VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
This summer's Vacation Bible School will take place on the mornings of July 28 through August 1 (Monday - Friday). The theme for this Christian learning opportunity will be Rainforest Adventure, and three-year-olds through those who have just completed the sixth grade in school are invited to attend. Interesting, faith-encouraging workshops are planned around daily topics that teach participants what it means to live as God's loving people and faithful stewards of what God has given.

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. Also, older youth and adults are needed to serve as leaders in our VBS. If you can help in this way, please speak with Arlene Poltrock.

VBS NEEDS
A supply of these "everyday" items will be needed for craft time in Vacation Bible School: paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, 1-lb. size margarine or cottage cheese containers, pieces of corrugated cardboard (approx. 18" X 24"), old clean pantyhose. If you can supply any of these, please place them in the basket in the St. Stephen's Room.

Also, if you wish to make a special offering toward the purchase of curriculum materials, snacks, and other items needed for VBS, please use one of the envelopes available on the narthex table, or write "VBS" on the memo line of your check. Thank you.

FOOD IS NEEDED
The current economic strain felt by most people in our nation is an economic crisis for those who were barely "making it" previously. This makes food assistance programs throughout the country ever more vital. An on-going ministry of St. John's is to collect food and other needed items for the Valley Food Pantry. These items are taken to the pantry at the end of each month, 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. Thank you for being a channel for helping the blessing of "daily bread" to reach our neighbors.

STUDY A PROPHET
Have you been thinking about joining in the Bible study sessions at St. John's, but haven't "taken the plunge" as yet? Well, this July might be a good time to dive in!

The current series on the Gospel according to Mark will conclude on July 3rd with a study of Mark 16. Then, on July 17th, we will begin a study of the prophecy of Amos. Amos was a farmer and shepherd from a small village in Judah in the 8th century B.C. He became God's mouthpiece to speak to Israel, a people who had been chosen by God for a special "covenantal" relationship with God, but who had gotten askew in their sense of God's intentions for them. The message of Amos was not "pretty" but it was designed to help the people know what it means to be God's chosen people.

Does Amos have anything to say to us today? We think so, and we'll join together in unpacking his message and applying it to our life as the church in the present. Please join us in a faith-filled study of God's Word and lively discussion of what it means for us! The sessions, facilitated by Sister Janet, normally are held in the educational wing on the first and third Thursdays of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

RUMMAGE SALE
Our LCW is planning to hold a rummage sale this fall. Proceeds will help support our ministry to persons in need. Please save your "good but no longer needed" items to donate for the sale. The date will be announced later.

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 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!