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ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 910 ALLENTOWN ROAD SELLERSVILLE PA 18960

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St. John’s evangelical Lutheran Church, 910 Allentown Road, Sellersville, PA Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30 AM – 12 PM Office Phone: 215-257-9643 Email: stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net Web: www.stjohns-ridgevalley.com www.facebook.com/stjohnsridgevalley Worship Schedule: 8:30AM – Traditional Service 10:15AM Praise Service

9:30AM - Sunday School 9:40AM - Adult Sunday School

The Reverend Amy Hotter, Pastor (267)218-2378 Ministers: The People of St. John’s Jeff Daniel, Office Manager. (215)257-9643 Mark Gottesfeld, Organist & Music Director Christine Nyce, Laurie Hopkins - Sextons

St. John’s Council Members: Don Graham – Council President Phyllis Kogel – Council Vice President Barbara Klinger – Financial Secretary Dan Traynor – Treasurer Cornell Hopkins – Council/Council Secretary Nancy Esposito Doug Kemp Shirley Nase Chris Wall

Scriptures for February Epiphany

5th Isa 58:1-9a[9b-12]

PS 112:1-9[10]

1 Cor 2:12[13-16]

Matt 5:13-20

12th Deut 30:15-20

PS 119:1-8

1 Cor 3:1-9

Matt 5:21-37

19th Lev 19:1-2: 9-18

PS 119:33-40

1 Cor 3:10-11: 16-23

Matt 5:38-48

Transfiguration

26th Exod 24:12-18

PS 2 or PS 99

2 Peter 1:16-20

Matt 17:1-9

*March 1st–Ash Wednesday

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This month I will be highlighting our youth. We have four very high

energy youth who come for confirmation class. Most Monday

evenings I am greeted with fast talking, laughing, and giggles.

Some nights I believe we will never finish the lesson, but somehow

the kids not only complete the work but also maintained the

information. In fact, we have just completed our first unit that

included the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, and the

Lord’s Prayer. Our second unit is all about the Bible. We begin to

get familiar with the Bible by taking baby steps. Our first task is to

recognize that there are 66 Old Testament books, and 27 New

Testament. We get familiar by listening and repeating the names of

all the books. We play a game that I will call out a name of a book

and the youth need to find in the Bible without the title of contents. I

require the kids to know which books are in the Old Testament and

which are in the New Testament. Just as a newspaper has many

parts (headlines, editorials, want ads, and funnies) the Bible itself

has many various parts such as the Law, History, Wisdom, Poetry,

Gospel, Epistles (Letters), Prophecy, and Apocalyptic Literature.

Therefore we need to know what literature you are facing. If you try

to read the third book of the Bible, Leviticus; like you read a narrative

you will become extremely frustrated. The book of Leviticus is law

after law, after law that we are to follow. The same with the psalm, if

you think you’re reading a story it might not make sense; for a psalm

is a song. When the children begin to understand which genre they

are facing that is the first step in learning the Bible. I believe that

over the years, our teachers did a fabulous of teaching the Bible

stories; however at time in their life it is time for them to be about the

deeper meaning and apply the Bible message to real life. We will

spend the next year and a half, practicing using the Bible in real life

situations.

In addition to our classes, the parents and sponsors of the

“confirmands” have put together a youth group. They began by

baking cookies at Christmas, then a trip to the rebounderz (an inside

trampoline park) in January, and now planning for a weekend

mission trip in the summer, and a Sight and Sound musical

production in Lancaster. All youth of St. John’s are welcome for

these events. The only qualification is that if your child is under the

age of ten we need a parent or chaperone. Please approach our

youth and ask them about the activities that they are doing.

May God continue to bring more youth to St. John’s,

Pastor Amy

CURRENT NEEDS Donations may be brought to the pantry during our hours of operation: Monday and Wednesday 3-5 pm, Thursday 6-8 pm, Friday and Saturday 9-11 am (All donations are received at the back door. Please do not leave donations outside after hours.)

IDEAS FOR WHAT TO DONATE TO THE PANTRY:

100% Fruit or Vegetable Juice Flour and Sugar

Spaghetti and other pasta Cake mix and frosting

Spaghetti sauce Gravy, broth

Rice and Rice mix Condiments, spices, cooking oil

Pasta sides Peanut Butter and Jelly

Canned fish and tuna COFFEE, tea and hot chocolate

Canned meat, beans Diapers, sizes 1,2,3,4,5,6

Canned chili and stew Diaper Wipes

Canned fruits and vegetable Bath Soaps and shampoos

Dried fruit Laundry detergent and cleaning products

Pancake Mix Paper towels, toilet paper, tissues

Pancake syrup Gluten Free and Diabetic foods

Cold and hot cereals Feminine products Dry potatoes Deodorant, toothpaste

Soups, all kinds toiletries, shaving items

ST JOHN’S - RIDGE VALLEY

FOR 2017

Please let us know the things you think should be placed on our Church’s Wish List for the coming year or

further into St. John’s future. Ideas should be forwarded to the attention of Christian

Growth/Outreach/Communications or placed in the CGOC’s mailbox in the Church Office or emailed to Pat

Traynor – ptraynor413@verizon.net. If you wish suggestion forms, they can be found in the Coffee

Fellowship area. We look forward to, and welcome, suggestions for the betterment of St. John’s from our

congregation, committees, and friends of St. John’s.

It has been our past experience that “sometimes wishes do come true – all you have to do is ask!”

Suggestions are requested by April 15th.

Pat Traynor - CGOC - St. John’s – A Great Place to Worship!

Souper Cooks and Comfort Crafters will meet on the second

Monday of February (the 13th) from 9 AM until 1 PM. Please

bring a sandwich and join us for lunch.

We are so very honored to introduce Private Cody W. Hotter of the United States Marine Corps. Cody completed his 13 weeks of boot camp, including the crucible obtaining his eagle, globe, and anchor crucible pin. He was in the graduating class of January 20, 2017. John and I are very thankful that you kept him in your prayers and have help support us. Cody has 10 days of leave and then he will continue in North Carolina for infantry training.

Pastor Amy & John Hotter

Social Ministry News for February Newsletter, 2017

I wanted to give everyone an update on some of the things that we are doing through social ministry mostly with the help of the Comfort Crafters. As you know we send Baby Care Kits, Personal Care Kits, and School Kits along with utility quilts to Lutheran World Relief every year. We also send child sized quilts to Project Linus at their local chapter serving Bucks and Montgomery Counties. We have begun sending hats, mittens, scarves and baby blankets to World Visions. World Visions is based in Pittsburgh and they serve our inner cities, Appalachia and also throughout the world. Recently they have asked for baby blankets, hats, mittens and scarves. We have delivered one load to A. C. Moore in Pottstown who serves as a drop off point. If anyone is interested in knitting or crocheting any of these items using a favorite pattern we will see that they are delivered to this organization. We also sent winter warming items to Pennridge FISH and Stitches of Love. There is always a need to serve those struggling to stay warm in the winter. The Comfort Crafters are always in need of full sized or larger flat sheets for quilt backs and full sized or larger flannel sheets to be used for lining inside the quilts. We can use fitted sheets if they are queen sized or larger and also pillowcases. Nancy Esposito fills the pillowcases with leftover batting and they are sewed shut and delivered to the Upper Bucks ASPCA in Quakertown and used for pet bedding. Yarn donations are also appreciated and used for comfort blankets along with winter items. Below you will find an article I pulled from Lutheran World Relief’s website. It will show what they are doing for Haiti as a result of Hurricane Matthew along with partner agencies.

LWR is responding

LWR is responding to the long-term needs of people in Haiti affected by Hurricane Matthew. Our immediate response will reach 16,643 people in some of the most affected areas. As a part of our immediate emergency response we are supporting distributions led by Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) that will reach 10,000 people:

NCA is distributing hygiene kits that include water purification tablets, soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste and laundry soap.

The same families are also receiving LWF shelter kits, which include two tarps, two blankets and rope per the Haitian Government guidelines.

In addition, LWR is shipping 7,260 Quilts, 8,740 Personal Care Kits, 6,500 School Kits, 1,200 Baby Care Kits and 3,000 pounds of soap. These items will be distributed in the South West by LWF and in the North West by LWR’s partner ADEMA.

I wanted everyone to see how wide reaching some of our LWR kits travel to help those faced with the devastation of storms or earthquakes. We will be sending our completed kits to Synod in May.

So if you like to knit or crochet or even sew but can’t join the Comfort Crafters on the second Monday of each month please know your contributions will reach those in need.

Marianne Yeakel

Please Pray for healing of our loved ones: Doris Clayton; Candy Cuneo; Carolyn Hafler, Joanne Heffendrager; Barbara Klinger; Marvin Leister; Harriet Woehr; Owen Spangenberg; Pat Traynor; Brenda Wall; Richard Rogers Friends of St. John's: Ruth Barnaby; Eddie Galgon; Larry Godshall; Mary King; Wyatt Rotenberger; Elizabeth Schmitt; Dorothy Troxel; Pastor Vanderslice Please keep our homebound in your prayers: Francis Allem, Claude & Dorothy Barndt, Edna Barndt, Harold & Gert Benner, Pauline Berndt, Helen Brensinger, Pauline Brensinger, Lucille Caruso, Doris Clayton, Ed Geiger, James Gotthardt, Willis & Lorraine Heacock, Bob Kulp, Charles Marx, Mark Trauger, Elaine Turner, Dean Souder. Prayers of our Military Pvt. Cody Hotter

Dear Congregation, On behalf of the Christian, Growth, Outreach and Communications Committee, I would like to extend ‘Happy New Year and our Best Wishes.” May our congregation and friends of St. John’s be blessed with God’s graciousness for good health, contentment and much happiness in this coming year.

We extend an invitation for your involvement in our committee as we endeavor to reach out to all seeking to find a church home or visit with us when they are in need contentment and God’s help. Suggestions and ideas, both old, and new, are vital for the growth of our church as the age of our congregation increases. We have many committees here at St. John’s who would be delighted with your assistance, as well as any ideas you may have to offer for the betterment of St. John’s.

The CGOC is looking forward to your input this coming year. There is a mailbox in the Church Office marked CGOC or contact one of our committee members. Thank you for

your support, we look forward to hearing from you.

Best Wishes, Pat Traynor, Karen Hafler, Mark Gottesfeld, Barbara Klinger, Sharon Saylor

Comfort Crafters are in need of flat sheets (full, queen or king) that can be used as a backing for the quilts they assemble for Lutheran World Relief. Ideal are cotton blend or flannel. The flannel can be used as filler between the top and back of the quilt. They can use fitted bottom sheets if they are queen or king size. Also, pillowcases are stuffed with leftover batting and given to The Upper Bucks ASPCA for pet bedding.

Voices for the Vanderslice Family:

At Christ’s Lutheran Church, 700 E.

Pennsylvania Avenue, Orefield, PA

19075 there will be a benefit concert on

February 4 at 6PM (snow date Feb. 5) to

raise funds for the Vanderslice family to

cover some expenses as they fight

Pastor Bill’s Leukemia. Please join

them for the concert! Tickets are $15.

There will be refreshments and a free

will offering. Can’t attend? Mail

donations payable to “Christ’s Lutheran

Church. Please put “Voices for

Vanderslice” in the memo line.

REBOOT SUNDAY SCHOOL AND BIRTH CROSS+GEN MINISTRY

Take your congregation’s ministry to the next level with this special, one-of-a-kind

event this March 11 – sponsored and provided to you by SEPA Synod!

Have you seen decline in your congregation’s Sunday School, Youth Ministry,

or Faith Formation ministries? Do you wonder why your families don’t

prioritize church over other activities, or don’t seem to know the Bible stories

like they used to? Do you wish there was something that you could do as a

church to fix this? If so, don’t miss the biggest Faith Formation event of the

year in Southeastern Pennsylvania – open to as many of your congregations

leaders as would like to attend!

This is the perfect event for Pastors, Sunday School Directors, Youth Leaders, Sunday School Teachers – and

anyone else from your church who cares about how we are forming faith from generation to generation!

Join Rev. Dr. David Lose, President of The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, and Rev. Dr. Rich

Melheim – pioneer of the Faith Inkubators Confirmation program and the Cross+Gen Ministry movement – for a

day of teaching, training, and hands-on engagement of the future of faith formation in the church!

PRAYING FOR THE PRESIDENT

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior….”

Apostle Paul, 1 Timothy 2:1-3

On Friday January 20, Donald Trump became the 45th President of the United States. God’s word directs Jesus followers to pray for all of our leaders — and certainly that includes President Trump — his health, his heart, his family and a peaceful transition into the presidency.

Yet after such a contentious election cycle and amidst continuing, bitter divides, many may be struggling with where and how to begin their prayers — especially those who may have voted differently or consider themselves in opposition to Mr. Trump’s platform, nominees or campaign promises.

God’s word declares in Isaiah 55:11, “My word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.” So, I am praying the scriptures….

Like the psalmist in Psalm 72 praying urgently for God’s endowment of justice on the king, I pray that through his presidency Mr. Trump brings justice for the poor (vs. 12a), health for the afflicted (vs. 12b) and rescue for all from oppression and violence (vs. 14).

I pray that Mr. Trump’s presidency will demonstrate love for the refugees among us, knowing that Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Ruth, Daniel, Nehemiah and Jesus knew intimately what it meant to be a stranger in a strange land. “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:33-34).

Like King David, may President Trump shepherd the country with “skillful hands” and “integrity of heart” (Psalm 78:72). May he remember as he serves in the most visible position on the planet, that “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart” (Luke 6:45).

May all of us who identify ourselves as persons of faith join with President Trump over the next four years in carefully heeding James 4:10 — “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Let it be so. By: Mike Slaughter

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 910 Allentown Road

Ridge Valley Sellersville, PA 18960 Church Office 215-257-9643

Reverend Amy S. Hotter, Pastor Email: stjohnsridgevalley@verizon.net

Sale of the 1964 Parsonage (May 2015- October 2016)

2345 Finland Road

More than 14 years ago the last pastor ended the use of the Parsonage as a residence. The Council at that time determined to retain ownership and to lease the property. A relator was engaged for the leasing and collection of rental payments. The on-going real estate commission was 10% of the $1200 rental. Over a 13 year period, there was inadequate monitoring of the property by both the church and the realtor, as well as limited expenditures for repairs and updating except for major systems. As a result in 2015 the condition of the structure was poor. Many discussions had occurred over the years regarding selling the property. In spring of 2015 the Council voted to sell.

A Parsonage committee was formed to handle this rather complex issue. Members were Cornell Hopkins, Dan Traynor, Marianne Yeakel, Ken Yeakel, Jeff Markley, Dick Snyder, Matt Yoder and Chris Wall. Numerous meetings resulted in the division of work and various specific assignments. Monthly reports were submitted to Council.

The tenants were notified to vacate by August 31, 2015, but were given the option to buy for a predetermined appraised value. That value came in at $200,000. Ultimately the property was offered for sale to members of the church and to the tenants on an as-is basis for this amount. There was no interest. A subsequent appraisal brought in the value of $215,000. We detected no interest at this price.

Upon the vacation of the property, the committee carefully toured the property and determined the necessary repairs, remodeling and replacement needed to sell at an appropriate valuation. There was money is church accounts to begin the work but the overwhelming funding of the project was by the donations from a single member. Ultimately every surface was stripped, painted, refinished or replaced. All windows, doors, the entire kitchen, and two full baths were entirely replaced. All landscaping was removed and replaced. A whole house air conditioner was installed. It was determined that the permitted 1964 septic system had not been installed per the permit. One principal drainage chamber and drains were not in place. Combined with severe over use of the system (at one time 13 people lived in the home), it was determined that the entire system had to be replaced. Jeff Markley headed up this part of the project, brought it in under the estimated $25,000 budget and had it ready at the time of sale.

Dan Traynor acted as foreman and paymaster on the project. The importance of Dan’s contribution cannot be stated. His quiet, reliable effort kept the project going and ensured value at lowest costs. Matt Yoder’s construction business permitted several very nice discounts and Matt’s firm did a lot of heavy lifting on the kitchen, bathrooms and elsewhere.

Voluntary work contributions by members of the committee and other church members were outstanding. Marianne and Ken Yeakel, Dick Snyder, and Chris Wall, in addition to those already named all worked very hard. Cheryl Fuhrman and Doug Kemp were among several others who helped out.

Dan and Cornell selected the realtor from among three locals who were interviewed. June Croissette of ReMax was chosen. After finding a buyer and agreeing on price and inspection details, both Dan Traynor and Cornell Hopkins dealt with considerable detail in bringing the deal to conclusion. As a Church, selling a property created numerous questions and requests for information which became challenging to furnish. Yet we did, and the closing/settlement would go smoothly. The ultimate selling price of $345,000 was welcome and viewed as very acceptable by the committee. After selling costs the net to the church was approximately $320,000 and the net investment available after paying ourselves about $20,000 for final expenses was just under $300,000. A closing/settlement was held October 13, 2016 with Treasurer Dan Traynor, President Don Graham, and Secretary Cornell Hopkins attending.

Dan Traynor organized the meetings and agreements on how to invest our proceeds. As of this writing those investments have been made.

Respectfully submitted

Cornell Hopkins, Secretary - Parsonage Committee Chairman

News & Announcements

For fellowship & sharing: please mark your goodies if they contain nuts. Unfortunately, this can be serious for children and adults. Thank you for your consideration.

Memorials Received: A memorial was received in loving memory of Paul Nase from Amy Nase and coworkers. A memorial was received in loving memory of Elmer & Ellen Huber from Harvey P. Huber. On Our Sign: “The Son can warm your winter days”

**Ash Wednesday is March 1 st**

Council Briefs: January 10, 2017

Council met January 9

Council Briefs is back after a long absence.

NOTE TO ALL: THE ANNUAL MEETING IS February 5, 2017. ALL REPORTS ARE DUE JANUARY 12, 2017. The day’s schedule will be 8:30 AM combined service followed by a pick-up brunch, followed by the Annual Meeting

We have purchased Sunday and Seasons software that is wonderfully improving the looks and accuracy of our Sunday Bulletins. Stop by the office and meet our new employees: Jeff Daniel (Office Manager) who is here in the morning Monday through Thursday and Karen Quinn who is here Fridays

P. Amy will be on vacation Jan 18, 19, and 22. She and John are going to Cody’s boot camp graduation. Pastor Bohm will be here Sunday Jan 22 while Amy, John and Cody are at Parris Island. Home meetings will begin in February. Council members will host in addition to other volunteers. Location may be in homes, church, or other convenient place. Some should be scheduled for day time for retired, elderly etc. Pr. Amy will attend all meetings. She will present ideas, concepts and plans. The groups will discuss. If the attendees wish, Amy will leave to allow free discussion. More information will be presented at the Annual meeting 2/5/2017. Laurie Hopkins will provide children’s activities for the Meeting. Volunteers are welcome.

Pastor is meeting with 3 new member prospects

Come to Sunday Bible study/discussion at 9:30 on Sunday morning. The Wednesday Bible Study is a walk-through of the whole bible at 6:30 to 7:30. We are now reading and discussing the book of Samuel.

Dan Traynor (Treasurer) and Barbara Klinger (Financial Secretary) report that we had a fantastic December with donations totaling $47,179. We finished the year in the black by $518.48. One family continues to make very generous donations that meaningfully helped us to have this great year end finish.

Barb Klinger’s latest review of membership indicates 202 members.

The recommended Budget for 2017 is $203,692. Please review the presentation in the annual report before the meeting 2/5/17.

Vicki Guenst has volunteered to run for Council, others are welcome. We can have up to 12 members including the Pastor.

The St. John’s Cemetery Corporation paved their road. It looks very nice, no holes, very smooth.

There will be a full schedule of yearly events published next month. Council hopes to combine the dates from Worship and Music, CGOC and Parish Life to make it easier for all to keep track.

A big box of gifts went to Silver Springs Martin Luther School. Our Souper cooks continue to deliver delicious soup to the food pantry. 88 pounds this month.

Knitted items continue to be dropped off at A.C. Moore for World Vision to help people in the US and across the world keep warm.

This year is the 500th anniversary of the beginning of Martin Luther’s Reformation.

Please don’t forget the fundraiser for Pastor Vanderslice.

Dates to remember: Easter is April 16, Christmas Eve is Sunday December 24.

Respectfully submitted

Cornell Hopkins, Council/Congregation Secretary