St.St. John’sJohn’s MessengerMessenger Volume 91, Issue 02 www.stjohnslutherannorthumberland.com January 26, 2011 From The Pastor Part One I will be starting another new member class on the second Sunday of February, the 13th. If you or someone you know is interested in joining St. John’s call me at 473-3770. The class will be held during the Sunday School hour on Sundays from 9:00-10:00 and will last 7 weeks. They do not have to be consecutive and we can work our schedule around the schedules of those attending. If you have never been confirmed a Lutheran, this class will help you understand what we do, why we do it, and what we believe. Attending the class does not require you to join, but just may help you decide if St. John’s is right for you. Part Two Our annual FAMILY CAMPING TRIP for 2011 will be held the week of July 25-29 (that is a Monday to a Friday). This year we will be returning to Lancaster Pennsylvania and staying once again at Spring Gulch Camping Resort. You can visit their web site at www. springgulch .com . Woodalls rates them with 4W on Facilities and 5W on Recreation. Trailer life rates them 10/9/9.5. They are AAA Approved, and a Good Sam Park. The park has more than 450 sites in forest and farmland on 115 acres in beautiful Lancaster County. Spring Gulch has specially designed sites which are 70x100 with 50 amp electrical service, water, sewer and Cable TV hookups. Those sites are located in wooded areas surrounding a heated pool/spa. This complex also includes a bathhouse and tennis court within close proximity. There is a fishing pond, sand volleyball court, miniature golf course, basketball court, playgrounds, and hiking trails that provide things to do around the campground. On site there is a Day Spa which holds a state-of-the-art fitness center, with spa services that include manicure, pedicure, massage or fitness programs. If you don’t have a camper, rentals range from: whole vacation homes, park models, 38’ travel trailers and cabins. There is a place near the Shady Maple Smorgasbord (approximately 3 miles away) that rents motor homes and will deliver them to your site. (At least they did last year) Spring Gulch’s mailing address is New Holland, but it is not far from Bird-in-hand, Blue Ball, or Intercourse. And the Shady Maple Smorgasbord and the Shady Maple Farmer’s market are within 3 miles of the campground. I can tell you that the Farmer’s market has better produce prices than you can find around here, and their homemade pies are delicious. And sometimes they are on special for only $2.99 for a 9 inch pie. After a visit to the farmer’s market, that Spa will come in handy. There is also Good and Plenty, Plain And Fancy, Dienner’s Country Restaurant, Miller’s Smorgasbord, and Stotzfus Farm Restaurant to name just a few of the well known eating establishments there. The Twin Brook Winery, in Gap, has a tasting room at Miller’s Smorgasbord in Ronks. Did you know that Auntie Anne’s Pretzels’ original factory and store are in Lancaster? The Pennsylvania Railroad Museum is there. The Wilbur Chocolate Factory is in Lititz, not far from the campground. And of course everyone knows about all the outlet malls. The group last year wanted to reserve the same sites we had because we were close to the pool and bathrooms, and each other’s site, so we need to get our reservations in early. Contact Peggy or me by the first of February if you are interested. After that there may be sites available, but we don’t know how close. Rentals there at the campground go fast because Lancaster gets lots of visitors. You can also check out the pictures from last year’s Family Camping Trip to Lancaster on our Church’s web site: www.stjohnslutherannorthumberland.com and then click on the picture gallery; select the next screen under the first list and choose the 2010 Family Camping Trip.

Rev. Dale F. Biesecker, Jr.

….. to all our “Handy Helpers”, who worked so diligently on our recent bathroom projects. Your expertise in building, remodeling, painting, papering, and décor are greatly appreciated.

…..from the ELCA for our gift of $1,400 to the ELCA Good Gifts Program.

St. John’s also received thank you notes for our support of Birthright and Sunbury Chapter of the American Red Cross.

OFFERING ENVELOPES – Offering envelope boxes for 2011 are available to be picked up in the Adult Sunday School area. Please feel free to deliver any boxes to friends, neighbors, or shut-ins. If you were not issued an offering envelope box, please contact the church office.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING Hey everyone, it’s time to collect those canned goods again!!! It’s “Souper Bowl of Caring” time until Sunday February 6th. We will be collecting canned and nonperishable food items to donate to the local food pantries. I would like to challenge our congregation in collecting 500 cans/nonperishable food items. Use the drop off boxes in the back of the church, and outside the church office to deposit your food items.

USS/LWR HEALTH KIT COLLECTION CHALLENGE!

All 136 congregations of the Upper Susquehanna Synod are being challenged to “think globally and act locally” by compiling and collecting health kits for Lutheran World Relief. Boxes of health kits will be received as an “in-kind” offering at the 2011 Synod Assembly, June 17-18, 2011, at Susquehanna University.

Lutheran World Relief distributes health kits and other aid to victims of natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, as well as man-made disasters, around the world. Health kits can help refugees maintain personal hygiene, while living in exile, and may contribute to a new start for those who can return home.

We will be collecting the following items for Health Kits to meet the Challenge!

● One hand towel, dark color recommended. ● One washcloth, dark color recommended. ● One bath-size bar (4 to 5 oz.) of soap, any brand, in its original wrapping ● One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging. ( NO Toothpaste) ● One sturdy comb. ● One metal nail file or nail clippers with file attached. ( NO emery boards) ● Six Band-Aids (or similar brand), preferable 1/2″ to 3/4″, secured with a rubber band.

Drop-off bins are located outside of the Church office. Please have your donations to the Church by May 1 st.

Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, February 6th following the 10:15 service

This meeting will be held to review the Annual Reports and to approve the Nominating Committee.

At our last Congregational Meeting, the following Council Representatives were re-elected— Trudy Baker, Mary Siemsen, and Judy Stuck. Carol Diehl has been appointed by Council to fill the fourth open seat. Carol is an active member of St. John’s and serves on several committees. She is also a former Church Council representative.

We are pleased to announce the 2011 Church Council Officers.

President Mary Siemsen Vice President June Diehl Secretary Crystal Reed Treasurer Teresa Miller

Our Scriptures

February 2 Luke 2:41-52 February 3 John 11:28-35 February 4 Matthew 3:13-17 February 5 John 4:1-10 Undesignated Fund: February 6 Matthew 20:29-34 In memory of Dorothy Keihl February 7 John 8:1-11 In memory of my husband, August February 8 Matthew 8:5-13 Tiedman February 9 Luke 23:26-31 In memory of my friend, John Brady February 10 Matthew 9:10-13 In memory of my sisters Ann, Mary & February 11 John 8:12-18 Helen In memory of my brothers Mike & Steve

February 12 Matthew 5:17-20 In memory of my father Harry February 13 Matthew 6:19-21 In honor of Judy Stuck February 14 John 3:14-17 February 15 Matthew 7:24-29 All by Julia Tiedman The next newsletter deadline is Thursday, February 3rd. MEMBERS: Margaret Rantz; Catherine Broome; John Kistner; Terry Walker; Katie Billman; Mary Treon; Betty Hetrick; Jack Hetrick; Romayne Hoffman; George Campbell; Phyllis Gordon.

PRAYER REQUEST: Janel Gallo Berdell; Steve and Rose Brungard; Ed and Jane DeGand; Lauren Reitz; Betty Leitzel; The D’Arco Family; Colleen Boardman; Linda Schrawder; Cassandra Reichenbach; Randy Shaffer; Kay Drake; Van Milbrand; Elizabeth Stevenson; Janet Jablonski; Gerald Whitman; Robert Straub; Matt Gerst; Davin Straub; Jim Kline.

HOMEBOUND AND SPECIAL PRAYERS: Elaine Kohl; Barb Eisely; Dave Eisely; Tim Mace; Linda Ramsey; Cheryl Yeager; Ron Rabuck; Cindy Stroh; Margaret Bright; Jodi Graybill; Brittany Graybill; Joshua Gordon; Edwin Miller, Jr. Frances Hoffman; Harold Reid; Doug Manning; Ruth Ramer; Joyce Shearer; Tina Pontius; Michael Payne; Bob Wallace; Nancy Hendricks; Steve Lahr; Zachery Baker; Carol Hoffman; Carol Wilks; Pauline Spigelmeyer; Shirley Wolfe

SPECIAL MILITARY PRAYERS: Jonathan Swank; Kale Gallo; Tom Stover.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN OUR AREA

Tuesday, Feb. 1 6:30 p.m. – 77th Annual Men’s Oyster Supper – Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Turbotville – Donation, $13.00

Wednesday, Feb. 9 Blood Drive, Sunbury Middle School 1-6 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST. JOHN’S

Monday, Jan. 31 Property 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 3 Worship & Music 7:00 p.m. Messenger Deadline

Sunday, Feb. 6 Annual Congregational Meeting after the 10:15 a.m. Service “Souper Bowl” Canned Good Collection

Monday, Feb. 7 Finance 7:00 p.m . Wednesday, Feb. 9 Church Council 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10 Social Ministry 6:00 p.m.

ANYWAY

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motive; Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you; Be honest anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous of you; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.

“The Paradoxical Commandment” by Kent M. Keith

Attendance for January 16, 2011 8:00 a.m. Service – 50 10:15 a.m. Service – 77 Offering needed weekly to meet budget: $4000.00 Offering received: $2725.00 Attendance for January 23, 2011 8:00 a.m. Service – 40 10:15 a.m. Service – 43 Offering needed weekly to meet budget: $4000.00 Offering received: $2357.00

BE A GOOD STEWARD

St. John’s is starting a new budget year. The committees and the congregation council have worked diligently to mind expenses. They’re placing their trust in God and believing in our members and friends to support the church’s ministry. Let us all show our faithfulness with good stewardship through our time, talents and treasures.

Sunday Presentation Openings: February 20 – Bulletins, Celebrates February 27 – Bulletins, Candles, Celebrate March 6 – Bulletins, Communion Wine March 9 – Bulletins, Candles, Celebrate, Communion Wine March 13 – Altar Flowers, Bulletins, Candles, Celebrate, Communion Wine If you are interested in sponsoring any of the above worship supplies, please contact the church office. ST. JOHN’S MESSENGER (USPS-515-660) is published biweekly, annually, by St. John’s Lutheran Church, 300 Queen Street, Northumberland, PA 17857. Periodicals Periodical postage paid at Northumberland, PA. Postage Paid POSTMASTER: Send address change to St. John’s Messenger, Northumberland, PA 300 Queen Street, Northumberland, PA 17857.

ST. JOHN’S MESSENGER January 26, 2011 Volume 91, Issue 02

Address Label

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 570-473-3770 [email protected]

This Sunday at St. John’s January 30, 2011 – Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 8:00 a.m. Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship Service

Next Sunday at St. John’s February 6– Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 8:00 a.m. Worship Service With Communion 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Worship Service With Communion 1:00 p.m. Quiet Communion Annual Congregational Meeting after 10:15 service

Church Office Hours Mon-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Dale F. Biesecker, Jr., Pastor William J. Jacavage, Director of Music