AN AMAZING LENT
This year the season of Lent begins on February 17th, Ash Wednesday. On that day we will join with the church around the world in embarking upon 40 days of spiritual preparation so that we may come to a faithful remembrance of our Lord's death on the cross and a joyous, renewing celebration of His victory over sin and death in the Resurrection. On February 17th we will gather at 7:30 pm for a Service of Holy Communion with the imposition of ashes. Then, each week during Lent we will meet midweek to reflect and pray on a spiritual theme.

We will begin to set the theme for our Lenten services on Sunday, February 14th. That day, all are invited to come into Luther Hall following the morning Worship to share a simple lunch. Then at 12:30 pm we will view the film, "Amazing Grace" and continue with deeper reflection on its themes during the Lenten season. This film is an inspirational telling of the story of William Wilberforce, a member of the British parliament who worked to abolish the slave trade in the 18th to 19th centuries.

In short, here is the schedule of events for this "Amazing Lent":

Tuesday, Feb. 23, at 7 PM OR Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 12:30 PM Focus: PARDON - Knowing God's Amazing Grace

Tuesday, March 2, at 7 PM OR Wednesday, March 3, at 12:30 PM Focus: PURPOSE - Discovering God's call

Tuesday, March 9, at 7 PM OR Wednesday, March 10, at 12:30 PM Focus: PARTNERS - Pursuing God's Desires Together

Tuesday, March 16, at 7 PM OR Wednesday, March 17, at 12:30 PM Focus: PERSEVERENCE - Cultivating Spiritual Disciplines for a Lifestyle of Service

Tuesday, March 23, at 7 PM OR Wednesday, March 24, at 12:30 PM Focus: PASSION - Walking with Jesus, No Matter the Roughness of the Road

HOLY WEEK
In the worship assemblies of Holy Week we faithfully contemplate with the whole Church the journey of our Lord to the cross and the resurrection. Please plan to be a part of these times of prayerful reflection, thanksgiving, and spiritual nourishment:

March 28, Palm Sunday/ Sunday of the Passion

Holy Communion (with distribution of palms) at 10:00 a.m.

April 1, Maundy Thursday

Holy Communion at 7:30 p.m.

April 2, Good Friday

Tenebrae at 7:30 p.m.

April 4, The Resurrection of Our Lord (Easter Sunday) Festival Service of Holy Communion at 10:00 a.m.

OPPORTUNITIES TO WORSHIP AND SERVE

Valley Food Pantry would again like to offer special Easter baskets of food to recipient families again this year. St. John's has been asked to donate a specific item to the baskets. So, along with at least one nutritious food item, a container of cake frosting would be appreciated as a special treat. (Last year we collected jelly beans.) Please place your donations in the church narthex in the food pantry collection containers by March 14th. Over 60 families are now supplied each week by the food pantry and demand is on the increase in the down economy. They (the volunteers) are hoping St. John's can donate at least 60 cans of frosting.

Our Knot-a-quilt quilters are hard at work creating their beautiful and colorful quilts for the poor or displaced victims of disasters across our world on several Tuesdays each month. If you have some unwanted flat sheets that are gently used and in good condition consider donating them to our quilts. Or if you would like to purchase a new twin size flat sheet or some quilt batting to keep our quilters supplied it would be appreciated. Money donations are also welcome if you are unable to shop. This LCW labor of love has produced over 100 quilts which were sent to Lutheran World Relief for distribution to the needy. Thanks be to God for this ministry of our LCW!

Get your rolling pins warmed up! It's that time again - shoofly pie baking time on April 12th & 13th. Sign up to help and join the fun.

Are you thinking spring yet or maybe about spring cleaning? If you're contemplating cleaning out, reducing clutter or down sizing the amount of "stuff" you have, please save your useful items for our spring Indoor Yard Sale. It is planned for May 22 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information will be forthcoming about the yard sale in next month's newsletter. Call Mary Ellen Sims (788-2866) if you have an hour of your time to set up or help that day.

As ever, LCW is grateful for any and all support of these and other projects sponsored by use. It never ceases to amaze us how the people of St. John's loyally support our LCW ministries. Whether you choose to support all of our projects or just one or two, we thank you. Together as Christians, we can do so much good.

Sincerely, Your LCW

DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERY ZONE
Meaningful, faith-encouraging learning experiences are provided for toddlers through adults each Sunday at 8:45 am. Meeting on the first floor of the education wing, toddlers through Grade 6 engage in monthly Bible themes as well-prepared, devoted teachers guide them through lessons and fun activities. Through searching the Holy Scriptures, discussion and activities our youth class (meeting in the second floor) is learning how the Christian faith lends meaning and encouragement to their lives and impacts their choices. Our adult class meets in Luther Hall to consider a wide range of spiritual and life issues in the light of the Holy Scriptures and our faith in the Triune God. Any time is a good time to begin participating in DDZ, so please join us now as we seek to grow in faith and discipleship of the Lord.

BREAD FOR THE WORLD
"Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. God's grace in Jesus Christ moves us to help our neighbors, whether they live in the next house, the next state, or the next continent. By changing policies and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist, we provide help and opportunity far beyond the communities where we live."

To learn more and to find assistance in getting involved, visit the website www.bread.org. Among the helps you will find are: the names of your senators and representative in Congress and how to contact them, up-to-date information about hunger legislation in Congress, and incisive facts about hunger and poverty in the United States, as well as in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

FELLOWSHIP/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Knot-a-Quilt for LWR

Participants meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 9:00 a.m. in Luther Hall to construct knotted quilts which are sent to Lutheran World Relief for distribution to persons all over the world who are in crisis situations. For more information, please speak with Lorraine Klinger.

Lutheran Church Women

LCW meets on the first Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in Luther Hall for spiritual refreshment, fellowship, and planning for service and outreach efforts. For more information, speak with Mary Ellen Sims.

Worship in Butler Valley Manor

Participants gather in the activities room in Butler Valley Manor by 2:45 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month to support the worship service which normally is led by Sister Janet. All you need is a smiling face, a loving heart, a warm handshake, and a willingness to sing with the group.

Valley Food Pantry

Valley Food Pantry serves the needs of our neighbors by providing food and other necessary consumable household items. Please join in this fellowship of service by regularly donating non-perishable food, cleaning products, toiletries, or household paper products. Your contributions can be placed in the "food pantry" basket in our narthex. Monetary contributions also are welcomed.

Items for “On Wings Like Eagles” may be given to the church secretary or placed in the envelope by the church office.

Please turn in articles by the second Thursday of the month to assure being included in the next month's newsletter!