ASH WEDNESDAY
The season of Lent begins on February 25th, Ash Wednesday. As God's people, we begin this season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal by gathering for Holy Communion and the Imposition of Ashes at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 25th. Please join your brothers and sisters in Christ as we set out on this Lenten journey.

DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERY ZONE
There's something for everyone in our DDZ which begins at 8:45 a.m. each Sunday!

Toddlers through Grade 6 children meet on the first floor of the education wing. Each Lord's Day they engage in workshops designed to help them discover the riches of the Christian faith and grow in their faith and love for Jesus. During the month of February they will focus on the account of Jesus raising Jairus' daughter (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43).

Grade 7 through Sr. High youth meet on the second floor of the education wing. They presently are exploring Bible passages from the First Testament on the theme, "People of Commitment".

The adult group currently is meeting in Luther Hall to view a video series on the Holy Land which ties biblical events to the likely sites where they happened. This series helps viewers understand the cultural context in which Biblical events occurred, and group discussion will seek to apply the Biblical texts to living in today's world.

Whatever your age, don't miss the riches of this hour. Join us every Sunday for a faith-encouraging, disciple-strengthening experience in Discipleship Discovery Zone!

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Beginning February 5th, we will enter upon a study of the First Letter of John (1 John). If you haven't been to Bible Study for some time (or have never experienced the joy and nourishment of studying the Bible together), this is a great time to jump in!

The group normally meets on the first and the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the educational wing. The sessions are an hour and a half in length and are facilitated by Sister Janet. There is some instruction as well as plenty of time for discussion and asking questions. This is an opportunity for growth in biblical understanding, starting wherever you are in Bible knowledge. All are welcome and invited!

WOMEN'S RETREAT:THE HEART OF PEACE
Diakon Family Life Services invites you to attend this year's retreat February 27-March 1, 2009, at the Mariawald Renewal Center, Shillington, where we will delve into what peace really is, what the Bible says about it, and how we can find serenity within. Lori Young, a certified retreat leader and spiritual director, will use the ground-breaking book, The Anatomy of Peace, to explore how to break the self-defeating patterns that keep us in turmoil and bring peace to our hearts. There will also be ample time for relaxation, recreation, worship and fellowship. The retreat fee of $150 includes room and all meals. Registration deadline is February 6, 2009. Brochures including the registration form are available in the narthex, or you can call (888) 499-2699.

ROOF FUND
Looking into the not-too-distant future (a few years, maybe), our Property Team and our Church Council are making plans for roof replacement on our church building and the parsonage. In order to prepare financially for this upcoming project, a Roof Fund has been established. For the year 2008, any offerings received in the "Improvement Fund" envelopes (found in the offering envelope boxes) will be applied to the Roof Fund. The 2009 offering envelope sets will include "Roof Fund" envelopes.

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.

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.

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!

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