2024
St. John's held its 3rd Annual Strawberry Festival & Craft Fair on Saturday, June 15th. We had great weather!
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2023
St. John's held its 2nd Annual Strawberry Festival & Craft Fair on Saturday, June 17th. We had good weather and a terrific turnout! There were over 30 craft vendors, live music and great food. We look forward to hosting our 3rd Annual event next summer!
2022
January
Miller-Keystone Blood Drive Unfortunately the October drive was cancelled due to exposure of the drive staff to COVID at a drive the day prior. We were not able to reschedule and proceeded with the December drive. Due to a cut back in the number of offered slots, we expanded the time of the drive to run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Our original date of January 7th got bumped to January 4th, yet our callers were able to fill all of the 32 slots. All was good until the day of the drive when donors started calling in sick. Fortunately, we had been forced to turn some people away due to being full and were now able to secure some last minute replacements from that group. Bottom line, we had 22 people show up to donate and collected 22 pints. Thank you to our callers, Myrtle Boardman, Dick Helm, Betty Sinisko, Peg Hudock, Loretta Thorsen, Joan Seiger, Denise Martin and Kathie Sensinger. The next drive is not until May 20 and will again run from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
2021
December
Loaves & Fishes - On December 2nd we fed our final meal of the 2021 calendar year to 69 very grateful guests. Thanks to donations by the congregation and a corporate donation of four turkeys, we cooked a total of 6 turkeys to feed a dinner of roast turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, roll and butter with a slice of pumpkin bread for dessert. Thank you to all who made the dinner possible. Our next meal will be for Food for Friends on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. We start setting up at 5:15 p.m. All meals are served as takeout, so we are done serving and leaving by 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in helping to cook, bake a dessert or serve the meal call Bill Slotter at 215-541-9219.
Christmas Pageant – Thank you to the Sunday School & Darcy McConahy for a beautiful Christmas Pageant on December 12!
Christmas Pageant – Thank you to the Sunday School & Darcy McConahy for a beautiful Christmas Pageant on December 12!
October
Another Successful Dinner – On Wednesday, October 13th we again served the dinner for Food for Friends. We were able to serve 110 meals to needy guests. The menu was applesauce, chicken fajita on a flour tortilla, Spanish rice and seasoned black beans with a banana bread dessert. Thank you to all who helped: Randy and Becky Felten, Colton Landes, Karen and Jerry Landes, Kathie Sensinger, Betty and Steve Sinisko, Mary and Jen Slotter, and Loretta Thorsen.
“Backpack for Pumas” food drive
A food drive for the “Backpacks for Pumas” program at Pfaff Elementary, our neighbor on Sleepy Hollow Road, was held Oct. 17-24, culminating with the celebration of St. John’s annual “Harvest Home” service. The program supplies food to students for whom meals are limited on the weekends. To date, food for eight families is sent home each Friday. Details of the drive will appear in the December Spire. Fifteen pounds of food, donated to the church prior to the drive and not suitable for Pfaff, was delivered Oct. 19 to the Quakertown Food Bank, which St. John’s also supports.
A food drive for the “Backpacks for Pumas” program at Pfaff Elementary, our neighbor on Sleepy Hollow Road, was held Oct. 17-24, culminating with the celebration of St. John’s annual “Harvest Home” service. The program supplies food to students for whom meals are limited on the weekends. To date, food for eight families is sent home each Friday. Details of the drive will appear in the December Spire. Fifteen pounds of food, donated to the church prior to the drive and not suitable for Pfaff, was delivered Oct. 19 to the Quakertown Food Bank, which St. John’s also supports.
July
Another Great One – The Miller-Keystone blood drive on July 9th challenged us to fill 34 donation spots. Thanks to our dedicated callers we were able to fill 32 of those. 28 donors showed up to donate; which was only off our two year donor average by 1 person. Considering that July is usually our most challenging month, given summer vacations, this was a really great drive. A big shout out to our callers, Myrtle Boardman, Noel Brooke, Dick Helm, Peg Hudock, Denise Martin, Joan Seiger, Kathie Sensinger and Mary Slotter.
December 2018
Covered Dish Social Hour – The pot luck and Christmas sing-a-long on December 2 was a great success! Everyone who participated enjoyed both the food and the music!
Loaves and Fishes – December 6. We fed a meal of tossed green salad with dressing, roast turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce, candied yams, green beans, rolls with butter, dessert and hot and cold beverages. We fed 40 clients, 2 take outs and 8 servers. Thanks to Ruth Ann Barndt, and Myrtle and Bob Boardman for helping in the kitchen. Thanks to Betty and Steve Sinisko, Kathy and Dutch Afflerbach, Winnie Peterson, Ron Lausch and Loretta Thorsen for serving.
The Christmas Family Fun Day was a huge success. With Einstein the Camel starting it off on the right "hoof", we welcomed so many to our event! Roughly 35 kids enjoyed the shoppe, while about 100 adults and kids alike joined us for crafts and snacks. Thank you for the many, many volunteers that helped in the kitchen, the craft area, and the Shoppers' Shoppe. Cannot wait for next year!!
Gifts! Gifts! Everywhere! On Sunday, December 16, many of our Sunday School students gave us their gifts of smiles and song with “Christmas Gifts”. The "Friendly Beasts" presented their humble givings to the Baby Jesus, and the Three Wisemen presented Him their treasures. A huge "Thank You" to Darcy for writing and directing a wonderful script, Paul for accompanying it, and to all of the parents and grandparents for their support in our program. I am so very proud of our Sunday School.
Loaves and Fishes – December 6. We fed a meal of tossed green salad with dressing, roast turkey with gravy, cranberry sauce, candied yams, green beans, rolls with butter, dessert and hot and cold beverages. We fed 40 clients, 2 take outs and 8 servers. Thanks to Ruth Ann Barndt, and Myrtle and Bob Boardman for helping in the kitchen. Thanks to Betty and Steve Sinisko, Kathy and Dutch Afflerbach, Winnie Peterson, Ron Lausch and Loretta Thorsen for serving.
The Christmas Family Fun Day was a huge success. With Einstein the Camel starting it off on the right "hoof", we welcomed so many to our event! Roughly 35 kids enjoyed the shoppe, while about 100 adults and kids alike joined us for crafts and snacks. Thank you for the many, many volunteers that helped in the kitchen, the craft area, and the Shoppers' Shoppe. Cannot wait for next year!!
Gifts! Gifts! Everywhere! On Sunday, December 16, many of our Sunday School students gave us their gifts of smiles and song with “Christmas Gifts”. The "Friendly Beasts" presented their humble givings to the Baby Jesus, and the Three Wisemen presented Him their treasures. A huge "Thank You" to Darcy for writing and directing a wonderful script, Paul for accompanying it, and to all of the parents and grandparents for their support in our program. I am so very proud of our Sunday School.
November 2018
Miller Keystone Blood Drive – Friday, November 2 Miller Keystone regularly assigns us a goal of 18 pints to collect. This last drive blew the lid off of that. We collected 27 pints and, more importantly, we had 32 potential donors show up to give blood. The next blood drive will be Friday, January 4.
All Saints Sunday – All Saints Sunday was observed with candle lighting and bell ringing in memory of those who passed away and in celebration of those newly baptized.
Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner – The Pork & Sauerkraut dinner was a success with wonderful support from the congregation. We served over 160 meals and sent over $1900 to the Stain Glass window fund!
All Saints Sunday – All Saints Sunday was observed with candle lighting and bell ringing in memory of those who passed away and in celebration of those newly baptized.
Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner – The Pork & Sauerkraut dinner was a success with wonderful support from the congregation. We served over 160 meals and sent over $1900 to the Stain Glass window fund!
October 2018
Our Fall Festival was held on Saturday, October 27.
Reformation was celebrated on October 28, with an explanation of the nailing of the 95 Theses.
Reformation was celebrated on October 28, with an explanation of the nailing of the 95 Theses.
September 2018
Rally Day - Sunday, September 9 - We had a great Rally Day to start out the new church year! Thank you to all our Sunday School teachers, nursery attendants and worship assistants who volunteer their time!
God’s Work. Our Hands. On Sunday, September 9 at St. Andrew's in Perkasie, Kathie Afflerbach led members from across the Upper Bucks Conference in assembling school packages for kids across the globe! With 28 Lutheran World Relief school kits packed, 25 Backpacks for local school children, as well as a bevy of extra school supplies for teachers, the conference helped out a whole bunch of folks.
Via clothing drive – Thank you to everyone for their very generous donation of clothes - it took 2 trips to transport everything, and thank you Earl White for picking everything up and transporting them to Via in Bethlehem.
Harvest Home – September 23, 2018
Thank you to everyone who donated food or monetary gifts to our Harvest Home collection. Donations were taken to Hogar Crea by Earl White. Thank you, Earl!
Thank you to everyone who donated food or monetary gifts to our Harvest Home collection. Donations were taken to Hogar Crea by Earl White. Thank you, Earl!
August 2018
Friday, August 3 -1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Supply Pumas w/ Supplies – A big thank you to everyone who donated school supplies to Pfaff Elementary!
June 2018
Music Sunday – June 3 – The Adult Choir and Bell Choir shared some of their favorite music from the past year.
Music Sunday – June 3 – The Adult Choir and Bell Choir shared some of their favorite music from the past year.
Food for Friends – Thank you to everyone who helped on June 13. Our next FFF dinner will be on September 26, 2018 at the Richland Friends Meeting School House in Quakertown.
Father's Day Brunch
Following our service on June 17, the congregation gathered together for a lovely Father’s Day Brunch. Many thanks to everyone who helped give thanks for the Dads in this congregation.
Following our service on June 17, the congregation gathered together for a lovely Father’s Day Brunch. Many thanks to everyone who helped give thanks for the Dads in this congregation.
May 2018
Miller Keystone Blood Drive - Another Success – we sponsored the Miller -Keystone Blood Drive on May 4, 2018. Our goal was to collect 18 pints of blood and we met that goal by collecting exactly 18. Many thanks to Earl and Cliff for running the drive and also to the callers, Betty, Denise, Dick, Loretta, Myrtle, Mary, Noel, and Peggy.
Spring Cleanup - Cleanup occurred on May 5, with 9 participants. We weeded and mulched around the church foundation, front of band shell and end of cemetery walk; cleared sticks and debris from grove, and stored the nativity crèche in the band shell. Thank you to all those who volunteered to help!
Mother's Day Plant Sale – Thank you to everyone who bought plants and to those who helped with sale itself. The funds raised were contributed to the Stained Glass Window Fund.
Mother’s Day Brunch – The men of the fellowship committee served a wonderful breakfast to 60 people for the Mother's Day brunch.
Spring Cleanup - Cleanup occurred on May 5, with 9 participants. We weeded and mulched around the church foundation, front of band shell and end of cemetery walk; cleared sticks and debris from grove, and stored the nativity crèche in the band shell. Thank you to all those who volunteered to help!
Mother's Day Plant Sale – Thank you to everyone who bought plants and to those who helped with sale itself. The funds raised were contributed to the Stained Glass Window Fund.
Mother’s Day Brunch – The men of the fellowship committee served a wonderful breakfast to 60 people for the Mother's Day brunch.
April 2018
Holy Week - This past Holy Week we gathered for worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and twice on Easter Sunday. Each service told an incredible part of Jesus' final days before his death, and the early Church's first experiences of his resurrection. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out - Ushers, Acolytes, Altar Guild, Lectors, Communion Assistants, those who helped with the Easter Egg Hunt, and everyone else who had a role in making this Holy Week special!
Family Fun Bingo – The HelpHopeLive fundraiser for Gary Small on April 7 was a huge success! Thank you Giacinta Barndt for organizing this event!
Family Fun Bingo – The HelpHopeLive fundraiser for Gary Small on April 7 was a huge success! Thank you Giacinta Barndt for organizing this event!
February 2018
We held the Charity Chicken Pot Pie Dinner on February 4th. We served 208 diners, grossing proceeds of $1,942.00 and sold the leftover diced chicken for $40.00, yielding a total gross of $1,982.00. After expenses, we netted $1,398.18. This money will be divided between support for the Backpacks for Pumas program at Pfaff Elementary and the community support dinners (Food for Friends and Loaves and Fishes) our church supports. None of this would have been possible without the tremendous support from the Congregation. A huge thanks goes out to everyone who helped prepare, cook and serve the food; the dish washers, ticket takers, advertisers, table bussers, dessert platers, the setters-up and the tearers-down. Thank you to everyone.
January 2018
Great News: We hosted the Miller-Keystone Blood Drive on the afternoon of Friday, January 27th. Our target was to collect 18 pints of blood. We had 22 persons signed up for the drive and collected 22 pints of blood. This sounds easier than it was, as several of those signed up for the drive became ill or missed their appointment. We reached the goal only due to the number of “walk-in” donors. All but one of those were donors who had been contacted by our callers. Way to go callers! Thanks Myrtle, Dick, Peggy, Betty, Denise, Loretta, Joan & Mary.
December 2017
Advent –Advent began on December 3. Each week we lit the Advent candles
and sang “Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah”.
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Loaves & Fishes - Social Ministry prepared and served the Quakertown Ministerium Loaves and Fishes dinner for December on Thursday, December 6. We seated 51 guests and served an additional 6 take-out meals. We were able to serve a complete round of seconds to all who wished and send about 15 persons home with leftovers. The meal consisted of Fruit Salad, Roast Turkey, Green Beans, Yams, Cranberry Sauce and Rolls & Butter. We served Pumpkin Pie topped with Whipped Cream for dessert and Coffee, Iced Tea and Water as beverages.
Special thanks goes out to all who helped make this possible: Ruth Ann Barndt, Ken & Carol Butz, Jim & Linda Westgate, and Chester & Mildred Westgate for donating the Turkeys. Bob & Myrtle Boardman, Betty & Steve Sinisko, Brenda & Ron Lausch, Kathy & Dutch Afflerbach, Denise Martin, Winnie Petersen and Mary Slotter for cooking and/or serving. |
The Christmas Family Fun afternoon was a fantastic event! Despite the snow, we had about 30 kids participate. The Little Shoppers’ Shoppe was a hit and there were ten crafts/ornaments to choose from. A huge “Thank You” to the Willing Workers for their help. What a great start to the Christmas season!
Christmas Caroling - On Saturday, December 16, a group from St. John’s carpooled to Phoebe Richlandtown to spread some Christmas cheer. “The Christmas Calendar”, written by Darcy McConahy, was presented by the Sunday School on December 17 at the 9:45 a.m. worship service, to the enjoyment of all who were in attendance. If you missed it this year, make a point of coming next year to see our young members tell the Christmas story! |
November 2017
All Saints Sunday – We will observe All Saints Day on November 5. We will remember our family and friends who have passed away in the last twelve months, as well as celebrate those newly baptized. Please contact the Pastor or Jen Bara with the names of those you want to be remembered in the prayers. There will be tables set up with candles to light in their memory. You can also place pictures of your loved ones and friends in the window sills. Please use both sides of the table when lighting your candles. If you can help set up the tables for the lighting of the candles, please contact Darcy McConahy.
Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner – Saturday, November 11 was the annual Pork & Sauerkraut dinner. A devoted group of volunteers delivered a great meal at a great price. Against stiff "free dinner for veterans" competition from area restaurants, the Pork dinner was served to 160 guests and cleared a profit of $1400. The proceeds will go to the stain glass window restoration. A special thank you goes out to the Hinderliter family for their donation and to the members of the congregation who overwhelmed us with a huge array of desserts. Thanks also to all of the volunteers.
Thanksgiving Eve – St. John’s hosted the Thanksgiving Eve service on November 22 at 7:30 pm. Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C. and West Swamp Mennonite gathered with us to give thanks for all the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon us.
Christ the King Sunday – We celebrated Christ the King Sunday on November 26 with a communion service.
October 2017
The Fall Festival on October 14 was a great success! Approximately 50 adults and children attended and all had a blast. We had a 45 minute hayride, decorated pumpkins, decorated our own cupcakes, 2 piñatas full of candy, and a dinner of hot cider, mummy hotdogs, mac 'n' cheese, and baked beans. After all that, we moved across the street for a bonfire and s'mores! You definitely do not want to miss it next year!
October 27 Blood Drive Results: Another big shout out to the blood drive team of Noel Brooke, Myrtle Boardman, Dick Helm, Loretta Thorsen, Denise Martin, Betty Sinisko, Joan Sieger, Mary Slotter and Earl White. We had 20 persons show up and collected 20 pints of blood, beating the drive goal of collecting 18 pints. Usually we don’t have all who show up eligible for donation due to a low iron count in the blood. Of note, Miller-Keystone has gone back to testing the iron in the blood through the old pinprick method. The newer noninvasive finger clamp they used over the last several drives was producing too high a rejection rate.
We celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation on October 29, 2017.
September 2017
Rally Day – September 10
We returned to our fall schedule, with Sunday School beginning at 9:00 am, followed by worship indoors at 9:45 am. All children ages 3 (potty-trained) through grade 6 are invited to attend Sunday School! The kids gather around the same lessons we read in church each week with biblical, interactive, video, and song components.
Voices of Valley Choral Society fill St. John’s sanctuary Sept. 10
The voices of the Valley Choral Society filled the sanctuary of St. John’s Sept. 10 when the church hosted a free concert by the group, followed by a light supper.
The 4 p.m. concert featured a medley of Broadway musical tunes and a selection of spirituals.
The Choral Society, whose members come from Berks, Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties, performs music of all styles and genres. It has appeared at Longwood Gardens, the Pennsylvania State Capital Building, before the Reading Express and the Philadelphia Phillies, and on a goodwill tour to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Concert-goers were treated to a light supper, including turkey barbeque and finger sandwiches, pasta salad, fresh fruit, chips and an array of sweet treats, courtesy of St. John’s bakers.
Via clothing drive – August 27 to September 10 – Thank you to everyone who donated clothes, and thank you Earl White for picking everything up and transporting them to Hogar Crea.
We returned to our fall schedule, with Sunday School beginning at 9:00 am, followed by worship indoors at 9:45 am. All children ages 3 (potty-trained) through grade 6 are invited to attend Sunday School! The kids gather around the same lessons we read in church each week with biblical, interactive, video, and song components.
Voices of Valley Choral Society fill St. John’s sanctuary Sept. 10
The voices of the Valley Choral Society filled the sanctuary of St. John’s Sept. 10 when the church hosted a free concert by the group, followed by a light supper.
The 4 p.m. concert featured a medley of Broadway musical tunes and a selection of spirituals.
The Choral Society, whose members come from Berks, Bucks, Lehigh and Montgomery counties, performs music of all styles and genres. It has appeared at Longwood Gardens, the Pennsylvania State Capital Building, before the Reading Express and the Philadelphia Phillies, and on a goodwill tour to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Concert-goers were treated to a light supper, including turkey barbeque and finger sandwiches, pasta salad, fresh fruit, chips and an array of sweet treats, courtesy of St. John’s bakers.
Via clothing drive – August 27 to September 10 – Thank you to everyone who donated clothes, and thank you Earl White for picking everything up and transporting them to Hogar Crea.
Summer 2017
Another Success! – We held the summer Miller Keystone blood drive on August 3, 2017. During that drive we were tasked with collecting 18 pints of blood; but beat that goal by collecting 20 pints. Thanks to everyone who made call to prospective donors, Noel Brooke, Peggy Hudock, Myrtle Boardman, Loretta Thorsen, Dick Helm, Joanne Seiger and Mary Slotter. A special thanks to Earl White and Cliff Wenhold who ran the drive on the 3rd.
June 2017
Music Sunday – June 4 – The sanctuary was filled with beautiful music for Pentecost Sunday as the choir sang a selection of favorites to celebrate both Pentecost and Music Sunday.
Another Success – The Food for Friends dinner came off without a hitch. We were able to feed 36 clients, provide 4 take-out meals, and 8 servers. An especially loud shout out to the Hinderliters and Indian Ridge Provisions for donating the pork chops served as the entree. Also, thanks to those who helped cook and/or serve the meal: Myrtle Boardman, Becky Felten, Betty and Steve Sinisko, Colton Landis, Jim and Linda Westgate, Ruth Ann Barndt, Brenda Lausch and Mary Slotter.
Another Success – The Food for Friends dinner came off without a hitch. We were able to feed 36 clients, provide 4 take-out meals, and 8 servers. An especially loud shout out to the Hinderliters and Indian Ridge Provisions for donating the pork chops served as the entree. Also, thanks to those who helped cook and/or serve the meal: Myrtle Boardman, Becky Felten, Betty and Steve Sinisko, Colton Landis, Jim and Linda Westgate, Ruth Ann Barndt, Brenda Lausch and Mary Slotter.
Father's Day Brunch – Following our service on June 18, the congregation gathered together for a lovely Father's Day Brunch - attended by some of our newest and oldest Fathers. Many thanks to everyone who helped give thanks for the Dads in this congregation!
Vacation Bible School – This year St. John’s Lutheran Church hosted VBS from June 19 to 23, 2017. We again combined with Trinity Great Swamp making this our 42nd year together. 30 children and 39 teen and adult volunteers gathered for a wonderful creative experience. Each day children rotated in crews through seven stations: Funshop Factory, Music, Bible stories, Imagination Station, Funtime Games, Fun Factory Crafts, and Kid Vid Cinema with Snacks. And each day embraced a theme that brought God into the hearts and minds of all participants. Teachers focused on the themes that God Made You, God is For You, God is Always with You, God Will Always Love You, and God Made You for a Reason. On Friday evening of that week children returned with their loved ones to a closing program that highlighted the wonderful music the children had learned from Darcy McConahy and Kelly McCartney and the teachings that were within each daily theme. Families and friends got to see the art work the children had created and meet the friends they had made. We all gathered after the program for fellowship and food, with smiles on our faces and a great feeling in our hearts. Children’s offerings for the week were directed to The Quakertown Food Pantry.
Thanks to all from St. John’s who helped with this ministry by contributing materials, funds, snacks and their time. Special thanks to all the volunteers from both churches and the community who made this Vacation Bible School possible. And I thank all the children who attended and brought joy into our lives.
Vacation Bible School – This year St. John’s Lutheran Church hosted VBS from June 19 to 23, 2017. We again combined with Trinity Great Swamp making this our 42nd year together. 30 children and 39 teen and adult volunteers gathered for a wonderful creative experience. Each day children rotated in crews through seven stations: Funshop Factory, Music, Bible stories, Imagination Station, Funtime Games, Fun Factory Crafts, and Kid Vid Cinema with Snacks. And each day embraced a theme that brought God into the hearts and minds of all participants. Teachers focused on the themes that God Made You, God is For You, God is Always with You, God Will Always Love You, and God Made You for a Reason. On Friday evening of that week children returned with their loved ones to a closing program that highlighted the wonderful music the children had learned from Darcy McConahy and Kelly McCartney and the teachings that were within each daily theme. Families and friends got to see the art work the children had created and meet the friends they had made. We all gathered after the program for fellowship and food, with smiles on our faces and a great feeling in our hearts. Children’s offerings for the week were directed to The Quakertown Food Pantry.
Thanks to all from St. John’s who helped with this ministry by contributing materials, funds, snacks and their time. Special thanks to all the volunteers from both churches and the community who made this Vacation Bible School possible. And I thank all the children who attended and brought joy into our lives.
April 2017
Holy Week Services
This past Holy Week we gathered for worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and twice on Easter Sunday. Each service told an incredible part of Jesus' final days before his death, and the early Church's first experiences of his resurrection. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out - Ushers, Acolytes, Altar Guild, Lectors, Communion Assistants, those who helped with the Easter Egg Hunt, and everyone else who had a role in making this Holy Week special!
This past Holy Week we gathered for worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and twice on Easter Sunday. Each service told an incredible part of Jesus' final days before his death, and the early Church's first experiences of his resurrection. Many thanks to all of the volunteers who helped out - Ushers, Acolytes, Altar Guild, Lectors, Communion Assistants, those who helped with the Easter Egg Hunt, and everyone else who had a role in making this Holy Week special!
Ash Wednesday Bread and Soup Supper was held on March 1, 2017 at Trinity Great Swamp U.C.C.
Midweek Lenten Services were held on alternating weeks at St. John’s and Trinity Great Swamp. This year the service was “St. Lydia’s Dinner Church”. Participants worshiped during the meal itself, and many people helped to cook and clean up. Thank you!
Midweek Lenten Services were held on alternating weeks at St. John’s and Trinity Great Swamp. This year the service was “St. Lydia’s Dinner Church”. Participants worshiped during the meal itself, and many people helped to cook and clean up. Thank you!
February 2017
Charity Chicken Pot Pie Dinner – It is impossible to thank everyone who helped with this dinner. Whether you simply came and ate at the dinner, baked a dessert, or helped prepare or serve the dinner, you helped make the dinner a success. That said, special thanks does need to go out to those who helped prepare and serve the dinner, whether serving in the position you signed up for, or those who simply showed up and worked. It takes a Church to put on one of these dinners, and St. John’s certainly stepped up to the plate for this one.
January 2017
Christmas Day and New Year's Day Worship Services were held at 9:45 am. Christmas Day was a Lessons & Carols service and we celebrated with communion. New Year’s Day was a traditional communion service.
Baptism of Our Lord
On January 8, 2017, we celebrated the Baptism of Our Lord during our 9:45 am service.
Baptism of Our Lord
On January 8, 2017, we celebrated the Baptism of Our Lord during our 9:45 am service.
Blood Drive – The blood drive on 26 January was a great success. Our goal was 18 pints of blood. We well exceeded that goal. 25 persons showed up for the drive with a total of 23 pints being collected. Think of this as potentially 23 lives that were saved! Special thanks to those who made calls for the blood drive: Myrtle Boardman, Dick Helm, Peggy Hudock, Denise Martin, Joan Seiger, Betty Sinisko and Loretta Thorsen.
December 2016
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Loaves & Fishes December Dinner – December 1
A very successful dinner was fed to the Quakertown community. We were able to feed 57 persons and 8 of our own servers a dinner of tossed green salad with choice of Italian or Ranch dressing, roast turkey, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls and butter. Beverages were iced tea, iced water and coffee. Dessert was pumpkin pie with whipped cream topping. We even had enough left over for seconds. A big shout out to Myrtle and Bob Boardman for helping to cook; Denise Martin, Myrtle Boardman and Brenda Lausch for baking the pies; Betty & Steve Sinisko, Russell Martin, Ron & Brenda Lausch, Nina Helm, Pastor Kaegler for serving; and Dick Helm for helping with the room setup. The next dinner will be the Food for Friends dinner on March 8th. |
Sunday School Christmas Program – December 11 The Christmas show was a huge success! The children stole the show in their costumes, dressed as Joseph, Mary, the wise men, and the stable animals. Each participated by hanging a character on a big pin board for the whole church to see. The story of Christmas was narrated by Peggy Hudock and the church joined in singing Christmas carols directed by Darcy McConahy. After the kids’ bell choir, they finished up with an encore of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". Everyone seemed to enjoy this interactive Christmas special, and we all look forward to next year’s event. |
Christmas Eve Services were well attended. The children enjoyed the glow sticks in place of candles during the service. The luminaries were lit outside the church and a nativity scene set up near the front entrance.
November 2016
All Saints’ Sunday – On the first Sunday of November we commemorated the Saints - candles were lit in memory of our departed brothers and sisters in Christ following communion to declare our faith that they have a place in God's merciful presence. We also rang bells to commemorate those who have departed in death, claiming their baptismal promise in death over the past 12 months, and those who were welcomed into Church by the same promise in Holy Baptism.
Prayer Walk for Peace – On the first Sunday of November, parishioners from many churches in the Quakertown area - including St. John's -Spinnerstown gathered together at St. John's - Quakertown for a prayer walk and holy song at important places in our community.
The annual Pork and Sauerkraut dinner was held on Saturday, November 12. This year's dinner served 184 meals and again drew rave reviews for the flavor. The dessert table was even more impressive this year. Estimates are that more than 100 diners were from the community, making it an excellent outreach event. Thanks again to all who worked to put this dinner together.
October 2016
Crop Walk – Sunday, October 9 This year four members of St. John's walked the Quakertown Crop Walk. Many thanks to Earl White for organizing our support and helping set up the Crop Walk this year!
Crop Walk – Sunday, October 9 This year four members of St. John's walked the Quakertown Crop Walk. Many thanks to Earl White for organizing our support and helping set up the Crop Walk this year!
Into Every Life a Little Rain – Probably due to the threatened rain we did not reach our goal of 18 pints on October 21st. Although the callers did an outstanding job and had 26 people lined up, only 15 showed. A big thanks to the callers, Loretta Thorsen, Noel Brooke, Joan Seiger, Betty Sinisko, Denise Martin, Dick Helm, Betty Priestas and Myrtle Boardman. Also a big thanks to Mary Slotter and Cliff Wenhold who ran the drive on the 21st. The next blood drive is Thursday, January 26, 2017 from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fall Festival - Despite the inclement weather, 25-35 people showed up for the hayride, courtesy of the Weisel family. We enjoyed a beautiful ride behind the church, and the kids enjoyed seeing Pfaff from the distance of the corn fields. Following the hayride, the kids enjoyed decorating pumpkins and making chocolate covered candy apples in the fellowship room. Hotdogs and apple cider were also served.
The highlight of the night was probably the piñata! Pastor knocked it down for the grand finale as the kids scurried to collect all the candy.
We finished out the night sharing stories over the bonfire which was a perfect way to wrap up the fall festival enjoying the cool fall weather and one another’s company. We made s’mores and the kids played tag and football.
We're hoping to make this an annual tradition now, so please join us next time!
The highlight of the night was probably the piñata! Pastor knocked it down for the grand finale as the kids scurried to collect all the candy.
We finished out the night sharing stories over the bonfire which was a perfect way to wrap up the fall festival enjoying the cool fall weather and one another’s company. We made s’mores and the kids played tag and football.
We're hoping to make this an annual tradition now, so please join us next time!
September 2016
Food for Friends – On Wednesday, September 28, we fed 30 guests, 9 servers and 19 takeout meals for a total of 58 meals. The menu was tossed salad with dressing, rolls and butter, chicken paprikash over egg noodles, green beans and watermelon for desert. Thanks to all who helped. Food preparers were Mary Slotter, Myrtle and Bob Boardman. Pastor Kaegler led the group in grace. Servers were Ron and Brenda Lausch, Betty and Steve Sinisko, Linda and Jim Westgate, Winnie Peterson and Bill Slotter.
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September 11th Rally Day - This year’s Rally Day was a huge success! We opened up our restored, freshly painted, air-conditioned Sanctuary for worship, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper, and we restarted our Sunday School Program for the fall. But beyond that, St. John’s hosted a special guest concert from the Valley Choral Society that afternoon, who provided a series of patriotic songs, spirituals and more. Following that, St. John’s contribution to the ELCA’s annual “God’s Work, Our Hands” Day had us host and work together with 16 other Lutheran congregations to package 35,000 meals for local food pantries from Bethlehem to Philadelphia. Great job, St. John’s!
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First Communion - On September 4, four young members of St. John’s celebrated their First Communion: Anderson Everitt, Lachlan Everitt, Josh Felten and Brady Massinger.
Valley Choral Society Concert – More than 100 people enjoyed the free concert on September 11 presented by the Valley Choral Society. The performance, celebrating the renovated sanctuary, included spirituals, 40's hits and patriotic renditions. Special thanks to members of the fellowship committee for providing snacks and refreshments. |
Summer 2016
Cave Quest Vacation Bible School
Forty children and almost as many teen and adult volunteers gathered this summer for a wonderful “Cave” experience. Each day children rotated through seven stations: Music, Bible Stories, Imagination Station, Spelunker Games, Cave Crafts, Nature Cave, and Kid Video Cinema with Snacks. And each day embraced a theme that brought Jesus into the hearts and minds of all participants. Teachers focused on the themes that Jesus gives us Hope, Courage, Direction, Love, and His Power. On Friday evening of that week children returned with their loved ones to a closing program that highlighted the wonderful music the children had learned from Darcy McConahy and Kelly McCartney and the teachings that were within each daily theme. Families and friends got to see the art work the children had created, meet the friends they had made, and the environment they had experienced. Of course we all gathered for fellowship after with food, smiles on our faces, and a great feeling in our hearts. Children’s offerings for the week were directed to The Quakertown Food Pantry. (180 pounds of food and $120.00 were delivered to the Pantry).
Thanks to all from St. John’s who helped with this ministry by contributing materials, funds, and their time. Special thanks to the volunteers from St. John’s: Pastor Kaegler, Darcy McConahy, Kelly McCartney, Noel Brooke, Kathie Sensinger, Eli Barndt, Foster Barndt, Harbert Barndt and Giacinta Barndt. And I thank all the children who attended and brought joy into our lives.
Forty children and almost as many teen and adult volunteers gathered this summer for a wonderful “Cave” experience. Each day children rotated through seven stations: Music, Bible Stories, Imagination Station, Spelunker Games, Cave Crafts, Nature Cave, and Kid Video Cinema with Snacks. And each day embraced a theme that brought Jesus into the hearts and minds of all participants. Teachers focused on the themes that Jesus gives us Hope, Courage, Direction, Love, and His Power. On Friday evening of that week children returned with their loved ones to a closing program that highlighted the wonderful music the children had learned from Darcy McConahy and Kelly McCartney and the teachings that were within each daily theme. Families and friends got to see the art work the children had created, meet the friends they had made, and the environment they had experienced. Of course we all gathered for fellowship after with food, smiles on our faces, and a great feeling in our hearts. Children’s offerings for the week were directed to The Quakertown Food Pantry. (180 pounds of food and $120.00 were delivered to the Pantry).
Thanks to all from St. John’s who helped with this ministry by contributing materials, funds, and their time. Special thanks to the volunteers from St. John’s: Pastor Kaegler, Darcy McConahy, Kelly McCartney, Noel Brooke, Kathie Sensinger, Eli Barndt, Foster Barndt, Harbert Barndt and Giacinta Barndt. And I thank all the children who attended and brought joy into our lives.
June 2016
Church Music Sunday – On June 5, St. John’s celebrated Church Music Sunday. The special music presented by the Adult Choir, Handbell Choir and Children’s Handbells was enjoyed by all who attended.
Food for Friends –St. John's hosted a Food For Friends dinner on June 8. The menu was ham, pineapple filling, green beans, salad, rolls, and strawberry jello cake for dessert. 42 people were served which was more than they have served at the dinners in months.
We thank Hatfield Meats for the donation of ham for the dinner. The donation came to us from Hatfield Meats through the KECA group.
Thank you to the group of people that planned the menu, prepared, served and did the clean up after the meal. Most of the additional food needed for the meal was supplied by the people involved in making the Food For Friends dinner a success.
If possible, Pastor Kaegler is always there to do the prayer and represent St. John's.
The people enjoyed the dinner and they were very appreciative.
We thank Hatfield Meats for the donation of ham for the dinner. The donation came to us from Hatfield Meats through the KECA group.
Thank you to the group of people that planned the menu, prepared, served and did the clean up after the meal. Most of the additional food needed for the meal was supplied by the people involved in making the Food For Friends dinner a success.
If possible, Pastor Kaegler is always there to do the prayer and represent St. John's.
The people enjoyed the dinner and they were very appreciative.
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On Saturday, June 18, hundreds of people armed with folding chairs and blankets filled the grove for the Bluegrass Band and Strawberry Festival. For over 7 hours, bands from around the area filled the grove with their homespun musical talents. Hot dogs, pulled pork, strawberry desserts and snacks filled the visitors’ stomachs and made their "grove" experience even nicer. A special thanks go out to all of the volunteers who helped set-up tables, sound equipment, and tents. The event was a huge success.
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Father's Day Brunch - Following our service on June 19th, the congregation gathered together for a lovely Father's Day Brunch - attended by some of our newest and oldest Fathers. Many thanks to everyone who helped give thanks for the Dads in this congregation
May 2016
Rogation Sunday and Trinity Sunday Services –
On May 22, 2016 we observed Holy Trinity Sunday and Rogation Sunday. During the morning Worship service had communion at the Lord's table and at the end of the service we proceeded outside to have a special liturgy celebrating the planting of the seeds for the summer months.
On May 22, 2016 we observed Holy Trinity Sunday and Rogation Sunday. During the morning Worship service had communion at the Lord's table and at the end of the service we proceeded outside to have a special liturgy celebrating the planting of the seeds for the summer months.
Pentecost & Confirmation Reunion – Over 100 members of St. John's gathered together in worship on Pentecost Sunday for our Pentecost Reunion! Over 40 confirmands in particular attended our luncheon, filled with old and new friends, shared memories, photos, and of course wonderful food. Many thanks to everyone involved with preparing and serving the meal. And of course many thanks to Fern Lorish – who brought us the idea, was a celebrated confirmand herself, and has been a longtime member of our Evangelism committee.
Mother’s Day Brunch – A brunch was held after church on May 8 in the multipurpose room. A delicious meal was served by the men! Thank you!
St. John’s College Night - This year our second college night hosted seven students and seven colleges! The great news is that at least two of the students have decided to apply to and attend Lutheran schools, and that we have really inspired and piqued the curiosity of many churches just outside of our range. We also provided an outlet and an anchoring event for small, but strong schools without regional recognition such as Thiel and Newberry. This lets them come out to this area, spend time with us, go to local high schools, and more. We look forward to offering our College Night once more – in Fall 2017. We're shooting for a minimum of 15 kids – so if you will have college-bound children that year and want to know more about the ways our church can provide top-notch educational opportunities, keep it in mind.
April 2016
Blood Drive – Unfortunately the blood drive was not as successful as in the past. Although we had 21 persons registered to donate only 9 of those showed up to donate. Fortunately, we had 5 persons who came in without having a scheduled appointment, so we had a total of 14 donors. We’ll have to see if we can do better at the next drive on Friday, July 22nd.
March 2016
Food for Friends – We served the March dinner for FFF on March 9. We were able to feed 33 people in need. It was both interesting and concerning to see the number of children at the dinner. A big thanks to Denise, Bob and Myrtle, Ron and Brenda, Nina, Mary, Steve and Betty for helping with the dinner. Our next FFF dinner is Wednesday, June 8. If you are interested in helping to prepare or serve the food please contact Bill Slotter or Myrtle Boardman.
Backpacks for Pumas Chicken Dinner – Thank you to all who helped prepare, cook, set up, serve, staff and clean up the dinner. We purposefully held down the public attendance so that we could get the first one right; but even with that we served 115 meals. Including the day after sale of leftovers, we grossed $903.00. This meant that, after deducting costs, we were able to purchase $600.00 in Giant gift cards to donate to the program. The Backpacks for Pumas program sends food home with children who have been identified as at risk of not being sufficiently fed over a weekend. These cards will be used by the school staff running the program to purchase food items to be sent home with the
program participants
program participants
February 2016
Ash Wednesday – A joint service was held with Trinity Great Swamp UCC on February 10. The service was preceded with a Soup & Bread Dinner and followed by coffee hour. 70 people attended the service and had ashes imposed.
January 2016
GOOOOAAAAL!!! – No, it’s not a soccer game, but we did meet our goal for pints collected at the blood drive on January 29. We had 32 donor slots allotted to us and we filled 28 of those, collecting 20 pints of blood. Thank you to the callers who worked to make this possible: Myrtle Boardman, Loretta Thorsen, Denise Martin, Fern Lorish, Joan Seiger, Noel Brooke, Dick Helm and Betty Preistas.
December 2015
Sunday School Christmas Pageant - December 13, 2015
The Christmas Pageant was a little different this year. It was centered around the Christmas Story we all know and love. We put a little spin on it to make easier to execute with all the younger children. Thank you to Darcy for planning and typing up the script!
The Christmas Pageant was a little different this year. It was centered around the Christmas Story we all know and love. We put a little spin on it to make easier to execute with all the younger children. Thank you to Darcy for planning and typing up the script!
Advent Bake and Craft Sale - On December 13, 2015 the Worship and Music Committee had a Craft and Bake Sale after the morning Worship service. There were cakes, pies, brownies, cookies, trail mix packets and breakfast items for sale. Crafts included needle point boxes, wood and felt ornaments, crocheted articles, handmade items, stocking stuffers, and Christmas greens of wreaths, door hangings, and decorative logs made by the Willing Workers. As to date, the event has brought the Restoration Fund the amount of $432.50. We thank everyone's participation by making or purchasing items at the sale.
If you have a talent in crocheting or knitting, needlework, crafting, candy making or baking and would like to donate items for a Spring Craft and Bake Sale in March on Palm Sunday weekend or to be raffled off, please let a Worship and Music member know. Our committee members are Paul Schweitzer, Darcy McConahy, Marsha Hartley, Earl White, and Kathie Sensinger. You may put your donated supplies to be counted as a special offering on your yearly giving by submitting the cash receipts to the treasurer.
Our committee is also working toward a Spring Hoagie Sale in March on a week day. Please let a committee member know if you would be interested in taking orders and collecting monies for hoagies in your workplace. Please also let us know if you would be interested in helping to make deliveries of large hoagie orders in a 5-10 mile radius of church. We appreciate all help to make this a successful event.
If you have a talent in crocheting or knitting, needlework, crafting, candy making or baking and would like to donate items for a Spring Craft and Bake Sale in March on Palm Sunday weekend or to be raffled off, please let a Worship and Music member know. Our committee members are Paul Schweitzer, Darcy McConahy, Marsha Hartley, Earl White, and Kathie Sensinger. You may put your donated supplies to be counted as a special offering on your yearly giving by submitting the cash receipts to the treasurer.
Our committee is also working toward a Spring Hoagie Sale in March on a week day. Please let a committee member know if you would be interested in taking orders and collecting monies for hoagies in your workplace. Please also let us know if you would be interested in helping to make deliveries of large hoagie orders in a 5-10 mile radius of church. We appreciate all help to make this a successful event.
Varsity Singers
On December 20, 2015, we had the Quakertown Senior High School Varsity Singers perform during the morning Worship service and in the multipurpose room after the service. There was a small luncheon provided for everyone to enjoy. During the service, we heard worship and inspirational music. Afterwards in the multipurpose room they performed a variety of secular music and dance. We all had an enjoyable time.
On December 20, 2015, we had the Quakertown Senior High School Varsity Singers perform during the morning Worship service and in the multipurpose room after the service. There was a small luncheon provided for everyone to enjoy. During the service, we heard worship and inspirational music. Afterwards in the multipurpose room they performed a variety of secular music and dance. We all had an enjoyable time.
November 2015
Christmas Extravaganza – Saturday, November 21 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm.
The Christmas extravaganza was awesome! We had 36 children from the community attend with parents or grandparents. Most of the craft stations were emptied of craft kits! We planned for 20 crafts per station, so next year we will need to beef it up. The Holiday Shoppe was amazing. Ruth Barndt was amazing. The selection and organization was phenomenal. I want to personally thank the Willing Workers for helping during the event and all the planning they put into this event.
d cookies.
The Christmas extravaganza was awesome! We had 36 children from the community attend with parents or grandparents. Most of the craft stations were emptied of craft kits! We planned for 20 crafts per station, so next year we will need to beef it up. The Holiday Shoppe was amazing. Ruth Barndt was amazing. The selection and organization was phenomenal. I want to personally thank the Willing Workers for helping during the event and all the planning they put into this event.
d cookies.
Operation Christmas Child was a success! 21 boxes total were donated between the Sunday School and the congregation. Thank you!
Operation Christmas Child was a success! 21 boxes total were donated between the Sunday School and the congregation. Thank you!
Way To Go St John’s! The November Miller-Keystone Blood Drive was a great success. We were tasked with providing 18 pints of blood and we were allocated 32 time slots to fill with donors. We collected 27 pints of blood from 29 donors! A big thanks to Dick Helm, Betty Priestas, Betty Sinisko, Denise Martin, Joan Seiger, and Peg Hudock for making calls to line up the donors and for Earl White helping out at the drive itself.
Community invited to Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner Nov. 14
Laughter, fellowship, tables of desserts and the smell of roast pork filled the multi purpose room November 14. The pork and sauerkraut dinner has become an annual community event. Many thanks to the dozens of volunteers who baked, cooked, served, set up and cleaned up. A special thank you to the Hinderliter family for their donation.
Laughter, fellowship, tables of desserts and the smell of roast pork filled the multi purpose room November 14. The pork and sauerkraut dinner has become an annual community event. Many thanks to the dozens of volunteers who baked, cooked, served, set up and cleaned up. A special thank you to the Hinderliter family for their donation.
Veterans Day
On November 8, 2015 we celebrated, remembered and honored our veterans of the congregation and others who have served and are serving their country with a special prayer and the flag being brought up during the announcements.
On November 8, 2015 we celebrated, remembered and honored our veterans of the congregation and others who have served and are serving their country with a special prayer and the flag being brought up during the announcements.
All Saints’ Sunday – November 1
We remembered our loved ones who passed away in the last year with a bell toll and candlelighting, as well as those who were baptized this year.
We remembered our loved ones who passed away in the last year with a bell toll and candlelighting, as well as those who were baptized this year.
October 2015
The bonfire and weenie roast on October 24th was a lot of fun. Pastor told us some ghost stories, and children bobbed for apples in the tree and searched for goodie bags by flashlight.
Quakertown Crop Walk
Thank you to the 5 members of St. John’s who volunteered for the Crop Walk on October 11th!
Thank you to the 5 members of St. John’s who volunteered for the Crop Walk on October 11th!
Food packaging event - Together over on Saturday, October 10th, St. John's, Jerusalem West Salisbury and Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit packaged 13,000 meals for local food pantries - including F.E.A.S.T. of Trumbauersville and the Milford Square Food Pantry! Many thanks to Eli Barndt for bringing his gifts to the table and helping make this event happen!
Summer 2015
Summer Worship Services Recap
Our Outdoor Worship services were held from June 21, 2015-August 30, 2015. We enjoyed the good and pleasant weather for the majority of the services. We enjoyed several Worship services with guests supplying special music and we also had a service where we blessed those in our congregation who served their communities as firefighters, fire police, Emergency Medical Technicians, Park rangers and thanked them for their service.
Our outdoor communion services have gone pretty smoothly. The congregation has tried taking communion two different ways and both ways went fairly well. The first way we walked to a communion station and had communion; for the second way, the Pastor and communion assistant came to each person at their seat and served communion individually. Worship and Music Committee asks for your comments and suggestions on how to make the communion time experience for you as an individual better. The persons to contact on the committee are Earl White and Marsha Hartley. We appreciate your help in making communion time a meaningful experience for everyone You can write a note and place them in our mailboxes, email, call, or come speak with us.
Our contact information: Earl White at 215-536-9424 or Marsha Hartley at 267-373-9896 or [email protected]
Our Outdoor Worship services were held from June 21, 2015-August 30, 2015. We enjoyed the good and pleasant weather for the majority of the services. We enjoyed several Worship services with guests supplying special music and we also had a service where we blessed those in our congregation who served their communities as firefighters, fire police, Emergency Medical Technicians, Park rangers and thanked them for their service.
Our outdoor communion services have gone pretty smoothly. The congregation has tried taking communion two different ways and both ways went fairly well. The first way we walked to a communion station and had communion; for the second way, the Pastor and communion assistant came to each person at their seat and served communion individually. Worship and Music Committee asks for your comments and suggestions on how to make the communion time experience for you as an individual better. The persons to contact on the committee are Earl White and Marsha Hartley. We appreciate your help in making communion time a meaningful experience for everyone You can write a note and place them in our mailboxes, email, call, or come speak with us.
Our contact information: Earl White at 215-536-9424 or Marsha Hartley at 267-373-9896 or [email protected]
June 2015
Church Music Sunday – June 7
Thank You to all our musicians and musical volunteers for all their hard work, enthusiasm, and musical contributions during the last year.
Thank You to all our musicians and musical volunteers for all their hard work, enthusiasm, and musical contributions during the last year.
May 2015
Mother’s Day Brunch draws 70 +
The church kitchen was bustling with activity May 10 and this time it wasn’t the women doing the cooking.
The men of St. John’s hosted a Mother’s Day brunch after Sunday’s service which drew more than 70 people – even more than last year. The men prepared and served scrambled eggs and ham, complemented by fresh fruit, croissants with butter and jam, Danish pastries, coffee, tea and orange juice.
Many thanks to all who shopped, sliced, scrambled, set the tables, served and washed dishes.
The church kitchen was bustling with activity May 10 and this time it wasn’t the women doing the cooking.
The men of St. John’s hosted a Mother’s Day brunch after Sunday’s service which drew more than 70 people – even more than last year. The men prepared and served scrambled eggs and ham, complemented by fresh fruit, croissants with butter and jam, Danish pastries, coffee, tea and orange juice.
Many thanks to all who shopped, sliced, scrambled, set the tables, served and washed dishes.
Another Success! Miller-Keystone allotted us 32 slots for the May 14th blood drive with a goal of collecting 18 pints. We had 21 people show up for the drive and collected 19 pints – excellent. A big thanks to the people who helped by making the calls to potential donors: Myrtle Boardman, Noel Brooke, Dick Helm, Fern Lorish, Betty Priestas, Joan Seiger, Betty Sinisko and Mary Slotter. Our next blood drive on Thursday, August 27th will be at a different time. So many people want the early slots that we are moving the start time up to 1:30 p.m. with the last appointments at 6:30 p.m. See you in August.
Lutheran schools rally for St. John’s inaugural “College Night”
Admissions counselors from five Lutheran colleges – one travelling from as far away as Ohio – helped launch St. John’s inaugural “College Night” for area high school students May 18.
Represented were: Roanoke College, Salem, Va.; Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA.; Wagner College, Staten Island, N.Y.; Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio; and Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA. A sixth school, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA, was expected, but an intense thunderstorm forced its representative to turn back while en route.
St. John’s initiated “College Night,” featuring ELCA – related schools, to help area high school students “consider the promising education (and financial packages) available to them through the higher education ministries of the Lutheran Church,” said St. John’s Pastor Axel Kaegler.
Students from Abington Friends, Palisades, Pennridge, Southern Lehigh, and Quakertown high schools attended the event which recruiters deemed a success.
Though the number of students and parents was limited, the admissions counselors encouraged St. John’s to build on this year’s event, which they said is unique in the area. They – and the students – said they appreciated the opportunity to speak one-on-one.
Many thanks to Jen Burns for an eye-catching flier lauded by the recruiters, high school career/college counselors and the Synod representatives and churches who helped spread the word; Sara Landis and Betty Sinisko, who provided food for the recruiters prior to the event and stayed all evening to help with set-up and clean-up; Marsha Hartley for advice and procurement of supplies; and Ruth Ann Barndt, Noel Brooke, Nina Helm, Loretta Thorsen, Joan Seiger, and Betty Sinisko for luscious baked goods offered as refreshments to the students. The recruiters said they were especially grateful for the light supper, beverages and dessert provided as most venues do not offer anything.
Admissions counselors from five Lutheran colleges – one travelling from as far away as Ohio – helped launch St. John’s inaugural “College Night” for area high school students May 18.
Represented were: Roanoke College, Salem, Va.; Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA.; Wagner College, Staten Island, N.Y.; Wittenberg University, Springfield, Ohio; and Muhlenberg College, Allentown, PA. A sixth school, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA, was expected, but an intense thunderstorm forced its representative to turn back while en route.
St. John’s initiated “College Night,” featuring ELCA – related schools, to help area high school students “consider the promising education (and financial packages) available to them through the higher education ministries of the Lutheran Church,” said St. John’s Pastor Axel Kaegler.
Students from Abington Friends, Palisades, Pennridge, Southern Lehigh, and Quakertown high schools attended the event which recruiters deemed a success.
Though the number of students and parents was limited, the admissions counselors encouraged St. John’s to build on this year’s event, which they said is unique in the area. They – and the students – said they appreciated the opportunity to speak one-on-one.
Many thanks to Jen Burns for an eye-catching flier lauded by the recruiters, high school career/college counselors and the Synod representatives and churches who helped spread the word; Sara Landis and Betty Sinisko, who provided food for the recruiters prior to the event and stayed all evening to help with set-up and clean-up; Marsha Hartley for advice and procurement of supplies; and Ruth Ann Barndt, Noel Brooke, Nina Helm, Loretta Thorsen, Joan Seiger, and Betty Sinisko for luscious baked goods offered as refreshments to the students. The recruiters said they were especially grateful for the light supper, beverages and dessert provided as most venues do not offer anything.
April 2015
Holy Week and Easter Worship Services
On Maundy Thursday, 5 young members of St. John’s celebrated their First Communion: Amanda Fadil, Blake Hinderliter, Abigail Swartz, Danielle Uhler, and Haley Van Houdt.
Holy week continued with Good Friday worship, which was a service of shadows (Tenebrae Service).
St. John’s celebrated Easter morning with two morning worship services and a delicious Easter breakfast in between.
On Maundy Thursday, 5 young members of St. John’s celebrated their First Communion: Amanda Fadil, Blake Hinderliter, Abigail Swartz, Danielle Uhler, and Haley Van Houdt.
Holy week continued with Good Friday worship, which was a service of shadows (Tenebrae Service).
St. John’s celebrated Easter morning with two morning worship services and a delicious Easter breakfast in between.
Easter Sunday Breakfast
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the wonderful continental breakfast on Easter morning!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the wonderful continental breakfast on Easter morning!
March 2015
Palm Sunday – March 29
Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, was celebrated with a communion service on March 29th.
Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week, was celebrated with a communion service on March 29th.
Lenten services and Palm Sunday Bake Sale
The Worship and Music Committee would like to express their thanks and gratitude for everyone who helped to bake and serve at the Lenten services, the Sunday morning coffee hours, and the Bake Sale. We also thank those who helped us by their purchases of baked items at the Bake Sale. We couldn't have done it without you and your service to the church.
The Worship and Music Committee would like to express their thanks and gratitude for everyone who helped to bake and serve at the Lenten services, the Sunday morning coffee hours, and the Bake Sale. We also thank those who helped us by their purchases of baked items at the Bake Sale. We couldn't have done it without you and your service to the church.
December 2014
Sunday School Christmas Program – Sunday, December 14th. Many thanks to our young disciples in Sunday School and their teachers (Amy, Jody, Crystal, Donna, Dawn) for helping lead us in word and song during the Children's Musical on the 3rd Sunday of Advent! Be sure to thank them personally in the coming weeks!
The Advent Bake Sale was very
successful. We made $154. Thank you to
all those who baked and donated goodies for the sale, and thank you also to all
those who purchased those goodies!
Christmas Eve services held at 4:00 pm, 7:00 pm and 10:00 pm were all well-attended by St. John’s members and their families.
November 2014
All Saints’ Sunday – November 2nd - On All Saints’ Sunday, we commemorated the lives and the ministries of all the saints who have gone before us. We especially remembered those members who have died and entered the Church triumphant during these past twelve months, including: Elizabeth Baisch, Brenda Brown, Easton Davy, John Gabellini, Esther McConahy, Fred McLaughlin, Todd Rummel, Jimmy Sease, Esther Sigmans, and Magnhild Staurset.
We also remembered those newly baptized, who are promised to join them in God's heavenly home: Gracelynn Jean Effrig and Elliott James Westgate.
We also remembered those newly baptized, who are promised to join them in God's heavenly home: Gracelynn Jean Effrig and Elliott James Westgate.
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More than 200 turn out for Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner
A record number of guests turned out Nov. 15 for the annual Pork & Sauerkraut Dinner St. John’s hosted for the community. A little more than 200 diners filled the church’s multi-purpose room between 4 and 7 p.m., topping last year’s attendance of approximately 165. Guests - from as far away as Allentown and Gilbertsville - dined on pork, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, string beans, applesauce, dinner rolls and homemade desserts. Nearly 40 volunteers worked over the course of two days purchasing and prepping food, cooking, serving, setting up and cleaning up. Special thanks go to the Hinderliter family which supplied the pork, and to the dozens of bakers who kept two eight-foot tables filled with desserts throughout the evening. Thanks to the pooling of talents and resources, the event raised $1,661. The church Fellowship Committee, which organized the event, has recommended to Church Council that the funds be used to purchase a much-needed snowblower. |
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October 2014
Quakertown Crop Walk – Sunday, October 12 – was held at the Quakertown Memorial Park on Mill Street, on October 12, 2014.
Miller-Keystone Blood Drive No Tricks – You Get a Treat! Thank you to all who supported the blood drive on Thursday October 23rd. We were tasked with a goal of 16 pints of blood to be collected. We smashed that goal by collecting 24 pints of blood. Others may get candy for Halloween – but by donating, or calling to schedule donors, you helped save lives! Our next blood drive will be on Friday, January 23, 2015 from 2:00- 7:00 pm.
Reformation Sunday – October 26 – Communion service at 9:30 am.
Miller-Keystone Blood Drive No Tricks – You Get a Treat! Thank you to all who supported the blood drive on Thursday October 23rd. We were tasked with a goal of 16 pints of blood to be collected. We smashed that goal by collecting 24 pints of blood. Others may get candy for Halloween – but by donating, or calling to schedule donors, you helped save lives! Our next blood drive will be on Friday, January 23, 2015 from 2:00- 7:00 pm.
Reformation Sunday – October 26 – Communion service at 9:30 am.
Lutheran Historical Society – Saturday, October 25th
The Lutheran Historical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania visited St. John's for a lecture and its annual meeting. Dick Helm presented a history of our Congregation, and made a special guest appearance as the one and only John Fries, before a luncheon and trip to our neighbors and friends at Trinity Great Swamp UCC. Pastor Kaegler led devotions with a rousing round of "A Mighty Fortress," accompanied by Synod Archivist John Petersen. The society was excited to learn about this special place, its ministries, its history, and its relationship with Pennsylvania Lutheranism over the years. Special thanks to Randy and Becky Felten for helping set up.
The Lutheran Historical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania visited St. John's for a lecture and its annual meeting. Dick Helm presented a history of our Congregation, and made a special guest appearance as the one and only John Fries, before a luncheon and trip to our neighbors and friends at Trinity Great Swamp UCC. Pastor Kaegler led devotions with a rousing round of "A Mighty Fortress," accompanied by Synod Archivist John Petersen. The society was excited to learn about this special place, its ministries, its history, and its relationship with Pennsylvania Lutheranism over the years. Special thanks to Randy and Becky Felten for helping set up.
September 2014
More than 100 turn out for ordination, installation of new pastor
Guests and from as far away as Massachusetts and South Carolina joined the congregation of St. John’s Sept. 27 for the ordination and installation of its new pastor.
In a service led by the Rev. Claire S. Burkat, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Axel Thomas Kaegler, 28, of Saddle River, N.J., was ordained “to the ministry of word and sacraments.” More than 25 friends, mentors and colleagues, including officials from the synod and congregants of St. John’s, participated in the service which drew more than 100 people.
Pastor Kaegler assumed his duties at St. John’s Sept. 2, filling a vacancy created in 2012. St. John’s was served by interim pastors while a search committee, composed of members of the congregation, interviewed numerous candidates for the job. The committee recommended Pastor Kaegler to the church council which, in turn, presented him to the congregation for its approval. At a special congregational meeting Aug. 10, church members voted overwhelmingly to hire him after he conducted the worship service that day.
The new pastor holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, N.J., and is completing a Master of Sacred Theology degree at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. During a pastoral internship, he served as a vicar at House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Hingham, Mass. Pastor Kaegler also has a degree in history and religion from Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa.
Following the service, church members and guests gathered in the multi-purpose room for a luncheon of sandwiches, salads and desserts provided by the congregation.
Click on the link below to see the article from lehighvalleylive
Bucks County church celebrates ordination and installation of its new pastor
Guests and from as far away as Massachusetts and South Carolina joined the congregation of St. John’s Sept. 27 for the ordination and installation of its new pastor.
In a service led by the Rev. Claire S. Burkat, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Axel Thomas Kaegler, 28, of Saddle River, N.J., was ordained “to the ministry of word and sacraments.” More than 25 friends, mentors and colleagues, including officials from the synod and congregants of St. John’s, participated in the service which drew more than 100 people.
Pastor Kaegler assumed his duties at St. John’s Sept. 2, filling a vacancy created in 2012. St. John’s was served by interim pastors while a search committee, composed of members of the congregation, interviewed numerous candidates for the job. The committee recommended Pastor Kaegler to the church council which, in turn, presented him to the congregation for its approval. At a special congregational meeting Aug. 10, church members voted overwhelmingly to hire him after he conducted the worship service that day.
The new pastor holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, N.J., and is completing a Master of Sacred Theology degree at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. During a pastoral internship, he served as a vicar at House of Prayer Lutheran Church in Hingham, Mass. Pastor Kaegler also has a degree in history and religion from Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pa.
Following the service, church members and guests gathered in the multi-purpose room for a luncheon of sandwiches, salads and desserts provided by the congregation.
Click on the link below to see the article from lehighvalleylive
Bucks County church celebrates ordination and installation of its new pastor
Church picnic/bluegrass concert draws more than 125
Bluegrass music filled the grove at St. John’s Sept 7 when more than 125 people turned out for a picnic and concert. Due to stormy weather, the event was rescheduled from Sept. 6, yielding a gorgeous day for the festivities.
The music of “Without a Paddle” drew a crowd which kept volunteers busy dishing out hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drinks, soft pretzels, snacks and ice cream.
Among the picnic activities were games for the kids and a “cake walk,” a hit with concertgoers thanks to some two dozen luscious cakes created by St. John’s talented bakers. St. John’s new pastor, the Rev. Axel Kaegler, experienced his first “cakewalk,” and spent the day chatting with church members and meeting people from the community.
Special thanks to “Without a Paddle and to the many church members who donated goods, set up for the picnic, tended grills, scooped ice cream, passed out tickets, food and beverages, and cleaned up.
Harvest Home – Thanks to all who donated food and supplies for Harvest Home Sunday. Earl White volunteered to deliver all the donations.
Food For Friends – Wednesday, September 24th, 5:00 pm at the Richland Friends Meeting House.
July and August 2014
ST. JOHN’S BLOOD DRIVE – FRIDAY, 11 July 2014, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Who – Healthy people who are at least 17 years old and weigh at 110 pounds or more.
Why - Giving blood saves lives; there is just no other way to say it. Miller-Keystone supports the hospitals in our area, Lehigh Valley, St. Luke’s and Grandview hospitals. With the inclement weather of the winter many blood drives had to be cancelled and the supplies are low.
How – If you are already a donor, say “yes” when a volunteer contacts you to schedule an appointment. If you are interested in becoming a donor contact Bill Slotter at 215.541.9219, email [email protected]; or sign up on the schedule posted on the Social Ministry bulletin board (across from the mailboxes).
Vacation Bible School – July 28-August 1 to be held at Trinity Great Swamp.
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs – Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Join your friends and family for an outing to see the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs on Wednesday, August 27 at 7:05 pm. Tickets are just $10/person! Sign up on the form by the kitchen, or contact Brad Hinderliter
(215-529-1425) for more information. Deadline to sign up is Friday, July 20th.
August 31 – Benevolence Sunday
The deadline for the September Spire is Wednesday, August 20th, by 9:00 am. All articles can be submitted to the secretary at [email protected] or placed in her mailbox.
Thank you!
June 2014
June 1 – Music Sunday – Thank you to all the choir members, bell players, children, and all others who participated in the music throughout the year, which culminated on Music Sunday with a service of special music. Hope to see you all in the fall, and we are always looking for new members!
June 15 – Father’s Day Brunch - The first outdoor worship service for the season was held on June 15th. A Father’s Day Brunch was held following the service in the fellowship hall. Pastor Berntsen gave the blessing and the meal was shared. Various egg casseroles, potatoes, ham and delicious baked goods made up the celebratory brunch. Sixty two people attended the event. Thank you to everyone who helped prepare and/or serve
May 2014
The Mother’s Day Flower Sale held on May 10th raised $339.50 for the unbudgeted Evangelism Committee. Thank you to everyone who helped by volunteering and purchasing flowers!
Mother’s Day Brunch – Sunday, May 11
The smell of sizzling sausage, pancakes on a hot griddle and brewing coffee wafted into the sanctuary May 11, but Pastor Berntsen’s service and sermon kept churchgoers riveted until his final prayer signaled the start of a Mother’s Day breakfast, prepared by the men of St. John’s.
Those aromas - and the promise of fun and fellowship - drew some 50 people into the multi-purpose room where egg casseroles, fruit and baked goods rounded out a breakfast buffet.
After sampling the cuisine, Pastor Berntsen pronounced the food, “wonderful” and we hope he agrees that God nodded as half a dozen men from the congregation traded the morning’s service for “service” to all who gathered.
Lutheran Night @ the Phillies – Friday, May 30
April 2014
Valley Choral Society Concert – April 6
The Valley Choral Society Ensemble sang a concert on Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2014 here at St. John's. The concert was very well attended and enjoyed by all. The Valley Choral Society enjoyed singing in our sanctuary and gave a donation of $200 to the church.
ST. JOHN’S BLOOD DRIVE – Thursday, April 10
BLOODY GOOD JOB! – Thank you to all who donated or helped make calls to donors for the April 11, Blood Drive. Miller-Keystone targeted us with providing 16 donors. We smashed that goal by having 22 donors show up for the drive. According to the feedback from Miller-Keystone, their calculus is that this effort saved 60 lives.
Our next Blood Drive will be Friday July 11 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Palm Sunday – April 13
Palm Sunday starts Holy Week commemoration
Egg Hunt – April 13
There was an Easter Egg hunt for the children during Sunday School.
Maundy Thursday – April 17 – 7:30 pm Communion Service
Good Friday – April 18 – 7:30 pm Tenebrae Service
Easter Sunday – April 20
Easter is the culmination of Holy Week, with two services at 7:00 am and 9:30 am,
and breakfast served between the services at 8:00 am.
ST. JOHN’S BLOOD DRIVE – FRIDAY, 11 July 2014, 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Who – Healthy people who are at least 17 years old and weigh at 110 pounds or more.
Why - Giving blood saves lives; there is just no other way to say it. Miller-Keystone supports the hospitals in our area, Lehigh Valley, St. Luke’s and Grandview hospitals. With the inclement weather of the winter many blood drives had to be cancelled and the supplies are low.
How – If you are already a donor, say “yes” when a volunteer contacts you to schedule an appointment. If you are interested in becoming a donor contact Bill Slotter at 215.541.9219, email [email protected]; or sign up on the schedule posted on the Social Ministry bulletin board (across from the mailboxes).
Vacation Bible School – July 28-August 1 to be held at Trinity Great Swamp.
Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs – Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Join your friends and family for an outing to see the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs on Wednesday, August 27 at 7:05 pm. Tickets are just $10/person! Sign up on the form by the kitchen, or contact Brad Hinderliter
(215-529-1425) for more information. Deadline to sign up is Friday, July 20th.
August 31 – Benevolence Sunday
The deadline for the September Spire is Wednesday, August 20th, by 9:00 am. All articles can be submitted to the secretary at [email protected] or placed in her mailbox.
Thank you!
June 2014
June 1 – Music Sunday – Thank you to all the choir members, bell players, children, and all others who participated in the music throughout the year, which culminated on Music Sunday with a service of special music. Hope to see you all in the fall, and we are always looking for new members!
June 15 – Father’s Day Brunch - The first outdoor worship service for the season was held on June 15th. A Father’s Day Brunch was held following the service in the fellowship hall. Pastor Berntsen gave the blessing and the meal was shared. Various egg casseroles, potatoes, ham and delicious baked goods made up the celebratory brunch. Sixty two people attended the event. Thank you to everyone who helped prepare and/or serve
May 2014
The Mother’s Day Flower Sale held on May 10th raised $339.50 for the unbudgeted Evangelism Committee. Thank you to everyone who helped by volunteering and purchasing flowers!
Mother’s Day Brunch – Sunday, May 11
The smell of sizzling sausage, pancakes on a hot griddle and brewing coffee wafted into the sanctuary May 11, but Pastor Berntsen’s service and sermon kept churchgoers riveted until his final prayer signaled the start of a Mother’s Day breakfast, prepared by the men of St. John’s.
Those aromas - and the promise of fun and fellowship - drew some 50 people into the multi-purpose room where egg casseroles, fruit and baked goods rounded out a breakfast buffet.
After sampling the cuisine, Pastor Berntsen pronounced the food, “wonderful” and we hope he agrees that God nodded as half a dozen men from the congregation traded the morning’s service for “service” to all who gathered.
Lutheran Night @ the Phillies – Friday, May 30
April 2014
Valley Choral Society Concert – April 6
The Valley Choral Society Ensemble sang a concert on Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2014 here at St. John's. The concert was very well attended and enjoyed by all. The Valley Choral Society enjoyed singing in our sanctuary and gave a donation of $200 to the church.
ST. JOHN’S BLOOD DRIVE – Thursday, April 10
BLOODY GOOD JOB! – Thank you to all who donated or helped make calls to donors for the April 11, Blood Drive. Miller-Keystone targeted us with providing 16 donors. We smashed that goal by having 22 donors show up for the drive. According to the feedback from Miller-Keystone, their calculus is that this effort saved 60 lives.
Our next Blood Drive will be Friday July 11 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Palm Sunday – April 13
Palm Sunday starts Holy Week commemoration
Egg Hunt – April 13
There was an Easter Egg hunt for the children during Sunday School.
Maundy Thursday – April 17 – 7:30 pm Communion Service
Good Friday – April 18 – 7:30 pm Tenebrae Service
Easter Sunday – April 20
Easter is the culmination of Holy Week, with two services at 7:00 am and 9:30 am,
and breakfast served between the services at 8:00 am.