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St. John's Lutheran Church • February 2015 Newsletter • Sunday Worship: 9am Confirmation and Whirl Sunday School: 10:15 am Please join us after worship for a time of Fellowship in Luther Hall. Refreshments are always served! From the Desk of Pastor Ekstrand . . . . Not Just a Lutheran Attempt at a “Revival” Lent is upon us again soon, and we contemplate what this really means for us. Is it simply a second chance to give up the things we previously vowed to give up in our New Year’s resolution, but failed? Is it a season of coming down after the joy of Christmas? Is it a season where we remind ourselves that we look darned good in purple? Lent is a season of repentance; that is, a season of “turning around” and facing our God again. One Lutheran pastor with whom I previously served used to say, “We have Revivals, we just call them ‘Lent.’” But is this just a “revival”? The Christian Revival began in some other traditions at a time when church members sensed that the people were losing their faith and no longer reaching high enough to God, and therefore they felt that their embrace with God had disconnected. For these other Christian traditions, a Revival was a time when the people would get themselves all “filled up with the Holy Spirit” so they could reach up high enough to “touch God.” And that’s the flawed theology of the “Revival.” This theology assumes that our God only reaches so far down, and it’s up to us humans to make up the rest of the distance by reaching up. But the reality is that we have a loving God who reaches all the way down to us, no matter how low we may have sunk. ALL the way down. We have a loving Lord who knows that sometimes we just can’t find it in ourselves to reach all the way up to him; and so therefore he is willing to lower himself so much, so incredibly much, that he is willing to be humiliated, beaten and crucified so that he may touch our very soul. It’s never been about us reaching up to God; rather, it’s always been about our God sending his Son all the way down to us to pick us up from the mire in which we live. In Lent, it’s not a Revival of reaching up. Rather, it’s a time of taking a good, honest, repentant look at ourselves and seeing ourselves for what we are. That we are not capable of reaching the loftiest of heights, that we are fallible; and in that reality, our Lord loves us all the more. It’s not about us reaching up. Rather, it’s about us submitting to Christ our Lord as he lovingly reaches down to us to gather us up. Thanks be to God. In Christ, Pastor Ekstrand FIRST COMMUNION CLASS& FIRST COMMUNION SUNDAY Baptized members 4th Grade and up Last Class: Sunday, February 8; 11:00 am-Noon First Communion Sunday: Sunday, February 15; 9:00 am Non-communing members from 4th Grade and up are invited to gather with Pastor Ekstrand on February 1 to explore what it means to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the amazing grace conveyed to us through the Body and Blood of Christ. We will meet in the Nave immediately after the Sunday School/Educational Hour. If you missed the first class on January 18th, please contact Pastor Ekstrand. . First Communion will be received on the Sunday of the Transfiguration, February 15, 2015. “CALVARY ROAD: THE JOURNEY TO THE CROSS” A 5-Part Lenten Drama Series by Tom Ekstrand Wednesday Evenings in Lent at 7:00 pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Pearl City 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 I am Philip. So are you. Phillip has taken for granted much of what we have received through Christ’s death and resurrection. He sees what he himself has accomplished, and that is enough for him. How dare anyone ask for more? Phillip has been active in his parish and in his community, and he is good at what he does. He can do it all, and never asks for help. He doesn’t think he needs it. From anyone. Even from Christ. Lent has arrived, and a stranger arrives at Phillip’s house. This visitor has come to show Phillip that he does have weaknesses, and that he does need what Christ has done for him on the cross. And the only way Phillip can see that need is to walk with Christ to the cross. To journey on the road to Calvary. Please join Phillip on Calvary Road, the Journey to the Cross. Sign-ups for teens through adults to participate as an actor/actress in this drama ministry are now posted in the Narthex. Ash Wednesday Worship Wednesday, February 18 Noon: Imposition of Ashes only 7:00 pm: Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes Ash Wednesday is the most solemn day in the Christian Life. We confront the broken-ness of our lives, hear God’s Word of Judgment and Life, and pledge to renew our efforts to live as faithful children of our gracious Lord through the help of the Holy Spirit. All worshipers are invited to receive the ashes as a sign of our broken-ness. Note that a brief liturgy of Imposition of Ashes will take place at noon for those whose schedules preclude them from attending in the evening. Stations of the Cross Fridays during Lent: Noon Since the 5th Century, Christian Communities have found “Stations of the Cross” to be an inspiring devotional practice. This liturgy of readings and prayers encourages the faithful to retrace and meditate upon the Holy Sites of the Via Crucis (“The Way of the Cross,” a very popular destination for pilgrims in Jerusalem). As the faithful practice and meditate upon the various stations, we are drawn into the fullness of our Lord’s humanity, confronted by the injustices of Christ’s condemnation, invited to feel the pain of his wounds, the embarrassment of his falls, the agony of his Crucifixion, and the loneliness of the tomb. We see ourselves in the suffering of the One who Died for us, and as we gaze into the empty tomb of Easter, we glimpse our own destiny in the Resurrection of our Lord. Some choose to pray the Stations every week in Lent, but if you are able, please make an attempt to attend at least one week this Lent. All are invited to join Pastor Ekstrand in the Nave on Fridays of Lent (beginning February 20) as we contemplate His Passion. Forty Days of Lent: 2015 A Lenten Discipline with a family focus for increasing awareness and thanksgiving for blessings and an opportunity to give to others less fortunate. For each item counted, add that many coins to your own special “Piggy Bank” for an ELCA World Hunger Appeal Donation. Just $30 can provide a piglet to a family in need. When this little piggy grows up, she will give birth to as many as 16 piglets each year. Pigs help fertilize fields, provide food to eat and can be sold at market for much-needed income. Please join us in our Lenten Discipline Devotional Giving as we reach out to all corners of the world to give of our plenty to those in need! See the Forty Days of Lent Calendar in this Newsletter. PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDIES For Adults and Teen Youth MONDAY EVENINGS 7:00 pm at the Parsonage The Prophets’ Cry for Repentance February 23-March 23 We read in the Old Testament prophetic books of those who were set aside by God to deliver a message to people who (mostly) were of hardened hearts and would not hear the message. And though the prophetic message is frequently the harshest of judgments, God’s word inevitably speaks of mercy and restoration. This Bible Study series will focus on God’s call for repentance among his people and their response when God puts his new spirit with his judgment and culminating with Jonah answering the question, “What would happen if the people, led by the work of the Holy Spirit, actually took the prophet seriously?” This coming fall, our Monday night group will study one of these prophets, based on which prophet this group is intrigued by the most. Join us as we focus our hearts on the Lenten call for repentance. 2/23: Introduction and the Northern Prophets Why the Prophets Would Never Make it Through an ELCA Call Process. Amos & Hosea 3/2: Jeremiah A Prophet of Wrath Potters, Loincloths and Yokes 3/9: Isaiah 1st, 2nd and 3rd Isaiah “Here I am,” the Suffering Servant and Immanuel 3/16: Ezekiel Prophesy of Vagueness Unfaithfulness, Dry Bones and Stuff You Can’t Say in Church 3/23: Minor Southern Prophets Micah, Zephaniah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Obadiah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, & Joel Jonah, the Anti-Prophet Thursday Mornings; 9:30-10:30 am (Conference Room) The Gospel of St. Mark Continuing from last month Of the four Gospels, St. Mark’s Gospel is the shortest and, by far, the most “to the point.” His writing style is earthy, less refined and sometimes downright blunt. Join Pastor Ekstrand as we take a lively look at this fascinating account of the life and Good News of Christ! Note that these Bible Studies are for St. John’s members and non-members alike; and that even if you miss one or more sessions, you are still welcome to jump in with us at any time! Sunday School Offering Emphasis During the Season of Lent Stock a Backpack With Food More than 18 million children in our country depend on school meal programs to get them through the week. For some, these lunches are the only real meal they get each day. But what happens over the weekend? By stocking a child’s backpack with a two- or three-day supply of easy-to-prepare, healthy foods each Friday, children – and their entire families – have one less thing to worry about. Our Sunday School children are invited to contribute their Sunday School Offerings during the Season of Lent toward stocking backpacks with food as a gift conveyed via the ELCA’s World Hunger initiative. Our goal will be $70, which will stock 7 backpacks with food! Our children are currently giving toward their Fruit Tree Seedling goal, and are well on their way toward accomplishing that goal! Great job, kids!!! St. John’s Director of Youth Ministries All I can say about the month of January is WOW!! The youth of St. John’s and their fearless leader have been BUSY!! We have been collecting for the Souper Bowl of Caring since January 4 th and will wrap up our food & monetary collections on February 1. If you haven’t been able to donate there is still time. Thank you to everyone who has helped us because by helping the youth with this project you are helping those in our community who benefit from the Pearl City Food Pantry. The SPOTS & 5th Quarter youth groups both had their annual lock-ins and as always they were a blast!! For each of the lock-ins I was blessed to have many helpers to help me oversee things! The SPOTS group had Gwen, Garrett, Kayla, Linda Orr & I. The 5th Quarter gang both Linda & Gwen returned and we also had Les Pro helping us out. Both lock-ins had a great turnout and amazingly enough the kids did such a great job cleaning up that I don’t think you could tell we were even in the church (Luther Hall anyways). SPLAT had a parent/youth meeting the first Sunday in January and we had much to go over since we had a crazy month ahead. SPLAT also prepped, served & delivered the Grace Meal in January. We served spaghetti, green beans, bread, apple sauce, brownies & drinks. We had great help on prep day as well as at the Grace Meal itself. When the deliveries went out cards that were made by the SPLAT group also went out with the meals to let the recipients know that they are loved & cared about by the youth of St. John’s! The 5th Quarter & Genesis youth were lucky enough to participate in the LYO (Lutheran Youth Organization) Ski Day at Chestnut Mountain in Galena on Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 19 th. 11 youth attended, 1 of the 11 went just to check out the sights (right Taylor J) and out of the remaining 10 only 1 had skied before! The all did great and had a fantastic time. I am already being asked if we can go back next year. Thank you Angie Niehaus for helping me get everyone there & back as well as for your company! Some of the Genesis youth will be attending the Winter Jam concert January 30th in near Chicago. We will see a variety of Christian artists and since everyone has such crazy schedules we are coming back the same night instead of staying at a hotel. Even though we are all so busy it’s ok because God is good…all the time and all the time…God is good. I am pleased to announce we will now have 2 youth reps for council. Kayla Niehaus & Abbey Goldsmith are up for the challenge! They will be alternating months between themselves to each cover 6 meetings a year. They are also hoping to join me at the Youth Synod Assembly in June which is held at Augustana College in the Quad Cities. Bryant Smargiassi, thank you for being our 2014 youth rep. February will have us delivering all of the food to the Pearl City Food Pantry plus gifting them with all of the monetary donations collected during the Souper Bowl of Caring, making our monthly Grace Meal deliveries, having our monthly meetings and also the youth leader enjoying a week in Mexico with her boyfriend to celebrate our 25th anniversary (a few months early!). As always thank you to everyone at St. John’s for your continued support of our youth. The youth & I are truly blessed to have you as our church family. Sincerely, Beth Schneider Director of Youth Ministries Grace Meal News . . . 2015 Grace Meal Sign-up Want to show off your mad cooking skills or just your love for providing the gift of grace! Sign up with a friend or two to prepare a Grace Meal for our community! The signup sheet is on the bulletin board in the narthex & we would like to have the first 6 months filled as soon as possible. You do not have to cover the cost of the meal so do not let that hold you back. Please contact me with any questions! Beth Schneider ~ Grace Meal Coordinator (815-541-5919) Women’s Gathering Ministries . . Upcoming Dates Board Meeting-February 24, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. in the Conference Room. February Bible Study & Sit n’Sew - Tuesday, February 17, 2015: 9:45 am Coffee & Fellowship and 10:00 am for the Bible Study in Luther Hall. Sit ‘n Sew immediately following the Bible Study. Notes from the January Board Meeting submitted by Janet Ferguson, Secretary. Women's Gathering Board met January 15, 2015. Secretary's report was read and approved. The treasurer's report: $895.72 in the checking account - $5233.52 in the Money Market. ($2500 is for scholarships) * CARING HEARTS-Twila Simler is organizing meals for April and Stan Eberle, following April's surgery. * PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY-There will be a Sit and Sew on February 17, 2015, after the Bible Study. A baked potato bar will be served for lunch. Sign up sheet on bulletin board. We will also be making hymnal angels that day. * THANK OFFERING-The amount collected for our thank offering collection in November was $349. THANK YOU to the congregation for your generous support. These monies are sent to the synod for their work. * HOMELESS MEALS - We need two or three volunteers to make a meal in February and deliver it to FACC. Please see Lynda Palmer or Kris Eden if you can help. * SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE-The committee is updating the guidelines. * CHRISTMAS-We had three needy families this year (a total of 18 people) and gave $360. in gift cards for their Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. Thanks to the generosity of the congregation we collected $1056 and was able to give each person a $50 gift card as a Christmas gift. The remainder $156 was given to the Pearl City Food Pantry. You have made the holidays brighter for others. THANK YOU! * OTHER BUSINESS-Two new round tables have been purchased for Luther Hall. * Public Card Party will be held on March 22. 2015. * The Women's Gathering annual meeting will be held August 26, 2015, and the new officers will begin in September. The offices up for election are Vice-president, Secretary, and one member at large. The current vice-president will move up as president. * BIBLE STUDY-The February Bible Study will be held February 17, 2015, in Luther Hall with Lori Kempel leading the lesson and Karen Bremmer serving refreshments. 9:45 am with coffee and fellowship---10:00 am bible study. March we will go out for bible study and lunch. Next board meeting February 24, 2015. Bring Kleenex for Food Pantry in February. F.A.C.C. meals..sponsored by St. John’s Women’s Gathering. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board –We supply a meal ONCE a month. Meals are provided for F.A.C.C. Homeless, starting October 2014 thru May 2015. If there is only one person signed up to do a meal, please know that you will not be the only person supplying the meal. There will always be at least 2-3 people doing the meal each month and the meal is for approximately 14 people. Any questions, contact Lynda Palmer @ 443-2688 or Dianne at church office. Thank You for helping in this cause to help the homeless – these homeless people are from our communities too! February Collection Item: The Women’s Gathering is collecting a specific item each month for the Pearl City Food Pantry. The donation item for February is Kleenex. Please bring kleenex with you to worship and/or your Women’s Gathering events. The Women’s Gathering is always collecting baby wipes for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. All items may be placed in the bins in the Narthex. Joy Choir News . . . The Joy Choir will sing on February 8th. They will not meet for practice on February 26th as Mrs. Hillmer will be out of town. Visited Another Church . . . Lee and Anne Marie Harbison attended the wedding for their granddaughter, Kirsten, on December 27, 2014, at St. Matthews Catholic Church, Mobile, Alabama. Stan and April Eberle visited St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Massbach on December 28, 2014. Thank you . . . Dear. St. John’s Family, Thank you for the thoughts, prayers, cards and messages since my surgery and returning home. A big thanks to Pastor Tom for making a trip to Madison to visit me and for putting up with my crazy family! I am recovering very well, but trying to stay out of the crowds until all the sickness passes. Hope to see you all soon! Chris Kempel From the Church Council . . . February Coffee with Council: The February Coffee with Council will be held after worship on February 8th in Luther Hall during Fellowship. Members of the council will be available to address any member’s questions or concerns. Join WHIRL Sunday School at ST. JOHN’s! (We are in need of teachers for March, April and May to teach Whirl Sunday School. Stop by the office for more information!) Feb. 1: Lesson: Healing in the Synagogue Homemade Treats-Karen Bremmer Feb. 8 Lesson: Healing at Simon’s House Homemade Treats-Sharon Knoup Feb. 15: Lesson: Elijah and Elisha Homemade Treats-Kelly Lawler Feb. 22 Lesson: God’s Covenant with Noah Homemade Treats-Judy Robinson February 1, 8 & 15th Offering: Fruit Tree Seedlings February 22nd-March 29th Offering: Stock a Backpack Pastor Barb Rapp’s Retirement: Pastor Barb Rapp formally retired on January 25th . A retirement celebration was held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church at Schapville. She has moved to Arizona. Here is her new address and email for sending greetings: 1480 N. Rio Sonora, Green Valley, AZ 85614 or email at bjrappgolf@gmail.com. St. John’s Family Fun Night March 14, 2015 at 5:30-10:00 pm We will have an exciting night of movies, board games, card games, bags game and much more. Games for all ages. Old Fashion Potluck! The Outreach committee will be providing the main dish. Please bring a side dish or desert according to the following. All table service will be provided. Alphabet by Last name: A-H: Salad I-P: Vegetable Q-Z: Desert This night is for all. Please invite your neighbor and friends! Duties of the Church for February Date Greeters Ushers Lector Comm. Asst. Acolyte Feb. 1 Bob & Darla Hasselman Paul & Dianne Handsaker and Family Beth Schneider Lee & Anne Marie Harbison Ella Williams Feb. 8 Rollin & Judy Nelson Brent & Beth Schneider and Family Leann Heimerdinger Rhonda and Peyton Brudi Jenna Robinson Feb. 15 Janis Kampmeir and Tina Endress Family Stan & April Eberle DJ Scott Paul Handsaker and Earlene Domberger Quinn Schneider Feb. 18 (Ash Weds) Gordon & Carol Garnhart Linda Albright & Kathy Williams Joel Kempel Feb. 22 Jennifer Pitts and Family Joel & Lori Kempel Organist: Jerilyn Strohecker Karen Bremmer Marion & Kris Eden Autumn Gray Counters: Chris Kempel, Mike Palmer and Rollin Nelson February Birthdays 3 4 5 6 7 Bonnie Dittmar Olivia Williams Jamie Melville Steve Miller Brent Schneider Zxandyr Klatt Pat Randerson Tom Smargiassi 8 11 12 13 16 18 Dorothy Eden Sara Schoenhard Jace Kempel Doris Kness Katelyn Koch Vi Martin Brian Brudi Kayla Albrecht 19 22 23 24 25 Austin Little Marsha Butson Carrie (Boop) Baxter Kayla Niehaus Earl Heimerdinger MacKenzee Bentz Prayer Concerns (January 25, 2015-December 28, 2014): Hannah Kness, Gladys Zajicek, Helen Kaster, Dorothy Hartman, Dennis Fehr, Lois Krug, Helen & Leroy Fischer, Sharon Downs, Karen Heinrich, Joyce Murray, Pat Boyle, Lucy Cabot, April Eberle, Jeff Garnhart, Bill & Kathy Williams, Joan Croffoot, Tracy Jacobs, Walt Schaefer, Kathy Larson, Amanda (Winning) Hall, Jodi Revels, Jamie Wagenknecht, Kris Stephan, Leslie Nussle, Kirsten Cobb, Rita Randecker, Jackie Smith, Lee Harbison, Ruby Wright, Joe Cuccio, Elenor Paisley, Cindy Lanier, Vi Martin, Chris Kempel, Claire Johns, Bill & Maryann Leibenstein, Dennis Howe, Diane Mater and Nancy Klanrick. The family and friends of Jill Croffott, Frank Martin, John Folgate, Lowell Terhark, June Carpenter, Sarah Jane Pieper, Vern Nyman, Yavonne Kelly and Evelyn Foat. Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 4 How many books have you opened today? Give thanks for books! 3 How many people did you talk to (or see on TV) today who are of a different ethnicity than you? Give thanks for diversity! 10 How many family members live near you? Give thanks for family! 2 How many members of your family wear glasses? Give thanks for eyesight! 9 How many doors are in your home? Give thanks for having a home! Mar. 1 How many people did you see in church whose name you do not know? Give thanks for kindness to strangers! (And learn their names!) 8 How many clocks did you change for Daylight savings time? Give thanks for sunshine! 11 How old are you? Give thanks for the wisdom that comes from age! 25 How many magazine, newspaper, or online articles did you read today? Give thanks for freedom of speech! 24 How many food items have you bought today? Give thanks for grocery stores! 23 How many pictures are on your walls? Give thanks for art! 22 How many people shook you hand in church today? Give thanks for love! Feb. 18 Ash Wednesday How many churches did you see today? Give thanks for our freedom to worship!! 13 How many members of your family are currently students? Give thanks for education! 6 How many of your blessings can you list in one minute? Give thanks for waking up today! 5 How many trips to the “loo” have you made today? Give thanks for indoor plumbing! 12 How many people made you laugh today? Give thanks for laughter! 27 How many businesses did you deal with today, in person or online? Give thanks for business owners! 20 At what hour did the sun set today? Give thanks for sunsets! 26 How many friends do you have who live in other countries? Give thanks for the oceans! 19 How many close friends can you think of who teach? Give thanks for teachers! 14 How many hours have you devoted to self-care this week? Give thanks for time off of work! 7 How many coats do you own? Give thanks for warm clothing! 28 How many electrical outlets are in your home? Give thanks for electricity! 21 How many holidays do you celebrate with family or friends? Give thanks for holidays! A Lenten discipline with a family focus for increasing awareness and thanksgiving for blessings and an opportunity to give to others less fortunate. For each item counted, add that many coins to your special piggy bank for an ELCA World Hunger Appeal donation. Sun Forty Days of Lent - Feb.-Mar. 2015 12 Bring your piggy banks to worship. 5 Easter How many 6 “Alleluias” did you hear in church today? Give thanks for Jesus’ Resurrection! 7 8 2 Maundy Thursday How many problems did you solve today? Give thanks for how much we grow from our challenges! April 1 How many schools did you see or hear about today? Give thanks for our ability to learn! 31 How many times have you commented about politicians today? Give thanks for the freedom to vote! 30 How many medical procedures have you had? Give thanks for modern medicine! 29 Palm Sunday How many ways did you try to imitate Jesus today? Give thanks for Jesus’ life! 26 How many mistakes did you make today? Give thanks for learning from mistakes! 25 How many food cans are in your cupboards? Give thanks for food! 24 How many cars does your family have? Give thanks for cars! 23 How many ways did you entertain yourself today? Give thanks for entertainment! 22 How many pieces of music did you hear or sing in church today? Give thanks for music! 9 19 How many cans of air freshener do you have? Give thanks for fresh air! 18 How many songs have you heard today? Give thanks for hearing! 17 How many friends have called or texted you today? Give thanks for good friends! 16 How many glasses of water have you had today? Give thanks for clean water! 15 How many children did you see in church today? Give thanks for children! Thu Wed Tue Mon Sun 10 3 Good Friday How many ways can you list that Jesus has given of himself for you? Give thanks for Jesus’ Sacrifice! 27 How many members of the military or police force do you know? Give thanks for 20 How many new things did you learn today? Give thanks for your mind! Fri 11 Count the coins in the bank, then take them to church tomorrow for your donation! 4 Vigil of Easter How many animals have you seen today? Give thanks for pets and animals! 28 How many hours did you sleep last night? Give thanks for time! 21 How many beds are in your home? Give thanks for a bed to sleep in! Sat Forty Days of Lent - March - April 2015 February 2015 See an updated and complete calendar throughout the month at www.stjohnspearlcity.org Sun 1 9 am Worship 10:15 am Prayer Shawl Outreach 10:15 am Confirmation 10:15 am Whirl Sunday School 11 am SPLAT 8 SCRIP Orders Due. 9 am Worship 10 am Coffee with Council 10:15 am Confirmation 10:15 am Whirl Sunday School 11 am SPOTS 11 am First Communion Class 6:00 pm 5th Quarter 7:30 pm Genesis 15 Mon 2 3 7 pm 4-H 6:30 pm Al-Anon 7 pm Bible Study (Parsonage) 22 10 3 pm Girl Scouts 6:30 pm Al-Anon 7 pm Bible Study (Parsonage) 6:00 pm 5th Quarter 7:30 pm Genesis Wed 4 10 am Staff Meeting 4:30-7:30 pm Pancake Supper 11 Thu 5 10:30 am Worship & Music Committee Meeting 3:15 pm Joy Choir & Club Pastor’s Day Off Luther Hall Used for Grace Meal Prep 19 20 21 9:30 am Bible Study Noon: Stations of the Cross 3:15 pm Joy Choir & Club 6:30 pm Chancel Choir Practice 7 pm Council Meeting 7 pm : Ash Wednesday Service 8:30 pm Prayer at the Close of Day (Parsonage) Deadline for March Newsletter 23 24 25 26 3 pm Girl Scouts 6 pm: Lenten Drama Rehearsal 7 pm Bible Study (Parsonage) 8 am WELCA Board Meeting 7 pm : Lenten Worship Service 9:30 am Bible Study 8:30 pm Prayer at the Close of Day (Parsonage) 7:30 Chancel Choir Practice Luther Hall Rented (tentative) 10 6:30 pm Al-Anon 6:30 pm Al-Anon Pastor’s Day Off 7 9 18 Noon: Ash Wednesday Imposition of Ashes 7 pm Bible Study (Parsonage) 6 Sat 6:30 pm Chancel Choir Practice 12 9:30 am Bible Study 8:30 pm Prayer at the Close of Day (Parsonage) Fri 9:30 am Bible Study 17 9:45 am: Women’s Gathering Coffee & Fellowship 10 am: Women’s Gathering Bible Study followed by Sit n’ Sew 16 9 am Worship 10:15 am Confirmation 10:15 am Whirl Sunday School 11 am: SPOTS 8:30 pm Prayer at the Close of Day (Parsonage) 9 9 am Worship with First Communion 10:15 am Confirmation 10:15 am Whirl Sunday School 10:15 am Outreach & Stewardship Joint Committee Meeting 10:15 am Memorial & Finance Committee Meeting 10:15 am Property Committee 11 am SPLAT Noon Grace Meal 6:00 pm 5th Quarter 7:30 pm Genesis Tue 3:15 pm Joy Choir & Club 6:30 pm Chancel Choir Practice Pastor’s Day Off after worship 27 Noon: Stations of the Cross 28 Pastor’s Day Off after worship Dianne, Parish Administrator, off work. No regular office hours. Lenten Opportunities at St. John’s Feb. 18th - Ash Wednesday Noon: Imposition of Ashes 7 pm Worship with Imposition of Ashes Fridays During Lent 2/20, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13,3/20, 3/27 Noon: Stations of the Cross Mondays during Lent 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16, 3/23 6 pm Lenten Drama Rehearsal Wednesdays during Lent 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 7 pm Midweek Lenten Services Palm Sunday Worship 9 am March 29th Vigil of Easter 7 pm, Saturday, April 4th Maundy Thursday Worship 7 pm April 2nd Easter Sunday Worship 9 am, April 5th Good Friday Community Worship 7 pm April 3rd