St. John Lutheran Church

Coming Events

New Years Worship Schedule
Saturday, December 31 … Come celebrate New Year’s Eve by gathering together for worship at 5:00pm.

Sunday, January 1 … Worship on New Year’s Day, which is also the Festival of “The Name of Jesus” will be held at both 8:00 and 10:30 am.

Our next Midweek Bible study will be … The Greatest Story: Jesus!  This course is for anyone who wants to encounter the Jesus of the four Gospels and see how his story connects to our stories. 

This is a comprehensive, sixteen session course that will be spread out over the first four months of the year … with a few breaks along the way. 

The first class will be held on Wednesday, January 4, and the final class will be held on Wednesday, May 2.

Classes from January 4-February 15 will begin at 7:00pm.

Here are the class themes for the months of January and February.

January 4 …        Who Is This Jesus?
January 11 …      God Is With Us
January 18 …      NO CLASS … Pastor Jim at Sawmill Creek
January 25 …      This Is My Son

February 1 ...       Fulfilled in Your Hearing
February 8 …      Follow Me
February 15 …    Who Then Is This?
February22 …     NO CLASS-ASH WEDNESDAY
February 29 …    Who Touched Me

HOLY COMMUNION INSTRUCTION WORSHOP HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED
The Holy Communion Workshop will be held on Saturday, January 14 from 10am-2pm.  This event is open to all children and youth who have a desire to join us at the Lord’s Supper.

You may recall that our By-laws were amended as follows.

C8.04.01
This congregation invites all of its members, who have been prepared to receive the Sacrament, to participate regularly in Holy Communion.

• Baptized children may begin to commune on a regular basis at a time determined through mutual conversation that includes the pastor, the child, and the parents or sponsors involved. In all cases, participation in Holy Communion will be accompanied by learning appropriate to the age of the new communicant. When young children are prepared for their first communion, parents are included in the instruction.

Youth are asked to bring a two-liter of pop/appropriate beverage and a snack to share.  A light meal will be provided at Noon.

Parents are encouraged to be a part of this educational experience, as together we learn about God’s great gift, and we are “Fed and Forgiven.”

Youth will also be meeting on Sunday, January 15 to make chalices in preparation for First Communion. 

First Communion will be on Sunday, January 29 at 10:30 am. If you need or desire more information contact the church office or talk to Pastor Jim or Pastor Dan.
Ecumenical Pulpit Exchange, Sunday, January 22nd
The Port Clinton Ministerial Association is planning a pulpit exchange on Sunday, January 22nd, as an observation of The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Begun in 1908, these days have been set aside each year so that Christians the world over may share the prayer of Jesus: “that all may be one... that the world may believe” (John 17:21).  This week falls between the Confession of Peter (January 18) and The Conversion of Paul, January 25.

This year’s theme is “We Will All Be Changed by the Victory of Our Lord Jesus Christ.”
(cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-58).  

Here are the guest preachers and their locations:
St. John Lutheran Church – Pastor Jeanne Gay (Firelands Presbyterian Church)
Trinity United Methodist Church – Pastor/Father Mike Wiechers (St. Thomas Episcopal and Peace Lutheran Churches)
St. Thomas Episcopal and Peace Lutheran Churches – Pastor Jim Lehman (St. John Lutheran Church)
Firelands Presbyterian Church – Pastor Bruce Batchelor-Glader (Trinity United Methodist Church)
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
St. John Lutheran Church will assemble for its January Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 29 at 9:15 am in the Parish Hall.  The agenda will be devoted to the consideration and approval of the 2012 Spending Plan. Please plan on being a part of this important time of decision making.

Our vision …“Growing Disciples of Jesus”

CONFIRMATION MINISTRY
Year 1 and 2 Confirmation Ministry participants will be meeting on the following Sunday evenings in January from 4:30-7:00pm.

January 8 … Pastor Dan is teaching … and the Goans family is providing the meal.
January 22 … Pastor Jim is teaching … with the Householder family providing the meal.

PASTOR JIM … VACATION
Pastor Jim will be away on vacation for a few days at the end of December,
Dec 30-Jan 1.  

HAITI MISSION TEAM SPONSORS CHILDREN
After our Mission Team returned from Haiti in April, we were compelled by our experience among the Haitian people to do what we can to lift up the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially among the children. 

From our team members we were able to raise funds that provided sponsorship for two youth to attend school, a total of $279.00 in US dollars.  All children in Haiti must pay to receive an education, regardless of their family’s resources.  So, most children are not able to attend every year as families must decide which of their children will be able to participate in education any given year.

Our Haiti Mission Team will be extending an invitation to the entire congregation to join with us in sponsoring more children during the next school year.  You might want to keep this is in mind so that when the call is made, you can make a difference in the lives of “the little children of the world.” 

CHRIST-CENTERED … CARING … SHARING

“Rooted in Christ: Living in Relationship”

Inspired by the example of a tree … we seek to remain vibrantly Rooted in Christ … as we Reach Up to receive from God … as we Reach Out to give ourselves away for others.

Come join us on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am in the Lounge … These studies are led by Pastor Jim. 

Our continuing series for Sunday morning Adult DSQ is … Gospel Dialogue!  This is an opportunity to engage in mutual conversation as we listen, in advance, to the Gospel appointed for the coming week’s worship.  Being a part of such dialogue will enhance your hearing of God’s Living Word AND it will help shape the week’s message.  All you need to bring is an openness to engage with the message that God seeks for you (us) to hear.  Listed below is the schedule for the month of January.

January 1               No DSQ
January 8 …          John 1:43-51        
January 15 …         1 Corinthians 15:51-58
(This is the theme for the Week of Christian Unity)
January 22 …         Mark 1:21-28
January 29 …         Mark 1:29-39

COME AND JOIN US IN LIVELY STUDY AND DISCUSSION 

A DEVOTIONAL RESOURCE FOR THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY … JANUARY 18-25

Eight Days reflecting on our change in Christ
Over the coming week we are invited to enter more deeply into our faith that we will all be changed through the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ. The biblical readings, commentaries, prayers and questions for reflection, all explore different aspects of what this means for the lives of Christians and their unity with one another, in and for today’s world. We begin by contemplating the Christ who serves, and our journey takes us to the final celebration of Christ’s reign, by way of His cross and resurrection:
Day One: Changed by the Servant Christ
The Son of Man came to serve (cf. Mk 10:45)
On this day we encounter Jesus, on the road to victory through service. We see him as the
”one who came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life, a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Consequently, the Church of Jesus Christ is a serving community. The use of our diverse gifts in common service to humanity makes visible our unity in Christ.
Day Two: Changed through patient waiting for the Lord
Let it be so now, for it is proper to fulfil all righteousness (Mt 3:15)
On this day we concentrate on patient waiting for the Lord. To achieve any change,
perseverance and patience are needed. Prayer to God for any kind of transformation is also an act of faith and trust in his promises. Such waiting for the Lord is essential for all who pray for the visible unity of the church this week. All ecumenical activities require time, mutual attention and joint action. We are all called to co-operate with the work of the Spirit in uniting Christians.
Day Three: Changed by the Suffering Servant
Christ suffered for us (cf. 1 Pt 2:21)
This day calls us to reflect on the suffering of Christ. Following Christ the Suffering Servant, Christians are called to solidarity with all who suffer. The closer we come to the cross of Christ the closer we come to one another.
Day Four: Changed by the Lord’s Victory over Evil
Overcome evil with good (Rom 12:21)
This day takes us deeper into the struggles against evil. Victory in Christ is an overcoming of all that damages God’s creation, and keeps us apart from one another. In Jesus we are called to share in this new life, struggling with him against what is wrong in our world, with renewed confidence and with a delight in what is good. In our divisions we cannot be strong enough to overcome evil in our times.
Day Five: Changed by the peace of the Risen Lord
Jesus stood among them and said: Peace be with you! (Jn 20:19)
Today we celebrate the peace of the Risen Lord. The Risen One is the great Victor over death and the world of darkness. He unites His disciples, who were paralysed with fear. He opens up before us new prospects of life and of acting for His coming kingdom. The Risen Lord unites and strengthens all believers. Peace and unity are the hallmarks of our transformation in the resurrection.
Day Six: Changed by God’s Steadfast Love
This is the victory, our faith (cf. 1 Jn 5:4)
On this day we concentrate our attention on God’s steadfast love. The Paschal Mystery
reveals this steadfast love, and calls us to a new way of faith. This faith overcomes fear and opens our hearts to the power of the Spirit. Such faith calls us to friendship with Christ, and so to one another.
Day Seven: Changed by the Good Shepherd
Feed my sheep (Jn 21:17)
On this day the Bible texts show us the Lord strengthening His flock. Following the Good
Shepherd, we are called to strengthen each other in the Lord, and to support and fortify the weak and the lost. There is one Shepherd, and we are his people.
Day Eight: United in the Reign of Christ
To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne (Rv 3:21)
On this last day of our week of prayer for Christian Unity we celebrate the Reign of Christ. Christ’s victory enables us to look into the future with hope. This victory overcomes all that keeps us from sharing fullness of life with him and with each other. Christians know that unity among us is above all a gift of God. It is a share in Christ’s glorious victory over all that divides.

WEBSITE  INFORMATION!
If you have pictures or postings that you would like to see placed on our website, you may contact Dan Toris by sending him that information via email.  Here is the dedicated email address to get stories and articles posted … stjohn-pc@hotmail.com. 

THANKS BE TO GOD, ALWAYS!  AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THIS COMMUNITY OF FAITH!

MINISTRY RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Over the past few months we have been about transforming our efforts in the area of both raising up and managing the resources God has given us here at St. John.  A number of folks have stepped forward and are putting their gifts into practice as we explore this ongoing need to provide the resources of “time, talents and treasures” that will support our mission and ministry. If you would like to join us, please Pastor Jim for details on our work thus far.  

The next meeting of the Ministry Resources Committee will be Tuesday, January 3 at 4:30 pm.  If you feel called to be a part of this vital ministry team, come and join us.

CHRISTMAS THANK YOU

Pastor Jim and Jean Lehman would like to thank all of you who remembered us at Christmas with prayers, cards and gifts.  We are truly thankful to God for your generosity and for the partnership we share in the work of the Gospel here at St. John’s.  We pray that your Christmas was a blessed time of grace, peace and joy.  Thanks be to you, and to God.

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!

CHURCH COUNCIL RETREAT       

Plans are underway for the annual retreat of the Church Council, as time is set aside for concentrating on, and deepening, our commitment to the mission and ministry that God has entrusted to us here as the people who are St. John Lutheran Church. 

The retreat will be held on Saturday, January 28 at Our Lady of the Pines Retreat Center in Fremont.  Our time together will begin at 8:30 am, and concluding by 3:00 pm. The focus of our retreat will be on Prayer, utilizing this sacred place to connect more deeply with God and one another..    

Our Mission … We are a Christ-centered and Caring Congregation called by God to Share the good news of salvation for all people.

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. 

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 5, 2012 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.

COMPANION RELATIONSHIPS
It is with true joy and delight that we are connected with brothers and sisters in Christ around the world!  

Continue to lift up our brothers and sisters in the Nkuhungu congregation in Tanzania and the Bacska Palanka congregation in Serbia.  (This the congregation served by Pastor Jasmina Kotas-Medved)

We received the following Christmas greeting from our brothers and sisters in Palanka.

Glory to God in the highest! Christ is born!
Dear brothers and sisters from St. John Lutheran church, our partner`s Congregation in Port Clinton:
Christ is born, our Savior is with us: In our hearts, in our families, in our friendships, in our world! His peace and love is making this world better and nobler than it was before His coming.
In this new born Child we all became one big family, real children of God! We are grateful for His coming! We praise the Lord because finally we are saved! We don’t have to be worry for our salvation, because God has made it! He did it all, by Him self. All we can do is praise Him with all our hearts!
In the name of all members of Slovak Lutheran church in Backa Palanka who are your brothers and sisters in Christ, in the name of my husband Andrej and in my own name, I wish you Merry Christmas fulfilled with heavenly love, peace and joy in your Congregation and in your own families, and Happy New Year 2012!
With love and respect,

Pastor Jasmina Kotas-Medved from Serbia.

A SMALL GROUP MINISTRY FOR MEN
Our small group ministry for men will be gathering once again on Saturday, January 14 at 8:00 am for food and fellowship, study, prayer and service.   Dave Bloom will be providing the morning meal.  And we will be continuing our study of King David!

We will start at 8:00 am with breakfast and coffee.  We will spend some time in study and prayer and we are normally on our way to other things by 9:30 am! 
Come and join us!

Our Mission … We are a Christ-centered and Caring Congregation called by God to Share the good news of salvation for all people.

ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE
The Endowment Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, January 25 at 6:00 pm.

NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT

Over the course of this year our focus will be placed on Passionate Spirituality.  We have an amazing team of folks who have the gifts of leadership and varied and deep devotional lives. 

Those who have been called to lead our efforts in of growing in the area of Passionate Spirituality are: Barb Polachek, Jim Frattaroli, Karl Kessler, Mark Johnson, Chris Keck, Bea Jensen and Laurie Thomas.

So what is Passionate Spirituality? 
“Effective ministry flows out of a passionate spirituality.  Spiritual intimacy leads to a strong conviction that God will act in powerful ways.  A godly vision can only be accomplished through an optimistic faith that views obstacles as opportunities and turns defeat into victories.”

The four main areas of Passionate Spirituality are …

Experiencing God (Love for God, Transform your experience with God)

Passion for church (Devotion to the church, Commitment to the future of the church)

Passion for devotions (Modeling by pastors and leaders; Teaching and awareness; Practice and accountability)

Spiritual interconnectedness (Motivation and life change; Personal and corporate sharing)

CONTINUE TO KEEP THIS NCD EXPERIENCE IN YOUR PRAYERS AS WE MOVE FORWARD TOWARDS GOD’S VISION FOR US AS A COMMUNITY OF FAITH!

WE HAVE IDENTIFIED THREE AREAS FOR OUR CONCENTRATION … Spirituality 101: The Basics … Resources for a Deeper Prayer Life … and … How Do You See God at Work in Your Life, Community and World?

If you feel compelled to get involved, see one of the team members listed above who can help you find the sub-team that will best use your gifts!

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.

CHRIST-CENTERED … CARING … SHARING

GATHER … HEAR … EAT … SENT

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! 

CONTINUING EDUCATION
PASTORS JIM AND DAN WILL BE ATTENDING THE ANNUAL NORTHWESTERN OHIP SYNOD’S LEASDERSHIP RETREAT FROM TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 THROUGH THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 AT SAWMILL CREEK IN HURON.  PRESENTERS THIS YEAR ARE: DAVID LOSE AND JOY SCHROEDER.

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.”

©2010 St. John Lutheran Church
Last modified: 1/4/2012