Dear Members and Friends of St. John,

This past Saturday after the Fair Parade we held our annual “Community Picnic” in which we invited the whole community to a picnic on our grounds. We served hot dogs, hamburgers, church made salads, side dishes, desserts and other goodies.  We also provided music and dancing.  In addition we entered a float in the Fair Parade and handed out invitations to the picnic and to the opening of Sunday School.  This was a major effort and took the time and energy of many.  Those from our congregation who helped included (I hope I don’t miss a name.):

v     The Evangelism Board (Midge Ritala headed up publicity for the event.  John Paul Jones, Jean McMahon, and Nathan Bower set up, cooked, and helped in the parade.)

v     The Fellowship Board (In many ways Shelia Olson was the main organizer of many of the plans and events.  Jane Larson, Cheryl Kastar, and Marilyn Grasser were there Friday and Saturday, too.) 

v     The Joyful Noise Singers helped set up the sound system and shared music with those picnicking.  Dave Ianson sang as well.

v     Thrivent provided many volunteers including the Abbotts, Wayne Berg, Glen Jacobs, and Lou Wood.

v     Other volunteers including Jim and Kathy Summers, Mary Jo Lentz, Kathy Rockey, Bob Ritala, Jean Brew, Denise Larsen, Carrie McAllister and children Jason, and Katie, Rick and Carolyn Dwight, Joel Larson and others helped.

v     Judy Stahancyk and Jamie Jennemann put in many hours of office time getting ready for the picnic.

In addition, there were donations from the community.

v     Thrivent donated $1000.00 to help pay for costs.

v     IHOP donated mustard and catsup and mayonnaise packets..

v     “Paws and Taws” Square Dance Club led a square dance in the street.

v     Palmer Chevron donated 24 cases of coke products.

 THAT’S A LOT OF DONATED EFFORT, TIME, AND RESOURCES!!!!

 Now the real reason for the Community Picnic . . . we get to share JESUS! 

v     One member spent a lot of time at the picnic talking to a lady who was searching in regard to faith issues.

v     Another member told us of young boys from troubled homes who were at the picnic, enjoyed the food, and felt welcome.

v     A former attendee who has had some tough times came and talked to others and was assured of God’s love.

A lot of events at church take effort, time, and resources.  But, if someone hears about Jesus and ends up in heaven partly because of the efforts of something like this Community Picnic, then it is all worthwhile.

Thanks to all who helped!  May God bless our efforts for the good of His Kingdom.

Thankful to be working with God’s People,

Pastor Jonathan

P.S.  If you want to see pictures from the picnic, go to the following link!

http://picasaweb.google.com/jonrock53/CommunityPicnicAndParadeStJohnPalmerAK82308

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ABOUT ‘THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR’ -   I am sending these e-mail messages, hopefully weekly, to all St. John members and friends whose e-mails I have.  (I am always adding new names of friends and members – in case you are just receiving this e-mail for the first time.)  However, if you don’t want to receive this e-mail, please let me know, and I’ll gladly leave your name off my list for this message. . . Or, if you know someone who would like to receive one of these e-mails, please send me their e-mail address.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ VISIT AFTER LATE WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY – Members of the Northwest District Board of Directors will visit St. John next Sunday.  They will ask questions after late worship to learn about St. John and ministry in Alaska.  All are invited to attend!!

SUNDAY SCHOOL STARTS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14.  Opening worship begins at 9:30 a.m. in the church. 

• There is a new class called “Wooly Lambs” for children aged 1 ½ - 3 taught by Carol Gustafson.
• Regular classes are held for children from age 3 through High School.
• Adult Classes this year will start in the following areas (a A Ladies’ Study will meet in the Cry Room., b) Dave Nufer will teach a class on Christian relationships, c) Pastor Rockey will teach a Class on 1 Peter and the “Call to Holiness.”

 Plan now to attend!!!

IN AUGUST WE ARE MEDITATING IN WORSHIP ON THE TOPICS OF  A SERMON SERIES based on requests from congregational members.  The following topics are being examined based on God’s Word during the month of August.  So far we have had good response to this series.

            August 3           “When God’s Response to Prayer is (heavy) Silence”

            August 10         “Earth Stewardship”    

            August 17         “Similarities between Christian and Native Worship”

            August 24         “The Difference between Worship and Evangelism”

            August 31         “Meditation and Rest with God”

(All these sermons are being posted on our web page:   http://www.st-john-lutheran.org )