CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST
There are so many in our world who have not even the most basic necessities in their lives. Sometimes the need is long-standing and sometimes it hits suddenly, as when people must flee their homes due to natural disasters. As servants of Christ, we seek to do what we can to alleviate their suffering, including providing health kits for Lutheran World Relief to distribute all over the world, as needed.

Can you help by making a special gift during the month of August toward this effort? Please place your gift in an envelope, mark it "Christmas in August", include your name and the amount of the gift on the envelope, and drop it into the offering plate on Sunday or mail it to the church office. We will use the funds to purchase items for the health kits, assemble them, and send them to LWR so that they can be used to provide relief for those who are hurting.

CAN YOU HELP?
Our church council has been investigating the possibility of providing worship services at Fritzingertown Senior Living Center. Services would take place around 2:00 once a month on a Sunday afternoon and would last 45 to 50 minutes. The service normally would be led by Sister Janet, but the support of other members also would be needed in order to provide this ministry. We would like to have someone who could provide accompaniment (piano, guitar, or other instrument) for the singing of hymns and some folks to assist with distributing hymnals, to support the singing and responsive reading, and generally to offer the hand of fellowship to residents who would attend the service. Please prayerfully consider what part you might play in this potential ministry. If you are willing to serve in this way, or if you have any questions about it, please speak with Betty Kushner or Sister Janet.

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.

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.

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!