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.

HOLY WEEK
In fellowship with one another as the body of Christ, may we walk the journey of faith and devotion throughout this holiest week of the Church year:

On March 16th, the Sunday of the Passion ("Palm Sunday"), our 10:00 a.m. Worship will include the traditional procession with palms as we recall that Jesus our Lord willingly came into Jerusalem to die for us.

On March 20th, Maundy Thursday, the Service of Holy Communion will begin at 7:30 p.m. We will recall Jesus' command to the disciples and us, "Love one another as I have loved you." There will be the opportunity for individual pronouncement of forgiveness with the laying on of hands, and we will close the service with the stripping of the altar, representing Christ stripped of his power and glory and in the hands of his captors.

On March 21st, Good Friday, the "Service of Shadows" known as Tenebrae will begin at 7:30 p.m. The Passion of Christ will be read, hymns sung, and prayers prayed as the church nave gradually is darkened in remembrance of our Lord's crucifixion and death.

The Resurrection of Our Lord will be celebrated on Easter Sunday, March 23rd, in a festival Service of Holy Communion beginning at 10:00 a.m. We will begin in silence and relative darkness and then, as the light springs forth, we will allow our spirits to swell with joy and praise at the good news that Christ is risen!

ANOTHER BOOK DISCUSSION
Our discussion of the book Amish Grace was so well-received (15 persons participating) that our Learning Ministry Team has decided to offer another. This time the focus will be Disappointment with God, by Philip Yancey (c. 1988 by Philip Yancey and published by Zondervan).

The author treats three questions which Christians often wonder about but seldom ask openly: Is God unfair? Is God silent? Is God hidden? Yancey does not "candy-coat" the disappointment that many people have felt with God in light of the tragedies and frustrations of life; nor does he offer trifling answers. As the book cover states, Yancey wrestles honestly and clearly with the questions, and in doing so "points us beyond life's disappointments and the cynicism they can breed to a stronger, wiser faith, a confidence in God's deep love for us, and a thirst to reach not just for what God gives, but for who God is."

Participants will meet in the St. Stephen's Room from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the five Wednesdays in April to discuss and reflect on what they've read and how it has impacted them. This is a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth and Christian fellowship, and all members and friends of St. John's are invited to take part.

The book can be obtained through bookstores and online booksellers. However, there is a sign-up sheet available in the narthex for those who would like the LM Team to order the book for them. If we order, the cost of the book is $14.99 (payable upon receipt of the book), and if we order at least ten books we will receive a 10% discount. The deadline to order is March 9th.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please speak with our LM Team chairperson, Kim Deliman, with Sister Janet, or with any member of the LM Team.

BEYOND VIOLENCE WOMEN'S SHELTER
During the month of April, LCW will be collecting donations for the Women's Shelter in Berwick. Items needed include:

Baby diapers - Shampoo

Deodorant - Detergent

Fabric Softener - Bleach

Toothpaste - Toothbrushes

Towels - Washcloths

A collection box will be placed in the narthex for your donations.

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.

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!