Sunday School
Calling all parents and children. We are trying something different this year. Sunday School is at 10:00 am during worship service. The children will begin in the church sanctuary with everyone else. This will allow the children to still have some exposure to the worship service before they begin their lessons. The Pastor will then dismiss them about 15 minutes later to go to their classroom. Sunday School helps to build a strong foundation of faith in the life of your child. The teachers are looking forward to greeting the kids and sharing the message of God’s Grace and love.
Kid’s Night
Come out and join us for Kids' Night, on Tuesday, December 10, at 6:00 pm. Kids will be creating their own gingerbread houses. Registration is required in order to ensure we have enough houses for everyone. Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome. Come for fellowship and enjoy our Christmas treats and movie! Please contact the church office to register.
Adult Bible Study
Adult bible study is held at 8:45 am on Sundays.
Join us in the new bible study focusing on:
Fight fear, destroy discouragement, win against worry, and disarm your doubts.
Which giant is intimidating you? Perhaps it is fear or loneliness. Whichever giant is bullying you, the message of Slaying the Giants in Your Life is that God has the strength to bring you victory. You never walk alone and never have to live defeated.
Temptation, doubt, procrastination, and jealousy. These are daunting giants, but thankfully you have access to God’s word, which is a wealth of knowledge, encouragement, and power. In each, you will discover afresh the eternal unwavering promise of God to overcome those giants.
Dec. 1 – Slaying the Giant of Failure Dec. 8 – Slaying the Giant of Jealousy
Blue Christmas Service
We will be hosting a Blue Christmas Service of healing and hope Blue Christmas Worship Servicethrough the Holidays.
Pastor Michele Kaufman will conduct the service on Sunday, December 22nd at 3 pm.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our mission to comfort those in need. This is open to all who are interested. We meet the first and third Wednesdays of the month for about 2 hours.
If the winter weather is bad or for some reason we aren’t meeting, we will call. If interested, call the church office at 570-788-2685.
Valley Food Pantry
The Valley Food Pantry will distribute special “Christmas” food boxes. Our church will sponsor cans of greValley Food Pantryen beans. Other items needed are coffee and regular tea bags. Donations must be in by December 15th. Please make sure the products are within the expiration date. No medications/vitamins, etc., are accepted. Thank you for your generosity and support throughout the year to the Valley Food Pantry.
Wreaths Across America
The Wreaths Across America ceremony will be held on Saturday, December 14th beginning at 12 pm. Please come out and support our scouts and our veterans. Light refreshments will be served immediately after in Luther Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Cipriani.
December 14th – Why the Nativity? Docudrama Film
Following the Wreaths Across America Program (approx. 2 pm), join us in Luther Hall for the docudrama film, Why the Nativity? A cinematic journey through the most pivotal moment in history, the birth of Jesus Christ! Refreshments will be served.
Coffee Hour
The first Sunday of the month, coffee hour will be observe. The next coffee hour will be January 5th celebrating January birthdays.
There is a sign up sheet in the St. Stephen's Room for members/church teams to sponsor.
Advent Season Begins December 1st
Below is the list of our Advent Giving. Monetary donations are accepted. Make checks payable to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
In the memo section, state which organization you are giving a donation to.
Do not wrap the donations.
December 1ST: St. Luke’s Manor White Gifts: Socks, tissues, perfume, cologne, and lotion, for men and women
December 8th: Salvation Army: (NEW) Gloves, hats, and scarves for men, women, and children
December 15th: Head Start: Books, games, toys, socks, sweatshirts, and sweatpants suitable for children ages 3 & 4.
December 22ND: VALOR Clinic Foundation: Monetary donations (make checks payable to St. John’s Lutheran Church) VALOR’S Mission is to provide Veterans with assistance accessing benefits, securing shelter, and providing long-lasting Post Traumatic Stress resources Unstoppable Program. Located in Kunkletown, PA known as “Paul’s House” at the Old Jonas Hotel. Visit the website valorclinic.org for more information.
Congregation Christmas Dinner – December 8th
All members are invited to the Congregation Christmas Dinner held on December 8th at 12 pm held at Tom’s Kitchen. Members MUST prepay by December 1st. Your reservation will not be made without prepayment. The cost is $15.00 per adult and $7.50 per child. Children under 5 are free. If you plan to attend, please contact Mary Ellen Sims after the church services on Sunday or call 570-788-2866.
Please join us for this time of fellowship as we celebrate the
“Reason for the Season”
December 14th – Why the Nativity? Docudrama Film
Following the Wreaths Across America Program (approx. 2 pm), join us in Luther Hall for the docudrama film, Why the Nativity? A cinematic journey through the most pivotal moment in history, the birth of Jesus Christ! Refreshments will be served.
Mission Opportunity
Hello everyone! I was hoping to share with all of you on the 27th the various opportunities that are available to members of the synod through our companion synod program. I realize the Synod E-news does not reach a large portion of our membership, so I want to ask for your help. I am excited to announce that we have two opportunities next year- an exchange group to Germany (tentatively April 22 -May 1) and for the first time, an opportunity for us to visit Argentina (June 12-22). Both trips are intergenerational. There are sightseeing opportunities as well as opportunities for conversation and discussions and a chance to see various ministries in both locations. It is a very personalized way to travel as we are not simply tourists, but we have that opportunity to meet and mingle with people of faith. Please let folks in the congregations know these opportunities are available and I would be happy to share more details with those who are interested.
Thanks again for spreading the word!
Pr. Michele Kaufman
Companion Synod Coordinator for NEPS
570-881-2371 kaufman19@verizon.net
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking for you to come join one or
several of our Church Ministry Teams! Be a part
of the many opportunities these teams provide.
We want and need you to join us in serving
God's calling with your time and talents to help
our church continue to grow in making this
place to share and express his love. Please
contact the church office if you are interested.
Worship & Music, Learning Ministry,
Stewardship, Finance Team, Property Team,
Altar Guild, Assistant Ministers, Lay Eucharistic,
Quilting, and Prayer Shawl.
CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
We have heard time and time again about how beautiful and well-kept our cemetery is. We often take for granted the hard work and endless hours that go into keeping our cemetery beautiful year after year. To help
with the upkeep, please consider giving a monetary donation "In Honor Of" or "In Memory Of" a loved one. Checks can be made payable to “St. John’s Lutheran & Reformed Cemetery Association” or included with your weekly offering (please include a notation with your offering).
Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts
SCOUTS BSA and Cub Scouts have resumed in-person meetings. If anyone is interested, meetings are Monday nights. For more information, contact the church office and leave a message for Jen. Scouting is open to boys and girls ages Kindergarten through High School.
MEMBER INFORMATION REQUESTED
All Members, to update our files, please contact the church office at 570-788-2865 or email to stjohns@epix.net with your contact information, including name(s), address, phone number, email address, birthday and anniversary.
