The Advocate. From the Rector. Wishing you a blessed new year, David+ St. John Episcopal Church

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1 St. John Episcopal Church phone: (717) The Advocate J A N U A R Y MONT H L Y A D V O C A T E This newsletter is intended to update the members of St. John Episcopal Church on all of the things going on in our parish. I N S I D E THIS I S S U E : Sunday Formation Winter Weather Policy Vestry Officers 2015 Pastoral Concerns Building Committee Update From the Rector There have been several recent studies to confirm the fact that children learn from and mimic the actions of their parents. I cannot recall a time when my parents did not include all five of their children in the experience of attending church. There was never a question that on Sunday morning our entire family would attend Sunday School followed by the worship service. I learned early on to say the prayers, to put in my offering and when old enough to share in worship leadership. I learned the stories of faithful people and how their story was part of my story. I saw that practices and stories of faith were important to my parents. Beyond my parents, I observed that practices of faith were important to other people in our parish community. My involvement with our faith tradition began as a child mimicking the practices of my parents and other adults. Staff Adjustments January St. Zita s Guild Volunteers Ministry Coordinator Family Ministry As we begin a new calendar year I encourage the intentional participation of all of us in the worship, formation and ministries of our parish. I encourage each of us to be faithful in the prayers, the sharing of communion and generous in our support of the parish ministry opportunities. We are blessed with children who look to us and mimic us as we practice our faith. I hope you will join me in a pledge for 2015 to be a good role model. Wishing you a blessed new year, David+ No life of faith can be lived privately. There must be overflow into the lives of others. ~ Eugene H. Peterson

2 P A G E 2 Sunday Formation for our Children On Sunday mornings at 9 AM our children are invited to be involved with organist and choir director, Rodney Barnett in a learning opportunity using the gift of music. Following this opportunity at 9:15 our youngest children engage in Godly Play which is a wonderful story oriented learning experience. Our older children are invited to engage stories of faith at a deeper level as they engage the Good News. Beginning in January our tweens and teens are offered the opportunity to share in Journey to Adulthood. This opportunity encourages the support of the entire parish as our younger members begin a journey that will lead them to explore their own faith and learn the importance of faith practices. Learning is a lifelong experience come join us as we journey together When the time comes.. Death and taxes we are told we cannot avoid, yet we like to think there are ways to get around both taxes and death. On January 4, Father Lovelace will begin a three week discussion during the Sunday Forum to assist us in preparing for the inevitable. We shall begin by talking about the services of the church at the time of death, what plans are helpful to have in place, who needs to know, etc. On January 11, Albert Kuhner of Kuhner and Associates will lead a discussion of the role of a funeral director and how such a service can be helpful to a family. On January 18, William Anstine will discuss with us estate planning, wills and how to write a will, living wills and other questions you may have about planning for when the time comes. Winter Weather Policy The parish staff will follow the York City School policy for delay or cancellation due to winter weather. If the schools delay or cancel classes, the parish office will do the same. In all cases, please use caution and follow your own common sense about travel. If a parish meeting is scheduled and the weather is a concern, please contact the leader of the particular group to determine if the meeting has been cancelled. With regard to services, the Rector will determine if the services are to be cancelled. That information will be available by calling the parish office and listening to the phone message, by or by checking our website. Above all else be safe and determine what is best for you when winter weather is a concern. Parking in the Church Lot During week days the church parking lot on Beaver Street is leased to Brockie Reality who in turn leases spaces to those working downtown. The church has a number of spaces reserved on a daily basis for our use if you are coming to the parish office to conduct business or attending a worship service. Simply tell the parking attendant you are coming to church and free parking will be provided. In the evening and on weekends the parish has parking available in the lot. If you are coming downtown during normal week day work hours, you may park in the lot if space is available but you must pay to park like all others using the lot. The parking lot behind the parish hall is reserved for the parish office staff, those teaching in the school and those needing handicap parking. The Parish Office will close at noon on Wednesday, December 31 and be closed January 1 and 2.

3 P A G E 3 Vestry Officers for 2015 On December 14 the Incorporated and Associate Vestries of St. John were installed for the coming year. The Incorporated Vestry besides managing the assets of the parish engages in visioning on behalf of the parish. We face an exciting year as we begin to provide a more hospitable campus for those coming to St. John. The Vestry is charged with being the legal representative of the parish and with all matters related to the clergy. The success of any parish is measured by how well the parish works together to fulfill the Church s mission. The Associate Vestry is charged with supporting the mission of the church by initiating, promoting and assisting to provide for the continual spiritual growth and welfare of the parish. We are blessed with dedicated leaders and seek your support and prayers for their leadership. Incorporated Vestry Senior Warden Steve Alwine Junior Warden Karen Gleba Clerk Sue Robertson Asst. Treasurer Milton Leake Treasurer David Hogeman Chairman Vice Chairman Secretary Treasurer Associate Vestry Brian Floyd Mark Lutz Barbara Froman Richard Ensminger, Jr. Members: John Mathai, Michael Dellinger, Susan Hack, Nathan Bortner, Michael Kearns, Sylvia Salerno, Claudia Parks, Anthony Hicks Members: Kristine Potter, Alyson Murray, Linda Lopez, Charles Atwood, Sandy Aulbach, Kathy Hill, Linda Looker Pastoral Concerns The clergy of your parish are prepared to meet your pastoral needs and concerns. In order to do so, we need your help. If you are going to be in the hospital or a rehabilitation facility please have someone notify the parish office. Medical facilities are not permitted to contact the church unless you direct them to do so. Even if asked on admission and you agree, it may take a day or two for the pastoral care office to notify the parish office. If you are in a facility and are moved to another facility please notify the parish office. Your clergy want to be supportive but we need your help in order to fulfill your needs. Freezer Sale Continues to be a Success! The cooks and holy rollers of St. John began during the summer months to prepare for the 12 th annual Divine Delights Freezer Sale and Gourmet Bake Sale. It seems each year that we are blessed with new options of delicious foods from which to choose. As the Advocate goes to press the profits from the sale are $13, The majority of the funds raised by the Freezer Sale support the outreach ministries of our parish. Thanks to all who work so hard to make the Freezer and Bake Sale a huge success!!! Rummage Sale Everyone associated with the rummage sale wants to thank the parish for items donated, hours worked and overall support. It was our best sale ever! All profit went to Outreach Ministries. Our next sale will be in April so begin to place items aside to donate at that time. Thank you again.

4 P A G E 4 Special thanks To all who shared gifts for the children at Presley Ride as well as gloves, scarves and caps. To those who filled more than one car with gifts for the Episcopal Home in Shippensburg. To all who filled St. Nicholas pouches with quarters. Your quarters provided $664 to be shared with the nurses at the four city elementary schools. The nurses are able to provide needed clothing or meet other special needs of the children in their school. To Steve Alwine and Jackie Lang who helped share the story of St. Nicholas with our children. To the Associate Vestry for the delicious luncheon served during the Chrismon Tree decorating gathering. To all who shared in the beautiful liturgies of Advent and Christmas the choirs, altar guild, acolytes, lectors, chalicers, greeters, ushers, parish staff and our clergy. To our children, Jen Morris, Alyson Murray, Jess Dellinger, Sarah Reeder, Anne Strayer, Riley Ness and Catie Strayer for the beautiful Christmas pageant. To the children s orchestra: Abbie Wood, Abbie Trembly, Grace Strayer, Kaden Wood, Sergio Paul, Anna Herr, Alex Gleba and Andrew Trembly. Building Committee Update The Building Committee continues to refine the plans for our project to provide a more welcoming, safe and accessible campus for our church. Gary Weaver and the team of architects continue to find creative solutions for potential problems once construction begins. The team working with our building committee had a preliminary meeting with York City representatives to discuss the proposed plans and land development. The team has scheduled a meeting with the Traffic Safety Committee in December and a hearing with the Zoning Board in January. Our goal is to obtain all the necessary permits and authorization to begin construction in April. Indications are that we must add a fire suppression system throughout the campus. Options are being considered to address the wall to the north of our property that actually sits on the property line. Consideration is also being considered for alternative sites in which to gather once construction begins for the safety of all concerned. Hats off to the Building Committee and the team of professionals who are working to find the best and most practical means to address our needs and the future needs of our parish. Staff Adjustments In an effort to operate the parish within the limits of our income for 2015, the Vestry has eliminated the staff positon of Administrative Assistant. Barbara Palmer has filled that position on our staff since June, We are grateful to Barbara for her dedicated support of the ministries of our parish and respectful cooperation with our parishioners. The Vestry regrets the necessity of further staff cuts as they continue to be good stewards of parish resources. The 2015 budget also reflects a reduction for the Ministry Coordinator and Family Ministry Director. These budget cuts require each of us to be aware of limited staff resources to support our ministries as participants in the life of our parish. Volunteer efforts on the part of our parishioners are greatly appreciated.

5 P A G E 5 FROM THE PARISH REGISTER Death Unto God s gracious mercy we commend Ruth B. Huff Dear St. John the Baptist Church, On behalf of our Bishop and all of the many lives you have touched this year, I send thanks. May all your Jubilee Parish Family be filled with hope and joy this Advent season as you continue to seek and serve Christ. Peace be with you, Deacon Loretta Collins Diocesan Jubilee Officer January St. Zita s Guild Volunteers Altar Linens Ministry - 1 st Sunday Ann Kordenbrock 2 nd Sunday - Polly Stetler 3 rd Sunday - Jane Linebaugh 4 th Sunday - Ruth Delp Bulletin Board Ministry - Linda Lopez Hospitality Ministry Dan Wagner Kitchen Ministry Sylvia Salerno From the Ministry Coordinator: Have you made any New Year s Resolutions? Please prayerfully consider expanding your spiritual growth in sharing your gift of time in one of the many ministries available at St. John. If you are unsure as to which ministry would be a good fit for you or are having difficulty deciding what ministry you would enjoy the most, please contact me. Always needed are members of the Altar Guild, host/hostesses for Coffee Fellowship, people to prepare a casserole for Our Daily Bread, Ushers, Lectors, etc. Please consider something you think you would find fulfilling and ask yourself, How does this ministry enhance my personal spirituality? I ask you to spend a few quiet moments with God and listen for him to lead you in a direction of his calling. Peace and blessings, Alison ministrycoord@stjohnyork.org God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. (NLT) ( 1 Peter 4:10 ) Dear St. John s Congregation: On Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2014 I lost a good friend and St. John s lost a very giving church member, Ruth Huff. Many of you, I m sure, remember Letha Morningstar and the Sisters in Caring Group. Letha begged each year to know who Santa was. God must have given me a sign, because in her declining health, Santa removed his hat, wig, beard and glasses to disclose his identity, which happened to be the last Christmas party. What Letha and the other members could not figure out was how Santa knew how many people would be attending the annual Christmas party each year. What special gift to give to Letha. How Santa knew trivia information about the groups activities in the past year. Who was making and supplying those handcrafted gifts and cookie bags each year. Well, that special Santa s helper was Ruth Huff along with the help of her husband, Warren. I will miss her. So, I would ask all of you to say a prayer for Ruth today asking God to accept her into his Kingdom. Santa A.K.A. Barry Schaad

6 P A G E 6 Jennifer Morris, Director familyministry@stjohnyork.org As we bid farewell to 2014, there are many people to thank for their faithful service to the Youth Programs at St. John. The Faith Formation teachers faithfully guide the children in developing an understanding of the Episcopal faith and the stories of the bible. We ve reached out in ministry through programs such as vacation bible school and All Pro Dad which welcomed an average of 50 attendees from St. John and York Academy Regional Charter School. These and all the programs require substantial volunteer hours. Thank you to all who have helped with the events held in Your faithful dedication is a wonderful example and will ensure the hospitality and tradition as St. John carries on. As we enter 2015, we will begin a new venture in Faith Formation with the Journey to Adulthood Program. We welcome all youth grades 6 12 to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. We welcome your prayers for success for each participant and their Journey to Adulthood. A team has been assembled to teach this class, but more help would be appreciated. We may be calling on the congregation from time to time to share faith stories and assist with this group. If you may be interested, please contact me via the above methods. Thank you for your support and have a blessed New Year!!!!! - Jennifer Morris, Family Ministry Director Upcoming Events: January 9 2nd Friday Family Game night January 31 All Pro Dad Breakfast February 13 2nd Friday Parents Night Out March 13 2nd Friday Family Game Night Join us Friday, January 9 for family game night. All are welcome to bring a covered dish and a couple board games to share in fun and fellowship. All are welcome. Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17 Classes meet 2nd floor - Education Building Adult Forum meets in the Parish Hall 9:00 9:45 AM 9:00 9:15 AM Music with Rodney 9:15 9:45 AM Godly Play K-2nd Grade Living the Good News 3rd 5th Grade Journey to Adulthood 6 12 Grade January 31, 2015 Hey Guys, it s your time to shine. Please join us for our 1st breakfast of PARENTS NIGHT OUT!!! Children are invited to join us on Friday, February 13. Parents can drop off/pick up anytime 5 9 p.m. in the parish hall. Dinner will be provided. Take this opportunity to have dinner with your Valentine while your children have fun with friends. RSVP by contacting Jen or sign up at the church. St. John Episcopal Church (717)