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Gathering Again 11For thus says the Lord God: I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. 13I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them in-to their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited parts of the land. 15I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will make them lie down, says the Lord God. 16I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak. (Ezekiel 34:11, 13, 15, 16b NRSV)

The people of Israel had lost their way, and the blessings God promised through the covenant had evapo-rated as they turned away from living as God’s partner people. They had been carried away to a strange land with strange gods. The faithfulness and steadfast love of God, however, is everlasting. Even though the people had been scattered into exile, God will gather them back to their homes and provide for them. They will be a cared for, strengthened, and healed people by God’s own action.

During these days of the pandemic, I hold fast to these promises. The ministry that we do together seems lost, injured, and weakened. Yet, we proclaim that God is faithful, and God’s steadfast love is everlasting. God will gather us, heal us, and strengthen us. We will again worship in the nave. We will again study God’s Word together. We will again work side by side in ministry to the least of these.

As we look to the future and what our coming together will look like, I wanted to share with you what is being planned. Currently, our county remains in the red phase. As long as we are in the red phase, we will continue as we are. Access to the building will be limited. In person activities and events are canceled. Worship will be prerecorded with a minimum number of participants.

Once our county moves into the yellow phase, we can begin to have smaller gatherings of less than 25 people while maintaining social distancing and appropriate precautions. We will contact committee chairs and Christian education leaders to inquire with them about their willingness to meet. We will add more participants to our prerecorded services such as lectors, soloists, and instrumentalists.

Once our county moves into the green phase, in person activities and events including worship can resume while maintaining social distancing and appropriate precautions such as wearing masks in worship, only us-ing every other pew with overflow in the Shepherd’s Room, accommodations for communion distribution, no congregational or chorale singing, and many other considerations. We are doing our research and plan-ning accordingly so that we can gather safely.

We have already decided to hold a virtual Vacation Bible School. The Strawberry Festival is canceled. We are considering holding numerous outdoor worship services as the weather allows. We are thinking about ways to hold M.A.D. Camp virtually as well. We are brainstorming about many ministries.

We continue to be God’s people in this place and time as well. We have already started new online minis-tries that will continue as we seek to engage the world around us. Our CD ministry has expanded. We are practicing faith in our homes more regularly with new and old resources. We are still collecting for Support Our Troops. We continue to care for one another.

What other ministries could grow out of this time? I ask you to think creatively and step into God’s work wherever it is needed. Pray for God’s guidance and inspiration. Christ’s Peace, Pastor Scott

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PASTORAL ACTS

PRAYER CHAIN Does someone you know have a need for prayer? Would you like to join the Prayer Chain? Please call Betty Laubach

at 610-759-0225 or the Church Office at 610-759-3090 ext. 100 .

Christ’s light shines in our darkness. God’s love conquers hate. Spirit-given faith is stronger than fear. We come seeking you, Lord, please guide our paths. “And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). May it be so. Amen.

June 6 - 7 The Holy Trinity

June 13 - 14 2nd Sunday after Pentecost

June 20 - 21 3rd Sunday after Pentecost / Father’s Day

June 27 - 28 4th Sunday after Pentecost

Our heartfelt Christian sympathy goes out to the families and friends of the following members and friends of St. John’s who passed into eternal life in the months of March & April 2020:

GLADYS V. HOFFMEISTER-DAY March 26th

FREDERICK WALLISER April 10th

ELVERA V. RICHARDS April 26th

ESTHER M. FRANTZ May 20th

NEW MEMBER & BAPTISM CLASSES are offered frequently

For information about becoming a member of St. John’s or to schedule a baptism, please call the

Church Office at 610-759-3090 ext. 100 or contact Pastor Scott at ext. 103 or prhall@stjohnsnaz.org.

Let’s Get Those Cards Out to Wish a Blessed and Happy Birthday

to Our Shut-In Friend Celebrating This Month!

FRANK KERN June 4th

522 Nazareth Pike Nazareth, PA 18064

Received in the months of March & April 2020:

ROY KAPANKA Randall & Maxine Marsh

FRED WALLISER Elizabeth Bergstresser; Ann, Tad & Glen Juenger; Terry & Dianne Schell; Ilene Baumann; Richard & Susan Fogel; Todd & Donna Brown; Adrienne Hummel; Linda Michael; Patricia & Ned Barlieb; Leonard & Joyce Wallace; Mary Lou Unangst; Harry Miller; Mr. & Mrs. Roy Roth; Craig Dally

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Grace Notes During these days of stay-at-home orders, I have greatly missed hearing the voices of our congregation as I have played the hymns for our on-line worship. I hope that many of you are singing or humming along as you listen to our services from your homes. Regrettably, when the time comes for us to physically return to worship together, singing won’t be part of the liturgy. This is distressing news to me, and I’m sure to all of us who are uplifted and inspired by the power of singing our beloved hymns and responses. Over the past few weeks there has been much discussion and concern among professionals in the voice re-search world and the church world about the safety of singing together during this unprecedented pandemic. According to infectious disease experts, singing, more so than speaking, expels air particles from the lungs with much more force than normal breathing. Due to their small size, these droplets spread for a much greater distance, hang in the air for a longer period of time, and can travel more deeply into a person’s lungs. Without adequate air flow, no direct sunlight, and relatively low humidity, a person can walk through an aer-osol cloud hours later and breathe in those particles. Unless it’s a medical N95 mask, even the wearing of a mask will not restrict these small particles from being transported into the air. This means that these tiny droplets could be extremely efficient carriers of the coronavirus. And because they remain in the air for an extended time, this is a critical concern for groups who gather in the same space and participate in a lot of singing, as we do during normal worship. Although congregational singing won’t be a safe activity until the pandemic is well under control, music will still be an important part of our worship when we return to the nave for services. Soloists, instrumentalists, and small groups will offer special music and share in the hymnody. And, in the meantime, we will continue our sum-mer tradition of “Time to Sing,” the opportunity for our members to suggest their favorite hymns. A hymn will be selected from among your submissions and the words will be included in our on-line worship bulletin so that you can sing along in the comfort of your home. Information about how to submit your selections can be found elsewhere in this issue of The Messenger. From the earliest times, the people of God have raised their voices in song to praise their creator. Through our singing we tell Biblical stories, we state our theology, we pray, we praise, and we proclaim the Gospel. Over the centuries, a rich heritage of congregational singing has evolved, and it’s something that all wor-shipers, especially Lutherans, treasure. It is unfortunate that we will need to refrain from this wonderful tra-dition; but more importantly, we need to care for our neighbor and protect the health and safety of the peo-ple around us. Rest assured that the time will come when all God’s people will again raise their voices to sing our prayers and praises, and what a glorious day that will be! Grace and peace, Rev. Janice Butz , Minister of Music

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Wow, what a month, huh? Although many things have changed and continue to change, one thing remains the same: We are called to BE the church. We do not have to physically be in church to show Christ’s love to our friends, neighbors, and even strangers. As tensions and anxieties continue to grow, we need to look out for one another. Reach out to a friend and check in. Check on your neighbors. Remain connected to those in your lives. Smile at a grocery store clerk, thank your deliv-ery workers, be kind online to those who many have differing opinions. If you are reading this and need anything during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to my-self or another church staff member. We are happy to assist where we can, and are always happy to keep you and your loved ones in prayer. Let us know how we can help. Blessings, Jaime L. Taylor Director of Youth and Family Ministries FOR YOUR CALENDAR SHYG: SHYG is held weekly on Wednesday nights at 6:00 pm through Zoom for those in 7th grade - graduation. If you would like the credentials for the meeting and have not received them, please email jtaylor@stjohsnnaz.org. SYNOD BACCALAUREATE SERVICE: Coming early June. Seniors, keep an eye on your email for more info. Packing Boxes for the Military: Packing will not happen this year by a group, but donations are still being accepted in a bin in the lobby outside the Church Office (Prospect St. entrance) until June 16th. Vacation Bible School: Monday, June 15 - Friday, June 19 from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. A regis-tration form can be found in this edition of the Messenger and online at www.vbspro.events/p/stjohnsnaz. VBS this year will be entirely virtual and events can be found on St. John ’s Face-book page and website. 2021 Youth Gathering: An intro. meeting to the upcoming Youth Gathering that will be held from June 29-July 3, 2021 in Minneapolis, MN will be held through Zoom on Sunday, June 7th at 1:00 pm for parents and youth who may be interested. Participants must be currently in grades 7 - graduated seniors to attend. If you would like the credentials for this meeting and have not received them, please email jtaylor@stjohnsnaz.org.

A Message from the Director of Youth & Family Ministries

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ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2020

Monday, June 15th – Friday, June 19th 9:00 am – 11:00 am

We’re going digital at www.facebook.com/stjohnsnaz

and www.stjohnsnaz.org! All ages welcome - curriculum and supplies geared

toward those ages 4 through 6th grade. At Rocky Railway, kids discover through life’s ups and downs that Jesus’ power pulls us through. Kids participate in memorable Bible-learning activities, sing catchy songs, take part in one-of-a-kind Bible Adventures, collect Bible Memory Buddies to remind them to trust Jesus, and test out Sciency-Fun Gizmos they’ll play with all summer long. Plus, kids will learn to look for evidence of God all around them through something called God Sightings. Registration Info.: Registration by June 10th is appreciated. Please register as soon as possible to help with planning. There is no fee. All activities will take place virtually. Supplies will be available for pick up at St. John’s (200 S. Broad St., Nazareth) on Thursday, June 11 from 5-6pm, Friday, June 12 from 12pm - 1pm, and Saturday, June 13 from 9-10am at the church (200 S. Broad St.). Pick up will be in the parking lot with contactless practices. Please choose your preferred supply pick up time below. Child’s name: ___________________________________________ Child’s gender: ____________ Child’s age: _______ Date of birth: ______________ Last school grade completed: ________ Name of parent(s): ________________________________________________________________ Street address: ___________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________ State: _________ ZIP: _______________ Email address: ____________________________ Home church: __________________________

Phone number: _____________________________ ☐ Cell ☐ Home ☐ Work

Best way to reach me: ☐ Email ☐ Text ☐ Phone call

Optional: Is your child gluten free? ☐ Yes ☐ No Preferred Supply Pick Up:

☐ Thursday, June 11 between 5:00 - 6:00 pm

☐ Friday, June 12 between 12:00 - 1:00 pm

☐ Saturday, June 13 between 9:00 - 10:00 am

☐ I absolutely cannot make a pick up time, please contact me for an alternate solution.

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SUMMER “TIME TO SING” begins June 14th Although we are currently worshiping on-line, St. John’s will continue to give the congregation an opportunity to sing their favorite hymns during our summer worship. Simply send a message to the church office (either by e-mail at office@stjohnsnaz.org or by postal mail at 200 S. Broad St., Nazareth, PA 18064) and list your favorite hymns. Up to seven hymns may be submitted; If you know the hymn number in our ELW hymnal, that would be helpful, but not necessary. Be-

ginning on June 14th, random hymn choices will then be incorporated into our on-line worship service. We look forward to your participation!

NAZARETH AREA FOOD BANK COVID-19 Update At this time, the Nazareth Area Food Bank is only taking monetary donations. They are assessing the distribution in order to keep their volunteers and clients safe. Checks can be sent to P.O. Box 178 , Nazareth, PA 18064.

ST. JOHN’S ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE GIVE the GIFT of LIFE

Tuesday, June 9th - 2 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Contact Jackie Wolf at 484-544-1940 or jkiewolf9@gmail.com to schedule your appointment to give blood.

Support Our Troops

Items for “Support Our Troops” are once again being gathered! Collection bins are located in the lobby outside the church office (Prospect St. entrance). Requested items are: puzzle books; playing cards; paperback books; current magazines such as Car & Driver, Popular Mechanics, People, and current Reader’s Digest; popping corn; packets

of instant oatmeal, coffee, cocoa, tea and Kool Aid; candy (no chocolate); chewing gum; peanuts; energy bars; breakfast bars; Cracker Jack; beef jerky; black socks; lip balm; small plastic containers of baby powder, sham-poo, hand and body lotion, and shower gel are all useful to include in the mailings. Small bags (single size) of snacks - no large bags please. If anyone has the address of someone serving in the military in Afghanistan and Iraq, please email that infor-mation to the Church Office so that boxes can be sent. Packages will be mailed on June 17th. Items will be collected until this date.

M.A.D. CAMP in August Music, Art, & Drama Camp is currently scheduled to take place Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 14. Due to the current pandemic, this year’s format may be different from past years, but we still hope to provide an opportunity for children in 1st to 8th grade to experience a week of musical, artistic, and theatrical creativity. More information about M.A.D. Camp will be available later during the summer - stay tuned!

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Congratulations to the members of our congregation who are graduating! As you look forward to the next phase of your lives with excitement and anticipation, we wish you God’s blessings as you pursue you dreams and goals.

May these words, adapted from Phillips Brooks, serve you well as you embark on your journey: “Do not pray for an easy life; pray to be a stronger person. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers, but for pow-ers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you will be the miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself and the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God. CHAD BUTZ will be graduating from United Lutheran Seminary with a Master of Divinity degree. Congrat-ulations Chad! LAUREN DI RENZO graduated from The Pennsylvania State University on May 9. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Lauren is certified as a PreK to Grade 4 teach-er. Future plans include teaching in the Lehigh Valley. Congratulations Lauren!

CHIARA DOOLEY is graduating from Nazareth Area High School. She will attend Penn State Main Campus to study Pre-Med. Congratulations Chiara!

SAMANTHA ROSE EMMONS is graduating from Nazareth Area High School on July 31. Future plans are to enter the US Marine Corps. Congratulations Samantha!

THOMAS MICHAEL FEGLEY will be graduating June 6, 2020 from Moravian Academy. Congratulations Thomas!

PATRICK GARVEY will be graduating from Nazareth Area High School on July 31. He will attend Penn State University for engineering. Congratulations Patrick!

JACK MCKENNA is a member of the Nazareth Area High School 2020 graduating class. He is on the high honor roll, and graduation is scheduled for July 31. Jack will be attending Stevenson University to further his academic and athletic career. Congratulations Jack!

JORDAN REUBER will be graduating from Northampton Area High School on July 24, 2020. She plans to go to Moravian College to study Psychology. Congratulations Jordan!

NATHANIEL REX will be graduating from Northampton Area High School on July 24, 2020. He will be at-tending Pennsylvania College of Technology. Congratulations Nathaniel!

KAYAKING AT LAKE NOCKAMIXON Meet us at Tohickon Boat Launch, 1818-1898 Mountainview Dr., Quakertown, PA (Google Address) on Sunday, June 7th at 12 PM. There are road closures, but the road from Rt. 412 is open to Tohickon Boat Launch. The bathrooms are open, but you might want to bring your own hand sanitizer. Please bring your own lunch and chairs so we can social distance before going out on kayaks. If you need to borrow a kayak, contact Terri Herbster at 610-751-2286. We look forward to seeing you.

Each month in your offering envelopes, you will find a “Special Projects” envelope. These particular gifts are designated each month to benefit those in need or to support a need within our church.

JUNE SPECIAL OFFERING: END MALARIA CAMPAIGN

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Love-A-Lot Nursery School

The past few months have been a learning experience for all of us at Love-A-Lot in so many ways. Since we follow the Nazareth Area School District closings, as soon as NASD closed school, we did, too. We waited each week to hear from the governor and Dr. Riker about what was happening until we found out that schools were closed for the year. It was a hard pill for all of us: teachers, students, and parents, to swallow.

A few years ago, when I became director, I implemented the Remind system for communication, and created private Facebook groups for both of our classes. Facebook was an amazing mode of communica-tion for our parents during this time. Because of this, we were able to hold regular Zoom meetings, and parents in both classes received weekly lesson plans to follow with their kiddos at home. Our 4-year-old/Pre-K parents asked to do a weekly live story time in our group, therefore we implemented a sign-up sheet and parents went LIVE for story time with their children.

I’m hopeful that at some point this summer we can hold a class picnic for both classes and a graduation celebration for the 4-year-old/Pre-K class. If not, we will continue to keep in touch on Facebook and Zoom for as long as it takes to give our families some sense of normalcy.

Congratulations & Big Hugs to the Graduating Class of 2020:

Adelise, Bodhi, Brayden, Brooke, Bryson, Dylan, Elizabeth, Emily, Ethan, Isabella, Josephine, Kaylee, Mabel, Madison, McKenna, Parker, Piper, Roman, Rowan,

Samantha, Sarah, Sawyer, Sophie, and Tahlia!

**************

Although school is not in session for the summer, we are accepting registrations for September. The 3-year-old/Preschool class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11:30am. The 4-year-old/Pre=K class meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am-12pm with an optional lunch bunch from 12-1pm. For more information, please call (484)-293-0720, or email LoveALotNurserySchool@yahoo.com. (Both voicemail and email are checked on a regular basis throughout the summer months.)

NEWS FROM THE DAYCARE ~ JUNE 2020 St. John’s Daycare is so excited to be back together again. Our family has started coming back together and we could not be more ecstatic about it. With the summer months being here we are looking forward to some wet and messy fun. Please take the time to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see all the fun things we have going on at the center. If you or someone you know is looking for Daycare please tell them to reach out to the office at 610.759.4999 or email us at Nazareth.stjohns@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing new friends and all of our old friends soon!

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COMMUNICATIONS: Thank you from Nazareth Area Food Bank

PASTOR SCOTT HALL’S REPORT: Complete as written, including: 1. It saddens me that we had to cancel all activities. The

Lenten Soup Suppers were going so well. The Von Bo-ra Society was doing great work coordinating the sup-pers. Holden Evening Prayer in the Shepherd’s Room was well received. I am looking forward to Lent next year.

2. Transfiguration Sunday was a great day in the life of our congregation. We heard an inspiring sermon from Pas-tor Jennifer Hall at worship services that weekend.

3. The House Blessing at the parsonage was so much fun. Thank you to Council and the Call Committee for sup-plying food & beverages.

4. March 14 and 15 - Thank you to Pastor David Kidd as he led the worship service while I was away in Houston.

REV. JANICE BUTZ REPORT: Complete as written, in-cluding: 1. The Lenten Soup Suppers and worship with the Holden

Evening Prayer have gone well. 2. March 14 - Celebration Choir trip to Philadelphia has

been cancelled. 3. Feb. 28 – March 28, 2021 = Faith Through the Arts –

Theme will be “Signs and Wonders”.

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES REPORT: Jaime Taylor reported: 1. We made a new page on our St. John’s website so that

videos and other resources can be posted (the Faith Tab).

2. June 29 – July 3, 2021 – ELCA Youth Gathering in Min-neapolis, MN.

COMMITTEE REPORTS FINANCE: Stephen Bajan II and Craig Dally reported: Re-port to follow next month. 1. Business continued as usual. Will have a report next

month.

DAY CARE: Rita Bergstrom reported: 1. Effective April 13, 2020 - there will be an increase in

tuition.

ENDOWMENT: Stephen Bajan II and Craig Dally reported: 1. Have been in contact with our Broker - Sean Duffy. 2. All requests have been deferred.

EVANGELISM/SOCIAL MINISTRY: Christine Garrison reported: 1. New Member bags will be updated. 2. Cay Galgon Life House Shelter - Collection info will be

in the Messenger and Church bulletins.

PROPERTY: Greg Leh reported: 1. Brick is separating above the youth room. Work to

begin soon.

STEWARDSHIP: Jerry Lewis reported: 1. We are working on materials for the next Stewardship

presentation.

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Michele Seaton reported: 1. May 24 = One worship service at 9:00. 2. May 31 = Confirmation Fellowship

WORSHIP & MUSIC: Chris Andrews and Pastor Hall re-ported: 1. Closet Status - Rod and rack planning to be deter-

mined. Doors are installed. 2. Nave Restoration - Pastor Hall would like to see prelimi-

nary design drawings.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: 1. COVID 19 - Pastor Hall spoke to all of us via our Zoom

meeting. 2. April 10 - Easter Lilies will be available to pickup for our

shut-ins. 3. April 12 - Easter Sunday services postponed, the next

service we have in the Nave will be our Easter Service.

Comments: Pastor Hall asked each of us to continue to participate through the on-line website. He encouraged us all to say the Lord’s Prayer at noon every day.

Council President Jackie Wolf declared the meeting ad-journed at 7:36 p.m. The Zoom meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next Meeting = Wed. April 22, @ 7:30 p.m. Next Devotions = Rita Bergstrom.

Respectfully submitted, Joyce Wallace Recording Secretary

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES HIGHLIGHTS ~ March 24, 2020 ~ Zoom Mtg. PRESENT: Chris Andrews, Stephen Bajan II, Rita Bergstrom, Christina Brodt, Rev. Janice Butz, Craig Dally, Christine Garrison, Rev. Scott Hall, Patrice Kidd, Joyce Knecht, Crystal Koch, Greg Leh, Jerry Lewis, Michele Seaton, Jaime Taylor, Joyce Wallace, Jackie Wolf

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PASTOR SCOTT HALL’S REPORT: Complete as written, including: 1. We continue to persevere and be the church in the best

ways we can. I do know that many people continue to reach out to members. I especially appreciate Jackie Wolf’s efforts in connecting people during these days. Please remember those members who may be com-pletely isolated and reach out to them.

2. Janice Butz and I continue to plan for recorded worship services. Scott Brodt has been working hard to im-prove the video and sound quality of our posted wor-ship services. Gary Wolf has been staffing the sound board during our recordings. I am pleased with the worship services we are currently posting.

3. Discussed Facebook, website, Worship Service with Council Members.

REV. JANICE BUTZ REPORT: Complete as written, in-cluding: 1. Pastor Hall & I have been meeting to plan services and

then record later in the week. I also prepare the wor-ship bulletin for each service.

2. I have also had the opportunity to watch tutorials on music and technology, participate in a virtual choir, and catch up on many back issues of music and worship periodicals.

3. Feb. 28 – March 28, 2021 = Faith Through the Arts – Theme will be “Signs and Wonders”.

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRIES RE-PORT: Jaime Taylor reported: 1. I have been posting materials each week on Friday,

and sending out a MailChimp email to all Sunday School families with the information, web address, and password each week. About 68% of the people who receive the email interact with the material. This is an exceptional percentage.

2. On Easter weekend, I created a Digital Easter Egg Hunt on our St. John’s website. People could count how many eggs they could find and post that number on our St. John’s Facebook page.

3. Puppet videos seem to do best for 6-8 minutes. 4. June 29 – July 3, 2021 – ELCA Youth Gathering in

Minneapolis, MN.

COMMITTEE REPORTS - No Meetings - No Reports for the month of April, 2020 due to COVID-19.

FINANCE: Stephen Bajan II and Craig Dally reported: 1. Stephen & Craig discussed the Payment Protection

Plan. Stephen acted quickly on the Federal Govern-ment Loan due April 3. It was approved by Fulton Bank.

NEW BUSINESS: 1. Plan for when we begin to gather again - Pastor Hall &

Jackie discussed.

Building Use Requests: - All the May, 2020 Building Use Requests have been cancelled.

Comments: Pastor Hall has been reading documents about how we will be getting back to gather as a church in the near future. He is working on Phase I. Pastor Hall commented that a lot of people have been mailing their envelopes.

Council President Jackie Wolf declared the meeting ad-journed at 7:40 p.m. The Zoom meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Next Meeting = Wed. May 27, @ 7:30 p.m. Next Devotions = Christina Brodt.

Respectfully submitted, Joyce Wallace Recording Secretary

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES HIGHLIGHTS ~ April 22, 2020 ~Zoom Mtg. PRESENT: Chris Andrews, Stephen Bajan II, Rita Bergstrom, Christina Brodt, Rev. Janice Butz, Craig Dally, Christine Garrison, Rev. Scott Hall, Joyce Knecht, Crystal Koch, Greg Leh, Jerry Lewis, Gail Price, Michele Seaton, Jaime Taylor, Joyce Wallace, Jackie Wolf

If you are not currently receiving the weekly This Week At St. John’s e-news and would like to be added to the distribution list, please contact the church office at 610-759-3090 ext. 100 or office@stjohnsnaz.org.

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THE MESSENGER will be pub-lished monthly until we get past the Coronavirus situation. The

deadline for submissions for the July 2020 issue of THE MESSENGER is: Wednesday, June 10th. You may leave printed material in the Church Office mailbox or you may email your article or announcement as a Word attach-ment to office@stjohnsnaz.org. Thank you.

Correspondence...

Many thanks for your cards, phone calls and best wishes on my birthday. Millie Sours

Pastor Hall, thank you for the beautiful and wonderful service you gave Ray. And, thank you for bringing out great things to everyone about our wonderful Lord. Your visits, prayers, phone calls, and everything you did to make Ray happy were all greatly appreciated. Everything you did brought him closer to God. I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our St. John’s family for their prayers, cards and phone calls. It was all so comforting. I was glad God gave me the strength to sing 3 songs; Near to The Heart of God, How Great Thou Art, and The Lord’s Prayer. Love and Friendship always, Jean A. Shook

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SAINT JOHN’S 2020 STAFF, COMMITTEE & VOLUNTEER LIST CONTACT US. . .

200 S. Broad Street, Nazareth, PA Church Office: 610-759-3090 *(see church extensions below)

Fax: 610-759-3719 E-Mail: office@stjohnsnaz.org Website: www.stjohnsnaz.org

CHURCH STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS TELEPHONE EXT. # (Church ph.)

Senior Pastor: Rev. Scott A. Hall

prhall@stjohnsnaz.org 412-656-6436 x103

Minister of Music: Rev. Janice I. Butz jbutz@stjohnsnaz.org 610-882-9388 x105

Director of Youth & Family Ministries: Jaime L. Taylor

jtaylor@stjohnsnaz.org 610-759-3090

x107

Assist. Organist/Choir Director: Deacon Patrice A. Kidd

pkidd@stjohnsnaz.org 610-867-1330 x104

Parish Administrative Assistant: Linda Kasmakites

office@stjohnsnaz.org 610-759-3090

x100

Parish Financial Secretary: Bonnie Mertz

finance@stjohnsnaz.org

610-759-3090

x102

Property Manager: Dean Brodt sextons@stjohnsnaz.org 610-759-3090 x111

Sextons: Dean Brodt, Ray Wolfe, Jr., Tony Petrillo

sextons@stjohnsnaz.org

610-759-3090

x111

COUNCIL COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS CONTACT PERSON Church Council President Jackie Wolf 484-544-1940

Church Council Vice-President Greg Leh 267-222-2227

Church Council Secretary Jerry Lewis 610-657-3961

Church Council Recording Secretary Joyce Wallace 610-330-9113

Columbarium Jackie Wolf

Day Care Rita Bergstrom

YEO Endowment Stephen Bajan II, Craig Dally

Evangelism/Social Ministry Jackie Wolf Finance Steven Bajan II, Craig Dally

Helping Hands Gail Price, Jackie Wolf

Love-A-Lot Nursery School Christina Brodt

Personnel Jackie Wolf, Gail Price

Property Greg Leh, Jackie Wolf

Stewardship Christine Garrison, Jerry Lewis

Sunday School Michelle Seaton

Worship & Music Chris Andrews, Christina Brodt

Youth Representative Crystal Koch

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THE COLUMBARIUM AT ST. JOHNS

As the years have passed, more people are choosing to be cremated rather than buried. A primary reason may be the expense of a burial funeral known to cost anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000 or more.

In 2005, a columbarium was installed at St. Johns outside the Shepherd's Room. It contains 54 niches into which the urns of two individuals can be placed. The cost for a niche is $999.00 which includes interment fees, the cost of the urn(s) and engraving. There are still 12 niches available. The columbarium is for the use of congregation members and their immediate families.

A second columbarium unit has recently been installed at the same location. It, too, has 54 niches which also can hold two urns. However, the purchase price per niche has been scaled to current market pricing. The top two rows are priced at $1,600 per niche; the middle two rows at $1,400 per niche; the bottom two rows at $1,200 per niche. The cost includes the interment fee, the cost of the urn(s) and engraving.

Cremation is being selected more frequently as a means to preserve one’s remains. The location of the col-umbarium here at St. Johns provides a quiet, respectful location for one’s cremains. If you are interested in more information or to select a niche, contact the church office at 610-759-3090 ext. 100.

VOLUNTEER CHURCH STAFF CONTACT PERSON AND TELEPHONE

Altar Flower Sponsors Church Office 610-759-3090

Altar Guild Jocelyn Starner 610-759-3205 Building Trust Fund Jeff Daniels (Special appt.) Bulletin Sponsors Church Office 610-759-3090

CD Ministry Sponsors Church Office 610-759-3090 YEO Endowment Scott Himler (Special appt.)

Greeters Schedule Maryellen Werkheiser 610-759-5191

Helping Hands Gail Price 610-704-8736 Keith Shook 610-759-0594

Katherine Von Bora Society Susan Kelly 610-746-2231

Lectors Schedule Christina Brodt 610-653-0358 Love-A-Lot Nursery School Andrea Miller, Director 484-293-0720

LoveALotNurserySchool@yahoo.com

Luther League (Youth Group - grades 7 & up) Jaime Taylor 610-509-8288

Media Ministry

Lois Davis 610-504-1635 lo.huthie@yahoo.com

Prayer Chain Betty Laubach 610-759-0225

St. John’s Day Care Nazareth.stjohns@gmail.com 610-759-4999

Sunday School Committee

Lois Davis, Superintendent 610-504-1635 lo.huthie@yahoo.com

Ushers Schedule Christina Brodt 610-653-0358

Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Joyce Wallace 610-330-9113

14

May 23 – 24, 2020

Geranium Dedications In Observance of Memorial Day

The geraniums in the church are placed to the glory of God in honor of our men and women who have served,

or are presently serving, our country in the Armed Forces.

We remember, O Lord, all those men and women who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country. Do not let us breathe the air of freedom, claim the right to justice, or enjoy the privilege of worship without remembering with great grati-tude those who gave the last full measure of devotion - their very lives - for our benefit. May they now know the peace of eternity and the joy of your presence. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

15

Memorial Day Geraniums In Honor of: Dedicated by: All those serving David & Susan Bittner Raymond Christman Jr., US Army The Duby Family Dorothy Duby, US Navy Sue, Deby, Cindy, Laurie & Families Thomas Fehnel, US Air Force The Seaton Family Bill Grau, US Air Force 1966-70 Larry & Melissa Jones Eric Harding, US Army The Harding Family Russell Harding, US Air Force His Family Larry Jones, US Air Force 1966-70 His Wife, Melissa Jones Dennis M. Kelly, US Army Loving Wife & Children Richard K. Laubach, US Air Force Mother, Betty Jeffrey Loeper, US Air Force The Harding Family Benjamin R. Miller Sandy Miller Our Children Gary & Jackie Wolf Roy W. Roth, US Air Force Gloria & Family William Y. Seaton Jr. US Marine Corp The Seaton Family Lt. Kenneth A. Shook, USN, Currently Serving Keith & Catherine Shook & Family Tom Starner, US Air Force His Family, Jocelyn, Frank & Liz Kenneth Stimmel, US Marine Corp The Seaton Family S/Sgt. Travis G. Walizer, US Army Grandmother, Betty Laubach Scot P. Walz, US Army Eileen & Sharon

In Loving Memory of: Dedicated by: James E. Anderson, US Air Force Eileen & Sharon Anthony Amato, US Navy Louise & Wes Klinger Ronald H. Cann Sandy Miller & Family Richard A. Crider, US Marine Corp Eileen & Sharon Norman Duby , US Navy His Family Harvey Dunbar Joy & Art Hemming Donald Garren Joy & Art Hemming Richard S. Gattoni, US Army Dennis, Susan & Children Clayton Grim Sr., WWI, MIA Joseph & Joy Grim Clarence Hinkel, US Navy, WWII Daughter Janet & Bill Johnson John J. Hoch, US Navy, WWII Wife, Louisa John J. Hoch, US Navy, WWII Bill & Krista Hontz Bill Hontz Jr., Navy, Korean War Bill & Krista Hontz Jimmie - K9 US Air Force Roy & Gloria Roth John L. Kelly, US Army Dennis, Susan & Children LCPL Joshua P. Klinger, USMC Uncle Wes & Aunt Louise Klinger Kenneth Klinger, US Air Force Wes & Louise Klinger Richard M. Kroboth, USN, MCPO Richard & Louise Kroboth & Amanda Windisch Richard S. Laubach, US Navy, WWII Wife, Betty Loved Ones Joy & Art Hemming Loved Ones Don & Doris Hetzel

16

Memorial Day Geraniums (cont’d.) In Loving Memory of: Dedicated by: Loved Ones Lois & Barry Morris C. Earl Manhart, US Navy, WWI Daughter, Louisa Hoch George E. Manhart, US Marine Corp, WWII Sister, Louisa Hoch Levi P. Miller, Grand Army of GPR, Civil War Great Granddaughter, Louisa Hoch Our Dad, Frank Sours, US Navy Jocelyn Starner & Andrea Bickert Our Dad, Frank Sours, US Navy The Starner & Bajan Families Our Dads, Ray and Joe, US Army, WWII Dean Brodt & Linda Kasmakites Our Parents Dean & Barbara Sandbrook Our Parents Gary & Jackie Wolf Harold W. Peters, US Coast Guard Sharon, Deanne & Kathy Rev. David B. Schaeffer, US Army Dennis, Susan & Family Richard A. Seaton The Seaton Family Benjamin N. Shimer, US Air Force Sister, Jean Master John K. Shimer, US Navy Sister, Jean Master William R. Shook, Army, WWII Keith & Catherine Shook & Family Kenneth Smith, Army Sister, Maryellen Werkheiser William (Bill) Smith, Navy Sister, Maryellen Werkheiser Donald P. Stout, US Army Marion Stout Richard R. Stout, US Air Force Marion Stout Robert C. Stout, US Air Force Marion Stout Theodore G. Stout, US Army Air Corp Wife, Marion Robert S. Suleski, Army, Korean War Keith & Catherine Shook & Family Domenic Vicario, US Navy Louise & Wes Klinger John Vicario, US Navy Louise & Wes Klinger Reynold Werkheiser, US Air Force Janet & Bill Johnson Stanley “Ike” Werkheiser, Army Wife & Daughters

Remember America’s Fallen... Memorial Day…it’s not about war…it’s about people. It’s about those who died, most of them young and serving their fellow Americans, their country, future generations – all of us. Please offer a prayer in memory of them, and promise to live a good life in honor of those who gave their lives for our freedom. Their gift is our freedom.

The Messenger IN THIS ISSUE… A Note from Our Senior Pastor ................................ 1 Worship with Us! .......................................................... 2 Pastoral Acts ................................................................... 2 Shut-In Birthdays ............................................................ 2 Grace Notes ................................................................... 3 Youth News. ................................................................... 4 Graduate News .............................................................. 7 Love-A-Lot & Day Care News ................................... 8 Council Minutes Highlights .................................... 9-10 Correspondence ......................................................... 11 Who’s Who ........................................................... 12-13 Memorial Day Geranium Dedications ............. 14-16

JUNE 2020

Join us each Sunday for worship at 9 am. on our website

(https://www.stjohnsnaz.org/category/worship/) or by premier on our Facebook page ( https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsnaz ).

WATCH FOR UPDATES VIA E-NEWS, ST. JOHN’S WEBSITE AND

OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.

STAY SAFE. BE WELL.

PLEASE FOLLOW US ON OUR WEBSITE OR OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.stjohnsnaz.org/

https://www.facebook.com/stjohnsnaz

JUNE 2020

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1

2 7:00 AM – 8 PM Primary Election

3 7:00 PM Healing Service Via Zoom

4 5 6

7

9:00 AM Worship Service via St. John’s Website and Facebook Page 12:00 PM Kayaking at Lake Nockamixon – Tohickon Boat Launch

8

7:00 PM Day Care Bd.

9

9:00 AM Ladies Aid

2:00 – 7:00 PM Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall

10 ARTICLES DUE FOR JULY

MESSENGER

7:30 PM NA (downstairs)

11

12

13

14

9:00 AM Worship Service via St. John’s Website and Facebook Page

15

VBS

Via Facebook & St. John’s Website

9:00 – 11:00 AM

7:00 PM Finance 8:00 PM Endowment

16

VBS Via Facebook & St. John’s

Website 9:00 – 11:00 AM

9:00 AM Ladies Aid 7:00 PM Helping Hands (P)

17 COUNCIL REPORTS DUE

VBS Via Facebook & St. John’s

Website 9:00 – 11:00 AM

4:00 PM Pack Boxes for Support Our Troops 7:30 PM NA (downstairs)

18

VBS Via Facebook & St. John’s

Website 9:00 – 11:00 AM

19

VBS Via Facebook & St. John’s

Website 9:00 – 11:00 AM

20

11:00 AM Love-A-Lot Drive Thru Graduation in the

Parking Lot

21 Father’s Day

9:00 AM Worship Service via St. John’s Website and Facebook Page

22

23 9:00 AM Ladies Aid

24 7:30 PM Church Council 7:30 PM NA (downstairs)

25

26

27

28

9:00 AM Worship Service via St. John’s Website and Facebook Page

29 30 9:00 AM Ladies Aid