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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”! |
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Current Schedule
Come visit us every Sunday!
9:00am - Adult Bible Study (On Zoom)
9:00am - Youth Group Bible Time & Confirmation Class (In Person)
9:00am - SONDay Celebration with Miss Laurie (In-Person)
10:15am - Worship (In-Person & On Zoom)
9:00am - Adult Bible Study (On Zoom)
9:00am - Youth Group Bible Time & Confirmation Class (In Person)
9:00am - SONDay Celebration with Miss Laurie (In-Person)
10:15am - Worship (In-Person & On Zoom)
Pastor's Letter - October
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Dear Friends in Jesus,
Over the last couple of years, you may have noticed that Miss Laurie and I almost never speak about “Sunday School”, instead using the term “Faith Formation”. I’ve even had a couple of folks ask if we maybe don’t do Sunday School anymore – a fair question! The answer is no and yes. No, we don’t do “Sunday School” anymore in the sense that that well-loved and familiar term, which conjures up images of rows of students gathered in front of a teacher and distinct grade levels and promotions, really doesn’t accurately describe what we do, for instance, at 9:00am each Sunday this month. And yes, we have never stopped doing “Sunday School” in that we are carrying right along with doing the important work of helping persons of all ages to always be growing in their understanding of who God is and all that God has done and is doing in their lives and world, as God commands us to do. But the creative and ever-changing ways in which we are doing that work are really better described by thinking of it as being about helping to “form” the faith of baptized disciples of Jesus who are always growing and changing and developing in their faith walk, no matter what their age or ability. So, for instance at 9:00 on Sunday mornings we no longer begin with an opening led by a superintendent. To maximize the time available for faith formation, we simply have all ages go right to it, keeping the valuable experience of worship and singing God’s praises for 10:15am. And, at 9:00 on Sunday mornings, we indeed have creative learning and growing options for all ages: SONDay Celebration in person downstairs with Miss Laurie for our very youngest disciples, Confirmation Class in the downstairs conference room for our 7th and 8th Graders as they prepare for their Affirmation of Faith/Confirmation at the end of 8th Grade, Youth Bible Time with Olivia & Matt Williard either up on the balcony level in our youth space or outside weather permitting for everyone in Youth Group except for those 7th and 8th Graders, and Adult Bible Study (currently on Zoom only) for everyone who has completed high school. But it doesn’t begin or end on Sunday mornings at 9:00! During the week for much of the year, on Wednesday evenings, we gather for Midweek Bible Study. Here is the information for that study which will begin later this month: Our autumn session of Midweek Bible Study will get underway on Wednesday, October 27 – much like last year, after Pastor Tom returns from his planned time away – and, again much like last year, will then continue each Wednesday through December 15, except for Thanksgiving Eve, when we will take the evening off. We will meet each week from 6:30 to 8:00 P.M. Please stay tuned for more information as to our format this fall – in person/Zoom/hybrid, which will be guided in good measure by what is happening COVID-wise closer to that time. The topic of our autumn study will be something a bit different – Reading the Old Testament Through Jewish Eyes: A Study of the Scriptures Jesus Read. As summarized so well in the study description, “(Our writer) Rabbi Evan Moffic has a passion for sharing Jewish faith and traditions with Christian audiences. In this new study, Rabbi Moffic explores the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis through Deuteronomy) and highlights the key points of interest to Christians. He presents the biblical text and interpretations of it in the way Jewish leaders during the time of Jesus would have studied it while examining different commentaries from thousands of years of Jewish sources.” As always with these studies, no previous Bible study experience is required – only an interest and enthusiasm to study, reflect on, and (if and when you are comfortable doing so) discuss God’s Word together! So that the correct number of study books can be ordered for our study, please register in advance (by speaking with Pastor Tom) by the end of the day Wednesday, October 6. And once each month, typically on the first Monday and the first Wednesday of the month, there are, respectively, Book Discussion Group led by my library and information science professional spouse and Celebration Club led by Miss Laurie. And don’t forget to add to that the faith formation times that come along every so often, such as “Vacation Bible School” coordinated by Miss Laurie each July or one of my Inquirer’s Classes (next one coming up on Monday, September 27, at 6:00pm), a fast and (hopefully!) fun trip through Lutheran Christian history and belief for everyone from the newest visitor to St. John to the longest-time member or First Holy Communion Instruction (this year for 4th and 5th Graders who are baptized, being held on September 29 and October 4). We don’t exactly do “Sunday School” any longer, but the faithful spirit of all of the gifted persons who have been doing “Faith Formation” here at St. John ever since 1780 is alive and well and active. Please check it out – you won’t be disappointed! Pastor Tom |
You are Invited to Book Discussion and Fellowship! Monthly times of reading and sharing continue in the beauty of our pavilion. Next up: Monday, October 4, 6pm – You Belong: A Call for Connection by Sebene Selassie Everyone is welcome, so if you would like to participate and haven’t joined in before, you can borrow a physical or e-copy of the current book at your local library or pick up a copy at church - on the bench under the bulletin board in the foyer, just inside the main doors. Please let Ann know if we run out of books, and she will locate more. Questions? Call or email Ann at 717-362-7895 or rahbruner@gmail.com. |
News from Miss Laurie, Young Christians Minister
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Happy October, everyone! I hope everyone has safely transitioned from summer to fall!
Speaking of safety, when we are inside the church in our Celebration Space, we ask that everyone wear a mask. We’ll try to get outside at least part of the time during SONday Celebrations so we can take a “mask break”. When we come back inside, we’ll mask back up!! Thanks to everyone for your cooperation!! This month, we’re going to get “autumny” starting on October 6th, the date for our next Celebration Club! In honor of the season, the theme for this meeting is “Fall-ing” for Jesus!! Join us from 6:30 – 8:00 for the fun! Weather permitting, we’ll meet outside in the pavilion! The following week, on Friday, October 15th, we’re planning the annual Autumn Drive-in Movie Night! The fun starts at sundown – we’ll get the flick started as soon as it’s dark enough! I’ll keep you posted on the exact time! Mark your calendars and plan to attend – there are always plenty of treats and lots of laughs!! This year, Halloween falls on Sunday (October 31st), so we’re planning a special “Jesus is the Best Treat” SONday Celebration, AND we’re including the annual HAYRIDE! Dress warmly and be prepared for some autumny surprises!! It’s going to be an awesome autumn on the “Hill”! Mark your calendars and join us for all the fun! As always, we hope to see you at the Celebration!! Miss Laurie |
On Friday, October 15th, “Drive-in Movie Night”!
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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. |
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