DDZ BEGINS AGAIN
That's right! It's almost time for our autumn start-up of Discipleship Discovery Zone - a Christian learning and fellowship opportunity for toddlers through adults. Learning experiences for all will be offered at 8:45 a.m. each Sunday beginning on September 13th. There will be a class for adults, a youth class for grade 7 and older, and an "all kids" group for grade 6 on down. All of the classes provide Bible-based learning with a view to living our faith in Christ in every-day life.

Our "all kids" group will engage a different Bible focus each month, using storytelling, Bible skills practice, art, music, and various other techniques to hear and learn God's Word. The monthly Bible topics are: September, The First Sin; October, Joseph and His Brothers; November, Joseph and Pharaoh; December, Jesus Is Born; January, Banquet with Simon; February, Mary and Martha; March, Holy Week and Easter; April, Doubting Thomas; and May, Ruth.

As you can see, some exciting, faith-deepening experiences are planned. So, please join us on September 13th and every Sunday!

WORSHIP NOTES
* Choir rehearsals will resume on September 9th. The choir enjoys good fellowship while rehearsing each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The ministry of the choir is to provide leadership in the worship services for the congregational singing and responses. The choir also presents a special anthem each Sunday. If you feel God calling you to this service, please come to rehearsals on Wednesday evenings.

* Harvest Home will be observed during our Worship on Sunday, October 4th. Worshippers are invited to bring non-perishable food items which will be donated to Valley Food Pantry. Offerings received in the "Harvest Home" envelopes found in the offering envelope boxes also will be given to the food pantry.

CONFIRMATION
Sunday, September 20, 2009 is a significant date in the life of our congregation. In the Worship Assembly that day three young baptized members of the church will become confirmed members through the rite of Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation). They are: Caitlin Barr, Raymond Corra III, and Kristen Opiary. Please hold these sisters and this brother in your prayers as they take this step of commitment in faith and discipleship. And, please be present to witness their Confirmation, celebrate their faith, and support them in their commitment.

CATECHISM REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2009-2010 catechetical year will take place in Luther Hall on Sunday, September 27, following the 10 a.m. Worship service. Please see in this newsletter the article titled "An Overview of Confirmation and the Catechetical Program" for a picture of the intent of the program.

On September 27th parents of baptized children in the sixth grade or older are invited to register their children for the "pre-catechetical year", which consists of faithful attendance in the worship services in St. John's and in our Discipleship Discovery Zone. Parents of children who have fulfilled the requirements of the pre-catechetical year are invited to register their children for "segment A" of the program which is a Bible survey course consisting of 25 one-hour classes with some homework assignments, as well as general requirements of the program. The particularities of the program (pre-catechetical year, segment A, segment B, retreat, segment C, and general requirements) will be fully explained at the registration session. Following the pre-catechetical year, the program takes two years to complete. If you have any questions at this time, please speak with Sister Janet or a member of the Learning Ministry Team.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION INSTRUCTION
First Holy Communion Instruction for children in Grade 2 and their parents will take place on Saturdays, October 3, 10, and 17. Children in Grade 3 also are welcome to attend with their parents. The two-hour sessions will begin at 9:00 a.m. Registration forms will be available by mid-September in the narthex and the St. Stephen's room, or can be obtained by phoning the church office.

BREAD FOR THE WORLD
"Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad. God's grace in Jesus Christ moves us to help our neighbors, whether they live in the next house, the next state, or the next continent. By changing policies and conditions that allow hunger and poverty to persist, we provide help and opportunity far beyond the communities where we live."

To learn more and to find assistance in getting involved, visit the website www.bread.org. Among the helps you will find are: the names of your senators and representative in Congress and how to contact them, up-to-date information about hunger legislation in Congress, and incisive facts about hunger and poverty in the United States, as well as in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

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 2009, 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.

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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