HVAC Update

The Longacre Company projects that our new heating and cooling system will be
complete by Labor Day.  Longacre's employees are busy connecting the 70 fan coil units to the system.  There is still a good bit of work to be completed before it is fully operational. Thankfully, we have had partial air conditioning in the sanctuary during a very hot June and July.  Thank you all for your support of the HVAC Capital Campaign.  It will help keep St. John’s comfortable for our ministry in winter and summer.

Kids' Praise

Kids' Praise is back!!!  This summer we will “Play Ball!” while we sing, dance, and have a lot of fun!  Kids' Praise practices will begin on June 16, from 6-7 pm in the Sanctuary.  Practices will continue every Wednesday from 6-8 pm.  Performances are scheduled for September 11th at 6pm and September 12 at 9:20 am.  There is plenty of work to do “behind the scenes!”  Parents and teens interested in helping, please plan to attend our first practice for more information.  If you have any questions, please contact Kristen at 610.416.9721 or Kristen_Engle@hotmail.com.

Stephen Ministers Wanted

STEPHEN MINISTRY
CARING THAT CHANGES LIVES

Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t know what to say or how to react to a person who is grieving due to death, sickness, divorce, loss of job or any other situation that would cause someone to grieve?  If you were and wished you knew what to say, how to react, or how to listen, maybe you would be interested in becoming a Stephen Minister.  As you bless others you will be blessed.

We are looking for 10 to 12 people who would be willing to participate in 50 hours of training, which would take place at St. John’s.  The training would be divided into 14 weeks at 2.5 hours per week, with two Saturday retreat days at 7.5 hours each. There would also be a commitment to serving for at least one year in the pastoral care ministry of St. John’s. If you feel led to become involved in this area of ministry please contact: Greg Yost 610.845.3179

Reading Phillies
August 4^th at 7:00 pm

St John's Fellowship Committee is planning our annual visit to the Reading Phillies on Wednesday, August 4 @ 7 pm.  We have reserved 50 seats at the pavilion in right field WITH THE SWIMMING POOL.  The price of $10 per person included the bus, admission, a simple buffet dinner for two hours and swimming.  Please sign up on the bulletin board.  All money is due to Lori Carnes by July 25.

Kids' Praise 8

Psalty and the Kids’ Praise Kids are back and this time we will be running bases, doing push-ups, and practicing our throwing.  Okay, maybe not.  But we will be singing, dancing, laughing and having fun!  Most importantly we will learn that with the Lord, everyone is a winner!

Performances are:
Sunday morning, August 29th at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kutztown
Saturday, September 11 at our Saturday at 6 pm service
Sunday, September 12 at our 9:20 am service

Friendly’s Fundraiser
The Kids’ Praise Kids are asking you to join them for Family Fun Night at Friendly’s (Shoemaker Road) on Monday, August 23 from 5 pm to 8 pm.  Friendly’s will donate 10% of your check to St. John’s to support Kids Praise.  So come out and greet Psalty and enjoy their great food!  If you have any questions please contact Kristen Engle @ 610.416.9721 or kristen_engle@hotmail.com.

Catechetic Information

· Orientation
Orientation will be held at 6:15 pm, Thursday, September 9th.
Every new student currently in 7th grade or older who has not yet been confirmed, and all returning students are required to attend WITH a parent or guardian. Questions?  See Pastor Pearson or call him at the church office.  Parents---Be sure to bring the family calendar with you.  Important dates will be given that must be recorded in your schedule.

· Commissioning Service
The first opportunity for both classes to join together will be at this Worship service on Thursday, September 16th at 6:15 pm in the chapel. Youth: please invite your Prayer Partner to come along with you and your family. The heart of this Worship service is the commissioning of the Catechetical students. The Prayer Partners will affirm their commitment to the youth for the coming year.

· Catechetical Class begins
Catechetic classes begin the following week, on Thursday, September 23rd in rooms 209/211 and 205/207 grade classrooms upstairs in the Parish House. Each student attends just one hour a week beginning at 6:15 pm.


· ATTENTION Catechetical Students: First Year ONLY
As we begin catechetical classes, it is important that we get to know one another and learn to work together as a team. On Monday, October 11th (No School) we will (as a class) travel to Gretna Glen Camp & Retreat Center for activities on the low challenge course. The low challenge course involves a series of physical challenges or obstacles which group members must work together to achieve and overcome. You will be my guests so this event is free. Permission slips will be handed out on orientation night. Donna




Please return to the church office by August 31st.

Student name_______________________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________________________________

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) names, (relationship to student):

Custodial care days/times (if appropriate):

Thursday evening (class time) emergency contact person/phone:

Prayer Partner’s name:

Address

City

Telephone #

· Catechetical Class Students: Prayer Partner for First AND Second Year
The tradition of joining a youth and an adult Prayer Partner together has proven to be a real blessing for both. Prayer Partners have the opportunity to share their time for conversation and for prayer and Scripture readings. The youth (students) are given the chance to choose their own Prayer Partner. NOW is the time to start thinking about who you will ask to be your Prayer Partner.

What is a Prayer Partner

Our youth today need people in their lives that are AUTHENTIC, AVAILABLE AND AFFIRMING. A person they can call the “real deal”. Someone that walks the talk, in other words…the lips and the hips move in the same direction.

These people, who could be prayer partners, are NOT perfect (that would be inauthentic) but their life flows out of Christ’s forgiveness of their flaws. A prayer partner will spend time with a youth, and affirm in him or her things that the young person might never see in himself.

St. John’s celebrates these AAA people. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we try to help create AAA Adults; that is, they are authentic in their faith, available to the youth, and affirming of the gifts in others. AAA adults are the key to effective children, youth and family ministry. As we do daily devotions, study Scripture, live in Christian community, and serve our neighbor, the Holy Spirit transforms us, and those around us.


· Choosing a Prayer Partner:
1. Pray and ask God for guidance.
2. Ask your parents for suggestions.
3. The Prayer Partner should be someone other than a parent, someone with whom you feel comfortable. This person need not be a member of St. John’s church. (However, through out the year there will be several opportunities for you and your Prayer Partner to attend worship and other church related functions together.
4. When asking someone to be your Prayer Partner allow him or her some time to consider your request. This is a very special task and needs careful consideration.
5. Once a Prayer Partner has been selected, please fill out the name, address and telephone number of your prayer partner on the form provided. Please make sure name, address and telephone # is included on the registration form provided.

Through baptism God has placed the children of our congregation into our hands for prayer, support and to nurture. There is power in prayer. Jesus gives us a powerful promise in John 16:23b: “Very truly I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.”

Women of Faith Conference in Philadelphia
September 11, 2010

This is a one-day only event: Saturday, Sept. 11

We will MEET at 6:15 am & DEPART from St. John's parking lot (in rear) at 6:30 am SHARP.  It will be a full day of Christian speakers, great music and some comedy! Check it out at www.womenoffaith.com.

• Bring a morning snack / drink to eat on the bus.
  
• A box lunch will be provided.

We will stop for dinner on the way home at the King of Prussia Mall (food courts / restaurants).

We will return to St. John's approximately 8:30 pm.

Transportation (chartered bus) and partial cost of admission ticket is subsidized by the Leaver Fund.

• Cost is $50 per person (includes premium seating admission ticket, transportation and box lunch).  Come and spend the day together!  Your ticket will be secured when payment is made.

You do not have to be a member of St. John’s to attend the conference at this special price.

Sign up sheet is outside Sister Millicent's office.  Questions, call Nancy Brumbach at church at extension 34 or at home (610.367.5207).

Womens' Group
Starting 9/15 at 6:00 pm

St. John's Womens' Group will be starting Finding GOD in the Shack by theologian Roger E. Olson beginning on September 15.  This study is based on the book, The Shack, by William P. Young.  If you would like to join us please see Noelle Dierolf or Nancy Brumbach to sign out a copy of The Shack so you can read it over the summer. If you have any questions please contact Noelle at 610.906.4781.

Make a Joyful Noise
Opportunities for Musical Service

Vocal Choirs
Carol Choir Children grades K-3
Thursday 5:00 – 5:30 pm
In addition to learning anthems for church participation, we develop singing and rhythm skills, and learn liturgy and hymns.

Dorian Choir Children grades 4-6
Thursday 6:00-6:30 pm
We will prepare to lead musical portions of worship in addition to learning anthems, hymns and developing rhythm skills.

Children’s choir programs will begin September 16 with the beginning of Youth Club, however, children do not need to be part of youth club to sing in the choir.
Rehearsals are held weekly and the children lead worship once a month at 10:30 am.

Chancel Choir Adults and Teens
Thursday 7:30-9:00 pm
The chancel choir rehearses Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm. High school aged young people are very welcome to join this group in addition to adults. Knowledge of music reading skills is NOT necessary. The only requirement is a love of music and a willingness to serve as a choir member. New members are always welcome!!

Bell Choirs
Young Ringers Children grades 4 and up
Tuesday 6:00 - 6:45 pm
Young people learn the art of reading music and ringing English Handbells.

Sanctuary Bells Jr. High - Adult
Tuesday 6:45 – 7:30 pm
This is a multigenerational “feeder choir.” No experience needed. We will teach you how to read and ring. We play for Sunday services several times a year.

Chancel Bells
Tuesday 7:30 – 8:30 pm
5 octave adult bell choir.

All Bell Choirs will begin rehearsals September 21.

Questions? Call Ranee at 610-369-1024 x27

Youth Club Begins

Dates to Remember:
Youth Club begins on Thursday, September 16 from 4 to 6 pm
Youth Club meal is at 5:30 pm.
 
We will NOT be hosting an orientation meeting this year.  Volunteer sign up sheets for the different areas of service will be posted on the Youth Club bulletin board.

If there are any new families registering for Youth Club and you have questions, please call Donna Smith at 610.369.1024 x28.

Sight and Sound Production

Fellowship Committee is sponsoring a trip to Sight and Sound Living Waters Theatre to see Psalms of David on Saturday, September 25.  We will be leaving St. John’s Church at 11:30 am on the church bus for the 1 pm show.  Price of tickets are $10 each for ages 12 and up and $5 for under 12 years old.  Signup sheet is outside of Sister Millicent’s office.  50 tickets are available.  Any questions, contact Melanie Alting at 610.702.2027

WELCA East Berks Cluster
9/27/10 at 6:30 pm

Our WELCA group will host the Eastern Berk's Cluster Meeting on Monday, September 27.  The meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall with refreshments at 6:30 pm and the meeting beginning at 7:00 pm.  Awareness of Human Trafficking will be the focus of the program.  An offering will be taken for Camp Noah.  Camp Noah is a camp designed to help children process their feelings and fears as well as to allow them to take an emotional break from recovery through play and recreation.  An ingathering of items that are needed at Berks Women in Crisis will also be held. Check the bulletin for exactly what is needed.  All women are invited to attend.

Adult Fall Retreat
November 12-14 at Tuscarora Inn

“Rejoice in the Lord Always” is the topic of this year’s fall retreat which will be held from the evening of November 12 through the afternoon of November 14.  Our leaders will be Pastor Jacob Longacre and his wife Marguerite, both “children” of St. John’s.

Once again the retreat will be held at the Tuscarora Inn & Conference Center in Mt. Bethel, PA, along the Delaware River.  The total cost for the weekend, per person is $50, thanks to the St. John’s Leaver Fund subsidy.  The weekend includes two night’s lodging and five meals.  We meet in the church parking lot Friday evening at 5:45 and car pool to the lnn.

This retreat welcomes both singles and couples and is a great opportunity to get to know fellow members (and guests) who are in various stages in their walk with Christ.

Those interested should contact Nancy or Jeff Brumbach at 610.367.5207.  A sign-up sheet will be displayed on the bulletin board in the Parish House.