The Mission of St. John S Evangelical

A Mem ber of th e Lu th era n Chu rch -Missou ri Synod

2015 January-FEBRUARY VINE

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is to lovingly proclaim the Gospel among all people in order to form and nurture loving communities which confess by word and deed that Jesus is Lord and Savior

The Newsletter of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church & School (718) 761-1600

1 Volume 2015 Issue #1

Roster of Officers St. John’s Lutheran Church & School

2015 Church Committees

Pastor Vacant President Gerard Valles Vice President Michael Clandorf Treasurer Fred Bock Secretary Janis Szoke Board of Elders Thomas Sax Board of Christian Education Robert Holls Board of Evangelism-Social Ministry Elsa Webb Board of Properties Les Szoke

Board of Elders Board of Properties Thomas Sax Les Szoke Dave Decker Daniel Ferucci Bruce Mohlenhoff Arne Abrahamsen

Board of Christian Education Board of Evangelism-Social Ministry Robert Holls Elsa Webb Audrey Mahoney Rhoda Browne Susan Neitzel Christine Ferucci Brigitte Hermann Joan Mohlenhoff Mildred Clandorf Nancy Nye Ruth Roscheska Leonor Abugel Karen Gannon Jenifer Moat Yvonne Clinton

2 A Message from the Elders

Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I know there are a lot of mixed emotions over Pastor Russell’s resignation from the LCMS. This was unexpected but nevertheless we as a church need to move forward. For those who are new to the church, we will continue to have guest ministers and laymen conduct worship, as we now begin the Divine Call process. The call committee consists of the chair person from each church board and two parishioner appointed by the congregational president. The Head Elder chairs the call committee as its members read biographies on possible candidates. Please continue to pray for our church, and the call committee as we begin this process. I will periodically update you on the progress of our committee and will notify you of possible candidates. Have faith St. John’s, GOD IS IN CONTROL!

Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which have neither storehouse nor barn; and God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds? Luke 12:24 New King James Version (NKJV) He will take care of us and His church. We also read in 1 Peter 5:6-7, Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. He already knows who our next shepherd is. May God grant us the patience and faith we need to sustain us through this process.

In Christ, Tommy The LORD is my strength and my song; and he has become my salvation. Psalm 118:14

Principal’s Corner

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful break with family and friends. I am looking forward to the second half of the school year. We had 16 families take a tour of our school at the Open House which took place on January 10th. Please feel free to spread the word to anyone you know looking for September placement. Continue to check your email for our newsletter to see upcoming events and fundraisers. We will be offering some new after school programs beginning in January for our students, such as crocheting, Legos, jewelry making, basketball clinic and homework help. If you have any questions please contact the school office. On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, we would like to wish the Russell family the best of luck. They will be missed. Winter is in full swing! Last month we celebrated Lutheran’s School Week. Our students dressed for career day and presented their future aspirations. They showed their talents and dressed to impress. However, due to snow we postponed our Grandparent’s/Special Person’s Day. Please look for more information in our school newsletter. Grades K-2 have collaborated and created a beautiful rain forest. The children have been researching and creating together and will be presenting to parents. Grade 3 has been focused on the countries around the world. They created brochures, passports and maps. Their projects will also be presented to parents and other students. Grades 5-8 have been working on the Spaghetti Bridge Project. Students have combined their science and math skills to compete for the best design.

4 Congratulations to Mr. Licata and the 7th grade. Their CBS segment was scheduled to air on Super Bowl Sunday. Please continue to look at our school newsletter for further information about school events and fundraising.

Sincerely, Kelly Speiser, Principal

5 More on Stewardship

Stewardship doesn’t have to be difficult. We often make it more difficult than it need be. The fundamentals of stewardship come from answering these basic questions: Who are you? To whom do I give? And how much? It’s that simple.

So who are you? Look at the Table of Duties in the Small Catechism. Are you a hearer of God’s Word? Are you a citizen of society? Are you a member of a family? Stewardship covers these three estates: church, society, family. We don’t particularly struggle to give to society or family. Our struggles, our difficulties and questions, arise in giving to the church.

So what are our stewardship duties as members of the church? The Table of Duties gives us a guide. If you are a hearer, a member of the church who receives instruction, St. Paul taught: “Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor” (Gal 6:6). This means that the local congregation is primary.

The primary recipient of stewardship resides here.. Your pastor is the one called to preach the Gospel to you and administer the Lord’s blessed sacraments to you. Your congregation is the place where those things are given out. Therefore, we give to the local congregation to ensure that this continues. We don’t vote with our giving. We don’t let the pastor or the congregation know we are unhappy by how we give: because we are supposed to see our giving as giving to our Lord!

Thus, when God calls us to give to the church, He has His work in mind – especially right where we live. For “the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Cor 9:14). “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows” (Gal 6:7).

How much do we give to the local congregation? Our only instructions are these: to give regularly (1 Cor 6:1–2), proportionally (1 Cor 16:1–2; 2 Cor 8:12), and generously (2 Cor 8:20) of our first fruits (Gen 4:4; Prov 3:9; Lev 27:30) with a spirit of eagerness (2 Cor 9:2), earnestness (2 Cor 8:7), cheerfulness (2 Cor 9:7), and love (2 Cor 8:23).

In other words, giving to the church is not to be an afterthought, given after everything else is spent. In this way, it is deliberate. We set it aside beforehand, before anything else is spent. From those first fruits, we set aside a proportionate and generous amount. Ten percent was the standard for the Israelites. This was a command for them. We’re not bound to that command in the same way as they were. Just like we are not bound to all the regulations of the Sabbath day (no

6 physical labor, no hot meals, etc.). But the pattern remains: Christians still gather for worship once a week, for how could we do less than the Israelites did? Likewise, does it seem right that we would support the New Testament ministry at a rate less than the Israelites supported the Old Testament ministry?

And how are we to give it? We give it with eagerness and earnestness. We give it cheerfully and with love, not out of compulsion. For through the preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments, God has made us His children, forgiven us all our sins, given us grace upon grace, promised us life everlasting with Him in His kingdom, and filled us with His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit. This makes giving a joy. For it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

It’s that easy. And it is joyful. For in stewardship, our gracious and giving Lord invites us to take part in the work that He accomplishes here on earth, providing for the ongoing preaching of the Gospel as well as those who are in need. Taking part in that, makes all our work holy work, work that is done in service to the Lord as priestly members of His kingdom.

Taken from the LCMS website

7 JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES

27 Dorothy & Ferdinand Fiore

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

5 Beverly Heming 5 Brigitte Hermann 10 Veronica Gonzalez 11 Lucas Gonzalez 18 Kim Peters 29 Linda Chicarelli (DeBonis)

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

4 Nick Gencarello 5 Thomas Sax 6 Charles Hermann III 7 Christine Ferucci 13 Darlene Hewitt 14 Eleanor Ferenczy 15 Emmy Alvestad Russell Browne 16 Jenifer Moat 18 Mildred Shirley Clandorf 19 Richard Baller 19 Kathy Neos 21 Daniel Hewitt 22 Kyle Clandorf 23 Laszlo Szoke 24 Joan Mohlenhoff

8 IN OUR PRAYERS

Please remember in your prayers the following who are ill: Marianne Fogarty ~ Heinz Zeller ~ Christina Assanti Robert Browne ~ Sonia Ingerson ~ Elvira Francis Elaine Lewis ~ Mary Francis ~Henry Alvestad Kathy Francis ~ Eleanor Hansen ~ Eric Hansen Dorothy Mohlenhoff

9  Children’s Choir rehearsals each Sunday from 11:45-12:30 p.m.

 Thrivent Choice Dollars - Our church is now one of the choices that you can choose with your Thrivent Choice Dollars. You can either go to www.thrivent.com and register or call 1-800 THRIVENT (847-4836) and speak to a live person. When you call the toll free number, you will say “Choice Dollars,” at which time you will be transferred and asked for the last 4 digits of your social security number. You then will speak to a representative who will assist you. Please note that if you use the website, we are listed as St John without the ( 's) Lutheran. We thank all those who have inquired, and we thank everyone who has chosen to help further the ministry of our church. May God richly bless you. Please feel free to share this information with anyone who is a part of this program

 Sunday morning Sunday school continues to meet at 9:00 a.m.

 Soup Supper, 6-7 pm followed by Worship at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 25 ending Wednesday, March 25

Each week 4-5 soups, 4-6 quarts each are needed. Hot and cold beverages will be supplied as well as homemade bread from Eleanor Hansen. Please be advised that if you wish to make something for the soup supper, you must sign up in the church narthex.

For further information, please contact Margaret Persans (718) 442 6558

 7:30 pm Worship for Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion.

 Adult Choir Rehearses, Tuesday Nights 7:30 p.m.

 Children's Choir/Youth Hand-Bell choir rehearses, Sunday Morning 11:45-12:30 p.m.

10 Choir

Psalm 100:1-2 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!

Dearest Family in Christ, First I want to acknowledge and congratulate all my students at our school. On December 18, 2014, St. John’s Lutheran School hosted its Annual Christmas Concert. The school chorus is made up of students from 2nd-6th grade. The 7th grade make up our lectors and percussion section, and 8th grade played the hand-chimes. The children sang wonderfully and the percussion and lectors were great. The 8th grade played 10 songs on the hand-chimes which included, Silent Night and the Little Drummer Boy. But arguably the show stopper was when the hand-chimes played and nailed the song, “Carol of the Bells.” It truly is an honor to teach at our school. I’m so proud of all of my students. A special thank you to my 8th grade class who have now set the bar for learning the hand-chimes, and the bar is high. Usually 8th grade does not participate in the Spring Concert since they are preparing for graduation and at that point are done with school. I am happy to report that I was approached by this years 8th grade class who asked if they could play the hand-chimes for this year’s Spring Concert. Yes, you may! They are an awesome class and I appreciate their determination and dedication.

Now some news on the church side. I just want to take this time to thank all my choirs and musicians who enhanced our worship service on Christmas Eve. Our Christmas Eve service was blessed with the talents of our adult choir, our youth hand-bell choir, violinist Jennifer Mahoney and trumpeter William Mohlenhoff. It continues to be a pleasure to work with and direct all of our church musicians. I especially was moved during the hymn, “Silent Night.” As we turned off the lights in the church and each parishioner lit their candles from one another, the organ was accompanied by the violin and hand-bells as our Sunday school gathered in front of the altar in a living nativity. The congregation along with the choirs sang Silent Night by candle light. After the Benediction was given the organ erupted as the lights came back on as we sang, “Joy to the World!”

Thank you to everyone who participated and who attended worship at our 5pm service. I am happy to report that the 5pm service’s attendance was almost identical to last year’s 4pm and 11pm services combined. Also, we have also seen an increase at the 9:30 a.m. service on CHRISTMAS DAY. There were 60 people in attendance along with Jenn on violin, and Bill on trumpet. Thank you for all those served that morning, our greeters, acolyte, lector, adult choir, ushers and communion assistants.

In Christ, Tommy

11 Easter Boxes for the Needy

Part of the ongoing ministry of St. John’s Lutheran is gathering non-perishable food to fill Easter Boxes for the needy. (We also do this during Thanksgiving and Christmas) The 20 boxes we fill represent about 50 people being helped. Your donations can be brought to Sunday church services on March 1, 8, 15 and 22 and also to Wednesday evening Lenten services on March 4, 11, and 18. A bag with a list of items is available for you to fill. Turkeys, hams and oven roaster chickens will also be needed. Whatever you can do will be appreciated. Cash or check donations can also be given. Checks should be made out to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Please write,“Hunger Fund” in the memo part of the check. Please call Joan at (718) 273 2644 if you have a question.

Food boxes will be packed on Friday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the church basement. Distribution is on Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Help is always needed and very much appreciated! Your generosity is Jesus’ name, is a true blessing to many.

Remembering Jesus’ words, “Whatever you fo for the least of these my children, you do for me.” Let us give from our hearts and be a blessing.

For His Glory, Elsa Webb Evangelism/Social Ministry Chair

12 Ladies Guild News

Merry Christmas every one! Now that the Advent season is over we hope you have time to enjoy and celebrate Christmas with family and friends. Our December 4th meeting featured a Christmas Program presented by the Spiritual Life Committee and was made very special by Tom Sax who accompanied us on the organ.

It is now time to look forward to the challenges of the New Year. Our January meeting was held on Thursday, January 8th at 7:30 pm in the Church Hall. Members brought in a sample of their favorite hobby to “show and tell”. As always everyone is encouraged to bring a friend and help in celebrating the upcoming year. We look forward to seeing you soon.

A happy and Healthy New Year to all of you!

In Christ,

Brigitte Hermann President

Ruth Roscheska Secretary

13 Thank You

Dearest Members of St. John’s, On behalf of my family and myself, I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards and memorial dedications on the recent death of my mother. But most especially, I want to thank everyone for their love and friendship that you showed to my mom while she was alive. From the casual conversations to those who assisted her with her walker, chairlift or bulletin. She truly loved her church and all of you, and so do I. I lost my biggest fan, but thanks be to God for His love and the love from both my family at home and here at church, I continue to strive forward. For I know that my redeemer lives, and so shall all of us who have faith and hope in Him.

In Christ, Tommy Sax

John 11:25New King James Version (NKJV)

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

14 Soup Supper, 6-7 pm followed by Worship at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 25 ending Wednesday, March 25

Each week 4-5 soups, 4-6 quarts each are needed. Hot and cold beverages will be supplied as well as homemade bread from Eleanor Hansen. Please be advised that if you wish to make something for the soup supper, you must sign up in the church narthex.

For further information, please contact Margaret Persans (718) 442 6558

15 Evangelical Pamphlets The Evangelism Committee of St. John’s offers for your interest, booklets published by the Lutheran Laymen’s League, pertaining to everyday problems and concerns. The following booklets are available at the display rack in the Narthex of the church. If there is a subject of concern not listed, please contact Rhoda Browne (718) 698-3356

 Alone, Alive, Fulfilled  Alzheimer’s  Battles with the Bottle  Coping with Cancer  Dealing with Depression  Finding Peace  Forgiveness Is for Giving  Has God Abandoned Me?  How to Know What’s Right…And Do It  No Need to Fear  Now You’re Talking  Overcoming A Painful Childhood  Parenting with Purpose  Prayer and Thoughts for Caregivers  Setting Priorities  Raising Your Children with Respect  So You Prayed for A Miracle…  Surviving A Loved One’s Suicide  Surviving Breast Cancer  Take Heart in Your Grief  Talking with God  The Purpose of Living, The Purpose of Dying  The Truth About Angels  “THHHPPTT!” And Other Helpful Ways to Manage Anger  Too Much to Do, Too Little Time  Unlocking the Prison of Guilt  When in Doubt…Read the Book!  Where’s God in All of This?  Why Should I go to Church?

MARCH VINE ARTICLES

16 ARE DUE FEBRUARY 23