1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

THE MAST
St. John’s Lutheran Church
December 2014
The Mission of St. John’s Lutheran Church:
● Draw people into the body of Christ
● Nurture each other with love and support
● Serve Christ and others
113 Lotus Street, Dover, DE 19901
302-734-7078
www.stjohnsdover.com
Page 2
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Announcements
Worship Notes
There are a lot of exciting things going this month in
worship.
and will talk about how to implement that in our daily
lives.
General Notes
Habitat for Humanity Build: Our make up date is
January 31st. We will, again, need 15 volunteers to
Advent Worship Schedule: Mid-week Advent
build and we will be providing lunch for
services begin on Wednesday, December 3. Each
approximately 40 people. Sign-up sheets are in the
Wednesday in Advent you will have two worship
opportunities. There will be a new service during the Narthex.
noon hour which will begin at 12:15 P.M.. This will be
a short service that is perfect for those who want to Prayer for the Ministry: Thank you to everyone who
have a time of worship over their lunch break. It also participated in this important event. The next one will
works well for those who do not like to drive at night. take place on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 7:00
p.m. Please plan on coming and spending some
There will also be a Wednesday evening service
time in prayer as we seek the Lord’s will and
which will begin at 7:15 P.M. Come to one or both
and use these times of worship to prepare your heart guidance.
for the celebration of Christmas. This season, our
theme is Simply Advent. We will be focusing on the Catechism Instruction: It is not too late to participate.
Catechism instruction takes place on Wednesday
readings assigned for the Sundays in Advent.
evenings from 6:30 to 7:00. Confirmation is open to
Sundays will feature the Gospel reading, and
fifth graders and up. If you have questions, or would
Wednesdays the Epistle readings. We will also
like more information please see Pastor CJ.
emphasize the Advent themes of waiting and
expectation. With all the wonderful business that
Middle School/ High School Bible Study: All middle
comes with this time of the year, it is nice to have
school and high school students are invited to join
something simple to help us prepare our hearts for
Pastor CJ for a Bible study on Wednesday evenings
the great celebration of the birth of our Lord.
from 7:00 to 8:00. In our time together we will be
studying books of the Bible, what Lutherans believe,
Adult Bible Study
why our faith is relevant today, how to live out your
The Texts of Advent and Christmas: As a way of
enhancing the worship services this Advent season, faith, and other topics that are of importance and
we will explore the texts assigned for the season of interest. All students grades five through twelve are
Advent. Each week we will take a detailed look at the welcome to participate.
texts for the upcoming week. This will provide you
with the opportunity to reflect on the texts throughout SAVE THE DATE
30 Hour Famine: This is a very meaningful, fun, and
the week, and to be able to have a greater
special event for all middle school and high school
appreciation for them as they are used in the
students. The theme is Make the Fight Your Own.
worship services.
The date is Friday and Saturday, February 27 and
The S-word: Beginning Sunday, January 11, 2015 a 28, 2015. More information will follow soon.
new Bible study on stewardship will begin. We often
talk about it as if it were a bad word, but stewardship Mystery Dinner: Great news. Another mystery dinner
is just around the corner. The date is Saturday,
is a wonderful concept that gives us an important
March 28. Put it on your calendar and expect a
framework which helps us to live out our faith. This
class will look at the biblical teaching on stewardship unique and fun evening. More clues to follow.
December 2014
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Letter from the president
Pastor’s Column
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. I
don’t know about you, but I certainly feel that way.
However, I’m not talking about the lights, carols,
and festively-colored cups from your favorite overpriced coffee shop. Those things are well and good,
and I do enjoy them. But right now, we are in the
season of Advent.
The season of Advent is a season of waiting
and expectation. It is a time for us to prepare our
hearts for the celebration of Christmas. While we
are preparing for the celebration of his first coming,
we are also mindful of his second coming.
So, how do we prepare our hearts? One way
is for us to reflect on and understand our need for
God’s presence in our lives. We live in a world that
is broken. We live in a creation that is plagued by
sin, death, and the devil. We struggle with this all
the time. It is a reality from which we are unable to
free ourselves. So our prayer in the midst of this is,
“Lord, come save us.”
In praying this prayer, we also realize that
God indeed has saved us in Jesus. So the second
way that we prepare our hearts is to see and look at
how God has saved us from sin, death, and the
devil through Jesus’ perfect life, death, and
resurrection. In seeing God’s work in our lives in
this way, we find hope, peace, and confidence in
knowing that our Lord will keep his promises to
return. On the great day of his return, we will see
his kingdom in the fullness of all of its glory and
splendor.
In seeing God’s work in our lives through
salvation, our eyes are also opened to see all the
ways that he is present and working in our daily
lives. Seeing God’s presence in our lives, then
moves us to love and service as we seek to point
others to the one who breaks into our broken world
to heal and to save.
The season of Advent captures our sense of
longing for God to break into our lives and world
and right all the wrongs. This is the same kind of
longing with which Israel longed for God to send the
Messiah. Now, we again long for his return as we
pray, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!” This
season reminds us that God does come into our
lives. We may not always see it, but he is there. He
is active. Advent gives us a time to pause and look
and see that God is active in our midst.
The season of Advent is four weeks long.
The time is marked through the lighting of the
Advent wreath. Each week, a new candle is lit as
we make our way closer and closer to the
celebration of the birth of our Lord. Each week
carries a specific theme that expresses the longing
and hope of the Advent season. This season is one
that is a little more somber and reflective. This is
best expressed in the Advent hymn O Come, O
Come, Emmanuel. The color of the season is blue.
This color is the symbol of hope and anticipation.
The four candles on the wreath have
different meanings. Each one guides our thoughts
and meditations through the weeks of Advent. The
first candle is the hope candle. The second is the
peace candle. The third is the joy candle. The final
candle is the love candle.
The middle candle in the wreath is the Christ
candle. We light that on Christmas day. With the
lighting of that candle, the Christmas season
begins. It is a very short season. It is only twelve
days long. This length of time is what is great about
the Christmas season. While the rest of the world is
busy putting away the decorations, special music,
and festively-colored coffee cups, we get to take
time and reflect on the significance of what it means
that God became a human being. God became one
of us. He became one of us because he loves us so
much. He became one of us so that he could save
us. He became one of us so that we would have in
him the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.
This season really is the most wonderful time
of the year. Because in this season, we reflect on
and remember the wonderful things that are God
does for us, and the wonderful gifts that he gives to
us in Jesus. Have a blessed Advent and a very
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Pastor CJ
St. John’s Lutheran Church
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Thrivent News
On November 9, Don Petersen was
presented a plaque with his name engraved
on it and a $50 check from Thrivent. Don
was recognized as St. John’s Thrivent
Volunteer of the year for 2014 because he
gives generously of his time to our youth, to
our congregation and to our pastor. He is a
tireless and dedicated servant of Christ and
a respected member of St. John’s.
Don is currently serving as St. John’s
Mission Leadership Board President.
During 2013 and 2014, he led the call
process for St. John’s to call our new
pastor. He worked tirelessly to see that the
process went smoothly and also worked
hard to keep the congregation apprised of
each step along the way in selecting our
new pastor.
Don has been an active leader of our
Youth Group Ministry for twelve years. The
youth of St. John’s as well as youth from the
community meet two times a month for an
evening of devotions, games, socializing and
eating. The leaders involve the youth in church
activities, fundraising, and community outreach
projects. Don and Sharon open their home
and swimming pool to the youth several times
during the summer months.
Don is a Service Assistant on many
Sundays. He works the soundboard during
service and helps keep St. John’s technology
up to date.
During his many years at St. John’s,
Don has participated in and supported Thrivent
-sponsored activities and fundraisers.
St. John’s Thrivent advocates are proud
to recognize Don as Thrivent Volunteer of the
Year.
Pastor CJ added the following additional
comments about Don:
“Don Peterson has a servant’s heart.
Time and time again, I have seen him go
above and beyond the call of duty. He is the
finest congregational president I have ever
worked with. Don doesn’t just delegate tasks
to others. Instead, he gets down into the
proverbial ditches to lead by example. He is a
man of great faith who is trustworthy and a fine
example of living out the Christian faith. St.
John’s is very blessed to have Don in our midst
and serving us. I give thanks for him, for his
leadership among us, and for the opportunity to
partner with him in ministry. God bless you,
Don.”
December 2014
Page 5
Letter from the president
Letter from the President
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
December is upon us. That means
decorations around the house, neighborhood
and church. It means the smells of pine from
the Christmas tree and wreaths. The sweet
smells of baking cookies and pies. It is a time
we use to remember the special times of
Christmas past. Shopping for those special
gifts for those that we love. It is important that
we don’t let the things of this world get in the
way of remembering the true reason for the
season … The celebration of the birth of our
Lord Jesus Christ!
At the last Mission Leadership Board
meeting we appointed two new members to the
School Board …. Welcome Marlys Natonick
and Avery Fairbanks!!
The MLB also decided that we will not
be meeting in December. The next scheduled
MLB meeting is January 26th @ 7 pm in the
church basement.
What else? Tree and church decorating
on December 5th starting at 6 pm … come on
out and help … youth group will also feed you :
-)
January 31st is the rescheduled Habitat
for Humanity work project …
There are always opportunities to serve.
Keep an eye on the weekly news updates in
the bulletin … some of the projects will have
shorter notifications.
Where can you be the hands and feet of
God?
We are still trying to update our Shepherd
Staff database. In order to help get news
out to you quickly, please email Mary Lou
Jackson (church secretary)
[email protected]
Current Mission Leadership Board
members and their term:
President: Don Petersen 2012-2015
([email protected]);
Vice-President: Bob Benton 2014—2017
([email protected])
Secretary: Scott Brown 2013—2016
([email protected]);
Treasurer: Donn Paulin 2014—2017
([email protected])
At Large members: Elizabeth Stephens
2012-2015 ([email protected]);
Gene Lohrmann (2014) 2012—2015
Marlys Natonick 2013—2016
([email protected]);
Parks Holt: (2014) 2013—2016
([email protected])
George Price 2014—2017
([email protected])
Non-Voting Members: Pastor Dr. CJ
Ransdell ([email protected]);
Dr.Dina Vendetti ([email protected]);
Mary Williams ([email protected])
SAVE THE DATE WITNESS TRAINING WORKSHOP SATURDAY April 18, 2015, 10AM TO 2PM THE MISSION LEADERSHIP BOARD WOULD LIKE TO HOLD A SECOND WITNESS TRAINING WORKSHIP. THE WORKSHOP LAST SPRING WAS WELL RECEIVED AND MANY THOUGHT IT WOULD BE GOOD TO HOLD A FOLLOW UP WORKSHOP. THIS WORKSHOP WILL FOCUS ON THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF FAITH SHARING AND TO HELP YOU FIND THE STYLE THAT FITS YOUR PERSONALITY GOD’S LOVE IS MEANT TO BE SHARED AND IT IS
TIME TO TELL YOUR STORY, THE STORY OF
JESUS AT WORK IN YOUR LIFE. WHO WOULD
YOU LIKE TO TELL THAT STORY TO?
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 6
What’s Happening?!
F RO M T H E O F F I C E O F D R . D I NA C A RO L V E N D ET T I , P R I N C I PA L
A N D S U D D EN LY T H E R E WA S W I T H T H E A N G E L A M U LT I T U D E O F
T H E H EAV EN LY H O ST P RA I SI N G G O D A N D S AY I N G , “ G L O RY TO
G O D I N T H E H I GH E ST , A N D O N EA RT H P EA C E A MO N G T H O S E
WITH WHOM HE IS PLEASED! ” LUKE 2 : 1 3 - 1 4
So, the “word of the day” in my classroom
today is “multitude.” When I asked the
students to surmise about what the word
meant, they responded with “a lot,” “many,”
“tons,” “a bunch,” “a great crowd.” And finally,
one 7th grader simply said, “You know, Dr. V., a
multitude… like the heavenly host!” The word
multitude is from the middle English which was
derived from the Latin (of course!) multus
which means “many.” We use the word in a
multitude of ways… but mostly to refer to large
groups of people.
So, what about that heavenly host? The
mere mention of them has now propelled our
thoughts from “all things Thanksgiving” to “all
things Christmas.” One little reference to the
heavenly host almost immediately catapults us
into a field on a hillside outside Bethlehem in
the dark of night. The light “baa-ing sounds
from the sheep are settling both them and the
shepherds in for a peaceful sleep under the
stars when an unannounced visitor approaches
with a message that will forever the change the
universe: “For unto YOU is born this day a
Savior…” And before enough time has passed
to even process the announcement, here
comes the multitude of the heavenly host…
WOW! That heavenly host, that extraordinary
army of angels, had waited for centuries to
deliver this news. And finally, the time was
right, the day had come… can you and I even
imagine their excitement??!?! Their joy must
have been overwhelming as they witnessed
how God fulfilled His amazing plan for salvation
by sending His only Son to be born as a baby.
The multitude of angels must have sung a
multitude of praises with a multitude of mouths
that were wearing a multitude of smiles and
hearts filled with a multitude of thanks. Again I
say, “WOW!”
As we prepare for the celebration of
Christmas, we, too, witness multitudes.
Multitudes of people at the mall, multitudes of
requests written on multitudes of lists
addressed to Santa, multitudes of plans,
multitudes of cookies, multitudes of television
specials, multitudes of opportunities to
celebrate. And in the midst of our celebration,
we are well aware of the multitudes of people
who have yet to hear the good news of Jesus –
there are still multitudes who need to know that
they need a Savior and that they have one.
Let’s join together on a mission – you and me –
let’s join together as the multitude of angels on
that first Christmas night. Let’s share the
message that indeed is the best news in the
entire world. Let’s sing our songs and shout
our praises – let’s announce to the world once
again (just like that original multitude) that a
Savior has been born… and let’s announce it
with the enthusiasm one has when announcing
something for the very first time – because, for
some who hear, this may be the very first time
they really understand! How cool is that?!
December 2014
Page 7
Letter from the president
Here’s What’s Happening!
1. Christmas practice… art projects… the
tree farm… decorations… getting
ready… this is what December looks like
at St. John’s School! We are Advent
people – people who are spending all of
their time preparing for the coming of
our Savior Jesus!!!
2. The annual Christmas program will be
held on Thursday evening, December
18th, at 7 pm at Wyoming Church. All
are invited to attend this enthusiastic
celebration of the birth of Jesus! Please
make plans to join us for this special
event.
3. Our kids are singing all over town this
month! Our older students will be
singing at the lighting of the city
Christmas tree on Thursday, December
4th, at City Hall. Our students will be
singing at Heritage Assisted Living on
December 15th – our whole school will
be going over to Heritage to share with
them our Christmas program. Our
students will also be singing again this
year at the Capital City Rotary Club on
Thursday, December 11th.
4. School will be closed for Christmas
break from noon on Friday, December
19th, through Monday, January 5th.
Prayer Requests: Prayers of thanks for
the amazing things that our students and
children learn from each other every
day, prayers of thanks for our parents
who so faithfully volunteer at our school,
prayers of thanks for all of our veterans,
prayers of thanks for successful surgery
for Deaconess Sally Hiller, prayers for
an educational leader in our community
who is struggling with a recurrence of
cancer, prayer that God will send us
more kids, and thanks for our many,
many blessings!
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 8
St. John’s Youth Group is open to all
youth in grades 5-12th. We offer a
wide variety of activities that are fun
for all!!
Youth Group gatherings are on the
first and third Fridays of the month
from 6-9:30pm. Dinner is served at
each gathering and is free.
Jesus is always present through
fellowship, games, discussions, and
lessons.
If you have any questions you may
contact Sharon Petersen at
[email protected].
You can also find our fb connection
through our website
www.stjohnsdover.com
December 2014
Page 9
Letter from the president
December Schedule
Friday, December 5th
Friday night Youth Group
DECORATING OF THE CHURCH
6:00 pm— 9:30 pm
(Youth Group is for any youth 5th grade and up.)
Sunday, December 7th
Pancake Breakfast
800 pm— 1030 am
Friday, December 19
Youth Group Christmas Party
6:00 pm—9:30 pm
Due to scheduling issues, there will be no Youth Group on January 2nd —nor pancake breakfast
January 4th
*Pancake Breakfast is a Youth Service Event. All Youth Group Children are asked to participate. We
need help setting up tables and chairs and taking down. We also need servers, cookers and
dishwashers. This is a free will offering event but quite often our generous customers donate above
and beyond. The money above the cost of the food goes toward providing meals for our Friday night
gatherings.
Come Join in the Fun—Not just Youth Group!!
December 5th
6:00-9:30
Dinner, snacks, games, tree trimming, crafts, and music.
This is open to all family’s. (Members and friends)
What to Bring….
Cut greens—enough to share with friends to make Christmas Center Pieces. Oasis ( The green spongy thing to put the cuttings into.)
and pie tins will be provided.
Email Sharon @[email protected] if you have any questions.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 10
ELC Report
B Y : M A RY W I L L I A M S , D I R E C TO R
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is
upon us. During this busy time it is easier than
ever to get wrapped up in the daily “to do” list.
The shopping, the baking, the wrapping, the
crafting, the decorating…it’s enough to make
your head spin! It is so important for us to all
pause each day and remember the real reason
we celebrate. We give gifts because the
Wisemen first gave to Jesus, we hang the star
on top of the tree because the star first shone
over the stable. Jesus is the REAL reason for
the season. Thank you God for the best
Christmas present ever given, your Son, Jesus
Christ.
Fours will bring Christmas Cheer to the
Residents of Green Meadows
The four-year-old classes will be sharing
cookie baskets and songs with the residents on
Thursday, December 4th. After their visit they
will have lunch at TGI Friday’s. We hope Santa
will be able to sneak away from his busy
schedule to pay them a visit!
E.L.C. Christmas Program on
Friday, December 19th 6:30 p.m. at
Wyoming Methodist Church
Come hear the story of Christmas through a
child’s eyes. Come early for a good seat!
Our Mitten Tree
During the holiday season, it is very important
Thanksgiving Feasts
Our annual Thanksgiving Feasts were a hit!
that our youngest members of the St. John’s
The children enjoyed some yummy pancakes, Family learn the true spirit of giving.
turkey sausage, oranges, homemade
Throughout the month of December, the E.L.C.
applesauce and muffins that each class made children will be collecting new gloves, mittens,
to share with their friends! The children were
and hats to donate to local children. We will be
so excited to share their yummy creations with decorating a Christmas tree with the donated
their friends. It was so sweet to see all of those items to watch and see how many items we
little ones praying, sharing and laughing
can collect. If you would like to make any
together.
donations toward this project, please drop them
off in the E.L.C. office. Thank you!
December 2014
Page 11
Letter from the president
Social Concerns
Caroling to Shut-ins – Sunday, December
14 – Meet at the Church at 4:00 PM
St. John’s will be caroling to shut-ins on
December 14 and we need you and your
beautiful voice to support this joyous time.
Transportation can be provided for those who
wish to participate but don’t drive at night.
After caroling everyone will congregate in the
church basement for a time of food and
fellowship. Look for the sign-up sheet in the
Narthex.
Baked Goods for Shut-ins
Christmas Caroling to shut-ins will take place
on Sunday, December 14 at 4:00 PM. The
carolers will be visiting about eleven shut-ins
and they would like to take each one a small
bag of fruit and homemade baked goods. We
are requesting help from St. John’s members
to bake some delicious homemade cookies,
brownies or small loaf breads for the “goodie”
bags. Please bring your baked goods and
fruits (apples or oranges) to the church
basement on Sunday, December 14. After
second service we will sort and bag up the
baked items and fruits; if you have a few
minutes to help, your assistance will be
welcomed.
St. John’s Adopted Family Program –
Christmas 2014
Social Concerns Ministry of St. John’s is aware
of families who need assistance and this
Christmas Season we would like to provide
Christmas gifts to those five families (13
children and 6 adults). Our Christmas tree will
be decorated with “gift tags” and each tag will
provide a gift idea such as a toy, clothing or gift
card that you can purchase for a child or an
adult. On November 30 and December 7 (after
church service) you can participate by selecting
a tag from the tree and purchasing the gift
listed on the tag. Please wrap the gift and
secure the “gift tag” to the outside of the
package. Bring your gift to church no later
than December 14 and place it under our gift
tree. If you would prefer to make a donation, a
basket will be placed under the tree for that
purpose.
An expression of our gratitude for our many
blessings is to help those in need. Thank you
for sharing your many blessings with our
adopted families.
Vacation Bible School
Our first VBS 2015 meeting was a
success! We were able to get a lot of things
decided and discussed many ideas that we will
need to revisit at our next meeting. With the
holidays, and the expected arrival date of our
VBS information, we have decided to hold off
meeting again until January 18, again after the
fellowship luncheon.
Here are some of the things we decided:
•
When: August 11-13, 5:00—7:30pm
• Theme: Everest
• Collections: Non-perishables for St. John’s
pantry, leashes and collars for SPCA, and
gloves/scarves/hats for Code Purple
With that said, after Christmas would be the
perfect time to start grabbing up the items
listed above and any snow/mountain
decorations, crafts, ect. for the Everest theme!
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 12
LWML
In case you missed it, we’re in the midst of a
month long fundraiser called “Donating Dollars
For Kids”, otherwise known as, the “D D 4 K
Project”. The monies received will go toward
the St. John’s School Scholarship Fund.
Although thankfully their mission grant request
was approved at the district convention in
September, as #10 on the list, the actual
funding through Mite Offerings can take up to
two years before it is received here. The need
is immediate as well as long range, with a goal
of offering scholarships to children who would
otherwise not be able to attend a Christian
school. So here’s how “D D 4 K” works. Using
the beautifully crafted quilt donated by Linda
Barlow, for each donation, the person will
receive a ticket or tickets to enter into a
drawing for the quilt. The winning ticket will be
drawn at the December Fellowship Luncheon
on 12/21/14. Of course, we hope you will
attend the fellowship luncheon, but, you do not
have to be present in order to win. So far the
response has been enthusiastic. A one sweet
lady had a brilliant idea!
She made a donation and
gave the tickets to
someone special in a
birthday card. Tell your
friends, tell your neighbors, spread the word
(and while you’re at it, spread The Word).
More complete details can be obtained from
the St. John’s website under Groups – LWML,
or the LWML Rep who will be available with the
stub box and ticket packets in the back of the
church after each Sunday worship service until
the luncheon.
Finally, by the time you receive this message
the beauty of the Nativi *Tea will be upon us.
In anticipation of the celebration of God’s love
through the birth of Christ, our Savior, it is our
hope that each reader will be sure to take daily
quiet time to reflect…renew…rejoice… and rest
in the blessings of His love during this Advent
Season.
Code Purple
As a result of the recent frigid weather Code
Purple Kent County has sent out two
informational flyers. At their request, we are
posting it for your information. Please read
them carefully. After discussion with Pastor CJ,
it was agreed that at this point in time, our
participation as a congregation will be for
individual consideration only, not an LWML
project. Anyone interested in volunteering or
donating to Code Purple should contact the
numbers listed in the flyers and make their own
arrangements. That being said, there will be a
purple box in the narthex to receive any small
items that you wish to donate but cannot
deliver yourself. Increased publicity has helped
get the word out to more people but the need is
still great. In this area, when Code Purple is in
effect, purple lights or purple flags are
indicators at Legislative Hall, the Kent County
Building and Courthouse, the Library and the
James Williams Service Center so that the
homeless persons will know they can seek
shelter. To offer your assistance please
contact them directly at:
[email protected]
Facebook- Code Purple Kent County
or call 1-800-733-6816.
December 2014
Page 13
Letter from the president
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 14
Stephen Ministry
S TAY I N G WA R M W I T H S T EP H EN M I N I ST RY
One of the problems of writing a monthly
article is that I'm writing for a month that isn't
here yet. Ordinarily that isn't a problem, but
this month it is. We are going to be celebrating
Stephen Ministry Sunday in a few weeks.
Since I can't talk about how great it was, let me
just say thank you. Thank you to Pastor CJ for
acknowledging the Stephen Ministry team with
certificates and making it personal by thanking
each Stephen Minister who has ever servedthat's 15 people in our congregation. On
behalf of the Stephen Ministry team, I also
want to thank you, the congregation as well for
your continued support through your prayers,
with recommendations of Stephen Ministry for
your friends, loved ones or someone you know.
Thank you also for the individual Stephen
Ministers (Coralie Starkey and John
Strausbaugh) who read for the bible readings
that day, the Stephen Ministers who were
Assistants (Sam Nickerson and John
Strausbaugh) and a special thank you to Barb
Impollonia for sharing a personal Stephen
Ministry story of how Stephen Ministry helped
her brother.
Now, on to December and other relevant
Stephen Ministry news.
It always saddens me as a Stephen Leader
when we lose a valuable team member. This
time it's really personal. My husband, Ron,
after 13 ½ years serving as a Stephen Minister
--and remember that Stephen Ministry is
usually a 2 year commitment--has decided to
step back. He has been a faithful care giver,
an insightful team member during our meetings
and he will be missed. Ron has agreed to be
an Elder and that will be his
focus.
As we head into the
Christmas Season, we as care givers, are ever
sensitive to those for whom this is not a joyful
time of year. When one's family member is
affected through a crisis, it's hard to summon
joy-the crisis is all-consuming one's time and
energy. Financial concerns are a by-product of
a crisis and as we are all aware, money is
tighter at this time of year for a variety of
reasons--not the least being our children and
their "wants vs. needs" issues. As lay people
who are concerned and empathetic with your
struggles to save face during this season of
joy, it is our prayer that you will call for a
Stephen Minister to help you to cope. A
Stephen Minister is a compassionate, nonjudgmental, confidential friend who will use his/
her 50 hours of training to you to sort out any
spiritual, emotional or physical problem that is
troubling you. He/She will help you to find a
reason to smile midst your pain. After all, a
Stephen Minister is a physical reminder that
God hasn't forgotten you.
Perhaps part of your pain has to do with
the fact that a friend or loved one in another
state is going through a crisis of some kind.
You wish you could be with him/her but cannot
for one reason or another.
Did you know that if you can't be there, we in
Stephen Ministry can send a faithful caring
friend on your behalf? Because we are part of
a national Stephen Ministry network, we have
access to any church across the country-not
Continued on the next page
December 2014
Page 15
Letter from the president
S T EP H EN M I N I ST RY C O N T I N U E D
just Lutheran, but over 100 Christian religionsthat has a Stephen Ministry program in it? All
you would have to do is tell your friend or loved
one about Stephen Ministry (take a brochure
from the pew if you don't know what to say),
and once you get that person's permission, get
their zip code and call me (Helen Morella, or
the church office-302-734-7078). I will call our
headquarters in St. Louis and take care of the
rest. It would be the best gift you can give
someone who needs you.
results. Conversely, I've received requests
from Stephen Leaders from around the country
looking for a Stephen Minister in Dover!
Hurting people needn't be alone-joyless and
suffering. Give them the priceless gift of a
loving, Christian friend who can "be there" for
them when you cannot. This service, by the
way, is not only offered at Christmas time, but
also, throughout the year.
Help us to give hope to those who are
suffering so that they too can be filled with
Over the 8 years that Stephen Ministry
peace this Christmas and truly share Christmas
has been in our congregation, I've gotten 4 or 5 joy. On behalf of the Stephen Ministry team
requests from congregants to help friends or
(Sam, Myrland, Teresa, Jeanette, Parks, Ray,
loved ones across the country. In almost all of John and Barb), I wish you a very Blessed and
the cases, the results were met with positive
Joy-filled Christmas.
Elder Information
St. John’s is now served by 7 Elders approved
by the congregation, but what do Elders do?
Below are three aspects of the Elders’ roles.
• The called pastor and the elders work
together to care for the spiritual needs of
the congregation (see Lutheran
Cyclopedia)
• The duties of the elders help to support
the pastor in taking care of the spiritual
needs of the congregation
• The elders also help provide a line of
defense against false teaching in the
church (1 Thess. 5:21 & Romans 5:2)
Elder
Phone #
Alphabet
Ron Morella
(302) 697-9382 A – Ch
John Strausbaugh (302) 697-3166 Cl – Hay
Rick Murphy
(302) 678-9207 Haz – Ke
Ken Richter
(302) 632-1013 Ki – More
Below are the names and phone numbers of
Roger Hazzard
the Elders appointed by the members of St.
John’s. Next to each name and phone number
Shirley Judd
is the range of the alphabet (by last names)
that each Elder has been assigned to help with
prayers, questions, concerns, . . . Elders will
Lois Driftmyer
periodically make calls and try to reach each
family/person on their list. Please feel free to
contact your or any Elder if a need arises.
(302) 697-9661 Morr-Richa
(302) 697-7618 Richt-Schn
(410) 482-6445 Scho – Z
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 16
SCHOOL MINISTRY PRAYER SUPPORT
Have you chosen the name of someone who is integral to our school
mission. Each and every staff person needs one of us praying for
them. Please look at the Tri-fold in the Narthex of the church and
choose a name for whom to pray.
GOD THANKS YOU!
FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON
Hang your hope on Jesus!!! As advent and Christmas draw
near, as we begin hanging wreathes, lights, ornaments, cards and
other decorations, remember to hang your hope on Jesus. His
promises never fail.
Our fellowship luncheon will be held on Sunday, December
21st, after the late service. We pray that you will take time to join us
for this special Christmas Luncheon. Bring something to share if you
can. Suggestions are: salads, sandwiches, crock-pot meals, fruit,
beverages, desserts and snacks such as chips, pretzels, cheese and
crackers, jell-o, snack mixes, etc. Come and enjoy the festivities,
fellowship and fantastic food!
As a new year approaches, remember to “Hang your hope on
Jesus.” Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
ST. JOHN’S MEN’S GROUP
Dear Friends
The next gathering of the St John’s Men’s Group will be Monday
December 15, 2014 at 7pm at the home of Jane and Ray Richter. It
will be a Christmas party to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In addition to
the celebration we will have a short Bible Study. And you are
welcome!
Our study for this night will be Chapter 8 of the Book of Daniel. Daniel
can give us peace and hope as we see his prophecy having been
accurately fulfilled and realize that God is still in control and faithful to
his people.
Please consider joining us in the celebration and bible study. Bring
your spouse or friend and a hors d'œuvre to share.
If you would like to come RSVP to Ray Richter at [email protected]
or 632 3841.
December 2014
Page 17
Letter from the president
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
We meet at 3:00pm Thursday afternoons with a Book Bible study
for women in the basement of the church. :-)
Be filled with God's Word in the middle of the week! :-)
Hinds Feet on High Places
by Hannah Hurnard
Habakkuk 3:19 and Psalm 18:33
Any questions? Do not hesitate to call Marlys Natonick (302) 422-1806
CAMERA CLUB
The Camera Club will meet the first Monday of every month at 7:00p.m. in
the church basement. (Notice this a new day) This past year we have
enjoyed the helpful DVD lecture series Fundamentals of Photography by
Joel Sartore a National Geographic Magazine photographer. I think most of
our members have found it useful to learn about and use information about
aperture, shutter speed, depth of field, low light photography, macro
photography, . . . Remaining topics in this series include: Work Flow and
Organization, Editing, and Telling a Story with pictures. A new DVD series
which we will start next March is entitled Masters of Photography. The
lessons take us into the world of 12 legendary photographers who have
covered the globe for National Geographic magazine. It is never too late to
join us to explore the wonderful world of photography.
P.S. if you are interested in borrowing any part of Fundamentals of
Photography you are welcome to do so.
ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN
Orphan Grain Train Mid-Atlantic Division has been provided a
challenge that is too good to pass up. EVERY DOLLAR OGT RAISES UP
TO $5,000 WILL BE MATCHED!!! That’s right, when you send in your check
for $5 it becomes $10, $50 becomes $100, $250 becomes $500 . . .
This “challenge” is for all new money raised by December 8. You can give
your contribution to Roger Hazzard or send your checks, made out to
ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN MID-ATLANTIC DIVISION to:
CHRIST MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (Attn: OGT)
89 LINE ROAD
MALVERN, PA 19355
Your contributions will allow OGT Mid-Atlantic to maintain warehouse
operations and more importantly send shipments of clothing and other items
to people in need throughout the world and the U.S.
The last update I got from the OGT Mid-Atlantic Director (Cliff Kraft)
indicated that over $4,000 has been raised (as of November 20). With your
generous gifts we can make our goal.
“. . . I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of
these brothers of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 18
Birthdays
Debra Price
12/1
Robert Pekrul
12/12
Mary Wood
12/20
Sharon Allgor
12/2
Kathleen Rogers
12/12
Martin Dudai
12/21
Sam Gibson
12/2
Mason Phinney
12/13
Sophia Moreau
12/21
Kyryn Messick
12/2
James Ray
12/14
Robbi Duke
12/23
Kathy Walther
12/2
Lanie Hazzard
12/15
Raymond Richter
12/23
Jonathan Gemmill
12/3
Camron Howdershelt
12/15
Kyle Keirns
12/25
Vicki Hoover
12/3
Chelsea Lopez
12/15
Liam Keirns
12/25
Ryann Hammond
12/6
Kyle Parks
12/16
Gavin Morris
12/26
Barbara Impollonia
12/6
Nathan Reid
12/16
Peggy Angel
12/28
Kenneth Pressley
12/6
Cathee Smith
12/16
Patrick Dezur
12/28
Lily Kopinke
12/8
Jeff Hartz
12/17
Hannah Kasten
12/28
Wilmer Schott
12/8
Adam Tucholski
12/18
John Strausbaugh
12/28
Theresa Daniels
12/9
Elizabeth Williams
12/18
Oliver Sutton
12/28
Alexis Los
12/9
Stevie Glover II
12/19
Mallory Mason
12/29
Ronan McCoy
12/10
Nathan Fairbanks
12/20
Paige Holloway
12/30
Lauren Dudai
12/12
Elisabeth Kersey
12/20
Travis Holloway
12/30
Brady Hawlk
12/12
Rachelle Miclette
12/20
Lorie Paulin
12/31
Anniversaries
William & Margaret Clarke
Charles & Dorothy Overmiller
William & Melissa Cullen
12/5
12/21
12/22
Tom & Cathee Smith
Tim & Melissa Frie Sr.
Nathan & Rachelle Miclette
12/26
12/28
12/28
Richard & Linda Barlow
Fred & Judi Richter
12/29
12/29
Service Assistant Schedule
Readers and Assistants: If you will not be able to serve as scheduled please call Ray Richter Ph:674-4248
Ushers: If you will not be able to serve as scheduled please call Donn Paulin, Ph:678-2340
12/7 Usher
Reader
Assistant
Early
Richard Barlow
Phil Livingston
Linda Barlow
Barbara Impollonia Lois Driftmyer
Rick Murphy
Jean Betley
Eric Stephens
12/14 Usher
Reader
Assistant
Jonathan Hesterman Chuck Hadley
Coralie Starkey
Roger Hazzard
Stephan Siok
Bob Benton
Tom Smith
Donn Paulin
12/21 Usher
Reader
Richard Barlow
Christine Siok
Linda Barlow
Donn Paulin
John Strausbaugh
Betty Paulin
Ray Richter
Sam Nickerson
Ken Richter
Rick Murphy
Chuck Hadley
Ray Richter
Roger Hazzard
Ray Richter
John Strausbaugh
Rose Bryan
Don Petersen
Pam Strausbaugh
Assistant
12/28 Usher
Reader
Assistant
Lois Driftmyer
Late
Barry Bliem
Elizabeth Stephens
Lyn Benton
Betty Paulin
Jean Betley
December 2014
SUN
MON
TUE
8:00am—Early Service
9:15am—Adult Bible Study
9:15am—Sunday School
10:30am—Late Service
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
1
7:00PM—CAMERA
CLUB
2
6:30PM—NATIVITEA
3
9:00AM—OGT
12:15PM—ADVENT
6:30PM—
CATECHISM
7:15PM—ADVENT
4
3:00PM—
WOMEN’S BIBLE
STUDY
6:15PM—BELLS
7:30PM—CHOIR
5
9:00AM—OGT
6:00PM—YOUTH
GROUP
6:00PM—
DECORATING OF
THE TREE
6
8
7:00PM—SCHOOL
BOARD MEETING
9
6:30PM—GIRL
SCOUTS
10
9:00AM—OGT
12:15PM—ADVENT
6:30PM—
CATECHISM
7:15PM—ADVENT
11
12
9:00AM—OGT
13
14
15
4:00PM—
7:00PM—MEN’S
CAROLING TO
GROUP
SHUT-INS
4:00PM—BAKED
GOODS FOR
SHUT-INS
4:00PM—
ADOPTED
FAMILY
COLLECTION
ENDS
16
17
9:00AM—OGT
12:15PM—ADVENT
6:30PM—
CATECHISM
7:15PM—ADVENT
19
20
9:00AM—OGT
6:00PM—YOUTH
GROUP CHRISTMAS
PROGRAM AT
WYOMING CHURCH PARTY
6:30PM—ELC
CHRISTMAS
PROGRAM AT
WYOMING CHURCH
21
12:00PM—
FELLOWSHIP
LUNCHEON
12:00PM—
DD4K WINNER
OF THE QUILT
ANNOUNCED!
22
23
24
9:00AM—OGT
3:15PM—
CHRISTMAS EVE
6:30PM—
CATECHISM
7:15PM—
CHRISTMAS EVE
11:00PM—
CHRISTMAS EVE
28
29
30
31
9:00AM—OGT
7
9:15AM—
PANCAKE
BREAKFAST
18
7:00PM—SCHOOL
CHRISTMAS
SCHOOL CLOSED
UNTIL 1/5/15!
25
26
9:00AM—OGT
DecemberReadings
December 7
Isaiah 40:1-11
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8
December 21
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
December 14
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
December 24, Christmas Eve
Isaiah 52:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-6 (7-12)
John 1:1-14 (15-18)
December 28
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40
27
THE MAST
Rev. Dr. Charles E. (CJ) Ransdell, Jr., Pastor
Email: [email protected]
Office Phone: (302) 734-7078
The ship is the symbol of St. John’s Lutheran Church. The symbol of the ship with a cross
on the sail represents the church. The word “nave” is derived from the Latin word meaning ship. As all in the ark of Noah were saved from the flood, so the ship of the church
carries people to salvation in Christ (1 Peter 3: 18-21). The eagle on the bow of the ship is
symbolic of St. John the Evangelist.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
St. John’s Lutheran Church
113 Lotus St.
Dover DE 19901
DOVER, DELAWARE
PERMIT NO. 150
PAID
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE