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)
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)
St. John Zoom Information
Find out how to access our Sunday Zoom Services |
From Pastor Tom...
Dear Friends in Jesus,
If you had the opportunity to read my letter on this page in last month’s St. John’s Epistle, you may recall my mentioning the lesser festival of All Saints Sunday, which falls on November 3. This is the Sunday morning when we make a point to observe the November 1 lesser festival of All Saints Day, since this year, as most of the time, it doesn’t fall on a Sunday when we are already in worship. Last month, I wrote that this is the annual day when we make time to remember that we are part of a very big Christian Family spanning 20 Centuries and, in so doing, call to mind our congregational family members who have died since the previous year – and this we will do. As I write these lines in mid-October, having just gotten done leading Bob Schaffer’s funeral worship, there are now seven members of our congregational family who will be lifted up on November 3: Name Date of Death Dianne Schell November 18, 2023 Arlene Doyle November 23, 2023 Fred Weaver January 31, 2024 Patricia Herb March 28, 2024 Timothy Enders April 11, 2024 Gregory Warner September 19, 2024 Robert Schaffer October 7, 2024 During the prayers that morning, there will also be silent time during which your other loved ones who have died at any time can be named, aloud or in silence. This year, the leadership of that worship will be in the very fine hands of Matt Williard, as my planned time away continues that morning. As my planned retirement date of February 28 draws ever closer, with all of the change and transition which that will involve for you and for me as a part of this wonderful St. John Congregational Family, I was thinking that the All Saints Festival this year will also have the very helpful effect of reminding and reassuring us all that there is a long view to be taken in such things…
So forward we go in God – always forward, knowing that the way ahead is good because the Way Ahead is God! Pastor Tom |
News from Miss Laurie, Young Christians Minister
Happy harvest, everyone! It has been a fabulous fall and we’re going to keep the fun coming! Grab your calendars and mark in these great faith formation activities for November:
In addition to the above activities, the “Jingle Elves” have been asked to sing at the Berrysburg Tree Lighting and the Gratz Christmas Party in December! In preparation for these events, we’ve scheduled practices on the following Sundays: November 10th, 17th, and 24th. All practices will be at 2:00 at the church! We hope you can join us for the fun!
Have a fantastic November and may your month be filled with moments of thanks and acts of giving!!
Miss Laurie
- Wednesday, November 6th – Join us from 6:30 – 8:00 for a “Pumpkin Palooza” Celebration Club!
- Sunday, November 10th – It’s our “Pumpkin, Pumpkin” SONday Celebration! Join us for lots of “pumpkin-y” fun!!
- Sunday, November 24th – Be ready to count your blessings at our “Give Thanks” SONday Celebration!
In addition to the above activities, the “Jingle Elves” have been asked to sing at the Berrysburg Tree Lighting and the Gratz Christmas Party in December! In preparation for these events, we’ve scheduled practices on the following Sundays: November 10th, 17th, and 24th. All practices will be at 2:00 at the church! We hope you can join us for the fun!
Have a fantastic November and may your month be filled with moments of thanks and acts of giving!!
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. |