The Eagle. Vicar s Corner. April, 2019 New Series Volume XXXXIV, No 4, 2019 ST. JOHN S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

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1 Vicar s Corner The Eagle April, 2019 New Series Volume XXXXIV, No 4, 2019 ST. JOHN S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH a reconciling in Christ congregation 330 Ferry Street, Easton, PA The Reverend Susan D. Ruggles, Pastor M. Danielle Bosdell, Vicar Karla Lake, Director of Music phone: stjohnseaston@gmail.com website: stjohnseaston.org Newsletter Submissions to: stjohnseastonnewsletter@gmail.com I hope you all had a chance in the past to experience Holden Evening Prayer. If not, I highly recommend it, as it is a beautiful and meditative worship experience. As you may know, throughout Lent, the local Lutheran churches have been gathering each Wednesday evening for a light meal at 6pm, and a service following at 7pm. On April 10th, St. John s is hosting the evening. For those interested, but not sure what to expect, I thought I would give more background information and history of the service. First, know what Holden Village is and what it offers. Personally, I have never been but it is definitely a bucket list item from everything I have heard about it. Over the course of 50 years, Holden Village has been transformed from a copper mining town to a vibrant place of education, programming, and worship. It has been a rich journey of faith. Holden welcomes all who seek contemplation and community in the remote wilderness of the beautiful Cascade Mountains. We invite people of all ages to come and experience our rhythms, which inspire and equip travelers to continue a sustainable life of faith outside the Village. And we continue to listen to and reflect on our story and history as we seek to discover our place in God s creative mission in our world. No roads lead to Holden Village, which makes the journey itself exceptional. Most visitors arrive by boat, taking the historic Lady of the Lake ferry from Chelan or Fields Point to the Lucerne boat dock. There are also a small proportion of visitors who choose to complete the pilgrimage on foot hiking into the Village from trails connected to the Pacific Crest Trail. The isolation of the Village creates room for a unique way of life at Holden. -excerpt taken from, Marty Haugen, a composer of liturgical music, spent the winter of 1986 at Holden Village with his family. During their stay at the Village, he wrote Holden Evening Prayer. Marty took inspiration from the people and experiences he had at Holden, and the traditional Lutheran service of Vespers (ELW, 309) to write Holden Evening Prayer. It is simple, beautiful, moving, and is centered on prayer. Please join us on April 10th to sing, pray, and journey together.

2 For: The People of St. John s From: Your Director of Music I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for all of your prayers, thoughts and cards expressing your hope in my speedy recovery from my January 11 surgery. It was comforting to know that I was missed although I know that the musicians who filled in for me brought wonderful organ music to your ears and for that I am very appreciative. With your support of the organ fund headed by Steve Moyer, I m confident that our pipe organ will continue to inspire our hearts with wonderful music. I have returned to St. John s as of March 6 th for our Ash Wednesday evening service. Again, many thanks for your caring words of support. Sincerely, Karla Lake Free Community Breakfast St. Johns Lutheran Church April 6, :00 to 11:00 am Please join us for a Free Community Breakfast. Come and gather with members of the community to share a meal, conversation, and help build community spirit! Benevolence for Lent ELCA Immigration and Refugee Services *Envelopes are available in the narthex now. Monies given in the Lent envelopes will support the ELCA Immigration and Refugee Services. Thank you! The Outreach Committee April -Animal Awareness Approximately 6.5 million dogs and cats are abandoned in the U.S each year, leaving shelters in overwhelming need of donations and other assistance. In April, at St. John s we recognize Animal Health and Welfare as an important ministry to our community. The Outreach Committee has planned a few events to meet these needs and show our concern for the pets in our community. Pet Needs Collection: The Outreach Committee will be collecting dog food, cat food, pet treats, blankets, animal-safe shampoo, pet-toys and accessories (brushes, collars, etc.) to donate to the local animal shelter. A box will be located in the narthex for collection. Please help with this important service. Blessing of the Animals: In conjunction with the collection, we will hold a Blessing the Animals event for the community in the church parking lot on Saturday, April 27 th from 10-noon. Bring your pets and tell your neighbors. All pets of any species (or persuasion) are welcome! Bake Sale: In addition, we will host a bake sale on Sunday, April 28 th in order to raise funds for our local shelter. These funds will be used to meet basic needs at the shelter such as rent, utilities and veterinary fees There will be tasty human treats for you to purchase in order to support this cause! RACHAEL CIRCLE Change: for April Only We will meet the 1st Sunday, April 7th, because of Easter. Mark your calendar and stayed tuned for a special May Day Tea Shower - on May 5th. RSVP by Friday, April, 5th,

3 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS APRIL - 10:30 AM April Birthdays... 4/2 Shirley Kressler 4/3 Derek Collins 4/4 Howard Lewis 4/4 Morgan Greenleaf 4/7 Susan Romano 4/10 Phyllis Good 4/14 Jean Brown 4/15 Barbara McCoy 4/16 Katheryn Garrity 4/19 Katie Fritchman 4/22 Jim Heck 4/23 Barbara Wilhelm 4/24 Amir Flucker 4/25 Tika Cressman 4/26 Jean Shook 4/27 Anne Kovac 4/29 Jordyn Ruggles 4/30 Rhemy Golab April Anniversaries... 4/18 Joyce & Doug Powell 4/27 Alison & Shawn Fink Volunteers Needed... Each month the Property Committee is seeking volunteers for a monthly church workday. At the beginning of the month (starting in April) on the narthex bulletin board, there will be a sign up sheet for 3 workday projects. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up. Check the bulletin weekly for that months scheduled workdays! We look forward to seeing you! Be on the lookout for the 2019 updated directory... It will be available in the Narthex. If you would like a copy sent to you. Please contact the church office. April Altar Guild: Delores Caul / Patsy Woodson April Fellowship Hour: Property Comm. (4/7, & 4/28) April 7 Fifth Sunday of Lent Mia Ruggles Bob Black / Jacob Ruggles Worship Assistant: Christopher Orem MariAn Olson Communion Assistants: Barbara Horinko / Vicar M. Danielle Bosdell Gallery Attendants: Ilse von Lang / Carol Faulkner April 14 Palm Sunday Aaron Howey Lois Anne Calloway / Charles Hanson Worship Assistant: Joyce Petty Cindy Black Communion Assistants: Rob Smith / Victor Unks Gallery Attendants: Chris Swan / Linda Kalapay April 18 Maundy Thursday Jahsai Mack Shirley Kressler / Victor Unks Worship Assistant: Sean Hartman Ian Heck Communion Assistants: Barb & Les McCoy April 19 Good Friday Jonas Orange Wayne Docker / Phyllis Schurz Worship Assistant: Vicar M. Danielle Bosdell Lynn Kutch Communion Assistants: Steve & Carolyn Moyer April 21 Easter Sunday Logan Weber Patsy Woodson / Phyllis Schurz Worship Assistant: Katie Fritchman Victor Unks Communion Assistants: Sue Glenn / Christopher Orem

4 April 28 Second Sunday of Easter Abby Cressman Bob Black / Jacob Ruggles Worship Assistant: Tom Neel Chuck Lewis Communion Assistants: Roger Ruggles / Jim Heck Gallery Attendants: Ruth Thomas / Steve Remel Liturgical Colors and Gospel Readings The glory of God is often revealed when and where it is least expected. April 7 April 14 April 18 April 19 April 21 April 28 Third Sunday of Lent Color: Purple John 12:1-8 Palm Sunday Color: Purple Luke 22:14--23:56 Maunday Thursday Color: Purple John 13:1-17, 31b-35 Good Friday Color: Purple John 18:1--19:42 Easter Sunday Color: White Luke 24: 1-12 Second Sunday of Easter Color: White John 20: 19-31

5 Palm Sunday Brunch / Egg Hunt A Brunch will be held on Palm Sunday, April 14 th, following the worship service. The Membership Committee will provide the main dishes and are asking the congregational members to provide the desserts. The Egg Hunt for the Sunday School children will be held following the brunch. The Membership Committee Opportunities for Worship in Lent /Easter: April 2, 2019 Soup & Scripture 6:00pm (Hospitality Rm.) April 3, 2019 Easton Cluster Evening Prayer St. Andrews. 6:00 pm Light Meal / 7:00 pm Service April 9, 2019 Soup & Scripture 6:00pm (Hospitality Rm.) April 10, 2019 Easton Cluster Evening Prayer St. Johns. 6:00 pm Light Meal / 7:00 pm Service April 14, 2019 Palm Sunday Service, 10:30 am April 18, 2019 Maundy Thursday Service, 7:00pm April 19, 2019 Good Friday Service, 7:00pm April 21, 2019 Easter Sunrise Serv., Riverside Park, 7:00 am Easter Festival Worship Service, 10:30 am

6 ORGAN RENOVATION CAPITAL CAMPAIGN UPDATE The Gallery at St. John s Art for your Appreciation and Purchase In the gallery Artists Without Walls will continue through Sunday, April 28th. Over one hundred people, one of the largest crowds ever, filled the gallery throughout the afternoon during the Opening Reception on Sunday, March 3. All twelve AWW artists were in attendance and spoke briefly about their exhibits. These artists are all members of ACE (The Arts Community of Easton) who do not have studios of their own. The ACE Small Works Show, curated by Maryann Riker, fills the side back wall with 20 pieces by 20 artists. The Gallery at St. John s will once again be part of the 21 st Annual Open House Tour of Easton galleries which will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, from 12:00 4:00 pm. Enjoy a weekend of art appreciation in Easton! Note: This article is being written mid-march, actual numbers may differ. The St. John s website provides up-to-date information on the Campaign and will include information on the scheduled organ renovation work. Check out the St. John s website: stjohnseaston.org. After a month our Campaign is off to a great start. We have crossed the half-way pledge mark to our goal of $50,000. We are hearing of a number of people who are still in the discernment stage as to the pledge they will be making. Thank you for your support. This is a sign that as a Congregation, we realize the importance of our organ to our Worship life and the need to keep it in sound repair. Please remember that the pledging period for the Campaign will be completed Easter, 21 April The gathering of funds through pledges and gifts will continue through 2023 with the goal of raising $50,000. A couple of thoughts as we move forward: A number of members who have already made pledges for over the five-year period have begun making a weekly gift/donation. Perhaps, that is a way you might want to support the campaign and think toward your pledge. A weekly gift of $1.00 over five years is $250. A weekly gift of $2.00 over five years is $500; of $10.00 is $2500. Is there something that works for you? Remember, if you do not feel comfortable making a pledge, but still want to support the Organ Renovation Project, weekly or onetime gifts are still needed and greatly appreciated. Gifts to this Project are an extra mile donation and hopefully do not lessen your regular financial support of St. John s ministry and mission. Save the Date... VBS July ROAR Need a ride to Church? Shuttle Service Available... Please Call: Yolanda We want to be sure every member is credited for their support of the Organ Renovation Project. Please make your donation(s) in one of two ways. First, place your gifts in an envelope marked Capital Campaign and your Offering Envelope number. Or second, include your gift in your Weekly Offering Envelope and mark Capital Campaign with the amount of the gift on the envelope s line Other. Either envelope can be placed in the Sunday Offering Plate or mailed to the Church Office. With your continued support, Easter will have a shout of an additional Alleluia as we bring our successful pledging for the Capital Campaign to a close. Thank you for all your support. The Steering Committee

7 Easter Flower Dedication We invite the congregation to participate in decorating the church for Easter. If you would like to give a beautiful plant in memory of loved ones or honor family or friends, please be on the lookout for a form in the bulletins, or contact the church office. Your names and all those being honored or memorialized will be printed in the bulletin on: Easter Sunday, April 21, Cost $8.00 Deadline for ordering, April 14, 2019 Altar Flower Donations are still needed for the following Sundays: June 30th, Cost $30.00 *Every Sunday at St. Johns, the altar is adorned with beautiful flowers donated by our congregation members, and we are very thankful. Please note, when you donate altar flowers, it is a gift to the glory of God. The Altar Guild is responsible for preparing the altar including the flowers before and after the service. If you know of someone who would appreciate them, and you sponsored the flowers, please talk to altar guild. If not, the altar flowers will be distributed to our shut-ins. Dates to Remember... May 3-4 May 5 May 11 June 8 Youth Retreat Youth Sunday Mission District Meeting Council Retreat (Tentative) Outreach Committee asks for your help Thank you! For ProJeCt of Easton: St. John s the Rice Church Any Type of Rice Other items needed: Instant Potatoes Hamburger Helper Condiments Low Sodium Soups / Stews Jelly and Preserves Canned Vegetables Lunchbox Sized Items Personal Care Items Back Pack Buddies: Ravioli Canned Pastas (Individual and Large Cans) Macaroni & Cheese (w/ Pop-Top Lids) For SAFE HARBOR: Sugar Pancake Mix / Syrup Ice Tea Mix Paper Cups (8oz. Hot and Cold) Paper Napkins Heavy-Duty Paper Plates Paper Towels Plastic Silverware Air Freshener Sprays Laundry Detergent Boxes of Tissues Plastic Grocery Bags White Copy Paper Men s T-shirts (size L, XL, 2XL, 3XL) New Packaged Socks (Adult) New Packaged Underwear (Adult) Backpacks and Duffle Bags (used /good condition) MEALS ON WHEELS Northampton County: Lap Robes Scarfs Gloves Stamps Woolen Hats Stationary Socks Toiletries (Lotions) Family Connections: New Packaged Socks (Child) New Packaged Underwear (Child)

8 ST JOHN S LUTHERAN CHURCH 330 FERRY STREET EASTON PA NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON PA PERMIT #310 St. John s Office Phone: Office Hours: Monday Friday 9:00-2:00 Administrative Assistant: Melissa Dean Property Manager: Tyler VanAllen Director of Music: Karla Lake Sexton: Larry Steinmetz Nursery: Allison Fink Driver: Yolanda Atwood The ministries of St. John s are accomplished because of the work of the Committees of the church. Why not join a committee during Lent to see how you can live your faith? See the church calendar when Committees and ministries gather. If you have questions or don t find what fits your schedule, contact the committee chair listed below or Pastor Sue or Vicar Danielle. Let s see if 40 people participate during Lent!! Altar Guild Coffee and Conversation Finance Committee Fine Arts Committee Membership Committee Mutual Ministry Newsletter Outreach Committee Prayer Group Property Committee Rachel Circle Lois Anne Calloway Vicar Danielle Rob Smith MariAn Olson Monica Weiss-Nolen Joyce Petty Melissa Dean, office Patsy Woodson Phyllis Schurz Roger Ruggles Dee Caul Thank you to Larry Steinmetz for 8 years of dedicated work at St. John s! Larry s last day will be on Easter Sunday as he ventures into retirement! Please make sure to wish him well and thank him for his service!