Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. | |
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The familiar words of John 3:16, as found in the Gospel lesson for worship this past Sunday (John 3:14-21), are sometimes called "the Gospel in a nutshell." The whole message of Scripture, centering in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, are found here in this one verse. This is the good news that makes an eternal difference in the lives of people - good news that we cannot keep to ourselves!
As the sermon for the Fourth Sunday in Lent pointed out, this is a call for each one of us to share this Gospel/Good News with others. As we look forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, March 31, be thinking and praying about who you can invite to come with you to festival worship services at Easter. For a full listing of special Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Sunday worship services, click here.
Pastor Meehan's Blog - March 2024
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Town Hall Meetings
You should have already heard that our congregation is discussing a proposed renovation and expansion of our facilities. Whether or not we move forward with this project will be determined by a congregational vote. This is where you come in! Click here to view the architect's PowerPoint presentation.
For those who have not yet been able to attend, please sign up for one or both of the upcoming meetings on:
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Tuesday, March 19 at 7:00PM (virtual) - This meeting will take place on Zoom. Log-in credentials will be emailed in a confirmation email once you register to participate. Sign up here or through the SJLC app.
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Sunday, April 7 at 9:15AM (in-person) - This is a newly added meeting for individuals to ask the architect questions about the schematic design. Sign up here or through the SJLC app.
If you have questions or concerns, you are welcome to reach out to Mike Waring, Campus Projects Team Chair or Denise Canter, Congregational President.
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Friends of Music Series
The Friends of Music at St. John’s invites congregational members and non-members to support our music program and take part in the musical life of the church through special services and concerts. To contribute to the program, visit our website and choose "Friends of Music" from the Fund dropdown menu. Financial support from the St. John’s Friends of Music will support concerts and musicians for special worship services throughout the year by covering costs that exceed the annual music budget.
Our first concert will be an organ recital by Director of Music and organist, David Leahey. The recital will take place at St. John’s on Sunday, March 17 at 4:00PM.
For more information on the Friends of Music initiative, please click here.
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From the Finance desk...
Did you know that you can give to St. John's directly from your Individual Retirement Arrangement/Account (IRA)? If you are 70 1/2 years old or older you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from your IRA that is not taxed by the IRS or included in your taxable income when you file your taxes each year. And if certain conditions are met, QCDs can also count toward the required minimum distributions that those age 73 or older must meet each year if they have traditional IRAs.
For more information on how to take advantage of this arrangement, visit the IRS website or call your financial advisor or IRA trustee today!
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We will meet this Saturday, March 16, in the Church library to Pray in Color. Please consider joining us in this Lenten season and take some time to pray with God's Word and reflect on your Lenten journey. This is a unique way to pray that has you put prayer on paper with color, designs, doodles, stencils, etc. No artistic talent needed, just a desire to listen in prayer. All materials are provided. Our quiet hour of prayer begins at 10:00AM but if you are new to this prayer form, please arrive at 9:30AM for an orientation. | |
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Gardens & Grounds Rally
We invite the SJLC Family to join in making our Gardens & Grounds beautiful before the first day of spring. Bring your clippers, loppers, bags, and energy to help. We begin at 9:00AM on Saturday, March 16. We will work to steward our gift and help get ready for our Easter celebrations. If it is raining, there will be an alternate date/time. Questions may be sent to Tish Nordvall.
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Easter Flowers
The Altar Care ministry is seeking financial contributions which will be used to purchase a variety of plants that will beautify our Sanctuary for Easter. Donations can be made online or by leaving an envelope marked “Flowers” in the offering basket or with the Church Office. If you would like a dedication to appear in the worship bulletin, please provide the information no later than Tuesday, March 26. Thank you for your contribution; if you would like to take one of these plants home with you after the 10:30 service on Easter Sunday, please feel free to do so.
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Easter Sunday Breakfast
Join us on Sunday, March 31 at 9:00AM for Easter Breakfast. The breakfast will start at 9:00AM and continue until the beginning of the second service at 10:30AM. To help set up, attend, prepare food, and/or clean up for the event, please click here.
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Easter Candy Donations
We are collecting donations of Easter candy and plastic Easter eggs to be used for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. We stuff and hide around 500 eggs so all the donations we receive are a big help to our budget. Please make sure donations are NUT FREE. Donations may be left in the collection box in the Narthex. Thank you!
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Financial Update - January 2024
The January 2024 financial report starts out on a positive note! There was an answer to prayer as more offerings were received than anticipated, and the operating expenses were less than anticipated. As always, a shout out of thanks to the generosity of the congregation.
The ECEC January 2024 financial report also starts out on a positive note! Income was more than anticipated and expenses were less than expected. We look forward to the upcoming commencement of enhancing the playground area.
May God bless you all for your abundant generosity!
More details are posted in the narthex or may be obtained from Jim Burroughs, Minister of Finance.
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Looking Ahead
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March 17 - Organ Recital by David Leahey
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March 19 - 2nd Zoom Renovation Meeting
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March 24 - Palm Sunday and beginning of Holy Week
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March 31 - Easter Sunday
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Important Links
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Facebook Live for viewing live services or educational opportunities as well as those previously recorded.
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YouTube for viewing church services
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Click here for the bulletins
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