THE EVANGELIST. Issue 12 A Word from the Pastor... December 2015

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1 THE EVANGELIST A monthly publication of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church - Ridge Valley St. John s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Ridge Valley, 910 Allentown Road, Sellersville, PA Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 2pm Pastor Rev. Amy Hotter Administrative Assistant Jennifer Nyce Phone: stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net Issue Website: 10 Facebook: https//facebook.com/stjohnsridgevalley October 2013 Sunday Worship Schedule: 8:30 am Traditional; Sunday School-9:30 am (no summer); 10:15 am Praise Issue 12 A Word from the Pastor... December 2015 Greetings to you and our family, This year I am very excited to share with you that I will be a grandmother. It is so very exciting to know that there is this tiny being inside of my daughter s body that is growing, kicking, and stretching. When a new baby is born, we become filled with hope and joy. We wonder if they will have curly hair, what type of personality, and ultimately what their purpose in life will be? The gift from God the Father is that Jesus came into this world with his mission before Him. God s will is very clear. Jesus declares that He is the way, the truth, and the life. As we live out our life, do we see ourselves as if we are on a journey? Do we know the way that God is leading us? Do we choose to live out our baptismal promises? Jesus is the only way to connect the physical world to God s kingdom. Jesus claims that he is the way, the truth, and the life. How do we know that He is the way? As He had told them from the beginning, Jesus was again telling them (and us) follow me. There is no other path to heaven, no other way to the Father. Peter reiterated this same truth years later to the rulers in Jerusalem, saying about Jesus, Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). How do we know that Jesus is the truth? In the words of St. John, (John 1:1) we hear that Jesus, as the incarnate Word of God is the source of all truth. Psalm 119:142 says, Your law is the truth. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reminded His listeners of several points of the Law, then said, But I say unto you... (Matthew 5:22, 28, 32, 34, 39, 44), thereby equating Himself with the Law of God as the authoritative standard of righteousness. In fact, Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Law and the prophets (Matthew 5:17). How do we know that Jesus is the life? Jesus worked hard to teach his disciples that his impending death was near. However, they just could not wrap their heads around His way and truth. But God provides the proof of Jesus being the life for us. In John 10:17 18, Jesus declared that He was going to lay down His life for His sheep, and then take it back again. He spoke of His authority over life and death as being granted to Him by the Father. In John 14:19, He gave the promise that because I live, you also will live. CONT PAGE 7

2 December Scripture Schedule The Evangelist Date Principal Festivals First Reading Psalm Second Reading Gospel 9 Inclusions due for Council Agenda 13 Christmas Caroling 14 Council Agenda 16 Articles due for Newsletter 20 Hanging of the Greens Service 27 Children's Program OFFICE CLOSED: DEC 24, 25, 31 & JAN 1 LOOKAHEAD:ING JAN 6 Inclusions due for Council Agenda Jan 13 Council Meeting 7pm Read the Bible in a year! Go to: and follow along with their suggested readings for each day or see below. You ll be on your way to reading the Bible as it s events occurred in real time! Dec 1: 1Cor 9-11 Dec 2: 1Cor Dec 3: 1Cor Dec 4: 2Cor 1-4 Dec 5: 2Cor 5-9 Dec 6: 2Cor Dec 7: Acts 20:1-3; Rom 1-3 Dec 8: Rom 4-7 Dec 9: Rom 8-10 Dec 10: Rom Dec 11: Rom Dec 12: Acts 20:4-23:35 Dec 13: Acts Dec 14: Acts Dec 15: Colossians; Philemon Dec 16: Ephesians Dec 17: Philippians 1-4 Dec 18: 1 Timothy Dec 19: Titus Dec 20: 1 Peter Dec 21: Heb 1-6 Dec 22: Heb 7-10 Dec 23: Heb Dec 24: 2 Timothy Dec 25: 2 Peter; Jude Dec 26: 1 John Dec 27: 2/3 John Dec 28: Rev 1-5 Dec 29: Rev 6-11 Dec 30: Rev Dec 31: Rev 19-22

3 The Evangelist Altar Flowers Dec 6 In Memory of Josh Wall given by Mom, Dad, and Diane Dec 20th In Memory of Benjamin given by Racheal and Mommy Dec 24th In honor of Luke Dixon s Bday given by Grandmom and Grandpop Bulletin Sponsors Dec 6 In Memory of Josh Wall given by The Rogers Candle Memorial In Memory of Josh Wall given by The Rogers In Memory of Heather Rogers given by The Markley Family Our Members: Shirley Schirk Gene Davidheiser Linda Marcinko Steve Shutt Neala Hopkins Lynn Damm Wimmer Elizabeth Schmitt Chuck Sannipoli Our Friends: Our Grieving Family: The Warmkessel/Kehoe Family The Fallows Family The Clark Family The Hafler Family The Nase Family Memorials for Darline Dotter Dorothy Troxel December Sandy Driscoll Laird Bourdon A memorial was received in loving memory of Dick & Bobbie Warmkessel from the Warrington Rotary Club. Mary King Our Homebound: A memorial was received in loving memory of Donald Quinn Francis Allem Heacock from Lucille Caruso. Doris Barndt Bob Kulp A memorial was received in loving memory of Elmer & Ellen Huber from Harvey P. Huber. Memorials were received in loving memory of Roy Hafler from Richard & Phyllis Snyder, Dale & Beverly Benner, Dan & Pat Traynor, Carl Knerr, William & Doris Clayton, Chris & Brenda Wall, Mark Bolton's Carpentry Service, Edward & Barbara Wojciechowski, Robert & Linda Kober, William & Eileen Woehr, Myrna Reppert, Louise Bock, Jeff & Penny Markley, Nancy Esposito, Richard & Linda Nase, Asher & Nancy Nace Claude & Dorothy Barndt Edna Barndt Pauline Berndt Helen Brensinger Lucille Caruso Ed Geiger James Gotthardt Willis & Lorraine Ruth & Charles Marx Tom & Blanche Matczak Elaine Turner Paul & Pauline Brensinger Harold & Gert Benner Romaine Croissette William Turner

4 The Evangelist Unemployment Support Group Every Tuesday night at 7pm St John s Lutheran Church Ridge Valley Yogini's Kid's Yoga Coming soon to St.John s church & preschool!! My name is Liz Page. I've been practicing yoga for eleven years- and teaching kid's yoga for the last two. I have three children: Emmy (4) Addie (6) and Ellie (16). Emmy is currently a preschool student here at the church, and Addie came here for preschool also. In the past I have worked as a substitute school teacher, and also as a one-on-one special education assistant. I am certified as a Child Light Yoga instructor and I also currently teach kid's yoga at Yoga Tree in Perkasie. I'm excited to announce that starting in December I will be teaching here too. A class will be offered for children ages three to five to introduce the basic poses and principles of yoga along with breathing techniques, songs and games. Class will start at 12 pm immediately following preschool on Wednesdays, and will go until 1 pm in the basement of the church. The cost is $10/child and each child will need a yoga mat and a water bottle. Studies show that introducing young children to yoga is an excellent way to help with stress management, exercise, balance and so much more- putting them on a path to a healthy and peaceful lifestyle. FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS We recognize that many of the members of our congregation as well as friends of St. John's own, operate or are affiliated with a family business venture, and this can include baby sitting, dog walking, sitting, mowing of grass, etc.. Please feel free to post your business card, or a little memo with regard to what might be of interest to our congregation. "We are Family...Our Congregation and Me." THANK YOU I want to thank everyone for your prayers, calls, cards, kind words and remembrances on the sudden illness and passing of Roy. A special thank you to Pastor Amy and Heidi for their visits to the hospital and for their support. Another thank you to the choir for their participation in his service and to the ladies who served the luncheon. Roy has been healed and gone home to the Lord. I m sure that the gathering of his family and his church family to say goodbye made him smile. Carolyn You can see Roy s obituary online at

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7 CONT FROM PAGE 1 As we take time to reflect over the words of Jesus, I am the way, truth, and life may we be grateful. May we know that we have a God who provides all things. We recognize that God has a purpose for our lives, our children s lives, and our grandchildren s lives. Yet, I also recognize that without following the One who know the truth, way, and life, we will be deceived, lost, and not living to our full potential. Many people spend a great amount of time to decorate their houses and love to show off their beautiful lights yet they are in dark. In this Christmas season, please share the Word of God. Please read the stories of John s the Baptist, Mary and Joseph, Elizabeth, and the Child. (Luke:1) It is in the Words of God we find and follow Jesus and have our purpose. A very merry Christmas to all of you. May the Peace of God fill your hearts. Need a Gift? Try the recommended books and family movies below! In the love of Jesus, Pr. Amy

8 The Evangelist Chrismons and Chrismon Patterns Chrismons are Christmas decorations with Christian symbols on them. They help Christians to remember that Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birthday. They are often used on Christmas Trees in Churches and Christians homes. They were first made by Frances Kipps Spencer at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, USA. She also thought of the word, Chrismon, which is a combination of Christ and monogram (meaning symbol). The idea quickly spread to other churches. It is traditional that Christian groups can make their own Chrismons with their favorite symbols on. Each year a 20ft (6 meter) Christmas Tree is decorated in the Ascension Lutheran Church, as Mrs Spencer intended, and visitors come and the hear the story of Jesus explained through her original Chrismons and a few gifts from around the world. Chrismons are traditionally colored white and gold. White is the liturgical (or Church) color for Christmas and symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory. Chrismons can be made from nearly anything, but paper and embroidered ones are the most widely used. *Retrieved from Check out the beautiful Chrismons on our tree in the Sanctuary here at St. John s!

9 The Evangelist The Evangelist Make Homemade Ornaments! Fun Celebrations in December 1 Eat a Red Apple Day 2 National Fritters Day 4 Wear Brown Shoes Day 6 St. Nicholas Day 7 International Civil Aviation Day 7 Letter Writing Day 7 Pearl Harbor Day 9 Christmas Card Day 10 Human Right s Day 13 International Children s Day 13 Violin Day 14 Roast Chestnuts Day 16 National Chocolate Covered Anything Day 17 National Maple Syrup Day 18 Bake Cookies Day 19 Look for an Evergreen Day 20 Go Caroling Day 21 National Flashlight Day 24 National Chocolate Day 25 Jesus Birthday

10 St. John s Lutheran Church 910 Allentown Road Sellersville, PA Place Label Here St. John s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 910 Allentown Road, Sellersville, PA Office Hours: Visiting Hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 2:00 Phone: E Mail: stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net Website: stjohns ridgevalley.com Facebook: Worship Schedule: 8:30 am Traditional Service; 9:30 am Sunday School; 10:15 am Praise Service St. Johns Staff: The Rev. Amy Hotter, Pastor Mark Gottesfeld, Organist & Music Director Jennifer Nyce, Administrative Assistant Christine Nyce, Rick Rogers, Sextons St. John s Council Members: Don Graham Roy Hafler, Congregation/Council Vice President Barbara Klinger, Financial Secretary Dan Traynor, Treasurer Brenda Wall Nancy Esposito Cornell Hopkins, Congregation/Council Secretary Marianne Yeakel, Congregation/Council President Megan Yoder