FEBRUARY 6TH IS ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent, a time of meditating on the meaning of Christ's Passion, taking stock of our spiritual lives, and spiritual renewal. Please join with the congregation of St. John's as we begin the Lenten journey together on February 6th. The Service of Holy Communion will begin at 7:30 p.m. It will include the opportunity to receive the imposition of ashes, a reminder of our mortality and our need of God's grace, a gift which God freely gives.

MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES
St.John's will continue the tradition of midweek services throughout this season of Lent as a way of helping us to focus on the Word of God and renew spiritual discipline in our lives. This year, the theme of these times of prayer and meditation will be :

"Ways We Experience God's Grace" The 45-minute services will begin in the nave at 6:45 p.m. each Wednesday. The specific topics are:

The Word (Feb. 13)

The Sacraments (Feb. 20)

The Mutual Consolation of Believers (Feb. 27)

Prayer (Mar.5)

The Practice of Forgiveness (Mar. 12)

Please join us in these Lenten devotions, and bring a friend.

KNOT-A-QUILT NEEDS
Our Knot-a-Quilt participants continue to gather in Luther Hall twice a month (on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.) to construct quilts which are distributed by Lutheran World Relief and bring comfort to hurting people all over the world. The group reports that they currently are in need of twin-size flat sheets(new or in very good condition) and batting. If you can donate any of these please leave them in Luther Hall, or speak with Lorraine Klinger. Also, new participants in this ministry are always welcome.(Free training is provided.)

DO YOU NEED A RIDE?
If you have been regularly absent from the Worship services in St. John's due to a lack of transportation, please let us know. Our Church Council will attempt to coordinate rides for members who need it.
So, if you wish to be added to our list of those needing rides, please phone the church office and leave a message, including your name and phone number, with Lauren or on the voice mail.

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!