NEW WORSHIP BOOK
As was reported in the "Church Council Highlights" which were included in our February newsletter, our congregation will be joining with congregations across the ELCA in making use of a newly-available worship book - Evangelical Lutheran Worship. This worship book expands the available hymnody and resources for our worship times and provides greater depth for special liturgies such as baptisms and marriage. It includes some very familiar hymns and liturgies as well as some fresh (new and new again) pieces.

We already have a small number of copies of ELW and have been using them over the past year in small group settings and for midweek Lenten services. If you would like to see what the worship book is like, you can find copies in the bookcase in the St. Stephen's Room.

We plan to purchase 100 of these worship books for use in Sunday services and other worship times, and members of St. John's are invited to sponsor them in memory or in honor of loved ones. Two forms are included in this newsletter: one for sponsoring copies of ELW to be used in St. John's and one for ordering copies of the worship book to use at home. The deadline to sponsor or order is April 27th. Please consider helping to bring this lively new worship book to our congregation.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Yes, it's time to think VBS again, and this year's program promises to be another exciting, faith-encouraging ad venture in Bible learning and Christian fellowship. The theme is Rainforest Adventure. Participants will "explore God's wondrous love in the treetop canopy", as they engage the daily Bible topics: "We Share" (Boaz shares with Ruth - Ruth 2:1-17); "We Give" (Elisha gives food to 100 people - 2 Kings 4:42-44); "We Grow" (Parable of the mustard seed - Mark 4:30-32); "We Love" (Jesus the Vine - John 15:1-5,7-17); and "We Praise" (Jesus enters Jerusalem - Mark 11:1-10).

Our VBS is sponsored by St. John's Lutheran Church and St. John's U.C.C., and will be held on the mornings of July 28 through August 1. Learning experiences (in a workshop-style for all but the pre-school group, who will be in a self-contained class) will be provided for three-year-olds through those who have just completed the sixth grade in school.

More information and registration forms will be available soon, but please save these dates now and plan this wonderful opportunity into your children's summer experience.

BOOK DISCUSSION
All are invited to participate in a book discussion that will be held in the St. Stephen's Room on the five Wednesdays in April, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The focus will be the book, Disappointment with God, by Philip Yancey (c. 1988 by Philip Yancey and published by Zondervan). The book can be obtained through bookstores and online booksellers. The reading/discussion schedule is as follows:

April 2: Chapters 1 - 12

April 9: Chapters 13 - 17

April 16: Chapters 18 - 20

April 23: Chapters 21 - 25

April 30: Chapters 26 - 30

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!