Prayer List

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers all of our shut-ins and the following members, David Hummel, Alison Armstrong, Glenda Prescott, Brooke (McDonald) Hall, Barbara & Mel Cunningham, Mary Lou Hostetler, Jeanette Morris, Sandra Donson, Machele & John West, Dick Boyd, Kate Hannum Rose, Debi Snow, Kathy Wilson, Judy Armstrong, Braxton Picklesimer, Vicky McGee, Virginia Lavelle, Brenda Simross, Paula Hatfield, Roland West, Ron Gordon, Donna & Loren Hewitt, Harriett Applegate, Bill Jansheski, Charles Meyers, Robin Lyn Green, Bob Shoemaker, the Taylor family and the families of Maurice Ervin, Don Handel & Ralph McGaughy.

Please call the church office if you know of any sick or hospitalized members. Remember if you want someone on the prayer chain, you can fill out a card and drop it in the offering plate.

Congratulations! Jesse Chirdon was selected to receive the Engineering Leadership and Service Award from Otterbein University. He was chosen by the Engineering Faculty.

Keep The Bells Ringing at St. John’s United Church of Christ

Goal: $ 35,000.00 As of April 26, 2020: $ 8,595.00 Still needed: $ 26,405.00

Thank You!

Dear friends at St. John’s UCC, We are so very thankful for your generous gift to help our mission here at St. Vincent Haven. Your gift is a great blessing to us and we pray that it will be returned ten-fold to your entire parish. God Bless, J.P. Munhall

Thank you Pastor Katrick and the congregation of St. John’s. Doing pretty well for all your prayers. Barb & Mel Cunningham Also, you never forget our lily from the people.

Maurice W. Ervin Born: August 11, 1937 Died: March 22, 2020

A Member of St. John’s since 1967

Donald F. Handel Born: May 27, 1934 Died: March 30, 2020

St. John’s Membership reinstated in 2013

Ralph S. McGaughy Born: May 16, 1928 Died: April 21, 2020 A Member of St. John’s since 2018

Westley Abel O’Neil Born: January 9, 2020 Baptized: March 22, 2020 Parents: Heidi and Christopher O’Neil

The 2020 May Chimes

Financial Update Monthly Faith Promise goal $ 9,002.59 Income as April 26, 2020 $ 10,173.05__ Month to Date Balance $ 1,170.46

Dear members and friends of St. John’s:

“Why aren’t we ringing the bells?” It was a very good and thoughtful question from one of our church members, Terry Gano.

Except for worshipping outdoors at both services, nothing had changed. We were still greeting worshippers, having announcements, preparing our hearts with opening words and a moment of silence. But that silence from the bell tower was deafening. It left a big empty space in the order of service.

So why do we ring church bells anyway? Who was responsible for this heavenly racket?

In christianity.com, Dolores Smyth writes, “that as early as Old Testament days, the sound of bells ringing meant good news for God’s people. The jingling indicated that the people’s sins had been atoned for in a way acceptable to God.”

The use of bells in churches dates back to 400 AD when an Italian bishop named Paulinus of Nola introduced them as part of Catholic Church services. In 604 AD, Pope Sabinian officially sanctioned the ringing of church bells during the celebration of the Eucharist and to announce times of daily prayer called the canonical hours.

By the early Middle Ages, church bells were common in Europe. Elsewhere in the world, their importance grew as a form of mass communication to convey religious and secular information or to summon people across large areas.

For example, in 18th century America, church bells rang not only as a part of worship, but also to alert communities of important events such as the end of a war, or an important community gathering. In small villages, church bells also rang to announce deaths and ask for prayers.

“Today, certain Christian denominations use large and small bells as part of their worship, either by means of a bell-ringer who stands in the towers and pulls on ropes attached to the bells, or by automatic bell ringing equipment,” like right here at St. John’s United Church of Christ.

Neighbors have indicated to us that “The Chimes” would be greatly missed if they ever went silent (though not so much that we would ring them at the early service!) That is one of many reasons we began a fund to raise $35,000 for restoration work to these historic bells. Perhaps it was their way of saying, “Hey members and friends of St. John’s pay attention, or you may never hear from us again!”

That would be unimaginable, not only to us, but to that great cloud of St. John’s witnesses who are listening from above. What a great blessing it is to hear our church bells ringing once more. And we will continue to do so until they summon us again, to worship inside our beautiful and historic sanctuary.

They sure sound different from the outside in. I can feel the “joy way down in my heart!” It gives me chills, and not because of the below average temperatures we’ve been having.

It is because those bells are announcing to our church community and the whole neighborhood that a new day is dawning, and that “our God our help in ages past, and our hope for years to come, is watching over us all!”

In Christ’s love,

Rev. Mark

This is a very important message from the church mice to our St. John’s family!

Chucky, Chester and Chauncey are safe and well, and sheltering in our mouse hole. We are keeping six feet away from the staff and at least sixty feet from the neighborhood cats.

Our Cheetos supply is plentiful, but donations are always accepted. The radio has been tuned into the drive-in services. We can’t wait until people open their car windows again and leave donut crumbs.

The forest creatures have kept in touch. Our cousins, the groundhogs, are wondering why they aren’t counted for attendance like the deer.

Mostly, we miss worshipping with you and can’t wait until the day we’re together again.

Keep the faith and have yourself some comfort food. Cheese and crackers work best.

Love, Chucky, Chester and Chauncey

Afternoon Circle –

- is cancelled again for the month of May. This would be our

anniversary meeting – 148 years. We look forward to the time when we can be

together again, and will celebrate then.

NOTES ON THE ACTIVITIES OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH COUNCIL FOR ITS MEETING ON APRIL 20, WHICH HAS BEEN CANCELLED

An email “motion” was made by Tom Lawyer on March 14, that the March 16, 2020 Church Council meeting be cancelled. The “motion” was carried by an email vote.

On Sunday, March 15, discussions were held at each worship service (8:00 in the chapel and 10:30 in the sanctuary) concerning holding worship at all since the Governor is asking that we all stay at home and shelter from this coronavirus. The decision by the congregation was to do two outdoor services each week for the next two weeks, and then see where we are with the virus.

On Monday, March 16, Anita Chirdon emailed a USE OF FACILITY REQUEST from Debbie Jones for April 21, from 5:30 to 8:30 for Delta Kappa Gamma. An email vote approved this request.

The Treasurer’s Report for February was a Total Income of $21,200.78 and Total Expenses of $21,935.91, leaving a difference of ($735.13).

A written report from the Mission and Outreach Committee stated they had a meeting on March 11, at which they made donations to: 1) New Tribes Mission in memory of Lillian Weakley, and 2) Y Healthy Kids Network.

A written report from the Christian Education Committee stated that they met and report that the children’s bells will ring on April 5; the Youth will serve an Easter Breakfast on 4/12; the Youth Overnight and Sunday will be 4/18-19 with the theme “Lion and Lamb”; gifts will be given to mothers on Mother’s Day 5/10; six people are signed up to go on the Mission Trip in June; and VBS is in the planning.

On March 18, Julie Kroah sent out an email stating that all church classes have been cancelled until further notice. This includes all Sunday school classes, confirmation class, nursery care, and the Lenten study.

Chauncey, Chucky and Chester

On March 23, Anita Chirdon sent out an email requesting direction for the Maundy Thursday Soup/Sandwich and Service. There is a stay-at-home order in effect until Monday, April 6. In an email vote, the decision was made to cancel the Maundy Thursday activities.

On March 24, Julie Kroah reported to the Personnel Committee that she is making preschool and grade school Bible lessons available on Facebook for those who want them.

On March 25, Tom Lawyer (president) reported that bulletins would be available at the outdoor services for those who want them, or they can be printed off at home from the Sunday Preview, or viewed on phones. The offering will not be collected by the ushers, but containers will be available for people to drive by and deposit their gifts.

The transmission of the worship service failed on Sunday, March 29, outside. Rev. Mark did an admirable job of shouting the sermon, and with the 8:00 help of Janet and Brenda Simross, who led the singing, and Beth Gray, who held the umbrella over Mark when the rain began, and then collected the offering, the service went on.

On March 31, because of advertising deadlines, an email vote was taken on cancelling indoor worship through April (including Good Friday meditation from 12-3 p.m.) Council members voted by email to agree to cancel all events in April except 2 outdoor worships per Sunday.

Also on March 31, Tom Lawyer (president) sent an email saying that Frank Davis had been in contact with our parsonage renter, who would deeply appreciate a postponement of his rent for 2 months. The email vote was in favor of this postponement.

The Christian Education Committee met again on April 8, via email. Their report was emailed to Council Members last week.

On April 9, Anita Chirdon sent out an email making us aware of the phone lines and internet not being available for the past 2 days – during Holy Week. But that the staff was coming up with creative ways of working around the failures. Jane and Todd were practicing with the electronic piano. Charlie and Tom were working on the new FM antenna. She just wanted us to be aware of the phenomenal job all were doing and to appreciate all their hard work. The phone and internet were finally up and running again last week.

The Treasurer’s Report for March has a total income of $20,926.67 and Total Expenses of $18,981.78.

It has been decided to continue the 2 Outdoor Services each Sunday through May 10. Decisions will be made after that about the rest of May and into the summer. On April 14, Tom Lawyer (president) cancelled the April 20, meeting of Church Council.

Secrets of a Prayer Warrior by Derek Prince - Offers a definitive guide to effective, life-changing prayer by examining the teachings of Jesus and the Old Testament prophets. 101 Things to Do With Your Kids by Carly Krueger - Filled with activities to do with your kids, no matter what age.

DVD Final Words From the Cross by Adam Hamilton - Examines Christ’s finals hours by those who stood near the cross. For Children Loaves and Fishes retold by Heather Amery- an Usborne Bible Tale.

MAY LIBRARY PICKS

Sunday School Volunteers

Connor Boyce Marla Crowthers Pat Farley Judy Goodman Frances Hill Kayla Hill Rev. Katrick

Colleen Kroah Julie Kroah Ken Kroah Matthew Kroah Brian Lensing Pamela Tulloss Kelsie Pursley

Office Volunteers

Rachel Ilardi Esther Gillham Frances & Terry Hill Colleen Kroah Matthew Kroah Verree McClung

Janet Snider Norma Wimer

Additional Support Julie Kroah Kim Workman

Choir Appreciation

Don Bolt Relna Cornell Julie Davis Charles Dudley Elaine Everett Jim Everett Pat Farley

Jerry Goodman April Kinser Jeanette Morris Sally Penrose Johnny Pfeffer Brenda Pursley Diane Reef

Debi Snow Additional support Charlie Bruah Anita Chirdon Rev. Katrick Julie Kroah Jane Shoemaker

Vacation Bible School COME AND JOIN US AT

June 22 – 26, 9am to 11:30am.

If you would be interested in helping with VBS, please fill out this form and

place it in the offering plate or turn it into the office.

Name __________________________________________________________

Phone # ____________________Email address__________________________

Let us know what you are interested in helping with.

Supplies needed:

Card board, gallon sized bubbles, cookies for snack time.

Registration form on other side.

ST. JOHN’S UCC VBS REGISTRATION FORM 285 W. National Dr. Newark, OH 740-323-2407

E-mail: stjohnsucc.ce@windstream.net

Preschool through Sixth Grade

June 22-26, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Child’s Name: ________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________

Home telephone: _____________________Cell Phone: _________________

Home e-mail address: _____________________________________________

Child’s age: ____________ Last school grade completed: _________

In case of emergency (when the parent/guardian cannot be reached), please contact:

Name: _______________________________________________

Telephone: ____________________________________________

Relationship to child: ____________________________________

Please list any allergies (including food allergies) the VBS staff

should be aware of:__________________________________________________

Person responsible for picking up this child at the end of each VBS day:

Name: ____________________________ Phone #__________________________

Signature of parent/guardian: _______________________________________

************************************************************************************

Photographs (Please sign only to disallow photo use)

I Do Not allow photographs and/or video representations of me or my child to be taken for the

express purpose of telling stories about the church VBS experience and/ or promoting church

activities in the future.

Signature ______________________________________________ Date ____________

***All church events listed are subject to change based on current health guidelines. ***

May 31 Confirmation Sunday – as scheduled.

The Easter Breakfast and Youth Sunday will be rescheduled at a later

date.

May 17 - Graduation Sunday. Honoring our high school, college and

beyond graduates.

The mission trip to Big Creek is still scheduled for June 7 – 13. Updates

will be made available as we get them.

Join us at BIG FISH BAY for VBS be June 22 – 26. We’ll embark on a

journey into the life of Jonah. Come … get hooked on God’s mercy!

Sunday School Classes

Adult class – Canceled at this time.

Bible Discovery Zone - Canceled at this time.

Nursery care and Pre-school class - Canceled at this time.

Cradle Roll 17: Kelsie Pursley 24: Frances Hill 31: Kayla Hill

Bible Discovery Zone 17: Ken Kroah & Matthew Kroah 24: Brian Lensink & Connor Boyce 31:

May Worship Service Duties

DVD Filming 17: Gary Kinser

24: Ken Kroah 31: Bill McInturf

Sound System 17: Julie Kroah 24: Ken Kroah 31: Tom Lawyer

Ushers Chair – Dick Tulloss Gary Kinser Mike McCreary Brian Lensink

Greeters 17: Jay Satterfield 24: Mike & Denise Moeller 31: James White & Penny McCarty

Liturgists 17: Pamela Tulloss

24: Rev. Mark Katrick 31: Bill McInturf

St. John’s United Church of Christ 285 W. National Drive Newark, Ohio 43055

Worship & Classes! 8:00 a.m. – Outdoor Drive-In Service 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School - TBD 10:30 a.m. – Outdoor Drive-In Service scheduled through May 10, 2020 Volume 20 Number 5 Address Service Requested

ALL CHURCH SERVICES THROUGH MAY 10, 2020 WILL BE OUTDOOR DRIVE-IN SERVICES. THE REST OF MAY’S EVENTS TO BE DETERMINED AFTER MAY 1, 2020.

All church events listed are subject to change based on current health guidelines. Join our One Call Now program to be notified by phone in a timely manner. Name__________________Phone No. _______________

Main Office Phone Rev. Mark Katrick - Pastor Todd Baldosser 740-323-2407 rev.katrick@windstream.net Organist/Choir Director www.stjohnsnewark.org 295C Goosepond Rd. scarlatti35@hotmail.com Newark, OH 43055

Anita Chirdon Charles Bruah Julie Kroah Administrative Asst. Church Sexton Christian Education Director stjohnsunited@windstream.net 740-975-2699 stjohnsucc.ce@windstream.net

U.S. Postage PAID

Non-Profit Org. Newark, Ohio

Permit No. 103