1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

THE MAST
St. John’s Lutheran Church
November 2014
The Mission of St. John’s Lutheran Church:
● Draw people into the body of Christ
● Nurture each other with love and support
● Serve Christ and others
113 Lotus Street, Dover, DE 19901
302-734-7078
Cover art provided by Roger Hazzard, Camera Club
www.stjohnsdover.com
Page 2
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Announcements
Special voters meeting, Sunday, November 9 to
nominate representative for circuit forum and
district convention; approve new elders; and
nomination for SED Board of Directors.
Worship Notes
There are a lot of exciting things going this month in
worship.
All Saints Sunday: This is the time to give
thanks to God for those people who have finished
the race and now rest from their labors. We
remember them in love. We remember their faith and
the ways in which they lived out that faith. We take
the time to let their example motivate us in the ways
that we live out our faith.
The End: November marks the end of the church
year. During this time the readings and prayers focus
on the return of Jesus. November 9 and 16 will
feature a mini-series that will look at the End and talk
about the significance and meaning of it for the life of
the church.
Stephen Ministry Sunday: Stephen Ministry is a
very important ministry in the life of our
congregation. Sunday, November 23, 2014 we will
be celebrating this in our services. This will be a time
to give thanks to God for this ministry and to lift up in
prayer those who are a part of it. A reception in
honor of all Stephen Ministers past and present will
be held following the second service.
Thanksgiving Eve: Wednesday, November 26,
at 7:15 pm will be a service of Holy Communion and
Thanksgiving. This is a time to go before our God in
gratitude for the many and great blessings that He
so lovingly and graciously bestows on us. Bring a pie
to share for the pie social following this service and
enjoy a time of fellowship.
Advent Worship Schedule: Can you believe
that the stores already have Christmas decorations
out? While it may be a little early to think about
Christmas, it is not too early to think about Advent
and Advent worship. Wednesdays in Advent will
have two worship opportunities. There will be a new
service during the noon hour which will begin at
12:15 pm. This will be a short service that is perfect
for those who want to have a time of worship over
their lunch break. It also works well for those who do
not like to drive at night. There will also be a
Wednesday evening service which will begin at 7:15
pm. Come to one or both and use these times of
worship to prepare your heart for the celebration of
Christmas.
Adult Bible Study
The Church: What is the church? What does the
church do? What difference does this make? The
Sundays in November (except when there is a
pancake breakfast) we will be continuing to explore
what the Bible says about the church and how we
can implement that in our lives. The book The
Ministry of the Missional Church by Craig Van
Gelder will be our guide on this journey. Reading the
book is not a requirement for participating in the
class. If you have ever attended church, then this
class is for you.
The Texts of Advent and Christmas: Come in
December as we explore the texts assigned for the
season of Advent. Each week we will take a detailed
look at the texts for the upcoming week. This will
provide you with the opportunity to reflect on the
texts throughout the week, and to be able to have a
greater appreciation for them as they are used in the
worship services.
General Notes
Habitat for Humanity Build: Saturday,
November 1, we will be participating in a Habitat for
Humanity build in Frederica. We need fifteen people
to sign-up but we are welcome to bring as many as
we want. Participants must be at least sixteen. If you
can’t build, you could sign up to help provide and
serve lunch for the crew that day. Sign up in the
narthex.
November 2014
Page 3
Letter from the president
A NNOUNCEMENTS CONTINUED
Prayer for the Ministry: There are many
wonderful things going on here at St. John’s. Our
God has blessed us greatly. It is always important
to take some time to seek the Lord in prayer and to
ask for His guidance, direction, and blessing as we
seek to join Him in His work and mission in our
world. Therefore, on Monday, November 3, 2014,
at 7:00 pm the sanctuary will be open and available
for a time of prayer. Please come by and spend
some lifting up the ministries and people of St.
John’s.
Catechism Instruction: It is not too late to
participate. Catechism instruction takes place on
The end is near. That is, the end of the church year
is near. November is the month in which the church
year sees its final weeks. Those weeks are not just
an end of the year, but they also push us into the
beginning and start of a new year. This means that
those last weeks are a hope-filled time that helps to
prepare our hearts and focus our attention on the
return of our Lord. His return is not so much an end
as it is the start of a new beginning. On that great
and glorious day we know that there will be the final
defeat and end to sin, death, and the devil. It will be
better than anything we could imagine.
The lessons of this time of the year focus our
attention on Jesus’ return. Rest assured. He is
coming back. With this hope there also comes a
sense of urgency for the mission. We do not have
forever to sit around and hang out. We need to be
about the work of joining God in God’s mission in
the world. And so that is what we do and what we
focus on during the end of the church year.
November is also the month when we celebrate
All Saints Sunday. We identify a saint as anyone
who is a believer. These are not a class of SuperChristians, but are people who have been
purchased and redeemed by Jesus Christ. You are
a saint. Some saints have their own day. St.
Nicholas’ day is December 6. St. Valentine’s day is
Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:00.
Confirmation is open to fifth graders and up. If you
have questions, or would like more information
please see Pastor CJ.
Middle School/High School Bible Study: All
middle school and high school students are invited
to join Pastor CJ for a Bible study on Wednesday
evenings from 7:00 to 8:00. In our time together we
will be studying books of the Bible, what Lutherans
believe, why our faith is relevant today, how to live
out your faith, and other topics that are of
importance and interest. All students grades five
through twelve are welcome to participate.
Pastor’s Column
February 14. St. Patrick's day is March 17. All
Saints day is the day set aside to remember all
those saints who do not have a day of their own.
In remembering them, we are really celebrating
the gracious and wonderful ways that God has
worked in their lives in making them His own
through Jesus. We are also celebrating the example
that their living out of their faith gives to us.
This is a celebration that is bitter-sweet. It is
bitter in the sense that we mourn and miss our
loved ones. But it is sweet because we know that at
the return of Jesus, they will rise from the dead and
we will be reunited with them. We will live with them
and Jesus for all of eternity on a new earth, under a
new heaven, in bodies that do not get sick or die,
and that are not corrupted by sin.
This month is a month of thankfulness. So let us
give thanks as we remember the saints in our lives,
as we look for the return of our Lord, as we
celebrate all the blessings that our God pours out
into our lives. I am looking forward to giving thanks
with you, and I certainly give thanks for you. God
bless you.
Love,
Pastor CJ
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 4
Thank You Letters
Below are excepts from the thank you letters we’ve received this month from recent donations
made by our church. Full copies of each letter are hanging in the basement of church on the
news board!
“Dear Rev. Ransdell and members of ST. John’s,
Thank you for your recent donation of
• Janua Hebraeae Linguae Veteris Testamenti by C. Reineccius
• Erklärung der Epistel Pauli an der Römer by J. Günther
Your gift is appreciated and is valuable for the collection at Concordia
Seminary Library.”
Lyle E. Buettner
Special Collections Librarian
Concordia Seminary Library
“Many thanks to all of you for the enormous gift of socks of all sizes and
colors! Thank you also for your continued support….”
Jeanine Kleimo
Chair
Dover Interfaith Mission for Housing
“St. John’s Lutheran Church VBS,
Thank you for the much needed paper towels. They came in just in the
nick of time. We were so glad to get them.”
The Shepherd Place
Please continue to page 13 to see other wonderful news regarding VBS past and future!
November 2014
Page 5
Letter from the president
Letter from the President
Oh my … October is gone and November is
upon us.
The end of October, we welcomed 25 new
members to St. John’s!!! We spent some time
on the evening of October 26th with many of
these new members—getting to know each
other. WELCOME!
November brings Veterans Day, Thanksgiving
and we as a church start preparing for Advent
… and Christmas. Unlike the local stores, we
did not decorate the church in September or
October. We will not even decorate in
November. WE WILL be bringing in the tree
and decorating the sanctuary on Friday
evening December 5th. Yes it is a Youth
Group night … but this event will be open to all
members and families. We’ll feed you a
fantastic youth group style dinner and then
we’ll decorate, play Christmas music and sing.
Mark your calendar and plan to join us.
There are always opportunities to serve.
Where can you be the hands and feet of God?
We are still trying to update our Shepherd Staff
database. In order to help get news out to you
quickly, please email Mary Lou Jackson (church
secretary). The church secretary email remains
the same secretary@stjohnsdover.com. In your
email, please provide your name and email
address. This way when important news comes
up, we can update you immediately.
Current Mission Leadership Board members and
their term:
President: Don Petersen 2012-2015
(dpetersen@stjohnsdover.com);
Vice-President: Bob Benton 2014-2017
(rentacop1@comcast.net)
Secretary: Scott Brown 20132016
(sbrown@stjohnsdover.com);
Treasurer: Donn Paulin 2014-2017
(dpaulin@stjohnsdover.com)
At Large members: Elizabeth Stephens 2012-2015
(eelitlbit@comcast.net); Gene Lohrmann (2014) 20122015; Marlys Natonick 2013-2016
(mjnato@comcast.net); Parks Holt: (2014) 20132016 (parksholt33@yahoo.com); George Price
2014—2017 (gprice@rocketmail.com)
Non-Voting Members:
Pastor Dr. CJ Ransdell (pastorcj@stjohnsdover.com);
Dr.Dina Vendetti (dina_vendetti@verizon.net);
Mary Williams (mwilliams@stjohnsdover.com)
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 6
What’s Happening?!
F RO M T H E O F F I C E O F
D R . D I NA C A RO L V E N D ET T I , P R I N C I PA L
A ND IF I GO AND PREPARE A PLACE FOR YOU, I WILL COME
B A C K A N D T A K E Y O U T O B E W I T H M E T HA T Y O U A L S O M A Y B E
W HER E I A M .
- JOHN 14:3
Traveling can be really fun! There are
people to meet – or reunite with, there are
really cool places to visit and beautiful things to
see, there are pictures to take (and these days,
to post!), there are regional foods to sample
and events of local charm in which to
participate – travel can be an exhilarating
learning experience and a change of scenery
can certainly be good for one’s perspective. In
my recent days of traveling, I was reminded of
one of the best-ever things about travel… I was
again given an opportunity to appreciate what,
for me, might be the ultimate benefit, bonus,
and benefit of travel… COMING HOME! That’s
right – as great as travel is and as good as it
can be for a person, the thing I like best about
traveling is the moment when I re-enter my
house and unpack my bags. As I drive back
into town, usually either across Route 8 or
down Route 1, I can feel my whole body relax
and begin to settle in – I always think it is so
nice of the people at the Dover Air Force Base
to send those C-5’s up into the sky just at the
perfect moment to welcome me back! I see
them hovering in the sky, I wave, and I
continue to my favorite destination. The truth is
that, for me, no matter where I go, whether it
be to Richmond or Baltimore or Rehoboth or
Sicily, there’s no house like my own house, no
bed like my own bed, no tea like the tea from
my own pot. It’s really, really nice to be home.
I can’t help but think that, as happy and
complete as I feel to be at home again, this
feeling is only a shadow, only a glimmer of
what our real homecoming will be like. There’s
a restlessness about us – even when we’re in
our own houses, isn’t there? As humans, we
all have a yearning for “home” that will never
totally go away until we get to heaven. There
seems to be a force stirring inside all of us that
is never completely satisfied… something in us
wants to propel us forward… Remember that
breath that God breathed into Adam and Eve?
That breath has eventually been passed down
to you and to me, that life of the Creator living
inside of us, is longing to return to the Being
from which it originally came. We often wonder
what heaven will be like… will we be
comfortable there? Will we have enough to do?
Will it take some getting used to? We are SO
human sometime! What ridiculous, very
human questions! Of course it will be
comfortable and no, it won’t take any getting
used to… when we get to heaven, we will
finally, really, once-and-for all be at home!
Forever! We’ll have nothing to worry about,
nothing to get used to, no longings that won’t
be fulfilled. And best of all, we’ll be reunited
with our Maker, our Almighty King, our Daddy.
What a homecoming it will be!!!
On the first day of this month we will
celebrate those who have already had their
Continued on the next page
November 2014
Page 7
Letter from the president
W H A T ’ S H A P P E N IN G C O N T IN U E D
homecoming. First, we’ll think back. We will be
reminded of those who have gone before us,
those who have already fought the fight and
won the race. We’ll be encouraged to think
about those saints whose lives shaped our
lives – saints like Peter and Paul, Abraham and
Moses, John and Mary, Luther and Augustine,
Grandpop and Uncle Charles, Cousin Kathy,
Dick, Granny, and Mommy. We’ll reflect on
their amazing impact – we’ll thank God for their
witness and their love. We rejoice with them
as they enjoy the reward of being in the
presence of God. And then, together, we’ll
think forward. We’ll reflect on our own lives,
we’ll ask God to strengthen our own witness,
and we’ll concentrate on the kind of impact we
may have on the lives of those who will come
after us. In a fascinating, God-designed way
our lives will shape the lives of those around us
and the lives of those who are part of the next
generation of witnesses. And the beat will go
on…
The apostle Paul sort of addressed
traveling and homecoming in this way in his
letter to the Galatians:
“For me to live is Christ…” Traveling can be
fun, rewarding, educational…
“For me to die is gain…” Coming home is the
best.
“For the life I now live, I live by faith in the Son
of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”
The time in between is critical…
As we appreciate the present and as we
look forward to living in His presence, may He
make us presents to those around us who
need the hope that will draw us home.
Continued on the next page
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 8
Here’s What’s Happening!
1. Timing is flying at St. John’s School! By the
time this newsletter hits your mailbox, we will
be at the very end of the first quarter already.
These days will be marked by final
assignments and projects, gathering of
grades, report cards, parent conferences,
and the start of a whole new quarter, another
10 weeks of learning. Before long we’ll be
listing our blessings and remembering much
to be thankful for… we’ll be hearing again the
stories leading up to the celebration of Jesus’
birth, we’ll be practicing for the Christmas
program… we’ll be planning and decorating
and looking ahead to the holidays with
nervous and excited anticipation. Our halls
and classrooms will continue to be exuberant
and busy places! Please continue to pray for
our students, staff, and families as we all
continue to learn and grow together.
2. Our current enrollment is at 65. As usual, we
could use more kids in the building. Keep
sharing the good news of what God is doing
at our school with your friends, neighbors,
and coworkers. Offer to bring them over for
a visit! Every child who becomes a student
at St. John’s has an amazing opportunity for
growth – academically, physically,
emotionally… and most of all, spiritually.
3. Chapel continues to be a highlight during
our weeks at St. John’s School. We gather
together on Wednesday mornings at 8:45
for about a half hour to hear God’s word, sing
His praises, bring our prayers before Him,
and celebrate as His children. Chapel is led
by a variety of people: Pastor CJ, members
of our staff, classes from our school, guest
speakers, etc. Chapel is open to all – we
would love to have you join us any
Wednesday morning and be a part of this
awesome time of remembering God’s love.
Here is this month’s schedule… 11/5: Pastor
CJ, 11/12: Ann Schmick (teacher), 11/19:
Pastor Don Schaefer (retired from the
Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Rehoboth
– and Mrs. Schaefer’s husband!), 11/26:
Deaconess Sally Hiller (Southeastern District
executive). Please mark your calendars and
come!
4. Our staff spent four days in Greensboro,
North Carolina, last month for our annual
district teacher’s conference. This year’s
conference was a wonderful experience as
we gathered under the umbrella of the
“Presidents’ Convocation,” an enriching and
encouraging assembly of pastors, teachers,
DCE’s, parish nurses, deaconesses, etc. –
all professional church workers serving in our
Southeastern District. We attended
workshops on building church and school
relationships, using technology, information
about the “common core,” prayer, and much
more. We also heard from the incredible
researcher, David Kinnaman, who works with
the Barna Group, and who shared with us
about how to reach the young adults in our
Continued on the next page
November 2014
Page 9
Letter from the president
H E R E ’ S W H A T ’ S H A P P E N IN G C O N T IN U E D
churches and schools with the love of Christ.
It was a wonderful time of learning and a
great time for our teachers and pastor to
laugh and cry, chat and share, build
relationships and strengthen the bonds
among us. It was a really good four days!
5. Our parent group, the LOOP, will sponsor our
annual Veteran’s Dinner on Monday,
November 10th, at 6 pm. If you are a veteran
or know a veteran who might like to attend,
please consider joining us. Any veterans who
have memorabilia from their time in the
service are invited to bring it and set up a
display that evening for others to see. Call
the school office or see Dina for more
information.
6. We will celebrate Thanksgiving at school with
our traditional Thanksgiving Chapel service
and pot luck luncheon. Deaconess Sally
Hiller will be with us to share a Chapel
message that day. Chapel will be at 10:30
am – the
luncheon
will follow
Chapel.
Scholl will
dismiss at
noon that
day. All
are invited
to join us
for this happy time of giving thanks to God for
our many, many blessings!
7. The school’s annual Christmas program will
be held on Thursday, December 18th, at 7 pm
at Wyoming Church. This is always an
amazing time of celebration and joy a we
remember the birth of our Savior Jesus
Christ. Please make plans to attend and
celebrate with us!
8. Thank you so much for your prayers during
my recent travels. I was in a lot of places in
these last 6 weeks or so… Rehoboth Beach
(with the Chamber of Commerce), Orlando
(with the church workers from the FloridaGeorgia District), Richmond (twice… once
with the Southeastern District Board of
Directors and once with the LWML), and
Greensboro (with our own staff and the
workers in our District). It was fun to reunite
with old friends (some from college days), to
witness the growth and gifts of former
students who are now pastors and teachers,
to share in the ministry of the larger church,
to proclaim the good news of what God is
doing at St. John’s, to grow in relationship
with our Lord and each other… these and
many more blessings dotted my trips. But
one of the most amazing blessings of all was
the blessing of coming home again!
9. Prayer Requests: Prayers of thanks for an
incredible first quarter of learning and praying
and growing in Jesus, prayers of thanks for
our parents who so faithfully volunteer at our
school, prayers of thanks for one of our third
graders who is emerging from a difficult time,
prayers for one of our school families who is
learning how to best parent their amazing
child with special needs, prayers of healing
and hope for one of our district leaders who is
facing a serious medical situation, prayers for
an educational leader in our community who
is struggling with a recurrence of cancer,
prayer that God will send us more kids, and
thanks for our many, many blessings!
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 10
ELC Report
BY: MARY WILLIAMS, DIRECTOR
We enjoyed lots of fun fall activities in
October! They 4’s travelled to the Firehouse
on the Air Force Base and Wicked-R Ranch,
while the 2’s & 3’s traveled to Loblolly Acres
and had some special visitors from the Fire
Department. We also used a jack-o-lantern to
illustrate to the children how God cleans out
our “yucky” stuff and helps us shine with His
light for others.
enjoyed cookies and tea
while making a fun flower pot
craft, while the 2’s & 3’s
decorated picture frames
with their grandparents.
Food for the Needy
Our annual November food drive has begun.
Each week the children bring canned goods
and non-perishable items into chapel to add to
our “Food Mountain”. The children are really
amazed when they see how much we can
really help when we work together. At the end
of the month we will re-stock the food box in
the narthex and distribute some food to St.
John’s families that are in need. If you would
like to help us in our collection please bring
your items to the school office.
Thanksgiving Feasts
“Give thanks with a grateful heart, give Our annual Thanksgiving Feasts will be held on
thanks to the Holy One.” Give thanks indeed! Monday and Tuesday, November 24th and 25th.
God has blessed us all so richly and although it Instead of the traditional Thanksgiving Feast
is important to always give thanks, November items we will again have a “Breakfast Feast”
seems to be the time when “thanks” is
complete with pancakes, sausage, bacon and
overflowing. Sometimes it is easy to get
eggs! If anyone is interested in lending a hand
caught up in the monotony of daily living and
on either of these days to help prepare the food
we forget to look at what’s truly important. At
for the children please call Mary at 734-1211.
the E.L.C. we are working to help the children
remember all of the blessings that God has
Fundraisers
We were able earn over $100 for our Chuck E.
given to them and to thank God each day.
Cheese Family night and also sold around
$2000 worth of items from Claire’s Gourmet.
Grandparent’s Teas
We enjoyed hosting our annual Grandparent’s Our fall Scholastic Book Fair earned us close
Teas in early October. The children and their to $200 to spend on books and materials from
Scholastic. Thank you for your support! Stay
special friends had a great time sharing in
some fall themed fun. The 4-year-old classes tuned for upcoming restaurant nights!
November 2014
Page 11
Letter from the president
St. John’s Youth Group is open
to all youth in grades 5-12th.
We offer a wide variety of
activities that are fun for all!!
Youth Group gatherings are on
the first and third Fridays of the
month from 6-9:30pm. Dinner is
served at each gathering and is
free.
Jesus is always present
through fellowship, games,
discussions, and lessons.
If you have any questions you
may contact Sharon Petersen
at slpetersen817@gmail.com.
You can also find our fb
connection through our website
www.stjohnsdover.com
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain: Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow; No
other fount I know, Nothing but the
blood of Jesus.
November schedule
Sunday, November 2nd
Pancake Breakfast
800 pm— 1030 am
Friday, November 7th
Friday night Youth Group
6:00 pm— 9:30 pm
(Youth Group is for any youth 5th grade and up.)
Friday, November 21st
Return to Friday night Youth Group
6:00 pm—9:30 pm
Saturday, November 22nd
YARD SALE
*Pancake Breakfast is a Youth Service Event. All Youth Group Children are asked to participate.
We need help setting up tables and chairs and taking down. We also need servers, cookers and
dishwashers. This is a free will offering event but quite often our generous customers donate
above and beyond. The money above the cost of the food goes toward providing meals for our
Friday night gatherings.
November 22
9:00 am—1:00 pm
Breakfast and Lunch available
HELP!!
We are collecting items. Our collection is growing but we can always use
more. Wild Hall is full!! All donations can now be brought to the stage in
the ELC building. We have a few people that have furniture to bring to
the sale. If you have a truck and can help us with pick up of items please
let us know. We will also need extra hands for clean-up. Clean-up crew
can show up at 12:30 to start packing up.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 12
Stephen Ministry
S TAY I N G WA R M W I T H S T EP H EN M I N I ST RY
November is the month when we traditionally
reflect upon the blessings graciously bestowed
upon us by our loving Lord. As Coordinator
and a Stephen Leader, I have many reasons to
be thankful. I am privileged to be a leader for
such a caring ministry-one that promotes
emphasis on self-less serving to those in need.
This year alone, we are meeting the needs of 7
people, both in our church and community, who
are in need of care. Praise God!
It's important, also, to recognize those
compassionate people who serve. I would like
first of all, to thank my Co-leader, Sam
Nickerson. Sam, earlier this year, went for
Stephen Leader training in Florida. He then
came back to doing double duty-helped teach
some of the 2 ½ modules each week while also
partaking in the Stephen Ministry training to be
a Stephen Minister. To clarify, Sam first took
part in a 40 hour Stephen Leader training
course, then came back to partake in a 50 hour
Stephen Minister training course! Sam is a
natural Stephen Minister who skillfully leads
our supervision meetings while also being a
care giver as well. Thank you, Sam for all the
support and time you give! I would also like to
thank Sharon Petersen, a former Stephen
Leader who comes back every two years to
help train a new group of care givers and
Pastor Keith Less (the District Counselor), who
used his background as a trained Psych
Counselor to help teach the Modules on Grief,
Suicide and Depression. It's wonderfully
gratifying to know that leadership support is
available and keeps me very aware that God is
in control and not me!
I have to admit that while
on one level I'm aware that
Stephen Ministry is a two
year commitment, I'm
always sad when a Stephen Minister steps
down. Coralie Starkey has faithfully served as
a Stephen Minister for more than the two year
commitment that is asked of each Stephen
Minister. I believe that Coralie served at least
4 years. During that time, Coralie provided
care to several women in need of care while
also contributing invaluable insights and
support to our team. Our supervision meetings
won't be the same without you, Coralie! We
understand though, that she has other things in
her life that need attention now, and so it is
with regret (mutual regret, I might add), that
she's asked to step down. We also got to
know you as our friend and we know that
friendship will last. As Mother Teresa once
said "There is a light in the world, a healing
spirit, more powerful than any darkness we
many encounter. We sometimes lose sight of
the force when there is so much suffering, too
much pain. Then suddenly, the spirit will
emerge through the lives of ordinary people
who care and answer in extraordinary ways".
That's what Coralie-and in fact the rest of the
team did-provide the light when his/her care
receiver is in the darkness of pain and
suffering.
On that note, I would also like to thank the rest
of the team- Parks Holt, Teresa Huff, Barb
Impollonia, Myrland Keller, Ron Morella, Sam
Nickerson, Ray Richter, Jeanette Sanders and
John Strausbaugh. Not all of us have care
Continued on the next page
November 2014
Page 13
Letter from the president
S T EP H EN M I N I ST RY C O N T I N U E D
receivers, but all of us care immensely about
you, the congregation, and the community at
large. So, we ask you for continued prayers for
our team, for people who need the help, that
they will reach out in their pain to ask for help.
We ask for prayers also for our Pastor-Pastor
CJ. We thank him for his invaluable support
and his insights on how to improve and
strengthen this ministry. I especially want to
thank him for always "being there" when I
needed a confidant. We are thankful indeed,
that God has brought this loving Pastor and
family to spiritually nourish us.
Finally, we hope that you will join us on
November 23 for Stephen Ministry Sunday
when we formally recognize all who have
served this ministry since it began in 2006.
Each person who has served has brought light
to someone in a time of darkness and
consequently, 45 people have not slipped
through the cracks through lack of care. Each
Stephen Minister, both former and present, has
in a personal way shown God's love to a
person in need of care. If you are unsure of
what Stephen Ministry is all about, come hear a
witness testimony by one of our own Stephen
Ministers. She will speak about a personal
experience on how Stephen Ministry helped a
member of her family.
Yes, I am blessed through this ministry and
therefore wish to offer to everyone in our
church family, on behalf of the Stephen
Ministry team, a Blessed and peaceful
Thanksgiving.
Vacation Bible School
Better late than never right??? That was an
unfortunate theme last year with the planning
of VBS… With so many changes being made
here at church, the planning committee was
one that came together last minute out of
necessity, enthusiasm, and love!
Housing, 55 rolls of paper towels to The
Shepherd Place Women’s Shelter, 109 cans of
cat food for the Kent County SPCA, and over
200 jars of play-doh for A.I. Dupont!!
With all that said, our review board met after
VBS was over and done to discuss our
Our main committee consisted of one person
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
that had helped before, one preschool teacher, threats. After thoughtful discussion, we made a
one new Lutheran, and one completely new to lot of decisions on how to make VBS 2015
the area! None whom had actually planned a
better than ever!
full VBS before! I’d say we didn’t do too shabby
for the obstacles we faced. Only with the help One of those decisions was an obvious one,
of God was it at all possible!
early planning! Sunday, November 16, after the
fellowship luncheon, we will have our first
Overall, we had 118 registered children with
committee meeting for VBS 2015. We will
the highest attendance of in one night being
mostly be discussing which VBS curriculum to
87! We donated approximately 75 pairs of
order. You are welcome to join us and decide
men’s socks to Dover interfaith Mission for
from there how you’d like to contribute further!
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 14
LWML
A big “THANK YOU” to everyone who
to take it or just keep
participated in our observance of National
adding to it for next time,
LWML Sunday in any way: worshipping
which will be in January.
together, offering your Mites, joining in for the
Information to be aware
ladies’ luncheon, caring for the children. The
of: As our district is beginning a brand new
special service theme was, “Fragrant Sacrifices mission grant calendar for 2014-2016, the
and Offerings” (Ephesians 5:2) Among other
mission grants for our national biennium for
things, Pastor CJ reminded us of just how
2013-2015 has 5 months left to complete their
important each of us is in the body of Christ
goal by March 31, 2015. As of July 31, we are
and that by serving others our sacrificial
experiencing a $108,000 deficit. Please keep
offerings are a pleasant fragrance to God.
these grants and their funding in prayer.
Those of the LWML are grateful for the
Remember that 25% of our Mite Offerings goes
opportunity to serve in many ways.
to National. The rest stays within our
Chesapeake District.
You’ll be please to know that your total Mite
offering donated for this quarter was over $400. The special LWML luncheon and time together
If you forgot your Mite Box we will still be happy after worship service was attended by 24
ladies, including nine
new faces of young
ladies and mothers.
Thanks to Pastor CJ
and Roger, eleven
children were
entertained while
mommy enjoyed some
time with LWML. Pizza,
hot dogs and Ms.
Marlys’ home-made
chocolate chip cookies
helped a lot too.
Couldn’t have been too
Continued on the next page
November 2014
Page 15
Letter from the president
CONTINUED
bad… Pastor CJ volunteered them to do
it again! Ladies, let us know how you
liked the Sunday scheduling for our GetTogether.
On a final note, one of our LWML sisters,
Carol Harris, from Christ Lutheran in
Seaford, is leaving at the end of October
for a two week mission trip to Costa Rica
through MOST Ministries. Please keep
Carol and those with her group in prayer
as well as the people they will be serving.
MOST stands for Mission Opportunities
Short Term and is endorsed by the LCMS. For more info check out their
website.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 16
ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN
Orphan Grain Train Mid-Atlantic Division has been provided a fund
raising challenge that is too good to pass up. EVERY DOLLAR OGT
RAISES (UP TO $5,000) WILL BE MATCHED!!! That’s right, when
you send in your check for $5 it becomes $10, $50 becomes $100,
$250 becomes $500 . . . This “challenge” is for all new money
raised by December 8. You can make your check out to Orphan
Grain Train Mid-Atlantic Division and either give it to me (Roger
Hazzard) or send it to:
CHRIST MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH (Attn: OGT)
89 LINE ROAD
MALVERN, PA 19355
Your tax-deductible contributions will allow OGT Mid-Atlantic to
maintain warehouse operations and more importantly send shipments
of clothing and other items to people in need throughout the world and
the U.S.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON
Greetings to you one and all! The time is once again upon us to
celebrate the wonderful holiday seasons. Please join us on Sunday,
November 16 after late service for a bountiful Thanksgiving fellowship
luncheon. We have a lot to celebrate and to be thankful for this year.
We have our wonderful new Pastor and his family, all of our new
members, and the family that we all have in each other in our
congregation. We hope to see you there! God's blessings!
ST. JOHN’S MEN’S GROUP
Dear Friends
The next gathering of the St John’s Men’s Group will be Monday,
November 17, 2014 at 7pm in the church basement.
Our study for this night will be Chapter 7 of the Book of Daniel. The
book of Daniel now switches from examples of courage faith and
prayer and a God who endures forever to prophetic visions of the
promised appearance of the Messiah and the antichrist. Daniels
vision in Chapter 7 has to do with the future of Babylon and
succeeding Gentile kingdoms, along with the trials and final victory of
those who worship the Lord.
In addition to the Bible study we will have a time for sharing, fellowship
and prayer.
The men of St John’s are cordially invited to come. We hope that you
will consider attending our Bible Study.
Bring a friend!
See you there.
November 2014
Page 17
Letter from the president
SCHOOL MINISTRY PRAYER SUPPORT
•
•
•
•
•
•
Nurture our teachers and staff....
Become a St. John's School Ministry Prayer Support
Become a prayer warrior for one of the Early Learning Center or Day
School staff. You can choose from the board in the narthex a name of
a staff member, but your identity is to remain anonymous to the staff
member. All they know is that a member of the congregation is praying
for them daily.
Pray for their spiritual life, the children in their care, their personal life,
and that God's love is shown through them in all they do and say.
Send a Bible verse or note of encouragement to them.
Are you a poem writer, cookie maker/or you see some delicious fruit
while you are shopping...share.
The Lord will nudge you what to do! :-)
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY
We meet at 3:00pm Thursday afternoons with a Book Bible study for
women in the basement of the church.
:-) Be filled with God's Word in the middle of the week! :-)
Here we are in the Fall with our new book study! :-)
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
Habakkuk 3:19 and Psalm 18:33
Any questions? Do not hesitate to call Marlys Natonick (302) 422-1806
CAMERA CLUB
The Camera Club of St. John’s will now meet on the third Tuesday of
the month. Our meeting for November will be Tuesday, November 11 at
7:00p.m., in the church basement. We watch a 30-minute DVD lecture
about a particular aspect of photography. The lecturer is a National
Geographic photographer who provides interesting, and oftentimes
amusing lectures. At the end of each lecture he gives an easy
assignment to help us hone our photography skills. If you would like to
see some of the work done by club members check out the “Camera
Club” link on the church’s web page. (Under the Groups heading)
Consider joining us to share your photographic experiences and ideas.
The fall colors and lower sun angle provide opportunities for some great
pictures. Hope to see you on Tuesday the 18th. If you have any
questions please call me (Roger Hazzard) at 697-9661
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 18
Birthdays
Luke Laise
Norbert Hesterberg
Karen Krise
Gloria Saatman
Ja’vonte Worthy
Melissa Frie
Wayne Roock
Sandy Wilson
Megan Williams
Tricia Massey
Alexis Rivera
Jane Welch
Rebecca Brewer
Hayley Ogborne
Patricia Strausbaugh
Derek Tetzner
11/1
11/2
11/4
11/4
11/4
11/5
11/6
11/6
11/7
11/8
11/9
11/9
11/10
11/11
11/11
11/11
Michael Duncan
Elizabeth Abbate
Gabrielie Schmick
Silas Sheranko
Zachary Levan
Wendy Dudai
Christie Moore
Carole Breitkreitz
Sara Thomas
Linda Barlow
Eric Burke
Karen Wilmire
Joshua Hawley
Ryan Buchwald
Marian Richter
Coleman Spathes
11/12
11/13
11/13
11/13
11/14
11/15
11/15
11/16
11/16
11/18
11/19
11/19
11/20
11/21
11/21
11/21
Richard Williams
Brooke Galloway
Olivia Galloway
Jaden Hammond
Alicia Johnson
Meadow Mason
Emilia Matarrese
Jean Betley
Debra Morris
Jazlyn Wilson
Ulric Fairbanks
Ronny Hays
Laura Mestro
Adriana Burrell
Amari Diaz
Jason Walther
11/21
11/22
11/22
11/25
11/25
11/25
11/25
11/26
11/26
11/26
11/28
11/28
11/29
11/30
11/30
11/30
Anniversaries
Robert & Lillian Pekrul
11/3
11/24
Ray & Kim Lanphear
Service Assistant Schedule
Readers and Assistants. If you will not be able to serve as scheduled please call Ray Richter Ph:674-4248
Ushers. Early Service: If you will not be able to serve as scheduled please find someone to fill for you.
Late Service: If you will not be able to serve as scheduled please call Donn Paulin, Ph:678-2340
11/2
Usher
Reader
Assistant
Early Service
Richard Barlow
Phil Livingston
Linda Barlow
Barbara Impollonia
Lois Driftmyer
11/9
Usher
Reader
Assistant
Johnathan Hesterman Chuck Hadley
Coralie Starkey
Roger Hazzard
Stephan Siok
Bob Benton
Tom Smith
Donn Paulin
Usher
Reader
Assistant
Richard Barlow
Christin Siok
Ray Richter
Donn Paulin
Betty Paulin
Rose Bryan
John Strausbaugh Rick Murphy
Usher
Reader
Assistant
Jonathan Hesterman
Richard Barlow
Roger Hazzard
Chuck Hadley
Usher
Reader
Assistant
Richard Barlow
Coralie Starkey
Ray Richter
Phil Livingston
11/16
11/23
11/30
Linda Barlow
Lois Driftmyer
Sam Nickerson
Stephen Siok
Late Service
Rick Murphy
Barry Bliem
Jean Betley
Eric Stephens
Elizabeth Stephens
Lyn Benton
Betty Paulin
John Strausbaugh Pam Strausbaugh
John Strausbaugh
Don Petersen
Jean Betley
Bob Benton
Tom Smith
Donn Paulin
Barry Bliem
Betty Paulin
November 2014
SUN
MON
TUE
8:00am—Early Service
9:15am—Adult Bible Study
9:15am—Sunday School
10:30am—Late Service
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
1
HABITAT FOR
HUMANITY BUILD
2
9:15AM
PANCAKE
BREAKFAST
3
7:00PM PRAYER
FOR THE MINISTRY
4
6:30PM GIRL
SCOUTS MEETING
5
9:00AM OGT SORT
AND PACK
6:30PM CATECHISM
INSTRUCTION
7:00PM MS/HS
BIBLE STUDY
6
3:00PM WOMEN’S
BIBLE STUDY
6:15PM BELLS
7:30PM CHOIR
7
8
9:00AM OGT
SORT AND PACK
6:00PM YOUTH
GROUP
9
SPECIAL
VOTER’S
MEETING
10
6:00PM LOOP
VETERAN’S
DINNER AT
WALKER ROAD
11
7:00PM CAMERA
CLUB
12
9:00AM OGT SORT
AND PACK
6:30PM STEPHEN
MINISTRY
MEETING AT
WALKER ROAD
6:30PM CATECHISM
INSTRUCTION
7:00PM MS/HS
BIBLE STUDY
13
3:00PM WOMEN’S
BIBLE STUDY
6:15PM BELLS
7:30PM CHOIR
15
14
9:00AM OGT
SORT AND PACK
16
FELLOWSHIP
LUNCHEON
17
7:00PM MEN’S
GROUP
18
6:30PM GIRL
SCOUTS MEETING
19
9:00AM OGT SORT
AND PACK
6:30PM CATECHISM
INSTRUCTION
7:00PM MS/HS
BIBLE STUDY
20
3:00PM WOMEN’S
BIBLE STUDY
6:15PM BELLS
7:30PM CHOIR
21
22
9:00AM OGT
YOUTH GROUP
SORT AND PACK YARD SALE
6:00PM YOUTH
GROUP
24
7:00PM MISSION
LEADERSHIP
BOARD MEETING
25
26
7:15PM
THANKSGIVING EVE
SERVICE
27
THANKSGIVING
28
VBS
COMMITTEE
MEETING
23
STEPHEN
MINISTRY
SUNDAY
29
30
November Readings
November 2, All Saints’ Day
Rev. 7:2-17
1 John 3:1-3
Matt. 5:1-12
November 16
Zeph. 1:7-16
1 Thess. 5:1-11
Matt. 25:14-30
November 27
Deut. 8:1-10
Phil. 4:6-20 or Tim. 2:1-4
Luke 17:11-19
November 9
Amos 5:18-24
1 Thess. 4:13-18
Matt. 25:1-13
November 23
Ezek. 34:11-16, 20-24
1 Cor. 15:20-28
Matt. 25:31-46
November 30
Is. 64:1-9
1 Cor. 1:3-9
Mark 11:1-10
THE MAST
Rev. Dr. Charles E. (CJ) Ransdell, Jr., Pastor
Email: pastorcj@stjohnsdover.com
Office Phone: (302) 734-7078
The ship is the symbol of St. John’s Lutheran Church. The symbol of the ship with a cross
on the sail represents the church. The word “nave” is derived from the Latin word meaning ship. As all in the ark of Noah were saved from the flood, so the ship of the church
carries people to salvation in Christ (1 Peter 3: 18-21). The eagle on the bow of the ship is
symbolic of St. John the Evangelist.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
St. John’s Lutheran Church
113 Lotus St.
Dover DE 19901
DOVER, DELAWARE
PERMIT NO. 150
PAID
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE