September 4, 2022

We welcome Diane Pivarnik as our guest musician today.

Upcoming Forum: The Social Justice Social Ministry (SJSM) Committee will be hosting their first educational forum on September 25 at 9:00AM as part of the RIC process, addressing definitions, terminology, and some key historical events. Come learn about this ever-evolving topic and bring your questions! The goal is to present a motion at the February congregational meeting to adopt a welcoming statement and officially become an RIC church.

Worship Assistants Needed! Fall brings the return of two services and the Worship Committee needs YOU to serve as Ushers, Greeters, Readers, Assisting Ministers or to be on Altar Guild. All these jobs are essential to worship at St. John’s and all are very simple to do! If you are interested, please reach out to Bev Kaczmarski.

New Members: Have you been worshipping at Saint John’s for a while now? Do you consider St. John’s your spiritual home? Maybe it’s time to become a member! Contact Pastor Blake to schedule a meeting and take that next step! 

The Hinman Scholarship Fund applications are now being accepted. Applications can be found in the church office. Contact Linda Mesenbrink with questions.

Funeral for Peter Larsen, September 10 at 11:00 AM. Keep the Larsen family in your prayers.

Homecoming Sunday, September 11: Join us as we kick-off the fall program year. This is an exciting time to re-engage in worship, education, music and service. Services will be held at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM followed by a picnic at Noon. Sign-up sheet is in the entryway. We ask that you bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

We are in need of volunteers to help with set up and clean up for Homecoming Sunday. We will begin setting up at 9:00 AM on September 11. Please contact Jama Bowman.

We will welcome the Reverend Dr. R. Guy Erwin, President and Ministerium of Pennsylvania Chair at the United Lutheran Seminary to Saint John's on September 18. Dr. Erwin will be the guest preacher at both services and will lead an adult forum at 9:00 AM.

Bridges Outreach Streets to Homes 5K Run and Walk, Sunday, September 25 at 9:00 AM on the Village GreenIt would be great to see some members running or walking in the race, which supports one of our longtime ministry partners. Visit Bridgesoutreach.org to register and join the “St. John’s Team.” Email Brett Tomlinson with questions. You can do the run/walk and still come to worship at 10:30—we don't mind if you are sweaty or still wearing running shoes!

Shirley Paulson is turning 100! We ask that everyone send her a birthday card for this momentous occasion. Cards can be sent to: 93 Colfax Road, Springfield, NJ 07081. Everyone is invited to an open house at Shirley's home on Sunday, September 25 from 12:00 - 3:00 PM.

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 for those affected by the crisis in Ukraine with immediate financial support (100% of all donations are given). 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.

 Join the Music Ministry this Fall

Help lead worship, sing and play inspiring music from across the centuries, and build community with fellow musicians and members of St. John’s.

 

St. John’s Choir begins September 7

Open to high school through adults

Rehearsal Wednesdays 7:30-9:00 PM

Sings most Sundays at 10:30 service

Handbell Choir begins September 18 

Open to Middle School through Adults

Rehearsal Sundays 11:45 to 12:45 PM

Plays occasionally at 10:30 service

Recorder Choir begins September. 21

Open to high school through adults

Rehearsals Wednesdays 6:30-7:15 PM

Plays occasionally at 10:30 service

Coming SoonChildren’s Choir and Drumming Ensemble 

Watch this space for more info

 

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/oCj4qdsWGyQAqXCz9

For more info email Christopher Harlow-Jennings, Director of Music at charlowjennings@stjohnssummit.org.