St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Welcome, thank you so much for visiting St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Berrysburg, PA – the historic Hill Church. 

Founded in 1780, ours is a congregational family with a deep and rich heritage that informs out efforts to reach out to our present-day community – near and far – with the Gospel of Jesus.  In my years of service here, I have come to see that we are a congregational family that defies easy description.  We have the warmth and intimacy of a small congregation, while also being blessed with an extraordinary body of committed and gifted believers that allows us to do many of the ministries of a large congregation.  We hope that you will visit often – here, from the comfort of your computer or smart phone or other electronic device, but also in person.  Whether you are seeking a family of believers with which to join in serving God, or just stopping to take in the view, we would love to welcome you in person to “The Hill”!
Current Schedule
Current Schedule
Come visit us every Sunday!
9:00am – Sunday Morning Faith Formation Activities for All Ages (In Person)
9:00am - SONday Celebration with Miss Laurie (In-Person)
10:15am - Worship (In-Person & On Zoom)
Congregation YouTube Page
Listen to our Sunday Services!
St. John's YouTube Channel
Social Media
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/stjohnhillchurch

Message from Pastor Katrina

Dear Friends,

Did you know that Easter’s date is set by the phases of the moon?  It’s the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox.  That is the reason it can be as early as the end of March or as late as the end of April.  The day of the Son is set by the movements of the moon. 

Easter coincides with spring…rejuvenation, new life, literal earthly transformation.  I love the image we as resurrection people share with our partner the Earth.  What was planted in a different season rejuvenates itself into a new bloom.  Same color, same shape, same scent, but somehow also a new thing to be nurtured, watered, and enjoyed.

What things bring you life in community here at Hill Church?  What seeds continue to bloom over and over again in your life together?  In what ways do you nurture and support them?  What thing do you depend on a primary gardener to manage, who might those gardeners be, and, much like a community garden plot, what things are shared care?

We’ll have a chance to gather together to have these discussions in the Easter season.  Keep watching bulletins and weekly e-announcements as dates are finalized.  They will primarily be dates that are immediately after Sunday worship.  Conversations will be about an hour long.

I’d also invite you into partnership with me, and am asking your help.  One of the challenging parts of transition is understanding communication and information channels.  Serving immediately after a long period where pastor and people have created a well-established, autonomic way of communicating and sharing information means that information is passed, shared or collected without even thinking about it. 

Talking to each other and taking initiative with things to help out the new pastor is kind.  The best way to help me understand the life of the church and the roles and expectations is to please talk to each other, take initiative with task AND to include me in the conversation/let me know.  I know that adds responsibility to all of you to share information to me.  Creating a framework for understanding what I think of as the “operational life” of the church is important and necessary work that will reap a wonderful harvest in God’s next future for this beloved community!

​PK

News from Miss Laurie, Young Christians Minister

Happy April everyone!  This month, our Lenten journey comes to a close and we now anticipate the promise of Easter!  Grab your pens and take down these important dates:
  • Wednesday, April 2nd – Join us from 6:30 – 8:00 for our “Easter Egg-stravaganza” Celebration Club! 
  • Sunday, April 13th – It’s our “Parade of Palms” SONday Celebration!  Join us as we recreate Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem!  We hope you’ll stay for church too, and help us welcome in church-goers with shouts of “Hosanna” and waving palms! 
  • Saturday, April 19th – It’s the youth-run Easter Egg Hunt at St. John’s!  Grab your baskets and meet us at the church at 10:00 for the fun!
  • Sunday, April 20th – Come celebrate our risen Lord during our “Jesus Lives” SONday Celebration!  The fun will continue right through Celebration Time! 
  • Sunday, April 27th – It’s our annual Easter “Celebration” service!  Join us for this kid-friendly service featuring contemporary music, a Sunny Sermon, and an Easter Object Lesson. 
We hope you can join us ALL month as we rejoice in our risen Savior!  In this season of rebirth, may you feel your faith renewed and your heart made new with the hope Easter brings.  Get ready to Celebrate - Jesus LIVES!!
​
Miss Laurie
Our Mission
St. John congregation, responding to the call of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, unites together to preach and teach the Word, administer the sacraments, and carry out God’s mission. With God’s guidance and grace, we strive to boldly proclaim by word and action the reconciling Gospel of Jesus: Working together for justice and peace, and caring for those in need in our community and world. We invite everyone to join us wherever you are on your faith journey.