February 2010

The Epistle Vol. 62 #2

St. John Lutheran Church and School Defiance, Ohio

PURPOSE STATEMENT Worshipping God’s Name… Teaching God’s Word… Living with Christian Values… Caring with God’s Love

Donald L. Luhring, Pastor

655 Wayne Avenue Defiance, Ohio 43512

419-782-5766 Fax: 419-782-0954

E-mail: sjl@defnet.com

Web Site: www.stjohndefiance.com

From Pastor Luhring. . . . .

FEBRUARY IS “EVANGELISM” MONTH.

There are signs that a healthy body is not so healthy. There is a pain here and there. There is increased medication. There are extra check-ups at the doctor’s office. There is a limp in your walk. However, if we did not have these warning signs, then the appropriate care could not be given. The surgery needed would not have been done. Life may even have been shortened. The church is the body of Christ. At times the church becomes sick. What are some of the warning signs of an unhealthy church even when many people are living in denial? 1. The first warning sign is that the church has few outwardly focused ministries. Most of the budget dollars are spent on the desires and the comforts of church members. The staff spends most of its time taking care of members with little outreach to the community the church has been called to serve. 2. The second warning sign is that the church’s dropout rate is increasing. Members are leaving for other churches or are just leaving the local church completely. 3. The third warning sign is that the church is experiencing conflict over issues of budget and building use. The focus of church members is on how the facilities and the money can meet their own needs and their own preferences; church health is clearly on the wane. 4. The fourth warning sign is the pastors have become chaplains. Church members view the pastor as their personal chaplain expecting him to be “on call” for their own needs. When he does not make the expected visit on time, or he does not attend a fellowship event, he receives criticism.

The Good News is that these warning signs can lead to steps to change the health of the body. February is Evangelism month at St. John. We invite you to consider and evaluate the health of our congregation. Pray for its healing. Join activities that will enhance the outreach of our many ministries. We can move from sickness to health. We can turn from inward focus to outward focus. With God’s power and the presence of His Son, we can radiate the Light of Christ into our community.

Tin Caps Reading Program -

The Tin Caps Reading Program will kick-off on Friday, February 5, with an assembly featuring the Tin Caps mascot. Teachers in each class have set reading goals based on the number of pages or books read, the time spent reading, or other reliable criteria, to challenge students to expand their reading. Upon achieving their goals, students will receive a free ticket to a Tin Caps baseball game as well as a free hot dog and soft drink and a chance to run the bases during the St. John School field trip to Fort Wayne on May 26.

School Spelling Bee -

The St. John School Spelling Bee was held on Tuesday, January 12. Seventh grader Matthew Winner was declared the champion and fifth grader Tom Michel was runner-up. Matthew and Tom then competed in the Defiance County Spelling Bee held at the Ayersville Auditorium on Tuesday, January 26. Thanks to Mary Ann Hurst, our Spelling Bee Coordinator, who spent a great deal of her time in helping the students prepare for the contest.

Preschool Visitor Night -

The annual Preschool Visitors’ Night, which will have an open forum, will be held in the gym on Thursday, February 11, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Due to space limitations, each child is to bring only one visitor (parent, grandparent, guardian, etc.) to the event. This year’s theme is “School’s Clues.”

Kindergarten/Preschool/Tigers’ Den Open House -

On Thursday, February 25, an Open House will be held for all those interested in Kindergarten, Preschool or the Tigers’ Den for the 2010-2011 school year. This will allow parents a chance to start thinking about their child’s placement for a particular class or days next year. Children of a parent or parents of St. John as well as children that are currently enrolled at St. John will have first priority in the enrollment process. 2010-11 Registration - Registration for the 2010-11 school year will begin on Monday, March 1, for members and families with students currently attending St. John. Open registration will begin on Monday, March 15. Registration packets will be sent home in mid-February.

Computer Lab/Science Room-

Due to the great need for a 5-8th grade science room, the computer lab was moved to the library during the Christmas break. The former computer lab is now being used for more hands-on science experiences for the 5-8th grade students.

National Lutheran Schools Week –

Plans for National Lutheran Schools Week (March 1 – 5) activities are currently underway. Included will be a Scholastic Book Fair. The National Lutheran Schools Worship Service will be on Sunday, February 28. Springfest – The annual Springfest and Carnival and Silent Auction will be held on Saturday, March 6. Plan on attending and enjoying the fun, food, prizes, games and more. Sponsored by the St. John PTL, Springfest is an important fundraiser for that group.

DIBELS Testing –

DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) testing was done with all Kindergarten through 6th grade students on Tuesday, January 19. Done three times during the year (fall, winter, spring), DIBELS is useful in tracking literacy skills of students.

Awards Assembly/Grade Cards –

An Awards Assembly was held on Friday, January 22, to recognize students for outstanding accomplishments, including perfect attendance at school, church and Sunday School, Honor Roll, and participation in the Spelling Bee during the second quarter. Students with Baptismal Birthdays during the months of December, January, February and March were also acknowledged. Grade cards for the second quarter were sent home on the 22nd as well. Hearts

For Jesus –

St. John students will be participating in the Hearts for Jesus Project in February. Offerings will be collected and forwarded to the Ohio District Mission Support Center for Mission India, a mission that will provide resources for India’s large, needy population. This project further reinforces this year’s school theme “Worship the Lord with Gladness” which is based on service learning, the idea of giving of oneself to help others.

Presidents’ Day –

There will be no school on Monday, February 15.

Spring Musical –

Tryouts for the St. John Spring Musical will be on Tuesday, February 16, and Wednesday, February 17, with the first rehearsal set for Thursday, February 18. The musical will be held on Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24.

Chief Register Receipts –

The Chief Supermarket Good Neighbor program allows for the redemption of Chief register receipts for a cash allowance that is then used to benefit the school. Be aware, however, that the entire register receipt must be submitted in order to qualify. Please deposit your receipts in the collection box located in the cafeteria. Thank you for your support!

An Update for All of You Who Have Been So Faithful in Saving Campbell Soup Labels - Cambpell’s has changed what you need to save! Years ago, Campbell soup accepted the front label from their products to redeem for Labels for Education. Now, Campbell’s will only accept the barcode on the back of the can. At least 51% of the barcode must be present for the label to count. Front labels cannot be used. Thanks!

Now Available –

St. John Scrip Gift Card Center – Pick up gift cards from the booth in the hall by the cafeteria each weekend. Place orders or purchase last minute gift cards. Shop for convenience and benefits to our St. John Church and School programs. Sales of the cards on hand benefit the Friends of the School. Proceeds from cards ordered can be credited to student accounts or designated funds for St. John Lutheran Church and School. Dollar for dollar, it’s an easy way to shop. For example, purchase a $10 Bob Evans gift card. You get the $10 card, and the company that provides the cards to us gives us $1 to be used for our programs. You’ll be surprised how quickly the benefits add up. Order ahead. Gift cards may be picked up in the school office on Thursday afternoons or Friday. They may also be picked up on the weekends at our new gift card center.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Parish Board of Education is looking for a Coordinating TEAM to organize the 2010 Vacation Bible school program! If you would be interested in being a Preschool, Chapel, Recruitment or Program Coordinator, please contact Jen Zachrich at 782-7672 or jen35@zachrichconstruction.com BE CONNECTED St. John e-connections have over 200 individual email addresses. If you would like to be on the e-connections group, please e-mail sjl@defnet.com. What a great way to stay connected!

HELPING HAITI

The Poplar Ridge Church of the Brethren will be holding a collection drive for the people of Haiti on Wednesday, February 3, from 5:00P.M. – 9:00 P.M. and on Saturday, February 6, from 9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Items needed: Soap, toothbrushes, combs, wash clothes, hand towels, hand sanitizer, band aids, gauze, wet wipes, shop towels, scrub brushes, all purpose cleaner, scouring pads, work gloves and latex gloves. All items will be delivered to Haiti through Church World Service. For more information call 419-497-3311.

STEPHEN MINISTRY IS YOUR MINISTRY

“Christ Caring For People Through People”

The Stephen Ministry here at St. John brings care to all in need. This confidential, Christian care giving is a vital part of the total healing ministry of Christ’s body, the Church. Stephen Ministers are trained to aid the care receiver to more effectively deal with their own situations and to grow. As a care receiver you may:

Develop stronger tries with a community of Christians
Grasp the role of suffering in life
Accept forgiveness and grace from God and others
Give forgiveness and love
Increase your level of trust
Start a relationship with God
Learn positive attitudes and expectations
Develop a foundation for holistic stability in your life
Nurture a healthier ego and a realistic self-image Build whole and complete relationships God alone is the one who takes broken individuals and makes them whole. We are in need of more donations to the “Handicap Accessibility Platform Fund.” Special offering envelopes are available in the church pews and the church office for the installation of the ADA lift and to install push button door openers at the south and southwest entrances. Call St. John at 419-782-5766 and ask to speak to a Stephen Leader.

CAROL A. FONT SCHOLARSHIP FUND

To encourage young people to train in the area of education and teaching, St. John Lutheran Church has established the Carol A. Font Scholarship Fund. The student must be a communicant member of St. John Lutheran Church, Defiance, and enrolled and accepted in a college of their choice for an undergraduate program. Applications for the Carol A. Font Scholarship Fund are available in the Church Office. The deadline is April 1. The Endowment Committee

LUTHERAN INFORMATION CLASS

“Life with God” Pastor’s Lutheran Information Class will begin on Sunday, February 14, 2010. During these fourteen weeks of study you will have the opportunity to study and review the basic teachings of our church. We will meet in the Adult Education Room from 6:30 – 8:30 P.M. on Sunday evenings. Call the Church Office for more information 419-782-5766.

TREASURER MID-YEAR UPDATE

Paul Stockinger, Treasurer As we recently closed the halfway point in our fiscal year, I reviewed our giving and spending totals in relation to the budget that the Congregation approved in August and made a formal report to Parish Planning this month. While our overall giving and school enrollment were below original projections, our expenses have been significantly less than planned. As such, our budget picture is favorable and projects well through the end of the year if we continue on the present course. My second half forecast includes the giving pledges we made during the Consecrated Stewards program in November. God has richly provided the opportunity to get our financial house in order in 2010 and I would like us to make the most of this opportunity. In addition to a positive budget picture, we have made some inroads towards reducing our debts, both short and long term. Lastly, we will be moving forward with a loan with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund to refinance the 2 mortgages on our rental properties and the remaining balance needed to complete the handicap accessibility project. Meanwhile, we will continue to work on debt reduction without seeking an additional loan at the present time. I would like to express my thanks to the many that have made sacrifices this year and have helped us be good stewards of what has been provided for the church and school. May God's blessings be with you and our church family in the new year.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

On February 21 there will be a Congregational meeting. We will meet in the Fellowship Room at 2:00 P.M. We will have a Loan Summary Report, Mid-year Budget and Debt update, an introduction of a draft of the 2010/2011 Budget, Youth Intern update, Tigers’ Den and School Financing updates, and an Associate Pastor Update. Please attend this informational meeting.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES

The Annual Meeting will be March 15 at Hilton Garden Inn, Perrysburg, featuring Don Wharton, singer and song writer. Make reservations by calling 419-243-9178.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING

“Lord, as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us to be mindful of those without even a bowl of soup to eat.” On Sunday, February 7, we will be having a soup bowl collection after each of the services. Money given will benefit our St. John Food Pantry. Share God’s love with those in need. Please give generously.

TONER CARTRIDGE RECYCLING

Last year we received $1539.74 worth of FREE merchandise from Office Max. PLUS every time Rita Bergman would purchase items she would have a coupon for monies off the order, thereby increasing the amount of FREE merchandise. Ways to help: • Have your purchase applied to the church MaxPerks card. The number is: 754898518. For every $500.00 spent at Office Max you receive $25.00 on the MaxPerks account. • Please bring in qualifying visibly undamaged HP, Dell, Lexmark, Brother, Epson, Samsung, Kodak, Sharp or Canon ink or toner cartridges at the south entrance St. John reception area. Place in the recycle box. • If you receive coupons from Office Max, and do not want them, please drop them off at the church office. Thank you to everyone who has donated their cartridges.

ASH WEDNESDAY LENTEN MEAL

Wednesday, February 17 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Menu: Pulled Pork Sandwiches Potato Salad Cole Slaw Baked Beans Dessert Coffee and Beverages Profits will benefit the Youth.

ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 17

The season of Lent begins February 17 with special mid-week worship at 1:00 P.M. and at 7:30 P.M. Pastor Luhring invites you to spend “40 Days with Jesus” during our Lenten Worship. We will read and meditate on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount for 40 days from Matthew 5-7.

What did Jesus really teach? Who is Jesus? What did Jesus really mean in His teaching? We will spend 40 days going verse by verse studying the Beatitudes of Jesus.

Matthew 5: 3-12

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CLOTHES CLOSET 2009 HIGHLIGHTS

St. John Lutheran Clothes Closet continues to be a valuable ministry outreach of our congregation. During the year, about 160 bags of clothing were given out free of charge to area families in need. Many St. John Lutheran and community volunteers helped to sort, organize and sell clothing, spending about 70 hours per week at the Clothes Closet performing these various tasks. Thanks to these workers including Leola Zachrich, Deb Walters, Dave Boehm, Sharon Boehm, Laurie Ryan, Jo Luderman,Vicki Vogel, Marlyn Reeb, Racheal Rost, Donna Swary, Sue Bidlack, Marianne Baldwin, Elaine Harris, Kenny Harris, Diana Salisbury, Wilma Beaverson, Susie Curl, Diane Moser, Sue Boesling, Lolita Wagner, Maggie Mack, Delora Duerk, Sharon Keller, Marlyn Burke, Vi Memmer, Carol Schuette, and Marilyn Guilliam. Additional thanks go to Fred Schuette, St. John Building Fund Treasurer, for help with numerous monetary concerns, and the St. John Lutheran Board of Trustees for their continued help in maintaining the property at 646 Wayne, where the Clothes Closet is located. In particular, John Duerk and George Gyurnek from the Trustees were especially helpful in providing prompt and skilled assistance. Also, The Men’s Project TEAM at St. John helped do numerous work projects at the Clothes Closet. Approximately $19,700 was earned this year from the sale of good quality, reasonably priced merchandise. Most of the profits from this year, over $18,650, were used to help pay for various church and community projects. Here is a list of the major projects:

$500 to the “My Gift for Kids” project
$10,000 to St. John Lutheran Missions commitment
$500 for RAVEN’s “Back-to-School Supplies” project
$250 for St. John Lutheran “Card Ministry” program
$500 for Christmas candle drip protectors
$2,900 for various plumbing repairs on church property
$1500 for the new stove for St. John Lutheran kitchen
$500 for the new Handicapped Access Fund
$1000 for a new sidewalk in front of 646 Wayne property
$1000 for St. John Lutheran kitchen dishwasher repairs Thanks to all those who helped in any way to support the Clothes Closet.

WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?

During the month of February the Board of Evangelism will be emphasizing the importance of practicing hospitality to each other and especially to our visitors. Many times we have members who only occasionally attend. It is important that we make them feel welcome also. We are also emphasizing the importance of regular worship attendance. God commands us in the third commandment to “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” This means that we must set aside time each week to hear God’s word and participate with fellow Christians in the sacraments and praise God together. Martin Luther in the large Catechism notes “Do not think that this is optional for you or of no great importance. Think, that it is God’s commandment, who will require an account from you (Romans 14:12) about how you have heard, learned, and honored His word”. We have many members who are disregarding this commandment for any number of reasons. God’s word is very specific that when we die or when Jesus returns on the last day every one of us will require an account for our lives on this earth and what or who we have put our faith in. Jesus remembers that every one of us sins daily and falls short of the Glory of God. It is only by His Grace alone and through the death and resurrection of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ that we are given the gift of Eternal Life in Heaven. We need to participate often in receiving Christ’s body and blood in Holy Communion to receive His forgiveness for our sins. If you are not worshipping regularly we urge you to start now. The last weekend in February (Feb. 27-28) will be designated “Friend Weekend.” We ask everyone to invite a friend to worship during the month of February and especially on February 27-28. Let’s fill up the church and truly show that we are friends (Friends of Jesus). hat hat is hospitality?

SUPPER AT THE PATH CENTER

On February 8, St. John Food Pantry volunteers and the Evangelism Board is serving a meal to the clients at the Path Center. Many St. John volunteers are providing a delicious homemade meal. The menu includes: turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, corn, dinner rolls, desserts and beverages. St. John is reaching out into the community to show that we care. Jo Luderman is the coordinator of this event.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR PROJECTS

1.) “The Men’s Project Team” will meet on Friday, February 5, 9:00 A.M. Friday. Come to the Lunch Room for a light breakfast and fellowship. During this time current projects will be discussed. Call Nancy Schatz if you are interested.

2.)“Phone Calling of Members” Phone calls to make caring contacts with members, listen to shut-ins, share in their struggles with illness and loneliness, etc. Calling will be done on Tuesday evenings. Call Phil Rohlf 784-0495 or the church office 782-5766.

3.)“First Impressions” Our ministry of ushering and greeting has a purpose statement: “Guests should know they matter to God and to us in the first ten minutes!” The first impression given by our greeters and by our ushers is the most important feeling a visitor or a potential new member carries out with them when they leave our services. Before they hear the message of God’s Word that every child matters to God, each visitor must know that they truly do matter to us! Call Mike, 393-2513, or Jim, 784-3122, for more information!

4.)“PowerPoint Preparers” are needed to prepare the weekly orders of worship for projecting at worship services. Call the church office (782- 5766) or Rita Bergman (419-782-4213) if you want more information.

5.)“Clickers” for the weekend worship services. Must be dependable and have good attention span during all parts of the worship service. Call Jim Gary 395-2192 or the church office 782-5766 for more information.

6.)“Sound” people are needed to help with monitoring the sound controls in all worship services. Are you interested?

7.)“Video Taping of 11:00 service” This ministry needs someone who can learn to use a video camera and do some editing. Call the church office or Carroll Bergman 782-9086.

8.)“Receptionists” are needed who can help for four hours either in the morning or in the afternoon at the reception desk. Please call Nancy Schatz for a job description or for more information.

ST. JOHN IS CALLING AN ASSOCIATE PASTOR UPDATE:

Through the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod’s placement process, the Call Committee will continue to seek God’s will. The placement director, Pastor Hoehner, contacted us with the names of five candidates, who will be graduating in May, 2010. It seems that three of the five meet our job description best. The Call Committee will be meeting soon to consider the profiles of each candidate and scheduling an interview visit to the Seminary in St. Louis.

1. Develop Contemporary Worship a. To guide the Contemporary Lutheran Worship Service as an outreach worship opportunity with Worship Team training and support for musicians, drama and singers. b. To develop a Contemporary Youth Worship Service for Youth and Young Adults.
2. Develop and lead the Ministry of Assimilation
3. Develop and lead an effective Evangelism Ministry The Call Committee consists of Otto Nicely (Chm), Angie Morris, Sarah Cavin, Jen Zachrich, Ivan Duerk, Michael Kemper, and Pastor Luhring.

BOARD OF YOUTH MINISTRY

The Board of Youth Ministry is submitting all necessary paper work for applying for a Youth Intern from Concordia University – Chicago in the May, 2010 class of prospective candidates. Members of the Youth Board and volunteers have been serving faithfully since Dave McGinley left in November for Knoxville, Tennessee. Mark Steketee has been serving as the Worship Leader each week for The Bridge Worship Service in the gym.

CLOTHES CLOSET

The ladies at the Clothes Closet are in great need for children’s and men’s winter clothing. Please drop off your donations to the porch at the Clothes Closet. Thank you.

FACILITY IMPROVEMENT

Handicap Accessibility We thank everyone who has donated to this special project. We are in need of more donations to the “Handicap Accessibility Platform Fund.” Special offering envelopes are available in the church pews and the church office for the installation of the ADA lift and to install push button door openers at the south and southwest entrances.

UPDATE: FOOD PANTRY AND SOCIAL WELFARE FOOD PANTRY STATISTICS FOR JANUARY

108 Families Served

365 Bags of Food Given App. $3,670.00 Worth of Food Given

SOCIAL WELFARE STATISTICS FOR JANUARY

$375 for Rent (Evictions)

$20 for Gasoline (For Doctor’s Appointments)

$717.55 for Toledo Edison

$252 for Ohio Gas $500 for Water

$20 for Prescriptions

Total Given = $1,934.55

We thank everyone who donates food and/or money to our Food Pantry and Social Welfare Fund. Thank you for helping those in need.

An Update for All of You Who Have Been So Faithful in Saving Campbell Soup Labels - Campell’s has changed what you need to save! Years ago, Campbell soup accepted the front label from their products to redeem for Labels for Education. Now, Campbell’s will only accept the barcode on the back of the can. At least 51% of the barcode must be present for the label to count. Front labels cannot be used. Thanks!

Now Available – St. John Scrip Gift Card Center –

Pick up gift cards from the booth in the hall by the cafeteria each weekend. Place orders or purchase last minute gift cards. Shop for convenience and benefits to our St. John Church and School programs. Sales of the cards on hand benefit the Friends of the School. Proceeds from cards ordered can be credited to student accounts or designated funds for St. John Lutheran Church and School. Dollar for dollar, it’s an easy way to shop. For example, purchase a $10 Bob Evans gift card. You get the $10 card, and the company that provides the cards to us gives us $1 to be used for our programs. You’ll be surprised how quickly the benefits add up. Order ahead. Gift cards may be picked up in the school office on Thursday afternoons or Friday. They may also be picked up on the weekends at our new gift card center.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

LEARN THE ART OF MACHINE QUILTING

We will make small and large projects. All you will need is to bring your sewing machine and creative minds. Our next group will be on Saturday, February 6, at 9:30 A.M. We will meet in the Art Room. For more information contact Jeanette Tingle, 419-438-3134, tingle5616@roadrunner.com or Barb Saxton, 419-393-2513, basaxton@defnet.com.

LADIES AID

The ladies will meet on February 25, at 2:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Room. Roger Mohr will give the history of the names of Defiance streets. Refreshments will be served. Come and bring a friend.

IRON MEN BIBLE STUDY

The Friday’s Men Bible Study Group called “Iron Men” that meets at 6:30 each Friday is studying a new book called “The Relationship Principles of Jesus” or “40 Days of Love”. All men are invited to join this one hour study in the Lunch Room with hot coffee, tea, and rolls. Friday mornings from 6:30-7:30 is another opportunity to study in depth with Pastor Luhring the basic relationship principles of Jesus. What would you give to radically improve, even transform, what matters most in your relationships? You are invited! See you next Friday!

REVELATIONS

Faye Luhring is finishing up a study on Angels on Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. in the Lunch Room. After this study she will continue her study on Revelations. Everyone is invited to attend.

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN GIRL SCOUTS

We are growing! A recruiting meeting was held on Monday, January 25. Due to the response at that meeting, we have decided to start a Girl Scout Junior troop for the 4th and 5th grade girls. St. John Lutheran now has a Girl Scout Daisy troop (K-1st) which is lead by Jena Hibbard, a Brownies troop (2nd-3rd), which is lead by Ashley Gagnon, and now a Junior troop (4th-5th), which is lead by Sarah Cavin. All three age groups will be meeting at the same time in the Fellowship Room for now. Our meetings for February are scheduled for the 9th and the 23rd from 3:30 - 5:00 pm. If our next meeting will be your first, please make sure a parent is available to talk to your troop leader and fill out your registration forms at the close of the meeting. There is a $12.00 registration fee to get started and $4.00 monthly dues throughout the year. Snack for the February 9 meeting will be provided by Hannah Burns. For more information contact one of the leaders: Jena Hibbard 419-572-9920 Ashley Gagnon 419-2495 or Sarah Cavin 419-438-6003.

PASTORAL ACTS BAPTISMS

Dylan Robert Henderson December 27, 2009
Parker Elizabeth DuBose-Schmitt December 31, 2009

DEATHS

Charles Ripke who died December 1, 20009 Received Christian Funeral December 4
Helen Steingass who died December 30 Received Christian Funeral January 4, 2010
Vic Vogel who died January 25 Received Christian Funeral January 28

ALTAR FLOWER AND COMMUNION CALENDAR FOR 2010

The Altar Flower and Communion Calendar for 2010 is available in the Church Office. Call 419-782-5766 to reserve your special dates. Many times are available.

PASTOR LUHRING’S SERMON THEMES

Jan. 30/31 The Lord’s Prayer: Surrender Matthew 6:10
Feb. 6/7 The Lord’s Prayer: Dependence Matthew 6:11
Feb. 13/14 The Lord’s Prayer: Release Matthew 6:12
Feb. 20/21 The Lord’s Prayer: Cleansing Matthew 6:12
Feb. 27/28 The Lord’s Prayer: Deliverance Matthew 6:13
Mar. 6/7 The Lord’s Prayer: Fulfillment Matthew 6:13

INVITE FRIENDS TO CHURCH PASTOR’S SERMON SERIES

Please extend an invitation to your unchurched family members and friends to attend services with you. Many people say that they did not attend a church service “Because nobody invited me”. So invite your friends to hear God’s Word and to become a member of God’s Family. Your pastor’s Sermon Series are designed to be contemporary and aimed for bringing God’s Word to bear on our most significant struggles and challenges of life. Because of Jesus we have hope for tomorrow, confidence in the future, light in our darkness, victory in each trial, rest when we are weary and love for a life time – for Jesus is the Light of the world. Our worship services focus on God’s story and how it can still impact lives with stronger faith today and with hope for tomorrow. Bring a friend to worship.

INFORMATION ON THE WEB PAGE www.stjohndefiance.com If you go to our web page you will find the following:

Weekly bulletin announcements
Pastor’s sermon and notes
The Epistle
Monthly Calendar
Worship schedules