MARCH 20 ~ PALM SUNDAYNo worship at St. Jacob’s (see below!)10:30am ~ Worship at St. John’s

MARCH 24 ~ MAUNDY THURSDAY at St Jacob’s6pm Seder Meal, 7pm Tenebrae Service ~ Holy

CommunionMARCH 25 ~ GOOD FRIDAY at St John’s

7pm ~ Holy CommunionMARCH 27 ~ EASTER SUNDAY

6am Sunrise Service at St. John’s 7am Breakfast (after worship) St. John’s

Hall8am Worship at St. Jacob’s ~ Holy CommunionNo Sunday School; enjoy family time, thenwe’ll see you in church!

St. Jacob’s UCC Blue CreekSausage and Pancake

Breakfast Sunday, March 20

(Palm Sunday)

7:30 am – 12:30 pmRaffle, Free Will Offering

St. Jacob’s UCC Blue Creek PRESORTEDSt. John’s UCC Penntown STANDARD 8917 E County Road 1300 N U.S. POSTAGE PAID Sunman, Indiana 47041 BATESVILLE IN812-623-3410 PERMIT NO 29stjohns@etczone.com

Or Current Resident

2016

Weekly Sunday Morning Worship

Worship at St. Jacob’s Blue Creek 8:00

Sunday School at St. John’s 9:30

March - April 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

20 21 22 23 24 Maundy Thursday7pm @ St.

Jacob

25Good Friday

7pm @ St. John

26 Tomorrow:6am Sunrise St John

8am St JacobNo Sunday School10:30am St John

27 28 29 30 31 1 2Tomorrow’s Scripture:

John 20:19-31

3 4 5 6 Youth 5pmSt Jacob & St John

Joint Council 6:30pm

StJohn Council 7pm

7 8 9Tomorrow’s Scripture:

John 21:1-19

10 St Jacob’s1st Quarter Mtg

Confirmation Class Toddlers & Twos

11 12

St. John’s reports due

13 14 15 16Tomorrow’sScripture:

John 10:22-30

17St. John’s

1st Quarter Mtg11:30am

18 19 20 21 22 23Tomorrow’sScripture:

John 13:31-35

24Confirmation Class

25 26 27 28 29 30Tomorrow’sScripture:

John 14:23-29

May 2016Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1Confirmation Class

2 3 4 Youth 5:30pm

St. JohnCouncil 7pm

5 Ascension

Day

6 7Confirmation Class

Tomorrow’sScripture:

John 17:20-26

8Mother’s Day

Toddlers & Twos

9 10 11 12 13 14Tomorrow’sScripture:

John 14:8-17,(25-27)

15 16 17 18 19 20 21Tomorrow’sScripture:

John 16:12-15

22Confirmands’

Statements of Faith Trinity Sunday

23 24 25 Last day of

schoolSunman-Dearborn

26Last day of school

Batesville

27 28Tomorrow’sScripture:

Luke 7:1-10

29

Graduation Sunday

30 31 8am Worship St. Jacob’s Blue Creek9:30am Combined Sunday School @

St. John’s10:30am Worship St. John’s Penntown

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From the Desk of the Pastor….

Going through my surgery and recovery, I have been thinking a lot about family and how important it is to be part of a family. But in my thinking I realize there are many kinds of family - a group of individuals living

under one roof and usually under one head being one definition. For me, my husband has been here each and every day giving me excellent care; and most of you know I am not a very good patient. Also, my sister came

up from Louisville to be here for my surgery, knowing answers to family history and preparing delicious meals for the freezer. But then, I have more family that are of no relation; my church family - a group of

people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation. This family has prayed for me, called me, sent cards, provided transportation and has been there with listening ears and loving hearts. I am thankful for all

the church families I have had in my years of ministry.

Being a part of a church family is a blessing and one we just can’t take for granted. Several of you are concerned about our attendance in worship. If we are indeed a church family, what, how, and who are we committed to? Let me share two scripture readings that I read this week that I see addressing our issue –

Isaiah 43:16-21 where the Prophet informs the nation of Israel that a new thing springs forth. The prophet is telling the exiles to look back with hope and expectancy, not sorrow and despair. The One who delivered

them from Egypt never stops working and will work something anew. The people went through a desert before and they will now go through one again. The ‘new’ is unexpected and its shape unforeseeable. However, it does not replace the old - that is the foundation for confidence in the newness that will come. Memory of

God’s faithfulness in the past builds hope for the future to give life in the present.

John 12:1-6 is where Jesus challenges us with another way. The story of Mary and the ointment is both beautiful in its act and cost, and disturbing in the perplexing comment about the poor. It would seem that the

complex story of Mary’s extravagant devotion and its financial cost must simply be held in tension. Mary used a bottle of perfume as a sign of her commitment. What might be your ‘gift of costly ointment’, your

commitment as a disciple of Jesus journeying on his way? Where might that be put to use in loving service?

We each have God-given gifts that we can and should commit to use in journeying with Jesus. But here is a simple one we all share; as you sit and worship, please look around you and see who is missing. As a loving family we should be calling and/or visiting those who are missing. I would even appreciate as you leave to

give me a note with those not there. This is one very simple way to be the church, caring about our community and being committed in our journey. We don’t need gimmicks, what we need is the basic characteristics of a successful church: love, a willingness to commit our gifts to the building of our

community, worshiping together, sharing in our joys and sorrows, being there for each other.

I am here, I hope each of you also will be here to continue being the church.

Remember this trite but true statement:CH CH

What’s missing?UR

Might seem trite, but we can only continue to be the church with your commitment and presence.

NEWS FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OFST. JACOB’S BLUE CREEK

ST. JOHN’S PENNTOWN

APRIL - MAY 2016

~Pastor Lynne

ST. JOHN’S SHOWCASE

Our next Anniversary showcase will have the theme of Baptism. Looking for baptismal dresses, certificates, photos, keepsakes etc. Please bring to church on Sunday, April 3. These

are for all baptisms, not just at St. John’s!

We are also looking for fun photos at St. John’s throughout the years, to be ready to display at Homecoming. (These will be stapled- so please send copies only of keepsakes). See Chris Richter or Carol Atkins!!  

(You might just see a Hound Dawg or a "Pretty Woman" in the mix!)

Be sure to take a peek at our vintage Easter showcase!

Gotta love those Easter hats!

Merom Summer Camps2016 camp brochures have been mailed and you should be receiving them soon. See Pastor Lynne with questions.

Sunday School will again pay ½ of the fees. Early registration discount deadline is May 15th.

Check out the new Spring Adult Retreats, featuring “Quilting & Scrapping with Jesus”, led by our own Pastor Lynne! Please register for this class by March 31. Thank you!

It’s April, time for Community Rewards participants to re-allocate their rewards earnings to St. John’s

(organization #80129) at www.kroger.com/communityrewards .com .

Just 27 families doing their normal shopping at Kroger added $293.24

to our campership account from November 2015 to January 2016. 

These funds help with Merom church camp costs for our children

and youth.

Sunday School students have learned how various animals help families in poverty around the world. Our Lenten-thru-early-April Offering

will provide needy Third-World families with flocks of chicks.

Won’t you join us in helping to purchase “Easter Chicks”?

Donation checks should be written to St. John’s with “Heifer” in the memo field.

I would like to thank each and every one who honored me on my 90th

birthday. I was so surprised to get so many beautiful cards, many calls and gifts that I received. It was a memorable occasion! So

again, I say thank you and may God bless you all!

Love, LaVonne Huber

We offer our sincere sympathy to the family of Allen Huber, who passed away on Feb. 4, 2016

and was buried at St. John Hubbell’s Corner.Condolences are also extended to the family of

Rosemary Hountz, who passed on Feb. 24, 2016 and was buried at St. Nicholas, Sunman.

Sympathy goes out to Helen Bise and family on the death of Helen’s daughter Sharon Bise on March 1, 2016. Sharon was buried in Sperry,

Oklahoma.

It’s April, time for Community Rewards participants to re-allocate their rewards earnings to St. John’s

(organization #80129) at www.kroger.com/communityrewards .com .

Just 27 families doing their normal shopping at Kroger added $293.24

to our campership account from November 2015 to January 2016. 

These funds help with Merom church camp costs for our children

and youth.

Cookbooks are on sale for spring! Half price at $5 each!

They make great gifts for Mother’s Day, showers, and weddings.

Contact the office at stjohns@etczone.com or (812) 623-3410 to get yours today!

ScheduleApril 10 – 11:30am-2pm, bring lunchApril 24 – 11:30am-2pm, bring lunchMay 1 – 11:30am-2pm, bring lunchTBA – Indy Mission DayMay 7 – 10am-1pm at the ParsonageMay 22 – 10:30am Statements of FaithMay 29 – Confirmation Sunday

Our Confirmands this year are Ethan Grunkemeyer and Taylor Hountz.Let’s pray for them as they deepen their

relationship with God!

This year our Graduation Sunday will coincide with Confirmation Sunday on May 29th.

Kindergarten, high school, college, grad school, nursing, we want to hear all about your

accomplishments! Send an email to church with info on this year’s graduates by May 15th.

Vacation Bible SchoolYes, it’s that time again! It will be here before we

know it! Dates and other details are being finalized.At Pets Unleashed Vacation Bible School, kids

experience God’s Word in surprising and unforgettable ways! Each day, leaders reinforce one simple Bible truth—which makes it easy for kids to

remember and apply to real life! Kids are crazy for critters with whiskers, tails,

feathers, or scales! That’s why kids will think this VBS is the cat’s meow.

Look for registration forms in your bulletin soon. Fetch some faith-filled fun, and show kids how Jesus

cares for us!

3RsRepair Renovate Renew

Dear Members and Friends of St. John’s Church,

As a member of the Church Board and now its President, I have seen the generous and compassionate hearts of our membership at work. We are indeed all blessed because of you. You continue to come through in the rough financial times and work through the sometimes difficult decisions that we need to address.

Last Spring, when we decided to buy/build a Parsonage, you helped the Church Board to decide to recommend that instead of borrowing from a bank the money needed to build/buy a Parsonage, that we use what funds we already had at hand, and proceed financially from there. We have done that. And, I may say, faithfully and with good stewardship, we now have a Parsonage.

You shared with us the concern about those funds not being there for other needs as they came up and were already before us (like the roof). Discussion was held at that meeting regarding having a Capital Fund Campaign.

At our Fall quarterly congregational meeting, authorization was given to have a Campaign. We are calling it “Back to Basics: The 3 R’s” and it will provide funds for Repairs, Renovations, and Renewal programs. The goal is $100,000, which will meet our current needs and maybe some reserve for emergency ones.

I would like to ask each of you to carefully and prayerfully consider a pledge to this Campaign. It will go for 3 years and pledges can be met up front or spread over that period in a way that would be best for you the donor/s. With approximately 50 households, an average contribution might be $800 or $5 per week for the 3 years. We know that some members would not be able to afford that much, so we ask that you do what you can. God will bless us with the rest. As of March 12, we have received over $64,549 in contributions and an additional $20,000 in pledges. That’s almost $85,000 already toward our goal! We can now begin planning for some of those projects.

You have shown me that you care about God’s ministries at St. John’s United Church of Christ. With the funds to provide for the needed repairs and replacement and renewal in mission outreach and new programs, we can be an even better congregation.

With my sincerest appreciation,

Roger Lang,Church Board President

June 5 – St. John’s HomecomingWorship under the Tent at 10am

Chicken Dinner 11am-1:30pm

June 12 – St. Jacob’s Pond ServiceOutdoor ServiceJunior & Janice Ratliff’s home

Late June – Youth Group Yard SaleBe on the lookout for items you’d like to donate!

Save the Date!St. John's will be celebrating

our 175th Anniversary on Sun. Sept 25th

with a special morning worship service, lunch and

afternoon activities. Have you ever rung the bell?We'll be ringing the bell 175 times and anyone interested can sign up for a turn!  We'd

like lots of music in our celebration and gentlemen—

A beard contest is in the works! More details to come.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS1 Rhett Daulton 2 Bill Craig, Jessica Rehberger, Ty Hornberger5 Sarah Lehman6 Kathy Raver Cruz7 Daniel Mills, Timothy Barnhorst8 Kristen Weber9 Melanie Beetz, Charles Hadden,

Ed Eicher, Hayden Meyer10 Charlie Cruz11 Melissa Arnett12 Peter Frye13 Monty McCory14 Katelin Stenger15 Jordan Craig16 Samantha Richter, Joe Farr17 Tina Hountz18 Marvin Huber, Nicole Batta22 Jason Back23 Samuel Billman24 Brayton Fullenkamp26 Cathy Lehman27 Jeff Bond, Darryl Mills, Justin Billman28 Braidyn Back, Jason Back29 Adam Wolf, Morgan Huber, Michael Weber

APRIL ANNIVERSARIESApril 7 Charles & Carol FaulknerApril 16 John & Sharon CrossApril 22 Bruce & Kim BaumanApril 26 Jim & Barb KoesterApril 27 Brent & Bobbi BaumanApril 28 Joan & Larry Horner

MAY BIRTHDAYS 1 Cliff Gesell3 Bryan Huber4 Kellie Elston5 Shirley Huneke, Alvin Hoff, Carolina Geesey7 Melissa Richter 8 Scott Wiedeman10 Larry Horner13 Kim Bauman14 Viola Huber15 Ina Hadden16 Emily Prifogle, Daniele Schum20 John Cross21 Sandy Lang23 Julia Weber, Mason Back24 Anne Craig, Bev Richter26 Doris Hutson, Justin Gesell, Kim Sullivan 27 Charles Faulkner, Pete Wiedeman 28 Benjamin Bond 30 Domenick Mitchell, Amanda Richter,

Madison Richter31 Eugene Freyer, Christy Herr

MAY ANNIVERSARIESMay 5 Dave & Carol Ann RaverMay 8 Kim & Gene Gesell, Tina & Darryl MillsMay 10 Kim & Domenick Mitchell,

Judy & Craig Amlin, Michael & Renee Weber

May 13 Kim & Trevor Sullivan, Louie & Jane WernerMay 15 Randy & Tracey RatliffMay 18 Stan & Kim WiedemanMay 21 Cliff & Sylvia GesellMay 28 Jenny & Greg Faulkner, Melanie & Nick Beetz

Please lift in prayer…Ryan Bruns (friend of the Ratliffs); Pastor Lynne; Catherine Clark;

Matt Davis (Sherri Walterman’s husband); Lynsey Gesell; Shirley Huneke; Betty Koester; Barry Lake; Micky Platt (Shirley Huber’s aunt);

Dale Richter; Ruby Roberts (Sandy Lang’s mother); James Robertson; Ralph Schaefer; Rev. Tommie Wallpe, Heritage House, 410 Park Rd, Greensburg, IN 47240;

Alvin Werner (Brenda’s father-in-law); the family of Rosemary Hountz; and the family of Christopher Griffith, who passed away on Feb. 26, 2016.

Please call the office at (812) 623-3410, send an email to stjohns@nalu.net, or speak with Pastor Lynne regarding changes/additions to the prayer list. Updated 3-10-16