St. John’s Messenger

Volume 94, Issue 12 June 11, 2014

The Rev. MarthaSue D. Moll, Intentional Interim PastorCell phone: 570-850-9955 ~ email: pastor.moll@gmail.com

June 3, 2014

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Writing this letter is painful but I must share this information with you. As I have told you many times, I could stay until you had a new pastor, but if the Bishop needed me elsewhere, I would have to go. The Bishop has called. Pastor John Koons from Good Shepherd has retired after eighteen and one-half years in Berwick and that congregation is in somewhat the same place you were nearly two years ago.

I will end my ministry with you on July 15 and my last Sunday will be July 13.

From my perspective, you are in a better place than you were when I came. You have always been very gracious to me, which I sense is part of who you are. I value the friendly and welcoming worship experience. I love your developing responsiveness as you laugh more frequently at jokes and smile more “loudly” at delightful stories. That is a freeing experience. I cherish the interaction between the congregation and me during sermons. And I appreciate your embrace of prayer cards and cards to those who need a word from us.

Some of you are beginning to sense nudges from Holy Spirit and to respond. I am particularly delighted with the response to the call for lay home Communion visitors. We have three teams currently active and two more about to be trained. This is a very precious ministry which allows people to share faith in a new way as well as offering our homebound members a deeper connection to the congregation. I am also delighted with the progress of His Lighthouse Café.

When the call committee announced that they had dismissed the candidates and were asking for new ones, I saw that as a sign that they are willing to trust God to send the right person, not just the first ones interviewed, and able to be patient until that day arrives. They are working diligently and faithfully and take this work very seriously indeed.

I do not know how things will unfold for you, but I often think of the hymn “Lead Kindly Light.” My favorite line is “Keep thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene; one step enough for me.” God has led you this far and will continue to lead, if you but listen. So keep praying and listening for God and then let God lead.

You will always be close to my heart because I have loved you and you have loved me. You will continue in my prayers.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran

In Christ’s name,

The Rev. MarthaSue D. Moll“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

“Do not be afraid, little flock.” These words are from a collection of Jesus’ sayings in Luke 12. They are often heard from angels who appear to humans, because angelic visitations are scary. Now we hear them from the lips of our Lord. Do not be afraid. Fear, and its cousin anxiety, often attack us, especially when we are planning something new or when unwelcome change comes. Fear of the unknown, whether it is the future or just going to a new place is common: What will it be like? Will I be OK? What if….? What if….?Many of you expressed dismay when I announced that I would be leaving in July. For some, it was fear, for others probably a sense of loss. And perhaps a few who were not sad. We were expecting that I would stay at St. John’s until a new pastor arrived, in spite of the fact that I reminded those who asked that my call is from the synod to help congregations in transition, and if another congregation needed me more than you, I would have to go . We all have a tendency to avoid thinking about what we don’t want to happen. At Bible Study last week, I asked the group to plan their funeral service. Blessedly, most had already given it some thought, but many folks think that is weird or scary and don’t want to think about it. And so we avoided thinking that I might leave earlier than hoped. What’s going to happen to us now? Will we be okay? In the immediate future, an interim pastor will be appointed. Not another Intentional Interim pastor, but one who will be available for Council meetings and emergency needs. Supply preachers will be provided. In the meantime, the call committee will continue to work diligently. They have been feeling the burden of their responsibility but now they are feeling even more pressure. Please keep them all in your prayers. And keep praying for the coming new pastor.This will be a time to practice caring for one another in more intentional ways. When someone is missing from worship, take time to call and ask if that person is OK. rather than just wondering or asking one another. That kind of caring is really your responsibility as God’s people. Be sure to welcome guests who worship with us. Make a special effort to include newer members in activities. Organize a service event for September 7 or even a fun outing together. And don’t reject an idea just because it came from someone newer whom you don’t yet know. You are the church. Yes, a pastor is needed to help you live into this truth. But you are God’s people in this place and can act together in serving and caring. Our new directory team came together without much help and is doing excellent work. This past Sunday was Pentecost, when we celebrate the gift of Holy Spirit, God’s presence in our lives. The Spirit makes God’s presence real to us and helps, guides, and encourages us to do what we sense God wants us to do. With God as our friend, how can we lose?

And God gives us hope. St. Paul wrote: “…hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) The foundation of hope is the promise of God, who loves us all unconditionally and wants our good. A new pastor will come in God’s time and you will rejoice.God grant you hope, faith, and courage. God’s peace be with you all, my beloved. In Christ's love,

t Pastor Moll

Our Choirs have begun their summer vacation. Special thanks to each member of our Music

Ministry team for a year of presenting a joyful song unto the Lord.

I welcome anyone interested in presenting special music during any of our Sunday worship services. We welcome soloists, duets, instrumentalists. Please contact William Jacavage, Music Director, if you would be interested in sharing your musical talents for presentation during church.

Thanks and God’s blessings to each of you.

Saturday, June 2811 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Platters - $7; Halves - $5Tickets available after Sunday

services or in the Church Office.

Platters include baked potato, baked beans, applesauce, dessert, roll

Sponsored by the Youth Group.

Delicious food and great entertainment was had by all who attended the Ice Cream Social and 50 Year Confirmation Celebration. Congratulations to all our honorees, both those that were able to attend and those that weren’t. Many thanks to all who helped set up, prepare for, entertain and celebrate.

Vacation Bible SchoolRemember to sign up for a week of fun and fellowship at Gangway to Galilee VBS. The fun and adventure begins on Monday, June 23-Thursday, June 26 from 6-8:00 PM and on Friday, June 27, from 5:30-8:30 PM. Registration forms available in the Church Office and on June 23rd in Fellowship Hall.

The family directory committee says thank-you to all the beautiful and handsome St.

John’s folks who smiled for their photo! Our committee is currently working on other dates for photos.

Thank you… to the Hunter family for clearing out the bed where their memorial tree is planted, to David Herbert for supplying the mulching the flower bed at the front of the church and to Mary Siemsen and BarbKiger for weeding and planting the flowers.

MISSINGALTAR FLOWER

VASE LINER A set of vase liners for our altar flowers has been missing since around Easter. If you accidently took them when you took altar flowers, please return them to the Church as soon as possible.

ATTENTION ALL LADIES OF ST. JOHN’S

Just a reminder that the Ladies’ Choir will sing on Sunday, July 6th at 10:15 a.m. We will meet in the choir room at 9:30 to rehearse. Please join us!!

2014 Synod Assembly

The 2014 Upper Susquehanna Synod Assembly will take place on June 20-21, 2014, at Weber Chapel at Susquehanna University.

The Synod Assembly is the highest legislative authority of this synod.  “The priorities of the assembly are worship, edification, and the legislative business of the synod, conducted with the greatest possible involvement of those entitled to participate.” (USS Constitution S7.11.02)

This year’s delegates from St. John’s are Brenda and David Herbert. We would like to thank Brenda and David and let them know that prayers go with them as they represent our church.

Photo from the Synod Assembly 2013

Fatherly Reflection

Renowned actor Sidney Poitier once said, “I decided in my life that I would do nothing that did not reflect positively on my father’s life.” If you’re blessed with a dad you admire and respect, how would it affect your life to make such a decision? Would you be inspired to set sound priorities, live with integrity, be a positive role model to the young people you influence? For all of us — children of the only perfect Father — may our prayer and intent be:

God, while earthly fathers are a mix of strengths and flaws, you give yourself to us as our heavenly Father, wholly loving, kind and passionate about our best interests. May we, in turn, seek to reflect positively on you. May my life spread far and wide your love, kindness and passion for the best interests of all, and may others see you in me. Amen.

Say “Amen.”

A 6-year-old boy accompanied his parents to a church conference. After listening to the speaker for a short time, the boy began to fidget in his seat. To ease his restlessness his mother gave him a notepad and pencil. She suggested that he make a mark every time the speaker said the word “and.” After a while, the boy grew bored and restless again. “Would you like to listen for a different word?” his mother asked. “Yes,” he whispered. “I’d like to listen for ‘Amen.’”

St. John’s will be helping with Pineknotter Days as a community service to our borough.

On Monday, June 30th, we will be working the Cake Wheel. Shifts are 6-8:00 PM and 8-10:00 PM. We need 4 people for each shift.

Anyone who would like to donate a cake or bakedgood (does not have to be homemade) can drop them off at the Cake Wheel Monday at 6:00 PM. Donations can also be dropped off at the Church by 2:30 PM on Monday and someone will take them to the park.

On Thursday, July 3rd, we will be working the Bingo Stand. Six

people are needed – 3 people for 6-8:00 PM and 3 people for 8-10:00 PM.

To volunteer –

Cake Wheel call Jamie Feaster at 570-412-0095

BINGO call Peggy Campbell at 570-473-9527

Volunteers repainted the Children’s Sunday School Rooms; Wheatley Avenue building; Fellowship Hall, and new curtains were hung on the stage and windows in Fellowship Hall.

Office upgrades and improvements in keeping up with today’s tech savvy society saw the addition of the Shepherd Staff Program; computer networking and payroll system program; and email. A website was developed. The use of a Power Point format was introduced for our Annual Meetings.

While project renovations and improvements continued over the years so have the ministries of St. John’s. Family Camping Trips were held in July at various campgrounds around the state where campers experience faith and fellowship among God’s beautiful outdoor creation. A Migrant Clinic was begun and is held for local seasonal migrant workers to receive health screenings. The Funeral Luncheon Committee was re-established to provide a meal after a funeral service for members of the Church. First Communion Retreats were first held at American Legion Post #44, Northumberland, and more recently, Weller Park, Shamokin Dam. The retreat provides instruction and preparation to youth who will be receiving their first Holy Communion in the Church.

In March 2011, Kathryn’s Kloset was instituted providing a monthly give-away of detergent and other personal care items to members of the community in need. In January 2014 His Lighthouse Café began offering a free warm meal to those hungry or in need of mealtime fellowship on the fourth Thursday of each month.

In addition to the previously mentioned rebuild of the organ, the music ministry of St. John’s acquired a keyboard, melody chimes, started and Ensemble group for special holidays and produced two CDs.

Church Committees and dedicated volunteers have provided activities for members and the community and fundraisers to offset renovation costs for various projects. These have included the Annual Spring and Fall Rummage Sale, Soup Sales, Christmas Bazaar, Fishing Tournament to name a few.

St. John’s History SeriesPart 3 (1980-2014)

Again, during the 1980′s St. John’s saw continued improvement and growth. The former parsonage was razed and the area developed into an enlarged parking lot, the sanctuary was refurbished that included paint and decorating, new carpet and refurbished pews. The floor in Fellowship Hall was replaced after damages from a leaking roof and wall water seepage. In June 1986 work began on the Martin Luther Memorial Library and was renovated and redecorated. Dedication of the new library was held on October 5, 1986.

The Council approved the church participation in the program “Adopt A Highway” in May 1990, and the youth, with adult supervision began the project in September. The area is for two miles along Route 11 east of the American Legion Post 44. The program continues at this time with church volunteers. In July of 1990, the Council began planning a project to restore the stained glass windows in the Adult Sunday School area. The project began in January 1991 and was completed the following month.

Over the last two decades, a lot of changes occurred here at St. John’s. Major building and property renovations were undertaken that included the expansion of the parking lot; remodeling of the kitchen; mens and ladies bathroom in Fellowship Hall; remodeling of the bathroom near the Office; the addition of a bathroom in the Narthex; upgraded electrical system; new heating and air conditioning through several phases; insulating of the sanctuary and Wheatley Avenue building roofs; rebuilt organ; and new sanctuary doors.

Other projects included placing a new shingle roof on the sanctuary; the re-pointing of the chimney in Sept 2009. The sanctuary had new carpeting installed and a new Dossal Cloth. New carpeting was also installed in the Memorial Room, Ladies Sunday School Room; Wheatley Avenue building along with tile in the entrance ways.

Daily Scripture Reading

June 12 Proverbs 10:1-23June 13 John 8:1-20June 14 Proverbs 15:1-18June 15 Proverbs 16:1-24June 16 Proverbs 17:1-6June 17 Proverbs 20:5-15June 18 Proverbs 22:1-21June 19 Proverbs 22:22-23:12June 20 Proverbs 23:13-35June 21 Proverbs 24:1-18June 22 Proverbs 25June 23 Proverbs 27:1-24June 24 Luke 1:57-80June 25 Ephesians 2:1-10June 26 Proverbs 28:18-26June 27 Proverbs 9:15-17June 28 Proverbs 30:1-28June 29 Matthew 16:13-19

MEMBERS: Dave Eisely; LorraineWeaver; June Diehl; Esther Bartholomew; Gavyn McAllister; Phyllis Gordon; Kate Billman

PRAYER REQUEST: Bill and BetsySmeltz; Jack Miller; Jordan Hunter-Miller; Misi Lucas; David Siemsen; Woodrow Klinger; Tina Vayda; Joe Broschart; Bob Peterson; Paula Samselski; Ron Hall; Wilmont Raymond; Jane Ramer; Tim Stump; Emma Jean Osman; Sam Miriello; William Wagner; Robin Bolig; Karen Gerst; Joan Rebuck; Terry Moll; Don Propst; Tina Reichenbach; Daniel Lyons; Beverly Windus; Betty Leitzel; Marlyn Deihl; Janel Gallo Berdell; Steve and Rose Brungard; Jane DeGand; Darvin Straub.

HOMEBOUND AND SPECIAL PRAYERS : Ruth Ramer; Nancy Hendricks; Fietta Osman; Sally Mayer; Jack Snyder; Helen Snyder; Mike Payne; Shirley Wolfe; Frances Rohrbach; Carol Diehl; Polly Hetrick; Betty Yerg; Elaine Kohl; Jane Galow; Robyn Snyder; Dave Roush; Franklin Hoffman; Catherine Broome; Harold Billman; Sally Diehl; Bill Brungard; Julia Tiedman; Tina Pontius; Jan Albertson; June Seebold; John Kistner; Margaret Rantz; Margaret Bright; Joshua Gordon; Harold Reid; Joyce Shearer; Connie Lahr; Steve Lahr; Zachery Baker; Carol Wilks; Pauline Spigelmeyer; Jodi Graybill; Brittany Graybill.

Pray for our militaryLogan Brouse; Colton Brouse; Kale Gallo; Jeremy Hoffman; Wyatt Kohl.

Memorials ReceivedIn memory of

My Father and GrandfatherBy

Barbara Moyer

To all Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Brothers, and all nurturing men.

Actual Budget MAY INCOME: $ 14,750.01 $ 17,485.83 YEAR-TO-DATE: $ 81,401.47 $ 95,149.15

MAY EXPENSES: $ 19,806.31 $ 19,293.52YEAR-TO-DATE: $ 103,270.65 $ 105,489.60

MAY YEAR-TO-DATEINCOME LESS EXPENSES: (-$5056.30) (-$21,869.18)

Wednesday, June 11 Church Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.Bible Study, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, June 12 Social Ministry Committee, 6:00 p.m.Monday, June 16 WELCA picnicThursday, June 19 Christian Ed/Evangelism, 7:00 p.m.Monday, June 23 to Thursday, June 26 Vacation Bible School, 6-8:00 p.m.Thursday, June 26 Lighthouse Café, 4:30-6:00 p.m.Friday, June 27 Vacation Bible School, 5:30-8:30 p.m.Saturday, June 28 Chicken Bar-b-q, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Friday and Saturday Synod Assembly, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove June 20 & 21

St. John’s Lutheran Church, 300 Queen Street, Northumberland, PA 17857Periodical postage paid at Northumberland, PA.POSTMASTER: Send address change to St. John’s Messenger, 300 Queen Street, Northumberland, PA 17857.

Attendance for June 1, 20148:00 a.m. Service – 10:15 a.m. Service –

Offering needed weekly to meet budget: $3462.00Offering received: $2522.00

Attendance for June 8, 20148:00 a.m. Service –10:15 a.m. Service –

Offering needed weekly to meet budget: $3462.00Offering received: $3039.01

PeriodicalsPostage PaidSunbury, PA

Hit The Road

When a teenager received his driving permit, he asked his father, who was a minister, if they could discuss use of the car.

His father said, “I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible a little and get your hair cut, and then we’ll talk about it.”

A month later, the young man returned to continue the discussion. “Son, I’ve been real proud of you,” the father said. “You’ve brought your grades up and studied your Bible diligently, but you didn’t get your hair cut!”

The teenager replied, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that. Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair and even Jesus had long hair …. ”

“Yes,” the father said, “and they walked everywhere they went!”

In Our Area

ST. JOHN’S MESSENGER June 11, 2014 Volume 94, Issue 12

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 570-473-3770 sjelc300@ptd.net

This Sunday at St. John’sJune 15, 2014

8:00 a.m. Worship Service with Communion9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School

10:15 a.m. Worship Service with Communion

Next Sunday at St. John’sJune 22, 2014

8:00 a.m. Worship Service with Communion9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School

10:15 a.m. Worship Service with Communion

Church Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Fri 8:30 a.m.-NoonMarthaSue Moll, Pastor

William J. Jacavage, Director of Music

Address Label

July 1Sally DiehlAudrey SeeboldJuly 2Edward FenstermacherBrian KearneyJuly 3Robert BerryT. Jarod HendricksJuly 4Benjamin Meiser

July 6Brandon CarperDonald Seebold, Sr.Dondalynn SnyderSusan Stamm

July 7Jenee HolubLisa KohlerJune KreitzerSusan Stevenson

July 8 Harold Wiand

July 9Cynthia PaulKenneth Ulp

July 10Jeffery BoyerJustin BoyerLynzie Mull

Martha O’Malley

July 11 Rebecca Bowman Braydon Lahr

July 13Holden CoyleAmy DoyleMackenzie WolfeJuly 14Logan McAllisterMason McAllisterJuly 16Karen SmeltzJuly 17Arianna BarreraJames Benner

July 18Mary RogersStephanie Snyder

July 19Thomas HendricksNathan KearneyMichelle Yoder

July 20Gail Lehman

July 21Steven BenferIsaiah FetterCorinne LyonsSue Ann SeesNicholas Veronick

July 22Jennifer HaddonJudy HaferAlyssa HamorLaura Sue Zeigler

July 23Benjamin AmermanSandra SaxmanDaniel Young

July 24

Stephanie FetterKenneth ReigleJuly 25Constance Arter-DavisJudy BickelJuly 26Cole BowmanDebra DoeblerThomas HamorStephen Reed

July 27Rebekah AmermanRebecca HareDaniel LehmanKimberlee NeitzDouglas RayJuly 28Ashley DaddarioDavid HeckertThomas StuckHayden VolinskiJuly 29Charles Bartholomew, IIIAngela FasoldTrenton KoonsRose MertzBrian Shaffer

July 30Abigail Brouse

July 31Ryan EiselySharon FlemingAlbert Whitecavage

Service Assistants for July 2014

Date Lector Greeters CommunionAssistants

Bread Ushers Crucifer/Acolyte

SoundSystem

July 68:00 AM

Sue BillmanBill Troutman

Mary Rogers

July 610:15 AM

Betty Duncan Teresa & Lee Miller

Barb MoyerLou VanGilder

Mary RogersBob BerryMaryann BerryBonnie BerryMike McWilliams

Ryan Latsha Rachel Anderson

July 138:00 AM

Brenda & DavidHerbert

Lori Bogovich

July 1310:15 AM

Mike Erdley Carolyn SmithJan Albertson

Nancy & Mike Erdley

Lori BogovichLee MillerKen ReigleDave MengesDerek Menges

Rachel Anderson

Bob Berry

July 208:00 AM Pat & Tom Propst Mary Siemsen

July 2010:15 AM

Blaine Shaffer

Virginia ButlerTrish Long

Blaine ShafferDean Siemsen

Mary SiemsenDoug ManningLou VanGilderFranklin HoffmanFrank Hoffman

Derek Young Mike Erdley

July 278:00 AM

Judy DunkelbergerJamie Feaster

Pat Propst

July 2710:15 AM

Caitlin Cunningham

Pat & Tom Propst Trey CunninghamCaitlin Cunningham

Pat PropstMike ErdleyMack GlemingGlen Weaver

Brandon Deans Lou VanGilder

JULY 2014Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

June 30Pineknotter Cake Wheel 6-8:00 p.m. 8-10:00 p.m.

1 2Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

3Messenger deadline 3:00 p.m.Worship & Music 7:00 p.m.Scout Dist. Comm. 7:00 p.m.AA 7:00 p.m.Al anon 8:00 p.m.Pineknotter Bingo 6-8:00 p.m. 8-10:00 p.m.

4 Independence Day

OFFICE CLOSED

5

6Worship w/Comm. 8:00 a.m.Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Ladies Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m.Worship w/Comm. 10:15 a.m.

7TOPS 6:00 p.m.Finance 7:00 p.m.

8Webelos & Boy Scouts 6:30 p.m.AA 7:00 p.m.

9Messenger Folding 9:30 a.m.Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

10Social Ministry 6:00 p.m.AA 7:00 p.m.Al anon 8:00 p.m.

11 12

13Worship w/Comm. 8:00 a.m.Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Worship w/Comm. 10:15 a.m.

Pastor Moll’s last Sunday preaching at St. John’s

14TOPS 6:00 p.m.

15Webelos & Boy Scouts 6:30 p.m.AA 7:00 p.m.

16Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

17Messenger deadline 3:00 p.m.Christian Ed/Evang 7:00 p.m.Scout Roundtable 7:00 p.m. AA 7:00 p.m.Al anon 8:00 p.m.

18 19 Kathryn’s Kloset 9-11:00 a.m.

Honor & Leadership Corps 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Honor & Leadership Corps 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Honor & Leadership Corps 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

20Worship w/Comm. 8:00 a.m.Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Worship w/Comm. 10:15 a.m.

21TOPS 6:00 p.m.

22Webelos & Boy Scouts 6:30 p.m.AA 7:00 p.m.

23Messenger Folding 9:30 a.m.Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

24Lighthouse Café 4:30-6:00 p.m.AA 7:00 p.m.Al anon 8:00 p.m.

25 26

27Worship w/Comm. 8:00 a.m.Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Worship w/Comm. 10:15 a.m.

28TOPS 6:00 p.m.

29Webelos & Boy Scouts 6:30 p.m.AA 7:00 p.m.

30Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

31AA 7:00 p.m.Al anon 8:00 p.m.

Honor & Leadership Corps 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Honor & Leadership Corps 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.