Volume 94, Issue 14 July 9, 2014
“I will not leave you orphaned…the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you…Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:18, 26-27
Jesus spoke these words “on the night in which he was betrayed.” He knew he would not be physically present with his beloved disciples any longer and wanted to reassure them that he had not abandoned them, that they will be all right.
Many of you have shared your dismay that I am leaving too soon. Some have even gone so far as to attempt to find ways to keep me here. I am deeply touched by your feelings; I, too, wish that I could have stayed longer. I treasure in a special way the time I have been with you. We have shared laughter and prayer, being together in and as the body of Christ.
We might compare my leaving with that of parents with several children, who spend extra time and resources with the one most in need of their help. You have grown during my time here. Several times recently I have heard of visitors who say we “are the friendliest church I have visited.” As you continue to seek out and welcome guests at worship, that reputation will grow. But another “child” needs more attention now and I must go where God calls.
And I pray that you will keep on, that you will continue the hospitality you have been showing, that you will not only welcome guests at worship but will also bring new members into the life of this faith community by getting to know them and by including them in activities such as serving dinners, committee work and events, not just by inviting them but by including them in the actual work. Gracious hospitality is one of the keys to a growing congregation.
A few thoughts, if I may, for continuing “on the way.”
Continue to pray for one another and lead the prayers to open meetings. Maybe one day you will go the next step and actually pray with someone who needs your prayers.
Listen to one another, a skill we all need to practice. Our natural tendency is to form a response rather than to listen carefully so that we fail to truly hear what another is saying. I include myself in that. Make an effort to speak directly with those who may have offended us or caused discomfort. This is where good listening is important. The goal is better relationships with our fellow Christians, for we surely need each other. If we are anxious about the conversation, it is OK to include a neutral third person to help keep us focused.
Keep on looking for signs of God’s activity in your lives, not just within the church but with your colleagues, with your family, wherever you are. On Sunday we sang “Just a closer walk with thee…” Take those words to heart and make Christ the center of your life and that of the congregation. Prayer, Bible reading and study, conversations about what it means to live Christ-like lives will make that “closer walk” real.
And remember, as we are in Christ, we are together in the communion of saints. When we receive that holy bread and wine, we are joined in spirit even when we are not together. You will always be a very special part of my life and I will always treasure the time we had together. I will no longer be your pastor but I am your sister in Christ. In God’s good time you will have a new pastor. In the meantime, rely on God’s promises of help and hope to keep St. John’s alive and healthy.
May the peace of Christ, which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus .
With love, t Pastor Moll
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Wednesday, July 9HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Council picnic and meeting
Thursday, July 10HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Social Ministry Committee, 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 13Farewell reception for Pastor Moll following
8:00 and 10:15 services
Tuesday, July 15HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Bible Study, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, July 16HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 17HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Messenger deadline, 3:00 p.m.
Scout Roundtable, 7:00 p.m.
Christian Education/Evangelism, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 19Kathryn’s Kloset, 9-11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, July 22HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 24HLC, 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Lighthouse Café, 4:30-6:00 p.m.
St. John’s Lutheran Church, 300 Queen Street, Northumberland, PA 17857
Periodical postage paid at Northumberland, PA.
POSTMASTER: Send address change to St. John’s Messenger,
300 Queen Street, Northumberland, PA 17857.
ST. JOHN’S MESSENGER July 9, 2014 Volume 94, Issue 14
St. John’s Evangelical
Lutheran Church
570-473-3770
This Sunday at St. John’s
July 13, 2014
8:00 a.m. Worship Service with Communion
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
10:15 a.m. Worship Service with Communion
Farewell reception following 8:00 & 10:15 a.m. services
Next Sunday at St. John’s
July 20, 2014
Carol Black, Authorized Lay Worship Leader
8:00 a.m. Worship Service with Communion
9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School
10:15 a.m. Worship Service with Communion
Church Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Fri 8:30 a.m.-Noon
MarthaSue Moll, Pastor
William J. Jacavage, Director of Music