DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERY ZONE
Our Learning Ministry Team encourages every member of St. John's to join in DDZ each Sunday at 8:45 a.m. Participants of all age groups (toddlers through adults) will find learning experiences designed to help them understand the Bible better and apply it in their daily living. DDZ aims at helping us all grow in faith and discipleship while experiencing the blessing of Christian fellowship.

The adult group currently is engaging a course titled "Understanding the Bible", led by Bruce Young. The course endeavors to provide a framework for a holistic reading of the Bible. The group meets in the St. Stephen's Room.

The youth class (Grade 7 and above) are engaging Bible passages on the theme, "Life as God's People." Sylvia Wenner teaches this class on the second floor of the educational wing.

Toddlers through Grade 6 meet on the first floor of the educational wing and currently are participating in workshops on the theme "Wonder Stories." They are learning about the miracles of Jesus. In the month of October - through storytelling, art, science, music, and other activities - they will focus on Jesus calming the storm (Mark 4:35-41).

As you can see, DDZ offers something for everyone. Please support this learning venture by your prayers and your presence so that we all will grow as disciples of the Lord!

CATECHETICS
Please hold in your prayers our catechumens (Caitlin Barr, Raymond Corra, Kristen Opiary) and those registered for the pre-catechetical year (Brianna Corra, Megan Dietrich, Tyler Hottenstein) as they seek to grow in their knowledge of God's Word and their discipleship of the Lord. They and their families have made a commitment of faithful participation in the Worship assembly at St. John's and in Discipleship Discovery Zone, as well as fulfilling other expectations of the catechetical program. We rejoice in their gifts and their presence in the body of Christ.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION INSTRUCTION
A three-session series designed to prepare young children for receiving Holy Communion for the first time will be provided in St. John's on Saturday mornings, October 4, 11, and 18. The two-hour sessions begin at 9:00 a.m. and explore in an intuitive way the meaning of the Lord's Supper in the context of family, fellowship, meal, and the promises of God. A variety of learning activities are employed in which parents/guardians and children participate together. Those who attend all three sessions will receive their first Holy Communion in the 10 a.m. Worship on October 19. This series is for baptized children in the 2nd or 3rd grade and their parents. Registration forms are available on the narthex table or may be obtained by phoning the church office.

Note: If there are parents who desire First Holy Communion Instruction for their baptized children who are beyond the 3rd grade in school, please speak with Sister Janet. She will arrange for instruction at an appropriate level.

ACOLYTES NEEDED
We have a wonderful team of acolytes at St. John's, who serve faithfully and well. However, we could use a few more persons on the team. Anyone in the 5th Grade or older, including adults, can serve.

What is an acolyte? Well, an acolyte is someone who serves God and the congregation in the worship services of the church. An acolyte is both a helper and a leader. He/she helps by lighting and extinguishing candles and assisting in bringing the offering and the Communion elements to the altar. An acolyte leads by setting a good example.

Do you think that God might be calling YOU to serve as an acolyte in the worship services in St. John's? If so, then join us for Acolyte Ministry Instruction on Saturday, October 25th, at 10:00 a.m. in the worship space. (The session will end by 11:30 a.m.) After you participate in this session, you will be ready to serve as acolyte and will be added to the acolyte schedule in St. John's. If you have any questions, please speak with Sister Janet (708-7057).

A PAINTING PROJECT
On Saturday, October 18th, starting at 8:00 a.m. we will begin painting the "primary" Sunday School room on the first floor of the educational wing to brighten it up for the children of our DDZ. The "sprucing up" of this learning space is being directed by our Property Team in conjunction with our Learning Ministry Team. They ask any congregational members with a gift for painting to come out on the 18th to help with the effort. Even giving just an hour or two will make a difference. If you have any questions about the project, please speak with Don Wenner, Sr. or Melody Hinderer.

RUMMAGE SALE
Thank you to everyone who has been patiently gathering and saving items for our rummage sale. It will take place on Saturday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You may bring the items to Luther Hall at anytime that the church is open after the Nov. 1st sausage supper until Friday, Nov. 14. Make sure items are clean and in good condition. Help is needed for set up and during the sale. Call Mary Ellen Sims, 788-2866, for further information.

SOCIAL FELLOWSHIP
Fred & Marian Jaxheimer are hosting a wine and cheese party at their home at: 156 Lakeview Trail in Sugarloaf. It will be on Saturday, November 15, at 6 pm. Please bring bread or crackers, and an interesting cheese to share. Fred & Marian will be providing their great wine! A sign up sheet will be in the narthex soon. Any questions, please call: Laurie King - 401-6744 or the Jaxheimers - 788-6098.

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!