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Coming Events
RESPONSE OF THE ELCA TO THE HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
"If one member suffers, all suffer together with it;
if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it."
–1 Corinthians 12:26
Almost two weeks have passed since the devastating earthquake in Haiti. The outpouring of gifts from members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to ELCA Disaster Response has enabled a swift response on behalf of this church.
Thank you for your generous financial support which now totals more than $2.5 million. Thousands of other gifts are still being counted. Our community-based partners are already providing:
- Two water purification systems to bring clean water to 25,000 people.
- Emergency food and medical supplies to thousands.
- Blankets and tents to shelter 10,000 people who are homeless.
Funding, distributed through three partners, will increase as giving continues.
- $300,000 has been sent to The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), a key responder and member of Action by Churches Together (ACT). The funds support LWF efforts to provide shelter to people left homeless by the quake.
- $150,000 has been sent to Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, for material aid.
- $150,000 will be sent to Church World Service (CWS) for construction of temporary water systems and distribution of water purification materials.
In addition, $25,000 has been sent to Lutheran Services of Florida for initial support to refugees and Haitian Americans entering or returning to the United States.
We are pleased that Louis Dorvillier, director for International Development and Disaster Response in the ELCA Global Mission program unit, is part of a delegation to his country of origin with LWF and ACT.
Your generosity makes this life-saving work possible. As we celebrate this outpouring of gifts and prayers, we also know that we have a long road to travel together. There is so much more to be done. This church is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters in Haiti for years to come; your continued support is needed to provide ongoing care.
I encourage you to visit the ELCA Disaster Response (http://www.elca.org/disaster) Web site for updated information, worship resources, bulletin inserts and details on how to offer financial support. General mission-support dollars and gifts to ELCA Vision for Mission make it possible for 100 percent of your gifts designated for Haiti Earthquake Relief to be used entirely for this response effort.
To give today, go online (www.elca.org/haitiearthquake) or call 800-638-3522.
In God's grace,
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
A SPECIAL OFFERING CONTINUES TO BE RECEIVED HERE AT ST JOHN … THROUGH 1/24/10 WE HAVE COLLECTED $651.50 THAT HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE ELCA. YOU MAY GIVE THROUGH ST. JOHN OR DIRECTLY TO THE ELCA DISASTER RESPONSE.
ASH WEDNESDAY
On Wednesday, February 17 our faith community will have two opportunities to gather for worship as we begin our annual journey to the Cross of Jesus.
Worship will be held at Noon and at 6:30 pm.
Then, for the next forty days, our eyes and hearts and lives will be regularly drawn to the life-changing story of our salvation.
“Lent begins with a solemn call to fasting and repentance as we begin our journey to the baptismal waters of Easter. As we hear in the readings for Ash Wednesday, now is the acceptable time to return to the Lord. During Lent the people of God will reflect on the meaning of their baptism into Christ's death and resurrection. The sign of ashes suggests our human mortality and frailty. What seems like an ending is really an invitation to make each day a new beginning, in which we are washed in God's mercy and forgiveness. With the cross on our brow, we long for the spiritual renewal that flows from the springtime Easter feast to come.” (adapted from Sundays and Seasons)
Make the Lenten journey a priority in your life as a disciple of Jesus. Come on Ash Wednesday to worship. Come to confess your sins and to receive the mark of the cross, as ashes are traced on your forehead. Come to praise the God who loves you as no other. Come to hear God’s life-altering Word. Come to receive God’s gracious gifts in the Lord’s Supper. Come to deepen your practice of the disciplines of Lent … worship, prayer, fasting, reading God’s Word, giving to those in need and serving others.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP AT NOON AND 6:30PM.
MIDWEEK LENTEN EVENTS …“Beatitudes of Promise”
Throughout the Lenten season, a series of Midweek Lenten Events will be held each Wednesday, beginning on February 24.
We will gather first for a Lenten Supper in the Parish Hall at 5:30 pm. Various small groups and congregational ministry teams will be providing us with a simple meal and a time of fellowship.
Then at 6:30 pm, we will gather in our worship space … our theme will be “Beatitudes of Promise” … You will be able to listen in as a pastor counsels a modern-day parishioner … and the words of Jesus’ teaching are revealed in a new light. Each week, beginning on Ash Wednesday this special theme will be developed as we focus on the words of Jesus’ renowned Beatitudes, and apply them to our Lenten journey today.
February 17 … Ash Wednesday The Promise of Heaven
February 24 … The Promise of Comfort
March 3 … The Promise of an Inheritance
March 10 … The Promise of Righteousness
March 17 … The Promise of Mercy
March 24 … The Promise of Seeing God
And each of the five Wednesdays we will be introduced to Marty Haugen’s Evening Prayer … a contemporary and simpler vesper service … led by piano and worship leader. This is a beautiful service that you will come to appreciate and love.
LENTEN READERS NEEDED! ALL AGES! MALE OR FEMALE!
ONE READER IS NEEDED EACH WEEK TO ASSIST IN OUR LENTEN MESSAGE, SEE PASTOR JIM IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. “Hams” may apply! You will be playing the role of Mac, a modern-day parishioner who will seeking to understand this famous teaching of Jesus.
Our vision …“Growing Disciples of Jesus”
A GUEST IS COMING!
On Sunday, February 7 we will be welcoming to St. John Lutheran Church, The Rev. Dr. Mark Ramseth who will be preaching at both Sunday services. Mark Ramseth is the President of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio.
Through the resources of our Mission Endowment, we have had the privilege of sponsoring a seminarian at Trinity, Heidi David-Young during this academic year. Mark Ramseth will be here to thank us for that gift of partnership, deliver God’s Word and share how God is at work at TLS these days. There will be an extended for discussion during the Adult DSQ.
Come learn how your Mission Endowment is working to further the kingdom that is breaking into the world!
GATHER … HEAR … EAT … SENT
SCOUTING SUNDAY HERE AT ST. JOHN IS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14!!
SOUPER BOWL
We will be joining ranks with over 13,000 churches and organization across the USA who will be participating in the SOUPER BOWL OF CARING. This is annual event that coincides with the Super Bowl, to raise both awareness among worshipers and
funds in order to compassionately meet the needs of the hungry. Worshipers on the weekend of February 7, 2019 are asked to drop a $1 (you can drop in more if the Spirit moves you) in the soup pot as they leave worship. The funds collected here at St. John’s will be divided between the ELCA World Hunger Appeal and First Call for Help.
CONFIRMATION MINISTRY SCHEDULE FOR FEBRUARY
- Winter Retreat at Camp Mowana … Friday, February 5 … Meet at the church at 4:30 … Will return on Saturday, early evening.
- Class will be held on Sunday, February 21 at 4:30 pm … Pastor Jim teaching, Reiman’s providing the meal.
NURSERY MINISTRY CHANGES
As we have made some reductions in ministry expenses one area that has been effected is our Nursery Ministry.
The Nursery is located in the church basement and will continue to be available for parents to use should their children need a “reorientation” space. Please note that all children are welcome to be present with us for worship … even if they make a little noise or get somewhat fussy … Jesus welcomed the “little children” and so shall we!
There has been some interest expressed in staffing the nursery during the 10:30 service with volunteers … if someone is willing to coordinate this effort, please see Pastor Jim.
Our Mission … We are a Christ-centered and Caring Congregation called by God to Share the good news of salvation for all people.
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP QUEST (2009-2010)
Come join us on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am in the Lounge … These studies are led by Pastor Jim.
Here’s what the schedule for the month of February will look like …
February 7 … Dr. Mark Ramseth … Our guest is President of Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus and will be sharing with us the story of what God is up to at TLS.
February 14 … In Christ … An in-depth study of the Letter to the Ephesians
February 21 … In Christ … An in-depth study of the Letter to the Ephesians
February 28 … Pastor Jim will be away for Continuing Education
MIDWEEK ADULT STUDIES
Midweek Adult Bible studies will hopefully begin soon. Watch for details!
WINTER VISIT
Bishop Marcus Lohrmann of the Northwestern Ohio Synod will be meeting with folks from across the North Central Conference for conversation and reflection on the ministry which is taking place in congregations, in the conference and in the NWOS. The date for the North Central Conference is Thursday, February 28 at Solomon, Woodville. Bishop Lohrmann will meet with the rostered leaders in the morning, and then with Lay Leaders in the evening. The evening session begins with dinner at 6:00 pm.
Evening sessions are for lay congregational leaders and members.
6:00 p.m. Gathering and Dinner
6:45 p.m. Welcome and Devotion
7:00 p.m. Meeting Session
8:30 p.m. Questions and Answers
9:00 p.m. Closing Devotion
These visits have proven to be very valuable and informative as we deepen the connections between these two expressions of what it means to be church, congregations and synod. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Church Office by February 18 so reservations can be made on your behalf.
OUR MINISTRY WITH SHUT-INS AND THE HOMEBOUND
It seems to be a “good thing” to start looking at how we might gather a group of lay people who would be willing to join in this important ministry of staying connected with the sick, the shut-ins and those living in nursing homes, striving to be the presence of Jesus with them. Those who are interested would be provided with some training and insights to effective ministry. This would NOT replace the visits of the pastors, but would be an additional way of providing ministry to those who are not able to be present on a regular basis. If you are interested in learning more or putting your name on the list, please contact Pastor Jim Lehman or call the church office.
OUR VALUES
WORSHIP: Our first response to the good news of God’s unconditional love in Jesus is to worship.
SACRED SPACE: We strive to provide a welcoming place where all can enter into God’s presence, and experience the wonder, peace, majesty, grandeur and mercy of the God who loves us all.
MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE: In gratitude and joy, we lift our praises to the LORD, so that through “our music God may be glorified.”
A CARING COMMUNITY: We recognize that when God calls us to faith in Christ, we are joined to a community where we can experience genuine warmth, deep friendships, and loving relationships.
NURTURING DISCIPLES: We will offer meaningful opportunities for children, youth and adults to hear, learn and experience the good news of God’s love in Jesus.
NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT
In early April of 2008, we completed our second Natural Church Development Survey. Since that time our NCD Leadership Team-2 has been working faithfully to help us to address … LOVING RELATIONSHIPS.
“Loving relationships are the heart of a healthy, growing church. Jesus said people will know we are his disciples by our love. Practical demonstration of love builds authentic Christian community and brings others into God’s Kingdom.
- Heart of Christianity
- Becoming a loving person
- Developing healthy interpersonal relationships
- Cultivating authentic community
- Celebrating the life of God together
- Sharing the love of God to a lost world”
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Our third NCD survey has been completed and we are now waiting the results of that survey. Be on the watch for details and an invitation to come and see where we are in the process of growing as a faith community.
And as always … continue praying for the health, well-being and growth of our congregation!
GROWING DISCIPLES THROUGH HOLISTIC SMALL GROUPS
“Holistic small groups are disciple-making communities which endeavor to reach the unchurched, meet individual needs, develop each person according to their God-given gifts and raise leaders to sustain the growth of the church. Like healthy body cells, holistic small groups are designed to grow and multiply.”
Our Nesting Vision “The St. John Lutheran Church small group ministry, in partnership with other ministries, desires to create places of caring community at St. John Lutheran Church, where people can seek God together and be transformed into growing disciples of Jesus who make an impact on the world around them.”
To continue to make small groups an integral part of our congregation’s life and mission, we will need not only need persons who are interested in being a part of a particular small group, but also to identify those who have the gifts for leadership. Trainers stand ready to equip these new leaders of Small Groups.
Brochures describing all existing and new small groups are available in the rack just as you enter the narthex from the Parish Hall. Pick one up and discover the group that is right for you as continue as a growing disciple of Jesus.
We give thanks to God for the Spirit that is stirring among us, leading us, guiding us, raising up small group leaders and participants.
OUR PRESENT SMALL GROUPS
Bible Study Groups Meeting Day & Time Contact
Mary Martha Circle 1st Thursday at 1:30 P.M. Betty Christiansen:
419-734-4343
Naomi Circle 3rd Monday at 9:00 A.M.. Doris Libben:
419-635-2506
Priscilla Circle 3rd Wednesday at 9:30 A.M. Marcia Bloom:
419-732-2900
Rachel Circle 2nd Monday at 6:30 P.M. Pat Gipe:
419-734-2448
Music Groups
Senior Choir Every Thursday at 7:00 P.M. Craig Dieterich
419-798-4020
Handbell Choir Every Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. Lisa Rider
419-797-6355
Our Other Groups
CHRIST-CENTERED … CARING … SHARING
GATHER … HEAR … EAT … SENT
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Pastor Jim will be on a Seasons of Renewal Retreat as a part of his
fulfillment of continuing expectations for rostered leaders. Pastor Jim will
be away February 29-March 2. The retreat will be held at St. Stephen’s
Episcopal Church in North Myrtle Beach, SC.
A SMALL GROUP MINISTRY FOR MEN
Our small group ministry for men will be gathering once again on Saturday, February 13 at 8:00 am for food and fellowship, study, prayer and service.
We will start at 8:00 am with breakfast and coffee. We will spend some time in Bible study, prayer and will tackle a service project. We are normally on our way to other things by 9:30 am! Come and join us!
As the people who are St. John Lutheran Church we joyfully live in partnership with all the congregations, institutions and agencies that are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America … seeking to fulfill the mission statement … “Marked with the Cross of Christ forever we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world.”
Our partnership with the ELCA and the Northwestern Ohio Synod continues to be blessed as we have joined as direct partners with both the churchwide and synodical expressions of the church in our outreach on South Bass Island. Resources are being provided that have enabled us to add staff to assist with the development of our second site at TheBay and to enrich our youth and family ministry here in Port Clinton.
This expressed partnership is deeply appreciated … and has caused us to continually give thanks to God!
We are also partners with the congregations of the Northwestern Ohio Synod (www.nwos-elca.org) … seeking to fulfill our common purpose … “Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we who belong to the congregations, agencies and ministries of the Northwestern Ohio Synod, together, will seek to witness to God’s creative and redeeming Word to all the world.”
Pastor Jim is in the final year of his second term on the Northwestern Ohio Synod Council. | 
