St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, ELCA 915 Federal Avenue Downtown Saginaw - Saginaw, MI 48607

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1 St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, ELCA 915 Federal Avenue Downtown Saginaw - Saginaw, MI Pastor: The Rev. Carl E. Ballard Pastor cballard123@msn.com Office: (989) Pastor: (517) Worship w/communion Sundays 9:30 a.m. Office Hours: 9am 1pm, Monday-Friday Office sjc915@sbcglobal.net stjohnlutheranelcasaginaw.weebly.com SPIRIT NEWSLETTER October 2018 Issue 118, Volume 10 Fellow Ministers in Christ, Fall is here which brings back the normal rhythm as we look forward to the Advent season while we have opportunities in learning and serving and sharing. First of all, we are re-installing the Communion Assistant during worship. I remember when I first came and how helpful they were. The first Sunday is October 7 th. You can sign up in the Church office or let the Church Secretary Joyce Andrus know. Also, there are two Bible studies. One is on Wednesday afternoon. Study will be facilitated by Ruth Sharper at 1:00pm starting October 3 rd in the meeting room with the topic/book to be decided. The other is on Sunday at 11:00 am with everyone facilitating this Sunday Bible study as we discuss current events and the Book of Revelation. No experience is needed and everyone is welcome. Aryia Lynne Elizabeth Cavanaugh was baptized on September 23 rd. What a joyous time is was to have the parents and sponsors bring her to the baptism font where water was poured over her head in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, then as we moved to the altar to have a Gregorian chant and the candle was lit to signify the light of the world, and she was marked with the Cross of Christ forever. We have a new sister in Christ and heaven was applauding. During the children message, Mary had everyone get up to dance the crane dance while Alexander played a little ditty. It was fun to celebrate together. The hymn selection that day was Borning Cry (whose lyrics make me cry) and then Yes, Jesus Loves Me, which lit the faces of Aryia s family and friends and others because it is a song many of us learned when we were young and taught our children and grandchildren to sing. Afterwards we gathered in Knauer Hall to honor Ayria. People utilized using their gifts and their passions which made both celebrations special. Thank you all who made this such a terrific experience. I hope that we and Aryia, the beloved children of God, will follow the words in Paul s letter to the Colossians: 12 As God s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord [a] has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ [b] dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. [c] 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 (NRSV) As we love our neighbors as we love ourselves this letter gives great instruction to a faith community. And others will know we are Christians by our love and keeping Jesus central in our lives with love and compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. What a way to walk in faith!

2 Our ministry continues to show positive signs and growth as we continue to explore why we are where we are. We will continue to strive to be what God wants for us and others. Please consider coming to the All Saints, All Souls ecumenical event and the Trunk of Treat for the children in the community. I am looking forward to working together in doing all in the name of Christ for the glory of God. God s unlimited love and grace, Pr. Carl OPEN HOUSE MEDITATION FOR ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 ST AND FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 ND AT ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH, 915 FEDERAL AVENUE TIME WILL BE FROM 12:00 NOON TO 4:00 P.M. FOR AFTERNOON MEDITATION, REFLECTION AND PRAYER Live, contemplative music on organ and piano will fill the sanctuary. Walk in, light a candle in memory of your departed loved ones and enjoy an inward moment, peace and reflection. Background Information: All Saints and All Souls Day are Holy Days of observance of the departed. The practice of praying for the dead dates back thousands of years in Judeo Christendom. Martin Luther and other early Protestants also practiced the solemn remembrance of the faithful departed, although in a theological context separated from the Catholic Church tradition. Because the Feast of All Saints and All Souls is widely celebrated, this project will be a good venture in ecumenical outreach, particularly among the Latino Community who celebrate El Dia de Los Muertos and young adults who don t enjoy Sunday service but still seek a religious moment. Objective To provide our neighbors of Saginaw with a prayerful experience and show them the beauty of St. John s sanctuary and mission. Per Worship and Music Committee Chairperson, Marie Wells and Alexander Verdoni, Director of Music.

3 HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOIN US SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 TH AT 1:00 P.M. FOR TRUNK OR TREAT ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH PARKING LOT We will pass candy out to the local kids. Feel free to decorate your trunks if you want. If you can t join us but would like to help, you can bring Halloween candy to the church office. There will be drinks and snacks in Knauer Hall. Please call Lin Bentley with any questions, after 5 p.m. OCTOBER 2 Kurt Aven 5 Ryan Hoppe 10 David Herzberg II 11 Kaye Schultz 12 Heidi Acha 12 Janice Aven 12 Elmer Schulz 14 Roger Kramer 15 Dustin Alverson 16 David Herzberg 20 Eugene Miller 23 Raymond Crane 29 Becky Pytlik 31 Steven Marcet 31 Steven Meyer HAPPY ANNIVERSARY OCTOBER 10 Raymond & Kellie Crane 16 Duane & Debra Alverson 16 Joseph & Dana Aven 19 Carl & Elizabeth Quackenbush 21 David & Debrah Herzberg 22 Jerry & Lola Lemmer ST. JOHN LUTHERAN NUMBERS DATE ATTENDING REGULAR OFFERING 9/2/18 28 $1, /9/18 38 $ /16/18 42 $ /23/18 52 $1, Year to Date Income January 1, 2018 September 23, 2018 Offering: $41, Rental: $20, ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC Those who attended the ELCA church picnic Aug. 19th at Roethke Park enjoyed an afternoon of fellowship, laughs, and good food. There were 26 present from St, John, Faith, Zion Freeland, and OSLC. Special thanks to Our Saviour for setting it up. Donate Winter Clothes and Coats to give away at St. John Lutheran Church, Food Pantry, Breakfast for the Hungry and Community Dinner. Please place donated clothes on the designated table in Knauer Hall.

4 WHAT IS OUR MISSION? Sharing God s grace while growing in faith. WHAT IS OUR VISION? To be an inviting, welcoming faith community making a difference. City of Saginaw, Saginaw Fire Department Award Ceremony Open House Tuesday, October 9 th 10:00 AM October 26 th at 6:00PM at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 915 Federal Avenue, Saginaw, MI Downtown Dan of the Ezekiel Project will have a discussion and question/answers on Current Economic Justice Events based on Matthew 22:37-40 where Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment and Jesus stated the second commandment is: love your neighbor like you love yourself. Choir Music, Discussion, Recording, Food & Refreshments WOMEN S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Girlfriends from St. John Lutheran and Zion Lutheran Freeland, The women of OSLC invite your women s group to join us for a Christmas get together on Dec 9 th at 1:00 p.m. at Timbers Restaurant, 6415 State Street, Saginaw. We will order off the regular menu and will have a separate room for our celebration. Exchanging prayer pal gifts, drawing names for 2019 prayer pals, and enjoying fellowship with each other is always a special part of the holidays. Watch for posters and sign-up sheets in November. Questions: Linda, Melinda, Karen DATE ASSISTING MINISTER COMMUNION ALTAR USHERS ACOLYTE SOUND BOARD ASSISTANT GUILD October 7 Lin Bentley Group 1 Group A Dave Herzberg October 14 Ruth Sharper Marty Wiegand Group 2 Group B Brandy Blohm Kurt Aven October 21 Mark Oswald Group 3 Group C Marty Wiegand October 28 Carl Quackenbush Group 4 Group D Marty Wiegand PRAY FOR OUR IN-HOME & CARE FACILITY MEMBERS "Hand Bell Choir will begin rehearsals starting Wednesday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining handbells, contact Alexander at No previous musical experience required."

5 St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, ELCA 915 Federal Avenue, Saginaw, MI October 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Noisy Offering :30-7pm Kinder Kare Knauer Hall am & 6:30pm Hand Bell rehearsal 16 6:30 pm Council Meeting :00am Food Pantry 5:30pm Community Dinner :00am Food Pantry 26 6:00pm Ezekiel Project In Knauer Hall 27 9:00am Breakfast for the Hungry 1pm Trunk or Treat Office Hours: 9am -1pm Office: (989) Pastor: (517) Office sjc915@sbcglobal.net

6 St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church 915 Federal Avenue Saginaw, MI Worship with us at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays Serving the Saginaw Community Since 1857 God s Work. Our Hands. Sharing God s grace while growing in faith. To be an inviting, welcoming faith community making a difference. Council Members as of July 1, 2018 Officers to Serve One Year July 1, 2018 June 30, 2019 President... Mark Oswald Vice-President... Lin Bentley Treasurer... Carl Quackenbush Secretary... Ruth Sharper Boards to Serve Two Years July 1, 2018 June 30, 2020 Stewardship & Finance... Carl Quackenbush Property Maintenance / Camp Ministry... Kurt Aven Worship & Music... Marie Wells Evangelism Marie Wells Congregational Life... Eveline Gatzsche Parish Education... Madeline Blohm FOOD PANTRY SCHEDULE Thursday, October 11 th & 25 th 8:00 a.m. FREE COMMUNITY DINNER Thursday, October 11 th 5:30 7:00 p.m. BREAKFAST FOR THE HUNGRY Saturday, October 27 th 9:00 a.m. If you are interested in serving the church, please see Pastor Ballard.