St. John Herald
a publication of
St. John Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
October 2014
www.StJohnYorkPA.com
From Pastor C
140 Years!!!!!!
Can you believe it! St. John is 140 years old this year! During the month of October we will
be celebrating 140 years since St. John first chartered and became an official congregation of the
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (January of 1874). St. John’s rich history is truly fascinating to
behold, but even though we are 140 years old, we are, today, breaking ground for new beginnings.
Much has happened in 140 years at St. John, but the thought that keeps surfacing in my mind is,
“Wow, God has prevailed through it all and has kept St. John moving forward for 140 years! Why?
Why hasn’t St. John become like so many other congregations in history who have had to fold and
stop their ministry?” Because God obviously still has work for us to accomplish—which is a blessing
we all can be thankful for in the days ahead.
We can’t relive the past, but we can remember it and learn from it. 140 years is a lot to
remember, but it is also a lot to learn from. God’s presence has been a part of our congregation
through the good and not so good times and as a result we have been strengthened and have come
a long way since that first service on January 4, 1874. We are blessed and so we will celebrate that
blessing by remembering our past this October.
Some ways we will remember:
 During the entire month of October the Historical Team will have tri-fold exhibits
depicting 14 decades of St. John history. The displays will be located in the
Fellowship Hall for all to view and enjoy.
 The weekend of October 19th Pastor Dennis Quackenboss and his wife Carolyn
will visit us and Pastor Quackenboss will preach at both services.
 There will be a reception for the Quackenbosses at 12:30 on the 19th
for friends and acquaintances to fellowship and deliberate on the past
with them.
 Each of the services during the month will have a historical focus through the
music, liturgy, video slides and other factual information:
 For example, did you know there have been, in the last 140 years, only
10 pastors who have led St. John? Can you name all 10? Hint: number
10 is Pastor Cosgrove (see page 2 for the correct answer)
Page 2
Congregational Assembly October 5th after the 11:00 service.
A Congregational Voters Assembly will be held after the 11:00 service on October the 5 th and at this meeting
a new Slate of Officers will be presented and voted upon as well discussion/vote concerning the current
Constitution and By-Laws. Please plan to attend. The full Slate of Officers is available for review in the
Narthex along with the minutes of June’s Congregational Voters Assembly to be approved.
Fun Facts!!!
In
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
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
the world 140 years ago:
Mark Twain and family moved into their famous Hartford House
Harry Houdini—the Master of Escape was born
St. John’s school tuition was .50 cents/month/child
The annual School teacher salary was $300 + free housing
The first US zoo opens in Philadelphia
1st cartoon of an elephant depicting the Republican Party symbol
was used by Thomas Nast
THANK YOU HISTORICAL TEAM!!!!
Many thanks to the Historical team for their hard work and dedication in going
through hundreds of documents and pictures to get 14 decades of memorabilia
together for all to see! Please thank each of the members of this team and enjoy
the tri-folds they have put together!
Team Members are Paul Grothe, Gary and Beth Graybill, Tom Sr. and Janet Sindlinger, Buddy and Linda
Garrett, Marie Gruendler, Jean and Bob Grube.
Answer to Trivia question on page 1
Pastor Walker – 1874 – 1918
Pastor Succop – 1918 – 1923
Pastor Kraus – 1923 – 1947
Pastor Schmoock – 1947 – 1961
Pastor Hakes – 1963 – 1968
Pastor Naumann 1969 – 1984; 1989 - 1990
Pastor Hovel - 1984 - 1988
Pastor Quackenboss - 1990 - 2003
Pastor Cox - 2005 - 2011
Pastor Cosgrove - 2013 – Present
Page 3
Join us in the 6 month PRAYER CHALLENGE!
The Elders of our church are leading a prayer initiative that we want to share with you and encourage everyone to join in! The challenge is to commit to praying for our church every day for 6
months, asking God’s guidance for the way that He would have us use our facility. God has richly
blessed us with a great location and wonderful building and grounds – neighborhoods all around
us – and we have the very best news that there is – Jesus has come to be our Savior! The
question is “How might we best serve Him?”
The encouragement is to pray every day
 asking God to help us understand how He would have us use our facility,
 how He would have us reach out to our community,
 and to make clear to us the direction that He would have us go.
If you would like to receive the prayer each day or share your prayer with others, please contact
Tom Wolfgang at [email protected] and he will add you to the distribution list. If you do not
have email and would like a copy of the daily prayer, please contact the office at 717-840-0382.
Thank you Elders for helping us to focus our prayers in this way!
ST. JOHN LUTHERAN
TASK FORCE HAS BEGUN!!
Please keep in your prayers Sarah Peters, Todd Sindlinger, ChaCha Mwita, Becky Shettle,
Peggy Schultz, and Jeff Loser, who are members of the Task Force looking into options as to
what to do with our education wing. This Task Force is only responsible for researching and
exploring ideas and concepts. Their job is to take the time needed to ask questions, accumulate
data and ultimately to make a recommendation to Council as to their findings. The Council will
then discuss the research done by the Task Force and if an idea is accepted by the majority, a
recommendation from Council will then be brought before the congregation for a vote and
support. At that point the Task Force’s job will be complete. The Task Force will consider many
options and so prayer for these individuals to have an open and unbiased heart is very important. Please keep them at the forefront of your prayers and may God’s will be accomplished!!
Page 4
New Web Site Up and Running!
www. StJohnYorkPa.com
A great big thank you to Dave Rhan, Kathy Mokris, and Pastor C who have put in a lot of time
developing the new St. John Web Site! The web site is now up and running. Check it out!
Remember: When events occur, use the camera on your cell phone to send pictures to Dave Rhan
for inclusion on the website and FaceBook page. Before you send pics to Dave, be sure to get
permission from the person you are photographing to post their picture publically.
Please send them as attachments to [email protected]
PLI Thank You
On October 12th Pastor Vern Gunderman—Regional Director of Pastoral Leadership Institute—PLI, will
present Pastor Cosgrove and Jackie with a certificate of completion of the 4 year program and preach at both
of our services. Pastor Gunderman will also facilitate, during the Sunday School hour, a class explaining the
last four years of training and learning Pastor Cosgrove and Jackie have received at PLI. It is PLI’s way of
saying thank you to the congregation for supporting Pastor Cosgrove and Jackie in this endeavor. PLI’s
purpose is to help missional leaders’ impact congregations in new ways by reviving an understanding and
application of the Great Commission into a local setting. Working and learning together with like-minded
leaders the PLI missional learning experience transforms participants and their ministries.
COUNCIL MINUTES - If you would like to review a copy of the most
current minutes, you can pick them up in the church office on the counter
to the left as you walk in the door.
Worship Schedule
Sunday Worship Services
8:30 & 11:00 am
web site: www.StJohnYorkPA.com
Church office: .................. 717.840.0382
Church fax: ....................... 717.840.1845
Ch. Email: [email protected]
Pastor:
Rev. Tab E. Cosgrove …... 919-270-3261
…………….. [email protected]
Director of Spiritual Growth:
Denise Wright ……………717-757-6707
…………….….. [email protected]
Director of Music:
Steven T. Lee……..……….717-691-1771
……………[email protected]
Support Staff
Susan Myers ……….Parish Administrator
Phillip Simon ………………….Custodian
Page 5
From Director of Spiritual Growth
Dear Friends,
In these days of hearing news about the threat of ISIS, the Ebola breakout, the Enterovirus D68 that is sending hundreds of children to the hospital,
and the many other difficulties that come into everyday life, it is so easy for
people to ask the question, “If there is a God, then why do all of these bad
things happen?” There are many “hot spots” in the world right now – the hope for world
peace seems that is has never been more unreachable. Are we safe? from attack? from
disease outbreak? Some say that we are living in the end times. How do we live as God’s
people in these times? We who are the baptized . . .the ones who have been called out of
darkness into His marvelous light . . . the ones who have been redeemed and given new
life . . . how do we live out our faith today?
Could it be that we leave wet footprints everywhere we go? A sign that God’s redeemed
have come and cared and helped? Could it be that wherever we go we take faith and hope
with us . . . we take time to look at people in the eye and ask them how they are and then
really listen? Could it be that we are “always prepared to give an answer to everyone who
asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have?” 1 Peter 3:15 Could it be that we are
quick to pray with others in their time of need? Could it be that we are intentional about
gathering together around God’s Word that we might learn and encourage each other so
that we go out into the world in God’s strength?
Let me close with these words from Hebrews 10:23-25 – great words for us today! “Let
us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us
consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give
up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another –
and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
God’s blessings to each of you!
In Christ,
Denise Wright
Page 6
Connect Groups
Here we are . . . are we ready to go from this . . .
bumping into each other on
Sunday mornings – sitting near
each other in pews - crossing
paths but not really connecting
OR
to this . . . to coming together to know
each other better so that we might
encourage and support each other in our
daily walk – so that together we might
be able to serve our Lord in a way that
makes a difference in our world?
Are we ready to go from casually knowing each other on
Sunday mornings to developing deeper friendships through
our new Connect groups?
Why is this kind of community so important to our spiritual lives?
It is how God designed us! God never intended for us to do life alone; He created us for relationships. God wants to use other people to help us grow and He will use us to help other people grow!
For a number of months now you have been reading about plans being made to launch Small Group
Ministry at St. John! It is really going to happen! During the first weekend in October a group of
people will gather for training sessions so that they are prepared to lead our Connect groups.
Shortly after that time we will share information about the leaders and locations and you will be
invited to sign up to participate! Each group will begin meeting in January of 2015.
For now, we ask that you keep this process of preparing leaders in your prayers!
Page 7
From Director of Music
Choir Barbeque/Mini-Camp
The choir was able to get together at Ron and Marie Bodien’s house on September 21st. We looked at a
couple of Christmas anthems, and got together for good food [if there’s one thing that Lutherans know how
to do!] and good times. Looking forward to the next get together sometime during Epiphany. All are
welcome – we do know how to party!
Kristal Bells
This is simply a reminder to parents that we are rehearsing the Kristal Bell group
every other week. This month, there will be a rehearsal on the 12th, to get ready for
their first church service participation on the 19th. Parents: we will send a reminder
home, but please note that we are going to try and have them play at both services,
which will mean getting them here about 8:15 on the 19th. Please let Bev
Shellenberger or myself know if there is a conflict or some other issue. Thanks for
your cooperation.
Historic Music for October
As many of you already know, St. John celebrates its 140th birthday on October 19th. I have been poring
through bulletins from the 1920’s to present, trying to put together hymns and anthems that were sung
traditionally during that period. We will sing one of these “foundational” hymns for every traditional
service this month, and a choir anthem on the 19th that might have been sung at one of the other anniversary
celebrations. Don’t be put off: with very few exceptions, these are all hymns that we sing today on a regular
basis! I promise that I won’t pick any hymns that are in German [yes, a German bulletin was discovered
from the 1920’s].
Calling All Brass Players!
Please see, email or call me if you are able to commit to playing at 8:30 on October 19 th,
October 26th [Reformation Sunday], December 14th [both services], and either or both
Christmas Eve services. Thank you!
Looking Forward
As we start to approach the end of the church year and then Advent, the choir is already busy
rehearsing special anthems for October 19th, Christ the King Sunday November 23rd – also
Commitment Sunday], Advent and Christmas. We will have a cantata on Advent III [December
14th] with instruments. The Kristal Bells will play at the Family service on Christmas Eve, and
the Choir will lead the late service with some interesting carols.
Christ’s Peace to you!
Steve
Page 8
“Come Away to Mitford”
Saturday, October 18th
Are there times when you would like to escape from
this fast paced world of ours? Would you like to have
some time to forget about your cares and worries?
An escape to Mitford might be exactly what you are
looking for!
If you are a Mitford reader, you know the joy and inspiration that Jan Karon has brought to her readers over the years. “Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good” was just released in early September and in honor of this newest book in the series,
we will hold a “Come Away to Mitford Day” on Saturday, October 18th!
Plan to come on Saturday, October 18th from 10:30 – 12:30 to celebrate Mitford and this newest
book! There will be discussion about the 2003 novel, “Shepherds Abiding.” This eighth novel in
the series is a meditation on the best of all presents – the gift of one’s heart. The story begins on
the 1st day of October and leads into the Advent and Christmas season. Several copies of this
book will be given away!
Our time together on this day will include some Mitford Trivia, readings of our favorite parts, conversations about the stories, and a delightful luncheon prepared using recipes from the Mitford
cookbook. Please contact Denise Wright if you would be willing to bring in something for our
lunch. You can call the church at 717-840-0382 or email her at [email protected]
A sign-up sheet will be available in the church narthex. Please think about any Mitford reader
friends that you might invite to join us on October 18 th!
“Draw close. Hold hands.
Life is short. God is good.”
--Jan Karon
Page 9
Growth . . . relationship . . . laughter . . . encouragement . . .
The new season of Soul Care for Women has begun, but any
woman who would like to come is still welcome to join us. We
are working through a video study by Sheila Walsh called “The
Storm Inside,” and each week we focus on a different woman of
the Bible and her storm story. As we learn her story, we also
reflect on our own story and how God is working in the midst of
it.
Each session of Soul Care includes time for worship, study,
sharing and prayer – as well as wonderful refreshments! It is a
great way to get to know more women and it’s also a good
opportunity to invite a friend.
He restores my soul . . .
Psalm 23:3
We meet at two different times during the week; choose the
time that works best for you! Childcare is available only on
Tuesday mornings.
Tuesdays from 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Thursdays from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
MOP Men’s Ministry – Hey guys, the Fall focus
group meetings are held on Mondays at 7:00 pm and
Saturdays at 8:00 am. We meet every other week
until the first week in December. Our current study is
“One 2 Won, Climbing Higher.” If you have any
questions, contact Jerry Cook
Page 10
10/01 Pastor Tab Cosgrove
10/01 Tyler Stambaugh
10/04 Paul Grothe
10/08 David Landis
10/09 Lois Myers
10/09 Diana Kunkle
10/09 Abigail Klahold
10/10 Gloria Thompson
10/10 Joan Grove
10/11 Kollinn George
10/11 Lucas Lehman
10/12 Fred Bahr Jr.
10/12 Michael Gibson
10/12 Lori Schaefer
10/12 Chris Ashbaugh
10/12 Matthew Kindon
10/15 Karen Frey
10/15 Canada Mailman
10/16 Sara Zinn
10/19 Kristen Woltman
10/20 Al Oesterreich
10/20 Jennifer Ruffatto
10/22 Delight Huyett
10/22 JoAnn Wise
10/23 Rachel Peters
10/23 Madisson Shellenberger
10/24 Charlotte McKay
10/26 Adelaide Ward
10/27 Christian Weir
10/28 Christopher Grube
10/29 Aria Harascak
10/30 Bryce Kline
If your birthday is not on this list, please contact the office and Susan will place your birthday in the church computer. Thank you!
COME JOIN US – Pastor Quackenboss and Carolyn will be visiting St. John on
October 19th and Pastor Quackenboss will preach at both services. A luncheon is
being planned for October 19th at 12:30 pm for friends and acquaintances to fellowship and deliberate on the past with them. The Fellowship Team is providing a light
lunch venue of subs, chips, drinks and finger desserts.
*Deadline for the sign up will be Oct. 12.
Page 11
OCTOBER’S DOOR OFFERING
Lutheran World Relief
LCMS World Relief acts in partnership with a number of other
assistance organizations. LCMS World Relief has an ongoing
relationship with Lutheran World Relief, Baltimore (LWR),
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, Lutheran
Services in America (LSA). LCMS World Relief also responds
to emergencies in the U.S. through its partnership with inter-Lutheran agency Lutheran Disaster
Response.
Today LCMS World Relief is a vibrant ministry of hope, "making a world of difference" in context of
the Gospel. In recent years, the agency has enhanced its partnership with missionaries and partner churches. Domestic grants help U.S. congregations, social ministry organizations and LCMS
districts begin or expand programs in training, housing, education, and refugee settlement.
We ask that you give generously and joyfully. The ushers will collect your door offering as you exit
the sanctuary the second Sunday (of each month). Please know that you may contribute to the
door offering anytime throughout the month by using the multi-purpose envelope in the pews. Be
sure to mark it “door offering” so that it will be credited correctly.
August door offering collected for Habitat for Humanity, York $145.00
September door offering collected for Apple of His Eye $95.00
CHURCH USAGE must be coordinated with the Church office. Please make
sure you are checking with Susan to see if the room/area you are planning to
use for a meeting/event is available BEFORE you have the event planned.
STAYING CONNECTED

Did you know you can listen to the sermon or the entire service on our website?
Type www.StJohnYorkPa.com into your favorite browser, click on "Sermons." Enjoy!

If you are on Facebook, please “Like” the St. John page – it is
another way that we can share information and encouragement!
Just look for us at St. John Lutheran Church York, PA
Page 12
Lutheran Witness Subscriptions Anyone wishing to renew or start a subscription of the
Lutheran Witness Magazine should complete the form below and attach your payment
of $12.95. This can only be done through the church office. If interested, place this form
in an envelope with payment in the church office counter safe, or drop it in the offering
plate. Checks should be made out to St. John Lutheran Church. Thank you!
Name___________________________________________________________
Address_________________________________________________________
SEPTEMBER 2014 - (4 weeks)
Attendance
& Offering
09/07/14 ( 141, 73 )
09/14/14 ( 84, 77 )
09/21/14 (114, 84 )
09/28/14 ( 95, 96)
Direct Deposits August:
Thrivent Financial:
214
161
198
191
Monthly Sept 2014 Total
Monthly Sept 2013 Total
764 (4 wks)
926 (5 wks)
$25,556.18
$33,956.89
Weekly Average Sept 2014:
Weekly Average Sept 2013:
191 (4 wks)
185 (5 wks)
$6,389.05
$6,791.38
Weekly Needs:
Monthly Needs (4 weeks)
$ 7876.44
6022.63
7074.11
3921.00
540.00
142.00
$ 7,998.00
$31,992.00
Page 13
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD!
Since 1993, more than 100 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have
experienced God’s love through the power of simple shoebox gifts from Operation
Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse works with local churches and ministry partners
to deliver the gifts and share the life-changing Good News of Jesus Christ.
Between November 17 - 24 this year millions of shoe boxes will be collected to
share the message of Jesus Christ! Once again, St. John will be participating in this
project of bringing hope and joy to children in need around the world.
We will be supplying shoeboxes for you again this year, starting October 5th.
Let’s see if we can send 100 this year – in 2013 we sent off 77 boxes!
A great time to shop for your box might be right now with all of the sales going on!
The following is a list of suggested items.
Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals,
kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra
batteries), etc.
School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators,
coloring and picture books, etc.
Non-Liquid Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.
Accessories: t-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
Return your filled shoe boxes by Sunday, November 9th. Your shoebox is just
the first step to transforming a young life for eternity!
Please contact Deb Kingston at 741-4264 with any questions!
Page 14
Trunk or
Treat
e a t
Sunday, October 26 th 3:00 – 5:00 pm
What is it? – A “trick or treating” opportunity for the children of
St. John and the community AND a treat giving opportunity for adults!
It allows us to gather as a church family and provide a fun, safe and
secure Halloween environment for our children! There will also be a
costume parade, hayride, pumpkin painting, food and a special fun
children’s message from Pastor Cosgrove!
We Need! – CHILDREN 12 & under to come and “trunk” or treat
(Please be thoughtful of our younger children…
no scary or gory costumes.)
ADULTS to bring their cars and treats to pass out.
MAKE IT FUN…decorate your trunk for the occasion… bring a
Jack-o-lantern…wear a costume!
Instead of going house to house, children will go from car to car!
Adults will pass out treats from the trunk or tailgate of their vehicle.
All trunks need to be set up and ready to “treat” by 2:45 pm.
Sign up! - If you would like to participate by either providing your
“trunk” or if you plan to bring children, please call Bev Shellenberger
at 880-1859, email at [email protected],or sign up in the narthex!
Page 15
Children’s Sunday School Classes
Sunday School will be back for children of all ages! Our teachers have been working hard to
get ready! Now we just need your kids to come! You will find a listing of locations for the classes
in the Sunday bulletin. Classes begin at 9:45 and end at 10:45. Parents of the younger children
are asked to take them to and then pick them up from the classrooms. The following is a listing
of the age/grade groupings for this coming year.






Birth – under 2 year olds are welcome to come to the church nursery where they will be
cared for by Rachel Harascak and Lisa Schreiber. There will be a time of age appropriate
worship and learning!
2 - 3 year olds will gather with Abby Boudah, teacher and helpers, Angie Howard and
Rachel Peters.
4 yrs. to 1st grade Kindergarten will gather with Bev Shellenberger, teacher and Adelaide
Ward, helper for their worship and learning experience.
Grades 2 – 4 will meet with teachers, Matt Weir and Cyndi Sindlinger and helpers, Darlene
Weir and Todd Sindlinger for Bible learning and fun.
Grades 5 – 8 will meet in the Junior High Youth room with Lana Schafer and Tom Wolfgang
for faith enriching study and activities.
Grades 9 - 12 will meet in the Senior High Youth room with Ellen Keough and Kathy Mokris
In an effort to provide the best possible care and instruction for our children and youth, each
class will always have two adults present. All volunteers working with children will need background checks to ensure the safety of St. John’s children.
JOIN US FOR TRUNK OR TREAT!!
The Children’s Ministry team would like to invite you to bring your children ages 0-12, to our second
Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 26th at 3:00 p.m. at St. John Church. We would like to
encourage you to invite your family and friends to join you for this family fun event! Pre-registration
is requested, but not mandatory!




3:00 Registration
3:15 Costume Judging and an All Hallowed Tale with Pastor C
3:45 Hay Ride, Food, Craft
4:45 Trunk or Treat
TRUNKS AND CANDY NEEDED:
The Children’s Ministry team would like to encourage everyone to participate in our second Trunk or
Treat event. You can help by either providing your trunk, decorating of car trunk is encouraged, and
handing out candy of your choice to about 150-200 trunk or treaters or by simply donating bags of
Halloween candy! If you enjoy handing out candy on Halloween this is for you! All trunks should
be set up by 2:45 p.m. on October 26th. Please direct any questions to Bev Shellenberger at 880-1859
or [email protected] . Please sign up your trunk in the narthex! This event is going to be a
huge success with your support!
Page 16
SUNDAY ADULT EDUCATION - 10:00 am – 10:45 am
Please know that we have a strong desire for you to be with us for the Education
Hour on Sunday mornings! What a great time it is to learn more and grow in our faith.
It’s a great way to get to know other people and we always have coffee, tea, and hot
chocolate, and sometimes even goodies to eat!
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES
“God is Closer Than You Think,” a class about enjoying a vibrant, moment-bymoment relationship with your heavenly Father will be held in the Fellowship Hall
with Denise Wright. This DVD study by John Ortberg (author of “If You Want to
Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat”) is based on Scripture that
helps us to better pay attention to God and His presence in our daily lives.
“Proverbs and the Words of Jesus” a study with Al Oesterreich will be held in Adult
Classroom #1. The book of Proverbs is Old Testament wisdom literature. The
theme of Proverbs is stated again and again as, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” This study will look at intriguing parallels between some of the
Proverbs of Solomon and the words of Jesus as they provide timely wisdom for us
today.
COLLEGE ADDRESS UPDATE:
College Address Update:
University of Pittsburgh
Courtney Ross
Litchfield Tower C
Rm 1404
3990 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Page 17
A Candle Light Service of Remembrance
Sunday, November 9, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Once again, we invite you to attend this special service near All Saints’ Day when we take time to
remember those loved ones who have gone on ahead of us to be with Jesus. During this service
we listen to Scripture readings and sing hymns and songs that remind us of the hope that we have
in Christ our Savior. At one point we light candles from the Christ candle in memory of our dear
ones. That lighted candle that we each hold reminds us of the presence of Christ in our lives and
encourages us to be thankful for the blessings given to us through our loved ones.
We will be preparing a video presentation for this service. If you would like us to include a picture of
your loved one, please share a copy with Denise Wright. It would be most helpful to put the photograph in an envelope with your name; it’s also fine to send it electronically if you are able to do that.
It would be best to have pictures by October 26th.
You may want to come to this service for yourself or you may want to come to support others or to
remember those in our church family who have gone before us. Following the service we will enjoy
some light refreshments in the Fellowship Hall.
If you have any questions about this service, please contact Denise Wright.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Thank you to Marie Gruendler, Linda Schaefer, Adelaide
Ward, Donna Cook, Sally Zinn, Bob and Betty Sampsell,
Gary and Beth Graybill who continue to give of their time
volunteering in the office or assembling the bulletins for
the worship services. God has blessed me with your
help! God bless each of you! Susan
Page 18
GriefShare Ministry at St. John
GriefShare is a support group at St. John that offers
help and encouragement after the death of a spouse,
child, parent, family member, or friend. We meet in the
Fellowship Hall on Monday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30.
A new cycle is beginning on Monday, October 6th.
Each GriefShare session includes a video presentation and group discussion. (If you are not ready
to share, that’s fine too. Just come and listen!) The videos feature top experts on grief recovery as
well as real-life stories of ordinary people who have experienced losses like yours. There is a workbook that helps to reinforce the weekly video content; the suggested donation for the book is
$15.00. GriefShare is sponsored by people who understand what you are experiencing and want to
offer comfort and encouragement during this difficult time.
There is no time limit on grieving so this group is not limited to people who have lost a loved one just
recently. Your loss may have been a number of years ago and now may be just the right time for
you to come. Any member of our congregation is welcome, as well as anyone from our community.
Please help us to share this opportunity with any friends, neighbors, or co-workers you have who
are grieving. Brochures with more information will be available in the church narthex; please feel
free to take some to share.
Beginning on Monday, October 6th, we will begin using the newest edition of the GriefShare
materials. The updated version is excellent – if you have participated in GriefShare in the past and
would like to go through it again, please know that you would be very welcome.
The GriefShare Leadership Team is made up of Denise Wright, Linda Smeltzer, and Paul Grothe.
Please contact Denise with any questions. You can call the church office at 717-840-0382 or email
her at [email protected]
Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.
(Isaiah 40:31)
Dave Turner, a member of St. John, facilitates a ministry called “On Eagles Wings.” It is a
ministry that helps individuals deal with the spiritual aspect of cancer. It is a listening ministry
that simply enables people diagnosed with cancer a way to express their feelings. The
Mission Statement of the ministry is: “To share Gods love with those on the journey by
offering hope and compassion in a way that provides strength and well-being through mutual
trials and tribulations.” If you are interested in more information on how to help and support
this new ministry at St. John or would like to talk, please contact Dave Turner at
[email protected]
Page 19
The Holidays and Grief
Holidays are “supposed” to make us think of words like thankful, merry, and happy.
We’re “supposed” to think of them as the most wonderful time of the year, but the
thought of facing the holiday season can cause grieving people to wish they could
sleep from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving until January 2nd. Loss is always
hard, and at the holidays it can seem crushing. If you are grieving, or if you know
someone who is, please plan to attend “Surviving the Holidays,” a GriefShare
program that has been designed to help grieving people plan ahead for the holiday
season.
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Come on Monday, November 10th at 7:00 pm to the Fellowship Hall.
Watch a video presentation with practical advice about getting through the
holiday season.
Receive a Holiday Survival Guide which is filled with ideas and devotions.
Enjoy refreshments and conversation with others who understand.
Be reminded that it is normal to hurt but it is also possible to hope.
Know that it doesn’t matter how much time has gone by since your loss, just come!
If you know someone who is grieving, please bring them!
Happy Fall!
Page 20
Calling all KNITWITS!
Do you love to knit or crochet?
Would you like to learn?
We are starting a knitting ministry to help those in need.
We are off to a great start and would welcome anyone interested in learning to knit or
crochet as well as those with experience. The goal is that the items we make will be used to
give comfort and warmth to those in need. With every stitch we can give hope
to others. If interested join us on the third Monday of each month. For any
questions contact Colleen Loser, email at [email protected] or 757-5449.
ST. JOHN CRAFTERS
The St. John Crafters will meet on Monday, October 13th, Columbus Day, at
10:30 am to finish whatever needs to be done before the bazaar on November
8th. The wooden- slice snowmen and candy sleds and trains will be made and
the jewelry will be priced to sell. Just bring your tools and your snack/drink/
lunch and meet us in Adult Classroom #1.
to those who donated used costume jewelry to the St. John Crafters. We have cleaned,
repaired and re-purposed many of the pieces and we will be selling them at the bazaar. We appreciate
your generosity and support!
THANK YOU
Help is needed on Monday, November 3rd, 10:00am, to carry tables, craft items and decorations to the gym for the bazaar. Set-up will begin as soon as all things are in the gym and will
continue til Nov. 6th. Christmas trees must be assembled and decorated, chairs must be set up
and the kitchen must be prepped for Saturday, Nov. 8th. Please consider helping to make this
a successful event. It takes a congregation to pull this off! Any questions/comments, call Sue
Burwick @ 755-1336 or email [email protected].
Help is also still needed for food prep (baking and soup making), kitchen staff and raffle baskets. Without it we will lose 1/3 of our proceeds.
Page 21
St. John Lutheran Church
Holiday Bazaar
2580 Mt. Rose Avenue
York, PA 17402
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Bazaar Hours: 8:30 am to 2:30 pm
Spend time shopping at our bazaar, having lunch, snacking
on a baked good, or taking home a chicken BBQ dinner.
(Pre-order your dinner by calling 840-0382.)
You'll be sure to enjoy spending time with friends, browsing
the many vendor displays, and taking a chance
on winning a beautiful gift basket.
Items to look for:
Craft items, Home decor pieces, Ornaments,
Jewelry, Candles, Fragrance warmers, Sewn
items, Raffle baskets, New-to-You Items and much more!
Hope to see you there!
*Profits benefit St. John Youth Groups and Church Building Projects.
Page 22
All families with young children are invited to come to the City of David to experience
the birth of our Lord! Food (a hot breakfast) will be provided for all weary travelers on:
Saturday, December 20th, from 9-10:30 am in the Gym at St. John. Be prepared to
witness the arrival of the promised Savior!
Make your reservation by December 14th – more information about how to do this will
be available soon. The city will be crowded in December and lodging will be scarce.
Don’t be left out in the cold! Be warned that beggars will be in the area. Please bring
a non-perishable food item to share with them. Freewill offerings to offset the cost of
food and lodging will also be accepted.
(If you are interested in helping with this project, please contact Denise Wright at
[email protected] or 840-0382)
Page 23
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP IS BACK!!!
Our group meets monthly, typically on the third Sunday of each month from 6:30 - 8pm. Some
exceptions to these dates and times are made, so please watch your newsletters, emails and church
bulletins for info each month. We welcome all youth in grades 5-8, together with their friends to any
and all activities. LanaSchafer, our coordinator, relies upon the active participation by the parents
of our youth to make each get-together go smoothly. Lana’s email [email protected] .
Mark your calendars & invite friends to:
 October 19th - Noon to 4pm. OUTDOOR Laser Tag at Adventure Sports in Hershey. We'll
meet at church at 12:30 pm (leaving at 12:45). This is very similar to paint-ball, but safer and not
so painful (closed toed shoes required to play). Also, a $10.00 per person fee to help cover the
game will be collected from each person playing. Parent drivers for car pooling will be needed,
so please notify Lana (600-0283) if your parent can drive. We will return to the Church by 4:30
pm. (If weather does not allow for this outdoor activity, we will have activities in the gym.) Ck it
out at www.adventurehershey.com.
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP MEMBERS - Anyone in grades 9th through 12th are welcome to
Senior Youth Group events. Senior Youth Group meets the second and fourth Sundays of every
month from 6:30-8:30pm. Please feel free to bring your friends!
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October 12 – Regular Meeting 6:30 to 8:30
October 26 – Halloween Party & Man Hunt 6:30 to 8:30
November 8 – Serving Event - Holiday Bazaar – Sell and hand out Chicken BBQ dinners
(proceeds go towards the next National Youth Gathering trip) or volunteer to work a stand.
 November 9 – No meeting scheduled
Upcoming Events: Chicken BBQ Sale & National Youth Gathering Meeting
If you have any questions or need information, please contact Brian Sandhaus
[email protected], Jeff Himes Jeff [email protected], Kristen Himes
[email protected] or Ellen Keough [email protected].
Page 24
RED CROSS ITEMS NEEDED FOR FIRE VICTIM BASKETS:
Dish soap, toilet paper, paper towels, dish towels, pot scrubbers,
and kitchen sponges. Thank you in advance for your donations!
Giant & Weis Gift Cards:
The Social Concerns Team sells Giant and Weis gift cards and receives 5% profit from the sale of
each card. The money that is raised is used for Social Concerns Ministry projects. The cards are
available on Sundays for you to purchase in the church office and can be used not only for
personal use, but can also be a great way to reach out to a neighbor, co-worker or friend to say
thank you or as a random act of kindness. The gift cards can be bought with cash or check in
these denominations:
$10/ $20 / $25 / $50 / $100
Thank you for sharing your Love of Christ through this ministry!
Oktoberfest Dinner
Join us at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 2121 Roosevelt Ave., York for a German style
dinner on Saturday, Oct. 25th from 4 until 7 p.m. The menu will include brats, pork and sauerkraut, German potato dumplings, dessert and beverage. A children’s menu and carry-outs will
be available. Come listen to German music. Proceeds will benefit the York Rescue Mission
and Mission of the Good Shepherd-Belize, Central America. Advance tickets are available at
a reduced price. Call the church at 764-4746 for tickets and information.
Page 25
THANK YOU KINGDOM CLOSET VOLUNTEERS AND DONATORS!!!
199 people walked through our doors on Saturday September 20th who were
shopping for 333 family members. All of the donations and hours of help
setting up and cleaning up blessed St. John and the people served that day.
Many individuals were very thankful. So thank you people of St. John for
making our Kingdom Closet a success!!!
Marie Gruendler &
Adelaide Ward
Cindy & Charlie Walter
Kathy Mokris
Diane Mitchell
Allison Ross
Terri Hinckley
Rachel Peters
Ben Little
Joey Gaito
Fred Bahr
Julia Caralle
Diane Imler & Sally Zinn
Sylvia Gibson &
Brenda Youngman
Bob Sampsell*
Bob Fink
Shirl Fink
Benjamen Stambaugh
Paul Grove*
Robert George
Kollinn George
Adam Wiegandt
Jerry Cook
Dave Rhan
Jessi Fautch
Madi Shellenberger
Kristen Himes
Lea Youngman
Madi Shellenberger
Matthew Peters
Paul Grothe
Matthew Weir
George & Jane Kindon
Dave & Roxann Rhan
Bob Sampsell*
Bob Fink
Shirl Fink
Benjamen Stambaugh
Paul Grove*
Robert George
Kollinn George
Adam Wiegandt
Kathy Mokris
Beth Graybill
Doris & Julia Givens
Brooke Snyder
Cheryl Lapinski
Justine Ward
Gary Wise
Rick Dellinger
Brian Sandhaus
Doug Mueller
Al Mokris
Dave Ward
Bob & Jean
Grube
Natalie Sindlinger
Joey Gaito
Tom Wolfgang
Kyle Goodyear
Linda Smeltzer &
Ron Cosgrove
Beth & Gary Graybill
Bob Sampsell*
Bob Fink
Shirl Fink
Benjamen Stambaugh
Paul Grove*
Robert George
Kollinn George
Adam Wiegandt
Diane Imler
Dave Rhan
Barb Ross
Madi Shellenberger
Mark Chidester
Alex Shafer
Gary Wise
Rick Dellinger
Brian Sandhaus
Doug Mueller
Todd/Brandon Sindlinger
Mike Pearl
Offering
Counters
Acolyte
8:30 am
11:00 am
Nursery
11:00 am
Elders
8:30 am
Elders
11:00 am
8:30 am
11:00 am
Audio & Video
Nursery
8:30 am
Guest Recep.
8:30 am
11:00 am
Ushers
11:00 am
Ushers
8:30 am
Greeter
8:30 am
11:00 am
Lector 8:30
11:00 am
Todd/Brandon Sindlinger
Mike Pearl
Brian Sandhaus
Doug Mueller
Gary Wise
Rick Dellinger
Matthew Peters
Marjorie Van Ness
Cindy Ward
Lou & Julia
Caralle
Dave & Roxann
Rhan
Dave & Cindy Ward
Altar Guild
Al Mokris
Dave Ward
Brian Sandhaus
Doug Mueller
Gary Wise
Rick Dellinger
Tom Wolfgang
Bob Sampsell*
Bob Fink
Shirl Fink
Benjamen Stambaugh
Paul Grove*
Robert George
Kollinn George
Adam Wiegandt
Nick Gaito
Sarah Peters
Doug Mueller
Dave & Cindy Ward
Dave & Cindy Ward
Door Offering Sunday
Dave & Cindy Ward
October 26
October 19
October 12
October 5
SERVING
YOU