NOVEMBER 2013

Volume 27.11

From Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer...

Here are the opening words from chapter 12 of Pauls letter to the church in Rome: I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect. Reflecting on my experiences here at St. Johns UCC thus far, I am in awe that the apostle had such clarity about the advice the future church would need. A careful reading reveals that Paul is writing about the spiritual wellness of those who share the faith. His witness is to the transforming power of life in Christ; in fact, this is the passage in which he describes the people of faith as the very body of Christ. It is not clear that he is writing about or to a church, per se. It is clear, however, that he has something particular in mind; as this section is sub-titled in the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Paul writes about new life in Christ. What could be the benefit of this new life, such that it yields spiritual wellness? The apostle offers several observations about the appearance of a gathering that seeks to discern the will of God (see for yourself in Romans 12:9-21). Just as a well-coordinated body gives the appearance of strength and superior capability, like a practiced dancer or a trained athlete; so the body of Christ (which is us), through spiritual exercises in social relations, becomes stronger and more capable of expressing the grace, mercy and compassion of God. At the October meeting of the St. John church council we talked about what this faith community hopes to be and do here in Richmond. Healing was a prominent feature of the thoughts offered, including healing for the surrounding community but also for this gathering, for this church. In the days ahead we will seek ways to exercise for and participate in the healing of this church, this part of the body of Christ. In doing so we can become a stronger healing presence for Richmond. I believe I have heard your willingness to do so, and so I invite you to consider this letter from Paul as directed personally to you: I appeal to you by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Peace be with you all, and always!

St. Johns United Church of Christ

St. Johns is a community of faith centered in Jesus Christ, seeking guidance and direction through the Holy Spirit, and demonstrating Gods love to all people in words and deeds.

An Open and Affirming Congregation

503 Stuart Circle Richmond, Virginia 23220 Telephone: 804.358.9291 Email: stjohnsrichmondoffice@verizon.net Web Site: stjohnsrichmond.org

Published monthly 2013 St Johns UCC

Tom G

2 The Messenger | November 2013

...from the President

October was certainly an exciting and sprit filled month! St. Johns Players had another successful production with approximately 300 people in attendance. Shout the story of 5 girls in the sixties and their lives was so much fun! On October 1st we started our Stewardship Drive with three very inspiring messages from Ginna Minasian Dalton, Jeff Jacobs and Elisabeth Burnett. Thank you all. Our German Fest on Friday night and Dinner on Saturday was another great success as the tradition is carried on. Many thanks go to Jeff Jacobs and the many people who helped in so many ways. It was certainly an example of a community pulling together for an exciting event. Our Council and Finance committees have been working on our Ministry Budget plan to be presented for vote on November 24th during worship. We hope that by now that you have turned in your 2014 pledge card. The Council will be voting on this budget on November 4th and we must know at that time that we are going to make our goal of $126,000 in pledges. We continued our discussions during the October meeting with Rev. Tom about his plans for his time with us. We are happy and excited to have Rev. Tom with us during this time with his many insightful thoughts about St. Johns. Bless your hearts! Betsy Bighinatti Church Council President

Congregational Breakfast - Nov. 17

Mark you calendar now and plan on attending our monthly congregational breakfast on Sunday, November 17 at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. We will enjoy the food and fellowship and update you on all the happenings at St. Johns. Hope to see you there!

Congregational Meeting - Nov. 24

The Congregational meeting to adopt St. Johns 2014 Ministry Plan Budget will be conducted during 11:00 AM worship on Sunday, November 24th. This announcement serves as the formal notification of the congregational meeting.

Daylight Saving Time in 2013 ends 2a.m. Nov. 3.

You will be setting your clock back one hour, following the adage of spring forward, fall back. The extra hour gives you a chance to catch up on the sleep you lost in March when the clocks moved forward. The federal government doesnt require states to adopt it, but Virginia, like most of the rest of the United States, observes it. Its origin is from World War II: in an effort to save resources, the U.S. made daylight saving time mandatory for the whole country. And it was observed the entire year. Some studies have shown that extending Daylight Saving Time results in a reduction in energy consumption; other studies suggest just the opposite!

Church Council Meeting - Nov. 4

The next Church council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 4th at 7:00 pm.

Members of Church Council

Bryan Anderegg Marjorie Barbour Teresa Jolles Kenn Shirley Bill Watson Betsy Bighinatti, President Jeff Hetzer, Vice President Helena DeLigt, Secretary Allen Caraher Desiree McNeice Dreama Terrill Karen-Marie Yust
RELATIONS COMMITTEE

Members of Pastoral Relations Committee

Lex Tartaglia, Chair Elisabeth Burnette Marjorie Barbour Billy Poarch

The Messenger | November 2013

Neighbors In Need Offering Report

Thank you to all who contributed to Octobers All Church offering for Neighbors in Need. Donations totaled $525. Neighbors in Need is one of 5 All Church offerings commended to us by the United Church of Christ (in addition to Our Churchs Wider Mission, One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church and the Christmas Fund). St. Johns is a 5 for 5 Congregation, which means we support all five of these offerings. NIN is a special mission offering that supports ministries of justice and compassion. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). The remaining two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts and direct service projects sponsored by local congregations.

William Byrd Community House Donations (WBCH) November 17

Our younger youth church school class will continue to organize and deliver all donations to WBCH. Dont forget that on the third Sunday of each month, we receive contributions of non-perishable food items for the William Byrd Food Bank. Ask for a shopping bag with a shopping list attached from a member of the Welcome Team when you come to worship, and then bring your offering on the third Sunday of each month.

CROP Is On Its Way!

As this messenger is going to print, there are only a few days left before the CROP Walk on November 3rd. We will begin our walk at 2pm and go around the perimeter of the Fan. 25% of the money raised will be used to alleviate hunger locally and the remaining 75% will be used to stop hunger both within the U.S. and around the world. You can still donate to St. Johns CROP-walk-team through the end of November at snipurl.com/rvacropwalk or by using a special-offerings envelope located in the pews and designating the funds for the CROP Walk; checks can be made payable to Church World Services. Thank you for your generous support and we will report the outcome of our walk in December. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Watson at 873.2837 or wiIIiam.d.watson@gmaiI.com.

Facility has the following going on: A new boiler is to be installed and completed by the end of the year. Existing boiler has been serviced. Exiting boiler valves have been repaired. New meeting room B-2 The front door has been repaired. The beautification committee is reviewing storage and meeting space in the church.
We are looking for volunteers to complete some painting and carpentry work.

Chairman
Richard Bighinatti

The heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth is given to all humanity.
Psalm 115:16

4 The Messenger | November 2013

CHILDREN AND YOUTH The Good Shepherd

On Sunday mornings our children and youth continue to follow the Good Shepherd on a journey of discovery. Come see the wall art that illustrates the story of the Good Shepherd in our classroom!

CONFIRMATION
Confirmands, Parents, and Mentors Who wrote the Bible, God or humans? Is the Bible true? Why does the Bible contradict itself at times? Is the New Testament more important than the Old Testament? These are just a few of the questions that our confirmands will explore during their sessions in the month of November. They will meet after worship with Tom and Julia on November 10th and 24th. Mentors are invited to attend on the 24th.

ADULTS
Connect to Faith Stories and Practices Embracing a Life of Meaning The world tells us that what you see is what you get; Christianity denies that: it asks us to look for something more. It points to greater and deeper things, but not necessarily other-wordly things. In my faith Im encouraged to look for the sacred and holy that is hidden in ordinary life. (Kathleen Norris) The adult Sunday school class will continue to explore faith stories and practices in conversation with Kathleen Norris. Participants will gather at 9:45 am on Sunday mornings to view a short video presentation by Norris followed by discussion. This series concludes on November 24th.

Faith Place! 9:45 am (For children 4-13 years old) In November, children who visit Faith Place will explore the central practice of communion through experiential learning activities. They will learn more about sharing the bread and the cup and celebrating Gods love for us at the table. Come, discover the adventures that Faith Place offers. Children - 11:15 am (for ages 4 to 13) During the month of November, our journey brings our younger children to the communion table where they will learn about Gods great love for us at the table. Children ages 9 -13 meet the disciple Peter and explore how Peter followed the Good Shepherd. They will learn about his leadership in the church and identify ways they can follow his example becoming leaders in the church today. Youth 11:15 (for youth 13 years and older) Our youth meet on Sunday mornings with Mike Woods and Elisabeth Burnette to discuss the scriptures from worship. Their lively conversations help them discern Gods love for them and discover how they can be followers of the Good Shepherd in their busy lives.

Embracing A Life Meaning Of

5 The Messenger | November 2013

St. Johns Financial Picture YTD as of 9-30-13

Income Pledge Payments* Cash Offerings Other Income

Budget

Actual

$90,000 $15,000 $96,594

$77,347 $25,980 $95,605

Total Income

$201,594

$198,932

Expenses Personnel Committees Operations/Maintenance Local Benevolences Other Total Expenses Income/Expenses Total surplus (deficit) * 55 pledging households. 138,475 15,550 83,259 7,381 7,275 251,940 (50,346) 122,973 13,619 82,455 5,899 7,275 232,221 (33,289)

Have You Turned In Your 2014

2014 Budget Recommendation and Approval

On Sunday November 17 right after the Congregational Breakfast, and on Sunday the 24 during the 9:45 adult Sunday School time member of the Finance Committee and the Church Council will be presenting their recommendation for the 2014 Church Ministry Plan Budget. At that time, members of these two committees will be available to answer any questions that you may have. The Congregational meeting to adopt St. Johns 2014 Ministry Plan Budget will be conducted during 11:00 AM worship on Sunday, November 24th.

C O N T A C T S

Rev. Gerstenlauer Julia Eliades Church Council: Betsy Bighinatti Facilities: Richard Bighinatti Finance: Jeff Hetzer Worship & Music: Kenn Shirley Mission and Outreach: Bill Watson Membership Development: Dreama Terrill -

358-9291 358-9291 379-3572 - 379-3572 550-3928 502-1002 873-2837 972-5669

Christian Formation: Marjorie Barbour Bryan Anderegg Community Development:: Desiree McNeice Congregational Care: Helena DeLigt Weddings: Vivian White The Fellowship: Joe McGregor German Fest: Jeff Jacobs -

687-1460 317-1941 323-9086 795-2058 379-2049 364-4078 355-1115

St. Johns Players: Tony Sharpenstein - 762-4870 Covenant Care Groups: #1 Billy Poarch 359-6131 #2 Adrianne Dery 262-7072 #3 Lex Tartaglia 369-9171 #4 Kim Vann 323-9086 #5 Bryan Anderegg 317-1941 Lynda Merry 756-0270 #6 Rob Osborn 795-2058 Helena DeLigt 795-2058 #7 Cheryl Goode 901-6594 #8 Jo Ann Jellison 525-5536 Johanna Gilbert 270-6056

The Messenger | November 2013

November Lectionary Readings

Twenty-fourth Sunday after Pentecost November 3, 2013 Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost November 10, 2013 Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost November 17, 2013 Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost November 24, 2013 Isaiah 1:10-18 32:1-7 Job 19:23-27a Psalm 17:1-9 Mal 4:1-2a Psalm 98 Jeremiah 23:1-6 Psalm 46 Coloss 1:11-20 Luke 23:33-43 2 Thess 1:1-4, 11-12 Luke 19:1-10

2 Thess 2-1-5, 13-17

Luke 20:27-38

2 Thess 3:6-13

Luke 21:5-19

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Each year we have lovely poinsettias on display in the chancel area during the Christmas Season. If you wish to order a poinsettia in memory of or in honor of a loved one, please complete this form and drop it by the church office, place it in the offering plate, or mail it to the church office. The cost is $12.50 per plant, and you may take it home after the completion of the Christmas Eve Service.

Ordering Deadline: Sunday, December 1st

In memory of In honor of
Name ___________________________________________ Given by:_________________________________________

In memory of In honor of
Name ___________________________________________ Given by:_________________________________________

In memory of In honor of
Name ___________________________________________ Given by:_________________________________________

In memory of In honor of
Name ___________________________________________ Given by:_________________________________________

Your name _________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________ Number of poinsettias ordered ___________ @ $12.50 = $________________ (please include payment with order)

The Messenger | November 2013

GermanFest Provides Fun, Fellowship and Food

About 85 people enjoyed brats and refreshments, the music of band Broken Monday and a beautiful, moonlit evening in the church courtyard on Friday, October 18th to kick off St. Johns 2013 GermanFest celebration. Special thanks to hosts Gil Caldwell, Don Warren and Brent Trefsager (who also coordinated take-out order distribution on Saturday night), with lighting and technical assistance from Richard Bighinatti and additional clean-up assistance from JoAnn Jellison and Ronnie Clements for helping to make it a wonderful start to GermanFest weekend. On Saturday, October 19th, over 150 people gathered in the St. Johns Fellowship Hall, with lederhosen and dirndls in evidence, to listen (and dance) to an oom-pah band featuring our own Shirley and David Townsend and enjoy a traditional sauerbraten, red cabbage and spaetzle dinner. Danke Shoen to the many people who helped make this years GermanFest a great success. At the risk of inadvertently missing some names, special thanks go to: Applesauce makers Ginna and Sam Dalton, Denise Wright, Gary Beasley, and Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer; All of the apple cake bakers; Meat and cabbage slicer, spaetzle maker and co-coordinator Johanna Gilbert; Publicity chair and dining room/ Bierstube decorator Vivian White; Green Bean snappers Dorothy Cook, June Smyth and Anna Oxenham; Red Cabbage chefs Anna Oxenham, June Smyth, Dorothy Cook and Laura Siff; Table Setters Peggy and Lee Ford; Dinner servers Johanna Gilbert, Cathy Wieckmann, Pam Miller and Elisabeth Burnette; Dining Room Coordinators Laura Totty and Charlotte Quick, and their team of servers and dining room help, including Kathy Friese, Bruce Miller, Ashley and Savannah Quick, Bruce Miller, Vicky Lyle, and Ray White; Bartenders Billy Poarch, Thea Kornelius , Dawn LaDuke, Mark Atkinson; and Reservations Agents Beth and Don Stiegler and Diane Semach. Special thanks to Julia Eliades for helping with logistical arrangements and keeping everything and everyone on track.

November 24 - Giving thanks during worship Thanksgiving Meal Hanging of the Greens November 28 - Thanksgiving Day Church office closed November 29 - Office closed

German Apple Cake

4 cups diced apples (3 large apples) 2 eggs 2 cups brown sugar cup vegetable oil 2 cups flour 2 Tsp. baking soda 1 Tbls. cinnamon

(Apfelkuchen)

1 Tbls. nutmeg 1 Tbls. ground ginger 1 Tbls. vanilla Tsp. salt 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) 1-2 cups raisins (optional)

Mix all ingredients well, and spread in a 9 x 13 greased pan. Batter will be very thick. Bake at 350* for 45 minutes, or until sides of cake start to pull away from pan. Great served warm with vanilla ice cream, or with caramel sauce. Makes 12 generous servings.
Easy Caramel Sauce 1 cup brown sugar cup (1 stick) butter cup half-and-half 1 Tbls. vanilla Tsp. salt Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, and let cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Cool slightly before serving.

Remember to mark your calendars for the third weekend in October for the 2014 GermanFest.

The Messenger | November 2013

We Gather Together!

St. Johns Community Players

St Johns Players would like to thank all those members who supported their recent productions of Shout It was exciting and fun and the cast spent many hours rehearsing for this production. We had over 300 persons in attendance over the 8 performances. Our sincere thanks to Tony, our director and Anita, the yellow girl for her beautiful voice. Suzanne, the Blue girl, Pamela Bradley the orange girl, Alex, the red Girl and Caitlin St Clair, the green girl for their superb performances. Our own Shirley Townsend, the musical director is amazing! If it werent for the behind the scenes crew, there would be no show! A special thanks to Richard Bighinatti, Sonny Darnell, Rob Osborn, Joe McGregor, Danny Trent, Stan Cope, Mark Sousa and Betsy Bighinatti. Also thanks to Mark Sousa, Don Warren, Sal Anselmo, and Elisabeth Burnett, Helena Deligt, Dreama Terrill and Rob Osborn who helped with the Dinner part of our weekend. St. Johns players thanks the St. Johns congregation for any and all support they receive! They look forward to their Fundraiser Cabaret during the first weekend of April 2014. See you there!

November 24th
We gather together in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, November 24th after worship for a thanksgiving meal and to celebrate the ministries of St. Johns. We provide the turkeys, dressing, gravy, and beverages. We are asking you to bring a favorite thanksgiving dish to share under the following categories: If your last name starts with: A-G H-N O-S T-Z Bring a vegetable (green beans, creamed spinach, salad, etc.) Bring a starch (bread, potatoes, yams, rice, etc.) Bring a fruit salad or ambrosia Bring dessert (pumpkin pie or pumpkin cheese cake, apple pie or other pie, etc.)

A Time to Remember
On Sunday, November 3 we will be observing All Saints Day during our morning worship. At this time, we remember the following members of our congregation that loved their God and have passed away this year: Audrey Pollard Buchanan Carolyn Dunaway Ruth Henry

Please contact Diane in the church office at 358-9291 and let her know what you are planning to bring and RSVP so we will have enough turkeys!

St. Johns United Church of Christ

After our THANKSGIVING MEAL on November 24th, stay a while longer to participate in the HANGING OF THE GREENS as we decorate the church for Christmas. This St. Johns tradition is always a fun event. We are calling all our men-folk to show off their muscle as we hang the greens! There will be childrens activities and fun for every member of the family. See you there!

Betsy and Richard Bighinatti would like to thank everyone for their love and support after the time of Betsys accident on October 14th. The cards, calls, well wishes and delicious dinner were so much appreciated. May God bless you all for your many blessing on us! Richard and Betsy

Welcome Team Leader

November 3
Doug Waldrop

Fellowship Nursery Sound Acolytes Lay System Readers Hosts Helpers

Tellers

Facilities

Jeff Michel

Bryan Etter James Cook

Josh Lyle Trey Lyle

Dan & Melissa Mascher Vicky Lyle

Melissa & Dan Mascher Chris Miles

Sonny Darnell Dorothy Cook

Bud Higgins

November 10 Doug Waldrop

Jeff Michel

Bryan Etter James Cook

Sal Anselmo Florence Cross Jeff Jacobs Bud Higgins

Sonny Darnell Dorothy Cook

Bud Higgins

November 17

Richard Bighinatti

Jo Ann Jellison

Lydia Woods

Dorothy Cook Lynda Merry

Laura Totty

Kit Carson Jeff Michel

Richard Bighinatti

November 24

Richard Bighinatti

Jo Ann Jellison

Please find a substitute if you are unable to perform your ministry and contact your team coordinator AND the office to let them know who will be filling in for you. Thank you for making our church ministries run smoothly!

Lydia Woods Dreama Terrill Thanksgiving Gil Caldwell Dinner

Marjorie & Justin Barbour

Kit Carson Jeff Michel

Richard Bighinatti

Fellowship Coordinator: Tellers Coordinator: Lay Readers Coordinator:

Sal Anselmo 358-1696 Bud Higgins 301-5059 Sal Anselmo 358-1696

Nov. 3

Nov. 10

Nov. 17 Elisabeth Burnette

Nov. 24 Dan & Melissa Mascher

Sam & Ginna Dorothy Cook Dalton

To order fresh flowers to be placed on the altar in honor of a special occasion or person or in remembrance of someone, please sign-up on the flower chart on the bulletin board in the hallway near the nursery or contact Sonny Darnell at 743-7528 or kenandsonny@comcast.net $45.00 for two beautiful bouquets.

2013
1 2
OLDER YOUTH LOCK-IN

3
11 am Worship
Communion Remembrance Day 2PM CROP WALK CCG # 8 9:45am Christian Formation

4
Church Council 7 pm

5
10 am Staff Mtg. 11:30 am NA Meeting

6
5 pm Card Ministry 7 pm WEBS

7
11:30 am NA Meeting 7 pm Choir Rehearsal

9
8:30 am India Orthodox Church

10
11 am Worship
Noon Confirmands CCG # 7 and 6 9:45am Christian Formation

11

12
10 am Staff Mtg. 11:30 am NA Meeting

13
5 pm Card Ministry 7 pm WEBS

14
10:30 The Fellowship 11:30 am NA Meeting 7 pm Choir Rehearsal

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16

17
9 am Breakfast 9:45 am C Formation

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19
10 am Staff Mtg. 11:30 am NA Meeting

20
5 pm Card Ministry 7pm WEBS

21
11:30 am NA Meeting 7 pm Choir Rehearsal

22

23

11 am Worship

12:30 pm Facilities 12:30pm Intern Comm. WM BYRD HOUSE DONATIONS DUE

24
11 am Worship
Thanksgiving Meal Congreg. Mtg. Greening of Church
Noon Confirmands 9:45 am Christian Formation

25

26
10 am Staff Mtg. 11:30 am NA Meeting

27
5 pm Card Ministry 7 pm WEBS

28

29

30

OFFICE CLOSED

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS
1 3 6 9 10 David Craig Dallas Henderson Matthew James Gilbert Mac Taylor Kevin Hetzer

14 15 16 26 28

Laura Totty Jewell Haake Burton Unger Kathy Smith Bob Corby Nat Taylor William Oxenham

28 30

William Voelcker Mark Atkinson