septemberstjohnslewisburg.org/images/sept_2020.pdfnew worship time in september! september september...

St. John’s UCC

1050 Buffalo Road

Lewisburg, PA 17837

stjohnslewisburg.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

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Permit No. 6

Lewisburg, PA

DATED MATERIAL RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

THE EAGLE

SEPTEMBER

NEW WORSHIP TIME IN SEPTEMBER!NEW WORSHIP TIME IN SEPTEMBER!NEW WORSHIP TIME IN SEPTEMBER!NEW WORSHIP TIME IN SEPTEMBER!

September September September September 6666———— DriveDriveDriveDrive----In Worship, 10:00 a.m.In Worship, 10:00 a.m.In Worship, 10:00 a.m.In Worship, 10:00 a.m.

BELL CHOIR BEGINSBELL CHOIR BEGINSBELL CHOIR BEGINSBELL CHOIR BEGINS————6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 p.m.p.m.p.m.p.m.



September September September September 27272727———— DriveDriveDriveDrive----In RALLY DAY CARIn RALLY DAY CARIn RALLY DAY CARIn RALLY DAY CAR----NNNN----VAL! 10:00 a.m.VAL! 10:00 a.m.VAL! 10:00 a.m.VAL! 10:00 a.m.

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September 2020

Let not your hearts be troubled … John 14:1a

How are you sleeping these days? If I answered this question, I would tell you that my sleep has been fit-ful and inconsistent. I wonder if any of you reading this might have the same answer. The COVID19 pan-demic is impacting so many of us in so many ways – our jobs, our schools, our shopping, our social lives … and our ability to physically gather and worship God together. In addition, we realize that there are many other stressors in our world – including contentious relationships around a variety of political and societal issues. Add to that the very real threat of illness, worries about loved ones, mental health challenges and other health issues that may come our way …

I haven’t even said anything about the people who are working on the front lines of the pandemic. While at first we were convinced that we were going to support those front line workers, we seem to have lost our ability to focus on their heroic actions. That loss of focus is understandable given the many other factors at play right now.

My guess is that I am not the only one who is feeling a bit weary … or who may be having trouble sleeping, or who may be finding it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand.

As is often the case when I am struggling with something and seeking God’s guidance or comfort, I find those things just when I need them.

In this case I found that the devotional I opened last evening was perfectly timed. Here is an adaptation of what Bob Goff says in day 201 of Live in Grace – Walk in Love. The entry is entitled: “Darkness Won’t Need to Destroy Us if it Can Get Away With Distracting Us.”:

“ … I think we miss sunrises because we get carried away in the night. It might be work or worry or relationships or sometimes addictions. [The nighttime] holds onto our fears throughout the day, too. Dawn waits until there’s enough quiet to whisper for us to come back to [center] and come back to God. [In the darkness it can be easier to listen to lies] … lies about ourselves, people we love, and a God who is cra-zy about us. And even if the [nighttime] doesn’t destroy us it can keep us distracted long enough to cause us to miss the hope that comes with the sunrise every morning. Don’t miss it.

Sometimes the greatest threat [is that we lose our focus and we are unable to see the beauty around us. We can be distracted from] the joy of relationships or the hope of our Creator …

Don’t be fooled into thinking the darkness is always destructive, but think about trading it in for a couple of sunrises instead. Hope is always eager to burst onto the scene every single morning …

Dear ones, I long for a time when we can regather; I long for a time when things are less contentious in our communities in our world; I long for a vaccine, for justice where there is injustice, for … well for so many things. At the same time, I am reminded and we are reminded that there is hope and that we will be able to get through today and through the days ahead because of God’s goodness and mercy.

Lamentations 3:22-23a reminds us “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for God’s compassions never fail. They are new every morning …”

Blessings and peace!

Pastor Alice

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THE EAGLE

Hello!

I am a girl scout working on my silver project. I am a senior in girl scouts but i am completing my sil-ver project which is a part of being a cadette. I'm going into 9th grade. My project is to provide a hy-giene closet at Mifflinburg Intermediate school (grades 3 through 5). I have approval of the administra-tion and have spoken with Mr. Heggenstaller the principal and Mrs. Purdy the guidance counselor.

With the help of St. John’s UCC in Lewisburg I will be providing a cabinet to fit inside of a closet in the main office. Students will be able to take home what they need. The guidance counselor and teach-ers will help students to be aware of the supplies. I will be providing a card that the children can take home so that their families know where they got the items. On that card I will be listing the organiza-tions that have participated and that it is a girl scout silver project. I am hoping to arrange a schedule with churches and community organizations to take a month to donate items for the cabinet. I or the organizations will take the items to the school and I will help organize them and place them on the shelves each month. I have a list of items below.

I am willing to maintain the cabinet through my time in high school (9th through 12th grade) and then to work towards training someone else to take over the project.

Here is the list of suggested items-I am asking for full size and travel size items:

-Shampoo, Conditioner, Body wash, Hair ties, Hair brushes, Combs, Feminine hygiene, Deodor-ant, Lotion, Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Hand sanitizer, Masks?, Chapstick.

I am writing to see if your organization is willing to participate in this project and if so if you have a preference for what month you would like to choose.

Thanks, Riley Hoey

The Mission and Social Action Committee would like St. John’s to support Riley Hoey’s Girl Scout Project to provide hygiene supplies to needy Mifflinburg Intermediate School students. Please consid-er donating toward the storage unit necessary to house the supplies.

Although Rejoicing Spirits has not been able to gather, the attendees will be receiving a package of fun, games and a yummy snack from St. John’s to let them know they are thought about during this time.

During the Annual Conference Meeting Event this year they will be supporting a hygiene project. It has been requested our church donate washcloths. Please bring washcloths to the church by August 29th. It would be best if you call the office before dropping them off to insure someone will be at the office.

MISSION/SOCIAL ACTION NEWS!

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JUNE 2020 REPORTJUNE 2020 REPORTJUNE 2020 REPORTJUNE 2020 REPORT

Current Operating Receipts $ 20,093.42

Current Operating Disbursements $ - 22,597.65

Current Operating Balance Current Operating Balance Current Operating Balance Current Operating Balance $ $ $ $ ----2,504.232,504.232,504.232,504.23

09/03 Nicholas Fisher

09/04 Deborah Hettinger

09/05 William Romesburg

09/06 Don Adams

09/09 Madison Saltsgiver

09/10 Todd Hummel

09/11 Kora Aulenbach

09/13 Jean Maurer

09/16 Mildred Satteson

09/21 Nancy Sechler

09/23 Kelly Snayberger

09/25 Carl Brown

09/03 Ressler, Jean & Cliff

09/10 Laudermilch, Carol & Chuck

09/14 Renno, Rebecca & Timothy

09/23 Fisher, Carol & Charles

09/30 McKissick, Linda & Park

RALLY DAY 2020RALLY DAY 2020RALLY DAY 2020RALLY DAY 2020

"Won't You Be My Neighbor?""Won't You Be My Neighbor?""Won't You Be My Neighbor?""Won't You Be My Neighbor?"

On Sunday, September 27, join your church family for a very special drive-in Rally Day service focused on "Who is my neighbor?" There will be special music from some of the youth, a skit, a prepackaged snack, and even games to play in your car! Don't miss this special service!

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Donald Erdley 11/07/1940 - 08/05/2020

In memory of Donald ErdleyDonald ErdleyDonald ErdleyDonald Erdley by Sue & Jim Tomlinson

by VFW Post 957

by Kay & Gary Nottis

by Nancy & Wayne Stahl

by Bucknell University

Dear Friends,

I am very blessed to be part of St. john’s family! There’s a heap of kindness and caring for others at St. john’s. Hard-working Sue & Jim Tomlinson and Brenda Adams made and brought yummy zucchini bread. Both of which I en-joyed!

A while back, the Angel quilters presented me with a lovely quilt.

Thank You All!

Jane Hayes

THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!THANK YOU!

On Sunday, August 2, 2020, I had the privilege and honor to become the sixth “Spiritual Child” of St. John’s as I became an Ordained Minister. It was a very special time for me and I deeply appreciate the efforts of the people of St. John’s to make this occasion as memorable as it could be during this time of pandemic and limitations. I am especially appreciative that you opened the Sanctuary for the service.

Although I am sure there are many more behind the scenes, I would like to thank the following people and groups:

Rev. Alice Rauch and the Consistory The Church Re-Opening Team The Hospitality Committee Todd Hummel, Organist and Administrative Assistant The Exaltation Ringers Don Adams, Susan Baish, Barry Catherman, Sue Gemberling, Linda Sartwell,

Rev. Robert Stoudt, Jim and Sue Tomlinson.

I want to also thank the congregation for its love and support over the years as I walked the path of faith, Licensed Ministry, and Ordained Ministry, as well as the many kind well-wishes and gifts I re-ceived for my Ordination.

God bless you all! Rev. Gary N. Nottis

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Visit us on the Web!

www.stjohnslewisburg.org

St. John’s United Church of Christ

An Open and Affirming Congregation

WORSHIP HOURS

Worship: Service online at

Facebook or YouTube

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!

DRIVEDRIVEDRIVEDRIVE----IN SERVICES CONTINUEIN SERVICES CONTINUEIN SERVICES CONTINUEIN SERVICES CONTINUE

*You are welcome to join us for an outdoor Drive In Worship Service. This service will take place rain or shine (unless there are severe thun-derstorms).

*We will worship God together in this “stay in your car” gathering.

*Bulletins will be available on in print as you drive in AND posted ahead of time for those who choose to print their own copy at home.

*The building and restrooms will not be openThe building and restrooms will not be openThe building and restrooms will not be openThe building and restrooms will not be open. The service will be brief (approximately 30 minutes)

*The sound will be broadcast or amplified (you will receive details about this when you arrive or in the bulletin)

This is a new adventure! We ask for your prayers and cooperation as we strive to gather in a way that honors God and keeps those who attend as safe and well as possible!

MONTHLY COMMUNION MISSIONSMONTHLY COMMUNION MISSIONSMONTHLY COMMUNION MISSIONSMONTHLY COMMUNION MISSIONS

SEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBERSEPTEMBER———— Food PantryFood PantryFood PantryFood Pantry

OCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBEROCTOBER————William Cameron Engine Co.William Cameron Engine Co.William Cameron Engine Co.William Cameron Engine Co.

NOVEMBERNOVEMBERNOVEMBERNOVEMBER———— Hoffman HomesHoffman HomesHoffman HomesHoffman Homes

DECEMBERDECEMBERDECEMBERDECEMBER————General AccountGeneral AccountGeneral AccountGeneral Account

SPECIAL DECEMBER OFFERINGSPECIAL DECEMBER OFFERINGSPECIAL DECEMBER OFFERINGSPECIAL DECEMBER OFFERING————Transitions Transitions Transitions Transitions

septemberstjohnslewisburg.org/images/sept_2020.pdfnew worship time in september! september september...

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