the congregational newsletter of
St. John’s Lutheran Church
1 2015 Pentecost III Issue
LUTHERAN LIFE
Over the years, as we have professed our baptismal faith with the words of the Apostle’s Creed, I have witnessed all the saints in heaven and on earth “Raising the Roof!” With the words, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints…” the sanctuary ceiling opens up, the roof is raised, and the whole communion of saints joyfully enters our worship! It’s like a huge crowd at Neyland stadium on a Saturday night… as Saint John’s is filled with the light and life of All Saints on Sunday morning encouraging us and cheering us on. After 127 years of ministry, there are so many saints that have lived and died in the faith we share at Saint John’s. So many saints have invested their time and talent and financial resources to build up this ministry and to provide life giving opportunities for this community of faith. Yes, we believe in the communion of saints, and we believe we are bound together forever in Christ through “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.”
IN
The roof on the sanctuary, however, is not everlasting! After 102 years of sheltering God’s people from the storms of life, the roof needs to be replaced. After evaluating roof replacement costs as well as identifying additional needs for capital improvement, we will be kicking off a capital campaign, “ Raising the Roof!” on All Saints Sunday, November 1, 2015. The three week campaign will include “Tell the Story” gatherings in November to inspire congregational participation and to clearly communicate the goals and priorities of the campaign. Every member of the congregation is invited and encouraged to attend at least one “Tell the Story” event. The campaign will conclude on Christ the King Sunday, November 22, 2015 as we receive financial commitments from the congregation to be fulfilled over the next three years. As the mission and ministry of Saint John’s continues to grow and evolve, we believe all things are being made new in Christ. Thanks for your faithful support as together, with all the saints, we are “Raising the Roof!” Pastor Steve
Grateful APPRECIATION
St John’s is extremely grateful for the thoughtfulness and stewardship of Edna and Charlie Seivers. Their generous bequest to the church, after Edna’s death, allowed St John’s the opportunity to purchase a parking lot contiguous to our property. You see here images of this beautiful property, as well as a monument installed on the property this summer, indicating Edna and Charlie’s gift to Saint Johns. In addition, a portion of the Seivers’ gift is being invested in our new Saint Johns Mission Endowment fund. Our relationship with the Seivers’ family is indeed a blessing, and their gift to St John’s will continue to be a blessing to us and the entire community for years and years.
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History and Heritage In 2013 St. John’s celebrated 125 years of ministry in Knoxville and 100 years in our beautiful, historical sanctuary building. Our fellowship hall and Christian Education building addition is now almost 50 years old! We are so grateful to those Lutherans who, in 1888, desired to worship and receive Christian instruction in the language of their new country. St. John’s English Lutheran Church was founded by people of vision and faith. In 1913 the growing congregation, led by the Holy Spirit, and assisted by the generosity of Martha Henson, provided us with a symbol of the solid rock upon which we may stand in faith. Our beloved Pastor Sparks and the leaders of St. John’s had a vision for growth in the middle of the 20th century, and that vision gave us expanded facilities to continue to minister and teach. We are the recipients of the faith and vision of so many who have gone before us. We are the inheritors of their gifts, and we receive them with gratitude and a strong sense of responsibility to preserve, maintain, and grow our church home and ministry.
Hope for Our Future
Acknowledging that STEWARDSHIP IS DISCIPLESHIP, this capital campaign, “Raising the Roof!”, strives to provide for the physical needs of our worship space and for future growth in ministry. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS The Sanctuary roof has been an area of concern for several years due to repeated leaks, and it has to be replaced. Allen’s Roofing has replaced several rooves for historic churches in Knoxville. Now that the stained glass windows have been restored, the exterior stone needs to be waterproofed. Protective window well grates are needed on Broadway and Emory Place.
Plaster repair and painting of the Sanctuary and Fireside Room are evident needs due to deterioration. The congregational kitchen is in need of upgrading and improvements. The classrooms have midcentury asbestos tile flooring and concrete block walls that require covering and updating. Technology improvements will enhance worship, Christian Education, and meeting facilities. The Welcome Center heating and air conditioning system is in need of immediate replacement. Sanctuary lighting will be upgraded to 21st Century energy efficiency and better illumination. ENDOWMENT When Edna Wallace Seivers died last year, we lost our last family tie to the founding members of St. John’s. Charlie and Edna loved St. John’s and our church family, and a portion of their bequest will establish an endowment fund. This endowment will grow with a projected $250,000 from [Raising the Roof] Capital Campaign. The endowment will be used for future ministry and unbudgeted capital needs. DEBT REDUCTION One of the goals of this capital campaign is to reduce our overall indebtedness by $250,000. BENEVOLENCE As we have done in the past, this capital campaign will include a tithe of 10% for ministry beyond St. John’s. Several ministries including those of the ELCA, the Southeastern Synod, Tyson House, Compassion Coalition, our seminary and Lutheridge may be the recipients of our benevolent offering.
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LUTHERAN LIFE
St. John’s
Please add this new mem Sep
Mark and Claire Anderson Address: 1325 Lovell Crossing Way #30 Cell and Home phone: 865-310-1389 Email: manderson@fastmail.com
New Members
Born in Cleveland, TN, Mark is employe graduate of ETSU with a major in Politi is also joining today. Mark’s interests ar Please welcome the newest members to our congregation! congregation, Cokesbury Methodist, he Men’s Bible Study group. Claire enjoys h out about Saint John’s while attending a
Mark and Claire Anderson Address: 1325 Lovell Crossing Way #303, Knoxville, 37932 Cell and Home phone: 865-310-1389 Email: manderson@fastmail.com Born in Cleveland, TN, Mark is employed by the Tennessee State government and is a graduate of ETSU with a major in Political Science. His daughter, Claire, a student at UTK, is also joining today. Mark’s interests are fly fishing, photography, and history. In his former congregation, Cokesbury Methodist, he taught adult Bible study and was a member of the Men’s Bible Study group. Claire enjoys hiking and running. Both like to travel. They found out about Saint John’s while attending an Easter Sunrise Service in 2012.
Darron Kidwell Address: 1820 Luttrell Street, Knoxville 37917 Cell: 865-406-9398 Email: darronkidwell@gmail.com Darron is employed by Edward Jones Investments. A native of Morristown, he is a graduate of Tusculum College. He is interested in piano, home improvements, and volunteering. Clarke Hinkle told Darron about Saint John’s and he has been a regular visitor.
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John C Addre Cell: 8 Email
John w Indust Studie politic Broth
Darro Addre Cell: 8 Email
Darro native Colleg and vo John’s
St. John’s Lutheran Church
St. John’s Lut
Please add this new member sheet to your pictorial directory. September 13, 2015
Please add this new member s Septembe
Katie Marsh
Katie Marsh Address: 4215 Kingdom Lane, Knoxville 37938 Cell:Address: 865-441-2268 4215 Kingdom Lane, Knoxville Email: Katiemarsh50@gmail.com
37938Mark and Claire Anderson
Cell: 865-441-2268 KatieEmail: is the daughter of Keith and Dianne Eichenberg, who Katiemarsh50@gmail.com also attend St. John’s. She comes to us from Living Word Lutheran Church in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She found out about congregation through the Internet. Her Katieour is the daughter of Keith and Dianne hobbies are art, gardening, and helping people.
Address: 1325 Lovell Crossing Way #303, Kno Cell and Home phone: 865-310-1389 Email: manderson@fastmail.com
Eichenberg, who also TN, attend St. is employed by t Born in Cleveland, Mark graduate of ETSU with a major in Political Sc John’s. She comes to us from Living Word Lutheran Church in Rochester is also joining today. Mark’s interests are fly fis Hills, Michigan. She found out about our congregation through the St. John’s Lutheran Church congregation, Cokesbury Methodist, he taugh Please add this new memberHer sheet to yourare pictorial directory. and Men’s Internet. hobbies art, gardening, helping people. Bible Study group. Claire enjoys hiking September 13, 2015
John Cantrell Address: 1515 Isabella Cell: 865-200-6495
out about Saint John’s while attending an East
Katie Marsh Address: 4215 Kingdom Lane, Knoxville 37938 Cell: 865-441-2268 Sam Pressley Email: Katiemarsh50@gmail.com
Address: 2323 Yellow Birch Way Apt. 27 Katie is218, the daughter Keith and Dianne Eichenberg, who Circle, Apt Knoxvilleof37915 Knoxville, TN 37931 also attend St. John’s. She comes to us from Living Word Cell: 865.250.9411 Church in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She found Email:Lutheran spressley@capital-invest.com
out about our congregation through the Internet. Her
hobbies are art, gardening, andathelping people. A native of Sam was baptized Messiah John was born in Knoxville and isKnoxille, employed by Goodwill Industries. He is Lutheran Church. He graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne a former member of Isabella Bible Studies and Temple Baptist. He enjoys University earning undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Business and Finance. He is a devoted Vols football fan and talking about politics and UT football. He came to Saint John’s through has played golf since childhood, competitively in college. A Brother Bob Burger of Highways Byways. school mateand of Josh Misenheimer, he has known Pr. Steve, Pr. Amy, and Saint John’s a long time.
Sam Pressley Address: 2323 Yellow Birch Way Apt. 27 Address: 2323 Yellow Birch Way Knoxville, TN 37931 Apt.865.250.9411 27 Cell: Email: spressley@capital-invest.com Knoxville, TN 37931
John Cantre Address: 151 Cell: 865-200 Email:
John was bo Industries. H Studies and politics and Brother Bob
Sam Pressley
865.250.9411 ACell: native of Knoxille, Sam was baptized at Messiah Lutheran Church. He graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne Email: spressley@capital-invest.com University earning undergraduate and Master’s degrees in Business and Finance. He is a devoted Vols football fan and A native of Knoxille, Sam was baptized at has played golf since childhood, competitively in Messiah college. ALutheran Church. He school mate of Josh Misenheimer, he has known Pr. Steve, graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University earning undergraduate and Pr. Amy, and Saint John’s a long time.
Master’s degrees in Business and Finance. He is a devoted Vols football fan and has played golf since childhood, competitively in college. A school mate of Josh Misenheimer, he has known Pr. Steve, Pr. Amy, and Saint John’s a long time.
Darron Kidw Address: 182 Cell: 865-40 Email: darr
Darron is em native of Mo College. He and voluntee John’s and h
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FAITH FORMATION
OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER PLANS for Sunday Mornings After much prayer and many conversations, the shared wisdom of the pastors, the staff, and the Church Council points to amending our Sunday morning schedule sooner, rather than later. The schedule will be as follows: • Worship at 9:00 a.m. • Fellowship and faith formation for all ages at 10:00 a.m. • Worship at 11:00 a.m. The hope is the extra 15 minutes at the first service will accommodate families who need a little extra time to gather little ones and head downtown. Additionally, our faith formation “hour” will allow some time for gathering and then teaching from approximately 10:15 to 10:55 a.m. As for the faith formation program, we will use October for an intentional “reboot” in which we gather folks for conversation about what they want to study, and even more important, topics that will be so compelling they will make a consistent commitment to participate. To that end, we observe the following schedule: • Sunday, October 11 Gathering of families with children up through fifth grade • Sunday, October 18 Gathering for adults (young adults, singles, couples, parents, empty nesters, and senior adults) • Sunday, October 25 Gathering for families with middle schoolers and high schoolers
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On the Sundays in which someone does not fall into a gathered group, we encourage fellowship in the Welcome Center. In November, Krista Lee and Pastor Amy will offer an introduction to our new Faith Formation program, complete with your valuable input; consider it a “teaser” for the full program to roll out in 2016. In December, we will have seasonal gatherings in the Sparks Fellowship Hall during the 10:00 a.m. hour, including the Christmas Pageant. In January, we will roll out our full Faith Formation programming that will run through May. Through it all, we appreciate your investment of time and passion!
YOUTH & FAMILY
Family Ministry
Stepping Stones of Faith At baptism, God claims us his children, names as his beloved, gifts us for humble service in the world, empowers us with the creative stirrings of the Holy Spirit, and calls us into a life of ministry. The movement, the action in this powerful experience is God’s; God is always, ALWAYS initiating in love toward humankind. We have the beautiful opportunity to participate in all the promises bound by this relationship. First, parents and sponsors make the following promise to nurture faith through specific responsibilities with these words: “As you bring your children to receive the gift of baptism, you are entrusted with responsibilities: • to live with them among God’s faithful people, • bring them to the word of God and the holy supper, • teach them the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments, • place in their hands the holy scriptures, and • nurture them in faith and prayer, so that your children may learn to trust God, proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace.” Through family faith formation, Christian Education, and catechetical studies, children explore their faith through age-appropriate activity, conversation with their parents and sponsors, and ministry alongside their peers. Confirmation allows teenagers to make a public profession of their faith, sharing for the world to hear, “What God and my parents and my baptismal sponsors and my faith community started on my behalf at the baptismal font, I now claim as my own!” The St. John’s family invites you to Stepping Stones of Faith, an even more intentional expression of support throughout your child’s spiritual journey.
At the significant milestones noted below, we invite each family to return to the baptismal covenant, remembering the promises made with a special gift for the child and a time of creative education for parents. 2016 will be our inaugural year in which every family can select the milestone which is most appropriate for their children, noting the suggested age range for each stepping stone. On the corresponding date, we will celebrate the family in worship, inviting all of God’s people to remember their baptism. Initial Covenant … Baptism for Infants (Scheduled by families) First Stepping Stone … Prayer for Preschoolers (Sunday, February 7) Second Stepping Stone … Family Devotions for Kindergarteners (Sunday, July 31) Third Stepping Stone … Bible for Second Graders (Sunday, October 2) Fourth Stepping Stone … Holy Communion for Middle-Elementary Students (Sunday, April 3) Fifth Stepping Stone … Worship Leadership for Late-Elementary Students or Early Middle Schoolers (Sunday, March 6) Sixth Stepping Stone … Confirmation Kick-Off for Middle Schoolers (Sunday, August 28) Seventh Stepping Stone … Rite of Confirmation for Early High Schoolers (Sunday, October 30) Eighth Stepping Stone … Graduation for Seniors (Sunday, May 8) Ninth Stepping Stone … Departure for College or Military Service (Sunday, August 8) Tenth Stepping Stone … Return from College or Military Service (Sunday, December 18) More information will follow in the Advent/ Christmas and Epiphany newsletter!
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YOUTH & FAMILY
Youth Ministry Thanks to all who participated in our Youth Ministry Kick-Off Lake Party at the O’Hatnicks in August and bowled like bosses in September! You have welcomed our new Youth Ministry Associate, Isaac Taylor, with great gusto, and he is looking forward all the upcoming fun in October and November. Please mark your family calendar for the following dates: • Sunday, October 11 Cooking for and worshiping with the Tyson House students (SPOILER ALERT: Our very own Isaac Taylor is preaching!)
The Rite of Confirmation
• Friday, November 21 & Saturday, November 22 Youth Lake (or Mountain or Gatlinburg) Retreat And finally a word from Pastor Amy: Youth Ministry parents, please remember to shoot Isaac an e-mail with your teen’s sports schedules and recital dates and tournament times; he really wants to know what life beyond the walls of St. John’s looks like for you and your family. Also, he is a college student, so he is open to lunch and dinner invitations!
Sunday, October 25, 11:00 a.m.
“Stir up in Beck and Chloe and Fred the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever.”
We will celebrate the Rite of Confirmation on Sunday, October 25 at 11:00 a.m. Together, we will remember our baptisms and rejoice in the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. Families and friends of our confirmands will then gather at 12:15 p.m. in the Sparks Fellowship Hall for a joy-filled meal.
Second-Year Confirmation Schedule
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January
10
Overview of Article Three of the Apostle’s Creed
24
What and Who Is the Holy Spirit
31
Spiritual Gifts
February 7
Church: The People of God and the Body of Christ
21
Simil Iustus et Pecattor
28 Forgiveness
March
6
Resurrection: Jesus and Me
April
3
How Long Is Eternal Life
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Lutheran History
MOPS is coming to
SAINT JOHN’S! What is MOPS? It is a group for Mothers Of Preschoolers, children aged birth through kindergarten, to feel welcomed, inspired, and have honest conversations about life and parenting. If you have young children, please consider getting involved! We need moms who are interested in joining our group, as well as moms to serve in a leadership role. With many hands, comes light work. We need about three to four interested individuals to help us form this worthwhile group. This way, categories of required work can be spreadout according to your God-given talents! Please volunteer in one of the three capacities needed now. • Marketing - help communicate the scope of this important ministry
• Devotional - plan short devotions to help keep us Christ-centered • Activity - Plan crafts and other such activities. • Mentor - A mom who has already been through the raising of young children. We need you to impart your perspective and wisdom. We will soon be scheduling an informational and planning meeting, but we first would like to form the leadership team. Please consider helping! To volunteer and to find out more information, please contact Anna Chappelle at annaschappelle@gmail.com or call me at 865-824-8886. If you would like to read more about MOPS, you can visit their website at www.mops.org.
Retreat for the
Development of Christian Leaders OCTOBER 15-18 The Via de Cristo weekend is a three-day experience of living in a Christian community in a retreat setting. Pastor Steve Misenheimer is the Spiritual Director for the upcoming October retreat and Laura Trout is the Lay Leader. If you would like to learn more about Tennessee Lutheran Via de Cristo please contact a pastor at St. John’s.
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EVENTS/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Senior Adult Ministry (SAM) First Wednesday of each month
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
SAMs always includes prayer, laughter, fellowship, a great program, and a delicious lunch. Wednesday, November 4
$5/person
Reservations are needed.
Box lunch from McAlister’s Deli Program: Dr. Bill Bass, world re-nowned Forensic Anthropologist and founder of the U. T. Body Farm, will be our guest; his many books will be for sale. Everyone at St. John’s is invited. RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST; FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. There are already reservations for this event. For reservations contact: Mary Cole, 584-3153, memecole@comcast.net
Stephen Ministry … Domestic Violence Conversation Sunday, October 11, 12:15 p.m. “It shouldn’t have been me. I was an educated, upwardly mobile professional. How could I have ended up in a courtroom, waiting to file an order of protection against my husband for domestic abuse? Let me start from the beginning…” Please join the Stephen Ministers for A Domestic Violence Conversation on Sunday, October 11. Hosted with teenage girls and women in mind, we will enjoy a light lunch at 12:15 and then move to the sanctuary to hear Rhonda’s story, share questions, and look or hope in the presence of Christ. Please RSVP for lunch reservations to Toni in the church office at 865-523-3330.
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Habitat House Build #8
Would you prayerfully consider how God is leading you to share in this ministry and consider a gift? Any gift amount will be helpful in fulfilling this mission; make checks payable to St. John’s c/o Habitat House #8. Contact Jim Ley: jamesley05@ comcast.net if you have further questions.
Volunteer!
A New Homeowner!
Sign-Ups are progressing well but more are needed! Our needs are great…Please consider helping one or more Saturdays. Sign-up today in the Welcome Center or by contacting Matt Whitehead Whitehead @ mattdwhitehead@ gmail.com. To sign-up on-line: http://web. kindable.com/knoxvillehabitat/Event/ About/701j0000000eNSMAA2
Yalanda is a hard-working single mother that comes from a very close-knit and loving family. With her daughter Yalana, Yalanda has been living with her parents and brother in the East Knoxville home where
Date Activity Volunteers Needed Oct 17
Blitz - Walls & Roof
30
Oct 24
Interior Walls
12
Oct 31 Siding 10 Nov 21
Painting
6
Dec 5
Interior Trim
7
Financial Contributions Needed Our covenant partnership responsibility as a congregation for Habitat House #8 is $15,000. Thanks to a partnership with Church Street United Methodist and David and Sandy Martin, they will be providing the other 2/3 of the funds or $30,000. We are pleased to report that the early contributions have amounted to nearly 1/3 of what is needed.
she was raised. Yalanda has worked hard and is ready to experience the independence that comes with homeownership. As a family partner with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, she has invested the required 500 hours of “sweat equity” which consists of time and work that every partner family provides as a “down payment” toward homeownership. Yalanda will also be living near her sister and has already witnessed the closeness of the community. “All of the neighbors are so nice … they watch out for each other, and they really take care of their homes too.” She has already made a friend with one of her future neighbors through budget class, taught by our own Dale Teague, and looks forward to more new friendships. There are many reasons homeownership is important to Yalanda, but perhaps one of the most special is to serve as an inspiration to her young daughter. “My daughter can look at me and see what I’ve accomplished, and then she’ll know she can do the same thing.”
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EVENTS/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Katie’s Sisters Who are Katie’s Sisters? Katie’s Sisters is St. John’s women’s ministry, celebrating sisterhood and the gift of vibrant relationship seen in Katie von Bora Luther, Martin Luther’s wife. Known as Dear Kate, she was mother of six, household manager, organizer of finances, master gardener, and beer brewer. The women of St. John’s seek to emulate her creativity in life and relationship!
Who should participate?
What are the upcoming dates? October 24
November 29 Collection of Cookies for College Care Packages November 30
Advent by Candlelight
How can I get updates? Please join the Katie’s Sisters Facebook group or submit your e-mail address for e-mails.
Women of all ages— high schoolers, college students, young professionals, newlyweds, moms of little ones or teenagers or college students, empty nesters, and retirees!
St. John’s KARM MEALS MINISTRY TEAM The KARM Meals team gifts time and dedication to this rewarding program. Each time served, they feed over 200 fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Upcoming opportunities for service are November 7, December 26, and February 13. Please mark your calendars and plan on joining us! All are welcome to participate in this ministry.
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Race for the Cure
Latern Hill Mission Opportunity St. John’s is embarking to create an exciting new mission opportunity in partnership with Lantern Hill, a mission in Ensenada, Mexico.
What is Latern Hill? Lantern Hill is a mission that stresses to educate, love & care. It has its roots in the ELCA – sharing our theology and our overwhelming care for the Global community. The founders, Abby & JJ Williams, who were leaders on several mission trips to Ensenada, Mexico; answered God’s call to serve full time in 2007. The couple sold everything, moved from Los Angeles to Mexico. Soon thereafter, they adopted five Mexican children and had a baby of their own. Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25:31-46 guide Lantern Hill in all it does. Forming relationships by listening, caring, loving and partnering with the people of Ensenada has been the center of their mission to create opportunities to break the chains of poverty. They offer tutoring and educational programs, assistance with uniforms & supplies for school, feeding & nutrition programs and various needs based projects that support and work along-side the community—in the midst of extreme poverty. The mission hires maintenance people, cooks, teachers and assistants from the community. They rescue the young by taking them out of the fields and helping them go to school.
How can you help? • Pray for Lantern Hill. • Plan to serve at Lantern Hill. St. John’s is going for spring break. We will take about 10-15 people this first time. • Attend a presentation at St. John’s in January. • Financially partner with them in their Change One Thing program. (Information is at lanternhillmx.org) If you have any questions, contact Sharon Stancher. Hi, I’m Tortilla! Let me explain how I was blessed by this nickname… - A personal story from St. John’s member, Sharon Stauncher.
For the third time, this summer I was blessed to be able to go to Lantern Hill, a mission to work with the indigenous people of Ensenada, Mexico. Everyday, about 40-50 children, from elementary age to high school age, came to learn Spanish, English, math, PE and art. Summer interns taught the classes and volunteers assisted. I brought art supplies and had different themes for crafts for each day. Their smiles at their accomplishments warmed my heart. I do not speak Spanish so the interns and the children tried to teach me. They laughed when I got things mixed up or just plain wrong. When I could not remember that turtle was “tortuga” I said, “Oh tortilla.” Tortilla became my nickname. I walked some of the children home and saw the conditions that they live in, and it’s heartbreaking. The lunch that Lantern Hill provides could be their only meal of the day. Yet, they are happy children, very loving and give huge hugs!
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EVENTS/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
All is Calm. All is Bright. Advent By Candlelight
Monday, November 30 • 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A festive St. John’s Lutheran Women’s Ministry event, “Advent By Candlelight” will be held on Monday evening, November 30 in the Sparks Fellowship Hall. The program this year, “All is Calm. All is Bright,” will lead us to learn more about God’s Light in our lives. Please plan to join us for an evening of fellowship, beautiful music, and delicious dessert as we prepare our hearts for the seasons of Advent and Christmas. There is no charge for the program, but an offering is optional.
“Hanging of the Greens” Decorating St. John’s for the Advent Season Sunday, November 22nd, Time TBA
Make a Reservation Now! Reservations are currently being taken for table hostesses as well as for individual seats. Please extend an invitation to one of your sisters in Christ and make plans to be a part of this special event. The deadline for signing up to host a table is Sunday, November 15 and the deadline for signing up for the program is Sunday, November 29. Sign-up sheets are available in the Welcome Center, or you may contact Ruth Crowley.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP & FAITH FORMATION
SCHEDULE
Childcare Childcare will be available in the nursery, if needed. Please see Ruth Crowley by Sunday, November 15 to reserve a spot for your child/children.
Valet Parking As a special treat, valet parking will be available beginning at 6:30 pm, with retrieval following the program. Please drive your car to the Portico in front of the Welcome Center for valet parking. We are looking forward to seeing you at Advent By Candlelight! For more information, please contact Ruth Crowley, 405-3727 or rnvc@comcast.net.
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Worship
9:00 a.m.
Fellowship and Faith Formation
10:00 a.m.
Worship
11:00 a.m.
LUTHERAN LIFE
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Grace and peace to you! While I miss my St. John’s family, I am learning, experiencing, and engaging so much right now that I cannot help but be grateful to God for bringing me to this place at this time. This semester I am taking Greek II, New Testament Survey, Foundations in Christian Mission, Church History I, Introduction to Theological Thinking, and Teaching Parish I. The classes are demanding, but I am doing well. The teaching parish I have been assigned, Incarnation Lutheran Church, reminds me of St. John’s because it too invests greatly into its missions. Incidentally, this congregation hosts the local Oktoberfest. It is as if they knew my pension for hospitality and my German heritage before they assigned me there! It has been a blessing to come from such a strong congregation and to have had the opportunity to learn ministry while working and worshiping alongside you. I’ll see you for worship again on Reformation Sunday, October 25, to celebrate what the Holy Spirit is doing in and through this class of confirmands! Feel free to call or text me at (216) 4400961 or email me at adamchristianschultz@ gmail.com. My mailing address is 4201 N. Main Street #287, Columbia, SC, 29203. If you find yourself in the Columbia area, if I am available; I would love to meet up with you. I thank you for remembering me in your prayers. There is no greater kindness than that. In Christ, Adam
NOVEMBER 1 3 4 5 6 7 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 24 26 27 28 29 30
John Stancher Rebecca Perkins Vyvette Solt Chrystal Brewer Libby Stinnett Richard Bender Chris Wise Madi Murphy Deaver Shattuck Amy Hamer Diane Boxx Emily Bradford Mary Sue Bjorklund David Hegseth Terry Irwin Shannon Hancock Scott Hamstead Bill Wing Jackson Mullins George Fowler Thea Peterson Sharon Gamble Sarah Lowe Pat Krogmann Will Trout Colton Murphy Matthew Freeman Hailey Hamer Howard Capito Lee Gagle Joseph Ray Helmut Busse Barbara Thompson Jon Efteland Kellen Walker Lee Ballard Lee Metelka Nicole Blackburn
DECEMBER 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 19 20 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30
Susie Racek Thomas McGalliard Rowan Daugherty Nathan Wise Wilma Miller Herta Olive Dani Warren Keaton Gilbreath Scarlett Lucia Thrasher Anna Chappelle Josie Whitehead Jonathan Freeman Terry Hamer Jenny Ladage Sarah Bast Linda Welch Christie Ragle Beck Hamstead Sarah Morgan Jim Friedrich Sarah Holtz Joe Miller Jacob Gibson Chris Vaden Rivers Chapman Pat Keyes Greg Kalmon Julie Sharp Linda Efteland Craig Friedrich Bob Sharp Reid Zinser Preston Tucker Russ Miller Ryan Lee David Thomas Jennifer Robert Barbara Teague Bari Gerbig Will Wing Elisabeth Bernard Dreama Feezell Charlotte Miller Arlene McCarthy Andrea Menendez Will Boyd
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St. John Lutheran Church 544 Broadway, NW Knoxville, TN 37917
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND STAFF
Stephen Misenheimer Senior Pastor steve@sjlcknox.org Amy C. Figg Pastor of Faith Formation and Leadership Development amy@sjlcknox.org John Tirro Pastor of Congregational Life and Campus Ministry john@sjlcknox.org Deborah Dunne-Sousa Minister of Music
Phone: 865-523-3330 Fax: 865-524-7895 E-mail: INFO@sjlcknox.org Website: www.sjlcknox.org
Isaac Taylor Youth Associate Isaac@sjlcknox.org
Thea Peterson Kids Hope USA Director Mary Elizabeth Peterson & Lisa Minton Nursery Assistants Lisa Foxwell facility@sjlcknox.org
Sylvia Countess Parish Deaconess Sylvia@sjlcknox.org Krista Lee Christian Education Director
Stephen Douglas Christopher Clay Ministry Coordinator Chris@sjlcknox.org Toni Denton Administrative Assistant toni@sjlcknox.org
Darrell Murrell Facility Staff
2015 NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION SCHEDULE Issue
Article Deadline
Mail Date
Advent November 9 Christmas
November 19
Epiphany
December 17
December 7