published irregularly st. john issue04 l c filewe began the season of lent with the invitation for...

We began the season of Lent with the invitation for us to keep a holy Lent – practices like fasting, prayer and almsgiving were encouraged – our young

people have been practicing almsgiving for the last few weeks in the children’s sermon. Hopefully some of you are praying often for your secret prayer partner. As we move towards the end of the Lenten season, I put before you that same invitation as we move into Holy Week.

As I’ve said before, our Holy Week services offer an opportunity to engage in worship services that we only see once a year. And truth be told, the joy of Easter is in some ways not as complete if we do not journey through Holy Week to arrive at that empty tomb. Our celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is that much more complete when we remember his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the last meal he ate with his disciples, their predicted betrayal and desertion, his arrest, trial, crucifixion and burial. This is the most powerful story of our lives of faith, and we have but one week each year when we can journey through it again, meeting Jesus face to face on the journey from Palm/Passion Sunday to Maundy Thursday to Good Friday to Easter Sunday.

So I invite you to keep a Holy Lent my friends by making every effort to be at all of our Holy Week services this year.

Palm/Passion Sunday – April 13 – on this Sunday, the last Sunday before Easter, we remember Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem on the back of a donkey as people threw palm branches on the path. We remember their joy and their excitement and as our service shifts, we remember how quickly it changed. Following the prayer of the day, our

service will shift to Passion Sunday as we read the passion of our Lord as recorded in Matthew’s gospel. We gather at the table to share communion, preparing ourselves to enter this solemn week. We watch Jesus “ride on in lowly pomp – to die.”Maundy Thursday – April 17 – this night remembers Jesus’ last meal with his closest friends, the disciples, who have journeyed with him for three years now. They gather to celebrate the Passover meal as faithful Jews, and in this meal, Jesus transforms it into a meal that remembers him and his sacrifice – Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper. The twelve disciples will join us in worship as in years’ past, and will prepare us for Good Friday with the stripping of the altar at the conclusion of worship.Good Friday – April 18 – we hear the passion of Jesus according to John on this night, interspersed with verses of the Lenten hymn “My Song is Love Unknown” because at the heart of Good Friday is love – the immeasurable love of Jesus to die for us. Our youth lead us in worship this evening. This year’s Good Friday service will engage various senses, offering a deeper experience of the last hours of Jesus’ life.Easter Sunday – April 20 – Having walked through this week that has held such lows, our rejoicing will be that much fuller when we arrive at the empty tomb to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. We worship at 7:30 and 10:30 with Easter brunch at 8:30.

I look forward to walking through this week with you that our joy might be complete as we gather at the empty tomb, filled with the new life and hope that Jesus came to bring us.

Blessings on the remainder of your Lenten journey!

Peace, Pastor Becky +

St. John’S Lutheran ChurCh

S u m n e y t o w n

2Holy Week Schedule

3Youth Retreat

4Youth Group Info

11Beef and Beverage

12Easter Egg Hunt

HigHligHtsin tHis issue

The Joy of Easter

PUBLISHED IRREGULARLYVOL. 20ISSUE

04APRIL2014

A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF CONGREGATIONAL INFORMATION

2 St. John’s Lutheran Church • www.stjsumneytown.org • 215.234.4888 • email: [email protected]

APRIL 2 – Mid-Week Wednesday Lenten Service 7:30 p.m.St. Mark’s, Pennsburg

APRIL 6 – Fifth Sunday in LentHoly Communion

Contemporary Worship at 8:30 a.m.Music – Praise Team

Traditional Worship at 10:30 a.m.Music – Chancel Choir

Solo – Christine Ciesielka

APRIL 9 – Mid-Week Wednesday Lenten Service 7:30 p.m.Palm Schwenkfelder, Palm

APRIL 13 – Sunday of the Passion/Palm SundayContemporary Worship 8:30 a.m.

Music – Praise Team Trumpet: Dave LewisTraditional Worship 10:30 a.m.

Music – Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir Trumpet: Dave Lewis

HOLY WEEKAPRIL 17 – Maundy ThursdayHoly Communion

Worship at 7:30 p.m.Music – Chancel Choir

APRIL 18 – Good Friday/Tenebrae Service Led by Youth

Worship at 7:30 p.m.Music – Youth Choir

APRIL 20 – Resurrection of Our LordEaster Sunday with Holy CommunionEaster Breakfast 8:30-10:00 a.m.

Contemporary Worship 7:30 a.m. Music – Praise Team

Traditional Worship 10:30 a.m.Music – Chancel Choir, Suite Brass Ensemble

APRIL 27 – Second Sunday of EasterNew Members Welcomed

Blended Worship Service 10:30 a.m.Music – Chancel Choir

Solo: Kathy Fitser

MAY 4 – Third Sunday of EasterSr. Citizens’ Sunday

Contemporary Worship 8:30 a.m.Music – Praise Team

Traditional Worship 10:30 a.m.Music – Chancel Choir

Solo: Brian Allebach

Hymn of the Month

JESUS LOVES ME

Anna Bartlett Warner (pen name Amy Lothrop) and her sister Susan Bogert Warner (pen name Elizabeth Wetherall) were both well-known American authors of Christian novels, children’s books and religious songs. While Susan was writing a novel Say and Seal, she asked Anna to write words for a children’s song that would be sung by a character in the story to comfort a dying child. Anna responded to this request with the lyrics of the now famous Jesus Loves Me, This I know. The book, Say and Seal, was published in 1860.

In 1862 William Batchelder Bradbury (composer of Just As I Am and Sweet Hour of Prayer), read Say and Seal and was so moved by Anna’s simple, yet profound song lyrics that he wrote a melody for the words. Bradbury also added a one-line chorus to the song. The four simple words were repeated over and over: “Yes, Jesus loves me”. The song quickly became one of the most beloved children’s songs of all time. It has been translated into many languages and has been sung in churches and Sunday School classes for more than 150 years.

Information from SHAREFAITH

Sponsorships Flowers Bulletins, BoutonnieresFor any open dates you may wish to fill, please call: Flowers - Kathy at 610-754-6156Bulletins - Office at 215-234-4888Boutonnieres - Mary J Dzurenda at 215-679-5783

Flowers $30 & $25 Bulletins $10 Boutonnieres $23/30 Shellaway Bardman Walp4/13 Fretz Johnson Hutt4/20 Walp OPEN Miller4/27 Clare Clare Myers5/4 Loughery, Organ - Miller Ruth Dzurenda5/11 Feenstra Hutt Reptsik5/18 Moran Bossert OPEN5/25 OPEN, Base - Allem Young Concado6/1 Barndt, Base - Meade OPEN Miller

APRIL MUSIC SCHEDULE

3St. John’s Lutheran Church • www.stjsumneytown.org • 215.234.4888 • email: [email protected]

I thought Harvey Cedars was pretty amazing this year. I was so excited to be a senior, the first and only senior for us. It was great to meet the other seniors in our small group. Everyone was so different and it was incredible to see what their gifts were. I felt so great when we did a gifts survey to see what our main gifts were. This year was an eye-opening experience and I was happy to share it with everyone. Everyone in the group got along, even though I didn’t know most of them, but I came to make some good friends. According to everyone in the group, we loved bonding with each other.

As a senior, I had to do the tradition of running into the bay—a polar plunge of sorts. Well, the bay was frozen near the shore, so I went into the ocean. When I say went into the ocean, I mean I went into about my knees because it was so cold. I also do have a slight (actually major) fear of the ocean. So when I ran into the ocean, I chickened out. I started to run, but went into a jog towards the waves. I hit the water, got nervous and spun

around because I did not know what to do. I was sort of freaked out. It was actually a really funny sight. Then I sprinted back out so I wouldn’t lose feeling in my feet. It was great to have everyone with me for that even though I know they were hoping that I would dive in. They were a little disappointed, but oh well. I was freezing.

The seniors also got the chance to do the sermon for the Sunday morning service. We incorporated the song, “This little light of mine” into the service. We turned off all the lights and everyone took their phones out. It looked like we were at a rock concert where a ballad was playing. It was so beautiful.

Want to hear more about the retreat? Join us on Sunday, May 4, as we share our experiences with the congregation.

Meagan Quinn

Harvey Cedars Youth Retreat

EASTER FLOWER ORDER FORMPlease Note: Hyacinths are not listed on the order form. Due to the fact that some people have allergic reactions from these lovely plants, we decided several years ago not to have them in the sanctuary. We thank you for your understanding.

_____ plant (s) Daffodils @ $ 7.00

_____ plant (s) Lilies @ $ 9.00

_____ plant (s) Tulips @ $ 7.00 _____ plant (s) Mums @ $ 8.00 _______ Yellow _______ Lavender

DEADLINE Sunday, April 6 Total: _____

NAME _______________________________

PHONE # _____________________________

Please return this form in an envelope with a check made payable to St. John’s Women’s Group and send to Cathy Sweeney, 124 Washington St., East Greenville, PA, 18041 or give to Cathy on Sunday.

_______Give to sick ________ I’ll pick up

Please write how you want it printed in the bulletin

In MEMORY of ______________________________

from _____________________________________

In HONOR of _______________________________

from ______________________________________


Council Highlights for March:• The core purpose team continues their efforts and

a logo is in the final stages. Look for the new logo soon!

• Council acknowledged a generous contribution toward the stove purchase of $2,500 from Social Events.

• Based on an approved recommendation from the finance committee we will be changing insurance carriers. The new provider offers specialized service for churches specifically. The new provider also has local representation that will meet with us on an annual basis to monitor our insurance needs. With all of our needs being reviewed, we have more complete coverage at a better rate. Thank you goes out to the Finance Committee for going through the proposal and also listening to a lengthy presentation from the local rep. The new carrier will take over starting in April.

• Suggestion box - We thank you for your suggestions. As a reminder we ask that you sign your questions or comments so that we have the opportunity to respond or seek clarification. Many times, follow up would be appropriate and if we do not have a way to reach back out to you, that makes it very hard to follow through on suggestions. That being said, we will continue our policy that if the items placed in the box are not signed we cannot fully consider them. Please also check out the council photo boards in the parlor and the narthex. These boards have photos of all council members. We hope that this will help you identify who we are so that you can communicate any questions or concerns to us. We want and need to hear from you!

Next meeting is April 7 at 7:00 p.m.

SPRING RUMMAGE SALEMAY 20-22WELCA'S Spring Rummage will be held May 20-22 in theParish Hall. We accept clean, unstained, usable clothing and good household items. Note the following important dates:

DROP OFF: Monday, May 19: 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall; items will NOT be accepted after May 19.

SALE DATES: • Tuesday, May 20: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.• Wednesday, May 21: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.• Thursday, May 22: 8 a.m.-11 a.m.Purchases can be made for $2 per paper grocery bag and for $7 per plastic "trash" bag on Wednesday, May 21, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. as well as Thursday, May 22, from 8:00-11:00 a.m.

WE CANNOT ACCEPT DONATIONS OF THE FOLLOWING:

• Baby furniture, car seats, etc.• Christmas decorations (wait until Fall)• Shoes• Text books & encyclopedias• Magazines• Stuffed animals• Plastic dishes• Plastic storage containers• Large cumbersome items (if in doubt, please call before)

DROP-OFF DATE: AFTER APRIL 14: Items for the sale can be delivered to the shed UNDER THE OVERHANG. Please put all items in strong trash bags or securely packed boxes. Thanks for all your support.

St. John's WELCA

St. John’s Annual Turkey Dinner Saturday, April 5

Eat-in meals - $10.50 adults Children (ages 4-12) $3.50Take-out - $11

Serving family styleTake out is available

3:00-7:00 p.m.


YPO - Youth Group HappeningsMarch

Lock-in - Sat. March 29-Sun. March 30Even with SPRING slowly making its way, our YPO is gearing up for an incredibly busy March, April, and May.Our big event for the month of March is our YPO lock-in scheduled for March 29-30. Arrive at the Church at 4:15 p.m.

Enjoy dinner and hours of fun (5 TO 9 PM) at Arnold’s Family Fun Center. $10 for St. John’s YPO Members / $26 for guests

Return to St. Johns for more food, fun, games, and fellowshipWorship on Sunday, March 20, at the 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Service Sleep catch up on much needed sleep at home following worship

AprilService projects to prepare for Holy Week Youth led Tenebrae Service and Easter Celebration • April 12, TBA - Fill Easter Eggs / Fold Palms for Palm Sunday • April 13, at 6:30 p.m. - Tenebrae Rehearsal (Pizza to be provided)• April 18, at 7:30 p.m. - Tenebrae Service (Youth should arrive around 6:30

p.m.) The Tenebrae Service is a moving ceremony that involves the reading of scriptureandthegradualextinguishingofcandlesuntilthechurchisleftintotaldarknessrepresentingthedeathofourLordJesus.AsolocandleisbroughtbacktothealtarsignifyingthehopeintheresurrectiononEaster.

• April19,at10:00a.m.-TheEasterBunnyvisitsSt.John’swithourAnnualEasterEgg Hunt (Open to community)

• April26-HelpingHandsDay.Registrationdetailsarepostedatsepayouth.org.

MaySunday, May 4, Share Adventures at Youth Retreat InMayourYPOwillbehostingtwoevents.DuringWorshiponSunday,May4,theYPOwillbesharingwithourcongregationtheiradventuresattheHarveyCedarsRetreat held February 28-March 2. They will be sharing stories, showing pictures, and teachingourCongregationanewsong.LetthemshowyoutheirSPARK the way the HarveyCedarsRetreat“Ignited their Spirit” andshowedthemthewayto“Grow in Love.”

Sunday, May 18, Pancake BreakfastOnSundayMay18,theYPOwillbeholdingitsfirstfundraiser–YPO Pancake and Sausage Breakfast andpossibleCARWASHfornextyear’sHarveyCedarRetreatwhichisscheduledforMarch6-8.Thisyear’stripcostapproximately$4,000—thatamount covered 21 kids and their 6 chaperones as well as the school bus for the entireweekend.Keepyoureyespostedformoredetails.

Under the Rainbow Nursery SchoolBecky LaBar Announces Retirement from Nursery SchoolIt is with sadness and excitement that I announce my retirement from Under the Rainbow Nursery School. After 32 years of teaching nursery school, 16 years here at St. John’s, my husband and I will be moving to South Carolina this summer. It has been a privilege to teach so many children in our community. I truly have loved every minute of it. I would like to thank Pastor Becky and Kent Krause for their support throughout this decision. I would also like to thank Linda Hart and Kathy Casey for the many, many years of support over the years. I could not have done my job without them! Thank you to Under the Rainbow’s treasurer, Doris Keller, for her service and advice and friendship! I would also like to thank Diane Appold for her help with so many things over 16 years! My hope for Under the Rainbow is continued support from St. John’s, full enrollment in the years to come and your support of the new director when she takes over. We will be excited to announce the new director in the weeks to come. I will miss Under the Rainbow so much and all the kind people of St. John’s that I have met over the years.

Openings are still available for our program for the next school year. Please spread the word and call 215-234-8862 for additional information. Let’s help fill our classes for next year! Under the Rainbow wishes everyone at St. John’s a blessed Easter!

Peace be with you, Becky LaBar

6St. John’s Lutheran C

hurch • ww

w.stjsumneytow

n.org • 215.234.4888 • email: stj.stow

[email protected]

CALENDAR – April 2014SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

6:30 Youth Ministry7:30ExecutiveCouncil

2 11:30&5:45 Bread & Broth Bible Study 7:30Mid-WeekSt.Mark’s

2 Choir Rehearsals 6 Praise Team 7 Handbells8Chancel7 Set up Turkey Dinner

4

6:30–7:45 Scouts7 Set up Turkey Dinner

5

Turkey Dinner3–7pm

6 Holy Communion 8:30ContemporaryWorship 9:20 Sunday School andNewMembersClass10:30TraditionalWorship12:30-3:30FirstCommunionClass

7

2-5ActivityCenterinuse

7Council

8 10WELCA

9 11:30&5:45 Bread & Broth Bible Study 7:30Mid-Week Palm Schwenkfelder

10

Choir Rehearsals 6 Praise Team7 Handbells8Chancel

11

Scouts6:30–7:45

1210 am Palm Sunday Practice

YPO Fill Easter Eggs/Split Palms Time TBA

13 Palm Sunday 8:30ContemporaryWorship9:20 Sunday School andNewMembersClass10:30TraditionalWorship6:30 Good Friday Tenebrae Rehearsal

14


15 16

Choir Rehearsals 6 Praise Team 7 Handbells8 Chancel

17

7:30 pmMaundy Thursday Service

18

Scouts6:30–7:457:30 Good Friday Tenebrae Service

1910am Egg Hunt

Heavenly Helpers Fundraiser Main St. Inn 6-11 pm

20 Easter Sunday/Holy Communion 7:30ContemporaryWorship8:30–10EasterBuffetBreakfast9:20 Sunday School 10:30TraditionalWorship

21


6:30ChristianEd.7:00 Evangelism

22 23 7-8:30Confirmation LearningNight7:45HighSchool Small Group Choir Rehearsals 6 Praise Team 7 Handbells8Chancel

24 25 RedCrossBloodDrive 2-7pm

Scouts 6:30–7:45

26 Youth GroupHelping Hands Day

27 One Service/Holy Communion9:20 Sunday School 10:30BlendedWorshipReceptionofNewMembersafterwards

28


29

7Parenting Small Group

30

Choir Rehearsals 6 Praise Team 7 Handbells8Chancel

May2Weddingrehearsal4pm May 3 Kitchen in use and Hall Set up for SundayMay3Reber–DetweilerWedding3:30May4SeniorCitizen’sSundaywithbrunch@9:20amFirstCommunionfor4-6graders May6YouthMinistryMeeting6:30pm May 7 ConfirmationLearningNight7-8:30pm

DEADLINE for the next newsletter is May 11 - Summer Issue

7St. John’s Lutheran C

hurch • ww

w.stjsumneytow

n.org • 215.234.4888 • email: stj.stow

[email protected]

CALENDAR – May 2014SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2SE PA Synod Assembly

6:30 Girl Scouts

3 SEPA Synod Assembly3:30WeddingReber-Detweiler

Set up for Senior Citizen’sBrunch

4 Senior Citizens’ Sunday Celebration Holy Communion 8:30ContemporaryWorship 9:20 Sunday School 9:20 Brunch to honor Senior Citizens10:30TraditionalWorship

5 6

6:30 Youth Ministry

7 Choir Rehearsals6 Praise Team7 Handbells8Chancel7-8:30ConfirmationLearningNight7:45H.S.Sm.Grp

8

9

6:30 Girl Scouts

10

11 Mother’s Day Dedication of Memorials & Gifts 8:30ContemporaryWorship 9:20 Sunday School10:30TraditionalWorship

12

7Council

13 6 pm LeadershipNight

14 Choir Rehearsals6 Praise Team7 Handbells8Chancel

15

16

6:30 Girl Scouts

17

18 Holy Communion 8:30ContemporaryWorship YPO Pancake Breakfast 9:20 Sunday School 10:30TraditionalWorship with Under the Rainbow NurserySchoolChildrenSingingReceptioninparishHallSetupforRummageSale(afterward)

19Bring Rummage items8–8pm

6:30ChristianEd.7:00 Evangelism

20

Rummage Sale 8am–8pm

7 pm Altar Guild

21 Rummage Sale 8am–8pm (5pm–8pm2/7$PerBAG!!)7-8:30LastConfirmation Class Choirs Rehearsals 6 Praise Team 7 Handbells8 Chancel

22Rummage Sale 8-11 am ONLY!2/7$PerBag!

23 NO RUMMAGE SALE

6:30 Girl Scouts

24

25 8:30ContemporaryWorship 9:20 Sunday School10:30TraditionalWorship

26

Memorial DayOfficeClosed

27

7Parenting Small Group

28Choirs Rehearsals 6 Praise Team 7 Handbells8 Chancel

29 30LutheranNight@thePhillies

31 June 1Communion8:30&10:30GraduateRecognitionDay

June4Confirmationrehearsal7pmJune 8 One Service with Confirmation at 10:30 amJune15OutdoorWorship&Picnic Sunday School Awards Day Begins at 9:30 am Service Time

DEADLINE for Newsletter Articles is May 11 for the Summer Issue which will include June, July and August articles and information.


Account Balances January 31 2014

Petty Cash $66.95 Designated Gifts $97,154.82 Benner Savings $7,678.05 Endowment $139,146.40 Mortgage Principal Owed (rate 4.25%; matures 4/9/18) $146,755.52

General Fund Checking beginning balance 12/31/2013 $13,721.67 Total General Fund Deposits January 2014 $19,998.27 Total General Fund Expenses/Transfers January 2014 ($22,363.22) General Fund Checking ending balance 1/31/2014 $11,356.72

Building Fund Checking beginning balance 12/31/2013 $5,238.33 Total Building Fund Deposits January 2014 $2,010.00 Total Building Fund Expenses January 2014 ($1,402.15) Building Fund Checking ending balance 1/31/2014 $5,846.18

Account Balances February 28 2014

Petty Cash $66.95 Designated Gifts $96,976.89 Benner Savings $7,679.33 Endowment $140,677.42 Mortgage Principal Owed (rate 4.25%; matures 4/9/18) $145,890.46

General Fund Checking beginning balance 1/31/2014 $11,356.72 Total General Fund Deposits February 2014 (may include some DG & BF) $22,092.30 Total General Fund Expenses/Transfers January 2014 ($22,291.19) General Fund Checking ending balance 2/28/2014 $11,157.83

Building Fund Checking beginning balance 1/31/2014 $5,846.18 Total Building Fund Deposits February 2014 (not final) $872.00 Total Building Fund Expenses February 2014 ($1,402.15) Building Fund Checking ending balance 2/28/2014 $5,316.03

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE Feb. 23 168Mar. 2 116Mar. 5 77Mar. 9 135Mar. 16 93TOTAL 589

FACTS & FIGURES

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2014

GENERAL FUND GIVING

Start $30,413.57Feb.23 4,512.50Mar.2 4,664.34 Mar. 9 5,181.11 Mar. 16 5,571.50$50,343.02

Budgetedat$53,574.29 week # 11-50,343.02-$3,231.27

BUILDING FUND GIVINGStart $2,934.50Feb. 23 534.50Mar. 2 547.00Mar. 9 506.50Mar. 16 335.50 $4,858.00

Budgeted at $5,434.00 week # 11 -4,858.00 -576.00

Treasurer’s ReportSt. John’s Lutheran Church

January 2014

SAVE THE DATE!!Sunday, May 4Senior Citizen Sunday is comingA special brunch honoring our Senior Citizens will be held at 9:20 a.m.Everyone is encouraged to join us!!

February 2014 Draft (awaiting final report)

BLOOD DRIVESt. John’s will be sponsoring its first blood drive in many years in association with the American Red Cross. The date is April 25, 2:00-7:00 p.m.

For more information, or to schedule your appointment please contact Dave Lewis at 215-285-5026.

April Worship Schedule 2014CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

DATE GREETER READER AUDIO USHERS COMMUNIONASSISTANTS

April 68:30 am

Tina Hersh Evan Bolton Jason Detwiler John & Elaine Portock Barry LongChris Matusek

April 138:30 am

Pat Krupp Elaine Portock Bob Kemmerer Jay & Evey Koffel Barry LongLinda Hamman

April 207:30 am

Sara Shellaway Alex Grande Chris Appold Soffa Family Alex GrandeKathy Fitser

April 278:30 am

No Contemporary

May 48:30 am

Sara Shellaway Carol Vaszily Bob Kemmerer George & Carol Vaszily Barry LongKathy Fitser

TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SCHEDULE

DATE RECEPTIONISTS READER &Psalm Reader

ACOLYTE/CRUCIFER NURSERY USHERS

April 6 10:30 am

Thelma BardmanBetty Houck

Julie HovanecElaine Keller

Sabina lewisSam Lewis This room

is availableeach Sundayduring the service.There is audio.Parents arerequestedto remainWith theirchildren asno one ison caregiving duty.Thank You!

Team #1 Tom Casey, Otto Quinque, Robert and Jamie Ernst

April 1310:30 am

Barb SchafferApril Gaugler

The Passion Readers

Remy SellMitch Jellen

C#3 Dick Haartzell, John Hercek, Matt Hercek, Otto Quinque, William Hutt

April 17 7:30 pm Kathy Weidner Nancy

LougheryBrooke BarkleyLeslie Soffa

Team # 3 Joan Miller, Darlene Bossert, Brenda Miller, Erika Haldeman, Kathy Weidner

April 18 7:30 pm YPO Members Youth Youth YPO Team

April 2010:30 am

Tina HershMary Jane Dzurenda

Becky KraussE. Haldeman

Gabby MartinDaniel Gegan

C#2 Russ Fretz, Robert DiDio, Barry Long, Bill Hunsberger, Robert Kemmerer

April 2710:30 am

Audrey SellDebbi Yoder

Mike HermC. Herm

Zack TruskowskiJacob Irvin

Team #4 Elmer Holsinger, Steve Feenstra, Fred Kleinbach

May 410:30 am Hank & Wendy Clare Myrt Beidman

M J DzurendaZack ReckDominic DiDio

C#4 Erika Haldeman, Cathy Sweeney, Joan Miller, Mary Jane Dzurenda, Tina Hersh

DATE AUDIO COMMUNIONASSISTANTS

OFFERING TEAM ALTAR GUILD

April 610:30 am Brian Gegan Heather Gray

Elaine Keller

April’s Team leader is:

Barry Long & Kathy/Meagan Hutt

April 1310:30 am Chris Appold Christine Ciesielka

Erika HaldemanApril 2010:30 am Jason Detwiler Barry Long

Erika Haldeman April 2710:30 am Brian Gegan Kent Krauss, Barry LongMay 410:30 am Chris Appold Heather Gray

Erika Haldeman Jocelyn Kulp


HOSPITAL INFORMATIONHospitalized: Susan Reinert, Sacred Heart, AllentownRecently returned home: Joan Keller and Judy Yost.

If you know of anyone who is ill, please let the church office know as soon as possible. The Federal HIPPA Regulations put certain restrictions on what is now considered private information. Please remember that most hospitals will not release room number information to the church secretary unless you have given permission to include your name in the patient information directory.

BIRTHMarch 23: Son, Luke David, to

Matthew and Jillian (Bartek) Pierce

DEATHWe extend our Christian Sympathy to the families of:Miriam Kline whose death occurred on March 6A funeral service was held on March 14 at the Mann- Slonaker Funeral Home.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO CALL WHEN:…a member is discharged from the hospital.…a new baby arrives in your family,…a member of your family leaves home for college, military service, or establishes a new residence.…your phone, email address or mailing address changes.

Member Events

SHUT-IN BIRTHDAYGrace Hamm 4-17c/o Patricia Schosser174 Little Old Creek DriveBurnsville, NC 28714

Lois Walter-Hamm 5-18Pennsburg Manor Rm 113A530 Macoby StreetPennsburg, PA 18073

Our March meeting began with Sara Shellaway reading an article regarding “Angels”...what angels “do” rather than what they look like!! They are messengers and have a purpose to worship God. Many have experienced their presence in times of stress.

Correspondence included letters of “thanks” from the ELCA for donations to the Malaria Fund and Open Link for our support at Christmas. They mentioned that 650 local children received gifts from the community as well. Plans were discussed for the Easter gifts to our shut-in and homebound members of St. John’s. We will meet again on March 25 at 10:00 a.m. to pack the Easter bags. The Spring Rummage Sale will be held May 20-22 in our parish hall. Be sure to check the additional “ad” in this newsletter for more information. Our next monthly meetings will be held Tuesday, April 8, and May 13, at 10:00 a.m. Mary Jane will have devotions in April.

Myrt Beideman, Secretary

WELCAWomen of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaAs of this writing, our new gas

range has been delivered and hooked up and is just about ready to be used. Thanks go to John Hovanec for his time and effort on this project and to the members of council for their decision to replace the electric range.

The Turkey Dinner will take place on April 5 from 3:00 -7:00 p.m. The menu includes turkey, potato filling and all the trimmings, plus your choice of dessert and, of course, beverages! The costs are: $10.50 adults, $3.50 (children 4-10) and take-outs are all one size for $11.00. We will again make a donation to Cystic Fibrosis and ongoing ministries of St. John’s.

Plans are moving along at a faster pace than usual for

this annual event as there is much to accomplish to pull it all together in relatively short time! We do hope if you are among those who provide a pie or cake for the dessert buffet that you will do so again. Patrons are always amazed at the variety available when the waitress brings the tray to the table!

We are still in need of people to help clean up at the end of the day. Please call the church office if you can lend a hand for an hour sometime between 7 and 10 p.m. (any amount of time would be helpful).

Everyone’s efforts are appreciated!

Diane L. Appold Chairperson of Social Events

SOCIAL EVENTS UPDATE

Please be kind enough to add the church to your list of friends to notify when you or a member of your family changes residence. Thank You!

ADDRESS CHANGESRachael (Buck) Templeton408 Russell StreetWrens, GA 30833-1052

Brandon & Tricia Bolton110 Hendricks RoadPerkiomenville, PA 18074


As I write this update, I am busy preparing for our Lakeshore Mississippi mission trip for the week of March 17-21. We are very excited for this trip, as we are for all the trips we take. But this one brings about some special memories for us.

A few years ago, we spent a week at Lakeshore Baptist Church or rather the quonsit huts that were called Lakeshore Baptist Church and Volunteer Center. Lakeshore was one of the hardest hit in Mississippi. There were many problems with getting work done there. Not only is it a very poor area, but many of the folks have lived there since squatting days so they had no deeds to show for the property they knew was theirs. Then to compound the problems, many did not have enough or the right kind of insurance. Pastor Elborne said they would continue to hold church services in the hut with the steeple (only whole piece of the church they found) right outside until all of his congregation were whole. You might remember seeing a picture of our group standing around the steeple that year.

Well, now almost 9 years later, the church is finally being rebuilt. What a joy for him and his congregation. We have heard that Mrs. Redford, whose home we worked on that year, still comes to church every Wednesday and Sunday (at 90 now). We can’t wait to see her. You might remember her story. She, in her 80’s, swam to safety with her small dog on her back. She spent months in the hospital with a bacterial infection caused by the contaminated water and is still here to tell her story.

Thanks again to all of you who support our mission. We could not do this without you.

That being said, we are now working on our next huge fundraiser. We think it will not only bring us the funding we need to continue our mission but will bring lots of fun to lots of people. By the time you read this article there will be posters around advertising our Beef and Beverage at the Main Street in Red Hill. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 (if any left) at the door. Beef, mashed potatoes, bread, salad, soda and music will be supplied for your $15. If you want other beverages, the bar will be open to you. We are hoping for great support from both St. John’s and St. Mark’s and the profits will be split 50/50 between the two congregations. You can either get tickets from me or the church office. We hope to see you there.

I’m excited to share with you our experiences from Mississippi. Stay tuned.

Elaine Keller

HEAVENLY HELPERS

Soda provided - Cash bar available for other beverages

To Benefit

Heavenly Helpers Mission Team Created by

St. John’s Sumneytown & St. Mark’s Pennsburg Lutheran Churches

With DJ Derek Lightcap

April 19, 6-11 p.m. Main Street Bar & Grill Red Hill, PA

Presale $15 at door $20 For more information call 215.262.5366 or email [email protected]

Special Thanks to Mark Schneider and Derek Lightcap for their support in making this fundraiser a success Supplemental funds granted by Thrivent Financial

A Stewardship Minute

Parish Publishing, LLC (888) 320-5576 www.parishpublishing.org

APRIL 2014 An article in the April issue of Stewardship has story about a monk and a

beggar. According to the tale, when the monk saw the beggar, his heart was moved to give the poor fellow a valuable gem stone.

Just as the monk began to leave, the poor man asked the monk to give him one thing more. “I don't have anything else to give you,” the monk replied. With a gentle voice the beggar replied “Yes you do. Please give me what moved you to give me this gem.” In other words, the poor man wanted to know what had motivated the monk to give him something of worth.

The beggar raised interesting questions, which might be addressed to us. What motivates us to be givers? Why do we want to give to the church and the Kingdom of God? Why do we need to be stewards of our lives?

Is it not because we are grateful for what God has given us? God has given us our lives. God has given us talents. God constantly supports and under girds us with love. Most important is the fact that God has given us our Savior.

Surely we remember John 3:16: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” That says to us that because God was motivated by love to send Christ into the world as our Savior, we should be motivated to love and serve God with our entire lives! Prayer: Show us Lord, how we can best use our talents, time, and treasure on behalf of the church and the Kingdom of God. In Christ's name we pray. Amen

IIInnnssspppiiirrriiinnnggg aaa dddeeeeeepppeeerrr uuunnndddeeerrrssstttaaannndddiiinnnggg ooofff tttrrruuueee gggiiivvviiinnnggg An introduction of Stewardship to the congregation

A Stewardship Minute is available to subscribers of Stewardship at www.parishpublishing.org. Simply click on the “Stewardship Download Center” and log in using with your account number (Username) and zip code (Password), both of which can be found on the invoice or mailing label.

A Stewardship Minute

Parish Publishing, LLC (888) 320-5576 www.parishpublishing.org

NOVEMBER 2013 There is a paragraph in November’s Stewardship that sums up what steward-

ship is all about. It says, “It is not wise to think that giving money to the church satisfies our obligation to God, God wants us first! God wants our hearts to show our love toward him. God knows that when we are truly connected, the fruits of our minds and hands are available to serve the Kingdom.” This goes to the very heart of the matter regarding stewardship. Forget for a moment about giving money to the church. Think about loving God with a sincere and dedicated heart … with your entire being: body, mind, spirit and talents. If we do that to the best of our ability, we will discover what true stewardship really is.

Do you remember the story of a Pharisee asking Jesus what the greatest commandment was? In Matthew 22, Jesus replied to the Pharisee with these words: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest command-ment.” Jesus went on to say, “And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” True stewardship is a matter of loving God with one’s whole being and loving one’s neighbor as oneself. Think about what we call those who serve God whole-heartedly. We call them saints, and while it would take total dedication to God on our part, should we not strive to be completely dedicated to God as are the saintly people among us? Prayer: Loving Creator, help us to understand your will for our lives for we know that it is in loving and serving you that we shall know the greatest joys of life. Amen

An introduction of Stewardship to the congregation

A Stewardship Minute is available to subscribers of Stewardship at www.parishpublishing.org. Simply click on the “Parish Resource Center” and log in using with your account number (Username) and zip code (Password), both of which can be found on the invoice or mailing label.

For more information contact Elaine Keller 215.262.5366 or [email protected]

Special Thanks to Mark Schneider and Derek Lightcap for their support in making this fundraiser a success. Supplemental funds granted by Thrivent Financial

Soda provided - Cash bar available for other beverages

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage P A I DBOYERTOWN, PAPermit No. 11

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH3104 Main Street, P.O. Box 255Sumneytown, PA 18084-0255

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDPLEASE DO NOT DELAY DATED MATERIALMailed: March, 2014

Label Here

Easter Egg Hunt10:00 a.m. Rain or Shine

Crafts ® Storytime ® Egg Hunt

Games ® Face Painting

Saturday, April 19

published irregularly st. john issue04 l c filewe began the season of lent with the invitation for...

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