JULY/AUGUST 2018 VOLUME 43 NO. 7 St. John s Lutheran Church 44 West Main St Shiremanstown, PA 17011 1
Upcoming Summer Events JULY July 1 Pastor Rick Whitesel begins Interim Ministry at St. Johns July 1 Community Blood Drive July 9 13 Vacation Bible School AUGUST August 4 Food Bank Work Day WELCOME, PASTOR RICHARD WHITESEL We welcome Pastor Richard Whitesel and his wife, Theresa, to our St. Johns Lutheran church family. Pastor Whitesel will begin his Interim Pastor leadership on the weekend of June 30/July 1. We look forward to working with him as we move forward with our discipleship ministry. FOOD FOR THOUGHT He who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. St. Basil 2
God Is Always With Us ~Pastor Sarah JULY/AUGUST 2018 A Word of Thanks! ~Pastor Seifried Thanks to all who made my last Sunday with you such a special day. It was wonderful to see so many people at the worship service and for me to be a part of that. The reception was great and the many cards and gifts are most appreciated. (I will be dining out for the next year!) But most importantly, thanks for your partnership and friendship. I will always carry my many memories of St. Johns in my heart. Warmest regards, Pastor Mike As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease. Genesis 8: 22 It seems as if school just left out for the summer and we are already talking about back to school sales and school supplies! We have already had a few weeks of the summer pass us by - days of heat and growth, with the green around us growing lush and filled in to the point that it is hard to see where one tree begins and another ends. What beautiful days to marvel at God's creation and realize that all things do become new in it's time. St. John's is in a time of change - of that there is no doubt. We will soon have an interim pastor among us to help us continue in ministry, as well as offer new ideas and even changes. And those changes might not feel comfortable at first, but with time, they too might become to us as beautiful summer flowers. But the important thing is that we take the time to grow together, just as we have been over the years of the past. Our history is a long one - and one that is still being written day by day. Members have come and gone, and leadership has changed and been passed from one to another. But as this verse from Genesis reminded Noah and his family, it can also remind us that God is always with usthrough the heat of summer, to the harvest, to the cold of winter and to the new birth of spring. God has never left us and will always be present in our worship and in our service. Really, this is an exciting time to see where the Holy Spirit will lead us together. Would you pray a prayer with me? God, give us your grace and your love as we face the changes to come. Help us to be your disciples and to serve with faithfulness. May we always look to you, knowing that through all seasons of life you are with us. Amen. 3
JULY/AUGUST TEAM MEETINGS Tuesday, July 3 6:30 PM Church Council Library Tuesday, July 31 6:30 PM Adult Education Team Conference Room Tuesday, August 7 6:30 PM Church Council Library 4 ADMINISTRATION TEAM May 2018- Financial Manager's Report Beginning Ending Income Disbursements Balance Balance CURRENT 48,543.49 39,851.67 40,079.85 48,315.31 Benevolence 0.00 2,532.70 2,532.70 0.00 BENEVOLENCE World Hunger 0.00 1,297.30 1,297.30 0.00 BUILDING 48,723.95 4,448.60 700.70 52,471.85 MEMORIAL 51,769.85 25.00 0.00 51,794.85 TOTALS 149,037.29 48,155.27 44,610.55 152,582.01 Income 1 $800.00 Day Care Cleaning 2 $8,600.00 Day Care - Facility Use 3 $1,245.00 Parsonage Rental Disbursements 1 $393.00 Church Main. 2 $1,128.10 Ed. Main. 3 $75.84 Teacher Recognition 4 $200.00 Guest Organist 5 $122.74 Vanco E-giving Fees CATCH UP SUNDAYS DURING THE SUMMER With travel plans and vacations, often we get behind in our Summer giving. Yet the expenses of the church still go on. Two ideas to keep current with offerings: 1. If you have been away for a while, catch up on your offerings when you are home 2. Or, one way to remain current is through electronic giving. This way you can give an offering without having to worry about check writing or sending an offering to the church. For more information about electronic giving, contact Beth Bard at our church office (717-761-5121). **E-GIVING TIP** The church is charged a fee when a credit card is used for online giving. Using your bank s routing number and checking account number eliminates that cost to the church.
JULY/AUGUST 2018 ANNOUNCING THE FALL STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN Stewardship and Finance Teams are beginning their Fall 2018 campaign for the calendar year 2019. This year s theme is St John s Mission Statement: Grow in Faith. Share God s Love. Serve Others. As you review each of the components of the Mission Statement, think about what they mean to you personally. How can you actively contribute to the success of St John s journey towards a discipleship congregation? Some of the many choices include: participate in a Bible Study, help with Vacation Bible School, sing with the summer choir, donate school supplies, place some items in the Little Free Pantry, be an usher and/or become a member of one of the teams. You will be receiving your annual mailing in early September. It will contain a pledge card and the time and talent sheet. Please consider using one of your many talents when you complete the time and talent sheet. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all. (Galatians 6:10) TAKE CARE In Jimmy Fallon s first monologue as host of NBC s The Tonight Show, he expressed thanks to all past hosts. On an occasion when he might have said, And now this stage is mine! or I m delighted to be counted among such greats, instead he stated with deep humility, I just want to do the best I can and take care of this show for a while. Take care of. That s language not of ownership but of stewardship. That s the language of Genesis 2:15 (NIV) The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. What have we been called to take care of for a little while? The earth, surely. Perhaps a congregation, a business, a neighbor in need, a volunteer or an employee. A child, who may need less care or different forms of it as time goes on. We don t own these people and things. God invites us to be stewards of them, to care for them, to use wisely and value these precious gifts and someday, to pass them on to others. From the Newsletter s Newsletter February 2017 5
WITNESS MINISTRY TEAMS MISSION TEAM GIVING In July, the Mission Team will be giving a donation from our church to Youth with a Mission and the Carlisle Truck Stop Ministry, Inc. Here is some information about them: Y M Founded in 1969, it is a global movement of Christians, from many backgrounds, dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. In the beginning they concentrated on youth in missions, but today people from 9 90 are involved. They currently have 1,100 locations in over 180 countries with a staff of 18,000. The common purpose is to know God and to make Him known. Check out their website at https://www.ywam.org/ C T M, I. The Carlisle Truckstop Ministry is a non-denominational, non-profit, religious organization under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The ministry is overseen by a Board of Directors. These Christians believe in the deity of Christ Jesus and acknowledge that He is the only way to salvation. It was founded in 1985 by the Pennsylvania Council of Churches who recognized a need for such a ministry. The chapel is located in a trailer at the Petro Truck Stop. Travelers and truckers will find it open 24/7/365 to provide a quiet place for them to pray, meditate and read. For more information go to their website at http://www.carlisletruckstopministry.org/ TEAM MEMBERS NEEDED The Congregational Care Team (formerly Outreach and Nurture) needs new members. The team meets once a month on a Monday at 6:30 pm in the Education Building Conference Room. For more information contact the church office at 717-761-5121. 6
Supplies for Cumberland County Children and Youth During the first two weeks in July, the Social Ministry Committee will partner with Vacation Bible School (July 9-13) to collect school supplies. These supplies will be donated to Cumberland County Children and Youth and will then be given to needy children. Please place the school supplies in the designated container in the cloak room. The following is the list of supplies: Back Pack Pencils Colored Pencils Markers Erasers Construction Paper Folders Notebook Paper Glue Highlighters Scissors Rulers JULY/AUGUST 2018 SERVICE MINISTRY TEAMS Coordinator Susan Van Zile LITTLE FREE PANTRY St. John's has a "Free Little Pantry" available on Main Street for our neighbors in need of food and basic necessities. If you would like to help, please consider donating any of the following items*: Canned Food (no glass please) Dry or Boxed Food Ready to Make Cups or Pouches Personal Care Items Toilet Paper or Tissues Diapers or Feminine Items New Socks, Hats or Gloves *Please do not leave any expired food items. We also have fold down shelves for produce. Please feel free to share from your abundance in your gardens. Thanks to Jeremy Finn for adding the awesome shelves!! Feel free to stock items in the Little Pantry at any time or bring items on Sunday morning and store in the labeled cabinets in the kitchenette by the Parlor. Items can also be stored in the kitchenette at the rear of the church office. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at 717-761 -5121. 7
LEARNING MINISTRY TEAM Coordinator Leigh Ann Courtney Vacation Bible School! SHIPWRECKED! Rescued by Jesus! July 9 13 9:00 AM NOON Ages 4 and up Register or volunteer by calling the church office at 717-761-5121 or visiting our website at www.stjohns1787.org Sunday, August 19 th Back to School Sunday at 9:15 AM Service Students bring your backpack and be part of our back to school blessing! Teachers all teachers are invited to join us to be recognized for the wonderful vocation that you hold! All Learners that s everyone write a note to thank a teacher and invite them to join you for worship on August 19 th so that we can say a prayer thanking God for them, too! EVENTS Keep our youth in your prayers this summer as they participate in the National Gathering June 25 through July 2 plus other leadership opportunities they may be doing. The youth will share their summer experiences with the congregation this fall. Watch for more information on time and dates. St. Johns youth thank all the members of St. Johns for your generous donations to support our programs. In particular our big event this summer with the National Youth Gathering in Houston, TX. 8
JULY/AUGUST 2018 CENTRAL PA FOOD BANK WORK DAY SCHEDULED The Social Ministry Committee is seeking volunteers to work at the Central PA Food Bank on Saturday, August 4th. The hours are from 9:00am to 12:00noon. Last year, the food bank provided more than 48 million pounds of food and grocery products to Central PA. That makes about 40 million meals! The food and grocery products are distributed to at least 900 soup kitchens, shelters, and food pantries across the 27 counties in Central PA. Last year, about 18 volunteers from St. John's worked at the food bank. We worked in several teams and made 206 boxes of cabbage, 130 bags of apples, 220 military share boxes, and 51 boxes of pasta. Volunteers like us are extremely valuable to help fight hunger! If interested in volunteering to help our hungry neighbors in need, call the church office at 717-761-5121. We plan on meeting in the church parking lot by 8:30am and form car pools. The address of the food bank is 3908 Corey Road Harrisburg, PA 17109. Blood donors - Now is the Time! St. John s Donor Group Number is #378 Our next Blood drive is scheduled for July 1 from 8:30 AM NOON in the Education Building Multi-Purpose Room. This is a Community Blood Drive, so invite friends and family to join you for worship, then take part in donating blood. St. John's has donated over 1,193 pints of blood since 1998. That is a wonderful gift to thousands of people. Please consider taking a bit of time in your summer schedule to offer this life saving donation. Not able to come on July 1? You can locate donation sites at the Central PA Blood Bank web page at www.cpbb.org. Our group number is 378. Take a friend or relative with you. 9
Contemporary Worship Service Saturday 6 PM Sunday Church Services 8 & 10:45 AM Summer Outdoor Service 9:15 AM (No Summer Sunday School) Interim Pastor The Rev. Richard A Whitesel Pastor The Rev. Sarah M Keilholtz Pastor Emeritus The Rev. George H DeFrehn Pastor Emeritus The Rev. Michael L Seifried Minister of Music Thomas A Notestine Youth Director Stephanie H Alsvan Office Hours: Monday Friday 7:30 AM 12 Noon 1:00 PM 4:30 PM Office Phone (717) 761-5121 Office Fax (717) 761-4110 Email: church@stjohns1787.org Website: www.stjohns1787.org News and Notes: sjnewsandnotes.wordpress.com Facebook: St Johns Lutheran Church 1787 Twitter: stjohns1787 10