DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERY ZONE
There's something for everyone - toddlers through adults - each Sunday at 8:45 a.m. DDZ provides the opportunity for Bible learning. Christian fellowship, and discussing how to live our faith in everyday life. There is a class for adults, a youth class for grade 7 and older, and an "all kids" group for grade 6 on down. Please join us every Sunday!

LCW HARVEST HOME PLUS PROJECT
Due to recent publicity on the need for food in dangerously low supply at local food banks, LCW would like to sponsor a special collection in conjunction with Harvest Home on October 4th.

In conversation with Valley Food Pantry workers, our LCW became aware of other needs beside food items for their clients. Did you know that items such as toilet tissue, cleaning and laundry products or shampoo cannot be purchased with food stamps? Some would say, "Food is what food stamps should purchase."

But think about your own day to day needs other than food. Can you imagine what it would be like to have no toilet tissue, shampoo or razor blades? Most of us would be very uncomfortable in this situation, even temporarily.

So, once again, LCW asks the generous people of St. John's for support in a special project extending Harvest Home giving. In the next three Sundays following Harvest Home, we will collect the following items:

October 11th - paper products - e.g., Toilet tissue, facial tissues, paper towels, napkins

October 18th - cleaning products - e.g., laundry detergent, bleach, household cleaners

October 25th - personal care items - e.g., soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoo, razor blades

Jesus asks us to love each other - especially those who are struggling through a difficult time. This is one way we can take bold action to show that love.

Items can be left in the Narthex as you enter St. John's for worship each week. Any questions? Call Mary Ellen at 788-2866.

Thank you,

Your LCW.

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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