announcementsandnews

Announcements & News

St. John Lutheran

Mixed Choir

July 1, 2012

Men in Mission

Variously known as the Fourth of July and Independence Day, July 4th has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution (1775-83). In June 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies then fighting in the revolutionary struggle weighed a resolution that would declare their independence from Great Britain. On July 2nd, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later its delegates adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson. From 1776 until the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with typical festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.

We must remember that our Nation was founded so each of us could have religious freedom and worship God without fear. The Men In Mission and The Mixed Choir of St John Lutheran Church proudly carry on this tradition.

Up-coming Event – Save the Date - St. John - Men in Mission "Patriotic Event":

The Men in Mission are planning a "mixed choir" singing event and lunch on July 1, 2012 at / after the late church service. The Mixed Choir will sing the first verse of the of three patriotic songs songs (America the Beautiful, God Bless America, Battle Hymn of the Republic and all verses of God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood). After the church service The MIM will host a typical America patriotic lunch.

Proposed lunch menu:

Hot dogs

Chili

Cokes

Apple Pie (If you would like to bring a dersert please, bring an apple pie.)

Blue Bell Ice

Vacation Bible School:

June 11-15, 2012 - Beginning each night at 5:30 pm at Zion Lutheran Church.

PENTECOST SUNDAY 2012

On May 27, we mark the end of the Easter Season with Pentecost Sunday. On Pentecost, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, given to the church while the apostles were preaching in Jerusalem. We pray that the same Holy Spirit who guided those first disciples might also guide our church and our lives.

After Christmas and Easter, Pentecost is the third most important Sunday of the church year. Our worship is a joyful celebration of the powerful Spirit of God.

Red, the color of the flames of the Spirit, is the traditional color for Pentecost Sunday. We look forward to seeing you on Pentecost Sunday, wearing red to remember the gift of the Holy Spirit.

And may that same Holy Spirit transform your hearts and lives.

Simply Giving

Simply Giving is a program that allows you to give your monthly offering to St. John electronically Without having to worry about writing checks, finding your envelopes, or remembering your offering.

If you would like more information about Simply Giving, talk to Pastor David, or pick up a sign up form from the Narthex.

The deadline for the June Newsletter is:

Monday, May 21st. Submissions received after this date will be included if time and space allow. If material is still relevant, late submissions will be included in the next month’s newsletter. Thank you!

SANTUARY PREPARATION COMMITTEE

We are looking for two volunteers for the Sanctuary Preparation Committee.

Every week, a Sanctuary Prep team of two people sets up communion for Sunday morning. (This is not the Altar Prep Committee, which polishes all of the metal and changes the altar hangings).

If you would be interested in serving the church in this way, please contact Glenda Stegent at

836-6418, or call the church office.

Thank you!

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Special Envelopes for 2012:

January: Lutheran Disaster Response

February: Lutherhill

March: Habitat for Humanity

April: Food for the Poor

May: Council Assistance Fund

June: Gideons

July: Wartburg Theological Seminary

August: Heifer Project

September: Prison Ministries

October: Brenham Mission Society

November: World Hunger

December: Men in Mission Scholarship Fund

2012 Church Council

President

Steve Skrla

Vice-President

John Haarmeyer

Treasurer

Karen Tiller

Secretary

Cassie Westerfeld

Community Concerns

Lisa Finke

Evangelism

Mark Marburger

Financial Secretary

Janice Fairlie

Parish Ed

Pam Knebel

Property

Eddie Longhofer

Worship & Music

Virginia Altman

Evangelism

Mark Marburger

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Council Summary: April 2012

The Church Council of St. John met on April 9, 2012 in the Annex meeting room. All members present.

Pastor David led the council in our study of Not Your Parents Offering Plate.

MSC to approve the March minutes.

Financial reports were received.

Along with youth and adults from churches and other organizations from across Washington County, our Youth will be participating in STRIVE, a program to help those in need in the county.

More than 30 youth and adults helped with the annual Easter Breakfast. In addition, the youth helped to lead worship on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.

Property Chair reported that the well will be hooked up soon, and preparations are being made for the new sign.

MSC to approve building use for a shower hosted by Janice Fairlie on 4/28.

MSC to adjourn.

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REPORT OF HOSPITAL AND PRISON MINISTRY APRIL 2012:

Went to S&W Brenham Hospital 4 times ministering to 153 patients, family members, care givers and staff.

Went to the Brenham Rehabilitation and Nursing Center2 times leading bible study and visiting with the residents.

Spent the day at the Fireman's Training Center for the Pastoral Care Dept. helping with advanced directives on Senior Day.

Traveled 83 miles @.50 ................................................. $41.50

Income

Earline Moody .................................................................. $25.00

WELCA of St John's ..................................................... $111.00

Total .................................................................................. $136.00

Deloes Gaskamp

Volunteer Chaplain

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REACHING YOUR CHURCH OFFICE

By Phone:

979-836-8666

Pastor’s Cell:

979-530-8836

By E-mail:

info@stjohnprairiehill.org

Online:

www.stjohnprairiehill.org

By Mail:

6605 Old Independence Rd.

Brenham, TX, 77833

The church office is open from 9:00 AM—4:00 PM Monday through Thursday.

Find us on Facebook!

http://facebook.com/prairie.hill

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Scholarship Fund

For the last three years, the Men in Mission have awarded scholarships to our graduating high school seniors. We (the men of St. John) would like to provide you with more information about how this scholarship program is funded.

The first endowment to the scholarship fund, a portion of the Hahn Sister Estate ($10,000) was placed in a Certificate of Deposit (CD) with Guaranty Bank of Brenham. This endowment, and all future endowments, will be held intact, only the interest used to help pay for scholarships. The original gift or endowment ($10,000) remains in the scholarship fund invested as long as the program exists. Should the Scholarship program ever be discontinued, original money ($10,000) would be return to the owner, St. John Lutheran Church, Prairie Hill. All endowments are under this same restriction. There was another $10,000 endowment given to the Scholarship by a member of our church family and it too is invested in a CD, providing interest each year to help the fund pay outs. A full explanation on how the endowment program works is available on our church web site or a copy of it can be obtained from the church office.

The names of endowers are inscribed on a plaque located on the wall at the entrance to the Parish Hall. Also, the names of the persons who have received a scholarship award are engraved on this same plaque.

The Scholarship Fund balance reported in this newsletter ($29,138) represents $20,000 invested in CD’s and $9,138 available for scholarships. The available funds will fund the scholarship program at its present rate ($750 per student) through 2012 based on an estimate of eleven candidates for confirmation in the church family. Additional funds will be needed for the following years 2013 & 2014. The Men in Mission are in the process of developing a plan to make sure the scholarship fund is fully funded at least five years in the future. This plan will require additional endowments, gifts and fund raisers.

The Scholarship fund was established and maintained by the Men in Mission (The Men’s Brotherhood, The Men’s Breakfast Group and The Men’s Choir) All men of any age in our church family are welcome to join one or all of these groups and enjoy the fellowship, and support of our church family and in this case support the young members on their way to advanced schooling. If you would like more information or how you can get involved, please call Pastor David and he will direct you to a contact.

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