St. John's Reformed Church

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

 

We understand the Great Commission – or do we? Jesus' followers have rallied since His resurrection from the dead, but they gather behind locked doors in fear during these days prior to Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came with power. While the risen Jesus opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, I dare say they likely felt ill-equipped to do what He's asking. Perhaps we can relate.

 

None-the-less, Jesus commands them, and us, to "Go!" The thrust of this command is "as you go, make disciples". Jesus isn't calling them to become professional missionaries, necessarily. He is calling each one to a lifestyle of disciple making. As you go through your day, understand, as a follower of Christ, you are called to make disciples in the process. Integrate your faith into your conversation, your work ethic, your lifestyle choices and relationships. This is genius, as each believer has this "leavening" effect that infiltrates society (Matthew 13;33). This is not a "top down" political approach, but rather a "bottom up", one-by-one process. Rather than protesting what we are against, Jesus here calls us to model a faithful Christian life. While it is good and essential for us to gather to worship and encourage one another, most of the time we don't go to church, we go as the church to illustrate the difference Jesus makes in life.

 

This is for "all nations" – literally all ethnic groups. No one is to be left out or excluded. God created every human being in His image.

 

Notice we are called to teach, with the focus not primarily on belief, but behavior: teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." At the Last Supper, Jesus gave a "New Commandment", "that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another" (John 13:34). Such love, according to Jesus, would be the telling evidence that we are His disciples. Prior to Constantine's conversion in 313 AD, new believers received extensive catechetical instruction that lasted several years – unless individuals showed evidence of a changed life that included giving to the poor, helping the sick and visiting those in prison (Matthew 25:34-36). The focus was on changed behavior. That shifted in the fourth and fifth centuries to an emphasis on correct belief due to the rise in heresies. We need to know the truth, but we also need to live for Jesus.

 

Loving one another as Jesus loved us includes forgiveness and resolving conflict as Jesus instructed (Matt. 5:23-24; 18:15-22). The church has not always done this especially well. We need to understand Jesus' priority, His goal for us as a church. Jesus' prayer on the eve of His crucifixion reveals His greatest desire for each one of us, His followers: “that all of them might be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me” (John 17:21). Jesus' heart is that our life together would mirror the unity and intimacy of His own relationship with Father God. This is how Jesus intends for us to live –a life that breathes Jesus' love and truth – "so that the world may believe."

Growing with you in Christ, 
Dave Meckley, Pastor

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CCCC Sunday is July 30

 

We joined the CCCC in 2005 and have found fellowship and common mission with like-minded believers in 300 CCCC churches spanning 40 states. There are 800 pastors and Christian workers in the CCCC. Affiliation with the CCCC is especially appreciated when a church is searching for a pastor. The CCCC recently published an updated version of Navigating A Pastoral Transition that leads a congregation through that process with clear, insightful procedures based on much experience, Biblical study and prayer. Our Consistory President and Pastor each have a copy if you would like to review it. However, the CCCC is so much more than a pastoral-search resource!

 

"Healthy Pastors" is one of the Seven Guiding Values in the CCCC. Pastors in the Allegany Fellowship meet regularly for prayer, study, worship and mutual edification. As "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17) we are "better together" as we learn from each other, encourage one another, provide accountability as needed and benefit from an "abundance of counselors" (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22). In these days when the number of clergy is shrinking, finding a healthy, Godly shepherd is more important than ever.

 

"Healthy Disciple-Making Churches" is another Guiding Value. I am encouraged to see more people sharing the gifts God has given them. Let us continue to pray for one another as we encourage and build each other up in faith in Christ and gift-oriented ministries.

 

The first Guiding Value is "A Culture of Believing Prayer and Intercession". I have met with fellow delegates at the Annual Gathering in the early morning hour for prayer before the day's activities. Serving on the Board of Directors, I experience firsthand how profoundly we rely on God, seek His Face, pray for the needs of one another and deepen our relationship with Him. May we always be drawing closer to the heart of God as we live for Him and serve Him, personally, and as a congregation.

 

I am always inspired when I meet with church planters in the CCCC. "Healthy Church Multiplication" is another Guiding Value where the CCCC is exemplary. We support Berean Bible Chapel in Butler, which was a church plant in 2017. Epiphany Church in Gloucester City, NJ, and The Cross in Erie are further examples of the CCCC taking the Gospel where the need is especially great. God is doing a mighty work through these initiatives.

 

We give about 2% of our operating budget to the CCCC. We are not assessed, but this is well below what any denomination asks of its member churches. We are a lean, frugal Conference that is able to do so much with so little thanks to God's abundant blessing.

 

As the CCCC celebrates its 75th Anniversary this year, the book: Modern Day Pilgrims – Next Generation is now available. This is an update of Modern Day Pilgrims, which traces the first 50 years of the CCCC. This new edition updates events in the last 25 years.

 

Your gifts for CCCC Sunday are appreciated and will be used to further strengthen our churches and extend our outreach as a Conference.  

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Pastor to attend CCCC Annual Gathering and Board Meeting

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Pastor Dave will be away July 8-13 for the CCCC Annual Gathering in St Cloud, MN and the CCCC Board of Directors Meeting. Pastor Andrew Camenga will preach on July 9, Chris Kurtz is the lay leader.

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Plans Progressing for Morning VBS Aug. 7-11

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Our 2023 VBS is based on the children's book The Garden, The Curtain, and The Cross, by Carl Laferton. We are adapting a Sunday School curriculum into a four-day VBS, with a fifth day devoted to community service.

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The dates are August 7 to 11, and it will run from 9:30 to 11:45 each morning. As a new initiative this year, on the final day of VBS, we will be taking a "parade" to a local retirement community, Rebecca's Personal Care Home in Everett. The children will sing songs from VBS, hand out crafts they've made, and give the residents a snack and a smile. Our field trip will be in collaboration with the VBS week's offering recipient, and our church's local partner, In One Accord Ministries, formerly Love Inc.

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We are excited to meet children from our congregation and community and we have great volunteers lined up, who are eager to walk the students through the only true story. It starts with a garden, is complicated by our sin and separation from Christ, and then, finally, resolves with a wooden cross and an unimaginable sacrifice for each of us.

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Our VBS team wants to share that peace not only with the children coming, but also with the residents of the retirement facility. Jesus came for all generations, from the tiny children in our nursery ministry to the elders enjoying their final days on this earth, before they "graduate" into the loving arms of the Father. Each has worth, value, dignity, and beauty. And each is lavishly loved by Jesus.

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We invite your prayers, your help getting the word out in the community, your financial contributions to In One Accord, and your physical donations to Rebecca's Home.

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We are currently gathering registrations on our website, and will soon gather them via paper as well. We will be gathering funds, throughout VBS, for In One Accord. We hope you will prayerfully consider making a contribution, when the time comes.

 

In the weeks leading up to VBS, we will be collecting in-kind donations for Rebecca's Home. We're seeking men's and women's body washes, non-perishable snacks and treats, and bedroom slippers. We would love for every lady to receive a beautiful pair of slippers to wear, and for every gentleman to receive comfortable, sturdy slippers. In total, we need 25 to 30 pairs of slippers.

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If anyone has questions about VBS, or would like to get involved, they can contact Leah Salyards at leahandjudah@gmail.com.

--Submitted by Leah Salyards

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3 Volunteer to Deliver Food Donations

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Three church members have volunteered to see that donations to the Northern Bedford Food Pantry get delivered each month to the food bank.

 

They are Linda Henderhan and Jack and Sandy Styer. Please keep your donations, coming. The collection box will remain in the back of the sanctuary with suggested donations for each month posted above the box. 

 

The suggested donations for July are beef stew, Compleats, canned pastas, cake mixes and icings, along with summer snacks for children.

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Consistory Works to Correct Live Stream

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The Consistory met on June 8, 2023, at 7 pm in the copy room of the church.

 

We understand there are still problems with the live stream and we are trying to correct them. If all goes according to plan we will have the cabinets for the audio/visual system installed sometime during the week of June 24th. The following week Gelnett will complete the wiring needed to move everything to the back of the church. We are hoping when the wiring is completed the issues with the sound on the livestream will be resolved. Also, we need volunteers to monitor and operate the boards of the system. Chis has been doing this and Ethan Hess has volunteered but we could use some people to serve as monitors. Please do not hesitate to volunteer your gifts so others may enjoy the service. We will provide training to anyone who wishes to help.

 

The 175th anniversary Communion Service was well attended with over 100 people in attendance to share the sacraments of the Lord. Praise God!! We also had nearly 100 attend the meal after the service. We are grateful for all who donated to the dinner because we received enough in donations to almost cover the cost of the dinner. We also want to thank the Cove Lions Club for the hard work they put in to prepare and serve the banquet.

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The next planned event is the church picnic on Sunday, August 20. We will keep you updated on times and events through the bulletin and announcements. We are working on having the enclosed shelves in the fellowship hall remodeled to display as many of the artifacts that are currently exhibited as we can. However, as you may have noticed many of the antiques we have are beginning to show their age and will need to be stored in a manner that will help preserve them. Anyone with ideas please see a member of the Consistory.

 

The CCCC annual conference is July 10 -13 in St. Cloud, MN. Pastor Meckley will be attending. Because he must leave on July 9 we will be filling the pulpit with a supply pastor from the ministerium. If you would like information on the conference, please see Pastor Dave.

 

A final note: Anyone in need of an updated directory please see Julie Russell or any member of the Consistory. The Consistory will be taking their summer break in July and will meet again on August 10 at 7 p.m. in the copy room of the church.

--Respectfully submitted, Joel Ritchey, President

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Guild Reminder: Campfire at Mava’s June 30

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Women’s Guild will hold a campfire at the home of Mava Cottle, 5546 Churchview Road (next-to-the-last house in Loysburg headed toward Texas Corner) on June 30 at 6 p.m.

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We were so thankful that God sent rain to replenish the earth and nourish our plants, grass, flowers and trees that we barely minded rescheduling the June 16 campfire at Mava’s house. It will be held June 30. All are welcome, men, women and children. Bring a covered dish and your best smile!

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We had a good rotation of willing ladies do the church cleaning while Kim Ritchey recuperated from shoulder surgery. Kim has expressed deep appreciation for our efforts on her behalf, and those of us who emptied trash cans, swept, dusted, mopped, scrubbed bathrooms, and wiped down tables, chairs and sills understand the work that is involved in taking care of God’s house. We have a beautiful place of worship – inside & out!

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Linda Henderhan, Homewood church representative, organized the May birthday party for residents. The guild provided cards and money to purchase cupcakes from Giant Eagle. Homewood residents enjoy many special gifts and blessings because of a large and active volunteer auxiliary who work hard to raise money and provide extras. We received a lovely thank you card from Janet Brumbaugh for our efforts in the auxiliary. Thank you to all who provided cookies, pretzels and other snack items for the Paul Mills reception which followed his concert on May 21. It was a lovely evening.

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An official “visitation team” plan was tabled until our next meeting. The purpose is to make sure no one (shut in or ill) gets missed. For now, all are encouraged to visit, send cards, make phone calls and continue to pray often for our church, our families and our communities.

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Our Good News Boutique on June 1 and 2 did well, despite a light attendance of shoppers. The Women’s Guild had a profit of $340.85. Those of us who spent the two days together, lugging tables outside and inside, unpacking and repacking boxes, buying each other’s items and simply spending time together were richly blessed.

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Our next regular meeting is Friday, July 14 at 6 p.m. Deb Bowser has the program. Molly and Lorie are the hostesses. We would be honored to have all ladies join us.

--Respectfully submitted, Barb Thomas, President

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Volunteers Sought to Take Meals After Baby Arrives

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Many of you know Noah and Erin Staudenbaur. Erin is the sister of Ryan Salyards. She is due to have her baby in the latter part of July. I would like to try to get as many ladies as I can to volunteer to take a meal to their family after the baby arrives. Noah and Erin are currently fostering a little one and also have five other children. I talked with Erin, and she said the meals would definitely be a blessing. So if you are able to help out in this way, please see me. Once the baby is here I will be contacting Erin so I can get specific dates and set up a meal schedule.

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Thank you!

- Joy Nelson

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                   Ethan Hess poses with Pastor Jack Styer several

                   weeks ago at the church when Jack gave Ethan

                   his banjo. Ethan used it to accompany himself in

                   singing “Where We Will Never Grow Old” on a

                   later Sunday during worship.

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2 of St. John’s Eldest Members Here Every Sun.

 

David Snyder and Charles Mountain are present for both worship and Sunday School almost every Sunday. David (left) is 87 years old, and Charlie is 89.

 

David’s sister, Jean Wakefield, is probably St. John’s oldest female member, but she is not able to be in church regularly, although she frequently makes it to communion services. Jean resides with her daughter, Jane England, in Monroe Township, south of Everett

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Cove Community Students Are Taking July Off

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Cove Community Students are taking the month of July off. Youth Pastor David Scott of the Woodbury Church of the Brethren said the youth are planning to be back at Woodbury COB from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday nights in August.

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St. John’s Choir sang “Walkin’ Sinai”during the 175th anniversary worship and communion on June 4. Nearly 100 received the sacrament of Holy Communion in the traditional way – at the chancel rail with the bread and cup administered by Pastor Meckley and Elder Joel Ritchey. The choir members are (far left) Barb Thomas, director and accompanist, and (front row, left to right) Peg Wachter, Peggy Ritchey, Sandy Styer, Beverly Smith, Tina Holderbaum and Marsie Albright; second row, Pastor David Meckley, Beth Clark, Deborah Bowser, Dennis Holderbaum and Bradley Gable; rear row, Jack Styer and Joel Ritchey

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Full House for 175th Anniv. Worship Service

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A little over 175 years ago Adam Haderman moved into Morrisons Cove seeking a new beginning. After settling in he began to seek out a church where he could worship. The churches he attended did not seem to fill the need he was seeking. Along with John Ditmore (Ditmar) he recruited about 12 other people and together they built St. John’s German Reformed Church in our village of Loysburg.

 

The blood, sweat and tears these people put into the building of our church is a testament to the firmness of their beliefs and testimony to their faith. Not only were they beginning a new church where they could worship freely, they were continuing the tradition and customs they brought with them from the old country. Yet, this church was not built with an eye to the past, but an eye to the future.

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We can assume that St. John’s then, as now, was an open, loving and welcoming congregation, because it quickly grew to over 100 members.as it has to us. That is ok, because there was a time we felt the same way.

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And it is that Christ-like love that was passed on from generation to generation — the idea that whether we are “old” members or new — we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

As our celebration of St. John’s birthday begins to quiet down those of us who grew up in the church and were taught the traditions and history want the new generation of members to know we understand that much of what we have done these past few months may not mean as much to you. The time is here though, the time to pass the torch so to speak. In 25 years the church will celebrate 200 years and as you carry on the traditions and lessons from the past it is also time to begin building your own history, your own traditions, your own lessons. To paraphrase John the Baptist, it is time for us to decrease and you to increase.

 

May God’s love and wisdom be with you.

--Submitted by the 175th Anniversary Committee

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Ethan Hess was honored in church on June 11 following his graduation from Allegany Community College of Maryland (Everett Campus).

 

Ethan offered special music that Sunday, singing "Where We Will Never Grow Old." The banjo on which he accompanied himself on was Jack Styers'. Jack gave it to him a few weeks earlier.

 

Ethan received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Technology/Cyber Security. He is the son of Steve and Kim Rodgers.

 

Other graduates related to parishioners include Hunter Kagarise, NB graduate, and Hunter Cottle, Everett graduate.

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