january the eagle

St. John’s UCC

1050 Buffalo Road

Lewisburg, PA 17837

stjohnslewisburg.org

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THE

EAGLE JANUARY

January 5 - Worship-Communion - 10:00 a.m.

January 9 - Rejoicing Spirits Worship - 6:30 p.m.

January 11 - Human Trafficking Seminar - 2:00 p.m.

January 12 - Worship - 10:00 a.m.

January 18 - Eastern Star Banquet - 6:00 p.m.



January 26 - Congregation Annual Meeting/Dinner 11:00 a.m.

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Drawn by Dreams and Led by Visions Drawn by Dreams and Led by Visions Drawn by Dreams and Led by Visions Drawn by Dreams and Led by Visions –––– Into the New Year!Into the New Year!Into the New Year!Into the New Year!

I wonder what your dreams and visions look like for St. John's UCC! What are the things that you envision for the future of this congregation? What are you excited

about in the life and ministry of this gathered Body of Christ as we look towards a new calendar year?

Our mission statement (that’s at the top of the bulletin every Sunday) says: Remembering that God calls us through Christ to be ministers with each other, St. John’s United Church of Christ, as inspired and di-rected by the Holy Spirit, seeks: To be inclusive and accessible to all people; To provide loving service to all of God’s people through mission and ministry; To strive for righteousness, justice, and peace. This is a wonderful mission statement and is a great expression of who we are and what we hope to be with the Holy Spirit’s guidance. After that, there’s another step that invites us to take that mission statement further and to envision what the mission will look like when it is lived out in our church and our community. It is the desired change, or the end result. Some will call that next step a “Vision”.

I found one congregation’s vision statement that says: “Our vision is to see people … healed, set free, discipled, equipped, empowered, and serving.” Then, I found another congregation’s vision statement that says, “Our vision is to be a vibrant congregation, known for our commitment to supporting one another, deepening our faith, and doing God’s work in the world.” Each of these statements gives a glimpse into what these churches believe God wants them to be. This whole conversation about “vision” and “vision statements” can get a bit confusing for me since some resources will give different definitions of the two. A good working definition is that the VISION talks about what a mission statement looks like as it is lived outVISION talks about what a mission statement looks like as it is lived outVISION talks about what a mission statement looks like as it is lived outVISION talks about what a mission statement looks like as it is lived out. A VISION STATEMENT could be a short and memorable statement that helps everyone to remember VISION STATEMENT could be a short and memorable statement that helps everyone to remember VISION STATEMENT could be a short and memorable statement that helps everyone to remember VISION STATEMENT could be a short and memorable statement that helps everyone to remember what the vision looks like.what the vision looks like.what the vision looks like.what the vision looks like. So, a vision statement for the second congregation could be: “Vibrant in Com-munity, Faith and Service”.

All of this talk about vision leads to another step that takes all of these concepts and sets goals around how things might take shape in very concrete terms. What are the things that we will do in the next year to live into the mission and vision that God calls us to?

So, back to the original questions, What are the things that you envision for the future of this congrega-tion? What are you excited about in the life and ministry of this gathered Body of Christ as we look to-wards a new calendar year?

I invite us all to spend some time in prayer as we consider these questions. We will have the opportunity to listen for God’s guidance as we discern the ways in which God is nudging us forward toward St. John’s’ unique expression of faithfulness. One of the opportunities for us to share in this exciting exploration will be on January 29th when we celebrate God’s work in our midst in the last year. Annual reports will be gath-ered and we will give thanks for the blessings of 2019. After that we will be looking towards the future, and asking God and one another where God might be leading us in 2020. I am excited about the possibilities!

Blessings for the New Year!

Pastor Alice

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THE EAGLE

JANUARY VOLUNTEERSJANUARY VOLUNTEERSJANUARY VOLUNTEERSJANUARY VOLUNTEERS Ushers: MARK BROUSE, CRAIG SWINEFORD, JIM TOMLINSONMARK BROUSE, CRAIG SWINEFORD, JIM TOMLINSONMARK BROUSE, CRAIG SWINEFORD, JIM TOMLINSONMARK BROUSE, CRAIG SWINEFORD, JIM TOMLINSON

Lock-up Person: BOB BROUSEBOB BROUSEBOB BROUSEBOB BROUSE

Lay-Reader: LINDA SARTWELLLINDA SARTWELLLINDA SARTWELLLINDA SARTWELL

Preparation of Communion Elements: TESS GROOVER & RUTH RICHARDSTESS GROOVER & RUTH RICHARDSTESS GROOVER & RUTH RICHARDSTESS GROOVER & RUTH RICHARDS

JANUARY Children's Church OPENER/FLOWER DEL.

5 LIZ DeSANTIS CAROL BERRY

12 ANGIE DONLIN

19 LINDA WILLIAMS

26 DON ADAMS

JANUARY FLOWER SPONSORS Acolyte Drivers Route 1*

5 KAY & GARY NOTTIS ERIN DeSANTIS BAISH

12 LARUEN & RICK RAUTZHAN ADDIE MILLER SPICKLER

19 DANIEL DeSANTIS ADAMS

JANUARY GREETERS

5 ELVA & JIM JOHNSON

12 MARTHA & BRUCE RAUCH

19 SUE & JIM TOMLINSON

26 LINDA SARTWELL

26 JAMES DONLIN BAISH

If you need a ride to church, please contact Ron Zug (570-523-3987) who schedules the drivers.

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THE EAGLE

“Red Book” Memories XXV“Red Book” Memories XXV“Red Book” Memories XXV“Red Book” Memories XXV

“Where Are We Going?”

Where there is no vision, the people perish…Where there is no vision, the people perish…Where there is no vision, the people perish…Where there is no vision, the people perish…

Proverbs 29:18a, Modern English Version

Where are we going? What do we want our church to look like in the next 5, 10, or even 100 years? As the above portion of Proverbs 29:18 sug-gests, the people of St. John’s need a vision to ensure the congregation’s

survival. It is something that can energize our members, focus our ministries, and draw others to us.

The vision embraced by faith communities is often crafted into a statement for all to read and remember. Such vision statements are different from mission statements. Mission statements are brief explanations of a congregation’s reason for existence, something that describes its purpose and overall intent. This is something we already have and have declared in our worship bulletins. Vision statements, however, look forward and create a mental image of what a church wishes to accomplish in a given period of time. They provide a goal to be achieved, something exciting, ambitious, and challenging. Further, as congregational expert Robert Schieler writes, vision statements are to be derived from the “Holy Spirit’s whisperings/shoutings in our ears and minds.” They are not to be a reflection of our personal preferences, wants, or de-sires. Such visioning efforts have taken place in the ancestral congregations of St. John’s.

For example, our “Red Book” speaks of a group of individuals within the Dreisbach church who, guided by the Spirit, envisioned the need for Reformed worships to be held in Lewisburg for the purpose of drawing people to God and Jesus. This led to the eventual birth of our congregation in 1824. It was the seeking of a vision with the Spirit’s assistance that prompted the people of St. John’s to plan for a better facility to serve the growing spiritual needs of the congregation and the people of Lewisburg. That visioning resulted in the tearing down and rebuilding of our previous church building in downtown Lewisburg beginning in 1902, during the second pastorate of Rev. R. Leighton Gerhart (1900-1920). The new building, which served our congregation and Lewisburg for many decades, was dedicated in July, 1903.

Spirit-inspired visioning moved the people of St. John’s to launch community projects, such as the “Happy Hour” for younger children in 1946 and its support of Devitt House beginning in 1956. This kind of visioning also led to the refurbishment of the church kitchen in 1950 for the hosting of congregational and community suppers, as well as for use by local and regional groups. More recently, the Spirit prompted our congrega-tion to envision the construction of our present church facility, dedicated in 1989, for the purpose of congre-gational growth, the furthering of our various ministries, and the ability to better serve community organiza-tions as a suitable gathering place. Our “Red Book” also tells us that each time Spirit-guided visioning has been practiced and put into action by the people of St. John’s, new vitality and growth came to our faith community. Those are the very things we need right now in our congregational life. It is time for us to once again carefully listen for the leadings of the Spirit, to dream great dreams, and to craft a vision statement for the near and far future, something that we can give our hearts, minds, and talents to achieving. Robert Schieler notes that visioning is the work of an entire congregation and needs to take place at a time devoted solely for that purpose. The visioning process works to remind participants that a church is Christ’s property, not theirs. It also allows room for the Spirit to speak and for church members to express big ideas for the faith community without fear of objection or consideration of available resources. Other-wise, people risk quenching the Spirit, something we should not do. As we enter the New Year, let’s work together to seek a vision. Let’s live it out. As our ancestors in faith knew, our future depends on it.

Gary Nottis

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NOVEMBER 2019 REPORT

Current Operating Receipts $ 10,369.81

Current Operating Disbursements $ - 18,071.79

Current Operating Balance $ - 7,701.98

Disaster Relief AidDisaster Relief AidDisaster Relief AidDisaster Relief Aid

St John’s is continuing to help in the relief effort from the hurricanes that devastated the south this year. Please remember to either donate items for Clean Up Buckets that will be sent to those in need or you can mark your offering envelope to donate monies towards the kits. Items needed:

• One five-gallon bucket with re-sealable lid (If bucket has been used, clean well but do not use if it has held chemicals of any kind.) • Four scouring pads • Seven sponges, including one large • One scrub brush • Eighteen reusable, lightweight dry cleaning towels (e.g. Handi wipes) • One 50 oz. or two 25 oz. bottle (s) of liquid laundry detergent • One 16-28 oz. bottle of liquid disinfectant dish soap • One 12-16 oz. bottle of household cleaner that can be mixed with water (no spray bottles) • One package of 48-50 clothespins • Clothesline, two 50 ft. or one 100 ft. • Five dust masks • Two pairs heavy-duty, waterproof dishwashing gloves (latex-free, non-surgical) • One pair work gloves, cotton with leather palm or all leather • 24-28 heavy duty or contractor type 30-45 gallon trash bags on a roll and removed from carton • One 6-9 oz. bottle of non-aerosol insect repellent

THE SECRET PALS INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEMTHE SECRET PALS INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEMTHE SECRET PALS INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEMTHE SECRET PALS INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM

The Secret Pal Dinner will be held in our Fellowship Hall on Friday evening, February 7th, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. The cost of the evening will be $11.00.

Following the meal, we will meet in the Chapel/Parlor area, where the identities of our Secret Pals will be revealed! Don’t forget to bring a gift for your Secret Pal (around $15). If you cannot make it to the dinner, please see that your gift is at the Church by that evening. Jeanne Letteer, Kay Nottis and Colleen Ross comprise the committee for this year’s event.

You can make reservation by filling out the Secret Pal form enclosed in this newsletter. Please pay your $11.00 to Anna Brouse by Sunday, January 26th.

We will draw for a new Secret Pal name for the coming year at this time. If you cannot make it to the din-ner, but would like to be in the exchange, please see Anna Brouse for a form to fill out by January 31st.

We hope all Secret Pal participants will be able to make it to the dinner, plus many others interested in joining the program!

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01/04 Karin Knisely

01/06 Margaret Brouse

01/09 Gina Funk

01/09 Dee Ledgerwood

01/14 Andrew Derr

01/15 Mary Stover

01/17 Joseph Gutelius

01/25 Rita Griffith

01/25 Debra Drasher

01/27 Craig Swineford

01/31 George Pardoe Jr

01/04 Susan & James Baish

01/21 Carol & Richard Berry

01/24 Joanne & William Stahley

01/30 Brenda & William Hoban

Help is needed to un-decorate the Church! We will do this immediately following the worship service on Sunday, January 12th! Plan to stay for a few minutes after service to make fast work of this project!

Christmas Fellowship and FunChristmas Fellowship and FunChristmas Fellowship and FunChristmas Fellowship and Fun

On Sunday, December 8, the annual church Christ-mas dinner and party was held. This joint effort be-tween the Christian Education and Hospitality and Growth committees was a joyful celebration of the Christmas season. The food was plentiful and deli-cious, prepared by loving hands. The special decora-tions made the Fellowship Hall festive. There was fellowship and carol singing by church members and guests. And of course, there was a special visitor who listened to the Christmas requests of ten chil-dren. Much to Colleen Ross's surprise, he even knew that she worked at KFC!

Thank you to all who contributed to this well-attended event! If your schedule didn't allow you to attend this year, plan to join us next year.

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Many worshipers heard the Christmas Story retold on Thursday, December 12th by Lisa Scott

from First Baptist church, Lewisburg. Lisa asked the group of 25 Rejoicers to participate in the

story with arm motions, ringing of bells and the waving of glow sticks. Everyone enjoyed being

a part of this special rendition of the Christmas Story. The music for the evening was an assort-

ment of Christmas carols and familiar songs that were led by Mac Scott and accompanied by

Ruth Blankenship from First Baptist church, Lewisburg. Many tasty treats were provided by

Marty and Mike from St. Paul’s UMC, Lewisburg with set up of our fellowship area by Jim and Sue Tomlinson. A

special Christmas gift was given to the worshipers who joined the group from the community.

We will welcome in the New Year on January 9th at 6:30 p.m. for our January Rejoicing Spirits worship ser-

vice. Our guest preacher for the evening will be Pastor Gary Nottis of St. John’s.

Rejoicing Spirits worship is open to everyone no matter what your abilities, talents or gifts might be. Plan to join the

group in January and begin a new spiritual experience for the new year.

BIG THANK YOU !!!!!BIG THANK YOU !!!!!BIG THANK YOU !!!!!BIG THANK YOU !!!!! The Mission and Social Action Committee would like to say Thank You to everyone who made donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Family Giving Programs. Your monetary, food items, gifts and time spent were greatly appre-ciated. St Johns can once again say that both holiday seasons were a success !! Your Mission and Social Action Committee

St. John’s Quilters,

I’d like to thank all of you for the beautiful Blue (My favorite color) quilt, that was given to me recently. It is simply gor-geous and keeps me quite warm on cold winter nights!

Thanks again! Love to all of you for your thoughtfulness!

Gratefully,

Dear Christian Education committee and members of St. John’s,

Thank you so much for the snack package and kind notes. It was ex-actly what I needed to get me through my crazy week. I miss coming to Church and seeing all of your smiling faces. I can’t wait to see you all over Winter break!

Thank you again! Abigail Snayberger

St. John’s UCC,

Thank you so much for allowing us to again use your church for our Holiday Party to benefit families we work with! It was another successful party. Merry Christmas to all staff and members of your Church!

Union County Children & Youth Services

To the quilters of St. John’s,

Chuck was touched by the kindness of our new friends at St. John’s when you gifted him the cozy lap quilt. Thankfully his surgery went well. Especially we are grateful for your love and prayers.

Carol Laudermilch

Dear friends of St. John’s UCC, Thank You so much for your support of HOLY JOE’S CAFÉ throughout the years! As Chaplain Keith says, “The coffee is a force multiplier for the Chaplain Corps. Every time they have a cup of coffee, they are reminded that somebody cares about them.”

Thank You again for your prayers and financial support. We will be here for them till they come home safely.

Tom

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The Communion offering for JanuaryJanuaryJanuaryJanuary is dedicated to the LEAF Fund.LEAF Fund.LEAF Fund.LEAF Fund.

The Communion offering for February February February February is dedicated to Church Vocation.Church Vocation.Church Vocation.Church Vocation.

Thanks for your continued support of St. John’s missions!Thanks for your continued support of St. John’s missions!Thanks for your continued support of St. John’s missions!Thanks for your continued support of St. John’s missions!

Visit us on the Web!

www.stjohnslewisburg.org

St. John’s United Church of Christ

An Open and Affirming Congregation

WORSHIP HOURS

Coffee Café - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Worship: 10:00 a.m.

1050 Buffalo Road

Lewisburg, PA 17837

Phone: 570-523-0162

E-mail: [email protected]

No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're

welcome here!

Human Trafficking Seminar/WorkshopHuman Trafficking Seminar/WorkshopHuman Trafficking Seminar/WorkshopHuman Trafficking Seminar/Workshop

The United Church of Christ has designated January 11, 2020 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Our congregation will be sponsoring a Seminar at 2:00 p.m. that day to provide information about this issue. Please save the date to assist and/or attend the event. More information to follow. Human trafficking is a crime against humanity and ulti-mately a sin. We, as Christians need to know as much as possible about this horrible practice, so we can take appropriate actions to stop this violence!

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL DINNER AND MEETINGANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL DINNER AND MEETINGANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL DINNER AND MEETINGANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL DINNER AND MEETING

Consider this article the official call to the January, 2020, Annual Congrega-tional Dinner and Meeting of St. John’s Church.

Our Constitution calls for it to occur on the last Sunday of the month, which will be January 26th.

The dinner will commence following worship that morning, with the Annual Meeting taking place immediately thereafter. Beverages, meat and place set-tings will be provided for the meal. Please bring a dish, filled with something yummy to share!

january the eagle

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