September 10, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God and with thanks for God’s many blessings by Helen and Steve Sanders.

Hawaii Wildfires Relief: Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with local agencies to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction on Maui and is committed to assisting communities in the years ahead. You may give through St. John’s, noting Hawaii Wildfires in the memo line. Donations will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected.

Library Dedication, TODAY at the end of the 10:30 service.

Homecoming Picnic, TODAY after the 10:30 service.

Children’s Choir: The children‘s choir is open to everyone in the community, grades K through 6, rehearsing Sundays at 9:30–10:00 AM and singing the first Sunday of the month at the 10:30 AM service. Contact Christopher Harlow-Jennings, Director of Music for more information.

Faith Formation is for children ages Pre-K through 6th Grade. There will be two classes this Fall, Pre-K through 2nd Grade and 3rd through 6th Grade. All are welcome as we grow our faith together through Bible reading, fun and sharing on Sundays at 10:00–10:30 AM. Contact Deacon Walker for more information.

Forum Series starting TODAY at 9:00 AM through October 15. The ELCA is developing a social statement on Civic Life and Faith, the relationship between church and state. We will dialogue about religious liberty, the proper role of the church in relation to government, and many other critical topics. Feedback is solicited by the ELCA following these sessions. 

Confirmation Orientation, September 17 at 5:30 PM for 7–9th graders.

The 1619 Project: The Anti-Racism Committee will be hosting viewings of the documentary “The 1619 Project” on Mondays, September 18, 25, & October 2 from 7:00-9:00 PM. The series seeks to reframe the country’s history by placing the consequences of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans at the very center of our national narrative. After each viewing we will discuss the episode over light snacks.

At Home in Summit: Summit Interfaith Council is sponsoring a series on housing September 13, 20, & 27. Please see the weekly email or the narthex bulleting board for more details.

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

September 3, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of Marie Patterson by the Sharpe and Bowler families.

We welcome the Wayne Dietterick as our guest organist today. 

Hawaii Wildfires Relief: Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with local agencies to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction on Maui and is committed to assisting communities in the years ahead. You may give through St. John’s, noting Hawaii Wildfires in the memo line. Donations will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected.

Applications are now being accepted for the Hinman Scholarship Fund. For any questions, please contact Linda Mesenbrink. 

Blessing of the Bacpacks, Sunday, September 10: Bring your backpack to church and receive a blessing and a prayer as we return to school. 

Homecoming Sunday—Join us as we kick-off the fall program year on September 10. 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 in the entryway. We ask that you bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

St. John’s Choir is open to high school students through adults and rehearses Wednesdays at 7:30–9:00 PM beginning September 6. They sing most Sundays (Sept. to June) at the 10:30 AM service. Contact Christopher Harlow-Jennings, Director of Music for more information.

Children’s Choir: The children‘s choir is open to everyone in the community, grades K through 6, rehearsing Sundays at 9:30–10:00 AM and singing the first Sunday of the month at the 10:30 AM service. Rehearsals begin September 10. Contact Christopher Harlow-Jennings, Director of Music for more information.

Faith Formation is for children ages Pre-K through 6th Grade. There will be two classes this Fall, Pre-K through 2nd Grade and 3rd through 6th Grade. All are welcome as we grow our faith together through Bible reading, fun and sharing on Sundays at 10:00–10:30 AM beginning September 10. Contact Deacon Walker for more information.

Forum Series starting on Sunday, September 10 at 9:00 AM through October 15. The ELCA is developing a social statement on Civic Life and Faith, the relationship between church and state. We will dialogue about religious liberty, the proper role of the church in relation to government, and many other critical topics. Feedback is solicited by the ELCA following these sessions. 

At Home in Summit: Summit Interfaith Council is sponsoring a series on housing September 13, 20, & 27. Please see the weekly email or the narthex bulleting board for more details.

Have you been worshipping at St. 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! 

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

August 27, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God with thanks for the Bowman family and for all they do for St. John’s.

We welcome the Wayne Dietterick as our guest organist today. 

Hawaii Wildfires Relief: Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with local agencies to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction on Maui and is committed to assisting communities in the years ahead. You may give through St. John’s, noting Hawaii Wildfires in the memo line. Donations will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected.

Applications are now being accepted for the Hinman Scholarship Fund. For any questions, please contact Linda Mesenbrink. 

Homecoming Sunday—Join us as we kick-off the fall program year on September 10. 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 in the entryway. We ask that you bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

St. John’s Choir is open to high school students through adults and rehearses Wednesdays at 7:30–9:00 PM beginning September 6. They sing most Sundays (Sept. to June) at the 10:30 AM service. Contact Christopher Harlow-Jennings, Director of Music for more information.

Children’s Choir: The children‘s choir is open to everyone in the community, grades K through 6, rehearsing Sundays at 9:30–10:00 AM and singing the first Sunday of the month at the 10:30 AM service. Rehearsals begin September 10. Contact Christopher Harlow-Jennings, Director of Music for more information.

Faith Formation is for children ages Pre-K through 6th Grade. There will be two classes this Fall, Pre-K through 2nd Grade and 3rd through 6th Grade. All are welcome as we grow our faith together through Bible reading, fun and sharing on Sundays at 10:00–10:30 AM beginning September 10. Contact Deacon Walker for more information.

Forum Series starting on Sunday, September 10 at 9:00 AM through October 15. The ELCA is developing a social statement on Civic Life and Faith, the relationship between church and state. We will dialogue about religious liberty, the proper role of the church in relation to government, and many other critical topics. Feedback is solicited by the ELCA following these sessions. 

Cross Roads Women’s Retreat, October 20–22: The Women’s Retreat at Cross Roads is designed to provide a sanctuary for women to reconnect with themselves, foster meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. This retreat is a unique opportunity for you to prioritize self-care, gain valuable insights, and create lasting memories. See the weekly email for more information.

Have you been worshipping at St. 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!

 

August 20, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God in honor of their 5th wedding anniversary by Paula Cerdas.

We welcome the Wayne Dietterick as our guest organist today. 

Hawaii Wildfires Relief: Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with local agencies to provide for immediate needs and recovery amid the widespread destruction on Maui and is committed to assisting communities in the years ahead. You may give through St. John’s, noting Hawaii Wildfires in the memo line. Donations will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected.

Applications are now being accepted for the Hinman Scholarship Fund. For any questions, please contact Linda Mesenbrink. 

Summer Movie Night: Join us August 21 at 7:00 PM for another movie night screening, Nomadland. Released in 2020, this American drama is about a widow who leaves to travel around the United States in her van as a nomad. It won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Dialogue Circles on Race are facilitated conversations about race and the history of systemic racism in American society. A Dialogue Circle (6-15 participants) meets for five weeks, for two hours at a time. Co-led by trained facilitators, the group members discuss challenging readings, learn to listen deeply to one another’s experiences, and move forward in their individual journeys toward understanding and dismantling structural racism. A shared commitment to attending all five sessions ensures that participants will experience the full curriculum and can develop trust and connection within the group. See the weekly email to register by August 27.

Save the Date—Join us as we kick-off the fall program year on September 10. 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 in the entryway. We ask that you bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

Cross Roads Women’s Retreat, October 20–22: The Women’s Retreat at Cross Roads is designed to provide a sanctuary for women to reconnect with themselves, foster meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. This retreat is a unique opportunity for you to prioritize self-care, gain valuable insights, and create lasting memories. See the weekly email for more information.

Have you been worshipping at St. 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! 

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

August 13, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God in memory of Jean Grabinsky and Shirley Paulson by the Cristino family.

We welcome the Reverend Fred Lentz as our supply pastor today. 

Applications are now being accepted for the Hinman Scholarship Fund. For any questions, please contact Linda Mesenbrink. 

Pastor Blake will be on vacation July 24–August 14. Please contact Carmen Johnson, Council President or the church office in the event of a pastoral emergency.

Summer Movie Night: Join us August 21 at 7:00 PM for another movie night screening, Nomadland. Released in 2020, this American drama is about a widow who leaves to travel around the United States in her van as a nomad. It won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Thank you to the Social Justice Social Ministry Committee for organizing the collection of backpacks for LSMNJ to students in their affordable housing program. A total of 39 backpacks plus some extra supplies were collected!

Dialogue Circles on Race are facilitated conversations about race and the history of systemic racism in American society. A Dialogue Circle (6-15 participants) meets for five weeks, for two hours at a time. Co-led by trained facilitators, the group members discuss challenging readings, learn to listen deeply to one another’s experiences, and move forward in their individual journeys toward understanding and dismantling structural racism. A shared commitment to attending all five sessions ensures that participants will experience the full curriculum and can develop trust and connection within the group. See the weekly email to register by August 27.

Save the Date—Join us as we kick-off the fall program year on September 10. 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 in the entryway. We ask that you bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

Cross Roads Women’s Retreat, October 20–22: The Women’s Retreat at Cross Roads is designed to provide a sanctuary for women to reconnect with themselves, foster meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. This retreat is a unique opportunity for you to prioritize self-care, gain valuable insights, and create lasting memories. See the weekly email for more information.

Have you been worshipping at St. 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! 

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

August 6, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God in memory of their parents, Don & Miriam Peterson by the Peterson Family.

We welcome the Reverend Dámaris E. Porsch-Ortega as our supply pastor today.

Applications are now being accepted for the Hinman Scholarship Fund. For any questions, please contact Linda Mesenbrink. 

Pastor Blake will be on vacation July 24–August 14. Please contact Carmen Johnson, Council President or the church office in the event of a pastoral emergency.

LSMNJ BACKPACKS due TODAY.

Summer Movie Night: Join us August 21 at 7:00 PM for another movie night screening, Nomadland. Released in 2020, this American drama is about a widow who leaves to travel around the United States in her van as a nomad. It won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actress at the 93rd Academy Awards.

Dialogue Circles on Race are facilitated conversations about race and the history of systemic racism in American society. A Dialogue Circle (6-15 participants) meets for five weeks, for two hours at a time. Co-led by trained facilitators, the group members discuss challenging readings, learn to listen deeply to one another’s experiences, and move forward in their individual journeys toward understanding and dismantling structural racism. A shared commitment to attending all five sessions ensures that participants will experience the full curriculum and can develop trust and connection within the group. See the weekly email to register by August 27

Cross Roads Women’s Retreat, October 20–22: The Women’s Retreat at Cross Roads is designed to provide a sanctuary for women to reconnect with themselves, foster meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. This retreat is a unique opportunity for you to prioritize self-care, gain valuable insights, and create lasting memories. See the weekly email for more information.

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

July 30, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God by the Ray and Laura Snyder family.

We welcome the Reverend Dámaris E. Porsch-Ortega as our supply pastor today and Wayne Dietterick as our guest organist.

Applications are now being accepted for the Hinman Scholarship Fund. For any questions, please contact Linda Mesenbrink. 

Pastor Blake will be on vacation July 24–August 14. Please contact Carmen Johnson, Council President or the church office in the event of a pastoral emergency.

LSMNJ BACKPACKS due August 6: We are once again collecting school items for students in the LSMNJ’s affordable housing program. This year the physical collection of backpacks at church has returned. Please shop for the supplies and return filled backpacks to St. John’s by Sunday, August 6. Contact Helen Dachowicz if you have any questions. See the weekly email for more details.

Thanks to your donations, in 2022, St. John’s donated $14,800 to ELCA World Hunger. These funds helped ELCA World Hunger provide 436 grants to partners in 67 countries and 57 ELCA synods, serving over 3.3 million people worldwide. For Lutheran Disaster Response, we donated nearly $4,800 to assist people in 42 countries and 26 states and territories, responding to natural disasters, migration, and conflicts including the war in Ukraine. St. John’s also donated over $4,700 to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Thanks for your continued support of these ministries that are helping so many people.

Cross Roads Women’s Retreat, October 20–22: The Women’s Retreat at Cross Roads is designed to provide a sanctuary for women to reconnect with themselves, foster meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. This retreat is a unique opportunity for you to prioritize self-care, gain valuable insights, and create lasting memories. See the weekly email for more information.

At Cross Roads Summer Camp, your child will have the opportunity to explore nature and build new friendships. In addition to a wide range of activities, Cross Roads believes in the importance of community and teamwork and the programs are designed to build confidence, foster leadership skills, and promote social skills. This is a fantastic way to give your child the gift of adventure, friendship, and fun this summer. Visit crossroadsretreat.com to register.

Volunteer Puppy Raisers Needed: The Seeing Eye, in Morristown is seeking volunteer puppy raisers from all walks of life who will nurture and care for their puppies from 7 weeks of age until they are about 15 months old. The volunteer foster family provides love, care, obedience training and social exposure to assist the puppy in becoming a future Seeing Eye dog. Puppies are taught basic manners and commands and are socialized to a variety of social situations and experiences. The Seeing Eye provides lots of support to its volunteer puppy raisers. For more information visit seeingeye.org/raise. To speak to an actual volunteer puppy raiser, contact Joe Duffy at (973) 296-2499 or email at joe.duffy@dcm-associates.com. Application link can be found in the weekly email.

 

July 23, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Peter Larsen and Robin Larsen by Karen Larsen.

Family Movie Night, TONIGHT: Join us to watch the children’s documentary “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed.” With humor and sensitivity, filmmaker and comedian W. Kamau Bell tackles the joys and challenges of growing up mixed-race through conversations with kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his own. Dinner will be served at 5:30 PM and the movie will begin at 6:00 PM.

Rummage Sale: Thank you to everyone who donated, sorted, cleaned, boxed and purchased treasures! We raised over $3,300 for our Youth Missions Fund. 

Pastor Blake will be on vacation July 24–August 14. Please contact Carmen Johnson, Council President or the church office in the event of a pastoral emergency.

LSMNJ BACKPACKS due August 6: We are once again collecting school items for students in the LSMNJ’s affordable housing program. This year the physical collection of backpacks at church has returned. Please shop for the supplies and return filled backpacks to St. John’s by Sunday, August 6. Contact Helen Dachowicz if you have any questions. See the weekly email for more details.

Thanks to your donations, in 2022, St. John’s donated $14,800 to ELCA World Hunger. These funds helped ELCA World Hunger provide 436 grants to partners in 67 countries and 57 ELCA synods, serving over 3.3 million people worldwide. For Lutheran Disaster Response, we donated nearly $4,800 to assist people in 42 countries and 26 states and territories, responding to natural disasters, migration, and conflicts including the war in Ukraine. St. John’s also donated over $4,700 to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Thanks for your continued support of these ministries that are helping so many people.

Cross Roads Women’s Retreat, October 20–22: The Women’s Retreat at Cross Roads is designed to provide a sanctuary for women to reconnect with themselves, foster meaningful connections with like-minded individuals, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. This retreat is a unique opportunity for you to prioritize self-care, gain valuable insights, and create lasting memories. See the weekly email for more information.

At Cross Roads Summer Camp, your child will have the opportunity to explore nature and build new friendships. In addition to a wide range of activities, Cross Roads believes in the importance of community and teamwork and the programs are designed to build confidence, foster leadership skills, and promote social skills. This is a fantastic way to give your child the gift of adventure, friendship, and fun this summer. Visit crossroadsretreat.com to register.

 

July 16, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God.

Rummage Sale, ends TODAY! Come see what’s left to help support Youth Missions!

Summit’s Community Night, July 18 at 6:30 PM on the Village Green. Community Night is part of the “Hot Summer Nights” Concert Series. St. John’s representatives are needed to meet our neighbors. Sign up in the weekly email.

Godspeed & Farewell for longtime member, Wilma Packard, July 23 as she moves to MA.

Family Movie Night, July 23: Join us to watch the children’s documentary “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed.” With humor and sensitivity, filmmaker and comedian W. Kamau Bell tackles the joys and challenges of growing up mixed-race through conversations with kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his own. Dinner will be served at 5:30 PM and the movie will begin at 6:00 PM.

Pastor Blake will be on vacation July 24–August 14. Please contact Carmen Johnson, Council President or the church office in the event of a pastoral emergency.

LSMNJ BACKPACKS due August 6: We are once again collecting school items for students in the LSMNJ’s affordable housing program. This year the physical collection of backpacks at church has returned. Please shop for the supplies and return filled backpacks to St. John’s by Sunday, August 6. Contact Helen Dachowicz if you have any questions. See the weekly email for more details.

At Cross Roads Summer Camp, your child will have the opportunity to explore nature, build new friendships, and create In addition to a wide range of activities, Cross Roads believes in the importance of community and teamwork and the programs are designed to build confidence, foster leadership skills, and promote social skills. This is a fantastic way to give your child the gift of adventure, friendship, and fun this summer. Visit crossroadsretreat.com to register.

Thank You! To the entire St. John’s community, Shai and I, both want to offer our most profound thanks. Our wedding was so special and it never would have been possible without all of the love, support, and hard work we received from so many. Everything was beautiful and your generosity was astounding. The congregation’s extremely generous financial gift was absolutely amazing—unexpected but so appreciated. Above everything, we are so grateful to be part of this wonderful community of people who are truly family to us. Thank you, thank you, a thousand times, thank you. In Gratitude, Blake & Shai

 

July 9, 2023

We welcome Wayne Dietterick as our guest organist today.

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of Irma Gahan’s birthday by the Gahan family.

Rummage Sale, July 14 & 15 to support Youth Missions. Donations accepted starting TODAY.

Family Movie Night, July 23: Join us to watch the children’s documentary “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed.” With humor and sensitivity, filmmaker and comedian W. Kamau Bell tackles the joys and challenges of growing up mixed-race through conversations with kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his own. Dinner will be served at 5:30 PM and the movie will begin at 6:00 PM.

LSMNJ BACKPACKS due August 6: We are once again collecting school items for students in the LSMNJ’s affordable housing program. This year the physical collection of backpacks at church has returned. Please shop for the supplies and return filled backpacks to St. John’s by Sunday, August 6. Contact Helen Dachowicz if you have any questions. See the weekly email for more details.

ASP Stock Sale: On behalf of the adult and youth Appalachia Service Project volunteers, many thanks to everyone who “took stock in our youth” and the ASP program by purchasing ASP stock. Together with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Glen Rock, who sent us four volunteers and held a stock sale at their church, St. John’s was able to raise $4,860 for our trip. This covers the cost of renting two vans plus a whole lot more! Thank you, everyone!

At Cross Roads Summer Camp, your child will have the opportunity to explore nature, build new friendships, and create In addition to a wide range of activities, Cross Roads believes in the importance of community and teamwork and the programs are designed to build confidence, foster leadership skills, and promote social skills. This is a fantastic way to give your child the gift of adventure, friendship, and fun this summer. Visit crossroadsretreat.com to register.

A Thank You from Psomi: Dear St. John’s Community, Thank you all so much for that lovely luncheon, and for the beautiful stole that you got me for my ordination and installation. The stole is simply beautiful, and I’ve been wearing it with all of you in mind. The quilt-like pieces are really nice, and they are complimented by the gold border. You all have really good taste. Needless to say, this is going to be my “go to” for the post-Pentecost season of green! And that luncheon was just so special! It is such an honor to have been welcomed by all of you, and “grown” in my first Lutheran family. I truly feel like a daughter of the church, a daughter loved and nurtured by a wonderful loving community. Thank you so much!

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

July 2, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in celebration of Blake & Shai’s wedding and in memory of Susan and John Lose by the Leelike family.

The Church Office will be closed on Tuesday, July 4.

Please keep our ASP volunteers in your prayers as the depart for Blountville, Sullivan County, TN this Saturday.

Rummage Sale, July 14 & 15 to support Youth Missions. Donations accepted starting July 9.

Family Movie Night, July 23: Join us to watch the children’s documentary “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed.” With humor and sensitivity, filmmaker and comedian W. Kamau Bell tackles the joys and challenges of growing up mixed-race through conversations with kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his own. Dinner will be served at 5:30 PM and the movie will begin at 6:00 PM.

LSMNJ BACKPACKS due August 6: We are once again collecting school items for students in the LSMNJ’s affordable housing program. This year the physical collection of backpacks at church has returned. Please shop for the supplies and return filled backpacks to Saint John’s by Sunday, August 6. Contact Helen Dachowicz if you have any questions. See the weekly email for more details.

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

June 25, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of George Leelike by Susan, Christopher, and John Leelike.

Pride Sunday, TODAY! We celebrate the diversity that God has created. June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, therefore on this last Sunday of June we too will be joining in celebrating Pride for the first time as an RIC Congregation! 

Commissioning of ASP will take place TODAY.

ASP Stock Sale: Sundays in June, our ASP volunteers will be on hand to purchase stock to support our teams and our neighbors in Blountville, Sullivan County, TN. Help us equip our teams to rent vans, pay for gas, purchase food and supplies, etc. Stock is available for purchase starting at $10, but any donation, cash or check, is welcome. Shares available in increments of $1.

Sprucing Up Help Needed: Our property needs some landscaping projects that are in need of funding. Please direct questions to Jane Bowman or give, noting “landscaping” in the memo.

Rummage Sale, July 14 & 15 to support Youth Missions. Donations accepted starting July 9.

Family Movie Night ,July 23, join us to watch the children’s documentary “1000% Me: Growing Up Mixed.” With humor and sensitivity, filmmaker and comedian W. Kamau Bell tackles the joys and challenges of growing up mixed-race through conversations with kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area, including his own. Dinner will be served at 5:30 PM and the movie will begin at 6:00 PM.

LSMNJ BACKPACKS due August 6: We are once again collecting school items for students in the LSMNJ’s affordable housing program. This year the physical collection of backpacks at church has returned. Please shop for the supplies and return filled backpacks to Saint John’s by Sunday, August 6. Contact Helen Dachowicz if you have any questions. See the weekly email for more details.

New Members: Have you been worshipping at St. 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! 

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

June 18, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God.

TODAY we will observe the commemoration of the Emanuel 9 and Juneteenth. These two observances are recent national and ELCA additions to our church calendar. They complement our ongoing work of racial reconciliation.

ASP Stock Sale: Sundays in June, our ASP volunteers will be on hand to purchase stock to support our teams and our neighbors in Blountville, Sullivan County, TN. Help us equip our teams to rent vans, pay for gas, purchase food and supplies, etc. Stock is available for purchase starting at $10, but any donation, cash or check, is welcome. Shares available in increments of $1.

Join us on Pride Sunday, June 25, as we celebrate the diversity that God has created. June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, therefore on this last Sunday of June we too will be joining in celebrating Pride for the first time as an RIC Congregation! 

Commissioning of ASP will take place on June 25.

Sprucing Up Help Needed: Our property needs some landscaping projects that are in need of funding. Please direct questions to Jane Bowman or give, noting “landscaping” in the memo.

Rummage Sale, July 14 & 15 to support Youth Missions. Donations accepted starting July 9.

Family Promise and Share My Meals are partnering to help fight food insecurity by recovering and delivering healthy meals locally. Bristol Myers Squibb will be donating meals from their cafeterias and volunteers are needed to deliver the food to Family Promise. Please see the weekly email to find out how you can support this mission.

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

June 11, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God.

Church Picnic, TODAY, immediately following the 10:30 service.

ASP Stock Sale: Sundays in June, our ASP volunteers will be on hand to purchase stock to support our teams and our neighbors in Blountville, Sullivan County, TN. Help us equip our teams to rent vans, pay for gas, purchase food and supplies, etc. Stock is available for purchase starting at $10, but any donation, cash or check, is welcome. Shares available in increments of $1.

CPR AED Training June 17, 9:00-10:00 AM.

Summit’s Juneteenth Celebration, June 17, 2:00–7:00 PM on the Summit Green.

2:00–5:00 PM:  Entertainment including DJ Jrueby, Zumba, Double Dutch & more
5:00 PM: Flag raising ceremony and keynote by Jean-Pierre Brutus
5:30–7:00 PM: Jacob Webb in concert

Activities, food trucks, Black-owned businesses and non-profit displays will be present throughout the day. See the weekly email to sign up to be a representative at our tent. 

Summer Worship begins June 18: We will worship at one service at 9:15 AM.

Next Sunday we will observe Juneteenth in worship.

Join us on Pride Sunday, June 25, as we celebrate the diversity that God has created. June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, therefore on this last Sunday of June we too will be joining in celebrating Pride for the first time as an RIC Congregation! 

Sprucing Up Help Needed: Our property needs some landscaping projects that are in need of funding. Please direct questions to Jane Bowman or give, noting “landscaping” in the memo.

Rummage Sale, July 14 & 15 to support Youth Missions. Donations accepted starting July 9.

Family Promise and Share My Meals are partnering to help fight food insecurity by recovering and delivering healthy meals locally. Bristol Myers Squibb will be donating meals from their cafeterias and volunteers are needed to deliver the food to Family Promise. Please see the weekly email to find out how you can support this mission.

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

June 4, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God.

Children’s Choir TODAY at 9:30 AM and Faith Formation at 10:00 AM. All children are welcome.

ASP Stock Sale: Sundays in June, our ASP volunteers will be on hand to purchase stock to support our teams and our neighbors in Blountville, Sullivan County, TN. Help us equip our teams to rent vans, pay for gas, purchase food and supplies, etc. Stock is available for purchase starting at $10, but any donation, cash or check, is welcome. Shares available in increments of $1.

In Search of Paul Forum: Pastor Blake will share what he learned on his trip TODAY at 9:00 AM.

Psomi’s Ordination Celebration: We will be hosting a luncheon celebration in honor of our own beloved, the Reverend Psomi Psomas-Jackloski TODAY at Noon. Psomi was ordained and installed as the pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Parsippany.

Summit’s AAPI Celebration has been rescheduled for Saturday, June 10 on the Village Green from 5:00–10:00 PM. The Evangelism committee is organizing members to be representatives of our congregation, to meet our neighbors, and to enjoy a fun night out! 

ONE SERVICE, SUNDAY, JUNE 11 at 10:30 AM.

Music Sunday, June 11. All our ensembles will lead in worship. Join us as we will give thanks for the gift of music, all our musicians, and our Director of Music, Christopher Harlow-Jennings.

Church Picnic, Sunday, June 11 after the 10:30 AM service. Sign-up in the rear entryway or online to help set up, bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

The Cross Roads Bishops’ Cup will be held on June 12 at the Copper Hill Country Club in Ringoes, NJ. You can sign up as an individual golfer ($250) or as a foursome ($1,000). There are also many opportunities to become a sponsor. See the weekly email to sign up.

CPR AED Training June 17: Sign up with Jane Bowman by TODAY.

Summer Worship begins June 18: We will worship at one service at 9:15 AM.

Sprucing Up Help Needed: Our property needs some landscaping projects that are in need of funding. Please direct questions to Jane Bowman or give, noting “landscaping” in the memo.

Rummage Sale, July 14 & 15 to support Youth Missions. Donations accepted starting July 9.

Family Promise and Share My Meals are partnering to help fight food insecurity by recovering and delivering healthy meals locally. Bristol Myers Squibb will be donating meals from their cafeterias and volunteers are needed to deliver the food to Family Promise. Please see the weekly email to find out how you can support this mission.

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services from 7:45–Noon, including religious holidays, approximately 5 hours a week. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Contact Linda Mesenbrink at 973-202-2773 or Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net.

 

May 28, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God.

Bethlehem Build Update: As of last Sunday we have raised a total of $28,258, surpassing our goal of $25,000 for our partner congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Orleans.

If you have a graduate in the family, please send us a recent photo and a brief sentence or two about their upcoming plans for the future to share the news with our community! Materials can be emailed to jamabowman@stjohnssummit.org by June 2. We will be recognizing and praying for our graduates in church on June 11.

Summit Has Pride, Friday June 2, 6:00–9:00 PM on the Village Green, to support the LGBTQIA+ community. We need people to be representatives of our congregation, to meet our neighbors, and to enjoy a fun night out! See the weekly email to sign up for this or other upcoming events.

Trinity Sunday: We will be using Luther's Chorale Mass in worship on Trinity Sunday, June 4. The liturgical service music are all Reformation hymns, many based on medieval chant.

In Search of Paul Forum: Pastor Blake will share what he learned on his continuing education trip on June 4 at 9:00 AM.

Psomi’s Ordination Celebration: We will be hosting a luncheon celebration in honor of our own beloved, the Reverend Psomi Psomas-Jackloski on Sunday, June 4 at Noon. Psomi was ordained and installed as the pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Parsippany.

ONE SERVICE, SUNDAY, JUNE 11 at 10:30 AM.

Music Sunday, June 11. All our ensembles will lead in worship. Join us as we will give thanks for the gift of music, all our musicians, and our Director of Music, Christopher Harlow-Jennings.

Church Picnic, Sunday, June 11 after the 10:30 AM service. Sign-up in the rear entryway or online to help set up, bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

The Cross Roads Bishops’ Cup will be held on June 12 at the Copper Hill Country Club in Ringoes, NJ. You can sign up as an individual golfer ($250) or as a foursome ($1,000). There are also many opportunities to become a sponsor. See the weekly email to sign up.

CPR AED Training June 17: Sign up with Jane Bowman by June 4.

Summer Worship begins June 18: We will worship at one service at 9:15 AM.

ASP Stock Sale: Sundays in June, our ASP volunteers will be on hand to purchase stock to support our teams and our neighbors in Blountville, Sullivan County, TN. Help us equip our teams to rent vans, pay for gas, purchase food and supplies, etc. Stock is available for purchase starting at $10, but any donation, cash or check, is welcome. Shares available in increments of $1.

Rummage Sale, July 14 & 15 to support Youth Missions. Donations accepted starting July 9.

 

May 21, 2023

Children’s Choir TODAY at 9:30 AM and Faith Formation at 10:00 AM. All children are welcome. Contact Christopher Harlow-Jennings or Deacon Walker for more information.

TODAY at the 10:30 AM service, 6 young people who have completed communion instruction will be receiving their first communion or participating in celebration of their continued communion: Matilda Moss, Mabel Moss, David New, Paul Fullner-Auld, Lena Rindler, and Faith Harlow-Jennings. Welcome to the Lord’s table!

Organ Concert, TODAY at 4:00 PM: St. John's Director of Music, Christopher Harlow-Jennings, will play a solo organ concert on the Holtkamp pipe organ entitled “Toccatas and Flourishes.” A reception will follow. The concert is free and open to the public.

May 28 is Pentecost WEAR RED!

If you have a graduate in the family, please send us a recent photo and a brief sentence or two about their upcoming plans for the future to share the news with our community! Materials can be emailed to jamabowman@stjohnssummit.org by June 2. We will be recognizing and praying for our graduates in church on June 11.

In Search of Paul Forum: Pastor Blake will share what he learned on his continuing education trip on June 4 at 9:00 AM.

Outreach in Summit: We will be a sponsor for events at this year’s Summit’s community programs. See the weekly email to sign up for any of the upcoming events: Friday, June 2–Summit Has Pride; Saturday June 17–Juneteenth Celebration; Tuesday, July 18–Community Night; Friday, September 15–Fiesta Latina

Psomi’s Ordination Celebration: We will be hosting a luncheon celebration in honor of our own beloved, the Reverend Psomi Psomas-Jackloski on Sunday, June 4 at Noon. Psomi was ordained and installed as the pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Parsippany.

Music Sunday, June 11. All our ensembles will lead in worship. Join us as we will give thanks for the gift of music, all our musicians, and our Director of Music, Christopher Harlow-Jennings.

Church Picnic, Sunday, June 11 after the 10:30 AM service. Sign-up in the rear entryway or online to help set up, bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

The Cross Roads Bishops’ Cup will be held on June 12 at the Copper Hill Country Club in Ringoes, NJ. You can sign up as an individual golfer ($250) or as a foursome ($1,000). There are also many opportunities to become a sponsor. See the weekly email to sign up.

CPR AED Training June 17: Sign up with Jane Bowman by June 4.

Bethlehem Build Collection. Our partner congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Orleans, is building the 2nd affordable house on their property. Give online or by check, payable to St. John’s, “Bethlehem Build” in the memo line. We have collected $22,708 to date.

ASP Stock Sale: Sundays in June, our ASP volunteers will be on hand to purchase stock to support our teams and our neighbors in Blountville, Sullivan County, TN.  Help us equip our teams to rent vans, pay for gas, purchase food and supplies, etc. Stock is available for purchase starting at $10, but any donation, cash or check, is welcome. Shares available in increments of $1.

 

May 14, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in honor of David Coble’s birthday by the Coble family.

Children’s Choir TODAY at 9:30 AM and Faith Formation at 10:00 AM. All children are welcome. Contact Christopher Harlow-Jennings or Deacon Walker for more information.

Handbells TODAY at 11:45 AM.

Outreach in Summit: We will be a sponsor for five events this spring/summer at Summit’s community programs. The Evangelism committee is organizing members to be representatives of our congregation. See the weekly email to sign up for any of the upcoming events: Saturday, May 20–Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month; Friday, June 2–Summit Has Pride; Saturday June 17–Juneteenth Celebration; Tuesday, July 18–Community Night; Friday, September 15–Fiesta Latina

Organ Concert, Sunday, May 21 at 4:00 PM: St. John's Director of Music, Christopher
Harlow-Jennings, will play a solo organ concert on the Holtkamp pipe organ entitled “Toccatas and Flourishes.” A reception will follow. The concert is free and open to the public.

In Search of Paul Forum: Pastor Blake will share what he learned on his continuing education trip on June 4 at 9:00 AM.

Psomi’s Ordination Celebration: We will be hosting a luncheon celebration in honor of our own beloved, the Reverend Psomi Psomas-Jackloski on Sunday, June 4 at Noon. Psomi was ordained and installed as the pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Parsippany.

Church Picnic, Sunday, June 11 after the 10:30 AM service for our church picnic. Sign-up in the rear entryway or on-line, so we can plan on food and set-up. Bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share.

The Cross Roads Bishops’ Cup will be held on June 12, 2023 at the Copper Hill Country Club in Ringoes, NJ. You can sign up as an individual golfer ($250) or as a foursome ($1,000). There are also many opportunities to become a sponsor. See the weekly email to sign up.

Bethlehem Build Collection. Our partner congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Orleans, is building the 2nd affordable house on their property. We are about $5,000 away from our $25,000 goal. Give online or by check, payable to St. John’s, “Bethlehem Build” in the memo line. We have collected $20,693 to date.

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services  from 7:45–Noon including religious holidays. Approximately 5 hours a week. Experience with livestream and audio equipment. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Please contact Linda Mesenbrink at Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net or 973-202-2773. 

 

May 7, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God and in memory of loved ones and in thanksgiving for family by Christine & Russell McIntyre.

Children’s Choir TODAY at 9:30 AM and Faith Formation at 10:00 AM. All children are welcome. Contact Christopher Harlow-Jennings or Deacon Walker for more information.

Handbells TODAY at 11:45 AM.

Holy Communion instruction will meet TODAY at 12:00 Noon in the Youth Lounge.

Confirmation Class, TODAY at 5:30 PM.

Pastor Blake and Shai Dromi invite all members of St. John’s to their wedding on Sunday, July 2 at 5:00 PM at St. John’s. For the complete details, please visit their website theknot.com/blakeandshai. You MUST RSVP by May 15. Please see the weekly email for more details.

Cross Roads Open House, May 13 or June 10: Take a tour of camp, hear stories, ask questions,  and finish with a delicious lunch in the dining hall. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/41ibJNg.

The Caritas Chamber Chorale present two concerts of sacred a cappella choral music, entitled Sacred Tribute, for the benefit of Adorno Fathers’ African Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa, Saturday, May 20, 2023, 7:30 PM Christ Church, 561 Springfield Ave., Summit. The concerts are free and open to the public. For more details, visit www.caritaschamberchorale.org.

Organ Concert, Sunday, May 21 at 4:00 PM: St. John's Director of Music, Christopher
Harlow-Jennings, will play a solo organ concert on the Holtkamp pipe organ entitled “Toccatas and Flourishes.” A reception will follow. The concert is free and open to the public.

Bethlehem Build Collection. Our partner congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Orleans, is building the 2nd affordable house on their property. We are about $5,000 away from our $25,000 goal. Give online or by check, payable to St. John’s, “Bethlehem Build” in the memo line.

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services  from 7:45–Noon including religious holidays. Approximately 5 hours a week. Experience with livestream and audio equipment. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Please contact Linda Mesenbrink at Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net or 973-202-2773. 

The Gathering Place, Monthly Dementia Care Lunch: The Memory Café is re-starting their program of lunch for patients with dementia and their caregivers on the first Wednesday of each month from Noon–2:00 PM at Christ Church 561 Springfield Ave., Summit. People eat together and participate in an appropriate socializing program while giving caregivers the opportunity to talk with others. Call (908) 273-5549 to RSVP. Suggested donation is $5/person.

 

April 30, 2023

Today’s altar flowers are given to the glory of God in honor of Katie & Zach Bowler’s anniversary by the Sharpe family.

Children’s Choir TODAY at 9:30 AM and Faith Formation at 10:00 AM. All children are welcome. Contact Christopher Harlow-Jennings or Deacon Walker for more information.

Welcome to Randall Wolfgang, our guest oboe player at the 10:30 service today. Randall is an internationally renowned oboist. He was the principal oboist for the NYC Ballet Orchestra for over 37 years, a member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and principal for the NYC Opera Orchestra. He has made over 30 recordings, earned a Grammy Award, and served on the faculty of Queens College and the Manhattan School of Music. Today he accompanies the choir in John Rutter's beloved setting of Psalm 23 from his Requiem and offers a Bach Sonata originally for flute and often adapted for oboe.

ASP Training, TODAY, Noon–3:00 PM.

Family Promise, TODAY–May 7: Meals or gift cards (groceries or Uber/Lyft) are needed. Sign up to volunteer at familypromise.org/what-we-do/fp-union-county, scroll to the bottom of the page to Volunteer Opportunities. Amy Jones, volunteer coordinator, will email you details. Digital gift cards can be emailed to ajones@familypromise.org. Physical cards can be mailed to Family Promise Union County, Attn: Amy Jones, 402 Union Ave., Elizabeth, NJ 07208. Questions may be directed to Marifel Calis. 

Pastor Blake and Shai Dromi invite all members of St. John’s to their wedding on Sunday, July 2 at 5:00 PM at St. John’s. For the complete details, please visit their website theknot.com/blakeandshai. You MUST RSVP by May 15. Please see the weekly email for more details.

Cross Roads Open House, May 13 or June 10: Take a tour of camp, hear stories, ask questions,  and finish with a delicious lunch in the dining hall. To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/41ibJNg

The Caritas Chamber Chorale present two concerts of sacred a cappella choral music, entitled Sacred Tribute, for the benefit of Adorno Fathers’ African Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa., Saturday, May 20, 2023, 7:30 PM Christ Church, 561 Springfield Ave., Summit. The concerts are free and open to the public. For more details, visit www.caritaschamberchorale.org.

Organ Concert, Sunday, May 21 at 4:00 PM: St. John's Director of Music Christopher Harlow-Jennings will play a solo organ concert on the Holtkamp pipe organ entitled “Toccatas and Flourishes.” A reception will follow. The concert is free and open to the public.

Bethlehem Build Lent Collection. Our partner congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, New Orleans, is building the 2nd affordable house on their property. Our Council has challenged us to raise $25,000 and we can match dollar for dollar up to $6,000 to support this project. Give online or by check, payable to St. John’s, “Bethlehem Build” in the memo line.

We are hiring a Livestream Coordinator for Sunday services  from 7:45–Noon including religious holidays. Approximately 5 hours a week. Experience with livestream and audio equipment. Open to high school and college students with TV production experience. Please contact Linda Mesenbrink at Linda.mesenbrink@verizon.net or 973-202-2773.