The Joyful Witness. St. John S Lutheran church and SchooL. Message From our Pastor

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1 The Joyful Witness St. John S Lutheran church and SchooL MONTH In this issue: Message From Pastor News from the School 1 4 The Joy Group 5,6 Serving Schedules 7 Executive Board Minutes JUNE 2018 Issue 8-11 St. Johns on Facebook Like us on Facebook at StJohnsLutheranChurchGlenArm St. John s Website stjohnslcms.org Check out all the features on our website, such as Bible Studies Calendar of events Weekly sermon broadcasts Newsletter If you have any questions or submissions to the newsletter just contact Mary Parker mnpltr101@gmail.com JULY-AUGUST NEWSLETTER ARTTICLE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS JUNE 15, 2018 Message From our Pastor Dear Friends, It s hard to believe it is June already. As usual much will be happening at St. John s in June. June 3 will be Concordia Prep Sunday here at St. John s. Special refreshments during the coffee hour and a brief presentation about the school will highlight the day. We will also recognize graduates on June 3. If a member of your family is graduating this spring, please submit name, school graduating from, and intended or completed major to the church office no later than Tuesday, May 29. The June Congregational Forum will be on Monday, June 4 from 6 to 8:30 PM. We will begin with supper and fellowship time at 6. The business meeting will begin about 6:45 PM. Items on the agenda are the election of officers, chairpersons and elders for the next two years, the discussion of the school budget, information regarding the upcoming pastoral vacancy and other reports. Please give priority in your schedule to attending this important meeting. Father s Day is June 17. The Worship Board will again be sponsoring Donuts for Dad in the meeting room between the services that day. I ve already heard some of the Dads talking about getting their donuts that day. It seems to be a popular affair. Sunday, June 24 marks the installation of congregational leaders in both services. Both newly elected and continuing officers, board chairpersons and elders will be participating in the installation. We are looking forward to Vacation Bible School from July 16 to 20. Please contact Nicole Swift if you can help: snswift@comcast.net. Personally, Susan and I are thankful to the Lord for the safe arrival of our ninth grandchild and third grandson, Austin Charles Young. Austin was born to Katie and Adam on Tuesday, May 8. He shares his birthday with his cousin, Julianne (she was born 6 years earlier on May 8). Austin spent some time in the NICU due to some hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) issues. He had excellent care and his Mom was able to spend many nights (and days of course) with him there. We know you will be enjoying the great weather during the next few months. Weekends will be special times to travel and be with family. St. John s Worship services will continue each Sunday at 8:45 AM and 10:45 AM. Thirty Minutes in the Word will continue each Sunday at 10 AM. Spiritual growth opportunities will continue even in these less hectic months. Join us! God bless you. Pastor Prayer List Carl Green Andrew Oberle Sandy Beyer Our Military Family Matthew St. Clair Brad Thurlow Chris Lewis All Military Troops If you place someone on this list, please provide the office with any updates. Thanks! 1

Message from the Elders There is something special about the approach of summer. The sun shines higher, the sky looks bluer, the flowers more vibrant everything is more colorful.

Whatever we do during this summer season, we tend to slow down from our usually-hectic schedules.

2 Message from the Elders There is something special about the approach of summer. The sun shines higher, the sky looks bluer, the flowers more vibrant everything is more colorful. With these visual changes, we tend to feel more relaxed. Perhaps we are anticipating a vacation, a family reunion or taking time off for a staycation. Whatever we do during this summer season, we tend to slow down from our usually-hectic schedules. Relaxing on a deck, sitting poolside, or watching the sun set on the beach gives us time to rest and regroup. It is also a time to stop and smell the roses and recognize God s abundant gifts. The fragrance of His flowers, the beauty of that beach, the endless blue sky, and vivid stars in the dark sky are all His creation. May you enjoy His treasures and rejoice! The marvelous scents, beautiful scenery and wondrous sounds are all His. Let us celebrate and sing His praises! The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come Song of Songs 2:12 Vacation Bible School July am-Noon In need of 2 Station Leaders! Please contact Nicole Swift if you are able to help snswift@comcast.net of

St. John s Ministries Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Groups The Joy Group Dining Out Group Small Group Bible Study Outreach Groups Baptismal Prayer Partners Mite Box For Missions

Baltimore, MD 21222 5:00pm ~ Social Hour 6:00pm ~ Dinner 7:15pm ~ Share Memories & Stories Reservations are Required RSVP by June 4 th to Church Office ~ office@stjohnslcms.

3 St. John s Ministries Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous Fellowship Groups The Joy Group Dining Out Group Small Group Bible Study Outreach Groups Baptismal Prayer Partners Mite Box For Missions Youth Ministry Together Let Us Honor and Celebrate the Retirement of Our Beloved Pastor Paul Richter Dinner Reception Saturday, June 23 rd, 2018 Sparrows Point Country Club 919 Wise Avenue ~ Baltimore, MD :00pm ~ Social Hour 6:00pm ~ Dinner 7:15pm ~ Share Memories & Stories Reservations are Required RSVP by June 4 th to Church Office ~ office@stjohnslcms.org ~ Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 Ron & Reba Hammond Given by: MR & MRS DONALD RAYNOR IMPORTANT REMINDER: Pastor s Surprise Retirement Celebration Saturday, June 2; 5:00-9:00pm Sparrows Point Country Club 919 Wise Avenue, Dundalk To RSVP, please return the response card that was mailed to you or call the Church Office for additional information. TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS (from Church, 31 minutes, 21.2 miles): Driving Directions for those driving themselves: Take Beltway (I-695) east toward Essex. Take Exit 40 onto North Point Boulevard, South (MD-151), continue about 3 miles. Turn right onto Wise Avenue continue about ½ mile. Turn left into Sparrows Point Country Club. Carpooling Arrangements for those who would like a ride: Put your name and contact information on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board. 3

4 News From Our School We opened our doors in September for our 62 st year of Early Childhood Education at St. John s. June 1 marks the completion of the school year, having served 133 students from 110 families, and we have much to celebrate! Our school has been blessed with a dedicated teaching staff. We give thanks to God for the following teachers and assistants: Teachers: 2s- Pam Philipp, Lisa Bagrosky 3s- Katie Burton, Christin Pasquinelli, Kaira Cook 4s-Heather Dyckman, Patty Mowell, Natalie Alatzas K- Joanne Thompson Assistants: 2s- Kellie Miller, Rachel Childs, Bethany Frey 3s- Cindy Martino, Whitney Bell 4s- Sandy Grier, Nicoll Christ, Heidi Buckler K- Anne Krach Music/Floating Teacher Assistant Gail Mattes We give special thanks to Bethany Frey, Whitney Bell, Sandy Grier, and Gail Mattes for their great work on our staff. We have been blessed with their gift of cheerful, steady, and excellent work with our students. These ladies will be leaving us as family needs are taking them in new directions. God s love and care be with them. We also thank God for the faithful and diligent work of Peggy Hemmeter, who has served our school for many, many years in many capacities. Peggy is stepping aside in the school office as the assistant to the Director. In the coming school year, Peggy will complete training the new school office assistant, Anne Krach, and will continue to serve as the Day School Board chairperson. Thank you, Peggy, for all the ways you have blessed our school. We are grateful to the many individuals who volunteer their time and abilities to make St. John s Lutheran School a great place to learn and grow. Special thanks to: - Pastor for helping our students grow spiritually during Chapel each week - Peggy Hemmeter for her leadership as School Board Chairperson and Director s Assistant - Nancy Hobbs, Christin Pasquinelli, Ginny Frazier, and Peggy Hemmeter for serving on the Day School Board - Ken Otto & Charlie Lerch for the many hours spent caring for the building and property - Mark Glaser for playground maintenance - Carole Warrell and all who helped with the annual Christmas Shoppe to benefit the tuition assistance fund - Barbara for keeping our school clean and orderly - Ginny Frasier, Ken Hemmeter, and Molly Seaborn for helping in the school office - Reatha, Gladys, Diane, Mary, and Nancy for keeping things running smoothly in the church office - Don Parks as Church Treasurer - Jerry Potter for his work on the school website - Ron Jasion for work on the payroll We are currently looking for new Teacher Assistants. Teacher Assistants must have a high school degree as well as some experience with young children and a great deal of love for small children. Resumes are now being accepted by director@stjohnslcms.org or mail: Director, St. John s Lutheran School, Manor Rd., Glen Arm, MD We give thanks to God for the work accomplished this year at St. John s, teaching children about and serve families in the love of Jesus. Thanks be to God! Jan Watson Director 4

5 cooking food for the Women S crisis center Betty Linpinski, Carol Conway, Rosemary Bronzert, Gladys Schuller, Cheryl Raker, Peggy Hemmeter 2nd row Charles Lerch, Jennie Lindner, Ken Hemmeter, Norman Bronzert april 27, 2018 Norman Bronzert, Ken Hemmeter, Charles Lerch, not shown but helped: Terry Donlon, Barbara Borgerding 5

In Memoriam for Ron Hammond Given by: NORM & RUTHANNE BOGAR ROGER & CAROLE WARRELL KEN & PEGGY HEMMETER DON & KENDRA PARKS JOYCE MEWSHAW MEL & GRACE RICHTER FRAN THURLOW MAXINE

ELY HOFSTETTER FAMILY DWIGHT, SUSAN, AND DWIGHT JR. The Joy Group is planning a trip to Bird-in-Hand in Lancaster, PA. A HOME RUN St. John s Lutheran Church 13300 Manor Rd.

Filled with laughter and drama, this new musical is sure to be a hit out of the park!

6 In Memoriam for Ron Hammond Given by: NORM & RUTHANNE BOGAR ROGER & CAROLE WARRELL KEN & PEGGY HEMMETER DON & KENDRA PARKS JOYCE MEWSHAW MEL & GRACE RICHTER FRAN THURLOW MAXINE SEYBOTH ED & CAROL LASSAHN AND FAMILY CLARA GREIVES MR & MRS RICHARD HESS WAYNE & EILEEN HEAD ROBERT & SUE RYE ELAINE & ALAN MCCABE FRANK & SCHARLEY MILLER CAROL MAZIKAS SAM & DONI ELY HOFSTETTER FAMILY DWIGHT, SUSAN, AND DWIGHT JR. The Joy Group is planning a trip to Bird-in-Hand in Lancaster, PA. A HOME RUN St. John s Lutheran Church Manor Rd. Glen Arm, MD Levi must choose between his father s expectations of an Amish life and his own deepest dreams of playing baseball in the major leagues. Filled with laughter and drama, this new musical is sure to be a hit out of the park! Wednesday June 13, 2018 Lunch & Show = $54 (payable at sign up) Carpool from church 10:00am Lunch at 11:30am at Bird-in-Hand 2695 Old Lancaster Pike, Lancaster, PA Join us for a memorable experience and bring a friend Sign up on the bulletin board or RSVP by June 10 th to Terry Donlon

Serving June 8:45 service AV Techs Andrew Beach 10th Alyssa Schuller 17th Emily Soller 24th Amanda Otto ALTAR GUILD Serving for the Month of JUNE will be Wockenfuss, Mazikas, Blecki Serving June

7 Serving June 8:45 service AV Techs Andrew Beach 10th Alyssa Schuller 17th Emily Soller 24th Amanda Otto ALTAR GUILD Serving for the Month of JUNE will be Wockenfuss, Mazikas, Blecki Serving June 10:45 service Greeters Mel & Betty Richter 10th 17th 24th Donie Ely & Carole Warrel Ruth & Gary Hermann Carol Mazikas & Gladys Schuller Ushers/Greeters 10th 17th 24th Readers The Otto Family Reatha Burk & Gladys Schuller Gary & Kathy Soller Ken & Peggy Hemmeter Tracy Jasion 10th Peggy Hemmeter 17th Ron Jasion 24th Charles Lerch Communion Assistants 10th Andy Pullen 24th Jerry Potter Acolytes 10th Carter Phillips 17th 24th Colin Phillips 1-Jun 1-Jun 2-Jun 3-Jun 5-Jun 6-Jun 6-Jun 7-Jun 9-Jun 9-Jun 12-Jun 12-Jun 13-Jun 12-Jun 14-Jun 16-Jun 17-Jun 17-Jun 20-Jun 21-Jun 21-Jun 24-Jun 25-Jun 26-Jun 26-Jun 27-Jun 30-Jun Kerri Schneider Christopher Wiedey Wayne Head Sami Koch Rick Staehlin Kathy Soller Nicole Swift Nelson Bayne Brian Fioravante Bryn Freed Craig Ewers Jacob Sapp June Kraft Rachel Sapp Eileen Head Kim Siebert Mel Richter Ruth Hermann Iona Dorn Robin Bayne Roger Warrell Michelle Funk LeeAnn White Camden Seaborn Marley Seaborn Shana Smith Thomas Becker Lois Brodowski Marjorie Causey Darrell Duggins Kurtis Ewers Ericka King Evan Siverd Ushers 10th 17th 24th Readers Don & Gail Mattes John Funkhouser & Jim Hobbs Andy & Diane Trimble or Terry Donlon Jim & Nancy Hobbs Gail Mattes 10th Terry Donlon 17th Keith Going 24th Don Mattes Communion Assistants Jim Hobbs 24th Jim Hobbs Acolytes 10th 17th 24th TBD Josh Schertz 7

8 St. John s Lutheran Church of Blenheim Manor Road Glen Arm, MD Executive Board Minutes April 23, 2018 President John Funkhouser called the Executive Board Meeting of St. John s Lutheran Church to order in the Meeting Room at 7:05 p.m. Rev. Paul Richter was present. Members present were: John Funkhouser (President), Jim Hobbs (Vice President)(Personnel/Finance), Fran Thurlow (Recording Secretary), Don Parks (Treasurer), Jan Watson (St. John s School), Peggy Hemmeter (Christian Day School), Beth Wancowicz (Education)(Youth), Dyan Luper (Fellowship), Robin Ewers (Stewardship), and Peggy Lambros (Worship). Peggy Hemmeter led the devotion with a reading entitled, The Wall. This was a story about people, God, and relationships and what happens when we surround ourselves with protective walls of our own making. We shut ourselves out, live in a quiet, dark and lonely place, and deprive ourselves of light, love and fellowship. We can build walls so high we can t get out - at least without help. But God can help remove the stones of these walls, stones of jealousy, resentment, disillusionment, childishness, stubbornness, pride, fear, mistrust, indifference and self-pity. He helps us to understand love and to live in peace and understanding, to learn gentleness and kindness and recognize others who have these walls of stones, and with God s help, remove these stones together. MINUTES: The minutes fr om the meeting of March 26, 2018 were appr oved. PASTOR S REPORT: Pastor submitted his report and highlighted the following: 1. Membership Changes since Mach 26, 2018 None 2. Upcoming Events April 29, a.m. Blended Worship in church sanctuary (with 9 a.m. Pancake Breakfast) May 6, :45 a.m. Confirmation Service May 11, Quarter Auction; building opens at 6, Auction is at 7 May 13, Concordia Prep Sunday at St. John s (Mother s Day, too) May 20, Pentecost Sunday (wear red) June 11, a.m. Bill Kraft Memorial Service at Gardens of Faith 3. Ministry and Administrative Items E. Planning for Congregational Forum - Monday, June 4 ST. JOHN S SCHOOL: Jan submitted her report and highlighted the following: - Enrollment: 135 students - In the process of interviewing new teachers - In the downhill stage for the school year - 1-8

9 TREASURER: Don submitted his report as follows: Please be reminded that we are paying for our deficit spending by withdrawing cash from our bank account at PNC Bank. Our cash balance at PNC was $223,857 as of March 31 st. Of that amount, $134,031 belongs to the school and $89,826 belongs to the church. We should be concerned that envelope and plate collection this year is $76,303 compared to $82,825 last year, a drop of $6,522 or 8%. We need to communicate this to the congregation. Total Revenues this year are $78,700 compared to $98,400 last year. Our investment income is approximately $13,000 below last year. Total expenses are $110,000 this year compared to $102,000 last year. We have spent $3,400 more this year on fuel oil and propane and $2,000 more on repairs and upkeep. These are not discretionary expenditures; we must heat our building and properly maintain it. Operating loss this year is $31,400 compared to $4,000 last year. The Treasurer s Report was accepted. Robin is to send John some ideas as to how to relay this information to the congregation. A suggestion was made to include the financial information in the weekly Bulletin. DAY SCHOOL: Peggy submitted her r epor t. She also submitted the Pr oposed School Budget and explained how the figures were arrived at and said that these figures will look different when everything washes out as some revenue and expenses are still coming in. She stated that $5,000 for tuition assistance this year, as well as last year, will come from the Dager Foundation as financial donations are down. A Motion was made to accept the School Budget for presentation at the Congregational Forum. This Motion was approved. EDUCATION: Beth stated there was no report. She stated the kids will be doing the breakfast next Sunday before the Blended Service. She hopes Rita will continue, and there are 2-4 kids in Sunday School. She is thinking about having speakers come here either monthly or every other month to discuss topics of interest which could include such topics as opiods, I-phones and how they can hinder family time, and issues from a Christian viewpoint. Suggestions were made as to include business speakers, where to get these speakers and the cost issue, the need for a committed core, and how we need to reach out to community churches for participation in this regard. Another event would be a Book Club where banned books such as Charlotte s Web, the Bible, Lonesome Dove, etc. would be read and discussed. FELLOWSHIP: Dyan stated there was no report. MISSION/SOCIAL MINISTRY: Donna was not present and there was no report. OUTREACH: Shred Day will be June 2, 2018 with Pit Beef Sandwiches for sale. The cost will be $175 and the shredding will be provided by Chesapeake Shredding, a Christian Company who has graciously provided the discounted rate

10 PERSONNEL/FINANCE: Jim stated there was no report. PROPERTIES: Ken was not present and there was no report but Jim stated that the new Sound System is working and the final cost was $3,500. Total contributions toward the Sound System so far are $792. Additionally, the telephone problems were worked out, and the ceiling plaster in the rear of the sanctuary needs repair. STEWARDSHIP: Robin stated there was no r epor t but the Stewar dship Pr ogram will star t ear lier this year. Also she hopes to implement a Sing-Along during the next Live Nativity. WORSHIP: Peggy stated there was no report but there will be Munchies for Mom on Mother s Day. YOUTH: Brent was not present and there was no report. ELDERS: Andy was not present and there was no report. OTHER BUSINESS/MATTERS: Emergency Planning Awareness: Tr acy was not pr esent but J ohn stated that he will be sending material to Executive Board members which will be a starting point for this project. Profile Team: J im summar ized the pr ogr ess that the Pr ofile Team has been making. The Congr egational Profile is a 10 page document with approximately 35 questions. He assembled a team of 12 people, 6 men and 6 women of various ages who attend early or late services. This team met several times for an hour and a half. The main purpose was to state What is St. John s today? All questions have now been answered, and the team plans to include several attachments. Jim stated this has been a great experience with great people to work with. While everyone did not always agree with everything, there was always robust dialogue. On May 6, the Profile will be presented to Pastor Schaefer. This Profile will then be presented to the Executive Board and, if approved, be presented to the congregation either at the Forum or at a special meeting. Then a Call Committee will be formed. Nominating Committee: There are four people on the Nominating Committee: John, Jim, Ron Jasion and Pastor. The Committee met a week ago and reviewed the positions that need to be filled. Those staying on are: Christian Day School, Education, Fellowship and Elders, Jim Buttner and Charlie Lerch. Positions that need to be filled are: President, Vice President (1 year), Secretary, Personnel/Finance, Head Elder and 3 Elders. A possible name for President thus far is Jim Hobbs. There are no other names as yet for the other positions. Please give suggestions for these positions to John or the Nominating Committee

11 The topic of women serving as Elders was discussed: - Does this have to go through the Elders? - Is a constitutional change necessary? - If positions cannot be filled, this may be the time for women to be Elders. - This may be a cultural change and not a constitutional change. - The policy may be written in the Elder s Minutes. - The District states that as long as an office is service and not authority, anyone can occupy the position. - In the Congregational Profile, the Team stated that currently women cannot serve as Elders. Office Coverage: Peggy stated that the office needs to be covered 5 days a week. Currently, it is only covered 3 days a week, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. On Wednesday and Friday there is no coverage. Coverage Pastors: J ohn said to review his memo on fill-in Pastors. Pastor s to John: In 1987, $8,200 was advanced to Pastor for closing costs on his house with the understanding that this would be repaid when Pastor left the church or retired. Pastor has proposed that he work off the loan facilitating a smooth transition. He would (1) continue to lead the Tuesday Bible Study, (2) lead the School chapel services during the school year, and (3) lead the regularly scheduled staff meeting on Tuesday mornings. This would be revisited if the new Pastor would come on. A Motion was made to approve the above proposal. This Motion was approved. Pastor s Responsibilities: A list of Pastor s Responsibilities During the Week was distributed. The Executive Board is to look over this list and send an to John or Jim with your thoughts. It was suggested that Pastor approach anyone he thinks would be good for any position. At this point, as there was no more business, Pastor offered a closing prayer at 8:35 p.m. Pastor then exited the meeting. Respectfully submitted, Fran Thurlow Recording Secretary -4-11

The Joyful Witness. St. John S Lutheran church and SchooL. Message From our Pastor

The Joyful Witness. St. John S Lutheran church and SchooL. Message From our Pastor The Joyful Witness St. John S Lutheran church and SchooL MONTH In this issue: Message From Pastor News from the School 1 3 Elders message 2 Serving Schedules OCTOBER 2017 Issue St. Johns on Facebook Like