St. John s United Church of Christ 501 East Main Street Evans City, PA April Messenger 2019

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St. John s United Church of Christ 501 East Main Street Evans City, PA 16033 April Messenger 2019 April 1 Neighborhood Academy 6 Great American Cleanup at 9:30 am 7 Jubilee

1 St. John s United Church of Christ 501 East Main Street Evans City, PA April Messenger 2019 April 1 Neighborhood Academy 6 Great American Cleanup at 9:30 am 7 Jubilee Soup 8:00 am 13 Easter Bunny Breakfast 14 Palm Sunday 18 Maundy Thursday Service 19 Good Friday Crosswalk 21 Easter Breakfast & Worship 27 Patti Nelson 5k Run/Walk

Rev. Lisa Griffin, Pastor Worship Service 10:00 A.M. lgucchot@live.com Children s Sunday School 10:00 A.M. Office 724-538-8124 Office email: stjohnsevanscity@zoominternet.net Website: http://www.

2 Rev. Lisa Griffin, Pastor Worship Service 10:00 A.M. Children s Sunday School 10:00 A.M. Office Office stjohnsevanscity@zoominternet.net Website: Facebook: St. John s United Church of Christ of Evans City October Newsletter April 7 Fifth Sunday of Lent Sermon: New Ministry Scripture: Isiah 43: April 14 Palm Sunday Sermon: Preparing Scripture: Luke 19:28-40 Thursday, April 18 Maundy Thursday Potluck Dinner and Worship 6pm at Westminster Presbyterian Friday, April 19 Noon Cross Walk We will begin at St. Peter s Lutheran Church 12:30 Good Friday Service at Westminster Presbyterian April 21 Easter Sunday Sermon: Believing Scripture: John 20: 1-18 April 28 Sermon: Julia Difiore will be leading the worship service and will be preaching Scripture: John 21:1-19

Minister s Reflections In Your Easter Basket John 6:13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves that had been left over by those who had eaten.

3 Minister s Reflections In Your Easter Basket John 6:13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves that had been left over by those who had eaten. This scripture from the gospel of John is not part of the Easter story. It is the only scripture in John about a basket. In this story Jesus was preaching. It was late and people hadn t eaten. Jesus asked the disciples to see if they could find anybody with food. They found a boy with 2 fish and five loaves of barley loaves. Jesus prayed over this meal and it multiplied to feed everyone and there were 12 baskets of food left over! I wonder where the empty baskets came from. Easter is a time for baskets: Easter Baskets. When I think of Easter baskets I think of presents, candy and eggs. I would get up on Easter morning and search for my hidden Easter basket. Then we would get ready for Easter sunrise service, Easter breakfast, Easter worship service and then Easter lunch at my grandmothers with our relatives. It was a special day. A day that started with an Easter basket. For many, Easter is all about the Easter basket. I thought about the many ways we use baskets and how our baskets can be filled with Jesus. People came into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover Feast. People might have been carrying food in their baskets to eat on their journey there. When Jesus entered Jerusalem people began waving palms shouting, Hosanna. I wonder if people used palms to weave into baskets. Baskets could have been used for the bread at the Passover Feast when Jesus shared bread saying, This is my body broken for you. After Jesus was arrested were there baskets sitting around in the court yard where Peter denied knowing Jesus? Were some people shaking baskets in the air shouting, Crucify Jesus! Crucify him! Some of the women may have carried baskets with wet clothes to wipe the blood off of Jesus as he carried his cross up the hill to Golgotha. I imagine baskets holding the many tears shed as Jesus family and friends watched him die on the cross. The women might have carried the burial spices to Jesus grave on that first Easter morning. Baskets have many uses. I think my favorite basket is the empty basket reminding me of the empty tomb. Yet, I know that the other baskets were also important. They help tell the whole story of Jesus love for us in the midst of life s joys and struggles. What kinds of things are in your Easter basket? As we move along our Lenten journey and seek to Return to God with all our heart we collect things for our basket along the way. Our display in the sanctuary shares the story of our journey. It will lead us to believing. What story will your Easter baskets tell about Jesus this Easter? I hope it tells everyone that Jesus is Alive! I pray you all have a blessed Easter. Pastor Lisa

From the Desk of Your Consistory President Your Consistory has been busy the first couple months of 2019 planning upcoming events, fundraisers, mission projects, and work projects.

4 From the Desk of Your Consistory President Your Consistory has been busy the first couple months of 2019 planning upcoming events, fundraisers, mission projects, and work projects. We have ordered a new banner and t-shirts/polos printed with our new St. John s logo/ mission statement. Plans are in the works for the Easter Bunny Breakfast, Saturday, April 13 th, our Easter Service, and a Youth sponsored Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, May 19 th following Church. We have decided to once again have the Oktoberfest Rummage Sale. With this in mind, we have developed a list of acceptable/not acceptable items. Since we are planning to have our fellowship hall and landings maintenanced, Consistory is asking that you wait to bring in any further furniture or housewares at this point. We will notify the Congregation when we are ready for merchandise. Yours in Christ, Nancy Miller We are having the rummage sale this year. Due to no available storage space at this time, we will not be accepting furniture until August.

HELP US Please We are in the process of updating our St Johns UCC website. We d like people to know about us. So, we would appreciate if you would answer the following to help us share our church.

5 HELP US Please We are in the process of updating our St Johns UCC website. We d like people to know about us. So, we would appreciate if you would answer the following to help us share our church. We will just use first names, however if you are willing to share your answer and don t want you any name used we will put anonymous next to your answer. How are you personally growing in your faith at St. Johns UCC? please deposit in offering plate, drop at the church office, or you can the office

6 JOYS AND CONCERNS: Consistory Highlights Prayers asked for Stella Neely in the death of her sister-in-law and for her continuing treatment. Prayers also for Bill Malich as he has moved in with Ellie and Tony. Prayers for the family of Angie (co-worker of Amy) who died suddenly at the age of 55; and also for Bill Rape RESPONSIBILITY REVIEW consistory meetings will be changed to the first Monday of the month, unless it is a holiday. The next meeting will be April 8 at 6: x24" plaques will be placed on the Free Library receptacles 2. Beef stew dinner made $ % will be given to benevolence. 3. Easter Bunny breakfast will be April 13. RSVP only, can accommodate Youth Spaghetti dinner will be after church (11-1)on May 19. Donations 5. Rummage sale will be held during E.C. Octoberfest. There is a list of what we can not accept posted on the church doors. 6. The bids from Peffer was accepted to do the floors and landings 7. Talked about updating the church directory. 8. Shirts with the church logo are available to order. Aprons will also be ordered using money from the Mary Lou Jones memorial funds. Julia Difiore talked about a new organization she has started in the UCC. It is called CELAH (Christ's Extravagant Love And Hospitality). The purpose of this organization is to help struggling churches. There was discussion as to whether St. John's would be listed as a founding church. PASTORS REPORT 1. The mission trip to fill the disaster buckets was discussed. 2. On-line donations will be investigated 3. Pastor went to a meeting about the softball team players will be on each team. The $600 total needed to play will be covered by money from the Don Iman Memorial fund. 4. Julia Difiore will preach the Sunday after Easter when Pastor Lisa is on vacation STANDING COMMITTEES 1. Property. Dan will check into signs for the parking lots. Steve Umpirowicz will be in charge of replacing the wall by the sidewalk. The property committee will be Dan, Steve, Ed Miller, Don Princeler, Gary Marburger and Tom Smith 2. Outreach committee will be Amy, Kay, and Cindy 3. Worship committee will include Donna 4. Christian Ed and Mission will include Amy 5. Finance will include Kay. 6. Fellowship will be Nance, Stella Neely and Judy

Fellowship News This has been a tough month as we lost our dear close friend and my co-partner of the Fellowship Committee, Stella Neely.

feeding the heart, mind, and soul. With the help of our new member and Consistory Rep. Judy Smith, we will continue to fulfill Stella s wishes. Please welcome Judy to the team!

Hopefully if you are staying for the movie, you are enlightened learning about young Jesus and the gift God bestowed upon him and some of the struggles he went through.

and our Shut-ins. If you have time, check out their Youth Room. They have started to repaint. It is always interesting to paint with kids!

Produce for People, and Packing the Food Cupboard are our monthly mission projects. Many thanks to our faithful packers and produce distributors, and our last Homework Club was completed.

7 Fellowship News This has been a tough month as we lost our dear close friend and my co-partner of the Fellowship Committee, Stella Neely. She always wanted to make sure that we had refreshments after Church so that we not only worshipped together, but also had the time to talk and enjoy a bite to eat with one another.feeding the heart, mind, and soul. With the help of our new member and Consistory Rep. Judy Smith, we will continue to fulfill Stella s wishes. Please welcome Judy to the team!! Lenten fellowship began after Church with the movie The Young Messiah and light lunches. Thank you to everyone who signed up to provide refreshments. Hopefully if you are staying for the movie, you are enlightened learning about young Jesus and the gift God bestowed upon him and some of the struggles he went through. Nancy Miller Christian Education News: Mission was the theme this month during confirmation class, and our Sunday School and Confirmation Students made M&M favors for the tenants at President Square and our Shut-ins. If you have time, check out their Youth Room. They have started to repaint. It is always interesting to paint with kids! Our first Community Conversations was held at the Evans City Library, with ideas for Community Growth the first topic. Produce for People, and Packing the Food Cupboard are our monthly mission projects. Many thanks to our faithful packers and produce distributors, and our last Homework Club was completed. The Sing A Long was enjoyed at Presidents Square, and Very FULL FISH were collected for OGHS! What a month of activities! We ask that you pray for our church each day Church Prayer for April: Jesus, we want to share in the Holy Week journey. We celebrate all that you are in our lives and shout Hosanna. We sit as you wash our feet and let us know the importance of being a servant. You lift the bread and cup and we share in your broken body and the blood that you shed for us. Sorrow fills us as we watch you die on the cross. We look forward to the Easter morning hallelujahs. Help us to share the good news of your love with others. Lead us to invite others into your presence. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

St. John s Mission Updates and Opportunities! March is a transition month. Winter still has hold of us, yet spring is trying so hard to burst out! And did St. John s ever burst out!

Patrick s Day with shamrocks and glow in the dark stars, We enjoyed our Lenten Bible Study, the movie The Young Messiah and realized Jesus was a child at one time!

8 St. John s Mission Updates and Opportunities! March is a transition month. Winter still has hold of us, yet spring is trying so hard to burst out! And did St. John s ever burst out! We are in the middle of Lent, We made 6 batches of Strawberry Jam, We taught Chip Mohan that it isn t hard to make Jam, but a lot of stirring is required! We celebrated St. Patrick s Day with shamrocks and glow in the dark stars, We enjoyed our Lenten Bible Study, the movie The Young Messiah and realized Jesus was a child at one time! We packed the Evans City Food Cupboard, helped at Produce for People, volunteered at the last Homework Club, We enjoyed an evening of singing and ice cream with the tenants at President s Square, We will sponsor Community Conversation at the Evans City Library, and We will collect all those FULL FISH for One Great Hour of Sharing! WHEW! What a month of fun, fellowship, learning, and just being a part of our wonderful church family ST. JOHN S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST! As I turn the page to April, we head to the Neighborhood Academy. A wonderful dinner of Taco Salad, Cookies, Ice Cream, and Drink will be enjoyed by 100 plus students! We will participate in the Great American Cleanup of PA by picking up trash on the route for the Patti Nelson 5K Run/Walk. All proceeds benefit the Evans City Library. Go to to register. If you have never gone with us to the Jubilee Soup Kitchen, we would love to take you, and all the containers, bags, and Dawn Soap we collected. A collection box is always under the table in the narthex. To top all our activities this month we celebrate Easter. Holy week starts off with our traditional Easter Bunny Breakfast and off we go Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and to end the week.easter Breakfast and Worship celebrating our risen savior Jesus Christ! Come and join us as we celebrate Easter..and share God s Love with ALL!! Monday, April 1, 2019 Neighborhood Academy. We will leave St. John s at 5:00pm Saturday, April 6, 2019 Great American Cleanup of PA. Sue Ann Jones home at 9:30. Pizza Lunch to end the morning! Wear good shoes, work clothes, and gloves! Sunday, April 7, 2019 Jubilee Soup Kitchen. Leaving St. John s at 8:00 Saturday, April 13, 2019 Easter Bunny Breakfast 9 11am. Come Hungry. Sunday, April 14, 2019 Palm Sunday. Bell Practice after Church Monday, April 15, 2019 Christian Education Meeting 6:30 pm Thursday, April 18, 2019 Maundy Thursday Service at Westminster Church. Friday, April 19, 2019 Good Friday Cross Walk Sunday, April 21, 2019 Easter Morning Breakfast at 9:00. Worship at 10:00am Tuesday, April 23, 2019 Produce to People, leaving the church at 3:15pm and St. John s Quilting at 6:00pm Saturday, April 27, 2019 Patti J. Nelson 5K Run/Walk 10:00 am Sunday, April 28, 2019 Bell Practice after Church 11:15 12noon Monday, April 29, 2019 Packing the Evans City Food Cupboard 5:30 pm. Saturday, May 4, 2019 Eastbrook Mission Barn. We leave St. John s at 8:00am. Sue Ann Jones daveandsueann@zoominternet.net jonessa1220@gmail.com

St. John s Strawberry Jam is DONE for 2019! Hurrah!! Many thanks to all those that donated ingredients and jars, and to those that crushed, measured, and stirred the jam!

We made 9 recipes, and have approximately 75 jars to sell this year. A special thanks to one of our BEST Customers! That would be the mother of our own Pastor Lisa Dorothy Gaul! She is spreading St.

Easter Morning Breakfast Come hungry and ready to begin your Easter Celebration. Breakfast is at 9:00 with Worship to follow at 10:00.

9 St. John s Strawberry Jam is DONE for 2019! Hurrah!! Many thanks to all those that donated ingredients and jars, and to those that crushed, measured, and stirred the jam! Our guests at the Beef Stew, Biscuit, and Cobbler Dinner definitely enjoyed our jam on the biscuits! I concure.it was delicious. Almost as good as the Stew and Cobbler! We made 9 recipes, and have approximately 75 jars to sell this year. A special thanks to one of our BEST Customers! That would be the mother of our own Pastor Lisa Dorothy Gaul! She is spreading St. John s Love all over Punxsutawney! Thank You! Our Jam is always available in the Narthex for $5.00. Spread the Love. St. John s Strawberry Jam! Easter Morning Breakfast Come hungry and ready to begin your Easter Celebration. Breakfast is at 9:00 with Worship to follow at 10:00. Our Confirmation Students invite you to bring your breakfast into the Youth Room for some Easter Pictionary. Join them in drawing/guessing the Easter Story! Fun will be had. If I learned anything during their retreat.they are Competitive! Great American Cleanup of PA Patti J. Nelson 5K Run/Walk Come and help pick up trash on the 5K Run Walk on Saturday, April 6 th. Meet at the home of Sue Ann Jones 9:30 am. Wear work clothes, good shoes, and gloves. We will walk the route picking up the trash for the upcoming run. A pizza lunch will follow. The annual Patti J. Nelson 5K Run/Walk will be held Saturday, April 27 th at 10:00. Go to to register. A 1 mile fun run is also held. All proceeds benefit the Evans City Library.

Overdose Prevention Education with Narcan Admin Training When: April 25, 2019 7-8 pm; Registration begins at 6 pm At: Westminister Presbyterian Church, Evans City, Pa.

10 Overdose Prevention Education with Narcan Admin Training When: April 25, pm; Registration begins at 6 pm At: Westminister Presbyterian Church, Evans City, Pa. Presenters: Chief Mark Peffer, Allison Gal, M. Ed. Prevention Specialist; Butler County Human Services Drug and alcohol Programs Register online at: It s time to order your Easter Flowers! Orders need to be in the church office by Sunday, April 7, # of Lilies # of Tulips # of Hyacinth # of Daffodils $9.00 each Amount Enclosed: $ Given By: In Memory of: In Honor of: I will pick up: Leave for shut-in: Orders may be dropped off at the church or mailed to: stjohnsevanscity@zoominternet.net St. John s UCC 501 East Main Street Evans City, PA 16033

Please consider sponsoring the bulletins and/or flowers in memory or in honor of a loved one.

00 flowers (if having the church secretary order for you) April Birthdays 5 Linda Miller-Pretz

April Anniversaries 2 Ed & Nance Miller 22 Rev.

11 2019 Bulletins & Altar Flowers The 2019 sign-up sheets for bulletins and altar flowers can be found on the Narthex table. Please consider sponsoring the bulletins and/or flowers in memory or in honor of a loved one. The cost is: $15.00 bulletins $25.00 flowers (if having the church secretary order for you) April Birthdays 5 Linda Miller-Pretz 18 Cindy Princeler 26 Braden Rubinosky 27 Cheryl Haywood 29 Amanda Martin Dates to Remember April Anniversaries 2 Ed & Nance Miller 22 Rev. Lisa and Rich Griffin 26 Dave & Pam Greenawalt We offer condolences to the family of Stella Neely who passed away March 23, Her funeral service was held at St. Johns UCC on Thursday, March 28. Stella will be missed. Like all our saints at St. Johns UCC, she was a blessing.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Neighborhood Academy Leaving at 5:00 pm APRIL 2019 1 2 3 4 5 6 Worship Comm.

10:00 am Bell Practice after worship Christian Ed 6:30 pm Musicians 6:00 pm Praise Team 6:30 pm Maunday Thursday Potluck and Worship Service Good Friday Community Crosswalk 12:00

12 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Neighborhood Academy Leaving at 5:00 pm APRIL Worship Comm.4:00 pm Musicians 6:00 pm Praise Team 6:30 pm Choir 7:00 pm Great American Cleanup on 5K route Meet at Jones at 9:30 am Jubilee Soup Kitchen 8:00 am Worship/ Children s S.S. 10:00 am Bell Practice after worship Consistory 7:00pm Quilters 6:00 pm Musicians 6:00 pm Praise Team 6:30 pm Choir 7:00 pm Palm Sunday Worship/ Children s S.S. 10:00 am Bell Practice after worship Christian Ed 6:30 pm Musicians 6:00 pm Praise Team 6:30 pm Maunday Thursday Potluck and Worship Service Good Friday Community Crosswalk 12:00 noon Choir ending at 7:00 pm 6:00 Westminister Westminister Church for Church worship at 12:30 pm Easter 9:00 am Worship/ Children s S.S. 10:00 Produce to 3:15 pm Quilters 6:00 pm Musicians 6:00 pm Praise Team 6:30 pm Choir 7:00 pm Patti Nelson 5k Run/Walk 10:00 am Worship/ Children s S.S. 10:00 am Bell Practice after worship Packing the Food Cupboard at 9:00 am

St. John s United Church of Christ 501 East Main Street Evans City, PA September Messenger Dated Material: please deliver promptly

St. John s United Church of Christ 501 East Main Street Evans City, PA 16033 September Messenger Dated Material: please deliver promptly Events to Remember 2 Sunday School Project for Oktoberfest 9 Rally