St. John’s Messenger

Volume 93, Issue 18 September 4, 2013

“Let there be peace on earth…”

A DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING FOR PEACE

Pope Francis called for a day of prayer and fasting for Saturday, September 7. We can join this effort, for surely none of us wants more war. So here it is. Members and friends of St. John’s Lutheran Church: We proclaim this Saturday, September 7, as a day of prayer and fasting for peace. Let each one find the best way to observe this. Pray that God will speak to our leaders. Pray that the civil war in Syria may come to an end and that negotiations my lead to an agreement that all can live with. And pray that all people can learn to live in harmony with their neighbors. If giving up a meal helps you to pray, or is a practice you want to try, please do so. Most important, please pray.

t t t t t t t t t t t t “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands. Serve [worship] the Lord with gladness. Come into God’s presence with thanksgiving.” Psalm 100

Is it my imagination, or has our worship been a little more joyful lately? This past Sunday, several people commented that is one of the best services we’ve had.

What made it so? The hymns helped. But there was more. There was a spirit of joy, a sense of connectedness, and maybe a greater awareness of God’s presence. The Holy Spirit was surely present.

It seemed the kind of service that would make people want to return. Is it possible that we are becoming more open to what God is doing in our midst? Is it possible that we are responding with more enthusiasm?

I was thrilled at the response of the congregation a week ago when I taught the children to respond to the request “Let us bless the Lord” by saying “Thanks be to God!” You all gave a resounding shout of thanksgiving and it felt good. It sounded good – you really meant it. It was good!

It is good to “make a joyful noise.” To sing with enthusiasm, whether or not you can “carry a tune.” To respond fervently to the liturgy dialogues, as though you really mean what you say.

Keep up the good work. Let our worship be a witness to our awesome God, who is all powerful, yet chooses to be with us, who is perfect goodness, yet patient with our lack, who forgives us, heals us, helps us, and keeps us forever in love.

Keep up the good work. Let our worship be a sign that God is truly among us.

Let our worship be a sign that we are profoundly grateful for God’s mercy and grace.

Let our worship be full of honor and praise for the One who loves us as a parent loves his/her children, deeply, tenderly, forever.

And let us not hold back when we say “Thanks be to God!”

In Christ’s peace,

t Pastor MollInvited and Inviting By Sharron R. Blezard, August 28, 2013.

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. Luke 14:13

When was the last time you threw a party and invited anybody and everybody who wanted to come? Most of the time party planning involves a guest list, or at the very least, a sign-up sheet if there’s a covered dish or potluck involved. Much thought is given and effort put into seating arrangements, menus, entertainment, and other important details. We want our friends and family to have a good time; we want our carefully planned event to be successful.

My spouse’s congregation hosts a Fiesta every year and invites the entire community. They plan all year long for this one Saturday in August, and it is quite an undertaking—food, games, displays, entertainment—all free and all for anybody who wants to show up. This year some 300 people came to eat hamburgers, tamales, tinga, nachos, and sno-cones. Cake walks, a bounce house and miniature train, games and prizes galore, and three musical groups ensured something to interest everyone. It was a lovely event that was once again well-received.

It was also an event that required a lot of planning, investment of time, energy, and money, and an element of risk. When you invite everyone you can’t exactly guarantee the results. This rural Pennsylvania Lutheran congregation has a vision to serve their neighbors, and they are willing to take some risks to do so. The Fiesta, now in its fifth year, hasn’t resulted in a huge influx of new members, and the coffers of the congregation are not fuller because of this event. But what it has done is created a lot of goodwill. It signals welcome and a willingness to do something without expectation of specific returns on the investment.

Maybe that’s part of what Jesus is getting at this week. When we open our doors and throw a party, when we reach out in ministry and mission, we have to be willing to take some risks. Results aren’t the point of our hospitality. Success by the world’s standards isn’t the proper measure. This whole discipleship thing isn’t about honor, glory, reward, or prestige. And it’s not a competition.

Serving God and neighbor is more like a community potluck than a gourmet meal in the finest restaurant. It’s less about perfection and more about improvisation. It’s less about form and more about function. It’s less about looks and much, much more about love. It’s has something to do with rubbing elbows with strangers and kin alike; after all, both can present challenges. Instead of a guest list carefully crafted to reflect our wishes and wiles, Jesus crafts a “grace list” that is an open invitation to the party. The point is this: At Jesus’ banquet table there is room for everyone. Great Aunt Mabel’s lime Jello salad can exist peacefully with vegan Valerie’s fresh green bean vinaigrette. Homemade mac and cheese can sit side-by-side with a bag of store-bought potato chips. Hamburgers and tamales and sno-cones co-exist and complement one another in delightful ways. When everyone brings his or her best offering, when we all show up, the banquet table groans with the goodness of God.

Showing up, sitting down, and sharing our abundant blessings is the kind of banquet Jesus is talking about. Every place is a place of honor in God’s economy. Humbling oneself in our 21st century culture might mean trying ministry in new ways or allowing new folks to bring their best “dishes” to the congregational table. Take some risks, explore new tastes and talents, and most of all celebrate that our God has a heart for every last rag-

tag, bumped, bruised, dented, broken, and tired one of us. We’re all included on the “grace list,” and that, dear friends, is good news indeed!

Water, water everywhere… really?

One of the keys to the sustainability of a community is its access to clean water. Water literally falls from the sky. We take for granted how easy it is for us to walk to the kitchen for a glass of water or bathe in clean water.But in some parts of the world, access to water is scarce. Millions of women around the world spend several hours a day collecting water. On average they walk a three-mile round trip to get this water to their homes. Close to half of all people in developing countries are suffering at any given time from a health problem caused by dirty water or unsanitary conditions. Combined, unclean water and poor sanitation are the world’s second largest killer of children.

From now until October 6th, in the rear of the sanctuary, Social Ministry will be selling water droplets for our well and bottled water for $1 each with proceeds being combined with the Fishing Tournament that will be held October 12th. We hope to be able to raise enough funds to help those less fortunate and purchase items from the ELCA Good Gifts catalog for items like water jugs, purification tablets, share of a well, irrigation canal, or a traditional water well.

APPLE DUMPLING ORDERS

Mmm..mmm…good.Now through September 22, Social Ministry will be taking orders for delicious apple dumplings. Cost will be $2.50 each for a regular; $2.75 each for

diabetic. Order forms are available in the rear of the sanctuary and also in this issue of the Messenger. Pick up will be Wednesday, October 9th.

Please contact Karen Smeltz @ 473-3423 or

Esther Bartholomew @ 473-7187with any questions

Doing fall housecleaning yet? Have clothes that are too small or too big? Have too many knick-knacks and need a place to donate them? Well, look no further – we can take them off your hands!

Rummage sale items may be placed on the stage beginning October 1st. Please place items to the rear of the stage.

Our Annual Fall Rummage Sale sponsored by WELCA will be held October 24th, 25th, & 26th.

So mark your calendars! Watch for upcoming information about the Soup Sale too!!!

Music Is In The Air !!

Summer break is over and a new year of music begins. This is a wonderful opportunity for being part of a group of dedicated, fun loving individuals who give praise to God through music. Rehearsal time is filled with learning new choir anthems, hymns and music for special services. Senior Choir meets Sunday mornings in September at 9:30 AM and then on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM beginning October 1stBell Choir meets Tuesdays from 8-9:00 PM beginning October 1st.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!!!No prior experience in ringing or singing is necessary. We provide the instruction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Bill Jacavage, Director of Music. Your Choir robe awaits!

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDEDSocial Ministry is in need of donations of new items for the Silent Auction that will be held on the day of the Fishing Tournament. If you are able to donate any item, please contact Carol Diehl, Chair of this event, at 473-3278.

CONFIRMATION STUDENTSConfirmation students will have their first meeting in the sanctuary on Sunday, September 8th at 9:00 a.m.Parents are asked to attend this meeting also.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS NEWS

Sunday, September 8th, all Sunday School Classes will begin at 9:00 a.m.

We are looking for 2 helpers for Sunday School; one for grades 1-3; one forgrades 4-6. If interested, please contact Jacki Cunningham at 495-4913.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR – FISHING TOURNAMENT

Our Annual Tom Snyder Fishing Tournament will be held on October 12th from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Proceeds will be used to purchase clean water for impoverished families and villages and also a donation to the St. John’s Preschool. Marty Pants will be here from 10-1:00 to entertain us with her balloon art and silly antics. We are also looking for donations for our silent auction and small prizes for our young fishermen. Help is needed from 10-3; any available hours you can would be appreciated. Invite your family and friends. It will be a really fun day!

Social Ministry

ADDRESSES NEEDED

Attention all Parents. We are looking for email addresses and mailing addresses of our college students. If your son or daughter is away at college, please send this information to the Church Office at sjelc300@ptd.net , or call us at 473-3770.

We are also in need of current addresses of any of your children not living with you in order to update our computer files. Again, please send this information to the Church Office.Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

Sunday Service Sponsorships Available

September 8 WineSeptember 15 WineSeptember 22 Flowers, Candles, WineOctober 6 Flowers, Bulletins,

Candles, WineOctober 13 Bulletins, Candles, WineOctober 20 Flowers, Bulletins,

Candles, WineOctober 27 Flowers, Bulletins, Wine

Pricing – Altar Flowers - $30; Bulletins - $15; Candles - $6; Wine - $13

If you are interested in sponsoring an item in memory of or in honor of a loved one, or would like to check on other available dates, please contact the Church Office.

Sunday, September 15th

Luncheon and Variety ShowFollowing the 10:15 a.m. service

Benefit the St. John’s Preschool.No tickets will be sold; we will take donations and/or free will offerings. Let’s all pitch in and help the little guys! In an effort to help plan food for the luncheon, please contact the Church Office by September 9th. Your presence will be greatly appreciated.

GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS.

Sunday, September 8th

Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury, will be hosting the Tulpehocken Conference churches as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the ELCA.

From noon to 1:30 p.m. they will be having a free luncheon – an old fashion kettle cook. We will then join together in a few service projects for the community and shut-ins.

We will also collect hand sanitizers and tissues for the teachers at Priestly Elementary so they don’t have to buy them with their own money. This will continue through September.

And we are hoping to do a car wash as a free gift to any who comes.  It could be September 8 or 15 with a time limit of 1 ½ - 2 hours.  Watch for further info.  Teens: are you paying attention?  This one is for you!

WOMEN’S RETREAT SCHEDULED

All local women are invited to be participants at Camp Mount Luther’s Fall Women’s Retreat.  The retreat will feature a presentation by Rev. Carla Volland of Reedsville.  The retreat will take place at the camp on Saturday, September 14, 2013.  It will run from 9:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  The day will begin with refreshments and registration at 9:15 a.m.  There will be three sessions during the day led by Pastor Volland.  Her topic will be “In the Footsteps of the Mothers of the Reformation.”  There will be singing, prayer, and devotions.  The day will end around 2:30 p.m. following lunch and devotions.  Cost for the retreat is $17.95, which includes coffee and tea, snacks, lunch, and the program.  We encourage you to bring a friend!  Registration deadline is September 6.  To register, contact Mount Luther, 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, PA  17844.  Checks should be made payable to Camp Mount Luther. If you have questions, call the camp at (570) 922-1587 or e-mail cml@campmountluther.org. 

2013 LUTHERANYOUTH OLYMPICS

Join us on Sunday, September 15th at 5:30 p.m. As we challenge your creativity, balance, problem solving, memory and teamwork using balloons, paper clips, baseball bat, blind folds, paper, water and of course, jello!

Are you up for the challenge?

All youth (6th-12th grade) from area Lutheran Churches are invited to come take part for the thrill of competition, for the gold medals, for the fellowship and pizza, just for the fun of being together!!

Where’s it all happening? Zion Lutheran Church,5th & Market Streets, Sunbury in their Youth Center. Come join us and bring a friend with you!!

 A RIDDLE FOR SMART PEOPLE...     Can you figure it out ????????

Only 5% of Stanford University graduates Figured it out!

Can you answer all seven of the following questions with the same word?

1. The word has seven letters.... 2. Preceded God... 3. Greater than God...4. More Evil than the devil... 5. All poor people have it...6. Wealthy people need it.... 7. If you eat it, you will die. 

Answer is found on next page.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Apple Dumpling Sale

Made by Weaver Farm Markets, Port Trevorton, PA

Sponsored by Social Ministries as a part of the October Fishing Tournament(orders and money due to the church office by Sunday, September 22nd)

Make checks payable to St. John’s Lutheran Church

Pick up on Wednesday, October 9

● Regular with glaze _______ @ $2.50= ________

● Sugar Free ________ @ $2.75=________

Total Paid _________ Check #_______ or Cash _______

Name ______________________________________________________________________

“People hate the truth for the sake of whatever it is that they love more than the truth.  They love truth when it shines warmly on them, and hate it when it rebukes them.”   - St. Augustine of Hippo

Raising A Faith-Filled Family, A Free Workshop for ParentsOctober 26, 2013

Sponsored by Lutheran Shared Ministry of the Greater Williamsport Area, this workshop will help parents who want to raise a faith-filled family. It will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2013, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, South Williamsport. A light supper will be served followed by the class.  Child Care is available.  The course is free, but pre-registration is necessary. Contact Kathy Wither at (570) 326-9171 or by email at wither15@comcast.net for more information. When families spend time together, build healthy relationships with one another, share meals, and solve conflicts and reconcile with one another, they grow not only in well-being, but also in faith. This session will show parents, grandparents, and others ways to recognize how God lingers in the creases and folds of the ordinary and extraordinary events of their family life. Participants will also learn practical, doable ways to pray, celebrate, reconcile, and serve as a family. By exploring the holy and sacred nature of everyday family living, parents will see new ways to nurture their children’s and teens’ faith growth using research-based, proven methods, and create a vision for growing in faith as a family. Participants will learn the five key moments in day-to-day family living that when families bring intention to these moments they like each other better, and they function better as a family. You’ll also explore the four key activities crucial to a young person’s faith growth and maturity, and how to engage in these activities.

NOTHING!NOTHING has 7 letters. NOTHING preceded God. NOTHING is greater than God. NOTHING is more Evil than the devil. All poor people have NOTHING. Wealthy people need NOTHING. If you eat NOTHING, you will die..

Answer to Riddle:

Daily Scripture ReadingSeptember 4 1 Peter 1:13-19September 5 2 Timothy 1:6-8September 6 Ecclesiastes 4:13-16September 7 Zechariah 8:1-8September 8 Mark 2 23-28September 9 John 6:44-47September 10 1 Peter 4:7-11September 11 2 Timothy 1:3-7September 12 Genesis 50:15-21September 13 Luke 2:25-32September 14 John 7:18-26September 15 Isaiah 30:15-18September 16 Acts 27:33-44September 17 1 Thessalonians

1:2-10September 18 Isaiah 44:9-20September 19 Genesis 15:1-6September 20 Exodus 14:5-14

Telephone _________________________________________________________________

MEMBERS : Jack Snyder; Diane Hoffman; Noah Duncan; Carol Hoffman; Helen Snyder; Joe Epler; Mike Payne; Deb Doebler; Shirley Wolfe.

PRAYER REQUEST: Tom Matter and family; Hugh Carr; Jeanne Hafer; Ethel Broschart; Karen Gerst; John Culp; Betsy Smeltz; Dave Hile; Dottie Leitzel; Ronald Frederick; Lynn Lowery; Dean and Joan Rebuck; Greta and Arnold Bensen; Terry Moll; Dave Burns; Don Propst; Tina Reichenbach; Georgena Smith; Daniel Lyons; Beverly Windus; Betty Leitzel; Marlyn Deihl; Irene Olley; Janel Gallo Berdell; Steve and Rose Brungard; Ed and Jane DeGand; Darvin Straub.

HOMEBOUND AND SPECIAL PRAYERS: Carolyn Smith; Frances Hoffman; Frances Rohrbach; Polly Hetrick; Betty Yerg; Nancy Hendricks; Ruth Ramer; Jane Galow; Robyn Snyder; Dave Roush; Dave Eisely; Franklin Hoffman; Catherine Broome; Michael Ray; Harold Billman; Sally Mayer; Elaine Kohl; Phyllis Gordon; 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; Kale Gallo; Jeremy Hoffman, Wyatt Kohl.

Memorials ReceivedRoy Moyer

By The Ladies Adult Sunday School

Robert YoungBy

Robert A. and Jeanne Young

FOR BOYSIf you live in Snyder, Union, or Northumberland Counties, contact Chris Berleth,

District Executive at: cberleth@bsamail.org !

The purpose of the Boy Scouts of America—incorporated on Feb. 8, 1910, and chartered by Congress in 1916—is to provide an educational program for boys and young adults to build character, to train in the responsibilities of participating citizenship, and to develop personal fitness.Tiger Cubs is a year-round family- and home-centered program that encourages the ethical decision-making skills for first grade (or 7-year-old) boys. These boys participate in the program with their adult partners. The program emphasizes shared leadership, learning about the community, and family understanding.Cub Scouts is a year-round family- and home-centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for boys in the second through fifth grade (or who are 8, 9, and 10 years old). Activities emphasize character development, citizenship training, and personal fitness.Webelos Scouts is a year-round family- and home-centered program that develops ethical decision-making skills for fourth- and fifth-grade (or 10-year-old) boys.Boy Scouting is a year-round program for boys 11 through 17 designed to achieve the aims of Scouting through a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster. (Boys also may become Boy Scouts if they have earned the Cub Scouting Arrow of Light Award and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the fifth grade and are at least 10 years old.)Varsity Scouting is an active, exciting, year-round program for young men ages 14 through 17 that is built around five program fields of emphasis: advancement, high adventure, personal development, service, and special programs and events.Venturing is a year-round program for young men and women who are 14 (or 13 years of age and have completed the eighth grade) through 21 years of age to provide positive experiences through exciting and meaningful youth-run activities that help them pursue their special interests, grow by teaching others, and develop leadership skills.

FOR GIRLSGirl Scout MissionGirl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Founder Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout Troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scouts of the USA was chartered by the U.S. Congress on March 16, 1950.

When you just can’t wait for what you’ll do next, you can do anything. At Girl Scouts, girls are always counting down to the next adventure we’ll go on together. Maybe it’s artistic. Maybe it’s an experiment. Maybe it’s getting outside or helping the community. With us, you’ll make a bunch of new friends and have a ton of new experiences that show you how exciting the world is, and how awesome you are, over and over again.  So what are you waiting for? Start the fun today. Join now at www.gshpa.org. Questions? Call Jen at 570.266.0116 or email jcullin@gshpa.org. We are always looking for volunteers to serve as troop leaders, contact us to find out how to get started!

Thursday, September 5 Worship and Music Committee meeting, 7:00 p.m.Scout District Committee meeting, 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 8 Girl Scouts, Fellowship Hall, 1-4:00 p.m.Monday, September 9 Honor & Leadership Corps, Fellowship Hall, 3-8:00 p.m.

Finance Committee, 7:00 p.m.Wednesday, September 11 Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.Thursday, September 12 Messenger deadline, 3:00 p.m.

Social Ministry Committee, 6:00 p.m.Sunday, September 15 Luncheon and Variety Show, Fellowship Hall, 11:30 a.m. - ?

Benefit PreschoolMonday, September 16 Honor & Leadership Corps, Fellowship Hall, 3-8:00 p.m

WELCA, 7:00 p.m.Wednesday, September 18 Messenger folding, 9:30 a.m.Thursday, September 19 Boy Scout Training, 6:00 p.m.; Roundtable, 7:00 p.m.

Christian Education/Evangelism Committee, 7:00 p.m.Saturday, September 21 Kathryn’s Kloset, 9-11:00 a.m.

Saturday, September 7 Yard Sale, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 501 Catawissa Avenue, Sunbury

Sunday, September 8 God’s Work. Our Hands. Zion Lutheran Church, 5th & Market St.,Sunbury. Noon to 1:30 p.m. and then work together in a

service project. Thursday, September 12 Roast Beef Dinner, 4-6:30 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church,

120 Spruce Street, Sunbury; $8 Adult, $4 Children, 5 and under Free

Saturday, September 14 Womens Retreat, Camp Mt. Luther, Mifflinburg, 9:45-2:30Sunday, September 15 Synod Day @ Knoebels Amusement Park Pavillion P-5, Elysburg,

12-7 p.m. Refreshments and fellowship from 5-5:45 and Vesper service with Bishop Driesen from 5:45-6:15.

In Our Area

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Attendance for August 25, 2013 8:00 a.m. Service – 40 10:15 a.m. Service – 78Offering needed weekly to meet budget: $3741.00

Offering received: $3854.10

Attendance for September 1, 2013 8:00 a.m. Service –39 10:15 a.m. Service –49

Offering needed weekly to meet budget: $3741.00Offering received: $2745.00

Lutheran Youth Olympics, grades 6-12, at Zion Lutheran ChurchSunbury. Pizza and games begin at 5:30 p.m.

St. John’s Lutheran Church, 300 Queen Street, Northumberland, PA 17857.Periodical 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 4, 2013 Volume 93, Issue 18

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

This Sunday at St. John’sSeptember 8, 2013

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

10:15 a.m. Worship Service with Communion

Next Sunday at St. John’sSeptember 15, 2013

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

10:15 a.m. Worship Service with CommunionLuncheon and Variety Show following 10:15 service

Address Label

PeriodicalsPostage PaidNorthumberland, PA

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