to allow for appropriate ventilation. Also, newer vinyl windows in the elevator lobbies (ground and second floor), north end Link, and two Pastor’s Office windows were not sealed or repainted.

Sanctuary Renewal Project A Design Committee was formed to proceed with renewal improvements to the

Sanctuary. A partial audio visual package was installed to improve the sound system and to be used in visual aspects of the worship service. This part of the package has become an integral part of allowing our worship services to be streamed to the congregation during the COVID limitations. The Sanctuary will be painted with the ceiling white and sidewalls and window frames (trim color) in the earth tones color scheme as in other parts of our church building. The Wanes Coat and other wood areas will be cleaned and poly urethane applied. The electric service to the Sanctuary was up graded from fuse to breaker with additional power outlets provided at the new audio/visual desk at the rear of the church near the Bell Tower. The committee will continue to work on carpet replacement and other aspects of the Sanctuary Renewal Project.

Parlor Renewal Project Ideas for renewing the Parlor area were developed and were put on hold with the COVID

situation. The wooden chairs used for choir practice have been replaced by donated chairs that are stackable. An Eagle Scout will work on removing the carpet and refinishing the floor in 2021.

Areas for future action • Continue to review and plan for the HVAC systems for St John’s. • Finalize Sanctuary upgrade (floor, sound system, paint, lighting, clean/refinish wood

work, etc). • Fellowship Room up-grade (floor, ceiling, acoustics, etc.). • Parlor upgrade. • Porch roof on Education Bldg, Elevator, and main church entrance areas. • Church signage on Rt 30. • Repair of the steps into the Education Building. • Plan for carpet replacement in high usage areas of the Education Building.

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Christian Education Committee Report

2020 got off to a great start. We had strong participation in our January and February multigenerational gatherings. We also continued to have consistently large groups for both the upper and lower elementary Sunday School classrooms as well. On March 13, 2020, COVID-19 caused our congregation to recommend that we cease gathering in person for the time being. At this time, I took lessons from Sparkhouse’s Whirl Lectionary Curriculum that we have been using, and adapted them to push out to families through email. A few weeks into the pandemic, Sparkhouse released a Family Sunday School series. After reviewing this series, it seemed like a really good offering for the situation, so I began sending this weekly. We did not have any Christian Education offerings through the summer due to the ongoing pandemic, and due to the situation, we made the decision to move forward with virtual Christian Education offerings through the 2021 school year as well. We offered virtual Multigenerational Zoom in October, November, and December that were not well attended by the congregation. We put together family kits for Advent containing items to create a home altar, coloring pages, and devotions. More than 25 families picked these kits up from the church. In addition to sending an email write up of the Whirl Lectionary Sunday School lesson to all k-5th families, I also offered Zoom Sunday School twice a month from September through December. While there were many faces that we were seeing regularly before the Pandemic that we’re missing now, there are a consistent group of students that continues to participate virtually. While it is far from perfect, the Whirl Lectionary materials that we had been using adapted fairly well for Zoom, and the youth who come are engaged and participate. We’ve had some wonderful, fruitful discussions.

Events from 2020 • Multigenerational Gathering: Epiphany – January • Multigenerational Gathering: Immigration, Asylum seekers, and Refugees – February • Multigenerational Gathering: – March • Sunday School offering sent to families by email: March - May • Virtual Rally Day: September • Virtual Multigenerational Gathering: First Sunday of October, November, and December • Sunday School offering sent to families by email twice a month (September - December) • Virtual Sunday School for k-5th graders twice a month (September - December) • Sunday School kits for Preschoolers: October - December Cont’d

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Christian Education Committee Report

While the 2020 Sunday School year was unlike anything we could have predicted, I am grateful for the guidance and support of the congregation to figure out ways to still engage our youth. Throughout the remainder of the 2020/2021 School year, I intend to continue offering consistent opportunities for us to meet for Sunday School virtually. Due to the lack of engagement in virtual multigenerational offerings, we will discontinue those until we are able to gather together again in person. We hope to continue to offer monthly kits for the preschool families as well as a Lent kit for our congregation members. We have also talked about the possibility of trying to gather in person for Sunday School as the weather starts to improve later in the spring of 2021. I am looking forward to being able to move beyond the pandemic this year.

PAL Lunch Report (Hanover Area Council of Churches)

Meal totals for the year: Meals on Wheels- 304; Lunches- 678; Seconds- 23; Meals for helpers- 60; Carryout-11; Shelter- 44

Worship & Music Committee Report

The Worship and Music Committee met formally once on January 13, 2020. The committee discussed services throughout the previous church year, including standard seasons of the church year.

Thank you to Dan and Lisa Wildasin for the donation of the grand piano!

Upon the start of the pandemic, church services went virtual and the service format did not require the assistance of the entire Worship and Music Committee, as the Covid Force was formed.

Over the late summer months, we initiated outdoor worship services where parishioners were able to gather outside on the church property or in their cars to participate in person with the church services.

As the weather became much colder, we moved inside once again, using strict CDC guidelines. Although we had a few weeks of success, we once again made the decision to hold services online only as the Christmas season approached.

During most of 2020 we relied on guitar or piano music as well as pre-recorded music to supplement the services. The purchase of a new sound system plus some other technical equipment made the process easier and more professional, thanks to the expertise of Rachel and Pastor Shawn. Cont’d

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Worship & Music Committee Report, Cont’d

We are grateful to Pastor Shawn, the council, and the Covid Task Force for guiding our congregation through this very difficult time. Our hope is for the Worship and Music Committee to resume its responsibilities once the pandemic is under control and our church can return to some normalcy.

Thank you to Lisa Wildasin who served on the committee for many years. She has moved out of the area. We welcome Lynne Miller to serve in her place.

Cemetery Committee Report

Treasurers Report

Lincoln Investment Fund balance = $459,097.66 End of year checking account balance = $32,192.36

2020 Committee Business

• 3 regular meetings were held during 2020

• 2 specials meetings (March 21 Cemetery cleanup) (May 21 flag placement)

• Continued to support the caretaker ($10,500)

• Repaired 4 monuments and removed the wall around the Hafer Memorial

• Terry re elected to serve another 3 yr. term at December congregational meeting

• Removed trees alomg TR #194

• Approved plan to demolish Crawford House and plant grass in its place

• Replaced garage doors and windows in storage shed

Plans for 2021

Purchase 2 new information signs (working with council on this project)

Plan to repair parking lot edge at Water St. and reseal parking lot

Update Cemetery map book

Clean out storage shed

Check on any tombstones that need repaired