ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Our Annual Congregational Meeting will occur on Sunday, January 27th, immediately following the 10:00 a.m. Worship service. All voting members of the congregation (those who have communed and given a contribution of record in the past year) are encouraged to participate. Included in the agenda is action on the proposed Statement of Purpose and Guiding Principles, receiving of reports from various teams and groups in the congregation, the adoption of an expenditure proposal for the coming year, and the election of five church council members. A bulletin of reports will be available by January 20th.

OUR SPECIAL GIVING
We thank God who provides us with all things in abundance so that we can share with others. We also are grateful for the generosity that the Holy Spirit inspires in the hearts of the faithful. Here's a report on the results of some of our recent "special" giving opportunities.

Support of the Susquehanna University mission trip in which Kati Solon is participating: $360 was collected in the Worship services and another $1,000 was contributed by LCW.

Advent giving for St. Luke's: Many assorted gifts-in-kind (all wrapped and labeled - thank you!) plus $150 in cash

Advent giving for Salvation Army: 1 pair children's slippers, 2 coats, 2 scarves, 24 hats, 35 pairs of gloves, and $188 in cash

Advent giving for Head Start: 21 toys and games, 7 pairs of socks, 1 pair of gloves, and $120 in cash

Advent giving for LWR Health Kits: $113 in cash

Thank you to all who supported these very worthwhile outreach ministries! They are a real reflection of God's love.

END-OF-YEAR REPORTS
Team chairpersons and other leaders are asked to submit their reports covering the year 2007 no later than January 6th so that they can be included in the bulletin of reports to be distributed ahead of the annual congregational meeting. Reports may be left in the church office or given to Sister Janet.

LET'S READ A BOOK TOGETHER
Our 4-session discussion series on the book Amish Grace - How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy will take place this month on four consecutive Wednesday afternoons from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in the St. Stephen's Room. All are welcome! (The book Amish Grace - ISBN 978-0-7879-9761-8, copyright 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. and published by Jossey-Bass - can be obtained through bookstores or internet sellers.)

Here's the reading plan:

January 9 - chapters 1 through 5 (pages 3-64)

January 16 - chapters 6 through 8 (pages 67-112)and the appendix (pages 191-203)

January 23 - chapters 9 through 11 (pages 113-153)

January 30 - chapters 12 and 13 (pages 155-183)

It will be helpful if you have read the noted portions prior to the discussion session. Sister Janet will have some discussion starters ready in case they're needed, but we will go with whatever discussion points well up from the group. So, please note any thoughts/questions the book stirs in you and bring them to the group discussion.

OUR 210TH ANNIVERSARY IS COMING
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church will be 210 years old in the year 2009! We are trying to assemble a team to plan and prepare for this special anniversary celebration. If you have any ideas about how we can celebrate this significant event, or if you want to join the planning team, just speak to Melody Hinderer or Joyce Steinman.

Let's make it an innovative and special time in the life of St. John's filled with fellowship and a renewed awareness of our holy presence in the community of faith: the Body of Christ, at St. John's, Saint Johns.

BI-MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY
On the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m., our congregation provides a Bible study opportunity for adults and older youth. Participants normally gather in the educational wing and all members and friends of St. John's are welcome. The sessions last an hour and a half, are facilitated by Sister Janet, and include the opportunity for questions and discussion. Currently we are studying the Gospel of Mark. Please join us!

ONGOING MINISTRIES OF MERCY
As we enter the new year, let us continue our support of the ongoing ministries of mercy in St. John's, including:

Valley Food Pantry
Food and other needed items are collected continually in the basket in the narthex. At the end of each month, these items are taken to the pantry, where they are distributed to needy persons locally. Please check the poster in the narthex to see what sorts of items are needed, and leave your offering of food in the basket provided.
Worship Services in Butler Valley Manor
Each month, on the first Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., our congregation provides a Worship service in Butler Valley Manor (Rte. 309, across from Corporate Road). Normally, Sister Janet leads the brief service and members of St. John's are present to support the singing, assist residents in finding pages in the songbook, and share the love of Christ through their presence. All members are invited to join in this ministry of compassion and fellowship. Simply come to the Manor at the appointed time and find the worshippers gathering in the activities room.
Quilts for Lutheran World Relief
Twice a month, on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., women of our congregation meet in Luther Hall to construct knotted quilts which are then donated to LWR for distribution to needy persons around the world. Women and men are invited to join in the work and the fellowship. Please speak with Lorraine Klinger if you have any questions about this effort.
Prayer Shawls
These are knitted or crocheted by members of our congregation, who, as they work, pray God's blessing and peace for the recipients. As a sign of the congregation's prayers, the shawls are then given to persons who are experiencing particularly difficult circumstances in their lives. Please speak with Julie Varner if you would like to know more about this ministry.

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!