The Eagle June, July, August 2016

Movie Nights: Beginning June 6th, 7:00–10:00 PM

Godspell

Movie Nights—Summer Jesus Film Festival The Gospels on the big screen! Come join us as we watch three different film presentations of the story of Jesus. These are not your old fashioned, approved for Sunday School, film renderings either. This will complement our Read the Bible in a Year, but come join us whether you have been reading or not. All screenings in Hinman Hall on Mondays at 7:00 PM.

June 6

Godspell (1973) This modern revision of the gospel account sets the story in a world of acting troupe—often with a very playful, comedic approach. This movie deals with the parables in a much more interesting way than most film adaptations. There is also a very interesting, Markan approach to the resurrection.

July 18

The Gospel According to St. Matthew (1964) One of the most famous film depictions of Jesus to be made by a non-believer. Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini created this film using the text of the gospel and casting ordinary people instead of actors. Here the text of the gospel is given a stark, impressionistic visual rendering.

August 22

The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) Directed by one of the most important filmmakers of our time, Martin Scorsese, this Jesus-film draws not from any one gospel but rather an imaginative novel about Jesus’ greatest temptation—to have led an ordinary life. This summer we plan to offer two

types of events for St. John’s families: Movie Nights for older youth and adults, and Family Bowling afternoons for families of all ages, but especially younger and middle-school aged children. Mark the dates on your calendars now and look for more information on the weekly email updates.

Hinman Hall Worship August 7, 14, 21

We will once again worship in Hinman Hall for three consecutive Sundays this summer. Moving out of the sanctuary allows us to worship in a more intimate setting and helps encourage us to experience worship in a new way. It is also a great opportunity to meet members of the congregation who you may not know well.

Enjoy conversation, fellowship and food after the 10:30 AM service as "Lemonade Sundays", sponsored

by the Evangelism Committee, take place during the summer. Volunteers are needed to prepare iced tea and lemonade supplied by the church and to bring a healthy and/or sweet snack. A sign-up sheet is in the entrance hall.

Lemonade Sundays Beginning June 19

Church Picnic Sunday, June 12th following

the 10:30 AM service What could be better than joining your St. John’s family on the front lawn for this year’s church picnic? Last year more than 60 of us gathered after the 10:30 AM worship service for food, fun and fellowship. This year’s picnic will feature a bouncy house for children, more fun throwing sponges at the pastors (to raise money for World Hunger) and eating wonderful home-made goods and desserts. Come join us for the fun!

June 26 July 24

Summer Family Events

9/11 Service & God’s Work our Hands

This year will be the 15th Anniversary of the September 11th national tragedy. It is also the ELCA day designated as “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday. As part of the 9/11 commemoration, there will be a Summit Interfaith Council worship service on the Village Green at 9:00 AM. Mark your calendars and plan on joining us for this remembrance. More will be forthcoming about the ways in which we will participate in God’s Work Our Hands Sunday.

“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). We are people of the book. Christians, Jews, and Muslims share this common familial heritage of faith founded and formed by Holy Scripture. For we Lutherans, the study of the Bible and the proclamation of the Word of God is right at the heart of our history and identity.

We are about to enter into the Season after Pentecost, Ordinary Time, or “the Green Season.” For the next several months the Church does not observe any special seasons of preparation or celebration. There are no fixed Sunday feast days. Instead, our liturgical calendar calls us to a long period of reflection on growth as disciples of Jesus Christ. This is time for the Church to really contemplate what it means to be a Christian—to live in God’s grace and to keep God’s commandments.

During this season of “Ordinary Time,” we will hear, wrestle, and ingest portions of scripture that are at times less familiar and on occasion troubling. The lectionary through the coming months is not centered on the high points in Christ’s life, which we know so well: the Nativity, the Epiphany, the Passion, or the Resurrection. Rather, we will hear from Jesus’ teachings. The epistles are read continuously through several books; and this year, we will follow the semi-continuous track of Old Testament lessons. This alternative will allow us to hear a greater swath of the Old Testament narrative that we otherwise never hear in worship. There will be lots of new and old scripture texts to meditate on—this is a good thing.

Likewise, we continue our congregation’s Read through the Bible in a Year. This has been a really wonderful experience! Many people have commented on how they are learning and being challenged by the stories of the Bible. We have read through the great accounts of the Torah, the cries of the prophets, the beauty of the Psalms, and the complexities of the wisdom literature. If you have been reading along the whole time, wonderful. If you started and fell off track at some point, or perhaps never started at all, here is a reentry point. On June 28 we begin the New Testament with the Gospel of Matthew. Join us for the New Testament and be enriched by this spiritual discipline of scripture study.

God’s Word provokes us, inspires us, challenges us, renews us, and changes us. I leave you with words from a glorious 20th Century hymn about the Word of God. May all of us at St. John’s be drawn closer to God in the Word and invigorated for lives of service in the world.

In Christ, Pastor Blake

O God of light, your Word, a lamp unfailing,

(From Pastor Blake— Continued on pg. 4)

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Summer is nearly upon us. The older I get, the more quickly the days and years seem to pass. Some of them are painful and sad, others replete with joy and profound gratitude. Amidst it all though, Jeremiah’s words from Lamentations that we read this week as part of our Daily Bible Reading stand out for me: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

Sometimes it’s hard for us to remember that God’s steadfast love and mercies never come to an end, especially when the contrary seems to be the case. Not only do individuals face such a reality, congregations do as well. They fear shrinking numbers and financial resources; lack of vision and enthusiasm for the mission to which God calls them; and too often a worshipping life that is uninspiring and a life of service that is nonexistent.

While most of these descriptions do not apply to St. John’s, we are surely not immune from the perils that affect other congregations. And as we move into the summer months, I confess that I fear what others do too --- lower worship attendance; offerings that are only given when people actually come to church and an indifference about our call to follow Jesus.

A few weeks ago the New Jersey Synod of the ELCA met in assembly. The theme for the assembly was, “Be Not Afraid” and what a fitting theme it was. Be not afraid! We heard this theme in the powerful sermon preached by Bishop Ernst Gamxamub from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia from Namibia. (By the way, our own Linda Walker served as host for Bishop Ernst during part of his stay in the United States.)

We heard the good news throughout our worship services that were wonderfully planned by Pastor Scalet and others and led by our own Ken Bryson as song leader. It was worship that filled our hearts with courage and hope for the days ahead.

We heard the theme in the important resolutions that were passed. We were challenged to support unaccompanied migrant children and the hunger ministry of the ELCA. We were urged to stand with those living with mental illness and to educate ourselves about this all-too-often silent crisis. We were confronted once again to bravely do our work of dismantling racism and to publicly confess the ways in which we Lutherans were complicit in the 400+ years of slavery and oppression of African-Americans.

“Be not afraid!” That’s what the gospel says to us today; that nothing need keep us from journeying into the future to which God is drawing us. God holds the future, dear ones, and calls us to be unafraid in facing it. But should times of anxiety arise, let us remember that God’s steadfast love never ceases and God’s mercies never

(From Pastor Gladys— Continued on pg. 4)

From Pastor Gladys From Pastor Blake

From the Director of Music/Organist

Thanks to All our Musicians and Dancers!

As the program year comes to a close with Music Sunday on June 5th, I am reminded of how blessed we are at St. John’s to have such generous and talented individuals in-volved in St. John’s music and performing arts ministry. With four regular choirs/ensembles, periodic instrumental and vocal groups, and almost 50 instrumentalists, singers, ringers, and dancers of all ages participating over the course of this past year, we have sought to serve God through our talents and to be a blessing to others. We are grateful for our musicians’ service and look forward to whatever God might be calling us to do in the fall when choirs and ensembles resume.

Summer Liturgies

The summer worship season is almost here! 8:00 AM wor-shippers will continue to enjoy singing Setting 10, and 10:30 AM worshippers will feast on singing Setting 6, which was introduced this past January, during the 10:30 AM services. On August 7th, 14th, and 21st, worship will be in Hinman Hall.

10:30 AM Worship–Music Service Opportunities:

Liturgy Instrumentalists: We have parts in Setting 6 for guitar, bass, and percussion and can create parts for other instruments if you are interested.

Cantors: Cantors are needed every week during the summer months to cantor the Kyrie and/or psalm. Sign up in the rear entryway.

Offering music: Singer? Instrumentalist? Dancer? Hiding your light under a bushel? Let it shine this summer! See the sign-up sheet in the rear entry-way to choose a week to contribute a musical/dance offering.

One-Week Choirs: All those who love to sing are wel-come to participate in these “rehearse at 9:00 AM and sing at 10:30 AM” choirs on Sundays, July 24th, and Aug. 21st.

One-Week Bell Choir: Watch the bulletin board in the rear entryway for a sign-up list to register your in-terest. A mutually convenient date will then be cho-sen.

Summer Hymn Sings: Save the dates: Sundays, June 26th, July 24th & August 21st at 10:20 AM!

Graduating Senior Musicians: This year we wish to rec-ognize two high school seniors who have served in St. John’s music ministry: Johanna Snyder, who has been a member of the Lutherringers, played electric and acoustic bass whenever asked, played piano solos, sang with the Youth/Young Adult Singers, and served as cantor; and Alex Regner, who played both clarinet and tenor sax in worship on several occasions. We are grateful for their ser-vice and pray that they will continue to use, develop, and share their musical gifts wherever life takes them.

New Name Needed: We’re expanding the age range of

(From the Director of Music/Organist— Continued on pg. 6)

SJSCS—The Year in Review

Wow what a year! The second season of the St. John’s Summit Concert Series was marked with great success and incredible performances from the dynamic Calidore String Quartet, incomparable Chanticleer, effervescent Emmet Cohen, legendary Peter Yarrow, to the brilliant members of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra rounding out the season. Our season and St. John’s welcomed many visitors from near and far for our concerts. On behalf of the concert series committee please accept our immense “Thank You” for an incredible year and for your continued support.

Looking Ahead

We are also thrilled to announce our third season after much anticipation. Our season will begin with a trio led by one of the greatest musicians and violinists of our time. One Sunday, October 2nd at 3:00 PM we welcome Pinchas Zukerman, violinist, along with Amanda Forsyth on cello, and Angela Cheng on piano.

Beginning in 2011 Zukerman, along with cellist Amanda Forsyth and pianist Angela Cheng, began offering trio repertoire as an alternative to the quintet works with the ChamberPlayers. In addition to piano trios by Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Dvorak and Shostakovich, programs often include duo performances with various couplings including the Kodaly Duo. Invitations from major Festivals and venues led to the official launch of the Zukerman Trio in 2013. The ensemble has traveled around the globe to appear in Japan, China, Spain, Italy, France, Hungary, South Africa, Istanbul, Russia, and throughout the United States. Appearances at major European Festivals have included Edinburgh, Verbier and the BBC Proms. This season the Zukerman Trio performs a benefit for the IRIS Orchestra and appears at the Broward Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Bravo! Vail Festival and New York's 92nd Street Y on its Distinguished Artists series. The Trio returns for its second tour to South America including appearances in Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Brazil, and also performs in Italy, Spain, Korea, Japan and Australia.

Sunday, November 6th, we will welcome the young 17-year-old piano phenom, Wei Luo. Wei has been taking the classical musical world by storm, winning the International Chopin Competition and the Rachmaninov International Piano Competition. She has a varied repertoire including Prokofiev, Bach, Rachmaninoff, and Beethoven.

In February and/or March (Date TBD) we are extremely excited to welcome the West Point Glee Club. This 60 plus choir has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Tanglewood, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as well as the Super Bowl. The Glee Club has been one of the U.S. Military’s most visible cadet organizations for over 100 years.

Our season ends on June 3rd with a return performance

(Concert Series— Continued on pg. 6)

Upcoming Vacations

June 20-June 29—Pastor Scalet August 5-August 16—Pastor Moore

Shall pierce the darkness of our earthbound way And show your grace, your plan for us unveiling,

And guide our footsteps to the perfect day.

From days of old, through blind and willful ages, Though we rebelled you gently sought again

And spoke through saints, apostles, prophets, sages, Who wrote with eager or reluctant pen.

Undimmed by time, those words are still revealing

To sinful hearts your justice and your grace; And questing spirits, longing for your healing,

See your compassion in the Savior's face.

To all the world your summons you are sending Through all the earth, to ev'ry land and race,

That myriad tongues, in one great anthem blending, May praise and celebrate your gift of grace.

-Sarah E. Taylor, 1952

(From Pastor Blake—Continued from pg. 2) come to an end. They are new every morning of every day. God’s faithfulness is great. Let us ponder it; give praise for it and proclaim it through our lives.

Have a great summer and see you in church!

In Christ’s Peace, Pastor Gladys

(From Pastor Gladys—Continued from pg. 2)

April Financial Update

Every Sunday in the Great Thanksgiving before communion we hear these words: "It is indeed right, our duty and our joy...

It is our duty and our joy to receive the gift of Christ's own body given for us and our salvation. Similarly, it is our duty and our joy to financially support the church's ministry as we seek to advance God's mission in the world.

Our joy may well be full, but sadly, we are missing the mark in our duty to financially support the cost of our varied and wonderful ministries.

To do all that we do at and through St. John's first and foremost, we need committed disciples. But we also need staff and a building. And although we do not—and should not—make our financial commitments just to meet a budget, we do need to be cognizant of the budget.

Here is a snapshot of where are financially as we prepare to move into the summer months when giving is often lower than it is the rest of the year.

Year to Date Income: $178,998 Year to Date Plan: $220,000 Favorable/(Unfavorable): ($41,002)

In addition, our budgeted income is well below our current expenses:

Year to Date Income: $178,998 Year to Date Expenses: $216,010 Favorable/(Unfavorable): ($37,012)

Facing this challenge of reduced giving vs. higher expenses will require that all of us do our "duty" so that we can continue the good work God has called us to do.

Please do your part in getting St. John's back on track financially. If you can give more and give generously, please do. If you haven't given, there's no time like the present to start. It is indeed our duty and our joy.

Thank you all that you've done and are doing to share God's love with the world. And remember that even when you go on vacation, God does not, nor do the church's ministries.

Hinman Scholars Loan

The Hinman Scholars Loan Fund was established by the Congregation Council to honor the Rev. Dr. Willis S. Hinman and Erma Hinman, who served St. John's Church from 1930-1964. Its purpose is to make money available for loans to members of the congregation who are continuing their formal education after high school. These loans are extended on an interest-free basis, with the understanding that the recipients will repay them within five years of their graduation.

A committee appointed by the Congregation Council receives the application for these loans and will decide to whom and in what amounts the loans are made. Students who wish to be considered for Hinman Scholars Fund loans for the school year 2016-2017 may pick up an application from the church office or request that one be emailed. Applications should be returned to the church office.

Lutheran Youth Summer Programs Grant Fund

Applications are now available in the church office for the Lutheran Youth Summer Programs Grants. These gifts will enable children and youth in grades 2-12 to attend Lutheran-based camps such as Cross Roads Camp, Lutheran Summer Music Program, etc., with the expectation that those attending such programs will share their experiences with the congregation in some mutually agreed upon fashion. The program is made possible through the re-direction of up to $5000.00 per year from the Hinman Scholars Loan. For more information please see one of the pastors.

On Saturday, May 7, the Church Property Committee held its annual Spring Work Day and accomplished the following tasks: washed walls in Hinman Hall and the kitchen; cleaned and organized the kitchen; applied touch-up paint in the education wing and Hinman Hall; prepared the fountain in the memorial garden for its spring debut; repaired lights along the front walkway; cleaned and polished pews; repaired squeaky pews; repaired two kneelers, repaired pocket door in kitchen; cleaned the boiler room; installed glass in the conference room door and adult lounge door; cleaned gutters; washed all the metal folding chairs and shampooed many of the seats on them. A hearty "thank you" to Chris Black, Jama Bowman, Hans Calis, Helen Dachowicz, Donna Garzinsky, Kyle Goetke, Mike Goetke, Liz Holler, R. J. Klein, Andrew Larsen, Thelma McNulty, Mark Nedde, and Joy Petzinger.

Property Day Thank You

Kristen M. Beck graduated from Columbia University's School of Physicians and Surgeons this year with a M.D. degree. She will be starting a residency at the University of Michigan in Internal Medicine starting in June. Jane Bowman graduated from Drew Theological School with a Master of Arts in Ministry. Lauren Miller graduated with a Master's degree in Statistical Practice from Carnegie Mellon University on May 15th. Last May, she received her undergraduate degrees from CMU in Statistics and Business with a concentration in Finance. She will begin her career on June 27th as a research analyst with TransUnion in Chicago, IL. Ryan Meier graduated with a BA degree from the Berklee College of Music in Boston where he plans to stay. His band, Cherry Mellow, will begin a promotion tour for their recently released first album, 'Feng Shui'. Dan Wright is graduating from Mendham High School and will be attending Rowan University.

Congratulations 2016 Graduates

Blessing of College Students August 14 & 21:

Details for the following available in Fall Issue

9/11 15th Anniversary Community Church Service 9/18 Rally Day—First Day of Sunday School 9/25 Third Graders Receive Bibles

Check out the Nursery!

The Parish Education Committee coordinated efforts to spruce up our nursery. With the help of some Thanksgiving and Memorial funds, new tables and chairs were purchased, the old wallpaper was stripped and the walls painted, with a new mural of Spark Bible illustrations coming soon. We also hope to provide an IPad to allow parents to hear the service while accompanying their children during their visits in the nursery.

Council Highlights

The council has spent significant time looking at the budget and continues to be concerned about the decline in giving. The expenses to date are in line with the 2016 budget and spending is conservative.

St. John’s hosted a synodical event on Islam with Dr. David Grafton. It was well received by 45 attendees.

Nursery renovations are ongoing.

Race: the Power of an Illusion

The Summit Interfaith Council has been intentionally working to educate our congregations about racism and to encourage us all to become anti-racist organizations and individuals. Becoming anti-racist is an active and ongoing experience to which the people of God are called as we seek to create a more just and equitable society. Whether in dialogues, book studies or other events, we are trying to learn about the ways in which racism has privileged some in our country, particularly white persons, and adversely affected others, especially African Americans and other people of color. Antiracism work means confronting the ways in which all of us have been mis-educated as American citizens.

Two episodes of the series, “Race: the Power of an Illusion” will be shown at St. John’s on June 7th and 21st at 7:30 pm to help dispel the myths that racism has created. Small group discussions will follow. Let’s have a strong St. John’s participation as we join our sisters and brothers from other congregations and faith traditions in doing this work of justice.

by one of our most popular performers from our second season — Emmet Cohen. For this performance, Emmet will return with his trio, along with special guest jazz trumpeter and vocalist, Benny Benack III. The group will present an evening of all Sinatra music.

Please be sure to mark your calendars now—these are concerts not to be missed! Tickets will be available for purchase within the next couple weeks. Please visit us on the website (www.stjohnsummit.org/concertseries) to read more information about the season’s artists.

(Concert Series—Continued from pg. 3)

young people eligible to sing in St. John’s weekday afternoon choir (Grades 2–7+) and so need a new group name that is “ageless.” Can you help us out? Write your new-name ideas on the sheet in the rear entryway at church or email them to me at dgarzinsky@stjohnssummit.org.

Summer Intergenerational Musical? I’ve heard rumors that some adults, youth, and children might be interested in putting together a musical. Yes, you read that right! A musical! Well, may-be a short one to start with. If you’d like to get in on such a project and have acting, dancing, singing, choreography, staging, direct-ing, etc., experience, please see me. If enough are interested, we’ll find a way to make this work this summer!

Grace and peace, Donna Garzinsky

(From the Director of Music/Organist—Continued from pg. 3)

Fifty Filters for Flint for the Fifty Days of Eastertide!

Although the final count is not yet in, signs are good that we will have raised more than $2500 to purchase water filters for Flint, MI. The request of our sister congregation there, Salem Lutheran Church, is that we buy the ZeroWater ZD-018 23-Cup Water Dispenser and Filtration System. This has been the most requested item and is the most effective way of purifying water for Flint residents. With the money we raised we will be able to assist at least 63 families from Flint. Thanks be to God!

On May 15, 2016, Pentecost Sunday five youth were confirmed. Pictured above from left to right: Pastor Gladys G. Moore, Brad Patrick Pinho, Sanaa Amaya Walker, Sarah Josina Miller, Christopher James Trzaska and Luke Andrew Ertman. We rejoice with you as you affirm your baptism. We look forward to our continued shared mission together as disciples of Christ.

2016 Confirmation Class

Thank You!

Sunday School could not happen without the ongoing dedication of our teachers who make learning the bible new and exciting each week--we are all very lucky to have such a dedicated group of Christian educators. A special thanks to Karen Larsen for all her hard work as our Sunday School Superintendent. She makes Sunday School (and many other events!) run very smoothly, ensuring no detail is overlooked.

Librarians: Joy Petzinger and Ginny Bartsch Group Opening Leaders & Musicians: Ken Bryson, Rick Coble, Donna Garzinsky, Pastor Gladys Moore, Pastor Blake Scalet, Laura Snyder PreK-K: Kelly Hawkins, Amy Tomlinson 1st-2nd: Jenny Lombardo, Mary Beth Young 3rd-4th: Courtney Rothman, Stephanie Rothman 5th-6th: Karen Riordan, Janet Trzaska 1st Communion: Alana Coble, Janet Goetke Rotation: Barb & Erik Bresnahan, Harold Clark, Irma Gahan, Linda Mesenbrink, Eula Nervais, Courtney Rothman, Stephanie Rothman, Linda Walker, Mary Beth Young Sunday School Superintendent: Karen Larsen

Be on the look out for Sunday Church School registration forms in the next month. You will also be receiving information regarding 3rd grade bibles, First Communion and other planned events that your children will be eligible to participate in during the fall. To ensure that enough materials are ordered and teachers are recruited, please fill out the information requested as soon as possible and return it to the church office.

Watch Your Mailbox for SCS Registration

VBS Cross Roads Day Camp 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church

July 25-29, 2016 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Children entering grades K - 5 $110 per child

Join us for an awesome week of action-packed camp fun! Kids will make cool crafts, engage in worship, sing fun songs, jump into Bible Study, and play zany games! All activities work together to form great friendships and strengthen campers’ faith development.

The Cross Roads Camp Staff is certified in American Red Cross CPR and First Aid and receives extensive training to deliver a safe and action-packed camp program. Campers are asked to bring a sack lunch.

2016 Day Camp REGISTRATION FORM Questions? Carolyn Rothman-Dir. Of Children’s Christian Education (908)273-3846 x2508

Please submit the following three things: 1. This form for each child who will be attending 2. Completed health form 3. Copy of front & back of health insurance card.

Last First *Camper’s Name: ________________________________________ *Date of Birth:_______________ *Parents’ Names:______________________________________ *Grade Entering Fall 2016_______ *Mailing Address:___________________________________________________________________ *Email address_____________________________________________________________________ *Home Phone:_( )______________________ *Cell Phone:(______)_________________

Church affiliation: __________________________________________________________________

My child has permission to participate in all aspects of the day camp program led by Cross Roads, except as noted. I understand that every effort will be made to contact me if my child needs emergency medical-surgical treatment. I hereby give my permission to the medical personnel selected by the congregation to secure proper treatment, to hospitalize, to order injection, anesthesia, x-ray, or surgery for my child as named above, and to arrange for or provide necessary related transportation. I understand that my insurance has primary coverage and Cross Roads’ insurance is secondary. I give my approval to photocopy this form for use out of camp. Further, I give permission for use of photos of my son/daughter to be used in camp promotion unless noted.

*Parent/Guardian Signature __________________________________________________ Date ______________

*REQUIRED INFORMATION

Additional required health form found at www.stjohnssummit.org

Johnson City, TN

Summit, NJ

Washington County, TN

Union County, NJ

Tennessee

New Jersey

USA

Population, 2015 estimate

65,813 (2014)

22,071 126,302 555,786 6,600,299 8,958,013 321,418,820

% of persons 65 years and

older, 2014

15.3% 11.9% (2010)

15.2% 16.9% 15.1% 14.7% 14.5%

% of persons under 18

years, 2014 19.1%

29%

(2010) 20.1% 19.8% 22.8% 22.5% 23.1%

Foreign Born Persons, 2010-2014

5.2% 20.6% 3.5% 29.5% 4.7% 21.5% 13.1%

High school grads, % of persons age

25+, 2010-2014

88.3% 94.0% 87.1% 85.4% 84.9% 88.4% 86.3%

Bachelor's degree or

higher, % of persons age

25+, 2010-2014

38.9% 69.2% 30.8% 32.3% 24.4% 36.4% 29.3%

Housing Units 2014

30,583 (2010)

8,190 (2010)

58,889 201,580 2, 869,323 3,591,588 133,957,180

Home Ownership

Rate 2010-2014 55.1% 71.2% 66.6% 59.8% 67.1% 65.0% 64.4%

Median value of owner-occupied

housing units, 2010-2014

$154,500 $774,800 $146,300 $353,300 $139,900 $319,900 $175,700

Median household

income, 2010-2014

$39,121 $121,509 $42,935 $69,396 $44,621 $72,062 $53,482

Persons below poverty level, %, 2010-2014

23.6% 5.0% 16.7% 11.1% 18.3% 11.1% 14.8%

Unemployment Rate

4/2016

5.5% 4/2015

5.2% 3/2016

5.1% 4/2015

6.4% 4/2015

4.3% 4.7% 5.0%

Sources: US Census Quickfacts, 2015, City-Data.com, and Bureau of Labor and Statistics

Appalachia Service Project News In July, St. John’s Youth Missions will be traveling to Johnson City in Washington County, Tennessee for Appalachia Service Project (ASP). Johnson City is in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has been the home of ASP Headquarters for over 30 years! For the last two years, Johnson City has experienced economic growth of 20 new businesses. Major employers include East Tennessee State University, Mountain States Health Alliance, the local VA hospital, local government, and Citi Commerce Solutions. Quick Facts for Our ‘Home’ vs. Our ASP Destination

More ASP News, next page

Youth News

Coffee Sales June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4

Dinner Church June 19, July 17, August 28, September 18

Youth Missions Auction Recap

Thank you to everyone who donated to and attended the 2016 Youth Missions Auction on April 30th. We shared a great BBQ meal, line danced like pros and generously bid on all sorts of wonderful items. We raised an amazing $11,000.00 for the Youth Missions Fund which will go towards defraying the costs of sending our youth on mission trips such as the Appalachian Service Project and the ELCA Youth Gatherings.

Thank you for your support of our Youth at St. Johns!

Lutheran Day @ Great Adventure

June 18, 2016

Every year the NJ Synod sponsors a day at Great Adventure Theme Park open to everyone. Spend the day at a great theme park with other Lutherans throughout NJ. Look for a sign-up sheet in the Narthex (deadline to sign up is June 5). Contact Jane Bowman 908-447-8865 for questions/details. Admission pricing: Theme Park, Safari & Group Lunch—$50, Hurricane Harbor only—$21, Theme Park only—$32.

Rummage Sale July 15 & 16, 2016 9:00 AM—3:00 PM

Let’s support our youth and clean out our closets! We are having a rummage sale and we need your stuff. Suggested donations include: clothes, housewares, jewelry, sporting & outdoor gear, and small furniture. No electronics, shoes, beds, or broken items. All donations are nonreturnable. Donations will be received Sunday, 7/10 through Wednesday, 7/13, at the church or by special arrangement. For all questions, contact Jane Bowman.

Wildwood Weekend

July 29—August 1, 2016

Join us for a weekend of fun, faith, and friendship with your St. John’s family at the beach! We will be staying three nights at the Luther Inn in Wildwood, NJ. Cost is $75 per person plus spending money for food and activities. Open to youth 6th through 12th grade and our college-age alums. Sign up in the rear entryway by July 17th. See Jane Bowman for details.

The ASP Stock Sale is Coming!

What is the ASP stock sale? Church members, family and friends may purchase “shares of stock in ASP.” Proceeds from the stock sale will be used to offset expenses for our Youth Missions trip to Washington County, Tennessee from July 2-9, 2016. Dates: June 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2016 Times: 8:45 - 10:30 AM (between the services) 11:45 - 12:15 PM (after 10:30 AM service) Place: St. John's Narthex Cost of Stock: $5 and up Please help support our youth in this worthwhile, often life-changing form of service to our neighbors in Central Appalachia.

Yours in Christ, Laura Snyder, ASP Coordinator

St. John’s ASP Volunteers for 2016

Adults Youth

Sue Colby Imani Bell (3)

Drew Ertman Emma Colby

Amy Hynes Luke Ertman

Andrew Larson* (12) Katie Hynes

Pastor Gladys Moore (3) Thomas Neiman

Steve Neiman (3) Nicola Paredes-Rupp (1)

Mark Shannon* (13) Courtney Rothman (3)

Laura Snyder (2) Stephanie Rothman (3)

*group leaders Molly Shannon (4)

Johanna Snyder (4)

This year, 11 of our 18 volunteers represent 51 previous trips to ASP, and we welcome seven new participants!

We will be staying in Mountain View Elementary School, which is an air-conditioned facility.

ASP staff will be constructing outdoor showers with hot water for us! It may not be the ASP Hilton, but this is like an ASP Comfort Inn.

Youth Car Wash

August 13,, 2016 11:00 AM—2:00 PM

Stop by the front of St. Johns and let the Youth wash your car! All proceeds to go to the Youth Missions Fund.

ASP News, continued from pg. 8

Darcy Tierney from South Orange, joined St. John’s back in January 2016 and has already joined the Adult Choir as a soprano.

Stephen and Dianne Miller transferred to St.

John’s in April 2016 from United Methodist in Madison. They have three adult daughters and live in Madison.

Matthew and Erica Kaplan also joined St. John’s

in April 2016 and happily baptized their 8 month old son, Matthew, on the same day. They reside in Stirling, NJ.

Anna Wesley, Matilda, Mabel and Greta Moss

have lived in Livingston for the past two years after calling Jersey City their home for many years. Anna loves to cook and her husband Matt is a photography and wrestling enthusiast. Matilda is especially fond of pink and the stars and Mabel’s favorite things include Grover and candy.

Michael, Claire, David and Elsie New: Michael

and Claire met at Rutgers University working at the student paper. After graduating, Mike stayed in journalism as a high school sportswriter in Middlesex County while Claire went into publishing. Claire is an avid quilter and crafter and Mike likes exploring all parts of NJ. David is two years old and loves trains. Elsie was born just in time for Halloween and is working on sitting up and smiling.

Meet St. John’s Newest Members Social Ministries

BRIDGES: We continue to support this program by having volunteers prepare lunches once a week for the homeless people living under the bridges in New York City, as well as Irvington and Newark in New Jersey. We always need more volunteers to make the lunches on Fridays.

BACKPACKS: Starting in July we will be collecting backpacks and school supplies for LSM’s program in the Trenton and Camden areas.

CHRISTMAS IN LIBERIA: We will also be collecting new/gently used summer clothing and school supplies for the children in Liberia for shipment the first of October.

Bridges Runs

In the fall of 2015 we made two runs with the Bridges crew in October and November. For those runs we supplied a total of 100 toiletry kits. This spring we participated in two runs in April and May and provided a total of 250 lunches. I was hoping to get more folks to participate on the runs themselves which take place on Saturday mornings. As it turned out my large family had to supplement the number of people we were asked to provide.

Since my husband and I will be spending half of our time in Florida, Warren Hynes has agreed to take over as coordinator for the Bridges Runs going forward.

Janis McCracken Bridges Runs Coordinator

Eula Nervais shares the Pentecost story with our PreK-2nd graders.

Harold Clark teaches the children about how some people don’t have safe water to drink.

Some Photos from Sunday School’s Spring Rotation

SUNDAYS June 5 3rd Sunday After

Pentecost (Green)

June 12

4th Sunday After Pentecost (Green)

June 19 5th Sunday After Pentecost

(Green)

June 26 6th Sunday After

Pentecost (Green)

Altar Guild Beverly Kaczmarski

Doris Boyd Doris Boyd Hedy Stark

Carol Dunlop Joan Boyd

Jane Wyvratt Harold Clark

Linens Doris Boyd Doris Boyd Doris Boyd Doris Boyd

Counters

Mark Nedde

Peter Mesenbrink

Kathy Pinho

Rick Coble

Andrew Young

Richard Boyd

Bill Walker

Marifel Calis

Andrew Larsen

Hans Calis

Sarah Johnson

Jim Nering

Peter Larsen

Thelma McNulty

SUNDAYS 8:00 a.m.

June 5 3rd Sunday After

Pentecost (Green)

June 12

4th Sunday After Pentecost (Green)

June 19 5th Sunday After Pentecost

(Green)

June 26 6th Sunday After

Pentecost (Green)

Worship Assistant/Reader

Chris Black Michael Kaczmarski Ken Sharpe Steve Neiman

Usher Pam Black Mark Shannon Kevin Cristino Karen Riordan

SUNDAYS 10:30 a.m.

June 5 3rd Sunday After

Pentecost (Green)

June 12

4th Sunday After Pentecost (Green)

June 19 5th Sunday After Pentecost

(Green)

June 26 6th Sunday After

Pentecost (Green)

Deacons

Robin Roth

Paula Wey Jean Wyvratt

Bill Walker Dick Peterson

Pat Bennett Warren Hynes

Hans Calis

Acolytes Sarah Miller Alex Noble Acolyte Needed Acolyte Needed

Readers Jane Bowman Robin Roth Brett Tomlinson Jim Bartsch

Ushers Millie & Charlie Connelly

Peter Mesenbrink

Hasan Karslioglu

Richard Boyd

Carolyn Rothman

Eula & Jardeen Nervais

Hans & Marifel Calis

Nancy Tennant Keli Bell-Cole

Andrew Young

Johanna Snyder Bob & Anne Peterson

Greeters Helen Dachowicz The Coble Family The Tomlinson Family Joy Petzinger

Fellowship Time None Scheduled None Scheduled Lemonade Sundays Begin Lemonade Sundays

June 2016 Worship Assistants

Go in peace. Serve the Lord.

The Franklin D. Fry Maturing in the Faith Speaker Series Fund

In December 2003, St. John’s received an initial donation of $1,000.00 to establish a fund that would initiate a speaker series hosted at St. John’s in honor of and appreciation for the ministry of former pastor, the Rev. Dr. Franklin D. Fry. The Franklin D. Fry Maturing in the Faith Speaker Series will seek to host one or more speaker events each year.

Additional donations to this fund will allow St. John’s to plan for outstanding speakers who will not only be of value and inspiration to the members of St. John’s but also to other congregations and the surrounding communities.

Franklin Fry Speakers’ Fund We are grateful for gifts given to the glory of God by:

Yueh Goffin for the special purpose of the Fry Lecture Fund in memory of her mother, Mei Chun Wei Yueh Goffin for the special purpose of the Franklin Fry fund in honor of Sunday school teachers from years past

through the present

Liz Holler in memory of Jayne Rode Andrew Young for the special purpose of World Hunger Joy Petzinger in memory of Jayne Rode Evine R. Eriksson in memory of Jayne Rode Pattie Gould and Hasan Karslioglu in thanksgiving of their marriage Douglas and Antoinette Zaeh in memory of Helen and Herbert Zaeh Susan Matos Craig and Sarah Arnold in honor of musicians Anne and Saverio Dello Russo for the special purpose of the Youth Mission Fund in honor of Jane Bowman

Thanksgiving and Memorial Fund We are grateful for gifts given to the glory of God by:

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