1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

THE MAST
St. John’s Lutheran Church
February 2015
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
www.stjohnsdover.com
302-734-7078
Important information requiring your response!
See flyer between pages 10-11!
Cover photo provided by St. John’s Camera Club
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 2
Announcements
Worship Notes
Lenten mid-week services begin with Ash
Wednesday. Those services will take place at
12:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. As with Advent, the
7:15 service will feature Holden Evening
Prayer.
General Notes
Catechism Instruction: It is never too late to
participate. Catechism instruction takes place
on 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.
Love at Lent: This series looks at the ways in
which the Love of Christ is seen in our lives,
and also how we then share that love with
others. This theme will guide us on our Lenten
journey as we travel with our Lord to the cross, 30 Hour Famine: This is a very meaningful, fun,
and then ultimately to Easter’s empty tomb.
and special event for all middle school and high
school students. The theme is Make the Fight
Adult Bible Study
Your Own. The date is Friday and Saturday,
February 27 and 28, 2015. This is a great
opportunity to support a great cause. Can you
imagine? $35 will feed one child for one month.
Please support our middle school and high
school students as they raise money and
awareness to fight hunger all over the world.
Help them reach their goal and see what
special activity will follow...
The Texts of Lent:This study will look at the
texts for the upcoming week. It will give us a
chance to dive deeper into the texts and
discuss what we find in them. The idea is that
by looking at the texts for the upcoming week,
we have more time to meditate on them, and
thus be able to better appreciate them in
worship.
SAVE THE DATE
Mystery Dinner: Great news. Another mystery
dinner is just around the corner. The date is
Saturday, March 28. Put it on your calendar
and expect a unique and fun evening. More
clues to follow.
February 2015
Page 3
Letter from the president
Pastor’s Column
This month brings with it the beginning of
another season in the church year.
Wednesday, February 18, is Ash Wednesday.
With this day the season of Lent begins. A
friend of mine once jokingly described Lent as
that season when feeling bad feels good. While
that joke is good for a chuckle, there is much
more to Lent than feeling bad.
Lent is a season for us to see how God is
present in our lives and that nothing else
matters as much as he does. It is a season of
renewal and a new start as we intensify our
struggle against sin and seek to live lives that
glorify the one who gives us forgiveness and
salvation.
The habits or practices are quite simple. They
Lent certainly stands out when it is compared
are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. You can
to the other seasons of the church year. We
think of this season as something similar to
put away the “Alleluias” they no longer appear New Year’s. It’s a chance to start over. It’s an
in our songs, prayers, or speech. There is not opportunity to grow in our practices of the
the celebratory tone or sense of anticipation
Christian life. So we pray. There is private
that the other seasons carry with them. And
prayer, but then there is also corporate prayer,
yet, I would suggest that this is one of the
which is what we do when we gather together
deepest and most significant of the church
for worship on Wednesdays. There is fasting.
seasons.
This is simply giving something up. We do not
do this because we have to do it. We do it as a
Lent is realistic. It acknowledges that we are
way of saying that nothing in our lives is going
not perfect, and neither are we living in a
to be more important in our lives than God. So
perfect world. This is actually a breath of fresh we give up something important to us to show
air that reminds us that we do not always have this. Finally, there is almsgiving. This is giving
to pretend to be perfect. Neither do we have to to the poor. You could also add to this helping
give the impression that we always have it all
them and serving them. In doing this, we are
together. There is no room for that in Lent.
allowing the love and care of God to work
through us. It is really a special and cool thing.
Instead, during this season we focus on our
need for a savior. That is why the season
None of these make God love us more. But
begins with ashes and the reminder that we
they better open our eyes to see just how great
come from dust and to dust we shall return.
is the presence of God in our lives, and how
Yet, those ashes are placed on our heads in
great is the hope that we have in Jesus. I pray
the sign of a cross. This reminds us that there God’s richest blessings for you as we keep
is hope no matter what. It reminds us that
Lent together this year. May it be a season of
Jesus’ death on the cross is victory over death. humble growth in faith, love, service, and hope.
Since he is victorious, then we know that we
are also victorious.
Love,
Pastor CJ
Become a
Spaghetti Supper Sponsor!
Saturday, February 21st
In order to help off-set the cost of the Spaghetti Supper we
are looking for individuals or groups to become Spaghetti
Dinner Sponsors. Below is a list of opportunities. If you are
interested in sponsoring the cost of one of the items listed
below, please call an elder, such as Roger Hazzard.
Spaghetti Subsidizer
Cheese champion
Coffee contributor
Pudding Patron
Dressing Diva
Meat Maniac
Sauce Supporter
Dinnerware Devotee
Salad Super Hero
Bread Benefactor
Flower Financier
Room Rental Regulator
St. John’s Lutheran
School & E.L.C.
Spaghetti Supper
Saturday, February 21st
4:30-7:00 p.m.
at St. Andrew’s
Great Hall
(on Rt. 13 Northbound just
before K-Mart)
Carry-out available for $8.00 at St. Andrews
Adults: $10.00
Children ages 6-12: $7.00
Children ages 2-5: $5.00
Under age 2 :
Call an elder for information
Proceeds supplemented by:
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 6
Early Learning Center News
M A RY W I L L I A M S , D I R E C TO R
During the month of February, we
focus on the theme of love here at
the ELC. The children will learn
about what love means, how it feels
and most of all, about the greatest
love in the world, God’s love.
Re-Accreditation
We are currently working on our reaccreditation through National Lutheran
Schools Accreditation. The team will be here
to visit the ELC April 15-17. Please keep us in
your prayers as we work through this process.
Enrollment
It’s that time of the year again! If you know of
anyone interested in enrolling their child at the
E.L.C. for the 2015/2016 school year please
contact Mary.
Spaces are filling up, so call soon!
Spaghetti Supper
Our Annual Spaghetti Supper will take place on
Saturday, February 21st . This year’s event will
again be held in the St. Andrew’s Great Hall in
Dover from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Many volunteers
are needed to make this event a success. Due
to my slow healing shoulder, the Elders have
graciously agreed to head up this year’s event.
Thank you! I know they would appreciate as
much help as possible. Please sign-up on the
sheet if you are able to help in any way. There
are various opportunities on Saturday, or you
may also help by the donation of baked goods.
Offering Reminder
The 2015 offering envelopes are
available in the narthex. If I missed anyone, or
if you currently do not have envelopes and
would like them, please contact me. Since it is
the beginning of a new year, I once again want
to offer the availability of electronic
giving. Please see me with any questions you
may have. Electronic giving is one means of
creating consistency throughout the year and
you make the decisions about your tithes.
The 2014 Financial Gifts statements are
now available in the Narthex. Any question,
contact Donn Paulin.
If you are making a special donation to a
church ministry, please don’t forget to clearly
mark the outside of the envelope and memo
section of the check identifying to
which ministry the money is intended. Thank
you.
In Christ,
Donn Paulin 302-678-2340
dpaulin8401@verizon.net
February 2015
Page 7
February
Sunday February 1st
PANCAKE
BREAKFAST
Youth arrive @ 8:15 am Breakfast 9:00—
10:00 AM
Friday February 6th YOUTH GROUP
Church basement 6:00 pm—9:30 pm
Friday February 20th YOUTH GROUP
Church basement 6:00 pm—9:30 pm
Friday February 27th 30 Hour
Famine
Famine begins @ 12 noon … Youth
arrive @ Church basement @ 6 pm
Lock in and service projects until
Saturday February 28th @ 6 pm
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 69:30pm. 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
February 27-28
Pictures are from Youth Group
on January 13th … Mr. Eric started the lesson reading the biblical
account of David and Goliath …
look close at some of the faces
… the account confirms that no
job is too big when we have God
on our side! Feed the Hungry
with the 30 Hour Famine!
Youth group will participate this winter in the 30 hour famine. This will
a first time event for us. We are excited about the weekend and pray
that many of our youth will be involved. We will begin the famine @ 12
pm on Friday Feb 27th … Youth will be raising funds to combat hunger
in the world. We’ll be collecting non perishable food for Shepherds
Place, and $$ for World Vision. Sponsorship and donations will be
taken through March 15th … Pastor CJ has made a generous offering
of his facial hair if a set $ is raised… maybe even a buzz cut !!! HELP
feed the poor and have fun doing it!
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 8
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
You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our
hearts, to be known and read by all.
2 Corinthians 3:2
Last month will, for a very long time, be
remembered as the month of “the visitation.” I
am not referring to the month when Gabriel
visited Mary, or when the shepherds visited the
baby Jesus, or even when the Wise Guys from
afar traveled to Bethlehem. While those visits
all come into play during this time of the year,
the visitation that will most be remembered
each year here at school as January rolls
around is the visitation of the External Review
Team who came to observe our school as the
final piece of the accreditation process. For
two whole days we hosted four educational
leaders as they observed in classrooms,
conducted a multitude of interviews, met with
staff and board members, and generally
inspected our whole operation. They needed
to verify that what we reported in our
accreditation documents was indeed true and
to insure that what we are doing meets their
very high standards.
Needless to say, we were all on “pins
and needles” as we were examined. Even
though our hearts were confident, our heads
were causing us to question ourselves. Will we
measure up? Are we really doing everything
necessary? What will the kids tell them? What
will the parents say? Are we good enough? It
certainly helped us to better empathize with our
students on testing days!
In the end, the visiting team seemed to
be truly impressed with what they saw and
heard. They voted unanimously to recommend
us for full accreditation with National Lutheran
Schools Accreditation and AdvancEd. In other
words, WE PASSED!!! WOO HOO!!!!! We
learned many interesting things about the
process – things that we will be talking about it
for a long time to come. In the exit review
meeting, we learned that, on the required
indicators, we scored very well. But – the
surveys that were taken by parents, students,
and board members are what really propelled
us to the top. The opinions and feedback given
by our constituents in an anonymous survey
were extremely positive and, as a result, many
points were added to our final score. This
made me think of Paul’s words to the
Corinthians: “You are our letters of
recommendation… known and read by all.”
The best way for our community to learn about
the amazing things that God is doing at our
school is to speak with our school and church
families! You are indeed our letters of
recommendation!
So many of the lessons that we learn in
life seem to circle their way into something
else… This text from Paul provides one of
these lessons. You are our “letters of
recommendation”… and in turn, we are God’s
letters of recommendation…together. When
we understand who we are as the Body of
Christ and whose we are as God’s children, our
lives begin to reflect Him to others. When, as
forgiven people, we practice forgiveness OR
when, as
Continued on the next page
February 2015
Page 9
Letter from the president
W HAT’ S H APPENING? ! CONTINUED
dearly loved sons and daughters, we show
love… we are demonstrating the world God’s
character. As people look into our lives, are
they able to understand His grace? Are they
able to see His heart? Are they motivated to
respond to His goodness? When we strive to
do our very best, to be all that we can be, is it
not because we are in the service of the King?
What an awesome privilege it is to be “read by
all,” knowing that what they find in us may draw
them one step closer to our loving Father.
That’s really why this process of accreditation
was so important – we want to be sure that
when people see and hear about the amazing
things that are happening at our school, they
understand that God is the author of it all. How
cool is that?!
Here’s What’s Happening!
1. The groundhog… hearts… candy… a
day off to honor the Presidents…
There’s a lot going on in February at
BSITU!!!!
2. We are so excited that our Accreditation
Review is over… and that the results
were so good! We have not yet received the final written report, but the
team shared their findings with us before
they left. They highlighted some areas
in which we were doing a great job –
and they lifted up some areas that we
could improve. Now our job will be to
generate plans for improvement in order
to become an even BETTER Best
School in the Universe! What an awesome experience for growth!
3. We are, of course, keeping one eye on
the sky – we’re on the lookout for a
snow day or two! We’re doing the
dance and turning our pajamas around!
Feel fee to join us at any time.
4. Our annual International Dance Festival
is now officially in the planning stages.
The festival will be held on March 18th at
the Wyoming Church at 1:30 pm. All are
invited!
5. Prayer Requests: Prayers of thanks for
the amazing things that our students
and children learn from each other every
day, prayers of thanks for our parents
who so faithfully volunteer at our school,
prayers of thanks for a successful end to
our accreditation process, prayers for an
educational leader in our community
who is struggling with a recurrence of
cancer, prayers that this time of enrollment for next year will yield lots and lots
of kids, and thanks for our many, many
blessings!
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 10
Vacation Bible School
St. John’s has set a date for VBS 2015!!!
Please mark your calendars for August 11-13, 5-7:30pm
Registration forms are available in the church office.
For more information please email Mary Lou Jackson at
secretary@stjohnsdover.com
For those of you that wish to help by providing
WE NEED YOU!!
supplies, please refer to this partial list of gear.
We need volunteers to register to be station
Play dough jars
leaders, crew leaders, set-up, clean-up, and
Paper towel and toilet paper rolls
food providers! In an effort to provide proper
Milk Jugs (gallon and half gallon)
training, we are getting a head start! Please
String
contact the church office for information!
Wax paper
100 pack of cardstock of each color
(purple, green, blue, yellow, orange, red)
Large packing Styrofoam
Large cardboard and poster board
Light blue and white plastic table cloths
Glow Sticks and flicker lights
Flicker lights
Paper towels
Fabric scraps
Washable paint—1 gallon of each color
(purple, green, blue, yellow, orange, red)
Five-foot wooden cross
February 2015
Page 11
A Testimony
I found out, years ago, that prayer works!
“Works,” in that when we pray as a group, all of
one accord, for a specific thing, there will be
results. At the time of my realizing this fact, I
was a church-goer, unaccustomed as a lay
person to praying for something important that
would impact the church. There was a
committee formed, back then, to plan a “faith
weekend” at the church. I was asked to be on
the committee, and reluctantly agreed. Part of
the plans for the weekend involved a “prayer
vigil,” something new to me. There was a big
poster drawn up with 24 time slots, one for
each hour of a certain day, and people were to
sign up for one of the time slots to commit to
pray during that time. Well, the list had very few
names on it. Someone Said, “I think we should
pray about it!” I remember thinking, “Lot of
good that will do…” little did I know! The next
meeting of the committee was a real eyeopener for me. Not only was the list filled up,
but some of the committee, strong in their faith,
had contacted others to pray, and had found of
those called had serious prayer needs of their
own and they were prayed for on the phone!
This answering of prayer by a small group of
lay people made such an impression on me
that the telling of it, and how my life was
changed by it, opened my eyes to the reality of
faith, and I was given a boldness I hadn’t had
before in sharing it.
This is one example of what prayer can do.
Love in Christ,
Rose Bryan
If you would like to share your testimony in the
Mast, please email Mary Lou Jackson in the
church office (secretary@stjohnsdover.com).
This and any other Mast submissions need to
be received by the 17th of each month to
make it into the following Mast. Please call the
church office with any questions.
Save the date
St. John’s Lutheran School Annual Dinner and Auction
April 25, 2015
5-9 PM, Dover Elks Lodge
For more information contact Robbi Duke
by cell (302)363-4653 or e-mail
robbiduke@gmail.com
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 12
Lutheran Hour Ministries
R E G I S T ER N OW F O R T H E C O N F E R E N C E I N N EW Y O R K !
Make plans now to join other mission-minded
individuals at the Lutheran Hour Ministries
Regional Outreach Conferences (ROC) in
New York, March 13-14. The Conference, will
be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tarrytown,
New York and will feature leading speakers on
ministry, with instructive breakout sessions,
with takeaway resources to use in sharing the
good news of Jesus with others at home, at
work or with your friends, all designed to
empower you to share your faith in word and
deed.
Conference registration is set at $125 for adults
and $75 for youth (ages 14-18)..
Be equipped. Be empowered. Be uplifted and
encouraged to share the good news of Christ.
His Love and Mercy.. Be SENT! To learn more
about ROC—New York, visit www.lhm.org/roc.
For more information contact Ray Richter. If
we could get
several from our
church to attend I
think it would be
awesome.
The Lutheran Hour® which began in 1930, is the world's
longest-running, Christian outreach radio program. It proclaims
the message of Jesus Christ to more than 800,000 people each
week over 1300 radio stations across North America. It is also
broadcast on the American Forces Network to reach military
personnel and their families around the world..
Here are the sermon topics for February 2015
February 1
February 8
"Boring? Not Likely!"
Speaker Emeritus of Lutheran Hour: Rev. Ken Klaus
Jesus' enemies considered Him too dangerous to let
live, but we have wrapped the Savior in a cloak of dullness. (Mark 1:21-28)
"The Gospel's Power for Gracious Living"
Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz
Christ empowers His followers to live lives that encourage, affirm, and serve others.
(1 Corinthians 9:18-23)
February 15
February 22
"Searching for Love - Listen to Jesus"
Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz
Jesus is God's love in action for you. Listen to Him!
(Mark 9)
"Regrets, Reality, and Grace-filled Restoration"
Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz
Through Christ's forgiveness, regrets give way to restoration. (Luke 15)
Lutheran Hour Broadcast Guide
Listen on line at
Station
WNAV
WBAL
WMZQ
WRDV
WZZD
WRDV
WPHE
http://www.lutheranhour.org/sermon.asp
City, State
Freq
Band
Annapolis, MD
1430
AM
Baltimore, MD
1090
AM
Rockville, MD
98.7
FM
Bensalem, PA
97.1
FM
Coatesville, PA
101.7
FM
Philadelphia, PA
107.3
FM
Philadelphia, PA
690
AM
Day
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Sun
Tue
Time
6:00 AM
10:30 AM
7:00 AM
7:30 AM
6:00 PM
7:30 AM
4:45 PM
February 2015
Page 13
SAVE THE DATE
WITNESS TRAINING WORKSHOP
THE MISSION LEADERSHIP BOARD WOULD LIKE TO HOLD A SECOND WITNESS
TRAINING WORKSHIP. THE WORKSHOP LAST SPRING WAS WELL RECEIVED AND
MANY THOUGHT IT WOULD BE GOOD TO HOLD A FOLLOW UP WORKSHOP. THIS
WORKSHOP WILL FOCUS ON THE DIFFERENT STYLES OF FAITH SHARING AND TO
HELP YOU FIND THE STYLE THAT FITS YOUR PERSONALITY.
GOD’S LOVE IS MEANT TO BE SHARED AND IT IS TIME TO TELL YOUR STORY, THE
STORY OF JESUS AT WORK IN YOUR LIFE. WHO WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL THAT
STORY TO?
If you don’t tell them who will?
So mark your Calendar Now
WITNESS TRAINING WORKSHOP
SATURDAY April 18, 2015, 10am—2pm
The workshop will be presented in cooperation with Lutheran Hour Ministries.
SYLLABUS MU-102: WITNESSING METHODS: SEVEN STYLES OF FAITH-SHARING
SECTION ONE reveals the seven styles of faith-sharing and tackle how to utilize the first two
styles: Lifestyle Witnessing and Relational Witnessing.
SECTION TWO focuses on styles three and four: Testimonial Witnessing and Situational Witnessing. You will also be stretched to consider your personal testimony.
SECTION THREE is centered on the last three styles: Servanthood, Invitational witnessing and
Utilizing Witnessing Tools. You will put your knowledge to work through a video case study.
SECTION FOUR indentifies your natural style, recognize and apply yourself to a secondary
style and learn to determine an appropriate and effective style in each everyday situation.
Elders Info
Below are the names and phone numbers of the Elders appointed by the congregation of St.
John’s. If you have a question, comment or concern, please feel free to contact any of the
people on the list.
Ron Morella
John Strausbaugh
Rick Murphy
Ken Richter
Roger Hazzard
Shirley Judd
Lois Driftmyer
(302)697-9382
(302)697-3166
(302)678-9207
(302)632-1013
(302)697-9661
(302)697-7618
(410)482-6445
A-Ch
Cl-Hay
Haz-Ke
Ki-More
Morr-Richa
Richt-Schn
Scho-Z
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 14
Stephen Ministry
"Love One Another As I Have Loved You" is
the new commandment that Jesus gave to his
disciples. Stephen Ministers take that charge
very seriously. While the word "love" gets
tossed around a lot ( I love that TV show or I
love your new hair cut, etc.), Stephen Ministers
show their love for their care receivers through
actions. How do they do that, you might ask?
Stephen Ministers show their love in many
ways: by being faithful through weekly caring
visits; by attending monthly supervision/
continuing education meetings to keep us
Christ-focused as we learn how to best help
our care receivers; and by praying for each
person on the team as well as our care
receivers. Yes, Stephen Ministers are full of
love and full of the Spirit.
Living Will/Health Care Directive
called Five Wishes. After all,
anything can happen to anyone
at any time. It is up to each
individual to be prepared for the
unexpected. Usually, when one
enters the hospital, one is given lots of papers
to sign. When one is stressed because of
impending surgery, does one want to make
critical decisions about what ifs? An example
of a "what if" could be: "what if something goes
wrong during surgery-who do I want to make
life decisions for me?" It's better to answer
such a thought-provoking question that is in a
health-care directive when one is not stressed.
This particular Health Care Directive called
Five Wishes is more comprehensive than an
As we studied in our module on hospitalization, ordinary living will. It was written by a man
we learned of the importance of praying to the who studied under Mother Teresa for 12 years.
He then worked for a year in a hospice that
Holy Spirit. We pray not only for the Spirit to
heal our care receivers, but also that the Spirit Mother Teresa ran in Washington D.C. He
spoke with the terminally ill patients there about
fills us with joy, peace, patience, kindness-in
what they wished their loved ones would know
other words-the fruits of the Spirit (see
about the end of their life-their hopes and how
Galatians 5 22-23). We ask Christ to help/
guide us as we meet with our care receivers to they wanted their care to be managed when
keep us focused on their needs and inspire us they couldn't make decisions for themselves.
so that we can help fulfill those needs. It's a
He wrote the booklet based on what he
challenge, but with God's help-and we firmly
learned. Five Wishes is a legal form that is
believe that He is with us as we meet whether recognized in 42 states and covers everything
in our supervision group or when we meet with that you want your family to know during a
serious illness and even after that-hence the
our individual receiver.
name Five Wishes. Not only does it cover
Stephen Ministers know that if we stay Christ- health issues, but it also encompasses spiritual
and emotional care as well. It's all in the
focused, we are blessed with His love. That
love overflows not only in our own lives, but in booklet-you just cross out what you want or
the lives of all who we come into contact. It is don't want. What is left would be your express
wishes during a time when you won't be able to
with the love for one another that we want to
say what you want. Don't wait until you are
sponsor a workshop that everyone needs-a
Continued on the next page
February 2015
Page 15
Letter from the president
S T EP H EN M I N I ST RY C O N T I N U E D
stressed out in the hospital to make such
decisions. We hope that you'll come to this
workshop in March. We will either have a
potluck lunch or dinner first. After we eat, we'll
watch a video about Five Wishes, then we'll
give you the form to fill out in the comfort of
your own home. Even if you already have a
Living Will, we hope you'll get this one, as it
has room for funeral wishes. There is a place
at the end of the form to plan what hymns,
readings or anything else you would like at
your service.
In the meantime, if you're not feeling God's
love, perhaps it's time to ask for a Stephen
Minister. A Stephen Minister can help you to
cope with many problems that you may be
facing-financial, physical, spiritual or any other
life changing events. Come feel the love-let a
Stephen Minister help you. Yes, we are
charged with loving one another, but is
because we stay Christ-focused that makes us
want to share that love with you.
LWML
A total of $400 was received at our first
quarterly Mite Offering for 2015. Thank you to
all who donated toward the mission outreach of
our LWML and LC-MS.
At our recent LWML luncheon and Gettogether we collected numerous pairs of
gloves, scarves, and hats to be donated to the
homeless through Code Purple Project. These
items, in addition to the donations in the box in
the Narthex, were delivered to one of the local
Code Purple drop off sites. The contact person
there told us about a new urgent plan to get
information out to those homeless on the
street. Scarves and gloves will be wrapped
around light poles and trees which they can
take, along with a note telling them where to go
for shelter. When we selected the items for our
LWML ingathering we were simply following
our theme: “Are You Winterized”. However, we
know that God controls all
things and hears all prayers.
The sobering thought then
struck me, as I tried to
imagine what it would be like
to sleep out in the winter,… “I wonder who is
crying out for relief and comfort”. In gratitude,
we pray He continues to help us make a
difference, not only in someone’s physical
needs, but also, their spiritual needs.
At our LWML meeting, we unanimously agreed
to help support the Social Concerns Ministry of
St. John’s by inviting the congregation to
donate specific items needed to fill individual
large zip lock bags. These bags can be given
to someone with an immediate need for
something to eat. The idea of the baggies was
brought to our attention last year when Mindy
Ransdell visited and heard the Executive
Committee brain-storming ways to deal with
someone who confronts us personally with a
need for assistance. Since then the Social
Concerns Ministry Team and several others
have used them on numerous occasions and
reported that it does work. The needs are met
temporarily and an opening for dialogue is
presented. Factor in God’s Love and exciting
things can happen. Look for an insert in the
bulletin with suggested items for February.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 16
SCHOOL MINISTRY PRAYER SUPPORT
Only a few names left in the Tri-Fold! Have you chosen the name of
someone who is integral to our school mission. Please look at the Trifold in the Narthex of the church and choose a name for whom to
pray. And as we pray one of the many missions here at St. John's is
lifted up to our Lord and Savior. Valentine's Day would be the
perfect time to send a sweet note/card to encourage these precious
teachers of ours.
FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 15th, 2015 to join us in
celebrating the month of love!!! Love for our spouses, love for our
families, love for our friends, love for one another, love for our church,
and most of all, our love for our Lord!!
Bring something to share for the meal, or just bring yourself.
(Ideas to bring: crockpot meals, sandwiches, salads of any kind, fruit,
veggies, finger foods, desserts, beverages)
Let’s see how many people will wear red or pink??!! Come for the
fellowship, the food, and a time to meet and share with one another.
ST. JOHN’S MEN’S GROUP
Dear Friends
The next gathering of the St John’s Men’s Group will be
Monday February 16, 2015 at 7pm in the church basement.
Our study for this night will be Chapter 10 of the Book of Daniel.
Chapter 10 introduces the final prophetic vision in Daniel. We can be
encouraged that even through the darkest times we can read and trust
God’s message for us: “Let not your heart be troubled. Believe in
God; believe also in Me. …I go to prepare a place for you…I will
come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you will be
also” (John 14:1).
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!
February 2015
Page 17
Letter from the president
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!
Hinds Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
Habakkuk 3:19 and Psalm 18:33
Any questions? Do not hesitate to call Marlys Natonick H (302) 422-1806
CAMERA CLUB
The Camera Club of St. John’s meets on the first Monday of the month. Our
meeting in February will be Monday, February 2 at 7:00p.m., in the church
basement. We will watch a 30-minute DVD lecture about Lenses and Focal
Length. At the end of this lecture we will be given an assignment to take a
picture of the same subject from the same distance using three different
lenses (wide, normal and telephoto)
If you would like to see some of the photos by club members check out the
“Camera Club” link on the church’s web page. (Under the Groups heading)
Consider joining us to perhaps learn a bit more about photography and share
your photographic experiences and ideas to help us all learn something new.
Also, the low sun angle of winter provides opportunities for some great
pictures. Hope to see you on Monday the 2nd. If you have any questions
please call me (Roger Hazzard) at 697-9661
ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN
I am awed how we are gently reminded that what we do is not our mission but
that we are part of God’s mission – He is in charge! The source for the “gentle
reminder” comes from the recent difficult conversations/decisions OGT MidAtlantic Division had to engage in. We were getting tired; we were running low
on clothing to sort and pack; we were running low on boxes to pack the items
in; we were running low on money to pay the rent, let alone be able to ship
items to people in need; we were running low on volunteers . . . looks like the
end for this branch of OGT! [The following comes from a newsletter sent from
our director Cliff Kraft] What does a person do in situations such as these? One
answer is to give up, close the facilities and thank all of the people who have
helped in the past. A better option is to take it to the Lord in prayer and listen
and watch for His answer. His is watching over us. He will answer!
This past year when we were running a bit low on funds, after much prayer, a
person came forward and offered us a $5000 grant if we could find matching
funds for it. After more prayer we went to you, our faithful supporters. The Lord
answered our prayers through you and granted a return of about $7400.
Together with the original $5000 grant we were blessed with a total of $12,400.
Through prayer and trusting in Him we continue to help those in need. Thank
you all for your contributions.
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Page 18
Birthdays
Kayla Alston
Coralie Starkey
Marie-Rose HANKOUA
Gianna MADDALENA
Betty Richard
Luke HARWOOD
Greg Massey
Mary Alice Mott
Alvin Schmick
Ziad RASAMNY
Peyton RIVERA
Diane Coppola
Jaylen JACKSON
Jessica Morrow
2/1
2/1
2/3
2/4
2/5
2/7
2/7
2/8
2/8
2/9
2/9
2/10
2/12
2/14
2/15
Rubina DEROSA
2/15
Ardis Kahl
2/16
Karen Connolley
2/16
Isabella HAWLK
Roman PUCHALSKY 2/16
2/17
Betsy Duncan
2/17
Debra MASON
2/18
Caiden HAWLK
2/18
Robert Konschak
Valerie HARWOOD 2/19
2/19
Will JARRELL
2/21
Rosemary Frase
2/23
Emily Mabus
2/23
Reece MASSEY
Ron Saatman
Julie Sammons
Tracy Tourison
Ellen Trier
Regina Burke
Alan ’Ace’ HOWARD
Karen Murphy
Emil Tetzner
Derek Trier
Chip Welch
Becca Hawkins
William Kovatch
Nathan Trier
Joanne Henning
2/23
2/24
2/25
2/25
2/26
2/26
2/26
2/27
2/27
2/27
2/28
2/28
2/28
2/29
Anniversaries
2/19 William & Cathy Kovatch
Service Assistant Schedule
Readers and Assistants: If you will not be able to serve as scheduled please call Ray Richter Ph:674-4248
Ushers: If you will not be able to serve as scheduled please call Donn Paulin, Ph:678-2340
2/1
Usher
Barlow, Richard
Livingston, Phil
Reader
Barlow, Linda
Assistant
Barbara Impollonia
Driftmyer, Lois
Usher
Murphy, Rick
Bliem, Barry
Reader
Betley, Jean
Assistant
Stephens, Eric
Stephens, Elizabeth
Usher
Reader
Starkie, Coralie
Assistant
Hazzard, Roger
Siok, Stephan
Usher
Benton, Bob
Benton,Lyn
Reader
Smith, Tom
Assistant
Paulin, Betty
Paulin, Donn
2/8
Jeff Weiss Hadley, Chuck
Early Service
Late Service
2/15
Usher
Barlow, Linda
Barlow, Richard
Reader
Siok, Christine
Assistant
Driftmyer, Lois
Richter, Ray
Usher
Paulin, Betty
Paulin, Donn
Reader
Bryan, Rose
Usher
Hadley, Chuck
Reader
Barlow, Richard
Jeff Weiss Assistant
Hazzard, Roger
Nickerson, Sam
Usher
Reader
Strausbaugh, John Messing, Kailyn
Strausbaugh, Pam
Assistant
Betley, Jean
Petersen, Don
2/22
Assistant
Strausbaugh, John
Murphy, Rick
February 2015
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
PANCAKE
BREAKFAST—
9:15AM
2
7:00PM
MAKE-UP MLB—
7:00PM
CAMERA CLUB—
7:00PM
3
GIRL SCOUTS—
6:00PM
4
OGT—9:00AM
CATECHISM CLASS
6:30PM
YOUTH BIBLE
STUDY—7:00PM
STEPHEN MINISTRYCONTINUING ED. AT
WALKER ROAD
6:30PM
5
WOMENS’S BIBLE
STUDY—3:00PM
CHOIR
6
7
OGT—9:00AM
YOUTH GROUP—
6:00PM
8
VBS
COMMITTEE
MEETING—
12:30PM
9
SCHOOL BOARD
MEETING—
7:00PM
10
11
OGT—9:00AM
CATECHISM CLASS
6:30PM
YOUTH BIBLE
STUDY—7:00PM
12
WOMENS’S BIBLE
STUDY—3:00PM
CHOIR
13
OGT—9:00AM
15
FELLOWSHIP
LUNCHEON—
12PM
16
MEN’S GROUP
MEETING—
7:00PM
17
GIRL SCOUTS—
6:00PM
18
OGT—9:00AM
LENTEN MID-WEEK
SERVICE—12:15PM
CATECHISM CLASS
6:30PM
YOUTH BIBLE
STUDY—7:00PM
HOLDEN EVENING
PRAYER SERVICE—
7:15PM
19
WOMENS’S BIBLE
STUDY—3:00PM
CHOIR
20
21
OGT—9:00AM
SPAGHETTI
YOUTH GROUP— SUPPER—4:30PM
6:00PM
22
VBS
COMMITTEE
MEETING—
12:30PM
23
MLB MEETING—
7:00PM
24
25
OGT—9:00AM
LENTEN MID-WEEK
SERVICE—12:15PM
CATECHISM CLASS
6:30PM
YOUTH BIBLE
STUDY—7:00PM
HOLDEN EVENING
PRAYER SERVICE—
7:15PM
26
WOMENS’S BIBLE
STUDY—3:00PM
CHOIR
27
OGT—9:00AM
30 HOUR FAMINE
BEGINS—
12:00PM
LOCK-IN AT
CHRUCH
BEGINS—
6:00PM
February Readings
February 1, 2015
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
February 8, 2015
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 40:21-31
1 Corinthians 9:16-27
Mark 1:29-39
February 15, 2015
The Transfiguration of Our Lord
2 Kings 2:1-12 or Exodus 34:29-35
2 Corinthians 3:12-13 (14-18), 4:1-6
Mark 9:2-9
February 18, 2015
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:12-19
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
February 22, 2015
First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 22:1-18
James 1:12-18
Mark 1:9-15
14
28
30 HOUR FAMINE
PROJECTS ARE
OVER—6:00PM
THE MAST
Important information requiring your response!
See flyer between pages 10-11!
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