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In this Issue

Pastor Bob Akins Pg. 4

Cody Blust Pg. 5

Lori Holt Pg. 6

Thrift Shop Pg. 7

Church Council Pg. 9-11

J UNE AND J ULY 2019

Cross Connection

Pentecost SundayPentecost Sunday Celebrating the Gift of

the Holy Spirit

June 9, 2019

Celebrating

College

Graduates

and

Trinity

Graduates

June 9, 2019

10:30 am

Service

Congratulations! From

St. John’s

June and July June and July June and July Community Meal Community Meal Community Meal

DaysDaysDays Saturday, June 29Saturday, June 29Saturday, June 29

And Saturday, July 27And Saturday, July 27And Saturday, July 27

Celebrate Independence Day, July 4th!Celebrate Independence Day, July 4th!Celebrate Independence Day, July 4th!

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Confirmation

Claire Henman Allison Fultz Landon Davis Emma Hurley

Cheyanne Bolden (pictured left to right)

May 12

Confirmation Sunday

Congratulations! A special thanks to Pas-tor Schriber for his dedi-cation to catechism at St. John’s, and for con-firming the 2019 class!

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Pentecost is significant in both the Old and New Testaments. “Pentecost” is actually the Greek name for a festival known in the Old Testament as the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15; Deuteronomy 16:9). The Greek word means “fifty” and refers to the fifty days that have elapsed since the wave offering of Passover. The Feast of Weeks celebrated the end of the grain harvest. Most

interesting, however, is its use in Joel and Acts. Looking back to Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28–32) and forward to the promise of the Holy Spirit in Christ’s last words on earth before His ascension into heaven (Acts 1:8), Pentecost signals the beginning of the church age. The only biblical reference to the actual events of Pentecost is Acts 2:1–3. Pentecost is reminiscent of the Last Supper; in both instances the disciples are together in a house for what proves to be an important event. At the Last Supper the disciples witness the end of the Messiah’s earthly ministry as He asks them to remember Him after His death until He returns. At Pentecost, the disciples witness the birth of the New Testament church in the coming of the Holy Spirit to indwell all believers. Thus the scene of the disciples in a room at Pentecost links the commencement of the Holy Spirit’s work in the church with the con-clusion of Christ’s earthly ministry in the upper room before the crucifixion. The description of fire and wind mentioned in the Pentecost account resounds throughout the Old and the New Testament. The sound of the wind at Pentecost was “rushing” and “mighty.” Scriptural references to the power of wind (always understood to be under God’s control) abound. Exodus 10:13; Psalm 18:42 and Isaiah 11:15 in the Old Testament and Matthew 14:23–32 in the New Testament are only a few examples. More significant than wind as power is wind as life in the Old Testament (Job 12:10) and as spirit in the New (John 3:8). Just as the first Adam received the breath of physical life (Genesis 2:7), so the second Adam, Jesus, brings the breath of spiritual life. The idea of spiritual life as generated by the Holy Spirit is certainly implicit in the sound of the wind at Pentecost. Fire is often associated in the Old Testament with the presence of God (Exodus 3:2; 13:21–22; 24:17; Isaiah 10:17) and with His holiness (Psalm 97:3; Malachi 3:2). Likewise, in the New Testament, fire is associated with the presence of God (Hebrews 12:29) and the purification He can bring about in hu-man life (Revelation 3:18). God’s presence and holiness are implied in the Pentecostal tongues of fire. Indeed, fire is identified with Christ Himself (Revelation 1:14; 19:12); this association naturally un-derlies the Pentecost gift of the Holy Spirit, who would teach the disciples the things of Christ (John 16:14). Another aspect of the Day of Pentecost is the miraculous speaking in foreign tongues which ena-bled people from various language groups to understand the message of the apostles. In addition is the bold and incisive preaching of Peter to a Jewish audience. The effect of the sermon was powerful, as listeners were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37) and instructed by Peter to “repent, and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). The narrative concludes with three thousand souls being added to the fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayers, apostolic signs and wonders, and a community in which everyone’s needs were met. Pentecost Sunday, June 9, 2019

Pentecost: What is it?

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Pastor Bob Akins

“Welcome to St. John’s we are glad you are here.” How many times have I

heard that in the past two weeks? Too many to count! It is very gratifying

to be welcomed into your church family and we do feel welcomed. Both

Donna and I are looking forward to our time with you.

What are your expectations of me? Let’s talk about those sometime. I

do have some for you. St. John’s is a mutual ministry. For you I hope to

prove to be a worthy leader and you? I hope you all are worthy ministers.

Yes.......... each of you are the ministers that St. John’s sends into the com-

munity surrounding our building. It is from each of you that the message

of the gospel will be spread all around Shelby county. It is from you that

the communion of the Holy Spirit will guide our mission. Yes! I have expec-

tations of all of you to be faithful to God and to be open and vocal about

what God has done /is doing in your life. It is by your life that people see

the message of grace lived out.

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat. Knowing that you are

loved by God is a joyous thing, let’s not be somber or grumpy. God wants

us to be happy. As the kid’s song goes “If your happy and you know it clap

your hands” and then other verses tell us that God wants us to shout it

out. Even bachelor Norwegian farmers are called to share the message,

and if they can you all certainly can.

What’s going to change here? Today I don’t know. The Holy Spirit

will lead us where he wants us to go. I hope that each of you will communi-

cate to me and or the council what you think would make St. John’s more

alive and vibrant congregation going forward. The reason for our being

is to bring the message of Jesus Christ to all we encounter. A joyous mes-

sage. Remember Jesus began his ministry at a Wedding Reception in Cana. A

real party.

Some possible party ideas. Church in the Park, Church at a

campground with a churchwide campout for that weekend. Fun games,

worship, enjoying God's creation. A fourth of July Picnic for our neigh-

bors. A bike rodeo for the young kids in the parking lot. If any one of these

ideas strikes your fancy step up and volunteer to make it happen. If you

have other ideas come forth please.

If the high school band only had drum majors there would be no mu-

sic. So if I can be the drum major and all of you will play the instruments

of your life beautiful music will come from this

place.

Thanks again for the welcome

I think we will be----LBW 260

PB

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A Note from Our Youth Director, Cody Blust

At the time of writing this graduation is two days away and I am in awe. My final graduation day seemed like it was so far away and now I am about to take the long walk across a short stage. While I look back on all the work I have done, I know I could not have made it here alone. If I did not have the support of St. John’s I

know I would not have made it to this point. I am excited to be moving forward in life and stepping into the role of your Youth Director. I am looking into ways that the youth could not only grow to-gether as a group but grow with other groups in Sidney to build meaningful inter-denominational relationships with one another. I am grateful for everything the church has done for me and now the chance to give back in a bigger way.

Cody

Dear Friends, Gaile and I were pleased to attend the Graduation ceremony at Trinity Lutheran Seminary on May 18th. There were a total of 16 graduates receiving various degrees. Of that number, there were 7 graduates in the Master of Divinity program (future pastors), with St. John’s providing 3 of the graduates. Over the years, YOU as a congregation have supported our youth in a large variety of activities and studies. Over the last 25 years YOU have support 6 folks of our congregation preparing for the ministry of word and sacrament: Rev. Charla Grieves - serving in Botkins, Rev. Christine Stratton Valanti, serving in Minnesota, and Rev. Aaron Holmegren, also serving in Minnesota. Soon, there will be Cody Blust, Laura Ferree and Dan Gutman joining those ranks. Friends, you have gifted the Church through these six pastors and soon to be pastors. Your significant financial support was huge, especially with the rising costs of education. Your prayers, notes, and words of encouragement strengthened them on their journey. I am so very proud of the support and sacrifice you made for our Church. May God continue to bless you and these servants of the Lord. Pastor Jon Schriber

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Lori Holt

Brothers and Sisters,

We are in the heat of summer!!! I hope everyone is enjoying this!! The Reds are still in last place. We’re having a wonderful time worshiping with PB!! We are so blessed to have him here; despite the fact that we are not Trinity Lutheran!! We are again blessed to be working with Cody!!

THANK YOU!! To the Koesters for providing the yummy food for the pre-Confirmation breakfast!! To Brenda McCroskey and Kathy Vogler for their work setting up, serving and cleaning up!! Y’all made this a wonderful morning for them!! I am so grateful to y’all!! Again, thank you; and God bless you!!

NOTICES—

PB & J has practice on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm!! Anyone who is interested in

joining us, please call me here at the church!! Thank you!!

Wired for Christ has practice on Sundays at 9:30 am; immediate-

ly after 8:30 am worship!! Any youth that is interested in becoming involved,

please call me here at the church!! 492-8047. Thank you!!

Community meals will be Saturday, June 29,

from 11 am – 12 noon. Also Saturday, July 27, from 11 am – 12 noon. If you’d like

to help with this ministry either on Saturday or with the donation on foodstuffs,

please contact the church office!! Thank you!!

Happy 8th Birthday, Ross!!

Happy LXII Birthday, Honey!!

Happy 17th Anniversary, Steph and Craig!!

Happy Father’s Day!!

Happy 14th Birthday, Nolan!!

Happy 243rd Birthday, America!!

Happy Birthday to my Yankee Doodle Dad!!

Happy Birthday, Andy!!

Love in Christ,

Lori

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Worship Services for Local Retirement Homes

In order to provide communion for St. John’s members who live at Dorothy Love, a monthly worship service is scheduled. All residents are invited to

attend, and members of St. John’s are encouraged to come and accompany a family member or friend. The services scheduled for June and July with Pastor Bob Akins:

Dorothy Love Retirement Community

Tuesday, June 18 & July 16

1:15 p.m.

St. John’s Thrift Shop

Thanks once again to all the volunteers. We have many unofficial vol-

unteers that may not work a regular shift in the shop, but they are still

much appreciated.

There are a few volunteers unable to work due to health concerns. Please

remember them in your prayers. We have not yet been able to fill all the

hours needed to remain open all week. Summer would be a great time to

give a few hours a week.

Thank you and God Bless,

Christal Smith

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THANK YOU!! To the Koesters for provid-ing the yummy food for the pre-Confirmation breakfast!! To Brenda McCroskey and Kathy Vogler for their work setting up, serving and cleaning up!! Y’all made this a wonderful morn-ing for them!! I am so grateful to y’all!! Again, thank you; and God bless you!! Lori

Lynn Pitchford, Bob Vogler, Bill McCroskey & St. John’s, Thank you so very much for hosting the National Day of Prayer Observance! It worked out well having it at St. John’s. Each of you were so kind, helpful and good to work with. The celebration certainly would not have been the same without you! Thank you! Mark Kaufman and Tilda P.

Dear St. John’s Members, Thank you so much for all of the cards and prayers for Dorothy Barker. She experienced a great amount of suffering, especially toward the end. The kind words and concern were uplifting and very appreciated by us. God bless you all and again. Sincere Thanks, Sandy and Tom Boecker

Becky Anderson’s 100th Birthday!

Becky Anderson will be turning 100 years old on July 19, 2019. She re-sides at Dorothy Love, 3003 Cisco Rd., Sidney. Please send birthday cards to her in celebra-tion. Thank you.

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ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES

May 13, 2019

Call to Order – President, Steve Holt

Devotions – Steve Holt

Additions to the Agenda: Member transfer out request to be added to New Business. Ted Tinsler added the use of the church bus for Senior Lunch trips to the item of New Business.

Adoption of Agenda – Motion to accept the Agenda for the May council meeting was made by Kathy Vogler and seconded by Bill McCroskey. The motion passed.

There was no communion assistant sheet/devotion sheet to be passed around.

NEW BUSINESS

Use of Church Bus for Senior Lunch group – Ted Tinsler announced that the 2nd Thursday of each month the seniors will be getting together and going out to lunch. He inquired as to the use of the bus for these trips. Cody Blust also inquired as to the use of the church bus for youth outings. Council agreed these were both great ideas. The issue of auto insurance coverage and if there were any age limits on the people driv-ing the church bus was raised. Jeff Fannon will check on this issue with our current auto insurance carrier.

Pastor Bob Akins and Youth Director Cody Blust were both formally welcomed to the meeting. Both are excited to get started.

Visitation Pastor – Pastor Cheryl has resigned. Pastor Bob informed Council he had received an email from her and that they are going to get together and sit down and she will update him on what she has been doing. Cody Blust also offered to help Pastor Bob out with any visitation.

Seminarian Red Stoles for Ordination – It is customary for the home church of the seminarians to provide these stoles. Pastor Jon had previ-ously contacted each of the three seminarians to get an idea of what stole they would like. Dan chose a stole and the cost is $275. Pastor Bob commented that this was not out of line for the current cost of stoles. Cody Blust commented that he was under the assumption that they could design their own if they choose to do so. He is going to clarify this with Pastor Jon. Carroll Cutler moved we purchase a red stole of their choice for the 3 seminarians. Kathy Iwanski seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Special Donation to St. John’s – An anonymous benefactor has come forward offering to donate funds specifically for the installation of air conditioning in the chapel. Steve has contacted Eck Refrigeration and obtained a quote. Eck Refrigeration has done previous work at the church and knows our current layout and systems. Carroll Cutler moved that we accept the anonymous donation for the installation of the air conditioning in the chapel and Kathy Vogler seconded it. Discussion ensued regarding the current quote it was pointed out there were no costs included for permits, inspections or prints. Steve will follow up with Eck and get further clarification. Steve will also be in contact with the benefactor’s attorney. A vote was taken and the motion passed.

Transfer out by Current Member – Steve read a letter from Sondra Boecker requesting her membership be transferred to Holy Angels Catholic Church effective immediately. Pastor Bob made a motion to accept this transfer out request and Ted Tinsler seconded it. Motion passed.

OLD BUSINESS

Confirmation Review – Everything went well and the meal was great.

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Church Council (continues page 2)

National Day of Prayer – Kathy Vogler, Sandy Ike, Jeff Fannon, and Bill McCroskey were all in attendance and said it was a wonderful service and the school choirs were

outstanding. All of the students were very well behaved. There were about 42 people in attendance in addition to all of the county high school choirs. It was discussed to offer to host next year and that the organizers should publicize this event more so more people would attend.

Church Security – Phase I to change the latches and locks on non-essential exterior doors to disallow entrance into the church, has been complet-ed. These doors will still be an exit option. Quotes have been obtained from OVIS and Low Voltage Solutions for the remaining Phase II and Phase III security installations.

Carroll Cutler moved we go to the congregation with the proposals and ask for the remaining amount to complete the project. Pastor Bob second-ed the motion. Much discussion ensued. During discussion it was pointed out that OVIS offered a discount if we combined Phases II & III. Carroll Cutler withdrew his motion and Pastor Bob withdrew his second. Carroll Cutler then moved that we proceed with the OVIS quote to complete the entire project (door entry and surveillance system security installation). Kathy Iwanski seconded the motion. Motion passed.

Capital Improvement Campaign – Bob Vogler reported on the following:

Regal Plumbing has responded back to him and he should be receiving their quote regarding the sewer work that needs to be done on the thrift shop and the double.

Cooper Asphalt will be at the church to do the top sealing of the blacktop on July 1-5. Cooper Asphalt will seal the blacktop and re-stripe the parking lot. This should last 4-5 years. The parking lot will be closed to traffic during this time.

The stove in the kitchen has been brought up to code but the fire suppression system quote has increased due to additional code require-ments. Additional wiring and the installation of a warning horn must be installed. Bob will obtain an additional quote for this work.

He obtained a quote to restore all of the interior damage in the sanctuary. The quote came in at $68,000. He will be getting additional quotes for this work.

St. John’s Thrift Shop – Jeff Fannon is working on auditing the books. He has started with the 2017 books and is about half way through them. We will continue to monitor this and it will stay on the Old Business list.

Facility Use & Rental – no discussion. We will continue to follow up on this matter.

Secretary’s Report – Sandy Ike sent Steve Holt an email with an addition she wanted added to the April minutes: The Education Committee met and they are excited about working with Cody in the upcoming months. Becky Mann made a motion to accept the Secretary’s Report as submit-ted with the addition and Sharon Koester seconded it. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Jeff Fannon presented the Treasurer’s Report. While presenting, he came upon the line item of the high school graduation gifts. Cody Blust volunteered to purchase these gifts and Jeff gave him the budgetary allowance for the same. Kathy Vogler made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bill McCroskey seconded it. Motion passed.

STAFF REPORTS:

Pastor Bob – he is very excited to be at St. John’s. He and his wife will be here to meet & greet everyone on May 18 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. His proposed hours will be:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-5 if he does not do a Saturday night service.

Monday, Tuesday from 9-5 and Wednesday from 9-1 if he does do the Saturday night service. He will be here every Sunday. He will be here on the 2nd Monday of each month for Council meetings. He has several ideas for this summer which include a community wide VBS and he met with Becky Mann about the Pentecost

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Sunday service on June 9th already. He will participate in the Stillwater Pastor Group and the Shelby County Pastor Group. He will be gone June 30-July 8 to take his grandkids to Camp Luther and from August 12-26 on a vacation to Alaska.

Volunteer Coordinator Report – Mindy presented Lori’s report.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Education & Youth – did not meet but will be meeting with Cody in the near future.

Evangelism – Bill has updated the website and prepared a visitor guide. Mindy is working with Sign Pro to design a new sign for St. John’s that has our times of worship on it. Kathy mailed the 655 Cards for Christ that were collected and she plans to do another card collection drive later in the year. The visitor bags are being well received with 2-3 being replaced every week.

Finance – no report

Music & Worship – The 156 cranberry hymnals are here and in the chapel. A thank you note will be written for these.

Parish Life –The Mother/Daughter/Women’s Banquet was held on May 5th and 29 tickets were sold.

Property – no report. Stewardship – No report.

INFORMATION:

Community Meal will be held May 25th 11am-12pm additional volunteers will be needed as the Davis’ and the Fultz’ have kids graduating.

Newsletter deadline: May 19th

Next Council Meeting: June 10, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Closing Devotions – were given by Becky Mann

A Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Kathy Iwanski and seconded by Becky Mann. Meeting Adjourned.

In Attendance: Steve Holt, Pastor Akins, Jeff Fannon, Mindy Gies, Kathy Iwanski, Ted Tinsler, Kathy Vogler, Bill McCroskey, Reece Pitch-ford, Carroll Cutler, Sharon Koester, Cody Blust, Bob Vogler & Becky Mann.

Excused: Sandy Ike and Clint Bostick.

Absent: Taylor Bisbee and Sandy Mertz.

Church Council (continues page 3)

The GideonCard Bible Program With every GideonCard you send, your donation provides for Bibles

and New Testaments to be distribut-ed around the world, for free, by

The Gideons International.

Please consider this program for your greeting card needs.

https://www.sendtheword.org/

St. John’s Parking LotSt. John’s Parking LotSt. John’s Parking Lot will be closed onwill be closed onwill be closed on

Monday, July 1 through Monday, July 1 through Monday, July 1 through

Wednesday, July 3.Wednesday, July 3.Wednesday, July 3. You may park on theYou may park on theYou may park on the street to access thestreet to access thestreet to access the church parking lot entrance.church parking lot entrance.church parking lot entrance.

We are having our parking lot We are having our parking lot We are having our parking lot

sealed during this time.sealed during this time.sealed during this time. Sorry for the inconvenience.Sorry for the inconvenience.Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thank you!Thank you!Thank you! Church StaffChurch StaffChurch Staff

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St. John’s Information

Community Meal St. John’s

Fellowship Hall

11:00 to 12:00 pm

Saturday, June 29 & July 27

Serving the Lord in June & July Altar Guild: June: Josie Goffena & Patti Puckett July: Cinda McAlexander, Renee Davis, & Kathy Iwanski Acolytes: 8:30 am June Rotating Liberty Davies & Eva Davies And July Katy Leonard & Olivia Pitchford 10:30 am June Emma Hurley & Libby Hurley July Kennah Herrick & Tatum Werntz

Senior Lunch The senior lunch will be on Thurs-day, June 13, at noon, at Murphy’s Restaurant, on the square. See bulle-tins for upcoming information for July.

Joy Circle

Tuesday, July 16th

See bulletins for details coming

soon

The Women’s

Sewing Circle

Fellowship Hall

9 am

Wednesday, June 26 & July 24

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Glenna Fogt

The Glenna Fogt Memorial Scholarship has been established by the Me-

morial Commi�ee of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the family of

Glenna Fogt in loving memory of her influence on the countless num-

ber of students she touched over the years. Glenna was a long-$me

member of St. John’s, a renowned teacher in Sidney, had a love of histo-

ry and students and was a great friend of educa$on.

The Glenna Fogt Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a member of St. John’s Luther-

an Church who is enrolled full$me in school. The applicant must be at least a Junior majoring in

educa$on or a field related directly to educa$on. Those working on advanced degrees may also

apply. The recipient may reapply.

Informa$on and applica$ons are available in the church office. The deadline for turning in

the applica$on is May 31, 2019.

Laurence B. Anderson, Jr. Memorial This Scholarship has been established through the Memorial Commi�ee of St. John’s Lu-

theran Church in accordance with Mr. Anderson’s desire to assist students pursuing a degree in

the nursing profession.

It will be awarded annually to a member of St. John’s who is enrolled in an accredited

program. The applicant must have completed one year of a nursing

degree program or a field directly related to health care. Those

working on an advanced degree may also apply. Any recipient of this

scholarship may reapply.

Informa$on and applica$ons are available in the church office.

Scholarships

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Please pray for our Homebound Members and mail them a card to:

Helen Dill, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Apt. 116, Findlay, Ohio 45840

Mary Davis, 624 Broadway St., Sidney, Ohio 45365

Vivian McDermit, 860 S. Miami St., Sidney, Oh 45365

Pat Hoellrich, 1510 River Rd., Sidney, Oh 45365

Mildred Hughes, 2016 Fair Oaks Dr., Sidney, Oh 45365

Erika Montgomery, 2333 Apache Dr., Sidney, Oh 45365

Rhonda Vance, 1302 Spruce St., Sidney, Oh 45365

Dorothy Love, 3003 W. Cisco Road, Sidney, Oh 45365

Residents are: Becky Anderson and Bob Bertsch,

Gail Shively, Ruth Koch, and Ruth Weimer.

George & Fran Brockman, 2500 N. Kuther Rd.

Jerry & Shirley Gibbs, 701 Bennett Circle

Jeanne Mears, 408 Holmes Place

Wayne Brockman, 602 Gronlund Place, Sidney, Oh

Fair Haven, 2901 Fair Rd., Sidney, Oh

Residents are: Delores Applegate and Teresa Fultz

Masonic Home, 421 Hillman, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504

Resident is: Patricia Ann Fogt

Landings of Sidney, 1150 Russell Road, Sidney, Oh 45365

Resident is: Norma Durnell

Remember Our Shut-Ins in your Prayers

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St. John’s Lutheran Church

Worship Services:

Saturday, 6:00 p.m. Sunday, 8:30 & 10:30 am

Sunday School, 9:30 am

At St. John’s, we are given the opportunity to worship God,

study His Word, and serve Him in many capacities, while

at the same time enjoying Christian fellowship.

Please consider ways that you can get involved!

God’s Vision, Our Mission

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptiz-

ing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of

the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything

that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with

you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20

on the Web:

http://www.sidneystjohns.com

120 W. Water street Sidney, Ohio

45365

Phone: 937-492-8047 Fax: 937-492-2462

E-mail: LPITCHFORD@SIDNEYSTJOHNS.COM

St. John’s Thrift Shop

319 South Ohio Ave. Sidney, OH 45365

Phone: 937-492-0337