We welcome The Rev. Robert Kriesat as our guest pastor today and Connie Schmalz as our guest musician.
Pastor Blake is on vacation until August 5. Contact the church office with pastoral emergencies.
Reconciling in Christ: The Social Justice Social Ministry (SJSM) Committee is proposing that St. John’s becomes a “Reconciling in Christ” church. For nearly 50 years, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of LGBTQIA+ Lutherans in the life of their Church, congregation, and community. Over the next several months, our congregation will offer several educational opportunities. Their goal is to present a motion at the February congregational meeting to adopt a welcome statement and officially become an RIC church. More details to come!
It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Christopher Harlow-Jennings as our next Director of Music. Christopher has impeccable credentials—a Bachelor of Music from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University and a Master of Music from the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale University. Christopher's first Sunday leading us in worship will be Homecoming Sunday, September 11. During the month of August, he will begin his work among us planning/preparing for the program year. Join us in welcoming Christopher and his family to our community. This is a moment of celebration and excitement for our congregation!
Many library books are overdue or missing from our church library. Please check your shelves and return the books to the library or the church office. Thank you.
Monday Movie Nights: The SJSM committee will hold two evening movie nights this summer, in Hinman Hall to watch LGBTQIA+ themed movies. Our next movie will be on Monday, August 15 at 7:00 PM to watch Pride (2014). Popcorn and post-movie discussion included!
LSMNJ School Supplies due August 16: Purchase school supplies for students in the LSMNJ’s affordable housing program at Amazon and have them delivered to the LSMNJ Burlington office by Monday, August 16, 3 Manhattan Drive, Burlington, NJ 08016, M–F only. Contact Helen Dachowicz at dackpack@aol.com with questions. Shopping lists are in the narthex.
Anti-Racism Committee Summer reading books available with discussions after Labor Day. Small Great Things, recommended donation $10. Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together recommended donation $15. Books available in the church office.
The Hinman Scholarship Fund applications are now being accepted. Applications can be found in the church office. Contact Linda Mesenbrink with questions.
Congregational Retreat—September 30–October 2: Join us for a fun weekend at Cross Roads for activities for all ages, faith formation, building connections with other church members, or simply to connect with nature. We have reserved the entire Christ Center, a modern hotel-like retreat space with private bathrooms. Speak to Pastor Scalet or Jane Bowman with questions.
Lutheran Disaster Response is providing refugees and those affected by the crisis in Ukraine with immediate financial support (100% of all donations are given) as well as food, blankets, water and hygiene kits. You can mail or drop off a check at the church office, or donate online and type “Ukraine” under the “Special Giving” field or in the memo line.