November 2013

Realizing How Much God Loves You Luke 15:11-32

H ow do you see God’s love in your daily life? Jesus’ parable of the

prodigal son is a story of the deep and profound love of a father

for his son. This parable could also be named the parable of the

prodigal father. It is the father who is acting imprudently and extravagantly -

showering unconditional love on his sons, despite their selfish and jealous

behavior. Similarly, God’s most basic character is unconditional, extravagant

love for God’s children.

What experiences in life are brought to memory by this parable? Has there

been a time in your life when you wanted to go off to a far country or to start a

new adventure? It was not unusual for younger Jewish sons to venture away

from the ancestral home. In colonial England, it was not unusual for sons to

venture to the colonies to start a new life. And earlier in our own country’s

history, it was not unusual for sons to respond to the challenge, “Go west,

young man.”

Life in Jesus is always a call to live in a “new creation”, a “new age”. It is

sometimes difficult for us to grasp the significance of Jesus’ teachings. Yet as

our experiences evolve there are revelations that show us God’s love and

presence in our every day lives. The older son struggled to accept the loving

relationship of his father and brother upon the brother’s return. Yet the father’s

love was free, unmerited and unconditional to both sons. It is this kind of love

that God has for God’s people.

In reflecting on the breadth of God’s love, what steps might you take in your

life to enhance your realization of God’s love?

Prayer of the month for November 2013

Lord God, you are a loving Creator and Provider. Help us to see your

presence in our daily life, in the gift of life, in the gift of your son Jesus

Christ and in the community of faith - the Body of Christ on earth. Give

us the vision to look beyond our personal desires and needs. Give us the

sensitivity to hear your word above our daily activity. Open our eyes to

the times when we are like the sons in Jesus’ parable, only wanting for

ourselves. May the Holy Spirit give us guidance to know your loving

presence and will in our life. Amen.

Adapted from Stepping Stones of a Steward by Ron Valiet. Used by permission.

In this issue

Thanksgiving Services 3

Council News 4

Stewardship in 5 Simple Steps

7

Angel Tree Program 2012 9

A Place of Grace 11

Annual Christmas Bazaar 12

Herald’s Mail Box 13

St. John's Lutheran Church 8808 Harford Rd.

Parkville, MD 21234

Co-pastors

The Rev. Danny R. Hammons

The Rev. Maria J. Hammons

Secretary

Carol Erpenstein

Director of Music

Martha Requard

Preschool Teacher/Director

Lisa Horst

Preschool Teacher’s Aide

Niki Thoericht

Sexton

Al Johnson

Pastor Emeritus

The Rev. Richard Manning

Thank you God!

D ear Family and Friends of St. John's … Thanksgiving is a time

that we remember to be thankful for the food we eat all year long

…and that - most of us - will overeat on Thanksgiving Day. We

are not the first to celebrate our bountiful gifts in this way.

One of the main Jewish festivals is Purim - celebrated in remembrance of

being delivered from the threat of extermination at the hand of Hamman, a

Persian politician during the exile. The Festival of Purim is celebrated by

eating and drinking... in excess. (Read this story in the Book of Esther).

As we think about those early settlers on that “first Thanksgiving” in the

colonies, it was celebrated during a time when the colony had almost been

wiped out by disease and hunger. It was after the local community of native

people, the Wampanoag tribe, shared with the Pilgrims their knowledge of

local crops and helped them to survive, that they then held a feast. From that

day on, the pilgrims had plenty of Thanksgiving days and they all centered

around prayer, but that first thanksgiving day was a feast shared to celebrate

and give thanks that they survived.

The Israelites in exile and our Pilgrim ancestors shared a common victory -

and that is that their survival was provided by God working through others…

once through “Mordecai the Jew”, and again through the Wampanog tribe.

And both celebrated by sharing a feast. We, also, have ample reason to

celebrate this Thanksgiving with a feast, as we thank God for our abundance.

And while we’re at it, let’s also practice another tradition of Purim - sharing

food with those who don’t have any. GOD knows…we’ll have plenty!

Blessed Thanksgiving!

Pastor Danny & Pastor Maria

2

Wor

ship &

Mus

ic

Baptisms

October: None

Weddings

October:

Patrick Merrey & Jessica Wellman

Fro

m th

e

Pasto

r's D

esk

Worship & Music articles continue on page 3

Poinsettias For Christmas - Order Nov 10-Dec 1, 2013

Christmas is right around the corner! Poinsettias will cost $10

each (same as last year). Please look for the order form inserted

in the church bulletin beginning November 10 and ending on

December 1. No order will be accepted after December 1. Thank

you for placing your orders as quickly as possible. If you have

any questions, please contact Linda Watts at 410-676-7547

Worship & Music News (cont.)

Notes from the organ bench

I n the September

newsletter I

told you about

Ken Medema and the

invitation he received

to dance, and asked you

to consider accepting

the Lord’s invitation

to “dance” and take a

more active part in

worship. WOW! What

a response! The Adult

Choir added four new

members, the Handbells have a new ringer (or, as the ringers refers to

themselves, another “ding-a-ling”), there are five Tween singers, and the

Children’s Choir now has eleven singers. And, when outdoor soccer ends,

the children’s groups will grow by at least three more singers! And, there

have been offers by instrumentalists to add their talents! The Lord is good -

all the time!

With November ahead of us, the choirs are beginning to prepare for Advent

and Christmas. The Adult Choir will again be presenting a cantata, on the

last Sunday in Advent, December 22, during the 11 a.m. Worship Service.

The children will present their musical at the Family Service, 4:00 p.m. on

Christmas Eve. If you or someone you know would like to participate in

either of these activities, let me know and I will keep you informed of our

rehearsal schedule.

OH - do you have problems with your blood pressure? A few weeks ago

I heard a report of a study that showed that after people spent time singing

with others, their blood pressure readings dropped. What better reason do

you need to sing or play in one of the choirs? There’s always room for one

more in the choir.

Whether or not you accept my invitation to help make music at St. John’s,

remember to keep

Making a Joyful Noise,

Martha Requard

3

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY

Sunday, November 3

Services at 8:15 & 11:00 a.m.

We remember and honor those

saints who have gone before us.

Well done, good and faithful servants!

It’s time to “fall back”!

Don’t forget…

Change your clocks

Sunday, November 3,

at 2 a.m.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

JOIN US AS WE THANK THE LORD FOR OUR MANY BLESSINGS!

Thanksgiving Eve Ecumenical Service

Hiss United Methodist Church

Wednesday, November 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving Day Communion Service at St. John’s

Thursday, November 28, at 10:00 a.m.

4

Congre

gatio

nal

Counci

l

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS

Tony Jasinski, president

Lee Smith, vice president

Shirley Snyder, secretary

Chris Hills, treasurer

Cindy Weeks, financial secretary

Charles Bender

Sharon Carletti

Doug Meekins

Laurie Krieger

Bonnie Rogers

Sue Addison

Bonnie Spellman

What’s happening with the Council?

C ongregational Council President Tony Jasinski called the

October council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., and suspended

the regular order of business so that Beth Gray and her son,

Matt Scheindlinger, representing the Young Families, could present a

proposal for an Edible Community Garden. It would be located on the

lot next to the parsonage (where we began planting a community garden

a couple of years ago). Their proposal will be fully considered at the

November Council meeting.

Immediately after the presentation the council opened with devotions

led by Laurie Krieger, and then dealt with the usual monthly reports.

New business included discussions regarding recent damage to the Lab-

yrinth area. Pastor Danny and the Labyrinth Ministry Team will write a

letter to the residents on Manns Ave explaining the purpose of a Laby-

rinth and the park, “A Place for Grace” and ask them to talk to their

children and teens about respecting the sacredness of this space.

A request was received from the Young Families, and approved by

Council, that they be permitted to sell glow necklaces at St. John’s

Trunk ‘N Treat on Friday, October 25.

Vice President Lee Smith, who also chairs the Finance Ministry Team,

presented the proposed 2014 Budget. After extensive discussion, the

Council approved the budget for presentation to the congregation

for initial review and feedback on Sunday, November 3, at 9:30

a.m., in the Fellowship Hall.

The council will consider the congregation's feedback at its November

meeting. The final draft will be presented to the congregation for discus-

sion and approval at the Congregational meeting set for December 8.

Mark your calendar for the

FALL CONGREGATIONAL

MEETING

Sunday, December 8

(one Service Sunday)

10:00 a.m. Youth Service!

11:00 a.m. Annual Meeting with

reception of New Members!

Congregational Pot Luck

Luncheon follows!

► Budget ◄

► Council Elections ◄

125th Commemorative Gifts Available

If you are looking for possible Christmas gifts, there are still St.

John’s 125th Anniversary Commemorative items available.

Christmas Balls - $10

Cookbooks - $10

Cat’s Meow Blocks - $15 (only a few are left)

Blankets - $40

To purchase any of the above items, visit the display table set up at

the Christmas Bazaar or stop in the church office.

5

Sunday School news

Con

greg

atio

nal C

are Please remember these individuals in your prayers

For health and healing: Marlene Meyer, Mary Lynn Lenz, Dale Pickett,

Dot Vogt, Mildred Kempske, Ann Powell, Bill Rogers, Ephraim Shaud,

Rosalie Coffman, Pat Denk, Tammy Heyl, Sheena Bittner, Dick Weger,

Mil Schaffer, Doris Warfield, Bill Ortloff, Bob & Mil Baxter for family &

friends Lisa Curnoles, Alan Fox, Cheri Lauman, Mandy Kent, Joe Janovec,

Jennifer Merrick, Lou Markel, Sadie Selzer, John Bielat, Greg Wellman,

Claire Svehla, Richard Healy, Aaron Ochalek, Shirley Upchurch, Albert

Gross, Beverly Nirenberg; for the military & their families: Maria Burgos,

Keith Gibson, Brian Hedges, Tony Rossi, Jesse Testudine, Chaplain Chris

Frigm, and all those in harm’s way; and for our homebound parishioners:

Richard and Alma Arnold, Murhl and Evelyn Bauer, Alice Belth, Agatha

Biensach, Joan and George Cooper, Mary Curnoles, Carmen and Norma

DeMarino, Lucille Dembeck, Ruth Derrickson, Pete and Marge Francis,

Georgia Franz, Ellie Fry, Mabel Gehring, Betty Glassband, Henry & Bernice

Graf, Jim Hines, Paul Huber, George Hutschenreuter, Paul Insley, Helene &

Stewart Jung, Eddie Kempske, Mildred Kempske, Bunny Kucharski, John

Lotterer, Evelyn McGuire, Jerry Mead, Marlene Meyer, Margaret Middleton,

Eurith Morris, Bill Ortloff, Edie Petr, Nancy Ritz, Carolyn Robey, Ruby

Schaum, Elaine Schlicht, Larry Shepherd, Mary Sigmon, John Sperl, Charles

and Dot Stairs, Gerry Stipek, Edna Stratmeyer, Doris Subock, Cass Tracey,

Helen Trainor, Elaine Turek, Ilene Vicarini, Dot Vogt, Emma Volz, Dick

Weger, Clara Westphal, Helen Wheeler, Phyllis Williams, John WInebrenner,

and Fran Wolinski.

Chr

istia

n Edu

catio

n

& Pre

scho

ol

We offer prayers and sympathy

to the family and friends of

Peggy Schaefer

John Wellman

Robert Vicarini

Theodore Burkhardt

Christian Ed/Preschool articles continue on page 6

By Rachel Hills

During the month of November, the Sunday School will continue to

collect canned goods, which will be donated to the food pantries that

the church supports. Please bring canned goods to your child’s classroom

by the end of November.

Help us update our

records! If you have not

completed a registration form

for your child this year, please

ask your child’s teacher for a

copy or stop by the Christian

Education office on the 2nd

floor.

This month, Sunday School

children in the nursery class

through 5th grade will be

learning Bible stories about

Hezekiah, Esther, the three men in the fiery furnace, and Daniel. Ask them

to tell you what they have learned about these important people from the

Old Testament.

6

Christian Ed. & Preschool (cont.)

First Communion Classes will be held on three consecutive

Wednesday evenings, December 4, 11, and 18. Classes will begin at 7 pm,

and last no longer than 45 minutes. We will meet in the Christian Education

Room (on the second floor). The program we use is designed for children and

parents, so we ask that one or both parents attend with their children. Together

we will talk about God’s gift of love that comes to us in the Lord’s Supper and

what Communion means to us.

The children will then receive their First Communion on Christmas Eve at

St. John’s Family Service at 4 p.m. Note: First Communion at St. John’s is

generally offered to children 8 or older. However, if your younger child is

asking to receive communion and you would like to discuss this possibility,

please talk with the Pastors.

Please call or email the Church Office to indicate your desire to attend so we

can plan accordingly -- (410-665-1234) or office@stjohnsparkville.org.

Congratulations! These Students did

not miss any Sundays in September!

Corinne Brock

Emily Brock

Brandon Crites

Brody Evans

Hayden Evans

Landry Evans

Marissa Evans

Gabby Gray

Hannah Gray

Zachary Hills

John Meyers

Kirsten Miller

Matthew Miller

Garrett Morgan

Emily Rash

Michael Rash

Taylor Retkowski

Faith Rykaczewski

Matthew Scheindlinger

Sarah Scheindlinger

Abigail Schwartz-Mitchell

Genevieve Schwartz-Mitchell

Katherine Schwartz-Mitchell

Ephraim Shaud

Chad Votta, Jr.

Autumn Winterling

These students missed only one

Sunday during September!

Annie Bennett

Jack Bennett

Karli Cappucci

Kyle Cappucci

Abbie Coffman

Carly Coffman

Ryan Cummings

Austin Flagle

Sarah Flagle

Nate Grisez

Joshua Hills

Erin Hyman

Morgan Perzan

Noah Shull

Olivia Shull

Sophia Shull

Ethan Sommer

Kurtis Sommer

Giavanna Tilton

Kayla Tilton

Gabrille Tindall

Jacob Tindall

James Paul White

Adult Forum: Cost of Discipleship Dietrich Bonhoeffer:

Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance,

baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution

without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace

without the Cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

...Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it

calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs a man his life, and

it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it con-

demns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly be-

cause it costs God the life of His Son: "ye were bought at a price," and what has

cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did

not reckon His Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but deliver Him up for

us. Costly grace is the Incarnation of God.

Synod News … "Listening Posts" The Delaware-Maryland Synod is engaged in a year-long strategic

planning process that is expected to result in a Strategic Mission

Plan for the years 2014-2018. Called "Vision 2018: Discerning God's

Plan," this process is designed to involve as many people as possible

to collect the broadest possible input from across the synod. It is

based on prayerful discernment and communal Bible study to seek

God's will for our Synod as we move forward in mission in a changed

landscape. You are invited to attend one of these “listening posts”.

The "listening posts" which are nearest to St. John’s are:

Saturday, November 2, 2013, 9 a.m. - 12 noon

Ascension Lutheran Church, 7601 York Road, Towson

Prince of Peace , 8212 Philadelphia Rd., Rosedale

Good Shepherd Lutheran, 1515 Emmorton Rd., Bel Air

Saturday, November 9, 2013, 9 a.m. - 12 noon

Epiphany Lutheran Church, 4301 Raspe Ave.,

Baltimore, MD 21206

7

Ste

war

dship

Stewardship in 5 Simple Steps

By Rev. Rob Blezard, Stewardship of Life Institute

W hen my congregation sends out it annual “Stewardship Seeds”

campaign package, we include a flier that outlines a five-step

process for determining a level for giving. We call it “5 Simple

Steps”.

Most people don’t know where to start when it comes to giving. Here is a

simple five-step process to help you along. Please follow the steps even if

you are pretty sure you won’t make changes to your giving pattern. As with

many aspects of faith, the process is as important as outcomes.

Step 1: Make a Blessings List - Let’s face it: Most of us take our blessings

for granted most of the time. Start by listing all your blessings. Invite family

members to help you list all your blessings in the following areas: 1) Health.

2) Family. 3) Friends. 4) Security. 5) Housing. 6) Faith. 7) Possessions.

8) Finances. Add to the list as you think of more blessings.

Step 2: Pray Over Your Blessings - In the morning or at bedtime - whenever

you pray - look over your list and thank God for your blessings. For each, say

aloud or in your thoughts, Ï thank you, God for ______.” Make copies for

other members of your family and ask them to pray too.

Step 3: Re-read the Materials - The packet you received with your pledge

card contains a lot of information. After you’ve prayed over your blessings for

a few days, read through the materials one more time. Give the ideas prayerful

consideration.

Step 4: Pray for Guidance - In your prayers, ask that God will lead you

deeper into faith, bringing the Holy Spirit into your life in refreshing ways.

Pray that God will help you decide on an appropriate response for all that God

has given you.

Step 5: Make a Plan for Follow Through - When you have reached a

decision on a level of giving by week, month or year, make a plan for follow

through. You have made a commitment to yourself, why not let the church

know so we may better plan our finances? Consider signing up for the Simply

Giving, which enables you to make automatic offerings from your bank. If

you need offering envelopes, please ask the church office.

And whatever you decide, GOD BLESS YOU!

IRA ROLLOVER!

The Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 was carried over through 2013,

to those who wish to make a charitable contribution from their IRA.

Donors age 70 1/2 can ask their IRA custodian to make a gift in

2013 to St. John’s Lutheran Church. The transfer will be a tax-free

transfer to the church, and thus equivalent to a 100 percent charitable

deduction. Please check with your financial advisor to see if this is

appropriate for you.

CONSUMER ALERT

Verizon has reduced the number of 411

directory assistance calls from four to

two per month. Each call after two will

cost you $1.99.

Here are some things you can do to help

you to obtain free Directory Assistance

information and help you avoid fees.

Obtain Verizon white pages from

www.verizon.com/whitepages

For the residential directory call

1-800-888-8448. You can get either

a paper or CD-ROM version of the

white pages.

Physical or visual disabilities?

Verizon cannot charge for directory

assistance for persons with disabili-

ties that prevent them from using a

telephone directory. If a customer

has such disabilities, he/she should

contact Verizon to get this re-

striction in the customer’s record.

If the customer with disabilities

does not get a satisfactory response

from Verizon, contact the Public

Service Commission to make a

complaint at 1-800-735-0474 or

1-800-735-2258 (TTY/Voice).

Cell phone users without data plans

should check their cell phone plans

for the cost of directory assistance

calls charged by their cell phone

providers.

Stewardship matters in all

avenues of our lives.

8

Soc

ial M

inistry

Social Ministry articles continue on page 9

Getting ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons

By Sharon Carletti

WOW! How time flies. Here it is November already and time to gear

up for our busy Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. We will be

packing shoeboxes for CAN (Community Assistance Network) on

Monday December 2 in the Music Room. You may have noticed the

collection boxes in the stairwells to the second and third floors. Now

is time to bring in all those empty shoeboxes you have accumulated

over the past few months. Of course we will need things to pack in

these empty shoeboxes. We need donations of children’s hats, gloves/

mittens, small toys that will fit easily into a shoe box. We have chil-

dren from about 18 months through

14 years and need appropriate items

for each of their ages. Younger girls

typically like small dolls, crayons,

coloring books, small stuffed animals,

etc. The younger boys mostly like

small trucks, army men, balls, yoyo’s

and monsters. The older children ap-

preciate puzzle books, playing cards,

paint and craft kits, barrettes, combs,

etc. If you have children or grandchil-

dren of these ages ask them and choose

something they would like to get for

Christmas. Remember for many of

these children this small shoebox may

be the only present they unwrap for

Christmas. Let’s join together and let

them know someone cares about them.

Also, many at St. John’s may be unaware that we accept the names

of needy children in hopes of fulfilling their Christmas wishes.

Many of the children’s names are passed to us from the guidance

counselor at Carney Elementary school and others are identified

though our pastors or through letter of calls made directly to the

church from desperate parents and guardians. Last year we were able

to “adopt” 16 children. Adopting one of these children can be very re-

warding. I am asking all ministry groups at St. John’s as well as

individuals and families to consider adopting one of these children.

Being able to make a difference in one of these children’s lives really

teaches us the true meaning of Christmas. St. John’s is a very “giving”

congregation and I am looking forward to your support. Call the

church office (410-665-1234) if you might be interested in adopting a

child for Christmas!

The 2013 Salvation Army Angel Tree Program

It’s that time again! Our Salvation Army “Angel Tree” will be set up in

the narthex beginning on Sunday, November 10. We will have a total of

90 angels this year, so be sure to select yours before they are all taken.

Each angel contains the code number for a needy child, his/her clothing

size, and a suggestion for a special toy or toys that would make that

child’s eyes light up on Christmas morning. For those of you who have

never adopted an angel before, it’s easy. Just follow these steps:

1. Select and remove an angel from the tree, and record your selection

on the Master Record List by the tree. This way, if you lose or mis-

place the angel, we can give you the information that it contained.

2. Purchase one or more of the items your child has requested. (Be

sure to include batteries for any toys that need them).

3. Do not wrap the item(s)!

4. Detach the bottom section of the angel tag, containing the child’s

code number, and attach it securely to the gift/s. Take the top

(angel) section home.

5. Return the gift(s) with the tag firmly attached to church, and place

them under the tree in the narthex by Sunday, December 1. The

Salvation Army makes only one pick-up, so please do not bring

them to church after that date. You can contact the Salvation Army

directly to locate a last minute gift drop location.

6. Hang the top part of the angel tag on your Christmas tree at home to

remind you that your adopted angel will have a special Christmas

because of your generosity.

If you are unable to sponsor an angel alone, consider joining with friend

or family to sponsor one. Just remember that once you “adopt” the an-

gel, your child is counting on you to bring in your gift or gifts by the

deadline. Just think of the happiness and hope these gifts will bring to

children and their parents. We are blessed to be able to share what we

have and, in doing so, make a difference in the lives of these families.

Thank you for support this worthwhile cause!

For any questions, please call the project coordinators, Karen or Bob

Merrey at 410-665-2572.

Social Ministry News (cont.)

9

The Busy Bees are looking

for volunteers who crochet to

make lap robes for the V.A.

hospital. We have been blessed

with plenty of donations of yarn

so no need to buy any. If you can

help, yarn can be picked up any

Wednesday morning.

Thanks for your help.

Peace, Bonnie Rogers

Don't forget!

Gifts are due

by Sunday,

December 1,

at the latest!

10

Con

greg

atio

nal

Life

It's almost here...

St. John's Annual Christmas Bazaar!

Saturday, November 9

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Features will include candy, crafts, white elephant, gifts, books,

jewelry, specialty tables, and light lunch. For additional information

call Carolyn 410-686-0063.

St. John's Craft Table will showcase the very best of our own

handiwork. Stop by to pick up some memorable pieces as gifts

and mementoes.

This year's Quilt Raffle … RAVENS THEME!

This year's beautiful, queen-sized quilt (87" by 105"), handmade and donated

by the Quarter Inchers Quilt Guild, is a Ravens theme and features the purple

and black Ravens logo. Tickets are $1 each, six for $5, and 13 for $10. Tickets

may be purchased from Joan Saby, (410) 254-9604, or any of the Busy Bees.

See you there!

For our November Men-in-Mission breakfast,

we will enjoy Tall Cedars’ pancake breakfast

on November 2 at 8:00 a.m. The breakfast will

be held at the Tall Cedars Lodge on Putty Hill

Avenue at Old Harford Road. Please let Jim

Morrow, John Kraft or Dave Ermer know if

you will be attending. All men are welcome!

(If you don’t know us, just ask the Pastors to

point us out to you!).

The regular Men-in-Mission meetings continue on Tuesday evenings

from 7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Youth Room. We are currently studying the

times of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Mark your calendars… we will have a mini-retreat on Saturday,

February 8, 2014. More information will appear in the December-

January Newsletter.

We continue to offer pick-up and drop-off services to enable folks to

attend church on Sundays. Anyone interested please call Jim Morrow

at 410-668-0823.

Jim Morrow and John Kraft delivered two full van loads of clothes to

the Karis House which is a home for women and children. It is part of

Baltimore Rescue Mission. Thanks to the congregation for your dona-

tions and have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Keith Duerling

Sunday Lunch Bunch

November 10

Razorback's Raw Bar & Grill

826 Dulaney Valley Rd., Towson

After 11 a.m. Worship

Call Lee & Laurie Krieger

(410) 882-0302

by Thurs., Nov, 7

to make a reservation.

Young at Heart

November 6 at Noon

in the Fellowship Hall

lunch and a movie.

This month we’ll be watching

Song of Bernadette.

Hope to see you there!

Wednesday Lunch Bunch

Please join us at Bowman Restaurant

9306 Harford Road in Carney on Wed., Nov. 20, at Noon.

For reservations/additional information, call Carolyn at

(410) 686-0063.

Congregational Life articles continue on page 11

St. John’s Dedicates “A Place of Grace” By Jimalee Mehan

The pastors and people of St. John’s, along

with Vicar Betty Lou and Glenn Deuchler,

gathered together in St. John’s Park on the

chilly but sunny afternoon of October 20 to

give thanks and praise to God and dedicate

our new labyrinth, A Place of Grace, to the

glory of God.

Many hands and hearts helped to create our

labyrinth as an opportunity for us to walk

with God. Labyrinths date back to ancient

times as a tool to help people center their

lives and become open to God’s presence

and voice. It is offered as a spiritual gift to

you, St. John’s disciples, and to the Parkville community. May all who

walk this labyrinth, today, tomorrow, and in the future, find what they

seek and what they need… direction and wisdom; strength, comfort

and encouragement; a deeper sense of self and their place in God’s

good creation; and an awareness of God’s presence in the beauty that

surround them.

Everyone enjoyed delicious food and wonderful fellowship immediately

following the dedication at a reception hosted by the Labyrinth Ministry

Team and catered by Barb and Ed Mueller.

Our Thanks go to the glory of God and …

Vicar Betty Lou Deuchler for her vision, enthusiasm, and hard work

in making St. John’s labyrinth a reality.

The Lutheran Home and Hospital Foundation for the financial grant

to support our project.

The people of St. John’s for donating their time, talent, and treasure,

in building & maintaining our labyrinth, and offering it as a spiritual

gift to our local community.

May God’s peace surround all who travel the journey!

11 Congregational Life articles continue on page 12

Congregational

Life (cont.)

Come One, Come All

Ye Creatures of God

Sunday,

November 3,

at 3:00 p.m.

At St. John’s Park

“A Place of Grace”

If inclement weather,

we will meet in the

Fellowship Hall.

From The Herald’s mailbox…

To the Wonderful Pastors and People of St. John’s,

Thank you so much for your love and support during the recent loss of my

father-in-law, George. We really appreciated the funeral visits, the many

comforting cards, phone calls, and yummy fudge. We are so blessed to have

such special people in our lives.

With much gratitude,

Carol Erpenstein and family

********

Dear Members of St. John's,

Thank you for all the cards, calls, and expressions of sympathy I received

after my son Russell's sudden death. It’s comforting to know so many care.

Ruth Skarda

********

Dear Pastor Maria and Danny,

Paul and I would like to express our heartfelt feeling and thank-you for

keeping us in your prayers and thoughts. It has certainly strengthened me

physically and mentally through my ups and downs. Claire and Rosalie

also deserve a great deal of thanks for their visits.

Betty and Paul Glassband

********

Dear Sisters & Brothers

Grace to you and peace from God our Father. and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Thank you for so warmly receiving me on Sunday the 6th of October. You

not only received me. but were open and receptive to the message I brought

concerning our ministry with the Community of St. Dysmas!

First of all. thank you for being the people of God in Parkville. You are a

blessing. I was welcomed before I reached the entrance to the building. I felt

both worship services to be filled with the Spirit. The folks who gathered for

worship that morning reflected the Kingdom of God! All in the community

of St. John Church touched my soul!

I also give thanks to God for your partnership with the Community of St.

Dysmas. I appreciate your prayers and the good wishes that I can extend to

the men and women who worship through that special congregation. We are

changing lives through the Good News of Jesus Christ!

I am aware that Saint John Lutheran Church has a strong history. May you

have an extra portion of the Holy Spirit in the months ahead!

In Christ,

The Reverend Gerry Rickel

Pastor of the Community of St. Dysmas

P.s. Also a hearty thanks for your continued support of the

Baltimore Seafarers Ministry.

Mutual Ministry Team Members For 2012

Karen Merrey, chair

Bob Berner Milt Dutcher

Michelle Evans Sue Addison

Mike McDonough Claire Miller

Do you have a concern about ministry at St. John’s?

The purpose of the Mutual Ministry Team is to

provide a safe place to work through such concerns.

Contact Karen Merrey, (410) 665-2572,

for more information.

12

Congregational

Life (cont.)

Don't forget!

The December & January issues of The Herald

will be combined.

Articles are due Tuesday, Nov. 13.

13

Nov

embe

r

Cel

ebra

tions

Birthdays...Birthdays...Birthdays...

Did we miss your celebration?

Please call the church office,

(410) 665-1234.

Baptismal Anniversaries

Wedding Anniversaries

11/02

Phyllis Duerling

Trevor Suznick

Charles Winebrenner, Jr.

11/04

11/05

11/06

11/08

11/09

11/10

Peter Gerber

Makenzi Streb

Amanda Buddenbahn

Kayla Sparks

Dana Heyl

Luther Holland

Karen Merrey

Robert Gray

Rachel Ermer

Linda Watts

Lila Gordon,

Bernice Graf*

Virginia Manuel

Tony Maxwell

Phyllis Williams*

Ryan Billman

Brett Francus,

Leeza Wager

11/11

11/12

11/13

11/14

11/16

Brian O'Connell

Ava Straw,

Christopher McCann,

Alice Teel

Betsy Cummings

Michelle Evans

Bonnie Rogers

Desiree Shelley

Noah Shull

Trudy Anderson

Madison Townsley,

Maureen Vogtman

11/17 Charles Bender, Jr

Ethan Guinn

Allison Smith

11/18

11/19

11/20

11/21

11/22

11/23

11/24

11/25

George Cooper, Jr.*

Stephanie Graf

Diana Greensfelder

Daniel Single

Marie Erline

Dale Pickett, Sr.

Nancy Fox

Betty Hedgespeth

Gabrielle Tindall

Larry Addison

Alma Arnold*

David M. Evans

Barbara Gray

Nicole Shindel

Ruth Derrickson*

Helene Jung*

Robert Schindler, Jr.

Louis Gerber, III

John Straw, III

11/26

11/28

Joshua Gerber

Helen Wheeler*

Jimalee Mehan

11/01 Chris & Nicole Johnson

11/04

11/09

Bob & Wilma White

Scott & Kerri Magness

Michael & Donna McDonough

11/10

11/15

Eric & Susan Neifeld

Pete & Marge Francis

11/21

11/24

Clint & Amy Wagner

Margaret & Jason Marshall

11/27 Henry & Ruth Dreier

This

month (date

unknown)

11/01

Trudy Anderson

Peggy Buckless

Rebecca Mullinix

Michael Buckless

Brennan Dunn

Zachary Hills

11/04

11/05

11/07

11/09

11/11

11/12

11/13

11/14

11/16

Linda Gerber

Carson Bittner

Abigail Schwartz-Mitchell

Grant Kellner

Molly Cummings

Heather Murawski

Steven Shull

Rayven Collinsworth

Zachary Menges

Kelly Haacke

Emerson Reese

Robert Bailey

Chad Votta, Jr.

Kurtis Sommer

11/20

11/21

11/23

11/25

11/26

11/27

11/28

11/30

Clara Westphal

Justin Sommer

Abigail Coffman

Maleyna Klinedinst

Kylie Magness

Charles Testudine

Nathan Shindel

Julianna Maxwell

Abigail McEvers

Olivia Shull

Nicholas Holland

* Homebound member

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our d

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Sheila B

ender. T

he p

astors w

ill send o

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y

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in th

e Vestry

where y

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be.

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any sch

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for y

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r min

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