DID SOMEONE SAYmission?

St. John’s Messenger

Volume 95, Issue 9 September 16, 2015

Dear St. John’s Church family and friends,Once upon a time…..yes, it’s a story that began long ago….leaders of St. John’s developed a statement of God’s mission for St. John’s Lutheran Church. We as a congregation adopted that mission and agreed this is God’s plan for what we do in God’s name here in Northumberland.

I love the prayer Doug Manning wrote that spells it out for us: Heavenly Father, through your Holy Spirit inspire us to lives of service to Jesus, our Lord. Help us to respond with love and compassion to human needs, and to be faithful in sharing the Gospel to future generations. Lead us in faith, hope and love in our daily walk so that we will work for peace in our world, and grow in unity with all Christians. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen.

You’ll be hearing that prayer, more and more, in our weekly worship.

This mission statement informs who we are as disciples at St. John’s, and is meant to inform everything we do here in the name of our Lord. We will be spending a lot of time not only learning our mission statement, but incorporating it into the fabric of all our ministries. One day, all of us will be able to speak this mission statement from memory and will ask of all we do, “Does this fit the mission God has given us?”

I included the mission statement of our Lord Jesus again this month at the end of this article. Even the Savior knew his purpose in the Kingdom of God. As Jesus modeled mission for us, so we are called to follow in mission. Stay tuned for the new things yet to come!

See you in church!

Pastor Pat

“When (Jesus) came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah

was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has

sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’”

(Luke 4:16-19 – Jesus’ mission statement)

What is God’s Mission at St. John’s?

We are called to serve Jesus Christ our Lord:

By responding with love and compassion to human needs Faithfully sharing the Gospel

Working for peace, And growing in unity with all Christians

What do you have to offer?

Do you know how much goes on at St. John’s Sunday through Saturday? Goodness sake, we’re feeding people, teaching (and learning a LOT from) children, youth, and adults, studying God’s Word together, reaching out to our neighbors with blessing bags, handing out detergent and other household goods to folks who need them….we’re singing music to the Lord, bringing communion to those who can’t get out to church … we’re planning worship services and fellowship events and managing our financial gifts….we’re fixing broken doors, cameras, and cleaning up messes… we’re writing and preparing bulletins, newsletters, and classroom lessons…..

WHEW! I can’t even remember everything we do….and what I DO remember is exhausting!!!

So…I invite you to think about how God has gifted you to serve here at St. John’s. We need you!

What are your hobbies and talents? Did something I mentioned spark your attention and grab at your heartstrings? Pray about that spark….and maybe you’ll find yourself responding with a need to offer yourself in a new way to God’s mission here at St. John’s.

The conversation is happening…and soon we hope to develop a survey that will help us all learn ways we have to serve the Lord – in old AND new ways…Stay tuned….and keep your “spark” conversation with the Lord fresh…and ready to offer, “Here I am! Send me!”

Hugs…..Pastor Pat

ANNUAL TOM SNYDER MEMORIAL FISHING TOURNAMENT AND FALL FEST

Saturday, October 10th

10 a.m.-2 p.m.Rain or shine

Fishing, Children’s Games & Crafts, Mr. Sticky, Whoopie Pies,

Hot Dogs, Walking Tacos, Chicken Corn and Ham & Bean Soup,Chips and Drinks

Silent Auction

Fishing is open to kids up to 12 years old; $3.50

Prizes are given for catching the top 3 biggest fish.

Rummage, Soup & Bake SaleThursday and Friday,

October 22nd & 23rd from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, October 24th from 8 a.m.-Noon

Lose weight and clothes are too big now, have a change in style, or have other “treasures” you no longer want to keep and dust…. remember our Rummage Sale will be coming up in October. Donations will be accepted after October 1st and may be placed on the stage.

Our “Soupsters” will also be cooking up their delicious homemade chicken corn, vegetable beef, and ham and bean soups. Look for the order form in this issue of The Messenger. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Calling all St. John’s bakers ~ we have some of the best bakersaround and we need you to get out your ingredients and bakeware and fire up those ovens!! We need baked goodies for the rummage, soup and bake sale. Drop off your treats in the kitchen on Wednesday, October 21st.

SERVICE SCHEDULED

Friday, September 256:00 p.m.

Join us as Pastor Pat is officially installed as our Pastor here at St. John’s. There will be a pizza party following the service. Please RSVP by September 21st if you plan on attending the reception. We will also be celebrating Pastor’s 15th anniversary year of her Ordination.

Excerpt taken from God Pause, September 9, 2015

"From the same mouth come blessing and curse." Keeping with our theme for this week of teaching and prayer, here we are all being called to speak the words of benediction, literally "good words." Of course, we can do that in public worship, but perhaps equally as impactful, is when we give the benediction of "good words" to those we meet.

Speaking words of appreciation to the grocery checker, the landscape worker, the police officer, the crossing guard, our child's teacher, or the teller at the bank, by the power of the Holy Spirit can change the trajectory of a person's life. We can speak informal benedictions to all people because we believe that God is working on every life. Our calling is to give voice to that grace: "God has blessed you," "I'll pray for you"; "God is good"; "Thank you for your kindness." Every time we speak a benediction, we're working with the Spirit to open a life up to the Word, Jesus Christ.

May our words be benedictions Lord, causing people to pause, give thanks, and consider again Your presence in their lives; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

David MattsonGloria Dei Lutheran, Dana Point, Calif.

Master of Divinity, 1987

Creation's splendorIn Romans 1:20, St. Paul writes that God’s powers are on display for all people through creation. Humans, he reasons, should conclude there’s a God simply by observing.

What does creation’s splendor and beauty reveal to us about God? Take a moment and stick your head out the window. It’s amazing how colorful creation is. God isn’t a boring God who sees only in black and white. He’s a God of beauty with an amazing imagination. God creates with a splash of joy.

Every day this week, stop and ask,“What is God’s creation revealing to me about his character?”

—Rev. Mike Paulson

Help us fill our chamber pot, located in the rear of the sanctuary ~ with sheets of

Proceeds from this collection, Mr. Sticky sale, and the Fishing Tournament will be

long drop latrines from the ELCA Good

About 2.5 billion people in our world lack access to adequate sanitation. Without it

children and the elderly frequently sick.

A carefully installed household latrine, along with training in hygiene and maintenance, leads to a healthier,

Having trouble reading the print in the bulletin? Just a reminder that there are large print copies of the bulletins and hymns available at each service on Sunday mornings.Ask an usher for assistance.

Children Activity Celebrates are available on Sunday morning. Ask an usher if your child would like a copy.

A BIG THANK YOUIf you have looked around St. John’s recently you will have noticed many improvements. We received funds from the H. Blanche Savidge Community Trust which enabled us to make these improvements. Some of the projects/improvements done were: purchasing AEDs, murals and improvements to the Preschool room, a security system, upgrading our technology, upgrading the heating/air conditioning in the sanctuary, installing air conditioning in Fellowship Hall, making exterior improvements and still to come upgrades to our sound system.

The new lighter weight tables and chairs in Fellowship Hall were purchased with money received from the S. Luther Savidge Charitable Foundation. This foundation also provides funds so we can continue His Lighthouse Café and Kathryn’s Kloset.

Thank you to both the H. Blanche Savidge Community Trust and the S. Luther Savidge Charitable Foundation for the support given to St. John’s. We are very fortunate that we have been able to do so many projects and to continue our outreach programs.

Sunday, November 22nd

ADVENT WORKSHOP

Join us for an afternoon of food, fellowship and crafting. There will be a light luncheon following the 10:15 am service, followed by activities and crafts for adults and children. Look for more information in next month’s Messenger.

Cub Pack 3325 is participating in the annual BSA Popcorn Sale. The kinds available are:

“5 Way Chocolatey Treasure Tin” - $ 50“3 Way Premium Tin” - $ 40“3 Way Cheesy Cheese Tin” - $ 30”24 Pack Theater Extra Butter

Microwave” - $ 25“24 Pack Variety Microwave” - $ 25“Chocolatey Drizzled Caramel w/Nuts - $ 25“ Supreme Caramel Crunch with Almonds,

Pecans, & Cashews” - $ 20“20 Pack Snack Size 94 % Fat Free

Butter Microwave” - $ 20“Cinnamon Crunch Popcorn Tin” - $ 20“15 Pack Extra Butter Microwave” - $ 15 “14 Pack Sweet & Salty Kettle Corn

Microwave” - $ 15“Caramel Corn” - $ 10 “24 oz. Gourmet Popping Tin” - $ 10.

Popcorn can be ordered from any Cub Scout in Pack 3325 or Tom Propst. There is also an order form posted on the bulletin board opposite the church office. Orders are due by Sunday, October 11th.

Silent Auction Items Needed

Items are still needed for the Silent Auction being held at the Fishing Tournament. Please place your donation item (marked FISH) outside the Church Office or contact Carol Diehl.

"I Come to the Garden Alone," C. Austin MillsI come to the garden alone,While the dew is still on the roses;And the voice I hear, falling on my ear,The Son of God discloses.

Refrain:And He walks with me, and He talks with me,And He tells me I am His own,And the joy we share as we tarry there,None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voiceIs so sweet the birds hush their singing;And the melody that He gave to meWithin my heart is ringing. Refrain

I'd stay in the garden with HimTho' the night around me be falling;But He bids me go; thro' the voice of woe,His voice to me is calling. Refrain

I am writing this devotional from the little shack at the edge of our garden. This master closet-sized shack fits our desk, a small filing cabinet and a chair. The walls are lined with books. The two windows face out to the garden. Each day this summer, I have come out here alone, sitting in the shack and reading my daily devotional. A fuchsia and a hummingbird feeder hang side by side outside the window. I watch the hummingbirds and pray.

When I end my devotion, I walk directly out to the garden where I check my growing flowers and vegetables. I always feel that God is walking with me. Sometimes I sing a newer contemporary version of the old hymn "I Come to the Garden." It is by Watermark and titled "In the Garden/There is None Like You." This "garden time" grants me the saving graces of stepping forth into the day in strength (instead of fear), of having a melody placed in my heart and of remembering that God has called me his own.

Dear God, thank you for the wonder of your creation and that you meet us where we walk. As you walk beside us, may we hear the melody that you want us to be in tune with this day. Amen.

Tim and Chamie DelkeskampAscension Lutheran, Thousand Oaks, Calif.

Master of Divinity, 1999Excerpt taken from God Pause, September 5, 2015

October 5 Matthew 8:15-23October 6 Matthew 8: 28-34October 7 Matthew 9:1-8October 8 Matthew 9:18-26October 9 Matthew 10:5-23October 10 Matthew 10:23-26October 11 Matthew 11:1-6October 12 Matthew 11:25-30October 13 Matthew 12:1-8October 14 Matthew 12:33-37October 15 Matthew 12:38-42October 16 Matthew 13:1-7October 17 Matthew 13:10-17October 18 Matthew 13:44-45October 19 Mathew 14:13-16October 20 Matthew 14:22-27October 21 Matthew 15:1-9October 22 Matthew 15:21-28October 23 Matthew 16:1-5

DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS

MEMBERS: Lee Bettleyon; Richard Mertz

PRAYER REQUEST: Zoe Kratzer; O’Dell Rogers; Tina Heckert; Joe Jacavage; Dave Duke; Bob & Phyllis Hettler; Betsy Smeltz; Emerson Neidig; Kyle Ruhl; Glen Falck; Mary Jo Wenrich; John Butkofsky; Harry Harter; Dan Ramer; Marti Row; Emily Reber; Randy Herring; Bob Breon; Esther Persing; Ben Metzger; Don Propst; Gary and Rita Lenig; Misi Lucas; William Wagner; Karen Gerst; Joan Rebuck; Daniel Lyons; Beverly Windus; Betty Leitzel; Marlyn Deihl; Steve and Rose Brungard; Darvin Straub.

HOMEBOUND AND SPECIAL PRAYERS : Doug Manning; Rick Smeltz; Millie Lennon Blyth; Nicholas Chiarkas; Else Mae Meehan; Catherine Broome; Peg Feaster; Sally Diehl; Sally Lewis; Kate Billman; Arlet Hummel; Diane Hoffman; Margaret Smith; Joanne Lynch; Lorraine Weaver; Judy Hoffman; Phyllis Gordon; Ruth Ramer; Nancy Hendricks; Fietta Osman; Sally Mayer; Helen Snyder; Mike Payne; Shirley Wolfe; Carol Diehl; Betty Yerg; Elaine Kohl; Robyn Snyder; Franklin Hoffman; Harold Billman; Julia Tiedman; Tina Pontius; Jan Albertson; June Seebold; John Kistner; Margaret Rantz; Joshua Gordon; Harold Reid; Joyce Shearer; Connie Lahr; Steve Lahr; Zachery Baker; Carol Wilks; Jodi Graybill; Brittany Graybill.

Pray for our military

Logan Brouse; Colton Brouse; Kale Gallo; Wyatt Kohl, Joe Hampton

September 16 Hebrews 2:10-18September 17 Ephesians 4:17-32September 18 Colossians 1:1-14September 19 Job 1:13-22September 20 Exodus 16:1-8September 21 Matthew 9:1-3September 22 Galatians 2:15-21September 23 Ecclesiastes 12:1-8September 24 Ephesians 3:14-21September 25 Matthew 26:36-46September 26 2 Corinthians 5:11-21September 27 2 Thessalonians

2:13-17September 28 1 Peter 3:18-22September 29 Revelation 12:7-12September 30 James 4:1-10October 1 Matthew 6:24-34October 2 Matthew 7:1-12October 3 Matthew 7:13-23October 4 Matthew 7:24-29

October 1Laura PotterKayleb ShirkTyler Vayda

October 2Kenneth DrakeMichael MertzJeffrey Wagner

October 3Gwen Luden

October 4Richard Berry, IIIEmily BogovichWilliam Long, Jr.Whitney Troutman

October 5Dennis DeihlDanielle Erdley

October 6Brett AlbertsonJudith Stuck

October 7Chris HaferJohn HoffmanDerek Menges

October 8 Jeremiah Albertson Brandon Hendricks Patricia Troup

October 10Logan BrousePhilip ErdleyKayla Tanner

October 11

Michael PayneMadalyn Sawyer

October 12Rebecca BoyerSteven LahrTiffani WalterAllen Wolfe

October 13Janna BerryFlorence Stuck

October 14Kendra Mull

October 15Michelle BowersoxCrystal Reed

October 16Julia MayoSean Neidig

October 17Michael DaddarioEsther StammCamren VovakesCharles White

October 18Austin Paul

October 19Katelyn Kremer

October 20Fred BeaverHolly BediskyBarbara FollmerDylan Kremer

October 21Jeremy Berry-Propst

October 22Vicki BeaverNicole EiselyThomas Propst

October 23Diane HoffmanBetty Wiand

October 24Kami KohlerAdam Sees

October 25Frank Jennis

October 26Wendy DerkMegan Straub

October 27Brett BenferCaitlin CunninghamAlice SnyderOwen VanKirk

October 29Kalyn DeansKolton Meeker

October 30

Millie BlythJake Reedy October 31

Dillin Holub

Mr. Sticky SaleSept 6-27Pick up will beWednesday, October 7th

SOUP SALEThe “Soupsters” are doing their soup thing again.

We will be selling:Chicken Corn, Vegetable Beef, and Ham & Bean

Please place your order by October 12, 2015

Soup can be picked upOctober 22, 23, and 24 during the Rummage Sale

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

NAME _____________________________________________

Phone # ________________

Make your selection of the number of quarts at $6.00 per quart.

Chicken Corn ___________ @ $6.00 _____________

Vegetable Beef __________ @ $6.00 ______________

Ham and Bean ___________ @ $6.00 ______________

Total amount $ ________________

Date Paid _________

check # ___________ cash __________

Name ______________________________________

Phone # _____________

Quantity Amount Due

___each $3.00 single ___________

___1/2 doz. $15.00 for ½ dozen ___________

___dozen $30.00 for one dozen ___________

TOTAL DUE ___________

AMOUNT PAID ___________

Cash ________ Check # ___________

DELICIOUS AND FOR A GOOD CAUSE!!

Sponsored by Social Ministry. Proceeds will be added to the Fishing Tournament profits. Money and orders

due Sept 27. Make checks payable to St. John’s.

October 2015Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

SERVICE ASSISTANTS - OCTOBER

DATE LECTOR GREETER COMMUNION ASSISTANTS

COMMUNION BREAD

USHERS ACOLYTE SOUND SYSTEM

October 48:00 AM

Jamie FeasterSue Billman

Mary Rogers

October 410:15 AM

Ginny Butler Ginny ButlerTrish Long

Barb MoyerCaitlin

Cunningham

Mary Rogers Owen LongTrey Cunningham

Kobe SwangerDerek Amerman

Ryan LatshaBrian

Cunningham

October 118:00 AM

Pat PropstTom Propst

Jane Ressler

October 1110:15 AM

Bob Berry Franklin Hoffman

Frank Hoffman

Blaine ShafferDean Siemsen

Jane Ressler Bob BerryBonnie Berry

Maryann BerryMike McWilliams

Rebekah Amerman

Bob Berry

October 188:00 AM

Sue BillmanBill Troutman

Judy Reigle

October 1810:15 AM

George Shearer

Caitlin Cunningham

Trey Cunningham

Judy Reigle Doug ManningFrank Hoffman

Tom PropstGreg Morton

Kanen Bucher Mike Erdley

October 258:00 AM

Brenda HerbertDavid Herbert

Laurie Robinson

October 2510:15 AM

Confirmands Confirmands Nancy ErdleyMike Erdley

Laurie Robinson ConfirmandsHanna Long

1Worship & Music 7:00 p.m.Scout District Com. 7:00 p.m.Al anon 7:00 p.m.AA 8:00 p.m.

2 3

4Worship w/Comm. 8:00 a.m.Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Worship w/Comm. 10:15 a.m.Girl Scouts 4-6:00 p.m.

5TOPS 5:15-6:15 p.m.Scouts/F.H 3-9:00 p.m.

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

7Mr. Sticky pickup 4-6:00 p.m.Girl Scouts 6:15-7:15 p.m.Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

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

9Fellowship Hall reserved

10Fishing Tournament & Fall Fest 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

11Worship w/Comm. 8:00 a.m.Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Worship w/Comm. 10:15 a.m.

12TOPS 5:15-6:15 p.m.Finance 7:00 p.m.Cub Scouts 7:00 p.m.

13Webelos &Boy Scouts 6:30 p.m.AA 8:00 p.m.

14Girl Scouts 6:15-7:15 p.m.Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.

15Scout Roundtable 7:00 p.m.Al anon 7:00 p.m.AA 8:00 p.m.

16 17Kathryn’s Kloset 9-11:00 a.m.

Kitchen reserved – soup making

18Worship w/Comm. 8:00 a.m.Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Worship w/Comm. 10:15 a.m

19TOPS 5:15-6:15 p.m.Cub Scouts 7:00 p.m.WELCA 7:00 p.m.

20Webelos &Boy Scouts 6:30 p.m.AA 8:00 p.m.

21Messenger folding 9:30 a.m.Set up for Rummage Sale 8:00 a.m.-?Girl Scouts 6:15-7:15 p.m.Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

22Al anon 7:00 p.m.AA 8:00 p.m.

23 24Set up for ConfirmationLuncheon

25 ReformationWorship w/Comm. 8:00 a.m.Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Worship w/Comm. 10:15 a.m.Confirmation celebration following late service

26TOPS 5:15-6:15 p.m.Cub Scouts 7:00 p.m.

27Webelos &Boy Scouts 6:30 p.m.AA 8:00 p.m.

28Girl Scouts 6:15-7:15 p.m.Bible Study 7:00 p.m.

29Lifeline ScreeningLighthouse Café 4:30-6:00 p.m.Al anon 7:00 p.m.AA 8:00 p.m.

30 31 Happy Halloween

Rummage, Soup & Bake Sale8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Rummage, Soup & Bake Sale

8 a.m.-NoonKitchen reserved - soup making

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.

ST. JOHN’S MESSENGER September 16, 2015 Volume 95, Issue 9

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

Sundays at St. John’s

8:00 a.m. Worship Service with Communion8:45 a.m. PreK-6th Grade Sunday School

9:00 a.m. Confirmation & 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.-NoonRev. Patricia Pittsnogle, Pastor

Periodicals-MonthlySunbury, PA

Address Label

William J. Jacavage, Director of Music