ST. JOHN’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Maytown, Pennsylvania

The Rev. Robert M. Lescallette, Pastor

Keith Smith, Organist and Choirmaster

Charlie Johns, Vicki McConnell and JoNan Shirk Youth Leaders

Diane Leonard, Parish Secretary

                Becky Fleckenstein, Parish Sexton                                                           

                www.stjohnsmaytown.com

Lent III                                            February 24, 2008

St. Matthias, Apostle                                 10:30 am

This Service of the Word Employs the GREEN Hymnal.

unless otherwise specified.

THE PRELUDE MUSIC –             

THE OPENING HYMN – #499 “Come, Thou Fount”                   Sung standing.

THE CONFESSION OF SINS/ABSOLUTION

        PASTOR:   We are gathered

                            In the name of the Father,

                            And of the Son,

                            And of the Holy Spirit.

        PEOPLE:    AMEN.

        PASTOR:   If you, Lord, should mark iniquities, who could stand?

        PEOPLE:    But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.

        PASTOR:   Let us confess our sins in the presence of God and of one another.

                            …silence for reflection

                            Rock of our salvation,

        PEOPLE:    We confess that we live in opposition to your will for us.  We have failed to be a blessing to others by turning our backs on the needs of the poor, and by exploiting your creation without regard for those who come after us. By our sins, we are exiled from your presence; our bones are dried up, and our hope is thirsty.  Breathe your refreshing spirit on us, o God, that we may live.

        PASTOR:   God’s love is shown to us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.  In the name and for the sake of Christ, I say to you:  all your sins are forgiven.  In the waters of baptism you were joined with Christ, reborn as children of God, and anointed with the Holy Spirit. You are free to live as God’s people in the world.

        PEOPLE:    Amen.

THE GREETING

        PASTOR:   Remember, o Lord, your compassion and love, for they are from everlasting.  The abundant grace and mercy of God be with you all.

        PEOPLE:    And also with you.

THE PRAYERS OF THE DAY                                                      See Insert, and…

        PASTOR:   Almighty God, you chose your faithful servant, Matthias, to be numbered along the twelve.  Grant that your church may always be taught and guided by faithful and true pastors and bishops, through Jesus Christ our shepherd, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

        PEOPLE:    Amen.                                               All sit following the prayers.

THE FIRST READING – Exodus 17:1-7

THE ANTHEM

THE SECOND READING - Romans 5:1-11

THE LENTEN SENTENCE - p. 63 “Return to the Lord”               Sung standing.

THE HOLY GOSPEL – John 4:5-42                              All sit following the Gospel.

THE HYMN OF THE DAY - “Come to Me All Pilgrims Thirsty”

THE SERMON

THE NICENE CREED - p. 64                                                    Confesses standing,

                                                                                           all sit following the Creed.

THE ORGAN OFFERTORY –

THE OFFERING                                                                                                           

THE OFFERTORY – p. 75 “Create In Me”                                    Sung standing.

THE PRAYER OF THE CHURCH

THE LORD’S PRAYER                                                                          Traditional

THE BENEDITION

THE DISMISSAL

THE RECESSIONAL HYMN– “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”  See page 5

THE SILENT PRAYER

THE ORGAN POSTLUDE –                                                                                       

The Altar Will Be Absent of Flowers During Lent

THE BULLETINS

…in are given to the Glory of God and in honor of my daughter, Tana Leas Yung’s Birthday.           By Alice Leas

WELCOME, PASTOR MARTIN!

Returning to our pulpit and chancel this morning is Pastor Bill Martin a retired Lutheran clergyman now living near Irene and Bun Penwell in Manheim.  Pastor Martin was in Pastor Peirson’s Seminary class and he last preached for us in October, amid glowing “reviews”!  We thank him for serving us again.

ATTENTION ALL NEW/WOULD-BE ACOLYTES

…Pat Vogel will be at the rear of the sanctuary, immediately after today’s service, to help any boy or girl who would like to serve our church as an acolyte.  Bring your training booklet if you have one.  Any one tall enough to reach the altar candles, using the lighters, is welcome to serve.  The session should last only 20 minutes.  Please come!

            his Week at St. John’s

              Today                 9:15 am      Sunday School

                                        10:30 am      Traditional Service with guest Preacher

                                                                  Bill Martin

                                          11:30 am      Acolyte training session

                                          2:00 pm      Catechetical Class returns from retreat

            Monday             7:00 pm      Evangelism Committee

            Tuesday                7:30 pm      Bible Study on Acts in the Parlor

            Wednesday     10:00 am      Bible Study on Luke at Longwood

                                           6:00 pm      Lenten Supper #3 hosted by Social

                                                                 Ministry with variety of casseroles,

                                                                  salads, and desserts

                                            6:45 pm      Junior Choir Practice

                                           7:30 pm      Senior Choir Practice

            Thursday            7:00 pm      Worship and Music Committee

            Friday               10:00 am      Stewardship Committee

                                            6:30 pm      SYG leaves for Nawakwa retreat

                                          7:00 pm      Knitters and Crocheters get

                                                                  together - in the parlor

            Next Sunday      9:15 am      Sunday School

                                        10:30 am      Traditional Lenten Communion

                                             Noon      After Church for Lunch Bunch

                                   afternoon      SYG returns from retreat

PASTOR AND CATECHETICAL CLASS

…are on retreat at Camp Kirchenwald this weekend. The group returns sometime after lunch today.

SYG RETREAT

The Senior Youth Group will go on retreat with Charlie, Vicki and Jo this weekend, starting on Friday night at 6:30 pm.  They will go to the Brenneman Lodge at Camp Nawakwa in Adams County.  Talk to a youth leader if you need further details.  Catechetical class will NOT be held on March 2^nd so as to allow the eight catechumens to share in the event.

erving God’s People Today

Lector – Ryan Boccagno

Acolyte – Alex Smith

Crucifer – Amy Chapman

                      Head Usher – Bob Long

                      Ushers – Wanda Long, Dick and Louise Baker

                      Altar Care – Wanda Long                                                                       

                      Flowers – no flowers during Lent

                      Bulletins – Alice Leas

                      Greeter – Joyce Boyer

                      Offering Counters – Cliff Hafer, Mark Harnish &

                                                                        Jamie Sine                                                     

MALE AND FEMALE DELEGATES TO SYNOD ASSEMBLY

…are needed.  If you are a confirmed, communing, voting member of St. John’s - you are qualified to serve as our representative - you need only volunteer!  This year, the assembly will be held at Messiah College in Grantham, York County (Harrisburg Metro area) on Friday, June 13 and Saturday, June 14.  We shall elect a new Synod Treasurer and several other persons, meet the new ELCA Secretary, David Swartling, Ordain some seminarians, worship, do Bible study, and learn about the wider church.  Talk to Pastor if you would be interested in joining him at the event, as soon as possible.

SOAP!

The Social Ministry Committee is again asking the congregation to support a collection of bath size bars of soap which will be given to Lutheran World Relief.  Our goal this year is 1,000 bars.  Please remember to buy soap each time you go to the grocery store and bring it to church with you, setting it in the laundry basket in the tower window sill.  So far, 194 bars of soap have been given. Let’s all contribute to a cleaner, healthier human family!

YOUTH GROUP RUMMAGE SALE:

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Please mark your calendars…

The annual youth group rummage sale has been scheduled for the Memorial Day weekend. We will be open for business in our social hall on Saturday, May 24^th from 8am to 1pm and Monday, May 26^th from 8am-12noon.

The rummage sale has been a major fund raiser for our youth program for years. Now more than ever, a successful rummage sale depends upon the participation of our congregation. If you are available, we could use your help in setting up, selling, and/or packing up the weekend of the sale. We need your new, gently used or collectible items as merchandise (we will pick up and store items beginning now). And of course, we need you as customers. Please contact Vicki or Sheri for further information or item pick-up. Thank you.

ANYONE INTERESTED IN JOINING ST. JOHN’S AS A MEMBER

…should let Pastor know of your desire.  A class on Lutheran Christianity, which is a requirement for those who do not come from Lutheran backgrounds, will be offered in April and May, if the need exists.  Persons transferring to St. John’s from other Lutheran congregations and those confirmed and raised in such churches need not attend the class, but are welcome to do so.

IT’S EASTER EGG TIME!

The Women of the church will have handmade Easter egg candy available.  Order blanks are at each entrance to the church.  Orders may be placed in the same basket.  The cost is $3.90 per ½ dozen.  Orders will be filled in the sequence they are received and may be picked up anytime after 12 noon on Mondays.  If you have time to help with the project any Monday morning, please consider aiding our small group to package the eggs and fill orders.  We are applying to Thrivent Financial for matching funds for our congregation.

BIBLE STUDY

…will meet at 7:30 pm.  Everyone in the congregation is invited to attend a Bible Study on Acts.  We get together each Tuesday at 7:30 PM, in the parlor, and are led by JoNan Shirk and Carol Bachert.  Please read chapters 16-19.

erving God’s People Next Week - March 2^nd

  Lector – Joyce Boyer

  Acolyte – Amber Smith and William Weller

  Crucifer – Ryan Boccagno

                      Head Usher – no one has signed up

                      Altar Care – The Vogels                                                                          

                      Flowers – No Flowers During Lent

                      Bulletins – Alice Leas

                      Greeter – Rose and Alice Leas

                      Offering Counters – Wayne Hoffmann, Denny Weller,

                                                                                        and Jan Shelly