From our Pastors — Outgoing and Incoming . . .

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. (Philippians 1:2-5)

Brothers and sisters,

Paul began his letter to the Philippians with these words and I often find them so fitting when I think about the ministry of a pastor within a congregation. It is a shared work that we do together, and even though it was short, I have been blessed by our time together. You have welcomed me and my family into your work in this community and I hope I have helped you prepare for the Holy Spirit to continue to move you forward. As I have often shared with the council, there are many hurdles that face this congregation (and many other congregations) and at times it may feel daunting. Remember that you don’t walk this journey alone. God has called you to be a people of the gospel, and God will continue to guide you in the work to share it. I move on from this place confident that you have leaders who have a willingness to listen to God and can see a future that is based on God’s abundant love rather than the seeming scarcity of resources. I am confident that the way over the hurdles will be made clear. May you be blessed with continued energy and vision as you continue to be loved by God to love others. Again, my thanks to you for the work we have done together. Still yours in Christ, Pastor Cris

+++++++++++++++++++++++ Grace and Peace to all at St John’s,

My name is Pastor Phil Fogarty and I will be your new interim pastor beginning the first of

March. I have often preached at St John’s and feel comfortable in your midst. I have enjoyed

our relationship in the past. I am in my fifty-first year of ministry and have served in about eight

interims since I retired in 2002 from Evangelical Lutheran in Frederick.

My wife Donna and I have been married for 55 years.

If you need pastoral support you may call me or send a message at 301-514-6390. You can

email me at pdfogarty@comcast.net. (If all else fails try my land line at 301-732-6723.) If you

can’t reach me immediately, I might me playing golf at Maple Run in Thurmont. I look forward

to our ministry together as we try, with the Holy Spirit, to spread the good news of Christ’s love.

In Christ,

Pastor Phil

The Grapevine St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 15 N. Church St., Thurmont, MD 21788 Number 86 March 2016

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2016 Community Lenten Services continue on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. March 7 — Apples United Church of Christ, Thurmont March 14 — Thurmont Church of the Brethren

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Snow emergency cancellation policy: All worship and church events will be cancelled when inclement weather warrants such a decision. Cancellation information will be posted on web-site: www.saintjohnlutheran.org and on church office voicemail. We are concerned for your safety and ask that you do not attempt to drive or walk to church in the event of severe winter weather!

ANNUAL BAKE AND FLOWER SALE

The Fundraising Committee will again be hosting our Easter Bake and Flower Sale on 26 March at the CVS shopping center, 9:00 am--3:00 pm. We will have all kinds of goodies for families to put on their Easter Dinner tables plus Easter baskets and flowers to use in your gift giving. Please come and support us the day before Easter. Also – we will be selling chocolate-covered Easter eggs at the church on Sundays in March. We will have the famous peanut butter and coconut ones and maybe some fruit and nut eggs as well. Come check it out!!!

HOLY WEEK and EASTER at St. John’s

March 24: Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Worship at 7:00 PM

March 25: Good Friday Worship at 7:00 PM

March 27: Easter Sunday—ONE SERVICE AT 10:00 AM (NO Sunday School)

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Registration for the 2016-17 school year will take place on Monday, March 7, for current students and on Tuesday, March 8, for new students. Time and place: 8:00—10:00 a.m., in the Fellowship Hall. School will be closed from Monday, March 21, through Monday, March 28, for Spring Break and will resume on Tuesday, the 29th.

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From our Council President . . .

Dear Members of St. John’s:

On your church envelope you can give to these different funds:

General _______, Benevolence_________, Building________, or Other_________.

What do “Benevolence” and Mission Support mean?

Every few years, this question comes up and members need further understanding. I will attempt an

explanation and hope this will help.

In Webster’s Dictionary: benevolence

1. Benevolence (noun): the disposition to do good; good will; charitableness; love of mankind,

accompanied with a desire to promote their happiness.

2. Benevolence (noun): an act of kindness; a good deed done; charity given.

As members of the ELCA, we do mission together through our financial giving. We do God’s work in ways that no individual, congregation or synod can do alone. Benevolence or Mission Support is the portion of your weekly financial offering that your congregation shares with your synod and the church-wide organization. If you designate “Benevolence” on your envelope, this amount would be given in addition to the amount currently budgeted to the synod, namely, $1,500.00. “Mission” is a broad term used to describe all the ministries of this church, not just those involving ELCA missionaries who work with our Lutheran partners around the world. “Support” is the portion of members’ offering that makes all ELCA ministries possible, here at home and abroad. Mission Support is the way that we as Lutherans experience sharing Jesus’ message of love around the world. As Christians, God has called us to do mission, not just in our local church or our local community but throughout the world. Matthew 28:1 — Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Gayle Spahr,

Council President (Excerpts from ELCA website)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Please note: NEXT COUNCIL MEETINGS: March 10 and April 14, 2016

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NEWS from the THURMONT THESPIANS . . .

March Book Sale Saturday, March 5 & Sunday, March 6

9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. Hardbacks — $1.00 Paperbacks — $ .50 Homemade Soup — Put your order in early so you don’t get left out! Baked Goods This will be the last Book Sale so make sure you take advantage if you are a committed reader.

The Fantasticks March 11-13, 18-20

7:30 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays 2:00 p.m. Sunday matinees

Dinner theater Saturday, March 19th (6:00 p.m.)

Beth Watson and the Thurmont Thespians will continue their season with the much beloved and cherished musical “The Fantasticks.” Written by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, “The Fantasticks” is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, two fathers, and a wall. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart, and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo's words that "without a hurt, the heart is hollow." At the heart of it all is breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication with a purity and simplicity that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless fable of love that manages to be nostalgic and universal at the same time. Michael Brown is directing this talented cast. They include Geronimo Miranda as El Gallo, Emily Cofer as Luisa, Nate Kopit as Matt, Bill Collins as Bellomy, John Tiedemann as Huckle-bee, Max Beaver as Henry, Paul Smaldone as Mortimer, and Rachel Johnson as the Mute. The creative team includes musical directors Becca Corbell and Anne Raugh, lighting design by Cynthia Kaminsky, and costume design by Mary Lou Royer. The stage manager is MaryBeth Johnson, and the master carpenter is Rich Friis. Performances will be in the Thurmont American Legion Auditorium on March 11, 12, 18, and 19 with a 7:30 p.m. curtain. Performances March 13 and 20 will have a 2:00 p.m. cur-tain. The ticket price is $15 per person. There will also be a dinner theater on March 19th at 6:00 p.m. for $35.00 per person (dinner and show included). Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 301-271-7613. Tickets will also be available at the door. “The Fantasticks” is being presented by special arrange-ment with Music Theater International.

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FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH REFRESHMENTS PROVIDERS

January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thurmont Thespians February . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Social Ministry March . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Worship and Music April . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fundraising May . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Women of the Church June . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fellowship October . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday School November . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . St. John’s Preschool December . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Council

Sunday School Request We are seeking a group facilitator for the adult Sunday School class on Sundays in May. If you can help at least one Sunday, please contact Marcia Andersen at 443-918-8119.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Nancy and Bill Riffle on the passing of Nancy’s sister Barbara L. Burkhardt, who died on February 7, 2016.

The Women of the Church wish to thank everyone

who so graciously brought in cards for recycling

in aid of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children.

News from Mar-Lu-Ridge Mar-Lu-Ridge announces its Summer Camp schedule, which begins June 17. Interested families may consider attending one of the open houses from 2:00—4:30 p.m. on Sun- days March 20, April 24 and May 22. If you have any questions, please contact MLR by email at MLR@Mar-Lu-Ridge.org or by phone at 301-874-5544. A few brochures (with registration forms) are available here at St. John’s on the shelf outside the kitchen.

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ST. JOHN’S MEMBERS FAMILY AND FRIENDS Luke Bradley

Janet Heckert

Carol Ford

Dorothy Stowell

Sarah Johnson

Randy Spahr (Randy Spahr’s son)

Dale Wireman – friend of Debbie Ayers Jeremy Hahn Larry Haga – family of Becky Smith Michele Myers – niece of Harriet Valentine Kelly Heath – family of Belle Grimes Jesse Wolf – family of Belle Grimes Jacob Matthias – family of Belle Grimes Rev. Frederick Simmel – former Pastor of St. John’s Betty Post – sister of Gayle Spahr and Judy May Marge Dolson – friend of Gayle Spahr Lauren Jones – stepdaughter of Carol Donovan Brian Murphy – friend of Carol Donovan Eugene Myers – brother of Gloria Angleberger and Rodman Myers Debbie Ayers – sister of Darlene Fogle Robert Spencer and Melinda Davis Diane Miller – friend of Gayle Spahr Lexie Sachlis – step-granddaughter of Mary Lou Royer Clarence Shriner – friend of Harriet and Randy Valentine Mike Kreitz – husband of Chris Kreitz Dr. Dave Johnson – brother of Kurt Johnson IN SERVICE TO OUR COUNTRY Dylan Goins Josh Waldron Brandon Meek

3/5 Dan Bradley

3/9 Harriet Valentine

3/11 Amanda Unger

3/12 Richard Lohr

3/14 Marilee McKissick

3/24 Randy Spahr

3/24 Chester Zentz, Jr.

3/28 Kaitlin Fox

3/30 Katie Myers

Please remember in your prayers . . .

MARCH

&

APRIL

BIRTHDAYS

4/2 Laurin Spahr

4/6 Michael Delauter

4/9 Rodman Myers

4/11 Eric Hobbs

4/15 Randy Valentine

4/16 Darlene Fogle

4/18 Stacey Brown-Hobbs

4/18 Mary Dart

4/18 Kathrin Muegge

4/22 Becky Urian

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Barbecue Love (from the column entitled From Olives to Apples)

by Ann Marie Bezayiff

The Texans love their barbecue. They willingly stand in line for hours to sample the awesome taste of smoked beef or pork ribs, brisket that melts in the mouth, pulled pork, sausage, moist turkey sandwiches or meat platters. Sides of coleslaw, beans, chips, potato salad and mac-n-cheese and a supply of local beers and sodas. On those hot summer days, the servers provide ice chests of free cold beer, soda or sweet iced tea available for the long lines of waiting customers. I’ve experienced the ritual and can say the food is worth the wait. Sad to say, the place may run out of food before you can put in your order. Happens a lot. You learn to get in line early. I wish those crazy Texas drivers were as patient on the highways as they are in a barbecue line. Once behind the wheel of a car, drivers think nothing of whizzing through three or four lanes of traffic and in the process causing others to slam on their brakes or swerve into other lanes. Have you ever noticed the black marks on the guard rails? Maybe they need to leave earlier? Or per-haps, they love the adrenaline rush that comes with the speed. Never mind the cars that run red lights and crash not only into cars but school buses and trucks. No patience on the road. I have to admit my patience is thin when it comes to irrational Texas drivers, but the worst offense is the cell phone. Almost everyone who drives has a horror story to tell. Make a law against texting or talking on a cell phone? Doesn’t work. The need to answer that beep is as addicting as heroin. Now, I’m complaining about Texas drivers but only because I experience them on a daily basis. The truth be told, other states have the same kind of drivers. Good people that lose it on the roads. Sort of like life, good people falling short of the mark and acting a bit crazy. Putting other people in harm’s way without understanding the consequences of our actions. So each day, before I start the car engine, I pray asking God for his protection. God, send your angels to protect me and those who drive the roads with me. I pray that God sends his angels over you too and protect you from harm. Psalm 91:11— for he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. NLV Now as you go on your way, know that Christ goes with you: Before you to show you the way, Beside you to befriend you, Behind you to encourage you, Above you to watch over you, And most of all, within you to give you peace. Amen

From a sermon by Pastor Kathy Haueisen Adapted from St. Patrick’s Breastplate, an old Irish prayer

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March 2016 Worship Assistants’ Schedule

TRADITIONAL SERVICE

SING & REJOICE SERVICE

** Please Note **

If you cannot be present on the assigned date,

be sure to trade with another assistant. Thank you!

DATE SERVICE ASSISTING MINISTER

LECTOR WELCOMERS ALTAR

3/6 10:45 a.m. J. Ford G. Spahr M. A. & S. Erlitz G. Angleberger J. May

3/13 8:30 a.m. S. Brown-Hobbs L. Riffle Dart Family G. Angleberger J. May

3/20 8:30 a.m.

L. Riffle S. Brown-Hobbs H. & R. Valentine G. Angleberger J. May

3/24 7:00 p.m. Maundy

Thursday

B. Riffle J. Ford T. & A. Hauk G. Angleberger J. May

3/27 10:00 a.m. EASTER

S. Dart C. Fraley C. & J. Ford G. Angleberger J. May

DATE SERVICE LECTOR WELCOMERS PRAYER

3/6 10:45 a.m. ONE SERVICE — Combined Worship Service at 10:45 a.m.

3/13 10:45 a.m. G. Spahr T. & A. Hauk B. Riffle

3/20 10:45 a.m.

M. Andersen T. & A. Mumm C. Kreitz

3/27 10:00 a.m. EASTER

ONE SERVICE — Traditional at 10:00 a.m.

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

TT Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

3

TT Rehearsal 7:00 p.m.

4

5

9:00—3:00 Thespians Book Sale

6 Sunday School

9:40

One Service

“Combined” 10:45

9:00—3:00

Thespians Book Sale

7

8:00-10:00 am Preschool

Registration in the

Fellowship Hall

7:00 p.m.

Lenten Service (Apples UCC)

8

8:00-10:00 am Preschool

Registration in the

Fellowship Hall

9 10

7:00 p.m. Church Council

11

7:30 pm

The Fantasticks (American

Legion)

12

7:30 pm The

Fantasticks (American

Legion)

13 Traditional Worship — 8:30

Sunday School

9:40

Sing & Rejoice 10:45

2:00 pm

The Fantasticks (American Legion)

14

7:00 p.m. Lenten Service

(Thurmont Church of the

Brethren)

15

16 17

18

7:30 pm The

Fantasticks (American

Legion)

19

7:30 pm

The Fantasticks (American

Legion) Dinner Theater

at 6:00 pm

20 Palm Sunday

Traditional

Worship — 8:30

Sunday School 9:40

Sing & Rejoice

10:45

2:00 pm The Fantasticks

(American Legion)

21 22

23

24

7:00 p.m. Maundy

Thursday

Communion Service

25

7:00 p.m. Good

Friday

Worship Service

26

9:00—3:00

Bake Sale at CVS Shopping

Center

27 EASTER

10:00 a.m.

ONE SERVICE

(NO Sunday School)

28

29 30 31

March 2016

10

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3 Sunday School

9:40

One Service

“Combined” 10:45

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 Traditional

Worship — 8:30

Sunday School 9:40

Sing & Rejoice

10:45

11

12

13

14

7:00 p.m. Church Council

15 16

17 Traditional

Worship — 8:30

Sunday School 9:40

Sing & Rejoice

10:45

18

19

20

21

22

23

24 Traditional

Worship — 8:30

Sunday School 9:40

Sing & Rejoice

10:45

25

26

27

28

29 30

April 2016

EASTER

CHRYSANTHEMUMS

Easter arrives at the end of March this year and we want to give you an

opportunity to decorate our church with an array of lovely mums!

Please fill out the Order Form below and return it with your payment (cash or check) to the church office no later than Sunday, March 13, 2016.

(Please make checks payable to “St. John’s Lutheran Church.”)

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

Chrysanthemum Order Form Name ________________________________ Phone __________________________________ No. of MUMS:______ Price Each: $8.00 TOTAL Amount Enclosed:__________ Given in MEMORY of ________________________ by________________________________ Given in memory of __________________________ by________________________________ Given in memory of __________________________ by________________________________ Given in memory of __________________________ by________________________________ Given in memory of __________________________ by________________________________ Given in HONOR of __________________________ by________________________________ Given in honor of ____________________________ by________________________________ Given in honor of ____________________________ by________________________________

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Church Office: 301-271-7877

Interim Pastor: Rev. Philip Fogarty

Email: pdfogarty@comcast.net

(Cell) 301-514-6390 Administrative Assistant: Dede Himes Email: admin@saintjohnlutheran.org

Web Site: www.saintjohnlutheran.org

St. John’s Preschool: 301-271-4109 Chairperson: Stacey Brown-Hobbs, 301-271-2390 Registrar: Marie Skillinger Email: stjpreschl@aol.com

Thurmont Thespians Beth Watson, 301-416-0864 Email: beth.watson@myactv.net

Please submit articles for the

April 2016 Grapevine by

March 17, 2016.

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church 15 N. Church Street

Thurmont, MD 21788

“Loved by God … to love others!” Ministers: The People of St. John’s Interim Pastor: Rev. Philip Fogarty

Sunday Worship Schedule

8:30 AM Traditional Worship 9:40 AM Sunday School, all ages 10:45 AM Sing & Rejoice Worship